RAWALPINDI, MAR 17 (DNA) — The traditional activity of providing free charity meals during the holy month of Ramazan to the needy continues in the city, as traders communities, individuals, and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) come together to serve Iftar meals.

Various ‘Dastarkhwans’ and ‘Langars’ (free Iftar food spots) have been set up in different parts of the city, with banners and posters displayed on main roads near the prescribed locations to invite those fasting during Ramadan.

One large free food spot has been set up in Namak Mandi, Raja Bazar area, where a considerable number of people including labourers and daily wagers are being served with food at Iftar time.

“This is only to seek Allah Almighty’s pleasure, a way to show our compassion to those who are needy,” said Faisal Malik, a cloth shopkeeper, emphasizing the importance of serving those in need.

Similar arrangements have been made by the business community in Purana Qila and College Road to serve deserving people, while another dastarkhawan is active near Benazir Shaheed Hospital on Murree Road, catering to both laborers and travelers.

In addition to community-based dastarkhawan arrangements, NGOs and welfare organizations have also organized daily Iftar dinners at their prescribed locations to support those in need.

A volunteer at a Langar Khana mentioned the increase in the number of individuals attending the meals each year, noting that the economic situation has led to more deserving visitors during the holy month of Ramazan. — DNA

PIDE’s call to action targets a broad audience, including policymakers, educational institutions, and the private sector, urging them to deliberate on the study’s findings and recommendations

DNA

ISLAMABAD, MAR 17: In a pioneering move, the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), a Premier National Think Tank, has made public its investigative report titled “GORs Everywhere: University Land for Public Housing.” Authored by Nadeem Ul Haque, Vice Chancellor, Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), M. Jehangir Khan, and Iram Nadeem, this study embarks on a critical analysis of the conventional utilization of university lands, predominantly allocated for housing within educational institutions’ premises. It advances a transformative outlook proposing the allocation of these tracts for commercial endeavours through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), aiming at amplifying universities’ revenue streams whilst augmenting local economies and societal well-being.

According to the Press Release issued from the PIDE, Islamabad office, the report states that Universities globally have evolved from their traditional roles to become contemporary, business-oriented centres of education and research, enjoying greater autonomy and financial independence. This shift comes as higher education faces the dual challenges of growth and sustainability, prompted by the scarcity of tax dollars and diminishing societal support. In response, institutions are increasingly adopting entrepreneurial approaches, including self-promotion, forging partnerships, and embracing technological innovations, to thrive in the knowledge economy and align themselves as competitive entities in both domestic and international arenas.

In Pakistan, universities confront similar financial challenges and debates over resource allocation, particularly concerning the construction of housing colonies on campus lands. Such practices are criticized for squandering valuable assets that could be more strategically utilized to enhance the institutions’ financial viability and fulfil their educational missions more effectively.

Central to the study’s findings is an insightful comparison between the land use strategies employed by globally renowned universities such as Harvard, Princeton, and Yale, and their counterparts in Pakistan. This contrast not only sheds light on the successful financial models adopted by these international institutions—stemming from strategic investments in commercial ventures on their campuses—but also underscores the significant potential for Pakistani universities to replicate such success. Through meticulous analysis, the report brings to the fore the extensive opportunity costs entailed by the maintenance of residential colonies on university lands, underpinned by the examination of high property values across major cities including Islamabad, Lahore, and Peshawar.

Emerging from these observations, PIDE posits a series of policy reforms aimed at reimagining the use of university lands. Key among these is the suggestion to monetize residential perks for faculty and staff by introducing market-rate rentals for university-owned properties, thereby creating a new income stream. Furthermore, the institute advocates for the development of high-rise residential and commercial complexes, a move anticipated to optimize land use and maximize revenue generation. Central to realizing these visions is the establishment of PPP ventures, characterized by clearly defined profit-sharing models and ownership structures, ensuring that universities retain land ownership over the long term.

PIDE’s call to action targets a broad audience, including policymakers, educational institutions, and the private sector, urging them to deliberate on the study’s findings and recommendations. By embracing these innovative land-use strategies, Pakistani universities stand on the brink of achieving financial independence, reducing their reliance on government funding, and significantly contributing to the country’s economic growth and social development.

LAHORE, MAR 17 /DNA/ – Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz has  condemned terrorists attack on a checkpost at Mir Ali in the area of North  Waziristan. CM has paid tribute to the martyred officers and sepoys of Pakistan Army.CM expressed her heartfelt sympathy with the family members of the martyrs.

Maryam Nawaz paid salute to the valour of Lieutenant Colonel Kashif for consigning the terrorists to hell. CM acknowledged that the officers and sepoys of Pakistan Army by sacrificing their precious lives for our dear homeland has written a history of bravery adding that the officers and jawans of the Pakistan Army are a pride of the whole nation.

Lieutenant Kashif of Pakistan Army consigned six terrorists to hell and became immortal. CM lauded that our brave soldiers safeguarded our dear homeland by foiling intrusion of the terrorists adding that the precious sacrifices being laid down by the officers and jawans of the Pakistan Army further strengthen our unflinching resolve against the terrorists.

A significant political negotiation looms over the distribution of the NFC (National Finance Commission) award, spurred by the IMF’s push for a return to pre-18th amendment allocations

Ansar M Bhatti

ISLAMABAD: Tensions are brewing as the coalition partners brace for a looming showdown over the contentious issue of privatizing key state-owned enterprises, including Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and the Steel Mills. This clash is expected to come to a head amid discussions surrounding the National Finance Commission Award (NFC), presenting yet another formidable challenge for the coalition.

