ISLAMABAD, MAR 10 /DNA/ – Federal Minister for Religious Affairs & Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf on Monday admired the humanitarian and noble work of KBM CARE FOUNDATION in the country and hoped that the organization will use all its resources to serve those who need the most.

The Minister was talking to KBM CARE delegation headed by Founder of KBM CARE Mr Khalid bin Majeed that called on him at the minister office, said a press release.

The delegation comprised Secretary of the Foundation Amjad Saqlain Awan and Senior Advisor Niaz Muhammad.

The Minister was briefed about the KBM CARE relief activities across Pakistan in relief distribution, Health Care and Water & Sanitation. The minister was told that despite limited resources the organization is striving hard to reach the people of the underserved areas and fill the gaps in the provision of services.

The minister was apprised the efforts of the organization in provision of cash assistance to the deserving families for treatment purposes.

 The delegation also briefed the minister about the KBM CARE RAMAZAN RATION DRIVE/IFTAR DINNER for the deserving people during the holy month of Ramazan and also invited the minister to attend the ration distribution ceremony and Iftar dinner as chief guest which he kindly accepted.

On the occasion, the minister was also apprised about their ongoing welfare activities in and future initiatives. The minister assured his fullest cooperation to KBM CARE in its welfare activities and stressed the need for close coordination among all the stakeholders to achieve maximum results especially in the areas that are still lagging basic facilities.

ISLAMABAD, MAR 10 /DNA/ – Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has constituted Party’s Election Board for holding the Intra-Party elections.

Fauzia Habib has been appointed as the convener of the Election Board. Amir Fida Paracha and Syed Sibtul Haider Bukhari have been appointed as members of the Board.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has instructed the Election Board to hold the Intra-Party elections in five weeks.

ISLAMABAD, MAR 10: Presi­dent Asif Ali Zardari is addressing a joint session of parliament attended by MNAs and senators. “It is my singular privilege as your president to address for the eighth time the beginning of the parliamentary year,” Zardari said amid noisy sloganeering from opposition members.

“This moment marks not only the continuation of our democratic journey but also provides us with an opportunity to review our progress and reaffirm our commitment to building a better future for Pakistan.”

“As we embark on this new parliamentary year, I urge this house in promoting good governance and political economic stability.

“Our people have pinned their hope on parliament and we must rise to the occasion,” he said.

“It is my first duty to remind you we need to work harder to strengthen our democratic system, restore public confidence in the rule of law, and put Pakistan on the road to prosperity.”

As protests by opposition members continued, President Zardari said: “I would like to appreciate the government’s efforts of putting the country on a positive path through economic growth. Our foreign exchange reserves have experienced a surge, there was a substantial increase in FDI and and the stock market also surged to a record high.”

The government has also reduced the policy rate from 22 to 12 per cent, and all other economic indicators have shown a healthy sign of improvement, he said.

“You are aware that the population dynamics of our country have changed. A combination of factors presents challenges we must address. The high rate of our population growth along with strategic drift in our administrative machinery has increased governance issues manifold.

“It is my considered opinion that this House should take its responsibilities seriously, and play its role in a real re-set of our governance and service delivery outcomes,” the president said.

“As far as the government is concerned, ministries too need to redefine their vision and objectives, and understand that pressing issues faced by the people of Pakistan have to be resolved within a certain time frame,” he said. “We need to deliver tangible benefits to restore the trust of the people in democratic institutions.”

The president went on to say: “Democracy needs give and take, and what better place to work on collective goals than this Parliament?”

“As elected representatives, you function as role models for the nation. As you go about your parliamentary business think beyond narrow goals. Think of the unity and consensus our country so desperately needs.”

“I would urge all of you to empower our people, make decisions of national importance with consensus, encourage domestic and international investments for economic growth and job creation, foster social and economic justice, and ensure fairness and transparency in our system,” he said.

Zardari, who is serving as the country’s president for the second time, has already addre­ssed the joint sitting of parliament seven times, including once during the present regime last year.

It was expected that the PTI-led opposition will stage a noisy protest during his speech as it had done last year when President Zardari addre­ssed the joint sitting.

In his address last year, Presi­dent Zardari had highlighted the need for shunning political hatred and establishing political harmony to overcome the crisis confronting Pakistan toge­ther.

He had also underlined the need for eradicating terrorism, ens­u­ring ease of doing business, focusing on health and education, poverty etc.

