Smog in 2025
The focus now must shift to immediate actions that individuals and authorities can take to reduce harm—such as closing schools, offices, and banning certain activities. Firstly, stubble burning should be criminalised and penalised, with alternative waste disposal methods implemented long before smog season. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the viability of remote and hybrid work arrangements; for the three months when smog is most severe, schools and government offices could also operate in hybrid mode. Finally, costly but effective methods like cloud seeding and artificial rainfall could be considered to temporarily alleviate smog when conditions are particularly severe. Otherwise, millions will face yet another year of hazardous smog, suffocating under dangerous air quality, with lives being lost every moment.
Source:The Nation
November 13, 2024 13:46 UTC
Countering Ideology
Incidents of religious extremism within the police are increasingly common, creating scenarios where officers must guard against threats from within their own ranks. This internal threat undermines public trust and complicates counter-terrorism efforts nationwide, as the reliability of the force itself comes into question. Pakistan has sporadically engaged in counter-terrorism initiatives but has yet to launch a robust strategy to address the root causes of extremism. The government must revive and reinforce NAP’s counter-extremism measures as a long-term strategy to secure the nation. Addressing the ideological roots of extremism rather than focusing solely on short-term, reactionary measures is essential to building a more secure and cohesive society.
Source:The Nation
November 13, 2024 13:46 UTC
COP29: Echoes from the Mountains
“Worsening Climate Impact will put inflation on steroids unless every country can take bolder climate actions,” UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell, addressed world leaders at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. As COP29 kicks off on November 11, the developing nations are well prepared to present compelling cases for substantial funding. The Ministry of Climate Change has officially finalized a 35-member delegation for COP29, including the cabinet minister’s daughter, with an estimated cost of around $1 million. Fourth, a transparent system should be established to ensure accountability and equitable distribution of funds to the most vulnerable communities. Lastly, vulnerable communities should be actively involved in climate discussions and policymaking to ensure accurate data collection and implement effective strategies.
Source:The Nation
November 13, 2024 13:41 UTC
At UN climate talks, nations like Pakistan get chance to bear witness to climate change
The UAE-Pakistan trade volume rose to $7.9 billion in 2023, up 12 percent from 2022. “Discussions were also held on the investment of UAE companies in various projects in Karachi,” the CM’s office said. In May this year, Prime Minister Shehbaz said the UAE had committed $10 billion to invest in promising economic sectors in Pakistan. Earlier this month, Pakistan signed four MoUs with the AD Ports Group, a major investor in Pakistan, to explore opportunities in the maritime, air and rail sectors as well as in logistics and digital services. With UAE partner Kaheel Terminals, AD Ports Group is already developing, operating, and managing container, bulk, and general cargo operations at the Port of Karachi, Pakistan’s major port, where it has agreed to invest almost $400 million over 15 years.
Source:The Nation
November 13, 2024 12:15 UTC
PM calls for honouring financial pledges to deal with climate change issue
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called on the global community to honour its financial pledges to deal with the issue of climate change. Addressing Climate Action Summit COP-29 in Baku today, he regretted that the financial commitments made at previous summits were yet to be fulfilled. The Prime Minister emphasized that climate finance must be grant based and not add to the debt burden of vulnerable developing countries. Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan is a resilient, hardworking and responsible nation and that it is fully committed to be part of global climate solutions. Last year, Pakistan presented a comprehensive national adaptation plan and this year, it has developed a national carbon market framework.
Source:The Nation
November 13, 2024 11:38 UTC
Governor for tangible steps to fight smog
LAHORE - Governor Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider Khan on Tuesday said that smog had hampered life in Punjab and practical steps were needed on war footing to overcome the situation. The Governor Punjab said smog had turned into a big problem which had brought business and life to a stand-still, adding people were suffering from diseases. He said the Punjab government should ensure practical steps to resolve the smog issue. The Governor Punjab said that democracy was vital to the strengthening of institutions to bring stability in the country. The Punjab Governor assured the delegation to resolve the problems by talking to the NADRA Chairman and other officials.
Source:The Nation
November 13, 2024 09:15 UTC
China Moves To Secure Its Nationals In Pakistan
China Moves To Secure Its Nationals In Pakistan Growing concerns over attacks lead Beijing to push for joint security measures with IslamabadBeijing has intensified its push for increased security cooperation with Islamabad, following recent attacks on Chinese nationals working on various projects in Pakistan. A written proposal from China sought to formalize the presence of Chinese security forces, allowing them to engage directly in counter-terror operations. Pakistan’s security agencies have been cautious about accepting Beijing's demands for increased operational roles. Pakistan aims to strike a balance between ensuring the safety of foreign nationals, especially from China, and maintaining its autonomy over national security operations. Yet, diplomatic channels remain delicate, as any visible concession to Chinese security forces could be perceived unfavorably by the public and political factions within Pakistan.
Source:The Express Tribune
November 13, 2024 08:21 UTC
Lebanese artists struggle to keep creativity alive in a nation at war
For Lebanese civilians, the conflict has revived grim memories of the devastating 2006 war with Israel and the civil war years of 1975-90. For Syrians, though, the memories of conflict and displacement are even more raw, with the 13-year civil war in their home country still ongoing. “When we visited the municipality, they refused to register our names and said priority was given to displaced Lebanese families,” Rabab, who is originally from northwest Syria, told Arab News. Hector Hajjar, Lebanon’s caretaker minister of social affairs, has denied accusations of discrimination against displaced Syrians. In recent years, Lebanese politicians have characterized displaced Syrians as a burden on society and called for their deportation.
