Thursday, August 7, 2025
Home Blog Page 12666

UNHCR Pakistan launches one-off cash assistance scheme for 1.3 million Afghan refugees

By
Abdul Hanan
-
0
UNHCR Pakistan launches one-off cash assistance scheme for 1.3 million Afghan refugees

ISLAMABAD, Feb 02 (APP):UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, today launched a one-time cash assistance scheme for some 1.3 million Afghan refugees in Pakistan affected by the devastating 2022 floods as well as the prevailing economic situation.

The assistance is being provided, in collaboration with the Government of Pakistan, to reach refugees who are not eligible to access social safety nets available to Pakistani citizens.

The initiative is modelled on the Government’s emergency cash programme for vulnerable Pakistani families affected by floods. Registered Afghan refugees will receive up to PKR 25,000, adjusted depending on the family size.

The Minister for State and Frontier Regions (SAFRON), Muhammad Talha Mahmood, and Habib Bank Limited’s Chief Representative, Mr Mohammad Ali Syed launched the scheme on Thursday with UNHCR’s Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, Mr Indrika Ratwatte. Representatives from different donor countries also attended the event.

“We are honoured to work together with our long-standing partner, the Government of Pakistan, through its SAFRON Ministry, as well as Habib Bank Limited — for the first time — to support Afghans affected by the devastating floods and who remain in difficult economic circumstances. This support comes in addition to UNHCR’s emergency flood response for Afghan refugees and affected Pakistani host communities,” said Mr Ratwatte.

He added “the partnership is UNHCR’s first private sector engagement with the country’s banking system and is a great example of the commitment of the Government and private sector in the country to find innovative approaches to support vulnerable Afghans. I hope this partnership is something we can build on further, including in the lead-up to the Global Refugee Forum later this year.”

UNHCR continues working with Pakistan as it recovers from the aftermath of last year’s devastating floods, with a special focus on areas hosting refugees. Some 800,000 refugees live in areas that were impacted by the devastating monsoon.

Muhammad Talha Mahmood, the Minister of SAFRON, welcomed ongoing international support for Afghan refugees and host communities in Pakistan.

“We have generously supported Afghan refugees in our country for over four decades. Even as we face our challenges, we remain committed to our promise to help. But we cannot do it alone and call for additional international support at this time in line with the global commitment to share responsibility for refugees made under the UN Refugee Compact.”

Habib Bank Limited’s Chief Representative, Mr Mohammad Ali Syed welcomed the opportunity to team up with UNHCR and the Government of Pakistan to deliver cash assistance.

“Our bank is committed to high standards of delivery and accountability. We are proud to do our part and to demonstrate how our advanced banking system can efficiently deliver this important humanitarian cash assistance to refugees in Pakistan.

Sustained international support for Pakistan is required to find solutions for Afghan refugees, particularly within the framework of the Support Platform for the Solutions Strategy for Afghan Refugees. For more information: https://ssar-platform.org

WWF Pakistan holds workshop on Climate Change

By
NNPS Desk
-
0
WWF Pakistan holds workshop on Climate Change

QUETTA, Feb 02 (APP):WWF-Pakistan in collaboration with the Ministry of Climate Change organized a workshop on climate change education, training, and public awareness at the local hotel on Thursday.

The aim of the workshop was to highlight the implementation status of the province’s climate-related education, training, and public awareness. Particularly focusing on identifying the extent of alignment of said activities with the policy measures denoted in the 2021 National Climate Change Policy of Pakistan.

The scheduled interactive working group session with experts and participants culminated in the formulation of Balochistan-specific critical pathways for the enhancement of education, training, and public awareness.

Senior Director Footprint, WWF-Pakistan Dr. Masood Arshad began the workshop by sharing his views. Vice Chancellor of the University of Balochistan Dr. Shafiq-ur-Rehman briefed the workshop participants regarding the current status of implementation of education, training, and public awareness on Climate Change in Balochistan.

As a case study, Fatima Khan from WWF-Pakistan shared the organization’s vast experience in climate education, training, and awareness program development and dissemination.

The one-day event was attended by members from relevant government bodies including but not limited to EPA-Balochistan, the department of Planning, and Development, Provincial Disaster Management Authority, Public Health, NGOs/CBOs, think tanks, academia, the corporate sector, and media personnel.

In his closing remarks the Secretary of Information, Balochistan Hamza Shafqaat said that in the past few years, climate change had become a reality. In order to fight it, federal and provincial governments needed to play a major role. He said: “If we look at the positive side, in PSDP schemes of Balochistan, projects on water treatment and sewage plants are good initiatives. Similarly, the alignment of Sabzal road was changed due in order to protect trees. So, I am very hopeful that we can fight climate change together.”

