DNA

ISLAMABAD, DEC 16 – Human Development Foundation (HDF) held a Seminar on Wednesday in Islamabad. The event was graced as Chief Guest by Qasim Suri, the Deputy Speaker National Assembly and Dr Nausheen Hamid, Parliamentary Secretary for Health as the Guest of Honor.

Mr Azhar Saleem, CEO, Human Development Foundation (HDF) stated that Pakistan is among the countries with high tobacco burdens with respect to health. According to Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS), lead by World Health Organization (WHO) GATS (2014), 19.1 per cent of adults in Pakistan used tobacco in any form, which may translate into a population of over 22 million adults. Consequently, tobacco-related diseases are on the rise and according to an estimate, over 160,000 people die every year from tobacco-related diseases. According to WHO increasing taxes on tobacco is proven to be the most effective policy to decrease the consumption of tobacco.

Dr Shahzad Ali Khan, Director Public Health Program, Health Services Academy (HAS) stated that Health Levy (globally known as Sin Tax) is an excise tax on socially harmful goods. An excise tax is a flat tax imposed on each item sold. The most taxed goods are alcohol, cigarettes, sugary drinks etc. Excise taxes are collected from the producer or wholesaler. They drive up the retail price for consumers.

In the year 2019-2020 budget, the Cabinet approved the health levy bill on cigarettes and sugary drinks. Under this bill, Rs. 10 per pack of cigarette and Rs. 1 per 250ml of sugary drinks were proposed. Despite being approved by the Cabinet, the FBR never presented the bill in National Assembly. Through this bill, the government could have generated around Rs. 55 billion more in revenues. This revenue amount can be well utilized for supporting the government welfare programs such as Ehsaas Program.

Malik Imran, the representative of Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids stated that last year the federal cabinet had approved the health levy on cigarettes and sugary beverages. ‘However, it could not be included in the finance bills of last year and the current year. As per our calculations, the exchequer has faced a loss of at least Rs50 billion from July 2019 to June 2020, he said.

Dr Nausheen Hamid, Parliamentary Secretary for Health, stated that WHO has estimated that 100 million people fall into poverty (defined by low food expenditure) annually due to out-of-pocket health expenditures, with much of these expenditures for the treatment of non-communicable diseases. This has major consequences for public health. In Pakistan, tobacco consumption costs the health burden worth Rs 140 billion due to cost related to health care and loss of productivity due to pre-mature deaths in 2012.

Speaking on this matter, Qasim Khan Suri, Deputy Speaker National Assembly, stated that tobacco use is the leading risk factor for non-communicable diseases. Researchers have shown that in most countries, smoking prevalence and rates of smoking-related diseases are highest in lower-income sections of the society.  He further said that tobacco taxes can be a sustainable source of revenue for the government’s relief packages for underprivileged persons.

Tobacco control champions urged the government to take notice of the delay in Health Levy Bill and put the health of citizens on priority for a prosperous Pakistan.

DNA

ISLAMABAD, DEC 16 – Pakistan is deeply concerned on the imposition of sanctions on Turkey by the United States. Pakistan remains opposed to imposition of unilateral coercive measures against any country in principle. The solution to all issues lies in dialogue, diplomacy and mutual understanding.

Pakistan acknowledges and appreciates Turkey’s invaluable role towards regional and international peace and stability. The people and the Government of Pakistan reiterate their strong support for the Government and the people of Turkey in their quest for national security, peace and prosperity, and as always, will continue to stand by them towards the achievement of these shared goals.

KARACHI, DEC 16 (DNA) – Two Chinese companies in Pakistan have sought permission from the government for arranging vaccination of Chinese workers.

China Zhongyuan Engineering Corporation(CZEC) and China Ocean Engineering Construction General Bureau (COECG) in a letter to the government have sought permission for arranging vaccination of their workers.

“The companies have decided to arrange coronavirus vaccination of their 5,000 Chinese workers the government of Pakistan should grant permission for the vaccination,” the letter reads.

“Around 5,000 Chinese workers of CZEC and COECG were stationed in Karachi,” according to the letter. “The companies will make all arrangements for their workers vaccination and they will be administered Sinovac vaccine made in China,” the letter further read.

