UNITED NATIONS, Dec 31 (APP): As 2015 comes to an end, and with it the 15-year cycle of the anti-poverty Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the United Nations officially will usher in “on 1 January 2016” an even more ambitious set of goals to banish a whole host of social ills by 2030.
“The seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are our shared vision of humanity and a social contract between the world’s leaders and the people,” UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted unanimously by 193 Heads of State and other top leaders at a summit at UN Headquarters in New York in September.
“They are a to-do list for people and planet, and a blueprint for success,” he added of the 17 goals and 169 targets to wipe out poverty, fight inequality and tackle climate change over the next 15 years.
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development calls on countries to begin efforts to achieve the 17 SDGs over the next 15 years. The goals address the needs of people in both developed and developing countries, emphasizing that no one should be left behind. Broad and ambitious in scope, the Agenda addresses the three dimensions of sustainable development: social, economic and environmental, as well as important aspects related to peace, justice and effective institutions.
The mobilization of means of implementation, including financial resources, technology development and transfer and capacity-building, as well as the role of partnerships, are also acknowledged as critical.
The 17 SDGs build on the eight MDGs, which specifically sought by 2015:
to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger; achieve universal primary education; promote gender equality and empower women; reduce child mortality; improve maternal health; combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases; ensure environmental sustainability; and develop a global partnership for development.
Not all the MDGs were met globally, depending on regions and the state of a country’s development, but significant progress was made in several areas:
In November, global leaders, diplomats and health experts gathered at UN Headquarters in New York to celebrate progress against one of the world’s leading killers with the announcement that the target to halt and begin reversing malaria incidence had been met. Progress since 2000 averted over 6.2 million malaria deaths, 97 per cent of which have been among young children.
Globally, the number of those living in extreme poverty declined by more than half, falling from 1.9 billion in 1990 to 836 million in 2015, with most progress occurring since 2000. Net primary school enrolment in developing regions has reached 91 per cent, up from 83 per cent in 2000.
Many more girls are now in school compared to 2000, with developing regions as a whole achieving the target to eliminate gender disparity in primary, secondary and tertiary education. Global under-five mortality has declined by more than half, dropping from 90 to 43 deaths per 1,000 live births between 1990 and 2015, from 12.7 million in 1990 to almost six million despite population growth in developing regions.
Maternal mortality has declined by 45 per cent worldwide since 1990, with most of the reduction occurring since 2000. In Southern Asia, it declined by 64 per cent between 1990 and 2013, and in sub-Saharan Africa by 49 per cent.
New HIV infections fell by approximately 40 per cent between 2000 and 2013 from an estimated 3.5 million cases to 2.1 million, and by June 2014, 13.6 million people living with HIV were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) globally, an immense increase from just 800,000 in 2003. ART averted 7.6 million deaths from AIDS between 1995 and 2013.
Official development aid from developed countries grew by 66 per cent in real terms between 2000 and 2014 to billion.
But progress has been uneven across regions and countries, leaving millions of people behind, especially the poorest and those disadvantaged due to sex, age, disability, ethnicity or geographic location. Targeted efforts will be needed to reach the most vulnerable people.
This is where the SDGs are expected to play a part. They stress everything from zero poverty, zero hunger, good health, quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, and affordable clean energy, to decent work and economic growth, innovation, reduced inequalities, sustainable cities, responsible consumption, climate action, unpolluted oceans and land, and partnerships to achieve the goals.
The official ushering in of the 15-year cycle will take place over a 24-hour period, coming into effect in each region of the planet as the clocks strike their midnight peal on 31 December.
The Paris Conference on climate change in December is seen by many as the first test of political will to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Global Sustainable Development Goals to kick in with start of new year
Dar invites SA to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD, Dec 31 (APP): Minister for Finance Ishaq Dar on
Thursday invited Saudi Arabia to take advantage of the investment opportunities in Pakistan
Talking to Minister and Advisor, Saudi Royal Court who called on him here, Ishaq Dar apprised him about the huge investment opportunities in Pakistan, particularly in the energy and petrochemical sectors and suggested that the Saudi government may encourage the investors and public sector organizations to explore these opportunities.
He said that the improved economic and security situation and implementation of government’s infrastructure related plans is attracting the attention of foreign investors.
Finance Minister said that Pakistan offers the most liberal investment regime and Saudi investors are most welcome to take advantage of it for mutual benefit of the two countries.
