MEHAR: January 18 – .
Chairman Pakistan People’s Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari addressing public gathering during election campaign at Larkana-Mehar Bypass
MEHAR: January 18 – .
Principal Information Officer (PIO) Dr. Tariq Mehmood addresses a seminar on the ‘Changing Landscape of Pakistani Electorate and the Role of Political Parties in Ensuring Fair Representation,’ organized by PID
ISLAMABAD: January 18 –
Ambassador commends EU Parliament for condemning human rights abuses in IIOJK
BRUSSELS, Jan 18 (APP):The ambassador of Pakistan to European Union, Belgium and Luxembourg Amna Baloch Thursday here expressed gratitude to the EU parliamentary recommendations for shedding light on the alarming situation and human rights abuses in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
The recent EU parliamentary recommendations of January 17 2024, to the Council, Commission, and Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy concerning EU-India relations , reaffirmed Pakistan’s enduring stance on resolving the Kashmir issue in accordance with UN resolutions.
It condemned violence against minorities in India, called for accountability of the perpetrators, and highlighted concerns about internet restrictions and illegal detention of political prisoners in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
This document not only exposed India’s fascist designs but also brought the brutalities of the Indian government against oppressed Kashmiris to the limelight.
The ambassador stated that regional peace hinged on the settlement of the Kashmir issue in line with the wishes of the Kashmiri people and UN Security Council resolutions.
Emphasizing Pakistan’s role as a beacon of hope for Kashmiris, the ambassador expressed her resolve to continue raising the Kashmir issue in all international forums including the European Union.
It is pertinent to mention that ambassador has been actively raising the issue of Kashmir and human rights violations in IIOJK in her interactions with the European leadership across all institutions.
KDA takes action against land grabbers
KARACHI, Jan 18 (APP):Karachi Development Authority (KDA) is taking vigorous action against encroachments on government lands across the metropolis.
According to the KDA Spokesperson on Thursday, Director General KDA Naveed Anwar has a clear stance that he will not tolerate the illegal occupation of government land under any circumstances.
In this context, the Anti-Encroachment Department took action against the land grabbers in Korangi Sector-27 with the help of manpower and heavy machinery.
Director of Estate and Enforcement. Arshad Abbas, Additional Director, Anti-Encroachment staff, local police, and administration participated in the operation.
Turkish Consul General meets Sindh Info Minister
KARACHI, Jan 18 (APP): Turkish Consul General in Karachi Cemal Sangu called on Caretaker Sindh Minister for Information, Minority Affairs, and Social Protection Mohammad Ahmad Shah on Thursday.
They discussed matters related to economic cooperation, exchange of delegations in various fields, and other issues of mutual interest. Talking to the envoy, Muhammad Ahmad Shah said that the bilateral brotherly relations of Pakistan and Turkey are decades-long.
He said that all possible support would be provided for Pakistan’s single-country exhibition in Istanbul. Shah said that Turkey has supported Pakistan in difficult times and natural calamities.
On this occasion, Cemal Sangu said that Turkey attached great importance to relations with Pakistan. He said that the exhibition of Pakistani companies will be organized in Istanbul. On this occasion, Ahmad Shah presented a bouquet to the Turkish envoy.
Syrian ambassador meets Health Minister
ISLAMABAD, Jan 18 (APP): Caretaker Federal Minister for Health Dr Nadeem Jan on Thursday met with Syrian Ambassador Dr Rameez-ul-Rai.
During the meeting, issues of mutual interest including the health sector were discussed. The minister spoke about the reform agenda in the health sector in a short period.
The Syrian ambassador appreciated the reform agenda in the health sector. The Syrian ambassador congratulated Pakistan for the successful holding of the Global Health Security Summit.
“Keeping the world safe from epidemics is the need of the hour,” Dr Nadeem Jan said. He said that experts and delegations from more than 70 countries participated in the summit. Syrian Ambassador Dr Ramiz Al-Rai appreciated the vision of Health Minister Dr Nadeem Jan.