The companies have sought permission from the government of Pakistan for importing 10,000 vials of the vaccine from China.

Federal Ministry of Health has sought opinion of the Drug Regulatory Authority, over the request of the two Chinese firms, according to the sources. = DNA

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DNA

ISLAMABAD – Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi held a telephonic conversation with the Dutch Foreign Minister, Mr. Staphanus Abraham Blok, today. During the telephone call the two Foreign Ministers discussed matters of mutual interest, including the Covid-19 Pandemic, bilateral relations, regional matters as well as cooperation at multilateral fora.

The two sides expressed satisfaction at the current state of bilateral relations. They appreciated the continuity of regular mechanisms between the two sides including Pakistan-The Netherlands Bilateral Political Consultations.

The two Ministers exchanged views about the socio-economic ramifications of the Covid-19 pandemic. Foreign Minister Qureshi highlighted the Government’s strategy of “smart lockdowns” to protect the lives and livelihoods of the people, while maintaining economic growth.

Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi appreciated the increasing interest of Dutch companies in Pakistan. He called on the Dutch side to take advantage of the lucrative investment policies being offered by Pakistan to further enhance trade and investment relations between the two countries.

Highlighting Pakistan’s priorities at the Human Rights Council, the Foreign Minister stated that Pakistan would continue to raise awareness regarding Islamophobia. The Foreign Minister raised concerns about malicious disinformation campaigns being used to malign and discredit countries.

The two Foreign Ministers also discussed the situation in Afghanistan in the context of recent positive developments. The Foreign Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process,stressing the importance of inclusive, broad-based and comprehensive political settlement in Afghanistan.

Foreign Minister Qureshi shared deep concern over continuing military siege, communications blockade, fake encounters, and extra-judicial killings by Indian occupation forces in IIOJK. He underlined the need for the international community to take steps to address this grave situation and facilitate a peaceful solution.

The Foreign Minister reiterated that he was looking forward to welcoming the Dutch Foreign Minister in Islamabad once the Covid-19 pandemic subsided.

ISLAMABAD, DEC 16 (DNA) – Oil tanker drivers in Islamabad and Rawalpindi have staged a strike and asked the administration to increase their operating hours. Members of the Oil Tankers Association have parked their vehicles in Rawat, Islamabad.

Nauman Butt, the spokesperson of the association, said the administration has allowed them to operate their tankers from 10pm to 6am. He said it is not possible for drivers to reach petrol pumps and ensure they get the required supply in only eight hours.

They announced a strike after failed negotiations with the administration. If the strike continues, then fuel shortage may emerge in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. The association said they will stage a countrywide strike if their demands are not met. = DNA

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KARACHI, DEC 16 (DNA) – Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Raza Rabbani has said that the Senate election will be held on time as per the constitution.

The procedure cannot be changed by making amendments, the decisions of the Council of Interests are also being taken by the Cabinet itself.

Former Senate Chairman and PPP leader Raza Rabbani while addressing a press conference in Sindh Assembly said that under the Constitution, the Election Commission is an independent authority which can announce the date of elections.

He said that the term of the current Senate will end at 12 midnight on March 11. Senate elections are being held under the Constitution. The procedure for Senate elections cannot be changed by amending the Election Act.

Raza Rabbani said that it is mentioned in Article 59 which senator will retire and when, there was talk of holding elections in the Senate through show of hands, Senate elections from show of hands is a step towards further polarization, I hope the Supreme Court will not be part of this game of Executive. = DNA

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ISLAMABAD, DEC 16 (DNA) – Prime Minister Imran Khan has assured to fully back the youth to promote the tourism and IT industries.

He was addressing a ceremony in connection with distribution of cheques amongst successful applicants under Kamyab Jawan program in Peshawar on Wednesday.

The Prime Minister pointed out that small and medium enterprises have an important role to generate economic activities. He, however, regretted that this sector was ignored in the past.

Imran Khan stressed the need for evolving such a system under which the banks fully support the business ideas of the youth. He said this is important to exploit the true potential of our youth.

