PAKISTAN INSTITUTIONAL ACTIVITIES

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Gaht Drinking Water Supply Project Inaugurated


MPA Ghulam Muhammad has appreciated the role of German Government and its people in the development of Chitral by providing fund particularly for drinking water sector. He was speaking as a Chief Guest on the occasion of inauguration of two KfW funded clean drinking water supply projects in remote villages, Gaht Payeen and Gaht Bala, in Mulkow. He thanked the people and government of Germany for providing funds through KfW in the social and other sectors.


He also appreciated the Aga Khan Planning and Building Service, Pakistan and other institutions of AKDN for their tremendous roles in the development of Chitral. He thanked His Highness for taking constant interest in improving the quality of life of the people in Chitral. He urged the people of Gaht village to participate in the development programmes sponsored by AKDN for the development of Chitral and get the maximum benefits. He said that he had not been able to solve this old problem of water despite several requests made by the community but he was very happy on the initiation and completion of the project carried out in partnership with AKPBSP. He congratulated the community on making the project a successful one by participating in the development. He wished if he could have given his development fund to the village organizations but the law did not allow it.
He requested AKPBSP to help the people of Drungah village in initiating a drinking water project,

who have been deprived of this for years. He said that the electric polls have been arranged and would be distributed in near future in this area.


Ms. Birte Kemming, Project Manager Water and Sanitation and Vocational Training Division Asia congratulated the community of Gaht village on completing drinking water project in partnership with AKPBSP. She also congratulated women on taking interest in improving health and hygiene condition at homes. She stressed the need of getting maximum benefits from the project and continuously maintaining it in future.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Alexander Grieb, Principal Technical Advisor Water and Sanitation Division KfW Development Bank expressed his satisfaction and happiness on the completion of the project in time and thanked the people for extending a warm welcome to the team of the mission on its arrival in the village.
Amir Afzal, President of Aga Khan Regional Council for Upper Chiitral congratulated the community for making the project a successful one and urged them to maintain it in future.


Mr. Hadi Husani, Programme Director WASEP, AKPBSP urged the community to work in partnership with themselves as KfW and AKDN have done it
The two KfW funded drinking water supply schemes in Gaht payeen and Gaht Bala benefiting134 households were completed at the cost of Rs. 8.07million out of which 26% contribution was made by the beneficiary community. The 7.5 km and 11 km long drinking water supply schemes of Gaht Payeen and Gaht Bala respectively were completed in short period of eight months. -- CN report, 02 Aug 2011.

http://www.chitralnews.com/GahtWater-02-Aug-2011.htm
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PM draws attention to Agakhan Foundation activities in the development of Gilgit-Baltistan.

Excerpt:

"The Prime Minister drew the attention of the participants that the Agha Khan Foundation had also shown interest in the development of the region. He asked the government of Gilgit-Baltistan to extend facilities in this context."

http://app.com.pk/en_/index.php?option= ... 8&Itemid=2
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Drinking Water scheme inaugurated

PPAF funded drinking water project was inaugurated in Shahidas Laspur,which was executed by Aga Khan Planning and Building Service, Pakistan (AKPBSP) in partnership with the community. MPA Ghulam Muhammad was chief guest on the occasion who appreciated efforts of the board and AKDN in general. and announced that he would pay the cash community contribution to the people.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Muhammad Karam, Area Manager AKPBSP, Chitral thanked MPA for sparing time to participate in the inauguration of drinking water project and praised the role of the community to complete its project in time despite many difficulties in harsh winter.

Earlier, speaking on the occasion, Manager village organization, Sher Adat and Zar Nabi, a development activist appreciated the work of AKPBSP in providing drinking water to the communities in remote areas. They also thanked PPAF for providing funds to the AKPBSP for starting and implementing clean drinking water projects in order to improve the health and reduce the poverty of poor communities in remote areas of Chitral. -- CN report, 09 Sep 2011.


(If you wish to comment on the above write up, you can send your comments at chitralnews@yahoo.com. Please go through the House Rules before sending comments)

http://www.chitralnews.com/AKPBSP-09-Sep-2011.htm
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Training workshop
Our Correspondent

Chitral—Three days training workshop organized by Water and Sanitation Extension Program (WASEP) in collaboration with Aga Khan Planning and Building Services (APBS) for capacity building of Water and Sanitation (CBWS) Committees concluded here on Thursday. District Coordination Officer Chitral, Rahmatullah Wazir who was the chief guest of the occasion, said that although this is responsibility of state to provide all basic amenities to its citizens to their door step, but government can not address all the problems of this remote area due to its geographical position.

He said that a large population was enjoying the facility of potable water but infrastructure in most areas is devoid of this basic facility. The main objective of the workshop was to urge the local community to avoid wastage of clean drinking water besides creating awareness regarding the water borne-diseases arising from usage of contaminated water. Health and Hygiene officer stressed upon the stake holders to use hygienically clean water for drinking because 70 percent diseases were created from contaminated water.

http://pakobserver.net/detailnews.asp?id=117177
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Making the lawmakers ‘aware’: Booklet on UN Convention on people with disabilities launched
Published: November 3, 2011

Booklet contains the state of disability in Pakistan, benefits of a more ‘inclusive’ society.

The Network of Organizations Working for People with Disabilities, Pakistan (NOWPDP), an initiative of the Aga Khan Council for Pakistan (AKCP), released a booklet on the UN Convention for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on Wednesday. The launch comes after the ratification of the Convention by Pakistan, said a press release issued by the AKCP.

