Use of drip irrigation stressed to save water

A delegation from the Climate Energy and Water Research Institute of the National Agriculture Research Centre visited the Islamia University on Saturday. The delegation members met Islamia University Bahawalpur (IUB) Vice Chancellor Dr Naveed Akhtar while Dr Muhammad Abdullah, Cholistan Institute of Desert Studies and Department of Horticulture Director Dr Muhammad Amin and Dr Muhammad Ishtiaq gave a detailed briefing. The delegation visited field experimental trials for the implementation of Response Drip Irrigation System. The delegation was informed that the drip irrigation system, also known as new generation smart irrigation, can save more than 50% water used in the irrigation of vegetables, fruit trees, and field crops. “Islamia University Bahawalpur has several plans to install "Model Demonstration Field Trials" for the Response Drip Irrigation System” said IUB Vice Chancellor Dr Naveed Akhtar. A presentation was given by Dr Bashir Ahmed, Director, of Climate, Energy and Water Resources, National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad. Dr Tanveer Hussain Turabi, Dean Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, said that “the department is providing opportunities to students, researchers, scientists, and early career researchers on climate, energy, and water resources”. The focal person of the joint project between the National Agricultural Research Center and Islamia University, Dr Wajid Naseem Jatoi, Director International Center for Climate Change, Food Security and Sustainability thanked the delegation for their visit and provided support in capacity building and teaching and research through practical cooperation between the two institutions. Published in The Express Tribune, May 4th, 2024.  

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WHO, Punjab partner for disease prevention

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director for Eastern Mediterranean Dr Hanan Balkhy agreed on Friday to collaborate for the provision of better health facilities in the province. Felicitating Dr Balkhy on assuming the office of WHO Regional Director, the CM lauded the services rendered by the expert in the health sector, especially with regard to controlling infections. "The Punjab government will provide complete cooperation and assistance to the WHO to ensure prevention of diseases and their treatment," the chief minister said during a meeting. She said bringing reforms in the health sector was her government's foremost priority. The chief minister informed the WHO official that 32 field hospitals have been made functional for the people in the rural areas of the province. "W will accomplish our target to establish state of the art hospitals in every district within the next from be years," she asserted. Dr Hanan Balkhy said undertaking timely measures is highly essential in order to save the people inhabiting remote areas from infectious diseases. The WHO will provide complete cooperation and assistance for the provision of timely health facilities in case of any natural calamity or emergency situation, she added. Dr Balkhy congratulated Maryam Nawaz on being elected the first woman Chief Minister of Punjab. Meanwhile, CM Maryam Nawaz expressed deep grief and sorrow over the loss of lives in a traffic accident in Chilas. She offered condolences and showed sympathy for the bereaved families. She prayed for the deceased and complete and early recovery of the injured. Press freedom “The media plays a pivotal role in awakening collective consciousness of the society,” said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz in her message on World Press Freedom Day. She added, ”A sense of responsibility for press freedom is very much crucial to bringing positive change.” The chief minister said, "Freedom of expression is essential for transparency, thriving democracy and well-informed people.” She added, ”Punjab government is taking all possible measures for the welfare of journalism and journalists.” Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said, " pay tribute to every journalist who raised the banner of independent thinking in the era of dictatorship.” She added, "Tribute is also due to all hardworking journalists who report abuse in their society with responsibility.” She also saluted the first journalist of the Sub-continent, Maulvi Muhammad Baqir, who was martyred for the freedom of expression.” Condemning a bomb explosion in Khuzdar in which the president of the local press club lost his life, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz stated, “Enemies of the freedom of press will never succeed in their goals." Published in The Express Tribune, May 4th, 2024.

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Imran’s failure to return cipher was crime: FIA

