Author: dailybalochistantimes.com

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Huawei, COMSATS University sign MoU to develop technical vocational training labs

Islamabad:: Huawei Technologies Pakistan Pvt Ltd, a global leader in information and communications technology (ICT), and COMSATS University Islamabad have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at fostering collaboration in the fields of technology.

The agreement was signed during a ceremony held at the office of Huawei Technologies in Islamabad said a news release.

Federal Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and key representatives from both organizations attended the event.

This partnership is set to enhance technical vocational training and skill development to create employment opportunities for students and young technicians by equipping them with the latest ICT technologies.

Under the MoU, Huawei will provide COMSATS University Islamabad with equipment and train their resources in delivering the technical training to the attendees of these courses.

Initially, this program will commence with the COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore campus. Subsequently, COMSATS University Islamabad will also help develop a similar facility in Karachi as well. This collaboration is designed to equip students with the necessary skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Dr. Tahir Naeem, Director (P, D and HRD) at COMSATS University Islamabad, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: 'This collaboration with Huawei represents a significant step forward in our mission to provide students with a comprehensive education in technology and innovation. We are excited to work together to develop programs that will enhance learning and research capabilities.'

Ahmed Bilal Masud, the Director Subsidiary Board at Huawei, emphasized the importance of such collaborations: 'At Huawei, we believe in the power of partnerships to drive innovation. By working with COMSATS University Islamabad, we aim to nurture talent and inspire the next generation of technology leaders.'

The MoU will also pave the way for further collaboration between both organizations including knowledge exchange and fostering an environment of innovation that benefits both institutions and the wider community.

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PFA seizes over 8,000-litre fake beverages, dairy products

Lahore: The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) confiscated 8,100 litres of fake beverages and dairy products including 5,300-litre cold drinks, 2,500-litre juices and 600-litre packaged milk and more than 40-kg fake products on violation of food safety regulation, here in the city on Thursday.

According to a spokesman for the authority, the food safety teams raided a major production unit involved in the manufacturing of counterfeit food and beverages. The counterfeit goods were being produced under various popular brand names in violation of food safety regulations.

The owner of the unit was booked and a case was registered against them over his involvement in the illegal activity. DG PFA Asim Javed revealed that the operation uncovered a range of counterfeit products, including low-quality cold drinks, juices, sweetened milk, chewing gum, and other packaged goods.

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‘Death of a Salesman’ to be staged at NAPA

Karachi: Arther Miller's acclaimed play, Death of a Salesman, will open at the National Academy of Performing Arts-NAPA in Urdu from 8 January 2025.

This was announced by CEO NAPA Junaid Zuberi at a press conference on Thursday. Flanked by play's director Faizan Chawla and the cast members, he said this play was very relevant to Pakistani society even though it has not been adapted.

Chawla, who also spoke at the press conference, said he had always wanted to direct this play because of its relatability to the present-day Pakistani society.

The cast members that were present at the press conference included Safia Bhalaisha, Usama Khan, Zohair Zubair, and Ashmal Lalwani. They described their respective characters and said this play had layers of themes.

CEO NAPA Junaid Zuberi said this play had been selected because of its emotional depth.

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COMSTECH to launch its Expert Service Program for technological cooperation in OIC countries

Islamabad:: COMSTECH, the OIC Ministerial Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation has decided to launch its Expert Service Program to foster technological collaboration among member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), as follow up of preliminary discussion with Secretary General OIC.

It was decided during an important meeting of the Advisory Committee for the COMSTECH Expert Service Program held on Thursday.

The meeting was presided over by Coordinator General COMSTECH Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary while convener of the Committee Prof. Dr. Shahid Mahmood Baig, former Chairman Pakistan Science Foundation and Head of Life Sciences Department, Health Services Academy, Prof. Dr. Moazur Rahman Director Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, and officials from COMSTECH attended the meeting.

Coordinator General COMSTECH remarked that recognizing the abundant yet underutilized technical expertise within OIC member states, this initiative aims to build a robust network of experts, engineers, technologists, and professionals to provide hands-on training and knowledge sharing. The program addresses critical developmental sectors, enabling recipient institutions, such as universities, research centers, industry, companies, and laboratories, to access specialized technical services and enhance their capacities.

