DNA

Islamabad – The Ankara-based TED University officials offered huge scholarships on quality education in 23 undergraduate and 17 graduate programmes to the Pakistani students enrolling for the Fall-2024 semester. Speaking at the Devcom-Pakistan webinar on Sunday, the TED University international programmes officials said the new enrolments will be offered scholarships from 25 to 100 percent based on their academics and other credentials while the Pakistani students are exempted from any GRE and English language tests.

The TED University official webinar was organized by the Development Communications Network (Devcom-Pakistan) on Sunday. The guest speakers included the Devcom-Pakistan Executive Director Munir Ahmed, TED University Chief of International Programs Office Can Öney, TED University Head of International Programs Office Levent Ocal, TED University Head of International Student Community Haares Munir, a senior student at TED University Areej Fatima, and the founder Tri-star Education Danish Ahmed.

Can Öney said that TED is one of the top universities in Ankara with highly educated professional faculty members that are available to the students in the time of their need. The university houses many facilities to support students’ education, health and recreation free of cost. The undergraduate courses offered in the five faculties are architecture, city and regional planning, industrial design, interior architecture and environmental design, visual communication design, psychology, sociology, mathematics, English language and literature, business administration, economics, political science and international relations, early childhood education, primary education, guidance and psychological counseling, English language education, mathematics education, computer engineering, electrical and electronics engineering, industrial engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and software engineering.

He told the audience the graduate programmes include applied data science, architecture and urban studies, civil engineering, computer engineering, developmental focused clinical child and adolescent psychology, economics, economics and finance, mechanical engineering, mechatronics engineering, engineering management, English language education, industrial engineering, interactive computing and information systems, management in educational institutions, migration studies, and psychological counseling and guidance.

Mr. Öney said that about 5000 students are studying at the TED university at the moment while the faculty to student Ratio is 24:1 that provides sufficient individual guidance to the students. The students also have the chance to benefit from the joint project, academic study and scientific research with their faculty members. The directorate of research, technology, and innovation provides support to the students. So far, the students have taken part in 84 research projects, 44 nationally funded projects, 23 internationally funded projects, and curated 100 industry projects.

TED University Head of International Student Community Haares Munir said: We feel at home while studying at the TED University. All faculty members are very competent and friendly while the TED International Office is available 24/7 to resolve the internal students’ problems. All the health, sports and recreation facilities are available in the university besides very discounted or free meals. Students at Ted university have ample opportunities to show and groom their leadership skills. The outdoor educational and recreational trips are a very important part of the student life at the university. The Turkish nation in general is very friendly towards the Pakistani students once you are able to communicate with them. Knowing Turkish language or at least the basic level will help you a lot to communicate with the locals and to resolve your day-to-day issues.

Devcom-Pakistan Executive Director Munir Ahmed traced the common cultural values between the both nations, and said the relations between Turkey and Pakistan are deep-rooted in history. In the merging geopolitical landscape, both nations need to interact closely and widely and harness the potential of collaborations in all fields and improve trade and cultural ties. The students exchange programme will enhance the understanding between both the nations.

TED University Head of International Programs Office Levent Ocal paid gratitude to the Pakistani mothers especially who send their children to Turkey for education. He said Turkey always welcomes Pakistanis warmly and has the feel of brotherhood. 

LAHORE, May 12 (DNA): European Union Ambassador to Pakistan, Riina Koinka visited an art gallery inaugurated at the Nasser Bagh by the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA), where she viewed an ongoing exhibition.

Dr Riina Koinka, who was in Lahore, received an invitation to visit The Barracks, situated within a historically significant but deteriorated bunker previously occupied by the Department of Civil Defence.

“The Garden” exhibition by Imran Qureshi, a renowned artist, seeks to delve into the historical significance of the landmark by converting its underground bunkers into an engaging environment. Employing a multidisciplinary approach, it investigates the interplay between ecology, aesthetics, and conflict.

During her visit, Dr Riina Koinka was briefed on the rich history of the British-era garden. Originally named Bandstand Garden, it was later rechristened Municipal Garden on the construction of Victoria Jubilee Hall (later Town Hall). The park also earned the moniker Gol Bagh due to its circular layout.

