Senate witnesses multiple committee reports, bills

Tue, 25 Jul 2023, 2:53 PM

ISLAMABAD, Jul 25 (APP): The Senate session on Tuesday was abuzz with the presentation of various standing committee reports and bills related to different ministries which referred to the respective committees for further discussions and deliberations.

Minister of State for Law and Justice, Shahdat Awan, took the floor to present the report of the Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development. The report focused on the bill to amend the Emigration Ordinance, 1979, known as the Emigration (Amendment) Bill, 2023. The proposed amendments are aimed at enhancing regulations concerning overseas Pakistanis.

In addition to this, Minister Awan also presented another report on behalf of the Standing Committee on Railways, chaired by Senator Muhammad Qasim. This report addressed a starred question posed by Senator Mushtaq Ahmed regarding the government’s efforts to restore the railway track from Peshawar to Torkham.

Senator Abida Muhammad Azeem, representing the Standing Committee on Communications, chaired by Senator Prince Ahmed Umer Ahmedzai, presented a report on the excessive use of arable land for the construction of the Swat Motorway, raised by Senator Mushtaq Ahmed as a point of public importance.

Senator Fawzia Arshad, speaking on behalf of the Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training, chaired by Senator Irfan ul Haque Siddiqui, presented three reports. The first report focused on the establishment of the Orient Institute of Science and Technology in Gwadar, the second report addressed the amendment to the International Islamic University Ordinance, 1985 while the 3rd report was on the establishment of Harbour Institute of Management, Sciences and Technology.

Furthermore, the Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination, headed by Senator Muhammad Hamayun Mohmand, presented a report on measures taken by relevant ministry and authorities to prevent the spread of dengue in rural and urban areas of Islamabad. This report was in response to concerns raised by Senator Fawzia Arshad.

He also presented reports on the bills to further to amend the Pharmacy Act, 1967 and to provide for establishment of Prime University of Nursing, Sciences and Technology raised by Senator Mushtaq Ahmed and Senator Naseebullah Bazai respectively.

The Senate also witnessed presentations from the Standing Committee on Law and Justice, chaired by Senator Syed Ali Zafar. The committee presented three reports on bills to amend the Constitution, introduced by Senators Kauda Babar and Mushtaq Ahmed.

On the foreign affairs front, Senator Walid Iqbal presented a report on behalf of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, chaired by Senator Farooq Hamid Naek. The report addressed the issue of the appointment of Parliamentarians as Honorary Consul Generals, based on a point of public importance raised by Senator Prince Ahmed Umer Ahmedzai. Additionally, the committee also presented a report on two Pakistani schools in Libya, in response to a starred question by Senator Mushtaq Ahmed.

During the session, Shahadat Awan, acting on behalf of Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Ishaq Dar, laid the Half Yearly Report of the Board of Directors of State Bank of Pakistan on the state of Pakistan’s Economy for the year 2022-2023. He also presented the appropriation accounts for the financial year 2021-2022 and regularity/special/study performance audit reports of the Auditor-General for the audit year 2022-2023, as required by Article 171 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Murtaza Javed Abbasi, introduced a bill to manage and regulate Toshakhana, known as the Toshakhana (Management and Regulation) Bill, 2023. The bill was referred to the relevant committee for further consideration.

In addition, Shahadat Awan, representing Minister for Board of Investment and Special Initiatives, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, introduced a bill to establish a one-stop service for investors in special economic zones and the country at large, titled The One Stop Service Bill, 2023. This bill was also referred to the relevant committee for further discussion.

Lastly, Shahadat Awan, on behalf of Minister for Commerce, Syed Naveed Qamar, moved two bills for consideration – The Imports and Exports (Control) (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and The Trade Marks (Amendment) Bill, 2023. Both bills were referred to the committee for review.

He, on behalf of Minister for federal Education and Professional Training, Rana Tanveer Hussain, also moved a bill consideration – The National Skills University Islamabad (Amendment) Bill, 2023 which was also referred to the committee for further consideration.

In response to a calling attention notice, Senator Abida Muhammad Azeem drew attention to the Minister for Communications regarding sub-standard material used in the construction of KechHarnai road (107.2 Km) and Harnai-Sanjavi road (55.1 Km). The matter was referred to the committee for a thorough investigation.

The Senate continues its session with the committees set to deliberate on the presented reports and bills, aiming to ensure effective governance and legislation in the country.

Pakistan Street Child Football squad named for Norway Cup

NNPS Desk

Tue, 25 Jul 2023, 2:40 PM

ISLAMABAD, Jul 25 (APP): Pakistan street child football squad has been named for the World Youth Football Cup ‘Norway Cup’ to be held in Norway from Thursday (July 27).

