ISLAMABAD: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mr. Qamar Zaman Kaira has said that the present government of PPP is determined to lead all efforts for the development of free and independent media in Pakistan and the government would continue to keep close coordination with journalist community.

He expressed these views while talking to a delegation of Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists PFUJ here in his offices. The PFUJ delegation was led by its president Mr. Pervaiz Shaukat. Issues of constitution of 8th Wage Board Award , non-implementation of 7th Wage Board Award, non payment of salaries to newspaper employees other problems faced by journalist community were discussed.

The delegation thanked the Minister for issuing orders for the constitution of 8th Wage Board Award and appreciated him for his journalist friendly policies. The delegation also included Shams ul Islam Naz, secretary PFUJ, Shehryar. NNI

ISLAMABAD: Quota system for admission to public sector educational institutes was introduced to create opportunities for students from rural areas or other left behind groups to catch up with the rest. However some have accused that quota system is misused by the more influential people of Pakistani society, while others are still supportive of it.

To find out how the public feels about such kind of quota system in educational institutions, a Gilani Research Foundation survey was carried out by Gallup Pakistan. According to this survey more than half of all Pakistanis (54%) believe that merit should be the only criteria for entry in all types of educational institutes and all reserved seats should be abolished as it deprives well-deserving, but perhaps from poor or less influential families. Twenty four percent (24%) are in the favor of such quota system where as 22% are unsure.

A nationally representative sample of men and women from across the country were asked “Some people believe that quota system in educational institutions should be abolished as it deprives intelligent students of good education. Whereas others think that quota system is justified and correct. In your opinion should there be a quota system?” majority (54%) claimed it is improper and hence should be abolished where as 24% of the respondents favour such quota system in educational institutes. Twenty two percent (22%) were unsure.

The data reveals that in the country as a whole, a proportionately higher percentage of urbanites (29%) as compared to the ruralites (21%) are in the favour of quota system. However rural Sindh is an exception where a comparatively higher percentage of respondents (36%) believe the quota system is justified and should be implemented in educational institutions.

“Some people believe that quota system in educational institutions should be abolished as it deprives intelligent students of good education. Whereas others think that quota system is justified and correct. In your opinion should there be a quota system?”

The study was released by Gilani foundation and carried out by Gallup Pakistan, the Pakistani affiliate of Gallup International. The latest survey was carried out among a sample of 2577 men and women in rural and urban areas of all four provinces of the country, during July 2009. Error margin is estimated to be approximately + 2-3 per cent at 95% confidence level. NNI

Islamabad: ACCA Pakistan held its first Annual Membership Ceremony at a local hotel in Islamabad to celebrate the remarkable achievements of ACCA members who have successfully completed their exams, professional experience requirements and a module on professionalism and ethics.

Federal Minister for Education, Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani was the chief guest of the ceremony while Ms Sabah Rashid, Financial Management Specialist, World Bank and ACCA member was the keynote speaker.

The evening commenced with welcome remarks by Mr Haroon Jan, Head of Business Development, ACCA Pakistan. He congratulated the new members on their success and lauded the contribution of their employers including PTCL, Mobilink, UN, WHO, SECP, A.F Ferguson Chartered Accountant & Co., Auditor General of Pakistan, KPMG Taseer Hadi & Co, Ford Rhodes Sidat Hyder & Co, Citi Bank N.A., Wateen Telecom (Pvt) Ltd., Telenor Pakistan (pvt) Ltd and ZONG, for providing them training and development opportunities which enabled them to fulfill the practical experience requirement of ACCA Qualification. Mr Haroon Jan added that, “There has never been a more crucial time for accountants to continue to show their true value. Over the last 18 months, as a systemic banking collapse has evolved into significant worldwide recession in many countries, a range of presumptions about accounting, organisations and society will be questioned – and we believe that the role of the accountant will emerge into a golden age as a champion of sustainable value in business.”

While congratulating the new ACCA members, Mr Bijarani, Federal Minister for Education said that, “I must commend ACCA for adopting a forward thinking approach in designing its curriculum as it ensures that its members perform to the best of their academic and professional abilities and also demonstrate high standards of professionalism and ethics” He added, “As a professional accountancy body, ACCA Pakistan has not just worked to benefit the profession but I see its endeavours closely aligned to the business benefit ensuring that its members enjoy the elevated repute of this professional accountancy body”.

