Pak News Wire: Punjab

Misbah rubbishes reports of panic, voices concerns over batting

CHRISTCHURCH: Pakistan captain Misbah-ul Haq dismissed talk of panic in the ranks on Friday but conceded their batting woes needed to be addressed ahead of their crunch World Cup match against the West Indies. The two sides go into Saturday’s match at Hagley Oval in Christchurch desperate to get points on the board after both lost their first matches in Pool B. Pakistan suffered a dramatic batting collapse when they were outclassed by India while the West Indies were upset by Ireland. “This is an important game, and both teams need to win. We know that,” Misbah said, adding Pakistan knew they had to rectify their problem batting. But he added “we are not panicking,” when questioned whether there would be changes to the side to face the West Indies. Misbah’s 76 against India was the only half century in the Pakistan innings but he said he should not have been responsible for holding the innings together. “It doesn’t mean that all the time it should be me. It should be two other guys out of six or seven batsmen that are playing,” he said. “This is how normally cricket is being played. Every time all seven batsmen don’t perform and maybe two or three just score runs and you just win the game. “The guys who are not at the moment performing, we know that they are good enough players, and they can just come to the party in the next games.” Pakistan reached 102-2 against India before the batting imploded with three wickets for one run before they limped through to 224, well short of India’s 300. Misbah said moving him up the order from his number four slot was not the answer. “We just collapsed in the middle order, so it wasn’t a problem at the top. What we are missing, I think, is that we need to have better partnerships on a regular basis, whether it’s at the top, whether it’s in the middle order. “Any pair who is batting, they need to just develop a partnership, and that’s what we missed in India’s game. After losing the second wicket we just lost three wickets in nine balls and that really cost us the game.” Although Pakistan are without proven match-winner Saeed Ajmal — who pulled out of the Cup because of his disputed spin bowling action — Misbah felt comfortable with his bowlers. “It’s a little bit difficult when you are used to somebody (Saeed) for three or four years, but I think now our pacers are really doing well in the last two, three games,” he said. “They are really coming to the party in the way they are bowling, especially in the death overs, improving, so we’ll have to live with that.” He said speedster Mohammad Irfan, whose form against India dropped away after he was twice warned for stepping on the wicket, had been working on his action in practice since then and “he’ll be fine in the next game.”

Misbah rubbishes reports of panic, voices concerns over batting

CHRISTCHURCH: Pakistan captain Misbah-ul Haq dismissed talk of panic in the ranks on Friday but conceded their batting woes needed to be ad...

Bilateral trade: Japan to continue support despite hurdles

RAWALPINDI: Japanese investors are reluctant to invest in Pakistan due to the law and order situation in the country, said Japanese Ambassador to Pakistan Hiroshi Inomata during his visit to the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) on Monday. Besides security, the ambassador also identified high taxes on the export of textiles, as another reason why Japan is not prioritising imports from Pakistan. Compared to Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka have low tax rates on textile exports, he said, adding that despite these drawbacks Japan is still interested in increasing bilateral trade relations with the country and will support all activities initiated in this regard. “Japan would assist Pakistan in technical support and interaction between business communities to boost trade. Japanese companies are already working in health, education and energy sectors here, and mutual cooperation would be enhanced in the future,” he said. He exchanged these views during a discussion with RCCI President Syed Asad Mashadi during the visit. Mashadi was of the opinion that Japan must transfer technology to Pakistan along with increasing investment in the country. “Trade volume between the two countries is around $ 2 billion and it is the need of the hour to take solid steps to boost business activities.” He announced that RCCI trade delegations will participate in two exhibitions being held in Tokyo this year to promote direct interaction between business communities from both sides. Published in The Express Tribune, February 17th, 2015. Like <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ETribuneBusiness">Business on Facebook</a>, follow <a href="https://twitter.com/TribuneBiz">@TribuneBiz</a> on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.

Bilateral trade: Japan to continue support despite hurdles

RAWALPINDI: Japanese investors are reluctant to invest in Pakistan due to the law and order situation in the country, said Japanese Ambassa...

