Author: dailybalochistantimes.com

Muzaffarabad:The University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (UAJK), Muzaffarabad, has earned a distinguished milestone in the World University Rankings (Subject) 2025.

UAJK has been ranked as the top institution in Azad Jammu and Kashmir in the field of engineering education and placed among the top 801-1000 universities globally, said a press release.

According to the report, UAJK's remarkable achievement in engineering stems from its excellence in quality research, strong industry linkages, international outlook, research environment, and teaching standards. This recognition follows another significant accomplishment in 2024 when Times Higher Education ranked UAJK first in the region and 35th nationwide for its quality education, robust infrastructure, and highly qualified faculty.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Kaleem Abbasi extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Dean of Engineering, Prof. Dr. Saadat Hanif Dar, departmental heads, faculty members, administrative staff, and students for their exceptional efforts. "Being recognized by Times Higher Education in 2024 and now by the World University Rankings (Subject) in 2025 is a matter of immense pride for UAJK," he stated.

The Vice-Chancellor also commended the Director of the Quality Enhancement Cell, Prof. Saadat Hanif Dar, Deputy Director Imran Maqbool Abbasi, and their team for their pivotal role in achieving this distinction. He expressed optimism that other academic departments would follow suit, striving for similar excellence and promoting their achievements effectively.

Commenting on the success, Dean of Engineering Prof. Dr. Saadat Hanif Dar attributed this milestone to the visionary leadership, unwavering commitment, and tireless efforts of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Kaleem Abbasi. He congratulated the faculty and students of the Engineering Department on this remarkable success.

This accomplishment reaffirms UAJK's dedication to fostering excellence in education and research, strengthening its reputation as a leading institution in the region and beyond.

Peshawar:Participants of a productive Public-Private Dialogue (PPD) highlighted the urgent need for legislative reforms aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The event was jointly hosted by the Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA) and the Women Chamber of commerce and Industry (WCCI) here on Wednesday.

A diverse group of stakeholders, including women entrepreneurs, government officials, industry leaders, and representatives from organizations such as SMEDA, FBR, KPRA, and the Economic Development Unit, CSOs and media participated in the dialogue.

Participants highlighted the critical barriers faced by women-led businesses in accessing finance, navigating regulatory frameworks, and competing in male-dominated markets.

Program Manager, Khalfan Khattak highlighted CGPA's unwavering commitment to empowering women's chambers of commerce and emphasized the importance of creating a supportive ecosystem that not only fosters participatory democracy but also unlocks sustainable opportunities for women-led enterprises at the provincial level.

CGPA believes in bridging the divide between policy and practice and is working to ensure that women entrepreneurs have access to the necessary tools, networks, and platforms that can drive economic transformation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Khattak added.

Speaking on the occasion as chief guest, Abdul Karim Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Industries emphasized underscored the critical need for fostering a business environment that is both inclusive and supportive, particularly for women entrepreneurs, who serve as vital contributors to the socio-economic advancement of the province.

He Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WCCI) to devise a comprehensive agenda that aligns with government initiatives. Such an agenda could serve as the basis for future discussions aimed at bolstering the role of women-led enterprises in the region.

Highlighting the importance of diversification, he urged women entrepreneurs to explore opportunities beyond traditional domains like embroidery and stitching, promoting innovation and broadening the spectrum of women-led businesses.

Abdul Karim also brought attention to the Social Welfare Department's loan programs under Akhuwat and said these programs are specifically designed to support marginalized groups, including the transgender and differently-abled communities, ensuring that economic opportunities reach every segment of society.

Ms. Rabia Basri, president WCCI Peshawar, spoke about how important women's chambers are for boosting local revenue. She emphasized that government support and grants are essential for the chamber to remain stable and effectively support women-led businesses.

Provincial Chief (SMEDA), Rashid Aman highlighted the main needs of start-ups and small businesses and associated barriers. He highlighted issues in the rules and policies that make it difficult for them to grow.

He urged women entrepreneurs to take advantage of the IHSAAS JAWAN program to help expand their businesses in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and beyond.

In her address, Ms.Mahvish Ayub head of strategy NIC, emphasized the pivotal role NIC Peshawar plays in fostering collaboration among startups, investors, and the local government. She stressed the importance of educating local investors to bridge the gap between innovation and sustainable growth, alongside advocating for stronger public-private partnerships.

Dera ghazi khan:The Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Dera Ghazi Khan has announced that the annual Matric and Intermediate Part-I examinations for 2025 will begin on March 4 and April 29, respectively. A board spokesperson stated that the use of social media to circulate or promote question papers during or after the exams is strictly prohibited. Violators will be prosecuted under the Punjab Universities and Boards of Education Malpractice Act 1950, which prescribes penalties of up to three years imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 50,000.

The spokesperson further cautioned that capturing images or recording videos of question papers, or any attempt to disrupt the examination process, constitutes a legal offense. The board has urged all candidates and examination staffers to adhere to regulations to avoid legal consequences.

Peshawar:Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi on Wednesday assured Mohmand Political Alliance that he would raise the issues before concerning departments such as Nadra, passport services, Wapda, and Mohmand Dam with the federal government.

