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Showing posts from October, 2019

NA body proposes watchdog for hostels

Islamabad :The National Assembly Standing Committee on Law and Justice on Thursday recommended the establishment of the Hostel Regulatory Authority for making rules, ensuring the protection of women inmates and checking the mushroom growth of privately-owned women's hostels.Committee chairman Riaz Fityana, who chaired the meeting, said the private hostels for women lacked security, while there were also reports of harassment of those women.He directed the commerce secretary to write a letter to provincial governments and federal ministry of human rights to ensure the protection of women residing in the hostels.The meeting unanimously adopted a resolution strongly condemning the alleged fixation of surveillance cameras in the washrooms of a university in Balochistan.The committee directed the chief minister of Balochistan to investigate the issue and produce a detailed report.It called for the protection of working women, especially those living in women's hostels.The committee

Zia Batool permanent PEIRA chief

Islamabad: The Ministry of Professional and Technical Training has finally appointed Zia Batool as the permanent chairperson of the Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority for three years with handsome MP-II salary and fringe benefits.Zia Batool currently works as the Punjab Higher Education's director-general.The last permanent PEIRA chief was Atif Mehmood Kayani, who had abandoned the office in June 2013 after he came in for strong criticism from the Supreme Court over a mere 14 years education, including a bachelor’s degree with very low grades.The ministry, which has the administrative control of the PEIRA, advertised the post before shortlisting applicants and interviewing them last month. from The News International - Islamabad https://ift.tt/2r1PJus

Painting award announcement on November 19

Islamabad: The Gallery 6 will announce the Arjumand Painting Award 2019 at the Islamabad Art Festival on November 19 at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts.The first round of judgment was held earlier this month shortlisting 44 artists.The selected ones submitted their respective paintings between October 20 and 30 at the gallery. The award was meant to emphasise the importance of classical painting among new, emerging and recently established artists. from The News International - Islamabad https://ift.tt/2oyznbK

HEC, NCSW to establish public library, women’s museum

Islamabad: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) have agreed to collaborate to set up a Public Library and Women’s Museum/Archives in Islamabad.The agreement was signed by Dr Tariq Banuri, Chairman HEC and Ms Khawar Mumtaz, Chairperson NCSW during a ceremony held at HEC Secretariat on Wednesday.As per Document of Understanding (DoU), the two sides seek to establish a library, museum, and archive to support education, research and training on women’s role and contribution to the country’s progress. from The News International - Islamabad https://ift.tt/2N7KQbX

ITP to update citizens about traffic on social media

Islamabad: Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) will update citizens about traffic situation on roads during Azadi March of JUI-F through its pages on social media and official website.According to details, citizens may visit official website of ITP (www. islamabadtrafficpolice.gov.pk) or visit face book page of Islamabad traffic police or twitter handler @SSPTIP.Moreover, ITP FM Radio 92.4 can be also tuned to get the latest information about situation on roads.Police spokesman said that ITP had taken special measures to ensure convenience to road users as per directions of IGP Islamabad Muhammad Aamir Zulfiqar and SSP (Traffic) Farrukh Rasheed. from The News International - Islamabad https://ift.tt/2N2gFCT

Govt schools to open today

RAWALPINDI: The local management has announced to open all educational institutions in Rawalpindi today (Friday), while All Pakistan Private Schools Federation (APPSF) has announced to close down schools till Monday.According to spokesman of city district government, Rawalpindi, all educational institutions will remain opened on Friday (today). from The News International - Islamabad https://ift.tt/2oAr3s9

‘Islamophobia created to serve certain ends’

Islamabad :Polarisation between Islamic and the Western civilisation is not natural and instead, it has been created purposefully by the global economic elite to achieve certain economic, political and strategic goals, insisted Dr Tamara Sonn, the professor of History of Islam at Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University, Washington DC.She was speaking at the Dr Mumtaz Ahmad Memorial Symposium organised by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) here on ‘Islam, Politics, and Contemporary Societies’.The session was chaired by Dr Anis Ahmad, vice-chancellor, Riphah International University (RIU), and addressed by Khalid Rahman, executive president of the IPS, Dr Ejaz Akram, adviser at the Faculty of Contemporary Studies, National Defence University (NDU), Islamabad, and Dr Safeer Awan of the National University of Modern Languages (NUML), Islamabad.Dr Sonn, in the keynote speech, said the roots of the term ‘Islamic extremism’ were political rather than natural and th

Bilquis Gul (1923-2018)

