DNA

DUBAI, 13 Nov: Aga Khan Health Service, Pakistan, an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) has won the Silver award in the Ashikaga-Nikken Excellence award category for Green Hospitals at the International Hospital Federation (IHF) Awards 2022.

The IHF Awards were launched in 2015 and are recognised around the world as the premier awards programme to honour hospitals and healthcare organisations. Aga Khan Health Service, Pakistan was presented with the Silver award during a special Awards Ceremony at the 45th IHF World Hospital Congress in Dubai, UAE, for the steps they have taken and have committed to take to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030.

The World Health Organisation estimates health operations to be responsible for approximately 4% of a nation’s carbon emissions. According to conservative estimates, health systems in low- and middle-income countries may contribute between 3-5% of their countries’ greenhouse gas emissions. Keeping this in mind AKDN has made it a priority to reduce their carbon footprint across the globe. Aga Khan Health Service, Pakistan shares the commitment of AKDN to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030, and is leading the climate agenda across its 113 health facilities throughout the country. 

In Pakistan, waste volumes and emissions have been controlled at health facilities operated by Aga Khan Health Service, Pakistan up to 60%.  Air conditioners and refrigerators have been shifted to use the most environment-friendly gases; all facilities and offices are in the process of switching to energy-efficient lights or, in some cases, solar energy; emissions from travel have seen significant reduction through the use of technology; and efficient waste management practices have been adopted.

In remote valleys where distances are vast or in villages with no secondary healthcare facilities, Aga Khan Health Service, Pakistan has made it possible for patients to connect with doctors in urban areas, working in modern health facilities, via teleconsultations. This not only saves patients’ time and money but also impacts emissions by minimising the need to travel. New health facilities are being constructed in a manner that minimises harm to the environment; and are designed to operate efficiently.

Commenting on the importance of reducing harmful emissions, Mr. Nadeem Abbas, CEO, Aga Khan Health Service, Pakistan, said: “We have all seen first-hand how, over the past few years, climate change has affected Pakistan. In the aftermath of the recent floods, the conversation has been dominated by climate change and rightfully so. Aga Khan Health Service, Pakistan is committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2030. We will continue to work closely with the government and our partners to amplify the impact of these climate-smart actions.”

LAHORE, NOV 13 (DNA) — President Dr Arif Alvi has said all stakeholders might sit together and make a decision about a mutually agreed date for the next general elections.

Speaking in Lahore, the president hoped that such an approach would help reduce the political temperature in the country. “The stakeholders should also consider discussing the use of technology to bring efficiency, transparency and fairness in elections,” Dr Alvi told reporters, according to a press release.

The president said he would continue his efforts toward reducing the political polarisation, adding that his efforts had made some impact towards reducing the distance from extreme positions to some extent.

Reports earlier suggested that the president mediated between Imran Khan and the establishment to lessen tension. However, the mediation has not yet yielded results.

“I had been and am still trying to bring stakeholders together on one table and resolve their differences by democratic means of discussion, consultation and deliberation to find mutually agreed upon solutions on major issues and matters to reduce the political polarisation in the greater national interest,” Dr Alvi said.

The president maintained that efforts had been made and would continue to be made within the framework of the constitution and laws of the land for bringing political stability in the country.

He said the country required strong and effective institutions and every endeavour should be made for strengthening them and enabling them to perform their respective functions in accordance with the constitution.

He further said that issues like inflation, economy, improving service delivery and reducing political polarization were pressing issues which, in his opinion, needed to be addressed on priority.

Replying to a question, the president said that Arshad Sharif had sent him a letter about threats to his life and he forwarded that letter along with his comments to the prime minister. =DNA

DNA

Karachi, Nov 12: The 11th edition of International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS 2022) is scheduled from 15 – 18 November 2022 at Karachi Expo Centre. The event as per its traditions will showcase a number of splendid activities encompassing world’s advance defence technology demonstrations, international seminar, IDEAS Karachi Show, networking, and business expansions through B2B and B2G engagements. IDEAS 2022 will bring together defence industries from across the globe to showcase their latest technological innovations.  A large number of senior civil and military delegations and trade visitors would also be witnessing IDEAS 2022. This was briefed to national and international media during Curtain Raiser of IDEAS 2022 at Karachi Expo Centre on Saturday, 12 Nov 22 by officials of Defence Export Promotion Organization (DEPO), Ministry of Defence Production.

Brigadier Naveed Azam Cheema, Director Coordination, Commodore Mohammad Tahir SI(M), Director Media, Air Commodore Abdul Basit, Director EPS from DEPO, DIGP Traffic, Ahmed Nawaz Cheema and Mr Zohair Naseer Chief Executive Officer of Badar Expo Solutions were also present during the brief.

The exhibition will start on 15 November after a grand inauguration ceremony and will continue till 18 November. The first two days have been earmarked for delegations, trade visitors and networking activities. The other highlights of the day include an International Seminar on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Defence Market; A Paradigm Shift in Military Strategy and National Security. Renowned national and international subject matter experts will present their scholarly papers on the topic. Secretary Ministry of Defence Production Lt General (R) Humayaun Aziz will be the Chief guest.

To specially mark the 11th edition of IDEAS 2022, Ministry of Pakistan Postal Services has issued a Commemorative Postal Stamp of Rs.20/-.  New inventions of Pakistan defence industry will also be inaugurated and showcased during the exhibition.

IDEAS 2022 has surpassed all previous milestones in terms of space, booking, exhibitors and delegates both domestic and foreign.  Karachi Expo Centre has been booked to its full capacity with more than 500 exhibitors from Turkey, China, North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Far East out of which 60% are international and 40% local.  Besides trade visitors, more than 285 high level delegates from 64 countries are visiting the exhibition.

Meanwhile, there are hundreds of high level B2B and B2G meetings planned on the side lines between foreign delegates, key government officials and participants of the exhibition.

On the occasion, DIGP Traffic, Ahmed Nawaz Cheema, also briefed the media about the Traffic Plan and alternate routes to facilitate the people of Karachi during the rush hours. Karachi Show has been planned specially for the people of Karachi on 17 November at Nishan e Pakistan, Sea View.

IDEAS is a national event of Pakistan and people of Karachi are ready to welcome the distinguished guests and participants from all across the world.