Speakers for evolving

comprehensive energy security plan

ISLAMABAD: Speakers here at a seminar called for evolving comprehensive security plan in order to minimise energy shortages in the country.

“Currently the shortest possible way to minimise the energy shortage is to stop theft of electricity and gas which can be done with better management and leadership”, Khurram Dasatgir Khan, member of National Assembly said in ‘Seminar on Energy Crisis’ at National Press Club on Thursday.

He said over all line losses in electricity sector were 19 per cent of the total consumption whereas in gas sector it was 6 per cent costing billions of rupees to the national economy.

He urged all political parties to sit together in the national interest for resolving this issues as early as possible saying that there was no other issue bigger than the energy crisis.

Senator Haroon Khan on the occasion was of the view that Pakistan was endowed with rich natural resources but it was facing situation of energy crisis due to inconsistent policies and lack of decision power.

He said the leadership should have to take bold and unpopular decisions for the development and prosperity of the country.

“There are number of resources in the country available including solar, wind, nuclear, coal and hydel energy sources with which we can produce the required energy”, Haroon Khan observed.

He said by using ethanol in producing electricity, the country can save huge amount of foreign exchange.

Haroon was of the view that there were number of new dams in the pipeline but their process was slow due to lack of funds.

He urged the private sector to invest in the projects of energy production so that the country may get out of the crisis as early as possible.

Former Director General Petroleum, G.A. Sabri however, said theft of electricity and gas was not the only problem, but there were number of other reasons due to which the shortage of gas and electricity was created.

Opposing the use of CNG in the vehicles, Sabri observed that it was not a matter of pride that the country was the world’s second largest consumer of CNG. - APP

Arfa Karim commemorative postage stamp issued

ISLAMABAD: Sardar Muhammad Umar Goragaje, Federal Minister for Postal Services said that Arfa Karim was a daughter of this nation who at a very young age not only established her name but brought laurels for the whole nation.

“Not only Pakistan but the whole world appreciated her talent”, Muhamad Umar expressed these views at ceremony organised to pay her a tribute and to issue commemorative stamps in recognition of her outstanding flair.

Arfa Karim passed away on January 16 at the age of 16 after suffering an epileptic stroke. The launch of her commemorative stamp coincides with her birthday.

Arfa became the world’s youngest Microsoft Certified Professional at the age of nine in 2004.

Federal Minister in his speech further said that her aptitude and performance is exemplary for our youth. It is not everyday that gifted children with the ability to change the destiny born in our country. Losing her is an agony but I want to pay tribute to her parents who raised their daughter in such an admirable way. Federal Minister paid a cheque of Rs.100, 000/- to her parents in order to continue her mission. Secretary Postal Services Raja Muhammad Ikram ul Haq paid tribute to her and in his address read the message of the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

Additional Director General Fazal Sattar Khan paid homage to Irfa Karim and declared that in recognition of her talent, innocence, sincerity, courage and patriotism Pakistan Post has issued a commemorative stamp. Prime Minister of Pakistan has approved the issuance of these stamps. 2500,000 stamps have been printed. This commemorative ticket will spread the message of patriotism.

On the occasion, Malala Yousafzai stated that Arfa was among those few who recognize the aim of their lives. What she achieved in 17 years life, very few could accomplish in 70 years. Irfa Karim was ahead of her time, she was not aware of her surroundings but knew herself very well. - INP

Shujaat for recovery of missing persons from Balochistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League Quaid-i-Azam (PML-Q) President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain Thursday called for more confidence building measures (CBMs) for restoring the confidence of Balochs and also ensuring the early recovery of missing persons.

"To resolve the issue, recovery of all the missing persons in Balochistan should be the first confidence building measure which may be followed by other measures to restore confidence of the people of Balochistan in the federation," he said in a statement issued here on Thursday.

Condemning in strongest terms the brutal murder of the grand daughter of Nawab Akbar Bugti and her 13-year-old son in Karachi, Chaudhry Shujaat said that such incidents would only fuel further hatred and gulf between the federation and the civilians.

He termed the killing a national massacre and expressed solidarity with the bereaved family. He asked the government to conduct an impartial inquiry into the gruesome incident and bring the culprits to justice.

