ISLAMABAD, SEPT 7 (DNA) – 8th September, the Navy Day, is celebrated by Pakistan Navy to acknowledge the sacrifices and spirit of our Naval heroes who epitomized grit, courage and valour during the 1965 War.

The day reminds us of the heroic deeds and daring achievements of our Ghazis and Shuhadas who fought gallantly and humbled a much bigger adversary with their absolute faith in Allah SWT and profound self-belief. This day marks a golden chapter in our rich naval history and rekindles hope and pride in our new generation.

On the night of 7/8 September 1965, a Flotilla comprising seven ships of Pakistan Navy, in a daring operation code named ‘SOMNATH’, bombarded Indian port of Dwarka. The swift and accurate action not only destroyed important shore installations which included Indian radar station and a radio beacon directing Indian Air Force Bombers for attacks on Karachi, but also inflicted irreparable damage to the Indian pride. PN lone Submarine Ghazi reigned supreme and remained unchallenged at sea throughout the war. Her ominous presence in the vicinity of Indian port, kept the Indian Navy Ships including their Aircraft Carrier, besieged in the harbour and rendered it ineffective to play any role or influence the course of war.

Today PN is recognized as a potent naval force in the region. It is a key partner of international navies in collaborative maritime security initiatives and has also launched its own initiative of Regional Maritime Security Patrols (RMSP) to provide secure maritime environment for the good of global commons. With the realization of CPEC Project, PN is alive to its growing responsibilities and role in the success of this project of vital national importance. The security in and around the port of Gwadar, which is the lynchpin of CPEC is under special focus. The Navy is fully capable and vigilantly guarding country’s maritime interests.

PN is also spearheading various initiatives to jump start Pakistan’s Blue Economy in line with the Govt’s renewed focus on the maritime sector and its decision to declare 2020 as the ‘Year of Blue Economy’. In a significant development, PN in collaboration with China Geological Survey (CGS), the leading Chinese organization in offshore marine scientific research is facilitating complete and systematic geological investigation within Pakistan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) for mapping and exploration of offshore hydrocarbon resources. Two exploration surveys by CGS Ships have been conducted so far and preliminary findings are promising, indicating presence of various geological features associated with hydrocarbon reservoirs. Third joint expedition with CGS is planned  during 2021. PN besides its core task of maritime defence of the country is committed to the development of maritime sector and bringing the dividends of Blue Economy to the nation.

As we commemorate the spirit of Navy Day, all ranks of Pakistan Navy reiterate solidarity with their Kashmiri brethren and denounce the blatant annexation of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK). Pakistan will continue to support Kashmiris’ just struggle till the resolution of Kashmir issue, in accordance with the aspirations of Kashmiri people and relevant UNSC Resolutions.

Today, Officers, Men and Women of Pakistan Navy renew their resolve and commitment to stand firm in the face of any adversity and defend our beloved motherland, to the last man and the last drop of our blood.

LAHORE, SEP 07  (DNA) – Pakistan Carpet Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PCMAEA) Chairman Muhammad Aslam Tahir on Monday stressed the need for formation of strategic policy to increase the volume of exports through consultation of stakeholders.

He expressed these views while talking to a delegation who called on him on Monday. Carpet Training Institute Chairperson Pervez Hanif, Vice Chairman Sheikh Aamer Khalid, Senior Central Leader Abdul Latif Malik, Senior Member Riaz Ahmed, Saeed Khan, Malik Akbar, Ijazur Rehman, Major (R) Akhter Nazir and others were also present on this occasion.

Muhammad Aslam Tahir appreciated the government’s decision to search new international markets for the products of made-in-Pakistan and for this, it is inevitable that the government should help sending delegations of exporters to other countries besides holding single country’s exhibitions

He said it is very appreciable decision taken by the government to end the role of FBR in refunds and indeed this would help the traders if the system would be transferred on automation after termination of all kinds of complexities in the system.

He said despite this, there are many difficulties for traders to reclaim refunds and the government should take further steps to remove these issues. He said the government has taken many steps for promotion of exports and for providing facilities to exports; however, he said the government should take further steps in this regard.

Muhammad Aslam Tahir also appreciated Advisor to Prime Minister on Trade Abdul Razak Dawood for his stance that the government would not wait for the next fiscal year for supporting exporters.

He demanded the government to induct stakeholders in policy making process to finalize the strategy so that positive results could be attained. =DNA

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ISLAMABAD, SEP 07 (DNA) – Federal Education Minister Shafqat Mahmood on Monday announced the gradual opening of educational institutions across the country from September 15.

