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Pakistan hails historic achievement at COP28 as L&D Fund sees swift operationalization

By
Ali Ali
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ISLAMABAD, Nov 30 (APP):Pakistan on Thursday applauded the historic achievement at COP28 as the Loss and Damage (L&D) Fund sees swift operationalization, with an astounding USD 575 million pledged within the first hour of the conference’s opening session along with USD 225 million committed by the European Union.
“This momentous occasion follows Pakistan’s crucial role at COP27 in Egypt, where, as the Chair of the G77 and China group, it advocated for the establishment of the fund. Over the past year, Pakistan actively engaged as a member of the transitional committee responsible for finalizing recommendations on the operationalization of the fund. This success underscores Pakistan’s commitment to addressing the impacts of climate change on vulnerable nations,” a news release received here said.
In a statement, the Pakistani delegation expressed gratitude for the global community’s rapid response, recognizing the fund’s significance in mitigating climate-related challenges, especially for nations facing vulnerabilities.
Furthermore, this milestone marks just the beginning of a collective effort, as the global community emphasizes the urgency of increasing contributions to the Loss and Damage Fund. While the initial pledges amount to a significant sum of USD 575 million, it is recognized that these contributions fall short in addressing the immense challenges faced by climate-vulnerable nations. The call to action resonates with the understanding that additional financial support is imperative to effectively mitigate and manage the aftermath of climate-related disasters. As the COP28 proceedings continue, nations are urged to further elevate their commitments to ensure the fund’s robustness in assisting those most affected by the impacts of climate change.
As COP28 unfolds, Pakistan reaffirms its dedication to actively engaging and leading developing countries on this critical issue. The country remains committed to collaborative efforts with the global community to ensure the effective implementation and utilization of the Loss and Damage Fund.

Prices of petrol kept unchanged, other petroleum products reduced

By
Muhammad Ashraf Wani
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ISLAMABAD, Nov 30 (APP): The government on Thursday kept prices of petrol unchanged at Rs281.34 and reduced the rates of all petroleum products, according to statement issued by finance ministry.

“Government of Pakistan has decided to revise the prices of petroleum products for the fortnight starting from 1st December 2023, as recommended by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA),” said press statement issued by the finance ministry here.

The prices of high speed diesel have been reduced by Rs.7 per liter from Rs 296.71 to Rs 289.71, the statement added.

Likewise the government also reduced the kerosene oil prices by Rs3.82 per liter to from Rs204.98 to Rs201.16 whereas the prices of light diesel oil have been slashed by Rs4.52 per liter from Rs180.45 to Rs.175.93, the press statement added.

NHMP beware travelers of traffic disruptions at numerous highways & motorways

By
Wajahat Haider
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0
NHMP
ISLAMABAD, Nov 30 (APP):The motorists planning to travel along National Highway N-5 and Motorways Central and North Zones are advised to exercise caution and allow extra travel time due to numerous road closures and ongoing roadwork projects.
The situation is particularly challenging in the North and Central Zones, where multiple sections of the motorway are currently affected.
In the North Zone, motorists should be aware of the following closures: Sector M-1: Near Wali Interchange (upto 1500 meters) to Near Karnal Sher Interchange (both lanes) due to roadwork.
Sector North-II: T.Chowk to Sawan (due to roadwork) and Taj Hotel to Majid hotel (due to roadwork). Additionally, Sagri morr is closed due to a vehicle breakdown.
The motorists should also be prepared for rain from Swan to Gulyana mor in Sector North-II.
Moving to the Central Zone, the following closures are in effect: Sector Central-I: Western bypass sahiwal (both lanes) and NFC Society (both lanes) due to roadwork.
Sector Central-II: Kehror chowk to ever Shaheen pump (southbound lane) due to roadwork. Additionally, traffic diversions are in place at Pull Bahsti and 872 Ada Shanal due to roadwork.
The motorists should also be aware of the following roadwork projects in Sector Central-II:
Northbound traffic: Diversions at Rajpur Nagar and 79/10R due to roadwork.
Southbound traffic: Diversions at Adda 5 Faiz and Alnoor Orchard to Alizm School due to roadwork.
With these numerous disruptions in place, travelers are urged to plan their journeys carefully and allow extra time to reach their destinations. It is also advisable to stay updated on the latest traffic conditions before setting out.

