Politics

President-designate of COP29, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Mukhtar Babayev says climate change is an urgent issue.

Mukhtar Babayev’s call for collective action to address climate change underscores the global urgency of this issue. As the President-designate of COP29 and Azerbaijan’s Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, his words carry significant weight in international environmental discussions.

His visit to Pakistan to discuss the climate agenda highlights the importance of collaboration among nations to tackle climate-related challenges effectively. Romina Khurshid Alam’s acknowledgment of Pakistan’s initiatives, such as Green Pakistan, Living Indus Basin, and National Adaptation Plan, demonstrates the country’s commitment to mitigating the impacts of climate change.

Khurshid Alam’s emphasis on the effectiveness of the loss and damage fund reflects the need for concrete measures to support countries vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. Overall, this dialogue between Azerbaijan and Pakistan underscores the importance of global cooperation in addressing the pressing issue of climate change.

Muhammad Aurangzeb has emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to addressing climate change and promoting green investment opportunities.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has reiterated the government’s commitment to creating a more favorable business environment for international investors. Speaking via an online platform at the UK-Pakistan Green Investment Forum today, he emphasized Pakistan’s dedication to combating climate change and fostering green investment opportunities.

The event, organized by the British High Commission in Pakistan, provided a platform for Aurangzeb to underscore Pakistan’s vulnerability to the adverse impacts of climate change, despite its relatively low contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions. He referenced a recent World Bank study, which projected potential annual GDP losses of up to one percent due to climate-related risks.

Recognizing the substantial funding gap in adaptation, resilience, and mitigation projects, Aurangzeb stressed the urgency of bridging this divide. He highlighted how shifting weather patterns in Pakistan are affecting agricultural productivity and increasing the risk of flooding, storms, and heatwaves.

Expressing gratitude to the British High Commission for hosting the forum, the Minister acknowledged the necessity for a stronger portfolio of green investment projects. He emphasized Pakistan’s reliance on private sector involvement and underscored the government’s efforts to boost investor confidence in viable green opportunities.

Aurangzeb outlined Pakistan’s plans to leverage innovative financing instruments to attract international climate finance. He announced the government’s intention to issue domestic green sukuk bonds by December of this year to fund sustainable development projects.

Additionally, Aurangzeb highlighted the successful completion of Pakistan’s 9-month Standby Arrangement with the IMF. He expressed the government’s intent to engage with the IMF for a medium-term fund-supported program, demonstrating Pakistan’s commitment to pursuing sustained economic growth and stability.

The former president has affirmed the nation’s support for the PTI founder, urging respect for the mandate bestowed upon the party.

On Thursday, former President Dr. Arif Alvi emphasized that PTI founder Imran Khan is a renowned leader globally. Alvi underscored the accountability measures implemented against army personnel implicated in the May 9 incident, aligning with PTI’s position on holding wrongdoers accountable.

These remarks were made during a press briefing on Thursday. Alvi reiterated former army chief Qamar Bajwa’s dedication to maintaining the military’s apolitical stance, expressing regret over past electoral interference that marred the army’s reputation.

He affirmed the nation’s backing for PTI’s founder, urging respect for the mandate given to the party.

The sources say that  Bilawal Bhutto Zardari endorsed Sardar Salim Haider’s nomination for the Governorship of Punjab.

The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has disclosed that Faisal Karim Kundi and Sardar Salim Haider are likely to be appointed as Governors of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Punjab, respectively, according to sources familiar with the matter on Friday.

The PPP has finalized its nominees for these significant positions, and the announcements of their appointments are expected imminently.

Sources have also confirmed that party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has endorsed Sardar Salim Haider’s nomination for the Governorship of Punjab. It is anticipated that the federal government will issue the official appointment notification for Sardar Salim Haider on Friday.

