Day: March 15, 2023

QUETTA: Insaf Lawyers Forum, Balochistan Wednesday demanded withdrawal of all ‘bogus’ cases lodged against Imran Khan, Chairman Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI).

This demand was made in the protest demonstration held outside Quetta Press Club under the aegis of Insaf Lawyers Forum, Balochistan here on Wednesday. Condemning the use of force against the workers of Pakistan Tehreek Insaf (PTI) in Zaman Park area of Lahore, speakers said that minus one formula was unacceptable to the workers of Pakistan Tehreek e Pakistan and people of the country.

They said that the country was engulfed in severe economic crisis, but the government had diverted its complete attention towards lodging bogus cases against Imran Khan, former Prime Minister and Chairman Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf.

They demanded of the authorities to withdraw all bogus cases lodged against Imran Khan, Chairman Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI). Protest demonstration was addressed by Iqbal Shah Advocate, Organizer, Insaf Lawyers Wing, Balochistan and others.

KARACHI: When whole world is set to observe the International Day of Forests on upcoming 21st March, Pakistan is still short of 22.9 percent forest cover, according to a report.

The international forest cover standard is as: any country in the world should have at least 28 percent of its total land under its forest cover. But, according to latest Pakistan’s Economic Survey, Pakistan is maintaining only 5.01 percent area (4.786 million hectares) under its forest cover, out of which 3.44 million hectares forests exist on state-owned lands and remaining on communal and private lands.

Though the forestry having meager share of 2.1 percent in agriculture, it provides foundations of life on earth through ecological function, regulates the climate and water resources and serves as habitat for plants and animals.

The meager forest cover area due to growing population, and dependence on the natural resources coupled with deforestation have rendered the country one of the most vulnerable to climate change effects. As a result, natural resources are under tremendous pressure owing to change of land use and habitat destruction and consumption of fuel wood and timber extraction. Such pressures have rendered most of the forests of poor and medium density in need of drastic restocking on war footing.

Plantation is the most appealing strategy to expand forest cover area in the country. Forestation will increase the absorption capacity of greenhouse gases, regulate water flows and protect coastal communities from extreme events and sea level rise. In addition, they provide migrating plant and animal species routes to resilient habitats. In Pakistan, the existing meager forest resources being crucial to environmental stability, which appeal for serious interventions supported with commitment for adequate financial flows to improve and enhance the overall forestry, wildlife and biodiversity sector.

According to the Global Forest Goals Report 2021, the world had been making progress in key areas, such as increasing the global forest area through afforestation and restoration. Many regions, in particular, Asia, Europe and Oceania, appear to be on track to reach one of the key targets of the Global Forest Goals – increasing forest area by three percent by 2030. However, these advances are being threatened by the overall worsening state of our natural environment, including land degradation, pests and invasive species, fires, storms, and droughts. Increasing rural poverty, unemployment and population growth, combined with greater competition for land with other sectors, including agriculture and urbanization, are also putting growing pressure on forests.

Healthy forests are vital for all aspects of a healthy planet, from livelihoods and nutrition to biodiversity and the environment. By managing all types of forests in a sustainable way, we can ensure that they continue to supply goods and services now and for future generations.

According to a WWF report, Pakistan is a forest poor country where less than 6 per cent of total area is under forests. Since most of area falls in arid and semi-arid region, low precipitation naturally deters the growth of forests. Every year thousands of hectares of forest is destroyed, making way for various human activities. In areas where the forest remains, its richness and health is declining.

Population boom coupled with poverty and lack of awareness has led to illegal and unsustainable logging, overharvesting of wood for fuel and charcoal, and increased small-scale farming that continues to reduce the forest cover of Pakistan.

Forest fires, natural hazards along with pests and diseases further contribute to the declining rate. All this threatens the survival of countless species, fuels climate change, jeopardizes people’s livelihoods and undermines the vital services that forests provide. ‘The value of forests cannot be underestimated. From carbon storage to cultural diversity, forests impact us in more ways than we can imagine’.

