FARUKH SHEHZAD

ISLAMABAD, FEB 24: Extreme Commerce Pakistan’s first EdTech company specializing in e-commerce and digital trade education and practices to train Pakistani youth to sell on Daraz platform. Extreme Commerce and Daraz signed a memorandum to improve eCommerce and digital trade literacy in the country.

Although, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) are working to introduce a platform that will facilitate Pakistani traders to exports their products seamlessly on global platforms such as Amazon, Alibaba, and eBay, the local traders are looking for an opportunity to explore the global markets enthusiastically.

As per the latest eCommerce numbers, released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) upto Q3 2020 (Q1 FY21), the eCommerce market size for the year upto Q3 2020 was 96B PKR (assuming a 60% COD volume), prepayment was 39B over the same period. There are now 2,164 merchants who accept prepayment methods which is a large jump from the previous quarter. There are now 43k orders a day via prepayment method (in Q3 2020) on Pakistani merchants, which is up from 24k and 13k in the same quarter in 2019 and 2018. More eCommerce data can be found HERE.

The partnership between Extreme Commerce and Darza, will be imparting knowledge skills on how to sell on the Daraz platform more efficiently with maximum customer satisfaction and potential to grow. The arrangement will facilitate the sellers to expand their enterprise further and improve their online selling skills, including formation of businesses, creating stores, product branding and marketing.

The Extreme Commerce’s Video Boot Camp (VBC) is a collection of 100+ E-Commerce and digital money-making skills in the world. VBC covers an extensive range of skills that builds and empower with eCommerce and digital trade skillsets to earn money by offering services to clients across the globe and setting up own businesses and stores on national and international eCommerce platforms. Through this MOU, the sellers and traders on Daraz will also benefit from the rich knowledge resource available on the VBC platform as well. The partnership will be catalytic for the eCommerce market to cross the Rs. 100 Billion eCommerce trade barrier in 2021. 

Sunny Ali, the Founder and Chief Executive officer of Extreme Commerce shared his views on the partnership and said, “Our first step is to start building capacity of the sellers on Daraz through our trainings and our state-of-the-art Video Boot Camp (VBC). Educating everyone with eCommerce dynamism on Daraz. We will be the bridge between Daraz sellers and Daraz with the Extreme Commerce’s knowledge repository as the learning platform. We can quickly relay issues, challenges and find solutions together. As this will help the sellers in the country to explore the eCommerce phenomenon as a knowledge-based economic growth model.

Extreme Commerce’s vision to make Pakistan a global e-commerce back-office hub has been acknowledged by international institutions as well. Extreme Commerce aims at developing a national e-commerce ecosystem through inspiring and empowering entrepreneurs. Being Pakistan’s largest e-commerce knowledge sharing and capacity building platform, Extreme Commerce has a community of more than half a million people nationwide. Whereas, Daraz believes in enabling local entrepreneurs and businesses to do business anywhere in this digital era and has a community of more than 70,000 sellers nationwide.

Omair Baksh, Head of Marketing at Daraz said, “Adaptability to e-commerce has increased in the past few months and an increased number of sellers are moving towards online selling to make a stable living for themselves. We take complete responsibility to train the seller community and equip them with the right skills for their business growth. Daraz has always focused on seller education as a core and with this partnership we are taking an additional step to create value for our sellers and buyers along with improving customer experience.

The cross-border Business to Consumer (B2C) e-commerce regulatory framework has also been developed by the SBP and the Web-Based One Customs (WeBOC) e-commerce module that the FBR is developing, would help facilitate online sales of exporting firms by allowing hassle-free documentation and shipment of export orders.

With this partnership Pakistani e-commerce enthusiasts will have access to customised courses designed for Daraz sellers that will focus on specialized training on digital trade, data analysis and other innovative solutions for business growth in ecommerce.

The success of any ecommerce business is highly dependent on customer experience that can be improved by many folds through capacity building of the seller base through education and awareness. A key battle for the ecommerce industry in Pakistan has stood to be customer trust which can be improved with ecommerce education, performance-based trainings and knowledge sharing by experienced mentors.