Sardar Salim Haider, a former Member of the National Assembly elected from Attock on the PPP ticket in 2008, has previously served as the Foreign Minister in the cabinets of Prime Ministers Yousuf Raza Gilani and Raja Pervaiz Ashraf.

Likewise, Faisal Karim Kundi is expected to assume the role of Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Kundi, who served as Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly from 2008 to 2013, also held the position of Adviser to the Prime Minister in the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government.

It’s noteworthy that the decision to appoint governors from the PPP for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab was part of an agreement between the PPP and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in their power-sharing arrangement preceding the formation of the federal government.

Donald Blome congratulated Maryam Nawaz Sharif on being elected first female Chief Minister of the Punjab.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz affirmed their commitment to providing a safe environment for American investment in Punjab. She emphasized Punjab’s substantial investment potential in agriculture, industry, and IT sectors during a meeting with US Ambassador to Pakistan, Donald Blome.

Expressing a strong determination to leverage the longstanding economic relations between Pakistan and the US, the Chief Minister underscored that a stable government could navigate Pakistan out of its current economic challenges.

She highlighted the government’s economic policies, which are aimed at curbing inflation, and outlined a comprehensive strategy to ensure access to quality education, healthcare, and affordable food for the people.

Emphasizing the government’s dedication to guaranteeing fundamental rights and basic necessities for the populace, the Chief Minister reiterated their commitment.

Ambassador Blome extended congratulations to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on her historic election as Punjab’s first female Chief Minister. He praised her endeavors in swiftly implementing projects geared towards benefiting the public.

Blome commended Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s dedication to public welfare initiatives, emphasizing the commendable nature of her interest in such projects. He expressed the United States’ desire to collaborate more closely with the Punjab government in poverty alleviation and economic development efforts.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz affirms the administration’s determination to extend healthcare services to every household, with a focus on reaching those most in need.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz inaugurated an initiative aimed at strengthening healthcare infrastructure by establishing field hospitals across the province.

During the inauguration ceremony at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz reaffirmed the government’s dedication to improving healthcare standards throughout Punjab. She pledged to ensure access to high-quality medical facilities for all citizens within the next five years.

Highlighting the paramount importance of comprehensive healthcare services, especially for underserved communities, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz emphasized the inclusivity of the initiative. She expressed the administration’s commitment to extending healthcare services to every household, particularly focusing on those in greatest need.

Additionally, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced the revival of the health card program, originally conceived by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Addressing past challenges encountered by the program, she emphasized efforts to rectify previous discrepancies and streamline operations for the public’s benefit.

The event, attended by health officials, underscored the collaborative efforts of the government and relevant stakeholders in advancing the healthcare agenda.

With the launch of the field hospitals initiative, Punjab aims to improve healthcare accessibility and cater to the evolving needs of its population, marking a significant milestone in the region’s healthcare landscape.

Miftah Ismail and 15 others have also been acquitted in the case filed against them almost five years ago.

On Tuesday, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) withdrew the reference against former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) case. The Accountability Court Judge Nasir Javed Rana, presiding over the case, approved NAB’s request.

This decision also extended to other accused individuals, including former Finance Minister Miftah Ismail and fifteen others. Abbasi, who was previously incarcerated alongside Ismail, was granted bail by the Islamabad High Court in 2020.

The reference, filed on December 3, 2019, had alleged Abbasi’s involvement in causing a loss of Rs21 billion to the national exchequer.

More recently, Abbasi has distanced himself from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and submitted paperwork to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for the registration of his new political party.

During statements concerning the visit of the Iranian president to Pakistan, Abbasi emphasized the importance of strengthening ties with neighboring Iran.

The Federal Law Minister says the losses in the Quetta region is around fifty-five percent and the government is working on this issue to facilitate consumers.

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar highlighted that significant meter tampering and gas theft are the primary causes of inflated billing and additional service charges in Balochistan, particularly in Quetta, by the Sui Gas Company.

