Pages: 8 Vol: VIII No: 35 & 36
www.TechnologyTimes.Pk
CHASHNUPP expansion: 340MW
nuclear energy added
Hina Baloch
Stepping towards ending elec-
tricity load shedding another 340
MW nuclear energy is added in
energy mix. 5th nuclear power
plant, CHASHNUPP-IV (C-4), at
Chashma holding capacity to
generate 340 megawatts of elec-
tricity inaugurated by Prime Min-
ister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi.
Addressing the inauguration
ceremony PM Abbasi express
gratitude to China for technical
and financial assistance to Pa-
kistan and establishing the C-4
power plant, and two countries
will collaborate in the energy
sector among others as well.
“These power projects have
not been possible without the
cooperation of China and its peo-
ple,” he said, requesting China to
invest further in Pakistan’s ener-
gy sector.
“We are committed to end
electricity load shedding, and
by the end of this term will add
10,000MW to the national grid”.
He said the C-4 is a step forward
from the Pakistan Atomic Energy
Commission (PAEC) in achieving
its target of adding 8,800MW to
the national grid by the year 2030.
990MW electricity is provided
Telenor Pakistan set to galvanize
agricultural growth in GB
Expanding its digital footprint
to the far-flung and underserved
areas of the country, Pakistan’s
premier telecom and digital ser-
vices provider, Telenor Pakistan
has launched its mobile agricul-
ture advisory service ‘Khushaal
Zamindaar’ in Gilgit – Baltistan.
Launched in collaboration with
Market Development Facility
(MDF), the innovative service will
provide localized and customized
advisory services to facilitate
local farmers in increasing their
agricultural yield.
The high-spirited launch event
was held in a local hotel in the
provincial capital, Gilgit. The
honorable guests include MDF,
members from Agha Khan Ru-
ral Support Program (AKRSP),
Japan Inter Cooperation Agen-
cy (JICA), International Fund for
Agricultural Development (IFAD),
media persons, community lead-
ers, female farmers of Gilgit and
Telenor Pakistan officials.
‘Khushaal Zamindaar’ is Tel-
August 28 – September 10, 2017
by existing three units of Chash-
ma. Unit C-1, C-2 and C-3 have
successfully contributing to the
national grid since 2000, 2011,
2016 respectively. C-4 added
another 340MW and has been
connected to national grid since
29 June, 2017.
Talking on the occasion, Chair-
man Pakistan Atomic Energy
Commission Muhammad Naeem
said, “In addition to the four units
at Chashma, the work has been
started on two 1,100MW plants
at Karachi (KANUPP-II and III),
where groundbreaking ceremony
was held in November 2013”.
He mentioned that it was a
matter of gratification that K-2
and K-3 power plants in Karachi
were being completed at a faster
pace, and would provide cost ef-
fective and clean energy.
Pakistan began its nuclear
power generation program in
1972. PAEC has about 45 reac-
tor-years of successful operating
experience to its credit. Pakistan
is targeting five more plants of
1,100MW each in next 10 years.
According to PAEC’s ‘Nucle-
ar Energy Vision 2050’, units of
300MW would no longer be in-
stalled after this Chashma-IV. Pa-
kistan and China also agreed to
enor Pakistan’s innovative and
industry-first initiative, initially
launched in Punjab to help small
scale farmers into adopting
modern and best practices in
agriculture. It provides localized,
contextualized and customized
information including weather
forecasts, timely agronomic &
livestock advisory through SMS
and robo calls to help increase
crop yield, reduce post-harvest
losses, safeguard nutrition and
better manage adverse climatic
effects and natural resources.
Currently, more than 04 million
small scale farmers subscribe to
build another unit of ACP-1000
as CHASNUPP-5.
Pakistan’s current total nucle-
ar power generation is 1,405MW
which will be raised to 3,535MW
by 2021 on completion of under
construction K-2 and K-3 projects.
Pakistan’s all nuclear pow-
er plants except KANUPP-I, are
based on the Pressurized Water
Reactor (PWR) concept. A total
of 279 PWRs are already oper-
ating around the globe, which
this free of cost service covering
a range of cash crops, fruits and
vegetables, fodders and livestock
and 20 percent of them are wom-
en farmers.
The mobile agriculture ser-
vice in Gilgit – Baltistan will
provide location based weather
forecast and information about
value chains like Apricots, ap-
ple, potato and other crops cul-
tivated in the region. The service
shall also benefit the farmers
who rear livestock, potentially
transforming the domestic use
to commercial benefits in the
long run.
have several safety features for
enhanced safety targets of Gen-
III of reactors.
China is leading in construc-
tion of nuclear power plants with
25 plants are underway in China,
followed by 9 in Russia, 6 in In-
dia, 5 in US and 2 in Pakistan.
The event was attended by In-
terior Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Minis-
ter of State for Water and Power
Abid Sher Ali, PAEC Chairman
Mohammad Naeem, Chinese
‘E-Rozgar Centre’
inaugurated at GCWU Sialkot
Punjab Information Technol-
ogy Board (PITB) inaugurated 7th
“E-Rozgar Center” at Government
College Women University Sialkot
(GCWUS) as in other parts of the
province on the commands of
Punjab Government.
Sajid Lateef, Director Gener-
al, E-governance PITB, officially
inaugurated E-Rozgar Center at
varsity. Sajid said that PITB has
selected 10, 000 candidates as
per merit out of 33, 105 received
applications from whole province
for E-courses. He further said that
from District Sialkot 344 candi-
dates have been selected from
as many as 650 applications for
Ambassador Sun We Dong, PAEC
Member Power Yousaf Raza and
representatives of the Chinese
companies and senior officials.
There are 31 countries in the
world operating more than 440
commercial nuclear power re-
actors, with over 390,000 MWe
of total capacity. About 60 new
reactors are under construction.
These plants provide over 11% of
world’s electricity without carbon
dioxide emissions.
E-courses. He said that to get fi-
nancial benefits Master’s degree
holders could apply online under
E-Rozgar Scheme according to
their domiciles.
He also made knowledgeable
that 40-E-Rozgar Centers will be
set up in entire province intended
to offer employments to youth.
He further said that it was a rev-
olutionary program to prevail over
unemployment. Dr. Farhat Saleemi,
Vice Chancellor, GCWUS said that
E-Rozgar will bring revolutionary
changes because 10 thousand
employments opportunities would
be created every year in the prov-
ince.
 August 28 – September 10, 2017

EDITORIAL AgriTech 02 – TechnologyTimes.Pk

Drought: A constraint in efficacy of
systemic pesticides
Rise in the global temperature, erratic fluctuations in
rainfall and severe and prolonged drought periods due
to climate change seems to have a dramatic impact
Executive Editor A. M. Zaidi on agricultural production systems.....
Editor SAMZ Paras Ali
Asim Abbasi
Editor-at-large Dr. Syed Javaid Khurshid