Extreme Commerce is Pakistan’s first EdTech start up with a sole focus on skills development and capacity building within the ecommerce and digital arena. Founded in 2017, it is the largest community of its kind in Pakistan, with well over half a million members and over 100+ courses and income streams to choose from. Extreme Commerce estimates that by 2025, it will foster a community of over 1 million strong, generating well over $1 billion in inward remittance for Pakistan.

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COURTESY DAILYTIMES

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ISLAMABAD, FEB 24: Matsuda Kuninori, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, has expressed his deep appreciation for Prime Minister Imran Khan’s initiative of adopting the Japanese Miyawaki planting technique in the country’s urban localities to fight environmental pollution.

The Ambassador, while lauding the PM Khan’s vision for Green Pakistan, in a statement on Tuesday, said that he highly values this very fruitful initiative by the Pakistani PM of using Japanese style Miyawaki technique, which is unique and was pioneered by Dr. MIYAWAKI Akira, a Japanese botanist and expert in plant ecology who advocated the value of natural forests.

“Combating environmental challenges is one of the priority areas for Japan and we appreciate the Government of Pakistan and Prime Minister Imran Khan’s vision for creating a pure, green and healthy environment for the people,” said the Ambassador.

It is pertinent to mention here that under the Japanese Miyawaki approach, dozens of species that suit the environment are planted in the same area, close to each other, which ensures that they grow in a competitive environment, allowing the trees to grow faster compared to normal plantation.

The Ambassador expressed the resolve that Japan supports PM Khan’s vision of green Pakistan as this spirit was demonstrated by the Embassy of Japan in Islamabad by planting many trees in the compound of the Embassy as well as in the Islamabad Japanese Garden recently.

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ISLAMABAD, FEB 24: Matsuda Kuninori, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, has condemned the terrorist gun attack in North Waziristan area which took place on Monday 22nd February, in which four female vocational trainers were shot dead and their driver injured while reportedly driving through a village to provide vocational training to local women.

In his message, Ambassador MATSUDA on Tuesday said, “I am deeply saddened and shocked by the killing of four innocent women in North Waziristan area. I extend my deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the grieving families and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured in the cowardly attack targeting women.”

The Ambassador said that Japan strongly condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and we will continue to support the efforts by the Government of Pakistan to combat terrorism.

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• Holds one-on-one meeting with counterpart Rajapaksa

• Five MoUs signed to boost ties in diverse fields
• Leadership, top officials, businessmen from both countries to attend trade, investment conference today

COLOMBO, FEB 24: Pakistan and Sri Lanka on Tuesday agreed to further strengthen bilateral relations in diverse areas, including trade, investment, science and technology, tourism and culture through enhanced connectivity.

“My visit is aimed at strengthening bilateral relationship [with Sri Lanka], especially trade and economic ties through enhanced connectivity,” Prime Minister Imran Khan said while addressing a joint press conference with his Sri Lankan counterpart Mahinda Rajapaksa here after holding a one-on-one meeting, followed by delegation-level talks.

Since Pakistan is part of the Chinese president’s Belt and Road Initiative through its flagship China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, Sri Lanka could benefit from it through enhanced connectivity up to the Central Asian states, said Prime Minister Khan who along with Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Commerce Adviser Abdul Razzak Dawood and Special Assistant Zulfikar Abbas Bukhari is on a two-day visit to Sri Lanka on the invitation of PM Rajapaksa.

Around 40 leading Pakistani businessmen are also accompanying the prime minister during his visit. The Pakistan mission in Colombo has invited 200 top businessmen and investors from Sri Lanka to the joint trade and investment conference being held in Colombo on Wednesday (today) by the commerce ministry and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan.

While addressing a joint presser with his Sri Lankan counterpart Mahinda Rajapaksa, PM Khan told the media that he had asked his delegation to find ways and means to enhance trade and economic relations between the two countries through increased connectivity. While highlighting the importance of resolving disputes through dialogue and promoting the vision of peace, progress and prosperity in South Asia and beyond, he underlined the imperative of constructive engagement by all sides to promote a political solution to the conflict in Afghanistan.

Pakistan’s shifting focus from geostrategic to geo-economics was discussed at the meeting during which the three pillars of Pakistan’s vision — peace, development partnerships, and connectivity — were underscored. The two sides reiterated their commitment to the principles and objectives of Saarc charter and agreed to take forward the Saarc process for regional cooperation.

