LAHORE: August 09 – PTI MPA Sania Kamran planting a sapling at Liberty Market during tree plantation campaign. APP Photo by Ashraf Ch
LAHORE: August 09 – Assignment Commissioner Zeshan Ranjha inaugurating tree plantation campaign by planting a sapling at Liberty Market. APP Photo by Ashraf Ch
LAHORE: August 09 Chief Minister Punjab Usman Buzdar talking to media persons at Shadman Park. APP Photo by Ashraf Ch
Petroleum Division identifies 40 new blocks to step up E&P activities
ISLAMABAD, Aug 09 (APP): Making a true calculation of the country’s existing and future energy needs, the Petroleum Division has aligned its strategy to achieve self-sufficiency in oil and gas sector by introducing ease-of-doing-business and radical measures to ensure a level-playing field for all competitors.
“As many as 40 new blocks have been identified in different parts of the country to step up oil and gas exploration activities as the existing reservoirs are fast-depleting and since long there is no major discovery,” a senior official privy to petroleum sector developments told APP while sharing two-year performance of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government.
The new blocks would be awarded in a transparent manner through an international bidding, for which necessary work was in process, he said. In September 2018, he said, following the PTI government’s coming into power, a bidding round of 10 onshore exploration blocks was conducted, which was held after a gap of almost five years, wherein eight blocks were awarded.
“Next bidding round is being planned shortly whereby 20 Onshore Blocks would be offered and efforts are being made to attract foreign companies,” he said, adding that more such rounds would be held in sequence.
The country’s total sedimentary area was around 827,268 square kilometers, out of which 320, 741 KM or 39 percent of the area was under exploration, he said.
Quoting a recent study about fast depletion of existing hydrocarbon reservoirs in the country, he feared that the deposits would further deplete by 60 percent by the year 2027, underlining the need for accelerating exploration activities in potential areas on war-footing, Total consumption of petroleum products in the country stood at 19.68 Million Tons (MTs) during the fiscal year 2019-20, out of which 11.59 MTs was achieved through local refineries and 8.09 MT through import.
While, there was a gap of over 2 Billion Cubic Feet per Day (BCFD) gas between production and demand of the commodity to meet requirements of more than 9.6 million consumers across the country, Current gas production is around 4 BCFD against the demand of 6 BCFD, the gap is being bridged through import of LNG and LPG.
The official said the Petroleum Division had granted open access to private sector in import of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) besides allowing them to set up their own terminals. He said the government had planned to introduce Euro-V fuel in the country to meet requirements of the hi-tech vehicles and tackle the environmental issues like pollution and smog factors.
He said general sales tax on fuels had been fixed at the rate of 17 percent by law to streamline the matters related to pricing of petroleum products.
Commenting on the country’s oil refining capacity, he said two new modern refineries were being built, while an incentive package had been announced for up-gradation of existing facilities. He said the government had also simplified the approval process for those who wanted to work in exploration and production business.
The official said the government had finalized new downstream oil policy, whereas the work on dualization of the white oil pipeline would start soon.
Besides, he said, engineering work was being carried out for development of underground storage capacity. Boards of Directors of ten companies reconstituted, he said, adding professional CEOs had been appointed in Pakistan State Oil Company Limited, Oil and Gas Development Company Limited Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation and Government Holdings (Private) Limited.
He said lab testing facilities of Hydrocarbon Development Institute of Pakistan were being upgraded to ensure provision of quality petroleum products across the country. During a period from August 18, 2019 to April 30, 2020, Exploration and Production (E&P) companies had drilled around 142 wells, out of which 50 were exploratory and 92 appraisal/developmental.
As many as 26 discoveries with initial flow of 6,799 Barrels per Day (BPD) oil and 234 Million Cubic Feet per Day (MMCFD) gas were announced.
The E&P companies, the official said, had added 9,444 BPD oil and 218 MMCFD gas was added in the national pool against the depletion of 9611 BPD oil and 279 MMCFD gas from the operational wells.
While, the companies had acquired around 5,110 2D Line-Kilometer and 2,693 Square- Kilometer seismic data to assess potential of hydrocarbon deposits in different pockets.
Till May 21, 2020, the government had collected Rs142.977 billion from different E&P companies, out of which Rs51.196 billion were received on account of crude oil and Rs91.781 billion for natural gas extraction.
