DNA

ISLAMABAD, JUNE 30 – With rapid urbanization, it is estimated that by the year 2030, 45.6 percent of Pakistan’s population will be living in cities. However, safety codes for the construction of buildings are often ignored in Pakistan due to which incidents of building collapses are quite common. Pakistan’s fragile built environment has given rise to frequent media reports of collapsed buildings in major cities.  Keeping in mind the current state of Pakistan’s construction sector and the quality of infrastructure, Iqbal Institute of Policy Studies (IIPS) hosted a live session that focused on pragmatically assessing the reasons for building collapses in Pakistan and recommending policy solutions to prevent such tendencies in future.

Various renowned experts and leading figures came forward to express their views on the matter, including Dr. Sarosh Hashmat Lodhi, Vice-Chancellor NED University of Engineering & Technology, Dr. Ashfaq Ahmed Sheikh, Additional Registrar-CPD (PEC), Dr. Shahid Mehmood, Member Planning and Design (CDA), Lt. Gen M. Haroon Aslam (Retd), President IIPS Advisory Board, Brig Khaliq ur Rashid Kiyani, CEO Architectural and Civil Engineering Services (ACES), Major Nawaz Minhas, CEO Kingcrete Builders, and Mr. Khurram Farid Bargatt, Member IIPS Advisory Board.

Experts stressed that that It is imperative to completely rethink our cities and urban spaces to encourage resilient, environment-friendly, and sustainable development practices.

While expressing his views on why buildings collapse in Pakistan, Lt. Gen M. Haroon Aslam (Retd), President IIPS Advisory Board, acting as moderator of webinar, highlighted that absence of regulatory compliance is one of the major causes of fragile built environment in Pakistan. He further stated that the construction industry is in a developing stage in Pakistan. There is an urgent need to eliminate bottlenecks such as corrupt practices in the industry, improve land regulation and building control, standardize and implement building laws across the board and impart latest skills to students for the future of the industry.

Contributing to the issue, Dr. Sarosh Hashmat Lodhi, Vice-Chancellor NED University of Engineering & Technology highlighted that the most fundamental cause of building collapse is the non-observance of construction codes and safety codes. He highlighted that there are multiple factors leading to structural failure in Pakistan which include poor design, lack of testing before and after construction, foundation failure, and lack of maintenance or a combination of these factors.

According to Dr. Shahid Mehmood, Member Planning and Design (CDA), old buildings that have outlived their useful life are more prone to collapse. Poor maintenance of buildings can reduce the life of structures and need periodical checks and inspection for faults. In the absence of preventive measures, buildings become more susceptible to collapse.

Giving his insight on the matter, Brig Khaliq ur Rashid Kiyani, CEO Architectural and Civil Engineering Services (ACES) demanded that “Building authorities must exercise authority over the construction companies.”

Major Nawaz Minhas, CEO Kingcrete Builders, shed light on one of the most important but often neglected causes of building collapse in Pakistan which is the uneven consistency of concrete used in construction.

DNA

ISLAMABAD, JUNE 30 – Pakistan Businesses Forum (PBF), President Sahibzada Mian Usman Zulfiqar urged the government to abolished all companies specific SRO’s which was issued in last fifteen years; as Statutory Regulatory Orders (SRO) culture have ruined the country’s economy which badly effect the level playing field amongst all stake holders.

“Powerful lobbies have been given huge tax exemptions through SROs and that the whole tax system is now like an NRO for the elite class”

Talking to media men on Tuesday, he is of the view that the concessions and zero rating allowed through SROs should be routed through parliament and it should be the discretion of the latter to maintain or drop these concessions. Though SRO culture was introduced in the era of 90’s for political engineering through benefiting the individual businesses.The PBF viewed the fact remains that parliament itself lacks the moral muscle to play an effective role and, as such, has never challenged the FBR’s encroachment into its domain because it suits the interests of many of its members coming from the business class who have succeeded in this bargain by getting themselves virtually exempted from any tax on their income.

It was under the Customs Act of 1969 that parliament had delegated powers of issuing the SROs to the FBR, but since it is more than manifest now that these powers have been and are being misused, the parliament should revisit the law and, if found necessary, it should be repealed.

