World leaders to address Global South’s concern over poverty, inflation and debt at UNGA session
40 Drug addicts successfully rehabilitated, reunited with families
VEHARI, Sep 17 (APP): In an extraordinary and heartwarming event, 40 individuals who had been ensnared by the clutches of drug addiction have emerged as beacons of hope as they underwent complete rehabilitation in district Vehari.
Under the meticulous and compassionate efforts of various departments, including the Social Welfare, Health and Police Departments, these once-struggling souls have been given a second chance to enjoy life.
The driving force behind this remarkable turnaround was District Police Officer, Essa Khan Sukhaira, who displayed unwavering commitment to the cause.
His dedication stemmed from the alarming presence of drug addicts on the district’s streets, coupled with the reluctance of their own families to welcome them back into their homes.
In response to this dire situation, DPO Essa Khan orchestrated a groundbreaking initiative. The drug addicts were promptly admitted to a specialized rehabilitation facility, where they received comprehensive care and support. This included access to nutritious meals, comfortable clothing, and a nurturing environment that fostered their recovery.
The culmination of this inspiring journey took place in a simple yet profoundly moving ceremony, under the auspices of Deputy Commissioner Asif Shah. The Deputy Commissioner, in his role as the chairperson of the ceremony, lauded this remarkable endeavor as a beacon of hope and positivity for the entire community.
During the ceremony, Deputy Commissioner Asif Shah remarked, “This is an excellent step towards building a stronger, healthier society. These rehabilitated citizens are poised to become valuable and productive members of our state, contributing positively to our communities.”
The successful rehabilitation of these 40 individuals is a testament to the power of collective effort, compassion, and determination. It serves as a shining example of how communities can come together to uplift those in need, transforming lives and sowing the seeds of a brighter future.
Mushaal expresses concern for continued human rights violations in IIOJK valley
ISLAMABAD, Sep 17 (APP): Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on Human Rights and Women Empowerment, Mushaal Hussein Mullick on Sunday expressed serious concern over the plight of illegally detained Hurriyat leaders in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir territory.
Talking to a private news channel, she urged the United Nations to play an active role in their release and asked India to stop systematic human rights violations in IIOJK.
She said changing the demography of the territory by granting voting rights to Indian citizens in the internationally recognized disputed territory is a big violation of international law.
She said it is highly unfortunate that the Modi regime has closed doors of all peaceful means to resolve the long-pending Kashmir dispute by resorting to the worst kind of extremism and fascism and converting the occupied territory into a military garrison.
She added it is the responsibility of the UN and all relevant Human rights organizations to settle the Kashmir dispute by implementing its relevant resolutions to protect the lives of the people of IIOJK.
Mushaal said the Indian government was pro-longing the illegal detentions of Kashmiri political prisoners who have been put behind bars for peacefully struggling for the political resolution of the Kashmir dispute as guaranteed by the United Nations Security Council resolutions.
The worsening situation in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir needs urgent international attention and the world community must act immediately to protect Kashmiris from Modi’s onslaught.
Kashmiri families, whose loved ones are in Indian jails, cannot think of any occasion of joy and happiness because they are worried about the health of their loved ones in filthy and congested Indian jails, she added.
Replying to a question, she said Indian Army had a long history of gross human rights violations and fake encounters in the territory.
Cultural icon ‘Charpoy’ faces urban challenge but retains rural appeal
MULTAN, Sep 17 (APP): In a changing world where fashion and style continually evolve, the traditional ‘Charpoy’ – a symbol of cultural identity in the subcontinent – is undergoing a transformation of its own.
Once an integral part of the urban fabric, the Charpoy, a light bed made of wood intricately knitted with palm leaves, ropes, or jute, is gradually fading from the urban landscape.
Traditionally, Charpoys are crafted from wood, with beautifully carved or painted feet called ‘Poys’.
The knitted surface is skillfully woven using date palm leaves or jute rope by expert artisans. In contemporary times, innovative adaptations have led to Charpoys crafted from iron pipes, knitted with plastic ropes, catering to changing tastes.
