Tuesday, 7 June 2022
• Experts shed light on the evolution of education and healthcare in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD, JUN 7: Pakistan needs to invest in the education sector by devising a need-driven strategy allowing the right of education to all, to avert our major problems like economic crisis and extremism,.. The education system in Pakistan is suffering from severe issues, including commercialism, and to achieve our sustainable goals, an educational emergency is the need of the hour.
These views were expressed by eminent national and foreign education and health experts during a panel discussion.
The discussion “Evolution of Education and Healthcare” was held on Day 1 at the Pakistan Pavilion during the World Economic Forum. This important discussion session on Pakistan was organized by the Karachi Council on Foreign Relations in collaboration with the Swiss Asian Chamber of Commerce.
The panel comprised Dr. Huma Baqai, Senior Vice Chairperson KCFR, Dr. Linda Zangwill, Professor University of California, Dr. Marc Siegel, CEO Siegel Associates, and Mr. Ali Shah, CEO iPath, while senior journalist Faysal Aziz Khan moderated the session.
Opening the discussion, Faysal Aziz Khan gave a brief overview of the education system and public health facilities in Pakistan. Sharing the information provided by the government and government agencies, he termed the educational situation in the country as deteriorating and said that Pakistan, at present, had made a global ranking for out-of-school children between the ages of 5 and 16.
Pakistan is second only to Nigeria, with a very large number of girls of the same age, about 59%, that do not go to school for various reasons. Faysal Aziz said that the running of the education system in the country had gone into the hands of the private sector which was making this sacred mission a for-profit business.
Talking about the public health facilities in Pakistan, he said that 70% of the medical facilities in the country were being provided by the private sector, and that the public sector was under severe pressure in this regard. He said that the medical treatment was one of the basic human needs but it had also turned into a lucrative business.
Dr. Huma Baqai, Senior Vice Chairperson KCFR, while shedding light on Pakistan's deteriorating education system, said that capitalism had destroyed education in Pakistan as we gradually turned education into a privilege instead of a right, and more so how we allowed the private sector to impart the good education by leaving our public sector in shatters.
“We are the fifth largest country in the world and we need to impart quality skill-based education to our youth. Pakistan needs a multipronged education strategy and there is no way we can continue with such a limited approach,” she said.
Mentioning Pakistan’s low literacy rate, she said that anyone who could read or write his name was considered to be literate, but it was not literacy at all. While expressing deep concern over the precarious situation of the education system, Huma said that education in Pakistan had been made a commercial product instead of a fundamental right which was not acceptable in any way.
Dr. Linda Zingwell shared her experiences in health sector management and shed light on modern technologies being used to overcome the problems being faced by health institutions. Dr. Zingwell told the audience that the world was moving towards using Artificial Intelligence in healthcare which would be revolutionizing health services in the near future.
Marc Siegel, who also teaches Supply Chain Management at the University of California, suggested that business skills should also be imparted to young graduates so that they might compete in growing markets around the globe.
Ali Shah, CEO iPath, shed light on modern-day healthcare system which enables the healthcare professionals to access the personal data of specific patients. He urged the Pakistani authorities to establish National Electronic Heath Record Platform as many other countries around the globe had begun to streamline their healthcare systems. If such a platform is developed, all relevant information of a patient would be accessible by entering their national ID number, he said. He termed the platform as a game-changer in the health sector.
------------------------------
Monday, 6 June 2022
RIYADH, JUN 6: Saudi Arabia joined a host of Muslim countries — including Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Iran and Pakistan — that took strong exception to derogatory remarks made against Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) by leaders of India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
According to Hindustan Times, BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma and another party leader, Naveen Kumar Jindal, made disrespectful remarks about the Prophet (P.B.U.H) and after worldwide condemnation, India’s ruling party had to distance itself from their statements, announcing disciplinary action against the duo.
Qatar, Kuwait and Iran summoned India’s envoy to register their protest on Sunday, while Pakistan issued a strong demarche to the Indian charge d’affaires on Monday.
Qatar has sought a public apology from India for allowing such “Islamophobic” views without retribution.
Kuwait, in a statement, said it had handed over an “official protest note expressing the State of Kuwait’s categorical rejection and condemnation of the insulting statements against the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H), Islam and Muslims issued by one of the officials in the ruling party”.
Saudi Arabia also issued a statement condemning the remarks and called for respect for religions.
President Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also called out the comments made by the BJP leaders.
The president noted that the remarks had hurt the feelings of Muslims around the world. “India under [Prime Minister Narendra] Modi’s Hindutva philosophy is trampling religious freedoms of all its minorities and persecuting them without any impunity”. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz tweeted, “… Have said it repeatedly that India under Modi is trampling religious freedoms & persecuting Muslims. World should take note & severely reprimand India.”
He said the love of Muslims for the Prophet (P.B.U.H) was supreme and they could sacrifice their lives for the Holy figure.
In a statement, Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry said it “reaffirms its permanent rejection of prejudice against the symbols of the Islamic religion and refuses to prejudice all religious figures and symbols”.
