ISLAMABAD, NOV 2: In a major development, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi has summoned maiden meeting of the 13-member Judicial Commission of Pakistan on November 5 to discuss nomination of judges for constitutional benches in the Supreme Court.

The development came hours after the National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq nominated four parliamentarians from the upper and lower houses, along with one woman, for the JCP, making a total of five nominations.

According to a notification issued by the JCP secretary, the commission’s meeting would be held at 2pm on Tuesday (November 5) in the SC building.

The agenda of the meeting includes establishment of the secretariat of the commission, nomination of judges for the constitutional benches in the top court and any other matter with the permission of the CJP.

BEIJING, NOV 2 /DNA/ – Today, Pakistan Embassy College Beijing (PECB) proudly hosted its annual International Culture Day themed “Bringing the World Together”.  The event featured vibrant performances, art displays, traditional costumes, and culinary delights, showcasing the energy and creativity of cultures from around the globe.

In her welcoming remarks, Ms. Shazia Amjad, Principal of Pakistan Embassy College apprised that International Culture Day celebration coincided with completion of 55th year of academic excellence of the College. 

Ambassador of Pakistan to China Mr. Khalil Hashmi inaugurated the event as the Chief Guest.

Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Khalil Hashmi noted that this  year’s theme, “Bringing the World Together,” resonated deeply as representatives from around 50 countries came together to share their unique stories, traditions, and heritages.

While emphasizing the significance of the event, the Ambassador said “In a world that often highlights our differences, today we come together to celebrate our incredible diversity. Autumn, with its changing colors, serves as a perfect backdrop, reminding us of the beauty that arises when diverse elements harmonize”.

Ambassador Khalil Hashmi highlighted Pakistan Embassy College’s role as the first international school in Beijing in fostering global friendships and cultural exchanges, nurturing young minds as future  leaders. Ambassador Hashmi underlined Pakistan’s cultural diversity, with its rich array of languages, traditions, and beliefs, as a vital part of its identity.  “Today, we stand proudly alongside other nations, reinforcing the idea that each culture contributes to our shared human experience”, stated the Ambassdor.

Ambassador Khalil Hashmi extended appreciation to the management, teachers, students, and parents of PECB for their hard work in making the event a success, as well as to international friends and members of the diplomatic community whose presence symbolised  the bonds of friendship cherished by Pakistan.

In his concluding remarks, Ambassador Khalil Hashmi reiterated the importance of diversity in creating a beautiful and strong world.

Later, Ambassador Khalil Hashmi cut cake marking a milestone at the 55th anniversary celebration of Pakistan Embassy College.

ISLAMABAD, NOV 02 (DNA): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday called upon the international community and various organizations to bring Israel to justice for the massacre of journalists in Gaza.

Despite international conventions, dozens of journalists in Gaza were deliberately killed to obstruct the truth, the prime minister said in his message on the occasion of International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists.

He emphasized that journalists from across the world including Pakistan work day and night to keep the world informed.

“Unfortunately, journalists have to endure various dangers, hardships, and difficulties in pursuit of truth,” he regretted. 

Besides working in peace, he said the journalists also risked their lives reporting even in conflict zones and during wars.

These advocates of truth face restrictions, violence, threats, kidnappings, and even murder, he said adding “Without the protection of journalists, freedom of the press cannot be achieved”.

“Our government has taken priority measures to ensure the protection and rights of journalists,” he stated.

The prime minister said Pakistani journalists had made immense sacrifices for democracy, adherence to the Constitution, and the rule of law.

“The Journalist and Media Workers Protection Act 2021 was passed to protect journalists and media workers.”

PM Shehbaz said health insurance for journalists was also an important initiative of the federal government for their protection.

“We are committed to preventing crimes against journalists, ensuring punishment for perpetrators, and safeguarding journalists in Pakistan,” the prime minister assured.

He emphasized that the Constitution of Pakistan guaranteed freedom of expression, freedom of the press, and access to information, and the government of Pakistan was dedicated to ensuring these rights.=DNA

ISLAMABAD, NOV 2 /DNA/ – Speaking at the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS)’  pre-COP29 panel discussion titled ‘Bridging the Gap: Humanitarian/Development  Agencies and Climate Adaptation in Pakistan’ Senator Sherry Rehman underpinned  the critical role of development organizations in fostering climate resilience through providing adequate funding.

Chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change, also underscored the need for local climate action backed by robust international financing. Advocating proactive measures in flood-prone areas to prevent escalating climate impacts, she urged major emitters to honour their Internationally Determined Contributions (IDCs) and called for a Global Goal on Adaptation that prioritises funding for on-ground initiatives.

