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Showing posts from September, 2019

Indonesian envoy for enhancing bilateral ties in trade, culture fields

FAISALABAD: Indonesian Ambassador to Pakistan Iwan Suyudhie Amri has said that academic, research, agriculture, food and trade ties between Indonesia and Pakistan will be further strengthened in future to get benefit from each other experiences.He was talking to University of Agriculture Faisalabad Vice Chancellor Dr Muhammad Ashraf and students during his visit to the National Institute of Food Science and Technology UAF on Monday.Faculty of Food, Nutrition and Home Sciences UAF Dean Dr Masood Sadiq Butt and NIFSAT DG Dr Nuzhat Huma and others were also present. The ambassador stressed the need to enhance bilateral relations particularly in the fields of trade, culture, education and people-to-people contacts.He said that palm oil production was important to economy of Indonesia as the country was one of the biggest exporters. He said that Indonesian Bogor Agricultural University and University of Agriculture Faisalabad would further enhance research an academic ties to boost the acad

Report sought regarding beating of students by college lecturer

TOBA TEK SINGH: Punjab HEC Secretary (Academic) Tariq Hameed on Monday directed Faisalabad Divisional Director Colleges Prof Muhammad Alam and Toba Government Postgraduate College Principal Dr Ahsan to send him reports regarding the alleged beating of some students by a college lecturer on Saturday.He secretary also asked them to submit their report regarding another incident in which the father of a victim student and his fellows went to the principal office to complain him about the incident but the same accused lecturer again scuffled with them.DPO announces awards: District Police Officer (DPO) Waqar Shoaib Qureshi Monday announced cash prizes and certificates for investigation team, that traced the blind murder of a woman at Chak 92/JB.According to DPO office spokesperson Attaullah, a headless body of 35-year-old woman was found in fields and with the help of Nadra her identification was sought from her finger prints. She was Nazia Bibi, wife of Javed Iqbal of Rajana Chak 191/GB,

Monitoring system for schools

MULTAN: Commissioner Iftikhar Sahu Monday said the Punjab government is introducing a tight and transparent monitoring system in all public schools and education staff performance would be judged through their action.The commissioner said this during his visit to Multan Public School for boys to assess the quality of education. He inquired problems from academic staff, and said the measures were being taken to upgrade laboratories, hostel and swimming pool.He said staff salaries structure and other benefits were being revised. He largely appreciated the performance of academic staff. He said the Multan Public School head and rest of academic staff was recruited purely on merit. He said examination results would be the sole criteria for assessing the performance of teachers. from The News International - Peshawar https://ift.tt/2nhxMq3

PIMS receives over 4,000 confirmed dengue patients

Islamabad: Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) that has been providing treatment to majority of dengue fever patients on outpatient department (OPD) basis has so far received well over 4,000 confirmed cases of dengue fever of which nearly 3,500 have been tested positive at PIMS.According to a PIMS spokesman, Dr. Waseem Ahmed Khawaja, PIMS has been receiving dengue fever patients from different areas including Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Jhelum, Gujar Khan, AJ&K and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Most of dengue fever patients are given treatment on OPD basis though as many as 80 patients were admitted to the hospital on Monday for management, he said.In last 48 hours, over 30 patients have been transfused platelets and blood while of the admitted patients, seven were suffering from dengue fever complications, said Dr. Khawaja. He added that PIMS has deputed extra staff in emergency and medical OPD for management of dengue fever patients while a special counter for screening of dengue feve

USAID funding enables entrepreneurs to innovate, grow

Islamabad:Entrepreneurship and innovation help boost employment, productivity, and trade, and can drive a nation’s economy. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is building the future of entrepreneurship in Pakistan by offering Challenge Fund grants of up to $200,000 to motivated entrepreneurs and innovators, says a press release.At an event in Islamabad on Monday, American and Pakistani officials celebrated the successes of 20 Challenge Fund grant recipients from Pakistan who have created exciting new business solutions in the information technology, hospitality, textile, light engineering, and agri-business, sectors. The innovations supported by the Challenge Fund are helping small and medium-sized enterprises in Pakistan enhance their competitiveness, and are increasing jobs, sales, exports, access to markets, and the adoption of new technologies.Speaking at the event, Qazi Zaheer Ahmad, Senior Joint Secretary, Ministry of Industries and Production applaude

Dengue situation stabilised: Dr. Zafar

Islamabad: The Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Dr. Zafar Mirza has said the dengue situation has now stabilized after concerted efforts by his Ministry and all concerned departments.Addressing the Dengue Coordination Meeting attended by heads of Islamabad hospitals, senior officers and all relevant stakeholders including the district administrations of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, Dr. Zafar said the reporting system of dengue and other diseases is being strengthened and effective case response is being undertaken. He said, areas from where cases are reported are being visited by teams and necessary measures are being taken to protect communities residing in those areas. The meeting reviewed progress of Dengue control and prevention efforts. Dr. Zafar called upon the district administrations of Islamabad and Rawalpindi to redouble their efforts with missionary zeal. “There is a marked improvement in the situation as additional reinforcements have been deployed. Furthermor

