Joining Hong Kong Convention will boost ship recycling business; SAPM

Wed, 15 Nov 2023, 5:41 PM

KARACHI, Nov 15 (APP): Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Maritime Affairs, Vice Admiral (Retd.) Iftikhar Ahmed Rao, announced on Wednesday that governmental efforts are currently underway to secure Pakistan’s accession to the Hong Kong Convention (HKC). He expressed confidence that formal approval from the cabinet would soon be obtained for this purpose.

Speaking at the three-day International Maritime Organization (IMO) National Seminar titled ‘The Ratification and Implementation of the Hong Kong Convention, Pakistan-2023,’ the SAPM highlighted the prospective benefits of joining the HKC. Rao emphasized that this accession would likely draw a substantial number of ships to country’s ship breaking yards, thereby stimulating growth within the country’s ship-breaking industry.

Rao underscored the global shift towards recognizing ship-breaking as ship recycling, emphasizing its environmentally sustainable and energy-efficient nature. He lamented the decline of Gadani Ship Breaking Yard, attributing its regression to past neglect.

Moreover, Vice Admiral (Retd.) Iftikhar Ahmed Rao asserted ongoing efforts to revitalize and restore the former prestige of Pakistan’s ship-breaking industry. He acknowledged the implementation of various international regulations governing ship-breaking, including waste disposal, labor safety, and the establishment of environmentally friendly yards. Rao expressed regret that the country had not timely joined the HKC, which came into effect in 2009.

The SAPM outlined future endeavors post-joining the HKC, highlighting aspirations to align with the European Union’s ship-breaking standards. Additionally, the concluding day of the seminar witnessed addresses by IMO consultants Takeshi Naruse, Gudrun Janssens, representatives from the Pakistan Ship Breakers Association, officers from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, and others.

During the event, the launch of Vice Admiral (Retd.) Iftikhar Ahmed Rao’s third book, “Maritime Security,” was announced. Rao shared insights into his literary works, explaining that his first book, “Elements of Blue Economy,” aimed to raise awareness about the blue economy. His second book, “Gwatar Bay to Sir Creek,” focused on the Pakistani coastline, while his third publication explored various aspects of security, delineating differences between Navy and Maritime Security.

Shehbaz meets Nawab Raisani

NNPS Desk

Wed, 15 Nov 2023, 5:36 PM

QUETTA, Nov 15 (APP): Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Mohammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday met former Balochistan chief minister Nawab Aslam Raisani here at the Sarawan House.

PML-N leader Ayaz Sadiq, PML-N Balochisan President Jaffar Khan Mandokhail and Senator Haji Lashkari Raisani were also present in the meeting.

Shehbaz Sharif is part of a PML-N delegation led by its Quaid Mohammad Nawaz Sharif, that is on a two-day visit to Quetta.

Nawab Aslam Raisani welcomed the PML-N delegation on their arrival at his residence. They exchanged views on the current political situation and future political cooperation.

Shehbaz said, “The PML-N wants to take the journey of Balochisan’s development and uplift ahead together with all political parties.”

Terming Balochistan a base for Pakistan’s prosperity, he said a political unity was indispensable to steer the country out of current economic and other crisis.

A woman labourer busy in preparing bricks at Tando Hyder.

Zia Ur Rehman

Wed, 15 Nov 2023, 5:33 PM

APP22-151123 HYDERABAD: November 15 – A woman labourer busy in preparing bricks at Tando Hyder. APP/AKS/MAF/FHA

A family traveling on tricycle rickshaw loaded with fodder heading towards their destination at autobahn road.

Zia Ur Rehman

Wed, 15 Nov 2023, 5:32 PM

APP21-151123 HYDERABAD: November 15 – A family traveling on tricycle rickshaw loaded with fodder heading towards their destination at autobahn road. APP/AKS/MAF/FHA

PSX gains 14 points

Muhammad Ashraf Wani

Wed, 15 Nov 2023, 5:30 PM

ISLAMABAD, Nov 15 (APP): The 100-index of Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Wednesday, gained 14.14 points, a slight positive change of 0.02 percent, closing at 56,680.07 points against 56,665.93 points the previous trading day.

A total of 661,624,152 shares valuing Rs24.353 billion were traded during the day as compared to 526,356,508 shares valuing Rs19.539 billion the previous day.

