Daily Country News https://dailycountrynews.com/ Mon, 18 Mar 2024 15:05:15 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.3.3 https://dailycountrynews.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/cropped-WhatsApp-Image-2022-09-24-at-6.19.02-PM-100x100.jpeg Daily Country News https://dailycountrynews.com/ 32 32 The Crop Divide: Gender Disparities in Pakistan’s Agricultural Frontline Amid Climate Crises https://dailycountrynews.com/the-crop-divide-gender-disparities-in-pakistans-agricultural-frontline-amid-climate-crises/ https://dailycountrynews.com/the-crop-divide-gender-disparities-in-pakistans-agricultural-frontline-amid-climate-crises/#respond Mon, 18 Mar 2024 15:05:15 +0000 https://dailycountrynews.com/?p=41416

International Women’s Day was celebrated this month on 8th March to appreciate the contributions and sacrifices of women in our societies. Women play a pivotal role in the development of community and the socio-economic progression of the state, and this is especially true and important in Pakistan as 50% of the population is female. The […]

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International Women’s Day was celebrated this month on 8th March to appreciate the contributions and sacrifices of women in our societies. Women play a pivotal role in the development of community and the socio-economic progression of the state, and this is especially true and important in Pakistan as 50% of the population is female. The female population in Pakistan as of 2023 is more than 119 million yet Pakistan has failed the largest portion of its population in terms of equality, liberty and pursuit of happiness. Pakistan ranks 142nd out of 146th in the World Economic Forums’ Gender Parity Index, making Pakistan the fifth worst nation to be a woman globally. Females in Pakistan face an array of social and economic issues such as rampant illiteracy rates, underage marriages and honour killings to name a few but according to the International Monetary Fund, bridging gender gap can boost the Pakistani economy by more than 30%. It is important to point out that Pakistan is an agrarian economy with nearly 70% of the population directly or indirectly dependent on the agriculture sector and half of all employed labour force works in the agricultural sector. Out of the half employed labour force working in agriculture sector in Pakistan, 65% are females, making the agriculture sector the largest employing sector for women. Thus this gives the Pakistani state the opportunity to socio-economically uplift a vast portion of the female population and contribute to agricultural progress simultaneously with proper initiatives and programs targeted towards females-led agricultural revolution.

As of now, women in agriculture sector in Pakistan are massively shunned and ignored by the state which has caused Pakistan’s agriculture industry to become discriminatory and promote gender inequality. Compared to men, women are less likely to own assets that might generate revenue, including land, machinery, or equipment, and they do not have the same effect on financial or economic choices. Pakistan’s agricultural sector is dependent on women participation yet overwhelmingly rural women in Pakistan do not have ownership of agricultural land. According to a 2017-2018 report and survey data, 99.5 percent of women in rural Balochistan, 96.7 percent in rural Punjab and 98.7 percent in rural Sindh did not own any agricultural land, even the land they worked on belonged to men. Women in agriculture face additional hurdles due to limited access to cutting-edge technology and agriculture practices, inadequate extension assistance, and rampant rural female illiteracy. Women-managed farms are up to 30% less productive than farms managed by men. However, closing the gap could boost agricultural production by up to 4%.

With more than 7.2 million women working in agriculture, it is the largest employer of Pakistani women. However, their effort is frequently unappreciated, undervalued, and underpaid. Gender inequality and inflexible gender standards make them more vulnerable to climate hazards. Floods of 2010 are testimony of this imbalance. Women made up 49 percent of the 1,500,000 internally displaced people in Sindh province at the time.  In a ranking of 87 poor and middle-income nations on a ‘climate-agriculture-gender inequality hotspot index’ produced by the experts at Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research; Pakistan is rated fourth globally. These hotspots are regions where climate hazards, women’s exposure to climate hazards as a result of agricultural participation, and women’s susceptibility as a result of gender inequities meet. Climate Change exasperated calamities disproportionately affect females and children especially those females working in the agricultural sector as evident from the 2010 and 2022 floods.

