ISLAMABAD:
Diabetes is something your grandmother gets, not your child, right? Wrong. Experts are alarmed that more and more Pakistani children are showing up at their clinics with an inability to produce insulin, the bodily chemical that helps you process calories.
People with type 1 diabetes, who do not make insulin, can become very ill without insulin shots.
A small unit at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad (PIMS) is treating children with juvenile diabetes.
“The first case we received was in 2008 and today 350 small children are under our supervision,” said PIMS head of paediatrics Dr Gulbin. “The numbers are increasing rapidly.”
Lahore-based child specialist Dr Hamayun Iqbal is also worried. “Because of a lack of proper statistics we are unaware of the exact numbers of children who are suffering diabetes in the country,” he said.
Dr Gulbin of PIMS said that they had even heard reports that children in villages around Rawalpindi and Islamabad had died simply because their parents were clueless about the secret condition. “Poor parents who come from villages far away from city centres have a difficult time managing the treatment because the price of insulin is high,” she said. At least three pharmaceutical brands supply insulin and the cost is about Rs500 for 100 units.
Some of the symptoms that can alert parents are increased thirst and frequent urination, extreme hunger, weight loss, blurred vision or fatigue.
Dr Iqbal said that it is not completely clear what causes type 1 diabetes.
But scientists do know that in such people the body’s immune system that normally fights harmful bacteria and viruses mistakenly destroys the insulin-producing (islet) cells in the pancreas. “Genetics may play a role,” he added, “as can exposure to certain viruses.”
Given that parents aren’t mostly aware of the condition, schools can help spread information.
“We have one student MR, nine years old, who studies in class 4 and has diabetes,” said Col (retd) Syed Javed Shah, the principal of Army Public School, FWO Rawalpindi. “Every teacher and related staff have already been briefed on how to take care of the child. We have an SOP on how to deal with an emergency.”
Paying through the nose
A 2007 study by Karachi’s Aga Khan University Hospital, discovered that 18 per cent of total family income was spent on diabetes care for the poorest people who had a patient in the house. The study was done in six out-patients clinics in Karachi with 345 people. The annual average cost came to Rs11,580 or $197. Medicines accounted for the largest share of direct cost (46%), followed by laboratory investigations (32%).
Less teeth
A 2009 study by experts by the Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm and the Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine, Karachi, found that diabetes has had a strongly negative influence on oral health: diabetic patients have fewer teeth, more plaque, and a higher prevalence of moderate to severe periodontal disease than non-diabetics.
Guess who is more vulnerable?
In a study published in Diabetic Medicine, in 2004, experts from Tufts University in Boston and AKU found that ethnicity needed to be explored. Data from 9,442 individuals over 15 years of age from the National Health Survey of Pakistan (1990-1994) were analysed. The prevalence of diabetes varied, being highest among the Muhajirs (men 5.7%, women 7.9%), then Punjabis (men 4.6%, women 7.2%), Sindhis (men 5.1%, women 4.8%), Pashtuns (men 3.0%, women 3.8%), and lowest among the Baloch (men 2.9%, women 2.6%).
Showing posts with label city. Show all posts
Showing posts with label city. Show all posts
Monday, November 15, 2010
We didn’t ask Pakistan to hike power tariff: IMF
SLAMABAD:
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said that it has not asked Pakistan to increase electricity tariff as this is something the country has to decide itself. “The IMF has only asked Pakistan to solve the issues related to the energy crisis in consultation with the World Bank and the IMF,” it said.
The IMF authorities have maintained that the introduction of the RGST bill in parliament marks the start of implementation of conditions agreed with the Fund and that they have told the Pakistani officials that the step has strengthened their hand.
They said the IMF review mission will recommend issuing the next tranche to Pakistan in its report. However, presentation of the RGST bill in parliament will not suffice as it will also have to be implemented in order for Islamabad to qualify for the $1.7b loan installment.
A senior IMF official, while talking to Express, rejected the notion that Pakistan was increasing the electricity tariff to fulfill the demands of the Fund. He said the Fund has only asked Islamabad to sit with the two Brettonwood institutions to solve the power sector problems while increase in the electricity tariff was its own issue.
He pointed out that the IMF has no expertise in power sector and whatever is needed to be done is Pakistan’s own decision. He said that IMF only identifies problems in its capacity as a donor.
When approached, finance secretary Salman Siddiqi endorsed the IMF’s standpoint and said that the reformed GST has been presented in parliament and, since under the law a mini bill has to be approved within 14 days, the standing committee of the Senate will present its report in 14 days followed by its expected approval. He said the meeting of the Senate’s standing committee on finance will be held on November 22 and it will review the text of the RGST bill.
Replying to a question he said that if the RGST bill is approved by the parliament before December 5, a staff report can be circulated within the stipulated period of 12 days for the provision of $1.7 b tranche and Pakistan’s case can be presented in the meeting of the executive board of the IMF which is due on December 17.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said that it has not asked Pakistan to increase electricity tariff as this is something the country has to decide itself. “The IMF has only asked Pakistan to solve the issues related to the energy crisis in consultation with the World Bank and the IMF,” it said.
The IMF authorities have maintained that the introduction of the RGST bill in parliament marks the start of implementation of conditions agreed with the Fund and that they have told the Pakistani officials that the step has strengthened their hand.
