Quetta Gladiators’ Martin Guptill received Player of the Match as he is scoring century (100 runs) during the Pakistan Super League (PSL 8) T20 cricket match between Karachi Kings and Quetta Gladiators at the National Stadium
Quarter of world’s population at risk of floods, UN General Assembly president
UNITED NATIONS, Feb 18 (APP): Some 1.8 billion people on the planet are threatened by flood risks, the United Nations General Assembly President, Csaba Korosi, warned on Saturday, at a water management event in Tokyo, Japan.
“This is a challenge that we can master with ingenuity and determination,” he said, while calling for science-based solutions and solidarity, as he delivered a keynote speech at the high-level symposium on “Integrated Water Cycle Management in the post-COVID-19 era,” according to a press release issued at UN Headquarters in New York.
In Pakistan, last August’s record-breaking floods killed over 1,700 people and 1.2 million livestock, with 33 million displaced.
In his remarks, the General Assembly president said when the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were crafted, the full magnitude of climate change impacts through droughts and floods was not yet prominent enough to allow for factoring explicit flood and drought-related indicators into SDG6, the Goal related to water and sanitation.
He compared the current challenge to that of the ill-fated Apollo 13 moon mission that managed to return to Earth after encountering a disastrous mechanical problem. “In 1970, ingenuity and determined action brought the astronauts back to earth alive,” he said, stressing that it will take the same kind of resolve to cope with flood risks.
Besides climate change-induced threats, Korosi pointed out that poor flood protection and management, and reckless land use are also driving disaster risks.
Calling for solutions based on resilience, sustainability and inclusiveness, he stressed the essential need to strengthen transnational alliances, such as the UN Water Convention of 1992, which is managed by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and reiterated his calls for a global water information system.
In five weeks, the General Assembly will convene the landmark UN Water Conference, with Japan co-chairing the summit’s interactive dialogue on climate, resilience, and environment, he said, encouraging the Japanese leadership in these areas.
He expressed hope that the Water Conference will produce “the commitments that will enable us to catalyze the global water information system, the early warnings for all initiative and the strengthened science partnerships we all need to face what is coming.”
In his video message, Li Junhua, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, said that a main outcome of the Water Conference is the Water Action Agenda, a platform where action-oriented voluntary commitments are being collected.
“If we are serious about changing the game on water and flood management, I am counting on you, dear colleagues, to bring your most imaginative and forward-thinking commitments to the Conference in March,” he said.
Samina Alvi emphasizes on need of making differently-abled children self-sustaining
HYDERABAD, Feb 18 (APP): The First Lady Samina Alvi has emphasized on the need of making differently-abled children self-sustaining in addition to empowering women through employment and entrepreneurship.
She expressed these views on Saturday while talking to the APP at the educational Institution Rashidabad in Tando Allahyar district.
The first lady visited Darul Sukoon and the Deaf Reach Center. Mrs Alvi also visited the stalls where products made by female students were placed as she appreciated their work.
“The differently-abled children should be supported but efforts should also be made to make them self-sustaining,” she reiterated.
She also emphasized the need of educating girls. She said the government would focus on both the issues concerning differently-abled persons and women’s education.
The wife of Air Chief Marshal (Retd) Sohail Aman, Shagufta Jabeen, also accompanied the first lady.
Preparations in full swing for Lahore Literary Festival
LAHORE, Feb 18 (APP):The preparations to celebrate the 10th annual Lahore Literary Festival (LLF) are in full swing as the district administration is all set to give the final touches to this event, says Deputy Commissioner Rafia Haider.
LLF CEO Razi Ahmed met Deputy Commissioner Rafia Haider and discussed the issues regarding the event, here on Saturday. All issues including the schedule of Lahore Literary Festival, hosting of domestic and foreign guests and permits were reviewed in the meeting.
DC Lahore Rafia Haider said that a three-day Lahore Literary Festival would be held at Alhamra Mall Road, Lahore. She said that LLF 2023 would have different sessions from 9am to 9pm, while LLF had always played an important role in maintaining the status of Lahore as the city of literature.
Govt taking steps to resolve prevailing issues: Maryam
LAHORE, Feb 18 (APP): Senior Vice President and Chief Organiser Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) Maryam Nawaz on Saturday said that the incumbent government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was taking every possible step to steer the country out of prevailing issues.
Talking to journalists at Model Town, she said the PML-N believed in serving the masses, and its performance in the past was an evidence.
The present government was trying its best to rectify wrong policies and mismanagement of the previous PTI government. The previous government did nothing for the welfare of the masses and it was responsible for current inflation in the country.
