Category: Islamabad

Islamabad: The advent of online cab services had brought a sigh of relief to commuters in Islamabad, providing a convenient and reliable transportation solution.

For years, residents of the capital city have struggled with inadequate public transportation, relying on overcrowded buses and taxis that often refuse to use meters. However, with the launch of online cab services, commuters could now book rides with ease, using their smartphones.

Saira Ahmed a student shared her experience of switching to online cab services saying "I was getting so frustrated with the taxi drivers who would always refuse to take me to my destination,but now with online cab service , I could just book a ride and get to where I need to go without any hassle."

The online cab services had been a game-changer for her as no longer she has to worry about finding a taxi or negotiating fares adding that It's all so convenient and hassle-free, she stated.

She continued that online cab services have not only provided a convenient transportation solution but have also improved road safety, with GPS tracking and real-time monitoring, commuters can feel secure during their journeys.

Abdul Sammad, an online cab driver said that the popularity of online cab services has also created new economic opportunities for drivers.

Many drivers had switched from traditional taxi services to online cab services, citing better earning potential and more flexible working hours.

He further stated that "I used to drive a taxi, but I would often go hours without getting a fare,But now, with online can service, I could get multiple fares in a single day. It's been a huge improvement for me financially."

With their convenience, reliability, and safety features, online cab services were bringing relief to commuters and creating new economic opportunities for drivers,he said.

He told that he was skeptical at first, but online cab services had really improved his livelihood adding that he got more fares and he can support his family better.

Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on Communications led by Senator Pervaiz Rashid, convened Monday to review Pakistan Post's financial situation, performance, and operational efficiency.

The agenda focused on the organization's profits and expenditures, along with strategies for boosting revenue in the current fiscal year, said a press release.

It was briefed that Pakistan Post earned a profit of 9.2 billion rupees in the previous fiscal year. However, the total expenditure for the same period stood at 27 billion rupees, raising concerns about the organization's financial sustainability.

The Committee was apprised that courier services currently hold a 4-5% share in the growing e-commerce market, according to Safar Abdul Qadir, an industry expert. This points to the untapped potential for Pakistan Post to increase its market share through technological improvements and competitive services.

Senator Jan Saifullah Khan pointed out that there is currently no biometric system in place to monitor employee attendance. Furthermore, employees in several offices have been found to disregard work timings, leading to operational inefficiencies.

The largest expenditure for Pakistan Post is salaries and allowances, reported the Director General (DG) of Pakistan Post. Senator Talal Chaudhry suggested that the number of employees should be reduced to help meet operational costs, and a rightsizing plan should be implemented.

The committee was also briefed that the Revenue Division has set a target of 12 million rupees for the current year. So far, Pakistan Post has collected 5.7 billion rupees in revenue, achieving 92% of its target for the previous fiscal year. The Standing Committee has requested more details on the business plan at the next meeting. The DG mentioned that the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) will provide consultants to formulate a robust business plan for Pakistan Post.

It was further briefed that the guest houses of Pakistan Post, which were closed to the public after the COVID-19 pandemic, have faced significant financial losses. Last year, guest houses incurred a loss of 10 billion rupees. Furthermore, no funds have been allocated for basic maintenance, such as washing bed sheets.

The committee was further briefed that the Pakistan Post is currently lagging behind private courier services in terms of technology, which has contributed to its challenges in the competitive market. DG Pakistan Post acknowledged the need for technological upgrades to bridge this gap.

It was briefed that the current number of regular employees at Pakistan Post stands at 22,388, with a proposed number of 22,938 for the future. The Standing Committee is awaiting detailed discussions on the business plan in the next meeting.

The Standing Committee on Communications emphasized the importance of reducing operational losses and urged Pakistan Post to adopt technology-driven solutions to enhance efficiency.

Senator Talal Chaudhry recommended rightsizing Pakistan Post to reduce the employee count and ensure sustainable operations.

Chairman of the Committee recognized the historical value of the Pakistan Post system, inherited from the colonial era, but stressed that modern revenue models, especially leveraging technology, must be implemented to secure its future.

The committee also recommended setting up a regulator for the courier services sector, as no such body currently exists to address consumer grievances or regulate service standards.

The guest house operations, once an additional revenue stream, have become a financial burden, losing 10 billion rupees in the last fiscal year.