As per Article 56 of the Constitution, the president addresses both houses of parliament at the start of the first session of each parliamentary year. The NA secretariat has made strict security measures for the joint session.

Sources in the Presidency told Dawn that in his today’s address, President Zardari would outline the federal government’s performance and governance issues.

The address comes at a time when differences between the ruling coalition partners, PML-N and Mr Zardari’s PPP, have started becoming more visible. While the PPP has no ministers in the federal cabinet, its votes are integral to the survival of the ruling coalition.

Several leaders including PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari recently expressed displeasure over what they called the “indifferent attitude” of the PML-N with its ally. PPP leaders complained of being sidelined particularly in Punjab, where the PML-N is in power.

Also, the PPP-led Sindh government has strongly opposed the PML-N government’s move to carve out new canals from the Indus River to irrigate barren land in Punjab’s Cholistan area. The Sindh government claims the new canals would reduce the province’s share of water and may turn the cultivable land barren.

SHANGHAI, Mar. 10 (DNA): Pakistani students in Shanghai’s Lin-gang Free Trade zone see broad business prospects in China, China Economic Net reported on Monday.

Along other Pakistanis here 27-year-old Zhou Zihan, an entrepreneur from Pakistan, is also preparing to launch his business. 

“Starting a business in Lin-gang provides easier access to both domestic and international markets, as well as greater efficiency in cross-border operations,” Zhou stated.

Currently pursuing a master’s degree in International Relations at East China Normal University, Zhou hails from a family with a rich history in Pakistan’s textile industry. 

“Since 2001, we have collaborated with several Chinese companies to supply textile machinery, digital printing machines, and related solutions to Pakistan’s textile sector,” he shared. 

In pursuit of further expansion, Zhou aims to establish a trading company in Shanghai to connect Chinese products with Pakistani clients.

“Lin-gang is home to numerous high-tech enterprises, abundant innovation resources, and comprehensive international legal and financial services—all of which provide robust support for my company’s global growth. 

The openness and favorable policies in this region were key factors in my decision to establish my business,” Zhou explained.

Although he had long contemplated starting a business in Shanghai, Zhou hesitated due to the complexities of establishing a company in a foreign country. 

As an international student, he faced additional uncertainties, particularly regarding visa regulations. To navigate the process, he consulted the relevant authorities and discovered that he could transition from a student visa to an entrepreneurship visa, making his business aspirations achievable.

A pivotal moment occurred in November 2023 when Zhou attended the “Connecting the World, Embracing Lin-gang” event, an initiative designed to invite international students from Shanghai universities to explore the Lin-gang New Area. 

This was his first visit to Lin-gang, and the comprehensive policy briefings provided by officials unveiled new opportunities. 

Additionally, he had the chance to engage with government representatives who specialize in entrepreneurship support.

“Lin-gang not only provides a secure and convenient environment for foreign entrepreneurs but also distinguishes itself as a key development area supported by both national and municipal governments. I was truly impressed,” Zhou stated.

According to an official from the Lin-gang New Area Administrative Committee, a variety of policies have been implemented to support international students in innovation and entrepreneurship. 

Initiatives such as the Lin-gang Overseas Students Entrepreneurship Park provide assistance with business registration, policy consultation, operational support, and financial and tax services. 

Foreign entrepreneurs can also take advantage of a five-year residence permit, a fast-track pathway to permanent residency, and an expedited process for domestic professional qualification exams.

Lin-gang Special Area has emerged as an ideal launchpad for foreign entrepreneurs. To date, over 300 startups founded by international students have established themselves in the area. 

Lin-gang Blue Bay Park and the Marine High-tech Industrial Base serve as key hubs for overseas returnee entrepreneurship, hosting nearly 100 enterprises. 

Notably, 75% of these companies operate in advanced industries such as biomedicine, artificial intelligence, and integrated circuits.

With its forward-thinking policies, global connectivity, and innovation-driven ecosystem, Lin-gang is emerging as a premier destination for international entrepreneurs seeking to expand their businesses on a global scale.

ISLAMABAD, MAR 10 /DNA/ – Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the insurance sector, recognizing its potential for significant private sector investment.

He further noted that the government seeks to diversify beyond the banking sector for lending purposes, urging the insurance industry to step up and meet the growing demand. This includes expanding the sector by focusing on innovation, enhancing productivity, and driving further growth.

