Daily Balochistan Times

Bhimber (ajk):Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday performed ground breaking of the first Daanish School Science and Technology Center of Excellence in Bhimber, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), marking a significant milestone in the area's educational development.

The prime minister expressed his commitment to establishing more Daanish Schools in AJK and other underdeveloped areas of the country, aiming to provide quality education to talented and intelligent children who lack access to educational facilities.

Addressing the ground breaking ceremony of the AJK's first Daanish School Center of Science and Technology Center of Excellence in Bhimber, the prime minister termed the establishment of Daanish School in AJK as a welcoming sign.

He said that the project of Daanish Schools was the brainchild of his leader and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif which were initially aimed at providing quality education to the talented and intelligent children of the less developed areas of Punjab whose parents were unable to bear their education expenses.

"Thousands of students are now serving different key departments after completing their studies from Daanish Schools," he added.

He said the talented orphans and poor children were enrolled in Daanish Schools which would bring educational revolution in the country.

He informed that the children in the schools get free books, meals and boarding facilities. Similarly, he said the school's buildings would be totally separate for girls and boys.

He announced that more Daanish Schools will be opened soon in Neelum and other areas of AJK. Similarly, he said more Daanish Schools will also be opened soon in Gilgit Baltistan, Balochistan and merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The prime minister said all funds for the schools will be paid by the federal government.

He directed the relevant authorities to construct and operationlize the school within one year.

The prime minister pointed out that the people of Occupied Kashmir who were fighting for their independence will be happy to see their brothers getting such high standard education facilities.

He said that the chief ministers of Punjab, Sindh and Balochisan were taking steps to provide the best possible facilities in education and health sectors.

The prime minister added that "as long as the people of Kashmir do not get their right to self-determination according to the United Nations resolutions, we will continue our political, moral, and diplomatic support".

"The Chief of Army Staff, General Syed Asim Munir, is firmly committed to supporting our Kashmiri brothers. The sacrifices of the Kashmiris will not go in vain, they will attain freedom", he added.

The prime minister said due the the incumbent government's prudent steps, the inflation rate and subsequently the policy rate had come down significantly, besides the country's exports and foreign remittances also witnessed notable increase.

He said the World Bank, in its 10-years plan, had also allocated US$20 billion for various projects in Pakistan.

"We have saved the country from falling into default by resolving key economic challenges," he said adding that the government was committed to successfully complete the programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

PM Shehbaz Sharif noted that the country could not see development and prosperity until complete eradication of the menace of terrorism from the country.

"Pakistan armed forces and the security forces are rendering great sacrifices in war against terrorism which must be acknowledged," he said adding that unrest in the country was incurring a huge loss of around Rs 190 billion every day.

He expressed the confidence that those conspiring against the country will fail.

Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Anwar-ul-Haq said that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif had illuminated the path of knowledge by establishing a Daanish School in Bhimber, an underdeveloped district.

"This is his credit, and we are grateful for the launch of this great project. This is a game-changer initiative," he added.

He said the Kashmiris will unite and confront Indian state terrorism. "India is engaging in propaganda to divert attention from its atrocities and human rights violations in occupied Kashmir."

Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, Amir Muqam, expressed gratitude for the establishment of the Daanish School project in Azad Kashmir.

He said four Daanish Schools will be established in Azad Kashmir.

Federal Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said that the Daanish Schools initiative had now been launched in Kashmir.

"Nations develop through educational progress. We are striving to promote modern education in line with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif's vision," he added.

The event was also attended by Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Prime Minister's Advisor for Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, Chairman Prime Minister Youth Program Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Ministers and Members of Azad Kashmir Legislative Assembly, and the leadership of the Hurriyat Conference.

Muzaffarabad:The University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (UAJK), Muzaffarabad, has earned a distinguished milestone in the World University Rankings (Subject) 2025.

UAJK has been ranked as the top institution in Azad Jammu and Kashmir in the field of engineering education and placed among the top 801-1000 universities globally.

According to the report, UAJK's remarkable achievement in engineering stems from its excellence in quality research, strong industry linkages, international outlook, research environment, and teaching standards. This recognition follows another significant accomplishment in 2024 when Times Higher Education ranked UAJK first in the region and 35th nationwide for its quality education, robust infrastructure, and highly qualified faculty.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Kaleem Abbasi extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Dean of Engineering, Prof. Dr. Saadat Hanif Dar, departmental heads, faculty members, administrative staff, and students for their exceptional efforts. "Being recognized by Times Higher Education in 2024 and now by the World University Rankings (Subject) in 2025 is a matter of immense pride for UAJK," he stated.

The Vice-Chancellor also commended the Director of the Quality Enhancement Cell, Prof. Saadat Hanif Dar, Deputy Director Imran Maqbool Abbasi, and their team for their pivotal role in achieving this distinction.

