QUETTA, Dec 10 (DNA): Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir paid a two-day visit to Balochistan where he visited Quetta and Turbat, said a statement issued by Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).

On the first day, COAS visited Corps Headquarters and laid a floral wreath at Yadgare Shahuada and offered Fateha. Later, COAS was given a detailed update on operational, training and other matters of the formation.

COAS also visited Command and Staff College Quetta and the School of Infantry and Tactics and interacted with young officers and instructors and advised them to focus on professional excellence to meet future battlefield challenges.

On the 2nd day of the visit, COAS visited Turbat. IGFC South Balochistan briefed COAS on the prevailing security situation in Southern Balochistan and the measures in place to ensure a safe and secure environment.

COAS said that every effort will be made for the security and safety of the people of Balochistan to ensure a conducive environment for socio-economic development resulting in sustainable peace and prosperity. Earlier, on arrival at Quetta, COAS was received by Lieutenant General Asif Ghafoor, Corps Commander Quetta.

PESHAWAR, Dec 10 (DNA): 16-Day boot camp called Capacity Building Trainings for Afghans in the Fashion Industry, started by the Empowered Women Society of the Institute of Management Sciences Peshawar, and carried out in Lincoln Corner Peshawar, officially came to a close on 9th December 2022.

This program was launched with the support of Friedrich Naumann Foundation to develop capacity and skills among Afghans living in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, empowering them towards a successful future in the Fashion Industry. This course trained 26 Afghans, both male and female, through 8 highly qualified trainers and 15 different modules ranging from designing, fashion, business, marketing, branding, etc.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, President of the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Muhammad Ishaq emphasized on the importance of having business growth opportunities like these and urged the participants to think big and think global in order to reach new heights in business. Pak-Afghan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vice President Zia-ul-Haq Sarhadi hoped that this initiative will give way to future collaborations between both nations and wished for continuous growth and prosperity.

Joint Director of the Institute of Management Sciences Peshawar Dr. Usman Ghani also added that the university hosts more than 300 Afghan students that come through the Allama Iqbal Scholarship and hopes to facilitate future endeavors like these to facilitate continued growth within the community. Dr. Hameedullah Fazel Khel Deputy Commercial Trade Attache of the Afghan Consulate General thanked Empowered Women Society and FNF for the work they put in the project and their persistent support of Afghans living in Pakistan.

Project Coordinator Dr. Muahammad Rafiq thanked all the stakeholders involved in the operation and completion of this program, and expressed his interest in continuing projects like these that will benefit Afghans and Pakistanis alike. The evening ended with an Attan dance and music performance prepared by the Afghan participants.

ISLAMABAD, Dec 10: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan Saturday claimed that former chief of army staff General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa told him to replace Usman Buzdar with Aleem Khan as Punjab chief minister.

“General (retd) Bajwa’s demand to remove Buzdar was strange,” Khan  — who levelled allegations against the ex-COAS recently — said in an interview with a private television channel.

Khan, who was removed from the prime minister’s office through a no-confidence vote in April, said: “General (retd) Bajwa asked to remove Usman Buzdar. He would insist on making Aleem Khan the chief minister of Punjab.”

Berating the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM)-led government, the ex-premier said the multi-party alliance was “trying hard” to get him disqualified.

“[PML-N] supremo Nawaz Sharif is trying to close all cases against himself and disqualify me,” he added.

Shedding light on the prevailing situation in the country, Khan reiterated his demand for elections, linking economic growth with political stability.

“Whether they hold elections now or after 10 years they [PDM] will lose,” he claimed.

DOHA: Cristiano Ronaldo starts on the bench once more in Portugal’s World Cup quarter-final clash against Morocco on Saturday.

Coach Fernando Santos dropped the five-time Ballon d’Or winner for the last 16 win over Switzerland and maintained a similar line-up against the North Africans.

Goncalo Ramos, who scored a hat-trick in the 6-1 victory, leads the line again, with support from Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and Joao Felix.

