Category: Islamabad

Islamabad: In a significant step towards combating the growing tobacco epidemic among Pakistan's youth, the Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC) on Monday convened a two-day dialogue titled "Discussion on Sustainable Tobacco Control Measures: Protecting Youth from Emerging Health Risks." The participants emphasized the need for strengthening policy frameworks, enhancing enforcement mechanisms, implementing higher tobacco taxes, regulating emerging tobacco products, and developing innovative public advocacy initiatives to protect the health of future generations.

Barrister Dr. Muhammad Ali Saif, Advisor to Chief Minister KPK on Information and PRs emphasized on the grave implications of tobacco use on public health and its pervasive impact on society. 'The health of our future generations is at risk, and it is a challenge we cannot afford to ignore,' he remarked. 'The consequences of inaction are severe, not only in terms of health but also regarding the economic burden and social costs that come with it. Collective action is imperative to safeguard our youth and protect the nation's future.'

Dr. Khalil Ahmad, Program Manager at SPARC, highlighted SPARC's ongoing initiatives and stressed the urgency for immediate and sustainable interventions. 'Tobacco use among our youth is a growing epidemic that poses severe health, social, and economic challenges. We must implement robust measures to curb this trend before it spirals out of control,' he asserted.

Prof. Dr. Matiur Rehman, Dean of Allied Healthcare Sciences at the Health Services Academy (HSA), provided a comprehensive analysis of the tobacco epidemic. He stated that over 1.3 billion people worldwide use tobacco, leading to approximately 8 million deaths annually. In Pakistan, the economic burden of smoking on individuals aged 35 and above is estimated at PKR 615.07 billion. Dr. Rehman called for stringent regulations on emerging tobacco products such as e-cigarettes, highlighting their appeal to youth and the evolving regulatory challenges they pose.

Dr. Faouzia Hanif, Deputy Director at the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, revealed alarming statistics about tobacco's health toll in Pakistan, with over 160,000 deaths each year attributed to tobacco-related diseases and nearly 1,200 children aged 10-14 years beginning to smoke daily. She underscored the need to strengthen existing laws and adopt new protective measures to reverse this troubling trend.

Dr. Muhammad Asif, Chief Health at the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, addressed the broader impact of tobacco on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like lung cancer, heart disease, and chronic respiratory conditions. He emphasized the importance of an integrated approach combining health warnings, public education, and youth engagement.

Mr. Rao M. Rizwan from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination highlighted the environmental consequences of tobacco farming, including deforestation and soil degradation. He urged for sustainable agricultural practices to mitigate these adverse effects.

Other key representatives from Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), and PEMRA also attended the event and gave their remarks on important tobacco related issues including taxation, and role of media in shaping public opinions.

The event concluded with actionable resolutions, including raising tobacco taxes, regulating new tobacco products, and enhancing public advocacy. The dialogue brought together key stakeholders from public health, regulatory authorities, taxation, environmental sectors, and media to explore comprehensive strategies addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by tobacco use among youth. Attendees reaffirmed their commitment to collaborative action. Participants included representatives from government ministries, regulatory bodies, civil society organizations, media, and international health organizations, reflecting a united front for sustainable tobacco control.

Islamabad: The surge in violence in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) this January has sparked widespread outrage, with Indian security forces accused of committing numerous human rights abuses where bloodshed has drawn attention to the long-standing struggle of the Kashmiri people, who continue to face brutal suppression at the hands of Indian occupation forces.

According to an analytical report released by reporter, it was revealed that 60 people were martyred on January 6, 1993, in Sopore town, on January 21, 1990, Indian forces slaughtered over 50 civilians in the Gaw Kadal area of Srinagar, 25 people on January 25, 1990, in Handwara, and 27 people on January 27, 1994, in Kupwara.

Memories of these bloodbaths are still fresh in Kashmiris' minds, serving as a reminder of the criminal face of Hindutva forces.

