Month: April 2024

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) in Islamabad is taking proactive measures to address solid waste management concerns by implementing new regulations for housing societies in the city.

Under these regulations, the CDA will begin collecting charges for solid waste management services from new housing societies, aiming to streamline waste disposal practices and promote environmental sustainability.

As part of the regulatory framework, each housing society will be required to submit a comprehensive plan to the CDA outlining the establishment of solid waste disposal sites within their premises. These plans will undergo a thorough evaluation by key stakeholders within the CDA, including the Director Housing Societies, Director Regional Planning, and the Sanitation Department. Additionally, input from the Environment Department of the CDA will be sought to ensure compliance with environmental standards and regulations.

Housing societies will assume responsibility for the setup and maintenance of waste di
sposal sites for all residential units within their jurisdiction. Moreover, they will bear the regular expenses associated with waste management services, contributing to the sustainability efforts of the city.

In a bid to enforce compliance, housing societies failing to obtain necessary permits will be prohibited from utilizing CDA’s dumping sites for waste disposal. Instead, they will be required to manage solid waste within their premises until formal approval is granted by the CDA.

Source: Pro Pakistani

Pakistan and Belarus have agreed to further strengthen their economic cooperation and enhance bilateral trade.

The understanding was reached during meeting between Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema with Ambassador of Belarus to Pakistan Andrei Metelitsa in Islamabad today.

They discussed matters of mutual interest and commitments made during the 6th Session of Pakistan-Belarus Joint Ministerial Commission at Minsk, Belarus last year.

The Minister highlighted that Pakistan and Belarus share a cordial and friendly relationship and the 6th Session of Pakistan-Belarus Joint Ministerial Commission will pave way for further cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, health, science, technology and tourism.

He underscored the potential for joint ventures between Pakistani and Belarusian firms for use of agricultural machinery, tractors and harvesters compatible with the Pakistani market.

Ahad Cheema said Pakistan has a vast potential to export textile, agriculture products and surgical equi
pment to Belarus while benefiting from Belarusian expertise in heavy machinery and plants.

He apprised the ambassador of Pakistan’s outlook for development of trade, commerce and agriculture and emphasized utilizing the forum of Pak-Belarus Joint Ministerial Commission to boost bilateral ties.

On the occasion, the Ambassador said trade between the two countries is far below the true potential and needs to be enhanced through Government to Government (G2G) and Business to Business (B2B) interaction, trade exhibitions and harmonization of banking procedures.

Source: Radio Pakistan

The Karachi administration has issued an order to evacuate buildings in the city following the identification of several areas with structures deemed unsafe and susceptible to imminent collapse.

Despite being classified as hazardous, 556 buildings have not been vacated as residents have chosen to remain due to their living circumstances. Acknowledging the potential dangers, the administration is now placing emphasis on expediting the evacuation process.

The Commissioner of Karachi has instructed Deputy Commissioners to accelerate the assessment of these damaged buildings. A detailed report on their condition is anticipated within a week, followed by the formulation of a formal evacuation plan aimed at ensuring the safety of residents.

The commissioner stated that DCs should collaborate with the Sindh Building Control Authority to take immediate measures to protect human lives.

The commissioner instructed local municipalities to assess their historical buildings and ancient markets and take necessary acti
ons.

A survey conducted by the SBCA Technical Committee on Dangerous Buildings last year stated that about 550 buildings in Karachi were in dilapidated conditions. SBCA has issued notices to the residents of all such buildings to vacate these structures immediately as these buildings can collapse at any time during rains.

Source: Pro Pakistani

Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema has acknowledged the role of Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) in providing critical aid during the 2022 floods in Pakistan.

He was talking to Development Director of the British High Commission in Pakistan, Ms. Jo Moir, who called on him in Islamabad today.

The Minister also acknowledged and thanked the support of Foreign Commonwealth Development Office for the International Partners’ Support Group.

The Minister reiterated the commitment of the Government of Pakistan to ongoing cooperation with the FCDO for the socio-economic development of Pakistan.

He also discussed strategies to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Pakistan’s bureaucracy and proposed exploring training programs for its capacity building.

Ahad Cheema thanked the esteemed guest and her team, emphasizing the need for increased financial support, particularly in climate finance, disaster mitigation, and flood rehabilitation and reconstruction.

