DNA

ISLAMABAD – The 8th round of Pakistan-The Netherlands Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC) was held in the virtual format today. Special Secretary (Europe) Dr. Aman Rashid and Director-General for Political Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The Netherlands, Mr. Thijs van der Plas, led their respective delegations.

The two sides discussed the whole spectrum of bilateral relations, including political, economic, trade and investment, climate change, cooperation on multilateral issues as well as developments in their respective regions. While expressing satisfaction at the steady growth in bilateral ties, it was reiterated that high-level interactions were necessary for further strengthening relations. The two sides expressed satisfaction at the level of cooperation at international fora, including at the UN and agreed to continue supporting each other.

Dutch side was briefed on the Covid-19 situation in Pakistan and the steps being taken by the government to save lives and livelihoods. Special Secretary (Europe) noted that The Netherlands is a major trade partner of Pakistan in the European Union and encouraged the Dutch side to take advantage of the investment opportunities created by business-friendly policies of the government especially inareas like agriculture, renewable energy, and tourism. The Special Secretary appreciated Dutch support for Pakistan’s GSP Plus scheme and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the implementation of the 27 international conventions.

The two sides exchanged views on important global and regional issues.Special Secretary conveyed Pakistan’s concerns on the rise of xenophobia, particularly Islamophobia, in different parts of the world and stressed on the need to further promote inter-faith harmony.

The Dutch side was briefed on the Indian government’s discriminatory policies against minorities, and its illegal and unilateral actions in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) to alter its demographic structure, in contravention of the relevant UNSC resolutions and international law.Special Secretary (Europe)urged the Dutch side to stress upon India to lift the military siege, stop the ongoing gross violations of human rights in IIOJK, allow independent international organizations to carry out an inquiry, and take steps towards peaceful solution of the Jammu & Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

The Dutch side was also briefed on Pakistan’s efforts aimed at supporting peace process in Afghanistan. Special Secretary (Europe) stated that Pakistan would continue to support the peace process for an inclusive, broad-based and comprehensive political solution, paving the way for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan.

The two sides agreed to remain in contact to further enhance bilateral relations in all spheres of mutual interest.

ISLAMABAD, DEC 8 (DNA) – Utility Stores Corporation of Pakistan (USC) established Information Technology (IT) infrastructure by establishing a modern data center with Private Cloud in its head office during the financial year, 2019-20.

The data center has the capacity to meet current and future IT infrastructure requirements and is the only data center in any Public Sector organization in Pakistan, built on OpenStack Cloud environment. Moreover, a robust data communication network is also established in its Head Office and office located in G-9 Markaz, Islamabad.

An international leading ERP System has been deployed on USC data center and customization of ERP system as per USC requirements is under process. All USC stores and warehouses will be automated and linked with central ERP System for real time sales and inventory management. All USC business processes including Supply Chain, Warehousing, Financials, HR, Payroll, and E-Commerce will be automated by June, 2021.

Once the ERP system implementation is completed purchasing activity will become a structured process whereby situation arising due to over or under stocking of inventory can be controlled. The whole inventory will be controllable and USC will be able to forecast amount of items needed, thus preventing both product shortages and overstocking.

Through automation of USC, synchronization of warehouses and retail outlets data into the centralized data center will provide a consolidated view of the corporation performance. The automation will help identifying trends in top selling items and locations. This will enable stocks to be moved with precision and achieve higher sales volumes. Also the automation will enable USC to start targeted subsidy for the poorest segment of the society with the surety that subsidy is dispersed to the right individuals.

The automation will provide greater business insights through more accurate and timely financial information. It will help USC to save operating cost. Since repetitive and time-consuming processes will be automated. USC will be able to forecast its income and expenses more accurately and budgeting can be done in a better and cost effective manner.

Recording prices of products along with discounts/subsidy will help USC to control prices. Also, centralized sales monitoring will bound store staff for timely sales deposits.

A pilot project of deployment of Point of Sale (POS) system is successfully executed initially at 10 Utility Stores. Data transformation of all USC saleable items with barcodes to be used with warehousing and POS system is also completed. The POS system is ready for future expansion and has an attribute of quicker development and fast rollout.

