Ms. Romina emphasized Pakistan’s pressing issue with plastic pollution, especially in urban areas. Owing to these daunting challenges, Pakistan has taken proactive steps, such as banning single-use plastics and polythene bags in 2019, to mitigate plastic waste generation

DNA

ISLAMABAD, MAY 1: COMSATS Observes Earth Day 2024 with MOCC COMSATS participated in “Planet vs. Plastic” campaign, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to Greener Future Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS) and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC), Government of Pakistan, jointly organized an event titled “Pakistan’s Roadmap for Plastic Action” to mark Earth Day 2024. The event featured the introduction of the Pakistan National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP), a government initiative implemented as part of the Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP) under the auspices of the World Economic Forum.

Held at the COMSATS Secretariat at Islamabad, the participants were unanimous in emphasizing the critical need to combat plastic pollution for the well-being of both humanity and the environment.

Ms. Romina Khurshid Alam, Coordinator to the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Climate Change and Environmental Conservation (CC&EC), graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.

Ambassadors, High Commissioners, and Diplomats from COMSATS member states and other countries in Islamabad also graced the event with their presence.

Ms. Romina emphasized Pakistan’s pressing issue with plastic pollution, especially in urban areas. Owing to these daunting challenges, Pakistan has taken proactive steps, such as banning single-use plastics and polythene bags in 2019, to mitigate plastic waste generation. She stressed the importance of global cooperation in combating plastic pollution, citing initiatives like the Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP) led by the World Economic Forum and UNEP.

Additionally, she highlighted Government of Pakistan’s commitment to climate change adaptation and mitigation through policies like the National Adaptation Plan and initiatives such as the Living Indus Initiative, Recharge Pakistan, and GLOF-II, which aim to enhance climate resilience and protect vulnerable sectors of the economy and ecosystems.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Dr. Nafees Zakaria , the Executive Director, COMSATS HEADQUARTERS, underscored the necessity of a cohesive global strategy to address the issue of plastic waste, emphasizing the importance of not solely focusing on its sources. Dr. Zakaria highlighted that while enacting legislation and policy measures are commendable steps, the true challenge lies in their execution amidst resistance from pressure and interest groups. He pointed out that our planet is not only grappling with plastic-related pollution but also facing a myriad of other man-made hazards contributing to climate change and environmental degradation.

Of particular concern is the often-overlooked impact of military activities and motivated imposed wars, which have yet to be addressed in international conventions and protocols. Dr. Zakaria stressed the urgent need for initiatives and innovations, supported by scientific solutions, from advocates for our planet Earth.

Addressing the Occasion, Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Mr. Khazar Farhadov expressed hope that hosting COP29 in Azerbaijan will inject new momentum into climate action and international collaboration, furthering the objectives of the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement. He underscored the importance of collective action among various stakeholders, including countries, international organizations, financial institutions, and the private sector, to deliver meaningful outcomes at COP29. Further, Ambassador Farhadov highlighted that, under the directive of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan has designated 2024 as the “Year of Solidarity for a Green World.” This reflects Azerbaijan’s commitment to accelerating to accelerating environmental protection efforts and addressing climate change on a global scale, as demonstrated by its hosting of COP.

During the event, the NPAP team presented the NPAP roadmap for Plastic Action in Pakistan, that will serve as a pivotal hub for concerted action and innovative initiatives within the sector, fostering tangible and enduring outcomes. NPAP will bring together Pakistan’s foremost policymakers, business figures, and civil society organizations to forge a unified approach. The program entails several key components such as crafting national action partnerships that engage the multi-stakeholder, deemed crucial for shaping a circular plastics economy and developing comprehensive roadmaps, informed by top-tier analysis, to facilitate the realization of national objectives.

The event also set a landmark by the launch of COMSATS-AGECO joint Electric Vehicle (EV) Project in Pakistan to promote emission-free transportation sector for a cleaner environment in the country. The event emphasized COMSATS’ dedication to strong Climate Action and environmental conservation, emphasizing its goal of promoting resilience, mitigation, and a sustainable future.

ISLAMABAD, MAY 1 /DNA/ – Today we honor the immense sacrifices of the workers who laid their lives while waging a relentless struggle for their rights. We also honour the invaluable contributions of those workers who work day and night in the fields, factories and elsewhere. They not only work hard to feed their families but also are the driving force behind Pakistan’s progress.

With an overarching objective to promote the rights and interests of Pakistani workforce and as promised in PML-N’s manifesto, we remain steadfast in our commitment to bolstering labor welfare and harmonizing domestic labor legislation with global standards. Enhancement of occupational safety and health (OSH) across various sectors remains a top priority for our Government. We will soon be convening the inaugural National Tripartite Labour Conference with a special focus on safety and health. Efforts are also underway to ratify the ILO Convention on OSH in Mines No. 176, underscoring our commitment to ensuring that miners have access to OSH that are compliant with international standards.