As of February 2010, 78 countries have ratified the UN Convention for the rights of persons with disabilities. The United Nations Convention aims to ensure that persons with disabilities enjoy equal human rights as others. Its objective is “to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights by the disabled people”.

The booklet has been distributed to members of parliament, the Prime Minister and President, to raise awareness about ways in which Pakistan can implement the clauses of the convention and become a more inclusive society for people of all abilities.

The booklet highlights the state of disability in Pakistan and the benefits of a more inclusive society. Moreover, it proposes implementation of legislation, through effective monitoring and governance bodies within the government.

It also suggests accessibility of buildings for people with disabilities, availability of quality education for all such children and equal opportunities for them.”People with disabilities should be able to gain employment without fear of discrimination,” said an official of AKCP.

The booklet was developed in collaboration with the Children’s Museum for Peace and Human Rights, after having compiled a petition of over 1.1 million signatures supporting the ratification of the convention.

The Children’s Museum for Peace and Human Rights and NOWPDP are working together to increase awareness of the UN Convention and Pakistan’s obligations under that Convention. .

In a short span of three years, NOWDP has been able to attract the membership of 200 civil society and disabled persons organisations from across the country and establish a number of innovative programmes to provide opportunities to people with disabilities.

NOWPDP works with the objectives to create space and raise voice for persons with disabilities.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 3rd, 2011.

http://tribune.com.pk/story/286769/maki ... -launched/

http://www.nowpdp.org/
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Josh Games Pakistan Organized by: Aga Khan Youth & Sports Board for Pakistan

http://www.joshgamespakistan.com/
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AKPBS Nominated for 2012 Zayed Energy Prize

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 12 January 2012 – The Aga Khan Planning and Building Services’ (AKPBS) Building and Construction Improvement Programme (BACIP) is one the finalists of the 2012 Zayed Future Energy Prize. The prize, which will be announced later this month, recognizes and rewards outstanding work in renewable energy and sustainability. A prize of US$ 1.5 million will be awarded to the winner.

BACIP focuses on eight thermally efficient appliances and technologies that help people in poor and remote areas improve the quality of their lives while saving 100,000 tons of CO2 annually. The programme has produced over 50,000 fuel-efficient products, which have been installed in 27,000 households. The programme has benefitted 240,000 people in over 300 villages of the Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral provinces in northern Pakistan.

The products not only cut energy costs, they also reduce deforestation and the time for fuel wood gathering, which in turn reduces the workloads of women and children while allowing them to generate more disposable household income. BACIP’s products include smoke-free stoves with water warming accessories that circulate warmed water to a plastic cistern, roof-hatch windows that conserve heat and insulation made with local materials. BACIP is the only programme in Pakistan that goes beyond stoves to target the entire energy consumption of households while addressing quality of life issues such as respiratory ailments caused by indoor smoke. Other agencies of the Aga Khan Development Network work on related issues, including reforestation, rangeland rehabilitation, sanitation, health and water management.

The seven finalists in the SME and NGO category were selected from among 1,103 nominations and 425 submissions. The submitted projects are located in 71 countries around the world.

For more information about the BACIP programme, please see the CNN interview with Hadi Husani, Chief Executive Officer of AKPBS Pakistan, as well as http://www.akdn.org/AKPBS and http://www.akdn.org/akpbs_pakistan.asp.

The Zayed Future Energy Prize is named after the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the United Arab Emirates. The master jury includes HE Mohammed Nasheed, President of the Republic of the Maldives; HE Olafur Ragnar Grímsson, President of Iceland; HE Ahmed Al Sayegh, Chairman of Masdar; Elizabeth Dipuo Peters, Minister of Energy for South Africa; Hon. Timothy Wirth, President of the UN Foundation and Better World Fund; Dr. Susan Hockfield, President of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT); Leonardo DiCaprio, Oscar-award winning actor and environmental activist; Andre Agassi, Founder of the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education and Grand Slam Tennis Champion; and Hon. Cherie Blair, Founder of the Cherie Blair Foundation.

For more information about the prize, please see: http://www.zayedfutureenergyprize.com/

For press enquiries, please contact:

Sam Pickens
Aga Khan Development Network
1-3 Avenue de la Paix, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
Telephone: +41 22 909 72 00
E-mail: info@akdn.org
Website: www.akdn.org

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http://www.akdn.org/Content/1108/AKPBS- ... ergy-Prize
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Chitral: Aga Khan Foundation implementing micro-hydro projects

Excerpt:

"The official said AEDB, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Agha Khan Foundation (AKF) are implementing 103 micro-hydro projects (15 MW) in Chitral. Phase-two, comprising 250 plants is under preparation. AEDB has obtained licenses for local manufacturing and trained local manufacturers for micro-hydro turbines for the project, he added."

http://app.com.pk/en_/index.php?option= ... 9&Itemid=2
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Seerat Conference: ‘Follow the Messenger’s example’
Challe­nges faced by Muslim societ­ies can be solved by unders­tandin­g and follow­ing the teachi­ngs of the Prophe­t (PBUH).
By APP
Published: March 19, 2012

ISLAMABAD:
Egyptian Ambassador Mohamed El-Said Hindam on Sunday urged Muslims to follow the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) with special focus on moral ethics. The ambassador was the chief guest at a Seerat Conference organised by the Shia Imami Ismaili Tariqa and Religious Education Board (ITREB) for Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Peshawar and Mardan areas and Shia Imami Ismaili council.

