Daily Balochistan Times

Islamabad: Balochistan Chief Minister, Mir Sarfraz Bugti on Tuesday said that efforts have been taken to improve the healthcare system in the province, and under a public-private partnership, quality healthcare services will be provided, with aimed that the common people will have access to quality healthcare facilities at their doorstep.

The chief minister in called on meeting with Director of Sundas Foundation, Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Aftab Hussain was briefed about the activities of the Sundas Foundation across the country, including Balochistan.

During the meeting, they discussed the need to expand the Sundas Foundation's activities in Balochistan and provide facilities for the treatment of hemophilia thalassemia and blood related diseases in the underdeveloped areas.

He appreciated the services of the Sundas Foundation, highlighted that the foundation has done significant work in treating blood related diseases, benefiting millions of poor people.

Mir Sarfraz Bugti assured full cooperation regarding the establishment of a Sundas Foundation center in Quetta and emphasized that the Balochistan government is committed to bring reforms in the healthcare sector.

He stressed the need to further expand cooperation between government and non-governmental organizations in public welfare matters.

During the meeting, Director of Sundas Foundation Aftab Hussain praised the chief minister's seriousness and strong resolve regarding the provision of quality healthcare facilities in Balochistan and assured that the Sundas Foundation is ready to expand its services in the underdeveloped areas of the province.

Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday chaired the meeting of the inter-ministerial committee for the International Conference on 'Girls Education in Muslim Communities: Challenges and Opportunities' to assess the ongoing preparations for the upcoming Conference.

The International Conference on Girls Education will be held in Pakistan from January 11-12, 2025, according to a statement issued by the office of Deputy Prime Minister.

The meeting was attended by the Minister of Information Ataullah Tarar, Minister of Federal Education and Federal Training, Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Minister Youth Affairs, Rana Mashhood Ahmed, Foreign Secretary and Secretary Education.

Islamabad: The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) held a meeting with Deputy Director of the Islamabad Food Authority (IFA), Dr Tahira Siddique, to strengthen cooperation and address key concerns of the restaurant industry.

The meeting, led by ICCI President Abdul Rehman Siddique, brought together representatives from both organizations to discuss ways to support business growth. Senior Vice President Nasir Choudhry, Vice President Naveed Satti, and Restaurant Sub-Committee Convener Faseeh Ullah Khan were also present at the meeting.

The agenda centered on fostering collaboration between ICCI and IFA, streamlining licensing processes, and enhancing support for restaurants. During the meeting, both organizations explored ways to align their efforts to support businesses effectively.

Meanwhile, officials from both departments highlighted the need for better facilitation of restaurant members through IFA resources. On the occasion, ICCI offered its platform for organizing capacity-building sessions to benefit food industry stakeholders.

Additionally, suggestions were made to simplify and improve the IFA licensing framework for businesses. Furthermore, participants from both sides identified and deliberated on shared challenges faced by the food industry.

The meeting concluded with an agreement to strengthen ties, ensuring that restaurant members and businesses benefit from effective collaboration. This initiative reflects ICCI's dedication to creating a supportive environment for businesses while addressing industry-specific needs.

By focusing on practical solutions and mutual efforts, the ICCI and IFA aim to pave the way for sustainable growth in the local food sector.

Islamabad: ECO Cultural Institute, the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture Division, and The Diplomatic Insight, in collaboration with the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), organized the exhibition "Timeless Serenity of Calligraphy and Arts" to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of ECO member states.

The exhibition, inaugurated at PNCA Islamabad by Ambassador Asad Majeed Khan, Secretary General of the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO), showcased calligraphic masterpieces and artworks by prominent artists from ECO member countries, including Pakistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan.

The event highlighted the region's cultural diversity and unity through its artistic treasures.

Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Asad Majeed Khan emphasized that the ECO region's unparalleled cultural diversity was its greatest strength, serving as a bridge between civilizations and a foundation for peace, prosperity, and mutual respect.

He noted, "The exhibition exemplifies the ECO's commitment to nurturing cultural bonds alongside economic and technical cooperation."

'Art and culture transcend boundaries, uniting us in ways that politics and economics cannot. This exhibition is a testament to the shared values, traditions, and aspirations of the ECO region, showcasing our collective heritage to the world,' he remarked.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Farhat Asif, President IPDS and TDI highlighted the transformative power of cultural diplomacy in building bridges between nations.

She emphasized, "Art and culture are fundamental tools for fostering dialogue, understanding, and collaboration among diverse communities."

Dr. Saad Khan, President of the ECO Cultural Institute, underscored the significance of showcasing the artistic achievements of the ECO region.

He pointed out that the region's artistic legacy was not only a source of pride but also a vital means for fostering peace, dialogue, and collaboration among member states.

Muhammad Asif Noor, Chief Executive of The Diplomatic Insight Group, expressed appreciation for the tireless efforts of Hassan Nasir Jamy, Federal Secretary of the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture Division, in promoting Pakistan's soft image internationally and strengthening cultural linkages across the globe.

He also acknowledged the dedication of Muhammad Ayub Jamali, Director General PNCA, and Maryam Ahmad, Director of the Art Gallery, whose contributions were pivotal in making the exhibition a success.

The exhibition featured exquisite calligraphy and intricate crafts from across the ECO member states, with each piece reflecting the unique cultural identity and heritage of its country of origin.

The artistic mastery of renowned Pakistani calligrapher Azeem Iqbal was also prominently displayed alongside other notable works, demonstrating the shared values and traditions that bind the ECO nations while celebrating their distinct artistic expressions.

The exhibition will remain open to the public until January 14, offering a unique opportunity to experience and appreciate the artistic diversity and heritage of the ECO region.