Latest news with #Tanveer
Express Tribune
21-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Balochistan's olive oil shines at global contest
Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, hailed the international recognition of Pakistani olive oil as a landmark achievement aligned with the ministry's vision of agricultural self-sufficiency. According to a press statement released on Tuesday, the minister referred to the news of Loralai Olives — a premium olive oil brand from Balochistan's Loralai district — winning the Silver Award at the 2025 New York International Olive Oil Competition, the world's most prestigious olive oil quality contest. Out of over 1,200 global entries, Loralai Olives was recognised for its quality, sustainable production, and packaging. 'This global recognition is a proud moment for every Pakistani and validates our long-standing efforts to build a self-reliant agriculture sector,' said Tanveer. He credited the government's Olive Cultivation Initiative, launched in 2012, which provided certified saplings, extraction units, training, and export support. Loralai Olives, or 'LO,' partnered with Balochistan growers and used cold extraction technology, meeting international standards for acidity, purity, and flavour. 'At a time when Pakistan imports $4.5 billion worth of edible oil annually, this recognition proves we have the land, climate, and talent to reverse that trend,' said the Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, hailed the international recognition of Pakistani olive oil as a landmark achievement aligned with the ministry's vision of agricultural self-sufficiency. According to a press statement released on Tuesday, the minister referred to the news of Loralai Olives — a premium olive oil brand from Balochistan's Loralai district — winning the Silver Award at the 2025 New York International Olive Oil Competition, the world's most prestigious olive oil quality contest. Out of over 1,200 global entries, Loralai Olives was recognised for its quality, sustainable production, and packaging. 'This global recognition is a proud moment for every Pakistani and validates our long-standing efforts to build a self-reliant agriculture sector,' said Tanveer. He credited the government's Olive Cultivation Initiative, launched in 2012, which provided certified saplings, extraction units, training, and export support. Loralai Olives, or 'LO,' partnered with Balochistan growers and used cold extraction technology, meeting international standards for acidity, purity, and flavour. 'At a time when Pakistan imports $4.5 billion worth of edible oil annually, this recognition proves we have the land, climate, and talent to reverse that trend,' said the minister.
Business Recorder
18-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
T O Act: Tanveer greets trade bodies for securing amendments
LAHORE: S M Tanveer, Patron-in-Chief, United Business Group (UBG), has extended his heartfelt congratulations to all Chambers and Trade Associations on their monumental achievement of securing amendments to the Trade Organisations Act, 2013. This milestone aligns perfectly with our collective aspirations and marks a significant step forward for our business community, he said. It may be noted that National Assembly of Pakistan has amended the Trade Organisations Act, 2013 as per the aspirations of the business community and removed the controversial provision. Thus, elections of all Chambers and Trade Associations will be held in September 2026, as per schedule, he said. Tanveer said he would like to extend special recognition to FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh, Momin Malik, and Zaki Aijaz for their tireless efforts and unwavering dedication that made this achievement possible. Their exemplary leadership and perseverance have been instrumental in driving this initiative forward. He further said this accomplishment is a testament to the power of collaborative effort and strong leadership. I am confident that it will have a profoundly positive impact on our business community and contribute to the continued growth and development of our economy. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
ABC News
29-04-2025
- General
- ABC News
International students in Australia have poorer mental health than many of their domestic peers
When Samreen Tanveer left Dhaka, in Bangladesh, for Sydney, nothing had prepared her for life in a foreign country so unlike her own. "The people are different. Your surroundings are different. You're away from your family, your friends and everything that's familiar," the former University of NSW student tells Life Matters is here to help you get a handle on all the important stuff: love, sex, fitness, health, parenting, career, finances and family. "It's a whole new country ... a whole new experience." When Koushik Mukherjee farewelled his parents and younger sister in India at the end of 2021 so he could study in Melbourne, he too grappled with life in a new country "[Lack of] job security, along with loneliness, do contribute towards that extra bit of mental stress. And right now you can also add the housing crisis in there," he says. Housing was also a challenge for Ms Tanveer, who describes navigating the Australian rental market as "overwhelming". International student Koushik Mukherjee struggled with loneliness when he first moved to Australia. ( Supplied ) It's the