A province-level study stipulated Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan as hotspots in the country. Female farmers and agriculturalists in these areas are actively involved in the cultivation of rice and oil seeds, as well as pruning, seed purification, crop storage, and livestock farming. As a result, they are in danger of distress as a result of current floods and future climate calamities. Women in these three provinces are particularly susceptible due to considerable gender inequities, which are exacerbated by restrictive societal, cultural and economic standards. Women farmers are not reimbursed for crop losses during a catastrophe or climate calamite since they do not own the land on which they work. The Pakistani government established a crop insurance programme in the wake of the 2010 floods, but it was only available to farmers with up to 25 acres of land. Women therefore had nothing to gain from the alleviation provision as almost all agricultural landowners are males. The capacity of female farmers to deal with climatic events such as floods is also dependent on their reach to financing, expertise, and skills. Only 5.3 percent of rural women in Punjab, 1.6 percent in Sindh, and 0.9 percent in Balochistan possess a bank account, and they seldom acquire loans through conventional channels since they have little to no wealth to provide as security. The technology and literacy barrier rampant in females in Pakistan also possesses a major hindrance in the socio-economic growth of women in the agricultural sector as less than 48% of women receive any formal education and less than 36% literacy rate in rural areas for women.

Extreme weather occurrences affect not just rural women, but also women who reside in more populated areas. One example is the Karachi heatwave of 2015, which killed over 1,200 people due to heat strokes and dehydration as blistering weather blanketed the city for a month. Heatwaves are expected to hit Sindh, Balochistan and Punjab again year after year with more intensity due to rising global temperatures exasperated by climate change. Studies were conducted in Sindh’s disaster-prone areas by the Social Policy and Development Sector, focusing on rural women’s sensitivity to changes in weather patterns. The study demonstrates how the women of Dadu district, who once worked in fishing, net weaving, and other fishing-related industries, no longer have such economic prospects, supporting the plight of rural Sindh women. The report also describes how female farmers in Khat Lashkar village once worked in agriculture alongside men, but that as agricultural output has declined as a result of changes in weather patterns, their responsibilities have shrunk. Their economic freedom has been impacted by meteorological conditions. The study also highlights that the women in Tharparkar area walk long distances to get drinking water from wells, which takes them an average of five hours every day. Because of the regular water contamination, both women and children are more likely to contract water-borne ailments. Female hair loss has resulted from carrying large pots of drinking water on their heads.

Agriculture, the sector that contributes approximately 23 percent of the GDP, remains particularly exposed to extreme weather events and their aftermath as the recent 2022 floods killed over 1000 people and displaced millions internally. One third of Pakistan was submerged under water during the floods and it contributed to the increase of inflation as wheat, edible oil, milk and meat hold 18 percent weightage in the Consumer Price Index basket and any disruption in the supply chain will risk food insecurity, gender inequality and socio-economic regression. Women in Pakistan have always received the short end of the proverbial stick in all matters of equality but the women most vulnerable in Pakistan reside in rural areas as they are working women stuck in a form of bonded labour for their entire lives just to live their lives on a day to day basis. The state needs to make the women of Pakistan a priority, especially women living and working in rural areas as their contribution to economy and society outweighs the prejudice they face and have faced for decades. Women are as much a shareholder in the future of Pakistan as men are and if the state wants Pakistan to progress, it cannot ignore the cycle of inequality and 21st century slavery subjugated on women in rural Pakistan.

 

 

About the Author – M. Umar Bilal Rathore is a socio-economic and political analyst and has recently completed his bachelor’s degree in International Relations from National Defence University.

Email – rathore.umarbilal@gmail.com

 

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Education system in Pakistan https://dailycountrynews.com/education-system-in-pakistan/ https://dailycountrynews.com/education-system-in-pakistan/#respond Mon, 18 Mar 2024 15:03:12 +0000 https://dailycountrynews.com/?p=41414

Education is essential to a state’s success and development. A country’s progress is determined by its literacy rate and the quality of its education. As a result, it is among governments’ top priorities. Pakistan’s education system is among the oldest in the world. They claim to have one of Asia’s most thorough and successful programmes. […]

