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  • Australia wishes Pakistan Independence Day

    Australia wishes Pakistan Independence Day

    KARACHI: The Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Neil Hawkins wished Pakistan on its 75th Independence Day.

    In his message, he said that, “Happy Birthday Pakistan. Just 75 years young and much to be proud of and much to celebrate: Your ethnic diversity, rich cultural heritage, fabulous food and spectacular scenery. But the most striking element for me is the warm and welcoming people – always ready with a smile and a salaam aleikum.”

    READ MORE: Faysal Bank celebrates 75th Pakistan Independence Day

    Australia was one of the first countries to recognise Pakistan in 1947, though our people to people ties go back to the 1800s.

    Camel traders from Balochistan were critical in transporting goods across our deserts. Today almost 100,000 Pakistanis call Australia home and make a critical contribution to our multicultural society. 

    We are also proud to host thousands of Pakistani students enjoying our great cities and world class universities.

    READ MORE: Pakistan unveils first locally made electric car

    Looking ahead, Pakistan and Australia both face challenges that require us and all nations to cooperate, particularly that of climate change.

    Australian expertise in science and technology, especially water management and agricultural research will play a key role.

    And who can overlook our common passion for cricket where we look forward to hosting the T20 later this year and Pakistan’s women’s XI early 2023.

    READ MORE: Pakistan issues Rs75 banknote to celebrate Independence Day

    We were heartened by the typically warm reception given to our cricket team during its Pakistan tour earlier this year. 

    Finally, we sincerely wish all our Pakistani brothers and sisters increased prosperity and harmony in order to fulfil the vision of the Quaid-i-Azam.

    He also said that, “my message to you all is of hope, courage and confidence. Let us mobilise all our resources in a systematic and organised way and tackle the grave issues that confront us with the grim determination and discipline worthy of a great nation.”

    READ MORE: Donald Blome visits Karachi to support US-Pakistan trade ties

  • Faysal Bank celebrates 75th Pakistan Independence Day

    Faysal Bank celebrates 75th Pakistan Independence Day

    KARACHI: Faysal Bank Limited (FBL) celebrated Pakistan’s 75th Independence Day by organizing flag hoisting ceremony on Sunday.

    The heartwarming ceremony took place on the bank’s iconic branch located at Abdullah Haroon Road.

    The celebrations of the 75th anniversary required a platinum edge, therefore FBL decided to showcase Pakistan’s inclusivity by inviting the Special Olympic athletes to grace the occasion.

    READ MORE: Pakistan unveils first locally made electric car

    Athletes from Pakistan chapter of Special Olympics were invited to join FBL in this grand celebration of Pakistan’s Independence Day.

    FBL is enthusiastic to have these special champions shine with equal resonance.  The reverberation of their achievements becomes equally treasurable.

    Sports in Pakistan may have carried a national Flag, but their emotional impact far outweighs any other effect.

    READ MORE: Pakistan issues Rs75 banknote to celebrate Independence Day

    40 members of the athletic team joined the FBL families on Sunday morning to be part of flag hoisting ceremony along with cake cutting ceremony and Prizes were also distributed among special athletes to recognize their efforts in the field of sports despite having challenges. Each person held on to a mini flag to flutter and add cheer to an already vibrant environment.

    The President and CEO of FBL said, “Faysal Islami strongly believes in inclusion from all segments of the society.”

    READ MORE: Donald Blome visits Karachi to support US-Pakistan trade ties

    He also added that, “on this special day of 75th year of our independence it is important to remember that we have to work towards the shining Pakistan, FBL plays its role by providing economic opportunities in a Shariah Compliant manner.’’

    He further elaborated on the importance for society to endorse this need for inclusion and allow youth to aim for their dreams irrespective of their challenges.

    READ MORE: Pakistan Met office issues thundershower alert from August 14

  • Pakistan issues Rs75 banknote to celebrate Independence Day

    Pakistan issues Rs75 banknote to celebrate Independence Day

    KARACHI: State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Sunday issued Rs75 commemorative banknote to celebrate 75th Independence Day.

    Acting Governor State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Dr. Murtaza Syed unveiled the Rs75 Commemorative Banknote to mark the 75 years of Pakistan’s Independence in a graceful ceremony held at the SBP Museum, Karachi on August 14, 2022.