Mr Khan said with Pakistan having faced the worst kind of terrorism that claimed over 70,000 lives in a decade and Sri Lanka also facing the menace for 30 years, the two countries shared the common problem. He also mentioned the role played by Pakistan in addressing the problem that was hindering Sri Lanka’s progress and development.

The premier said there hardly came any investment during the 10 years amid the wave of terrorism in Pakistan. Then coronavirus hit the economy of both countries, he said, highlighting the need for getting debt relief from the developed world as well as the international financial institutions besides urging the United Nations and other international institutions to step in to help the developing nations. He explained that Pakistan had provided a stimulus package of $8 billion compared to $3,000bn provided by the US to its people.

Coming back to the bilateral relations, PM Khan said Pakistan having various heritage sites was home to ancient civilizations of Gandhara and Budhism and called for enhanced cooperation between the two countries in tourism. He also extended an invitation to his Sri Lankan counterpart to visit Pakistan.

Mr Khan, the first head of government to visit Sri Lanka after President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa assumed office last year, said he had been visiting Sri Lanka and played cricket there, recalling how Sri Lankan cricket team revolutionised and became the world class team.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa told the media persons that they discussed regional and international issues of mutual interest, besides ways and means to strengthen bilateral ties.

He said during the meeting, the two sides agreed to enhance cooperation between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in diverse areas including trade, investment, science and technology, education and culture.

MoUs signed

On the occasion, PM Khan and his Sri Lankan counterpart witnessed the signing of five memorandums of understanding (MOUs) for enhanced bilateral cooperation in the fields of investment, science and technology, and industrial technology.

According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the reconstitution of the Sri Lanka-Pakistan Parliamentary Friendship Association will also be announced during the visit to further promote parliamentary exchanges between the two countries.

A Sri Lankan foreign ministry statement said the visit would feature a business and investment forum, as well as a sports diplomacy initiative.

This is the fourth high-level engagement between Pakistan and Sri Lanka witnessed in last few months since the Sixth Foreign Secretary Level Bilateral Political Consultations in December 2020, followed by the 12th Session of Joint Economic Commission.

Meanwhile, Associated Press reported that Sri Lankan Muslims protested near the president’s office demanding that the government allow people who die of Covid-19 to be buried instead of cremated. They believe Mr Khan would take up the burial issue as well with the Sri Lankan leadership.

Earlier, PM Rajapaksa received Mr Khan on his arrival here at the Bandaranaike International Airport this afternoon.

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COURTESY DAWN NEWS

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ISLAMABAD, FEB 23: Azerbaijan Ambassador Ali Alizade highlighted the genocide perpetrated by the Armenian army in the Nagorno-Karabakh area of Khojaly and said that the occupational forces committed massive killings to suppress the voices against freedom of Nagorno-Karabakh.

He said that despite United Nations Security Council resolutions, the world community failed to help the oppressed people of Nagorno-Karabakh.

Azerbaijan Ambassador also urged the United Nations to hold a plebiscite in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir as enshrined in the United Nations Security Council resolutions.

The Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir Shehryar Khan Afridi also spoke that Indian occupational forces are waging a ‘rape war’ using rape as a tool of genocide against the freedom-loving Kashmiris and the failure of the world community in punishing the culprits of Kupwara mass rapes may lead to the eruption of a new war between two nuclear neighbours.

The event, dedicated to the 29th anniversary of the Khojaly genocide occurred on February 26, 1992, was held under the auspices of the Islamabad Institute of Conflict Resolution (ISCR) in liaison with the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Islamabad.

Afridi said that until recently, there existed no punishment for ‘war rape’ in international law.

“War crimes or humanitarian law specifically focuses on the treatment of the civilian population and ‘any devastation not justified by military necessity. Thereafter, war rape has rarely been prosecuted as a war crime. Since 1949 Article 27 of the Fourth Geneva Convention explicitly prohibits wartime rape and enforced prostitution,” he said.

He said that the United Nations and the prosperous world needs to take steps to protect the weak and unprotected segments of society”.