The charm of the Charpoy remains alive and well in rural areas of Pakistan, where it continues to serve as a place to sit and sleep at night. It is an integral part of hospitality, with guests often offered a Charpoy to relax. Notably, the world’s largest Charpoy, known as the “Hamacha” in local parlance, can be found in Dera Ghazi Khan, accommodating up to 50 individuals simultaneously.
However, in the urban landscape, the Charpoy’s popularity is dwindling. Rashid Qureshi, a resident of MDA Chowk, shared that his children no longer prefer the Charpoy for nighttime rest, opting instead for sofa-cum-beds and mattresses laid on the ground. He cited his own health concerns as a reason for the transition, following doctors’ recommendations to use a firmer bed.
Shamim Bibi, a housewife from Pul Bararan, revealed that Charpoys were absent from her household due to space constraints in her modest home. Her family members, like many urban dwellers, favor traditional beds or even sleeping on the floor.
Muhammad Imran Wasli, a social scientist, pointed out that the world has become a global village, with various cultural trends influencing society across all aspects of life. In urban areas, Charpoys are gradually being replaced by sofa-cum-beds, mattresses, and carpets, a trend attributed to shrinking living spaces as urbanization intensifies.
Yet, Charpoys continue to thrive in rural areas and driver hotels. Villagers often place Charpoys under the shade of trees to provide respite for weary travelers. This enduring tradition keeps the Charpoy’s cultural significance alive in remote regions.
Muhammad Iqbal, a carpenter, contemplated a shift in his trade due to declining Charpoy demand, with citizens increasingly opting for floor mattresses. Mian Tabbu Khan Daha, an expert Charpoy weaver, remembered a time when he could craft four to five Charpoys in a day. However, today, he produces just one or two Charpoys daily, reflecting the waning interest in Charpoys as interior furnishings.
While the Charpoy faces challenges in urban areas, it remains an enduring symbol of tradition, comfort, and hospitality in rural regions, a testament to the enduring power of cultural heritage in a changing world.
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PM leaves for US to address 78th UNGA session
ISLAMABAD, Sept 17 (APP): Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Sunday proceeded on a five-day official visit to attend the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 78) in New York, United States.
During his stay, the prime minister will hold meetings with the global leaders on the sidelines of the session, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.
The caretaker prime minister will also attend an important conference on the climate change.
PM Kakar is also scheduled to interact with the international media and visit prominent US think tanks.
FTO Coordinator stresses reforms for balancing growth, debt in emerging markets
ISLAMABAD, Sep 17 (APP): Coordinator to Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) Meher Kashif Younis on Sunday emphasized the need for reforms to enhance market efficiency and address the economic challenges faced by emerging markets and developing economies.
Speaking at a seminar on “Reforms a key to growth” held under the aegis of Gold Ring Economic Forum, a strategic think tank, he said countries that enacted reforms saw their debt-to-GDP ratios fall by 3 percentage, on average, over a multi-year period, said a news release issued here.
He said market reforms can stabilise debt and foster growth in developing countries.
He said the global economy has experienced multiple shocks in the past three years. Emerging markets and developing economies not only need to reignite growth and secure a full recovery, but they also must manage rising debt and other policy considerations, he added.
He said regulatory changes and other market reforms can ease this challenge, and a decline in a key measure of debt burdens takes place not only by increasing GDP but also by improving public finances through higher tax revenues and lower borrowing costs.
He said due to the large gap in how well markets function between advanced and developing economies, there is considerable scope for governments to use market reforms as a policy lever to revitalize growth and reduce debt burdens in developing economies.
Meher Kashif Younis said by increasing competition or establishing appropriate regulatory frameworks, can boost economic output.
He said improved market functioning not only lowers the debt ratio through the denominator effect but also strengthens fiscal outcomes and helps reduce new borrowing.
He said some reforms work better than others like the debt reduction associated with reforms is larger when governments are better at collecting taxes, have higher initial debt, and implement reforms during an economic expansion.
Historically, developing countries have used some of the fiscal gains from reforms to fund other policy initiatives.
Challenges from the political dynamics during the implementation period have also limited the fiscal gains.
