ISLAMABAD, Mar 10 (APP/DNA): Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday took oath of the Office of President of Pakistan. Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa administered oath of the office to President Asif Ali Zardari, in an oath taking ceremony, held at Aiwan e Sadr. The ceremony was attended by outgoing President Dr Arif Alvi, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, top military leadership, governors, chief ministers , Speaker of the National Assembly, parliamentarians, political leaders, diplomats and media persons.

President Asif Ali Zardari became the 14th President of Pakistan to serve the country for a second term.

Earlier, he had served the country as president during 2008-2013. He was elected for the constitutional slot by majority vote of the electoral college, comprising members of the Parliament and four provincial assemblies, on Saturday.

KARACHI, MAR 10 /DNA/ – In a remarkable celebration of cultural exchange and unity, SZABIST University’s Karachi Campus, in collaboration with Turkish Alumni In Pakistan (TULIP), hosted a vibrant event at its premises. The chief guest for the evening was the esteemed Consul General of Turkey, Cemal Sangu.

The event began with a warm welcome from Prof.Dr. Mohammad Altaf Mukati, Vice President of academics at SZABIST University, acknowledged the diverse gathering, expressing enthusiasm for the cultural and educational exchange. Mr. Halil Ibrahim Basaran, Karachi Program Coordinator at TIKA, added a layer of significance to the event with his address.

He shed light on TIKA’s role in promoting cultural harmony and collaboration. The highlight of the evening was the address by H.E Mr. Cemal Sangu, the Consul General of Türkiye. Mr. Sangu shared valuable insights into the diplomatic and cultural significance of the event but also emphasized educational empowerment, especially for women. His presence underscored the importance of bilateral relations and cultural and educational exchanges between Pakistan and Türkiye.

A symbolic token of appreciation was presented to the Consul General, honorable guests, and the organizing team. The ceremonial ribbon-cutting marked the official commencement of the festival, paving the way for stall tours that featured a delightful spread of Turkish cuisine. Attendees indulged in a delightful brunch, savoring the diverse flavors that encapsulate the unity and collaboration between the two nations. The occasion culminated in a group photo, immortalizing the shared commitment to cultural exchange.

ISLAMABAD, MAR 10 /DNA/ – Refusal of Afghans to cross into Pakistan with a passport defies the logic of relations between two sovereign countries, Pakistan’s Special Representative on Afghanistan, Ambassador Asif Durrani said during his interaction with the Afghan religious, tribal, and business stakeholders, while highlighting the security threats posed by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the detrimental effects of their activities on Pakistan’s security.

The interaction was part of the Pak-Afghan Stakeholders Conference organized by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), in collaboration with its Afghan partner Organization for Economic Studies and Peace (OESP), as part of their initiative Beyond Boundaries.

Ambassador Asif Durrani emphasized the need for cooperation in countering terrorism (CT) efforts and promoting peace in the region. He emphasized that terrorist groups like Daesh (ISIS) pose a threat not only to Afghanistan but also to the wider region and the world. He stressed the importance of collective efforts to combat terrorism and promote sustainable regional peace.

The envoy addressed issues related to trade and border management, emphasizing the importance of documentation such as passports and CNICs for security purposes. He advocated the necessity of implementing biometric measures for border cross-border movement of people to bolster security and minimize threats from non-state actors.

Ambassador Durrani stressed the need for mutual respect for sovereignty between Pakistan and Afghanistan. He refuted the perception of Pakistan using coercion in its dealings with Afghanistan and said the refusal of Afghans to cross into Pakistan with a passport defies the logic of relations between two sovereign countries.

Durrani accused external actors, particularly India, of supporting TTP militants, citing evidence of their involvement, and underscored the need to address the issue of the militant outfit’s funding and external support.

The envoy expressed Pakistan’s commitment to ongoing discussions with Afghanistan and assured that efforts were underway to address existing challenges and achieve positive outcomes.

Ambassador Asif Durrani also interacted with female Afghan students to address concerns and queries regarding educational opportunities, internships, visa procedures, and other challenges faced by Afghan students studying in Pakistan.

Ambassador Durrani highlighted the scholarships provided by the Pakistani government to Afghan students and emphasized how such endeavors provide equal educational opportunities to them in Pakistan. He mentioned that 4,500 scholarships were announced for Afghan students under the Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarship program with 1,500 dedicated to Afghan women, covering various fields of study for a duration of up to five years.

Afghan students underscored that they should be given opportunities for internships in Pakistan, post the completion of their educational tenure in the country to help equip them with practical hands-on experience and enable them to apply the acquired skills in their home communities. They also inquired about online programs and digital skill development opportunities.

Issues related to visa procedures and work permits were also discussed, with students expressing difficulties in obtaining work permits after completing their studies. Ambassador Durrani clarified the process and responsibilities regarding visa changes; from student to work visas, mentioning the involvement of the Ministry of Interior in work visa matters.

