KP Cabinet meeting scheduled for January 24

Peshawar:Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) cabinet meeting has been scheduled for January 24, with official notifications sent to participants.

Official sources said on Wednesday the meeting will be presided over by Chief Minister Sardar Ali Amin Gandapur.

Department of Establishment and Administrative Affairs has issued formal invitations to the cabinet members.

Cabinet members and secretaries from relevant departments are expected to attend.

According to the notification, the agenda for the meeting will be shared later.

KP cabinet held its last meeting earlier this month on January 15 with CM in the Chair.

The upcoming meeting aims at addressing key administrative and governance issues in the province.

AJK President appreciates Turkey’s consistent support for Kashmir cause

Muzaffarabad:Azad Jammu and Kashmir ( AJK) President Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry, while appreciating Turkey's consistent support to the Kashmir cause has expressed the optimism that Turkey would continue its unwavering support to Kashmiris' legitimate struggle for their right to self-determination.

He expressed these views while talking to the Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan Dr. Irfan Neziroglu who called on him at his office on Wednesday.

On this occasion, the Turkish Embassy's Counsellor Mrs. Yaprak Ece was also present.

Speaking on the occasion, President Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry said that the Kashmir issue was not only the issue of the Kashmiri people but also of the Muslim Ummah.

Apprising the Turkish ambassador of the prevailing political and human rights situation in the Indian occupied territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the president said that the Indian government's relentless repression of political and human rights in the region has devastating impacts on the Kashmiri society.

"Along with suppression of political rights people in occupied Kashmir have been deprived of religious rights and freedoms", he said, adding that even Kashmiri Muslims were not allowed to offer Friday prayers.

He said that the bloodshed of innocent civilians, particularly the youth at the hands of occupation forces, was going on unabated.

Terming massive military concentration as the main cause of rights violations in the region, he said, "India's nine lakh army is committing genocide against Kashmiris".India, he said, was not only violating human rights in occupied Kashmir but religious minorities in India have been the worst victims of Modi government's Hindu supremacist's ideology.

Barrister Chaudhry also highlighted India's involvement in transnational terrorism.

The president said the Muslim countries, especially Turkey, should play their much needed role to help stop the bloodbath of innocent civilians in the region and resolving the Kashmir issue in accordance with the resolutions of the United Nations.

Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry also sought Turkey's role in the development of Azad Kashmir. On this occasion, Turkish Ambassador Dr. Irfan Neziroglu assured his country's continued support to the Kashmir cause.

He said that Turkey has always supported the Kashmiris' just cause and called for an immediate end to rights violations in the region.

Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry, invited the Turkish Ambassador Dr. Irfan Neziroglu to visit Muzaffarabad, which he delightfully accepted.

UAJK earns prestigious rankings in global institutions

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.

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.

PM performs ground breaking of first Daanish School in AJK, says Schools will bring education revolution

Bhimber (ajk):Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday performed ground breaking of the first Daanish School Science and Technology Center of Excellence in Bhimber, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), marking a significant milestone in the area's educational development.

The prime minister expressed his commitment to establishing more Daanish Schools in AJK and other underdeveloped areas of the country, aiming to provide quality education to talented and intelligent children who lack access to educational facilities.

Addressing the ground breaking ceremony of the AJK's first Daanish School Center of Science and Technology Center of Excellence in Bhimber, the prime minister termed the establishment of Daanish School in AJK as a welcoming sign.

He said that the project of Daanish Schools was the brainchild of his leader and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif which were initially aimed at providing quality education to the talented and intelligent children of the less developed areas of Punjab whose parents were unable to bear their education expenses.

"Thousands of students are now serving different key departments after completing their studies from Daanish Schools," he added.

He said the talented orphans and poor children were enrolled in Daanish Schools which would bring educational revolution in the country.

He informed that the children in the schools get free books, meals and boarding facilities. Similarly, he said the school's buildings would be totally separate for girls and boys.

He announced that more Daanish Schools will be opened soon in Neelum and other areas of AJK. Similarly, he said more Daanish Schools will also be opened soon in Gilgit Baltistan, Balochistan and merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The prime minister said all funds for the schools will be paid by the federal government.

He directed the relevant authorities to construct and operationlize the school within one year.

The prime minister pointed out that the people of Occupied Kashmir who were fighting for their independence will be happy to see their brothers getting such high standard education facilities.

He said that the chief ministers of Punjab, Sindh and Balochisan were taking steps to provide the best possible facilities in education and health sectors.

The prime minister added that "as long as the people of Kashmir do not get their right to self-determination according to the United Nations resolutions, we will continue our political, moral, and diplomatic support".

"The Chief of Army Staff, General Syed Asim Munir, is firmly committed to supporting our Kashmiri brothers. The sacrifices of the Kashmiris will not go in vain, they will attain freedom", he added.

