Category: Islamabad

Islamabad: Coordinator to the Prime Minister for Climate Change, Romina Khurshid Alam has urged the business community to adopt environmentally responsible practices and support Pakistan's national climate goals.

During a meeting with two-member delegation of Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) led by its president, Rehan Naseem Bharara, Alam suggested to convene all Pakistan chambers roundtable conference aimed at raising awareness on carbon credit initiatives and engage the private sector about the importance of transitioning to clean energy and integrating sustainable practices into business operations.

Ms. Romina highlighted that the government is committed to addressing the climate crisis through comprehensive policies focused on reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable development across industries.

'Climate change is an immediate challenge that requires urgent action from all sectors of society, including the business community,' Ms. Alam said during the meeting and added: 'We need businesses to step up and lead by adopting energy-efficient technologies, reducing waste, and implementing environmentally responsible production processes.'

Romina encouraged the FCCI to consider how the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) policy could be incorporated into local industries, underscoring the need for businesses to be aware of their carbon footprint and take proactive measures to mitigate their environmental impact.

FCCI President, Rehan Naseem Bharara expressed his support for the government's climate initiatives and reiterated the Chamber's commitment to fostering environmental sustainability in the Faisalabad industrial sector.

Bharara assured that the FCCI would continue to promote green technologies and explore investment opportunities in the green energy sector to help members transition to more environmentally sustainable business models.

Both parties agreed to strengthen the collaboration between the Ministry of Climate Change and the FCCI to create a sustainable green economic model in the region.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to develop a strategic framework that would ensure Faisalabad's industries are at the forefront of Pakistan's green transformation, setting an example for other regions to follow.

Islamabad: The Centre for Afghanistan Middle East and Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized an In-House Meeting on the 'Latest Developments in Syria'.

Leading academics and prominent practitioners joined the discussion, which focused on the recent developments leading to the fall of the Al-Assad regime, regional implications of the emerging situation, and Pakistan's current and future outlook on the issue, said a press release issued here on Friday.

In his welcome remarks, DG ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood highlighted the rapid advances made by the opposition forces, and their quick acceptance by a number of regional and international players. He also noted the impact of these changes on the engagement of regional countries with Syria - particularly Iran, Turkiye, Russia and Israel as well as the U.S. Given Syria's strategic salience, he underlined the importance for the researchers and academia in Pakistan to keep a close track of these developments and generate inputs for the policy community.

During the discussion, experts analyzed the evolving situation, highlighting the challenges and opportunities faced by Syria, the regional players, and the international community after the recent transition. They examined the complex political, economic, and security dynamics shaping Syria's future and their implications for the broader region. A detailed discussion focused on how global power competition is likely to unfold, highlighting the strategic roles of the U.S., China, Russia, and Europe. Experts explored how these powers are positioning themselves in Syria and the Middle East at large and assessed the responses of regional countries to shifting alliances and emerging challenges.

The discussion concluded with the shared understanding that Pakistan should closely monitor these developments, actively engage with key players, and remain involved to safeguard its interests.

Islamabad: Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change, Ahmad Atteeq Anwer, informed the National Assembly that the government's flagship initiative, the "Upscaling of Green Pakistan Programme (GPP) is underway with an ambitious target of planting 3.29 billion trees by 2028.

Responding to questions during question hour he highlighted that since the program's inception in 2019, the plantation and distribution of 2.2 billion plants have already been achieved across the country. To further this effort, nationwide plantation campaigns are organized annually during the spring and monsoon seasons.

The Parliamentary Secretary said that the government is actively considering the establishment of a new climate finance governance framework.

This initiative aims to streamline processes and enhance access to climate finance, ensuring more effective resource utilization for environmental sustainability.

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting, National Heritage and Culture Attaullah Tarar said on Friday that the defense counsel fought £190 million corruption case on political grounds and did not submit any evidence to counter proofs given by the prosecution.

During media talk outside Parliament House along with Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar, he said that

190 million pounds scam was the mega corruption case in Pakistan's history.

The minister said the judge in the verdict stated that the defense counsel could not present evidence to prove innocence of the accused.

He said that the defense team could not even respond to the evidence of bribery, corruption and misuse of power and authority provided by the prosecution.

The founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf could not present solid evidence in court to prove his innocence in the court.

He lamented that the PTI had the habit of using religion card and in this case they tried to hide behind the religion.

He said that in Zaman Park Lahore, a house was built with the confiscated money received from the United Kingdom's National Crime Agency.

The Al-Qadir Trust,he opined was created to launder black money earned through corruption and bribery.

Attaullah Tarar said that they had the right of appeal but they will have to prove that no sealed envelope was brought to the cabinet meeting and it did not approve the agenda item.

The defense counsel will have to prove that no house was built in Lahore with that money.

He said it was ironic that the money confiscated by NCA and returned to Pakistan government was returned to the person from whom it was taken.

"Corruption and bribery are proven in this case, misuse of authority is also proven, " Attaullah Tarar maintained.

The minister said that sentence was awarded to the accused while fulfilling the legal requirements.

The sentence passed was on merit, the accused had failed to prove their innocence, he remarked.

He said that reputed lawyers and neutral analysts were saying about this verdict was in accordance with the law as bribery, corruption and robbery have been proven by the prosecution.

He said the government had in its possession the documents of Asset Recovery Unit headed by Shahzad Akbar. In those documents it was written that £190 million amount was recovered money received from NCA.

Islamabad: A health expert Friday sounded the alarm over a surge in viral infections of the throat and respiratory tract among children in the region, citing the prolonged dry weather, lack of rainfall and high dust levels as contributing factors and urging citizens to take precautions to protect their kids.

Talking to a private news channel Dr. Zia Ullah Shah, a specialist in children' s health explained that due to the lack of rainfall and high dust levels in the air are creating an ideal environment for viral infections to spread.

"We are seeing a significant increase in cases of throat and respiratory tract infections among children, and it is essential that parents take precautions to protect their kids," he added.

Dr. Shah explained that viral infections are highly contagious and can spread quickly through schools, playgrounds, and other areas where children gather.

He advised parents to ensure their children practice good hygiene, such as washing their hands frequently, avoiding close contact with anyone showing symptoms and staying home if they are feeling unwell.

The health expert also recommended that parents take steps to reduce their children' s exposure to dust and pollutants, such as keeping windows and doors closed, using air purifiers and avoiding outdoor activities during peak dust hours.

The rise in viral infections among children has prompted local health authorities to issue guidelines for parents and caregivers, he added.

He also urged schools and childcare centers to implement measures to prevent the spread of infections, such as increasing cleaning and disinfection protocols and promoting good hygiene practices among students and staff.

Islamabad: Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi on Friday revealed that three law enforcers martyred, and 106 sustained injuries during violent protests by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in Islamabad from November 24 to 26.

In a written response to Senator Quratulain Marri, the minister stated that, as per reports from all police stations in the federal capital, no civilian casualties or injuries were recorded during the protests.

He further disclosed that 17 criminal cases had been registered at various police stations across Islamabad against those involved in the violent protests.