The News Of Pakistan

MANSEHRA: Families of 26 people, who had drowned in the Tarbela lake when a ferry capsized near Haripur some three months ago, are still awaiting the compensation amount announced by chief minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after the tragedy struck. "I lost my son, his wife and their three sons in the incident but the government has not paid a single penny to me and the families of other victims," Rehmzar Khan told reporters in Torghar on Monday, adding most of the victims belonged to the Torghar district. The ferry was going to Haripur from Judbah in Torghar when it capsized in early July this year and 26 passengers, including women and children, drowned. The bodies of the victims could not be recovered despite making hectic efforts.Chief Minister Mahmood Khan had announced Rs0.5 million for the family of each dead, but the compensation amount has not been paid yet. from The News International - National https://ift.tt/2mwTtCo

PESHAWAR: The local police during an action in Hashtnagri recovered ammunition from a store and arrested one person on Monday. Hashtnagri police station in-charge Imaduddin told reporters that police during an action recovered 19 pistols and 18 rifles along with 2000 rounds from a shop in the area. One Sajjad was arrested.. from The News International - National https://ift.tt/2o58BHe

LAHORE: An accountability court on Monday confiscated properties belonging to Salman Shahbaz, son of Shahbaz Sharif, an accused of alleged money laundering and having assets beyond means.Previously, the court had issued orders to initiate proceedings to declare Salman an absconder and ordered to publish advertisements in this regard. The officials concerned informed the court that the advertisements have been placed outside the residence of Salman Shahbaz. After which the court issued orders to confiscate properties of Salman.The NAB prosecutor had informed the court that the NAB had issued six call-up notices to Salman Shahbaz, but he didn’t cooperate in the assets beyond means and money-laundering case. The prosecutor stated the suspect had fled and requested the court to order confiscation of his properties.Moreover, on August 5, the court had issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Salman and ordered the authorities to produce him before the court. from The News International - N...

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday allowed transfer of a case against chief of the banned organisation Jamaatud Dawa (JuD), Hafiz Saeed, from Gujranwala anti-terrorism court to Lahore.Chief Justice Sardar Shamim Khan issued this order on a petition of Hafiz Saeed, who pleaded that he was being kept in a jail in Lahore and was taken to Gujranwala for every hearing of the case in the court.He pointed out that appearing before the Gujranwala court was not suitable owing to security situation and his life might be at risk. He said since he had been held in a jail in Lahore, the case should also be shifted to the city. A lawyer for the government said that they had no objection to transfer of the case. The court accepted the petition and permitted transfer of case to Lahore. In July, Saeed was arrested in connection with the terrorism financing case while on his way from Lahore to Gujranwala. from The News International - National https://ift.tt/2njezo7

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...

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...

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...

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...

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

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

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 ...

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 ...

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,...

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...

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...

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

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...

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 ...

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...

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 ...

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...

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

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

LAHORE:On the directions of Chief Minister Usman Buzdar work to improve Thokar Niaz Baig intersection, especially with regard to traffic management and physical ambience of the area is being carried out by the Lahore Development Authority (LDA).LDA Director General Muhammad Usman Moazzam visited the site on Sunday and reviewed the work. He directed for strictly adhering to deadline and concluding all types of activities for beautification and uplifting of Thokar Niaz Baig junction within a fortnight.In order to give a fresh look to one-kilometre long three-line dual carriageway Thokar flyover, the director general ordered for painting the entire length of the flyover. He ordered for arranging ornamental lights and doing horticulture works in the area for giving it a green look.LDA Chief Engineer Mazhar Hussain Khan on the occasion said temporary encroachments underneath the flyover had been removed. Work was underway for setting up green areas along both sides of the canal and land was...

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,...

LAHORE:The Lahore Arts Council has always been at the forefront for providing quality and purposeful entertainment to the public. In this regard, children’s favourite show ‘Putli Tamasha’ (puppet show) was presented to children. The show was attended by a large number of children and adults at Alhamra Art Centre.Providing purposeful and meaningful entertainment to the masses through puppet shows is a centuries-old tradition. Lahore Arts Council is working day and night for the development of every area of arts and has always played a significant role. Various shows on different topics are being organised through puppet shows at Alhamra on every Sunday.In every puppet show, Alhamra has highlighted various issues like health, education and environment, etc. Children along with their parents are invited to attend the show on every Sunday. Puppet show is a regular feature of the LAC to promote culture and traditions with children in understanding their folk legacies which is an important p...

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: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 w...