Nilofer stresses updating laws for minority communities and their implementation

By
Wajahat Haider
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0
ISLAMABAD, Nov 30 (APP):Chairperson National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW)  Nilofar Bakhtiar on Thursday emphasized updating laws for minority communities and their proper implementation to protect women and other vulnerable segments of society.
Addressing All-Parties Conference (APC) on Christian Personal Laws said it was the responsibility of the state as well as national political parties to update two centuries-old outdated Christian family laws and to review the existing lacunas just to ensure that no segment was deprived of its constitutional rights.
She assured her full support and assistance on behalf of her commission for the Christian community in pursuing their legal rights. She called for bridging the gap between minority communities and political parties.
The conference was convened by a coalition of thirteen civil society organizations and minority rights activists and a large number of representatives from human rights groups and civil society attended the conference.

Governor Balochistan takes notice of increasing crime in Pishin

By
Wajahat Haider
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QUETTA, Nov 30 (APP):Governor Balochistan Malik Abdul Wali Khan Kakar on Thursday took notice of the increasing crime and unrest in District Pishin.
He also emphasized that the district administration should take immediate and effective measures to improve the law and order situation saying that protection of life and property and elimination of crimes could open the way for sustainable peace and development.
He expressed these views while talking to the district Pishin Harmzai representatives delegation, led by Syed Abdul Bari Agha.
On this occasion, the Governor said that it was the primary responsibility of the government to provide security to the people and end the criminal elements.
He urged the people to cooperate fully with the district administration to ensure sustainable peace.

AJK President lauds Kashmiri diaspora community’s role keeping Kashmir dispute alive at Int’l level

By
NNPS Desk
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MIRPUR (AJK): Nov 30 (APP) :: Azad Jammu and Kashmir, President Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry said Kashmiri expatriates living in the United States and other parts of the world were playing a significant role in keeping the Kashmir issue alive at the international level.

He expressed these views while talking to a delegation led by Ms. Ghazala Habib, Chairperson of US-based Friends of Kashmir International in the federal metropolis on Thursday.

The AJK President hailed the Kashmiri diaspora community’s role in promoting the Kashmir cause, exposing India’s belligerent occupation of Kashmir and human rights violations being committed by the Indian occupation forces, said a press release.

Referring to the worsening political and human rights situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry said that after 5th August 2019 Indian government had broken all records of barbarism and brutality in Kashmir.

He said that rising incidents of bloodshed and violence in the region reflected the totalitarian mindset and fascism of the Modi government which was hell-bent on choking every dissenting voice in Kashmir.

He said it was high time that the expatriate community should join hands to expose the nefarious designs of the Indian government. He, however, maintained that India could not subdue the freedom struggle of the Kashmiri people by the dint of force.

Sultan expressed the hope that the day was not far away when the people of IIOJK would achieve their cherished goal of freedom from India’s occupation.

On this occasion, Ms. Ghazala Habib, appreciated the president for his services and role in promoting Kashmir cause at the international level. She invited the President to visit America, which he accepted.

Balochistan Govt to hold women empowerment summits in 15 districts: Jan Achakzai

By
NNPS Desk
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Jan Achakzai

QUETTA, Nov 30 (APP): Caretaker Balochistan Information Minister Jan Achakzai on Thursday said his ministry would organize women empowerment summits (WES) in 15 districts of the province.

The purpose of organizing summits was to encourage and provide a platform to women who had excelled in various fields, so that they could play a role in the development of the country and province by using their talent in a better way, he said in a statement.

The minister said the summits would be held in the districts of Quetta, Zhob, Musakhel, Pashin, Ketch, Panjgur, Lasbela, Khuzdar, Nushki, Kharan, Chaman, Killa Abdullah, Dera Bugti, Awaran and Kohlu in collaboration with the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF).