The SROs were meant to be an instrument for running the day-to-day affairs but, unfortunately, over the years these have assumed the status of a policy in the country. The SRO culture has, according to an estimate, caused some Rs 900 billion worth tax exemptions in the country.

President PBF also stated by definition, the use of SRO’s should be restricted to framing rules and procedures for implementing a tax law or laws. Or it can be used to remove ‘hardships’ and ambiguities — without involving new levies, exemptions, concessions and waivers.

“The practice of handing out massive financial favours in the name of tax exemptions, concessions and waivers is not restricted to one particular government or the other even in the last one year around 40 SRO’s have been issued.” he added.

LAHORE, JUNE 30 – Veteran Pakistani business leader Iftikhar Ali Malik on Tuesday assumed the office of the President of SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SAARC CCI) for two years term. 

Out going President Ruwan Editisinghe handed over the charge at the two days Joint session of executive committee and general assembly  commenced today through video link  and Khairuddin Mayel Ahmadi, VP Afghanistan, Mahbubul Alam VP  Bangladesh, SVP Designate and former President, Dasho Ugen Tsechup Dorji,  Vinod Juneja VP India,  Chandi Raj Dhakal, VP  Nepal, and Dr. M. Rohitha Silva, VP  Sri Lanka present on the occasion congratulated Iftikhar Ali Malik and reposed full confidence in his sagacious and dynamic leadership.

 Briefly speaking on the occasion Iftikhar Ali Malik thanked the SVP and VPs from all member countries for their full fledged and overwhelming  support to him for promotion of intra trade and further establishing strong business linkages amongst the entrepreneurs of the South Asia. He said all out efforts will be made to strengthen regional economic cooperation besides achieving Chamber South Asia vision 2030 which he added will usher an era of progress, prosperity and development in the region.

         He said that entire emphasis will be laid on achieving the objectives of chamber in true letter and sprit with consensus and VPs of all countries will be taken into confidence.He paid rich tributes to Ruwan for contributing towards encouragement of trade, Industry, small and medium enterprise and agriculture sectors in addition to safeguarding the economic and business interest of the region.

Iftikhar said that he will formulate viable strategies to take regional cooperation to new levels by exercising his sphere of influence which he added will result into betterment of the people of the region as well besides strengthening of economies in all member states.He said that in the larger interest of the region especially small countries, the avenues of economic cooperation with China will also be further explored which will ultimately benefit the business community of the region.

      Welcoming Iftikhar Malik outgoing president Ruwan hoped that new leadership especially Iftikhar Malik during his tenure will take  all stakeholders on board and make strenuous efforts to implement the objectives and manifesto of the chamber mainly aimed at promotion of intra trade among member countries.

New VP from Pakistan Senator Haji Ghulam Ali along with newly nominated members in executive committee and general assembly in SAARC Chamber were also present and acting Secretary General Zulfikar Ali Butt were also present on the occasion.

DNA

LAHORE June 30 – Third time Pakistan will lead the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry  with Iftikhar Ali Malik. in chair in  alphabetically rotation for a term of two.

It may mentioned here that he will be 14th president and it’s  first president late SM  Inam also belonged to Pakistan.

Malik a seasoned business figure  has been associated with this chamber since  its inception and served for regional integration and economic cooperation for 25 years. Also served as  President of Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 1990 and President Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, an apex body in 2000. Prior to his elevation HEC the senior Vice president and  also enjoyed vice presidency of SAARC Chamber for a record five consecutive terms.

     As entrepreneur, is Group Chairman of Guard Group a Lahore based conglomerate, involved in business of automobile filters, to leading brands in Pakistan, using as OEM parts. His business owns over 80% of Pakistan OEM market share. In addition, the Guard group also own major share of rice exports in Pakistan. As renowned Philanthropist, Mumtaz Bakhtawar Memorial Trust Hospital is a magnum-opus for the welfare of public. Pakistani patients, who are unable to bear the expenses of modern medical treatments, find Mumtaz Bakhtawar Memorial Trust Hospital as a complete support for their survival. Emergency and Chronicle cases are brought to the hospital by free mobile squad.