The Prime Minister also expressed satisfaction over the interest of the youth in the livestock sector. He hoped the youth will run this sector on scientific lines which will help significantly bolster its production. He said if we manage to double our milk production it will be greatly benefit the population.

The Prime Minister said loans will also be given to the people of tribal districts which lag behind in development. He announced that the next program of cheques distribution under Kamyab Jawan Program will be held in South Waziristan. = DNA

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DNA

ISLAMABAD: Work on beautification of city by Capital Development Authority (CDA) is underway. Fountains are being restored across the city. Fountains at F-10 roundabout, Shaheen Chowk, 9th avenue, and other places have been restored.According to detail, fountains which were installed for the beauty of the city were not in order due to minor issues since a long time.

CDA has been receiving various complaints from citizens regarding the restoration of fountains. Latest dancing fountains were also included in the said fountains.

Resultantly, the current administration of CDA has started work on restoration of fountains across the city upon the complaints of the masses.Fountains at Shaheen Chowk, F-10 roundabout, Green belt at Abpara G-7, and dancing fountains at Faisal Avenue have been restored so far.

Work on fountains of Round Park at F-11, G-9 Markaz, G-10 Markaz, and others is underway. Two fountains at 9th avenue are also being restored. Fire Brigade Fountains and fountains at Shakarparian and Serena Park will be restored soon.

DNA

ISLAMABAD, DEC 16 – President Arif Alvi has said that COVID-19 pandemic is an enormous challenge that also opened up new vistas of opportunities before the world to tackle the issues of sustainable development.

He was addressing the 23rd Sustainable Development Conference titled: Sustainable Development in the Times of COVID-19, organized by Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) here on Wednesday.

The President said that the pandemic has affected the societies, particularly the poor, across the world, which hindered progress of nations. He urged the world to uplift the poor by providing them better healthcare, quality education and all the basic necessities of life.

Highlighting the government’s efforts to fight the pandemic, President Alvi said that Pakistan has done tremendous work in tackling the disease by providing help to almost half of the population through Ehsaas programme. The Ehsaas cash transfer program has worked wonders to protect the poor, and also was acknowledged by every government in the world.

He said that poverty alleviation and development are linked to education. COVID-19 increases the opportunities rather than having bricks and mortar of schools and universities; it has provided the opportunity to reach out to people in a least expensive manner.

“As far as health efforts are concerned, prevention is the key to safety for the countries like Pakistan, which cannot afford curative approach and I believe that we have established structures of communication by which we can reach out to the people at grass roots level through different modes,” Dr Alvi said.

Of economic management amidst COVID-19, the President Alvi said Pakistan has managed its economy at the macroeconomic front, where balance of payment got better, imports got reduced and exports went up. At the same time, the prime minister has announced the construction package, which will help enhance employment opportunities, he added.

The COVID-19 has also triggered the digital transformation in a year, which may have taken a decade, he said, adding that societies which make progress in the world are those which are inclusive and ensure that education and health care facilities are accessible to the entire population. “We need to ensure that the development and progress is sustainable ecologically and environmentally.”

In his welcome note, SDPI Executive Director Abid Qaiyum Suleri thanked the President for patronizing thinking community in general, and SDPI’s annual conference in particular. “We have the fond memories of holding the inaugural session of our 22nd annual conference at the Presidency under your worthy guidance. This year too, your esteemed office had very kindly accepted our request to hold the inaugural session of 23rd SDC in the presidency but due to increase in COVID-19 cases, we had to opt for a virtual mode.

Discussing sustainable development in the times of COVID19 this year, Dr Suleri said, we are mindful of the fact how this pandemic has disturbed global agenda of achieving SDGs by 2030. He said the pandemic has incurred loss of precious lives and livelihoods across the world, forcing millions of students to stay away from their classrooms, and depriving non COVID patients from health care.-

DNA

ISLAMABAD, DEC 16 (DNA) – Moeed Yusuf, National Security Advisor to Prime Minister, said economic security, connectivity, regional peace and developmental partnerships are strong bases for our economy. That’s why, we want peace in Afghanistan to have connectivity with Central Asia and beyond. “We are also open to east and west but unfortunately our eastern neighbour undermines Pakistan and continue to oppress the people of occupied Kashmir.”