UN chief calls for elimination of nuclear weapons at Nagasaki anniversary
UNITED NATIONS, Aug 09 (APP): UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday marked 75 years since the atomic bombing of Nagasaki with tributes for the hibakusha (the survivors), who transformed their decades-long plight into a warning about the perils of nuclear weapons and an example of the triumph of the human spirit.
“Your example should provide the world with a daily motivation to eliminate all nuclear weapons,” said Guterres in a statement delivered in Nagasaki by Izumi Nakamitsu, the UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs.
“Sadly,” he said, “three-quarters of a century after this city was incinerated by an atomic bomb, the nuclear menace is once again on the rise.”
In remarks delivered to the Peace Memorial Ceremony, the UN chief hailed Nagasaki as a true example of resilience, recovery and reconciliation.
“Citizens of Nagasaki are not defined by the atomic bombing, but they are dedicated to ensuring such a catastrophe never befalls another city or people,” he said, adding that the international community remains grateful for that dedication to achieving a world free of nuclear weapons.
Yet while the resilience of the people of Nagasaki and the venerable, long-suffering hibakusha “should provide the world with a daily motivation to eliminate all nuclear weapons,” the Secretary-General warned that the prospect of nuclear weapons being used intentionally, by accident or miscalculation, is dangerously high.
The UN chief said that while nuclear weapons are being modernized to become stealthier, more accurate, faster and more dangerous, the relationships between nuclear-armed States are precarious – defined by distrust, a lack of transparency and dearth of dialogue.
“Nuclear sabres are being rattled, with bellicose rhetoric not seen since the Cold War,” he stated.
Moreover, the historic progress in nuclear disarmament is in jeopardy, as the web of instruments and agreements designed to reduce the danger of nuclear weapons and bring about their elimination is crumbling, he said, urging: “This alarming trend must be reversed.”
The U.S. bombing of Nagasaki on Aug. 9, 1945, killed an estimated 70,000 people three days after a bomb dropped on Hiroshima killed 140,000. They were followed by Japan’s surrender, ending World War II.
Calling on the international community to return to the understanding that a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought, Guterres stressed that there is an urgent need to stop the erosion of the nuclear order.
“We must use the tenth review conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)to restart our joint efforts. We must continue to uphold the norm against nuclear testing. And we must protect and further strengthen the international nuclear disarmament regime,” said the Secretary-General, as he looks forward to the entry into force of Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons as an “important” new element.
That treaty, known as the TPNW, is the first legally binding international agreement to comprehensively prohibit nuclear weapons. It was adopted by a 2017 UN conference, where States undertook not to develop, test, produce, acquire, possess, stockpile, use or threaten to use nuclear weapons. The TPNW will enter into force 90 days after the 50th instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession has been deposited.
Closing out his remarks on Sunday, the Secretary-General pledge that the United Nations will carry forward the message of the courageous hibakusha so that the entire world can see the human face of the cold logic of nuclear strategy.
“Connecting this history with the youth of today – tomorrow’s peace-builders – must be our goal to help future generations move out from under the shadow of nuclear apocalypse,” he said.
Today’s ceremony follows the commemoration on 6 August of the 75th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, which devastated that city in 1945.
The birth of the UN in that same year, is inextricably intertwined with the destruction wrought by the nuclear bombs that fell on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, he told that ceremony.
“Since its earliest days and resolutions, the Organization has recognized the need to totally eliminate nuclear weapons”, Guterres said, adding that goal remains elusive.
Usman Dar praises foreign diplomats for taking part in plantation drive
ISLAMABAD, Aug 09 (APP): Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Youth Affairs Muhammad Usman Dar Sunday expressed his gratitude to the foreign diplomats for participating in the country’s biggest plantation drive.
In a press release, he said the diplomats of brotherly countries had shown the perfect example of love by joining in the government’s efforts for clean and green Pakistan. “The government of Pakistan is extremely grateful to you for your cooperation,” he added.
According to the SAPM’s office, the ambassadors of multiple countries including Azerbaijan, China, Kuwait and Yemen had launched the plantation drive by planting saplings.
They appreciated the efforts of Prime Minister’s Corona Relief Tiger Force for rendering services during the coronavirus pandemic.
