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U.S. backs Recharge Pakistan Project to enhance country’s climate resilience

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NNPS Desk
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U.S. pak

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

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NNPS Desk
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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

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NNPS Desk
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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

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NNPS Desk
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Pakistan Army 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

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NNPS Desk
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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

By
Irfan Khan
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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

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NNPS Desk
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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.

General Presidency prepares for majestic transformation of Holy Kaaba's cover

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.

General Presidency prepares for majestic transformation of Holy Kaaba's cover

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.

General Presidency prepares for majestic transformation of Holy Kaaba's cover

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.

General Presidency prepares for majestic transformation of Holy Kaaba's cover

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.

Proposed Energy National Action Plan can help save $ 6.4 bln annually: NEECA MD

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NNPS Desk
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Proposed Energy National Action Plan can help save $ 6.4 bln annually: NEECA MD

ISLAMABAD, Jul 17 (APP): Underscoring the need for energy conservation in the country, Managing Director of National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (NEECA) Dr Sardar Mohazzam on Monday said that the proposed Energy National Action Plan (ENAP) could help save $ 6.4 billion annually.

Out of total annual imports of $ 80-82 billion, the share of energy stood at around $ 27 billion and the Energy National Action Plan could reduce it by $ 6.4 billion, he added.

The NEECA managing director was briefing media persons about key initiatives including National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Policy, 2023, National Energy Conservation Action Plan 2023-2030, Pakistan Energy Conservation Building Code 2023, Pakistan Energy Labels Regulations 2021, Minimum Energy Performance Standards for Electrical Appliances and Electric Vehicles Regulation.

He said the NEEC Policy 2023 was approved in May this year, while the NEECA Board had also given its consent to the revision of Energy Conservation Building Energy Code.

He said only fans consumed 5000 megawatts of electricity during the summer season which could be saved by switching over to the energy efficient ones.

The managing director said some 29 action points had been identified in major sectors, including energy, industry, building, transport, agriculture and cross-sectoral for achieving the goal of energy conservation and efficiency.

He said saving a kWh (kilowatt hour)was worth than generating a kWh electricity. In 2021, Pakistan consumed staggering 116m817 Gwh (gigawatt hour) electricity, which had been rising at 5.3 percent annual compounded growth rate, he added.

Dr Sardar Mohazzam said the government had also banned production of incandescent, fluorescent lamps and inefficient fans.

He said a massive awareness campaign about conserving energy had been planned in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Energy efficiency and conservation awareness, creative content, animated TVC and cartoon series, theater drama concept, electronic and social media campaigns were also part of it, he added.

Later, a detailed briefing was given to the media persons about the measures being taken by the NEECA.

Over 42,000 Canadian Sikhs gathered in Malton for Khalistan Referendum after leader’s assassination

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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Over 42,000 Canadian Sikhs gathered in Malton for Khalistan Referendum after leader's assassination

ISLAMABAD, Jul 17 (APP): A staggering influx of over 42,000 Canadian Sikhs congregated at the Khalistan Referendum voting center in Malton, Ontario, following the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent pro-Khalistan leader in Canada.

The second phase of Canada Khalistan Referendum voting was held within a month after the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, outside the local temple, which has been celebrated in India by the Modi government and Indian media.

Indian govt and Modi had claimed the killing will dampen the spirits of pro-Khalistani Sikhs but Sunday’s turnout in Malton showed that Sikhs remain undeterred by the high-profile assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar at the hands of Indian agencies, more than 42000 Sikhs voted in the second Phase Khalistan Referendum in Canada, said a press release issued by Sikhs for Justice on Monday.

On July 16, Khalistan Referendum Centre at Gurdwara Malton was dedicated to Shaheed Mohinder Singh Khalsa, a Canadian who left the country to fight for Khalistan in 1990’s. Sikhs who attended the event were carrying banners and flags with slogans of Khalistan, demand of freedom from India and tributes to those Sikhs who have been assassinated by India directly or indirectly for supporting the cause of Khalistan.

Men, women and youth who took part in the event chanted slogans vowing to avenge the killing of Shaheed Nijjar and others assassinated Khalistanis.

The voting was arranged by Sikhs For Justice under the supervision of the independent Punjab Referendum Commission (PRC). Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, SFJ’s General Counsel said about the turnout: “Assassination of Shaheed Nijjar by India worked as a catalyst to the ongoing Khalistan campaign. Thousands turned up in the Toronto Referendum challenging the Modi Government’s attempts to stop the movement.”

“India’s violence will be responded to by pro-Khalistan Sikhs in equal force,” added Pannun, who is coordinating the Global “Kill India” campaign to highlight the assassination of Shaheed Nijjar by Indian security agencies.

Bilawal pays tributes to Shahnawaz Bhutto on his 38th anniversary

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NNPS Desk
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Bilawal Bhotto Zardari

KARACHI, Jul 17 (APP): Chairman of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that the nation will always remember the struggle and sacrifice of Shaheed Shahnawaz Bhutto for democracy, who is truly a symbol of revolutionary thinking and vision among the youth of Pakistan.

In his message on the 38th martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed Shahnawaz Bhutto here on Monday, he said that the martyrdom day of Shahnawaz Bhutto will keep reminding us how many inhuman atrocities had been done to the Bhutto family for standing with democracy, adding that after the judicial murder of Quaid-i-Awam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the brutal killing of Shaheed Shahnawaz Bhutto was the second major tragedy for the Bhutto family and the party.

‘Being an elder sister, the grief and sorrow of the tragic separation of her younger brother always remained like an unhealed wound in the heart of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto,’ he added.

Bilawal said, ‘Under all circumstances, Shaheed Shahnawaz Bhutto’s constant communication with the ‘young Jiyalas’ and never compromising on democracy is an example for us to emulate in our struggle, adding that in the light of Bhutto’s ideology, his party will continue its struggle for the protection of the 1973 Constitution and democracy, the promotion of tolerance and equality in the society, and the development and exaltation of the nation, as that was the mission, which belonged to every member of the Bhutto family, including Shahnawaz Bhutto, and for which they sacrificed their lives.

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