THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF ZERO WASTE Dr. Jassim Taqui DG, Al-bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad 31st March 2023: The following is the message of the UNSG His Excellency Antonio Guterres on the occasion of The International Day of Zero Waste: The first-ever International Day of Zero Waste reminds us of a fundamental and brutal truth: humanity is treating our planet like a garbage dump. Every year, more than 2 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste is created, but 33 percent of it is not properly managed in controlled facilities. Every minute, the equivalent of one garbage truck full of plastic is dumped into the ocean. Meanwhile, pollution and chemicals are poisoning our water, air, and soil. And a staggering 10 percent of all global greenhouse gas emissions come from growing, storing, and transporting food that is never used. We must stop trashing our only home and declare war on waste. We need those who produce waste to design products that use fewer resources and materials while managing waste across production cycles and extending the lives of the products they sell. We must massively invest in modern waste management systems and policies that encourage people to reuse and recycle everything from plastic bottles to aging electronics. And as consumers, we must all consider the origins and impacts of the goods and products we purchase, and reuse and recycle what we can, whenever we can. It’s time to clean up our world, and make progress towards circular, zero-waste economies — for people and the planet alike.

Erik Kurzweil, Concludes Successful Visit to Pakistan Dr. Jassim Taqui DG, Al-bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad 30th March 2023: Erik Kurzweil has completed his first trip to Pakistan as Germany's representative for South Asia, where he visited Lahore and Islamabad from March 26 to March 29, 2023. During his visit, Mr. Kurzweil held talks with Foreign Secretary Dr. Asad Majeed Khan on bilateral and regional issues. In addition to his political meetings, Mr. Kurzweil met with representatives of German institutions working in Pakistan and international agencies including UNHCR, the World Bank, and the World Food Program. He also had the opportunity to engage with members of civil society in the vibrant city of Lahore. "Pakistan is not only an important partner for Germany with a long-standing, multi-faceted relationship, but also a crucial player for stability in the region. This is why my visit to Pakistan is very close to my heart," said Mr. Kurzweil. The visit to Pakistan marked the conclusion of Mr. Kurzweil's tour of South Asia, which included visits to India and Sri Lanka. About Erik Kurzweil: Erik Kurzweil is Germany's representative for South Asia. He assumed his duties in January 2023 and is responsible for advancing German interests in the region. Before his appointment, he served as Director-General for International Relations at the State Chancellery of Saxony, Dresden.

Over 10 millions living in flood-affected areas Dr. Jassim Taqui DG, Al-bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad 22nd March 2023: Six months after catastrophic floods struck Pakistan, more than 10 million people, including children, living in flood-affected areas remain deprived of safe drinking water, leaving families with no alternative but to drink and use potentially disease-ridden water. Even before the floods, despite the country’s drinking water supply system covering 92 per cent of the population, only 36 per cent of the water was considered safe for consumption. The floods damaged most of the water systems in affected areas, compelling more than 5.4 million people, including 2.5 million children, to solely rely on contaminated water from ponds and wells. “Safe drinking water is not a privilege, it is a basic human right,” said UNICEF Representative in Pakistan, Abdullah Fadil. “Yet, every day, millions of girls and boys in Pakistan are fighting a losing battle against preventable waterborne diseases and the consequential malnutrition. We need the continued support of our donors to provide safe water, build toilets and deliver vital sanitation services to these children and families who need them the most.” The prolonged lack of safe drinking water and toilets, along with the continued proximity of vulnerable families to bodies of stagnant water are contributing to the widespread outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea, dengue, and malaria. At the same time, open defecation has increased by more than 14 per cent in the flood-affected regions. To make matters worse, the lack of proper toilets is disproportionally affecting children, adolescent girls and women who are at added risk of shame and harm when defecating outdoors. Unsafe water and poor sanitation are key underlying causes of malnutrition. The associated diseases, such as diarrhea, prevent children from getting the vital nutrients they need. Moreover, malnourished children are more susceptible to waterborne diseases due to already weakened immune systems, which simply perpetuates a vicious cycle of malnutrition and infection. Tragically, a third of all child deaths globally are attributable to malnutrition and half of all undernutrition cases are linked to infections caused by a lack of access to safe water, adequate sanitation and good hygiene. In Pakistan, malnutrition is associated with half of all child deaths. In flood affected areas, more than 1.5 million boys and girls are already severely malnourished, and the numbers will only rise in the absence of safe water and proper sanitation.

