BOOK NAME: The Waterless Moon AUTHOR: Elizabeth Balneaves PUBLISHER: Lutterworth Press – London DATE OF PUBLICATION: 1956

A banker by profession, Salim Ansar has a passion for history and historic books. His personal library already boasts a treasure trove of over 7,000 rare and unique books.

Every week, we shall take a leaf from one such book and treat you to a little taste of history.

BOOK NAME: The Waterless Moon

AUTHOR: Elizabeth Balneaves

PUBLISHER: Lutterworth Press – London

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 1956

“This is an extraordinary book, written by an extraordinary young woman, a young woman of courage and grit, inspired with an avidity for adventure, the more dangerous the more attractive, and with all this that rare gift of close observation, and the faculty of describing what she sees in vivid language.

“The Punjabis are athletic and graceful; the men have always provided one of the main units of the defence forces, and are fine natural horsemen. The famous stud farms of Montgomery and Sarghoda have supplied both horses and mules for the Army and the surrounding districts, as well as the finest race-horses in India — actually, one of these from the Renala Stud has been exported and raced in Britain. For hundreds of years, dangal, or wrestling, has been the sport of the youth of what is now known as Pakistan and the cradle of its origin, the Punjab. Dangal is largely an inherited art, its secrets passed on from father to son. The wrestlers command tremendous honour and respect and ranked at one time among their patrons some of the richest and most influential of the Indian maharajahs. Trials of strength and skill have always delighted and impressed Islamic peoples, and dangal in Pakistan has never deteriorated into the brutality which has come to be associated with “all-in” wrestling in the West. It bears indeed a certain family resemblance to the Cumberland style, seen so often against the sombre background of fell and dale.

BHOLO’S SCHOOL OF WRESTLING

“While we were in Karachi, I was lucky enough to attend as a member of the Press-and, I may add, the only woman in about five thousand spectators-an exhibition of wrestling in the Y.M.C.A. grounds, and afterwards to receive a personal invitation to visit the wrestlers at the Akhara Bholu Pahalwan, Bholu’s School of Wrestling. The Prime Minister, Kwaja Nazimuddin, Sardar Abdur Rab Nishtar, Moulvi Tamizuddin Khan and the Khan of Kalat were among the spectators, while Major-General Akbar Khan acted as referee.

“The loudspeakers blared forth across the arena, flanked with excited crowds, turbans and lungis brilliant with colour, sprinkled like confetti amidst the starched white of shirt and shalwar. ‘Bholu Pahalwan, Rustem-i-Pakistan! Hamida Pahalwan, Rustem-i-Hindustan Achha Pahalwan, Rustem-i-PunJabV’ (Bholu the wrestler, Champion of Pakistan, Hamida, Champion of Hindustan, and Achha, Champion of the Punjab.) A wild surge of cheering greeted the champions as they advanced towards the ring, the sunlight seeming to magnify their great girth. Bholu leapt into the air, shouting ‘Allah Akbar!’ (God is great). Aslam, alias Achha Pahalwan, draws a specially admiring burst of applause, for he is tall, handsome and well-built, and so far has not seen fit to put on mere weight of flesh. The band of the 8th Punjabis marches and countermarches to the skirl of the pipes, and above the noise of cheering floats nostalgically the Scottish air, ‘Over the Sea to Skye’.

“I was shivering with excitement, not quite knowing what I had let myself in for, and quite alone. The only other occupant of the little ringed-off space in which I sat in state was a middle-aged imposingly upright figure, resplendent in purple turban, gold embroidered lungi and fine muslin shirt. He had long, fierce black moustaches, but the piercing black eyes heavily ringed with surama were kind, and even to my unprofessional eye he look as though he might know something about the game.

“Diffidently I sidled forward and essayed a shy ‘Assalau Aleikum?’ Slightly startled, he turned round and nodded pleasantly, ‘Waleikum, salaam!’ although he could not fail to have been a trifle disconcerted by the appearance of a European women at a wrestling exhibition. I asked him the names of the contestants and from that we drew up our chairs and I realized that somehow I was in on the ground floor, so to speak, for he knew all there was to know about Punjabi wrestling. It was only later in the afternoon that General Akbar Khan told me I had been talking to the great Gama Pahalwan, Rustem-i-Zaman, at seventy-five undefeated Champion of the World. This fine old man is a legendary figure! in the sporting world, and every Pakistani schoolboy knows h name. Wrestling is in his blood. Gama’s father and grandfather were wrestlers before him, and he has known no other life, nor would he wish to, for his heart is bound up in the game, and even to-day his strength is phenomenal.

“He told me that the finish of about is declared when one or other of the opponents is brought down with his shoulder-blades resting squarely on the ground. The actual platform where the wrestling takes place is a square of concrete about twenty-five feet in width and filled in with soft sand, the whole being raised about four feet or so off the ground and reached by four steps on either side. After each about, grounds men leap up and thoroughly rake and break up the surface. There are no ropes round the ring, and time and again a sudden move results in two bodies locked in an embrace toppling headlong over the edge. If the referee is quick enough, he can very often succeed in stopping the fight just before this point is reached and ordering the wrestlers back to the centre, where he places them meticulously in the precise position in which he found them. Usually dangal begins with bouts between comparatively unknown men who hope one day to make their names. Sometimes so anxious are they to get to grips with each other that they begin the bout before they reach the ring, and friends have to rush out and separate them. Invariably there will be a couple of young boys, thin, skinny little creatures with cropped heads and minute satin triangular pants, made all the more tiny in comparison with the enormous figures of the professionals. Throwing a few handfuls of sand at each other in the approved style in order to give each other a grip, they grapple like veterans, to the delight of the crowd.

“Dressing-rooms there are none. The wrestlers change in the open air on the edge of the arena. Although women are rarely, if ever, present, the rules of modesty are strictly observed. Each group of wrestlers squats in its own little circle surrounded by intimates and supporters, often complete with an attendant band of musicians who have accompanied their triumphal progress through the streets from their gymnasium. One of the most amusing names among the competitors, which threw me into fits of uncontrollable mirth, belonged to one Babu, nicknamed Pari Pekar, or Fairy Body. Needless to say, anything less like a fairy could scarcely be imagined.

“After the exhibition, I promised Gama to go and visit him at the wrestling school next day. Practice is held in the courtyard of a house in the Pakistan Chowk, where the wrestlers live and train in an atmosphere of almost monastic seclusion, in which my invasion was an unprecedented event. Discipline is rigorously enforced, and even wives have to be content with a brief visit perhaps once in two years, when their husbands are permitted to make the long journey north to their homes in the Punjab. They rise at five o’clock, and after washing, followed by morning prayers, an unfailing ritual, they begin their exercise, then bathe, massage and breakfast. They eat a tremendous amount of food, consuming between them about ten pounds of meat a day, and each accounting for more than five sers of milk. They posed for me in every conceivable attitude, but were more eager to have a “nice picture” than a realistic one of actual combat, and I was forced to use my puny strength to push and shove them into sufficiently active holds for a convincing shot.

“Gama sat enthroned in a corner like a venerable patriarch, beaming on us all and on myself in particular. He insisted on my drinking great tumblerfuls of thandiai, a thick, sweet, milky liquor, prepared from pure crushed almonds and sugar, a beverage to which they attribute much of their strength, and tasting to the, novice uncommonly like hand-lotion.

“At every gymkhana in the Punjab and even further north there are wrestling bouts, but so far few have arisen who can challenge the supremacy of Bholu or his younger brother, Aslam. Hamida has since died while on a tour of India, but Gama still sits and offers advice and remembers the days when he was Rustem-i-Zaman.

salimansar52@gmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/PagesFromHistoryBySalimAnsar

View the original article here

Students of Degree College protest struck off by the college administration due to low attendance

CHITRAL (APP): Students of Degree College Saturday here protested against arrest of their colleagues by the police after their names were struck off by the college administration due to low attendance. According to Principal Degree College attendance of some students was below 20% and according to rules they cannot forward their admission forms for examination to university. He said that some student leaders protested against this and blocked the road. The principal said that those who were arrested by police were not nominated or pointed out by college administration. The protesting students alleged that the college administration had sent fake attendance report to the university to deprive them from appearing in the examination.

View the original article here

Iqbal Zubairi Yadain aur Baatain (Biography) By Rafi-uz-Zaman Zubairi Fazlee Books, Karachi

Iqbal Zubairi is an honoured name in the world of journalism. He can be called an icon and torch-bearer who led the way for others to follow. Now his brother, Rafi-uz-Zaman Zubairi, has come out with a book Iqbal Zubairi: Yadain aur Baatain, to acknowledge his work. Having lost his father at a young age, Iqbal Zubairi was brought up by his mother. After coming to Pakistan after Partition and spending some time with his brother, he moved on to Rawalpindi and joined the Daily Tameer. From there, as it is said, there was no looking back. Zubairi started a new paper called Naqoosh fom Pindi and later became the chief editor of Daily Mashriq, besides being at the helm of affairs in Kohistan and later Nawa-i-Waqt. The book is a compilation of short tributes not only by his family members but also by a number of former colleagues and friends, prominent among them being Majeed Nizami and Nazir Haq who have highlighted Zubairi’s professional acumen and his ability to plan and make maximum use of minimum resources, as well his simultaneous dedication to his profession and his family.

While one may feel that the tributes by Zubairi’s daughters are more or less similar, they highlight his whole life, not only as a father but as a professional as well. The most interesting parts of the book are the chapters where one gets to learn about the way journalism was practiced, say 40 years ago. Present-day journalists, with all the information at their fingertips thanks to modern technology, can hardly comprehend the challenges faced by journalists in those days. Without any intention to underestimate the hard work and efforts of present-day journalists, one would like to quote a couple of examples from Zubairi’s early career.

