Month: April 2024

In recognition of International Labor Day, the Lahore High Court (LHC) and subordinate courts across the province are scheduled to be closed on May 1st.

This decision is part of a holiday gazette notification issued by the Lahore High Court, officially marking May 1st as a holiday.

The Lahore High Court Bar Association (LHCBA) also conveyed this decision to lawyers, ensuring stakeholders were informed.

Furthermore, the LHCBA displayed a notice regarding the holiday on their notice board to reach lawyers and litigants. As a result, legal proceedings and scheduled hearings for May 1st will be adjourned due to the closure of courts.

Moreover, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has also announced a bank holiday on May 1st. According to the SBP’s notification, banks across the country will remain closed tomorrow.

Earlier, the provincial government of Sindh also announced an off-day across the province on Labor Day. As per the notification, all the government offices, autonomous bodies, semi-autonomous bodies,
corporations, and local councils under the administrative control of the Sindh government except essential services will have an off day on May 1, 2024.

Source: Pro Pakistani

Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanveer has directed the fertilizer companies to immediately reverse the recent hike in urea prices.

He gave these instructions, while speaking at an emergency meeting with representatives of fertilizer companies, including Fauji Fertilizer Company Limited, Engro Fertilizer Private Limited, and Fatima Fertilizer Company in Islamabad today.

The Minister emphasized that the government’s top priority is to protect farmers’ interests and ensure uninterrupted supply of urea during the upcoming Kharif season.

Rana Tanvir Hussain highlighted that the government has decided to import 200,000 metric tons of urea. He said 500,000 metric tons of urea will additionally be imported if need arises to meet local demands?

He instructed the fertilizer companies to share urea fertilizer distribution plan every month in advance.

Minister asked Fertilizer companies that all stakeholders should be consulted before increasing urea fertilizer prices in future?

He stressed that incr
ease in price of urea fertilizer without increase in cost of production is not acceptable.

On the occasion, the fertilizer companies sought time of three days to reverse the decision to grant relief to farmers.

Source: Radio Pakistan

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