Day: June 28, 2023

Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar chaired the meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC), on Tuesday.

The ECNEC considered and approved a Project of the Ministry of Water Resources titled “Umbrella PC-I of the Flood Protection Sector Project-III (FPSP-II)” at the updated cost of Rs. 194,625.00 million including FEC of Rs. 10,862.94 million.

The project is to be executed in all four provinces and GB and AJK as well.

The project is to be financed through Federal components, Provincial components, and donor financing. The main object of the project is the improvement of country-wide comprehensive flood management approaches on integrated and innovative basis by the implementation of structural as well as non-structural interventions.

The ECNEC also considered and approved another project of the Ministry of Water Resources to be executed by the Irrigation Department Govt. of Sindh titled “Makhi Farash Link Canal Project (Chotiari Phase-II)” for Water Supply to Thar Coal in districts Sanghar and Umerkot at the raised cost of Rs. 12,087.489 million. The project has been prepared to carry 200 cusecs of canal water for electricity generation and agro-industrial growth.

Another Project of the Ministry of Water Resources titled “Kachhi Canal Project Restoration of Flood Damages 2022” was also considered and approved by the ECNEC at a cost of Rs. 8280.647 million to be executed in Punjab Districts of Dera Ghazi Khan, Muzaffargarh, and Rajanpur by Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA).

The project is related to the issue of water scarcity and protection of infrastructure from the onslaught of floods.

The ECNEC also considered and discussed a project of the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa titled “New Balakot City Development Project” and directed the concerned stakeholders i-e KP Govt, Ministry of Planning and Development and ERRA to re-examine and remove technical and financial discrepancies in the project.

The ECNEC further considered and approved a project titled “National Multi-sectoral Nutrition Program to Reduce Stunting and other forms of Malnutrition” to be executed in 36 high-burden districts of the country.

The project is to be financed by Federal Government and through Foreign Aid under IsDB Country Engagement Framework for Pakistan 2023-25. The overall goal of the project is to significantly reduce malnutrition-induced stunting in Pakistani children in the next three years.

The ECNEC considered and approved the project titled “Extension/ Construction of 36km Sindh Coastal Highway” at a cost of Rs. 16,204.303 million. The project is to be executed by the Government of Sindh. The project is to be funded through Federal PSDP.

The ECNEC also considered and approved a project of Ministry of Communications titled “Construction f Lahore Sialkot Motorway (LSM) link Highway (04-Lane) Connecting LSM to Narang Mandi and Narowal (73-Kilometer Approximately)” at the revised rationalized cost of Rs. 36,814.347 million without FEC on 50:50 cost-sharing basis by the Federal and Provincial Governments. The project is to be executed in Districts Narowal and Sheikhupura, Punjab Province by National Highway Authority (NHA).

A project of the Government of Sindh titled Improvement of Road from Sanghar to National Highway (N-5), at Point Rohri via Mundh Jamrao and Salehput (221-kilometer)” was considered and approved at the updated rationalized cost of Rs. 12,521.799 million without FEC on 50:50 cost-sharing basis between Federal Government and Government of Sindh. The project is to be executed in District Sanghar.

Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Commerce Syed Naveed Qamar, SAPM on Finance Mr. Tariq Bajwa, SAPM on Revenue Mr. Tariq Mehmood Pasha, Senator Nisar Khuhro, Federal Secretaries and other senior officers from Federal Ministries and Provincial departments participated in the meeting.

Source: Pro Pakistani

English cricket has faced a scathing report revealing widespread racism, sexism, and class-based discrimination, leading to an apology from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and a commitment to improve the situation.

In a shocking revelation, the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket has unveiled a highly anticipated report that exposes deeply ingrained racism, sexism, and discrimination based on social class within the realm of English cricket.

Drawing upon the insights of over 4,000 individuals, the report paints a troubling picture, revealing that a staggering 50% of respondents have encountered discrimination in various forms. It unequivocally underscores the pervasive nature of racism within the sport, highlights the marginalization and sexism faced by women, and brings attention to the overlooked class barriers.

The report further exposes instances of abuse and discrimination within the cricketing community, shedding light on a distressing reality that must be addressed urgently.

In response, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has issued an unreserved apology, acknowledging the glaring shortcomings and vowing to implement a comprehensive set of reforms based on the report’s recommendations.

These proposals encompass mandatory, high-quality racial literacy training for cricket leadership, a critical examination of the decline of Black communities’ involvement in the sport, amplified investment in women’s cricket infrastructure, and the crucial step of ensuring equal pay for professional female players.

Expressing shock at the findings, the Chairman of the ECB has also pledged a diligent review and swift implementation of the recommendations within a timeframe of three months. This marks a pivotal juncture in the journey towards inclusivity and diversity in cricket, as the sport confronts its systemic flaws head-on.

Source: Pro Pakistani

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) continues discussions with Pakistani authorities with the aim of quickly reaching an agreement on financial support from the Fund.

In his statement, Porter said that in recent days Pakistani authorities have taken decisive measures to bring policies more in line with the economic reform program supported by the IMF.

The measures included the passage of a budget by the parliament that broadens the tax base while opening up space for higher social and development spending, as well as steps towards improving the functioning of the foreign exchange market and tightening monetary policy to reduce inflationary and balance of payment pressures that affect particularly the more vulnerable.

“The IMF team continues discussions with Pakistani authorities with the aim of quickly reaching an agreement on financial support from the IMF,” read the statement made by the IMF Mission Chief.

Source: Pro Pakistani

San Francisco Unicorns have signed up Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf for Major League Cricket 2023.

Unveiling their squad for the upcoming T20 league in America, San Francisco Unicorns have announced the signing of two prominent Pakistani cricketers, Shadab Khan, and Haris Rauf. Hence, the Major League Cricket (MLC) tournament, set to take place from 13 July to 30 July 2023, will now feature the Pakistani superstars in Unicorns’ colors.

Shadab Khan, the star all-rounder, brings a wealth of experience and talent to the Unicorns squad. Known for his dynamic batting, crafty leg-spin bowling, and exceptional fielding, Shadab has established himself as a force to be reckoned with in international cricket. His presence in the team is expected to bolster the Unicorns’ performance and provide a crucial competitive edge.

Joining Shadab is the fiery fast bowler, Haris Rauf, who has made a name for himself with his blistering pace and ability to consistently trouble batters. Rauf’s inclusion in the Unicorns squad further strengthens their bowling attack and adds an element of aggression.

Source: Pro Pakistani