They said the IMF review mission will recommend issuing the next tranche to Pakistan in its report. However, presentation of the RGST bill in parliament will not suffice as it will also have to be implemented in order for Islamabad to qualify for the $1.7b loan installment.
A senior IMF official, while talking to Express, rejected the notion that Pakistan was increasing the electricity tariff to fulfill the demands of the Fund. He said the Fund has only asked Islamabad to sit with the two Brettonwood institutions to solve the power sector problems while increase in the electricity tariff was its own issue.
He pointed out that the IMF has no expertise in power sector and whatever is needed to be done is Pakistan’s own decision. He said that IMF only identifies problems in its capacity as a donor.
When approached, finance secretary Salman Siddiqi endorsed the IMF’s standpoint and said that the reformed GST has been presented in parliament and, since under the law a mini bill has to be approved within 14 days, the standing committee of the Senate will present its report in 14 days followed by its expected approval. He said the meeting of the Senate’s standing committee on finance will be held on November 22 and it will review the text of the RGST bill.
Replying to a question he said that if the RGST bill is approved by the parliament before December 5, a staff report can be circulated within the stipulated period of 12 days for the provision of $1.7 b tranche and Pakistan’s case can be presented in the meeting of the executive board of the IMF which is due on December 17.
Govt in a fix over RGST Bill passage
ISLAMABAD - The PPP-led ruling coalition seems to be in a fix to get the IMF sponsored Reformed General Sales Tax(RGST) Bill passed by the apparently divisive Parliament in order to secure $1.6 billion under the IMF’s Standby Loan Agreement Programme.
Well-placed parliamentary sources told TheNation on Sunday that PPP’s two important coalition partners, the MQM and the ANP, were reluctant to budge from their respective positions in the crucial meeting of NA Standing Committee on Finance headed by PPP Central Information Secretary Fouzia Wahab which is expected to meet soon after Eid-ul-Azha.
The committee would discuss and evolve consensus over the proposed RGST Bill, which seeks 15 per cent tax to fulfil the IMF conditions. Sources expected similar opposition from PPP allies in the Senate as well.
They were of the view that PPP’s move actually aimed at evolving the due consensus over the proposed RGST Bill as soon as possible so that it could be presented in the National Assembly during the next session.
However, informed sources were not much optimistic that PPP would be able to get the proposed bill (that many believed would give phenomenal boost to inflation in the country) passed in the given situation in the Parliament.
“It looks an uphill task that the PPP could pass the bill without the support of its coalition partners especially the opposition parties are severely against it”, sources said.
Some of them were of the view that the PPP was not serious in getting the proposed Bill passed and just sought to kill time to secure the badly needed IMF’s sixth tranche to surmount the given economic challenges faced by the country.
Few took serious exception to the statements of some PPP ministers that financial resources to be generated through RGST would be spent to mitigate the sufferings of 20 million flood-affected people.
“This is a cruel joke with the flood victims”, a source told TheNation on anonymity, adding the government had been deferring levying of GST since the Fiscal Budget 2010-2011, and now IMF is reluctant to release the 6th instalment until the PPP-led government fulfils it commitment with regard to imposition of RGST as well as power sector reforms.
Well-placed parliamentary sources told TheNation on Sunday that PPP’s two important coalition partners, the MQM and the ANP, were reluctant to budge from their respective positions in the crucial meeting of NA Standing Committee on Finance headed by PPP Central Information Secretary Fouzia Wahab which is expected to meet soon after Eid-ul-Azha.
The committee would discuss and evolve consensus over the proposed RGST Bill, which seeks 15 per cent tax to fulfil the IMF conditions. Sources expected similar opposition from PPP allies in the Senate as well.
They were of the view that PPP’s move actually aimed at evolving the due consensus over the proposed RGST Bill as soon as possible so that it could be presented in the National Assembly during the next session.
However, informed sources were not much optimistic that PPP would be able to get the proposed bill (that many believed would give phenomenal boost to inflation in the country) passed in the given situation in the Parliament.
“It looks an uphill task that the PPP could pass the bill without the support of its coalition partners especially the opposition parties are severely against it”, sources said.
Some of them were of the view that the PPP was not serious in getting the proposed Bill passed and just sought to kill time to secure the badly needed IMF’s sixth tranche to surmount the given economic challenges faced by the country.
Few took serious exception to the statements of some PPP ministers that financial resources to be generated through RGST would be spent to mitigate the sufferings of 20 million flood-affected people.
“This is a cruel joke with the flood victims”, a source told TheNation on anonymity, adding the government had been deferring levying of GST since the Fiscal Budget 2010-2011, and now IMF is reluctant to release the 6th instalment until the PPP-led government fulfils it commitment with regard to imposition of RGST as well as power sector reforms.
LPG prices up by Rs8/kg before Eid
ISLAMABAD – Taking advantage of the Eid ul Azha, the LPG mafia in Pakistan has dropped another inflationary bomb on the helpless consumer by increasing the price of gas by Rs 8 per kg while price of the product in the international market is unchanged.
Marring Eid happiness of the poor people, profiteers and black marketers while actively taking advantage of the rising inflation have upped price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) by Rs 8 per kilogram without any notification by OGRA.
The recent price hike of LPG by the gas mafia will hit domestic consumers directly and would increase their economic burden.