In her keynote address, , Ms Sabah Rashid, Financial Management Specialist, World Bank said that “I can assure you, from my experience, that in line with its commitment to lifelong engagement with members, you will always find ACCA’s policies and initiatives highly important and relevant to your professional needs and aspirations.”

Later, certificates were presented to the successful members by the honorable chief guest and Mr Haroon Jan, followed by a dinner.

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Environment has announced Green Journalist Award for the working journalists to encourage them to play active role for raising awareness on environmental issues and to promote healthy competition among them for raising awareness on environmental issues. The Award would comprise an Acknowledgment Shield and varying amount of Cash Award for different categories.

These awards would be given on eve of the World Environment Day on June 05, however, as already announced (in the calendar of activities for the National Year of Environment 2009) excellence award would be given in December to the journalists showing good performance for highlighting the environmental issues during National Year of Environment 2009.

The Ministry of Environment has requested the journalists working on environment to furnish three (3) best entries of their published articles/ features, news, photograph and telecasted/ broadcasted news/documentaries regarding the environment during the period of the June 06, 2008 to May 15, 2009 through their organizations not latter than 21st of this month. The journalists may submit their entries to the Deputy Director (Media) of the Ministry in the Local Government and Rural Development Complex, G-5/2, Islamabad .

The Federal Minister for Environment Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi speaking in this connection has said that to bring a visible improvement in the rapidly deteriorating quality of air, water and land, to mitigate the effects of climate change, deforestation, industrial pollution, vehicular pollution, problems related to water and sanitation, solid waste management, energy conservation, rehabilitation of failing ecosystems, wetlands and other challenges in the Environment sector of Pakistan, it is necessary to create awareness in the general public and make them aware of the pressing concerns by dissemination of information on environmental degradation through means of mass communication particularly through print and electronic media.

The Minister said that the general trend in the past, the environment had been the least focused area in the media. That is why engaging media, in special reference to National Year of Environment, has become imperative to give proper coverage to environmental issues. NNI

ISLAMABAD: The 53rd Authority meeting of PEMRA Friday granted five (05) licenses for satellite TV channels which includes first ever satellite TV channel targeting Agriculture sector in Pakistan. The Authority also approved the licensing regime for satellite TV channel distribution at various public places such as airports and railway stations, a PEMRA statement said.

One license to SZABIST for establishing FM Radio station on non-commercial basis was also granted by the Authority. Besides, 395 licenses for cable TV and one permission for Landing Rights was conferred by the Authority in its 53rd meeting. The Authority also revoked six (06) licenses of cable TV and one (01) for satellite television.

The Authority also approved the proposal for capacity building of PEMRA officers, so that broadcast media in Pakistan could be regulated and promoted in befitting manner. The meeting was concluded with the resolve to take initiatives for the growth and stability of broadcast media in Pakistan.

The meeting was presided over by the Chairman, PEMRA. Other members of the Authority, present in the meeting were the Chairman FBR, Secretary for Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Secretary for Ministry of Interior, Chairman PTA, Chairman NEVTECH, Executive Member, PEMRA. NNI

ISLAMABAD: Allama Iqbal Open University’s Departments of Gender and Women Studies and Pakistani Languages is going to organize a two day “National Literary Conference” under the topic of “Women’s Role in Pakistani Literature” whose inaugural session will be held on today (11th May, 2009) at 9:30 am in University Auditorium.

Vice Chancellor of the University Prof. Dr. Mehmood-ul-Hasan Butt will preside over inaugural ceremony the event while Prof. Fateh Muhammad Malik, Rector International Islamic University and Prof. Dr. Saeeda Asad Ullah, Vice Chancellor Fatima Jinnah Women University will grace the event as Chief Guests.

Renowned scholars of different languages from all the four provinces of Pakistan will present their thesis on ‘Women’s Role in Pakistani Literature’ in the National Literary Conference which include Prof. Dr. Zenat Sana (Quetta), Dr. Fahmida Hussain (Karachi), Qayyum Bedar (Quetta), Dr. Sehar Imdad (Jamshoro), Dr. Tahir Tounsvi (Sargodha), Dr. Nusrat Nisar (Lahore), Dr. Nabila Umar (Lahore), Dr. Sughra Sadaf (Lahore), Dr. Salma Shaheen (Peshawar), Dr. Shazia Babar (Peshawar), Dr. Najeeba Arif (Islamabad) and Dr. Quratul Ain Tahira (Islamabad).

