#Musharraf could be back as head of new Pakistan party ahead of local body polls

#Musharraf could be back as head of new Pakistan party ahead of local body polls

on August 31, 2015 0 Comment
There has been a feeling in all Muslim League factions except PML-N, that they should be united and form a new political force to challenge the PML-N and Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.

Pakistan’s former military dictator Pervez Musharraf could soon stage a political comeback as head of a new party combining all factions of the Muslim League except the ruling PML-N of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, ahead of local body elections. Efforts have been intensified to form the party – United Muslim League – after uniting all factions of Muslim League except Sharif’s PML-N.

PML-Q President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain on Saturday held a meeting with 72-year-old Musharraf, head of All Pakistan Muslim League at his residence in Karachi and agreed to merge all factions except PML-N to form a “new look party”. 

“I met with General Musharraf, PML-Functional chief Pir Pagara Sibghatullah Shah Rashidi and former Sindh chief minister Syed Ghaus Ali Shah, who was once a close aide of Sharif. They all are unanimous on formation of the United Muslim League,” Hussain told reporters. He said efforts are also on to take all those Muslim League leaders and workers on board who are not happy with the policies of the Sharif brothers – Nawaz and Shahbaz Sharif. The new party is likely to be formed before local body elections scheduled to be held by the end of the year. There has been a feeling in all Muslim League factions except PML-N, that they should be united and form a new political force to challenge the PML-N and Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. They believe that under Musharraf’s leadership all the Muslim League factions can perform well. Musharraf returned to Pakistan in 2013 after over four years in self-exile but faces a slew of legal cases including the high profile treason case under Article 6 of the Constitution for imposing emergency in the country in 2007, the first army chief to face such a prosecution. He has also been charged in the judges’ detention case.

Source: Indian Express
Fire killed 11, dozens injured in fire at #Saudi oil giant housing complex

Fire killed 11, dozens injured in fire at #Saudi oil giant housing complex

on August 31, 2015 0 Comment
by AFP
Riyadh: At least 11 people were killed and 219 injured in Saudi Arabia today when a fire broke out at a residential complex housing employees of oil giant Saudi Aramco, authorities said.

In this image released by the Saudi Interior Ministry’s General Directorate of Civil Defense, smoke billows from a residential complex . APIn this image released by the Saudi Interior Ministry’s General Directorate of Civil Defense, smoke billows from a residential complex . AP



The fire started in the basement of a tower in the eastern city of Khobar, the kingdom's civil defence said on Twitter.

It added that several of the injured were in a "critical condition" and that the casualties were from "various nationalities," without giving details.

Photographs published on the civil defence website showed plumes of black smoke rising from the windows of one of the buildings.

Authorities said that residents of nearby towers were evacuated as helicopters took part in the firefighting operations.

Firefighting teams "are combing all towers to ensure there are no people" trapped inside, said the civil defence.

"The incident is currently under control and cooling operations are ongoing," it said in another tweet later in the afternoon.

Saudi Aramco, the world's largest oil company in terms of crude production and exports, released a statement confirming the fire at the residential complex, adding that the incident was being investigated.

The company says it employs more than 61,000 workers worldwide from 77 countries.
#Nestle Pakistan Limited appoints Bruno Boris Olierhoek as Chief Executive Officer >>

#Nestle Pakistan Limited appoints Bruno Boris Olierhoek as Chief Executive Officer >>

on August 31, 2015 0 Comment
Karachi: Nestle Pakistan Limited informed Karachi Stock Exchange about appointment of Mr. Bruno Boris Olierhoek as Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director/Director with effect from September 1, 2015 in place of Mr. Magdi Batato. 

Nestle Pakistan Limited is a public limited company incorporated in Pakistan. The foundations of the company are formed under the Companies Act, 1913 now the Companies Ordinance, 1984. The company is engaged in the business of manufacturing, processing and sale of food products. This includes imported products dairy, confectionery, culinary, coffee, beverages, infant nutrition and drinking water. The shares of the company are quoted on the Karachi and Lahore stock exchanges of Pakistan. The registered office of the company is situated in Lahore.

The company owns brands in the category of ambient dairy, chilled dairy, beverages, bottled water, culinary and food, baby food, breakfast cereals and confectionary.

The symbol “PAKT” is being used by the stock exchange for the shares of Pakistan Tobacco Company Limited. 
#PPAF hosts Naukri Ya Karobar Convention >>

#PPAF hosts Naukri Ya Karobar Convention >>

on August 28, 2015 0 Comment
Islamabad: The Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) inaugurated a two-day Naukri Ya Karobar Convention at a local hotel in Islamabad, where NyK operators will showcase their successes and the NyK concept will be shared with participants so that they can replicate the model for the economic betterment of their communities. PPAF will also introduce the NyK Franchise to participants, elect a NyK Franchise Council and build the capacity of operators on franchise management at the Convention. 

As the name suggests, the NyK brand focuses on both ‘naukri’ or employment and ‘karobar’ or self-employment and enterprise development. PPAF invests technical and financial resources in programs that transform the more marginalized and vulnerable segments of the population including the youth into empowered components of their communities. 

By June 2015, PPAF had established a total of 76 NyK Centres across Pakistan and 20,733 men and women had registered with the Centres. There have been a total of 6,605 referrals, 2,652 successful placements and 2,578 businesses established. The NyK Centres have explored 327 different employers including opportunities overseas, industries, NGOs, Government departments, construction companies, and private schools, amongst others. 