Sadiq Ali Chishti of International Islamic University Islamabad highlighted the importance of contextual understanding of religious teachings.

He said that Muslim societies are facing tough challenges which can be solved by properly understanding and following the teachings of the Prophet (PBUH).

Speaking on the rights of women, Fatima Jinnah Women University Rawalpindi Department of Gender Studies Chairman Dr Rukhsana Hasan emphasised the true meanings of the Islamic guidance about the status of women in Islam with examples of Muslim women who have played prominent roles in societies through history.

Concordia University religion lecturer Prof Perwaiz Hayat spoke on unity among Muslims and highlighted various aspects of Quranic teachings, Sunnah and Hadith.

He invited all Muslims to strengthen bonds among themselves and play a leading role for the welfare of humanity in general and the ummah in particular.

ITREB Chairman Rai Gul Baig asked the audience to help bring harmony by celebrating diversity and promoting peace in society.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 19th, 2012.

http://tribune.com.pk/story/351769/seer ... s-example/
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DOCUMENTATION AND CONSERVATION OF WAZIR KHAN MOSQUE,
LAHORE, PAKISTAN

Salman MUHAMMAD
Aga Khan Cultural Service Pakistan, Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam, Jutial, Gilgit 15100, Gilgit-
Baltistan, Pakistan
salmanmuhammadali@yahoo.com
Keywords: Documentation, REDM, rectified photography, damage mapping
Abstract:
The Walled City of Lahore is one of the most important historic cities in the sub-continent. Although much altered by recent development, it still retains considerable original character. Within the confines of the city
are a number of important monuments, many of which are in urgent need of conservation. In 2007 Aga Khan Cultural Service Pakistan (AKCSP) started a programme1 as a strategic partner with Government of the
Punjab to link many of monuments in the Walled City of Lahore along a historic route, the Shahi Guzargah, or so-called Royal Route, starting from the Dehli Gate and culminating at the Lahore Fort. One of the most
significant monuments along this route is the Wazir Khan Mosque.

More...

http://cipa.icomos.org/fileadmin/templa ... UE/129.pdf
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Agakhan Foundation jointly organises forum on early childhood education

Excerpt:

The forum was jointly organised by Agha Khan Foundation, UNESCO and UNICEF, and was attended by ministers, civil society and donor organisations.

http://tribune.com.pk/story/370435/come ... a-far-cry/
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Ibad for opening foreign education institutions

KARACHI: Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan believes that the foreign affiliated reputed educational institutions be encouraged to open their branches in Pakistan. Such institutions would contribute towards fostering the spirit of competitions and help enhance the academic standard as well. He was talking to a delegation of the Aga Khan Education Foundation. The delegation led by Sultan Ali Allana met Ibad at the Governor House here on Friday. Principal Secretary to Governor Dr Noshad Shaikh and other officials were also present on the occasion. Ibad lauded the contribution of Aga Khan Education Foundation and Aga Khan University towards the promotion of higher education in the country. He also directed that the matter pertaining to allotment of land to Aga Khan University at the Education City should be resolved. app
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Aga Khan Planning and Building Service, Pakistan ( AKPBSP) to execute Urban Drinking Water Project in Chitral

http://www.chitralnews.com/Karam-01%20Sept-2012.htm
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AKPBS Celebrated Global Hand washing day
by G. H. Farooqui October 16, 2012

Health and Hygiene seminar held in connection of Global Hand Washing day.

CHITRAL: A health and Hygiene sensitize workshop was held at Booni some 75 KM from here organized by Javaid Ahmad Health & Hygiene Officer of Agha Khan Planning and Building Service Chitral. Muhammad Zahir Khan Tehsil Municipal Officer Booni was chief guest on the occasion while the ceremony was presided over by Hazar Muhammad Chairman AKPBS upper Chitral. Regional Coordinator of AKPBS & prominent educationist Shah Karez briefed the participants about aim and objectives of health and hygiene seminar cum global hand washing day. He said that AKPBS working for the last three decades in social and rural development like water supply, health and hygiene, construction and environment sector. They arrange seminar, workshops and sensitization about awareness of health and hygiene and bad impact of using contaminated water on masses. Area Manger Muhammad Karam, while welcoming to participants said that AKPBS render meritorious services in provision of potable (clean) drinking water to local consumers. He said that 70% diseases created by using muddy and contaminated water. Students of different schools presented tablue and drama by inscribing a message to the nation regarding benefits of washing hands with soap. After using washroom, washing hands with soap and remaining foam for 20 seconds is necessary for killing germs and good health they said The speakers said that AKPBS celebrating Give a child hope wash the hands with soap, global hand washing day and health and hygiene seminars with the financial support of KFW financial agency of Germany. Students also presented Qawali and other colorful programs on the topic of health and hygiene to convey a message to the public regarding importance of cleanliness and washing hands for good health. Miss Niat Karim, MIss Sadar Bibi and other distributed free hygienic kits among the students consisting on Towel, soap, too paste, nail cutter regarding creating awareness about cleanliness among the students of different educational institutions. A large number of people including women folk, students, social workers participated in the seminar.


