ISLAMABAD: Minister of Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry said a task force will be set up to resolve the problems of slums in order to bring them into the mainstream.
Briefing media about cabinet decisions in Islamabad Friday evening, the Minister said the government wants to improve the living standard of people and resolve their issues.
The Minister said the cabinet took another important decision to ban the use of all discretionary funds of President, Prime Minister and MNAs as it is an insult to taxpayers.
He added from now onwards, the development projects will be discussed in parliament and their approval will be given after a detailed review.
Fawad Chaudhry the discretionary powers of all the ministers to grant funds have also been revoked.
The Information Minister said funds worth 21 billion rupees were spent by previous government last year. In addition, thirty billion rupees were allocated to MNAs for development projects, making it a huge amount of 51 billion rupees.
He said previous governments used national exchequer like their own property.
Fawad Chaudhry said as part of austerity drive of Prime Minister, it has been decided that special plane of Prime Minister will not be used for foreign visits. Rather, he will travel in ordinary passenger planes and use the club class instead of business or first class.
This discretion has also been abolished for President, Chief Justice, and other senior officials.
The Minister said cabinet also took the decision to hold a forensic audit of all mass transport projects including Multan Metro bus project, Lahore Orange Train Project, and Peshawar Metro Bus. He said, if needed, FIA will investigate the issues.
The cabinet also decided to start urban tree plantation projects in Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta, and Lahore from next month. The purpose is to make these areas green and mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change.
He said the cabinet decided that working hours will be changed from 9 am to 5 p.m. and the weekly holiday of Saturday will not be abolished. It will also be ensured that public servants dedicate full time to their jobs during the working hours.
Commenting on an incident in Faisalabad, Fawad Chaudhry said it was a law and order situation matter between two groups and had no religious dimension.
Replying to a question, the Minister said it is being considered to abolish the Ministry of CADD and merge its employees into other departments.
On a question regarding information ministry, he said there will be visible changes in his ministry soon.
He said PTV and Radio Pakistan have been given directions to give equal coverage to all political parties and their leaders and there is no editorial censorship on both.
He said the duration of English transmissions on PTV and Radio Pakistan will be enhanced in order to give the world a picture of what is happening in the country.
He said PTV World will highlight the regional issues of the country.
Fawad Chaudhry told a questioner that task forces set up by the government are for short-term goals and long-term goals and they will work accordingly.
On another question, a mechanism is being evolved to hold a complete inquiry on Result Transmission System of Election Commission of Pakistan, so that such delays do not occur in future.
Govt abolishes all discretionary funds of president, PM, MNAs
Govt abolishes all discretionary funds of president, PM, MNAs
PM urges UK businesspersons to benefit from Pakistan’s investment-friendly policies
- The development comes amid Pakistan’s efforts to boost trade and foreign investment after it narrowly escaped a default last year
- The South Asian country has since sought to promote closer ties with regional, international allies to bolster its fragile economy
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday met a delegation of prominent British business figures and urged them to benefit from Pakistan’s investment-friendly climate, Sharif’s office said, amid Islamabad’s efforts to boost trade and foreign investment.
The business delegation, led by renowned British businessman Zuber Issa, met the prime minister in the eastern city of Lahore, according to Sharif’s office.
Sharif urged the delegates to invest in Pakistan, saying foreign investors were being provided best facilities by Pakistan’s Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).
“Promotion of foreign investment in the country is the top priority of the government,” he was quoted as saying by his office.
“Due to the efforts of the government, the country’s economy has improved in recent days which has increased the confidence of investors.”
The two sides exchanged views on finding new ways to improve business-to-business relations between Pakistan and the United Kingdom.
“The delegation appreciated and expressed their confidence in the prime minister’s economic policies that put the country’s economy on the path of stability and sustainable development,” Sharif’s office added.
The development comes amid Pakistan’s efforts to boost trade and foreign investment after it narrowly escaped a default last year by securing a last-gasp $3 billion financial assistance package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The South Asian country has since sought to promote closer economic ties with regional and international allies to bolster its fragile $350 billion economy, which has been suffering from a prolonged macroeconomic crisis.
