dr arif alvi – Page 3 – BOL News Staging

President directs refund of Rs 4.1m to bank fraud victims

August 23, 2023 by Abid Khan

Banks activated EFT without consent of customers.
The complainants not requested banks to open EFT.
President, therefore, rejected the representations of banks.

ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi has directed two private banks to return a collective sum of Rs 4.1 million to four customers, who were swindled out of their money by fraudsters.

The banks had activated the Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) without obtaining the consent of the customers and were found negligent in complying with the State Bank of Pakistan’s various regulations regarding online fund transfer facilities, disclosing the terms of fund transfer in a clear and simple language to customers, and assigning limits to fund transfer.

President said that the loss of money occurred due to the reason that the banks made EFT operational without the account holders’ request, therefore, the banks committed maladministration and were liable to make good the loss of the customers.

President gave these remarks while rejecting three representations filed by Muslim Commercial Bank (MCB) and one by Allied Bank Ltd (ABL) against the orders of the Banking Mohtasib directing these banks to refund the lost amount to victims of bank fraud.

As per details, Ms Sumera Allahditta, Afzal Abbas Kazmi, Ms Farah Muhammad Khan, and Dr Kanwar Shakeel Ahmed (the complainants) lost Rs 1,558,700, Rs 985,000, Rs 960,000, and Rs 598,000 respectively when these amounts were transferred from their bank accounts without their consent.

President observed that the complainants had not requested their respective banks to open EFT facilities and the banks also did not put in place adequate systems and controls to mitigate the risk of fraudulent activities.

He further stated that the banks were found negligent and in non-compliance with SBP’s rules and regulations on obtaining the consent of customers before opening online fund transfer facilities, informing the customers about the pros and cons of EFT facility in writing in simple language, and transaction limits.

President concluded that the banks were given ample opportunity to controvert the claims of the customers and present evidence that customer consent was obtained.

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Senior bureaucrat refuses posting as president’s secretary

August 22, 2023August 22, 2023 by Kumail Soomro

ISLAMABAD: Senior bureaucrat Ms Humaira Ahmed has refused to accept the post of Secretary of the President’s House amid the ongoing controversy, BOL News reported. Humaira Ahmed, a BPS Grade 22 officer, expressed reservations about her appointment of the secretary in the President’s House. She said that in the current situation, her appointment to the … Read more

President approves appointment of PHC chief justice

August 22, 2023 by Abid Khan

President Alvi approved appointment on PM advice.
CJ PHC appointed under Article 175 A13 of constitution.
Earlier, Musrat Hilali took oath as judge of apex court.

ISLAMABAD: President Dr. Arif Alvi approved the appointment of Justice Muhammad Ibrahim Khan as the Chief Justice of Peshawar High Court(PHC).

The President has approved the appointment on the advice of the Prime Minister under Article 175 A13 of the Constitution.

On July 7, former Chief Justice of Peshawar High Court, Musrat Hilali, took oath as a judge of the Supreme Court, after which Justice Muhammad Ibrahim Khan was appointed as the Acting Chief Justice of Peshawar High Court.

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“No Leniency!” President enhances penalty upon woman harasser

August 18, 2023 by Abid Khan

He said accused himself had also admitted his guilt.
President rejected representation filed by accused.
Dr Arif Alvi said accused deserved no leniency.

ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi has enhanced the penalty for workplace harassment, imposed upon the Director for Human Resource Management (HRM) in NEPRA, to “dismissal from service”.

He held that sending text messages to a female colleague, asking her to stay in the office beyond office hours with an ulterior motive, making unwanted advances, and intimidating her to face dire consequences in case of her refusal to assent to his unethical demands constituted harassment, and warranted no leniency.

While deciding upon a workplace harassment case, the President in his decision wrote that statements of the complainant, witnesses, CCTV footage, WhatsApp messages, and the email fully established the factum of harassment. He said that the accused himself had also admitted his guilt by implication and his only grievance before the President was regarding the severity of punishment.

He rejected the representation filed by Ahmad Nadeem (the accused), Director HRM in National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) and changed the minor penalty of “withholding two increments” imposed by the Federal Ombudsman for Protection against Harassment of Women at Workplace (FOSPAH) to “dismissal from service”.

Earlier, a female Office Assistant (the complainant), had filed workplace harassment in NEPRA alleging that the accused used to call her into his office, discussed personal matters, passed comments on her looks, tried to physically approach her, invited her to have lunch and dinner, and used to send unnecessary and inappropriate text messages.

The President held a personal hearing of the case, at Aiwan-e-Sadr, in which the complainant appeared with her consul whereas the representatives of the accused and NEPRA appeared. The President, after perusal of the record and the statements of the parties, observed that the inquiry conducted by the IHC was quite detailed and supported by evidence.

President noted that when all the incidents narrated in the complaint were put in juxtaposition with the evidence produced by the complainant as well as CCTV footage and WhatsApp conversations, they established the guilt of the accused for the charges of harassment. He said that workplace harassment was a serious matter.

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FIO building confidence in public to get speedy justice: President

August 18, 2023August 17, 2023 by Abid Khan

He said only few percent people knew ombudsman’s role.
Alvi said approaching ombudsman was easy way to get justice.
He said FIO was acting upon concept of providing speedy justice.

ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi said the Federal Insurance Ombudsman(FIO) was doing major work in building confidence among the general public to get speedy justice by following easy steps.

The president said only few percent people knew about the ombudsman’s role mainly because of less marketing and awareness campaigns.

He said approaching the ombudsman was the cheapest and most effective way to get speedy justice.

Addressing a Seminar titled ‘Insurance Ombudsman and Concept of Speedy Justice at the Doorstep’ here at Aiwan-e-Sadr, the president said all the five ombudsmen including Federal Insurance Ombudsman, Federal Banking Ombudsman, Federal Tax Ombudsman, Federal Harassment Ombudsman and the Federal Ombudsman were working under his office.

The subject Seminar ‘Insurance Ombudsman and Concept of Speedy Justice at the Doorstep’ is a series of seminars in which the high dignitaries of the insurance sector as well as from the business community were invited for their valuable views and vision for betterment and transparency in the insurance business.

President Alvi said due to his personal efforts, awareness among the people about the role of the Ombudsman had significantly increased. But still, he stressed the need to make more people aware of it.

He also highlighted the role of media in creating awareness about the Ombudsmen’s role and responsibilities adding that the good decisions by the ombudsmen must be publicized in the national print, electronic and social media.

He said ignorance was not an excuse, therefore the people should know about various ways to get justice through alternative means.

The president highlighted that in many cases the decisions remained pending for decades in the mainstream judiciary due to overburden of work and other flaws. Therefore, he called upon the people to utilize this channel which was relatively easy, more quick, and affordable for all.

He said Alternative Dispute Resolution was the solution to reduce the burden on the mainstream judiciary.

He also asked the insurance company owners to offer better products for the public to increase trust and remove doubts among the people about the insurance companies.

Generally, he said the perception of insurance among the general public was not up to the mark which needed to be improved by building trust among them.

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President assures support on PEMRA (Amend) Bill 2023

August 15, 2023 by Abid Khan

President stated this while talking to PFUJ delegation.
He appreciated collective efforts of media community.
Delegation briefed President about various provisions of new bill.

ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi has assured media workers and the journalist community of his support for the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) Amendment Bill 2023.

The President stated this while talking to a delegation of representatives of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS), Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA), Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE), and Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND), who called on him, at Aiwan-e-Sadr.

Talking to the delegation, the President appreciated the collective efforts of the media community for introducing amendments to the PEMRA law, especially to protect the rights of media workers. He said that the linking of government advertisements with the payment of dues to electronic media employees would help address their issues.

The President discussed in detail various aspects of the bill with the visiting delegation, adding that the amendment bill had brought improvements to the existing media law.

President also asked the members of the delegation to volunteer to educate the youth about fake news and disinformation. He highlighted that teenagers were among the most vulnerable populations to the scourge of fake news, and they needed to be educated and sensitized about its implications.

He remarked that the media, especially senior journalists, should enhance linkages with academia and universities to guide and educate students about fake news and the new developments taking place in the field of journalism.

President also urged the need to promote diversity of thought and opinions by promoting dialogue in society and free exchange of ideas. He said that the dynamics of new forms of media, especially social media, should be understood, adding that it was the responsibility of media to educate the people on morality and the use of social media in a responsible and constructive manner.

The delegation briefed the President about various provisions of the new bill that would benefit the journalist community as well as media employees.

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Pakistan will become prosperous, developed country soon: President

August 14, 2023 by Abid Khan

Addressing flag-hoisting ceremony on Independence Day.
He said Quid-i-Azam always discouraged nepotism.
He said currently 27 million children were out of school.

ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi said Pakistan could be put on the path of development and prosperity by promoting the rule of law, democracy, provision of basic human rights, eradication of social injustices and poverty.

Addressing a flag-hoisting ceremony held here in connection with the 76th independence day of Pakistan, the president expressed the hope that Pakistan would soon become a prosperous and developed country by following all the basic rules and guidance given by the founder of Pakistan Quid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

He said Quid-i-Azam always discouraged nepotism and voiced for the promotion of merit, unity, socio-economic justice, and poverty alleviation.

He said Pakistan got independence in 1947 because of the long struggle of Quid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and other founding leaders, and the sacrifices of hundreds of thousands of people.

He said the country’s armed forces, police and the public were still sacrificing their lives for the country’s security as over 100,000 people had rendered their lives in the war against terrorism.

He said the aim of Pakistan’s independence was the establishment of an independent state for the Muslims of the subcontinent to live their lives according to Islamic principles.

The president paid the heartiest tributes to the founders of Pakistan who struggled for independence of Pakistan and the hundreds of thousands of people who embraced martyrdom for Pakistan.

President Alvi stressed the elite of the country to take responsibility for poverty alleviation and promotion of education and health, which he said were inter-connected with each other.

He said currently 27 million children were out of school across the country and needed to enrol in schools.

He stressed that every child should be enrolled in school which could only be possible through resources.

He quoted Allama Iqbal as saying that without women’s participation; no nation could develop and prosper. Therefore, he called upon the women folk of the country to work for the development of the country by actively participating in all areas.

The president also expressed solidarity with the people of occupied Kashmir. He hoped that by the will of God, soon Kashmir would become part of Pakistan.

