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IWMI, govt join hands to develop national water assessment guidelines

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ISLAMABAD – The International Water Management Institute (IWMI), in partnership with key government departments, is preparing national guidelines to help the government assess and manage its water resources more effectively. The aim is to support the country’s climate commitments under the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the National Climate Change Policy.

To achieve this goal, IWMI organised a day-long National Consultative Workshop in Islamabad on Thursday. The event brought together experts, researchers, and officials from Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Balochistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and Gilgit-Baltistan. The participants discussed how to build a reliable and science-based water resources assessment framework for Pakistan.

Mahr Sahibzad Khan, Pakistan Meteorological Department director general, was the chief guest. He said the workshop was an important step towards improving coordination and innovation in water management. “This is a joint effort to develop national guidelines that reflect the needs of all provinces and follow global best practices,” he said.
He stressed the importance of using hydrological modelling and digital tools for better planning. “The Pakistan Meteorological Department supports all efforts that can help us view water not as a crisis, but as a resource that can be used wisely and sustainably,” he added.

Dr Rachael McDonnell, IWMI deputy director, spoke about global water security challenges. She said water use has increased by up to 40% in some countries between 1995 and 2025. In Pakistan, the situation is more complex because of differences in geography, governance, and social conditions. “Water security is deeply connected to food, energy, and climate adaptation,” she said.

She also spoke about the use of modern technology such as satellite imaging, artificial intelligence, and remote sensing to track water use and crop health. “These innovations are vital for improving Water Resource Assessments,” she said, adding that IWMI is actively supporting such initiatives in Pakistan and other countries.

Dr Mohsin Hafeez, IWMI strategic programme director, said the event was held under the Water Resource Accountability in Pakistan Programme, which is funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. “Our focus is to support the government in developing evidence-based water governance through proper assessment tools,” he said.

He said the Integrated Water Resources Management framework was the most suitable approach for Pakistan. The guidelines being developed aim to calculate how much water is available for different uses, how much is being consumed, and how much is lost to evaporation. This information is crucial for planning and sustainability.

Participants took part in three technical group discussions focused on the development of national water assessment guidelines. Representatives from all provinces engaged in conversations around four key questions, covering the adequacy of current assessment systems and how to improve them.

They suggested increased use of artificial intelligence in hydropower and water planning, remote sensing, digital monitoring, and stronger data-sharing between provinces. The idea of integrating both surface and underground water data into one system was widely supported. They also called for linking these systems with existing Water Resources Commissions in Punjab, Sindh, KP, and Balochistan.

The event also featured key officials and experts, including Fatima Khalid, Climate Change Specialist at the FCDO; Dr Muhammad Ashraf, Country Representative of IWMI; Engr Ather Hameed, Chairman of the Federal Flood Commission; and Dr Jehanzeb Cheema, Deputy Team Lead of the WRAP Programme.

Provincial representatives also took part, including Dr Muhammad Riaz (Punjab), Engr Rooh Ul Mohsin (KP), Engr. Nasir Majeed and Dr Zahoor Ahmad Bazai (Balochistan), Dr Zakir Hussain Dahri (Sindh), Ijaz Hussain Khawaja (AJK), and Sher Jahan (Gilgit-Baltistan).

Pakistan

How to get Sindh motorcyclists’ Rs2000 subsidy on petrol

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KARACHI – Motorcycle owners will be required to register through the Excise Department’s digital application by providing their CNIC and bank account details. Authorities have also allowed a 15-day window for citizens to transfer ownership of motorcycles into their own names in order to qualify

According to the government, payments will be made directly to verified bank accounts of eligible owners between April 15 and April 20, with each beneficiary receiving Rs2,000 per motorcycle. The initiative is aimed at providing short-term relief to commuters amid rising fuel costs, officials said.

Earlier, Sindh government announced a petrol subsidy of Rs2,000 for registered motorcycle owners, citing rising fuel costs and their impact on daily commuters. The move follows a sharp increase in fuel prices across the country, with petrol rising to Rs458.41 per litre and high-speed diesel to Rs520.35, significantly increasing transportation expenses.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said motorcyclists were among the most affected groups amid escalating global oil prices, which he linked to geopolitical tensions, including the US-Israel war on Iran.

Addressing a press conference, he noted that Sindh has approximately 6.7 million registered motorcycles, underlining the scale of the initiative. The chief minister said the subsidy would be provided through a structured registration and verification process to ensure transparency.

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CBD Pulse emerges as Punjab’s strongest signal to global investors

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 LAHORE – In today’s competitive global economy, where investors favour stability, growth potential, and quick returns, Central Business District Punjab (CBD Punjab) emphasises this message through CBD Pulse: Punjab is prepared for investment, and the moment to invest is now.