U.S. and Anti-Narcotics Force Dr. Jassim Taqui DG, Al-bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad 22nd March 2023: The U.S. Embassy’s Office of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL), Anti Narcotics Force (ANF) Pakistan, and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) inaugurated ANF’s first women's hostel facility in the Regional Directorate (North), Islamabad today. Built by UNDP with generous funding from the U.S. Embassy under the ‘Infrastructure for the Enhancement of Gender Equality and Rule of Law in Pakistan’ project, the hostel is a step towards making ANF more gender-responsive and encouraging more women to join ANF. The USD 1.14 million projects was initiated in September 2020, as part of a broader U.S. Embassy effort to promote gender-inclusive infrastructure in law enforcement services. The four-story women’s hostel can accommodate more than 45 women personnel and includes a child daycare facility. Meanwhile, UNDP with U.S. Embassy’s funding is already working on the extension of the living and training capacity of ANF Academy Islamabad. The inauguration ceremony was graced by Major General Muhammad Aneeq ur Rehman Malik, HI (M), Director General (DG), ANF, Emmett Sapp, Program Officer, U.S. Embassy’s Office of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement, and Knut Ostby, Resident Representative, UNDP Pakistan.

U.S. Mobilizes Diaspora and Private Sector Resources for Flood-Affected Communities Dr. Jassim Taqui DG, Al-bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad 21st March 2023: United States Ambassador Donald Blome highlighted the valuable contributions of the U.S.-Pakistani diaspora and the private sector at a U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) conference aimed at building back better for flood-affected communities in Pakistan. The U.S. government has pledged more than $200 million to date to support flood relief and recovery efforts, disaster resilience, and food security, while the U.S.-Pakistani diaspora has contributed about $42 million. During the conference, Ambassador Blome emphasized the longstanding U.S.-Pakistan partnership to advance Pakistan's economic growth and social and humanitarian causes. He highlighted the need for strengthening climate resilience through the U.S.-Pakistan “Green Alliance” framework and expressed the United States' commitment to helping the U.S.-Pakistani diaspora and Pakistan-based private companies find opportunities to strengthen climate resilience, pursue energy transformation, and foster economic growth and development outcomes. The conference continued the momentum built at the December 20, 2022, and January 25 conferences in Islamabad where USAID signed a combined six memoranda of understanding (MOUs) mobilizing $75 million. The discussions held in those conferences led to mobilizing additional contributions and investments to help populations and areas affected by floods. In today’s conference on Building Back Better, USAID signed three MOUs with a Pakistan-based U.S. company and U.S. Pakistani diaspora entities, mobilizing $78 million. More than 200 participants attended the conference, including members of the U.S.-Pakistani diaspora, prominent local business leaders, U.S. business representatives, and Pakistani officials. Attendees discussed ways to help the flood-affected population and communities at the building Back Better Conference. The United States remains firmly committed to engaging and partnering with the U.S.-Pakistani diaspora and the private sector to address Pakistan's challenges in the technology, humanitarian, social, and commercial sectors, and to further Pakistan's development goals.

Neha Mankani named as U.S. Mission Pakistan’s 2023 “Woman of Courage” Dr. Jassim Taqui DG, Al-bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad 21st March 2023: U.S. Mission Pakistan Deputy Chief of Mission Andrew Schofer named Pakistani midwife Neha Mankani as U.S. Mission Pakistan’s 2023 “Woman of Courage” at an event commemorating Women’s History Month on March 20. Mankani, an alumna of the U.S. government-funded Fulbright Program, established the Mama Baby Fund in 2019 to support new mothers who could not afford prenatal and postnatal care. In the fall of 2022, she and her team courageously stepped in to serve pregnant women and babies in need in Sindh Province. She traveled to internally displaced people camps to provide prenatal care and kits to help ensure safe deliveries. “Neha exemplifies leadership, courage, and strength, and we’re so pleased to see one of our Fulbright Program alumna making such a strong contribution to her country,” Schofer said. Mankani commented, “In all of the climate-affected communities I have worked in – from the coastal islands of Karachi to displaced flood-affected communities in Sindh and Balochistan – it is very clear that climate change and complex emergencies affect women and children very differently. Imagine all of the vulnerabilities of being pregnant, in labor, or postpartum, having a newborn, and add to that displacement, a struggling health system, food insecurity, and being away from your community. The Mama Baby Fund emergency response and our community-based programs are centered around these gaps. Thank you to the U.S. Embassy for this recognition, for its support for flood-affected communities, and for continuing to raise awareness of the continuing humanitarian needs after the floods.” U.S. Mission Pakistan’s 2023 Woman of Courage award is one of a wide range of efforts by the United States to support women and girls in Pakistan across sectors ranging from education to health to economic empowerment. To learn more about the United States’ partnership with and assistance to Pakistan, visit https://pk.usembassy.gov/ and https://www.usaid.gov/pakistan.

