صلاح الدین ایوبی رحمہ اللہ کی وفات کے تقریباً پچاس سال بعد ہی ایک طرف تاتاری مسلمانوں پر اللہ کا عذاب بن کر ٹوٹے۔

صلاح الدین ایوبی رحمہ اللہ کی وفات کے تقریباً پچاس سال بعد ہی ایک طرف تاتاری مسلمانوں پر اللہ کا عذاب بن کر ٹوٹے۔
تو دوسری جانب حشیشین کا زور بہت زیادہ تھا، صلاح الدین ایوبی تو ان کے تین کاری واروں سے اللہ کے فضل سے محفوظ رہ گئے تھے لیکن بعد میں آنے والے دور کا کوئی اچھا انسان حشیشین کے وار سے نہ بچ سکا۔
ادھر تیسری جانب یورپ میں بڑے زور و شور سے تیسری صلیبی جنگ کی تیاری کی جا رہی تھی۔
یہ وہ حالات تھے جب مسلمانوں کے پاس کوئی راہ فرار بھی نہیں بچی تھی، تاتاریوں سے لڑنے کا حوصلہ تھا نہ صلیبیوں کا سامنا کرنے کی قوت۔۔۔ جو اچھا حکمران آتا حشیشین کے ہاتھوں شہید ہوجاتا، غرض اسلامی دنیا تین بڑے طاغوتوں کے رحم کرم پر تھی۔
اسلامی قوت کا مرکز بغداد ہلاکو خان کے ہاتھوں تاخت و تاراج ہوچکا تھا، حشیشین ایک بڑے علاقے پر قابض ہوکر اپنا کام کر رہے تھے، اور عکہ اور دوسرے ساحلی علاقوں میں موجود صلیبی قلعوں کے سردار یہ تمام خبریں یورپ پہنچا چکے تھے اور وہاں ایک بڑا لشکر بیت المقدس کو واپس لینے کی تیاری کر رہا تھا۔
بظاہر مسلمانوں کی طاقت و قوت ختم ہوچکی تھی دنیا کے ظاہری تمام اسباب ان کے مخالف تھے لیکن اسی وقت اللہ کی رحمت جوش میں آئی اور مسلمانوں کو ایک امیر ملا، ایک ایسا گوہر نایاب جو خصوصیات کے لحاظ سے "آل ان ون" تھا۔
جنگ کے میدان میں وہ جہاں کا رخ کرتا دشمنوں کی صفوں کی صفیں زیر و زبر کردیتا، تو سیاست میں اس کا ثانی تاریخ پیش کرنے سے قاصر ہے، جاسوسی میں اس قدر شاطر کہ بذات خود دشمنوں کے حالات تن تنہا بھیس بدل کر معلوم کر آتا۔
اسی سیاسی تدبیر سے اس نے صلیبیوں کو بغیر جنگ کیے شکست سے دوچار کردیا تھا۔
رازداری میں اتنا ماہر کہ حشیشین بھی عاجز آگئے۔
صلیبیوں کی شکست کے بعد اس نے فلسطین کے ساحلی علاقوں سے صلیبیوں کے تمام قلعے مسمار کر کے ان کے سارے خواب چکنا چور کردیۓ۔
تاتاریوں کو نہ صرف میدان جنگ میں عبرت ناک شکست دی بلکہ علماء کو تاجروں کے بھیس میں تبلیغ کیلئے بھی روانہ کیا، جس کے نتیجے میں تمام تاتاری قوم مشرف با اسلام ہوئی۔
حشیشین پر اچانک حملہ کرکے ان کے تمام قلعے مسمار کر دیئے اور کے ہر چھوٹے بڑے افسر کو قتل کرکے انہیں ماضی کی ایک کہانی بنا دیا۔۔۔
سلطان کو دنیا کی کافی زبانوں پر عبور حاصل تھا، جن میں پشتو، پنجابی، عربی تاتاری اور انگریزی قابل ذکر ہیں۔
وہ فقط چوالیس سال کی عمر میں اس دنیا سے کوچ کرگیا، لیکن اس وقت تک دنیا کا نقشہ بدل چکا تھا، اس کے مختصر دور حکومت کے بعد مسلمانوں کا گذشتہ ماضی کا دور دوبارہ شروع ہوچکا تھا اور کل کے مجبور و بےبس مسلمان اس وقت ایک بڑی طاقت بن چکے تھے۔
یہ کہانی ہے مصر کے عظیم حکمران سلطان رکن الدین محمود بیبرس کی، جنہیں اگر صلاح الدین ثانی کہا جائے تو بے جا نہ ہوگا۔

IMF for better taxation of agriculture sector

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has recommended that the tax policy reforms must introduce presumptive taxeson agricultural turnover and land-based tax rates for better taxation of agricultural sector, common rate schedule of Capital Gains Tax regime (CGT) for all financial assets and integration of GST regime (goods and services) with a single statutory rate under one collection agent to increase revenue collection.This has been proposed in an IMF paper, titled ''''Unlocking Pakistan''''s Revenue Potential'''' prepared by Serhan Cevik. According to the paper, despite a significant progress in recent years, Pakistan''''s tax revenue remains low relative to comparator countries and the tax effort expected for the country''''s level of development. The empirical findings indicate that a tax system with low elasticity cannot take full advantage of economic growth. Accordingly, unlocking revenue potential is dependent on broadening the tax base, strengthening administration, and rationalizing tax policy across all levels of the general government.The paper states that the tax revenue-to-GDP ratio increased by 2.4 percentage points over the past three years to 12.4 percent of GDP in 2016, but it is still significantly below Pakistan''''s tax potential. This reflects a plethora of factors including narrow tax bases, generous tax concessions and exemptions, weak and fragmented revenue administrations, and structural features of the economy. Relative to comparator developing countries, Pakistan''''s tax system is complex and fragmented. Although Pakistan''''s constitution assigns significant revenue responsibility to the provinces, provincial governments'''' own revenues contribute only about 8 percent of total tax revenues. The composition of taxrevenues is highly skewed towards indirect taxes, which accounts for about 63 percent of federal tax revenue, while the extensive use of tax concessions and exemptions results in a distortionary and unfair tax regime. Consequently, while Pakistan''''s estimated tax effort-the ratio between actual revenue and tax capacity-improved from 0.43 in 2011 to 0.56in 2016, it is still significantly below the average of comparator developing countries (0.64) and high-income countries (0.76).The paper maintained that Pakistan''''s tax system with low elasticity fails to take advantage of economic growth to a greater extent. Without continued reform efforts, Pakistan cannot realistically raise its tax revenue to around 15 percent of GDP in the foreseeable future.While Pakistan has the potential to double its tax revenue-to-GDP ratio over the long term, the empirical findings presented in this paper indicate that realizing the country''''s tax revenue potential requires further concerted and well-defined efforts at the federal and provincial levels aimed at broadening tax bases, strengthening tax compliance across all sectors of the economy, and eliminating distortionary tax concessions and exemptions, and addressing structural challenges of fragmented tax administrations. These fundamental changes would not only boost the country''''s tax revenue-to-GDP ratio and thereby create resources for growth-enhancing priority spending, but also improve the perceived fairness of the tax system.Strengthening tax administrations across all layers of government is key to sustainable revenue mobilization. To improve taxpayer compliance and curb tax avoidance and evasion, reform efforts must aim to modernise and bolster the effectiveness of tax administrations at federal and provincial levels by reorganising along functional lines, integrating databases and information technology, and requiring a tax identity number in all financial and immovable property transactions. This would also help deal with the potential problem of using remittance transfers as a mean of tax evasion. Cross-country figures indicate that there is also astrong relationship between the tax revenue-to-GDP ratio andbusiness climate and corruption.The paper recommended that FBR and provincial revenue administrations should fully implement a risk-based auditing system focusing on taxpayer non-compliance risks, defined as the likelihood of yielding large amounts of audit adjustments and penalties, and increase tax fraud penalties and make tax evasion a criminal offense. Fighting tax evasionshould initially focus on a comprehensive list of high-wealth individuals and corporate entities they control and prohibit the so-called "benami" transactions, which are commonly used for tax avoidance and evasion. It is also important for the Ministry of Finance to enhance analytical capacity by establishing a tax policy research and analysis unit-outside the FBR-to improve revenue forecasting and upgrade the quality of fiscal policymaking.The paper recommended that tax policy reforms must aim toincrease revenue yield, while improving the fairness of the taxregime. Direct taxes can be designed better for enhancing efficiency and equity. In the case of PIT, with the tax exempt income threshold set at almost four times per capita income, a significant share of employed people does not pay any income tax at all. Accordingly, reducing the tax exempt income threshold, widening tax brackets, adopting more progressive and lower tax rates, and rationalizing concessions and exemptions would not only reduce distortions and increase revenue yield, but also improve the fairness of the tax system. This sense of social justice is key to boosting tax morale and thereby tax buoyancy. In this context, while the FBR has made improvements in the capital gains tax regime, there is still a need to adopt a common rateschedule for all financial assets and eliminate exemptions.It further recommended that simplifying the CIT regime and reducing concessions and exemptions are necessary to pave the way for lower rates while enhancing revenue yields, whichwould also help in improving the economy''''s international competitiveness. Introducing presumptive taxes on agricultural turnover and land-based tax rates adjusted according to productivity characteristics of agricultural land can facilitate better taxation of the agricultural sector on a progressive scale with an appropriate threshold to protect low income farm households.Modernising recurrent property taxes, on the other hand, can be achieved by establishing a central fiscal cadastre and a central valuation agency and adopting a market-based valuation methodology. The paper further recommended integrating the GST regime (goods and services) with a singlestatutory rate under one collection agent, and eliminating GST exemptions, zero-ratings, and special schemes to attain greater efficiency in indirect taxes.Changing the structure of federal and provincial excises to advalorem rates in a unified manner for domestically produced and imported goods can maximise the revenue yield and better address negative externalities associated with some products such as tobacco and petroleum products, the paperrecommended.News SourceNews Collated byPAKISSAN.comCourtesy www.brecorder.com