The objectives of pilot POS system deployment was introducing technology and system to improve acceptability; transformation of all Stock Keeping Units (SKUs) of the corporation to a new integrated system; identification of problems and issues in automation of the corporation; identifying and removing barriers in stores’ automation; bringing cultural change and training people to use new system efficiently. All USC SKUs are also digitized with barcodes to be used with warehousing and POS system.

USC has also introduced Online Vendor Registration System to collect and maintain accurate suppliers’ data for efficient vendors’ management.

Other initiatives during the year 2019-20 includes deployment of an Online Stores Information System by geo-tagging all Utility Stores. This online system helps to get the stores’ information including location, size, rent, and sales during the last 5-year.

USC has implemented a Demand-based Online Purchase Ordering System integrated with Finance Payable System. Through this system, a huge amount of time and money is saved in managing suppliers payments as per goods received. Also, complete supply chain process becomes simpler, from purchasing goods from suppliers, shipping to stores and selling to the customers.

A centralized employees’ leaves and attendance system through Facial Recognition Machines have been deployed which are working effectively in all USC offices. This attendance system has helped USC in managing its payroll in an efficient and effective way.

Mr. Umer Lodhi, Managing Director USC said that in our efforts to uplift standards of services at all utility stores across the country and provision of grocery items at prices lower than the open market, automation is being under implementation in USC.

While talking about automation, Mr. Shakeel Ahmed, General Manager, IT USC said that we are automating the corporation with an aim to make it compatible with the needs of 21st century and developing USC employees’ skills in a way to work efficiently in a fully automated environment, making the corporation a profitable entity.  Our mission is to provide the corporation with technology solutions and unparalleled customer services, he added.=DNA

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DNA

ISLAMABAD – On behalf of the people and the Government of Pakistan, I wish to felicitate the Governments and the citizens of the Member States of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) as we commemorate the 36^th SAARC Charter Day.

The SAARC Charter was envisioned to promote regional cooperation and to accelerate the pace of social and economic development in South Asia. The Association encapsulates the hopes and aspirations of one fifth of humanity. It symbolizes the hope that the challenges faced by the region can be overcome through regional cooperation.

The global Pandemic is a grim reminder to all of us that we need to work together and cooperate on issues of common interest more than ever. The onset of the Pandemic has further underscored the importance of poverty alleviation for the national governments in a region that is home to one of the world’s largest poor populations and remains one of the least integrated globally. Now is the time to come forward to pool our resources, rather than look inwards, for providing a better future to the vulnerable segments of our societies through the platform provided by SAARC.

Pakistan, being a founding member of SAARC, attaches great importance to the Organization’s success and reaffirms its commitment to the objectives and purposes of its Charter. It is only through adhering to the principles of sovereign equality and mutual respect among Member States, that we would be able to utilise the true potential of SAARC and achieve our cherished goal of a prosperous and developed South Asia.

Pakistan’s pivotal geo-economic location offers a great opportunity for the region. My government’s vision for Pakistan is to leverage our location to act as a trade and transit hub to benefit the peoples of region and beyond. It is unfortunate that due to longstanding unresolved disputes amongst the Member States, SAARC countries have been unable to take advantage of Pakistan’s potential as a melting pot for positive economic interest and consequently the region has not been able to achieve the desired socio-economic cooperation and prosperity in the region so far. I hope that the SAARC Process would be allowed to move ahead without artificial obstacles being erected in its progress and SAARC would be enabled to function as an effective instrument of regional cooperation.

It is the need of the hour that we move forward with the spirit of cooperation that was instrumental in the formation of SAARC.

KARACHI, DEC 08 (DNA) – Pakistan Navy celebrated 62nd Gwadar Day with traditional fervour to mark the merger of Gwadar with Pakistan.

The Day was celebrated every year whereas various activities were held at Gwadar under the auspices of Pakistan Navy and Commander Coast (COMCOAST), Vice Admiral Zahid llyas graced the occasion as Chief Guest, said a Pakistan Navy press release.

