ISLAMABAD, APR 28 /DNA/ – Road safety should not be confused with traffic management, says Prof Muhammad Zaman, head of Zaman Research Center (ZRC) at Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU).

He was speaking at a function to evaluate performance of his team, dedicated to HEC’s Grand Challenge Fund (GCF) project titled Optimal Use of Available Resources: A Prototype Model of Road Safety in Islamabad.

He said that road safety is a concept that includes countering pollution, saving lives and offering solutions. He said Islamabad needs 300 busses to overcome its mass transit needs. “We have developed Apps after thorough research that can tell commuters which bus to take and how long they have to wait for it. We have monitored movement of people digitally on different routes and roads,” he said.

“On the basis of our work, we are able to offer the city managers solutions to traffic problems. We can tell them which new routes are to open. Our Apps are working and QAU students are benefiting from these,” he said.

He said that his team has developed smart parking mechanism for Islamabad. He said there is a need to pool buses in the federal capital so that available resources are used optimally. “If we make a pool of buses, we will cut down the number of vehicles on our roads in a big way. It will lead to saving resources that are needed to ply these buses. It will also cut down pollution levels,” he said.

“However, the existing lot of bureaucrats is alien to the concept of pooling and red tapes have been hampering these solutions from being presented to the masses for whom they are meant for. Out-of-the-box thinking is need of the hour as we have resources enough to solve our problems but we lack strategy,” he said.

Researchers from QAU, IIUI, NUST, LUMS, and Ibadat University etc. attended the event and presented their work. A decent dinner was arranged at the end.

KARACHI, APR 28 /DNA/ – President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr. Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi has said that Iran wants strong trade relations with Pakistan. The historical and cultural relationship between the two countries is beyond temporary conflicts. During his visit to Pakistan President of the Islamic Republic of Iran,

Dr. Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi was speaking to Mr. Syed Aamir Sajjad prominent personality well-known economic analyst, columnist, businessmen among other business leaders of the community at Chief Minister House, Sindh.

The Iranian president said that he wants to promote all kinds of trade relations with Pakistan, especially “Investment in the energy sector is in the interest of both countries.” Dr. Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi

added that Iran has always supported Pakistan in all difficult times. No temporary or regional conflict can hinder the brotherly relations of the two countries.

On this occasion, the current situation and the promotion of economic relations between the two countries were also discussed.

Mr. Syed Aamir Sajjad said that Iran Pakistan Cooperation in Energy Sector can become a Game Changer for Pakistan. If the Energy cost can be reduced and controlled then the production cost of every thing produced in Pakistan can be reduced to a significant amount. This means that a high end product can be produced in less cost keeping the high quality standard. This may result in significant savings which can be reinvested back in research, technology, total quality management, quality assurance of the product & industry.

Mr. Syed Aamir Sajjad is a young prominent businessman, columnist, and economic analyst. About 500 columns on the economic situation of Pakistan have been published in newspapers and the same number of economic analysis have been broadcasted on various TV channels. He has a very strong grip on Pakistan & International global economy and his opinions are given great importance.

DNA

LAHORE: Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC) Chairman and Hajj Organizers Association of Pakistan (HOAP) Patron-in-Chief Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi on Sunday emphasized the pilgrims regarding private Hajj bookings through companies registered with the governments of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia reinforcing the directive from Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

Addressing a press conference along with other HOAP representatives, including Saeed Ahmed Malik, Chaudhry Ehsanullah, Malik Abdul Khaliq, Chaudhry Muhammad Adil, Khalid Mahmood Bhatti, Pir Shafat Ahmed Boudla, Shahid Manzoor, and Zeeshan Qamar, he informed that private Hajj bookings were still open, with Hajj operation set to commence on May 9, and training sessions starting from May 5.

Ashrafi urged the pilgrims to focus solely on their religious duties and refrain from engaging in political, sectarian, or communal activities, including raising slogans or displaying images in the Haramain Sharifain.

Ashrafi further highlighted the issue of individuals engaging in political and sectarian activities during their pilgrimage, urging the Pakistani government to take action against them.

He emphasized that training sessions for private pilgrims, organized by HOAP, would be conducted regularly in Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad, with the code of conduct set to be issued next week.

Ashrafi also warned against fraudulent practices by unregistered companies on social media and fake websites, advising the public to book only through officially registered quota holders or tour operators.

Additionally, he announced that, in accordance with the instructions of Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman and with the efforts of Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, this year’s Road to Makkah program would include pilgrims from Karachi, benefiting 24,000 private pilgrims and ensuring a smooth process without any complaints.

He praised Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony for implementing corruption-free measures, acknowledging the efforts of Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain, and Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah besides governments of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

ISLAMABAD, APR 28 /DNA/ – In the Annual Elections of Ripja, The panel of photojournalists took the field, Sohail Shahzad Cheetah President, Shahid Qureshi aka Raju Secretary while Syed Mehdi was elected Finance Secretary, polling continued uninterruptedly from 11 am to 4 pm in the National Press Club Islamabad, in which the twin cities Photojournalists actively participated, the total number of voters was 60, out of which 53 votes were cast, the results were announced by Chairman Election Committee Faisal Hakeem along with Election Committee members Nadeem Chaudhry and Izharul Haq Khan Niazi, according to details, Rawalpindi. About the annual elections of Islamabad Photojournalists Association (RIPJA) in the year 25.2024, the photojournalist’s panel has done a clean sweep, the photojournalists panel has taken all the seats of the executive and governing body, Sohail has won 33 votes of the photojournalists panel.