Relationships: Why Do Some People Think That They Always Know Best?

While there can be moments when one is in a position wherethey do know what isbest, there are also going to be momentswhen this is not the case. It could be saidthat this is simply part of being human.If, on the other hand, one was perfect, then there would be no reason for them to have moments when they don't know what is best. Therefore, there will be no need for one to feel bad when thishappens.Certain AreasStill, this is not to say that one won't have a certain area where they generally know what they are talking about. This could relate to their profession, and when someone asks for their advice, there is a strong chance that they will have something valuable to share.Even so, they could still emphasis that this is still their opinion and that it can't be taken as the complete truth. Through having this approach, it can allow the other person to ask other people what they think.A Number of AreasHaving said that, one may have a good understanding of a number of different areas, andthis could mean that they have a lot to share. Oneis then not going to be limited to one area and this may allow them to stand out in a number of different environments.But just like in the example above, they could still stay grounded and not let what they know to go totheir head, so to speak. So not only will the peoplethey come into contact with appreciate what they have to say, they will also appreciate how they present themselves.AdviceAnd while they may give unsolicited advice from time to time, it may primarily be something that takes place when they are asked for it. What this can then show is that one has good boundaries and that they don't try to walk over others.As a result of this, it can stop their relationships from being out of balance, and this is partly due to the fact that they won't act like they are a teacher. The people around them are then at theirlevel as opposed to being their students.IntentionWhen they live their life in this way, it can show that one enjoys learning and that they don't learn about things in order to elevate themselves above other people. They might believe that knowing certain things give them an edge, but this is not going to be the same.It could then be said that one is highly curious, and that they love to learn about things whilst there are on this planet. They will then be only toohappy to listen to what other people have to say.Two SidesOne could believe that they are not only a teacher,but that they are also a student. It is then not going to be all about what they have to share, andthey will realise that the people they come into contact with will have plenty to share with them.Yet even though this can sound like the ideal way to be, it is not going to be how everyone experiences life. Instead, one can believe that they always know what is best for other people.OmniscientIt then might not matter what is taking place or what someone is going through, as they will have the right answers/s. In addition, it could be irrelevant as to what the other person knows or what they have been through, for instance.One is then going to be in a superior position and just about everyone else is going to be below them. Other people are then going to wonder howit is possible for someone to be so deluded.On A PedestalThere could also be people around them who believe that they do know everything, and this could then cause them to look up to them. When this takes place, it might not matter what one comes out with as they will simply believe it.Through having these people around, one will have a steady stream of support, and this will help to validate what they believe about themselves. What this is likely to show is that these people lack self-belief and this then causesthem to idealise others.A FacadeIt would then be easy to say that one is the complete opposite and this is why these kinds of people are in their life. However, although one comes across as though they are above other people, this is likely to be a way for them to avoid how they really feel.Thus, while these people will be in touch with what is taking place within them, one will be completely alienated from their inner world. And as a way to feel to better about themselves, they have created a false-self.Healthy ShameThrough doing this, one will not only be out of touch the toxic shame that is within them, they will also have lost touch with their healthy shame.This then sets them to believe that they are more-than human, and it will then normal for them to believe that they always know what's best.There may have been a time in their life where they were made to feel completely worthless, andthis could have been during their early years. They then disconnected from their true-self and created a false-self in order to handle what took place.AwarenessUnless one is willing to face what is taking place within then, there is not much chance of them changing. As far as they are concerned, it is likelyto be other people who need to change.If they do want to change, it might be necessary for them to work with a therapist. During this time, they will be able to get in touch with their true-self and to let go of the false-self that they have used to protect themselves.Prolific writer, author, and coach, Oliver JR Cooper, hails from England. His insightful commentary and analysis covers all aspects of human transformation, including love, partnership, self-love, and inner awareness. With over one thousand in-depth articles highlighting human psychology and behaviour, Oliver offers hope along with his sound advice. His current projects include 'A Dialogue With The Heart' and 'Communication Made Easy'.To find out more go to -http://www.oliverjrcooper.co.uk/Feel free to join the Facebook Group -https://www.facebook.com/OliverJRCooperArticle Source:http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Oliver_JR_Cooper/818466

