France and Pakistan need each other: Diplomat

France and Pakistan need each other: Diplomat

Pakistan has astonishing human, natural resources

Pakistan can become world’s leading economic power

Islamabad: April 04

A French diplomat on Thursday said France and Pakistan need each other to attain common goal of peace and prosperity.

Gilles Angles, French Attaché of Cultural and Cooperation Ties said that Pakistan can become a global economic power with the help of its incredible natural and human resources.

This he said while speaking at annual day ceremony at a local school, Mrs. Azra Wasim Sajjad, Rukhsia Waqas, former chairman coordination FPCCI Raza Khan and others were also present on the occasion.

Gilles Angles said that recent signs of Pakistan’s economic growth are encouraging as this country fulfils the conditions to become a highly developed country.

Paris has been cooperating with Islamabad to enhance its exports to the European markets and overcome energy crisis, improve level of education and civic facilities, he added.

He said that France can help Pakistan exploit Thar coal as promoting relations with Islamabad has remained our top priority.

Angles added that France has second largest presence in Pakistan after Germany, presently 80 French companies are doing business in Pakistan while 180 companies of two countries promoting bilateral trade.

He said that Pakistani businessmen can explore opportunities by learning French which is the official language in 34 countries. Over 600 Master’s and PhD students are studying in France while more is being done to assist them, he added.

Pakistan is gateway to energy rich central Asia, financially liquid Gulf and advanced Far Eastern countries, he said adding that Pakistan has world’s second largest salt mine, fifth largest gold mine, fifth largest coal reserves, and seventh largest copper mine.

At the occasion, Raza Khan said that we have the potential to export quality fruits, rice, fashion garments, leather and sports goods. French brands have proved their worth here while many they have found situation favourable for continued investment, he said.

Raza Khan said France should come forward to help overcome energy crisis as she has solid expertise in the coal power generation.

The two countries should boost exchange of delegations that will bring business communities together resulting in enhanced trade.

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PEW calls for enhanced awareness on software piracy

PEW calls for enhanced awareness on software piracy

Enterprises to spend $ 114 billion to counter cyber threats

Consumers to spend 1.5 bl hours to recover from malware impact

April 02

The Pakistan Economy Watch (PEW) on Tuesday called for enhanced awareness regarding software piracy which has emerged as a threat to businesses worldwide disrupting their operations and threatening their reputation.

Governments, private sector and NGOs should turn their attention to raising awareness about rampant piracy which has become a national security threat for many countries, said Dr. Murtaza Mughal, President PEW.

A recent global study commissioned by Microsoft and conducted by International Data Corporation (IDC) has discovered that the chances of infection by unexpected malware are one in three for consumers and three in ten for businesses, he said.

The cost of dealing with the impact for enterprises is predicted to be $114 billion globally in 2013; in Asia Pacific the spending will reach $39 billion while it increases to $129 billion if the cost of data loss is added.

The study shows that consumers worldwide will spend 1.5 billion hours and 22 billion dollars identifying, repairing, and recovering from the impact of malware, Dr. Murtaza Mughal informed.

Hundreds of websites were examined while 2,077 consumers and 258 IT managers or chief information officers from Brazil, China, Germany, India, Mexico, Poland, Russia, Thailand, UK, and USA were interviewed during the study titled, “The Dangerous World of Counterfeit and Pirated Software.”

It found that 45 per cent counterfeit software is downloaded from the Internet, 78 per cent is downloaded from P2P networks in which 36 per cent contained Trojans and adware.

A separate study in Southeast Asia in February 2013 found an average malware infection rate of 69 per cent. It also found pirated copies of Windows embedded with malware spread across numerous well-known PC brands.

Respondents informed that only 12 per cent of the software they use was problem-free while 66 per cent of IT managers said that user-installed software increase security risks for their organisations.

Dr. Murtaza Mughal said that some people choose counterfeit to save money but ends up putting extra financial and emotional strain. The best way to ensure cyber security is to demand genuine software while buying a computer and schedule a security check.

