Reflective Session on Gender-Based Violence Reduction Dr. Jassim Taqui DG, Al-Bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad August 31, 2023, AMBASSADOR BLOME: It’s wonderful to be here today for this important event we’re convening to discuss how communities and especially religious leaders, as well, can work with the justice system to help prevent and address gender-based violence. This is an issue that’s very important to the United States.  This event is an indication of the partnership we’ve established with our Pakistani partners to try to work to address this very difficult issue.  We’ve done several things together that I would like to highlight. We’ve worked to improve the law enforcement response to gender-based violence, including by training victim support officers. We’ve worked to establish networks of pro-bono lawyers to provide legal services to survivors of gender-based violence. And we’ve established women’s desks at police stations to provide access to criminal justice for women who are victims of this type of violence. I appreciate being here today to hear from our partners about what more we can do to ensure that legal protections for women and girls are in place. And I would just point out the courageous folks, many of whom are in this room, who work on these issues every day. They are the ones on the front lines who are making it happen, so much appreciation to all of them. Thank you very much

AMBASSADOR BLOME: It’s wonderful to be here today for this important event we’re convening to discuss how communities and especially religious leaders, as well, can work with the justice system to help prevent and address gender-based violence. This is an issue that’s very important to the United States.  And this event is an indication of the partnership we’ve established with our Pakistani partners to try to work to address this very difficult issue.  We’ve done a number of things together that I would like to highlight. We’ve worked to improve the law enforcement response to gender-based violence, including by training victim support officers. We’ve worked to establish networks of pro-bono lawyers to provide legal services to survivors of gender-based violence. And we’ve established women’s desks at police stations to provide access to criminal justice for women who are victims of this type of violence. I appreciate being here today to hear from our partners what more we can do to ensure that legal protections for women and girls are in place. And I would just point out the courageous folks, many of whom are in this room, that work on these issues every day. They are the ones on the front lines who are making it happen, so much appreciation to all of them. Thank you very much

INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST NUCLEAR TESTS Dr. Jassim Taqui DG, Al-Bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad August 29, 2023, The following is the message of the UNSG His Excellency Antonio Guterres on the occasion of the International Day against Nuclear Tests: Since 1945, more than 2,000 nuclear tests have inflicted terrifying suffering on people, poisoned the air we breathe, and ravaged landscapes around the world. On the International Day Against Nuclear Tests, the world speaks with one voice to end this destructive legacy. This year, we face an alarming rise in global mistrust and division. At a time in which nearly 13,000 nuclear weapons are stockpiled around the world — and countries are working to improve their accuracy, reach and destructive power — this is a recipe for annihilation. A legally binding prohibition on nuclear tests is a fundamental step in our quest for a world free of nuclear weapons. The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, though not yet in force, remains a powerful testament to humanity’s will to lift the shadow of nuclear annihilation from our world, once and for all. In the name of all victims of nuclear testing, I call on all countries that have not yet ratified the Treaty to do so immediately, without conditions. Let’s end nuclear testing forever.

US DCM Andrew Schafer's Comment on Pakistani Police Dr. Jassim Taqui DG, Al-Bab Institute for Strategic Studies Islamabad August 28, 2023,