Islamabad Bilquis Gul passed away in Islamabad on October 31, 1918. Born in Batala, East Punjab as Bilquis Akhtar, she did her Adeeb Alam/Adeeb Fazil (equivalent of F.A). Got married in 1940 at an early age of 17 to Agha Gul (who later shined as G.A. Gul — film producer-distributor-cinema and studios owner). Her ‘baraat’ dazzled with guests from Peshawar and Lahore. Agha Gul’s father, Col. Ghulam Mohammad, physician to Afghan king, lead the ‘baraat’ procession. Bilquis Akhtar now Bilquis Gul, shifted to Peshawar and began her domestic life, which continued till the end.As a son, I saw her working in the kitchen from early morning till late night. As the time dragged on, her only passion and commitment in life was to run the household and raise four children (Riaz Gul, Fayyaz Gul, Aijaz Gul and Farida Haroon).G.A. Gul’s passions for movie business knew no limits. He hired cinemas in Peshawar on weekly rental and ran films as third party, many a time films came on credit from his Guru Se

Shafqat, WB team discuss ways to end ‘learning poverty’

Islamabad : Federal Minister of Federal Education and Professional Training Shafqat Mahmood led a critical dialogue with World Bank President David Malpass and his high-level delegation on how to ensure all Pakistani children read by the age of 10 years.The meeting was also attended by Planning, Development and Reforms Minister Khusro Bakhtiar, Higher Education Commission Chairman Dr Tariq Banuri and provincial education and finance ministers along with their respective secretaries.The two sides discussed critical actions required by the government to help Pakistan come out of its ‘learning poverty’.It was agreed that helping children achieve their full learning potential is critical and requires effective use of technical and financial resources.The education minister said quality education was the single key factor required for building human capital."The government is ensuring the equality of opportunities geographically and across various streams of education," he said.Th

Cuba to enhance ties with Pakistan in various fields

Islamabad :Cuba wanted to enhance its cooperation with Pakistan in biotechnology, healthcare, trade, investment and other sectors as both countries have good potential to cooperate with each other in multiple fields to achieve beneficial results. This was said by Dr. Roberto Morales Ojeda, Vice President of Cuba while addressing the business community at Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI). Gabriel Tiel Capote Ambassador of Cuba in Pakistan, Alberto Blanco Silva Director of Asia and Oceania Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cuba, Dr. Nestor Marimon Torres Director of International Relations Ministry of Public Health of Cuba and others were in his delegation.Vice President of Cuba said that promoting bilateral trade should be the key focus of both countries as Cuba and Pakistan could exchange many products and services with each other including natural health products. He said that Cuba was analysing the contracting manufacturing with Pakistan for some pharma products. He s

HEC, Huawei launch train the trainers training for Artificial Intelligence

Islamabad : Huawei Technologies Pakistan Pvt (Ltd.) and HEC jointly organised the first Train the Trainers Training for HCIA – AI at HEC Headquarters, Islamabad.Inauguration ceremony was held here on Thursday HEC Chairman Dr. Tariq Banuri, and CEO Huawei Pakistan Saif Chi, delegates from various universities and other related personnel from the HEC and Huawei attended the event.Dr. Tariq Banuri during his address to the trainees mentioned the importance of AI in building a better environment not only in the education sector of Pakistan but also the overall R&D and funding structure of all the university projects by HEC. He specifically mentioned the importance of the close relationship between the industry and academia to achieve the right targets.Saif Chi, while welcoming and congratulating all the trainees for being selected for this prestigious training mentioned the usefulness of artificial intelligence in building bridges for solving various problems faced by the country and a

AIOU begins appointment of tutors

Islamabad :Allama Iqbal Open University announced that it has formally started process of appointing part-time tutors on country-wide basis, among the newly registered ones.The registration of new tutors was carried out through a prescribed E-registration database process, on basis of the required qualification and experience of each applicant.The new scheme of tutors’ appointment will be implemented with the start of new study period, that begins from November one, in case of Matric and FA programmes.This is a major initiative taken by the Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Zia-Ul-Qayyum, aimed at upgrading professional standard of teaching, so as to achieve the stipulated target of the quality education.Through a systemic process, the University tried to appoint competent tutors, as per their qualification and experience. This was also part of the university’s overall digital transformation plan, taking place at the various levels to make the distance learning system more credible and wor

FBISE announces SSC Supplementary exams result

Islamabad :The result of Secondary School Certificate (SSC) Supplementary Examination, 2019 of Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE), which was held in the months of September-October has been announced on Thursday.According to the result details, a total of 10,200 candidates had appeared in the SSC supplementary examination, out of which 4939 students have passed in all papers. The overall passing percentage remained 48.42 percent, said a press release issued here. from The News International - Islamabad https://ift.tt/34eWI1e