Pakistan is a forest poor country where less than 6 per cent of total area is under forests. Since most of area falls in arid and semi-arid region, low precipitation naturally deters the growth of forests.

Every year thousands of hectares of forest is destroyed, making way for various human activities. In areas where the forest remains, its richness and health is declining.

Population boom coupled with poverty and lack of awareness has led to illegal and unsustainable logging, overharvesting of wood for fuel and charcoal, and increased small-scale farming that continues to reduce the forest cover of Pakistan.

Forest fires, natural hazards along with pests and diseases further contribute to the declining rate. All this threatens the survival of countless species, fuels climate change, jeopardizes people’s livelihoods and undermines the vital services that forests provide.

‘The value of forests cannot be underestimated. From carbon storage to cultural diversity, forests impact us in more ways than we can imagine’

We want to see a world where forests are properly valued – not just for the wood they supply, but for the many other benefits they provide for people and nature. And we know it’s possible. Forest is a complex ecosystem, a biological system with distinct and myriad interrelationships with the living and nonliving parts of the environment.

Along with providing timber, fuelwood and fodder, it also provides ecosystem services, which are essentially goods and services that are vital to human health and livelihood. Many of these services like scenic landscape, soil conservation, carbon sequestration, watershed services, and wildlife habitat are viewed as public goods that provide free benefits to the society. However, unsustainable utilization of these public goods and services causes loss of forests and environmental degradation.

With better protection, management and planning we can continue to benefit from forests, without damaging the environment. We can even go further, by replanting and restoring forests that have been destroyed or degraded, which can help combat climate, extend and reconnect wildlife habitats, and reduce problems like flooding and erosion.

KARACHI: Consul General of the Russian Federation Andrey V. Fedorov has said that despite sanctions on Russia by the western countries, the cooperation between Russia and Pakistan will develop rapidly as there were a lot of unexplored business opportunities in Russia Pakistan bilateral economic cooperation which should definitely be developed.

Speaking at a meeting during his visit to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), he hoped that that the current high level of bilateral ties between the two friendly countries will be sustained and the true bilateral potential will also be realized. President KCCI Mohammed Tariq Yousuf, Vice President Haris Agar, Chairman of Diplomatic Missions and Embassies Liaison Subcommittee Zia ul Arfeen and KCCI Managing Committee Members were present on the occasion.

Highlighting numerous areas of cooperation between Russia and Pakistan, he said that although bilateral trade was mainly concentrated on commodities but there was a huge potential in other sectors as well particularly the energy sector. “Furthermore, Pakistan produces leather goods and sports equipment of very high quality and has huge potential in information technology sector in addition to being a major player in the pharmaceutical production and also surgical equipment which are the best in the world.”

Expressing Russia keenness to develop trade and economic cooperation with Pakistan, he said that 2023 was the year which marks 75 years of diplomatic relations between Russia and Pakistan and during all these years, there were ups and downs but recently the bilateral ties have strengthened. “In 2022, significant boost of 38.6 percent was witnessed in Russia’s exports to Pakistan as compared to 2021.”

Referring to recent talks between the foreign ministers of the two countries, he said that during these talks, the foreign ministers expressed willingness to enhance cooperation in a wide range of spheres including energy sector, fight against terrorists, trade and economic partnership, humanitarian, cultural and educational cooperation.

Keeping in view series of government-to-government interactions at the highest level, he was fairly optimistic about enhanced bilateral cooperation. “When friends meet at the negotiation table, lot of agreements can be reached. The only thing needed is wishes and wills from both sides which have been witnessed during meetings between Prime Ministers, Foreign Ministers and Defense Ministers of the two countries.”

Earlier, President KCCI Mohammed Tariq Yousuf, while warmly welcoming the Russian CG, stated that Pakistan and Russia have experienced many ups and downs in their bilateral relations, but mutual bilateral cooperation has strengthened economic relations, marked by enhanced govt. level talks between the two countries. “Despite friendly relations, the volume of trade is much below its potential as during the seven months of current fiscal year, Pakistan’s exports to Russia dropped by 45 percent to around $45 million compared to $82.34 million last year, which is a serious concern.”

