PESSI Commissioner visits social security hospitals

Lahore: Punjab Employees Social Security Institution (PESSI) Commissioner Muhammad Ali visited various Social Security hospitals here on Wednesday. During the visit, he reviewed the performance of Nawaz Sharif Hospital, Rahmat-ul-Alameen Institute of Cardiology, and Kot Lakhpat Hospital. The Commissioner inspected various departments and sections of the hospitals, including cleanliness, doctor attendance, medicine stores, and staff uniforms. The Commissioner was accompanied by Vice Commissioner Dr Zulfiqar Ali Kharal, Medical Advisor Dr Humaira Buzdar, and other relevant officers.

He specifically checked the quality of beds in the wards and other patient facilities. He also reviewed the ongoing development work in the hospitals in detail, with relevant officials providing briefings on the progress. Muhammad Ali emphasized that the ongoing construction work in the hospitals should be completed as soon as possible, without compromising on quality or material standards. He also instructed the relevant officers to ensure cleanliness in accordance with SOPs on a daily basis. Furthermore, he directed that the best facilities be provided to patients in the wards. The Commissioner stressed that any negligence in the treatment of workers and their families would not be tolerated.

Minister directs expediting work on E-Transfer System

Peshawar: Provincial Minister for Higher Education, Meena Khan Afridi has directed to expedite work on E-Transfer System and said it would ensure transparency in posting and transfers.

Chairing a performance review meeting of Higher Education Department, he said that transfers would be made after completion of E-Transfer System that was meant to ensure transparency and merit in the whole process.

The meeting was also attended by Secretary Higher Education, Kamran Afridi, Special Secretary and concerned officials.

Minister also directed to identify colleges that lack basic amenities and said that efforts would be made to address shortcomings in these institutions.

He also directed concerned committee to speed up work on curriculum reviewing.

Expressing satisfaction over performance of higher education department he said that irregularity and corruption would not be tolerated.

He urged teachers to further improve performance and work with dedication realizing their responsibilities.

Iftikhar Malik lauds “URAAN” roadmap

Lahore: Former president of the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry Iftikhar Ali Malik on Wednesday praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's ambitious 10-year "URAAN" roadmap.

In a statement, he stated that this well-conceived plan would usher in an era of sustainable economic growth, the execution of mega projects, and lasting prosperity across the country, while also attracting both foreign and local investments.

He said its implementation will hopefully transform Pakistan into a $1 trillion economy by the next decade. Anchored on the "Five E's"-Exports, Equity, E-Pakistan, Energy, and Environment-the plan showcases a visionary approach towards fostering sustainable growth and prosperity. He said this strategic vision, underpinned by robust policy implementation and public-private collaboration, has the potential to unlock Pakistan's economic potential, ensuring prosperity and resilience for the years to come. He said focus on Exports underscores the need to boost Pakistan's global competitiveness. By diversifying export markets and enhancing value-added industries, the roadmap aims to significantly increase foreign exchange reserves, reduce the trade deficit, and generating job opportunities.

He said E-Pakistan, leverages digital transformation to drive innovation and efficiency and it aims to expand broadband infrastructure, promote IT exports, and foster a start-up culture to position Pakistan as a hub for technology and innovation.The emphasis on Energy reflects the resolve Pakistan's energy challenges by enhancing efficiency, reducing dependency on imports, and transitioning to renewable sources. Investment in hydropower, solar, and wind energy projects will pour in to lower costs and ensure sustainable energy supply,he added.

Iftikhar Ali Malik said environmental viable policy aligns with global climate priorities. Initiatives of afforestation, water conservation, and sustainable agriculture are designed to combat climate change while protecting natural resources for future generations,he concluded.

PFC showcases excellence at 17 global expos in 2024: CEO

Lahore: The Pakistan Furniture Council (PFC) participated in 17 major international expos across the globe in 2024, showcasing high-quality Pakistani furniture and craftsmanship to boost exports.

Chairing first board of directors meeting of the year here on Wednesday, CEO PFC Mian Kashif Ashfaq said these expos provided an excellent platform to project the diversity, durability, and unique designs of Pakistani furniture, attracting buyers and investors from various countries.

He said: " Through participation we successfully promoted Pakistan's traditional and contemporary furniture, including handmade woodwork and modern designs, which resonated with global markets". The council's efforts aimed at fostering trade links, exploring new markets, and enhancing the visibility of Pakistan's furniture industry internationally.

He said exhibitions not only strengthened Pakistan's trade relationships with other countries but also helped generate valuable export orders, contributing significantly to the national economy. The PFC remained committed to promoting local artisans and expanding the country's footprint in the global furniture market, he concluded.

PFC showcases excellence at 17 global expos in 2024: CEO

Lahore: The Pakistan Furniture Council (PFC) participated in 17 major international expos across the globe in 2024, showcasing high-quality Pakistani furniture and craftsmanship to boost exports.

Chairing first board of directors meeting of the year here on Wednesday, CEO PFC Mian Kashif Ashfaq said these expos provided an excellent platform to project the diversity, durability, and unique designs of Pakistani furniture, attracting buyers and investors from various countries.

He said: " Through participation we successfully promoted Pakistan's traditional and contemporary furniture, including handmade woodwork and modern designs, which resonated with global markets". The council's efforts aimed at fostering trade links, exploring new markets, and enhancing the visibility of Pakistan's furniture industry internationally.

He said exhibitions not only strengthened Pakistan's trade relationships with other countries but also helped generate valuable export orders, contributing significantly to the national economy. The PFC remained committed to promoting local artisans and expanding the country's footprint in the global furniture market, he concluded.

Taliban ban on Afghan women in NGOs ‘absolutely’ wrong: UN rights chief


United nations: The United Nations has told the Taliban to revoke a ban on Afghan women working in NGOs after the de facto government issued a circular warning international groups that they faced suspension and possible revocation of their license if they were found in violation of a decree first issued in 2022.



The measure, issued by the de facto Ministry of Economy on 26 December, enforces a two-year-old decree prohibiting women from working with both national and international NGOs.



In a statement, Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rughts, emphasized the devastating impact on the delivery of critical humanitarian aid in Afghanistan the decree will have, where more than half the population lives in poverty.



NGOs, he noted, are essential to the survival of millions of Afghans, offering life-saving support to women, men and children alike.



‘This is absolutely the wrong path,’ Turk said, urging the de facto authorities to reconsider what he described as a ‘deeply discriminatory decree.’



Since coming to power, Afghanistan’s de facto authorities have restricted the rights of women and girls, barring them from education, work, healthcare, and movement.



These measures, including the latest crackdown on NGO employment, effectively erase women from public life, undermining Afghanistan’s prospects for progress.



The High Commissioner called on Afghanistan’s leaders to rethink their course, not just for the sake of women and girls but for the future of the nation as a whole.



He also highlighted the broader implications of these policies for the global community, noting that restricting women’s participation in public life exacerbates poverty and hampers efforts to build a stable and resilient society.



‘For the future of Afghanistan, the de facto authorities must change course,’ Turk added.