HUNZA, NOV 17 /DNA/ – NPak Energy Limited, a subsidiary of the Industrial Promotion Services (IPS), the industrial and infrastructure development arm of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED), commissioned a 1MW solar photovoltaic power plant (SPP) with 600kWh Battery Storage in Hunza district of Gilgit Baltistan.

This project sets a unique precedent as the first public private partnership (PPP) in Gilgit Baltistan, producing clean energy and actively contributing to the global agenda to mitigate climate change.

The inauguration ceremony held on 17 November 2023 was attended by Honourable Haji Gulbar Khan, Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan and other representatives of the Government as well as the local community leaders and NPAK Energy Management.

At the ceremony Honourable Haji H.E. Gulbar Khan, Chief Minister of Gilgit Baltistan said ” The Government of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) highly encourages clean and green energy solutions. We congratulate Aga Khan Development Network on commissioning the 1 MW solar power plant. We assure the communities that Provincial Government will focus on more renewable energy programmes to overcome the power shortages in Gilgit-Baltistan.” He was accompanied by Provincial Minister for Planning and Development, Mr. Raja Nasir Ali Khan, Advisor Information Mr. Eiman Shah, Provincial Minister for Social Welfare and Women Development Ms. Dilshad Bano, Secretary to Chief Minister, Mr. Sana Ullah, Secretary Water and Power, Mr. Sajjad Haider, Secretary Works Mr. Sabtein Ahmed and other senior political and community leaders. 

This landmark project was financed and implementedby NPAK Energy and is the first comparable scale, privately developed and operated SPP in Gilgit Baltistan. The plant’s 2,376 photovoltaic panels at the altitude of 2800 m above the sea level, started feeding power to the Hunza district grid. It will produce 1,600 MWh per year of electricity from solar energy resources, which will power local households and businesses, addressing the acute energy deficit in Hunza District andavoidingapproximately1,134 metric tons of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) equivalent annually.

NPAK Energy has signed a 30-year Concession Agreement with the Government of Gilgit Baltistan, which aims to develop sufficient generation capacity, business and utility operations, ensuring a self-sustaining supply of clean,reliable and affordable electricity to every household in Hunza district.

Mr. Mansoor Dhanani, CEO NPAK Energy Limitedstated that “having a strong track record in rural electrification through Aga Khan Development Network’s renewable energy programmes in the region, we are proud to foster our work in Gilgit Baltistan within the partnership we have established with the Government of Gilgit Baltistan,bringing sustainable energy to local communities. We look forward to NPAK Energy’s continued growth and success inHunza District.”

NPAK Energy developed a financial model with a blended finance investment vehicle that crowds in equity, sustainable debt, and grant financing. By achieving the full scope of investment, NPAK Energy aims to strengthen public service delivery by creating a sustainable, self-reliant utility operation. This will catalyse economic opportunities and job creation. It also provides the opportunity to demonstrate innovative and efficient PPP solutions to serve social and sustainable development that could then be replicated in other districts of Gilgit Baltistan.

ISLAMABAD, NOV 17 /DNA/ – One of its kind, Arts Craft & Techno Exposition has kick-started at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) with an environment-friendly theme ‘Love thyself, love thy nature.’

A joint venture of the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) and the Centre for Public-Cultural Diplomacy (CPCD) , the exhibition will remain open to the public until November 24 (except Saturday).

The exhibition featuring diverse works—paintings, sculptures, statues and raw items—has emphasized the need for adopting policies that are eco-friendly and protect our surroundings.

Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Turkmenistan Ambassador Atadjan Movlamov along with Chairman of the CPCD Ambassador Salahuddin Choudhry and senior officials of the Ministry for National Heritage & Culture Division inaugurated the exhibition and emphasized how important it was to preserve and protect our green environment.

“We cannot have our world to face disaster after disasters engulfing human race, whether we like it or not, it is a matter of when, not if, our countries and our peoples will have to deal with the security impact of climate change,” he said.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Choudhry, Chief of the CPCD, said, “Climate Change was one of the biggest global threats to human security, and it is now the resolve of the world leadership and community to battle the climate crisis, rather a climate war.”

Many alive & conscientious people and many activists are aggressively raising questions over the apathy and criminal negligence and failures of the Global North – the rich developed countries who are responsible for major carbon emissions in the world, he further said.

