Successful launch of SVPER’s prototype social networking app

SVPER’s online prototype demonstrates how users are encouraged to convert online connections into real-life relationships

Barcelona, Spain – 4 December 2018: SVPER, the social, instant video-only app for forming new real-life relationships in real time, is pleased to announce the successful launch of its prototype SVPER app. SVPER, the first mobile application rewarding you for meeting new people in the real world, replaces user profiles, pictures and text messages with instant video invitations designed to encourage users to convert online connections into real-life relationships.

The Company has already received excellent feedback for its prototype from the SVPER community and will utilise this market intelligence to further improve the app. Furthermore, SVPER will be continuing its roadshow within Europe and the Middle-East to gain additional venture capital (“VC”) funding to ensure maximum success after the ICO. In order to incorporate the community feedback and allow sufficient time for due diligence checks and commitment of funds from interested parties, the Company has extended the ICO to 31 December 2018.

More information on the SVPER app, visit: www.svper.com.

Enquiries:
Laura Jouve, PR Manager
laura@svper.com
+44 20 7618 9100

About SVPER Ltd.

The SVPER video-only mobile app aims to disrupt the dating and social networking apps industry by encouraging users to meet new people safely in real life. SVPER uses video profiles and blockchain technology to convert online connections into real-life relationships, thereby overcoming the issue of social isolation in a digital age. It offers an instant platform which rewards users for meeting up and enjoying each other’s company in the form of SVPER Tokens.

SVPER’s innovative concept replaces user profiles, pictures and text messages with instant video invitations. Instead of a static photograph and a wordy description, SVPER uses instant video invitations posted by the user and invites others to RSVP. Users can see what people near them are doing (or planning to do), choose the activity they would like to join, and meet them in person straight away.

By integrating blockchain technology, SVPER leverages the advantages of the ERC-721 standard in the Ethereum blockchain to increase the security, trustworthiness and transparency within the app. Through a scoring system, users are assigned a “digital DNA” which is recorded on smart contracts to validate users’ identity, thereby eliminating fake profiles and bots. The blockchain also supports SVP Tokens which can be earned or bought by users and, in turn, used to make purchases through the app.

Our Development Program Depicts Composite Development vision of the government: Usman Buzdar

Lahore, December 05, 2018 (PPI-OT): Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar presided over a high-level meeting at his office here today to review progress on development projects and public welfare schemes in detail. Addressing the meeting, Chief Minister said that comprehensive strategy has been devised to develop far-flung and backward areas of the province.

Government’s development program depicts equal development vision and the backward areas will also be made developed and prosperous because durable development helps to improve the quality of life of the common man. He said that timely completion of development schemes will help to benefit the general public. A regular monitoring system has been devised for public welfare schemes and I personally monitor the progress made on development schemes, the Chief Minister concluded. Chairman P and D, Secretaries of Finance, Communication and Works, P and D departments as well as high officials were also present on the occasion.

For more information, contact:
Directorate General Public Relations, Punjab (DGPR)
Government of the Punjab
21-Mahmood Gaznavi Road (Abbot Road), Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-99201390-1-2
Fax: +92-42-99201371-2
E-mail: info@dgpr.punjab.gov.pk
Website: www.dgpr.punjab.gov.pk

National Symposium on “Alarming Population Growth in Pakistan: Call for action”

Islamabad, December 05, 2018 (PPI-OT): A three members Bench headed by the Hon’ble Mr. Justice Mian Saqib Nisar, Chief Justice of Pakistan in Human Rights Case No.17599/2018directed the constitution a Task Force to formulate a mechanism to curb population growth in the country. Resultantly, the Task Force gave eight point recommendations specifying clear priorities, roles, responsibilities and timeline for action. The Hon’ble Supreme Court endorsed the recommendations and directed that the same be placed before the Council of Common Interest (CCI) and the CCI was pleased to approve all the recommendations in its meeting dated 19-11-2018.

The Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan (LJCP) in collaboration with the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (NHSR and C), Government of Pakistan organized a National Symposium on Alarming Population Growth in Pakistan: Call for Action on December 5, 2018.

In the recent past, the LJCP under the Chairmanship of Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan conducted a two-day international symposium under the theme of “Creating a water-secure Pakistan” as well as holding the 8th Judicial Conference in which researchers and scholars around the world deliberated upon the theme and gave useful recommendations.

