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International Maritime Organization launches major ship recycling project in Pakistan

International Maritime Organization launches major ship recycling project in Pakistan
The photograph taken on November 8, 2016, shows the wreckage of a burnt out ship which was hit by a gas cylinder explosion on November 1, at the Gadani Shipbreaking Yard, some 50 kilometres west of Karachi. (AFP/File)
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Updated 4 min 40 sec ago
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International Maritime Organization launches major ship recycling project in Pakistan

International Maritime Organization launches major ship recycling project in Pakistan
  • Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships and Decent Work Project holds first workshop in Karachi
  • Pakistan is among top five ship recycling nations in the world, new project builds on ongoing project in Bangladesh
Updated 4 min 40 sec ago
Arab News Pakistan
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ISLAMABAD: The International Maritime Organization has launched a new project to promote sustainable ship recycling in Pakistan, one of the top five ship recycling nations in the world. 

The Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships and Decent Work (SENSREC-DW) Project held its first workshop in Karachi last month, following IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez’s first official visit to the South Asian country. 

“The new project is a collaboration between the IMO and the International Labour Organization (ILO), aimed at enhancing safety and environmental responsibility in the ship recycling industry, while upholding global labor rights standards,” the IMO said in a statement. 

The primary focus of the workshop, which gathered approximately 150 people representing stakeholders from various sectors, was how to ensure compliance with international standards outlined in the Hong Kong Convention, the Basel Convention and ILO treaties, and strategies for improving working conditions, especially in developing countries, given the high risks associated with shipbreaking activities. 

Participants outlined specific objectives and activities for the project, emphasizing the need for capacity building and training programs tailored to local contexts. They took part in a technical visit to ship recycling yards in Gadani, Baluchistan, to learn from the field and observe some of the key challenges faced by the industry. 

“The outcomes of their discussions will guide the implementation of initiatives designed to promote decent work and sustainable practices in ship recycling facilities across Pakistan,” the IMO said. 

The Hong Kong Convention, adopted in 2009, is designed to ensure that ships are recycled without posing risks to human health or the environment. It mandates that ships carry an Inventory of Hazardous Materials and that recycling facilities develop a specific Ship Recycling Plan for each vessel. The Convention is set to enter into force on June 26, 2025 and aims to enhance safety standards across the global ship recycling industry. 

SENSREC-DW builds on the ongoing SENSEREC project in Bangladesh, first launched in 2015. 

Topics: International Maritime Organization Imo SENSREC-DW ILO Ship recycling Arab News Pakistan

First Pakistan-Russia Trade and Investment Forum kicks off in Moscow

First Pakistan-Russia Trade and Investment Forum kicks off in Moscow
Updated 25 sec ago
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First Pakistan-Russia Trade and Investment Forum kicks off in Moscow

First Pakistan-Russia Trade and Investment Forum kicks off in Moscow
  • Over 70 Pakistani businesspersons, 100 Russian companies are taking part in event 
  • Ties between Pakistan and Russia, once Cold War rivals, have warmed up in recent years 
Updated 25 sec ago
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Privatization Minister Abdul Aleem Khan has said Islamabad is seeking enhanced cooperation with Russia in several avenues, as the first ever trade and investment forum between the two countries kicked off in Moscow on Tuesday. 

Khan is leading a delegation of over 70 businesspersons from various sectors in the first ever Pakistan-Russia Trade & Investment Forum in Moscow. According to the state-owned Pakistan Television News, over 100 Russian companies are taking part in the forum as well. 

Speaking at the forum, Khan said the current volume of trade between the two countries does not reflect the true potential of Pakistan and Russia. The minister said today is the “start of new bilateral relations with Russia,” according to PTV News. 

“He said this forum will open new avenues of trade and investment between the two countries,” PTV said, adding that Islamabad attaches “huge importance” to its ties with Moscow. 

According to the PTV, Russian Deputy Trade and Investment Minister Alexey Gruzdev said interactions between the business delegations of both countries will have a positive impact on their bilateral ties. 

