Some elements intend to involve institutions in politics: Murtaza Abbassi

Sun, 9 Apr 2023, 8:44 PM

ABBOTTABAD, Apr 09 (APP):Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Murtaza Javed Abbassi Sunday while questioning the impartiality of the Supreme Court of Pakistan (SCP) said that the present judicial system did not accept a four-three verdict, this was the same system that had disqualified former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and also murdered Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.

He expressed these views while addressing a huge gathering after the inauguration of the Sui gas provision project for the 38 villages of Tehsil Lower Tanawal with a cost of 1,68 billion rupees.

Murtaza Abbassi further said that these are the elements that intend to stop the development and prosperity of the country by involving institutions in politics.

He said that Pakistan Muslim League-N has started CPEC, and established industries, and motorways and when PTI led government took over they stopped most of the developmental schemes.

Nawaz Sharif would come back and would also bring the country on track for development, we have sacrificed our politics but would not let Pakistan down, he said.

Murtaza Abbasi assured the people of Lower Tanawal of the provision of funds for developmental projects and said despite the fact that this is not my constituency but every person in the area would be benefited from the gas provision project whether he requested this facility or not.

He said that after the refusal of the No Objection Certificate (NOC) by the Abbottabad Cantonment Board (ACB) we have diverted the gas pipeline route from Abbottabad to Havelian and started installation.

The minister said that during the last 20 years, PTI didn’t spend even a small amount for the development and uplifting of Tanawal like PML-N has allocated huge funds for developmental schemes including Sui gas provision projects and others, he asked the people of Tanawal that now you will have to decide whether support PML-N or PTI.

He said I am thankful to former prime minister Nawaz Sharif who had allocated 1.6 billion rupees for the sui gas provision project for Tanawal and with a cost of 560 million rupees during his tenure.

During the last four years, PTI MNA Ali Khan Jadoon was unable to get approval for the sui gas project for his constituency which was stopped by his own government. He lauded Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif allocated Rs 730 million for the provision of Sui gas for the 38 villages of the Tehsil Lower Tanawal.

Murtaza Abbasi said that moreover due to the delay in the project approximately a sum of 380 million rupees extra would be spent to complete the Phase One survey and we would also start Phase II to facilitate the people of Tanawal.

UN recognised Pakistan’s Indus Delta for global convention

Raiq Qureshi

Sun, 9 Apr 2023, 8:42 PM

ISLAMABAD, Apr 09 (APP):The shrinking delta of Mighty River Indus of Pakistan has emerged on the United Nations radar after it accepted to create a global convention on all deltas of the world to ensure its protection against rising climate change impacts casting serious impact on its nature and habitat.

The development occurred after a strong international civil society nexus of experts, academicians, policy makers and stakeholders unanimously raised their voice for an international UN Convention for the Conservation River Delta (UN-CCRD) on the sequel of its UN Human Rights Declaration, UN Geneva Pact and many others to ensure that all the major deltas of the world were dying due to adverse impacts of climate change and environmental degradation namely sea intrusion, sea level rise, droughts, depleting water flows, shrinking creeks and others.

The African Centre for Climate Actions and Rural Development Initiative (ACCARD) in collaboration with the Nigeria’s Bayelsa State Government, the Institute for Environmental Diplomacy and Security at the University of Vermont, the Consortium for Capacity Building at the University of Colorado, Transboundary Water In-Cooperation Network (TWIN), Water Environment Forum-Pakistan, Center for the Advancement of Public Action (CAPA) Bennington College; Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam and Center for Environment and Sustainable Livelihood Projects (CESLP), among others hosted a side event at the UN Water conference titled “Integrative Highland to Ocean (H2O) Action for Disappearing Deltas: Towards a UN Convention on Conserving River Deltas.

Former Senator and federal minister for information and broadcasting and Chairman World Environment Forum, a civil society organization working to protect water resources and environment participated virtually to represent Pakistan in the sideline event whereas Freeman Elohor Oluowo of ACCARD and Prof. Dr. Asim Zia, Director, Institute for Environmental Diplomacy, Vermont physically participated in the session.

The global convention would help in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be achieved by 2030 namely SDG-6 demanding “Clean Water”, SDG-13 “Climate Action”, and SDG-14 “Conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas and marine resources”.

The announcement has came after successful campaign of the above mentioned coalition of non-governmental and civil society organizations who started the drive for a global convention of UN to protect deltas.