Dr. Syed Asif Hussain, Group Head Grants, said, 
“The proof of this sustainable concept is established with the fact that ppaf has not invested in a single penny to establish these centers accept two persons trained on employment cycle and enterprise development. However all operational management expenses are borne by the community themselves.”

In terms of opportunities, one of the biggest, untapped sectors in Pakistan is the service industry, where there are immense job and entrepreneurial opportunities in both the formal and informal sector. NyK Centres do more than just link employers with employees; they also provide capacity building services and host activities such as job fairs and exposure visits.

Samia Liaquat Ali Khan, Group Head, Compliance and Quality Assurance Group, said, 
“PPAF believes in developing institutions of the poor as a means of empowering them. The NyK brand is one such institution. PPAF owns the NyK brand and will encourage current NyK operators to form a self-governing body for operating and spreading the NyK franchise for the benefit of vulnerable communities. NyK will therefore be an Operator-Governed Franchise (OGF) for employment promotion for the poor.”

There is a need for more NyK Centres across the country as approximately 60 percent of the population of Pakistan is below the age of 25. The youth must be either gainfully employed or given the skills and opportunities for self-employment which is why PPAF is facilitating the spread of NyK through a franchise model. PR
#PervezKhattak Resolves To Promote #Women Higher Education >>

#PervezKhattak Resolves To Promote #Women Higher Education >>

on August 28, 2015 0 Comment
via Pakistan Observer

Peshawar—Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Pervez Khattak Thursday expressed firm resolve to utilize all available resources for promotion of higher education for females in the province. Addressing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University (SBBWU) Peshawar here, he said all kinds of facilities will be pro-vided to Women Universities in KP.

He said the provincial government is committed to providing equal right of education to female; therefore it has established two Women Universities each in Swabi and Mardan districts. On this occasion CM announced construction of new academic block, auditorium, sports grounds, and road for SBBWU Peshawar and also promised to provide gas connection to the university.

Earlier, he witnessed signing of MoU by Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University (SBBWU) with eight women universities of the Pakistan including Fatama Jinnah Women University Rawalpindi, Government College Women University Faisalabad, Sardar Bahdur Khan Women University Quetta, Women University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Bagh, Women University Multan, Government College Women University Sialkot, Lahore College for Women University Lahore and Kinnaird College Lahore.

Heads of all the universities attended the signed ceremony that was aimed to strengthen the collaboration among the female universities for joint research and publications of scientific papers and educational materials. Addressing the participants, Vice Chancellor SBBWU Prof, Dr Razia Sultana under the MoU the universities would shard the courses, graduate and undergraduate students for internships and fellowships and exchange of faculty, trainees and staff as to be deemed appropriate.



She said that the other objectives of the MoU included co-hosting of lectures, holding of joint meeting, seminars, symposia and conferences and exchange of materials, publications and other information within limits of legal rules and regulations. Addressing the ceremony Minister for Information and Higher Education Minister said the government is mulling to set up Pakistan’s first Technical University in the province.

He said the university would help the students to get training of their own business and skill for technical work at higher educational level. He said that paperwork for setting up of the Technical University have been complete soon the implementation phase would start. He said the main focus of provincial government is to promote higher education and provide facilities to universities for quality education and research work.

He said the government is ready to financially support the public sector universities but the varsities’ administrations would have to ensure no extra appointments, adding that the extra appointments exert pressure on government exchequer. Ghani further said the government intends to provide funds for research work and innovations because it is the need of the hour.

Referring to education for special children, he said the provincial government has already decided to facilitate the special person with free of cost education at school, colleges and universities levels. Besides, he said that other facilities including ramp and special toilets would be ensured at the educational institutions for special person.

The Minister said KP government is considering to give a stipend of Rs 1000 per month to poor deserving students who cannot afford their higher educational expense, adding that the initiative is in progress. Earlier, he appreciated the signing of MoU of SBBWU Peshawar with other public sector universities of the country MoU for collaborations in joint research and publications of scientific papers and educational materials. He said the effort would bring all universities together and provide them an opportunity to get benefit from the experiences and expertise of each other.
Admission fees to be waived for students from #Chitral >>

Admission fees to be waived for students from #Chitral >>

on August 28, 2015 0 Comment
چترال کے لئے
گورنر خیبرپختونخواہ کا دبنگ اعلان، طلباء کے لئے سال کی بڑی خوشخبری


PESHAWAR: All public sector universities in the province have been asked to waive the admission fees of their students from Chitral.

This was stated in a handout issued on Thursday. According to the document, Governor Sardar Mehtab Ahmed said those students who have faced substantial adversities due to flash floods in the region should be exempted from paying the admission fees for the current academic year.



“Mehtab also ordered administrations of the varsities to submit a compliance report,” read the statement. “The governor vowed to extend his support to those who have been affected by the flood and plans to take every possible step to rehabilitate them. Furthermore, a series of steps will be taken to restore infrastructure and rebuild homes that were damaged or destroyed in the floods.”

Heavy rain and flash floods in Chitral in July resulted in widespread damage to houses and infrastructure. A large number of residents have been rendered homeless.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 28th, 2015.
Full Stop: #Pakistan banned #SaifAliKhan movies forever >>

Full Stop: #Pakistan banned #SaifAliKhan movies forever >>

on August 28, 2015 0 Comment
Around a week ago, Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan aka Nawab reacted harshly on Pakistan Censor Board’s decision to ban his upcoming movie Phantom. The trailer of the movie showed some anti Pakistan scenes. “I have lost faith in Pakistan,” said the Nawab. His statement sparked serious debate in Pakistan and received criticism by Pakistani film actor Shaan Shahid, Hamza Ali Abbasi, and former tv host Faisal Qureshi.



