ISLAMABAD
Hard at work, a laborer unloads bundles of husk from delivery truck at Bharakoh area in Federal Capital
ISLAMABAD
Islamabad, 7th Avenue transforms into a mesmerizing canvas as seasonal flowers bloom and drape from trees
ISLAMABAD
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ISLAMABAD
Federal Secretary for Education, Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, delivers a speech during the launch event of the Foundational Learning Policy 2024 held in the federal capital
ISLAMABAD
APP04-100624
ISLAMABAD
People are filling their pots with clean water at the local water filter plant in Federal Capital
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ISLAMABAD
Six people killed in Gas Bowser accident on Motorway
ISLAMABAD, Jun 10 (APP):At least six people were killed in an accident of a Gas Bowser on a Motorway near the Salt Range.
The spokesperson of Motorway Police said that due to brake failure Gas Bowser broke the middle wall on the road and hit the vehicle coming from the opposite direction resulting in both fell into the ditch.
According to preliminary information, the gas bowser was going from Rawalpindi to Faisalabad, which was empty. As soon as the information was received, a heavy contingent of the Motorway Police along with senior officers reached the spot where the rescue operations started.
Govt set to present FY2024-25 budget on Wednesday
ISLAMABAD, Jun 10 (APP): Amid challenges both at internal and external levels, the incumbent government is all set to present its first budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 in the Parliament on June 12 (Wednesday).
The budget will be presented by Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb.
The budget had been formulated while considering the existing challenges being faced by economy at domestic and international fronts. Hence, mitigating the people’s sufferings, transforming the agriculture sector, promoting information technology (IT), and boosting exports would be the main focus of the document, sources said.
In addition to fiscal management, revenue mobilization, measures for economic stabilization and growth, reduction in non-development expenditures, job creation and people-friendly policies for the socioeconomic prosperity of the country would feature in the budget.
The sources said the preparations for the announcement of the federal budget for fiscal year 2024-25 continued in full swing in accordance with the prescribed timelines.
The budget was being prepared in close coordination among all the departments and ministries involved in the budget related events, including the presentation of the budget in the Parliament and launching of the Economic Survey, they added.
Meanwhile, the pre-budget document presenting the state of the country’s economy, ‘the Economic Survey of Pakistan’ will be launched on June 11 (Tuesday).
The survey would highlight the overall performance of economy during the outgoing fiscal year, providing a realistic feedback and basis for future planning.
KU VC appreciates students, faculty for presenting innovative projects in Sindh HEC exhibition
KARACHI, Jun 10 (APP):The University of Karachi organized a special ceremony to appreciate and celebrate the dedication, and innovative projects of its students and faculty members, who have participated in the 3rd Sindh Higher Education Commission exhibition.
As many as 18 impressive projects were presented by the students from various departments and institutes mainly from clinical psychology, chemistry, pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences, and others.
A post-event celebration ceremony was held at the KU Rangoonwala Auditorium of the Applied Economics Research Centre on Monday to encourage their enthusiastic efforts.
The event was planned to create a culture of sharing innovative ideas on the campus to build a multidisciplinary research community and promote commercialization.
KU Director of the Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization Dr Syeda Hoor-Ul-Ain informed the audience that the Sindh HEC organized a research and technology showcase-2024 at Expo Centre aiming to foster links between the industry and academia and align them with technological advancements and industry needs.
She mentioned that the KU has submitted 34 projects of which 18 projects were selected for display in the exhibition and today’s ceremony is held in honor of students and faculty members who presented projects in Sindh HEC Showcase-2024.
She shared that the faculty of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences presented the maximum number of projects and added that all 18 projects would be projected soon in Islamabad in the next stage.
KU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Khalid Mahmood Iraqi lauded the students’ and faculty members’ projects and expressed that we cannot achieve our economic goals without creative thinking and innovation.
He urged heavy investment in research, science and technology and observed that innovation would play a key role in the development of society.
“As teachers, we do not do justice to our responsibilities and profession. We are among the most populous countries in the world, but we are far behind the innovations made in the least populated and small countries.”
The KU VC Professor Dr Khalid Iraqi further said that our students and faculty must utilize their passion and skills to achieve their goals.
KU Dean of Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Professor Dr Shaista Tabassum, the Dean of Faculty of Science Professor Dr Musarrat Jahan Yousuf, the Dean of Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Professor Dr Muhammad Harris Shoaib, faculty members, and students were present on this occasion.
At the end of the ceremony, the KU VC Professor Dr Khalid Iraqi presented shields and certificates to the students who have presented their projects in the recently held Sindh HEC exhibition.
IIUI organises future leaders training program
ISLAMABAD, Jun 10 (APP):Future Leaders Program commenced at International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI) which was designed, as per the directives of the President IIUI, for the Faculty members (Associate & Assistant Professors) aimed at cultivating and empowering emerging leaders for IIUI.
Under the guidance and spearheading of the Vice President (Research & Enterprise), Office of the Professional Training planned and executed this initiative to foster sustainable change and transformation by enhancing the leadership and management skills of the faculty.
Prominent figures spoke on key topics including leadership in governance and operations, maintaining standards and quality in teaching, research, and knowledge, and driving enhancements to build national and international reputations.
The IIUI Future Leaders program comprises three distinct phases, each offering a comprehensive exploration of various facets of leadership and development.
IIUI President Dr. Hathal Homoud Alotaibi addressing the participants, emphasized the pivotal role of leaders in transforming organizations and nations.