The country also welcomed the BJP’s decision to suspend Sharma, the statement added. Qatar summoned the Indian envoy and handed him an official note that expressed Qatar’s disappointment and “its total rejection and condemnation [of] the controversial remarks made by an official in the ruling party in India against Prophet Mohammed … Islam and Muslims,” according to a statement issued by its foreign ministry.
Qatar said it is “expecting a public apology and immediate condemnation of these remarks from the Government of India”.
It noted that allowing such Islamophobic remarks to continue without punishment constituted a grave danger to the protection of human rights and may lead to further prejudice and marginalisation, which will create a cycle of violence and hate.
Meanwhile, Pakistan said the remarks made by two officials of the ruling BJP were “totally unacceptable” as they hurt the sentiments of billions of Muslims around the world.
“BJP’s attempted clarification and belated and perfunctory disciplinary action against these individuals cannot assuage the pain and anguish they have caused to the Muslim world,” the Foreign Office said, urging India to ensure that decisive and demonstrable action was taken against those responsible for making derogatory remarks and attacking the dignity of Prophet (P.B.U.H).
A day later, Pakistan summoned the Indian charge d’ affaires in Islamabad and issued a strong demarche.
In a statement issued today, Pakistan strongly urged the BJP leadership and the Indian government to “unequivocally condemn the sacrilegious comments of the BJP officials and ensure that they are held accountable through decisive and demonstrable action for attacking the dignity” of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H).
The ministry further called upon the international community, including the United Nations (UN) and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to take notice of and stop “the dangerously rising ‘Hindutva’ inspired Islamophobia in India, and prevail upon the Indian authorities to prevent the systematic human rights violations against minorities in the country”.
Later in the day, the Pakistan Army also condemned the “blasphemous remarks by Indian officials” in a tweet. Meanwhile, the grand mufti of Oman, Sheikh Ahmad bin Hamad Al-Khalil, tweeted that the “obscene” comments of the spokesperson of India’s ruling party amounted to a “war against every Muslim”.
OIC Secretary General Hissein Brahim Taha also said that the BJP leaders’ remarks came in “context of intensifying hatred and abuse toward Islam in India and systematic practices against Muslims”.
India told both Qatar and Kuwait that the offensive views did not reflect those of the government of India, instead attributing these to “fringe elements”. It said that “strong action” had been taken against those responsible for the derogatory remarks.
----------------------------------------
COURTESY DAWN NEWS
ISLAMABAD, JUN 6: Huawei was named Champion at the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) 2022 Forum's Prizes Ceremony in Geneva yesterday. The WSIS 2022 Prizes Campion, was presented to Huawei for its use of their intelligent net-zero carbon campus solution at the Yancheng Low-carbon & Smart Energy Industrial Park project. A total of 996 projects were considered for this award, and the selection process took five months.
WSIS is the world's largest annual gathering of the ICT for development community. The event aims at advancing global sustainable development goals is co-organized by the ITU, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and other UN organizations and WSIS action plan facilitators. The WSIS Prizes contest awards prizes for outstanding sustainability projects in 18 categories, including information and communication infrastructure, E-government, E-environment, E-health, and E-agriculture. Huawei's intelligent net-zero carbon campus solution was nominated for this year's environment category.
The Yancheng Park project was jointly developed by Huawei and the Yancheng Power Supply Company, a subsidiary of the State Grid Corporation of China. The project uses the triple-dimensional model for energy transformation, decarbonization, and digital transformation. By focusing on the three scenarios of smart energy management, carbon management, and campus management, this project delivers real-time monitoring of energy equipment, strong carbon emission management, intelligent and convenient access control management, and intelligent and coordinated micro-grid control. The campus is powered by complementary energy sources and integrates its energy consumption system with on-campus terminals. The project is a showcase of an intelligent and low-carbon campus that contributes to a green, low-carbon, safe, and efficient modern energy system.
To learn more about WSIS, please visit: https://www.itu.int/net4/wsis/forum/2022/
-------------------------------
Sunday, 5 June 2022
NEW DELHI, JUN 5: Muslim countries have taken strong exception to derogatory remarks made against Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) by leaders of India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with Qatar, Kuwait and Iran summoning India’s envoy to register their protest.
Qatar has sought a public apology from India for allowing such “Islamophobic” views without retribution.
Kuwait, in a statement, said it had handed over an “official protest note expressing the State of Kuwait’s categorical rejection and condemnation of the insulting statements against the Holy Prophet (PBUH), Islam and Muslims issued by one of the officials in the ruling party.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also called out the comments made by the BJP leader and urged the world to take notice and reprimand India.
“… Have said it repeatedly that India under Modi is trampling religious freedoms & persecuting Muslims. World should take note & severely reprimand India.”
He said the love of Muslims for the Prophet (PBUH) was supreme and they could sacrifice their lives for the Holy figure.
According to Hindustan Times, BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma and another party leader, Naveen Kumar Jindal, made disrespectful remarks about the Prophet (PBUH) and after worldwide condemnation of these remarks, India’s ruling party had to distance itself from their statements, announcing disciplinary action against the duo.