Spending carefully is a key factor for reforms to successfully reduce debt ratios, he added.
‘Indian troops continue to ruthlessly kill innocent people in held Kashmir’: report
ISLAMABAD, Sep 17 (APP): Indian troops continue to ruthlessly kill innocent Kashmiri people and the Modi regime is on a mission to systematically target youth through extrajudicial killings in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
A report released by Kashmir Media Service on Sunday said the Indian troops killed three more Kashmiri youth in a fake encounter in Uri area of Baramulla, yesterday, and over 800 people have been killed by brutal Indian troops since 5 Aug 2019 till date in the territory. As many as 96,233 Kashmiris have been murdered by Indian troops since January 1989 to August 31, 2023 in IIOJK, it lamented.
It said Indian troops are killing innocent Kashmiri youth in staged encounters for cash rewards, adding the killer Indian troops are enjoying impunity under the garb of draconian laws in the occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
The report said the killing spree in the territory is meant to terrorize the Kashmiris but the people of Kashmir will never forget the warm blood of their young martyrs and everyday killings won’t make Kashmiris relent in their pursuit of freedom
The international community needs to intervene to stop innocent killings in Kashmir, it maintained.
Water scarcity looming large on country
LAHORE, Sep 17 (APP): With our water resource rapidly depleting, wastage of this precious resource is posing serious challenges by pushing us towards water-scarce status from the existing water-stressed nation.
Our present per capita water availability has declined below 1000 cubic meter from 5600 cubic meter in 1950s with fewer reservoirs constructed since Pakistan’s inception.
A major chunk of water resources continue to flow to the Arabian Sea and a vast quantity is wasted due to obsolete irrigation system. Multiple vested interests politicking on water issues since ages opposing different water reservoir projects and the big-big farmers managing much more water for their lands had inflicted irreparable loss to this resource and the nation.
“Despite having one of the largest irrigation systems and the fourth largest groundwater aquifer in the world, the per capita water availability declined below the scarcity threshold of 1,000 m3 /capita in 2010,” stated Pakistan Council for Research in Water Resource (PCRWR).
“This places, Pakistan in the category of water-scarce countries,” the PCRWR mentioned in its National Water Conservation Strategy prepared in February this year. “For us, surface water has always been the main focus as we ignored issues like groundwater overdraft, salinity and water-logging, climate change and ecosystem deterioration.”
The findings revealed that with these challenges, water scarcity is going to increase further due to growing demand, mainly coming from a rising population with a growth rate of over two percent and rapid urbanization, exacerbated by the impact of climate change.
Although scientific evidence has proved that water resource development and governance influence water security yet poor and outdated management practices exacerbate the water crisis.
“According to all indicators, Pakistan is fast becoming a water-scarce country,” said Chairman PCRWR, Dr Muhammad Ashraf. “But, there is little awareness of this looming disaster amongst stakeholders and policymakers who cannot foresee real picture of its repercussions on socio-economic fronts.”
He recommended to engaging policymakers on the basis of scientific evidence to make them realize the gravity of the situation and ensure the synthesizing of the latest methods of diffusion and adoption and scaling up of promising water management.
“Water management is part of Pakistan Vision 2025 that envisages improving water efficiency in agriculture,” he said. “Similarly, it is also part of Sustainable Development Goals 2030 that provides for managing water usage at domestic, industrial, and agricultural sectors.”
Dr Ashraf said the Draft National Water Policy provides for establishing a National Water Commission as well as policy guidelines for sustainable management of water resources. Province would develop their own strategies in line with this Policy.
“We need collective efforts for water resource management and a mass awareness campaign was direly needed to educate all stakeholders on this issue,” he added.
Since our agricultural sector is the major user of our water resource, there is a dire need to prudently using water for this sector by minimizing distribution, conveyance, and application losses, developing crop zones based on land and water resource availability, ensuring water efficient technologies at the village level, train farmers on efficient use of water, promote well-accepted irrigation methods like raised beds, ridges and zero tillage technology in Rice grown areas and much more for raising awareness and promoting sense of responsibility.
