KARACHI
Kids trying to touch a bull to show their love for the sacrificial animal in connection with upcoming Eidul-Azha
KARACHI
A vendor helps the customer to load a goat on a motorbike bought for sacrifice at Zia Masjid area ahead of Eid ul Azha
ISLAMABAD
CM’s message on ‘World Blood Donation Day’
LAHORE, Jun 14 (APP):Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said that World Blood Donation Day is a day to thank those who donate their precious blood to save lives of others.
In a message on World Blood Donation Day, she said, ”On this day, I pay tribute to all those who have saved lives by donating blood.”
Madam Chief Minister said,” Donating blood is a good practice. Every drop of donated blood is a ray of hope for a patient who is fighting for his life.” She added,”I salute to the voluntary blood donors. By donating blood, they give a gift of life to someone in dire need.” She asked the youth of the province to set an example of donating blood in Punjab’s youth blood donation campaign.
Govt extended maximum relief to poor people: Ali Pervaiz
ISLAMABAD, Jun 14 (APP):Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Ali Pervaiz Malik said on Friday that the Federal Government had extended maximum relief to poor people in the budget 2024–25 despite limited resources.
“Taxes have not changed, rather a noose has been tightened around non-filers to bring them into the tax net,” he told a private news channel.
Ali Malik said the finance minister, in his budget speech, had stressed the need for reforms in the home-grown economic programme.
Highlighting the key features of the federal budget, the minister said the jump in the stock market was the result of prudent economic policies introduced by the incumbent government.
To a query, he dispelled the impression that the International Monetary Fund had compelled the government to increase taxes on the salaried class.
CDA sets up ‘central control room’ to monitor cleanliness drive during Eid holidays
ISLAMABAD, Jun 14 (APP):The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has established a “Central Control Room” in Islamabad Safe City at H-11, supervised by the Deputy Commissioner of the federal capital, to ensure uninterrupted public services during the Eid-ul-Azha holidays.
Emergency centers have been set up at the Sanitation Directorate head office in G-6/1-4 and Fire Headquarters in G-7/4, located in the Transport Section. Over 2500 personnel will be on duty, and over 200 vehicles to be available for the special cleaning operation during Eid days.
To ensure the success of the special cleaning operation in the city, the holidays of sanitation officers and employees have been revoked. This information was conveyed during a meeting chaired by Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) Muhammad Ali Randhawa, which was held here to review the arrangements.
It was reported in the meeting that cleanliness arrangements in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) have been finalized, under the supervision of the Deputy Commissioner, DIG operations and Assistant Commissioners.
The security measures have been implemented at all mosques, Imambargahs, markets and public areas to maintain peace and tranquility in the federal capital. Tractor trolleys, garbage compactors, truck dumpers, dozers, shovels, and bulldozers, among other equipment, will be used in this operation.
Over 103 trenches have been dug out at 56 locations to dump sacrificial animal waste and other materials. Biodegradable bags are being distributed to residents living in urban and rural areas of Islamabad during Eid ul-Azha.
CDA urged people to leave animal waste and related items at the slaughter sites for prompt collection by cleaning staff. They also advised against disposing of waste in drains, forests, garbage bins, trolleys, or skips, and warned that strict action will be taken in case of non-compliance.
Citizens can call the sanitation helpline numbers 1334 or 9213908, and also contact 9203216, 9211555, or 9223171 to report issues or complaints related to urban sanitation.
Citizens can send their messages to the number 03355001213 through What’s App Message or SMS. Citizens can send messages via WhatsApp or SMS to the number 0335 5001213.
The city was divided into five (05) zones to ensure cleanliness. Zone one covers F-5, F-6, Blue Area, and Saidpur. Zone 2 encompasses Faisal Mosque, E-7, F-7, F-8, and G-8. Zone 3 covers F-10, F-11, Golra Sharif, G-9, G-10, and G-11. Zone four includes H-8, H-9, H-10, H-11, I-8, I-9, I-10, and I-11. Zone Five includes the highway, Model Village Hamak, Shahzad Town, Rawal Town, and Margalla Town. Each zone will be monitored by a Chief Sanitary Inspector. Sanitary inspectors and supervisors will carry out their duties within each sector.
