Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif addresses the PM’s Youth Laptop and Youth Business Loan distributing ceremony at Governor House
Ahsan inaugurates historic ‘FUTURE E-Commerce Operations Center’
ISLAMABAD, Jul 26 (APP): Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Wednesday inaugurated a historic ‘FUTURE E-Commerce Operations Center, calling upon the younger generation to embrace e-commerce and information technology as pivotal components of Pakistan’s economic growth.
The event marks a significant milestone for Pakistan, as it celebrates the 10th anniversary of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and showcases the country’s remarkable progress over the years, a news release said.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony, the minister highlighted the essence of nation-building, emphasizing that unity and cooperation formed the bedrock of any successful nation.
He drew attention to China’s remarkable progress, attributing it to three fundamental pillars including political stability, policy continuity and peace.
“Political stability in China played a pivotal role in fostering an environment of peace, enabling the nation to channel its efforts towards growth and prosperity,” he said stressing the importance of policy continuity, as it had been instrumental in sustaining China’s progress over the years.
He said no country could progress without a system that prioritized peace, stability and policy consistency.
Ahsan Iqbal made a crucial point that no matter how qualified and exceptional the individuals in government may be, “political uncertainty, turmoil, or divisive politics hinder a country’s path to success.”
He urged for the prioritization of peace and stability above all else, as it formed the bedrock of a nation’s strength.
In light of Pakistan’s 75th anniversary of independence, the minister called for a collective embrace of unity and progress. “Learning from our nation’s history, the current generation must acknowledge the significance of sustained policies and shun experimentation.”
By working together, the minister said Pakistan could move on the path of a stable and peaceful future, securing national
prosperity.
He highlighted that CPEC became a global brand, attracting attention from major international players, including the United States, Britain, Japan, and Europe. The influx of foreign investment was a testament to Pakistan’s potential for growth and development.
With the support of China, he said the country achieved significant milestones, including the addition of 11,000 megawatts of electricity in just three and a half years, transforming the energy landscape of Pakistan.
Speaking about the importance of continuity in policies, the minister stressed the need for political stability and unity to achieve sustained progress.
He urged the youth to envision a prosperous Pakistan, emphasizing that the nation’s greatest strength lies in its skilled and hardworking workforce.
He called upon the younger generation “to embrace e-commerce and IT as pivotal components of Pakistan’s economic growth.”
Highlighting the potential of the youth, he encouraged them to become brand ambassadors for Pakistan on the global stage.
With a skilled and dedicated workforce, the minister said Pakistan could attract private sector investments from China and beyond, positioning itself as a favorable destination for businesses looking to relocate due to rising labor costs in China.
Ahsan Iqbal emphasized the vital role of the current generation in shaping Pakistan’s future, saying “Our youth hold the key to the nation’s economic growth, akin to how an atomic bomb represents our defense.”
He said the potential of youth was boundless, and “we must empower them with essential skills and quality education to unleash their entrepreneurial spirit. By removing obstacles that hinder their progress, we can pave the way for a brighter future.”
The minister expressed unwavering belief in the exceptional talent and capabilities of Pakistani youth, asserting that they stood among the best in the world.
“In today’s global landscape, branding plays a significant role in a nation’s success,” calling upon the youth to create a unique brand that showcased Pakistan’s extraordinary human resources to traders worldwide.
“Their hardworking, honest, and intelligent traits make them an unparalleled asset on the global stage, positioning Pakistan as a force to be reckoned with.”
The FUTURE E-Commerce Operations Center stands as a testament to Pakistan’s progress and the untapped potential of its youth.
The minister applauded the efforts of the private enterprise behind the center and expressed hope for the establishment of similar centers across the country to empower the youth and foster economic growth.
In conclusion, Ahsan Iqbal expressed his belief that with collective efforts, Pakistan would realize its dream of becoming one of the world’s top economies.
He called upon the youth to embrace hard work, integrity, and innovation, building a prosperous future for Pakistan.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif addresses the PM’s Youth Laptop and Youth Business Loan distributing ceremony at Governor House
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif addresses the PM’s Youth Laptop and Youth Business Loan distributing ceremony at Governor House
Pakistan’s Ambassador-designate to the Republic of Tunisia, Mr Javed Ahmed Umrani, called on President Dr Arif Alvi, at Aiwan-e-Sadr
Skardu witnesses huge surge in flights
SKARDU, Jul 26 (APP): Tourist inclination toward Gilgit Baltistan (GB) has been seen as the flights from across the country to Skardu witnessed a huge surge, a report issued by Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on Wednesday said.
As per the report, during July an average of 12 flights were operated per day, which has highest since Skardu Airport has been operational.
The Baltistan region was considered a tourism hub in the country and the all-district administration was committed to encouraging and facilitating the tourists in their respective areas.
