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BISP enrolls 80 transgender persons under Benazir Kafaalat initiative so far

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BISP enrolls 80 transgender persons under Benazir Kafaalat initiative so far

ISLAMABAD, Jun 8 (APP): A total of 80 transgender persons have been enrolled as Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) beneficiaries and receiving a Kafaalat amount of Rs 7,000 for the first time in history.

This was revealed through the Economic Survey 2022-23 released on Thursday.

Through a historic decision, transgender persons were included in this programme after the approval of a policy by the BISP Board.

As per the approved Policy, transgender persons are required to obtain Computerized National Identity Card from National Database Registration Authority (NADRA) clearly mentioning transgender as their gender.

To become eligible for BISP Programmes, NSER related survey is mandatory at Benazir Registration Centers (BRCs) established in every BISP Tehsil Office.

Rs16.35b disbursed under Targeted Fuel Subsidy initiative during July-Dec FY 2023

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Rs16.35b disbursed under Targeted Fuel Subsidy initiative during July-Dec FY 2023

ISLAMABAD, Jun 8 (APP): The present government has disbursed a total of Rs16.35 billion to around 8.67 million beneficiaries under the Targeted Petroleum Subsidy initiative during July-December FY 2023.

According to the Economic Survey 2022-23 released on Thursday during a press conference, the programme was launched in order to protect the poor and vulnerable families from the effects of rising fuel prices.

The federal government in May 2022 decided to disburse an additional cash subsidy of Rs. 2,000 to existing regular
Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) beneficiaries as well as additional beneficiaries by raising the existing
PMT score covering third socio-economic status.

Balochistan govt keen to implement Balochistan Disability Act 2017

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Balochistan govt keen to implement Balochistan Disability Act 2017

QUETTA, Jun 8 (APP):Balochistan government is keen to implement Balochistan Disability Act 2017 and initiated the development of Rules of Business for its successful implementation.

The initiative will help transform the Disability Act into practical guidelines to ensure effective implementation of the Disability Act 2017, said a news release issued here Thursday.
Balochistan is the pioneer in the approval of the Disability Act in 2017 but the Act has not been fully implemented due to the absence of Rules of Business.

In their efforts towards ensuring the inclusion of the rights of persons with disabilities in Balochistan, the provincial Social Welfare Department along with Sightsavers held a two-day consultative workshop on the development of Rules of Business for Disability Act 2017.

Muhammad Saleem Khosa, Director General Social Welfare Department appreciated Sightsavers and other stakeholders including HANDS, CBID Network, TSO and Quetta Online on this much-needed support especially consultations with people with disabilities. He said that it would help in ensuring the rights of persons with disabilities creating an equal access to opportunities and services for them. He requested the stakeholders for their active participation and open feedback.

Itfaq Khaliq Khan, Senior Program Manager Sightsavers said that including the voice of people with disabilities was critically important to make sure that rules of business are addressing their needs.
He appreciated the Department of Social Welfare on being forthcoming and including all key stakeholders in the process. He reiterated that Sightsavers would be happy to support this initiative further to get the rules of business approved from the Parliament. He further added that approval of rules of business would be a step towards ensuring the implementation of UNCRPD and SDGs in the province.

Secretariat Coordinator CBID Network, Asim Zafar talked about the history of disability legislation in the country and appreciated the government of Balochistan on taking the lead in the approval of the Disability Act in 2017 and now initiating the development of Rules of Business for its successful implementation.
The workshop was attended by multiple stakeholders including officials of government departments, representatives of UN agencies, NGOs and various organizations of persons with disabilities and their networks.

