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The Sustainable Development Goals in Pakistan
Pakistan affirmed its commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by adopting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as its own national development agenda through a unanimous National Assembly Resolution in 2016. Since then, the country has made considerable progress by mainstreaming these goals in national policies and strategies and developing an institutional framework for SDGs implementation in Pakistan. SDG support units have been established at federal and provincial levels with the planning institutions (Ministry of Planning Development and Special Initiatives and Provincial Planning and Development Departments) to guide SDGs implementation and monitoring it progress. In 2018, the Government designed and approved a National SDGs Framework that envisages a national vision to prioritize and localize SDGs. Localized provincial SDG Frameworks are being formulated. The focus of the government is on mainstreaming SDGs in planning processes, ensuring strong monitoring and reporting on SDGs, ensuring public financial allocations are aligned to SDGs and alternate financing modalities are being explored, and to benefit from use of technology to accelerate progress towards SDGs.
Story
08 November 2021
Pakistan celebrates the 76th UN Day with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and UN Agencies in a colorful ceremony
The 76th anniversary of the United Nations was recently celebrated in a colorful event organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Islamabad. The Foreign Secretary, Mr. Sohail Mahmood, was the Chief Guest while a video message of the UN Secretary General, Mr. António Guterres, was featured at the event. The Resident Coordinator, Mr. Julien Harneis, also addressed the audience comprising of heads of diplomatic missions and UN agencies based in Islamabad, as well as senior government officials and members of the UN staff.
Speaking on the occasion, the Foreign Secretary reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to multilateralism, with the UN playing a central role for promoting peace, security, development and human rights for all. The Foreign Secretary highlighted Pakistan’s contributions to the work of the UN including in the areas of peacekeeping, refugee protection, humanitarian action, climate change, and international cooperation for sustainable development. He also thanked all the UN agencies working in Pakistan for advancing its socio-economic development.
The UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Julien Harneis, appreciated the constant support and assistance of the Government of Pakistan and highlighted the many accomplishments of the UN agencies working in Pakistan in a diversity of sectors. He also talked about the new 5-year plan, the UN Sustainable Development Framework 2023-2027 and how every effort was being made to ensure that it had realistic action plans that align with the needs of the people of Pakistan, the directions of the government and the support of the member states and development partners.
A youth representative also shared her views on the expectations from the United Nations for meeting contemporary challenges.
Many UN agencies set up displays around the venue to showcase their products and interventions in the areas of health, food security, environmental protection, capacity-building and socio-economic development. These exhibits invited a great deal of interest from the guests and served as an opportunity to showcase the many interventions and accomplishments of the UN in Pakistan.
Photo Credit: UNDP
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Story
18 June 2020
Pakistan: Further desert locust damage forecast in coming agricultural seasons
The Government of Pakistan’s preliminary estimate of monetary losses due to desert locusts over the two coming agricultural seasons in 2020 and 2021 may range from US$3.4 billion to $10.21 billion.
Locust damage has significantly affected many farmers already, with further significant locust damage forecast at the end of summer.
In late January, the Government of Pakistan declared the desert locust a national emergency and set up the National Action Plan for Desert Locust Control and Surveillance and a high-level National Locust Control Centre.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is providing technical advice and procurement support to the Government for locust surveillance and control activities, including locust threat forecasts and control operation strategies.
FAO and the World Food Programme and partners, in coordination with the Government, will access needs in the worst-impacted districts, which have also experienced multiple shocks over the past 18 months, including drought, flash flooding, a cold wave and COVID-19.
The Government of Pakistan needs $372 million over the coming three years in additional funding to survey, control and recover from the locust damage.
FAO launched the Desert Locust Upsurge Global Response Plan 2020, which includes $12.5 million for Pakistan for crisis response, of which only $1.9 million has been funded.
More than 3 million people in Pakistan are facing severe acute food insecurity, with the situation particularly precarious in Balochistan.
It is estimated that approximately 34,000 households will need of emergency livelihood and food-security assistance due to crop losses. Many more people may be indirectly affected by crop losses leading to price rises in key commodities.
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Story
16 June 2020
A Coordinated Response to Coronavirus
On Wednesday, 11 March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) characterized the coronavirus (COVID-19) viral disease a pandemic, but it is a pandemic that can be controlled. Coronavirus (COVID-19) is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who heads the UN agency, said, in his statement, “Let me be clear: describing this as a pandemic does not mean that countries should give up.”
The UN Secretary-General urged all countries to take a comprehensive approach tailored to their circumstances – with containment as the central pillar. COVID-19 is affecting thousands of people, impacting countries’ health systems and having widespread social and economic effects. The UN entities working on development, the United Nations Sustainable Development Group, are supporting countries in their preparedness and response plans.
This page convenes sources of information and guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations (UN) regarding the current outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
WHO is working closely with global experts, governments and partners to track the spread and to provide guidance to countries and individuals on measures to protect health and prevent the spread of this outbreak.
To stay up to date with the latest information, please visit:
United Nations Covid-19 Response: https://www.un.org/coronavirus
World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
Latest news on the United Nations’ response: https://news.un.org/en/events/un-news-coverage-coronavirus-outbreak
WHO guidance for countries: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/technical
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Situation: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/685d0ace521648f8a5beeeee1b9125cd
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Story
30 May 2021
Pakistan ramps up Protected Areas
From the Himalayas in the north to the deserts of Balochistan in the west, to the mangroves of Sindh in the south, Pakistan’snatural diversity is spellbinding, but it is also under threat.
In 2018, only 12 per cent of the country was classed as an environmentally protected area. According to Bloomberg, it was one of the six countries in the world most at risk from climate change. The country had one of the lowest forest covers in the region, with only 5 per cent cover. This was compared to a global average of 31 per cent. This put the country at increased risk from environmental dangers such as flooding, melting glaciers and droughts.
However, change is underway. In 2020, Pakistan’s government launched the ‘Protected Area Initiative’ which aims to increase protected areas such as national parks, wetlands and wildlife reserves to 15 per cent of the country’s total area by 2023. In the last two years, protected area coverage has already increased to 13.9 per cent and further progress looks assured.
Pakistan is following a global trend, according to the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) flagship report Protected Planet. Since 2010, 21 million km2of protected and conserved areas, or 42 per cent of the global total, has been added.
“Protected areas offer a range of environmental benefits – they safeguard biodiversity by protecting plant and animal habitats; protect against climate change by building resilience to natural disasters and providing carbon storage, and can help maintain food and water security,” said Susan Gardner, Director of UNEP’s Ecosystems division. “Their positive impact also extends to economies as protected areas can drive eco-tourism and create green jobs in developing countries.”
Sustainable Protected Areas
While the growth of protected areas is a welcome development, as the Pakistan government is aware, in order for them to be effective, the areas must be managed and controlled. While globally the target of 17 per cent of land protection has been met (Pakistan is behind the global average), less than 8 per cent, against a target of 10 per cent, of coastal and marine areas have been conserved.