The report stated that as many as 634 people have been killed and property worth billions of rupees has been ruined in around 49 massacres carried out by Indian forces since January 1990 to date. Additionally, tens of thousands of Muslims were butchered in Jammu by the Indian Army and Hindutva RSS/Dogra forces in November 1947.

The report emphasized that the aim of committing these massacres is to instill fear among the Kashmiris.

Despite the fact that the BJP-led Indian regime has crossed all records of atrocities to change the Muslim-majority Jammu and Kashmir into a minority area, India has failed to crush the freedom sentiment of Kashmiris, the report noted. It urged the international community to come forward to stop the genocide of Kashmiri people at the hands of brutal Indian forces.

Meanwhile, the All Parties Hurriyat Conference spokesman, Advocate Abdul Rashid Minhas, in a statement issued in Srinagar, said that Sopore, Gaw Kadal, Handwara, Kupwara, and other such massacres reminded him of the notorious Jallianwala Bagh carnage, perpetrated by the then British government in India.

The spokesman, while paying tributes to over 130 victims of the January massacres, reiterated the Kashmiris' resolve to continue the martyrs' mission until its logical conclusion.

Islamabad: Maroof International Hospital (MIH) has organized a Health and Fitness Gala 2025 to pay tribute to the Pakistan's police force especially the families of martyred.

The event was organized in collaboration with Federation Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and Islamabad Police for promoting wellness and fitness for all.

The event offered free medical consultations across 10 specialties, including General Medicine, Orthopedics, Ophthalmology, Dental Care, Cardiology, and more, along with fitness activities that highlighted the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

A heartfelt tribute was also paid to the martyred heroes of the police force, underscoring the event's deep emotional significance. During the medical camp, a wide range of health concerns were addressed. Notably, 30% of attendees were found to be suffering from diabetes, 25% experienced eye allergies, and 20% had near vision weakness. Additionally, 25% of the participants had high blood pressure, underscoring the need for regular health check-ups and preventive care.

Among the distinguished guests were Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani, Governor Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa, MNA Dr Tariq Fazal Ch President FPCCI Atif Ikram, Chairman Standing Committee FPCCI, heads of Foreign missions and several other esteemed dignitaries.

Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani remarked, 'We owe our police force a debt of gratitude for their sacrifices. Events like these unite us in honoring their bravery while promoting a healthier society.'

Governor Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider Khan praised the collaboration, stating, 'This initiative sets a benchmark for fostering health and well-being through collective efforts.'

As a symbol of solidarity, Chairman MIH presented a cheque to the families of martyred police officers, reaffirming MIH's commitment to supporting those who sacrifice for the nation.

Haroon Naseer, CEO of MIH, expressed, 'At MIH, we are committed to making healthcare accessible and giving back to the community.' He emphasized, 'Community support programs, health awareness sessions, and disease prevention initiatives are key to improving public health.'

He said, 'It is our responsibility to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools to manage their health proactively. By identifying and addressing health concerns like diabetes, hypertension, and vision problems early on, we can significantly reduce the burden of these diseases on our society.'

'Our collaboration with Islamabad Police and FPCCI demonstrates the power of public-private partnerships in driving positive change for the well-being of our nation.'

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Qaiser Ahmad Sheikh Monday expressed optimism about the ongoing negotiations between the government and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, hoping that these talks will yield positive

outcomes.

In an exclusive Interview with PTV news channel, the Minister for Maritime Affairs stressed the need for political consensus and unity among parties. He urged politicians to rise above petty politics and prioritize the country's

well-being.

He called upon all parties to put aside their differences and work together to address the nation's challenges.

The Federal Minister has commended the Speaker of the National Assembly for taking the initiative to facilitate negotiations between the government and the PTI party. Sheikh emphasized that both parties must demonstrate flexibility to ensure successful talks.

Responding to a query, Sheikh emphasized that the PTI's willingness to engage in talks should translate to their behaviour in the National Assembly.

He stressed that the party should allow parliamentary proceedings to unfold smoothly, just as they have done in these negotiations.

