Ministries – Page 430 – PPI News Agency

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari meets the Foreign Minister of Egypt in Sharm El-Sheikh on the Sidelines of COP27 Summit

Islamabad, November 09, 2022 (PPI-OT):Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari met with the Egyptian Foreign Minister, Sameh Hassan Shoukry on the sidelines of COP27 World Leaders Summit in Sharm El-Sheikh on 8 November. Minister for Climate Change Ms. Sherry Rehman was also present in the meeting.

The Foreign Minister congratulated the Egyptian Foreign Minister for excellent arrangements for the COP27. He invited FM Shoukry to visit Pakistan early next year to commence bilateral activities for celebrations of 75 years of friendly relations.

During the meeting, the Foreign Ministers discussed bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest. They also discussed the way forward for enhanced bilateral engagement to further strengthen cooperation in political, trade, economic, cultural and commercial domains. Pakistan and Egypt have longstanding cooperative relations rooted in common faith, culture and values. The year 2022 marks the 75 years of Pakistan-Egypt.

For more information, contact:
Spokesman
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Government of Pakistan
Tell: +92-51-9205494
Fax: +92-51-9204202
Cell: +92-336-5644459
Website: www.mofa.gov.pk

Senator Saifullah Abro Presides over a meeting of the Senate Standing committee on Power at the Parliament House

Islamabad, November 09, 2022 (PPI-OT):The Senate Standing Committee on Power on Tuesday Bill titled “The Pakistan Penal Code (Amendment) Bill, 2022”, as passed by the National Assembly, moved by Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, Minister for Law and Justice on behalf of Mr. Khurram Dastagir Khans, Minister for Power in the Senate sitting held on 18 August, 2022 and referred by the House to the Committee for consideration and report was deferred due to absence of the Minister.

The committee decided to consider the bill only if the Federal Minister participates. “The Federal Power Minister has been continuously absent from the committee meeting for the last seven months”.

The committee showed resentment on the non-participation of the Power Minister in the committee meetings, he said that they can show presence in talk’s shows but unfortunately can’t attend the meeting. Saifullah Abro said that the today’s Pakistan has wreaked havoc in three years. And grieved the monopoly of the power sector while showing amazement as in what capacity Amir Muqam sits in Peshawar electric supply.

While discussing the pending payment of Circular Debt towards K-Electric, Senator Saifullah said that at present, the circular debt of the power sector in the country is 2,400 billion. The committee noted that Due to non-operation of two power plants, the treasury suffered a loss of 42 billion rupees.

GENCO Holding Company had to increase the capacity of power plants, instead of capacity building, Gencos fleet was drowned. The committee lamented that the Gencos production went down from 7,000 MW to 2100 MW.

While receiving briefing on the list of BoDs of remaining departments working under Power Division, The chairman committee observed that the members of the Board of Directors of the companies are appointed out of merit. “It seems like the CVs of the board of members has been drafted by one person” stated Senator Saifullah Abro.

The committee lamented the irrelevant inductions in the Power Division, “If such people are included, grid stations will be destroyed” he said. Chairman Committee sadly evaluates the standard of Board of Directors of Discos he said how come two members in MEPCO belong from completely unrelated field saying that one member is running seven factories and a member is running a CNG station.

The Chairman Committee felt amazed on the profile presented of the Board of Directors before the Committee. He dismayed that these are the reasons for circular debt losses theft and breakdown. The chairman committee said that the board has also included cash sellers and real estate owners.

“There should be most capable people in the board, not the people of the market” the chairman of the committee said. The Officials of the Power Division said that the Cabinet approves the Board. Senator Fida Muhammad said that without the presence of the Power Minister, the issue of presence of incompetent people in the board cannot be solved.

The officials of the power division informed that Chairman of the PEPCO Board Rahim Yar Khan was the head of the chamber, the chairman committee inquired whether he has any expertise about the power sector.

The chairman committee further observed that there are two IT companies of one of the member of Board who take contracts from power sector companies, The Chairman Committee said that Power Division should investigate the matter if it creates conflict of interest.