    He also inaugurated the Roshan Pension Plan (RPP) to augment the lifestyle banking under Roshan Digital Account (RDA) initiative for overseas Pakistanis.

    READ MORE: SBP automates verification of refinance claims

    Governor Dr. Murtaza Syed commenced the formal proceedings by hoisting the national flag in the presence of jubilant officers of the Bank and their families followed by playing of national anthem.

    Dr. Murtaza Syed unveiled the design of Rs75 Commemorative Banknote. He noted that while issuance of coins and postage stamps is a regular and recurring feature to mark days of national importance, it is relatively rare that the SBP issues a commemorative banknote.

    It is worth noting that the Rs75 Commemorative Banknote is the second such banknote to be issued by the SBP.

    READ MORE: Interest rates on export, business loans enhanced to 10%

    Earlier, the SBP issued the first and so far the only commemorative banknote in 1997 to mark the Golden Jubilee of Pakistan’s Independence. He also elaborated the features of the Banknote.    

    Paying tribute to the overseas Pakistanis for their relentless contributions towards the country, Governor (A) also inaugurated the Roshan Pension Plan (RPP) scheme, as a part of SBP’s resolve to augment the lifestyle banking under RDA initiative that is being added to the RDA product suite.

    He said the overseas Pakistani’s can now avail the benefits of financial planning for their post-retirement life in Pakistan through RPP and enjoy exclusive pension plan.

    READ MORE: Pakistan hikes key policy rate by 125 basis points to 15%

    Soft launch of the product will start from August 15, 2022 with collaboration of RDA banks and Asset Management Companies.

    Dwelling on the latest economic developments and challenges faced by the economy, Dr. Syed shared his thought-provoking views with the audience.

    From the onset he separated on-ground facts from negative fake news making rounds on social media, which projected a doomsday scenario for Pakistan and advised citizens to not pay heed on such rumors.

    He spoke on forthcoming IMF bailout package and Pakistan’s prospects amidst troubled economic scenario internationally.

    READ MORE: PHMA cries foul on gas suspension to textile industry

    The Governor brushed aside perception that Pakistan’s economy was in dire straits and said that economically weak and developing economies may undergo drastic challenges in next 12 months and Pakistan is no exception.

    He reminded the audience that administrative infrastructure in countries like Pakistan is not very strong and resultantly, effects of price hike become more pronounced here.

    He hoped the crucial IMF bailout program would provide reprieve to the country and Pakistan will not be vulnerable as compared to the countries that do not have the IMF program.

    In the end, Dr. Syed inaugurated exhibition of rare photographs of Quaid e Azam in collaboration with Press Information Department (PID). Governor took keen interest in the photographs and appreciated the hard work of officials of PID and the SBP Museum.

    Features of Rs75 Banknote:

    The Banknote is predominantly green, complemented by white shades and some yellowish tone to enrich its appeal.

    The green color represents growth and development and derives inspiration from the Islamic identity of the country, whereas the white color emphasises the religious diversity of population.

    The distinctive feature of this Banknote is multiple portraits on its front side. The personalities to grace the banknote are Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, Allama Muhammad Iqbal and Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah.

    The Markhor and Deodar trees pictures on the reverse of the Banknote highlights our national commitment to address climate change and its repercussions.

    Both Markhor and Deodar trees serve as symbols of the devastations wrought by these changes and call for urgent measures to combat and reverse environmental degradation.

    Finance Department of the SBP bent over backwards for timely completion of this important project and I appreciate their efforts,’ said Dr. Syed.

  • Pakistan unveils first locally made electric car

    Pakistan unveils first locally made electric car

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan unveiled its first ever electric hatchback car on Sunday, August 14, 2022. The car has been named Nur-E-75 (named after Noor).

    The company which manufactured the car is named as JaXari (named after a scientist from the 12th century, Ismael al-Jazari).

    READ MORE: Donald Blome visits Karachi to support US-Pakistan trade ties

    The car has been designed and developed by DICE foundation, which is U.S. based non-profit organization controlled by Pakistani expatriates. The local academia and the industries also contributed in the car manufacturing process.