Pakistan’s national parks date back to 1972 with the creation of Lal Suhanra, one of South Asia’s largest. Lal Suhanara is now one of Pakistan’s 31 parks which include desert, mountains, wetlands and coastal ecosystems. They are home to a wide array of species including the elusive and endangered snow leopard. However, many had fallen into disrepair and were parks and protected areas only in name. Part of the Protected Area Initiative is to ensure that these valuable environmental areas are operating and functional.
“It is key for Pakistan to not only increase the protected areas but to ensure that all areas that are protected are more than just paper parks. By this we mean they are fully functioning with community buy-in and staff to operate and protect them,” said Dr. Raja Omer, the Deputy Inspector General (Forests) in Pakistan.
In order to do this Pakistan is adding 7000 jobs to manage and work in the parks, a key boost after job losses due to COVID-19. UNEP’s Protected Planet Report 2020 finds that in order to be fully effective, jobs in protected areas must draw from and benefit the local communities and fully embrace women at all levels of planning and implementation.
“These jobs will ensure community buy-in and agency for the protected areas,” said Dr. Omer.
As Pakistan prepares to hold World Environment Day on June 5, in partnership with UNEP, the country continues to make positive progress. Last year Prime Minister Khan announced the creation of nine new National Parks and the rehabilitation of a further six. Pakistan aims to have at least seven of its national parks registered under the IUCN 'Green List of Protected Areas,' the gold standard for conservation.
“We have made good progress and we are confident we will meet our targets,” said Dr. Omer.
Story via UNEP
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Story
19 May 2021
Pakistan restores mangroves for economy and ecosystem benefits
Tahir Qureshi had many nicknames. Father of the Mangroves. Mangrove Man. The mangrove hero of Pakistan. All reflect a life dedicated to the conservation and restoration of Pakistan’s mangroves.
As Pakistan prepares to host World Environment Day on June 5, ecosystem restoration, which includes critical ecosystems like mangrove forests, will be the focus. Mr Quershi, who sadly passed away in December 2020, played a key role in the development of mangrove restoration in Pakistan and will be fondly remembered at the event.
“He was a magnificent man. He understood the importance of mangroves in environmental conservation, he dedicated his life to them” said Mahmood Akhtar Cheema, the country representative of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) a United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) partner, “He literally planted millions of mangroves.”
Mangroves are also a central part of the Pakistan government’s ambitious ‘Ten Billion Tree Tsunami’ drive. Led by Prime Minister Imran Khan and supported by UNEP, Pakistan has committed to planting 10 billion trees by 2023. Millions, if not billions, of these trees will be mangroves. By the end of June, this year one billion trees will have already been planted.
Ecosystem and economic benefits
Mangroves are one of the most productive and diverse ecosystems on the planet, without which, 39 per cent more people would be flooded annually. The IUCN estimates that mangroves provide exceptional carbon storage - three to five times that of tropical forests – and support livelihoods for over 120 million people globally. They are also home to more than 3,000 fish species are found in their ecosystem.
“Mangroves are an important tool in the fight against climate change. They reduce carbon in the atmosphere and they also make financial sense. Restoring mangroves is five times more cost effective than building ‘grey infrastructure’ such as flood walls, which also don’t help with climate change,” said Makkio Yashiro, regional ecosystems coordinator for UNEP.
But mangroves are under threat. Climate change, logging, agriculture, aquaculture, pollution and coastal development are all eroding their habitats. UNEP and partners found that over 67% of mangroves have been lost or degraded to date.
Restoring a critical ecosystem
Restoring mangroves helps support not only nature but also, economies. A hectare of mangroves is estimated to be worth between $33,000 and $57,000 per year. UNEP studies find that every dollar invested in mangrove restoration there is a benefit of four dollars. Simply put they are one of the most efficient, cost effective Nature-based Solutions (NbS).
In Pakistan, as well as the Ten Billion Tree Tsunami, organisations such as the IUCN have instigated a number of mangrove restoration projects. The IUCN has worked on projects including one with the Pakistani Navy to plant seven million mangrove plants and also public-private enterprises with Engro Elengy Terminal Private Limited (EETPL) in the Port Qasim area of Karachi.
As we enter the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, which will run from 2021 to 2030 and aims to prevent, halt and reverse the degradation of ecosystems worldwide, mangroves have a key role to play in its success.
Story via UNEP
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Story
10 December 2020
UNHCR’s skills project empowered refugee woman to earn at home amid coronavirus outbreak
QUETTA, 08 April 2020 – Saleema Habibullah, an Afghan refugee, has faced enormous struggles in her lifetime. Despite the tragic losses that she experienced, she leads a life free from fear and full of hope for the future, even in the most difficult of times.
“I was only twenty when all the men in my family where killed in a bombing incident in Quetta,” Saleema lamented. She described how her paternal uncle was so heart-broken that he died from a heart attack.
At the time, she fought for her family – a paralyzed aunt and cousin, whom were her only remaining relatives – by taking a bold step to leave her home and seek opportunities. Thanks to UNHCR’s Safe from the Start (SFS) programme, she learned new skills, such as embroidery, tailoring and kilim-making, and applies them daily.
The new skills enabled Saleema to become a master trainer at UNHCR’s programme being run by its partner. She has also established a centre at her house to provide skills to girls and run a small business. Saleema earns from the job and home-based business.
“Even at this challenging time, when the coronavirus outbreak has affected the country, I’m able to earn a decent living while staying at home,” she said.
Generously funded by the United States of America in 2019, the SFS is a livelihoods, hygiene and sexual violence awareness-raising project. Its aim is the economic empowerment of vulnerable women in the Afghan refugee community in Quetta.
Since the start of the programme in 2016, SFS trained 740 beneficiaries in marketable skills such as kilim and carpet weaving, tailoring, hand embroidery, machine embroidery as well as computer and English language courses (for literate beneficiaries).
All trainees participate in numeracy, literacy and health classes as well. A nursery is also available for young children accompanying their mothers during the day. Most of the beneficiaries are not only skilled artisans but aspiring female agents of change.
Originally from Kunduz in northern Afghanistan, Saleema could not continue her studies beyond primary school due to poverty. However, her life took a turn for the better when she got the opportunity to become a trainer with SFS. Today, she’s the sole bread winner in her family, paying off all of the heavy debt that they accumulated over time.
At first, her community didn’t respond well to her decision to pursue skills training. In fact, they didn’t even approve of a girl leaving the home, but Saleema stood firm against the frowning faces and unfriendly gestures. She kept working hard, learning new skills.
“Someday, I look forward to becoming a successful businesswoman,” mused Saleema. She says that women should be brave, lead prosperous lives and pursue their dreams.