He was speaking at a plenary titled: Economic Outreach Initiatives and Non-Traditional Security Threats Facing Pakistan at the 23^rd Sustainable Development Conference organized by Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) here on Wednesday.

“Today the government is not taking developmental assistance, but we are talking about developmental partnership as part of our goal. Our dream for Pakistan is to become the melting pot for global economic interests. We are not in favour of providing military bases anymore, but ready to provide economic bases to the world to use Pakistan as a hub of interdependences.”

Dr Moeed said the future of Pakistan lies on economic diplomacy and outreach to the world. Economic stability cannot come at the cost of military security and human security. The challenge is too big to overcome and needs a broader national response.

About Pak-US relations, he said that we need to change the mode of conversation with the US. Mostly we focus on Afghanistan and aid when in conversation with the US, whereas we need to discuss development partnerships and economic stability.

Speaking at a session in the morning on Access to Healthcare and Competition, Dr Joseph Wilson, the former chairman of Competition Commission of Pakistan, discussed about the Constitution of Pakistan which ensures healthcare facilities as well as compulsory licensing.

Pradeep S Mehta from CUTS International India called upon the global civil society to take lead in pressing for a second version of the Doha Declaration on TRIPs and Public Health in order to deal with the emergency after the rejection of a proposal on waiver of IPRs on COVID-19 vaccine in the recent WTO TRIPs council meeting.

Teresa Moreira from UNCTAD debated the competition and consumer policies for the efficient working of health care markets the worldwide. This will provide affordable healthcare by restoring competition.

Allan Asher of FEMAG, Australia pointed out that incorporating ‘TRIPs Flexibilities’ may not be effective in the present-day world with plethora of ‘TRIPs-Plus’ bilateral trade agreements, which can hinder access to the relevant know-how at affordable costs.

Hardin Ratshisusu of South African Competition Commission shared the case study of South Africa countries and their Intellectual Property Policy (2018) to protect public health.

Speaking at session on Tobacco Greenwashing: Misinformation / Disinformation in the Times of COVID-19, Dr Nausheen Hamid, Parliamentary Secretary Health, said saving life in this pandemic is not only doctor’s job, but it is the duty of every citizen.

Khurram Hashmi, Coalition for Tobacco Control, said provision of health care is a challenge for Pakistan, as vaccines are being introduced but there is no clear picture of the situation. Various studies have depicted the relation between COVID and smoking as it affects lungs directly, but governments have no control over tobacco industry, which influence policy regulators by funding environmental projects.

Waseem Iftikhar Janjua from SDPI said that 32.4 MT of tobacco crop produces 6.48 MT dry tobacco which causes huge depletion of water and fossil fuel. He demanded a comprehensive tobacco control policy that should be devised without tobacco industry interference.

Nadeem Iqbal, CEO, NCRP, Pakistan said our dilemma is that the government is promoting prevention from tobacco and tobacco-based products and Pakistan Tobacco Board charges Rs3/kg on tobacco.

Speaking at a session on ‘Climate induced migrations in times of COIVD-19: A case of south Asian countries’, Minister of State for Climate Change Zartaj Gul said that both climate-induced migrants and refugees are living in Pakistan. She said sudden and gradual migration is a rising issue at urban level, but instead of holding discussions there is a need to take practical steps to address the issue.  The Minister suggested that SAARC should add the issue of climate induced migration on their agenda.

Harjeet Singh, Global Climate Lead, said that 25 million displacements were recorded in 2019 and the number is increasing. He warned that out of all these displacements, one third falls only in South Asia. However, good news is that the UN has recognized the term displacement and migration.  Sanjay Vashist, Director CANSA, India said the random migration won’t help in increasing human resilience.  Raana Rahim, ICMPD, Pakistan said that the topic of climate-induced migration has become important for research, as researchers argue that these displacements are temporary.

