Day: November 26, 2021

Karachi, November 26, 2021 (PPI-OT):Chairman of National Business Group Pakistan, President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum, and All Karachi Industrial Alliance, and former provincial minister Mian Zahid Hussain on Friday said the country has been trapped by the IMF. Every coming day will increase the problems of the people already facing merciless inflation while money budgets will be a frequent exercise by the government, he said.

Mian Zahid Hussain said that the prestige of the country and sovereignty have been compromised while the economy has been ruined for one billion dollars. Talking to the business community, the veteran business leader said that people will not get any relief for the years to come as developmental schemes will take a serious blow after agreement with the IMF while the price of everything will skyrocket.

A country that can earn six billion dollars in four months from textile exports has reduced the value of currency by 14 percent and allowed a huge increase in the price of everything including electricity, petrol and gas for a meagre loan which is beyond comprehension, he observed.

The veteran business leader said that the so-called economic experts have pushed the country, which has great potential, to the wall and now borrowing is the only option to survive and repay debts. He said that for decades policymakers made wrong decisions, incompetent bureaucrats played havoc with the country and authorities are putting the burden of taxes on the masses, saving the elite from all obligations which had brought the country to the brink of disaster.

Those who matter are ready to discredit their country in the world but they are not ready to force the elite to discharge their obligations by paying taxes. He noted that evading taxes in Pakistan has always been a better option than paying taxes due to their high ratio which is now being increased under the dictates of the IMF.

The aristocracy is ready to make the country face embarrassment for a loan of one billion dollars but they would not pay taxes while the government will continue to pump four billion dollars annually to run the failed state-run companies for political benefits, he said. He said that state-run corporations should be privatized without delay so that the country can save four billion dollars annually.

For more information, contact:
President,
Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum (PBIF)
Tel: +92-343-2226888
Tel: +92-300-8233364
Email: ceo@kenlubes.net

Islamabad, November 26, 2021 (PPI-OT):The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) have agreed to join hands to provide on-the-job training and develop skills of the youth of merged areas to improve their employability and make them trained and skilled workers for the commercial and industrial enterprises. This consensus was reached during an awareness session on the UNDP’s Accelerated Skills Development Program organized at ICCI. A significant number of ICCI member companies were present at the occasion.

Speaking at the occasion, Ahmed Umair, Senior Sector Specialist, UNDP shared the details of the Accelerated Skills Development Program for the youth of merged areas. He said that the 50 percent youth of the merged areas was below matric and it was very important to focus on their skills development to improve their employment prospects so that they could be integrated in the national economy. He said that this program would initially target 5500 members of youth in the age bracket of 18-38 years from merged areas who could not get better education during the unrest.

He said that the program would cover 80 percent male and 20 percent females of merged areas. He said that ICCI should cooperate with UNDP for the placement of youth of merged areas in local enterprises from mines and mineral, construction, health, tourism/hospitality, agriculture and services sectors for on-the-job training free of cost as UNDP would pay monthly stipend of Rs.15000/- to each trainee. He further said that UNDP would ensure pre-security clearance of trainees.

Speaking at the occasion, Muhammad Shakeel Munir, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry appreciated the initiative of UNDP for developing accelerated skills development program for the youth of merged areas and assured that ICCI would extend all possible cooperation to make it successful. He said that it was very difficult for the youth of the merged areas to find jobs due to lack of education and required skills. Therefore, providing various skills and on-the-job training to the youth of these backward areas was so important to improve their employability, uplift their living standards and enable them to play their due role in the economic development of the region.

Jamshaid Akhtar Sheikh, Senior Vice President and Muhammad Faheem Khan, Vice President ICCI also lauded UNDP for focusing on youth development of the merged areas and hoped that many members of youth, after getting on-the-job training would get regular jobs in commercial and industrial enterprises. Nishay Khan, Senior Associate, Innovative and Transformative Program of UNDP gave a detailed presentation on the said program to the audience at the occasion.

For more information, contact:
Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI)
Chamber House, Aiwan-e-Sanat-o-Tijarat Road,
Mauve Area, G-8/1, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-2250526, 2253145, 8432676
Fax: +92-51-2252950
Email: icci@brain.net.pk, info@icci.com.pk
Website: www.icci.com.pk

Karachi, November 26, 2021 (PPI-OT):A training session on Web-Based System for Coordination, Progress Sharing, Monitoring and Mapping of Activities of PDMA Sindh and DDMAs attended by Officers / Officials of PDMA, Provincial Head UNWFP and representatives of DDMAs. Mr. Maqsood Hussain Soomro A.D Operations welcomed participants on behalf of Syed Salman Shah Director General PDMA Sindh.