Addressing a press conference along with Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Dr Faisal Sultan in Islamabad on Monday, he said that they decided to gradually open the educational institutions and in this regard the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has decided that from September 15 higher education institutions, colleges and universities will be reopened, while school for ninth and tenth grade will also be allowed to reopen from September 15 under strict implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

The minister said that today is also a big day because we were waiting for the situation to improve so that the educational institutions could be reopened.

Mahmood went on to say that NCOC did a lot of research and we also did research on how to move forward, adding that experts, think tanks, other agencies were consulted and situation in other regional countries was also reviewed, while data was collected from all provinces. “Consultation was also held between various schools chains and federal agencies,” he said.

“I would like to thank the parents who have been patient for six months and today we have reached the point where we are gradually opening educational institutions from September 15,” said Shafqat Mahmood.

The federal minister said that it is necessary to monitor the health of the children and after a seven-day review, classes from sixth to eighth would be opened from September 23. “On September 30, if the situation improves, all the primary schools will be reopened,” he added.

Speaking on the occasion, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Dr Faisal Sultan said that the number of students in the classrooms will be kept low and it will be compulsory for the students to wear masks.

Earlier today, Inter-Provincial Education Ministers Conference (IPEMC) had decided to reopen universities, colleges and school for matric students in the country from September 15.

Federal Minister for Education and Vocational Training Shafqat Mahmood, chaired the conference on the issue. Ministers from all provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir attended the meeting.

During the meeting it was decided that in first phase universities, colleges and school for ninth and tenth grade will be allowed to reopen from September 15 under strict implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and in second phase students of sixth to eight standard will be allowed to return to schools from September 22. Primary Schools will be allowed to reopen from September 30 in third phase.

On the other hand, Prime Minister Imran Khan has summoned a session of the National Coordination Committee (NCC) today to discuss reopening of schools colleges and universities after country continues to see steady decline in coronavirus cases.

In today’s session, the chief ministers of all four provinces, federal ministers, Special Assistants to PM, civil and military officials will be present and provide their input.

The Federal Minister for Education Shafqat Mahmood will brief the NCC on the SOPs and suggestions regarding reopening of schools. The committee, in light of recommendations will take final decision. =DNA

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Former Chamber President Ms Sonia Waseem said in her address that with sheer cooperation, tolerance and peace, we can defeat the enemy and spoil it’s dangerous tactics. She added that a  peaceful Pakistan is the only path for a developed Pakistan

DNA

SAHIWAL: Paigham e Pakistan Center of Excellence , Chamber of Commerce and Industry Sahiwal hosted a ceremony in context of Defence day. Women from various fields attended the ceremony.

The participants included social activists, educators, doctors, business women and house wives. The conference was presided by Ms Muneeba Khawar, provincial coordinator Punjab. While addressing the conference, Ms Muneeba Khawar highlighted the social problems that our society is facing and also proposed the potential solution to these problems. She said that Pakistan has always been difficult to digest for its enemies.

The Two-Nation theory is still as valid as it was a century ago. She said that India is continuously aiding the violence and terrorism in Pakistan. She stressed upon the need to protect our historical values as well as the boundaries of country.

She warned the participants about the disastrous effects of modern electronic colonialism which results in the formation of narratives like ‘My body my rules’. She said that modern warfare has shifted from open battlegrounds to fifth generation war, which targets our youth and social lives. Ms Muneeba Khawar paid her respect to the Martyrs and hoped to adopt their level of courage and patriotism.

Former Chamber President Ms Sonia Waseem said in her address that with sheer cooperation, tolerance and peace, we can defeat the enemy and spoil it’s dangerous tactics. She added that a  peaceful Pakistan is the only path for a developed Pakistan.

Afterwards, Former president Chamber o Commerce Sohail Anjum presented flower bouquets and shield to distinguished guests. The participants of conference paid tribute to the Martyrs on this occasion and agreed to play role in country’s prosperity.   Ms. Shafqat Jabeen District Coordinator was also present on the occasion.

ISLAMABAD : Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan on Monday said that Pakistan’s valiant armed forces are well versed in protecting our borders and people, and are fully capable of defeating the enemy.

This he said while addressing the Martyrs’ Day ceremony held in Islamabad in connection with Air Force Day, being observed today.

The air chief said, we salute our martyrs and veterans for their determination, courage and spirit of sacrifice and renew our pledge that we will never allow any harm to our sacred homeland.Highlighting the current situation in Kashmir, the Air Chief Mujahid Anwar Khan said we also express our solidarity with the Kashmiri brothers and sisters who have been fighting against oppression and tyranny for seven decades.

To pay homage to the martyrs’, the air chief laid floral wreath at the Martyrs’ Monument and offered “Fateha”.

Earlier in the day, a wreath-laying ceremony was also held at the grave of Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas Shaheed, (Nishan-i-Haider) at Karachi.