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Education is essential to a state’s success and development. A country’s progress is determined by its literacy rate and the quality of its education. As a result, it is among governments’ top priorities. Pakistan’s education system is among the oldest in the world. They claim to have one of Asia’s most thorough and successful programmes. However, major faults in the student system need to be addressed. Unfortunately, our own country, Pakistan, is backward in terms of literacy. Even many poorer countries have greater literacy rates than Pakistan. All of this is the responsibility of our educational system.
Education policies are excellent, however there are numerous issues with the system and its implementation. The current situation requires more focus on higher education rather than elementary school. Primary schools in tiny villages are stagnant. These are small-scale schools with limited facilities. We all know that primary education is the foundation of higher education. In every aspect of life, primary education serves as the basis and support. The government must promote it in proportion to its value.
When we look at the higher education system, there are hundreds of private and government institutions and universities. These are classified into many categories, such as engineering and technology universities, medical science, business, information technology, agricultural, survey and microtechnology, and other areas of life. Private colleges and universities are quite costly. Even middle-class individuals cannot afford it. Their fees typically start at 50000 rupees per semester. Every year, hundreds of people apply to government universities, with only a few hundred seats available. Every year, their merit reaches the skies.
Finally, Lack of women education and co-education is another problem in Pakistan. There are many people against the coeducation system. Some people don’t send their daughters to schools and colleges. They consider women education unnecessary. But women education is necessary because nearly half of the population is women. To increase literacy rate women must get education.

Government and NGOs are working upon different policies to get rid of educational problems. Government is trying to provide education free for all. Free books, uniform and transport are being provided to the students free of cost.

We need to recognize the importance of literacy and encourage people to read. The younger generation can learn from books with the example of citizenship, honesty, work ethic, and kindness. There are some important points which should be followed by government and responsible leaders to get rid of hurdles:

There should be same syllabus for all Pakistanis.
Syllabus should be compatible with international university or college syllabus.
Government should appoint highly expert and experienced people in education staff as teachers
Government must increase funds and budgets for education.
More attention must be paid to the under developing areas of Pakistan.
There should be more vacancies for the students in institutions.
There must be availability of proper jobs after getting educational degrees.
There must be the Public private partnership.
There must be a check and balance system.
There must be strong rules to avoid corruption in education.
In education system we need strong determination, love and sincerity with our new generation. We should make our grass root level strong. It is government responsibility to solve administrative and management problems of pakistan education system.

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Latif Akbar concerned over implementation of controversial laws by India in IIOJK https://dailycountrynews.com/latif-akbar-concerned-over-implementation-of-controversial-laws-by-india-in-iiojk/ https://dailycountrynews.com/latif-akbar-concerned-over-implementation-of-controversial-laws-by-india-in-iiojk/#respond Mon, 18 Mar 2024 15:01:25 +0000 https://dailycountrynews.com/?p=41411

Rawalpindi: Speaker Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Chaudhry Latif Akbar, has vehemently protested against the implementation of draconian laws by India, based on humanitarian atrocities, anti-Muslim sentiments, and religious animosity. He has demanded immediate action from influential countries including the United Nations, OIC, and European Union, to play an effective role. Expressing concerns over […]

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Rawalpindi: Speaker Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Chaudhry Latif Akbar, has vehemently protested against the implementation of draconian laws by India, based on humanitarian atrocities, anti-Muslim sentiments, and religious animosity. He has demanded immediate action from influential countries including the United Nations, OIC, and European Union, to play an effective role.

Expressing concerns over India’s law mandating a 11-year residency requirement and domicile for granting citizenship to Muslims, Speaker Latif Akbar emphasized that the amendments made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 5, 2019, abrogating Article 370 and revoking Article 35A in occupied Jammu and Kashmir, could lead to an escalation of religious extremism between two nuclear-armed nations, jeopardizing global peace and cultural harmony.

Chaudhry Latif Akbar stated that both India and Israel are occupying powers, fostering terrorism to plunder world peace, hence it is imperative for the world to acknowledge their existence. He warned that if India continues its expansionist ambitions and does not abandon its policies of oppression, it may result in a clash of civilizations and exacerbate tensions between cultures.

He asserted that with over eight hundred thousand occupying forces, India cannot indefinitely subjugate the people of Kashmir by force. Referring to the grave human rights violations, including the killing of renowned Kashmiri journalist Shujaat Bukhari, he stressed that action on such reports is indispensable. He declared Pakistan as the voice and the defender of the Kashmiris, stating that the people of Kashmir sacrifice for Pakistan and are transferring their ideological ties to future generations.