US Sponsors Innovation Expo in Islamabad Dr. Jassim Taqui DG, Al-bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad 20th March 2023: The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad on March 19 concluded the “U.S.-Pakistan Innovation Expo” to showcase the success stories of U.S. government-sponsored Pakistani startups and to encourage further investment in them. The two-day expo provided a platform for established startups to showcase their business ideas and prototypes, and network with potential U.S. and Pakistani venture capitalists and investors. In his opening remarks at the event, U.S. Ambassador Donald Blome said, “One of the top priorities of the U.S. government is promoting inclusive economic growth and increasing trade and investment between the United States and Pakistan. The United States is already Pakistan’s largest export market and every year we are seeing more and more U.S. investment come to Pakistan – but there is still room to grow and entrepreneurs like you are central to that effort. Pakistan is a country with immense potential, but it needs innovation and technology to take it to the next level.” Since 2012, the U.S. Embassy has funded over 181 entrepreneurship-related projects valued at 14.7 million dollars. He was joined by Chief Executive Officer at Ignite National Technology Fund, Asim Shahryar, who acknowledged the efforts of the U.S. government in supporting entrepreneurial activities in Pakistan. Senior Advisor for the Asia Foundation Pakistan, Haris Qayyum, expressed appreciation for the ongoing collaboration with the U.S. Embassy and National Incubation Center to highlight the success of Pakistani startups. He further stated, “The U.S.-Pakistan Innovation Expo is an endorsement of Pakistan’s dynamic tech entrepreneurs. It exemplifies Pakistan-U.S. bilateral trade, foreign direct investment, and technological innovation. The Asia Foundation is committed to the collaborative efforts supporting Pakistan’s tech ecosystem, as we continue. The Asia Foundation is honored to partner on initiatives that value entrepreneurship and innovation. It is our goal to support Pakistan’s sustainable development and inclusive growth.” The Expo featured a speaker session for venture capitalists and angel investors led by an American expert. Business leaders and investors from Pakistan, the Middle East, and the United States attended the event and discussed the opportunities and challenges in the Pakistani startup ecosystem. Project Director at the National Incubation Center, Parvez Abbasi said, "I am thrilled to see the U.S.-Pakistan Innovation Expo come to fruition. This event is a demonstration of the power of collaboration between our two nations and the endless possibilities that arise when we combine our talents and resources. I am grateful to all the participants and organizers who have made this expo a success and look forward to seeing the incredible innovations that will emerge from this partnership." The delegates at the Expo showed great enthusiasm for the event and expressed confidence that it would encourage further investment opportunities and potential trade partnerships between the United States and Pakistan. They expressed their desire to see more initiatives like this in the future that support and grow Pakistan’s startup ecosystem.

Improving governance and public service delivery in Pakistan Dr. Jassim Taqui DG, Al-bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad 17th March 2023: U.S. Embassy-funded PMIS Training The U.S. Embassy-funded ‘Prison Management Information System (PMIS) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’ has successfully concluded two rounds of Training for the Trainers. The two 5-day PMIS training sessions were conducted on 06 to 17 March 2023 for 84 prison staff members, including seven women participants at the Prison Training Academy in Haripur. The U.S. Embassy’s International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Office (INL), with UNODC’s technical support, aims to equip 40 prison facilities with computer networking in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Merged districts. The project also includes the provision of IT equipment, the development of PMIS, and training on the operation and management of PMIS for prison staff members. Through the PMIS training, participants were introduced to the PMIS manual and technical modules that included barrack allocations, reallocations, barrack history, management of the visitors, and check-in and check-out of inmates. Participants were trained in the court production module, providing an overview of how efficiently the production process in the jail is managed using the digital module. Hospital and medical management modules addressed prescriptions in OPD, hospital admissions, and adding, transferring, and dispensing medicine. The training concluded with the HR module covering staff profile management. On day 5 of each training round, the trainers gave an overview of their respective modules and opened the floor for suggestions and inputs to be incorporated into the system. Mr. Saadat Hassan, Inspector General Prisons, awarded the participation certificates and congratulated the prison staff on their successful completion of the PMIS course. He thanked INL for funding the initiative and praised the management at the Judicial Academy for facilitating the training. He also thanked the participants for their input and suggestions, which will help improve the system. The training staff included Mr. Saadat Hassan, Inspector General Prisons, and Mr. Hashmat Ullah, Additional Inspector General Prisons, Mr. Najam Abbasi, Superintendent Jail, constables, and the security, ministerial and technical staff from the prison health department. The trainees expressed their appreciation for the PMIS course training and highlighted the need for future training that provides opportunities to advance PMIS skills and build a further knowledge of prison operations and management.