The Minister expressed these views during a meeting held today with a delegation of chief executive officers from Pakistan’s leading insurance companies. The discussion focused on the growth of the insurance sector and its contributions to the national economy, with a particular emphasis on its impact on the health system, investments in Pakistan Investment Bonds (PIBs), capital markets, and long-term investment opportunities.

The Minister assured the delegation that the government would continue to work closely with industry leaders and stakeholders to ensure the long-term prosperity of the insurance sector, which is a vital component of Pakistan’s economic landscape.

Earlier, the delegation presented to the Minister and his team key proposals and suggestions aimed at boosting the growth and productivity of the insurance sector. The presentation also highlighted the current statistics of the industry, which boasts assets worth Rs 2,900 billion, alongside 20,000 direct and 234,000 indirect employments. The sector’s contributions were underscored, with Rs 613 billion in gross written premiums and Rs 373 billion in claims paid to date.

Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb welcomed the delegation’s presentation and expressed his appreciation for the valuable insights provided. He assured the group that the government would carefully consider their proposals, particularly regarding taxation and policy measures necessary for the future growth of the industry. He highlighted that the consultative process for the upcoming federal budget had been deliberately advanced this year. Over 90% of the process has already been completed, with recommendations, proposals, and suggestions received from various stakeholders, including the insurance sector.

The Finance Minister emphasized that a team of experts at the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is diligently reviewing each proposal submitted by different sectors, ensuring that the impact on the economy and revenue is thoroughly evaluated. This process aims to develop realistic and actionable policy interventions that will foster the growth of the industry and critical sectors of the economy.

ISLAMABAD, MAR 9 /DNA/ – Pakistan’s electricity sector stands at a crucial juncture as a recent study by the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), conducted under the Research for Social Transformation & Advancement (RASTA) program, underscores the pressing need to modernize the country’s electricity billing system. The study advocates for the adoption of smart meters as a solution to address financial losses, billing inaccuracies, and inefficiencies in the power grid.

For nearly two decades, Pakistan’s reliance on a manual billing system has led to significant financial deficits, exacerbated by outdated infrastructure and rampant electricity theft. Power distribution companies (DISCOs) struggle with revenue recovery, while consumers frequently encounter billing discrepancies. A transition to Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI) offers a transparent, data-driven approach to electricity management, ensuring efficiency and accuracy.

Dr. Nadeem Javaid, Vice Chancellor of PIDE, emphasized the urgency of this transition, stating, “Our electricity billing system’s inefficiencies are a major cause of financial losses and consumer frustration. Smart meters provide a modern solution that reduces theft, enhances billing accuracy, and empowers consumers to manage electricity consumption more effectively. The transition is necessary for a more sustainable and efficient power sector.”

The study, authored by Afia Malik, Tehmina Asad, and Ghulam Mustafa, highlights the benefits of shifting to smart meters. A survey conducted across major cities, including Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, and Sukkur, revealed that 79% of respondents were willing to adopt smart meters, even if they had to bear the initial cost. The findings suggest that households using smart meters could reduce their electricity bills by up to 17%, while DISCOs could significantly improve revenue collection. Case studies demonstrate the potential impact, with LESCO estimated to save PKR 960 million from FY2016-17 to FY2023-24 on three high-loss feeders, and MEPCO generating an additional PKR 2.2 billion in revenue within 11 months of installing 150,000 smart meters. International examples further reinforce the effectiveness of smart meters, with Ghana witnessing a 13.2% increase in reported electricity consumption following the installation of smart prepaid meters, exposing previously undetected electricity theft.

While the advantages of smart meters are clear, the study stresses that successful implementation requires strategic execution. A survey of 800 consumers from LESCO and MEPCO indicated that consumer awareness and engagement are critical to adoption. To ensure a smooth transition, the report recommends initiatives such as consumer education programs to build trust, flexible payment plans that allow consumers to pay in installments through their electricity bills, and the development of a competitive smart meter market to drive down costs through increased competition.

Beyond financial efficiency, smart meters can facilitate Pakistan’s transition to a more sustainable energy system. Their integration with mobile applications and smart grids can optimize energy distribution and promote the adoption of renewable energy. However, achieving these benefits requires strong government support and policy alignment.

As countries worldwide embrace digital advancements in utility management, Pakistan must not delay in modernizing its power sector. Smart meters offer a pathway to transparency, efficiency, and financial sustainability, but their success depends on a collective effort from policymakers, DISCOs, and consumers. PIDE’s research underscores a crucial message: empowering consumers with technology is key to building a reliable, efficient, and future-ready electricity system in Pakistan.