He said the successful businesswomen would not only be encouraged but financial support would also be provided to them.

The 16th International Urdu Conference featuring a bunch of literary events kicks off

By
Ali Ali
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KARACHI, Nov 30 (APP):The 4-day long “16th Aalmi Urdu Conference” 2023 kick-started at the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi on Thursday.
The caretaker Chief Minister Sindh Justice (R) Maqbool Baqir inaugurated the conference that would continue till December 04, 2023. The inaugural ceremony was attended by notable figures in literature and arts, including Iftikhar Arif, Zehra Nigah, Kashif Nadeem, Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui, Manzar Athar Baig, and others.
The ceremony began with a minute of silence condemning Israel’s aggression in Palestine.
The International Urdu Conference features a host of literary events including sessions on prose and poetry, Aalmi Mushaira, the launching of books, documentaries, theater plays, and literary discussions.
The conference witnessed a large number of delegates from abroad, representing various regional languages and Urdu writers from different parts of the country.
Caretaker Sindh CM Justice (r) Maqbool Baqar, addressing the inaugural ceremony, said that the international Urdu conference being organized by the Arts Council for the last 16 years has now become our `literary brand’ to spread the message of love, respect and tolerance.
The CM said that Literature can bring people of different backgrounds, cultures, and ways of life together. When people relate to a piece of literature, it makes you think that you’re not alone and that someone else has been through what you are going through, he maintained.
Quoting Shakespeare, he said, “Literature is the expression of life in words of truth and beauty; it is the written record of man’s spirit, of his thoughts, emotions, and aspirations; it is the history, and the only history, of the human soul.”
Justice (r) Baqar appreciated the leading literary figures who contributed to the conferences through their literary work and developed a spirit of tolerance and co-existence among people of different languages, religions, and faiths.
The conference was not only playing an excellent role in the mindset of the youth but it was highlighting a positive perception of Pakistan around the world, he stated.
The CM urged the youth not only to participate in such conferences which were bound to inculcate the spirit of humanity among them but develop a habit of reading books. He also urged the leading literary figures to play their role in making Pakistan a peaceful and tolerant society.
The CM felicitated the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi and its President Ahmed Shah for the successful organization of literary fairs and appreciated the inclusion of other languages of Pakistan in the Urdu conference.
President Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi Muhammad Ahmad Shah, in his welcome speech, emphasized the enduring fragrance of literature and its power to make society compassionate and stressed the need to maintain cultural identity and credited literature as a tool for that purpose.
Ahmed Shah expressed gratitude for the support received and acknowledged the success of the literary endeavors in promoting the Urdu language and culture.
Well-known intellectual and journalist Ghazi Salahuddin, in his keynote paper, said that we have the weapon of literature through which we can eradicate hatred and promote decency and love. Every young person should have this weapon of literature because if writers can change the world, so can readers.
The program also paid tribute to literary figures, including the legendary Zia Mohyeddin.
In the end, special guest Chief Minister Sindh, Justice (Rtd) Maqbool Baqir, presented awards to selected 5 regional language books, including Urdu.
The awarded books included “Khafeef Mukhfi Ki Khuwab Beeti” by Mirza Athar Baig (Urdu), “Pashtoon Danish” by Noor-ul-Amin Yousafzai (Pashto), “Mendal Da Qanoon” by Jameel Ahmed Pal (Punjabi), “Yaram Yaram” by Zubaida Maitlo (Sindhi), “Marda Jivan Di” by Muhammad Hafeez Khan (Saraiki), and “Man Kishay Nihaan” by Ghafoor Shad (Balochi).
The mentioned books were introduced by Naseer Abbas Nair, Abaseen Yousafzai, Sarwat Mahiuddin, Noor-ul-Huda Shah, Nazir Laghari, and Waheed Noor.
On this occasion, shields were also presented to Saeed Naqvi, Basit Jalili, and Akram Qaimkhani for their work in promoting Urdu literature outside the country.