A massive plantation drive, kicked off on Sunday to mark the ‘tiger force day’ and all the government departments, civil society and volunteers of Prime Minister’s Corona Relief Tiger Force were fully engaged in the campaign to achieve the one-day target of planting 3.5 million trees across the country.
Usman Dar encourages leaders, opposition parties to join national plantation drive
ISLAMABAD, Aug 9 (APP): Special Assistant on Youth Affairs Usman Dar Sunday on Sunday requested the leaders as well as members of opposition parties to join the national plantation drive by putting aside their political differences and for the sake of national interest.
In a tweet, Usman Dar invited every citizen specially opposition parties to join him on Sunday in planting trees all over Pakistan.
He said Prime Minister Imran Khan, together with the Tiger Force, is launching the biggest tree plantation campaign in the history of country and for the betterment of the country and safety of generations to come.
Gov’t resolve, policies stabilize the economy
ISLAMABAD, Aug 09 (APP): The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) government’s handling of the COVID-19 as well as the economic crises inherited by the previous government has averted a major catastrophe.
Testing the government’s resolve, from the vantage of an impartial observer, the PTI government’s performance, despite numerous criticisms has been on point, where strategies including fiscal stimuli (Economic package, Construction package) as well as social measures (smart lockdown, Ehsaas program) have averted a major catastrophe, according to a research paper published by AKD securities.
The government’s difficult decisions have manifested in a much improved outlook with major sectors already witnessing growth including cements, fertilizers, autos etc. where numbers have consistently picked pace after multi year lows on account of the COVID19 pandemic.
Improved business outlook has also been reflected in the country’s benchmark stock index performance with the KSE-100 rising by 42.6% to reach 38,836 points from 27,229 points on March 25, 2020, making it one of the best performing markets in the world.
Economic metrics on face were good during the previous government’s tenure, however, Pakistan was a deficit funded economy with Current Account Deficit at 6.3% (FY18) and Fiscal deficit at 6.6% (FY18).
Growth as such, was unsustainable given the occurrence of debt. Trade deficit in FY18 stood a monumental 9.9% of GDP, showcasing Pakistan’s leverage based consumption growth, resulting in imports exceeding exports by 2.3x. Currency had also artificially been kept stable.
SBP Reserves, which had fallen to $9.76 billion by FY18 end from $18.1billion in FY16, recovered to currently stand at $12.1billion. With the economy slowly but surely on a mend, the COVID 19 pandemic hit, derailing the economic recovery.
Despite numerous criticisms from all spheres, the way the government tackled the Corona crises has to be lauded. Pakistan was amongst the first, if not the first, in a number of steps including announcing an economic package worth PkR1.2 trillion in March 2020, being amongst the first to suggest the concept of smart lockdown and being amongst the first countries to lobby for international debt deferment for emerging economies.
With a view of combating the financial repercussions, the SBP initiated one of the most aggressive monetary easing cycle in the world, reducing interest rates to 7.0% from a high of 13.25%.
The announcement of the construction sector package has the potential to kick start the economic wheel. The Rs 30billion subsidy and abolishment of 90% taxes within the Naya Pakistan Housing Scheme (NPHS) should already boost the PM’s much touted project and help generate additional demand.
Additionally, CPEC projects have gained pace once again with recent signing agreement for two hydropower projects in Kashmir (Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower Project) having total investment outlay of $3.9bn while work on ML-1 is expected to commence soon which will be the costliest project of CPEC so far, having total investment outlay of $D7.2bn.
All these big-ticket infrastructure projects are only going to propel the construction demand, encouraging investment in construction and allied industries, moving forward.
Similarly, in Energy sector resolution of circular debt was one of the major steps as two energy sukuks have been issued, clearing a total of Rs 400 bn in a year.
The incentives for exporters helped arrest the decline in Textile exports which fell to $1.2billion in May 2020 on account of COVID19 with a subsequent rebound to $1.58billion in Jun’20.
Already, textile exporters in Pakistan have multiple big ticket orders in place ranging from apparel to face masks.
In terms of other sectors, to ensure support to the Agriculture sector, the government announced a Rs50 billion Agri package while GIDC was also removed in January 2020, resulting in fertilizer prices falling by Rs400 per bag.
In conclusion, if decided on merit, PTI government’s performance while not perfect has fared particularly well and the criticism on performance appears unjustified.