The Chief Guest while interacting with the notables, highlighted Pakistan Navy’s commitment for the development of coastal region. He also underscored rigorous efforts of Pakistan Navy to ensure Maritime Security of Gwadar Port and China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

In the historical context, Gwadar was formally handed over to Pakistan in 1958 by Oman. Initially, a Naval platoon led by the then Lieutenant Iftikhar Ahmed Sirohey of Pakistan Navy landed at Gwadar and unfurled Pakistan’s flag.

The day was started by an impressive Flag Hoisting Ceremony held at PNS AKRAM, Gwadar. Various activities were organized by Pakistan Navy including conduct of boat rally, Hovercraft maneuvers, demonstrations by Special Service Group (Navy) and Naval Aviation at the beach front.

The enthusiasm of the locals remained prodigious wherein large number of spectators enjoyed the events. Gwadar Day celebrations were aimed at rekindling the awareness about the history of Gwadar among the masses.

A large number of audience including Civil dignitaries, Military officials and local notables also witnessed the activities while observing COVID – 19 precautions. = DNA

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OSLO – Norway climbed four places and is now in eighth place on the Climate Change Performance Index. Sweden remained in fourth place, while the top three places were empty.

The Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) ranks countries in four areas: greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy, energy use, and climate policy.

No country is doing well enough in all areas to deserve a place on the podium, according to the CCPI.

“Even if all countries did the same as those at the top, it would not be enough to avoid dangerous climate change,” the CCPI warned.

“More is required”

Thus, the Swedes are the best in the world, despite the fact that they are in fourth place. Behind them follow the United Kingdom and Denmark.

Norway ended up in twelfth place a year ago but is now in eighth place.

Thus, the country surpassed Finland and India.

Norway is doing well in renewable energy and emissions. Despite a significant decline in energy consumption per person in recent years, Norway still got a low score in that category.

“Countries that are ranked high have no reason to relax. Even greater efforts and action from the authorities are required to get the world on a course to keep the temperature rise below 2 degrees. Or even better, keep it below 1.5 degrees,” the CCPI added.

US at the bottom

The EU is highlighted as a winner and has risen six places to number 16.

The Union has announced that it plans to be climate neutral by 2050.

ISLAMABAD, DEC 08 (DNA) – China topped the list of countries from where Pakistan imported different products during the first four months of the current financial year (2020-21), followed by United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Singapore.

The total imports from China during July-October (2020-21) were recorded at US $ 3570.360 million against the US $ 3145.098 million during July-October (2019-21), showing an increase of 13.52 percent during the period, according to State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

This was followed by UAE, where from Pakistan imported goods worth US $ 2188.122 million against the imports of US $ 2468.414 million last year, showing negative growth of 11.35 percent.

Singapore was the at third top country from where Pakistan imported products worth US $ 871.086 million against the imports of US $ 727.840 million last year, showing growth of 19.74 percent, SBP data revealed.

Among other countries, Pakistani imports from Saudi Arabia stood at US $ 634.207 million against US $ 505.339 million during last year, showing growth of 25.50 percent while the imports from United State of America (USA) were recorded at US $ 573.501 million against US $ 523.520 million last year, showing increase of 9.54 percent, the data revealed.

The imports from Kuwait were recorded at US $ 376.881 million against US $ 365.169 million where as the imports from South Korea were recorded at US $ 338.495 million against US $ 235.196 million last year.

During July-October, the imports from Malaysia were recorded at US $ 327.854 million against US $ 329.016 million whereas the imports from Switzerland at US $ 325.852 million against US $ 183.090 million.

Pakistan’s imports from Indonesia were recorded at US $ 313.445 million against US $ 325.351 million where as the imports from Japan stood at US $ 298.539 million against US $ 443.697 million.

Similarly, the imports from UK during the period under review were recorded at US $ 247.254 million against US $ 244.175 million while the imports from Qatar stood at US $ 242.264 million against US $ 706.237 million.

Pakistan’s imports from Thailand were recorded at US $ 235.545 million during the current fiscal year compared to US $ 273.910 million last year, whereas the imports from Oman stood at US $ 170.313 million against US $ 109.087 million. = DNA

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DNA

PESHAWAR, DEC 8 – After successfully equipping 500 females with digital skills from the province, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Technology Board has embarked on the next phase of the journey to further train 2500 young women and enable them to play their role in boosting the digital economy of the province in specific and Pakistan in general. The said initiative is a component of KPITB’s initiative, “Digital Jobs in KP”, applications for which have been opened for registrations.