Women’s development: Inter-provincial ministerial group formed

Women’s development: Inter-provincial ministerial group formed

ISLAMABAD: An Inter Provincial Ministerial Group (IPMG) for Women’s Development has been constituted which will meet periodically to agree ...

Young talent: Beaconhouse Model Town student wins live painting contest

<a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/837445/young-talent-beaconhouse-model-town-student-wins-live-painting-contest/"> 				<img alt="" height="120" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/837445-painting-1423761654-543-160x120.jpg" width="160" /> 			</a> 			LAHORE: Hundreds of students showed their artistic talent at an art exhibition and a live painting competition held at Beaconhouse Newland on Thursday. The exhibition of pre-submitted artwork was titled: Young Canvas. The live art competition was titled: Musawwir. The exhibition received 250 entries, out of which 127 were put on display. Students from class 7 to A level took part in the competition. The live competition had 135 students from class 6 to A level. Both events were judged by artists RM Naeem, Sadaf Naeem and Ayesha Durrani. “We will be giving out more prizes than we originally planned, as the work is very good. We are so impressed that we have even bought some of the work,” said RM Naeem. “The spontaneity of the work is very good. The teachers have played an important role in this,” Sadaf Naeem said. Ayesha Durrani was also very happy. “The work is very versatile. The range of the imagery and the quality are exceptional. The students have exceeded expectations. These students are being exposed to art at a very young age,” she said. Arooj Awan, the Beaconhouse corporate communications assistant manager, said that they had organised a similar competition last year. “We invited schools from all over Pakistan to participate in the live competition,” she said. Shireen Bano, the Beaconhouse regional coordinator for arts, said: “We had again contacted schools in these countries to take part in the exhibition. However, the entries from Bangladesh were all we received from abroad,” said Bano. Sawera Shahid, a class 8 student from Beaconhouse Sialkot campus, said it was her first time at the competition. “I really enjoyed it. I drew a mother-and-child. The mother represents the sunset and her child the sun,” she said. Ismara Zahid, an art teacher from The City School who accompanied the students, said: “I think that the work should have been judged grade-wise. The O level students might not be as technically strong as the A level students,” she said. Fatima Hammad from the Beaconhouse 78 AI Model Town received the first prize in the live competition. Aisam Haroon from Beaconhouse Faisalabad Canal Campus and Rida-i-Fatima from Beaconhouse Sheikhupura campus jointly received the first prize in the exhibition. Winners received shields, certificates, art supplies and the opportunity to attend a three-month training workshop at RM Naeem’s studio. Published in The Express Tribune, February 13th, 2015.

Young talent: Beaconhouse Model Town student wins live painting contest

LAHORE: Hundreds of students showed their artistic talent at an art exhibition and a live painting competition held a...

Honoured: PML-N leader gets Japanese award

<a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/833709/honoured-pml-n-leader-gets-japanese-award/"> 				<img alt="" height="120" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/833709-Newsinbriefx-1423172549-895-160x120.JPG" width="160" /> 			</a> 			<div>LAHORE:  The Government of Japan conferred a Japan National Award to politician Muhammad Mehdi on Wednesday in recognition of his services to extend political and cultural cooperation between Pakistan and Japan. </div> An event in this regard was organised at the residence of the Ambassador of Japan. Mehdi is a Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz stalwart. Speaking at the event, Mehdi said he felt honoured to have received the award. He said Pakistan and Japan had been on the same page during the Korean War and Cold War. “The laborious efforts and determination of the citizens of Japan had helped it rise and become a modern industrial nation,” he said. Japanese Ambassador Hiroshi Inomata said that Muhammad Mehdi was most deserving of the honour. Published in The Express Tribune, February 6th, 2015.

Honoured: PML-N leader gets Japanese award

LAHORE: The Government of Japan conferred a Japan National Award to politician Muhammad Mehdi on Wednesday in recogni...