The economic structural issues particularly dollarization of the economy had already caused considerable loss before the incumbent government came into power.
Over the longer term, the government needs to take a leaf out of old friend Saudi Arabia’s book where Crown Prince Salman’s Vision 2030 entails a complete revamp of the Saudi economy.
In this regard, the recently signed FTA II with China is a feather in the government’s cap while an FTA with Turkey is also in the pipeline.
From a sustainable growth point of view, however, planning for the longer term is the need of the hour where Pakistan should capitalize on trade disruptions between China and the US by setting up manufacturing facilities in the country, as is already being done by India and Vietnam.
At the same time, the IT industry still remains in infancy in Pakistan, where setting shops may bode well for future service based exports.
Pakistan still has long way to go in this regard where compared to India for example, Pakistan’s IT exports remain negligible with India’s IT industry export standing at $99billion in 2018 compared to Pakistan’s $1.3billion in 11 months of FY20.
Shibli urges masses to participate in PM’s tree plantation drive
ISLAMABAD, Aug 09 (APP): Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Senator Shibli Faraz said on Sunday planting trees was the Sunnat of the Last Prophet of Allah Hazrat Muhammad (SAW).
In a tweet, he urged the people to participate in this good deed and make Prime Minister Imran Khan’s tree plantation project a success.
Country welcomes tourists as coronavirus emergency ends
ISLAMABAD, Aug 9 (APP): As government has lifted its state of Coronavirus emergency, the tourism sector is seen coming out of the lurch after a hiatus of five months where tourist destinations all over the country including federal capital are slowly reopening and gearing to welcome visitors with adopting government given SOPs.
Country Tourist spots reopened its doors for tourists after nearly five months of closure to revive an economy slammed by the coronavirus pandemic.
According to visitors, Cultural attractions have also begun to reopen their doors with less crowds and new rules in the country after long coronavirus lockdown emergency situation where a large number of visitors were seen wearing protective masks.
A number of tourists on Sunday also flocked to Naran Kaghan, Nathiagali, Murree, Swat and other tourist destinations in Hazara division where police along with officials of other health departments are on the road to facilitate the guests, visitors added.
Sami Shabir a visitor in Murree on Sunday while talking to APP news express his happiness over resuming tourist activities said, as lockdown restrictions ease around the country, our favorite places are reopening their doors to welcome us once again.
A group of youngsters in Murree also regretted that large numbers of people flocked to popular tourists sites and major cities across Country on weekend, despite warnings from health authorities that the risk posed by the coronavirus pandemic remains far from over.
Another tourist Bilal Malik while travelling to Naran Kaghan commented that the reopening of tourism sector is vital to the country’s economy and this would help compensate businesses for the lost income and help country’s economy recover faster.
Many of the country’s restaurants that were shuttered only days ago also appeared to be doing a brisk trade, with several requiring reservations to enter, he added.
He further said that country needs tourism, and tourism needs safety in both origin and destination and that the government will make sure that tourists are safe, and nor they bring “any risk to these places.
A 50 years old citizen Suleman Javed said that the health department in a notification already directed visitors to ensure the use of sanitizer while visiting parks, museum, historical and other places to avoid contracting Covid-19.
He said people should prefer online booking of rooms and tickets to minimize the risk of exposure to the coronavirus and limit the tourist site capacity.
Khusro greets Aamer on appointment as House of Lords member
ISLAMABAD, Aug 9 (APP): Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar on Sunday greeted British-Pakistani businessman and philanthropist Aamer A.Sarfraz on his appointment as a lifetime member of the House of Lords.
The minister termed his appointment as a good sign for enhancing the diplomatic, economic and trade ties between the United Kingdom (UK) and Pakistan, said a message issued here.
Earlier, Queen Elizabeth appointed British-Pakistani businessman Aamer Sarfraz as a member of the House of Lords on the advice of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
The minister paid heartiest congratulations to Aamer Sarfraz on his membership of the House of Lords.
He said that Aamer Sarfraz also played his due role for building the bright image of Pakistan in the international community.
Meanwhile in his message, former Prime Minister and senior leader of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Raja Pervaiz Ashraf also hailed the appointment of a new lifetime member of House of Lord Aamer A.Sarfraz.
