ISLAMABAD: Capital Police have arrested a 25-year-old man in Islamabad for raping 20 women, including a woman constable, in the past six months.
The man not only raped the women, but cut their private parts with a sharp object too, according to a report.
The suspect, who hails from Azad Kashmir, used to sexually assault women in a forest near the Islamabad Highway.
Rukhsar Mehdi, a sub-divisional police officer in Islamabad, said that the suspect had been committing such heinous crimes for the past six months.
The officer said he used to conduct recce of women for two to three days before assaulting them.
The police came to know about him after a woman filed a complaint at the Koral police station. She said she was attacked and raped by an unidentified man in the forest, according to Mehdi.
The woman helped the police make the sketch of the attacker. It was then showed to several people in the area where the assaults took place.
A man saw the sketch and identified the attacker because he had also raped his three daughters, another investigator said.
According to Mehdi, at least three rape cases were reported within the limits of his police station. Other women have not yet filed their complaints.
ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad district administration has announced new restrictions for Eid to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
The restrictions are being implemented under the NCOC guidelines issued on April 29 and will be applicable from May 8 (Saturday) to May 16 (Sunday).
All markets, commercial activities, businesses, and shops will remain closed except the following: Medical stores and pharmacies, Vaccination Centres, Grocery stores, Vegetable and fruit shops, Meat shops, Bakeries, Petrol pumps, Takeaways and Utility services.
A ban has been imposed on all markets on Chaand Raat, including mehandi, jewelry and clothing stalls.
All tourist spots, picnic points, resorts, and hotels/restaurant will be closed including the following: Lake View Point, Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument, Murree Point, Peer Sohawa, Shrines, F-9 Park, Jasmine Garden, Damn-e-Koh, Rawal Dam, Shahdra Hill Station, Trails, Shakar Parian and Lok Virsa Centre.
All types of inter-provincial, inter-city, and intra-city public transport has been banned too. The ban will not be applicable to private vehicles, taxis/cabs, rickshaws with 50% occupancy.
ISLAMABAD: Coronavorus epidemic death toll across Pakistan has surged to 18,000 mark as the figure jumped to 18,070 while 4,414 new cases and 113 new deaths were reported during last 24 hours.
Authorities on Federal and Provincial level are asking people to follow the COVID-19 SOPs to avoid the consequences as country is lacking proper facilities. Hospitals arereaching to their capacity and there is only option left that people follow SOPs strictly or the Governmant impose curfew.
The authorities on Sunday have reported 113 new deaths in last 24 hours while the virus as 4,414 more people were tested positive that took the tally to 829,933 cases. During last 24 hours 113 new deaths were reported that took the toll of fatalities to 18,070.
According to latest figures displayed on National Coronavirus Dashboard of the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC), the NCOC confirmed the death of 113 more people during last 24 hours besides reported that 4,414 persons tested positive for COVID-19.
Punjab have been declared worst hit province during this month as positivity rate of the province was witnessed over 11 per cent in some parts while the toll of infections reached to 304,889 in the province. Sindh has reported 284,738 overall coronavirus epidemic infections, followed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Punjab has overtaken Sindh in most number of casualties.
The new cases have taken the national tally of positive cases to 829,933 with 304,889 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Punjab, 284,738 in Sindh, 119,277 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 75,892 in Islamabad, 22,528 in Balochistan, 17,297 in Azad Kashmir and 5,312 in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Nationwide till of deaths surged to 18,070 out of that 8,550 individuals have lost their lives to the epidemic in Punjab 4,658 in Sindh, 3,350 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 691 in Islamabad, 477 in Azad Kashmir, 237 in Balochistan, and 107 in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Pakistan has so far conducted 11,882,141 coronavirus tests and 45,275 in the last 24 hours. 722,202 patients have recovered in the country whereas 5,448 patients are in critical condition.
ISLAMABAD: The Higher Education Development in Pakistan (HEDP) project held its third Steering Committee (SC) meeting at HEC office Islamabad.
Presided by the Executive Director HEC, Dr. Shaista Sohail, the meeting was attended by key SC members from all provinces.
The committee consists of senior officials from key federal ministries and provincial departments of higher education, Vice Chancellors of universities from across Pakistan, and industrial representative.
HEDP is a five-year project (2019/20 – 2023/24) being implemented by HEC to expand upon its key higher education priorities. It aims to support research excellence in strategic sectors of the economy, improve teaching and learning, and strengthen governance in higher education.
The project comprises of five key components which include improving and expanding research grants, roll out of the new undergraduate education policy, extending Pakistan Education & Research Network (PERN) to universities and affiliated colleges, Higher Education Management Information Systems and Data Repository, and establishment/strengthening of National Academy of Higher Education – NAHE.