Air Vice-Marshal Ghulam Abbas Ghumman, Air Officer Commanding, Southern Air Command, offered ‘Fateha’ and laid floral wreath at the grave of the Shaheed on behalf of Chief of the Air Staff.

Similar wreath-laying ceremonies were also held at the graves of PAF Martyrs’ all over the country.

DNA

Islamabad: SEPT 7 – The focus for this year’s World Physical Therapy Day on 08 September is rehabilitation after COVID-19 and the role of physiotherapists in the treatment and management of people affected by COVID-19.

Mr. Muhammad Kashif Khan, Associate General Manager Rehabilitation Department at Shifa International Hospital (SIH) stated that, “World PT Day is an internationally recognized annual event where we can promote the discipline of physical therapy and highlight the role, physical therapist plays in keeping populations well, mobile and independent. He said that, “A physiotherapist can help people understand the long-term impact of COVID-19 and work with them to support their recovery.”

In his message on World Physical Therapy Day, Mr. Taimoor Shah, Chief Operating Officer Shifa International Hospital stated that, “Worldwide Physical Therapists are playing their role in enabling persons with physical limitations to exercise their rights and freedom”. He appreciated the role of allied sciences during pandemics.

Ms. Faiza Badar, Manager Rehabilitation Department, SIH shared that, “Early diagnosis and proper interventions result in better functioning of the individual ensuring his/ her acceptance in the society”. She also mentioned the role of a physical therapist in the rehabilitation of patients diagnosed with COVID 19.

A poster competition was arranged by Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University on this occasion, in which students of DPT (Doctor of Physiotherapy/ Physical Therapy) participated and shared painting on the role of physical therapy in the recovery of COVID -19 patients.

Dr. Abdul Ghafoor Sajjad, Associate Professor & HOD Rehabilitation Sciences Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University stressed the need to abolish quackery in the field of allied sciences.

DNA

ISLAMABAD, SEPT 7 – Justice (RETD) Javed Iqbal, Chairman NAB has said that NAB committed to eradicate corruption as NAB always accords high priority for training of its Investigation Officers because training is an effective instrument through which human capabilities are developed for enhancing practical and productive efforts on modern lines.

Honorable Justice Mr. Javed Iqbal, Chairman NAB said that NAB is an apex anti corruption organization of the country which has assigned gigantic task of eradication of corruption from the country. He said that this requires an extremely dedicated and highly trained manpower to undertake this responsibility. He said that NAB attaches great importance to its Human Resource Management.

A comprehensive yearly Training Plan for 2020 was approved in order to enhance capacity building of NAB officers/officials and to ensure successful implementation of the Training Plan.

He said Training Cells were created at all Regional levels as primarily responsible to liaise and carry out the planned activities in their respective Regional Bureaus in coordination with T&R Division NAB Headquarters. Accordingly, a Training of Trainers (ToT) program was organized by the T&R Division NAB at NAB Headquarters.

Honorable Justice Mr. Javed Iqbal, Chairman NAB said that NAB during the tenure of present management of NAB has recovered Rs. 363 billion of ill-gotten money directly and indirectly from corrupt elements and all were deposited in the national exchequer which is a remarkable achievement of NAB.

He said that the figures of complaints, inquiries and investigations have increased as compared to the same period of 2019 to 2020.

The comparative figures of previous two years are indicative of the hard work being put in by all ranks of NAB officers/officials in an atmosphere of renewed energy and dynamism, where fight against corruption is being taken as a national duty. Increase in the number of complaints also reflects enhanced public trusted in the NAB. He said that NAB is one of investigation agency who has been prescribed for efficient, effective and expeditious disposal of all cases putting including white collar crime cases a maximum limit of 10 months- from complaint verification-to- inquiry-to-investigation and finally to a reference in the Accountability Court.

NAB has also introduced a new System of Combine Investigation Team (CIT) in order to benefit from the experience and collective wisdom of senior supervisory officers, a system of CIT comprising of Director, Additional Director, Investigation Officer and a Senior Legal Counsel has been put in place.

This will not only lend quality to the work but also ensure that no single individual can influence the proceedings. The results of CIT are very encouraging. The Chairman NAB said that Transparency International Pakistan, World Economic Forum, PLIDAT and Mishal Pakistan have appreciated NAB’s efforts in order to aware people about the ill effects of corruption and to nab corrupt elements.

Gillani and Gallop Survey have indicated that 59 percent people have shown confidence upon NAB. The Chairman NAB said that NAB said that a state of the art Forensic Science LAB has been established in NAB Rawalpindi.

The Forensic Science LAB has the capacity to conduct analysis in the fields of Digital Forensics, Questioned Documents; Fingerprints analysis so that investigation officers and prosecutors may utilize Forensic LAB facilities in order to investigate cases within stipulated time period as per law.