By Humera Karim, UNHCR, Quetta, Pakistan
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Story
09 December 2020
Social inclusion of vulnerable transgenders in times of COVID-19
Continuing with its commitment to ‘Leave No One Behind’, UNDP in Pakistan, with UNFPA’s support, conducted a rapid preliminary socio-economic assessment to gauge the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on transgender persons living in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
This initiative is the first outcome of the Ministry of Human Rights (MoHR) and UNDP Human Rights Taskforce on COVID-19 for collaboration on efforts through a human rights lens.
The assessment was conducted with representative sampling of 75 transgender persons (50 individuals in Rawalpindi and 25 in Islamabad), through transgender focal points of Islamabad and Rawalpindi— who are also members of the National Implementation Committee of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2018. The Ministry of Human Rights (MoHR) was on board to ensure ownership from the government.
All geographical areas of Islamabad and Rawalpindi were a part of the assessment while the assessment itself was disaggregated along multiple categories including, but not limited to, key-informants’: age, disability if any, health status, pre-COVID19 employment/income generation capacity, residence, and any experience of Gender Based Violence (GBV)).
The sample-size was loosely based on Census 2017-18 findings[1] and in consultation with the trans-community, measuring at 50 key informants from Rawalpindi and 25 key informants from Islamabad-ICT. The findings of the assessmnet reveal serious socio-economic impact of the already marginalised communities of trangender persons; with limited mobility due to COVID-19, their earnings have declined considerably and they are facing issues of shelter, food and access to mandatory hygiene products such as masks, gloves and sanitizers.
National Consultation in 2018 on Political inclusion and Electoral participation of transgender community in Pakistan. © UNDP Pakistan/Shuja Hakim
The first assessment had the following findings and recommendations:
´ Trans-persons in the twin-cities have been gravely, disproportionately affected by socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
´ Measures to address the socio-economic impacts of the pandemic should consider the particular vulnerabilities of the trans-people, including older persons, those living with disabilities, compromised immune systems and the homeless, and ensure that trans-people are fully covered by relief to recovery packages and not rendered invisible or unheard at any stage.
´ All development partners, including decision-makers, must speak out against stigmatization and discrimination directed at the trans-people in the context of the pandemic.
´ Shelters, support services, and other measures to address gender-based violence during the COVID-19 pandemic and must take urgent steps to include the trans-population.
´ Measures restricting movement should provide protection for transgender and gender non-conforming persons. Law enforcement officials should be instructed and trained not to discriminate against this segment of the population.
The immediate needs identified through the assessment are:
The initial findings pointed out the challenges faced by the transgender community which includes:
´ Stigma and discrimination makes transgender people reluctant to disclose their health and socioeconomic status, and get help.
´ Transgender persons continue to experience discrimination from service providers and staff across the social protection and health care settings and social security safety nets – this leaves them poorer and more vulnerable in the face of COVID-19 pandemic.
´ Existing socio-economic marginalization and health conditions mean more of trans-persons live in a state of invisible multi-dimensional vulnerability and compromised health.
´ Transgender and non-binary persons living with hostile families under the current lockdown have to deal with stress and trauma, especially those who have recently come out as trans-persons, those who have recently undergone sex reassignment surgery or are taking hormones.
´ Most trans-persons are either living in temporary residences with other transgender persons in cramped-unsafe conditions or alone in locations other than their places of origin.
´ Most trans-community members are semi or poorly educated, therefore there are obvious and serious gaps in understanding written information and precautionary guidelines with regards to COVID-19. A community-based awareness mechanism should be introduced to educate them on COVID-19 prevention and response. This should be clubbed with the basic training on preparing cost-effective masks, disposing of masks and gloves, maintaining physical distance and keeping themselves safe in their personal spaces.
´ A group from this community has reported their unmet long-term medication needs which have been disrupted due to closure of OPDs in government hospitals. This requires urgent re-prioritisation of health services for those in need of chronic medical care.
The majority of trans-people have reported either none or limited funds available at their disposal to purchase basic necessities of life. Considering the uncertainty about ending the Corona Virus pandemic there is a dire need to look for alternative livelihood options for trans-people to enable them to earn their living.
MoHR with the support of UNDP in Pakistan and UNFPA Pakistan distributed Eid Relief Packages for COVID-19 affected transgender persons. © UNDP Pakistan/Shuja Hakim
In light of the assessment findings, UNDP with the support of UNFPA and in collaboration with Ministry of Human Rights will distribute assistance packages to the most vulnerable transgender persons living in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
UNDP and MoHR have been collaborating for the past two years for effective implementation of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2018. This is possible by social inclusion of transgender persons through capacity building, institutional and policy support. UNDP Pakistan is also supporting the establishment of the first ever protection centre for vulnerable transgender persons living in the twin cities with the support of UNFPA. Discussions are currently underway on the structure and setup of the centre with MoHR and UNFPA.
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07 December 2020
Empowering female police trainees and officers of Sindh and Motorway Police
Madiha Anjum is working as a staff officer in the morning at National Highways and Motorway Police (NH&MP) and taking classes at the university in the evening. Growing up she never imagined that she would be able to join a profession like the Police while living in a social setup that didn’t give her the option to choose a career path on her own. “My brothers used to say that you are only allowed to be a teacher or do the kind of job that can be done from home. I always knew I was not meant for teaching,” she says.
Swimming against the tide, many female officers like Anjum are fighting battles, social and physical, to assimilate into a workforce that is as demanding as it is rewarding. Yet women are joining NH&MP at an increasing rate.
“The presence of female staff in Motorways Police is very important, especially as the number of female drivers has increased.” says Mehboob Aslam, DIG NH&MP, and Commandant of Training College NH&MP Sheikhupura.
As part of the force, female officers of the Motorways Police need proper training. Anjum who is originally from Faisalabad resides at the hostel premises of the college at Sheikhupura along with 50 other young trainees who come from all over Pakistan. They stay in hostels for months – hostels that are often housed in old buildings with leaking ceilings, badly maintained bathrooms with sewage problems, poor ventilation, cramped rooms without emergency exits which pose health and safety hazards. These young women have chosen this difficult profession, but the process becomes more difficult when they do not even get to have basic facilities in their hostels.
“I didn’t know anyone when I came to this place, but I am used to living here now. I strongly believe a comfortable living environment would have helped us adjust better,” says Kiran Sawera from Sukkur.
Anam Tahir, a Patrol Officer from Islamabad who is staying in the hostel, says that they have limited space in extremely tiny rooms and sometimes the hostel has to accommodate up to 100 trainees in a place not even meant for 50 people. The hostel is devoid of even the basic facilities. They do not have any space to study, receive guests or prepare hygienic and healthy food for themselves.
