CGSS, HSF organize conference; discuss implications of climate change

 

ISLAMABAD, NOV 11: Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad & Hanns Seidel Foundation Pakistan jointly organized a conference on “Climate Change as a Non-Traditional Security Challenge: Relevance for Pakistan” at Islamabad.

The aim of the Conference was to establish a strong narrative based on critically analyzed climate change scenarios in the region and particularly in Pakistan. The discussion focused on highlighting the grave implications of climate change on the major pillars of national security of Pakistan.

Mr. Ashfaq Ahmed Gondal, Former Federal Secretary of Information and Broadcasting and Vice President (Federal Region), CGSS in his opening remarks stated that the consequences of climate change must be realized. We have no idea about its repercussions if remedial measures are not taken on time. There is an immediate need to enhance the storage capacity of existing water reservoirs.

Thereby, constructing new mega-dams along with the large-scale rehabilitation is the dire need of time. The integrated strategies to achieve sustainable climate change targets must be communicated to the local government and community level so that the environmental threat may be catered at the grass-root level.

Dr. Steffen Kudella, Resident Representative, Hanns Seidel Foundation Pakistan in his welcome remarks stated that the effects of Climate Change can be seen everywhere in the world. Especially Pakistan is threatened by and vulnerable to Climate Change. Fortunately, Climate Change is solvable.

It needs to be slowed down by cutting emissions. Carbon dioxide needs to be actively removed from the atmosphere by planting new trees or restoring old ones. We need to fight misinformation about Climate Change. And in the short-term, we need to prepare and adapt, for instance by planning for water scarcity and building more resilient cities and communities.

In short: We need to act now for the future. HSF works in the service of democracy, peace and development. We understand that without formulating answers to serious non-traditional security risks such as Climate Change, sustainable development and national and regional stability are very hard to achieve.

Mr. Shakeel Ahmed Ramay,  Chief Executive Officer, Asian Institute of Eco-civilization Research and Development, Islamabad gave a presentation on “Non-traditional Security Challenges: Dynamics and Challenges”. He discussed the characteristics of Non-Traditional Security and stated that it does not belong to the state or maybe trans-state in nature.

They are equally dangerous or more for people and the state or planet. Mr. Ramay stated that Government should invest on adaptation as it can advert big losses in the future. Pakistan should develop a conceptual framework to identify and monitor potential conflicts related to climate change and resources.

The First Session of the Conference commenced with the speech of Prof. Dr. Muhammad Khan, Professor, Department of Politics & International Relations, International Islamic University, Islamabad who discussed the Implications of Climate change on the pillars of the National Security of Pakistan. He stated that the reality of climate change is that it is happening. 

There is a need to give compulsory coverage of climate change and its implication in syllabia of all educational institutions. Initiation of a national debate over climate change and its wider is important. Also, there is a need to conceive and develop strategies in short term, medium-term and long term.

Formulation of strategies and their implementation to mitigate the threats caused by climate change has to be done sooner than later since Pakistan has already reached an extreme level of vulnerabilities caused by climate change.

Dr. Sarah Amir, Department of Environmental Sciences, International Islamic University, Islamabad presented a speech on Emerging Non-traditional security challenges in South Asia: An Overview. She stated that Non-traditional security threats to South Asia are more inclusive and have far-reaching consequences.

They can trigger political competition among states, although they do not stem from it. The availability of renewable water resources in SA is less than 5% of the global total, says IWMI report. Although the intensity of this issue varies from state to state but overall, every South Asian country is expected to face acute water shortages in the future.

South Asian governments have not yet fully realized that military measures and domestic policies alone cannot overcome NTS challenges; rather, many of these challenges must be faced collectively and through regional cooperation.

Dr. Hassan Abbas, Chairman Forte, Integrated Water Resources Management presented speech on Role of International organizations in tackling emerging Non-traditional threats: Options to tackle Climate change. He stated that there are three categories of International organizations that includes Intergovernmental, International Non Governmental Organisations (INGO) and Multinational Corporations.

He explained the concept of Ecocide which is defined as “unlawful or wanton acts committed with knowledge that there is a substantial likelihood of severe and widespread or long-term damage to the environment being caused by those acts”.