G.H. Farooqi C/O Manager bank Islami Main branch Chitral phone No 0943-320737, 0943-316052, 0943-414418 , 03025989602, 03337069572, 03159698446, 03469002167

http://www.groundreport.com/World/AKPBS ... ay/2948610
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Youth of Gojal discuss modern challenges and empowerment

Islamabad, October 28: Passu Students Association in collaboration with Aga Khan Youth and Sports Board Islamabad organized an interactive session on “Youth Empowerment and Modern Challenges” for the youth of Gojal in Islamabad today.

A large number ofl youth from Gojal based in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore,] Peshawar and Abbottabad participated in the session. The event was addressed by renowned educationists Raza Muhammad, Engineer Baig Ali, Eng. Muhammad Darjat, Azam Baig Tajik and Noor Muhammad.

During the session the youth deliberated to identify the modern challenges and also suggested remedial measures.

The youth got the opportunity to learn from the professionals. The event was part of the PSA’s Silver Jubilee Celebrations.

http://pamirtimes.net/2012/10/29/youth- ... powerment/
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French govt and AKCSP to promote cultural diversity in KP, GB

ISLAMABAD - French Ambassador to Pakistan Philippe Thiébaud and Aga Khan Cultural Service (AKCSP) Chairman Akbarali Pesnani signed a partnership-agreement for a budget of $175,000 on Wednesday.
The objective of this collaboration is to encourage skill development and artistic expression among the youth to promote diversity and sustainable development.
Two projects have been developed to promote cultural diversity in KP, Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral. They would offer an exceptional range of natural and cultural resources.
The first project titled “Skill Development in Heritage-Based Planning and Construction” will aim to promote and strengthen traditional arts including embroidery, tapestry, cutting, sewing and upholstery in Chitral, with the objective to develop and sustain human and financial capital at the community level. The second project, “Display of Performing Arts and Handicrafts”, will display traditional aspects of these regions to a wider audience at the Serena Hotel and Alliance Française in Islamabad, in January.
The Aga Khan Foundation and the French government are committed to implement a regional health programme in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Tajikistan for the next three years.

http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2012/11 ... -in-kp-gb/

http://ftpapp.app.com.pk/en_/index.php? ... 5&Itemid=2
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Philanthropic spirit in Pakistan - AKDN study

http://www.brecorder.com/articles-a-let ... 7/1267280/
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AKPBS and Pakistan Engineering Council launch building guidelines for safer constructions in mountain regions

Islamabad, 29 January, 2013 (PR): The Aga Khan Planning and Building Service, Pakistan (AKPBS,P) – an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) in collaboration with the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) organized a workshop to share a set of building guidelines for seismic resistance and thermal efficiency of buildings in the mountainous regions of Pakistan.

http://pamirtimes.net/2013/01/29/akpbs- ... n-regions/
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Prophet Muhammad a symbol of ‘Tolerance’: ITREB

ISLAMABAD: The Shia Imami Ismaili Tariqah and Religious Education Board (ITREB) recently organized a Seerat Conference at the Islamabad Serena Hotel.

“The Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W.W.) as a Symbol of Tolerance” is the theme of this year’s Conference. The conference revolved around the theme and saw many eminent scholars from across the country present papers on the importance of tolerance in light of the Holy Prophet’s teachings.

Chief Guest, H.E Muhammad Rashad Daureeawo, High Commissioner of Mauritius while addressing the audience said that tolerance is the dire need of human societies today as impatience and intolerance is rampant across the world. The life of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.W.) was an example of full of tolerance and patience, the human society has not produced any other examples or personality like him to signify tolerance.

Professor Dr. Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, Dean of Sharia and Law Department of International Islamic University, Islamabad in his address said that “the message of Islam was spread with love and peace; the purpose of preaching and teachings of the holy Prophet (PBUH) was not focused on gaining victory over regions, nations and countries but it was focused on winning the souls and hearts of the people. The hearts and souls cannot be won by force, intolerance, injustice and disrespect. He said that the life of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is a symbol of peace not only for Muslim societies but for the entire mankind.

Professor Perwaiz Hayat of ITREB Pakistan cited many events from the Seerah as examples of tolerance, demonstrated by the Holy Prophet during his life. The declaration of Madina (Misaq-e-Madina) and the event of Taif where the Holy Prophet prayed for the people of Taif while the children of Taif teased him and threw stones on him, were great examples of tolerance exhibited by Prophet Muhammad.

Speaking on tolerance and its importance as highlighted by the Seerah Mubarak of the Prophet (PBUH), Dr. Sajid Subahani said that the life of the Holy Prophet is the best example to follow and bring peace and prosperity in society. Prophet (PBUH) was not only a leader for Muslims but for the whole humanity. He said that the problem of intolerance and impatience that the society is facing was due to lack of education and neglecting the Seerah of the Prophet (PBUH).

The conference was attended by members from different walks of life and was well appreciated.

As stated by His Highness the Aga Khan in 1976 in Karachi at the International Seerat Conference: “The Holy Prophet’s life gives us every fundamental guideline that we require to resolve the problem as successfully as our human minds and intellects can visualise. His example of integrity, loyalty, honesty, generosity both of means and of time, his solicitude for the poor, the weak and the sick, his steadfastness in friendship, his humility in success, his magnanimity in victory, his simplicity, his wisdom in conceiving new solutions for problems which could not be solved by traditional methods, without affecting the fundamental concepts of Islam, surely all these are foundations which, correctly understood and sincerely interpreted, must enable us to conceive what should be a truly modern and dynamic Islamic Society in the years ahead.”

http://www.lhrtimes.com/2013/04/09/prop ... nce-itreb/
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MSAP looks to promote competitions
From the Newspaper | 15th May, 2013 0 Send to Kindle KARACHI, May 14: The Aga Khan Foundation is joining hands with the Mind Sports Association of Pakistan (MSAP) to promote bridge, chess and scrabble in the country.