    The car was unveiled in the ceremony started at 4:00 pm on August 14, 2022. The car was displayed in all its glory featuring awesome designs and functions.

    READ MORE: Pakistan Met office issues thundershower alert from August 14

    The car has capacity of five people, having five doors. The power peak is 107 horse power (80 kilo watt). The peak torque is 200Nm. The battery can work till the car covers the distance of 210 kilometer with the air conditioner on. However the actual range is still pending to be tested.

    The battery size is 35KwHr. The size of wheel is R16 205/55. The car is fully charged in seven-eight hours from regular 220V outlet, when charging slowly. On the other hand the car is fully charged in two hours from fast DC chargers when charging fast. The time for fast charging still needs to be premeasured.

    READ MORE: Jazz announces free calls to calamity hit Balochistan

    The Nur-E is just a concept car which is an initiative taken by Pakistani automotive industry. DICE Foundation is planning to secure investments to commercially produce this car, which may take up to three years.

  • Donald Blome visits Karachi to support US-Pakistan trade ties

    Donald Blome visits Karachi to support US-Pakistan trade ties

    KARACHI: The U.S. Ambassador Donald Blome visited Karachi on Saturday to support the US-Pakistan trade ties and further strengthen the economic partnership and bilateral trade.

    During the visit, U.S. Ambassador met with the Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, the Chief Ministers of Balochistan and Sindh, the Administrator of Karachi, the Commander of Pakistan Navy Pakistan Fleet (COMPAK), government officials, financial and business leaders, trade and energy executives, and other business and commercial representatives.

    Donald Blome said that, “I am glad to be back in Karachi, a financial and commercial hub with tremendous energy.”

    He added that, “this year marks the 75th anniversary of U.S.-Pakistan bilateral relations and I look forward to strengthening U.S.-Pakistan partnerships in trade, investment, clean energy, health, security, education, and other mutually beneficial priority areas.”

    READ MORE: US calls for strengthening bilateral trade with Pakistan

    Ambassador Blome visited Port Qasim and met with Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Faisal Subzwari.  The Ambassador expressed interest in how the United States can work with Pakistan to develop more linkages with U.S. port and maritime institutions.

    In the Ambassador’s meetings with Balochistan Chief Minister Abdul Quddus Bizenjo and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, he discussed political, economic, and security matters, as well as the ongoing relief efforts to address the tragic impact of the recent floods in both provinces.

    In his meeting with Sindh Chief Minister Shah, Ambassador Blome announced the United States is providing a new $1 million grant to build the resilience of agricultural communities in Sindh Province, and support Pakistan’s disaster management authorities in Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan provinces, to better respond to future disasters.

    Ambassador Blome and Karachi Administrator Murtaza Wahab discussed the impact of flooding and other challenges in the city, as well as opportunities for growth including in the information technology sector.

    READ MORE: US Treasury sanctions virtual currency mixer Tornado Cash

    During the Ambassador’s meeting with COMPAK Vice Admiral Ovais Bilgrami, he further discussed relief efforts in flood-stricken areas and affirmed the importance of the U.S.-Pakistan military relationship and the desire to strengthen and expand our ongoing security cooperation.

    Ambassador Blome met with CEO of Cargill Pakistan Imran Nasrullah. The Ambassador also toured Excelerate’s floating storage and regasification unit at Port Qasim to emphasize our mutual interest in seeing Engro and Excelerate’s LNG joint venture succeed in Pakistan.

    He met other U.S and Pakistani business leaders to show his commitment to promoting U.S. business and investment in Pakistan through a wide range of effective services, products, and programs.

    The U.S. government is dedicated to expanding the ties between the Pakistani and American people to promote a more stable, secure, and prosperous future for both our nations.  Bilateral trade reached nearly $9 billion in 2021.

    READ MORE: Toyota Motors suspends production at Tsutsumi plant

    The United States is Pakistan’s largest single country export market and one of the largest sources of foreign investment, with U.S. direct investment growing by 50 percent in the past year.

    U.S. companies and their local affiliates are among Pakistan’s largest employers, with roughly 80 U.S. companies directly employing more than 125,000 Pakistanis, and more than one million Pakistanis employed indirectly. In 2021, U.S. firms invested up to $5.7 million in corporate social responsibility initiatives in Pakistan.