He said that repeated incidents of massacres and genocide reflect that the world has failed to protect the oppressed people living in conflict zones as might is right prevails.

Shehryar Afridi said that the mass rapes of women in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Khojaly have been used by occupational forces as tools of genocide.

Kunan Poshpora in Kupwara is the most scenic area of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir but the mass rapes of 1991 have left scars in the minds of the people of Kashmir.

He said the international community has done nothing to punish the culprits of Kupwara, the genocide in Khojaly may not have happened.

He said that expansionist designs of India are a threat to world peace and if the world fails to bring resolution to conflict zones like Jammu and Kashmir, no one can rule out the possibility of a new war erupting between Pakistan and India.

“Any new war may suck in other nuclear powers of the region. Hence, this conflict may not remain limited,” warned the Chairman.

He said that India is being ruled by a fascist regime of Narendra Modi who believes in Hindu supremacist ideology and all minorities in India are under a threat of genocide.

He said that unfortunately, rape is also used a tool of punishment in conflict zones and history suggests that this one element of violence is used as an effective weapon and strategy for disarming psychological war.

“This weapon of rape was used by many combatants and this global issue has no national boundaries of ideology or religion”.

He said that it is more of associated with masculine identity commonly but in war times there is often a violation of men and children too through different means of torture and distress.

“Therefore, it often does not remain gender bound but women being soft targets are more of victims of rape in war precincts. There are many examples of such mass rapes during conflicts and war times during Rwanda genocide, Bosnia & Kosovo conflicts, Khojaly massacre by Armenian forces in Azerbaijan and not to forget Kashmir where such incidents occur frequently to suppress freedom movement,” he added.

Afridi said that in Kashmiri history, mass rape incidents ensued in the area of Kunan Poshpora in February 1991 and the social stigma generated out of this incident is that women still face difficulties in getting married.

He said that the South Asian subcontinent is the least gender-sensitive region in the world. It is the only region in the world where men outnumber women.

The Defence analyst Lt. General (retd) Amjad Shoaib and the Assistant Professor Dr. Salma Malik also addressed the seminar.

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COURTESY dnd news

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ISLAMABAD, FEB 23: The Japanese Embassy celebrated the 61st birthday of the country's 126th Emperor, Naruhito, on Monday. However, the usual reception for it was not held as a precautionary measure against coronavirus.

Ambassador of Japan Matsuda Kuninori expressed gratitude and appreciation to the Pakistani government and people for extending their messages of felicitation and good wishes for the emperor and his family.

He said since his accession to the throne on May 1, 2019, as the 126th Emperor of Japan, Emperor Naruhito, stood as the symbol of Japan and of the unity of the people. "Emperor Naruhito and the imperial family facilitate the fostering of good relations with foreign countries including Pakistan." The ambassador, while recalling the cherished memories of Pakistan’s relationship with the Japanese Imperial House, said Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko, who were the parents of Emperor Naruhito, visited Pakistan as the then-Crown Prince and Princess in 1962, on the 10th anniversary of diplomatic relations, which became the first visit by the members of the Imperial House to Pakistan.

He said Pakistani President Dr Arif Alvi and First Lady Samina Alvi, on the invitation of the government of Japan, paid an official visit to Japan to attend the enthronement ceremony of Emperor Naruhito in October 2019.

Highlighting the decade’s old historical and amicable relations between Japan and Pakistan, the ambassador said Japan had remained one of the major bilateral development partners of Pakistan since 1954 extending assistance in multi-faceted sectors.

"The total amount of Japan’s economic assistance to Pakistan by March 2020 amounts to $13 billion and this makes Japan the second-largest economic partner of Pakistan," he said.

The envoy said as the year 2022 will mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Pakistan, the ambassador has invited all Pakistani people to come forward and join hands with the embassy to celebrate this historic relationship in a splendid way.

Cultural and people-to-people exchanges, the Ambassador said, are the foundation of our friendship from a long-term perspective.

The Ambassador, on this occasion of the birthday celebrations of the Emperor, stressed that we must renew ourselves to further develop our close relations and make a firm resolve to deepen our cherished ties, which will amplify the welfare of people of both the countries.