‘Women Empowerment through Digital Skills’ is a component of Digital Jobs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa project, an initiative of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Technology Board (KPITB), funded by Multi-Donor Trust Fund, administered by The World Bank and executed by DEMO and TechValley Pakistan. The program aims to train 3000 women across the seven divisions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa including newly merged districts on employable digital skills to ensure women’s inclusion in the digital economy.

While talking about the success of ‘Women Empowerment through Digital Skills Program’ Ziaullah Khan Bangash, Advisor to Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Science and Information Technology praised the initiative and also assured the continuity of government efforts for promoting such interventions and developing the capacity of women to benefit from digital employment opportunities. He encouraged females to come forward and contribute their part to the digital economy. Bangash further added that this program will set an example for other provinces to follow. “We are very hopeful that with the help of this program, different job opportunities will emerge for women across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” he added.

Managing Director KPITB Dr. Sahibzada Ali Mahmud elaborated that ‘Women Empowerment Digital Skills’ is one of the many initiatives taken by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to encourage and educate the youth and provide a digitally skilled workforce to the industry of Information Technology. Dr. Mahmud further added that these training programs are significantly increasing the digital skills of youth and it provides them the opportunities for earnings.

Maira Yousaf, a resident of Peshawar and a graduate of the first phase of ‘Women Empowerment through Digital Skills Program’ expressed that she completed her training in Social Media Marketing, the course was very well structured. She furthered that through interactive live sessions the trainers provide them basic and advanced knowledge about Social Media Marketing. “They equipped me with the right tools to help me get started in this field,” she added.

Muhammad Bilal, Project Manager of Digital Jobs in KP revealed that women between 18 to 30 years of age, holding KP Domicile and have a minimum of Intermediate education are eligible to apply for this training program. He further said that the second cycle of “Women Empowerment through Digital Skills Program” will be also conducted online and on-campus training depending on the prevailing situation of COVID-19. Applicants can enroll themselves into one of the following digital skills currently being offered; Social Media Marketing, Graphic Designing, WordPress Design and Development, Blogging & Content Writing, and Digital Tools Productivity.

“Applicants for this training program must have access to a computer with a good internet connection. They can apply online at www.kpyep.com/we before December 21, 2020,” Bilal underlined.

ISLAMABAD, Dec 08 (DNA): Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) of the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has awarded a project Quantifying the Transmission Routes of Gastroenteritis (GastroPak) to a consortium of researchers from the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) Pakistan, Earlham Institute UK, University of Warwick UK, Cranfield University UK, Institute of Development Studies UK, National University of Ireland Galway, University of Agriculture Faisalabad and Brigham and Women’s Hospital USA.

The grant is worth GBP 2 Million, out of which GBP 0.534 Million, has been granted to NUST, said a news release. The project is being led by Professor Dr Christopher Quince from Earlham Institute and University of Warwick, while the NUST team is being represented by Professor Dr Imran Hashmi and Professor Dr Sher Jamal Khan from NUST Institute of Environmental Science and Engineering (IESE), and Dr Aneela Javed from NUST Atta-ur-Rehman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB).

The research is aimed at quantifying rate of different non-vital Gastroenteritis Transmission in Pakistan, including social, biological, chemical and technical factors through agriculture, sanitation, drinking water, food, and person-to-person contact.

The study will further ascertain the effectiveness of alternative waste water treatment technologies for gastroenteric pathogen removal contrasting relatively low-technology methods, such as managed wetlands, with higher-technology membrane bio-reactors.

Felicitating the researchers on this meritorious accomplishment, Lt Gen Naweed Zaman, HI (M), (Retd), Rector NUST, hoped that this phenomenal achievement would inspire more researchers from the university to acquire such international grants in the future and bring accolades to their university and the country. DNA

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DNA

KARACHI – The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) President Mian Anjum Nisar has expressed deep sorrow over the demise of renowned businessman and trade & industry leader Siraj Kassam Teli, who passed away on Tuesday. 