Governor Sindh Kamran Tessori exchanging views with Governor Balochistan Malik Abdul Wali Khan Kakar at Governor House

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Governor Sindh Kamran Tessori exchanging views with Governor Balochistan Malik Abdul Wali Khan Kakar at Governor House
APP47-080623 KARACHI: June 08 – Governor Sindh Kamran Tessori exchanging views with Governor Balochistan Malik Abdul Wali Khan Kakar at Governor House. APP/ABB/TZD
Governor Sindh Kamran Tessori exchanging views with Governor Balochistan Malik Abdul Wali Khan Kakar at Governor House
APP47-080623 KARACHI:

President Dr. Arif Alvi addressing the National Vice Chancellors’ Peace Conference

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President Dr. Arif Alvi addressing the National Vice Chancellors’ Peace Conference
APP45-080623 ISLAMABAD: June 08 - President Dr. Arif Alvi addressing the National Vice Chancellors’ Peace Conference. APP/ABB/TZD
President Dr. Arif Alvi addressing the National Vice Chancellors’ Peace Conference
APP45-080623 ISLAMABAD:
President Dr. Arif Alvi addressing the National Vice Chancellors’ Peace Conference
APP46-080623 ISLAMABAD: June 08 – President Dr. Arif Alvi addressing the National Vice Chancellors’ Peace Conference. APP/ABB/TZD

Rs 52 bln allocated for education sector during FY 2023

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ISLAMABAD, Jun 8 (APP):An amount of around Rs 52 billion was earmarked for the education sector in PSDP 2022-23 for the education sector, according to Economic Survey 2022-23.

Minister for Finance and Revenue, Ishaq Dar launched the pre-budget document during a press conference on Thursday.
According to the document the allocation was aimed to ensure sufficient levels and efficient public spending on education and skills learning to meet national learning goals.

The National Economic Council (NEC) in its meeting in June last year approved Federal PSDP at Rs 800 billion and Provincial ADPs of Rs 1463 billion.

As per PSDP 2022-23, at the Federal level, there are 21 projects/schemes (19 ongoing: 2 new) related to basic and college education under the Ministry of Federal Education & Professional Training (M/o FE&PT), having an allocation of Rs 2670.785 million. There is one project under the Ministry of Defence with an allocation of Rs 21 million and one under the Government of Balochistan with an allocation of Rs 400 million.

Govt contains fiscal deficit at 3.6% in FY2023: Economic Survey

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Govt contains fiscal deficit at 3.6% in FY2023: Economic Survey

ISLAMABAD, Jun 8 (APP): The efforts made by the incumbent government helped in containing the fiscal deficit to 3.6 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) during the first three quarters of Fiscal Year 2022-23 against 3.9 percent of GDP recorded in the same period of last year.

According to Pakistan Economic Survey 2022-23, launched here by Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, the government was committed to reducing the fiscal deficit to ensure fiscal sustainability and macroeconomic stability.

It says there were two major challenges including to support vulnerable segments of society; and the difficult task of meeting expenditures on rising interest payments.

For this purpose, the budget of the outgoing fiscal year outlined a strategy for fiscal consolidation, it says adding it entailed reducing unnecessary spending and improving tax revenues.

According to the survey, the primary balance posted a surplus of Rs 503.8 billion (0.6 percent of GDP) during July-March FY2023 against a deficit of Rs 447.2 billion (- 0.7 percent of GDP) last year owing to a slowdown in the growth of non-markup expenditures.

Total revenues increased by 18.1 percent in July-March FY2023 against the growth of 17.7 percent in the same period last year. Both tax and non-tax collection contributed to an increase in overall revenues.

Tax revenues (federal and provincial) witnessed a growth of 16.5 percent on the back of a significant rise in FBR tax collection despite various economic challenges at the domestic and global levels.

Non-tax revenues grew by 25.5 percent in July-March FY2023 on the back of higher receipts from petroleum levy, markup (PSEs and others), royalties on oil/gas, and passport fee.

The growth in total expenditures reduced to 18.7 percent in July-March FY2023 from a 27.0 percent increase observed in the same period of last year.

Within total expenditures, current expenditures grew by 25.3 percent primarily driven by a 69.1 percent growth in markup payments as compared to a 0.7 percent increase in the same period of FY2022. In contrast, non-markup current expenditures grew by 7.7 percent during July-March FY2023 against the substantial increase of 32.1 percent in the comparable period last year.