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President Alvi approves 180-day remission for prisoners

August 12, 2023 by Abid Khan

Reduction of sentences will be applied to life imprisonment offenders.
Remission of sentences will not apply to prisoners involved in murder.
He approved reduction of sentences under Article 45 of Constitution.

ISLAMABAD: President Dr. Arif Alvi has approved a 180-day remission in the sentences of prisoners on the occasion of Pakistan’s 76th Independence Day.

Reduction of sentences will be applied to life imprisonment offenders.

The commutation of sentences will not apply to prisoners involved in murder, spying, and anti-state activities.

Remission of sentences will not apply to criminals convicted of adultery, theft, robbery, kidnapping, and terrorism.

Criminals committing financial crimes and causing damage to the national exchequer will also not be able to benefit from the reduced sentences.

The reduction in sentence will apply to male prisoners who are above 65 years of age and have served one-third of their sentence.

Remission of sentence will also apply to women prisoners above 60 years of age who have served one-third of their imprisonment.

Persons under 18 years of age who have served one-third of their sentence will also be subject to a reduced sentence.

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President urges civil servants to improve service-delivery

August 11, 2023 by Abid Khan

He also underscored need to take timely and faster decisions.
President Alvi said a civil servant must interact with public.
He distributed certificates among successful graduates of SMC.

LAHORE: President Dr Arif Alvi has urged civil servants to work with dedication and commitment to improve service delivery and ensure good governance in the country.

He also underscored the need to take timely and faster decisions to keep pace with the rest of the world.

Addressing the successful graduates of the 118th Senior Management Course (SMC) and 33rd National Management Course (NMC) at the National School of Public Policy, he said that Islam was a community-based religion and it emphasized serving the poor and showing utmost compassion to them.

“A civil servant must interact with the public and be easily accessible to them in order to address their problems. This principle has been practised by great caliphs of Islam”, Dr Alvi said, adding that the welfare of the community should be the first priority of a civil servant.

He further said that brilliant civil servants were an antidote to the state’s ills and that people with the right attitude could change the world around them. He remarked that the country needed such people more than before as the country was faced with multiple challenges.

Dr Alvi urged the civil servants to follow in the footsteps of the former great civil servants and become a source of resistance against hypocrisy and corruption, besides ensuring good governance.

The President said that keeping pace with modern knowledge was also vital to national progress and the bureaucracy must play its role in steering the country out of its problems and put it on the path to progress.

Highlighting the role of training institutions like NSPP and NDU, the President said that these institutions could better train civil servants and equip them with relevant skills to address the administrative and governance issues.

Earlier, Director NSPP, Dr Ijaz Munir welcomed President Dr Arif Alvi and thanked his constant patronage of the institution. Throwing light on salient features of the high-profile training institution, he said NSPP did not confine itself to academics but also provided training on practical strategy and policy formulation.

The Director NSPP further said that scholarships were also being awarded to the toppers of the SMC and NMC training and they were being sent to Harvard University.

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President stresses AI importance for healthcare sector

August 10, 2023August 10, 2023 by Abid Khan

He said artificial intelligence (AI) was great hope in health.
Alvi said medical graduate could utilise it for treatment in future .
He said science had brought about an ease in lives of people.

LAHORE: President Dr Arif Alvi emphasised the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in the health sector to provide better facilities to people.

Addressing the Instacare Future Health Forum 2023 at a local hotel, he said the AI was a great hope in the health and medicine sectors, and in future, a medical graduate could utilise it for treatment of patients.

The president said now a doctor did not need to save information in his own memory as more data could be saved and accessed through his mobile phone and computer. He cited an example of the COVID-19 pandemic period in which Pakistan successfully used available data and saved several lives. He said that the number of deaths taking place due to COVID-19 was less in the country than in other countries of the region.

He said Pakistan had a good collection of data; however, learning right question through the AI for right answer was important. He added that knowledge was free for everyone now and control over it by anyone had become almost impossible.

He said that Islam stresses the state to work for welfare and betterment of the community. The president said science had brought about an ease in lives of the community, so the AI should also be used for facilitating human beings.

Earlier, the president gave away awards to individuals and institutions, who contributed technology and AI to the healthcare sector.

Punjab Minister for Health and Social Welfare Dr Javed Akram also addressed the participants.

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Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs issues notification for dissolution of National Assembly

August 10, 2023August 10, 2023 by Abid Khan

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs has issued a notification for the dissolution of the National Assembly, Bol News reported on Thursday.

The president dissolved the National Assembly under Article 58-1, read the notification issued by the ministry.

President of Pakistan Dr. Arif Ali dissolved National Assembly on in the wee hour of Thursday on the advice of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

PM Shehbaz sent the advice to the President of Pakistan Dr. Arif Ali to dissolve the National Assembly tonight, sources said.

The president dissolved the National Assembly under Article 58 of the Constitution. With the dissolution of the lower house, the current government’s tenure ended prematurely.

“The president shall dissolve the National Assembly if so advised by the prime minister; and the National Assembly shall, unless sooner dissolved, stand dissolved at the expiration of forty-eight hours after the prime minister has so advised,” the article reads.

