Day: September 8, 2020

Islamabad, September 08, 2020 (PPI-OT): Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi is visiting Moscow to attend the Meeting of the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers (SCO-CFM) on 9-10 September 2020. The invitation to the Foreign Minister to attend the SCO-CFM was extended by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who would also chair the Meeting. The SCO-CFM is the highest forum of SCO after the Council of Heads of State (CHS) and the Council of Heads of Government (CHG). It deliberates on important regional and international issues and considers documents for approval and adoption by the Council of Heads of State.

The Moscow SCO-CFM will consider more than 20 documents for subsequent adoption in the SCO Council of Heads of State. It will also adopt a Joint Communiqué reflecting member states’ unified stance on important regional and international issues. The Foreign Minister will also have bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the CFM. SCO’s major objectives include promoting mutual confidence and good-neighbourly relations among member states; strengthening regional peace, security and stability; and creating a framework for effective cooperation in political, cultural, trade and economy, science and technology, education, energy, transportation, tourism, environmental protection and other fields.

Besides Pakistan, SCO’s current membership comprises China, Russia, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. SCO is an important forum for further enriching our deep-rooted historical and cultural links with member states, providing these ties a sound economic foundation, and promoting Pakistan as a regional trade and transit corridor. Since becoming a member in 2017, Pakistan has been actively contributing in working towards achieving SCO’s multi-sectoral agenda through participation in various SCO mechanisms. From 2005 to 2017, Pakistan was an Observer in SCO.

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Islamabad, September 08, 2020 (PPI-OT): The growing air pollution in the densely-populated Asia Pacific region has emerged as a major health challenge, causing damaging impacts on the environment, public health and agricultural crop yields. However, tackling these adverse impacts, which have led to unprecedented economic consequences, affecting economic growth as well as welfare, are not possible without a coordinated policy and planning measures at the regional level. This was stated by global experts on air pollution, environment and climate change in an online international dialogue on ‘Regional Conversation on Air Pollution in Asia-Pacific’ held on Tuesday as a part of the commemoration of the 1st International Day of Clean Air for blue skies, which was celebrated all over the world on September 7, according to a press statement issued here on Tuesday from Ministry of Climate Change.

The Day aims to raise public awareness at all levels—individual, community, corporate and government – that clean air is important for health, productivity, the economy and the environment. The online international dialogue was organised jointly by the United Nations Environment Programme and United Nations Economic and Social Council. Addressing the event, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Climate Change, Malik Amin Aslam, said that air pollution in Asia-Pacific, of which over 40 percent comes from transport sector, continues to affect nearly entire over four billion population of the region, posing grave risk to the initiatives aimed at boosting socio-economic growth, food security and addressing health, malnutrition, health, education, environment and climate change issues.

“While the air pollution is now the gravest of the all challenges facing the Asia Pacific region, it cannot be overcome without enhanced and well-coordinated regional response through viable policies and actions,” emphasised. He said further that air pollution is very much a cross-border issue in many Asia-Pacific and South Asian countries, where inhabitants share the same air mass. But, since it has become highly contaminated due to unsustainable production and consumption patterns in countries of both of the regions, affecting population in other countries of the region, tapping potential benefits of cross-border efforts in Asia-Pacific and South Asian regions to mitigate air pollutions is key, Malik Amin Aslam underlined.

“Keeping in view the regional and global nature of sources and causes of air pollution, it can only be effectively tackled if we work together.” the prime minister’s advisor Malik Amin Aslam said. Explaining various initiatives of the incumbent government, Malik Amin Aslam said that a nation-wide movement ‘Clean Green Pakistan’ was launched last year besides the Ten Billion Tree Tsunami Programme to not only fight air pollution impacts but also shifting energy, industry and agriculture sectors on clean energy sources.

Besides, an ambition electric vehicle policy is being implemented in Pakistan, which aims at seeing electric vehicles capture 30% of all the passenger vehicle and heavy-duty truck sales by 2030, and 90% by 2040. Crop burning, which also is leading cause of air pollution, particularly during winter seasons is also being discouraged in farming sector and efforts are being taken to shift fossil fuel-run brick kilns on zig-zag technology to reduce the brick kiln sector’s carbon footprints, he elaborated. Making mention of the lessons learnt from the COVID-19 crisis, Malik Amin said that the world saw the large-scale decline in global air pollution, making the skies clear of air pollutions.

“Prominent silver lining flashed out by the COVID-19 health crisis is that world has still the opportunity to tap for overcoming air pollution through adopting clean energy sources instead of fossil fuel-based energy sources used pre-dominantly in industry, transport and agriculture sector,” he elaborated. Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, former Secretary-General of the United Nations said during his keynote address to the event that with extreme air pollution events on the rise in the world, particularly in Asia-Pacific and South Asia regions, there is pressing need for joint action at the global and regional scales to mitigate pollution and its fallouts, has received an advocacy and public awareness boost when, for the first time ever, the world marked the International Day of Clean Air for blue skies on 7 September.