DCM SCHOFER: Ladies and gentlemen, good morning, and thank you for the warm welcome. Today, we gather to celebrate the successful conclusion of the Police-Community Together Program – an extraordinary partnership among the Pakistani Police, the United States Institute of Peace, and the U.S. Embassy that has made significant progress toward a more inclusive Pakistani police force that elevates female police officers across Pakistan. Throughout our 76-year bilateral relationship, the United States has worked with Pakistan to advance freedom and equality for Pakistanis, regardless of race, religion, or gender. Historically, Pakistan's police force has faced challenges with female representation, with less than two percent of women police officers across the force. Together, we are changing that: With the support of Law Enforcement Agencies and USIP, we have seen an impressive increase of more than 20 percent in female police representation in Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Police over the past three years. The Punjab Police and its women's police council have trained more than 1,800 women officers as victim support officers. The National Police Academy revised and improved the 18-month initial command course to ensure that Assistant Superintendents of Police are better trained and positioned to emerge as change-making leaders. Pakistan’s first-ever Women’s Police Councils empower female officers to assume leadership roles as station house officers. Many have been at the forefront of establishing anti-harassment committees among their colleagues and providing gender sensitivity training. I want to especially recognize the brave women spearheading these changes as members of Pakistan’s police force. You have stepped up to meet the call to keep your communities safe. You respond to dangerous situations and challenging circumstances at real personal risk. On behalf of the government and people of the United States, you have our deep respect and admiration. We owe it to you to ensure you have the resources and training you need not just to succeed – but also to lead. Thank you to our partners at USIP for your unwavering dedication to increasing the number of female police officers in Pakistan and fostering citizen-centric practices across the Pakistani police force. We look forward to building on these efforts. And finally, let me extend my heartfelt gratitude to our partners in this effort. The support of parliamentarians, civil society members, civil servants, and police leaders is pivotal in ensuring every Pakistani has access to the justice they deserve. To all of Pakistan’s champions of women in policing, the United States stands with you. We will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with you to increase the number of female officers and champion our common causes of security and justice. Thank you.

Sustainable development in Multan Dr. Jassim Taqui DG, Al-Bab Institute for Strategic Studies Islamabad August 25, 2023, Today the second of a series of 12 dialogues on sustainable development was held in Multan, Punjab, by the United Nations and the district administration. In total, more than 1,000 local leaders living in 12 major cities across six provinces and territories will discuss the development challenges they face, and how they impede economic and social progress in their districts. The dialogues will be held in the different languages spoken across Pakistan in the coming weeks. “These dialogues will help United Nations agencies better understand which development issues local leaders see as their priorities outside of the federal and provincial capitals,” said Julien Harneis, UN Resident Coordinator in Pakistan. “We are actively listening to their concerns and to their ideas for bringing about effective progress in their communities. They are telling us how they would like to work together, and with us, on accelerating progress to bridge inequalities and reduce poverty. We will share their suggestions with the Government as we focus on returning to sustainable development.” In Multan, the discussions focused on four topics chosen by the participants ahead of the event: the cost of gender-based violence; food insecurity; access to basic social services with a focus on water, sanitation, and hygiene; and youth employment. Nearly 100 local leaders -- women and men, including youth -- participated together with senior Multan officials, the United Nations Resident Coordinator, and other UN staff. The 12 dialogues will engage local leaders around development issues such as access to basic social services; gender equality and women’s empowerment; climate change; sustainable, inclusive economic growth and decent work; and governance. All are key to Pakistan’s progress towards the achievement of the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The dialogues will help inform discussions ahead of the global SDG Summit which the UN is organizing to accelerate progress towards the SDGs, halfway of the 2030 deadline. The Government of Pakistan will participate in the event in New York on 18 and 19 September 2023. The SDGs, also known as Global Goals, are 17 objectives designed to help bring about peace and prosperity for people all over the world. They are an urgent call for action by all countries to work together towards ending poverty while improving health and education, reducing inequality, spurring economic growth, and tackling climate change.