Referring to his recent visit to Balochistan, Chaudhry Shujaat said that he had been time and again demanding of the government to resolve Balochistan issue through talks which was the only way forward rather than talking the matter through strong actions. He said that Bloch people needed a healing touch and the government should immediately launch efforts to resolve the issue which was a challenge to the federation. - APP

Around 4,000 students participate in Wetland competitions

ISLAMABAD: Around 4,000 students from various schools of twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad took part in the celebrations of World Wetlands Day 2012 held at Islamabad College for Girls (ICG) F-6/2 on Thursday.

The event was arranged by Pakistan Wetland Programme (PWP) in which students actively participated in the art competition, story writing and poem competitions.

The event was aimed at creating awareness about the vital connectivity between tourism, wetlands and the people, highlighting the importance of protection and conservation of wetlands.

Secretary Ministry of National Disaster Management M. Javed Malik was chief guest on the occasion.

Javed Malik appreciated the efforts of PWP for arranging such event and also acknowledged the talent of the students who participated in various competitions enthusiastically.

National Programme Manager PWP, Dr Ghulam Akbar briefed the participants about the various activities of the programme.

A range of activities were organised to enable the students to express their views on the subject through arts, debate, play and poetry competitions, among other activities.

This event served as a knowledge sharing avenue where students along with their families and friends had the opportunity to exchange their views and also learn from environmental experts about the significance of forests and wetlands.

The closing ceremony will be held on February 15 where the winning participants will be awarded with gifts and souvenirs.

A similar campaign was organised at Gilgit, Chitral, Peshawar University KPK, Khabbeki Khushab, Kot Adu, Faisalabad, Lahore Punjab, Sukkur, Keenjhar Lake, and Karachi, Sindh, Gwader Balochistan other towns and villages of Pakistan.

The Pakistan Wetlands Programme WWF has been a trend setter in developing a firm base for mainstreaming the values of wetlands across Pakistan.

The Programme, being implemented by the WWF, World Wide Fund for Nature, Pakistan, once again organised the celebration of one of its mega events being held each year on February 2nd, 2012, to mark the date of adoption of the International Convention on Wetlands in Ramsar, Iran in 1971.

This year, the World Wetlands Day celebrations focused on the theme Wetland and Tourism' with a slogan ‘Wetland Tourism: A Great Experience'. - APP

Fraud, misappropriation cause Rs410.91m loss to Pak Post Office

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Postal Services Sardar Mohammad Umar Goreij on Thursday informed the Senate that during the last three years around 142 cases of misappropriation and fraud were unearthed in various post offices involving a loss of Rs.410.91 million.

Replying to a question during the question hour, he said a sum of Rs.72.27 million was recovered from the involved officials, while Rs.338.64 million were yet to be recovered.

He said that efforts were underway for recovery of remaining loss departmentally as well as through FIA and NAB. - APP

Cutting of trees goes on unabated

in Sector G-9/3, 9th Avenue

ISLAMABAD: The cutting of trees in Sector G-9/3 and Ninth Avenue continues allegedly with the support of Capital Development Authority (CDA) environment department.

According to details, people cut trees from the jogging track located between G-9/3 service road east and Ninth Avenue and then shift them to Rawalpindi in broad day light after being loaded on vehicles.

Citizens said that theft and cutting of trees in Margala hills forest area was common but such incidents in city have astonished them.

They complained that concerned authorities have turned a blind eye towards the matter.

The citizens demanded Member Environment Mian Waheeduddin and Chairman CDA Farkhand Iqbal to stop the trend of cutting trees and take stern action against those involved in the practice. - INP

Daniyal warns about tsunami of price-hike

followed by grave social disorder violence

ISLAMABAD: Chairman of Jeevay Pakistan Jeevay Muqami Hakoomat (JPJM) Daniyal Aziz has warned the rulers that the recent increase in petrol and gas prices would lead to tsunami of price-hike that may result in serious economic, social and political crisis in the country.

In a statement issued from the JPJM Secretariat Thursday, Daniyal said that quarterly report of State Bank of Pakistan is an eye-opener for the greedy and incapable rulers of the country. He said that the SBP report had already predicted killing price-hike in near future and had advised the government to take appropriate measures to control the situation. But, the so-called democratic and pro-people rulers worked adversely and announced increase in petrol prices just to suck blood out of poor masses, added Daniyal.