Looking at China as it is

Brigadier (r) Abdur Rehman Tarrar wrote ‘Cheenami’ to present what China in reality is, which is way different from the perception created by west.The book has 16 chapters, out of which five are about Chinese history, with first two about my motivation of writing in Urdu and about China. Thereafter, book is all about geo politics with focus on China’s past, present and future designs and challenges. Discussion on how successfully world is made to believe that China has colonial ambitions is phenomenal.First chapter mainly is meant for Pakistani audience, who are sometimes forced to see China and Chinese through western lenses. The two nations are being targeted by the west with their regional allies with narratives designed to create fear of China taking over other countries.Stories of massive debt traps which is beyond Pakistan’s capacity to pay and Pakistan being left with no option than to compromise on its sovereignty were critically evaluated.Here, the writer also questioned Pakis

CM orders removal of Nowshera Medical College BoG chairman

PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Mahmood Khan finally took notice of the alleged irregularities and illegal appointments in the Nowshera Medical College (NMC) and its teaching hospital, Qazi Hussain Ahmad Medical Complex, and removed Gulrez Hakim Khan from his position as chairman of the Board of Governors (BoG).Sources at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat told The News that Mahmood Khan signed the summary on Wednesday to remove Gulrez Hakim from his position. The summary was dispatched to the Health Secretariat for further action.They said the chief minister was earlier a bit reluctant to take action against the BoG chairman and other issues of serious nature in Nowshera Medical College as he knew that majority of the board members, including the chairman, were appointed with the consent of ex-chief minister, Pervez Khattak. He didn’t want to annoy Pervez Khattak.“However, the chief minister was convinced that issues in Nowshera Medical College were now damaging his reputation as people suspec

World Bank chief impressed by Tarbela

PESHAWAR: World Bank President David R Malpass on Thursday visited Tarbela Dam and had a round of the main dam and the power house of Tarbela 4th Extension Hydropower Project.According to a handout, Federal Minister for Water Resources Muhammad Faisal Vawda, Federal Secretary Muhammad Ashraf, WAPDA Chairman Lt Gen (Retd) Muzammil Hussain and World Bank senior officials accompanied him during the visit.The World Bank president expressed his pleasure over completion of Tarbela 4th Extension Hydropower Project within the timeframe and less than the estimated cost, adding that the work on the project was impressive.He lauded the efforts of government of Pakistan, particularly Ministry of Water Resources and Minister Faisal Vawda for improvement of water resources in Pakistan.The World Bank chief appreciated the efforts of Ministry of Water Resources for resolving the issues in relation to completion of Dassu Hydropower Project, construction of dams and other related projects.The team of Wo

Oghi TMA directed to cope with fire emergencies

MANSEHRA: Assistant Commissioner Mohammad Shojeen Wistro on Thursday directed the Oghi tehsil municipal administration to keep fire tenders in working condition so that they could be utilised during the blaze and other incidents happening in the tehsil. “I want fire brigades standby to cope with any situation any time as we would also hold mock exercise to enhance working skills of fire tenders,” Wistro told a meeting held to review the situation after a fire incident. The officials of tehsil municipal administration and others were also in attendance. He said in future no excuse about the fault of fire tenders would be accepted as those vehicles were provided to TMA to meet emergency needs. from The News International - Peshawar https://ift.tt/2PBdynd

Deworming campaign receives discouraging response in Haripur

HARIPUR: A school-based deworming campaign of the provincial government received a discouraging response from parents in the district on Thursday as many forced children to stay at home while teams visited schools to administer anti-worm pills to kids.The provincial government has launched the deworming campaign in 19 districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In Haripur, the teachers of government schools were to administer pills to all the students aged 5 to 15 years. However, the campaign witnessed a discouraging response as most of the schools witnessed 50 percent or less attendance of students. According to official sources, the parents were not ready to get children administered the deworming pills. According to some of the teachers, parents were approached and questioned about the absence of their children.The parents’ response was based on apprehensions attached to such massive campaigns conducted in the past, especially the polio drives. A teacher from a primary school of Alooli village

Khanzada Khan insists can’t even think of leaving PPP

MARDAN: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP)’s former senator Khanzada Khan said on Thursday that it was his moral obligation to resign from the Senate after his son joined the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).Talking to The News, he said he had spent most part of his life in the PPP and would like to remain in it. “I can’t even think of leaving the party,” he insisted.Khanzada Khan said he was elected senator on the PPP ticket and when his son joined PTI he opted to quit his Senate seat on moral grounds.He claimed he faced hurdles and financial problems when his party and party leadership were in crises, but he braved all the odds and remained associated with the PPP.Sources close to Khanzada Khan told The News that in the intra-party election, the PPP was divided into three groups. Khanzada had supported Humayun Khan for the office of provincial president of the party.They said after the intra-party polls, the grouping continued and the rival groups started creating hurdles for Khanzada Khan.