Ambassador Choudhry was all praise for Ms Humaira Ahmed, Secretary of the National Heritage Ministry for extending support to the joint initiative with the CPCD. This is our common cause and we all should stand up for it, he said. He also praised the award-winning calligrapher of Pakistan, Rasheed Butt for providing his calligraphic masterpiece “Surah Rahman” for the exhibition. In this Surah, Allah in fact urges us to pay attention to His blessings and be grateful to Him for them, such as water, trees, fruit and forests. This Surah is a Quranic message on the environment and speaks volumes about our duties to our climate, he said.

More than 35 works of art and crafts are on display in the exhibition. The visitors took keen interest in the works of Saima Salahuddin (title: Symphony), Iram Wani (It’s happening here; it’s happening now), Mansoor Rahi, Hajra Mansoor. In short it was a mix of works by the young and senior artists all with the theme of climate change. Maryam Omar’s ‘Degradation of Ocean & Marine Life’ and Maham Iman’s ‘Barren Land’ were also appreciated by the visitors.

DNA

ISLAMABAD, NOV 17: Situated near the Pak-China border in northern Pakistan, Shimshal is home to the Al Shams Women’s Football Club. Founded in 2016 by Coach Munawar Spicher, the club is open to girls of all ages and abilities with ambitions beyond football alone. While Shimshal is generally regarded as a forward-thinking community with exceptional talent, the remote location of the area limits the community’s ability to participate in regional activities, events, and tournaments.

This week, 16 girls from the club visited Islamabad for an interactive program centered around sports, education, and culture. The program was organized by Charles Barker, Chairman of Hospitality Support & Consultancy Services, and facilitated by several sponsors including the country’s leading hospitality operators, Hashoo Group, as well as Samson’s Malam Jabba Ski Resort & Five Star Hotel, Magnus Sports, Right to Play, Discovery Pakistan, Margalla Meridian Hotel, Elements Interactive, Shams Alpine and Snow Lake Adventure Tours.

Beaconhouse Newlands hosted the team for basketball and football matches against teams of the school and interactive sessions on women empowerment. AWFC’s itinerary also included a campus tour of Quaid-e-Azam University, engaging discussions on relevant topics, visits to historical sites, and much more.

As one of the core sponsors for the visit, Hashoo Group’s Pearl Tours and Travels was instrumental in ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for the team.

Ali Ahmad, General Manager of Pearl Tours and Travels addressed the collaboration, “Our core strategy emphasizes meaningful initiatives such as this to help promote greater opportunities for cultural synergies across Pakistan.”

Hashoo Group, a trailblazing hospitality entity, boasts an impressive portfolio of five-star, four-star, and select service hotels spread across Pakistan. Committed to growth and excellence, Hashoo Group is not only a leader in the hospitality sector but also champions the cause of quality hospitality education through Hashoo School of Hospitality Management, offering education opportunities across the country at its campuses in Islamabad, Peshawar, and Karachi.The company has a dedicated focus towards furthering the women empowerment cause through a myriad of impactful initiatives, integrated within Hashoo Group’s philosophy.

Team Captain, Sania Parveen said, “This has been a truly wonderful experience for us all and we have surely benefitted from thenetworking opportunities. We look forward to maintaining these new relationships withour peers and mentors.”

Coach Spicher remarked, “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made this wonderful opportunity possible.”

The AWFC actively encourages young women to build their literacy and skills at par with their male counterparts and become independent contributors to the economy and society as a whole.

“This trip was a testament to Shimshal’s enlightened and supportive culture,” stated Charles Barker. “They are breaking traditional cultural norms and empowering their daughters for more fulfilled lives.”

Leading Islamic Scholars (Ulema o Mashaikh) of all schools of thought interacted with General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS) at GHQ

RAWALPINDI, NOV 17 /DNA/ – Ulema and Mashaikh unanimously condemned extremism, terrorism and sectarianism and pledged their continued support for untiring efforts of State and security forces for bringing tolerance, peace and stability in the country. They underscored that Islam is a religion of peace and harmony and any skewed and distorted interpretations of religion by certain entities is for their vested interests only and has nothing to do with Islamic teachings.