Drought: A constraint
Incharge Editorial Section Hina Rasheed Baloch
Bureau Chief Karachi Syed Ali Raza
www.technologytimes.pk
E-mail: info@technologytimes.pk
Head Office Bureau Office

in efficacy of systemic
Suite 5, G Floor, Khudadaad Heights, C-89, Sherton Heights,
Margalla Avenue, E-11, Islamabad. Abul Hassan Isphahani Rd, Karachi.
Phone: +92 316 532 77 03 Phone: +92 333 57 55 926
Volume VIII — Issue 35 & 36
No. 8444/2 (100) Press - 2009

pesticides
Published by S. A. Mustafa Zaidi Paras Ali
for Foundation for Comprehensive Social Development (FCSD)

World university ranking and awful performance of Pakistan Asim Abbasi, Dr. Muhammad Sufyan, Iqra and Hafiza Javaria Ashraf

R
EDUCATION IS a key component in stimulating nation-
al integration as well as economic development. It can ise in the global
temperature, er-
backfire as it provokes the anticipations and cognizance ratic fluctuations
of young minds in ways that either cannot or will not in rainfall and
be pleased. This is especially true in Pakistan, where severe and pro-
the government is less interested to invest in education. longed drought
According to Times Higher Education World University periods due to
Rankings 2018 only Quaid e Azam University out of our climate change seems to have a
180+ universities was able to make it to top 500 univer- dramatic impact on agricultural
sities, and got 431st place on the list. It is pertinent to production systems. Insect pest
mention that QAU took this position from 601-800 band populations in agricultural and
last year, which is a noteworthy improvement. NUST horticultural systems are also
expected to be impacted, both
and COMSATS both fell short and clutched a spot in the in terms of their spatial and tem-
601-800 band and the University of Agriculture, Faisal- poral distributions and in their
abad in the 801+ group. Unfortunately, Pakistan is way status as pest species. Drought
far behind its neighbors; 60 institutions from China, 30 conditions associated with cli-
from India and 11 from Iran were on the list. Pakistani mate change not only alters the
institutions defeat in ranking is upsetting and reasons for physiology of crop plants but also
the country’s poor ranking attributed to low percentage of affect the performance of certain
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for science and develop- systemic pesticides against field
ment. Pakistan has a complex environment in converting crop pests. To get effective re-
the critical student mass with regard to targets of aca- sults from systemic pesticides
they should first enter plant cells
demic excellence and professional achievement. Besides and become a part of the host
HEC’s stance of improvement the stakeholders called it
plants. Systemic pesticides after
fallacious policies which ultimately led to downfall of Pa- entering living plant cells usual-
kistani universities. The country’s Global Innovation Index ly translocate in the whole plant
GII Report has declined significantly by 2011, despite the with the aid of available water
fact that thousands of PhDs have returned to Pakistan stream in xylem cells. The water
after completing their degrees during this period. Current stream helps pesticide to move
standard of HEC promotion based on quantity, with little relatively long distances in plant
or no emphasis on quality. The basic education dilemma tissues to reach the growing
in our educational institutions is pitiful. Government insti- points in the roots and shoots.
Adequate water availability and
tutions and even expensive private institutes in Pakistan pesticide solubility usually works
lack syllabus consistency. The flawed systems of admis-
in an integrated fashion for the
sion and examination in many universities just add to the successful pesticide movement
misery. Pakistan’s university progress is also hindered in the plant cells. These system-
by the huge collaboration gap between universities and ic pesticides depend on efficient
industries. China’s involvement in the country’s project water and nutrient uptake through
of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) could call the root system and on vascular
good news for Pakistani institutions because main focus flow. Both these mechanisms
of partnership is to enhance and initiate academic collab- may be partially compromised
oration between the two countries. The business schools under drought conditions be-
cause this leads to lower uptake
in CPEC consortium will contribute to resolve issues such and non-uniform distribution of
as economic and management of universities by giving
systemic pesticides in plant tis-
projects to business schools to assist the governments of
sues and therefore higher risk of
respective countries. Under these worst circumstances,
pests not acquiring a lethal dos-
improving Pakistan’s ranking on the innovation list is par-
age occurs.
allel to a fairytale coming true. To prevent this, we need Moreover scientist believed
to bring revolutionary changes in our basic education that leaf surfaces are one of
system. It is the responsibility of government of Pakistan the more complex biological
to think something out of box for development of lower structures known today. Plant
and middle education to increase higher education status surfaces are usually involved
in the country. Government should facilitate Higher Edu- in various activities like harvest
cation Institutes (HEIs); ensure better educational gover- light, breathe, exchange water
and provide natural defenses
nance and accountability; focus on quality in education
and resistance against physical
and research innovation; to create a knowledge economy forces. The binding, spreading
and to move forward for socio-economic development of and penetration of a pesticide
Pakistan. droplet in the plant cells depends
largely on the composition of leaf
surface. Plants usually avoids
low humidity, high temperature
and prolonged water stress by
producing thicker coatings of
surface wax on leaf tissues. This
process is known as hardening
off and it help plants to cope
with water scarce conditions and
early drying out. Hardening off
makes it even more difficult for
a systemic pesticides in a wa-
ter carrying solution to adhere
to, spread over and penetrate a
plant’s surface. Plants may also
alter the thickness, molecular
arrangement and composition
of the wax in response to envi-
ronmental cues, age and even
leaf position on the plant. When
foliar-applied systemic pesticide
applications fail to control the
target during droughts, a thicker
layer of wax on the plant’s cuticle
is commonly the culprit.
Additionally sufficient amount
of water is required for the better
translocation of systemic pes-
ticides throughout the plant, re-
sulting in a more even distribution
of the pesticide within the plant.
However non-uniform distribution
of systemic pesticides in plant tis-
sues may also responsible for be-
havioral resistance in target pest
populations. More pronounced
and prolonged drought will de-
crease uptake and increase the
magnitude of non-uniform trans-
location of systemic pesticides
within treated crop plants and that
may have two concurrent con-
sequences: 1) reduced pesticide
performance; 2) increased prob-
ability of insect pests evolving
behavioral resistance. Under this
scenario, pests that can sense
and avoid acquisition of lethal
dosages of systemic pesticides
within crop plants will have a se-
lective advantage. This may lead
to selection for insect behavioral
avoidance so that insects pre-
dominantly feed and oviposit on
portions of crop plants with low
concentration of systemic insec-
ticide.
Another significant factor
which may lead to an increase
in behavioral resistance within
a pest population is the unequal
acquisition of pesticide dosage
among the neighboring plants
occupying the same field. This
happens when irrigated water
level differs in certain areas of
the same field, a situation likely
to occur when field is not evenly
levelled. Adequate amount of soil
moisture favor water uptake, and
consequently insecticide translo-
cation but when the field is not
levelled certain plants do not re-
ceive required amount of water.
Hence pesticide fails to translo-
cate evenly in the whole plant tis-
sues because of limited available
water stream in xylem cells.
Hence it is strongly recom-
mended that application of sys-
temic pesticides must be pre-
ferred after irrigating the field
crops to enable better and uniform
distribution of pesticide within the
whole plant. Moreover laser land
levelling is also very important so
that all plants in the field acquire
equal amount of water and chanc-
es of non-uniform distribution of
pesticides among the neighboring
plants may reduce.
The corresponding author is a scholar at
Department of Entomology, University of
Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan. He can be
reached at asimabbasi@email.arizona.edu
or asimuaf95@gmail.com
 August 28 – September 10, 2017

EnviroTech 03 – TechnologyTimes.Pk
Wastewater pollution in Pakistan: Potential
pollutants, sources and their toxicity
A wide variety of resources granted by nature are
also using to retain and to develop life on this planet.
Amongst them, water is a key element to support all
Zeeshan Ajmal kind of existence on this planet as one of the.....