U.S. Flood Relief Assistance to Pakistan Dr. Jassim Taqui DG, Al-Bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad August 25, 2023, Since the beginning of the floods, the United States has provided more than $215 million in flood relief, disaster resilience, and food security assistance for Pakistan, including:  · More than $80 million in U.S. humanitarian assistance through USAID to provide urgently needed supplies for those most affected, including support for food, nutrition, health, security, safe drinking water, improved sanitation and hygiene, and shelter. · An additional $100 million of recovery and reconstruction funding was announced at the January 9 International Conference on Climate-Resilient Pakistan in Geneva, Switzerland. · $10 million in food security assistance, which provides urgent supplies to help farmers recover – like seeds and fertilizer – as well as assistance repairing damaged critical irrigation infrastructure. · $2 million in humanitarian assistance for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) flood response in Pakistan to provide lifesaving resources to Afghan refugees and host communities in Pakistan. · More than $1.9 million in U.S. Department of Defense funding to help airlift USAID supplies. · $3 million for new early recovery, risk reduction, and resilience funding to support Pakistan's ability to mitigate the impacts of natural disasters such as floods. · An additional $16.4 million in nutrition and food security support, early recovery, resilience, and risk reduction assistance was announced in June 2023 to provide life-saving food and nutrition, water, sanitation, and hygiene assistance to more than 4 million people in flood-affected communities. Private American citizens and U.S. companies have donated food, medicine, and other relief supplies, and at least 37 million dollars to help the people of Pakistan in this time of need.  U.S. flood relief assistance complements the efforts of the U.S.-Pakistan Green Alliance, which advances cooperation in agriculture, clean energy, and water to support climate resilience, energy transformation, and inclusive economic growth.

Sustainable development in Bahawalpur Dr. Jassim Taqui DG, Al-Bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad August 24, 2023, Today the first of a series of 12 dialogues on sustainable development was held in Bahawalpur, Punjab, by the United Nations and the district administration. In total, more than 1,000 local leaders living in 12 major cities across six provinces and territories will discuss the development challenges which they face, and how they impede economic and social progress in their districts. The dialogues will be held in the different languages spoken across Pakistan in the coming weeks. “These dialogues will help United Nations agencies better understand which development issues local leaders see as their priorities outside of the federal and provincial capitals,” said Julien Harneis, UN Resident Coordinator in Pakistan. “We are actively listening to their concerns and to their ideas for bringing about effective progress in their communities. They are telling us how they would like to work with us on accelerating progress to bridge inequalities and reduce poverty. We will share their ideas with the Government as we focus on returning to sustainable development.” In Bahawalpur, the discussions focused on four topics chosen by the participants ahead of the event: access to basic social services with a focus on education and water, sanitation and hygiene; youth employment and skilling; and how to progress towards inclusive, accountable and efficient governance. Nearly 100 local leaders -- women and men, including youth -- participated together with senior Bahawalpur officials, the United Nations Resident Coordinator, and other UN staff. The 12 dialogues will engage local leaders around development issues such as access to basic social services; gender equality and women’s empowerment; climate change; sustainable, inclusive economic growth and decent work; and governance. All are key to Pakistan’s progress towards the achievement of the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The dialogues will help inform discussions ahead of the global SDG Summit which the UN is organizing to accelerate progress towards the SDGs, halfway of the 2030 deadline. The Government of Pakistan will participate in the event in New York on 18 and 19 September 2023.

Readout of U.S. Ambassador Blome’s Meeting with Chief Election Commissioner Raja Dr. Jassim Taqui DG, Al-Bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad August 24, 2023, U.S. Ambassador Donald Blome met today with Chief Election Commissioner Sikander Sultan Raja to reaffirm the United States’ support for free and fair elections conducted in accordance with Pakistan’s laws and constitution. The Ambassador reiterated that choosing Pakistan’s future leaders is for the Pakistani people to decide, and that the United States remains committed to working to broaden and deepen the U.S. – Pakistan relationship with whomever the Pakistani people choose.