Shading Techniques in Art

Shading is the technique of showing tones or values on an object through gradual gradations for it to look 'solid' and have a three dimensional effect. Shading techniques allow you to weave layer upon layer of pencil marks to add a convincing form to your line drawing. Shading adds a sense of substance to your subject and produces a convincing tonal relationship. Drawings take on a three dimensional form when shaded properly.To render shades correctly on drawn objects, the artist must carefully observe the source of light that is striking various values of tones or shades on the drawn objects. After realizing the source of light, the artist must study closely the reflections of the light on areas of the objects to know the lightest and darkest sections. After establishing the endpoints or extremes thus the lightest valued areas as well as the darkest valued areas, the remaining area with a mid-half tone between the two extremes is the middle value.The tones are adjusted as many times to make it look realistic. It is advised that artists step back periodically to look at the drawing and the subjectin a distance to view and adjust the tones accordingly. This would make the values depicted on the drawn objects more realistic. In the rendition of cast shadow, the artist must take note of the light source and the striking or reflection of the light on the objects. If the light is far above, the shorter the shadow is (try checkingout your shadow at noon - 12:00PM) whereas the lower the light, the longer the cast shadow will become. The rule is that the darker the shadow, the brighter the light source. As the shadow is drawn further from the object, the lighter it becomes. The shadow takes on the shape of the item it comes from. Notice that to make the shadow, all you have to do is create a triangular shape from the top of the object to the ground and back to the base of the object. According to the light source, make your shadow fit accordingly.There are various ways of rendering shades on a drawn object. Some of these are:1. Hatching: This is a shading technique that employs one set of line either vertical, curved or horizontal lines in rendering shades on a drawn object. These lines are drawn beside one another to give the illusion of a value. Depending on the hatching shading effect one want to achieve, the artist may decide to make the individual lines in hatching sets far apart or close together.2. Cross-hatching: This is a shading technique made by the use of lines that crosses each other at an angle in rendering shades on an object. In cross-hatching, one set of line crosses over (overlaps) another set of line to create a shade ona drawn object.3. Stippling/Dottilism/Pointillism: This is a shading technique that employs dots or series of points in rendering the shades on an object.4. Circularism/Squirkling/Scribbling: This is the use of circles, squirkles and scribbles in rendering a shade on an object. When squirkle sets have noticeable spaces between the lines, they work beautifully for shading various textures,such as fuzzy fabrics and curly hair. Squirkles can look like a solid tone when the lines are drawn closely together, and are great for shading lots of different aspects of people, including skin tones.5. Tonal gradation/smudging: This is the rendering of soft tones on a drawn object and blending the tones together with the thumb, a piece of paper or a soft cloth.Rendering shades on objects using any marking or drawing tool is an interesting practical exercise in art. However, to achieve successes, artists must learn the rudiments in shading so as to render shade on drawn objects based on the accepted rubrics of art.If you want interesting information on visual art education, history of art click the link below:http://ezinearticles.com/expert/Dickson_Adom/2315408Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Dickson_Adom/2315408

Things You Never Knew About Bearings

They won a bike raceA few months after the bearing was first patented in France, James Moore took home first place in the world's first bike race. This may be because of his superior skill, but most have attributed it to the new products that were put in place on his shiny new bicycle.Bearings were bombedDuring the second World War, many countries that were bombing Germany began to target the bearing factories. Bearings were used for a variety of things that were considered necessary to winningthe war, and manufacturers made a decentamount of money off of them. These were vital to Germany during the war, especially if they wanted to have a chance at winning.When the bearing factories were destroyed, it gave the other team an advantage.They are all around youThese products may not seem that interesting, but these little round products help make the world go around. They can easily be found in clocks, microwaves, refrigerators, washing machines and hundreds of other products. Even bar stools and office chairs use these products to help them function correctly. They are used to hold up the transmission in a car, and to make sure that many appliances work correctly. From linear ones to ball ones, they help make everything work like it should.Used to build the pyramidsIt is believed that these products were used to help transport the large blocks thatwere used to construct the ancient pyramids of Egypt. This one fact was pondered about by scientists for years as everyone wondered how the average man was able to get such large blocks to the structure, and then get them to the top of the building. The answer lies in the way that these products were used in ancient times, long before warehouses were shipping them all over the world.Romans had them firstWhile knowing that Egypt used them is impressive, the Romans were using them first. One was found on a sunken ship years ago, and it has been dated to have been in existence since approximately 45 AD.There are hundreds of different typesFor example, linear bearings are available in different sizes, and the linear ones are designed to allow motion in one direction. Unlike the linear styles, there are also products that allow motion in a circular direction, specific designs that hold tons of weight and so on. Some linear bearings are made of metal while other linear ones are made of ceramic. There are literally hundreds of these types of products available, and they all have a certain design or feature that makes them different from the rest.They are more circular than the EarthIf an individual were to take one of these circular products and expand it, it would beperfectly round. When compared to the Earth, this product would be more circular than our planet.Whether learning about these for the next project, the first project or for school, the topic can be a bit dry at times. Remembering these interesting facts will give any individual both the break from dry material and the motivation needed to make it through more material in order to find the perfect product for their project.VXB began in the bearing industry in 1958, and since then they have seen many changes. This once small store has expanded to include massive warehouses that are stocked with millions of products that are ready to be shipped out, and an online store that makes finding the ideal bearing easier than ever before. They pridethemselves on now working with three of the best bearing manufacturers in the industry: Nachi, NB and FYH. They have provided a toll free number for anyone thathas any questions, or if someone simply needs assistance in determining which type of bearing is right for their project. This can be found on their website. Visit Us:http://www.vxb.com/Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Sam_Iskander/1979115

Everything You Need To Know About Making Passive Income

The knowledge on how to create wealth through passive income is now understandable, particularly if you areworried about how tosave sufficient money in order to meet your desired goals. However, even though so many people have this understanding, there are still some who do not have enough ideas for making passive income. Therefore, in this article, your knowledge about earning residual income will surely expand.What is a passive income?When you say passive income, it is all about the regular wages from the source of other contractor or employer. This type of income can be derived from a business that an individual is not actively participating. The best example of this is the dividend-paying stocks as well as bookroyalties.What are the different ideas for Passive Income?Thinking about how to generate ideas for passiveincome is quite difficult, especially if you do not have any idea and you are neophytes in this kind of business. In order for you to have an idea that will help you create residual income, the followingwill definitely be your guide.1.Investing in a Lending ClubThis is a residual income source that ensures youearn a consistent interest on your investments. Lending Clubs gives you the opportunity to be paid interest for years.1.Have your cash-back incentives in your credit cardIf you are using a credit for your purchases, hunting a credit card rewards is a no brainer. Most of the top rewards allow you to gain anywhere from one to five percent of your money without effort. If you are using a credit card for your convenience, you can gain a large amount ofmoney by signing up a bonus through online and the same time, you could have a residual online income by using this method.1.Trying out for index fundsIndex funds is a kind of mutual fund that can provide a way to invest in a stock market that cansignificantly generate passive income.1.Create money from what you do regularlyIt is possible to earn money and make passive income from the things that you already do regularly (game, data entry etc). So many examples abound where you can earn money while doing what you love best.1.Invest in real estateInvesting in real estate is another sure way of generating residual income. It involves getting paid an accrued amount on a property that has been rented out.Generally, the ideas on how to make passive income are not that easy as it seems, you will spend a lot of time perfecting your ideas. But the insights given in this article will help you a great deal to make residual income with ease.Stephen Enis is a Successful and Passionate Online Business Owner that has created a platform where people Generate UnlimitedResidual Income Onlineon Autopilot. Visit his website athttp://smartchoiceinternational.comtolearn more.Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Stephen_Enis/495394

