Category: Islamabad

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.

Islamabad: Pakistani rupee on Wednesday depreciated by 04 paisa against the US dollar in the interbank trading and closed at Rs278.76 against the previous day's closing of Rs278.72.

However, according to the Forex Association of Pakistan (FAP), the buying and selling rates of the dollar in the open market stood at Rs 279.20 and Rs 280.70 respectively.

The price of the Euro increased by Rs 1.54 to close at Rs287.24 against the last day's closing of Rs285.70, according to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

The Japanese yen remained unchanged and closed at Rs1.77, whereas an increase of 89 paisa was witnessed in the exchange rate of the British Pound, which was traded at Rs341.08 as compared to the last day's closing of Rs340.19.

The exchange rates of the Emirates Dirham and the Saudi Riyal increased by 01 paisa each to close at Rs75.89 and Rs74.26, respectively.

Islamabad: Pakistan Textile Council (PTC) and the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at getting increased and sustainable production of the yield in the country.

'This strategic partnership aspires to enhance sustainability within the cotton supply chain, encompassing all stages from farm to fashion,' said a news release.

The cotton, it said, production in Pakistan has been on a constant decline for last many years now.

According to the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA) report, as of December 31, 2024, the total cotton arrivals in Pakistan stood at 5,452,250 bales, compared to 8,171,082 bales in the previous year, reflecting an overall decline of 33.27% in cotton production in 2024.

The collaboration aims to promote sustainable and traceable cotton production across Pakistan by raising awareness and encouraging the adoption of the Better Cotton Standard System (BCSS).

This partnership will organize workshops and training programs for stakeholders-including farmers, traders, exporters, brands, trade officials, and public sector representatives-to ensure compliance with national and international trade regulations.

Additionally, the initiative seeks to enhance market access for Pakistani better cotton both domestically and internationally, explore opportunities to showcase sustainable cotton products in global markets through trade missions and expos, and advocate for policies that support the national embedding of BCSS.

The collaboration also focuses on improving Pakistan's adherence to international trade agreements and environmental standards, such as the European Union Green Deal and GSP+, and developing market linkages by connecting Pakistani producers with international buyers seeking sustainably sourced cotton.

BCI, established in 2009, is the world's largest cotton sustainability initiative, with nearly a quarter of global cotton licensed under the Better Cotton Standard System.

Operating in Pakistan since its inception, BCI collaborates with diverse stakeholders to support farmers in adopting regenerative practices and strengthening supply chain traceability.

Chairman PTC Fawad Anwar said, "This MoU represents a pivotal step towards sustainable growth for Pakistan's textile sector. By integrating the Better Cotton Standard System nationally, we aim to enhance the quality and competitiveness of our cotton in the global market. This partnership will empower our farmers with the necessary tools and knowledge to adopt sustainable practices, ensuring the long-term viability of our cotton industry."

He further said. "The global textile industry is increasingly prioritizing sustainability. Through this partnership, we are not only aligning with international standards but also positioning Pakistan as a leader in sustainable cotton production. This initiative will open new avenues for trade and strengthen our economy."

This MoU underscores a shared commitment to sustainability and innovation within the textile industry, promising a prosperous future for Pakistan's cotton sector in particular and economic growth in general.

Islamabad: Lack of quorum on Wednesday led to adjournment of Senate session till Friday morning.

PML-N Senator Nasir Mehmood Butt was speaking in the Senate when PTI senator Saifullah Abro pointed out the quorum.

Deputy Chairman Senate Syedaal Khan ordered to run bills and made counting. However, the house was not in order which resulted adjournment of session till Friday 10: 30 am morning.

Islamabad: Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, Akamatsu Shuichi on Wednesday inaugurated a solar-powered irrigation system in Tehsil Shakar Garh, District Narowal.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Akamatsu commended the NGO for successfully completing the initiative. He expressed hope that the project would enhance agricultural productivity, improve farmers' livelihoods, and contribute positively to the local economy.

Reaffirming Japan's commitment to supporting Pakistan's development, the ambassador emphasized that such efforts would strengthen the bonds between the two nations.

The project, funded under Japan's Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Program, received financial support amounting to $65,617. The funds were utilized to install seven solar-powered irrigation pumps, ensuring efficient and sustainable irrigation in the region.

The project, managed by Rural Aid Pakistan, a non-governmental organization, aims to combat poverty and empower vulnerable rural communities through sustainable development. It has been actively working for over three decades, implementing various projects in collaboration with government departments and international donors.

This initiative is expected to improve the agricultural environment, increase crop yields, and boost the incomes of local farmers. The ceremony was attended by representatives of Rural Aid Pakistan, local government officials, community leaders, and farmers.

Islamabad: Hurriyat leaders and organizations have reiterated that India's occupation of Jammu and Kashmir is sustained solely through military force. They stressed that no amount of so-called development projects or baseless rhetoric can suppress the Kashmiris' legitimate demand for freedom or alter the territory's internationally recognized disputed status under the guise of establishing peace.

Hurriyat leaders and organizations, including Agha Syed Hassan Al-Moosvi Al-Safvi, Ghulam Muhammad Khan Sopori, Dr. Musaib, Maulana Sibte Shabir Qummi, Advocate Haris Wani, Imtiyaz Rishi, Syed Imtiyaz Ahmed, Yasmeen Raja, Democratic Freedom Party, Jammu and Kashmir Muslim League, Tehreek-e-Hurriyat Jammu Kashmir, Itehadul Muslimeen Jammu and Kashmir, Kashmir Tehreek-e-Khawateen andTehreek-e-Wahdat-e-Islami, criticized the oppressive measures implemented during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to the occupied territory. They noted that the Kashmir Valley was turned into a virtual fortress, further aggravating the plight of the already subjugated population. They dismissed projects such as rail lines and mountain tunnels, presented as development initiatives, as military-centric schemes aimed at facilitating troop movement rather than benefiting the local population.

The leaders strongly condemned Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's baseless remarks during his visit to Jammu, calling them deliberate distortions of the well-established historical facts about Jammu and Kashmir. They reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir has never been an integral part of India and dismissed his provocative statements about Azad Jammu and Kashmir as yet another indication of New Delhi's threat to regional peace and security. Such groundless claims, they asserted, cannot rewrite history or change Kashmir's legal status.

The Hurriyat leaders and organizations further said that Indian officials were perpetuating false narratives to mislead their citizens while ignoring the ongoing human rights violations and systematic oppression in IIOJK

Furthermore, they noted that the Indian government continues to invest trillions of rupees in defense-oriented projects in IIOJK under the pretense of development to sustain its illegitimate occupation. They underscored that nearly 100,000 Kashmiris have been killed, and thousands forcibly disappeared over the past 35 years for demanding their inalienable right to freedom.

Reaffirming their commitment, the Hurriyat leaders emphasized that Kashmiris have categorically rejected India's illegal occupation and remain resolute in their struggle for freedom, vowing to see it through to its rightful conclusion.

Meanwhile, analysts in Srinagar have highlighted that the infrastructure projects promoted by the BJP-led Indian government are primarily aimed at bolstering security along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and Line of Control (LoC). These projects also facilitate alternative routes for Indian forces to access the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh region. They further noted that the BJP appears unwilling to restore statehood to IIOJK as it believes it has established so-called peace in the territory through relentless military oppression and the imposition of its Hindutva-driven policies. Over the past five years, the BJP has been systematically implementing its plan for IIOJK without facing significant interruption or interference, consolidating its control through a calculated mix of military measures.