He noted that technological advancements, particularly in AI, have reshaped progress, urging visionary leaders to embrace change.
Dr. Hathal highlighted that effective leaders excel in time management, smart solutions, and adaptability. He underscored the importance of emotional intelligence in decision-making and future planning.
Dr. Hathal stressed the necessity of prioritizing tasks and maintaining an impartial focus to achieve success both in society and in the hereafter. He also emphasized the impact of leaders’ behaviors, innovative ideas, and the creation of a lasting legacy. He concluded by urging future leaders to build their teams wisely and to lead with wisdom and integrity.
During the inaugural session on leadership in governance and operations, General Retd. Zubair Mahmood Hayat, Former Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), emphasized the necessity of grooming senior leadership to ensure a bright future.
He highlighted the pivotal role of education in Islam, stating that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was the greatest teacher and that education is key to the Islamic renaissance. General Retd. Hayat underscored the importance of truth, simplicity, and curiosity in leadership. He also stressed the need for the youth to be dynamic, relevant, and inclusive, and to embrace technology. “Read books, explore the world and its trends, be original, don’t imitate,” he advised.
Prof. Tahir Mahmood Chaudhry (Institutional Excellence Advisor and CEO), Ms. Noor Amna Malik (MD NAHE) and Prof. Dr. Jamil Un Nabi (Vice Chancellor of the University of Wah) were the resource persons for the daylong phase-1 activities of the program. Prof. Shuja (Vice President of Research & Enterprise) and Prof. Abdul Rahemn (Vice President of Administration & Finance) also were the panelists along with the resource persons in the open interactive session/panel discussions held after the training sessions.
A first cohort of 50 participants was trained with a program’s structure dedicated to ensure thorough coverage and engagement, with each session tailored to specific topics to facilitate in-depth learning and discussion.
The distinguished resource persons congratulated the President, Vice President (Research & Enterprise), and Incharge Professional Training to conceptualize and implement the IIUI Future Leaders Training Program representing a significant initiative to nurture leadership talent within the university community.
Classical music event ‘Raag Rung Khayal Gaiki’ held at PAC
RAWALPINDI, Jun 10 (APP):A classical music event “Raag Rang Khayal Gayaki” was organized at the Punjab Arts Council. Famous musicians Nadeem Riaz Khan, Ghulam Abbas, and Muhammad Ishaq Qureshi performed rags and received great applause from the audience.
Director PAC Rawalpindi, Sajjad Hussain on the occasion said that the beautiful colors of classical music, including Thumri, Dadra, Kafi, and Khayal Gayaki, could never be fully appreciated without mentioning the Sham Chaurasi, Patiala, Talwandi, Gwaliar, and Kasur gharanas.
He highlighted that many singers including Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, Ustad Barkat Ali Khan, Ustad Salamat Ali Khan, Ustad Fateh Ali Khan, Ustad Amanat Ali Khan, Ustad Ashiq Ali Khan, Ustad Hamid Ali Khan, and Asad Amanat Ali Khan, nurtured classical music.
Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan is considered the brightest star in the history of Qawwali, he said adding that Ghulam Farid Sabri and Aziz Mian along with many other Qawwals elevated this genre of music to great heights.
Assistant Director PAC, Muhammad Suleman stressed for the need to introduce the younger generation to their traditions and culture, so they would have opportunity to learn about their history, geographical boundaries, and ancestors. Classical and traditional music gatherings preserve our culture and heritage.
He further said that a musical event was not only a source of entertainment but also an opportunity for people to enjoy various musical styles and appreciate music.
A large number of people from neighboring cities participated in the event.
Economic Survey 2023-24 to be unveiled Tuesday
ISLAMABAD, Jun 10 (APP): The Economic Survey of Pakistan 2023-24, the pre-budget document, containing the details of major socio-economic achievements during the outgoing fiscal year 2023-24, will be launched here on Tuesday.
Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb will launch the pre-budget document, according to press release issued by finance ministry here on Monday.
The Economic Survey will provide details about the major socio-economic developments, performance, and economic trends of various sectors of the economy, including agriculture, manufacturing & industry, services, energy, information technology & telecom, capital markets, health, education, transport and communication etc.
Annual trends of major economic indicators regarding inflation, trade and payments, public debt, population, employment, climate change, and social protections will also be described in detail in the survey.
According to the Planning Commission’s estimations made in the Annual Plan Coordination Committee (APCC), Pakistan’s economy faced significant challenges at the beginning of 2023-24, primarily due to lagged impacts of economic disruptions of previous year. However, the economy moderately recovered in 2023-24 and grew by 2.4%.
During the year 2023-24, the primary driver of growth was agriculture sector, growing by 6.3%, owing to bumper outputs of wheat, cotton and rice.
Industrial sector grew by 1.2% mainly due to slowdown in large-scale manufacturing activities. However, there was growth in mining and quarrying, small-scale manufacturing, and construction.
Services sector also registered 1.2% growth as wholesale and retail trade experienced a mere 0.3% growth. Transport, storage and communications also recorded a low growth of 1.2% due to subdued demand.
Total revenue collection grew by 41% during July-March 2023-24 that outpaced the 36.6% growth of total expenditure. Both tax and non-tax revenues grew by 29.3% and 89.8%, respectively. Markup expenditure constituted 40% of total expenditure.
During July-April 2023-24, average inflation was recorded at 26% as compared to 28.2% in the same period of last year. A continuously declining inflationary trend has been observed since January 2024.