ISLAMABAD, Jul 27 (APP): A national dissemination event of key findings on a national policy landscape analysis on DMPA-SC as self-injection in Pakistan was held here on Thursday.

The event was attended by national and provincial family planning partners including government representatives including departments of health and family planning, development partners and family planning private sector organizations.

The event organized by RIZ Consulting and Jhpiego shared crucial insights and recommendations on DMPA-SC as self-injection in Pakistan.

Secretary National Health Services Regulations and Coordination, Iftikhar Ali Shallwani, acknowledged the monumental efforts of RIZ Consulting, Jhpiego and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in advancing family planning initiatives in Pakistan.

He reaffirmed the Pakistan and specifically the federal Government’s commitment to addressing population growth and promoting family planning, aiming for a healthier and empowered future while highlighting some of the potential challenges.

He mentioned capacity building of health providers, commodity security and the behaviour change communication will be some of the critical areas which need to be addressed while developing the strategy.

The Secretary expressed heartfelt gratitude to donor agencies for their support and sought continued partnership from RIZ Consulting, Jhpiego, and other partners to further expand the implementation of DMPA-SC self-injection in Pakistan.

During the event, the introduction and scaling up of DMPA-SC, particularly in Sindh province, were recognized as a pivotal game-changer in family planning methods, contributing to controlling population growth and optimizing the use of available resources.

He reiterated the unwavering commitment of the Government of Pakistan and its partners to achieving Sustainable Development Goals, promoting gender equality, and prioritizing the reproductive health and well-being.

ISLAMABAD, Jul 27 (APP): Pakistan Air Safety Investigation Bill, 2023 was smoothly sailed through National Assembly here Thursday.

The Bill was moved by Parliamentary Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs Saad Waseem. The House passed the Bill following its clause by clause reading.

The parliamentary secretary also introduced further amendments in the Newspapers Employees Condition of Service Act 1973 (the Newspapers Employees Condition of Service Bill, 2023) and a National Commission of Human Development Ordinance 2002 (National Commission of Human Development Bill, 2023).

A bill to provide the establishment of Pakistan Sovereign Wealth Funds to contribute in sustainable economic development through the management of funds assets to achieve optimal use according to best international standards policies and practices to maximize their values for future generations (The Pakistan Sovereign Wealth Funds Bill, 2023) was also introduced in the National Assembly by Saad Waseem on behalf of Minister for Finance Mohammad Ishaq Dar.

ISLAMABAD, Jul 27 (APP): The Senate on Thursday passed The Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill, 2023, which proposes stringent penalties for unauthorized disclosure of classified data pertaining to the country’s security or the Pakistan Army in a significant move to safeguard sensitive information related to national security.

The bill, moved by Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, is aimed at strengthening the existing legislation for protect vital information critical to the safety and interests of Pakistan and its armed forces.

According to the key highlights of The Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill, 2023, the bill proposes the addition of Section 26-A to the Pakistan Army Act, which criminalizes the unauthorized disclosure of information acquired in an official capacity that could be prejudicial to Pakistan’s security or the armed forces. Anyone found guilty under this section faces rigorous imprisonment for up to five years.

The bill makes it clear that if someone discloses sensitive information after obtaining prior approval from the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) or any officer duly empowered by him, such disclosure shall not be considered unauthorized.

The proposed amendments specify that cases of unauthorized disclosure shall be dealt with under Section 59 (civil offences) of the Army Act read with the Official Secrets Act 1923, reinforcing the legal framework to prosecute offenders effectively.

The bill introduces Section 26-B, which prohibits any person subject to the Army Act from engaging in political activities for a period of two years after their retirement, release, resignation, discharge, removal, or dismissal from service. Furthermore, individuals who have been involved in sensitive duties are barred from participating in any form of political activity for five years after their exit from service.

Violation of the aforementioned political activity restrictions, upon conviction by the court constituted under the Army Act, could lead to rigorous imprisonment for up to two years.

