QAZI SHOAIB KHAN

ATTOCK (NOV-17) /DNA/ –  The non-availability of anti-venom vaccine at the tehsil headquarters hospital Pindigheb Attock has caused the death of a snake bite victim on Sunday, sources said.

Hailing from Dandi village, the man identified as Shoukat was bitten by a snake while working in the fields. His family brought him to the tehsil headquarters hospital Pindigheb in serious condition but due to the non-availability of anti-snake bite vaccine at the hospital, he was referred to the Rawalpindi but due to paucity of financial resources, he delayed moved to hospital in Rawalpindi where doctors tried their best to save his life but he could not survive. 

Later the body was handed over to the bereaved family for the burial. The local social and public circles complained that despite the constituency of the Governor Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider anti-rabies and other vaccines were not available in century old health facility.

They laminated that cases of snake, and dog bites were on the rise in the tehsil and people bitten by reptiles were referred to hospitals in the rest of the tehsil Pindigheb and Jand because of the shortage of vaccines in the local health facility.

WASHINGTON/ISLAMABAD, NOV 16: In a major development, dozens of US lawmakers have called on President Joe Biden to advocate for the immediate release of former prime minister Imran Khan and all other political prisoners in the country and ensure their safety in line with the findings of the UN Working Group report.

In a letter to outgoing President Biden, as many as 46 members of the Congress on Friday urged him to take steps to act on the provisions of “H. Res. 901”, which was passed by the US House of Representatives by an overwhelming majority in June this year.

Pakistan had denounced the resolution, saying it “stems from an incomplete understanding of the political situation and electoral process in Pakistan”.

Sharing the letter on its official X handle today, the PTI said: “46 members of the US House of Representatives, including members from both the Republican and Democratic parties, have written a letter to President Joe Biden calling for urgent action for the release of Imran Khan.”

It further said that the letter, jointly led by Susan Wild and John James, criticises the role of the US Ambassador Donald Blome and his failure to “incorporate the concerns of the Pakistani American community in its work including meaningfully advocating for the release of political prisoners, the restoration of human rights, or respect for democratic principles.”

In their letter to the president, the US lawmakers, while referring to the provision of H. Res. 901, said that the legislation brought together Democrats and Republicans in support of a change in US policy —focusing on escalating human rights violations and erosion of civil liberties in Pakistan in the aftermath of the “flawed” February 2024 elections.

“These elections were characterised by widespread irregularities, electoral fraud, and state-led suppression of the country’s leading party, PTI — including disenfranchising the party in the leadup to the vote, as well as reversing precinct-level results, which showed an overwhelming victory for PTI-associated independent candidates.”

Since the elections, the situation has worsened — with “rampant curbs” on civil liberties, particularly on freedom of expression, read the letter.

The US lawmakers also expressed their disappointment over “use of mass arrests, arbitrary detention, and the implementation of a de facto firewall against social media platforms, with reports of broader efforts to slow internet access speeds”.

The lawmakers said a focal point of their concern is the unlawful detention of former prime minister Imran Khan — who has been incarcerated since August last year in multiple cases ranging from corruption to terrorism —  “widely perceived to be Pakistan’s most popular political figure”.

Many activists associated with the PTI, including senior party leaders such as Yasmin Rashid and Shah Mehmood Qureshi, have been in detention for over a year, it added.

The lawmakers said: “Given these alarming developments, we believe a change of approach at the US Embassy in Islamabad is urgently needed.”

The lawmakers further said that they were unaware of any efforts by the US embassy to incorporate the concerns of the Pakistani American community in its work — including meaningfully advocating for the release of political prisoners, the restoration of human rights, or respect for democratic principles. 

Last month, as many as 60 members of the US House of Representatives had written a letter to the president, calling on him to use Washington’s leverage with Islamabad for the release of Khan.

In their letter, the Democratic lawmakers had urged President Biden to prioritise human rights in US policy towards Pakistan.

“We write today to urge you to use the United States’ substantial leverage with Pakistan’s government to secure the release of political prisoners including former Prime Minister Khan and curtail widespread human rights abuses,” the lawmakers had said.

The letter marked the first such collective call from multiple members of the US Congress for the release of Imran, who otherwise has had testy relations with Washington as a long-standing critic of US foreign policy, according to US Representative Greg Casar, who led the letter.

ISLAMABAD, Nov 16 (APP):The price of 24 karat per tola gold decreased by Rs.300 and was sold at Rs.267,400 on Saturday against its sale at Rs. 267,700, All Sindh Sarafa Jewellers Association reported. 

The price of 10 grams of 24 karat gold also went down by Rs.258 to Rs.229,252 from Rs.229,510 whereas that of 10 gram 22 karat gold decreased to Rs.210,148 from Rs…210,384.

The price of per tola and ten gram silver remained constant at Rs.3250 and Rs.2,786 respectively.

The price of gold in the international market decreased by $3 to $2,562 from $2,565, the Association reported.

