The President for transparent distribution of aid to the flood victims 

Islamabad, September 15, 2022 (PPI-OT):President Dr. Arif Alvi while talking to the media during his visit to the relief camp in Nawabshah and Dadu, Sindh, has underlined the need for setting up a transparent system for receiving and distribution of aid for ensuring it reaches the flood-hit population in a fair, effective and verifiable manner. The President said that perhaps the current floods were the most catastrophic in nature so far faced by Sindh and witnessed by the people which led to loss of precious lives, livestock, livelihood of the people, besides the destruction of crops and vital infrastructures.

He called for the construction of delayed action dams and large water storage bodies at appropriate locations to harness flood water and prevent the loss of livelihood, livestock and destruction of infrastructure in the future. He said that the Federal Government, provincial governments, their institutions, international community, NGOs and well-off people in Pakistan were doing their level best to provide rescue and relief services to the flood-affected people on a priority basis. He said that flood victims were being supported financially through BISP program.

He said that the flood-hit areas were so large and the flood victims so many in number that the relief efforts would have to continue for a prolonged period of time to shield the flood victims from large-scale devastation caused by global warming-induced super floods across the country. He said that the economy of Pakistan which first suffered from COVID-related lockdowns, later hit hard by supply chain disruption in wake of the Russian-Ukraine war and now by a gigantic natural catastrophe in the form of floods. He said that the floods were due to global warming and climate change and Pakistan had a meagre share in exacerbating global warming.

He emphasized developed world, being major contributor to global warming and climate change, should help Pakistan in providing rescue and relief to the victims of the floods and play their role in the rehabilitation of flood victims and restoration of destroyed infrastructure. He also called upon the privileged members of the society to come forward and help their brothers and sisters, especially women and children, who had lost their shelters and livelihoods and were in dire need of assistance to survive in these hard conditions.

He said that there was a need to introduce and develop a farmer-friendly crops insurance system in Pakistan to save the farmers from crops losses and destruction of crops through manmade and natural calamities. The President also announced financial assistance of 50 million each for Nawabshah and Dadu which was given by the Punjab government. He visited various parts of the relief camps and enquired the flood victims about aid being given to them. The local administration also briefed the President about the devastation of the floods in the area.

The President also took an aerial view of the flood-affected areas of Nawabshah, Dadu and adjacent areas. He expressed his grave concern over stagnant flood water and submerged crops, houses and infrastructure. He said that it would take a lot of effort and coordination among various departments to drain out the flood water which, he said, would then enable the government to start the rehabilitation phase in these areas. He asked the relevant authorities to ensure safety and wellbeing of women, the elderly and children in the flood-hit areas.

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Bilateral Meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President of Uzbekistan on the sidelines of SCO Summit

Islamabad, September 15, 2022 (PPI-OT):Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev met on the sidelines of Heads of Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, today. The two leaders exchanged views on Pakistan-Uzbekistan relations, and regional and international issues. The Prime Minister thanked President Shavkat Mirziyoyev for his sympathies and condolences on sending humanitarian aid to the flood affected people. He highlighted the devastation caused by the climate induced floods in terms of loss of human lives and damage to crops, livestock, housing and critical infrastructure.

The wide-ranging talks covered bilateral cooperation, with a special focus on trade and economic relations, and regional connectivity through rail, road and seaports. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif underscored the significance of enhancing political ties, fast-tracking trade and economic cooperation by fully operationalizing Uzbekistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (UPTTA) and Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA). The Prime Minister underlined the need for closer defence and security cooperation, and further increasing collaboration in the fields of education, culture and tourism.

He emphasized that liberalized Visa Regime would encourage business community of both countries to boost bilateral trade and investment. The Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the timely completion of Trans-Afghan Railway project and expressed satisfaction at the successful completion of field expedition inside Afghanistan by the technical teams from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Uzbekistan. Once completed, this project would effectively link the Central Asian countries with the world through the seaports of Karachi and Gwadar.