The prime minister said due the the incumbent government's prudent steps, the inflation rate and subsequently the policy rate had come down significantly, besides the country's exports and foreign remittances also witnessed notable increase.

He said the World Bank, in its 10-years plan, had also allocated US$20 billion for various projects in Pakistan.

"We have saved the country from falling into default by resolving key economic challenges," he said adding that the government was committed to successfully complete the programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

PM Shehbaz Sharif noted that the country could not see development and prosperity until complete eradication of the menace of terrorism from the country.

"Pakistan armed forces and the security forces are rendering great sacrifices in war against terrorism which must be acknowledged," he said adding that unrest in the country was incurring a huge loss of around Rs 190 billion every day.

He expressed the confidence that those conspiring against the country will fail.

Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Anwar-ul-Haq said that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif had illuminated the path of knowledge by establishing a Daanish School in Bhimber, an underdeveloped district.

"This is his credit, and we are grateful for the launch of this great project. This is a game-changer initiative," he added.

He said the Kashmiris will unite and confront Indian state terrorism. "India is engaging in propaganda to divert attention from its atrocities and human rights violations in occupied Kashmir."

Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, Amir Muqam, expressed gratitude for the establishment of the Daanish School project in Azad Kashmir.

He said four Daanish Schools will be established in Azad Kashmir.

Federal Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said that the Daanish Schools initiative had now been launched in Kashmir.

"Nations develop through educational progress. We are striving to promote modern education in line with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif's vision," he added.

The event was also attended by Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Prime Minister's Advisor for Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, Chairman Prime Minister Youth Program Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Ministers and Members of Azad Kashmir Legislative Assembly, and the leadership of the Hurriyat Conference.

Commissioner visits e-Khidmat Centre

Bahawalpur:Commissioner Bahawalpur Division Musarrat Jabeen visited the e-Khidmat Centre Bahawalpur and reviewed the available facilities there.

She inspected various service countres, including the 'Meri Chhat, Mera Ghar' countre. She interacted with the individuals at the e-Khidmat Centre and gathered information about the services provided. She instructed the relevant officers and staff to ensure that all facilities were provided to citizens in a timely and transparent manner.

E-Khidmat Centre Manager Ahad Gardezi briefed the commissioner about the services offered at the centre. He said the e-Khidmat Centre Bahawalpur provides various services under one roof, including identity card counters, learner driving licences, children's B forms, domicile certificates, character certificates, property ownership documents, approval of construction plans, excise facilities, and land record management information systems.

Musarrat Jabeen directed that all services be delivered in a timely, standard, and transparently and that no effort be spared in public welfare initiatives.

Later, the commissioner planted a tree in the lawn of the e-Khidmat Centre.

Training of Civil Judges, Qazis on expedited hearings of inheritance cases begins

Peshawar:A three-day specialized training program on "Expedited Hearings of Inheritance Cases" was commenced at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Judicial Academy here Wednesday.

Twenty-four civil judges and area qazis from various districts of the province are participating in the program, said a press release issued here, adding that the training aimed to equip judges and Qazis with the necessary skills, knowledge and understanding to effectively resolve inheritance disputes.

The opening ceremony featured Justice Syed Arshad Ali, Honorable Judge of the Peshawar High Court and Advisor to the Academy, as the chief guest.

Also present were Peshawar High Court Registrar Barrister Ikhtiar Khan, Director General of the Judicial Academy Jahanzeb Shinwari, Dean of Faculty Zia ur Rehman, Senior Director of Research and Publications Dr Qazi Ataullah, and other senior directors and officials of the academy.

In his welcome address, DG Jahanzeb Shinwari shed light on the concept, objectives, and significance of the program.

He emphasized that inheritance laws in Islam ensure justice and equality, particularly safeguarding women's rights. Timely and efficient resolution of inheritance disputes, he noted, plays a pivotal role in ensuring justice and promoting social harmony.

He further elaborated that the comprehensive training program is designed to enhance participants' understanding of inheritance laws, improve judicial competence, and increase efficiency in resolving inheritance cases promptly and fairly.

Chief guest Justice Syed Arshad Ali highlighted the importance of inheritance laws and stated that this specialized training would significantly enhance the professional capacity of civil judges and qazis, enabling them to handle inheritance matters effectively and equitably.

He stressed the need for equipping judges with the required knowledge and skills, which would contribute to fostering a more efficient and accountable legal system capable of meeting public needs.

Justice Syed Arshad Ali also underscored the importance of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) as an effective mechanism for resolving inheritance disputes.

He advised the participants to uphold justice and the dignity of judicial processes while deciding inheritance cases through ADR.

He lauded the academy for organizing the training program on such an important topic and urged the participants to actively engage in the sessions to address emerging challenges in inheritance cases effectively.

The three-day training on expedited hearings of inheritance cases will conclude on January 24, 2025.