Show of support: ‘Our position on Kashmir dispute will not change’

<a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/833717/show-of-support-our-position-on-kashmir-dispute-will-not-change/"> 				<img alt="" height="120" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/833717-image-1423171972-852-160x120.jpg" width="160" /> 			</a> 			<div>DERA GHAZI KHAN / FAISALABAD:  Thousands of people across the province took out rallies on Thursday to mark Kashmir Day. </div> In Faisalabad, special prayers were held at nearly all mosques in the city. In some areas, Quran khawani was held for those who had died during their struggle for Kashmir’s independence. Various religious and political organisations including the Sunni Tehreek, Jamaat-i-Islami, Shabab Milli, Al-Khidmat Foundation, Jamiat-i-Ahle Hadith and Sunni Ittehad Council organised rallies, seminars, meetings and conferences to mark Kashmir Day. Participants of the rallies carried banners and placards inscribed with slogans expressing solidarity with Kashmiris. Several educational institutions held declamation contests on the Kashmir dispute. Faisalabad Arts Council organised a theatrical performance called Aakhri Dam Tak. It depicted the commitment and determination of Kashmiris in the face of Indian tyranny in Kashmir. Jamaat-i-Islami activists made a human chain at Chiniot Bazaar Chowk. Hundreds of people joined the human chain and chanted slogans against India. Jamiat Ahle Hadith provincial ameer Qari Muhammad Hanif Bhatti said Kashmiri people had shed enough blood for nearly seven decades to attain freedom. “Their sacrifice will not go waste,” he said. He said India should avoid further bloodshed in Kashmir. In Dera Ghazi Khan, the arts council organised a function to pay tribute to those who had lost their lives in the struggle for independence of Kashmir. Addressing the function, DCO Nadeemur Rehman said that Kashmir was Pakistan’s jugular vein. “Pakistanis must not back an inch from their position on Kashmir,” he said. He said people of the country were united against Indian atrocities in Kashmir. “We should celebrate Kashmir Day in such a way that the dream of hundreds of thousands of Kashmiris is materialised,” he said.  He thanked people for coming out in large numbers to show solidarity with Kashmir. Published in The Express Tribune, February 6th, 2015.

Show of support: ‘Our position on Kashmir dispute will not change’

DERA GHAZI KHAN / FAISALABAD: Thousands of people across the province took out rallies on Thursday to mark Kashmir Da...

Threat containment: Govt bringing new laws to combat extremism: CM

<a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/830895/threat-containment-govt-bringing-new-laws-to-combat-extremism-cm/"> 				<img alt="" height="120" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/830895-image-1422741729-908-160x120.jpg" width="160" /> 			</a> 			<div>LAHORE:  Punjab is the first province that is bringing forth new laws to combat extremism. They cover crimes like wall chalking, misuse of loudspeakers and monitoring of temporary residents, Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said on Saturday. </div> He was addressing the passing out ceremony of 421 corporals, including 16 women, of the country’s first Counter Terrorism Force (CTF), who completed their nine-month training at the Elite Police Training School Bedian. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif, Acting Governor Rana Muhammad Iqbal, Lahore Corp Commander Lt General Naveed Zaman and diplomats from several countries attended the ceremony. In a demonstration drill, the CTF corporals raided a building and arrested ‘terrorists’ using information provided by an intelligence unit of the force. Shahbaz Sharif said that it was a historic day for the Punjab and Pakistan. “The trained personnel are our pride. They will lead the way in fighting terrorism,” he said. He said that the government was setting up a unified command and control system under its safe-city project. “We have established a state of the art forensic science laboratory, allowing for scientific investigation into crime,” he said. “The terrorists are armed to the teeth. Our law enforcement agencies need the best equipment and training to stop them,” he said. “In July 2013, the prime minister had outlined his vision to create a specialised force to fight terrorists,” said Shahbaz. The chief minister thanked COAS Gen Raheel Sharif, saying he had taken personal interest in the training. “The role of Pakistan Army is noteworthy given the standards set for this force,” he said. He also thanked 4th Corps Commander, Lt General Naweed Zaman. “An apex committee on counter-terrorism has been set up in the Punjab, comprising government officials and army leadership,” he said. Shahbaz said that the government was making all recruitments on merit. “The presence of the brave women in the CTF is evidence that our women stand shoulder-to-shoulder with men in the fight against terrorism,” he said. “We are aware that the fight against terrorism is going to be a long and arduous one. The people and the government of the Punjab believe that it is the most important challenge facing them,” he said. “I believe that the Pakistani state and nation will triumph,” Shahbaz said. “The nation has supported the courageous decision of the national leadership to launch operation Zarb-i-Azb. Our soldiers have set new standards during the operation,” he said. IGP Mushtaq Ahmad Sukehra said that 1,182 corporals had been inducted in the Counter-Terrorism Department of Punjab Police. “The corporals have been divided into three batches. A strategy of progressive learning has been adopted,” he said. “The corporals have been trained for nine months, including seven months of common training programme and two months of special training. They are taught eight modules in the CTP before they are assigned to special operations, intelligence and investigation wings. The second batch is undergoing training now,” he said. “The Turkish government extended cooperation in training of the corporals by sending 45 officers of the Turkish National Police. They have also trained 56 officers of Punjab Police as master trainers,” he said. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif gave away prizes to Corporals Basit Ameen, Nazakat Ali and Iqra Noor for standing first, second and third respectively. Sukhera presented a souvenir to the chief guest. Published in The Express Tribune, February 1st, 2015.

