Mehfil-e-Milad held at Parliament House to pay homage to Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him)

Islamabad, January 14, 2016 (PPI-OT):A Mehfil-e-Milad marked by complete religious fervour was held at Parliament House, Islamabad to pay homage to Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). The solemn event was hosted by wife of Speaker National Assembly Mrs. Reema Ayaz Sadiq. First Lady Begum Kalsum Nawaz was the chief guest whereas women ministers and parliamentarians, wives of dignitaries and other prominent ladies from different walks of life were also present on the occasion.

With an aura of spirituality surrounding the air, the women orators recited Holy Quran and ‘Hamds’ to seek the blessings of Allah Almighty and showered enormous praises on the life and character of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through recitation of Naats and paid homage to the Holy Prophet through Durood-o-Salam. Sermons on the life of Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) were delivered, focusing on his Seerat and teachings based on the welfare and prosperity of entire humanity.

The event adorned by the National Assembly Secretariat with a complete religious tinge, evoked solemn declarations on part of the dignitary speakers and participants to emulate the life of the Holy Prophet. The audience was told that sayings and deeds of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) present a complete human rights charter and the world can truly attain peace by reverting to the principles espoused by humanity’s greatest benefactor.

It was highlighted that it is the duty of every Muslim to follow the teachings of Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be upon Him) and observe the true, glowing and great lessons of Islam. They called for adopting the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) for an eternal success and blessings in the life here and hereafter. Later, prayers were offered for peace and prosperity of Pakistan and deliverance from different issues confronting the country as well as for Ummah’s unity.

For more information, contact:
Karamat Hussain Niazi
Secretary
National Assembly of Pakistan
Automation Centre,
National Assembly Secretariat,
Parliament House,
Islamabad – Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9221082-83
Fax: +92-51-9221106
Email: assembly@na.gov.pk
Website: www.na.gov.pk

Altaf Hassan Qureshi calls on President Mamnoon Hussain

Islamabad, January 14, 2016 (PPI-OT): Eminent journalist and intellectual Altaf Hassan Qureshi called on President Mamnoon Hussain at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, today and presented him his new book “Mulaqatein Kya Kya”. Praising the journalistic services of Altaf Hassan Qureshi, the President said that his book is a valuable gift to the readers where he for the first time presented different aspects of life of the important interviewed personalities which is a national service.

The book of Altaf Hassan Qureshi has historical interviews of many important personalities including from the Muslim World. It is pertinent to mention here that recently Altaf Hassan Qureshi has also conducted interview of President Mamnoon Hussain.

For more information, contact:
Haji Ahmed Malik
Principal Information Officer
Press Information Department (PID)
Tel: +92-51-9252323 and +92-51-9252324
Fax: +92-51-9252325 and +92-51-9252326
Email: piopid@gmail.com

Terrorism and corruption have rendered immense loss to our country: President

Islamabad, January 14, 2016 (PPI-OT): President Mamnoon Hussain has said that terrorism and corruption have rendered immense loss to our country due to which there is restlessness in the society but if we are successful in imparting better training to the new generation according to religious and social values then we can easily overcome these issues.

The President said this while addressing a gathering of orphan children getting education in Anjuman Faiz-ul-Islam, Rawalpindi at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, Islamabad on Thursday. The event was held as part of programmes to commemorate Quaid-e-Azam’s birth anniversary. It is pertinent to mention here that Anjuman Faiz-ul-Islam was established on the direction of Quaid-e-Azam.

The President said that the situation that Pakistan is in today is because of aloofness from religious and social values and lack of education. “Anjuman Faiz-ul-Islam and other such institutions can play an important role with which the existing problems could be resolved and in future such issues can also be overcome”, remarked the President. The President stated that corruption made inroads into the society because of detachment from religious values and lack of spiritual training due to which national resources got wasted.

The President called for launching a robust campaign against social ills and said that the youth can play an important role in this regard. President Mamnoon Hussain said that acquisition of education is must as with it the nations progress and prosper therefore the new generation should work hard for acquiring education and try to comprehend the thought and philosophy of their elders.

