ISLAMABAD, NOV 22 /DNA/ – The Aga Khan Agency for Habitat Pakistan (AKAH) and the National Centre of Excellence in Geology (NCEG) at the University of Peshawar collaborated to host a one-day symposium, “Empowering the Next Generation for a Resilient Future,”, at the RAK Tahirkheli Auditorium, NCEG. The event brought together distinguished experts, academics, government representatives, academia and students to address pressing challenges posed by climate change, natural disasters, and socio-economic vulnerabilities.

The symposium served as a vibrant platform for enhancing interdisciplinary discussions and highlighted the critical role of youth in building resilience in these areas. Participants engaged with thought leaders on diverse topics, including climate adaptation strategies, disaster risk management, sustainable development, and innovative research promoting green development. A segment dedicated to showcasing innovative student research projects provided insights into practical solutions for resilience.

In her opening remarks, Nusrat Nasab, CEO of AKAH Pakistan, underscored the transformative potential of youth in addressing global challenges, emphasizing their critical role in shaping solutions. Highlighting AKAH’s unwavering commitment to empowering young individuals, she pointed to community and institutional preparedness initiatives as a key avenue for fostering their leadership. “Youth embody the energy, innovation, and vision required to build a sustainable and climate resilient future,” she stated, reinforcing the importance of investing in their capabilities for a better tomorrow.

The event featured keynote speakers, including Prof. Dr. M. Qasim Jan, (NCEG), Dr. Amjad ur Rahman, Climate Change Advisor, KPK Government, Prof. Dr. Shahid Azam, University of Regina, Dr. M. Wasim and Dr. M. Asif from UET Peshawar, and Dr. Saad Khan from NCEG who shared insights on integrating science, policy, and technology to enhance climate resilience in vulnerable regions. Technical sessions addressed critical issues like green development, earthquake vulnerability, and lessons from past disasters, focusing on actionable strategies. An interactive “Shakeout Drill” was also conducted to enhance emergency preparedness.

The discussions and activities throughout the day underscored the importance of collaboration across sectors including government, academia, and youthin building a resilient future. The closing remarks by distinguished guest Prof. Dr. Mumtaz Shah highlighted that empowering the next generation is an essential investment to address the evolving global challenges.

The Aga Khan Agency for Habitat Pakistan leads efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change, ensuring safe and sustainable habitats for disaster-prone communities. The NCEG, University of Peshawar, continues to play a key role in advancing research and education in geosciences with a focus on sustainability and resilience.

Bushra’s statement was “deliberately taken out of context to draw Kingdom into a needless controversy,” says former PM

ISLAMABAD, NOV 22 /DNA/ – A day after Bushra Bibi accused Saudi Arabia of being involved in the ouster of her husband’s government, incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan jumped to his spouse’s rescue and said that her statement was “deliberately taken out of context to draw our brotherly country into a needless controversy”

“She [Bushra] didn’t mention Saudi Arabia at all,” the former premier — who remains incarcerated at the Adiala jail since August last year — said in a statement issued on his official X handle.The former first lady, a day earlier, issued a rare video message ahead of PTI’s “do-or-die” protest, accusing Saudi Arabia of being involved in ousting her husband’s government.

She alleged that when the former prime minister went to Madina “barefoot”, the then-army chief Gen (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa started receiving “their calls”, implying that the Saudi officials had a role in his ouster.

The former first lady claimed that Bajwa was asked, “Who is this person you have brought with you […] we don’t want such personalities. Since then, they launched a smear campaign against us and started calling Imran a Jewish agent,” she alleged.

The statement drew strong backlash from government officials, calling it a “suicide attack” to harm friendly relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

However, Imran rebuffed the government’s impression, saying that he has “excellent relations” with Saudi Arabia.

“When I was attacked in Wazirabad, one of the first calls I received was, through the embassy, from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman,” he wrote, noting that the Kingdom has always stood by us in difficult times.

TAUNSA BARRAGE/KOT ADDU, NOV 22 /DNA/ – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif today inaugurated the water release from Indus River into the Kachhi Canal during a ceremony at Taunsa Barrage.

The Prime Minister officially commenced the water flow by pressing the button to open the canal gates, marking a significant development in the region’s irrigation infrastructure.