Calling upon major emitters to commit to their Internationally Determined Contributions (IDCs), Senator Rehman emphasized that climate financing for the Global South should be directed towards on-ground adaptation initiatives, not just reporting.

In his remarks on the occasion, Amb. Jauhar Saleem, President of the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS) highlighted the potential role of COP29 in advancing climate adaptation efforts and ensuring essential funding. He also stressed upon the importance of decentralised approaches to climate adaptation —while ensuring that strategies are tailored to local contexts to address diverse climate challenges effectively — and shared that IRS was conducting a number of  pre-COP discussions to generate concrete recommendations for COP-29.

Dr Altaf Abro, Head of Mission for Secours Islamique France (SIF) Pakistan, emphasized the importance of linking development funds with humanitarian resources to enhance adaptation efforts and enable more effective resilience strategies.

Dr Samuel Rizk, Resident Representative of UNDP Pakistan, stressed the need for coordinated government action in addressing climate change. He also invited attention  to rapid population growth and worsening climate impacts as significant challenges for Pakistan, which were deepening vulnerabilities for marginalised communities.

Bilal Anwar, CEO of the National Disaster Risk Management Fund (NDRMF), accentuated the need for transformative adaptation initiatives to meet the mounting challenges of climate change. He also called for mobilisation of resources, enhancement of expertise, and inclusion of indigenous practices to build resilience and drive sustainable climate action.

Dr. Rizwan Naseer, Senior Research Fellow at IRS, underscored the importance of aligning humanitarian responses with development strategies to create a more integrated approach.

Muhammad Arif Goheer, Executive Director of the Global Climate Change Impact Study Centre (GCISC), brought out  the urgency for effective adaptation strategies in Pakistan’s agricultural sector and called for climate-smart farming practices and improved water management to safeguard this vital sector.

Isabel Bogorinsky, Head of Programs at Welthungerhilfe (WHH) Pakistan, highlighted the threat that climate change poses to food security and emphasized upon the vital role of government organisations and think tanks in building resilience and developing strategies to mitigate climate risks while enhancing adaptive capacities.

Ahmed Kamal, former Chairman of the Federal Flood Commission (FFC), discussed government-led disaster risk reduction initiatives, including the 10-year National Flood Protection Plan and advancements in flood forecasting systems.

Hassan Hayat, Programme Producer at PTV Home, underscored the impact of documentaries in effectively communicating the severe consequences of climate change.

The event brought together a range of  national and international experts, policymakers, heads of development  & humanitarian organizations.

ISLAMABAD, NOV 1 /DNA/ – Country Director Asian Development Bank (ADB) Emma Fan called on Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa to discuss avenues for mutual collaboration. Chairman CDA warmly welcomed Country Director ADB and highlighted CDA’s commitment to advancing sustainable urban development through ADB’s technical support and expertise.

During the meeting, Chairman CDA emphasized CDA’s strategic shift from auction of assets to sustainable development models, with a particular focus on Public Private Partnership model. He urged the need for ADB’s expertise and technical support to effectively manage various proposals for joint ventures.

Country Director ADB affirmed ADB’s support to Islamabad’s development goals, offering technical expertise for key projects. It was briefed that the hiring process for international consultants and transactional advisors for the projects are underway to ensure the successful execution of these projects.

ADB also offered CDA the support of its dedicated carbon credit experts for the upcoming projects for incorporating carbon credit facility in these projects. In this connection, a dedicated team from ADB could provide their support and expertise into the ongoing projects for earning carbon credits and emissions reduction initiatives.

Chairman Randhawa commended ADB’s support for CDA and expressed his commitment for a close working partnership. With ADB’s expertise, CDA can overcome their challenges and meet its goals to transform Islamabad into a modern and sustainable city.

ISLAMABAD, NOV 1 /DNA/ – Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired a meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet today.

The meeting was attended by Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain, Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Mr. Ali Pervaiz Malik, Governor SBP (virtual) and Chairman SECP (virtual), along with Federal Secretaries and senior officers from the concerned Ministries and Divisions.

The ECC considered a proposal from the Ministry of National Food Security & Research for allocation of domestic and imported wheat stocks of PASSCO among wheat-deficient agencies/regions for Food Year 2024-25. The ECC discussed the issue threadbare and decided that domestic and imported wheat would be allocated and released by PASSCO based on allocation ratio decided by ECC on 1st February 2024, till full disposal of imported wheat stock, and all seven wheat-deficit agencies/regions would lift the wheat as per their committed demand during the Food Year 2024-25. The ECC however directed that the wheat to be picked up by agencies/regions be tested beforehand for purpose of quality and fitness for consumption.