Floriculture share in global market negligible

Despite a huge potential of producing good quality of flowers,the country's floriculture share in the international market is negligible. This was stated by University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan while presiding over the inaugural session of seminar titled "Prospects of bulbous flower production" in Pakistan. It was organised by the Institute of Horticultural Sciences in collaboration with Green Works, Lahore.The Vice Chancellor said that changes in lifestyle and better standards of living had boosted up the requirement for the floriculture products. He said the country was facing the challenge of unemployment and poverty. The floriculture industry will provide employment to labour at a massive scale. He also called for promoting floriculture, especially in our country to get the foreign exchange. He said that flower production had jacked up in Faisalabad, Sheikhpura, Kasur, Okara, Sahiwal, Chunian and Gujrawala.Dean Faculty of Agriculture, Professor Dr Riaz Ahmad said that investment in the floriculture sector can get maximum profit by making the product value-added. He said that northern areas have very rich flora and germplasms, which have not been exposed to the world. It can not only increase our floriculture industry but also help alleviate the poverty. Managing Director Stoop Flower Bulbs, Holland) Kees van Der Plas said that such seminars and collaborative academia-industry workshops would help flourish this emerging segment of horticultural industry.Director IHS Dr Muhammad Amjad said that the country was blessed with the tremendous resources so there is the need to tap the potential. Dr Iftikhar Ahmad, CEO Green Works Lahore Saleem Ahmad, Assoc Professor Dr Atif Riaz, Dr Adnan Younis, Dr Iftikhar Ahmad and other notables also spoke on the occasion.News SourceNews Collated byPAKISSAN.comCourtesy www.brecorder.com

Congo virus prevention: KP Livestock department

The Livestock Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has established 130 check posts across the province for prevention of Congo virus where 529 employees have been deployed for conducting spray in cattle markets and cattle pen. The Livestock Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in wake of the information of the affecting of people from Congo virus in some areas of Punjab and Balochistan has initiated emergency based suitable steps for the prevention of the disease in the province.Furthermore, the staff is not only performing duties on check posts, but also going to cattle markets and cattle pens for conducting spray to prevent the disease in an effective manner. The Livestock Department (Extension Wing) in a recent communique has elaborated details regarding the disease that Congo virus is spread through a virus, which transferred from one animal to another through a specific high loma. The disease can also spread through the blood or silva of the affected person.News SourceNews Collated byPAKISSAN.comCourtesy www.brecorder.com

Floriculture share in global market negligible

Despite a huge potential of producing good quality of flowers,the country's floriculture share in the international market is negligible. This was stated by University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan while presiding over the inaugural session of seminar titled "Prospects of bulbous flower production" in Pakistan. It was organised by the Institute of Horticultural Sciences in collaboration with Green Works, Lahore.The Vice Chancellor said that changes in lifestyle and better standards of living had boosted up the requirement for the floriculture products. He said the country was facing the challenge of unemployment and poverty. The floriculture industry will provide employment to labour at a massive scale. He also called for promoting floriculture, especially in our country to get the foreign exchange. He said that flower production had jacked up in Faisalabad, Sheikhpura, Kasur, Okara, Sahiwal, Chunian and Gujrawala.Dean Faculty of Agriculture, Professor Dr Riaz Ahmad said that investment in the floriculture sector can get maximum profit by making the product value-added. He said that northern areas have very rich flora and germplasms, which have not been exposed to the world. It can not only increase our floriculture industry but also help alleviate the poverty. Managing Director Stoop Flower Bulbs, Holland) Kees van Der Plas said that such seminars and collaborative academia-industry workshops would help flourish this emerging segment of horticultural industry.Director IHS Dr Muhammad Amjad said that the country was blessed with the tremendous resources so there is the need to tap the potential. Dr Iftikhar Ahmad, CEO Green Works Lahore Saleem Ahmad, Assoc Professor Dr Atif Riaz, Dr Adnan Younis, Dr Iftikhar Ahmad and other notables also spoke on the occasion.News SourceNews Collated byPAKISSAN.comCourtesy www.brecorder.com

Floriculture share in global market negligible

Despite a huge potential of producing good quality of flowers,the country's floriculture share in the international market is negligible. This was stated by University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan while presiding over the inaugural session of seminar titled "Prospects of bulbous flower production" in Pakistan. It was organised by the Institute of Horticultural Sciences in collaboration with Green Works, Lahore.The Vice Chancellor said that changes in lifestyle and better standards of living had boosted up the requirement for the floriculture products. He said the country was facing the challenge of unemployment and poverty. The floriculture industry will provide employment to labour at a massive scale. He also called for promoting floriculture, especially in our country to get the foreign exchange. He said that flower production had jacked up in Faisalabad, Sheikhpura, Kasur, Okara, Sahiwal, Chunian and Gujrawala.Dean Faculty of Agriculture, Professor Dr Riaz Ahmad said that investment in the floriculture sector can get maximum profit by making the product value-added. He said that northern areas have very rich flora and germplasms, which have not been exposed to the world. It can not only increase our floriculture industry but also help alleviate the poverty. Managing Director Stoop Flower Bulbs, Holland) Kees van Der Plas said that such seminars and collaborative academia-industry workshops would help flourish this emerging segment of horticultural industry.Director IHS Dr Muhammad Amjad said that the country was blessed with the tremendous resources so there is the need to tap the potential. Dr Iftikhar Ahmad, CEO Green Works Lahore Saleem Ahmad, Assoc Professor Dr Atif Riaz, Dr Adnan Younis, Dr Iftikhar Ahmad and other notables also spoke on the occasion.News SourceNews Collated byPAKISSAN.comCourtesy www.brecorder.com

Congo virus prevention: KP Livestock department

The Livestock Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has established 130 check posts across the province for prevention of Congo virus where 529 employees have been deployed for conducting spray in cattle markets and cattle pen. The Livestock Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in wake of the information of the affecting of people from Congo virus in some areas of Punjab and Balochistan has initiated emergency based suitable steps for the prevention of the disease in the province.Furthermore, the staff is not only performing duties on check posts, but also going to cattle markets and cattle pens for conducting spray to prevent the disease in an effective manner. The Livestock Department (Extension Wing) in a recent communique has elaborated details regarding the disease that Congo virus is spread through a virus, which transferred from one animal to another through a specific high loma. The disease can also spread through the blood or silva of the affected person.News SourceNews Collated byPAKISSAN.comCourtesy www.brecorder.com

Pakistan donates 10,000 tons of rice to flooded areas

The first batch of rice donated by Pakistan to flood-stricken areas in central China's Hubei province arrived at Wuhan Tianhe Airport on August 22. Hubei provincial government held a handover ceremony at the airport for the first 22 tons of rice. According to the donation plan, Pakistan will donate atotal of 10,000 tons for disaster relief.At the handover ceremony, Yang Xiaodong, deputy director ofthe disaster relief division of China's Ministry of Civil Affairs, thanked the Pakistani government for its generous donation, which Yang said fully reflected the deep friendship between Pakistan and China.Ali Ahmed Arain, Consul General of the Pakistani consulate in Guangzhou, said at the ceremony that Pakistan has always paid close attention to events happening in China. Since the Chinese people are working hard to reconstruct their homes after the disaster, the Pakistani government decided to offer a helping hand. The Pakistani government will soon ship the rest of the donation to Wuhan.A total of 98 counties and cities in Hubei province are affected by flooding in this summer. Since the start of the rainy season in June, Hubei has experienced six rounds of heavy rainfall. The flooding has caused great damage across the region. From June 18 to July 31, a total of 98 counties and cities were affected by flooding, with affected persons reaching 17.85 million. A total of 2.18 million hectares of farmland were flooded, 57,300 houses collapsed and 1.55 million people were forced to temporarily relocate.News SourceNews Collated byPAKISSAN.comCourtesy www.brecorder.com

