FARUKH SHEHZAD

UNITED NATIONS, Apr 21: Pakistan has been elected to three key United Nations bodies, reflecting international community’s recognition of the country’s positive role at the UN.

The bodies are: the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ), the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) and the Commission on Population and Development (CPD).

The elections took place on Tuesday at a session of the 54-member Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the economic arm of the United Nations.

It was the sixth time that Pakistan got elected to the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ). Other elected to the panel were: Qatar, Thailand , India, and Bahrain.

As a Commission member, Pakistan has been engaged in fostering international cooperation between the UN and its member states to combat national and transnational crime, including organized crime, money laundering promoting the role of criminal law in protecting the environment and improving the efficiency and fairness of criminal justice administration systems.

Pakistan triumphed with 50 out of 53 votes in the election for the membership of Commission on Status of Women (CSW). Also elected were China, Iran, Japan, and Lebanon.

Pakistan last served CSW, which is dedicated to the promotion of gender equality empowerment of women, from 2013 to 2017. It’s election to this body is considered to be recognition of its role in promoting gender mainstreaming and advancement of women at the national and international level.

In addition, Pakistan was elected to the Commission on the Population and Development (CPD) which conducts demographic research, supports intergovernmental processes in the area of populations and development, and assists countries in developing their capacity to produce and analyze population data and information. Other elected included to the panel Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and China.

Pakistan will assume the membership of three Commission on 1 January 2022.

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COURTESY app.com.pk

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ISLAMABAD, APR 21: Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Pakistan Ali Alizada called on Naval Chief Admiral Amjad Khan Niazi in Islamabad on Tuesday, APA reports citing Radio Pakistan.

The two sides exchanged views on matters of mutual interest, including bilateral defence cooperation and regional security.

The visiting dignitary lauded Pakistan and Pakistan Navy, in particular, for gathering countries around the world on a single platform through Peace Exercises.

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COURTESY apa.az

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ISLAMABAD, APR 21: An Online International Conference on “Community with Shared Future: A Multilateral Approach to Tackling Global Challenges” was organized by the Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future, Communication University of China, Beijing, China.

The conference commenced with the opening remarks of Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, Director, Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future, Communication University of China, Beijing.

He briefly explained the concept of Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future. Discussing the topic of the conference he stated that the COVID-19 pandemic has turned out to be the biggest challenge of the century, and for resolving this challenge all countries had to work together.

Prof. Dr. Shabir Ahmed, Director, Area Study Center (Russia, China, Central Asia), University of Peshawar, Pakistan discussed community with a shared future as an inclusive approach to tackling global challenges.

He stated that the world is faced with many traditional and nontraditional challenges like poverty, class difference between the haves and have nots and pandemics, etc. A single entity or any two institutions can't deal with these challenges.

There is a need for a multilateral approach, inclusive growth, and global unity to deal with these challenges. He also suggested making partnerships with mutual respect's sovereignty and protecting each other in terms of security. He concluded by mentioning that China has always denied global hegemony and has advocated for peaceful co-existence amongall countries through its idea of community with a shared future.

Dr. Mussawar Hussain Bukhari, Chairman, Political Science Department, Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB) discussed Conflict Resolution as a prerequisite for building a Community with Shared Future.

He discussed that community with a shared future is not a new concept it started from the league of nations and then the United Nations. He emphasized that we saw this system fail during the second world war, and it gave us a lesson that humanity is the origin of all development, if humanity and people are safe then you can develop systematic growth.

Commenting on the Belt and Road initiative, he stated more than 60% of the global population will be impacted through this project. All of these people are facing similar problems including climate change, terrorism, and poverty.

BRI is an initiative to deal with these problems collectively with enhanced economic integration. Furthermore, this will also make way for the dialogue of civilization as opposed to the clash of civilizations.

Dr. PEK ChuenKhee, Eugene, Dean, Faculty of Business and Management, UCSI University and CEO, UCSI Poll Research Centre discussed that how the idea of “Community with Shared Future” can contribute to improved Global Governance.

Dr. Pek highlighted China focuses on five pillars of the community and global governance including Politics, development, security, culture, and most importantly the environment. He emphasized that China has always supported democracy in the world and negated the idea of a hegemon state or government. Moreover, China also advocates for equality that allows equal voices from all countries of the world.

Discussing the idea of security he mentioned that a community with a shared future proposes to solve conflicts by dialogue supported by the United Nations and the Security Council. Lastly, the environment is one of the most important pillars to reform global governance. He also suggested to co-create technologies to fight climate change and to promote community with a shared future for stronger governance.