His daughter Neelofer narrates that in 1968, the wedding of Princess Sarvath and Prince Hasan of Jordan, in Karachi was being covered by all newspapers, but for a paper being published from Lahore printing the pictures the very next day was a great feat. However, Zubairi sahib made arrangements in such a way that his paper managed to print the photographs which resulted in the day’s issue being received with great enthusiasm.

Then we have Nazir Haq painting a picture of how the first edition of Kohistan, Multan, was published. Haq had been called in to join the team and was surprised to find no teleprinters in the office. Zubairi calmly came up with an alternative arrangement: the APP’s office was nearby and couriers would deliver the news on an hourly basis while any urgent news was communicated via telephone. News thus gathered was sorted out and written in hand. While the technology was limited, there was no shortage of commitment. If they had set their minds on bringing out the edition the next day even a severe storm and power outage could not hamper their determination. The first edition of Kohistan was out in the market on the day and date that was set, late by only two hours.

Zubairi is also remembered as a kind person. Not only a loving and caring father, he was also a friend to all he came in contact with and did not hesitate in going out of his way to help people. Glowing tributes in the book make it clear that it is people like him who are remembered.

The reviewer is a Dawn staffer

Iqbal Zubairi: Yadain aur Baatain

(Biography)

By Rafi-uz-Zaman Zubairi

Fazlee Books, Karachi

86pp.

View the original article here

CJP graces 77th convocation Kinnaird College for Women

LAHORE – The 77th convocation the Kinnaird College for Women was held on Saturday.
Chief justice of Pakistan Justice Tassaduq Hussain Jillani presided over the convocation while Kinnnaird College Principal Dr Rukhsana David, members of the Board of Governor, faculty members and a large number of students and parents attended the ceremony.
Addressing on the occasion, the CJP said commended the role of judiciary and said it had admirably strived to strength democracy and to ensure fundamental rights provision, and law and order under the Constitution. He said the Constitution not only mandated equality between the citizens but added a rider that this equality should not prevent the State from making any special provisions for the protection of women and children. He said empowerment of women was the means to realizing the cherished goal of a tolerant, moderate and progressive Pakistan, where all of its citizens enjoy equality in rights, equitable opportunities and reach excellence in their chosen professions.
He expressed his anxiety over the grave problems facing by the country presently and said that it was an awful fact that more than half of the population under the age of 22 in the country had not joined schools. He said more than 1,000 schools and colleges were destroyed by insurgents in KP and added that country spent only 1.9 percent of national budget on education. He said according to a report of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, 56 women were killed in 2013 in the country for giving birth to a girl; where 491 cases of domestic violence, 344 cases of assault on women, 90 cases of acid attack and 835 cases of violence against women were registered last year.

He said, “You are living in a country where children die of draught, malnutrition, hunger and disease but billions go waste, polio vaccine workers are shot; where men and women are being killed in the name of one sectarian dogma or the other.”
CJ Jillani said that it was heartening to realize that the overwhelming majority of people do not subscribe to the myopic interpretation of our faith. He said no nation could survive without modern education. He ensured the audience that the superior judiciary was sensitized and cognizant to the problems faced by women and had adopted a dynamic approach to protect their rights under the law. “The founder of this country was a progressive visionary. He was conscious of the role of women in society” CJ mentioned.
Justice Jillani also appreciated the 21 per cent representation given to women on general seats in the National Assembly and 17.6 per cent in all the four Provincial Assemblies. He said the vigilant civil society and vocal media had brought injustices in focus.
“There is change and progress but it is not enough”, he stated.
The CJP also attended the ground breaking ceremony of the Nadira Hassan Law Department Kinnaird College for Women. On the occasion, he congratulated the principal. He said the decision to open the law school meant only for females would be welcomed as many families prefer their daughters to go to all-girls law school.

View the original article here

Graduation ceremony at Treehouse Nursery and Kindergarten

Islamabad The Treehouse Nursery and Kindergarten celebrated its annual graduation ceremony attended in a large number by the parents of children ranging from the ages of 18 months to 5 years.

The one and half hour ceremony consisted of more than 200 children performing various presentations of nursery rhymes, alphabet songs and Shakespeare plays.

The parents appreciated the children’s display of the pride of Pakistan that featured 3 year old children showcasing the famous personalities of Pakistan ranging from Abdul Sattar Edhi to Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy and Nusrat fateh Ali Khan. The parents cheered loudly and encouraged the children during their performances.

Speaking on the occasion Naadiya Manzur said “We are proud of our years of experience in children’s education and are excited to carry on the Treehouse philosophy into an elementary program with the launch of Grade 1 in August.”

The Treehouse provides a variety of interesting activities that are a delight for a child’s age, stage of development and individual preferences.

The show concluded with the Graduating class taking the Treehouse oath and singing Allama Iqbal’s famous poem ‘Bachay ki Dua’ and a final walk, making it a very proud moment for the parents.

“The Treehouse prides itself on individual attention given toward each child and making these young angels well rounded global citizens of tomorrow. “ she added

The administration had done a splendid job with the arrangements and the applause for the young and talented children lifted the spirits of old and young alike. The Treehouse is located in the heart of F-8 in Islamabad.

View the original article here

Education vital in uplift of country: Assistant Agency Education Officer Hastam Khan Pakistan became nuclear power as education

LANDIKOTAL: Assistant Agency Education Officer Hastam Khan Afridi said that education is the key to success and it was the only cause that Pakistan became nuclear power as education is playing a key role in the development of nation. 
He advised that the teachers should concentrate on their students and should perform their duties honestly.
He expressed these views while address as a chief guest at annual prize distribution organized by Government Primary School Mirdad Khel Ashiqi Kili Landikotal.
Hastam Khan Afridi said that we should not ignore the importance of education in our life and through development in education sector, the nations achieves their goals, adding, that we could only compete the west by developing and giving importance to our education sector. \”A key role was played by scientist DrAbdul Qadeer Khan that Pakistan become nuclear power of the world and the main reason was the education and his scientific vision that he could achieved the goal\”, Hastam Khan said.

Afridi said that tribal people should give special importance towards education adding that teachers should perform their duties honestly to root out the darkness of ignorance and illiteracy from Fata.
Hastam Khan Afridi said that the main reason of backwardness was the illiteracy which should be root out adding that we could defeat the today\’s challenges by getting higher education.
Afridi lauded and congratulated the school teachers for arranging the ceremony for talented students and their hard work with students.
Head Master of Government Middle School Gagra Landikotal Khurshid Khan, Senior Vice President Mirdad Khel Welfare Organization Ahmad Shah Shinwari , teachers Haji Mukaram Shinwari and Farmanullah Shinwari also spoke on the occasion and urged the parents and teachers to give their more attention to the education of their children. Later, the chief guest Hastam Khan Afridi awarded cash, trophies and medals to the outstanding position holder students of the school. Habibullah Shinwari of class 4th got outstanding position in annual examination. F. P. Report 

View the original article here

Caring Society organised 1st1st All Pakistan Inter Universities Essay Writing Competition

Inter-universities essay contest held
Rawalpindi Rawalpindi Arts Council in collaboration with The Caring Society organised 1st All Pakistan Inter Universities Essay Writing Competition.

The title of the competition was ‘Old age Homes, a blessing or curse’.

Senator Najma Hameed, Senator Karim Ahmed Khwaja, DG HEC Farman Ullah Anjum, Syed Khalid Ahmed, Ali Moeen Nawazish, Wasi Shah and

Rawalpindi Arts Council Resident Director Waqar Ahmed were guests of honor at the prize distribution ceremony held here.

The aim to organise essay competition was to know the opinion of younger generation about growing trend of old age homes in Pakistan like other foreign countries.

Zeeshan Fatima Rizvi from GCU, Lahore, bagged first position; Palwasha Saqib from Institute of Space Technology, Islamabad, secured second, while Zaira Zulfikar from Riphah International University, Rawal-pindi, got third position.

The winners of the competition were also awarded Rs25,000, Rs15,000 and Rs10,000, respectively, along with shields.

View the original article here

Karachi varsity drivers end strike thousands of Students did not get the buses (points)

KARACHI (Online): The drivers of the Karachi University ended their strike on Friday after successful negotiations with the university\’s registrar. Earlier this morning, thousands of the KU students faced inconvenience as they did not get the buses (points) due to the strike of drivers. Drivers and conductors of the university refused to drive the points yesterday and went on a strike. They were protesting against the bad state of the KU buses and said that any bad incident can occur due to the problem. They demanded removal of chairman transport, adding he is corrupt man.

View the original article here

Engineering University Peshawar (UET) issued supplementary exams schedule

PESHAWAR (APP): Engineering University Peshawar (UET) has issued schedule for supplementary examination 2013, said a notification issued by controller examination UET here on Friday. According to the schedule, Ist year, 2nd year, 3rd year engineering supplementary exams would be held on April 18, 2014. Last date for submission of examination admission form with normal fee is April 4, 2014. Original receipt of examination fee, three attested copies of passport size pictures and DMC of previous exams should be attached with admission form.In case of non-compliance with these pre -requisites the forms would not be accepted.

