Govt’s offer for dialogue with PTI remains intact: Sanaullah
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political and Public Affairs Senator Rana Sanaullah on Friday noted that the government’s offer of political dialogue to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) remains intact.
Speaking on the Senate floor in response to a point of public interest raised by opposition Senator Mishal Azam, he noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s invitation for talks “still stands today,” adding that political issues could only be resolved through engagement.
Prime Minister Shehbaz has time and again invited jailed former prime minister Imran Khan’s party to resume its reconciliatory talks, with the most recent one being during Pakistan-India’s four-day armed conflict.
The dialogue between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led government and the PTI commenced in late December after months of heightened political tensions.
Despite the two sides holding three rounds of negotiations on December 27, 2024, January 2, 2025, and January 16, the dialogue process hit a snag after the PTI refused to continue with the talks, first saying that they had been called off by its incarcerated founder, Imran Khan and then later backtracking and noting that they had only been put on hold.
With the PTI skipping the fourth session, the PM had offered to form a parliamentary committee to advance the talks. The offer, however, was turned down by the PTI.
During today’s Senate session, Sanaullah urged the Khan-founded party’s leadership to return to the negotiating table, stressing that “democracy moves forward through dialogue, not deadlock.”
He lamented that the PTI leadership “is not willing to speak to us,” while those they are willing to talk to “do not wish to talk to them.”
Referring to the jail meetings with the incarcerated former prime minister, Sanaullah said any meetings with under-trial prisoners must follow legal and prison rules. “Such meetings cannot be allowed if they risk disturbing public order or creating unrest,” he added.
He further said that if the opposition wishes to form a parliamentary committee on this matter, they must first coordinate with their leadership and obtain clear instructions, he said.
Talal likens Imran to MQM founder
Separately, State Minister for Interior Senator Talal Chaudhry said: “20 to 25 years ago, many had already said he [Imran] was a planted person,” claiming that the PTI founder had attempted to make every state institution controversial.
He added that the actions taken by PTI were “against the country” and that the party “does not fall under the category of a political party.”
Chaudhry said the government would “definitely reflect” on the points raised by the military’s spokesperson in his latest briefing, and recalled that the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan had also distanced itself from its own founder, Altaf Hussain.
He further claimed that terrorists had targeted all political parties except PTI, suggesting that “there must be some connection between the banned TTP and PTI.”
He went on to say that the PTI founder was displaying conduct “similar to the MQM founder,” adding that “he has never spoken a single word against Israel to this day.”
Dar, Saudi FM discuss Gaza in urgent phone call
ISLAMABAD, DEC 5 /DNA/ – Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a phone call with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and discussed regional developments, particularly Gaza.
The DPM/FM strongly condemned Israel’s unilateral plan to restrict the Rafah crossing for the exit only of Gaza residents, a clear violation of the peace plan and a move that undermines humanitarian access.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring unfettered aid to Gaza and adva
ISLAMABAD, DEC 5 /DNA/ – Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Chief Commissioner of Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, held a meeting with Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Tourism Affairs Sardar Yasir Ilyas, President of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, President All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajran and other representatives on Friday at the CDA Headquarters.
The meeting was also attended by IG Islamabad Police Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, CDA Board Member Administration Talat Mahmood, Member Engineering Syed Nafasat Raza, Member Planning and Design Dr. Khalid Hafiz, Member Environment Esfandyar Baloch, DC Islamabad Irfan Nawaz Memon, and other senior officers. The meeting discussed solutions to issues related to the business community, industries and main markets in the Federal Capital, Islamabad.
The meeting agreed to establish an effective mechanism for communication and mutual consultation to resolve issues in the federal capital. It was decided to form a working group to address the legitimate demands of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industries, the business community and the traders in Islamabad.
In this connection, it was agreed to hold regular follow-up meetings in the first week of every month. The purpose of these follow-up meetings is to review progress on the resolution of various issues.
Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa said that CDA’s goal is the betterment of the Federal Capital, Islamabad, and they are prepared to take all necessary measures to provide the best facilities to the business community and traders. He said that they are prepared at all times for coordinated communication and mutual consultation with all business stakeholders.
