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The future of academic research

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By Muhammad Omar Iftikhar  

A piece of recent news mentions about 81 Pakistani academics who have become part of the two percent scientists. The list has been compiled by Stanford University in the USA. It has names of 159683 people from across the world from all scientific disciplines. These academicians and researchers were added to the list based on an international evaluation of their research papers. Moreover, their selection was made on a career-long citation impact until 2019. Included in this list are eleven teachers from the Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU) Islamabad and five scientists from the University of Haripur. This milestone achievement shows that Pakistanis do have the ability to make a difference and pursue tasks requiring cognitive skills. The challenge here is to create a ripple effect where the same passion to learn and grow is directed and imparted among people from all social strata. These scientists can publish the summary of their research in easy-to-understand language on social media and print publications. It will be helping those who are directly or indirectly associated with such professions to which the research is related. Translating such research in Urdu and other regional languages will be useful in its swift dissemination. Fortunately, 2% of Pakistanis are a part of such a distinguished list. However, it is the duty of these 2% Pakistanis to share their findings to help others understand their work and learn something new.  The education sector of Pakistan, apart from the need for restructuring, requires a change in its syllabus. It needs to impart practical learning among students who can question and broaden their mental horizon. Such scientists can add value to the content and syllabus by adding such information that is relevant, pertinent, and useful for the careers and professional learning of the students. The concerned authorities must make such strategies so the students and professionals can benefit from the learning of such academicians, scientists, and researchers who make Pakistan proud.

OIC Foreign Ministers decide to hold 48th CFM Session in Islamabad in 2021

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DNA

ISLAMABAD – Positively responding to Pakistan’s offer, the 47th Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of OIC in Niger has decided to host the 48th CFM Session in Islamabad in 2021.

As the prospective CFM Chair, Pakistan has also become a member of the 6-member OIC Executive Committee for the next three years.

Pakistan is a founding member of the OIC. It has always played an important role in promoting the role of OIC as a collective voice of Muslim Ummah.

The OIC is the second largest inter-governmental Organization after the United Nations, with 57 members and 5 observer states spanning over four continents.

OIC unanimously adopts Pakistan-sponsored Resolution regarding Islamophobia

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DNA

ISLAMABAD – In a landmark development, the OIC unanimously adopted a Pakistan-sponsored resolution regarding Islamophobia today.

Tabled during the 47th Session of the OIC CFM (Council of Foreign Ministers) in Niamey, Niger, the Resolution was drafted in the context of rising incidents of Islamophobia in many parts of the world.

The Resolution expresses concern that Islamophobia, as a contemporary form of racism and religious discrimination, was on the rise. It also expresses deep concern at the recent incidents of desecration of the Holy Quran and reprinting of caricatures of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H.) which hurt sentiments of more than 1.8 billion Muslims around the world.

The Resolution decides to designate 15 March as the “International Day to Combat Islamophobia” each year. It authorizes the OIC Permanent Missions in New York to jointly table a Resolution in the UN General Assembly, calling for establishment of this day. The Resolution also urges OIC Member States to organize and support various high-visibility events aimed at effectively increasing awareness at all levels about curbing Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hatred, and calls on the UN Secretary General to initiate a global dialogue on countering rising Islamophobia and promoting interfaith harmony.

Prime Minister Imran Khan, in his address to the 75th Session of UNGA in September 2020, highlighted recent incidents of Islamophobia and unlawful provocation. The Prime Minister subsequently reached out to leaders of OIC Member States through two letters written on 28 October and 18 November 2020.

Speaking on the occasion, Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, who led Pakistan’s delegation to the CFM, said that adoption of the Resolution was a reflection of the sentiments of billions of Muslims who respected other religions and expected similar respect for Islam and the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H.).

OIC reaffirms strong, unequivocal support for Kashmir cause

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DNA

ISLAMABAD – In a Resolution adopted unanimously by the 47th Session of the OIC in Niamey today, the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) reaffirmed its strong support for the Kashmir cause. The OIC categorically rejected illegal and unilateral actions taken by India since 5 August 2019.