In response to a Calling Attention Notice brought forward by Haji Jamal Shah Kakar in the National Assembly, the Minister noted that losses in the Quetta region amount to approximately fifty-five percent. He assured that the government is actively addressing this issue to provide relief to consumers.

The Law Minister also presented the “Seed (Amendment) Ordinance, 2024” to the House.

In response to another Calling Attention Notice, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Azam Nazeer Tarar informed the House that the National Highway Authority has earmarked approximately 960 million rupees for the maintenance and repair of the Chakdara-Upper Dir road.

He mentioned that the maintenance work is expected to be finished by the end of the following month.

At the beginning of the session, the House observed a moment of silence and offered Fateha for the late former Member of the National Assembly, Afzal Hussain Tarar, who was also the father of MNA Saira Afzal Tarar.

The disruption occurs when a student from the Asma Jahangir Legal Aid Cell, in collaboration with the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) and Pakistan Bar Council, voiced strong objections to the ambassador’s presence at the rights conference in Lahore.

During his speech at the ‘Peoples’ Mandate: Safeguarding Civil Rights in South Asia’ conference held in Lahore, German Ambassador to Pakistan Alfred Grannas faced disruption and protest.

The disruption arose when a student from the Asma Jahangir Legal Aid Cell, in collaboration with the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) and Pakistan Bar Council, voiced strong objections to the ambassador’s presence. The student criticized Germany’s alleged complicity in violating Palestinians’ rights, contrasting it with the ambassador’s discussion on civil rights.

The audience’s response varied, with some applauding and others chanting slogans in solidarity with Palestine, such as “Free, Free Palestine” and “From the River to the Sea.”

Maintaining his composure, Ambassador Grannas responded by suggesting respectful dialogue, stating, “If you want to shout, you can go out and shout there.”

Following the incident, the Progressive Students Collective (PSC) condemned what they saw as the ambassador’s disregard for Palestinian rights. They also criticized the conference organizers for allegedly suppressing dissenting voices and providing a platform for advocates of Palestinian genocide. Reports of mistreatment of students by event organizers further fueled the controversy.

A spokesperson for the PSC remarked, “Our members have exposed the ambassador’s hypocrisy.”

Resuming his speech, Ambassador Grannas stressed the foundational importance of safeguarding human dignity in civil rights discussions, echoing principles outlined in Pakistan’s Constitution, particularly Article 14.

Grannas emphasized the crucial role of academic discussions, such as the conference, in shaping judicial interpretations and decisions, which contribute to the protection and advancement of basic human rights.

Drawing parallels between Germany and Pakistan, Grannas emphasized the rarity of explicit guarantees for the inviolability of human dignity worldwide.

Highlighting the judiciary’s crucial role, he commended Pakistan’s courts for their proactive interpretation of the law. He cited examples where their rulings positively impacted citizens’ lives, such as abolishing outdated practices like the two-finger testing in rape cases.

Concluding on an optimistic note, Ambassador Grannas expressed hope for constructive dialogue, recognizing the significance of gatherings like these in honoring the legacy of Asma Jahangir.

The conference, initiated in 2018 following Asma Jahangir’s passing, serves as a platform to commemorate her contributions by facilitating discussions on fundamental rights, judicial independence, empowerment of marginalized communities, freedom of expression, and regional solidarity.

A PTI spokesperson alleges that the police are conducting raids on the houses and offices of PTI members of the assembly and ticket holders in Lahore.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is set to organize protests across the country today, alleging electoral fraud. According to party sources, these protests will take place in various locations, including Lahore.

A spokesperson for PTI claimed that police are conducting raids on the residences and offices of PTI assembly members and ticket holders in Lahore. The spokesperson further asserted that these police actions are aimed at thwarting protest rallies against alleged electoral fraud in the recent by-elections.

It should be noted that PTI has called for nationwide protests today, citing allegations of electoral fraud in the by-elections held on April 21 and accusing authorities of “mandate theft” during the general elections.