In recognition of his remarkable services his name has also been included in international book “WHO IS WHO”

DNA

ISLAMABAD, Jun 30 : Pakistan Post has re-branded Post Offices in Bahria Town and other areas with new outlook and services including compurization.

Pakistan Post has recently taken number of initiatives, besides performing its core business of delivery of mail and remittance of money, an official of Pakistan Post told..

The new re-branded post offices include uplifting of counters and waiting area for customers. “Computer systems were also installed to make them online and start services like Electronic Money Order Service (EMO) etc.

He said that an action plan for the implementation of the agenda had also been finalized and its  implementation underway. He said that major reforms and new financial was introduced in the department.

Islamabad, june 30 : Federal Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry said on Tuesday that all the controversial laws, including those involving the National Accountability Bureau, should be reformed.

Addressing the National Assembly that continued on with its second consecutive session, the federal minister said that the government should spend money on the youth now.

“We have spent a lot on old businessmen and industrialists… Now we need to spend on our youth,” he said. Chaudhry said urged politicians to move forward, give up bickering among one another and unite when confronted with national issues.

The minister, in his speech, informed the house about the production of ventilators during the pandemic, revealing that the first batch of the locally-made ventilators for the critically-ill COVID-19 patients will be handed over to the National Disaster Management Authority on Thursday.

Chaudhry, in his speech, said that Pakistan was initially importing the safety gear kits until February 26. “Today Pakistan is making safety gear and making exports worth $100 million.”

The minister said that the locally-made ventilators cost one-third of their imported counterparts and likewise the imported kits, which are now being locally producedm are quite inexpensive.

Testing kits and ventilators

Earlier, the minister said that the ventilators are in the final phase of testing while he announced that the government has achieved another landmark as Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) approved the country’s first COVID-19 testing kit.

Earlier this month, the Ministry of Science and Technology and Ministry of Health signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding the indigenous development of Electro Medical devices.

Electro-medical devices are being regulated by DRAP and 15 ventilators were in various phases of trials at the time. Machine trials of four ventilators by the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) were expected to be completed as well.

Noting that currently export orders worth $10 million are pending, the minister said that his ministry will also enhance cooperation with local surgical goods manufacturing companies.

NA session continues after budget approval

A day ago, the National Assembly of Pakistan approved the federal budget for the fiscal year 2020-2021, despite the opposition’s vow to not let it sail through the House.

Federal Minister for Industries and Production Hammad Azhar had presented a Rs7.14 trillion budget for fiscal 2020-21 on June 12.

The government benches were also successful in getting approved the Finance Bill 2020 to give effect to the financial proposals.

The amendments proposed by the Opposition in the bill were rejected by the House.

PESHAWAR, June 30:Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Labour and Culture Shaukat Yousafzai Tuesday said the provincial government has decided to issue 100 percent Sehat Insaf Card (SIC) at provincial level during the financial year 2020-21.

Talking to a delegation of Insaf Doctors Forum at District Headquarters Hospital Alpuri during his visit to Shangla, he said the government has allocated a considerable amount in the budget for the health sector for up-gradation of all Basic Health Units and District Headquarters Hospitals.

Education and Health sectors are top priorities of the provincial government and KP Chief Minister Mehmood Khan has issued special directives to pay attention to health centres and missing basic facilities in far flung areas of the province in the budget, he added.

Shaukat said the CM has desired to first fulfill the basic requirements and needs of government hospitals across the province to provide best health facilities to masses at their doorsteps.

Referring to coronavirus spread, he said due to effective measures and comprehensive government strategy the coronavirus cases were reducing to a considerable extent, adding that COVID-19 cases were also reducing in Shangla.

He appreciated the medical facilities for corona patients in Shangla district and said that corona patients were being given best health facilities at corona wards and isolation centres.

Later, President Insaf Doctors’ Forum Dr Sharif Saqib briefed the minister about medical facilities for corona patients in the district and the problems being faced by the hospitals, BHUs and DHQs in this regard.