The restricted growth during July-March FY2023 has been observed mainly due to the decline in expenditures on subsidies and grants and is consistent with the government’s efforts to ensure fiscal consolidation.

The fiscal consolidation efforts are on track and reaping the benefits in terms of better fiscal accounts during the first nine months of the current fiscal year.

It is therefore expected that FY2023 would observe a considerable decline in fiscal deficit as compared to last year.

In addition, the efforts to improve financial planning through PFM reforms will provide additional impetus to the government’s efforts to further reduce the fiscal deficit over the medium term, the report adds.

Sanjrani terms his visit to Russia as historic

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Sanjrani terms his visit to Russia as historic

ISLAMABAD, Jun 8 (APP):Chairman Senate Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani on Thursday termed his four-day visit to Russia as a historic one and expressed the desire to continue such positive engagements for benefit of people of two sides.

He hoped that this visit would go a long way in bolstering bilateral ties, said a statement issued here.

During his visit to Russia, he held meetings with Russian Parliamentarians and Government officials to strengthen ties between the two nations.

Notably, Chairman Sanjrani met with Deputy Prime Minister Alexandar Novak,  Chairman of the state, VV Volodin, and paid respects at the monument of the unknown soldiers near the Kremlin wall by laying flowers.

In addition to these engagements, he delivered a significant address at the plenary session of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, marking a new chapter in the development of bilateral relations.

During the meetings, the chairman emphasized the importance of Pakistan’s historical and political relationship with Russia.

He highlighted the role of regional relations in promoting social and economic development and expressed Pakistan’s commitment to the vision of regional progress.

The purpose of the visit was to elevate bilateral relations to new heights.

During a meeting in Moscow, the chairman and Deputy Prime Minister of Russia, Alexander Novik discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations, including trade, investment, energy, defense, culture, and exchanges of delegations.

They expressed satisfaction with the ongoing progress in Pakistan-Russia relations and underscored the significance of collaboration in addressing common challenges and promoting peace and stability.

The chairman stressed the vast investment opportunities available in Pakistan and encouraged investors from both countries to capitalize on these prospects.

Furthermore, Sanjrani held detailed discussions with State Duma Chairman VV Valodin on issues of mutual interest.

He highlighted the abundance of mineral resources in Balochistan and other areas, as well as various sectors including CPEC, health, education, and information technology.

The chairman Senate emphasized the favorable investment environment in Pakistan, which had garnered interest from several countries.

Sadiq Sanjrani also visited the Moscow Cathedral Mosque, where he was received by the Grand Mufti Ginutuddin.

The Grand Mufti provided insights into the history and activities of the mosque, as well as Russia’s relations with the Muslim world.

The chairman commended Russia’s commitment to respecting all religions and fostering inter-religious harmony.

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to promoting peace in the region and emphasized the freedom enjoyed by all minorities in the country.

Additionally, Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani paid homage to the unknown soldiers at the memorial near the Kremlin Wall by laying flowers.

During the visit, the chairman is accompanied by Senators Manzoor Ahmad Kakar, Dilawar Khan, Ms Rubina Khalid, Ms Nuzhat Sadiq, Abdul Ghafoor Haidari, Abdul Qadir, Tahir Bizenjo, and others.
They expressed deep respect for the services rendered by these brave individuals.

During their stay in Moscow, Chairman Senate and the delegation also visited historical sites, lauding the warm hospitality extended by the government and people of Russia.

Govt takes initiatives to achieve UHC targets: Survey

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Govt takes initiatives to achieve UHC targets: Survey

ISLAMABAD, Jun 8 (APP):The government has taken various initiatives to achieve the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) targets to ensure that every single individual gets quality healthcare without facing any financial hardship

The government has been committed towards mobilization of all available resources to achieve third sustainable development goals (SDG), according to the Economic Survey 2022-23 launched by Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Ishaq Dar on Thursday.

The major initiatives of the government included national and provincial Essential Package of Health Services (EPHS) for different levels of healthcare delivery, World Bank supported National Health Support Program (NHSP), and expansion of Sehat Sahulat Programme (SSP) to provide Universal Health Insurance (UHI).