“We are working on plans to conduct mind events on different locations of the country,” MSAP director Tariq Rasheed Khan said on Tuesday.

“We are highly encouraged by the response of the Aga Khan Foundation,” he commented.

Tariq said the events would be staged in Karachi, Hyderabad, Lahore, Rawalpindi/Islamabad, Peshawar and Northern Areas.

He said a large number of players were keen to spread the games and the MSAP was looking to support and encourage them.

The MSAP director said their focus was to promote the games among school, college and university students.

Rasheed said a large-scale programme was launched by holding Mind Sports Olympiad a few years ago but due to lack of funds the second edition of these games could not be held.—APP
http://dawn.com/2013/05/15/msap-looks-t ... petitions/
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http://tribune.com.pk/story/737122/time ... h-efforts/

Time to reassess maternal health efforts

By Syed Mohammad Ali
Published: July 18, 2014
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The writer is a post-doctoral fellow at McGill University

Improving maternal health was one of the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) identified back in 1990 in order to provide a common blueprint for the leaders of all countries and major development agencies to work together for improving the lives of multitudes of destitute people around the world by 2015. Although we are now just a few months away from the set target date, the MGD goals are nowhere close to being achieved. The goals related to women, including gender equality and reducing maternal (and child) deaths are the most off-track.

The underlying challenges for high maternity rates are admittedly varied, ranging from poverty to lack of education and inadequate funding for family planning. Reducing the maternal mortality rate by three quarters, between 1990 and 2015, has thus proven rather difficult to achieve. Overall, the maternal mortality ratio has dropped by 45 per cent between 1990 and 2013, from an alarming 380 to 210 deaths per 100,000 live births. However, maternal mortality ratio in developing countries is still 14 times higher than that in the developed world.

While billions of dollars have been spent over the past few years to improve maternal health, the strategies used to achieve this goal have now come to be questioned. Multilateral agencies, including the UN system, have been trying to save the lives of mothers in developing countries using inexpensive drugs. However, two major studies of maternal health efforts across the developing world have found that there is little proof such an approach is working, including a study led by the Aga Khan University in Pakistan. The ongoing effort to provide pregnant women cheap drugs such as magnesium sulphate to treat labour complications, and the provision of pre-emptive antibiotics for women getting a caesarean procedure, have been particularly questioned due to their lacklustre impact. Areas that used such interventions were not found to have better survival rates for mothers than areas which did not.

Critics are now calling for a significant overhaul of this pricey global Maternal Health Initiative, which is still being implemented despite producing lacklustre results. These concerns, of course, do not justify decreasing funding for maternal health, but instead they demand investing in interventions, which are more effective.

According to the MDG report for 2014, which draws on data compiled between 2010 and 2014 by more than 28 UN and international agencies, only half of pregnant women in developing countries get the recommended four antenatal check-ups. The need for specialised medical services, including family planning, antenatal and postnatal care, skilled delivery and emergency obstetric care, cannot be replaced by providing cheap drugs alone.

In order to provide greater medical attention for maternal health, there is also an obvious need to bolster the broader public health systems across the developing world. While there are no one-fixes-all prescription to improve public health services universally, convincing decision-makers to allocate more funds to the health sector, especially for addressing maternal concerns, is one step in the needed direction.

While the impacts of the above research findings on altering the design of current global maternal health care programmes remain to be seen, it is clear that developing countries alone are not to be blamed for being unable to implement development interventions adequately to address the plight of their people. It is also the failure of international development agencies, which are not providing effective strategies to address the basic health challenge of ensuring improved maternal health.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 18th, 2014.
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http://www.dawn.com/news/1140680/aga-kh ... ns-new-ceo

27 October, 2014 / 2 Muharram, 1436

Aga Khan Foundation’s new CEO

By The Newspaper's Correspondent


CHITRAL: The Aga Khan Foundation, Pakistan, has picked a resident of Chitral, Akhtar Iqbal, as its chief executive officer.

A source in Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP), Chitral, which is a component of AKF, confirmed the news to Dawn, saying that Mr Iqbal may assume the charge of his office in the first week of November.

The source said that Mr Iqbal, in his early 30s, was earlier posted in Kabul, Afghanistan. He rose to the top position of the prestigious international organisation after starting his career in a lower rank from AKRSP’s Chitral office in 1999. He has a master degree in public administration from Peshawar University.

Akhtar Iqbal went to Afghanistan in early 2001 and continued his job in AKF in various positions and his exceptional performance elevated him to the position of chief executive officer of the organisation in Afghanistan four years ago.

The source said that commitment to work and personal acumen ensured elevation of Akhtar Iqbal from a menial position to the top rung of the organisation.

Published in Dawn, October 27th, 2014
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Lahore Fort’s historic Picture Wall to be restored

LAHORE: Walled City Lahore Authority (WCLA) and Aga Khan Culture Service Pakistan (AKCS-P) joined hands to restore Lahore Fort's historic Picture Wall and kicked off the architectural survey of the Picture Wall.

