In a historical move, Sindh has become the first province to introduce a teaching license policy for instructors from the public and private sector.
Under this policy, two teacher training insitutes will be established under the Sindh Teacher’s Education Development Authority (STEDA) and a board will be set up to oversee teacher trainings as well as provide professional licenses.
With this initiative, anyone who wishes to join with a Bachelor’s in Education (BEd.) can give the exam, after which they will be provided with a license to teach students from one of the three categories: elementary (Grades 1-8), primary (Grades 1-5) and secondary (Grades 6-12).
The Sindh government has also taken a step to attract more people towards the teaching sector by opening up 700 new vacancies for elementary school teachers for BPS-16 across the province, which will be offered to those with a BEd and a teaching license obtained by passing the exam.
Speaking on the success of the policy, the Provincial Minister of Sindh for Education, Culture, Tourism and Antiquites, Syed Sardar Ali Shah said:
“Conceptualising and bringing the teaching license policy to life has not been easy. However, I am grateful to Aga Khan University’s Institute for Educational Development (AKU-IED), Sindh Teachers Education Development Authority (STEDA), Durbeen and all other partners who have worked tirelessly to make this policy a possibility. The success of the next generation of teachers and students ultimately depends on its smooth implementation.”
He also added that Sindh was the only province in Pakistan to pass the landmark bill which shall improve the teaching profession and attract mroe bright minds to the field:
“Sindh is the only province that has approved a teaching license policy, which represents a proactive approach to recognising the value and importance of effective teaching. With the policy in place, the Sindh Government has laid the foundation for a more robust and professional teaching workforce, which will have a positive and lasting impact on the educational landscape in the province.”
Minister of State for Petroleum, Musadik Malik, announced that Pakistan will soon receive a $10 billion investment in its refinery sector. The investment, to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, holds significant details that cannot be disclosed at this time, according to Malik’s statement at a ceremony.
This development follows the approval of a new refinery policy by the current government, which aims to incentivise greenfield investment.
Malik emphasised the need for sustained GDP growth of 5 per cent in Pakistan’s growing population. To achieve this, he stated that an annual energy sector growth rate of 7.5-10 per cent is necessary. As part of this plan, the government aims to establish a comprehensive energy agreement with Central Asian countries and Russia, which will be made public by the end of the year.
Additionally, Pakistan intends to leverage its historical ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries for trade and commerce, including meeting energy needs such as LNG and petroleum products.
The government also plans to open energy corridors with Central Asia and the GCC countries. Malik highlighted the significance of purchasing crude oil from Russia, stating that it will have a transformative impact on Pakistan, leading to industrial proliferation. The goal is to establish small industrial areas in rural regions to promote value addition.
Malik underscored that Pakistan possesses the necessary infrastructure, labour force, and technology to present itself as an attractive investment destination. He emphasised the government’s efforts to enhance border enforcement to curb oil smuggling from Iran, expressing confidence that the flow of smuggled oil will reduce in the coming days.
In an off-camera meeting with media persons, the minister revealed that vessels carrying 100,000 tonnes of discounted Russian oil will arrive at Pakistan’s ports in the first week of June as part of the government’s energy security plan. The oil will be transported from Oman port to Pakistan in smaller vessels within seven to ten days. Malik assured that although transportation costs may increase slightly, the impact will be minimal.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-insaf (PTI) chairman has on Friday thanked the government for putting his name on the Exit Control List (ECL) after his name was added to a no-fly list on Thursday night.
“I want to thank the government for putting my name on the ECL as I have no plans to travel abroad, because I neither have any properties or businesses abroad nor even a bank account outside the country. If and when I do get an opportunity for a holiday, it will be in our northern mountains, my favourite place on earth.”
I want to thank the government for putting my name on the ECL as I have no plans to travel abroad, because I neither have any properties or businesses abroad nor even a bank account outside the country.
If and when I do get an opportunity for a holiday, it will be in our…
Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi along with 80 other members of the party were put on a no-fly list last night. Murad Saeed, Maleeka Bukhari, Fawad Chaudhry and Hammad Azhar were also added to the no-fly list.
The names of PTI leaders were added to the list on the advice of the relevant government departments.
For developing a smart prayer mat, a Qatari innovator was awarded with the gold prize at the International Exhibition of Inventions in Geneva. Abdulrahman Saleh Khamis received recognition for his ground-breaking creation, intended to teach new Muslims and kids how to pray properly.
The smart rug was developed after intensive research, with Khamis using cutting-edge technology to develop the mat.
As per the product’s website, the smart prayer has the following features:
Guided Prayer Training
Sajdah guides you through daily and non-daily prayers in a step-by-step learning experience.
Quran Reading
Sajdah’s LED screen helps you read & memorize the Holy Quran while practicing your prayers.
Smart & Connected
Use the Sajdah app to control the pace of your prayer guides, including chapter transition speed, font size, and much more.
Multi-Lingual
Prayer guides and Quran verses displayed in Arabic, English, and Latin. Updates will include more languages.