Speaking at a session on the Role of Regional Cooperation for Asia-Pacific’s Energy Transition in the COVID-19 Era, Milou Beerepoot (Regional Energy & CCM Specialist, UNDP, Regional Office, Bangkok said that sustainable development is not possible without sustainable energy and without regional collaboration through technological interventions. She said the concept of shifting great economy to green economy will ultimately help in job creation specifically in the times of pandemic.

Michael Williamson, Section Chief, Energy Division, UNESCAP, Bangkok pointed out that emissions have reduced due to COVID-19 because of less economic interventions and now there is a need to improve the decoupling phenomena for decarbonization and promotion of better environment.

Zheng Baihua, Director-General, Development Bureau, GEIDCO, China suggested the enhancement of synergies in development and plans for the renewable energies which will ultimately promote the implementation of key projects in this regard.

Dr Michael Jakob, Senior Researcher, Mercator Research Institute, Berlin, Germany and Dr Hina Aslam from SDPI highlighted the economic perspective in COVID time and highlighted that carbon pricing can increase the tax base and ultimately impact on the low- and medium-income countries.

Ahsan Javed, Research Fellow, Renewable Energy, SAARC Energy Center, Islamabad  emphasized on exchange of knowledge, enforcement of rules and regulations and capacity building of states as key aspects for the regional cooperation.

Speaking at a session titled: Finding the Way Forward in Post-COVID-19 Pakistan with the Doing Good Index, Dr Waqar Masood Khan, Special Assistant to the Prime minister on Revenue, said that this is not the first time that country is hit by the crises; the government is happy to see the assistance provided by philanthropy organizations during the pandemic.

Mehvesh Mumtaz, Director Research, Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society, Hong Kong said that the world is suffering , but the good news of vaccine is still a far cry.

Ahmed Chinoy, ex-chairman of Cloth Merchant Association, Karachi said that 60% white collar and middle-class people who were in dire need to help during pandemic were provided no relief even in the form subsidy in bills and medicines

Muazzam Arsian Bhatti, Alfzoe Technologies, Islamabad suggested that corporate sector should be linked and engaged in corporate social responsibility.

Speaking at session titled: Cultural and Knowledge Partnerships through Museums, Sayed Zulfiqar Bukhari, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Overseas Pakistanis, and Chairman of Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation, highlighting the impact of COVID-19 on Cultural and Knowledge through Museum said that the sector has been neglected since years. PTDC operating gusthouses and marking, branding and making the business. he said, adding that commercialization of old properties to private sector is under consideration.

We are planning the branding of Lahore and Taxila museums, he said, adding that we have moved a summary to make this sector more archaeological, less bureaucratic, and more cultural.

Qasim Jafri, Goethe Institute Lahore, said we have a domestic tourism to start with. “We are sitting on a treasure of civilization on which we need to work upon. We need not to destroy our natural environment in case of future development.”

Dr Karen Exell, UCL, Qatar talking about the regional development of Pakistani museum as a change maker said that both Lahore and Taxila museums have a great potential but there is a lack of professionalism in the administration of Pakistani museums

Dr Nadhra Shahbaz Naeem Khan from LUMS, Lahore said that we are not making these museums into cultural hubs but just stores.

A day earlier, speaking at a plenary titled: COVID-19 Challenges for SDGs and Human Development, Dr Ishrat Hussain, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Institutional Reforms and Austerity, said climate change, digital divide, multi-dimensional inequality and disruption of the integrated supply chain systems are the biggest threats in the way of SDGs. SDGs canot be achieved unless a more inclusive international involvement, not only from the governments but also from the private sector and civil society organizations is sought.

At the regional level, Dr Ishrat said, cooperation with regard to efficient use of depleting water resources is the need of hour. “This will mitigate the risk of food, water and energy in the region on the one hand and help create livelihood opportunities on the other.”

On the national level, he said, the government is taking the institutional reforms agenda very seriously with focus on structural issues, including trade imbalance, revenue mobilization, skills and technology development, agriculture efficiency and public sector reforms.

Dr Ishrat said he understands that reform measures require a vision and patience and if this vision continues, he is optimistic that Pakistan will resolve these issues.