Now, realizing the heat, Pakistan Censor Board has come up with a very serious decision and banned Saif Ali Khan movies forever in the country. The decision is being applauded by many in Pakistan.

“No PAKISTANI actor said “I have lost faith in India” when you banned WAAR and we also kept quiet when you banned Bin Roye in Maharashtra fearing a reaction from RSS type extremist organizations. First you become part of a film which shows Pakistan to be a terrorist HQ and then complain when its banned? If u think its funny how a terrorist can go to court in Pakistan, i too find it funny how a mass murderer of Muslims in Gujrat can become the Prime Minister of India. Let me now say this, because of movies like Phantom and hateful actors like Saif Ali Khan, I AM LOSING FAITH IN INDIA,” Hamza Ali Abbasi posted on his official Facebook page.

Joining hands with Hamza Ali Abbasi, former tv host not only criticized Saif Ali Khan but also the Indian government for not allowing their cricket team to play with Paistan.

“I don’t have faith in Pakistan, generally. Neither do I understand what their thought processes are. I have no problems against Pakistan and I won’t make a film that’s against the country. But now they have banned the film. We have always shared a very complicated relationship. If you tell uncomfortable truths, films gets banned. We keep banning each other’s films. If you try making a film which portrays a certain element of truth, something that makes Pakistan a little bit uncomfortable, they will ban it. They did that with many of my films, so I have faced it already. But that doesn’t necessarily dictate what kind of movies we should make. If that did, we would end up making only films like Race,” said Saif Ali Khan during the promotion of his movie Phantom.


Coca-Cola approves $100,000 grant for Kashf Foundation to suppport environment and women empowerment

Coca-Cola approves $100,000 grant for Kashf Foundation to suppport environment and women empowerment

on August 28, 2015 0 Comment
Coca-Cola Pakistan expands support to environment and women empowerment

Karachi: The Coca-Cola Foundation gave a grant of U.S.$ 230,000 to WWF-Pakistan to launch a comprehensive project for sub-watershed management in and around Ayubia National Park in the Murree Hills area. Since then the Foundation has further funded the project every year, and till June this year, the total funding provided to the project over 7 years has exceeded U.S.$ 886,000. As a result this environmental project has resulted in substantial and sustainable benefits accruing.

Now The Coca-Cola Foundation has approved a further grant of U.S.$ 90,500 for the year 2015-16, making this possibly the longest running corporate funded environmental project in the country. This is a testimony to the success of Coca-Cola & WWF’s efforts to protect the watershed and promote environmental conservation, resulting in a measurable difference in the ecosystem of project areas, and in local communities benefiting directly. 

The Coca-Cola Foundation has also approved a further grant of U.S.$ 100,000.00 to the Kashf Foundation for an ongoing women empowerment programme which was started off 3 years ago. Over 3,350 women have so far been empowered to establish small business and create livelihoods for themselves and their families. Previously The Coca-Cola Foundation has already given grants totally U.S.$ 380,000 to Kashf Foundation.  

The noteworthy factor of both the fresh grants made by Coca-Cola is that funding has been provided to projects that make a measurable positive impact and result in long-term sustainable benefits. The approach is therefore not to provide temporary relief, but to create infrastructure and opportunities that will continue to provide life-changing socio-economic uplift to the beneficiaries and local communities even when corporate funding is no longer available.    

Arresting of #KhalidParvez is a political revenge - MNA #Chitral Iftikharuddin

Arresting of #KhalidParvez is a political revenge - MNA #Chitral Iftikharuddin

on August 28, 2015 0 Comment
By: Gul Hamaad Farooqi
CHITRAL: Arresting of Shahzada Khalid Parvez is a political conspiracy and some people want to fail the nominated District Nazim of Chitral. These views were expressed by Shahzada Iftikharuddin MNA Chitral during a huge press conference in a local hotel. Addressing to a press conference MNA Chitral Iftikharuddin, former chairman Orghuch Muhammad Wali Shah, Saeedullah, Muhammad Shan, Munir Ahmad Charwelo and others alleged that Shahzada Khalid Parvez newly elected Nazim union council Drosh 1 and president of All Pakistan Muslim League Chitral chapter was arrested under a political conspiracy. 



They alleged that a few weeks back a leader of political party had already disclosed that Khalid Parvez will be arrested by National Accountability Bureau (NAB) KP and their nominated district Nazim of Chitral will be failed to gain his chair.

They said that there is no embezzlement in Joint Forest Management Committee (JFMC) fund. They said that according to government policy 40% of fund of forest depositing in government exchequer while 60% is distributing among the royalty holders. As well as the government has already collected their share of 40% fund but the remaining one was disputed and two groups were not ready for its equal distribution. Besides it the court has already verdict about the land 

They said that we respect of all courts including NAB but we appeal for conducting a transparent inquiry in this regard so as to ascertain the real reason of his arresting. They also appeal to chairman NAB for initiating inquiry in this regard about the prediction of a political party who revealed a week ago that Khalid Parvez will be arresting which is seem a political conspiracy against him and his party. It is strange that NAB arrested Khalid Parvez and 4 other persons at the time when they taking oath and they will elect district Nazim.