The Resolution demands that India “cancel the issuance of domicile certificates to non-Kashmiris” as well as other unilateral and illegal actions, including “Jammu & Kashmir Reorganization Order 2020”, “Jammu & Kashmir Grant of Domicile Certificate Rules 2020”, “Jammu and Kashmir Language Bill 2020” and amendments to the landownership laws.

Also rejecting policies being pursued by the RSS-BJP regime, the 57 countries of the OIC asked India to refrain from taking any steps to alter the existing demographic structure of the disputed territory.

In a comprehensive and strongly worded Resolution, the OIC:

  • Rejected the illegal and unilateral actions by India on August 5, 2019, to change the internationally recognized disputed status of the Indian Illegally Ooccupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), and demanded that India rescind its illegal steps;
  • Demanded India to cancel the issuance of domicile certificates to non-Kashmiris and revoke all unilateral and illegal actions in IIOJK since 5 August 2019, while refraining from taking any step to alter the existing demographic structure of the disputed territory;
  • Condemned in the strongest possible terms human rights violations perpetrated by Indian occupation forces in IIOJK and other such instances of Indian terrorism that have been the source of unspeakable suffering for the innocent Kashmiri people;
  • Deplored the state-sponsored terrorism and crimes against humanity by Indian occupation forces against people of IIOJK;
  • Condemned extra-judicial killings during fake ‘encounters’ and ‘search-and-cordon’ operations and demolition of homes and private properties as a form of collective punishment;
  • Denounced the renewed use of pellet guns by Indian occupation forces against innocent civilians;
  • Condemned the harassment of Kashmiri women by Indian occupation forces;
  • Deplored that India has callously exploited the current COVID-19 crisis to intensify its military crackdown and further advance its unlawful occupation in IIOJK;
  • Welcomed the visit of OIC Secretary General’s Special Envoy for Jammu and Kashmir to Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) from 2-6 March 2020;
  • Reaffirmed the sentiments expressed in the unanimously adopted Communiqués of the OIC Contact Group on Jammu &Kashmir in its Ministerial meetings held on 25 September 2019 and 22 June 2020;
  • Urged India to adhere to its international human rights obligations and allow the OIC Special Representative on Jammu and Kashmir and the OIC Fact-finding Mission to visit IIOJK;
  • Strongly urged India to implement recommendations of the two Reports of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on Jammu & Kashmir;
  • Urged international community to review their engagements with India, the occupying power, as it is violating and disregarding the international law, the international humanitarian law, and international resolutions;
  • Emphasized that the question of Kashmir is of utmost importance for the Muslim Ummah;
  • Recognized that Jammu and Kashmir is the core dispute between Pakistan and India, and its resolution indispensable for realization of the dream of peace in South Asia;
  • Acknowledged that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are the principal party to the dispute, and should be included in any peace process for resolution of the Jammu & Kashmir dispute;
  • Affirmed that any political process/elections held under foreign occupation cannot be a substitute to the exercise of the right of self-determination;
  • Underscored that Jammu & Kashmir is an unresolved question of granting the right to self-determination to the people of Jammu and Kashmir that has been on the agenda of the United Nations Security Council for over seven decades now;
  • Reaffirmed that the fundamental right enshrined in the UNSC resolutions that the final disposition of the State of Jammu & Kashmir will be made in accordance with the will of the people, expressed through the democratic method of a free and impartial plebiscite, conducted under the auspices of the United Nations;
  • Decided to further consider the Jammu and Kashmir dispute at the 48th Session of the CFM in Islamabad.

The 57-member OIC has been a consistent and vocal supporter of the Kashmir cause, and adoption of this Resolution was a reaffirmation of the principled stance always taken by the OIC on the Jammu & Kashmir dispute.