17,000 tested positive for dengue fever so far

Islamabad: To date, well over 17,000 patients have been tested positive for dengue fever, the patients that have been registered with the government while as many as 31 deaths due to the infection have been documented till September 28 this year.According to a report issued by Field Epidemiology & Disease Surveillance Division (Emergency Operations Centre NIH, Islamabad) Sunday evening, the infection has claimed at least eight lives in the federal capital till September 28, nine lives in the Punjab province and 11 lives in Sindh province while three patients died of dengue fever in Baluchistan.The Dengue Situation Report no. 14 issued by NIH reveals that till September 28, as many as 2995 patients have been tested positive from the federal capital, 3671 from Punjab, 3002 from Sindh, 3467 from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, 2702 from Baluchistan, 322 from KP tribal districts, 417 from AJK and 88 from other areas.The report says that in last 24 hours, a total of 653 new dengue cases were report

NIH issues alert for infectious diseases

Islamabad: The National Institute of Health (NIH) has issued its 46thSeasonal Awareness and Alert Letter (SAAL) for epidemic-prone infectious diseases including CCHF, Chikungunya, Dengue, Diphtheria Leishmaniasis, Malaria, Pertussis, Polio, Seasonal Influenza and Typhoid Fever. These diseases are predicted to be on high alert during said season.The purpose of SAAL is to alert health authorities and professionals at all levels and to facilitate them for timely and efficient response to outbreaks and epidemics. This letter has been developed for winter season from October 2019 to February 2020. It contains detailed introduction of diseases, case definitions, infectious agents, modes of transmission, case management and prevention. from The News International - Islamabad https://ift.tt/2nhl5vp

4 ASPs appointed

Islamabad: As envisioned by Prime Minister of Pakistan, four ASPs posted in Islamabad. ASP Sarfraz Ahmad Virk Police Station Banigala, Farooq Ahmad Butter Police Station Kohsar, Farooq Ahmad Bajrani Police Station Barakahu and Abdul Wahab Khan posted at Police Station I-9, a police spokesman said.The newly appointed ASPs have assumed their charge and got briefing/directions from IGP Muhammad Aamir Zulfiqar Khan. These four ASPs have been posted in Islamabad in line with the vision of Prime Minister of Pakistan. While discharging their responsibilities, they shall make efforts to eliminate drugs, land mafia and illegal gratification.As directed, they shall adopt zero-tolerance policy. Simultaneously they shall endeavor to strengthen police-community relationship and make public conciliatory committees more effective and functional. from The News International - Islamabad https://ift.tt/2mwL2He

PASHA awards for most innovative technology platform

Islamabad:Pakistan Software Houses Association (PASHA) recognised the Digitally Augmented Data Analytics (DADA), as a jointly developed platform by the Digital Broadcast Pvt. Limited and BlueSynq Technologies as one of the most innovative technology platforms at the 16th PASHA ICT Awards.The award was given as the runners-up in the category of Technology: Artificial Intelligence for Digitally Augmented Data Analytics for newsroom and narrative management. DADA or the Digitally Augmented Data Analytics is a state-of-the-art Artificial Intelligence (AI) platform that enables content developers to see, monitor, review and analyse online social interactions in real-time before they emerge as trends.The Digitally Augmented Data Analytics (DADA) system is an AI platform with machine learning capability, that monitors and learns from social media interactions and internet trends of a broad spectrum of audiences.DATA was conceived by Amir Jahangir, former CEO of Digital Broadcast Pte. Limited

China donates $100,000 to PRCS for quake victims

Islamabad:China on Monday handed over an emergency relief fund to the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) for rehabilitation operation in Mirpur district of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, where a devastating earthquake on September 24 caused serious damage to infrastructure besides loss of several lives.On behalf of the Red Cross Society of China, Chinese Deputy Chief of Mission in Pakistan Pang Chunxue and Director of Political and Press Section Bao Zhong handed over a cheque of $100,000 to PRCS Secretary General Khalid Bin Majeed during a visit to the PRCS National Headquarters.Khalid Bin Majeed thanked the visiting dignitaries for the support, saying the Chinese donation will help alleviate sufferings of earthquake victims in AJK districts. He said, Pakistan and China are brotherly nations and that the political and trade relations between the two countries are growing with each passing day. He said the relationship between Pakistan Red Crescent Society and the Red Cross Society of China