According to LPG Distributors Association, at present after an unjust raise of Rs 8 per kg, the domestic cylinder price has been increased to Rs 100 and price of commercial cylinder has been raised to Rs 400. In Azad Jammu and Kashmir particularly in Muzaffarabad and Federally Administered Tribal Areas, LPG is being sold at Rs 150 per kg.
Chairman LPG Distributors Association, Irfan Khokhar, while criticising this unfair raise in LPG price, has declared it an irrational and unjustified. He categorically termed it an inflation bomb on the poor nation. He informed that after this raise in LPG prices, domestic cylinder would be available at Rs 1730 instead of Rs 1630 in Muzaffarabad, Kashmir and FATA.
He further said that a major raise of Rs 13 per kg was done in Lahore, as now domestic cylinder would be available at Rs 1390 instead of Rs 1294. He also informed that in Murree and Islamabad, this raise would be Rs 130 per kg. As a result, domestic cylinder would be available at Rs 1510. He further said that in Karachi, the domestic cylinder would be sold at Rs 1054.
Strongly criticising the present hike in LPG price, LPG Distributors Association has warned that if Chairman OGRA did not control this price of gas, they would hold a countrywide strike on November 25.
Marring Eid happiness of the poor people, profiteers and black marketers while actively taking advantage of the rising inflation have upped price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) by Rs 8 per kilogram without any notification by OGRA.
The recent price hike of LPG by the gas mafia will hit domestic consumers directly and would increase their economic burden.
According to LPG Distributors Association, at present after an unjust raise of Rs 8 per kg, the domestic cylinder price has been increased to Rs 100 and price of commercial cylinder has been raised to Rs 400. In Azad Jammu and Kashmir particularly in Muzaffarabad and Federally Administered Tribal Areas, LPG is being sold at Rs 150 per kg.
Chairman LPG Distributors Association, Irfan Khokhar, while criticising this unfair raise in LPG price, has declared it an irrational and unjustified. He categorically termed it an inflation bomb on the poor nation. He informed that after this raise in LPG prices, domestic cylinder would be available at Rs 1730 instead of Rs 1630 in Muzaffarabad, Kashmir and FATA.
He further said that a major raise of Rs 13 per kg was done in Lahore, as now domestic cylinder would be available at Rs 1390 instead of Rs 1294. He also informed that in Murree and Islamabad, this raise would be Rs 130 per kg. As a result, domestic cylinder would be available at Rs 1510. He further said that in Karachi, the domestic cylinder would be sold at Rs 1054.
Strongly criticising the present hike in LPG price, LPG Distributors Association has warned that if Chairman OGRA did not control this price of gas, they would hold a countrywide strike on November 25.
Hajj scam: FIA given three-day remand
ISLAMABAD:
A special court in Islamabad on Sunday gave a three-day extension in physical remand of former director-general Hajj Rao Shakil who is allegedly involved in irregularities to the tune of billions of rupees.
Shakil was brought to the special court by head of the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) Shujja Naveed Yousufzai. The SIU had sought a seven-day physical remand of the accused but the magistrate did not accept FIA’s plea, giving only three days to the agency to hold the accused.
On Saturday, FIA arrested Rao Shakil and a senior official, Adil Morkar, accusing them of being involved in massive financial irregularities in Hajj affairs.
A senior official of FIA’s Crime Circle said: “The DG Hajj hired more expensive rooms in connivance with junior staff as well as property dealers in Makkah and Madina incurring a loss of Rs1 billion to the national exchequer.”
FIA’s crime circle continued to mount raids to apprehend various officials involved in irregularities in the Hajj ministry.
Meanwhile, the FIA is learnt to have shifted director of the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) Abdul Malick, believed to be involved in importing substandard wheat, to Karachi for further investigation.
The TCP director, FIA Director-General Waseem Ahmad said, allegedly imported 230,000 tons of wheat which later was sold at a higher price to millers.
A special court in Islamabad on Sunday gave a three-day extension in physical remand of former director-general Hajj Rao Shakil who is allegedly involved in irregularities to the tune of billions of rupees.
Shakil was brought to the special court by head of the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) Shujja Naveed Yousufzai. The SIU had sought a seven-day physical remand of the accused but the magistrate did not accept FIA’s plea, giving only three days to the agency to hold the accused.
On Saturday, FIA arrested Rao Shakil and a senior official, Adil Morkar, accusing them of being involved in massive financial irregularities in Hajj affairs.
A senior official of FIA’s Crime Circle said: “The DG Hajj hired more expensive rooms in connivance with junior staff as well as property dealers in Makkah and Madina incurring a loss of Rs1 billion to the national exchequer.”
FIA’s crime circle continued to mount raids to apprehend various officials involved in irregularities in the Hajj ministry.
Meanwhile, the FIA is learnt to have shifted director of the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) Abdul Malick, believed to be involved in importing substandard wheat, to Karachi for further investigation.
The TCP director, FIA Director-General Waseem Ahmad said, allegedly imported 230,000 tons of wheat which later was sold at a higher price to millers.
Quake jolts upper parts of country
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s upper areas including Islamabad and Peshawar felt tremors of earthquake at 0551am and 0553am this morning, Geo News reported Monday.
According to Karachi’s Seismic Center, the upper areas of the country including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur, Swat and Mardan were jolted by earthquake at 0551am.