The committee was also briefed on the closure of Bank and GPO Operations due to the FATF restrictions, Pakistan Post's bank was closed. Additionally, all General Post Offices (GPOs) now rely on payments from the Finance Division for their operational needs.

Pakistan Post's officials expressed concerns over the lack of a cohesive regulatory framework for the courier sector, noting that this gap often leaves citizens without a channel to voice complaints or seek redress. The committee members have called for a thorough review of the sector's regulatory mechanisms and accountability processes.

The discussions at the meeting underscore the critical need for reform, strategic planning, and technological advancements to secure Pakistan Post's future and increase its contribution to the country's e-commerce market.

Islamabad: Prime Minister's Coordinator, Rana Ehsan Afzal said on Monday that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), as a democratic party, has always supported dialogue in the national interest.

Talking to a private news channel, he highlighted that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had repeatedly invited by PML-N for dialogue in the past to maintain democracy and improve the economy.

PTI's sole objective was to achieve a National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO), he added.

Afzal further stated that PTI's agenda in these discussions was always focused on securing an NRO for former chairman.

He also criticized PTI for threatening to create anarchy when they realized the ruling party was focused on dialogue in the national interest.

He said that PTI's track record shows they have always chosen the path of anarchy.

Islamabad: In a significant step toward improving healthcare access for families, the Parliamentary Secretary for National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination, Nelson Azeem, announced on Monday that a state-of-the-art Mother and Child Health Hospital is being established in Islamabad's Sector I-14.

The project, titled 'Establishment of Mother, Neonates, and Child Health Center (MNCHC) in ICT Islamabad,' is being developed under the Ministry of NHSR and C and aims to provide essential primary and secondary healthcare services to the local community.

During the National Assembly's Question Hour session, Azeem highlighted that the new hospital will significantly reduce the patients burden on Islamabad's tertiary care hospitals by offering critical healthcare services closer to home for residents of I-14 and surrounding areas. The facility will serve as a referral center for nearby primary healthcare centers, delivering specialized maternal and child health services alongside general healthcare.

Azeem also shared updates on the hospital's progress, noting that equipment procured during the last financial year has already been installed. The recruitment process for essential staff is underway, with applications currently under review.

He said tests and interviews for potential candidates will be scheduled soon, ensuring that the hospital is staffed with qualified professionals.

Additionally, he said the technical evaluation of remaining physical assets, including machinery, equipment, furniture, and fixtures, is in progress and is expected to be completed by the end of May this financial year. Once the procurement of these assets and the recruitment of staff are finalized, the hospital will be fully operational, marking a major milestone in the region's healthcare infrastructure.

He said this initiative reflects the government's commitment to strengthening healthcare services, particularly for mothers and children, and underscores its focus on bringing quality medical care to the doorsteps of citizens. The new hospital is poised to become a vital healthcare hub, offering hope and support to families in Islamabad, he added.

Islamabad: Nutritionist Hina Anees, on Monday, recognized the importance and vital role of pulses as a key component of a healthy diet.

Speaking to a private news channel on the International Day of Pulses, she explained that pulses, such as lentils, chickpeas, and beans, are rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.

She highlighted that proper intake of pulses could improve digestion, support heart health, and provide a great source of energy.

She also encouraged people to include pulses in their daily meals, emphasizing their role in preventing malnutrition and promoting overall well-being.

Pulses, including beans, peas, and lentils, had been consumed for at least 10,000 years and were among the most widely used foods globally, she added.

She further noted that the phytochemicals, saponins, and tannins found in pulses possess antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic properties, suggesting that pulses might have significant anti-cancer effects.

Islamabad: Prime Minister's Coordinator, Rana Ehsan Afzal said on Monday that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), as a democratic party, has always supported dialogue in the national interest.

Talking to a private news channel, he highlighted that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had repeatedly invited by PML-N for dialogue in the past to maintain democracy and improve the economy.

PTI's sole objective was to achieve a National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO), he added.

Afzal further stated that PTI's agenda in these discussions was always focused on securing an NRO for former chairman.

He also criticized PTI for threatening to create anarchy when they realized the ruling party was focused on dialogue in the national interest.

He said that PTI's track record shows they have always chosen the path of anarchy.