Qatar summoned the Indian envoy and handed him an official note that expressed Qatar’s disappointment and “its total rejection and condemnation [of] the controversial remarks made by an official in the ruling party in India against Prophet Mohammed … Islam and Muslims,” according to a statement issued by its foreign ministry.
Qatar said “it is expecting a public apology and immediate condemnation of these remarks from the Government of India.”
It noted that allowing such Islamophobic remarks to continue without punishment constituted a grave danger to the protection of human rights and may lead to further prejudice and marginalisation, which will create a cycle of violence and hate.
The grand mufti of Oman, Sheikh Ahmad bin Hamad Al-Khalil, tweeted that the “obscene” comments of the spokesperson of India’s ruling party amounted to a “war against every Muslim”.
BJP suspends party membership of leaders
Following a strong reaction from the Muslim countries, the ruling BJP suspended Sharma and expelled Jindal from the party for their remarks, according to Hindustan Times.
The statement issued by the party did not name anyone but it underlined that the party did not condone insults to any religion and respects all faiths.
“The Bharatiya Janata Party is also against any ideology which insults or demeans any sect or religion. The BJP does not promote such people or philosophy…During the thousands of years of the history of India every religion has blossomed and flourished. The Bharatiya Janata Party respects all religions,” the statement said.
---------------------------
COURTESY DAWN NEWS
عالمی اقتصادی فورم کے موقع پر معاشی ماہرین کا مباحثے میں اظہار خیال
اسلام آباد: ڈیجیٹل مالیاتی شمولیت کے ذریعے پسماندہ طبقات کو قومی دھارے میں شامل کرتے ہوٸے انکی زندگیوں میں مثبت تبدیلی لاٸی جا سکتی ہے۔ ان خیالات کا اظہار بینکنگ رہنماؤں اور معاشی ماہرین نے عالمی اقتصادی فورم کے موقع پر ڈیوس میں قاٸم کیے گٸے پاکستان پویلین میں منعقد کیے گٸے مباحثے میں کیا۔
پاکستان میں مالیاتی شمولیت اور اس ضمن میں ڈیجیٹل ذراٸع کی اہمیت کے حوالے سے منعقدہ مباحثے کا انعقاد کراچی کونسل آن فارن ریلیشنز (کےسی ایف آر) نے سوئس ایشین چیمبر آف کامرس(ایس اے سی سی) کے تعاون سے کیا تھا۔ مباحثے میںمررین کے پینل میں بنکنگ شعبے سے وابستہ معروف ماہرین بشمول ظفر مسعود، صدر بینک آف پنجاب، شہزاد دادا، صدر یونائیٹڈ بینک لمیٹڈ، کبیر نقوی، صدر یو مائیکرو فنانس بینک (یو بینک)، سلمان علی، سی ای او وی آر جی، رسک ایسوسی ایٹس کے آفتاب رضوی اور سی ای او فٹافٹ عماد چشتی نے شرکت کی۔ مباحثے کی نظامت علی شاہ، آٸی پاتھ کےسی ای او نے سر انجام دی۔ متعدد ممکنہ سرمایہ کاروں اور معاشی ماہرین کی ایک بڑی تعداد حاضرینمیں میں موجود تھی۔
کراچی کونسل آن فارن ریلیشنز (کے سی ایف آر) اور پاتھ فائنڈر گروپ آف کمپنیز کے چیئرمین اکرام سہگل نے مباحثے کے شرکا اور مہمانوں کو خوش آمدید کہا۔ اس۔موقع پر اکرام سہگل نے اپنی ٹیم کی جانب سے عالمی سطح پر پاکستان کا مثبت امیج ابھارنے کے لیے کی جانے والی کوششوں کے بارے میں حاضرین کو آگاہ کیا۔ سہگل نے اس موقع پر ان تمام افراد اور اداروں کا شکریہ ادا کیا جنھوں مےمالی۔او اخلاقی سطح ان کی جدوجہد میں تعاون کیا۔ پینل ڈسکشن کے موضوع پر اپنے نقطہ نظر کا اظہار کرتے ہوئے، کے سی ایف آر کے چیٸرمین کا کہنا تھا کہ "مین سٹریمبنکنگ استعمالنہ۔کرنے والے افراد کو بنکنگ کی جانب ماٸل۔کرنا ایک بہت بڑا چیلنج ہے لیکن اس امر میں کامیابی پاکستان میں معاشی استحکام کے حوالے سے انتہاٸی کارآمد ثابت ہو گی"۔ انکامزید کہنا تھا کہ کہ معاشرے کے غریب ترین افراد کو بینکنگ کے مرکزی دھارے میں لانا بہت اہم ہے اور مالیاتی شمولیت میں ڈیجیٹل سروسز کے مناسب استعمال کے ذریعے اس میں کامیابی حاصل کی جا سکتی ہے۔