Second and third session of the conference shall be presided by renowned poet/writer and scholar Iftikhar Arif and Maqsood Ilahi while Kishwar Naheed and Shabnam Shakeel will be the chief guests. Deen, Faculty of Social Sciences Prof. Dr. Inam ul Haq Javeid and President Department of Gender and Women Studies Dr. Riffat Haq will also share their views on the topic. NNI

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that it is time to promote real image of Islam that has been damaged by some extremist elements as the society needs peace and harmony. He was addressing the launching ceremony of English Poetry Book “High Assembly of Sages”, written by Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission Sardar Aseff Ahmed Ali here on Friday.

The Prime Minister said the poet in a very light language touched the problems being faced by common man and has highlighted the problems of the society. He said as the poet belongs to the land of Bula Shah has talked from his heart in the languages of sufis and has covered all issues of the people and the country through his poetry.

The Prime Minister said this book soothes us as it grapples with serious subjects and it is not the kind of poetry which is written by critics for other literary critics. His book of poetry also reflects of the wide range of his thoughts and imagination. It touches us more because it covers contemporary subjects.

He said the poem “High Assembly of Sages” which is also the name of the book inspires us with its belief in mankind’s destiny to fulfill its promise. While paying tributes to the Poet, the Prime Minister said he talks about the major scientific currents of modern times such as the Human Genome Project and the Big Bang, but he is not overwhelmed by them.

Sardar Asif Ahmed Ali in his remarks said the poetry is language of heart and he highlights the sentiments of the people through the poetry in a light way that attracts those who want to solve their problems. NNI

ISLAMABAD: According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, majority of the Pakistanis (57%) believe their children should adopt a profession of their own preference instead of forcing them to pursue a career of their parents’ choice. However, medicine is parents’ most favorite profession for their children.

When the respondents were asked, “In your view, should children adopt a profession of their parents choice or their own liking?” most of the respondents (57%) said children should be able to choose a profession of their own choice while 42% believe that parents should choose their children’s line of work. The results show that a slightly higher percentage of women want their offsprings to choose a career of their own choice, as compared to men more of whom want children to listen to them with regards to choosing profession.

In a follow up open-ended question the respondents were asked “Which field of occupation would you like to send your children into?” It is seen that majority (23%) want their children to go into medicine and become doctors. Thirteen percent (13%) want their children to do government jobs/civil services or find a job outside Pakistan, 12% prefer their children to become businessmen, and 11% would like their children to teach. Nine percent (9%) prefer engineering jobs and 6% like military jobs for their children. The rest of the respondents mentioned law, banking, police, skilled labor and others as their choice for their children’s profession.

The study was released by Gilani foundation and carried out by Gallup Pakistan, the Pakistani affiliate of Gallup International. The latest survey was carried out among a sample of 2758 men and women in rural and urban areas of all four provinces of the country during February, 2009. Error margin is estimated to be approximately + 2-3 per cent at 95% confidence level. NNI

3rd May, 2009. The Freedom of Press Day Observed All Over the World.

Freedom! One wonders what could be the exact base of calculating the freedom of press in Pakistan. Pakistani media has been claiming the interference of governing authorities preventing it from working independently always. Bearing in mind what media presents to us as evidences of victimization, we would really have to accept the claims.

The number of reported crimes committed against the working journalists in Pakistan during past few years has increased dramatically. A number of journalists have been victimized and harassed to prevent them from working independently or reporting the truth in its real soul. While working under huge pressure and tense conditions, a few of our brothers have lost their lives even. People like Moosa Khan Khel Shaheed and all the other martyrs of the journey of truth have really given a new life to this sacred profession of journalism. As a common man I feel a strong need to salute all those unsung heroes of the nation, who for the sake of truth; honesty and for the cause of bringing the hidden reality out, have lost their lives. Their unprecedented services towards the nation and honesty to their cause have given them a place in the history of the media industry in Pakistan leaving them immortal.