Improving governance and public service delivery in Pakistan Dr. Jassim Taqui DG, Al-bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad 16th March 2023: The United Kingdom's Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) and the United Nations Development Programme signed a new Contribution Arrangement today to extend their partnership for the period 2023-2026. The FCDO has extended its engagement due to successive governments' continued ownership of the project's reform efforts. The Contribution Arrangement will not only expand the scope and geographic coverage of UNDP's Reforms and Innovation project from the federal to the provincial government levels for enhancing governance effectiveness and improved public service delivery but will also introduce new programming streams in the form of risk governance interventions. Mr. Asghar Memon, Chief Economist, Planning and Development Department Sindh, expressed his gratitude to FCDO and UNDP for acceding to the provincial government’s request for technical support, "We are grateful for the opportunity to work with UNDP and FCDO to enhance governance in our province by institutionalizing risk governance frameworks and practices for improved disaster management and recovery." Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Jo Moir, the Development Director for the British High Commission, said, "We are delighted to extend our collaboration with UNDP in Pakistan. The previous three years have been extremely productive, and we are committed to continuing our joint efforts in pursuit of institutionalizing performance-driven management of public sector organizations and evidence-based policymaking. We are confident that this partnership will continue to have a positive impact on the people of Pakistan as a result of the expansion of our support to the provincial level and the introduction of risk governance interventions." Mr. Knut Ostby, UNDP’s Resident Representative in Pakistan, in his remarks stated, "FCDO is a long-standing trusted partner of UNDP. We have collaborated and worked together in the governance landscape of Pakistan to create a lasting impact through systemic reforms. I am pleased to announce that our partnership has been extended up to 2026 with additional resources. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Government of Sindh for placing its trust in UNDP as its key partner in taking forward the government’s institutional reforms agenda”, he added.

Improving governance and public service delivery in Pakistan Dr. Jassim Taqui DG, Al-bab Institute for Strategic Studies Islamabad 16th March 2023: The United Kingdom's Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) and the United Nations Development Programme signed a new Contribution Arrangement today to extend their partnership for the period 2023-2026. The FCDO has extended its engagement due to successive governments' continued ownership of the project's reform efforts. The Contribution Arrangement will not only expand the scope and geographic coverage of UNDP's Reforms and Innovation project from the federal to the provincial government levels for enhancing governance effectiveness and improved public service delivery but will also introduce new programming streams in the form of risk governance interventions. Mr. Asghar Memon, Chief Economist, Planning and Development Department Sindh, expressed his gratitude to FCDO and UNDP for acceding to the provincial government’s request for technical support, "We are grateful for the opportunity to work with UNDP and FCDO to enhance governance in our province by institutionalizing risk governance frameworks and practices for improved disaster management and recovery." Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Jo Moir, the Development Director for the British High Commission, said, "We are delighted to extend our collaboration with UNDP in Pakistan. The previous three years have been extremely productive, and we are committed to continuing our joint efforts in pursuit of institutionalizing performance-driven management of public sector organizations and evidence-based policymaking. We are confident that this partnership will continue to have a positive impact on the people of Pakistan as a result of the expansion of our support to the provincial level and the introduction of risk governance interventions." Mr. Knut Ostby, UNDP’s Resident Representative in Pakistan, in his remarks stated, "FCDO is a long-standing trusted partner of UNDP. We have collaborated and worked together in the governance landscape of Pakistan to create a lasting impact through systemic reforms. I am pleased to announce that our partnership has been extended up to 2026 with additional resources. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Government of Sindh for placing its trust in UNDP as its key partner in taking forward the government’s institutional reforms agenda”, he added.