CM Maryam meets MPAs
LAHORE, Jun 14 (APP):Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif met Members of Provincial Assembly (MPAs) from different districts of the province to have a first-hand knowledge of public issues and development needs in their respective constituencies, here on Friday.
The Chief Minister told the visiting MPAs that upgradation of primary health centers across Punjab is in final stages of completion. She said, ”I am monitoring the health affairs day in and day out,” adding, ”We are expanding the scope of projects like Field Hospital and Clinic on Wheels.”
The visiting public representatives appreciated the Field Hospital and Clinic on Wheels projects, and paid tribute to Madam Chief Minister for different public welfare projects in the first 100 days of her government. They acknowledged,”People are getting relief at their doorsteps with Field Hospital and Clinic on Wheels projects.”
Saud Majeed, MPAs Malik Khalid Mahmood and Adnan Afzal Chattha were among those who met the CM.
On this occasion, Special Assistant Zeeshan Malik was also present.
Sindh Govt. proposes Rs 160 bln for local councils in Budget 2024-25
KARACHI, Jun 14 (APP): The Sindh government has proposed budgetary allocation of Rs 160 bln for the local councils in the next Budget for the financial year 2024-25, so that the councils may provide better services.
Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah proposed this while presenting the Budget 2024-25 in the Sindh Assembly here on Friday.
In his budget speech, the CM said that financial empowerment at the grass root is imperative for service delivery and good governance.
Considering the emerging needs of the Local Councils, Sindh government has provided additional funds of Rs 33.9 bln to increase the grant to local councils from Rs 88 bln to Rs 121.9 bln in the FY 2023-24, he said.
He said that we have also enhanced the grant to Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) by 50 percent in OZT and 17.5 percent in pension share, thus the total enhanced share stands at Rs 1.612 bln in the FY 2023-24.
He said that the provincial government has also provided Rs 555 mln to KMC for nullah cleaning activity in Karachi Division. Additionally, funds of Rs 410 mln have been provided for cleaning of all Storm Water Channels, Drains and Nallahs of Karachi City.
Besides, we have also increased the grant to the Karachi Development Authority (KDA) and share of Sindh Local Government Board up to Rs 400 mln and Rs 81.4 mln respectively.
Win-Pakistan organizes seminar on ‘Knowledge sharing with women in Nuclear Safety and Nuclear Security’
ISLAMABAD, Jun 14 (APP):Women in Nuclear Pakistan Chapter (WiN-Pakistan), Pakistan Nuclear Society (PNS), and Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority jointly organized a day-long seminar on “Knowledge Sharing with women in Nuclear Safety and Nuclear Security”.
The event aimed at providing a common forum of information exchange, sharing awareness on nuclear safety and nuclear security, and knowledge transfer for the young females perusing career in this field. Around hundred female officers participated in the event. Dr. Ansar Parvez HI Former Chairman Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission inaugurated the event, according to a press release issued here on Friday.
President Win-Pakistan Chapter, Dr. Shazia Fatima highlighted the activities of chapter carried out nationally and internationally. She appreciated the support of Pakistan Nuclear Society, Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority and Pakistan Science Foundation in this regard.
In the plenary session, senior female officers who have served on leading positions or currently serving on leading positions in different capacities related to nuclear safety and nuclear security shared their career experiences.
In technical session, presenters covered human resource and professional development for women in nuclear, gender inclusion in organization setups and role of women in safety assessments. Considering the existing and future challenges of nuclear safety and nuclear security, the opportunities for women in nuclear have also been covered.
Globally there exist 57 country Chapters of Women in Nuclear (as reported on WiN Global Website) which promote gender diversity, gender gap balance in organizational setups, climate change and energy crises, and allied field of nuclear.
