Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts from April, 2019

How to keep yourself hydrated during Ramzan!

The holy month of Ramzan is falling in the months of May and June during which temperatures remained extreme.While fasting it becomes all more difficult to keep the body hydrated. The solution to the problem is simple! Drink a lot of water when you can and flood your iftari and sehri with fruits and veggies that have high water content, in order to maintain a good amount of liquid in the body.Importance of water for the bodyAround 70 per cent of the human body is made up of water and we use it for pretty much every bodily function - from regulating body temperature to removing waste to lubricating joints, to carrying oxygen to the cells. That is the main reason why we feel so fatigued, dizzy and moody when we are dehydrated. Eat it upDrinking plenty of water is the best known way to stay hydrated, however during the fasting season your water or fluid intake becomes limited. So the best alternative is to add water-rich food items at seher and iftaar to keep the H2O balance just right. F

Benefits of using dates during hot Ramzan

Dates are probably one of the oldest cultivated fruits and have been a part of the staple diet in Middle Eastern countries. Dates are a good source of various vitamins and minerals, energy, sugar, and fibre. It also contains calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and zinc.The rich nutritional content of dates makes them beneficial for your health in several ways.Here are only a few reasons why you should include dates in your diet especially in this scorching weather...Energy boosterDuring summer we tend to perspire a lot and hence feel dehydrated and lethargic. Dates are great energy boosters as they contain natural sugars like glucose, sucrose and fructose. Did you know that dates can significantly boost energy levels in people within half an hour of consuming them? Well, that’s true. So, the next time you are feeling low on energy, grab some dates and start munching on this great snack.Say goodbye to allergiesUsually summer is the time when we develop different kinds of all

Public reps reject Local Government Act 2019: Legislation termed violation of Constitution imposed by Bani Gala

PESHAWAR: The leaders of various political parties have rejected the Local Government Act 2019 and termed it a conspiracy against the integrity of Pakistan.The rejection came as the Local Councils Association (LCA) organized the “annual consultative meeting on the current scenario of local government” here on Tuesday to garner support against what its president called an unconstitutional act.Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) leaders Inayatullah Khan and Sahibzada Tariqullah, Awami National Party (ANP)’s Khushdil Khan, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazal (JUI-F)’s MPA Shahdad Khan, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP)’s lawmaker Nighat Orakzai, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)’s Israrullah and Qaumi Watan Party (QWP)’s Sikandar Sherpao attended the event.LCA President Himayatullah Mayar accused the KP government of rendering the devolution meaningless with the Local Government Act 2019.He said Pakistan had a bad history of the local governments, claiming that every elected government conspired against devolutio

Commerce body asks govt to support industrial sector

HARIPUR: Haripur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HCCI) President Attaur Rehman on Tuesday alleged that officials with a vested interest in the government departments were deliberately creating hurdles for the industrial sector.Speaking at the ‘Meet the Press’ programme, he said that the manufacturing sector had a pivotal role to play in the national economy and its development and pro-industrialization measures could only encourage more investment. He said if a better working atmosphere was offered, the industrial sector could create new job opportunities together with contributing to a strong economy. The HCCI chief, however, said regulatory authorities, which were supposed to help support the government in collecting revenues through industrialization, were bent on harassing entrepreneurs on one pretext or the other.He alleged that the authorities were only covering up own inefficiency and wrongdoings and doing nothing for the promotion of the industrial sector. The industrialist s

CM orders uplift projects completion in merged districts

PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Mahmood Khan has directed the Planning and Development Department to ensure timely and speedy implementation of development projects in the merged tribal districts.He issued the directives while chairing a progress review meeting on the eight months performance of the Planning and Development Department.Chief Secretary Muhammad Saleem Khan, Additional Chief Secretary Shehzad Khan Bangash, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Shahab Ali Shah and other officials attended the meeting, said an official handout.Mahmood Khan directed the P&D Department to ensure the speedy provision of loans under the Insaf Rozgar Scheme with special emphasis on areas which were affected the most by militancy and military operations.He asked for a monthly progress report on the pattern of PMRU pointing out the current and achieved status of the quick impact and other development projects.The chief minister directed the P&D Department to finalise development schemes in the up