Ruben Neves replaces William Carvalho in defensive midfield for Santos’s only change, while Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo also remains on the bench with Ronaldo.

Morocco have been forced into two changes in defence, with Nayef Aguerd and Noussair Mazraoui both unable to play because of injury problems.

Jawad El Yamiq steps in at centre-back in place of the West Ham defender while Yahya Attiat-Allah plays at left-back in place of the Bayern Munich man.

Morocco maintain the same midfield and attack which helped them see off Spain in the last 16 and qualify for the quarter-finals for the first time in their history.

Starting line-ups

Morocco: Yassine Bounou, Achraf Hakimi, Jawad El Yamiq, Romain Saiss (capt), Yahya Attiat-Allah, Sofyan Amrabat, Azzedine Ounahi, Selim Amallah, Hakim Ziyech, Youssef En-Nesyri, Sofiane Boufal, Coach: Walid Regragui (MAR)

Portugal: Diogo Costa, Diogo Dalot, Ruben Dias, Pepe (capt), Raphael Guerreiro, Ruben Neves, Otavio, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Joao Felix, Goncalo Ramos, Coach: Fernando Santos (POR)

Referee: Facundo Tello (ARG)

• Asks Nawaz to return Pakistan to face court
• PTI not believe in vengeful, vindictive politics: Fawad
• Deplores Shehbaz’s so-called govt eclipses HR records of Israel, India

ISLAMABAD: /DNA/ – Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senior Vice President Fawad Chaudhary lashed out at Nawaz Sharif for escaping the country by lying to the court and said that undoubtedly Sharif family introduced the culture of ‘corruption and fraud’ in Pakistan.

Reacting to Nawaz Sharif’s statement, Fawad Chaudhary said on Saturday that the fugitive Nawaz and his cronies looted and robbed the country with both hands and escaped the country by lying to the courts, as he did not have the courage to face the court.

He said that British journalists have already unveiled all the facts related to the Daily Mail issue, adding that no court proceeding was conducted of the case made by Shahzad Akbar against Shehbaz Sharif.

Fawad Chaudhary stated that the cases against Shahbaz Sharif and his sons worth 24 billion were ended by managing the FIA.

Similarly, he said that Nawaz Sharif succeeded to manage his cases as a result of striking a formal political deal. However, Fawad Chaudhary challenged that if really the Sharif family thought themselves innocent, they should let their cases be proceed on merit, as they neither should amend the laws nor should influence the court proceedings.

He stated that all illegal and inhuman actions in Pakistan were initiated by PML-N, adding that the practice of using the process of accountability against political opponents was also introduced by PML-N.

Fawad Chaudhary reminded that the PML-N used all immoral and illegal tactics against late Benazir Bhutto but unfortunately, Benazir’s heirs have now joined the ranks of those who were involved in her character assassination.

PTI did not believe in the vengeful, revengeful and vindictive politics; hence Nawaz Sharif should come to Pakistan and face his cases on merit, so as justice could be done, he added.

Fawad Chaudhary made it clear that Nawaz Sharif was not disqualified for taking salary from his son, but for not providing money trail of properties worth billions.

He said that Nawaz Sharif could not give answer till today pertaining to the money trail of the expensive apartments in London.

PTI Senior Vice President stated that Nawaz’s brother ruined the country’s fast thriving economy, adding that imported government nosedived the economy growing at a pace of 6% and put a halt on the investment in the country during the last eight months.

Fawad Chaudhary stated that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa voted the PTI to power time and again because for its performance, adding that the Billion Tree project also got international recognition, which was one of the major achievements of PTI government.

He warned that the nation would hold accountable those who flouted the law of the country and made live of the people a hell.

Reacting over Shahbaz Sharif’s message on International Human Rights Day, Fawad Chaudhary said that his eight months of strategy regarding human rights was the worst in the history of Pakistan.

