TASHKENT, Dec 02 (UzA/APP): The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the Government of Uzbekistan have signed a $500 million financing agreement to support the country’s Green and Resilient Market Economy Program.
The initiative is designed to accelerate Uzbekistan’s transition toward a greener, more resilient, and market-oriented economy through a comprehensive package of policy and institutional reforms.
The funding will assist the Uzbekistan government in strengthening the policy and governance frameworks necessary for low-carbon development, improved public-sector efficiency, and greater resilience to climate-related risks.
The initiative falls under AIIB’s Climate-Focused Policy-Based Financing approach, which supports systemic reforms that have economy-wide climate impacts. The reforms backed by the new financing include measures to enhance efficiency and governance in the energy sector and state-owned enterprises, expand climate-responsive public procurement, and establish transparent systems for carbon-credit development and trading. The program also highlights the development of a robust Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) system to attract greater private capital for climate investments.
The program is co-financed by the World Bank Group and is aligned with several national strategies, including Uzbekistan’s Strategy for Transition to a Green Economy for 2019-2030, its second Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement, and the broader Uzbekistan 2030 Development Strategy. These frameworks stress clean energy, resource efficiency, and long-term economic resilience.
“This operation reflects AIIB’s commitment to supporting Uzbekistan’s reform agenda through measures that can deliver lasting climate and economic gains”, said Konstantin Limitovskiy, AIIB’s Chief Investment Officer for Region 2 and Project and Corporate Finance Clients. He noted that the program is expected to foster conditions conducive to increased climate finance and stronger private-sector engagement in Uzbekistan’s green transition.
AIIB projects that the reforms will generate substantial environmental and social benefits over time. More efficient resource use, the scaling up of clean energy solutions, and improved climate regulation are expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance air quality, and strengthen the country’s capacity to withstand climate shocks. The adoption of cleaner technologies could also lower energy costs and improve living conditions, particularly for vulnerable communities.
Uzbekistan, AIIB sign a $500 million financing agreement to support the country’s Green and Resilient Market Economy Program
President, PM express deep grief over shahadat of AC, NW in terrorist attack
ISLAMABAD, Dec 2 (APP):President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Tuesday, expressed their deep grief and sorrow over the martyrdom of four persons, including an Assistant Commissioner of North Waziristan, in a terrorists attack in District Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The president and the prime minister expressed their deep sympathies and condolences with the bereaved families and prayed for the departed souls.
The president while strongly condemning the terrorist attack, said that with complete national consensus, operations to eliminate all terrorists, backed by foreign elements, was continuing
He further prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured police personnel and directed the relevant authorities to ensure immediate arrest of the attackers, President Secretariat Media Wing said in a press release.
The prime minister directed for a probe into the incident and brining the culprits to book, besides instructing immediate treatment to the injured, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.
He resolved to foil the nefarious designs of terrorists, the enemies of humanity, and reiterated that government was determined to completely eradicate the scourge of terrorism from the country.
Pakistan, Gavi hold talks to further strengthen vaccination process
ISLAMABAD, Dec 02 (APP):Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal met Gavi Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Sania Nishtar in Geneva to discuss a joint strategy, focused to further strengthen the vaccination process in Pakistan.
The meeting held particular significance as it took place ahead of the upcoming Gavi Board meetings.
According to a spokesperson for the Ministry of Health on Tuesday, both leaders reviewed ongoing cooperation and mutual priorities in detail. The minister appreciated Gavi’s sustained partnership with Pakistan, while Dr Nishtar commended the country’s ongoing efforts to strengthen immunization initiatives.
Dr Sania reaffirmed Gavi’s commitment to further improving vaccine coverage in Pakistan and expressed confidence in the future of Pakistan-Gavi collaboration.
Minister Kamal also reiterated the government’s resolve to enhance immunization coverage, stressing that improving the health sector remains a top priority for the government.
UN Security Council to discuss women’s rights in Afghanistan on Dec 10
UNITED NATIONS, Dec 02 (APP):The United Nations Security Council has scheduled a meeting on women’s rights in Afghanistan on December 10, which is International Human Rights Day, according to the 15-member body’s President for the current month, Slovenia’s UN Ambassador Samuel Zbogar.
Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon will chair the meeting, which will be a signature event of Slovenia’s December presidency of the Security Council, Zbogar told reporters at a news briefing on Monday.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is also expected to address the session.
The focus of the meeting will be the dire situation of women and girls in Afghanistan under Taliban rule, who face systematic discrimination and are largely excluded from public life, education, and work, the Slovenian envoy said.
This discussion is part of ongoing international efforts to address and reverse the human rights abuses against Afghan women and girls.
He also said that the Council members will visit Syria and Lebanon during the month, while continuing their focus on Palestine and Ukraine.
Massive crackdown launched on drug suppliers
MUZAFFARGARH, Dec 02 (APP):Following directives from DPO Syed Ghazanfar Ali Shah, Muzaffargarh police conducted a major crackdown against drug suppliers across the district, resulting in the arrest of 12 individuals in a single day, officials confirmed.
During the operation, over 17 kilograms of hashish and 11 kilograms of cannabis were recovered, according to a police spokesperson.
DPO Syed Ghazanfar Ali Shah emphasized that the police are committed to apprehending all drug suppliers operating within the district. He further stated that individuals addicted to drugs would be admitted to rehabilitation centers to support their recovery and reintegration into society.