Shahzad was elected as the president while against him, Ahmad Arif Sheikh, president of Ripja Photojournalists Panel, got 19 votes, Shahid Qureshi aka Raju was elected as secretary with 29 votes, while Javed Qureshi, the candidate of Ripja Photojournalists Panel, got 20 votes. Syed Mehdi was elected as Finance Secretary with 34 votes. His opponent Ramzan Mughal, candidate of Ripja Photojournalists Panel, got 18 votes. Secretary, Raja Imran was elected press secretary by getting 33 votes, while Adnan Bukhari 34, Agha Mehroz 32, Aamir Qureshi 34, Amjad Hussain 31, Anjum Naveed 33, Imran Jafari 30, while Irfan Ali was declared successful by getting 29 votes. While his opponents are Dr. Mushtaq 17, Irfan Haider 21, Sajjad Hussain 15, Syed Fateh Ali Gilani 16, Tahir Naveed 13, Ahmed Kamal 16, Azhar Ali Khan 28, Khurshid Ahmed 22, Taha Warsi 21, Raja Sajid Rashid 18. , Sunny Ghori 18, and Kamran Ali Abbasi 17 votes, the total number of voters was 60, out of which 53 voters exercised their right to vote, polling continued peacefully, after the polling was over, Election Committee Chairman Faisal Hakeem. announced the results along with the committee members Nadeem Chaudhry and Izharul Haq Khan Niazi, the newly elected president of Ripja Sohail Shehzad addressed the Ripja members Mian Khurshid, Muzamil Pasha, Azhar Abidi, Agha Mehroz, M Javed, Javed Nasir, Zabiya after his success.

He thanked his seniors including Al Hasan and Sohail Malik and all the supporters. He also thanked Election Committee Chairman Faisal Hakeem, Izhar Khan Niazi and Nadeem Chaudhry and reiterated that he would also take the colleagues of the competing group with him in the future. But after the operation of Muzmal Pasha in the condition of illness and appreciated the process of casting votes, all the officials elected from the ceremony also spoke, including Shahid Qureshi General Secretary and Finance Secretary Syed Mehdi and Senior Vice President M Javed, Faheem Malik Abid Zia. Included.

RIYADH, APR 28 /DNA/ – On the sidelines of the World Economic Forum Special Meeting in Riyadh, Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif met Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director (MD) of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

This was the first meeting between the Prime Minister and MD IMF since his re-election. They last met in Paris in June 2023 on the margins of the Summit for New Global Financial Pact.

The Prime Minister thanked Ms. Georgieva for her support to Pakistan in securing the USD 3 billion Standby Arrangement (SBA) from IMF last year that was now nearing its completion. The IMF Executive Board is expected to meet tomorrow to decide on the final tranche of USD 1.1 billion under SBA.

The MD of IMF appreciated the leadership of the Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif for timely securing SBA last year.

The Prime Minister informed the MD IMF that his government was fully committed to put Pakistan’s economy back on track. He had directed his financial team, led by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb to carry out structural reforms, ensure strict fiscal discipline and pursue prudent policies that would ensure macro-economic stability and sustained economic growth.

Both sides also discussed  Pakistan entering into another IMF program to ensure that the gains made in the past year are consolidated and its economic growth trajectory remains positive.

MD IMF shared her institution’s perspective on the ongoing program with Pakistan, including the review process. The Prime Minister also extended a cordial invitation to the MD IMF to visit Pakistan at her convenience.

LAHORE, APR 28: U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) Andrew Schofer, during his April 25-28 visit to Lahore, underscored the U.S. government’s efforts to support Pakistan through the U.S.-Pakistan “Green Alliance” Framework to address key challenges relating to climate change, food security, and energy. DCM Schofer was accompanied by Consul General Lahore Kristin Hawkins, Consul General Karachi Conrad Tribble, and Consul General Peshawar Shante Moore during his visit. 

DCM Schofer hosted a reception to emphasize the need for urgent action to adapt to climate change and promote cooperation in climate-smart agriculture, clean energy, and water management through the U.S.-Pakistan “Green Alliance” Framework. “Global challenges like climate change require creativity, strong partnerships, and diverse perspectives,” DCM Schofer said, adding that the United States is supporting projects like a Women in Energy Scholars Program to combat the effects of climate change in Pakistan.  

While in Lahore, DCM Schofer and the U.S. Consul Generals based in Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar also participated in an exhibition cricket match with female athletes from South and Central Punjab. “The athletes participating in today’s match embody determination and resilience, which will serve them well both on and off the field,” DCM Schofer said, adding that the United States is currently supporting a program in Punjab to empower female students through sports.   

