Month: April 2023

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During the last four years, IUB has taken many successful initiatives for financial stability and revenue growth

Bahawalpur, April 10, 2023 (PPI-OT):Spokesman Islamia University Bahawalpur Shehzad Ahmad Khalid has said that in the last four years, the university has taken many successful steps to increase financial stability and income. However, with this rapid growth and development, the educational institution needs more financial resources. There is a lot of dependence on the Higher Education Commission especially for the salaries and the duties and development projects of the students. Unfortunately, the Higher Education Commission owes about 800 million rupees for the last two years. Despite the non-receipt of this pending amount, the university managed the financial affairs regularly and continued the development projects as there is a dire need for the establishment of new departments and increase in buildings and infrastructure for such a large number of students and teachers.

Under the Benazir Scholarship Scheme, the university has been providing scholarships to 6000 male and female students for three years without interruption. Also Islamia University Bahawalpur Financial crisis is also providing scholarships of 400 million rupees to thousands of students from its own resources. In total, the university is providing financial assistance to 20,000 students through various schemes of its own and other institutions. Among them are the students of the corona epidemic and flood affected areas. Despite the non-provision of funds by the Higher Education Commission, all these scholarship schemes have been maintained by the university administration in all circumstances, but now the provision of pending funds from the Higher Education Commission has become inevitable to save the educational future of thousands of students.

Media and public opinion should keep these solid facts in front and do not listen to any kind of irresponsible, fabricated and negative propaganda and stand with your university. It is providing financial assistance to students through various schemes of its own and other institutions. Among them are the students of the corona epidemic and flood affected areas. Despite the non-provision of funds by the Higher Education Commission, all these scholarship schemes have been maintained by the university administration in all circumstances, but now the provision of pending funds from the Higher Education Commission has become inevitable to save the educational future of thousands of students.

Media and public opinion should keep these solid facts in front and do not listen to any kind of irresponsible, fabricated and negative propaganda and stand with your university. It is providing financial assistance to students through various schemes of its own and other institutions. Among them are the students of the corona epidemic and flood affected areas. Despite the non-provision of funds by the Higher Education Commission, all these scholarship schemes have been maintained by the university administration in all circumstances, but now the provision of pending funds from the Higher Education Commission has become inevitable to save the educational future of thousands of students.

Media and public opinion should keep these solid facts in front and do not listen to any kind of irresponsible, fabricated and negative propaganda and stand with your university. Currently, however, the provision of pending funds from the Higher Education Commission has become indispensable to save the educational future of thousands of students. Media and public opinion should keep these solid facts in front and do not listen to any kind of irresponsible, fabricated and negative propaganda and stand with your university. Currently, however, the provision of pending funds from the Higher Education Commission has become indispensable to save the educational future of thousands of students. Media and public opinion should keep these solid facts in front and do not listen to any kind of irresponsible, fabricated and negative propaganda and stand with your university.

For more information, contact:
The Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB)
University Chowk, Gulshan Colony, Bahawalpur,
Punjab – 63100, Pakistan
Tel: +92-62-9250235
Fax: +92-62-9250335
E-mail: info@iub.edu.pk
Website: https://www.iub.edu.pk/

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HRCP marks 50 years of 1973 Constitution

Lahore, April 10, 2023 (PPI-OT):Marking 50 years to the day since the Constitution of 1973 was passed by the National Assembly, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) notes that, in a history interspersed with periods of autocratic military rule and attempts to grossly undermine representative governments, this was the first time that a constitution was drafted and passed unanimously by a democratically elected assembly. While it is not a perfect document, the 1973 Constitution has played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s democratic system and federal character, and in upholding the fundamental rights of its citizens.

The moral worth of a country’s constitution lies in its ability to put in place a structure of government that defines limits to the exercise of authority by institutions of the state, and to lay down the rights, obligations and attendant principles that must be drawn upon when interpreting the law. In this sense, the 1973 Constitution was significant in recognising and guaranteeing certain basic rights to all citizens, regardless of their religion, race or gender. It enshrined fundamental rights such as freedom of speech, religion, assembly and association, freedom from slavery, as well as the right to a fair trial, due process and equality before the law. It also established an independent judiciary to protect these rights and ensure they were enforced. It sought to protect the rights of women, religious minorities and marginalised communities, and provided for affirmative action to address historical injustices.

Perhaps most significantly, the 18th Amendment to the Constitution, passed in 2010, is a testament to the resilience and evolution of Pakistan’s democratic system. It devolved greater powers to the provinces, transferred key powers from the president to the prime minister and the Parliament, and ensured greater financial autonomy for the provinces. In a time, fraught with political discord, HRCP calls on all political stakeholders and citizens to rally behind the shared values of the 1973 Constitution. At the same time, HRCP believes that the spirit of the Constitution provides the necessary room to review and improve the state’s ability to secure all people’s rights without any grounds for discrimination.