Following the partition of the Indian subcontinent in 1947, the garden was renamed Nasser Bagh in tribute to Gamal Abdel Nasser, the longstanding president of Egypt. The diplomat was further informed that the gallery aims to become a dynamic hub for art enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.

Additionally, Riina Koinka was briefed on various initiatives taken by the department. These include organising sporting events, establishing a pioneering Bonsai museum and yoga center at Racecourse Park, and revitalising the Butterfly House at the Botanical Garden.

Separately, the PHA has also announced plans to establish a public sculpture garden at the Nasser Bagh. The sculpture park will comprise an outdoor garden featuring sculptures and other artworks crafted from durable materials within landscaped surroundings.

Expected to be operational by early next month, the proposed facility will operate in conjunction with The Barracks.

Initially, the department has commissioned renowned artists such as Imran Qureshi, Risham Hosain Syed, Talat Dabir, Shahid Sajjad, Rasheed Araeen, Rashid Rana, Tahir Mahmood, and Meherunnisa Asad for the project.

The concept of a sculpture garden, the piece de résistance of the park, has been in development for many years. The Barracks now aims to expand artistic endeavors within the Nasir Bagh precinct, the PHA spokesperson said.

Ready to give relief in wheat, electricity prices,’ AJK PM says after protests turn violent

DNA

MUZAFFARABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq said that the government was ready to give related relief in electricity and wheat flour prices after violent protests in Mirpur killed one cop and injured over 70 others.

“The government held negotiations with the Awami Action Committee (AAC) and we reached to an agreement which we are determined to implement,” assured PM Haq.

The development comes after the demonstrations against high electricity bills and taxes entered second day in Mirpur on Saturday during which clashes were triggered between the police and the AAC.

Speaking about the incident, PM Haq said that a cop was martyred due to the protests, however, the AJK police are showing patience during the siege and arson.

“We are ready to talk with AAC at any level and the demands related to the Government of Pakistan will be raised before the federation,” said the prime minister.

The AJK PM said that the AAC announced a long march for their demands, however, there were some miscreants among the protestors. “The government ensured that no force was used during the protest,” he said.

The premier said that public security was their priority and the AJK administration showed patience, adding that propaganda was being spread on social media.

PM Haq assured that in order to provide relief in wheat flour and electricity prices, the government will even slash the development budget if they have to.

‘Demands should be met’

AJK Peoples Party President Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin said that the demands of the protestors should be met. “Wheat flour and electricity are cheap in Gilgit Baltistan, then why can’t it be cheap in AJK? he questioned.

Yasin lamented that the problem is that AJK PM thinks he knows everything which is why the state and the people are facing each other today.

Expressing sorrow over Mirpur Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Adnan Qureshi’s death, Yasin said that the protestors are also suffering and it also will harm the state.

“Peoples Party condemns the use of force, arrests and violence against the people and all such policies of the AJK government,” he added.

Zardari calls emergency meeting

On the other hand, President Asif Ali Zardari called an emergency meeting related to the situation in AJK at the President’s House on Monday (tomorrow), said sources.

The sources added that the president instructed stakeholders to bring proposals to resolve the issue.

Mobile phone services suspended

Mobile phone and internet services were suspended in different parts of AJK today including Bhimber and Bagh Towns.

Meanwhile, in Mirpur, all the mobile networks and internet service have been suspended.

AJK protests

The AAC called for a shutter down and wheel-jam strike across the state to protest the electricity price hike and taxes. However, the situation escalated as the protestors and police clashed.

A sub-inspector was killed while dozens other policemen and protesters also got injured during the teargas shelling by the police and stone pelting by the demonstrators.

The violent protesters damaged multiple vehicles, including a magistrate’s car at the Poonch-Kotli road. Moreover, markets, trade centres, offices and schools and restaurants remained closed across the AJK.

Police also launched a crackdown against the protesters after the events of violence, arresting dozens of individuals in the AJK capital.