This, he believes, is essential for serving the greater interest of the people, who are pinning their hopes on the country's political parties. By doing so, Sheikh hopes to see a more constructive and collaborative environment in the National Assembly.

Islamabad: Nasir Mansoor Qureshi, the President of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, commended the sitting government, particularly Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, for taking decisive actions to improve the country's economic situation and pull it out of its current challenges.

He expressed optimism that these bold measures are beginning to show positive signs for the economy.

However, he highlighted that Pakistan's share in global exports has been consistently declining, with a reduction of over 20% in the past two decades. He stressed that prioritizing economic expansion is essential to counter rising poverty and unemployment.

Qureshi pointed out that while other nations have been lowering trade barriers and integrating their economies globally, Pakistan has moved in the opposite direction, maintaining tariffs that are at least twice the global average and three times higher than those of successful East Asian exporting countries.

He warned that relying on foreign assistance to resolve the economic challenges is unlikely to succeed, as no country has achieved export-led growth without first implementing crucial domestic reforms.

He emphasized that now is the time to address the hardships faced by the people and pave the way for meaningful change, urging the formulation of investment- and people-friendly policies through consultations with all stakeholders, including business leaders and chambers.

Nasir Qureshi went on to say that as far as the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) is committed to fostering an environment that promotes ease of doing business by actively addressing the challenges faced by the business community.

Through continuous dialogue with government officials and relevant stakeholders, ICCI strives to identify and resolve key issues such as excessive regulations, complex procedures, and high operational costs that hinder business growth.

The Chamber is dedicated to advocating for policy reforms that support entrepreneurship, enhance competitiveness, and simplify processes, thereby creating a more conducive environment for both local and international businesses to thrive.

By focusing on these critical areas, ICCI aims to drive economic growth, stimulate investment, and create more opportunities for businesses to expand and succeed.

Islamabad: A meeting aimed at boosting early cotton production in Pakistan was held at the Cotton Research Station Faisalabad on Monday. The session was chaired by Chief Scientist Agriculture (Research), Dr Sajid ur Rahman, and attended by various stakeholders, including researchers and farmers.

According to Sajid ur Rahman, the key objective of the meeting was to encourage farmers to cultivate early cotton in line with the Agriculture Department's ambitious target of covering 10 million acres of land. Sajid highlighted that the per-acre yield of cotton has been on a continuous decline in seasonal sowing, stressing the importance of early planting to help reverse this trend.

Sajid urged farmers to begin sowing cotton by February 15, noting that the sowing period from February 15 to March 31 is critical for ensuring the best possible yields. He recommended farmers use approved cotton varieties, such as Rayaal, Cindal, Raya, and Kinnow, to achieve optimal results. The certified seed varieties can produce yields ranging from 60 to 70 Maunds per acre when properly sowed. He also emphasized that proper soil preparation and seed selection are essential for maximizing productivity.

Sajid gave an in-depth lecture on low-cost production technologies suited for early cotton cultivation and emphasized the significance of using certified seeds for optimal yield.

"To achieve maximum yields of up to 70 Maunds per acre in early sown cotton, it is crucial to use glyphosate-tolerant, three-gene varieties that can yield high results with minimal inputs," Chief Scientist Agriculture stated during the meeting.

Further addressing the challenges facing cotton cultivation, Dr. Rahman stressed the need for modern crop management techniques to combat climatic challenges and pest infestations. He advised farmers to seek guidance from the Agriculture Department regarding the prevention of whitefly attacks, pink bollworm infestations, and other extreme weather conditions.

Dr Sajid also instructed the researchers at the Cotton Research Station to play a pivotal role in the campaign to revitalize Pakistan's cotton industry, boosting economic growth and prosperity for the country's farming communities.

Chief Scientist Agriculture also suggested some new experiments to the researchers of the institute regarding early sown cotton so that precise information must be generated which can benefit the farmers to obtain maximum yield. He also urged researchers to develop Climate-resilient cotton varieties that can thrive in Pakistan's diverse climate conditions. He also discussed some improved irrigation, fertilization, and pest management. Practices which can benefit the farming community.