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Island City violates Ramsar Convention: WWF

KARACHI: The first-ever Island City project, worth $20 billion on Sindh islands Bundal and Buddo, is a violation of the Ramsar Convention said a World Wildlife Fund (WWF) letter addressed to Bahria Town CEO Malik Riaz Hussain.

The islands are a part of the Indus Delta and therefore the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, especially as Waterfowl Habitat does not have provisions for such a mega project, which would ultimately result in the destruction of the habitat.

Reacting over the proposed project, WWF-Pakistan raises concerns and has invoked the Environmental Protection Act 1997 to demand an initial Environmental Assessment and then an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to be conducted before any development takes place. These assessments will look at the broader environmental risks and suggest environmental management plans to mitigate the impacts. The EIA process also requires an investigation of possible alternative sites for the project, said that WWF’s letter.

Home to important mangrove forest cover, a part of the overall forest cover of the country, the area is home to 96 species of fish and additionally is a breeding and nursery ground for economically important species like shrimp, shellfish and crustaceans.

This diverse ecosystem is also a habitat for different species of marine turtles, three species of marine dolphin and 54 species of birds’, which are a part of Sindh’s coastal natural heritage, the letter stated.

A few weeks ago, the news that Pakistani real-estate tycoon Riaz signed an agreement with his American counterpart Thomas Kramer on a joint consortium of international investors to develop this project, made headlines. The deal with Kramer is the first level of this agreement.

The letter also stated quoting Geographic Information System (GIS) 2004 by WWF-Pakistan which confirms that 3,349 hectares of mangrove forests cover these islands, which after the construction of the project will be completely destroyed.

The letter also included fact sheets about the biodiversity of the islands. The species dependent on the eco-system include Humpback Dolphin, Bottle-nose Dolphin, Finless Porpoise; 47 species of water birds, including seven Raptor species, common birds like Cormorants, Pelicans, Herons, Egrets, Flamingo, Oystercatcher, Stilt, Plovers, Sanderlings, Sandpiper, Dunlin, Stint, Godwit, Curlew, Whimbrel, Sandpipers, Shanks, Gull, Terns and endangered species including Dalmatian Pelican were also attached in the fact sheet accompanying the letter. Also these islands are a natural habitat for reptiles like Marine Snakes (Annulated Sea Snake) and Beaked Sea Snake.

Following the agreement, public comments were invited on February 27, 2013 via an advertisement in mainstream national newspapers, stating that the ‘Island City’ business venture will bring thousands of new jobs for the local residents.

“It is ill-advised to advertise that a project will create new jobs when it will take away the livelihoods of thousands of poor fisherfolk, working on and around the islands. It will destroy the habitat of hundreds of species of birds, insects, fish and animals by building luxury houses for one species, adding to the environmental degradation of the area. This is counterproductive and in direct opposition to any logical modes of sustainable development, which our country needs desperately,” said Director General, WWF – Pakistan, Ali Hassan Habib.

He said that both the ill-chosen sites are a source of income for thousands of fisherfolk, who have relied on these islands for generations for their livelihood. Moreover, their catch adds a significant amount to the fishing export business in Karachi and supplies various species of fish and shellfish to local markets across the country.

Apart from economic benefits, decreasing the mangrove forest cover in the area will pose a threat to the safety of coastal populations in extreme weather conditions, he said, adding, “The coastline as well as the metropolitan city can be saved from very real dangers, as mangroves had a major role in saving lives and property in the 2004 tsunami in the Indian Ocean. Mangrove forests also filter sewerage water and purify the air. The air and water quality of Karachi will further deteriorate without the mangroves on Bundal and Buddoo Islands. This area has been categorized as a high priority ecosystem by IUCN.”

Besides sending the letter to Bahria Town Corporate Office, WWF-Pakistan has also sent copies of the letter to climate change and ports and shipping ministry secretaries in Islamabad; Pakistan Coast Guards director general; Maritime Security Agency director general; Pakistan Navy commander; Sindh Government Board of Revenue chairman; Port Qasim Authority (PQA) chairman; Karachi Port Trust chairman; Defence Housing Authority chairman; Federal Government Board of Revenue chairman; National Disaster Management Authority chairman; Sindh Government Forest and Wildlife Department secretary; PQA board member Mohammad A Rajpar; WWF-Pakistan President.

