ISLAMABAD, Jul 11 (APP): President Dr Arif Alvi on Tuesday underscored the need for skill development, digital inclusion, and financial inclusion of women in Pakistan in order to make them financially self-sufficient.

He stated that women, who constituted almost 50 percent of the country’s population, needed to participate in all sectors of the economy for their economic empowerment.

Women’s and girls’ education is a vital component that contributed to gender equality as well as to the socio-economic development of the country, he added.

The President made these remarks during a meeting with the delegation of Women Business Network, led by Sam Ali Dada, at Aiwan-e-Sadr.

Women Business Network (WBN) is a global network of business professionals and corporate leaders that aims to uplift women for key leadership positions in the industry and create opportunities for their businesses.

During the meeting, the president urged the delegation to increase employment opportunities for women in the private sector, besides establishing linkages with skill development institutions, such as NAVTTC and TEVTA, to provide women with marketable skillsets.

He also emphasized the importance of skill and educational development of women and girls in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

The president highlighted the need for projecting the success stories of women to encourage and motivate other women to take part in business and economic activities.

He also called for taking practical and meaningful steps to address gender disparity. He stressed the need for integrating women into the mainstream of economic activities for their financial empowerment.

The delegation briefed the president about the steps being taken by WBN for the socio-economic empowerment of women. He commended the efforts of WBN in providing job opportunities to women and taking steps for their financial inclusion.

ISLAMABAD, Jul 11 (APP):In response to the evolving security needs, the Islamabad Capital Police have intensified its efforts to safeguard the federal capital and mobilize security apparatus.

Under the special directions of Islamabad Capital City Police Officer (ICCPO) Dr Akbar Nasir, enhanced security measures had been implemented, including the imposition of Section 144, which prohibits demonstrations and gatherings within the city.

These measures aimed to maintain peace and security while prioritizing road safety and traffic regulations, the police said.

The police are determined to uphold road safety standards by taking strict action against vehicles that violate regulations, such as the misuse of red and blue lights, tinted windows, and traffic rules.

Moreover, individuals found responsible for erecting road blockades or occupying pedestrian spaces will be held accountable for their actions.

To promote road safety awareness, motorcyclists are reminded of the mandatory use of helmets.

Stringent measures will be taken against violators, including those who exceed the permissible limit of two riders on motorcycles.

Furthermore, individuals who obstruct roads or occupy pedestrian spaces will face appropriate legal consequences.

In line with ensuring public safety, the Islamabad Capital Police will take legal action against any gathering of four or more individuals.

However, all transportation routes within Islamabad will remain open and accessible to the public.

The Islamabad Capital Police are fully committed to the convenience, protection, and security of its citizens.

Efforts are being made to provide a safe environment that fosters a peaceful and harmonious society.

In light of these security measures, citizens are urged to cooperate with the police and promptly report any suspicious activities or objects to the nearest police station or the “Pukar-15” helpline. By working together, the community can contribute to maintaining a secure and thriving capital city.

ISLAMABAD, Jul 11 (APP):Minister of State, Chairman Prime Minister’s Task Force Gandhara Tourism Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani on Tuesday said Pakistan is a safe country for tourism that attracts swathes of local and foreign tourists to explore its architectural beauty.

Addressing the Gandhara Symposium 2023 here, the minister welcomed the international delegates and researchers attending the international tourism conference in the country.

Vankwani said the international symposium would help promote the religious tourism potential of the country.
He said that cultural and religious tourism would bring various countries and societies closer to each other.
The symposium would pave the ways to highlight the country’s soft image at the international level, he maintained.

Dr. Ramesh Kumar also emphasized greater academic research, archaeological excavation, and dissemination of knowledge to uncover new sites to enrich our understanding of the magnificent civilization of Gandhara.
He said, “Through cultural diplomacy, we can build bridges and foster greater understanding.”