Threat containment: Govt bringing new laws to combat extremism: CM

LAHORE: Punjab is the first province that is bringing forth new laws to combat extremism. They cover crimes like wall...

Public welfare: CM says govt committed to revamping Health Services

<a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/829328/public-welfare-cm-says-govt-committed-to-revamping-health-services/"> 				<img alt="" height="120" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/829328-healthcare-1422518272-321-160x120.jpg" width="160" /> 			</a> 			<div>LAHORE:  Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said on Wednesday that maximum resources would be allocated for the provision of modern healthcare facilities to the people. </div> He was chairing a meeting held to review progress on the Punjab Health Reforms Roadmap. Sharif said the government was committed to revamping the sector and ensuring the provision of quality healthcare to the people. He said ensuring the effective implementation of the roadmap by diligence and hard work was the need of the hour. The chief minister said a target for the provision of round-the-clock healthcare to patients at 700 basic health units (BHUs) by May had been set. Special Monitoring Unit head Aizaz Akhtar briefed those present regarding the targets fixed under the roadmap and progress made. Sharif said the government had prioritised the provision of quality healthcare and medicines at the BHUs. He said a system with checks and balances had been formulated to ensure the effective implementation of the roadmap. Sharif said the effective implementation of the roadmap should be ensured at all costs. He said no stone would be left unturned to ensure the provision of quality healthcare at the BHUs.  Sharif said vacancies for medical officials should be filled transparently. He said action should be taken to remedy unexplained absences at the BHUs. Sharif said efforts should be made to ensure the availability of medicines, presence of staff and the provision of quality services at facilities in accordance with the goals outlined in the programme. The chief minister ordered the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) to introduce a biometric staff attendance system. Sharif said the purchase and distribution of medicines should be digitally monitored. He said it was incumbent to build the capacity of the Health Department to ensure the provision of quality healthcare to the people. Sharif said the provision of quality medicines at BHUs should be ensured with in 45 days. He said the roadmap’s implementation would be regularly monitored at the district level. Sharif said a system would be devised to encourage officials effectively discharging their duties. He said action would be taken against officials guilty of laxity. The chief minister made the Chakwal Health EDO an OSD for failing to effectively discharge his duties regarding the implementation of the roadmap. He said only diligent officials would be allowed to hold important posts. The chief minister stressed the need to improve the performance of the Punjab Rural Support Programme to ensure the provision of quality healthcare in rural areas. Sharif said the reforms being undertaken in the sector would help establish a healthy society. British Department for International Development (DFID) Special Representative Michael Barber said initiatives taken to revamp the sector under the leadership of Sharif were yielding positive results.  He said public health facilities across the province had been improving. Ministers Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman and Begum Zakiya Shahnawaz, Adviser to Chief Minister on Health Khwaja Salman Rafique, former law minister Rana Sanaullah and DFID Pakistan Head Richard Montgomery were also present on the occasion. Published in The Express Tribune, January 29th, 2015.

