ISLAMABAD, Jul 11 (APP):Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Senator Sherry Rehman Tuesday announced a breakthrough update on securing an approval of US$ 77.8 million funding for the Recharge Pakistan project.
The minister took to Twitter inform the masses on the important development and termed it a good news for Pakistan.
Senator Rehman said the Recharge Pakistan initiative would be implemented in next 7 years which included green climate finance resources of US$ 66 million and co-financing of approximately US$ 11.8 million.
The project, she said aimed to initiate ecosystem-based adaptation measures namely flood water harvesting, flood risk management, establishment of green infrastructure in several priority areas and capacity building of communities affected by climate change.
The project also included capacity building of the government of Pakistan, including all provinces and stakeholders, to implement projects related to climate change, she added.
Sherry Rehman said the approval of the Recharge Pakistan project was a major achievement of the government.
“This project will prove to be very favorable in dealing with the effects of climate change,” she added.
ISLAMABAD, July 11 (APP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday extended his “deep gratitude” to the leadership and brotherly people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the US$2 billion deposit with the State Bank of Pakistan.
“I would like to especially thank my brother Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman for ensuring this financial support to Pakistan,” he wrote on Twitter.
The prime minister hoped that the deposit would strengthen Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves and reflected the growing confidence of the brotherly countries and the international community in the country’s economic turnaround.
“We remain committed to making all necessary efforts to improve Pakistan’s economy,” he said.
He lauded Finance Minister Senator Ishaq Dar and army chief General Syed Asim Munir for the valuable efforts they made in this regard.
ISLAMABAD, Jul 11 (APP):National Highway and Motorway Police (NHMP) have been making dedicated efforts to control accidents on motorways and federalized highways by ensuring strict enforcement of traffic laws.
An official of NHMP told APP on Tuesday that strict enforcement of law under National Highways Safety Ordinance 2000 and imposition of fines under section 79 of NHSP, 2000 against violators specially involved in careless driving, over speeding, lane violation etc were among the steps taken to control accidents.
He said that FIRs under section 279 and other relevant sections of Pakistan Penal Code were also lodged against the violators found in rash or negligent driving.
The official said that extensive use of day and night speed checking cameras was being done to avoid accidents due to over speeding.
Moreover, he said that checking of tyres with treads and air pressure gauges were also being done at toll plazas to prevent tyre burst accidents.
He said that anti-dozing points were established to avoid accidents due to dozing at the wheel.
In addition to that surprise and random checking of vehicles at night time to check the physical status of drivers was being done, he added.
He said that road safety seminars and walks at the beat and sector level were arranged on road side hotel/ pumps and truck stations to inform drivers regarding road safety.
The NHMP official said that seminars, walks/counselling and briefing sessions were also conducted for the drivers regarding mechanical fitness of the vehicles.
He said that briefings were given regarding road safety to the road users at toll plazas as well as through Mobile Education Unit.
Surprise checking and patrolling by the sector commander was being done and strict action taken against lane violators, he added.
Briefings were given and education imparted at different institutes/school/ colleges as the youngsters were the major users of bikes,he said adding special emphasis was given on enforcement against underage riding and overloading on motor bikes.
The official said that strict action was being taken against motorcyclists for not wearing a helmet, dangerous riding, one wheeling, triple riding, without black/ side view mirror, one way violation etc.
He said that a record of vehicles had been compiled under Public Service Vehicle Management (PSVM) and a record of change of tires of vehicles had been compiled.
Such record of the vehicles had also helped in preventing accidents and tracing accidents, he added.
The road is also monitored by drone cameras, and hidden cameras had been installed in uniforms to check the performance of motorway police personnel so that those traveling on the motorway did not face any problems, he added.
He said entry for PSV’S on Motorways without valid Driving License, fitness certificate registration book and en-route permits and in case of overloading of passengers or excessive luggage on roof had been banned.
The official said as far as Kalar Kahar portion of Islamabad- Lahore Motorway was concerned, the NHMP had established a 10km sub beat in Salt Range to make sure of zero tolerance for any traffic violation.