CBD Pulse is not just another promotional campaign; it is a strategic investment signal aimed at attracting serious investors, visionary developers and international partners. It reflects real momentum driven by execution and showcases a pipeline of high-value urban assets positioned to generate strong, long-term returns.

At a time when investors prioritize transparency and stability, CBD Punjab distinguishes itself through structured planning, regulatory clarity and rapid on-ground development. CBD Pulse brings this ecosystem into focus, highlighting premium commercial districts, high-yield real estate opportunities and modern infrastructure built to meet global standards.

What sets CBD Pulse apart is simple it is grounded in visible progress, not future promises. From accelerated development across key corridors to the rollout of strategically located projects, CBD Punjab is turning ambition into tangible results. The approach is clear prioritize speed, ensure delivery and maximize value creation.

For institutional investors, developers and strategic stakeholders, CBD Pulse offers a compelling advantage early entry into a rapidly growing urban market. With Pakistan’s urban expansion accelerating and demand for organized commercial infrastructure increasing, CBD Punjab is uniquely positioned to capture this growth at scale.

The initiative also reflects a strong pro-investment environment, backed by government support, streamlined procedures and investor-focused policies. These elements reduce barriers to entry while strengthening investor confidence an essential factor for both local and international participants.

CBD Pulse is designed to keep investors informed and engaged. Through regular updates, data-driven insights and direct communication channels, it ensures decision-makers have timely access to critical information. In fast-moving markets, timing and access are everything and CBD Pulse delivers both.

More than just infrastructure, CBD Pulse represents a shift in perception. It positions Punjab as a credible, competitive investment destination on the global stage. The objective is clear: attract capital, enable growth, and deliver measurable outcomes.

For those looking to invest in the future of urban Pakistan, the opportunity is open but not indefinitely. Early movers are best positioned to benefit as CBD Punjab continues to expand and unlock new value. CBD Pulse is more than an initiative it is a call to action. The investments made today will shape the skyline of tomorrow.

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Pakistan

Beyond the Aurat March: What Feminism Really Means!

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LAHORE – When we hear the word feminism, what usually comes to mind? Rights, independence, equality? At its core, feminism is meant to stand for fairness and justice, yet in our society, the term has often been misunderstood, misused, or even exploited. Broadly speaking, there are two types of women who call themselves feminists. The first group genuinely strives for equality in their professional roles, personal lives, and societal standing.

For them, feminism is about demanding respect and recognition, not superiority. The second group, however, uses feminism in the wrong way. For them, calling themselves feminist has become trendy or “cool.” They use it as a shield to justify going off track, behaving disrespectfully, or unfairly targeting men. To these women, hating men equals feminism, which is far from its true meaning.

This misuse creates injustice for men, who sometimes become victims when faced with such distorted versions of feminism.The problem arises when feminism is twisted into a tool for privilege rather than equality.

For some, it becomes a reason to demand advantages without responsibility, a trend to bash men while ignoring the challenges men face such as mental health struggles, financial pressures, or societal expectations, and even a justification for rudeness and disrespect disguised as empowerment. This distorted narrative not only damages men but also misguides younger generations, especially through social media, where radicalized voices dominate and influence perceptions.
Every year, events like the Aurat March become controversial. While raising voices for rights and justice is never wrong, many banners, slogans, and behaviors displayed during such events do not resonate with our cultural and religious values.

We live in an Islamic state where modesty is emphasized, and our youth are increasingly influenced by the wrong portrayal of feminism, confusing rebellion with empowerment. It is crucial to remember that Islam grants women immense respect and rights, but within defined boundaries. Women are encouraged to cover themselves, care for their families, and maintain dignity in society. At the same time, Islam elevates women by granting them inheritance rights, the right to education, respect as mothers, and recognition as equal partners in society. True equity lies in following this balance: rights with responsibilities, freedom with respect, and equality with values.
The debate over feminism, however, is not confined to Pakistan; it is global. According to IPSOS, 32% of men worldwide believe feminism does more harm than good, and 20% of women share this view. A King’s College London survey found that 16% of Gen Z men (ages 16–29) consider feminism harmful, higher than the 13% of men over 60 who feel the same. Globally, men are more likely than women to believe feminism has caused men to lose economic, social, or political power. On social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), nearly 50% of posts about feminism are negative, and anti-feminist accounts often use insults and stereotypes three times more frequently than feminist accounts.

Even corporations have commodified feminism, using slogans like “The Future is Female” to market products. This selective adoption of feminist language reinforces stereotypes rather than addressing real issues of gender equality.
The essence of feminism is not about hating men, seeking privileges, or promoting disrespect. It is about equity, justice, and opportunity for all, values already embedded in Islam and universally acknowledged human rights. If feminism is to achieve its true purpose, it must be reclaimed from misuse, distortion, and commercialization. Only then can it inspire a healthier society where both men and women coexist with dignity, fairness, and respect.

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