He hoped that Aamer A.Sarfraz would play its due role and make an effort for improving the relations between the United Kingdom and Pakistan in every sphere.
In their message, leadership of other political parties including Leader of Pakistan People Party Senator Saleem Mandiwala ,Senator Dilawar Khan ,Aurangzeb Khan, Sirajul Haq , Sajjad Hussain Turi , Walid Iqbal , Sitara Ayaz , Rubina Khalid, Mushahid Hussain Syed, Senator Mohsin Aziz, Senator Sarder Usman Khan Khakar, Senator Afrasiab Khan Khattak, Senator Javed Abbasi, MNAs Nasir Khan Musazai , Raja Khurram Shahzad Nawaz, Sadaqat Ali Khan , Ali Khan Jadoon, Saleh Muhammad Khan, Ex D. Speaker National Assembly ,Murtaza Javed Abbasi also hailed the appointment of Aamer Sarfraz.
The newly designated life time member of House of Lord Aamer Sarfraz said, “I am very grateful to Prime Minister Boris Johnson for giving me the opportunity to serve in the House of Lords. I look forward to supporting the Prime Minister’s agenda and vision”.
Sarfraz also said that he was “delighted” that the announcement was made on the auspicious day of Eid-ul-Adha.
The 38 years old Sarfraz grew up in Islamabad, studied there till 1999 and went to the UK in 2002.
He was educated at Boston University and the London School of Economics (LSE).
His parents still live in Islamabad and his father Naeem Sarfraz is a retired navy officer.
270 Chinese technicians to be airlifted to Pakistan to resume work on Suki Kinari hydropower project
BEIJING, August 9 (APP): As many as 270 Chinese technicians to be airlifted from Chengdu, the capital of China’s southwest Sichuan province, by a special chartered plane to resume work on the Suki-Kinari hydropower project being build under China Pakistan Corridor (CPEC) framework.
The Civil Aviation Agency (CAA) of Pakistan has accorded special permission for the Air China Chartered flight CA-555/6 to transport these technicians to Islamabad on August 12, according to a breport of China Economic Net (CEN) on Sunday.
The Chinese technicians will leave for Pakistan under a special protocol to provide expertise for the Suki-Kinari hydropower project, being built alongside Kunhar River in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
All the passengers will undergo nucleic acid testing for COVID-19 pandemic before departure and only those who test negative will be allowed to travel to Pakistan.
The Suki Kinari is an under construction run-of-the-river hydropower project located on the Kunhar river in the Kaghan valley of Mansehra District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The project will generate 870 megawatts of power after its completion in the year 2022. The completion of this hydropower plant will play an important role in promoting Pakistan’s industrial development and economic recovery.
Kashmiri blood will continue to flow until genuine demands not fulfilled : Usman Dar
ISLAMABAD, Aug 9 (APP): Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Youth Affairs Usman Dar Sunday paid glowing tribute to young Kashmirs for braving Indian brutalities for their just right to self-determination and Kashmiri blood will continue to flow until genuine demands are not to be fulfilled.
Talking to PTV news channel, he said that Kashmiri youth is still standing firm for the cause of Kashmir and they would remember how bravely the people of Kashmir were sacrificing against the oppressive and occupant regime of India.
He urged the world youth to wake up and raise their voice to project the case of Kashmir as the occupant forces were killing Kashmiris with impunity.
Usman Dar assured that we loves the youth of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) as much as we loves the youth of Pakistan, adding, at present the youth are playing the role of a frontline force in the Kashmir liberation movement.
Usman Dar said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi should know the Pakistanis will never forget Kashmir and will never abandon the freedom struggle.
The sacrifices of all Kashmiris and Young Burhan Wani will never be forgotten,” he said, adding, there is a need to rise above politics and play role for the resolution of Kashmir issue.
He saluted the Kashmiri people who have faced the worst repression in their struggle for the right of self-determination.
He paid rich tributes to the thousands of martyrs who had laid down their lives and said that the fruit of their historic struggle would soon bear the fruit of freedom.
He said on 5th of August Pakistan reminds the international community of its responsibilities and urges them to fulfill their promise made with the people of Jammu and Kashmir by implementing UN Security Council resolutions.
Usman Dar said the government has launched a new political map of the country to make the international community fully aware of Indian policies and human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
The new map launched will definitely negate the illegal Indian move on 5th of August last year, he added.