اس موقع پر اپنے خیالات کااظہار کرتے ہوٸے دی بنکآف پنجاب کے سربراہ ظفر مسعود نے پاکستان میں بینکنگ سیکٹر کا تفصیلی جائزہ پیش کرتے ہوٸے کہا کہ کٸی بڑے چیلنجز کے باوجود پاکستان معاشی طور پر متعدد کامیابیاں حاصل کر چکا ہے۔ ہے۔ ظفر مسعود کا کہنا تھا کہ پاکستان ترقیاتی اہداف کے لیے پرعزم ہے اور اقوام متحدہ کے پائیدار ترقی کے اہداف سمیت قومی اور بین الاقوامی ترقیاتی اہداف کے حوالے سے اہم اقدامات اٹھاٸے جا رہے ہیں۔ اس موقع پر پنجاب بنک کے صدر نے ہاکساتن کے مالیاتی شعبے کو درپیش متعدد مشکلات کی بھی نشاندہی کی۔ ظفر مسعود پاکستان کی آبادی کے حوالے سے اعدادو شمار کا زکر کرتے ہوئے حاضرین کو بتایا کہ پاکستان کی 61 فیصد آبادی 15 سے 54 سال کے درمیان ہے جو کہ بینکنگ سروسز استعمال کرنے کے لیے موزوں ترین طبقہ ثابت ہو سکتا ہے۔ مالیاتی شمولیت کے حوالے سے گفتگو کرتے ہوٸے ان کا کہنا تھا کہ "ڈیجیٹل سپورٹ کے بغیر حقیقی مالی شمولیت کا استعمال تقریباً ناممکن ہے"۔ ظفر مسعود نے کہا کہ انکاادارہ بینکنگ استعمال نہ کرنے والے افراد کو قومی بینکاری کے دھارے میں لانے کے لیے مختلف انقلابی اقدامات کر رہا ہے۔ خواتین کی بینکنگ کے استعمال میں انتہاٸی کم تعداد پر اپنی تشویش کا اظہار کرتے ہوٸے انکاکہنا تھا کہ کل آبادی کا 51 فیصد ہونے کے باوجود صرف 17 فیصد خواتین بینکنگ سروسز استعمال کر رہی ہیں۔ انہوں نے کہا کہ آبادی کے اتنے بڑے اور اہم طبقے کو صرف ڈیجیٹلائزڈ مالیاتی شمولیت کے ذریعے ہی بینکنگ کے دائرے میں شامل کیا جا سکتا ہے اور اس سلسلے میں متعدد اقدامات کیے جا رہے ہیں۔
اس موقع پر یوناٸیٹڈ بنک لمیٹڈ کے صدر شہزاد دادا نے اپنے خیالات کا اظہار کرتے ہوئے کہا کہ پاکستان تیزی سے ترقی کرنے والے ممالک میں سے ایک ہے اور ملکی حالات سرمایہ کاری کے لیے انتہائی سازگار ہیں۔ پاکستان میں مالی شمولیت کی اہمیت پر بات کرتے ہوئے انہوں نے کہا کہ روایتی بینکنگ سروسز کے استعمال میں کمی کی بہت سی وجوہات ہیں جن میں سب سے اہم وجہ بینکوں تک رسائی ہے کیونکہ ملک کی زیادہ تر آبادی دیہی علاقوں میں رہتی ہے لہذا بینکوں تک رساٸی ایک اہم۔مسلہ ہے۔ دادا کا کہناتھا کہ پاکستان میں ایک لاکھ افراد کے لیے صرف 10 بینک برانچیں ہیں جب کہ ایشیا میں یہ شرح 16 کے قریب ہے، ایسی صورت حال میں مالیاتی شمولیت بہت مفید ثابت ہوسکتی ہے، خاص طور پر جب ڈیجیٹل وسائل کے درست استعمال کو یقینی بنایا جائے۔
مالیاتی شمولیت میں ڈیجیٹل خدمات کی اہمیت پر ایک سوال کا جواب دیتے ہوئے، یو بینک کے صدر کبیر نقوی نے سامعین کے ساتھ کچھ زمینی حقائق شیٸر کیے۔ ان کے مطابق، صارفین اور ان کی ضروریات کو سمجھنا مؤثر مالیاتی شمولیت کے سیٹ اپ کے لیے سے سب سے اہم عنصر ہوتا ہے۔ انہوں نے یو بینک کی جانب سے دور دراز رلاقوں میں برانچوں کے قیام کے ذریعے دیہی آبادی تک رسائی کے لیے کی جانے والی کاوشوں کازکر کرتے ہوٸے بتایا کہ ان دوردراز برانچوں میں یوبینک کا عملہ مالی شمولیت اور ڈیجیٹل وسائل کے استعمال کے بارے میں صارفین کو براہ راست تربیت اور آگاہی فراہم کرتے ہیں۔
مباحثے میں وی آر جی کے سی ای او سلمان علی نے مالیاتی شمولیت کے حوالے سے ایک بالکل مختلف نقطہ نظر پیش کیا۔ انہوں نے حاضرین کو بتایا کہ پاکستان میں 192 ملین لوگ موباٸل فون استعمال کرتے ہیں اور ان میں سے اکتالیس فیصد کے پاس سمارٹ فون ہیں جبکہ باقی لوگ عام فیچر فون استعمال کرتے ہیں جس میں انٹرنیٹ کی سہولت میسر نہیں ہوتی۔ سلمان علی کاکہنا تھا کہ فیچر فون استعمال کرنے والے یہ لوگ درحقیقت بنکنگ سے دور ہیں اور ان کے لیے مالیاتی شمولیت انتہاٸی اہمیت کی حامل ثابت ہو سکتی ہے۔ ان کا کہنا تھا کہ انکی کمپنی اس ضمن میں کام کر رہی ہے اور فیچر فون استعمال کرنے والے صارفین کو یو ایس ایس ڈی کوڈ کے زریعے منٹوں میں کسی بھی بڑے بینک میں اکاٶنٹ کھولنے کی سہولت فراہم کر رہی ہے جس کے لیے انٹرنیٹ یا سمارٹ فون کی کوٸی ضرورت نہیں ہوتی۔
اس موقع پر رسک ایسوسی ایٹس کے آفتاب رضوی، سی ای او فٹا فٹ عماد چشتی اور ممبر بنک آف پنجاب آصف ریاض نے بھی اپنے خیالات کا اظہارکیا۔۔۔۔
-------------------------------------------
ISLAMABAD, JUN 5: In order to promote cultural exchanges and mutual learning, and tighten people-to-people bonds between different countries, China Soong Ching Ling Foundation launches the 2022"Junior Cultural Ambassadors" Event. The event is expected to build a platform for young people all over the world to make the acquaintance of each other both online and offline, and bring out more junior cultural ambassadors who would make their own share of contribution to people-to-people exchanges.
