Category: Islamabad

Islamabad: Lt. Gen. Nigar Johar (Retd) has emphasized the crucial role women play in the economic development of Pakistan during her visit to the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI).

Dr. Johar, while speaking with ICCI President Nasir Mansoor Qureshi, highlighted that women, who mark up as half of the population, must be empowered to contribute meaningfully to the country's economic growth, said a press release issued here on Sunday.

Dr. Johar stated,Pakistan cannot afford to neglect its women who are determined to serve the country.

Their empowerment is vital for the economic wellbeing of the nation.

She called for inclusive economic policies and greater participation of women in all sectors, asserting that empowering women is fundamental to building a stronger economy.

The discussion also focused on the importance of strong linkages between academia and industry.

Dr. Johar emphasized that education should be business and industry-focused to help students transition from job seekers to job creators. She remarked, "Our youth must be equipped to become entrepreneurs, contributing to the economy rather than relying on traditional employment."

President Nasir Mansoor Qureshi welcomed Dr. Johar's visit and praised her as a source of inspiration for women across the nation.

He shared the ICCI's ongoing efforts to empower the youth, especially women and rural communities, by facilitating industry-academia collaborations and establishing more facilitation desks for the business community.

He stressed the importance of developing the potential of Pakistan's youth, especially in the rural areas, to achieve the country's economic goals.

Qureshi also pointed out that the ICCI is working closely with universities, signing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to support youth entrepreneurship and skill development.

He proposed that universities tailor their curricula so that students spend their final semesters working directly with industries, gaining practical experience to prepare them as future entrepreneurs.

Executive Member Fatima Azeem and Special Advisor to the ICCI President, Naeem Siddiqui, also highlighted the importance of imparting skill training to the youth, empowering them to succeed in the workforce and contribute effectively to the nation's development.

Shumila Siddiqui, another ICCI Executive Member, along with other women entrepreneurs from Islamabad, attended the meeting and participated in the discussion, sharing their views on the challenges and opportunities for women in business.

The visit ended with a shared commitment to creating an environment that fosters economic growth through inclusive policies, strong academia-industry partnerships, and empowering women and youth.

Dr. Johar's visit reinforced the message that women's empowerment and youth development are essential for Pakistan's long-term prosperity.

Islamabad: Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police, under the special directives of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, have launched an intensified campaign against illegal weapons, resulting in 98 cases registered so far and significant recoveries of illegal arms and ammunition.

A public relation officer told REPORTER that in this regard, 16 individuals who were in possession of illegal weapons were arrested yesterday, and 16 cases were registered against them at various police stations.

A total of 98 cases have been registered so far during this campaign, and a large number of illegal weapons and ammunition have been recovered from the arrested individuals.

Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) Syed Ali Raza stated that the aim of the campaign is to prevent crime in the city, rid the city of illegal weapons, and ensure the safety of citizens' lives and property.

DIG further said that, actions against criminal elements across the district will be intensified, and a comprehensive strategy will be adopted to address this issue.

No element will be allowed to disrupt public peace, use illegal weapons in the federal capital, or spread fear and panic among citizens, he said and added that citizens who possess licensed firearms are requested to register them with their respective police stations and cooperate with the Islamabad Police in their ongoing campaign against illegal weapons.

Islamabad: Islamabad Police's Friends of Police Program, aimed at promoting awareness about traffic laws and road safety, marked a significant milestone with the successful completion of its student volunteer batch, consisting of 100 students from prominent universities, on Sunday.

A public relation officer told reporter that the program was initiated under the special directives of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, with students from leading universities actively participating.

The Islamabad Police's Friends of Police program, which seeks to educate citizens about traffic laws and road safety, celebrated the successful completion of its student volunteer batch." set it in one"

A formal ceremony was held at the Traffic Police Headquarters in Faizabad, where Chief Traffic Officer (CTO), Muhammad Sarfraz Virk, welcomed the volunteers and commended them for completing their training. The ceremony was attended by university students and members of the Islamabad Police education team.

On the occasion, CTO Muhammad Sarfraz Virk emphasized the importance of shaping students' minds for a better society and highlighted the difficulty of changing public perceptions about the police. "We are presenting our processes and services to the public so that people understand the true role of the police," he stated.

"I do not believe in lofty claims but in working practically 24/7. Those who serve the public are chosen by Allah Almighty. The police department is the first to respond in difficult times. We are aligning the police with the demands of the modern era," said CTO Virk.

He further added, "The Islamabad Police are the guardians of the blood of martyrs. Regardless of the color of the uniform, our commitment remains the same. We have built a lasting relationship with you. Our police culture comprises positive elements that must eliminate the negative ones."

The CTO emphasized the importance of the volunteer program in crime prevention, noting that volunteers play a vital role in spreading public information. "Join us in serving the public together," he said.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, certificates and awards were presented to the student volunteers, and the Islamabad Police reaffirmed their commitment to organizing such programs in the future.

Islamabad: The useful handling of social media platforms has empowered youth to earn sufficient money for supporting themselves and their families too.

Nowadays social media has emerged as an effective platform for generating income, offering numerous opportunities and businesses ideas.

The positive use of social media can lead to financial awareness for youth who are in search of new jobs and opportunities.

Now they can earn money through different social media platforms while sitting at home as social media has engaged people to generate income, creating new opportunities and shifting traditional income streams.

A social media influencer Sana Tanveer shared her thoughts that "social media platforms have played a pivotal role in my success, enabling me to connect with a vast audience and generate significant income".

