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ADB approves additional $200mn loan for Benazir Income Support Program

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ADB approves additional $200mn loan for Benazir Income Support Program
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ISLAMABAD: Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Monday approved a $200 million loan to the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP).

According to a press release, the amount is additional financing issued by the bank for the social development project which supports more than 5 million eligible families across the country through over $3.6 billion in total cash transfers so far.

The management of the development bank has said that it will continue to support cash transfers as well as help BISP implement institutional strengthening measures.

“Social protection programs like the BISP are crucial to ensure that the poorest segments of the population do not go further into poverty,” said the ADB Director of Public Management Tariq Niazi.

He added that the ADB was committed to helping the Pakistani government “implement alternative modalities for social protection and poverty reduction

The ADB official noted that these initiatives included asset transfer programs that promote improved human capital and reduce inter-generational poverty.

Pakistan Xiaohong Yang also weighed in on the loan, saying that the additional financing would support further institutional strengthening

“A policy research unit will also be established within BISP to help monitor and improve the performance of ongoing programs and design new cost-effective and evidence-based initiatives.”

“These include programs such as poverty graduation programs and conditional cash transfers for health and nutrition in line with global best practices,” he added. (Additional Input from INP)

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Fazal-ur-Rehman is misusing religion to his advantage: Shibli Faraz

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Fayyaz Ul Hassan Chohan insinuates Fazl’s linkages with hostile agencies
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ISLAMABAD: Leader of the House in Senate Shibli Faraz said on Monday that Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazal-ur-Rehman is misusing religion to his advantage.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader talked to media and maintained that Fazal-ur-Rehman collected funds in the name of Namoos-e-Risalat (sanctity of Holy Prophet).

Shibli Faraz said the JUI-F chief is using religion in politics and does not want the Madrasah (religious seminary) reforms. “Even ten Maulanas cannot take the stance over Namoos-e-Risalat which Prime Minister Imran Khan took,” he added.

Furthermore, the senator said that we should rectify the mistakes in the system, and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) should address the problems.

Related: Shehbaz Sharif won’t be part of Azadi March: Sheikh Rasheed

Serious concerns over intentions of ‘Azadi March’: Mian Aslam

Minister for Information, Punjab, Mian Aslam in a press conference on Monday said that the Prime Minister of Maulana’s protest agenda seems nefarious.

Aslam said that the religious cleric was trying to rile up young minds and lead them towards chaos and anarchy in the name of justice and rights.

“Innocent children are being told to carry along sticks and canes to the protest (Azadi) march,” said Aslam.

Aslam expanding upon the intentions of Maulana Fazal Ur Rehman said that the march would bring harm to all the hard work done by the Prime Minister in his recently concluded US visit.

“Prime Minister Imran Khan represented the Ummah and the plight of innocent Kashmiri’s on a global scale, Maulana with his self-serving attitude wants to harm the diplomatic case that Pakistan is trying to build against Indian atrocities, he is also bringing harm to the image of Pakistan as a country by taking aggressive measures against the state which may lead to unfortunate events.”

The minister said that no one would oppose a peaceful march and protest, but if things got out of control then anything could happen, he yet again expressed serious doubts over the intentions behind the march and the intentions harbored by its patriarch, Maulana Fazal ur Rehman. (With additional input from INP)

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PM Imran launches Ehsas Saylani Langar Scheme in Islamabad

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Our Correspondent
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Photo credits: Radio Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan has launched langar scheme in collaboration of Saylani Welfare International Trust here Monday to provide free food to the needy people.

The premier inaugurated the first center before leaving for China.

Speaking on the occasion, PM Imran Khan said that this program is aimed at elimination of poverty to develop country as Naya Pakistan.

While touching upon traders well being, he said the government aspires that the business community‘s earnings and incomes augment.

Meanwhile, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Social Protection and Poverty Alleviation Dr Sania Nishtar told the langar center that was established in 10 days will serve quality food to over 600 people daily on the directives of the PM.

She further hoped to open 112 langar centers across the country next year.

Langar scheme is an important component of government’s social protection program Ehsaas. The scheme, currently being launched from the federal capital, will later be expanded to the entire country.

Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said that a charity meal will be offered to the poverty-stricken people under this program.

This nobel deed of the premier will help to promote the spirit of compassion for the weak segments of the society by serving the humanity, she added. (With additional input from INP)

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PM Imran cautions AJK residents against crossing LoC, says will aid Indian narrative

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ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday again cautioned the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) against crossing the Line of Control (LoC) to support the struggle of the people of Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK).

On August 5, India revoked occupied Kashmir’s autonomy, dividing the disputed territory into two regions to be controlled by New Delhi. A draconian lockdown was imposed in the region and all communications were cut. The clampdown has entered its third month with reports of mass detentions and human rights abuses.

The premier, in a tweet, said he understands the anguish of the people of AJK seeing their fellow Kashmiris in IOK under an inhumane curfew for over two months.

Advising the people not to play into the hands of Indian narrative, he said any attempt to cross the disputed border to provide humanitarian aid or support “will give India an excuse to increase violent oppression of Kashmiris in IOJK & attack across LoC”.

The prime minister added that Indian narrative tries to divert attention from the indigenous struggle of the Kashmiris against brutal Indian occupation by trying to label it as “Islamic terrorism” being driven by Pakistan.

Earlier in September, the premier had said that any bid to “wage jihad in Kashmir” would be an act of extreme enmity towards the Kashmiris, he said, adding: “Anyone, who thinks that he will cross the border to join the Kashmiris [fighting for their right], is a big enemy of them and Pakistan.”

Related: US envoy Alice Wells to testify before congressional committee on occupied Kashmir

After the August 5 illegal move, India sent in tens of thousands of extra troops and detained thousands of people including minors as young as nine.

Many of the region’s top politicians remain in custody. UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet said last month she was “deeply concerned” while Washington has called for a “rapid” lifting of restrictions.(Additional Input From INP)

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EU allocates € 300,000 to provide emergency relief to earthquake victims in Pakistan

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ISLAMABAD: The European Union (EU) has allocated 300,000 euros to provide emergency relief to Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) quake victims.

According to a press release issued by the European Consulate on Friday, the funds will help in addressing the most pressing needs of around 3,000 vulnerable people in some of the hardest quake-hit areas.

Earlier, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has also extended its help for the quake victims and the Japanese government had also offered to help the earthquake victims.

The help was offered by the Japanese ambassador to Pakistan in a telephonic conversation with Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Lt. General Muhammad Afzal.

On September 24, a strong earthquake of 5.8-magnitude brought disasters to different parts of AJK. The eartquake hit some urban and rural parts of the AJK including Mirpur, Muzaffarabad, Kotli and many other scattered places.

Read more: Govt will provide Rs500,000 each to heirs of those killed in earthquake: Firdous

“We are acting fast to channel emergency aid to those most affected in Pakistan,” said the Head of the EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations Office in Islamabad, Bernard Jaspers-Faijer.

“Our funding will assist the most vulnerable and help provide shelter to those who have lost their homes and belongings in the aftermath of the strong tremor. Our thoughts are with all the victims and first responders working around the clock to save lives.”

The assistance will also ensure access to clean water for the communities in the affected areas. Special attention will be paid to those most in need, including people with limited sources of income.

The EU funding is made available via the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) through its Small Scale Response mechanism.

Nearly 40 people were killed and more than 700 others injured when a strong, 5.3-magnitude, earthquake struck eastern parts of Pakistan in the afternoon of 24 September. The earthquake, which was followed by a number of aftershocks, caused extensive damage to houses and infrastructure.

According to government data, more than 8,600 houses, as well as a number of roads and bridges, sustained severe structural damage. Mirpur, the largest city in the Pakistan-administered territory of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, is the most affected area with the epicentre located only one kilometre from the city.

The tremor was also felt in several neighbouring provinces, including Islamabad, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. An estimated 100,000 people have been severely affected by the disaster.