Chaudhry Latif Akbar emphasized the pivotal role of media in exposing Modi’s nefarious designs regarding Kashmir. He stated that the Kashmir issue is at a crucial and delicate juncture in history, and collective efforts are required for the Kashmir freedom movement to succeed.

He expressed his thoughts during an iftar dinner hosted in honor of journalists, attended by President Federal Union of Journalists Afzal Butt, President National Press Club Islamabad Afzal Jatoi, Secretary National Press Club Islamabad Naeem Ali, Finance Secretary Waqar Abbasi, Special Assistant to Speaker Azad Kashmir Legislative Assembly Syed Azadar Hussain Kazmi, Central Secretary Finance Pakistan Peoples Party Azad Kashmir Saeed Tasadduq Girdazi, Additional Secretary Finance Pakistan Peoples Party Azad Kashmir Chaudhry Rubnawaz Tahir, along with senior journalists Amir Mehmood, Raja Kafeel, Khwaja Amin, Sardar Zahid Tabeer, Amjad Chaudhry, Ijaz Abbasi, Basharat Abbasi, Aabid Naqi, Khalid Girdazi, Aabid Abbasi, Shahzad Rathore, Sardar Hamid, Syed Naveed Bukhari, Sardar Javaid, Mahiuddin Dar, Kashif Meer, Javaid Chaudhry, Chaudhry Zafar Saeed, and others.

During the occasion, Speaker Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Chaudhry Latif Akbar emphasized that despite all the coercive measures, India cannot extinguish the Kashmiris’ aspiration for freedom. He stressed the urgent need to globally expose India’s reprehensible actions regarding Kashmir. He also underscored the importance of political parties and media in raising awareness about the Kashmir issue effectively.

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AJKMC host Hosts Ceremonial event https://dailycountrynews.com/ajkmc-host-hosts-ceremonial-event/ https://dailycountrynews.com/ajkmc-host-hosts-ceremonial-event/#respond Mon, 18 Mar 2024 14:59:53 +0000 https://dailycountrynews.com/?p=41408

Muzaffarabad: In a celebratory event held at the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Medical College in Muzaffarabad, orchestrated a grand ceremony to honor the remarkable accomplishments of students in the MBBS Professional Year II exams. Graced by the presence of esteemed guests, including Health Minister Nasar Ansar Abdali, the event underscored the significance of academic excellence […]

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Muzaffarabad: In a celebratory event held at the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Medical College in Muzaffarabad, orchestrated a grand ceremony to honor the remarkable accomplishments of students in the MBBS Professional Year II exams.

Graced by the presence of esteemed guests, including Health Minister Nasar Ansar Abdali, the event underscored the significance of academic excellence and dedication in the medical field. Minister Abdali, in his address, lauded the pivotal role of Principal Dr. Mulazim Hussain Bukhari and the faculty in fostering a culture of excellence within the institution.

The ceremony witnessed a substantial turnout of medical faculty members, alongside a large contingent of MBBS Professional Year II candidates. Among them were Professor Dr. Mulazim Hussain Bukhari, Vice Principal Dr. Adnan Maraj, Dr. Zahid Azam, Dr. Fouzia, and Dr. Shagufta, all of whom were recognized for their contributions to medical education and student development.

Minister Abdali emphasized the importance of perseverance and diligence, citing them as fundamental attributes for success in the medical profession. He extended heartfelt congratulations to the high-achieving students of MBBS Professional Year II, commending their dedication and hard work.

Furthermore, Minister Abdali took the opportunity to extend best wishes to Professor Dr. Mulazim Hussain Bukhari on the occasion of his retirement, acknowledging his invaluable service and leadership at the institution. Dr. Bukhari, in turn, encouraged students to continue striving for excellence and to remain steadfast in their commitment to serving humanity through their medical careers.

The ceremony culminated in the distribution of medals to the top-performing students in MBBS Professional Year II, recognizing their outstanding academic achievements. Additionally, Principal Dr. Mulazim Hussain Bukhari presented a shield to Health Minister Nasar Ansar Abdali as a token of appreciation for his support and encouragement towards medical education and healthcare initiatives in the region.

The event served as a testament to the dedication and excellence upheld by Azad Jammu and Kashmir Medical College, positioning it as a leading institution in medical education and healthcare provision within the country.

