GILGIT: September 16 –
Opposition Leader Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly Kazim Mesam addressing during the 26th session of Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly under the chair of Speaker Gilgit-Baltistan Asssembly Nazir Ahmad Advocate at Assembly Secretariat
GILGIT: September 16 –
Minister Finance Gilgit-Baltistan Engineer Ismail addressing during the 26th session of Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly under the chair of Speaker Gilgit-Baltistan Asssembly Nazir Ahmad Advocate at Assembly Secretariat
GILGIT: September 16 – .
IESCO catches 488 meters for stealing electricity
ISLAMABAD, Sep 16 (APP): The Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) on Saturday caught 488 meters and imposed a fine of over Rs 30.02 million for stealing electricity in various areas of the company.
The IESCO spokesperson told that out of total, 332 meters were found slow and seven were tempered, while direct power supply was getting from 149 meters.
FIRs have been registered against the power pilferers in their respective police stations, and some of them have been arrested. Local police fully cooperated with the company during the entire operation.
IESCO Chief Dr. Muhammad Amjad expressed confidence in the success of this government-led campaign with the full dedication of officers and staff.
Pakistan embassy in Brussels observes annual heritage day
ISLAMABAD, Sep 16 (APP):The Embassy of Pakistan in Brussels on Saturday showcased Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage at the Annual Heritage Day event in Belgium.
The Ambassador of Pakistan to Belgium, Luxembourg and the European Union Amna Baloch, inaugurated the day-long activities at the Embassy premises.
The Embassy displayed an array of cultural exhibits such as handicrafts, scenic photographs, traditional costumes, and top export products portraying the country’s rich heritage and cultural diversity.
Visitors expressed their keen interest in various distinctive aspects of Pakistani culture reflected in documentaries, books, and cultural displays.
The traditional Pakistani and Kashmiri food stalls attracted many visitors who liked the unique taste of the Pakistani cuisine.
The Heritage Days have been one of Brussels highly anticipated annual cultural events.
917 thieves caught during anti-power-theft drive
FAISALABAD, Sep 16 (APP): The Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (Fesco) caught 917 power thieves in 10 days during an anti-power-theft drive in the region. Fesco Spokesman Tahir Sheikh said on Saturday that anti-theft drive was in full swings across the region and special teams detected power pilferage at 917 points during the last 10 days and cases were got registered against 661 thieves.
The company also removed electricity supply meters of pilferers in addition to imposing a total fine of Rs 108.685 million under detection units of 2,756,000.
As Rs.16.2 million had so far been recovered besides sending 13 accused behind bars, he added.
The spokesman said during house-to-house checking, the teams detected electricity theft at 353 points in Faisalabad district and imposed a fine of Rs.45.256 million on them under the head of 1060,000 detection units.
In Bhakkar district, the teams caught 81 electricity thieves and imposed a fine of Rs12.7 million under 223,000 detection units.Similarly, 92 cases of electricity theft were detected in Chiniot district and the company handed down power pilferers with a fine of Rs 7.3 million under 266,000 detection units.
He said that 101 electricity thieves were caught from Jhang district and they were imposed a fine of Rs.15 million under 468,000 detection units. In Khushab district, 28 consumers were found involved in electricity theft and they were handed down with a fine of Rs 3.1 million for 71,000 detection units.
The teams also caught 75 power pilferers from Mianwali and they were fined with Rs 6.093 million for 163,000 detection units. In Sargodha district, 111 cases of electricity theft were detected and a fine of Rs.13.1 million was imposed on thieves under 269,000 detection units.
The teams also caught 69 electricity thieves from Toba Tek Singh district and the company imposed a fine of Rs 7.63 million for 200,000 detection units, the spokesman added.
Aneeq pleges to take up issue of Private Hajj Organizers with Saudi govt
KARACHI, Sep 16 (APP): Caretaker Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Aneeq Ahmed has vowed to take up the issues of the private Hajj organizers with the Saudi government.
While addressing the Sindh Hajj Workshop organized by the Hajj Organizers Association of Pakistan at a local hotel here, he said that the Saudi Hajj Minister, during his recent visit to Pakistan, had verbally said that there was an issue managing Pakistani Hajj Operators and their number would be decreased from 901 to 200 or 250. He said that the Saudi Minister could have raised the reduction issue due to internal matters.
He said that they had not received any official letter from the Saudi government regarding the reduction of the private hajj operators so far and hoped that the matter would be resolved before
Aneeq said, ‘I am going to Saudi Arabia tomorrow and will take this issue with the Hajj Minister.’ The Minister said that he wanted to provide the best facilities to the Pilgirims during the Hajj of 2024 and would make all-out efforts for them.