These tremors were felt also in Parachinar, Khyber Agency, Kurram Agency and Orakzai and Malakand agencies and Afghanistan provinces of Nangarhar, Paktia and Khost.
According to Karachi’s Seismic Monitoring center, the 5.0-magnitude quake had its epicenter 119 kilometers northwest of Peshawar.
Earlier at 0103am, various areas in Chitral and Swat also felt the tremors with magnitude 4 at Richter Scale.
The epicenter was 74 kilometers northeast from Chitral at 10-kilometer depth. The people came out of their houses in panic; however, no report regarding untoward incident was received thus far.
According to Karachi’s Seismic Center, the upper areas of the country including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur, Swat and Mardan were jolted by earthquake at 0551am.
These tremors were felt also in Parachinar, Khyber Agency, Kurram Agency and Orakzai and Malakand agencies and Afghanistan provinces of Nangarhar, Paktia and Khost.
According to Karachi’s Seismic Monitoring center, the 5.0-magnitude quake had its epicenter 119 kilometers northwest of Peshawar.
Earlier at 0103am, various areas in Chitral and Swat also felt the tremors with magnitude 4 at Richter Scale.
The epicenter was 74 kilometers northeast from Chitral at 10-kilometer depth. The people came out of their houses in panic; however, no report regarding untoward incident was received thus far.
Terror funds come from outside Pakistan: Holbrooke
ISLAMABAD: US Special Envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke has said that his country is working on a transition strategy in Afghanistan by starting a phased withdrawal of its troops from the country in July 2011.
He said the withdrawal process of combat troops from Afghanistan would begin in July next year and would be completed in four years in a phased manner, adding the process of withdrawal was not an exit strategy, but a transition strategy.
Speaking in a roundtable discussion arranged by Radio Pakistan here on Sunday, he said the United States had committed a mistake by abandoning Pakistan and Afghanistan after the Soviet withdrawal from the region in 1989, but it would not repeat the mistake. “We want to return full sovereignty to people and government of Afghanistan.”
He said there would be a summit of Nato countries next week in Lisbon that would be attended by President Barack Obama and President Hamid Karzai. Holbrooke said the US and other countries, including Pakistan, supported the government of President Karzai, and Taliban would have to live with this reality.
He said sources of funding for terrorists and militants came from outside Pakistan and through extortion of Nato supply convoys, adding the funding of terrorism was a serious issue and “we are addressing it”. Holbrooke said he would make announcements at the meeting of the Pakistan Development Forum (PDF) today (Monday) to demonstrate absolute commitment of the US for assistance to Pakistan.
He said the United States had so far provided about half-a-billion assistance to Pakistan so that it could cope with the aftermath of the devastating floods. To a question, he said the PDF meeting was not a pledging session, but the friends of Pakistan would listen to the priorities of the government and discuss plans.
He said 60 percent of $5.3 billion pledges made at the Tokyo meeting of the Friends of Democratic Pakistan had been materialised so far. The US special envoy appreciated the democratic government of Pakistan for initiating the difficult decision to table pieces of legislation in the National Assembly for imposition of the flood tax and Reformed General Sales Tax. He said the world would assist Pakistan in addressing the challenge posed by the floods, but mobilisation of domestic resources would send a positive signal to the outside world that the country was serious in helping itself.
He said Pakistan was one of the most under-taxed countries in the world, and it was the obligation of the rich to contribute from their income to mitigate sufferings of the people in distress.
He said the US had worked to bridge the trust deficit with Pakistan and the leadership of the two countries had personal rapport. Holbrooke said he was personally aware of the enormous sacrifices made by the Pakistan Army in the war against terror in difficult terrains like Waziristan, Swat, Fata, Dir and Buner.
Asked whether the US support to India’s bid to seek the UN Security Council seat will be unhelpful in reducing tension between Pakistan and India, he said the US favoured greater understanding between the two countries.
“The US leadership has repeatedly stated that the two countries should work out their differences. The ability of the United States to talk freely and candidly with both Pakistan and India will help resolve the issues.”
He said Pakistan and Afghanistan would have to cooperate to resolve the issue of terrorism. “If Pakistan wishes to play a role in the process of reconciliation in Afghanistan, it would be welcomed,” he added. To a question, Holbrooke said the operation in North Waziristan would be a tactical decision to be made by the Pakistan Army and the government. “At the moment, Pakistan Army feels that it does not have the resources for the purpose,” he added.
Meanwhile, Richard Holbrooke called on Finance Minister Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh and discussed matters of mutual interest with special focus on the meeting of the Pakistan Development Forum. Holbrooke assured the minister of the US support for the development activities for the uplift of economy and benefit of the people of Pakistan.
He said the withdrawal process of combat troops from Afghanistan would begin in July next year and would be completed in four years in a phased manner, adding the process of withdrawal was not an exit strategy, but a transition strategy.
Speaking in a roundtable discussion arranged by Radio Pakistan here on Sunday, he said the United States had committed a mistake by abandoning Pakistan and Afghanistan after the Soviet withdrawal from the region in 1989, but it would not repeat the mistake. “We want to return full sovereignty to people and government of Afghanistan.”
He said there would be a summit of Nato countries next week in Lisbon that would be attended by President Barack Obama and President Hamid Karzai. Holbrooke said the US and other countries, including Pakistan, supported the government of President Karzai, and Taliban would have to live with this reality.