Mausikaar opens season in style

Islamabad: ‘Mausikaar’, the trust for traditional music, opened the season by paying tribute to the Pakistan film industry music spanning three decades from the 60’s to the 80’s of the last century. The event was held at the residence of Dr Kamran Masood and turned out to be an evening filled with nostalgia, reviving memories of the days when film music reigned supreme and the melodious songs were sung and played everywhere. The well designed courtyard at the rear of the house had a nice atmosphere for the event, making it even more delightful.After refreshments and a bit of socialising, president ‘Mausikaar’, Dr Seema welcomed the audience; explained that the break had been longer than usual because of Ramadan in early May and Muharram in early September; said a few words about the purpose of ‘Mausikaar’ which is to preserve Pakistan’s traditional and folk music and concluded by introducing the speakers and musicians that were the stars of the evening.Well known and seasoned producer,

Chinese National Day celebrated at NUML

Islamabad:Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy Zhang Heqing on Monday said Pakistan and China were both peace loving countries.Both the countries shared ancient civilizations, and were a model of friendship and trust for the whole world, he said while speaking during his visit to the National University of Modern Languages (NUML) as guest of honour on the Chinese National Day’s celebration ceremony.The function was jointly organised by the Chinese Department of NUML and Confucius Institute Islamabad. Dean Languages Dr Safeer Awan, former ambassador Syed Hassan Javid, directors, faculty members and students attended the ceremony.Zhang Heqing highlighted the sacrifices of workers who lost their lives to construct the Karakorum Highway linking Pakistan and China. Later, in discussion with NUML Rector Major General (r) Muhammad Jaffar, the cultural counsellor said the NUML always took the lead to arrange such kind of activities to promote Chinese language and culture.NUML Director Ge

German admiral calls on naval chief

Islamabad:German Naval Chief (Inspector of German Navy), Vice Admiral Andreas Krause called on Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi at Naval Headquarters, here.Upon arrival at Naval Headquarters, the visiting dignitary was received by chief of the naval staff. A smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Navy presented guard of honour Thereafter, the dignitary laid floral wreath at the Shuhada’s Monument. He was also introduced to the Principal Staff Officers at Naval Headquarters.Later, Vice Admiral Andreas Krause called on Chief of the Naval Staff in his office. During the meeting, various matters of mutual interest including bilateral naval collaboration, maritime security & stability and various avenues to enhance interoperability between Pakistan Navy and German Navy were discussed.Chief of the Naval Staff also highlighted Pakistan Navy’s commitment and efforts for ensuring maritime security in the region including Pakistan Navy’s initiative of Regional Maritim

MoU signed for travel expo

Islamabad: The Hashoo Group, owners and operators of the leading chain of hotels in Pakistan, signed a memorandum of understanding with the Landmark Communications to support the Pakistan Travel Mart, the country's largest travel and tourism expo.During a special ceremony at the Islamabad Marriott Hotel, the MoU was signed by chief operating officer of the Hashoo Group Hospitality Division Haseeb Gardezi and CEO of the Landmark Communications Ali Hamdani.Haseeb Gardezi said the Hashoo Group was the prime sponsor and hospitality partner for PTM, which would take place at the Karachi Expo Centre from October 8 to October 10. He said during the event, the Hashoo Group would showcase its hospitality portfolio. from The News International - Islamabad https://ift.tt/2nf6ctG

Dignified life remains a dream for older people

Islamabad: My husband used to work as a mason until he suffered an accident at job and broke his leg. He is 70 years old, bedridden now, and no longer able to work. We have so source of earning and are dependent on our neighbours for basic necessities of life, said 68 year-old Khursheeda, who lives with her husband in a single-room accommodation close to Bari Imam.Most of the older men and women in Pakistan are living without any pension or social protection—a situation that increases their vulnerabilities in tandem with poverty. Usually, older people in Pakistan live with their families and are dependent on their children, who are culturally their primary caretakers. However, family structures are changing, and over the last three generations, the percentage of older people living in joint families has decreased. Khursheeda and her husband also live alone; their only married son lives elsewhere. Since the colony is constructed on government land, they pay no rent; yet, they see little

China promises more scholarships for Pakistani students

Islamabad: Through a major scholarship programme, all top universities and institutions in China will be open to talented Pakistani students, while the Chinese government will provide 100 smart classrooms and seven agricultural research centers to various universities of Pakistan.This was disclosed by Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Yao Jing during a five-day training workshop held by the China-Pakistan Joint Research Centre on Earth Sciences (CPJRC) and Department of Earth Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, on “Resource & Environment Scientific Data Sharing and Disaster Risk Reduction Knowledge” here on Monday.The training programme is aimed at providing technical training support for the establishment of a data-sharing network serving the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. It will also provide software’s, standards services, resource construction, and other technical training.Addressing the inaugural ceremony, the Chinese ambassador said during the tenure of the current government

