Category: Islamabad

Islamabad: The 7th Combaxx Asian Open Taekwondo Championship opening ceremony was held here at the Liaquat Gymnasium of Pakistan Sports Complex on Sunday.

The event, which has drawn over 400 athletes from 20+ countries, promises to be a thrilling showcase of skill, discipline, and international camaraderie.

The ceremony was graced by Prof. Kyu Seok LEE, President of the Asian Taekwondo Union (ATU), along with other distinguished guests, including CEO PTF Omar Saeed , Lt Col. (R) Raja Wasim Ahmed (R), President of the Pakistan Taekwondo Federation (PTF), and Sangjin Kim, Vice President of ATU.

Among other attendees were Brig Ghazanfar Ali Tarrar, Sector Commander Rangers Islamabad, Park Ki Jun, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, and Yerzhan Kistafin, Ambassador of Kazakhstan.

The proceedings began with the arrival of the chief guests, followed by the recitation of the Holy Quran and the national anthem of Pakistan. The championship was officially opened by the chief guest, who expressed his admiration for the efforts made in promoting Taekwondo in Pakistan and fostering international sports diplomacy.

A flag-bearing ceremony by participating teams added a vibrant touch to the event, followed by an oath ceremony led by referees, coaches, and athletes. The official PTF song and a video highlight reel of the championship's history captivated the audience, setting an energetic tone for the competition ahead.

The Pakistani national team's Taekwondo demonstration was one of the key highlights, showcasing the talent and dedication of local athletes.

The event featured speeches by President ATU and CEO PTF, where they highlighted the significance of the championship in elevating Pakistan's position in the international Taekwondo scene.

Appreciation shields were awarded to key figures, including Wasim Ahmed, President PTF, Ms. Shamim Akhtar, President Women Wing Pakistan Taekwondo, Syed Sadaqat Hussain, Executive Member PTF and Muhammad Zubair Macha, Executive Member PTF.

Additionally, the Appointment Certification of Kyorugi Vice Chairman was presented to Taekwondo officials from Pakistan, Korea, Uzbekistan, and Saudi Arabia.

The opening ceremony concluded with the trophy revealing and souvenir presentations, marking the official commencement of the tournament.

Matches will continue over the next few days, with competitors vying for top honors in this prestigious event.

Islamabad: Advocate Aliya Faheem on Sunday said that civil society has urged for an increase in the number of Pink Buses for females which was a reliable, safe and easy travel option.

Talking to reporter, she praised the initiative, saying it is very important for women's convenience. The pink bus service safely transport girls, female teachers and other working women from rural areas to urban centers.

Aliya Faheem said the tagline, 'No Fear, No Barrier,' perfectly captures the spirit of the project.

She said this initiative would meet the shortage of buses to cater to the needs of all females, she added.

Islamabad: Experts at polyclinic hospital on Sunday warned that women are disproportionately affected by mental health issues, with females in every age group more likely to experience serious problems and emphasized the need for awareness about proper sleep habits and healthy lifestyle to mitigate these issues.

In an exclusive conversation with PTV news channel, Federal Polyclinic hospital Islamabad's Spokesperson Abdul Jabbar Bhutto shed light on the alarming increase in mental health issues among women, stating that they are more prone to such problems compared to men.

Bhutto stressed the need for raising awareness about the importance of addressing these issues and promoting overall well-being.

He advised women to prioritize self-care, including regular exercise, healthy eating and adequate sleep to help mitigate the risk of mental health problems. Mr. Bhutto also emphasized the importance of seeking professional help when needed, and encouraged women to speak openly about their struggles without fear of stigma or judgment.

Furthermore, he suggested that families and communities play a vital role in supporting women' s mental health, by promoting a culture of understanding and empathy

Adding to Bhutto's comments, Dr. Abbar, a renowned psychiatrist also emphasized that early intervention is key to preventing mental health issues from escalating.

"We need to encourage women to speak up and seek help at the first sign of trouble, rather than suffering in silence," he said.

Dr. Abbar also highlighted the importance of addressing societal pressures that can contribute to mental health issues, such as gender-based violence, discrimination and unequal access to education and economic

opportunities.

Dr. Abbar suggested that community-based initiatives can play a crucial role in promoting women' s mental health, by providing support groups, counseling services, and education on mental health issues. He also called on media outlets to responsibly report on mental health issues, avoiding stigma and sensationalism, and instead promoting awareness and understanding.

Another Psychiatrist Dr Amina Malik added that mindfulness and stress management techniques can be highly effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression among women.

"Techniques such as meditation, yoga and deep breathing can help women manage stress and anxiety and improve their overall mental well-being."

Dr. Amina also emphasized the importance of building strong social connections and support networks, saying "women who have strong social connections and support networks tend to have better mental health outcomes than those who are isolated or lack support".