He said sources of funding for terrorists and militants came from outside Pakistan and through extortion of Nato supply convoys, adding the funding of terrorism was a serious issue and “we are addressing it”. Holbrooke said he would make announcements at the meeting of the Pakistan Development Forum (PDF) today (Monday) to demonstrate absolute commitment of the US for assistance to Pakistan.
He said the United States had so far provided about half-a-billion assistance to Pakistan so that it could cope with the aftermath of the devastating floods. To a question, he said the PDF meeting was not a pledging session, but the friends of Pakistan would listen to the priorities of the government and discuss plans.
He said 60 percent of $5.3 billion pledges made at the Tokyo meeting of the Friends of Democratic Pakistan had been materialised so far. The US special envoy appreciated the democratic government of Pakistan for initiating the difficult decision to table pieces of legislation in the National Assembly for imposition of the flood tax and Reformed General Sales Tax. He said the world would assist Pakistan in addressing the challenge posed by the floods, but mobilisation of domestic resources would send a positive signal to the outside world that the country was serious in helping itself.
He said Pakistan was one of the most under-taxed countries in the world, and it was the obligation of the rich to contribute from their income to mitigate sufferings of the people in distress.
He said the US had worked to bridge the trust deficit with Pakistan and the leadership of the two countries had personal rapport. Holbrooke said he was personally aware of the enormous sacrifices made by the Pakistan Army in the war against terror in difficult terrains like Waziristan, Swat, Fata, Dir and Buner.
Asked whether the US support to India’s bid to seek the UN Security Council seat will be unhelpful in reducing tension between Pakistan and India, he said the US favoured greater understanding between the two countries.
“The US leadership has repeatedly stated that the two countries should work out their differences. The ability of the United States to talk freely and candidly with both Pakistan and India will help resolve the issues.”
He said Pakistan and Afghanistan would have to cooperate to resolve the issue of terrorism. “If Pakistan wishes to play a role in the process of reconciliation in Afghanistan, it would be welcomed,” he added. To a question, Holbrooke said the operation in North Waziristan would be a tactical decision to be made by the Pakistan Army and the government. “At the moment, Pakistan Army feels that it does not have the resources for the purpose,” he added.
Meanwhile, Richard Holbrooke called on Finance Minister Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh and discussed matters of mutual interest with special focus on the meeting of the Pakistan Development Forum. Holbrooke assured the minister of the US support for the development activities for the uplift of economy and benefit of the people of Pakistan.
Special Eid Security plan devised for Capital
ISLAMABAD, Nov 15 (APP): Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police have finalized a comprehensive security plan for the eve of Eid-ul-Azha and also augmented the security at public places, worship places and other important buildings to thwart any untoward incident. Inspector General of Police (IGP) Syed Kaleem Imam has directed the police to remain on high alert and fully prepared to avert any untoward situation during Eid days.
According to the security plan, more than 2500 policemen would patrol various sectors to check possible house burglaries during Eid holidays.
Senior Superintendent of Police Islamabad Tahir Alam Khan said that there are 609 Masajids and 36 Imambargahs which will be covered by armed guards and policemen during Eid ul Azha prayers.
He said the policemen would also patrol in the various sectors and police in-charges of circles would ensure proper security at the Eid congregations in various locations.
More than 300 policemen would be only deputed for the security at Faisal Mosque on Eid day while walk through gates and scanners would be installed as a pert of security measure.
“Sub-Divisional Police Officers and Station House Officers would be responsible of the security around worship places. They may be provided additional force on their request for the effective patrolling and security at Eid congregations in various sectors,” he maintained.
District Magistrate Islamabad has been also requested to depute Duty Magistrate who will approach CDA and Hospital Authorities for the provision of fire brigade vehicles and Ambulances with their staff.
Interior Ministry has issued special directions to Islamabad police to remain on high alert and fully prepared and vigilant to avert any untoward situation in the capital during Eid days, the sources maintained.
Duty rosters have been prepared by the in-charges of police stations and policemen would patrol in various sectors during day and night timings to check house burglaries and ensure protection to properties during Eid holidays.
The mobile officers and police guard posted at Mosques, Imambargahs, public/picnic places will take notice of the beggars hovering around the premises and will take legal action against them.
Special focus is to ensure safety to properties and stop frequent incidents of theft and car lifting during Eid holidays. As a part of security measures, police pickets would be erected at all important entry and exit points for checking of vehicles.
The mobile patrols and squads of Islamabad Traffic Police would also remain present in markets, shopping plazas and also at prominent points during Eid congregations. Bomb disposal squad will remain available at short notice and all public places, parks, play grounds will be kept under strict vigilance and security cover, the sources maintained.
Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) on special directions of SSP (Traffic) Dr. Moeen Masood has made a special deployment plan and markets as well as shopping areas will be manned by traffic officials to regulate the traffic and ensure planned parking.
Traffic deployment in shopping areas, markets will be augmented while the patrol cars and pairs will patrol in their respective areas to facilitate the general public.
According to the security plan, more than 2500 policemen would patrol various sectors to check possible house burglaries during Eid holidays.
Senior Superintendent of Police Islamabad Tahir Alam Khan said that there are 609 Masajids and 36 Imambargahs which will be covered by armed guards and policemen during Eid ul Azha prayers.