Dassu hydropower project: Official says 9,000-acre land acquisition in progress

MANSEHRA: Upper Kohistan Deputy Commissioner Arif Khan Yousafzai has said that the district administration is acquiring over 9000 acres of land for 4300 megawatts Dassu hydropower project.“We have been facing some issues in the acquisition of land as Upper Kohistan, where this dam is being built, an unsettled area as for as land is concerned but even then we have successfully acquired 730 acres of land and the construction work is well underway,” Yousafzai told reporters on Thursday.The official said since he assumed office a month ago, there were hurdles in the acquisition of the land for the mega energy project but he settled all those outstanding issues through local jirga and now work was in progress on the site.“I know jirga system is very much powerful in Kohistan and I have settled land issues with locals through jirga,” he added.The official said the project would not only bring about revolutionary economic and social changes in the lives of the locals but also would meet the e

Opposition parties’ workers proceed to Islamabad for Azadi March

PESHAWAR: Several big processions under the banner of different opposition parties, mainly Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) and Awami National Party (ANP) Thursday left for Islamabad to join the Azadi March.The main procession from Peshawar started from the Ring Road where the main office of JUI-F is located. It was led by the provincial leaders of the JUI-F.The ANP procession had left for the federal capital before that of the JUI-F.The ANP activists started the journey from Peshawar in the form of a cavalcade having hundreds of vehicles. It joined the main procession in Charsadda comprising of thousands of vehicles and led by the provincial chief of the party Aimal Wali Khan.The central president of the party, Asfandyar Wali Khan, heading another big vehicular procession joined the marchers at the Rashakai Interchange in Nowshera district.The JUI-F convoys, on the other hand, were a bit late. The processions from southern districts of the province under the leadership of the senior

Breast cancer kills 40,000 women in Pakistan every year

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Medical University (KMU)’s Institute of Basic Medical Sciences (IBMS) in collaboration with Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital and Research Centre Peshawar marked the Breast Cancer Awareness Month by organising a one-day seminar here at multi-purposes hall of the university.Prof Dr Arshad Javaid, Vice-Chancellor, KMU, as chief guest and Director IRNUM, Peshawar Dr Akifullah Khan, renowned Oncologists Dr Safoora Shahid, Dr Nabila Javed and Dr Asif Ali also spoke to the awareness seminar.Registrar Prof Dr Muhammad Saleem Gandapur, Director IBMS Dr Zille Huma, heads of different institutes, faculty and several students were present as well. Dr Arshad Javaid said the prevention of breast cancer may not be possible, but early diagnosis could easily minimise the risk factors.He said the major mandate of a university is to disseminate knowledge and to train the relevant human staff with the help of modern technology in the right direction to coup with the challenges confron

Research conference concludes at SBBWU

PESHAWAR: The three-day 5th International Multidisciplinary Research Conference (IMRC) on Global Prosperity through Research and Sustainable Development concluded at the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University.The event was jointly organised with Sarhad University of Science & Technology (SUIT), Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan (Awkum) and the University of Malakand under a series of conferences aimed to provide a multidisciplinary platform to the research community on a large scale.The conference provided a forum to the researchers to present research work and contribute to the socio-economic development.It provided an opportunity for sharing knowledge and experience to inspire young researchers and scientists for playing their role in research for sustainable development.The event was aimed at the promotion of interdisciplinary interactions and discussion on issues related to global prosperity to attain sustainable development goal (SDGs) through research.A total 360 papers were

Limited bail after Nawaz started battling for life

ISLAMABAD: Deposed Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has to undergo a long ordeal and spend a long time, forcefully arguing in superior courts through his counsel, to secure bail on health grounds, and he has been granted a limited release only after he has landed in an extremely critical condition in which he is fighting for life like never before.He is unlikely to approach the Punjab government for extension of the release period after the end of the eight-week bail given by the Islamabad High Court (IHC).His lead lawyer Khawaja Haris also made it clear during the proceedings that it would not be advisable to forward the matter to the government which is "utterly against the Sharifs". A judge then remarked that the prime minister and chief minister do not belong to a party but to the entire country and province. However, Haris pointed out that the Attorney General had even objected to the interim bail granted to Nawaz Sharif by the IHC. "We have come to the court. Kindly dec

Efforts on to develop Lower Kohistan

MANSEHRA: Deputy Commissioner Sahibzada Najeebullah Khan has said that the government is working to bring Lower Kohistan on a par with other districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Speaking at a public forum in Shakrugukund near Dubair on Wednesday, he said that roads infrastructure was being developed in such a difficult terrain where people couldn’t even imagine civic services in the past. District Police Officer Suleman Khan, speaking on the occasion, said: “We will ensure that all development schemes approved for the district could be executed in time and people could enjoy all sorts of amenities,” he added. Earlier, locals highlighted the problems related to health, education and other sectors. from The News International - Peshawar https://ift.tt/2WuhKpW