  The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has contended that former prime minister Imran Khan's failure to return a copy of a diplomatic cipher to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs constitutes a crime. On Thursday, FIA prosecutor Hamid Ali Shah resumed his arguments supporting the verdict of a special court, which on January 30 convicted Imran and former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in the diplomatic cipher case. Imran and Qureshi had challenged the special court’s decision in the Islamabad High Court (IHC), where a division bench comprising Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb is hearing the appeals of the PTI leaders. Shah noted that according to the Security of Cipher Guidelines prepared by the Cabinet Division, failing to return classified documents is a crime. "It has been acknowledged that the PTI founder had the cipher copy with him. Only one copy of the cipher in Imran Khan's possession had not been returned from the Prime Minister's House. The remaining eight copies were destroyed upon their return," the FIA's lawyer stated. The FIA's lawyer pointed out that one of the prosecution witnesses, former principal secretary to the PM Azam Khan, gave a statement under oath to that effect. "Azam Khan’s statement should not be taken lightly," he added. The court also asked how the cipher became an "accountable document". Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb questioned the lawyer, "Suppose we don’t have the Security of Cipher Guidelines and the cipher is not an accountable document. Will the omission to return the cipher copy still be a crime in that case?" Chief Justice Farooq then posed a different question, "If the Prime Minister receives a document that needs to be returned, and if it is not returned, is it a crime?" The prosecutor responded affirmatively, stating, "Yes, absolutely, it would be a crime." The chief justice further inquired, "Are all documents coming from abroad confidential? If a document is not accountable, then it's okay if it gets lost, right?" He noted the volume of daily correspondence in the Prime Minister's Office, suggesting that a few documents might inadvertently get misplaced. The FIA prosecutor clarified that if a document is lost, a case will be filed. In legal terms, an accountable document refers to any written record or piece of evidence that is considered to be reliable, trustworthy, and legally admissible. These documents are subjected to strict procedures for creation, handling, storage, and authentication to ensure their integrity and accuracy. Accountable documents include contracts, agreements, deeds, affidavits, court orders, official reports, financial records, and similar items used to establish facts, rights, obligations, or liabilities in a legal context. Earlier, Shah read out Imran Khan's defense statement during the cipher case proceedings. The court inquired whether the statement was made in the absence of his lawyer. "Does the absence of the lawyer affect the statements made under Section 342 of the Code of Criminal Procedure? Does the absence of the lawyer reduce the importance of the defendant's statement? Prepare on this point and assist the court in this regard," the bench instructed. The court adjourned till May six after the FIA lawyer said he needed another four to five hours to conclude his arguments.  

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Local govt revamp in the offing

The government led by the Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) in Punjab has unveiled plans to once again revamp the existing local government structure in the province. Sources reveal intentions to reinstate the former Local Government Act of 2013, originally enacted during the tenure of then-Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif, albeit with slight modifications. This move entails the abolition of the Local Government Act 2022, introduced during the tenure of former Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi. Under the previous local government framework, Punjab will see the establishment of a Metropolitan Corporation in Lahore, accompanied by a total of 17 municipal corporations, with the newly designated district of Murree set to be elevated to the status of a municipal corporation. Furthermore, the number of municipal committees will rise to 180, consequently increasing the count of district councils from 35 to 43. It is noteworthy that Lahore will stand as the sole district without a District Council, as it will be governed by the Lahore Metropolitan Corporation. Overall, the province will host 232 local bodies, including towns. Each Union Council will comprise a chairman, vice-chairman, two lady councillors, one labour councillor, two general councillors, and one councillor each for youth and minorities, summing up to nine elected members. During the tenure of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government under Elahi’s leadership, the Local Government Act 2022 was enacted in Punjab, leading to the establishment of 11 Metropolitan Corporations. Besides Lahore, Rawalpindi, Multan, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Dera Ghazi Khan, Gujranwala, Bahawalpur, Sahiwal, Gujrat, and Sialkot were designated as metropolitan areas. However, only the head of the Lahore Metropolitan Corporation held the title of lord mayor, while heads of the remaining 10 metropolitan corporations were termed city mayors. Under this Act, district councils were established in 25 districts, replacing UCs with neighbourhood councils in urban regions and village councils in rural areas. Additionally, education councils were completely abolished. Presently, the Local Government Act 2022 remains in force in Punjab. Following the proposed overhaul of the local body system, preparations for local body elections are underway in the province. However, the PML-N government, as per the current Local Government Act of 2022, appears disinclined to conduct local elections. Engineer Qamarul Islam, Chairman of the Rawalpindi District Coordination Committee, has disclosed that deliberations concerning the new local government system are ongoing, with significant strides expected to be achieved before the forthcoming fiscal year budget. Published in The Express Tribune May 3rd, 2024.

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'Nawaz eyes fourth term as PM within two years'

Senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Javed Latif has raised red flags for his own central government, hinting that early elections could be in the cards within the next two years to pave the way for Nawaz Sharif's fourth stint as country’s prime minister. Latif dropped the comments during an interview with a private TV channel where he said whether the elections take place in two or five years, the PML-N supremo will take the reins of power for the fourth time. Pressed to explain how Nawaz could reclaim the top spot within two years, especially with his own brother currently occupying it, Latif said it would be possible through elections. “The elections can happen tomorrow.” He predicted that even those who once obstructed Nawaz’s path to a fourth term as premier would now rally behind him. Read more: PTI hints at lodging FIR against PML-N leaders He pointed out that a party with a two-thirds majority often struggles to complete its term. How then, he questioned, can this government, lacking a simple majority and propped up by the crutches of two parties —a setup orchestrated by 'someone else' —expect to endure its full term? The senior PML-N politician further warned that the withdrawal of support from even one coalition party could jeopardise the government’s survival. Latif is the only remaining active party member who continues to take swipes at his own party's central government. Given the track record of his colleague Rana Sanaullah—who, after throwing jabs at his own party's central government, promptly joined the same cabinet he accused of being chosen by the establishment—many in the party view this as Javed's desperate attempt to bargain for a position in the government. A source within the Prime Minister's Office revealed that Sanaullah was brought into the cabinet to exert control over him. The source said he was a senior party leader and president of Punjab, adding that any action against him—even if approved by Nawaz Sharif—could have been harmful to the party's interests. Also read: PML-N bigwigs to steer clear of by-polls race He remarked that the situation was particularly embarrassing for Sanaullah, given that he ended up joining the very same cabinet he had previously mocked. When questioned about whether Rana Sanaullah and Ishaq Dar's appointments were decisions made by Shehbaz Sharif, he said he was not at liberty to divulge any specifics, noting that in the PML-N party, Nawaz Sharif remains the founder and his decisions reign supreme. He said that Javed, inspired by Rana Sanaullah, might have chosen to go all out. He added that it was up to Nawaz Sharif to assess his party leaders who deviate from the party line.