On the occasion, Mian Muhammad Siddique Akbar President Anjuman Faiz-ul-Islam and Professor Dr. Riaz Ahmed delivered speeches. Children getting education in Anjuman Faiz-ul-Islam including Aqsa Waheed, Aroosa and others presented speeches, songs and tableaus to pay tribute to the Quaid-e-Azam. The children were very happy and excited when the President mixed up with them and appreciated their work.

For more information, contact:
Haji Ahmed Malik
Principal Information Officer
Press Information Department (PID)
Tel: +92-51-9252323 and +92-51-9252324
Fax: +92-51-9252325 and +92-51-9252326
Email: piopid@gmail.com

Capital Curriculum and Textbook Wing established under Capital Administration and Development Division

Islamabad, January 14, 2016 (PPI-OT): A “Capital Curriculum and Textbook Wing” for Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) has been Established under Capital Administration and Development Division (CA and DD). The wing is created in pursuance of the article-25-A, of the constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan and Act No. XXIV, “Right to free and compulsory education to all children the age of 5 to 16 years in schools established by Federal Government and Local Government in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT). The wing is established to facilitate the implementation of clause 7 of section-3 of the Act. A Notification to this effect has been issued by the CA and D Division.

For more information, contact:
Haji Ahmed Malik
Principal Information Officer
Press Information Department (PID)
Tel: +92-51-9252323 and +92-51-9252324
Fax: +92-51-9252325 and +92-51-9252326
Email: piopid@gmail.com

Germany Ambassador calls on Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development

Islamabad, January 14, 2016 (PPI-OT): H.E. Ms Ina Lepel, Ambassador of Germany to Pakistan called on Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, Pir Syed Saddaruddin Shah Rashidi today here at his office and exchanged views of mutual interests and bilateral relations. Both sides have shown their satisfaction on the existing excellent relations as the two sides have similar views on international issues including terrorism. Khizer Hayat Khan, Federal Secretary, OP and HRD was also present during the meeting.

The Minister thanked the German Government for co-sponsoring Asian Living Wage Conference (ALWC) in the Textile and Garments Sector, along with Netherlands Government which is scheduled to be held on 25-26 May, 2016 at Islamabad. The Federal Minister appreciated German assistance in various areas like Education, Health, Energy and other areas as well. The Federal Minister also requested the German Ambassador to explore possibilities with her government for import of Pakistani manpower.

During the meeting, the issues of mutual interests and the problems relating to the migration and immigration issues of the Pakistanis, residing and settled in Germany were discussed. It was decided to enhance further cooperation between both the countries through their respective Missions in the host countries for taking appropriate steps for the welfare of overseas Pakistanis.

For more information, contact:
Haji Ahmed Malik
Principal Information Officer
Press Information Department (PID)
Tel: +92-51-9252323 and +92-51-9252324
Fax: +92-51-9252325 and +92-51-9252326
Email: piopid@gmail.com

Minister of State for Education and Professional Training attends Corporate Social Responsibility Award 2016/8th CSR Summit 2016

Islamabad, January 14, 2016 (PPI-OT): Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training Engr. Muhammad Baligh Ur Rehman attended the Corporate Social Responsibility Award 2016/8th CSR Summit 2016 organized by National Forum for Environment and Health today.

It gives me an immense pleasure to be here with you all today and I appreciate the efforts of all the organizations present here who have given its due importance to CSR, said the Minister of State. Such summits and awards ceremonies provide an excellent opportunity for the government authorities to have a direct interaction with the eminent companies/organizations who are engaged in socioeconomic activities in the country. He further added that our government is doing everything possible for the betterment of social sector, and therefore we should not forget about the importance of education when we talk about social uplifting of any society.

It’s the prime responsibility of the state to ensure welfare of its masses without any discrimination, said the minister. He said that we appreciate the efforts and assistance being rendered on the part of private and corporate sectors in this regard. This event is the right step to institutionalize the mechanism of formally recognizing the efforts of private sector. And the government is here to support such institutionalization of reward system.

CSR’s overall aim is to achieve a positive impact on society as a whole while maximizing the creation of shared value for the owners of the business, its employees, shareholders and stakeholders. According to one study organizations that have a genuine commitment to CSR substantially outperformed those that did not, with an average return on assets 19 times higher. Moreover CSR-orientated companies have a higher level of employee engagement and provided a markedly better standard of customer service.