ILO AND PROTECTING PAKISTAN WORKERS Dr. Jassim Taqui DG, Al-Bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad August 23, 2023, Ratification of the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Domestic Workers Convention would confirm the labor rights of Pakistan’s 8.5 million domestic workers and recognize them as workers and essential service providers, participants at a consultative workshop heard today. Supported by ILO, the consultation was organized by the Pakistan Workers’ Federation (PWF) in Quetta, Baluchistan. Representatives of Government departments, at both federal and provincial levels, met along with employers’ and workers’ organizations, to discuss ways to promote the formalization of domestic workers and advocate for ratification of the ILO Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189). This step will extend social security benefits and services to domestic workers and improve their working conditions across the country. “ILO is thankful to the PWF for their commitment to making this dialogue process a reality and carving a way forward for making Decent Work a reality for all domestic workers in Pakistan”, said Geir Tonstol, Country Director of ILO Pakistan. “There is no social justice without decent work for domestic workers”. “Takeaways from this discussion will serve as important input to both legislative and policy reforms that will ultimately support the ratification of Convention No. 189 by Pakistan and increase the protection of domestic workers across the country,” he added. “The vast majority of domestic workers in Balochistan are excluded from labor protection and are vulnerable to exploitation by employers, intermediaries and sometimes even their own families”, said Zahoor Awan, Chairman of Steering Committee PWF and Worker Member of the ILO Governing Body. He further said it is high time that all the stakeholders continue to come together and take comprehensive measures to protect and enhance the welfare of domestic workers, aligning with the ongoing global efforts to promote fair and just labor practices. The informal economy in Pakistan is characterized by low levels of education and skills, a lack of capital resources, lower incomes, and a high degree of segregation. Domestic workers are also at risk of exploitation due to their high reliance on intermediaries to find domestic work opportunities in the cities. According to ILO estimates, there are at least 8.5 million domestic workers in Pakistan, the vast majority of whom are women and young girls. Although domestic work is one of the biggest sources of employment in the informal economy, it is unregistered and excluded from the scope of labor legislation as it takes place in private households.

THE VICTIMS OF ACTS OF VIOLENCE Dr. Jassim Taqui DG, Al-Bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad August 21, 2023, The following is the message of the UNSG His Excellency Antonio Gutters on the occasion of THE VICTIMS OF ACTS OF VIOLENCE: Freedom of religion and belief is an inalienable human right. Faith and belief should never attract violence. Yet, around the world, people and communities, particularly minorities, face intolerance, discrimination, and threats – to their places of worship, their livelihoods, and even their lives. Hatred stirred on and offline is often the cause. On this International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief, we remember all those who have suffered. And we renew our resolve to stamp out the hate speech that fuels these terrible acts of intolerance. Initiatives like my Call to Action for Human Rights and the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech provide a blueprint to do so. I urge all governments to prevent and address acts of violence based on religion and belief. I call on everyone, particularly political, community, and religious leaders, to speak out against hate and incitement to violence. And I encourage governments, technology companies, and other stakeholders to support the United Nations’ work in developing a voluntary Code of Conduct for Information Integrity on Digital Platforms, ahead of next year’s Summit of the Future, to tackle hate speech online. Together, let’s honor the victims of violence by striving to build a more inclusive, respectful, and peaceful world – one where diversity is celebrated.

MESSAGE FOR WORLD HUMANITARIAN DAY Dr. Jassim Taqui DG, Al-Bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad August 20, 2023, The following is the message of the UNSG His Excellency Antonio Gutters on the occasion of World Humanitarian Day: This year’s World Humanitarian Day marks the 20th anniversary of the deadly attack on the Canal Hotel in Baghdad. On that dark day, we lost 22 colleagues, including Special Representative Sergio Vieira de Mello. That tragedy marked a change in the way humanitarians operate. Because today, although humanitarians are respected around the world, they may also be targeted by those who would do them harm. This year, global humanitarian operations aim to get life-saving aid to 250 million people in 69 countries – ten times more than at the time of the Canal Hotel bombing. Sadly, funding is far off track. As crises multiply, it is unacceptable that humanitarians are being forced to reduce aid to millions of people in need. Other challenges have also multiplied over the past twenty years: Rising geopolitical tensions; A blatant disregard for international humanitarian and human rights law; Deliberate assault and disinformation campaigns. Humanitarianism itself is now under attack. But these tests have made the global humanitarian community stronger. Humanitarians – who are mostly national staff working in their own countries – are even closer to the people they serve. They are finding new ways to venture deeper into disaster-stricken regions, and closer to the front lines of conflict, driven by a single purpose: to save and protect lives. On this World Humanitarian Day, we salute the courage and dedication of humanitarian aid workers everywhere. We reaffirm our full support for their determined and life-saving efforts across the world. We celebrate their unwavering dedication to serving ALL people in need: No matter who, no matter where; no matter what. Thank you.