He further explained that it is a known fact that India has been forced to go on back foot since Prime Minister Imran Khan came into power.
The foreign policy has been more animated than ever before, he said, adding, the regional situation has now changed and Pakistan is in a strong position as its narrative on Kashmir issue has been acknowledged by the civilized world.
Broad prospect for renewable energy cooperation between China, Pakistan: Prof Cheng
BEIJING, August 9 (APP): In terms of wind power and photovoltaic power generation, China’s technology and cumulative installed capacity rank first in the world.
China has technology and capital, and Pakistan needs to develop renewable energy. Therefore, there is a great potential for cooperation between China and Pakistan in the field of renewable energy, Cheng Xizhong, Visiting Professor at Southwest University of Political Science and Law said on Sunday.
Apart from hydropower and nuclear power, Pakistan’s renewable energy generation accounts for less than 1%. Nuclear power, hydropower and new renewable energy are all conducive to environmental protection, he wrote in an article.
In order to further promote renewable energy development, State Bank of Pakistan has reportedly increased the project financing limit of renewable energy from 1 billion rupees to 2 billion rupees.
In addition, State Bank of Pakistan also allows the third category financing to companies specializing in the sale of solar and wind power. This means that these companies do not have to be qualified in accordance with the certification rules of the Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB).
However, the banks participating in the financing need to provide guarantee for such companies to meet the qualification requirements of AEDB, and the funds obtained from financing shall not be paid directly to such companies, but shall be paid to project developers or contractors.
This financing program was launched in June 2016 to alleviate Pakistan’s energy shortage and address the challenges of climate change. Since the start of the program, a total of 15.6 billion rupees have been financed for 217 projects, which is expected to add 292 mw of power to Pakistan’s national grid.
Energy, including electric power, is the material foundation for the survival and development of human society, and has a particularly important strategic position in the national economy.
I often say that transportation infrastructure is the artery of the human body, and energy is the blood in the artery. With these two most important elements, the human body can be full of vitality. Therefore, the 22 projects in the first phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) are mainly transportation and energy infrastructure projects. China`s strategic intention is to help Pakistan cultivate a strong driving power for socio-economic development.
At present, power generation in Pakistan is dominated by thermal power, accounting for 60%, and the main fuel used is oil and gas. Pakistan is rich in coal resources, but coal-fired power generation accounts for a small proportion due to insufficient development of coal-fired power generation technology. Therefore, the government of Pakistan has made coal-fired power generation a key development project.
Hydropower accounts for 32% in Pakistan. On the issue of hydropower, here are two problems. First, the power load in Pakistan is mainly concentrated in the central and southern regions, where many large and medium-sized cities are distributed, but water resources are mainly distributed in the eastern part of the country, and hydropower needs to be transmitted to the central and southern regions in a long distance.
Secondly, due to the regional hegemonic policy, India not only creates tension for neighboring countries in terms of security, but also creates troubles for neighboring countries in terms of economy.
At present, the United States, China, Canada, Japan and the European Union are striving to develop renewable energy such as solar, wind and ocean energies. The increase of the project financing limit of renewable energy indicates that the Pakistani government attaches great importance to promoting the development of renewable energy, which is very far-sighted.
Pakistan’s economic development has just begun. At this initial stage, the Pakistani government and people attach great importance to the development of renewable energy and environmental protection, which is worthy of high appraisals by the international community.
China has two advantages in the field of renewable energy. One is that the technology is leading in the world; the other is that there is no problem with the capital for foreign investment. Many Chinese enterprises are looking for cooperative partners around the world. Now, hydropower is the largest environment-friendly energy in the world.
By the end of 2019, Chinese enterprises had participated in 406 international hydropower cooperation projects with an installed capacity of 127 million kilowatts. The construction mode is mainly on contract terms, accounting for nearly 70% of the total number of international cooperation projects.
China has technology and capital, and Pakistan needs to develop renewable energy. Therefore, there is a great potential for cooperation between China and Pakistan in the field of renewable energy.
Experts call for research-based policy formation to mitigate negative impacts of abrupt change in monsoon patterns
ISLAMABAD, Aug 09 (APP): International experts and scientists gathered at a webinar on “Impacts of Climate Change on South Asian Monsoon” called for research-backed policy formulation to help mitigate the negative impacts of suddenly changing patterns of monsoon on environmental and socioeconomic conditions of the South Asian region.
