October 22, 2020 – Page 4 – PPI News Agency

October 22, 2020

Senate Standing Committee on Planning Development and Special Initiatives

Islamabad, October 22, 2020 (PPI-OT):The Senate Standing Committee on Planning Development and Special Initiatives in its meeting on Thursday at Parliament House was briefed in detail regarding COVID-19 Pandemic in Pakistan with complete details of allocated funds, equipment and its utilization. The Committee also deliberated over the RBOD II Project and the remaining scope of work. Chaired by Senator Dr. Asad Ashraf, the meeting was attended by Senator Hidayat Ullah, Senator Engr. Rukhsana Zuberi, Senator Rana Maqbool Ahmed, Senator Gianchand and senior officers from the Ministry of Planning Development and Special Initiatives along with all concerned. Representatives of the Ministry of National Health Services Coordination and Reforms, Finance, EAD, NDMA and Department of Irrigation, Sindh were also present.

While being briefed on the COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan regarding complete details of allocated funds, equipment and its utilization, the Committee was informed that the total quantum of committed donors financing for COVID 19 pandemic is USD 483.96 million against the total requirement of USD 595 million indicated in Pakistan preparedness Response Plan (PPRP). Donor funding consisting of loans, grants and in-kind support that included PPEs, Lab consumables, establishment of provincial and district diseases surveillance response units across the country was provided as well.

Endeavours to fight against COVID 19 pandemic was provided by the Asian Development Bank in the form of a concessional loan facility amounting USD 200 million. This assistance came in the backdrop of the request of Government of Pakistan to boost its response mechanism. The soft loan for social protection for poor and vulnerable has been extended under the emergency assistance for fighting against COVID 19 Pandemic. This loan was distributed under the Ehsaas Emergency Cash Programme.

NDMA the lead focal agency for COVID 19 Response informed the Committee that PM allocation was PKR 25.3 billion; expenditures amounted to PKR 13.496 billion. Other donor organizations were ADB and IHITC. Major supplies distributed nationwide included face masks, N-95 Type Masks, Protective Suits, Goggles, Face Shields, Latex/Nitrile/ Surgical Gloves, Ventilators, Portable X-Ray Machines, Portable X-Ray machines, PCR Lab machines, etc.

The basic challenges faced by the agency included lack of domestic manufacturing capacity, demand and supply gap, hoarding of essential supplies and movement of goods and services hampered due to lockdown. Senator Engr. Rukhsana Zuberi, enquired the level of preparedness of the agency and stressed the need to ramp it up to deal with any contingencies in the future. Chairman Committee, Senator Dr. Asad Ashraf asserted that rapid response is imperative to saving lives. It was also asserted that hands-on training of staff serving ICUs is essential especially of those that deal with ventilators and respirators.

Discussing the RBOD II Project, the Committee was informed that this project began in 2001 and since then has been in the lurch. Senator Gianchand said that in previous meetings it was discussed that the project will be handled by the Frontier Works Organization. He said that later it was revealed that certain technical issue were cause of delay. Frequent change of Project Directors is another major issue that stalls the project.

The Committee was apprised that a third party audit is being conducted to ascertain the cause of delay. Senator Engr. Rukhsana Zuberi stressed the need to involve the Pakistan Engineering Council. (PEC) She added that a system must be put in place to allow Project Directors e to evaluate and monitor projects on a regular basis. The Committee decided that the PEC must be engaged along with other stakeholders to assess the status of the project in detail and report back to the Committee on the issues and solutions to expedite the work towards completion.

For more information, contact:
Senate of Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9204564534
Fax: +92-51-9205703
H.No.7, Cat-II, G-8/2,
Islamabad, Pakistan
E-mail: senate@comsats.net.pk
Website: www.senate.gov.pk

October 22, 2020

Deputy Chairman Senate Saleem Mandviwalla says that Pakistan values its Bilateral Relations with Hellenic Republic of Greece

Islamabad, October 22, 2020 (PPI-OT):Deputy Chairman Senate Saleem Mandviwalla has said that Pakistan values its bilateral relations with Hellenic Republic of Greece and desires to further strengthen ties through mutual collaboration and frequent exchange of business delegations. He said that trade volume between the two sides is much below the mark as there is huge potential for bilateral trade. Deputy Chairman Senate was exchanging views with the Ambassador of Hellenic Republic of Greece.

He said that both Islamabad and Athens have established diplomatic ties since long; however, there is need further boost friendly ties. He said that 50 thousand Pakistanis are living in Greece and working different sectors. He said that Pakistani diaspora is acting as a bridge between the two countries and contributing their part in development. He underlined the need for enhanced for institutional linkages.

He said that friendship groups in respective parliaments can play a vital role in bringing the two sides more closer. Ambassador of Greece thanked the Deputy Chairman for warm welcome and hospitality and emphasized the need for enhanced linkages at different levels. Senator Anawar ul Haq Kakar and Senator Behramand Tangi were also present during the meeting.