The Sindh government is all set to launch a “Pink Taxi Service” featuring electric cars for facilitating female citizens of the province.
The development was announced by Minister for Information Sharjeel Inam Memon.
The minister said that initially, 200 electricity-powered taxis will start operating in Karachi, of which fifty will be women-only taxis driven by female drivers. He said that the hiring of female drivers and setting up of charging and parking depots is yet to be done.
He said that the project will also provide job opportunities to unemployed youth, while eco-friendly taxis will save oil worth billions of rupees.
Prior to this, the government also launched a pink bus service for women which is being frequented by a large number of female commuters.
Summers are already here and the recent devaluation of the national currency has made it nearly impossible for travelers to pursue journeys.
If you have a Pakistani passport, it’s not an easy task to get a visa of the country you love. But we have some suggestions to make your summer vacation memorable and budget-friendly.
Currently, there are a total of four countries that allow Pakistan visa on arrival. These countries are as follows:
Maldives
The Maldives is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, located southwest of Sri Lanka and India. It is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and stunning coral reefs. The Maldives is a popular tourist destination, offering a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, including swimming, sunbathing, diving, snorkeling, fishing, and sailing.
most famous tourist spot in maldives
Things to do in Maldives
Swimming and sunbathing:The Maldives has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, making it the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun.
Diving and snorkeling:The Maldives is home to stunning coral reefs, making it a popular destination for divers and snorkelers.
Fishing:The Maldives is a great place to go fishing, with a variety of fish species to catch.
Sailing:The Maldives is a great place to go sailing, with calm waters and beautiful scenery.
Spa treatments:The Maldives is a great place to relax and pamper yourself, with many resorts offering a variety of spa treatments.
You do not need to apply for a visa before you travel to the Maldives on holiday. All tourists, of all nationalities, can receive a 30 day visa free of charge on arrival in the Maldives.
SamoaSamoa tourist visa is not required for citizens of Pakistan for a stay of up to 60 days. Samoa is a beautiful island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean. It is made up of two main islands, Upolu and Savai’i, and several smaller islands. Samoa is known for its stunning natural beauty, including pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and stunning waterfalls.
samoan traditional dance
As a tourist, there are many things to see and do in Samoa. Here are some of the top activities and attractions:
Beaches: Samoa is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. From Lalomanu Beach to Aganoa Beach, there are plenty of stunning spots to soak up the sun and enjoy the crystal-clear waters.
Waterfalls: Samoa is also known for its incredible waterfalls. Some of the most popular include Togitogiga Falls and Fuipisia Falls.
Cultural Activities: Samoa is a rich and vibrant culture. Visitors can experience traditional dance performances, attend a Fiafia Night, or visit a village to learn more about Samoan customs and traditions.
Tuvalu
Tuvalu has made visa-free access or visa-on-arrival access for almost every country globally, including Pakistan. These visas are valid for 30 days and will cost travellers approximately 100 AUD. Enjoy the Beaches: Tuvalu is home to some of the most beautiful and pristine beaches in the world. Visitors can soak up the sun, swim in the crystal-clear waters and enjoy the stunning views.
Snorkeling and Diving: Tuvalu’s coral reefs are home to a diverse array of marine life, making it a great destination for snorkeling and diving. Visitors can explore the reefs and see colorful fish, sea turtles, and even sharks.
Visit Funafuti Atoll: This is the capital of Tuvalu and offers visitors a chance to see the local way of life. Visitors can explore the town and visit the local shops, enjoy the markets, and learn about the history and culture of Tuvalu.
Attend a Cultural Event: Tuvalu has a rich cultural heritage, and visitors can experience traditional dance performances, attend a Falekaupule Meeting, or participate in a local celebration or festival.
It is important to note that visa policies for each country can change quickly and without notice, so it is recommended that travelers check with their local embassy before departing. Additionally, visa on arrival may not be available for all types of travel such as business or education purposes, so travelers should also verify the purpose of their travel is eligible for visa on arrival.
In conclusion, while the list of countries offering Pakistan visa on arrival is relatively small, it does provide some relief for those who may have difficulty obtaining a traditional visa. As always, travelers should research their destination before embarking on any trip to ensure all necessary documents are secured to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.
An anti-terrorism court in Lahore has handed over 16 suspects involved in the attack on Corps Commander House in Lahore on May 9 to a commanding officer under the Army Act on Thursday.
The accused include Amar Zohaib, Ali Iftikhar, Ali Raza, Muhammad Arsalan, Muhammad Umair, Muhammad Raheem, Zia-ur-Rehman, Waqas Ali, Raees Ahmad, Faisal Irshad, Muhammad Bilal Hussain, Faheem Haider, Arzam Junaid, Mian Muhammad Akram Usman, Muhammad Hashir Khan, and Hassan Shakir.
Of these 16, Mian Akram Usman is a former Member of the Provincial Assembly from Punjab.
Earlier, the officer had sought the custody of the vandals presently confined in Camp Jail, Lahore.