As many as 360 companies transacted their shares in the stock market; 196 of them recorded gains and 147 sustained losses, whereas the share price of 17 companies remained unchanged.

The three top-trading companies were WorldCall Telecom with 70,271,415 shares at Rs.1.40 per share, Pak Refinery with 37,133,521 shares at Rs.24.24 per share and Sui North Gas with 22,477,958 shares at Rs.53.96 per share.

Rafhan Maize witnessed a maximum increase of Rs.300.00 per share price, closing at Rs.8,900.00, whereas the runner-up was Pak Engineering with a Rs.30.69 rise in its per share price to Rs439.88.

Faisal Spinning witnessed a maximum decrease of Rs.27.89 per share closing at Rs343.96, followed by Siemens Pak with a Rs.22.75 decline to close at Rs.762.00.

Buffaloes freely walking at Tando yosuf road creating hurdle in smooth flow of traffic to needs the attention of the concerned authorities

Zia Ur Rehman

Wed, 15 Nov 2023, 5:30 PM

APP20-151123 HYDERABAD: November 15 – Buffaloes freely walking at Tando yosuf road creating hurdle in smooth flow of traffic to needs the attention of the concerned authorities. APP/AKS/MAF/FHA

NDMA, PDMA Balochistan Unite for unprecedented Flood Simulation in Quetta

NNPS Desk

Wed, 15 Nov 2023, 5:21 PM

QUETTA, Nov 15 (APP): National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), in collaboration with PDMA Balochistan, showcases a substantial commitment to disaster preparedness by organizing a pioneering SimEx on floods and earthquake emergencies in Quetta from November 15 to 17, 2023.

Balochistan Caretaker Minister for Home and Tribal Affairs, Muhammad Zubair Jamali inaugurated the Simulation Exercises and appreciated the efforts of NDMA for a proactive approach to deal with disasters and emergencies.

As part of a proactive approach, the NDMA has initiated a series of Simulation Exercises at national and provincial level.

The purpose of conducting multi-hazard mock exercises was to enhance the preparedness and response capabilities of Balochistan’s disaster management agencies to deal with emergency like situation.

He emphasized the need for effective coordination and cooperation among all agencies involved in disaster management and relief activities.

Zubair Jamali lauded the efforts of NDMA for conducting mock drills and exercises on disasters and emergency situation in Balochistan.

Jamali mentioned that NDMA has played a proactive role in enhancing the national preparedness and response structure for any disaster.

Seven syndicates participated in the mock exercise in Quetta, including representatives from Provincial Disaster Management Authority Balochistan, District Disaster Management Authorities, and NGOs

The syndicates conducted mock drills on preparedness and response based on various scenarios such as cyclones, forest fires, floods, and earthquakes.

The National Emergencies Operations Center (NEOC), a digital hub of proactive modelling is capable of gathering, fusing and interpolating climate intelligence, social data, geo hazard mappings software to project IT-driven trajectories for disasters and emergency modelling for inciting national preparedness.

The authority to assess disaster risks to anticipate disaster probabilities and plan response through a proactive approach.

The NDMA conducted the first SimEx at a national level was held in March 2023 in Islamabad. Following the success of the national level SimEx that supported the disaster preparedness efforts for the monsoon season this year.

To examine the technical-driven probabilistic recurrence of floods, forest fires, earthquakes, and coastal emergencies in Balochistan, the exercise would enable the provincial departments and local administrations to preparedness plans at all tiers.

Emergency responders, including NDMA, PDMA Balochistan, Armed Forces, UN organizations, NGOs, and Representatives of other coordinating departments participated in the scenario-based tabletop SimEx organised by NDMA.

WAPDA supplied 15 bln power units to national grid from July to September

NNPS Desk

Wed, 15 Nov 2023, 5:04 PM

ISLAMABAD, Nov 15 (APP): The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) provided over 15 billion units of hydel electricity to the national grid from July to September 2023 registering an increase of 1.788 billion units.

The increase in hydel power generation helped the national exchequer save Rs 50 billion, which, otherwise, would have been spent in generating the same quantum of electricity through expensive imported residual furnace oil (RFO), official sources told APP on Wednesday.

They said improved hydrology, efficient operation and maintenance of WAPDA’s hydel power stations and resumption of electricity generation from the Neelum Jhelum Hydel Power Station in August 2023 were the major contributing factors for increase in the hydel power generation during the said period.

