ISLAMABAD, NOV 20 /DNA/ – On the occasion of the Polio Oversight Board (POB) visit to Pakistan — the highest decision-making body of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative — Nicolas Galey, Ambassador of France, hosted a reception at his residence to welcome the delegation. 

The purpose of the POB visit is to engage with the government, diplomatic corps, and donor community on the status of polio eradication efforts in Pakistan and to advocate for decisive measures to address the current nationwide polio outbreak. Regular visits by the Polio Oversight Board to Pakistan play a crucial role, providing a valuable opportunity to assess progress, identify challenges, and recalibrate strategies. 

The Embassy of France and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) are proud to support the global effort to eradicate polio. While the current polio outbreak in Pakistan poses significant challenges, we remain steadfast in our commitment to the program. This includes the $55 million concessional loan, which comprises a $20 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. This funding, announced by the AFD in 2023 and finalized in July 2024, was made possible through a partnership with the Government of Pakistan and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Today, this financial support helps WHO and other partners implement core components of the polio eradication program in Pakistan, including paying frontline workers and supporting monitoring and surveillance activities. 

The Polio Oversight Board consists of the heads of agencies from the leading partners of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI): the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, WHO, UNICEF, US CDC, Rotary International, and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. During this November visit, the Board is joined by senior representatives from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which recently pledged $500 million to the global polio initiative. 

The Board’s delegation includes Dr. Chris Elias, Chair of the Polio Oversight Board and President of Global Development at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; Dr. Hanan Balkhy, Regional Director for WHO Eastern Mediterranean; Mr. Sanjay Wijesekera, Regional Director for UNICEF South Asia; Mr. Aziz Memon, Rotary International Trustee and Chairman of the National PolioPlus Committee; and representatives from the US Centers for Disease Control and the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief), along with Saudi dignitaries. 

KARACHI, NOV 20 /DNA/ – General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M) Chief of Army Staff (COAS), visited the International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS-2024) at the Karachi Expo Centre. During the visit, the COAS commended the active participation of defense manufacturers from friendly nations and observed an impressive display of arms and equipment by both domestic and international exhibitors. A total of 557 exhibitors are participating in the exhibition of which 333 are international exhibitors while 224 are domestic exhibitors. 36 countries established exhibitors’ stalls of which 17 countries are participating for the first time.

Over 300 foreign delegates from 53 countries attended the event and showed full confidence in the  exhibition and the defence industry of Pakistan.

During the exhibition, COAS also engaged in meaningful interactions with foreign military officials and defense delegates present at the event.

A significant highlight of the occasion was the inauguration of the Shahpar-III, a state-of-the-art combat Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) developed by Global Industrial Defence Solutions (GIDS) Pakistan. The Shahpar-III boasts advanced capabilities, including an operational ceiling of 35,000 feet and an endurance of over 24 hours. It is equipped to carry a wide range of munitions, including bombs, missiles, and torpedoes.

12th Edition of IDEAS 2024 commenced on 19th November and will culminate on 22nd November 2024.

Earlier, upon his arrival at Karachi, COAS was warmly received by Lieutenant General Babar Iftikhar, Corps Commander Karachi.

ISLAMABAD, NOV 20 (DNA) — The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) on Wednesday concluded public hearing into a petition of XWAPDA power distribution companies (DISCOs) regarding Quarterly Adjustments on account of variation in Power Purchase Price (PPP) for 1st Quarter for fiscal year 2024-25.

The hearing was presided over Chairman NEPRA Waseem Mukhtar which was also attended by other members of the authority. The DISCOs sought adjustments of Rs 6,477 million under the quarterly adjustment for the said period.

The consumers have already being charged Rs 1.74 per unit on account of 4th quarterly adjustments for the last fiscal year 2023-24 which would remain applicable till November. The 1st quarterly adjustment is Rs 1.60 per unit less than the 4th quarter adjustments for FY 2023-24. The adjustments would be applicable to all consumers of XWDISCOs except lifeline consumers. The authority would announce its decision after examining statistics. —DNA

ISLAMABAD, NOV 20 /DNA/ – National Academy of Higher Education (NAHE) which is the national hub for the capacity building and continuous professional development of teaching faculty and management of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across Pakistan organized a much desired and long-awaited ELT Training endeavour with the collaboration of the Regional English Language Office (RELO) at the U.S. Embassy on Wednesday at HEC Islamabad.

RELO and HEC have a long history of collaboration in terms of faculty development by providing fully funded International Resource Persons from US to Pakistan to facilitate and professionally develop and orient faculty from English departments of HEIs and affiliated Colleges with the best learning techniques and practices.

RELO is part of the Public Diplomacy Section of the United States Embassy in Pakistan. RELO Pakistan supports public diplomacy outreach through professional development and English language learning opportunities for English language teachers and learners throughout Pakistan.

In this regard HEC and RELO jointly organized and inaugurated the English Faculty Development Training Program at NAHE HEC Islamabad. This highly anticipated event, scheduled from 20^th to 22^nd November 2024, brings together English language educators from across Pakistan, particularly from Islamabad and Rawalpindi, to enhance their teaching expertise.

The program focuses on three key themes aimed at addressing modern challenges and opportunities in English language education. It includes Teaching Language through Literature, Exploring Culture in the Language Classroom, and Redesigning Assignments in the Age of AI.