He said the policemen would also patrol in the various sectors and police in-charges of circles would ensure proper security at the Eid congregations in various locations.
More than 300 policemen would be only deputed for the security at Faisal Mosque on Eid day while walk through gates and scanners would be installed as a pert of security measure.
“Sub-Divisional Police Officers and Station House Officers would be responsible of the security around worship places. They may be provided additional force on their request for the effective patrolling and security at Eid congregations in various sectors,” he maintained.
District Magistrate Islamabad has been also requested to depute Duty Magistrate who will approach CDA and Hospital Authorities for the provision of fire brigade vehicles and Ambulances with their staff.
Interior Ministry has issued special directions to Islamabad police to remain on high alert and fully prepared and vigilant to avert any untoward situation in the capital during Eid days, the sources maintained.
Duty rosters have been prepared by the in-charges of police stations and policemen would patrol in various sectors during day and night timings to check house burglaries and ensure protection to properties during Eid holidays.
The mobile officers and police guard posted at Mosques, Imambargahs, public/picnic places will take notice of the beggars hovering around the premises and will take legal action against them.
Special focus is to ensure safety to properties and stop frequent incidents of theft and car lifting during Eid holidays. As a part of security measures, police pickets would be erected at all important entry and exit points for checking of vehicles.
The mobile patrols and squads of Islamabad Traffic Police would also remain present in markets, shopping plazas and also at prominent points during Eid congregations. Bomb disposal squad will remain available at short notice and all public places, parks, play grounds will be kept under strict vigilance and security cover, the sources maintained.
Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) on special directions of SSP (Traffic) Dr. Moeen Masood has made a special deployment plan and markets as well as shopping areas will be manned by traffic officials to regulate the traffic and ensure planned parking.
Traffic deployment in shopping areas, markets will be augmented while the patrol cars and pairs will patrol in their respective areas to facilitate the general public.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
6 bootleggers held; 500 bottles recovered
ISLAMABAD – Officials of Aabpara Police Station have arrested six persons from G-7 Markaz and foiled a bid of bootlegging besides recovering 500 bottles of liquor, 500 empty bottles and 12 gallons along with distillery tools during a raid at a house in the same area.
The prompt action of Station House Office, Khalid Awan and his team comprising Sub-Inspector, Mushtaq, Yasir Waseem, Shahid Ahmed, and Zulfiqar arrested three persons, when they were shifting the liquor in a cab (BRH-176). After the investigation from these persons, it came to know that they were shifting this liquor to G-7.
Police team raided there and nabbed another three persons besides recovering huge amount of liquor and distillery equipment. These six nabbed persons are identified as Liaqat Maseeh s/o Malik Maseeh, Junaid Maseeh s/o Javed Maseeh, Jatan Maseeh s/o Kaka Maseeh, Gulraiz Maseeh, Zeeshan Maseeh s/o Barkat Maseeh, Zeesha Ghori s/o Gulshan Maseeh.
A total of 500 liquor bottles, 500 empty liquor bottles, 12 gallons and distillery equipment were recovered from the raided place and further investigation is under way from the nabbed persons.
Another special police team has been constituted to arrest notorious bootlegger, Gulshan Maseeh, who managed to escape during the raid of police. It may be mentioned that these wine sellers were not only involved in criminal activities of bootlegging but also putting the lives and health of the people at stake through selling poor quality wine.
The prompt action of Station House Office, Khalid Awan and his team comprising Sub-Inspector, Mushtaq, Yasir Waseem, Shahid Ahmed, and Zulfiqar arrested three persons, when they were shifting the liquor in a cab (BRH-176). After the investigation from these persons, it came to know that they were shifting this liquor to G-7.
Police team raided there and nabbed another three persons besides recovering huge amount of liquor and distillery equipment. These six nabbed persons are identified as Liaqat Maseeh s/o Malik Maseeh, Junaid Maseeh s/o Javed Maseeh, Jatan Maseeh s/o Kaka Maseeh, Gulraiz Maseeh, Zeeshan Maseeh s/o Barkat Maseeh, Zeesha Ghori s/o Gulshan Maseeh.
A total of 500 liquor bottles, 500 empty liquor bottles, 12 gallons and distillery equipment were recovered from the raided place and further investigation is under way from the nabbed persons.
Another special police team has been constituted to arrest notorious bootlegger, Gulshan Maseeh, who managed to escape during the raid of police. It may be mentioned that these wine sellers were not only involved in criminal activities of bootlegging but also putting the lives and health of the people at stake through selling poor quality wine.
Seasonal butchers jump into cashing opportunity
ISLAMABAD, Nov 14 (APP): After seeing the lucrative charges of slaughtering the sacrificial animals, a number of seasonal butchers have started to set up their booking stalls in various parts of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.Many labourers, who did not find job due to Eid activities in these days, also adopt this profession for the time being to earn livelihood.Soon after the Eid prayers, they will leave towards the marked areas for slaughtering the animals.
“Even, labourers outside the Rawalpindi and Islamabad reach here to take benefit of this opportunity. Ninety percent non-professionals operate on this event,” butcher Hasnain Shah, who is associated with this profession for the last 10 years, told APP.
He said he himself has hired a group of eight persons from his native area in a bid to slaughter maximum number of animals.
