PM launches $77.8m ‘Recharge Pakistan’ initiative at COP28 to combat climate change

In a historic announcement at the COP28 summit in Dubai on Saturday, Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar unveiled the ambitious "Recharge Pakistan" initiative, a seven-year, $77.8 million effort aimed at utilising nature to enhance climate change adaptation in the country. The announcement was made at Pakistan’s pavilion at COP28, where delegates, environmentalists, and world leaders gathered to discuss and find solutions to climate change-related challenges, a statement from the National Disaster Risk Management Fund (NDRMF) and the Ministry of Climate Change said. Recharge Pakistan has unlocked $77.8 million in grants – with $66 million from the Global Climate Fund (GFC); $5 million from USAID; $5 million from The Coca-Cola Foundation, and $1.8 million from WWF.  The statement said that the activity will revolutionise the way Pakistan takes care of its environment. “It will use nature-based solutions and help ecosystems adapt. It will also improve the health of the Indus Basin, making it stronger against climate change, and protecting the vulnerable people in that area,” it added. Read more: PM for executing $100b commitments for climate change finance At COP28, Dr Adil Najam, president of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) International, emphasised the personal significance of understanding the Indus River's narrative and the Living Indus Initiative. Advocating for collaborative efforts, he acknowledged Pakistan's challenges and envisioned a healthy Indus.  QU Dongyu, Director-General of FAO, highlighted FAO's role in shaping Pakistan's agriculture sector and discussed plans to adapt collaboration models for effective climate change solutions.  Dr Rachael McDonnell stressed the impact of climate change on water resources, emphasising the need for technology and collaborations in water-associated initiatives.  Xiaohong Yang from ADB outlined the shift to green infrastructure, recognising the importance of private sector investment in addressing Pakistan's unique challenges for a thriving Living Indus. Focusing on “green infrastructure” and using nature to adapt is an important move because climate change incidents are happening more and getting worse, making Pakistan’s financial problems even bigger. The fact that the Global Climate Fund (GFC) has approved this activity shows that the world understands its importance for Pakistan’s climate change resilience. “Recharge Pakistan is a groundbreaking partnership between our two governments, the Green Climate Fund, the Coca-Cola Foundation, and the World Wildlife Fund,” US Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome said. Also read: UN chief, COP28 president clash over future of fossil fuels He said that not only does the initiative help Pakistan pivot towards ecosystem-based adaptation and green infrastructure, but it places the country’s communities at the centre of climate and resource management decision-making. Saadia Madsbjerg, President of The Coca-Cola Foundation stated, “We are excited to provide USD 5 million as part of a funding coalition that has successfully brought multiple partners to resolve a complex problem. With our partners, we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the vulnerable Pakistani communities susceptible to the threat of floods along the Indus River. 90% of agricultural production in Pakistan is supported by the Indus Basin, and nature-based solutions to improve river health are therefore a critical part of long-term sustainability.”  Director General WWF-Pakistan Hammad Naqi Khan in his closing remarks at the session stated, “Through ecosystem-based adaptation and nature-based solutions, we are taking a bold step towards safeguarding our ecosystems and ensuring a sustainable legacy for generations to come. We are thankful to all the stakeholders for ensuring that this project has come to fruition.” Recharge Pakistan is a collaborative effort of Pakistan’s Ministry of Climate Change), the Federal Flood Commission under the Ministry of Water Resources, local communities in Dera Ismail Khan, the Ramak Watershed, and Manchar-Chakar Watershed, the Green Climate Fund, the US Agency for International Development, the Coca-Cola Foundation, and the World Wildlife Fund. Today on the margins of COP28, Ambassador Blome joined Caretaker PM Kakar in launching Recharge Pakistan, a $77.8 million partnership to enhance Pakistan's climate and water resilience. 1/3 pic.twitter.com/y2oBZosmhl — U.S. Embassy Islamabad (@usembislamabad) December 2, 2023 Meanwhile, taking to Twitter, Blome said that the Recharge Pakistan initiative will help Pakistan pivot toward ecosystem-based adaptation across three of the nation’s provinces directly benefitting 700,000 Pakistanis and indirectly benefitting 7 million more.   He further said that the groundbreaking programme puts local communities at the centre of climate decision-making.