 

 

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Don’t make fun of people https://dailycountrynews.com/dont-make-fun-of-people/ https://dailycountrynews.com/dont-make-fun-of-people/#respond Mon, 18 Mar 2024 14:57:25 +0000 https://dailycountrynews.com/?p=41406

The government is changing the middle class into baggers. The long ques of the poor people including women, children and senior citizens can be seen everywhere outside the utility store outlets and distribution points, where they wait for hours, to get the cheap flour, sugar and other kitchen items in the holy month of Ramazan. […]

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The government is changing the middle class into baggers. The long ques of the poor people including women, children and senior citizens can be seen everywhere outside the utility store outlets and distribution points, where they wait for hours, to get the cheap flour, sugar and other kitchen items in the holy month of Ramazan. It looks like that the government is making fun of the people by forcing them to waste their precious time by hours to stand in the long lines to get the affordable edible items.

The government should provide kitchen items at subsidized rates in the open market during the Ramazan to all the segments of the society instead of giving Ramazan packages to a specific proportion of the society.

The people are deprived of special Ramazan packages at large scale despite the allocation of Rs 12 billion from the government.  As the earmarked amount is enough for the provision of food items to the entire nation for just one month.

The subsidized flour which is available at utility stores is of substandard quality as the crush of dried bread is added in it similarly the sugar is almost in the powdered form. The major share of the amount would go into the pockets of dishonest high officials of district administration and corrupt parliamentarians of the government party by providing inferior quality of items to the people. Here raises a question, if the government would distribute this amount among the people honestly, then how will the ruler follow their legacy of corruption and how will they enhance their personal foreign bank accounts.

Due to excessive price hike , this year the people are under the burden of inflation as their buying power has been exhausted especially the salaried and working class due to ill policies of the PDM led government which took the affairs of the country after the parliament adopted a no confidence motion against the former PM . The white dressed class of the society is forced to live in very hard situation, because they have left no money after paying their utility bills and transportation charges due to excessive price hike of electricity natural gas and petroleum products , even  they cannot afford  to continue the education of their children or providing healthcare facilities to the ailing members of their families.

Almost less or more, the same set up came to power after elections which brought devastation to the national economy on the directives of International Monetary Fund and put the poor man’s monthly budget into doldrums during their 16 months tenure.

Now the people have not much expectations from the PML(N) led government as the same prime minister with the same team did not perform well in the recent past. But it is now up to the rulers to ponder about the welfare of the common man instead of their personal well- being for the first time ever as the anger of the people will burst soon if the government fails to give relief to them.

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Twitter Ban https://dailycountrynews.com/twitter-ban/ https://dailycountrynews.com/twitter-ban/#respond Sun, 17 Mar 2024 14:17:03 +0000 https://dailycountrynews.com/?p=41402

It has now been a month since Pakistani authorities decided that the country must be cut off from one of the world’s most popular means of exchanging information. We still do not know who pulled the trigger, and the newly inducted government seems to believe, like the caretaker set-up, that it can get away with […]

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It has now been a month since Pakistani authorities decided that the country must be cut off from one of the world’s most popular means of exchanging information. We still do not know who pulled the trigger, and the newly inducted government seems to believe, like the caretaker set-up, that it can get away with quietly banning X, formerly known as Twitter, as long as it continues to publicly deny the fact that a restriction on its access is in place. While important government officials and offices continue to use the service — the speculation is that they may be using VPNs to access it — ordinary citizens remain out of the loop and unable to access the information that their own representatives are sharing on the platform. The ‘Twitter ban’, as it is being referred to, is just the latest in a series of measures adopted by the state to silence critical voices before and after the highly controversial Feb 8 elections, which themselves had been marred by a day-long blackout of cellular phone and internet services. Indeed, it seems that the ban on X has been sustained because the state’s previous transgressions were left unchecked.

