Category: Pakistan

NUT (WEB DESK) At least 35 people lost their lives and several sustained injuries on Monday as Sir Syed Express train collided with a Millat Express between Reti and Daharki railway stations in Ghotki.

According to the railways’ officials, the accident occurred when a Sargodha-bound Sir Syed Express collided with a Millat Express that was already present at the track after the derailment, said sources.

DC Ghotki, Usman Abdullah confirmed the death of at least 30 passengers and added that several people are still trapped in the boogies of both trains. Getting the information about the incident, the police and rescue teams reached the spot for the rescue and relief operation.

DC Usman Abdullah said heavy machinery and cutters are required for the operation. Following the major train accident, up and down railway traffic has been suspended.

Meanwhile, troops of Pakistan Rangers Sindh have also reached the spot to assist the civil administration in the operation. The bodies are being shifted to nearby hospitals.

In a separate major train accident last year, as many as 19 people were killed and more than 30 were wounded when the Pakistan Express train collided with a passenger bus at a railway crossing near Rohri railway station.

The spokesperson of Pakistan Railways had said the incident was apparently happened due to negligence of the bus driver

Ferozsons Laboratories and KMC help Karachi celebrate World Environment Day by lighting Frere Hall green

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) To honor the importance of the environment for our health and well being, Ferozsons Laboratories Limited, a leading pharmaceutical company, joined hands with the Karachi Municipal Corporation and citizens of Karachi to celebrate World Environment Day  by turning  the iconic monument Frere Hall, Karachi into a beacon of emerald green light on 5th June. The activity aimed to rally public opinion for the protection and revival of our ecosystems, and our commitment to  the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Mr. Osman Khalid Waheed, CEO Ferozsons Laboratories, highlighted his organization’s concerns for the current Environmental scenario, “Climate change poses the single gravest threat to the health and the well-being of everyone on the planet. We are privileged to join KMC and Karachi’s civil society in raising awareness on this critical  challenge for our current and future generations. ”

Mr. Laeeq Ahmad, Administrator of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), said “We all have an unstated obligation towards our Environment. World Environment Day provides an opportunity to reflect on our actions and to commit and strive towards a healthier and greener Environment. We are delighted  to have ther support of  Ferozsons Laboratories for this important cause.”

Mr. Taha Saleem, DG Parks, KMC commenting on the initiative said, “World Environment Day is a reminder that we are the inheritors and custodians of our surroundings. Protecting our environment and keeping the planet green is the only path to ensuring our mental and physical well-being.”

This event was held to remind us of our collective commitment  towards the environment. The organizers hope that the government and citizens  will  reinforce their efforts to take on the challenges of climate change, reduce pollution levels and counter the ongoing threat of deforestation.

Islamabad (Muhammad Yasir) AAA Associates, a leading Group of Companies, officially condemn the violent protest in Bahria Town, Karachi, in which the miscreants targeted public property. AAA Associates offered condolences to the residence and business community of Bahria Town Karachi over the loss of their property.

The protestors set several shops and vehicles ablaze, terrorizing the local residence and business community of Bahria Town. Due to COVID-19 Pandemic, when world economies suffer a backlash, Pakistan’s real estate sector has been showing promising growth and a progressive trajectory. The Pakistan real estate sector is worth anywhere between $300 to $400 billion according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. These violent acts will harm Pakistan’s booming real estate sector just as it has started showing positive signs of investments and become one of the leading sectors in the country’s GDP growth. 

AAA Associates has demanded that Government and Law enforcement Authorities take strict action against the perpetrators, compensate the damages after evaluation and provide total security to the residence and business community of Bahria Town in all cities. There is a need to devise a security plan to avoid such incidents in the future, as they adversely impact the investment opportunities in the Real estate industry and discourage investors from injecting capital into this sector.

AAA Associates Managing Director Lt. Col Shahzad Ali Kiani (Retd) shared his thoughts on the incident, “At this crucial time when real estate has picked up the pace, and we are witnessing tremendous growth in the real estate industry, such violent incidents will take us to the backfoot and hurt the confidence of Investors. Government and Law-enforcement agencies must ensure the safety and security of the residence and business community that play a pivotal role in developing the real estate sector as an important player in the national building process and bringing our GDP at par with Developed Nations of the world”.  