Food security in Balochistan Dr. Jassim Taqui DG, Al-Bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad August 18, 2023, WFP Pakistan strengthened its partnership with the Government of Balochistan to roll out programs in line with its 2023-2027 five-year Country Strategic Plan (CSP). The agreement was signed by WFP Pakistan’s Country Director and Representative Chris Kaye, and Hafiz Abdul Basit, Additional Chief Secretary of the Planning and Development Department, Government of Balochistan, during a ceremony held in Quetta. As part of the agreement, WFP will work with the provincial Government of Balochistan to translate plans into actions aligned with Government priorities. Further, WFP will harness its expertise to provide technical assistance to relevant departments while actively mobilizing resources as required. According to Chris Kaye, WFP Pakistan has adopted a clear direction under its new CSP. "We are already engaging with relevant ministries and provincial departments across the country systematically, leveraging our extensive academic knowledge and profound field experience in specific areas such as nutrition. This approach has led to the implementation of the largest stunting prevention program across the entire country, in collaboration with the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, federal Benazir Income Support Programme directorate, and provincial health departments," he explained. “WFP is a very strategic partner of the Government of Balochistan and has contributed significantly to contributions to this province. Without WFP’s support we might be in trouble reaching out to vulnerable and needy communities at such a large scale,” Hafiz Abdul Basit said. This agreement comes after the Economic Affairs Division approved WFP’s CSP for the next five years, a significant milestone towards addressing food insecurity and promoting sustainable development in Pakistan. In line with the approved CSP, WFP is signing agreements with all provincial governments to officially launch the interventions outlined in the plan for the next five years. This collaboration is a pivotal component of WFP's broader strategy to address challenges about food insecurity in Pakistan.

UNSG message on International Youth Day Dr. Jassim Taqui DG, Al-Bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad August 12, 2023, The UNSG His Excellency Antonio Guterres gave the following message on the occasion of International Youth Day: Every year, International Youth Day celebrates the determination, ideas, and leadership of young people as we pursue a better world. Across all of today’s challenges, young people are calling for bold and accelerated action, standing in solidarity with the most vulnerable, and designing solutions to ensure social, economic, and climate justice, and peace and prosperity for all. To expand their participation, I recently launched a policy brief calling for governments to make youth participation the norm, rather than the exception, across decisions and policies around the world. This year’s theme reminds us of the importance of ensuring young people gain and apply skills in the burgeoning green economy. From innovative sustainable technologies and renewable energy to revolutions in transportation systems and industrial activity, young people must be equipped with skills and knowledge to shape a cleaner, greener, more climate-resilient future. Humanity depends on the boundless energy, ideas, and contributions of youth everywhere. Today and every day, let’s support and stand with young people in shaping a just and sustainable world, for people and the planet.

UNITED STATES AND PAKISTAN HONOR 75 YEARS WITH COMMEMORATIVE STAMP Dr. Jassim Taqui DG, Al-Bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad August 11, 2023, The U.S. Mission to Pakistan culminated its year-long campaign marking 75 years of relations with Pakistan with a reception to honor Pakistan’s issuance of a commemorative stamp. The event was held at the U.S. Ambassador’s residence and included Chief Guest Foreign Secretary Dr. Asad Majeed Khan as well as other prominent figures from the Pakistan government, academia, and civil society. U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome highlighted the long friendship saying, “This stamp, which highlights both country’s symbols of freedom, not only marks the first 75 years of friendship but manifests a vision for our future partnership in many arenas of shared purpose. It shows that we can accomplish great things when we work together.” Speaking on the occasion, Foreign Secretary Dr. Asad Majeed said that Pakistan values its long-standing and broad-based relationship with the United States adding that the “U.S. has been our key economic and developmental partner for over seven decades.” The Ambassador and Foreign Secretary signed specially designed commemorative envelopes, or First Day Covers, along with the stamp. Guests were presented with their version of the commemorative stamp to take home.