Joint Statement on U.S.-Pakistan Climate and Environment Working Group Dr. Jassim Taqui DG, Al-bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad 16th March 2023: the United States and Pakistan concluded the second meeting of the Climate and Environment Working Group in Islamabad. Pakistan’s Minister for Climate Change Sherry Rehman and the U.S. Department of State’s Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs Monica Medina led the delegations. Officials and experts engaged on climate and environmental issues, including climate change, energy transition, water management, climate-smart agriculture, air quality, biodiversity, and waste management including plastics recycling. The delegations discussed the impacts of the devastating floods in Pakistan in 2022 and emphasized the importance of building resilience to the impacts of climate change. The United States expressed support for Pakistan’s “Living Indus” initiative to restore the ecological health of the Indus River Basin in Pakistan. The two governments recommitted to tackling the climate crisis through cooperation on climate change mitigation and adaptation. Both governments resolved to continue deepening their bilateral partnership through the U.S.-Pakistan “Green Alliance” framework. The “Green Alliance” will help Pakistan and the United States jointly face the climate, environmental, and economic needs of the present and future, especially through partnerships on agriculture, water, and clean energy. Regarding agriculture, the delegations discussed the importance of adopting modern farming practices and innovative seed varieties to bolster resilience against climate change. On water management, the governments identified technical assistance, governance, and water efficiency mechanisms as areas ripe for cooperation. Both governments emphasized the importance of supporting nature-based solutions and building community resilience to climate change. The United States and Pakistan also acknowledged their long history of working together to advance sustainable economic growth. For example, in the 1960s, the United States supported Pakistan’s “Green Revolution” to improve agricultural crop yields and strengthen food security. The delegations committed to advance future cooperation in agriculture, water, and energy transition through the U.S.-Pakistan “Green Alliance” framework. Through the Climate and Environment Working Group, the two governments made new commitments to partner together. The United States announced new programs in Pakistan, including a $4.5 million program from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to strengthen fertilizer efficiency and effectiveness for Pakistani farmers. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) announced new activities in Pakistan to promote climate-smart agriculture and climate finance. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will start sharing weather data on glacial melt with the Ministry of Climate Change and other local stakeholders to strengthen Pakistan’s flood forecasting and disaster response capabilities. Pakistan informed the United States about the approval of its new National Clean Air Policy and explained its recent waste management actions, including plastics. The United States and Pakistan also pledged to collaborate on a successful year as the 2023 Co-chairs of the Green Climate Fund Board.

U.S.-Pakistan Energy Security Dialogue Dr. Jassim Taqui DG, Al-bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad 15th March 2023: The United States and Pakistan concluded the Dialogue on March 15, 2023, chaired by Pakistani Federal Minister for Energy Khurram Dastgir Khan and U.S. Department of State Assistant Secretary for Energy Resources Geoffrey Pyatt. Pakistan and the United States affirmed a mutual commitment to advance the transition to renewable energy and promote a more stable, secure, and prosperous energy future for both nations. Officials and experts engaged on energy issues and areas for cooperation, including Pakistan’s renewable energy transition, electric vehicles, and increasing the participation of women in the energy sector. Both governments resolved to continue deepening bilateral partnership through the U.S.-Pakistan “Green Alliance” framework. The “Green Alliance” framework will help the United States and Pakistan jointly face climate, environmental, and economic needs, especially through partnerships on renewable, sustainable, and clean energy. The United States and Pakistan acknowledged their long history of seeking to advance energy cooperation and sustainable economic growth. For over 50 years, the United States has invested in Pakistan’s power generation, including in clean energy through hydropower, which continues to benefit millions of Pakistanis today. Through the Energy Security Dialogue, the two governments made new commitments to advance energy cooperation. The United States announced new programs in Pakistan, including a $500,000 project to restore electricity infrastructure in flood-affected areas in Sindh, a grant to further research and development of electric vehicles at the Lahore University for Management Science, and support for a second cohort of the U.S.-Pakistan Women’s Council’s Future of Women in Energy Scholars Program launched with Texas A&M University to support women’s leadership in renewable energy. The two governments committed to work together in the coming year to help Pakistan reach its goal of 60 percent renewables by 2030. The delegations look forward to the United States-hosted U.S.-Pakistan Energy Security Dialogue in 2024.

THE INTERNATIONAL DAY TO COMBAT ISLAMOPHOBIA Dr. Jassim Taqui DG, Al-bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad 15th March 2023: The following is the message of UNSG Antonio Guterres On this International Day to Combat Islamophobia, we focus attention – and call for action – to stamp out the poison of anti-Muslim hatred. The world’s nearly 2 billion Muslims reflect humanity in all its magnificent diversity. But they often face bigotry and prejudice for no other reason than their faith. Beyond structural, and institutional discrimination and the wholesale stigmatization of Muslim communities, Muslims suffer personal attacks, hateful rhetoric, and scapegoating. We see some of the worst impacts in the triple discrimination against Muslim women because of their gender, ethnicity, and faith. The growing hate that Muslims face is not an isolated development: it is part of the resurgence of ethnonationalism, neo-Nazi white supremacist ideologies, and violence targeting vulnerable populations including Muslims, Jews, some minority Christian communities, and others. Discrimination diminishes us all. And it is incumbent on all of us to stand up against it. We must strengthen our defenses by pushing for policies that fully respect human rights and protect religious and cultural identities. We must recognize diversity as a richness and ramp up political, cultural, and economic investments in social cohesion. And we must confront bigotry by working to tackle the hate that spreads like wildfire across the internet. For well over a millennium, Islam’s message of peace, compassion, and grace has inspired people the world over. Every great faith and tradition summons the imperatives of tolerance, respect, and mutual understanding. At the heart, we are dealing with universal values: they animate the United Nations Charter and lie at the core of our quest for justice, human rights, and peace. Today and every day, let us strive to realize these values and counter the forces of division by reaffirming our common humanity.