Earlier, the Central Chairman of the Private Hajj Operators of Pakistan, Jamal Khan Tarakai, raised the issue of the reduction of private hajj operators with the Interim Minister and urged him to take it up with the Sauid Hajj Minister during his visit and get it resolved.
The Interim Minister, in the morning, visited Jamia e Rashid. Later, he paid a visit to Jamia e Naeemia and met Mufti Munibur Rehman. Then, I also visited Cardinal St. Patric Church.
SDPI, Denmark’s Embassy collaborate to spearhead Carbon Market
ISLAMABAD, Sep 16 (APP): The Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), in collaboration with the Embassy of Denmark in Pakistan, has jointly organized a project inception workshop “Unlocking pathways to support implementation of carbon markets in Pakistan”.
The project aims to conduct a need assessment for knowledge and capacity gaps for the implementation framework of carbon markets in Pakistan, assess potential regulatory and information barriers, identify potential opportunities and challenges in the implementation of carbon markets across different sectors in Pakistan, and identify potential investment opportunities created by carbon markets in Pakistan, with a particular emphasis on building public-private partnerships (PPPs), a news release said.
Under this project, the two organizations aim to provide an actionable work plan to effectively implement carbon markets in Pakistan, learning from the best practices of Denmark for SDG 13 (climate action) and SDG 17 (partnerships for goals).
Speaking at the inception workshop, Dr. Abid Qaiyum Suleri, Executive Director, SDPI, said that unleashing the potential of carbon credits and financing offers benefits in harnessing the challenge of climate change and greenhouse gas emissions and can also address the foreign exchange deficit crisis for Pakistan. This requires identifying a focal point among ministries and building their capacity to anchor projects in carbon markets.
With the collaboration of the Embassy of Denmark, SDPI aims to bridge the gap between the knowledge pool and policymakers to create a conducive environment where Pakistan can unleash and avail itself of the low-hanging fruits of global carbon markets, he remarked.
Dr. Khalid Waleed, Research Fellow and Lead Researcher, Energy Unit, SDPI, stressed the importance of integrating sustainable energy and environment in macro-economic policies, developing industries for environmental sustainability initiatives like carbon markets, permaculture, and circular economy markets to attract foreign direct investments, and interlinking inter-industry regional and international carbon trading.
This will enable the prevention of environmental degradation and increase income levels for sustainable economic growth in Pakistan in parallel. He urged increasing taxation on carbon-intensive goods and industries and offering carbon market credits and offsets to increase carbon compliance.
Highlighting the potential of carbon markets, he said that low-carbon energy solutions alone can generate US$10 billion annually. He further said that firewood is emission-intensive, and with natural gas resources depleting in Pakistan, carbon markets can provide alternative green fuels.
Syeda Hadika Jamshaid, Carbon Market Advisor, Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, informed that the Ministry has signed an MoU with Verra to develop the voluntary carbon market (VCM), develop the capacity of the private sector, and align the MOCC as convener for VCMs.
She further elucidated that MoCC is also developing a guiding policy document to create a conducive environment, capacity, and awareness for carbon trading in the country. She stressed that attracting international investors is hinged on policy clarity and consistency and urged working on projects that can generate co-benefits rather than conventional projects.
Syed Aqeel Hussain Jafri, Director (Policy), Private Power & Infrastructure Board, believes renewable energy can play an integral role in carbon markets, with the private sector eager to mobilize and operationalize carbon market structures in the country. Carbon markets will not only aid in achieving nationally determined contributions (NDCs) but will also pivot finances for low-carbon technologies, he said.
Ashok K. Chandhel, Senior Program Officer, Auditor, and Accreditation Body Engagement at Verra, elucidating the initiatives being jointly steered by MoCC and Verra, informed that Verra will assist in developing the capacity of Ministry officials, operating the registry for carbon markets, verification, and methodology for carbon market projects.
Dr. Omar Mukhtar Khan, Team Leader, Sustainable Energy and Economic Development (SEED), stressed capitalizing on forests and renewable energy projects to strengthen climate action and promote economic growth through carbon credits.
Vardah Malik, CEO of Profectus Advisory Services, stressed the importance of diversifying the carbon projects to include electric vehicles, carbon capture and storage, wind, solar energy, hydrogen fuels, plastic credits, etc. and highlighted that Pakistan is much behind other countries, thus losing a competitive edge. She stressed that Danish experience could help Pakistan engage large private corporations, especially in hard-to-abate sectors.
Lydia Omuko-Jung, Senior Legal Consultant, Climate Focus, highlighted that the issue of lack of public sector capacity for developing carbon markets is a common issue faced by many countries. The key lies in understanding that the public sector must create incentives for the private sector rather than focus solely on developing regulatory frameworks.
AJK PM resolves to continue raising voice for due rights of State population at each forum
MIRPUR ( AJK): Sep 16 (APP) : Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar Ul Haq, while reiterating his commitment to serve the interests of his people, has said that he would continue to raise his voice for the rights of the people of the state at every forum.
