Category: Pakistan

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

Pakistan’s biggest Child Art contest entitled “ArtBeat–National Child Art Competition” is in its 11th edition now and is ready to get exhibited. The annual competition was initiated in 2012 by The LITTLE ART with a vision to promote visual culture, understanding of issues among children and youth from their own perspective, celebrate children as artists and present children’s views as a point of discourse for adults and the community.

Mastermind of the contest and director of The LITTLE ART Shoaib Iqbal briefed that, in the past 10 years, nearly 100,000 children have participated as artists in ArtBeat and despite the covid outbreak, response of the students was amazing this year too. In total we have received nearly 3500 artworks, digital designs, photos and stories online from more than 185 schools from across the country and 24 community organizations participated this year in the competition.

Shoaib Iqbal added that The LITTLE ART has decided to showcase the art works produced by children in National exhibitions. The first exhibition will be held at Gallery 11, Pakistan National Council for the Arts, Islamabad on Friday, January 21, 2022. Mr. Bryce Hutchesson, Charge d’Affaires, Australian High Commission, Islamabad will inaugurate the exhibition. After the Islamabad, The Little Art will bring the children art works exhibition in Alhamra Art Council Lahore and in Karachi during February, he concluded.

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Islamabad (Muhammad Yasir) The Award Distribution Ceremony for Huawei’s ICT Middle East Competition in collaboration with the The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication of Pakistan was conducted at the President House in Islamabad. President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Dr.ArifAlvi, Secretary Telecommunication and Information Technology Dr Sohail Rajput, Vice President of Huawei Middle East, Mr. Wang Shun Li, CEO of Huawei Pakistan, Mr. Mark Meng, the winning Pakistani teams, along with other officials from MoITTand Huawei Pakistan were all present at the occasion.

The competition is a Huawei annual ICT initiative, designed to nurture global ICT talent. Over the month of October, Huawei’s Talent Ecosystem team carried out multiple roadshows at more than 134 universities, hitting a registration number of 10,150 candidates. 8 excellent students were interviewed after regional training and the top 6 qualified for Regional Exam which was scheduled to be held from 21^st – 23^rd Dec in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The final round of the competition witnessed participation of 11 teams from countries covering the entire Middle East Region.

On 23^rd Dec, Pakistan’s team one consisting of Sateesh Kumar, Iqra Fatima, and BhagchandMeghwar along with their instructor Dr. Faheem Khuhawar Instructor won 1^stprize of 20,000 USD. Not only so, the 2^ndprize was also grabbed by Pakistan’s team two consisting of Hafiz Rizwan, Adnan Ali, and Mukhtar Muhammad along with their instructor.

President Dr. ArifAlvi, speaking at the closing ceremony of Huawei ICT competition here, saying” I am aware of the cooperative arrangement of the Huawei Academy with about 80 different universities in Pakistan to develop and groom young talent. I also appreciated companies like Huawei for training a large number of students in the field of information technology, noting the international companies wanted to create an ecosystem for harnessing talent. I believe that ten million people would get jobs in the information technology sector in the future.”

Secretary Telecommunication and Information Technology Dr Sohail Rajput reiterated the sentiment, saying, “First of all, I congratulate all the Pakistan excellent talents won this ICT competition final. This shows we have the talents, the youths and energy which can bring a lot of things for Pakistan. If we want to increase our exports and reduce our trade deficit, the only way is invest to our youths because this is our biggest asset. And Formula investing in youth and talent is the IT. Under president’s leading and put more investment in ICT sector, we can easily get our target in short future.”

After everyone viewed a short video summary of the competition, Mr. WangShunlistated at the ceremony, “This is the super competitiveness that Pakistan will rely on the youths who are equipped with ICT technology most in the future. For this mission, I really hope to be able to count on this partnership with all of you, together we can drive the digital transformation of Pakistan and help to develop the next generations of local ICT talents to boost Pakistan’s digital economy.”

Sateesh Kumar, member of Pakistan’s team that clutched the first prize was grateful for the opportunity, saying, “In my first attempt, I could not quality for the finals but that didn’t come in the way of my drive, I tried harder & pushed my limits, added more skills and gave a second attempt in which I made my nation proud. Huawei gave us a wide range of opportunities through which my team and I can revolutionize our world, starting with Pakistan.”