It is encouraging to note that more than two dozen civil society and human rights groups have now joined forces to protest the state’s heavy-handed attempts to silence dissent. Criticising the state in a public statement on network shutdowns and platform blocking, the organisations have pointed out that such actions “infringe upon the fundamental rights of freedom of expression and access to information” and have “set a troubling precedent of throttling genuine political discourse”. Among their demands are the immediate restoration of X, repeal of laws that enable censorship, more transparency on “decisions that impact the free use of the internet”, a legal clarification for the blocking of X, and abiding by Pakistan’s commitments to upholding freedom of expression and right to information. These are principled demands, and it is hoped that the judiciary, which has lately seemed troublingly lax on the growing restrictions being placed on citizens’ rights, will also take note of the matter and move to check the state. Blocking public expression and access to information is a slippery slope that opens the door to much more sinister means of repression. It must, therefore, be resisted.

It is imperative to emphasize the significance of a free and open internet in fostering democratic values and enabling informed citizenry. The ability to access diverse sources of information and engage in public discourse is fundamental to the functioning of a healthy democracy. By stifling dissent and restricting access to platforms like X, the Pakistani authorities not only violate basic human rights but also undermine the democratic fabric of the nation. Moreover, such actions erode trust in government institutions and impede progress towards a more inclusive and transparent society.

As a member of the global community, Pakistan has obligations to uphold universal principles of human rights and democracy. Therefore, diplomatic pressure and collective action from the international community can exert significant leverage in persuading the Pakistani government to respect the rights of its citizens and restore access to platforms like X.

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“High five” provides knowledge for employment management to corporate sector https://dailycountrynews.com/high-five-provides-knowledge-for-employment-management-to-corporate-sector/ https://dailycountrynews.com/high-five-provides-knowledge-for-employment-management-to-corporate-sector/#respond Fri, 15 Mar 2024 15:04:18 +0000 https://dailycountrynews.com/?p=41397

Karachi:  “High Five” written by author Jan Sahni is a book for organizations and line managers seeking to master the art of employee engagement. It empowers organizations and leaders at every level with strategies for maintaining exceptional levels of employee engagement. The book launching ceremony was held at local hotel ,which was attended by the […]

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Karachi:  “High Five” written by author Jan Sahni is a book for organizations and line managers seeking to master the art of employee engagement. It empowers organizations and leaders at every level with
strategies for maintaining exceptional levels of employee engagement.
The book launching ceremony was held at local hotel ,which was attended by the senior corporate executives; business owners and media professionals.
The author of the book Jan Sahni said while speaking to the launching ceremony that ‘High Five’ consists of curated ingredients for success from over 28 years of corporate wisdom and experience.
“High Five” emerges as the ‘ultimate cookbook’ for organizations and line managers seeking to master the art of employee engagement. With a promise to deliver a recipe for success that’s both easy to digest and guaranteed to yield a 100% engaged and triumphant team.,
He said that the “High Five is more than just a book; it is a dedication to the extraordinary individuals who have shaped his professional journey.
Smita Vaidya, Internal Audit Professional said on the occasion ,“High Five is a rare treasure on a complex and dynamic subject like employee engagement. A devout advocate of Sir Richard Branson’s philosophy on employee care, he champions a workplace culture that prioritizes engagement, productivity, and trust.

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SDPI’s Initiative: A Sustainable Future for Pakistan’s Brick Kilns https://dailycountrynews.com/sdpis-initiative-a-sustainable-future-for-pakistans-brick-kilns/ https://dailycountrynews.com/sdpis-initiative-a-sustainable-future-for-pakistans-brick-kilns/#respond Fri, 15 Mar 2024 14:26:23 +0000 https://dailycountrynews.com/?p=41395

While traditional brick kilns have long been synonymous with air pollution in Pakistan’s urban centers, recent initiatives spearheaded by the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) have heralded a new era of environmental consciousness. In Islamabad, the capital city, the conversion of 49 out of 63 conventional brick kilns to environmentally friendly zigzag technology represents a […]

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While traditional brick kilns have long been synonymous with air pollution in Pakistan’s urban centers, recent initiatives spearheaded by the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) have heralded a new era of environmental consciousness. In Islamabad, the capital city, the conversion of 49 out of 63 conventional brick kilns to environmentally friendly zigzag technology represents a significant milestone in the quest for cleaner air and healthier communities.

However, the challenges persist, particularly in Punjab province, where air quality concerns have reached critical levels. In response, efforts to enforce the transition to zigzag technology have been intensified, underscoring a commitment to environmental stewardship and public health. Senior provincial minister Maryam Aurangzeb’s announcement of plans to digitize the brick kiln industry and forge cross-border agreements with neighboring India further reflects a proactive approach to combating smog and improving air quality.