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COURTESY THE NEWS

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ISLAMABAD, FEB 23: The Government of Japan on Monday announced a contribution of US$ 3.7 million to support UNHCR’s programmes and activities for Afghan refugees and host communities in Pakistan.

This three-year project will focus on education, livelihood assistance, and community structures in the provinces of Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab, benefitting over 240,000 individuals.

The announcement was made at a ceremony in Islamabad.

On this occasion, the Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, His Excellency Mr. MATSUDA Kuninori, and UNHCR Representative, Ms. Noriko Yoshida, signed an agreement.

The Chief Commissioner for Afghan Refugees, Mr. Saleem Khan, was also present.

“Acquiring education and vocational skills is vital for the social inclusion of Afghan refugees. In this project, we will continue to provide financial support, which will greatly contribute to the stability and peace of Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Peace and stability are the preconditions for achieving voluntary repatriation and sustainable reintegration in Afghanistan,” said Ambassador MATSUDA.

Ms. Yoshida thanked the people and Government of Japan for their generosity towards refugees and host communities.

“This funding will go a long way to empowering young refugees and Pakistanis through skills development and education.”

The UNHCR Representative further said that given the protracted Afghan refugee situation in Pakistan, Japan is supporting sustained investments easing the burden on host communities.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Commissioner for Afghan Refugees said that Pakistan has been hosting Afghan refugees for over 40 years and called on the international community to step up their support for large refugee-hosting countries.

“Japan has always played its part in supporting humanitarian efforts in Pakistan,” commended Mr. Khan.

Japan is playing an important role in burden- and responsibility-sharing, as set out in the Global Compact for Refugees adopted at the United Nations General Assembly in December 2018.

The Government of Japan is one of UNHCR’s largest donors and supporters of many years.

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COURTESY dndnews

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ISLAMABAD, FEB 23: The Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS) and the Hans Seidel Foundation (HSF) Pakistan jointly organized a Conference on the topic of “Technological Transformation in Pakistan: An Asset or Liability?” at Margala Hotel in Islamabad on Monday.

The discussion commenced with the opening remarks by Ashfaq Ahmed Gondal, Former Federal Secretary Information and Broadcasting and Senior Member Board of Advisors, Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad.

He stated that technological transformation is a very significant topic because things are changing very rapidly vis-à-vis technological development. Technology is an asset as it opens new avenues of development and prosperity on a broad level. It is a powerful tool for business growth if used prudently. If we fail to use it in its true essence, it can become a liability.

Dr. Steffen Kudella, Resident Representative, HSF Pakistan in his welcome remarks discussed significant aspects of the topic at this conference. He stated that an algorithm is a mechanistic formula that automatically produces an answer for each new case that appears. This happens with no or with very minimal human intervention. Algorithms are marking the current age of technology. However, algorithms face serious limitations.

Dr. Steffen stated that Artificial Intelligence is still far away from having real super-human abilities. It is important for us to see not only the potential but also the limitations of Artificial Intelligence.

However, it is unlikely that they will be able to replace human beings completely in the future. Knowing this, human beings can and should adjust their skills through education and training as per the needs of the future society.

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Government of Pakistan was the Chief Guest at this conference.

He stated that Germany, China, and Japan have re-emerged because of their focused economic development through technology which has resulted in rapid economic growth within their societies.

He stated that the Government of Pakistan is taking efficient steps to introduce technology and innovation in various sectors within the country.

“We have aptly invested in health and education during the past years. Our youth is doing great and if we have not performed in the last seventy decades, we surely have the vigor and energy to do it now. We have great potential to deliver to the world and we should not be overwhelmed by any challenges,” he said.

Barrister Waqas Aziz Qureshi – Senior Law Expert and Managing Partner, Transact Advisory presented a speech on the topic “Legal and Legislative Perspective on the Technological Transformation in Pakistan.”

He stated his concern regarding what is required in terms of the legal framework to enhance better technological development. Pakistan is inclined towards traditional investment patterns. Technology has not transformed our economy because of our lack of interest in its development. The Government of Pakistan has taken vigilant steps to match pace with the world in this regard. He recommended that special economic zones for technological development can be set up for an economic boost in this field. There should be technology-based companies that should benefit from Government’s incentives and initiatives.