Children and South Asia Dr. Jassim Taqui DG, Al-Bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad August 8, 2023, South Asia has the highest percentage of children exposed to extremely high temperatures, compared to all other regions, according to a UNICEF analysis. UNICEF estimates that 76 percent of children under 18 in South Asia – 460 million – are exposed to extremely high temperatures where 83 or more days in a year exceed 35°C. This means that 3 in 4 children in South Asia are already exposed to extremely high temperatures compared to only 1 in 3 children (32 percent) globally. The analysis is of 2020 data, the latest available. In addition, the data also show that 28 percent of children across South Asia are exposed to 4.5 or more heatwaves per year, compared to 24 percent globally. July was the hottest month ever recorded globally, raising further concerns about a future where children, including those living in South Asia, are expected to face more frequent and severe heatwaves, largely due to climate change. “With the world at global boiling, the data clearly show that the lives and well-being of millions of children across South Asia are increasingly threatened by heat waves and high temperatures. Countries in the region are not the hottest in the world right now but the heat here brings life-threatening risks for millions of vulnerable children,” said Sanjay Wijesekera, UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia. “We are particularly concerned about babies, toddlers, malnourished children, and pregnant women as they are most vulnerable to heat strokes and other serious effects.” According to UNICEF’s 2021 Children's Climate Risk Index (CCRI), children in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Maldives, and Pakistan are at 'extremely high risk' of the impacts of climate change. In parts of Pakistan’s southern Sindh province, including Jacobabad, the world’s hottest city in 2022, temperatures were in their 40’s in June, exposing 1.8 million people to severe short- and long-term health risks. The scorching heat came less than one year after the devastating floods which left most parts of southern Sindh underwater in August 2022. More than 800,000 children in flood-affected areas were at risk of severe heat stress in June 2023. Even in the rainy season, the heat can exacerbate the situation for children. Since children cannot adapt quickly to temperature changes, they are not able to remove excess heat from their bodies. This can cause symptoms and illnesses such as higher body temperature, rapid heartbeat, cramps, severe headache, confusion, organ failure, dehydration, fainting, and coma, in young children; poor mental development in infants; and developmental setbacks such as neurological dysfunction, and cardiovascular diseases. Early contractions, hypertension, seizures, high blood pressure, preterm births, and stillbirths are risks for pregnant women, who are particularly susceptible to heat. For young children, ice packs, fans, or misting water can help lower their body temperature, while cold water immersion can help older children. Education, awareness, and preparedness are key to responding to this crisis. During high temperatures, UNICEF urges frontline workers, parents, families, caregivers, and local authorities to protect children and B.E.A.T. from the heat by taking the following steps: • BE AWARE of heat stress and protect yourself and your children. Take preventive measures and recognize heat stress and know what actions to take; • EASILY IDENTIFY the symptoms. Recognize the symptoms of various heat-related illnesses that caregivers, communities, and front-line workers need to know; • ACT IMMEDIATELY to protect. Learn the first-aid actions that caregivers and front-line workers need to take to rebalance body heat in the short term; and • TAKE to a health facility. Front-line workers, families, and caregivers should recognize the symptoms of heat stress symptoms immediately, especially signs of heat stroke, and help take affected people to a health facility. Ultimately, the most vulnerable children, adolescents, and women are the ones that pay the highest price for extreme weather events. “Young children simply cannot handle the heat,” added Wijesekera. “Unless we act now, these children will continue to bear the brunt of more frequent and more severe heatwaves in the coming years, for no fault of theirs.”

