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Experts for effective laws to regulate social media

Social media

                LAHORE, Nov 04 (APP): Social media should be regulated in the light of effective laws of the land without harming the civil rights and the national security.

It was narrative by participants of a round table discussion here at the National Institute of Public Policy

(NIPP) on Monday.  Lahore NIPP Reactor Dr Ijaz Munir chaired the session while Dean Dr Naveed Ehali moderate the session. 

Key note speakers include Director General of National Institute of Management (NIM) Farooq Mazhar, LUMS Associate Professor Dr Taimur Rehman, PU Department of Digital Media School of Communication Studies Chairperson Dr Savera Shami, Executive Director Digital Rights Foundation Nighat Daad, Journalist from Daily Pakistan Usman Shami and Dr Fareed Zafar Associate Professor from LUMS.

The discussion was focused on the various aspect of regulating social media and addressed gaps identified in social media regulations.

In his discussion, Dr Fareed Zafar stressed the need for providing education and awareness on the usage of social media as fake new and sensation had impact on society. He emphasized the urgent need for improving cyber security laws and its implementation. 

Dr Taimur Rehman from LUMS expressed that users of social media should use these social app with care as education and awareness was necessary. He was of the view that laws regulating the social media should be more effective. 

Professor Dr Savera Shami suggested to creating awareness about the negative impact of unbounded use of social media.  She said that social media platforms should be invited to establish their offices in Pakistan for

sake of enabling and regulating environment under the laws. She stressed the need for timely enforcement of laws to eliminate extremism and hate content from the social media.

During a question answer session, the participants discussed various proposals to regulate the social media.

Later on, Reactor Dr Ijaz Munir distributed shields among discussion panellists and participants.

AIMS to hold Sindh Diabetes Conference on Nov 16

Diabetes

                HYDERABAD, Nov 04 (APP): The Asian Institute of  Medical Sciences (AIMS) in collaboration with its Co-Partners would hold the Sindh Diabetes Conference at Indus Hotel on Saturday, 16th November 2024.

The Director clinical sciences Prof. Dr. Muhammad Sadique Memon informed here on Monday that  in this insightful  event  health care professionals will discuss the latest advancements  in diabetes management including Lifestyle Modification, Blood Sugar Control. Metabolism, Reducing risks and prevent Complication,

Prof Abdul Basit and Prof. Zaman  Shaikh will be the chief guests on the occasion while Dr. Nadeem  Naeem, Dr.  Muhammad Saleem Khan, Dr. Sarwat Anjum and Miss Erum Ghafoor will speak on the topic.

Conference will also feature workshops on Diabetic Foot , Diet and Education to be conducted by  Dr. Farooque Chohan, Miss Khadija and Mrs Rafia respectively.

Music titan Quincy Jones dies aged 91

dies

                Washington, Nov 4 (AFP/APP): Music industry titan Quincy Jones, who produced some of Michael Jackson’s best-known albums and collaborated with legends including Frank Sinatra and Count Basie, passed away at age 91, US media reported Monday.

                  His death was confirmed by his publicist, Arnold Robinson, in a statement that did not specify a cause, US media reported.

                  A jazz musician, composer and tastemaker, his studio chops and arranging prowess connected the dots between the 20th century’s constellation of stars. 

                  From Frank Sinatra to Michael Jackson, jazz to hip-hop, Jones tracked the ever-fluctuating pulse of pop over his seven-decade-plus career — most often manipulating the beat himself.

                  Born in 1933 in the south side of Chicago, Quincy Delight Jones Jr. discovered a knack for the piano at a recreation center and became teenage buddies with Ray Charles.

                  Jones briefly studied at the Berklee College of Music in Massachusetts before joining bandleader Lionel Hampton on the road, eventually relocating to New York, where he gained attention as an arranger for stars including Duke Ellington, Dinah Washington, Count Basie and, of course, Charles.

                  He played second trumpet on Elvis Presley’s “Heartbreak Hotel,” teaming up with Dizzy Gillespie for several years before moving to Paris in 1957, where he studied under the legendary composer Nadia Boulanger.

                  Jones later expanded into Hollywood, scoring films and television shows.

                  Among entertainment’s most decorated figures, Jones won virtually every major achievement award, including 28 Grammys.

                  In 1967, Jones was the first Black composer to be nominated in the original song category of the Oscars, for the film “Banning.”

                  Jones started a label, founded a hip-hop magazine, and produced the 1990s hit television show “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” discovering Will Smith.

                  He also wrote his own hits, like the addictively cacophonous “Soul Bossa Nova,” while also arranging at a breathless pace for dozens of stars across the industry.

                  But he was perhaps best known as the producer of Michael Jackson’s albums “Off the Wall”, “Thriller” and “Bad”.

                  “You name it, Quincy’s done it. He’s been able to take this genius of his and translate it into any kind of sound that he chooses,” jazz pianist Herbie Hancock told PBS in 2001.

                  “He is fearless. If you want Quincy to do something, you tell him that he can’t do it. And of course he will — he’ll do it.”

