FAISALABAD: September 14 –
Chairman Pakistan Ulema Council & President International Faith Harmony Council Hafiz Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi is addressing to the “Interfaith Harmony Conference” at Razaabad.
FAISALABAD: September 14 –
Students performing tableau during Latif Day Function at Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Government College of Education.
LARKANA: September 14 –
APP27-140923
LARKANA
Visitors keenly viewing stuff during the inaugurating ceremony of the Two Person Exhibition titled “HAQ” organized by PNCA & Nomad Gallery at PNCA.
ISLAMABAD: September 14 –
ISLAMABAD: September 14 –
ISLAMABAD: September 14 –
Urgent need for responsible waste management in Capital stressed
ISLAMABAD, Sep 14 (APP): The Institute of Urbanism (IoU) in collaboration with the Royal Academy of Engineering (RAE) in a concerted effort to address the pressing issue of open waste burning and its grave consequences on health and environment organized an engaging workshop titled “Let’s Learn Why Not to Burn” at Punjab College here that convened experts and young students to raise awareness about open waste burning hazards.
College Principal, Shahid Islam, in his welcoming remarks, encouraged students to actively engage in learning and appreciated IoU for their dedicated efforts in organizing the workshop. He extended his full cooperation for the cause and emphasized the vital role educational institutions like Punjab College play in shaping responsible citizens who can drive positive change in society.
The workshop featured a lineup of distinguished speakers who delivered compelling insights on the topic.
In the opening of the workshop, Tayyaba Pervaiz, as a lead of workshop, addressed the students and emphasized the reasons why open waste burning should be discouraged. She explained that this harmful practice was primarily driven by factors such as inadequate waste management infrastructure and strategies, cultural norms, and financial constraints.
During the workshop, Mohsin Ali, Host, further elaborated on the adverse environmental consequences of open waste burning. He emphasized that this practice has detrimental effects on air quality, ecosystems, soil, and underground water sources. Mohsin explained that the emissions from open waste burning, including particulate matter, fumes, and poisonous gases, contaminate the air, contributing to air pollution.
Dr. Ejaz Ahmad, Senior Research Fellow at IoU, set the stage by providing a comprehensive introduction to the workshop. He shed light on the challenges of rapid urbanization, emphasizing the emerging issues of waste management, water scarcity, and urban mobility. Dr. Ahmad underscored that air pollution, largely fueled by waste burning, results in approximately 6.7 million premature deaths worldwide annually, with 135,000 people affected in Lahore alone.
Ayesha Majid, Program Coordinator at IoU, delved into the environmental footprint of open waste burning, offering key facts and statistics. She revealed that globally, approximately 1 billion tons of solid waste are openly burned each year, with 26% burned at residential levels and 15% at dump sites. Ayesha emphasized that open waste burning is responsible for 11% of global black carbon and contributes to 29% of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Her presentation highlighted the severity of the issue and the global implications of this unsustainable practice.
Dr. Salman Ali, Medical Officer at Capital Hospital Islamabad, provided a crucial perspective on the hazardous impact of open waste burning on health. Dr. Ali explained that air pollution, caused by solid and liquid particles and various gases, leads to a range of health problems, including respiratory issues, heart diseases, fatigue, and even neurological damage. He described how pollutants like carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides harm the body, emphasizing the importance of clean air for good health.
Wasi Haider, representing the Net Zero Team at Renewables First, contributed to the discussion by highlighting innovative approaches to waste management and the role of renewable energy in reducing waste-related emissions. He discussed the potential for transitioning away from open waste burning practices by integrating renewable technologies and emphasized the economic and environmental benefits of such a shift.
The workshop also featured a thought-provoking fishbowl discussion session moderated by Ali Jabir, a journalist from All Pakistan Press. The session brought together experts and panelists, including Dr. Ejaz Ahmad, Dr. Salman Ali, Wasi Haider, and Adil Nisar, to explore various dimensions of open waste burning, from socio-cultural influences to the role of youth in eliminating the practice, alternative solutions, economic incentives, and the contribution to Pakistan’s net zero waste target.
As the workshop concluded, it left a resounding message: the responsibility for responsible waste management rests on the shoulders of all stakeholders, with the youth playing a pivotal role in driving positive change. The event served as a call to action, urging individuals, communities, and policymakers to work together in pursuit of a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for Pakistan.
Ashrafi extends condolences, prayers to Moroccan envoy in aftermath of earthquake
ISLAMABAD, September 14 (APP): Pakistan Ulema Council Chairman Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi Thursday met with Moroccan Ambassador Mohamed Karmoune and expressed deep condolences for the losses suffered in recent earthquake and offered heartfelt prayers for the departed souls.
Ashrafi who is also the president of International Interfaith Harmony Council, fervently prayed to Allah to elevate the status of the deceased and grant health to the injured, beseeching the Almighty to bestow His blessings upon those affected by this natural disaster.
In response, Ambassador Mohamed Karmoune conveyed his gratitude for the solidarity shown by the Pakistani government, armed forces, people, and scholars during these challenging times.
He acknowledged the warmth and support extended by Pakistan in the wake of the earthquake in Morocco.
Pakistan to face Indonesia in Davis Cup World Group-II tie on Sept 16
ISLAMABAD, Sep 14 (APP): The two-day Davis Cup World Group-II tie between Pakistan and Indonesia will kick off on Saturday at Aisam-ul-Haq Tennis Pavilion, Pakistan Sports Complex Islamabad.