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Three PM aides fail to submit asset statements

Three advisers to the interim prime minister have failed to submit their statements of assets and liabilities to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) months after the deadline lapsed, it emerged on Friday. The three advisors to PM Anwaarul Haq Kakar include Air Marshal (retd) Farhat Hussain Khan, Ahad Khan Cheema, and Dr Waqar Masood Khan. Farhat holds the portfolio of aviation, Ahad was given the establishment while finance was allocated to Waqar. Farhat and Ahad have the status of federal ministers while Waqar minister of state. Read more: ECP ahead of its schedule for elections, says CEC The advisers were supposed to submit their statements of assets and liabilities within three days from the date of assumption of office but they haven’t yet. Subsequently, the ECP has written a letter to the Cabinet Division secretary requesting to “obtain the requisite statement of assets and liabilities (Form-B) from the advisers to the caretaker prime minister and furnish the same to the ECP for necessary action”. Through the latter dated Dec 1, 2023, the ECP has drawn the attention towards the “mandatory submission of Statement of Assets and Liabilities on Form-B within provided time under Section 230 (3) of the Elections Act, 2017 by the caretaker prime minister and members of his cabinet”. Section 230(3) states: “The prime minister, chief minister or a minister or any other members of a caretaker government shall, within three days from the date of assumption of office, submit to the commission a statement of assets and liabilities, including assets and liabilities of his spouse and dependent children, as on the preceding 30th day of June on Form B and the commission shall publish the statement of assets and liabilities in the official gazette.” Section 230(4) states that the caretaker government in the section meant the caretaker federal government or an interim provincial government. Read more: Interim PM’s extended stay challenged in ECP “In terms of above quoted section of the act, the statement of assets and liabilities is also required to be submitted by all members, including advisers to the caretaker prime minister,” the ECP stated in the letter. After mentioning the advisers’ names, portfolios, and status, the ECP has asked the cabinet secretary to obtain the same from them and furnish to the commission for necessary action under section ibid at the earliest. Earlier, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had also demanded of the government to make it mandatory for the public office holders and civil servants to make public details of their and their families’ assets. The IMF believes that any important position holder drawing salary from the budget should disclose assets to ensure transparency. Reportedly, the government had agreed to publicly disclose asset declarations filed by politically exposed persons, civil servants, and their spouses. The move was aimed at meeting a condition set by IMF. Apart from the advisers, the law requires all the legislators to submit statements of their assets, those of their spouse, and dependent children with the ECP each year. However, the ECP has to chase lawmakers on an annual basis as it has to repeatedly remind them to submit details of their assets before the deadline as they usually miss it. The requirement of the ECP as well as the IMF for the high-level public office holders and civil servants to submit asset details and their public disclosure is to ensure transparency.

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Pakistan Navy deploys ship to Gulf of Aden

Amid the prevailing maritime situation in the Middle East, Pakistan Navy has deployed PNS TUGHRIL to ensure safety and security of merchant ships carrying shipments to and from Pakistani ports passing through one of the world’s busiest choke points – Gulf of Aden. Pakistan Navy is committed to ensure freedom of navigation on high seas and safety of international sea lanes of communication besides safeguarding national maritime interests and trade through sea, a Pakistan Navy statement issued on Friday said. Read more: Second Pakistan Navy relief ship reaches Syria “Pakistan Navy is well cognisant of its national obligation with regards to maintenance of rule based order in the region.” In the same spirit, Pakistan Navy regularly deploys its ships on Regional Maritime Security Patrols and also contributes to collaborative maritime security efforts under the ambit of Combined Maritime Forces. app

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PM invites Estonia, Dutch firms to invest in Pakistan

