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.

PESHAWAR/Staff Report

In the heart of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, thousands of hopeful students eagerly await the opportunity to prove their merit through the ETA scholarship test. This test, a gateway to brighter educational prospects, has become an essential lifeline for many aspiring young minds. However, the delay in its administration has left these students in a state of uncertainty and concern. Urgent action is now being called for from Arbab Ekhtiar, Director of Administrative and Secondary Re-Education, to address this pressing issue.

For years, the ETA Scholarship Scheme has stood as a symbol of equal opportunity, offering deserving and talented students from various backgrounds a chance to excel. With centers of excellence spread across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Ex-FATA (Newly Merged Districts), this initiative has been instrumental in nurturing the educational aspirations of 253 students annually since its inception in 2007.

Traditionally, the process begins with the Directorate of Elementary and Secondary Education Khyber Pakhtunkhwa advertising the scholarship test in December, followed by the actual examination conducted by the Educational Testing and Evaluation Agency (ETEA) in January. However, the timeline has been disrupted this year due to the recent General Election, resulting in a delay that has left students anxiously waiting for their chance to shine.

The delay is not merely a matter of administrative inconvenience; it represents a significant setback for the students who have been diligently preparing for this opportunity. With each passing day, their hopes and aspirations are dampened, and the window of opportunity narrows. This delay not only affects their immediate educational prospects but also casts a shadow over their long-term goals and aspirations.

The ETA Scholarship Scheme operates on a meticulous process of selection, wherein the merit list is finalized, and candidates are chosen by a core committee. Subsequently, a form declared competent by the elementary and secondary education department is issued, followed by the official selection notifications from the Directorate of Elementary & Secondary Education, KP Peshawar. This process ensures transparency and fairness in the selection of candidates, but it also requires timely execution to avoid unnecessary delays.

The urgent appeal to Arbab Ahitar and the concerned authorities is not just a plea for expedited administrative processes; it is a call to uphold the rights and aspirations of these deserving students. Every day that passes without the advertisement of the scholarship test is a day lost in the pursuit of educational excellence. These students, eager to prove their worth and secure a brighter future, deserve better than to be caught in the crossfire of bureaucratic delays.

The impact of the ETA Scholarship Scheme extends far beyond individual students; it represents a commitment to fostering talent and promoting educational equity in the region. By providing equal opportunities to students from diverse backgrounds, regardless of gender or socioeconomic status, this initiative embodies the principles of inclusivity and social justice.

As stakeholders in the education sector, we cannot afford to overlook the urgency of this matter. The future of our youth, and by extension, the future of our society, depends on the opportunities we provide them today. By heeding this urgent appeal and expediting the advertisement of the ETA scholarship test, we can reaffirm our commitment to educational excellence and ensure that no deserving student is left behind.

By Faisal Munir / DNA

ATTOCK, 09 Mar: The Deputy Commissioner Rao Atif Raza has said on Saturday that the month of Ramadan teaches us the lesson of peace, tolerance and sacrifice, by following which we can achieve success in this world and the hereafter. He expressed these views while presiding over a meeting of the District Peace Committee. The meeting was attended by District Police Officer Attock Dr. Ghiyas Gul Khan, members of Peace Committee and others were also present on this occasion.

Deputy Commissioner and District Police Officer (DPO) briefed the peace committee members about the measures to be taken in Ramadan. As per reported by our district representative faisal munir that The Deputy Commissioner Rao Atif said that all municipal and other public services will be provided in Attock district during Ramadan. Strong security measures have been taken for all religious gatherings during Ramadan. The members of the District Peace Committee assured the district administration officers of their full cooperation to maintain religious harmony in the holy month of Ramadan.

DCO said that consolidated harmony is needed among all sects to ensure a peaceful Month of Ramadan in the district. He said religious unity is the essence of our religion and under current scenario it is the need of the time to maintain complete religious synchronization that will send a message to all that muslim community is united and strong. He further said that in Month of Ramdan to facilitate all pray mosqes a comprehensive plan has been chalked out by all tehsil administrations that will also be implemented in letter and spirit.

District Police Officer said on the occasion that fool proof security arrangements have been made for all month of Ramzan in Moques . Members of district peace committee have ensured that all possible co-operation will be extended to the district and tehsil administrations during Month of Ramdan to ensure absolute religious harmony among all religious sects. The members also presented their suggestions, which were assured to be implemented as per the law.

Gilgit-Baltistan in tourism, mining minerals, agriculture, IT, hydro power and hotel industry

There are vast investment opportunities, Planning Minister Nasir Ali Khan said

Pakistan Investment Conference is being held in Saudi Arabia to strengthen Pakistani economy, Khurshid Barlas

ISLAMABAD, MAR 9 /DNA/ – Gilgit-Baltistan Planning Minister Nasir Ali Khan yesterday met the founder chairman of Pakistan Association of Exhibition Industry Khurshid Barlas and Fahad Barlas Convener Exhibition at their residence at their residence.

Briefed that Pakistan Association of Exhibition Industry is organizing Pakistan Investment Conference on May 11, 2024 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.In which a large number of different business community related to tourism, pharmaceutical, minerals, medical, civil aviation industry, dairy and agriculture, construction material, private developer, capital market and stock exchange, education, information technology and other sectors will participate.

Chairman Khurshid Barlas said that there are attractive opportunities for Pakistani investors in many sectors of Saudi Arabia’s economy, including tourism, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, chemical industry, real estate and food processing. The Pakistan Investment Conference is being organized to take advantage of and to strengthen the Pakistani economy.

He will fully cooperate and participate in the Pakistan Investment Conference in Saudi Arabia. Planning Minister Nasir Ali Khan said that there are vast investment opportunities in the tourism sector in the region, we need institutions where people can be trained in this regard so that they can play their role in the promotion of tourism.