The Pakistan team, spearheaded by seasoned Aisam ul Haq Qureshi and Aqeel Khan, also includes Muhammad Shoaib, Muhammad Abid, and debutant Barkat Ullah, a Pakistan Tennis Federation spokesman said on Thursday.
Former Davis Cup player Mushaf Zia is the coach of Pakistan team, while Muhammad Shahid will be the team physio.
The Indonesian Davis Cup team, comprising three players, one captain and one coach arrived in Islamabad on September 11.
The team consists of David Agung Susanto, Ignatius Anthony Susanto and Gunawan Trismuwantara.
Wirjawan Sugiharta is the playing captain, whereas Suharyadi (Manager), Robby Sudrajat (Strength and Conditioning Coach), and Suharto (Masseur) make up the squad.
The ITF Referee, Hany Hamied Ali ElKhafief from Egypt arrived on September 12 to supervise the tie.
Chair umpire Gianluca Moscarella from Italy arrived on Thursday, whereas the second chair umpire Ivan Yovchev from Bulgaria will be arriving Friday.
Chief of umpires Essam Maher Mohammad Saleh is scheduled to arrive later today (Thursday).
President PTF Senator Salim Saifullah Khan visited the Davis Cup venue and interacted with the Pakistani and Indonesian teams and conveyed his best wishes for the tie.
He expressed satisfaction at the overall organizational arrangements, including the security coverage by Islamabad Police.
He also thanked Ministry of Inter Provincial Coordination and Pakistan Sports Board for their support for the event.
PM strongly condemns Mastung blast
ISLAMABAD, Sep 14 (APP):Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Thursday strongly condemned blast in Mastung in which several people including Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) leader Hafiz Hamdullah were inured.
Expressing sorrow over injuring of the JUI leader and others, the prime minister said the attack on the JUI leader was a cowardly act which he strongly condemned.
“I along with the whole nation is united against terrorism in the country,” he remarked.
He also prayed for early recovery of those injured in the incident.
Democracy best form of govt, says NA Speaker
ISLAMABAD, Sep 14 (APP): Speaker National Assembly and former prime minister Raja Pervez Ashraf has said that democracy had rendered itself as the best form of government across the world.
The speaker, in his message on the International Day of Democracy, said the countries which cherished and implemented democratic values had reached the height of prosperity and development.
“Pakistan has been blessed with energetic and talented youth bulge which will lead Pakistan on the path of development and progress,” he added.
He said the nation would always remain indebted to Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto for their historic struggle and sacrifices for ensuring democracy in the country.
Raja Pervez expressed that they firmly believed that all powers to determine the destiny of the nation rest with the people and it was well documented in the annals of history that they never compromised on it.
Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was the one who bestowed this nation with the first democratic and unanimous Constitution, he said, citing Shaheed BB who always said “Democracy is necessary to peace and to undermine the forces of terrorism.”
While reflecting on the theme of this year’s democracy day ‘Empowering the Next Generation’, he said that Pakistan was blessed to have young and dynamic leaders like Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. “He is a hope of a prosperous and democratic future for the country. As his forefathers, he always advocated for peaceful, progressive, prosperous, democratic Pakistan,” the speaker remarked.
He stressed that election was a key to ensuring the continuity of the democratic process in the country.
“The Constitution lays clear guidelines regarding elections and it is incumbent upon every institution to follow them in letter and spirit.”
“As the primary and supreme representative body of the general populace, Parliament must be in charge in a democratic system,” he noted.
He reiterated that Pakistan had always upheld democratic principles while dealing with other nations and expects others to follow suit.
“It is unfortunate that India, the so-called biggest democracy of the world, has been usurping the democratic right of self-determination of people in Indian illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir,” the speaker regretted.
He said that the world must take cognizance of the plight of Kashmiris and must raise their voices to stop Indian aggression and tyranny.
It is pertinent to mention that the National Assembly of Pakistan has been forefront of launching programs for the inclusion of youth in the democratic system. It was the first parliament which opened doors for children, women, minorities, youth, transgender, and other marginalized segment of the populace on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee celebration of the Constitution.
First-ever summer internship for young children, the establishment of the first-ever Parliamentary caucus on Child Rights, the first-ever session of the children’s Parliament and Internship programs for university students have been undertaken in the National Assembly of Pakistan.
Furthermore, the inauguration of a constitutional monument, Bagh-e-Dastoor, postal stamps, display of original script of the constitution book exhibitions, and launching of Constitutional App was also undertaken for the inclusion of youth in the democratic and parliamentary process.
Commerce Minister calls on PM Kakar
ISLAMABAD, Sep 14 (APP):Caretaker Commerce Minister Gohar Ijaz called on Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar here on Thursday and discussed matters relating to mutual interests.
During the meeting, the commerce minister briefed the prime minister about measures being taken to promote the country’s exports.
The prime minister directed to finalize the measures with respect to access of the domestic products to the international markets in specified period.
Solangi condemns Mastung blast, prays for speedy recovery of injured
ISLAMABAD, Sep 14 (APP): Caretaker Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi on Thursday strongly condemned the Mastung blast injuring JUI-F leader Hafiz Hamdullah and others.
The minister, in a statement, said the attack on the Jamiat Uema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) leader was highly condemnable.
“Targeting innocent citizens and political figures of the country is a cowardly act,” he maintained.
Solangi said elements involved in terrorist acts did not deserve any leniency and the whole nation was united against the scourge.
The minister prayed for the speedy recovery of the persons injured in the blast.