The operation highlights Muzaffargarh police’s zero-tolerance policy towards drug trafficking and underscores their ongoing efforts to maintain law and order in the district.
Drone surveillance boosts traffic control in Muzaffargarh
MUZAFFARGARH, Dec 02 (APP):The Safe City Project Muzaffargarh, in collaboration with the district’s Traffic Police, conducted an innovative traffic monitoring operation at Kacheri Chowk using drone technology.
According to a police spokesperson, the Safe City team employed advanced drones to oversee traffic flow and detect violations from the air. During the aerial surveillance, several traffic violations were identified, prompting rapid action by response teams deployed on the ground.
District Traffic Officer Abu Bakar personally supervised the operation alongside his team, ensuring smooth coordination throughout the activity.
The spokesperson further revealed that, to enhance the use of modern information technology, an IT expert has now been appointed in every police station across the district.
District Police Officer (DPO) Syed Ghusnfar Ali Shah stated that deploying IT specialists will strengthen police performance, assist in resolving citizens’ cases more efficiently, and improve the identification and arrest of suspects.
During a meeting with CDR operators at the Police Office, the DPO emphasized that high-performing experts will be duly appreciated and encouraged for their contribution to improving policing standards.
Foundation stone Laid for thalassemia hospital in Sargodha
Sargodha, Dec 02 (APP):A ceremony was held on Tuesday at the Sargodha Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) to mark the foundation stone laying of a Thalassemia hospital.
The event was attended by international award-winning cricket umpire Aleem Dar, who also heads the Aleem Dar Foundation, along with renowned doctor Dr Khawaja Arshad and other notable participants.
Addressing the ceremony, the speakers emphasized the urgent need to raise awareness about Thalassemia, a disease that affects thousands of children in Pakistan.
SCCI President Khwaja Yasir Qayyum highlighted the importance of supporting Thalassemia patients and their families, adding that Aleem Dar announced the launch of a Thalassemia hospital in Sargodha to provide treatment and support to affected children.
Dr Khwaja Arshad stressed the importance of pre-marriage testing to help prevent the spread of Thalassemia.
Aleem Dar shared his personal experience of losing a friend who had pledged to support the hospital project, explaining how this loss strengthened his resolve to continue the mission.
On the occasion, several philanthropists and business leaders pledged their support for the hospital, contributing donations of cement, steel, lighting, and other essential materials.
President, PM express deep grief over shahadat of AC, NW in terrorist attack
ISLAMABAD, Dec 02 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Tuesday, expressed their deep grief and sorrow over the martyrdom of four persons, including an Assistant Commissioner of North Waziristan in a terrorist attack in District Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The president and the prime minister expressed their deep sympathies and condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the departed souls.
The president, while strongly condemning the terrorist attack, said that with complete national consensus, operations to eliminate all terrorists, backed by foreign elements, was continuing
He further prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured police personnel and directed the relevant authorities to ensure immediate arrest of the attackers, President Secretariat Media Wing said in a press release.
The prime minister directed for a probe into the incident and brining the culprits to book, besides instructing immediate treatment to the injured, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.
He resolved to foil the nefarious designs of terrorists, the enemies of humanity, and reiterated that government was determined to completely eradicate the scourge of terrorism from the country.
Rs 5,000 dispute leads to fatal shooting in DI Khan
DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Dec 02 (APP):A man was shot dead while his son survived a targeted attack after two suspects opened fire over a dispute of Rs 5,000 near the motorcycle bargain market close to Kotli Imam Hussain in the jurisdiction of Cantt Police Station.
According to police, the accused, identified as Ahmad Shah along with an unidentified accomplice, intercepted Ayaz Khan of Suleman Khel and his 26-year-old son, Saifur Rehman, and opened fire. Ayaz Khan died on the spot, while his son escaped unharmed. A passer-by named Jehanzaib Mahmood was also injured in the incident.
The Cantt police registered a case on the complaint of the victim’s son, who stated that the suspects owed his father Rs 5,000. When his father demanded the money, the suspects allegedly became enraged and shot at them. The police have launched further investigation.
Commissioner inaugurates sasta bazaar for public relief
MULTAN, Dec 02 (APP):Multan Commissioner Division Amir Kareem Khan inaugurated a low-cost (Sasta Bazaar) set up under the supervision of the Behbood Foundation, marking another significant step forward in ongoing social welfare initiatives across the division.
The specially organized bazaar features warm clothing, essential daily-use items, and food stalls, quickly becoming a centre of attention for local residents.
Speaking on the occasion, the Commissioner said the initiative would allow citizens to purchase quality goods at significantly reduced prices, easing the financial burden on households.
He further stated that the welfare-driven campaigns “Khair Ka Safar” and “Man-o-Salwa” were continuing successfully across the division with the support of generous philanthropists. He urged affluent individuals to actively participate in such social causes, emphasizing that community well-being strengthens when society contributes collectively.
During the ceremony, pushcarts were distributed among members of the labour community to help improve their livelihoods. Certificates were also awarded to young girls who completed skill-based training through the Behbood Foundation.
Commissioner Amir Kareem Khan visited various stalls to review the arrangements in detail. As a gesture of Multani tradition, the President of the Behbood Foundation presented him with a traditional Multani Ajrak.