It was also noted that Head of CNG Association of Bahawalpur has also been appointed as a member of the board and an official of the Agricultural Development Bank is also a board member, “Only one person in MEPCO’s BOD is technical, chairman committee” The chairman committee reiterated that the meeting of the committee is conducted beyond party loyalty.

The meeting was attended by Senators Fida Muhammad, Syed Shibli Faraz, Zeeshan Khanzada, Prince Ahmed Umer Ahmedzai, Sana Jamali, Bahramand Khan Tangi and Senator Haji Hidayatullah Khan. Senior officials from the Ministry and other attached departments were also in attendance

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

NA Speaker and Deputy Speaker message on Iqbal Day

Islamabad, November 08, 2022 (PPI-OT):Pakistan’s progress lies in following Iqbal’s message of unity, patriotism, national spirit, self-awareness, knowledge, and dedicated efforts to achieve the very best in life. Pakistan is very much capable of achieving a distinct place in the comity of nations provided it truly follows Iqbal’s thought-provoking and pragmatic message to achieve success, remarked National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf and Deputy Speaker Zahid Akram Durrani in their separate messages on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, which is being commemorated on 9th November every year.

The Speaker said Iqbal was truly a “Hero of the East” owing to his unmatchable vision to see and suggest pragmatic solutions to the problems faced by society and individuals. It was his farsightedness that led to the creation of a separate homeland for disgruntled Muslims of the subcontinent, under the able leadership of the great Quaid-e-Azam. He also stressed upon people to focus and maintain a balance between their spiritual and material needs as per the teaching of the Holy Quran to attain lasting success in both worlds.

Iqbal’s poetry and philosophy also converge widely on the role of citizenry in nationhood and particularly that of youth to make untiring and continuous efforts to achieve greater goals in life. Today’s Pakistan demands unity in thought and action to make this country flourish and progress in line with the guiding principles of the founding fathers.

The Deputy Speaker remarked that Allama Iqbal was not a national hero but a universal figure. His philosophy and thoughts are appreciated widely across the globe. The Deputy Speaker further remarked that extremism and bigotry had no place in the Allama Iqbal scheme of things and he wanted the public to be moderate, peaceful, and enlightened. Keeping up with the vision of Iqbal, Parliament and the government is working towards a progressive, prosperous and inclusive Pakistan.

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

Pakistan Parliamentary delegation led by Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social safety Ms. Shazia Marri is currently visiting Iceland for participation in the “Fifth Annual Reykjavík Global Forum Women Leadership”

Islamabad, November 08, 2022 (PPI-OT):The Pakistan Parliamentary delegation led by Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social safety Ms. Shazia Marri is currently visiting Iceland for participation in the “Fifth Annual Reykjavík Global Forum Women Leadership” scheduled from November 8th -10th, 2022.

The delegation of Pakistan held a bilateral meeting with Ms. Silvana Koch who is the President and Founder of Women Political Leaders (WPL). Ms. Silvana stated that the Forum’s mission is to provide a platform where women leaders discuss and share ideas and solutions on how to further advance society, increase gender equality and promote and positively develop the number of women in leadership positions.

Ms. Shazia Marri, Head of Pakistan delegation acknowledged the mission of WPL to increase both the number and the influence of women in political leadership positions. She also appreciated the sincere efforts of WPL to invite extraordinary women participants from different sectors of life across the globe.

MNA Ms. Shaista Pervaiz while discussing the significant role of women in any society, renewed her commitment to continue to work for the empowerment of women and improvement in gender parity around the globe.

She added that political parties in Pakistan mostly pick women indirectly on reserved seats through a gender quota in Parliament. It limits women legislators’ power and influence. She mentioned that now it’s time to take steps to move away from symbolic representation for women to have more female politicians in influential decision-making positions.

Ms. Silvana reaffirmed the commitment of WPL to accelerate the progress toward the equality of women. Ms. Shazia committed to continue to find innovative ways to bring women’s leadership into the spotlight and inspire future generations.