The 2022 event, under the theme of "Get Connected Through Art: My Favorite Chinese Arts", encourages young people to exchange ideas and tell stories about Chinese culture through videos. With the support of the Bureau of International Exchange and Cooperation of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People's Republic of China and Guangming Online, the event is hosted by the China Soong Ching Ling Science & Culture Center for Young People and China Cultural Centers Overseas.
Exchange among civilizations spurs diversity, mutual learning promotes the richness of civilizations. Different civilizations complement each other and together constitute a world that blooms with cultures. In order to further strengthen communication and understanding and write a new chapter of friendship among young people around the world, China Soong Ching Ling Foundation, with the support of the Bureau of International Exchange and Cooperation, Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People's Republic of China, and working together with China Cultural Centers Overseas, is delighted to invite teenagers aged 13 - 16 around the world to participate in the 2022 China Soong Ching Ling Foundation "Junior Cultural Ambassadors" Event.
The arrangements of the event are as follows:
I. Main Theme
Bridge of Friendship & Ambassadors of Culture
II. Theme of Year 2022
Get Connected Through Art: My Favorite Chinese Arts
III. Organization
Sponsored by: China Soong Ching Ling Foundation
Supported by: Bureau of International Exchange and Cooperation, Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China; Guangming Online
Organized by: China Soong Ching Ling Science & Culture Center for Young People; China Cultural Centers Overseas
IV. Participants Eligibility
Teenagers aged 13 and 16 (born between January 1st, 2006 and December 31st, 2009) are eligible to participate.
V. Awards
1. Title of "Junior Cultural Ambassador"
A total of 30 "Junior Cultural Ambassadors" will be selected and awarded certificates and prizes.
2. Excellence Award
Certificates and prizes of “Excellence Award” will be presented to 30 teenagers.
3. Excellent Organizer Award
Institutions that actively promote teenagers to participate in activities and perform outstandingly, will be conferred with Excellent Organizer Award.
4. Others
Other awards such as the Popularity Award will be set up when necessary, and commemorative certificates will be awarded to participants.
VI. Entry Format
1. Languages
It is recommended to use UN working languages in the video. These include Chinese, English, French, Russian, Arabic, and Spanish. Participants who are not of Chinese origin using Chinese, will be given extra points during the review.
2. Video Length
The total duration of the video should be less than 4 minutes. The duration of the self-introduction and ending part of the video should be less than 1 minute, and that of the main body should be no longer than 3 minutes.
3. Content
(1) Self-introduction
(2) Main body: Videos should be created under the theme of "Get Connected Through Art: My Favorite Chinese Arts". Participants could show a Chinese art in the fields of painting, calligraphy, architecture, costumes, folk arts and crafts, etc., or tell your stories about Chinese arts through writing, performing, producing etc. The video shall be rich in content, closely linked to the theme of Chinese art, beautifully produced, and have strong expressiveness and appeal.
(3) Ending: Good wishes for the event.
4. Video Format
The video should be clear, stable, well-composed, and the image should be synchronized with the sound. The video should be an uncompressed .avi, .mov, .wmv or .mpg file. The resolution ratio should be 1920×1080, and the video must be shot in landscape (widescreen panoramic). Non-original videos will not qualify, and please do not add watermarks or subtitles to the video.
VII. Online Registration
1. A registration port is now available on the web-page of the event. Applicants should fill in the registration information online and submit videos as required.