According to DIG Aslam, the training college was established in 1992 and the female hostel has not been touched since that time which means the building is in a dilapidated condition. He indicated that the hostel building is dangerous and in the event of an earthquake or a natural disaster it could even be destroyed. “We are in dire need of a better hostel facility for the women,” he says. Women’s participation in public sector jobs in Pakistan has been hindered due to several factors, including the lack of a women-friendly work environment, unequal access to professional opportunities, gender disparity in educational and professional development and socio-cultural issues. While the Government of Pakistan has set a 10% quota for women in the police force, the current percentage of women in the police force remains below 2%, despite the government’s efforts to increase female representation. In addition, most of these women are at constable level, with very few in superintendent positions.
Things are poised to get better for these female officers. Maria Batool, who has been a Patrol Officer at NH&MP for the last three years, says that she admires the struggles of women who became part of the forces decades ago despite the huge stigma associated with joining the police department. Those women paved the way for the younger generation like her and created a space for them to join this profession. She recalls how the presence of women used to bother male colleagues in Motorways Police. “Now, they don’t stop their conversations when we go near them because they know that we are part of their department and we will remain with them whether they want us to or not,” she says. “Females are now a major part of society and they cannot be kept at home forcefully. People have to accept us and they are because they are acknowledging our presence and admiring our work,” she adds. Keeping in view the problems faced by working women in the police department, UNOPS will construct hostels for female police trainees as part of the Infrastructure for Gender Equality in Police project. The aim of the project was to enhance gender equality in the police by expanding accommodation facilities and creating an enabling environment for female police personnel.
The project is being implemented by UNOPS in partnership with the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs of the U.S. Department of State (INL), Sindh Police and National Highways and Motorway Police. Four housing facilities will be built under this project: a hostel at the NH&MP Training College in Sheikhupura for 100 female recruits, two hostels at the Police Training College Saeedabad in Karachi for 220 female recruits, and a hostel at the Police Training College Shahdadpur in District Sanghar for 120 female recruits.
The direct beneficiaries of this project will include new female recruits, female trainers, and in-service policewomen who come to these colleges to attend mandatory promotional courses. UNOPS Pakistan Project Manager, Nauman Amin, says he is proud to lead the project. “This project will not only provide a dignified and comfortable living space to women police officers and trainees, but also encourage women to join the department,” he says. The design and construction of these multi-story buildings will be completed by UNOPS to provide sustainable and resilient infrastructure which caters to the needs of the female officers. Once the project is completed, an expected outcome would be gender responsive rule of law through an increased presence of women in law enforcement agencies. UNOPS believes in gender mainstreaming and through this strategy, addresses the need for making the experiences of women as well as men, an integral dimension of the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of policies and projects. The ultimate goal is to achieve gender equality.
There are high hopes attached to this project as it will encourage more women to join law enforcement agencies. “We have come a long way. We wear uniforms and walk without any fear. Our parents do not feel ashamed and we are proud of it,” says Batool.
Swimming against the tide, many female officers like Anjum are fighting battles, social and physical, to assimilate into a workforce that is as demanding as it is rewarding. Yet women are joining NH&MP at an increasing rate.
“The presence of female staff in Motorways Police is very important, especially as the number of female drivers has increased.” says Mehboob Aslam, DIG NH&MP, and Commandant of Training College NH&MP Sheikhupura.
As part of the force, female officers of the Motorways Police need proper training. Anjum who is originally from Faisalabad resides at the hostel premises of the college at Sheikhupura along with 50 other young trainees who come from all over Pakistan. They stay in hostels for months – hostels that are often housed in old buildings with leaking ceilings, badly maintained bathrooms with sewage problems, poor ventilation, cramped rooms without emergency exits which pose health and safety hazards. These young women have chosen this difficult profession, but the process becomes more difficult when they do not even get to have basic facilities in their hostels.
“I didn’t know anyone when I came to this place, but I am used to living here now. I strongly believe a comfortable living environment would have helped us adjust better,” says Kiran Sawera from Sukkur.
Anam Tahir, a Patrol Officer from Islamabad who is staying in the hostel, says that they have limited space in extremely tiny rooms and sometimes the hostel has to accommodate up to 100 trainees in a place not even meant for 50 people. The hostel is devoid of even the basic facilities. They do not have any space to study, receive guests or prepare hygienic and healthy food for themselves.
According to DIG Aslam, the training college was established in 1992 and the female hostel has not been touched since that time which means the building is in a dilapidated condition. He indicated that the hostel building is dangerous and in the event of an earthquake or a natural disaster it could even be destroyed. “We are in dire need of a better hostel facility for the women,” he says. Women’s participation in public sector jobs in Pakistan has been hindered due to several factors, including the lack of a women-friendly work environment, unequal access to professional opportunities, gender disparity in educational and professional development and socio-cultural issues. While the Government of Pakistan has set a 10% quota for women in the police force, the current percentage of women in the police force remains below 2%, despite the government’s efforts to increase female representation. In addition, most of these women are at constable level, with very few in superintendent positions.
Things are poised to get better for these female officers. Maria Batool, who has been a Patrol Officer at NH&MP for the last three years, says that she admires the struggles of women who became part of the forces decades ago despite the huge stigma associated with joining the police department. Those women paved the way for the younger generation like her and created a space for them to join this profession. She recalls how the presence of women used to bother male colleagues in Motorways Police. “Now, they don’t stop their conversations when we go near them because they know that we are part of their department and we will remain with them whether they want us to or not,” she says. “Females are now a major part of society and they cannot be kept at home forcefully. People have to accept us and they are because they are acknowledging our presence and admiring our work,” she adds. Keeping in view the problems faced by working women in the police department, UNOPS will construct hostels for female police trainees as part of the Infrastructure for Gender Equality in Police project. The aim of the project was to enhance gender equality in the police by expanding accommodation facilities and creating an enabling environment for female police personnel.
The project is being implemented by UNOPS in partnership with the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs of the U.S. Department of State (INL), Sindh Police and National Highways and Motorway Police. Four housing facilities will be built under this project: a hostel at the NH&MP Training College in Sheikhupura for 100 female recruits, two hostels at the Police Training College Saeedabad in Karachi for 220 female recruits, and a hostel at the Police Training College Shahdadpur in District Sanghar for 120 female recruits.
The direct beneficiaries of this project will include new female recruits, female trainers, and in-service policewomen who come to these colleges to attend mandatory promotional courses. UNOPS Pakistan Project Manager, Nauman Amin, says he is proud to lead the project. “This project will not only provide a dignified and comfortable living space to women police officers and trainees, but also encourage women to join the department,” he says. The design and construction of these multi-story buildings will be completed by UNOPS to provide sustainable and resilient infrastructure which caters to the needs of the female officers. Once the project is completed, an expected outcome would be gender responsive rule of law through an increased presence of women in law enforcement agencies. UNOPS believes in gender mainstreaming and through this strategy, addresses the need for making the experiences of women as well as men, an integral dimension of the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of policies and projects. The ultimate goal is to achieve gender equality.