The speakers from Malaysia, Thailand, South Korea, Nepal, Sri Lanka, China, and Pakistan also expressed their views at the symposium on the Gandhara Civilization and Buddhist Heritage of Pakistan. Eminent stakeholders of Pakistan’s tourism industry also participated in the symposium.

It is pertinent to mention here, the sole objective of the Gandhara Symposium is to create awareness about Gandhara and to promote and highlight the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Pakistan at home and abroad.
The Gandhara Symposium will also help to promote domestic tourism, especially religious tourism.

ISLAMABAD, Jul 11 (APP):Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Senator Sherry Rehman Tuesday announced a breakthrough update on securing an approval of US$ 77.8 million funding for the Recharge Pakistan project.

The minister took to Twitter inform the masses on the important development and termed it a good news for Pakistan.

Senator Rehman said the Recharge Pakistan initiative would be implemented in next 7 years which included green climate finance resources of US$ 66 million and co-financing of approximately US$ 11.8 million.

The project, she said aimed to initiate ecosystem-based adaptation measures namely flood water harvesting, flood risk management, establishment of green infrastructure in several priority areas and capacity building of communities affected by climate change.

The project also included capacity building of the government of Pakistan, including all provinces and stakeholders, to implement projects related to climate change, she added.

Sherry Rehman said the approval of the Recharge Pakistan project was a major achievement of the government.

“This project will prove to be very favorable in dealing with the effects of climate change,” she added.

ISLAMABAD, Jul 11 (APP):National Highway and Motorway Police (NHMP) have been making dedicated efforts to control accidents on motorways and federalized highways by ensuring strict enforcement of traffic laws.

An official of NHMP told APP on Tuesday that strict enforcement of law under National Highways Safety Ordinance 2000 and imposition of fines under section 79 of NHSP, 2000 against violators specially involved in careless driving, over speeding, lane violation etc were among the steps taken to control accidents.

He said that FIRs under section 279 and other relevant sections of Pakistan Penal Code were also lodged against the violators found in rash or negligent driving.

The official said that extensive use of day and night speed checking cameras was being done to avoid accidents due to over speeding.

Moreover, he said that checking of tyres with treads and air pressure gauges were also being done at toll plazas to prevent tyre burst accidents.

He said that anti-dozing points were established to avoid accidents due to dozing at the wheel.

In addition to that surprise and random checking of vehicles at night time to check the physical status of drivers was being done, he added.

He said that road safety seminars and walks at the beat and sector level were arranged on road side hotel/ pumps and truck stations to inform drivers regarding road safety.

The NHMP official said that seminars, walks/counselling and briefing sessions were also conducted for the drivers regarding mechanical fitness of the vehicles.

He said that briefings were given regarding road safety to the road users at toll plazas as well as through Mobile Education Unit.

Surprise checking and patrolling by the sector commander was being done and strict action taken against lane violators, he added.

Briefings were given and education imparted at different institutes/school/ colleges as the youngsters were the major users of bikes,he said adding special emphasis was given on enforcement against underage riding and overloading on motor bikes.

The official said that strict action was being taken against motorcyclists for not wearing a helmet, dangerous riding, one wheeling, triple riding, without black/ side view mirror, one way violation etc.

He said that a record of vehicles had been compiled under Public Service Vehicle Management (PSVM) and a record of change of tires of vehicles had been compiled.

Such record of the vehicles had also helped in preventing accidents and tracing accidents, he added.

The road is also monitored by drone cameras, and hidden cameras had been installed in uniforms to check the performance of motorway police personnel so that those traveling on the motorway did not face any problems, he added.

He said entry for PSV’S on Motorways without valid Driving License, fitness certificate registration book and en-route permits and in case of overloading of passengers or excessive luggage on roof had been banned.

The official said as far as Kalar Kahar portion of Islamabad- Lahore Motorway was concerned, the NHMP had established a 10km sub beat in Salt Range to make sure of zero tolerance for any traffic violation.

He said extra police force had been deployed along with more speed checking cameras and convoy strategy had been adopted for buses.

