Day: January 27, 2022

Islamabad, January 27, 2022 (PPI-OT): The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and UNDP Pakistan hosted the launch of Pakistan’s first ‘Pakistan SDG Investment Report 2021: Leveraging Private Investments for Pakistan’s Sustainable Development’, aimed at leveraging private sector investments in public sector development projects aligned with the country’s Sustainable Development Goals.

“The Government of Pakistan is consistently communicating its desire to attract direct foreign investment and technology transfers to Pakistan to be part of global value chains,” said Pakistan Foreign Minister, H.E. Mr. Shah Mahmood Qureshi in his keynote address at the launch event held here today, which was attended by senior representatives of Government of Pakistan, ambassadors, UN agencies, international development agencies, and the private sector. “We are fully committed to mobilizing public and private investment on sustainable infrastructure and climate finance.”

The Report has been prepared with support from UNDP Pakistan. “To ensure that financing for COVID-19 recovery is aligned with the SDGs, we have partnered with Government of Pakistan to identify and prioritize investments in the sectors of climate change, social services, infrastructure, information technology, as well as flexible investment solutions for global investors,” said UNDP Pakistan Resident Representative, Mr. Knut Ostby, in his remarks.

Pakistan Foreign Secretary, Mr. Sohail Mahmood said at the occasion that the Report’s main objective is to attract private sector investments by identifying Pakistan’s development priorities and benefit from trade-offs with sustainable development.

Presenting an overview of the Report, UNDP Senior Advisor on Finance for Development and Former State Minister, Mr. Haroon Sharif informed that the Report is a culmination of joint efforts by Foreign Office, UNDP and Board of Investment, whereby Pakistan also successfully presented its $2 billion country investment portfolio at the global SDG Investment Fairs held in 2021 where Global Investors for Sustainable Development (GISD) Alliance also participated. The Report aims to help Pakistan create a positive shift in focus from a narrative approach to policy action based on measurable economic diplomacy and investment.

A first of its kind for Pakistan, the SDG Investment Report provides an overview of Pakistan’s policy priorities, regulatory environment, and its private sector development context. It aims to create strategic partnerships with international investors looking for impact investments, particularly in the areas of Climate Change and Climate Financing, SMEs and Industrial Development, ICTs, Healthcare and Education, and Transportation and Logistics.

The Report will form the basis of the extensive work UNDP is doing under its flagship SDG Impact Initiative, the SDG Investor Map. The Map will empower investors with clarity, insights, and tools for exploring exciting new avenues to expand the pool of public and private sector financing for targeted sustainable development projects in Pakistan.

It will also identify a range of market-specific investment opportunities for SDG-aligned capital deployment backed up by country-specific data and evidence, translating SDG needs and policy priorities into actionable investment opportunity areas (IOAs) to ensure the country Leaves No One Behind.

For more information, contact:
Communications Analyst
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Pakistan
4th Floor, Serena Office Complex,
Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-8355650
Cell: +92300 535 8225
Fax: +92-51-2655014-15
Email: fatimah.inayet@undp.org
Website: http://www.undp.org.pk

Karachi, January 27, 2022 (PPI-OT): U.S. patrol coastal ships USS Squall and USS Whirlwind visited Karachi, Pakistan, for a scheduled port visit January 25-26. While in Karachi, the crewmembers conducted visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) training with the Pakistan Navy in preparation for a combined maritime security operation in the North Arabian Sea.

“We are extremely excited to visit Pakistan as we build our relationship and sharpen our competitive edge in a very dynamic region,” said Lt. Cmdr. Martin Dineen, commanding officer of Whirlwind. Squall and Whirlwind are transiting the Middle East region in support of naval operations that ensure maritime security and stability. This port visit reflects the continued strong relationship and cooperation between the Pakistan Navy and U.S. 5th Fleet.

On Jan. 18, Pakistan Navy Commodore Vaqar Muhammad assumed command of Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, one of three task forces under Combined Maritime Forces that operates to disrupt illicit activities by criminal organizations, including the illegal transport of drugs, weapons and people. The Pakistan Navy has commanded operations in the Combined Maritime Forces 21 times: 12 times leading CTF 150 and 9 previous commands of anti-piracy Combined Task Force 151. This is more than any other participating country, including the United States.

“As we strengthen this partnership with Pakistan, we are able to build trust through valuable cross training and deliver a robust interdiction capability to the Pakistani commander of CTF 150,” said Lt. Cmdr. Todd Strong, commanding officer of Squall.