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) The alliance between two leading non-profits of Pakistan to educate children of underprivileged communities was able to get massive support of leading businessmen and industrialists from Lahore for the schooling of at least 10,000 out-of-school children. The third joint fundraiser of Shahid Shahid Afridi Foundation (SAF) and Green Crescent Trust (GCT) was held here at a hotel as it was the first time the charitable joint venture between the two charities stepped outside Sindh to expand their drive to educate children of the backward areas of Pakistan.

The most appealing feature of the fundraiser was the participation by leading Pakistani sports and show business celebrities including Anwar Maqasood, Adnan Siddiqui, Shahid Afridi, Jahangir Khan, Ahmad Shahzad, and Shahbaz Senior. The memorabilia belonging to the sports celebrities were also auctioned on the occasion to raise money for the charitable cause. Leading names of Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry, Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and other trade bodies of Lahore and the rest of Punjab attended the event. Total over 400 businessmen, industrialists, philanthropists of Lahore attended the fundraiser and announced donations for the joint SAF-GCT charitable drive. Akhuwat Founder, Dr Amjad Saqib, was one of the prominent guests of the event who personally announced Rs 2.5 million donations for the charitable school education campaign of the two non-profits.

Dr Saqib also announced to join hands with the SAF and GCT to further the drive to establish charitable schools for the deprived communities all across Pakistan. Students from backward areas of Tharparkar and Kashmore in Sindh presented welcome tableaus to thank the philanthropists and businessmen of Lahore for their participation in the cause to educate children of the underprivileged areas. Prominent writer Anwar Maqsood used his celebrated humourist style to have a dialogue with Shahid Afridi to highlight the need for generously donating for the cause to enrol out-of-school children for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan.

Shahid Afridi, who is also SAF Chairman, said that he owed much to Pakistan for the name and fame he earned as his non-profit had been working in the education sector as an effective mean to pay back to his motherland. He expressed gratitude to the leading businessmen and philanthropists for lending him fullest support to carry out a number of welfare activities under the aegis of SAF.

The SAF Chairman said that his non-profit had joined hands with the GCT in view of its years-long work to educate children of the backward areas, GCT CEO, Zahid Saeed, said the joint charitable campaign required the support of the concerned philanthropists from all over the country as the enrolment of millions of out-of-school children was a gigantic task. He said the non-profit GCT had been working in the education sector for the past 28 years as it had a network of 150 charitable schools with an enrolment of 29,000 students of the backward areas.

He said the GCT had been acting upon its Vision-2025 to enrol total of 100,000 out-of-school children by increasing the number of its charitable schools to 250. The two non-profits joined hands in 2018 to work together for the education of the children of the deprived communities. Both the charities have been jointly running eight schools having an enrollment of 3,000 students from the backward areas of Sindh.

The SAF and GCT have the aim to increase the number of their jointly managed charitable schools to 100 in the next five years for the children of the underprivileged areas. Other prominent participants of the fundraiser included SAF board member Uzair Sabur, GCT trustees Abrar Ahmed, Faizan Jawaid, and Saad Zia.

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

The Federal Intelligence Agency (FIA) has launched a money laundering probe against Tik Tok star Hareem Shah. 

FIA officials have decided to write a letter to the British National Crime Agency to request the body to investigate after video evidence showed the social media star confessing to carrying large sums of currency.

“Action is being taken against Hareem Shah under foreign exchange laws,” an FIA official said.

“Unlawful transfer of foreign currency comes under money laundering.”

Shah, who’s real name is Fizza Hussain as per documents obtained by Geo News, had traveled from Karachi International Airport to Doha on the night of January 10.

Speaking about the ordeal, the Tik Tok star said that she was dealing with large sums of currency of the first time and warned others to be cautious adding that she had safely reached Doha. 

“I was bringing a large amount from Pakistan to the UK for the first time. When bringing the amount, take care because you might land yourself in trouble. No one stopped me nor can they stop me. I reached safely,” she said. 

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This bold film daringly unravels the true story of making of Bangladesh

Bangladesh celebrated 50 years of Independence this year, and we saw celebrations and some reflections. On the occasion, Javed Jabbar released his documentary 1971 the Untold Story – Separation of East Pakistan, which chronicles the events and issues that triggered the breaking of East and West Pakistan.