COAS while lauding‘Paigham-e-Pakistan’ Fatwa by religious scholars to nullify misleading propaganda disseminated by extremists and terrorists called upon Ulema o Mashaikh for its propagation and implementation in letter and spirit and shun internal schisms.

COAS signified the role of Ulema in harnessing youth towards understanding of Quran and Sunnah and character building alongside other academic knowledge and technical skills.

COAS said that, there is no space for intolerance and extreme behavior by any entity against anyone, particularly against minorities and vulnerable segments of the society.

The forum unanimously supported Government’s measures to harden the State including repatriation of illegal foreigners, implementation of One Document Regime, anti-smuggling and hoarding measures and anti-power theft drive. It also fully acknowledged Pakistan’s position and concerns on terrorism emanating from Afghan soil and urged serious actions by Afghanistan to address Pakistan’s concerns.

The forum also expressed anguish on the ongoing conflict in Gaza and atrocities being committed against hapless people of Gaza and termed them as crimes against humanity.

“Pakistan belongs to all Pakistanis without any religious, provincial, tribal, linguistic, ethnic, sectarian or any other distinction. Use of force and armed action by any militia, entity or group other than State is unacceptable”, COAS concluded.

DNA

Islamabad:  During his first visit to Multan, U.S. Ambassador Donald Blome emphasized the United States’ long-standing support for South Punjab, including in energy, health, business, and education. 

The Ambassador honored the rich history of Multan during visits to the shrines of Bahauddin Zakria, Shah Rukn-e-Alam and Shah Shams Tabraiz.  The United States has funded 32 cultural preservation projects across Pakistan totaling $7.6 million, including the shrine of Shah Shams Tabraiz. 

Ambassador Blome also met with university students, alumni of U.S. exchange programs, and local business leaders.  He toured MG Apparel, a local business that displays the strength of trade between the United States and Pakistan in cotton and textiles and how adopting green initiatives can support sustainable economic growth.  

Through the U.S.-Pakistan “Green Alliance” framework, the United States is working with Pakistan to address shared climate and environmental challenges in clean energy, water, and agriculture.  Ambassador Blome visited the Multan Electric Power Company’s head office, where he highlighted a decades-long partnership between the United States and MEPCO.  Together, since 2014, they have deployed more than 40,000 smart meters and partnered to better distribute electricity to Multan’s residents.  

In collaboration with the Punjab Health Department and UN Women, Ambassador Blome also launched Punjab’s first Anti-Rape Crisis Cell (ARCC) at Nishtar Hospital.  ARCC provides local survivors of sexual violence key resources for recovery and justice.  

Ambassador Blome met with and thanked the Commissioner Multan Amir Khattak and Additional Chief Secretary South Punjab Secretariat Captain (Retired) Saqib Zafar for hosting the delegation in Multan and making his first trip to South Punjab a success. 

DNA

KARACHI, NOV 17: Closing Ceremony of bilateral exercise Sea Guardian – 2023 between Pakistan Navy and Peoples Liberation Army (Navy) of China was held at Pakistan Navy Dockyard, Karachi. The exercise was conducted at Karachi and North Arabian Sea, in which six Chinese Navy units including Destroyer, Frigates, Submarine, Oil tanker and Rescue ship along with a detachment of marines participated.

The Exercise included a wide range of operational manoeuvers encompassing major facets of Anti-Surface, Anti-Air, Mine Warfare and Special Operations in simulated multi threat environment to provide optimum training value. The aim of exercise was to further enhance maritime cooperation and defence relations through mutual exchange of maritime experience and interoperability between the two navies.

Concurrent to Chinese PLA (Navy) ships’ visit, Commander Qingdao Naval Base Rear Admiral Liang Yang also visited Pakistan. Besides attending the closing ceremony, the Flag Officer called on Commander Coast, Commander Pakistan Fleet and other senior PN officials. During interaction matters of bilateral naval collaboration and regional maritime security were discussed.

Exercise Sea Guardian – 23 proved mutually rewarding to hone professional skills of participating navies and a forum to learn from each other’s experiences. Regular conduct of bilateral naval exercise is a manifestation of mutual resolve to further enhance bilateral cooperation between the two navies. The closing ceremony was attended by a large number of officials from both the navies.