Chairman CDA said that traders from the relevant Markazs and Commercial markets would also be included in the Upgradation plan for Markazs and commercial centers alongside the sectors of Islamabad. He said the purpose of forming a working group is to resolve issues directly and fill any gaps in coordination.
Chairman CDA said that CDA is carrying out all developmental work in the Federal Capital Islamabad from its own resources. He said that the process of digitizing all records is ongoing to resolve issues and a cashless system is also being rapidly introduced.
Chairman CDA said that the provision of the best possible facilities will be ensured for citizens, including the trader community and the business community. He said he will personally ensure visits to Markazs and commercial markets and work with the market committee to resolve prevailing issues.
The meeting commended CDA’s indiscriminate actions against the encroachment in the Federal Capital, Islamabad.
Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi thanked Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi for his cooperation in resolving the issues of Islamabad’s traders and industrialists. He said that he is prepared to play a constructive role in resolving the issues faced by the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the business and trader community . He said that the Traders Association, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the business community are important pillars for the development of the Federal Capital Islamabad and the business wheel can only keep moving with their cooperation. He further said that prevailing issues can be easily resolved through consultation and effective coordination with the business community, the traders’ community, and other stakeholders.
Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Tourism Affairs, Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan, said that promoting business and the economy is among the government’s top priorities. He said that they are ready to provide all possible cooperation to CDA for resolving issues.
President of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sardar Tahir Mahmood, said that by involving the business community and traders in the consultation process for resolving issues, an environment of confidence-building can be created. He highlighted various issues related to the traders community and the business community, including bringing matters related to various transfer fees concerning property transactions under discussion.
MAP holds 40th corporate excellence awards at pearl continental hotel Karachi
KARACHI, Dec 5 /DNA/ – The Management Association of Pakistan (MAP) organized the 40th Corporate Excellence Awards (CEA) in Karachi, celebrating four decades of promoting excellence, governance, and best management practices across Pakistan’s corporate landscape.
The Minister of Labor, Human Resources and Social Protection, Government of Sindh, Mr. Saeed Ghani, graced the occasion as Chief Guest and presented awards to the top-performing companies in both the Industrial and Financial sectors. He represented the Honorable Chief Minister of Sindh, who was attending the National Finance Commission meeting in Islamabad.
President’s Remarks
In his welcome address, the President of MAP, Senator Sarmad Ali, marked the Awards as a landmark moment in MAP’s journey and reiterated the association’s long-standing commitment since 1964 to advancing management excellence in Pakistan.
The President emphasized that modern excellence requires agility, technological readiness, and strong governance. He reaffirmed MAP’s commitment to supporting the corporate community through enhanced professional development, knowledge-sharing, and strategic capacity-building initiatives.
He expressed gratitude to the Government of Sindh, especially the Honorable Chief Minister, for extending continued support to MAP’s mission. He also acknowledged the vital role of sponsors and MAP’s evaluation partner, FAMCO Associates, in ensuring the Awards’ transparency and credibility.
Congratulating the winners, he stated that their achievements reflect the highest standards of corporate professionalism and serve as an inspiration for all
He expressed heartfelt thanks to the Government of Sindh for its support, to sponsors for their partnership, and to the evaluation partner FAMCO Associates for ensuring transparent and credible awards processes.
Chief Guest’s Remarks
Minister Saeed Ghani lauded MAP’s contribution to institutional development and governance. He congratulated this year’s award winners and underscored that adopting disciplined systems and best practices is key to organizational progress. In his remarks, the Minister appreciated MAP’s role in nation-building and emphasized the importance of strong systems, governance models, and learning from nations that have successfully progressed.
He reaffirmed the Government of Sindh’s support for MAP’s mission of promoting professionalism and stronger governance across the corporate sector.