According to Pakistan Street Child, the training camp of the National Street Child Football Team in preparations for the mega event would continue till Wednesday here at Pakistan Sports Complex.

The squad includes Forwards: Tofail Shinwari, Faisal, Shamir Ali, Saud; Midfielders: Abdul Wahab, Muhammad Ali, Ali Asif, Ahmed Raza; Defenders: Muhammad Adeel, Abid Ali, Obaidullah, Asad Nasir; Goalkeeper: Abdullah, Sahil.
Pakistan would face Norwegian club Frog Oslo in the first match on July 30.

The management of Pakistan Street Child Football Team organized trials for Norway Cup last month across the country in which thousands of youngsters participated.

It should be mentioned that Pakistan Street Child Football Team has been the runner-up in the Street Child Football World Cup held in Qatar and has secured the second position in Norway Cup 2015 and third position in Norway Cup 2016.

Tanveer back from World Archery Para C’ship, secures 7th position

NNPS Desk

Tue, 25 Jul 2023, 2:39 PM

ISLAMABAD, Jul 25 (APP): Pakistan’s visually impaired archer Tanveer Ahmed has returned home after competing in the World Archery Para Championship 2023 at Pilsen Czech Republic.

Tanveer, who was ranked World No 7 in the mega event started the Championship with a thumping win against John D Hill of USA and reached the quarterfinals where he gave a tough fight but was unable to beat No 1 ranked Steve Prowse of UK.

Tanveer hopes to perform best in the upcoming events including IBSA World Games 2023 and British Nationals next month.

The World Archery Para Championships 2023, was held in Pilsen, Czech Republic from July 17 to 23.
It may be mentioned here that the 39-year-old Tanveer claimed the first-ever silver medal for the country in the last edition of the Championships that was held in Dubai, last year.

“That was my first appearance in the event and I returned home with a silver medal. Now I’m targeting another medal; hopefully, gold this time,” added Tanveer, who has low vision and shoots blindfolded.

Tanveer has won several medals in national and international competitions since taking on archery in 2017. Prior to that, he was a blind cricketer and he showcased his talent for 16 years. “I’ve been a cricketer. But it is archery that gave me real recognition.”

The 2022 has been a year of success for him as he earned five international medals, including the first-ever mix team gold medal in Andorra International Open for VI Archery, a silver medal in the 30-metre individual event of VI Archery and a bronze medal in 18-metre individual event of VI Archery in Andorra International Open for VI Archery, a bronze medal in World Ranking Event & European Cup and a silver medal in World Archery Para Championships.

“I’m the only archer from Pakistan, who has won five medals in a calendar year,” he said.
The 2023 World Games was the largest high-level international event for athletes with visual impairment, with more than 1250 competitors from 70 nations. The games staged every four years are the pinnacle of the international sporting calendar outside the Paralympic Games.

Two Pak cyclists featuring in cycling training camp at Korea

NNPS Desk

Tue, 25 Jul 2023, 2:34 PM

ISLAMABAD, Jul 25 (APP): Two Pakistani cyclists Syed Aqib Shah and Mohsin Khan were featured in the cycling training camp in Korea.

According to Pakistan Cycling Federation (PCF) President Syed Azhar Ali Shah, the training camp which began on Tuesday (July 25) would run till August 21.

He said cyclists Syed Aqib Shah and Mohsin Khan, along with coach Sarmad were participating in the camp. The camp will help in the promotion of cycling in Pakistan. All expenses of the camp will be borne by the Korea Cycling Federation.

Shah said Pakistan Cycling Federation was the national governing body of cycling in Pakistan. Founded with an aim for promoting and developing cycling at all levels, the Federation is dedicated to creating opportunities for cyclists to excel at national and international levels, he said.

By organizing events, providing coaching, and supporting athletes, the Pakistan Cycling Federation strives to nurture talent and take the sport to new heights in the country, he said.

Thar Coal Energy Board approves coal tariff of Block-I, II

Raiq Qureshi

Tue, 25 Jul 2023, 2:31 PM

KARACHI, Jul 25 (APP):The Thar Coal Energy Board in its 25th meeting held under the chairmanship of Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah approved a levelized tariff of $37.36 per ton for the financial close stage petition for 7.8 million tons per annum of Block-I and a levelized tariff of $30.40 per ton for Contract stage petition for 11.2 million tons per annum of Block-II.