The two leaders agreed to early convening of the Inter-Governmental Commission to formulate specific proposals and projects to further deepen and broaden Pakistan-Uzbekistan cooperation across the entire spectrum. The Prime Minister extended an invitation to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to visit Pakistan. The Uzbek President invited the Prime Minister to visit Uzbekistan at an early date.

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President for Expediting Process of Appointment of Regular VC FUAAST 

Islamabad, September 15, 2022 (PPI-OT):President Dr. Arif Alvi has urged the Federal Urdu University, Higher Education Commission (HEC) and Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training to expedite the process of appointment of a regular Vice-Chancellor of the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Sciences and Technology (FUUAST) Karachi. The President made these remarks while chairing a meeting of Federal Urdu University’s Senate at Governor’s House, Karachi, today.

The meeting was attended by the Senate members of the University, representative of Ministry of Federal Education and Chairman HEC via video link. President Dr. Arif Alvi urged the Senate of FUUAST to take consensus-based decisions by factoring inputs and suggestions of each member of the senate and relevant stakeholders on matters relating to promotions, non-payment of salaries, appointment of Vice Chancellor and constitution of nomination Committee for next Senate of the University.

The meeting also appointed Dr. Muhammad Ziauddin as Acting VC of the University who will continue to perform his duties till the appointment of a regular Vice-Chancellor. The Acting VC will, however, refer the policy-related matters to HEC for legal vetting. The meeting also appointed HEC Chairman Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed as Chairperson of the Search committee constituted for the appointment of a regular VC. The committee was advised to proceed on a timeline basis to recommend the appointment of the regular vice-chancellor. The meeting decided that an overview of the decisions would be made after four months.

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Meeting of the Prime Minister with the President of Tajikistan on the sidelines of SCO Summit

Islamabad, September 15, 2022 (PPI-OT):Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a bilateral meeting with President Emomali Rahmon on the sidelines of SCO Heads of Council meeting in Samarkand, today. The two leaders held wide-ranging talks covering all aspects of the mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation including regional and international issues. President Rahmon extended profound sympathies and condolences over the loss of human lives and devastation caused by the floods in Pakistan and assured of Tajikistan’s full support in the efforts for relief and rehabilitation of the affected people.

The Prime Minister thanked Tajikistan for its support to the flood affectees in Pakistan and shared details of the devastation caused by the massive floods, induced by climate change. The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction over the growing political, trade, economic, and cultural cooperation between the two countries. He underscored the need for a strategic partnership aimed at boosting security, mutual trust, countering the current global threats and challenges, enhancing regional stability, and expanding political, trade and economic cooperation.

Both leaders accorded particular focus on further strengthening of reliable and constructive high-level contacts, inter-parliamentary ties, defence and security relations between the two countries. The Prime Minister underlined the importance of regular meetings of bilateral institutional mechanisms and establishment of mutually beneficial cooperation in the implementation of energy projects. He also reiterated Pakistan’s resolve for timely completion of the important “CASA-1000” power transmission project. The Prime Minister emphasized expansion of cooperation in the field of road transportation and underscored importance of connectivity.

He underlined Pakistan’s readiness to facilitate provision of access to Gwadar and Karachi to Tajikistan. The leaders also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest and agreed to work together to strengthen peace, stability and security in the region, particularly in Afghanistan. The two leaders also agreed to remain in close contact. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Sharif invited President Rahmon to visit Pakistan. President Rahmon also extended invitation to the Prime Minister to visit Tajikistan.

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National Coordination Committee on Foreign Funded Projects Federal Water Sector 

Islamabad, September 15, 2022 (PPI-OT):Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq chaired the meeting of National Coordination Committee on Foreign-Funded Projects (NCC-FFP) pertaining to Water sector (Federal) at the Ministry of Economic Affairs today in Islamabad. Minister for Water Resources, Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, State Minister for Finance, Representatives of PM’s Office, Finance Division and Provincial P and D Departments and Boards of Revenues attended the meeting.