Wastewater pollution in Pakistan: Potential

pollutants, sources and their toxicity Zeeshan Ajmal, Fauzia Irum

A
wide variety of re-
sources granted by
nature are also us-
ing to retain and to
develop life on this
planet. Amongst
them, water is a
key element to support all kind
of existence on this planet as
one of the most dynamic human
resources. Its preservation is,
therefore, a priority. Since, it also
has political, economic, social as
well as ecological significance
at world level. Moreover, the
drinking water quality assurance
regarding overall community
health as being numerous health
problems has become more sig-
nificant and it can be resolved by due to these organic and inor- order (damaging of body cells). more dissolved oxygenand this amore serious threat to the whole
make available safe drinking wa-
ter free from contaminants like
avirus, bacteria, metal ions, and
minerals. Safe drinking water,
as defined by the World Health A high dose of metal ions exposure could be a serious risk of brain setback (one
Organization (WHO) Guidelines,
does not represent any signifi-
cant risk to health over a lifetime
can cause loss memory) and also keen negative blows, i.e. organ infections, tumor
of consumption, including differ-
ent sensitivities that may occur diseases, lessening in maturity and development, central nervous system annoyance,
between life stages. Those at
greatest risk of waterborne dis-
eases are infants and young chil-
however in harsh condition, demise.
dren, people who are debilitated
and the elderly.
That’s why, currently, water ganic pollutants has an adverse Moreover, liver, kidney, reproduc- state ultimately led to production ecological equilibrium in a very
pollution has arisen as a universal environmental impact on whole tive structure, brain functioning, of other secondary reason such minute concentration. Especial-
subject. Its pollution is also be- ecological equilibrium. mental illness and basic cellular as depletion of oxygen in relation ly, persistent organic pollutants
cause of various pollutants having Thus, a minute quantity of any problems are also caused by to having anundesirable impact (POP’S) are of huge concern due
started to enter the aquatic sys- perilous material could be a se- lead and mercury. A lot of haz- on whole ecological equilibrium. to their lethal effects, long persis-
tems due to swift industrialization rious threat, especially to living ardous symptoms as being hal- Another reason related to organ- tence in nature, and even amass-
and urbanization. In Pakistan, the biota. That’s why; wastewater lucination, sleeplessness, mus- ically polluted water is, to pre- ing nature in living organisms
potential sources as being con- pollution reduction is a most cles weakness, renal variations, vent sunlight which is accessible and natural environment. They
taminated fresh water systems scorching concern in this current anemia, irritability, are also com- to photosynthetic organisms, are non-biodegradable. These re-
are obviously emerging as the era. Most pollutants are non-bi- monly found. through covering whole liquid leasing compounds from waste-
contaminated stream commenc- odegradable or recalcitrance in A high dose of metal ions ex- volume due to having huge quan- water into the surrounding envi-
ing from three foremost human nature and encompassing sup- posure could be a serious risk tity of recalcitrance compound ronment can cause more threat
being actions like agriculture, in- plementary lethal assets. Living of brain setback (one can cause and suspended solid especially. to human beings and ecological
dustrial and domestic zone. More- tissues are more sensitive as loss memory) and also keen Numerous hydrogen and car- environment.Consequently, due
over, comparison to agricultural their accumulation showing nu- negative blows, i-e organ infec- bon containing chemical com- to having long persistence time
and domestic practices, a series merous infectivity and problems. tions, tumor diseases, lessening pounds such as polychlorinated and recalcitrance innature, their
of industrial facilities like textile, For instance, in the category in maturity and development, dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzo- removal has become essential.
tanneries, paper, mining opera- of metal ions, arsenic is most central nervous system annoy- furans (PCDD/Fs), polychlorin- Moreover, water pollution is more
tions, pesticides, pulp, food, bev- hazardous metal due to their ance, however in harsh condi- ated biphenyls (PCBs) and some vigorously expanding in Pakistan
erages, metal plating, batteries, moderately metal uniqueness. tion, demise. More exposure to dichloro diphenyl trichloroethane via numerous facets. That’s why,
cement, pharmaceutical and fer- Cadmium is non-essential sub- metal ions, especially for chil- (DDT), dibenzo-p-dioxins(diox- environmental quality criteria by
tilizers etc, having more pollutant stance and their toxicity has been dren’s has been specified more ins) and dibenzo-p-furans (fu- legislative authorities must be
amassing in their effluents, and prolifically characterized to plant, rigorous as compared to adult’s rans) or some organo chlorine implemented, in order to resolve
ultimately releasing their grimy animals, and humans. Their sol- one because of more food intake pesticides (OCPs), including this dilemma in the direction of
waste into open water stream emn detrimental consequence normalized to their body mass. hexachlorobenzene (HCB) are country people welfare and to
without curing. Radioactive im- was categorized in the direction Similar to inorganic chemical also known as persistent organic ensure safe drinking water.
purities, phosphate, personal care of bones, kidney and gastroin- (metal ions), organic pollutant pollutants. All hydrocarbon, car- The corresponding author is a researcher
products, biodegradable waste, testinal harms, like diarrhea and amassing has also been produc- bohydrates, pharmaceuticals, at the Key Laboratory of Clean Utilization
metal ions, injurious and risky vomiting and is most popular in ing several health consequences. plasticizers, greases, biphenyls, Technology for Renewable Energy, Ministry
substance, waste, sediments, are producing itai–itai disease.Lead In organic pollutant contaminat- oils, pesticides proteins, phe- of Agriculture, College of Engineering,
the main constituents of industrial and mercury are the responsi- ed water bodies, mostly pollutant nols, fertilizers, and detergents China Agricultural University, Beijing, PR
effluents. Therefore, surface and- ble for central nervous system destruction could be possible are fall in the category of organ- China. He can be reached at
subsurface water contamination annihilation, autoimmunity dis- more quickly through demanding ic pollutants. They can cause zisheuaf@gmail.com