On Friday, more than 40 people, including 11 policemen, were injured as a result of stone pelting and clashes.

The AJK government had banned public gatherings, rallies, and processions in all districts in the wake of AAC protests, with Section 144 imposed in the entire region.

In the serene ambiance of Monal’s Tree House, amidst delectable French delicacies and warm camaraderie, bonds were forged and memories created, fostering enduring ties between nations

DNA

ISLAMABAD: Luqman Ali Afzal, the CEO and Founder of the Monal Group, graciously hosted a sumptuous dinner to inaugurate a three-day celebration of French cuisine at the enchanting Monal’s Tree House.

This culinary extravaganza, held in collaboration with the esteemed French Embassy, was a testament to the rich cultural exchange between Pakistan and France.

The distinguished presence of His Excellency, French Ambassador Nicolas Galey, alongside his esteemed family, lent an air of elegance to the evening. Their attendance was complemented by the esteemed presence of Ambassadors from Poland, Japan, Palestine, Italy, the European Union, and Jordan, symbolizing the unity and camaraderie among nations.

 Adding to the diplomatic charm of the occasion, the Chief of Protocol from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs graced the event with his presence, further highlighting the significance of this cultural rendezvous.

 In the serene ambiance of Monal’s Tree House, amidst delectable French delicacies and warm camaraderie, bonds were forged and memories created, fostering enduring ties between nations.

ISLAMABAD, MAY 11 /DNA/ – Former Speaker National Assembly, Asad Qaiser has said that Ex FATA &PATA – for front and most affected areas due to war against terrorism in Pakistan- was promised tax exemption package for  10 years (2018-2028) to support the growth of industrialization at the time of merger.The aim of this  exemption was to bring their area up to speed with the rest of the country to create employment opportunities for future generations. Further Private investments to the tune of Rs 100 Billion were done keeping in view the timeline.

 He also said that premature withdrawal of exemption will render all efforts wasted.It is not factual to claim  that the units falling in  FATA& PATA do not pay any taxes.The exemption was granted just for Sales tax and income tax only and custom duties was about  being paid by these units amounts to Rs 55 Billion annually.The FBR estimates to generate additional Rs 25 Billion from levying taxes. If this is done all at once, it will choke an industry that is already in its infancy which will create chaos and unrest.

He also expressed that the  better solution would be to go about the application of sales tax in a progressive manner. For instance out of a total of 18% sales tax, 5% is applied in the first two years and 10% in the remaining two years until the year 2028. Income tax should be exempted through out this period as it is already only 2% on industrial inputs. Currently the number of industries operating in all of EX FATA PATA are approx 260 units employing thousands of local people and feeding the local markets at subsidised rates. 

Needless to say, a single industrial estate in settle areas have more industrial units than all of FATA PATA combined while the exemptions and subsidies given to export oriented sectors, fertilizer sector and others amount to approx Rs 2000 Billion(stats provided by FBR).

He reiterated that the people of FATA PATA have paid the cost of terrorism many times over. While we can spend almost Rs 500 Billion on social programs to help the underprivileged but in order eradicate poverty from the grass root and shape future generations, opportunities of income generation should be extended to the areas stricken by war and terrorism.

ISLAMABAD, May 11 (APP): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar will visit Beijing, China from May 13-16 where he will co-chair the fifth Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue with Chinese Foreign Minister and Director of the General Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China, Wang Yi. The two sides will comprehensively review Pakistan-China bilateral relations including economic and trade cooperation; high-level exchanges and visits; up-gradation of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and future connectivity initiatives.

The two leaders will also exchange views on the unfolding regional geopolitical landscape and bilateral cooperation at the multilateral fora, a Foreign Office news release said. On the sidelines of the Strategic Dialogue, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister is expected to meet Chinese leaders, senior Ministers and leading corporate executives. Deputy Prime Minister’s visit is part of regular high-level exchanges between Pakistan and China. It reflects the importance attached by the two countries to further deepening the “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership”; reaffirming mutual support on issues of core interest; enhancing economic and trade cooperation including China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC); and reinforcing joint commitment to regional peace and development.