Rain likely at various parts of country:PMD

By
Ali Ali
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0
ISLAMABAD, Nov 30 (APP):Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast rain-wind/thunderstorm with snowfall over the hills for isolated places in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan during the next 24 hours.
Cold and dry weather is expected in most parts of the country.
Smog/fog is likely in upper Sindh, plain areas of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
In Islamabad, cold/dry and partly cloudy weather is expected while in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, cold and dry weather is expected in most districts with chances of rain-wind/thunderstorm in Manshera, Abbottabad and Balakot.
Smog/fog is likely to persist in plain areas during morning hours.
In Punjab, cold and dry weather is expected in most parts of the province. However, partly cloudy weather with light rain is expected in Murree, Galliyat and surrounding.
Smog/fog is likely to persist in Narowal, Sialkot, Okara, Sahiwal, Gujranwala, Lahore, Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Khanewal, Multan, Bahawalpur, Khanpur, Rahim yar Khan, Dera Ghazi Khan and surrounding during morning hours.
In Balochistan, dry weather is expected in most districts of the province, while cold in northern districts.
In Sindh, dry weather is expected in most districts of the province. Fog is likely in Jacobabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Dadu and Ghotki during morning hours.
In Kashmir/Gilgit-Baltistan, rain-wind/thunderstorm with snowfall over the hills is expected in Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.
During the last 24 hours, cold and dry weather prevailed over most parts of the country. However, rain-thunderstorm occurred in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, upper Punjab, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.
The rainfall recorded during the period was Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Kalam, Malam Jabba 09mm, Balakot 07, Kakul 06, Chitral, Patan 03, Saidu Sharif 02, Punjab: Murree 18, Narowal 05, Lahore (City 02), Islamabad, Chaklala 01, Kashmir: Muzaffarabad (City 14, Airport 11), Garhi dupatta 08, Rawalakot 03, Gilgit Baltistan: Gupis 01 mm.
The lowest minimum temperatures recorded were Leh -04 C, Skardu, Gupis and Kalat -01C.

Govt promulgates four ordinances

By
NNPS Desk
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0

ISLAMABAD, Nov 30 (APP): The Federal Government on Thursday promulgated four ordinances including the National Highway Authority (Amendment) Ordinance 2023, Pakistan Postal Services Management Board (Amendment) Ordinance 2023, Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (Amendment) Ordinance 2023, and Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (Amendment) Ordinance 2023

The secretaries of all the ministries concerned briefed the President on the urgency of the ordinances as the matter was agreed upon with the International Monetary Fund in July this year regarding the four state-owned enterprises (SOEs), according to a Press Information Department news release.

The amendments in the laws of the above entities as signed by the President have been made to bring them in conformity with the State Owned Enterprises (Governance and Operations) Act, 2023, promulgated in January 2023. The SOE law has been enacted in order to improve the governance and operations of SOEs for enhancing the quality of service delivery and to bring about fiscal discipline.

“The government is now in the process of extending the provisions of the SOE law to such entities that are governed by special statutes. This will make their operations efficient and transparent,” the news release said.

“These amendments are a part of the SOE reforms agreed by the Government of Pakistan with the international partners, and are included in the SBA (Standby Agreement) with the IMF as a structural benchmark,” it added.

It said through the new amendments, the offices of the chairman of the board and the chief executive would be separated in all the above named entities to ensure good governance in line with international best practices. Independent members would be inducted in the boards of the entities, who would add fresh ideas and independent expertise in the decision making process.
The security of tenure of independent members wan also ensured.

The amendments would also ensure applicability of other provisions of the SOE Act, for example regular reporting of entity’s performance to the Central Monitoring Unit (CMU), which has been established in the Ministry of Finance, for performance monitoring of the SOEs; preparation of annual business plans; and preparation and public disclosure reports to better inform the public.

The measures would increase transparency, efficiency and oversight of the entities. The CMU would be regularly report the performance of the entities to the Cabinet Committee on State Owned Enterprises, thereby ensuring much needed visibility of the strengths and weaknesses of the SOES to the highest forums within the Federal Government.

“Overall the amendments in the laws of these state owned entities will lead to better governance, service delivery and accountability to the public,” the news release said.

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