Dr. Malik proposed that schools and universities can play a critical role in promoting mental health awareness and education among young women, by incorporating mental health education into their curricula and providing access to counseling services.

She also called on employers to prioritize mental health in the workplace, by providing flexible work arrangements, employee assistance programs and mental health resources.

Islamabad: A devastating collision between a tractor trolley and a truck in Laya on Sunday morning claimed the lives of at least four people, including three brothers who were trapped under the wreckage.

According to police, the accident occurred when the tractor trolley collided with a truck coming from the opposite direction and killed four injured one, a private news channel reported.

The impact was severe, causing the tractor trolley to overturn and pin the occupants underneath.

Rescue efforts were launched immediately and the police and emergency responders worked to extricate the victims from the wreckage.

However, four people lost their lives in the accident, while one person was injured and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The police are investigating the cause of the accident.

The victims, who belonged to Chok Sarwar Shaheed, police official added.

Islamabad: Coordinator General of COMSTECH, Prof. Dr. Iqbal Choudhry has emphasized that Pakistan's future depends on scientific research and technological innovation.

In an exclusive interview with reporter on Sunday, he stressed that knowledge-driven economies are shaping the modern world and Pakistan must invest in research and development (R and D) to secure sustainable progress. 'Today, the sustainable and inclusive socio-economic development is rooted in technology and knowledge, not merely in natural resources,' he remarked.

Dr. Choudhry explained that even with abundant natural resources and a large population, a nation's growth hinges on advancements in relevant technologies and their effective implementation.

He asserted that research and development is crucial for Pakistan's progress, particularly in tackling critical issues such as water scarcity, energy shortages, and food security.

'To overcome these challenges, we must explore technological solutions tailored to our unique circumstances,' he stressed.

He highlighted the transformative role of technology in addressing social challenges, particularly in education. 'To achieve national development, we need to educate the out-of-school children in Pakistan. With our large youth population, rich in creative potential, we must focus on skill development and technology-driven education to prepare them for global and local job markets.'

Dr. Iqbal Choudhry also underscored the importance of a strong higher education system and well-established Research and Development institutions. 'Investing in education and research is critical. Unfortunately, in Pakistan's political landscape, science, technology, and education have often been sidelined despite their global recognition as bipartisan priorities.'

Reflecting on Pakistan's past, he lamented the decline in support for higher education and research due to shifting government priorities and economic constraints. 'There was a time when higher education thrived in Pakistan, but financial hardships led to reduced funding, deteriorating research capacity, and brain drain, as many of our brightest minds seek opportunities abroad,' he noted.

He urged the government to take immediate steps to reverse this trend by promoting higher education, R and D, and technological skills to enhance employability and retain talent.

Addressing Pakistan's expenditure on scientific research, Dr. Choudhry presented a stark reality. 'The global average spending on R and D is 0.8 percent of GDP, while Pakistan allocates less than 0.2%, falling behind even Sub-Saharan African nations and several Muslim countries, including Bangladesh and the Maldives. Without sufficient investment, no country can excel in scientific innovation and technological development.'

He explained the direct link between research investment and national progress. 'Strengthening institutions and aligning research with national priorities requires not only financial support but also political will. Policymakers must ensure funding is directed towards impactful R and D while maintaining accountability.'

Dr. Choudhry concluded by outlining key steps for Pakistan's progress. 'Policymakers must bridge the gap between innovation and industrial production, harness the potential of young people, and ensure equitable distribution of resources. Without a clear sense of direction and commitment to education, research, and technology, sustainable progress will remain elusive.'

He urged immediate and unified action, stressing that scientific research and education must remain unaffected by political transitions. 'For Pakistan to realize its potential, it must prioritize knowledge and technology as the foundation of national development,' he emphasized.

Islamabad: The district administration of Islamabad on Sunday has imposed ban on all boating activities in Rawal Dam, citing public safety concerns.

In a recent crackdown, the Islamabad district administration took strict action against boating activities in Rawal Dam. The operation led to the confiscation of one engine float and three boats. Four individuals were arrested and transferred to the Bani Gala police station for further legal proceedings.

The ban on boating was imposed under Section 144, which prohibits such activities to ensure public safety.

In this regard, Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, Irfan Memon, emphasized that the restriction is necessary to protect citizens from potential risks associated with unauthorized boating.

The district administration has urged the residents to comply with the ban and avoid engaging in any boating activities in the area. The enforcement of this regulation aims to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of all visitors to Rawal Dam.

This move follows concerns over the increasing number of unauthorized boating incidents, which have raised alarms about the potential dangers to public safety. The administration has reiterated its commitment to maintaining order and protecting the well-being of the community.

Residents are encouraged to adhere to the guidelines and report any violations to the authorities. The district administration has assured that strict measures would be taken against those who fail to comply with the ban.