ISLAMABAD, Sep 20 (APP): The Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC) has constituted a working group to address the country’s growing challenge of electronic waste (e-waste).
According to an official notification available with Wealth Pakistan, the working group has been tasked with deliberating on and providing technical input for the development of a national e-waste management system. It will also contribute to the formulation of a national e-waste management policy framework, identify regulatory gaps, and propose effective implementation mechanisms.
The working group will be chaired by MoCC&EC Secretary Aisha Humera Chaudhry. Other members include the Secretary of the Ministry of Information Technology, a representative of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the Secretary or representative of the Ministry of Industries and Production, a representative of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the Secretary or representative of the Ministry of Commerce, Director Generals of Provincial Environmental Protection Agencies (Pak-EPAs), a representative of the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA), the Executive Director of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), a representative from the National Radio and Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC), among others.
The Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) in Islamabad will serve as the secretariat for the working group, facilitating its meetings, communications, and reporting.
As per its Terms of Reference (ToRs), the working group will focus on improving e-waste collection, transportation, recycling, and disposal practices. It will also review existing environmental laws, import/export regulations, and international obligations relating to e-waste, while identifying policy, institutional, and enforcement gaps.
Furthermore, the group will recommend a comprehensive national framework, including a roadmap for the development of a national e-waste management policy or regulations. It will define the roles of federal and provincial governments, regulators, the private sector, and informal recyclers in e-waste management.
The group will also suggest appropriate standards, technology options, certification systems, and capacity-building initiatives aligned with global best practices.
A senior official at MoCC&EC told Wealth Pakistan that e-waste has become an overwhelming issue in the country, posing serious environmental and public health risks due to unsafe disposal and informal recycling practices. He added that the ministry, in collaboration with relevant provincial departments, is making all-out efforts to address the issue, while work is also underway to conduct a baseline study to map the scale and nature of e-waste in Pakistan.
Working group set up to tackle e-waste issue in Pakistan
Dr. Umair Haroon receives award for contribution to legal and scientific awareness through media
KARACHI, Sep 20 (APP): Television producer and director Dr. Umair Haroon was honored with the Award for Distinguished Contribution to Legal, Forensic, and Scientific Awareness through Media at a special ceremony hosted by Karachi Bar Association (KBA).
Dr. Umair Haroon was recognized for his groundbreaking work in bridging the gap between law, science, and media,
said a news release.
The award acknowledges his pioneering efforts in creating Pakistan’s first forensic science television series, a program that has played a key role in educating the public about the intersection of forensic science and the legal system.
Through his creative and engaging productions, Dr. Umair Haroon has introduced complex legal and forensic topics to a wide audience, making them both accessible and engaging. His work has resonated across the country, sparking discussions on justice, evidence-based discourse, and scientific literacy. As the mastermind behind several popular educational documentaries and socially-driven media projects, Dr. Umair Haroon’s impact extends far beyond the entertainment industry.
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Umair Haroon expressed his gratitude, highlighting the importance of using media as a tool to inform, educate, and inspire change. “It has always been my belief that media can do more than just entertain; it can enlighten, challenge societal norms, and foster a more informed citizenry. This award is a recognition of the power of storytelling, and I am honored to have been able to contribute to that through my work,” he said.
The Karachi Bar Association lauded Dr. Umair Haroon’s long-standing commitment to enhancing public understanding of legal and forensic matters. Aamir Nawaz Warraich, President of the KBA, spoke at the ceremony, praising Dr. Umair Haroon for his innovative approach to media and his ability to translate intricate legal and scientific concepts into engaging content that resonates with viewers of all backgrounds.
“Dr. Umair Haroon’s body of work has set a new benchmark for how media can be used to raise awareness on critical issues. His contributions to the fields of law and forensic science are invaluable, and his ability to create content that informs, entertains, and educates speaks volumes about his commitment to societal progress,” said Warraich.
Dr. Umair Haroon’s latest accolade adds to a growing list of prestigious awards he has received over the years. As one of Pakistan’s leading media figures, he has been consistently recognized for his ability to tackle complex social issues through television. His diverse portfolio includes issue-driven narratives, educational content, and public service projects that have sparked national conversations on ethics, justice, rights, and governance.
In recent years, Dr. Umair Haroon has become a trailblazer in using forensic science and legal themes in mainstream media, helping to demystify these complex subjects and making them accessible to the general public. His work has earned widespread acclaim, both in Pakistan and internationally, for its ability to engage and educate audiences on important societal issues.
The award ceremony, which was attended by distinguished figures from the legal, media, and education sectors, celebrated not only Dr. Umair Haroon’s individual achievements but also his ongoing contribution to elevating the role of media in social change.