The cabinet will be dissolved and Prime Minister Shehbaz will remain in office until the caretaker prime minister is appointed.

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President stresses youth to benefit from technology advancement

August 8, 2023 by Abid Khan

ICMA launched Digital Academy in partnership with TFG.
Alvi highlighted importance of ICMA Digital Academy’s plans.
He said ICMA has been active in developing professionals.

ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi has stressed the youth to benefit from the technology advancement and offer their services globally to increase technology exports of the country.

“We have a youth bulge in our country and that youth bulge must be linked intellectually with the rest of the world. If it is not done, we will miss a great opportunity available to our country,” President Alvi said in his video message to a virtual inauguration of the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants (ICMA) Digital Academy.

ICMA launched the Digital Academy in partnership with the London-based The FinTech Group (TFG).

ICMA Digital Academy is incorporated in the UK with a mission to develop the job-ready workforce of the future in Pakistan with globally in-demand digital skills.

President highlighted the importance of the ICMA Digital Academy’s plans to help the youth bulge in the country offer their services globally. He reminded the audience that young adults are very keen on learning new technologies and on interacting with global customers in a professional manner.

He described the strategic shift taking place around us in terms of the new jobs of the future and the way many of these services will be rendered in future. Pointing to the increased acceptability of remote work in many of the jobs of the future, the President indicated that this provides a tremendous opportunity to the talented young adults of Pakistan to interact virtually with the users of their services without any geographical limitations

He reminded the country about the speed of change taking place around the world and the need for Pakistan to get on the train faster. In this context, he congratulated ICMA for its timely launch of the ICMA Digital Academy.

President Alvi said that ICMA has been active in developing professionals in management accounting to serve the needs of the country for a very long time. But in tomorrow’s world it will be possible for accountants to expand their reach well beyond Pakistan and start serving the needs of users globally, thereby increasing the country’s digital exports and enhancing economic prosperity.

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President emphasises Muslim world cooperation in S&T

August 2, 2023 by Abid Khan

President met with management committee of COMSTECH.
Ambassador of Kazakhstan also attended meeting.
The committee members briefed president.

ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi stressed the need for enhancing cooperation among the Muslim countries in the fields of science and technology as well as innovations.

The president said this while talking to a delegation of the management committee of the COMSTECH Nobel Festival.

The Ambassador of Kazakhstan in Islamabad Yerzhan Kistafin also attended the meeting.

The committee members briefed the president about the objectives of the Nobel Festival aimed at ensuring access of everyone to education and science.

The Festival is participated by Nobel laureates, scientists and representatives of international organisations.

The ambassador of Kazakhstan said that his country gave special importance to educational cooperation with Pakistan. The establishment of direct aerial linkage between the two countries was welcoming, he added.

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Govt taking measures to facilitate special persons: President

July 23, 2023July 22, 2023 by Abid Khan

He said in Pakistan 10 to 12 persons were disabled.
Dr Alvi said legislation had been enacted at federal.
He said disabled persons needed certificate.

ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi said the government was taking measures to make persons with disabilities productive citizens of the society.

In a video message for special persons with disabilities, he said in Pakistan 10 to 12 persons were disabled who needed to be facilitated by society.

He said those with physical deficiencies and those who could not see, hear and speak should be given admission in regular schools where they could not be denied admission legally.

He said legislation had been enacted at the federal and provincial levels to provide special persons job opportunities in public and private sectors so that these people could become self-sufficient and take benefit from their skills.

He said National Vocational and Technical Training Commission and Technical and Vocational Training Authority were arranging for training of persons with disabilities in 140 fields so that they could improve their skills and get suitable jobs.

It should be determined that the persons with disabilities could get what kind of jobs in different institutions and companies so that they could get be facilitated in finding employment.

He said these special persons were also getting free education in universities, medical facilities and relaxation in fares for travelling.

The disabled persons needed certificate and identity card from the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to avail these facilities, he said adding NADRA was issuing a certificate to youth aged 9 to 18, in which his disability was mentioned.

The President said the certificate from NADRA would help special persons in getting jobs, loans from banks and facilities available in the public sector.

He appealed to the business community to follow the law and provide job opportunities to people with disabilities.

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Imam Hussain’s sacrifice reminder about fighting oppression: President

July 19, 2023 by Abid Khan

He said new Islamic year is reminder strength of nation.
President emphasized need for mainstreaming all segments.
He said Muharram as first month of the Islamic calendar.

ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi has said that the invaluable sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) is an immortal reminder about challenging the oppression and injustice, and standing firm to uphold truth.

He said the new Islamic year is a reminder that the strength of the nation lies in unity and harmony.

“With a united approach, we can overcome any challenge and make the future of our coming generations bright,” he said, in his message to the nation on the advent of new Islamic year 1445 Hijrah.

President Alvi emphasized the need for mainstreaming all segments of society and providing them a level-playing field.

The president said new Islamic year has a great significance for the Muslims all over the world and reminds of the immense sacrifices rendered by their forefathers.

“On this day, we make a pledge to follow the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) and implement these in our lives,” he said.

He said compassion, justice, unity and kindness are the ethos of Islamic culture and are important to promote harmony and prosperity in the society.

The president said Muharram as the first month of the Islamic calendar guides a Muslim to refresh his spiritual journey of life.

