AIOU places assignments’ marks at website

AIOU places assignments’ marks at website

ISLAMABAD, - Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) on Monday put academic assignments’ marks of Matric program relating to Semester Spring, 2018 on its website for information of the enrolled students.

The concerned students have been advised to visit the website to check their marks. In case of any error or laps they may contact the University’s Examination Department.

The correction could be done before the announcement of the final exams’ result that is expected to be announced next week.

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UNGA President Maria Fernanda Espionosa to visit Pakistan on Jan 18

UNGA President Maria Fernanda Espionosa to visit Pakistan on Jan 18

ISLAMABAD, JAN 14 - At the invitation of the Government of Pakistan, President of the UN General Assembly, Maria Fernanda Espionosa, will arrive in Islamabad on 18-22 January 2019.

This visit to Pakistan is the first to any country in the Asia-Pacific region by the President of the General Assembly (PGA), after her election.

Ms. Espionosa will call on the President and the Prime Minister. The Foreign Minister will hold a meeting with the visiting dignitary.

Apart from official engagements, the PGA will also meet members of the Women Parliamentary Caucus, Chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) and visit Pakistan’s Peacekeeping Training Center. Ms. Espionosa will also address members of academia, think tanks and students.

This marks the second visit by the President of UN General Assembly since 2010.

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AB de Villiers ready to play PSL Matches in Pakistan

AB de Villiers ready to play PSL Matches in Pakistan

LAHORE,  JAN 14  - Former South African skipper, AB de Villiers, who is one of the most prolific cricketers in the cricketing world, is ready to play Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches in Pakistan.

De Villiers will represent Lahore Qalandars for the fourth edition of the league.

The news was announced on Monday.

De Villiers also confirmed the news by saying he was looking forward to performing in front of Lahore’s crowd in March.

“I am delighted to confirm that I will represent Lahore Qalandars in front of our home crowds on 9 and 10 March, during the HBL PSL 2019,” de Villiers announced.

He was optimistic about the return of international cricket to Pakistan and felt that he could play a part in helping the cause.

“I feel I have a role to play in helping international cricket return to Pakistan,” Mr 360 expressed.

The former South African batsman was hopeful that his presence would help Qalandars get the missing piece in their squad.

“I look forward to revisiting the Gaddafi Stadium and aim to play my part in helping Lahore Qalandars achieve something they have been aspiring for since the inception of this tournament in 2016,” he added.

This would be De Villiers’ second visit to Lahore as he has previously been part of the South African squad that visited Pakistan in 2007. He scored an important, unbeaten 45-run innings to draw the Lahore Test.

The right-arm power-hitter then smashed, 103 not out, 35 and 17 in the first, second and fifth ODIs, respectively.

I still remember the support and appreciation we received in 2007. Furthermore, I feel I have a role to play in helping international cricket return to Pakistan. 

These have been some of the motivating factors for me to return to Lahore,” said de Villiers.

Elated by his announcement, franchise owner Rana Fawad said:

I am certain he will further brighten the Gaddafi Stadium with his amazing talent and skills on 9 and 10 March.

Team’s captain Mohammad Hafeez also welcomed de Villiers’ move and said:

 I am confident that AB will take home memories.

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Azerbaijan embassy to organize seminar on independence

Azerbaijan embassy to organize seminar on independence

ISLAMABAD, JAN 14 - The Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Pakistan and IQRA University are organizing a Seminar titled “From Martyrdom to Independence” in Islamabad on January 17.

The Seminar will be held at IQRA University, Islamabad Campus from 15:00 to 16:30 hours.

The Vice President IQRA University Dr. Mohammad Islam will deliver the opening remarks followed by a short video on the topic.

The former Special Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Ex-Ambassador of Pakistan to Afghanistan, Kuwait and Nepal Syed Abrar Hussain, the Chancellors, Iqra National University Obaid Khan, and the Chairman Senate Standing committee and Convener of Pakistan-Azerbaijan Friendship Group in Senate Senator Talha Mahmood will also address the participants.

The Azerbaijan in embassy holds, on regular basis, such seminars and interactions in order to highlight various issues.The Azerbaijan in embassy holds, on regular basis, such seminars and interactions in order to highlight various issues.Besides, the embassy under the aegis of the Hyder Aliey Foundation, also carries out charity and humanitarian work in various parts of Pakistan.

Besides, the embassy under the aegis of the Hyder Aliey Foundation, also carries out charity and humanitarian work in various parts of Pakistan.

While Ambassador of Azerbaijan Ali Alizada will also deliver a speech on the occasion and highlight various aspects of the topic.

Likewise, the embassy every year dedicates full day with persons with disabilities besides distributing sacrificial meat among the needy on every Eid ul Adha.

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Sarfraz and co get whitewashed by South Africa

Sarfraz and co get whitewashed by South Africa

JOHANNESBURG, JAN 14 - Pakistan on Monday lost the third and final Test to South Africa at Johannesburg by 107 runs to suffer the ignominy of being whitewashed by the home side.