    One of the highlights of Ambassador Blome’s time in Karachi was a visit to the Lincoln Corner Karachi at Liaquat Memorial Library where he inaugurated the StartUp Lab! along with Minister of Sindh for Education, Culture, Tourism, Antiquities and Archives, Syed Sardar Ali Shah.

    “The StartUp Lab! is unique and a one-of-a-kind space in Pakistan where aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea for a startup business can turn ideas into reality using the latest technology and equipment for free,” noted Ambassador Blome.

    READ MORE: Xiaomi further improves rank to 266 in Fortune Global 500 list

    Ambassador Blome said, “The people-to-people ties between the United States and Pakistan are among our greatest strengths.  We are proud to partner with the Culture Department of Sindh to ensure young Pakistanis are prepared to face 21st century challenges.”

    The Lincoln Corner Karachi is one of 18 in the U.S. Mission to Pakistan’s network of American Spaces nationwide that offer free educational and cultural programs, as well as technology and information resources, to young Pakistani leaders.

    Ambassador Blome also visited Frere Hall in Karachi to appreciate its architecture and murals.  There, he was given a tour by representatives of NGO Sindh Exploration and Adventure Society (SEAS), Dr. Asma Ibrahim and Dr. Kaleemullah Lashari.

    SEAS received in 2021 a grant from the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) to renovate portions of Frere Hall.  This AFCP project further demonstrates our respect for Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage.

    In celebration of Pakistan’s National Minority Day, the Ambassador was honored to meet religious minority community leaders in Karachi to promote interfaith cooperation, religious tolerance, and diversity.

    He also visited the Mausoleum of the founder of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and laid a wreath in honor of the founding father of Pakistan, ahead of Pakistan’s 75th Independence Day.

    Ambassador Blome said that, “It is a great honor to be here at the Mazar-e-Quaid to pay my respects and commemorate the legacy of Muhammad Ali Jinnah.  The United States shares Quaid-e-Azam’s vision of a unified Pakistan, at peace with itself and its neighbors, a Pakistan of religious tolerance, economic prosperity, and social inclusion.”

  • Pakistan Met office issues thundershower alert from August 14

    Pakistan Met office issues thundershower alert from August 14

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Saturday issued warnings of thundershower and urban flooding in various parts of the country.

    In a statement, the Met Office informed a depression has developed in Arabian Sea which is likely to move towards west along Makran coast.

    “Due to this weather system monsoon currents are continuously penetrating in southern parts of the country,” it added.

    READ MORE: Pakistan to review petroleum prices amid rupee appreciation, falling global oil

    Another low pressure (LPA) is likely to approach Sindh on 16th August. Under the influence of this weather system:

    • Rain-wind/thundershower (with few heavy falls) is expected in Sindh, Balochistan, Punjab, Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhuwa, Gilgit Baltistan and Kashmir from 14th to 16th August with occasional gaps.

    • Widespread rain-wind/thundershowers (with scattered heavy to very heavy falls) are expected in Sindh and Balochistan from 16th to 18th August with occasional gaps.

    READ MORE: Pakistan MET issues alert for heavy rains, flooding

    Possible Impacts:

    • Heavy Rains may generate urban flooding in Karachi, Thatta, Badin, Hyderabad, Dadu, Jamshoro, Sukkur, Larkana, Shaheed Benazirabad and Mirpurkhas from 14th to 18th August.

    • Flash flooding is expected in Qilla Saifullah, Loralai, Barkhan, Kohlu, Mosa Khel, Sherani, Sibbi, Bolan, Kalat, Khuzdar, Lasbella, Awaran, Turbat, Panjgur, Pasni, Jiwani, Ormara, Gwadar and hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan during the forecast period from 14th to 18th August.

    READ MORE: KATI seeks precautionary measures before rains

    • Heavy Rains may generate urban flooding in Rawalpindi/Islamabad, Peshawar, Nowshera, Mardan, Faisalabad, Lahore and Gujranwala on 14th (night) to 16th August.

    • Flash flooding is expected in local Nullahs of Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Shakargarh, Sialkot, Narowal, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Dir, Karak, Lakki Marwat, Bannu and Kashmir on 15th & 16th August.