Rizwan-led Pakistan set to take on Australia in first ODI on Monday
- Mohammad Rizwan was last month appointed 31st ODI captain for Pakistan
- Pakistan have summoned debutants Irfan Khan, Saim Ayub for the first ODI
ISLAMABAD: Mohammad Rizwan’s first outing as white-ball captain will begin on Monday when Pakistan take on hosts Australia in a three-match One-Day International (ODI) series.
The first game will be played at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, while the second ODI will begin on Nov. 8 at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide. Both teams will then travel to Perth where the third ODI will take place on Nov. 10 at the Perth Stadium.
Pakistan have also announced their playing XI for the first ODI, with Muhammad Irfan Khan and Saim Ayub making their debut. Aamir Jamal, Arafat Minhas, Faisal Akram and Haseebullah are the other uncapped players in the ODI squad.
“It is an honor to lead the Pakistan team and we are ready to take on Australia in their own backyard. We all know Australia are a very good side, and world champions, but we look forward to competing hard as we have a number of young and exciting players in our squad and it is their chance to grab the opportunities coming their way,” Rizwan said, reflecting on the team preparations ahead of the ODI series.
“We have had productive training sessions here in Melbourne since our arrival and with the support of Almighty, we look forward to produce positive results in the series.”
He said he was expecting fans to come in good numbers to support the side in the series as they had been a huge support for the Pakistan team wherever they played in Australia.
Australia’s ODI captain Pat Cummins said it was always great to have such high-intensity games for youngsters to get going.
“Pakistan are quite a decent side and they have players who have scored big runs. We have played against them in recent years, so I think it’s always a fairly even match,” he said. “There is going to be good crowd tomorrow at the MCG as we are playing against Pakistan.”
The two sides last met in the 50-over format during the 2023 World Cup on October 20, where Australia defeated Pakistan by 62 runs at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. The last time both sides featured in a bilateral ODI series was in March-April 2022, when Australia visited Pakistan and the hosts won the series 2-1.
The ODI series will be followed by three-match Twenty-20 International (T20I) series, which will be played on November 14, 16 and 18.
Pakistan Playing XI for the first ODI: Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (captain/wicket-keeper), Kamran Ghulam, Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Muhammad Irfan Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Mohammad Hasnain.
Schedule of matches:
1st ODI, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne (2.30pm local time start)
2nd ODI, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide (2pm local time start)
3rd ODI, Perth Stadium, Perth (11.30am local time start)
1st T20I, Brisbane Cricket Ground, Brisbane (6pm local time start)
2nd T20I, Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney (7pm local time start)
3rd T20I, Bellerive Oval, Hobart (7pm local time start)
At Riyadh Season, Pakistan Week draws over 300,000 visitors to art, music and cultural activities
- The event was held from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2 during the annual Riyadh Season as part of the Saudi Global Harmony Initiative
- It showcased vibrant performances by Pakistani singers, delicious food, clothing stalls, truck art and other activities
ISLAMABAD: Art, music, delicious cuisine and clothing fascinated more than 300,000 visitors during Pakistan Week at Riyadh Season, the Pakistani embassy in Saudi Arabia said on Sunday, adding the event was “well received” by local and expatriate communities in the Saudi capital.
Pakistan Week activities were held at Al-Suwaidi Park, located in the heart of the Saudi capital, from October 30 till November 2 as part of the Global Harmony Initiative under Riyadh Season.
The event featured vibrant performances by Pakistani artistes, delicious food, clothing stalls, and the iconic truck art from the South Asian country, attracting diplomats, top entrepreneurs and community members from both nations.
“Pakistan Week was well received by local and expatriate community in Riyadh as over 300,000 people visited colorful activities and arenas,” the Pakistani embassy told Arab News, adding that performances by leading Pakistani singers, drum maestros and schoolchildren as well as puppet shows and handicrafts captivated audiences with the diversity of Pakistani culture.