WWF-Pakistan was formed in 1970 to address the growing environmental and conservation issues in Pakistan that not only affected the biodiversity but also affected the human population. WWF-Pakistan is a non-profit organisation, working to preserve, conserve and save our environment and natural resources.

Today, WWF-Pakistan works through 32 offices with a team of almost 300 dedicated staff members. With its head office in Lahore, and five regional offices in major cities of Pakistan, it has project offices wherever there is a need and the potential to make a difference.

WMA to invite global leaders at int’l interfaith conference in Washington

By
Abdul Hanan
-
0
WMA to invite global leaders at int’l interfaith conference in Washington

ISLAMABAD, Feb 2 (APP):Chairman World Minorities Alliance (WMA) David Salik on Thursday decided to invite global leaders from different regions after holding a meeting intended to finalise arrangements for the international interfaith conference to be held in Washington D.C.

The meeting was convened by David Salik with the WMA Patron-in-Chief Muhammad Saeed Faisal where both held a discussion on the arrangements, proposed venue, guests, and day for the international conference, the Chairman WMA told APP in a telephonic conversation from Washington.

On the occasion, Salik said that former Pakistani Speaker National Assembly Gohar Ayub, former US Speaker House of the Representatives Nancy Pelosi, Chairman One-man Commission on Minorities Rights, Dr Shoaib Suddle, and others will be invited to attend the conference. The UN Secretary General’s Special Representative, members of the Congress, and others will be invited as special guests at the Conference.

He informed that the Conference will be held in the first week of March along with an exhibition titled Chariot Ride starting from Lincoln Memorial to Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. Some 25 families will be on board carrying the oil paintings of Markus Salik to make the exhibition a unique and memorable experience.

Salik also informed that the exhibition of Markus Salik’s paintings of global leaders will be the special segment of the conference which would be organised in a unique style at the venue.

He said the Conference will be a unique forum to convene leaders and personalities from different faiths to discuss growing issues of Islamophobia, hate speech, desecration of the Holy Quran, violence against minorities in different parts of the world and effective solutions to address these issues.

President appoints Shahzad Atta Elahi as Attorney General

By
Ishtiaq Rao
-
0
President calls for greater role of women in economic, social spheres
File Photo

ISLAMABAD, Feb 02 (APP): President Dr Arif Alvi on Thursday approved the appointment of Advocate of Supreme Court Barrister Shahzad Atta Elahi as Attorney General of Pakistan.

The president appointed Barrister Shahzad Elahi on the position after Mansoor Usman did not assume the office after his appointment.

President Alvi made the said appointment under Article 100 of the Constitution and Rules of Business.

Sherry Rehman blames IK for hoodwinking masses on terrorism, inflation

By
Abdul Hanan
-
0
Sherry Rehman

ISLAMABAD, Feb 2 (APP):Federal Minister for Climate Change Senator Sherry Rehman on Thursday accused Imran Khan of trying to convince the people that he was not responsible for the terrorism and inflation rise in the country.

In a series of tweets, the Federal Minister presented a charge sheet against the former prime minister by raising ten clear queries for him to justify his conduct.

Senator Rehman said, “He (Imran Khan) says, he is not accountable, the previous regimes prior to his government are responsible. Imran Khan cannot be acquitted by blaming others every time.”

The Minister added that Imran Khan would have to answer 10 questions of the nation, adding, “Who called Osama bin Laden a martyr? Who negotiated with the terrorists? Who gave a presidential pardon to convicted terrorists? For what purpose was presidential pardon and release given to the terrorists? Has the Parliament been taken into confidence regarding the release of convicted terrorists? Who was willing to open the offices of terrorists in the country? Who wanted to resettle 30 to 40 thousand fighters in Pakistan? Was permission taken from the parliament to settle these fighters in Pakistan? If not, was Imran Khan’s personal decision to settle them in the country? And why did the incidents of terrorism increase alarmingly despite the concessions given to terrorists by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government?”

She underlined that the country had rendered the sacrifices of more than 70 thousand lives. “Terrorism was eradicated from the country before your worst government. Now you can’t say ‘I’m not responsible’,” she ended.

Babar, Sarfaraz and Shaheen feature in special edition of PCB Podcast

By
Abdul Hanan
-
0
Babar, Sarfaraz and Shaheen feature in special edition of PCB Podcast

By Sohail Ali

LAHORE, Feb 02 (APP):As the eighth edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League continues to grip the imagination of the entire nation, the Pakistan Cricket Board has released a special edition of the PCB Podcast.