Fawad Chaudhary stated that Shehbaz’s so-called government eclipsed the human rights records of Israel and India. “I wonder how you dare to issue a message on International Human Rights Day,” he added.

About Bilawal Bhutto’s video message about Facebook monetization, Fawad Chaudhary mocked that Bilawal must have found out in his visit to Singapore today because he rarely came to Pakistan, otherwise the agreement for monetization of FaceBook in Pakistan has been signed during PTI government.

LAHORE: Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah Saturday has been acquitted by a special court in Lahore in a drugs smuggling case filed against him in 2019.

Sanaullah was arrested on July 01, 2019, by the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) Lahore team near Ravi Toll Plaza on the motorway. He was travelling from Faisalabad to Lahore.

The ANF claimed to have recovered 15kg of heroin from his vehicle, while it arrested five others, including Sanaullah’s driver and security guards.

He was sent on judicial remand the next day by the court.

Sanaullah remained incarcerated for six months until the Lahore High Court (LHC) granted him bail on December 24, 2019.

The then PTI government drew heavy fire from the opposition and was alleged of carrying out a political witch-hunt against rivals. The Imran Khan-led regime, however, denied having a hand in Sanaullah’s arrest.

The PML-N leader had filed a plea in the court seeking acquittal today and sought an early hearing. The court then fixed the hearing for 2pm. At the outset of the hearing, Prosecutor Danish Mashkoor informed the court that he has resigned and was no more associated with the case. “I can not sign off witnesses’ statement.”

After this, the remaining two prosecutors signed the document.

Rana Sanaullah’s counsel, Advocate Farhad Shah, argued before the court that two witnesses in the case have retracted their statements. “They were witnesses of the recovery memo,” the defence informed the court and added, “The prosecution has no case to prove”.

The court then announced the verdict acquitting Rana Sanaullah and other co-accused Sibtain, Usman, Amir, and Akram from the drugs smuggling case.

In response, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said of all the PML-N leaders targeted by the Khan-led regime, Sanaullah’s case was the “worst example” of political persecution with the most dangerous repercussions. “He braved these heinous charges and repression with patience and remained steadfast. He is an inspiration for all political workers.”

Witnesses retract statements

Inspector Ehsan Azam, a witness in the case, said: “he has no knowledge of the events nor was the recovery made in his presence”.

“I did not witness recovery. I was made a witness but I don’t know the facts neither I support the prosecution’s case in any way.” Another witness, Assistant Director Imtiaz Ahmed, told the court that he was not aware of Rana Sanaullah’s case and drugs were not recovered in his presence.

“I was made a witness in the case; I do not support the prosecution’s case. I did not see any recovery of drugs.”

ISLAMABAD, Dec 10 (DNA): Speakers at the 3rd Rector’s Conference held here on Saturday highlighted the need to transform higher education on modern lines, following the technological advancement and trends practiced internationally.

The conference was organized by the Association of Private Sector Universities of Pakistan (APSUP) in collaboration with COMSTECH, the Higher Education Commission, the Punjab Higher Education Commission, The Superior University and the Inter-University Consortium along with partner institutions.

More than 80 Vice Chancellors/ Rectors of public and private universities from all over Pakistan and Islamic Universities from Uganda, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, and Kazakhstan participated in the conference.

The Ambassador of Kazakhstan and diplomats of different OIC member states also graced the occasion.

In his welcome address, the President of Preston University, Prof. Dr. Abdul Basit highlighted the idea, purpose and aim of the conference.

He said today we are marking a paradigm shift by bringing public and private universities together to join hands for the single cause of education in Pakistan.

The Coordinator General COMSTECH, Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary said in his keynote address that this conference is important for education in Pakistan.

He said the theme of the conference “education for economic development” is relevant and important.

Prof. Choudhary expressed his gratitude to the Chairman of HEC for leading the re-institutionalization of the Pakistani education system.

He emphasized the need for the introduction of international education culture in Pakistan.