Murder accused gets life imprisonment

BUREWALA: Model Court Burewala Additional District and Sessions Judge Saleem Iqbal Wednesday awarded life imprisonment to an accused of a murder case. Accused Sapna Bhand, Niaz Joyia, Zeeshan Shani Dogar and Shabbir had shot dead student leader Sadaqat Khan in 2018. The court awarded life imprisonment to Sapna Bhand and also imposed Rs 300,000 fine on him. The court acquitted Shabbir giving him the benefit of the doubt. from The News International - Peshawar https://ift.tt/2qanWY5

Lower Dir shopkeepers asked to display price lists

PESHAWAR: The officials of district administration in Lower Dir and Food Department visited the fruit and vegetable market at Timergara and monitored all the bidding process of fruits and vegetables at the time of auction. The officials analysed the various prices of daily commodities and directed the shopkeepers to display the price-lists for the information of masses. from The News International - Peshawar https://ift.tt/2N3k3NP

PIMS makes arrangements for JUI-F ‘Azadi’ March

Islamabad:All the staff members at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences have been asked to remain vigilant from Wednesday onwards particularly till the movement of participants of ‘Azadi’ March announced by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam – Fazl (JUI-F) while the hospital has allocated as many as 80 beds for any emergency.The hospital staff is ready to provide medical cover to participants of the March or any other person including police staff or government employees on duty and additional medicines have already been arranged in emergency department to deal with any extra burden, said Deputy Director at PIMS Dr. Waseem Ahmed Khawaja while talking to ‘The News’ on Wednesday.It is important that the PIMS administration had already put hospital on high alert from Wednesday onwards in connection with JUI-F gathering in Islamabad. Additional quantity of fluids and injections for first aid have been stored at emergency and phone numbers of al concerned staff members have been highlighted in PIMS exc

Let’s make breast cancer a disease of the past, says first lady

Islamabad:Pakistani women play a key role in the development of the country; as such, they need to be cautious about any initial abnormality and complication that has the potential to incapacitate and restrict their contribution. Women above 40 years of age must have a mammography once a year to make breast cancer a disease of the past.First Lady Samina Arif Alvi disseminated this message while addressing participants of an awareness seminar on breast cancer here at Shifa International Hospital (SIH) on Wednesday. She advised all stakeholders to be part of this national cause and recommended regular examination for breast cancer patients.As per the special directive of President Arif Alvi, the government is closely pursuing the Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign to maximize the possibilities of breast cancer’s early detection, as there are more than 80 percent chances of complete survival if diagnosed at an early stage,” Samina said. She urged the private healthcare sector to share their

Educational institutions to remain closed in Pindi today

Rawalpindi:The Deputy Commissioner (DC), Rawalpindi Saifullah Dogar has issued a notification to close down all educational institutions (private and government) because of the JUI(F) ‘Azadi March’ today (Thursday).The local management has taken this decision on the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar. According to the notification all educational institutions i.e. universities, colleges and schools (private and government) located in the jurisdiction of Rawalpindi District shall remain closed on October 31, 2019.‘Azadi March’ of Maulana Fazlur Rehman is expected to reach capital today. The sources from Metro Bus Authority (MBA) told 'The News' that metro bus service will also remain suspend on October 31 Thursday to avoid law and order situation. from The News International - Islamabad https://ift.tt/2PxJ7hG

Capital’s private schools announce closure

Islamabad:The local private schools have announced that they will keep campuses closed for the safety of students.However, there is no official word about the government's educational institutions in this respect. Most private colleges and universities have also announced the closure of campuses today (Thursday).Islamabad Private Schools Association president Zofran Elahi announced on Wednesday that as the anti-government protest could cause a law and order situation in the capital city, it had been decided that all local private schools would remain closed on October 31 and November 1. He said the reopening of schools would be decided by the association in light of the law and order situation. from The News International - Islamabad https://ift.tt/2BV4ilG

President lauds Cuban scholarships for Pakistani medical students

Islamabad:President Dr. Arif Alvi on Wednesday appreciated the Cuban scholarship programme for the Pakistani medical students offered after the October 2005 earthquake.Talking to Cuban Vice President Roberto Morales Odeja, who called on him here at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, the president said the doctors, after graduating from Cuba, were playing a significant role in the health sector of Pakistan.He said the decades' old friendship between Pakistan and Cuba was based on the shared ideals of respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, peaceful co-existence, equality and mutual benefit.The president also apprised the Cuban dignitary on the precarious situation in the occupied Jammu and Kashmir in the wake of unilateral and illegal steps by India to alter the internationally recognised disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir. from The News International - Islamabad https://ift.tt/2JzG3hh