He said it relates to the month when Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions sacrificed their lives in the battle of Karbala.

Against oppression, the historic event of Karbala is an example of undeterred courage, sacrifice and steadfastness, he added.

The president said Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his small army of followers fought against the injustice and sacrificed their lives to uphold the sanctity of truth.

Dr Alvi prayed that may Allah Almighty make the new Islamic year a source of His blessings for Pakistan, the nation, Islamic community and the entire world.

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Arif Alvi calls for prevention, early diagnosis of diseases

July 13, 2023 by Abid Khan

Speaking virtually at awareness programme.
Pakistan should give priority to health and education.
He said awareness was vital to prepare people against diseases.

ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi called for prevention and early diagnosis of diseases like breast cancer and water borne ailments to give people a chance to live longer healthy lives.

Speaking virtually at an awareness programme arranged by Siemens Healthineers, he underlined the need for improvements in the health and education sectors of Pakistan.

Despite the limited resources a developing country like Pakistan should give priority to health and education of the people, he stressed.

He said preventive measures and widespread awareness was vital to prepare people against the onslaught of life threatening diseases.

He said Pakistan had an experience of effectively and successfully tackling Covid 19 as compared to the neighboring country where the death rate was higher.

Spreading of awareness among people was critical to keep Covid under control, he said adding people followed the advice of the government to wear masks, keep distance and take preventive measures helping the country eventually overcome the challenge.

The President urged people to ensure cleanliness to stop the spread of communicable diseases.

Religious scholars could play an important role by teaching the significance of hygiene during their sermons in mosques, he continued.

He appreciated the efforts of Begum Samina Alvi in raising awareness about the threats posted by breast cancer to the health of women.

While citing reasons for late diagnosis of breast cancer among women in Pakistan, he said women were hesitant to share information about any unusual signs which was the cause of delay in screening for breast cancer.

He said those who go for early screening their chance of survival from breast cancer was 99 percent and women should undergo screening when they feel a lump in their chests.

He pointed to the brain drain in Pakistan saying a large percentage of women who get higher education either prefer to stay at home or leave for better opportunities abroad which resulted in lack of availability of professionals in different fields.

He said it was alarming that 10 percent population in Pakistan was suffering from hepatitis, adding due to contribution of Bill and Malinda Gates Foundation, Pakistan had almost eliminated polio however, few cases were reported along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

He mentioned that rapid progress in artificial intelligence and other technology tools was making early diagnosis possible for a number of diseases.

He also underscored the need for improved infrastructure for treatment of mental ailments, adding Pakistan had a low number of psychiatrists and psychologists and there should be more focus on providing treatment to people through online services.

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President for expanding ties with Iran and Philippines

July 13, 2023 by Abid Khan

President made these remarks during meeting with Ambassadors.
He called for further expanding economic ties with Iran.
Arif Alvi felicitated envoys on their appointments.

ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi has said that Pakistan wants to expand bilateral ties with the Philippines, Iran, and Rwanda in the fields of trade, economy, investment, culture, and people-to-people contacts.

The President made these remarks while talking to the Ambassadors-designates of the Republic of the Philippines and the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the non-resident High-Commissioner-designate of the Republic of Rwanda, who presented their diplomatic credentials to the President and made separate calls on him, at Aiwan-e-Sadr.

Talking to the Ambassador-designate of the Philippines, Ms Maria Agnes M. Cervantes, the President said that Pakistan was keen to expand bilateral relations with the Philippines across all areas of cooperation and expressed the need to explore new avenues of cooperation to further diversify bilateral trade and economic cooperation.

Speaking to the Iranian Ambassador-designate to Pakistan, Dr Reza Amiri Moghaddam, the President highlighted the need to promote economic engagement and mutually beneficial economic exchanges between the two countries through the established institutional mechanisms and private-sector collaborations.

He called for further expanding economic ties by strengthening the existing institutional mechanisms, besides making the Border Sustenance Marketplaces functional.

Talking to the High Commissioner-designate of Rwanda to Pakistan, Mr James Kimonyo, the President emphasized the need to further strengthen trade and economic relations, adding that the business communities of the two countries needed to exchange visits to boost bilateral trade.

He remarked that Rwandan businessmen should explore the Pakistani market, especially for the import of rice, textile products, pharmaceuticals, surgical instruments, and sports goods.

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Brigadier Mustafa Kamal Barki laid to rest at Army Graveyard

March 22, 2023 by Abid Khan

Funeral prayer of Brigadier Mustafa Kamal Barki performed.
President, Prime Minister, CJCSC and COAS attended the funeral.
The officer was buried at Army Graveyard with full military honours.

RAWALPINDI: Funeral prayer of Brigadier Mustafa Kamal Barki who embraced martyrdom during an exchange for fire with hardcore terrorists in Angoor Adda, South Waziristan yesterday was performed at Race Course Rawalpindi.

According to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), President Dr Arif Alvi, Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir, DG Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) Lieutenant General Nadeem Ahmed Anjum and large number of serving and retired military officers and soldiers, government officials, parliamentarians and public attended the funeral.

The officer was buried at Army Graveyard with full military honours in acknowledgment of his services to the nation.