HealthTech
Madiha Nisar
Purslane: A herbal medicine for
treatment of different diseases
P
lants are used me-
dicinally in different
countries and are
source of potent
and powerful drugs.
Over the centuries,
the use of medicinal
herbs has become an important
part of daily life. The medical val-
ues of any vegetables are dictated
by their phytochemical and other
chemical constituents. Phyto-
chemicals are those chemicals
that may affect health, but not
established as food nutrients. A
range of vegetable plant parts are
used as raw drugs as they pos-
sess varies medicinal properties,
thus vegetable play an important
role in traditional systems of med-
icines. In which different vegeta-
ble parts used as a medicine like
root, stem, leafs, flower, fruit and
modified plant organs.
In fact, the art of healing and
the knowledge of healing herbs
are as old as man. But its progress
is far behind as compared to oth-
er modern systems of treatment;
however, the system of home
treatment is accurate with no side
effects of after effects like antibi-
otics of the modern medicines.
According to the WHO more than
80 percent of the world’s popu-
lation relies on traditional herbal
medicine for their primary health
care.
Purslane (Portulaca oleracea)
is in the family Portulacaceae. Its
local name is Kulfa. Persian name
is Khorfeh. Its North Indian name
is Luni-bhaji. Ghandi is said to
have eaten it and he called it Luni.
It is said that Purslane originated
in India, although it is a global
plant now. The species status
in the New World is uncertain in
general, it is considered an exotic
weed, however, there is evidence
that the species was in Crawford
Lake deposits (Ontario) in 1430-
89 AD.
It has smooth, reddish, most-
ly prostrate stems and alternate
leaves clustered at stem joints and
ends. The yellow flowers have five
regular parts and are up to 6 mm
wide. Depending upon rainfall, the
flowers appear at anytime during
the year. The flowers open singly
at the center of the leaf cluster for
only a few hours on sunny morn-
ings. Seeds are formed in a tiny
pod, which opens when the seeds
are mature.
Purslane contain Energy
16Kcal, Carbohydrates 3.4g, Pro-
August 28 – September 10, 2017
04 – TechnologyTimes.Pk
Purslane: A herbal medicine for
treatment of different diseases
Plants are used medicinally in different countries and
are source of potent and powerful drugs. Over the
centuries, the use of medicinal herbs has become
an important part of daily life.....
Madiha Nisar and Tabinda Athar
tein 1.30g, Vitamin C 21mg, Ribo-
flavin 0.112mg, Calcium 65mg,
Iron 1.99mg, Magnesium 68mg.
It contain Riboflavin which work
with other B vitamins and is im-
portant for body growth and red
blood cell production and helps
in releasing energy from carbo-
hydrates. Riboflavin helps pre-
vent aging, plays a crucial role in
metabolism, keeps you energized
and is even needed for healthy
skin. This wonderful green leafy
vegetable is very low in calories
(just 16 kcal/100g) and fats;
nonetheless, it is rich in dietary
fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Fresh leaves contain surpris-
ingly more omega-3 fatty acids
(a-linolenic acid) than any other
leafy vegetable plant. 100 grams
of fresh purslane leaves provide
about 350 mg of alpha-linolen-
ic acid. Research studies show
that consumption of foods rich in
omega-3 fatty acids may reduce
the risk of coronary heart dis-
ease, stroke, and help prevent the
development of ADHD, autism,
and other developmental differ-
ences in children. It is an excel-
lent source of Vitamin A, (1320
IU/100 g, provides 44% of RDA)
one of the highest among green
leafy vegetables. Vitamin A is a
known powerful natural antioxi-
dant and an essential vitamin for
vision. It is also required to main-
Purslane contain Energy 16Kcal, Carbohydrates 3.4g, Protein
tain healthy mucusa and skin.
Consumption of natural vegeta- 1.30g, Vitamin C 21mg, Riboflavin 0.112mg, Calcium 65mg,
bles and fruits rich in vitamin A is
known to help to protect from lung
and oral cavity cancers.
Iron 1.99mg, Magnesium 68mg. It contain Riboflavin which
Purslane is also a rich source work with other B vitamins and is important for body growth
of vitamin C, and some B-com-
plex vitamins like riboflavin, nia- and red blood cell production and helps in releasing energy
cin, pyridoxine and carotenoids,
as well as dietary minerals, such
as iron, magnesium, calcium, po- from carbohydrates.
tassium, and manganese.
Furthermore, present in purs-
lane are two types of betalain
alkaloid pigments, the reddish testinal diseases, prevent certain of blood) and in the healing of that researchers have found about
beta-cyanins and the yellow be- cancers, protect the skin, boost wounds, boils and burn injuries. purslane is the relatively high
ta-xanthins. Both pigment types vision, strengthen the immune It protects bones against oste- content of oxalic acid, which can
are potent anti-oxidants and have system, build strong bones, and oporosis and reduces inflamma- exacerbate the formation of oxa-
been found to have anti-muta- increase circulation. Purslane is tion on bee stings and snakebites. lates in the body, which are what
genic properties in laboratory rich in easily absorbed vitamin C The range of minerals present in make kidney stones. If person
studies. Purslane is popular as a and E, which is known to increase purslane make it a healthy choice is already suffering from kidney
traditional medicine in China for immunity to disease. Dried purs- for people who want to protect stones, avoiding purslane might
the treatment of hypotension and lane has about five times more their bones. Calcium, magne- be a good idea. However, boiling
diabetes. vitamin E than spinach. It is also sium, iron, and manganese are purslane down in water causes
Some of the health benefits of a good source of coenzyme Q10. all elements required to develop a great deal of oxalic acid to be
purslane include its ability to help Purslane is rich in pectin, which bone tissue and speed the healing eliminated, without losing many
lose weight, boost heart health, is known to lower cholesterol. It process of the bones in our body. of the other beneficial nutrients.
help in the proper development has been used as a hypolipidem-
ic agent (lowers the fat content Caution: The author is a research scholar at University
of children, treat certain gastroin- The only potential downside of Agriculture, Faisalabad.