The bill proposes the introduction of Sections 55-A, 55-B, and 55-C to tackle issues related to conflict of interest, electronic crimes aimed at undermining the armed forces, and defamation. Individuals subject to the Army Act in the past five years are prohibited from entering into employment, consultation, or other engagements with entities having a conflict of interest with the activities of the Pakistan Army or its affiliates.

Committing offenses under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 2016, with malicious intent against the armed forces may result in punishment as prescribed in the PECA law.

Additionally, the act criminalizes attempts to ridicule, scandalize, or bring hatred towards the armed forces, subjecting the offenders to imprisonment or fines.
The proposed amendments introduce Section 176-AA, granting the COAS the authority to issue instructions for the implementation of the Act and its rules and regulations. The COAS also has the option to delegate powers and functions to subordinate officers or authorities under Section 176-C.

To ensure the effectiveness, Section 176-E establishes that the provisions of the Act shall have precedence over any other inconsistent laws, rules, or regulations in force.

The passing of this bill by the Senate marked a crucial step towards enhancing national security measures and ensuring the protection of classified information. The amended Pakistan Army Act, 1952, provided a robust legal framework to safeguard the interests and security of Pakistan and its armed forces while upholding the principles of transparency and accountability. The bill would now proceed to the President for approval before becoming law.

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 27 (APP): Minister for Water Resources, Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah expressed his dismay on Wednesday and said that the secretaries of various ministries had not submitted any report to the House regarding compliance with the recommendations of the Special Committee on Affected Employees.

Speaking during the National Assembly session, he expressed concern that despite his previous call to summon all secretaries to inquire about the Committee’s progress, no tangible steps had been taken.

The Special Committee, led by Abdul Qadir Mandokhel, was established to offer relief to sacked employees, making the lack of a submitted report a matter of contempt for the House, as the House orders had not been obeyed.

The Minister further highlighted that even employees from the Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) had not been restored, despite the committee’s recommendations.

In light of this, Khursheed Shah suggested taking action against the secretaries who failed to comply with the directions of the House.

He recalled the achievements during the tenure of the PPP, mentioning a similar committee he chaired, which successfully regularized the services of over 200,000 employees and granted relief to terminated workers by providing them with three years’ worth of salaries.

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 27 (APP): The Senate on Thursday accorded unanimous approval to the Board of Investment (Amendment) Bill 2023, which aimed at boosting foreign investment in the country with the establishment of Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).

The bill, introduced by Minister for Law and Justice, Azam Nazeer Tarar, granted the government the authority to establish a council, consisting of the Prime Minister, Chief Minister, and four Federal Ministers.

The council will be responsible for overseeing efforts to enhance foreign investment in the country.

According to statement of objects and reasons, Foreign direct investment (FDI) is crucial for economic growth, but Pakistan faces obstacles in attracting significant FDI, including bureaucratic hurdles and regulatory complexities. Comprehensive reforms are needed to simplify regulations, enhance transparency, and foster a business-friendly environment.

To address these challenges, Pakistan’s government formulated an Economic Revival Plan to attract investment from GCC countries, establishing the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) as a central hub to streamline cooperation with investor nations.

Under the amendment, the SIFC will facilitate investment and privatization in various sectors, including agriculture, infrastructure development, telecommunication, and energy, among others. It will take all necessary measures to promote investment opportunities and business in Pakistan.

Additionally, the federal government can notify any other area, sector, industry, or project as a relevant field, while the provincial government or an authorized entity can refer sectors or projects to the SIFC for processing under this
chapter.

SIFC has the authority to summon regulatory bodies, government divisions, or representatives if delays in necessary licenses, certificates, or permits hinder investment operations and discourage investor confidence.

Under the amendment, the federal government, based on SIFC’s recommendations, can issue notifications in the official gazette to relax or exempt regulatory requirements for projects, transactions, arrangements, and agreements under this chapter. However, such relaxations or exemptions must comply with the provisions of the respective laws in force.

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