Waziristan Khassadars continue protest against non-payment of salaries

PESHAWAR: The move by the Khassadars in South Waziristan to vacate pickets to protest non-payment of salaries for the last nine months could create a law and order situation in the once-troubled tribal district.A source said the Khassadars, now members of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police, have vacated a number of pickets as a protest for not receiving salaries for months.The source added that no Khassadar official was present to brief Regional Police Officer, Dera Ismail Khan, Feroz Shah and other officers when they visited various areas of South Waziristan in connection with the kidnapping of a senior official of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and three other people from the Tank district.The source said all the posts and pickets were vacated as the Khassadars had refused to perform duty until they were paid salaries.The Khassadars had first protested induction in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police when the process of merger of the erstwhile Fata with KP was being finalised.The protests c

Man allegedly kills wife for property

HARIPUR: A factory worker allegedly killed his wife, a mother of three children when she refused to accept his demand to transfer property rights of her house in his name in Malikiyar village, police said on Tuesday.Police quoted Mushtaq Hussain, a resident of Mohallah Girls College Road as saying that his sister Mussarat Yasmin 45, a serving nurse at the District Headquarters Hospital Haripur, was married to Haq Nawaz, and the couple had three minor children.According to the complainant, the woman had purchased a house with her income a few months back but her husband wanted to get the property transferred in his name.He said the couple would quarrel and Haq Nawaz used to subject her to violence over the issue.The brother alleged that the accused stabbed her sister several times in the head and stomach, killing her on the spot.The police registered a case against the accused on the complaint of the brother of slain nurse and started an investigation after arresting the accused.Another

Malakand Regional Police Sports Gala ends

MINGORA: The Malakand Regional Police Sports Gala ended with a funfair and variety show here at Wadoodia Hall in Saidu Sharif.The event was attended by over 1,000 police officers and Jawans from across the region and a number of notables and media personnel.The gala started on 21 March 2019 in which different sporting events were held in different districts of the region.The cricket tournament was held in district Buner in which the cricket team of district Dir Lower won the championship.The football and volleyball matches were arranged in Swat and Shangla districts, respectively in which district Swat and district Buner won the tournaments.Similarly, the athletics competitions were held in Lower Dir in which police Jawans participated in different events. On April 28, the sporting events were closed in a function at Police Training School Swat.In the function, police officers and Jawans participated in different games. The gala ended in the evening with a variety show at the Wadoodia

People demand upgrading girls school

MANSEHRA: Residents of Dodial town and its adjoining villages on Tuesday took to the streets, demanding to upgrade of the lone government girls’ high school in the area. “There is only one school for girls in Dodial and majority of students quit education after passing matriculation exam,” said a local elder Zafar Iqbal while addressing the protesters. The protesters, who gathered at Dodial, raised slogans in support of their demands. “Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government claims revolutionary changes in the education system but practically nothing extraordinary has been done to impart education to girl students anywhere in the province,” said Iqbal. He said the residents couldn’t afford any extra financial burden on the education of their children and if the govt girls high school was upgraded to higher secondary, it could cater to education needs of hundreds of local girls. from The News International - Peshawar http://bit.ly/2PHoVI3

Late journalist, writer Younas Qiasi remembered

PESHAWAR: Speakers at a function arranged on Tuesday paid tribute to late senior journalist and trilingual writer and poet Younas Qiasi for his journalistic, literary and cultural services.The Culture Committee of Peshawar Press Club had arranged the function for late Younas Qiasi who served journalism for a long time and made literary contributions in Urdu, Hindko and Pashto languages.Those present were PPC President Syed Bukhar Shah, President, Khyber Union of Journalist Fida Khattak, Ihtesham Toru, Ijaz Ali Khan, Shakeel Waheedullah, Abdul Ghaffar Baig, Raheel Qiasi, the son of the later writer and others. Speakers said Younas Qiasi would be remembered for services for promotion of literature, local tradition and journalism. They said he was a playwright who used his pen to project real aspirations of the common man. His plays were aimed at highlighting the ills of the society and suggesting a positive approach to address them, they pointed out. The speakers said folk songs written

MPAs, CII join hands to discuss child marriages

PESHAWAR: The lawmakers of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly and the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) have joined hands for discouraging child marriages in the province.The CII assured full assistance to the lawmakers in preparation pro-women legislation during an interactive session between the CII officials, legislators and key stakeholders.The session was organised by Blue Veins, a non-governmental organization, in collaboration with the Australian Aid here on Tuesday.The mostly female lawmakers from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the assembly’s Deputy Speaker Mehmood Jan, chairman CII Dr Qibla Ayaz and its members and members of KP civil society working group on GSP Plus attended the event.Dr Qibla Ayaz said the CII had conducted research on the issue of child marriages. He revealed that the research and a special meeting on the issue concluded that child marriages should be discouraged.However, about fixing the marriage age limit at 18 years, he said the CCI had suggested to the government not to