The minister said that the budget allocated for the health sector in the finance bill 2020-21 would help reduce the deficiencies.

Shaukat expressed annoyance over the slow pace of development work at district hospital Alpuri and directed Xen Communication and Works department to ensure timely completion of works.

On the occasion he assured provision of new ambulances to the hospital.

ISLAMABAD, Jun 30: Director General of National Commission for Human Development (NCHD) Hassan Baig Tuesday said forest plays an important role in ecological and economical life.

Pakistan has one of the lowest forest areas in the world. About 20-25 percent of the total land area is the desired level for the forest. Research shows that the forest is one of main factor for clean and pure environment for the inhabitants. Forests are natural way to purify the atmosphere and make it healthy for living ones said a press release issued here.

He directed his team to devise a strategy for plantation of saplings across the country to contribute in clean and Green Pakistan.乃here is a dire need to increase our forests by educating and involving communities, volunteers and students to participate in tree plantation campaigns launched by the Government of Pakistan. It will create awareness among people about the importance of plants and to reduce pollution in the environment. They will not only participate in tree plantation but also will take care of them as national asset”, he said.

NCHD believes in strengthening of local communities. Social mobilization campaign is tool to motivate and mobilize minds of communities, he said. Change of mind in favour of national interest can make miracles. The focus of NCHD strategy is to develop Public Private Partnership, capacity Building of Government Line Department, Community Organizations, Community partnership and ownership, he added.

He said the NCHD had a strong infrastructure at grass roots level covering 128 districts all over the country. NCHD planted 112.00 thousands saplings through volunteers and its field staff last year. NCHD can plant millions of trees all over the country if government provided resources, he said.

Hassan Baig stressed upon the need for adopting energetic and feasible approaches involving all the stakeholders including volunteers, students, teachers, NGOs, public representative and provincial and district government in this noble cause.

DNA

ISLAMABAD, June 30 :Prime Minister Imran Khan Tuesday said that he had approached United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres and other world leaders to stop India from illegal annexation of Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJ&K) and illegitimate attempts to change demography of the occupied territory.

The prime minister on his twitter account, further said that issuance of domicile certificates to 25,000 Indian nationals was part of those illegal attempts by India to change demographic structure of the IOJ&K which was also a clear violation of the UN Security Council resolutions.

All these illegal attempts, he said, were aimed at usurping the legal and internationally guaranteed rights of the Kashmiri people.

The prime minister further observed that continuation of such illegitimate acts on part of the Indian government seriously endangered peace and security in South Asia.

“I have approached UN Secretary General and reaching out to other world leaders. India must be stopped from this unacceptable path that further usurps the legal & internationally guaranteed rights of the Kashmiri people & seriously imperils peace and security in South Asia,” he posted on his twitter account.

In another tweet, the prime minister highlighted “First India’s attempt at illegal annexation of IOJK & now its attempts to alter IOJK’s demographic structure incl (including) by issuance of domicile certificates to 25,000 Indian nationals are all illegal, in violation of UNSC resolutions & international law, incl 4th Geneva Convention.”

Pakistan had categorically rejected the issuance of domicile certificates by the Indian authorities to reportedly 25,000 Indian nationals. The Kashmiris had also rejected these bogus domicile certificates.

Earlier, the Foreign Office in its statement said that these certificates issued to non-Kashmiris including, among others, the Indian government officials under “Jammu and Kashmir Grant of Domicile Certificate (Procedure), 2020”  which ‘are illegal, void and a complete violation of the relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions, and International law including the 4th Geneva Convention’.

“The latest action is a vindication of Pakistan’s consistent stance that the major intention behind the Indian Government’s illegal and unilateral actions of 5 August 2019 was to change the demographic structure of IOJ&K and turn Kashmiris into a minority in their own land. This has long been part of the RSS-BJP’s “Hindutva” agenda,” it added.

The foreign office spokesperson further said that by changing the demographic structure of IOJ&K, the Indian Government intended to undermine the exercise by the Kashmiri people of their right to self-determination through a free and impartial plebiscite under the auspices of the United Nation as per the relevant UNSC Resolutions.