The United States government is deeply committed to advancing gender equity and to fostering an environment where all individuals, regardless of gender or gender identity, have equal opportunities to thrive. “Beyond sports, the United States supports a wide range of initiatives to empower women and girls with new skills, knowledge, and opportunities,” DCM Schofer said. “From our Academy for Women Entrepreneurs to our TechGirls exchange program to our Women in Energy Scholars program, we are committed to supporting the aspirations and education of Pakistan’s dynamic and talented women and girls.” 

DCM Schofer and CG Hawkins also had the opportunity to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the English Access Scholarship Program. Since 2004, more than 27,000 Pakistani students have graduated from the Access program, including more than 6,000 here in Punjab Province. The Access program is about more than learning the English language – it empowers young people to become future leaders and opens doors to independence and economic success. Alumni and teachers from the program joined the celebration, highlighting the positive effect the program had in their own lives. The U.S. Mission is currently sponsoring English programs in three cities across Punjab – Faisalabad, Multan, and DG Khan – and looks forward to continuing our educational partnerships across Pakistan. 

During his visit to Lahore, DCM Schofer and the U.S. Consul Generals also toured the Walled City of Lahore, including the Lahore Fort and Wazir Khan and Sunehri Mosques. The U.S. government has funded 35 cultural preservation projects worth $8.4 million across Pakistan, with 20 of these projects located in Punjab. These projects are a testament to the U.S.-Pakistan joint commitment to cultural preservation. “These projects not only strengthen communities, but also build a sense of belonging, contribute to economic development, and educate future generations about Pakistan’s diversity and history,” said DCM Schofer.   

Erfan Khan

RIAYDH, Apr 28 (APP/DNA): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday while terming the global inequity in health sector as ‘the first and foremost problem’ called upon bridging the widening gap between the Global South and the Global North.

Expressing his views in a session of the World Economic Forum (WEF) regarding global health, the prime minister said that the Covid-19 pandemic had exposed the existing gaps largely between the Global North and Global South in terms of provision of health facilities and distribution of vaccines.

He said that the climate change issue had also completely changed the landscape.

Pakistan was not responsible for any emissions in the world, he said, adding but in the year 2022, it witnessed the worst climate triggered floods which hugely devastated the infrastructure and buildings and as consequently, they had to spend billion of rupees to rehabilitate the affected people.

Prime Minister Shehbaz said that for the rehabilitation efforts, they sought costly loans. “Can a developing country like Pakistan afford it?” he questioned and observed that for provision of health facilities, a developing country like Pakistan required resources.

“The yawning gap between the Global South and Global North should be bridged,” he emphasised.

Sharing his personal experiences, the prime minister said that treatment for the fatal disease like cancer was too costly for the poor population of Pakistan.

He said that as a chief minister of Punjab, he had provided about 130 million inhabitants of the province with best medical treatment initiatives like screening and treatment facility for Hepatitis in the remotest and backward areas of the province where the poor people had been in dire need of basic facilities like education and health.

The prime minister further informed that as the former chief minister, he also established the first kidney and liver hospital in Punjab which was probably one of the best in Asia where the poor patients were provided with free of cost treatment.

About Dengue outbreak in 2011 in the province, he shared that the phenomenon in the health sector was one of the biggest in the world.

But they got experts and equipment and with the cooperation of entire government machinery, civil society and common man launched a massive drive against the dengue larvae, he added.

“They were able to control the outbreak with collective efforts and meager resources,” he said, adding that it was a test case for the global study in health sector.

The prime minister appreciated the initiatives launched by Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the health sector and said that they had been serving the ailing humanity with their kind gestures.

The prime minister, in his remarks, appreciated Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for their support and provision of vaccines for polio eradication drives in Pakistan.

He also acknowledged Bill Gates’ generosity during the 2022 floods to support the affected people of Pakistan.

He expressed that with their cooperation, they would be able to get rid from the polio.

Expressing his views, World Health Organization Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stressed upon collective efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He shared his concerns over the mortality rates of mothers and children, adding that about 54 countries were still far behind in achieving the SDGs targets. Another 4.9 billion people across the globe had no access to basic services, he added. 

The DG said that the world was vulnerable to any pandemic but they had learnt from the past experiences and building on it.

Other participants opined that the conflicts in the world were increasing and impacting the health sector requirements and stressed that resource-rich countries should assist the communities in need.

They underlined the need of investing more in the health sector.

RAWALPINDI, APR 28 /DNA/ – Security Forces conducted an intelligence based operation in Dera Ismail Khan District on reported presence of terrorists.

During conduct of the operation, intense fire exchange took place between own troops and terrorists, and resultantly two terrorists; Terrorist Faheem Nawaz @Gandapuri and Terrorist Mohsin Nawaz, were successfully neutralised and sent to hell.

Weapons, ammunition and explosives were also recovered from killed terrorists, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities against the Security Forces as well as innocent civilians including target killings and extortion.

Sanitization operation is being conducted to eliminate any other terrorist found in the area as Security Forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe-out the menace of terrorism from the country.