Category: Islamabad

Islamabad:Speaker of the National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Tuesday said that Pakistan and Sweden have vast opportunities to strengthen bilateral cooperation and establish a broader, more comprehensive relationship.

'This relationship could be based on robust economic ties and further expanded to include areas such as political relations, trade and investment, education, and people-to-people contacts' he expressed these views during a meeting with Ambassador of Sweden Ms.Alexandra Berg Von Linde.

Sardar Ayaz Sadiq highlighted the importance of regular interactions between the political leadership, parliamentarians, and business communities of both countries, believing that such exchanges could elevate the bilateral relationship to new heights.

He specifically stressed the need for more frequent dialogue between Pakistani and Swedish parliamentarians, to exchange views and share experiences.

He added that Pakistan could greatly benefit from the extensive 600-year democratic history and experience of Sweden.

The Speaker also said that the current parliament is vibrant and has demonstrated remarkable unanimity on matters of national importance.

He also mentioned that the revival of the economy, through favorable investment policies and enhanced trade relations with foreign countries, is the government's top priority.

To this end, the Speaker pointed out that the government has created a favorable environment for foreign investment by introducing various incentives and reforms in the economic sector.

He urged Swedish investors to explore opportunities in key sectors such as energy generation, telecommunications, oil exploration, trade, and manufacturing, where significant potential for growth exists.

The Speaker also conveyed Pakistan's appreciation for its relations with Sweden, particularly the contributions made by Swedish companies operating in Pakistan's economy.

He shared details of his recent initiatives aimed at making the National Assembly more vibrant and responsive to the needs of the people.

The Ambassador of Sweden, Ms. Alexandra Berg von Linde, expressed Sweden's strong commitment to strengthening its friendship with Pakistan and considered it a key economic partner.

She noted that the Swedish business community recognizes the vast economic potential of Pakistan and is eager to tap into it.

The Ambassador further emphasized that increasing parliamentary engagement between the two countries would help fortify the existing positive relationship.

She mentioned that the Swedish Parliament, the Rikstag, would adopt a realistic, issue-driven approach to enhancing cooperation between the two legislatures.

Ms. Berg von Linde commended the Speaker's personal determination and proactive measures to deepen bilateral ties between Pakistan and Sweden.

Islamabad:Inspector General of Police (IGP) Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi conducted a Khuli Katchery (open court) at the Central Police Office on Tuesday.

A public relation officer told reporter that during the khuli katchery, he listened to the issues of citizens and police officers and issued directives to senior police officers on the spot for timely resolution of their concerns.

IGP Rizvi said that resolving citizens' issues on merit is our top priority. Negligence and carelessness in duties will not be tolerated. Citizens facing any issue related to the police can come to the Khuli Katchery. My office is always open for my citizens, the IGP said.

IG Rizvi further directed the officers to resolve the citizen grievances on merit within the stipulated time frame and report back to the Central Police Office. He directed all Sub-Divisional Police Officers (SDPOs) and Station House Officers (SHOs) to adhere to the designated office hours and prioritize resolving citizens' issues.

On this occasion, the IG Rizvi said that the Islamabad Police are taking various measures for the facilitation of citizens. The daily holding of Khuli Katchery helps in resolving issues on a priority basis, he added.

Moreover, all zonal officers and SHOs are directed to meet citizens during the designated office hours and resolve their issues promptly and on merit.

Islamabad:Irfan Siddiqui, spokesperson for the Government Negotiation Committee, warned on Tuesday that the committee would be dissolved, if talks with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) are not resumed by January 31.

Speaking to the media outside the Parliament House, Siddiqui stated that the government committee had waited for the opposition for an extended period, even spending 45 minutes in the Speaker's chamber, but PTI had ended the negotiation process.

Siddiqui emphasized that the government's final response is ready and will be presented when the committee meets. He criticized PTI for sabotaging the talks they had initiated, suggesting that PTI likely had other priorities.

Siddiqui said negotiations are now practically over, though the committee will remain in place until January 31. If PTI reaches out to the speaker, the government committee is open to continuing discussions.

The PML-N leader reminded that PTI formed a committee on December 5, and three negotiation sessions took place. The government committee requested seven working days to respond, with an agreement that response details would remain confidential.

He also pointed out that PTI declared the talks over on January 23, citing various excuses to end the discussions. Siddiqui clarified that the speaker has no authority to dissolve the committee, as he only acts as an intermediary. The power to dissolve it lies with the prime minister, he added.

Siddiqui stated that the government committee will not initiate contact with PTI but is open to communication if PTI approaches the speaker directly.

Irfan Siddiqui expressed regret over the damage PTI has caused to democratic traditions and remarked that the founder of PTI was now observing Black Day. He questioned who might have been present to guide him and noted that, although the window for dialogue was open, PTI had closed its own path.