Sindh to control 43% poverty through economic growth of 6 to 7% per annum: Murad

Karachi, November 08, 2022 (PPI-OT):Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has said that his province’s economy has remained under stress which could be assessed from the fact that the poverty ratio has been recorded at 43 percent with 75.5 percent in rural areas.

“My government’s strategy is to grow the economy from six to seven percent so that over 600,000 jobs could be created every year to reduce the poverty, but the strategy has been affected by floods 0f 2010, 2011, COVID-19, and floods of 2022.”

This he said while addressing the 49th Specialized Training program/25th Initial Command Course 35 ASPs, including nine females here at CM House. The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Sohail Rajput, Commandant National Police Academy AD Khwaja, IG Police Ghulam Nabi Memon, Chairman P and D Hassan Naqvi, Home Secretary Saeed Mangnijo, and PSCM Fayyaz Jatoi.

Mr. Shah said that Sindh was the Country’s most urbanized province with Karachi; its capital city being the country’s major financial and trade Hub. He added that Sindh’s economy has remained under stress as with the national economic situation.

According to the CM, the overall poverty levels in Sindh are high, estimated at around 43 percent with 75.5 percent in rural areas. “Sindh requires six to seven percent annual growth to be able to create over 600,000 jobs in the private sector so that poverty could be reduced,” he said and added Public Expenditure and Productive Investments were expected to be the major drivers for growth in the province and the country.

Murad Ali Shah said that recent floods have wreaked havoc in all sectors of the province. “We faced floods in 2010, then in 2011, COVID-19, and now floods in 2022,” he said and added that his government, despite natural calamities and other issues, has prioritized the development portfolio such as improving outcome-based human development, social protection and poverty reduction, urban development with a focus on Karachi and other urban centers, launching water and sanitation schemes, improving connectivity and adopting integrated agriculture and water approach.

Talking about governance effectiveness, the chief minister said that his government has undertaken significant reforms to improve the overall ease of doing business environment in the province as its Ease of Doing Business Rankings improved from 128 to 108 (2019 to 2020).

He added that a dedicated ‘Doing Business Reforms Unit’ has been housed in the Investment Department to steer the business-friendly regulatory reforms along with a Sindh Enterprise Development Fund to mobilize resources for Small and Medium Enterprises.

Mr Shah said that the Sindh government has been working to create dedicated special economic zones as models to foster investment and industrial growth through ‘Special Economic Zones Management Company (SEZMC)’. He added that his government was working with the World Bank on the ‘Pakistan Regulatory Modernization Initiative’ to simplify regulations for businesses in the province.

The CM said that the COVID-19 Pandemic significantly impacted the entire globe with many still trying to recover from its economic and public health impact.

“Pakistan was touted as countries with one of the best responses to the pandemic with timely measures spanning across lockdowns, social protection, and proactive public health communications,” he said and added that his government took several initiatives such as creating a dedicated fund, repurposing development portfolio, and public health communication which demonstrated how effective governance could yield desirable results and outcomes.

Since the advent of unexpectedly high ‘torrential’ rains, the Government of Sindh started mobilizing limited resources to undertake immediate rescue and relief operations, Murad Ali Shah said and added that the recent floods prompted the creation of ‘National Flood Response Coordination Center at the Federal Level to coordinate and steer the national and international efforts for relief, rescue, and rehabilitation

The CM said that the federal, provincial, and local governments were working in unison as we transition from rescue and relief towards rehabilitation for the flood affectees “As with the COVID-19 response, the Floods also require a ‘Whole-of-Government’ approach with all hands on deck,” he said.

Talking about Public Private Partnerships, the chief minister said that his government has undertaken significant reforms to leverage ‘public-private partnerships across the infrastructure, production, and social sectors to improve service delivery.

Mr Shah said that the Sindh government has introduced several reforms to improve its tax collection, particularly the devolved ‘Sales Tax on Services’ through Sindh Revenue Board. He added that the quantum of STS has increased manifold after the devolution from Rs. 16 billion in 2010 to Rs. 155 billion in 2021.