Rector, of Superior University, Dr. Sumaira Rahman said the mission of Superior University is to produce job creators not job seekers.

She said that we found that the self-esteem of the students is very low and we started a program to boost the self-esteem of the students.

She informed me that in a short period of two years our students have created 120 businesses, 1,240 new jobs, and 800 million in revenue.

She shed light on Superior University’s programs and methods of delivering education.

The Vice Chancellor of Al-Istiqama University, Nigeria, Prof. Salisu Shehu addressed the gathering on behalf of all African participating universities.

He expressed his gratitude for the invitation and said that this participation not only provided us an opportunity of acquainted with the institutions but also an opportunity to experience the international system of education..

He said we feel the importance given by the government to education in Pakistan. He said the knowledge shared with us is extremely great.

He appreciated Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary for inviting the initiating alliance of Islamic universities of Africa.

He said we will take these experiences back to Africa with us to implement.

Rector, of KAZGUU University Dr. Sergey Pen Provost, expressed his gratitude and said that we are striving to connect central Asian universities with the rest of the world.

Chairman HEC, Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, said in his keynote address that things are changing, systems are changing, and something in the past was important but in a few years has become history.

He said if we do not adjust ourselves to the changing environment we will not be able to survive.

He suggested that if we want to be successful tomorrow we need to put the effort in today.

Dr. Mukhtar said that in today’s world there are fewer students inclined to join universities, why we are constructing such big buildings for universities?=DNA

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ISLAMABAD, DEC 10 /DNA/ – Association of Private Sector Universities of Pakistan (APSUP) in collaboration with COMSTECH, Higher Education Commission, Punjab Higher Education Commission, The Superior University and Inter-University Consortium along with partner institutions organized 3rd Rector’s Conference at COMSTECH on Saturday. More than 80 Vice Chancellors/ Rectors of public and private universities from all over Pakistan and Islamic Universities from Uganda, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Kazakhstan participated in the conference. The Ambassador of Kazakhstan and diplomats of different OIC member states also graced the occasion.

The President Preston University, Prof. Dr. Abdul Basit welcomed the participants of the conference and highlighted the idea, purpose and aim of the conference. He said today we are marking paradigm shift by bringing public and private universities together to join hands for single cause of education in Pakistan.

The Coordinator General COMSTECH, Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary said in his keynote address that this conference is important for education in Pakistan. He said the theme of the conference – education for economic development, is relevant and important. Prof. Choudhary expressed his gratitude to the Chairman HEC for leading the re-institutionalization of Pakistani education system. He emphasized the need of the introduction of international education culture in Pakistan.

Rector, Superior University, Dr. Sumaira Rahman said the mission of Superior University is to produce job creators not job seekers. She said that we found that the self-esteem of the students is very low and we started program to boost self-esteem of the students. She informed that in a short period of two years our students have created 120 businesses, 1,240 new jobs, and 800 million revenu. She shed light on Superior University’s programs and methods of delivering education.

The Vice Chancellor of Al-Istiqama University, Nigeria, Prof. Salisu Shehu addressed the gathering on behalf of all African participating universities. He expressed the gratitude for the invitation. He said that this participation not only provided us an opportunity of acquaintance with the institutions but also an opportunity to experience international system. He said we feel the importance given by the government to the education in Pakistan. He said the knowledge shared with us is extremely great. He appreciated Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary for inviting initiating alliance of Islamic universities of Africa. He said we will take these experiences back to Africa with us to implement.

Rector, KAZGUU University Dr. Sergey Pen Provost expressed his gratitude and said that we are striving to connect central Asian universities with the rest of the world.

Chairman HEC, Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, said in his keynote address that things are changing, systems are changing, something in past was important but in few years has become history. He said if we will not adjust ourselves with the changing environment we will not be able to survive. He suggested that if we want to be successful tomorrow we need to put effort today. Dr. Mukhtar said that in today’s world there are less students inclined to join universities, why we are constructing so big buildings for universities. He suggested that don’t follow buzz word, get prepared for future technologies.

