Daily Archives: January 31, 2023

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, appreciating the work being done by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), has called for enhanced efforts to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem degradation more effectively.

He said this while meeting Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Ms Inger Andersen, who called on him in Islamabad on Tuesday.

The Prime Minister said climate change is one of the defining issues of our times.

He said as one of the countries, most vulnerable to climate change, Pakistan fully appreciates the need for a global response to combat climate change and build resilience and shares the efforts being undertaken by the government in this regard.

On the occasion, Ms. Inger Andersen briefed the Prime Minister on the initiatives being taken by UNEP in Pakistan and appreciated the active role that Pakistan is playing at UN Environment Programme.

The Prime Minister also encouraged the UN Environment Programme, as part of the UN system, to contribute to and support Pakistan efforts to build back better and greener after the devastating floods in the country.

Source: Radio Pakistan

The review Mission of International Monetary Fund (IMF) led by its Chief, Nathan Porter, called on Finance Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad on Tuesday.

The meeting discussed and reviewed the economic and fiscal policies and reforms agenda to accomplish the 9th review under the Extended Fund Facility.

The Finance Minister briefed the Mission on fiscal and economic reforms and measures being taken by the government in different sectors including bridging the fiscal gap, exchange rate stability and in energy sector for the betterment of the economy.

He said reforms are being introduced in power sector and a high level committee has been formed for devising modalities to offset the menace of circular debt in gas sector.

Expressing the government’s resolve to complete the current IMF program, Ishaq Dar said Pakistan is committed to work with IMF for reaching an agreement to complete the 9th review under Extended Fund Facility.

On the occasion, the IMF Mission Chief expressed the confidence that Pakistan will meet the IMF requirements for the completion of 9th review.

He hoped that Pakistan would continue towards its progress on reforms in various sectors and will complete the IMF Program effectively and in time.

He added that IMF and Pakistan will be working together on fiscal reforms.

The IMF mission is in Pakistan to deliberate on policies aimed at restoring domestic and external sustainability, strengthening fiscal position and power sector reforms.

Source: Radio Pakistan

The Senate, which resumed its session at the Parliament House in Islamabad on Tuesday with Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani in the chair, is holding discussion on recent incidents of terrorism in the country.

Participating in the debate, Raza Rabbani strongly condemned the suicide blast that took place in the mosque of Peshawar yesterday.

He said anti-terrorism policy should be discussed in the joint session of the parliament being held on the 8th of next month.

He appealed to the political parties to hold national dialogue inside the parliament and evolve consensus on important matters.

Senator Saifullah Abro said efforts should be made to avert Peshawar like incidents in future.

He said there should not be political point scoring on security related matters.

Bahramand Khan Tangi emphasized the need for implementation of the National Action Plan to curb terror incidents. He said those behind terror acts must be apprehended and given punishment.

Describing Peshawar Mosque blast as reprehensible, Muhammad Tahir Bizenjo said the government should focus on improving the security situation and protecting the lives of common man.

Muhammad Akram said Pakistan is faced with terrorism because of flawed policies of the past.

Mushahid Hussain Sayed said time has come to formulate a clear policy against terrorism. He said we need a serious course correction while learning from mistakes of the past. He said NACTA should be strengthened.

Minister of State for Law Shahadat Awan has reaffirmed the government’s determination to root out terrorism and restore peace in the country.

Winding up discussion in the Senate today on the recent acts of terrorism in the country, he said the entire nation is aggrieved over the Peshawar incident.

He said our law enforcement agencies have the capability to deal with the menace. He however stressed the need for national unity and cohesion to deal with it.

Later, the House was adjourned to meet again on Friday at ten thirty am.

Source: Radio Pakistan