He said extra police force had been deployed along with more speed checking cameras and convoy strategy had been adopted for buses.
Road Safety awareness units were working in all over Pakistan to sensitize the public regarding their safety while driving on Motorways & Highways respectively, he added.
“These units are being directed by our Inspector General to educate every single walk of life and get to their doorsteps for awareness of Road safety so that we can make sure that our community is being sensitized to cope any situation while traveling,” he added.
He said that HTV’s carrying hazardous materials were being checked very effectively and some SOPs for strict enforcement had been devised.
RAWALPINDI, Jul 11 (APP):In a series of 26 counter-narcotics operations conducted throughout Pakistan, the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) successfully seized a staggering 3400.491 kilograms of drugs with an estimated international value of $86.324 million.
The operations resulted in the arrest of 28 individuals, including five women, and the impoundment of 10 vehicles.
According to a spokesperson from the ANF Headquarters, the confiscated drugs consisted of various substances.
The largest quantity seized was 3248 kilograms of opium, followed by 2.569 kilograms of heroin, 108.795 kilograms of hashish, 762 grams of cocaine, 40.291 kilograms of methamphetamine (commonly known as Ice), 50 grams of weed, and 24 grams of ecstasy tablets (50 tablets).
ANF Balochistan, in its five operations, played a significant role by recovering 3282 kilograms of drugs.
The operations led to the arrest of five individuals involved in drug smuggling, and three vehicles were impounded. The drugs seized in Balochistan included 3224 kilograms of opium, 20 kilograms of hashish, and 38 kilograms of methamphetamine (Ice).
In four operations conducted by ANF Punjab, a total of 74.066 kilograms of drugs were recovered. The operations resulted in the arrest of nine individuals, including four women, and the impoundment of two vehicles.
The seized drugs in Punjab comprised 24 kilograms of opium, 0.131 kilograms of heroin, and 49.935 kilograms of hashish.
ANF Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) recovered 15.207 kilograms of drugs in three operations.
The seized drugs included 0.168 kilograms of heroin, 14.500 kilograms of hashish, and 0.539 kilograms of methamphetamine (Ice).
In Sindh, ANF successfully conducted four operations, leading to the recovery of 15.97 kilograms of drugs.
Additionally, three individuals were arrested, and two vehicles were impounded.
The seized drugs in Sindh comprised 2.27 kilograms of heroin, 12 kilograms of hashish, and 1.700 kilograms of methamphetamine (Ice).
ANF North carried out ten operations resulting in the recovery of 13.248 kilograms of drugs. Ten drug smugglers, including one woman, were apprehended, and three vehicles were impounded. The drugs seized in this region included 12.360 kilograms of hashish, 0.762 kilograms of cocaine, 0.052 kilograms of methamphetamine (Ice), 0.050 kilograms of weed, and 24 grams of ecstasy tablets (50 tablets).
Cases have been registered at respective ANF Police Stations under the Control of Narcotics Substances (CNS) Act of 1997, as amended in 2022.
Further investigations are currently underway to gather additional information and evidence related to these operations.
These successful counter-narcotics efforts by the ANF highlight the commitment of Pakistani law enforcement agencies to combating the illicit drug trade and ensuring the safety and well-being of the country’s citizens.
ISLAMABAD, Jul 11 (APP):Today marks World Population Day across the globe including Pakistan under the theme “Unleashing the power of gender equality: Uplifting the voices of women and girls to unlock our world’s infinite possibilities”.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in his message on world population day said “Gender-based discrimination harms everyone – women, girls, men, and boys. Investing in women uplifts all people, communities, and countries.”
In his message, the secretary general said that yet the leaders are falling woefully behind in efforts to build a peaceful and prosperous world for all.
He said, halfway to the 2030 deadline the Sustainable Development Goals are dangerously off track and gender equality is almost 300 years away whereas the progress on maternal health and access to family planning has been glacial.
He further said “The world’s population will reach 8 billion in the middle of November – a testament to scientific breakthroughs and improvements in nutrition, public health and sanitation. But as our human family grows larger, it is also growing more divided”.