Registration link:
https://vote6.gmw.cn/photo-list.html?collection_id=489
Scan QR code to enter the registration port
2. Deadline for submission is by midnight of July 31st, 2022 (subject to the time of submission on the web-page).
3. For further information：
E-mail：hdzj@sclc2017.org
Tel.：(+86) 010-53935571，(+86) 13511080846
VIII. Online Display and Poll
A web-page for the 2022 "Junior Cultural Ambassador" Event has been created on the website of Guangming Online (https://topics.gmw.cn/node_145214.htm). Outstanding entries will be displayed on the web-page and polled. Detailed arrangements will be announced later.
The award ceremony will be held in December 2022. More information will be released from the web-page of the event.
1. The entries should be consistent with the theme of the event, featuring healthy and positive content, and demonstrate understanding and enthusiasm for Chinese arts.
2. All entries submitted should be original and with no infringement of the copyright, patent rights, trademark rights, reputation rights, and/or other legal rights of any third party. In the case of any unqualified entry, the organizer has the right to unilaterally cancel qualifications of participation or awards at any point.
--------------------------------------
• KCFR hosted exclusive panel discussion on Financial Inclusion at WEF
ISLAMABAD, JUN 5: Banking the unbanked population through digitized financial inclusion may bring positive change in the lives of the underprivileged populations and the national economy. This was stated by banking leaders and financial experts while sharing their views during a panel discussion “Digital Affairs: Financial Inclusion in Pakistan” hosted by Karachi Council on Foreign Relations (KCFR) in association with Swiss Asian Chamber of Commerce at Pakistan’s Pavilion on the sidelines of World Economic Forum Davos last week.
The panel comprised of lead bankers including the keynote speaker Zafar Masood, President Bank of Punjab (BoP), Shazad Dada, President United Bank Ltd (UBL), Kabir Naqvi, President U Microfinance Bank (UBank), Salman Ali, CEO VRG, Aftab Rizvi, Risk Associates, and Imad Chishti, CEO Futafut. The discussion was moderated by Ali Shah, CEO iPath while a large number of potential investors and economic experts were present in the audience.
Ikram Sehgal, Chairman Karachi Council on Foreign Relations (KCFR) & Pathfinder Group of Companies welcomed the guests and briefed the audience regarding the efforts being made by his team to build a positive image of Pakistan globally. Sehgal extended his gratitude to the people who stood beside his team in making such patriotic efforts. While sharing his viewpoint on the panel discussion topic, KCFR Chairman said “banking the unbanked is a huge challenge but it may lead us to the glory of economic stability and national growth”. Bringing the poorest members of the society into the mainstream of banking is the most important achievement and it seems to be possible through financial inclusion equipped with digital facilities, he added.
Delivering his keynote address, BOP President Zafar Masood shared an overview of the banking sector in Pakistan and mentioned that despite massive challenges, Pakistan went way ahead of many other countries in terms of economic success. BOP President said that Pakistan has been committed to development goals and huge strides were being taken by the country in terms of national and international development goals including UN’s sustainable development goals. Masood also pointed out major hurdles which were being faced by Pakistan’s financial sector in banking the unbanked. While mentioning different proportions of Pakistan’s population, he said that Pakistan’s 61 percent population is between the 15-54 age group which would be most suitable for using the banking services while 35 percent of the Pakistani population is below 15 years of age and they would be ready for tomorrow’s banking. Terming financial inclusion as a heart-touching subject, BOP President said “true financial inclusion without functional deployment of a digital solution is almost impossible”. Zafar Masood stated that Punjab Bank is taking various revolutionary measures to bring non-banking customers into the national mainstream banking. Expressing his concerns BOP President said that despite being 51 percent of the total population, only 17 percent of women are using banking services. He said that such a large and significant section of the population could be included in the banking circle only through digitized financial inclusion and several steps were being taken in this regard. Masood also acknowledged KCFR Chairman Ikram Sehgal and his team for their patriotic efforts in making such events a massive success around the globe.
UBL President Shazad Dada, while sharing his views said that Pakistan is one of the fastest-growing countries and the conditions are very conducive to investment. Discussing the importance of financial inclusion in Pakistan, he said that there are many reasons for the decline in the use of traditional banking services, the most important of which is accessibility as most of the country's population lives in rural areas. He said that there are only 10 branches for 100,000 people in Pakistan whereas in Asia this rate is close to 16. In such a situation, financial inclusion can be very useful, especially when the proper use of digital resources is ensured.
While responding to a question on the importance of digital services in financial inclusion, Kabir Naqvi, President UBank shared some valid facts and ground realities with the audience. According to him, understanding the customer and their requirements would be the most important factor in terms of an effective financial inclusion setup. He elaborated the efforts being made by UBank to reach the unbanked rural population through establishing far-flung branches where UBank officials provide direct trainings and awareness to the customers on financial inclusion and usage of digital resources.