For more information, contact:
Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA)
Government of Sindh
Office Address: Bungalow No. 82, Lane No.10
Khayaban-e-Hilal Defence Phase-VI, Karachi, Pakistan
Phone: +92-21-99332701, +92-21-99332702
Fax: +92-21-99332700
Email: info@pdma.gos.pk
Website: www.pdma.gos.pk

Islamabad, November 26, 2021 (PPI-OT):The Policy Committee of the Universal Service Fund (USF) under the Ministry of Information Technology (IT) and Telecommunication has approved the budget of over PKR 18 billion for 30 projects for the financial year 2021-22 and directed to release funds.

The Policy Committee meeting was chaired by the Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Syed Amin Ul Haque and attended by the Federal Secretary for IT and Telecommunication, Dr. Sohail Rajput, Senior Joint Secretary, Toaha Hussain Bugti, Member Telecom, Muhammad Omar Malik, and other representatives from the Cabinet and Finance Division. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of USF, Haaris Mahmood Chaudhary apprised the Policy Committee on the performance of the last three years and the proposed plans for the new Financial Year 2021-22.

While addressing the meeting, Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Syed Amin Ul Haque said, “Under the present government, the USF has shown a 100 % increase in its productivity since inception, with 6 projects in the first year, 12 projects in the second year and 25 projects in the third year. It is a testament to the rapid and exceptional performance of the company on which the team deserve compliments.

The USF Company must maintain this positive momentum with transparency, quality, and timely completion of projects.” As advised by the Prime Minister, the Federal Minister directed the USF to immediately start projects for the provision of broadband services at key tourist destinations in the Northern Areas and complete them on priority basis.

He expressed satisfaction over the proposed plans to provide uninterrupted high speed mobile broadband services on national highways and to deliver optical fiber cable to the level of Union Councils across the country to adapt Pakistan to the requirements of the future, including 5G.

The Federal Minister of IT and Telecommunication, Syed Amin Ul Haque also said that broadband services and optical fiber projects in the rural and remote areas of the four provinces are fundamental to the fulfilment of Digital Pakistan vision. At the same time, the USF should develop a system of strict monitoring of these projects so that there are no shortcomings and unnecessary delays. On the recommendation of the committee members, the Federal Minister directed the USF to submit a progress report on the status of the projects every three months.

Earlier, Haaris Mahmood Chaudhary, CEO-USF apprised the members of the committee and said that the project in Kohistan region has faced delays due to extreme weather conditions and difficult routes, while another project in the Ex-FATA province due to the security situation in the area.

These projects are only 5% of the total projects while 95% of the projects are progressing at their own pace and almost 50 to 75% of the work has been completed. Further, he added that the USF has a transparent system of technical and monitoring audit based on which the funds are released in proportion to the work completed on the projects.

For more information, contact:
Universal Service Fund (USF)
5th Floor, HBL Tower, Jinnah Avenue, Islamabad, Pakistan
Phone: +92-51-9212308-09
Fax: +92-51-9214261
E-mail: feedback@usf.org.pk
Website: https://usf.org.pk/

Lahore, November 26, 2021 (PPI-OT):On the direction of Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar, Section Officer Muhammad Shafiq of the specialised healthcare and medical education department has been removed from his post and directed to report to S and GAD. Secretary SH and ME department has issued a departmental order along with the initiation of an enquiry.

This action is taken on complaints of extortion of money for ad hoc recruitments. While laying strong emphasis on the selfless service of the people, the CM repeated that there is no room for corrupt officials in the province adding that action is taken whenever a complaint has come up.

For more information, contact:
Directorate General Public Relations,
Government of the Punjab
Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-9201390-86
Website: www.punjab.gov.pk

Lahore, November 26, 2021 (PPI-OT):Punjab Health Minister Dr. Yasmin Rashid inaugurated new Mehman Khana and a cafeteria at Jinnah Hospital here on Thursday with Ijaz Ghar. Present on the occasion were Principal Allama Iqbal Medical College Professor Dr. Arif Tajammul, DG Social Welfare Mudassar Riaz Malik, MS Jinnah Hospital Dr. Tahir Rasheed and a large number of doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff.

