Police arrest kite supplier with over 3000 kites

Rawalpindi: Rawalpindi District Police on the directives of City Police Officer, Rawalpindi are making efforts to control kite flying and managed to arrest a kite supplier on recovery of over 3000 kites and 20 kite flying string rolls, said a police spokesman here on Tuesday.

He informed, that Taxila police arrested a kite supplier namely Abdul Shakoor and recovered 3000 kites and 20 kite flying string rolls.

Police also impounded a mazda truck being used for supply of kites.

A case has been registered against the accused and further investigation is under process.

Superintendent of Police, Potohar directed the police teams to accelerate operations against kite sellers and flyers.

Mastercard collaborates with foodpanda to fuel the growth of Pakistan’s digital economy

Karachi: Mastercard has once again collaborated with foodpanda to boost digital payment in Pakistan and support the nation's transition toward a cashless economy.

According to data from the State Bank of Pakistan, currency in circulation (CIC) in the country increased by 11.2% during the first half of 2024. The partnership introduces initiatives designed to encourage the use of digital payment methods over cash on delivery (COD).

By leveraging foodpanda's extensive network, Mastercard will drive awareness and usage of secure, rewarding payment options for millions of consumers across the country.

Muhammad Nana, senior vice president, Digital Partnerships, Eastern Europe Middle East, and Africa region (EEMEA), Mastercard. said, 'By combining our global expertise in seamless and secure payment technologies with foodpanda's vast reach, we are making digital payments more accessible and convenient for consumers across the country.'

EPA makes uniform mandatory for field officers

Lahore: The Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Punjab has made it mandatory for field officers to wear uniforms starting from February 1, 2025. The notification, issued by Dr. Imran Hamid Sheikh, Director-General of EPD, outlines the new directive.

According to the notification, uniforms will be compulsory for all field officers, with the exception of senior inspectors and higher-ranking officials, for whom wearing a uniform will be optional. The decision is based on the Motor Vehicle Rules of 2013, which require uniforms for personnel working in the field.

The notification also directs consultation with Deputy Commissioners to finalize the uniform's design.

31st SMIU Syndicate meeting held

Karachi: Sindh Madressatul Islam University's 31st meeting of Syndicate was held at the Conference Room of the university on Tuesday.The Vice Chancellor Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai chaired in which the meeting minutes of different statutory bodies of the university were approved and decisions were made.Addressing the meeting Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai said SMIU was progressing in different areas of academic and development successfully. It also fully concentrates on quality education and training of its students as after graduation they could participate in national development with dedication.Dr. Sahrai informed the meeting that the SMIU has achieved sustainable position in its financial matters by generating its own resources. This is why it has become able to add new programs and centres in the university and enable smooth working of the university.The members of the Syndicate who attended the meeting were Dr. Sarosh Lodi, Vice Chancellor NED University, Dr. Tauha Hussain Ali, Vice Chancellor Mehran University of En gineering and Technology, Sohail Anwar Baloch, Additional Secretary, Universities and Boards, Prof. Dr. Arabella Bhutto, Vice Chancellor Shaheed Allah Bukhsh Soomro University, Jamshoro (Nominee of HEC, Islamabad), Haji Muhammad Hanif Tayyab, former federal minister, Dr. Aftab Ahmed Shaikh, Dean Faculty of I.T., SMIU, Dr. Abdul Hafeez Khan, Chairperson Department of Software Engineering/Advisor to Vice Chancellor on Academic Affairs, Dr. Ambreen Fazal, Chairperson Department of Media and Communication Studies, Quratulain Nazir Ahmed, Assistant Professor, Asif Hussain Samo, Assistant Professor, Mr. Ghulam Mustafa Shaikh, Registrar and Mr. Shafeeq Ahmed, Lecture at SMIU.

2 accused held for stealing mobile phones of Ayub Park visitors

Rawalpindi: The Morgah Police of Rawalpindi on Tuesday two accused who used to steal mobile phones of visitors at the Ayub Park.

According to a police spokesman, the police conducted an operation against the accused identified as Momal Khan and Muhammad who used to sell the stolen mobile phones.

The police also recovered Rs 50,000 which they had obtained from the sale of stolen mobile phones, the spokesman said.

GCU honors co-curricular excellence at 23rd convocation

Lahore: The two-day 23rd convocation of Government College University (GCU) Lahore concluded on Tuesday, celebrating the outstanding achievements of students in co-curricular activities that are integral to character building and personality development.

On the second day of the convocation, the university awarded 125 co-curricular rolls of honour and 14 medals to students excelling in debates, drama, music, arts, and other co-curricular pursuits.

Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, along with Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali Shah, presented medals to the high achievers. They were joined by Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Prof. Dr. Babar Aziz, Controller of Examinations Shahzad Ahmed, and Additional Registrar Dr. Shaukat Ali.

Muhammad Abdullah was awarded the Muhammad Idrees Medal, Arafa Zubair Khan was awarded the Waleed Iqbal Medal, Umar Ahmed was awarded the Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif Medal, Zeeshan Ali Sheikh Safdar Ali Medal, Syed Muhammad Naqi was awarded the Thespian Medal, Ms. Tania was awarded the Madiha Gohar Medal, while Muhammad Taha Tahir, Muhammad Ahmed, Ali Rashid, and Mian Muhammad Yousuf were awarded the Dawood Ilyas Medal as the best student of Intermediate.

Speaking at the ceremony, Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan highlighted the significance of co-curricular activities in shaping well-rounded individuals. He praised GCU for upholding its legacy of excellence in academics and character development. He said, "I agree with the Vice Chancellor that GCU is truly a place of peace and knowledge. I felt immense peace coming here."

He also announced that the Nazir Ahmad Music Society, which presented a mesmerizing performance of Kalam-e-Iqbal during the convocation, would be invited to the Governor House for further recognition.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali Shah congratulated the award recipients, saying that students should take pride in being graduates of GCU, the alma mater of luminaries like Allama Iqbal.

In his address, Prof. Shah also shared an exciting development at the Dr. Ikram-ul-Haq Institute of Industrial Biotechnology which is establishing a state-of-the-art Diagnostic and Research Lab of international standards with an investment of $1 million. This facility will provide subsidized diagnostic services to over 50,000 families, including alumni, faculty, staff, and the general public.

Highlighting GCU's commitment to financial support, the Vice Chancellor revealed that in 2024 alone, 426 students received Chief Minister Honhaar Scholarships. 'Over the last decade, 2,372 students were awarded PEEF Scholarships, 1,640 students benefited from HEC Need-Based Scholarships, and 8172 students received financial assistance through the university's own resources,' he said. Twelve students were also awarded sports gold medals.