Special Envoy Medina’s Travel to Pakistan Dr. Jassim Taqui DG, Al-bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad 15th March 2023: Special Envoy for Biodiversity and Water Resources Monica Medina will travel to Islamabad and Karachi, Pakistan, March 15-17 to participate in the U.S.-Pakistan Climate and Environment Working Group. She will address climate and environmental issues of concern including climate-smart agriculture, water management, air quality, conservation, and plastic pollution. While in Pakistan Special Envoy Medina, who also serves as Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, will engage with government counterparts as well as private sector and civil society stakeholders on strengthening support for actions that tackle the biodiversity crisis, build resilience to impacts of the climate crisis such as flooding, elevate women in STEM, advance clean energy goals, and enhance science and technology cooperation. For media inquiries, please contact OES-PA-DG@state.gov.

US partners with Pakistan Dr. Jassim Taqui DG, Al-bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad 15th March 2023: United States Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome today joined Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Ali of the Pakistan Agriculture Research Council (PARC) at the National Agriculture Research Center (NARC) to announce the $4.5 million “Fertilizer Right” project. To be implemented over the next four years, the project will emphasize practices to help Pakistani farmers enhance fertilizer use efficiency. “Simply put, farmers need fertilizers to grow crops. The adoption of innovative and efficient fertilizer practices can alleviate pressure on fertilizer supplies, lower nitrous oxide emissions, and improve crop output. The U.S. Government looks forward to partnering with PARC and NARC to make this fertilizer project a success,” Ambassador Blome said. The “Fertilizer Right” project is part of the U.S.-Pakistan “Green Alliance” framework, which helps our countries jointly face the climate, environmental, and economic challenges of the future. A top priority of the “Green Alliance” is to cooperate on overcoming the challenges that agriculture faces because of climate change and collaborate to reduce the carbon emissions that contribute to climate change. The Ambassador also explained that the project is designed to help farmers produce more with less fertilizer applied, and therefore should help boost farmers’ incomes, while also protecting soil resources. The United States remains firmly committed to partnering with the people of Pakistan to strengthen Pakistan’s economy and agricultural sector through collaborative research and technical assistance.

Assistant Secretary Pyatt’s Travel to Pakistan Dr. Jassim Taqui DG, Al-bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad 14th March 2023: The Department of State’s Bureau of Energy Resources Assistant Secretary Geoffrey R. Pyatt will travel to Lahore and Islamabad March 14-15. As Pakistan recovers from devastating floods and the global energy crisis, the Assistant Secretary will stress the U.S. commitment to ensuring Pakistan’s sustainable energy future by promoting cooperation on regional energy security and the clean energy transition through the U.S.-Pakistan Green Alliance. In Lahore, he will visit the Lahore University of Management Sciences Electric Vehicle Labs to highlight technological advances made through U.S.-Pakistan cooperation. In Islamabad, he will lead the U.S. delegation for the U.S.-Pakistan Energy Security Dialogue. Assistant Secretary Pyatt will also meet with officials from the Government of Pakistan and participate in a roundtable with women leaders in energy.

United States Advances Women's Inclusion in Pakistani Policing Dr. Jassim Taqui DG, Al-bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad 14th March 2023: The U.S. Embassy in Pakistan hosted the National Women Police Conference today at the Serena Hotel in Islamabad. Funded by the U.S. government, the conference united key stakeholders in policing and women's rights under the theme of “Inspire, Empower, and Transform.” The United States Institute of Peace (USIP) and the Parliamentarians Commission for Human Rights (PCHR) helped organize the conference. During his remarks, U.S. Ambassador Donald Blome emphasized the importance of women's inclusion in policing and the need for innovative policies to ensure equal access to justice. Highlighting the role of women in policing and acknowledging the challenges they face in their line of work, he commended the organizers and attendees for their efforts in promoting women's rights and empowerment, expressing his hope that the conference would lead to positive outcomes and tangible results. Federal Law Minister Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar also affirmed the Pakistani government's commitment to ensuring that everyone in Pakistan has access to justice and that women are safe. He emphasized the need for collaborative efforts between government agencies, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to promote gender equality and women's empowerment in the country. The National Women Police Conference 2023 is part of a broader effort to promote gender equality and women's empowerment in Pakistan. Through the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, the U.S. government has been working closely with the Government of Pakistan and civil society partners to support initiatives that promote women's rights and access to justice. The conference provided an important platform to discuss and share best practices, challenges, and opportunities for women's inclusion in policing, ultimately improving access to justice for all in Pakistan.