The LJCP has forwarded more than 130 law reform reports to the federal government containing proposals for amendments in various laws. The LJCP is also continuously assisting the Supreme Court of Pakistan in matters of public importance like uniform education policy, illegal funding to NGOs, Katchi Abadi case, Probation and Parole, construction of Islamabad Model Jail and sufferings of prisoners, illegal transplant of human organs, fire at Margalla hills, identity to transgenders and Aids victims, Uniform Police Reform Laws, etc.

The first session of today’s symposium was held in Federal Judicial Academy (FJA) Islamabad which was chaired by Capt. (Rtd) Zahid Saeed, Secretary Ministry of NHSR and C who gave a brief overview of the Population increase in Pakistan which grew at the rate of 2.4% during the period 1998-2017 and is projected to reach 285 million by 2030. He also informed that the fertility rate of women in Pakistan is higher than that of other countries in the region. He further stated that with the alarming increase in population resources like water and food etc are shrinking and in fact this issue requires immediate attention. He stressed that awareness regarding alarming increase in population should be spread through media and other means.

Dr. Zeba A. Sathar, Country Director, Population Council, Pakistan gave key note address in which she stated that with the population of 208 Million, Pakistan is the 6th most populous country in the world with the growth rate of 2.4% which is highest in the region. She also stated that Pakistan has the lowest contraceptive rate of 34% as compared to other Asian countries mainly due to lack of information, limited access options and negative experience of side effects of contraceptives.

She also informed that out of estimated 9 Million pregnancies per year in Pakistan around 4 Million are unwanted. She said that if Pakistan had followed Population planning models of Bangladesh or Indonesia then the overall population of Pakistan could have been under control. She stated that with the fertility decline the per capita income would increase. She recommended that strong policy reforms are required for meeting the challenge of alarming population growth and education emergency is needed to ensure universal primary education for both boys and girls by 2030.

Various experts, renowned scholars and Ulema also deliberated upon the symposium theme and emphasized upon the challenge and opportunities viz-a-viz population dynamics in Pakistan. They also discussed the role of the international community in supporting Pakistan’s population program, Global Progress and Prospects for Pakistan and Islamic Perspective on Birth Spacing.

The evening session of the symposium was held in the Supreme Court of Pakistan Auditorium Islamabad and was chaired by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Mian Saqib Nisar, Chief Justice of Pakistan. The Chief Guest of the session was the Hon’ble Prime Minister of Islamic Republic of Pakistan Mr. Imran Khan and was also attended by Hon’ble Judges of the Superior Courts, the Acting Speaker National Assembly, Federal Ministers, Prime Minister of AJK, Chief Ministers of Sindh and Gilgit-Baltistan, Provincial Ministers, Members of Parliament, Ambassadors and High Commissioners, Members of Legal Fraternity, Academia, Ulema, Representatives of INGOs/NGOs, International Development Partners, Media persons etc.

In opening remarks Capt. (Rtd) Zahid Saeed, Secretary Ministry of NHSR and C stated that the ministry has held meetings with the chief ministers of the provinces and other stakeholders departments/ministries regarding implementation of the recommendations of the task force and all concerned have shown resolve for implementing the same. He further stated that the implementation of the recommendations of the task force would be possible with the inclusion and ownership of all the concerned.

Dr. John Bongaarts, Vice President and distinguished Scholar, Population Council, New York, USA presented the new demographic realities of Pakistan and described that population of Pakistan will be approximately 352 million by 2100. He also informed that population size ratio of Pakistan is higher than India and Bangladesh. Furthermore, there is less contraceptive use in Pakistan as compared to the aforesaid two countries. He recommended that the multi-sectoral benefits of family planning and slower population growth may be recognized. Moreover, family planning programs may be given a development priority and increased investment should be made in family planning programs.

Dr. Sania Nishtar, Chairperson, Benazir Income Support Program, Islamabad stated that the family planning program was earlier launched and carried out successfully in the 1960s. She also emphasized the use of modern capacities for promoting awareness of contraceptive use and that family welfare public facilities should be more functional for increasing their efficiency.

