Category: Islamabad

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:The three-day Peshawar Digital Fest 2025, held from January 14 to 16 at the University of Agriculture Peshawar, concluded on Thursday as one of the largest IT and entrepreneurial events in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The event offered significant opportunities, including 50 job openings, 1,000 free digital marketing training sessions, and the potential for attendees to earn up to $500 monthly through freelancing.

Organized by Metrix Pakistan and Safe, the event featured a variety of activities, including sessions on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, IT training, digital marketing, e-commerce, and freelancing. It also included a Talent Award Show, hackathons, a job fair, startup stalls, and a food gala.

Prominent IT and entrepreneurial companies like Vanar, RankingGrow, Let's Grow, and TechBrixia participated, providing a platform for networking and collaboration.

Keynote speakers and experts from across the country delivered insightful sessions. Hisham Sarwar, CEO of Innovista, encouraged attendees to explore freelancing, sharing that one could earn up to $500 monthly with basic skills.

Hassan Nisar, Founder and CEO of Metrix Pakistan, stressed the importance of cybersecurity and responsible digital engagement during his session on "Safe, Secure, and Responsible Cyberspace."

Nisar shared his experience in fighting cyber threats and emphasized the need for secure online practices, having helped recover over 800 hacked accounts since 2020.

The event attracted over 15,000 attendees, including students, entrepreneurs, and government officials, offering opportunities for skill development.

Ammad Ali, CEO of RankingGrow, announced 50 job openings and 1,000 free digital marketing training sessions for students at the University of Agriculture Peshawar.

Similarly, Huzaifa Behram, CEO of Let's Grow, offered 1,500 free e-commerce training sessions.

The festival also saw the attendance of notable figures such as blogger Ismail, CEO of Consulting 360 Bilal Farooq, former Senator Mushtaq, Irfan from Vanar, and Ahmed Manzoor, MD of Pakistan Blockchain Institute, contributing valuable insights to the discussions.

Islamabad:Minister for Information, Broadcasting, National Heritage and Culture Attaullah Tarar, Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar and several prominent figures have sent bouquets and expressed their well wishes to Chairman of the Press Council of Pakistan (PCP), Arshad Khan Jadoon, following his heart surgery.

In his message, Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar extended his heartfelt prayers for Jadoon's speedy recovery. He prayed to Allah Almighty for his swift healing and return to full health.

Arshad Khan Jadoon underwent heart surgery last week at the Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology (AFIC) in Rawalpindi. Well-wishers have expressed their support and hope for his quick recovery during this challenging time.

Islamabad:High Commissioner of Pakistan to Canada Ambassador Muhammad Saleem presented his Letters of Credence to Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada 'The Right Honourable Mary J. May Simon'.

The ceremony held at the historic Rideau Hall, was attended by senior diplomats of the High Commission, Consul General Toronto, Consul General Montreal and Trade and Investment Counsellor, a press release issued here on Thursday said.

During his tªte- -tªte with the Governor General, Ambassador Saleem conveyed the greetings from the President, the Prime Minister, and the people of Pakistan to the Canadian leadership and people. He stated that Pakistan and Canada have a rich legacy and strong foundations to further strengthen the bilateral ties. He underscored the significance of Pakistan-Canada relations and highlighted the potential for greater collaboration on shared priorities.

In his remarks following the ceremony, the high commissioner stated, 'I am honored to represent Pakistan in Canada, a country with which we share strong people-to-people ties and mutual interests. I look forward to working with the Canadian authorities to foster a deeper and substantive partnership with special focus on economic diplomacy.'

The high commission and the three consulates will continue with their efforts to promote bilateral engagement through active dialogue, business linkages and cultural diplomacy, he added.

The high commissioner also expressed his eagerness to engage with the vibrant Pakistani Canadian diaspora which plays a vital role in strengthening the existing friendly relations between the two countries.

Islamabad:Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday directed the relevant authorities to expedite the Federal Board of Revenues' (FBR) legal steps being taken to ensure early conclusion of the under trial cases of tax revenues.

Chairing a review meeting on expediting FBR's legal cases, the prime minister instructed to hire services of the reputed lawyers to represent FBR in the cases of tax revenues.

He said the government was speedily implementing reforms in FBR system.

"By the grace of Allah Almighty, the positive results of reforms in FBR continue," he said. He also directed the forensic audit of cases related to tax matters.

PM Shehbaz committed that the officers who were found to be involved in making cases on weak or false grounds will be given punishment.

On the other hand, he said the officers who had constituted cases on merit with honesty and hard work will be rewarded with special incentives.

The meeting was told that, after the prime minister's instructions, reputable lawyers were brought onto the panel, and as a result, from July to December 2024, 586 cases were resolved in the High Court, and 637 pending cases were resolved in the Supreme Court.

The meeting was also informed that currently, 33,522 cases involving Rs 4.7 trillion were pending in various courts and tribunals across the country.

It was told in the meeting that, as per the prime minister's directions, a litigation management dashboard for higher courts had been developed in the FBR, whereas the preparation of a tax tribunals management system at the Ministry of Law and Justice was in its final stages, which will be launched soon.

The meeting was attended by Minister for Economic Affairs, Ahad Khan Cheema, Attorney General Mansoor Awan, Chairman FBR, and other senior officials.

Islamabad:Federal Parliamentary Secretary for National Health Dr Nelson Azeem on Thursday informed the National Assembly that the tender for the regulations of the Nursing Council was transparently awarded to the lowest bidder.

Replying to the question of Member National Assembly Syed Rafiullah, Nelson told the House that five parties had applied for the tender of which four had submitted bids, adding one party was rejected while of the remaining two parties, the bid was awarded to the lowest party.

He added that no party had filed any suit in the court while no complaint was registered against the tender bid.

The parliamentary secretary said that the tender process was transparent and was awarded to the lowest bidder.