RAWALPINDI, DEC 23 /DNA/ – The participants at the “SRHR and Child Marriages: Challenges and Way Forward” workshop have unanimously endorsed a resolution calling for the minimum age of marriage for girls to be linked to their national identity card across Pakistan.

The resolution to leverage technology and national identity cards to prevent child marriages was supported by a diverse group of stakeholders, including health professionals, religious scholars, lawyers, academicians, media persons, and government officials from various departments including education, health, population welfare, women development and local government.

The resolution’s push for NADRA to register all marriages online is a significant step towards enforcing the minimum age of marriage for girls in Pakistan. By leveraging technology and national identity cards, the resolution aims to prevent underage marriages and ensure that girls are socially, mentally, and physically equipped to bear the responsibilities of marriage.

This collective effort emerged from a workshop jointly organized by PODA and the District Population Welfare Office, Rawalpindi, which brought together stakeholders to discuss the challenges and future directions in addressing child marriages.

The workshop was held at Family Health Clinic and Training Hall at Benazir Bhutto Hospital. PODA is implementing a 3-year project “Reduce Early Marriages to Enhance Gender Equality” in 41 districts of Punjab, supported by the Norwegian Embassy, Islamabad. The workshop was held at Family Health Clinic and Training Hall at Benazir Bhutto Hospital.

Advocate Khawaja Zahid Nasim, Legal Advisor to PODA and Chairperson of the Naheeda Mehboob Elahi Foundation, emphasized the need to uniformly define a minor as someone under 18 years of age across all laws. He pointed out a discrepancy in the Child Marriage Restraint Act 2015-Punjab, which sets the minimum marriage age for girls at 16, yet defines a “minor” as any child under 18 years old. A unified definition for all children, regardless of gender, is essential for protecting their rights, he added.

Nabeela Aslam, Project Manager at PODA, quoted the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which defines a child as any person under 18 years old. She emphasized that this definition ensures equal protection and rights for all children, regardless of gender, until they reach adulthood. She stressed that adopting a unified definition is crucial for promoting the well-being and safety of all children.

Azhar Mehmood, Deputy Director of the Population Welfare Office, emphasized the need for a mindset shift to consider underage marriage a socially unacceptable phenomenon. He praised the Punjab Chief Minister’s efforts and highlighted the importance of linking the minimum marriageable age of girls to their national identity card. He noted that while the law in Punjab sets the marriageable age at 16 for girls, it is not being implemented effectively. He also stressed that despite good literacy rates among girls, there is a need to change people’s perspectives on early marriages and associated health problems.

Dr. Asima Tariq, In-charge Family Health Clinic at Benazir Bhutto Hospital, Rawalpindi, Dr, Ayesha Zulfiqar and Dr. Mariam Ali highlighted the severe implications of child marriages on girls below 18 years of age. They emphasized that early marriage often leads to multiple abortions, which puts immense pressure on healthcare facilities, particularly in resource-constrained environments.

The experts stressed that delaying marriage until girls are at least 18 years old is crucial to prevent these health risks and ensure better outcomes for young women.

Dr. Samina Batool advocated for incorporating information on child marriages and their health consequences into the educational curriculum. She also emphasized the need to raise awareness about this critical issue in rural communities.

Maulana Hafiz Muhammad Iqbal Rizvi emphasized the importance of engaging with religious scholars to address child marriages. He suggested utilizing their influence to change public perception and promote girls’ education, ultimately upholding their fundamental rights, just as it was effectively done in the instances of polio vaccination campaigns.

ISLAMABAD, DEC 23 /DNA/ – The Islamabad Institute of Conflict Resolution (IICR) convened an insightful seminar titled *“Decoding Media Influence: Global Perspectives on Information Perception and Society”. The event Seminar together prominent experts from academia, media, and public policy to discuss the profound impact of media on shaping societal and political landscapes in an increasingly interconnected world. 

Moderated by Dr. Shabana Fayyaz, Associate Professor at Quaid-e-Azam University, the seminar featured a distinguished panel, including Ex. Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed, Dr. Nazir Hussain, Air Marshal (Ret.) Farhat Hussain, Ex. Information minister Murtaza Solangi, media expert Dr. Furqan Rao, and investigative journalist Fakhar Kakakhel. 

In her opening remarks, Ms. Sabah Aslam, Executive Director and Founder of IICR, emphasized the critical relationship between media, public perception, and societal outcomes. She underscored the importance of fostering media literacy, promoting critical thinking, and encouraging responsible media consumption, particularly among youth. The seminar sought to examine media’s role in shaping narratives, countering misinformation, and fostering cross-cultural understanding. 

Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed highlighted the EU Disinfo lab role in exposing India’s global propaganda campaigns, citing examples like the activities of ANI and the Srivastava Group.He noted the transformative power of Western media in shaping historical and contemporary events, from the 1953 Iranian coup to the Iraq War. Reflecting on the shifting dynamics of media during the 2024 U.S. elections, Senator Hussain called for a coordinated media strategy in Pakistan to address emerging challenges. 

Murtaza Solangi, a seasoned journalist and ex federal minister, delved into the essence of journalism, advocating for the public’s right to know. He identified corporate influence, market forces, and non-state actors as significant challenges to media independence. He emphasized the global epidemic of misinformation, stressing the importance of digital literacy to combat fake news and prevent the suppression of voices through censorship. 

Fakhar Kakakhel, an investigative journalist, pointed to the proliferation of “keyboard warriors” and the Western-backed spread of misinformation, linking these issues to efforts to undermine Pakistan’s progress, particularly regarding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He called for better mechanisms to address the digital chaos resulting from censorship and misinformation. 

Dr. Furqan Rao, a media expert, warned against the dangers of political hate speech, which he said exacerbates social and cultural divisions. He advocated for a multidisciplinary approach to address media-related challenges and highlighted the need for widespread media information literacy to create an informed populace. 

In his keynote address, Air Marshal (Ret.) Farhat Hussain underscored the necessity of exploiting Indian vulnerabilities that are often masked as strengths through media manipulation. He called for equipping individuals with critical thinking skills to discern truth from propaganda and recommended rationalized media regulations to manage the cross-border influence of media narratives. 

Dr. Nazir Hussain, in his closing remarks, addressed the growing dominance of social media as a counterbalance to the restrictive practices of mainstream media. He attributed this trend to the corporate ownership of traditional media houses, which often limits the diversity of perspectives available to the public. 

Key Themes and Takeaways

The seminar shed light on pressing global and national challenges posed by media influence, including the rise of misinformation, the weaponization of narratives, and the role of social media as an alternative to mainstream platforms. Panelists collectively stressed the urgent need for digital literacy, media regulation reforms, and the cultivation of critical thinking to navigate the evolving media landscape. 

Nazir Siyal

KARACHI, DEC 23 /DNA/ – The world’s fastest growing smartphone brand realme has officially launched the realme C75, a revolutionary device with unparalleled water and dust resistance protection. It features the coveted IP69 rating, a rare inclusion across its price segment in Pakistan.

The device is available for PKR 49,999/-.

With the realme C75, the brand takes innovation to an entirely new level. Packed with features rarely seen in its price range, this device is designed to meet the demands of modern users:

•             IP69 Rating: Unprecedented water and dust resistance, capable of withstanding high-pressure and high-temperature water jets.

•             6000mAh Battery with 45W Fast Charging: Offering all-day power with quick recharge times, ensuring seamless connectivity.

•             ArmorShell Glass Protection: Enhanced shock resistance for durability in everyday and rugged conditions.

•             Helio G92 Max Chipset with 90Hz Display: A powerful 4G chip with an octa-core design and clock speeds up to 2GHz delivering smooth gaming and multitasking experiences with crystal-clear visuals. Up to 8GB + 16GB dynamic RAM provides enough memory for games and apps to run smoothly.

The realme C75 isn’t just about performance; it’s a revolutionary device designed for real-world durability. With its industry-leading IP69 rating, this phone redefines resilience by offering unparalleled protection against water and dust. Whether it’s accidental spills, rain, or even intentional cleaning, the realme C75 can handle it all. From rinsing it under running water to submerging it entirely, this device stands firm, giving users peace of mind in any environment. This level of physical safeguards are not even seen in most high-end smartphones.

Combined with its stylish Lightning Gold and Storm Black color options, the C75 seamlessly blends practicality and elegance, making it the perfect companion for your active lifestyle. The launch of the realme C75 marks a significant milestone for the brand, offering flagship-grade features in an entry-level smartphone.

By bridging the gap between affordability and premium functionality, realme continues to redefine what’s possible in the tech space. This strategic launch caps a year of extraordinary growth and innovation, signaling an exciting future for both the brand and its consumers.

A Year of Exceptional Milestones

Throughout 2024, realme launched several groundbreaking devices, each pushing the boundaries of performance and user experience.

•             realme GT 6: Hailed as the flagship killer, the realme GT 6 captivated tech enthusiasts across Pakistan with its premium specifications and cutting-edge features, delivering a top-tier smartphone experience at a highly competitive price. The GT series made its return to Pakistan after a two-year hiatus, and sold out within hours of its release.

•             realme 13+: Delivered flagship-level performance with enhanced gaming capabilities and sleek design.

•             realme 12+: Prioritized chipset power and gaming smoothness, making it a fan-favorite in the mid-range segment.