Mr.Salah ud Din, Deputy Director,  Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR)presented speech on Food Challenges in the context of climate variability. He stated that Pakistan is among the 10 most vulnerable to climate change, among 17 countries that has water shortages and among 36 countries having serious food crisis threat.

There have been enormous shortages in the reservoirs during 2021. Tarbela and Mangla reservoirs have 34% and 51% shortage in storage. overall, about 46% shortages have been observed in the three reservoirs namely Tarbela, Chasma and Mangla. He suggested that we must adopt a scientific approach to be followed to cope with climatic variability.

Chair of Second Session, Mr. Joudat Ayaz, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Climate Change, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad presented speech on the Impact of Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) in Northern Areas of Pakistan, He stated that the maximum number of glaciers outside the polar regions are present in northern Pakistan. 

The Scaling-up of GLOF risk reduction in Northern Pakistan (GLOF-II) project is a continuation of the four-year ‘Reducing Risks and Vulnerabilities from GLOF in Northern Pakistan’ (GLOF-I) project, which helped vulnerable communities in two districts to prepare for and mitigate GLOF risks through early warning systems, enhanced infrastructure, and community-based disaster risk management.

The current project focuses on adaptation, mitigation and resilience against GLOF events to protect local communities. Glacial lakes are common in Northern Pakistan caused by excessive glacier melting due to climate change.A Glacial Lake Outburst Flood, or GLOF, is a sudden release of water from a lake fed by glacier melt that has formed at the side, in front, within, beneath, or on the surface of a glacier.

Dr. Kanwar Muhammad Javed Iqbal, Lead Researcher, National Institute of Maritime Affairs, Islamabad presented speech on Environmental-threat-vulnerability Nexus: Understanding Environmental Threats Leading to Conflicts. He stated that Environmental security refers to a range of concerns that can be organized into three general categories viz the potential threats and risk involved for environmental conflicts.

First, adverse impact of human activities on environment. Second, direct and indirect effects of various forms of environmental change.

Third, insecurity of individuals, groups’ experience and resources due to environmental change. Combining these three, we might be on safer side to say that the condition of environmental security is one in which social systems interact with ecological systems in sustainable ways, all individuals have fair and reasonable access to environmental goods, and mechanisms exist to address environmental crises and conflicts.

Ms. Mufeezah Ahsan, Research Officer, Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) presented speech on Implications of Climate Change. She stated that Pakistan has experienced a rise in sea level at a rate of about 1.1 mm per year, which is even higher than the global mean.

Rise in sea level is most likely to affect the low-lying coastal areas in Southern Sindh and Balochistan. Pakistan faced over 150 extreme weather events during the last couple of decades.

Climate change has its adverse impacts on the financial sector. Being a cross-cutting theme, water is at the core of sustainable development for economic growth. The Global Climate Risk Index Report (2020) indicates that Pakistan has suffered an economic loss of about USD 3792.52 million.

Prof. Dr. Irfan Ahmad Baig, Dean Faculty of Social Sciences, MNS University of Agriculture Multan presented speech on Reducing risks to food security from climate change: An analysis of Pakistan’s agriculture sector. He stated that shift in spatial crop boundaries having enormous economic and social impacts. Almost 690 million people suffered from hunger in 2019, a figure that was projected to rise by 130 million by the end of 2020.

In Pakistan, we waste around 36 million tonnes of food annually (weddings, parties, and hotels share about 40 %). If food loss and waste were a country, it would be the third largest carbon emitter on the globe. Furthermore, he stated that Religious narratives are crucial to tackling climate change.

Mr. Aftab Alam Khan, Chief Executive Officer, Resilient Future International Pvt Ltd presented speech on Strengthening Economic Security in the midst of Climate Change. He stated that Pakistan experienced 126 heat waves between 1997 and 2015. Country is expected to witness 2.5 degrees Celsius in temperature rise over the next two decades.

Pakistan has a minor share in global GHG emissions. Pakistan’s total greenhouse gas emissions have increased by 123% in 21 years (1994 to 2015) and the total emissions are expected to increase by about 300% for the projected period (2015-2030). Furthermore, she also suggested that there must be awareness-raising for the business sector and also Government Budget allocation for Research and Development.

