Serena Hotels, Swiss, Canadanin mission jointly host Raabta panel discussion on preserving mountain ecosystems

Mahnoor Ansar

ISLAMABAD, Dec 13 /DNA/ – Serena Hotels, in collaboration with the Embassy of Switzerland and the Canadian High Commission in Pakistan, hosted a Raabta panel discussion to commemorate International Mountain Day.

The event, titled “Preserving Mountain Ecosystems Amidst Climate Change – Strategies for Adaptation and Empowering Mountain Communities,” brought together experts at Islamabad Serena Hotel to address the pressing challenges faced by mountain ecosystems and communities.

Canada, as a global leader in climate action, reiterated its commitment to combating climate change and supporting vulnerable communities, with a particular focus on empowering women and youth through initiatives like Eco-Leaders and partnerships with Booni Environmental Academy Chitral. Similarly, the Swiss Embassy highlighted its sustainability initiatives to reduce carbon footprints in various industries, aligning with global climate goals.

Moderated by renowned journalist Sidra Iqbal, the panel featured notable speakers, including Billi Bierling, a Swiss climber and author, who shared insights on balancing human activity with environmental preservation. Nazir Sabir, the first Pakistani to summit Mount Everest, reflected on the visible impact of climate change on mountain environments. Nusrat Nasab, CEO of the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH), discussed community-driven solutions to enhance climate resilience for mountain populations.

Daniel Arsenault, Canada’s Political, Economic, Public Affairs, and Commercial Counselor, emphasized Canada’s partnerships in Pakistan, promoting grassroots climate solutions and gender-inclusive strategies.

The event also spotlighted Sirbaz Khan, the first Pakistani to summit all 14 peaks over 8,000 meters, whose expeditions Serena Hotels proudly supports. Serena’s sustainability efforts were further highlighted through initiatives like the Green Impact Cleanup Drive at Rakaposhi Base Camp, where 130 kilograms of litter were removed in collaboration with local communities and mountaineers.

Speaking on the occasion, Aziz Boolani, CEO of Serena Hotels, reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to promoting sustainable tourism and empowering mountain communities. “Through initiatives like this panel discussion and our support for mountaineers such as Sirbaz Khan and Samina Baig, we remain committed to safeguarding our mountains and the livelihoods they sustain,” he said.

The Raabta panel concluded with a call to action, urging collaboration among governments, NGOs, international organizations, and local communities to implement sustainable practices and strengthen resilience in mountain regions. Serena Hotels continues to lead efforts to foster meaningful dialogue and inspire collective action to protect these vital ecosystems for generations to come.

RAWALPINDI, 13 Dec /DNA/ – Since 9 December 2024, 43 terrorists have been sent to hell by the Security Forces during extensive Intelligence Based Operations (IBOs) conducted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan causing a major setback to Fitna-Al- Khwarij & other terrorist groups operating in Balochistan.

On night 12-13 December, security forces conducted an IBO in Lakki Marwat District. Own troops effectively engaged the khwarij location and resultantly six khwarij were killed. Since 9 December 24, eighteen khwarij have been sent to hell in KP Province.

In Balochistan, on 13 December, the security forces, after an intense fire exchange, successfully neutralized ten terrorists in two separate IBOs conducted in Musa Khel and Panjgur Districts. Since 9 December, twenty five terrorists have been sent to hell in Balochistan.

These operations will continue till peace in the area is restored and khawrij are eliminated, as the security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country.

                PESHAWAR, Dec 13 (APP/DNA): Chief Justice of the Peshawar High Court, Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim, on Friday called for provision of security to all judges, criticizing instances where police withdraw security from judges following rulings against them.

During a special hearing on security issues in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa he noted that all judges must be provided with security, adding that the Deputy Commissioners and Assistant Commissioners were enjoying security, but when a judge rules against the police, his/her security is withdrawn due to resentment.

He said that such practice must be shunned.

A two-member special bench, comprising Chief Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim and Justice Ejaz Anwar, was hearing a petition concerning security conditions in the province.

The petitioner’s counsel informed the court that three meetings had been held in compliance with the court’s previous orders.