Out-of-school children being enrolled: Official

MANSEHRA: An official of the Education Department said on Tuesday that the enrollment of out-of-school children in schools was in full swing and the set target would be achieved in the district.Speaking at a function held in connection with the enrollment drive at the Government Middle School Hadobandi, Deputy District Education Officer Zahid Hussain said the effective steps being taken by the department for enrolling the out-of-school children had yielded positive results and many more children were enrolled in the school across the district. “The civil society is extending all-out support to the Education Department in its enrollment drive. I am thankful to parents who have enrolled children in schools here and parts of the district. I assure you that your children would be equipped with quality education,” the official said. Safada Village Council Nazim Basharat Ali Swati said that the enrollment drive launched by the district Education Department was very beneficial for the childre

Elite Force praised for sacrifices

MANSEHRA: Senior Superintendent of Police Javed Iqbal has lauded sacrifices rendered by Elite Force along with security forces in eliminating militancy and terrorism from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. “The nation is proud of you as you are true followers of the legacy set by Elite Force in rooting out militancy and terrorism alongside security forces,” he told a gathering of Elite Force at Darband here on Tuesday. The official said that personnel of the Elite Force fought terrorists. from The News International - Peshawar http://bit.ly/2PHoOw7

No meatless day in Ramazan

PESHAWAR: Under clause (3) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province Economy of the Food (Prohibition on Serving of meat) order 1973, there will be no restrictions on slaughter/sale and service of meat during the month of Ramazan. It was notified by Food Directorate, KP govt. from The News International - Peshawar http://bit.ly/2vuItGj

Wasa finalises plan for dredging Nullah Leh ahead of monsoon

Rawalpindi : The Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) has finalised plan of desilting and dredging of Nullah Leh for which purpose teams have been formed in order to work for prevention of any flood havoc during the monsoon this year.This was told by Managing Director, Wasa, Mohammad Tanvir while giving briefing to the Chairman, Mohammad Arif Abbasi here Tuesday. He told that work on the prepared plan has been initiated.The managing director briefed that the plan includes cleaning of sewerage lines which would be completed by June 14, 2019. The D-wiring set, 11 sucking water sucking and Jetting units, 24 water bowzers and 11 sewerage cleaning, rodding machines would function to do desilting and dredging of Leh. Cleaning and dredging work would be done from Murree Road Leh Bridge to Gawalmandi, City Saddar Road, Dhoke Ratta, Pirwadhai, Phagwari to Katarian bridge which would be completed by June 30, this year.Mohammad Tanvir told that the Punjab government has approved allocation of funds

FDE teachers issues to be resolved by June 30

Islamabad : Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training on Tuesday assured the Senate Standing Committee that the issue of teachers on daily wages and contract, would be resolved till June 30 this year.The representatives of the Education Ministry in a detailed briefing to the committee, reiterated to resolve the issue in line with the Supreme Court’s directions.The committee meeting, headed by Chairperson Senator Rahila Magsi, was also attended by Senators Mushahid Hussain Syed, Rana Maqbool Ahmed, Molvi Faiza Muhammad, Najma Hameed, Dr Engr.Rukhsana Zuberi, Bahramand Khan Tangi, Nauman Wazir Khattak, Dr Mehr Taj Roghani, Muzaffar Hussain Shah, Javed Abbasi, Muhammad Ali Khan Saif and Additional Secretary Education, Chairman HEC, and officials from other concerned departments.The committee asked the officials of Education Ministry that the issue of daily wages/contract teaching and non-teaching staff of the educational institutions, working under Federal Directorate of Edu