View the original article here

Parks and Horticulture Age organize Jashn-e- Bahran from April 12 in Nawaz Sharif public park

RAWALPINDI (Online): Parks and Horticulture Age has decided to organize 15-day Jashn-e-Baharan in Nawaz Sharif public parks. The event will continue from April 12 to 17. Managing Director PHA Mohammad Akram Soban said that financial and technical location has been invited from different parties. Food stalls, flower show, cut flower show, permanent activities and stall depicting different features of campaign against dengue fever will be set up in this event. This event will give a boost to the healthy recreational activities besides encouraging the young artists to put on display their flower work with innovation and ingenuity to attract art lovers to their work. In a sense it will come as a boon for the artists to get return of their epic work in the form of appreciation and sale of their items.

View the original article here

Educational Awards 2014 ceremony Students urged to take proper care while using social media and always maintain their identity

KARACHI: Karachi Metropolitan Corporation Administrator Rauf Akhtar Farooqui has urged the students to ensure proper care in the usage of social media tools and always maintain their identity. Speaking at the Educational Awards 2014 ceremony arranged by Anjuman Sadat-e-Amroha on Friday he said it was a cause of concern for us that our students were not focusing their studies whereas they should value their time and work hard to learn newer things. He urged the students to respect their parents and teachers and play their part in the improvement of overall environment in our society. Administrator Karachi gave away educational awards and rewards to students belonging to Anjuma Sadat-e-Amroha. The Vice Chancellor of Sir Syed University Dr S Javed Hasaan Rizvi, President ASA Hasnain Naqvi, vice President Syed Aftab Haider, advisor for education Mumtaz Alam and other office bearers of Anjuman Sadat-e-Amroha were also present on this occasion.

View the original article here

Poverty and low standard of education behind high dropouts minister for education, training and standards in higher education

BAHAWALPUR – Poverty and low standard of education are main reasons behind high dropout rate, said Engineer Blighur Rehman, state minister for education, training and standards in higher education.
“We, the people of Pakistan, are passing through grievous time pertaining to education with high dropout rates at primary and secondary levels and gender inequality. In the country, the education of girls is given less importance as compared to the boys’,” he said during an international conference on education held at NUML Islamabad.

He further said that another hurdle in the way of education was insufficient financial resources on the part the state as well as the parents. He told the audience that 50 percent people comprise youth below the age of thirty. Although the situation at the higher education level is better than that of the primary and secondary levels, only eight percent of the students are able to make way to the universities so the access to higher education is also very low, he said.
Discussing the reasons of high dropout rates, the minister said that the students’ access to high school is very limited in certain areas and the government was not able to help these children in this regard. Because of poverty, they have to leave education, he said. He further said that there was another reason of the dropout rate when students and parents feel that nothing valuable was being added to the personality of the learner due to poor quality of education. He stressed a need for devising a plan to promote education and emphasised excellence in every field of life.
He elaborated that Islam has given paramount importance to getting education. To make the things better, he said, there must be strong liaison among the universities, the government and the industries. He also mentioned the current national crises like loadshedding, lawlessness and deteriorating economy, and said that even then the promotion of education was the top priority of the government. He said that the funding of Higher Education Commission had been increased from Rs49 billion to Rs58 billion. He said that his government was planning to enhance educational budget. He said that the government was planning to widen the tax net to increase funds for the education sector. He said that the federal government would evolve a curricula commission in collaboration with the provinces with minimum standards to be followed.

View the original article here

: Engineers, electronics enthusiasts and students celebrated Arduino Day 2014 at Basecamp Peshawar

PESHAWAR: Engineers, electronics enthusiasts and students celebrated Arduino Day 2014 at Basecamp Peshawar. Arduino is an open-source electronics prototyping platform based on flexible, easy-to-use hardware and software. It is intended for artists, designers, hobbyists and anyone interested in creating interactive objects or environments. Arduino Day is a worldwide celebration of Arduino\’s first 10 years. At a panel discussion, Dr Ali Mahmud and Ali Raza shared their views and work on Arduino and tech based solutions to local problems. Dr Ali Mahmud, who is an assistant professor at the University of Engineering & Technology encouraged engineering students to take local problems head on and invent solutions using tools like Arduino. Dr Ali\’s research area is smart cities and wireless technologies. The event also hosted a show-and-tell project exhibition where Mukhtar and Faheem, engineering students of CECOS University presented their Arduino based projects. Mukhtar and Faheem are also working on a flood monitoring system that will be powered by an Arduino circuit. The event was organised by Peshawar 2.0, a social enterprise aimed at building a healthy tech ecosystem in the city.

View the original article here

Indian C-130 crash kills five Indian Air Force admits it cannot tackle a combined attack from Pakistan and China

New Delhi- The Indian Air Force (IAF) admitted that it will be difficult for it to tackle a combined threat from China and Pakistan, raising questions about the country’s ability to fight a two-front war, said a report published in Hindustan Times.

The IAF has told an Indian Parliamentary panel that Pakistan would certainly fish in troubled waters if China were to launch offensive operations against India.
However, IAF stressed that China may not pose “a collusive threat” if hostilities were to break out between India and Pakistan. Setting off alarm bells, a senior IAF officer informed the Parliamentary standing committee on defense that a “collusive threat” from China and Pakistan would be difficult to tackle but the air force was prepared for it.
“We have made plans in case of contingency-III (two-front war),” he said, adding that India had upgraded its policy against China from dissuasion to deterrence.
The IAF currently operates 34 fighter squadrons, against a desirable 42. In a report tabled in Parliament on Tuesday, the panel asked the IAF to scale up its capabilities by speeding up the acquisition of 126 French Rafale fighters, a deal worth Rs. 120,000 crore.
The panel flagged concerns about poor border infrastructure on the Indian side, at a time when China has ramped road, rail and air connectivity across the line of actual control (LAC).

The panel warned that the pace of China’s military modernization and infrastructure development had affected the “strategic balance” between the two countries.
“Our defense forces must develop the capability to fight a multi-front war,” the panel said. India is years behind the Chinese military with the neighbor currently outnumbering the country’s combat power by a 3:1 ratio. India’s hopes to bridge the gap in the next 15 years hinge on availability of funds.
Finance minister P Chidambaram on Monday announced that the defense budget for 2014-15 had been hiked from Rs. 203,672 crore to Rs. 224, 000 crore, a 10% increase over last fiscal’s outlay.
However, the meager increase in the capital expenditure could halt the modernization plans of the armed forces. The capital outlay has been increased from Rs. 86,740 crore to Rs. 89,587 crore in the interim budget for 2014-15, a hike of barely 3.2%. China’s official, but underreported, defense budget for 2013-14 stands at Rs. 594,000 crore.

NEW DELHI : A C-130J Hercules cargo plane crashed Friday in central India killing all five of its crew members, an Air Force spokesman said. The US-made military aircraft came down on the outskirts of Gwalior city in Madhya Pradesh while on a routine flight, group captain Gerard Galway told AFP. “We can confirm that all five crew members have died in the crash,” he said.

In a statement, the defence ministry said the aircraft crashed at 10:00 am local time (0430 GMT) after taking off from the tourist city of Agra, home to the Taj Mahal. An investigation into the accident was underway, the statement added.  The accident is the latest in a string of deadly mishaps to have hit the country’s armed forces. The chief of the Indian Navy resigned last month on the day a fire on board a nuclear submarine killed two officers off the Mumbai coast. In one of the deadliest incidents in recent years, INS Sindhurakshak burst into flames in Mumbai harbour last August, killing 18 sailors and sinking the vessel. Friday’s accident involved one of the six heavy-lift military transport aircraft which India acquired from Lockheed Martin for around $1.1 billion in a deal signed four years ago. India had recently deployed one of these aircraft to take part in the search and rescue operation for the missing Malaysian MH370 flight. It was the first crash involving a Hercules aircraft in India, which has been troubled for years by crashes of Russian-made MiG-21 fighter planes.

View the original article here

Walls, electricity, water in all girls schools this year: PUNJAB Chief Minister

LAHORE PUNJAB Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that economy of Punjab has been put on road to self-reliance by improving financial discipline, observing austerity and curtailing non-developmental expenditures.

According to a handout issued on Saturday, the chief minister expressed these views while talking to a delegation of parliamentarians, party office-bearers and workers belonging to various districts at Raiwind.

He said that all-out resources were being spent on the provision of basic facilities, development and prosperity of the people in a transparent manner. He said that mega projects had been completed in education, health, infrastructure and social development sectors in the province.

The chief minister said that good governance had been promoted to provide best services to the people and resolve their problems. Shahbaz Sharif said that transparency and merit had been the hallmark of the PML-N in government affairs and policies. He said that the goal of development could only be achieved through implementing merit policy. He said that merit policy was being implemented strictly in the province and solid measures had also been taken for elimination of corruption.

He said that the corrupt system and corruption were big hurdles in development of the country and development targets could not be achieved without rooting out corruption.

He said that every person had to play his role in purging society of corruption.

Shahbaz Sharif said that Punjab Educational Endowment Fund(PEEF), Daanish School, infrastructure projects and metro bus service were the unprecedented projects of transparency, quality and public service. He said that the land record computerisation project was also an important step towards elimination of corruption and this project would be completed this year. The chief minister said that besides promotion of education, the process of national solidarity was also being strengthened through the PEEF.

He said a comprehensive programme was being implemented for training of teachers, provision of missing facilities and ensuring attendance of students and teachers in schools under a coordinated programme. He said that billions of rupees were being spent on the provision of educational facilities to schools.

He said that boundary walls, provision of water, electricity and other facilities would be completed in all girls’ schools of Punjab and all boys’ schools of south Punjab during the current financial year.

He asked the elected representatives to utilise all their energies for resolving problems of the people and timely completion of the ongoing development schemes in their respective areas.

The parliamentarians, the party office-bearers and workers praised Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif for his excellent programmes of public service. They said that the chief minister had proved himself Khadim-e-Punjab by serving the people of the province round the clock.

