Latest

PDMA organizes workshop to deal increasing risk of drought in Balochistan

QUETTA: In order to effectively deal with the increasing risks of drought in Balochistan, enhance the capacity for timely response in emergencies and further strengthen inter-agency coordination, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Balochistan organized a one-day workshop titled “Tabletop Simulation Exercise” in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Program (WFP).

On this occasion, representatives of federal and provincial departments, experts and heads of social organizations including FAO Antiseptic Specialist Roaidullah, Program Assistant WFP Asadullah, United Organization Balochistan Rehana Khilji participated.

The main objective of the workshop was to assess the potential impacts of drought in advance, promote effective coordination between relevant institutions and formulate a comprehensive strategy for timely and effective response.

During this, a practical review of institutional preparedness, resource availability, coordination and relief measures was conducted in the context of various hypothetical emergencies. While briefing the participants, it was informed that the Government of Balochistan, as per the vision of the Chief Minister of Balochistan, is adopting a modern and effective “proactive” strategy instead of the traditional “reactive” approach to deal with natural disasters, so that preventive measures can be ensured before any possible disaster. On this occasion, it was said that the Chief Minister of Balochistan has always emphasized on planning on scientific grounds and the use of modern technology, keeping in mind the geographical and climatic conditions of the province.

In the light of these instructions, PDMA Balochistan is being made more effective with modern data analysis, early warning system and world-class technology so that the effects of possible natural disasters can be minimized. Representatives of the departments of Meteorology, Agriculture, Livestock, Irrigation, Health, Information and other relevant institutions also participated in the workshop.

During the session, various aspects of quick response in emergencies, damage reduction, transparent and timely delivery of relief resources to the affected areas, and further strengthening the links between the district administration and the provincial control room were reviewed in detail. Addressing the concluding session, Deputy Director PDMA Asghar Ali Jamali as Chief guest of the workshop said that such exercises would prove to be an important milestone in making Balochistan a “disaster resilient” province.

He said that the provincial government under the leadership of the Chief Minister Balochistan is ensuring that farmers, livestock owners and ordinary citizens suffer minimal losses due to the effects of drought and climate change.

He added that the Government of Balochistan and PDMA value the cooperation of all their international partner institutions and would continue their joint efforts to establish a safe, stable and prosperous Balochistan.

Latest

Pakistani Students’ UK Visa Delays Raised by Azam Nazeer Tarar with British High Commissioner

Azam Nazeer Tarar with UK High Commissioner

ISLAMABAD: British High Commissioner Jane Marriott called on Federal Minister for Law & Justice Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar. The meeting discussed Pakistan-UK bilateral relations, matters of mutual interest and ways to further strengthen cooperation between the two countries.

During the meeting, the Federal Minister raised the issue of delays in UK visas for Pakistani students and conveyed the Government of Pakistan’s concern to the British High Commissioner.

Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar said that hundreds of Pakistani students were facing difficulties due to delays in visa processing, with a risk that the delays could result in the loss of their academic year. He stressed the need to remove obstacles faced by Pakistani students seeking education abroad and facilitate them in this regard.

The Federal Minister briefed the British High Commissioner that, on the directives of the Prime Minister, a committee under his chairmanship was working to improve the legal and institutional framework concerning Pakistani students studying abroad.

He further informed the High Commissioner that, on the Prime Minister’s directives, the committee had finalized its recommendations on the matter, and work was underway to further improve the legal and institutional framework for Pakistani students pursuing education abroad.

The Federal Minister said that the legal and institutional framework for Pakistani students seeking education abroad was being improved to develop an effective mechanism for addressing the issues faced by students.

British High Commissioner Jane Marriott assured the Federal Minister that the issue of delays in visas for Pakistani students would be addressed.

The meeting also discussed further strengthening educational linkages between Pakistan and the United Kingdom, as well as enhancing institutional cooperation and engagement between the two countries.

Minister of State for Law, Justice and Human Rights Barrister Aqeel Malik was also present during the meeting.

Latest

Naqvi Sets September 30 Deadline for Completion of Islamabad Safe City Expansion

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, accompanied by Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, visited the Islamabad Safe City Headquarters on Friday and chaired a special meeting to review progress on the Safe City Expansion Project, directing officials to complete the ambitious initiative by September 30.

During the briefing, officials informed the minister that overall work on the expansion project has reached 85 percent completion. Installation of the new surveillance network is also 85 percent complete, while 415 kilometres of optical fibre have been laid to support the upgraded system. Work on the data centre, cyber architecture, and cybersecurity infrastructure has also reached approximately 80 percent completion.

Expressing satisfaction over the pace of work, Naqvi stressed that the remaining tasks must be completed within the stipulated timeframe.

He said the government’s vision is to transform the Islamabad Safe City into a modern, smart, and world-class institution comparable to those in developed countries.

The interior minister said the technologically advanced Safe City system would significantly strengthen public safety through enhanced surveillance, effective monitoring, and rapid emergency response capabilities.

He noted that the project would play a vital role in improving law enforcement efficiency and ensuring better security for residents of the federal capital.

Naqvi also assigned officials the task of completing the state-of-the-art Fusion Centre within the next three months, describing it as a critical component of the upgraded Safe City network.

He further directed the relevant authorities to finalise the Safe City Bill at the earliest and present it before the National Assembly without delay to provide the legal framework necessary for the project’s long-term operation and expansion.

The meeting was attended by the Federal Secretary for Interior, the Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), senior Safe City officials, and other relevant officers, who briefed the minister on the progress and future roadmap of the expansion project.

Latest

PM Shehbaz, high-level delegation perform Umrah; pray for country’s progress

MAKKAH AL-MUKARRAMAH: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, along with his high-level delegation, performed Umrah here on Friday.

He was accompanied by his delegation including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, federal ministers Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant to PM Tariq Fatemi.

The door of Khana Kaaba was opened specially for the prime minister and his delegation.

Following the completion of the Umrah rituals, the prime minister, field marshal, and other members of the Pakistani delegation offered special prayers for the progress and prosperity of the country, the safety and unity of the Muslim Ummah, and for regional and global peace.

The prime minister arrived in Jeddah on Thursday evening for a three-day visit to Saudi Arabia at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

Besides meeting with his Saudi counterpart, he will also pay a visit to the Roze-e-Rasool (PBUH) in Madinah.