Awards and Winners
The top trophy winners for 2025 were:
- Financial Category:Meezan Bank Limited
- Industrial Category:EngroFertilisers Limited
Winners in the Financial Sector included:
OLP Modaraba (Modarabas); Standard Chartered Bank (Commercial Banks); EFU General Insurance (Non-life Insurance); Jubilee Life Insurance Company Ltd. (Life Insurance).
Winners in the Industrial Sector included:
Feroze 1888 Mills Ltd. (Textile Composite); Al-Abbas Sugar Mills Ltd. (Sugar & Allied Industries); Lucky Cement Ltd. (Cement); Hub Power Company Ltd. (Power Generation & Distribution); Pakistan State Oil Company Ltd. (Oil & Gas Marketing); Oil & Gas Development Co. Ltd. (Oil & Gas Exploration); International Steels Ltd. (Engineering); Pakistan Cables Ltd. (Cable & Electrical Goods); Indus Motor Company Ltd. (Automobile Assembler); Atlas Battery Ltd. (Automobile Parts & Accessories); Fauji Fertilizer Company Ltd. (Fertilizer); Abbott Laboratories (Pakistan) Ltd. (Pharmaceuticals); Lucky Core Industries Ltd. (Chemical); Security Papers Ltd. (Paper & Board); Colgate-Palmolive (Pakistan) Ltd. (Food & Personal Care); Pakistan Tobacco Limited (Tobacco); Image Pakistan Limited (Synthetic & Rayon); Shabbir Tiles & Ceramics Ltd. (Glass & Ceramics); Javedan Corporation Ltd. (Property); and Shifa International Hospital Ltd. (Miscellaneous).
Runner-up companies were also presented with runners up awards.
Acknowledgements
MAP extended its gratitude to the Government of Sindh, sponsors, partners, and its evaluation partner, FAMCO Associates, for their continued support. The Association reaffirmed its commitment to build capacity, encourage innovation, and promote high standards of corporate governance across Pakistan.
Established in 1964, the Management Association of Pakistan (MAP) is the country’s leading professional body dedicated to the advancement of management practice, professional development, and corporate governance. Through awards, research, training, and thought leadership, MAP works to strengthen institutional capability and nurture responsible leadership in Pakistan.
Pakistan, Korea open joint solar module testing laboratory in Islamabad
ISLAMABAD, DEC 5 (APP/DNA): History was made as Chang Won-sam, President of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), became the first KOICA President to visit Pakistan, inaugurating the Pakistan-Korea PV Module Testing Laboratory in a ceremony that symbolizes the deepening bonds between two nations committed to sustainable development.
The inauguration ceremony, held under the auspices of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of Pakistan, in collaboration with KOICA on Friday, brought together senior officials from both countries to celebrate this landmark achievement in sustainable energy development.
The officials from the Ministry of Science and Technology, KOICA, and other partner organizations attended the event, underscoring the strong collaborative spirit behind this initiative.
“This project is especially meaningful for me, as it is for the first time that a KOICA President has come to Pakistan,” President Chang Won-sam said at the ceremony. “For the past two days, I have been truly impressed by the country’s huge potential. Pakistan sits at the unique crossroads between Asia and the Middle East. It has rich natural resources and, above all, an energetic and talented young population.”
The KOICA President emphasized that securing sustainable and reliable energy would be vital for building Pakistan’s bright future. “Pakistan has an abundance of sunshine which is a real opportunity. With the government’s strong commitment to solar energy and clear public support, I believe Pakistan is in a great position to accelerate its transition to clean and green energy,” he stated.
Through this project, Korea aims to help Pakistan build its capacity to test and certify solar PV modules to international standards. “We look forward to working closely together to support a more sustainable and resilient energy future,” President Chang added, extending sincere appreciation to all partners involved.
President Chang also highlighted the deepening partnership between Korea and Pakistan since establishing diplomatic ties in 1983, with the opening of KOICA’s Country Office in Islamabad in 2010 representing another important step.
“Korea will continue to be a reliable and committed partner for Pakistan in the area of development cooperation. I hope today’s project will help Pakistan’s competitiveness in the global energy sector,” he concluded.