Qureshi meets Kuwait Foreign Minister

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ISLAMABAD, NOV 28 (DNA) – Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi had a bilateral meeting with Foreign Minister Dr. Ahmad Nasser Al Mohammed Al Sabah of Kuwait on the sidelines of the 47th Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of the OIC in Niamey, Niger.

The two sides exchanged views on bilateral relations, COVID-19 situation, the worsening situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK) and regional security.

Foreign Minister Qureshi stated that Pakistan and Kuwait enjoyed close historical and fraternal relations.

The Foreign Minister highlighted that a large number of Pakistanis living in Kuwait were making major contribution in the socio-economic development of Kuwait.

The Foreign Minister underscored Pakistan’s desire to transform close political relations into a robust economic partnership.

Foreign Minister Qureshi, while highlighting the COVID-19 as a formidable global health and economic challenge, appreciated the steps to counter the spread of pandemic.

He stated that despite limited resources the Government of Pakistan’s smart lockdown policy had helped in effectively countering the spread of the pandemic in Pakistan.

The two Foreign Ministers agreed to enhance cooperation in various fields including agriculture and food security.

Foreign Minister Qureshi briefed his Kuwaiti counterpart on the aggravating human rights and humanitarian situation in IIOJK since 5 August 2019, and India’s illegal measures to change the demographic structure of the occupied territory.

The Foreign Minister thanked the Government of Kuwait for its consistent support to Pakistan on the Jammu & Kashmir dispute.

The Kuwaiti Foreign Minister highlighted Kuwait’s steadfast position on the Jammu & Kashmir dispute.

The two Foreign Ministers agreed to enhance contacts at higher level to further strengthen bilateral cooperation.

The Kuwaiti Foreign Minister conveyed cordial greetings and message of good wishes from the Amir of Kuwait to the leadership and people of Pakistan.=DNA

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Ijaz Shah says efforts underway to bring back Nawaz Sharif

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NANKANA SAHIB, Nov 28 (DNA): Interior Minister Ijaz Shah on Saturday
said that efforts are underway to bring back former prime minister Nawaz
Sharif.

While talking to the media in Nankana Sahib, Ijaz Shah advised PML-N
supremo to return to the country and face the cases registered against
him.

Taking on the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) anti-government
rallies, the minister the opposition parties should also think about the
lives of the masses as the coronavirus pandemic is on the rise. The
mortality rate in Multan due to COVID-19 is high.
Prime Minister Imran Khan called-off public gatherings amid a spike in
coronavirus cases.

The minister said that the opening of Kartarpur Corridor is a reflection
of Pakistan’s desire for peace. He said Pakistan is providing all
possible facilities for Sikh Yatrees at Kartarpur.

Shah said the Indian government did not issue visas to Sikh Yatrees.

The festivities of the 551st birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak have
started in Nankana Sahib at Gurdwara Janam Asthan amid strict security
measures.

A group of 602 Sikh pilgrims from India reached Gurdwara Janam Asthan
here, were received by Deputy Commissioner Raja Mansoor. DNA

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Sydney Thunder becomes Women’s Big Bash League 2020 champions

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Sydney Thunder won the Women’s Big Bash League 2020 after registering a seven-wicket win over Melbourne Stars in the final on their home turf on Saturday.

Stars’ decision to bat first came back to haunt them as the side were restricted to 86-9 in their 20 overs.

Katherine Brunt was the top scorer for Meg Lanning’s side as she made a cautious 27-ball 22 while Annabel Sutherland hit a boundary and a six on her way to run-a-ball 20.

The Sydney side put on a clinical display with the ball with Shabnim Ismail and Sammy-Jo Johnson taking two wickets each while Samantha Bates, Hannah Darlington, Lauren Smith and Heather Knight also getting their names in the wicket taker’s list.

The side completed the 87-run chase in 13.4 overs with Knight scoring unbeaten 26 off 19 deliveries with two boundaries and a six to her name while Rachel Trenaman made 26-ball 23 with the help of fours.

