ISSI, IFI sign first-ever MoU between Pak-Lebanon think tanks to promote mutual research

Fri, 14 Jul 2023, 6:54 PM

ISLAMABAD, Jul 14 (APP): Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East & Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) and Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs (IFI) at the American University of Beirut on Friday signed the first-ever memorandum of understanding (MoU) between any Pakistani or Lebanese think tank to promote mutual research and activities.

Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) represented by its Director, Amina Khan and the Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs (IFI) at the American University of Beirut, represented by its Country Director, Dr. Joseph Bahout, signed the MoU, a new release said.

In his remarks on the occasion, Director General ISSI Ambassador (R) Sohail Mahmood highlighted the strong fraternal relations between Pakistan and Lebanon and the desire on both sides to deepen bilateral relations across diverse fields.

He welcomed the signing of the MoU as part of the efforts to build academic and think-tank linkages and hoped that this institutional relationship would induce joint collaborative activities including research and dialogue for mutual benefit.

The DG ISSI added that the uncertain global environment, accentuating traditional and non-traditional security threats, and issues of common concern necessitated international cooperation and such collaborative endeavours as being initiated between ISSI and IFI.

While speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Salman Athar, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Lebanon highlighted that this was the first-ever MoU between the think-tanks of Pakistan and Lebanon.

He added that through close mutual cooperation both sides could benefit hugely and achieve a lot.

Country Director IFI, Dr. Joseph Bahout in his remarks hailed the signing of the MoU and said that complex global issues required broader cooperation and this collaboration was a step in the right direction.

He underscored the importance of close consultations between the two Institutions and working out a calendar of joint activities.

Director, CAMEA Amina Khan also spoke on the occasion, noting that the first MoU between a Lebanese and Pakistani think-tank was a testament to the importance Pakistan attached to its relations with Lebanon, which will help strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the future.

NAB bids farewell to Director (Media) Kashif Zaman

NNPS Desk

Fri, 14 Jul 2023, 6:19 PM

ISLAMABAD, Jul 14 (APP): National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Chairman Lt Gen (retd) Nazir Ahmed and senior officers of NAB Headquarters on Friday bade farewell to Director (Media) Kashif Zaman.

Kashif Zaman, a BS-20 Officer of the Information Group, served as Director (Media) at NAB HQs and was also the designated Spokesperson & Public Information Officer of NAB.

NAB Chairman praised the performance of Kashif Zaman and wished him success in his future endeavours.

Kashif Zaman will represent Pakistan as Deputy Secretary General, Economic Cooperation Organization at Tehran and will be joining his assignment soon.

Towns, district councils’ budget increased by 50%: CM Sindh told

NNPS Desk

Fri, 14 Jul 2023, 6:08 PM

KARACHI, Jul 14 (APP): Sindh Chief Minister (CM) Syed Murad Ali Shah was told on Friday that the budget of all the towns and district councils has been increased by 50 per cent, and the local government would strengthen the local bodies by giving them funds and providing them with equipment.

This was informed by Sindh Minister of Local Government Syed Nasir Hussain Shah to the Sindh CM, who on the third consecutive day interacted with the newly elected chairmen, and vice chairmen of district councils, Town Municipal Committees, and Town Committees of four districts of Hyderabad Division and urged them to develop parks, playgrounds, water supply and sanitation schemes, and streets, a statement said.

“The main issues of our towns and villages are defective or nonfunctional sewerage systems that they gutter or open drains are flowing onto the streets,” he said and added that his government has constructed sewerage systems almost in all the small towns and villages but there is lack of ownership of these schemes which you (chairmen) have to look after and own in the larger interest of the people of the areas.

The meeting was attended by Minister of Local Government Syed Nasir Shah, MPA Aijaz Shah, Dost Mohammad Jesar, Asif Shah, and others. The chairmen and vice chairmen of district councils, Town Municipal Committees, and Town committees of four districts – Tando Muhammad Khan, Jamshoro, Dadu, and Badin were also present on the occasion.

The Sindh CM said he has started meetings with the newly elected representatives of local bodies so that he could listen to them and give his guideline so that a working relationship could be developed to redress the public grievances. “Our main objective is to serve the province and make a difference,” he said.

Syed Murad Ali Shah said that during his tenure he has developed water supply and sanitation schemes in every town and village. “We have developed towns, and parks, constructed village-to-market roads, and the roads to connect the villages with main roads,” he said and added that some of the small roads have dilapidated due to heavy rains and floods while some of the sewerage schemes have failed to serve the purpose because of lack of ownership.

