January 18, 2023 – Page 5 – PPI News Agency

January 18, 2023

Convener of parliamentary task force on SDGS Ms. Romina Khurshid Alam met with Belgian parliamentary delegation headed by the chairperson of Belgium-Pakistan parliamentary friendship group Ms. Allessia Claes print

Islamabad, January 18, 2023 (PPI-OT):The convener of the Parliamentary Task Force on Sustainable Development Goals Ms. Romina Khurshid Alam has said that the National Assembly of Pakistan is the first parliament in the world which is paying special attention to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

She said that the SDGs Secretariat was established in the National Assembly of Pakistan in 2016 and also in the Legislative Assembly of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly, including the four provinces. She expressed these views during a meeting with the Belgian parliamentary delegation headed by the Chairperson of the Belgium-Pakistan Parliamentary Friendship Group Ms. Alicia Claes.

Convener of SDGs Romina Khurshid Alam has also said that the Parliamentary Task Force for Sustainable Development Goals established in the National Assembly of Pakistan is working on achieving 17 sustainable development goals in the country.

A two-day national dialogue was also organized in which the parliamentary delegations including the speakers of the four provinces, the Legislative Assembly of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly participated. The process is set.

She said that Pakistan was also badly affected by the recent devastating floods and people’s houses and standing crops were severely destroyed by this flood. She said that the world has to move forward for the rehabilitation of the families affected by the recent devastating floods and cooperate with Pakistan in this difficult situation.

Alicia Claes, Chairperson of the Belgium-Pakistan Parliamentary Friendship Group in the Belgian Parliament, congratulated Ms. Romina Khurshid Alam for organizing a successful two-day national dialogue on SDGs. Expressing regret over the losses, she assured all kinds of cooperation from the Belgian government.

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

January 18, 2023

Belgian Parliamentary delegation called on members of National Assembly’s standing committee on Foreign Affairs in Parliament House

Islamabad, January 18, 2023 (PPI-OT):The call on of the Belgian Parliamentary delegation with the Members of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs held yesterday in the Parliament House, Islamabad, under the Chairmanship of one of the Members of the Foreign Committee – Mr. Ahmed Hussain Deharr, MNA.

Ahmad Hussain Daharr, MNA, of the Pakistani National Assembly, welcome the Belgian delegate and stated that Belgium and Pakistan had warm relations based on a common commitment to democracy, pluralism, and trust. Pakistan had consistently demonstrated its readiness and commitment to upholding both its constitutional and international commitments for a more secure, environmentally friendly, peaceful, and progressive world.

Pakistan had always supported the peaceful and diplomatic settlement of all international problems. He made these remarks while speaking with Belgian legislative representatives during a meeting in Parliament. He also mentioned Flood affected areas in Sindh to express solidarity with flood affected people.

Peace should be available to everyone and everywhere, not just to a select few. Pakistan can provide professionals like engineers, technicians, computer scientists, and other skilled manpower in areas where there is a shortage in Belgium. There is huge scope for cooperation in the higher education and research sector.

Pakistani students are opting for Belgian universities, for higher studies. We need to put more focus on this important aspect. Pakistan was struck by the most devastating floods last year. The damage caused was unprecedented. More than 33 million people were affected.

The international community also expressed solidarity with Pakistan at the international conference on climate resilient Pakistan held in Geneva last week, and came up with generous pledges for rehabilitation and reconstruction work in a climate resilient manner. Pakistan has demonstrated consistent political commitment to fully implement the GSP Plus related international conventions. Improving relations with India has been a priority for Pakistan.

India’s illegal and unilateral actions of 5 August 2019 in the IIOJK seeking to effectuate demographic changes and sabotaging the internationally recognized disputed status of the Kashmir dispute were a huge setback to our efforts to build regional peace. Pakistan is disappointed to learn about the suspension of university and higher education for female students in Afghanistan. We strongly believe that every man and woman have the inherent right to education in accordance with the injunctions of Islam.

The parliamentary delegation from Belgium Parliamentary Delegation comprised of Ms. Allessia Claes, Senator /Chairperson of the Belgium-Pakistan Parliamentary Friendship Group, Mr. Karl Vanlourve, State Senator Mr. Philippe Courard, PS, State Senator, Mr. Georges Dallemagne, Les Engages, Member of the Belgian Chamber of Representatives and Senior officers of Belgium Parliament has come to Pakistan on a week-long visit at the special invitation of the Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf. The visit was intended to further promote parliamentary cooperation between the two sides in a bid to provide all necessary support to maximize gains in trade and promote people-to-people contacts.

