August 23, 2022 – Page 3 – Newswire Pakistan

August 23, 2022August 24, 2022

REDC Conducts Programme on Effective Communication for KPK Officials

Lahore, August 23, 2022 (PPI-OT):The Rausing Executive Development Centre (REDC) hosted a focused programme, ‘Communication for Effectiveness in the Public Sector’ sponsored by the Governance and Policy Project (GPP), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Bhurban, as part of its continuing partnership to enhance the skills of the officers working in the government sector.

This programme was designed to equip the executives with modern tools and essential techniques, which would enable them to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders. It aimed to explore and understand the significance of communication through effective means to navigate the challenges of working in the public sector.

Designed as a highly engaging 3-day intervention, the programme was directed by LUMS faculty members, Dr. Anjum Fayyaz and Dr. Jawad Syed. Instructors of the programme employed experiential learning exercises, group activities and peer feedback to help participants to develop the oral and written communication skills necessary for personal and organisational efficacy.

Participants appreciated the instructors’ efforts and overall concept of the programme. “The programme was insightful into human behaviour and the connection to reach out to individuals and audiences in a more effective way,” said Fahim Khan Afridi, Additional Secretary Energy and Power Department, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Gul Bano, Chief Social Protection and Gender Mainstreaming Section, Planning and Development Department, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also shared her thoughts on the programme. She commented, “It was a refresher course from the day-to-day workings of our professional life. I appreciate the efforts put forth by the resource persons. Overall, it is much needed by mid-career professionals to gadge their communication skills and make up for their shortcomings where required.”

The closing ceremony was attended by Shah Mehmood Khan, Secretary, Planning and Development Department and Syed Zahir Shah, Director General, PCNA who emphasised the importance of continuing the learning partnership to enhance and refresh the knowledge of the public sector employees.

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

August 23, 2022August 24, 2022

Special Report Launch “Economic Security of Pakistan: Challenges and Way Forward”

Islamabad, August 23, 2022 (PPI-OT):On August 22, 2022, the Centre for Strategic Perspectives (CSP) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) held a launch of its Special Report titled, “Economic Security of Pakistan: Challenges and Way Forward”. The Chief Guest of the event was Dr. Aisha Ghaus Pasha, Minister of State for Finance and Revenue.

Other panellists included: Dr. Abid Q. Suleri, Executive Director, SDPI; Ambassador Seema Ilahi Baloch; Mr. Zafar ul Hasan, Joint Chief Economist, Ministry of Planning, Development and Reforms; and Mr. Amir Zafar Durrani, President, Reenergia.

Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhary, DG ISSI, welcomed the speakers and shared the idea behind launching the report. In his remarks Ambassador Chaudhary stated that national security should be measured on a tripod of economic security, human security, and traditional security and the primacy given to Pakistan’s economic security in the overall national security calculus is a step in the right direction.

In her introductory remarks, Dr. Neelum Nigar, Director of CSP highlighted the importance of economic security in Pakistan. Dr. Nigar gave an overview of the report and elucidated its key outcomes. She proposed that macroeconomics needs to shift from stabilization to sustainability, from consumption to investment, from imports to exports, and from service sector to industrial.

The Chief Guest, Dr. Aisha G. Pasha, stated that currently there is no imminent threat of default as the government has secured external financial needs for the year 2023. She also emphasized the need of structural reforms of permanent nature with the consensus of all stakeholders. She proposed increasing tax compliance and implementation of right taxation policy to achieve long-term sustainable economic growth. Dr. Pasha also stated that the recommendations and structural reforms highlighted in the report are very important and must be implemented to ensure overall economic security of Pakistan.

Dr. Abid Q. Suleri, discussed the economic history of Pakistan. He listed some of the chronic, medium and short-term challenges to Pakistan’s economic security. Moreover, he also listed challenges Pakistan is facing. Dr. Suleri emphasized on resisting the politicization of economic decision making and proposed creation of an ‘Economic Security Council’.