Ivy League admissions statistics

Once again admission rates have dropped for most of the coveted Ivy League eight in the latest round of admissions for the incoming Class of 2023. Harvard University plunged to a record admissions low of 4.5 percent, admitting 1,950 of their record high 43,330 applicant pool. Columbia University dropped to 5.1 percent with 2,190 of their record 42,569 applicants granted admission.College deans and admission officers regularly boast that they could fill the entire class with student body presidents and perfect SAT scores. Earning admission to the top universities in the world is a hyper competitive and biased process.The Good News: Your child can compete and earn admission with strategy and marketing. Planning sets your child up for success. Planning that starts in Grade 9 can help create the perfect transcript needed for admission. However, planning alone is not enough; demonstrating and marketing your child’s value to a college admissions officer will separate him/her from the 200,000

Book ‘Chhatri numa Khanyan’ launched

Islamabad: Well-known Urdu story writer of the country and former managing director of the National Book Foundation (NBF) Mazharul Islam on Monday reiterated only those stories will survive that make you relate with some person, event or period of time. “These are in fact love stories despite the fact there is no mention of love,” he said.Mazhar was giving his presidential address at the launching ceremony of ‘Chhatri-numa Kahanyan’ (Umbrella-like stories) a collection of some 15 stories by Shoaib Khaliq whose recognition is more of a TV drama writer than short story writer.Literary organization Inharaf in collaboration with WAFI International had organized the book launch at the National Language Promotion Department (NLP). Director General of the NLPD Dr Iftikhar Arif also addressed the ceremony. Among those who spoke on salient features of the book included eminent professor of Urdu and writer Dr Najeeba Arif, Dr Nawazish Ali, Iqbal Faheem Jozi, Dr Ravish Nadeem, Salahuddin Darvesh

PINKtober awareness drive tees off

Islamabad: Pink Ribbon Pakistan, a nationwide breast cancer awareness campaign, has launched its annual ‘PINKtober’ campaign effective today (October 1). Spread over the entire month, the campaign aims at disseminating information regarding breast cancer prevention, detection and treatment.During ‘Pinktober,’ Pink Ribbon will sensitize girls and women by arranging various events and activities for direct interaction. This time around, it is working with the government to raise awareness on breast cancer by reaching maximum audience through community outreach, college programmes, awareness events and other activities.This year’s theme for the observation is ‘Become a better you,’ which focuses on health, beauty and confidence of women and young girls. The CEO of Pink Ribbon Omer Aftab has urged the public to raise their voices as one, to highlight how managing and maintaining one's health is instrumental in enhancing one’s beauty and therefore confidence.“Our core purpose is to spre

APCNGA elects central chairman

Islamabad: All Pakistan Compressed Natural Gas Association (APCNGA) on Monday elected its senior leader Ghiyas Paracha as Central Chairman of the association unopposed for the year 2019-20. Paracha, who is associated with the petroleum, gas and CNG industry for the last 25 years, has made tireless efforts for promotion of the CNG sector.During the elections, which were held here, Muhammad Siddique Khan and Amir Awan won the slots of senior vice chairman and vice chairman respectively. After being elected as Central Chairman, Paracha thanked the association members for reposing confidence in him and vowed to make all-out efforts for complete revival of the CNG industry besides ensuring formulation of a new CNG policy.He was of the view that with the promotion of CNG in public transport sector, around Rs1 billion could be saved annually on account of reduction in oil import bill. from The News International - Islamabad https://ift.tt/2o3bzfo

Withdrawal of increase in property tax demanded

Islamabad: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) naib ameer and ex-MNA from Islamabad Mian Muhammad Aslam has announced to move the court against 200 per cent increase in property tax for residents of the federal capital.Talking to delegations of residents coming from different. sectors, Mian Aslam said there was no justification behind increase in property tax as the Municipal Corporation Islamabad (MCI) has failed to fulfill its responsibilities.He said the citizens of Islamabad who are already suffering from price hike and other problems will not be able to pay increased property tax. The JI leader asked MNAs from Islamabad to come to rescue of their voters and also demanded of MCI to withdraw increase in property tax. He said that Jamaat would also hold protest demonstration across the city and in front of CDA headquarters and MCI offices. from The News International - Islamabad https://ift.tt/2mrGf9X

Red meat unhealthy? Maybe not, researchers say

WASHINGTON: Cutting back on red meat is standard medical advice to prevent cancer and heart disease -- but a review of dozens of studies has concluded that the potential risk is low and evidence uncertain.In new guidelines published on Monday in the Annals of Internal Medicine, a panel of researchers from seven countries suggested that "adults continue current unprocessed red meat consumption."The advice -- which immediately drew a sharp reaction from other experts -- added that adults should also "continue current processed meat consumption."The review, published in the journal edited by the American College of Physicians, analyzed multiple studies that, taken together, showed reducing red meat consumption by three servings per week could lower cancer mortality by seven deaths per 1,000 people.Researchers said any such decline was modest and that they had found only a "low" degree of certainty about the statistic.They added that the quality of evidence li