For more information, contact:
Chairperson,
Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP)
Aiwan-i-Jamhoor, 107-Tipu Block,
New Garden Town, Lahore-54600
Tel: +92-42-35864994
Fax: +92-42-35883582
Email: hrcp@hrcp-web.org
Website: www.hrcp-web.org

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The ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 – Two years of riveting Test action

Dubai, April 10, 2023 (PPI-OT):The ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2021-23 cycle was full of thrills and drama as the world’s top teams fought for precious points and an eventual place in the final, the Ultimate Test, over a two-year period. That 57 out of 69 Tests produced results with a mere 12 draws, is testament to the fact that the championship witnessed teams pursuing victories. Australia confirmed their first-ever final when they sealed a nine-wicket victory over India in the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test at Indore last month. India secured their second successive Ultimate Test by virtue of a draw in the subsequent fourth and final Test of the series in Ahmedabad coupled with Sri Lanka’s corresponding defeat to New Zealand in one of the most thrilling Tests ever. The first match of that series at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch finished on the last ball on the fifth and final day with the hosts scampering home courtesy a brilliant unbeaten century by former captain Kane Williamson.

Australia and India will now compete in a mouth-watering final from 7 June at The Oval. Australia finished the nine-team table with a tally of 152 points and a 66.67 PCT – percentage of points won compared to India’s 127 and a 58.8 PCT. South Africa finished third ahead of a resurgent England who introduced the “Bazball” to Test cricket in the latter half of the 2021-23 cycle, producing a series of astonishing results with their breath-taking stroke play, all-time high run rates and an all-out aggressive style of play. Sri Lanka’s 2-0 defeat to New Zealand meant a slip to number five for the Asians, New Zealand finished sixth, Pakistan seventh, West Indies (eight) and Bangladesh (ninth).

Batting performances and highlights – ICC World Test Championship 2021-23: A total of 68,175 runs were scored in the 69 Tests played in the two-year ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 cycle with the help of 7,563 fours and 579 sixes. Batters from the nine teams amassed a total of 119 centuries with England’s run machine Joe Root topping both the run-getters and centuries tally for the cycle with 1,915 runs at 53.19 (22 matches). The former England captain hit eight centuries with a best of 180 not out.

A total of 287 half-centuries were scored in the two-year period. The batters also registered 299 ducks in the two-year championship cycle. Australia opener Usman Khawaja was number two on the run-getters list, the southpaw tallying 1,608 runs at 69.91 in 16 matches with the help of six centuries. Usman’s highest was 195 not out. Pakistan captain Babar Azam also had a dream run in the 2021-23 cycle, the stylish right-hander scoring 1,527 runs at 61.08 in 14 Tests with the help of four centuries and a best of 196 in an epic match saving second innings century at the National Stadium, Karachi against Australia in March 2022. New Zealand opener Tom Latham’s 252 against Bangladesh at Christchurch was the highest individual score of the 2021-23 cycle. England captain Ben Stokes led the “Bazball” mission in style by hitting 28 sixes in the cycle, the most by any batter.

The highest partnership in the tournament came in the final match, when Kane Williamson and Henry Nicholls added 363 runs for New Zealand’s third wicket against Sri Lanka at Wellington. The highest team total was England’s 657 against Pakistan at Rawalpindi in December 2022, which came in just 101 overs – a scoring rate of 6.50 runs per over. The total of 1,768 runs in that Rawalpindi Test set a new record for any time-limited Test in history. The only two Tests with more runs have been the 1939 Durban and 1930 Kingston timeless Tests. Bangladesh were bowled out for just 53 by South Africa at Durban in March 2022, the lowest total in the competition.

India’s Ravindra Jadeja was the only player to score a century and take a five-wicket haul in the same Test. He made an unbeaten 175 and took five for 41 against Sri Lanka at Mohali in March 2022. Bowling performances and highlights – ICC World Test Championship 2021-23: During the 2021-23 cycle 2,241 wickets fell, a total of 127,876 balls were bowled in 69 Tests. Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon captured 83 wickets at 26.97 in 19 matches with an innings best of eight for 64. The seasoned spinner took five, five-fors and one 10-wicket match haul.

South Africa pacer Kagiso Rabada took 67 wickets in 13 Tests at 21.05 with the help of three five-fors. Rabada’s innings best was six for 50. India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin took 61 wickets in 13 Tests at 19.67, including two five-fors and a best of six for 91 in an innings. New Zealand’s left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel’s innings figures of 10 for 119 and match figures of 14 for 225 for against India at Mumbai in December 2021 were both the best (innings and match figures) in the 2021-23 cycle.

A total of 85 five-fors (innings) and ten 10-fors (match) were registered by bowlers from the nine participating sides. Biggest and narrowest wins – ICC World Test Championship 2021-23: There were 12 innings victories in the cycle, with the largest being New Zealand’s victory by an innings and 276 runs over South Africa at Christchurch in February 2022. The narrowest margin of victory in terms of wickets came at Kingston in August 2021 when the West Indies defeated Pakistan by just one wicket.