In a condolence message, FPCCI President and Businessmen Panel (BMP) Chairman Mian Anjum Nisar, BMP senior leader senator Haji Ghulam Ali, Nasir Hayat Maggun, Sultan Chawla, Kh Shahzeb Akram and Sheikh Aslam, conveyed their heartfelt sorrow over the sudden death of KCCI former president and ex-chief of Karachi Stock Exchange and prayed for the departed soul. “May Allah Almighty bless the bereaved family with the power to bear this irreparable loss with fortitude,” they said. 

In the condolence message, the BMP leadership paid tributes to late Siraj Kassam Teli for his valuable services for the business community of the country. They prayed to Almighty Allah to grant the departed soul in eternal peace and let the family bear this irreparable loss with fortitude. 

FPCCI President Mian Anjum Nisar said that late Siraj Kassam Teli always struggled for the respect of traders’ community and highlighted his image through various bold steps for the great cause of the trade and industry. 

Late Siraj Teli was also awarded Sitara-e-Imtiaz by the government for his services in the economy and financial sector. 

“For the last more than 20 years, we were mutually working for the national development and prosperity through the platform of Lahore Chamber and KCCI. We both took up the issue of our community before the government and Mr. Siraj Teli always provided support to the FPCCI with full strength, Anjum Nisar observed.   

The BMP chairman recognized that late Siraj Teli was a stalwart, possessing vast knowledge of finance and economy and always forcefully advocated, lobbied and promoted industrialization in the country. “The FPCCI acknowledges that late Mr. Teli was a visionary person and a leader of the whole business community across Pakistan,” he added and said this is a loss for the whole of Pakistan and we are in a state of shock. He said that he was known for his blunt remarks whether it was about law and order or any other business related issues, Mr. Teli never hesiated from speaking the truth. His demise has created a wide gap in the leadership of the business community, as he always spoke the truth without considering the consequences,” Mian Anjum said. Siraj Teli was a good personality who had left behind various success stories and his achievements would be remembered forever.

DNA

ISLAMABAD, Dec. 8 – China Pakisyan Economic Corridor (CPEC) can support Pakistan’s livestock sector to mitigate poverty, says a report published by Gwadar Pro on Tuesday.

The CPEC’s road network is about three thousand kilometers long, and in some areas along the route, a lot of potential exists to develop the livestock sector and to establish farming business, the report said
quoting Hafiz Wasi Muhammad Khan, executive member of the Pakistan Agriculture Scientist Forum and renowned agriculture expert in Pakistan.

In an interview to Gwadar Pro, wasi spoke about the importance of creating a new regional economy along CPEC’s route as an effort to address issues of poverty and underdevelopment.

He also suggested that China may consider providing machinery and technology to build those areas, particularly for livestock development. This will create a positive image for CPEC and help create an economic cycle that can be good for both China and Pakistan.

The beneficiaries of this project will be the underprivileged people who will be gainfully employed through economic activities generated by CPEC. It will also lead to the reduction of poverty in those regions,” he contended.

Hafiz Wasi also emphasized that Pakistan needs to do a lot of internal reforms to gain long-term benefits from CPEC. He was of the view that Pakistan must understand the requirements of the Chinese market in the livestock sector.

When Pakistanis know Chinese demand in that sector, they will be able to introduce better regulatory measures to export products to the Chinese market.

He added that Pakistan needs to improve its agriculture sector with the help of China, which has introduced far-reaching reforms in enhancing its agricultural productivity.

A Joint Working Group(JWG) on Agriculture between China and Pakistan has been established.

That JWG must examine different areas to revitalize Pakistan’s agricultural economy. If Pakistan can meet China’s quarantine regulations, there is huge scope for Pakistan’s livestock and agriculture sector to grow and open up export opportunities of millions of dollars, he added.

He added, “the CPEC is slowly changing the economic and poverty profile of Pakistan. It is built along a long area, which could see tremendous economic growth in the years ahead. Due to this mega project, another area getting a lot of attention is the desert and mountain agriculture.”