Hasnain said, he was charging Rs. 1200 to 1500 to slaughter a goat or sheep, while Rs. 3000 to 5000 for a cow or bull, according to size of the sacrificial animals.
Hasnain, who claimed to be an expert butcher, said he take one hour time to slaughter a goat of any size and cut it into regular pieces. Besides, its team has the ability to prepare meat of a cow or bull within two-and-a-half hours time.
“Even, labourers outside the Rawalpindi and Islamabad reach here to take benefit of this opportunity. Ninety percent non-professionals operate on this event,” butcher Hasnain Shah, who is associated with this profession for the last 10 years, told APP.
He said he himself has hired a group of eight persons from his native area in a bid to slaughter maximum number of animals.
Hasnain said, he was charging Rs. 1200 to 1500 to slaughter a goat or sheep, while Rs. 3000 to 5000 for a cow or bull, according to size of the sacrificial animals.
Hasnain, who claimed to be an expert butcher, said he take one hour time to slaughter a goat of any size and cut it into regular pieces. Besides, its team has the ability to prepare meat of a cow or bull within two-and-a-half hours time.
Pakistan, Afghanistan urged to work jointly for security
Foreign Minister Qureshi says trouble in one country affects the other, stresses united efforts for peace and security in region
A two-day conference titled ‘Pakistan-Afghanistan: Towards Mutual Security, Stability and Trade’ concluded on Saturday with a consensus that Pakistan and Afghanistan should leave the past behind and strive together for a secure and prosperous future of their peoples.
Participants of the conference, organised by the Institute of Strategic Studies in collaboration with Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), recommended enhancing cross-border economic opportunities, more interaction between the two civil societies, better border management, ratification of Afghan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement, liberalisation of visa regimes, more educational and cultural contacts and harmonising of tariffs to curb informal trade between the two countries.
A two-day conference titled ‘Pakistan-Afghanistan: Towards Mutual Security, Stability and Trade’ concluded on Saturday with a consensus that Pakistan and Afghanistan should leave the past behind and strive together for a secure and prosperous future of their peoples.
Participants of the conference, organised by the Institute of Strategic Studies in collaboration with Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), recommended enhancing cross-border economic opportunities, more interaction between the two civil societies, better border management, ratification of Afghan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement, liberalisation of visa regimes, more educational and cultural contacts and harmonising of tariffs to curb informal trade between the two countries.
Security beefed up in capital
ISLAMABAD, Nov 13 (APP): An emergency meeting of Interior Ministry chaired by Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Saturday decided to further tighten security in the capital. The meeting decided to take further security steps for diplomatic zone and high security zone. It was decided that nobody would enter the high security zone without National Identity Card.
The meeting also decided to tighten surveillance of hostels of all Madaris (Seminaries) and keep record of visitor in guest book.
Checking of heavy vehicles would be further enhanced and no vehicle would be allowed to enter the capital without proper documents, the meeting decided.
Interior Minister Rehman Malik expressed satisfaction over security situation in the capital and appreciated efforts of law enforcement agencies.
He directed the IG Islamabad and Chief Commissioner to leave no stone unturned for the safety of lives and property of citizen.
The meeting also decided to tighten surveillance of hostels of all Madaris (Seminaries) and keep record of visitor in guest book.
Checking of heavy vehicles would be further enhanced and no vehicle would be allowed to enter the capital without proper documents, the meeting decided.
Interior Minister Rehman Malik expressed satisfaction over security situation in the capital and appreciated efforts of law enforcement agencies.
He directed the IG Islamabad and Chief Commissioner to leave no stone unturned for the safety of lives and property of citizen.
6 bootleggers held; 500 bottles recovered
ISLAMABAD – Officials of Aabpara Police Station have arrested six persons from G-7 Markaz and foiled a bid of bootlegging besides recovering 500 bottles of liquor, 500 empty bottles and 12 gallons along with distillery tools during a raid at a house in the same area.
The prompt action of Station House Office, Khalid Awan and his team comprising Sub-Inspector, Mushtaq, Yasir Waseem, Shahid Ahmed, and Zulfiqar arrested three persons, when they were shifting the liquor in a cab (BRH-176). After the investigation from these persons, it came to know that they were shifting this liquor to G-7.
Police team raided there and nabbed another three persons besides recovering huge amount of liquor and distillery equipment. These six nabbed persons are identified as Liaqat Maseeh s/o Malik Maseeh, Junaid Maseeh s/o Javed Maseeh, Jatan Maseeh s/o Kaka Maseeh, Gulraiz Maseeh, Zeeshan Maseeh s/o Barkat Maseeh, Zeesha Ghori s/o Gulshan Maseeh.
A total of 500 liquor bottles, 500 empty liquor bottles, 12 gallons and distillery equipment were recovered from the raided place and further investigation is under way from the nabbed persons.
Another special police team has been constituted to arrest notorious bootlegger, Gulshan Maseeh, who managed to escape during the raid of police. It may be mentioned that these wine sellers were not only involved in criminal activities of bootlegging but also putting the lives and health of the people at stake through selling poor quality wine.
The prompt action of Station House Office, Khalid Awan and his team comprising Sub-Inspector, Mushtaq, Yasir Waseem, Shahid Ahmed, and Zulfiqar arrested three persons, when they were shifting the liquor in a cab (BRH-176). After the investigation from these persons, it came to know that they were shifting this liquor to G-7.