Pakistan and Russia, once Cold War rivals, have warmed up to each other in recent years through regular business and trade interactions. As Islamabad seeks to enhance its role as a transit hub for landlocked economies in Central Asia, it has expressed interest in connecting with Russia through Central Asia for bilateral trade.

Islamabad’s ties with Russia also saw significant improvement last year after Pakistan started purchasing Russian crude oil at a discount. Geopolitical tensions triggered fuel prices to more than double in Pakistan last year, forcing the country to opt for cheaper sources of fuel. 

Pakistan also received its first shipment of liquified petroleum gas from Russia in September 2023, marking Islamabad’s second major Russian energy purchase.

Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk arrived in Islamabad last month for a brief visit to the country, seeking to expand trade and investment ties with Pakistan. 

Topics: Pakistan Russia Ties Abdul Aleem Khan Russia

Chinese premier to visit Pakistan on Oct. 14 — Deputy PM Dar

Chinese premier to visit Pakistan on Oct. 14 — Deputy PM Dar
Updated 9 min 11 sec ago
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Chinese premier to visit Pakistan on Oct. 14 — Deputy PM Dar

Chinese premier to visit Pakistan on Oct. 14 — Deputy PM Dar
  • Visit to take place ahead of SCO’s Council of Heads of Government summit in Islamabad on Oct. 15-16
  • Malaysian Prime Minister Ibrahim is also scheduled to visit Pakistan on Wednesday with high-level delegation
Updated 9 min 11 sec ago
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: China’s premier Li Qiang will undertake a bilateral visit to Pakistan on Oct. 14, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed this week, saying that a series of upcoming international visits hosted by the South Asian country will prove Islamabad is not isolated at the global stage.

China is a major ally and investor in Pakistan that has pledged over $65 billion in investment in road, infrastructure and development projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project. The CPEC is a part of the Belt and Road Initiative, a massive China-led infrastructure project that aims to stretch around the globe.

The Chinese prime minister’s visit comes ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Council of Heads of Government Meeting in Islamabad on Oct.15-16. Founded by China and Russia in 2001, the SCO is a prominent Eurasian entity focused on political, economic, international security and defense matters.

“In the next two weeks, three important international visits are taking place in Pakistan,” Dar told ARY News channel in an interview on Monday. “Malaysia’s prime minister is coming to Pakistan on Oct. 2 with his delegation after which China’s prime minister will arrive in Pakistan on Oct. 14, which is a bilateral visit.”

Chinese investment and financial support since 2013 have been key for Pakistan’s struggling economy, including the rolling over of loans so that Islamabad is able to meet external financing needs at a time its foreign reserves are low.

Though time-tested allies, relations between the two neighbors have undergone a slight strain over the past couple of years due to recent security challenges. Separatist and religiously motivated militants have attacked Chinese projects in Pakistan and killed Chinese personnel. China has repeatedly asked Pakistan to guarantee the security of its citizens in the country. Islamabad has in turn sought to ease Beijing’s fears, vowing to provide fool-proof security to its citizens living and working in the country. 

Separately, Qiang’s visit to Pakistan will be preceded by Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to Islamabad. The Malaysian premier will arrive in the South Asian country on Wednesday for a three-day visit to strengthen ties in trade, connectivity, energy and other sectors between the two nations. 

The recent string of international visits to Pakistan highlights the government’s attempts to attract foreign investment in key sectors of the economy. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has repeatedly assured bilateral and regional partners that Islamabad prefers seeking mutually beneficial partnerships rather than loans. 

Crisis-wracked Pakistan sees international investments as key to avert a prolonged macroeconomic crisis that has weakened the country’s national currency, drained its resources and lowered its foreign exchange reserves to alarming levels. 