Dr. Naheed Bano, Assistant Professor, MNS University of Agriculture, Multan presented speech on Climate Change Challenges on Fisheries and Aquaculture with impact on Food Security (Online). She stated that the reason for global warming is the increase of heat trapping, greenhouse gases in atmosphere. Global warming will bring about long-term changes in weather conditions.

Climate change is poised to transform marine and freshwater ecosystems. The livelihoods of millions of fishery-dependent people are at risk. She also stated that All of us must work together to protect the oceans, seas, inland waters and marine resources and ensure sustainable livelihoods, diets and developments.

The event was attended by approximately 120 participants, and all Sops were followed diligently.

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EXCLUSIVE: Renowned Economist Dr. Ashfaque requests Farogh Naseem to review law of “stay order”

 

EXCLUSIVE

FARUKH SHEHZAD/EDITOR-IN CHIEF

The Renowned Economist of Pakistan Dr. Ashfaque Hasan Khan has requested Pakistan’s law minister Farogh Naseem to review law of stay order. He said that this law of stay order has played a huge role in destruction of Pakistan’s economy.

Dr. Ashfaque Hasan Khan who is also a very well known economic expert said that over the past many years the writ of government have lost his credibility, Dr. Ashfaque said.

He said because there is no practical implementation for rule of law in Pakistan therefore sugar mills and flour mills owners get stay order to escape from their wrong doings.

Dr. Ashfaque said that price of sugar cane are decided by provincial governments on political basis which is absolutely wrong and also one of the main reasons of price hike of sugar in Pakistan.

He emphasized the relevant authorities must review and change this law under the Sugar cane act of 1970 in which provinces decide the price of sugar cane according to their political interest.

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NZ beat England by 5 wickets to reach T20 World Cup final for the first time

ABU DHABI, NOV 10: Daryl Mitchell smashed an unbeaten 72 as New Zealand beat England by five wickets with an over to spare to reach the Twenty20 World Cup final on Wednesday.

Chasing 166 for victory, New Zealand were in trouble at 13-2 and 107-4 when Jimmy Neesham hit an 11-ball 27 and Mitchell finished it off with a boundary.

New Zealand will be in their first ever T20 World Cup final where they will face either Australia or Pakistan.

Earlier, all-rounder Moeen Ali smashed an unbeaten 51 to steer England to a challenging 166 for four. England lost their openers including Jos Buttler for 29, lbw off Ish Sodhi, after being invited to bat first as Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson won an all-important toss in Abu Dhabi.

But Moeen hit back with his 37-ball knock and put on a key partnership of 63 with Dawid Malan, who hit 41, for the third wicket.

Pace bowlers Tim Southee and Trent Boult kept a tight leash in the first three overs before Buttler smashed two successive boundaries.

Jonny Bairstow also got a couple of fours but did not look comfortable after being promoted to open in place of the injured Jason Roy.

Adam Milne replaced fellow quick Boult from one end to break through as he got Bairstow out for 13 off 17 balls with Williamson taking a sharp catch at mid-off.

In-form Buttler tried to rebuild but an attempt to reverse sweep leg-spinner Ish Sodhi got him trapped lbw for 29 off 24 deliveries.

The opener, who moved past Pakistan’s Babar Azam as the leading batsman in the tournament with 269 runs, reviewed the call but replays suggested the ball would have hit his off stump.

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Courtesy Dawn News

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Moeen Ali leads England to 166-4 against New Zealand in T20 World Cup semi-final

 

ABU DHABI, NOV 10: All-rounder Moeen Ali smashed an unbeaten 51 to steer England to a challenging 166 for four against New Zealand in the first semi-final of the Twenty20 World Cup on Wednesday.

England lost their openers including Jos Buttler for 29, lbw off Ish Sodhi, after being invited to bat first as Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson won an all-important toss in Abu Dhabi.

But Moeen hit back with his 37-ball knock and put on a key partnership of 63 with Dawid Malan, who hit 41, for the third wicket.

Pace bowlers Tim Southee and Trent Boult kept a tight leash in the first three overs before Buttler smashed two successive boundaries.

Jonny Bairstow also got a couple of fours but did not look comfortable after being promoted to open in place of the injured Jason Roy.

Adam Milne replaced fellow quick Boult from one end to break through as he got Bairstow out for 13 off 17 balls with Williamson taking a sharp catch at mid-off.

