DNA

ISLAMABAD, NOV 14: Committed to transparency, responsible practices, and building a sustainable energy future, K-Electric unveils its Sustainability Report 2023. Themed “Powering Possibilities”, the report illustrates the on-going efforts of the organization in setting targets and executing interventions that ensure progress towards the company’s sustainable future.

At this occasion, Moonis Alvi, Chief Executive Officer, KE said, “The energy sector faces its own trilemma – Sustainability, particularly Climate Change, Affordability, and Energy Security – to achieve sustainable goals and striking the right balance between these elements is imperative for the effective functioning of the energy ecosystem. As we navigate through these difficult times, the responsibility we have towards our customers, shareholders, the environment, and the communities we serve drives our actions. This report highlights our progress, challenges, and our ambitious vision for a sustainable future.”

The report contains information about KE’s operations from the Company’s Fiscal Year 2023, from July 01, 2022 to June 30, 2023 and includes both quantitative data and qualitative insights. With reference to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards, KE’s commitment and efforts have been showcased under 11 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the report. The SDGs broadly include ‘Good Health and Well-Being’, ‘Quality Education’, ‘Gender Equality’, ‘Clean Water and Sanitation’, ‘Clean Energy’, ‘Economic Growth’, ‘Industry, Innovation, Infrastructure’, ‘Reduced Inequalities’, ‘Sustainable Cities & Communities’, ‘Responsible Consumption’, and ‘Climate Action’.

During FY 23, KE has achieved an impressive 23% reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions compared to FY 22, a success attributed to the integration of highly efficient energy generation. Towards sustainable cities and communities, KE has invested around PKR 150 million in rehabilitation works. By introducing several key environment-friendly initiatives such as Hara Qadam and conversion of customers towards paperless billing, KE has saved over 4,000 trees, 94,000 kg of waste, and 200 million liters of water.

This year, KE has also reached 57,000 children through its School Safety Campaign in 17 hazard prone areas of Karachi. Furthermore, KE continued to spread awareness about safety through its flagship Roshni Baji program as 50 Roshni Bajis reached out to 200,000 households in FY23, taking a cumulative total to over 660,000 households over 3 years from FY21 to FY23. KE also celebrated closing the pay gap for 90% its female workforce with a commitment to make it 100% in FY 24.

In essence, KE’s Sustainability Report serves as a beacon of organizational commitment to sustainability, setting a high standard for the power sector. The company illustrates that focusing on sustainability is not merely an environmental imperative but also a strategic business decision, showcasing how aligning operations with sustainable practices can enhance overall performance and elevate stakeholders’ trust.

Kakar also appreciated the holding of the First Trilateral Meeting of the Commerce Ministers of Pakistan, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan in Islamabad

Ansar M Bhatti

Islamabad: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar emphasized on Tuesday the pivotal role of streamlined visa processes, enhanced banking mechanisms, and reciprocal warehousing capabilities to catalyze the surge in trade between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.

During a meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Dr. Jamshid Khodjaev Abdukhakomovich, and a accompanying delegation, the prime minister conveyed optimism about the potential for the business communities of both nations to swiftly attain the ambitious bilateral trade target of US$ 1 billion.

Recognizing the significance of fostering a conducive environment for cross-border trade, the leaders deliberated on the necessity of simplifying visa acquisition for entrepreneurs, facilitating smoother financial transactions through improved banking channels, and establishing reciprocal warehousing facilities to streamline logistics. The deputy prime minister of Uzbekistan, along with a seven-member delegation, is on an official visit to Pakistan.

Prime Minister Kakar welcomed the Uzbek deputy prime minister and his delegation to Pakistan and recalled his recent meeting with President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyovev, on the sidelines of the 16th ECO Summit held in Tashkent from November 8-9, 2023.

He expressed satisfaction at the pace of bilateral engagements between the two countries especially in the areas of trade, defence and connectivity.

He also appreciated the holding of the First Trilateral Meeting of the Commerce Ministers of Pakistan, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan in Islamabad.

The three sides also established a trilateral working group to discuss customs, logistics, trade promotion, tariffs, TIR procedures, etc.

Showing satisfaction at the outcome of the trilateral meeting, the prime minister hoped that the trilateral mechanism would boost trade relations between the three countries.

Prime Minister Kakar underlined the need to continue momentum of people-to-people exchanges.

Deputy Prime Minister Khodjaev thanked the prime minister for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation.

He briefed the prime minister about fruitful meetings with the business community of Pakistan including the banking and logistics sectors.

He expressed the hope that both sides would continue active engagement for the timely completion of the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Railway Project.

The Uzbekistan delegation included Minister of Transport, Ilkhom Makhkamov Rustamovich, Deputy Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade, Badriddin Abidov, Deputy Foreign Minister, Bobur Usmanov, Deputy Chairman of State Security Service, Maj. General Farukh Mukhtarov and Ambassador of Uzbekistan in Islamabad Oybek Arif Usmanov.

The Pakistan delegation included Minister of Commerce Gohar Ijaz as well as secretaries of commerce, Board of Investment and other senior officials.

ISLAMABAD, NOV 14 (DNA) — Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on Tuesday urged overseas Pakistanis to invest in Pakistan, assuring that the government would provide all possible support and facilities. 

The prime minister expressed these views during a meeting with a delegation of the overseas Pakistanis, who called on him, according to a statement. Speaking during the meeting, PM Kakar said that protecting the rights of overseas Pakistanis were among the top priorities of the government.

The prime minister observed that transfer of remittances of the Pakistanis residing aboard legally and safely was significant for the country’s progress and urged them to send their amounts through Roshan Digital Pakistan Account.