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on Friday respectively met with the prime ministers of the Netherlands and Estonia, Mark Rutte and Kaja Kallas, wherein he invited their firms to invest in agriculture, horticulture, water management, renewable energy and education sectors of Pakistan. In the meeting with Rutte held on the sidelines of 28th Conference of Parties (COP28), both the leaders appreciated the celebrations held in Islamabad and The Hague to mark 75 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year. This was their second meeting after the one held in New York, United States on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly session. The two leaders discussed bilateral relations, and exchanged views on international and regional issues of mutual interest, including situation in Afghanistan. They also discussed the evolving human rights and humanitarian situation in Gaza. Prime Minister Kakar underscored that Pakistan and the Netherlands should work together bilaterally as well as through the European Union on matters of mutual interest. Both the leaders expressed satisfaction on the upward trajectory in bilateral relations between Pakistan and the Netherlands. The prime minister highlighted the importance of concrete outcome on climate action and referred to Pakistan’s climate vulnerabilities despite being one of the lowest carbon emitters. Prime Minister Kakar invited the Dutch prime minister to visit Pakistan. In another meeting on the sidelines of the World Climate Action Summit, PM Kakar and Kaja agreed to explore the areas of potential cooperation between the two sides including at the level of educational institutions. During the meeting, Kakar expressed Pakistan’s desire to develop cooperative linkages with Estonia particularly in trade and investment, higher education and information technology. The two leaders emphasised the importance of regular high-level engagement and dialogue to realise the true potential of bilateral ties. Kakar underscored the significance of exploring possibilities of strengthening economic ties. Kaja agreed and welcomed the signing of the Convention on Elimination of Double Taxation between the two sides. Read more: PM Kakar, Kuwait’s crown prince agree to deepen bilateral ties The two prime ministers discussed the importance of digital technology and Artificial Intelligence in dealing with food insecurity and enhancing agricultural productivity. Kakar appreciated the operationalisation of the Loss and Damage Fund, emphasising the need for concrete actions in the domain of climate action. The prime minister of Estonia said that climate change was an issue of global concern and must be addressed collectively. They also agreed on the need for working together to address common challenges such as climate change and food security. The meeting was held at Pakistan Pavilion which also showcased Pakistani art. This engagement provided an opportunity to discuss bilateral relations and other issues of regional and global importance, including threats posed by climate change. During his visit to the Pakistan Pavilion, established at the venue of United Nations’ COP28, PM Kakar was briefed on the efforts being made by Pakistanis with regard to the negotiations and facilitation in the operationalisation of the Loss and Damage Fund. He was also briefed on the ‘Living Indus Initiative’ which was designed to rehabilitate the health of the Indus Basin in Pakistan through climate-resilient approaches and nature-based solutions. The prime minister also met the Pakistani climate experts at the pavilion and appreciated their efforts with regards to climate change risk mitigation. Caretaker ministers for foreign affairs and climate change, and Pakistan’s ambassador to the United Arab Emirates also accompanied the prime minister. Kakar also held informal interactions with multiple world leaders, on the sidelines of the COP28 summit. Among those whom the prime minister interacted with informally, included British Prime Minister Rishi Sunik and Danish Prime Minister Mette Fredrickson. The prime minister also held an informal interaction with British King Charles III as they participated in the family photo of High Level Segment of 28th Conference of Parties.

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Man kills wife, three daughters before committing suicide in Dijkot

A devastating tragedy unfolded in the Dijkot area where a financially distressed man took the lives of his wife and three daughters, employing a lethal combination of poisoning and fatal blows with a hammer before ending his own life by consuming poisonous pills. The police have secured the bodies and initiated an investigation, while the entire community grapples with shock and terror. The incident occurred in Chak 271, RB, within the jurisdiction of the Dijkot police station. Mohammad Tahir, 55, succumbed to the burdens of poverty. In a horrifying turn of events, he administered a drug-laced meal to his 45-year-old wife Naheed Akhtar and three daughters Zehra Fatima, 12, Hiba Tahir, 17 and Raisa Tahir, 19, rendering them unconscious. Taking a hammer to their heads, Tahir brutally ended their lives. In a final act of despair, he ingested pills hidden within a batch of wheat. The tragedy unfolded in darkness and by dawn, Tahir changed into fresh clothes and sought solace in the company of worshipers at the local mosque. Also read: 15 daily hunger-driven suicide threat calls overwhelm Punjab police There, he narrated the gruesome incident before being transported to Dijkot and subsequently to Civil Hospital Faisalabad, where he eventually succumbed. Upon receiving information from the village Numberdar, the Dijkot police, led by SP Iqbal Town Usman Saifi, DSP Factory Area Rana Ataur Rehman, and SHO Dijkot Moazzam Gujjar, reached the scene at 8am. The Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFSA) teams also arrived, transferring all five bodies to the hospital for post-mortem examinations and collecting crucial evidence. Tahir, who worked in the field of medicines, left behind a heart-wrenching will obtained by The Express Tribune. In the document, he cited his incapacitation to provide for his family due to financial struggles and debts. Tahir’s distress pushed him to make the agonising decision to end the lives of his wife and daughters before taking his own. The Express Tribune learnt that Tahir took this extreme step independently, emphasising that no one else was involved in the tragic decision. In the will, he acknowledged the significant burden he was leaving for his brothers and sisters. Also read: Man commits suicide after killing 4 children In his letter, he urged the sale of his house and specified individual amounts for his brothers —Shahid Khan, Rana Mahmood and Shoaib Asghar — to contribute towards settling the debts. Tahir, in a poignant request, urged his brothers to ensure the well-being of his two daughters and prevent them from leaving the house. DSP Factory Area, Rana Ataur Rehman, revealed that Tahir had previously lost his nine-year-old son in a tragic accident three months ago. Since the fatal incident, Tahir had been battling depression, worsened by the family’s financial struggles, as noted in his will. City Police Officer Captain (retd) Mohammad Ali Zia has taken cognizance of the matter, demanding a detailed report from SP Iqbal Town. CPO Zia reached the home of the person who committed suicide after killing his wife and children in Dijkot. He expressed condolences and deep sorrow to the affected family members. “When I learned of this tragic incident, I left my office duties and went to the unfortunate family’s home to offer condolences and share the grief,” the CPO said. On this occasion, Additional SP Investigation, Captain (retd) Muhammad Ajmal, SP Iqbal Town Division, Usman Munir Saifi and other officers were also present, expressing condolences and deep sorrow to the grieving family members. Financial stress and depression is one of the major causes of suicides in Punjab. In January, a woman who, along with her children, had been afflicted by extreme poverty and starvation set herself and two of her children on fire.