Concerns were raised regarding the accreditation of online schools and the recognition of degrees obtained from them. Ambassador Durrani emphasized that degree recognition falls under Afghanistan’s jurisdiction and suggested that these matters should be addressed internally by the Afghan government.

Afghan students highlighted border issues, prolonged queues, and administrative challenges, including the discontinuation of SIM cards upon their student visa expiration. They requested streamlined procedures and increased support for completing studies and renewing visas.

The requirement of a mahram (male guardian) for female students to cross the border was discussed, with Ambassador Durrani advising students to plan accordingly and bring a mahram when necessary. He emphasized the importance of adhering to visa procedures and regulations.

The interaction between the special envoy and Afghan students provided a platform for addressing various concerns related to education, internships, visa procedures, and cultural perceptions. Ambassador Durrani emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to supporting Afghan students and efforts to facilitate the educational journey of Afghan students and address their needs effectively.

ISLAMABAD, MAR 10 /DNA/ – Niaz Support, a leading social enterprise providing customised wheelchairs, and Special Talent Exchange Program (STEP), a program dedicated to advancing the human rights of persons with disabilities, are proud to announce a collaborative partnership. This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed on March 8th, 2024, signifies a shared commitment to expanding outreach and empowering individuals with disabilities throughout Pakistan.

The signing ceremony was graced by the presence of Mr. HussainOdhwani, Founder of Niaz Support, and Mr. Muhammad Atif Sheikh, President of STEP. Their leadership and dedication to the cause of disability inclusion paved the way for this impactful collaboration.

The official signing of the MoU was carried out by AroosaSalahuddin, National Outreach Manager for Niaz Support, and Asfandyar Khan, Project Coordinator for STEP. This signifies the commitment of both organizations to working together at the operational level to achieve their shared goals.

Niaz Support has established itself as a social enterprise at the forefront of providing customised wheelchairs to individuals with disabilities in Pakistan. Their dedication to personalised solutions ensures that each wheelchair caters to the specific needs of its user, maximizing mobility and independence.

STEP plays a crucial role in actively championing the human rights of persons with disabilities. Their tireless efforts pave the way for greater inclusion and ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to opportunities and resources.

This exciting collaboration between Niaz Support and STEP will leverage their combined expertise to create a more impactful and comprehensive support system for individuals with disabilities in Pakistan. Through this partnership, Niaz Support aims to reach a wider range of deserving beneficiaries across the country and create a more inclusive environment.

Islamabad, MAR 10 /DNA/ – Pakistan’s two prestigious financial institutions, Bank of Punjab and National Bank of Pakistan, were awarded “Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) for Women Development” awards here Saturday at a revered ceremony. The National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) won two awards for its large CSR portfolio of women’s education, and health and hygiene while the Bank of Bank (BOP) was conferred upon award for the comprehensive and inclusive women development, empowerment and engagement strategies and products.

The ‘CSR for Women Development Awards’ ceremony was a momentous part of the 10^th edition of 3-day long ‘Aurat Hunar Mela’ (National Women-at-Work Festival) that kicked off on March 8 with a showcasing women’s work, products and services including an art exhibition “Herself” at the Lok Virsa, Shakarparian, Islamabad.  

The ‘Aurat Hunar Mela’ (National Women-at-Work Festival) is an annual flagship event of Devcom-Pakistan (Development Communications Network) to mark the UN’s International Women’s Day that falls on March 8. This year the 3-day event is being organized in collaboration with the National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa), Federal Ministry of National Heritage and Culture.

Earlier, a conference on the ‘CSR for Women Development’ was also organized. The panelists included the Bank of Punjab Head of Customer Services Rai Usman Mujahid, entrepreneur and Islamabad Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IWCCI) Vice President Sadaf Asim Abbasi, entrepreneur and human resource management expert Tahira Haider, Lok Virsa Director Research and Publications Dr. Zobia Sultana and, art and design mentor and Devcom-Pakistan Creative Director Riffat Ara Baig. Devcom-Pakistan Executive Director Munir Ahmed conducted the panel discussion.

Rai Usman Mujahid said: The Bank of Punjab is a leading financial institution with 900 branches nationwide and is committed to creating a workplace that champions women empowerment and inclusivity. Our comprehensive initiative includes the implementation of women-friendly policies, such as flexible work arrangements to support work-life balance. Mentorship programs have been introduced to provide guidance and facilitate career advancement for female employees. Tailored leadership development opportunities aim to enhance the professional growth of women within the organization. Furthermore, we actively organize targeted networking events and forums to foster a supportive community. Our commitment to gender inclusivity extends to regular training programs on diversity and inclusion for all employees, ensuring a workplace that not only values but actively promotes equal opportunities for every individual to thrive.  

He said there are numerous CSR initiatives including The Citizens Foundation’s girls-education and the Indus Hospital, and financial inclusion of marginalized community women through interest-free loans. The bank, he said, is open to engage with different development and women organizations to create women-friendly workplaces and financially empowered women.