Mr. Amir Zafar Durrani, President, Reenergia (Expert of renewable energy, development, trade and connectivity) presented a speech on “Adapting Pakistan to Post COVID-19 Technology Gains: Some Thought Pathways.”

He stated that the biggest compression of technology is happening in our region. Life patterns are changing, with some job opportunities at lower vocational drying up. During such perilous times, resilient businesses have benefitted by adopting and embracing digital methods, showing new pathways about how best to adopt technological development.

“Unfortunately, we are teaching our kids everything but cognitive thinking which, in the long run, can be extremely dangerous and counterproductive for us,” he stated.

He stated that this is the era of the fast-emerging East because of the Chinese widespread investment in its immediate geographical vicinity and beyond.

“We need to train our people and must stand as a nation to protect CPEC which is virtually the economic lifeline of our country in times to come. If technology is not used efficiently and prudently, it can become a liability. If we handle our resources and youth smartly, the technological transformation has all the elements in it to become an asset,” he stated.

Mr. Ammar Jaffri, Director General, Center of Information Technology (CIT) presented a speech on the topic “Technological Transformation in Pakistan through BRI & CPEC.” He stated, “Challenges are present and we need to have joint platforms for facilitating and bringing technology in Pakistan. As for the government, it must regulate and introduce suitable environment and should keep a strict check”.

He stated that our biggest opportunity and trump card is our youth. “They have a passion and I have faith in them if are guided well. Our universities must deliver the right manpower”.

Mr. Jawad Majid, Director, Silk Bank highlighted the “Impacts of Technological Transformation on Pakistan’s Financial Sector.” He stated that there are several opportunities that are present for the youth nowadays vis-à-vis this topic.

“We can include youth by giving them initial capital to induce them towards financial betterment via technical development in monetary and banking sectors. Private banks can collaborate and work together cohesively with the government institutions and other stakeholders related to the technological sector for exponentially boosting prospects of better technological development of Pakistan in due course of time,” he stated.

Mr. Tariq Malik – Former Chief Technology Officer, GHQ presented a speech on the topic “Challenges to Social Security under the Technological Transformation in Pakistan.” He stated that millions of jobs are expected to be lost or displaced during the coming decades because of the technological development happening today and fear of losing job is rampant.

He stated that “Artificial Intelligence can revolutionize segments of life and can bring new opportunities. If technology is not understood and adopted, unemployment is not far away. When we are part of the global economy, we ought to change ourselves. We need to understand destination jobs for tomorrow. On the other hand, if technological development is embraced with open arms and is allowed to sensibly grow in our country, many job opportunities can emerge”.

Dr. Minhas Majeed Marwat, Department of International Relations, University of Peshawar presented a speech on “Evolving Education Sector in the Prism of Technological Transformation: Challenges and Solutions.”

She stated that technology has affected all aspects of life. Technology and the learning process has become more effective due to technological development. Technology has changed the traditional role of teachers now. Presently, massive information is present on the internet and formal learning has consequently become much easier. Due to technological development, feedback between students and teachers has also become better because of this technological development.

She concluded by stating that such development might be widening the social gap within Pakistan but on the other hand, it can be a blessing as well.

Mr. Aamir Ghauri, Editor, The News presented a speech on the topic “Technological Transformation Impacting Media: Increasing Challenges and the Way Forward”. He stated that the mushroom growth of media in Pakistan has created bigger challenges. He stated that the journalists work as the watchdog in the public interest.

Mr. Aamir stated that the biggest challenge that we are facing today is fake news. Mainstream media has to work under certain policy framework regulations. Having said that, lawmakers and legislative bodies must also catch up with the evolving technology. We also need to research sources to fact-check the information. He also comprehensively elaborated on the responsibilities of the media and reporters.

Ms. Bareerah Fatima, Program Liaison Officer Associate, Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) gave a glimpse of the usage of digital technology for various multifaceted purposes vis-à-vis water conservation and management.

She stated that at the moment, water conservation in the agriculture sector requires quick improvement through technological development.

The esteemed speakers gave a presentation on various aspects related to water conservation and management. Indus telemetry initiative is significantly helping in water management and conservation through its data gathering through its advanced technological mechanism and techniques.

