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PIDE Discourse Magazine’s edition ‘Modernizing Pakistan’s Agricultural Economy’ released

Islamabad: The Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) on Sunday released its much-awaited edition of Discourse Magazine, titled Modernizing Pakistan's Agricultural Economy,' addressing the critical challenges through innovative solutions and global best practices facing the agriculture sector, once considered backbone of the national economy.

'This special issue of Discourse aims to inspire a transformational shift in Pakistan's agricultural landscape, fostering informed discussions and actionable strategies to address the challenges of today and tomorrow,' PIDE's acting Vice Chancellor Dr Arshad H. Hashmi said in his opening remarks.

The issue was skillfully curated by editorial team, including Dr Arshad H. Hashmi; Dr Shujaat Farooq; Dr Abedullah Anjum and Dr Muhammad Faisal Ali, and the entire PIDE team, shaping a comprehensive guide to reforming and modernizing the agricultural sector, a news release said.

The edition highlighted the multifaceted challenges confronting Pakistan's agricultural sector, including low productivity, fragmented landholdings, poor infrastructure, inefficient irrigation practices, and regulatory barriers.

The Discourse pointed out that these issues were compounded by a lack of investment in research and development (R and D), outdated technologies, and the impacts of climate change.

However, the publication outlined a roadmap to overcome these challenges by adopting global best practices, such as precision farming, deregulation of agricultural markets, geospatial monitoring, and leveraging advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and drones.

Among the solutions presented, the issue emphasized the critical need for liberalizing input markets, such as seeds and fertilizers, and reforming land consolidation policies to promote equitable growth.

It also advocated for economic water pricing to encourage sustainable use of resources while suggesting market-driven approaches to enhance efficiency in the sugar and wheat sectors.

Additionally, adopting AI and drone technology in supply chains and farming practices was highlighted as a game-changer for improving productivity and reducing waste.

The special edition featured compelling contributions from leading experts.

Muhammad Faisal Ali and Abedullah proposd actionable strategies in "Pathways to Prosperity: Strategic Reforms for Pakistan's Agricultural Markets," while Zartasha Inayat and Tuaha Adil explored the potential of deregulating the sugar sector in "Deregulation of the Sugar Sector Critical to Promote Efficiency."

Sobia Rose addressed the inequities in land markets in "Reforming Agricultural Land Markets in Pakistan: Overcoming Structural Inequities," and Muhammad Asad ur Rehman Naseer examines pricing inefficiencies in "Decoding the Dynamics of Pricing in the Fruit and Vegetable Market: Highlighting the Government Imperfections."

Technological innovation also took center stage, with Ibrar ul Hassan Akhtar detailing geospatial advancements in "SUPARCO Interventions for Geospatial Monitoring of Agricultural Crops." Anjeela Khurram and Muhammad Faisal Ali emphasized energy efficiency in "Valuing Energy Efficiency Potential in the Agriculture Sector," while Rizwan Mir, outlined government-led efforts in "Revolutionizing the Agricultural Sector of Pakistan - SIFC's Top Priority." Ayesha Sultana's "Why Investment in R and D has not Improved Agriculture Productivity?" critiqued the barriers to impactful research in the sector.

The potential of AI was explored in a series of articles, including "Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Agricultural Advancements" by Shayan Malik and "Harnessing AI for Agricultural Transformation-A Prospect of Pakistan" by Engineer Mahwish Rose.

These contributions illustrated how AI could revolutionize supply chains, precision farming, and resource management.

Similarly, the role of drone technology in improving efficiency and overcoming regulatory constraints was examined in articles by Sadaf Safder and Hafsa Sarfraz.

The edition also explored the future of Pakistan's agricultural sector, with a focus on the Gene Revolution. Articles such as "Sowing the Seeds of Change: Pakistan's Transition from Green to Gene" by Ayesha Rahman and "Moving from Green to Gene Revolution: Scope and Challenges for Pakistan" by Waqar Younas and Uzma Zia advocated for the adoption of genetically modified crops to enhance productivity and sustainability.

The comprehensive analysis and actionable solutions presented in Discourse aimed to provide a roadmap for policymakers, stakeholders, and innovators to collaborate on building a resilient agricultural sector.