(With additional input from INP)

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World Teachers’ Day, AIOU vows to promote teachers education

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World Teachers’ Day, AIOU vows to promote teachers education

ISLAMABAD: Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) reiterated its pledge on the World Teachers’ Day, being celebrated on Octobers 5, that it would lay greater focus on the capacity-building of teaching community through the use of new technology.

The AIOU will continue to play its leading role for professional development of the teachers, as well as enhancing their respect and dignity in the society through formal and non-formal educational activities, said Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Zia-Ul-Qayyum in his message on the occasion.

As this year, the World Teachers’ Day is being celebrated with the theme, “Young Teachers, he said, they wish to provide maximum opportunities to the new comers in the profession, enabling them to do their best in their teaching discourses.

Upholding respect and dignity of the teachers in the society is the most important one and it is hoped that the Day will help to create necessary awareness to this effect. The AIOU has recently redesigned its teachers’ training curriculum, so as to make the learning practices more effective in proper brought-up of the new generation.

The AIOU at its own is striving to ensure that an inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities become a reality by producing capable teachers’ work force.

Dr. Zia-Ul-Qayyum asserted that teachers should develop themselves as role-models for the students by achieving excellence in their respective fields.

They could make themselves prominent by adopting an affectionate and friendly behavior towards their students since the right attitude made a real difference in the teaching process, he added.

According to Dr. Nasir Mahmood, Dean Education, the University has recently launched various degree programs and short-courses for promoting teachers’ training at various levels.

A certificate course for teachers of literacy and Non-Formal education has also been introduced with the support of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and UNESCO.

It was first kind of teachers’ training program in the country that was organised by the University’s Department of Distance and Non-Formal education for promoting teaching quality in Literacy and Non-Formal education.

Meanwhile, the University has re-launched its teacher training programs from the new semester, Autumn 2019 in line with the guideline, set by the Higher Education Commission (HEC).

It was announced that the admission in these programs will remain open until October 15. The MEd one year comprises five categories, Elementary Teacher Education, Teacher Education, Distance & Non-Formal Education, Science Education and Special Education.(Additional Input From INP)

Related:AIOU announces to receive admissions’ form till October 15

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Manmohan Singh to attend inaugural ceremony of Kartarpur Corridor: Indian media

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TNT Monitoring Desk
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NEW DELHI: Former prime minister of India Manmohan Singh will visit Pakistan and attend the inaugural ceremony of the Kartarpur Corridor, Indian media reported on Thursday.

According to details, the visit of erstwhile premier is contingent on Indian government’s approval. Manmohan Singh will reach Kartarpur on November 9, and he has also conducted a sitting with Indian Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh in this regard.

Pakistan had invited Manmohan Singh on the inaugural ceremony of Kartarpur Corridor. Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi had said that the decision to invite Singh was taken after high-level consultation.

Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan. Former prime minister of India Manmohan Singh will visit Pakistan and attend the inaugural ceremony of the Kartarpur Corridor.
Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan. Google Image

The minister had further stated that Sikh pilgrims will also be welcomed in the inaugural ceremony that will be held on the 550th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak.

It is to be mentioned here that Prime Minister Imran Khan will inaugurate the project on November 9, three days before the 550th birth anniversary Baba Guru Nanak that will be celebrated on November 12. 

Read More: Pakistan to allow 5,000 Sikh pilgrims to visit Kartarpur this year: FO

Last month Governor Punjab Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar had said that let it be war or peace, the Kartarpur Corridor Project will be completed till November, under any circumstances.

Speaking at a press conference in Lahore on September 23, Ch. Sarwar said in the Kartarpur Corridor project India is acting rigid since the day one but despite of all the hurdles Pakistan is working on Kartarpur Corridor project and InshAllah before the 550th Birthday celebrations of Baba Guru Nanak Pakistan will complete Kartarpur Project.

To mark Baba Guru Nanaks 550th Birthday celebrations, an International Sikh convention will be organized at Governor House which will be attended by Sikhs coming from all over the world, he added.

He assured Sikh pilgrims who coming from all over the world they will be provided with fool proof security in Pakistan and government will ensure the provision of other facilities. According to the vision of Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah minorities will be given their due rights in Pakistan, he added.