He said in such worst situation the government should have cut down its own lavish expenditures but the rulers are taking loans from local banking sectors to fill their pockets, causing alarming inflation in Pakistan which would double the volume of price-hike this year. He said load-shedding is also a major cause of price-hike and unemployment, adding that the local investors are also looking for other venues to invest because they are unable to meet market's demand while living in Pakistan. He warned that price-hike victims and jobless youth may turn into hardened criminals or mercenaries if they are not given relief by the government. - INP

Annual Naat Competition held

ISLAMABAD: All Pakistan Annual Naat Competition was held at the National Broadcasting House in Islamabad Thursday as part of the Eid Miladun Nabi (SAW) celebrations.

It was jointly hosted by Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation and Pakistan Television Corporation.

Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Syed Khurshid Shah who was the chief guest gave away prizes to the winners.

The competition was held in four categories - boys and girls under-15 and boys and girls between 15 and 25 years of age.

Winners of Naat competitions earlier held in all the four provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir and Federal capital Islamabad took part in the all Pakistan contest.

In the first category of Boys under 15, Muhammad Faizan of Punjab got first position, Muhammad Hashim of Sindh secured second Afaq Aalam of Gilgit-Baltistan stood third.

In the second category of girls under the age of 15, Noorina Imtiaz of Punjab got first position; Noorish Khalid of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa secured second position while Arooba Fatima of Sindh stood third.

In the third category of boys between 15 and 25 year of age, Muhammad Ishaq of Balochistan got the first position; Asim Munir of Punjab secured second position while Muhammad Faizan of Islamabad stood third.

In the fourth category of girls between 15 and 25 year of age, Asmat Tahira of Punjab got first position; Amina Ataullah of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa secured second position while Syeda Siara Anjum of Islamabad stood third. The first position holder in each category was awarded a copy of Holy Quran, set of books on Seeratun Nabi (SAW) and cash prize of twelve thousand rupees. - Online

Zardari made PM scapegoat: PML-N

Islamabad: Senior leader of PML(N) Ahsan Iqbal has said that President Zardari has made Prime Minister Gilani a scapegoat to ‘conceal his own corruption’.

Talking to a private TV channel on Thursday, Ahsan Iqbal said that if Prime Minister would have been written a letter to the Swiss authorities earlier, he might be secured from facing music. “Now he would have to deal with the situation”.

He said that the government is responsible for all the situation that arises now . If the rulers would not implement the court orders , then how rule of law would prevail in the country, and how common man would respect the law.

“PML(N) has been giving advice to the government since last two years that should writer the latter to Swiss authorities by complying with the court orders”, he added. - Online

44 most wanted human traffickers nabbed during last 30 months

ISLAMABAD: Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) took stern action against human smugglers, facilitators and sub-agents and arrested 44 Most Wanted Traffickers (MWTs) during last two and half years.

As per data, 26 MWTs were arrested in 2009, 16 in 2010 and 02 were nabbed till June during 2011.

An official source while mentioning the steps undertaken to bring illegal migration at zero level, said establishment of Anti Trafficking Units at Provincial Police HQs and Inter Agency Task Force (IATF) had helped to combat internal human trafficking.

Around 10703 illegal migrants were intercepted in 2008, 5601 in 2009 and 3434 in 2010.

The Agency also arrested 4,334 human traffickers during last two and half years which included 1755 human traffickers during 2009, 1779 in 2010 and up to June, 800 human traffickers were arrested.

He said due to these measures Pakistan’s position was upgraded from Tier-2 Watch List to Tier-2 in US State Department’s Trafficking In Persons (TIP) Report-2010 and the same position was maintained in TIP Report-2011.

The number of deportation has gradually decreased which is done with the international cooperation.

Bilateral Joint Working Groups were also established such as Pakistan- Oman, Pakistan-UK, Pakistan-Turkey and Pakistan-Australia. - APP

Governor inaugurates 110-km Tank-Jandola-Makin road

JANDOLA: The Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Barrister Masood Kausar on Thursday visited South Waziristan Agency where he inaugurated a newly constructed 110 KM Tank-Jandola-Makin road and attended the passing out ceremony of first batch of 58 trainees at Waziristan Institute of Technical Education (WITE).