Mr. Wanjun Chu, Doctor of Philosophy, Institute for a Community with Shared Future, Communication University of China discussed the need for trans-institutional solutions to Global Challenges.

The main focus of his remarks was the inclusion of technology and innovation in solving global challenges. By presenting the idea of dealing with global pandemic COVID-19 he suggested science and technology informed trans-instructional solutions and multi-stakeholder partnerships and cross, disciplinary collaborations. He mentioned the example of patrol robots that were deployed in airports and public places in China, these robots used facial recognition and thermal cameras to identify potentially infected people. He recommended ensuring universal access to research and technology-based expertise and tools, especially for developing countries.

Mr. Shakeel Ahmad Ramay, Member Board of Advisors, Center for Global Strategic Studies (CGSS) discussed Community with Shared Future as an Inclusive Approach to achieving SDGs.

He briefly discussed the idea of a community with a shared future and its relevance with the Sustainable development goals of the United Nations. He highlighted that this concept is built on the idea that everyone has equal opportunities in its true sense. The initiatives taken by the Belt and Road projects have given hope that global challenges can be solved by a collective approach.

Mr. Shakeel further compared SDGs and the initiatives of BRI and how they are helping countries achieve various crises, it is estimated that through the Belt and Road initiative 32 billion people will come out of poverty globally. He further highlighted that SDGs related to infrastructure development, energy, employment, and global connectivity are also being achieved by the concept of a community with a shared future. 

Mr. Tewodros Girma Abebe, Minister Counsellor, Ethiopian Embassy in Tanzania, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania discussed Community with Shared Future and the need to improve Security Governance.

He discussed the Nile river and its basins and stated that this river crosses 11 African countries and these countries are home to people who are living in rural areas without the supply of clean drinking water and energy.

The region is water-deprived because of poor water management and this chronic water scarcity is endangering human security. This requires an immediate demand of management and review for the security of the entire community.

He emphasized that under the concept of community with a shared future the countries must be focusing on securing the future of underdeveloped countries through effective governance policies, multilateral approach, and new water-sharing policies.

The conference was moderated by Ms. Palwasha Nawaz, Deputy Director, Pakistan Research center for a Community with Shared Future. The conference was attended by 50 participants and was also viewed live on social media platforms by 200 viewers.

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COURTESY CGSS

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THE LAST DATE TO APPLY IS APRIL 30.

New Toyota Jobs in Pakistan, Toyota Motors jobs 2021 An upcoming Toyota 3S Dealership is looking for energetic, qualified, experienced professionals and technicians. This Professional and Technician Recruitment Notice is advertised as Toyota 3S Dealership Jobs 2021. Toyota Motors is requested to both male and female individuals apply for these vacancies.

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Admin Executive Car Washer Cashier CR Officer Delivery Executive Finance Executive Floor In-charge HR Executive Junior Technician Lab Executive Manager Sales MRS Executive Parts Executive Receptionist Sales Admin Executive Sales Executive Service Advisor Warranty Executive.

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Posted On: April 18, 2021

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Positions: Multiple

Last Date: April 30, 2021

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Job Type: Private

Address: Toyota 3S Dealership

How to Apply for Toyota Motors jobs 2021?

Interested candidates may forward a detailed CV via email at career@toyotafort.com.

The competent authority encourages all genders to apply for suitable positions.

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COURTESY smartjobs.pk

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ISLAMABAD, APR 20: Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed on Tuesday announced that the government will present a resolution on the expulsion of the French ambassador in the National Assembly later today.

In a video statement, he said the decision was taken after another round of talks with the recently proscribed Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP).

On Monday, the NA session was adjourned to meet again on April 22 (Thursday) at 2pm. However, shortly after the minister's statement, it was announced that the schedule had been changed and the session would take place on April 20 (today) at 3pm.

Rashid said that the TLP had agreed to call off protests across the country. "Talks with the party will continue," he said.

The minister said that cases registered against TLP workers under the Fourth Schedule will also be withdrawn, adding that he will give a detailed briefing on the development via a press conference later today.

The announcement comes after a government delegation, comprising the interior minister and Religious Affairs Minister Pir Noorul Haq Qadri, met TLP workers for yet another round of talks in Lahore late on Monday.

The first round of talks between the Punjab government and workers of the banned party took place on Sunday after day-long clashes between TLP workers and law enforcers. On Monday, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry had said that the second round had concluded, adding that a third would begin at 10pm.