The secretary-general also said that advancing gender equality, improving maternal health, and empowering women to make their own reproductive choices are both essential in themselves and central to achieving all the Sustainable Development Goals.
“Let us stand with women and girls fighting for their rights. And let us intensify our quest to make the Sustainable Development Goals a reality for all 8 billion of us” he wrote in his message.
ISLAMABAD, Jul 11 (APP):Pakistan is among the eight countries to account for half of the projected global population growth by 2050 with the country’s population currently estimated at 240.5 million and is projected to reach a staggering 403 million by 2050, said UNFPA Pakistan Representative Dr. Luay Shabaneh.
According to a press statement issued here on World Population Day by UNFPA, he said the country, as home to almost 3 percent of the global population, holds a significant role in shaping the future and well-being of humanity.
He said the rapid population growth in Pakistan poses multifaceted challenges and opportunities adding while it presents immense human capital potential, harnessing this potential requires concerted efforts in ensuring gender equality, women empowerment, and access to quality education and healthcare. Women and girls must be at the heart of all efforts.
He said that investing in women’s health and education, addressing gender disparities, and providing economic opportunities are critical steps toward paving a path for a sustainable and prosperous future.
He advised that empowering women through employment opportunities can harness their potential, with a rise in their participation in the labour market adding that this can further increase the labour absorption needs that is requiring for a substantial rise in economic growth.
“It is essential to upscale maternal health and access to family planning which has been painfully slow, hindering our collective ability to create positive change. We also need to challenge societal norms, attitudes, and practices that perpetuate gender discrimination and inequality. By doing so, we can create an enabling environment where everyone, regardless of their gender, can thrive and contribute to the betterment of society,” Dr. Luay Shabaneh further emphasized.
He pinpointed that by addressing these disparities and empowering women and girls, the country can unlock immense potential, foster inclusive societies, and work towards a brighter future.
“The time for action is now. Government, organizations, communities, and individuals must come together to reinforce their commitment towards achieving gender equality, as it is not only a fundamental human right but also a catalyst for sustainable development. Let us embrace the power of gender equality and strive to uplift the voices of women and girls, unlocking infinite possibilities for a brighter and more equitable world,” added Dr. Shabaneh.
On this year’s World Population Day, the focus in the country must not be on the numbers but should turn to unleashing the power of gender equality, he said.
“Gender-based discrimination not only harms individuals directly affected but also undermines the progress and well-being of society as a whole. Women and girls continue to face numerous barriers and inequalities, limiting their opportunities and stifling their potential”, he maintained.
World Population Day is celebrated each year on July 11 to raise awareness about global population issues and promote dialogue on the importance of reproductive health, gender equality, and sustainable development.
UNFPA is committed to working with the government of Pakistan and other partners to address the challenges and opportunities presented by the country’s growing population.
ISLAMABAD, Jul 11 (APP): President Dr Arif Alvi on Tuesday said Pakistan offered the world a valuable window to Gandhara civilization with its unique blend of ancient history, and the Buddha’s message of peace and compassion.
“In today’s world where hatred is on the rise and increasing polarization is fueling conflicts, it’s time to rediscover the role of cultural diplomacy to promote dialogue among civilizations,” he said in his address here at the three-day Gandhara Symposium 2023.
The symposium titled ‘Cultural Diplomacy: Reviving Gandhara Civilization and Buddhist Heritage in Pakistan’ was organized by Prime Minister’s Task Force on Gandhara Tourism, Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), and the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The event gathered monks and inter-faith experts from Sri Lanka, Nepal, Thailand, China, Malaysia, South Korea and Vietnam with an objective to explore Pakistan’s rich Buddhist legacy and create an enabling environment for Gandhara tourism.
President Alvi said Buddha’s quest rekindles the spirit of inner reflection with a precept to abstain from taking lives of the living beings and caring for the environment.
He highlighted that the Gandhara civilization, which thrived in Pakistan centuries ago, could serve as an informative place for the visitors from across the globe to explore exquisite Buddhist sites.