View the original article here

political parties and representatives of civil society to launch voter education campaign

Voter education drive advocated 
LAKKI MARWAT: Speakers at a seminar on voter education has called upon the office bearers of political parties and representatives of civil society to launch voter education campaign and persuade eligible people to get them registered as votes. 
Election Commission of Pakistan Lakki Marwat had arranged the seminar on the premises of its office in Lakki city on Friday. Speakers included Regional Election Commissioner Bannu Ahmad Nawaz, District Election Commissioner Noorza Ali Shah, Election Officer Abdul Rauf Khan, Fafen representative Izzat Khan, JUI-F District General Secretary Maulana Bashir Ahmad Haqqani and a local leader of Qaumi Watan Party Imranullah Marwat.
They said that democracy could be strengthened besides the objectives of good governance could be achieved with the power of vote.

\”The aim of the seminar is to provide information on who is eligible to vote and how and where can register and how people can check the voter list to ensure that they have been included in it as voters\”, they maintained.
They told that there was the need to educate people about the importance of vote besides making efforts for registering eligible females as voters.
They said that political parties, nongovernmental organizations, ulema, teachers and people from other segments of society should work for ensuring women participation in election.
They asked the civil society and other government organizations to realize responsibilities regarding voter education and inform people about their rights and usefulness of casting votes. On the occasion political workers and representatives of civil society urged the officials of Election Commission of Pakistan to start one window operation and send mobile teams to the union councils for registration of eligible voters. \”Voter education, rights and responsibilities of voters and the importance of vote in democratic system of government should be included in curriculum\”, they suggested.

View the original article here

Robotics competition at Headstart School opens collaboration with Centre for Advanced Studies in Engineering (CASE) Robotics Group

Islamabad Headstart School has got a real feather in its cap by becoming the country’s first school to host a robotics competition.

Headstart, the pioneer in robotics at school level, had won the bid to host National Robosprint 2014 in collaboration with the Centre for Advanced Studies in Engineering (CASE) Robotics Group.

The competition, which is designed along international standards to promote robotics among schoolchildren in the country, opened at Headstart School, Kuri Road campus, on the outskirts of Islamabad of late.

According to organisers, the name, Robosprint, is attributed to an annual robotics competition held by the CASE University to promote passion for the field of robotics in its undergraduate students.

Robosprint was initiated at a local level by the CASE Robotics Group, the undergraduate robotics research group of the CASE University, in 2009.

“This year’s competition will not only enable participants to practice the latest standards in robotics but will also provide them with enough confidence for participation in the world class competitions like RoboCup,” Saadia Adeel of Headstart School told this scribe.

She said the Headstart Centre for Engineering and Robotics had been operational since its establishment under the supervision of Engineer Najib Murtaza in 2003 and that it had dovetailed technology, engineering, communications, mathematics and physics concepts.

Naznin Murtaza, chief executive officer of Headstart School, said her school had embarked on a journey to improve the critical thinking and technology scores of students with the technical support of PCS Edventures Inc.

“We follow the project-based learning methodology, which is the result of the latest research in education showing children learn best in a setting that combines theoretical and practical work.

“Ours is the only school, which offers robotics as a subject from grade 2 to O level. Our students have won many national and international competitions. We feel partnership with the CASE University for Robosprint will strengthen our role in increasing the number of students in the field of science and engineering,” she said.

Nuclear scientist Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan, who was the chief guest on the occasion, praised Headstart School for its robotics programme. He said the country had many good technological institutions, but since there was a lack of industrial infrastructure, their work hadn’t been put to practice by and large.

Dr Abdul Qadeer also regretted that though Pakistani youths were very talented, they had little opportunities to use their talents for the country’s progress and development.

He blamed the current system of governance for brain drain from the country and insisted talented youths would continue going abroad for career growth until they’re offered better working environment and incentives at home.

View the original article here

Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) pledges to provide best education

ISLAMABAD: Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) Vice Chancellor Professor Ali Asghar Chishti on Friday assured that the university would not compromise on the quality of education and would resolve the issues being faced by the students on priority basis.

In an interaction with media personnel after assuming charge as vice chancellor, he said that a seven-member committee constituted by the university to review the academic structure would come up with viable solutions to strengthen the examination system and the admission procedures.

View the original article here

Raw milk to kids Health Tips American Academy of Paediatrics

Raw milk that has not been pasteurised or homogenized can harbour harmful germs.

The American Academy of Paediatrics offers these recommendations to parents:

Health Tips

* Never give raw milk or dairy products that contain raw milk to children.

* Check product labels to make sure they use pasteurised milk.

* Store pasteurized dairy products in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.

* Throw away any dairy products with expired “best by” dates.

View the original article here

Acting VCs of Gomal, Hazara varsities are junior among aspirants Higher Education Department (HED)

PESHAWAR: The two professors given acting charge as vice-chancellor of Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan and Hazara University, Mansehra were not only junior in terms of seniority but also had allegations of academic corruption against them.

The process for appointment of acting vice-chancellor is that the Higher Education Department (HED) submits a panel of candidates, mostly three senior most deans of the university concerned, to the chief minister to choose anyone among them and forward the name to the chancellor for final approval. The chancellor in consultation with the chief minister can also pick a person other than those recommended by the HED to name him as acting vice-chancellor.

The office of vice-chancellor Gomal University Dera Ismail Khan fell vacant after the sudden death of Professor Dr Amanullah Akhtar in December 2013 and Prof Dr Inayatullah Babar of University of Engineering and Technology (UET) was given the acting charge.

The position was later advertised for which around 70 applicants applied and scrutiny is yet to be made, the sources said. The appointment of Inayatullah Babar triggered criticism from certain academic circles, as he is not only junior among the list of professors but has also been accused of academic corruption.

According to sources, Babar has done his MS and PhD in computer science and was made chairman of the Electrical Engineering Department of the UET for which he was not eligible.

He got four research papers published with slight changes in his name in a single journal, the sources said. The officials at HED were of the opinion that they had recommended his name in view of his rich curriculum vitae.

When contacted, Dr Babar said he might be junior on the list of professors because of his age, but he met the criteria required for the office of vice-chancellor. “The search committee for appointment of vice-chancellor also recommended me for a few universities during the previous government,” he said.

He said he was eligible for the chairmanship of electrical engineering as he had done his PhD from Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, George Washington University, USA. Also, he reminded that he was Higher Education Commission (HEC) approved supervisor for electrical engineering.

Dr Babar rejected the allegations of academic corruption against him as baseless and argued that the four papers published in the UET journal had been submitted on different dates. “The journal is normally published quarterly, but in that year only one issue was brought out and all the pending papers were published in it,” he said.

He added any paper published in the same journal had to be verified by a foreign and a local expert and finally be approved by the vice-chancellor. “All my papers had been formally approved by the experts and the vice-chancellor before publication. One of my papers won an international award,” he argued.

In the Hazara University, Mansehra, the vice-chancellor’s office fell vacant after the retirement of Prof Dr Sakhawat Shah in February last. Prof Dr Sohail Shehzad was given the acting charge. Objections were raised as Sohail Shehzad too was not only among the junior most professors, but had allegations of plagiarism against him.

The HED officials said they had recommended Dr Sohail Shehzad’s name because he was the senior most among the current deans of the university. This post too has been advertised with March 25 is the last date for submission of applications.

The official website of Hazara University said: “Sohail joined lectureship in Peshawar University in 1999. He completed his PhD in 2005. He joined the Hazara University in 2006 as an associate professor. He became full professor in 2007 and dean in 2013.”

Dr Sohail Shehzad is a graduate of law and has done his PhD from Area Study Centre. He got a research paper “A Right-Based Approach to Development” published in the International Human Rights Perspective, a journal of Khyber Law College, University of Peshawar in January 2003. Co-authored by Prof Ahmad Ali Khan and Asad Ali Durrani, the paper is a clear case of plagiarism, the sources alleged.

A presentation made by one Jorge Daniel Taillant at a seminar on Globalization and Human Dignity in March 2002 and a discussion paper filed by Flore Nguyen, research assistant at the Office of High Commission for Human Rights (OHCHR) in September 2002, have been combined and published in the journal without even making the slightest changes, the sources said.

Dr Sohail Shehzad said he was the acting charge of vice-chancellor because he was the senior most among the four faculty deans.

Regarding the relevance of his post-graduation and PhD degrees, he said that he was having a LLM degree which was enough of a qualification for professor. “It is not the institution where you studied but the thesis you have done that counts for PhD. I have done my PhD on the constitution making of Afghanistan, which is relevant with my graduation and post-graduation,” he said.

Regarding plagiarism, Dr Sohail Shehzad said he was not the first author of the paper. He said the paper had been given to him for editing and his name was given as co-author.

View the original article here

International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) photo exhibition on April 1

Karachi The International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) has completed 150 years of its foundation and to celebrate this hallmark the ICRC and Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) would organise a two-day photo exhibition on “150 years of humanitarian action” from April 1 at the Frere Hall. Addressing a press conference at the press club, Project Officer Muhammad Younas Alam said people from every field of life would participate in the opening ceremony of the photo exhibition.

View the original article here

University of Agriculture Faisalabad and a local company signs MoU to strengthen research activities

FAISALABAD: The University of Agriculture Faisalabad and a local company on Saturday inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen the research and development activities and industry-academia relations.