Mazari calls for power alliances

Islamabad : Human Rights Minister Dr Shireen M Mazari on Tuesday suggested moving forward to develop a power bloc rather than just have an economic alliance adding that if China and Russia join Pakistan’s cooperative framework, then US unilaterally imposed sanctions can be countered.She was speaking at the inaugural session of the seminar titled ‘Strategic Economic Bloc of Golden Ring Countries for Regional Peace and Economic Security’ organised by GREF.She said it is the right time to move towards creating a sense of community of power because the political motivation is strong right now. “With the strong political motivation, we can move forward to create an economic bloc.” She emphasized on joint efforts for progress and economic stability of the region adding that security is an important prerequisite for peace and stability in the region.In her talk, Dr Mazari discussed the concept of a New Strategic Economic Bloc of China-Iran-Pakistan-Russia and Turkey, the Golden Ring Bloc, for

Pakistanis design microchip to make polio vaccine more secure

Islamabad : Pakistani scientist Prof. Dr. Rashad Ramzan -- a senior faculty member at FAST National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences (FAST-NUCES)—has designed and implemented an electro-magnetic microchip that will enable continuous monitoring of the temperature of polio vaccine while also maintaining a complete log to indicate whether the vaccine in a particular vial is fit for use or not.Dr. Rashad has been granted the US patent for inventing a 2x2mm electromagnetic chip having all the features of wireless power transfer, temperature sensing, data processing and storage, and communication—all integrated into a single-chip. Such integration eliminates the need for any human interference. The basic research for this work was funded by the UAE University Alain, UAE. The scientist is now looking towards the government for financial assistance to carry the work further.According to Dr. Rashad, the idea of the patent was generated when he saw news alerts about the polio outbrea

Modern floral art demonstrated

Islamabad : The Floral Art Society (FAS) Rawalpindi/Islamabad chapter held its monthly meeting at the Serena Hotel and the programme of the month was a competition titled ‘Textural Contrast’ (a modern arrangement).The event was fully participated in by members and there were many beautiful arrangements on display. The guest of honour was the wife of the President of Pakistan, Samina Alvi.The members who participated in the competition arrived early to prepare their exhibits or put finishing touches to them if they had been prepared at home and judging had been done before the arrival of the guest of honour, who came punctually at the given time. After she had seen and admired the exhibits, the main programme began with a recitation from the Holy Quran by Hina Kamran, followed by General Secretary, Yasmin Qayyum extending a warm welcome to everyone and saying a few words about the guest of honour, who loves gardening and has been a member of floral societies, including being the preside

Campaign launched for safe road environment

Islamabad : The Islamabad Operational and Islamabad Traffic Police have launched joint campaign in the city to ensure safe road environment in the city and check violation of traffic rules.Following the directions of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad Muhammad Aamir Zulfiqar, this campaign has been launched and DIG (Operations) Waqar Uddin Syed has provided additional strength for assistance to traffic police.A total of 13 pickets or points have been erected in the city and joint operation has been launched to check violation of traffic rules. Policemen would impose fine on those not following traffic rules while smooth flow of environment would be also ensured.It is to mention that a meeting was held last day to review the arrangements for smooth traffic flow in the city which was attended among others by DIG (Security and Traffic) Waqar Ahmed Chohan, DIG (Operations) Waqar Uddin Syed, SSP (Traffic) and officials from traffic and operation divisions.It was agreed that police

M-Tag registration date extended

Islamabad: National Highway Authority (NHA) on Tuesday announced that M-Tag registration of vehicles for uninterrupted passage of vehicle on Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway (M-1) and Islamabad-Lahore Motorway (M-2) Toll Plazas was Mandatory by May 02, 2019.However for convenience of the travellers, date for registration of M-Tag has been extended up to June 12, 2019. from The News International - Islamabad http://bit.ly/2PFRFkk

AEO Pakistan offeres migration opportunities

Islamabad: With over 5,000 alumni and 200,000+ IELTS registrations, AEO Pakistan over the past two decades has established itself as most trusted Australian & Global Education Specialists and IELTS Official Test Centre. On popular demand, AEO Pakistan recently launched global migration opportunities powered by Playfair.AEO Pakistan in collaboration with Playfair - an Australian award-winning migration advice and assistance firm with over 30 years’ experience; is now offering unlimited potential of International migration markets, such as Australia, New Zealand, Europe (UK, Greece, Cyprus, Portugal, Malta), Canada, the USA and the Caribbean for popular visas, including Golden visa, Business visa, Skilled-work visa and Holiday-working visa.Last week AEO Pakistan conducted its first-ever Global Migration Opportunities Road Show across three major cities of Pakistan including Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad. The series of events received overwhelming response, with hundreds of participan

