ISLAMABAD, JUN 14 /DNA/ – As the world celebrates the 20th anniversary of World Blood Donor Day, Pakistan’s largest telecommunication and ICT services provider, PTCL Group (PTCL & Ufone 4G) perpetuates its compassionate legacy of saving lives and ensuring steady blood supply at hospitals and blood banks through its annual blood donation drive.

This year, PTCL Group joined forces with Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) for the drive, held at the Ufone Tower in Islamabad. PTCL & Ufone 4G management and employees, participated in the drive with remarkable enthusiasm and conviction in the significance of their contributions. The campaign is held every year under PTCL Group’s Corporate Social Responsibility Program to create shared value for fellow citizens and society.

World Blood Donor Day is celebrated to raise awareness regarding the significance of blood donations. The PTCL fraternity is conscious that blood is a non-replicable resource coming only from donors, and that, patients depend on the empathy of fellow citizens for essential medical treatments, surgeries, and emergencies, especially for patients with critical medical conditions like thalassemia, anemia, cancer, trauma, and more.

The selfless contributions of blood donors save millions of lives each year, including those of children. That is why the World Health Organization (WHO) is celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the day to recognize the love and humanity of blood donors worldwide, with the theme; ‘20 years of celebrating giving: thank you blood donors!’

Group Chief Marketing Officer, PTCL & Ufone 4G, Syed Atif Raza expressed his gratitude to PRCS for the collaboration and said, “Humanity and altruism are central to the religious and cultural ethos of our society, and shape PTCL Group’s vision for volunteerism, corporate philanthropy, and CSR. We are grateful to be part of a campaign that aims to save the lives of fellow citizens, including children, and fosters mutual empathy, solidarity, and social good. PTCL Group remains committed to exploring ways to create shared value and promote social good for the communities we serve and society at large.”

PTCL Group actively contributes to society, the economy, and the environment through its robust CSR and Volunteerism programs, thereby anchoring it strongly as a conscious and responsible corporate citizen of the country.

Petrol price cut by Rs 10 per liter

ISLAMABAD, JUN 14 /DNA/ – Two major announcements by Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif have been made in one day. After making electricity cheaper for industries, Prime Minister’s big Eid for the people on Eid comes in the shape of reduction of petrol prices.

A big reduction in the price of petrol by 10 rupees 20 paise per liter

While Reduction in the price of diesel by 2 rupees 33 paise per liter has been announced. 

On June 1, the government had reduced the price of petrol by Rs 4 74 paise and the price of diesel by Rs 3 86 paise per litre. So far, a total relief of 35 rupees has been given to the public in the price of petrol per liter.

LAHORE, JUN 14 /DNA/ – Chinese Consul General, Zhao Shiren Explores China’s Expanding Role in Global and Regional Politics and its Benefits for Pakistan at CASS Lahore

The Centre for Aerospace & Security Studies (CASS) Lahore, hosted His Excellency Zhao Shiren, the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China, for an enlightening guest lecture titled “China’s Growing Influence in Global and Regional Politics: Benefits for Pakistan” on 14 June 2024.

Mr Ameer Abdullah Khan, Senior Researcher, CASS Lahore, introduced the speaker. The distinguished guest highlighted the importance of global peace. He argued that multipolarity with inclusive stakeholder engagement is more favourable than unipolarity and bipolarity for the developing world. He elaborated China’s major initiatives under President Xi Jinping: the BRI, Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilisation Initiative, and proposed Global AI Governance Initiative as crucial steps in this regard. He praised the strong partnership between Pakistan and China and noted significant trade growth and investment opportunities under the CPEC. Emphasising Pakistan’s future economic and social growth, he highlighted the importance of embracing global, green, and digital initiatives. He further highlighted China’s mediation efforts in international security, and reaffirmed support for a two-state solution for Palestine and backed Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir.

The talk was followed by an engaging and interactive session, during which the participants delved deeper into the various facets and dimensions of the enduring Pakistan-China friendship.

The event concluded with closing remarks by Air Marshal Asim Suleiman (Retd), President, CASS Lahore, who amplified the significance of the enduring partnership between Pakistan and China in all spheres as a vital contributor to the former’s economic development and infrastructure. He stated that this strategic partnership should focus on industrialising through SEZs, developing a long-term export strategy, modernising agriculture, and enhancing cooperation in science and technology, and security. He also acknowledged China’s growing global influence and highlighted Pakistan’s commitment as a strategic partner in the region and beyond.

The talk provided valuable perspectives on how Pakistan can leverage its strategic alliance with China to navigate the complexities of global politics and regional developments. This event also signified the enduring partnership between the two nations.

ISLAMABAD, JUN 14 (DNA) — Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training has announced to start advanced learner course for Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 students to ensure a smooth transition and a strong foundation for new students of Islamabad Colleges.  According to the Education Ministry, this program will run for the whole month of July.

Sharing the key highlights of the programme, the ministry said that the best teachers have been identified for English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Additional salary for teaching faculty has also been finalized for this purpose. “Our commitment is to provide the best academic ecosystem for our students.

We are leaving no stone unturned to ensure our students receive the best possible support and resources to excel in their academic journey”, the ministry said. The ministry is also inviting students from private schools to join this exciting initiative. — DNA

ISLAMABAD, JUN 14 (DNA) — One person was killed, while five others, including women and children, were seriously injured after being hit by Baba Farid Express on Friday. According to a private news channel, the accident occurred due to the absence of gates on the 67EB track.

According to railway police, Mohammad Nawaz, a resident of 16 KB, was returning from Borewala with his family when his car got stuck on the railway track while crossing the railway line at 67 EB and was hit by the Baba Farid Express.

As a result of the accident, the car driver, Mohammad Nawaz, died on the spot, while family members Zainab, Tahira, Saira, and 7-year-old Noor were seriously injured.The rescue team reached the spot and removed the dead body and the injured women and children from the vehicle and shifted to THQ Hospital Arifwala. The railway police started the investigation. — DNA