Day: March 1, 2022

Karachi, March 01, 2022 (PPI-OT):A 3-member Foreign Investor Delegation from Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic headed by Kanat Kopbayev called on Governor Sindh Imran Ismail at Governor’s House today. The purpose of the visit is to establish bilateral business relations, as well as to study the trade and investment opportunities.

The Kyrgyz side provided detailed information on the economic activities of the Kyrgyz Republic, opportunities for establishing bilateral trade, investment in garment, textile, energy, agricultural, agro-food processing and tourism industries/sectors. Governor Sindh urged the Kyrgyz businessmen and investors to take advantage of the ample investment opportunities in various sectors across Pakistan, which include construction, energy, healthcare etc.

Imran Ismail observed that Pakistan is an emerging market and business companies from around the world are showing interest in investment in Pakistan due to prudent economic policies of the government. “Pakistan’s improved rating in terms of ease of doing business at international level depicts full confidence of the international community in the policies of the present government,” he maintained.

During the meeting, Governor Sindh noted that this type of events will help find common ground for building mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation and determining an effective format for interaction between business circles of the Kyrgyz Republic and Pakistan. The delegation appreciated the economic policies of the Pakistan government aimed at encouraging investment; and to take steps to facilitate foreign investors. The delegates also expressed keen interest in enhancing the trade and investment between the two countries.

For more information, contact:
Advisor to Governor (Higher Education and Media)
Sindh Governor House
Tel: +92-21-99201216-7, +92-21-99201201-3
Email: press@governorsindh.gov.pk
Website: www.governorsindh.gov.pk

Islamabad, March 01, 2022 (PPI-OT):The Senate Standing Committee on Railways in its meeting on Monday, at Parliament House discussed in detail the PSDP plan 2022-23 and future strategies of Pakistan Railways. The Committee also took up questions related to Railways property and its utilization.

Chaired by Senator Muhammad Qasim, the meeting was attended by Deputy Chairman Senate, Senator Mirza Muhammad Afridi, Senator Dost Muhammad Khan, Senator Saifullah Sarwar Khan Nyazee, Senator Shahadat Awan, Senator Naseebullah Bazai and senior officers of the Ministry of Railways along with all concerned.

Minister for Railways Muhammad Azam Khan Swati was also present. While reviewing details of the PSDP 2022-23; the Committee was informed of the strategy that entailed business development; rolling stock availability and infrastructural development.

The Committee was informed that good governance and income generation was at the core of the Pakistan Railways sustainability plan and the Ministry will make all out efforts to ensure this is materialized. A list of new and ongoing projects was submitted to the Committee. Total proposed PSDP 2022-23 allocation amounted to PKR 46.3 billion.

Minister for Railways Muhammad Azam Khan Swati, said that it is sad that railway property had not been utilized for the maximum benefit of the country and that he and his team would ensure that this practice is curbed. He appealed to the Judiciary to strengthen Federal agencies so that these could benefit the nation.

He stressed the need for a regulatory body that would amplify and streamline accountability of Organizational assets including 186000 acres of land. He added that commercialization of the railways was a priority and the land would be leased for commercial projects; residence and agriculture that will be a continuous source of income. He stated that in keeping with the performance of the Pakistan Railways in the past six months; that generated PKR 2 billion; it is hoped that PKR 4 billion will be generated within a year.

Taking up questions of sustainability, the Committee inquired about the various leased projects on meagre amount. He assured the committee that he will look into the matter personally. The Committee fully supported the Ministry in its quest for reforms and was of the view that systems must be strengthened to control irregularities.

For more information, contact:
Senate of Pakistan
H.No.7, Cat-II, G-8/2, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9204564534
Fax: +92-51-9205703
E-mail: senate@comsats.net.pk
Website: www.senate.gov.pk

Islamabad, March 01, 2022 (PPI-OT):Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change met on Monday under the Chairpersonship of Senator Seemee Ezdi to take insight of the compliance of the recommendations made by the committee on Climate Change since its formation and to discuss the budgetary proposals for Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) for the financial year 2022-23.

The committee discussed at length the recommendations made by the Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change since its formation. The committee was informed that in compliance of the recommendations of the Senate Committee on Climate Change, informed that the draft amendments in the Forest Act, 1927 by the Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries Department, Government of the Punjab, has been approved by the Provincial Cabinet. The Chairman Committee sought a copy of the draft amendments.

Briefing on gradual progression from Euro-2 to Euro -5 fuels was also taken up. The committee was informed that 80,000 to 90,000 vehicles enter Islamabad on daily basis. The Committee was informed that Euro V is being complied in terms of import however in the current scenario the refineries present in Pakistan do not have the capacity to implement and they are working on Euro II.

Pakistan meet High Speed Diesel (HSD) requirement through 60 pc local production and 40 pc import similarly, Pakistan meet (motor gasoline) MS requirement through 30pc local production and import of around 70pc. The committee was apprised that in order to fully switch to Euro-V fuels refineries a draft refining policy has been made prepared offering attractive fiscal packages to encourage refineries to upgrade and produce Euro-V fuels.

The committee expressed concerns on growing trend of fire in the Margalla Hills. The Chairperson IWMB and the CDA official informed the committee that meetings have been coordinated with the DG environment and wildlife management to devise a plan for the prevention of fire in the Margalla hills in the coming seasons.

The CDA informed the committee that the fire prevention is to contain the spread of fire. The CDA official informed that further measures will be taken to prevent fire in the area, The CDA official told that the PC -1 is approved for the procurement of machinery equipment for prevention of fire. The official also apprised the committee that the fire prevention plan will be aided by the fire fighters from the local community and the rangers.

The chairperson IWMB informed the committee on the issue of littering at the Margalla Hills, Islamabad. It was informed that the littering issue can only be resolved through on spot fines. “Charges on the littering at present are done through the magistrate, the process makes it impossible to fine charges on time” stated Chairperson IWMB. The chairperson informed that the Nature and Wildlife Management Act has been drafted which will give powers to the rangers for on spot fine on littering.

The chairperson IWMB also informed the committee that notices are also being served to LA Montana and other restaurants in order to meet the objective of the National Park. The committee was also informed that in the light of the judgment of the high court no construction would be allowed in the National Park and it would solely serve the purpose of education and promotion of wild life. The committee was also informed that these hotels and restaurants are also a source of contaminating the water.

The CDA official informed that sewerage treatment plants for non-operational for 10 years in I /9 sectors. The CDA officials also informed that a solar Panel has also been gifted to Pakistan by China since 10 years which is non-functional. The committee showed its grave concern over the non-functional solar plant and sought details over the matter.

The Ministry of Climate Change Presented the budgetary proposal of 26,423.328 million for approved projects and 2,017.335 for unapproved projects for Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) for the financial year 2022-23.

The Projects include the approved project of Ten Billion Tree Tsunami Programme-Phase-I up calling of Green Pakistan Programme (revised), Capacity Building on Water Quality Monitoring and SDG 6 and Climate Resilient Urban Human Settlement Unit and an unapproved project of establishment Wash Strategic Programme Unit Performance Based WASH Development at MoCC.

The meeting was attended by Senators Mushahid Hussain Sayed, Taj Haider, Dr. Muhammad Humayun Mohmand, Kamran Michael, Khalida Ateeb, Umer Farooq and Senator Abida Muhammad Azeem. Senior officials from the Ministry of Climate Change, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other attached departments were also in attendance.

For more information, contact:
Senate of Pakistan
H.No.7, Cat-II, G-8/2, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9204564534
Fax: +92-51-9205703
E-mail: senate@comsats.net.pk
Website: www.senate.gov.pk