SciTech
Badar Sultan Minhas
Sociology weds technology: A retrospection
E
conomy is to be up-
lifted in this world of
capital where focus
is on material, lux-
ury, entertainment
void of sacrifice
and hard work. Any
economy is because of youth
which is going down in number.
Japan realized and now paying
for getting pregnant. As technol-
ogy can help them in the form of
Robots but humans are the re-
al-life blood of this planet earth.
We are thinking that money
can help economy. It the people
who if work hard can revive any
economic crisis. If they start re-
alizing that we should reduce out
spending on even the needs so
that others who are hungry can
eat then there won’t be an issue
of economic crisis at all. We all
demand and make our wants so
many that none developed or rich
economic country can’t provide
them all to you.
Innovations are the way to
help economy boost up but they
play their negatives as well. Nat-
ural innovations are those of hu-
mans getting birth every second
and new species produced in our
planet earth. Technovations are
not reproduced as natural inno-
Gene silencing role in reducing HCN
contents of Sorghum
W
hat will
happen if
we reduce
the cyanide
contents of
sorghum?
Surely it will
be advancement in our agricul-
tural technology. Sorghum (Sor-
ghum bicolor ) is a grain as well
as forage crop. As grain crops it
is used for human consumption
and as forage crop its vegetative
part is mainly used for animal
feed so it’s a dual-purpose crop.
Main issue for using sorghum
as forage as well as for human
consumption is its cyanide con-
tents. Cyanide is a chemical
compound which is present is
plants by chemical bonding with
glucose . On hydrolyses glucose
molecule is released and cyanide
react with hydrogen to form hy-
drogen cyanide. As cyanide is
Sociology weds technology:
A Retrospection
Economy is to be uplifted in this world of capital
where focus is on material, luxury, entertainment
void of sacrifice and hard work. Any economy is
because of youth which is going down in.....
vations do. Natural innovations
support the nature to nurture the
creatures but non-natural ones
are to nurture a cult or org to
get the benefit via exploitation of
time, space and mind set which
is antecedent of our prior mis-
takes. How then, can the econ-
omy heal?
It needs humans which are
society. Marrying not to inno-
vative ideas but to humans to
toxic for animals it protects them
against herbivores and acts as
a signaling molecule too. But its
toxic effects are more than its
benefits.
The cyanide damages nerv-
ous system of animals and may
kill them even is minutes. It also
affects respiratory system of
mammals making oxygen ab-
sorption difficult. Technically cy-
anide contents of sorghum start
increasing at early age after ger-
mination. Mainly cyanide con-
tents of plants depend upon its
chronological age i.e. old leaves
have high cyanide contents and
young leaves are low in cyanide
contents.
A small family of genes i.e.
5 which codes for two main
enzymes that play an impor-
tant role in cyanide production.
These genes are CYP79A1 and
CYP71E1. More expression of
Muhmmad Umar
Badar Sultan Minhas
reproduce so that economy can
gain momentum. Youth may not
indulge into tech and innovation
but in more natural production
of man, maize, mammals and
motivation to sacrifice for others
requirements.
Economic crisis is the uproar
of general public to give them
basic needs and government is
unable to provide them with what
they are demanding. This is not
Muhmmad Umar
these genes, the more will be the
number of enzymes produced
by them. Hence more will be the
production of cyanide in tissues.
It also depends upon nitrogen
fertilizers i.e. more the use of ni-
trogen fertilizers more will be the
production of cyanide in plants.
05 – TechnologyTimes.Pk
Gene silencing role in reducing HCN
contents of Sorghum
What will happen if we reduce the cyanide con-
tents of sorghum? Surely it will be advancement
in our agricultural technology. Sorghum (Sorghum
bicolor ) is a grain as well as forage crop.....
in developing countries as they
are developing in technology but
developed in sociology. Wedding
of sociology and technology
there for boosting economy isn’t
observed as prominently in so
called developing countries are it
has been observed in so called
developed countries. The dilem-
ma is in reality this wrong pro-
jection. When technology weds
sociology, the problem is seeded
A significant amount of HCN is
detoxified by enzymes like B-cy-
anoalanine synthase but it is ob-
served that even low contents of
cyanide are enough to kill a per-
son. We need a mechanism that
stops the production of cyanide.
Out of 5 genes coding for HCN
production CYP79A1 plays major
role in cyanide production. The
regulation of this gene can be si-
lenced through gene methylation
like transfer of a methyl group to
5 carbon of cytosine or adenine
but mostly cytosine is methylat-
ed that inhibits its transcription.
There will be low level of mRNA
which means low level of cya-
nide in these plants.
Methylation of a gene is done
using enzymes. As animal king-
dom plants also possess some
unique enzymes which are im-
portant for methylation for ex-
ample DRM2, MET1 and CMT3.
August 28 – September 10, 2017
and root cause of the problem
is techno-commercialization for
temporal healing of economic
crisis.
Making the youth consider all
luxuries as needs and advance-
ment as what new professions
are demanding creates a culture
of individualism which at last re-
sults in focusing on the needs
of self and taking others as not
the needs but the result of the
deeds which may not be most-
ly the case. Thus, deprived ones
start raising slogans because of
miss guidance and lacking the
real perception of issue. We wed
with technology which makes us
value technology more than soci-
ology full of natural technologies
by God to prosper and populate
sensibly.
Economic healing even made
us to consider unethical behav-
iors only because we believe
technology is very important
which can’t be provided to all.
But nature does help all if we
stick with it and harvest to get
the basic necessities out of natu-
ral technology (man, soil, water,
air, horses, cattle etc).
The author is PhD Technology Management
scholar.
CMT3 is unique enzyme of plants
completely different from ani-
mals.
Commonly there are two steps
in DNA methylation. In first step
a methyl group is transferred to
CYP79A1 gene strand. In sec-
ond step enzyme will add methyl
group to daughter strand for its
maintenance. After methylation
of gene confirmation will be
done.
There are two types of en-
zymes, one that cut DNA at
non-methylated sites, while oth-
er type cuts at non-methylated
site. Through their RFLP patterns
genotype containing methylated
gene can be identified. Confirma-
tion can be done in lab by rais-
ing seedling then testing them
for field. Those genotypes which
produces negligible amount of
cyanide in field can be introduced
as new biotechnological variety.
 August 28 – September 10, 2017

LivestockTech 06 – TechnologyTimes.Pk
Milk fever disease in dairy animals
and protocols for its prevention
The Livestock sector Funds 58.55 percent in the
agriculture documented a positive growth of 3.63
percent during 2015-16 associated to 3.99 percent
growth during the same period last year.....
Dr. Asghar Abbas

Milk fever disease in dairy animals and

protocols for its prevention Dr. Asghar Abbas, Dr. Rashid Fayaz, Dr. Rao Zahid Abbas and Dr. Muhammad Usman