Road Safety awareness units were working in all over Pakistan to sensitize the public regarding their safety while driving on Motorways & Highways respectively, he added.

“These units are being directed by our Inspector General to educate every single walk of life and get to their doorsteps for awareness of Road safety so that we can make sure that our community is being sensitized to cope any situation while traveling,” he added.

He said that HTV’s carrying hazardous materials were being checked very effectively and some SOPs for strict enforcement had been devised.

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 11 (APP):Today marks World Population Day across the globe including Pakistan under the theme “Unleashing the power of gender equality: Uplifting the voices of women and girls to unlock our world’s infinite possibilities”.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in his message on world population day said “Gender-based discrimination harms everyone – women, girls, men, and boys. Investing in women uplifts all people, communities, and countries.”

In his message, the secretary general said that yet the leaders are falling woefully behind in efforts to build a peaceful and prosperous world for all.

He said, halfway to the 2030 deadline the Sustainable Development Goals are dangerously off track and gender equality is almost 300 years away whereas the progress on maternal health and access to family planning has been glacial.

He further said “The world’s population will reach 8 billion in the middle of November – a testament to scientific breakthroughs and improvements in nutrition, public health and sanitation. But as our human family grows larger, it is also growing more divided”.

The secretary-general also said that advancing gender equality, improving maternal health, and empowering women to make their own reproductive choices are both essential in themselves and central to achieving all the Sustainable Development Goals.

“Let us stand with women and girls fighting for their rights. And let us intensify our quest to make the Sustainable Development Goals a reality for all 8 billion of us” he wrote in his message.

ISLAMABAD, Jul 11 (APP):Pakistan is among the eight countries to account for half of the projected global population growth by 2050 with the country’s population currently estimated at 240.5 million and is projected to reach a staggering 403 million by 2050, said UNFPA Pakistan Representative Dr. Luay Shabaneh.

According to a press statement issued here on World Population Day by UNFPA, he said the country, as home to almost 3 percent of the global population, holds a significant role in shaping the future and well-being of humanity.

He said the rapid population growth in Pakistan poses multifaceted challenges and opportunities adding while it presents immense human capital potential, harnessing this potential requires concerted efforts in ensuring gender equality, women empowerment, and access to quality education and healthcare. Women and girls must be at the heart of all efforts.

He said that investing in women’s health and education, addressing gender disparities, and providing economic opportunities are critical steps toward paving a path for a sustainable and prosperous future.

He advised that empowering women through employment opportunities can harness their potential, with a rise in their participation in the labour market adding that this can further increase the labour absorption needs that is requiring for a substantial rise in economic growth.

“It is essential to upscale maternal health and access to family planning which has been painfully slow, hindering our collective ability to create positive change. We also need to challenge societal norms, attitudes, and practices that perpetuate gender discrimination and inequality. By doing so, we can create an enabling environment where everyone, regardless of their gender, can thrive and contribute to the betterment of society,” Dr. Luay Shabaneh further emphasized.

He pinpointed that by addressing these disparities and empowering women and girls, the country can unlock immense potential, foster inclusive societies, and work towards a brighter future.

“The time for action is now. Government, organizations, communities, and individuals must come together to reinforce their commitment towards achieving gender equality, as it is not only a fundamental human right but also a catalyst for sustainable development. Let us embrace the power of gender equality and strive to uplift the voices of women and girls, unlocking infinite possibilities for a brighter and more equitable world,” added Dr. Shabaneh.

On this year’s World Population Day, the focus in the country must not be on the numbers but should turn to unleashing the power of gender equality, he said.

“Gender-based discrimination not only harms individuals directly affected but also undermines the progress and well-being of society as a whole. Women and girls continue to face numerous barriers and inequalities, limiting their opportunities and stifling their potential”, he maintained.

World Population Day is celebrated each year on July 11 to raise awareness about global population issues and promote dialogue on the importance of reproductive health, gender equality, and sustainable development.

UNFPA is committed to working with the government of Pakistan and other partners to address the challenges and opportunities presented by the country’s growing population.