Light rain forecast

Islamabad: As the JUI-F’s anti-government rally is set to reach Islamabad today (Thursday), the Met Office has forecast light rain at night promising further chill in the air.It's not clear if the marchers will stay on the streets or return but if the leadership asks them to stay put, the rain can catch them unawares. No tents have been put up at the protest site near Peshawar Morr, so the protesters will have to put up with the cold weather in the open after the rainfall.According to a weatherman, a westerly wave was present in the upper parts of the country that was likely to affect western parts in the next 24-36 hours. He said partly cloudy and dry weather was expected in Islamabad on Thursday but there was a likelihood of light rain falling during the nighttime. The daytime is a little warm in Islamabad but the nights are windy and cold prompting residents to cover themselves before stepping out. from The News International - Islamabad https://ift.tt/2JBIIHc

AIOU postpones exams of next three days

Islamabad: Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) has postponed its exams (Semester spring 2019) that were scheduled to take place during the next three days, on country-wide basis on anticipation of law and order situation.According to a notification issued here by the Department of the examinations, the University had rescheduled the on-going examination of FA and BA program. The exams that were fixed for October 31, November 1 and 2, will now be held on December 17, 18 and 19, respectively. The timing of the re-scheduled exams will be the same, as per the date-sheet issued earlier. The roll slips will be valid for postponed exams as well. The students have been conveyed the same through SMS’s messages, said Controller Examination Sohail Nazir Rana. from The News International - Islamabad https://ift.tt/2C15yDG

Thai Buddhist leader meets president

Islamabad:A 15-member Thai delegation led by the country's Buddhist leader, Arayawangso, called on President Dr. Arif Alvi at the Aiwan-e-Sadr.The president said Pakistan had a rich multicultural heritage and there were various Gandharaheritage sites all over the country. He highlighted the opening of the Kartarpur corridor and facilitation being extended by the Government to religious pilgrims and tourists.The delegates thanked the president for the hospitality extended by the Government of Pakistan and hoped that the visit would encourage tourists from Thailand and other countries to visit Pakistan and study its ancient Gandhara civilisation. The Buddhist leader is on a five-day visit to Pakistan. from The News International - Islamabad https://ift.tt/2WrI6sV

Lok Virsa revamps diorama on sufis, shrines

Islamabad:The National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa) on Wednesday revamped a spacious three-dimensional diorama on 'Sufis and Shrines' within its Pakistan National Museum of Ethnology, popularly known as the Heritage Museum, at Shakarparian.The diorama depicts the contributions and messages of great Sufi saints. Here, one can visit and see the architecture with intricate minor work done in an artistic way. There were also pigeons landmark, which looked as real as one can see in the shrines.In the portion presenting the Sindh province, there were musicians standing in performing posture singing renditions of Sufi saints like Laal Shahbaz Qalandar, Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai and Sachal Sarmast. Outstanding Sindhi folk artist and performer Alan Faqir was among one of them.Under Punjab, pictures of shrines of Hazrat Data Gunj Baksh, Shah Rukne Alam and Sheikh Bahauddin Zakaria were on display. Malangs and faqirs, who form an integral part of shrines, were also

Pakistan is important knot in BRI

Islamabad:Head of international media affair, Huawei, Mr. Guo Fulin has said that Pakistanis in very important knot in Belt and Road Initiative, it has great potential in 5G and it need to look at the trends of technology development and make the good preparation.While talking to media delegation visiting Huawei headquarter, Shenzhen, China Guo Fulin said that I think one priority for Pakistan is how to ensure you have sufficient talent which know technologies and understand the skill sets of this latest technology. once those preparation ready, once 5G AI CLOUD become commercially used globally, those experiences and especially with Huawei global experience, as I have said, we have more than 60 commercial contracts, many of the commercial contracts has been into the commercial use, and those experiences either in developed or in developing countries, like Huawei has huge experience in China, we could share many of these experiences to Pakistan.He said that Huawei has built two safe ci

Turkish republic day marked

Islamabad:The Turkish embassy marked the country's republic day on its lush-green lawns here on Tuesday night.Federal minister for Power and Petrolium Omar Ayub was the chief guest at the event, where many federal and provincial ministers were also in attendance. Senior military and civilian officials, diplomats and people from different walks of life also showed up.Turkish Ambassador Mustafa Yurdakul read out the message of his country's president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and said Pakistan held a special place for Turkey and Turkish diplomacy and the bilateral relations would continue to grow.He said Turkey and Pakistan had always been with each other through thick and thin and had never denied their mutual support. "We (Turkey) will continue to stand side by side with Pakistan in any time of need in the future as well," he said.The envoy said Proclamation of the Republic represented the launch of the fundamental modernisation process in Turkey. He said the Turkish nat

