Category: PAKISTAN

LAHORE (PR): The Digital Transformation Center-Pakistan (DTC-Pakistan), in partnership with the ST Foundation, started the first train-the-trainer edition of the “Introduction to Computer Basics for the Visually Impaired” (ICBVI) course at the Virtual University of Pakistan (VU). The event, supported by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad), marks a significant step in empowering visually impaired individuals with digital skills.

The workshop, which runs till November 29, 2024, at the Raiwind Road Campus, Lahore, aims to equip participants with essential computer skills to enhance their digital literacy. DeafTawk, an organization bridging communication gaps for differently-abled individuals, is also a key partner, ensuring both sighted and visually impaired trainees can fully participate.

Prof. Dr. Arshad Saleem Bhatti (S.I., T.I.), Rector of the Virtual University of Pakistan, was the Chief Guest at the inauguration. In his address, Dr. Arshad Saleem Bhatti emphasized the importance of inclusive education and digital literacy in creating equal opportunities for all. He commended the efforts of the international trainers and partners in driving this important initiative.

Renowned trainers, Prof. Dr. Cristian Bernareggi from Italy and Mr. Sada Kane from Senegal, led the inaugural sessions. Their expertise in technology-based education for the differently-abled ensures that participants gain the skills needed to thrive in a technology-driven world.

This initiative highlights DTC-Pakistan’s commitment to fostering digital inclusivity and empowering differently-abled individuals with the tools to actively participate in the digital economy.

ISLAMABAD (APP): Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives (PDSI) and Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Friday chaired a meeting of the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) that okayed and recommended three major development projects in the energy sector worth Rs58.857 billion to ECNEC for final approval. The meeting was attended by Awais Manzur Sumra, Secretary and Additional Secretary Planning, Joint Chief Economist (Operations), members of the Planning Commission and representatives from the Ministry of Energy and the Power Division, a news release said.
The committee considered the first project namely “Power Distribution Strengthening Project (SEPCO)” worth Rs 9,014.360 million and recommended to ECNEC for further consideration. The project is proposed to be financed through Asian Development Bank(ADB). The project envisages conversion of 4 No 66 kV Grid Station into 132 kV Grid Station, installation of 50,000 No. of AMR meter on 3-phase meters having load more than 5 kW, installation of APMS on 1200 No. general duty DTs in SEPCO and bifurcation of 40 No. feeders having load above 300 Amps and high technical & administration loss. The forum forwarded the second project namely “Power Distribution Strengthening Project (LESCO)” worth Rs 27,613.00 million to ECNEC. The project is proposed to be financed through ADB (Rs. 20,317 million) & LESCO Own Resources (Rs. 7,296 million). Under the project, construction of 05 new 132 kv grid stations and 04 Aug/Extension of 132 kv grid stations will br carriedout, besides installation of 1600 APMS, 1328 km AB cable and 131901 Nos AMI/AMR meters in LESCO to improve electricity supply, operational efficiencies and modernize operations and management of the LESCO. The CDWP recommended the third project namely “Supply, Installation, Testing and Commissioning of Asset Performance Monitoring Systems (APMS) for 100kVA & 200kVA General Duty Distribution Transformers and deployment of AMI Meters in MEPCO” worth Rs. 22,229.810 million to ECNEC for further consideration.

ISLAMABAD (APP): Responding to an appeal by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the nation collectively turned to Allah in Salat al-Istisqa (prayers for rain) on Friday, with the central congregation held at the iconic Faisal Mosque in the Federal Capital.
A large number of worshippers, including families and community leaders, attended the prayer, demonstrating a united front against the ongoing dry spell that has exacerbated environmental and health challenges, including smog.
The special prayers were offered immediately after the weekly ‘Jummah,’ (Friday) prayers, with clerics urging people to seek forgiveness and turn towards righteous deeds as a means to invoke Allah’s mercy.
Addressing the congregation at Faisal Masque the prayer leader highlighted the significance of collective repentance.
“Rain is a blessing from Allah, withheld only when humanity strays from His path. We must correct our ways, mend our treatment of the environment, and earnestly seek His mercy,” he said. Meanwhile, participants of the prayer were visibly moved, some with tears streaming down their faces. Ali Reza, a local resident, expressed her hopes for relief. “The smog has made it difficult for children and the elderly to breathe. I pray that Allah showers His blessings upon us and relieves us from this hardship,” he said.

ISLAMABAD (APP): In a significant diplomatic meeting, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Friday met with Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya and discussed matters of mutual interests, focusing on enhancing the historic relationship between the two nations. The meeting, held during Minister Naqvi’s visit to Turkey, covered a wide range of topics, including regional security, economic partnerships, and the repatriation of Pakistani prisoners currently held in Turkey. The discussion revolved around strengthening Pakistan-Turkey relations, which both leaders described as deeply rooted in shared history, culture, and religion. Minister Naqvi praised the enduring brotherhood between the two countries, noting that their collaboration is steadily evolving into a sustainable strategic partnership. During the meeting, Minister Naqvi raised the issue of three Pakistani prisoners detained in Turkey and urged swift action for their repatriation.
Minister Yerlikaya assured his Pakistani counterpart of full cooperation and proposed sending a delegation of experts from Pakistan to Turkey to expedite the matter. “This issue will be reviewed with compassion and care,” he added.
Minister Naqvi extended a formal invitation to Minister Yerlikaya to visit Pakistan, which was graciously accepted.