In the end, Minister of State admired the efforts of National Forum for Environment and Health and congratulated all the award winners of CSR. He also distributed awards among the high achievers.

For more information, contact:
Haji Ahmed Malik
Principal Information Officer
Press Information Department (PID)
Tel: +92-51-9252323 and +92-51-9252324
Fax: +92-51-9252325 and +92-51-9252326
Email: piopid@gmail.com

Kashmiri prisoners in Tihar denied basic facilities: HCBA

Srinagar, January 14, 2016 (PPI-OT): In occupied Kashmir, the High Court Bar Association (HCBA) has said that the Kashmiri prisoners lodged in New Delhi’s Tihar Jail are deprived of all facilities and are denied the right to a speedy trial. The HCBA in a report released following a visit by its 5-member team to Tihar Jail on January 11 said that the Kashmiri detainees were also being discriminated against. The team comprised the HCBA President, Mian Abdul Qayoom, Muhammad Ashraf Butt, Arshad Andrabi, Muhammad Shafi Reshi and Nasir Qadri.

“The condition of the Kashmiri prisoners lodged in different jails of Tihar is very bad as they have been deprived of all the facilities by the jail authorities,” the report said. “There is no TV in wards where they have been kept and even the facility of radio or newspapers is not available to them, though the facility is available to other prisoners lodged in the same jail,” it stated. The prisoners, the report said, had the facility of a canteen but it has been taken away from them.

“The detainees are taken to the courts but their cases are adjourned for months altogether. In the NIA (National Investigation Agency) court, proceedings are to be conducted on a daily basis but the Kashmiri prisoners are denied the right by the courts without any reason,” it added.

The HCBA report said that the Kashmiri inmates were discriminated against in the jail. “While as all other prisoners are free to talk to their families seven times a week, Kashmiri prisoners are allowed to do so only twice a week and that too for 5 minutes only and are made to pay a heavy amount for such phone calls,” the Bar said and announced that it would take up the matter of these prisoners before the High Court to ensure that they get a fair deal at the hands of the Tihar authorities.

The team visited the jail in pursuance to a direction by the High Court of the occupied territory on December 28, last year, to visit Tihar and interact with the detainees and under-trial prisoners and convicts belonging to Jammu and Kashmir, so as to provide necessary legal aid and assistance to them.

“However, when the order was served by the HCBA team on the Director General Prisons Delhi, he endorsed the same to the Law Officer of the Prisons Department who made the team wait in his office for about three hours and then allowed them to meet only 5 under-trail prisoners of Kashmir lodged in jail no. 1, 3, 4, 8 and 9.

Though the court order in unambiguous terms provided for the meeting of Bar members with all the detainees/under-trial prisoners, convicts whose number is roughly 30, the jail authorities allowed the team to meet only 5 under-trial prisoners on the ground that they have instructions not to allow any Kashmir lawyer to meet any Kashmiri under-trial prisoner, convict or detainee,” the report said.

It said that the HCBA team was first allowed to meet Rafiq Ahmad Shah and Ghulam Muhammad Butt who along with seven other Kashmiri prisoners are lodged in jail no. 8 and 9. “After meeting the aforesaid two persons, the Bar team requested the Superintendent of the jail to allow them to meet other 7 prisoners of Kashmir as well but he refused to give them any such permission,” the report maintained.

The two prisoners told the team that all the Kashmiri prisoners have been kept in high security wards and they have no facility of radio or newspaper available to them, the report said. They said that even the canteen facility which was earlier available to them has been taken away by the jail authorities and that the Judges are fixing their cases after every two months on the grounds that they have lot of other work to do, the reported quoted them as saying. They also stated that in cases where final arguments have been heard, prosecution has been allowed to lead evidence to prolong the agony of the prisoners, the report pointed out.

“The detainees stated that they have filed bail applications before the trial courts but no orders have been passed on those applications and even their request for release on furlough and parole has been rejected,” the report said. According to the HCBA, similar ordeals were narrated by the prisoners including Mohammad Shafi Shah (jail no. 1), Tariq Ahmad Dar (jail no. 3) and Muzaffar Ahmad Dar (jail no. 4).

For more information, contact:
Kashmir Media Service
Email: info@kmsnews.org
Phone: 92-51-4435548, 4435549
Fax: 92-51-4861736