Ambassador Seema Ilahi Bloch in her remarks emphasized on a link between economic development and gender equality. She maintained that there is a dire need to address the barriers that impede women’s development in Pakistan as it directly impacts economic development. She proposed that economists should focus on the development of human capital, 55% of which is women. Moreover, she also recommends enacting laws that promote gender equality and population control.

Mr. Zafar ul Hasan in his remarks emphasized that in order to ensure national economic security, there is a need to develop sustainable economic growth. He highlighted that owing to multiple factors, Pakistan’s productivity is lowest in the region. Therefore, he proposed that Pakistan should redirect investment from infrastructure to developing human capabilities.

Mr. Amir Zafar Durrani, while addressing challenges to economic security of Pakistan, highlighted a nexus between elites and poor governance. He highlighted the loopholes in the taxation system of Pakistan. According to him, both fragility and disasters are human-triggered and can be controlled by controlling the actions that prompts it. Mr. Zafar suggested that only societal efforts and economic development can elevate the marginalized.

All panellists of the discussion had a broad consensus on the structural reforms in taxation system of the country, formation of an Economic Security Council, development of human capital, and elevation of women in the society which can lead to sustainable economic growth in Pakistan.

After the end of the panel discussion, ISSI’s Executive Heads along with the CSP team and esteemed panellists formally launched ISSI’s Special Report on Economic Security of Pakistan. ISSI’s Chairman BOG Ambassador Khalid Mahmood also presented the panellists with ISSI’s momentos.

For more information, contact:
Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI)
Sector F-5/2, Islamabad – 44000, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9202481
Fax: +92-51-9204658
E-mail: strategy@issi.org.pk
Website: http://issi.org.pk/

August 23, 2022August 24, 2022

Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari appeals to the nation to come forward and help people living in areas affected by heavy rains

Larkana, August 23, 2022 (PPI-OT):Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has appealed to the nation to come forward to help the rain affectees of Balochistan, Sindh, South Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, who are facing the worst situation caused by the natural calamity. He urged the whole nation must unite to face this difficult time.

Talking to the media in Shahdadkot after visiting various rain-hit areas, Chairman PPP said that there has been a lot of damage due to record rains, adding that people’s houses have collapsed and crops have been completely destroyed. “There is not a single area of Sindh that is not affected by the current heavy rains,” he pointed out.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that from Qamber to Karachi and Thatta, the situation of rains and floods is extremely bad, adding that many areas in Sindh are still underwater, and the provincial government is still working in the relief and rescue phase. He further said that there is a dire need for tents, medicine and food, there is not enough supply as much as the demand. “We have also asked the federal government for assistance,” he added.

Chairman PPP said that the provincial government is currently taking steps to support the farmers, after which it will collect the details of how many houses have been damaged due to rains in the province. “Prime Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif has also announced financial support through the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) for the relief of rain and flood affectees, which is welcomed,” he pointed out.

Foreign Minister emphasized on the national media that the main priority for everyone in the current situation should be the rain victims, the rest of the political dramas will continue, and they should not be paid attention to.

Meanwhile, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari reached Shahdadkot, Sujawal Junejo and Ratodero to assess the situation arising from the devastating rains, visited the relief camps set up for the affectees, and talked them to know their issues there. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, political secretary to the Chairman PPP, Jameel Ahmed Soomro, and MPA Mir Nadir Magsi were also accompanied by the Party Chairman.

For more information, contact:
PPP Media Cell (Sindh)
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP)
Peoples Secretariat Shikarpur Colony,
Behind Mazar-e-Quaid-e-Azam, Karachi, Pakistan
Cell: +92-305-3370383
Email: contact@ppp-tu.com
Website: https://www.ppp.org.pk

August 23, 2022August 24, 2022

Former President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari speaks of the emergency situation due to rains, and Imran Khan’s addiction to power

Karachi, August 23, 2022 (PPI-OT):Former President of Pakistan and President PPPP, Asif Ali Zardari in a meeting with the provincial ministers of Sindh said that the four provinces of the country are currently facing an emergency situation due to rains. Attention should be paid to our brothers and sisters that are most impacted by the current situation, instead of politics. Victims in all four provinces are looking towards us for assistance.