Salman Ali, CEO VRG offered a very different perspective on financial inclusion. He told the audience that 192 million people in Pakistan use mobile phones and 41 percent of them have smartphones while the rest use simple feature phones. Salman said that the majority of people using feature phones is actually unbanked due to certain reasons while the financial inclusion can prove to be of utmost importance for them. VRG is working in this regard providing the customers a many-to-many business solution which enables them to open an account in any major bank by using a USSD code on their feature phone without internet.
Aftab Rizvi of Risk Associates, CEO FutaFut Imad Chishti, and Asif Riaz, Member Bank of Punjab also expressed their views on the occasion.
-----------------------------
My Services:
✓ Change or update website design
BRUSSELS: EU countries and lawmakers are set to agree on a common charging port for mobile phones, tablets and headphones on June 7 when they meet to discuss a proposal that has been fiercely criticised by Apple, people familiar with the matter said.
The proposal for a single mobile charging port was first broached by the EC more than a decade ago after iPhone and Android users complained about having to use different chargers for their phones. The former is charged from a Lightning cable while Android-based devices are powered using USB-C connectors.
The trilogue next Tuesday will be the second and likely the final one between EU countries and EU lawmakers on the topic, an indication of a strong push to get a deal done, the people said.
The EU lawmakers also want to include wireless charging systems to be harmonised by 2025, while the EU countries and the Commission want a longer lead-in period for technical reasons. Apple was not immediately available for comment. It has previously said the inappropriate use of dated international standards stifles innovation and that forcing users to change to new chargers could create a mountain of electronic waste.
---------------------
Published in Dawn, June 4th, 2022
KARACHI: The people in this country are on edge following the recent rise in the cost of fuel. And amid fears of further rise in fuel prices they are looking at all kinds of transportation alternatives. With a shortage of CNG anyway, the only option left for those wanting to own their own cars is the electric vehicle or EV.
EV sales are picking up all over the world now, and with several charging stations coming up at the petrol and CNG stations in Pakistan, too, the trend seems to be picking up here as well. But most electric vehicles, such as the Tesla, Audi, MG, BMW, etc, are high end or very expensive.
Still good things also come in small sizes. There is also the little Rinco Aria. A small car imported and distributed in Pakistan by Nayyer Motor Company. Available here for Rs2.4 million, the car is designed and engineered in the USA but assembled for Asia in China.
On the surface, the Rinco Aria looks like any other small ordinary sedan. It is a little bigger than the Suzuki Alto but around the same size as the Cultus or the Wagon R, which it can be better compared with because of its higher roof and nice roomy interior. Like any other regular car, it has the big halogen lights, 13-inch alloy rim tyres, power steering, parking sensors, rear camera, power windows, seatbelts and central locking. But you are in for a jolt when you open its hood or bonnet. Where is the engine?
PM urged to waive 10pc import duty to lower cost of cars
Well, this is not your usual car. The Rinco Aria has a lithium iron phosphate battery that is fixed under the car. When fully charged it does 200km in the economy or ‘eco mode’ where it won’t move at over 60km an hour, which is ideal for our city roads, and around 130km in the ‘sports mode’ at a higher speed.
The electronic display shows a battery just like the one in your smartphone display, telling you how much battery you have used and when to plug in the car for charging. You may plug it into a 2,300 unit outlet to charge it in five to six hours. And the pickup and acceleration of the Rinco Aria matches any 1,800CC car.
Of course, nothing lasts forever. The lithium iron phosphate battery has an approximate eight years of battery life. A new battery’s current cost is around US$1,600. But when compared to a normal car’s monthly fuel cost, which may be around Rs3,500 to 40,000 including oil change and filter change costs of Rs5,000 to Rs7,000, this car runs on Rs2 or 3 per km.
It has no such engine maintenance, no gears, too. Like all EVs, this car, too, has an automatic transmission system. You may only need to service its air conditioner filter once a year. There is a three-year warranty for all its parts and electricals, which will also remain available with its importers Nayyer Motor Company.
A lover, collector and restorer of vintage and classic cars, the importer of Rinco Aria, Razi Nayyer told Dawn that he had initially imported 20 vehicles to test the market here. Now with all those having been sold rather quickly, he has ordered 80 more. It is available in seven colours along with the dual tone options of another colour roof and pillars.
“There is a huge need for electric vehicles now,” said Nayyer. “The skyrocketing of fuel prices was always expected and not just here but all over the world. That is why there has been much research carried out for alternatives in the West, especially in the US. My objective, my drive, to introduce this little family car in Pakistan was not to make money but to serve the people of this country,” he said.
He added that the vehicle costs Rs2,400,000 at the moment because of the 10 per cent import duty of Rs455,000 slapped on it by the previous government.
“I appeal to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to waive this duty as it will automatically lower the cost of the car to make it more affordable for the masses. Also, since it is not a luxury car but just four wheels for the common man, please also allow its import into Pakistan. It will only help the economy because we are spending so much of our foreign exchange on fuel,” he pointed out.
He added: “The fuel you may run out of, sooner or later, but electricity you will always have because if nothing else there is the bright sun shining over your head to ensure that. There is also wind and water to generate electricity from so the future is electric and the future is here.”