She said PTI Chief Imran Khan was hiding himself in Zaman Park and avoiding to appear in the courts to face cases against him.
Maryam said the PML-N always showed respect for the courts and its leadership presented themselves for accountability. The PML-N leadership faced fabricated cases during the previous PTI tenure.
She said her party was ready for elections and would win with thumping majority whenever the elections would be held.
The masses were fully aware of the PTI’s performance and they would reject them.
She said the PTI had no narrative nor have any agenda for the people rather they were concerned to protect their personal agenda only.
The PML-N was the most popular party and was fully aware of the problems being faced by the masses including the price hike, however, it would not leave the people on their destiny but would stand with them and would resolve their issues.
Security forces focused on counter-terrorism, IBOs conducted across country: COAS
RAWALPINDI, Feb 18 (APP): Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir on Saturday said the security forces remained singularly focused on counter-terrorism and intelligence-based operations (IBOs) being conducted all over the country with pronounced success on the contrary to political and other distractions being faced by the public.
During his visit to the metropolis, the army chief along with Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah were briefed about the Karachi Police Office (KPO) incident at Corps Headquarters, an Inter-Services Public Relations’ (ISPR) news release said.
Thereafter, the COAS and CM visited Karachi Police Office (KPO), where last night successful coordinated counter- terrorism (CT) operation involving Pak Army’s Special Service Group (SSG), Pakistan Rangers Sindh and Sindh Police cleared the site while sending all terrorists to hell.
The CM and COAS also visited Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Centre (JPMC) and met the injured soldiers of Police and Pakistan Rangers Sindh.
They praised the bravery, morale and sacrifices of Army, Police and Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) in the line of duty.
The CM stated that State acknowledged and saluted innumerable sacrifices rendered by law enforcement agencies (LEAs) and nation’s unbreakable resolve against terrorism.
The COAS emphasised, “Terrorists have no religious or ideological moorings, rather only misguided conception forced through coercion or inducement.”
He continued, “No nation can overcome such challenges with ‘kinetic actions’ only. It needs mutual trust, will of the people and synergy between all stakeholders.”
“Pakistanis have always rejected and defeated terrorism and extremism in all its manifestations. Together we shall prevail upon this menace for a shared prosperous future,” the COAS concluded.
Earlier on arrival, the COAS was received by Commander Karachi Corps Lieutenant General Babar Iftikhar.
China, Pakistan launch international industry-education cooperation alliance
BEIJING, Feb 18 (APP): Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Moin ul Haque said that it was learned that almost ten percent of the youth in Pakistan were unemployed and had no vocational, technical and commercial skills.
Meanwhile, with the progress of CPEC, he said the demand for skilled labor force is becoming more and more urgent, China Economic Net (CEN) reported. It is under such backdrop that the seminar was hosted, the Ambassador said.
He was addressing at a seminar on launching ceremony of China-Pakistan International Industry-Education Cooperaation Alliance Initiative held at the China-Pakistan Seminar on “Internet+” International Education and Industry-Education Integration in Beijing on Saturday.
The seminar was hosted by China Education Association for International Exchange and Organized by TANG International Education Group and Pakistan’s Embassy in Beijing as part of the 23rd China Annual Conference and Expo for International Education.
He said that a large number of Chinese enterprises were working in Pakistan on such projects. They need skilled labor force”, the Ambassador said, adding, “Recently, I had the opportunity to visit some big names in Shenzhen, China and was impressed by their innovation, hard work and focus on people training. China has emerged as one of the world leaders in AI, computing, IoT, and big data. “We would like to emulate the achievements of China in Pakistan”.
Li Jinsong, President of TANG International Education Group said, Chinese colleges’ investment on modern international education platforms and digital curriculum resources has helped train local Pakistani teachers and provided a large number of scholarships and living allowances for the poorest students in Pakistan to access to learning and life-changing opportunities.
In the same spirit, the China-Pakistan International Industry-Education Cooperation Alliance will facilitate the introduction of 210 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) disciplines of China to Pakistan, the establishment of 36 TVET excellence centers, the provision of international courses, and the opportunities of pursuing further studies and jobs in China in its following work.
“The alliance has been under preparation since Aug, 2022. It has garnered the support of over 500 of bilateral TVET colleges, universities, and enterprises”, Ammar Muhammad, Secretary General of China-Pakistan International Industry-Education Cooperation Alliance introduced.