In order to effectively deal with any future public health emergencies such as recent COVID-19, the government has been focusing on improving disease surveillance and reporting mechanism in the country.

Under the PSDP project for the development of Integrated Disease Surveillance Response System (IDSRS) with public health laboratories network and strengthening Points of Entry (PoE) is under execution

National Health Support Program (NHSP) is characteristic of Program-for Results (PforR) instrument, the first in the health sector of Pakistan that employs Investment Project Financing (IPF) instrument with Disbursement Linked Indicator (DLIs).

The integral part of health sector reform agenda is the development of a national Universal Health Coverage-Benefit Package (UHC-BP), also called Essential Package of Health Services (EPHS) in collaboration with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation-financed Disease Control Priorities Project, led by the Ministry of National Health Services.

Rs 6.04 billion provided to PBM during FY2023 to provide assistance to needy

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Rs 6.04 billion provided to PBM during FY2023 to provide assistance to needy

ISLAMABAD, Jun 8 (APP): An amount of Rs 6.04 billion has been provided to Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal (PBM) during the Fiscal Year 2023 to provide assistance to the destitute and needy persons through executing various core projects and schemes, according to the Economic Survey 2022-23.

The Survey was launched by Minister for Finance and Revenue, Ishaq Dar during a press conference here on Thursday.

The PBM has envisioned providing wheelchairs to every person with disability in the country. A family having two or more children with disabilities has been declared a “special family” and is benefiting from Rs. 30,000/- annually, whereas the family with two special children are being provided financial assistance of Rs 60,000/- per annum, the pre-budget document said.

An amount of Rs 1.27 billion has been disbursed countrywide for the period July to March FY 2023. b). Schools for Rehabilitation of Child Labour (SRCLs): PBM has established National Centres for Rehabilitation of Child Labour countrywide since 1995 for primary (non-formal) education. Children (male & female) between the ages of 5-6 years are weaned away from hazardous labour and enrolled in these centers with free provision of uniforms, books and stationery. During July-March FY2023 Rs 764.24 million has been disbursed for the purpose.

An amount of Rs 441.18 million has been utilized for the period July to March FY 2023 for Women Empowerment Centres (WECs), which are providing free training to widows, orphans and poor girls in different skills.

Similarly, Rs 511.27 million has been spent on Pakistan Sweet Homes (PSHs), established for orphan children, where they are being provided free food, nutrition, medical treatment, boarding and lodging, as well as, free education through well-reputed education institutes.

Old homes are established to enroll senior citizens (above 60 years of age) where they are being provided free of cost boarding/lodging, messing and medical care.

An amount of Rs 5.48 million has been utilized for that purpose. While an amount of Rs 122.28 million has been utilized for PBM Shelter Homes, earlier named ‘Panagahs’, incurring all the expenditures by curtailing funds from its ongoing programmes mainly focus on quality service delivery to the shelter-less persons, by taking care of multiple aspects including health care, safe/secure living environment, hygienic food etc. in a respectable manner.

PBM being an executing agency of Roti Sab KeLeay formally named EKBNS, has procured food vehicles to deliver the food to the poorest segment of the society and during July 2022 to March 2023, an amount of Rs 31.95 million has been utilized for that purpose.

According to the document, an amount of Rs 29.52 million has been disbursed for Institutional Rehabilitation for NGOs, aimed at institutional rehabilitation of the poor and deserving persons of society.

Employees Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) is playing a vital role in social security by paying pensions and grants to retired. Similarly, Workers Welfare Fund (WWF) provides services in health, education and low-cost housing sector to industrial workers.

During July-March, FY2023, expenditures amounting to Rs 2.94 billion were incurred on 16,231 scholarship cases, while Rs 691.51 million were disbursed as marriage grants to Rs 200,000/- per worker benefitting 4,377 workers’ families.

The WWF has also disbursed Rs 780.96 million as a death grant Rs. 600,000/- per worker– covering 1,425 cases of mishaps all over the country.