“The [Al-Suwaidi] Park was filled with food stalls, truck art, a play zone for kids and a cultural parade, which was a highlight of the event.”
The participants described the event as a “unique and unforgettable experience” as it offered a delightful blend of music, sports and culture.
“For the overseas Pakistanis in Riyadh, Pakistan Cultural Week in Riyadh was not just an event, it was a homecoming as it was a chance to reconnect with their roots, to share their culture with their Saudi friends and other global communities and to create lasting memories with their families,” Waqar Naseem Wamiq, a Pakistani expatriate working as a trade manager in Riyadh, told Arab News.
He said the vibrant atmosphere and the “sea of people” transformed the venue into a buzzing hub of entertainment and cultural exchange, setting a new benchmark for future events.
“Over 130,000 enthusiastic fans gathered to enjoy the performances by [singers] Ali Zafar and Asim Azhar on days two and three of Pakistan Cultural Week,” he said, adding that the overwhelming response not only highlighted the immense popularity of the singers, but also underscored the significance of cultural events in bringing together communities and fostering a sense of unity and celebration.
He said the meticulous planning and execution of the event by the Saudi General Entertainment Authority and the Ministry of Media left a lasting impression on everyone.
“Attendees lauded the Saudi hosts for their warm hospitality and dedication to creating an inclusive and engaging atmosphere,” Wamiq added.
Ali Swati, who manages Traditional Taste Restaurant in Riyadh, said his stall at Pakistan Week featured ‘matka tea,’ ‘samosas,’ ‘biryani’ and other Pakistani dishes.
“Visitors loved these items so much that they placed numerous large orders for home delivery to be fulfilled after the festival,” he told Arab News.
Swati said Arab and other expatriate communities showed “great interest” in Pakistani food, appreciating its taste and diversity.
“It was a great opportunity for our business as it introduced our restaurant to many people and will help attract more customers to our outlet in Riyadh,” he said.
Another Pakistani expatriate, Muhammad Naveed, who works as an engineer in Riyadh, said the seamless blend of diverse cultural performances and activities not only entertained attendees, but also fostered a sense of unity and appreciation for the rich tapestry of cultures present.
“This exceptional effort by the Saudi hosts and organizers has set a new standard for cultural events, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to bringing joy and fostering community spirit,” Naveed told Arab News.
“The presence of celebrated cricketers, Shoaib Malik, Shadab Khan and Sarfraz Ahmed, added a touch of sporting excellence to the event as their participation not only boosted the spirits of the fans, but also highlighted the importance of sports in cultural celebrations.”
Besides the performances, he said, the week was full of a variety of cultural activities that showcased the rich heritage of Pakistan.
“From traditional dance performances to art exhibitions, every aspect of Pakistani culture was on display, providing a holistic cultural experience,” Naveed added.
The Kingdom recently launched the Global Harmony Initiative to celebrate the diverse nationalities and cultures of its residents by exploring their lives, contributions and cultural integration.
The initiative, a collaboration of the Kingdom’s General Entertainment Authority, Ministry of Media and the Quality of Life Program, has been featuring events that showcase cultures, cuisine and heritage of countries such as Pakistan, India, Malaysia, Indonesia and others.
Punjab mulling over acquiring national airline, says Pakistan ruling party chief
- Nawaz Sharif says Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz consulted him on acquiring PIA, renaming it “Air Punjab”
- Pakistan this week kicked off national flag carrier’s privatization process, receiving single highest bid of $36 million
ISLAMABAD: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz proposed acquiring the country’s national flag carrier and renaming it as “Air Punjab,” her father and ruling party chief Nawaz Sharif said this week, days after Islamabad started the bidding process for the state-owned asset.
Pakistan’s government kickstarted the privatization process of the loss-making Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flag carrier on Thursday, holding a televised auction in which it received the sole bid of Rs10 billion ($36 million) from Blue World City, a real estate development firm.
