ISLAMABAD: A meeting chaired by the caretaker Interior Minister Dr Gohar Ejaz here in Islamabad on Thursday reviewed the existing system of water supply, sanitation and waste disposal of the federal capital and Rawalpindi.

It was informed that there are 8,000 sanitation workers who dispose of 2,300 tons of waste daily with an annual budget of Rs7-billion, but still the sanitation of both cities cannot be described as standard. Currently, the twin cities are facing forty seven percent water scarcity.

In his remarks on the occasion, the Interior Minister noted that water supply and sanitation are basic needs, expressing the strong desire to make Islamabad a model for other cities.

He said decisions will have to be taken today to meet tomorrow’s needs. He said an integrated, comprehensive and effective system will have to be devised so that quality facilities can be provided to the people.

The Interior Minister said the implementation of all necessary actions should be ensured as soon as possible. Caretaker Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi, who also attended the meeting, said improvement of ground water level is very important in water supply and therefore attention has to be given to it.

Additionally, he said the natural drains of Islamabad will have to be cleaned.

ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi has termed the technological transformation in educational institutes indispensible for the socio-economic development in the country.

Addressing a function organized by the National University of Technology here in Islamabad on Thursday, he said Pakistan has the biggest potential of talented youth in diverse fields.

Dr Arif Alvi said innovation and human resource development is the need of the hour to compete with the developed world. He stressed increased exports for improvement in GDP and strengthening the national economy.

He emphasized the importance of unity for bringing foreign investment and stability to the country. He regretted that the twenty-two million out of school children is the biggest challenge which needs to be resolved on emergent basis.