Comsats strengthens ties with Jordan

Islamabad: With the aim to deepen cooperation between COMSATS and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan for the mutual benefit, the Executive Director COMSATS, Dr. S.M. Junaid Zaidi, invited the Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to Pakistan, Maj. Gen. (r) Ibrahim Yala Al Madani, to COMSATS Secretariat, says a press release.During the meeting held in the presence of Dr. Maen Khareasat, Deputy Head of Mission/Minister Plenipotentiary at the Embassy of Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in Islamabad and COMSATS’ officials, the Ambassador was given a briefing on Comsats’ on-going programmes and future initiatives. In particular, the undertakings of Comsats’ Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability (CCCS) were highlighted. CCCS is established by COMSATS as an institutional platform for coordination, advocacy, regional and international partnerships for addressing climate-related challenges.The discussions during the meeting focused on enhancing collaboration between Jordanian universitie

ICCI urges govt to compensate victims of weekly bazar

Islamabad :Muhammad Ahmed Waheed, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI) has called upon the government to compensate Itwar Bazaar fire affected traders for business losses as they needed financial support to revive their businesses. He said this while talking to fire incident affected traders during his visit to H-9 Itwar Bazaar. Tahir Abbasi Senior Vice President, Khalid Chaudhry former Vice President and Saeed Ahmed Bhatti former Vice President ICCI were also present at the occasion.Muhammad Ahmed Waheed said that this was the fourth fire incident in H-9 Itwar Bazaar, which should be a cause of concern for CDA, MCI and the local administration. He said that CDA and MCI had conducted inquiries of previous fire incidents in H-9 Sunday Bazaar, but neither any inquiry report was made public nor responsibility was fixed on any one. He stressed upon the Chairman CDA and Mayor Islamabad to arrange a judicial inquiry of the recent fire incident in H-9 Itwar Bazaar. H

First ever International Islamabad Art Festival to start from Nov 18

Islamabad :The first-ever International Islamabad Art Festival 2019 (IAF-19) will be held in the federal capital from November 18 to 30, aiming to celebrate diversity and creativity in all forms of visual and performing arts.In a press briefing here on Wednesday, president and chief curator of IAF-19 Jamal Shah said the festival was being organised by consortium of public and private educational institutions, art galleries and artist associations from across the country in collaboration with foreign embassies, with generous support from the corporate sector.Renowned artist Jamal Shah who was also former Director General Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) said IAF-19 was a collaborative project and would be hosted in several locations in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, including museums, art galleries, educational institutions and public parks.He said the festival would be inaugurated on November 18 at Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), and would continue for a full 13 da

NAVTTC plans reforms in skill development sector

Islamabad:Under the 'Hunarmand Jawan' initiative, the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission will embark on a comprehensive reforms process of the country's skill development sector to make it compatible with the requirements of the huge youth population as well as domestic and international job markets.The programme is part of the government's recently announced 'Kamyab Jawan' initiative. A consultative meeting to discuss the project concept (PC-1) of the NAVTTC for implementation of the programme was held here on Tuesday.It was attended by various stakeholders of the technical and vocational TVET sector from all the provinces and regions to make collaborative and coordinated efforts for making this mega project more effective and meaningful for the socio-economic empowerment of youth across Pakistan.Addressing the meeting, Special Assistant to Prime Minister Usman Dar said the unique and ambitious programme was aimed at skilling our most preciou

Iqra University holds alumni meet

Islmabad: The Islamabad Campus of Iqra University (IU) organised its annual alumni reunion here Tuesday at the main campus of the university, says a press release.Dr Muhammad Islam, vice president of the Iqra University, was the chief guest at the event.Dr Islam welcomed the old students, saying that the university’s aim was to equip the students academically and to hone their skills that may become a powerful tool for them. He added the university’s vision included preparing students for facing challenges.The official Alumni Meetup of 2019 was attended by over one thousand graduates of the university from different departments and batches over the years. During the event, the students met their beloved preceptors whereas the teachers were tremendously delighted to see their pupils so successful.The former graduates enjoyed their dinner with the melodies of the remarkable ‘Laal Band’, which came all the way from Lahore to perform live in the event.At the end, Department of Industrial L

Naruhito commences new imperial era of Reiwa

Crown Prince Naruhito became the 126th Emperor of Japan on May 1st, 2019, starting the new imperial era of Reiwa (beautiful harmony). However, the ceremonies for his ascent to the throne took place on October 22nd at the Imperial Palace, along with around 2,500 domestic and foreign dignitaries. The dignitaries included 32 royalty leaders (13 kings, 7 queens, 9 princes, 3 princesses), 53 heads of state and government (35 Presidents, 6 Vice presidents, 12 prime ministers), 20 governmental representatives (5 former presidents, 7 deputy leaders, 8 ministers) and 4 multilateral leaders.Usually a Japanese emperor does not ascend to the throne until his predecessor had died, and only after a full year of mourning. This meant that it was always at least a year before the succession ceremonies would be held. Due to the abdication of Emperor Emeritus Akihito, the ceremonies for Emperor Naruhito are being held in the same year as his succession. Readers may recall that Emperor Akihito of Japan ha