Police team raided there and nabbed another three persons besides recovering huge amount of liquor and distillery equipment. These six nabbed persons are identified as Liaqat Maseeh s/o Malik Maseeh, Junaid Maseeh s/o Javed Maseeh, Jatan Maseeh s/o Kaka Maseeh, Gulraiz Maseeh, Zeeshan Maseeh s/o Barkat Maseeh, Zeesha Ghori s/o Gulshan Maseeh.
A total of 500 liquor bottles, 500 empty liquor bottles, 12 gallons and distillery equipment were recovered from the raided place and further investigation is under way from the nabbed persons.
Another special police team has been constituted to arrest notorious bootlegger, Gulshan Maseeh, who managed to escape during the raid of police. It may be mentioned that these wine sellers were not only involved in criminal activities of bootlegging but also putting the lives and health of the people at stake through selling poor quality wine.
Sadequain’s legendary works coming to Islamabad on 25th
ISLAMABAD: Sadequain – the artist, calligrapher, poet and thinker, who passed away at the age of 57 in 1987, is returning back to Islamabad through his monumental and legendary works.
This event is being jointly organised on 25 November (Thursday) by Gallery 6 in collaboration with Sadequain Foundation (SF) based in San Diego, California, USA. Gallery 6 has specially invited SF to launch two new books on Sadequain and exhibit collection of legendary calligraphies and other monumental illustrations and interpretations of poetry by Sadequain. An exhibition of 24 limited edition of oil on canvas giclee prints will also be a part of exhibition at the gallery. These giclee prints have been made in the USA and are high quality reproductions of the Master’s works including those that were painted by Sadequain while living in foreign countries and have never been seen or documented in Pakistan or elsewhere before. These giclee prints will be offered for sale at very reasonable price in pursuance of the Charter of the Foundation. All pieces of artwork offered by the SF are registered and copyright protected by the United States Library of Congress and they carry the Foundation’s seal, serial number and date.
Sadequain was responsible for the renaissance of Islamic Calligraphy in Pakistan by transforming the art of calligraphy into eye-catching pictorial images that translated the meaning of the script for even those who could not read. After Sadequain transformed the art of calligraphy into a mainstream art form, most of the known Pakistani artists have followed Sadequain and calligraphic art has now become a vibrant part of the art scene.
The book The Legend of Sadequain – Renaissance of Calligraphic Art in Pakistan is the first of its kind about Sadequain’s calligraphic art, presents biographical notes and a collection of over 160 calligraphic paintings by the legendary artist, including the picturesque verse, Sura-e-Rehman, referred to as the adornment of Quran.
The second book Mystic Expressions by Sadequain – an odyssey to exaltation with Ghalib, Iqbal, Faiz and Sadequain has illustrations/interpretations of poetry by the artist. The illustrations of Ghalib were done in 1968, of Faiz during the 1970s and 80s and of Iqbal during the 1980s. Sadequain was deeply interested in the issues that have challenged the best minds of the human race - the questions about the mysteries of the universe, meaning of life on our planet and beyond, role of human beings in the universe, freedom and self determination, survival and progress, and the fine line between reason and emotion - even in his poetry he deals with such issues.
The two books to be launched present a rich collection to document the related works of Sadequain.
This event is being jointly organised on 25 November (Thursday) by Gallery 6 in collaboration with Sadequain Foundation (SF) based in San Diego, California, USA. Gallery 6 has specially invited SF to launch two new books on Sadequain and exhibit collection of legendary calligraphies and other monumental illustrations and interpretations of poetry by Sadequain. An exhibition of 24 limited edition of oil on canvas giclee prints will also be a part of exhibition at the gallery. These giclee prints have been made in the USA and are high quality reproductions of the Master’s works including those that were painted by Sadequain while living in foreign countries and have never been seen or documented in Pakistan or elsewhere before. These giclee prints will be offered for sale at very reasonable price in pursuance of the Charter of the Foundation. All pieces of artwork offered by the SF are registered and copyright protected by the United States Library of Congress and they carry the Foundation’s seal, serial number and date.
Sadequain was responsible for the renaissance of Islamic Calligraphy in Pakistan by transforming the art of calligraphy into eye-catching pictorial images that translated the meaning of the script for even those who could not read. After Sadequain transformed the art of calligraphy into a mainstream art form, most of the known Pakistani artists have followed Sadequain and calligraphic art has now become a vibrant part of the art scene.
The book The Legend of Sadequain – Renaissance of Calligraphic Art in Pakistan is the first of its kind about Sadequain’s calligraphic art, presents biographical notes and a collection of over 160 calligraphic paintings by the legendary artist, including the picturesque verse, Sura-e-Rehman, referred to as the adornment of Quran.
The second book Mystic Expressions by Sadequain – an odyssey to exaltation with Ghalib, Iqbal, Faiz and Sadequain has illustrations/interpretations of poetry by the artist. The illustrations of Ghalib were done in 1968, of Faiz during the 1970s and 80s and of Iqbal during the 1980s. Sadequain was deeply interested in the issues that have challenged the best minds of the human race - the questions about the mysteries of the universe, meaning of life on our planet and beyond, role of human beings in the universe, freedom and self determination, survival and progress, and the fine line between reason and emotion - even in his poetry he deals with such issues.
The two books to be launched present a rich collection to document the related works of Sadequain.
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