According to details, after the completion of the survey of one of the longest and largest mural of its kind, the physical restoration will be started. The Picture Wall depicts the Mughal era through pictures, fresco paintings, unique tile work, exceptional brick and tile patterns, architectural terracotta base and hence visuals, which cannot be found elsewhere in the world's architectures.

The project of the architectural survey is funded by the Royal Norwegian Embassy, Islamabad.

Wajahat Ali, senior conservation architect of Aga Khan Culture Service Pakistan, said while talking exclusively to Daily Times, "This architectural study has begun to examine patterns of the 800-metre historic Picture Wall. We are using 3D-scanners for the first time, previously a machine called the 'total station' used to examine in architectural surveys of historic buildings."

He said that by using 3D-scanners and other softwares, the Aga Khan Service Pakistan will efficiently finish the architectural study by June 2016. He said after western side examination, AKCS-P will submit a report to WCLA and separately publish a detailed brochure.

"The restoration of such rich-architecture work on the Picture Wall is a complete science. Meanwhile we are going to connect a historian too as each pattern of the Wall has its unique history," the project conservation architect added.

Geneva-based Aga Khan Trust for Culture local chapter in Pakistan works by the name Aga Khan Cultural Service Pakistan and has restored multiple historical sites including Mosque Wazir Khan and historic forts in Gilgit-Baltistan. All the restoration or architectural surveys in Lahore's Walled City by AKCS-P are conducted in corporation with WCLA.

The Picture Wall is depicted with animal, birds and royal recreation or with the royal court's activities. The scenes of polo games, animal hunts, trees and vegetation are also inscribed on it. The mural contains unique Pietra dura technique, which is an Italian technique of creating images on polished coloured stones.

WCLA Lahore Fort Deputy Director Asghar Hussain said that the documentation work of the Picture Wall had just begun in coordination with AKCS-P to account comprehensive and detailed study of the Wall. After that, the physical restoration of the Wall will begin.

It is pertinent to mention that the Picture Wall is the reason behind the inclusion of Lahore Fort into the world heritage monument in 1981. The picture wall at the Lahore Fort, built during 1624-32 during the era of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, further enhanced the beauty of the historical site.

Tanvir Johar, working as a documentation specialist with the project, says each and everything of 100-metre Picture Wall is being documented and the research work will present the analysis of the material used in the making of it.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/entertainm ... e-restored

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Synergy: Aga Khan Culture Service Pakistan, Royal Norwegian Embassy and Walled City Lahore Authority to restore Lahore Fort’s picture wall

By Ali Raza - Wednesday, November 04, 2015
LAHORE: Visitors to Lahore Fort will soon witness a change at the fort’s entrance as the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) is going for rehabilitation and conservation of the majestic picture wall.

The Picture Wall, one of the unique features of the Lahore Fort, is about 1,450 feet long with an average height of 50 feet. It forms Northern and part of Western façade of the Lahore Fort. Embellished with scenic pictures in glazed tiles work this massive façade was one of the key characteristics of the fort for inclusion of the Lahore Fort on ‘World Heritage Site’. It is the largest picture wall of the world claimed by the historians and architects.

Unfortunately, the wall is one of the most neglected parts of the fort, experts said, adding that the Picture Wall had become the backyard and site for storage of surplus materials and disposal of refuse. As a result, surface decoration is deteriorating at an alarming pace and there is real risk of complete destruction of pictures unless documented, analysed and addressed factors of deterioration.

Recently, the WCLA signed an MoU with Aga Khan Trust for culture for the documentation, presentation and promotion of the picture wall of the Lahore Fort. Officials said the project would be co-funded by Royal Norwegian Embassy, which has provided a fund of Rs10,963,000 for documentation, presentation and promotion of Picture Wall, Lahore Fort. A senior official of WCLA said the project would be started soon and completed by 30th of June 2016.

Salman Beg (CEO Aga Khan Cultural Services Pakistan) said that after the successful completion of Shahi Hammam, now the Norwegian Embassy has extended its support for the documentation of the picture wall. “I think this is a good beginning and we hope to preserve other parts of the Lahore Fort as well. Our team has started working on the documentation which is a lengthy process and will be completed by 2016” he maintained.

Masood A. Khan, Consultant Aga Khan Cultural Services Pakistan said that the activities to be carried out on the picture wall’s documentation would include conducting a survey and documentation of western section (350ft x 50ft), using EDM and photo rectification techniques, Façade documentation of western part of the Picture Wall which is rich in detailing and carrying out field investigations to study damage pattern.

http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-5 ... cture-wall
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Long awaited renovation of outer wall of Lahore Fort has been started with the funds provided by Agha Khan Trust

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid ... 1245704167
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United Nations and Aga Khan Foundation visit Chitral

Pakistan is one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to disasters whether from climate change or because of earthquakes. Both types of disasters affected Chitral recently, the July flash floods, and the October earthquake that affected many parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan. To better understand the effects on people and development from the floods and the earthquake, and to assess the needs for reconstruction efforts, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Pakistan, Neil Buhne, and the head of the Aga Khan Foundation in Pakistan, Akhtar Iqbal, visited Chitral district today.