Tourism is speedily promoted in the region due to the easy approach of flights between Skardu and the rest of the country. Now tourists can easily explore the Baltistan districts, Skardu, Shigar Valley, Ghanche District and Kharmang Valley.
The flights were operated from different cities in Pakistan including Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, and Sialkot which is highly encouraging for tourism promotion in these most sensitive areas.
Tourism Department was taking good steps to attract International and domestic tourists to Baltistan and actively working on a comprehensive plan.
Single-use plastic items banned in Capital from August 1: Sherry
ISLAMABAD, Jul 26 (APP): Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Senator Sherry Rehman on Wednesday informed that a new regulation further limiting the use of single-use plastic items was going to be imposed from August 1 in the federal capital.
The minister flanked by Additional Secretary, Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Syed Mujtaba Hussain while launching the first-ever National Adaptation Plan approved by the federal capital, briefed the media on banning one-time use of plastic items.
Senator Rehman said that the Ministry had taken the decision after proper consultations with the plastic bags and items manufacturing industry to circumvent any possibility of unemployment or damage to businesses.
She said, “By 2050, plastics will be more than marine life in our oceans and it has a lifetime shelf life.”
The single use of plastics would be completely banned after the implementation of the revised statutory regulatory order (SRO), she added.
The Additional Secretary informed that plastic plates, bowls, cups, glasses, stirrer and cutler and also packaging items would be completely banned in the federal capital whereas all these items had their environment friendly alternatives.
Hussain said from ban on single use plastic bags it was further extended to other items were used in routine life and was causing risk to the environment as the drains, land and air were polluted by plastics.
The legislation, he said would be imposed in Islamabad and the provinces could adopt it completely or develop their own as per their needs.
The restriction, he said also imposed different fines from Rs 1000, Rs 10,000 to Rs 100,000 with clear penalties defined for manufacturers, sellers and users separately.
Court again summons Imran Khan for statement in toshakhana case
ISLAMABAD, Jul 26 (APP): A trial court on Wednesday granted one-time exemption from appearance to PTI’s chairman Imran Khan in toshakhana criminal case and summoned him again in personal capacity for recording the statement on next hearing.
Additional District and Session Judge Hamayun Dilawar heard the criminal case against former prime minister Imran Khan lodged by Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
Imran Khan’s lawyer Barrister Gohar Ali Khan requested the court to grant one-time exemption from attendance to the former prime minister and adjourned hearing for today as senior counsel Khawaja Haris was busy in Supreme Court. He requested the court to adjourn the case till Monday.
The ECP’s lawyer Saad Hassan opposed the request of the defence side and informed the judge that the top court had rejected the plea of Imran Khan seeking stay against the proceeding in toshakhana case. He further said that the Islamabad High Court (IHC) had also not issued any stay order and prayed the court to proceed the trial.
Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said that it was a matter of only one day and requested the court to adjourn case after the holidays of Muharram so that chairman PTI could receive the questionnaire from the court himself. The judge said that then the court summons the accused till 2:00pm noon.
After a recession, ECP’s counsel Amjad Pervaiz argued that the accused should know that what the case was against him as it would be heard at various forums. During hearing, the court also prepared a questionnaire comprising 35 questions with regard to the statement of Imran Khan under Section-342 CRPC and it was shared with the defence lawyer.
The asked the lawyer to ensure the attendance of Imran Khan tomorrow otherwise arrest warrants would be issued against him. The further hearing of the case was then adjourned.
Loans of 30b distributed in five months; SAPM
KARACHI, Jul 26 (APP): Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on Youth Affairs Shaza Fatima Khawaja on Wednesday said the loans of Rs. 30 billion were distributed during the last five months under the Prime Minister’s Youth Business and Agriculture Loan Scheme.
She stated this while addressing the ceremony held for the distribution of laptops and cheques under the Prime Minister’s Youth Business and Agriculture Loan Scheme and Prime Minister’s Youth Laptop Scheme 2023, respectively at the Sindh Governor House.
The SAPM said the business loan programme was initiated by former Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif in 2013.
She said loans amounting to Rs. 75 billion were distributed under the scheme in last 10 years.
Shaza Fatima Khawaja said the loan was being provided in three tiers. In the first tier, the loan of Rs. 0.5 million, in the second tier, Rs. 0.5 to 1.5 million and in the third tier, Rs. 1.5 million to 7.5 million is provided, she said.
On the occasion, the students, recipients of laptops, were presented Guard of Honor by a contingent of Sindh Police. The recipients of loans and laptops expressed their pleasure and thanked Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.
Federal Minister for Information Technology Syed Ameen-ul-Haque, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb, Sindh Ministers Sharjeel Inam Memon, Nasir Shah, Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab, President of different banks also attended the ceremony.