Destroying livelihood of fisherfolk to create jobs for urbanites

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Steps of caretaker government, ECP resulting in stability

Business community pinning high hopes on caretaker Govt

Steps of caretaker government, ECP resulting in stability

Islamabad: April 01

Business community is pinning high hopes on caretaker government and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) whose decisions are resulting in stability, a leading businessperson said Monday.

Rupee is showing signs of stability against the dollar despite repayments to IMF which has not only amazed many analysts but also renewed hopes among business community, said Mian Shahid, Chief Executive of the Saudi Pak Insurance Company.

Speaking at Fikr-e-Farda Forum, he said that apart from the government and ECP, some steps of the central bank have discouraged speculations that have also contributed to the stability of rupee that was sliding since years.

Mian Shahid said that government should try to initiate dialogue with IMF to get loan rescheduled or get another Standby Credit Facility to ward off looming economic threat and pull out economy for distress to revive GDP growth.

Government should also explore other options to stabilise forex reserves as well as the economy as country is living without any IMF loan since May 2010, he said.

Mian Shahid who is also Chairman of the Apna Microfinance Bank said that Pakistan has successfully repaid eleven instalments to IMF which has calmed sentiments and restored confidence.

Lessening unproductive expenditure, removal of the unjust tax exemptions, improving tax collection, a proper property tax, tax on services, six per cent hike in development expenditure, settling circular debt and deficit are some steps that are urgently needed, he said.

He said that the former government’s decision to expedite work on Iran gas pipeline was its great achievement as our survival is linked to that project.

Pakistan should take all the decisions in its own interest rejecting pressure from countries that are compromising Pakistan’s development for their political gains, he remarked.

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Punjab suffered for three years due to political distribution of gas

Caretaker Govt asked to ensure fair distribution of gas

Govt must choose between interests of masses, elite

Punjab suffered for three years due to political distribution of gas

7-day gas supply to Pubjab to consume only one pc of national gas output

APCNGA ready to help resolve energy crisis

Dated March 28

The All Pakistan CNG Association (APCNGA) on Thursday demanded 7-day gas supply to the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) filling stations all over Punjab as weather has returned to normal state reducing demand for the natural gas by domestic consumers.

Restoration of gas supply in Punjab would result in extra consumption of only 15 mmcfd gas per day while seven-day supply will result in additional consumption of around 60 mmcf only, said Chairman of the Supreme Council APCNGA Ghiyas Abdullah Paracha.

In a statement issued here today, he said that ending gas load shedding for CNG sector in Punjab would consume mere one per cent of the total national gas output while it will benefit millions, guarantee thousands of jobs, contain inflation and reduce pressure on foreign exchange reserves.

Caretaker government should revisit load shedding schedule to provide relief to masses who have braved unprecedented gas load shedding in Punjab all the way through last three years that took toll on daily life, economy and the foreign exchange reserves, he added.

Paracha said that in past policies were framed disregarding the interests of masses including 80 million commuters who use public transport.

He said that CNG sector is getting three-day gas supply in Punjab during which sixteen hours load shedding takes toll on the business and add to miseries of the masses. Officially, Punjab is getting gas for three days while it is equal to one-day supply due to the load shedding, he added.

CNG and urea sectors having no alternate for gas were being strangulated while some influential were provided extra gas despite ban and gas prices were frequently reduced for them, said Paracha.

Government must take steps to rescue the CNG sector and ensure smooth sailing, especially in Punjab otherwise this sector with Rs 400 billion investments will crumble due to unfavourable environment, he said.

The leader of the CNG sector said that Punjab remained exposed to unjust load shedding as compare to any other province for political reasons; now we hope that caretaker government will maintain proper and just equilibrium.

Time has come for the authorities to choose between interests of elite and masses.