T
he Livestock sector
Funds 58.55 per-
cent in the agricul-
ture documented a
positive growth of
3.63 percent during
2015-16 associated
to 3.99 percent growth during the
same period last year. Livestock
is integral part of Agriculture
Sector which mostly rural peo-
ple depend for their livelihood .In
Rural Areas People depend their
lives directly on behalf of animals
Production, Reproductioninclud-
ing Meat and Milk. There are var-
ious metabolic disorders of dairy
breeds including Milk fever, Lac-
tation Tetany, Ketosis andPost
Parturient Haemoglobinuria.Milk
fever is one of the major issue
that Co-relates directly with Pro-
duction, Reproduction & Perfor-
mance of dairy cattle.
Milk fever is actually not a fe-
ver but it is Metabolic disorder
in which Calcium & Phosphorus
ratio disturb due to dietary defi-
ciency .Our soil have deficiency of
macro and micro minerals includ- Due to excess or inappropriate method of injecting Calcium into the body or giving
ing calcium, phosphorus, sodium
& potassium as well Copper, Co-
balt, Selenium, Iron and Zinc .So
infusion in direct sunlight separately or with combination of some drugs such as
when we use fodder deficient of
minerals it will ultimately disturbs injection Hepasel (for constipation) injectionoxytetracycline (Antibiotic) will directly
the mineral profile of blood. Milk
fever is a problem of dairy cattle
near to calving that is produced
react with Calcium in animal body to lead reaction to cause death of animal
due to low calcium level in blood
profile. .Normal calcium level of
blood is 11mg/dl that falls to 4mg/
dl in milk fever. be palpated,lateral recombancy as injection Hepasel (for consti- disturbing the metabolism of Feed chloride can be used by 24 hours
stage,not raise jugular vein this pation) injectionoxytetracycline having high quantity of Calcium of parturition this can minimize
Clinically milk fever is divided stage can be recovered with (Antibiotic) will directly react with than requirement will hinder the chance of milk fever with 150gm
into three stages 1st stage cows emergency situations by Calci- Calcium in animal body to lead re- absorbility of intestine and skel- dose.
show some initial exhilaration or um borogluconate 25% therapy action to cause death of animal. eton of bone as well as that lead
a shiver in muscles of the head So animal during their peak
by injecting intravenous route. Hence to avoid such threats to increase chance of milk fe- production 3rd to 4th lactation are
and limbsappearancelethargy ver. Hence Thin Cow having high
,muscle fatigue decrease ap- Protocols for Prevention one should adopt preventive commonly affected by milk fever.
measures to decrease risk of chance of milk fever than fatty one. Maximum chance is there during
petite, Ataxia,Agalatia (no milk No doubt Calcium borogluco- Normally Calcium to Phosphorus
production), Ruminal Stasis ,dry nate therapy is drug of choice milk fever in dairy cow.So we 12 hours to 24 hours of partu-
should be aware to such types ratio in blood is 1:2. So we need to tationa(Act of giving young one
muzzle, staring eyes, cold legs for milk fever but major draw- feed Calcium,phosphorus Balance
and ears ,constipation are no- back of Calcium therapy will lead of cattle breeds that are high pro- of cow) and occasionally after 6
ducers having more risk of milk diet.Where dietary management to 8 weeks of parturition .So we
ticed. The heart beat becomes to heart arrest and animal will is inadequate, other methods are
weaker and faster. The body die Somtime at spot. Milfone C feverabout 40% to 60% of cas- should manage the metabolic dis-
es occur within 12 to 24 hours sometimes used. Vitamin D3 given order by consulting dairy experts
temperature falls below normal, 300-450ml mixing 1000ml 5% by injection 2-8 days before calv-
it may remain for several hours glucosesolutions intravenous- of calving because most of Co- or keeping above some points in
lostrum is milked by Milker from ing may be useful in absorbance mind rather than cure that lead to
and during this time animal will ly,10ml vitamin AD3E,20ml cy- of Calcium injection Vitamin AD3E
response to Calcium therapy. In anocobalmin ,15ml Meprim by udderleads to increase chance waste of economic ,time and re-
of milk fever. Hence one should 50ml (20ml+15ml+15ml) for sults in poor performance includ-
2nd stage of milk fever animal intramuscular Route. Dicalcium three days.Avoid vitamin D3 during
unable to stand cow is drowsy, Phosphate 1kg and Vitominral- becareful during selecting the ing health ,Production(decrease
cow breeds in order to avoid milk lactation or dry period because it milk ),Reproduction (dysto-
no tetany and flaccid muscles, T 1kg mix properly and given Captivatemore Calcium to lead
muzzle dry,skin and periphery to cow 100gm morning as well fever which includes indigenous, cia,loss of Uterine tone ,delay in-
sahiwal andcross breed that is milk fever. To decrease chance of volution of Uterus lead to increase
cooled, rectal temperature 97- evening per orally. milk fever one should milk 2nd to
98 F. Ruminal stasis, constipa- more prone to milk fever. calving interval) that is a Serious
Due to excess or inappropriate 3rd part of colostrum (first few loss to a dairy farmer.
tiontympnyand Bloat, maindif- method of injecting Calcium into Nutritional feeding to dairy cow
daysmilk)from udder in order to
ferentiatingsign is Turned head the body or giving infusion in di- is much important before two The corresponding author is researcher at
avoid serious Calcium level fall in
toward the Flank.In 3rd stage rect sunlight separately or with weeks of parturition because it Department of Parasitology, University of
colostrum because colostrum is
cow cannot move, pulse cannot combination of some drugs such mainly disturbs the Calcium lev- Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan
rich source of Calcium.Calcium
el of blood in body of animal by

