Category: Official News

Islamabad, February 11, 2023 (PPI-OT):A group of 19 senior civil servants from Sri Lanka have arrived in Pakistan for a two-week executive training at the National Defense University (NDU), Islamabad under Pak-Sri Lanka Higher Education Cooperation Programme.

This is the third batch of Sri Lankan officials on training under the programme, being executed by Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan. HEC has already conducted two other cohorts of such executive training for senior civil servants of Sri Lanka with the collaboration of National School of Public Policy (NSPP), Lahore.

The group comprises senior delegates representing different departments of the Sri Lankan Government, including Public Administration, Provincial Councils, Home Affairs, Local Government, the Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration (SLIDA), the Police, and the Prime Minister’s Office. The delegation comprises Additional Secretaries, Director Generals, CFOs, Consultants, and Directors.

During their stay in Pakistan, the Sri Lankan officials will be engaged in multiple interactive workshops on International Relations, Geopolitics, and Mechanisms for strengthening regional cooperation, Bureaucracy Frameworks, Artificial Intelligence, Planning, and Regional Integration. There will be numerous cultural visits in between the training sessions. Officials from HEC and National Defense University (NDU), Islamabad received the delegation at the airport.

For more information, contact:
Director (Media)
Higher Education Commission, Pakistan (HEC)
Sector H-9, Islamabad
Tel: +92-51-90402404, +92-51-90402412
Email: aikram@hec.gov.pk
Website: www.hec.gov.pk

Islamabad, February 11, 2023 (PPI-OT):On February 1, 2023, in honour of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Moscow State Academy of Choreography (MGAKh) and the 150th anniversary of the birth of S.V. theme of Paganini.

Schoolchildren and adults enjoyed the works of the great composer and a ballet performance performed by the famous ballet dancer, prima ballerina of the Bolshoi Theatre, People’s Artist of the USSR, graduate of the Moscow State Academy of Arts – M.V. Kondratyeva.

For more information, contact:
Embassy of the Russian Federation in Pakistan
Diplomatic enclave, G-4, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-2600811
Fax: +92-51-2600814
Email: pakistan@mid.ru
Website: https://pakistan.mid.ru/web/pakistan_en/home

Islamabad, February 11, 2023 (PPI-OT):The Vice Chancellors of all public sector universities of Pakistan have urged the Government to revive the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Ordinance 2002 in its original form and strengthen HEC. During the 48th Vice Chancellors Committee meeting chaired by Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan online, the university heads emphasised that the development of higher education sector made in the past two decades can be consolidated only by strengthening HEC.

The forum unanimously opposed the proposed amendments to HEC Ordinance and demanded the Government to ensure HEC’s autonomy if it wants the higher education sector to continue playing its part in economic stability and growth. The amendments, if materialised, will cause a severe dent to the higher education sector and will be tantamount to undoing the progress made so far, they underlined.

The university heads also discussed, in detail, the financial, governance and administrative issues of the higher education institutions. They demanded of the provincial governments to share the burden of the federal government and contribute to the universities funding.

Chairman HEC Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed also joined the online session and briefed the Vice Chancellors on the recent developments pertaining to the TTS and BPS models, HEC’s quality assurance measures, and the repercussions of amendments to the HEC Ordinance.

He emphasised the need for strengthening national institutions and underlined different countries are now setting up higher education entities on the HEC model. Referring to financial crisis, the Chairman asserted that no new universities or campuses should be established unless there is economic stability in the country. He urged the Vice Chancellors to ensure good financial and administrative governance at the higher education institutions.

Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed underlined that the universities need to strengthen themselves in such a manner that they are approached by the quarters concerned to play the role of think tanks in policymaking at the state level.

“Our youth have a great potential, however we need to work on developing in them the skillset relevant to the national and global market,” he emphasised. He took a categorical stance on giving affiliations to colleges, saying that HEC will soon ban affiliations as they compromise quality due to anomalies. He also sought input from the Vice Chancellors on resolving the issues arising out of the TTS and BPS models.

He informed the university heads that HEC is planning to set up ‘Seerat Corners’ in the libraries of universities to promote the teachings of Holy Prophet (peace be upon him). The Vice Chancellors forum also discussed how the search committees constituted for selection of Vice Chancellors can be made effective.

They also shared views on the grant of private charters on private members bills under the University Acts, in addition to detailed deliberations on private affiliations, segregation of universities into three tiers, the concept of Professor of Practice, quality assurance through professional accreditation councils, and revival of student societies. They agreed to frequently hold the forum meetings for discussions and decisions on the issues of higher education sector.

For more information, contact:
Director (Media)
Higher Education Commission, Pakistan (HEC)
Sector H-9, Islamabad
Tel: +92-51-90402404, +92-51-90402412
Email: aikram@hec.gov.pk
Website: www.hec.gov.pk

Islamabad, February 11, 2023 (PPI-OT):On February 10, 2023, the Russian Embassy in Islamabad hosted the grand opening of the photo exhibition “Prominent Representatives of Russian Diplomacy” and a concert dedicated to the celebration of the Diplomatic Worker’s Day. The events were attended by the Ambassador of Russia to Pakistan DV Ganich, the staff of the Embassy and members of their families.

