Day: July 9, 2021

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Journalists are our respectable brothers, will find me standing in front line Insha-Allah in safeguarding press freedom: Ch Parvez Elahi

Lahore, July 09, 2021 (PPI-OT):A delegation of the Joint Action Committee headed by Lahore Press Club President Arshad Ansari called on Speaker Punjab Assembly Ch Parvez Elahi at his residence here today (Friday). In the meeting Secretary Punjab Assembly Mohammad Khan Bhatti was also present whereas the delegation included Punjab Assembly Press Gallery President Afzaal Talib, Secretary Abbas Naqvi, Zahid Chaudhry, Javaid Farooqui, Zulfiqae Ali Mehtu, Khwaja Naseer, Raja Riaz, Ziaullah Niazi, Qamar Bhatti, Khwaja Aftab, Abid Khan, Ahsan Zia, Imran Shaikh and Afzaal Abbasi.

Talking to the delegation Speaker Punjab Assembly Ch Parvez Elahi said that the journalists are our brothers and respectable, fully believe in freedom of press, has always stood shoulder to shoulder with the journalists against those obstructing freedom of press, Insha-Allah will also find me in the front line in safeguarding freedom of press.

It was agreed during the meeting that the Members Privilege Bill will not apply to the journalists, in this regard amendment bill in the law will shortly be presented in the Punjab Assembly, journalists will be allowed entry in the Punjab Assembly’s new building, however, due to ongoing construction work the journalists will not go to the under-construction parts, because of building being under construction journalists will be provided clean feed (video footage) at the earliest to the journalists for performance of their duties, already under implementation assembly rules for not telecasting and publishing parts of proceedings deleted by the Speaker. After successful dialogue with the Speaker Punjab Assembly, the Joint Action Committee withdrew the call for boycott of the assembly session and protest demonstration.

For more information, contact:
Mediacell, Pakistan Muslim League
30-C, Chaudhry Zahoor Elahi Road,
Gulberg-II, Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-35878428
Fax: +92-42-35877329
Website: www.pmlmediacell.com

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MD P2GS calls on IIUI rector

Islamabad, July 09, 2021 (PPI-OT):Managing Director, Pakistan to Germany Study (P2GS) Major Gen. (Retd) Shaukat Iqbal called on Dr. Masoom Yasinzai, Rector International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) at his office here at new campus.

During the meeting, issues pertaining to promotion of education and broadening the exposure of Pakistani youth in terms of academic excellence and higher education were discussed. Both the personalities discussed the importance of green energy in Pakistan, they also discussed establishment of cost effective mini electricity grid at the campus. It was agreed the soon an initial meeting and orientation between the two sides shall be held to discuss the feasibility, benefits, possibilities and codal requirements for the mini grid green energy on campus project.

IIUI Rector briefed MD P2GS regarding IIUI’s vision, goal and services. He told that university is providing a peaceful and learning environment to the students of more than 40 countries. He also told him about the separate female campus dedicated to the female students. IIUI Rector reiterated his resolve that university will remain keen and open for the opportunities of cooperation that may lead to improvement in academic excellence and brighter future of the students.

Major Gen Retd Shaukat Iqbal hailed IIUI services and said that the university is well-known for its approach of study. He said the university is a hub of learning where youth may find guidance and education with the blend of Islamic values and teachings.

For more information, contact:
Public Relations,
International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI)
Room No.118, Admin Block, New Campus,
H-10 Sector, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9019249
Fax: +92-51-9257909
Email: iiuipublicrelations@iiu.edu.pk
Website: www.iiu.edu.pk

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Punjab Assembly defers one-third agenda due to ministerial absence

Islamabad, July 09, 2021 (PPI-OT):The Punjab Assembly deferred one-third of its agenda on Friday due to ministerial absence and referred a government bill to committee, says Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) in its daily factsheet.

Following are key observations of the House proceedings during the first sitting of 34th session:

Members’ Participation

The House met for an hour and 59 minutes.

The sitting started at 04:46 pm against the scheduled time of 02:00 pm.

The deputy speaker presided over the entire sitting in the absence of speaker.

The leaders of the House (Chief Minister) and the opposition did not attend the sitting.

As many as 29 MPAs (eight percent) were present at the outset and 34 (nine percent) at the adjournment of the sitting.

The parliamentary leader of PPPP attended the proceedings.

As many as three out of eight minority lawmakers attended the sitting.

Output

Provincial minister for law introduced the Stamp (Amendment) Bill, 2021 which was referred to the relevant committee for consideration. He also laid the Audit Report on the Accounts of Daanish Schools and Centers of Excellence of Punjab (North) for the Audit Year 2018-19 which was referred to the Public Accounts Committee-II.

Representation and Responsiveness

The House took up 10 out of 38 starred questions, while lawmakers asked 18 supplementary questions as well.

Provincial ministers for health and law responded to five zero hour notice related to parking fees in government hospitals, non-functioning machines at Wazirabad Institute of Cardiology and law and order situation in various districts of the province. Other three zero hour notices on the agenda were deferred due to absence of relevant ministers.

A privilege motion of a PML-N lawmaker against police officials was deferred on the request of law minister.