Amidst these efforts, the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) has emerged as a champion for comprehensive change within the brick kiln industry. At a recent media training workshop in Islamabad, SDPI unveiled its groundbreaking initiative: the Socially and Environmentally Compliant Brick Kiln Framework (SECBKF). This framework, rooted in the principles of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and informed by SDPI’s extensive research, offers a blueprint for addressing the social, environmental, and economic dimensions of brick kiln operations.

At its core, the SECBKF seeks to ensure that brick kilns adhere to both environmental standards and social labor regulations. From documented employment practices to support for workers’ rights and social protection services, the framework leaves no stone unturned in its quest for fairness and equity within the industry. By incentivizing kiln owners to invest in their workers’ well-being and embrace cleaner technologies, the SECBKF not only promises a brighter future for brick kiln workers but also offers a pathway to sustainable development for the sector as a whole.

Furthermore, the SECBKF advocates for the facilitation of social dialogue between employers and workers, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and collaboration in driving positive change. Through strong associations and unions, both parties can work together to uphold labor laws, enhance productivity, and ensure workers’ legal rights are safeguarded.

In addition to its focus on social and labor standards, the SECBKF places a strong emphasis on environmental compliance, advocating for the adoption of cleaner technologies and the mitigation of environmental hazards associated with brick kiln operations. By addressing these pressing issues head-on, the framework not only seeks to improve the working conditions of brick kiln workers but also aims to safeguard the environment for future generations.

In summary, SDPI’s Socially and Environmentally Compliant Brick Kiln Framework represents a paradigm shift in the way Pakistan approaches its brick kiln industry. By prioritizing the well-being of workers, promoting environmental sustainability, and fostering dialogue and collaboration between stakeholders, the framework offers a holistic solution to the challenges facing the sector. If implemented effectively, the SECBKF has the potential to transform Pakistan’s brick kiln industry, creating a win-win situation for all stakeholders and paving the way for a more prosperous and sustainable future.

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Combatting Islamphobia https://dailycountrynews.com/combatting-islamphobia/ https://dailycountrynews.com/combatting-islamphobia/#respond Fri, 15 Mar 2024 14:19:17 +0000 https://dailycountrynews.com/?p=41392

Islamophobia is a fear, prejudice and hatred of Muslims that leads to provocation, hostility and intolerance by means of threatening, harassment, abuse, incitement and intimidation of Muslims both in the online and offline world. Motivated by institutional, ideological, political and religious hostility that transcends into structural and cultural racism, it targets the symbols and markers […]

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Islamophobia is a fear, prejudice and hatred of Muslims that leads to provocation, hostility and intolerance by means of threatening, harassment, abuse, incitement and intimidation of Muslims both in the online and offline world. Motivated by institutional, ideological, political and religious hostility that transcends into structural and cultural racism, it targets the symbols and markers of being a Muslim.
The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution sponsored by 60 Member-States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which designated 15 March as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. The UN stresses that terrorism and violent extremism cannot and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization, or ethnic group. It calls for a global dialogue on the promotion of a culture of tolerance and peace, based on respect for human rights and for the diversity of religions and belief.
15 March signifies the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, a moment that carries profound significance in light of contemporary global dynamics. The imperative for such a commemoration is arguably more pressing now than ever before. This urgency stems not solely from a surge in Islamophobia incidents in Western societies, notably exacerbated following the unsettling events post-October 7, but also from the troubling normalization of anti-Muslim sentiments among mainstream circles. Consider the United States, where the notably Islamophobic tenure of Donald Trump as president underscored the issue, coupled with 774 recorded requests for assistance and reports of bias incidents by the Council on American Islamic Relations in the mere span of October 7 to October 24. Similarly, in the Netherlands, the electoral success of Geert Wilders’ party, characterized by its advocacy for the prohibition of mosques and Islamic schools, underscores a disconcerting trend.
However, the prevalence of Islamophobia extends beyond the Western sphere, permeating global politics, notably in nations such as Israel and India. Israel’s active pursuit of genocidal policies and India’s leadership under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, despite allegations of complicity in anti-Muslim violence, exemplify this phenomenon. Modi’s administration has witnessed the illegal annexation of IIOJK, the enactment of citizenship laws disenfranchising Muslim refugees, and a surge in violence and harassment against Muslims. Despite this, the United Nations, the very institution championing the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, controversially extended an invitation to Modi to lead International Yoga Day celebrations at its New York headquarters last year, prompting reflection on the UN’s adherence to its own principles.
While Muslims bear the brunt of Islamophobia, the UN aptly notes that this prejudice can adversely affect non-Muslims as well, based on perceptions of nationality or ethnic background. For instance, Sikhs in the United States, often mistaken for Muslims, frequently face violent and sometimes fatal attacks. The indiscriminate nature of bigotry underscores its broader societal repercussions, jeopardizing the rights of marginalized and minority groups at large. As such, rising Islamophobia poses a threat not only to Muslims but to the collective safety and well-being of all individuals. In an interconnected world, harm inflicted upon one group invariably reverberates across others, exemplifying the universal imperative of combating intolerance and discrimination. Thus, the International Day to Combat Islamophobia is not solely about safeguarding one specific community but ensuring the protection and dignity of humanity as a whole.