AAA Associates Chairman Mr. Shiekh Fawad Bashir expressed sympathy to the residence and business community over their losses by saying, “We felt insecure after this incident which has exposed lawlessness at a provincial level. We demand the Local Government to compensate them and ensure this incident must be handled at the highest levels. AAA Associates has always stood side by side with our business community in a time of need. We take every step to protect their rights in all forms. We are committed to building the country’s economy by creating fair investment opportunities and boosting the real estate sector.”

AAA Associates has proven to be an important player and a driving force in the Real Estate industry in Pakistan, offering state-of-the-art leisure facilities, unique architectural structure, customized investment plans, and solutions for diverse clients, ranging from small to large investors. They are a trendsetter in offering integrated single-source solutions for all real estate needs.

NUT (WEB DESK) Punjab Health Minister Dr. Yasmin Rashid on Sunday said that commercial activities in the province are barred after 8:00 pm as the COVID positivity ratio has witnessed a decline owing to strict restrictions.

Addressing a presser, the health minister said that the province reported 403 positive cases during the past 24 hours besides also reporting deaths of 49 people.

She urged the traders and shopkeepers to implement business hours announced by the government and said that strict SOPs would help in bringing down the COVID positivity ratio.

Dr.  Yasmin Rashid while detailing ease in COVID restrictions said that parks have been reopened in the province, however, indoor marriages are yet to be allowed. “The restrictions are meant to benefit the public rather than the government,” she said.

She further announced that the vaccination process in the Punjab province has been expedited.

“180,000 people have been vaccinated in the province during the last 24 hours and the COVID situation will start improving once 50 percent of the 110 million population of the province is vaccinated,” Dr Yasmin Rashid said.

Rejecting vaccine shortage, she said that they had 1.8 million doses of COVID jabs available with them and as per reports 30 million more doses would reach Pakistan in the next few months.

“We will be vaccinating 400,000 people in a day by next month,” she said adding that the province would also place an order of vaccine worth Rs1.5 billion.

On May 29, the Punjab government decided to reopen public parks and resume water sports with strict adherence to the coronavirus-related standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Presiding over a meeting, Punjab Health Minister Dr. Yasmin Rashid said that the parks will be reopened to the public in the areas where the COVID-19 positivity rate is less than five per cent.

Lahore (WEB DESK) Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar visited different areas of the provincial metropolis to check the cleanliness arrangements under the “Khidmat Aap Ki Dehleez Par” programme.

The CM drove his vehicle without personal staff. He expressed strong indignation over poor cleanliness arrangements in some parts of the city. On his direction, the CEO LWMC Imran Ali Sultan has been removed from his post and directed to report S&GAD. Those failing to solve public problems have no right to stay on their posts and such officers should better leave Punjab, he stated.

Paperwork will not be tolerated nor would any compromise be made on cleanliness, he insisted. I am saddened by the LWMC performance after observing the poor cleanliness situation, he maintained.

“After receiving complaints about the dilapidated cleanliness situation of the provincial metropolis, I inspected the ground situation and directed LWMC to improve the cleanliness arrangements of Lahore”, he added.

Moreover, an independent candidate from PP-84 Khushab Malik Amjad Raza met with Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar at his office and announced to join the PTI while reposing his trust over the leadership of CM Usman Buzdar. The PTI has taken effective steps for the resolution of public problems, he said. The CM welcomed him adding that PTI is the most popular political party which has improved the sagging economy. However, he regretted that the opposition has not accepted the economic development of the country as it does not want the common man to prosper. Opposition’s politicisation over the national economy is deplorable as it does not know, even, the ABC of the economy, he said.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) On the occasion of World Environment Day, Coca-Cola reiterated its commitment to protect natural ecosystems across Pakistan as part of its sustainability agenda for which Water, Waste and Women are the three core focus areas. Over 10 million beneficiaries have been positively impacted by the company’s interventions through water stewardship, 85 percent of plastic waste is collected according to a formal study conducted by WWF and 200,000 women have graduated under the empowerment programs in the most underserved communities.