Senator Maulana Saleh Shah, MNA Maulana Abdul Malik, Additional Chief Secretary FATA Fazal Karim Khattak and Chief Executive FDA Shah Rukh Arbab also accompanied the Governor during his visit.

Speaking at the tribal jirga at Jandola after inaugurating the Tank-Jandola-Makin road, the Governor said the road would play a pivotal role in the socio economic development of the area.

He said that change is taking place in FATA, which will gain further momentum with the beginning of political activities in tribal area. He said that development activities in FATA particularly in South Waziristan was the result of peace in the area and vowed that peace would be maintained at all costs.

He warned that whosoever tried to disrupt the peaceful atmosphere again would be dealt with iron hand. He said that the tribal people and the security forces had rendered valuable sacrifices for peace in South Waziristan Agency.

He said that the avenues of development in FATA could not be closed because the area had been put on road to progress and prosperity. He urged the tribal people and elders to play their role in the maintenance of peace.

The Governor said that the colonial era was over and now was the reign of the people and their representatives.

In FATA too, he added the people were being empowered and taken on board about the initiatives for their welfare, wellbeing and prosperity.

He said that the tribal people, elders and media would be given a role in the monitoring process so that the development funds are utilised in a transparent manner.

The governor said that communication network in South Waziristan Agency was being strengthened.

He in this regard referred to the construction of two new roads; Tank-Jandola-Makin and Tank-Gomal-wana road in the Agency and said that it was a beginning and more such roads were being planned to be constructed in the years to come.

He appreciated the Frontier Works Organisation for the quality and speedy construction and said that the technical and other related staff of the organisation had worked in an odd circumstances and unpleasant conditions which must be appreciated.

Presiding over the first convocation of Waziristan Institute of Technical Education at Chagmalai in South Waziristan Agency the Governor said that development and economic stability could not be materialized without education.

He said that the FATA youth would be imparted technical education to enable them earn an honorable livelihood for them and their families.

He said that employment opportunities in the Middle East countries were also being explored for the skilled workers from FATA and the FATA Secretariat was working on a plan in this regard.

The Governor assured the tribal elders present in the ceremony that their demands and requirements would be fulfilled.

He said that it was a candied policy of the government that the affectees would be rehabilitated and fully compensated.

Waziristan Institute of Technical Education is the first technical institution of its kind established with in FATA, where less educated tribal youth are being imparted technical training in different trades and technologies.

The first batch of 58 students with 4 months duration was trained in Auto Mechanic, Auto Electrician, Building Electrician, Driving and Computer.

The Governor gave away certificates to the passed out trainees and awarded prizes to the students who topped the relevant course. The Governor also went round various sections of the Institute and appreciated the level of training being given to the students in the Institution. - APP

Army to hand over parts of Swat to civil administration

MINGORA: GoC Swat Major General Ghulam Qamar has said that the areas of Kalam, Bahrain and Madiyan will be handed over to civil administration from March 1, followed by Malakand Agency in June and Chitral and Dir by the end of the current calendar year.

He was addressing a first-ever Security and Development Conference in Malakand Division in Khwazakhela. Besides Commissioner, Malakand Dr. Fakhar-e-Alam, DIG, Malakand Division, Akhtar Hayat Gandapur, D.C.O Swat Kamran Rehman, DCOs and DPOs and officials of security agencies attended the conference.

The meeting held detailed discussion on matters relating to security and development in Malakand Division.

He said that with the grace of Allah Almighty and sacrifices of Pakistan army, police and general public, peace has been restored in the division.

The Commissioner Malakand on the occasion said that the capacity of Chitral Police and Malakand Levies will be improved. He said that Saudi Arabia will be providing funds for the construction of Kalam Road while the completion of Ayub Bridge will take another year.

D.I.G Police, Malakand Division, Akhtar Hayat Gandapore said that for the facilitation of women, women police personnel will be deployed at checkpost in Dargai. - APP

Court awards life term to two brothers in murder case

SWABI: A local court awarded life-tem imprisonment and Rs.100,000 fine upon two brothers convicted in a murder case.