I fully understand that the current inflation has disproportionately affected our financially weak labor class. The Government is addressing this through targeted subsidies and support programs. We will also continue our endeavours to improve the working and living conditions of our workers by further promoting their welfare through better housing, education, healthcare and social security benefits. Through labour-friendly policies and initiatives, we will ensure that decent working conditions are maintained thus making our workers the strength of Pakistan.

While we recognize our workers in the formal sector, it would be remiss if we did not mention the hardworking individuals in the informal sector who work in the fields, homes, and other places. I also wish to particularly recognize the services of our female folk who work hand in hand with their female counterparts to earn a living for their families.

Sustainable economic growth remains our top priority. Through concerted efforts, our economy is on the path to recovery. We hope that this growth will result in more economic activities and create job opportunities. However, the new job opportunities would demand a skilled labour force. Recognizing the key role of skilled workers in our economic development, the Government has initiated vocational training and skills development programs to empower workers and enable them to secure employment opportunities both at home and abroad.

Let us work together to build a Pakistan where every worker is valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. May Almighty Allah guide us in our sincere efforts towards the prosperity of our workers and our country.

DNA

KARACHI/ISLAMABAD/LAHORE, April 30: Chairman Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, reaffirmed the founding vision of the Party – Roti, Kapra Aur Makaan, on the International Labour Day, with a conviction that the prosperity of Pakistan is interwoven with the welfare and dignity of its labor force.

According to the press release issued by the Media Cell Bilawal House, Chairman PPP, in a message on International Labour Day, paid homage to the martyrs of Chicago. He also paid glowing tribute to Quaid-e-Awam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto for the latter’s pioneering efforts in enshrining labor rights through the first-ever Labour Policy in 1972, laying the groundwork for equitable representation and empowerment.

He highlighted that as Prime Minister, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto restored the trade union rights unjustly seized by a dictator from the workers. “Shaheed Bibi tirelessly endeavored to expand job opportunities for the underprivileged, fostering employment growth even during her brief tenures in government,” he pointed out. Reflecting on President Asif Ali Zardari’s previous tenure, he proudly recalled the launch of the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) and Benazir Employees Stock Option Scheme (BESOS), a testament to the party’s unwavering commitment to fostering economic prosperity and opportunity for all.

Among the progress made by the PPP, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari praised his party’s governments in Sindh for leading initiatives like the Labour Policy, Benazir Mazdoor Card scheme, and building flats for laborers. “The PPP continues its commitment to helping the working class with programs like the ‘Benazir Mazdoor Card’ and ‘Benazir Kisan Card’ in Sindh and Balochistan, showing its dedication to empowerment,” he affirmed.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari recognized the ongoing challenges faced by the labor class in Pakistan, often ignored by other political groups. He invited the hardworking people to join the PPP, a stronghold of hope and determination, committed to supporting their cause and protecting their rights.

Looking ahead, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari vowed to introduce the significant legislative reforms, reinforcing PPP’s commitment as a strong supporter and protector of the labor class. He promised to oppose exploitation and to remain a source of hope and unity for hardworking individuals, who are the foundation of both the Party and society.

ISLAMABAD, APR 30 /DNA/ – A US State Department delegation led by Acting Under Secretary for Political Affairs John Bass, today met with Acting Foreign Secretary Ambassador Rahim Hayat Qureshi at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The US delegation included Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Elizabeth Horst and US ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome.

A productive discussion on all aspects of bilateral relations was held. The two sides reaffirmed the commitment to enhance cooperation in the areas of trade, investment and regional security.

ISLAMABAD, APR 30: Uber said on Tuesday that it had made the decision to cease operating its ride-hailing app in Pakistan. “We’ve made the decision to cease operating the Uber app in Pakistan,” a spokesperson for Uber told Dawn.com.

“Our subsidiary brand Careem will continue to operate, with the Careem app offering ride-hailing services across Pakistan and earning opportunities for drivers,” the spokesperson added.

In 2019, Uber had acquired its rival Careem for $3.1 billion. The two companies had said they would continue to operate their respective regional services and independent brands.

In October 2022, Uber had ceased operations in Karachi, Multan, Faisalabad, Peshawar and Islamabad. It had decided to operate in the five cities through Careem and through the Uber app in Lahore.

In an email sent to users in Lahore today, Uber said it had made the “difficult decision to no longer offer the Uber app services in Lahore as of April 30”.

“Ride-hailing services will continue to be offered through our subsidiary brand Careem and you will have the option to sign up and request a trip on Careem to have a seamless experience,” the email read.

“In light of this, Careem Rides may reach out to you to check in and sign up. Please fill the form provided below by May 3, 2024 if you do not want your details to be shared with Careem.

“If you currently hold Uber Cash balance in your Uber Wallet, we will be communicating with you in due course on the process for reclaiming your Uber Cash balance,” it said as users were also offered a 50 per cent discount on five rides with Careem.

Users in Lahore who tried to access the app were met with the message: “Uber no longer in Lahore”. They were also told they could use Careem to avail 50 per cent off on five rides with code LHR50.