With its focus on adopting global best practices and modern technologies, this special edition offered a vision for transforming Pakistan's agricultural landscape.

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IWMB unveils vision for modern wildlife sanctuary to protect endangered species

Islamabad: The Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) is poised to take a significant leap forward in its mission to conserve and protect endangered species with the establishment of a state-of-the-art sanctuary at the Margalla Wildlife Rescue and Rehab Centre.

This visionary project, championed by IWMB Chairperson Rina Saeed Khan, aims to provide a safe haven for wildlife and ensure their protection in their natural habitats, particularly the Margalla Hills National Park, by focusing on both rehabilitation and preservation while maintaining the highest standards of care for critically endangered species

Spokesman Omar Bilal talking to reporter on Sunday credited Chairperson Rina Saeed Khan for driving this transformative initiative, highlighting her deep commitment to the cause. "Her relentless dedication has been the cornerstone of this effort, ensuring that endangered species receive the attention and care they deserve," Bilal remarked.

Under her leadership, the IWMB has taken decisive steps, including the development of cutting-edge medical facilities and partnerships with international experts, to enhance the care provided to the animals at the Margalla Centre.

Bilal also emphasized the board's forward-thinking approach in setting up a dedicated team of international veterinarians who provide critical consultations and training. "With the guidance of these specialists, we have equipped our teams with the knowledge to address the unique medical challenges faced by endangered species," he added.

Wildlife sanctuaries worldwide, like the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB), play a vital role in conservation, supported by public involvement and strict legal frameworks. In countries like the United States, facilities such as the San Juan Islands Whale Watch operate under laws like the Endangered Species Act, offering rescue, rehabilitation, and long-term care to endangered species. Public donations, volunteering, and educational outreach are key components of these efforts.

In Europe, sanctuaries like the Veszpr©m Zoo in Hungary and Loro Parque in Spain benefit from regulations such as the EU's Habitats and Birds Directives. These sanctuaries, supported by both public contributions and government funding, blend modern facilities with international collaborations to ensure species preservation. Global conservation success relies on the combination of legal protection, scientific research, and community involvement to safeguard endangered species in their natural habitats.

As the IWMB continues to make strides in animal rescue and rehabilitation, its work to combat wildlife abuse and trafficking has been pivotal. Bilal shared that over 500 animals have been rescued and rehabilitated since the center's inception, with more than 100 species currently undergoing treatment and recovery. Despite the challenges posed by limited resources and professional expertise in the country, the IWMB remains steadfast in its commitment to providing exceptional care to the animals in its charge.

The IWMB urges the public to play an active role in protecting wildlife by reporting instances of animal cruelty. As Bilal aptly put it, "The health of our ecosystem depends on the welfare of our animals, and together, we can foster a more compassionate world for all living beings."

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Dist admin launches operation against illegal encroachment

Lodhran: The district administration launched a vigorous campaign to remove illegal encroachments across the district,in line with the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner Dr. Lubna Nazir.

The operation focused on removing permanent encroachments including extended concrete structures, unauthorized iron sheds, and other illegal structures in public spaces.

She emphasized the establishment of Anti-Encroachment Wings in all three tehsils ,each supervised by the respective Assistant Commissioners.

The DC reaffirmed that the operations were being conducted impartially with immediate action on public complaints. Major markets and roads across the district were being cleared to enhance convenience and mobility for the public.

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SMEs integral part of supply chain ; PFC CEO

Lahore: Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play a pivotal role in Pakistan's economy, serving as an essential part of the supply chain for key export industries such as textiles, food processing, and engineering. This was stated by Mian Kashif Ashfaq, Chief Executive Officer of the Pakistan Furniture Council (PFC), during a discussion with a delegation of industrialists led by Muhammad Farhan Munir Arain, Coordinator to the Federal Tax Ombudsman, here on Sunday.

He highlighted that manufacturing-based SMEs currently receive only 5.3 percent of the banking sector's lending to the entire manufacturing industry and a nominal 11.5 percent in the construction sector. He emphasized the need to significantly increase these figures to enhance exports and productivity in line with global standards, as seen in the USA and other Western countries. He further pointed out that manufacturing and construction were Pakistan's two largest employment-generating sectors, underscoring their critical role in economic development.