TechWire
AJ&K Health Minister Dr. Naqi visit to
CIS telemedicine center
The Government of Azad
Jammu and Kashmir Minister
for Finance, Planning & Develop-
ment and Health Dr Muhammad
Najeeb Naqi visited the COM-
SATS Internet Services (CIS) Tele
Medicine Resource Center at Is-
lamabad for the demonstration of
Telemedicine services offered by
COMSATS Internet Services. Dr.
Khalid Rafique, Director General
AJK IT Board accompanied the
Minister.
Muhammad Hassan, Project
Director COMSATS Internet Ser-
vices Telemedicine project in-
formed that COMSATS Internet
Services (CIS) is the pioneer of
Telemedicine services in Pakistan
and has established a network of
12 rural clinics in all provinces of
Pakistan. These clinics are con-
nected via broadband Internet
Use of social media and
internet is at its peak
Social media cannot be con-
trolled and is irrepressible in Pa-
kistan until all social media web-
sites avail the license from PTA.
Social Media Can’t be Controlled
in Pakistan told PTA to Public Ac-
counts Committee (PAC) meet-
ing headed by its Chairman Syed
Khursheed Shah.
Pakistan Telecommunication
Authority exposed that for creat-
ing awareness about use of so-
cial media they have collaborated
with universities and HEC. PTA
for ensuring the cyber security
has set up Information Exchange
Centers in Islamabad, Lahore,
and Karachi.
Dr. Ismail Shah, PTA Chairman,
told the committee that in Pakistan
there are 140 million consum-
ers and more than 40.21 million
broadband consumers. He added
Fruit fly causing $200
million loss to Pakistan
Export of fruits and vegetables
in Pakistan is posing a threat due
to fruit fly resulting annual loss of
$200 million. This was stated at
University of Agriculture, Faisal-
abad at a seminar about the fruit
fly management week in associa-
tion with the district government.
Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Zafar,
UAF Vice-Chancellor, said that
to fight against the attack of dif-
ferent insects modern practices
must be promoted and in fields
should be encouraged. He further
said as Chairperson that not only
our agricultural export is affected
but also reduce the production if
the fruit fly issue remains ignored
at the national level.
He praised the steps of the
Punjab government for promo-
tion of the sector as well as mod-
ern techniques and practices in
with CIS Telemedicine Resource
Centre, Islamabad where a panel
of specialists provide free medi-
cal consultation to patients visit-
ing our remote clinics.
“These clinics are equipped
with latest means of video con-
ferencing, computer systems,
necessary digital Tele health di-
agnostics equipment. Patient’s
that telecom services expanding
to 72.4% area of Pakistan.
The success of Uber and Ca-
reem taxi service only due to
broadband facility that has bad-
ly affected the business of other
taxis so it was decided to include
them for this facility,”
He further communicated that
broadband consumers are in-
creasing 185% annually and over
74,000 terabyte data is used an-
nually in Pakistan. First branch-
less bank sim has been set up
due to excessive use of mobile
broadband.
Chairman of PTA told that a
new system is under process to
control mobile phone thefts in
Pakistan. He revealed that a pro-
ject is also under process to stop
unnecessary advertisements on
mobile phones.
field. He stated that by protecting
crops from diseases and con-
trolling the pests against plant
would help increase per hectare
yield. He said that farming com-
munity needs education to con-
front the situation that is going to
put up their income. communication sectors. He also
data is maintained on CIS devel-
oped web portal for future refer-
ence”, he further added.
He emphasized the impor-
tance of Telemedicine for com-
munities in rural and far flung
areas and said that without this
technology; the rural commu-
nities would have no access to
“life-saving health services”.
Shahid Mustafa
takes charge
as President
& CEO Telenor
Microfinance
Bank
Seasoned banker Shahid
Mustafa has been appointed
the new President & Chief Ex-
ecutive Officer (CEO) of Tel-
enor Microfinance Bank (for-
merly Tameer Microfinance
Bank).
Shahid, whose career spans
over 20 years, is one of the
founders of Tameer Microfi-
nance Bank, which is now Tel-
enor Microfinance Bank.
As in any startup, during
his time at the bank, he took
up many different roles.
NBP and Karandaaz join hands for a
stronger digital financial ecosystem
National Bank of Pakistan
(NBP) and Karandaaz Pakistan
have joined hands to create a
more robust digital financial
ecosystem in Pakistan through
implementation of an Applica-
tion Programming Interface (API)
management platform for NBP.
This technology platform imple-
mentation is focused particularly
on digitizing Government to Per-
son (G2P) and Person to Govern-
ment (P2G) transactions.
Mr. Azfar Jamal, Executive
Vice President and Head of Dig-
ital Banking and Payment Servic-
es from NBP highlighted National
Bank’s commitment to contrib-
ute towards the long-term goal
of greater financial inclusion in
Pakistan through leveraging the
expertise of banking and tele-
07 – TechnologyTimes.Pk
EU willing for collaboration
with Pak scientists
Anne Marchal, Deputy Head
of European Union delegation to
Pakistan has stated that EU re-
search institutions are willing to
collaborate on research projects
with Pakistan. For this purpose,
researchers from Pakistan will be
given scholarships.
She added that the European
Union is interested in educa-
tion, rural development, ener-
gy, research, and innovation in
Pakistan while addressing to a
seminar entitled “Horizon 2020”
organized as a joint venture by
ORIC Department, Bahauddin
Zakariya University (BZU), Paki-
stan Science Foundation (PSF)
and EU Delegation to Pakistan at
BZU.
Prof Dr. Muhammad Ashraf,
Chairman of Pakistan Science
Foundation proclaimed that for
Samsung helps KP govt to
encounter dengue
To support the initiative of
Governments of KP to encounter
of Dengue, Samsung Electronics
shifting its mobile Health Van
to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK)
taking a generous humanitarian
activity in Pakistan. This mobile
Health Van will offer diagnosis
and treatment to dengue patients
while working in main Peshawar
areas.
Dengue fever is a mosqui-
to-borne painful and debilitating
disease. Each year 390 million
dengue infections predicted
worldwide and about 96 million
follow-ons to sickness.
Mr. Y. J. Kim, President of
Samsung Pakistan, stated that;
“We are sending our Mobile
Health Van for supporting the
objective of the local government
an initiative was taken by them
stressed on the need to bridge
the urban-rural service divide and
extending financial outreach to
every citizen efficiently and con-
veniently. He thanked Karandaaz
Pakistan for joining hands with
NBP to work towards achieving
this goal.
Mr. Rehan Akhtar, Director
Karandaaz Digital highlighted
the benefits of digitization. ‘The
potential of G2P payments to
accelerate financial inclusion
in the short to medium term is
tremendous. By disbursing pay-
ments digitally to beneficiaries,
including the marginalized and
vulnerable, governments can
enable the creation of a digital
financial ecosystem with a wide
range of financial products that
can directly address the barriers
to financial inclusion,” he said.
August 28 – September 10, 2017
making progress in research,
local researchers requisitely
adopt international standards.
“Connections for international
research institutions is required
that will help researchers to ac-
quire new techniques and im-
prove their research skills,” he
added.
aimed to eradicate dengue fever.
Samsung being a socially-re-
sponsible corporate citizen of
Pakistan has always remained at
the vanguard of retorting to the
challenges country faced.
Over the past decade, many
generous initiatives have con-
ducted by the global technology
leader.”
Samsung Electronics regard-
ing social-development and hu-
manitarian gestures has always
been at the forefront. Samsung
to help in the rehabilitation of
the Earthquake victims in KPK
has donated 300 waterproof and
snow-proof tents to “Sarhad Ru-
ral Support Programme” (SRSP)
in Peshawar. Samsung has sup-
porting large-scale initiatives to
promote literacy and enhance
quality of education.
While speaking about the part-
nership, he appreciated NBP’s
vision, “Digitization of such pay-
ments presents great opportuni-
ty to increase recipients’ access
to financial services and provide
them with a financial transaction
history.”
National Bank of Pakistan
is one of the largest commer-
cial bank operating in Pakistan.
The bank has developed a wide
range of consumer products,
to enhance business and ca-
ter to the different segments
of society. The bank has also
implemented special credit
schemes like small finance for
agriculture, business and in-
dustries, Qarz-e-Hasna loans
to students, and self-employ-
ment scheme for unemployed
persons.