This commitment was reaffirmed in Islamabad on June 5, 2021 through a joint discussion between Coca-Cola and Chairman, Capital Development Authority, for a pledge of making Margalla Hills a liter free area for its visitors through a donation of segregated waste bins, and exploring innovative solutions to make roads out of recycled plastics. The commitment will follow up with a partnership with the parks authorities to steadily improve awareness and waste collection convenience for those visiting nature trails with families. In the Northern areas of Pakistan, famous for its trails, an estimated 2 million people visit annually.

The segregated waste bins will be strategically placed along these trails to ensure collection and to protect the natural environment from waste related hazards.

While speaking at this occasion, Fahad Ashraf, VP and General Manager for Pakistan and Afghanistan region at The Coca-Cola Export Corporation said, “Conserving our natural ecosystem starts with educating the public about the importance of throwing waste where it belongs, and most importantly making it easy for the public that visits parks to throw waste in the right category of waste bins. It may be a small step but it can go a long way in making a material impact to our environment.”

A recently led Plastic Scoping Study conducted by Coca-Cola & WWF shows that over 70% of the Pakistani households don’t segregate their waste because they are unaware about recyclable packaging, which consequently highlights the need for awareness around environmental stewardship programs that involve waste management.

With partner organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Rotary International, Indus Earth Trust and Mountain and Glacier Protection Organization, Pakistan is the first water positive country among Coca-Cola’s MENA region, executes WASH programs and builds resilience among local communities by establishing access to clean drinking water nationwide.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) The Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA) and Rapidev DMCC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a Technology Park in Pakistan’s first Special Technology Zone (STZ) in Islamabad, a state-of-the-art development that will facilitate a high-tech business environment. The signing ceremony was held in Islamabad and attended by members of both the organizations, technology sector professionals, and government officials.

According to the MoU, both the organizations will work together to achieve high-tech industrial growth, create job opportunities, upskill the youth, and attract Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) through development of a knowledge ecosystem driven by research, innovation and collaboration.

Mr. Amer Hashmi, Chairman STZA, stated that the Technology Park in the Islamabad STZ will encourage innovative solutions and provide futuristic entrepreneurship opportunities for the youth of Pakistan. The STZA team also addressed how the Special Technology Zones (STZs) have the potential to change the economic outlook of Pakistan by enhancing IT exports and encouraging technology and knowledge transfer from global technology hubs. The signing of the MoU between the organisations means that the groundwork is in place for STZA’s flagship project, the Islamabad STZ, to break ground soon.

The 3 Pol (People, Purpose, Passion) Technology Park by Rapidev, will spread over an area of 650,000 sq. ft. which will offer a complete ecosystem including all the necessary facilities to foster innovation. The facilities offered to resident companies will include technology towers, cutting edge R&D labs, production and manufacturing plants, certified testing centers, wellness facilities and a Center of Excellence. . With an investment US$ 100 million, the project is expected to create more than 5000 highly skilled jobs and generate over US$ 200 million of revenue in the coming few years. By the addition of a Research and Training academy at the Park, Mr. Wajid Gulistan, Chief Executive Officer of Rapidev, also envisions to equip the youth of Pakistan with high-tech knowledge and skills.

While addressing the gathering, Mr. Gulistan stated that the Park will be a one-of-its-kind in Pakistan – a hub of research, innovation, and technology. He mentioned that the aim will be to provide all resident companies, including startups, SMES and multi-nationals with access to all available facilities. He concluded by stating that “Our mission is to make Pakistan the fastest growing exporting country in the world and make ‘Made in Pakistan’ a symbol of quality”.

The MoU with Rapidev DMCC on 3 Pol Technology Park is STZA’s second recent one after the former MoU was signed with iEngineering Corporation. It is envisioned that a cluster of Technology Parks will form within the Islamabad STZ as the Zone materializes over the years. 

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)  “Pakistan is in dire need of a national political dialogue to mitigate the key issues plaguing the country’s education system in the aftermath of the pandemic.” These views were expressed by senior journalist ZarrarKhuhrowhile moderating a national dialogue aimed at generating a discourse around Pakistan’s education priorities.

The virtual dialogue was organized by Education Champions Network (ECN), a platform of 12 civil society organizations advocating for 12 years of free, equitable, quality education for every girl in Pakistan.

Senior political representatives from across the country who participated in this event included Senator Mr. Mushahid Hussain Syed and MPAs Madiha Nisar and Zeenat Bibi from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Shamim Aftab from Punjab and Rabia Azfar from Sindh.