Sends 15,000 tons of rice to Cuba as gift

The Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP), on behalf of the government of Pakistan, dispatched some 15,000 tons of rice to Cuba as gift. Sources told on Monday that the state-run grain trader has successfully completed another export shipment of rice, procured from domestic exporters/traders. This is the second rice export consignment by the TCP duringthis year as earlier in January this year, the state-run grain trader exported some 15,000 tons of rice including Long Grain White Rice (IRRI-6) and Super Basmati rice for Niger.A ship namely Mv CMB Adrien carrying 15,000 tons of rice including 10,000 tons of IRRI-6 and 5,000 tons of Super Basmati has sailed from Port Qasim for Cuba on Sunday. The commodity was procured from two domestic exporters/traders worth Rs 800 million (approximately) for the gift purposes.The rice consignment has been sailed after meeting all the terms and conditions of the Cuban Quarantine Department aspreviously some issues had cropped up, which forced the TCP to divert a rice shipment from Cuba to Niger. On behalf of the Cuban government, three quarantine officers were in Pakistan for the last one month to monitor the entire process of the rice procurement to maintain the quarantine protocols of Cuba.The TCP initiated the procurement of some 15,000 tons of rice for Cuba in May and invited separate bids for procurement of 10,000 tons of IRRI-6 and 5,000 tons of SuperBasmati on Free on Board (FoB).Some three bidders submitted their bids for the supply of IRRI-6. The tender award committee observed that lowest bid price of Rs 43,260 per metric ton (excl of taxes) on FoB for a quantity of 10,000 tons of IRRI-6 was quoted by M/s GaribSons Pvt Ltd. As the bid was responsive and competitive, the committee awarded the tender to M/s GaribSons Pvt Ltd.In addition, for procurement of 5,000 tons of Super Basmati Rice, some four bidders submitted their bids. The tender award committee observed that bid price of Rs 74,000 per ton (excl taxes) on FoB for quantity of 5,000 tons was quoted by M/s Matco Foods. As lowest bid was responsive and competitive, the TCP awarded the tender to M/s Matco Foods for supply of 5,000 tons of Super Basmati Rice.Both parties successfully completed the supply of rice including 10,000 tons of Long Grain White Rice (IRRI-6) and 5,000 tons of Super Basmati Rice on Sunday and accordingly the consignment has been dispatched to Cuba. Sources said Cuban inspectors also carried out inspection of the successful bidders'' rice processing and warehousing facilities and accordingly issued certificates of inspection confirming the fitness of the rice processing and warehousing facilities of both bidders, ie, M/s GaribSons Pvt Ltd (Irri-6) and M/s Matco Foods (Basmati) for export of Cuba.News SourceNews Collated byPAKISSAN.comCourtesy www.brecorder.com

What Is Cognitive Bias And How Does It Affect Decision-Making?

Are you a successfuldecision-maker? Do you, more often than not, choose the right decision?Ask most people these questions and they would probably think they do okay, without being perfect. Lack of perfection would be no surprise to any neuroscientist, because the decision-making process is known to face many challenges.Emotion is likely to 'hijack' decision-making at anymoment; and then there is cognitive bias, which can cause us to make decisions based on predetermined perceptions rather than the facts at hand.It may be surprising to readers that, in business, where it is tempting to assume that decisions arealways made rationally and logically, these biasesapply just as much as they do to other decisions we make.What is cognitive bias?Consider the many recent cases of the unjustifiedkillings of black people by police in the USA; this may provide a clearer idea of how cognitive bias play outs in the most serious cases.Cognitive bias is defined as a systematic pattern of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment, whereby inferences about other people and situations may be drawn in an illogical fashion.While we must be careful of making generalisations with the aforementioned shootings, there may be no outwardly racist motive involved in them; but it is highly possible that cognitive bias was a key reason for the police offers acting the way they did.Our own perception of reality is based upon our cognitive biases, which sometimes fly in the face of the objective input i.e. what's really happening, the facts etc. By definition, our own version of reality issubjective, and our behaviour is based upon that.How does it affect our decision-making?In the example given, a black policeman may not perceive the same sense of threat as a white policeman in the same situation. A less intense cognitive bias in this particular situation might lead to different decisions and different behaviour.This also helps to explain why you may not make the best decisions in the workplace or at home; your cognitive bias may distort the facts and lead to inaccurate judgment, illogical interpretation, or"irrationality".Just to be clear - we are all victims, to an extent, of cognitive bias. It is normal. Indeed, in the case of many everyday situations we face, cognitive biases can help us make the fast decisions necessary to go about our daily business effectively.However, being aware of cognitive bias, especially when making more challenging decisions, can help prevent the mistakes and errors of judgment that may have serious consequences.Most readers here will not face life and death situations like policemen do; but we all have to make decisions constantly every day. So, by increasing our awareness of how we arrive at these decisions, and how to combat some of the most serious challenges to good decision-making, we clearly benefit.Since the 1980s, the field of neuroscience has been shedding more light on the workings of the brain and our understanding of the decision-making process is growing. Lists of typical cognitive biases have even been compiled, whichshould be of great interest to almost anyone in a professional field.The NeuroPower Group is at the forefront of introducing new approaches to organisational development through the findings of neuroscience. We apply them to all types of businesses, developing high performing teams and enhancing leadership. Find out more at our website:http://www.neuropowergroup.com.Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Mark_R_Stephens/1327188