FFC financial results announced

Rawalpindi: In a meeting the Board of Directors of Fauji Fertilizer Company (FFC) announced results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2019, says a press release.The company earned aggregate sales revenue of Rs20.31 billion while income on deposits stood at a record level of Rs921 million. Net profitability was recorded at Rs3.7 billion with per share earnings of Rs2.91 compared to EPS of Rs1.78 last year. The Board of Directors also announced first interim dividend of Rs2.50 per share. from The News International - Islamabad http://bit.ly/2vtrzId

Deworming activity at CDA Model School

Islamabad: As part of the federal government’s mass drive to prevent and eliminate parasitic infections, a de-worming day was observed at the CDA Model School here to target the children aged 5-17 years.The school teachers trained by the health department administered the de-worming medicine to the children as according to a survey, around 570,000 children in ICT area were at risk of soil-transmitted helminthes (STH) infections.According to Planning Commission, in certain areas including the federal capital, this prevalence was as high as more than 50 per cent which affected children’s health potentially causing anaemia, malnourishment, and impairment of physical and intellectual development.At the CDA Model School, hundreds of the children from inside the school and outside were given chewable de-worming tablets by trained teachers after conducting a thorough exercise of awareness among the parents. In their lectures, the school teachers also sensitized the students about the STH and

Crackdown on illegal promotional campaigns to be launched

Islamabad : The provincial governments, law enforcement agencies and police are all set to launch a country wide crackdown against the local cigarette manufacturers for committing serious violations of Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship (TAPS) laws.Taking notice of news published in The News dated April 7, 2019, Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination has written a letter to the provisional governments and Islamabad Capital Territory for immediate action against the local cigarette manufacturers for enforcement of tobacco control laws here on Monday.According to MNSRC officials, a major crackdown against these local cigarette manufacturers is being launched at national level. These manufacturers are openly offering gifts, cash back rewards, free sampling, cash offers, use of human or animal pictures to attract young consumers.The enforcement exercise is expected to result in seizure of violated cigarette products and arrest of persons involved i

British Backpacker Society team explores tourism sights in Islamabad

Islamabad : A seven-member British Backpacker Society (BBS) team has spent a couple of days exploring the tourism sights of federal capital.It’s the same British Backpacker Society who ranked Pakistan the number one travel destination in the world last year. Pakistan was chosen in top spot, because it was home to some of the world’s friendliest and most hospitable people and offers some of the world’s most beautiful mountain scenery.A highlight for the team was walking in the hills above the capital city, due to the relaxing atmosphere and spectacular views, said a statement issued by BBS.They also enjoyed a trip to the Secretariat, where they met policymakers tasked with the exciting job of unlocking Pakistan’s tourism potential.With just days to go until a 7-member British Backpacker Society team arrives in Pakistan, it is a perfect time to recap what the founders of the British Backpacker Society did last time that they were in the country, a team member Samuel Joynson told this age

PFA launches operation against unhygienic food

Rawalpindi : The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) under the supervision of its Director General captain (r) Muhammad Usman Tuesday carried out a grand operation against unhygienic food points in Rawalpindi and its surrounding areas, sealed seven production units against multiple violations of Punjab Pure Food Regulations 2018.Following the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar, the authority carried out operation in order to eliminate the food adulteration before Ramadan. The operation continued for 26 hours long while food safety teams have inspected 17 food production units.According to details, PFA officials sealed seven units, punished three food business operators with heavy fine , served the improvement notices to three eateries and stopped the production of four units by serving emergency prohibition orders to them.Moreover, food authority confiscated as many as 94,045 kilogram unwholesome food including 40,530kg ‘daal’, 14,092kg substandard ‘nimko’, 17,775kg adulte

Researchers use caffeine to improve solar cell efficiency

BEIJING: Many people drink coffee because it can help them feel less tired and increases energy levels, but a joint research team says that the world's popular beverage is also an amazing material that enhances performance and stability of solar cells, the China Science Daily reported Tuesday.Perovskite solar cells have been widely used to manufacture flexible batteries.Perovskite is a material with the same type of crystal structure as calcium titanium oxide, which exhibits a high-efficiency conversion of sunlight into electricity.Scientists from the United States and China working on the study found that caffeine, an active material in coffee, could be an alkaloid compound to interact with the precursors of perovskite materials to improve solar cell efficiency and thermal stability.They added caffeine to the perovskite layer of forty solar cells.The interaction between the two materials boosted the solar cell efficiency from 17 percent to 20 percent.In addition, the caffeine-base