Global Fund appreciates Pakistan on installing oxygen plants
ISLAMABAD, Jan 18 (APP): The Global Fund team led by Fund Portfolio Manager Ms. Izaskun Gaviria on Thursday congratulated Pakistan on completing the process of oxygen plants installation at various tertiary care hospitals after the COVID pandemic, setting an exemplary precedent.
She said this during a meeting with Iftikhar Ali Shallwani, Secretary Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination.
The meeting started with the positive note that budget of USD 285 million for three diseases recently approved from Grant Approval Committee (GAC) and the CMU is in the process of sharing it with the provinces.
Shallwani pointed out that the Additional Safeguard Policy should be immediately revoked as country met all the conditions essential.
The meeting was informed that there is a special committee on portfolio performance and cooperate working group to devise exit strategy.
Ms. Izaskun Gaviria commended the performance of the national and provincial programs, highlighting the remarkable work at healthcare facilities.
She congratulated the CMU for reverting the PR-ship from UNDP for the treatment component for the Common Management Unit (NACP), effective from July 1, 2024.
She mentioned that the Integrated Biological and Behavioural Surveillance Survey (IBBSS) would be completed soon, with results guiding future planning and target-setting. UNDP will support CMU in transition period through close collaboration.
Emphasizing the importance of government ownership, particularly for HIV, Shallwani emphasized that the government is ultimate custodian for disease control.
He urged UN partners, specifically UNDP, to enhance coordination with CMU for effective implementation strategies.
Ms. Izaskun Gaviria applauded the secretary for stewardship by the government towards clearing of shipment of LLINs from port recently.
Polyclinic officials indicted in using expired dengue kits case
ISLAMABAD, Jan 18 (APP): Special Judge Central Humayun Dilawar on Thursday indicted former Deputy Executive Director of Finance at Polyclinic Hospital Dr Amanullah and three other accused in the case of using expired dengue kits.
Judge Humayun Dilawar read the indictment in the presence of the accused.
The accused individuals denied all the allegations.
Subsequently, the court sought official statements from the prosecution by January 24.
UN warns of near ‘catastrophic’ humanitarian situation in Gaza
UNITED NATIONS, Jan 18 (APP): United Nations humanitarian agencies have issued a dire warning about the humanitarian situation in worn-torn Gaza, describing the level of assistance for many residents as “almost catastrophic.”
The UN aid coordination office, OCHA, reported continued intense Israeli bombardment of the territory and rocket fire into Israel by Palestinian armed groups.
The UN World Food Programme (WFP) highlighted the nearly impossible conditions for aid distribution, especially beyond Rafah in the south of the enclave, where over one million people are sheltering in dangerously overcrowded conditions.
WFP Communications head for the Middle East and North Africa, Abeer Atefa, stated: “Areas beyond Rafah, it’s almost catastrophic assistance,” emphasizing the urgent need for greater access to provide aid.
OCHA reported that of the planned 29 humanitarian missions in the first two weeks of the year, only one in four succeeded in delivering lifesaving supplies north of Wadi Gaza. Israeli authorities denied the rest, hampering humanitarian efforts. Additionally, two coordinated missions with Israeli authorities faced challenges due to non-viable routes and excessive delays at checkpoints.
Amid the ongoing conflict, more than 160 Gazans died in the last two days, with another 350 injured, according to OCHA.
The total number of Palestinians confirmed killed since the conflict erupted has surpassed 24,400, most of them women and children. The devastation has also impacted water infrastructure, leaving only one of the three pipelines from Israel into Gaza functioning.
OCHA highlighted the urgent need for repairs to the Deir al Balah water pipeline, emphasizing that the situation could lead to a prolonged humanitarian crisis, including water shortages and the spread of diseases.
The development came as UN aid coordination office OCHA in its latest update on Wednesday evening reported ongoing “intense” Israeli bombardment of the occupied territory and rocket fire into Israel by Palestinian armed groups.
According to the UN World Food Programme, WFP, the continuing violence has made it nearly impossible to distribute aid relief much beyond Rafah in the south of the Strip, where well over 1.2 million people now shelter in dangerously overcrowded conditions under plastic sheeting.