Public welfare: CM says govt committed to revamping Health Services

LAHORE: Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said on Wednesday that maximum resources would be allocated for the provision o...

Security upgrade: Home Dept orders action against illegal weapons

<a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/827157/security-upgrade-home-dept-orders-action-against-illegal-weapons/"> 				<img alt="" height="120" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/827157-weaponskarachiafp-1422137176-516-160x120.jpg" width="160" /> 			</a> 			<div>LAHORE:  The government has decided to launch a crackdown against illegal weapons in the province, The Express Tribune has learnt. Requesting anonymity, a Home Department official, said that the crackdown would be part of a new security plan. “The new plan has been devised by the department in consultation with police and other security agencies. Along with the crackdown, police and other law enforcement agencies have been asked to act more vigorously against those involved in firing in the air, public display of weapons and possession of illegal arms,” he said. </div> He said that illegal weapons posed a great danger to peace in the province. “Orders for a crackdown have been forwarded to the Police Department,” he said. The official said that 9,000 applications for new weapons licences were pending with the department. “However, no new licence will be issued until the security conditions in the province improve,” he said. He said that the Home Department had also directed police to send it reports on security situation on a daily basis. Hammad Raza, the PRO to Operations DIG, confirmed that the orders had been received. “Police have already launched a crackdown against possession of unlicensed weapons and firing in the air and public display of weapons,” he said. He said Lahore police had registered 4,581 cases of possession of illegal arms in 2014. “Of these, 4,657 suspects were taken into custody. Police seized 61 AK-47s, 190-rifles, 358 shot guns, 4,287-revolvers and 190 pistols, 11-carbines, 57 daggers and 113,643 bullets from the possession of the suspects,” he said. Published in The Express Tribune, January 25th, 2015.

Security upgrade: Home Dept orders action against illegal weapons

LAHORE: The government has decided to launch a crackdown against illegal weapons in the province, The Express Tribune...

Lahore police removes 13 fund collection boxes of banned outfits

<a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/826995/lahore-police-removes-13-collection-boxes-of-banned-outfits/"> 				<img alt="" height="120" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/826995-moneysupplykazimcopy-1422120033-470-160x120.jpg" width="160" /> 			</a> 			LAHORE: As part of measures to clamp down on terror financing, Lahore Police on Saturday removed 13 fund collection boxes of different banned outfits in the civil lines. The boxes belonged to different outfits but all of them were fixed along Mall road. Operation DIG told reporters at his office on Saturday that they were going to launch a city-wide operation to remove fund collection boxes of banned organisations, adding that they can be used by terrorists. He instructed all the divisional SPs, DSPs and SHOs to remove fund collection boxes within their jurisdictions. He appreciated Civil Lines SP Imtiaz Sarwar and SHO civil lines Abid Rasheed for this campaign.

Lahore police removes 13 fund collection boxes of banned outfits

LAHORE: As part of measures to clamp down on terror financing, Lahore Police on Saturday removed 13 fund collection b...