Shot dead in Dera

DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Unidentified gunmen shot dead a man in Zafarabad Colony late Saturday, police said.They said that unidentified armed men shot dead one Muhammad Jehangir Mahsud in Zafarabad Colony and fled the scene. The police reached the spot and shifted the body to the District Headquarters Hospital in Dera Ismail Khan for autopsy. The police started investigation after registering the case against unknown culprits. from The News International - Peshawar https://ift.tt/2mWiF5d

Siraj asks armed forces to liberate Kashmir

PESHAWAR: Terming the foreign policy of the government as the worst one during the 72-year history of the country, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Senator Sirajul Haq on Sunday asked the armed forces to come into action and liberate the occupied Kashmir.“Ours is the best army in the world. They should come forward without waiting for another Fall of Dhaka. The eight million people of Kashmir have been suffering the worst atrocities for the last 57 days,” he said while addressing a Youth Convention here. The convention was also addressed by central secretary-general of the Jamaat-e-Islami Ameerul Azeem, provincial president Senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, general secretary Abdul Wasi, provincial president of JI Youth, Siddiqur Rahman Paracha and others.Sirajul Haq criticised the government policy on Kashmir. He also came down hard on the Muslim world for not raising voice in favour of Kashmir. He said India was perpetrating brutalities against the people of Kashmir and the Muslim countries gave

Action accelerated against outlaws

PESHAWAR: The police said on Sunday that action had been accelerated against the mafias involved in the sale of drugs, land grabbing, extortion and other social evils while three alleged kidnappers arrested during an action.“We have accelerated actions across the provincial capital against the mafias involved in drug selling, land grabbing, extortion and usury. After identifying the gangs, police have started arresting its members in various parts of the provincial capital,” Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations Zahoor Babar Afridi told The News.In the first action, a group of alleged land grabbers were arrested in Tehkal and Paharipura while more actions were taken in other parts of Peshawar. All the station house officers have been directed to compile lists of these mafias to go after them.Inspector-General of Police Mohammad Naeem Khan has ordered all the regional police officers and district police chiefs to take action against the mafias to provide relief to the public.

Another 6 die of dengue fever at allied hospitals taking tally to 13

Rawalpindi : Dengue fever has claimed another six lives here in town at two of the three teaching hospitals causing great panic not only among patients and their attendants but also among residents in almost all localities in the region.The total number of deaths so far caused by the infection at the allied hospitals this month reached 13. The first dengue fever patient died at Holy Family Hospital on September 6 and to date, the infection has claimed seven lives at HFH while six patients have so far died of dengue fever at Benazir Bhutto Hospital.Data collected by ‘The News’ on Sunday has revealed that in last 72 hours, the infection claimed two lives at HFH and four at BBH while a total of 717 confirmed patients of dengue fever reported at the three allied hospitals taking the total number of patients so far tested positive at HFH, BBH and District Headquarters Hospital to 5,227.On Sunday, the three teaching hospitals have been waiting for confirmatory results in as many as 180 proba

Pay disparity takes a toll on temps

Islamabad : Though subjected to pay disparity, Bushra Bibi has long been putting up with the discrimination due to a lack of job security.“We, the BPS-16 and BPS-17 daily-wage college teachers, work the same hours and do the same duty as our colleagues with a permanent job but we’re paid three to four times less. Only the different employment status has disentitled us to pay equality. We can’t stand up against this injustice due to our vulnerability, especially when the likelihood of layoff hangs over our heads like the sword of Damocles,” complained the 36-year-old employed by the Federal Directorate of Education eight years ago.The temp teacher, a widow, said she had three school going children to feed but struggled to make ends meet due to low wages.Though the government has increased the minimum monthly wage from Rs15,000 to Rs17,500, which has yet to be enforced, the daily-wage teachers serving in the FDE colleges are paid around Rs15,000 every month.Ironically, some girl colleges

Water treatment project to be completed soon

Islamabad :Construction of three wetlands is in progress which would be completed within next few weeks to treat the contaminated water before it enters Rawal Lake, the CDA spokesman said.The initiative is being supervised and financed by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) while executed by the Sanitation Directorate of MCI.Under this project, three wetlands at Muslim Colony Barri Imam, Bani Gala and Bari Imam Shahan are being constructed. The purpose of this project is to treat the contaminated water before its entrance in Rawal Dam. Under constructed wetland treatment, contaminated water of nullahs would be diverted to specially designed tanks for sewerage treatment. At this stage sediment would be carried out in the tanks and the 90% water contamination would be done at this stage. After treatment in the tank water would be again released in the nullahs. After the tanks special plants, soil would be implanted on the way which will further purify the water before it entrance in