Throughout his military career, Brigadier Barki remained involved in active counter terrorism operations and successfully dismantled numerous terrorist networks in KPK and Balochistan. He was monumental in neutralizing the terrorist networks involved in APS attack 2016.

The nation recognizes his meritorious services in life and supreme sacrifice offered for Pakistan. Armed forces of Pakistan and intelligence agencies stand resilient against terrorism and reaffirm the resolve to eradicate this menace of terrorism at all costs.

Earlier, Havildar Azhar Iqbal, Naik Mohammad Asad and Sepoy Essa of Pakistan Army who embraced shahadat during an operation in Saggu, Dera Ismail Khan were laid to rest with full military honours in Lodhran, Mian Channu and Bobar Ziarat, South Waziristan respectively.

The funeral & burial were attended by serving and retired military personnel, families and relatives of Shaheeds and a large number of people from various segments of the society.

Armed Forces of Pakistan and intelligence agencies stand resolute and determined to uproot the menace of terrorism at all costs.

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President for increasing cooperation among the universities

March 22, 2023 by Abid Khan

President said while talking to DG ICESCO Dr Salim M. Al Malik.
He urged the universities of Islamic world to enhance collaboration.
Dr.Arif Alvi highlighted the need for focusing on cyber security.

ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi has underscored the need for increasing cooperation among the universities of Islamic countries to promote research, and support cultural and educational institutions.

He urged the universities of Islamic world to enhance collaboration in the areas of water resource management, environment related issues, science and technology and artificial intelligence to make fast decisions and accelerate the process of development.

The President made these remarks while talking to the Director General, Islamic Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), Dr Salim M. Al Malik, who along with the members of his delegation, called on President, at Aiwan-e-Sadr.

The meeting was attended by the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia, Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmad Al-Malkiy, Chairman Higher Education Commission, Prof. Dr Mukhtar Ahmed, and Secretary to the President, Mr. Waqar Ahmed.

Earlier, the President conferred the honorary degree of Ph.D. by the Quaid-e-Azam University on Dr Salim M. Al Malik in recognition of his services for promoting cooperation among Islamic countries in the fields of education and research.

Speaking on the occasion, the President highlighted the need for focusing on cyber security and artificial intelligence by the Islamic World to meet the challenges of the 21st century. He said that the universities needed to develop human resources to speed up the pace of social and economic progress. He also emphasized the need for promoting online education, which was cost effective and accessible to students.

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Certification & PATRON AWARD ceremony

March 22, 2023 by Shahryar Mahar

Dr. Arif Alvi emphasized the need for Pakistan to pay attention to (IT) industry. He commended successful students of the Saylani Mass IT Training program. He also recognized the outstanding service of civil society members and journalists. In a ceremony organized by the Saylani Welfare International Trust and the Presidential Initiative for Artificial Intelligence and … Read more

President urges varsities to produce more IT graduates

March 21, 2023 by Abid Khan

He said while chairing 1st meeting of Senate of AWCI.
Arif Alvi said that Pakistan must invest in IT sector.
He said that Pakistan only produced 35,000 graduates in IT.

KARACHI: President Dr Arif Alvi has urged the universities to further improve the standard of education and training to produce high-quality and skilled graduates, especially in the field of IT.

He added that Information Technology and Emerging Technologies had great scope and potential, and universities needed to produce more graduates in these fields by utilizing online and hybrid modes of learning.

The President expressed these views while chairing the 1st meeting of the Senate of Pakistan Air Force Air War College Institute (AWCI), Karachi.

Addressing the meeting, the President urged the need to make faster decisions to keep pace with the latest trends and developments in the world. He said that Pakistan must invest in the intellectual development of its human resources which was vital for its socio-economic development.

He said that Pakistan must bring 22 million out-of-school children to schools, besides improving the enrolment rate in higher educational institutions. He said that in Pakistan, only 9% of the students went to universities after F.Sc whereas, in India and Bangladesh the enrolment rate was between 20-25%.

The President said that Pakistan only produced 35,000 graduates in IT and related fields every year which was not adequate to meet the needs of the market. He added that Pakistan must improve the number of graduates in IT and related disciplines to keep pace with the rest of the world.

He also urged the universities to utilize their physical infrastructure efficiently and introduce multiple shifts in universities, besides increasing the quantum of online education to increase the number of students in universities.

The President highlighted that 52% of cyber security experts in the world had no degrees and they equipped themselves with skills through online education. He said that Pakistan had introduced an online programme, digiskills, for youth’s skill development in the field of IT, which was a great success as over 2.5 million people had benefitted from this programme so far.

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President urges Pakistani students to learn artificial intelligence

March 18, 2023 by Abid Khan

He said that there was ample space in the field of IT.
Dr Arif Alvi said He underscored the need to prioritise our decisions.
He applauded the efforts of government for fighting COVID-19 smartly.

KARACHI: President Dr. Arif Alvi has urged Pakistani students to learn and apply Artificial Intelligence (AI) in order to compete in the modern IT industrial era.

He said that there was ample space in the field of IT that can be filled up by Pakistani youth to contribute to the economic prosperity of the country.

The President expressed these views while addressing the conference” titled Traditional & Non Traditional Security Imperatives for Pakistan, at the University of Karachi.