Topics: Pakistan China Ties Ishaq Dar China premier's visit to Pakistan Li Qiang Premier Li Qiang SCO Summit Arab News Pakistan

Pakistan condemns attack on UAE ambassador’s residence in Khartoum

Pakistan condemns attack on UAE ambassador’s residence in Khartoum
Updated 01 October 2024
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Pakistan condemns attack on UAE ambassador’s residence in Khartoum

Pakistan condemns attack on UAE ambassador’s residence in Khartoum
  • UAE envoy’s residence in Khartoum was attacked amid clashes between Sudanese military, rival RSF
  • Pakistan says attack violation of international law, Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations 1961
Updated 01 October 2024
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s foreign office this week strongly condemned an attack on the residence of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) ambassador in Khartoum allegedly by a Sudanese army aircraft, terming it a violation of international law and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

Violent clashes have taken place in Khartoum over the past week in a major flare-up of hostilities between Sudan’s armed forces and its rival paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). 

In a statement on Monday, UAE’s foreign ministry condemned the attack and called on the Sudanese army to assume full responsibility for the “cowardly act.” Sudan’s military government refuted the accusations, saying that the RSF had bombed the ambassador’s residence. 

“Pakistan strongly condemns the attack on the residence of the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates in Khartoum, Sudan,” Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said in a statement on Monday. 

“Such attacks are a violation of international law and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961 that uphold the respect for diplomatic premises and personnel.”

The UAE’s foreign ministry termed the attack a “flagrant violation of the fundamental principle of the inviolability of diplomatic premises,” stressing the importance of protecting diplomatic buildings and staff residences of the embassy, according to the treaties and customs regulating diplomatic relations.

The ministry said it would submit a formal letter to the League of Arab States, the African Union and the UN reporting the attack.

Topics: Sudan Khartoum Rapid Support Forces Arab News Pakistan

Pakistan extends date for filing income tax returns to Oct. 14

Pakistan extends date for filing income tax returns to Oct. 14
Updated 01 October 2024
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Pakistan extends date for filing income tax returns to Oct. 14

Pakistan extends date for filing income tax returns to Oct. 14
  • Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue had earlier set Sept. 30 as deadline for filing income tax returns for tax year 2023-34
  • Shehbaz Sharif’s government has previously blocked over 210,000 mobile connections to compel people to file tax returns
Updated 01 October 2024
SAIMA SHABBIR

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s central tax revenue authority this week announced it had extended the last date for filing income tax returns to Oct. 14 after considering requests from trade bodies, tax bar associations and the general public. 

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) had warned non-filers that it would not allow any extension in the Sept. 30 deadline to file income tax returns for the tax year 2023-24. However, in a notification on Monday night, it announced that income tax returns can now be filed by Oct. 14. 

“The FBR made the decision in view of requests from various trade bodies, Tax Bar Associations and general public,” the board said in a notification, a copy of which was seen by Arab News. 

Pakistan has one of the lowest tax ratios in the world, according to the World Bank. The South Asian country’s failure to generate tax revenues in higher amounts stems from the fact that it has a narrow tax base, low compliance rate, an inefficient tax administration and massive tax evasion, the international financial institution has said.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) last week approved a $7 billion loan for Pakistan, critical for the South Asian country to meet its external financial obligations and strengthen its national currency. One of the key demands of the IMF from Pakistan has been to improve its tax administration and broaden its tax base. 

Pakistan last year came to the brink of default as the economy shriveled amid political chaos, the devastating 2022 floods and decades of mismanagement. Last-minute loan rollovers from friendly countries as well as a $3 billion bailout from the IMF helped the nation avert the crisis.

Pakistan aims to collect an ambitious $46 billion through taxes this financial year. Authorities have identified 4.9 million taxable persons in the country by using modern technology. On Sunday, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb announced that the country’s tax filers this year have almost doubled from 1.6 million last year to 3.2 million. He also disclosed that last year Pakistan recorded at least 300,000 new tax filers while this year, the figure has swelled to 723,000. 

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government has used unusual methods in the past, including blocking 210,000 mobile connections, to compel people to file their tax returns. The finance minister warned that non-filers will be deprived of certain facilities to encourage them to become part of the tax net.

“Non-filers will not be able to buy vehicles, won’t be able to buy properties, won’t be able to [access] current bank accounts and mutual funds and will face a lot of problems with cash deposits and withdrawals,” he said. 