The UN aid wing noted that two additional missions originally coordinated with the Israeli authorities “could not be completed due to the non-viability of allocated routes or excessive delays at checkpoints, which did not allow the missions to succeed during the safe operating windows”.
Of the more than 100 Israelis still believed held in Gaza, it has been reported that around 45 require treatment for chronic diseases or other lifesaving medicines.
Meanwhile, amid ongoing bombardment and heavy clashes in Gaza, more than 160 Gazans died in the last two days and another 350 were injured, OCHA said, citing health officials in the enclave, bringing the total number of Palestinians confirmed killed since the war erupted to well over 24,400.
Three Israeli soldiers were also reportedly killed in clashes in Gaza on Tuesday and Wednesday, OCHA noted, meaning that 191 Israeli fighters have died since October 7.
Amid already record levels of diarrhoea and other diseases caused by poor sanitation and hunger, the UN aid office noted that the Deir al Balah water pipeline – whose capacity is close to 17,000 cubic metres of water per day – urgently needs repairs.
“Water, hygiene, and sanitation (WASH) partners have estimated that repairs could take up to four weeks, even allowing for sustained access and the necessary supplies,” OCHA said.
The deputy chief of UN children’s agency UNICEF, Ted Chaiban, warned on Thursday that on a three-day visit to Gaza this week he had witnessed “some of the most horrific conditions I have ever seen.”
“Since my last visit, the situation has gone from catastrophic to near collapse”, he said in a statement.
“UNICEF has described the Gaza Strip as the most dangerous place in the world to be a child. We have said this is a war on children. But these truths do not seem to be getting through.
“Of the nearly 25,000 people reported to have been killed in the Gaza Strip since the escalation in hostilities, up to 70 per cent are reported to be women and children. The killing of children must cease immediately.”
Among those he met was an 11-year-old girl called Sama at Al-Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis.
He said the children and their families “can’t wait any longer for a humanitarian ceasefire”, also reminding that there are two Israeli children still being held hostage by Palestinian militants, who must be released safely and unconditionally.
“This cannot go on.”
Senate body informs transit agreement reached with Uzbekistan, Tajikistan.
ISLAMABAD, Jan 18 (APP):The Senate Standing Committee on Commerce was informed that the transit agreement has been reached with Uzbekistan and Tajikistan on Thursday.
The committee updated that Afghanistan has not signed an agreement. The meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Commerce was held in Parliament House under the chairmanship of Senator Zeeshan Khanzada. Pakistan’s position is that Afghanistan should not charge a fee for transit trade.
In the meeting of the Standing Committee, serious concern was expressed over the increasing price of onion in the country. When the members of the committee recommended a ban on onion export, the Federal Secretary for Commerce Muhammad Sualeh Ahmad Faruqi said that they cannot impose a ban immediately in the context of price fluctuations. “We have increased the minimum export price of onion to $1200.
He said that the price of onion has not increased due to exports. In the meeting of the Standing Committee, review of the implementation of the recommendations of the Standing Committee during the last three years, Senator Zeeshan Khanzada, Senator Faisal Saleem Rehman, and Senator Muhammad Abdul Qadir introduced in the Senate meeting held on November 6, 2023, the amendment bill of imports and exports. 2023, In the committee meeting held on October 9, 2023, the UAE ban on meat imports from Pakistan was reviewed in detail.
In the meeting of the standing committee, the implementation of the recommendations given by the standing committee during the last three years was reviewed in detail. Secretary Commerce told the committee that on the recommendation of the standing committee, minerals, marble and fisheries sector have been included in the priority sectors. He also informed the standing committee about the assistance provided in various ways for these sectors including the co-sector, sub-sector, and road map.
The commerce secretary said that going towards value addition, which will lead to significant improvement, a plan will be drawn up along with the stalled industry in the next two to three weeks. A study is also being done to increase exports.
In the meeting of the Standing Committee, the ban on the export of fresh chilled meat from Pakistan by the United Arab Emirates, which was imposed due to fungus-infected meat in a container, was examined in detail.
Senator Dinesh Kumar said that the United Arab Emirates has banned the import of meat from Pakistan. This has given the country a lot of disrepute.