Syed Babar Ali, Founder of Packages Limited, Nestle Pakistan Limited and Lahore University of Management Sciences emphasized the use of print/electronic media and social media for advocacy campaign for effective implementation of family planning. Mr. Javed Jabbar, former, Federal Information Minister, Former Senator emphasized that national narrative for family planning may be built by emphasizing credibility, unanimity, singularity, consistency and reality in the message of tackling alarming population growth. He also emphasized that the prime time of TV talk shows may also be utilized for creating awareness among the masses regarding alarming population growth.

The religious scholar Maulana Tariq Jameel expressed concern over the social taboos linked with population growth factors and emphasized on the promotion of education and creating awareness among the general public to understand the ethics and dignity of human creation in order to maintain a balance for better quality of life of the future generations. He also highlighted the characteristics of a welfare state in the light of Quran and Hadith.

The Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan stated that Pakistan’s population will be approximately doubled in the next 30 years and by that time our water and food resources would be severally depleted and immediate steps require to be taken to tackle the issue of alarming growth in population.

The Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan also stated that the Supreme Court of Pakistan has taken up various issues that are vital to general public such as construction of dams, health and education issues and the present government should take a lead in tackling these issues in order to create a welfare state.

He further stated that as per directions in Human Rights Case No. 17599/18 a task force was formed which prepared a set of eight key recommendations to accelerate government efforts to reduce the population growth rate, lower the total fertility rate, and increase the contraceptive prevalence rate and it is now the prerogative of the government to implement the recommendations of the task force.

He further stated that the population growth rate in Pakistan has reached devastating proportion and in the near future the position will worsen to such an extent that there would be no resources to cater to the needs of a very large population. He further emphasized that if the recommendations of the task force are not implemented then the nation would fail in tackling the issue of alarming population growth in the country. He said that the judiciary is ready to work alongside the executive and resolving the issues facing the nations.

The Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan stressed that for strengthening the Rule of Law in the country the number of judges should be increased as they are overburdened with cases moreover the century old laws like the Code of Civil Procedure, Code of Criminal Procedure, Contract Act, Limitation Act etc. needs to be amended by the legislature as per present day requirements so that the general public may be able to get expeditious relief from the courts. He also emphasized on the use of alternate dispute resolution methods for quick disposal of cases and the imposition of costs for discouragement of false and frivolous litigation.

The Chief Guest, His Excellency the Prime Minister of Pakistan stated that the Hon’ble Supreme Court of Pakistan has initiated the process of Rule of Law in the country through recent landmark judgements and also taken up various important issues related to public importance. He further iterated that issues like construction of dams and alarming population growth were not considered previously by the governments as the main focus was on short term targets within the life span of the governments.

He further said that the Federal Government on the directions of the Supreme Court formed a task force and whose recommendations have been approved by the Council of Common Interest and the Provincial Governments are on board to implement these recommendations. He further stressed that the religious scholars could play a vital role in creating awareness regarding tackling the issue of alarming population growth.

He stated that the issues of population growth and environment are interlinked as global warming also affects the climate having direct impact on the well being of population. He also stated that ten billion trees would be planted in the country in the next five years for betterment of the environment. Moreover, he also emphasized the need to include the subject of environment and population planning in school curriculum. The Prime Minister also informed that his government has planned to amend the major legislations in the country to update the judicial system and have also prepared new laws for relief of general public.

For more information, contact:
Public Relations Officer
Supreme Court of Pakistan
Tel: +92 51 9204184, 9220581
Fax: +9251 9213452
Email: mail@supremecourt.gov.pk

Ambassador of UAE calls on Chief Minister Punjab

Lahore, December 05, 2018 (PPI-OT): Ambassador of UAE Mr. Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zabi called on Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar at his office here today. On the occasion, various matters including promotion of Pakistan-UAE relations came under discussion in detail. It was agreed to strengthen and promote economic ties and investment. The proposal of setting up the Pakistan-UAE Business Council also came under discussion. It was further decided to increase the close ties so as to enhance the investment and Chief Minister Usman Buzdar invited the UAE investors to invest in special economic zones.

Usman Buzdar said that Pakistan and UAE enjoys historical relations and vowed that these relations will be further extended under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan. He said that investors are given special incentives in Punjab and UAE’s investment companies will be fully welcomed. He appreciated UAE’s cooperation in the development of the country adding that this collaboration is highly valued.