There are high hopes attached to this project as it will encourage more women to join law enforcement agencies. “We have come a long way. We wear uniforms and walk without any fear. Our parents do not feel ashamed and we are proud of it,” says Batool.
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Press Release
18 January 2022
Media Update: United Nations Pakistan, 17 January 2022
UNODC
MEDIA ADVISORY
5th Steering Committee commits new frontiers in delivering justice for the citizens of Balochistan
At Kila Saifullah Hall, Serena Hotel Quetta, on Tuesday 18 January 2022 at 10:30 hrs
Quetta – 17 January 2022: The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and Government of Balochistan are convening their 5th Steering Committee Meeting on the Rule of Law (RoL) Roadmap Balochistan in Quetta, highlighting a high-level commitment from the key stakeholders towards advancing the rule of law reforms in Balochistan, with the financial support of the European Union.
The event will mark a milestone achievement in providing a convergence platform to the development partners and rule of law institutions to deliberate on the progress and achievements of the Rule of Law Roadmap that has been a flagship project of the Government of Balochistan.
Mr. Ziaullah Langau Advisor to Chief Minister Balochistan for Home & Tribal Affairs and Prisons Department, Government of Balochistan has kindly consented to be the Chief Guest of the meeting. European Union, UNDP, UNWOMEN as partners and numerous senior government officials from law enforcement agencies, members of civil society and non-government Organizations are invited to join the meeting,
We cordially invite you for the media coverage of 5th Steering Committee commits new frontiers in delivering justice for the citizens of Balochistan at Kila Saifullah Hall, Serena Hotel Quetta on Tuesday 18 January 2022 at 10:30 hrs
This Project is supported by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Country Office in Pakistan (UNODC COPAK).
For further information or media enquiries please contact:
Ms Rizwana Rahool, Communication Officer; Email: rizwana.asad@un.org-
Cell: 03018564255
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Press Release
18 January 2022
Media Update: United Nations Pakistan, 18 January 2022
ILO
NEWS RELEASE
ILO downgrades labour market recovery forecast for 2022
The ILO’s World Employment and Social Outlook Trends 2022 report warns of a slow and uncertain recovery, as the pandemic continues to have a significant impact on global labour markets.
GENEVA (ILO News) – The International Labour Organization (ILO) has downgraded its forecast for labour market recovery in 2022, projecting a deficit in hours worked globally equivalent to 52 million full-time jobs, relative to the fourth quarter of 2019. The previous full-year estimate in May 2021 projected a deficit of 26 million full-time equivalent jobs.
While this latest projection is an improvement on the situation in 2021, it remains almost two per cent below the number of global hours worked pre-pandemic, according to the ILO World Employment and Social Outlook – Trends 2022 (WESO Trends).
Global unemployment is expected to remain above pre-COVID-19 levels until at least 2023. The 2022 level is estimated at 207 million, compared to 186 million in 2019. The ILO’s report also cautions that the overall impact on employment is significantly greater than represented in these figures because many people have left the labour force. In 2022, the global labour force participation rate is projected to remain 1.2 percentage points below that of 2019.
The downgrade in the 2022 forecast reflects, to some extent, the impact that recent variants of COVID-19 , such as Delta and Omicron, are having on the world of work, as well as significant uncertainty regarding the future course of the pandemic.
The WESO Trends report warns of the stark differences in the impact the crisis is having across groups of workers and countries. These differences are deepening inequalities within and among countries and weakening the economic, financial and social fabric of almost every nation, regardless of development status. This damage is likely to require years to repair, with potential long-term consequences for labour force participation, household incomes and social and – possibly – political cohesion.
The effects are being felt in labour markets in all regions of the world, although a great divergence in recovery patterns can be observed. The European and the North American regions are showing the most encouraging signs of recovery, while South-East Asia and Latin America and the Caribbean have the most negative outlook. At the national level, labour market recovery is strongest in high-income countries, while lower-middle-income economies are faring worst.
The disproportionate impact of the crisis on women’s employment is expected to last in the coming years, the report says. While the closing of education and training institutions “will have cascading long-term implications” for young people, particularly those without internet access.
“Two years into this crisis, the outlook remains fragile and the path to recovery is slow and uncertain,” said ILO Director-General, Guy Ryder. “We are already seeing potentially lasting damage to labour markets, along with concerning increases in poverty and inequality. Many workers are being required to shift to new types of work – for example in response to the prolonged slump in international travel and tourism.”
“There can be no real recovery from this pandemic without a broad-based labour market recovery. And to be sustainable, this recovery must be based on the principles of decent work – including health and safety, equity, social protection and social dialogue.”
The WESO Trends includes comprehensive labour market projections for 2022 and 2023. It gives assessments of how labour market recovery has unfolded worldwide, reflecting different national approaches to pandemic recovery and analysing the effects on different groups of workers and economic sectors.
The ILO report shows that, as in previous crises, temporary employment created a buffer against the shock of the pandemic for some. While many temporary jobs were terminated or not renewed, alternative ones were created, including for workers who had lost permanent jobs. On average, the incidence of temporary work did not change.
The WESO Trends also offers a summary of key policy recommendations aimed at creating a fully inclusive, human-centred recovery from the crisis at both national and international levels. These are based on the Global Call to Action for a Human-Centred Recovery from the COVID-19 Crisis that Is Inclusive, Sustainable and Resilient , that was adopted by the ILO’s 187 Member States in June 2021.
Download Report: World Employment and Social Outlook: Trends 2022
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UNODC
PRESS RELEASE
5th Steering Committee commits new frontiers in delivering justice for the citizens of Balochistan
18 January 2022, Quetta – The Steering Committee on the Rule of Law (RoL) Roadmap Balochistan convened its fifth stock take meeting on 18 January 2022 in Quetta underscoring a high-level commitment from the key stakeholders towards advancing the rule of law reforms in Balochistan.
The event marked a milestone achievement in providing a convergence platform to the development partners and rule of law institutions to deliberate on the progress and achievements of the Rule of Law Roadmap that has been a flagship project of the Government of Balochistan. Mr. Ziaullah Langau, Adviser to the Chief Minister on Home & Tribal Affairs, GoB appreciated the progress since its inception to date. The project is being implemented by UNODC and graciously supported by the British High Commission till March 2021. The commitment of the Government of Balochistan has led to the development of the PC-1 and allocation of PKR 500 million for the implementation of sustainable rule of law reforms.
Mr. Sven Ruesch, Acting Head of Cooperation, European Union Delegation to Pakistan commended the achievements of the Rule of Law Roadmap project so far that offer a strong base to implement the next generation of rule of law reforms supported by the EU-funded programme. Mr. Ruesch further conveyed the message from the EU Ambassador Mrs. Androulla Kaminara that the EU regards rule of law as a cornerstone for development, peace and security for the people of Balochistan, particularly women and girls and is looking forward to continuing its support in the coming years.