U.S. Government Announces Scholarships for Flood-Affected Students in Pakistan Dr. Jassim Taqui DG, Al-bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad 11th March 2023: The U.S. government announced 500 new scholarships to Pakistani university students from flood-affected districts to assist them in completing their degrees. U.S. Ambassador Donald Blome announced the scholarships at an event celebrating the achievements of female scholars in honor of International Women’s Day at the Higher Education Commission in Islamabad. Present at the event was Federal Minister of Planning Ahsan Iqbal, Higher Education Commission Chairman Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, National Disaster Management Authority Chairman Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik, Higher Education Commission Executive Director Dr. Shaista Sohail, USAID Mission Director Reed Aeschliman, university vice-chancellors, students, and alumni. The United States, through USAID, has supported scholarships for meritorious yet financially disadvantaged students to pursue higher education at top Pakistani universities. In partnership with the Higher Education Commission, the U.S. government has awarded over 6,000 scholarships through the Merit and Needs-Based Scholarship Program. Sixty percent of those scholarships have been awarded to women as part of the U.S. government’s support for women’s higher education. “International Women's Day not only serves as a day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements made by our mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunts, and daughters. It is also a call to action to accelerate gender parity and to dismantle gender stereotypes”, said Ambassador Blome. HEC Chairman Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed remarked, “U.S. government support to strategic sectors in Pakistan, especially the higher education sector, is commendable. Not only have these scholarships helped secure university education for many underprivileged students, lifting themselves and their families out of poverty, but they have also helped supply Pakistan with crucial skills and knowledge sets to drive the economy.” Federal Minister of Planning Ahsan Iqbal said, “Pakistan has suffered from catastrophic floods where millions of people lost their homes and livelihoods. The humanitarian response by the United States and other donors is commendable. We welcome U.S. support for flood-affected students.” Jennifer Andleeb, a scholarship alumna, shared the challenges she faced in attaining higher education and how this scholarship transformed the trajectory of her life. She emphasized that positive changes in society could only happen by investing in education, and that empowered, educated women are critical to ensuring a brighter future for Pakistan. For more information on USAID’s support for education in Pakistan visit: usaid.gov/pakistan/education

Investments in Agriculture Sector Dr. Jassim Taqui DG, Al-bab Institute for Strategic Studies Islamabad 4th March 2023: Agriculture Investment Symposium was held in Islamabad to bring together key stakeholders, including investors, policymakers, farmers, development partners, and researchers, to exchange ideas, knowledge, and experiences to drive investment in the agriculture sector. Attended by more than 300 participants, the symposium provided a platform for matchmaking and exploring opportunities for private investors and financial institutions to invest in the agricultural sector. Booths for B2B meetings were set up, which served as an avenue for investors to connect with agriculture companies to exchange knowledge and access available options related to technologies and bankable products. Several memoranda of understanding were either signed or pledged at the B2B meetings. Jointly organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), International Finance Corporation (IFC), Asian Development Bank (ABD), and Federal and Provincial Boards of Investment (BOI), the symposium catalyzed investments, partnerships, and collaborations for sustainable and inclusive growth in the sector, leveraging digitalization while managing the adverse impacts of climate change. Professor Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning, urged private investors and financial and government institutions to collaborate and work together in the agriculture sector, which has a high potential for economic returns and poverty alleviation. Appreciating the efforts of FAO, he highlighted that the cluster-based development was part of the government’s Vision 2025 to maximize agriculture and termed this approach as a key to our future influenced by Michael Porter’s landmark work on “The Competitive Advantage of Nations.” FAO’s Investment Centre also works with private sector partners through financial institutions to attract greater and more responsible private agri-food investment, said Mohamed Manssouri, Director of FAO Investment Centre. It acts as a bridge between Members and financing partners to scale up investment for greater impact at the country level. Investment potential and economic benefits in eight agriculture commodities, such as apple, beef, chili, date, mango, onion, rice, and tomato, were presented to induce private investors. Likewise, the financing needs identified under the living Indus Initiative for the sustainability of irrigated agriculture were also shared. This approach of the country fits very well with the Hand in Hand (HIH) Initiative of FAO, which supports the transformation of agri-food systems to eradicate poverty (SDG1), end hunger and malnutrition (SDG2), and reduce inequalities (SDG10).