On this occasion, the Deve
lopment Director of the British High Commission thanked the Minister for strong partnership and collaborative efforts.

She also thanked the Minister for addressing issues such as poverty reduction, climate change, financing instruments, and the strengthening of financial management and accountability.

Ms Jo Moir agreed to enhance the cooperation between the Government of Pakistan and the FCDO key areas and assured her full support in exploring innovative green financing instruments to address climate change and support social sector initiatives in collaboration with the Ministry of Economic Affairs.

Source: Radio Pakistan

After years of resistance, the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has given the green light for the local production of sildenafil citrate, a drug used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). According to according to a national daily, officials confirmed on Monday that the DRAP Policy Board has decided in principle to allow both local and multinational pharmaceutical companies to manufacture the drug within Pakistan.

During the 151st meeting of the DRAP Policy Board held last month, chaired by former federal health secretary Iftikhar Shallwani, representatives from all provinces, industry stakeholders, and DRAP officials extensively discussed the issue. Finally, a consensus was reached to grant registration to pharmaceutical companies interested in producing sildenafil citrate, commonly known as Viagra worldwide.

The decision marks a significant shift in policy, as sildenafil citrate was previously illegal in Pakistan. Despite the ban, it’s estimated that over a million tablets of the drug are sold
illegally in the country, mostly smuggled from various countries including India, China, Thailand, Turkey, Egypt, England, and the United States.

Interestingly, Viagra and its variants are among the most sought-after items at pharmacies across Pakistan. Surprisingly, in many instances, store owners are not prosecuted even if only Viagra or its different brands are found in their possession, claimed the DRAP official, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Notably, DRAP had already approved the registration of sildenafil citrate in syrup form for children suffering from pulmonary hypertension. With this latest decision, local production of the drug is expected to meet the demand while also curbing the illegal trade of sildenafil citrate in the country.

Source: Pro Pakistani

President Asif Ali Zardari has approved the appointment of Rana Sanaullah as Advisor to the Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs.

The appointment of Rana Sanaullah was approved under Article 93 (a) of the Constitution on the advice of the Prime Minister.

Source: Radio Pakistan

The Tourism, Archaeology, and Museums Department, in collaboration with the Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab (TDCP) and Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA), is set to host the inaugural Jeep Rally in Lahore on May 4th and 5th.

A special press briefing was convened at the Lahore Museum auditorium, attended by key figures including the Secretary of Tourism, Managing Director TDCP, and CEO of Ravi Urban Development Authority. The event served as the platform for the exciting announcement and promotion of the rally.

The rally track spans thirty-five kilometers and will feature around sixty drivers, including female participants. The event will mark the debut of dirt bike, street bike, and truck races in Lahore. The opening ceremony is scheduled for May 4th at CBD Main Boulevard Gulberg, with the closing ceremony slated to take place at Lahore Fort.

The Lahore Ravi Rally is made possible through collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Tourism Department, TDCP, RUDA, Commissioner Lah
ore, National Highway, and the District Police Officer Sheikhupura.

Speaking at the press briefing, MD TDCP Ms Humera Ikram expressed enthusiasm for bringing such a thrilling event to Lahore, aiming to provide a platform for youth and racing enthusiasts to showcase their talents.

CEO RUDA Imran Amin underscored the popularity of motorsports in Pakistan and emphasized that initiating the rally in Lahore will establish it as a permanent feature. He extended a warm welcome to all participating drivers and assured them of a memorable experience.

Secretary Tourism Punjab Raja Jehangir Anwar extended gratitude to all stakeholders involved and highlighted TDCP’s pioneering role in motorsports. He revealed plans to host Formula One races and reiterated the department’s commitment to organizing the rally annually. The Ravi track will serve as a permanent feature, with plans to expand similar rallies to other rivers in Punjab.

The rally has garnered nationwide attention, with attendees expected from across Pakistan
and international participation anticipated in future editions. Shuttle bus services will be available for the convenience of rally enthusiasts attending the event on May 5th.

Source: Pro Pakistani

The Supreme Court of Pakistan today heard a suo-moto notice of the letter written by six Islamabad High Court judges regarding interference in judicial matters.

A six-member bench is headed by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa and comprising Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Justice Athar Minallah, Justice Musarrat Hilali and Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan heard the case.

The court adjourned the hearing till 7th of the next month.

Source: Radio Pakistan