It is worth to mention here that Khalid Parvez, DFO Gulzar Rehman, Noor Shahideen, Malak Shahai and Rahmat Karim Subadar were arrested by NAB KP in embezzlement case of 76 million.
#MaryamNawazSharrif challenges #ImranKhan >>

#MaryamNawazSharrif challenges #ImranKhan >>

on August 27, 2015 0 Comment

اسلام آباد: (مانیٹیرنگ) پرئم منسٹر نواز شریف کی صاحبزادی مریم نواز نے عمران خان کو سیاسی میدان جنگ میں لڑنے کا چیلنج دے دیا ہے۔ کہا ہے کہ چئیرمین پی ٹی آئی این اے 122 میں ایاز صادق سے تیسری بار بھی مرتبہ شکست کھائیں گے۔ مریم نواز نے اپنی ایک ٹویٹ میں کہا ہے کہ عمران خان کو اب میدان الیکشن میں دیکھیں گے۔ این اے 122 میں عمران خان کی ہار اصل ہیٹ ٹرک ہوگی۔ مریم نواز کا کہنا تھا کہ تکنیکی معاملات کے پیچھے چھپنا آسان جبکہ میدان میں لڑنا مشکل ہے۔ مسلم لیگ (ن) کی اکثریت نے ضمنی الیکشن میں جانے کا فیصلہ کیا ہے۔ ہم عوام سے عوام کیلئے اور عوام کے ذریعے آتے ہیں۔ عوام ہی ہماری اصل طاقت ہیں۔



#PCB announces strenuous Action Plan for trio of Butt, Asif, Amir

#PCB announces strenuous Action Plan for trio of Butt, Asif, Amir

on August 27, 2015 0 Comment
KARACHI: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Wednesday announced its policy on reintegration of the three banned cricketers - Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir into Pakistan cricket.

A strenuous six-month plan was also announced which included lectures, working with PCB Anti-Corruption Unit, Practicing and achieving top fitness at National Cricket Academy, Visiting Edhi Orphanage, sessions with psychologists, integration sessions with Pakistan bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed and Members Pakistan team etc. 

"Following the ICC's decision that it has no objection of full return of participation in cricket of Muhammad Asif and Salman Butt with effect from 2nd September 2015, subject to them fulfilling the conditions laid down by the independent anti-corruption tribunal," said a PCB statement.

"The PCB after seeking clarification and considering a number of factors that have a direct bearing on the team, has devised this reintegration/rehabilitation plan for smooth integration of the three players into cricket.

"We had to consider the effect of an immediate induction of these players into cricket, the acceptability of these players amongst their fellow cricketers, the anticipated negative slogans at the grounds from cricket fans and its effect on the other players and the banned players own strength to deal with these pressures. Having considered all these factors we have come up with an action plan that will ensure a smooth and gradual induction of these players into cricket leading up to a full integration upon completion of rehabilitation and education programme, PCB chairman Shaharyar Muhammad Khan said in statement.

The following action plan will be implemented: Aug. 26 - 
1st Sept. 2015 Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Asif and Salman Butt to work with PCB Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Department in preparing lectures to be delivered to the players.

Sept. 2 - Oct. 30: Delivery of lectures in 16 regions by Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Asif and Salman Butt. The trio will travel in regions depending on the availability of the players in those regions.

Sept.2 - onwards Mohammad Asif and Salman Butt to start playing district level and club cricket.

Sept. 2 onwards: Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Asif and Salman Butt to start practice regularly at the National Cricket Academy except when Pakistan national players practice, to avoid any untoward incident. Players will be able to use the NCA at will once the rehabilitation programme is completed.

Sept. 2 onwards: 
All three players to maintain fitness levels and achieve the levels of 11 of bleep test for three consecutive months of September, October and November 2015. This should be conducted under the supervision of the NCA specialist staff who will submit their report to PCB.

Sept. 5 to Dec. 3: All three players to pay regular visits to Edhi homes, orphanages and places like Army Public School Peshawar in order to publicly contribute towards social responsibility obligations.

Sept. to 2015 - Feb. 2016: All three players to have integration sessions with Bowling Coach Mushtaq Ahmed and Team Pakistan members in order to foster acceptability for probable future congenial environment in the dressing room in first class/international engagements. The players should have an apologetic attitude towards their fellow players, selectors and other stakeholders as a sign of sincere remorse.



Sept. 15 onwards: Mohammad Asif and Salman Butt to attend sessions with a psychologist spread over two days to prepare themselves to deal with pressures on their return.

Mohammad Amir's rehabilitation and education program has already commenced, while Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif have to feature in each step of the action plan.

PCB expects that as a consequence of this rehabilitation and education programme the three cricketers will be ready for a full integration into cricket.

"While we recognize the importance of getting these three players back in our fold we are also cautious of the adverse impact it could have not only on the entire nation but on their fellow players if we hastily induct them into the national side. It would be unfair to expect these players to immediately pick the threads where they abruptly left off in 2010," PCB head said.

They will also need to prove their fitness, ability and acceptability in cricket. The action plan prepared by PCB will beneficial to the trio and assist a smooth transition for their re-induction into Pakistan cricket. We hope that all three will fully cooperate and undergo each of the steps provided in the action plan," he said. - APP



‘Diabetes may affect 12.8 million Pakistanis’

‘Diabetes may affect 12.8 million Pakistanis’

on August 27, 2015 0 Comment
PESHAWAR: “Type 2 #diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder in which prevalence has been increasing steadily all over the world. 


The rapid spread of diabetes mellitus is like an epidemic. The estimated number of people with diabetes in Pakistan is 7.1 million in 2010, and now it is expected to increase to 12.8 million by the year 2035. 