The meeting was held at CM House and was attended by Federal Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal (through video link), Sindh Energy Minister Imtiaz Sheikh, Sindh Minister for Mines & Mineral Shabbir Bijarani, Sindh Minister for Education Sardar Shah, Advisor Law Murtaza Wahab, Secretary Energy Abubakr Madani, MD Thar Coal Energy Board Khadim Hussain Channa and other officers concerned.
The Minister Energy Imtiaz Shaikh while briefing the Chief Minister regarding the progress of SECMC and SSRL mines operating in Thar Coalfields, said that the mines were currently producing 15.4 million tons of coal per annum and were being primed to scale up to 19 million tons per annum over the next eighteen months if the board approved the proposal. The board approved the proposal.
The coal being produced from the mines is powering 2640 MW of electricity, energizing more than seven million households from Thar Coalfields. Moreover, power generated from the Thar Coalfields also has one of the lowest costs of power generation in the country.
It may also be noted here that power generated from Thar Coalfields is considerably cheaper than imported coal, whereas also providing greater energy security, and saving precious foreign exchange reserves for the country.
During the meeting, the management of Thar Coal Energy Board also briefed the Board regarding the Financial Close stage petition for extraction of 7.8 million tons per annum for Block-I of Thar Coalfields, as well as the Contract stage petition for extraction of 11.2 million tons per annum for Block-II of Thar Coalfields. During the presentation, it was highlighted that as the mines continue to scale up, the overall cost of production continues to decline largely due to the mines attaining economies of scale. As mines extract greater economies of scale, the coal tariff is expected to reduce further, which will also result in a reduction in electricity generation tariff from mine-mouth power plants located on Thar Coalfields.
The Board approved a levelized tariff of US$ 37.36 per ton for the Financial Close stage petition for 7.8 million tons per annum of Block-I of Thar Coalfields which is operated by Shanghai Electric, and a levelized tariff of $ 30.40 per ton for Contract stage petition for 11.2 million tons per annum of Block-II of Thar Coal Fields, which is operated by Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company.
It is to be noted that as the mines continue to increase production, the tariff will continue to reduce further. For the sake of comparison, when the first COD tariff was approved for Block-II of Thar Coalfields, the levelized tariff was US$ 47.92 per ton, which has considerably reduced at this stage as the mine continues to expand. The Chairman TCEB appreciated the efforts of TCEB management for the disposal of five (05) tariff petitions during last few months, as well as initiating stakeholder consultation sessions to expand the scope of Thar Coalfields to non-power uses. The stakeholder consultation session included representation from more than fifty industry experts, who provided valuable input regarding the direction that Thar Coalfields may take and how it can contribute positively to industrial growth in the country.
The Board also considered a proposal for making Thar Coal available for non-power uses and enabled a framework that would allow the existing, and any potential mining players to create a thriving and active market for Thar Coal, effectively enabling sales to various other industries, and not restricting the same to power uses only. This will also support the development of a market for Thar Coal and enable further expansion of mines. This will result in a reduction of power generation costs further, as the mines will continue to expand to cater to non-power uses.

Good governance key to confront global challenges: Ahsan Iqbal

NNPS Desk

Tue, 25 Jul 2023, 2:15 PM

ISLAMABAD, Jul 25 (APP): Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Tuesday highlighted the critical role of good governance in the country to effectively confront challenges amid the rapid global transformation.

Addressing the inaugural session of a two-day “Pakistan Governance Forum-2023,” he acknowledged the challenges posed by rapid technological advancements, social transformation, and the growing demand for active citizen participation in governance.

The event was organized by the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives to develop a roadmap for a stable, agile and transparent governance system in the country. It brought together eminent leaders, policymakers, analysts, participants, and students to discuss and chart a transformative path for the nation’s future.

“This is an era which is seeing unprecedented change in human civilization’s history. My generation has seen the transition from Takhti and Slate (wooden & metal writing boards) to 5G technology. Never any generation in the history of mankind saw such a rapid transformation,” Ahsan said stressing the need for a balanced approach that embraced change while preserving the stability and order in society.

The minister said the 20th century saw two models of rapid transformation; one was Glasnost and Perestroika undertaken by Mikhail Gorbachev that ‘model of change’ brought the collapse of the Soviet Union.The other was undertaken by Deng Xiaoping in China which brought about a mega transformation in China by wiping out poverty and the journey towards prosperity continued.

He also quoted a saying of renowned philosopher Alfred North “The art of progress is to preserve order amid change and to preserve change amid order.”

Ahsan Iqbal highlighted the importance of the five-E framework for Pakistan’s progress, focusing on Exports, E-Pakistan (digital revolution), Environment, Energy, and Equity & Empowerment.

He emphasized the significance of restructuring the economy to become an export-led growth economy and harnessing the power of Pakistan’s young population to become a leading player in the digital economy.

The minister urged for an inclusive and collaborative approach to governance, where political differences are set aside, and the entire nation worked together as “Team Pakistan” to address the country’s challenges.

He was of the view that governance must be responsible, transparent, and stable to build public trust and ensure accountability.