International experts and analysts chronicle and unravel the situation starting from 1947 with a country formed with two sides with another nation dividing them, inheriting limited resources and all the challenges of a new nation, immature political decisions, the 1965 war between India and Pakistan, misunderstandings fuelled by regional politics, unrelenting stances of political parties, civil unrest controlled by the state, liberation movement leading to a violent battle supported through Indian trained militia gruella forces, leaders charged with treason, passionate speeches in the UN that backfired and eventually led to the independent state of Bangladesh.

After 50 years of being made hostage to false narratives and selective half-truths actively promoted and propagated by external forces benefiting from broken ties, the documentary does a great job in outlining what really happened, clarifying the myths to be able to move forward. It is not about proving who is right and who is wrong, but about sifting through the purposeful haze created by international politics and moving towards renewing relationships and building stronger partnerships. A strong sub-continent will lead to a progressive South Asia.

While the story of the 1971 separation of Pakistan is not new, the documentary provides a deep insight into the factors that were at play and also demystifies the created memories by sharing true facts about the claim of a non-violent non cooperative movement, the number of people killed and number of women raped, highlighting that the actual genocide took place against the non-Bengalis which no one talks of.

One of the most surprising facts the documentary reveals is that Sheikh Mujibur Rehman did not want an independent nation but a confederation. He did not even know that Bangladesh had been formed and was only made aware of it when he was received by the then Foreign Minister of India in London on his release.

Compared to many other similar films, this documentary takes a most objective and forward looking approach, providing evidence and clear facts to support the analysis made. It is clearly seen that the friendship between Indira Gandhi, Sheikh Mujibur Rehman and Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto served the interests of India in breaking the power Muslim country of Pakistan, and the political interests of Z A Bhutto and Sheikh Mujibur Rehman, both of whom would go to any lengths against the governing authorities of the time, even if they had to lose part of the country.

Taking a practical approach the documentary ends on an important note that until and unless we don’t highlight the true facts sifting through the built narratives, and accept mistakes and actions by all those involved we cannot move towards improved relationships. The South Asia potential is tremendous if we can overcome the differences. Now that we have independent states, it is important to build cordial relations and brotherly relations.

These efforts of the Evolution Media team, at bringing together international and national learned scholars, expert analysts, historians and public servants who had served at the time to unfold the story of 1971 like it has never been done before. We can honestly say that some of the information shared in the documentary, were not known before and it completely changed our perspective on what had happened.

Pakistan has always accepted the reality of Bangladesh with an open heart and wished them the best as a brotherly nation. However, moving forward in good faith makes it imperative to revisit the past and review what had happened, separating facts from myths and accepting the reality.

The documentary can be seen on www.1971untoldstory.com.

 

OPF distributes trade-specific toolkits to returning migrants to start sustainable self-employment

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Advisor to Prime Minister on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Muhammad Ayub Afridi has said that the government is extending all support to the initiatives being taken through joint ventures for the capacity building of returning migrants so that they could start sustainable and dignified self-employment in the country.

He expressed these remarks while addressing a ceremony held by the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) for capacity building and to provide the returning migrants with trade-specific toolkits as an in-kind support to help them start sustained self-employment.

He appreciated the program initiated by the OPF in Pakistan saying it would play an important role in guiding as well as capacity building of those migrants returning to Pakistan for economic reintegration.

The advisor mentioned that the incumbent government is passionate to create opportunities for overseas to work in their homeland. He also said that the Pak-German cooperation has strengthened over the years.

He encouraged youth who imparted trainings under this initiative to further impart trainings of these skills to other people in their areas.

OPF in collaboration with the Pakistan–German Facilitation & Reintegration Centre (PGFRC) has provided comprehensive trainings to the 82 returning migrants in the fields of culinary arts, motorcycle mechanic and photography.

About 18 skilled returnees were identified in the trades of electrician, plumber, carpenter, and masson, they were provided the business development training and provided the respective toolkits in the ceremony.

Marion Pfennigs, Head of Development Cooperation, Embassy of Germany, was also present at the occasion while Managing Director OPF, Dr. Amer Sheikh, Tobias Becker, Country Director, GIZ, lawmakers & HRD, members, OPF Board of Governors, senior government officials, representatives of international organizations and civil society also attended the ceremony.