The MoU was duly inked by UAF Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan and the company’s Vice-President Babar Sultan. According to the agreement, the company would provide Rs 5 million for research and development, scholarships and training programmes during three years. Addressing on the occasion, Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan said that food industry was progressing with the large pace keeping in view the rising population, urban migration and rising household spending. He stressed upon the food scientists to introduce new tastes and provide more range to the people in the food items with the value addition. He said that food industry grew by 9.5 per cent in financial year 2013. He said that the UAF was making all-out efforts to produce quality manpower to cater the needs of the increasing food industry. Babar Sultan said that his company was committed to providing quality products to the people as per international standards. He said that academia and industry would bring tangible results. National Institute of Food Science and Technology Director General Prof Dr Masood Sadiq Butt and other notables were also present on the occasion.

View the original article here

Medical examination confirms police torture on accused GUJRANWALA

Medical examination confirms police torture on accused

GUJRANWALA: A medico-legal certificate issued by the DHQ Hospital doctor has proved police torture on an accused.

In a petition, Babar Sajjad said that Kot Ladha police had arrested him on March 24 for keeping an illegal weapon. He said that police allegedly tortured him during detention. Later, a court released him on bail, he added. To this, Judicial Magistrate Shahzad Aslam ordered medical examination of accused Babar Sajjad, which confirmed that he was tortured by police.

View the original article here

Plastic shopping bags, disposable glasses and cups banned in government colleges of Rawalpindi division

RAWALPINDI (Online): Ban has been imposed on use of plastic shopping bags and disposable glasses and cups in all the government colleges of Rawalpindi division. The ban has been slapped under the directives of government of Punjab whereby it has been warned that the principal of the respective college will be held responsible if shopping bags and disposable glasses and cups are used. Sources said that Punjab government was informed by the health department that use of disposable glass in the colleges have led to accelerate inflow of mosquitoes and other sects in the colleges. Government of Punjab on the basis of this report has banned use of shopping bags and disposable glasses in the colleges particularly in girls’ colleges in the province. Director Colleges Rawalpindi Division Professor Hummayun Iqbal has confirmed the imposition of ban on the use of polythene bags and disposable glasses and cups in the colleges of Rawalpindi division. 

View the original article here

Spring in full swing University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS)

LAHORE – The Spring Festival 2014 of the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) concluded with a funfair, drama, standup comedy and short-film competitions and a pet show on Saturday.
UVAS Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Talat Naseer Pasha chaired the concluding ceremony and awarded shields and prizes to the position winning students and departments.
The Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (IPS) got overall first position, DVM second position while the Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology (IBBT) in the festival.

In drama contest, the IPS got 1st position and the Department of Environmental Science 2nd while the IBBT got third position.
In standup comedy contest, Hasan from the Environmental Science got 1st position, Ishaq from the IBBT 2nd position while Salman from the IPS got 3rd position. In short film contest, Sanaullah Babar (IPS) got 1st position, Anees Usman (DVM) second, Sabeeha Naz (IPS) got 3rd position.
In photography contest Anees Usman (DVM) got 1st position, Usman Bajwa (MBA) got 2nd position while Arjumand Malik won 3rd position.
The university also arranged a pet show, which attracted a large number of pet lovers from all walks of life. In Karachi

View the original article here

Punjab government and WWF of UNO MoU on Earth Hour

Lahore : A memorandum of understanding was signed between Punjab government and WWF of UNO to pledge for observing Earth Hour on March 29 at 8.30pm with 154 countries of the world at Punjab Assembly, Lahore. Provincial Minister for Education Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan on behalf of Punjab government and Senior Director Operations Anwar Naseem on behalf of WWF signed the MoU. Speaker Punjab Assembly Rana Muhammad Iqbal Khan was also present on the occasion. Speaker Punjab Assembly, Rana Muhammad Iqbal Khan said that Pakistan is facing energy crisis for a long time and stressed the need to work jointly with the world for checking wastage of energy. F.P Report

View the original article here

My Kolachi (Karachi) I have lived in different cities, IRFAN HUSAIN

OVER the years — and especially over the last decade or so — I have lived in different cities, but when somebody asks me where’s home, I always reply ‘Karachi’.

However, I must confess to a love-hate relationship with the metropolis. It is ugly, violent and chaotic. Hardly anybody I know has escaped being mugged at some point, and the piles of garbage on street corners are symbolic of the deeply dysfunctional nature of the city and provincial governments.

Each time I am flying to Karachi from England or Sri Lanka, when local friends ask why I’m going to such a dangerous place, I reply: “Because it’s home.” And yet the moment I land and turn onto Sharea Faisal, the main artery heading into town, I get deeply depressed at the sight of tatty apartment buildings with their peeling paint, and the plastic bags blowing by the roadside.

And yet life goes on. Friends seem glad to see me back. There are exhibitions and new restaurants to check out. I meet interesting new people at parties. Above all, there is the warm feeling of being home.

On my recent trip, my son Shakir recommended two new books set in Karachi that opened my eyes to aspects of the city I was largely unfamiliar with. The first one was Karachi You’re Killing Me by Saba Imtiaz, who, as a young reporter, gives the reader a unique insight into the bubble that is the Defence-Clifton area of the city.

Funny, sexy and irreverent, the book takes the reader on a rollicking tour of the party scene and the newsroom of a thinly disguised daily newspaper. Her send-up of ‘factory boys’, the vacuous heirs to industrial empires, is alone worth the price of the book.

The other book is bleaker and more edgy. Written by Omar Shahid Hamid, a serving police officer, The Prisoner pulls no punches in its vivid description of a city controlled by an ethnic party. The police and military intelligence agencies fight terrorists, and cynically play ball with them when the political situation so demands.

The prisoner in the title is a tough, ruthless cop, Akbar Khan, who closely resembles the late Chaudhry Aslam, sadly slain in a recent Taliban suicide attack. He is often used by military spooks to take on jihadis as well as militants belonging to the ‘United Front’, a familiar and much-feared ethnic party that cannot be named.

Anybody who has lived in Karachi will recognise the constant political interference the police has to contend with as it struggles to bring a semblance of order to the city. Arrested killers connected to the UF are let off, and the party’s ward bosses call the shots. The leader of the party is called the Don, who pulls the strings all the way from New York. No prizes for guessing his real identity.

The author also introduces a Sindhi political dynasty that is again very close to reality. In the book, Nawaz Chandio, the charismatic brother of Yusuf, the chief minister, is killed in a tragic — but accidental — shoot-out with the police. It is not difficult to spot the resemblance to Murtaza Bhutto’s shooting, and the conspiracy theories that it spawned.

Incidentally, the author’s father was Shahid Hamid, the MD of KESC who was gunned down near his house around 15 years ago. It was widely rumoured at the time that he was targeted for trying to rid the electricity company of redundant workers belonging to an ethnic party.

I mention these books in some detail as examples of the creative ferment going on in Karachi despite — or perhaps because of — all the violence and chaos. Other instances of this phenomenon are on display in the city’s art galleries and theatre. The Amin Gulgee Gallery is currently hosting works by over 60 young artists.

Culled from over 400 entries, the paintings, sculptures and installations represent a wide diversity of styles, influences and approaches.

Although a large selection like this is bound to be uneven in quality, I was impressed by several works that showed considerable talent and originality. Aptly, the exhibition is called FRESH! Many years ago, Eqbal Ahmed — whose columns once graced this page — said to me that Karachi was the only secular city in Pakistan.

And it’s true that after long stints in Lahore, Islamabad and Rawalpindi, I would prefer Karachi any day, despite its many problems and aggravations.

I suppose it’s inevitable that a huge, vibrant pressure cooker of a city like Karachi will produce individuals who refuse to conform and resolutely do their own thing. But though we have got used to the daily violence, I often long for the peaceful, tolerant city I grew up in. n

irfan.husain@gmail.com

View the original article here

Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) asked to strengthen its exam system Minister for Education and Training,

Islamabad State Minister for Education and Training, Engineer Muhammad Baligh-ur-Rehman has directed Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) to further strengthen examination system, regional network and improving standard of education.

A 5-member delegation of the AIOU, headed by the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Ali Asghar Chishti called on the Minister here on Saturday.

Congratulating Professor Dr. Chishti on his appointment as Acting Vice-Chancellor, the minister said that the new administration will also have his support in further development of the University.

The delegation included Registrar. Professor Dr. Nowshad Khan, Professor Dr. Abdul Hafeez, Professor Dr. Shahid Iqbal Kamran and Abdul Basit Mujahid.

View the original article here

vice chancellors (VCs) of public universities for steps to promote research develop colleges and initiate massive faculty development programmes

LAHORE There is a dire need to develop colleges and initiate massive faculty development programmes both at colleges and universities to uplift standards of higher education in Punjab and to enable the varsities to secure place in the list of world top ranking institutes.

This was the consensus among vice chancellors (VCs) of public universities and heads of private universities and higher education institutes (HEIs) of the province at the conclusion of their three-day meeting at the historic Government College University (GCU), Lahore, on Friday.

They had gathered to discuss, share their thoughts and give recommendations vis-à-vis future roadmap for higher education as desired by Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif.

A number of participants in the meeting talking to The News said if the chief minister really wanted to promote research culture at the varsities there was a dire need of massive investment in faculty development and provision of maximum resources to the universities. The establishment of CM Faculty Development Fund was also proposed in the meeting.

It was decided that the principals of the colleges would also be taken onboard and invited in the next meetings as without their involvement the development of colleges was not possible.

It is learnt that Punjab University (PU) Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Mujahid Kamran suggested in the meeting that the colleges should be developed in a way to enable the same to effectively handle undergraduate programmes while the varsities focus on postgraduate, MPhil and doctoral programmes, a key factor to secure place in the world top ranking institutes.

