Author: dailybalochistantimes.com

Islamabad: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday served notices to respondents and sought comments on the acquittal petitions of PTI founder Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi in the Toshakhana-II case.

IHC's bench comprising Justice Inam Amin Minhas heard the appeals of accused against the verdict of trial court.

During the course of proceeding, petitioners' lawyer Barrister Salman Safdar said that it is the prosecution's case that a gift was received and given for value assessment.

He said that it also has to be seen whether the Toshakhana Policy Office Memorandum is also a law or not. The lawyer requested that the trial court be ordered to stop the proceedings until the final verdict on acquittal case.

Justice Inam Amin Minhas remarked that the trial court has already indicted the accused and the statements of the witnesses are being recorded. He said that by issuing notices, we also seek answers from the other parties. It would not be right to stop the trial proceeding at this stage, he remarked.

The lawyer said that the trial is going on very fast, we will appear before court when called. The trial court can call three times a week then it is my right here, daily hearings can also be held on acquittal petition.

Salman Safdar said that the trial court should be stopped from making a final decision. The court remarked, first listen to the other party and only then can we do anything. The court issued notices to FIA and adjourned the hearing till January 28. Meanwhile, the lawyer requested the court to transfer the case the acquittal petition back to the same court. The court remarked, this court will hear the case, you give arguments on the merits.

Islamabad: Chairman of the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC), Engineer Waseem Nazir met with Balochistan Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir during his visit to Quetta to deliberate on the pressing challenges faced by the engineering sector in the province.

The meeting emphasized fostering collaboration to address key issues impacting engineering professionals and projects in Balochistan.

Waseem Nazir highlighted the urgent need to fill vacant positions in government and development departments with young, qualified engineers.

He urged the Chief Secretary to ensure that these vacancies are identified and filled to provide career opportunities for fresh engineering graduates. "Recruiting young engineers into government projects will not only offer employment but also enhance the efficiency and sustainability of national development initiatives," he said.

A significant concern raised during the meeting, was the absence of technical allowances for engineers, as well as the appointment of non-engineers to critical engineering roles, such as Project Directors. Stressing the importance of merit-based processes, the PEC Chairman stated, "Entrusting projects to qualified professionals ensures the success and quality of our engineering ventures."

Engineer Waseem Nazir also proposed structured internship programs for fresh graduates, aimed at equipping them with practical skills to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and industry demands.

He noted that such initiatives would enable young engineers to make meaningful contributions to the sector.

Responding to the concerns, Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir assured his commitment to resolving the issues faced by engineers in the province. He acknowledged the pivotal role of engineers in nation-building and vowed to support reforms for the betterment of the engineering community.

"Engineers are vital to our country's progress. We will work diligently to remove obstacles and create a conducive environment for their growth," he said.

The meeting concluded with both leaders reaffirming their determination to work collaboratively to enhance the engineering

sector and address the challenges faced by professionals and projects in Balochistan.

Islamabad: The Higher Education Commission (HEC), through its National Curriculum Review Committee (NCRC), has updated the curricula for Home Economics degree programmes, ensuring their alignment with contemporary academic and industry requirements.

The two-day NCRC meeting, chaired by Dr Imrana Seemi from the University of Peshawar, was held at the University of Sargodha on January 21-22, 2025, said a press on Thursday.

The committee developed comprehensive curricula for the Associate Degree, Bachelor of Science, and Master of Science in Home Economics, reaffirming HEC's commitment to fostering high-quality education and revitalizing the discipline to meet modern challenges.

Dr. Amjad Hussain, Director General of the Academics Division at HEC, inaugurated the meeting, welcoming distinguished academics from across the country.

He highlighted HEC's ongoing efforts to strengthen curriculum development, improve academic standards, and create a more structured and industry-responsive education system.

Mr. Muhammad Ali Baig, Deputy Director at HEC and Secretary of the NCRC, provided an in-depth briefing on the HEC's curriculum development methodology.

He underscored the importance of standardized academic frameworks in Home Economics to equip students with relevant skills and expertise.

Highlighting the decline in enrollments in Home Economics programmes, he emphasized the need for innovation to attract students, urging universities to play their role in bridging academia-industry linkages to enhance employment prospects for graduates.

He further emphasized the importance of incorporating courses on software applications and artificial intelligence to enhance technological proficiency and modernize the curriculum.

To modernize Home Economics education, the committee integrated new interdisciplinary courses, including Commercialization in Home Economics, Software Applications and Artificial Intelligence in Home Economics, Personal and Family Finance, and Sustainability in Home Economics. These additions, along with six specialized streams, particularly in emerging technologies, aim to provide students with a well-rounded academic and practical foundation.

The NCRC had representation from leading higher education institutions across Pakistan, including Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad; Government College University Faisalabad; Government College Women University Faisalabad; Government College Women University Sialkot; Dr I. H. Zuberi Government Girls College of Home Economics, Hyderabad; Lahore College for Women University, Lahore; Ra'ana Liaquat Ali Khan College of Home Economics, Karachi; University of Agriculture, Faisalabad; University of Home Economics, Lahore; University of Peshawar; and University of Sargodha.

The revised curricula, developed in accordance with HEC's undergraduate and graduate education policies, incorporate the latest advancements in the field. Once approved by HEC management, the finalized curricula will be disseminated to universities nationwide for implementation.