A vendor selling used shirts at his roadside setup
Presidential award winner Faisal Baloch Inaugurating Green bus service, Chief Secretary Balochistan Abdul Aziz akeli, Provincial Minister for transport Malik Naeem Bazai are also present in the ceremony
Women and children selecting and purchasing old toys at a roadside stall in Empress Market
U.S. backs Recharge Pakistan Project to enhance country’s climate resilience
ISLAMABAD, Jul 17 (APP): The United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development, is pleased to support Recharge Pakistan, a project to enhance Pakistan’s resilience to climate change by improving water systems and investing in green infrastructure.
The USAID contributed $5 million in funding to support this project, and this week the Green Climate Fund (GCF) Board approved an additional $66 million in grant funding to support the project, a news release said.
The Coca-Cola Foundation contributed $5 million, and the World Wildlife Fund contributed $1.8 million. Overall, this $77.8 million partnership is the largest-ever investment in an ecosystem-based approach to building Pakistan’s climate resilience.
“The U.S. government considers the Recharge Pakistan Project a game changer for flood mitigation and the creation of economic opportunities in areas faced with recurring water insecurity.
Partnering with GCF, the Coca-Cola Foundation, and World Wildlife Fund will help Pakistan tackle the negative impacts of climate change and align seamlessly with the U.S.-Pakistan Green Alliance framework,” said U.S. Ambassador Donald Blome.
The Government of Pakistan’s Ministry of Climate Change will collaborate with the Ministry of Water Resources’ Federal Flood Commission and implementing partners to reduce flood and drought risk in the Indus Basin; reduce emissions; and promote green policies, strengthen the policy, legal, regulatory, and institutional environment promoting green climate efforts.
The project also aims to improve employment opportunities and support bankable projects for climate-resilient businesses in the agriculture, forestry, water, and sanitation sectors to help reduce the vulnerability of people and ecosystems to the impacts of climate change following the devastating floods of 2022.
The project will be implemented in Dera Ismail Khan and Ramak districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Manchar in Sindh, and Chakkar Lehri in Balochistan. The project is expected to benefit more than seven million people. This project illustrates how a wide range of partners can come together in support of the U.S.-Pakistan “Green Alliance” framework.
Pakistan,Uzbekistan, Afghanistan finalize inter-regional railway track
ISLAMABAD, Jul 17 (APP): The route of the trilateral railway track Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) project has been finalized and its joint protocol will be signed tomorrow.
The route was finalized during a high-level meeting between the officials of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Uzbekistan.
The key objective of the UAP project was to build a missing rail link by connecting Uzbekistan railways with Pakistan railways via Termiz- Mazar e Sharif-Logar- Kharlachi route, said a press release.
The UAP railway project would not only facilitate the regional, transit and bilateral trade amongst the participating countries but also provide better people-to-people connections to the entire region.
The line would support both passenger and freight services and would contribute in regional trade and economic growth.
The parties also agreed on a roadmap for conducting technical studies, financing sources and other key aspects for early implementation of the project.
The parties appreciated the professional work of the experts of the three railways in achieving consensus on the final route and its implementation modalities.
More monsoon rains expected this week: PMD
ISLAMABAD, Jul 17 (APP): Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast more monsoon rains in different parts of the country during this week.
The monsoon currents from the Arabian sea are likely to penetrate in upper and central parts of the country from July 18 (night) which are likely to intensify on July 19.
Under the influence of these weather systems, rain/wind-thundershower with heavy falls are expected in Kashmir, (Neelum valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, Mirpur), Gilgit Baltistan (Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, Shigar), Murree, Galliyat, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Kasur, Mianwali, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Sahiwal, Bahawalnagar, Okara, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Mansehra, Kohistan, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Nowshera, Kurram, Lakki Marwat, Kohat, Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, Karak and Waziristan from July 18 (night) to 23 with occasional gaps.
Rain/wind-thundershower is also expected in Barkhan, Loralai, Kalat, Khuzdar, Zhob, Lasbela, Awaran, Musakhel, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Multan, Bhakkar, Layyah, Kot Addu, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, Larkana and Jacobabad from July 19 (night) to 21 with occasional gaps.
Dust-thunderstorm/rain with isolated heavy falls likely in Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Dadu districts from July 19 (evening/night) to 23. Dust-thunderstorm/rain with isolated heavy falls likely in Shaheed Benazirabad, Hyderabad, Sanghar, Badin, Thatta and Karachi districts from July 20-22 with occasional gaps.
About the impacts, the PMD warned that heavy rain may cause urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Gujranwala, Lahore from July 18 (night) to July 22 and may trigger landslides in the vulnerable areas of Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan and hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the period.
Farmers have been advised to manage their activities keeping in view the weather forecast.
Tourists and travelers are advised to remain extra cautious to avoid any untoward situation during the wet spell.
Dust storm/wind-thunderstorm may damage loose structures like electric poles, solar panels.
The general public is advised to stay at safe places during wind-storm/heavy rains.
All authorities concerned are advised to remain alert and to take necessary precautionary measures during the forecast period.