Mian Kashif Ashfaq stressed that while the expansion of e-commerce and IT-enabled services (IT-ES) offers new opportunities, sustainable economic growth can only be achieved if the manufacturing sector grows simultaneously. Promoting manufacturing-based SMEs was vital for this growth. He warned that if this was not prioritized, the manufacturing sector might shift toward trading, leaving a significant gap in the supply chain of key industries.

He also called for SMEs to adopt advanced technology to improve product quality and compete in global markets on par with international standards. Citing SMEDA, he noted that SMEs contribute 40 percent to Pakistan's GDP and 25 percent to export revenues, a figure that must be increased to match the success stories of countries like France, Italy, Japan, China, and the UK.

Leader of the delegation, Muhammad Farhan Munir, emphasized that SMEs connected to both the manufacturing and construction sectors must not be deprived of adequate financing, as this could exacerbate unemployment. He urged State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to ease financing conditions further by addressing issues such as the lack of acceptable security and high financing costs. He also called on the SBP to ensure that banks proactively invest in reaching underserved classes of borrowers, particularly SMEs. 'This is essential to unlocking the true potential of SMEs and addressing the chronic unemployment challenges in the country,' he said.

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SMEs integral part of supply chain ; PFC CEO

Lahore: Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play a pivotal role in Pakistan's economy, serving as an essential part of the supply chain for key export industries such as textiles, food processing, and engineering. This was stated by Mian Kashif Ashfaq, Chief Executive Officer of the Pakistan Furniture Council (PFC), during a discussion with a delegation of industrialists led by Muhammad Farhan Munir Arain, Coordinator to the Federal Tax Ombudsman, here on Sunday.

He highlighted that manufacturing-based SMEs currently receive only 5.3 percent of the banking sector's lending to the entire manufacturing industry and a nominal 11.5 percent in the construction sector. He emphasized the need to significantly increase these figures to enhance exports and productivity in line with global standards, as seen in the USA and other Western countries. He further pointed out that manufacturing and construction were Pakistan's two largest employment-generating sectors, underscoring their critical role in economic development.

Mian Kashif Ashfaq stressed that while the expansion of e-commerce and IT-enabled services (IT-ES) offers new opportunities, sustainable economic growth can only be achieved if the manufacturing sector grows simultaneously. Promoting manufacturing-based SMEs was vital for this growth. He warned that if this was not prioritized, the manufacturing sector might shift toward trading, leaving a significant gap in the supply chain of key industries.

He also called for SMEs to adopt advanced technology to improve product quality and compete in global markets on par with international standards. Citing SMEDA, he noted that SMEs contribute 40 percent to Pakistan's GDP and 25 percent to export revenues, a figure that must be increased to match the success stories of countries like France, Italy, Japan, China, and the UK.

Leader of the delegation, Muhammad Farhan Munir, emphasized that SMEs connected to both the manufacturing and construction sectors must not be deprived of adequate financing, as this could exacerbate unemployment. He urged State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to ease financing conditions further by addressing issues such as the lack of acceptable security and high financing costs. He also called on the SBP to ensure that banks proactively invest in reaching underserved classes of borrowers, particularly SMEs. 'This is essential to unlocking the true potential of SMEs and addressing the chronic unemployment challenges in the country,' he said.

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Fans, media remember iconic singer Mehnaz Begum on 12th death anniversary

Islamabad: Fans and media outlets on Sunday paid glowing tributes to iconic Pakistani singer Mehnaz Begum on her 12th death anniversary, remembering her remarkable contributions and lasting impact on the music industry.

Mehnaz Begum, known for her enchanting vocals, was a legendary artist who left an indelible mark on the country's music scene. Her soulful renditions continue to captivate audiences to this day, PTV news channel reported.

Mehnaz Begum's legacy serves as a testament to her enduring talent and dedication to her craft.

She remains one of the most beloved and respected figures in Pakistani music.

Mehnaz was the daughter of popular sub-continental singer Kajjan Begum.

Born as Kaneez Raza in Karachi in 1955, Mehnaz sang a variety of genres for radio, television and films.

She recorded over 1500 songs in total.

The government acknowledged her outstanding contributions by bestowing upon her the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence.

She died on this day in 2013.