The experts and scientists from Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka participated in the webinar arranged by COMSATS Centre for Climate and Sustainability (CCCS) to share their views on the variability of the monsoon and its relationship with the changing global climate system as well as the adverse impacts of climate-mediated changes on South Asian region at large.
The participants emphasized on appropriate allocation of resources for strengthening the scientific and technical capacity of South Asian countries; as well as enhanced regional cooperation to promote sharing of good practices and sustainable solutions to aid adaptation with variable trends of monsoon.
Monsoon season holds great significance for South Asian region and is becoming increasingly unpredictable because of global warming and changing climate.
Extreme precipitation in South Asia resulting in extreme climate events, i.e. drought and flooding has dire consequences on the agriculture-based economy of the region and livelihoods of farming community.
The speakers discussed the repercussions of increasing monsoon variability for Nepal as well as disasters caused by extreme weather events; current trends and future projections about the shifting patterns of monsoon in various parts of Pakistan; calamitous impact of summer monsoon in Sri Lanka marked by flooding and drought; impact of atmospheric aerosols, and non-renewable energy resources on precipitation patterns; and the mitigation strategies being taken by the governmental of Bangladesh to curb the fallout of climate change.
Ambassador (R) Shahid A. Kamal, Founder and Head of CCCS, opened the webinar and in his remarks considered monsoon as one of the world’s most important weather systems.
He deemed understanding of changing weather patterns in South Asian region imperative for reliable monsoon forecasting.
Speakers participated in the webinar included: Dr. Mohammad Ismail, Associate Professor, Dhaka University, Bangladesh; Dr. Madan Sigdel, Associate Professor, Tribhuvan University, Nepal; Dr. Zaheer Ahmad Babar, Director of Meteorological Department, Pakistan; Ms. Anusha Rashanti Warnasooriya, Director of Department of Meteorology, Sri Lanka; and Dr. Vanisa Surapipith, Senior Researcher at National Astronomical Research Institute, Thailand.
The webinar highlighted the gravity of social, economic and environmental implications associated with the abrupt monsoon patterns in South Asia.
The webinar was successful in promoting exchange of knowledge and experience among experts from South Asia on climate induced shifts to the monsoon system in the region as well as measures to address the challenges associated with South Asian monsoon.
COMSATS Centre for Climate and Sustainability (CCCS) is a virtual and physical network of centres, institutions and organizations working on environmental risks for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
CCCS focuses on the nexus between climate change and sustainable development in developing-country settings.
The Centre promotes, coordinates and facilitates South-South and Triangular Cooperation for climate action and attainment of Sustainable Development Goals in line with the policy and practices of developing countries and their international obligations.
Govt launches ‘app’ to track ongoing plantation drive: Usman Dar
ISLAMABAD, Aug 09 (APP): Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on Youth Affairs Muhammad Usman Dar Sunday said the government had launched an application to track the ongoing plantation drive in the country through geo-tagging technology.
In a press release, he said the ‘app’ was prepared with the help of Punjab Information Technology board to keep the record of each sapling, being planted under the country’s first-ever digital plantation campaign.
A massive plantation drive, kicked off on Sunday to mark the ‘tiger force day’, is underway and all the government departments, civil society and volunteers of Prime Minister’s Corona Relief Tiger Force have been fully engaged in the campaign to achieve the one-day target of planting 3.5 million trees across the country.
Usman Dar said it was the first time in the history that modern technology was being employed to carry out a plantation drive in the country.
A special feature of geo-tagging had been incorporated in the application, enabling the forest departments’ officers to keep the plantation record.
He said live location and number of planted saplings could be identified through this special application.
The SAPM said the opposition members could also download the application to count the number of planted trees on the ‘tiger force day’.
He said a green selfie feature had also been introduced in the application to enable the volunteers to upload their picture while planting a sapling anywhere in the country.
Pakistan Army rescue, relief activities continue in hill torrent affected Dadu areas
RAWALPINDI, Aug 09 (APP): The overwhelming rainfall and hill torrents had wrecked havoc in the areas of Dadu district where Pakistan Army troops were busy in relief and rescue efforts to help affectees of recent hill torrent and breach of Flood Protection Bund of Nai Gaj Dam.