Wicket keeping and fielding highlights – ICC World Test Championship 2021-23: Australia’s Alex Carey made the most dismissals with 62 in 19 Tests – 60 catches and two stumping’s. Next came Joshua da Silva of the West Indies with 57 dismissals (54 catches and three stumping’s). Da Silva was helped by being the only keeper to record seven dismissals in an innings, which he achieved in South Africa’s second innings at Centurion in March 2023. The leading keeper in terms of stumping’s was remarkably Tom Blundell of New Zealand, a team not normally feted for their spinners. He effected seven stumping’s in the cycle.

Steve Smith and Joe Root led all fielders with 31 catches each – Smith in 19 Tests and Root in 22 Tests. There were five instances of a fielder taking four catches in an innings, and four instances of fielders taking six catches in a match. Marnus Labuschagne played a part in five run-outs in the field, more than any other fielder.

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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4 in 10 Pakistanis have and use no alternative energy sources during load shedding, UPS reported by only 5%: Gallup and Gilani Pakistan

Islamabad, April 10, 2023 (PPI-OT):According to a survey conducted by Gallup and Gilani Pakistan, 4 in 10 Pakistanis have and use no alternative energy sources during load shedding, UPS reported by only 5%.

A nationally representative sample of adult men and women from across the country, was asked the question “Which alternative source of energy do you mainly use during a power breakdown?” In response, 40% reported not using any alternative power source, 20% reported using candles, 18% said they use rechargeable lights, 14% said they use solar power/system, 5% reported using UPS, 3% said they use generator while 1% did not respond or did not know.

Question: “Which alternative source of energy do you mainly use during a power breakdown?”

For more information, contact:
Head Office,
Gallup Pakistan
Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-8445080
Email: isb@gallup.com.pk, caf@gallup.com.pk
Website: www.gallup.com.pk

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Senate demands to hold elections for NA, provincial assemblies simultaneously

The Senate today passed a resolution demanding that the general elections for the National Assembly and all the provincial assemblies should be held simultaneously for strengthening the federation.

The resolution moved by Tahir Bazenjo noted that the House firmly believes that political stability is important for economic stability.

It said that according to the spirit of article 280, the general elections for all the assemblies must be held simultaneously on its stipulated time under neutral caretaker setups to bring true political and economic stability.

The resolution noted that holding separate elections in Punjab will inevitably influence the outcome of general elections to the National Assembly’s seats in Punjab which will trample upon the role of small provinces in the federation.

Earlier, speaking on the floor, Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, Shazia Marri said government is working to provide relief to poor people. She said the government has given four hundred and four billion rupees for Benazir Income Support Program.

Shazia Marri opposed the resolution on the Federal Ehsaas Rashan Riayat Program saying the previous government did not make any budgetary allocations for this program.

Winding upon discussion on a motion, Minister for Power Khurram Dastagir said that three thousand three hundred megawatts of electricity is being produced from Thar Coal project.

He said four of the Thar Coal projects which faced criminal delay during the previous government have been completed over the last eleven months.

The Minister said Thar Coal projects are a manifestation of cooperation between the federal and provincial government of Sindh.

Khurram Dastgir said that 88 percent work on the second transmission line from Thar has been completed and it will be completed in the next four weeks.

Responding to the points of the opposition members, Minister for Law Azam Nazeer Tarar said the coalition government is not running away from the elections, but the simultaneous conduct of the elections is important to strengthen the federation and achieve political and economic stability.

He also reminded that the PTI had violated the constitution when the National Assembly was dissolved last year in a matter of few minutes.

Meanwhile, the Upper House passed three bills on Monday which include National Disaster Management Amendment Bill, 2022, Export Processing Zones Authority Amendment Bill and Pakistan Environmental Protection Amendment Bill.

The Anti-Rape Investigation and Trial Amendment Bill and the Criminal Laws Amendment Bill were laid before the House today.

The chair referred the bills to the standing committees concerned.

At the outset, the House offered fateha for the security personnel martyred in recent acts of terrorism in the country.

The House has now been prorogued.

Source: Radio Pakistan

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ECC declares all hajj applications under Regular Scheme successful

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet has decided that all 72,869 applications received under Regular Hajj Scheme shall be declared successful without balloting.

The decision to this effect was taken at the ECC meeting held in Islamabad today with Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar in the chair.

The meeting also approved the modalities for this year’s Hajj Scheme.

The ECC also accorded approval to the additional financial requirement of 163 million dollars of foreign exchange for Hajj this year.

Earlier, the Ministry of Religious affairs and Interfaith Harmony presented details on the Hajj Policy-2023, number of applications received under Regular Hajj Scheme, unutilized quota under regular and sponsorship Hajj schemes and financial requirement in the meeting.

Source: Radio Pakistan