Tips for Caring for Someone With Alzheimer's Disease

Most caregivers have little time to deal with a long list of caregiving tips for someone with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Instead of a long list, thinking of them as grouped into six categories making up the acronym SHAPES can make remembering them easier, and also make adding your own easier.SHAPESstands for...*.Safety*.Honoring*.Adapting*.Patience*.Encouraging*.SchedulingSafetyis the first category for someone with AD. Did you know that falls could be an early sign of AD? Installing safety equipment like handrails in the bathroom and stairways can avert falls. Prevention can also include removing hazards, like throw rugs. Many folks with AD have a shuffling gait, so throw rugs may increase the risk for tripping and falling. Transitions between flooring can also be a risk for falling; such as going from high uneven pile carpet to vinyl flooring can likewise be a problem. Low pile even carpeting like a Berber carpet is less likely than a long shag carpet to be an issue, and can be easier to use with a walker or wheelchair. Lighting on stairs and dark hallways should also be evaluated to be sure it's safe.Other considerations include appliances. While a microwave is a fixture in many kitchens, it can be dangerous when used incorrectly. And someone with dementia may lose the ability to use it safely.Some ovens can be locked so they can't be turned on easily. You may also consider turning off the circuit breakers to the oven, stove and other appliances if there's a danger the person with AD cannot safely use them alone and may try to use them unsupervised.Fire hazards should also be removed, and fire extinguishers handy. Install locks on cabinets containing potentially dangerous items like toxic cleaning chemicals, guns, alcohol, medicines, etc.Routinely check smoke alarms and replace their batteries regularly.Hot water can cause burns. Checking the temperature of the water from your water heater and lowering it to a safe level can reduce its risk. An elder's skin is more fragile than that of someone younger adding to the risk of injury. Sharp counter corners should be evaluated. Installing table edge guards or counters with rounded or bull nose edges can reduce the risk ofbruising or tearing fragile skin.Honoringand respecting your care receiver can be reflected in what you do and say. Your attitude can make a difference. For example, giving her simple choices like two different choices instead of only one or too many can make a task easier while allowing her to maintain some independence. One choice can emphasize dependency, while too many choices can be confusing leading to frustration, which can in turnincrease agitation. Giving a choice that cannot fail-like choosing between two equally suitable options-also helps to avoid feelings of failure andembarrassment. Another tip is to allow her to do as much as she can without help, which encourages her independence and sense of accomplishment.A third tip category is toadaptto the current situation. You may need to change the way you do things. When showering becomes a problem, you may need to have her shower less often, helpher shower or even switch to sponge baths at least part of the time. While distractions like a television or radio in the background may not have been a problem in the past, they can be confusing and interfere with concentration for someone with AD. Instructions should be clear, and one step at a time. Complex instructions can be confusing, increasing frustration and agitation.Patienceis a necessity in caring for someone with AD. As AD progresses persons with it become more dependent. What they can do and how they react to situations can change. What works today may not work as well tomorrow. The underlying problem in AD is a disease of the brain, leading to inability to process information. Remaining patient and calm helps everyone adjust to the new situation. It's normal for caregivers to be tired, exhausted and overwhelmed sometimes. They need to take regular breaks to recharge and relax, and to have patience. When worried that you could have handled something better, learn from the experience and use it to respond differently in thefuture. It may take more than one attempt to solve a challenge and feel successful.Encouragingthe person with helps them to avoid feeling frustrated or that they've failed. Everyone wants to feel like a success. One of the hardest things can be for people who become more dependent with time to become frustrated with what they can't do. Even if it seems like the person with AD is not consciously aware of the situation, she can still become disappointed and frustrated from it. She may not be able to explain or understand why, which can add to the annoyance.Schedulingis also important in caring for someone with AD. Establishing and keeping to routines reduces confusion, and there is comfort in the familiar. A regular routine can also decrease agitation. When scheduling, take into account the best time of day for your care receiver. Mornings may be best for her to have appointments when she's more alert and not tired. Adding extra time to do something is also important. It is likely things will take longer than previously, and scheduling time for unexpected delays can reduce tension and prevent frustrationand additional distress.One of the most important tips for caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease is that each person with the disease has a different experience with it. Not all these tips will work in all situations, and that's normal. The caregiving tips groups in SHAPES and in this article are also meant to stimulate ideas for tips that will work in your unique situation. Tweak these tips and suggestions to meet your care receiver's needs, which may change with time.Dr. Ina combines her passions for caregivers and writing in her award-winning blog, Caregiving With Purpose. She educates, empowers and supports care partners in their journey and beyond. Additionally she is a Purple Angel Ambassador for Dementia, speaker, and has created and co-hosted the first two global Alzheimer's Telesummit Webinars. Find her atCaregiving With Purpose.Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Ina_Gilmore_M.D/2317913

Fitness Excuses Kill Your Results

How many times have you made an excuse to not to go the gym? Or to have just a tiny bit of ice cream after dinner? Or start your diet the next day? Fitness Excuses are one of the largest and most annoying reasons people can't lose weight. Excuses hold you back. We hate hearing excuses from our friends. We teach our children not to make excuses. And yet somehow we allow ourselves to make them over and over. Stop creating excuses and commit to losing the weight and become the person you want to be.People come up with many different fitness excuses to avoid a healthy lifestyle, the list goes on and on. These excuses just bring us down anddiminish our potential. Creating excuses just teaches your brain that it is okay to not push for something you want. Now, this is the exact opposite advice we would give to a friend or family member. Losing weight is hard and it is a commitment no doubt, but that doesn't mean you cannot do it. You make plenty of other commitments in life. You commit to and go to work everyday. You commit to and in tend on going to parties after you R.S.V.P. You commit to and make sure you wake your children up for school each day. We don't make excuses for these commitments, so why should bettering ourselves be any different?You must convince yourself that you want to better yourself and lose weight. Make your mind strong first and your body will follow. Don't allow yourself to make those phony excuses. Pursue what you want! Think for your weight loss journeyas a responsibility, just as import as any other responsibilities in your life. Raise the bar for yourself and then strive to reach it.In order to keep those pesky excuses away continuously remind yourself why you are losing weight. Write down your goals and read them each day or write down how you progressed eachnight before bed. Listen to song that gets you pumped up to push hard and hit the gym. Also, make sure you have a great support system. Have someone to ask you, "How's the gym and diet going?" once a week or find a person who willtake on this responsibility with you. If you have a partner you can support one another on the days when one of you is having a hard time. Don't ever forget the reason why you are doing all of this. Imagine yourself when you have reached your goals to remind yourself that it is most definitely worth all the hard work you are putting in now.Fitness Excuses hurt you, not help you. You are incontrol of them and do not need them. You want to lose weight and become healthy to better yourself and you have the power to do that. In the end, if you make excuses you will not get results and if you get results you will not make excuses. Your choice.Fitness excuses kill your results and now its time to drop those excuses. The best way to do that is get into a group setting or peer group. Want more tips and to be held accountable? Head on over tohttp://www.cowboysgym.comto get more tips, secrets and education.Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Ryan_Ehmann/2308358

فاتح بیت المقدس سلطان صلاح الدین ایوبی رحمہ اللہ کی زندگی کے چند حیرت انگیز پہلو.

فاتح بیت المقدس سلطان صلاح الدین ایوبی رحمہ اللہ کی زندگی کے چند حیرت انگیز پہلو.
سلطان صلاح الدین ایوبی کا نام کسی تعارف کا محتاج نہیں- مغربی دنیا میں صلاح الدین ایوبی کے نام سے پہچانا جانے والا یہ سپاہ سالار مصر اور شام کا پہلا کرد حکمران تھا- صلیبی جنگ لڑنے والوں کو شکستِ دینے والا اور یروشلم کو فتح کرنے والا ایک عظیم جنگجو تھا-

صلیبیوں کے خلاف جنگ اور یروشلم کی فتح:

سلطان صلاح الدین ایوبی نے اپنی زندگی میں تقریباً 100 سے زائد جنگیں لڑی ہیں اور لگ بھگ 20 سال تک کے لیے صلیبیوں اور یورپ کی مشترکہ افواج کو بالآخر اس مقدس سرزمین سے پیچھے دھکیل دیا تھا- دنیا نے ایسا جری٬ قابل اور رحم دل فاتح شاید ہی دیکھا ہو- صلیبی جنگیں انسانی تاریخ میں سب سے طویل اور وحشی جنونیت کی حیثیت رکھتی ہیں٬ جن کا خوف مغربی عیسائی دنیا سے لے مغربی ایشیا تک پھیل چکا تھا-

