Entire nation, institutions united to eliminate menace of terrorism: PM

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said the entire nation and institutions are united to eliminate the menace of terrorism.

In a statement on Wednesday, he was appreciative of Punjab police for thwarting terrorist attack on Makerwal police station in Mianwali.

The Prime Minister announced to give awards and certificates of appreciation to the police officers and jawans who demonstrated extraordinary courage.

He paid tributes to the officers and jawans of the Punjab Police who compelled the terrorists to flee.

He said police is our front line force in the fight against terrorism. The whole nation is proud of the role and contribution of Punjab Police and CTD in the war against this menace.

The Prime Minister assured that police and the CTD will be further strengthened and equipped with modern weapons.

He said the whole nation stands by its brave forces to root out terrorism.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Govt announces to give 150% executive allowance to grade 17 to 22 officers of federal secretariat

The government has announced to give 150 percent executive allowance on 2017 basic salary to officers of federal secretariat from grade 17 to 22.

The announcement was made by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif after consultation with Finance Minister Ishaq Dar.

The decision has been taken to eliminate disparity in the salaries of officers of Federal Secretariat.

The decision will be applicable from 1st January this year.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Pak-US partnership critical for transformation to renewables: Masood Khan

Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States Masood Khan say the United States can help Pakistan in transformation to renewables, especially wind and solar power.

He was addressing a webinar on “What Pakistan’s Climate Crisis Means for the World” organized by prestigious US think-tank Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft.

He said that transformation to renewables was important for adaptation and embracing new technologies that would help the country build resilience to respond to the future disasters.

He said USAID, State Department and Pakistan are coordinating to develop projects that would benefit people directly and would launch a new program for climate adaptation and risk mitigation.

The Ambassador said that Pakistan’s top priorities post floods period included recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction and within these three clusters, our priorities are to restore lives and livelihoods; create economic opportunities; ensure social protection and rebuild damaged infrastructure.

He said that the projects pledged by international financial institutions and multilateral banks during Geneva Conference are aimed at poverty alleviation and building new infrastructure in critical sectors such as health and education. He said the Government of Pakistan and all the provincial governments are firmly committed to ensuring transparency and accountability in utilization of flood assistance.

The Ambassador said that Pakistan looked forward to international community for climate justice in addition to the support that has been provided for reconstruction and rehabilitation. He said we hope that the Loss & Damage Fund, set up by COP27, would be financed by the developed world to save countries like Pakistan from annihilation in future.

Director for USAID’s Office of Climate and Sustainable Growth at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad Steve Rynecki said that climate change was one of the biggest transnational challenges of the present time. He said that the United States is working closely with Pakistan to help the country in building resilience to drought and floods.

Source: Radio Pakistan

PM saved Pakistan from being default by taking tough decisions: Maryam

Senior Vice President and Chief Organizer Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz, Maryam Nawaz says Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has saved Pakistan from default by taking difficult economic decisions.

Addressing Organizational Convention of PML N in Bahawalpur on Wednesday, she said Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf destroyed economy of the country due to its inefficiency and wrong decisions.

Marriyum Nawaz said the current hike in prices of petrol and diesel is the result of PTI government's agreement with IMF.

She said the PML N eliminated load shedding and terrorism from the country and overcame inflation during its previous tenure.

Maryam Nawaz said the party will be reorganized and a new women wing will be formed.

Source: Radio Pakistan

World Interfaith Harmony Week being observed

World Interfaith Harmony Week is being observed across the globe to realize the need for dialogue among different faiths and religions.

The UN General Assembly designated the first week of February as the World Interfaith Harmony Week in 2010 to promote peace and stability in the world by creating harmony and goodwill among all people regardless of their faith and religion.

Source: Radio Pakistan

OIC condemning desecration of Holy Quran, calls for joint action to stop recurrence

Organization of Islamic Cooperation while condemning the desecration of Holy Qur'an in some European countries has called for joint action to stop recurrence of such incidents.

The Extraordinary Meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Executive Committee was held in Jeddah to express stance against the recent sacrilegious acts in Sweden, the Netherlands, and Denmark.

The meeting also discussed the possible actions that the OIC could take against the perpetrators of the despicable Islamophobic attacks.

During the meeting, the OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha reiterated his dismay at the provocative acts done by far-right activists.

He termed such actions criminal acts perpetrated with the main intention to target Muslims.

The OIC Secretary General urged upon the relevant governments to take severe counter-measures, because such provocations have been committed repeatedly by far-right extremists in their countries.

Source: Radio Pakistan