“Sindh has the potential to become a high-growth and high-income region, but the governance issues have to be effectively tackled to translate this potential into commensurate economic and social development,” he concluded.

For more information, contact:
Press Secretary,
Chief Minister House, Sindh
Tel: +92-21-99202019(Ext: 336)
Website: www.cmsindh.gov.pk

Pakistani Parliamentary Delegation Visits Pakistan Embassy in Argentina

Islamabad, November 08, 2022 (PPI-OT):The parliamentary delegation attending the 43rd Annual Session of the Forum of Parliamentarians for Global Actions (PGA) held in Buenos Aires, Argentina headed by Deputy Speaker National Assembly Zahid Akram Durrani visited its Embassy in Buenos Aires Argentina. Pakistani Ambassador Dr. Muhammad Khalid Ijaz welcomed the Parliamentary Delegation along with the top officials of the Embassy.

On this occasion, Ambassador to Argentina Dr. Muhammad Khalid Ejaz informed the delegation that Pakistan and Argentina enjoy a strong cordial relationship, and the Embassy is working to strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields between the two countries.

The Deputy Speaker along with members of the delegation appreciated the performance of the Pakistani Ambassador Muhammad Khalid Ejaz and the staff of the Pakistani Embassy in Argentina for strengthening the bilateral relations. Besides, Deputy Speaker Zahid Akram Durrani, the delegation comprises Federal Minister for Commerce Syed Naveed Qamar, members of the National Assembly Rana Qasim Noon, Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and Mohsin Dawar.

Minister directs PBS for timely completion of 7th Population and Housing Census 2022

Islamabad, November 08, 2022 (PPI-OT):Federal Minister for Planning Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Monday directed Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) to send a fresh summary to the Council of Common Interest and Prime Minister Office with a fresh timeline over the 7th Digital Census 2022.

The Minister made these directions while chairing a meeting to review progress on the 7th Digital Census 2022. The meeting was attended by the Secretary Planning Commission, Chief PBS, Chairman National Database and Registration Authority NDRA and other officials.

During the meeting, the Minister was apprised about the so far progress on the Census, PBS chief informed the Minister that earlier summary was submitted after agreement with NADRA for conduct of Census w.e.f 15th October 2022 to 15th November 2022.

However, due to delay in opening of Letter of credit due to prevailing economic situation, NADRA unable to provide tablets and informed that complete 126000 tablets will be handed over in instalments by December 2022 and census ERP (complete software solutions) by 15th October 2022 for testing. Keeping in view the sensitivity of matter, PBS adjusted the training of Master trainers and Training of trainers at divisional level in month of November and December 2022.

However, as training at tehsil level for 120000 field staff and field work cannot be initiated before the complete handover of tablets therefore after all considerations and running activities in parallel, the timelines has been revised and now the field work will be conducted w.e.f 1st February 2023 to 4th March 2023 and results after conduct of post enumeration survey will be handed over to ECP by 30th April 2023 for delimitation purposes.

However, the Minister expressed concerns over the extension of the deadline and asked the PBS to urgently intimate the CCI and PM Office due to sensitivity of matter. He also emphasized that the further delay cannot be acceptable as the next elections will be based on this Census.

The Minister also directed PBS to ensure the quality of the training at Tehsil level. He advised to include HEC and academia to monitor the training at Tehsils level as quality training is essential for credible and reliable data. He was of view the assessment should be done by independent third body.

The PBS chief further informed the Minister that so far NADRA has handed over 22,000 tables for the census which have been hardened and now ready to dispatch and the remaining will be handed over soon. He apprised test 21600 more tablets will reach PBS today and will be in hardening process soon.

It was further informed that training of Master trainers will be started from November 28 to December 10, 2022, Self-enumerator will be started from January 15 2023. The Minister directed to expedite the process and strictly adhere to the revised timelines, keeping in view the sensitivity of matter.

For more information, contact:
Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives
“P” Block, Pakistan Secretariat, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9209442
Fax: +92-51-9201777
Email: webmanager@pc.gov.pk
Website: https://www.pc.gov.pk/