Category: Islamabad

Islamabad: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has strongly condemned the terrorist attack on the Levies vehicle in Dera Ismail Khan, which resulted in the martyrdom of four Levies personnel.

Interior Minister conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the martyrs and paid rich tribute to the brave personnel who lost their lives in the attack.

He expressed his solidarity with the bereaved families and said that we equally share their pain and sorrow.

Mohsin Naqvi assured that the sacrifices of the martyrs will not go in vain, and the government stands with their families during this difficult time.

Islamabad: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has strongly condemned the terrorist attack on the Levies vehicle in Dera Ismail Khan, which resulted in the martyrdom of four Levies personnel.

Interior Minister conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the martyrs and paid rich tribute to the brave personnel who lost their lives in the attack.

He expressed his solidarity with the bereaved families and said that we equally share their pain and sorrow.

Mohsin Naqvi assured that the sacrifices of the martyrs will not go in vain, and the government stands with their families during this difficult time.

Islamabad: The Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan will arrange a series of cultural events from February 4-5 at Pakistan to mark Kashmir Solidarity Day.

According to an official of PNCA, the events are aimed at highlighting the struggles, sacrifices, and resilience of the Kashmiri people through various artistic expressions, including documentaries, photography, theatre, puppetry, and traditional folk music.

The activities will begin with a special documentary screening and a photographic exhibition, running from February 04 to 05 in the main lobby of PNCA. The exhibition will feature a powerful visual narrative of the historical and ongoing struggle of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), along with captivating images showcasing the region's breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

On February 05, a special puppet show will take place at PNCA Hall to engage younger audiences by creatively depicting the resilience of Kashmiris through the art of puppetry.

While a theatre drama titled "Katehra" will be staged as a part of the activities. The play, set in a courtroom, symbolizes the oppression faced by Kashmiris and their unyielding struggle for justice and self-determination.

The evening will conclude with a Kashmiri Folk Music Night which will feature renowned Kashmiri folk artists performing soulful melodies that reflect the deep cultural roots, love, and resilience of the Kashmiri people.

PNCA has invited the public to attend these events to express solidarity with the people of Kashmir and appreciate the artistic portrayal of their ongoing struggle.

The event is expected to witness participation from the government officials, diplomats, artists, and cultural enthusiasts, making it a significant occasion to reaffirm Pakistan's unwavering support for the Kashmiri cause.

It is a regular feature for PNCA to mark Kashmir Solidarity Day through arranging such activities to educate the younger generation about the Kashmir cause.

Islamabad: Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations, Muhammad Shoaib Khan on Monday chaired a high-level meeting and outlined a strict action plan against land mafia, kite flying, and illegal weapons, emphasizing their complete eradication.

A public relations officer told reporter that the meeting, attended by all SHOs of Islamabad's police stations, focused on crime prevention and public safety.

He said the SSP directed officers to closely monitor habitual offenders, enhance effective patrolling, and ensure the arrest of those involved in robbery, theft, and vehicle snatching cases.

He emphasized utilizing all available resources to dismantle criminal networks, particularly those engaged in serious crimes.

He said a crackdown on wanted criminals and absconders must be intensified, and no leniency should be shown to land grabbers, drug peddlers, illegal arms holders, and those involved in kite flying. Legal action should be taken against such elements without discrimination, he added.

He said the SSP further directed officers to ensure the swift resolution of public complaints at the police station level and take strict action against corruption, misconduct, or any inappropriate behavior.

He emphasized that officers must maintain exemplary discipline, as ensuring citizens' safety remains the top priority, with no room for negligence.

Islamabad: The Central Directorate of National Savings (CDNS) has revived the annual collection target and set Rs 40 billion in investment in Islamic finance for the Current Fiscal Year 2024-25, which will lead to growth in the country's Islamic economy.

'The National Savings had issued the Islamic bonds for the promotion of the Islamic finance system, which will help the development of the Islamic economy in the country,' the senior official of CDNS told reporter here on Monday.

Replying to a question, he said the CDNS had achieved the target of Rs 75 billion during the last fiscal year (2023-24) from the Islamic bonds, and that was why it aimed to introduce new dimensions in the Islamic finance sector.

'Islamic finance now has a significant role in the global financial sector. A large part of the economy of many major countries currently includes Islamic finance,' he added. The official said that work was being done on institutional reforms in the CDNS.

Given the current market trend in the country, an ambitious target had been set to improve the savings culture further, he added.

Replying to another question, he said that the CDNS has set an annual target of Rs 1650 billion for the current Fiscal Year, 2024-25, which will promote the saving culture in the country.

He said that the CDNS has realized a target of Rs1.742 trillion in fresh bonds and exceeded 100 percent of the annual target in the last fiscal year 2023-24, from July 1 to June 30th.

The National Savings has set an annual target of Rs 1.7 trillion for the year 2023-24; it is encouraging that this year, 'We surpassed the 100 percent of the annual target.'

The CDNS surpassed the annual target and achieved the target of Rs 1.6 trillion in fresh bonds in the previous fiscal year 2022-23, he said.

He said this was an Rs 200 billion additional annual target than the target of Rs 1300 billion for the previous financial year 2021-22.

The CDNS has set a reviewed saving target of Rs 1.4 trillion for the financial year (2021-22) which will promote savings culture in the country, he said, adding that given the current market trend in the country the ambitious target had been set to improve the savings culture further.

He said that CDNS is committed for introducing automation and digitization in the institution to enhance the efficiency and provide faculties to the customers.

Islamabad: The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) and the Institute of Space Technology (IST) are set to host the International Conference on Applications of Space Science and Technology (ICAST 2025) in November, marking a significant milestone in the country's journey towards global leadership in space applications.

According to SUPARCO, the deadline for abstract submissions for the conference, cheduled to take place at IST,has been extended until February 07, 2025. Researchers, academics, industry experts, and students from around the world are encouraged to submit abstracts showcasing cutting-edge research and innovative space applications across various disciplines. Selected abstracts will advance to the full manuscript stage, offering contributors unparalleled visibility and the opportunity to present their work before a distinguished international audience.

ICAST 2025, set to be the largest space science gathering ever hosted in Pakistan, will bring together global space leaders, visionary researchers, and pioneering industry professionals under the theme "Space for Sustainable Development."

The event represents the convergence of IST's International Conference on Aerospace Science and Engineering (ICASE) and SUPARCO's International Conference on Space (ICS), creating a transformative platform to advance space science, foster innovation, and address pressing global challenges.

The conference will cover a broad spectrum of space science and technology, including aeronautics and astronautics, satellite technology, positioning, navigation and timing (PNT), remote sensing and geographic information science, environmental science and climate change, information and communication technologies (ICT), astronomy and astrophysics, and space law, management, and outreach.

These topics are designed to inspire transformative ideas and groundbreaking solutions that push the boundaries of space science while addressing global challenges such as climate change and sustainable development.

ICAST 2025 is more than just a scientific conference-it is a catalyst for innovation and collaboration. The event will feature keynote speeches from world-renowned space pioneers, interactive workshops, hands-on training sessions, and a cutting-edge product exhibition showcasing the latest advancements in space technology. Extensive networking opportunities will foster partnerships between academia, industry, and government sectors.

Supported by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan and the National Center of GIS and Space Applications (NCGSA), ICAST 2025 is set to become a landmark event, reinforcing Pakistan's growing role in the global space community.

With its focus on sustainability and cutting-edge advancements, ICAST 2025 underscores Pakistan's commitment to positioning itself as a key player in the international space arena.