Giving the break-up, the sources said the Tarbela Hydel Power Station contributed 6839.27 million units, Tarbela 4th Extension 2859.67 million units, Ghazi Barotha 2229.24 million units, Mangla 1113.45 million units, Neelum Jhelum 707.62 million units, Warsak 317.66 million units and Chashma Hydel Power Station 270.27 million units. Some 664.97 million units were cumulatively generated by other hydel power stations of WAPDA, they said.

“The WAPDA’s hydel generation is the most affordable and environment-friendly electricity in the country, as its generation cost stands at about Rs. 3.51 per unit, against the uniform national average determined tariff, which is Rs. 42.95 per unit for the consumers above 700 units,” the sources said.

At present, WAPDA owns and operates as many as 22 hydel power stations including Neelum Jhelum.

WAPDA is vigorously implementing a least-cost energy generation plan to double its installed power generation capacity from 9500 MW to about 19500 MW by 2029 with phased completion of the under-construction mega projects including Diamer Basha Dam, Mohmand Dam, Dasu Hydropower Project and Tarbela 5th Extension Project etc. //395

FBISE organizes inter-school & inter-collegiate level sports competitions

Ali Ali

Wed, 15 Nov 2023, 5:03 PM

ISLAMABAD, Nov 15 (APP):Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education(FBISE) on Wednesday organized the inter-school and inter-collegiate level sports competitions in the year 2022-23.

The students of different education directorates participated in matric and intermediate-level sports competitions separately.

On this occasion, Federal Minister of Education Madad Ali Sindhi while expressing his views as chief guest said that sports help to raise the quality of health of a nation, promote a quality lifestyle and provide a stress-free environment.

He added that apart from increasing physical strength, sports play a significant role in overall personality development, character building and development of leadership skills.

Minister said that sports raise the health standard of every country.

A country with good quality will always have a good quality of life and a stress-free environment. Similarly in the long run it will reduce the burden on the health sector as well.

Chairman Federal Board Qaiser Alam said in his address that along with education, sports are also important.

He further said that sports play an important role in the development of children and it is important to give full support to children.

He also affirmed that the Federal Board will further support children in all kinds of sports and help them in their development.

At the end of the ceremony, trophies, medals and certificates were distributed to the institutes, directorates and players who achieved outstanding performance and positions in the competitions.

Dr Nadeem visits Community Health Center

Ali Ali

Wed, 15 Nov 2023, 4:53 PM

ISLAMABAD, Nov 15 (APP):Caretaker Federal Minister for Health Dr. Nadeem Jan on Wednesday visited the Community Health Centre at Shah Allah Ditta.

During the visit, the minister reviewed the facilities being provided in the centre. He also inquired about the treatment of the patients coming to the centre.

Dr. Nadeem Jan said that the ministry has formed a comprehensive strategy for strengthening the primary health system.

He said that without strengthening the primary healthcare system, the health system cannot be strengthened.

The minister said that strengthening the primary health care system will reduce the burden of patients on big hospitals.

He said that the ministry is working to boost the mechanism of the referral system.

Dr. Nadeem said that he is personally monitoring the facilities of the primary health care centre.

He said all necessary steps are being taken to ensure the facilities of the Primary Health Care Center.

He said that universal health coverage is our priority agenda.

Dr. Nadeem Jan said that upgradation of 500 basic health centres is a revolutionary historical project.

The work on the project is going on rapidly, he added.

Dr Nadeem Jan said that the government is ensuring the provision of quality service in hospitals.

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Associated Press Of Pakistan

Joining Hong Kong Convention will boost ship recycling business; SAPM

Shehbaz meets Nawab Raisani

A woman labourer busy in preparing bricks at Tando Hyder.

A family traveling on tricycle rickshaw loaded with fodder heading towards their destination at autobahn road.

PSX gains 14 points

Buffaloes freely walking at Tando yosuf road creating hurdle in smooth flow of traffic to needs the attention of the concerned authorities

NDMA, PDMA Balochistan Unite for unprecedented Flood Simulation in Quetta

WAPDA supplied 15 bln power units to national grid from July to September

FBISE organizes inter-school & inter-collegiate level sports competitions

Dr Nadeem visits Community Health Center

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