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'Nawaz eyes fourth term as PM within two years'

Senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Javed Latif has raised red flags for his own central government, hinting that early elections could be in the cards within the next two years to pave the way for Nawaz Sharif's fourth stint as country’s prime minister. Latif dropped the comments during an interview with a private TV channel where he said whether the elections take place in two or five years, the PML-N supremo will take the reins of power for the fourth time. Pressed to explain how Nawaz could reclaim the top spot within two years, especially with his own brother currently occupying it, Latif said it would be possible through elections. “The elections can happen tomorrow.” He predicted that even those who once obstructed Nawaz’s path to a fourth term as premier would now rally behind him. Read more: PTI hints at lodging FIR against PML-N leaders He pointed out that a party with a two-thirds majority often struggles to complete its term. How then, he questioned, can this government, lacking a simple majority and propped up by the crutches of two parties —a setup orchestrated by 'someone else' —expect to endure its full term? The senior PML-N politician further warned that the withdrawal of support from even one coalition party could jeopardise the government’s survival. Latif is the only remaining active party member who continues to take swipes at his own party's central government. Given the track record of his colleague Rana Sanaullah—who, after throwing jabs at his own party's central government, promptly joined the same cabinet he accused of being chosen by the establishment—many in the party view this as Javed's desperate attempt to bargain for a position in the government. A source within the Prime Minister's Office revealed that Sanaullah was brought into the cabinet to exert control over him. The source said he was a senior party leader and president of Punjab, adding that any action against him—even if approved by Nawaz Sharif—could have been harmful to the party's interests. Also read: PML-N bigwigs to steer clear of by-polls race He remarked that the situation was particularly embarrassing for Sanaullah, given that he ended up joining the very same cabinet he had previously mocked. When questioned about whether Rana Sanaullah and Ishaq Dar's appointments were decisions made by Shehbaz Sharif, he said he was not at liberty to divulge any specifics, noting that in the PML-N party, Nawaz Sharif remains the founder and his decisions reign supreme. He said that Javed, inspired by Rana Sanaullah, might have chosen to go all out. He added that it was up to Nawaz Sharif to assess his party leaders who deviate from the party line.

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Inquiry into ‘unnecessary’ wheat purchase

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has authorized an investigation into the purportedly unnecessary wheat purchases made during the caretaker government's tenure. Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) Member Muhammad Mushtaq Ahmed, known as Mian Mushtaq in bureaucratic circles, will oversee the inquiry, with a report due to be submitted to the Prime Minister upon its completion. In a parallel move, the government has proposed appointing Mian Mushtaq as the new FPSC chairman to fill the vacant position. With 13 months remaining in his tenure, Mushtaq brings extensive experience as a retired Pakistan Administrative Service grade 22 officer, having previously served in various capacities, including additional chief secretary of the Punjab government's Communication and Works Department. Meanwhile, National Food Security and Research Minister Rana Tanveer disclosed an ongoing inquiry into the caretaker government's decision to import wheat despite projections of a bumper local crop yield. Read more: Wheat policy sparks heated debate In response to queries from lawmakers in the National Assembly, particularly regarding the agricultural sector, the minister expressed willingness to establish a parliamentary committee to scrutinize the legitimacy of the wheat import decision during the interim government's tenure. Amid an expected plentiful wheat harvest this year, the grower community, especially small farmers, are in a fix due to fluctuating wheat price and market exploitation. As wheat harvesting begins across Punjab, representatives of farmer groups have raised concerns about their manipulation by hoarders and middlemen. To pacify the complaining farmers, PM Shehbaz recently increased the federal government's wheat procurement target from 1.4 million metric tons to 1.8 million metric tons. He also ordered the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (Passco) to enhance its wheat procurement target and ensure that it was immediately purchased from the farmers.

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