For more information, contact:
Senate of Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9204564534
Fax: +92-51-9205703
H.No.7, Cat-II, G-8/2,
Islamabad, Pakistan
E-mail: senate@comsats.net.pk
Website: www.senate.gov.pk

October 22, 2020

Pakistan EU Agree To Boost Collaboration Work For Development

Islamabad, October 22, 2020 (PPI-OT):Chairman Senate Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani has termed cooperation between Pakistan and European Union (EU) as significant and emphasized the need to further broaden the scope mutual collaboration in different sectors. Chairman Senate expressed these views during a meeting with EU Ambassador to Pakistan Ms. Androulla Kaminara here at the Parliament House on Thursday. The EU Ambassador briefed the Chairman Senate about the development cooperation which is acting as a driving force behind the EU’s bilateral relations with Pakistan.

Chairman Senate Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani said that Pakistan is keen to enhance mutual cooperation with European Union and strengthen institutional collaboration through enhanced linkages at parliamentary level. “We place our bilateral relationship with EU Parliament at a high esteem”, Chairman Senate remarked. Chairman Senate said that the pandemic has created huge problems. He also expressed his condolences on the loss of human lives due the pandemic. EU Ambassador agreed with the views of Chairman Senate and emphasized for more cooperation and institutional linkages.

For more information, contact:
Senate of Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9204564534
Fax: +92-51-9205703
H.No.7, Cat-II, G-8/2,
Islamabad, Pakistan
E-mail: senate@comsats.net.pk
Website: www.senate.gov.pk

October 22, 2020

Afghan parliamentary delegation led by speaker Wolesi Jirga of Afghanistan arrives in Islamabad tomorrow i.e. 23rd October, 2020

Islamabad, October 22, 2020 (PPI-OT):On invitation of the Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser a Seventeen Members Afghan Parliamentary Delegation led by Speaker of the Wolsey Jirga (Afghan Parliament) Mir Rahman Rahmani would arrive in Islamabad on 23rd October on a Six days official visit. During its stay in Islamabad the Afghan Delegation besides meeting with the Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser, would also call on President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan Dr. Arif Alvi, Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan, Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani and Foreign Minister of Pakistan Shah Mehmood Qureshi. The delegation would also has an interactive meeting with the Members of Pakistan- Afghanistan Friendship group in National Assembly and senior government functionaries.

Inter-Parliamentary contacts, Bilateral Relations on trade, Regional Security issues, and enhancing cooperation between two countries would be deliberated upon during the meetings of the Afghan Parliamentary Delegation. On the second leg of its visit, the delegation would participate in two days Seminar “Pakistan-Afghanistan Trade Investment Forum 2020 – Partnership For Mutual Benefit” which will commence from 26th October in Islamabad.

The Afghan Parliamentary Delegation led by Speaker Mir. Rahman Rahmani, comprises of Mr. Ahmad Safi, Chairman Standing Committee on Finance, Mr. Najibullah, Chairman Standing Committee on Health, Mr. Haider Afzaly, Chairman Standing Committee on Defence, Mr. Attiq Ramin Chairman Standing Committee on International Relations, Mr. Abdul Hamid Sharif, Chairman Standing Committee on National Economy, Members of the Wolesi Jirga Mr. Haji Rahmani, Ms. Malali Eshaqzae, Ms. Shirin and other Senior officers of the Wolesi Jirga. Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser has regarded this visit of the Parliamentary delegation as harbinger of change as it will bring peace and stability in the region. He said that this visit would also open new avenues of Political and Parliamentary co-operation and co-ordination between two brotherly countries.

For more information, contact:
Secretary
National Assembly of Pakistan
Automation Centre,
National Assembly Secretariat,
Parliament House,
Islamabad – Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9221082-83
Fax: +92-51-9221106
Email: assembly@na.gov.pk
Website: www.na.gov.pk

October 22, 2020

Planting The Seed Of A New Agroeconomy: NFSR

Islamabad, October 22, 2020 (PPI-OT):The meeting of the Federal Committee Agriculture for Rabi Season (FCA) was held on Thursday under the chairmanship of Syed Fakhr Imam, Federal Minister for Food Security and Research, with the theme “We are planting the seeds of a new agro economy”. On this occasion, the production of Kharif season crops was reviewed while the production targets of Rabi season crops were set. On the occasion, Syed Fakhr Imam said that the Prime Minister is giving priority to agriculture. Acquisition of modern agricultural technology, supply of better seeds, balanced use of fertilizers can achieve higher yields. Our livestock sector is better.

Our production is better in paddy and sugarcane. While cotton production is declining due to ball warm and white fly. Syed Fakhr Imam said that now Punjab Seed Corporation gives only 3 to 5 percent seeds. The minimum support price of wheat will be decided next week and fertilizer will be subsidized. Syed Fakhr Imam said that we are in dire need of increasing wheat production. He added that the purpose of the Ministry of Food Security and Research is to formulate agricultural policy. Federal Secretary for Food Security and Research, Omar Hamid Khan, said that the purpose of the meeting was to formulate a strategy for the production target. We will bring the Prime Minister’s agricultural vision into practice.