The VC in his presentation, sharing examples of MIT and University of Cambridge, established his argument that top ranking institutes had maximum faculty members with PhD degrees while such institutes had maximum programmes at MPhil and PhD levels unlike most of the Pakistani varsities where undergraduate programmes had the major share in terms of student intake.

The meeting also deliberated on student-teacher ratio (STR) in universities and colleges and underlined the need of bringing it at par with international standards. It is learnt GCU Lahore VC Prof Dr Muhammad Khaleeq-ur-Rahman also suggested restructuring of colleges and strengthening of varsities, stressing the need of faculty development programmes.

View the original article here

Strong lobbying for Higher Education Commission (HEC) chief slot delaying appointment process

ISLAMABAD: The strong lobbying by potential candidates for the slot of chairman Higher Education Commission (HEC) office has perplexed the Prime Minister and caused delay in the process to fill the long-awaiting vacant post, ‘The Frontier Post’ has learnt through reliable sources. A senior sitting official of HEC on condition not to name informed that after the direction of Islamabad High Court on Jan6 to ensure the appointment of chairman HEC till Feb12, which was latter brushed aside by federal government, the big fish among the total eighteen finalists for interview started lobbying through the means of political and bureaucratic favoritism.
The saga of lobbying is still continue as different political and educational circles believed that two among the other influential contenders including sitting Executive Director (ED) Prof. Dr Mukhtar Ahmed and acting chairman Eng. Imtiaz Hussain Gillani, who are also the part of race allegedly seemed more flexible in running the bussiness of headless commission rather than under appointing authority.
The officer of HEC revealed that most of candidates who were finalized for interview by former search committee headed by the federal minister for planning Commission Ahsan Iqbal, keeps their political affiliation with sitting legislatures in parliament from ruling party Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), while remaining other have back of strong bureaucratic regime in federal government.
The sitting executive director Prof. Dr Mukhtar Ahmed, one of the candidates allegedly not only managed to gain the sympathies of an influential politician of PML-N from district Naroval but also backing by the strong bureaucratic regime from education sector particularly powerful federal institution COMSATS.
The reliable sources near to ED office, disclosed that the name of Prof. Mukhtar Ahmed for the post of HEC chairman was officially recommended by Pro-Rector of COMSATS Dr. Haroon Rasheed to former search committee instead of directly applying for the said vacancy by candidature, adding “Mr. Haroon Rasheed has been enjoying duly charge as pro-rector COMSATS and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of National Testing Service (NTS), a child institution of COMSATS”, he maintained.

Similarly, the other strong candidate amongst others, Prof. Dr. Nizam-UD-Din vice chancellor of Gujrat University has also his strong footing in ruling party PML-N and allegedly supported by the legislatures in National Assembly from PML-N and one of the federal ministers having dual portfolio in central cabinet. The former vice chancellor of Quaid-e-Azam University and now serving as rector in International Islamic University (IIU) is being considered as Balochistan card, to remove the sense of deprivation amongst the Bloch population.
Prof. Dr. Javaid Laghari, the former controversial chairman HEC, once again nominated for the race of Commission’s chairman, who not only have the support of his some former colleagues in HEC but also have strong influence in political circles, however it is worth mentioning that the said candidate has strong foundation in Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and served as Senator too.
Laghari gained a national and international fame during the “fake degree” saga of the parliamentarians in 2010, and again during the elections of 2013, when he took a principle stand and had HEC verify the degrees of all parliamentarians. As a result, a large number of parliamentarians were disqualified from the parliament.
Syed Imtiaz Hussain Gillani, the sitting acting chairman HEC and strong candidate for HEC chairman office, had served as provincial minister of Education in KPK, little after the coup of former military ruler Gen ® Pervaiz Musharaf, who brought down the second term of PML-N government in 1999, while his brother Ifthikhar Gillani who had the political inspirations from PPP served as federal law minister in 1st democratic government led by late Benazir Bhutto in 19888 little after the demise of former military ruler Zia-ul-Haq, but yet have strong political footings.
Dr. Muhammad Akram Chaudhry, the vice chancellor of Sargodha University has politically strong base in circle of regional parliamentarians from Sargodha and Faisalabad, while another candidate Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar, Vice Chancellor University of Bahawalpur has been managed to gain the support of parliamentarians from South Punjab belt and one of the cabinet member belonging to ruling party as well.

View the original article here

Pakistan Islamic Medical Association (PIMA) convention on April 4 4 to April 6 in Islamabad

Islamabad Pakistan Islamic Medical Association (PIMA) will hold 23rd biennial international convention from April 4 to April 6 in Islamabad.

Convention Convenor Prof. Muhammad Iqbal Khan and other members of Convention Organising Committee including Prof. Muhammad Iqbal, Doctor Saeed ullah Shah, Dr. Hameed Mumtaz Durrani ad Dr. Nadeem Ikram, addressing a press conference here at the National Press Club on Friday said that more than 150 renowned doctors will deliver lectures to the participants during the two-day event. He said over 3,000 delegates, across from the country were expected to attend this convention. He said that PIMA not only work for resolving doctors problems, but also making efforts to bring reforms on national level in medical field.

“It will be open to all medical, dental and allied professionals for participation,” he added. He said that leading medical professionals from abroad will also participate in the convention.

He said that PIMA holds its central convention every two years in different cities where large number of doctors from all over the country meets. He said that the pre-convention workshops are planed on professionalism, contemporary medical issues, quality assurance and accreditation in health care system. “Special programmes have also been planned for female doctors, medical students and sessions on career planning. A social evening and a scientific exhibition are also part of this event,” he informed.

He said that 18 organising committees in connection with convention established.

View the original article here

Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) a Two-day road safety workshop arranged for women

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) arranged a workshop at the Women Welfare Development Division (WWDD) in G7 to give road safety tips to women and inculcate better awareness among them about traffic rules. About more than 100 women attended the workshop where Traffic SP Ilyas Hashmi spoke about community policing techniques of ITP and efforts of the force in ensuring safe road environment in the city. In the concluding ceremony, he spoke about the special measures that were taken to curb various traffic violations in the city and also informed about traffic rules and regulations. He added that women can play an important role in educating the future generation about traffic rules and hoped that this workshop would be greatly beneficial for them. Hashmi said that the educational teams of ITP visit various organisations, as this exercise is helpful in providing a disciplined traffic system to the masses. About the performance of the ITP, he said that the ITP personnel have not only helped to establish a disciplined traffic system in the capital but also reduced the ratio of accidents. The educational team briefed the participants about the history of the ITP, the targets given to the force and its achievements, safety measures for pedestrians, road-crossing code, causes of accidents and how to protect one’s self, defensive driving and its requirements, practices to prevent risky situations on road, planning for a long journey, positioning car or lane discipline, right of way on junctions and road markings, safe overtaking, traffic sign boards, traffic light signals and the perils of using mobile phone while driving.

View the original article here

Festival of Lights kicks off three-day Mela Chiraghan celebrations

LAHORE A three-day Mela Chiraghan celebrations started in the city on Saturday.

Among the most celebrated jewels in the crown of the culture of Punjab, the event is a festival of peace, love, openheartedness and hospitality that the land of five rivers is historically connected with.

This is an event of spirituality, festivity, colours, Sufi music and dance. Mela Chiraghan has been associated with the great Sufi saint, poet, revolutionary and an advocate of human freedom and rights Shah Hussain. This Mela is, therefore, celebrated at his shrine, which is in Baghbanpura, near Shalimarbagh. The people from all parts of the country visited the great Sufi saint’s shrine to light lamps on his grave, to get their wishes fulfilled. Drummers performed at the shrine and youths and women danced on it. The festival attracted a large number of artistes who sang Shah Hussain’s ‘Kafees’ creating an air of spirituality. One of the attractions of the festival is its bazaar.

In the past, it was a major point of shopping but currently it is being used for the general goods, toys, edibles, garments and bangles. A number of food stalls are also set up on GT Road and close to Madhu Lal Hussain’s shrine. Swings, a merry-go-round, a swing boat ride and a trampoline are installed around the shrine for children.

A corner of the shrine is occupied by ‘Malangs’ wearing traditional black dhotis and anklets and dancing on drum beating. The Auqaf Department distributed Langar among the devotees.

Mela Chiraghan got its name from the large fire at the shrine where people throw candles, oils and mud lamps after making wishes. It is important to mention here that the festival was used to take place in the Shalimar Gardens until President Ayub Khan ordered against it in 1958. Shah Hussain, also called a poet of love, was born in 1538 AD. He was a radical thinker. His poetry has a spellbinding effect on the listeners who visit the shrine.

View the original article here

Punjab University (PU) syndicate professor sacked over plagiarism Abdul Qadir Gilani’s case to be reinvestigated

LAHORE The Punjab University (PU) syndicate on Saturday, confirming plagiarism charges against the varsity’s Institute of Chemistry Prof Dr Zaid Mahmood, penalised him with forced retirement under the PEEDA Act.

The syndicate also granted ex-post facto permission for re-consideration of an appeal of Abdul Qadir Gilani, son of former Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani, for restoration of his BA result quashed due to an unfair mean case (UMC).

The decisions were taken in the 1706th meeting of the PU syndicate presided over by Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Mujahid Kamran. In the last meeting, the syndicate had decided to serve a show-cause notice on Dr Zaid Mahmood under the PEEDA Act and gave him an opportunity of personal hearing in the next meeting, held on Saturday.

Dr Zaid Mahmood appeared before the syndicate members in person on Saturday but it is learnt he could not defend his case. Later, the syndicate, after analysing the relevant record, found that Dr Zaid had plagiarised research articles and decided to penalise him with forced retirement. However, according to sources, one of the syndicate members, Dr Asmatullah, recorded his dissent note claiming that under the existing rules and policy of both Higher Education Commission (HEC) and PU itself on plagiarism, Dr Zaid’s research work could not be termed plagiarised. It is learnt Dr Asmatullah would submit a written dissent note soon, probably on Monday.