Dr. Jaesang Park, Project Manager at KOICA, noted that Korea and Pakistan have developed a mutually beneficial relationship in various fields. “This project reflects how much the Korean government focuses on Pakistan’s development. Renewable energy projects in Pakistan, especially solar power, are rapidly growing sectors and key elements in coping with climate and energy issues. The completion of this testing lab is expected to significantly contribute to the development of Pakistan’s solar power industry,” he said, adding that “Pakistan’s success is Korea’s success.”
Federal Secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Shahid Iqbal Baloch, delivered an inspiring address celebrating Korea’s remarkable transformation. “Whenever the world speaks of Korea, it speaks of a miracle — a miracle born not of luck but of unshaken courage,” he said, recounting how Korea rebuilt itself through hard work, political vision, and education after being devastated by war.
“The nation was once reduced to ashes, divided by war, devastated beyond imagination, yet it chose not to surrender but to rise. Korea’s story is of determination itself. They rebuilt their nation through hard work, political vision, and above all, education — education that shapes minds, empowers communities, and opens doors no one believed possible,” Baloch stated.
Quoting a Korean proverb “a frog in a well cannot see the ocean”, Baloch noted that Korea chose to climb out of that well to embrace possibilities, and today the world knows Korea as a symbol of innovation, technological excellence, and human resilience.
“The establishment of this lab is not merely a technical achievement but a testament to the enduring friendship between our nations,” he stated. “It represents Korea’s belief in Pakistan’s potential and commitment to work forward with ambition, confidence, and clarity.”
Citing a great Korean leader who said, “We must dare to dream and dare to make that dream come true,” Baloch declared, “Today, through this laboratory, we take the step to move forward to realize the dream that Pakistan is ready to meet global standards with pride. This will enrich our renewable sector, uplift our industrial capabilities, and create skilled opportunities for youth. It will bring science closer to society and quality closer to industry.” He thanked KOICA and all who stood with Pakistan on this journey.
The ceremony featured several significant moments. Earlier, the Federal Secretary and KOICA President conducted a flag-raising ceremony, followed by a plaque unveiling marking the inauguration of the laboratory as a beacon of technological advancement for the country’s renewable energy sector.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the formal opening of this historic partnership for the inauguration of the Pakistan-Korea PV Module Testing Laboratory.
The Pakistan-Korea PV Module Testing Laboratory, a joint project of the Ministry of Science and Technology and KOICA, represents a crucial step in enriching Pakistan’s renewable sector, uplifting industrial capabilities, and creating skilled opportunities for youth, bringing science closer to society and quality closer to industry.
Pakistan to launch AI-powered immigration system in January
ISLAMABAD, DEC 5 – Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Friday announced the launch of an artificial intelligence-based application as a pilot project to curb illegal immigration and clamp down on fake travel documents.
He was speaking while co-chairing a meeting with Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain, where the two reviewed “immigration reforms” aimed at facilitating citizens and improving the country’s image at the international level.
Naqvi said the AI-based app would help authorities determine “who is fit to travel and who is not”. He said the measures were aimed at stopping illegal immigration and that zero tolerance would be adopted against fake visas and agent mafias.
During the meeting, a decision was made to clamp down on those travelling abroad on forged documents and to launch a crackdown on elements and agent networks involved in the business of fake visas. The federal ministers also ordered that final recommendations on the reform package be submitted within seven days.
Naqvi said the system for issuing Protectors (emigration clearances for Pakistanis going abroad on work visas) would be made foolproof, while reforms would be introduced in the wider immigration system to facilitate passengers. He added that after the passports of deported individuals are cancelled, the government would ensure they do not receive a visa again.
The interior minister further announced that a uniform international driving licence would be issued by the National Police Bureau. He said the government was in contact with other countries to improve the ranking of the green passport and warned that people going abroad through improper means were damaging the country’s reputation.
“The purpose of immigration reforms is to provide convenience to the public and improve the global image,” Naqvi said.
Federal Minister Salik Hussain underlined the need for authentic documentation for those travelling on labour visas, saying it was essential that their papers be genuine.