The opening ceremony was chaired by Ms. Noor Amna Malik, Managing Director of NAHE. Addressing the audience, Ms. Malik emphasized the importance of continuous professional development for educators, stating, that empowering teachers through such training programs is a cornerstone for advancing the quality of higher education in Pakistan. These initiatives help bridge gaps and foster innovative teaching practices to meet evolving educational demands.

She also added that this program is a unique opportunity for educators to refine their skills and explore contemporary pedagogical methods, ensuring students receive an education that is both innovative and globally relevant. However, she advised all participants to cascade their three-day learning to their colleagues”

Also present at the occasion was Mr. Jerrold Frank, Regional English Language Officer, who highlighted the importance of fostering global connections and integrating cultural awareness into language teaching. He expressed his appreciation for the collaborative efforts of NAHE in strengthening English language education in the country and arranging a very holistic cross section of participants.

He also assured full support in extending RELO initiatives to all the Teachers of Pakistani HEIs in letter and spirit and assured to soon sign a long-term Letter of intent with HEC for a sustainable partnership towards this important endeavour.

The program features Dr. Patricia Pashby, an internationally renowned English Language Specialist, as the lead Resource Person. Dr. Pashby brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the training sessions, engaging participants in interactive and thought-provoking workshops. She has taught English as a foreign language in higher education for over 30 years.

At the University of Oregon, she teaches courses in language teaching methodology, pronunciation instruction, and integrating culture and literature in the language classroom as part of the Language Teaching Studies MA Program in the Department of Linguistics.

She has conducted numerous faculty development workshops in the US as well as in South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Pakistan, Egypt, and Colombia. Her interests include intercultural communication, curriculum design, EMI, teacher education, and testing/training international teaching assistants.

The training program has drawn nominations from educational institutions nationwide, providing an exceptional platform for educators to exchange ideas, learn from experts, and adopt best practices in teaching English.

The NAHE remains committed to fostering excellence in higher education through such initiatives, equipping educators with the tools to navigate the dynamic landscape of teaching in the 21st century.

RAWALPINDI, NOV 20: In a major development ahead of the looming November 24 protest by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday approved the bail plea of party founder Imran Khan in the new Toshakhana case.

IHC’s Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb accepted Khan’s bail plea against two surety bonds worth Rs1 million each, which must be submitted by separate guarantors.

PTI founder is no longer wanted in any other case within Islamabad’s jurisdiction following the latest development.

During the hearing, the FIA prosecutor voiced concerns over media narratives, claiming that reports had prematurely suggested the approval of bail.

Justice Aurangzeb advised the prosecutor to disregard media speculation, emphasising that the court’s decisions would not be influenced by such narratives.

The judge remarked on certain claims made in the media, questioning their credibility. He also inquired about the valuation of a jewellery set, asking how its worth was determined.

Barrister Salman Safdar, representing the PTI founder, responded that the prosecution was responsible for clarifying this matter in court. He also highlighted discrepancies in the receipts, noting that the receipts in question were issued in the name of Bushra Bibi, not the PTI founder.

The defence argued that the prosecution’s case relied on testimonies from key witnesses such as Sohaib Abbasi, who had been granted pardon and declared an approver in the case.

Barrister Safdar clarified that Abbasi alleged threats from the PTI founder but denied any direct interaction with either the PTI founder or his wife.

The court further asked whether customs officers involved in the valuation had mentioned any intimidation, to which the defence replied that no such claims had been made by these officials.

The FIA prosecutor argued that the Bulgari jewellery set was not deposited in the Toshakhana and alleged that its undervaluation caused financial harm to the state.

Justice Aurangzeb asked how the PTI founder benefited from the undervaluation, to which the prosecutor responded that his wife’s gain inherently benefited him as well.

Justice Aurangzeb dismissed this logic, questioning such assumptions. “My wife’s things are not mine. I don’t know what ear are we living in.”

Barrister Safdar defended his client by stating that all gifts were acquired under the Toshakhana policy of 2018, and the valuation was conducted according to the law.

He added that payments were made as per the policy, and no wrongdoing was evident. Justice Aurangzeb noted that the previous government had withheld Toshakhana details, despite inquiries from the court.

The prosecution highlighted the conduct of the accused during trial proceedings, alleging delay tactics.

The FIA prosecutor presented evidence that Abbasi had submitted an apology for undervaluing the set, which was accepted by the NAB chairman.

The defence, however, criticised the expedited manner in which the FIA had filed its challan, stating that essential aspects of the investigation were overlooked.

As the hearing progressed, the court observed that the Toshakhana case had faced significant delays, with over three years passing before its registration.

KARACHI, NOV 20 /DNA/ – Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has formed a committee to raise the issues with the Federal government.

The Committee will comprise Raja Pervez Ashraf, Naveed Qamar, Sherry Rehman, Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah, Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, Makhdoom Ahmed Mahmoud, Governor Punjab Sardar Saleem Hyder, Governor Khyber-Pakhtoonkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi, and Haider Gilani.

The Committee will interact with the Federal government to raise the issues and will submit its report to the meeting of Central Executive Committee (CEC) to be held next month.

Notification in this regard was issued from the Chairman’s Secretariat by his Political Secretary Jameel Soomro here today.