LAHORE:A clinical workshop for the patients of dengue was held at Medical Unit-I of Lahore General Hospital (LGH).LGH MS Dr Mahmud Salah Uddin, doctors, nurses and paramedical staff were also present. The participants were given lectures by Dr Bilal Nasir and dengue expert team members who threw light on the symptoms, complications, precautionary measures and treatment of dengue disease.Post Graduate Medical Institute Principal Prof Dr Muhammad Alfareed Zafar stressed the need for the support from the general public to overcome the challenge of the dengue and said that every citizen should ensure proper cleanliness around their houses so that dengue mosquito could not flourish.He said “We should adopt all preventive measures to save ourselves from dengue.” The PGMI principal said special arrangements had been made at LGH and 40 beds allocated for dengue patients where doctors, nurses and other medical staff had been deputed round the clock.Prof Dr Alfareed Zafar assured that doctors an...

RAWALPINDI: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. W...

Islamabad:Unhygienic food outlets seemed to remain popular in twin cities due to their low prices despite practicing food adulteration in their kitchens.Regardless of the fact that eating at a roadside vendor or at small kiosks involves severe health threats, scores of people continue to visit them mainly because of low prices. Majority of the customers at these outlets are illiterate labourers working at under construction mega projects in the capital who prefer having meal at these points as majority of them looked for cheaper rates besides having no concept of hygienic food.The makeshift restaurants set up close to construction sites were often found operating near garbage dumps or overflowing gutters that can cause infectious diseases. Noor Khan, one regular customer of these kiosks told APP that due to being away from family he had no choice but to eat at such outlets for these joints were offering cheap rates for a meal that could only be afforded in his limited income.“Governmen...

On August 3, then minister for education and literacy Syed Sardar Shah in the Sindh cabinet announced his school education plan focusing on the enrollment of around 4.2 million out-of-school children. Two days later, he was removed from his post when a major cabinet reshuffle and Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, who already possessed all-important portfolios of home affairs, finance, planning, and development, kept the education ministry too.Critics say such decisions show the Sindh government’s non-seriousness towards education as the department is being run without the education minister despite the fact the province is far behind in a number of indicators, including access to education, quality and equity which measures progress against the goals set by Article 25-A of the Constitution of Pakistan, the Sindh Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2013, and the Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations.Though well-nigh all stakeholders, including the...

Some peripheral areas of Karachi including Gulshan-e-Hadeed and Gadap Town received mild rainfall on Sunday afternoon.Most of the areas of the city did not receive any rain on Sunday. However, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, it may rain in the city on or after October 4 due to another weather system.Met Office director Sardar Sarfraz shared that the Gulshan-e-Maymar, Super Highway and Gulshan-e-Hadeed areas received trace rain, which could not be recorded.The low pressure area, according to Sarfraz, was earlier present in the north-east Arabian Sea and Karachi was under its extension area. The system has further moved towards Indian Gujrat and its leftover extension caused rainfall in the eastern side of the city on Sunday, he said.“This wasn’t a very significant happening, hence, it wasn’t [properly] forecast,” he said. Sarfraz explained that the sea breeze was expected to resume completely after today (Monday). He added that the current monsoon system had now mov...

An employee of the Karachi Water & Sewerage Board (KWSB) died mysteriously due to a bullet wound in the Landhi area on Sunday.The incident took place at a house located in Christian Colony located near Bhosa Mandi, Bhens Colony No 8 within the limits of the Sukkan police station. The victim, 50-year-old Ishaq Masih, son of Sardar Masih, was hit by a bullet and died shortly after it. He was the father of three children.The body was transported to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) for an autopsy. A police team visited the crime scene to collect evidence. They recorded statements of the family members. According to the police, Ishaq was an employee of the KWSB and was asleep on the roof of his house when he was hit by the bullet and died.The police said they had also found an empty shell of a pistol from the scene and sent it to the forensic division. A case has been registered while further investigations are under way.Mugging bidA 25-year-old soldier of the Pakistan Army, As...

The body of a minor boy who had drowned in the Lyari River a couple of days ago was fished out of the river on Sunday.The seven-year-old boy, namely Sufiyan, son of Karamat, had drowned on Friday while playing near the Lyari River in the Teen Hatti area, which falls within the jurisdiction of the PIB Colony police station.Responding to the initial information received whereby three children had drowned, rescuers from different welfare associations as well as police officials had reached the scene of the incident.However, two of the children were safely rescued, while the third one, Sufiyan, remained missing as the rescuers failed to locate him alive or his body. Police said that heavy machinery along with divers participated in the search and rescue operation again and the rescuers finally found Sufiyan’s body on Sunday.The officials said the boy was a resident of Hingora Goth, adding that the minor’s body was taken to the Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, from where it was later handed over to...

The Sindh government has reiterated its resolve to impose a complete ban on single-use plastic bags of less than the required thickness in the entire province from Tuesday (tomorrow).A statement issued on Sunday quoted Barrister Murtaza Wahab, the provincial administration’s spokesman, as saying that in August the government had announced its decision to ban single-use plastic bags across the province starting October 1.Wahab said progress had already been made as the association of plastic manufacturers in the province announced abiding by the government’s decision and gave their assurance that they would not manufacture non-biodegradable plastic shopping bags any more.The spokesman appealed to the people of the province to stop using polythene shopping bags because they are a major source of environmental pollution. He said plastic bags have also been a major cause of choking drainage lines and the sewerage system of Karachi. “Everyone has to play their role in improving the environm...

