As Muslims, the month of Ramadan inspires us to feel for those who are less privileged: Foreign Minister and Chairman Pakistan People’s Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari

Karachi, March 30, 2023 (PPI-OT): Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister and Chairman of Pakistan People’s Party, while addressing the iftar dinner given by him at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the diplomatic corps based in Islamabad, said that the holy month of Ramadan is a month in which the entire Muslims around the world fast. As Muslims, the month of Ramadan encourages us to empathize with those who are less privileged and may not enjoy access to the usual food and comforts that are normally enjoyed. Chairman PPP Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari while addressing diplomatic representatives in Islamabad said that there are people in all our societies, not only in Pakistan, who are facing incredibly difficult times.

He added that he was ready to admit that many of the problems were ‘of our own making’, collectively referring to the economic policies adopted by the previous government. We face economic consequences of certain decisions that are beyond our control. People are facing the devastating effects of climate disasters in the form of floods, in which they played no part. Especially the young generation is suffering the consequences of the decisions they did not make.

The economic quagmire created due to the epidemic of Covid-19 is not only facing Pakistan but the whole world. The geopolitical situation of the world has also added to the problems facing the world. The month of Ramadan reminds us that it is possible that the consequences of our actions may be suffered by those who may not be as empowered as we are. So we have an opportunity through which we can positively impact the lives of those who are less fortunate. It should be our collective effort to make it a point to minimize this, the burden that falls on the shoulders of the underprivileged.

Chairman Bilawal appreciated the efforts of Federal Minister Shazia Marri of Benazir Income Support Program to eradicate poverty. We have witnessed the incredible services rendered by BISP during the Covid-19 pandemic to bolster people’s dwindling hopes. When the floods came, BISP was the most effective means of helping the vulnerable.

As we are going through an economic crisis while the Ministry of Finance is still negotiating with the IMF and with the important task of flood relief before us, this government is constantly trying to ensure that it has the current Maximum assistance should be provided within available resources. Foreign Minister Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari thanked the international community as well as the ambassadors there for the support provided to the country in their personal and professional fields.

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

The 14th meeting of the Advanced Studies and Research Board of University of Kotli Azad Jammu and Kashmir

Azad Jammu and Kashmir, March 30, 2023 (PPI-OT): The 14th meeting of the Advanced Studies and Research Board of University of Kotli Azad Jammu and Kashmir was held under the chairmanship of Prof. Dr. Rahmat Ali Khan, Vice Chancellor. Prof. Dr. Mushtaq Ahmed Sajid, the Director of Advanced Studies and Research, served as the Secretary of the meeting. Esteemed members from various departments and faculties of the University were also present at the meeting.

In his welcome note, Prof. Dr. Rahmat Ali Khan emphasized the importance of promoting research and academic excellence at the University. He reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to creating an environment that fosters innovation, research, and academic excellence. He expressed his confidence that with the Board’s support, students and faculty members at the University can continue to make noteworthy contributions to their respective fields of study.

During the meeting, the Board approved several M.Phil. and Ph.D. thesis, abstracts and titles in various departments, in addition, the Board approved the appointment of supervisors for research scholars who will guide and mentor the students throughout their research journey. Prof. Dr. Mushtaq Ahmed Sajid, highlighted the significance of the Board’s decisions in advancing research in various fields. He expressed his confidence that the students will continue to excel and make significant contributions towards respective fields.

At the end of the meeting, all members took a moment to acknowledge the contributions of Prof. Dr. Mushtaq Ahmed Sajid, who is retiring next week after serving various key academic and administrative positions. They applauded his unwavering dedication and exceptional service to the University and expressed gratitude for his efforts in advancing research in various fields and wished him well in all his future endeavours.

For more information, contact:
University of Kotli Azad Jammu and Kashmir
Village Kurti, Kotli, Azad Jammu and Kashmir
Tel: +92-58-26960044
Email: info@uokajk.edu.pk
Website: http://uokajk.edu.pk

University of Kotli Collaborates with Agriculture Department to Promote Olive Cultivation

Azad Jammu and Kashmir, March 30, 2023 (PPI-OT): The University of Kotli Azad Jammu and Kashmir and the Agriculture Department have jointly collaborated to promote the olive cultivation by planting 50 olive plants in the University Lawn under the Federal Project “Promotion of Olive Cultivation Phase-II”. The initiative was taken by the Vice Chancellor, University of Kotli Prof. Dr. Rahmat Ali Khan, Deputy Director of Agriculture Mian Naveed Ullah, Assistant Director Agriculture Anwar Gorsi and Assistant Horticulture Officer Sardar Zahoor.