    • Rainfall may trigger landslides in Kashmir, hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Galiyat, Murree, Chillas, Diamir, Gilgit, Hunza, Astore, Ghizer and Skardu during the forecast period.

    READ MORE: SBP issues options to make donation in PM flood relief fund

    • Fisherman are advised to remain more cautious from 16th to 18th August.

    • Travelers and tourists are advised to remain more cautious during the forecast period.

    The met office advised all the concerned authorities to remain alert and to take necessary precautionary measure during the forecast period.

  • Pakistan to review petroleum prices amid rupee appreciation, falling global oil

    Pakistan to review petroleum prices amid rupee appreciation, falling global oil

    KARACHI: Pakistan to review the existing prices of petroleum products on August 15, 2022 for next fortnight amid falling international oil prices and massive recovery in rupee value.

    The government may reduce the prices of petroleum products considering the latest crude oil prices in the international markets and sharp recovery in local currency against the US dollar.

    READ MORE: New petroleum prices in Pakistan from August 1, 2022

    Previously, the government reviewed the prices of petroleum products on July 31, 2022. As per the notification issued by the finance ministry, the government revised the following prices effective from August 01, 2022:

    The prices of petrol have decreased by Rs3.05 per liter to Rs227.19 from Rs230.24.

    The rate of high speed diesel has been increased by Rs8.95 per liter to Rs244.95 from Rs236.

    READ MORE: New petroleum prices in Pakistan from July 15, 2022

    The rate of kerosene oil has been increased by Rs4.62 per liter to Rs201.07 from Rs196.45.

    Similarly, the rate of light speed diesel has been decreased by 12 paisas per liter to Rs191.32 from Rs191.44.

    Some good developments have been seen since the last amendment in prices of petroleum products.

    The rupee continued the gain for the seventh straight session after falling to historic low. The local unit witnessed record low at Rs239.94 against the dollar on July 28, 2022. However, since then the rupee is continuously gaining to the dollar. The local currency gained about Rs18.75 or 7.51 per cent during the past seven trading days till August 10, 2022.

    READ MORE: New prices of petroleum products in Pakistan from July 01, 2022

    Pakistan is a net importer of petroleum products so huge foreign exchange is required for paying against foreign purchases and meeting local demand.

    The country has spent a staggering amount of $23.32 billion for the import of petroleum group during fiscal year 2021/2022 as compared with $11.36 billion in preceding year, showing a growth of 105 per cent. The import of finished products recorded an increase of 134 per cent to $12.07 billion during the fiscal year 2021/2022 as compared with $5.16 billion in the preceding fiscal year.

    READ MORE: New petroleum prices in Pakistan from June 16, 2022

    The benchmark Brent crude is below $100 dollars in the international market. Brent crude futures were at $97.40 per barrel in New York trade on August 10, 2022.

    The present government had started increasing the petroleum prices on May 26, 2022 when the benchmark Brent Oil was at $112 per barrel.

    Considering the price slump of international oil, the government had reduced the prices of petroleum products from July 15, 2022. However experts believed it was a political decision as the government had to increase petroleum levy and apply sales tax.

    READ MORE: New petroleum prices in Pakistan from June 03, 2022

    The previous government of PTI had kept both the petroleum levy and sales tax at zero in order to provide relief to the masses. The PTI government also provided a huge subsidy on prices of petroleum products in order to lower the rates and provide relief to the masses.

    However, former Prime Minister Imran Khan was removed through a vote of no-confidence motion on April 10, 2022. Since then the new coalition government led by PML-N increased the prices of petroleum products sharply on three different occasions.

    READ MORE: ECC approves petroleum dealer margin at Rs7/liter

    The present government in the budget estimated to collect Rs855 billion as petroleum levy during the fiscal year 2022/2023. As this fiscal year is starting from July 01, 2022, it is likely that the government will opt to impose the levy from this date.

  • Pakistan MET issues alert for heavy rains, flooding

    Pakistan MET issues alert for heavy rains, flooding

    KARACHI: Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued alert for heavy rains and flooding in various parts of country from August 10, 2022.