He expressed optimism that other academic departments would follow suit, striving for similar excellence and promoting their achievements effectively.

Commenting on the success, Dean of Engineering Prof. Dr. Saadat Hanif Dar attributed this milestone to the visionary leadership, unwavering commitment, and tireless efforts of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Kaleem Abbasi.

He congratulated the faculty and students of the Engineering Department on this remarkable success.

This accomplishment reaffirms UAJK's dedication to fostering excellence in education and research, strengthening its reputation as a leading institution in the region and beyond.

Muzaffarabad:Azad Jammu and Kashmir ( AJK) President Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry, while appreciating Turkey's consistent support to the Kashmir cause has expressed the optimism that Turkey would continue its unwavering support to Kashmiris' legitimate struggle for their right to self-determination.

He expressed these views while talking to the Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan Dr. Irfan Neziroglu who called on him at his office on Wednesday.

On this occasion, the Turkish Embassy's Counsellor Mrs. Yaprak Ece was also present.

Speaking on the occasion, President Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry said that the Kashmir issue was not only the issue of the Kashmiri people but also of the Muslim Ummah.

Apprising the Turkish ambassador of the prevailing political and human rights situation in the Indian occupied territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the president said that the Indian government's relentless repression of political and human rights in the region has devastating impacts on the Kashmiri society.

"Along with suppression of political rights people in occupied Kashmir have been deprived of religious rights and freedoms", he said, adding that even Kashmiri Muslims were not allowed to offer Friday prayers.

He said that the bloodshed of innocent civilians, particularly the youth at the hands of occupation forces, was going on unabated.

Terming massive military concentration as the main cause of rights violations in the region, he said, "India's nine lakh army is committing genocide against Kashmiris".India, he said, was not only violating human rights in occupied Kashmir but religious minorities in India have been the worst victims of Modi government's Hindu supremacist's ideology.

Barrister Chaudhry also highlighted India's involvement in transnational terrorism.

The president said the Muslim countries, especially Turkey, should play their much needed role to help stop the bloodbath of innocent civilians in the region and resolving the Kashmir issue in accordance with the resolutions of the United Nations.

Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry also sought Turkey's role in the development of Azad Kashmir. On this occasion, Turkish Ambassador Dr. Irfan Neziroglu assured his country's continued support to the Kashmir cause.

He said that Turkey has always supported the Kashmiris' just cause and called for an immediate end to rights violations in the region.

Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry, invited the Turkish Ambassador Dr. Irfan Neziroglu to visit Muzaffarabad, which he delightfully accepted.

Peshawar:Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) cabinet meeting has been scheduled for January 24, with official notifications sent to participants.

Official sources said on Wednesday the meeting will be presided over by Chief Minister Sardar Ali Amin Gandapur.

Department of Establishment and Administrative Affairs has issued formal invitations to the cabinet members.

Cabinet members and secretaries from relevant departments are expected to attend.

According to the notification, the agenda for the meeting will be shared later.

KP cabinet held its last meeting earlier this month on January 15 with CM in the Chair.

The upcoming meeting aims at addressing key administrative and governance issues in the province.

Bahawalpur:The Higher Education Commission of Pakistan has nominated Professor Dr. Muhammad Kamran, Vice Chancellor the Islamia University of Bahawalpur and Muhammad Nawaz Sharif University of Engineering and Technology, Multan, as the Vice Chairperson of the National Technology Council.

The Higher Education Commission has issued a notification in this regard. Experts, teachers, and students associated with the field of engineering from across the country have congratulated Professor Dr. Muhammad Kamran on his nomination as Vice Chairperson of the National Technology Council, terming it a recognition of his professional competence and leadership at the national and global levels.

Peshawar:The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has released Rs 500 million in compensation for the victims of Miranshah Bazaar in North Waziristan, following the efforts of Special Assistant to the Chief Minister for Relief, Haji Naek Muhammad.

According to a press released from the office of PDMA Director General Asfandyar Khattak, the funds have been sent to the Deputy Commissioner of North Waziristan. These funds will be distributed among the victims of Miranshah Bazaar, who were affected during Operation Zarb-e-Azb, in accordance with established guidelines.

Special Assistant Haji Naek Muhammad stated that the provincial government is fully committed to addressing the damages sustained by Miranshah and Mir Ali bazaars during the operation.

He highlighted that compensation had already been provided to victims of both bazaars in the past and assured that additional funds will soon be released to cover those still awaiting relief.

Haji Naek Muhammad reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring that the distribution of funds remains transparent and merit-based.

He affirmed that clear instructions have been issued to the relevant authorities to maintain fairness and accountability in the disbursement process.