Addressing the governance challenges, the minister emphasized the need for efficiency and transparency in government operations.

He highlighted the implementation of policies and the importance of practical actions in bridging the “knowing-doing gap.”

Ahsan Iqbal also stressed the significance of effective local governments to bring governance closer to communities and ensure their active participation in decision-making processes.

He expressed his commitment to work towards the prosperity and growth of Pakistan, urging everyone to adopt a positive and collaborative approach.

He called for a collective effort in finding practical and doable ways to implement the country’s knowledge and wisdom for achieving sustainable development goals.

Kerb currency market

Raiq Qureshi

Tue, 25 Jul 2023, 2:12 PM

KARACHI, Jul 25 (APP):Following were the Opening Rates of foreign currencies in kerb market issued by the Forex Association of Pakistan (FAP), here on Tuesday.

F.C. LOW RATE HIGH RATE
U.S $ (Inter Bank) 288.00 289.00
U.S $ (Cash Free Market) 291.00 294.00

SAUDIA RIYAL 77.20 78.20
UAE DIRHAM 79.50 80.50
EURO 321.00 325.00

UK POUND 372.00 376.00
AUD $ 198.00 200.00
CAD $ 221.00 224.00

CHINESE YUAN 42.00 44.00

Air pollution low in Capital, monsoon rainfalls help improve air quality

Raiq Qureshi

Tue, 25 Jul 2023, 2:08 PM

ISLAMABAD, Jul 25 (APP):The repeated monsoon rainfalls in the country plummeted the scorching heat across the country in general but also help improve federal capital’s air quality in particular on Tuesday.

The air pollution in the metropolis remained low since the onset of the recent monsoon spell as prolonged rainy weather helped in containing air pollutants ration in the atmosphere.

The Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) daily air quality report indicated a reduced ratio of air pollutants, recorded below permissible limits, and the air quality was healthy. The Agency is responsible to ensure the protection of the environment under the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act 1997.

The hazardous air pollutant particulate matter of 2.5 microns (PM2.5), which was a hazardous atmospheric contaminant, remained 14.01 micro grammes per cubic meter on average which was higher than the NEQS of 35 mic-programmes per cubic meter and denoted the air quality unhealthily.

PM2.5 is generated through the combustion of an engine, industrial emissions, burning garbage or inflammable material and dust blown up by fast-moving cars plying on non-cemented patches of the roads.

The EPA officials claimed that the vehicular emissions due to increased automobiles was one of the leading cause of bad air quality. Industrial emissions were already subsided due to carbon-absorbing advanced technology installed at various steel manufacturing units.

PHC stops NAB arresting BRT contractor

Raiq Qureshi

Tue, 25 Jul 2023, 2:04 PM

PESHAWAR, Jul 25 (APP):A two-member bench of Peshawar High Court on Tuesday stopped National Accountability Bureau (NAB) from arresting a Bus Rapid Transit project contractor in an inquiry of a corruption case.

The bench comprising Justice Waqar Ahmed and Justice Faheem Wali sought a detailed response from NAB on the next hearing on September 25.

The bench allowed NAB to continue the inquiry but should not arrest the contractor.

The counsel of the petitioner Shamail Ahmed Butt Advocate told the court that NAB had started BRT inquiry despite the fact that in 2017, a writ was filed against BRT and the court declared the contract transparent.

He said that another bench ordered an inquiry but the Supreme Court declared the inquiry null and void.

He contended that the BRT contract was done according to law and now the petitioner was being harassed.

Smooth, uninterrupted power being provided to all circles: IESCO Spokesperson

Raiq Qureshi

Tue, 25 Jul 2023, 2:02 PM

ISLAMABAD, Jul 25 (APP):The Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) on Tuesday said that smooth and uninterrupted power supply was being provided to all circles of the company owing to the availability of the required electricity quota from the national grid system.

In a statement issued here, the IESCO spokesman as many as 2,150 MW of electricity was being supplied to IESCO against the current demand of 2,114 MW.

He said that operation staff was available in their respective fields to address individual complaints. The consumers can lodge their complaints at helpline 118 or phone number 051-9252933, he told.

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Associated Press Of Pakistan

Senate witnesses multiple committee reports, bills

Pakistan Street Child Football squad named for Norway Cup

Tanveer back from World Archery Para C’ship, secures 7th position

Two Pak cyclists featuring in cycling training camp at Korea

Thar Coal Energy Board approves coal tariff of Block-I, II

Good governance key to confront global challenges: Ahsan Iqbal

Kerb currency market

Air pollution low in Capital, monsoon rainfalls help improve air quality

PHC stops NAB arresting BRT contractor

Smooth, uninterrupted power being provided to all circles: IESCO Spokesperson

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