The Health Minister had a detailed meeting with Friends of Jinnah and discussed ways to facilitate patients. Gohar Ijaz shared contributions from Friends of Jinnah for facilitation in the treatment of patients. The Health Minister inquired from doctors and nurses about the service quality at the cafe. The Minister thanked Gohar Ejaz for supporting in the development of the cafe. In her speech, the Health Minister said, “A mehman khana for 250 persons and a beautiful cafe has been developed at Jinnah Hospital.

My heartfelt gratitude to Gohar Ijaz and his team for developing a Mehman Khana and a cafeteria. Allah Almighty likes those who serve humanity. Our philanthropists provide food support for over 10000 patients and attendants daily at Jinnah Hospital. Islam emphasises serving humanity. Renal transplant facility shall be provided at Jinnah Hospital very soon.

We have discussed a master plan of Jinnah Hospital with Friends of Jinnah. All departments of Jinnah Hospital are being upgraded. The buildings requiring repair are being renovated. By March 2022 all modular theatres shall be completed at Jinnah Hospital. Our philanthropists shall extend support in the development of a Cardiac hospital.

Prime Minister Imran Khan has always appreciated the philanthropists of Pakistan. We are ensuring compliance with govt scheduled timings in OPDs. By adding durations of OPDs, more patients can get services. Data of All patients of Jinnah Hospital is being consolidated. We are focusing on enhancing services for mother and child in Punjab.”

For more information, contact:
Directorate General Public Relations,
Government of the Punjab
Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-9201390-86
Website: www.punjab.gov.pk

Lahore, November 26, 2021 (PPI-OT):Punjab Health Minister Dr. Yasmin Rashid said here on Thursday that reporting on health issues especially epidemics was very much technical in nature and required professional improvement on continuous basis. Speaking as chief guest at the ‘Risk Communication and Reporting of Epidemics’ the Health Minister that role of Pakistani media remained largely professional and responsible during the Corona Pandemic. The workshop was organized by the Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department with support of the World Health Organization.

Present on the occasion were Secretary Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department Imran Sikander Baloch, Director General Health Services Punjab Dr. Haroon Jehangir, Head of Office WHO Punjab Dr. Jamshed Ahmed, Senior Journalists Siddique Khan, Mohammad Ilyas, Zaheeruddin Babar and reporters covering health beat in the provincial metropolis. The participants engaged in interactive sessions over Risk Communication and grey areas in news story development during epidemics and pandemics.

In her speech, the Health Minister said, “I congratulate the Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department and express my gratitude to the WHO for organizing a workshop on a very important area, Risk Communication. Media has a huge responsibility as the fourth pillar of the state. Communicating right and accurate information to citizens is the responsibility of media. Sensationalism and irresponsible reporting create panic and chaotic situations.

Reporting on health is extremely sensitive as the selection of words can have serious impact on public perceptions. There are technical jargons that often times get misreported. Our media played positive role during Corona Pandemic. The COVID-19 changed life styles and affected the world beyond description. Our department tries to make best efforts to communicate right information to the public.

During the Corona Pandemic, there were news stories about trials of Chloroquin and Actemra. Yet that triggered panic and unnecessary storage began by people. We try to keep people updated about the latest situation on COVID-19 and Dengue. Reporting on health is technical in nature and places a lot of responsibility on reporters.

The working of the government and role of media are contributory and compulsory in nature. Issue-based objective reporting reduces distances between the government and the media. During Reach Every Door campaign, media’s role was exemplary. Europe is witnessing an increase in cases as winter sets in and there be possible lockdowns.

I must mention the role of NCOC that led information management very well. Creating awareness and saving lives is a sadqa-i-jariya. Reporters acquainted with Health jargons and are better equipped to report on health issues. I must pay tribute to health reporters who provided right information to people during the Pandemic.

A large population of Punjab have been inoculated for first dose. Strong coordination between media and public helps control panic and chaos in society during times of crisis.” In his speech Secretary Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department Imran Sikander Baloch said media role was very important in creating awareness in public.

He said the P and SH Department was keeping people abreast of all developments and work on improving systems was underway. He said through strong coordination with media the government was trying to communicate accurate information to public.

Director General Health Services Punjab Dr. Haroon Jehangir said that the session was extremely productive as media and department was able to understand working of each other. He said queries, concerns and suggestions of journalists were noted and understood during the session. WHO Head of office Dr. Jamshed Ahmed elaborated technical details on areas like PPE and N95 masks and their usage. He underpinned WHO commitment for continuous technical support to the government.

For more information, contact:
Directorate General Public Relations,
Government of the Punjab
Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-9201390-86
Website: www.punjab.gov.pk