He said that adopted by a UN General Assembly Resolution in 2019, the International Day of Clean Air for blue skies – whose observance is facilitated by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) – stresses the importance of and urgent need for global action and call for raising public awareness at all levels and to promote and facilitate actions to improve air quality. The United Nations former secretary general noted that in many parts of the world extreme air pollution events have become a seasonal phenomenon, almost as reliable as the monsoon or autumn foliage. For instance, in early November, New Delhi and other cities in northern India as well as Pakistan’s upper and central parts experienced levels of air pollution that cancelled flights and kept people masked and indoors, he added.

Mr. Ban Ki-Moon said further that these are examples of the extreme impacts of a crisis that affects us all – air pollution affects human, animal and planetary health, with an estimated 7 million people dying prematurely from diseases caused by air pollution. Mr. Lee Wook-heon, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Thailand, said that 99 percent of the Asia-Pacific is exposed to polluted air causing an estimated half of the ]seven million premature deaths caused due to air pollution every year. “Air pollution is one of the biggest environmental threats to the right to health today, being responsible for 7 million premature deaths each year.

Air pollutants also contribute directly to the climate crisis, endangering health and livelihoods of generations current and future,” he told the participants of the online international dialogue. The COVID-19 has further exposed the fragility of our societies and economies to shocks, highlighting the urgency of improving our relationship with nature. Early studies are projecting that air pollution increases the likelihood of succumbing to COVID-19, giving us yet another reason to urgently improve global air quality, the ambassador Lee Wook-heo highlighted.

“We must understand that environmental health is inextricably linked to human health. Therefore, improving our air quality will bring health, development and environmental benefits,” he stressed. Others who also spoke on the occasion included Executive Secretary of ESCAP Ms. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Assistant Secretary-General of United Nations Environment Programme Mr. Satya Tripathi and Director of International Relations and Special Projects at Sustainable Energy for All Mr. Glenn Pearce-Oroz,

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Islamabad, September 08, 2020 (PPI-OT): SAPM on National Security and Strategic Policy Planning, Dr Moeed Yusuf was called on by Moazzam Ahmad Khan, the newly appointed High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. During the meeting both discussed matters pertaining to the situation in Illegally Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ and K). Dr Moeed Yusuf said that the world should take immediate measures to stop India from committing humanitarian and International Law violations in the IIOJ and K. The Kashmir diaspora has led the struggle against Indian illegal action of 5th August 2019.

The SAPM and High Commissioner reaffirmed their commitment to continuing all possible support to raise the Kashmir dispute in the international community. Dr Moeed Yusuf said that Economic Diplomacy is at the core of all the diplomatic efforts. He asked the newly appointed High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Moazzam Ahmad Khan to further strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries.

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Islamabad, September 08, 2020 (PPI-OT): Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser has said that Pakistan and Azerbaijan share an enduring diplomatic relationship and the similarities between the two countries are striking not only for having a similar cultural, religious, and geopolitical outlook but similar views on regional and international issues. The Speaker said that Azerbaijan being an important country in Asia could play its role in OIC and other regional forums to raise the plight of people of illegally occupied Kashmir. The Speaker expressed these views during a meeting with Ambassador of Azerbaijan Ali Alizada, in Parliament House, today.

The Speaker underlined the need for closer cooperation between Pakistan and Azerbaijan inter-parliamentary relations for the development of political and economic relations between the two countries. He said that Pak- Azerbaijan Parliamentary friendship group could be an apt forum to enhance those relations. He also stressed the need to reinvigorate Parliamentary Union of ECO Member states (PAECO). Referring to the issue of Kashmir, the Speaker said that it was flash point of South Asia and may trigger escalation if not peacefully settled as per aspiration people of Kashmir.

He said that Indian government stripped Kashmir of its autonomy and unique regional identity through the revocation of Article 370 and 35-A of Indian constitution. He said that decision to rescind the statute was followed by an organized brutal crackdown against innocent civilians including women and children and crippling any sign of life in the illegally occupied Valley and other parts of the region. Touching upon the issue of Nagorno Karabakh conflict Speaker said that Pakistan supports Azerbaijan’s fair position. He said that Pakistan has always supported Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity in the settlement of the conflict over Nagorno Karabakh in accordance with the UN resolutions.

Referring to the CPEC, the Speaker said that both of the countries can acquire a bigger volume of trade in the upcoming future. He said that immense scope of cooperation exist between both the countries therefore Azerbaijan mission in Islamabad could play a pivotal role in this regard. He suggested closer interaction between Commerce and Agriculture Committees of both the legislatures for further enhancing mutual trade and economic ties.