Dr. Mukhtar pointed out that in the days to come the degrees are going to have less importance. He said skilled people are making more money than the one who have degrees, and this challenge needs to be considered by the universities leadership. He said we need to focus on the product (students) more than the marketing. He said we have numbers but it is now time to shift the gear.

The Chairman HEC informed that we are going to start cloud computing, data centers, super computers projects soon. He said that HEC is signing an agreement with Microsoft of offer 200,000 courses free of cost to Pakistani people. He also informed that 55000 courses from Coursera are being made available to the people of Pakistan to enhance their skills through online education.

The Chairman suggested the leaderships of public and private universities to compete for quality not for students, and offer courses online, help each other, do local networking, and try your best to help schools and colleges as well.=DNA

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ISLAMABAD, DEC 10: /DNA/ – NAVTTC in collaboration with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) conducted a three-day workshop at NAVTTC HQs Islamabad, to review the Teacher Learning Materials (TLMs) of seven selected trades of Accelerated Learning Programme (ALP) Middle Tech.

The participants carried out detailed discussion to bring the current TVET education system in line with the requirements of the marketplace, in order to prepare the workforce in line with current market requirements.

TLMs for Dress Making, Applied Electrician, Introduction to Tourism, fundamentals of cooking, Agriculture, Graphic Designing and Plumbing were reviewed by  relevant Trade Experts , DACUM Experts, National Curriculum Council and NAVTTC representatives during the workshop. The participants provided valuable suggestions to further uplifting TVET sector.

In the closing session of the workshop the Executive Director NAVTTC, Mr. Sajid Baloch appreciated the efforts and support of (JICA) in bringing the out of school children in the formal education domain and reiterated NAVTTC’s vision of vertically integrating NAVTTC’s successful intervention of “Matric Tech “ with Middle Tech/Inter Tech.

He added that the NAVTTC was committed to impart technical and vocational training to youth of the country especially of backward areas, to boost their morale and confidence level and make them useful citizens of the country and to enable them to earn sustainable livelihood.

NAVTTC management under the guidance of Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training Mr. Rana Tanveer Hussain is further uplifting the TVET sector.

PESHAWAR, DEC 10: /DNA/ – US Ambassador Donald Blome and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Elementary and Secondary Education Shahram Khan Tarakai launched the U.S. government-funded $4 million Improving Girls’ Education Activity that aims to provide quality education to girls in remote areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

This four-year U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) activity will introduce public-private partnerships to improve school management in public girls’ schools.

“The U.S. government supports Pakistan’s goal of ensuring a prosperous future for all its citizens – particularly girls,” said Ambassador Blome.  “We look forward to a strong partnership and fruitful collaboration with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Education Department to strengthen education for Pakistani children, and especially girls, through this activity.”

Minister Tarakai appreciated Ambassador Blome’s comments, noting: “The private sector, in recent years, has emerged as a key supporter of the government’s efforts to address challenges in the social sector.  The successful partnerships in KP’s health sector are a testimony to that.  We are positive that with the support from the U.S. government’s Improving Girls’ Education Activity, we will be able to make school management more efficient, thereby improving school quality.”

During his trip to Peshawar, Ambassador Blome also visited the Eleanor Roosevelt Corner at Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University, the largest women’s university in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.  The Eleanor Roosevelt Corner, one of the two American Spaces in the province, provides education and learning opportunities for youth. 

Ambassador Blome discussed combating gender-based violence through education and entrepreneurship with a panel of educators and female entrepreneurs as part of the “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence” campaign.  “Advancing women’s economic security not only reduces their risk of experiencing gender-based violence – it is an effective development strategy for the whole community.  The United States is proud to invest in and support the safety and prosperity of women and girls throughout Pakistan, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” said Ambassador Blome during the event.

Since 2008, the U.S. government has provided over $2 billion in development assistance to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to support education, health, economic growth, governance, and humanitarian needs.