The Vice Chancellor of Karachi University Dr. Khalid Iraqi, the executive Director CISSS Ambassador Qazi Khaliullah and the Chairperson International Relations Department Karachi University Dr. Shaista Tabasum, the teachers and students were also present in large numbers on the occasion.

President Dr Arif Alvi stated that to establish a healthy and balanced society, people should have basic education and health facilities.

He underscored the need to prioritise our decisions while making decisions in daily life or policy making, we must keep social and societal needs, problems, and attitudes in mind.

The President said that there were 9 million births in Pakistan each year, 50% of which are unintentional. Through proper planning, information, and provision of facilities, not only can the growing population be controlled, but it is also possible to solve the health problems of women they suffer during pregnancy.

He stated that the natural resources alone are not sufficient for a country’s prosperity, but natural resources along with intellectual resources are important to utilize them efficiently. Nature has blessed us as a nation with enormous abilities, but that due to a lack of proper utilisation of these resources and abilities, we have fallen behind our neighbouring countries in the race for development in every field of life, he further added.

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Pakistan needs to turn women into productive workforce: President

March 16, 2023March 16, 2023 by Abid Khan

President approves reconstitution of National Economic Council

He said that women needed to be encouraged in different fields.
President expressed concern that fifty% of the women quit their careers.
Dr Alvi said both religion and the country’s law supported women’s right.

ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi said Pakistan direly needed financial inclusion of women to turn fifty percent of its population into a productive workforce.

He said helping women promote their business startups through information technology was the fastest route toward their empowerment.

Addressing an event BizNet 2023 themed ‘Celebrating Diversity, Inclusion and Pakistan Startups’, he said financial empowerment of women and other under-represented groups such as differently-abled persons was crucial for the progress of the country.

President Alvi emphasized gender parity at the level of organizations and companies and urged them to ensure their representation in mainstream and leadership roles.

In the digital age, he said, technology could increase the productivity and efficiency of a business. Inclusion of women in IT-related startups could also help them earn a livelihood from their homes, he added.

He stressed that women needed to be encouraged to become bank account holders in order to keep authority over their finances.

He pointed out that despite the rights enunciated by Islam for women, the culture and harassment were the two main impediments to their emancipation.

He highlighted that it was important for society to adopt a positive approach toward women by creating opportunities and ensuring a harassment-free culture for them.

The president expressed concern that fifty percent of the women graduates of medical colleges quit pursuing their careers after wedlock, which was a big loss of a talented workforce.

He proposed counseling parents, husbands, and women doctors to help them encourage in utilizing their professional capabilities.

He mentioned that both religion and the country’s law supported women’s right to inheritance, however, ills in the society hindered this in a majority of cases.

The president regretted that the business loans for women offered by the State Bank of Pakistan were not even utilized by five percent of them.

He mentioned that the Special technology Zones Authority could also play a role in advancing the role of women in diverse fields of economy.

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Leaked Audio: Yasmin Rashid tells President Alvi to intervene in controlling Zaman Park situation

March 15, 2023 by Kumail Soomro

Leaked audio clip of Yasmin Rashid, President Alvi hits social media Yasmin Rashid can be heard telling President Alvi to intervene She told him to ask Imran Khan to voluntarily surrender LAHORE: An audio clip has surfaced purportedly of PTI leader Dr Yasmin Rashid having a telephonic conversation with President Dr Arif Alvi asking him … Read more

President rejects speculations about delay in polls

March 14, 2023 by Abid Khan

He also emphasised the need for upholding the Constitution of Pakistan,
President expressed these views while talking to a delegation of CPNE.
President said that he had been playing his role to reduce differences.

ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi has said that there would be no delay in elections and he strongly believes that elections would be held on time.

He added that timely elections would pave the way for improving the political and economic situation of the country. He also emphasised the need for upholding the Constitution of Pakistan as our history had proven that delay in elections had caused harm to democracy.

The President expressed these views while talking to a delegation of the Council of Pakistan Newspapers’ Editors (CPNE), led by its President Kazam Khan, at Aiwan-e-Sadr.

Referring to his meeting with the Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Haji Ghulam Ali, the President said that Governor KP was a democratic person and he had encouraged him to appoint a date for elections in accordance with the Constitution and the order of the Supreme Court of Pakistan. The President said that he had been playing his constitutional role and his decisions had also been affirmed by the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

Talking to the delegation, the President said that he had been playing his role to reduce differences and promote reconciliation among the political parties. He stated that he was willing to meet any person or political party for the sake of the country. He remarked that he had also asked PTI leadership to negotiate with other political parties. He also mentioned that he had good working relations with the government.

While talking about the prevailing economic situation of the country, the President said that he was of the firm opinion that Pakistan would not default, adding that better and effective financial management could help overcome the economic difficulties faced by the country.

The President said that he was against corruption as Pakistan had badly been damaged by it, and therefore, he returned the NAB Amendment Bill to the Parliament. He regretted that delayed decision-making, violation of merit, nepotism and corruption had caused immense damage to Pakistan.

The President urged the media to educate the people by providing truthful and responsible analysis and opinions. He stated that despite the rise of new media, print media was still playing a vital role in shaping people’s opinions and informing them about important issues.