In pursuit of their 381-run target, the Sarfraz Ahmed-led side mustered 273 runs in the final innings of the match.

Chasing a target of 381 runs, Pakistan were dismissed for 273 runs with middle-order batsman Asad Shafiq top-scoring with 65 runs.

Kagiso Rabada and Duanne Olivier claimed three wickets each for the home side.

Attention will now shift to a five-match ODI series, which gets underway at St Georges Park in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

The Proteas won the Test series 3-0.

Scores in brief:

South Africa 262 (Markram 90, De Bruyn 49, Faheem 3/57) and 303 (De Kock 129, Amla 71, Shadab 3/41)

Pakistan 185 (Sarfraz 50, Babar 49, Olivier 5/51) and 273(Shafiq 65, Olivier 3/74, Rabada 3/75).

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SC dismisses NAB plea, upholds IHC verdict against Sharifs

SC dismisses NAB plea, upholds IHC verdict against Sharifs

ISLAMABAD, JAN 14 - The Supreme Court (SC) on Monday dismissed National Accountability Bureau’s (NAB) plea and upheld the Islamabad High Court (IHC) verdict against deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif, his daughter Maryam Nawaz and son-in-law Captain (retd) Safdar in the Avenfield Reference.

A five member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar comprising Justice Asif Saeed Khosa, Justice Mushir Alam, Justice Gulzar Ahmed and Justice Mazhar Alam heard the plea challenging the IHC verdict in the Avenfield case which suspended the sentences of the trio.

During the hearing, Justice Ahmed remarked that, “It is not necessary that an appeal in the top court can undermine a high court verdict,” adding that the bench will look into the merits of the case.

He further asked the NAB prosecutor that on what basis does he expect the court to suspend the IHC verdict.

“Part of the verdict that granted bail was not challenged,” added Justice Ahmed. “Mere high court remarks cant be used as a basis to suspend the awarded sentence.”

Upon hearing this, the NAB prosecutor responded saying, “A bail can only be granted in certain circumstances and the high court did not shed light upon any such circumstance.”

Further on in the hearing, Justice Khosa said, “What is the problem? Has Sharif been acquitted?” To which the NAB lawyer said, “The decision is almost equal to an acquittal.

”

The chief justice added that observations of an interim order does not have an effect on the submitted appeal.

Justice Khosa further asked the NAB prosecutor that how did the high court abuse its power by granting a bail? “One member of the family is behind bars already. 

According to your point of view, the high court verdict is wrong and you want us to commit the same mistake.”

Towards the end of the hearing, CJP Nisar asked the NAB counsel, on what grounds should the apex court suspend the bail. “Rules of granting a bail differ from rules of suspending a bail.”

The Avenfield case

An accountability court on July 6, 2018 sentenced the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) supremo to 10 years in prison and imposed a fine of £8 million after finding him guilty on different charges in the Avenfield properties case. 

Judge Muhammad Bashir also handed out a seven-year imprisonment to Maryam and fined her £2 million whereas her husband Safdar was awarded a one year jail term.

However on Sept 19, the IHC suspended the sentences awarded to Sharif, Maryam and Safdar in the case. A division bench comprising Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb suspended their sentence in a short verdict.

The verdict was announced in light of the petition filed by the trio, seeking suspension of the Avenfield verdict until a final decision is made on their appeals against the sentence.

Later, NAB approached the apex court challenging the IHC verdict releasing Sharif and his family members.

According to the Avenfield Properties reference, Sharif, his brood and his son-in-law had purchased four flats in Park Lane, UK, illegally. 

However, the deposed premier and his family members consistently claimed that the apartments were purchased through legal means.

They were jailed in a case stemming from 2016 Panama Papers revelations which showed that the apartments were purchased through off-shore companies.

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APS attack survivor Ahmad Nawaz awarded points of light award

APS attack survivor Ahmad Nawaz awarded points of light award

ISLAMABAD, JAN 14 - Ahmad Nawaz, who survived the attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar in 2014, has become the third Pakistani to be awarded a Point of Light. He was recognised for his work as an anti-radicalisation youth activist.

Mr Nawaz has addressed thousands of students at various schools in the UK and events organised by the United Nations, encouraging communities to unite and fight extremism together.

British PM Theresa May commented his work in a letter:

“The work that you do to educate young people about extremism and radicalisation is invaluable – and the fact that it comes from your own experience is testament to your incredible personal strength and resolve.

Your recent appointment to the National Counter Extremism Advisory board demonstrates the positive impact of your work. You should feel tremendously proud and I wish you the very best with your continued endeavours.”

Mr Ahmad Nawaz said:

“I am deeply honoured to be recognised as a ‘Point of Light’ by the Prime Minister. It has propelled me to do more of the positive work that I do for the society.

I would like to encourage other young people to do the same in order to have a society free of extremism and violence.”

Ahmad Nawaz is working with the Home Office and has recently been appointed a member of National Counter Extremism Advisory board. 

He is also a winner of the No2H8 Crime Young Upstander Award for his courage and conviction.

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