Investments in Agriculture Sector Dr. Jassim Taqui DG, Al-bab Institute for Strategic Studiesestment Symposium was held in Islamabad to bring together key stakeholders, including investors, policymakers, farmers, development partners, and researchers, to exchange ideas, knowledge, and experiences to drive investment in the agriculture sector. Attended by more than 300 participants, the symposium provided a platform for matchmaking and exploring opportunities for private investors and financial institutions to invest in the agricultural sector. Booths for B2B meetings were set up, which served as an avenue for investors to connect with agriculture companies to exchange knowledge and access available options related to technologies and bankable products. Several memoranda of understanding were either signed or pledged at the B2B meetings. Jointly organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), International Finance Corporation (IFC), Asian Development Bank (ABD), and Federal and Provincial Boards of Investment (BOI), the symposium catalyzed investments, partnerships, and collaborations for sustainable and inclusive growth in the sector, leveraging digitalization while managing the adverse impacts of climate change. Professor Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning, urged private investors and financial and government institutions to collaborate and work together in the agriculture sector, which has a high potential for economic returns and poverty alleviation. Appreciating the efforts of FAO, he highlighted that the cluster-based development was part of the government’s Vision 2025 to maximize agriculture and termed this approach as a key to our future influenced by Michael Porter’s landmark work on “The Competitive Advantage of Nations.” FAO’s Investment Centre also works with private sector partners through financial institutions to attract greater and more responsible private agri-food investment, said Mohamed Manssouri, Director of FAO Investment Centre. It acts as a bridge between Members and financing partners to scale up investment for greater impact at the country level. Investment potential and economic benefits in eight agriculture commodities, such as apple, beef, chili, date, mango, onion, rice, and tomato, were presented to induce private investors. Likewise, the financing needs identified under the living Indus Initiative for the sustainability of irrigated agriculture were also shared. This approach of the country fits very well with the Hand in Hand (HIH) Initiative of FAO, which supports the transformation of agri-food systems to eradicate poverty (SDG1), end hunger and malnutrition (SDG2), and reduce inequalities (SDG10).

 U.S. Ambassador Deepens Bilateral Partnership

Dr. Jassim Taqui

DG, Al-bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad 3^rd  March 2023: U.S. Ambassador Donald Blome visited Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) from February 28 to March 2 to deepen the United States partnership with the people of KP through initiatives related to economic growth, education, security, and cultural preservation. 

To strengthen the U.S.-Pakistan economic partnership in KP, the Ambassador and KP Planning and Development Secretary Shah Mahmood Khan inaugurated a new U.S.-funded, $24 million, five-year project to strengthen and modernize the agriculture sector and small and medium enterprises.  Ambassador Blome also met with business leaders at FF Steel to talk about trade and commerce in the province, as well as environmental practices in business.

To highlight educational activities, Ambassador Blome visited Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan to inaugurate a new English Works! program.  The United States is providing scholarships for 215 KP students to complete a six-month program in Mardan and Charsadda to improve their English language proficiency and other skills needed for professional success. Since 2019, the United States has provided more than $3 million to support English language education in KP, benefiting more than 3,500 students and teachers in this province.

Ambassador Blome also inaugurated a reconstructed higher secondary school in Akbarpura that was damaged in the devastating 2010 floods.  The United States invested $1.5 million to rebuild the school, which employs over 50 teachers and is educating more than 1,100 students.  In addition, the Ambassador visited a government girls’ primary school where a U.S.-funded program increases school enrollment among Afghan refugee and Pakistani host community girls.  This program is part of the U.S. government’s nearly $60 million in assistance for refugees and their host communities in Pakistan in Fiscal Year 2022.

Ambassador Blome also visited the historic Fort Bala Hisar to meet the Frontier Corps KP-North Major General and inaugurated the construction of eight U.S.-funded new joint check posts in the Newly Merged Districts.  The following day, the Ambassador met the new Inspector General of KP Police, Akhtar Hayat Khan, to discuss U.S. support for KP police and their facilities.  The Ambassador shared condolences for the officers and citizens who lost their lives in the January 30 Peshawar Mosque attack while thanking him for the service and recognizing the bravery of the KP police. 

The Ambassador concluded his trip to KP with cultural activities, including visiting the iconic Mahabat Khan Mosque in the heart of Peshawar.  From 2002 to 2003, the United States provided more than $14,000 to restore the Mughal-era decorations on the lower walls of the mosque.  The Ambassador also enjoyed traditional KP cuisine during a meeting with food and culture enthusiast Shah Jee at a local restaurant.  He wrapped up his trip by welcoming a group of exchange alumnae to a movie screening at the Consulate to kick start Women’s History Month activities that will be arranged throughout March.