We want to further strengthen the mutual ties in various sectors including trade, investment, energy, water projects, culture and tourism, he said. Time has come to transform the Pakistan-UAE relations into strong economic ties and exchange of business-to-business delegations is necessary in this regard. It is my desire to visit the UAE as soon as possible, the Chief Minister concluded.

Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zabi said that we would welcome you to UAE adding that Pakistan is our second home and bilateral relations will be further strengthened. The UAE leadership is standing along with Pakistan and we will provide every sort of cooperation to you. He said that UAE’s companies are interested in investment in Pakistan and we want to invest in special economic zones in water projects, energy and other sectors.

He said that Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit to UAE has helped to further strengthen the bilateral cooperation and these relations will be transformed into strong economic ties with mutual efforts. Spokesman to CM Dr. Shahbaz Gill, Advisor Akram Chaudhry, Chairman P and D, Principal Secretary and others were also present on the occasion.

For more information, contact:
Directorate General Public Relations, Punjab (DGPR)
Government of the Punjab
21-Mahmood Gaznavi Road (Abbot Road), Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-99201390-1-2
Fax: +92-42-99201371-2
E-mail: info@dgpr.punjab.gov.pk
Website: www.dgpr.punjab.gov.pk

Cuban Ambassador calls on Chief Minister Punjab

Lahore, December 05, 2018 (PPI-OT): Cuban Ambassador Mr. Gabriel Tiell Capote called on Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar at his office here today. On the occasion, different matters of mutual interest including promotion of bilateral cooperation in healthcare and other sectors came under discussion. The Cuban Ambassador also congratulated Usman Buzdar on taking over the post of Chief Minister.

Talking on the occasion, Usman Buzdar said that we have come to power in the name of change and government is fully committed to bring positive changes in the lives of common man. Prime Minister Imran Khan has taken numerous unprecedented steps in a short span of time and government is taking every possible step to provide qualitative facilities to the general public.

We shall seek necessary cooperation from anywhere it is available, he added. Chief Minister said that Cuba has made its health sector a role model and this system is an example of its kind. He said that Punjab government is ready to benefit from Cuban expertise in health sector and added that steps will be taken to promote trade, culture and investment with Cuba.

The Cuban Ambassador said that its government is desirous of cooperation with the incumbent government in healthcare and other sectors. Spokesman to CM Dr. Shahbaz Gill, Chairman P and D, Principal Secretary and others were also present on the occasion.

For more information, contact:
Directorate General Public Relations, Punjab (DGPR)
Government of the Punjab
21-Mahmood Gaznavi Road (Abbot Road), Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-99201390-1-2
Fax: +92-42-99201371-2
E-mail: info@dgpr.punjab.gov.pk
Website: www.dgpr.punjab.gov.pk

Pakistan on the path towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals under One UN Programme III

Quetta, December 05, 2018 (PPI-OT): The United Nations in Pakistan is focused on supporting the country to achieve the SDGs. Efforts continue to tackle development challenges in Pakistan under the UN Sustainable Development Framework for the period 2018-2022. This was highlighted at the 6th Provincial Steering Committee meeting of the One-UN Operation Plan III (OPIII) that was held at the Planning and Development Department Secretariat in Quetta today.

Mr Sajjad Ahmed Bhutta, Additional Chief Secretary Development chaired the meeting. Co-chairs of the Balochistan Steering Committee, Mr Neil Buhne United Nations Resident Coordinator and Ms Mina Dowlatchahi, FAO Representative in Pakistan elaborated upon the approaches to align UN Sustainable Development Goals framework with the priorities of the government of Pakistan.

Successes achieved over the last year were also presented to the participants which included high level officials from various government departments in Balochistan. Pakistan is amongst the first countries that adopted the SDGs as National Development Goals and one of the few countries that is investing its own resources to achieve the SDGs. The 5-year partnership framework sets out the direction of the UN’s support to the government of Pakistan to achieve the 17 Goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals.

Delivering as One UN is about UN partners working together more closely to increase effectiveness – improved results – relevance – alignment with national priorities – and efficiency – reduced duplication and transactions costs – at country, regional and global levels. It is that part of the package of UN reforms dealing with the work of the development agencies.

For more information, contact:
National Information Officer
United Nations Information Centre (UNIC)
Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-8355720
Cell: +92-300-8553790
Email: ishrat.rizvi@unic.org