No cure has yet been found for the disease. Annually 40,000 people lost their legs due to diabetics in the country. Education of the population is still a key to the control of this emerging epidemic.” 

These views were expressed by Dr. Abdul Basit, Professor of Medicine at Baqai Medical University and Director, Baqai Institute of Diabetology and Endocrinology, while delivering a Public Awareness lecture on “Diabetes”, held at Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research (PCMD), International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi (UoK) on Wednesday. 

The public awareness seminar was jointly organised by PCMD, UoK and Virtual Education Project Pakistan (VEPP). Health professionals, students, research scholars, NGO representatives, and general public attended the program. 

He said that it is fast becoming an epidemic in some countries of the world with the number of people affected expected to double in the next decade due to increase in ageing population, thereby adding to the already existing burden for healthcare providers, especially in poorly developed countries. 

“The increased rate of childhood obesity between the 1960s and 2000s is believed to have led to the increase in type 2 DM in children and adolescents. 

There is a strong inheritable genetic connection in type 2 DM, having relatives (especially first degree) with type 2 DM increases the risks of developing type 2 DM substantially. 

Around 9.6 million children are affected with obesity in the country; these children need extra attention to be prevented from diabetes. Tests for screening and diagnosis of DM are readily available. 

No cure has yet been found for the disease; however, treatment modalities include lifestyle modifications, treatment of obesity, oral hypoglycemic agents, and insulin,” he said. 

People living with type 2 DM are more vulnerable to various forms of both short- and long-term complications, which often lead to their premature death, he stated, adding that studies have shown that there was significant reduction in the incidence of type 2 DM with a combination of maintenance of body mass index of 25 kg/m2 low in saturated and trans-fats and glycemic index, regular exercise and abstinence from smoking. 

He pointed out that this metabolic disease can be prevented through lifestyle modification, diet control, and control of overweight and obesity. 

Novel drugs are being developed, yet no cure is available in sight for the disease, despite new insight into the patho-physiology of the disease; management should be tailored to improve the quality of life of individuals with type 2 DM, he maintained. 

He stressed the need to educate people regarding the management of the disease as using a healthy lifestyle, taking good food, doing regular exercise for 30 to 60 minutes and through 'Natural Life Style' this disease can be managed. 

He said that 1000 steps a day can prevent anyone from the disease. - PPI




#HBL Profit Soars to Over Rs. 17 Billion

#HBL Profit Soars to Over Rs. 17 Billion

on August 27, 2015 0 Comment
HBL today announced its results for the first half of 2015, delivering a record post-tax profit of Rs. 17.2 billion, growing 18% over the same period of 2014. Pre-tax profit surged by a massive 41% to Rs. 31.2 billion.  Consequently, earnings per share for the half year increased to Rs. 11.34 as against Rs9.88 for the first half of 2014. Along with the results, the Board declared a dividend of Rs. 3.50 per share for the quarter.

HBL’s Balance Sheet has crossed the Rs. 2 trillion mark, growing by 12% over December 2014, with current accounts now forming an impressive 36.5% of total deposits. Net interest income for the half year increased by 23%, to Rs. 39.3 billion, driven by a phenomenal 24% growth in average domestic current accounts. Non-markup income increased sharply by 60% to Rs18.1 billion as fees and commissions increased  by 43% with outstanding contributions from trade, remittances, Bancassurance and investment banking. This also included Rs. 5.9 billion in capital gains realized by HBL from sales of equity and debt securities. Overall revenue reached a new high, crossing Rs. 57 billion.

Administrative expenses increased by 16% over the corresponding six months of 2014 due to continued investment by the Bank in its people, brand and technology. In line with its objective of financial inclusion, HBL remains committed to providing access to financial services throughout Pakistan and now offers alternate distribution through over 1,800 ATMs and over 7,000 POS terminals, in addition to more than 1,600 branches in Pakistan. Despite the investments, the cost/income ratio reduced to 41.3% compared to 47.2% in H1 2014. 

With a Capital Adequacy Ratio of 15.7%, and a Return on Equity of 20%, HBL remains financially robust. During the quarter, HBL’s credit ratings were re-affirmed by JCR-VIS at AAA/A-1+ for long term and short term respectively. In addition, Moody’s also upgraded HBL’s baseline credit assessment from caa1 to b3 and its local and foreign currency ratings from Caa1 to B3 and Caa2 to Caa1 respectively. PR

#HBL Signs Agreement With #Jubilee General Insurance Company to Bring Health Coverage To its Customers

#HBL Signs Agreement With #Jubilee General Insurance Company to Bring Health Coverage To its Customers

on August 27, 2015 0 Comment
Habib Bank Limited (HBL), Pakistan’s largest commercial bank, has signed an agreement with Jubilee General Insurance Company Limited to launch ‘Health Insurance Plan’. HBL aims to provide health insurance exclusively to its valued customers to enable them to recieve timely medical care and generally improve their standard of health and living. In addition, the Bank seeks to give its customers added peace of mind through accidental death coverage. 