Project Coordinator, Maryam Riaz gave an overview of the project, its restructuring and future plans. The restructuring focuses on the changes necessary due to the circumstances higher education faces due to COVID.
Extensive use of latest technology in higher education is a key element of restructuring.
The new technology initiatives include state of the art Learning Management System to help improve the quality of online learning and make it accessible even in the remote areas of Pakistan.
Blockchain technology will be implemented to ease the process of degree verification and attention thus saving the students money and time it takes to get degrees attested. It will help address and eradicate the issue of fake degrees.
Latest Enterprise Resource Planning system including Robotic Process Automation and Artificial Intelligence will be deployed at HEC to improve the efficiencies of the organization.
A central data warehouse linked to a powerful Business Intelligence platform will provide reports and insights to senior decision makers in higher education thus supporting evidence based policy and planning.
The research grants offered under the HEDP project during year 2020 covered sectors where there is a dire need of research to find practical solutions to issues Pakistan faces. For example, a grant award under Grand Challenge fund was awarded to a research proposal in Food Security sector, and will focus on making vaccines for animals to save their lives from ticks.
Another grant focuses on finding solution to locust issue and to save crops from locust attack. Rapid Research Grants covered issues related to COVID.
Participants also discussed the new undergraduate education policy which has been rolled out nation-wide.
Dr. Syed Zulfiqar Gilani informed the SC of the new distance and online learning policy and distance/online quality assurance framework.
HEC has implemented its own MOOCS (Massive Open Online Courses) which will be soon opened to faculty members across Pakistan and they will be able to use it for developing their own courses.
Rector NAHE, Dr. Shaheen Sardar briefed the members on the faculty and HEC employees’ trainings conducted over last six months.
NAHE also focused on training teachers on how to deliver courses online and use online learning management systems. NAHE is moving towards self-reliance and has generated significant funds through conducting some specialized trainings.
HEC provides internet and WIFI services to faculty and staff. This network has further expanded to remote universities and affiliated colleges.
Committee members were informed that despite the hurdles faced due to COVID the project is still on track and a successful World Bank mission has recently concluded.
SC appreciated the efforts of HEDP team and offered their support and cooperation to resolve any challenges faced by project team. The committee members expressed their interest to be more involved with the project and have frequent meetings.
The meeting ended with a vote of thanks from the Executive Director (HEC).
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) special flight PK6852 landed at Islamabad airport from Beijing carrying over 300,000 coronavirus vaccines.
The second flight of the national airline will arrive in Pakistan in the afternoon.
PIA special plane arrived in Islamabad from Beijing carrying doses of the coronavirus vaccine.
According to sources, PK6852 landed at the Islamabad airport from Beijing carrying over 300,000 coronavirus vaccines.
Sources said that around one million vaccines are being brought to Pakistan by three Boeing 777 planes.
The second flight of the national airline will arrive in Pakistan at 12 noon and the third at midnight.
“Three more PIA 777s arrived in #Beijing – #China to carry another large consignment of #COVID19 vaccines as part of a larger initiative to combat the pandemic,” the national airlines said on Twitter.
“On the behest of the Government of Pakistan, we would continue to serve this great nation at the time of crisis,” it added.
The spokesperson of the national flag carrier, Abdullah Hafeez Khan, had said a day earlier that three Boeing 777 planes had been sent to China for procurement of coronavirus vaccines.
ISLAMABAD: The Government of Pakistan, with the support of UNHCR, has launched a nationwide verification exercise for 1.4 million Afghan refugees during which new smartcards will be issued.
The Documentation Renewal and Information Verification Exercise, or DRIVE for short, was inaugurated at a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Islamabad by the Federal Minister for SAFRON Mehboob Sultan. The UNHCR Representative, Noriko Yoshida, and the Chief Commissioner for Afghan Refugees, Saleem Khan, were also present on the occasion.
During the six-month exercise, registered Afghan refugees who currently hold Proof of Registration (PoR) cards will be provided with new smartcards.
“The DRIVE exercise is a leap forward for everyone,” Yoshida said, welcoming its launch. “This step will allow refugees to have better, faster and safer access to services, including schools, hospitals and banks.”
Yoshida added that in addition to verifying existing data, the exercise will record Afghan refugees’ skill sets, level of education, socio-economic circumstances, allowing better targeted health, education and livelihood support in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
“Pakistan has been hosting Afghan refugees for four decades, and a lot has changed since the last verification exercise 10 years ago. It’s crucial that we update the data of Afghan refugees to understand their situation better,” said the Federal Minister for SAFRON.
Sultan added, “As the country hosting one of the most protracted refugee situation in the world, Pakistan has strived to play its part in assisting and protecting refugees. It’s important the international community also continue to come forward, and share the responsibility and help find solutions.”