In turn, the staff of the Russian Embassy in Islamabad sincerely congratulates colleagues on the Diplomat’s Day and wishes health, prosperity and success in their work for the benefit of our Motherland!

For more information, contact:
Embassy of the Russian Federation in Pakistan
Diplomatic enclave, G-4, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-2600811
Fax: +92-51-2600814
Email: pakistan@mid.ru
Website: https://pakistan.mid.ru/web/pakistan_en/home

Islamabad, February 11, 2023 (PPI-OT):The political parties which have complied with the provisions of the Allocation of Election Symbols of the Election Act, 2017 and the Election Rules, 2017 are invited to make applications for allocation of one of the symbols prescribed under Rule 162 of the Election Rules, 2017. The applications, duly signed by the respective Party Head, should reach the Election Commission, Secretariat Islamabad, on or before the 21st February, 2023.

2. The political parties are advised to file applications for allocation of symbols according to requirements of Section 216 of the Elections Act, 2017. The applications should contain the following information:

a) The list of symbols applied for in order of preference;

b) Symbol or symbols if any allocated to the political party during the previous general elections;

c) Every such application shall be signed by the Party Head, by whatever name designated;

d) Address of the head office of the political party;

e) Such other particulars or information from the party as may be prescribed.

3. On receipt of applications from the Political Parties, eligibility of each party will be ascertained in the light of Section 215 of the Election Act, 2017 which is reproduced hereunder: “215. Eligibility of party to obtain election symbol. (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law, a political party enlisted under this Act shall be eligible to obtain an election symbol for contesting elections for Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament), Provincial Assemblies or local government on submission of certificates and statements referred to in sections 202, 206, 209 and 210.

4. The incomplete applications or requests through fax will not be entertained. The applications received prior to the issuance of this Press Release shall also not be considered. Thus, all such parties, who sent applications prior to issuance of this Press Release, are requested to make fresh applications.

5. It may also be clarified here that applications received after the due date, i.e., 21st February, 2023 will not be entertained.

For more information, contact:
Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP)
Election Commission of Pakistan Secretariat,
Election House, Constitution Avenue G-5/2,
Islamabad
Tel: +92-51-9201975, +92-51-9206062
Fax: +92-51-9205402, +92-51-9205300
Website: www.ecp.gov.pk

Lahore, February 07, 2023 (PPI-OT):Under the direction of Inspector General Police Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar, priority measures are being taken for the welfare of martyrs, Ghazis, serving and retired employees. In this regard, the welfare branch of Punjab Police has issued 80 crore rupees for the welfare of police employees in the current financial year under various categories i.e. scholarship, Guzara allowance, dowry fund and last salary.

DIG Welfare Ghazi Salahuddin told the media representatives about the orders initiated on the instructions of IG Punjab and said that the best welfare of police employees is the top priority of IG Punjab.

He said that after completing the action on all the pending and completed cases related to the welfare package of police martyrs, the release of funds has been approved. He said that all the RPOs, DPOs and Unit Heads have been directed to purchase house and hand it over to those families of martyrs who have not got the houses yet and submit a report to Central Police office within a week.

Similarly, all the scholarships of the martyrs’ children have been completed by 7th February and cheques have been issued and in the future the education scholarships of the martyrs’ children will be issued from the DPO office in their local districts and for this they will not have to come to Lahore or the Central Police Office. He said that in future, scholarships will be given to the children of martyrs during the academic year and in this regard, funds are being sent to RPOs, DPOs.

He said no case of educational scholarship of police employee’s children will be pending to whom scholarships have not been issued till March 1st. DIG Welfare said that to solve the problems of Police Ghazis, the Ghazi package has been reorganized by adding substantial increase.

He said that under the directive of IG Punjab, during the last two days, the list of cases of Ghazis who are confined to bed due to disability or permanent disability has been finalized and submitted to the Welfare Management Committee, which will approve the release of funds for all cases by Wednesday, February 8.

He said that around 150 disabled and totally disabled Ghazis are being provided with surgical beds, electrical chairs and prosthetic limbs while besides in Pakistan, they have also been given the facility to be sent abroad for medical treatment. This will be a revolutionary initiative for the rehabilitation of Ghazis who got disabled in the line of duty, which will provide special benefits to Ghazis.

DIG Welfare said that all the cases related to scholarships, dowry funds, farewell pay and dowry and burial of serving employees’ children have been completed and the relief funds will be transferred to the concerned employees this week. He further said that cases received in future will be resolved within 15 days as per SOPs.

DIG Welfare said that instructions have been issued to all districts, units, training institutes regarding the pending cases that all such cases related to the welfare of police personnel should be sent to the Central Police Office so that funds can be released to them immediately. He said that the helpline number 99212337 is active for the families of police martyrs where they can call me during office hours and talk to me directly regarding any of their problems.

He said that apart from this, all the police employees can directly send all their welfare related cases to the Central Police Office through IGP Complaint No. 1787 so that practical steps can be taken for their redressal without delay.