-----------------
Published in Dawn, May 30th, 2022
Saturday, 4 June 2022
Dir, JUN 4: Former prime minister and PTI Chairman Imran Khan on Saturday asked the “neutrals” why they did not defend the country against the “conspiracy” to oust his government and reiterated that fair and transparent elections were the “only way out” of the crises the country was facing.
Addressing a huge rally in Dir, he said, “We ask the neutrals … when your work is to defend the country and it was discovered that this cipher had come and [US Assistant Secretary of State for Central and South Asia] Donald Lu told our ambassador to oust Imran Khan … when the National Security Committee (NSC) said interference happened and issued a demarche to the US, was it not the work of those whose job it is to defend the country to stop this conspiracy instead of being neutral?”
Imran has claimed that a US-backed regime change was the reason his government was ousted. He has called for sacking Lu, who he accuses of telling Pakistan’s former ambassador to the US, Asad Majeed, that a failure to remove the PTI government through a no-confidence vote would herald “consequences” for Pakistan.
During his address today, the PTI chairman also lashed out at incumbent Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and asked him why he had “participated” in the conspiracy if he could not govern.
At the start of his speech, Imran appreciated the crowd’s enthusiasm, telling them he had decided to start the rally early when he came to know the ground had been filled by 2:30pm.
He claimed that the US, Israel and India were involved in the conspiracy to oust his government and “impose” Shehbaz on the country not because the incumbent prime minister had “any capabilities but because he would obey all orders from his masters”.
Shehbaz had taken the first order from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) by raising the prices of fuel and electricity, he said, alleging that the US was behind the move.
“He (Shehbaz) increased inflation so much. No one who has any humanity could do this. He increased the prices of petrol … by Rs60.”
Imran alleged that the IMF had also pressured his government to increase fuel and electricity prices by Rs10 but he had instead decreased them by Rs10 per litre and Rs4 per unit, respectively. “Imran will live and die in Pakistan. He does not bow before anyone.”
The PTI government wanted to protect the people from the impact of global inflation, he said.
“When prices are raised, salaried people cannot afford monthly expenses. Everything becomes expensive such as transport and school fees. That is why we had [maintained fuel prices] to protect people.”
Govt ousted to ‘impose US puppets’
Highlighting his government’s performance, Imran said that during his tenure, tax collection reached a record level, two crops saw record yields for two years, average income increased from Rs16,180 to Rs26,300, and health insurance and Ehsaas social security programmes were introduced.
“Imran Khan’s wealth and businesses are not abroad. He will live and die in Pakistan but the imported government leaders, Asif Ali Zardari, Shehbaz Sharif and Nawaz Sharif’s wealth is outside the country. Their looted money is abroad.”
He added that previous governments of the PPP and the PML-N were ousted because of corruption but his government was removed on the pretext of inflation. However, the real reason for the PTI government’s removal was so “US puppets” could be imposed, he claimed.
The PTI chairman then criticised Shehbaz, amid loud cheers and slogans of thief, saying that the incumbent premier looked “worried and afraid” nowadays.
“I want to ask you, Shehbaz Sharif, if you could not govern, why did you do this conspiracy?” he questioned. “They (the coalition government) are saying everything happened because of Imran Khan. Then you should have let Imran Khan remain in power.”
When the previous PML-N government completed its tenure in 2018, fiscal deficit and circular debt were at a record high but the PTI government lifted the country out of difficult situations, the ex-premier said.
“Do not run away or go to Turkey. Work here,” he said, while addressing Shehbaz. “Does Shehbaz go to office at 7am to carry out the economic murder of the masses? Shehbaz’s work [as chief minister] was done only through advertisements.”
He claimed that the then-opposition had come to power only to save themselves. He welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision to take suo motu notice of perceived interference in criminal proceedings and said the entire country was waiting to see if only petty thieves were sent to prison or “big dacoits” also went to jail.
“They were brought to power because corrupt people cannot take a stand for national interests,” he alleged.
‘Country in danger’
Imran said the country had been on a downwards trajectory since the PML-N-led coalition government came to power and noted that while inflation had risen, the rupee and foreign exchange reserves had fallen.
The country was in danger, he warned and added that as per the National Security Policy that was unveiled during the PTI government, the army alone could not protect the country unless its economy was also strong.
“The Soviet Union was a power that rivalled the US but when its economy went down, it broke into pieces. If leaders like me do not tell [the nation] where the country is going, we will make a mistake.”
The incumbent government had crushed the people in a month, he said, reiterating his demand for early elections.
“There is only way out — fair and transparent elections. Entire Pakistan is ready for elections and wants this imported government [to go] … Pakistan’s people should be allowed to decide the government they want. The US, Israel and India should not make this decision.”
The PTI chairman also accused the incumbent government of “colluding” with the Election Commission of Pakistan to “steal the elections”.
He urged the youth to stand up against the “American puppets”, saying history would not forgive them if they failed to do so.
---------------------------
COURTESY DAWN NEWS
Social Media
Search