The ECC considered and approved a proposal from the Ministry of Interior for grant of a Technical Supplementary Grant amounting to Rs. 252.711 million against the same amount surrendered by the Ministry of Housing and Works, for allocation to Capital Development Authority to ensure uninterrupted provision of civic services at the Prime Minister’s Office (Public), Prime Minister’s Office Internal and Prime Minister’s Staff Colony.

The ECC considered and approved grant of a Technical Supplementary Grant to the tune of Rs. 1.8 billion to the Ministry of Defence for overhaul of engines of two VVIP aircraft being utilized for state duties with the President and the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

The ECC also took up and approved a proposal of Ministry of Interior for provision of Rs. 2.939 billion as Technical Supplementary Grant to Director General Immigration & Passports for purchase of two e-Passport Personalization systems and six desktop personalization machines for uninterrupted and smooth official business of the Directorate in the public interest.

The ECC also approved a proposal of the Ministry of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives for transfer of Rs. 30 billion budgeted for FY 2024-25 under the “Flood Response Emergency Housing Project”, to Finance Division as Technical Supplementary Grant for onward release to Government of Sindh as per Finance Division’s release strategy for development budget and after authorization by the Ministry of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives.

The ECC meeting also deliberated upon a summary by National Accountability Bureau for a TSG for allocation of Rs. 376 million in terms of Article 84 of the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan 1973, in favour of NAB for meeting the expenditure in terms of Recovery and Reward Rules 2002, and approved it.

A proposal by the Ministry of Commerce for allocation of TSG amounting to Rs. 226.720 million to support its trade and investment missions in China was also considered and approved by the ECC.

ISLAMABAD, NOV 1 /DNA/ – The Capital Development Authority (CDA), under the chairmanship of Muhammad Ali Randhawa, convened a meeting to address the pressing issues surrounding water resource management in Islamabad. The meeting, attended by senior officers from CDA and representatives from WASA Rawalpindi, WAPDA, Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB), and other relevant departments.

Chairman CDA, Muhammad Ali Randhawa stated that today’s meeting marked the road map for the newly established “Islamabad Water” agency after the recent approval from the cabinet. He emphasized the urgency of coordinated efforts among all stakeholders to resolve the critical water challenges facing the city.

The Director General (Water Management Wing), CDA presented a comprehensive administrative and financial overview of the city’s water resources and outlined the existing shortfall. He highlighted the disparity in water distribution from Khanpur Dam and urged to undertake corrective measures for ensuring equitable distribution.

The Chairman, CDA directed to carry out a joint survey by KPK and Punjab irrigation departments, RCB, WASA Rawalpindi and CDA of the 18 km distribution canal from the Khanpur Dam to address water leakage, water theft, and overuse of the share while WAPDA would lead the survey. Each department will survey its designated section of the canal.

The meeting also discussed the need for separate electricity meters for RCB, WASA, and CDA, taking this matter up with IESCO for swift action. Both RCB and WASA Rawalpindi committed to resolving outstanding dues with CDA to clear old liabilities urgently.

In addition, plan for a having dedicated raw water pipeline from Khanpur Dam with an aim to reduce unauthorized water abstraction/theft was discussed, with stakeholders agreeing to share the pre-feasibility costs. The meeting also focused on future mega water projects, including the Indus River/Tarbela Dam water conduction project to address long-term water shortages in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The Cherah Dam Project, being executed by the Govt. of Punjab on 50% water and cost sharing basis with CDA, has been going under detailed designing and estimation phase; while WAPDA has been requested for pre- feasibility studies for Chinot and Shahdara Dams. As far as the Dotara Carryover Dam is concerned, its pre-feasibility is already underway through WAPDA.

Chairman Randhawa directed the CDA Member of Technology and Digitalization to introduce IT interventions, including e-based governance, e-billing, and net metering, to enhance the efficiency and transparency of water resource management.

Additionally, concerns over water contamination at Khanpur Dam were raised, and urgent steps are being planned to make drinking water safe for Islamabad residents.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from all stakeholders to resolve outstanding issues collaboratively and work toward a sustainable water supply for Islamabad. The Chairman CDA directed to nominate focal persons from the relevant department to ensure streamlined coordination moving forward.

This initiative reflects CDA’s commitment to addressing Islamabad’s water management issues and ensuring a reliable, safe water supply for the future.