She also stated facts vis-a-vis aspects related to groundwater management and monitoring present in Pakistan at the moment. Real-time canal monitoring was also discussed in considerable length. Satellite-based water resource management has also significantly helped in this regard.

The event was attended by approximately 130 participants and was moderated by Ms. Palwasha Nawaz, Project Executive, CGSS.

All Sops were followed diligently…

COURTESY dndnews/cgss

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ISLAMABAD, FEB 22: The Islamabad Institute of Conflict Resolution (IICR) in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan will organize a Seminar on “Bombardments, Massacres, Genocides. Crimes Against Humanity” in Islamabad on Monday.

The Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir Shehryar Khan Afridi will grace the event as the Chief Guest.

The Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan H.E Ali Alizada among other dignataries will also address the audience at the Seminar.

The Seminar has been dedicated to the 29th anniversary of the Khojaly genocide occurred on February 26, 1992.

On February 26, 1992, the Armenian military units carried out an act of genocide against the 7,000 population of Azerbaijan’s Khojaly town, killing over 600 people and injuring 1,000 further.

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RAWALPINDI, FEB 22: A delegation of foreign experts is arriving in Pakistan on Monday (today) on the invitation of Adviser to the Prime Minister on Institutional Reforms and Austerity Dr Ishrat Hussain to work on a five-year corporate business plan for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).

The four-member team will stay in Pakistan for 12 days during which it will undertake a business model review and also meet government officials at the finance ministry, Dr Hussain, senior government officials and the airline’s chief executive officer, Arshad Malik.

The airline’s spokesman, Abdullah Hafeez, confirmed that the team would be reaching Pakistan on Monday.

The experts, who have an extensive consultancy experience, will devise a business plan for the airline to make it profitable and sustainable.

“We will be following the government’s directives on restructuring and reforms in the airline,” the spokesman said.

Dr Hussain is supervising the reforms underway in PIA and in this context consultants had been invited to advice on the restructuring plan for the national carrier.

In November 2019, PIA had sought services of a reputed international firm with extensive aviation consulting experience to prepare a five-year corporate business plan through a tender.

The objective was to make the PIA a leading international airline and enable it to play an important role in Pakistan’s economy.

The plan will include all proposed initiatives and strategies for organisational and financial restructuring within the relevant timelines. It will also provide a detailed forecast of the financial position, performance and cash flows under different possible/recommended scenarios. It will focus on recommendations to revise capital structure and provide a viable working plan for raising future funding requirements.

The proposed plan will also give a holistic view of PIA’s current competitive position in the industry, with focus on its sales and marketing strategy for each region, route and destination.

Restructuring options will also be suggested, and the experts will advise on the best possible strategy for each area of the airline.

The PIA will support the consultant by providing available operational and/or financial information required for the development of the corporate business plan.

Earlier, the Civil Aviation Authority had granted special permission for inbound travel to the foreign experts from the United Kingdom, South Africa and Portugal on the request of the PIA administration.

The delegation will be travelling onboard Turkish Airlines flight as per the travel itinerary. However, this approval was subject to PCR testing, mandatory quarantine and other stipulations as specified by the health authorities upon arrival.

Pakistan has restricted the entry of inbound passengers from countries categorised C in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

COURTESY DAWN NEWS

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ISLAMABAD, FEB 22: With its plenary beginning on Monday (today), Pakistan may remain in the grey list of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) though the authorities assert that the country qualifies to be moved out on merit.

Background discussions with key officials and foreign diplomats suggest that the jury is divided — with the authorities claiming sufficient progress to be confident of a positive outcome but some diplomats suggesting that even in the best case scenario Pakistan would remain in the increased monitoring list (grey list) until June.

A final decision would be announced by the FATF president on the conclusion of the four-day virtual plenary on Feb 25.

Ahead of the plenary, the FATF updated the overall performance of all countries. Based on this update, Pakistan has been shown improving compliance on two out of 40 recommendations of the FATF on effectiveness of anti-money laundering and combating financing terror (AML/CFT) systems. It finds Pakistan’s progress non-compliant on four counts, partially compliant on 25 counts and largely compliant on nine recommendations. Pakistan’s evaluation at the plenary would be based on 27-point action plan and not on these 40 recommendations.