At the ceremony, Prof. Dr. Rahmat Ali Khan highlighted the campus’ landscape’s significance and the need to make it more visually appealing to both students and visitors. He also stressed the need to instill environmental responsibility in students and mentioned the University’s plan to sign an MoU with the Agriculture Department Kotli to further promote olive cultivation and expand their collaborative efforts. Mian Naveed Ullah, who was also present at the ceremony, assured the university of all possible assistance in this regard.

For more information, contact:
University of Kotli Azad Jammu and Kashmir
Village Kurti, Kotli, Azad Jammu and Kashmir
Tel: +92-58-26960044
Email: info@uokajk.edu.pk
Website: http://uokajk.edu.pk

Reports about abolishing of Indus Water Treaty are alarming: Dr. Hussain Qadri

Lahore, March 30, 2023 (PPI-OT): Deputy Chairman of Board of Directors of Minhaj University Lahore Dr. Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri has drawn the attention of the Pakistani authorities towards reports going viral on social media websites that India has planned to annul the 1960 Indus Water Treaty. A known economist Dr. Qadri said in a statement here on Thursday that it’s being claimed that new Delhi had sent a notice to Islamabad on Jan 25, 2025 about the Treaty brokered by the World Bank in 1960 and it’s being assumed that if the Pakistan prime minister does not respond to it within 90 days then India would consider it as abolishing of the water accord and would get control of all the river waters flowing down to Pakistan from India-held Kashmir.

He said though the Indus Water Treaty is an international accord and New Delhi could not unilaterally annul it, Islamabad should take serious notice of the information or disinformation being shared on the social media about the future of the accord to allay concerns of the Pakistani nation in this respect. He asserted that the Foreign Office, federal cabinet, or the parliament must issue a policy statement on the matter to let the people know about the veracity of the information. Dr. Qadri said that international studies suggest that Pakistan is among the countries which would be facing a crisis of severe water shortage by 2030 and in case of any dispute on its shares in the river waters would devastate agriculture of the country and deepen the food security issue.

He said that Pakistan is passing through a critical juncture of time when it is facing an unprecedented internal, political, and economic crisis simultaneously keeping the authorities engaged in the internal issues creating the impression that there’s none to look after international affairs of the country. He said India might be wishing to take advantage of this situation warranting a detailed policy statement by the government on the rivers’ water treaty.

The economist said that with the growth of population water requirements of the country are on the rise and experts believe that if solid measures are taken to plan the optimal use of the available water resources, the country will be turned into a desert. He stressed that the authorities concerned should calm public concerns regarding the Indus Water Treaty by issuing a policy statement at the earliest.

For more information, contact:
Minhaj-ul-Quran International (MQI)
365 M, Model Town, Lahore, Pakistan
UAN: +92-42-111-140-140
Tel: +92-42-35169111
Email: tehreek@minhaj.org
Website: www.minhaj.org

All Pakistan Newspapers Society expresses profound grief over the sad and sudden demise of its senior colleague veteran publisher, Mr. Mumtaz A Tahir

Karachi, March 30, 2023 (PPI-OT):The APNS expresses its profound grief over the sad and sudden demise of its senior colleague veteran publisher, Mr. Mumtaz A Tahir, chief editor Daily Aftab Multan and Lahore.

“Nazafreen Saigol Lakhani President and Sarmad Ali, Secretary General of the All Pakistan Newspapers Society have stated that Mr. Tahir was a consistent upholder of the rights of regional press. His contribution to the cause of Newspaper industry would be remembered for long. He served continuously as member of the Executive committee of the APNS and was elected office bearer and chairman of various committees of the APNS for several terms during last four decades.

The APNS offered condolence to the bereaved family and prayed that Almighty Allah rest the departed soul in eternal peace and give them courage and patience to bear the loss.

For more information, contact:
All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS)
32, Farid Chamber Abdullah Haroon Road,
Karachi Post Code 74400
Tel: +92-21-5671256, +92-21-5671314
Fax: +92-21-5671310
E-mail: apns@apns.com.pk
URL: www.apns.com.pk

Business Policy

Lahore, March 30, 2023 (PPI-OT): Azfar Hasan, CEO at Matrix Sourcing visited The Lahore School of Economics on Monday, March 27, 2023 to give a talk to MBA students who are enrolled in the course “Business Policy”.

For more information, contact:
Lahore School of Economics
Intersection Main Boulevard Phase VI DHA,
Burki Road, Lahore – 53200, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-36560935, 36560939
Website: http://www.lahoreschoolofeconomics.edu.pk/