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Pak-China rapidly boosting economic, cultural cooperation

Pak-China rapidly boosting economic, cultural cooperation

Beijing committed to invest heavily in Pakistan’s energy, other sectors

Bilateral trade up by 70 per cent in five years, Pakistan’s exports grow over 100 pc

Islamabad: March 28

Deputy Chief of Mission of the Chinese Embassy Mr. Yao Wen on Thursday said bilateral relations between Pakistan and China are rapidly growing to new heights.

He said that Beijing is committed to invest heavily in Pakistan’s energy and other sectors so that people of this great nation can enjoy a better life.

Mr. Yao Wen said this while speaking at an award, books, and uniform distribution ceremony held at a local school where students of Chinese origin are also getting free education.

Calling for enhanced collaboration between educational institutions and exchanges of students and researchers, he said that it would be useful to provide fresh ideas and intellectual content for strengthening our unmatched partnership.

Successive generations of leaders as well as the masses have always held high the banner of Pakistan-China friendship, said Yao Wen.

He said Chinese are working on 120 projects in Pakistan with around a quarter related to energy that is most important part of our cooperation.

In last five years volume of bilateral trade has grown by 70 per cent to over $ 12 billion with Pakistani exports increased two-fold from $1 billion to $2.2 billion, he informed.

The diplomat informed that Chinese enterprises were entering the Pakistani market while Pakistani businesses were also increasingly looking towards China.

Lauding the role of Islamabad in regional and global peace, stability and development he said that Pakistan has offered great sacrifices to ensure peace.

Speaking on the occasion, President Ex-Chinese Association Raza Khan lauded the Chinese assistance and cooperation in various fields terming it a great service to people of Pakistan. He lauded the active involvement of Chinese Ambassador Liu Jian in capacity building of students.

Supporting needy students is a great service which is ensuring social development, he added.

Raza Khan said we should increase people-to-people exchanges and promote understanding between the people of the two countries which is imperative to carry forward cause of Pak-China friendship.

Terming China a sincere and selfless friend, Joint Secretary Ministry of Education Prof. Muhammad Rafiq Tahir said that two countries should fully unleash their potential of cooperation to benefit masses.

Pakistan and China need to work closely together to seize opportunities and meet challenges; we should focus our efforts on developing the economy and improving people’s well-being, he added.

Around 8,000 Pakistani students are already studying in China and thousands more are preparing to join them.

The chief guest also inaugurated new block in the Peak Montessori and High School.

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PESA Statement

*Rawalpindi: [March 16]*

The Pakistan Ex-Servicemen Association (PESA) on Saturday appreciated the independence and courage shown by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

It lauded the support extended by the Supreme Court to the ECP saying that real test of the Chief Election Commissioner will be implementation of the Constitutional conditions and weeding out individuals with tainted past.

Speaking at a meeting, the PESA members hoped that interim government will take appropriate steps to enforce electoral reforms ordered by the Supreme Court and assist the ECP in proper scrutiny of the candidates.

They said that Musharraf, openly violated the Constitution, should be free to return home but at the same time he should face the cases that are registered against him.

Musharraf caused great embarrassment and humiliation through his misadventures like Kargil and Lal Masjid operations and tragedies of Mohtrama Benazir Bhutto and Nawab Akbar Bugti, they added.

The former military ruler brought the war on terror inside Pakistan while the Indus Water  Treaty was mishandled during his era which can turn Punjab into a desert, they said.

They expressed anguish and sorrow at the inhuman destruction of Joseph Colony at Lahore terming it lowest form of governance.

Mass killings of Hazaras amount to ethnic genocide while inaction against the culprits and cash awards to the affected people cannot wash the humiliation in the international community, they added.

Religious leaders should spread the principles of human values, equality and freedom.

PESA office bearers expressed concern over the on-going anti-Army campaign aiming to destroy integrity and strength of the force that is defending country’s geographical and ideological frontiers.

Despite this campaign, the masses retain their total faith in the Armed Forces, it was observed in the meeting.

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