Neil Buhne said, “Pakistan’s vulnerability to both natural hazards and climate change has the potential to damage and delay development in the country. However with good preparedness, planning and mitigation measures, we can at least limit the loss of human life and development. This visit today highlights the importance of government efforts to provide relief to the vulnerable people most affected, and also the significance of quickly following up with comprehensive reconstruction done together with the local communities.”

Akhtar Iqbal said, “A stronger humanitarian-development link can help better assess the situation as well as the details for the extent of damages and how the local communities can be made more resilient to future catastrophes. Strengthened partnerships and a stronger humanitarian-development link can ensure that sustainable development endeavours continue without being affected to a larger extent by the crises. Together with the government and other stakeholders, we can help build stronger capacities to plan for and respond to disasters and shared commitment through engaging key stakeholders that can help prevent disaster related humanitarian crises and protect development gains.”

The mission was led by Neil Buhne and other members, including UNDP Pakistan Country Director, Marc-André Franche, UNOCHA Head of Office, George Khoury and the Executive Officer of Focus Humanitarian Assistance (FOCUS) Nusrat Nasab.

The mission met and interacted with the communities and the local government authority in Chitral. The analysis following this visit will contribute to the overall assessment prepared by the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa that will be further discussed at a workshop with international development partners on 10 December.

http://www.pk.undp.org/content/pakistan ... itral.html

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Vulnerable population: Pakistan worst hit by extreme weather events

CHITRAL: With recurring floods, droughts and earthquakes, Pakistan has made it to the list of countries that have been most affected by extreme weather events.

These views were expressed by United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Pakistan Neil Buhne while visiting Chitral on Friday, stated a press release. Akhtar Iqbal, the head of Aga Khan Foundation in Pakistan, also accompanied him.

“Pakistan’s vulnerability to both natural hazards and climate change has the potential to damage and delay development in the country,” said Buhne.

“However, with good preparedness, planning and mitigation measures, we can at least limit the loss to human life and development.”

He added, “This visit highlights the importance of government efforts to provide relief to the vulnerable people, and also the significance of quickly following up with comprehensive reconstruction done together with the local communities.”

Iqbal said, “A stronger humanitarian-development link can help better assess the situation and how local communities can be made more resilient to future catastrophes.”

The AKF Pakistan head added, “Together, with the government and other stakeholders, we can help build stronger capacities to plan for and respond to disasters.”

He added, “Shared commitment through engagement with key stakeholders can help prevent disaster-related humanitarian crises and protect development gains.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 5th, 2015.
http://tribune.com.pk/story/1004054/vul ... er-events/
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Wazir Khan Hamam in the Walled City of Lahore

Saw the Wazir khan Hamam in the walled city of Lahore. The restoration has been done by a norwegian company and funded by the Aga khan foundation.
It is one of the finest examples in this subcontinent. It also demonstrates the magic of good lighting.
They have cleaned up the street leading to the hamam from the Delhi gate. The services havebeen put under ground and the facades have been simply cleaned up. Makes a world of a difference.
we could Surely borrow a page from this project.

ismailimail.wordpress.com/2016/01/03/wazir-khan-hamam-in-the-walled-city-of-lahore/
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The Water and Sanitation Extension Programme of Aga Khan Planning and Building Service, Pakistan

The Water and Sanitation Extension Programme (WASEP) of Aga Khan Planning and Building Service, Pakistan (AKPBS-P) has bagged an international award for its initiatives to improve living conditions of rural populace in more than 200 villages in Pakistan.

WASEP was able to outshine over 800 entries from 111 countries to win the National Energy Globe Award. WASEP was also short-listed as one of the top three projects in the prestigious Water Category Award.

WASEP is a rural-based initiative that integrates supply of safe water, construction of low-cost sanitation facilities and health & hygiene education in many marginalized parts of Gilgit-Baltistan. The integration of these components has been able to significantly improve health indicators of the beneficiary villages.

In regions where more than half of all deaths are caused by waterborne diseases, WASEP has been able to reduce by more than 60 % the incidence of diarrhoea, which is the number one killer of children in the developing world.

ismailimail.wordpress.com/2016/05/01/the-water-and-sanitation-extension-programme-of-aga-khan-planning-and-building-service-pakistan/
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Prince Rahim & Princess Zahra in Gilgit 2016-05-24

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Today 24th May 2016 Islamabad, Pakistan - Children present Flowers to Princess Zahra Aga Khan and Prince Rahim Aga Khan upon their arrival in Islamabad. Princess Zahra Aga Khan and Prince Rahim Aga Khan are visiting Pakistan for AKDN-related work and have now reached Gilgit Medical Complex.


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Last edited by Admin on Tue May 24, 2016 11:30 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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New Aga Khan Medical Centre Helps Strengthen Pakistan’s Heal

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http://pamirtimes.net/2016/05/24/new-ag ... th-system/

New Aga Khan Medical Centre Helps Strengthen Pakistan’s Health System

Posted by Pamir Times

Gilgit, 24 May 2016 – In its push to provide health care in large underserved areas of Pakistan, and to complement the Government’s efforts to attain the Sustainable Development Goals in health, an Aga Khan Medical Centre was inaugurated today by Princess Zahra Aga Khan and Prince Rahim Aga Khan.

The 50-bed Centre anchors a “hub” that provides high quality diagnostics and secondary health care. “Spokes” that radiate out from the Centre will connect the Gilgit hub through a digital health network to clinics in Singal, Gupis, Aliabad, Soust, Booni and Garamchasma.