In-form Buttler tried to rebuild but an attempt to reverse sweep leg-spinner Ish Sodhi got him trapped lbw for 29 off 24 deliveries.

The opener, who moved past Pakistan’s Babar Azam as the leading batsman in the tournament with 269 runs, reviewed the call but replays suggested the ball would have hit his off stump.

The left-handed Malan, who was dropped on 10 by wicketkeeper Devon Conway off Jimmy Neesham, hit the first six of the innings off Southee in the 16th over but departed next ball caught behind.

But Moeen launched an attack as he hit Sodhi for a six and then smashed Milne for two hits over the fence.

Liam Livingstone hit 17 off 10 balls before departing and Moeen completed his first 50 of the tournament with a boundary off Neesham.

The winners will face either Australia or Pakistan in Sunday’s final in Dubai.

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Courtesy Dawn News

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Azerbaijan's liberated Karabakh now a construction site for modern projects

 

BAKU, NOV 10: Azerbaijan draws attention with its projects in Karabakh as the region was liberated in November last year after nearly 30 years of occupation.

The areas liberated from the occupation resemble a large construction site where feverish work has been carried out over the past year.

Tanks, which had been moving on the old roads of the region a year ago, have now been replaced by construction equipment and trucks.

Some 2.2 billion manats ($1.29 billion) were allocated from the 2021 state budget for the reconstruction of the liberated areas.

Fuzuli International Airport was the first major project completed by Azerbaijan that started construction work in the region immediately after the end of the 2nd Karabakh War on Nov. 10, 2020.

Its foundation was laid on Jan. 14, 2021. The airport, described as “Karabakh’s gateway to the world,” was inaugurated on Oct. 26.

Meanwhile, the construction work continues also at Zangilan and Lachin airports.

RECONSTRUCTION OF REGIONS LIBERATED FROM OCCUPATION

The liberated cities need to be rebuilt as all settlements were completely destroyed during the occupation years.

The Azerbaijani government, as a first step, is planning to rebuild the city of Agdam.

Agdam is expected to be a modern city where more than 50,000 people will live in nearly three years.

Meanwhile, a total of 200 houses are being built in the Agali village of Zangilan that has been restructured under the concept of “smart village.”

The reconstruction work in the village, rebuilt with alternative energy sources, ecological heating and smart lighting systems, is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

The first residents are expected to be settled in the village by the beginning of 2022.

OTHER ACTIVITIES IN REGION

Meanwhile, an agricultural park project was launched by Turkish and Azerbaijani investors near the smart Agali village.

Agricultural activities will be carried out with modern technologies on the Dost Agropark Smart Agriculture Campus, the foundation of which was laid by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev.

A total of 20,000 hectares of land were cleared of mines, while 50,000 mines and unexploded ordnance planted by the Armenian army were neutralized in the liberated areas.

The Azerbaijani government started work to deliver electricity to the liberated areas while the war was still going on.

Substations were built in Jabrayil, Fuzuli, Zangilan, Gubadli, and Kalbajar districts.

Meanwhile, Azerbaijan is building new highways in the liberated areas.

The total length of the highways, completed and under construction in the region, is 723 kilometers (449 miles).

Authorities aim to complete the construction works of the main highways in the region by 2025.

CONFLICT BETWEEN AZERBAIJAN, ARMENIA

Relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia have been tense since 1991, when the Armenian military occupied Nagorno-Karabakh, also known as Upper Karabakh, a territory internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, and seven adjacent regions.

New clashes erupted on Sept. 27 last year, with the Armenian army attacking civilians and Azerbaijani forces and violating several humanitarian cease-fire agreements.

During the 44-day military conflict, Azerbaijan liberated several cities and some 300 settlements and villages that were occupied by Armenia for almost 30 years.

Prior to this, about 20% of Azerbaijan’s territory was under illegal occupation.

The two countries signed a Russian-brokered agreement on Nov. 10 to end the fighting and work toward a comprehensive resolution.

The cease-fire was seen as a victory for Azerbaijan and a defeat for Armenia, whose forces withdrew in line with the agreement.