“We aim to build a bilateral platform for China and Pakistan to exchange information on industrial and education information, share success stories, and work together in various programs so as to empower Pakistan’s young people, promote employment, support the construction of Special Economic Zones (SEZs), and enhance Pakistan’s export”, he added.
On this occasion, over 20 agreements were signed on bilateral education and industrial cooperation projects.
Quetta Gladiators’ Martin Guptill celebrates after scoring century (100 runs) during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) T20 cricket match between Karachi Kings and Quetta Gladiators at the National Stadium
Balochistan govt pledges to support Sindh in fight against terrorism
QUETTA, Feb 18 (APP): Additional Chief Secretary Home Zahid Saleem, on the directions of Chief Minister Balochistan Abdul Quddus Bizenjo and provincial Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Langu, on Saturday, contacted his counterpart from Sindh to express solidarity with the law enforcement personnel who lost their lives in Karachi Police Office terrorist attack, the other day.
The additional chief secretary (home) assured to extend all possible cooperation against the elimination of anti-peace elements to the Sindh government on behalf of Balochistan government.
Zahid Saleem said that terrorists were the enemies of peace, development and prosperity which did not deserve any remorse or leniency.
He said the bravery and gallantry of the security personnel foiled the attack as officers martyred in the line of duty were the heroes of the entire nation whose sacrifices would be remembered forever.
Ethiopian Airlines arrival in Pakistan to boost relations with African countries: Ambassador Jemal Beker Abdula
ISLAMABAD, Feb 18 (APP): Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to Pakistan Jemal Beker Abdula on Saturday said the arrival of Ethiopian Airlines in Pakistan would give a major boost to the relations between Pakistan and Africa by bolstering contacts among their people.
“Ethiopian Airlines which is starting its operation from Karachi by next month will be a game-changer for the relations of Pakistan and Africa as the contacts among its people is not as strong as it should be,” the ambassador said during a meeting with the members of Gujranwala Chamber of Commerce and Industry here.
He said two major issues which hampered the growth of bilateral relations especially trade between Pakistan and African countries were the absence of institutional linkages and weak people-to-people contacts.
However, Ethiopia which was a gateway to Africa had the potential to bring the people of Pakistan and African countries closer, he added.
The Embassy of Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia had worked out a comprehensive strategy to resolve those issues, he said, while highlighting the steps so far taken to promote people-to-people contacts and establish institutional linkages between Ethiopia and Pakistan.
“Our embassy is inching closer to achieving its first target of bringing Ethiopian Airlines in Pakistan,” said the ambassador, who added that a trade agreement had already been signed between Pakistan and Ethiopia to formalize the trade between the two countries.
More agreements would soon be signed to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries in diverse sectors, he added.
He said the embassy had also finalized preparations for a trade delegation to Ethiopia which would not only connect the Pakistani business community with the right people in his country but also increase its presence in Africa.
The delegation which was bound to Ethiopia on March 5 would include subsidized airfares and accommodation, business-to-business and government-to-business meetings as well as grand receptions and cultural nights hosted by the country’s leadership.
“Do not mislocate yourself as this is right time to enter in Ethiopia which will connect you with the entire Africa,” he remarked.
He said Ethiopia was the fastest growing economy in the world offering lucrative business, trade and investment opportunities with the cheap cost of production including clean energy and skilled labour.
“We have almost completed the largest Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam with 6,500 MW capacity,” he said, adding his country had already been exporting energy to Kenya, Sudan, Djibouti and others.
Jemal Beker said the government of Ethiopia was supportive of foreign investors as it has opened up its economy and encouraged private sector to take lead for development of the country.
Multiple incentives and one-window services were among the other initiatives to attract Foreign Direct Investment, he added.
Ethiopia and Pakistan had a vast potential for bilateral trade in the diverse sectors of economy including manufacturing, agriculture, agro processing, textile, cement, steel, chemicals and others, the ambassador remarked.
Jemal Beker Abdula also visited the International Institute of Science, Art and Technology and addressed the students on the history of Pakistan and Ethiopia relations and its future prospects.
He highlighted the role of academia in promoting the people-to-people ties between the two countries.
On the occasion, the University of Sialkot Chairman Board of Governors Faisal Manzoor said Pakistanis had a religious association with Ethiopia which was a land of Hazrat Bilal Habeshi (RA). Nothing could stop these two nations from coming closer as their long-standing relations were anchored in shared values, culture and beliefs.
He said the University of Sialkot and IISAT would offer fully-funded scholarships to Ethiopian students.
Meanwhile, the ambassador also inaugurated the Sustainable Development Goals center at the International Institute of Science, Arts and Technology (IISAT).