The agreement was signed by Mr. Faiq Sadiq, Head of Payment Services Group- HBL and Mr. Tahir Ahmed, Managing Director & CEO – Jubilee General Insurance Limited, who were joined at the event by senior management from both organizations. 
On this occasion, Mr. Sadiq stated 
“HBL takes pride in its commitment to introduce new and innovative products and services. This strategic alliance is a testimony of our commitment to our customers, with the introduction of comprehensive hospitalization and emergency accidental out-patient treatments at low cost”

Mr. Ahmed, added, 

“Society can play its due role only if its members have easy access to medical facilities. Availability of Health Insurance is essential in this respect. Jubilee General offers a variety of easily accessible health insurance products. Now in partnership with HBL, Jubilee General will proudly be able to deliver personal health insurance and accidental cover efficiently to the clientele of the largest commercial bank of Pakistan. We are committed to provide best service to all mutual clients of HBL & JGI.”  


PR



#Jubilee Insurance launches #Takaful Business >>

#Jubilee Insurance launches #Takaful Business >>

on August 27, 2015 0 Comment
Karachi - Jubilee Insurance, the leading insurance brand in Pakistan, launched their Takaful business in an impressive event at a hotel in Karachi. The event, hosted jointly by both Jubilee Life and Jubilee General, marked the commencement of the highly anticipated launch of Takaful business.



The event was hosted by the top management of both companies for key stakeholders.

“Jubilee Life has been working to develop innovative solutions that are beneficial for Pakistanis of all walks of life,” said Mr. Javed Ahmed, MD & CEO, Jubilee Life. “The launch of Jubilee Takaful is a step towards the industry’s growth – something we are major advocates of. As has been our tradition, we will continue our pursuit of developing world class insurance and Takaful products for the Pakistani market.”

Mr. Tahir Ahmed, MD & CEO, Jubilee General said: “Our aim always is to provide our customers with top quality insurance services and the launch of our Takaful service is a reiteration of our pursuit.”

Mr. Nadym Chandna, Head of Family Takaful, Jubilee Life, Mr. Sohail Ahmed, Head of General Takaful, Jubilee General and Mufti Zeeshan Abdul Aziz, the Shariah Advisor also spoke on the occasion. PR
Authorities arrest #Zardari's close confidante #DrAsimHussain >>

Authorities arrest #Zardari's close confidante #DrAsimHussain >>

on August 27, 2015 0 Comment
KARACHI: Authorities arrested a prominent opposition politician close to the former president, his party said on Wednesday, the first detention of a major Pakistan People’s Party figure in an ongoing military-driven crackdown in the port city of Karachi.


The party condemned the arrest of Dr Asim Hussain – a petroleum minister in the past PPP-led government and close friend of former President Asif Ali Zardari – as politically motivated.

 A senior security official in Karachi confirmed that Hussain was being held but would not say under what charges. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to release the information.

 Most of the hundreds of people targeted by paramilitary forces in recent months on accusations of political corruption and violence have belonged to the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), which dominates Karachi politics but plays a smaller role on the national stage.

 Read: Dual nationality: Dr Asim Hussain resigns from Senate

 The first high-profile arrest of a PPP figure raised new accusations that Pakistan’s powerful military is seeking to strengthen its grip on the country’s largest and wealthiest city and weaken civilian parties. “These policies will lead to chaos,” said PPP lawmaker Khursheed Shah.

 The paramilitary Sindh Rangers have in the past said the Karachi crackdown is necessary to break the cycle of violence and corruption in the teeming metropolis of 20 million people.

 Karachi accounts for half of Pakistan’s national revenues and hosts the stock exchange, central bank and two ports. It is also a hub of violence, often linked to political rivalry.

Courtesy: Express Tribune

Asif ALi Zardari Right hand Dr. Asim Arrested by clicknewstv
Investment in education : Interactive #whiteboards installed at 100 govt schools in #KPK

Investment in education : Interactive #whiteboards installed at 100 govt schools in #KPK

on August 27, 2015 0 Comment
تعلمی میں سرمایہ کاری کی ایک اور مثال قائم کردی، خیبر پختونخواہ حکومت نے۔۔۔۔ پڑھیں

PESHAWAR: Interactive whiteboards have been installed at 100 government higher secondary schools across the province to ensure new and improved teaching methods are introduced into classrooms. 



This was stated in documents issued by the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Elementary and Secondary Education department.

“The whiteboards have been installed as part of a pilot project that aims to use information technology to transform the education system,” K-P Elementary and Secondary Education Department Chief Planning Officer Idrees Azam Khan told The Express Tribune on Monday. “The project will be extended to other schools.”

According to Azam, the interactive whiteboard is a display panel which can function as an ordinary writing board.


“It can also be used as a projector screen on which you can operate a desktop,” he said. “The screen can be controlled with a finger or with a special pen. It operates in a similar manner to a touchscreen phone.”

Azam added such whiteboards are used during lectures in classrooms where it can perform multiple functions – images can be printed with the help of it and data can be saved to a computer.

For a change

The initiative has been lauded by Alif Ailaan Regional Coordinator Umar Orakzai. Speaking to The Express Tribune, he said the introduction of interactive whiteboards will serve as a positive step that could change the fate of education at government schools.

“For several decades, blackboards have been used at government schools,” he said. “The interactive whiteboards will introduce new methods of learning.”

All Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Subject Specialist Association President Salar Islam Khan said the initiative will benefit a large number of students who come from underprivileged backgrounds.

“This progressive step will improve the quality of education at government schools,” he said. “More often than not, parents are reluctant to send children to government schools.”

Published in The Express Tribune, August 25th, 2015. 
#Joke - Two most funny #Urdu #jokes here...open the link to read >>

#Joke - Two most funny #Urdu #jokes here...open the link to read >>

on August 27, 2015 0 Comment
ایک دوست: یار یہ قوالی والے قوالی کے وقت اپنے دونوں ہاتھ کانوں پر کیوں رکھ لیتے ہیں۔
دوسرا دوست: تاکہ اپنی آواز خود نہ سن سکیں۔

.................................................. ..