On Jan. 11 this year, the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia signed a pact to develop economic ties and infrastructure to benefit the entire region. The deal also included the establishment of a trilateral working group on Karabakh.

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Courtesy Anews

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Afghan FM arrives in Islamabad for 3-day visit

 

ISLAMABAD, NOV 10: Afghanistan's acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi arrived in Islamabad on Wednesday evening on a three-day visit to Pakistan for wide-ranging talks on bilateral matters — the first visit to Pakistan by an Afghan minister since the Taliban seized control of Kabul on August 15.

Muttaqi is leading a 20-member high-level delegation comprising Minister for Finance Hidayatullah Badri, Minister for Industries and Trade Nooruddin Aziz and senior officials from the aviation ministry, according to a list of delegates available with Dawn.com.

Pakistan's Special Representative for Afghanistan Mohammad Sadiq, Pakistan Ambassador to Afghanistan Mansoor Khan, Commerce Adviser Abdul Razak Dawood and senior officials welcomed the delegation upon their arrival at Nur Khan Airbase.

The Taliban's representative at the Afghan embassy in Islamabad, Shakaib Ahmad, was also present on the occasion.

During his visit, the Afghan minister will hold formal talks with Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi. Muttaqi will also meet special representatives from China, Russia and the US, who are participating in the Troika Plus meeting scheduled for November 11 (tomorrow).

In a statement on Tuesday, the FO said that Muttaqi's visit was taking place as a follow-up to Qureshi's visit to Kabul on Oct 21.

“The exchanges will centre on Pakistan-Afghanistan relations with a particular focus on enhanced trade, facilitation of transit trade, cross-border movement, land and aviation links, people-to-people contacts and regional connectivity,” the FO statement said.

Kabul foreign ministry spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi had said that the visiting delegation will discuss bilateral ties between the two countries as well as the economy, transit, refugees and expanding facilities for the movement of people.

Pakistan has not officially recognised the Taliban government, however, Taliban officials have been allowed to take control of the Afghan embassy in Islamabad as well as consulates in Peshawar, Karachi and Quetta.

“It would be a substantive visit as Muttaqi is a key member in the Taliban set-up,” a Pakistani official, wishing to remain anonymous, had told Dawn.com a day earlier.

Qureshi had held detailed discussions with Muttaqi during his Kabul visit, which officials say laid the foundation of a multi-sectoral engagement between the two countries in the days to come which could usher in an era of enhanced bilateral economic cooperation and people-to-people ties.

Both sides had agreed to revive existing bilateral mechanisms and institutional frameworks such as the Afghanistan-Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity (APAPPS) to sort out differences and to remove hurdles in the implementation of decisions on both sides.

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Courtesy DAWN NEWS

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LATEST: What times of day should you avoid using electricity in Norway?

OSLO/NORWAY, NOV 10: Energy price records in Norway were set once again on Monday, with prices expected to soar throughout the winter. But costs vary at different times of the day.

Energy power exchange Nordpool has said the price of electricity in Norway on Monday was set to peak at 2.79 kroner per kilowatt-hour, the highest hourly rate seen this year.

 

This figure is without accounting for grid rent and other fees, meaning consumers will pay around 4 kroner per kilowatt-hour.

 

Power price analyst Tor Reier Lilleholt, from Volue Insight, has told public broadcaster NRK that the peak price was probably a record for the month.

 

“I do not think we have seen such prices in November before,” he told NRK.

 

Unfortunately, for those already fretting over the size of their electricity bills, record prices could become a weekly fixture this winter.

 

“I think there may be new records with every week that comes,” Lilleholt said.

 

Prices will crescendo between 4pm and 7pm. The peak price will apply to Oslo, Bergen and Kristiansand. For a number of reasons, prices in the north don’t reach the same dizzy sights as the south.

 

Throughout the day, the price will fluctuate greatly, averaging around 1.22 kroner per kilowatt-hour in total.

 

With surging prices threatening to cost users a fortune throughout the winter, it’s helpful to know which times of day are most expensive so you can save electricity when prices are peaking.

 

Earlier in the autumn, peak times for energy prices in Norway were between 8am, and 9am, with prices topping out at around 2.20 kroner per kilowatt-hour.

 

However, while prices will remain high in the morning hours, they will actually peak in the late afternoon and early evening throughout the winter.