He highlighted the significant workload in Peshawar, noting that 55,000 to 60,000 FIRs are registered annually in the city.

Additional Advocate General Inam Yousafzai informed the court that SOPs had been drafted for judges’ security.

He told the court that as per the orders of the Home department, security measures have been put in place for judges in high-risk areas.

However, he acknowledged that judicial magistrates were not included in the current notification for security provision.

A representative from the Home Department mentioned that police resources would be occupied next week due to polio vaccination campaigns.

Justice Ejaz Anwar suggested forming a separate force for polio campaigns to alleviate the burden on the police, ensuring their availability for other pressing security duties.

The court emphasized the importance of addressing these issues promptly and ensuring adequate security measures for all judicial officers.

ISLAMABAD, DEC 13 (DNA): The 14th Pakistan-European Union (EU) Joint Commission took place on 21 November 2024 in Islamabad. The discussions took stock of recent political developments, including electoral processes in both Pakistan (parliamentary elections of 8 February) and the EU (elections to the European Parliament of 6-9 June and the ongoing formation of the new College of Commissioners).

Pakistan and the EU recognized the importance of their cooperation and sustained engagement, particularly in areas such as trade, migration, human rights, political, economic and development cooperation with a focus on the Global Gateway strategy. The sides agreed to continue cooperation on emerging challenges of food, energy security, and climate change.

Pakistan-EU Sub-Group meeting on Democracy, Governance, Rule of Law and Human Rights

The Joint Commission was preceded by the Sub-Group on Democracy, Governance, Rule of Law and Human Rights on 19 November 2024 and was co-chaired between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the European External Action Service. The two sides reviewed the post-elections political developments in Pakistan and the EU. They agreed on the need for continued efforts to strengthen the electoral process. The EU reiterated the importance of political pluralism, democratic values, independent media, vibrant civil society, judicial independence, and international human rights standards, which are key for democratic elections.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the protection of all human rights, including women and children’s rights, labour and migrant rights, as well as fundamental freedoms, such as freedom of expression and opinion including growing problem of disinformation.

Pakistan presented its reform agenda, including in the framework of the National Action Plan on Human Rights, National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights, as well as actions towards the full implementation of 27 international conventions related to GSP+. Pakistan and the EU also exchanged views on freedom of religion or belief and the rights of persons belonging to minorities and vulnerable groups and concerns about anti-Muslim hatred. Both sides reiterated the importance of continued dialogue on these shared concerns.

The EU reiterated its position on the abolishment of death penalty and emphasised the need to pursue the reform process of the mercy petition.

Pakistan-EU Sub-Group on Trade

The meeting of the Pakistan-EU Sub-group on Trade also preceded the Joint Commission and was held on 20 November 2024 between the Ministry of Commerce and DG Trade of the European Commission.

The EU is Pakistan’s second-largest trading partner, with the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) arrangement contributing significantly to the growth of bilateral trade. During the Pakistan-EU Sub-group on Trade meeting, discussions covered a wide range of topics. Both sides acknowledged the importance of a robust multilateral trading system and exchanged views on recent developments at the multilateral (WTO), plurilateral, and bilateral levels.

The Pakistan-EU bilateral trade relations were discussed at length, covering a wide range of topics including market access challenges for both sides. Among other areas of specific interest, cooperation on the implementation of the GSP+ was prominent. Both sides acknowledged that since the grant of GSP status in 2014, the bilateral trade relations have made significant strides.

The EU remains committed to providing information on its upcoming legislative developments to facilitate Pakistan’s compliance with EU’s regulatory framework. Pakistan and the EU reiterated the importance of continued collaboration to promote sustainable growth and trade development.

Pakistan-EU Sub-Group on Development Cooperation

The meeting of the Sub-Group on Development also took place on 20 November 2024 between the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the International Partnerships DG of the European Commission.

Pakistan and the EU agreed on the continued relevance of key priority areas under the on-going Multi-annual Indicative Programme (MIP):

i) Green Inclusive Growth,

ii) Human Capital/TVET, and

iii) Governance including Rule of Law and Human Rights.