How to manage diabetes during Ramzan: some useful tips

Ramzan is a month for abstinence and control of one’s physical and spiritual desire. If properly managed, it can prove to be medically beneficial for health. However, if you have diabetes, fasting involves special planning. That’s because you don’t want to risk lowering your blood sugar too much, which can seriously affect your health. In patients with type 1 diabetes, hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels) and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels) happen frequently, whereas in patients with type 2 diabetes they’re less likely to happen.Here are several tips for diabetics to fast safely and healthily during Ramzan...Consult your doctor: If you suffer from diabetes, you should ask your doctor whether it is safe for you to fast at all. If you are living with type 2 diabetes, generally it is safe to fast during Ramzan, provided that you talk to your doctor about your plans and prepare yourself well.Your doctor might ask you to get all tests done to check your current vital stats. You wil

Pakistan wants peace in Afghanistan: Arif Alvi

Islamabad:Pakistan wants peace and prosperity in Afghanistan and will continue extending its all-out support in its rebuilding process, said President of Pakistan Dr. Arif Alvi on Monday while addressing the Pak-Afghan cultural event, Payam-e-Subh organised by Higher Education Commission (HEC) for Afghan students pursuing higher education in different universities of Pakistan.“You are the elite and privileged ones. You have been given the opportunity to study in Pakistan. Go back to your country with better education and skills, as it is your responsibility to rebuild your country,” said the President.Dr. Alvi said that Afghanistan has gone through a lot of miseries, however the Afghan nation has proved that nobody can subjugate them. He underlined that Pakistan and Afghanistan enjoy strong brotherly relations and the two countries have always stood by each other. “Nobody can defeat the friendly bonds between the two countries,” he affirmed.The President regretted that the two countrie

Interior minister expresses satisfaction over performance of ICT Police

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Interior Ijaz Ahmad Shah said Monday that the federal capital police should keep close liaison with the general public to earn respect. He was speaking to a gathering during his visit to Police Lines Headquarters, here on Monday.He was received by IGP, Muhammad Aamir Zulfiqar Khan along with DIG/Security Division, DIG/HQrs and SSP/HQrs. After receiving guard of honor, the Minister for Interior laid a wreath of flowers at Martyrs Mausoleum.He also visited School of Investigation and inaugurated State of the art ‘Firing Simulator’ set up with the help of INL at cost of Rs2 crores. He was also briefed at E-learning facility established in School of Information Technology. Afterwards, Minister for Interior planted a sapling at Police Lines Headquarters as a part of Clean Green Pakistan as envisioned by the Prime Minister of Pakistan. Minister for Interior also held a brief Media talk, in which he focused vulnerability of Police in the backdrop of security an

NAB chairman presents annual report to president

Islamabad: President Dr Arif Alvi said that NAB has a pivotal role towards the elimination of corruption from the country. He added that indiscriminate accountability is need of the hour, in order to discourage the corrupt elements.The president said this while talking to NAB Chairman Justice (r) Javed Iqbal, who called on him here at Aiwan-e-Sadr, Islamabad. NAB chairman also presented annual report-2018 of his organisation to the President. The president stated that corruption has been lifelong concern for him, as this menace has destroyed both the institutions and economy of the country. He emphasised that it is of utmost importance to root out corruption in order to ensure progress and development in the country.He underscored that the government’s mission is to make Pakistan a corruption free country in which NAB has to play an important role. Expressing his satisfaction over the performance of NAB, he said that NAB is an independent institution and trust of the people on it will

Protesting nurses threaten complete strike if demands not met

Islamabad:Protesting nurses of federal government hospitals Monday threatened a full-fledged strike on D-Chowk, should the government continue to lend a deaf ear to their longstanding demands.The demands of the nurses include timescale promotions as per Estacode rules; induction of additional nursing staff in order to bridge the widening nurse-patient ratio and to decrease workload; increase in nurses’ stipend to a minimum of Rs40,000 so that it is brought at par with the amount being paid in KPK and Punjab; increase in mess and kit allowance so that it is raised to Rs11,000 per month (equivalent to other provinces); award of Nursing Professional Allowance of Rs10,000 per month as prevalent in other provinces; de-freezing of the Health Risk Allowance equal to basic running salary; award of proper accommodation to nurses as per their entitlement quota; exemption of night shift duties of nurses who have completed 20 years of service or have reached 50 years of age; and handing over of th