 

“It is common for prices to be higher for a few hours in the morning and afternoon due to higher consumption,” Stina Johansen, from Nordpool, explained to NRK.

 

“The price is highest in the hours when it gets dark because then all the lights are turned on. So there is an extra peak in consumption. In addition, people are coming home and having dinner,” Lilleholt added.

 

The most expensive times to use electricity this winter will be between 8-11am and 4-7pm. Prices typically bottom out later in the evening, hitting their lowest price just before 11, where they are around a third of the cost compared to the peak. This means you should consider putting on your home appliances just before bed if they are quiet enough.

 

If we were to take a 10-minute shower during peak times as an example, then a quick rinse would cost around 2 kroner between 5-6pm. Were you to make this a daily habit at this price. It would cost 7,300 kroner per year.

 

As the days get shorter, darker and colder in Norway, the daily price peak is also expected to change to align with the sun going down.

 

In addition, as temperatures plummet into the minuses, the increased consumption and demand puts more pressure on prices.

 

This will be exacerbated by the lower than usual supply level due to record energy exports to the continent, which is also in the midst of an energy price crisis and exceptionally low hydroelectric stocks caused by a dry summer and autumn.

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Courtesy thelocal.no

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Democracy: A Curse

 

Munaza Kazmi

In the ancient of times, Socrates (469-399 B.C.E) the Greek philosopher, in the known world known as the Father of Western Philosophy, once asked his fellow Adeimantus, “If you were heading out on a journey by sea, who would you ideally want deciding who was in charge of the vessel? Just anyone or people educated in the rules and demands of seafaring?”

The later of course, replied Adeimantus, so why then, responds Socrotes, do we keep thinking that any old person should be fit to judge who should be a ruler of a country?

In the conversation, Socrates’s point is that voting in an election is a skill, not a random intuition. And like any skill, it needs to be taught systematically to people. Letting the citizenry vote without an education is as irresponsible as putting them in charge of a trireme sailing to Samos in a storm.

However, Socrates was to have first hand, catastrophic experience of the foolishness of voters. Since, in 399 BC, the philosopher was put on trial on trumped up charges of corrupting the youth of Athens. A jury of 500 Athenians was invited to weigh up the case and decided by a narrow margin that the philosopher was guilty. He was put to death by hemlock in a process which is, for thinking people, every bit tragic.

Crucially, Socrates was not elitist in the normal sense. He didn’t believe that a narrow few should only ever vote. He did, however, insist that the only those who had thought about issues rationally and deeply should be let near a vote. Which is obviously rational.

However, if we consider we have given the vote to all without connecting it to that of wisdom. While Socrates knew exactly where that would lead: People Leading. And here the fundamental trouble lies in, we have passed the power mainly in the hands of the unthinking, unconcerned and uneducated lot inspired by mere personal relations or gains.

Let’s understand this with an example. Imagine an election debate between two candidates, one who was like a doctor and the other who was like a sweet shop owner. The sweet shop owner would say of his rival:

 

Look, this person here has worked many evils on you. He hurts you, gives you bitter potions and tells you not to eat and drink whatever you like. He’ll never serve you feasts of many and varied pleasant things like I will.

 

Consider the response of public….

 

However, do you think the doctor would be able to reply effectively? The true answer – ‘I cause you trouble, and go against your desires in order to help you’.

 

Only if the public can understand.

We have forgotten all about Socrates’s salient warnings against democracy. We have preferred to think of democracy as an unambiguous good – rather than a process that is only ever as effective as the education system that surrounds it. As a result, we have elected many sweet shop owners, and very few doctors.

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Munaza Kazmi holds MPhil in Management Sciences (Bahria University Islamabad, 2020). She’s a travel writer, an author, & co-author of scientific contributions in national & international publications. Her main areas of research include tourism & quality management.

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The Implication of Renewable Energy for Pakistan's Local Industry

ISLAMABAD, NOV 9: Since its inception, the local manufacturing industry in Pakistan has been suffering major blows — whether that be in the form of power outages or surging electricity costs. While the electricity prices for manufacturers stand at a whopping USD 0.14kWh (and expected to rise more and more), the production costs are increasing day by day resulting in lower profits and even the termination of operations in some serious scenarios. 