Brigadier General Jim Sindle, the U.S. Senior Defense Official and Defense Attaché to Pakistan said, “The visit of the USS Squall and the USS Whirlwind is the latest in an expanding series of visits, exercises, and exchanges between the U.S. and Pakistani Navies, demonstrating the strength of our bilateral relationship. We look forward to continuing the close cooperation between our countries and thank Pakistan for its leadership role in the Combined Maritime Forces.”

Commander Pakistan Fleet Vice Admiral Ovais Ahmed Bilgrami said, “It is an honour to host the USS Squall and USS Whirlwind in Karachi and we are excited about conducting focused maritime security operations with the United States, as we share common concerns with likeminded navies.”

Following a day of at-sea Passage Exercises (PASSEX) with the Pakistan Navy, the units from both countries will conduct a multiple day combined patrol across the North Arabian Sea focusing on maritime security to protect sea lanes of transportation and assure freedom of navigation. These operations enhance maritime interoperability and strengthen partnerships amongst members of the rules based international order.

For more information, contact:
Spokesman
Information Office Public Affairs Section
Embassy of the United States of America
U.S. Embassy, Islamabad- Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-2082911, +92-51-2081136
Cell: +92-300-5012640
Fax: +92-51-2278607
Email: webmasterisb@state.gov

Islamabad, January 27, 2022 (PPI-OT): Islamabad police have arrested five accused including two drug dealers during a massive search and combing operation conducted in limits of Bhara police station, said a police spokesman on Wednesday
According to details, a search operation was conducted in different areas of Bhara Kahu on the direction of IG Islamabad Muhammad Ahsan Younas, in which officials from Police stations, lady police, CTD participated under the supervision of SP City Zone Kamran Aamir Khan.

During the search operation 11 suspects were shifted to police station for verification and after verification 6 persons were released. During the search operation, 190 houses and 215 persons were searched. Police teams arrested five accused including two drug dealers and recovered 2850 gram hashish and one 30 bore pistol and ammunition. Cases have been registered against them. IG Islamabad Muhammad Ahsan Younas said that the purpose of the search operation was to tighten the noose around the criminals. Search operations are being carried out against criminal elements in different areas of the city.

For more information, contact:
Islamabad Police
Data centre H-11, Admin Block,
Police Head Quarter, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9258371 Ext (160)
Fax: +92-51-4443180
Email: webmaster@islamabadpolice.gov.pk
Website: https://islamabadpolice.gov.pk

Lahore, January 27, 2022 (PPI-OT): Inspector General of Police Punjab Rao Sardar Ali Khan has said that police service is a noble profession in which only those who work with the spirit of hard work, honesty and service to people are successful. Rao Sardar Ali Khan urged trainee ASPs to commit to their job not as a duty but as a service and sacred obligation. He stressed upon paying special attention to learn new trends and skills as the future lies in IT based policing.

IG Punjab said that lady officers joining police service should work alongside men and become role models for other women through their work. IG Punjab said that policing comes from experience and will of learning. IGP expressed that young officers should always give priority to posting in difficult places at the beginning of their career. He directed that free registration of crime, open door policy and immediate solution of problems of citizens is top priority of Punjab Police and all officers should provide all possible relief to the citizens through effective measures in this regard.

Rao Sardar Ali Khan said that the formation of specialized forces such as CTD, SPU, Dolphin, Peru and Anti-riots Force has significantly improved the rule of law and eliminated terrorism and crime in society. He expressed these views while addressing the ASPs undergoing training in the 48th Specialized Training Program on a study tour of the Central Police Office. The delegation from National Police Academy Islamabad included 27 trainee officers and 4 staff members.

Sahibzada Shehzad Sultan, Additional IG Operations, while briefing the trainee ASPs on modern projects of public service delivery and crime control, said that Punjab Police is taking steps on priority basis to transform the crime centric force into a service delivery force. At the same time, equal attention and resources are being provided to the investigation sector along with operations. Replying to queries of the trainee ASPs, IG Punjab said that Punjab Police has always been striving to maintain peace and order in the society and no sacrifice would be spared in this mission of serving and protecting the citizens.

The trainee ASPs asked questions on various topics while at the end of the visit, memorable souvenirs were exchanged between IG Punjab and the head of the delegation. Addl IG Establishment, Addl I PHP, Addl IG Special Branch, Additional IG Welfare and Finance, Additional IG Operations, Additional IG Logistics, Additional IG Training, Additional IG Investigation, DIG R and D, DIG IT, DIG Operations Punjab, DIG Headquarters along with other officers were present at this occasion.

For more information, contact:
Punjab Police
Punjab Police Computer Bureau,
5th Floor, Central Police Office (CPO),
Punjab, Lahore
Tel: +92-42-99213019, +92-42-99213013
Fax: +92-42-99213012
Email: sapcb@punjabpolice.gov.pk
Website: www.punjabpolice.gov.pk