Representatives from the partner agencies of UNDP, UN Women and UNODC shared their implementation plans, identifying collaborative synergies as part of the EU-funded Rule of Law Programme. Ms. Jacqui Ketunuti, Deputy Country Representative & RoL Advisor of UN Women underscored the significance of collective efforts towards provision of enabling rule of law to realize the rights of women, girls and marginalized groups, while minimizing the forms of gender-based violence through continued reforms in the justice sector. The Resident Representative of UNDP in Pakistan Mr. Knut Ostby highlighted their strategic commitment towards supporting the ongoing reforms through transformative activities envisioned under the EU-funded Rule of Law reforms.
Ms. Jouhaida Hanano mentioned the UNODC contribution towards the baseline data and provision of an evidence-driven interface through the Database Management Information System (DBMIS). The Delivery Unit updated the forum on the progress through a demonstration of the DBMIS and website as well as sharing the process of data stock takes.
The forum was also briefed on the ongoing work led by UNODC on the juvenile justice assessment, which is a step forward towards effective implementation of juvenile justice in Balochistan.
Despite unprecedented challenges during the pandemic, the pioneering work led by the roadmap was acknowledged as a groundbreaking effort towards delivering a robust regime of rule-based governance in Balochistan.
This Project is supported by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Country Office in Pakistan (UNODC COPAK).
For further information or media enquiries please contact:
Ms Rizwana Rahool, Communication Officer; Email: rizwana.asad@un.org-
Cell: 03018564255
پریس ریلیز
بلوچستان میں شہریوں کو انصاف کی فراہمی یقینی بنانے کی سرگرمیوں میں تیزی
قانون کی حکمرانی پر سٹیئرنگ کمیٹی کے پانچویں اجلاس میں کوششیں مزید تیز کرنے کے عزم کا اظہار
کوئٹہ (18 جنوری 2022) – بلوچستان کے لئے قانون کی حکمرانی روڈ میپ پر بنائی گئی سٹیئرنگ کمیٹی کا پانچواں اجلاس 18 جنوری 2022 کو کوئٹہ میں منعقد ہوا جس میں اہم متعلقہ فریقوں کی اعلیٰ سطح کی قیادت کی جانب سے بلوچستان میں قانون کی حکمرانی اصلاحات کو آگے بڑھانے کی کوششیں تیز کرنے کے عزم کا اظہار کیا گیا۔
یہ اجلاس اس بناء پر کلیدی اہمیت کا حامل تھا کہ یہ ترقیاتی پارٹنرز اور قانون کی حکمرانی سے متعلق اداروں کے لئے ایک مشترکہ پلیٹ فارم کا کام دیتا ہے جس کی بدولت قانون کی حکمرانی روڈمیپ کے تحت بلوچستان حکومت کے اس مرکزی پراجیکٹ میں ہونے والی پیشرفت اور اس کی کامیابیوں کو زیربحث لانے کا موقع ملتا ہے۔ داخلہ و قبائلی امور پر وزیراعلیٰ بلوچستان کے مشیر جناب ضیاء اللہ لانگو نے پراجیکٹ کے آغاز سے اب تک ہونے والی پیشرفت کو سراہا۔ پراجیکٹ پر اقوامِ متحدہ کا دفتر برائے انسدادِ منشیات و جرائم کام کر رہا ہے اور مارچ 2021 تک اسے برٹش ہائی کمیشن کی معاونت حاصل رہی۔ حکومتِ بلوچستان کے پختہ عزم کی بدولت نہ صرف پی سی ون کی تیاری کا کام مکمل کیا گیا بلکہ قانون کی حکمرانی کی پائیدار اصلاحات کو عملی جامہ پہنانے کے لئے 50 کروڑ روپے کی خطیر رقم بھی مختص کی گئی۔
پاکستان میں یورپی یونین مندوب کے شعبہ کواپریشن کے قائمقام سربراہ جناب سوین روش نے قانون کی حکمرانی روڈ میپ پراجیکٹ کے تحت اب تک حاصل کی گئی کامیابیوں کو سراہا جو یورپی یونین کے مالی تعاون سے کام کرتے ہوئے مستقبل کے تقاضوں سے ہم آہنگ قانون کی حکمرانی اصلاحات کو عملی جامہ پہنانے کے لئے مضبوط بنیاد کا کام دیتی ہیں۔ انہوں نے اجلاس کے شرکاء کو یورپی یونین کی سفیر محترمہ اندرولا کامینارا کے اس پیغام سے بھی آگاہ کیا کہ یورپی یونین کے نزدیک قانون کی حکمرانی بلوچستان کے عوام بالخصوص خواتین اور لڑکیوں کے لئے ترقی، امن اور سلامتی یقینی بنانے کی کوششوں میں بنیادی اہمیت کی حامل ہے اور ہمیں امید ہے کہ تعاون اور معاونت کا یہ سلسلہ آئندہ بھی جاری رہے گا۔
یو این ڈی پی، یو این ویمن اور یو این او ڈی سی سمیت پارٹنر اداروں کے نمائندوں نے پراجیکٹ کو عملی جامہ پہنانے کے لئے اپنے منصوبوں کے بارے میں آگاہ کیا اور یورپی یونین کے مالی تعاون پر مبنی قانون کی حکمرانی پروگرام کے سلسلے میں مل کر کام کرنے کے مختلف مواقع کی نشاندہی کی۔ یو این ویمن کی ڈپٹی کنٹری ریپریزنٹیٹو اور قانون کی حکمرانی مشیر محترمہ جیکوئی کیٹونیوٹی نے قانون کی حکمرانی قائم کرنے کے لئے سازگار ماحول پیدا کرنے کی اجتماعی کوششوں کی اہمیت پر زور دیا جس کی بدولت ایک طرف خواتین، لڑکیوں اور محروم طبقات کو ان کے حقوق ملتے ہیں اور دوسری جانب شعبہ انصاف میں مسلسل اصلاحات سے صنفی تشدد میں بھی کمی آتی ہے۔ پاکستان میں یو این ڈی پی کے ریزیڈنٹ ریپریزنٹیٹو، کنُوٹ اوسٹبائی نے یورپی یونین کے مالی تعاون پر مبنی قانون کی حکمرانی اصلاحات پروگرام کے تحت ہونے والی سرگرمیوں میں اپنی بھرپور حمایت کے پختہ عزم کا اظہار کیا۔
محترمہ جوہیدا ہانانو نے بیس لائن ڈیٹا اور ڈیٹابیس مینجمنٹ انفارمیشن سسٹم (ڈی بی ایم آئی ایس) کی شکل میں شواہد پر مبنی انٹرفیس کی فراہمی کے حوالے سے یو این او ڈی سی کی خدمات کا ذکر کیا۔ ڈلیوری یونٹ نے اجلاس کے شرکاء کو اس سسٹم پر ہونے والی پیشرفت کے بارے میں آگاہ کیا اور ڈی بی ایم آئی ایس اور ویب سائٹ کی ڈیمانسٹریشن بھی پیش کی۔
اجلاس کے شرکاء کو کم سن بچوں کے لئے نظام انصاف کے تجزیہ کے سلسلے میں یو این او ڈی سی کی زیرقیادت جاری سرگرمیوں سے بھی آگاہ کیا گیا جو بلوچستان میں کم سن بچوں کے لئے نظام انصاف پر موثر عملدرآمد کی جانب ایک اہم قدم ہے۔
اجلاس کے شرکاء نے کرونا وائرس کی وباء کے دوران غیرمعمولی مشکلات کے باوجود بلوچستان میں قانون کی حکمرانی پر مبنی ایک مضبوط نظام قائم کرنے کے لئے روڈمیپ کے تحت پہلی بار عمل میں لائی جانے والی کوششوں کو خراج تحسین پیش کیا۔
اس پراجیکٹ کے سلسلے میں مالی تعاون یورپی یونین نے فراہم کیا ہے اور پاکستان میں اقوامِ متحدہ کا دفتر برائے انسدادِ منشیات و جرائم (یو این او ڈی سی کو پیک) اس پر عملدرآمد کر رہا ہے۔
مزید معلومات یا میڈیا سے متعلق استفسارات کے لئے رابطہ:
محترمہ رضوانہ راہول، کمیونیکیشن آفیسر، ای میل: rizwana.asad@un.org- ، موبائل: 03018564255
18 جنوری 2022
کوئٹہ
1 of 5
Press Release
07 January 2022
Media Update: United Nations Pakistan, 6 January 2022
UNODC
PRESS RELEASE