Considering this deteriorating situation now is the right time, local industries should start thinking about an inexpensive, independent, and more reliable source of electricity like Solar Energy. This article will cover the implications of renewable energy for Pakistan’s local industry and how it is the perfect choice to go for — in both the short and the long run!

Let’s start with talking about the major contributor of electricity to the national grid supply, the infamous fossil fuels. The prices of fossil fuels are highly dependent on the international market as Pakistan has to import oil to continue its operations. And as the prices of fossil fuels increase, the costs of electricity generation are bound to skyrocket. 

Ultimately affecting all operations, from production to packaging and transportation that forces most of the industries to minimize their profit margins, face business loss or embarrassment due to lags in production, and inability to meet their financial goals in the due time. 

All of these problems have one solution, an energy source that is reliable, independent of other factors, and comparatively much inexpensive. Solar solutions provide an uninterrupted supply of electricity at almost 1/5th the costs of traditional electricity options. 

This will not only lead to reduced electricity bills but also make sure that your operations keep on running in a smooth, economically practical, and most efficient manner. 

On top of all that, shifting to solar will enhance your company’s public image for good. People today are conscious about the brands they join hands with. Having an eco-friendly, low carbon footprint, and renewable-powered tag on your products will definitely improve your public reputation and skyrocket your sales.

Moreover, industrial units with solar systems installed on their rooftops have a 3-4% higher property value. And the best part is that solar systems don’t require any grand maintenance at all. All you have to do is to make sure that they don’t get much dusty and enjoy free electricity for the next 25 years!

Now, as you are all ready to make this shift, the very next and important step is to start looking for a reliable solar energy company to partner with. Zonergy has been proudly providing A-Grade solar solutions to the Pakistani government (Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park, Punjab Energy Department, PEECA, Balochistan Government), educational institutes, and all-sized industrial units (NLC Solar Project on Wahga Border, AlFateh Floor Rice Mills located in Kasur, Al-Manzor Cotton Farm located in D.G. Khan) since 2015. 

And currently holds the largest market share in terms of solarization of the Pakistani industry. Zonergy has been most favorites Solar brand of Pakistan with specialize technical services and outreach in every corner of the country.

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Pakistan’s top diplomat greets Azerbaijan on Victory Day

 

BAKU, NOV 8: Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has congratulated Azerbaijan on November 8 – Victory Day. According to the report, Shah Mahmoud Qureshi tweeter shared on the page.

“We congratulate the government and people of Azerbaijan on the occasion of Victory Day!” said FM Qureshi.

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Courtesy report.az

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Turkey's Erdoğan issues message to mark Azerbaijan's Victory Day

 

ANKARA, NOV 8: Turkey's president on Monday marked Azerbaijan's Victory Day on the first anniversary of the liberation of a key city in the Nagorno-Karabakh region.

"I sincerely congratulate the Victory Day of Azerbaijan and this glorious day that heralds the liberation of the lands of Karabakh," President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said on Twitter.

He also commemorated with gratitude those "heroes who fought unblinkingly" for the homeland and fell in battle, as well as brave veterans.

The liberation of Shusha last Nov. 8 played a crucial role in the fate of the Second Karabakh War, also known as the Patriotic War, in which Azerbaijan liberated some 300 settlements from Armenian occupation.

Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay also issued a message on Twitter marking the day.

Saying that Azerbaijan "crowned its epic struggle of 44 days with a victory one year ago today," Oktay wished eternal rest to those who lost their lives in battle. His tweet included the hashtag "One Nation, Two States," meaning Turkey and Azerbaijan.

On Dec. 3, 2020, Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree establishing Victory Day on Nov. 8.

Shusha, Azerbaijan's cultural and historical capital, was liberated last fall after 28 years of Armenian occupation.

During the 44-day conflict, which ended with a Russian-brokered truce last November, Azerbaijan liberated several strategic cities and nearly 300 of its settlements and villages from nearly three decades of Armenian occupation.

Relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan-the two former Soviet republics-have been tense since 1991, when the Armenian military occupied Nagorno-Karabakh, also known as Upper Karabakh, a territory internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, and seven adjacent regions.

A joint Turkish-Russian center was established to monitor the truce.

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Courtesy Anews

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