Category: Islamabad

Islamabad: Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police's Security Division on Sunday organized a farewell ceremony to honour retiring officers, including Inspector Zahin Badshah, Constable Romail Khan, and Constable Sultan, for their dedicated service to the force.A police spokesperson told reporter that the SP Judicial Protection Unit (JPU) attended the ceremony as a chief guest, while other senior police officers were also present on the occasion.The chief guest praised the services of the retiring officers, highlighting their dedication and hard work in serving Islamabad Police.He emphasized that their contributions will always be remembered in making Islamabad Police an exemplary force. The retiring officers served in various divisions of Islamabad Police.At the conclusion of the ceremony, SP Mehfooz Kayani presented honorary police shields to the retiring officers and expressed good wishes for their future endeavours.He further added that the services of retiring officers will always be remembered because they played a crucial role in enhancing the image of the Islamabad Police.

Islamabad: As the weekend unfolded, the majestic hill stations of Murree, Galyat and Leepa Valleys were transformed into a breathtaking winter wonderland, with a thick blanket of snow casting a serene silence over the landscape, drawing in a tidal wave of tourists who flocked to the area to bask in the beauty of nature's frozen masterpiece.

The snowfall, which ranged from 4 to 5 inches in different areas, turned the popular tourist destinations into a winter wonderland, with snow-clad trees, roads and buildings presenting a breathtaking sight, according to a report aired by PTV news channel.

"We have had an unprecedented rush of customers this weekend and our sales have skyrocketed," said the owner of a popular restaurant in Murree.

"The snowfall has been a blessing for us as it has brought in a huge number of tourists who are eager to try our local cuisine," said Rashid, owner of a restaurant in Nathia Gali.

"Our restaurant has been packed since Friday evening, and we are struggling to keep up with the demand," said the owner of a restaurant in Leepa Valley.

"The weekend rush has been incredible, and we are thrilled to see so many tourists enjoying the beauty of Murree and Galyat," said owner of a restaurant in Murree Mall Road.

However, the heavy snowfall also caused disruptions in normal life, with many roads becoming impassable due to the accumulation of snow where to mitigate the problems faced by tourists and locals, the Galyat Development Authority (GDA) swung into action, taking emergency measures to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and provide necessary facilities to the visitors.

"We have deployed heavy machinery, including snowplows and excavators to clear the snow from the roads," said a GDA official. "We have also sprinkled salt on the roads to prevent them from becoming slippery and ensure the safety of tourists."

In addition to these measures, the GDA and Murree officials also established facilitation centers at various points, including to provide assistance to the tourists.

Despite the disruptions caused by the snowfall, the tourists seemed to be enjoying themselves, with many of them taking part in snowball fights, building snowmen and taking selfies with the snow-clad scenery providing a picturesque backdrop.

"It's a wonderful experience," said a tourist from Lahore. "The snowfall has added to the beauty of the area, and we are enjoying every moment of it."

"The overall atmosphere in the area remained festive, with the tourists and locals alike seeming to enjoy the winter wonderland that Murree, Galyat and Leepa Valley had been transformed into.

Makkah: The 10th International Military Quran Memorization Competition has commenced in Makkah, bringing together 179 participants from 32 countries the other day.

The competition, organized by the General Administration of Religious Affairs of the Armed Forces under the patronage of Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, aims to promote the significance of the Quran, encourage its memorization, and underscore Saudi Arabia's role as the custodian of Islam's holiest sites.

The event features six categories: full Quran memorization, as well as 20-part, 10-part, five-part, and three-part memorization, along with a special category dedicated to recitation and Tajweed (proper pronunciation).

Alongside the competition, a Quranic forum for religious affairs directors and Imams is being held, highlighting Saudi Arabia's contributions to Quran printing, translation, and distribution. Discussions at the forum focus on the moral values derived from the Quran, the Kingdom's religious initiatives, and the significance of Tajweed in deepening understanding of the holy book.

The General Administration of Religious Affairs is also conducting specialized training programs for religious affairs personnel within the armed forces, with a focus on Quranic teaching methodologies and skill enhancement for instructors and competition judges.

Maj. Gen. Mesfer Al-Issa, director of the General Administration of Religious Affairs and competition supervisor, described the event as a major initiative to honor the Quran. He emphasized Saudi Arabia's commitment to fostering Quranic learning among military personnel, reinforcing the leadership's dedication to religious education.

Al-Issa underscored the profound impact of the competition, particularly given its setting in the sacred cities of Makkah and Madinah. He noted that the Quran plays a vital role in shaping the character of soldiers, instilling psychological, behavioral, and spiritual stability.

The 14-day event will be held over two phases: the first 10 days in Makkah, followed by four days in Madinah, where participants will visit the Prophet's Mosque and other significant Islamic landmarks.

An advanced electronic evaluation system, 'Insaf' (Fairness), is being employed to ensure transparency in scoring. Judges, including imams from the Two Holy Mosques and renowned Quranic scholars, provide immediate feedback to contestants on memorization, pronunciation, Tajweed, and accuracy.

Al-Issa highlighted that the participants are selected through rigorous national competitions conducted throughout the year to identify top military memorizers.