Islamabad Literature Festival ends on high note

Islamabad :The third and final day of the 6th Islamabad Literature Festival drew a very large number of people. Book lovers and culture enthusiasts flocked to the Festival to learn more about the literary endeavours of Pakistani authors from all parts of the country and to experience the nation’s cultural heritage.The day started with a discussion on ‘Pakistan's Foreign Policy Challenges’ with Talat Masood, Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri and Abdul Basit as speakers and Salma Malik as the moderator. This was followed by a panel discussion on the subject, ‘Depicting Women in Literature and Drama.’ The participants were Haseena Moin, Asghar Nadeem Syed and Shahnaz Sheikh. The moderator was Maheen Usmani.Another popular session on the last day turned out to be ‘Shanul Haq Haqqee ki Yaad Mein’ featuring Anwar Maqsood, Fateh Muhammad Malik, Haseena Moin, and Shayan Haqqee. The panel discussion on Ishrat Husain’s book ‘Pakistan: The Economy of an Elitist State’ drew a lot of interest. Along with

CDA planting more saplings under clean, green drive

Islamabad : Under on-going clean and green campaign by the Capital Development Authority (CDA), wild growth is being cleared, tree plantation is being carried out in addition to addressing issues pertaining to cleanliness of the city.As a result of vigorous push, significant area of the capital city has been cleared from rank vegetation and wild growth.Mutual coordination among CDA, Environment Wing of MCI and Islamabad Administration ICT is playing key role in the efforts for reviving the Clean and Green status of capital city. This initiative was started under the supervision of ICT Administration last month to address the declining situation of cleanliness of the city and to remove unattended wild growth and rank vegetation.All concerned departments were taken on board and after ensuring effective coordination among the departments, the city is gradually regaining its original shape.During the recent efforts made in this regard, rank vegetation and wild growth has been removed from

Widening cracks in Humak college building endanger students’ lives

Islamabad : A dilapidated block of Furqan Hadier Shaheed Model College for Boys Humak Islamabad is at the verge of collapse as cracks in the building have widened due to the earthquake of 5.8 magnitudes that hit the country last week.A portion of the institution, catering educational needs of some 500 students was already in dilapidated condition and the issue has been highlighted by media time and again to evoke authorities’ concerned attention. “Some cracks had appeared in the college’s portion in the last year’s jolts, comprising 10-11 rooms and the recent tremors have widened them posing serious threat of a complete collapse any time.The 9th and 10th classes have been shifted temporarily to an incomplete structure built along the college’s building,” an official source in the college raising his concern told this agency.Previously, he said, the college head had written several times to the Federal Directorate of education (FDE) for the maintenance of college’s building but no actio

Two men killed

Rawalpindi: Two men were killed after they fell into 60-feet deep well here on Sunday.The incident happened at Bhandar Stop on Sihala Road. Police and rescue officials recovered the bodies and shifted them to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for post-mortem.According to Rescue 1122, the two victims have been identified as Waqar Ahmed 27, and Azam Hussain 30. Police have started investigation into the case. from The News International - Islamabad https://ift.tt/2oki2Tp

226 criminals held

Islamabad: The Islamabad police have arrested 226 outlaws during last week and recovered looted items worth millions of rupees from them including gold ornaments, cars and bikes, the police spokesman said.Islamabad police traced 34 dacoity/robbery cases and 41 persons were arrested during the period. Police also arrested 23 absconders.Moreover, police also held 19 accused for involvement in bootlegging and drug peddling activities while 3.025 kilogram hashish, 1.225 kilogram heroin, 180 bottle wines were recovered from them.Police also arrested 22 persons for having illegal weapons and recovered 21 pistols, three guns and 92 rounds from them. Six gamblers were also nabbed while table money as well as gambling tools were recovered from them. from The News International - Islamabad https://ift.tt/2on8EhS

Kidnapped man recovered

Rawalpindi: Rawalpindi Police have arrested a gang including a young woman, involved in kidnapping an elderly man for ransom and recovered the kidnapped person without paying the ransom.According to police spokesman, a 65-year-old person, living in Hong Kong for the last 11 years, was kidnapped by a gang in the jurisdiction of Airport Police Station. The gangsters demanded Rs5 million as ransom from his famil.However, his son informed the police about the kidnapping. The police initiated investigation and got the clue of gangster, raided their hideout and arrested two members of the gang including a woman and recovered the elderly man safely. from The News International - Islamabad https://ift.tt/2m9886q

34 FIRs lodged in anti-dengue drive

Islamabad: Islamabad Capital Territory Administration (ICTA) in its on-going anti-dengue drive has lodged 34 First Information Reports (FIRs), besides sealing five service stations and four junkyards across the city for not complying with anti-dengue measures.The city administration teams in collaboration with Islamabad Metropolitan Corporation and health department had been carried out strong surveillance at every nook and cranny to ensure anti-dengue measures, an official source in ICTA told this agency here Sunday.As per details, the Assistant Commissioner Koral sealed three tyre shops, four Junkyards and registered 10 FIRs against violators. The Assistant Commissioner Shalimar during inspection at G-11 markets imposed fine Rs30,000 to several shops against littering and lodged seven FIRs for providing possible places to dengue breeding.The Assistant Commissioner Industrial Area reviewed the dengue prevention measures at petrol pumps, service stations and tyre shops operating in sec