Country Director GIZ, Tobias Becker, said that PGFRC is playing a critical role in fostering self-employment and entrepreneurship. These efforts are resulting in enhancing the capacity of workforce and reducing unemployment rates in Pakistan.

He said this initiative helps not only to contribute to ensuring better life of returning migrants but also achieving the Agenda 2030 as well as the Sustainable Development Goals.

OPF is collaborating with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) on an economic reintegration programme for returnees. It is part of the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development-commissioned “Returning to New Opportunities” programme (BMZ).

On the occasion, the returning migrants were thrilled after receiving the toolkits. They shared that they never thought there is an institution enabling returning migrants make a new start in Pakistan.

OPF in partnership with GIZ, established the PGFRC in Lahore. The program also has an advisory desk in OPF head office Islamabad. PGFRC is supporting returning migrants and local population to find better opportunities for better living conditions and sustainable source of income to support themselves and their families.

In her remarks, Head of Development Cooperation, Embassy of Germany, said she is delighted that today 82 returning migrants have got training in their fields.

It is important to mention here that more than 800 returning migrants will benefit from this capacity building leading to in-kind support intervention.

She further said that PGFRC has made a substantial effort and achieved a significant goal. However, sustainable development cannot be realised unless the respective government is proactive in its involvement.

She mentioned that German government will continue to encourage more proactive approach to this critical part of reintegration.

Addressing on the audience, Head of PGFRC Dr. Mansoor Zaib Khan underlined that PGFRC is open to all Pakistanis who can avail our all services free of charge.

He said PGFRC is providing advice on training and skills development, technical and vocational training, advice on job market trends and opportunities, entrepreneurship and start-up support, and information on the health system in Pakistan, advice on getting microfinance and loans.

Addressing the audience, Dr. Amer Sheikh, Managing Director, OPF, said that annually, a large number of people return to Pakistan and need support in getting employment opportunities. OPF facilitates people in different ways including getting jobs, micro loans, skills trainings and link them with different organizations through a comprehensive database.

He also said that GIZ has provided 3.1 million euros to carry out this project for skills training and in-kind support facility.

The OPF MD informed that during this period, many male and female entrepreneurs got skill trainings and successfully launched their businesses.

Lahore (Nut Desk)

Bulleh Shah Foundation arranged a Candle Light demonstration at Faisal Chowk to welcome 2022. Demonstration was led by Foundation’s Chairperson Shamim Akhtar, Deputy Chairperson Riaz Ahmad Danishwar, Coordinator Huma Sadaf and participated by a large number of kids.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)  Dawood Global Foundation LADIESFUND donated 100 wheelchairs to SIUT Karachi, in follow-up to the 100 wheelchairs they donated a couple of months ago, as part of the LADIESUND 10,000 wheelchair drive #LFWheels to make Pakistan and Pakistanis more mobile. This month, the drive will cross 1,000 wheelchairs having been given throughout Sindh to hospitals and individuals. Next month, the drive will expand throughout Pakistan, beginning with Islamabad and KPK. SIUT has up to 1300 dialysis patients a day and the wheelchairs were very needed. As with all its donations, LADIESFUND monitors use of the wheelchairs and checks for wear and tear.

“I had a dream to distribute 1000 wheelchairs to those in need and this month, our foundation will that mark and officially begin striving toward our goal of 10,000 wheelchairs across Pakistan,” said Tara Uzra Dawood, President, Dawood Global Foundation, LADIESFUND.

“The SIUT is a free healthcare system in Pakistan where we provide every treatment free of cost, “We have about 3000 patients come for treatment and majority of the patients come for dialysis and we have about 1300 patients having dialysis daily round the clock. All these patients are sick and we need support. These wheelchairs will help them move around. Thank you very much,” said Dr. Altaf Hashmi, Professor Of Urology, SIUT.

Present at the handover were Ghulam Muhammad Abbasi (State Bank of Pakistan), Dr. Altaf Hashmi (Professor Of Urology, SIUT), Tara Uzra Dawood (President, Dawood Global Foundation), Farha Huma (#LFVVIP member), Eng. Gohar Hussain (SIUT) and Dr. Mansoor Rafi (Radiation Oncologist, SIUT).