CM Murad felicitates on Pak-Saudi Defence agreement
KARACHI, Sep 20 (APP): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has congratulated Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on the signing of a new defence agreement, emphasizing the importance of bilateral relations.
“Pakistan and Saudi Arabia share brotherly and strategic ties,” he said. “The security of Saudi Arabia is regarded as the security of Pakistan.”
The CM further stated that efforts towards unity among Muslim countries have been ongoing since the time of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, continuing to the current PPP Chairman, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.
The Chief Minister highlighted the strength of Pak-Saudi relations, noting that these ties have remained robust not just in defence, but also on economic and cultural fronts.
Murad Ali Shah’s statements underscored the significance of enduring alliances and the historic sacrifices made for democracy and the rights of the people in Pakistan.
NA speaker stresses peace as vital to global prosperity, welfare
ISLAMABAD, Sep 20 (APP): National Assembly, Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Saturday stated that global unity, tolerance, and dialogue are essential for the establishment of lasting peace.
He said that peace is indispensable for the progress and well-being of humanity and stressed the importance of resolving conflicts through peaceful means.
He expressed these views on the eve of the International Day of Peace, which is observed worldwide each year on September 21 under the auspices of the United Nations. The theme for this year, “Act Now for a Peaceful World,” he said, is both timely and significant.
Highlighting the pivotal role of diplomacy in maintaining peace, Speaker NA stated that nations and leaders must prioritize dialogue and understanding over conflict. “Peace cannot be achieved through violence; it can only be sustained through mutual respect, cooperation, and a commitment to justice,” he said. Speaker NA underscored that peace is more than the absence of war, adding that it is founded on harmony, justice, and respect for diversity. He urged the international community to uphold human rights and promote equality, as these are vital principles for building a peaceful world.
Referring to this year’s theme, Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq stated that Pakistan is already acting upon this principle through concrete measures. He stated that the National Assembly and the Senate of Pakistan have unanimously passed resolutions condemning Israeli aggression and war crimes against Palestinians, while affirming their inalienable right to self-determination. Similarly, both Houses of Parliament have reaffirmed their unwavering support for the Kashmiri people in their legitimate struggle for the right to self-determination, and strongly condemned India’s hostilities and unilateral abrogation of Articles 370 and 35-A, which stripped Kashmiris of their unique identity. He said that these unanimous parliamentary actions demonstrate Pakistan’s commitment to the UN’s call to act now for peace and extend full support to oppressed peoples striving for justice and dignity.
Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq strongly condemned the recent aggression and illegitimate, falsely-justified & unprovoked attacks by Israel on Qatar, Syria, Lebanon, and Iran, which undermine the sovereignty of these countries in blatant disregard of international law. He said Israel’s continued war-mongering, genocide of innocent and unarmed Palestinian children, women, elderly, and patients, along with the weaponization of aid and obstruction of humanitarian assistance, constitutes crimes against humanity.
He reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to supporting the oppressed peoples of Palestine and Kashmir. He said that Pakistan is consistently calling for an end to the illegal occupation of Palestinian territories and the brutalities inflicted upon Kashmiris who have been facing decades of human rights violations and denial of their unique identity.
He emphasized that the quest for self-determination of Palestinians and Kashmiris is a matter of fundamental human rights, and it is incumbent upon the international community to support their legitimate aspirations for freedom and dignity.
Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq highlighted that Pakistan is actively engaged in global peace initiatives and continues to raise its voice for peaceful resolutions through dialogue at all international and regional forums. He urged the United Nations and the international community to play their due role in ensuring the peaceful resolution of conflicts, in line with the United Nations Security Council resolutions, and for the principled right of self-determination for Kashmiris and Palestinians.
Speaker called on all nations to honour their commitments to international peace agreements and work collectively towards resolving conflicts that threaten global stability. He stressed that peace-building is a collective responsibility and must be embraced at every level.
Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq expressed hope for a peaceful and prosperous future, where principles of tolerance, unity, and justice guide humanity towards a better tomorrow.
Deputy Speaker National Assembly, Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah, also underscored the critical importance of peace as the cornerstone of global development and human welfare. He emphasized that fostering an environment of tolerance, empathy, and mutual respect is essential to building a harmonious world. On the occasion of the International Day of Peace, he reiterated that dialogue and understanding must replace confrontation, and that only through collective resolve can nations overcome the divisions that fuel conflict and violence.
Deputy Speaker NA further stated that the Parliament of Pakistan has consistently demonstrated its steadfast commitment to global peace and justice through its legislative actions. He highlighted that both the National Assembly and Senate have passed unanimous resolutions condemning human rights violations in Palestine and Kashmir, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s moral and diplomatic support for the oppressed people in both regions. “Our parliamentary consensus sends a strong message to the world — that Pakistan stands firmly for peace, justice, and the right to self-determination in accordance with international law,” he added.
National Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Tourism, Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan, presenting a certificate to a student during the “High Achievers Ceremony 2025” organized by Super Nova School to celebrate record-breaking results at a local hotel
ISLAMABAD
ISLAMABAD
ISLAMABAD
National Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Tourism, Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan addressing during a distribution of Super Nova School Celebrates Record-Breaking Results “High Achievers Ceremony 2025″at local hotel
ISLAMABAD
Students pose for a photograph with their medals and certificates during the “High Achievers Ceremony 2025” organized by Super Nova School to celebrate record-breaking results at a local hotel
ISLAMABAD
Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Tourism, Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan, in a group photograph with gold medalist students of Super Nova School, during the “High Achievers Ceremony 2025” organized by Super Nova School to celebrate record-breaking results at a local hotel
ISLAMABAD
Speakers voiced grave concern over Indian government’s settler-colonial policies aimed at altering Kashmir
ISLAMABAD, Sep 20 (APP):Speakers at a seminar jointly hosted by the Community Human Rights and Advocacy Centre (CHRAC) and the Kashmir Institute of International Relations (KIIR) voiced grave concern over the Indian government’s settler-colonial policies aimed at altering the demography of Jammu and Kashmir — a disputed region that has remained in the vortex of violence for decades.
Held on the sidelines of the 60th session of the UNHRC, the seminar was attended and addressed by international law experts, academicians, and rights activists from different parts of the world, including Dr. Muzmil Ayub Thakur, Advocate Parvez Shah, Tahreem Bukhari, Dr. Shugufta Ashraf, Syed Ali Raza, Mirza Asif Jarral, and others.
The event was moderated by Dr. Raja Sajjad Khan, according to a press release received here from Geneva.
Distinguished panelists noted that demographic change has emerged as a critical driver of global stability. However, in the case of Kashmir, the systematic demographic engineering pursued by the Indian state has not only fueled political instability but also led to the annihilation and marginalization of the indigenous population, pushing it to the edge under settler-colonial policies.
They said that the redefinition of the state’s age-old domicile law has been used by India as a conduit to enforce demographic change in the Muslim-majority region by settling non-state subjects in the territory.
Alongside massive political and administrative machinations, the speakers highlighted that demographic engineering through settlement policies and disenfranchisement has undermined the region’s cultural identity as well as its political autonomy.
Such practices, they warned, not only threaten peace and human rights but also violate international norms and risk fueling long-term instability — not only within Kashmir but across South Asia.
The panelists emphasized that addressing these concerns requires urgent international attention to ensure that demographic shifts are not weaponized as tools of domination but are instead guided by respect for peoples’ rights, dignity, and regional harmony.
The speakers urged the UN Human Rights Council to take cognizance of the situation in Indian illegally occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJ&K) territory and hold Indian government accountable.
“Altering the demography of a disputed territory constitutes a violation of the UN Charter, which strictly prohibits an occupying power from manipulating the demographic composition of the region under its control,” the speakers remarked.
Public outrage as WSSCA Abbottabad issues inflated water bills despite rollback assurance
ABBOTTABAD, Sep 20 (APP): The Water and Sanitation Services Company Abbottabad (WSSCA) has triggered widespread anger by issuing inflated water bills to residents of four urban union councils, despite earlier assurances that recently imposed taxes would be withdrawn.
According to details, WSSCA increased charges for five, ten, fifteen marla and one kanal plots under a slab system, adding water, sewerage and sanitation taxes. For ten marla households, the bill was nearly doubled from Rs 750 to Rs 1,350, while fifteen marla and one kanal properties received even higher charges. This sudden hike has left citizens in shock and frustration.
Earlier, members of the Tehsil Council were assured by the Secretary of Local Government and Rural Development that the additional taxes would be withdrawn. However, WSSCA distributed the revised bills anyway, sparking a wave of public resentment. Citizens have threatened to protest at Fawara Chowk and outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office if the issue is not resolved.
WSSCA spokes Umar Swati stated that due to the council’s decision to roll back the taxes, residents have been instructed not to pay the new bills for now. He added that the bills were categorized under a slab system across the four affected union councils.
Citizens, however, expressed outrage, recalling that the Tehsil Municipal Administration previously charged only Rs 60 for water bills, which has now risen to Rs 300 per month, with additional conservancy and sewerage charges pushing the total even higher.
They also criticized the misuse of the Japanese-funded gravity flow water scheme, which was designed to provide free water to Abbottabad’s urban areas. Residents claim that what was meant as a public welfare project has now been turned into a source of “organized overcharging,” creating a wave of anger across the city.