On May 9, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s loyalists came out on streets after Khan’s arrest and allegedly attacked military installations.
Neuroscientists at the University of Texas in Austin have made a significant breakthrough by using artificial intelligence (AI) powered ChatGPT to translate brain activity into words. This discovery has the potential to greatly benefit patients suffering from conditions such as “locked-in” syndrome and stroke, which leave them unable to communicate effectively.
The researchers leveraged OpenAI’s advanced chatbot technology, which has demonstrated its applications in various sectors, including healthcare. The integration of AI into our daily lives is steadily advancing, and this development showcases its potential in the field of neuroscience.
Alexander Huth, an assistant professor of neuroscience and computer science at the University of Texas, emphasized that the term “mind reading” is inaccurate and misleading, as it implies capabilities that are beyond our current reach.
To conduct their study, Professor Huth spent 20 hours inside an fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) machine while listening to audio clips. The machine captured detailed snapshots of his brain activity, which were then analyzed by the AI system. Through this analysis, the technology was able to predict the words Professor Huth was hearing solely by monitoring his brain activity.
The researchers utilized OpenAI’s chatGPT-1 model, which has been trained on a vast database of books and websites. They found that the AI system accurately predicted participants’ auditory and visual experiences based on their mental activity.
While still in its early stages, this technology holds promise, particularly in assisting individuals who have lost the ability to communicate. Professor Huth explained that the true potential application lies in aiding patients with conditions such as “locked-in” syndrome and stroke, whose brains are functional but lack the ability to speak.
Importantly, this breakthrough demonstrates the achievement of high accuracy levels without the need for invasive brain surgery. The researchers believe this marks the first step toward helping individuals regain their ability to communicate without resorting to neurosurgery.
However, the technology’s results have also raised concerns regarding its potential use in controversial contexts. The researchers highlight the importance of obtaining consent from subjects and conducting brain scans within an fMRI machine. Additionally, the AI technology requires extensive training on an individual’s brain for accurate predictions to be made.
Jerry Tang, the lead author of the research paper, emphasizes the need for safeguarding the privacy of brain data. He asserts that everyone’s brain data should be kept private, as our thoughts represent one of the last frontiers of personal privacy. Tang acknowledges the potential misuse of brain decoding technology and emphasizes the importance of legislators taking mental privacy seriously.
Professor Huth clarifies that the technology can discern the general ideas and narratives individuals have in mind, effectively capturing internal storytelling. However, Tang warns against complacency, highlighting that technology is continually evolving, which could impact the accuracy of decoding methods and the extent to which an individual’s cooperation is required.
In summary, the use of AI to translate brain activity into words has emerged as a groundbreaking discovery by neuroscientists. Although promising, further development and considerations regarding privacy and ethical use are necessary before widespread implementation can occur.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi along with 80 other members of the party have been put on a no-fly list on Thursday. Murad Saeed, Maleeka Bukhari, Fawad Chaudhry and Hammad Azhar have also been added to the no-fly list.
The names of PTI leaders were added to the list on the advice of the relevant institutions.
The Ministry of Interior had been asked by the police department, National Accountability Bureau, and anti-corruption department to add these names to the list.
According to Dawn, Lahore police on Wednesday requested that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) place a one-month travel ban on 700 PTI leaders.
Shahzadi Rai announced on her Twitter account on Wednesday that she has become the first transgender person to serve on the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), the first such appointment in history. In a tweet she said:
“I’m excited to share that I have submitted my papers KMC for transgender/Khawajasara reserved seats. It is the first time in Pakistan’s history that such an opportunity has been available, and I am grateful to the @PPP_Org@BBhuttoZardari@SyedNasirHShah@BakhtawarBZ@SaeedGhani1.”
Speaking to The Current, Rai talked about her goals to help empower the transgender community and ensure that protecting human rights for all remains a priority for the organisation:
Our priority is that any policy or project initiated should be inclusive for transgender people. We want to work for all the people in Karachi and make life better for them, whether it is men, women or khawaja sira people. We want to implement human rights because I am a feminist and a human right’s activist for the last 12 years, so when we enter politics we shouldn’t forget about our basic principles.”
Since her announcement, civil society bodies and transgender activists on Twitter have offered congratulations on the historic feat, welcoming it as a necessary step towards including the transgender community into all kinds of policy making.
AM KHI congratulates the khawaja sira community on becoming part of local govt for the 1st time in history, esp @ShahzadiRai who has been selected to serve on the KMC! This is a win for all Pakistani feminists & we hope to soon see khawaja siras in national & prov. assemblies. https://t.co/GIrEZMP6si
— Aurat March – عورت مارچ (@AuratMarchKHI) May 24, 2023
I’m super proud of my Guru @ShahzadiRai for all the political work she does and continues to do it no matter what, she is the beacon of hope & pride for the KhawajaSira community. We’re also grateful to @MediaCellPPP for their support to our KS community. https://t.co/OPF0kWODH6
