Day: June 16, 2024

Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change Romina Khurshid Alam has highlighted Pakistan's urgent need to tackle desertification and land degradation. In a statement issued on the eve of World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, she said Pakistan is experiencing severe desertification and recurrent droughts, with 68 percent of its land classified as arid or semi-arid. Romina Khurshid Alam emphasized the government's commitment to restoring degraded lands, enhancing climate resilience, and achieving sustainable development goals. She noted that Pakistan, a signatory to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, is collaborating with international partners on various projects to address these challenges. Factors contributing to desertification in Pakistan include rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, deforestation, unsustainable agricultural practices, and carbon emissions. The resulting impacts include loss of fertile soil, water scarcity, rural poverty, and increased migration. She sa id the present government under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has already taken proactive coping measures to address desertification in collaboration with various stakeholders including civil society organizations, academia, and international partners. The Prime Minister's Coordinator underscored ongoing initiatives like the Green Pakistan Programme, climate-smart agriculture, and Recharge Pakistan. These efforts aim to promote sustainable land management, increase tree cover, and conserve natural resources. Community engagement and raising awareness are crucial components of these initiatives. She called for a holistic approach involving environmental, economic, and social strategies to address desertification and protect livelihoods, urging global cooperation to combat this growing threat. Source: Radio Pakistan

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with the Acting President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Mohammad Mokhber . The Prime Minister conveyed his warm greetings for a happy and joyous Eid ul Adha to the Government and the brotherly people of Iran, particularly to the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The two leaders also discussed bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest. While lauding the historic visit of late Iranian President Dr. Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi to Pakistan in April this year, the Prime Minister reiterated his commitment to work with total resolve to achieve all the mutually agreed upon objectives of the visit so as to further deepen our bilateral relations. The Prime Minister also expressed sincere wishes to the Iranian government for the successful holding of upcoming Presidential elections in Iran on June 28. Source: Radio Pakistan

The Nation celebrates Eid-ul-Azha on Monday with religious fervour to commemorate the great sacrifice of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and Hazrat Ismael (AS). The day will dawn with special prayers in mosques for well-being of the Ummah and progress, prosperity and security of the country. Eid prayers' congregations will be held at mosques, Eidgahs and open places in all cities, towns and villages. Ulema, in their sermons of Eid, will highlight the significance of the philosophy of great sacrifice offered by Hazrat Ibrahim and Hazrat Ismael (AS). People will offer sacrifice of animals to act upon the Sunnah of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS). Civic authorities of cities and towns have also made special arrangements for disposal of offals and other solid waste during three days of Eid. Source: Radio Pakistan

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi says the protection of the Chinese brothers working for the construction and development of Pakistan is the first priority of the government. In a meeting with Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong at Chinese Embassy in Islamabad today, he briefed on the security plan for Chinese engineers and staff working on CPEC and other projects. Mohsin Naqvi said a separate force SPU is being created in Islamabad for the protection of foreign nationals. The Minister said no one can create a rift in the eternal friendship between Pakistan and China and any such conspiracy will never be allowed to succeed. They also discussed the recent visit of the Prime Minister of Pakistan to China. The Chinese ambassador expressed satisfaction over the security arrangements. Source: Radio Pakistan