He noted that Pakistan was close to a final agreement with Russia for the import of discounted crude oil and petroleum products. The 40-50 percent discounted energy deal if settled, could reshape Pak-Russia trade and bilateral relationship to a greater extent, allowing both countries to structure their ties more effectively. This agreement was very critical for Pakistan’s economic growth, which could resolve part of energy needs and create breathing space.

He stressed that Russian investors should enhance trade and investment cooperation in numerous sectors including the energy sector, construction and industrial machinery, mines, metallurgy, railways engineering, pharmaceutical products, fertilizers and chemicals etc.

“The visa regimes should be relaxed and made accessible for travelling for improving trade, economic integration and people to people contact between the two countries. Russian investors must also explore business opportunities in CPEC through investments and joint ventures in 10 special economic zones offering huge incentives for foreign and domestic investors”, he added.

KARACHI: Administrator Karachi Dr. Syed Saifur Rahman has said that one out of every fifth person who dies in the world has kidney disease, the tragedy is that kidney patients seek treatment from semi-hakim or attai doctors and when they refer for proper treatment at that time, the kidneys are only functioning at 10%, so they go on dialysis.

He said this while addressing the ceremony organized on the occasion of the inauguration of Vascular Surgery Department in Karachi Institute of Kidney Disease on Wednesday, on the occasion of the World Kidney Day. President Karachi Institute of Kidney Disease Association Masood Nawab, Karachi Medical and Dental College Professor Dr. Nargis Anjum, Senior Director Medical and Health Services Dr. Nadeem Asif and others were also present.

Earlier, Administrator Karachi inaugurated the Vascular Surgery Department at Karachi Institute of Kidney Diseases and inspected the modern facilities provided here.

Rahman said that the health sector needs a large-scale improvement for which a strategy has to be adopted in the light of modern research. Karachi Institute of Kidney Diseases is providing excellent services to patients suffering from kidney diseases and here apart from Karachi, patients from inside Sindh and Balochistan also come here for dialysis and treatment of kidney diseases, he said that besides the treatment we also need to take steps to prevent kidney disease.

One can be protected from kidney diseases by adopting better lifestyle and dietary habits, he said that Karachi Institute of Kidney Diseases has urology and lithotripsy department apart from ICU, laboratory and ultrasound clinic facilities, while now here a vascular surgery department has also been established which will provide more convenience to the patients coming here.

He said that the treatment of kidney diseases is very expensive and not everyone can afford it. The good thing is that this institution is providing kidney disease treatment and dialysis facilities to the poor and middle-class people. Efforts are being made to improve this hospital so that the people of the area can get convenience.

Speaking at the event, Masood Nawab, president of Karachi Institute of Kidney Diseases Association, said that it is a good thing to serve the suffering humanity and this work is done by those people whom Allah Almighty gives them courage for this, we have to educate people and work in health and education sectors. We have to run our medical institutions on modern lines and equip them with such facilities that more people can benefit from them, Principal Karachi Medical and Dental College Professor Dr. Nargis Anjum said that kidney health is very important for the human body.

Every tenth person in our country has blood pressure, diabetes is also becoming common, it is important to adopt a healthy lifestyle to prevent these diseases, besides this, kidney test should also be done. It is especially important to undergo medical examination of the factory workers, he said that the Karachi Institute of Kidney Diseases is providing the best medical facilities to the citizens and now more modern machinery and facilities have been provided here.

NAUNDERO: Students of Government Boys Degree College displayed their science models during a Science Exhibition observed in the college here on Wednesday which was inaugurated by the Director, Larkana Region Colleges, Ahmed Bux Bhutto.

He appreciated the efforts of the students and showed keen interest. He went through their models and inquired details from the students who prepared the models. He said on the occasion that the students learn much more during such exhibitions and work practically. He said the students will become better learners of science in the future after such displays of their models.