Source:The Nation
November 13, 2024 02:05 UTC
Oman to host inaugural FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2
- Advertisement -ISLAMABAD, Nov 12 (APP): The inaugural edition of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Hockey Nations Cup 2 (men) will be staged in Muscat, Oman from February 17 to 23 next year. This new event will give the opportunity for eight more nations – ie, the national teams ranked after those involved in the FIH Hockey Pro League and the FIH Hockey Nations Cup – to play an intercontinental FIH tournament, and compete for the chance to be promoted into the 2026 FIH Nations Cup, said a press release. “Hosting the inaugural FIH Nations Cup 2 in Oman is both an honor and a testament to our commitment to advancing hockey in the region. This tournament marks a significant milestone for Hockey Oman, and we look forward to an exciting display of talent and sportsmanship on our home ground”, said Hockey Oman Chairman Dr. Marwan Juma Al Juma. Hosting very successfully the inaugural FIH Hockey5s World Cup and now the very first FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2!
Source:The Nation
November 12, 2024 22:26 UTC
Gillani urges nation to renew pledge to follow Iqbal’s teachings for better Pakistan
- Advertisement -ISLAMABAD, Nov 8 (APP):Acting President, Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani urged the nation to renew its commitment to follow the teaching of Allama Iqbal, the ideological founder of Pakistan, and work for the unity, peace and prosperity of Pakistan. A philosopher of the East, Iqbal’s ideas paved the way for the creation of an independent country. Dr Iqbal’s work united the Muslims of the Subcontinent and his thoughts and speeches motivated them to wage a struggle to achieve a separate country for them, he said. His vision continues to resonate with youth, guiding and educating them to uphold Pakistan’s values and strive for progress, he added. His words continue to resonate, inspiring generations worldwide with a powerful blend of philosophical insight and poetic beauty,” the Acting President said.
Source:The Nation
November 08, 2024 22:01 UTC
What Israel is really
If it understood the past and properly projected the future, Israel would know that self-respect is indisputable. The cause Israel never constructed settlements in south Lebanon was for the reason that they were never safe. It is not correct that Israel has no desires in South Lebanon. The political analysts and forecasters see the future as depressing for Gaza and south Lebanon, but it is unwelcoming for Israel. In addition, on the other, they have the West gradually liberating itself from feelings of culpability and beginning to see what Israel is really.
Source:The Patriot
November 08, 2024 21:16 UTC
Kashmir Seeks Autonomy, Defying India’s Rule
The recent election results and the passage of this resolution underscore the deep-seated dissatisfaction among Kashmiris with India’s decision to revoke Article 370 in August 2019. This move stripped Kashmir of its autonomy and divided the state into two union territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. The revocation of Article 370 has significantly strained India-Pakistan relations. The move was widely condemned internationally, and Pakistan has repeatedly called for the restoration of Kashmir’s special status. By reinstating Article 370, India could not only address the concerns of the Kashmiri people but also improve its relations with Pakistan.
Source:The Patriot
November 08, 2024 20:37 UTC
Punjab govt approves expansion of safe city project to nineteen cities
The Punjab government has approved a plan by the Safe Cities Authority to expand the network of surveillance cameras to 19 cities across the province. Cities including Lodhran, Bahawalnagar, Jhelum, Vehari, Layyah, Taunsa, Chiniot, and Toba Tek Singh will be equipped with approximately 5,000 cameras as part of the expansion. The project is estimated to cost Rs5.25 billion, with a completion deadline set for June 2025. Officials have confirmed that the first phase of the project is already underway in cities such as Sheikhupura, Rawalpindi, Sialkot, Gujrat, and Gujranwala.
Source:The Nation
November 08, 2024 16:27 UTC
Immediate regulation sought on emerging tobacco, nicotine products
ISLAMABAD - The Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC) is urgently calling for immediate regulation on emerging tobacco and nicotine products, which have seen a troubling rise in popularity among children and youth in Pakistan. “The industry is aggressively promoting emerging nicotine products, which are designed to attract young users through appealing marketing strategies that mislead them into believing that these products are less harmful than conventional cigarettes. Research indicates that many young people mistakenly believe that using emerging nicotine products is safe, often leading to increased experimentation and addiction. The government must act swiftly to restrict emerging tobacco and nicotine products to protect the health of our future generations,” he urged. Emerging tobacco and nicotine products often feature vibrant packaging, trendy designs, and enticing flavors aimed specifically at younger audiences.
Source:The Nation
November 08, 2024 13:33 UTC
Trump's Comeback Victory Signals Major Political Shift
Trump's Comeback Victory Signals Major Political Shift Biden calls for unity as Trump prepares for transformative second term amid global tensionDonald Trump has secured his second term as President of the United States after achieving victory over Kamala Harris, marking the beginning of what many are calling 'Trump 2.0.' There were fears stemming from Trump’s previous claims of election fraud and conspiracy theories surrounding the electoral process. Trump's election victory has significant ramifications—not only for domestic policy but also for international relations. Global leaders, from Xi Jinping of China to Vladimir Putin of Russia, have expressed their eagerness to reengage with the United States under Trump's leadership. The mood on Wall Street appears optimistic, with the stock market responding positively to Trump's victory.
Source:The Express Tribune
November 08, 2024 13:15 UTC