Punjab Governor Chaudhry Sarwar and provincial Law Minister Raja Basharat represented the government in the second round, according to Chaudhry.

Before the breakthrough, three rounds of talks between the government and TLP party chief Saad Rizvi at Kot Lakhpat jail remained inconclusive on Monday as the latter could not be convinced to record a video message for party workers to end their plans of a long march on Islamabad.

However, the two sides had agreed to meet again late in the night at Punjab Governor House to discuss and finalise which demands put forward by the TLP chief as a prerequisite for terminating the outfit’s protest plan could be accepted by the government.

Punjab Quran Board (PQB) chairman Hamid Raza, Sunni Tehreek’s Sarwat Ijaz Qadri, former lawmaker belonging to the Jamiat Ulema-i-Pakistan Abul Khair Mohammad Zubair and PML-N MPA Mian Jalil Ahmed Sharaqpuri represented the government side in the talks.

Anas Rizvi, the younger brother of Saad Rizvi, also accompanied them to jail where they broke their fast and offered taraveeh prayer with the TLP chief.

In a brief talk before leaving the jail, Hamid Raza had told the media that there had been progress in the parleys and had hoped that the fourth round, to be held at Governor House, would be conclusive. He had claimed that the TLP chief had appealed to his party activists to remain peaceful.

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COURTESY DAWN NEWS

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ISLAMABAD, APR 19: Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) has uploaded admission confirmation information for the programs offered in spring 2021 semester including matriculation and intermediate on its website (www.aiou.edu.pk).

According to Director Admission, the candidates who have applied for admissions in these programs may verify their admission from the admission confirmation link.

Similarly, information regarding admission rejection can be obtained from the admission objection link. All those candidates who do not find any information regarding their admission are instructed to download duplicate admission form from the website and post it to Admission Department of the university on urgent basis.

He has informed that continuing students are required to append admission fee deposit slip with the duplicate form while fresh candidates are required to attach their relevant educational certificates and passport size photograph with the duplicate form.

The deadline for the submission of duplicate form is April 30, 2021. All those candidates whose duplicate admission forms will be received after the deadline will be granted admission in the forthcoming semester and their fee would be, accordingly adjusted, the Director said.

For any further information, the students may dial 051-9057431 for matriculation and 051- 9057432 for intermediate programs.

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OSLO, APR 19: NASA’s mini helicopter Ingenuity might embark on its first flight on Monday, after a week of delays due to a possible technical fault.

“NASA’s target for the first flight with the Ingenuity Mars helicopter is no earlier than Monday, April 19,” a statement from the agency notes.

The flight could take place at approximately 9:30 AM on Monday Norwegian time. Data from the flight can then be expected to arrive a few hours later.

If the flight is carried out according to plan, NASA will hold a briefing later on Monday at 8:00 PM Norwegian time.

The mini helicopter was supposed to take off on its first flight on Sunday, April 11. The date was then postponed to April 14. Finally, NASA picked Monday, April 19, as the new date.

Technical issues

The reason for the postponement was that a possible technical problem with a rotor was discovered during a test. A new test later showed that the error had been corrected.

The helicopter arrived on Mars with the rover Perseverance in February. It weighs 1.8 kilos and is remotely controlled from the ground by, among others, the Norwegian Håvard Fjær Grip in NASA.

Since the distance between the two planets means that it takes several minutes for the signals to arrive, Grip will not be able to control the helicopter in real-time.

“The only criterion for success for us is whether we manage to fly on Mars for the first time in history. We believe there is a high probability of making it happen,” Grip told NTB last year.

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COURTESY norwaytoday

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ISLAMABAD, APR 19: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has warned Pakistanis against disclosing their banking details, such as ATM card number or pin code, to anyone.

The PTA said that fraudsters were trying to dupe people by impersonating PTA officials. It asked people not to share their personal financial information with anyone.

The authority said it never asks for these details, requesting the masses to ignore such calls and text messages.

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New National Skills Development Program jobs, ndmst jobs. Reputed Public Sector Organization is hiring staff for its National Skills Development Programme. PO Box No 2600 Islamabad Jobs 2021. All Applications are invited from Pakistani nationals according to the listed provincial quota in the advertisement given below.

Jobs Criteria:

These vacancies also advertised with their requirements. Candidates can see each post’s requirements via the image posted below. Overall, Primary Pass, Middle Pass, FA, FSc, DAE, Graduation, Diploma of Associate Engineering, Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, BBA, MBA, 16 years of education in Management/Administration/Social Science, and Master’s degree in any discipline qualifications are required. Candidates can apply according to their qualifications and desired post. National Skills Development Program jobs, ndmst jobs.