Dr Zaid had been claiming that his research papers were published before 2007 and therefore they could not be made a subject of the inquiry as per the HEC’s plagiarism policy. The plagiarism issue had been discussed at length in the last five meetings of the PU syndicate.

In 2011, a professor of Institute of Chemistry had filed a complaint against Dr Zaid alleging him that he had plagiarised research articles. An inquiry committee, consisting of Lahore College for Women University (LCWU) Department of Chemistry Chairperson Dr Bushra, DPI Colleges Dr Jaleel and former PU Additional Registrar Prof Dr Aurangzeb Alamgir, compared original sources and Dr Zaid’s research papers and found that most of the material was plagiarised.

The PU syndicate also granted ex post facto approval to an independent disciplinary committee, constituted in 2010, and its recommendations. The committee was constituted to hear appeals of candidates against decisions of the unfair means cases (UMCs) committee.

Moreover, the syndicate approved holding a new inquiry into Gilani’s case to review other allegations.

The syndicate approved the proceedings of the Academic Council and Finance and Planning Committee.

The meeting also approved vice chancellor’s 17 orders issued using his anticipatory powers under Section 15(3) of the PU Act 1973 regarding appointment of various heads of departments.

View the original article here

Karakoram KK festival starts at LCCI building organized by the Social, Economic and Environmental Development (SEED)

LAHORE (Online): Three-day Karakoram Festival started here on Friday at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry to showcase diverse cultural, heritage and tourism attractions of the Northern Areas of Pakistan.
The festival, organized by the Social, Economic and Environmental Development (SEED) project under the framework of Pakistan-Italy Debt Swap Agreement (PIDSA) in collaboration with the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Tourism Development Corporation Punjab, was jointly inaugurated by Provincial Minister for Industries Chaudhry Muhammad Shafiq and LCCI President Engineer Sohail Lashari.
LCCI Vice President Kashif Anwar, Country Operations Manager and Director SEED project Raffele Del Cima, Festival Director Munir Ahamd, Vice Chancellor Karakorum University Najma Najm also spoke on the occasion.
The festival highlights include a photo exhibition of the researcher and scientist Filippo De Filippi (1913-1914), exhibition of flora and fauna of the Central Karakorum National park, International Mountain Film festival and a conference to mainstream the natural resources, climatically, geologically and ecologically. Stalls of Gemstones, Woodcraft, agricultural products, tourism monuments, climbing wall, food court and live music from the mountains were a great attraction.

Addressing the participants of the conference, the Provincial Minister for Industries Chaudhry Muhammad Shafiq said that the Punjab government was giving a special focus towards the upgradation of tourism sites and for the promotion of tourism related activities. He said that all the segments of the economy were being given equal importance therefore a comprehensive strategy has been adopted to promote tourism.
The Minister said that since the law and order situation was improving therefore the flow of international tourists would also get a considerable momentum in coming months. He said that Pakistan is one of the few countries in the world that have great tourist destinations. He appreciated the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry for collaborating with the SEED to organize three-day festival to bring to the limelight the potential of Gilgit-Baltistan.
The LCCI President Engineer Sohail Lashari in his address said that lack of proper infrastructure was hitting hard some of the finest tourists sites therefore the government would have to divert its attention towards these areas.
He said that in today\’s world when all types of technology is available, there must not be any problems for international tourists to get easy access to all areas. He said that Gilgit-Baltistan has huge potential but it could not be tapped so far only because of unavailability of good road network.

View the original article here

Vice Chancellor Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) administration vows to give best education to students

ISLAMABAD (Online) : Vice Chancellor Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) Professor Dr. Ali Asghar Chishti on Friday assured that the university would not compromise on quality of education at all and resolve the issues being faced by the students on priority basis. In an interaction with media after assuming charge as Vice Chancellor, he said that a seven member committee constituted by the university to review the academic structure would come up with viable solutions to strengthen the examination system,  admission procedures and degree value. Dr Ali Asghar Chishti said the university, following the suggestions of this committee, would take initiatives to remove the loop holes in the existing academic structure.  Listing the recent initiatives taken by the university, newly appointed Registrar AIOU, Dr. Nowshad Khan informed that the university has issued longstanding notification regarding Employees Welfare Association (EWA) elections held last year, restoring its legal status.

View the original article here

Pakistan Red Crescent Society Fata Aid training for journalists concluded

PESHAWAR: A two days training work shop was organized by the Pakistan Red Crescent Society Fata on First Aid for the Journalist to cope any kind of emergency situation during reporting
The Trainer of the work shop teach and practically done different methods which were using during an emergency like situation while more than twenty journalist were participating in the Works shop.

On the occasion PRCS Fata Chairman Engineer Ghani Gul Mehsud, Communication Officer Anwar Khan and Trainer Noor Gul Qamar said that in Pakistan many people were died because of the lack of first aid which was not provided to them on the time.
They further said that this works shop will give benefits to the journalist that they can cope any kind of emergency situation to save his or other life easily. F.P. Report

View the original article here

Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) launches qualification syllabus

LAHORE: Drawing on its extensive global research into employer needs, the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) launched its 2015 Professional Qualification Syllabus, through a series of launch events around the globe including Lahore, Pakistan, said spokesman for CIMA.
He said that for the qualification to remain relevant and enhance the employability of members, CIMA’s global research led to the development of a competency framework and a new assessment process addressing the skills and competencies employers require from their finance team.

The research conducted involved face-to-face meetings with leading organisations in the UK, US, South Africa and Malaysia, roundtable discussions in 13 countries and a global questionnaire to over 3,000 participants, he added.
Speaking on the updated syllabus, Charles Tilley FCMA, CGMA, Chief Executive, CIMA, said: “CIMA is committed to supporting the next generation of global finance leaders and ensuring that our members stay at the forefront of developments in the business world throughout their careers.  When designing the 2015 syllabus, we set out to enhance its relevance to employers, to ensure the rigour of the related examinations and to align the learning experience of candidates to the real world of business. I feel we have succeeded in this.”–Staff Reporter

View the original article here

10-day folk festival, Lok Mela to open on April 11

Islamabad The 10-day folk festival, known as `Lok Mela’ will open here at Lok Virsa Complex, Sha-karparain, on April 11.

The annual festival, which is organized by the National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa), Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage, has become a symbol of the country’s rich cultural diversity.

The main aim of the festival, which will continue till April 20, is to promote harmony and national integration, highlighting the contribution of people from different areas of country in promoting the culture.

More than 500 artisans and artists from all over the country will participate in the festival, showcasing their skills and creativity.

The focus of the festival is on the rural culture, which ultimately benefits the master artisans, folk artists, folk musicians and other performers from far flung areas of the provinces and regions. The festival disseminates the dynamic creativity of countrymen and affords them an exclusive opportunity to display their unique skills in the Federal Capital.

View the original article here

Punjab Teachers resent new education relocation policy of the provincial government of Punjab

FATEHJANG: Punjab teachers’ union Attock chapter has criticised the teachers’ relocation policy of the provincial government of Punjab.

They said that the secretary education is responsible for this “anti-education move”.

Talking to the media persons, the president of Punjab teachers’ union Attock chapter, Malik Muhammad Afzal Lahm, and the secretary information, Muhammad Muneer Butt, said that under the new policy there would be one teacher for 40 student from nursery to class one, while from class two to class five, the ratio would be two teachers for up to 60 student and a third teacher for up to 90 students.

They said that nursery and class one were the basis of education and appointing only one teacher for 40 students meant that the government was not serious in promoting education at this level.

They said that from the second to fifth standard, six subjects are taught in each class and there should be, at least, five teachers for each primary school.

Mr Lahm and Mr Butt demanded that the chief minister of Punjab should withhold this policy and constitute a committee, consisting of senior teachers from primary and high schools, to draft a new education policy. Otherwise this policy will promote illiteracy among the younger generation, they said.

View the original article here

APTMA Punjab for uninterrupted energy supply to Textile Industry

LAHORE (PPI): Chairman APTMA Punjab S M Tanveer has said that the textile exports have registered an increase of 14.54% in value terms in the month of February 2014 against the corresponding period. Similarly, he said, there is an impressive growth in exports of knitwear, bed wear, towels and ready-made garments in quantitative terms during the same period, which is a clear indication that the textile industry remained operational due to availability of energy, both electricity and gas, during the winter. According to him, there is dire need of keeping the industry fully operational ahead and the government should ensure seven days a week uninterrupted energy, both electricity and gas, supply to the industry. S M Tanveer said that only an uninterrupted energy supply can enable the industry to reap the fruits of market access from the EU under the GSP plus facility. He said the textile industrys exports are likely to reach to $14.60 billion at the end of current fiscal in case the present growth momentum persists for which uninterrupted energy supply will be the prime condition.
Also, he said, an uninterrupted energy supply will enable the industry to produce exportable surplus, as the APTMA has envisaged new investments to achieve its vision of doubling textile exports from $13 billion to $26 in five years.
He said Pakistans textile industry is the only one industry carrying on its operations without any government support, subsidy or any incentive against the regional competitors like India, China and Bangladesh where textile industry is heavily pampered. Rather, he added, the Punjab-based textile industry is operational on negative subsidy, severe load shedding and heavy productivity losses due to circumstances beyond its control.