Civil society demands budgetary, administrative support for PIC

Islamabad :Civil society has demanded the government of Pakistan to provide budgetary and administrative support for Pakistan Information Commission (PIC).On the occasion of international right to information day, a joint press conference was held by Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) and Pakistan Information Commission (PIC). Both parties demanded from the government of Pakistan to provide budgetary and administrative support to PIC. Commission was established in November 2018, 10 months have elapsed but the commission is working on its own without any support from the government.While highlighting the challenges faced by PIC, Chief Information Commission Muhammad Azam remarked that implementation of Right of Access to Information Act, 2017 is a mere deception without strong information commission at federal level. “There are inordinate delays in providing office space, budget and staff to the commission. We are operating from one room in Information Services Academy

Vigorous efforts stressed to wipe out dengue

Rawalpindi : Provincial Ministers, cabinet members and high officials of Punjab spent busy day in Rawalpindi on Sunday and inspected the working of anti-dengue teams and stressed the need of vigorous efforts to wipe-out dengue, says a press release.Punjab Minister for Literacy , Informal Education and Incharge Minister of Anti Dengue Measures in Rawalpindi Raja Rashid Hafeez, Provincial Minister for Colonies Fayyaz ul Hasan Chohan, Advisor to Chief Minister Punjab on Dengue Dr. Waseem Akram, Chairman Punjab Education Foundation Wasiq Qayum Abbasi, Samavia Tahir, Farah Agha MPAs, Commissioner Rawalpindi Division Cap (r) Saqib Zafar, Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi Saifullah Dogar, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Zaheer Ahmed Jappa, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Headquarter) Saima Younis and Assistant Commissioners visited different areas monitored the working of these teams.During field survey, Provincial Ministers talking to the people said that under the directives of Chief

Alternative remedies for relief

The Dengue fever outbreak has reached alarming proportions and appears to be getting worse instead of abating. Hopefully the onset of cooler weather will see it disappear altogether. While the government has admitted that it was caught on the wrong foot as far as taking precautions is concerned (according to a news report) it is hoped that the concerned authorities have learned a lesson and will be better prepared next time.Anyway, everyone should take precautions to keep themselves and their family safe. And don’t think you are safe during the day. Only the female mosquito transmits the dengue virus. This mosquito is a daytime biter, both inside and outside homes and is most active in the hours after sunrise and before sunset!To this end social media is full of various ‘cures’ that are they are doing the rounds and are supposed to give relief from the symptoms of this deadly virus and people forward them ‘to save a precious life,’ as the message invariably ends up saying. While many p

Waste to energy project inaugurated at Sector G-15

Islamabad : Secretary Climate Change Hassan Nasir Jamy visited Integrated Resource Recovery Centre (IRRC), Sector G-15 Islamabad and inaugurated a 3 tons waste to energy project at the centre, says a press release.Secretary Climate Change Hassan Nasir Jamy was accompanied by UNHABITAT consultant Javid Ali Khan, Akhter Hamid Khan Memorial Trust (AHKMT) and e-guard CEO Hamid Ullah and Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, (PMAS-AAUR) Prof. Dr. Muhammad Arshad.During the visit, the stakeholders also discussed a plan to install an IRRC at the Fruit and Vegetable Market, Islamabad for managing biodegradable waste produced in the market besides discussing feasibility to replicate IRRC model in the different parts of the country to manage waste and make it environment friendly.After the visit and discussions with the AHKMT CEO, secretary Climate Change in his remarks said that the visit to IRRC, G-15, was quite fruitful. He lauded the team of dedicated experts from UNHABI

Irritating neighbour needs sensible dealing

It doesn’t make any difference how much you admire the locality in which you live or how much you love your home, having a troublesome neighbour next door can kill all your pleasure.“I often find it best to try to overlook trivial occasional provocations as it is not always possible to enter into an argument with a vexing neighbour. Such line of action at the end of the day saves me a lot of sleepless nights,” says Asad Abbas, a college lecturer.“If the misbehaviour isn’t aggressive but is just an annoyance or a small distraction, I think approaching the annoying neighbour in a friendly manner, inviting him over for a cup of tea, and trying to discuss the grievance in a gentle way is a best solution. In some cases, the neighbour may not even be aware that his habits are bothersome,” says Ali Akbar Rizvi, a lawyer by profession.Sania Naqvi, a private company worker, says: “A good example is a neighbour that permits her children to play cricket in the street while you’re trying to do you