The Kachhi Canal project, drawing water from the Indus River, represents an important step in enhancing the water distribution system in the area.

ISLAMABAD, NOV 22 /DNA/ – During his first ever visit to Pakistan, General Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Mohd Asghar Khan bin Goriman Khan, Chief of the Royal Malaysian Air Force called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force at Air Headquarters Islamabad. The meeting focused on matters of mutual interest, military cooperation, joint training and collaboration in the industrial domain.

On his arrival, a smartly turned-out contingent of Pakistan Air Force presented Guard of Honour to General Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Mohd Asghar Khan bin Goriman Khan.

During the meeting, Chief of the Air Staff highlighted the robust bilateral defence ties that exist between Pakistan and Malaysia. He conveyed his warm wishes to Chief of the Royal Malaysian Air Force on his maiden visit to Pakistan and highlighted the importance of collaboration in training, joint exercises and technology sharing. The Air Chief also reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing military partnership between the two Air Forces through joint training initiatives, particularly within the realm of air power. These initiatives will encompass provisioning of both basic and tactical level training for personnel of the Malaysian Air Force.

The Chief of the Royal Malaysian Air Force lauded Pakistan Air Force’s achievements through indigenization and technological advancements. The visiting dignitary expressed his keen desire to further consolidate the existing bilateral ties through enhanced collaboration in training, maintenance and operational excellence. General Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Mohd Asghar Khan bin Goriman Khan expressed his deep admiration for the state of the art technological ecosystem witnessed by him during his visit to National Aerospace Science & Technology Park Silicon. He also appreciated the innovative projects, cutting-edge technologies and indigenously developed systems displayed at PAF NASTP pavilion during the ongoing International Defence Exhibition IDEAS-2024. Later, the dignitary visited various installations and technological infrastructure established at Air Headquarters, Islamabad including National ISR & Integrated Air Operations Centre and PAF Cyber Command, where he was briefed about the operational capabilities of Pakistan Air Force.

The meeting between Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force and Chief of the Royal Malaysian Air Force signifies a resolute commitment to reinforce military partnership, fostering collaboration and promoting robust relations between the two countries.

ISLAMABAD, NOV 22: Former army chief General (retired) Qamar Javed Bajwa on Friday termed the allegations of Bushra Bibi, the wife of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, against Saudi Arabia as “baseless”.

“National interests should not be harmed to gain political mileage by making baseless allegations,” the former army chief said while speaking to Geo News.

A day earlier, Bushra Bibi issued a rare video message ahead of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI), accusing Saudi Arabia of being involved in ousting her husband’s government.

She alleged that when the former prime minister went to Madina “barefoot”, the then-army chief Gen (retd) started receiving “their calls”, implying that the Saudi officials had a role in his ouster.

The former first lady claimed that Bajwa was asked, “Who is this person you have brought with you […] we don’t want such personalities.” “Since then, they launched a smear campaign against us and started calling Imran a Jewish agent,” she alleged.

The statement drew strong backlash from government officials, calling it a “suicide attack” to harm friendly relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

Bushra Bibi accompanied Imran during the visits to Saudi Arabia from 2018 to 2021.

ISLAMABAD, NOV 22 /DNA/ – Minister for Interior, Mr. Mohsin Raza Naqvi, was the chief guest on the occasion. The chief Guest congratulated all the graduating officers on the successful completion of their basic training. He appreciated the role of NPA in training the officers of Police Service of Pakistan. He said that the role and duties of law enforcing agencies is of pivotal importance for the stability and socio-economic advancement of our country. He also said that the whole nation is indebted to police for its sacrifices in the war against terrorism. He reiterated government’s commitment to fulfill the requirements of police and promised to meet demands of NPA at earliest.

Earlier, Mr. Muhammad Idrees Ahmed, Commandant NPA in his welcome address expressed his gratitude to the Chief Guest for sparing time for NPA and the graduating officers and said that the passing out batch consisted of 31 officers, including 03 lady officers and one PAF Officer. This occasion marks the culmination of a rigorous 18 month calendar which incorporates extensive academic syllabi including various aspects of police management, criminal justice administration, law enforcement, community policing, crime management and policing by objective, physical training as well as acquainting the officers with real time policing. It has been the endeavour of the National Police Academy to incorporate the latest research in its curriculum so that the officers are abreast of latest policing trends. The officers have also been sensitized about the subjects of public dealing, police media relations and security and safety of vulnerable groups. The course also includes antiterrorism training for Assistant Superintendents of Police.