(With additional input from INP)

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Dialogue only way forward for resolving Afghan conflict: FM Qureshi

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SHAH MEHMOOD QURESHI
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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Thursday reiterated that the ongoing Afghan war can only be resolved through dialogue.

The minister passed the remarks in a meeting with the Afghan Taliban delegation held at the Foreign Office.

According to a press release issued by the FO, Qureshi welcomed the delegation at the ministry. The minister told the delegation that Pak-Afghan ties are based on brotherly relations, historical, religious and cultural links.

Qureshi said, “Instability in Afghanistan is impacting both Islamabad and Kabul.” He added that Pakistan believes that war is not the solution to the situation in Afghanistan and dialogue is the only way forward.

The foreign minister said that Pakistan was glad that the world has finally accepted their stance on the situation in Afghanistan.

The foreign minister said that Pakistan has played an honest role in search for peace in Afghanistan. He added that a peaceful Afghanistan is necessary for regional stability.

Meanwhile, the Afghan Taliban delegation also lauded Pakistan’s role in the Afghan peace process and urged for the resumption of dialogue with the United States.

Afghan Taliban spokesperson Suhail Shaheen, while speaking to media persons ,said, “We are negotiating with Pakistan on a peaceful solution to the Afghan conflict.”

Related: Afghan government reacts to Taliban delegation’s visit to Islamabad

The spokesperson added that issues of Afghan refugees and problems faced by Afghan traders was on their agenda.

The Afghan delegation is being led by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar. The visit also coincides with United States Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad visit to Pakistan. It is expected that the two have agreed to hold a meeting in Islamabad on their visit.

(With additional input from INP)

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Afghan government reacts to Taliban delegation’s visit to Islamabad

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Our Correspondent
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TALIBAN
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KABUL: The Afghan government on Wednesday warned that no progress would be imminent if a peace process was not owned and led by the Afghan government.

Presidential spokesperson Sediq Sediqqi said in Twitter post “Peace is our priority. A peace process led and owned by the Afghan government will only lead to lasting and dignified peace in Afghanistan.”

Sediqqi further added “No progress will be imminent if a peace process is not owned and led by the Afghan government.”

He apparently made the remarks in reaction to the travel of a delegation of Taliban political leaders to Islamabad.

A delegation of political leaders of Taliban led by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the deputy political chief of Taliban, reportedly travelled to Islamabad today.

Suhail Shaheen, a spokesman for the political office of Taliban in Qatar said in a Twitter post the Taliban delegation will visit Islamabad on an official invitation.

Shaheen further added that the Taliban leaders will hold talks on some important issues with the Pakistani officials. He did not disclose further information in this regard.

According to Shaheen, the Taliban delegation’s visit to Islamabad would be the 4th such trip to regional countries after the delegation’s visit to Russia, China and Iran.(With additional information from INP)

Afghan elections update: Second round to decide the winner

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Kabul reacts to Taliban delegation’s visit to Islamabad

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Kabul reacts to Taliban delegation’s visit to Islamabad
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KABUL: In reaction to the travel of a delegation of Taliban political leaders to Islamabad, the Afghan government on Wednesday warned that no progress would be imminent if a peace process was not owned and led by the Afghan government.

Presidential spokesperson Sediq Sediqqi said in Twitter post “Peace is our priority. A peace process led and owned by the Afghan government will only lead to lasting and dignified peace in Afghanistan.”

Sediqqi further added “No progress will be imminent if a peace process is not owned and led by the Afghan government.”

A delegation of political leaders of Taliban led by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the deputy political chief of Taliban, reportedly travelled to Islamabad today.

Suhail Shaheen, a spokesman for the political office of Taliban in Qatar said in a Twitter post the Taliban delegation will visit Islamabad on an official invitation.

Shaheen further added that the Taliban leaders will hold talks on some important issues with the Pakistani officials. He did not disclose further information in this regard.

According to Shaheen, the Taliban delegation’s visit to Islamabad would be the 4th such trip to regional countries after the delegation’s visit to Russia, China and Iran. ( Additional input from INP )

Related :US Deal will not stop attacks on Afghan forces: Taliban

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