The speakers, and experts discussed deltas starting from Nigerian Niger Delta, Indus Delta of Pakistan, Mekong River, Colorado, Nile and St. Lawrence transboundary river basins.

Each of these deltas possessed varying risks owing to spiking up sea level rise and salt water intrusion from the oceans, and rapidly melting glaciers, increasing dams and shifting rainfall patterns in the highlands.

The UN had accepted that all the world deltas were under threat and sea level rise and intrusion was causing damage to soil and water ecosystems.

It is not only nature but rather the communities, the livelihood opportunities and human lives that were diminishing and demanded the world to respond for their protection.

There will be various activities in Delta countries towards achieving the UN Convention for the Conservation River Delta.

As per the UN SDGs website, the United Nations Convention for the Conservation River Deltas (UN-CCRD) objectives are to strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity among delta communities and water stakeholders to climate-related hazards and natural disasters through increased knowledge sharing, partnerships, global attention, UN recognition, and community participation.

It also aims to build a regional to global stakeholder’s dialogue not only to identify but to also proffer integrative Highlands to Oceans (H2O) solutions to growing water-related challenges particularly those potentiated by climate change. Moreover, to enhance the local capacity of countries through training and capacity building including on community data gathering and community-based context sensitive solutions to these complex problems.

Shazia Marri greets Christian community on Easter

Raiq Qureshi

Sun, 9 Apr 2023, 8:41 PM

ISLAMABAD, Apr 09 (APP):Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection and Chairperson Benazir Income Support Program Shazia Marri on Sunday greeted Christian community on the occasion of Easter.

In her statement, she said that Islam also teaches us to respect other religions.

“Let’s all celebrate the happiness of the Christian community to double their joy” she added.

18 dengue cases reported in Lahore: DC

Raiq Qureshi

Sun, 9 Apr 2023, 8:39 PM

LAHORE, Apr 09 (APP):Lahore Deputy Commissioner Rafia Haider confirmed on Sunday that 18 cases of dengue while 1452 indoor and 36 outdoor dengue larva were reported in the provincial capital during the current year.

She chaired a meeting to review the performance of anti-dengue workers here on Sunday. Meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner General, Assistant Commissioners, DDHOs and representatives of other departments.

Rafia Haider said the dengue patients were being reported but zero outdoor larva were reported in towns of Allama Iqbal, Aziz Bhatti, Samanabad, Shalimar, Ravi Zone and Data Ganj Bakash. She added that two outdoor larvae cases were reported in Gulberg, four in Cantt., and eight in Nishter Town.

The DC also sternly warned the authorities and staff concerned that no negligence would be tolerated at any cost regarding the anti-dengue campaign.

The DC directed all the assistant commissioners and DDHOs to remain in the field and inspect the performance of dengue workers on a daily basis in their jurisdiction.

She said that those who were playing with the lives of citizens and submitting the only paper reports would not stay on their seats. DC Lahore Rafia Haider strongly denied to all the concerned officers that the report of all good was not acceptable as dengue patients were being reported especially after the recent rains in the city.

Conference to be held on Islam, Saudi-Pakistan ties on Monday

Munir Hussain

Sun, 9 Apr 2023, 8:16 PM

Read in Urdu

ISLAMABAD, Apr 9 (APP): The Message of Islam Conference will be held here on Monday with the theme “Saudi-Pakistani Relations: Joint Efforts to Serve Islam and Muslims and Combat Terrorism”.
The conference will be held under the auspices of President Dr Arif Alvi and will be attended by Chairman of the Senate Sadiq Sanjrani and a group of senior officials, scholars and thinkers.
According to the Union of OIC News Agencies (UNA-OIC), the conference sessions will be chaired by Chairman of Pakistan Ulema Council, Sheikh Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi. Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan, Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki will also attend the event.
Through 10 different themes, the conference will review prominent Islamic issues, the efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz and his Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in this regard and the Kingdom’s role in promoting security, stability and world peace.
Sheikh Ashrafi stated that the conference would review the Saudi-Pakistani historical relations and the role of the two countries in strengthening the status of Islam and Muslims, for achieving security and stability, and combating terrorism regionally and internationally, in addition to their efforts in promoting world peace and spreading the values of love, cooperation, compassion, and tolerance among Muslims and others.
Ashrafi indicated that the conference would also address the Kingdom’s efforts to serve the Two Holy Mosques and pilgrims and provide support and assistance to Pakistan, the Arab and Islamic world, and Muslim minorities.
“It also will highlight the efforts of the two countries to achieve a just peace and end the conflict in Kashmir,” Ashrafi added.
The conference is also expected to emphasize the role of scholars, media figures, thinkers, intellectuals, Islamic and human rights institutions and organizations in enhancing the security and stability of the people of the Islamic World and protecting youth from extremism, violence, and terrorism.
In this regard, the conference will stress the importance of supporting the efforts of the Muslim World League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in combating terrorism and extremism.

