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PU VC calls for promotion of tolerance in country


Lahore: Punjab University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Ali has said “we need to respect each other’s opinions to promote a culture of tolerance for development and prosperity of our society in the light of teachings of Hazrat Muhammad SAW”.



He was addressing the ‘Seerat-un-Nabi conference’, organised by Punjab University Administrative and Technical Staff Association at Faisal Auditorium here on Wednesday. Renowned religious scholar Dr Sajid Anwar, Registrar Dr Ahmed Islam, President PUATSA Chaudhry Basharat Mahmood, President Academic Staff Association Dr Amjad Abbas Magsi and thousands of employees were present.



The VC said that it was part of his faith that all humans are equal and the PU is incomplete without employees. He said that honesty takes a person forward in life. He said that the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) show that the status of an honest and pious person is very high in front of Allah Almighty. He said that he has been serving in the field of education for the past 35 years and has always ensured provision of rights to the employees. He said that the problems of PU are not that big but some administrative matters, which is being overcome. He said that by saving every penny of the PU, it will be made an exemplary institution for the next four years. He said that the PU would come out of deficit in the next four years and I will present a surplus budget.



Religious scholar Dr Sajid Anwar highlighted various aspects of the life of the Prophet (PBUH). He said that the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) are a beacon for us, only by following which we will achieve success in this world and the hereafter. He said that it is necessary to play a role together to form an exemplary society. He said that love for the Holy Prophet (PBUH) demands that such gatherings should continue to be held. Ch. Basharat Mahmood expressed the hope that under the leadership of the Vice Chancellor, all the problems of the university employees, teachers and students would be resolved soon.



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Ramesh Arora appreciates Sufi festival organisation

Lahore: The second day of the Sufi Festival, organised by the Department of Auqaf at Alhamra Arts Council, is in full swing. The event was attended specially by Provincial Minister for Minorities Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora. Secretary of Auqaf Dr. Tahir Raza Bukhari welcomed the minister, who praised his efforts for successful organisation of the festival.

Ramesh Arora appreciated the grand organisation of the festival and said that the Department of Auqaf had taken a commendable step by organising the Sufi Festival. He said that all religions promote love, tolerance, and humanity, and Sufis have served humanity by transcending religious and sectarian divisions. He said the history of Sikhism would be incomplete without mentioning Hazrat Mian Mir (RA) and Hazrat Baba Farid Ganj Shakar (RA). Sufis were champions of brotherhood, equality, and humanity, and they had been torchbearers of interfaith harmony and dialogue.

In his address, Dr Tahir Raza Bukhari said that Sufis promoted religious tolerance through their teachings and fostered a sense of love among people. He mentioned that the aim of this festival was to highlight the teachings of Sufis and convey their messages to the public.

The festival features a range of cultural programs including Sufi Arts and Crafts, Rang Rumi, Sufi singing, Sama, Dhol Dhamal, and other performances, aimed at showcasing various aspects of Sufi culture. Sufi artists are performing Sufi singing, Dhol Dhamal, Sama, and other regional performances in their unique traditional style, which will continue for one more day.

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PHOTA meeting makes several decisions to improve healthcare services


Lahore: The 33rd meeting of the Punjab Human Organ Transplant Authority (PHOTA), chaired by Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique, made several decisions on Wednesday to improve the healthcare services in the province.



According to the Health Department, the meeting unanimously endorsed the minutes of the 30th, 31st, and 32nd sessions of the Monitoring Authority and approved the Terms and References (TORs) for the PHOTA Executive Committee.



One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the registration of 28 hospitals across Punjab for organ transplantation, including bone marrow, cornea, liver, and kidney transplants. Prominent institutions such as Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Center, Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute (PKLI) Lahore, and Sheikh Zayed Hospital Lahore were granted permissions for various procedures, ensuring a broader reach of advanced medical services. Additionally, cornea transplantation was approved for Gujranwala Medical College Teaching Hospital and Al-Ahsan Welfare Eye Hospital Lahore.



The meeting also marked the approval of an emergency liver transplant policy, a step aimed at addressing urgent medical needs in the province. An ad hoc relief allowance for PHOTA employees for the fiscal year 2024-25 was sanctioned following consensus with the Punjab Finance Department. Furthermore, to innovate and strengthen expertise in organ transplantation, a three-month training course on Organ Transplantation Coordination (OTC) will be introduced through King Edward Medical University or Fatima Jinnah Medical University, with training sessions to be held at PKLI.



Another major development was the approval of a policy facilitating organ transplantation for foreign individuals in Pakistan, adhering strictly to legal regulations. These measures highlight Punjab’s commitment to improving its healthcare system and advancing organ transplantation services for both local and international patients.