He urged collaborative efforts to raise awareness about the inclusive and multicultural nature of Gandhara civilization and help the society to absorb diversity of cultures.
The president welcomed the Buddhist monks in the country, hoping that their presence would relay a message of peace and cross-cultural harmony.
Minister of State, Chairman of the PM Task Force on Gandhara TourismRamesh Kumar Vankwani said the Gandhara civilization continues to mesmerize from all over the world and emphasized the need to preserve and revive the historic Buddhist relics.
He said cultural diplomacy helped foster understanding and tradition among civilizations and expressed confidence that the symposium would act as an effective platform in promoting Pakistan’s heritage.
Director General ISSI Sohail Mahmood in his welcome address said Gandhara civilization, situated at the crossroads of ancient trade routes, served as a melting pot of diverse cultures and civilizations. He said preserving and promoting the Buddhist Gandhara heritage was of paramount importance for Pakistan.
The key objectives of the symposium include creating awareness about Gandhara and fostering a sense of appreciation for Pakistan’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, both domestically and abroad. Also, it focuses on considering new initiatives that reinforce the country’s cultural diplomacy efforts and help promote tourism, particularly faith tourism.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Gandhara civilization is its artistic creativity. The re-discovered cities of the Gandhara civilization exhibit many elements of their well-structured and modern lives through paintings, sculptures, coins, pottery and their relation with Buddhism.
Later, during Session I of the Gandhara Symposium on the theme ‘Pathways to Peace: Exploring Pakistan’s Rich Buddhist Legacy, the speakers including religious scholars and faith leaders from Malaysia, Thailand, South Korea, Nepal, Sri Lanka and China highlighted that Gandhara has been a major centre for Buddhist learning and education and recommended preserving the Buddhist Gandhara heritage in Pakistan as well as continued efforts for its projection as part of world heritage.
Session II discussed ‘Gandhara Civilization: Celebrating Pakistan’s Buddhist Heritage.’ The presenters comprised experts, faith leaders and religious scholars who emphasized that Buddhist Gandhara heritage is paramount to Pakistan. Pakistan is blessed with rich culture and is a hub of civilisations.
The Punjab and Sindh provinces have landmark historical sites with excellent archaeological research and spiritual tourism opportunities. Pakistan’s Buddhist legacy offers a pathway to peace, harmony and tranquility. The best way to preserve cultural heritage is to share it with the world and allow them to be part of this world.
The panelists suggested that the Buddhist Heritage has economic potential and educational attraction. They recommended promoting Gandhara heritage to the world and creating economic opportunities for Pakistan.
The speakers stressed that we must try to dispel the misconceptions about Pakistan in the context of security situation and build trust among Buddhist people so that they can come to Pakistan from around the world.
Session III delved into ways of ‘Promoting Tourism: Creating an Enabling Environment.’ Experts from Pakistan’s tourism industry and think-tanks were invited as speakers.
The panelists agreed that efforts need to be put in place to develop the tourist industry of Pakistan on sounder basis that also helps presents a positive image of the country. They suggested that special attention should be given to various tourism-related matters such as visa regimes, film and media, hospitality, culinary, museums, tours and tourist centers to promote the potential of Gandhara tourism in Pakistan.
Lastly, a panel of religious experts, academics, curators, faith leaders and other stakeholders gathered for a Round Table on ‘Gandhara Civilization: Opportunities and Challenges.’ The points stressed during the Round Table included: Pakistan is a safe place for tourism, and this Symposium conveys the requisite message aptly. Pakistan is going to start Gandhara Tourism, and it is ready to collaborate with other countries to enhance B2B and P2P exchanges.
The Round Table concluded that the lack of security structure, deficits in awareness and marketing, needed funds for preservation and restoration, unsupervised hotels, underdeveloped roads, tourist safety, and lack of modern tourism infrastructure are a few of the challenges.
It was felt that the holding of the Gandhara Symposium 2023 had made the beginning toward raising global awareness about Gandhara, addressing the mentioned challenges, and seizing the immense opportunities before them.