 Sadaf Asim Abbasi said: (CSR) plays a crucial role in the development and empowerment of women by promoting initiatives that address gender equality, access to education, economic opportunities, healthcare, and leadership development. The women’s chambers of commerce are struggling to create economic and financial opportunism for the women especially for the middle-class individuals.

Tahira Haider education and skill development is very crucial for the community women where the CSR programs may be aimed at increasing access to education and skill development opportunities for women and girls. This can include scholarships, vocational training programs, and workshops designed to enhance their employability and entrepreneurship skills.

Riffat Ara Baig said: The CSR shall also be focused on empowering the community women with the skills to redesign their products to meet the market needs. It will increase their share in the market. The product design and development matter a lot in the competitive market. They shall also be given exposure to the new markets.

Devcom-Pakistan Executive Director Munir Ahmed urged the corporates to include women’s leadership and decision-making roles within organizations and communities. This can involve mentorship programs, leadership training, and initiatives to break down barriers to women’s participation in leadership positions. The CSR initiatives shall also include advocacy and awareness raising about gender inequality and advocating for policies and practices that promote women’s rights and empowerment. This can involve partnering with advocacy organizations, supporting campaigns, and engaging stakeholders to drive positive change.

In a separate ceremony on Sunday, the management volunteers from the Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management (ITHM) were also awarded certificates. The women artists who put their artworks on display were awarded with the festival mementos and certificates. They included Nigar Nazar, New York-based Nayyer Iqbal, Shahnaz Akram, Riffat Ara Baig, Saima Tahir, Saima Amir, Hatice Omar, Ambreen Anjum, Salvat Hijazi, Sabahat Amir, Beenish Azam, Shehla Moazzam, and Ambreen Bilal.   

LISBON, MAR 10 (AFP/APP/DNA): Voters in Portugal went to the polls Sunday in an early election that could see the country join a shift to the right across Europe after eight years of Socialist rule.

Final opinion polls published Friday show the centre-right Democratic Alliance (AD) narrowly ahead of the Socialist Party (PS) but short of an outright majority in parliament, which could make the far-right party Chega a kingmaker for forming a governing coalition.

But analysts warned the results of the election, Portugal’s second in two years, remained wide open given the large number of undecided voters.

Voting stations in the nation of around 10 million people opened at 8:00 am (0800 GMT) with exit poll projections expected at 8:00 pm.

“These elections represent a possible change, there would be little point in doing otherwise,” Pedro Resende, a 56-year-old security officer, told AFP at a polling station in Telheiras, a modern upper middle class neighbourhood in northern Lisbon.

The AD has campaigned on promises to boost economic growth by cutting taxes, and to improve the country’s public services.

“We really must turn the page,” the party’s leader, 51-year-old lawyer Luis Montenegro told a packed final rally at Lisbon’s bullring on Friday night.

He has ruled out any post-election agreement with Chega, but other top AD officials have been more ambiguous.

Analysts say a deal with the anti-establishment party may prove the only way for the AD to govern.

– Far right gains –

Chega’s leader Andre Ventura, a former trainee priest who went on to become a television football commentator, has said his party is “as legitimate as the others”.

Chega, which means “Enough”, calls for tougher measures to fight corruption, stricter controls over immigration and chemical castration for some sex offenders.

Just five years old, Chega picked up its first seat in Portugal’s 230-seat parliament in 2019, becoming the first far-right party to win representation in the assembly since a military coup in 1974 toppled a decades-long right-wing dictatorship.

It increased its seats to 12 seats in 2022 and polls suggest it could more than double that number this time.

That would mirror gains by far-right parties across Europe, where they already govern — often in coalition — in countries such as Italy, Hungary and Slovakia, or are steadily gaining, as in France and Germany.

The election was called after Socialist Prime Minister Antonio Costa, 62, unexpectedly resigned in November following an influence-peddling probe that involved a search of his official residence and the arrest of his chief of staff.

Though Costa himself was not accused of any crime, he decided not to run again.

– ‘Time for a change’ –

On his watch unemployment has dropped, the economy expanded by 2.3 percent last year — one of the fastest rates in the eurozone — and public finances have improved.

But surveys indicate many voters feel Costa’s government squandered the outright majority it won in 2022 by failing to improve unreliable public health services and education or address a housing crisis that has sparked large street protests in what remains one of Western Europe’s poorest countries.

“From my point of view things have worsened a bit. It’s time for a change,” Bernardo Guerra, a 28-year-old personal trainer, told AFP after casting his ballot at a high school in central Lisbon.

“In Portugal there is a lot of corruption, Portugal has a bad image abroad… I hope a new government improves this situation.”

The Socialists’ new leader, 46-year-old former infrastructure minister Pedro Nuno Santos, has defended the government’s record even as he acknowledges it could have done better in some areas.

“The right thinks they’re going to win the election with their usual arrogance and lack of humility. It’s the Portuguese people who will decide,” he said at his final rally on Friday night.