Colleague thrashed: FESCO workers give police 24 hours to arrest attackers

<a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/825341/colleague-thrashed-fesco-workers-give-police-24-hours-to-arrest-attackers/"> 				<img alt="" height="120" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/825341-shutterstock_-1421873799-676-160x120.jpg" width="160" /> 			</a> 			FAISALABAD: “If the police do not arrest the ten men, who attacked  Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (Fesco) Sub-Divisional Officer Muhammad Arif, in 24 hours, we will suspend electricity supply to the entire region,” Central Labour Union Samundri subdivision secretary Hafiz Yousuf warned on Wednesday. Hundreds of Fesco employees from Tandlianwala, Mamu Kanjan and Samundri sub-divisions went on strike and staged a protest demonstration in front of their offices on Wednesday. They demanded that the police arrest the men who had attacked Muhammad Arif, the SDO of the Rehmay Shah Subdivision, at his office on Tuesday. Central Labour Union Samundri subdivision chairman Rana Muhammad Aslam said 10 men had barged into Arif’s office and requested an “illegal favour”. When he refused, the men started shouting and beat up Arif. Aslam said that they snatched Arif’s mobile phone and wallet and trashed the office. “Arif called police and they registered a complaint against the men,” Aslam said. “However, the men are influential and the police seem reluctant to arrest them.” Union divisional secretary Yousuf said it was a pity that the miscreants had not been arrested. “If police do not arrest the men in the next 24 hours, we may use the option of suspending electricity supply to the entire area,” he said. Addressing protesters at Tandlianwala subdivision, All Pakistan Hydro Labour Union Tandlianwala divisional chairman Waheedul Hasan Baloch said the assailants had not only attacked the SDO, but had also terrorised other Fesco workers at the office. “Police must prosecute the attackers under terrorism charges and arrest them as soon as possible.” Khadim Hussain, chairman of the Wapda Hydro Electric Central Labour Union in Mamu Kanjan, said they would continue to protest till the attackers were arrested and made an example of. The Tandlianwala Saddar SHO said the police had registered a case against the attackers on the complaint of SDO Muhammad Arif. The SHO said that the police had constituted a team to trace the suspects. “They are at large but we will hopefully arrest them in the next 24 hours,” he said. Published in The Express Tribune, January 22nd, 2015.

Colleague thrashed: FESCO workers give police 24 hours to arrest attackers

FAISALABAD: “If the police do not arrest the ten men, who attacked Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (Fesco) Sub-Di...

Infectious waste: Plan to tighten noose around erring hospitals

<a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/823581/infectious-waste-plan-to-tighten-noose-around-erring-hospitals/"> 				<img alt="" height="120" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/823581-Medicalcentresillustrationjamalkhurshid-1421557040-402-160x120.JPG" width="160" /> 			</a> 			ISLAMABAD: A plan is on the cards to take action against hospitals which dispose off infectious medical waste improperly. The Pakistan Environment Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) has written letters to hospital administrations in Islamabad to appear for personal hearing to apprise the environmental body of measures they have put in place for disposing of their waste, an official said. “In the first phase, we have called hospitals for personal hearing in the EPA and if they fail to come with concrete and satisfactory answers, legal suits will be filed against them in the Environment Protection Tribunal,” EPA Director Laboratories Ziauddin Khattak told The Express Tribune.  He said most hospitals, clinics and labs in the federal capital are playing with the lives of people by disposing of their medical waste improperly, which is causing spread of fatal infectious diseases such as hepatitis. Khattak added that children and elderly people are prone to these infectious diseases because of their weak immunity systems. “The Pak-EPA monitoring team visited almost 28 public and private hospitals and clinics in the federal capital and except for two, all of them have zero facilities for disposing of their infectious and non-infectious waste,” Khattak said. He said that some hospitals were even found throwing their hazardous waste into municipal garbage, particularly in the Bhara Kahu area. The official said that civic bodies should also establish integrated infectious waste incinerators in the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) to overcome the issue. The hospital waste, if not handled properly, not only poses a serious threat to human health but also to the environment, he said. There is a serious inadequacy in handling industrial and medical waste in the country but the improper disposal of medical waste in Islamabad is increasingly becoming a potential public health risk and an environmental burden. Data on waste generation by hospitals in the city is also inadequate or missing, making it difficult to put in place an efficient solid waste system. “The EPA is struggling against inadequacy in hazardous waste management and consistently asks hospitals to take every possible measure to rectify the situation,” Khattak claimed. Published in The Express Tribune, January 18th, 2015.

Infectious waste: Plan to tighten noose around erring hospitals

ISLAMABAD: A plan is on the cards to take action against hospitals which dispose off infectious medical waste imprope...