Decision to be announced on 25th

Diplomats said they had not seen this time the kind of aggressive diplomatic effort Islamabad had been making in the past, particularly before the October 2020 plenary review. They said the plenary could discuss all options, including blacklisting Pakistan, keeping it in the grey list or removing it from the grey list.

There are, however, no chances that Pakistan could be put in the blacklist because it has at least three members of the FATF — China, Turkey and Malaysia — who can sustain all pressures against any downgrade. This is not only based on friendly bilateral relations but performance as well. “From our perspective, we have completed all action points and complied with what the country was required to do, but sometimes some influential members can raise objections on a point that one can think is not justified,” said an official.

The plenary discussions would take place on the analytical report of the FATF’s assessors on the basis of status compliance report of Pakistan. The FATF’s assessor analysis is purely of technical nature of checklists. Adversaries can challenge the positive findings and come up with negative and critical opinions about the assessors’ report. Likewise, friendly allies can question negative opinions. In both cases it leads to further discussion and conclusions are normally based on consensus.

Even the assessments may not lead to a final decision and are normally linked to an onsite visit by the FATF or its regional associates for physical verification that provides a couple of weeks to the authorities to address some minor deficiencies. If the FATF assessment finds Pakistan report to be fully compliant, even then this would be followed by an onsite visit in a couple of months and the country would formally move out of the grey list in June.

Given well known anti-Pakistan stance from arch rival India, latest diplomatic row with France and the US’s open criticism of court decision on Daniel Pearl case, the debate at the FATF plenary could turn negative.

Pakistan fully complied with 21 out of 27-point action plan last year, leading the FATF to soften its stance from previously aggressive threats and yet it kept it in the grey list in October last year. Following robust progress on anti-money laundering and terror financing laws, rules, regulations and updating inter-agency and inter-provincial cooperation, the FATF narrative shifted towards Islamabad to “demonstrate” seriousness on ground through results and prosecutions.

In October last year, the FATF had announced that Pakistan had made progress across all action plan items and “largely addressed 21 of the 27 action items”. As all action plan deadlines stood expired, the FATF had said it strongly urged Pakistan to swiftly complete its full action plan by February 2021 appreciating that it took “note of the significant progress made on a number of action plan items”.

It had asked Pakistan to continue to work on implementing its action plan to address its strategic deficiencies by “demonstrating” that law enforcement agencies are identifying and investigating the widest range of terror financing (TF) activity and that TF investigations and prosecutions target designated persons and entities, and those acting on behalf or at the direction of the designated persons or entities.

Secondly, it was required to “demonstrate” that TF prosecutions result in effective, proportionate and dissuasive sanctions and thirdly to “demonstrate” effective implementation of targeted financial sanctions against all 1,267 and 1,373 designated terrorists and those acting for or on their behalf, preventing the raising and moving of funds, including in relation to non-profit organisations (NPOs), identifying and freezing movable and immovable assets and prohibiting access to funds and financial services.

Fourth and finally, it had asked Islamabad to “demonstrate” enforcement against terror financing sanctions (TFS) violations, including in relation to NPOs, of administrative and criminal penalties and provincial and federal authorities cooperating on enforcement cases.

Foreign Office spokesman had said last week that Pakistan had made substantive progress on the remaining six items of the FATF action plan and was duly acknowledged by the wider FATF membership.

Pakistan has been on the FATF’s grey list for deficiencies in its counter-terror financing and anti-money laundering regimes since June 2018. Until the last assessment, Pakistan was found deficient in acting against the organisations allegedly linked to the terror groups listed by the UN Security Council, prosecuting and convicting banned individuals and tackling smuggling of narcotics and precious stones. Recently, the authorities had taken further steps including the prosecution of Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Hafiz Saeed and his associates in terror financing cases.

FATF President Dr Marcus Pleyer had noted in October that Pakistan had never been in the blacklist but in the grey list and based on its completion on 21 out of 27 items as largely complaint status, the country could be viewed “safer”. He had, however, made it clear that six outstanding items were “very serious and risks are not over until the government of Pakistan repairs all six outstanding items”.

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COURTESY DAWN NEWS

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