The Ambassador of Azerbaijan Ali Alizada said that his country also attaches to immense importance to its relations with Pakistan. He said that they are steadily accelerating and both always enjoyed longstanding warm and cordial relations. Ambassador Ali Alizada said that his country wholeheartedly supports Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir. He said that his country stands with Kashmiris in their struggle for the right of self-determination.

He expressed gratitude to the government of Pakistan for extending diplomatic support on issue of Nagorno Karabakh. He said that Azerbaijan wants to strengthen the economic and cultural ties along with mutual trade. He said that with the operational of CPEC and growing regional connectivity will also provide both the two countries to cooperate in multiple sectors. He agreed for enhancing parliamentary cooperation between two legislatures.

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Islamabad, September 08, 2020 (PPI-OT): Federal Secretary for National Food Security and Research, Omar Hamid Khan chaired the consultative meeting on development of Southern Balochistan under various modalities on Tuesday. The districts included Washuq, Kharan, Panjgur, Kech, Lasbella, Awaran, Khuzdar and Gwadar. Federal Secretary, Omar Hamid Khan briefed about the ongoing PSDP activities in Southern Balochistan. Implementation of Prime Minister’s National Agriculture Emergency Program through Provincial Govt in Balochistan worth Rs. 43 billions including Federal share Rs. 12 billions is in process. Promotion of Olive Cultivation under a PSDP project is happening. 375,000 planted and 350,000 to be planted in current year. Another project, Productivity enhancement in Pulses is also in process.

Foot and Mouth Disease control and Peste Des Petits Ruminants (PPR) eradication projects are being launched in CFY. There is horizontal Development of Cotton in Balochistan through capacity building, technology transfer and ginning facilitation. Omar Hamid Khan mentioned about the key sectoral issues of crops and horticulture in Southern Balochistan. He was of the point of view that lack of technological awareness, conventional varieties and farming methods, low mechanization and unavailability of regular electric supply for water and absence of HEIS are the main issues.

He briefed about the key interventions including creation of job opportunities through ALF (Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries) Skills Enhancement Program, provision of subsidized inputs (certified seeds, fertilizers, machinery etc.),multiplication of seed to overcome National crisis, promotion of high value crops (Pistachio, Olives etc.), agro-based industry for value addition through Private sector and establishment of FMD free Zone in Mirani dam area including allied facilities of processing, cold chain etc.

Omar Hamid Khan said that all ongoing PSDP schemes including Prime Minister’s National Agriculture Emergency Program, target whole of Balochistan. For Southern Balochistan, an exclusive Agriculture package is proposed including, Proposed Projects to be funded from PSDP, proposed Projects to be funded from PSDP + ADP or proposed Projects to be funded under PPP mode.

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Islamabad, September 08, 2020 (PPI-OT): The Ehsaas undergraduate scholarship portal has been reopened to receive fresh applications for the academic year 2020-21. All students with family income less than 45,000, studying in any year of an undergraduate program in any of the 119 public sector universities recognized by Higher Education Commission (HEC) are eligible to apply. Eligible students can apply through an online portal: https://ehsaas.hec.gov.pk/. The scholarship applications will have to mention the universities to which they are applying. The portal is open to new applications till October 30, 2020. For the year 2019-20, scholarships worth Rs. 4.827 billion were awarded to 50,762 undergraduate students nationwide.

The 4-year Ehsaas undergraduate scholarship initiative was formally launched by the Prime Minister Imran Khan on Nov 4, 2019. Under the program, every year, 50,000 students from low-income families will be awarded scholarships for 4 to 5-year undergraduate degree programs. Over four years, 200,000 undergraduate scholarships will be awarded on need and merit basis. Scholarships covers 100% of the tuition fee and a living stipend of 4,000 per month. The geographical spread of the program covers all four provinces, AJK and GB. As part of the program design, 50% of awardees are girls and 2% of awardees are differently abled.

Total budget over 4 years is Rs. 24 billion. The students’ academic performance will be monitored, and subject to satisfactory academic progress, scholarship recipients will continue to receive scholarship throughout their undergraduate programme Commenting on the paradigm shift in the scholarship policy of the government, Dr. Nishtar said, “This program represents three major paradigm shifts. First, this is the largest-ever needs-based scholarship program. It is reserved for students from low-income families aiming to enable them to aspire for higher education.

Second, it is the largest-ever national scholarship program and third, it is focused on enhancing the earning potential of the recipients.” Higher Education Commission (HEC) is the lead implementing agency for the Ehsaas undergraduate scholarship program. Last year, 132,192 undergraduate students had applied for scholarships through the online portal. The scrutiny of applications received last year to award 50,762 scholarships was finalized early this year with all 119 public sector universities.

The project is being overseen by the Ehsaas Scholarships Steering Committee, co-chaired by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Social Protection and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Sania Nishtar and Chairman HEC, Dr. Tariq Banuri. A joint monitoring and evaluation framework has been put in place to ensure transparency and equity.

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