Omar Hamid Khan said that the responsibility of food security during this crisis lies with the federation and the provinces. The Prime Minister’s National Agricultural Emergency Program is an important program. Omar Hamid Khan said that crop reporting services have data. Statistics should be recorded. A dashboard will be set up for data. Agro zoning laws will be amended in collaboration with the provinces. According to him, we need resistant seeds. Was informed in the meeting that the area under sugarcane cultivation in Punjab increased by 20.68% as compared to last year, sugarcane area in Sindh increased by 0.96%, sugarcane area in KPK decreased by 0.8%, sugarcane in Balochistan.

The area under cultivation increased by 3.37%.other than that compared to the previous year, sugarcane production in Punjab increased by 21.18%, sugarcane production in Sindh increased by 0.53%, sugarcane production in KPK increased by 0.14% and sugarcane production in Balochistan increased by 9.54%.In addition, the area under rice cultivation in Punjab increased by 20.30% as compared to the previous year, the area under rice in Sindh decreased, the area under rice in KPK increased by 0.25% and the area under rice in Balochistan increased by 1.77 Rice production in Punjab increased by 20.27 percent as compared to last year, rice production in Sindh decreased by 3.24 percent, rice production in KPK increased by 0.77 percent and rice production in Balochistan increased by 2 percent. In addition, the area under Moong pulse cultivation in Pakistan increased by 22.54% over the previous year. Peanut production in Pakistan increased by 57.13%.Its yield stood at 28.23.

For more information, contact:
Principal Information Officer,
Press Information Department (PID)
Tel: +92-51-9252323, +92-51-9252324
Fax: +92-51-9252325, +92-51-9252326
Email: piopid@gmail.com
Website: www.pid.gov.pk

October 22, 2020

Pakistan attaches great importance to its cordial relations with Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and wants to further expand bilateral ties: President Arif Alvi

Islamabad, October 22, 2020 (PPI-OT):President Dr Arif Alvi has said that Pakistan attaches great importance to its cordial relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and wants to further expand bilateral ties with the brotherly country for the mutual benefit of the two sides. The President stated this during a meeting with the President, International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), Dr Hathal Hamoud Al-Otaibi and Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan, Mr. Nawaf Saeed Al Malkiy, who called on him, at Aiwan-e-Sadr, today.

Congratulating Dr Hathal Hamoud Al-Otaibi on his appointment as President of the IIUI, the President expressed the hope that the university would progress further under his leadership. The President asked him to develop and strengthen international linkages between IIUI and reputed foreign universities of the world and Saudi Arabia. Underscoring the increasing importance of online education, the President said that online contents of the knowledge needed to be enhanced as distant learning is cost-effective and easily accessible. Dr Hathal Hamoud Al-Otaibi said that he would follow merit and run the affairs of the university in accordance with the guidelines of the Higher Education Commission.

October 22, 2020

Ministry of Human Rights prepares Mobile App for the parents of Differently abled Children

Islamabad, October 22, 2020 (PPI-OT):The Directorate General of Special Education (DGSE), Ministry of Human Rights, has prepared a Mobile App for the parents of Differently abled Children with the technical support of National Information Technology Board (NITB). It will create awareness among the masses about the education, training and rehabilitation services available for children with different abilities in the Special Education Centers / Institutions working under the DGSE. This initiative will help the people of remote areas of ICT who can get necessary information about online admission and other services available in the Special Education Centers / Institutions Schools under the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE).

Dr. Shireen M Mazari, Federal Minister of Human Rights, launched the Mobile App for Differently-Abled Children and general public today. The App provides the following assistance / help to the Differently Abled Children at their door step: Use of this App will assist them in the selection of suitable educational institution near to their residence. They can apply online without physical access to the institutions/centres under DGSE. Detail information about the services, facilities, admission policies of the centres. This App is now a milestone to bring approximately 30,000 out of school differently-abled children in the educational stream.

It will assist them in the selection of Suitable Education institution including Schools under the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) for Inclusive Education near to their residence. The status of the submitted application. It provides download and feedback options. Sheikh Azhar Sajjad, Director General (SE) in his speech informed the participants that Directorate General of Special Education is providing inclusive environment and opportunities through policies, plans, programs and projects that would promote social progress, educate and rehabilitate children / persons with different abilities. He further told that DGSE is also giving education, vocational training and rehabilitation services to the children with different abilities. Beside education we are also provide different therapies like Physiotherapy, Occupational therapy, Speech therapy, Audiology, Medical, Ophthalmology and Artificial limbs free of cost to the Special Children.

The Federal Minister for Human Rights appreciated the initiative taken by DGSE with the collaboration of NITB for the preparation and launching of this App. Secretary for Human Rights, Director General (HR), Director General (SE), CEO (NITB), DG (NITB) and other officers from concerned departments attended the ceremony. She distributed appreciation certificates among the developers and designers of this App. The ceremony ended with a vote of thanks by Sheikh Azhar Sajjad, Director General Special Education.