The key objectives of this initiative would include facilitating the transfer of technical expertise and best practices, strengthen technical capabilities through training and capacity-building programs,

establishing a collaborative network of experts and promoting solidarity, volunteering, and shared responsibility within the OIC community.

The program will support diverse fields, including biomedical engineering and health, renewable energy, information technology, manufacturing and engineering sciences, agriculture, urbanization, and smart cities, etc.

The participants appreciated the initiative and assured their utmost cooperation in making it a successful, vibrant, and productive one.

This program is a strategic step toward enhancing technological self-reliance, fostering sustainable development, and mitigating brain drain in OIC member states. It also underscores the values of collaboration and mutual benefit, reinforcing the collective progress of the OIC community.

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Alhamra ED discusses literacy, cultural issues with Suhail Warraich

Lahore: Alhamra Arts Council's Executive Director Tauqeer Haider Kazmi held a meeting with renowned columnist and analyst Suhail Warraich to discuss key literary and cultural issues.

The conversation focused on identifying innovative ways to advance the arts and culture sector, with both parties exchanging ideas and developing strategies to increase its impact.

Kazmi expressed his appreciation for Warraich's insightful suggestions and reiterated Alhamra's commitment to incorporating them into future projects. He lauded Warraich as a national treasure whose extensive knowledge spans journalism, history, language, literature, and the promotion of Pakistan's soft power on the global stage.

Kazmi also stressed that his ongoing dialogue with leading figures from various fields are part of Alhamra's broader vision to be a catalyst for social awareness and positive change. He further noted, "Alhamra's efforts will continue to steer societal thought in new directions. Our initiatives are deeply grounded in literary heritage, and we remain committed to being a vibrant voice for art and culture. The light of knowledge and thought at Alhamra will never fade."

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Home Department launches crackdown on fake weapon dealers

Lahore: The Punjab Home Department, during a crackdown, identified 19 fake weapon dealers and repairers across the province and imposed ban on them.

Acting under the Punjab Arms Ordinance of 1965, the department initiated legal action against the identified individuals. Cases have been filed against them, and steps have been taken to enforce the law.

In line with the instructions of Punjab Home Secretary Noor-ul-Amin Mengal, the department released the names and addresses of the illegal weapon dealers and repairers. The listed counterfeit weapon dealers include:

National Rifles Company Johar Town Lahore, MS Moakil Arms Company Begum Kot Shahdara, English Arms Company Neela Gumbad Lahore, Outdoor Sports Arms and Ammunition Dealer, Mazang Chungi Lahore, Muhammad Akhtar Property Pak Arms Store Shahdara, Akhtar Brothers Arms and Ammunition Manawan Lahore, Ameen Brothers Arms and Ammunition Ravi Road Lahore, Ali Brothers and Company McLeod Road Lahore, MS Shahbaz Mohiuddin Arms and Ammunition Neela Gumbad, Lahore, Omega Enterprises and Company Boulevard Gulberg Lahore, Muhammad Zia Al-Mustafa Arms and Ammunition Gujrat and Ilyas and Company Bhimber Road Gujrat.

Additionally, fake arms repair workshops have been identified, including: AA Arms Repairing Workshop, Main Boulevard Gulberg Lahore, English Arms Company, Neela Gumbad, Lahore, Ameen Ali Zafar, Lower Mall, Lahore, Qasim Arms and Ammunition Dealers Repairing Workshop, GT Road, Shahdara, Lahore, Outdoor Sports Arms and Ammunition Dealer, Mazang Chungi, Lahore, Alee Brothers and Company Arms Repairing Workshop, McLeod Road, Lahore, Muhammad Sufyan Repairing Workshop, Sheikhupura Road, Sheikhupura.

In an appeal to the public, the Home Department urged citizens to report any involvement in the illegal arms trade. Information can be shared confidentially through the department's toll-free helpline at 080011111.