Day: May 16, 2024

Pakistan and United States have agreed to enhance cooperation in IT and Telecommunication sector. The understanding to this effect was reached between Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja and United States Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome in Islamabad. Talking to US Ambassador, Minister of State for IT said that Pakistan wants to enhance its relations with US in field of IT and Telecom. Speaking on occasion, the Ambassador Donald Blome said that the US will fully cooperate with Pakistan in field of IT and Telecommunication. Source: Radio Pakistan

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will arrive in Muzaffarabad today on a day long visit to Azad Jammu and Kashmir. There will be a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar ul Haq. The Prime Minister will also address the cabinet of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Hurriyat leaders of Jammu and Kashmir will meet the Prime Minister The Prime Minister will visit the Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project where a briefing will be given to the Prime Minister on the project. Source: Radio Pakistan

The Council of the European Union has officially adopted the reform of the EU migration and asylum pact, following approval from MEPs. This new system establishes rules to help member states manage migrant arrivals through regulated procedures, create uniform and effective processes, and ensure an even distribution of responsibilities, reports SchengenVisaInfo. The reform aims to create a fairer and stronger migration system that will make a tangible difference. These new rules will enhance the effectiveness of the European asylum system and increase solidarity among member states. Screening of Migrants and Asylum Applicants at External Borders According to the Council, member states will now perform necessary procedures for migrants and asylum seekers at external borders in line with the screening regulation. This regulation mandates that identification, security checks, and health evaluations will be conducted uniformly across all member states. The Council has also revised the asylum procedure regulati on to streamline asylum processes and the return border procedure regulation, which handles the return of rejected applicants. Additionally, the Eurodac database has been updated to collect more information, including biometric data, on migrants and international protection applicants, as well as those who entered the EU irregularly. The EU has also reformed several regulations, The asylum and migration management regulation The crisis regulation The qualification regulation The reception conditions directive The resettlement regulation. With the adoption of ten legislative acts and the complete overhaul of the asylum and migration management framework, the EU aims to ensure a fairer and stronger migration system and enhance solidarity among member states. Mandatory Border Procedure A significant new feature of the reform is the mandatory border procedure. This procedure will apply to specific categories of asylum seekers, particularly those from countries with low asylum recognition rates, to quickl y assess whether applications are unfounded or inadmissible at the EU's external borders. The new rules clarify which member states are responsible for processing asylum applications. Another important change is the introduction of a solidarity mechanism to ensure responsibilities are shared fairly and transparently among member states. Contributions can include relocation, financial support, or other alternative solidarity measures. Source: Pro Pakistani

Students of various educational institutions spent a day with Pakistan Army at Sialkot Garrison. The students were given a detailed briefing about Pakistan Army's services to the nation. The students were also made aware of the method of firing and the small arms used during the war, including observing tanks equipped with modern weapons passing through the artificial bridge. Apart from this, the students also witnessed the combat efficiency test training which they thoroughly enjoyed. On the occasion, the students expressed complete confidence in the capabilities of Pakistan Army to give a befitting response to the enemy on all fronts. Source: Radio Pakistan

A landmark collaboration between the SOS Technical Training Institute (SOS TTI) and Shell Pakistan culminated in the launch of an eco-friendly car, aptly named 'Thunderer,' at a significant ceremony at the Infaq Foundation campus in Korangi, Karachi. This pioneering initiative marks a significant shift from traditional educational assignments to hands-on technical involvement with vocational institutes. The project, originally proposed by Shell Pakistan and solidified with an MoU in March 2023, showcases a notable investment of Rs.1.3 million aimed at fostering practical engineering skills among the youth. The 'Thunderer,' a sleek, aluminum-chassis single-seater, measures 9.6 feet in length and 4 feet in width. It is equipped with a 100 CC EFI engine boasting a fuel efficiency of 50 KM per liter. The car's development, predominantly executed on SOS TTI's premises, included various phases: design, chassis construction, engine installation, machining of wheel rims, and the installation of wheels, shocks, and a comprehensive brake system. Electrical works and the fabrication of a fiberglass mold for the body were also conducted by the students and faculty of SOS TTI. The ceremony was well-attended by students enrolled in the institute's 12 specialized 6-month courses, benefiting youth from low-income families across Korangi and other Karachi areas. Representatives from Shell Pakistan, SOS Children's Villages of Sindh, and the Infaq Foundation were also present. Comdr (r) Khalid Wasim, Principal of SOS TTI, highlighted the educational synergy and the project's completion by the end of April 2024, adhering to the scheduled timeline. He emphasized the significance of this project being the first of its kind awarded to a vocational institute rather than traditional engineering universities. Ms. Nida Tanzeel, Social Performance Manager at Shell Pakistan, commended the SOS TTI team for their efficiency and proficiency in completing the project. She reiterated Shell's commitment to supporting training and capacity-bui lding initiatives for young men and women in technology and related services. She added: 'The team had come up on tremendously and completed the project on time and on budget. It is clear that the success of any project is measured through the on-time completion and with a certain amount of budget.' Senator (r) Javed Jabbar, Chairman of SOS Children's Villages of Sindh, praised the project and acknowledged the philanthropic contributions from various supporters, including Ms. Ava Cowasjee. He also underscored the importance of empowering youth with technical skills and embracing creativity and innovation in the era of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Mr. Yacoob Zamindar, Chairman Emeritus of SOS Sindh, delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of Mr. Sanaullah Qurieshi, the indisposed Chairman of SOS-TTI. The project team, led by Mr. Muhammad Abdullah, Head of the Motor Cycle Department at TTI, along with trainees Mr. Danyal Riaz, Ms. Maima Faraz, Mr. Habib Ullah, and Mr. M. Faisal, were all ackn owledged for their roles in this challenging but rewarding project. The 'Thunderer' is expected to set a new standard for fuel efficiency and low emissions, operating on normal petrol. This initiative not only reflects a substantial stride in practical technical education but also sets a precedent for future collaborations between corporate entities and vocational training institutes. Source: Pro Pakistani

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the National Emergency Operation Center (NEOC) have forecasted three significant heat wave spells to impact various regions of Pakistan during May and June. The advisory highlights a critical period of extreme temperatures that poses severe risks to public health and safety. According to the NDMA, the districts of Umarkot, Tharparkar, Tindullah Yar, Matiari, and Sanghar are expected to experience severe heat. Additionally, the districts of Bahawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan are also at significant risk, with temperatures anticipated to reach up to 40 degrees Celsius between May 15 and 30. The NDMA has detailed the timeline and intensity of the predicted heat waves: First Spell: This initial wave is expected to last for two to three days in mid-May. Second Spell: At the end of May, a more prolonged heat wave will hit, lasting four to five days. Third Spell: In early June, a third and potentially more intense heat wave is likely to occur, with temperatures p otentially soaring to 45 degrees Celsius. This spell is expected to last for three to five days, particularly affecting Tharparkar, Umarkot, Sanghar, Badin, and Khairpur. The NDMA has emphasized that these heat waves will impact not only human populations but also animals. The advisory urges people to take necessary precautions in advance of the first heat wave. The authority has highlighted that afternoon land temperatures often exceed air temperatures, exacerbating the heat's effects due to the land's heat retention. The onset of heat waves from March to mid-June is a recurring pattern in Pakistan, often followed by the monsoon season. This transition brings its own set of challenges, including flash floods and torrential rains, which result in further loss of life and property damage. Source: Pro Pakistani