Hashoo Group offers markdown

Islamabad:Hashoo Group signs MoU for Pearl-Continental Hotels with Faysal Bank Limited (FBL), offering attractive dining discount at restaurants at Pearl-Continental Hotels across Pakistan, on all FBL Credit Cards and Platinum Debit Cards.According to the MoU signed between Pearl-Continental Hotels and Faysal Bank Limited (FBL), all FBL Credit Cards and Platinum Debit Card customers can now avail 40% discount on dining at Pearl-Continental Hotels.Additionally, FBL customers can also avail a 30% discount on rooms at Pearl-Continental Hotels in Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, and Muzaffarabad by using a promo code and booking only through the hotel’s website, for Fridays and Saturdays. The offer is valid from October 18 till December 31, 2019. from The News International - Islamabad https://ift.tt/2Pywv9O

People urged to follow teachings of Prophet

Islamabad:Custodian of Shrine of Hazrat Bari Imam Sarkar Peer Syed Haider Gillani said that Rabi-ul Awal is the month of birth of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), we should celebrate this month by following the teachings of the Prophet, says a press release.Talking to officials of Milad committees of capital at Peer House Bari Imam Sarkar, Peer Haider stated that Muslims all over the world are urged to get together and celebrate Eid-e-Milad un Nabi with religious fervor and come out of sectarianism. from The News International - Islamabad https://ift.tt/2pgmROF

No decision on school closures

Islamabad: Though the JUI-F workers are fast heading for Islamabad and the administration has placed shipping containers at the capital's entry points and alongside key roads for blockades, the regulators for local schools and colleges haven't decided yet whether to close campuses on October 31 when the marchers will reach the city.Parents are worried about the indecisiveness of the authorities and say they will send their children to schools and colleges tomorrow (Thursday) if not today (Wednesday) fearing for their lives."As trouble is in sight due to the Azadi March, we won't send children to school for their safety until we are satisfied with the law and order situation,” Muhammad Qasim, father of two schoolchildren, told 'The News'.He criticised the government, especially school regulators and district administration, for being undecided about the closure of campuses on October 31. from The News International - Islamabad https://ift.tt/32YMcLw

10 outlaws held

Islamabad: The Islamabad police on Tuesday arrested ten outlaws from various areas of the city and recovered stolen vehicle, bike, narcotics, valuables and weapons from them, a police spokesman said.He said that Golra Police arrested two accused Ali Zain and Ali Asghar and recovered two 30-bore pistols along with ammunition from their possession.CIA police arrested two motor bike lifters namely Mazher Mahmood and Jahnzaib and recovered stolen bike from their possession, while police also arrested accused Yar Jan and recovered one 30-bore illicit pistol from him. Shalimar police arrested accused Hassan Javid and recovered one 30-bore pistol from him. from The News International - Islamabad https://ift.tt/2PwWZsf

Olive Orchard set up at AIOU for academic experiment

Islamabad: An Olive Orchard has been inaugurated here Tuesday at Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU), which is to promote production of the olive fruit in the country.It is an extension of the University’s botanical garden for promoting academic research in gardening and horticulture sector.The AIOU's Olive Orchard will work as full-fledged nursery to give academic support to the students of agriculture sciences, said Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Zia-Ul-Qayyum at the inaugural ceremony that was largely attended by the officers and the employees.He assured that work force (gardeners) involved in its development will be fully encouraged and facilitated. He hoped that they will properly look after the Orchard that is hopefully to start producing the fruit within 3-4 years. A reasonable space has been allocated in the main Campus for its development and around 1500 saplings have been planted that have been made available with the support of National Olive Promotional Project.The Vice

Commercial activities halt as KP traders observe shutdown strike

PESHAWAR: Commercial activities remained suspended in the provincial capital and other parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Tuesday as traders began a two-day shutdown strike against the government’s “anti-traders policies” affecting businesses.Almost all the small and major markets and bazaars remained closed in Peshawar and other main cities and towns in KP on the call of All Pakistan Anjuman-i-Tajiran (APAT). A complete shutdown was observed in Khyber Bazaar, Ashraf Road, QissaKhwani Bazaar, ChowkYadgar, and elsewhere in the city and in Saddar in Peshawar.A small number of retailers, however, didn’t observe the strike. The protesting traders demanded the government to bring business-friendly policies as consumers have been affected due to the skyrocketing prices of essential commodities. They said the condition of production of CNIC by consumers on the purchase of goods worth Rs50,000 was totally unacceptable. The traders demanded the withdrawal of CNIC condition for retailers, the profes