    Rain-wind/thundershower (with isolated heavy falls) is expected in Kashmir, Islamabad, northeast Punjab, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, eastern Balochistan and southeastern Sindh from 06th to 09th August with occasional gaps.

    READ MORE: KATI seeks precautionary measures before rains

    Rain-wind/thundershower (with scattered heavy falls) are expected in Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Islamabad, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh and parts of Balochistan from 10th to 13th August with occasional gaps.

    Possible Impacts:

    Heavy Rains may generate urban flooding in Rawalpindi/Islamabad, Peshawar, Nowshera, Mardan, Faisalabad, Lahore and Gujranwala on 08th and from 10th to 12th August.

    READ MORE: SBP issues options to make donation in PM flood relief fund

    Flash flooding is expected in local Nullahs of Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Shakargarh, Sialkot, Narowal, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Dir, Karak, Lakki Marwat, Bannu and Kashmir on 08th and from 10th to 12th August.

    Heavy Rains may generate urban flooding in Karachi, Thatta, Badin, Hyderabad, Dadu, Jamshoro, Sukkur, Larkana, Shaheed Benazirabad and Mirpurkhas from 11th to 13th August.

    Flash flooding is expected in Qilla Saifullah, Loralai, Barkhan, Kohlu, Mosa Khel, Sherani, Sibbi, Bolan, Kalat, Khuzdar, Lasbella, Awaran, Turbat, Panjgur, Pasni, Jiwani, Ormara, Gwadar and hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan during the forecast period.

    READ MORE: Floods affect telecom services: PTA

    Catchment areas of Ravi, Jhelum and Chenab may receive heavy downpour causing water level to rise significantly during the forecast period.

    Rainfall may trigger landslides in Kashmir, hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Galiyat, Murree, Chillas, Diamir, Gilgit, Hunza, Astore, Ghizer and Skardu during the forecast period.

  • SBP issues options to make donation in PM flood relief fund

    SBP issues options to make donation in PM flood relief fund

    KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Saturday issued multiple options to make donations in prime minister flood relief fund 2022.

    The central bank said that the government had notified establishment of a flood relief fund, namely, Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund, 2022, for providing relief and rehabilitation to the affected population due to torrential rains and flash floods in many parts of the country.

    READ MORE: Floods affect telecom services: PTA

    The Fund shall accept donations / contributions both from domestic and international sources for the aforesaid purpose. The Fund will be administered by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) while the Accountant General Pakistan revenue will maintain accounts of the Fund.

    In this regard, the SBP has opened “Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund Account, 2022” for collection donations / contributions to the Fund.

    All the commercial and microfinance banks shall open the account of the Fund and shall receive donations/contributions in cash, through cheques, payorder and demand drafts, at all their branches across the country. Donors have been provided multiple options for making donation/ contribution to the Fund as described below: –

    A. Overseas Donors:

    Wire Transfer:

    Overseas donors including overseas Pakistanis may donate to the Fund through wire transfer in the Fund account maintained with their respective bank. They would simply advise their respective banks to transmit the donation amount in the Fund Account by debiting their accounts. The banks shall transmit the consolidated amount of donations received in the Fund account to the SBP on daily-basis through ‘Real Time Gross Settlement’ (RTGS) system.

    READ MORE: Exports decline by 19.5 percent as rains, urban flooding disrupt supply chain

    Transfer through Money Service Bureaus, Money Transfer Operators and Exchange Houses:

    Overseas donors may also donate / contribute through Money Service Bureaus (MSBs), Money Transfer Operators (MTOs) (e.g. MoneyGram, Western Union) and Exchange Houses (EHs) in line with the arrangements in place for receiving home remittances. Banks receiving such remittances in the Fund Account shall transfer the consolidated amount through RTGS to the SBP on daily basis.

    B. Domestic Donors:

    Cash Deposits at Banks’ Counters:

    Donors and contributors may make their donations / contributions to the fund in cash at any branch of any bank operating in Pakistan, which shall transfer the consolidated amount of such donations to the Fund account at SBP through RTGS on daily basis. Similarly, donations/ contributions may also be made at any of the field offices of SBP Banking Services Corporation.