Sherry unveils country’s first-ever National Adaptation Plan
ISLAMABAD, Jul 26 (APP): Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Senator Sherry Rehman Wednesday unveiled the country’s first-ever National Adaptation Plan unanimously approved by the federal capital to enhance nation’s resilience against adverse impacts of climate change and environmental degradation.
The minister flanked by Additional Secretary, Ministry of Climate Change, Syed Mujtaba Hussain briefed the media persons over the landmark achievement that remained unaccomplished due to poor interest of the previous regime.
She said the country needed adaptation and resilience as after 2022 floods the devastation and scale of the disaster underscored its significance for the future of the nation.
The minister alleged said the adaptation plan had reportedly started in 2019 but she did not find any record of the document in the ministry.
The team under the leadership of Additional Secretary Mujtaba Hussain worked extensively to create first ever adaptation plan which was a home grown plan and had been prepared with the input of the line ministries and provincial ministries, she added.
The minister informed that detailed consultations with all the provinces including the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit Baltistan (GB) in the process of preparing the National Adaptation Plan as the ownership of the plan was important.
She noted that it was the job of the ministry to prepare projects, policy and planning in the ambit of climate change and environment.
However, she said Sri Lanka and Bangladesh had already made their National Adaptation Plan in the region whereas some 40 countries all over the world had submitted their plans to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
The minister said the plan was an important document that would be submitted to the UNFCCC.
On growing impacts of global warming on the region, she said climate stress was becoming like an emergency owing to the multiplying impacts of climate change.
“We flagged ‘climate justice’ slogan at COP-27 [in Egypt]. Our greenhouse gas emissions are below one percent. We made it acknowledged across the world that Pakistan is in the frontline of global warming and it has been established world over,” Senator Rehman said.
The minister mentioned that currently the situation across the world showed forest fires going rampant which had been the case in Pakistan during the past year due to heatwaves.
“Pakistan is having 53 degrees Celsius and it maintained this high temperature consecutively for three years,” she said.
Deliberating on the chapters of the Plan, she said a special chapter on risk and vulnerabilities was made as the country had been repeatedly among the top climate vulnerable countries’ ranking of the German Watch.
She said no one could stop heatwaves but the associated risks like drought, hydro-meteorological events, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) etc. were manageable through timely interventions.
Pakistan had the world’s largest glaciers outside the polar region that were melting at a fast pace whereas in delta there was drought and salinity, she added.
Moreover, the plan also discussed flooding and agriculture whereas the water and food nexus was established in the plan to study that how to maintain food security for the population, she said.
The minister underscored that Pakistan would go water scarce by 2025 that needed urgent focus whereas other areas like urban development, air pollution, land, water and others had also been focussed in the plan.
She said that the plan had ministry and province specific strategies to achieve climate adaptation goal at the grassroots level as the local governments were the core of any adaptation plan.
The ministry’s job was to guide provinces and therefore had developed partnerships in the plan and identified interventions as one province or ministry alone could not implement it, she added.
Senator Rehman highlighted that the planning and development of public sector development programme would be defined by the National Adaptation Plan.
“We have also ensured permanent inclusion of women and marginalized communities whereas detailed guidelines have been prepared whereas it is an international standard document. The development planning would have the Adaptation Plan embedded in it,” she said.
The minister said the plan had a focus on nature-based solutions like Living Indus initiative, Recharge Pakistan, mangroves plantation, afforestation and others.
“It is all science and evidence based with the objective of leaving no one behind. It will be the slogan of next COP meeting,” she remarked.
The minister informed that the people in Sindh affected by 2022 floods were being given housing and ownership of property.
The climate based development models would improve the country’s resilience towards natural disasters, she added.
The minister said there was a lack of coordination among the ministries whereas all of them would have to work in cooperation and collaboration due to the crosscutting issues of environmental degradation.
She said the first priority in the plan was agriculture water nexus as clear objectives were set in the document.
It also addressed areas like urban resilience as Pakistan was the most urban region of South Asia and 50% of its population was living in urban areas, she added.
The minister said land use management, natural capital, gender, youth and social inclusion, disaster risk management, financing of National Adaptation Plan implementation strategy were also part of the document.
She proposed the next government to form National Adaptation Plan Secretariat at the ministry to ensure institutional arrangements for implementing the plan.
The government would also support provinces to develop their adaptation plans, she said adding, “The ministry is recommending an expert group under the Pakistan Climate Change Council which is an important for a quarterly, monthly or as per the case review of the Plan’s implementation including monitoring and evaluation.”
It was a technical document, a framework and road map for the provinces, she said.
At the end, she acknowledged the entire team for its efforts and also the World Bank who supported in the design and rewriting of the document as per international language.
She appreciated that the prime minister also swiftly approved the plan without any debate and noted that the it was a consensus based approved document.
Additional Secretary, Climate Change Ministry Syed Mujtaba Hussain said the document had a whole of country approach with line ministries, provincial departments and others on board making it a holistic document with whole of society approach.