Ahmed Al-Khateeb expressed the desire of the Saudi leadership for increasing the efforts to enhance economic cooperation to reflect the same proximity as the two countries enjoy in bilateral relations in general.
He said that Saudi government would encourage companies to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan.
The Saudi Minister conveyed to the Minister a message of goodwill from the Saudi leadership.
Ishaq Dar said the two countries were bound by common faith and Islamic brotherhood and enjoy the best of relations.
He said the present government led by Prime Minister Mohammad Nawaz Sharif wished to further consolidate the brotherly relations and take them to further heights.
Finance Minister exchanged views with the Saudi Advisor on ideas to further expand trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.
The Minister thanked Al Khateeb for his visit and asked him to convey his best wishes and respects to Khadim al Haramain Shareefain and the Saudi leadership.
Period of applicability of 0.3% withholding tax on banking transactions extended till Jan 31
ISLAMABAD, Dec 31 (APP):The Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet (ECC) here on Thursday considered and approved to extend the period of applicability of 0.3% withholding tax on banking transactions till January 31, 2016.
The proposal was submitted by the Federal Board of Revenue in this regard to the ECC, which met here under the chairmanship of Finance Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar.
The Committee was informed that the reduced rate of 0.3% had been introduced by the government to allow FBR to hold negotiations with the trading community and resolve the issue confronted by them, so as to encourage them to become part of the formal economy.
The negotiations were now in the final stages and therefore the reduced rate of 0.3% may be allowed to continue for another month.
The ECC also discussed and approved a proposal by Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources for supply of 60 MMCFD of RLNG to textile industry for 52 days in the current winter season.
The decision has been taken to facilitate the export oriented textile units, which were facing gas shortage after the onset of the winter season and increased demand from domestic sector.
The decision will enable the textile sector to continue to operate during the peak winter season.
On a proposal of Ministry of Water and Power regarding the Gas Supply Agreement (GSA) between Sui Northern Gas (SNGPL) and Rousch (Pakistan) Power Limited for supply of gas to Rousch’s 450 MW plant, the ECC directed the relevant authorities to finalise the GSA, which was under negotiations.
The ECC was informed by the Minister for Petroleum that the supply of LNG will be enhanced from January 17,2016 and this will also facilitate supply of gas to certain power plants.
The Ministry of Commerce made a detailed presentation to the ECC on the export performance, during the meeting.
While making note of the presentation, the Committee observed that the government had provided a number of facilities to the industrial/export sector in the recent months, including the decision relating to reduction in the rate of electricity and it was now for the industrial sector to take maximum advantage of these facilities and enhance the level of exports.
The Committee directed the relevant ministries to maintain close liaison with the exporters to ensure that substantial increase in exports.
Media policy should be in conformity of current time, traditions, culture: President
ISLAMABAD, Dec 31 (APP): President Mamnoon Hussain on Thursday said that Pakistan’s media policy should be in conformity with the current time, traditions and culture.
Journalism is not only a source of keeping the society abreast of current situation but it also performs the responsibility of safeguarding the nation’s cultural and geographical frontiers, he added.
The President said this while talking to Chief Editors and Editors of leading national newspapers and magazines from all over the country who met him here at the Aiwan-e-Sadr.
He said that there was a need to inculcate hope and optimism in the nation adding that development work on many projects was underway in the country which the media should highlight.
The President stated that Pakistan’s future is bright and emphatically said that not an inch of change has been done in the route of Economic Corridor.
He said that there were so many ills in the country which would take time to surmount and the government was fulfilling its responsibilities in this regard.
The President stated that the projects for energy generation and national progress initiated by the government would be the harbinger of a bright future of the country and called upon the media to support completion of these projects to achieve prosperity in the country.
He called for tolerance and patience and said that “we should be proud of our religious, cultural and social norms.”
The President said that the Economic Corridor project will create new opportunities of progress and prosperity not only in Pakistan but also the whole region.
“Media should highlight such positive measures by the government to create optimism and confidence and discourage despondency and gloom”, he remarked.
The President had an in-depth discussion with the chief editors and editors of leading national dailies and newspapers during which he listened to useful suggestions from them and also answered their questions.
Envoys designate of Cuba, Iran, Sri Lanka present credentials
ISLAMABAD, Dec 31 (APP): Envoys designate of Cuba, Iran and Sri Lanka presented their credentials to President Mamnoon Hussain at an impressive ceremony held here Thursday at the Aiwan-e-Sadr.