The 43rd edition of the PCB Podcast features Peshawar Zalmi’s new captain Babar Azam, Quetta Gladiators’ skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed and Shaheen Afridi, who led Lahore Qlaandars to their maiden title last year. The three champion cricketers reflect on the previous events and preview the tournament that will be held in Karachi, Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi from 13 February to 19 March.

2021 champions Multan Sultans will host reigning champions Lahore Qalandars in the opening match on 13 February, while Peshawar Zalmi will travel to Karachi where they will take on Karachi Kings on 14 February.

Babar Azam, who has the most runs (2,413) in the tournament’s history: “Every HBL PSL edition is super exciting for me because of its competitive nature. There is a different challenge each year as the players with whom you share the Pakistan dressing room all year become your opponents.

“A new franchise, and a new season, this HBL PSL edition holds added significance for me and I am looking forward to making a good start in this journey.

“Sharing the dressing room with different players throughout – one season with Islamabad United and six seasons with Karachi Kings – has helped me a lot. You learn a great deal when you interact with other players, getting to know about their mindset, training regime and the way they handle different situations.

“It is a dream for me to score a century in the HBL PSL as I already have two T20I centuries and a few more in different leagues. I am positive about achieving the three-figure mark in this HBL PSL, and hoping the right time comes soon for a big score.”

Sarfaraz, who is the only player to captain his franchise in all the seasons: “The HBL PSL has played a very important role in the development of cricket in Pakistan. It has provided exposure to our players and they have learned how to handle the camera and crowd pressure, which is very important to grow as an international cricketer.

“Since it (HBL PSL) is a big brand, everyone follows it, and top players from all over the world are involved, everyone takes note of those cricketers who perform.

“The winning side of the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 had the players who proved their mettle in the HBL PSL. Whether it was Fakhar Zaman, Hasan Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan or Rumman Raees, these guys were doing well in the domestic cricket and were picked by the PSL franchises. Their impressive performances in the HBL PSL earned them spots in the national side.

“So, the league’s contribution in the development of cricket in the country is immense.”

Lahore Qalandars had a massive change in their fortunes with the change in leadership. Being the only franchise not to have won an HBL PSL title, the Qalandars, under the captaincy of star speedster Shaheen Afridi, bagged their maiden title by defeating Multan Sultans at their home ground, the Gaddafi Stadium, in front of a jam-packed crowd.

Shaheen, who has 70 wickets (the third most in tournament’s history) at 20.77: “As a captain, I don’t only think about those in the field but also for those who are sitting on the bench. You have to carry each and every player in the team and treat everyone equally and as a match winner, regardless of his seniority.

“The most important aspect of leadership is handling pressure. I need to handle pressure and be good with my decision-making, because if I let the pressure get better of me, my team would crumble. It is also important to lead from the front and outperform myself every time I take the field as it will motivate my players to do well.”

Upcoming HBL PSL media releases:

3 February – New boys on the block
4 February – Fakhar, Sharjeel and Haris talk about becoming explosive opener
5 February – Role of fast bowlers
6 February – Significance of HBL PSL
7 February – PCB Podcast, featuring Imad Wasim, Mohammad Rizwan and Shadab Khan

Previous HBL PSL media releases:

20 January – HBL PSL 8 schedule announced
24 January – Fans to nominate Hamaray Heroes for HBL PSL 8
25 January – Teams strengthen rosters in HBL PSL 8 replacement draft
31 January – Babar Azam will aim to notch maiden century in HBL PSL
1 February – Shaheen raring for his comeback in HBL PSL 2023

A view of encroachment as vendor displaying shirts on footpath creating problems for the pedestrians at Shamsabad and needs the attention of the concerned authorities

By
Khuram Maryam
-
0
encroachment
A view of encroachment as vendor displaying shirts on footpath creating problems for the pedestrians at Shamsabad and needs the attention of the concerned authorities
APP03-020223 RAWALPINDI

Traditional drummers sitting on the roadside waiting for clients to be hired for wedding ceremonies at Marrir Chowk

By
Khuram Maryam
-
0
Traditional drummers sitting on the roadside waiting for clients to be hired for wedding ceremonies at Marrir Chowk
APP02-020223 RAWALPINDI: February 02 – Traditional drummers sitting on the roadside waiting for clients to be hired for wedding ceremonies at Marrir Chowk. APP/ADZ/MAF/TZD
Traditional drummers sitting on the roadside waiting for clients to be hired for wedding ceremonies at Marrir Chowk
APP02-020223 RAWALPINDI

IT exports remittance increases by 2.38% in 1st half of 2022-23

By
NNPS Desk
-
0
Pakistan earns $1,523 million from IT services' export in 7 months

ISLAMABAD, Feb 2 (APP):The Information Technology (IT) exports remittance, including telecommunication, computer and information services during the six months (July to December) of the fiscal year 2022-23 recorded is US$ 1.333 billion growing by 2.38 percent in comparison to US$ 1.302 billion during the same period last year.