The Sindh CM stated that now you [local bodies elected representatives] have taken over and you have to give ownership not only to the schemes but each and every brick and equipment installed in your areas. “These schemes are public property, and you are their custodian,” he said and hoped these schemes would function properly and in the public interest.

Syed Murad Ali Shah urged the local bodies’ chairmen to remove encroachment from their areas, beautify their towns, develop playgrounds, promote cultural and sports activities, and ensure each and every employee of their local body must work honestly.

At the request of the local bodies’ chairmen, the Sindh CM directed Minister of Local Government Syed Nasir Shah to provide refuse vehicles to every town committee and fire tender facilities at least in every taluka headquarters.

The CM has already directed to extend the sphere of the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board to all the districts, Nasir Shah said and added the scope of Rescue 1122 would also be enhanced to all the districts, talukas, and villages shortly.

The local bodies thanked the chief minister for listening to their grievances and issued orders for their redressal.

Rain lashes capital city; provides much needed respite to heat-stricken people

NNPS Desk

Fri, 14 Jul 2023, 6:03 PM

ISLAMABAD, Jul 14 (APP): Rain of moderate to high intensity lashing different parts of the federal capital, like other cities, on Friday’s evening turned the weather pleasant and provided the much needed respite to the heat-stricken people.

The rain-wind/thundershower started in the capital around 5:00 pm after the day long intense hot and humid weather and broke the intensity of hot weather conditions.

The residents of capital city especially youngsters were seen out of their houses and balconies enjoying the rainy evening.
The rain occured due to the continuous penetration of monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea in upper and central parts of the country which is likely to continue in coming days.

While a westerly wave also entered the upper parts of the country on Friday night.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), rain-wind/thundershower is expected in Kashmir, Potohar region, Islamabad, upper Punjab and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Heavy Falls are also likely at isolated places in Potohar region, Kashmir and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the forecast period.

Hot and humid weather is likely elsewhere in the country.

During the last 24 hours, the weather remained hot and humid in most parts of the country.

However, rain-wind/thunderstorm occurred at isolated places in central/south Punjab.

The rainfall recorded during the period was Punjab: Faisalabad, Bahawalpur (Airport) 29mm, Dera Ghazi Khan 06 and Sahiwal 01mm.

The highest maximum temperatures recorded were Dadu, Dalbandin and Nokkundi 45 C.

According to the advisory issued by the PMD about the ongoing monsoon rain spell, rain/wind-thundershower with few heavy falls is expected in Kashmir, (Neelum valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, Mirpur), Murree, Galliyat, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Kasur and Okara during the next two days (till July 17) with occasional gaps.
Rain/wind-thundershower with few heavy falls is expected in Gilgit Baltistan (Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, Shigar), Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Mansehra, Kohistan, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Nowshera, Kurram, Lakki Marwat, Kohat, Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, Karak, Waziristan, Mianwali, Khusab, Sargodha, Hafizabad, Sheikhupura, Faisalabad, Jhang and Toba Tek Singh during the next two days (till July 17) 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, Sukkur, Jacobabad, Nagarparkar, Tharparkar, Umerkot, Sanghar, Mirpur Khas during the next 24 hours (Till July 16).
About the possible impacts, tge PMD has warned that the heavy rain may cause urban flooding in low lyig areas of Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Gujranwala, Lahore during the period and may trigger landslides in the vulnerable areas of Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan and hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the period.
Farmers are 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 concerned authorities are advised to remain alert and to take necessary precautionary measure during the forecast period.

Armed Forces of Pakistan concerned on safe havens, liberty to TTP in Afghanistan: COAS

NNPS Desk

Fri, 14 Jul 2023, 6:01 PM

RAWALPINDI, Jul 14 (APP): Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Syed Asim Munir on Friday said the Armed Forces of Pakistan had serious concerns on the safe havens and liberty of action available to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Afghanistan.

The army chief made these remarks during his visit to Quetta Garrison where he was briefed on the recent terrorist attack in Zhob, an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), a news release said.

The COAS paid tributes to the Shuhada (martyrs), visited the injured soldiers at CMH, Quetta, lauded their services to the nation and appreciated their resolve.

General Munir said, “It is expected that the interim Afghan Government will not allow the use of its soil to perpetrate terror against any country, in the real sense and in line with commitments made in Doha Agreement.”

He further said that the involvement of Afghan nationals in acts of terrorism in Pakistan was another important concern that needed to be addressed.

“Such attacks are intolerable and will elicit an effective response from the Security Forces of Pakistan,” he added.

He resolved that operations against terrorists would continue unabated and the Armed Forces would not rest till the menace of terrorism was rooted out from the country.

Earlier on arrival, the COAS was received by the Commander Quetta Corps.