تقریباً تین سو سال تک صلیبیوں نے مسلمانوں پر پے در پے حملے کیے مگر ہر بار شکست کا سامنا کرنا پڑا- اس وجہ سے ان کی اپنی افواج تھکن اور وسوسوں کا شکار ہوگئی- سارا یورپ مال اور قابلِ بھروسہ فوج سے خالی ہوتا جارہا تھا اور مکمل تباہی نہ صحیح مگر سماجی دیوالیہ پن کا شکار ضرور ہوگیا تھا- سینکڑوں فوجی جنگوں میں ختم ہوگئے٬ کئی دوسرے بھوک اور افلاس کا شکار ہوگئے- غرض یہ کہ ہر قسم کی آفات صلیبیوں کی تذلیل کا باعث بنتی گئیں- پیٹر نامی عیسائی مذہبی رہبر اور اس کے پیروکاروں نے اس بات کا عزم کر لیا کہ مسلمانوں کے ہاتھ سے یہ مقدس علاقے واپس لینے کے لیے ہر قسم کا حربہ استعمال کیا جائے گا- اس دور میں عیسائی فوجی صلیب کا نشان رکھتے تھے جو کہ گرجا گھر کی پناہ میں ہوتا تھا اور ہر قسم کے ٹیکس سے استثنیٰ حاصل تھا اور ساتھ ہی ہر قسم کے کام کرنے کے لیے آزاد بھی تھے-

یہاں عظیم صلاح الدین کا ایک مشہور واقعہ بیان کرتے چلیں- صلاح الدین ایوبی نے 29 ستمبر 1182 کو دریائے اردن عبور کیا اور کرک اور شوباک پر موجود فوجوں کو آڑے ہاتھوں لیا اور کافی فوجیوں کو قیدی بنا لیا- اس وقت وہ افواج جو Guy of Lusignan کے ماتحت تھیں انہیں sepphoris کے علاقے سے ہٹا کر الفولا بھیج دیا گیا- دوسری جانب صلاح الدین ایوبی نے 500 فوجیوں پر مشتمل ایک چھوٹا سا گروپ بھیجا جو ان فوجیوں کو ڈرا دھمکا سکیں اور خود عین جالوت کی جانب پیش قدمی شروع کردی- صلیبی افواج اس وقت کی سب سے زیادہ بڑی اور طاقتور افواج میں شمار ہوتی تھی٬ مگر اس کے باوجود صلاح الدین کے لشکر نے ان کو شکست دی اور عین جالوت کی جانب بڑھنے لگے- ایوبی فوج نے زرین٬ فوربلیٹ اور تبور کی پہاڑی پر کئی حملے کیے-

Chatillon کے بادشاہ رینالڈ نے مسلمان تاجروں اور حاجیوں کو دریائے احمر کے راستے پریشان کیا کرتا تھا- رینالڈ نے شہرِ مکہ اور مدینہ پر حملہ کرنے کی دھمکی بھی دی تھی اور جواب میں حاجیوں کے قافلوں کو لوٹا کرتا تھا- یہ وہ راستہ تھا جو صلاح الدین ایوبی آمد و رفت کے لیے کھلا رکھنا چاہتا تھا- اس کے جواب میں صلاح الدین نے 30 چھوٹی کشتیوں پر مشتمل ایک بیڑا تیار کروایا اور سنہ 1182 میں بیروت پر حملہ کر دیا-

یروشلم کی فتح:
سنہ 1187 میں صلاح الدین ایوبی نے یروشلم کا ایک بہت بڑا حصہ فتح کر لیا- 4 جولائی 1187 کو Hattin کی جنگ میں اس کو Lusignan کے علاوہ یروشلم کے بادشاہ اور تری پولی کے ریمنڈ سوئم کی مشترکہ افواج کا سامنا کرنا پڑا- صرف اس جنگ کی بات کریں تو صلیبیوں کی فوج کو صلاح الدین کی فوج کی بہادری سے زبردست نقصان پہنچا- یہ وقت تاریخ میں صلیبیوں کے لیے انتہائی مشکل ثابت ہوا- رینالڈ نے حاجیوں کے قافلے پر نہ صرف حملہ کیا تھا بلکہ ان کی رحم کی اپیل کو بھی مسترد کردیا تھا اور بہت سے حاجیوں کو موت کے گھاٹ بھی اتار چکا تھا- اس کے علاوہ رینالڈ نبی اکرم صلی اﷲ علیہ وآلہ وسلم کی شان میں گستاخی کا بھی مرتکب ہوا تھا- اس وقت صلاح الدین ایوبی نے قسم کھائی کہ وہ خود رینالڈ کو اپنے ہاتھوں سے موت کے گھاٹ اتارے گا- صلاح الدین ایوبی نے رینالڈ کو گرفتار کر کے قیدی بنایا اور حاجیوں کے قافلے پر حملہ کرنے کے جرم میں خود اس کا سر قلم کیا اور تاریخ میں سچے عاشقِ رسول صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم ہونے کا ثبوت دیا-

صلاح الدین ایوبی کے طور طریقے اور ادب و آداب:

صلاح الدین ایک ایسا عظیم حکمران تھا جو میدانِ جنگ میں قہر برپا کرنے والا ایک بہادر جنگجو تو تھا لیکن وہ ایک رحم دل انسان بھی تھا- صلاح الدین نمازِ پنجگانہ کا پابند اور نفلی عبادت گزار تھا- اس نے کبھی کوئی نماز نہ چھوڑی اور نہ قضا کی- اس کے ساتھ ہمیشہ ایک امام موجود ہوتے تھے اور اگر کوئی امام نہ ہوں تو کسی عالمِ دین کے پیچھے نماز ادا کرلیتا تھا جو وہاں موجود ہوتے تھے-

صلاح الدین نے ساری زندگی جو کچھ کمایا اس کا بیشتر حصہ صدقے و خیرات میں خرچ کردیا اور کبھی وہ اتنی دولت جمع ہی نہ کر پایا کہ وہ زکوٰۃ ادا کرتا- صلاح الدین کی ایک بڑی خواہش تھی کہ وہ حج ادا کرے لیکن وہ جہاد میں اس حد تک مصروف رہا کہ اس کے پاس اتنی رقم ہی جمع نہ ہوسکی کہ وہ حج کرسکے اور اس کے بغیر ہی انتقال کرگیا-

ایک عظیم حکمران بننے کے لیے ایک انسان کو ہمت والا٬ اصولوں کا پابند٬ مضبوط ارادوں والا مگر انصاف اور رحم کرنے والا ہونا چاہیے- صلاح الدین ہر پیر اور جمعرات کو ایک اجلاس منعقد کرتا جس میں بیٹھ کر عوام کی فریاد اور تکالیف سنی جاتیں-اس محفل میں قانون دان٬ قاضی صاحبان اور عالمِ دین بھی شرکت کرتے تھے- صلاح الدین نے اپنی زندگی میں کبھی کسی کی مدد کرنے میں کوتاہی نہیں برتی-

سلطان صلاح الدین نے کبھی بھی کسی سے بدکلامی نہیں کی اور نہ ہی اپنی موجودگی میں کسی اور کو کرنے دی- اپنی پوری زندگی میں ان نے کبھی کوئی تلخ بات نہیں کی اور نہ ہی کبھی کسی مسلمان کے خلاف اپنے قلم کو استعمال کیا- وہ ایک وفادار اور رحم دل انسان تھا٬ جب بھی کوئی یتیم اس کے دروازے پر آیا اس نے بہت شفقت سے اس کے سر پر ہاتھ رکھا اور ان کو ان کے والد کے مال سے حصہ بھی دیا-