He further said that Roshan Digital Pakistan Account was the safest means for transfer of remittances and its utilization could help improve the national economy. Protection of their investments and properties were the responsibility of the government and no leniency would be tolerated in this regard, he added. — DNA

By Dr. Huma Baqai

ISLAMABAD, NOV 14: The Centre for Strategic Perspectives (CSP) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), organized a book talk on Dr. Huma Baqai’s book titled “Collected Works on Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.” The discussants at the Book Talk included: Ambassador Tehmna Janjua, Former Foreign Secretary of Pakistan; Ambassador Asif Durrani, Pakistan’s Special Representative on Afghanistan; and Ambassador Abdul Basit, Pakistan’s Former High Commissioner to India. The discussion was also attended by academics, practitioners, former and current Pakistani diplomats and officials, experts from think tanks, students, and members of the diplomatic corps based in Islamabad.

In her introductory remarks, Dr. Neelum Nigar, Director, CSP said that Dr. Baqai’s extensive body of work stands as a testament to her dedication to unraveling the complexities of foreign affairs and security policy. Through meticulous research, thoughtful commentary, and a deep understanding of the geopolitical landscape, Dr. Baqai has provided us with invaluable insights that resonate with the pulse of our times.

In his welcoming remarks, DG ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood said that Dr. Huma Baqai represent an authentic, home-grown Pakistani voice on global and regional developments. The analysis in her book meticulously considers both domestic and external factors, focusing exclusively on Pakistan’s ‘interests’. Ambassador Sohail Mahmood highlighted five pivotal points from the book, including the urgent need for Pakistan to acknowledge and respond to the profound transformation of the world; the serious implications of major-power competition in South Asia and the growing Indian role in the U.S. grand strategy as well as its assigned role in the ‘Indo-Pacific’ construct – having implications for Pakistan. He also underscored the significance of the China-Pakistan partnership, exemplified by the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and close collaboration on regional issues. He further highlighted the Book’s focus on the rise of China, the emerging dynamics of a ‘new cold war’, and its advice to avoid major power confrontation. Lastly, he noted the author’s emphasis on Pakistan’s transition from a ‘geostrategic’ to a ‘developmental’ state and suggested that in her future writings Dr. Huma Baqai may also share her thoughts on operationalizing the pivot to geo-economics while managing the complex geo-politics.

Ambassador Janjua, in her insightful remarks on the book, emphasized its role in fostering discussions on various issues concerning both Pakistan and the global landscape. The book particularly underscores the overarching issues in the current global environment, dominated by the escalating rivalry between the U.S. and China. It delves into the nature of this rivalry, its impact on the region, and potential responses by Pakistan. Ambassador Janjua noted the book’s suggestion that, amid great-power politics, Pakistan should steer clear of aligning with any specific camp. However, she stressed the increasing importance of addressing the challenges associated with maintaining such a balance and the importance of close coordination among all relevant institutions and stakeholders.

Ambassador Durrani, in his commentary on the book, highlighted its role as a comprehensive compilation addressing the diverse challenges Pakistan is currently encountering. These challenges span bilateral, regional, and global dimensions, covering crucial topics such as CPEC and Pakistan’s security paradigm. The book serves as a valuable resource, offering insights into the emerging issues faced by Pakistan and providing a guide to understanding international developments over the past five years. Encompassing a broad spectrum, it delves into topics ranging from Pakistan-U.S. relations, Pakistan-India relations, Afghanistan, South Asia, and the Middle East, to the dynamics with Euro-Pacific allies.

Ambassador Basit, in his commentary, expressed appreciation for the book as a valuable addition to the existing literature addressing Pakistan’s intricate foreign policy and security challenges. Shedding light on the hurdles surrounding Pakistan’s foreign policy, he noted that although the country has clear foreign policy objectives, there’s room for improvement in effectively utilizing its foreign policy options. Drawing attention to specific articles in the book, Ambassador Basit emphasized that geo-economics must be considered within a broader context and not in isolation. Regarding global politics and alliance structures, he acknowledged that the world operates in camps, and Pakistan, like other nations, cannot overlook the strategic partnership it holds with China.

Dr. Huma Baqai, in her exposition of the book, illuminated its focus on Pakistan’s foreign, domestic, and security policies within the context of various constraints and compulsions. Despite facing numerous challenges, Pakistan has effectively safeguarded its core interests. Dr. Baqai emphasized that these challenges have significantly influenced all facets of Pakistan’s foreign policy, shaping its relationships with key nations such as Afghanistan, the United States, and India, and its engagement with global alliance structures. She underscored the intricate interplay of geopolitics and geo-economics in the contemporary world. Dr. Baqai underscored the need for Pakistan to navigate this complex terrain, balancing its strategic objectives with the constraints posed by the global geopolitical landscape. By delving into the multifaceted dimensions of Pakistan’s policies, Dr Baqai’s book offers valuable insights into the nation’s diplomatic, security, and economic challenges and successes within the dynamic international context.

The interactive discussion was moderated by Ambassador Sohail Mahmood. During the discussion, various issues of significance were explored. The topics ranged from the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Pakistan’s political landscape, and dynamics in Afghanistan, to the unresolved Jammu and Kashmir dispute. The discourse also delved into the intricate web of Pakistan-India relations, events in the Middle East, the war in Gaza, and the emergence of knowledge economies. The breadth of the discussion highlighted the diverse and complex challenges that resonate both regionally and globally.

A vote of thanks was made by Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman Board of Governors ISSI.