LAHORE, Nov 16 (APP):Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has emphasized the immense importance of tolerance, respect, and harmony in society.

In her message on International Day for Tolerance being celebrated on Saturday, the CM noted that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) set exemplary standards of tolerance throughout His life, and it is imperative for us to follow His teachings.
“Tolerance, respect, and understanding form the foundation of a successful and peaceful society,” the CM said. The world is a mix of diverse beliefs, cultures, and ideologies, and it is essential to respect all of them, she added.
The chief minister also highlighted the importance of promoting tolerance and harmony in line with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. “Educational institutions must teach the values of tolerance, respect, and love to the younger generation,” she stated. Hatred and prejudice only weaken societies, she mentioned.
CM Maryam Nawaz further stressed that the ideal society is one that ensures equal opportunities and rights for all citizens. “We must accept differences and promote mutual respect, tolerance, and dignity. Pakistan should be a beacon of peace, tolerance, and brotherhood,” she added.
The CM reiterated the need for a society where all individuals are treated equally and with respect, emphasizing that Pakistan must strive to become an example of tolerance and unity for the world.

BAKU, /DNA/ – The Chairman of the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS), Sardar Shahid Ahmed Laghari, held a significant meeting with, President of the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society, Dr Novruz Aslanov, at the National Headquarters of the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society in Baku on Friday. Mr Afaq Huseynzada Coordinator to Karabakh Regional Centre and Ms Jeyhun Mirzayev, Mr Sajjad Ali Kandhir and Ms Maryam were also present on the occasion.

The meeting marked the first-ever interaction between the two National Societies, symbolizing a significant milestone in fostering stronger ties. Both leaders expressed their enthusiasm for this inaugural engagement and discussed the potential for collaborative initiatives aimed at addressing humanitarian challenges in their respective countries.

Chairman Laghari briefed Dr. Aslanov on PRCS’s extensive humanitarian work across Pakistan, particularly the organization’s response to the devastating monsoon floods of 2022 . He highlighted the ongoing recovery programs, which include shelter provision, livelihood support, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services, and cash assistance for flood-affected families.  

Expressing his delight at the meeting, President Dr. Novruz Aslanov praised the impactful work of PRCS under Chairman Laghari’s leadership, particularly in responding to natural disasters and crises. He reaffirmed the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society’s strong commitment to humanitarian causes and emphasized the importance of enhanced collaboration between the two National Societies.  

To mark the occasion, Chairman Laghari presented a commemorative shield to President Dr. Aslanov as a gesture of goodwill and mutual respect.  

It is noteworthy that Chairman Sardar Shahid Ahmed Laghari is representing the Pakistan Red Crescent Society at the 29th Conference of the Parties (CoP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, showcasing Pakistan’s commitment to advancing global humanitarian efforts.

ISLAMABAD, /DNA/ – The Arabic Department of the National University of Modern Languages (NUML) hosted a book launch today for the Urdu version of “Muhammad (SAW): 11 Leadership Qualities that Changed the World.”  

Authored by Nabeel Al Azmi (Late) and edited under the supervision of Col (R) Tahir Najeeb Raja, Regional Director of Mirpur at NUML, and translated by Rafea Tehseen, the book explores the transformative leadership principles exemplified by the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H).  

The ceremony featured Lieutenant General (Retired) Sher Afgun as the chief guest, addressing an audience of faculty members, students, and distinguished guests. The event also included remarks from Col (R) Tahir Najeeb Raja, Director General of NUML Brig Shahzad Munir, other esteemed guests, and Head of the Arabic Department, Dr. Muhammad Abu Bakar Bhutta, who hosted the occasion.  

Col (R) Tahir Najeeb Raja shared insights into the book’s compilation, emphasizing its role as a guide for students and leaders to incorporate values such as integrity, compassion, hard work, and honesty into their lives. He expressed gratitude to everyone involved in the book’s development.  

Lt. Gen. (Retd) Sher Afgun praised the efforts of the Author, Col (R) Tahir Najeeb Raja, and his team in bringing this significant work to fruition. “Leadership is an art that can be cultivated,” he stated, encouraging attendees to emulate the exemplary life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He stressed the importance of knowledge, integrity, and a positive attitude and emphasized unity and commitment to Pakistan’s progress.  

Brig Shahzad Munir, Director General of NUML, highlighted the timeless qualities of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and urged the audience to embody compassion, humility, and peace in their lives. He remarked, “True leadership is rooted in kindness, not force, and the power of change lies in politeness.”  

Dr. Muhammad Abu Bakar Bhutta praised the efforts behind the book and its message, expressing hope that it would inspire students, educators, and professionals to adopt these leadership principles in their lives.  

The book “Muhammad (SAW): 11 Leadership Qualities that Changed the World” serves as a valuable resource for anyone seeking guidance in leadership and personal growth, rooted in the timeless values of the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H).