The students said that they enjoyed a lot during making of their relevant models and also learnt greatly after practical work. They said that they used to memorize science subjects previously but doing them practically and experimentally was indeed a great effort. They said such programs should be held quarterly in every school and college of the province which will enhance their scientific knowledge and students learn from practical experiences.

Students displayed models of Photosynthesis, Human Heart, Urinary System, Fungi, Ecosystem, HIV Virus, Respiratory System, Biosystems of Plants and Animals, Carbon, and Water Flow which were keenly appreciated by the visitors.

LARKANA: The students of Quaid-e-Awam Engineering University, Larkana Campus, again held a a protest demonstration outside the main gate of the Campus here on Wednesday against unavailability of basic students necessities at the Campus and Hostels after boycotting their classes while holding placards in their hands and shouting slogans in favour of their just demands.

The protesting students Amir Ali Khand, Hasnain Hyder Phulpoto, Mohsin Jokhio, Habib Soomro, Wajid Kalhoro, Sakhi Pirzado and others complained that they were studying in the last year of their degree. They said that they are charged fees annually for provision of various facilities including transport facilities, WiFi, library, uninterrupted supply of electricity, generator, washrooms, clean drinking water but they have not been given these facilities till today. They said that the water level is 1403 TDS against 400 TDS which is very dangerous for human consumption as underground water of Larkana has already been declared arsenic.

They said that water testing was carried out by TandoJam University which proved that we are drinking hazardous water. They said that there are only two bus points for 800 students whereas Rs3500 are charged from each student. They alleged that canteen food is supplied to them which is unfit and substandard. They further alleged that a cup of tea is available at Rs25 outside the campus but they get it at Rs60 which is unjust. They said that buses are available but not being run by the administration for unknown reasons and they have not been taken anywhere for studies’ tours.

They said that they have been making several complaints since past three months to the Vice Chancellor Zahid Hussain Abro but no respite has so far been provided to them as if they are made to suffer which is why they are out to protest against massive injustices with the future of the country demanding provision of their fundamental requirements.

They once again urged the higher powers including Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and Education Minister Syed Sardar Shah to take notice of the high-handedness and provide remedy without further loss of time.

NAUNDERO: The Foundation Day of PPP-Shaheed Bhutto (PPP-SB) was celebrated in Naundero on Wednesday.

In this regard, a cake cutting ceremony held which was chaired by Ghulam Hyder Narejo, member of the Central Executive Committee. The PPP Shaheed Bhutto activists Saleem Channa, Waryam Channa, Ghulam Nabi Kolachi, Ali Akbar Mangrio and others participated in the ceremony.

Ghulam Hyder Narejo said while speaking to the media persons that the People’s Party of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, has now become the government’s People’s Party and they have crushed the poor workers and farmers in the hurricane of inflation together with the exploitative forces and the feudal class. He said that the so-called leader of the people has tarnished the slogan of martyr Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto of Roti, Kapra and Makan and has stained it.

He said that PPP Shaheed Bhutto is a party struggling for the rights of downtrodden masses including labourers and farmers and will always continue to struggle for them. He said that the leader of PPP Shaheed Bhutto is still Bibi Ghinwa Bhutto, and Jr. Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Bibi Fatima Bhutto have not yet taken any decision to enter politics officially.

He said that Junior Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto recently said in his interview that whenever he will start politics, he will do it from his father’s party, so some people are misrepresenting it for their own vested interests and spreading false and concocted stories. He said that on the 28th Founding Day of PPP Shaheed Bhutto, we pledge our loyalty to the leadership and service to the people suffering from poverty once again and we will always strive for the promotion and improvement of the party.

ISLAMABAD: The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet has decided and directed Petroleum Division to supply indigenous gas to Urea fertilizer plants till May 31, this year to meet the Urea requirement in the country for this year’s Kharif season.

The decision to this effect was taken at the ECC meeting presided over by the Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar here in Islamabad on Wednesday. During the meeting, the ECC considered and deliberated on the summary submitted by Ministry of Industries and Production on Urea Fertilizer requirement for Kharif 2023. The Ministry also presented details on the demand, production and domestic production gap of urea fertilizer in the country for Kharif 2023 season.