Drug supplier arrested, marijuana recovered

Pakistan hockey team not invited to Azlan Shah Cup 2025

                HYDERABAD, Nov 04 (APP): Police in its continued drive against narcotics and criminals on Monday arrested  a drugs supplier and recovered marijuana from his possession,

 Station House officer (SHO) Cant police station Imran Rasheed Shaikh along with his staff acting on a tip-off conducted a raid near Tamboora Chowk and held an accused Pir Bux Gopang and recovered  2 kg marijuana from his possession.

Police have registered a case against the suspect under narcotics control act.

Turkish inflation inches down to 48.6% in October: official

Turkish inflation

                Istanbul, Nov 4 (AFP/APP): Turkey’s annual inflation rate fell less than expected to 48.6 percent in October, official data showed Monday, as officials strive to bring down soaring consumer prices.

                  Inflation had slowed to 49.4 percent in September, also less than expected.

                  Turkey’s central bank began to raise interest rates last year to battle soaring prices, after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan dropped his opposition to orthodox monetary policy.

                  In September, the central bank kept its main interest rate stable at 50 percent for a sixth consecutive month.

                  “The smaller-than-expected fall in Turkish inflation in October … is likely to dash any remaining hopes that a monetary easing cycle will start this year,” said Nicholas Farr, emerging Europe economist at Capital Economics research firm.

                  “The risks now seem skewed towards interest rate cuts arriving even later than our current forecast of Q1 (first quarter) next year,” he added.

                  Consumer prices rose by 2.9 percent on a monthly basis in October, according to figures from the TUIK statistics office.

PM apprises cabinet of his recent successful visits to KSA, Qatar

PM

                ISLAMABAD, Nov 4 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday apprised the cabinet members of the outcome of his recent successful visits to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and State of Qatar, terming these as ‘successful and productive’.

The prime minister, while addressing the cabinet’s meeting, said that he held very productive and useful consultations with the leadership of KSA and Qatar wherein different subjects like solar energy, mines, minerals and IT sectors were thoroughly discussed during the bilateral meetings.

He said a delegation of Qatar Investment Authority would soon visit Pakistan as Qatar had announced to invest $3 billion in Pakistan, adding Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, during a meeting, had told him that there was immense potential of IT trained people and asked him to send the skilled people from Pakistan to the Kingdom since they required it.

Amir of Qatar also hinted at setting up an IT park in Pakistan, he added.

The prime minister said whereas Pakistan and Azerbaijan had also agreed to enhance the bilateral investment to $2 billion in diverse areas.

He said the understanding between the two countries was reached during a visit of Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev in the shape of signing of agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs).

Federal Minister for Finance chairs ECC meeting

ISLAMABAD, NOV 4 /DNA/ – Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired the meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet at Finance Division, today.

The meeting was attended by Mr. Musadik Masood Malik, Minister for Petroleum; Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, Minister for Power; Mr. Ahad Khan Cheema, Minister for Economic Affairs; the Governor, State Bank of Pakistan; the Chairman, SECP; the Chairman, Board of Investment; Federal Secretaries; and senior officers from concerned ministries and departments.

During the meeting, several key agenda items were discussed and decisions were made.

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MoIB) presented a summary requesting a technical supplementary grant (TSG) of Rs. 95.822 million to settle the outstanding dues related to the 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s (SCO) Council of Heads of Government (CHG) meeting. After deliberation, the ECC directed the ministry to reappropriate the funds from its allocated budget for the fiscal year 2024-25. In case of a shortfall of funds at the end of the fiscal year, the Finance Division will allocate a technical supplementary grant as needed.

Another request from MoIB for an additional TSG of Rs. 536.1 million for crucial digital initiatives was discussed. The ECC similarly directed the Ministry to reappropriate the required amount from its FY 2024-25 budget, with the possibility of supplementary funds being allocated later, if required.

The Ministry of Industries and Production brought forward a summary regarding the Peshawar High Court’s decision on the export of sugar from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Ministry emphasized that based on national data, the sugar production in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is less than the province’s annual consumption of 0.979 million MT. The local deficit is usually met by sugar supplied from surplus-producing provinces such as Punjab and Sindh. Therefore, no sugar shortage is expected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, even with the current and any future exports allowed by the ECC. As a result, the ECC reiterated its earlier decision based on the provided national figures. However, the request and suggestions from the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were duly noted.

The Ministry of Law and Justice presented a summary for the surrender of Rs. 151.787 million from the Ministry of Housing and Works, to be transferred to the Supreme Court of Pakistan for the repair and maintenance of its buildings. The ECC approved the transfer of these funds through a technical supplementary grant for FY 2024-25.

A summary from the Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division) was also presented, seeking approval for the Sale Purchase Agreement (SPA) for the supply of POL products between Pakistan State Oil (PSO) and SOCAR Azerbaijan. The ECC approved the signing of the SPA.

The Ministry of Energy (Power Division) submitted the Circular Debt Management Plan for FY 2024-25. The ECC approved the plan, which aims to reduce liabilities in the power sector and enhance financial sustainability.

The Ministry of Interior requested a TSG amounting to Rs. 650.35 million to cover costs related to the SCO Summit 2024, repairs of Safe City cameras damaged during violent protests, and maintaining law and order in Islamabad. The ECC directed the ministry to reappropriate the funds from its allocated budget for FY 2024-25.