7th International OIC-IPHRC Seminar on Corruption and Human Rights,6-7 January 2022, Islamabad
6-7 January 2022, Islamabad. Foreign Minister inaugurates the International Seminar on Corruption and Human Rights, jointly organized by the Government of Pakistan and the OIC IPHRC
Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi inaugurated, today, the two-day International Seminar on the theme of “Combating Corruption – A Prerequisite for the full enjoyment of all Human Rights and Sustainable Development.” The International Seminar is being jointly organised by the Government of Pakistan and the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), in collaboration with the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
In his key-note address, the Foreign Minister highlighted the efforts of the Government of Pakistan in combating corruption, especially illicit financial flows as well as promotion and protection of all human rights. He underlined that inclusive and sustainable development was not possible unless transparency and accountability were ensured. The Foreign Minister presented an actionable way forward for the OIC group in curbing corruption and realizing the human rights agenda including through creation of an inter-governmental committee, establishment of an OIC protocol and mechanism for mutual legal assistance, reviewing unequal investment treaties, and formation of a global beneficial ownership registry.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (through a recorded message), Assistant Secretary General of OIC, and the IPHRC Chairperson also delivered remarks during the opening segment. More than 200 international and national stakeholders including Government officials, OIC member and Observer States, IPHRC Commissioners, and representatives of the OIC Secretariat, United Nations, practitioners, academia, and civil society are participating in the International Seminar.
Throughout the day, interactive discussions shall be held amongst the international and national participants, on the basis of which a “Declaration” would be adopted at the closing session on 7 January 2022.
The International Seminar reflects Pakistan’s leadership role and commitment in the context of combating corruption and promotion of the human rights agenda, in line with Prime Minister Imran Khan’s vision.
For further information, please contact:-
Ms. Rizwana Rahool, Communications Officer, UNODC Pakistan, cell: 0301 8564255, email: rizwana.asad@un.org
1 of 5
Press Release
30 December 2021
Media Update: United Nations Pakistan, 29 December 2021
Secretary-General’s New Year’s Message
The world welcomes 2022 with our hopes for the future being tested. By deepening poverty and worsening inequality. By an unequal distribution of COVID vaccines. By climate commitments that fall short. And by ongoing conflict, division, and misinformation. These are not just policy tests. These are moral and real-life tests. And they are tests that humanity can pass — if we commit to making 2022 a year of recovery for everyone. Recovery from the pandemic — with a bold plan to vaccinate every person, everywhere. Recovery for our economies — with wealthier countries supporting the developing world with financing, investment and debt relief. Recovery from mistrust and division — with a new emphasis on science, facts and reason. Recovery from conflicts — with a renewed spirit of dialogue, compromise and reconciliation. And recovery for our planet — with climate commitments that match the scale and urgency of the crisis. Moments of great difficulty are also moments of great opportunity. To come together in solidarity. To unite behind solutions that can benefit all people. And to move forward — together — with hope in what our human family can accomplish. Together, let’s make recovery our resolution for 2022. For people, planet and prosperity. I wish you all a happy and peaceful New Year. *** سالِ نو پر سیکرٹری جنرل اقوامِ متحدہ کا پیغام
2022 کی آمد ہے، دنیا نئےسال کا استقبال کر رہی ہے، اور آنے والے کل کے لئے ہماری امیدیں آزمائش کی کسوٹی پر لگی ہیں غربت پاؤں پھیلا رہی ہے تو عدم مساوات بڑھتی جا رہی ہے کووڈ ویکسین کہیں وافر ہے تو کسی کو غیرمیسر ہے ماحولیات پر کئے گئے کئی وعدے تشنہ تکمیل ہیں اور تنازعات، انتشار اور غلط اطلاعات کا سلسلہ رکنے میں نہیں آ رہا امتحان محض پالیسی کے میدان میں ہی نہیں ہماری اخلاقیات اور اصل زندگی بھی ان امتحانات سے دوچار ہے نوعِ انسانی ان امتحانوں میں سرخرو ہو سکتی ہے – بشرطیکہ ہم 2022 کو سب کے لئے بحالی کا سال بنانے کا عہد کر لیں وباء سے بحالی – ایک جرات مندانہ منصوبے کے تحت ویکسین کی دستیابی ہر جگہ، ہر فرد کے لئے یقینی بنا کر ہماری معیشتوں کی بحالی – جس کے لئے دولت مند ملک، ترقی پذیر دنیا کی مدد کے لئے آگے آئیں، ان میں سرمایہ لگائیں اور ان کے قرضوں کو آسان بنائیں بداعتمادی اور انتشار سے بحالی – جس لئے ہم ایک نئے عزم کے ساتھ سائنس، حقائق اور علت کو مرکز و محور بنائیں تنازعات سے بحالی – ایک نئے جذبے کے ساتھ بات چیت، مفاہمت اور سمجھوتے کی جانب قدم بڑھاتے ہوئے اور کرہ ارض کی بحالی – جس کے لئے ماحولیات کے بحران پر اس کے ہم پلہ اور بڑے وعدے کئے جائیں جو گھڑی ہمیں آزماتی ہے وہی گھڑی ہمیں لاتعداد نئی راہیں بھی دکھاتی ہے نئی راہیں – جو ہمیں یک جان اور ہم قدم بنائیں نئی راہیں، جو ہر فرد کے لئے بہتری کی نوید بن کر آئیں ہم قدم، ہم آواز – آگے بڑھنے کی راہیں – جو نوعِ انسانی میں سب کچھ کر گزرنے کا جوش جگاتی ہیں آئیے، ہم سب مل کر 2022 کو بحالی کا سال بنانے کا عہد کریں ۔ کرہ ارض کے لئے، اس پر بسنے والے ہر فرد کے لئے، خوشیوں بھرے کل کے لئے۔ نئے سال کا استقبال، آپ سب کے لئے امید بھری دعاؤں اور نیک خواہشات کے ساتھ ۔
