The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has unveiled a nationwide painting and photography contest targeting students aged 18 and above, with the objective of fostering awareness about disasters among the younger populace, as reported by 24NewsHD TV channel on Wednesday.

Additionally, an engineering-focused disaster-proof model competition will be conducted, with students having the opportunity to submit their creations by March 25.

Scheduled to take place in Islamabad from April 23 to 25, the event will coincide with Pakistan’s inaugural International Disaster Risk Reduction Expo, during which the results of the competitions will be announced.

Further details regarding the competition themes and guidelines can be found on NDMA’s social media platforms.

Generous cash prizes await the winners, with Rs100,000 for the first place, Rs75,000 for the second, and cash rewards of up to Rs50,000 for the third.

Representatives from 44 countries, including those from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and SAARC nations, will partake in the international exhibition, which aims to advance disaster risk awareness, preparedness, and research.

Crucially, the international exhibition will serve as a vital platform for raising awareness about NDMA’s initiatives in disaster prevention and early preparedness.

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CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz has initiated numerous development projects with the aim of turning Lahore into a center of innovation and learning while also improving cleanliness throughout the province.

During a recent meeting, Maryam Nawaz directed the immediate start of projects concerning IT, education, and a film city in Lahore. She stressed the importance of providing business opportunities to leading IT companies worldwide in Lahore’s IT City, expressing satisfaction at commitments from companies such as Microsoft and Oracle to establish offices there. Additionally, she urged authorities to invite major Chinese IT firms to set up offices in Lahore. Plans were also discussed for establishing campuses of prestigious international universities in Lahore’s Education City to cater to students from across Pakistan.

Maryam Nawaz highlighted the necessity for a comprehensive plan in consultation with the management of these universities.

Moreover, she sanctioned the launch of a pilot project for free Wi-Fi in Lahore, initially focusing on educational institutions, airports, railway stations, and bus stands. The project aims to offer free Wi-Fi at 10 locations within the next two weeks, with plans to cover a total of 516 locations.

In another initiative, Maryam Nawaz announced the commencement of the “Clean Punjab” Model Pilot Project in Jhelum, Jhang, Vehari, and Bahawalnagar, aimed at making these cities exemplars of cleanliness.

She instructed the development of a sustainable model for solid waste management in both urban and rural areas.

Furthermore, expressing condolences over the loss of lives in a building collapse in Multan, she requested an immediate report from the authorities.

In a separate meeting with US Consul General Kristin K. Hawkins, discussions revolved around boosting economic cooperation and increasing scholarship opportunities for Pakistani students in American higher education institutions. The importance of collaborative efforts to address climate change was also stressed.

Additionally, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif paid a surprise visit to Johar Town Model Bazaar, engaging with shoppers and reviewing the prices of fruits and vegetables. She assured the public of her dedication to addressing their concerns and ensuring their well-being.

Chief Secretary Zahid Zaman Akhtar accompanied Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz during her visit to the Ramazan Bazaar.

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Center for Business and Economics (CBER), Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Karachi, in collaboration with Water Aid Pakistan unveiled its Provincial Dialogue on ‘Integration of MHM in Provincial Policies and Strategies and Tax Reforms on Sanitary Products’ at the IBA City Campus. The event witnessed influential voices discussing policies, strategies and tax reforms on sanitary products. Master of the ceremony, Madu Malla introduced the agenda for the insightful event.

Muhammad Khaliq, Provincial Manager, Water Aid Pakistan extended a warm welcome to the participants,  focusing on the integration of Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) into provincial policies and strategies, alongside discussions on tax reforms concerning sanitary products. The event shed light on the organization’s impactful work, particularly in regions including Thatta, Malir, and other marginalized areas across the nation. Mr. Khaliq underscored Water Aid’s unwavering commitment to providing vital support and dedication to integrating MHM into provincial policies and strategies. He emphasized the importance of this integration in ensuring the well-being and dignity of women and girls across the province.

Raheema Panhwar, Gender Advisor at WaterAid Pakistan, presented critical insights on the gap analysis of MHM and tax reforms. Ms. Panhwar highlighted the challenges within governmental policies at both provincial and national levels, emphasizing the need for comprehensive revisions to address MHM needs effectively. She underscored the importance of addressing issues of dignity and stigmatization along with MHM service provision.

The presentation emphasized the significance of international commitments, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in driving the policy revision process and integrating MHM into provincial mandates.

Dr. Lubna Naz, Director CBER-IBA conducted a panel discussion. She emphasized the significance of understanding menstrual cycle at various points of reproductive age among women, creating awareness about menstrual hygiene using institutional support, and issues with affordability and sustainability of MHM in Pakistan.  Distinguished panelists included Sadiqa Sallahuddin, Executive Director, Indus Resource Centre; Zofeen T. Ebrahim, Freelance Journalist; Dr. Naima Shaikh, Additional Director, RMNCH, Health Department, Government of Sindh; and Paras Shahab Memon, Assistant Commissioner, Regional Tax Office/Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).