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leadership has taken a firm stance against the privatization of the national flag carrier, PIA. Their opposition is not solely rooted in concerns over potential declines in PIA’s performance post-privatization, but rather in the fear of mass layoffs that could affect tens of thousands of employees. These employees, many of whom were hired during various tenures of the PPP government, now face the prospect of unemployment should privatization proceed unchecked.

The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is facing significant challenges due to its excessive staffing levels and longstanding financial losses. This over-staffing has contributed substantially to the airline’s inefficiency and financial woes over the years. Many positions within the organization are filled based on political affiliations rather than merit, resulting in a workforce that often lacks the skills and motivation necessary to drive the airline’s growth.

Furthermore, the PIA continues to grapple with the repercussions of being banned from operating in European countries. This ban was imposed following the revelation of fake degrees held by some Pakistani pilots during the PTI government’s tenure. This incident not only tarnished the reputation of the airline but also underscored broader issues of regulatory compliance and safety standards within the aviation industry.

The Pakistan Steel Mills stands as a poignant example of a burdensome venture draining resources without yielding commensurate benefits. Despite its potential, the institution has become synonymous with inefficiency, with a significant portion of its workforce seemingly more focused on reaping perks than contributing to its productivity. The prevalent presence of employees affiliated with political parties such as the PPP and MQM further complicates matters, as any attempts to privatize or reform the Steel Mills are met with staunch resistance, effectively thwarting much-needed efforts for revitalization and efficiency enhancement.

One plausible explanation for the PPP’s decision not to join the cabinet could be its reluctance to be in a position where opposing the privatization process would be challenging. Anticipating this scenario, the PPP may opt to exert pressure on the PML-N government in the near future, leveraging their awareness that the government’s stability hinges significantly on PPP support. This strategic move could potentially empower the PPP to influence policy directions more effectively, using their political leverage to shape governance outcomes in alignment with their priorities.

A significant political negotiation looms over the distribution of the NFC (National Finance Commission) award, spurred by the IMF’s push for a return to pre-18th amendment allocations. Prior to the 18th amendment, 47.5 percent of the federal government’s total revenues were distributed among the provinces. However, post-amendment, this volume was raised to 50.5 percent, reflecting a significant increase. The IMF contends that this shift has led to an imbalance, asserting that the provinces are receiving an excessive share and advocating for a rationalization of the distribution.

Given that the PPP played a pivotal role in championing the 18th amendment, it is poised to resist any alterations to the NFC award. Their historical stance on decentralization and provincial autonomy aligns with the increased allocations to the provinces post-amendment. Consequently, the PPP is likely to vehemently oppose any attempts to roll back these allocations, viewing it as a regression in the devolution of powers and resources to the provinces.

ISLAMABAD, MAR 16 /DNA/ – Pakistan welcomes the adoption of the resolution titled “Measures to Combat Islamophobia,” by the UN General Assembly with an overwhelming majority. The resolution was presented by Pakistan on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) as a follow-up of the General Assembly Resolution 76/254, which designated 15th of March as the International Day to combat Islamophobia.

The General Assembly has condemned the incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence against Muslims as manifested in the increasing number of incidents of desecration of the Holy Quran, attacks on mosques, sites and shrines and other acts of religious intolerance, negative stereotyping, hatred and violence against Muslims. The General assembly has also called upon the Member States to take legislative and policy measures to combat religious intolerance, negative stereotyping, hatred, incitement to violence and violence against Muslims. 

Pakistan welcomes the General Assembly’s call for the appointment of a “United Nations Special Envoy to combat Islamophobia”. This historic appointment will be the first of its kind, exclusively dedicated to combating the scourge of Islamophobia.

The adoption of the resolution comes at a critical time, amidst rising Islamophobia, as manifested by increasing number of incidents of discrimination, violence, and incitement against Muslims around the world.

DNA

LAHORE, MAR 16: “Prime Minister has presented the best road map to take Pakistan out of economic crisis,” said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. She added,”It is a historic and revolutionary initiative. His vision for promoting foreign investment is commendable.”

Madam Maryam Nawaz Sharif highlighted,”Reducing inflation and alleviating poverty is a crucial part of this economic road map.” She added,”Our goal is to achieve high production through low cost agricultural inputs in the agricultural sector.”

Madam Chief Minister emphasised,” Everyone has to work together for the development and stability of the economy.”

Imran Khan approves names for Senate tickets 

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has finalized the names of its candidates from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Punjab for the forthcoming Senate elections.  

PTI Founding Chairman Imran Khan approved the names of his party’s candidates for Senate tickets on Saturday afterwards the party released the final list of candidates for the upper house polls.

Murad Saeed, Faisal Javed Khan, Mirza Afridi, Irfan Saleem and ⁠Khurram Zeeshan will be the party’s candidates for general seats from KP, while Azhar Mashwani would be the covering candidate of Murad Saeed.

Azam Swati and Irshad Hussain are the candidates of the party for technocrat seats, while Ayesha Bano and Rubina Naz will contest for women’s seat in the province.

Similarly in Punjab, Hamid Khan and Zulfi Bukhari are the candidates of the party for the general seats and Omer Sarfraz Cheema and Col Ijaz Minhas would be the covering candidates.

Moreover, Sanam Javed will contest Senate elections as the party’s candidate for the women’s seat, while Dr. Yasmin Rashid will be a candidate for the technocrat seat in the Senate elections from Punjab.