Jaun Elia was a great poet

There comes a time in the life of almost every great writer when they have to choose between their passion and mundane comforts. They become many things to many people due to diversity of expectations. Since they are not jugglers, they fail to keep many balls in the air.They make gains but then they also make losses and gradually a sense of loss take them over, making them restless and urging them on. When we place them on high pedestals, we need to acknowledge that they are human beings and every shade of their life cannot be perfect. Jaun Elia was one such great poet.“He (Elia) was a sadist,” said his daughter Sohaina Elia, whom he used to call Ghamcho with love. “He would put himself in pain. Seeing him in pain, others would also be in pain. And in seeing others in pain, he would sort of take pleasure,” she said.She was, or should be, the key speaker at an event arranged by Madeeha Arslan at her residence in Naval Anchorage in memory of the great poet. Though of late this housing so

WHO chief meets Dr Zafar

Islamabad: The Country Representative of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Dr. Palitha Mahipala, and the PM’s Adviser on Health Dr. Zafar Mirza—both of them newly-appointed—Monday resolved to work in close coordination to uplift the health system and to achieve health-related Sustainable Development Goals.During a one-on-one meeting with Dr. Zafar to discuss Pakistan’s health agenda, the two deliberated on issues like developing Islamabad Capital Territory as a model for strengthening the health system with a focus on Primary Health Care.Dr. Zafar lauded Dr. Palitha’s contribution to improving health systems in Sri Lanka during his tenure as Director General Health and Additional Secretary Health in his home country. The Sri Lankan health system has a long record of strong performance and its progress towards Universal Health Coverage stands out as an example for the rest of the world. “We can learn a great deal from the Sri Lankan experience in strengthening primary health care and

Towards reform of district health supply chain

Islamabad: The Departments of Health and Population Welfare of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in collaboration with USAID-funded Global Health Supply Chain Programme-Procurement and Supply Management (GHSC-PSM) project organized a design and development workshop for implementation of Inventory Management (IM) Module of Logistics Management Information System (www.lmis.gov.pk ) here on Monday.The system, already deployed for Family Planning (FP) and Immunisation products, will be enhanced to include other health commodities related to prevention of infectious diseases and provision of basic health services for the people of the province.The system will initially be piloted in four districts of the province namely, Swat, Lakki Marwat, Charsadda and Mohmand. Once deployed, the system will provide complete visibility of the health products at various levels of service deliveries and will assist health managers to take timely and evidence-based decision to avert stock-outs. This activity follows earli

16 ‘Sasta Bazaars’ to be set up in Rawalpindi

Rawalpindi: The local management has decided to establish 16 ‘Ramazan Sasta Bazaars’ in Rawalpindi to provide all eatable items in cheaper prices as compared to open market to the public.Total nine bazaars will be set in Rawalpindi in which two bazaars in cantonment board localities, while seven in city and Potohar Town areas. The local management has decided to set up one bazaar in Kallar Syedan, one in Taxila, two in Gujar Khan, two in Kotli Satian and one in Kahuta. Equal facilities will be provided in all bazaars.Assistant Commissioner (Rawalpindi) Ahmed Hasan Ranja told ‘The News’ that we are going to establish 16 ‘Ramazan Sasta Bazaars’ where public will get quality vegetables, fruits and other items on cheaper rates.The Sasta Bazaars will be operational from May 5, he assured. Punjab government has directed deputy commissioners of all districts to provide maximum relief to public in Ramazan. Punjab government has also ordered to immediately arrest profiteers and hoarders.The buy

Wasa evolves strategy to improve recovery process

Rawalpindi: The newly designated director of Recovery Department, Jamshed Aftab has evolved a strategy to improve the recovery process in order to generate more revenue.Chairing a meeting on Monday, Jamshed Aftab told that through a letter to chief officers he has appealed to Municipal Corporation Rawalpindi and District Council to obtain NOC for clearing Property Transfer and Commercial cases of clients.The director said that obtaining NOC from Wasa would help this department to make water bills recovery from defaulters. Obtaining of NOC from Wasa be made mandatory for clients who apply for property transfer and changes in proper states. In this regard Wasa would issue SOP under which NOC would be issued in three days period to the clients who clear their outstanding dues against water tariff.While the clients who pay outstanding dues on the spot would be issued NOCs on the same day. To make the recovery process more effective, Wasa has also decided to make a survey for assessing the