In another matter, the Ministry of Interior presented a summary seeking Rs. 2.70 billion spent on arrangements and beautification of Islamabad for the 23rd SCO Summit. Following detailed discussions, the ECC decided that the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the Ministry of Interior should get a third-party cost and expenditure verification before bringing the summary back for further consideration.

At the end of the meeting, the ECC also reviewed the situation of price hikes in Pulses (Gram and Mash) and Chicken. The ECC showed concern upon the situation and asked NPMC to monitor the situation in consultation of Ministry of National Food Security and Research and provincial administratione to provide relief to common man at the earliest. Moreover, the ECC decided to keep reviewing the prices of essential food items in order to ensure benefits of decline in inflation may reach the common man.

KP Governor visits RCCI

KP Governor visits RCCI

RAWALPINDI, NOV 4: /DNA/ – The Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi, visited the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) and engaged in a productive meeting with RCCI officials, including President Usman Shaukat, Senior Vice President Khalid Farooq Qazi, Vice President Fahad Barlas, executive committee members, Former Presidents, Asad Mashadi, Raja Amer Iqbal, Saqib Rafiq, Vice Chairman of Loi Jirga Haji Muhammad Latif, women members, and a substantial number of business leaders from diverse sectors.

Chamber President Usman Shaukat welcomed Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, providing him with an overview of the Chamber’s current activities and initiatives. President Shaukat emphasized that a significant portion of Rawalpindi’s business activity is closely connected to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), highlighting Rawalpindi’s role as a key trade route with Afghanistan and Central Asia, which facilitates two-way cargo transit and sustains millions of jobs. He urged the Governor to support business and infrastructure development in key sectors, particularly mining, minerals, and tourism, which includes both domestic and religious tourism.

In response, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to increasing business activity and addressing security concerns. He outlined the ongoing initiatives to improve infrastructure, enhance law enforcement capabilities, and promote economic growth in KP. “The government is utilizing all available resources to tackle law and order and improve security across the province, along with upgrading roads, educational institutions, and medical facilities,” he stated. Governor Kundi underscored the importance of fostering cooperation among institutions to activate Central Asia’s trade routes and emphasized that political stability and economic growth are essential goals that require the support of all political parties.

He encouraged RCCI to gather proposals for the upcoming fiscal budget to ensure the needs and priorities of the business community are addressed. Governor Kundi also noted the shared responsibility of enhancing Pakistan’s image internationally, stating, “All institutions must work collaboratively to promote Pakistan in a positive light.”

During a Q&A session, RCCI members voiced key concerns, including the need for enhanced local partnerships in the mining sector, tourism development, expo centers, and funding for former FATA regions. Discussions also addressed eliminating illegal stone crushing, reducing the tax burden on the middle class, fostering entrepreneurship among women and youth, and maintaining continuity in economic policies.

Governor Kundi assured the business community of his support in addressing these concerns, reinforcing the commitment of the Governor’s Office to foster a business-friendly environment in KP. The meeting concluded with President Usman Shaukat presenting a commemorative shield to Governor Faisal Karim Kundi in appreciation of his visit and commitment to the business community.

Army Chief Highlights Plight of Kashmiris, Palestinians in Keynote Address to IAPTC Conference

Army Chief Highlights Plight of Kashmiris

RAWALPINDI, NOV 4 /DNA/ – The 28th Annual Conference of International Association of Peacekeeping Training Centre (IAPTC) is being hosted for the first time in Pakistan at the Centre for International Peace and Stability (CIPS), NUST, Islamabad from 4-8 November 2024.

The event officially commenced with the inauguration of new CIPS building by the General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

Under Secretary General, Department of Peace Operations, Jean Pierre Lacroix, United Nation’s Police Advisor, Acting Deputy Military Advisor, Foreign Sectary of Pakistan and Rector NUST, also accompanied the Chief Guest during inauguration and opening ceremony of the conference.

In keynote address to the august gathering, COAS emphasized that global peace today is confronted with ever evolving threats and challenges. Despite the numerous peacekeeping endeavors underway by the UN and other organizations, the plight of innocent Kashmiris and Palestinians serve as a stark reminder that still a lot needs to be done. Guest of Honour, Mr. Jean Pierre Lacroix acknowledged Pakistan’s contributions to UN Peacekeeping Operations and appreciated Pakistan for hosting the 28th IAPTC Annual Conference.

Earlier on arrival, COAS was received by Inspector General Training and Evaluation (IGT&E), Lieutenant General Fayyaz Hussain Shah, HI (M).

PCG seizes hashish worth millions

                KARACHI, Nov 04 (APP): The Pakistan Coast Guards (PCG) seized a huge quantity of hashish worth millions from Gwadar, Balochistan.

According to a news release on Monday, the PCG acting on a tip off recovered 1292 kg hashish dumped in bushes in Kamb area of Gwadar.

The seized drugs was suspected to be smuggled up country or abroad. The approximated value of the seized drugs is 21.6 million dollars. Further investigations are underway.

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