Ms. Allessia Claes thanked the Committee Members profusely for the invitation and offered sympathy for the flood victims. She underlined the importance of letting the world know the real narrative of Pakistan, which battled valiantly against all odds to become a stable, tranquil, and peaceful nation. She and her colleagues would unquestionably serve as Pakistan’s ambassadors in Europe and work to promote the nation as much as possible. The Call on was attended by Mr. Nawab Sher, MNA; Mr. Muhammad Khan Daha, MNA; Mir Ghulam Ali Talpur, MNA; and Mr. Abu Bakar, MNA.

January 18, 2023

Government to re-launch laptop scheme for University students

Islamabad, January 18, 2023 (PPI-OT):The government has decided to again launch laptop scheme for the University students with a budget of ten billion rupees. This was stated by Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal while addressing an event in Islamabad on Wednesday. The Minister said under this scheme one hundred thousand laptops will be provided to the students on merit to digitally empower them.

Ahsan Iqbal said National Bank of Pakistan has also been asked to develop laptop leasing products so that every university student has access to affordable laptop. The Minister for Planning and Development said given the size of young population, Pakistan can turn Information Technology into one of its competitive advantages.

For more information, contact:
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
Government of Pakistan
4th Floor, Cabinet Block, Pak. Secretariat, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9103557
Email: info@moib.gov.pk
Website: http://www.moib.gov.pk

January 18, 2023

Webinar on Pakistan International Maritime expo and conference explores blue economy potential of Pakistan

Islamabad, January 18, 2023 (PPI-OT):The Society of Maritime Industries (SMI) and ADS Group arranged a webinar regarding Pakistan International Maritime Expo and Conference-23 (PIMEC 23) on 12 Dec 2023 in collaboration with the Defence Wing of High Commission for Pakistan, London, Department of International Trade, UK and the British High Commission Islamabad.

The aim of the webinar was to explore the emerging blue economy in Pakistan market and learn more about the event which is being held in Karachi, Pakistan, from 10 February 2023 until 12 February 2023, says a press release received here today from London. Mr. Tim Currass from Society of Maritime Industries (SMI) and Mr. Brinley Salzmann of ADS Group gave their opening remarks during the session.

Dr Faisal Aziz Ahmad, Deputy High Commissioner, delivered the Keynote address followed by informative briefings by Commodore Zeeshan, Defence and Naval Adviser, Commodore (R) Ali Abbas, Director of National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA), Pakistan, Captain Shafique, Maritime Coordinator and Pakistan Representative to International Maritime Organization (IMO), Muhammad Abbas Abdulla, Deputy Head for Middle East and Pakistan of Maritime Capability Campaign Office (DIT) and Mr. Ehtisham Bari of Badr Expo Solutions.

During the webinar, the participants were apprised of the opportunities and potentials of the event including procedure for participation. Various Business Groups and renowned firms from Defence and Maritime industry attended the session.

PIMEC will be a three-day event to be conducted by Pak Navy and the Ministry of Maritime Affairs with a view to bringing together international and national stakeholders in the Maritime Arena of the Port City of Karachi. The event would be a marketplace for sharing innovative ideas about maritime potential and opportunities in Pakistan’s rich maritime field.

As Pakistan is seeking international collaboration to harness its untapped maritime resources in fisheries, coastal tourism, environment protection, maritime training and education, ports operations, shipbuilding and repairs, housing sector development and many other areas in its maritime space, this session allowed the participants to explore the emerging blue economy of Pakistan in detail.

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

January 18, 2023

MoS pays tribute to renowned Poet Rehan Azmi

Islamabad, January 18, 2023 (PPI-OT):Minister of State/ SAPM for Industries and Production, Tasneem Ahmed Qureshi paid tribute to renowned poet Dr. Rehan Azmi for his prolific poetry at a condolence reference held in his memory on Wednesday.

The MoS eulogized his popular works including Bargah-e-Aqeedat, Tehzeeb-e-Manqabat, and the three-volume series of Aik Anso Karbala Mein, Hurriyat-e-Fikr, Lalu Kheeti Ki Diary, Nawai Minbar and Chaar Misray. He said the translation of his books in Hindi, Gujarati, Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu and Roman languages will spread the message of love to other nation as well.

He said Dr Azmi also wrote lyrics for numerous songs and authored over 25 books and 4,000 songs. The MoS appreciated Pakistan academy of letters for holding this condolence reference and expressed his gratitude to its chairman Dr. Muhammad Yousaf Khushk for launching initiatives for literary society.