Captain Rachael Haynes scored 21 from 17 ball after hitting two boundaries and a maximum.

Brunt along with Alana King and Tess Flintoff took a wicket each for the Melbourne team.

Google pays tribute to Bano Qudsia on 92nd birthday

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Google is celebrating Pakistani novelist, playwright and spiritualist Bano Qudsia’s 92nd Birthday, on Saturday with a doodle.

Born on November 28, 1928 in Firozpur, British India, She was popularly known as Bano Aapa, which means Elder Sister.

Renowned for her message of love and hope, Qudsia earned enormous acclaim for Urdu classics like her television play Aadhi Baat and novel Raja Gidh.

She wrote 25 novels and founded her own magazine called Dastango. Some of her famous stories include Aatish-i-Zer-i-Paa, Aik Din, Amer Bail, Asay Pasay, Chahar Chaman, Chotaa Sheher Baray Log, Footpath ki Ghaas, Haasil Ghaat, and Hawa Kay Naam.

Qudsia graduated from the Kinnaird College in Lahore and then joined the Government College University (Lahore) (GCU) to do her masters in Urdu literature which she completed in 1951.

She married writer Ashfaq Ahmed whom she had met at the Government College University in Lahore. The couple was considered inseparable in their social lives.

She was awarded Sitara-e-Imtiaz in 1983 and Hilal-e-Imtiaz in 2000 for her literary achievements.

Bano Qudsia died at the age of 88 on February 4, 2017, at the Ittefaq Hospital in Lahore.

Sherry Rehman slams govt for sacking 4,544 PSM employees

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DNA

ISLAMABAD – Slamming the government for terminating 4,544 employees of the Pakistan Steel Mills, Parliamentary Leader of the PPP in the Senate, Senator Sherry Rehman said, “The decision of sacking employees with immediate effect under the guise of reducing financial burden on Pakistan’s largest steel-making plant should be immediately taken back. We are going through a pandemic and taking away livelihoods should be the last thing that the government should be doing”.

“This decision reeks of ulterior motives as it is clear that the government wants to sell PSM. On one hand, the PM talks about reviving state institutions and on the other, his cabinet is taking such decisions. We are going through unprecedented times and firing people during this pandemic is cruel. The government should be focusing on providing relief instead,” she added.

Rehman said, “Tabahi Sarkar has once again taken a U turn from their promises. Instead of creating the 100 Crore jobs they are taking away livelihoods at a time when food insecurity is the highest in Pakistan. We rank 88th out of the 107 countries in the 2020 Global Hunger Index”.

 “According to the IMF, close to 90 million people are expected to fall into extreme deprivation this year while Pakistan’s unemployment rate is expected to rise to 5.1%. It will be the highest level the country has faced in its at least 30 years. How can the federal government fire employees in a time of extreme inflation and unprecedented levels of unemployment?” she questioned.

The Senator said, “This abrupt, brutal and unethical move clearly reflects the federal government’s myopia and disregard for democratic norms and consultations. There are millions whose livelihood is indirectly connected to the Pakistan Steel Mills. It should have been discussed transparently and constructively with at least the stakeholders”.‎

“In the World Economic Outlook (WEO) report of 2020, the IMF projected Pakistan’s growth rate at only 1%, which is the lowest in the region. How is our economy improving again?” she questioned.

“Privatizing institutions is not the solution as it is obvious that the government is doing it to hide its incompetence. Instead of providing relief and support, the federal government is adamant on firing employees in times of job uncertainty. The PPP rejects this move. The same incompetence has led to severe wheat and sugar shortages in the country,” concluded Parliamentary Leader of the PPP in the Senate, Senator Sherry Rehman.

Land mafia agents opposing the Sangjani landfill site: experts

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DNA

ISLAMABAD – Devcom-Pakistan Executive Director Munir Ahmed said: Some government officers and pseudo environmentalists are supporting the land mafia against the Sangjani landfill site, as they have previously done in the case of Kurri landfill site.