Order and Institutionalization

Six lawmakers spoke on points of order for 22 minutes related to governance and law and order issues.

The House was adjourned to meet again on Monday, July 12, 2021 at 02:00 pm.

Transparency

‘Orders of the Day’ was available on Assembly’s website.

Information on Members’ attendance is available on Assembly’s website.

For more information, contact:
Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN)
FAFEN Representative
FAFEN Secretariat 224, Margalla Road F-10/3 – Islamabad
Tel: +92-51-2211026
Fax: +92-51-2211047
Cell: +92-321-5017355, +92-301-8549188
Email: media@fafen.org
URL: www.fafen.org

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Abdul Sattar Edhi’s services will continue inspiring generations: Khurram Nawaz Gandapur

Lahore, July 09, 2021 (PPI-OT):Abdul Sattar Edhi was a great asset of the country. He was an example of selflessness and service to humanity without the discrimination of caste, creed and colour. He would come to the rescue of those abandoned by society and take care of their needs and wellbeing. He dedicated his life wholeheartedly to the service of humanity and did not waver in the performance of his mission.

These views were expressed by Khurram Nawaz Gandapur to mark the fifth death anniversary of renowned philanthropist Maulana Abdul Sattar Edhi who breathed his last on July 8, 2016. Paying his tributes to the icon, PAT Secretary General said that Edhi sahib has inspired generations with his nobility and excellence of character. He said that his contributions and services will remain unforgettable.

Khurram Nawaz Gandapur said that Maulana Edhi was a lover of the people irrespective of their status in society. He was a true Pakistani who epitomized the spirit of the nation, which is large-heartedness, compassion and empathy. He never cared for his own life and spent every moment looking after the poor and deserving. He said that Pakistan lost a true son and inspiration five years ago and his void will never be filled. He said that with the death of Edhi sahib, an era of selfless public service came to an end.

For more information, contact:
Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT)
365-M, Model Town,
Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-111-140-140
Email: info@pat.com.pk
Website: www.pat.com.pk

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Taskin, Muzarabani fined for breaching ICC Code of Conduct

Dubai, July 09, 2021 (PPI-OT):Bangladesh player Taskin Ahmed and Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani have both been fined 15 per cent of their match fees for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the second day of the one-off Test in Harare.

The players were found to have breached Article 2.1.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “inappropriate physical contact with a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, Match Referee or any other person (including a spectator) during an International Match.”

In addition to this, one demerit point each has been added to the disciplinary records of the players, both of whom did not have any previous offence in a 24-month period. The incident occurred in the 85th over of Bangladesh’s first innings on Thursday. After Muzarabani had bowled a delivery to Taskin, the two players moved aggressively towards each other, and contact was made after words were exchanged face to face.

Both players admitted the offence and accepted the sanctions proposed by Andy Pycroft of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees and ratified by the ICC Cricket Operations department as per the COVID-19 interim playing regulations. There was no need for formal hearings. On-field umpires Marais Erasmus and Langton Rusere, third umpire Iknow Chabi and fourth official Forster Mutizwa levelled the charges.

Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

When a player reaches four or more demerit points within a 24-month period, they are converted into suspension points and a player is banned

Two suspension points equate to a ban from one Test or two ODIs or two T20Is, whatever comes first for the player

Demerit Points to remain on a Player or Player Support Personnel’s disciplinary record for a period of twenty-four (24) months from their imposition following which they will be expunged.

For more information, contact:
Headquarters,
International Cricket Council (ICC)
Street 69, Dubai Sports City,
Sh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE
Phone: +97-143828800
Fax: +97-143828600
E-mail: enquiry@icc-cricket.com
Website: www.icc-cricket.com

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BSc Class of 2017 Establishes Scholarship Fund to Support the NOP

Lahore, July 09, 2021 (PPI-OT):To support access to a world-class education for the country’s most talented youth, the LUMS BSc Class of 2017 has pledged PKR 1.2 million by establishing the BSc Class of 2017 Scholarship Fund. The donation will be used to sponsor one meritorious scholar from the National Outreach Programme (NOP) for one year.

The NOP recently won the CASE Platinum Awards in the Asia Pacific region for the ‘Best Practices in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion’ category and has funded over 1,200 scholars since inception. LUMS reaches out to over 12,000 potential applicants across Pakistan to induct the brightest students to the programme. NOP scholars are provided full-tuition waivers and additional living stipends and allowances. Over 700 of these scholars have successfully graduated from LUMS and are making a positive impact within their families and communities.

A few alumni from the BSc Class of 2017 mobilised the entire batch to donate towards the fund. This is a notable contribution and makes them the youngest batch to have donated to their alma mater through a class fund. The Class intends to continue their support for the NOP scholar for the entire duration of their degree.

Speaking about the motivation behind creating the fund, Mr. Haider said, “Increasingly over time, we’ve realised that the quality of education provided by LUMS is a privilege. At the same time, the reality is that access to quality education in our country is only with a select few. Alumni from the Class of 2017 decided that it was time we play our part and help extend this privilege to more people.”

For more information, contact:
Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS)
D.H.A. Lahore Cantt. 54792
Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-35608000
Fax: +92-42-35725048
Website: www.lums.edu.pk