Public Financial Management expert, Mr. Asim Bashir Khanwhile speaking at the forum pointed at the urgent need for an increase in the country’s education budgets. “An estimated investment of Rs. 12 trillion is needed over the next 10 years to ensure every out-of-school child in Pakistan is finally in schools. At the current rate of investment, it will take Pakistan 45 years to merely overcome the backlog of the 22.8 million children who were out of school prior to the pandemic.”

Senator Mushahid Hussain Syedfelt that a lack of political will rather than resources was primarily responsible for the persistently low priority accorded to education.“The feudal mindset that continues to dominate the political landscape in Pakistan needs immediate redressal if we are serious about honouring the constitutional promise of providing free and quality education to every Pakistani child.” He pledged to raise the issue of the country’s lukewarm funding to the education sector in the Senate.

Despite the pandemic and the fairly recent merger of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with erstwhile FATA, KP was able to increase its education development budget by 43% during the fiscal year 2020-21. At the same time Punjab and Balochistan introduced cuts worth 19% and 27% respectively. In the same vein, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has also been allocating 70% of its education development expenditure to improve girls’ access to education for the last two consecutive years while other provinces are yet to follow suit. Highlighting the province’s exceptional performance, Chairperson of the Provincial Standing Committee forHigher Education, Madiha Nisar shared, “We have been closely following reports by the international donors according to which close to 1 million children have already dropped-out of schools during the pandemic and an estimated 700,000 are further feared to drop-out. We, in Khyber Pakhtunhwaare very mindful of this alarming situation and are hopeful to introduce a healthy increase in the province’s education development budget to mitigate this impending crisis.”

During the past decade Sindh has been successful in allocating a significant chunk of its annual budget for education; its education portfolio standing second only to Punjab. However, despite this huge investment, Sindh’s performance vis-à-vis enrolment and retentionrates, teacher training, construction and upgradation of schools andaddressing the issue of missing facilitieshas remained among the bottom 3 regions of the country. Commenting on this dichotomy, MPA Rabia Azfar said, “To begin with a very small portion of Sindh’s overall education budget is earmarked for development initiatives; over 80% of itis consumed in salaries and other administrative expenses. No meaningful change in the province’s education indicators can be introduced without increasing its education development budget.”

Enhanced investment in the underfunded education sector is urgently required to make education accessible to the country’s most marginalized learners including girls and children with disabilities. This would include enhancing the current ambit of scholarship, stipend and/or conditional cash transfer programs for out-of-school children in addition to building new infrastructure and teachers’ training, especially at the secondary level. It is also needed to pilot and mainstream blended and alternate learning solutions to make Pakistan’s education system resilient against future shocks such as the ongoing pandemic.

NUT (WEB DESK)

Pakistan has reported 76 deaths in the last 24 hours by novel coronavirus as the number of positive cases has surged to 877,130. The nationwide tally of fatalities has jumped to 19,543 on Sunday.

According to the latest figures by the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) 2,379 persons tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 24 hours.

Punjab remains the worst-hit province in terms of deaths and cases followed by Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Till now 9,367 individuals have lost their lives to the epidemic in Punjab 4,794 in Sindh, 3,766 in KP, 731 in Islamabad, 514 in Azad Kashmir, 264 in Balochistan, and 107 in GB.

Furthermore 325,662 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Punjab, 298,078 in Sindh, 126,787 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 79,123 in Islamabad, 23,831 in Balochistan, 18,231 in Azad Kashmir and 5,418 in Gilgit-Baltistan.

 Pakistan has so far conducted 12,444,042 coronavirus tests and 30,402 in the last 24 hours. 788,768 patients have recovered in the country whereas 4,376 patients are in critical condition.

NUT (WEB DESK) The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has urged all those people who are above 30 years of age to get vaccinated as soon as possible in order to prevent from COVID-19.

In a message on Sunday, the NCOC asked the above 30 people to get register by sending CNIC number to 1166 prior to visit vaccination center.

“Walk in facility for above 40 years also needs prior registration”, NCOC added in its public awareness message.

In a social media campaign, NCOC said that vaccines protect individuals and communities. “Vaccination not only protects you, it protects those who cannot be vaccinated,” it mentioned.