•             realme C67: realme expanded its C-series lineup in Pakistan with the introduction of the realme C67. This mid-range smartphone was officially launched in January 2024, and is available in two color options: Sunny Oasis and Black Rock.

•             Note 50: The realme Note 50 combined affordability and essential features for everyday use. With a sleek design, a 6.74-inch 90Hz display, and a 5000mAh battery, it offers smooth visuals and all-day power.

2024 also saw realme cementing its reputation for quality and durability by becoming the first smartphone brand to offer a 24-month extended warranty across its products, reflecting its unwavering trust in their reliability.

Taking this commitment further, realme is introducing a 1-year water damage warranty exclusively for the realme C75, confident in the phone’s industry-leading IP69 rating that ensures unparalleled water resistance. This bold initiative highlights realme’s dedication to providing users with peace of mind and a product they can truly rely on in any situation.

realme’s impressive YOY growth and the introduction of devices like the realme C75 reflect a brand that understands and responds to its consumers’ needs. As the C75 hits markets in Pakistan, it embodies the essence of realme’s philosophy of resilience, performance, and trustworthiness in every device. With its remarkable IP69 rating and unparalleled features, the realme C75 is not just a smartphone; it’s a testament to what the future of entry-level devices can achieve.

ISLAMABAD, DEC 23: The federal government has released the schedule for public holidays for the year 2025, including holidays for national, Islamic, and minority festivals.

The Cabinet Division has issued a notification detailing the dates of holidays to be observed on various occasions throughout the year.

The announcement provides clarity on public holidays for the upcoming year, allowing citizens to plan accordingly.

ISLAMABAD, DEC 23 /DNA/ – The 9th “Adab Festival Pakistan”, hosted by the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) in collaboration with Lightstone Publishers, had an engaging daylong sessions highlighting the role played by literature in building a harmonious society.

In his welcome remarks, DG ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood emphasized Pakistan’s literary richness and ISSI’s commitment to fostering creativity through literature. He highlighted the Adab Festival’s role in promoting book reading, especially among youth, as a vital balancing factor in the digital age. Ambassador Sohail Mahmood lauded the festival as a platform to celebrate cultural pluralism, inspire dialogue, and explore creative ideas. He commended the festival’s diverse program, featuring book talks and discussions on topics such as Quaid-e-Azam’s vision, women empowerment, and education, showcasing its potential to inspire new perspectives. The event, he noted, serves as a bridge between emerging and established writers, fostering connections and nurturing literary aspirations. Ambassador Sohail Mahmood expressed gratitude to the participants and encouraged attendees to engage with the sessions, underscoring the festival’s power to connect, educate, and celebrate the enduring impact of words. He also affirmed ISSI’s resolve to systematically project Pakistan’s soft power inherent in its rich culture and arts and literature in active collaboration with literary institutions and civil society.

In her introductory remarks, Ms. Ameena Saiyid highlighted the transformative power of literature festivals in honoring writers, researchers, and poets, while addressing societal challenges and reinforcing cultural identity. Dr. Najeeba Arif, Chairperson Pakistan Academy of Letters, emphasized literature’s role in fostering humanity, hope, and soft power, stressing its influence in shaping a nation’s cultural and intellectual landscape. The session laid the foundation for a festival that celebrates creativity, intellectual exchange, and meaningful dialogue, underscoring the significant role of literature in societal progress.

The first session of the Adab Festival, titled “Jinnah’s Vision for Pakistan – A Call for Action,” featured insightful remarks by Barrister Yasser Latif Hamdani, author of the book, and was moderated by Professor Dr. Ilhan Niaz. Barrister Hamdani emphasized Jinnah’s role as a key legislator in Pakistan’s formation, contrasting his inclusive vision with Gandhi’s focus on religion in politics. He clarified that Jinnah envisioned a state, promoting harmony among diverse communities while fostering a modern Muslim society grounded in its religious roots. Hamdani dispelled misconceptions, stressing that Jinnah’s vision was not for a theocracy, but for a progressive Pakistan based on equality, justice, and tolerance. The session highlighted the need to realign contemporary discourse with Jinnah’s ideals, advocating for a more inclusive and harmonious society.

The second session of the Adab Festival, titled “Leadership and Legacy,” featured an engaging discussion with Dr. Maleeha Lodhi, Mr. Zahid Hussain, and Ms. Arifa Noor, moderated by Dr. Salma Malik. Mr. Zahid Hussain stressed the importance of history for the younger generation, reflecting on Pakistan’s challenges and sharing insights from interviews with figures like Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan and Rajiv Gandhi. Dr. Maleeha Lodhi highlighted unlearned lessons from history; missed opportunities in land reforms, education etc.; and the role of individuals in shaping history. Ms. Arifa Noor explored the evolution of political leaders and the need for balanced journalism to capture complex realities. The session offered a thought-provoking exploration of Pakistan’s leadership, historical trajectory, and the lasting legacy of key figures and institutions.