Earlier, each envoy-designate arrived at the main gate of the Aiwan-e-Sadr in a horse driven carriage.
On the occasion, the National Anthem of Pakistan and their respective countries were played and the envoys designate were also presented Guard of Honour.
Later, the Ambassadors and High Commissioner called on the President separately.
Speaking on the occasion, the President said that Pakistan was desirous of further promoting friendly and brotherly relations with all countries particularly with its neighbours for peace, stability and prosperity in the region.
The President stated that Pakistan offers great investment opportunities adding that international investors should take advantage of its investor friendly policies.
Talking about Pakistan’s efforts against terrorism, the President said that Pakistan has rendered immense sacrifices in the war against terrorism and was committed to end this menace.
He stated that the Operation Zarb-e-Azb was progressing successfully emphasizing that the operation would continue till elimination of the last terrorist.
The President felicitated the newly appointed Ambassadors and High Commissioner to Pakistan and hoped that they would work for further cementing the existing ties of their respective countries with Pakistan.
The President also wished the newly appointed envoys a comfortable and pleasant stay in Pakistan.
Ambassadors and High Commissioner who presented their credentials included Gabriel Tiel Capote, Ambassador of Cuba, Mehdi Honordoust, Ambassador of Iran and Maj. Gen. Loku Katagodage Jayanth Chandrasiri Perera High Commissioner of Sri Lanka.
1st round of quadrilateral meeting on Afghanistan on Jan 16: Asif
ISLAMABAD, Dec.31 (APP): Defence Minister Khwaja Muhammad Asif on Thursday said the first round of quadrilateral meeting of Pakistan, Afghanistan, United States and China would be held on January 16 to work out a comprehensive road map for the second round of Afghan peace process.
Briefing the Senate on the recent visit of Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif to Kabul, the minister said the meeting would clearly demarcate responsibilities of each stakeholder at all stages.
The COAS conveyed the message to the Afghan government that the reconciliation process would be purely Afghan-owned and Afghan-led, and the three countries, including Pakistan, the United States and China,
would facilitate it.
He said the COAS visit to Kabul was very successful as he talked to the Afghan leadership on various issues, including the reconciliation process, intelligence sharing and border management.
The minister said majority of Taliban groups were in favour of talks and the reconciliation process should not be affected due to the minority.
It was agreed that Pakistan would pursue the Taliban groups willing to join the peace process to come to the negotiating table, he added.
A decree (Fatwa), the minister said, would also be sought from Ulema about the reconciliation process.
Elements, who would still continue to pursue violence, would be dealt under a mutually worked-out framework, he added.
Khawaja Asif said cooperation between the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and the Afghan intelligence agency (NDS) would be improved. During the COAS visit, the two countries agreed to institutionalize the process of intelligence sharing, he added.
He said both the countries also talked about border management to control cross-border incidents in future. The COAS visit was very successful and such contacts should continue between the two countries, he stressed.
The minister warned that the IS (Islamic State) or Daesh was taking roots in five provinces of Afghanistan and it could only be confronted through a common front and the successful reconciliation process.
He said peace in Afghanistan was must for Pakistan and the region. The decision to restart the reconciliation process was taken during the visit of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani to Islamabad to participate in the Heart of Asia conference.
Responding to a point raised by Leader of the Opposition Aitzaz Ahsan about the sanctuaries of Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan in Afghanistan, the minister said the matter had been taken up with Kabul. The Afghan government had been told that Pakistan had dismantled the terrorists network form its soil during the operation Zarb-e-Azb and expected the same from Afghanistan.
Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani asked the members to bring a motion on the issue for detailed discussion during the next session.
PR to earn Rs 12 bln through freight trains: Senate informed
ISLAMABAD, Dec 31 (APP): Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique on Thursday informed the Senate that Pakistan Railways (PR) would generate more than Rs 12 billion revenue through freight trains in the current financial year.
During the question-hour, he said the department was hoping to cross the set target of revenue generation in freight sector this year.
Saad Rafique said that “Fast Cargo” train would also be run between Karachi to Rawalpindi. He said that around 85 to 90 locomotives had been allocated for freight trains.
He said that 55 locomotives were scheduled to be arrived soon from United States and would be attached with freight trains.
