Year: 2023

The federal government has unveiled a comprehensive 10-year strategy to tackle plastic pollution. Spearheaded by the climate change ministry, this initiative will be carried out with provincial governments and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

At its core, the plan aims to curtail the consumption of plastic bags and other disposable plastics, simultaneously fostering recycling efforts and waste reduction measures.

The government is actively seeking feedback from trade organizations and the general public regarding this ambitious plan.

Plastic pollution poses a grave threat to our environment, with an alarming annual production estimate of 78 million tons, a mere 14 percent of which is recycled. The remaining majority finds its way into landfills, oceans, and other natural habitats, wreaking havoc on ecosystems. This takes a toll on wildlife, contaminates waterways, and contributes to the adverse effects of climate change.

The government’s plan represents a commendable stride toward combating this crisis. However, it is crucial for all individuals to actively participate to effect meaningful change. By adopting simple yet impactful practices such as using reusable bags, straws, and utensils, as well as embracing recycling and composting whenever feasible, people can significantly reduce their plastic footprint.

Businesses can also contribute by minimizing their reliance on single-use plastics and by offering recycling and composting facilities for their patrons.

Source: Pro Pakistani

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has no plans for restructuring bilateral debts, Governor Jameel Ahmed said at a press conference following the announcement of the monetary policy on Monday.

“Absolutely no doubt about it. We are not considering any such plan; so there is no question of what will be the haircut,” he said during a briefing to analysts after Monday’s market review.

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar claimed on Saturday that the government was doing work on restructuring its bilateral debt in the background, the central bank is completely unaware of any such plans as per SBP Governor Jameel Ahmed’s remarks from yesterday.

According to some analysts who attended the post-budget conference on Saturday, the finance minister may have been referring to the rollover and extension of the tenure of bilateral obligations.

Pertinently, Pakistan owes $4 billion to China, $3 billion to Saudi Arabia, and $2 billion to the United Arab Emirates. Each year, this amount is rolled over, and the government negotiates with these governments for the rollover. In any case, the country can work with creditors like the ones mentioned above to extend its debt for another two or three years. Because Pakistan is required to pay interest on these bilateral loans, its terms will most likely be extended.

Pakistan needs to undergo an extensive debt restructuring exercise given the scale of debt servicing requirements over the next 2-3 years. According to a recent report by Arif Habib Limited, the total public external debt outstanding as of March 2023 is USD 96 billion (28 percent of GDP) out of which USD 37 billion relates to multilateral creditors likely to be excluded from any debt restructuring exercise.

Pakistan needs to timely engage in separate negotiations with China, and other bilateral creditors, but mostly China since it has funded 30 percent of the country’s $96 billion external debt. Also, Beijing is likely to be a key player to bail out Pakistan in case of default.

Source: Pro Pakistani

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) is taking steps to provide cleanliness services in the previously neglected rural areas of Islamabad.

This marks the first time that the CDA has outsourced cleanliness services in these unattended areas, aiming to enhance the quality of sanitation services. The initiative will cover slums, densely populated suburban areas, and rural regions of the city.

To ensure an effective and efficient cleanliness system, the unattended areas have been divided into two packages. Package-I includes 36 areas with an estimated population of around 200,000.

These areas consist of Muslim Colony (Bari Imam), Nurpur Shahan, Malpur, Shahdara, Mandla, Kot Hathial (entire), Rakh Bani Gala, Lakhawal, Phulgaran, Ghorabaz, Tumair, Lehtrar Road, and others.

Package-II encompasses areas such as Badia Rustam Khan, Badia Qadir Bakhsh, Mera Sumbul Jaffar, Nathiyan/H-13/H-14, Jhangi Syedan/H-15, Mera Sumbul Akku, Gulshan-e-Khudadad, Bhadana Kalan, Noon, Pind Parian, Sara-e-Kharboza, Tarnol, Sangjani, Sara-e-Madu, Shah Allah Dita, Pind Sanghrial, Mera Bheri, Bekar Fateh Bakhsh, F-12, Daraik Mori, G.T Road, and adjoining roads. The total population residing in these areas is approximately 260,000.

Out of the five pre-qualified firms, three firms submitted financial bids for package-I, while four firms participated in package-II.

For package-I, M/s Amjad Ali submitted a bid of Rs5,979 per ton, JV (M/s. NJS, M/s. NCS, M/s. Maqsood and Sons) submitted a bid of Rs7,150 per ton, and JV (Daiwoo, GHS, Waste Busters) submitted a bid of Rs7,839 per ton. For package-II, M/s Amjad Ali submitted a bid of Rs3,636 per ton, JV (M/s. NJS, M/s. NCS, M/s. Maqsood and Sons) submitted a bid of Rs4,190 per ton, M/s. Babar and Co. submitted a bid of Rs4,975 per ton, and JV (Daiwoo, GHS, Waste Busters) submitted a bid of Rs7,096 per ton.

The contract will be awarded to the lowest bidder upon fulfillment of requirements.

This initiative by the CDA aims to address the cleanliness needs of the rural areas in Islamabad, ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment for the residents.

Source: Pro Pakistani