Rescue strengthens volunteers for safety promotion, management of emergencies

The Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) have been established and trained at union council level in all districts of Punjab in order to assist the service in safety promotion & management of emergencies under the provision of the Punjab Emergency Service Act, 2006.The CERTs are those volunteers, who are registered after due process of registration, trained by the trainers of emergency service and render their services with the Punjab Emergency Service without any incentive throughout the year. Rescue Service Headquarters and Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) Pakistan acknowledged the performance of top five Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs)/volunteers of National Rescue Challenge. Top five teams include Layyah, Lahore Sheikhuupura, Kasur and Rawalpindi. These teams are being provided fully equipped Disaster Response Kits which include all necessary tools and accessories along with Personal Kits (Personal Protective Equipment) for each team member essentially required

Mind your manners

When one enters any business house one would expect to be greeted with a “hello” or “Salaam,” which is generally reciprocated because that is what is simply considered to be good manners. If one is being paid to provide a service, then it comes with the job.“Why is it that these days Pindiites need to be taught office etiquette, mobile phone etiquette and just plain etiquette? It is a no brainer and something our parents and their parents grew up on and it took people very far. Sad to say, though, it is a dying culture,” says Mehdi Zaman.“Take for instance any business – be it a souvenir shop, an art store, fast food restaurant, or a hotel. Treating the customers with good manners works for the success of job,” adds Mehdi Zaman.“Manners obviously start with the first point of contact, be it visual or verbal, and should be followed up by small pleasantries. As the saying goes, first impression is the last impression, no matter how many times a customer returns,” says Imdad Ali.“We can w

English Language Week celebrated at SLS

Rawalpindi: English Language Week was celebrated in all campuses of Sadeeqa’s Learning System (SLS) Montessori and High School, says a press release.The Language Week celebrated at SLS, Zaraj Campus had a lot of exciting English language activities planned for the students to help them deepen their understanding of the English Language. The activities mainly focused on learning English grammar concepts, enhancing vocabulary and recognizing patterns of pronunciation in a fun filled way.The Montessori students were brought outside to the play area where they performed various language activities prepared by their teachers. The Junior Montessori classes played “Hit the Letter Game” which had all the students attentively listening to the phonic sounds of different alphabets and hitting the same alphabet pasted on the wall with a ball. A sound hopscotch activity and a sound slap game were also played by the students of Junior Montessori enhancing their phonemic hearing and identifying skill

Pakistani girls outshine in Global Youth Challenge

United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) in collaboration with School of Leadership Monday celebrated the achievement of the Red Code team, recently declared one of the winners of the Generation Unlimited (GenU) Global Youth Challenge.The team was comprised of three young Pakistani girls, Sara Farooq Khan, Sana Farooq Khan and Mahin Usman. The GenU Global Youth Challenge is an initiative launched by Unicef to engage young people and encourage them to find innovative solutions to issues from their everyday life.A total of 32 teams from 16 countries participated and presented their ideas in the Challenge. On 12 April, five global winners were announced. The team ‘Red Code’ from Pakistan was one of them; others included teams from Thailand, Zimbabwe, Sudan and North Macedonia.Each winning team will receive $20,000 and tailored mentorship for scaling up their respective projects, a press release said. Minister of State for Climate Change, Zartaj Gul while addressing the ceremony as chief gu

Riphah University holds seminar on media imperialism

Islamabad: ‘The notion that globalisation has delivered the end of media imperialism is highly flawed. Fact of the matter is, globalisation has aggravated the condition of media imperialism because western domination of third world’s television industry has increased while third world’s dependence on the West has compounded too, says a press release.These views were expressed by Dr Farooq Sulehria while addressing a seminar jointly organised by Riphah University’s Department of Media Science and an independent think tank, Research Institute of Development and Evaluations (RIDE).Dr Sulehria, the keynote speaker at the seminar, has authored a book, titled, ‘Media Imperialism in India and Pakistan’ published last year by Routledge. Presently, he teaches at Beaconhouse National University, Lahore. The seminar was presided by seasoned journalist Nasir Zaidi.Dr Sulehria pointed out that the notion of media imperialism was usually restricted to the concept of Western domination. In his view,