The NCC-FFP forum reviewed progress of the development projects of Water Sector funded by World Bank, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, USA, France, Germany, Saudi Fund, Kuwait, and OFID. At present, 26 foreign-funded projects in Water Sector amounting to US$ 3,354 million are under implementation. Minister for Economic Affairs highlighted the importance of ongoing Hydropower and Water sector development projects being essential for power generation at affordable rates and sustainable development in country’s economy.

He stated that the incumbent government is focusing on rehabilitation and construction of major dams which would fulfil country’s needs for water, food and energy security and in view of long-term benefits towards stabilizing the economy of Pakistan. Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah, Minister for Water Resources, directed the line departments to fast track implementation of the projects and prompt redressal of issues for expeditious execution of projects in water sector. He further emphasized on the quick delivery of the projects including Tarbela 5th Extension, Keyal Khawar, and Harpo Projects and set the timelines to resolve the bottlenecks to expedite the process of implementation.

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Government of Hyogo Prefecture of Japan has pledged a donation of JPY One Million for Flood Affectees caused by Torrential Rains 

Islamabad, September 15, 2022 (PPI-OT):To express solidarity on behalf of the Government of Hyogo Prefecture of Japan, Mr. Imago Motohiko, Director General, Hyogo Prefectural Government, visited the Embassy of Pakistan, Tokyo today. He pledged a donation of JPY One Million for flood affectees caused by torrential rains, says a press release received here today from Tokyo. Ms. Ismat Hassan Sial expressed gratitude for the sympathy and donation by the Government of Hyogo Prefecture. Further ways of enhancing future relations were also discussed.

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Gates Foundation provides $7.5 million for Flood Affectees 

Islamabad, September 15, 2022 (PPI-OT):The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has announced approximately $7.5 million in humanitarian assistance for the flood-affected people of Sindh and Balochistan, says a press release received here today from Washington DC. The Foundation has also repurposed its current grants to augment government’s rescue and relief operations. In a letter addressed to Ambassador Masood Khan, President Global Development of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Mr. Christopher Elias conveyed that the Polio Program of the Foundation would also support 1200 health camps being run by Aga Khan University in the worst flood-affected districts.

Furthermore, the Foundation would put more support towards three maternity hospitals dealing with the largest burden of displaced women-to expand midwifery care, and intrapartum services, the letter said. Mr. Elias informed the Ambassador that the Foundation has an active $4 million grant for the poor that are getting food subsidies and emergency cash transfers in the flood-affected areas. On behalf of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, he expressed deepest sympathies over the losses due to unprecedented flood.

“This is indeed a tragedy of national proportions and one which has captured the attention of the world,” wrote President Global Development of B and M Foundation. “Seeing the impact of the floods on your countrymen, their homes and their lands is greatly saddening,” he said Ambassador Masood Khan thanked the Foundation for its generous support at a time when the people of Pakistan needed it most. Mr. Elias commended the people of Pakistan for their courage under difficult circumstances and wished them as they move forward and rebuild their homes and lives.

On 26 August 2022, Ambassador Masood Khan had written to Mr. Bill Gates, Co-Chair Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, apprising him of huge devastation wreaked by the floods. “These floods have been caused by climate change and extreme weather patterns,” observed the Ambassador. He said that Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation had played a pivotal role in supporting Pakistan for healthcare, human and humanitarian crisis.

Recalling humanitarian assistance provided by the Foundation, the Ambassador stated that “We haven’t forgotten the Foundations’ generous donation of $700,000 during the 2010 floods.” “As we are managing this catastrophe and working tirelessly to alleviate the sufferings, the people of Pakistan would deeply appreciate your support for urgent humanitarian assistance,” wrote the Ambassador.

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