District and Session Judge Swabi, Khwaja Wajihuddin Khan after hearing arguments, recorded statements of the accused, witnesses and facts of the case ruled the case has been proved against accused Azam Hussain and Abdur Rashid son of Muhammad Faroosh, resident of Bamkhel and awarded the sentence.

In the case of non payment of fine, the accused will remain in jail for another six months.

According to prosecution, the accused was charged by police for allegedly attacking a house at village Kalu Khan, killing a child Lubna Akhtar over women dispute on May 4, 2011.

Meanwhile, FC constable, Ataur Rehman, son of Syed Ahmed Shah, who was martyred during a clash with outlaws in Quetta, was laid to rest here on Thursday.

A smartly turned out FC contingent presented guard of honour to the coffin of the Shaheed.

The funeral prayer was attended by elected representatives and elites of the area.

Later, he was laid to rest at his ancestral graveyard at Maneri Payan Swabi with full honour. - APP

BISP launches skill development project in Faisalabad

FAISALABAD: As many as 6 million families of Pakistan are living in extreme poverty that can be redressed by providing technical skills to the people to lead a balanced life.

This was stated by Benazir Income Support Programme (Special Initiative) Director General Jahangir Alim Chohan at the inaugural session of Skill Development Project under Waseela-e-Rozgar Programme jointly launched by Department of Continuing Education, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad and BISP here Thursday.

UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan was chief guest while BISP Director General (Punjab Chapter) Shahid Aslam was guest of honour.

In the first phase of the project, 249 people living in extreme poverty would be equipped with the technical skills under nine short courses. Students would be also given stipend of Rs6,000 keeping in view their financial conditions.

The UAF vice chancellor said that the around 80 million of the country population was consisting of youth. It is a matter of the concern that only six percent of them can get the higher education where 94 percent did not have an access to higher education. He said that with the vocational training, we can make the rest of the youth useful citizens.

He said that UAF continuing education had equipped 1 lakh 34 thousands students with the technical education through short courses since its inception. He stressed the need to promote the vocational education among the people who cannot avail the regular education. He lauded the steps being taken on the part of BISP in this regard.

BISP Director General (Punjab chapter) Shahid Aslam said that under the Waseela-e- BISP initiative is a targeted scheme to provide loan amounting upto Rs300,000 to the randomly selected beneficiary families currently receiving the cash transfers. - INP

Girl, 14, dies at PMC Hospital allegedly by spurious injection

Nawabshah: A 14-year girl Ameeran died at Peoples Medical College Hospital, Nawabshah on Thursday morning due to spurious injection given to her, as alleged by the heirs.

Ameeran, student of class VI and resident of Bhangwar colony, was brought to the emergency ward of Pediatric department, PMC Hospital last night where she was given an injection and before the drug could be injected fully, the girl started shivering and crying due to which the dispenser fled from the scene.

The girl was rushed to ICU on the protest of heirs where the doctors tried to save her life but failed.

The heirs of girl staged demonstration against the doctors alleging that spurious injection was given to her.

When contacted, Medical Superintendent of PMC Hospital Dr. Tufail Baloch said the deceased girl was asthma patient. He denied that injection was spurious and said medicines are purchased by inviting tenders.

He however has sent a letter to Dr. Akbar Siyal, head of Pediatric Ward for inquiry. - PPI

Shutter-down in Balochistan

paralyses the routine life

QUETTA: Shutter down strike against target killing of two women of Domki family in Karachi paralyzed the routine life across Balochistan province.

It should be mentioned that Balochistan National Party (BNP), National Party and other nationalist parties had announced to observe shutter down strike across the province on Feb 02 and 03 against target killing of wife and daughter of MPA Mir Bakhtiar Domki in Karachi, two days ago.

Almost all the markets and business centers in Quetta and other districts remained closed on Thursday. Partial shutter down was observed in far flung districts.

Protest demonstrations were also held in various districts against the lawlessness and target killing of Balochis. The protestors demanded the federal and provincial governments to take steps for giving protection to public lives and properties.

The citizens have to face hardships due to shutter down strike. Attendance in offices and educational institutions also remained thin as people preferred staying indoors due to fear of violence and inconvenience.

The BNP and nationalists parties have warned to continue shutter down along with wheel jam strike on Feb 04 and 05, if the elements behind targeted killing of Domki family women were not arrested. - INP