باپ: جب کوئی بچہ شرارت کرتا ہے تو باپ کاایک بال سفید ہوجاتا ہے۔
بیٹا:اب پتا چلا، دادا جان کے سارے بال کیوں سفید ہیں۔


To the gallows: Rape convicts sentenced to death in #Gilgit-Baltistan

To the gallows: Rape convicts sentenced to death in #Gilgit-Baltistan

on August 27, 2015 0 Comment
Courtesy: Express Tribune

GILGIT: Two men convicted of raping a woman in Skardu town in Gilgit-Baltistan earlier this year have been handed the death sentence by an anti-terrorism court in Gilgit.

The decision was announced by judge Raja Shehbaz Khan on Tuesday, a lawyer who attended the proceedings said on Wednesday. In addition to the death sentence, the court also sentenced both men to 34 years of imprisonment which they will have to serve before being sent to the gallows.

The rape victim, an 11th grade student, was returning home from a tuition centre in March when she was abducted by Shakeel Ahmed and Ahmed Hussain. They took her to a nearby house where she was raped.

Shakeel and Hussain were arrested the next day following a complaint by the victim’s father. The case was referred to an anti-terrorism court which announced the decision within four months.

Meanwhile, Gilgit police booked three men under the Anti-Terrorism Act for allegedly gang raping a 20-year-old woman in Gilgit on July 26. The victim, a resident of Gojal Valley and an undergraduate student, was allegedly gang raped by Zulfiqar, Asif and Adnan.

Misuse of vehicles
Meanwhile in G-B, lawmakers voiced concerns over the misuse of official vehicles by senior administration officers.

“There are senior ranking officials who have up to four official vehicles at their disposal which has unnecessarily burdened the national exchequer,” said Parliamentary Secretary for Law Aurangzeb Khan. He was chairing the Standing Committee for Law Reforms meeting held in Gilgit. Parliamentary Secretary for Health Haider Khan and Chairman Public Accounts Committee Ghulam Hussain were also in attendance.



Discrimination
Aurangzeb also voiced concerns over the discriminatory treatment meted out to contractual employees hired in recent years. During a briefing given to him by the law and services department, he asked why the services of 40 employees were regularised while others relieved of duty once their contracts had expired. He urged the department to provide details about the hiring and regularisation of service during the next meeting.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 27th, 2015. 
Search for a new ‘Muslim League’ intensifies

Search for a new ‘Muslim League’ intensifies

on August 27, 2015 0 Comment
Courtesy Dawn

LAHORE: Efforts have been intensified to form a ‘new party’, under the possible title of United Muslim League and the leadership of former president Gen Pervez Musharraf and Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain ahead of local body polls.

The objective is to have a ‘new look party’ that can hold its own in the presence of PML-N, PTI and PPP.



Dawn has learnt Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and Pervaiz Elahi have been authorised by the PML-Q stalwarts to discuss the proposed plan with All Pakistan Muslim League president Gen Musharraf, PML-F chief Pir Pagara Sibghatullah Shah Rashidi, former Sindh chief minister Syed Ghaus Ali Shah and ‘disgruntled’ politicians within PML-N and evolve some joint strategy.

In a meeting here on Wednesday, the Chaudhrys of Gujrat discussed the proposal of forming the United Muslim League with the PML-Q leaders SM Zafar, Khalid Ranjah, Tariq Bashir Cheema, Basharat Raja, Chaudhry Zahiruddin, Aleem Adil Sheikh, Asad Junejo, Anwar Bhindar and Salik Hussain, son of Chaudhry Shujaat. The participants authorised Chaudhry Shujaat and Pervaiz Elahi to take a decision in this regard. Chaudhry Shujaat told his party men about the ‘need’ of gathering all the factions of the Muslim League except PML-N on one platform.

A participant of the meeting told Dawn that Chaudhry Shujaat was leaving for Karachi on Friday (tomorrow) and he would meet Musharraf, Pir Pagara and Ghaus Ali Shah. He said the PML-Q leadership would also reach out to angry PML-N leaders such as Zulfiqar Khosa and take them on board.

To a question about who was likely to lead the new party - Musharraf or Shujaat -, the PML-Q leader said: “It will be decided mutually.”

“At the moment we are only concerned about bringing all Muslim Leagues minus ‘N’ on one platform and establish ourselves a strong political force,” he said.

Veteran politician from southern Punjab Sirdar Zulfiqar Khosa told Dawn that the new party having all Muslim Leagues except for ‘N’ on board was need of the hour. “We earlier had discussed about forging an alliance of all Muslim Leagues but later decided to form a new party,” Zulfiqar said.

The former governor said he had met at least 75 PML-N MNAs and MPAs from central and upper Punjab who were not happy with the “dictatorial mindset” of the Sharif brothers. “The Sharifs believe in on-man show and do not give respect to the party men,” he said and added Ghaus Ali Shah was also in contact with several disgruntled leaders of the PML-N. “The decisions in the new party will be taken in mutual consultation. Once all modalities regarding its formation are finalised its head will be picked in consultation with all leaders,” Zulfiqar Khosa said and disclosed that the new party of Muslim Leaguers was likely to be formed ahead of local body polls.