Activists of Suni Tehreek holding a protest demonstration in front of Press Club

Zia Ur Rehman

Sun, 9 Apr 2023, 8:10 PM

Activists of Suni Tehreek holding a protest demonstration in front of Press Club — APP38-090423 LAHORE:

Christian community celebrating the annual religious festival of Easter

Zia Ur Rehman

Sun, 9 Apr 2023, 8:09 PM

Christian community celebrating the annual religious festival of Easter — APP37-090423 LAHORE:

Saudi govt deploys extensive air surveillance system for security of pilgrims: Ambassador

NNPS Desk

Sun, 9 Apr 2023, 7:15 PM

ISLAMABAD, Apr 9 (APP): Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki on Sunday said the Saudi government had deployed an extensive air surveillance system to ensure the safety and security of all the faithful preparing to embark on the annual Hajj pilgrimage to the Kingdom.

He, in an exclusive interview with APP, informed that the system was comprised of advanced aircraft and unmanned
aerial vehicles (UAVs) to monitor the movements of the pilgrims and identify any potential security threats from the air.

Ambassador Al-Malki said the aircraft was equipped with cutting-edge technology, including high-definition cameras, thermal imaging devices, and advanced sensors, enabling the detection of any suspicious activities in real time.

The small and maneuverable UAVs, meanwhile, monitored the crowds and areas inaccessible to the aircraft, he said adding that this air surveillance system provided a comprehensive view of the entire pilgrimage area, enabling security forces to identify any potential security risks and responding quickly to any emergencies that may arise.

His excellency emphasized that the Saudi government had invested heavily in the air surveillance system to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims during the Hajj season, as part of a broader security framework, which included ground surveillance, communications networks, and advanced technologies.

The deployment of thousands of security personnel, the use of advanced technology such as facial recognition systems, and the implementation of health and safety protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19 were other measures taken by the Saudi government to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims during the Hajj season, he added.

He underscored the importance of the Hajj pilgrimage as a significant event for Muslims worldwide, and the Saudi government’s investment in advanced security technology demonstrated its commitment to providing a safe and secure environment for all pilgrims.

He stated that the air surveillance system provided an additional layer of security for pilgrims, ensuring that they could perform their religious duties without fear or apprehension. The Saudi government’s continued investment in advanced security technology highlighted its dedication to improving the Hajj pilgrimage experience for pilgrims coming from all over the world, he maintained.

On the other hand, Saudi press attaché Dr. Naif Alotaibi, in a recent tweet, shared a video clip detailing the unique experience of the country’s security personnel during Ramazan.

The clip showcases these personnel breaking their fast while in the air, conducting air surveillance as pilgrims perform their Salah and Umrah in complete peace and order on the earth.

The video captures an enabling environment in which the pilgrims carry out their religious duties, with the security personnel ensuring their safety from above.

Dr. Naif’s tweet has garnered significant attention on the social media, with many commending the dedication and commitment of the security personnel to their duty, even during the holy month of Ramazan.

As the annual pilgrimage to Makkah approaches, the video serves as a reminder of the meticulous planning and coordination that goes into ensuring the safety and well-being of the millions of pilgrims who make the journey each year.

Dr. Naif’s tweet sheds light on the behind-the-scenes efforts of the security personnel, who work tirelessly to make this sacred journey as safe and peaceful as possible.

🔴 ملاحظہ کریں۔۔
کس طرح سعودیہ کے سیکورٹی اہلکار فضا میں افطاری کرتے ہیں تاکہ ہر نمازی اور عمرہ کرنے والا شخص مکمل امن و امان میں رہے۔ pic.twitter.com/sxp34sWjTc
— Dr. Naif Alotaibi (@Dr_Naif777) April 4, 2023

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