Islamabad:Irfan Siddiqui, spokesperson for the Government Negotiation Committee, warned on Tuesday that the committee would be dissolved, if talks with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) are not resumed by January 31.

Speaking to the media outside the Parliament House, Siddiqui stated that the government committee had waited for the opposition for an extended period, even spending 45 minutes in the Speaker's chamber, but PTI had ended the negotiation process.

Siddiqui emphasized that the government's final response is ready and will be presented when the committee meets. He criticized PTI for sabotaging the talks they had initiated, suggesting that PTI likely had other priorities.

Siddiqui said negotiations are now practically over, though the committee will remain in place until January 31. If PTI reaches out to the speaker, the government committee is open to continuing discussions.

The PML-N leader reminded that PTI formed a committee on December 5, and three negotiation sessions took place. The government committee requested seven working days to respond, with an agreement that response details would remain confidential.

He also pointed out that PTI declared the talks over on January 23, citing various excuses to end the discussions. Siddiqui clarified that the speaker has no authority to dissolve the committee, as he only acts as an intermediary. The power to dissolve it lies with the prime minister, he added.

Siddiqui stated that the government committee will not initiate contact with PTI but is open to communication if PTI approaches the speaker directly.

Irfan Siddiqui expressed regret over the damage PTI has caused to democratic traditions and remarked that the founder of PTI was now observing Black Day. He questioned who might have been present to guide him and noted that, although the window for dialogue was open, PTI had closed its own path.

Islamabad:National Academy of Higher Education (NAHE), Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan successfully concluded its two-week National Faculty Development Programme Tier-II (Associate Professors) of public sector Universities of Sindh and Balochistan at the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Regional Centre, Karachi.

This programme, designed to be a transformative initiative, aimed to equip faculty members with the skills to serve as Trainers of Trainers (TOT), enabling them to enhance their roles as professional educators and trainers across Pakistan.

Mr. Nazeer Hussain, Director General HEC Regional Centre, Karachi, warmly welcomed Prof. Dr. Zia ul Qayyum, Executive Director, HEC and participants.

He applauded NAHE and her team for their dedication and efforts, which were instrumental in the program's success.

The Chief Guest, Prof. Dr. Zia Ul-Qayyum, Executive Director of HEC, praised NAHE for launching this impactful programme.

He expressed that NAHE is implementing the Faculty Development Programme in three tiers.

Tier-3 (Lecturer and Assistant Professor) training is already been successfully conducted in various universities across the country. Now, Tier-2 (Associate Professor) has been introduced to empower faculty members to become master trainers, ensuring the cascading of knowledge and skills throughout academic institutions.

The Executive Director emphasised the importance of the cascading process, where trained participants will disseminate the acquired knowledge and skills within their respective universities.

He reaffirmed HEC's commitment to fostering academic excellence nationwide and congratulated NAHE on the successful execution of its training programmes.

During the closing ceremony, participants shared their feedback, highlighting the program's effectiveness in promoting professional development.

The event concluded with the distribution of certificates to the participants.

Islamabad:Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, on Tuesday hailed the passage of the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill 2025 as a landmark achievement in the country's journey toward a digital future.

'This bill represents a significant step towards a digital revolution, fostering the transformation of the economy, governance, and society,' the minister said in a statement on Tuesday.

Highlighting the key features of the Digital Nation Act, she said the legislation aims to establish a robust digital economy while ensuring efficient and transparent governance.

The minister explained that the act includes the development of the Pakistan Stack and Data Exchange Layers, which will simplify citizens' lives and enhance the ease of doing business.

"Through this act, a transparent and efficient system will be created to transform the economy, governance, and society," she added.

She further elaborated that the integration of governmental, social, and economic data through a digital identification system would make government services and documents accessible via mobile phones, eliminating the need for long queues.

The act, she said, is also expected to bring significant improvements in the ease of doing business for entrepreneurs and businesses.

The minister said the legislation establishes a National Digital Commission (NDC), chaired by the Prime Minister and comprising all Chief Ministers, relevant Federal Ministers, and departmental heads.

The NDC, she said will provide a strategic vision and ensure federal alignment and implementation.

The Pakistan Digital Authority (PDA) has been set up to develop the Digital Nation Masterplan and sector-specific transformation plans. An Oversight Committee, led by the Minister for IT and Telecom and including key public and private sector stakeholders, will monitor day-to-day implementation and report to the NDC.

Shaza Fatima Khawaja said that the bill would unlock numerous opportunities and facilities for the public, aligning Pakistan with the global digital revolution.

'Digitization will enable data availability for informed government decision-making and support the growth of key sectors such as AgriTech, FinTech, EdTech, and HealthTech, unlocking Pakistan's true potential,' she said.

The Digital Nation Bill will revolutionize the way we govern, conduct business, and deliver services to citizens, fostering a more, added.