Beyond fostering memorization, the competition serves as a platform for military personnel from Islamic nations to engage in scholarly discussions, promoting moderate Islamic values and a deeper understanding of the Quran.

Al-Issa emphasized that the initiative strengthens the integration of Quranic teachings within Islamic armed forces, nurturing a generation of soldiers rooted in Islamic knowledge and guided by moral and spiritual principles.

Islamabad: As February 5, Kashmir Solidarity Day, nears, Kashmiri students are reaching out to the international community to plead for their right to education where jointly, they expressed their anguish and worry about being trapped in their homes and prevented from pursuing their academic dreams.

In the lead-up to February 5, Kashmir Solidarity Day, Kashmiri students are uniting to demand their basic right to education. In a collective expression of concern, they shared their fears and anxieties about being confined to their homes and denied access to educational institutions, said a report aired by PTV news channel.

Arooj Bhat, a Kashmiri student, expressed her deep concern about the mental health implications of the situation. "We are facing immense anxiety and depression due to the uncertainty and fear that surrounds us. Our education is being compromised and our mental health is suffering. We need immediate support and intervention to address this crisis."

Arooj echoed the sentiments, highlighting the emotional toll of the situation. The constant fear and uncertainty are taking a severe toll on our mental health.

We are struggling to cope with the anxiety and depression that come with being denied our basic rights. We need the world to acknowledge our suffering and support us in our struggle.

"We are being denied our fundamental right to education. Our future is at stake and we are being pushed into darkness," she added.

Another student, echoed similar sentiments that "We are under house arrest and our schools and universities are being turned into military barracks.

How can we focus on our studies when our basic freedom is being curtailed?, she questioned.

"The education system in Kashmir is on the verge of collapse," warned Omar, a Kashmiri student. "We need immediate attention from the international community to salvage our education and our future."

"We are not just fighting for our education, but for our very existence," emphasized Zaira, another student. "We will not give up our struggle for our rights."

"We are being robbed of our childhood and our future," added Khudija, another student. "We urge the international community to take immediate action to restore our right to education."

"We are not alone in this struggle," said Uzma, a Kashmiri student. "We have the support of our families, our communities and the international community. Together, we will fight for our right to education."

"The world needs to know what's happening to us," emphasized Tahir, another student. "We are being silenced, but we will not be defeated. We will continue to raise our voices for our rights."

"The world has a responsibility to protect our rights," added Musa, another student. "We urge the international community to take immediate action to ensure that we can access education without fear or restriction."

Islamabad: A growing number of Pakistani women are breaking barriers by joining app-based transportation services as drivers achieving financial autonomy and self-sufficiency.

"In a male-dominated industry, a significant number of women are defying convention to become taxi drivers, earning praise and respect from passengers.

Amna, a cab driver, said that becoming a cab driver was a liberating experience "I want to show the world that Pakistani women are strong, capable, and independent and we are not just drivers but we are entrepreneurs, breadwinners, and change-makers".

"I was tired of being dependent on my husband for transportation adding that now I am my own boss, and I get to meet new people every day." She stated. Here's a polished version:

In terms of security, being an online service, all ride data is meticulously recorded and saved, ensuring a safe and transparent experience for both drivers and passengers, she added.

She continued that the rise of female drivers in Pakistan's ride-hailing industry has not only provided economic opportunities but also challenged societal norms.

Sana, a 35-year-old driver, said that joining app-based transportation service as a driver has been a game-changer for her. "I was struggling to make ends meet as a single mother, but now I'm able to provide for my child and even save some money for the future."

"When I first started driving, my family and friends were skeptical but now, they are all proud of me and I have even inspired some of my friends to join the service," she remarked.

To all the girls out there, empower yourself, take the wheel and become a cab driver! It is a liberating career that allows you to be your own boss and secure your financial future, she concluded.

New york: A senior Pakistani diplomat Saturday discussed strengthening of economic cooperation between Pakistan and the US state of New Jersey when he met local elected officials and representatives of businesses, according to a consulate press release.

The discussion took place when Pakistan's Consul General in New York, Aamer Ahmed Atozai, visited New Jersey to explore avenues for boosting bilateral trade ties, as well as investment opportunities. He was accompanied by the Trade and Investment Counsellor at the Consulate, Adnan Mahmood Awan,

During the visit, they met with New Jersey Assemblywoman Shama Haider, who is of Pakistani origin, and engaged with local businessmen.

Consul General Atozai provided an overview of Pakistan's trade relations with the U.S., emphasizing the untapped potential for collaboration across various sectors.

He highlighted key industries where Pakistan and New Jersey-based businesses could mutually benefit from increased engagement.

Trade and Investment Counsellor Awan gave a detailed presentation on investment opportunities in Pakistan, focusing on high-growth sectors such as IT, agriculture, mining, and tourism. He outlined Pakistan's investor-friendly policies, its strategic geographical location as a gateway to South and Central Asia, and its preferential trade agreements, including GSP+ status with the European Union and a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with China.

Awan also underscored the role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in streamlining investment processes to create a more business-friendly environment. The discussion evoked interest among participants, who inquired about infrastructure, incentives, and taxation policies, the press release said.

It said follow-up meetings would be organized to facilitate further engagement and sector-specific discussions, paving the way for stronger economic ties between Pakistan and businesses in New Jersey.