DNA

Islamabad, NOV 17: In response to the escalating challenges posed by rapid urbanization and the unchecked growth of small cities in Pakistan, the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat Pakistan (AKAHP) is taking proactive measures to enhance disaster preparedness.

A comprehensive urban disaster simulation exercise has been arranged for more than 150 skilled members, including 10 female volunteers of the Search and Rescue Teams (SART). These teams represent the Pakistan Army, Aga Khan Agency for Habitat Pakistan, and the Capital Development Authority, which are assembled from different parts of Pakistan, including Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral.

The three-day-long simulations aimed to maintain readiness, improve skills, and enhance the effectiveness of Urban Search and Rescue Teams in real-life emergency situations.

This Urban Search and Rescue Simulation emphasized areas including technical search and rescue, rescue operations, structural assessment, equipment finalization, medical triage and treatment, mass casualty management, incident command and management, and K-9 Search and Rescue.

Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik SI(M), Chairman NDMA, honored the closing ceremony of the Urban Disaster Simulation as the Chief Guest. The event was also gracedby officials from CDA, Municipal Corporation Islamabad (MCI), UNOCHA; AKDN leadership; Pakistan Humanitarian Forum; INGOs. The event has a gathering of more than 300 people representing development and humanitarian aid sector, academia, media and community.

Addressing the ceremony, Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik SI(M), Chairman NDMA, appreciated AKAHP for organizing this joint urban simulation, considering it as an endeavor to establish working mechanisms between governmental and humanitarian rescue agencies. Suchinitiativesare crucial for the standardization of processes and the adoption of good practices.

In her speech, Nusrat Nasab, CEO, AKAHP said, “Joint Urban Disaster Preparedness simulations are essential for search and rescue operations in real time. AKAHP recognises the importance of collaboration between the government, civil society organisations, humanitarian and development partnersin disaster preparedness for effective response. The diverse perspectives and expertise brought to the simulation have enriched our collective knowledge and highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration,proactive planning, community engagement, and technological innovation in enhancing urban preparedness.”

The urban disaster simulation organized by AKAHP is a crucial step towards building resilient cities in Pakistan. By addressing the multifaceted challenges of urban disasters, the exercise aims to equip stakeholders with the skills and coordination necessary to respond effectively in the face of adversity. The collaborative efforts of all involved parties are essential for creating a safer and more secure urban environment.

ISLAMABAD: The government has approached the Supreme Court with an appeal against the order of a five-member bench that declared the trial of civilians in military courts illegal, reported Geo News on Friday.

In its intra-court appeal, the Ministry of Defence urged the apex court to revoke the October 23 decision and restore the sections of the Official Secrets Act that were declared illegal by the bench. It also urges the Supreme Court to restore Section 59(4) of the Army Act.

The petition has also warned that declaring some sections of the Army Act and Official Secrets Act illegal would harm the country.

The defence ministry’s plea comes a day after the caretaker Sindh government and Shuhada Forum, Balochistan, separately requested the Supreme Court to set aside its judgment declaring unconstitutional the trials of civilians in military courts.

The Sindh chief secretary filed an appeal under Section 5 of the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Act 2023 read with Article 184(3) of the Constitution against the order passed by the apex court in the petitions, challenging the trial of civilians in military courts.

The caretaker provincial government prayed to the apex court to allow its appeal against the October 23 short order.

It further prayed the court to suspend the operation of the short order till the appeal is pending.

On October 23, a five-member larger bench of the apex court headed by Justice Ijazul Ahsen and comprising Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Yahya Afridi, Justice Mazahir Ali Akbar Naqvi and Justice Ayesha A Malik declared the trial of civilians in the military courts as unconstitutional.

It also held that 103 persons and others who may be placed in relation to the events arising from May 9 and 10 could be tried by criminal courts established under the ordinary or special law of the land.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and others have approached the top court against the military trials on the grounds that they lack transparency.

The decision to use military courts was taken by the government of Shehbaz Sharif, who has since completed his term in August and handed over to a caretaker government that will oversee an election slated for January.

Hundreds of Imran Khan supporters stormed military and government installations, and even torched a general’s house, following the former premier’s brief arrest by the Punjab Rangers.