The Provincial Health Minister emphasized the importance of these initiatives in ensuring access to quality medical care and fostering innovation in healthcare practices across the province.



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Governor KP emphasizes role of social welfare organizations in serving humanity

Islamabad: Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi, on Wednesday said that those who serve humanity are highly valued, emphasizing the need for active social welfare organizations in the province to contribute to the betterment of society.

The Governor said this during a meeting with Asif Chishti, Head of Operations at Muslim Aid Pakistan, who briefed him about the organization's relief work in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including flood-affected areas in Chitral and Upper and

Lower Dir.

Governor Kundi acknowledged the importance of social organizations in helping the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and said that the residents of the southern districts of the province such as Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Lakki Marwat, Bannu, Karak, and Waziristan are also awaiting assistance from these organizations.

He commended the Red Crescent Society of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for its active role in emergency situations through out the province.

He called for collaboration between Muslim Aid and the Red Crescent to further enhance welfare activities in the province.

During the meeting, it was also decided that, ahead of the holy month of Ramadan, food items and tents would be provided to the people affected by the floods in Kurram.

Chairman of the Red Crescent Society Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Habib Malik Orakzai, was also present at the meeting.

Meanwhile, Director of the Chinese construction company, Overseas Representative Office Union, Li Ping, met with the Governor Faisal Karim Kundi.

During the meeting, Li Ping briefed the Governor about the ongoing construction work on the N-5 in Sindh.

Governor Kundi praised the company's work and suggested that the company consider participating in the Chashma Lift Canal project.

He highlighted that the Chashma Lift Canal is not only a key development project for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but for the entire country.

He emphasized that the involvement of globally recognized companies in the project is crucial for its sustainability and long-term success.

Similarly, Renowned political and social figure from Oxford, Pakistan-born, Mumtaz Fareed Nartopa, also called on Governor Faisal Karim Kundi.

During the meeting, they discussed various topics, including the security situation in the province, women empowerment, youth engagement, peace-building efforts, and initiatives to promote the province's soft image.

Governor Kundi emphasized that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is home to many talented youth, and it is essential to encourage and support them.

He further said that enhancing the province's soft image would contribute positively to Pakistan's overall international reputation.

Mumtaz Fareed Nartopa praised the Governor's efforts, particularly in promoting interfaith harmony and inter-sectarian unity at the Governor's House.

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Over 74,000 service requests received via ‘Maryam Ki Dastak’ app

Lahore: The Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) recorded a remarkable increase in utilisation of government services through its innovative 'Maryam Ki Dastak' initiative, as over 74,000 online requests for services were received, with the app now offering a newly added Self-Service option.

This emerged during a meeting presided over by PITB Chairman Faisal Yousaf at Arfa Software Technology Park (ASTP) here on Wednesday.

During the meeting, it was revealed that out of the 74,000 online applications received, 28,000 have been successfully processed, and an additional 25,000 are expected to be resolved within days. Furthermore, over 87,000 young individuals have registered themselves as Dastak Facilitator to assist citizens in availing services.

The newly added Self-Service option is a significant enhancement, allowing citizens to directly visit the relevant department to submit their applications or choose a Dastak representative for assistance. Chairman Faisal Yousaf emphasized that this feature not only simplifies the process for citizens but also provides a unique opportunity for youth to earn additional income by registering as representatives.

It is pertinent to mention here that the 'Maryam ki Dastak' initiative has successfully rolled out over 70 government services in 40 districts of Punjab. Services such as Domicile Issuance, Birth Certificates, and FIR copies are now accessible without requiring visits to government offices. Citizens can avail these services through the Dastak Doorstep Delivery App or by calling the helpline at 1202.

Chairman Faisal Yousaf further highlighted the program's success in making public services more accessible and citizen-friendly. He stated, 'The Maryam ki Dastak program is transforming lives by delivering essential services at citizens' doorsteps, reducing bureaucratic hurdles and enhancing convenience.

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Afzal asks PTI to submit written CoD for making dialogue process constructive


Islamabad: Coordinator to Prime Minister Rana Ihsan Afzal on Wednesday asked the leaders of PTI to submit charter of demand (CoD),



in written form for making dialogue process constructive. PTI was not submitting written demands before the committee



despite repeated requests, he said while talking to a private television channel.



He said that PTI founder’s controversial statements on twitter was also creating hurdles in dialogue process.Verbal assurance and demands from the PTI members are not sufficient for making the dialogue session successful, he said.



In reply to a question, he said that written demands from PTI leaders would help address political issues. To a question about slow internet services in the country, he said that concerned department was working on it. He said, we are also making efforts to control misuse of social media.