ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Tuesday nullified the Sindh High Court’s June 23 stay order that restrained the federal government from taking action against sugar mills in light of the sugar inquiry commission’s recommendations.

A three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed, allowed the federal government’s petition challenging the SHC order. It directed the government and relevant institutions to desist from unnecessary measures against sugar mill owners and take action against them as per the law.

The SC also directed the Sindh and Islamabad High Courts to decide petitions by sugar mills within three weeks and restrained government functionaries from issuing statements on the sugar commission report.The government through the attorney general for Pakistan had filed the appeal in the apex court, requesting it to set aside the restraining order the high court gave on a petition moved by sugar mill owners.

It stated in the appeal that the SHC had no jurisdiction to halt an investigation into a matter, adding the high court gave relief to the petitioners without affording it a fair hearing.

On June 23, the Sindh High Court had stopped the government from further action on the sugar inquiry commission report till next hearing. A petition was filed against the sugar inquiry commission report by Khairpur Sugar Mills and 20 others, which was taken up and further action on the report was temporarily halted.

The SHC sought an explanation from the sugar mills by June 30 while the petitioner has also been asked to explain why the matter was referred to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, Shahzad Akbar.

1. President Arif Alvi was presented with a book titled “Elements of Blue Economy” written by Vice Admiral (Retd) Iftikhar Ahmed Rao. The book is an attempt to describe various elements of Blue Economy and is divided into 14 chapters for ease of understanding. It starts by explaining Blue Economy and geography of oceans and seas, highlights importance of oceans for mankind, discusses seaborne trade and related globalization, waterways, inland waterways, ships, their types, shipbuilding, ports, fishing, seabed resources, marine and coastal tourism, law of the seas including IMO, importance of CPEC, and marine spatial planning.

2. The book at its core refers to promote usage of ocean resources for economic growth, social inclusion, and the preservation of livelihoods while at the same time ensuring environmental sustainability of the oceans and coastal areas. The author reiterates that the blue economy is immensely important for almost all segments of human life, but has not received the attention and importance that it deserves.

ISLAMABAD – Science and Technology Minister Fawad Chaudhry said on Monday that Pakistan would celebrate Eidul Azha on July 31.

An observatory would be established in Islamabad before the next Eid, Chaudhry said at a press conference in the federal capital.

He urged the provincial governments to allocate some of their budget for science and technology too.

“If the provinces wish then together we can build observatories that would help see the moon,” the minister said.

He hoped that his ministry would further reduce the burden of Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.

DNA

Islamabad:     During a visit to NARC, Dr. Sania Nishtar, Special Assistant to PM, inaugurated the Bio-compost Plant. This plant, aimed at controlling locust in country, will enable standard compost production from a mixture of locust with other bio-waste materials. She told keeping in view the fact that agriculture plays a very vital role for economy of Pakistan and its development therefore, it is always a main concern to PTI government.

Dr. Nishtar further pointed out the threats to land integrity, due to increasing and combined pressures of agricultural production. Prosperity of farmers is depending upon agriculture so the need to enhance improved land management and amelioration strategies in agricultural research and development programs is necessary. Dr. Muhammad Azeem Khan, Chairman, PARC told about the advantage and importance of Compost Plant in agriculture.

Engr. Shamim ul Sibtain Shah, Director General NARC, Dr. Sarfraz Ahmad, Member National Resources Division, PARC, Director Land Resources , Dr. Shahid Massud Gul, Director Special Initiator, Nasir Mehmood Cheema, Dr. Tariq Sultan In-cahrge Compost Processing Unit, Director Admin, NARC, Dr. Iqbal Anjum, Dr. Khalid Ehsaas Program, Dr. Amjad, CEO PATCO and other scientists were also present in the inaugural ceremony.