These priorities remain well aligned with the National Development agenda and development priorities of the Government of Pakistan. In this context, Pakistan welcomed the EU’s continuous support to Pakistan’s Resilient Recovery, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction Framework (4RF), in a Team Europe approach.

The EU presented the details of the projects for the period 2025-2027 following the Mid-Term Review of the MIP and updated on the EU’s policy framework and the Global Gateway. Pakistan appreciated the recent visit of the European Investment Bank in Pakistan held in September 2024 and agreed on the opportunity to enhance engagement within the framework of the Global Gateway by identifying new investments.

The EU expressed its continued support to Pakistan in developing green and clean energy. The two sides also discussed regional programmes and recognized their importance to strengthen regional collaboration in areas of common interest.

In the area of governance and rule of law, the critical role of civil society in the country’s socio-economic development, as well as support to an enabling environment for Global Gateway investments to thrive (public financial management, rule of law) were discussed.

Other issues of common interest

Reiterating their commitment to the Pakistan-EU Strategic Engagement Plan (SEP) signed in 2019, Pakistan and the EU reviewed the state of its implementation, five years on. Pakistan presented proposals to expand bilateral cooperation in additional areas, among others in agriculture, taxation, and disaster risk reduction.

The Joint Commission discussed the progress on joint commitments in the context of the Pakistan-EU comprehensive Migration and Mobility Dialogue, including in the area of return and readmission in the framework of Pakistan-EU Joint Readmission Agreement, as well as in the area of legal migration under the Pakistan-EU Talent Partnership.

The EU reiterated its appreciation for Pakistan’s generosity in hosting Afghan refugees over the decades and welcomed the decision to extend the validity of Proof of Registrations cards of Afghan nationals residing in Pakistan until 30 June 2025. The EU also reiterated its support to the Solution Strategy for Afghan Refugees (SSAR), aimed at providing lasting solutions for Afghan refugees and their host communities in neighbouring countries.

Pakistan and the EU acknowledged the importance of regional cooperation on security matters, including counter-terrorism and counter-narcotics. Concerning regional developments, Pakistan underlined its deep concern on the human rights and humanitarian situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan also called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza and complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from the occupied Arab territories. The EU reiterated its call for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza; the unconditional release of all hostages; and the urgent and unimpeded humanitarian access and distribution at scale of humanitarian assistance; as well as an enduring end to hostilities in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2735. The EU further restated its position concerning Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Both Pakistan and the EU stressed the need to find peaceful solutions to all conflicts, in full respect of the principles of international law and the UN Charter.

The Joint Commission was co-chaired by Dr. Kazim Niaz, Secretary, Ministry of Economic Affairs of Pakistan and Ms Paola Pampaloni, Deputy Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific in the European External Action Service. It was agreed to hold the next session of the EU-Pakistan Joint Commission in Brussels in 2025.

A A Alizai

PESHAWAR: Due to the closure of transportation routes in Kurram district for two months, food items, oil, gas and medicines have run out in the area, while the Grand Aman Jirga, which has been going on for a week in Kohat, has come to an end.

Due to incidents of firing on convoys of passenger vehicles in Kurram district and tribal clashes, traffic routes have been closed for two months due to the closure of the main highway and the Afghan border. Edible oil, gas and medicines have run out due to which Citizens are suffering from severe problems

Former IG Syed Irshad Hussain has said that due to the closure of the roads, the shops of edible fruits and vegetables are empty in the markets and patients especially children are dying due to lack of medicines, therefore it is safe to open the roads immediately. Sayed Irshad Hussain says that in Kurram district, land andDue to the closure of the airways, millions of inhabitants have been trapped in the area and people are facing a painful situation

On the other hand, the Grand Jirga which has been going on for a week in Kohat to end the peace and unrest in Kurram district has reached its conclusion and according to Jirga sources, the negotiations of the district administration and forces authorities with the elders of the parties have been completed and now. The final decision is awaited

Apart from the grand jirga consisting of the parliamentarians of the parties belonging to Kurram district and the grand jirga consisting of the elders of Kohat, Orkzai and Hangu, representatives of the district administration and the provincial government are also participating in the jirga.