The AJK premier expressed these views while speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected office bearers of the Central Bar Association in the State metropolis on Saturday.
Speaking on the occasion, the PM said that the protection of people’s rights was the first and foremost priority of the government. He said that lawyers, businessmen and civil society were his actual strength.
Reiterating his commitment to improving the standard of life of the common masses, he said that the welfare of the people of Azad Kashmir was his priority. He said that nobody would be allowed to misuse tax payers’ money. Every penny, he said, will be spent on the welfare of the people.
“As responsible citizens, we all have to go through the process of self-accountability”, he said, adding that there would be across the board accountability in the state but no person would be subjected to political vengeance.
He said that a web portal would be launched soon whereby people can have easy access to the PM’s office. ” People will be able to register their complaints via an online portal”, the PM said.
Regarding the improvement of police and law enforcement infrastructure in AJK, he said, “Now people will not have to wait and the SHO of the police station will be responsible for registering the FIR”.
He said that the government was struggling hard to improve the governance in the region.
On the Kashmir issue, the PM said, “No one can even think of compromise on the issue of Kashmir in my presence”.
He said the government would utilize all its energy and resources to promote Kashmir cause both at national and international level.Kashmiris’ struggle for the right to self determination, he said, would continue until the people of the Indian occupied Kashmir achieve their cherished goal of freedom.
He said that it was high time that we realized our national responsibilities.
Commenting on non-payment of utility bills, the PM said, ” Ordinary citizens can’t get any kind of relief unless the elite class pay the electricity bills”.
Regarding the Kashmiris’ unconditional love for Pakistan, the PM said that the relationship between the people of Kashmir and Pakistan was based on eternal love that no one can replace.
Of those who attended the ceremony included, senior Minister Col. Waqar Noor, Abdul Majid Khan, Chaudhry Muhammad Rashid, Javed Butt, Opposition Leader Khawaja Farooq Ahmed and others. Whereas members of the Central Bar Association and a large number of senior lawyers were present on the occasion.
The event was also addressed by the President Central Bar Association, Raja Aftab Khan Advocate, former President Fazal Mehmood Baig Advocate, and others.
Earlier, the PM administered the oath of office to the newly elected office bearers of the Central Bar Association.
At the end of the ceremony, President Central Bar Association Raja Aftab Ahmed Khan presented life long honorary membership of the Central Bar to the Prime Minister.
FGRF providing food, medical aid to quake-affected areas of Morocco
ISLAMABAD, Sep 16 (APP): The Faizan Global Relief Foundation (FGRF), Dawat-e-Islami has initiated relief activities in the earthquake-affected areas of Morocco to provide food and medical aid to the impacted communities
The spokesperson of the Foundation, Syed Fuzail Shah in a news release on Saturday said, “Alhamdulillah, we have preferred to do practical work and our workers are serving the affected families in Turkey, Syria and Pakistan and are still working for them.
With the same spirit, once again we have gone out into the field of action to help out the suffering Ummah of the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) stuck in trials in Morocco through relief activities in the earthquake-affected areas of Morocco.”
While appealing to the Muslim Ummah all over the world, he also said that there have been thousands of deaths besides more than 0.3 million affected people.
“So let’s join hands with FGRF so that we can help out the Muslim Ummah in the distress and get them out of the odds they are facing these days,” he added.
Shah said since the FGRF has experience in rescue and relief in Turkey, Syria, Malawi, Tanzania, Pakistan and other countries around the world where disasters have occurred, therefore, they can effectively conduct search and rescue operations in Morocco as well.
“Our prime focus is providing the affectees their basic and most important needs which if food and water”, he added.
Illegal power connections disconnected, Fines Imposed
HYDERABAD, Sep 16 (APP): Actions against defaulters and power thieves were ongoing by Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO) in different areas of the region during its drive to combat power theft. A number of illegal connections were disconnected by conducting raids in various areas of Sub-Division Kotri.
HESCO spokesman informed Saturday that SDO Kotri Gul Bahar led an operation in various areas of the sub-division, during which power connections belonging to several individuals, including PTI leaders Pir Zaman Shah Jilani, Pir Anwar Shah, and Pir Asad Shah, were disconnected.
According to the sub-division officer (SDO), Kotri, the action was taken for illegal hook connections and unpaid dues worth Rs. 1.5 million. A fine of Rs. 0.2 million has also been imposed on all the people using illegal connections, and a letter has also been sent to the concerned police station to register a case and take legal action.
According to a HESCO official, operating division Thatta’s power consumers owed more than Rs. 8,667.5 million, while operation division Badin’s consumers owed more than Rs. 4,370 million. This push will continue to achieve the goal of recovering these funds and preventing power theft.