PM lauded for highlighting Kashmir at UN

Islamabad :Custodian of shrine of Barri Imam and President National Peace Committee for Interfaith Harmony Pakistan Peer Syed Ali Gillani has said that Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Kashmir mission has met with great success globally, as Imran Khan highlighted the case effectively at the UN General Assembly and raised the voice for the rights of oppressed Kashmiri, says a press release.Peer Ali Gillani while talking to delegation of traders of capital at Peer House Barri Imam said that prime minister not only effectively represented the whole Muslim Ummah in his address at the UN General Assembly, but also presented the true face and a real picture of Islam before the world.“Pakistan has made it clear before the world that Pakistan would not recognise Israel till the peaceful solution of Palestine and Kashmir disputes” he added. from The News International - Islamabad https://ift.tt/2mdfnuc

Real, figurehead selectors of NAB chairman in prison

Islamabad : Four leading politicians including two former prime ministers and one ex-president of Pakistan, who had played the foremost role in appointing retired Justice Javed Iqbal as Chairman of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), are behind bars for having been arraigned by the same anti-graft agency on corruption charges.On the surface, two consultees – the then Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, and the then Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Syed Khursheed Shah – made the pick as required under Section 6 of the National Accountability Ordinance (NAO), but in reality, they were just figureheads in the process.The real selectors were Nawaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari, who at the time did not hold any government position. But because of their grip over their Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) respectively, they had the final say in key decision making. Their concurrence without any hassle reflected the harmonious relations

26 US universities visit Millennium College

Islamabad : Keeping alive the rich legacy of college counselling for over 30years, students university applications support, portfolio building and global reach, Flagship Millennium College (MC) Campus I-9/3, Islamabad in collaboration with the United States Education Foundation Pakistan USEFP hosted the South Asia Tour 2019 in which 24 leading Universities from the United States of America participated and counselled students on one to one basis last day says a press release.Under the leadership, passion and vision of Sir Faisal Mushtaq, who acts as the National Guidance Counsellor for thousands of young learners, Millennium College is a global school/college committed to meeting the needs and ambitions of a diverse range of students by providing challenging academic programs underpinned by innovative research, scholarships and professional practice at home ground. The Millennium Colleges legacy of college applications, portfolio building support and student counselling has helped bri

SC to take up matter to determine length of life imprisonment time on October 2

Islamabad : The Supreme Court (SC) will take up next week an important matter relating to determination of length of time for life imprisonment.Chief Justice Asif Saeed Khan Khosa has constituted a seven-member larger bench which will take up the matter on October 2. The larger bench will be headed by Chief Justice and comprising Justice Manzoor Ahmed Malik, Justice Sardar Tariq Masood, Justice Faisal Arab, Justice Mazhar Lam Khan Miankhel, Justice Sajjad Ali Shah and Justice Qazi Muhammad Amin Ahmed.In this respect notices have been issued to Attorney General, advocate generals of all the four provinces as well as Islamabad and prosecutor generals of Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan. It is to recall that on July 29 the apex court had issued directives for constitution of a larger bench in order to determine the exact length of life imprisonment sentence.A three-member bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice Asif Saeed Khan Khosa heard a petition, praying for reducing life sentenc

India could not justify world concerns over abuses in IOK: Rehman Malik

Islamabad :In a strong reaction to the Indian allegations against Pakistan in United National General Assembly, Chairman Senate’s Committee on Interior Senator Rehman Malik said that as usual India tried to divert the world’s attention towards the typical issues been crafted and associated with Pakistan to avert the world’s attention from the sieged Kashmir.He said that ironically the Indian representative read out the anti-Pakistan narrative been crafted to put Pakistan on the grey list of FATF.Rehman Malik said that India could not justify the world concerns over the brutalities of Indian forces against oppressed Kashmiris who are struggling for their legitimate right of self-determination duly passed by UNSC.Senator Rehman Malik said that Indian forces are committing unprecedented brutalities in terms of mass murdering, mass blinding through pelleting, rapes, tortures, enforced disappearances, political repression and suppression of freedom of speech and the complete lockdown of the

‘The Wandering Earth’ — science fiction from China

Islamabad :Pakistan National Council of the Arts and Embassy of People's Republic of China join hands in screened movie 'The Wandering Earth' in PNCA Auditorium on Friday (September 27) at 7 pm.Directed by Frant Gwo, and released this year worldwide, the film has become a smash hit. Made at a budget of $50 million, the film has earned over $700 million so far. Without revealing the plot details, it is about the evil sun threatening mother earth. The film takes us to the uncertain future where astronauts and their workers must come in fast action. ‘The Wandering Earth’ is not just an ordinary science fiction but a spectacular to be seen. For science fiction movie addicts, it is pure fun from beginning to the end.Director Frant Gwo adored science fictions and he studied the genre thoroughly time and time again till it became part of his life. Scientists were invited both during pre-production and production as consultants. The production team created details with maps and sub