The world welcomes 2022 with our hopes for the future being tested. By deepening poverty and worsening inequality. By an unequal distribution of COVID vaccines. By climate commitments that fall short. And by ongoing conflict, division, and misinformation. These are not just policy tests. These are moral and real-life tests. And they are tests that humanity can pass — if we commit to making 2022 a year of recovery for everyone. Recovery from the pandemic — with a bold plan to vaccinate every person, everywhere. Recovery for our economies — with wealthier countries supporting the developing world with financing, investment and debt relief. Recovery from mistrust and division — with a new emphasis on science, facts and reason. Recovery from conflicts — with a renewed spirit of dialogue, compromise and reconciliation. And recovery for our planet — with climate commitments that match the scale and urgency of the crisis. Moments of great difficulty are also moments of great opportunity. To come together in solidarity. To unite behind solutions that can benefit all people. And to move forward — together — with hope in what our human family can accomplish. Together, let’s make recovery our resolution for 2022. For people, planet and prosperity. I wish you all a happy and peaceful New Year. *** سالِ نو پر سیکرٹری جنرل اقوامِ متحدہ کا پیغام
2022 کی آمد ہے، دنیا نئےسال کا استقبال کر رہی ہے، اور آنے والے کل کے لئے ہماری امیدیں آزمائش کی کسوٹی پر لگی ہیں غربت پاؤں پھیلا رہی ہے تو عدم مساوات بڑھتی جا رہی ہے کووڈ ویکسین کہیں وافر ہے تو کسی کو غیرمیسر ہے ماحولیات پر کئے گئے کئی وعدے تشنہ تکمیل ہیں اور تنازعات، انتشار اور غلط اطلاعات کا سلسلہ رکنے میں نہیں آ رہا امتحان محض پالیسی کے میدان میں ہی نہیں ہماری اخلاقیات اور اصل زندگی بھی ان امتحانات سے دوچار ہے نوعِ انسانی ان امتحانوں میں سرخرو ہو سکتی ہے – بشرطیکہ ہم 2022 کو سب کے لئے بحالی کا سال بنانے کا عہد کر لیں وباء سے بحالی – ایک جرات مندانہ منصوبے کے تحت ویکسین کی دستیابی ہر جگہ، ہر فرد کے لئے یقینی بنا کر ہماری معیشتوں کی بحالی – جس کے لئے دولت مند ملک، ترقی پذیر دنیا کی مدد کے لئے آگے آئیں، ان میں سرمایہ لگائیں اور ان کے قرضوں کو آسان بنائیں بداعتمادی اور انتشار سے بحالی – جس لئے ہم ایک نئے عزم کے ساتھ سائنس، حقائق اور علت کو مرکز و محور بنائیں تنازعات سے بحالی – ایک نئے جذبے کے ساتھ بات چیت، مفاہمت اور سمجھوتے کی جانب قدم بڑھاتے ہوئے اور کرہ ارض کی بحالی – جس کے لئے ماحولیات کے بحران پر اس کے ہم پلہ اور بڑے وعدے کئے جائیں جو گھڑی ہمیں آزماتی ہے وہی گھڑی ہمیں لاتعداد نئی راہیں بھی دکھاتی ہے نئی راہیں – جو ہمیں یک جان اور ہم قدم بنائیں نئی راہیں، جو ہر فرد کے لئے بہتری کی نوید بن کر آئیں ہم قدم، ہم آواز – آگے بڑھنے کی راہیں – جو نوعِ انسانی میں سب کچھ کر گزرنے کا جوش جگاتی ہیں آئیے، ہم سب مل کر 2022 کو بحالی کا سال بنانے کا عہد کریں ۔ کرہ ارض کے لئے، اس پر بسنے والے ہر فرد کے لئے، خوشیوں بھرے کل کے لئے۔ نئے سال کا استقبال، آپ سب کے لئے امید بھری دعاؤں اور نیک خواہشات کے ساتھ ۔
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Press Release
16 December 2021
Media Update: United Nations Pakistan, 15 December 2021
UNDP
PRESS RELEASE
Political parties, civil society and media representatives debate Elections (Amendment) Bill, 2021 at UNDP and Pildat’s consultation forum
Islamabad, December 15, 2021—UNDP in collaboration with PILDAT organized a Consultation Forum today on the latest Electoral Reforms currently under debate in the Parliament. The objective of today’s event was to inform and engage citizens and policymakers to strengthen the electoral processes in Pakistan for free, fair and credible elections in 2023.
The Consultation Forum was attended by representatives of nine political parties including Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPP-P), Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Pakistan (JUI), Muttahida Quami Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), Awami National Party (ANP), National Party (NP) and Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M).
MNA & Federal Minister of Information & Broadcasting, Chaudhry Fawad Hussain, provided the government’s perspective and overview of the proposed amendments in the bill.
In her welcome remarks, Ms. Aliona Niculita, Resident Representative a.i. UNDP Pakistan, expressed her pleasure upon seeing all the major political parties of Pakistan as well as civil society and media together to discuss electoral reforms for credible, fair and inclusive elections in Pakistan. She said that UNDP’s project on Strengthening Electoral and Legislative Processes (SELP) works to promote accountability and transparency and it was an honour for the UNDP to organize today’s event.
Meanwhile, Mr. Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, President PILDAT said that the purpose of today’s forum was to discuss and debate those electoral reforms that are currently before the Parliament and take perspectives along with exchange of view among political parties, civil society and media. It was hoped that some level of consensus or a contribution may be made towards consensus on electoral reforms in Parliament.
UNDP Pakistan’s Strengthening Electoral and Legislative Processes (SELP) Project seeks to develop more inclusive, and accountable democratic institutions, systems and processes. It improves the supply side of governance by enhancing the capacity of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), the Senate and Provincial Assemblies of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan. Moreover, the project supports the demand side by developing the capacity of civil society in advocacy and civic engagement. Increasing the representation of women, youth, and minorities, the project informs all aspects of programming.
For additional information, please contact Ayesha Babar at ayesha.babar@undp.org or +92 (51) 835 5650
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