At the same time, Imran Khan’s addiction to power is driving him insane. This person is criticizing our army, its officers and soldiers everyday while they are putting their lives on the line to fight terrorism. This person threatens the army, the police and then a female magistrate of the judiciary. The judiciary has to see whether this person is above the law. It also should look into whether this person has politically victimised me, Mian Nawaz Sharif, my sister and Maryam Nawaz, while breaking every law himself. The institutions and the government will have to establish their writ, otherwise the law, constitution and institutions would continue to be demeaned by this person.

August 23, 2022August 24, 2022

National University of Medical Sciences Department of Psychology a report on ‘Social Projects’

Rawalpindi, August 23, 2022 (PPI-OT):The students of Semester III, NUMS Department of Psychology carried out a ‘Social Project’ spanned over the month of May 2022 under the supervision of Professor Dr. Shazia Khalid, Head, NUMS Department of Psychology. The prime purpose of this project was to instill the habit of reflective and critical thinking among the emerging adults, develop sensitivity for social problems, and promote a worldview where students can play instrumental role in designing and applying small scale intervention plans at community level.

The students were instructed to formulate 5 groups each comprising of 4 to 5 members with the objective to plan, execute, and evaluate an activity on a topic entailing sustainable development of society. The titles of the ‘Social Project’ included ‘Respect for Women (SDG 5: Gender Equality; SDG 3: Good Health and Wellbeing),’ ‘Food Wastage (SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production; SDG 3: Good Health and Wellbeing; SDG 2: Zero Poverty),’ ‘Class Discrimination (SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities; SDG 5: Gender Equality; SDG 3: Good Health and Wellbeing),’ ‘Littering (SDG 13: Climate Action; SDG 3: Good Health and Wellbeing),’ and ‘Conservation (SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production; SDG 3: Good Health and Wellbeing).’

The groups selected the projects specifically addressing different SDGs and prepared systematic methodologies to achieve the aims accordingly. The major target of the population for activities comprised of young adults with age ranging from 17 to 22 men and women. Initially, the groups prepared presentations and brochures on their social projects and conducted a trial study on prospective participants. Each presentation comprised of 10 minutes’ intervention program in which global and local statistics about their particular topics, objectives of the program, determinants, and national and international effective programs were included.

Groups utilized different strategies such as videos, posters, self-made documentaries, and interviews of experts to highlight social problems and different ways through which communities can be impacted. After approval from the instructor, each program was implemented on participants comprising of 13 to 30 students. The sessions were followed by question and answers and participatory discussion. In order to reach out to bigger audience, the group which was working on ‘Respect for Women’ used zoom link to deliver their agenda.

The students also used interactive activities to convey their messages. For instance, one group designed specific placards related to ‘food wastage,’ types of food wastage at commercial, industrial, domestic and agricultural level) and how it contributes to poverty and hunger and provides an opportunity to develop an attitude of responsible consumption. These placards were placed on each table in the café. The outcomes of the projects were also determined by the groups.

In case of ‘Littering,’ for example, an Instagram account titled as ‘say no to littering’ has been started. Other groups such as the ones working on ‘Class Discrimination’ and ‘Conservation’ conducted post intervention interviews to assess the effectiveness of their programs. Later, each group presented their activities on May 30 and 31, 2022 as part of their course titled ‘Social Theories.’

For more information, contact:
National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS)
The Mall, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9270677
Email: info@numspak.edu.pk
Website: http://numspak.edu.pk

August 23, 2022August 24, 2022

Summer 2022: Mid Term Date sheet

Islamabad, August 23, 2022 (PPI-OT):

Morning: https://cust.edu.pk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Morning.pdf

Evening: https://cust.edu.pk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Evening.pdf

For more information, contact:
Capital University of Science and Technology (CUST)
Islamabad Expressway, Kahuta Road, Zone-V, Islamabad, Pakistan
UAN: +92-51-111-555-666
Tel: +92-51-4486700-4
Email: info@cust.edu.pk
Website: https://cust.edu.pk