Published in Dawn, August 27th, 2015
#Enrolment of kiln workers’ children in #schools begins >>

#Enrolment of kiln workers’ children in #schools begins >>

on August 26, 2015 0 Comment
LAHORE: A campaign for enrollment of the children of brick kiln workers into nearby schools was inaugurated by Punjab Labour and Human Resource Minister Raja Ashfaq Sarwar in Nankana Sahib on Tuesday.

 Being launched with the collaboration of the International Labour Organisation, the drive aims at enrolling out-of-school children of kiln workers in schools by Oct 31.


The Punjab government will provide free education, school bags and books to the children enrolled to schools under the project.

 The Punjab Labour and Human Resource Department has support of PEF, PITB, literacy, school education, local government and home departments in the enrollment drive.

 Up to 35 out of school children of kiln workers from Nankana Sahib district were enrolled in the Government Model Primary School Chokhiyanwala, Nankana Sahib, on the occasion.

 ILO Country Director Fransisco D’O Video, PPE Managing Director Anila Salman, parliamentary secretary Rana Arshad, MPAs Sara Iftikhar, Rana Jamil Hasan Khan, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, labour additional secretary Syed Mubashir Husain and representatives of employers and workers were also present.

 The minister said a follow-up mechanism would be set up to ensure sustainability of schemes by monitoring through district vigilance committees.

 He said the exercise would be carried out at 6,090 brick kilns in Punjab.

 The labour department conducted a survey in the second week of June to identify the children of kiln workers between the ages of four and 14.

Published in Dawn, August 26th, 2015
Khursheed Shah apologises for his role in appointment of ECP officials >>

Khursheed Shah apologises for his role in appointment of ECP officials >>

on August 26, 2015 0 Comment
ISLAMABAD: Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Syed Khursheed Shah on Tuesday has apologized for appointment of Election Commission of Pakistan's (ECP) officials as he played a role in the matter.


 
He expressed these views while talking to the media in the federal capital.
 
Earlier Tuesday, while talking to media in his chamber in the Parliament, he said that clashes among politicians would cause threat to the country.
 
He said that ECP members have become controversial and should resign with dignity. He has recommended Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Ayaz Sadiq to present himself before the public instead of approaching the Supreme Court of Pakistan, he added.
 
Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Shah also denounced monitoring committee for operation in Karachi. He said that PPP had already urged the ECP officials to resign. But, he said the members are being paid at least Rs 8 lakh every month, why would they resign.
 
Shah also said that demand for resignations is solely PPP's and by any means this does not support Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan's demands.
 
While talking about relations with India, the NA Opposition Leader criticized Indian violation of ceasefire treaty along line of Control (LoC) and propaganda over Kashmir dispute. India is shying away from dialogue about Kashmir, he added.
 
He also talked about Muttahida Qaumi Movement's (MQM) resignations matter. Shah said that he held meetings with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Farooq Sattar to resolve the issue. He is hopeful that MQM would withdraw resignations, he added.
 
ECP is a constitutional institution which should work independently. The Security Printing Press is capable of printing ballots within 10 days, he added. Shah said that ECP's experiment of biometrics was successful in Haripur. - NNI
CDLD gears up for #Chitral post-flood rehabilitation

CDLD gears up for #Chitral post-flood rehabilitation

on August 26, 2015 0 Comment
Key decisions taken at the 4th PCRC meeting to expedite CDLD Policy implementation

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Community-Driven Local Development (CDLD) Programme has finalised the mechanism for priority rehabilitation of District Chitral to address post-flood infrastructure needs in the flood damaged areas. 



To that effect, several important decisions were taken during the 4th Policy Coordination and Review Committee (PCRC) meeting which was chaired by Secretary Finance, Ahmad Hanif Orakzai. 

The contingency mechanism has been prepared in conformity with the Chief Minister’s directive to facilitate a speedy response to the rehabilitation and reconstruction needs of the flood affected people in Chitral. 



Under the approved mechanism, the routine proposal submission process as stipulated under the CDLD Policy has been eased from a two-step to single step process for District Chitral, whereby local community-based organisations (CBOs) will be able to submit directly their project proposals to the district authorities for review and approval. 

The funds ceiling of CDLD projects for District Chitral has also been revised from the current limit of PKR 0.5 million - PKR 2.5 million to an enhanced limit of PKR 0.5 million - PKR 5 million. “We need to move swiftly and efficiently to respond to the emergency in Chitral which has caused significant infrastructure damage. 


Therefore, we are making special arrangements while remaining within the CDLD Policy guidelines so that the implementation of CDLD projects can be expedited according to the emergency needs in Chitral”, the Secretary said while chairing the PCRC meeting. 
  
Under routine mechanism, calls for community project proposals are spread over four cycles per year. In the specific case of District Chitral, there shall be one running cycle throughout the year to provide immediate emergency response in all village councils of the district. 

The CDLD Policy also requires 10 percent contribution from the respective communities either in cash or kind, which has also been waived for the CDLD projects in District Chitral. 

During fiscal year 2015-2016, the total allocation for District Chitral is PKR 340 million to be spent for communities’ priority rehabilitation requirements.

The PCRC meeting also reviewed the overall implementation progress of the KP-CDLD Programme in selected districts of Malakand Division, including Lower Dir, Malakand, Shangla, Swat and Upper Dir. 

The delegation of the European Union, the partner funding agency of the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for CDLD Policy implementation, along with the officers from concerned line departments, representatives of the district authorities, technical assistance team members, and the social mobilisation partner also contributed to the meeting outcomes with their suggestions and recommendations.

Courtesy: Statesman Peshawar