“Punjab is under severe threat of water scarcity due to increased water demand and climate change impact,” said Dr Javed Iqbal, Director Strategic Planning and Reform Unit, Government of Punjab.
“Water charges in vogue are underpriced for the supply of water in canal command area,” he said. “Although the ‘abiana’ rate has been revised in 2022-23 yet we need adequate water pricing for sustainability of water resources infrastructures.”
Dr Javed stressed to manage our existing water resources by introducing the best practices and improving storage capacity ensuring to save every drop of water.
Inefficient use of water for irrigation has been a major challenge for the country as this sector uses 96% of our river water resource and a significant amount of water is wasted due to our irrigation system’s antiquated design and poor maintenance.
Besides conservation, water pricing is another critical public policy issue that needs to be addressed to improve the utilization of this precious resource.
Any such pricing mechanism should be broad-based covering not only the agricultural sector alone but the domestic, industrial and commercial sectors as well.
“Principles of integrated water resource management stress a system-wise approach instead of addressing surface water and groundwater issues separately,” said International Water Management Institute Representative Dr Mohsin Hafeez.
He said Pakistan has adequate institutional capacity for surface water governance at the provincial level but unfortunately, groundwater remains an ungoverned area.
As surface water availability becomes increasingly unreliable, he said, consumers in agricultural or industrial and commercial sectors have switched to the unabated abstraction of underground resources in the absence of regulation for reasonable use.
“Therefore, we need to develop an integrated water management plan,” he remarked. “Once a water market is developed, imposing restriction on groundwater abstraction will not be as challenging as it is today.”
Amidst all of these measures, the PCRWR suggests a realistic water pricing system for different sectors underlining and evolving a comprehensive strategy for water conservation and governing its usage by all sectors of the economy.
Grand maestro’ Ustad Amanat Ali Khan’ remembred on his 49th death anniversary
ISLAMABAD, Sep 17 (APP): Grand maestro Ustad Amanat Ali Khan on Sunday was remembered on his 49th death anniversary where music lovers from all walks of life have paid rich tributes for his unforgettable classical Ghazals sung by him and shared his work on social media platforms.
Bestowed with the title of ‘Ustad’, Khan was a big name in the Pakistani music industry.
Born in 1922, Patiala, India, to a family of singers, he was the grandson of Ali Baksh Jarnail who was the founder of the Patiala Gharana.
Soon after independence, he moved to Pakistan. His concerts on Radio Lahore became quite popular and he toured South Asia becoming the representative of Patiala Gharana in Pakistan, private news channels reported.
The late 1950s and early 1960s saw the rise of seraphic singer Ustad Amanat Ali Khan, electronic channels reported.
Insha Ji Utho, possibly one of his most famous ghazals penned by famous writer and poet Ibn-Insha. The longing and touch of sadness in the poetry have been expressed brilliantly by the legend.
Countless classical singers and showbiz personalities of today remember Khan and his art. They believe his name will always shine due to his sweet, melodious voice.
He is among very few classical singers who became famous both in classical as well as in Ghazal formats of singing.
He was awarded ‘Pride of Performance’ by the government of Pakistan in 2009.
Ustad Amanat Ali died in 1974 and was laid to rest in Mominpura Graveyard, Lahore.
Deosai – The Roof of Earth
GILGIT BALTISTAN, Sep 17 (APP): Amidst tall peaks and lush green valleys, lies down the Deosai plain, yet another jewel in the crown of Gilgit-Baltistan, adding to the memorable beauty of Northern Areas.
Also known as the Deosai National Park, it is a high-altitude plateau situated in Gilgit Baltistan region of Pakistan within the western Himalayan range, not far from the Central Karakoram Range and east of the mighty Nanga Parbat Peak.
Embracing exceptional beauty and ecological value, the plateau is situated at an altitude of 3500 to 5200 meters with an area of 358,400 hectare of flat but undulating plains broken by gently rolling hills and surrounded on all sides by mountains. It forms a stark contrast to much of the adjacent landscape made up of narrow valleys between steep mountains.