The minister said that Pakistan Railways during the financial year 2013 -14 loaded 76,307 wagons against loading of 46,617 wagons in the corresponding period of year 2012-13, thus 29,619 more wagons were loaded in the year 2013-14.
He said that the earning from freight loading during 2013-14, was Rs. 3.529 billion whereas during the corresponding period (2012-13) was Rs.1.957 billion.
The net increase in earning was Rs. 1.572 billion with growth of 80.33% in one year.
However, freight loading during 2014-2015 was 176,155 wagons against loading of 76,307 wagons during 2013-2014.
The earning from freight loading during 2014-2015 was Rs.8.346 billion against earning of Rs.3.529 billion during the corresponding period. The net increase in freight earning remained Rs.4.817 billion with growth of 136 per cent during year 2014-15.
US-based Kashmir group urges world powers to get involved in Pak-India peace process
WASHINGTON, Dec. 30 (APP): A US-based Kashmiri organization urged the world powers on Wednesday to get involved in efforts to keep the process of peace between Pakistan and India on track, saying representation of
Kashmiri leaders in the dialogue process was must
for a durable peace and stability in South Asia.
Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai, Secretary General of the World
Kashmiri Awareness, commenting on the recent surprise visit by the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, to Pakistan said
that sentiments of Kashmiri people have to be recognized in any solution to Kashmir, a dispute which is a bone of
contention between Pakistan and India.
Statements by some Indian leaders that Kashmir is an integral part of India needs to be clarified before the negotiations take place, he said while referring to the assertion by Ram Madhav, the National Secretary General of BJP, who observed that “the only outstanding issue with regard to the Kashmir problem is the Kashmir under Pakistan occupation.”
“Mr. Madhav does not know what President John F. Kennedy said on July 25, 1961, “We cannot negotiate with people who say what’s mine is mine and what’s yours is negotiable,” he added.
Dr Fai urged the world powers to persuade both India and
Pakistan to define the parameters of the dialogue over the
Kashmir dispute in such a way so that there is only one definition and one interpretation of any joint communique they may issue in future.
“We know that all international conflicts ultimately were
resolved on the negotiating table. If that is true then the
world powers should become deeply engaged in order to make sure that the peace process between India and Pakistan does not get derailed,” he added.
The Kashmiri leader said that the world powers could play
a bridge to bring India and Pakistan together so that
the animosity is done away with and the dawn of dialogue and engagement is sustained.
Referring to the recent visit by the Indian Prime Minister
to Pakistan, he said that Kashmiri people will wait to see
if these important gestures between New Delhi and Islamabad translate into “substantive policy procedures” that will ultimately help in resolving the Kashmir dispute to the satisfaction of all the parties concerned – Pakistan, India and the people of Kashmir.
He said the day will come when Kashmir’s desires and interests as well as their representation at the table will be
recognized. “Any process that ignores those sentiments will not only prove to be an exercise in futility but can also
cause incalculable human and political damage for the people of the region of South Asia – home to one-fifth of total human race.”
Megha for film producers to highlight local culture
LAHORE, Dec 30 (APP): Filmstar Megha on Wednesday
urged the film producers to use new technology in film
making and highlight local culture through interesting
film stories.
Talking to APP, she said that new films were being made on socio-economic topics instead of making traditional
and stereo type films.
She said that educated youth and TV artists were playing very important role to revive the film industry.
She said the culture of Pakistan was very rich which should be highlighted before the world through movies.
PM optimist about Pakistan-India ties
ZHOB, Dec 30 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday expressed optimism that Pakistan-India ties would improve in the days ahead and the spirit of goodwill generated with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit would continue to prevail.
Talking to media at Zhob airport, following the groundbreaking of Zhob-Mughal Kot Road and Qila Saifullah – Waigam Rud Road, the Prime Minister said “goodwill gestures were solution to many a ills.”
He was responding to question about the recent visit of the Indian Prime Minister to Lahore and its impact on bilateral ties.
Sharif recalled how the US President Barack Obama demonstrated his statesmanship that led to improved ties with Iran and the inking of the nuclear deal. He said the credit for improved Iran – United States of America ties goes to President Obama.
“All issues could be resolved through negotiations,” Sharif said. He said Prime Minister Modi’s visit on December 25, was a step in this direction.
To a question about the gathering of political leadership of all shades at the event, the Prime Minister said it was a good gesture as all were together at a national event, that would usher in an era of progress and development in the country.