The Commandant also stated that the NPA’s mission is to impart best possible training not only to the Assistant Superintendents of Police but to all segments of law enforcement irrespective of the fact that they belong to Police or not. This is done keeping in view the complex developments and challenges being faced in the context of the overall crime picture as well as law and order.

We have developed capacity building courses for all law enforcement agencies including Frontier Constabulary, FIA, Intelligence Bureau, Punjab and Sindh Rangers etc.

He also expressed his extreme gratitude to the International Criminal Investigation and Training Assistance Program (ICITAP) run by the Government of The United States, British High Commission, ICRC, UNODC, NCA, Islamabad based N.G.O in the finalization of these courses. He said that these agencies have supported us generously and there is no hesitation in saying that they are true friends of National Police Academy.

The Commandant in his concluding remarks said that the officers graduating today were selected on absolute merit by the Federal Public Service Commission and surely they are the best persons for the assigned job. He was confident to say that they will be a source of pride for the nation and would contribute positively to its well being.

The Chief Guest reviewed the smartly turned out parade and
awarded trophies to the best in different categories.

1. Capt. (R) Muhammad Inzamam Best in Parade
2. Malik Bedar Bakht Best in Firing
3. Mr. Muhammad Junaid Best in Physical (Male)
4. Ms. Noor-ul-Ain Ali Best in Physical (Female)
5. Ms. Minahil Khawaja Best in Riding
6. Sardar Usman Saleem Best in Academics
7. Mr. Muhammad Noman Best in Discipline
8. Sardar Usman Saleem All Round Best
   A large number of serving and retired police officers,
   representatives from other government departments, foreign diplomats, and
   relatives of the passing out officers witnessed the parade.

PTI’s political ship is sinking, says Asif, and Bushra made statement against Saudi Arabia to save it

ISLAMABAD, NOV 22 /DNA/ – Defence Minister Khawaja Asif lamented on Friday that politics has stooped to its “ugliest face” after Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, levelled allegations against Saudi Arabia.

“Our politics has never witnessed such a low […] she (Bushra) has declared herself as Sharia, how much lower can they stoop,” the top official said during a press conference in Islamabad.

Khan’s wife, in a rare video message shared on PTI’s official X handle, alleged that when the former prime minister went to Madina “barefoot”, the then-army chief Gen (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa started receiving “their calls”, implying that the Saudi officials had a role in his ouster.

“2.8 million Pakistani citizens are employed in Saudi Arabia. Why was a statement about Saudi Arabia even made?” he asked.

The PTI’s political ship is sinking, he said, and Bushra made the statement to save it. “There is a conflict between the sisters-in-law; the family is embroiled in a dispute over inheritance.”

He further alleged: “Bushra Bibi has laid claim to the political inheritance.”

Asif also criticised former General Qamar Javed Bajwa, saying: “General Bajwa himself should issue a denial of this statement.”

Asif highlighted the irony of the situation by stating: “[PTI] used to criticise others for engaging in dynastic politics, but here, [Khan’s] heirs are fighting among themselves.”

Commenting further, he remarked: “Three women are on one side, while one woman stands on the other. This is the ugly face of politics.”

Asif added that during Tuesday’s Apex Committee meeting, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur had said that everyone had taken gifts from the Toshakhana, including his leader.

He elaborated: “The founder of PTI is accused of taking a gift, selling it, depositing a small amount, and keeping the rest for himself.”

He also highlighted the security situation in KP, referring to the bloodbath in the restive District Kurram.

“Even yesterday, there was bloodshed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, yet the chief minister attacks the federal government or Punjab every other day.”

Speaking about the current political situation in the Centre, Asif said that the November 24 protest call would be a “third attack”.

What has the KP government done so far against terrorism, he asked.

Continuing his criticism of the political rival, Asif said that the PTI founder had been talking about negotiations with the establishment until a few days ago, but changed his statement to the claims of having contact with politicians.

“We are not engaged in any negotiations,” the minister clarified.

Commenting on Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi’s statement, Asif urged the former army chief General (retd) Bajwa himself should issue a denial of the claims.