Following an inspiring Sufi performance by Arieb Azhar, the third session of the Adab Festival, titled “Reimagining Education: New Frontiers and Opportunities,” moderated by Mr. Musharraf Zaidi, focused on critical challenges and innovative solutions in the education sector. Mr. Shakeel Durani highlighted illiteracy as a central issue, advocating for community schools and emphasizing that just Rs. 15 billion annually could enroll 26 million out-of-school children. He also called for technology and policy interventions in remote areas. Mr. Ehtesham Anwar stressed the need to prioritize education and address overpopulation and systemic issues. Ms. Uzma Yousuf highlighted the role of parents, economic relevance in education, and the importance of teacher training. Mr. Hassan Khan advocated for a shift towards Education 5.0, incorporating AI, augmented reality, and project-based learning to equip students with future-ready skills, urging a collective responsibility for systemic transformation.

The fourth session of the Adab Festival, titled “Her Story, Her Voice: Celebrating Women’s Empowerment,” moderated by Ms. Maliha Hussain, explored themes of activism, optimism, and collaboration. Dr. Fouzia Saeed, the author of the book, emphasized the need to highlight positive advancements in the country to foster a sense of hope. She shared insights from her book’s executive summary, discussing seven key strands of change over the last two decades: Political Awakening, Social Welfare, Political Collaboration, Reactive Confrontation, Development Orientation, Strategic Activism, and Virtual Activism. Ms. Fazila Aliani reflected on her tireless advocacy for Balochistan, calling for political collaboration and collective action to drive progress. She underscored the importance of empowering women and working together for the greater good of the nation. The session highlighted the pivotal role of women in shaping social, political, and cultural change, reinforcing the importance of their voices in driving societal transformation.

The fifth session, titled “Pakistan and the Changing Global Scenario,” moderated by Mr. Omayr Aziz Saiyid, focused on Pakistan’s strategic positioning amid global power shifts. Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed discussed the “Asian Century,” emphasizing Pakistan’s “tactical” ties with the U.S. and “strategic” partnership with China. He called for political reconciliation and a strong counter-terrorism strategy. Ms. Nasim Zehra highlighted the importance of Pakistan-China relations, internal reforms, and Pakistan’s diminishing priority for the UAE and KSA. Ambassador Masood Khan examined the U.S.-China competition, trade ties with the U.S., and the need to recalibrate relations with China. He also stressed the importance of investing in regional ecosystems, including Central Asia, Iran, and MENA region, to ensure Pakistan’s strategic growth. The session provided valuable insights into Pakistan’s evolving role in a rapidly changing global environment.

The sixth session of the Adab Festival, titled “Indus Valley, Mysticism, Folk Traditions,” moderated by Mr. Tariq Bhatti, explored the region’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Ms. Sarwat Mohiuddin emphasized the interconnectedness of culture, humanity, nature, and folk traditions, highlighting the need for a deeper connection with nature for the well-being of humanity. She identified intolerance as a major challenge, stressing the importance of embracing diverse cultures and perspectives to promote peace and harmony. Mysticism, particularly Sufism, was presented as a path to self-awareness, equality, and universal compassion, reflecting the messages of folk literature.

The Adab Festival concluded with a discussion on Dr. Sania Nishtar’s book, Delivering Welfare at Scale: Ehsaas 2047, moderated by Ms. Amna Rizvan Ali. Dr. Sania Nishtar outlined the Ehsaas initiative as a transformative effort to develop Pakistan as a welfare state, addressing key areas such as education, health, poverty alleviation, and food security. She pointed to political patronage, transparency issues, and resistance from traditional politicians opposed to the program’s digital delivery mechanism as significant obstacles. Dr. Nishtar emphasized that Ehsaas reflected the struggles of those facing poverty, hunger, and inflation, particularly highlighting the role of the underprivileged, including 1.2 million exploited street vendors, in Pakistan’s economy. As the program’s impact became visible, she pointed out, border support among political segments and across institutions was also forthcoming. The session underscored the importance of welfare programs in addressing the needs of Pakistan’s most vulnerable populations.

KARACHI, Dec 23 (DNA/APP):The State Bank of Pakistan and all the banking and financial institutions will remain closed on Wednesday, December 25, 2024 on the occasion of Quaid-e-Azam Day and Christmas.

The State Bank of Pakistan, in a statement issued here on Monday informed, “The State Bank of Pakistan will remain closed on December 25, 2024 (Wednesday) being public holiday on the occasions of Quaid-e-Azam Day and Christmas, as declared by the Government of Pakistan.”

Subsequently, all the banks, Micro Finance Banks (MFBs) and Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) will also remain closed to observe the public holiday on December 25, 2024.