Bringing together diverse communities, Habib University on Saturday held its second TEDx Habib University event where speakers shed light on social issues that were being faced by people in South Asia.The daylong gathering at the HU campus served as a platform where academics, industry experts, innovators, artists, and inspired thinkers from diverse backgrounds shared their work experiences in order to cultivate and engage a community of curious minds with innovative ideas.This was Habib University’s second TEDx event – with the fi­rst event being held in 2017. The theme of the conference ‘What If?’ delved into the discourse that follows South Asia in media, arts, culture, and science. It revolved around the idea of reimagining the world and exploring some of the possibilities that lay beyond ordinary human experiences and limitations.According to a varsity press statement, the purpose of this theme was to instill a sense of wonder among people from different communities, which could i...

The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has been tasked to take measures against the rubble of construction sites spread on roads in Karachi, according to provincial minister for local government Nasir Hussain Shah.More than 0.1 million tons of garbage, according to the minister, has been lifted from the city. On a daily basis, he said,12,000 tons of garbage was being disposed of at the landfill sites. Addressing a meeting regarding garbage disposal on Saturday, he said that 289 builders had already been served notices for not disposing of the rubble from streets. The reasons behind taking action against citizens throwing garbage on streets, he said, was not to punish or shame them but to make them realise their duty of keeping the city clean.Due to recent rainfalls in the city, he said, their operation against the garbage was mildly affected. He hoped that the backlog of garbage would be cleaned from the city soon. The minister asked the citizens to play their role in getting the ...

A two-day teaching course on cancer treatment concluded on Sunday at Dr Ruth KM Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi (CHK) where doctors shared their clinical experiences and case studies to highlight innovate ways for the treatment of cancer.The event was organised by the CHK Cancer Unit in collaboration with the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Centre. The keynote speakers included Clinical oncologist and CHK Cancer Unit Incharge Dr Noor Muhammad Soomro, Oncologist Dr Arif Jamshed, Aga Khan University Hospital Assistant Professor Dr Muhammad Ehsan Bari and others.The speakers discussed treatment options for various types of cancer, their diagnoses and advanced medical technologies for their treatment available in Pakistan and in the rest of the world.Talking about the event, Dr Soomro told The News that the session was basically a teaching programme for the young doctors. This was the first-ever teaching and training session on cancer hosted by the CHK, he said.“We are p...

Keen on being part of the global celebration of the 550th birthday of Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh religion, the Sikh community living in the Sindh province has stepped up their preparations for the grand event.In this regard, the Pakistan Sikh Council, the Guru Nanak Darbar Karachi and the Sarbat Da Bhala Jatha Pakistan have been making preparations for a Nagar Kirtan train procession from Karachi to the Nankana Sahib city via the Sikh Yatri Train.Nagar Kirtan is a Sikh custom involving the processional singing of holy hymns throughout a community. The Gurdwara Nankana Sahib is the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev in the Punjab province’s Nankana Sahib district.Pakistan Sikh Council head Sardar Ramesh Singh said the Nagar Kirtan train procession is being organised in connection with the 550th birthday of Guru Nanak Dev. “It is a historic day for the Sikh community. On the 550th birthday of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, there can be no bigger happiness than this for the community members l...

The High Court has ordered a private builder to maintain status quo on the construction of a multistorey building in Bath Island till further orders.The interim order came on a petition of Iftikhar Soomro and others against the construction of a multistorey building in Bath Island and conversion of a residential plot for commercial purpose.The petitioners’ counsel submitted that the petitioners were residents of the vicinity and had been residing in the area for the last several years. He submitted that the Sindh Building Control Authority granted approval to the residential plot's use for the purpose of a multistorey building, which was against the Karachi building and town planning regulations 2002.He submitted that the respondent was making construction on the residential area and as per regulations no residential plot shall be converted into any other use except with the approval of the master plan department, SBCA.He further stated that procedure for the change of land use had...

Although peace has returned to Lyari after the law enforcement agencies’ successful crackdown on criminal gangs, the locals are now protesting against drug peddlers resuming their activities in different parts of the city’s oldest town.The residents complain that parts of Chakiwara, Kalakot, Rexer Lane, Singo Lane, Rangiwara and Shah Baig Lane have become the hub of drug pushers’ activities, as addicts can be seen wandering these areas’ narrow lanes to buy different types of narcotics.They also claimed that dozens of drug dens have been operating in these areas. On Saturday evening a large number of residents and civil society and political activists participated in a rally organised by the Lyari Awami Mahaz, a local civil society initiative, to protest against the open sale of narcotics in different localities of the town.The rally, which was aimed at pressuring the authorities, including the police, to take action against drug peddling and to create awareness, started from Aath Chowk...