Posted On: April 14, 2021

Education: Primary, Middle, Matric, Intermediate, Bachelor, Master

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Company: Public Sector Organization

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Address: P.O Box No. 2600, Islamabad

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COURTESY smartjobs.pk

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ISLAMABAD, APR 18: On March 22, the China Cultural Center in Pakistan launched the first episode of the micro-documentary series " Better Tourism, Better Life, Better World " on the Cultural Center's WeChat official account.

"World Tourism Alliance Best Practice in Poverty Alleviation Through Tourism" as the blueprint, to provide Chinese experience on poverty alleviation practices, to contribute Chinese wisdom to the cause of global poverty alleviation and for the international community to experience the achievement of China’s tourism poverty alleviation, and to tell the story of China’s tourism promotion for poverty alleviation.

The micro-documentary " Better Tourism, Better Life, Better World " is produced by the World Tourism Alliance,  the documentary trip spans across multiple provinces and goes deep into China's grassroots villages. Finally, eight tourism poverty alleviation case areas were selected, and the documentaries were produced. There are total eight episodes and each episode’s duration is around 5 minutes.

The entire documentary series is people-oriented. It is filmed from the perspective of individuals and families, paying attention to the interaction between nature and society, focusing on the improvement and development of people’s livelihoods in the case areas, restoring reality through lens, and presenting tourism in an international context. These documentaries also highlight how the natural endowment of "green water and green mountains" has been transformed into "golden and silver mountains", telling vivid stories of local people living a happy prosperous life, interpreting and disseminating the core concept of "tourism makes the world and life better". This micro documentary series has received highest praise and recognition from the international community.

Starting this week, China Cultural Center in Pakistan is airing weekly two episodes of the micro-documentary series " Better Tourism, Better Life, Better World " on WeChat Official Account. The Director China Cultural Center in Pakistan’s personal official page “zhang he qing” is also premiering the micro documentary at the same time. Later this month "World Tourism Alliance Best Practice in Poverty Alleviation through Tourism Case" of 2018, 2019 and 2020 will also be published on the social media page of China Cultural Center in Pakistan.

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BY Adnan Hameed

Programme and Media Officer

China Cultural Center in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD, APR 18: Education Minister Shafqat Mahmood said on Sunday that the Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) examinations would take place as per schedule and there would be no delay or cancellation.

In a series of tweets, the education minister said the decision, among others, had been taken in a special meeting of health and education ministers from the four provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. "Those students wishing to take exams in Oct/Nov can do so in the same fee already paid," he added.

"Meeting was also informed that Cambridge has decided not to give teacher-assessed grades this year therefore those not taking exams will take them in the next cycle Oct/Nov," said Mahmood, adding that the CAIE had assured that Covid-19 standard operating procedures would be "strictly followed".

The Lahore High Court on Wednesday had issued notices to the British Council, Pakistan director of CAIE and the federal ministry of education on a petition challenging the physical presence of students in O and A levels exams despite the rising incidence of Covid-19 cases in the country.

Several students filed the petition through Barrister Hassaan Khan Niazi, pleading that O and A levels classes had not been held for the whole academic year and the syllabus was not covered for the most part, yet the students were forced to take exams in the traditional way, putting their own lives and those of their family members at risk. They said the respondents had announced that the exams would be held with the physical presence of the students in the examination halls and rooms.

However, they said, the CAIE had given two options to the respective governments of the countries witnessing the rising numbers of Covid-19 cases; to either hold exams in the traditional way or to avail school-assessed grades for the students.

The petitioners had contended that the education ministry and other local authorities could prevent the massive risk to the health and life of the petitioners and request the CAIE to opt for school-assessed grades. They had asked the court to direct the government to request the British Council and CAIE to switch over to the option for school-assessed grades and avoid the risk for the petitioners.

Other decisions in the meeting

Among the other decisions taken in the meeting was that "classes 9 to 12 would commence in affected districts in a staggered manner to allow students to prepare for board exams."

He said that new dates would be issued by the boards for examinations of classes 9-12 and thus, they would not start before the fourth week of May. "University admissions schedule will be adjusted keeping in view the new exam time table."

Meanwhile, "classes 1 to 8 will remain closed. The details will be announced by the provinces and GB [and] AJK," he said.

Universities, said Mahmood, would continue to operate with online learning in affected districts while they would continue to function as per normal in districts with "less than eight per cent (Covid) positivity".

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COURTESY DAWN NEWS

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