same housing crises both major parties are hoping to alleviate by capping international student numbers in an effort to return migration rates to pre-pandemic levels. A recent study found This discussion has created enormous uncertainty for international students. And it comes after research, released last year, revealed international students experience worse mental health than domestic students. Discrimination, racism and abuse International students experience several mental health issues, including higher levels of anxiety compared to their domestic counterparts, according to the findings published in Photo shows Profile image of Poora Raj sitting on rainbow-coloured steps, smiling to camera. When Poora first came to Australia to study pharmacy, she found the road bumpier than expected. But her experiences led her to discover a new passion, and find her voice. More than half of those surveyed experienced discrimination, racism and abuse, with female international students scoring significantly higher when it came to physical and or verbal abuse, sexual harassment and exclusion. International students also encountered many challenges in their attempts to settle in Australia, including difficulty adjusting, social isolation, language barriers and culture shock. Other reports show that they can also face loneliness, a higher risk of social exclusion, psychological stress and, in some cases, self-harm. One of Ms Tanveer's biggest challenges when she first arrived in Australia was her battle with homesickness. " Being away from my family and friends was tough, especially in the beginning. It was hard not having the usual support network that I was so used to. " 'Neglect by government' Last year, there were more than We have the second highest share of international students globally, and education is our fourth largest industry. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, international students generated Dr Gaby Ramia believes universities should do more to look after the mental health of international students. ( Supplied ) But a report last year by Gaby Ramia, professor of policy and society at the University of Sydney, claimed universities aren't doing enough to help those students with their mental health needs. The report was triggered by a 2021 coroner's report that revealed 47 international students died by suicide between 2009 and 2019 in Victoria alone. Dr Ramia says international students lack protection in the welfare system and they are much less likely to seek help. "They're at a disadvantage both in terms of long-term policy and legal neglect by governments on both sides of politics," he told "There is a code of practice which guides educational institutions in the way they deal with international students. And if you look at the provisions, they look actually quite good. "But at their base, they're basically recommendatory and they're not mandatory for the educational institutions to provide services." Dr Ramia says there are also particular societal difficulties that international students have to deal with. " They're at greater risk of exploitation in their part-time employment, greater risk of precarious and exploitative housing conditions, financial insecurity, food poverty, racism and discrimination. " There is also the lack of income protection through the social security system, which came to the fore during the COVID pandemic. 'Scary and unsettling' Jo Cassidy, the associate director of RMIT's student wellbeing hub, is not surprised by these findings. In 2024, 24 per cent of total enrolments at the education institution, located in the heart of Melbourne, were international students. International students contend with issues like racism and discrimination, as well as struggling with feelings of homesickness and exclusion. ( Unsplash: Eric Ward ) Homesickness and a lack of belonging are consistent themes among those who seek out her team of 16 counsellors. Another issue is navigating a completely different system to what they may be used to in their home countries. "All of our systems — banking systems, the way that we work — are very different. So navigating all of those things can be really difficult," explains Ms Cassidy. "And then there's global events that happen within their own countries and within our country." It's something Ms Tanveer experienced first hand when "That was really scary and unsettling," she says. Then there are issues of racism, as well as cost of living concerns. "They do report incidents of racism, and our Safer Communities Team [offers] support on that issue as well," says Ms Cassidy. " And we definitely see students struggling with the cost of living. We have a small student hardship assistance fund with some guidelines and parameters around that. " The cost of living, including rising rents, are a concern for many of Australia's international students. ( ABC News: Margaret Burin ) So, what are the solutions? Mr Ramia doesn't believe universities are to blame for international students' poor mental health, but he says they need to be compelled to act by government. "[Universities] do what they need to do under the law, but they very rarely will step up to think outside the box and provide services that are actually needed on the ground," he says. Photo shows Image of Dr Karl on a pink background and Listen app logo Dr Karl knows the best app for free podcasts, radio, music, news and audiobooks … and you don't need to be a scientist to find it! "What we're recommending … is for universities to come together with other organisations that provide services in terms of mental health, but also allied services [to assist with] housing, broader health and, in particular, financial insecurity." Embracing growth Despite the obstacles that can come with leaving home and moving to a new country, students like Ms Tanveer and Mr Mukherjee are making the most of their life in Australia. "Looking back, I've grown a lot since arriving," says Ms Tanveer. "I've learned to navigate new environments, take on new responsibilities and adapt to different situations, which has strengthened my character and shaped me into a better version of myself." Meanwhile Mr Mukherjee is continuing his Bachelor of Business studies. Earlier this year, he was selected as a finalist at the AFR's Top 100 Future Leaders Awards. "I miss [home] … but I feel like Melbourne [and] RMIT has been so welcoming and [it's] such a diverse place." Want to go beyond the news cycle? Get a weekly dose of art, books, history, culture, technology, politics and more with the ABC Radio National newsletter Your information is being handled in accordance with the Email address Subscribe
Express Tribune
21-04-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Pakistan eyes $200m boost through halal meat exports to Malaysia
Listen to article Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, on Monday stressed the importance of expanding halal meat exports as a key driver of sustainable economic growth. Speaking at a high-level meeting focused on export strategies, the minister stated that the government is actively pursuing agreements to elevate Pakistan's position in the global halal market. He confirmed that discussions are underway with Malaysia to formalise a potential export deal. 'If finalised, halal meat exports could hit $200 million over the next five years,' he said, highlighting the mutual benefits such a partnership would bring to both nations. Tanveer underscored the growing potential for collaboration between Pakistan and Malaysia in multiple sectors—including agriculture, energy, information technology, and trade—with halal meat identified as a key area of opportunity. He also assured that Pakistan is committed to maintaining international quality standards and is fully prepared to supply premium halal meat to Malaysia in the near future. This follows recent developments during the Malaysian Prime Minister's visit to Pakistan, where both governments agreed to pursue a $200 million halal meat export deal. Pakistan is currently Malaysia's third-largest trading partner in South Asia. Further deepening bilateral economic ties, the Pakistan-Malaysia Business Council (PMBC) and Malaysia-Pakistan Business Council (MPBC) also discussed signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at boosting cooperation in halal trade. The meeting was attended by Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and Prime Minister's Advisor on Industry Haroon Akhtar Khan, both of whom expressed support for advancing the halal meat export initiative.
Express Tribune
06-04-2025
- Express Tribune
PHC dismisses bail pleas in wheat scandal
The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has dismissed the bail pleas of two Food Department officers in the wheat scandal case. According to the court's written order, the accused had been posted at the Azakhel warehouse in Nowshera and, in collusion, had stolen 33,000 sacks of wheat. As per the records, 1,730 metric tons of wheat had gone missing, causing a loss of Rs198.5 million to the national exchequer. After an inquiry, the Anti-Corruption Department had registered a case against the accused. In its judgment, the court remarked that since the accused had been on duty at the time, they could not be absolved of the charges related to the disappearance of the wheat. Both bail applications were, therefore, dismissed. The court further ordered that both accused be kept in jail. Meanwhile, the PHC has accepted the provincial government's appeal against the acquittal of a murder case suspect who was accused of murdering his paternal grandmother and aunt in Mardan. The court found the accused, Tanveer, guilty and awarded him two death penalties and a total fine of Rs1.1 million. The fine will be paid as 'diyat' to the victims' heirs. In case of non-payment of the fine, Tanveer will serve an additional three months in prison. A two-member bench comprising Justice Waqar Ahmed and Justice Abdul Fayyaz heard the appeal filed by the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government. Additional Advocate General Sikandar Hayat Shah argued that Tanveer was accused of killing his grandmother and aunt on July 17, 2012 in Mardan. Despite being acquitted by the trial court in 2013, the provincial government had filed an appeal against the decision. The additional advocate general informed the court that Tanveer had confessed to the crime before a local magistrate and that there was solid evidence supporting the charges. He said Tanveer had brutally killed two women and therefore did not deserve any leniency, adding that the trial court had ignored several key legal points when delivering its verdict. After hearing the arguments, the PHC passed a short order declaring the trial court's ruling null and void and pronouncing punishment on the accused.