Topics: Pakistan income tax tax returns FBR fbr extension date 2024

Pakistani devotee of patriotic songs has collected 5,000 recordings

Pakistani devotee of patriotic songs has collected 5,000 recordings
Updated 01 October 2024
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Pakistani devotee of patriotic songs has collected 5,000 recordings

Pakistani devotee of patriotic songs has collected 5,000 recordings
  • Absar Ahmed, a broadcaster and author, has songs in over a dozen languages and various formats 
  • Ahmed says preserving the songs, passing on to future generations is the “most important responsibility”
Updated 01 October 2024
NAIMAT KHAN

KARACHI: Absar Ahmed placed the large vinyl disc on a vintage Dansette phonograph and lowered the stylus onto the record as the sound of a decades-old Pakistani patriotic song began to fill the room. 

Ahmed, a 36-year-old broadcaster and researcher, was three years old when he fell in love with the iconic 1987 song “Dil Dil Pakistan,” becoming a devotee and going on to collect more than 5,000 patriotic songs, or “milli naghmas” as they are called in Urdu. The songs span decades, and Ahmed’s collection has them in dozens of languages and formats, including cassette tapes, CDs, and vinyl records. 

Ahmed has also authored two books on national songs, “Yeh Naghmay Pakistan Kay” and “Har Taan Pakistan.”

“I started collecting cassettes in 1996 when I bought my first cassette,” Ahmed told Arab News. “By 1999, I properly began gathering milli naghmas and at that time.”

The picture taken on September 29, 2024, shows the patriotic song collection of Absar Ahmed. (AN photo)

Many recordings have fallen into Ahmed’s lap as his reputation as a collector has spread. Others he has had to research, find and buy, traveling across Pakistan just to get his hands on a particular vinyl disk or a set of spool tapes. But many hundreds of songs he has recorded directly from radio or TV. 

“I would record every national song that was broadcasted on radio or television. I always kept a cassette in my tape recorder, ready to record any milli naghma that played on Radio Pakistan,” Ahmed said, referring to the country’s state broadcaster.

“This treasure, this collection of sounds from Pakistan, has been safely preserved and it is now part of my record collection.”

Absar Ahmed, Pakistani broadcaster and author, is listening to a song on his computer in Karachi, Pakistan, on September 29, 2024. (AN photo)

A significant part of Ahmed’s collection is in the Bengali language as many Pakistani patriotic songs were sung by Bengali artists when present-day Bangladesh used to be a part of Pakistan before it seceded after the 1971 war. 

Mufeez Rahman, an official who worked at Radio Pakistan’s Dhaka station, had protected the records from rioters in 1971, Ahmed said. In 2014, he contacted the Pakistani collector after learning about his collection through the Internet.

“I can’t even imagine how I found these,” Ahmed said. “They were no longer available anywhere else but before his death, he [Rahman] made sure to pass them on to me.”

One of Ahmed’s most notable finds is the first Indian national song recorded in 1911, “Tarana-e-Milli,” based on a poem by the legendary Allama Muhammad Iqbal, widely regarded as having animated the impulse for the Pakistan Movement and who would go on to become the national poet of Pakistan after the country’s creation out of India in 1947. 

The 1911 version was sung by Ustad Pyare Sahib, a revered singer from the Indian city of Kolkata, who migrated to Karachi after the partition of the subcontinent. 

“I was able to obtain the audio of this song in a digital format, which was given to me by someone who had the gramophone record although it later broke.”

Ahmed has national songs in Urdu, Punjabi, Bengali, Sindhi, Balochi, Brahui, Saraiki, Sheena, Pashto, Burushaski and Gilgiti languages. He has also digitized a significant portion of his collection, hoping the precious recordings will be accessible to future generations. 

 “Preserving them and passing them on to future generations is the most important responsibility,” Ahmed said.

His efforts are recognized by experts in the field. 

Hafiz Muhammad Noorullah, a producer at Radio Pakistan, said Ahmad’s collection was of “great significance.” 

“Absar Ahmad has compiled a collection of over 5,000 songs. Such a vast number of national songs is not even preserved at Radio Pakistan,” he told Arab News. 

“National songs carry their own importance, and preserving them for future generations is a monumental task that deserves recognition.”

Topics: Pakistan Patriotic songs

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