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Islamabad Inaugurates Its First Fully Cashless Weekly Bazaar

ISLAMABAD: Another significant milestone has been achieved in the mission to transform the Federal Capital, Islamabad, into a cashless and digital City. Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, inaugurated Pakistan’s first designated cashless weekly bazaar in Sector H-9 on Friday.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by Member Finance Tahir Naeem, Chief Officer MCI Dr. Anam Fatima, CEO Zindigi Noman Azhar, senior officers from the State Bank of Pakistan, CDA, district administration and a large number of customers and merchants.

It is important to highlight that a fully cashless system has been formally implemented in the weekly bazaar of Sector H-9, Islamabad. Chairman CDA reviewed the digital payment system at the Sector H-9 weekly bazaar in detail. Accompanied by the Member Finance and the Chief Officer MCI, he also made payments at various stalls in the Sector H-9 bazaar using the cashless method.

During a briefing on this occasion, Chairman CDA was apprised that special discounts are being offered to consumers/citizens for payments made through digital methods. He was further informed that the cashless system is also being introduced across all commercial centers and shopping centers of the city, including hospitals, hotels, restaurants and the Islamabad Airport as well.

Chairman CDA appreciated the efforts of the MCI, Islamabad administration, Zindigi’s team, representatives of central and commercial banks, and said that this excellent initiative has been launched in line with the vision of the Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif and the Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi, keeping in view the facilitation of citizens and consumers.

Chairman CDA said that the objective of these measures is to make Islamabad Pakistan’s first cashless and digital city. He said that the cashless system will not only adopt an e-governance model but will also provide the public with easy, secure, fast and highly transparent payment facilities.

Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa said that this system will not only ease transactions for citizens/consumers but will also promote a cashless economy in the capital city, Islamabad. He added that for the success of this modern system, banks will need to provide maximum facilities and concessions to both consumers and traders.

Chairman CDA directed the bazaar management to ensure that the licenses and price lists of all stall holders are prominently displayed on digital boards. He also instructed them to run a comprehensive public awareness campaign regarding the cashless system.

Chairman CDA also informed the citizens and customers who had come for shopping at the Sector H-9 bazaar about the benefits of cashless transactions. He said that the primary goal of implementing the cashless system and digital payments is to provide equal benefits to both citizens and merchants.

Chairman CDA emphasized that the aim of these measures is to secure all kinds of financial transactions for citizens through the cashless and digital system and to protect them from fraud and deception. He noted that the successful implementation of the cashless system in the Sector H-9 weekly bazaar is the result of the combined efforts of all stakeholders.

Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa said that these measures are extremely necessary for achieving the objectives of making Islamabad an international city. He further added, “Let us all join hands to bring this historic initiative to its full implementation across Islamabad and make our capital a fully cashless and digital City.”

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HEC launches fully online, paperless degree attestation system

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.

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Govt making all out efforts to address security, economic challenges: Senate told

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.

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Defence Ministry holds ceremony to commemorate Marka-e-Haq

RAWALPINDI: The Ministry of Defence on Monday organized a dignified ceremony in connection with 1st anniversary of Marka-e-Haq to pay tribute to the sacrifices and achievements of Pakistan Armed Forces.

Secretary Defence Lt Gen (Retd) Muhammad Ali, Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military), was the chief guest on the occasion.

Rich tributes were paid to all the martyrs of Marka-e-Haq for their supreme sacrifices in defence of the country during the ceremony.

The participants also lauded the historic success achieved by the Pakistan Armed Forces under the guidance of the military leadership.

On the occasion, the participants reaffirmed their resolve that the nation and the Pakistan Armed Forces would always remain united for the country’s sovereignty and defense.

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