ابن شداد لکھتے ہیں:
جب انگریزوں کا بادشاہ شیر دل رچرڈ جو صلاح الدین کا ازلی دشمن تھا٬ بیمار پڑا تو صلاح الدین نے اس کی طبعیت معلوم کی اور ساتھ ہی پھلوں کا تحفہ بھی بھیجا- وہ صلیبی جو بھوک اور غربت کے ستائے ہوئے تھے ایک دشمن کی یہ اعلیٰ ظرفی دیکھ کر دنگ رہ گئے-

سلطان صلاح الدین نے 57 سال کی عمر میں وفات پائی اور انتقال کے وقت ان کی جائیداد کی کل قیمت صرف 47 درہم اور ایک دینار تھی اور اس نے اپنے وارثوں کے لیے کوئی دولت کا انبار نہ چھوڑا تھا۔

USAID helping mango farmers

US Consul General Brian Heath visited a mango farm in Tando Hafiz Shah to inspect automated mango graders and processors provided by the US Agency for International Development (USAID). USAID Deputy Mission Director DeniseHerbol and Deputy Provincial Director Patrick Brady were also present."The United States is helping Pakistan boost domestic and international sales of Pakistani agricultural products, including mangoes," said Consul General Heath. "We want to make Pakistani mangoes as competitive as they can be in international markets," he said. Pakistan is the fifth largest mango-producing country in the world, but exports less than 8 percent of its production. "Pakistani mango exports to the U.S. doubled last year, setting a record at 184 metric tons, and there is even more potential in this area," said Brian Heath.USAID, through its Agricultural Market Development (AMD) project, is increasing access to new markets for Pakistani mango farmers, while ensuring better prices through improving compliance with international grading standards and export protocols. USAID supplied top-of-the-line automated mango graders imported from one of the world's leading manufacturers as well as training farmers how to use them to the best advantage.USAID launched the U.S.-Pakistan Partnership for AgriculturalMarket Development in February 2015 to increase productionand sales of products, including meat, vegetables, mangoes and citrus. This partnership promotes cooperation among farmers, processors, exporters and buyers of agricultural products from Pakistan.News SourceNews Collated byPAKISSAN.comCourtesy www.brecorder.com

All about agriculture

Undeniably, Pakistan is an agricultural economy. The argument that agriculture is less than 20 percent of GDP, andhence takes a backstage to the services sector actually does not gel for two reasons..Firstly, according to the Economic Survey of Pakistan 2015-16, agriculture remains by far the largest employer absorbing 42.3 percent of the country’s total labour force.And secondly, GDP is not the right parameter for any such conclusion.Service sector growth is driven by retail, finance, telecommunication and government services that are entirely domestic in nature, and hence in my view, at least largely irrelevant, while agriculture remains the biggest export-earner for Pakistan even today.According to the State Bank of Pakistan data, for the period July 2015 to May 2016, textile and food group exports — both of which are directly dependent on agriculture — were approximately $15 billion, which is approximately 75 percent of total exports during the same period. If we were to add other indirectly related manufactures, such as leather, footwear and sports goods, we are perhaps looking at almost 80-85 percent. So if that does not make us an agriculture economy, I have no idea what does. The sad part is most of us are not even aware of who the man at the helm of agriculture in the government is, if there is one at all. The worse news is that agricultural GDP growth declined by 0.19 percent during this year, and exports fell by 20 percent.Shockingly, except for sugar all major crops registered a decline, and while blaming climate may in theory shift responsibility it will not redress the challenges. By and large, the area under cultivation in respect of the five important crops — cotton, sugar cane, rice, maize and wheat — has remained stagnant for at least the last three years, and production declined for all these crops except sugar. While an expert might be in a better position to comment, from a layman’s perspective, sugar production consumes the highest amount of water, which in itself should be worrying ina country that is ranked as extremely high in terms of water stress by the World Resources Institute. If you go back to the table on Actual Surface Water Availability included in the Economic Survey of Pakistan 2015-16, you will note that the average availability has consistently decreased since 2007-2008. Again not an expert, and the decrease might be because of more land brought under cultivation, but that still does not sound right.Join us on FacebookIn a nutshell, a sector that is the backbone for employment, the biggest bread earner for the country and critical for self-sustainability should be the top priority for any government. This is not to say that government has been completely ignorant of the sector, as it has been maintaining perhaps one of the largest irrigation systems, providing subsidies on fertilizer, fixing support prices, subsidising electricity for tube wells and granting soft loans for farming, but all in all, nothing seems to be actually working. Even this budget contained a lot of incentives for the agriculture sector, and one can only hope that they work, because if the sector does not get cracking soon, the economy will face challenges that perhaps even China-Pakistan Economic Corridor may not be in a position to address.Those of us unrelated to agriculture, by and large, still view rural agriculture in Pakistan rather dreamily with visions of farmers ploughing small pieces of owned or vassal land with the help of livestock, with a few tractors here and there, borrowing money from the informal economy to buy the inputs for his crop, throwing seeds for sowing, using fertilizer if his budget allows, praying for rain at the right time and praying harder for no rains at the wrong time, getting friends and family together at the time of reaping and storing his crop in open-air arrangements until someone can pay him just enough to terminate his loans and sustain him till the next crop. And if that does not happen he is history. Seriously,the direction in which things are moving today, if Pakistan were to be considered in isolation, with the population rising and agriculture production declining, we might just be the first country to prove Malthus’s theory of population.Join us on TwitterCompare this with certain extracts, some rephrased, from the last Technology Quarterly report of The Economist on thefuture of agriculture:Every half-hour, a carefully calibrated pulse of water based onthe cloud’s calculations, and mixed with an appropriate dose of fertiliser if scheduled, is pushed through the tapes, delivering a precise sprinkling to each tree. With the new little-but-often technique, he uses 20 percent less water than he used to.Sowing, watering, fertilising and harvesting are all computer-controlled. Even the soil they grow in is monitored to within an inch of its life. Farms, then, are becoming more like factories: tightly controlled operations for turning out reliable products, immune as far as possible from the vagaries of nature.Fit its tractors and other mobile machines with global-positioning-system (GPS) sensors, so that they could be located to within a few centimetres anywhere on Earth. This made it possible to stop them either covering the same ground twice or missing out patches.Equipment can plant individual seeds to within an accuracy of three centimetres.Using a technique called multispectral analysis, which looks at how strongly plants absorb or reflect different wavelengths of sunlight, they can discover which crops are flourishing and which are not. Multispectral sensors mountedon a tractor’s spraying booms can estimate the nitrogen needs of crops about to be sprayed, and adjust the dose accordingly.The above is not an exhaustive list, but was included to demonstrate how far technology has progressed as far as agriculture is concerned. Again for a layman, this is a Star Trek moment, and as Pakistanis we can only worryingly wonder where we are in terms of mechanised, rather computerised, farming, if at all anywhere. Are we even in the business of agriculture?Financial and technology constraints are, however, not the only problems that the sector faces. A depilated and almost obsolete farm-to-market supply chain, poor storage facilities and middleman preying on the farmers are other tales of horror. The data on amount of wastage in case of crops, especially fruits, pulses and vegetables, shows absolutely horrendous percentages. Frankly, no amount of subsidies to farmers will address these issues, and the private sector is not expected to take the risk of developing what is considered to be largely public sector facilities.Looking at agriculture as the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, the dilemma is to conclude whether education still takes priority over agriculture as the prime directive of any government. For my money, and experts may disagree with this, education requires resources, and therefore, agriculture supersedes it. To conclude, for Pakistan, it’s all about agriculture.August, 2016Source:Daily times