For more information, contact:
Punjab Police
Punjab Police Computer Bureau,
5th Floor, Central Police Office (CPO),
Punjab, Lahore
Tel: +92-42-99213019, +92-42-99213013
Fax: +92-42-99213012
Email: sapcb@punjabpolice.gov.pk
Website: www.punjabpolice.gov.pk

Islamabad, February 07, 2023 (PPI-OT):Islamabad capital police, Khidmat markaz have facilitated 926 citizens with different services relating to issuance of character certificate, foreigner’s registration, registration of tenants and house servants, general police verification and report of missing items, a police public relations officer said.

He said that, following the direction of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad Dr. Akbar Nasir Khan, the Islamabad capital police are taking all possible measures and initiatives in order to provide maximum facilities to the citizens of Islamabad.

While, Islamabad capital police Khidmat markaz has provided several services to the citizens including issuance of 117 character certificates after the complete verification by concerned police stations, while 411 general police verification, 49 reports of missing documents and valuables, 47 vehicles verifications, 96 foreigners registration, 96 tenants data and 06 domestic employees data have been entered during the last 24 hours.

Police Mobile facilitation van service has also been working while Khidmat markaz in different areas including sectors F-6, G-10/4, H-11, Bani Gala, Swan Garden, and Khanna and at various police stations were also facilitating the citizens. IGP Islamabad said that, well trained staff has been appointed there who are providing best services to Pakistani nationals and foreigners. Such steps would improve the trust of people in the police, he maintained.

For more information, contact:
Islamabad Police
Data centre H-11, Admin Block,
Police Head Quarter, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9258371 Ext (160)
Fax: +92-51-4443180
Email: webmaster@islamabadpolice.gov.pk
Website: https://islamabadpolice.gov.pk

Karachi, February 07, 2023 (PPI-OT):Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has said that education is the backbone of socio-economic development of any country and without tangible development and requisite advancements in this sector, we cannot survive or thrive in the world of nations. This he said while speaking at a program organised to distribute teachers’ training certificates by the School Education Department here at the Banquet Hall of the CM House. The program was attended by its host Minister Syed Sardar Shah, CM Special Assistant Nayab Leghari, MPA Ghulam Qadir Malkani, Secretary of College Education Ahmed Bux Narejo, Secretary School Education Akbar Leghari, senior officers of the education department, members of civil society, graduating teachers and others.

Mr. Shah said that education is the backbone of socio-economic development of any country and without tangible development and requisite advancements in this very significant public sector, we cannot survive or thrive in the world of nations. He added that his government was very much focused and determined in bringing palpable improvement in the Education Sector which was evident from our policies and interventions in this particular sector of great significance to enlighten our province with education.

Talking about the incentives, the CM said that by bringing the `out of’ school children into the education network, and abating dropouts, his government has introduced so many incentives which include Free Textbooks, Stipends to Girls students, rehabilitation of damaged school buildings, provision of furniture to the schools, the opening of closed schools, Merit-based recruitment of teachers. Murad Shah, talking about the recruitment of Teachers, said that the Sindh government has hired hundreds of thousands of teachers, purely on merit engaging third party for the scrutiny of the candidates through the test conducted in a fair and transparent manner.

“This merit-based recruitment of teachers started in the year 2008 and still continues under Teacher’s Recruitment Policy – 2021,” he said. This policy of hiring teachers is one of the significant rounds of hiring to engage approximately 55000 candidates as PSTs and JESTs BS-14 throughout the province purely on merit and without any discrimination and political affiliation, the CM said and added the total number of candidates appeared in IBA Test for PSTs in Sindh was 184249 against which 83968 qualified and for JEST the number of candidates appeared was 164372 against which 51785 qualified the test.

Talking about Teachers’ training, Mr. Shah said that it was extremely important at the start of their career to make effective teaching and learning at schools and equip them with modern teaching methods through pedagogical skills in both aspects of content-based teaching. He added that a comprehensive programme for Initial Professional Development (Induction Training) has been started through Sindh Teacher’s Education Development Authority (STEDA) and Teacher’s Training Institutes (TTIs) and was in progress to provide training to all newly recruited 55000 teachers.

Initially, 14770 newly recruited teachers have been imparted training in different phases. The Chief Minister said that a teacher has to earn respect and honour in society by giving quality education and generating well-educated and well-behaved students. “This will be possible when the teacher would be devoted, dedicated, and hardworking,” he said. Minister Education Syed Sardar Shah said that there seemed to be ownership of the schools that not only deteriorated education but brought a wide gap to cover the dropout ratio.

He said that he had been educated in a ‘Otaq School’ but that school had the ownership of his grandfather and other notables of the area, therefore the students who passed out from that school attained a higher position in society. Sardar Shah urged society to own the school whether it was working in a beautiful building or under the open skies. “With your ownership, the teacher would turn up in the class, take classes properly, and would also take interest in the education of the children,” he said. At the conclusion of the programme, the CM distributed certificates among the teachers who had completed the training. Secretary School Education Akbar Leghari also spoke on the occasion.

For more information, contact:
Press Secretary,
Chief Minister House, Sindh
Tel: +92-21-99202019 (Ext: 336)
Website: www.cmsindh.gov.pk