U.S.-Pakistan Exchange Alumni Call for Climate Change Solutions Dr. Jassim Taqui DG, Al-Bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad August 7, 2023, Through the support of the United States Government, the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN), in partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature Pakistan (WWF-Pakistan) and the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) organized a two-day national conference on “The Climate Change Emergency: Pakistan in the 21st Century and the Road to COP-28” in Islamabad from August 5 to 6, 2023. With more than two hundred attendees representing alumni from various U.S. government exchange programs, climate experts, government leaders, and activists, participants examined solutions and offered individual pledges to tackle global climate issues ahead of COP28. The U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan, Donald Blome, noted, “PUAN represents diversity of thought and experience. You represent scientists, government, academia, journalists, activists, artists, educators, and much more. You have redefined how we think about climate change, informed policy, and take your work and ideas to the United States and back.” The U.S.-Pakistan “Green Alliance” framework is a transformative initiative between the United States and Pakistan to address today’s most pressing environmental challenges, especially around water management, climate-smart agriculture, and renewable energy. Hammad Naqi Khan, Director General WWF-Pakistan added, "WWF-Pakistan is proud to collaborate with PUAN and the U.S. Mission in Pakistan to host this much-needed national conference which serves as a unique platform for action-oriented discussions and engagement among key stakeholders to address the devastating impacts of climate change on Pakistan. Hopefully, the bright ideas discussed here will make their way into policies and legislation very soon which will create a positive impact on our environment and communities." Conference panelists stressed the urgency and need for innovation and financing in the climate change space. The event included interactive working group sessions with participants and experts, formulating national and regional climate solutions. With the support of the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board, participants also engaged in an outdoor activity at Trail 5 of the Margalla Hills National Park, which focused on conservation and environmental rehabilitation. The event also provided a platform for local organizations and start-ups to exhibit their work in tackling climate change issues in Pakistan. The conference was fully funded by the U.S. Mission in Pakistan as a signature PUAN event and part of the U.S.-Pakistan “Green Alliance” framework. The U.S. government invests more than $40 million annually in exchange programs for Pakistani citizens to visit and study in the United States. Over 1,000 Pakistanis participate each year in high school, undergraduate, graduate, and professional U.S.-sponsored exchanges. Since the alumni network began in 2008, Americans have provided more than 18,000 college scholarships for Pakistani students. PUAN organizes events across Pakistan through 14 regional chapters, including community service projects, leadership training, roundtable discussions, and entrepreneurship activities. For more information about PUAN please visit Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network | Strengthening people-to-people ties between U.S. and Pakistan (pakusalumninetwork.org)

Championing Women Entrepreneurs Dr. Jassim Taqui DG, Al-Bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad August 4, 2023, The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad wishes to congratulate the four winners of the third Academy of Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) seeding funding competition. These women stood out among over 70 talented graduates, securing seed funding of $5500, $4500, $3500, and $2500 for their startups. The competition was fierce, with emerging female entrepreneurs presenting ambitious plans they worked on during a 13-week course for start-ups. The winners impressed the judges with their knowledge of the market, their ability to communicate their vision and the clear benefit to their communities that their businesses will provide. Meet the winners: 1. Maria Ishfaq (Faisalabad): Maria's start-up aims to revolutionize the energy sector with an eco-friendly coal product that will benefit consumers and the environment. 2. Aniqa Sattar (Islamabad): With her organic fertilizer business, Aniqa offers a greener, healthier choice for the environment and consumers alike. 3. Sabahat Musa (Quetta): From baking cakes to empowering women, Sabahat's dessert shop start-up has a long-term vision to turn her business into a training ground and job creator for other women in her community. 4. Saima Iqbal (Quetta): Through her beautiful textiles and knitted clothing, Saima provides more than fashion; she offers income and dignity to disabled craftspersons in Quetta. These phenomenal women weren't the only ones to be acknowledged. Honorable mentions were awarded to three additional inspiring entrepreneurs who are providing income and employment in refugee, transgender, and remote communities. Building Bridges, Fostering Success With personalized mentorship from seasoned Pakistani entrepreneurs, the 90 participants in the AWE program embarked on an intensive three-month journey. Their rigorous education in entrepreneurship paves the way for increased success, expansion opportunities, and connections to potential funding. Held at seven of the U.S. Mission's Lincoln Corners in Islamabad, Gilgit, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Karachi, Hyderabad, and Quetta, AWE Pakistan is more than a course – it's a network and a movement. Graduates join a global community that continues to offer growth and connections. Join the Movement Curious about how you can be part of this inspiring initiative? Keep an eye on the Lincoln Corners Facebook page here to learn about upcoming opportunities. Join us in celebrating and supporting the entrepreneurial spirit of women across Pakistan. Their success is our future!