He assured that the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis would extend all possible cooperation for improvements in the Protector system and the immigration system.
HEC to launch blockchain-based digital degree attestation within six months
ISLAMABAD, DEC 5 /DNA/ – The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has initiated a landmark project to completely revamp its degree attestation system by integrating cutting-edge blockchain technology. This pivotal transition is set to enhance efficiency and transparency across the verification process while eliminating the long-standing requirement for applicants’ physical presence at HEC offices.
This move marks a major step in HEC’s drive towards digital transformation. Following the successful completion of the system development procurement process, HEC has announced that the new, fully automated system will be operational within the next six months.
Acting Chairman HEC, Mr. Nadeem Mahbub, underscored the urgency of the initiative, directing the concerned team to prioritise the task and ensure its earliest implementation. He was briefed that the proposed system will completely remove the requirement for applicants to provide physical documents or visit HEC offices for verification.
The new system promises a seamless process for graduates from the 25 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) that have fully implemented the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, as student information from these institutions will be automatically integrated into the blockchain. Graduates from these HEIs will not need to submit any documents; their degrees will be added to the HEC blockchain upon graduation, granting them direct access to their verified degrees through the HEC Portal.
For students graduating from HEIs that currently operate without an ERP system, the process remains entirely digital and streamlined: degrees and transcripts will be submitted online through the HEC portal, then forwarded to the respective university’s dashboard for verification, and once verified by the university, the documents will be immediately integrated into the blockchain.
The core benefit of the transition lies in security and speed: degree verification will take place entirely online, with all records digitally secured to ensure instant, tamper-proof access. Once verified and stored on the HEC blockchain, degrees will enable immediate authentication by all key stakeholders, including government departments, the Foreign Office, embassies, and private organizations.
This transition will successfully make the attestation process fully paperless, automated, and transparent, finally removing the need for manual stamping or physical documentation.
CDA agrees to deseal all businesses unconditionally after week-long standoff
ISLAMABAD, DEC 5 /DNA/ – A week of escalating tensions between the business community and the Capital Development Authority (CDA) ended on Friday with a significant breakthrough, as the CDA Chairman agreed to deseal all the sealed industries and the trade houses unconditionally. The development took place after the proactive mediation by Federal Minister for Railways Mohammad Hanif Abbasi.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Minister Abbasi immediately engaged Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and pushed for an emergency dialogue. The high-level meeting held at CDA headquarters drew unprecedented attendance. Both sides committed to a cooperative framework designed to prevent future confrontations and to ensure formal representation of the business community in decisions affecting the capital.
Speaking after the meeting, Mohammad Hanif Abbasi stated that Islamabad cannot progress without its business community and that cooperation, rather than unilateral action, is vital for the capital’s development. He acknowledged the business sector’s grievances and appreciated Minister Naqvi’s swift and constructive response in diffusing the crisis.
Representing the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI), Sardar Tahir Mehmood presented a comprehensive and forceful account of the challenges faced by traders and industrialists. He demanded the immediate and unconditional de-sealing of business premises, arguing that abrupt enforcement drives without consultation have created fear and instability. He criticized the recent escalation in FAR rates as unjustified and damaging to investor confidence, noting that comparable institutions in other provinces charge far lower fees, prompting investors’ confidence, despite the Prime Minister’s reduction of transfer fees nationwide, the CDA’s refusal to extend the relief to Islamabad was another major concern.
Sardar Tahir further highlighted the excessive delays and financial burdens associated with the DVC process, emphasizing that the involvement of committee members who simultaneously run private businesses constitute a clear conflict of interest. He rejected the steep increase in transfer fees—raised from per-square-yard charges to three per cent of FBR value—describing it as a severe blow to the cost of doing business.
The ICCI President also reiterated the longstanding demand for Islamabad’s rightful share in the NFC Award and stressed that the business community is struggling for survival under increasing administrative pressures.