Despite persistent ease of doing business challenges, IT export remittances of US$ 1.333 billion had been realized by the IT & Information Technology Enabled Service (ITeS) Industry during the period July to December of FY2022-23, an increase of 2.38% in comparison to US$ 1.302 billion reported for the same period last year, showed the data shared by Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication.

Trade surplus of US$ 1.166 billion, 87.47% of total Information and Communication Technology (ICT) export remittances, has been realized by the IT & ITeS Industry during the period July to December of FY2022-23 to meet the foreign currency crunch faced by the country. It witnessed an increase of 19.96% as compared to trade surplus of US$ 972 million for the same period in FY2021-22.

ICT sector exports of US$ 1.333 billion are the highest among all Services (37.8% of total export of services) with ‘Other Business Services’ trailing at US$ 816 million.

ICT services have delivered a phenomenal trade surplus of US$ 1.166 billion which is the highest among all Services with ‘Other Business Services’ trailing at US$ 201 million.

Finland plans to enhance trade relations with Pakistan: Ambassador Hannu Ripatti

By
NNPS Desk
-
0
Finland plans to enhance trade relations with Pakistan: Ambassador Hannu Ripatti

ISLAMABAD, Feb 2 (APP): Finland Ambassador to Pakistan Hannu Ripatti on Thursday said that the Finland government has planned to establish direct trade activities with Pakistan by removing third-party involvement.

Talking to APP, he said the Business Council of Finland will host a business summit in Pakistan which had been dormant during the time of the coronavirus pandemic.

Ambassador said that he was planning to visit various chambers of commerce and industries to do more business activities in a better way and through Fin Partnership which can facilitate and help imports and exports on both ways.

“Finland reopened its mission in Pakistan after the closure of 10 years,” Hannu Ripatti said and explained the reason for the closure was primarily finances, after the so-called dot com crisis including the closure of nine other missions.

The ambassador said that the Finland government has also decided to reopen its missions in Manila and Doha, adding Doha mission was made operational before Islamabad because of the football world cup.

The ambassador mentioned that a temporary location at the Serena Business Complex was being used but “soon will have the old premises and start routine operations”, including the issuing of visas, and hope to put the house in order by October 2023. For the moment, the Dutch embassy in Islamabad is taking care of our visas for 90 days, he said.

He mentioned that a large number of Pakistani students were pursuing their studies in Finland, however, students were facing problems as they do not have longer-term visas for which applications have to be forwarded to Abu Dhabi which takes time.

He said we want to bring our visa system in Pakistan in order to not only cater to the needs of the students but the permanent residency seekers as well.

Hannu said that it was a good omen that Pakistani students are keen to get studies, especially in the field of Information Technology and Forestry.

He also pointed out that Pakistan does not have an embassy in Finland and the mission in Sweden takes care of Finland. Things would become much easier if Pakistan opens an embassy in Finland, he desired.

”We have plan to promote cultural linkages as well.” The ambassador said that in the past the Finnish embassy used to host cultural events on regular basis and it is my plan as well to revive that tradition.

The Finland Ambassador said that another area where we can have enhanced cooperation happens to be the hospitality industry.

There is a possibility that Pakistani students seeking studies in the hospitality industry can go to Finland for this purpose.

“We do not have a scholarship program for students but there are some specific foundations that offer scholarships. The students can log on to specific websites and get further information about these foundations and the facilities they offer,” he said.

Finland’s Ambassador said that Tourism is yet another area where both countries can cooperate and during my visit to Lahore, Badshahi mosque, is yet another attraction that immediately attracts visitors.

Similarly, in Taxila too there are quite a few places that attract visitors and of course, the ambassador said: ”We have a number of tourist attractions in Finland.”

Finland as you know is well-known for its archipelagos. People who wish to explore natural beauty must visit Finland.

Finland’s Ambassador termed Pakistan an amazing country in terms of its weather, landscape, biodiversity and rich cultural heritage and its hospitable people and country of hospitable and welcoming people, is a “very safe place” for foreign tourists and travelers to visit.

1...12,66512,66612,667...28,431Page 12,666 of 28,431

ABOUT US

Serving the nation since 1947 by providing an accurate, objective, uninterrupted flow of news to the people, the national news service is pursuing a comprehensive strategy to transform the existing news operations into a forward-looking service – APP Digital for its diverse subscriber-base and the public.

Contact us: news@app.com.pk

FOLLOW US

Copyright © Associated Press of Pakistan