The Gilgit Centre is also connected to state-of-the-art medical resources in other parts of Pakistan and in other countries, including the Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi. “E-Health” connections such as these have already had a major impact on health care in the region, improving diagnosis, treatment and overall care. Over 8,200 tele-consultations for a range of needs, from bone fractures to cardiovascular disease, have been made over the last two years, saving over 400 million Pakistani Rupees (US$ 4 million) in patient time and lost earnings due to travel for health concerns.

The “hub” and “spoke” model is intended to ensure that essential healthcare is accessible to all throughout Pakistan. Since the opening of the Aga Khan University’s School of Nursing in 1983, agencies of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) have been involved in a number of activities along the entire health spectrum, from training nurses, doctors and other health professionals to providing care in underserved areas, both in the South and in the North. AKDN’s research into the burden of local diseases and health system design has been concentrated in Sindh, but research “spokes” have been extended throughout the country.

Princess Zahra Aga Khan receiving a bouquet at the inauguration of the Aga Khan Medical Centre GilgitThe impact of these programmes over the last 30 years show that the model works: In a country where the ratio of maternal mortality per 100,000 live births is 190, the rate in areas where AKDN works has fallen to under 60. Where infant mortality remains 59 per 1,000 live births overall in Pakistan, it has fallen to 20 per 1,000 live births in areas served by AKDN. Perhaps one of the most important indicators – the percentage of deliveries that are made with skilled birth attendants – has risen to 86 percent in areas where AKDN institutions work, while it has remained at 52 percent for Pakistan as a whole. (Source: Routine Demographic and Health Surveillance Systems + specific surveys and The World Bank (2012-2014).

It is important to note that not all improvements can be attributed to AKDN’s health systems alone. AKDN also operates integrated programmes for safe water, adequate sanitation, improved livelihoods, and education.

The education component of this integrated approach was highlighted by Princess Zahra and Prince Rahim when they visited a school in Rahimabad and the Aga Khan University’s Professional Development Centre, North (PDCN) in Gilgit.

The Rahimabad School is one of 106 Aga Khan Schools in Gilgit-Baltistan serving more than 23,000 children in the region. As part of the organization’s plans for further expansion of quality provision, the school has recently improved and expanded its facilities and added pre-primary classrooms and a multi-purpose hall reflecting the organization’s commitment to early childhood education.

The not-for-profit school in Rahimabad was one of the beneficiaries of the PDCN’s Whole School Improvement Programme. PDCN has worked with over 146 schools serving more than 76,000 students to improve the quality of instruction, management and administration. These programmes have benefited over 15,000 teachers, head teachers, education managers, and district supervisory staff, over half of them women.

These education efforts, combined with other efforts to provide hydroelectricity, improve health, boost agricultural yields, provide safe drinking water and stimulate employment, have proven, when combined, to have important effects on the overall quality of health — and life in general.
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50-bed Aga Khan Medical Centre inaugurated

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http://tribune.com.pk/story/1109595/ext ... augurated/


The Express Tribune > Pakistan > Gilgit Baltistan
Extending health facilities: 50-bed Aga Khan Medical Centre inaugurated
By Shabbir Mir
Published: May 25, 2016


The Express Tribune > Pakistan > Gilgit Baltistan
Extending health facilities: 50-bed Aga Khan Medical Centre inaugurated
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Extending health facilities: 50-bed Aga Khan Medical Centre inaugurated
By Shabbir Mir
Published: May 25, 2016
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AKDN trains nurses, doctors, provides care in underdeveloped areas. PHOTO: ONLINE

AKDN trains nurses, doctors, provides care in underdeveloped areas. PHOTO: ONLINE

GILGIT:
A 50-bed medical centre was inaugurated by Princess Zahra Aga Khan and Prince Rahim Aga Khan during their visit to Gilgit on Tuesday.

Aga Khan Medical Centre provides high quality diagnostics and secondary
health care.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, an official said, “Spokes that radiate from the centre will connect [the] Gilgit hub through a digital health network to clinics in Singal, Gupis, Aliabad, Sost, Booni and Garam Chashma.”

The centre is also connected to state-of-the-art medical resources in other parts of Pakistan, including the Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi.

The “hub” and “spoke” model is intended to ensure that essential health care is accessible to everyone throughout Pakistan.

Since the opening of the Aga Khan University’s School of Nursing in 1983, agencies of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) have been involved in a number of activities along the entire health spectrum – from training nurses, doctors and other health professionals to providing care in underdeveloped areas, both in southern and northern parts of the country.

Over 8,200 tele-consultations for a range of needs—from bone fractures to cardiovascular diseases—have been made over the last two years through AKDN projects, saving patients over Rs400 million.

AKDN’s research into the burden of local diseases and health system design has been concentrated in Sindh, but research spokes have been extended throughout the country.

The education component of this integrated approach was highlighted by Princess Zahra and Prince Rahim when they visited a school in Rahimabad and the Aga Khan University’s Professional Development Centre, North (PDCN)
in Gilgit.

According to a press release, Rahimabad School is one of the 106 Aga Khan schools in Gilgit-Baltistan that serves more than 23,000 children in the region.

As part of the organisation’s plan to expand quality provision of education further, the school has recently improved and extended its facilities. It has added pre-primary classrooms and a multi-purpose hall reflecting the organisation’s commitment to early childhood education.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 25th, 2016.
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