Sanctuaries, liberty for TTP in neighbouring country impacting Pakistan’s security: Corps Commanders
RAWALPINDI, Jul 17 (APP): The Corps Commanders’ Conference (CCC) on Monday noted that “the sanctuaries and liberty of action available to the terrorists of proscribed TTP (Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan) and other groups of that ilk in a neighbouring country and availability of the latest weapons to the terrorists” were major reasons impacting security of Pakistan.
The 258th CCC, presided over by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir here at the General Headquarters, was given a detailed briefing about the prevailing internal security environment, an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) news release said.
The forum paid rich tribute to the supreme sacrifices persistently being offered by the valiant soldiers in the defence of their motherland against the threat of terrorism.
It also deliberated in detail upon the operational preparedness and training aspects of the army.
The CAOS, on the occasion, said, “Objective training remains the hallmark of our professionalism and we must always remain prepared to guard against any threat to our national security.“
The forum was also apprised about the government’s economic revival plan and role of the Pakistan Army in uplifting agriculture, information technology, mining and mineral, and defence production sectors under the ambit of Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).
The participants vowed to fully support the strategic initiatives planned by the Government of Pakistan for the revival of the economy by providing all possible technical and management support for the overall good of the people of Pakistan.
China’s Q2 GDP expands 6.3% in fastest pace in two years as recovery continues
BEIJING, July 17 (APP): China’s GDP expanded 6.3 percent year-on-year in the second quarter, the fastest growth in two years, taking first-half growth to 5.5 percent to 59.3 trillion yuan ($8.3 trillion).
The country’s economic recovery continues steadily amid headwinds including a volatile international environment, a slowdown in global trade and investment as well as financial turbulence.
With more support policies being rolled out, China is capable of achieving its annual growth target of around 5 percent this year as well as steady and sustained high-quality development for a long time to come, and the Chinese economy will continue to be a key driver for the world economy, analysts said on Monday.
The growth rate means the fastest pace since the second quarter of 2021 when growth hit 8.3 percent. In the first quarter of 2023, China’s GDP grew by 4.5 percent.
“The achievement is hard-won amid multiple domestic and external challenges. It reflects that Chinese consumers’ confidence wasn’t seriously damaged and that the country’s dual circulation development paradigm driven by high-tech sector offsets slowdown in external demand,” Cao Heping, an economist at Peking University, told the Global Times.
He said there were multiple highlights contributing to China’s economic recovery in the second quarter, including sales of new-energy vehicles and relevant components, steady foreign trade growth and stable growth of infrastructure investment.
Shahzain Bugti calls on PM
ISLAMABAD, July 17 (APP): Minister for Narcotics Control Nawabzada Shahzain Bugti on Monday called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.
During the meeting, they discussed the current political situation in the country at length, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.
The matters related to the relevant ministry also came under discussion.
General Presidency prepares for majestic transformation of Holy Kaaba’s cover
ISLAMABAD, Jul 17 (APP): The General Presidency for the Affairs of Masjid Al-Haram and Masjid Al-Nabawi, in an endeavor to uphold the sanctity and splendor of the Holy Kaaba, has taken significant strides in the preparation for transforming its cover with absolute certainty.
The process involves a meticulous assessment of the skills and experience of all participating teams, comprising craftsmen, engineers, and technicians. Moreover, special training sessions have been conducted to equip the 15 employees involved in the transformation and verification of the cover’s quality.
Making a significant announcement, Engineer Amjad Al-Hazmi, the Under-Secretary of King Abdulaziz Complex for the Kaaba, revealed that the complex had successfully completed all essential preparations to undertake the transformation of the Kaaba’s cover as the new Islamic year, 1445 Hijri, approaches.
Al-Hazmi assured that the transformation would be executed in strict accordance with comprehensive operational plans, ensuring it was not only completed on time but also adhered to the highest standards of excellence.
He proudly expressed confidence in the complex’s employees, highlighting their required capabilities, expertise, and precision, which would undoubtedly result in an awe-inspiring and magnificent appearance for the new Kaaba cover.
Focusing on the care and preservation of the Kaaba’s Kiswa (cloth covering), Fahad Al-Jabri, the Director of General Administration, shared the administration’s proactive approach to organizing training sessions and garnering cooperation from all departments. These training initiatives aimed to enhance the abilities and skills of the employees, ensuring they were fully equipped to carry out their duties with utmost effectiveness and to develop additional skills as needed, he added.
Al-Jabri concluded with an assurance of the General Administration’s unwavering dedication to the meticulous care of the Kaaba’s Kiswa, with high expectations from its employees to fulfill their responsibilities diligently and efficiently.
He said the training sessions were being conducted daily, dedicating approximately four hours each day with 15 participants. Additionally, seven cranes had been strategically allocated to various directions surrounding the Holy Kaaba to facilitate the transformation process, he maintained.
The emphasis on rigorous training and preparation stemmed from the direct guidance and directives of the esteemed Sheikh Dr. Abdul Rahman bin Abdulaziz Al-Sudais, the General President of Masjid Al-Haram and Masjid Al-Nabawi, and Assistant General President, King Abdulaziz Complex for the Kaaba, Engineer Sultan bin Ati Al-Qurashi, and Under-Secretary of King Abdulaziz Complex, Engineer Amjad bin Eid Al-Hazmi.
This continuous adherence to their esteemed leadership ensured the effective management of the affairs of the two holy mosques, reflecting a profound commitment to their sacred preservation.