Their services to the nation though are not hidden but a nation like us; who already had a lot to suffer in the past few years and have literally got insane status, it seems obvious to stay quite and remain silent on anything even extremely unusual happening around us. We just seem to have forgotten everything. Our lives do not stop. We keep moving, no matter what happens around us. We have become so insensitive that even the biggest tragedies seem to pass through without a whisper in our ears. Our minds and hearts are frozen; we are numbed. Today is a day to reunite and promise again to our own selves that the candle that our martyred brothers have lit will spread light forever and we will fight for it to remain lit forever.

I strongly believe a forum to appreciate and tribute the unsung heroes of Pakistan is the need of the hour. The youth of today is aware of the situation and they do recognize the services of such people but they have not been given proper space and place to speak their minds up. It is only because of all those people that we know; the little we know about out history. I want the readers of the Pakistan Times to join hands with me and appreciate the unsung heroes, the silent unknown soldiers of the journey or our nation through times. The topic may seem unusual and irrelevant on a day like today but as they say the time is always right to do a right thing, and I am confident of what I am doing.

I feel a real need of an open forum, where the people of Pakistan come and express there appreciation and tribute the working journalists of Pakistan, who under extreme pressures have managed not only to bring the facts in notice of public but some times the ruler of the time too.

How do we, as a nation see the role of the media in our society and how influential it has been to our lives is my question to all of you?

A detailed point of view is what I am expecting. Are we really aware of the fact that how hard things are for the media and persons associated with the press fraternity of Pakistan? Please come ahead, speak your heart out and appreciate the services of those unsung heroes of the nation.

A Red Salute to The Press Community of Pakistan

(No Hard Words No Harsh Feelings for No one at All.)

God Bless Pakistan.

Pakistan Zindaabad.

An Ordinary Pakistani Man!!!

NEW DELHI/ISLAMABAD: Prominent Muslim scholars and leaders have strongly condemned extortion of “Jaziya” by Taleban from Sikh community in Pakistan.

A statement signed by Syed Shahabuddin, former member of Parliament and ex-president, All-India Muslim Majlis-e Mushawarat, Mufti Mukarram Ahmad, shahi imam, Jama Masjid Fatehpuri, Delhi, Dr. S.Q.R. Ilyas, member, Muslim Personal Law Board, Dr. Zafarul-Islam Khan, president All-India Muslim Majlis-e Mushawarat and many others said,

“We, religious, political and community leaders of the Indian Muslims, are alarmed at the reports coming out of Pakistan’s tribal areas about the Pakistani Taleban’s kidnapping, extortion of huge amounts of money from their Sikh compatriots as “Jaziya” and demolition of the houses and shops of those who fail to pay the demanded sums.

“We would like to say that ‘Jaziya’ is a tax paid in an Islamic state for exemption from military service by healthy non-Muslim adults who are free to follow their vocations without restriction or fear, and that there is no other tax payable by them after paying this tax, unlike Muslims who have to pay various taxes including Zakah and have to perform military service as well.

The statement further says, “Jaziya” was payable by non-Muslims only in lands conquered by Muslims like Egypt, Syria and Iraq but not in unconquered areas. The statement said that “Jaziya” has not been levied on non-Muslims today in Muslims states for the simple reason that non-Muslims in these countries pay all taxes payable by others.

Prominent modern Islamic scholars are of the view that “Jaziya” should not be imposed as non-Muslims in Muslim states pay all taxes paid by other citizens and shoulder all the duties, the statement said.

“We wish to make it clear that the imposition of the so-called “Jaziya” is nothing more than extortion by an armed and lawless gang which does not constitute a sovereign government or state or even an organ thereof. Moreover, Pakistan’s tribal areas are not “conquered lands” as their non-Muslim population has been living there for centuries. These areas were part of the British India and became part of Pakistan as a result of partition.”

The Indian leaders demanded that the Pakistani authorities take earliest steps to retrieve the extorted sums and pay them back to their affected non-Muslim citizens and facilitate their peaceful return to their homes and properties in their traditional homelands and give them all due protection.
Pakistan’s former Minister for Information and Broadcasting Sherry Rehman also called Taliban’s demand of “Jaziya” from Sikhs in the Orakzai Agency a criminal act which must be condemned in no uncertain terms. She condemned eviction of Sikhs from Orakzai Agency saying, “They are Pakistani citizens and enjoy equal rights as Pakistani nationals.”

Courtesy : Arab News