ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Tuesday, said that all available resources would be utilized to enhance the capacity of law enforcement agencies (LEAs) in order to ensure the protection of citizens’ lives and property.

Chairing an important meeting to review the country’s law and order situation and matters related to the Ministry of Interior, he also directed strict implementation of the government’s zero-tolerance policy against corruption within law enforcement institutions.

The prime minister asked that recruitments in all departments under the interior ministry, including the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), must be conducted strictly on merit.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Ministers Syed Mohsin Naqvi, Ahsan Iqbal, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Minister of State Talal Chaudhry, and heads of various law enforcement agencies, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.

Emphasizing the need to tackle modern security challenges, the prime minister said security personnel should be equipped with advanced training and modern skills.

He further directed authorities to ensure the provision of the best equipment, modern technology and professional resources to law enforcement agencies.

During the briefing, officials informed the meeting that the under-construction jail in Islamabad would become operational in September this year.

Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi briefed the meeting on the performance and future development plans of the FIA, Islamabad Police, National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), Federal Constabulary, Capital Development Authority (CDA), and other institutions working under the Interior Ministry.

ISLAMABAD: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan has shifted to a completely online and paperless Degree Attestation System, replacing the existing degree verification process.

Under the new system, applicants can apply round the clock for online attestation through www.eservices.hec.gov.pk. HEC will issue e-Attestation Certificate which can be downloaded by applicant from dashboard and verified at www.hec.gov.pk/site/verification along with the document(s) attested thereunder.

HEC will attest the original degrees and no photocopy of any educational document will be processed for attestation in new system.

The new system is secure, efficient, and user friendly wherein applicants are no longer required to physically visit HEC or to send original documents.

The applications of those applicants who have already applied and paid fee of attestation will be processed as per previous method of attestation up to 30th  June.

All such applicants are informed to get complete the attestation process by the said date. The applicants who have not paid attestation fee in the previous attestation system are advised to apply through the new system.

The attestations made by HEC before the launch of e-Attestation Certificate will remain valid and can also be verified from www.hec.gov.pk/site/verification.

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry on Monday informed the Senate that the government was making all out efforts to address security and economic challenges confronted to the country.

Winding up debate on a motion moved by Senator Mohsin Aziz about fall out of the recent war and the government plans to reduce expenditure and other measures to steer the economy out of the crises, he said that Pakistan’s successful diplomacy, anti-terror operations and economic management amid regional tensions had enhanced the country’s global standing.

He said Pakistan’s role in promoting peace during the ongoing Iran-US tensions was being acknowledged internationally and both countries had expressed confidence in Pakistan’s mediation efforts.

The Minister said the ongoing US-Iran tension had affected global economies, particularly countries dependent on oil routes linked to the Strait of Hormuz, including Pakistan.

He said Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, was personally monitoring the situation and remained concerned over increasing petroleum prices and their impact on the common man. However, he said that the government was trying to minimize the burden on citizens while also fulfilling commitments under the International Monetary Fund programme.

The minister said the federal cabinet had voluntarily surrendered salaries, fuel allowances and luxury vehicles as part of austerity measures. Ministers and parliamentarians travelling abroad on official visits were bearing their expenses personally, he added.

He also paid tribute to the armed forces and law enforcement agencies for their sacrifices, particularly mentioning ‘Marka-e-Haq and “Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos.

Responding to concerns raised about Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf founder Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, he said all medical facilities were being provided in accordance with jail rules and immediate treatment was ensured whenever any medical emergency occurred.

Regarding terrorism, Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said intelligence-based operations along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border had reduced terrorism incidents by nearly 60 to 70 percent. Terrorists were now targeting soft civilian locations after failing to attack hard targets, he added.

Paying tribute to police and law enforcement personnel in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, he said the entire nation stood with the families of martyrs and security forces fighting terrorism.

Referring to Pakistani medical students studying abroad, he said nearly 1,200 students were facing issues related to recognition and registration with the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC).

He assured the House that the government would take up the matter with the PMDC.

He also urged the opposition to present constructive and fact-based budget proposals, assuring that positive recommendations would be incorporated into the upcoming federal budget.

Earlier, the minister offered Fateha for security personnel and civilians martyred in recent terrorist incidents.

Later, the Senate session adjourned to meet again on Tuesday at 4 pm.