Islamabad – The experts and the environmentalists while speaking at a webinar said a landfill site is the only solution available for the federal capital until the government comes up with an Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) solution. However, they said only 15 percent of the waste shall go to the landfill site after segregation of the waste collected into organic and inorganic. The reusable and recyclable waste shall be separated particularly. Industrial and hospitals’ toxic waste should not be dumped into the landfill site. The government should go for the Sangjani landfill site it after addressing the citizens’ concerns and educating them on it.

Some of the participants also highlighted that the Kurri Road landfill site was an ideal place for garbage dumping, even the design was much better and according to the international standards. But, some of the so-called environmentalists and technical experts misguided the citizens to protest against it. The higher judiciary was also presented with wrong statistics to have an influenced decision to support the vested interest of the land mafia that ultimately benefited Bahria Town owners. The same is being repeated in the case of Sangjani landfill site with the support of some government officers, environmentalists and technical experts in connivance with the land mafia.

The webinar was organized by the Development Communications Network (Devcom-Pakistan) on Saturday. The keynote speakers included UN Habitat Country Manager Jawed Ali Khan, EMC Chief Operating Officer and former director general Pak-EPA Asif Shuja Khan, Devcom-Pakistan Executive Director Munir Ahmed, and ISWM expert Saadat Ali. Others who spoke on the occasion included SDPI Director Environment Dr Imran S Khalid, Prof Sofia Khalid, Sindh Environment Department Deputy Director Abdul Basit Khan, Dr Rashid Miandad from Peshawar, Nima Gurang from Kathmandu (Nepal), and Zia ul Islam, National Programme Manager Ozone Cell of Ministry of Climate Change, and environmentalist Ali Abdullah, Zainab Mukhtar and Uzair Aftab.

Speaking on the occasion, UN Habitat Country Manager Jawed Ali Khan said garbage is no longer considered as waste but as a resource. After adequate segregation, most of the waste becomes raw material for many products. We need to educate the public and authorities to understand the new mechanisms of waste management.

As a technical agency of the United Nations, He said the UN Habitat has provided assistance to many countries to develop and manage the Integrated Resource Recycle Centres (IRRCs). One was also developed in Sector G-15/4 in Islamabad in 2015 that is being run successfully. It is a profit-making Centre that is producing manure for nurseries, parks and house-gardens. It needs only one kanal of land and some structure to cater the need of a sub-sector.

Jawed Ali Khan urged the government to make it mandatory for every housing society, public or private, to have its own waste management system, sewage treatment and clean air mechanisms.

Asid Shuja Khan said Pakistan is producing 50 million tons of garbage daily that lacks proper disposal mechanisms. We need a national strategy followed by a doable action plan, legislation to support the strategy. He said we need to have an inclusive participation and engagement of different stakeholders, a realistic approach towards waste collection and management, training of the staff engaged in, and more importantly public awareness to reduce their waste and playing their role in its segregation and proper management.

Talking about the landfill site, Asif Shuja Khan said we need to educate the public that it is not as bad as it is being projected by the vested interest groups. In an IWMS, only 15 percent of the waste goes to the landfill site, adding he said, it does not include hospitals’ toxic or the industrial waste.

Devcom-Pakistan Executive Director Munir Ahmed said land mafia agents are opposing the Sangjani landfill site and inciting public protests in connivance with the land mafia. Some of the government officers and pseudo environmentalists are also engaged with the land mafia to build up an opinion against the proposed landfill site. Some black sheep environmentalists and technical experts did the same in the case of Kurri Road landfill site that was ultimately grabbed by a land mafia.

ISWM expert Saadat Ali said a landfill site has a nine layer protection to avoid any leachate. Kurri landfill site had to be built on the same standards approved by the US-EPA but somehow successfully maneuvered by the vested interest groups. The government should allow only a landfill site that fulfills the standards of international best practices. It is unfortunate that only 60 per cent of the garbage is collected and even that is disposed of properly.

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