The bid fell far short of the minimum price of Rs85 billion ($305 million) set by the government, following which Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province formally offered to exceed the bid on Friday, saying that the PIA should remain under government control to preserve its status.
“Maryam said to me during consultations, “Shouldn’t we acquire the PIA and establish a brand new airline? Bring in brand new planes and that we should give a new airline to Pakistan,” Sharif said to members of his party in New York during a meeting.
“She told me to name it as ‘Air Punjab.’“
The former prime minister said he told the Punjab chief minister to weigh the option of buying the PIA or the possibility of the Punjab government establishing a new one altogether.
“We could introduce a new airline that would offer direct flights from Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, and Quetta to New York, along with services to London, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and other international destinations,” Sharif said.
He said the Punjab government was holding consultations on the matter.
Pakistan decided to move ahead with PIA’s privatization under terms agreed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a 37-month, $7 billion bailout approved in September, aiming to divest over 51 percent of its stake in the financially struggling national carrier.
Critics, including PIA union representatives and independent analysts, called the low bid an “embarrassment” for the government, with airline employees suggesting Pakistani authorities should expand PIA’s fleet to restore its operational viability.
Authorities shut primary schools in Pakistan’s Lahore for a week amid record pollution
- Lahore’s air quality index soared to unprecedented 1,194 as smog enveloped city on Sunday
- The provincial government says strong winds from India have increased pollution in Lahore
ISLAMABAD: Authorities in Pakistan’s second city of Lahore on Sunday announced closure of all primary schools for a week due to record pollution, as smog in the city rose several times above the levels deemed dangerous for health.
For days, Lahore, a city of 14 million people, has been enveloped by dense smog, a mix of fog and pollutants caused by low-grade diesel fumes, smoke from seasonal stubble burning and winter cooling.
The air quality index, which measures a range of pollutants, exceeded 1,000 on Saturday, well above the level of 300 that is considered “dangerous” for human health, according to data from IQAir, a Swiss air quality monitor.
The provincial government in Punjab recorded peaks of over 1,000 on Sunday, which it considered “unprecedented” in the country’s most populous province.
“All the classes up to 5th grade in all schools (public, private & special education) located in the territorial jurisdiction of district Lahore shall remain closed for one (01) week with effect from 04-11-2024 (Monday) till 09-11-2024 (Saturday),” Dr. Imran Hamid Sheikh, a senior environment protection official, said in a notification.
The situation will be assessed again next Saturday to determine whether to extend the closure of schools.
“This smog is very harmful for children. Masks should be mandatory in schools,” provincial minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said at a news conference on Sunday. “We are keeping an eye on the health of children in senior classes.”
The provincial government had established smog counters at hospitals, she added.
“Public should strictly follow precautionary measures, the elderly, the sick and children should be especially careful,” Aurangzeb was earlier quoted as saying by her Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party.
She urged people to wear face masks and not venture outside their homes unnecessarily, warning farmers against burning crop residues.
“Arrests and fines for violations will continue,” she added.
Breathing the toxic air has catastrophic health consequences, with the World Health Organization saying strokes, heart disease, lung cancer and respiratory diseases can be triggered by prolonged exposure.
On Saturday, the concentration of deadly PM2.5 pollutants — fine particulate matter in the air that causes most damage to health — was more than 40 times the level deemed acceptable by the WHO. PM2.5 levels on Sunday morning exceeded that before decreasing slightly.
Last month, authorities banned schoolchildren from outdoor exercise until January and adjusted school hours to prevent children from traveling when the pollution is most punishing.
Children are particularly vulnerable because they have less developed lungs and breathe more rapidly, taking in more air relative to their size than adults.
Last week, the provincial environmental protection agency announced new restrictions in four “hot spots” in the city. Tuk-tuks equipped with polluting two-stroke engines are banned, as are restaurants that barbecue without filters.
Government offices and private companies will have half their staff work from home starting Monday. Construction work has been halted and street and food vendors, who often cook over open fires, must close at 8 pm.
— With additional input from AFP