Ms. Sallahuddin emphasized the necessity of incorporating MHM into educational curricula and ensuring the availability of girlfriendly washrooms in schools. She advocated for the nationwide implementation of comprehensive MHM educational policies, stressing the importance of inclusivity in project design to benefit vulnerable groups. Ms. Ebrahim highlighted the evolving discourse around menstrual hygiene in the media and emphasized the need for open discussions on national platforms to challenge stereotypes. She underscored the nexus between Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), climate change, and vulnerable groups, urging policy implementation and public-private initiatives. Emphasizing the importance of awareness campaigns, Dr. Shaikh underscored the critical role of clean water in preventing health complications associated with unhygienic menstrual practices. While, Ms. Memon, highlighted international pressure affecting tax policies and advocated for duty-free access to essential menstrual products.

Concluding remarks were given by Rana Ansar, Member of the National Assembly. She emphasized the critical need for comprehensive strategies and political will to address societal issues effectively. She acknowledged the valuable contribution of Water Aid in addressing pressing societal issues, particularly in the realm of menstrual hygiene management. Ms. Ansar stressed the imperative of efficient policy implementation to ensure equitable access to essential services. She reiterated the importance of collective efforts from both governmental and non-governmental sectors to drive positive change and create a more inclusive and progressive society.

Dr. Abdul Haq Chang, Assistant Professor of Anthropology, Department of Social Sciences and Liberal Arts, SESS, IBA Karachi, delivered a vote of thanks, expressing his gratitude to the attendees for their active participation. He particularly acknowledged the youth, including the students from IBA Karachi, for their enthusiastic involvement in discussions concerning vital societal issues like MHM. He also highlighted the importance of youth involvement in breaking barriers and driving positive change towards fostering a more inclusive and progressive society.

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The Punjab government, as reported by 24NewsHD TV channel, has unveiled an ambitious plan to boost student admissions by 10% across all regional schools in the upcoming academic year. This strategic initiative is part of a broader effort aimed at improving educational accessibility and strengthening literacy rates within the province. Currently, Punjab caters to approximately 1.5 million students, with an expected increase of 110,000 additional admissions following the implementation of this directive. This significant surge in enrollment underscores the government’s steadfast commitment to education.

Additionally, the Punjab Education Foundation (PEF) has set an even more ambitious target, aiming to admit 500,000 children, demonstrating a determined commitment to providing high-quality education to a broader demographic. The commencement of the admission campaign will be led by Punjab’s Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz. All schools are required to meet their respective admission quotas by October 31, 2024, in accordance with the government’s directives.

This initiative seeks to promote educational equity across Punjab, ensuring greater access to education and empowering the province’s next generation for its developmental journey.

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Oxford University Press (OUP) Pakistan recently organized the Prize Distribution Ceremony for the 8th edition of the Oxford Big Read (OBR) Global competition at its offices in Karachi and Lahore, marking a celebration of literary achievement. The event welcomed victorious students, respected educators, and proud parents.

In its eighth year, the Oxford Big Read (OBR) has sustained its mission to inspire and involve students from various regions of Pakistan. This year, the competition received an impressive 2641 entries from 67 schools nationwide, underscoring the increasing interest in literature among young people.

A notable aspect of OBR was the participation of Pakistani National Winners in the global arena, competing against students from other OUP branches worldwide, such as Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, and India.

The competition is divided into three levels corresponding to different age groups: Level I (Grades 1-3), Level II (Grades 4-6), and Level III (Grades 7-9).

Arshad Husain, the Managing Director of OUP, awarded prizes to the winners and applauded their accomplishments, emphasizing the importance of commitment, hard work, and dedication. He commended the remarkable talent showcased by participants across all levels.

Muhammad Ayan Amjad from Army Public School, Garrison Junior, Lahore, emerged as the national winner in the Level III category, securing both the National Title and the prestigious First Prize at the Global Level. Ayan was honored with an iPad, a gift voucher worth PKR 25,000, a shield, and an official award certificate in recognition of his exceptional performance.

Aisha Abdul Nasir, representing Generation’s School Karachi, was named the National Winner in the Level I category and achieved the runner-up position at the Global Level. Aisha received two gift vouchers, a GBP 100 voucher as the global runner-up, a PKR 25,000 voucher as the National Winner, in addition to a shield and an official award certificate.

The Oxford Big Read, an initiative by Oxford University Press Pakistan, remains dedicated to nurturing young minds and instilling a passion for reading and literature.

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