She said, "After facing a prolonged period of unemployment, I have successfully leveraged social media to generate a handsome income from the comfort of my own home".

She said, "Now I can support myself financially it is like a game changer for me".

"People love my cooking tips and recipes and I am loving the income that comes with it". She added. She continued that whether you are staying home, a student, or simply looking for a way to supplement your income, social media offers a world of possibilities.

Sohail Tanveer another content creator said, "Previously, I worked at a hospital as a technician with limited resources, but now I have found success as a social media influencer, earning a substantial income".

He commented, "I inspire through moral stories, spreading positivity to make a difference in people's lives." Viewership of my content has crossed one million and all my struggles have finally paid off, he said. For many, social media has become a lifeline, providing a way to support their families and achieve financial stability, he expressed.

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Islamabad: Pakistan's youth are flocking to digital currencies, hoping to strike it rich quickly. However, the extreme volatility, lack of regulations, and limited education make this venture highly risky, often leading to heavy financial losses and exposure to scams.

Experts have warned that while digital currencies offer potential rewards, young investors must exercise caution. Proper education on market dynamics, security protocols, and regulations is essential to avoid falling victim to fraud and crashes. Although some Pakistani investors have seen profits from Bitcoin and Ethereum, the high-risk, high-reward nature of cryptocurrencies demands thorough research before diving in.

Hamza Anwaar, Manager of Public Relations at Zahid Latif Khan Securities (Pvt) Ltd, told REPORTER that cryptocurrency trading is akin to stock trading but without any physical assets backing it. He described it as "fake" and highlighted the risks, noting, "Several people came into our office seeking advice on recovering funds from their banned accounts."

Despite the rising popularity of cryptocurrencies, policymakers and financial institutions in Pakistan remain opposed to digital currency trading. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has clarified that virtual currencies are not legal tender and has advised banks and financial institutions not to facilitate cryptocurrency transactions.

Globally, digital currencies have gained significant recognition. Over the past few years, several countries have adopted or are considering regulations to integrate cryptocurrencies into their financial systems. The U.S., Japan, Germany, and Switzerland are leading the charge, with cryptocurrencies being fully legalized in these nations. The European Union is also progressing toward a unified regulatory framework, while nations like El Salvador have even declared Bitcoin as legal tender. This global acceptance underscores the transformative potential of digital currencies in reshaping finance, business, and global trade.

In terms of global investment, the cryptocurrency market has surged to an estimated value of over $2 trillion as of 2024. The rapid growth is driven by institutional investors, large tech companies, and retail traders, with Bitcoin and Ethereum remaining the dominant players. However, market volatility continues to be a challenge, as cryptocurrencies can swing drastically in value, making long-term stability uncertain.

To benefit from the growing global crypto ecosystem, Pakistan needs a clear regulatory framework that encourages innovation while protecting investors. Developing guidelines for cryptocurrency trading and enhancing investor education on risks will help guard against scams and fraud. Additionally, creating secure platforms for trading digital currencies will boost investor confidence and reduce vulnerability to market crashes.

Pakistan should also focus on increasing access to digital currency knowledge, providing training programs, and fostering partnerships with global financial institutions and tech companies. This will allow the country to tap into cryptocurrencies not just as an investment, but as a tool for entrepreneurship and financial inclusion. If regulated properly, digital currencies could play a vital role in Pakistan's financial future, offering new opportunities for youth to engage in the global economy while managing market risks.

However, the country's regulatory bodies need to act quickly to balance innovation with investor protection. With the right approach to regulation, education, and infrastructure, Pakistan has the potential to be a key player in the crypto landscape.

Young traders like Ashraf, who started investing in Bitcoin when it was worth just $700, are turning to digital currencies to escape traditional financial systems. Sharing his success story, with reporter of buying a new expensive car and a home from investing in crypto, he highlights the lucrative rewards of cryptocurrency investment. However, the risks remain certain, and many young Pakistanis view digital currencies as a chance to participate in the global economy.

A report by the Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 2020-21 estimated that Pakistan holds around $20 billion in cryptocurrencies-a staggering 700% increase. As Pakistan's tech-savvy youth continue exploring crypto, a balanced approach that combines enthusiasm with caution will be essential for long-term success in the ever-evolving financial landscape.

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and SAFRON Engineer Amir Muqam has said that it is shameful for India to call itself a republic despite its illegal occupation of occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

In his special statement regarding the celebration of India's Republic Day as a black day, the Federal Minister said that on the one side, India is celebrating Republic Day today, and on the other side, it has usurped the fundamental rights of Kashmiris.

India is committing the worst atrocities in occupied Jammu and Kashmir. It is regrettable that India has been illegally depriving the people of Jammu and Kashmir of their right to self-determination for more than seven decades and is subjecting them to oppression, violence and barbarity.

Despite these atrocities, the spirit of the Kashmiri people is unbreakable and their struggle for freedom cannot be suppressed.

He said that he calls on the international community to stop India from committing atrocities and human rights violations in occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan will continue to provide full political, diplomatic and moral support to the brave Kashmiri people in their just struggle and right to self-determination.

He said that the United Nations has passed a resolution to grant the Kashmiris the right to self-determination, therefore it is the duty of the international organization to implement its resolutions and grant the Kashmiris their right to self-determination.

He said that the Indian army is breaking mountains of atrocities in occupied Kashmir and has usurped the political, religious and democratic rights of the Kashmiris.