January 18, 2023

Pakistan Navy Ships visit to IRI Port of Bandar Abbas

Islamabad, January 18, 2023 (PPI-OT):In line with Pakistan’s maritime tradition and to further strengthen the existing warm and cordial bilateral relations, a Pakistan Navy Flotilla, commanded by Commodore Muhammad Nasir Iqbal (SIM), Commander Submarines of Pakistan Navy will dock at Bandar Abbas, Iran from 18-21 January, 2023.

Pakistan Flotilla’s visit to Iran is aimed at enhancing maritime collaboration between the navies of the two countries. The ships and submarine are bringing warm wishes and a message of solidarity, peace and prosperity for the people of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the region. The port call of Pakistan Navy Ships and Submarine to Islamic Republic of Iran is a regular feature.

During the visit, PN delegation will hold meetings with Naval, Military and Civil leadership of Iran on bilateral relations at Bandar Abbas. A diplomatic reception will be jointly hosted by Ambassador of Pakistan in Iran, H.E. Rahim Hayat Qureshi and Commodore Muhammad Nasir Iqbal (SIM), on board Pakistan Navy Ship for Iran-based Ambassadors, Military Attaches, Diplomats, Iranian military and civil officials, media persons and Iranian/ Pakistani community members.

The port call by Pakistani flotilla is a testimony of growing security and defense relationships between Pakistan and Iran. The visit of the Pakistan Navy ships and Submarine to Bandar Abbas enables both navies to enrich themselves from mutual experiences and enhance cooperation in future endeavours.

January 18, 2023

BISP introducing new payment mechanism through bank accounts, Shazia Marri

Islamabad, January 18, 2023 (PPI-OT):Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety/Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Ms. Shazia Marri has announced the introduction of a new payment mechanism of disbursement to BISP beneficiaries by giving them an option to receive money in the bank accounts of their choice. Initially, the mechanism will be introduced as pilot in some districts which will be gradually extended to whole of the country.

Federal Minister/Chairperson BISP was addressing a press conference at Karachi, today. Secretary BISP Mr. Yusuf Khan, DGs of NSER and Cash Transfer Mr. Naveed Akbar and Mr Noor Rehman Khan were also present in the press conference.

Ms. Shazia Marri said that since its inception, BISP has experienced various mechanisms, like, Money Order through Pakistan Post, Smart Debt Card, Mobile Phone Banking and currently using the Bio-metric Verification System (BVS). She added that current payment system has limited opportunities for beneficiaries under which they save their money, also there were complaints of deductions by Pause Agents.

She said that in order to make the payment system more beneficiary centric, BISP had series of meetings with the State Bank and other commercial banks, and as a result of last 3-4 months exercise, BISP is now launching a pilot project of a new payment system.

She said that this will empower these women, also that these women will receive their funds without standing in queues, and in a dignified manner, and at the same time this will help to maintain transparency.

Chairperson BISP further informed that BISP is launching Dynamic Registry Survey soon to assess the socio-economic status of households on real basis. She said that new Dynamic Registry data will be shock responsive and if any change occurred in the socio economic situation of household, will be recorded on real time basis.

She said that the Dynamic Registry desks have been established all across the country to process the new survey of the households. While commenting on the news of Public Accounts Committee, Federal Minister said, “The procedure of PAC is necessary and crucial for maintain transparency in the system and dispelled the impression that BISP has extended benefits to any government servant by committing any fraud or illegal practice.

She criticized the previous government on excluding 820,000 beneficiaries by introducing filters without any research and giving the right of appeal to the excluded beneficiaries. Ms. Marri disclosed that out of 140,000 government employees, 60% were from grade 1 to 5 having average salary of around Rs13000. She said that these beneficiaries were not given the right to appeal and further cleared that there was no policy in the past to bar government servants from receiving grants from BISP, especially if they were low paid government employees.

Ms. Shazia Marri reiterated that under BISP Taleemi Wazaif Programme 8.1 million children have been enrolled and 364,000 pregnant women and their children of under 2 years age are getting benefits from the BISP’s Nashonuma Programme. She said that BISP has developed a sense of awareness among the people through its various initiatives.

She further said that during recent floods BISP has disbursed Rs. 70 billion among 2.8 flood affected families through its unique database across the country, and thanked the Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, Foreign Minister Mr. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and International Community for their continues support to people in these testing times.