Criticising the Sindh government for not providing any funds to the District Municipal Corporations (DMCs) for the cleanliness campaign, DMC East Chairman Moeed Anwar on Sunday said the government should officially announce that the DMCs have no role to play in the cleanliness drive and only the deputy commissioners (DCs), who have been provided funds by the government, are responsible for it.Talking to The News, Anwar said funds for the ‘Clean My Karachi’ campaign were only provided to the DCs who were managing the machinery and monitoring the waste collection work. The DMC East chairman lamented that the elected representatives of people were being ignored while the administration was being empowered to carry out development work.He said this reminded him of the past when bureaucracy enjoyed more powers than elected representatives. He added that the Sindh government wanted to bring that era back. Commenting on the statement of Federal Maritime Affairs Minister Ali Zaidi who said Kac...

Responding to a recent interview of the vice chancellor (VC) of the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology (Fuuast), Prof Dr Syed Altaf Hussain, in which he criticised the teachers’ politics at Fuuast and shared his views on other matters, some teachers of the varsity have demanded a financial audit of the Fuuast, said that Urdu university has been suffering because of its senescent VC.Elected members of the Nominating Committee of Fuuast Dr Irfan Aziz and Dr Iftikhar Ahmed Tahiri, and others issued a statement to respond to the allegations of the Fuuast VC in his interview published in The News on Monday, September 23.Dr Aziz and Dr Tahiri said many remarks made in the interview were unbecoming of a VC who violated various provisions of the charter of Fuuast by making such statements.Education in UrduAs the VC had said not every subject could be taught in Urdu and a single university should not be expected to promote the national language, the teachers said such remar...

Creating awareness about thalassaemia is essential to prevent the spread of the disease. Metropolitan Commissioner of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) Dr Syed Saif-ur-Rehman said this on Sunday as he visited the Afzaal Memorial Thalassemia Foundation (AMTF).He said the Sindh Assembly in 2013 approved a law regarding thalassaemia which should be implemented. The pre-marriage thalassaemia test can save next generations from the deadly disease, he remarked.The metropolitan commissioner said the KMC will cooperate with the AMTF in its efforts to create awareness about thalassaemia. He was informed that the foundation had been working since the last 16 years and so far 1,600 children suffering from thalassaemia had been registered with the AMTF. from The News International - Karachi https://ift.tt/2ojIRai

The Sanat Initiative is hosting Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s solo art exhibition titled ‘Tomorrow we Inherit the Earth: Notes from a Guerrilla War’ until October 8. Call 0300-8208108 for more information.Tananahoo Ya Hoo!The Second Floor [T2F] is hosting the debut performance of poet, actor and director Yasra Rizvi who will be reciting her own poetry for the first time in front of a live audience.Singer and composer Schumaila Hussain will perform her own compositions of Jaun Elia; and actor, writer and director Abdullah Farhatullah will moderate a discussion on contemporary expressions of Urdu poetry.The event will be held on Sunday, Sept 29 at 07 PM at the Faraar Gallery, T2FCall 021-35389043 for more information.Rah GuzarThe MainFrame Gallery is hosting Sania Mushtaq’s solo art exhibition titled ‘Rah Guzar’ from October 1 to October 7. Call 021-35824455 for more information.Purification by fireThe ArtChowk Gallery is hosting Ahsen Asif’s solo art exhibition titled ‘Purification by fire’ unt...

KHAR: A tribal elder was killed in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast in Mamond tehsil in Bajaur tribal district on Saturday, official sources said.They said that militants had planted an IED near the house of Malik Nadir Khan in Laghzai Mulla Killay and an explosion took place as soon as he left his home. He sustained serious injuries in the explosion.The injured elder was rushed to the District Headquarters Hospital in Khar where he succumbed to his injuries. from The News International - National https://ift.tt/2oelhMg

LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Secretary General and former interior minister Ahsan Iqbal, commenting on Prime Minister Imran Khan’s address to the United Nation General Assembly, has said he has an earlier record of doing splendid speeches and later he also took U-turns.Talking to the media before the appearance of Rana Sanaullah in an anti-narcotics court, he said it is welcoming to highlight the Kashmir issue at the United Nation General Assembly (UNGA), adding that it needs tough diplomacy. He said that for the resolution of the Kashmir issue, the prime minister didn’t visit any single country, adding that one would have to see the outcome of his speech. If the government takes a solid step on the Kashmir issue, his party will support it while it will not allow PM Imran Khan any U-turn on the issue.He said the government is committing the worst political victimization, adding that “we have to think which kind of country we will hand over to our next generation”. The P...