The Federal Minister for SAFRON urged POR cardholders to participate fully in this exercise. He also requested that they take all precautionary measures and observe COVID-19 protocols.
Six hundred male and female staff – a combination of government and UNHCR – will be working at some 35 DRIVE verification sites around the country, and using mobile registration vehicles, to support refugees throughout the exercise.
Measures are in place at all DRIVE sites to mitigate COVID-19 risks through enhanced hygiene, physical distancing and the scheduling of set numbers of appointments each day.
DRIVE is part of a wider effort to assist displaced Afghans, through the Support Platform for the Solutions Strategy for Afghan Refugees (SSAR) (https://ssar-platform.org).
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Radio and TV artist and renowned newscaster, Kanwal Naseer, passed away on Thursday after a brief illness in Islamabad.
Kanwal Naseer, who was first female announcer of Pakistan television, was suffering from diabetes and being treated in a private hospital for last few days.
She was Radio and television’s famous voice and entertained people with her outstanding skills as an artist. Kanwal recently said there were three things in her life, home, school and Radio.
Kanwal was daughter of legend actor Mohini Hameed (Apa Shamim) and mother-in-law of PTI Secretary Information Ahmed Jawad. She was born in Lahore in 1948.
PTI minister Ch Fawad Hussain shared a tribute to the late artist as he tweeted: ‘The first female voice of PTV, the legendary Kanwal Naseer is no more. RIP’
Among other showbiz stars, Humayun Saeed – recipient of the Pride of Performance award – also shared his heartfelt condolences to her family. May Allah bless her soul.
She had various feathers on her cap as she was the first female anchor, first female newscaster, and first female announcer of Pakistan Television.
The popular newscaster joined the media at the age of 17, remained associated with PTV and Radio Pakistan for five decades.
Kanwal Naseer made her first announcement at the PTV on 26th November, 1964. She has been awarded with Pride of Performance and numerous other national awards in recognition of her services.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s military parade, which was postponed due to inclement weather on March 23, was held Thursday (today) in Islamabad, with the armed forces of Pakistan presenting displaying their military might for the world to see.
The day was Pakistan day to commemorate the day when resolution of Pakistan was passed by All India Muslim League in 1940, demanding a separate homeland for Muslims of South Asia. The later was turned into a military day despite the day for democracy.
The grand event featured contingents of the all three wings of armed forces and the security forces conducting a march past as fighter jets presented aerobatic maneuvers.
The traditional military parade is the mega event of Pakistan Day celebrations and is held at the Parade Ground near the landmark Shakarparian hills in the federal capital.
Prime Minister Imran Khan did not attend today’s event as he is quarantining at home after testing positive for coronavirus.
Due to coronavirus restrictions, a limited number of spectators were allowed to witness the parade.
Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu led the formations of PAF fly-past aircraft during Pakistan Day Parade.
The impressive ceremony started with the fly past of fighter jets of Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Navy led by Air Chief Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu presenting salute to the chief guest President Arif Alvi.
Formations of fighter jets including F-16, JF 17 Thunder, Mirage, AWACs. C-130 and P-3C Orion participated in the fly past.
Contingents of Pakistan Army, Navy, Pakistan Air Force, Special Services Groups, Frontier Corps, Rangers, Islamabad Police, Frontier Constabulary, Airport Security Force and Boys Scouts, marched past the dais presenting salute to the chief guest.
Amidst applause by the audience, JF-17 and formations of Sherdils presented breath taking aerobatics spreading range of colors in the skies.
As a mark of strong bonds between Pakistan and Turkey, a Turkish fighter jet also presented a whole range of dazzling manoeuvres.
A Turkish military band on the occasion presented different tunes including that of Dil Dil Pakistan, Jaan Jaan Pakistan.
Floats depicted culture of Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan and the four provinces.
The floats of Ministry of Science and Technology and the frontline healthcare workers against Covid-19 were also part of the parade.
While addressing the ceremony, President Arif Alvi said Pakistan has the capability to defend its territorial integrity and sovereignty, categorically stating that any misadventure will receive a befitting response.
He said we will defend our independence at all costs.
The president however said Pakistan desires peace, security and development in the whole region and has also taken practical steps towards that end.
He said peaceful coexistence is the cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy. He said the situation warrants that the leadership of South Asia reject the politics of hate, prejudice and religious extremism to guide the region towards prosperity.
He said Pakistan wants to move forward with good intent and peace but our desire for peace should not be construed as our weakness.
Alvi said Pakistan is a strong nuclear power. Apart from making progress in the socio-economic sectors, the country has achieved self-reliance in defence.