Chairman Founders Group, Sheikh Tariq Sadiq, said the business community had lost regional competitiveness amid rising operational costs, utility charges, and cumbersome administrative procedures.
Senior Vice President Tahir Ayub raised the deteriorating condition of the Fruit and Vegetable Market which is playing a vital role in catering the needs of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, KP, Northern Areas and Azad Kashmir.
President Anjuman-e-Tajran Pakistan, Ajmal Baloch, endorsed ICCI’s stance and detailed the challenges faced by traders, particularly from the BCS, Encroachment Wing, and Food Authority. He also acknowledged the commendable performance of Dr. Anam, Director MC, who received appreciation from all participants.
Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa acknowledged a communication gap between the administration and the business community, which he said had caused misunderstandings and unnecessary friction. He proposed structured monthly engagements with ICCI and its affiliated sectors to ensure continuous consultation for the city’s betterment. Randhawa affirmed that his office remains open 24/7 for the business community and reiterated his commitment to resolving their issues promptly. He also announced the formation of a working group to review fee structures and assured stakeholders of timely redressal of their concerns.
The meeting was attended by senior government officials, including Inspector General of Police Ali Nasir Rizvi, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Tourism Sardar Yasir Ilyas, Deputy Commissioner Irfan Memon, and senior CDA members from Planning, Engineering, Environment, Finance, and Administration. ICCI’s delegation included Shaikh Abdur Razzaq, President of Islamabad Industrial Association; Senior Vice President Muhammad Ali Mirza, ICCI Vice President Muhammad Irfan; former Presidents Khalid Javed; Mohammad Ijaz Abbasi, Board Members; Market Presidents including Yousuf Rajput, Kamran Kakakhel, Shehzad Shabbir Abbasi, Abdur Rehman Siddiqui, Shahid Abbasi, Ahmed Khan, former SVP Khalid Ch. Secretary General Ghulam Murtaza and others.
PRCS marks International volunteer day
ISLAMABAD, DEC 5 /DNA/ – The Pakistan Red Crescent Society marked International Volunteer Day under the theme “Every Contribution Matters” with a vibrant ceremony in Islamabad on Friday, attended by students from Cadet College Hasan Abdal, several other educational institutions, volunteers, PRCS staff and representatives from Partner National Societies. The event featured an impressive march-past by cadets and a stage play highlighting the history and humanitarian legacy of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement.
In her address, Honorable Chairperson PRCS Mrs. Farzana Naek emphasized the indispensable role of volunteers, calling them a precious asset for the organization. She said that volunteers bring energy, dedication, and compassion to every initiative, strengthening PRCS responses during disasters, community outreach programs, and health initiatives. She highlighted how volunteers are often the first responders in emergencies, providing critical support and relief when it is most needed.
She further urged the youth to engage in voluntary service and paid tribute to all humanitarian heroes who sacrificed their lives for humanity, noting that their courage inspires generations of volunteers. She added that every person, irrespective of age, should come forth and contribute to humanitarian causes, because that is what matters the most.
In his opening remarks, Secretary General Muhammad Abaidullah Khan welcomed the participants and appreciated the dedication of PRCS volunteers nationwide. He noted that PRCS has developed a highly trained and active volunteer force that has played a key role in responding to floods and other emergencies across Pakistan this year. He also highlighted the organization’s mentorship and training programs, which aim to equip young volunteers with essential skills and foster a culture of community service.
Head of Delegation, IFRC Pakistan, Mr. Farid Abdulqadir, honored volunteers for their selfless service and offered special tribute to those around the world who lost their lives in the line of duty. He appreciated the work of the Pakistan Red Crescent Society under the vision of Chairperson Mrs. Farzana Naek and reaffirmed IFRC’s commitment to supporting volunteerism and humanitarian action.
Head of Office, German Red Cross, Mr. Asif Aman, commended PRCS initiatives and encouraged people from all segments of society to step forward and give voluntary service. He emphasized the importance of community involvement to build stronger and safer communities.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of commemorative shields to outstanding volunteers, followed by a cake-cutting to celebrate International Volunteer Day.