The Governor said this in a meeting with the delegation from the Mohmand Political Alliance, led by Malik Jangriz Khan, here at Governor House.

The delegation included leaders from various political parties affiliated with the Mohmand district.

They briefed the Governor about the issues facing the Mohmand tribe, including problems related to electricity, water, communications, and other sectors.

The delegation also commended Governor Faisal Karim Kundi for organizing an All Parties Conference and forming political and technical committees to raise the rights of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the merged districts. They particularly appreciated the decision to include the Mohmand tribe in these committees.

In response, Governor Kundi emphasized that the Governor's House would act as a lawyer for all the provinces in advocating their issues with the federal authorities.

He also assured the delegation that they could submit their concerns in writing, and he would ensure positive progress.

Governor Kundi acknowledged the frustration expressed by the delegation, recognizing that the provincial government had failed to properly utilize the funds received from the federal government following the merger of FATA and the NFC Award.

He highlighted the mismanagement of these funds, the lack of resources for police, and the failure to allocate funds for the merged districts, which has led to growing discontent among the tribal communities regarding the merger.

Governor Kundi further praised the Mohmand Political Alliance for setting an example in the province by putting aside political differences for the greater regional interest.

He stressed the need for a similar approach across the province to address broader issues related to the rights of all districts.

He assured the delegation that he would work to ensure they have access to relevant high-ranking officials in the federal government.

Meanwhile, a certificate distribution ceremony was held at the Governor House for students of the Enlighten School System and Training Center led by .

Governor Faisal Karim Kundi awarded certificates to both male and female students in recognition of their outstanding performance.

Special persons who completed skill development training at the institution, as well as teachers who showed exceptional performance, were also presented with certificates.

The event was attended by several notable figures, including Zobia Amir, Vice President of the Women Chamber of Commerce, officials from the NAVTTC, as well as teachers and students.

Governor Faisal Karim Kundi congratulated the students who received certificates and emphasized the importance of skill development for youth in the current circumstances.

He said that trained youth have better job prospects both within the country and abroad.

The Governor also highlighted that the federal government has allocated a significant budget for skill development programs across various sectors to equip young people with necessary competencies.

He further reiterated the need for more skill development training to empower the youth of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for future employment opportunities.

Similarly, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi handed over the medicine sent by the Balochistan government for the victims in Kurram Districtt to the Pakistan Red Crescent Society for the merged districts.

Chairman of the Pakistan Red Crescent Society for Merged Districts, Imran Wazir, received the medicines from Governor Kundi at the Governor House.

The Pakistan Red Crescent Society will distribute the medicines among the affected people in Kurram District.

Governor Faisal Karim Kundi expressed his gratitude to the Chief Minister of Balochistan and the provincial government for their timely assistance.

He praised the people and government of Balochistan for their humanitarian gesture and solidarity with the people of Kurram.

Governor Kundi further said that this gesture of the Balochistan government and its people is a shining example of love and brotherhood between the provinces.

He thanked the Balochistan government for their continued support and compassion toward the victims of Kurram District.

Sargodha:Light rain with winds on Wednesday afternoon turned the weather cold.

According to Meteorological Department, more light rain is expected in the city in next 24 hours while maximum and minimum temperatures were recorded 21 degrees centigrade and 7 degrees centigrade, respectively.

Muzaffarabad:The construction of the Rattoha Haryam Bridge on Mangla lake in Southern Mirpur district of Azad Jammu and Kashmir ( AJK), that had been inactive for the past ten years and was lying dormant, has resumed at full speed due to the efforts of the Prime Minister Choudhry Anwarul Haq.

With a cost of over 9 billion rupees, this multi-purpose bridge had been stalled due to various legal, technical, and financial issues. However, Prime Minister Choudhry Anwarul Haq has finally proven that, with determination, wisdom, and strategy, the impossible can be made possible.

The national company responsible for the bridge's construction has made all arrangements to begin work and offered prayers for the project's success. The engineers and technicians are ready to enter the dam's waters at any time to construct the pilars of the bridge.

Prime Minister Haq prioritized this project and included it in his daily progress checklist. He ensured that the revised design and plan were approved by the relevant forums and awarded the contract transparently to the national construction company.

The company has now brought all the necessary German-made machinery, boats, and equipment to both sides of the bridge. They have also built workers' colonies equipped with residential rooms, bathrooms, a mosque, and emergency medical facilities.

Additionally, to keep the machinery operational and secure, a yard has been constructed. The company has also set up heavy-duty electrical connections and standby generators at the site.

Yesterday, a prayer ceremony was held to mark the official start of the work, attended by the management, labor, government officials, political and social figures, as well as senior management from the company in Islamabad and experts from the swampy areas.

The company is now fully committed to the bridge's construction. The experts and technicians are ready to enter the water for excavation of the pillars and the construction of the deck.

The Prime Minister's advisor, Colonel (R) Mohammad Maroof, is determined that the bridge will be completed by next year, after which it will prove to be a game-changer for the region.