Army Engineer boats were rescuing stranded people to safer places, said Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) press release.
Moreover, medical camps were also established there for providing necessary medical care.
Pakistan Army troops were also providing hot meal being served to these affected people.
Sale of Independence day related items at peak across country
ISLAMABAD, Aug 9 (APP): As Azadi festivities getting momentum, sale of Independence day (ID) related items including national flags, buntings, badges, dresses and other decorations at makeshift stalls has reached at its peak all across the country to attract patriotic customers specially kids.
Shopkeepers and foothpath vendors on different roads of capital city have set up their temporary stalls where people are seen in crowds busy in buying things at cheaper rates.
According to roadside vendors, the most enthusiastic are the children who are busy in collecting stickers, badges and also beautifying their bicycles with special stickers inscribed with messages of Independence Day.
A vendor at G-7 road while talking to APP said the demand for the National flags and badges was on the rise as August 14 is getting nearer, adding that most of the motorists were buying flags to hoist on their cars.
Another seller in G-10 Markaz commented that like every year this year too vendors at their stalls on footpaths were doing a roaring business, trying to sell whatever they had as the entire inventory would go waste on August 15.
A motorist Arslan Ali said with the sale of national flag the sale of green and white dresses was also popular among the citizens.
A buyer said, “we are coming to the footpath stalls for Independence day shopping as the prices of items are cheap comparing to shops and malls”.
On the other hand, booksellers and shopkeepers say stickers and hand-held stickers were also in high demand this year.
The bazaars were decorated with national flags whereas, stalls of colorful buntings, national flag buntings, portraits of Quaid-e-Azam and other national heroes have been set up too.
Badges, caps, balloons and shirts inscribed with “Jashan-e-Azadi Mubarak” are stacked in large numbers at every market, said a citizen.
“The sale will gain even more momentum before August 14,” a shopkeeper said, adding, “The date reminds us of the sacrifices rendered to carve out a separate homeland for Muslims of the sub-continent”.
“It is our moral obligation to remind our children of the importance of Independence Day. We should be grateful to Quaid-e-Azam who struggled for the rights of the Muslims of sub-continent and gave us Pakistan,” said a shopkeper in F-6 market.
Lok Virsa to hold annual Lok Mela soon under strict SOPs: ED Lok Virsa
ISLAMABAD, Aug 09 (APP): National Institute of Cultural and Hertaige (Lok Virsa) will hold its “Annual Lok Mela” under strict SOPs.
Executive Director National Institute of Cultural and Hertaige (Lok Virsa) Talha Ali Khan Kushvaha has said that Melas’ and other Festives were the main agenda of Lok Virsa so they are planning to hold Lok Mela as soon as possible but with social distancing and strict SOPs.
Talking to APP, he said that the main purpose to arrange Lok Mela every year was to bring festivity, culture and colour of Pakistan, artisans and folk artists from all parts of the country.
He said that as per tradition Lok Mela will feature provincial cultural pavilions, artisans work, folk songs and dance performances, exotic craft bazaar, cultural nights, folkloric performances and many other activities.
Lok Virsa always worked for the welfare and development of artists as Lok Mela is the biggest step in this regard, he stated.
A year on, IIOJK suffers, simmers in anger
ISLAMABAD, Aug 9 (APP): In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, one year has passed since the Modi-led Indian fascist government repealed Kashmir’s special status and divided it into two union territories, but it has been 12 months without any business and the private sector and tourism are in a shambles.
According to Kashmir Media Service, there is no tourism for the past one year and this year too due to the pandemic, there are no signs of revival.
A KCCI report says that the total losses since 5th August 2019 till date are over Rs 45,000 corer and job losses in a small place like Kashmir amount to 4.54 lakh.
Thousands of families in IIOJK have no means of income due to the continued siege. The common refrain on the streets is that the Indian government was doing nothing for the people’s economic revival.
“There is zero development, zero jobs and zero control on situation. In the past one year, they have been lying to people and the media in New Delhi has been unfair to us,” said Aqib Ahmad, who was working with the private communication network before the siege of 5th August, last year.
“It seems that the IIOJK administration is hiding behind coronavirus to cover up its failures,” a shopkeeper in Lal Chowk said.