Day: May 10, 2024

World Migratory Bird Day is being observed today.

This year’s World Migratory Bird Day theme is “Protect Insects, Protect Birds”.

The day highlights the relationship between migratory birds and insects amidst alarming declines for both. Present in almost all the world’s ecosystems, insects are essential food sources for migratory birds on their long journeys.

World Migratory Bird Day is a global campaign that educates and promotes conservation efforts for migratory birds and their journeys across borders.

Source: Radio Pakistan

A meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Privatization was held in Islamabad today with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in the chair.

The meeting was also attended by other members of the Committee including the Finance Minister, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Privatization, Minister for Industries and Production, Governor State Bank of Pakistan, Chairman SECP besides Federal Secretaries of various Ministries and Division.

The committee recommended that priority shall be accorded to privatization of loss-making entities while the federal footprint shall be limited only to the Strategic and Essential SOEs under the Federal Government’s domain. It emphasized that even the SOE making profits shall be considered for privatization.

It was decided that 40 SOEs shall be placed by respective Ministries before the Cabinet Committee on State Owned Enterprises for their categorization as Strategic or Essential. The SOEs which will not be categorized as Strategic or Essential shall be included
in the Privatization Programme.

The committee directed the Ministry of Privatization to deliberate the rationale provided by respective Ministries for not including 18 SOEs in consultation with them and firmed up proposals regarding each shall be submitted to CCoP in its next meeting.

It approved 24 entities for the Privatization Programme and directed Ministry of Privatization to deliberate the phasing of each entity in consultation with the respective Ministries.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema has said new projects have been identified for execution in priority sectors such as Information and Communication Technology, climate change, construction and transport.

Chairing the kickoff meeting of Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) Country Programme Mission, led by Director of Asia team from EXIM Bank Bonhyun Koo, in Islamabad, he mentioned that seven ongoing projects, totaling 522 million dollars are currently being implemented across key sectors, including road infrastructure, information technology, and health.

He also commended EXIM Bank for signing the Framework Arrangement (2022-26) and expressed the hope for full utilization of the 1,000 million dollars committed under this agreement.

Furthermore, it was noted that ten pipeline projects have already been shared with the EDCF, and their prompt implementation is anticipated.

The Minister reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with the EDCF and expressed confidence tha
t with improved efficiency in project preparation and implementation, the two sides can maximize their collaborative potential.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited the site of under construction Jail in Sector H of the federal capital Islamabad.

Speaking on the occasion, he directed the concerned authorities to complete first phase of the jail within six months.

He also instructed the Chief Commissioner Islamabad and IG Islamabad Police to regularly review progress on construction activities.

Mohsin Naqvi said delaying the project for seven years is clearly reflects incompetence. He said the construction of the Jail should be completed within the timeline by working round the clock on this project.

The Interior Minister said the process of appointment of necessary staff should be started immediately, while provision of resources for the completion of the project within the timeline will also be ensured.

The Jail in Islamabad will have the capacity of keeping 2,000 prisoners, while its capacity will be enhanced for detaining more two thousand prisoners.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Special awards investiture ceremony was held at Karachi Corps in which Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military), Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (Military) and Tamgha-i-Basalat were conferred on Army officers and soldiers.

Corps Commander Karachi, Lieutenant General Babar Iftikhar was the Chief Guest on the occasion.

Next of Kin of nine soldiers received Tamgha-i-Basalat on behalf of Shuhadas. Fourteen officers were awarded Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military) while nineteen officers were conferred Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (Military) for rendering meritorious services to the nation.

A large number of senior army officers and families of awardees attended the ceremony. The Corps Commander Karachi also interacted with the families of Shuhada and paid rich tribute to their sacrifices.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Iran has decided to repatriate illegal Afghans in view of the terror threat.

According to the Iranian Interior Minister, more than 1.3 million illegal immigrants were sent back from Iran so far.

The Iranian Interior Minister also indicated to take strict measures to prevent the return of illegal Afghan citizens to Iran in the future.

Source: Radio Pakistan