He expressed satisfaction that Pakistan is also exporting its defence products.
Voicing serious concerns over the human rights situation in Indian occupied Kashmir, the president said the resolution of the Kashmir dispute is imperative for ensuring peace in South Asia.
He said the entire Pakistani nation stands by their Kashmiri brothers and sisters in this hour of trial. He said Kashmir is a jugular vein of Pakistan and we will continue to raise their voice at all forums.
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan took out the names of 10 laborers and widows in a lucky draw and they will now be able to afford and own their own houses.
The premier inaugurated Labor Colony Phase-I and Phase-II in Islamabad on Thursday. The balloting was held for six women, two people with disabilities and two laborers. On Friday, electronic balloting will be held and houses will be allotted to 1,508 laborers.
People earning less than Rs500,000 would be given ownership rights of these homes. Around 3,000 individuals registered themselves under the Workers Welfare Fund. Of them, 1,500 will be handed over these houses and flats through a draw.
“No country in the world can allot houses to the poor,” said Prime Minister Imran Khan while addressing the ceremony. “What we have done is make it easier for people to afford houses.” He explained that laborers were already paying rent so now that rent will be used to pay off bank loans for their houses. He did not give the amount laborers will be required to pay.
The project spreads over 2,560 acres of land and comprises 1,008 apartments and 500 houses. This project was launched before but was abandoned due to a lack of funds. The government collaborated with the Workers Welfare Fund and completed the project under the Naya Pakistan Housing Program.
“A 25-year-old project has been revived,” the premier remarked. Countries have to help those who can’t help themselves. “This is the right of the workers. Labourers should be able to own their houses.”
ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Security Dialogue has brought different stakeholders together to define national security and make the process of nation-building more inclusive, Prime Minister Imran Khan said.
“Food security and climate change are now considered a part of national security too,” he remarked while speaking during the inaugural session of the two-day conference at Islamabad’s National Library.
No one used to talk about climate change five years ago but people are becoming more aware now. The federal government has launched its 10 Billion Tree Tsunami programme to fight the effects of climate change. He said that Pakistan will take steps agreed upon in the Paris Accord.
Pakistan is moving towards a food crisis, and no one is even thinking about it. We imported four million tonnes of wheat last year. “In April, we will announce a comprehensive plan for food security.”
There can’t be national security in a country with a pool of poor people being governed by a small rich minority. “We have to own our country and national security means that a nation stands united.”
Pakistan has been given subsidies on wheat and other products but we will plan on giving targeted subsidies on fertilizers, ghee, and other agricultural items to the farmers. “This will bring a revolution.”
We have to focus on economic growth too and for that, we have to improve our trading ties with our neighbors, the premier said. “We have access to the world’s two biggest markets” and we have to use this to our advantage, he remarked.
If Afghanistan becomes stable then it will prove to be beneficial for the entire region. He shared that Pakistan is in talks with Uzbekistan on making a train route with it.
With India, we are focusing on forming civilized relations. After August 5, 2019, there was a complete breakdown of relations between the two neighboring countries. “If they give Kashmiris the right to determination, then it will benefit both India and Pakistan.”
The conference has been organized by the National Security Division in collaboration with its Advisory Board, comprising five leading think tanks of the country.
A new strategic direction will be unveiled at the conference based on a comprehensive security framework in line with Prime Minister Imran Khan’s vision of peace, regional connectivity, and development partnerships with the world, according to the conference’s press statement.
PM Khan even launched an advisory portal set up by the National Security Division to engage think tanks and academia in policymaking. The portal will be a dedicated and integrated platform through which major think tanks and universities working on the subject of national security will be able to share policy recommendations directly with the NSD.
Pakistan is hosting its first-ever security dialogue with an aim to define the country’s new strategic direction in line with Prime Minister Imran Khan’s vision of peace, regional connectivity and development partnerships with the world.
The Prime Minister inaugurated the two-day conference today (Wednesday) in Federal Capital city Islamabad. It is called Islamabad Security Dialogue and is being organised by the National Security Division in collaboration with its advisory board, comprising five leading think tanks of the country.
The think tanks are: Centre for Aerospace and Security Studies, Islamabad Policy Research Institute, Institute of Strategic Studies, Institute of Regional Studies and National Defence University’s Institute of Strategic Studies, Research and Analysis.
Chief of the Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa will be a keynote speaker tomorrow Thursday.
Top scholars and diplomats will be participating in the summit. It is expected that the summit will be live streamed. You can watch it on their official Twitter account.
At the event, the Prime Minister will also launch the first of its kind advisory portal of the National Security Division.
This portal will be an integrated platform through which major think tanks and universities working on the subject of national security will be able to share policy recommendations directly with the national leadership.