Pakistan is participating in WiN Global activities since 1992. The formal structure of the chapter is defined through first volunteer election conducted by Pakistan nuclear society in July 2023. Within a year WIN-Pakistan got recognition nationally and internationally. The chapter is committed to have stronger ties with WIN-IAEA and WIN-Global through established point of contacts.
Through this seminar, WIN-Pakistan have been suggested with way forward including reaching out to women working in remote areas in nuclear sectors, building stronger relations with other existing chapters regionally and globally, conducting sessions based on specific topics (i.e. women in nuclear medicine, nuclear operation, nuclear management etc., and initiating mentorship program.
Deceased Sichuan Normal University teachers conferred Tamgha-e-Pakistan Award
BEIJING, Jun 14 (APP): Three Chinese teachers of Sichuan Normal University were posthumously awarded the Tamgha-i-Pakistan in a solemn investiture ceremony held in Chengdu on Friday.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi, on behalf of the President of Pakistan, gave away the awards to the honorees’ families in remembrance of their ultimate sacrifice in strengthening the Pakistan-China friendship.
The participants included families of the deceased, and Ms Cai Guangjie, Deputy Director of the Education Department of Sichuan Province; Ms. Zhang Junli, Deputy Secretary General of the Chinese International Education Foundation; Wang Yong, Director of Development, Planning Department of CLEC; Dr Guo Yong, Secretary of the Party Committee of Sichuan Normal University; faculty and students of Sichuan Normal University.
Ambassador Hashmi expressed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of Huang Guiping, Ding Mufang, and Chen Sai, who lost their lives in a terrorist attack in Karachi on 26th April 2022.
The ambassador underscored Pakistan’s commitment to bringing the perpetrators of the heinous crime to justice and assured the attendees of the enhanced security measures for Chinese projects, personnel, and institutions in Pakistan.
Highlighting the historical legacy of cooperation between the two nations, he reiterated that such nefarious acts could not undermine the time-tested Pakistan-China friendship.
On behalf of the government and people of Pakistan, he assured that no effort to undermine the bilateral relations would succeed.
“Pakistan is committed to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice and has taken a number of measure to enhance the security of Chinese projects, personnel and institutions in Pakistan,” he added.
Chinese speakers at the ceremony echoed the sentiments of deep loss and the importance of the contributions made by the deceased teachers. They reaffirmed the strength of the Pakistan-China friendship and the continued collaboration in education and other sectors.
Dr Muhammad Yousaf’s book significant milestone for research, culture, civilization: Rana Sikandar
ISLAMABAD, Jun 14 (APP): Provincial Education Minister, Rana Sikandar Hayat Friday said Muhammad Yousaf Bashir has preserved the cultural history of the Global South through his book and it should be encouraged in every possible way.
The book “Handbook of Research on Deconstructing Culture and Communication in the Global South,” edited by renowned researcher, teacher and media scholar Dr Muhammad Yousaf Bashir, was introduced at a ceremony held at Qasim Ali Shah Foundation, a news release said.
Chairperson of the Punjab Higher Education Commission, Professor Dr Shahid Munir praised Dr. Muhammad Yousaf’s creative work in his speech and described the book as an important document and milestone for teachers and students in the Global South.
Director of the Institute of Communication, Professor Dr Noshina Saleem expressed her pride in having the author among her students
Director General of Public Libraries, Kashif Manzoor commended Professor Dr Muhammad Yousaf Bashir’s efforts, noting that many problems could be solved through such initiatives. Professor Dr. Zahid Bilal emphasised the need to reconnect with our culture and values.
Writer of the book Dr Muhammad Yousaf explained that the book attempts to summarise the knowledge created and compiled in countries other than the West. Mirza Muhammad Yaseen Baig remarked that such books help in understanding the local landscape.
Among other speakers, Dr Mubeena Iftikhar mentioned her journey towards a PhD and how Dr Muhammad Yousaf transformed her life. Dr Murtaza Ashiq stated that this book would serve as a reference for teachers and students in Pakistan.