LOWER DIR (APP): Federal Minister for States and Frontier Regions, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir Affairs, Engineer Amir Muqam here Sunday said that Pakistan Tahrik e Insaf (PTI) despite its third consecutive government has failed to deliver for welfare of people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa where the problems of masses have increased manifold.
Engr Amir Muqam was addressing a big public gathering here on occasion of joining of PMLN by former Senator and ANP leader Zahid Khan and his brother Ayub Khan along with thousands of his supporters.
Senator Zahid Khan and his brother have expressed full confidence in the leadership of PMLN President Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and PMLN KP President Engr Amir Muqam.
Federal Minister Engr Amir Muqam said that PMLN strongly believed in people’s welfare service as well as uniformed devolopment of Pakistan and that was why political leaders such as Zahid Khan, Ayub Khan and ex Minister Wajid Ali Khan have joined his party.
He said that people of Pakistan knew that PMLN’s leadership has all the ability and strength to take the country’s out of all challenges and put it on road to prosperity.
He said that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif was tirelessly working to make the country forward on road to progress and devolopment besides provide relief to masses.
Engr Amir Muqam said that the sucessful holding of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) at Islamabad have enhanced Pakistan’s image at global level.
He said bringing price hike to below seven percent digit and record increase in stock exchange besides revival of economy was made possible due to untiring efforts of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and his financial team.
He said that unfortunately some elements, who are raising hallow slogans of ‘true freedom’ did not like political stability in the country. He said people are fully aware that who were using foreign lobby for the release of PTI founder.

RAWALPINDI (PPI): Security forces killed 10 terrorists and injured eight others during three different engagements in North Waziristan district, the military’s media wing said on Sunday.
According to a statement by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), an intelligence based operation was conducted by the security forces in the Spinwam area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s North Waziristan District.
“During the conduct of the operation, own troops effectively engaged khwarij’s location and after intense fire exchange, two Khwarij were sent to hell. In the second incident, the ISPR said that a group of khawarij were attempting to cross the Pakistan-Afghanistan border when they were intercepted by security forces in the same area of North Waziristan.
“Own troops effectively engaged and thwarted their attempt to infiltrate,” the statement said. “Two khawarij were “sent to hell”, while two others were injured.”
A sanitisation operation was being conducted to eliminate any other Khawarij found in the area, it added.
Security forces earlier killed six terrorists and injured six others during another intelligence-based operation (IBO) in North Waziristan’s Spinwam area, the ISPR said in a separate statement released on Sunday morning. Per the statement, security forces conducted the IBO upon the “reported presence” of terrorists. Meanwhile President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have lauded the security forces for conducting intelligence-based operation against Khawarij in North Waziristan. While appreciating the professionalism of security forces, he reiterated the national resolve to complete elimination of terrorism. The Prime Minister, in a statement, also praised the officers and personnel of security forces for their successful operation against Fitna-al-Khawarij in Spinwam, North Waziristan. He also appreciated the professionalism of the security forces by killing six Khawarij in the operation.
The Prime Minister said we will continue to fight against the specter of terrorism till its complete eradication from the country.
He said the entire nation stood shoulder to shoulder with its security forces for the complete elimination of terrorism.

ISLAMABAD (APP): Pakistan Navy conducted successful flight test of an indigenously developed ship launched ballistic missile.
The weapon system with 350 KM range is capable of engaging land and sea targets with high precision, said a Pakistan Navy News release issued here Monday.
The weapon system is equipped with state of the art navigation system and maneuverability features.
Flight test was witnessed by Chief of the Naval Staff and Senior Officers fro Pakistan Navy and dedicated scientists and engineers, it further said.
The President, Prime Minister, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and Services Chiefs congratulated participating Naval Units and Scientists on this excellent achievement.

ISLAMABAD (APP): Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir has emphasized that global peace today is confronted with ever evolving threats and challenges.
Addressing at the 28th Annual Conference of International Association of Peacekeeping Training Centre (IAPTC), the COAS said that despite the numerous peacekeeping endeavors underway by the UN and other organizations, the plight of innocent Kashmiris and Palestinians serve as a stark reminder that still a lot needs to be done, said an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) news release issued on Monday.
The 28th Annual Conference of International Association of Peacekeeping Training Centre (IAPTC) is being hosted for the first time in Pakistan at the Centre for International Peace and Stability (CIPS), NUST, Islamabad from November 4-8. The event officially commenced with the inauguration of new CIPS building by COAS General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M).
Under Secretary General, Department of Peace Operations, Jean Pierre Lacroix, United Nation’s Police Advisor, Acting Deputy Military Advisor, Foreign Secretary of Pakistan and Rector NUST, also accompanied the Chief Guest during inauguration and opening ceremony of the conference.
Guest of Honour, Mr. Jean Pierre Lacroix acknowledged Pakistan’s contributions to UN Peacekeeping Operations and appreciated Pakistan for hosting the 28th IAPTC Annual Conference.
Earlier on arrival, the COAS was received by Inspector General Training and Evaluation (IGT&E), Lieutenant General Fayyaz Hussain Shah, HI (M).