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President AJK  urges OIC to stop oppression in  Kashmir, Palestine https://dailycountrynews.com/president-ajk-urges-oic-to-stop-oppression-in-kashmir-palestine/ https://dailycountrynews.com/president-ajk-urges-oic-to-stop-oppression-in-kashmir-palestine/#respond Fri, 15 Mar 2024 13:13:16 +0000 https://dailycountrynews.com/?p=41389

Islamabad: President Azad Kashmir Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry has said that the OIC should redouble its efforts to help stop oppression and oppression of the Kashmiri Muslims at the hands of the Indian occupation forces and the massacre of Palestinian people by Israel. He expressed these views while talking to ambassadors of different Islamic countries […]

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Islamabad: President Azad Kashmir Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry has said that the OIC should redouble its efforts to help stop oppression and oppression of the Kashmiri Muslims at the hands of the Indian occupation forces and the massacre of Palestinian people by Israel.

He expressed these views while talking to ambassadors of different Islamic countries during an iftar dinner hosted in their honour by him at Kashmir House Islamabad. Speaking on the occasion, the President said that the OIC has always supported the right of self-determination of the Kashmiri people and adopted a principled stand by condemning India for the violation of human rights in Occupied Kashmir but the time has come when the Muslim body should adopt a coherent strategy to prevent further bloodshed and brutality in both the territories that have been under relentless suppression for the past several decades.

“We call upon the OIC to put pressure on India to resolve the Kashmir issue and respect the rights of the Kashmiri people”, he said, while briefing the ambassadors of Islamic countries about the latest situation in the Indian occupied Kashmir.

He told the ambassadors of Islamic countries that India has stepped up the violation of human rights in the disputed territory. The Kashmiri people, he said, were facing a difficult situation.  “Given the highly volatile situation in the region, the international community, especially the Muslim Ummah should play their role to resolve the Kashmir issue to bring an end to bloodshed and violence in Occupied Kashmir”, Barrister Chaudhry said.

Terming Kashmir and Palestine as issues of Muslim Ummah, the AJK president said that the Muslim countries cannot ignore these decades long unresolved issues, endless sufferings and slaughter of hapless Kashmiri and Palestinians that continue to bruise the hearts and minds of the Muslims all around the world.

He lamented that Israel was martyring Palestinian Muslims by bombing them even in the blessed month of Ramadan.

He said that Kashmiri Muslims were also being prevented from offering Friday prayers in mosques by the Indian occupying forces of India, whereas innocent children and women were being blinded by pellet guns. ” In such a situation, the role and responsibilities of the Muslim Ummah have increased manifold”, the president said, adding that it was high time that the OIC should play its much needed role to resolve the lingering Kashmir dispute in line with the UNSC resolutions.

The Iftar dinner was attended by ambassadors and diplomats from Turkey, Azerbaijan, Malaysia, Jordan, Tajikistan, Sudan, Bahrain, Libya, Syria, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Norway and other countries. Whereas DG Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan for the Middle East Fauzia Fayyaz was present on the occasion.

 

 

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