    Deposit of Crossed Cheques in the Name of the Fund in Bank’s Drop Boxes:

    The donors and contributors may make their donations / contributions to the Fund by dropping crossed cheques in the name of the Fund in their respective bank’s drop box. All banks shall make available drop box facility at their selected branches for donors where they may drop their crossed cheques in favor of the Fund. The banks shall, accordingly debit the customer’s account and transfer the amount of such proceeds daily on consolidated basis through RTGS to the SBP.

    READ MORE: Jazz announces free calls to calamity hit Balochistan

    Alternate Delivery Channels:

    The donor may also use alternate delivery channels e.g. internet banking, mobile banking, Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and mobile wallets etc. to donate / contribute to the Fund account through Inter-Bank Fund Transfer Facility (IBFT)/Raast. The commercial and microfinance banks shall prominently display the IBAN of the Fund at their websites.

    3. The banks shall maintain the details of individual donors i.e. name of donor the amount of his/her contribution, mode of payment etc., with them and shall be made available to SBP as and when needed. Please acknowledge receipt.

    READ MORE: IRC launches rain relief operation in Balochistan

  • Desegregated approach vital for family planning

    Desegregated approach vital for family planning

    KARACHI: Experts lauded the role of Provincial Minister of Health and Population Welfare (Sindh), Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho and Secretary Health Sindh, Zulfiqar Ali Shah, for their continuous efforts towards putting the agenda of family planning at the forefront and introducing reproductive health bill for stressing the need and importance of family planning towards achieving national goals and country’s development,.

    These thoughts were expressed in FP (Family Planning) 2030 meeting, held in commemoration of World Population Day. Participants of the meeting highlighted the impact of high population growth rate on its socio-economic development and emphasized its linkages with rising poverty and disparity, to climate change, high urbanization and urban migration, all restraining investment in human development and improving lives of people. Pakistan has made its FP2030 Commitments in line with its national goals agreed under the CCI Recommendations and the targets set for the National Action Plan.

    Technical Advisor and Focal Person FP 2030, Dr Talib Lashari highlighted key reforms made under the FP2030 working group such as functional integration between Department of Health and Population Welfare Department. He added that significant progress has been observed in the areas of staff capacity building, youth engagement, legislative reforms and Life skills-based Education. Dr Lashari also shared the implementation progress of self-injectable DMPA-SC (Sayana Press) in Sindh and noted that CIP is moving to initiate self-injection by clients.  

    Speaking at the event, Country Advisor Gates Foundation, Dr Yasmin Qazi shared the historical perspective on family planning in Pakistan and stressed that we need to work collaboratively to address the gaps and fulfill the unmet needs of couples who want access to family planning support. For this we need to ensure steady supply of contraceptive commodities supplemented by behavior change engagement and counselling.

    Country Director Jhpiego, Dr Fauzia Assad said that an integrated multisectoral approach is imperative for expansion of family planning choices by scaling up self-injection contraceptives. She added that we need to continue to innovate by inclusion of concepts such a self-care in Family Planning and in particular focus upon engaging men in the ongoing discourse of Family Planning.

    President Szabist University, Shehnaz Wazir Ali remarked that joint planning is critical for creating cohesion amongst FP2030 partners and assured galvanizing academia support for partners. Wazir also appreciated CIP for being acknowledged as global best practice model out of 43 countries.

    UNFPA representative, Renuka Swami cautioned that with the world population reaching 8 billion it underscores the need for moving from number towards making informed choices. She suggested to engaging young people in the discourse of family planning.

    Dr Mohiuddin, RIZ consulting said that one of the core indicators under FP2030 is increasing the modern contraceptive prevalence rate (mCPR) and for that it is imperative to scale-up new modern contraceptive such as self-injectable Sayanna Press.

    Program Officer FP BMG, Linnea Eitmann stated that she is invigorated by the joint partnership and the leadership of Honorable Minister Dr Azra and CIP and commended how Pakistan is inclined towards gender transformative approaches and based on the enthusiasm towards change working Pakistan will be a priority. She also informed the participants regarding Gates foundation three core components i.e. expanding method choice, developing new and improved contraceptive methods and lastly increasing access to each method.

    The meeting concluded with the FP2030 partners reaffirming their support for the unified goal for working collaboratively for balanced population management and resultantly as stronger prosperous Pakistan.