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President for enhanced focus of dentists on prevention

March 10, 2023 by Abid Khan

President said during inaugural ceremony of Int’l Oral Pathology.
Arif Alvi said said preventive healthcare was more important.
He also inaugurated the first oral cancer registry.

ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi said that as curative dentistry had more financial implications, particularly for a developing country like Pakistan, dentists should think out of the box to promote preventive dentistry through public awareness of oral hygiene.

The president, addressing the inaugural ceremony of the International Oral Pathology and Aesthetic Dentistry Conference held here, said preventive healthcare was more important as tertiary care was costlier and unaffordable for Pakistan.

Urging the participants comprising oral pathologists, dentists, professors and students, he said that regular brushing of teeth provided almost 99% of prevention from oral diseases. He said Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) also taught the frequent use of Miswak as had been evident from around 20 Ahadith.

The president, also a renowned dentist, shared the success stories of his career in dentistry which marked massive awareness campaigns on oral health which created a win-win situation for both the private partners as well as the field of dentistry.

Highlighting the importance of dentistry, he urged dentists to establish their collaboration with the people to promote oral hygiene and recalled the successful oral hygiene campaign run during the COVID-19 pandemic in collaboration with all the relevant stakeholders.

He said the professional dentists needed to reorient their approach as the quantum of preventive healthcare in their education was not as required. They should broaden their narrow focus to help people achieve prevention against oral diseases, he added.

He said the professionals would have to change their paradigm for the maximum benefit of the people to pay back the huge financing made by the country on their higher education.

The president, who earlier also inaugurated the first oral cancer registry, said after oral hygiene, the focus should on the prevention of oral cancer. He advised against the use and sale of betel and other relevant addictive items leading to oral cancer.

The event marked the start of the 2nd International Conference on Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology. The Conference is a collaborative event that also includes First International Dental Laser Conference.

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President for giant leap in digital technology for improved economy

March 9, 2023 by Abid Khan

President stressed that by leveraging digital technology.
He emphasized working on intellectual ideas.
Arif Alvi emphasized controlling online scams and frauds.

ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi said for Pakistan, a big leap in digital technology was important to directly improve its economy and make progress in public service delivery.

The president stressed that by leveraging digital technology, the country could explore advanced avenues of business in the revolutionalized world.

Addressing here at a seminar on ‘Digital System for public Welfare: weaknesses and remedies’, the president said Pakistan needed to make early decisions in technology and keep pace with the fast-changing world.

He said the country needed a “full-throttle acceleration” on expanding digitalization in areas of public service delivery, including online banking.

Lauding the talent of the nation, he said the country was “standing on the gold mine of people”.

He said learning knowledge about FinTech (financial technology) and artificial intelligence could prove as a catalyst to progress. He said taking initiative in learning and getting the edge in technology was of foremost importance.

In this regard, he emphasized working on intellectual ideas and early decisions on implementing digitalization strategy in diverse areas.

President Alvi, however, stressed that besides digitalization, the stakeholders needed to guide the consumers not to fall victim to online scams.

He said scams could not be averted completely, however, their proportion to the delivery of services was important.

He emphasized controlling online scams and frauds through continuous effort, including targeted messaging.

He highlighted how effectively the 130 million targeted cellular texts on early prevention of breast cancer successfully relayed a powerful message among the general public.

The president said the people had already adopted cell phone technology, and there was a need to guide them about the benefits of advanced technology.

President Alvi recalled how the Covid-19 pandemic forced the nation to engage in e-learning and in various online projects.

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President stresses preventive measures to reduce disease burden

March 8, 2023 by Abid Khan

President expressed these views while meeting with student of AJKMC.
He said that health sector could not afford 220m population.
He said that progress could not be achieved without proper education.

ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi has called for making preventive efforts to reduce the burden and risk of diseases in the country.

He said that Pakistan’s health sector could not afford to cater to the needs of over 220 million population, adding that it was essential to focus on the prevention of communicable and non-communicable diseases.

The President expressed these views while talking to the medical students of Azad Jammu Kashmir Medical College, Muzaffarabad (AJKMC), who called on him, at Aiwan-e-Sadr.

Welcoming the students, the President stated that the world was changing very fast and the education system of the country needed to adapt itself to the changing circumstances by focusing on improving the analytical abilities of the students. He added that students should improve their IT skills as IT was going to have vast applications in every profession of life.

Highlighting the importance of the nursing profession, the President said that the nursing profession had great significance and scope and the country needed to increase the number of nursing and paramedical staff. He remarked that Pakistan was facing a shortage of nurses as it required 900,000 nurses whereas only 200,000 nurses were working in the country at present who were unable to cater to the health needs of the growing population.

Underscoring the importance of education, the President said that progress could not be achieved without proper education, adding that the students should work hard and continue their profession to serve humanity.

The President also reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to continue its moral and diplomatic support to the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) till the achievement of their right to self-determination in accordance with the UN Security Council Resolutions.

He emphasized that the international media needed to highlight the atrocities being committed by the Indian security forces in IIOJK.

He mentioned that Pakistan had been raising the Jammu and Kashmir Dispute at every international forum to expose the real face of India which had been involved in gross human rights violations and persecution of Muslims and other minorities.

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