Category: Islamabad

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Youth role is crucial in addressing challenges of climate change

Islamabad: Fossil Fuel and climate change are the real issues, and there is a need to take practical measures to engage youth in combating these challenges, said Sher Shah Khan, Founder of Skillistan, a platform dedicated to empowering youth through green skills and sustainability in Development Chronicles podcast in Islamabad.

Sher Shah Khan discussed the transformative journey that led him from working in the oil and gas industry to dedicating himself to fighting for a sustainable future, said a press release here on Wednesday.

He said that, back in 2020, while working in the fossil fuel industry, I realized that this was the real issue we needed to confront.

He emphasized the importance of creating platforms that equip young people with skills, especially green skills, to help them actively engage in combating climate change.

Youth are in the majority, yet they are often sidelined. It's about more than just bringing them to the table; they need to have a real voice, which is why initiatives like LCOY Pakistan allow youth to take center stage and speak out.

Khan also addressed the challenges of organizing climate events in Pakistan due to security concerns, particularly the difficulties in bringing international participants to the country.

Despite the challenges, it is believed that, we can still bring global youth together for networking, learning, and capacity-building. It's crucial that we work on improving the security outlook so that such events can take place," he stated.

Reflecting on his entrepreneurial journey, Khan highlighted the risks and struggles of being an entrepreneur, especially in the social impact sector. Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart; it requires resilience, a big heart, and the willingness to face all challenges head-on," Khan shared. "But the best part is being your own boss and knowing you're making a difference."

In his message to the youth, Khan encouraged them to pursue their passions, remain open to collaboration, and focus on green skills as the future of sustainability. "The world is moving towards a green transition, and green skills are at the forefront of that movement," he added.

Sher Shah Khan's work at Skillistan and his involvement at COP 29 reflect his commitment to youth empowerment, sustainability, and bridging the gap between Pakistan and the international community in addressing climate change.

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Donald Blome calls on Dr. Musadik Malik

Islamabad: United States Ambassador to Pakistan, Donald Blome, paid a farewell call to the Federal Minister for Petroleum, Dr. Musadik Malik on Wednesday.

During the meeting, the Federal Minister extended his best wishes to the outgoing ambassador and congratulated him on completing his tenure in Pakistan, according to a news release.

'Pakistan values its relationship with the United States,' said Dr. Malik. He also appreciated the Ambassador's efforts in strengthening bilateral ties.

Both sides reiterated their commitment to further enhancing the partnership, emphasizing the importance of continued cooperation in mutual areas of interest.

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Pakistan launches climate change courses to build resilience


Islamabad: Pakistan has taken a significant step toward combating the effects of climate change with the launch of specialized climate change courses under the Faculty Development Program.



The initiative, spearheaded by the Global Climate-Change Impact Studies Centre (GCISC), was inaugurated here at a workshop.



The event brought together faculty members, researchers, and climate experts to discuss strategies for building resilience and fostering sustainable development.



Speaking at the event, Muhammad Arif Goheer, Executive Director of GCISC, emphasized Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change. “The increasing frequency and intensity of floods, droughts, rising temperatures, and glacier melt pose grave threats to agriculture, water resources, and livelihoods,” Goheer noted.



He stressed the importance of equipping future leaders with the knowledge and skills to address these challenges.



The workshop unveiled six new courses developed in collaboration with the University of Kassel, the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), and GIZ Pakistan, with funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).



These courses are designed to address various dimensions of climate change, ranging from governance and gender to sustainable development and agriculture.



The courses include, Ecosystem Services and Climate Change, Climate Data, Models, and Observation, Climate-Resilient Agriculture and Food Systems with a Focus on Health and Nutrition, Gender, Climate Change, and Disaster, Sustainable Development in a Changing Climate and Climate Change Governance: Theory, Practice, and Emerging Frontiers.



The first phase of the program highlights three specialized courses: “Navigating Climate Data,” “Qualitative Methods for the Study of Climate Change,” and “Climate Finance Fundamentals for Low- and Middle-Income Countries.”



The course “Navigating Climate Data,” launched during the workshop, aims to empower educators to analyze and apply climate data effectively, bridging the gap between science and actionable insights.



‘This program is not just about offering courses,’ Goheer remarked. ‘It’s about creating a ripple effect. By training faculty members, we are enabling them to transfer this knowledge to countless students and researchers, amplifying its impact across Pakistan.’



He also expressed gratitude to the University of Kassel, PIK Germany, and GIZ Pakistan for their support in developing these courses and commended participating faculty members for their commitment to advancing climate education.



The courses are now available on the GCISC website and the Pakistan Climate Information Portal (PakCIP portal).



With this initiative, GCISC aims to integrate climate change into Pakistan’s educational and research frameworks, equipping the nation with the tools needed to build resilience and ensure a sustainable future.



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Court extends interim bails of Asad Qaiser, Zartaj Gul

Islamabad: An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Wednesday extended interim bails of former speaker national assembly Asad Qaiser and PTI's lawmaker Zartaj Gul in a terrorism case pertaining to violent protest at Sangjani.

ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sapra heard the case. Asad Qasier couldn't appear before the court and filed exemption from appearance request on behalf of his lawyer which was approved by the judge.

The court extended the pre-arrest bail of Asad Qaiser till January 20, and adjourned the case. Meanwhile, the same court also extended the pre-arrest bail of Zartaj Gul till January 18, in cases registered by police pertaining to protest and damaging public property. The PTI lawmaker appeared before court along with her legal team.

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PM due in Karachi today to inaugurate KPT’s Faceless Customs Assessment System

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will pay a daylong visit to Karachi today to inaugurate the Federal Board of Revenue's Faceless Customs Assessment System installed at the Karachi Port Trust.

The facility aims to improve transparency in customs clearance and reduce clearance time, according to a PM Office press release.

The prime minister, who will also visit the South Asia Pakistan Terminal at the Port, had instructed the installation of this automation system during his last visit to Karachi.

He will also visit the Pakistan Stock Exchange and attend the ceremony to award it the title of the second-best-performing stock exchange in the world in 2024.

Prime Minister Shehbaz will also attend as a special guest the launching ceremony of the Agha Khan University's Manual of Clinical Practice Guidelines.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Federal Ministers Mohammad Aurangzeb, Attaullah Tarar, Ministers of State Ali Pervez Malik and Coordinator for Health Dr. Mukhtar Bharath will accompany the prime minister.

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‘Spark’Magazine to help shape nation’s future: Rana Mashhood

Islamabad: Chairman of the Prime Minister Youth Programme(PMYP)Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan on Wednesday said that Spark Magazine would not only inspire the youth but also help them realize their potential and role in shaping the nation's future.

Chairing the Editorial Board meeting of Spark magazine, an initiative of the PMYP, he reiterated the government's commitment to youth development through dynamic and creative avenues.

The Spark magazine aims to be a beacon of inspiration for Pakistan's youth and will serve as a platform to showcase stories of resilience, innovation, and achievements by young Pakistanis, alongside important news and content designed to empower and guide them.

The board discussed various aspects of the magazine, including its editorial vision, content themes, and strategies to engage young readers nationwide.

The team expressed their resolve to make Spark a voice of the youth, reflecting their aspirations, challenges, and achievements.

The meeting concluded with a renewed determination to ensure the magazine's success as a cornerstone of the Prime Minister's Youth Programme, fostering hope and ambition among the younger generation.