TechWire
edotco, partners with Dawood Hercules,
to acquire Jazz-owned towers
edotco Group Sdn Bhd
(“edotco”), in its biggest ex-
pansion to date, together with
Dawood Hercules Corporation
Limited (“DH Corp”), a leading
listed investment conglomerate
in Pakistan announced the acqui-
sition of approximately 13,000
towers from Pakistan Mobile
Communications Limited (Jazz).
edotco, through Tanzanite
Tower Private Limited, a wholly
owned subsidiary of edotco Pa-
kistan Private Limited (“edotco
PK”), entered into an agreement
with PMCL to acquire its tower
subsidiary, Deodar Private Lim-
ited (“Deodar”) and its portfolio
of over 13,000 tower assets.
As part of the transaction, DH
Corp will be investing a 45%
equity stake with the remaining
55% control stake to be held
by edotco. The total transaction
consideration for the proposed
acquisition is USD 940 million,
Free education in TEVTA
institutes for marginalized
The creation of a post of Chief
Executive Officer TEVTA along with
establishment of free education
and training to the poor in all the
vocational institutes throughout the
province approved by Chief Min-
ister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pervez
Khattak. For the implementation
of his government’s decisions, he
also directed TEVTA to sit with the
KP EZDMC for opening vocational
training centers in the industrial
zones in province. Handing over of
biometric system in the technical
education centers to the education
department was also approved.
He said there should be no
space for wrongdoings in the ex-
amination results of these centers
as his government desired to
produce skilled manpower in the
vocational training centers. The
students will be awarded certifi-
cates for getting the required level
of results and the centers also start
steps for the employment of stu-
5 projects approved for
Improving groundwater
Pakistan Council of Research
in Water Resources (PCRWR) has
approved 5 projects for improving
groundwater level and to decrease
water scarcity issue in Pakistan.
The projects with the alloca-
tion of Rs 14.858 million included
one-year Evaluation of Interceptor
Drains and Scavenger in LBOD
Component Shaheed Benazira-
bad’, another with the allocation of
Rs 59.9 million 3 years ‘Integrated
Approach for Control of Waterlog-
ging and Salinity in Low Lying Are-
as of Sindh’, official sources said.
‘Improved Land and Water
Conservation Practices to En-
which will be funded through a
combination of debt and equity.
Suresh Sidhu, CEO of edot-
co said, “edotco is delighted to
expand its business in Pakistan
by catering to the network re-
quirements of Jazz, the country’s
number one digital communica-
tions company. With Dawood
Hercules as our partner, we are
confident in the potential of the
market in Pakistan and will con-
tinue to demonstrate our long-
term commitment to supporting
dents. He adding that government
has focused on the future of youth
and wanted to give them training.
He also recommended the partic-
ipants to come with the positive
frame of mind and find out a solu-
tion to the loopholes in the system.
He was presiding over the
10th meeting of Board of Direc-
tors of TEVTA at Chief Minister
Secretariat Peshawar. The meet-
ing reviewed the implementa-
tion stage of these decisions as
well as approved the minutes
of the previous meeting of the
board. The meeting was based
on26 agenda items and in this
regard, a number of decisions
were made. The Chief Minister
assured the government would
provide funding to the body that
could be utilized by the end of
June and directed to review the
proposed budget (2017-18) of
TEVTA. The budgetary expenses
should be efficient, he added.
hance Waste Land and Productiv-
ity in the Thal Desert’ earmarking
an amount of Rs 45.305 million for
4 years.
According to sources ‘Explo-
ration of Groundwater Potential
and Promotion of Intervention for
Rainwater harvesting and Bio-sa-
line Agriculture in Thar’ with the
allocation of Rs 57.000 million is
a 3-year project.
The last project is the
‘Trans-Boundary Effects on
Ground and Surface Waters along
the Eastern Border of Pakistan’ of
Rs 49.447 million worth growing
to 3 years’ duration.
the development and enhance-
ment of the country’s telecom-
munications infrastructure.”
Inam ur Rahman, CEO of DH
Corp, said: “DH Corp has always
invested in projects and busi-
nesses that directly contribute to
Pakistan’s growth and prosperi-
ty. Continuing our commitment
to the future, we are excited to
partner with edotco Group Ma-
laysia and bring their wealth of
knowledge to the local telecom-
munications sector.
Team Alphabots
participated in
FIRST Global
Challenge
Major international ro-
botics event in the shape of the
FIRST Global Challenge took
place at Washington DC, aimed
to increase knowledge of sci-
ence, technology, engineering,
and mathematics (STEM) of
students from 15 to 18 years.
FIRST Global is to motivate
the youth to be scientific lead-
ers of tomorrow by solving
some of the biggest challenges
of world for instance access to
clean water, food security, cy-
ber safety etc.
Team Alphabots Pakistan
consisting of6 bright students
traveled to the Washington DC,
US to participate in the FIRST
Global Challenge 2017 among
160 teams in the world.
Hamza Arshad Bhatti, Mu-
hammad bin Mohsin, Ahmed
Waheed were 15-year-old and
Dawood Ahmad Kiyani (16),
Syed Suleman Ali (14) and their
spokesperson, Maryam Kiyani
(17) in team Alpha from EMS
High School, Islamabad, to rep-
resent Pakistan.
08 – TechnologyTimes.Pk
Pakwheels.com most visited
vehicle site in Pakistan: PTA
The car entry portal www.Pak-
wheels.comin the year 2014-15
advanced as the most visited
auto site in Pakistan and showed
up as the third most looked web
based business site within a sim-
ilar period, as per issued Annual
Report of Pakistan Telecommuni-
cation Authority (PTA).
Information in the report
speaks the original information
the item conveyed to telecom
administrators positioning sites
by associations every day and
availability of audits to several
sites and access under general
classifications as interperson-
al interaction, primary dialects,
web-based interfaces, data gate-
ways, gaming, online recordings
and web based business.
Suneel SarfarazMunj, Chair-
man Pakwheels.com said that
PTA embraces Pakwheels.com
as the main car site in Pakista-
nin the current report issued by
Women to drive 60-ton dump
truck at Thar: SECMC
Sindh Engro Coal Mining
Company (SECMC) has inked a
contract with MCCT Associates
to train selected Thari women
drivers on professional grounds
to launch Thari Female Dump
Truck Driving Program.
SECMC has Sindh Govern-
ment as the major investor re-
cently announced to initiate
women to drive the 60-ton dump
truck, Pakistan’s biggest truck
at coal mining site at Thar Coal
Block II in district of Tharparkar.
HEC will distribute 200k
laptops in Phase-IV & V
The Higher Education Com-
mission (HEC) would distribute
around 200,000 laptops in Phase-
IV and V among students of pub-
lic sector universities and degree
awarding institutions under Prime
Minister’s Laptop Scheme.
The last date to apply for the
laptops is September 30 ac-
cording to sources from HEC. In
2013-14 and first phase of the
laptops scheme had been started
to distribute 100,000 laptops in
each FY of the government.
It has been decided to distrib-
ute remaining 200,000 laptops in
August 28 – September 10, 2017
PTA. It was made possible t by
an expansive number of individ-
uals unswervingly to purchase
and offer autos, bikes and dif-
ferent vehicles, car news blog,
magazine and moreover access
an extensive variety of items to
encourage car customers.
“Pakwheels.com provides
people with easy access to rele-
vant information so that they can
make informed decisions when
buying or selling their vehicles,is
much more than an online auto
classifieds marketplace,” he
added.
Chief executive officer Sham-
suddin Ahmad Shaikh of SEC-
MC and senior consultant, Tanvir
Gondal MCCT, Chief Operating Of-
ficer SECMC, Syed Abul Fazal Riz-
vi, and Director Human Resource,
Kashif Ahmed Soomro signed the
contract on the occasion.
The selected candidates will
undergo comprehensive training
modules together with languages
module comprising English, Urdu,
and Chinese languages, technical
module, and auto-basic module.
2017-18, as, it was the last year
of the sitting government. The
government under Phase-I, II and
III of the scheme had distributed
around 300,000 laptops in edu-
cational years of 2013-14, 2015-
16 and 2016-17.
The government in the last
year of its tenure to complete the
target of 500,000 laptops in four
years has decided to distribute
200,000 laptops. The laptops
were distributed among public
sector universities, colleges, and
technical colleges as a part of
the scheme.