Enhancing access to legal aid in Pakistan Dr. Jassim Taqui DG, Al-Bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad August 4, 2023: Under the European Union-funded ‘Deliver Justice Project’, the Legal Aid and Justice Authority (LAJA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) jointly organized a two-day consultative workshop to improve access to legal aid in Pakistan. The workshop brought together representatives from the government, rule of law institutions, national and international partners, and civil society organizations to discuss LAJA’s mandate and provide recommendations to LAJA/government regarding how to ensure access to justice through legal aid in a sustainable manner. LAJA was established under the LAJA Act 2020 to provide legal, financial, and technical assistance for access to justice for poor and vulnerable groups in society on criminal cases. The key functions of LAJA are to provide legal aid/assistance to poor and vulnerable groups, particularly women and children; enhance public awareness of legal aid and laws in Pakistan; research legal aid and pro bono legal services in Pakistan; and advise the government on the right to a fair trial and due process of the law. Under the European Union-funded ‘Deliver Justice Project’, UNDP Pakistan’s Rule of Law Programme and LAJA organized the two-day consultative workshop to identify challenges faced by LAJA and develop recommendations to feed into a new strategic plan for LAJA to effectively implement its key functions.

World Breastfeeding Week Dr. Jassim Taqui DG, Al-Bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad 1st August 2023: In the last 10 years, many countries have made significant progress to increase exclusive breastfeeding rates. Yet even greater progress is possible when breastfeeding is protected and supported, particularly in the workplace. This World Breastfeeding Week, under its theme, “Let’s make breastfeeding at work, work” – UNICEF and WHO are emphasizing the need for greater breastfeeding support across all workplaces to sustain and improve progress on breastfeeding rates globally. In the last decade, the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding has increased by a remarkable 10 percentage points, to 48 percent globally. Countries as diverse as Cote d’Ivoire, Marshall Islands, the Philippines, Somalia, and Viet Nam have achieved large increases in breastfeeding rates, showing that progress is possible when breastfeeding is protected, promoted, and supported. However, to reach the global 2030 target of 70 percent, the barriers women and families face to achieving their breastfeeding goals must be addressed. Supportive workplaces are key. Evidence shows that while breastfeeding rates drop significantly for women when they return to work, that negative impact can be reversed when workplaces facilitate mothers to continue to breastfeed their babies. Family-friendly workplace policies - such as paid maternity leave, breastfeeding breaks, and a room where mothers can breastfeed or express milk - create an environment that benefits not only working women and their families but also employers. These policies generate economic returns by reducing maternity-related absenteeism, increasing the retention of female workers, and reducing the costs of hiring and training new staff. From the earliest moments of a child’s life, breastfeeding is the ultimate child survival and development intervention. Breastfeeding protects babies from common infectious diseases and boosts children’s immune systems, providing the key nutrients children need to grow and develop to their full potential. Babies who are not breastfed are 14 times more likely to die before they reach their first birthday than babies who are exclusively breastfed.