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Indian military involved in genocide of Kashmiris: Mushaal

Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Human Rights Mushaal Hussein Mullick on Thursday said that Indian military was involved in the genocide of Muslims in the Illegally Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Addressing a seminar titled “Repression on minorities in India and atrocities in Kashmir,” she expressed deep concern over the human rights violations in the held territory. The seminar was jointly organised by the Friends of Kashmir International and Kashmir Media Service (KMS). She said that the people of the occupied valley could never be defeated through oppression and negative tactics like jailing their political leadership. Caretaker Federal Minister for Human Rights Khalil George deplored that India had adopted the same policy in the occupied territory which Israel was following in Palestine. Read more: Seven students arrested in IIOJK for ‘celebrating’ India’s World Cup defeat He said that the main objective of the Bharatiya Janata Party government was to turn the majority of Muslims in the IIOJK into a minority but the Kashmiri people would foil all such nefarious designs. The minister said that India was a so-called democracy where minorities were being mistreated and victimised by the majoritarian Hindu hardliners. He said that after the unfortunate Jaranwala incident, the government of Pakistan expressed solidarity with the victims, but the government of India never supported the victims of the atrocities of Hindutva brigade. Other speakers of the seminars included former Azad Jammu and Kashmir president Sardar Yaqoob Khan, Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed, Senator Danish Kumar, President of Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Party Hasan Ibrahim, All Parties Hurriyat Conference AJK Chapter leaders Muhammad Farooq Rahmani and Syed Faiz Naqshbandi, Friends of Kashmir International Chairperson Ghazala Habib and Vice Chairman Abdul Hameed Lone, Chairman of Kashmir Institute of International Relations Altaf Hussain Wani, former federal minister J Salik, Pakistani-American entrepreneur Abdul Hafeez Khan, anchor Harmeet Singh and analyst Waqar Hassan. Also read: Five Indian soldiers killed in IIOJK firefight They said that the Modi regime had usurped the rights of the minorities, especially the Muslims in the country. Member Kashmir Council Senator Denash Kumar said that India had emerged as an extremist state where the minorities were facing prejudice, violence and oppression on a large scale. He said that the Modi government was adopting discriminatory policies against all minorities and India had now become a very dangerous country for the people disagreeing with its views. He said that it was written in the Indian Constitution that the state would treat all religions equally and tolerantly, but in reality, the land was being narrowed in every way for the minorities living there, who were rather being forced to leave their religion and become Hindus. “How can Sikhs, living in India, forget the Operation Blue Star when thousands of Sikhs were killed as a result of state terrorism,” he added. Hasan Ibrahim and Farooq Rehmani, in their speeches said after August 5, 2019, the Modi government had accelerated the repression and tyranny in the occupied territory and now Kashmiris were being completely pushed towards the wall.

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Justice (retd) Miankhel appointed CAT chairman

 The federal government has appointed Justice (retd) Mazhar Alam Miankhel, former chief justice of Peshawar High Court and former judge of the Supreme Court, as the chairman of the Competition Appellate Tribunal (CAT) for a period of three years. The federal cabinet in its meeting on Wednesday approved the appointment. According to the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP), 212 appeals are pending before CAT. The tribunal remained non-functional for seven-and-a-half years of the last 10 years due to which the business organizations had been filing writ petitions against CCP orders in the high courts. A total of 140 such petitions had been filed so far. Read also: CCP warns of risks of using micro-credit, nano-loan facilities The CCP welcomed the appointment of Justice (retd) Miankhel, expressing the hope that CAT would decide the pending appeals in a timely manner. The delay in decisions adversely affected the implementation of CCP orders in various sectors including sugar, cement, fertilizer, telecom, banks and consumer goods. It is pertinent to mention that CAT will be hearing the sugar cartelization case wherein the CCP had imposed a penalty of Rs44 billion on the Pakistan Sugar Mills Association and its member mills. Meanwhile, two technical members with expertise in international trade, law, economics, finance and accountancy have also been included in CAT.

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