Surrounded by the valleys of Skardu, Kharmang, Astore and Gultari, this beautiful place is administratively divided between Skardu, Astore and Kharmang districts of Gilgit Baltistan.
The name “Deosai” itself tells a fascinating story. It’s a combination of “Deo” (meaning giant) and “Sai” (meaning shadow). This moniker reflects the fear people had in the past of venturing into the unknown, often attributing the mysterious to the supernatural. Deosai, therefore, translates to “the shadow of a giant,” earning it the nickname “the land of the Giants.”
Another fitting name for this plateau is the “Roof of the Earth,” as it stands as the world’s second-highest plateau, towering at approximately 4,114 meters (13,497 ft) above sea level.
For much of the year, lasting around eight months, Deosai is blanketed in snow. However, the remaining months grace the plateau with pleasant weather, showcasing a vibrant array of flowers in a multitude of colors.
Deosai is dotted with several lakes, including the stunning Sheosar Lake, located at an elevation of around 4,142 meters (13,589 ft) and widely known for its crystal-clear waters and picturesque surroundings. It is home to fresh trout, providing sustenance for bears and locals alike. Imagine standing amidst this breathtaking landscape, with towering peaks in the background and clouds so close that you could easily touch them.
“I was always passionate about nature and adventure. By visiting Deosai another dream of my life comes true. Its memories would continue to spark in my mind for years,” said Sarah who all the way came from Karachi to see the natural beauty of Deosai plain.
“The moment I set foot on the plateau, I was awestruck by the sheer vastness of the landscape. It was like being on top of the world,” she said depicting the beauty. “The summer wildflowers painted the plateau in a riot of colors and the clarity of Sheosar Lake was unbelievable. It is a paradise for nature enthusiasts.”
Beyond its natural beauty, Deosai holds great watershed value as it is the source of three vital river systems – Kala Pani, Bara Pani and Shatung Nala – that join together to form the Shigar River, a significant tributary of the mighty Indus River.
Being a sanctuary for variety of unique wildlife species, the Pakistan Government declared it as Deosai National Park in 1993, primarily to protect the Himalayan Brown Bear. Otherwise, it is also a home to Himalayan wildlife like Himalayan Ibex, Snow Cock, Snow Leopard, Ladakh Urial, Kashmir Musk Deer, Himalayan Wolf, Himalayan Marmot, vultures and a diverse range of over 124 resident and migratory bird species.
It is a birdwatcher’s paradise, boasting Bird Life International’s Western Himalaya Endemic Bird Area and serving as a resting spot for countless avian travelers.
“The park offers a rare opportunity to connect with wildlife in a pristine setting,” remarked Farman Karim, a known wildlife photographer. “The chance to capture the elusive Himalayan Brown Bear and other unique species in their natural habitat is unparalleled.”
Farman who used to spend lot of time for a real image capturing of the rare species explains, “I spent weeks here, observing their behavior and waiting for the perfect shot. It was itself a unique experience that left indelible imprints on my mind.”
Deosai is accessible from June to September as in winter it receives heavy snowfall. From Skardu city, it takes one to two hour to Deosai National Park via Sadpara. Visitors can travel via Car, Jeep and other vehicles but mostly jeeps and four-wheelers are recommended for travelling. It is also accessible via Chilim, Astore Valley. After a long journey from Islamabad to Astore, one can reach Chilim Valley on way to Sheosar Lake.
“I have seen visitors coming here from all over the world and mesmerizing by grandeur and unmatched beauty of Deosai plain,” remarked Ayesha, a local guide. “Deosai is not just a place; it is an experience and I take pride in showing them the wonders of Deosai.”
Conscious of protection of the ecosystem, Ayesha says, “while I brief them about incredible landscapes and unique flora and fauna of Deosai, I always encourage them to respect and preserve this delicate ecosystem.”
Just to say, Deosai plateau is gem of Pakistan’s tourism landscape, a place of unparalleled beauty and ecological significance. The Land of Giant is always there to sway the nature and adventure loving people with its enchanting beauty.
APP/ssb/maz (APP Feature Service)