Chairman APTMA Punjab said the government should ensure enabling environment competitive with regional competitors including interest rate, electricity tariff and reduction in inflation in line with rupee revaluation.
He said this highly opportune time for textile industry to take maximum benefit of the congenial environment for growth.
S M Tanveer has further expressed the hope that a fresh improvement in the economic indicators will also attract foreign investment in the country to the benefit of the textile industry at large.

View the original article here

National Assembly Standing Committee on Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC) Body urges continuation of educational projects

ISLAMABAD (APP): National Assembly Standing Committee on Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC) on Thursday approved Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) projects year 2014-15 and recommended continuation of educational projects for Balochistan and FATA. The Committee, met under the Chairmanship of Abdul Rahim Khan Mandokhail, discussed scrutinize budgetary proposals relating to PSDP in respect of Ministry of Inter Provincial Coordination and its attached departments for next financial year. Secretary, Ministry of Inter Provincial Coordination, Ejaz Ahmed Chaudhry apprised the Committee on PSDP 2014-15 and projection for 2015-16 and 2016-17.
He also informed about 26 projects of two education and sports sectors which were included in PSDP 2014-15.

The Committee was briefed about details of these two sectors regarding number of projects and amount demanded for the said projects. These included three projects for education and 23 for sports.The Committee was informed about the ongoing projects and status of their completion.
The meeting was attended by MNAs Sardar Muhammad Shafqat Hayat, Rana Muhammad Hayat Khan, Khalid Hussain Magsi, Ms. Sabiha Nazir, Rana Muhammad Afzal Khan, Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, Iqbal Muhammad Ali Khan, Maulana Ameer Zaman and other officials of the Ministry.

View the original article here

Rs2b allocated for Punjab HEC: minister meeting with Punjab Professors and Lecturers Association (PPLA)

LAHORE MINISTER for Education Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan has said that Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has allocated initial funds of Rs 2 billion for the constitution of Higher Education Commission Punjab which will help set up new universities instead of upgrading the existing government colleges.

He said this in a meeting with Punjab Professors and Lecturers Association (PPLA) regarding the implementation of 4-tier formula for the promotion of lecturers. The negotiation with the lecturers proved successful after which the PPLA announced to withdraw its ultimatum for protest.

Rana Mashhood said the problems of doctors and teachers should be resolved before they take to the streets. He assured the representatives of professors and lecturers that besides implementation of 4-tier formula for promotion, the genuine rights of young lecturers would also be upheld. It was decided that the seniority lists of lecturers would be updated within next three months.

It was also decided that the number of vacancies in all colleges affiliated with Higher Education Department Punjab would be recalculated while data of lecturers recruited in 2012 would be collected within two months to regularise their services.

The meeting also decided that the next phase of negotiations would be held on April 02 in which minister for education, secretary higher education, secretary law, provincial secretary finance and prominent educationist Prof Zafar Iqbal Qureshi will also participate. The minister said a five percent increase had been witnessed in the enrolment rate in the government colleges and the Punjab government had sent requisition to Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) for the recruitment of 4,500 lecturers against new posts on the permanent basis.

PPLA President Dr Zahid Shaikh and other office-bearers attended the meeting.

View the original article here

two-day conference ‘Kashmir | consultation ‘Research and Teaching of Conflicts Studies and Conflicts in Pakistan’

events conference

A two-day conference ‘Kashmir: Challenges and Prospects’ will begin on Wednesday March 26, at Islamabad Club Auditorium at 2:20pm.

consultation

Institute of Social and Policy Sciences and Open Society Foundations are organising a consultation on ‘Research and Teaching of Conflicts Studies and Conflicts in Pakistan’ on Thursday, March 27 at Marriott Hotel at 3:35pm.

View the original article here

Students caught cheating block KKH Students cheating by students during the ongoing SSC examinations

MANSEHRA: Students of government high school, Batagram, on Tuesday blocked the Karakuram Highway to protest against the deputy commissioner’s surprise visit to the school during the ongoing matriculation examinations.

The angry students also marched on the road.

Mian Adil Iqbal, the deputy commissioner, told Dawn on contact that the students blocked the road after he confiscated cheating material from 45 of them during his visit to the school.

He said he had warned the students that if they found involved in cheating they would be punished under the law, but they defied his warning and continued to use unfair means, forcing him to take action.

The deputy commissioner said he also visited the degree college and a private school to discourage practice of cheating by students during the ongoing SSC examinations.

He said that the protesting students later met him in his office and apologised for their attitude.

COURT ISSUES STAY ORDER: A local court on Tuesday stayed further progress on various development projects worth Rs20 million which were recently awarded by the Mansehra municipal committee allegedly to blue eyed boys.

Fareed Khan, a local contractor, had moved the court of civil judge, Mansehra seeking cancellation of the tendering process of development projects alleging discrepancies and favouritism in award of contracts by the chief municipal officer and officer infrastructure.

The judge directed both the chief municipal officer and the officer infrastructure to appear before the court on April 1, the next date of hearing into the case.

POST VACANT: Residents of Gazikot Township have demanded of the government to fill the vacant post of the director of the Mansehra development Authority (MDA).Zamir Javed Yousufzai, the chairman of a committee constituted to protect rights of local people, told reporters that the post had been lying vacant for last many months due to which they had been facing different problems.

He said that heaps of garbage were scattered all around the township and streetlights were out of order.

Mr Yousufzai said MDA employees had also been without salaries for last couple of months.

View the original article here

Need stressed to bring Pakistan on world Halal map global Halal food market,

Karachi (PPI): Pakistan despite having a great potential in Halal food production, has only a meager, less than 0.5 percent share in the global Halal food market, which is largely controlled by the non-Muslim countries that are reaping its benefits as the exporters of Halal certified products. 
According to the experts the global Halal market has expanded to over $3 trillion and has potential to grow further. The upcoming OIC-SMIIC: World Halal Assembly is a serious effort to bring Pakistan on the Global Halal Trade map and inform the opportunities available for Pakistani exporters in the trillions dollar Halal market. 

The Halal Assembly will be held in Islamabad on June 04, 2014. Organized by Halal Products and Services Association of Pakistan (HAP), the only trade association in Pakistan officially registered with Ministry of Commerce to represent Pakistani Halal products and services sectors and find solutions to the existing issues for promotion of Halal trade, it would be hosted by PSQCA under the Patronage of OIC-SMIC, the official body nominated by OIC to regularize Halal standards in the world..
The Assembly would also promote implementation of uniform Halal standards in the world to accelerate Halal products trade and commerce in the world. Delegates from Australia; Bangladesh; Croatia; Gambia; Germany; Iran; Ireland; Jordan; Malaysia; Mexico; Niger; Philippines; Saudi Arabia; Senegal; Suriname; Singapore, Turkey; and UAE have confirmed their attendance for this mega event which is expected to attract an expert gathering from 40 countries.

View the original article here

Professor of Sindh University (SU) Jamshoro conferred gold medical at 34th conference of Pakistan Congress of Zoology (International)

Hyderabad (PPI): Associate Professor of Sindh University (SU) Jamshoro Dr. Mukhtiar Ahmed Mahar has been conferred upon the National Award of Prof. Dr. Mirza Azhar Bed Gold Medal 2014 as a young researcher below 45-age for having made outstanding research contributions in the field of fisheries in the country through various projects. According to the press statement of SU spokesman Nadir Ali Mugheri, the zoological society of Pakistan (ZSP) presented the national award (which is in form of gold medal) to Dr. Mukhtiar Ahmed Mahar, associate professor, Department of Freshwater Biology & Fisheries, University of Sindh in recognition of his research contributions in the field of fisheries on the occasion of inaugural ceremony of 34th conference of Pakistan Congress of Zoology (International) on Thursday held at Bahaudin Zakria University (BZU) Multan.

View the original article here

Police raid hostel after cracker attack on Sindh University (SU) official’s house activists of the Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz (JSMM)

HYDERABAD: Three activists of the Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz (JSMM) were arrested near Sehwan and arms were seized in raids on a Sindh University (SU) hostel on Thursday following an early morning cracker attack on the residence of a university official.

No one was wounded in the attack, carried out by two suspects riding a motorcycle, SU vice chancellor’s personal assistant Nadeem Butt said, adding that in a similar attack last Monday, two suspects riding a motorcycle had fired shots on his house. An FIR (46/2014) was lodged with the Jamshoro police station the same day, he said.Mr Butt said that in the latest attack on his house, two suspects riding a motorcycle lobbed a cracker into his house, situated in the Sindh University Employees Housing Society, Phase-1, at around 5am. It exploded in the lawn damaging a chair, he said.

He told Dawn that the police guard and his personal security guard deployed at the house sprang into action and one of them fired some shots on the fleeing assailants. He said the guards believed that one of the attackers was wounded.

Mr Butt held the Jeay Sindh Student Federation (JSSF), the student wing of the JSMM, responsible for the attacks, arguing that activists of the group had continuously been trying to force him and other SU officials to favour them in granting admission to their friends, accommodating outsiders in hostels, pay ‘protection money’ and to meet certain other illegal demands.

Taking notice of their activities, he said, the SU administration had taken strict measures to protect students and employees.

Jamshoro SSP Syed Wasi Hyder said that soon after the cracker attack, police raided one of the SU hostels and carried out a search operation. Three pistols, one laptop as well as banners and literature of the JSMM were seized during the operation, he added.

The SSP said that three JSMM activists were arrested in a police action in the Jhangara locality, near Sehwan, this morning in connection with the cracker blast.

SU registrar Ghulam Mohammad Bhutto and the university officers association leaders Ghulam Nabi Kaka, Abdul Majeed Panhwar and others condemned the attack and demanded arrest of the attackers. They also called for protection for SU employees.

View the original article here