Ladakh Residents Protest for Land Rights and Environmental Protection Amid Climate Crisis


Srinagar, In the stark, mountainous terrain of Ladakh, part of the Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, thousands have been braving the severe cold for over two weeks in protest. Their demands are clear: the assertion of rights over their land and the safeguarding of the region’s delicate ecological balance, currently under threat from both climate change and increased militarization.



According to Kashmir Media Service, Ladakh’s unique geographical position, nestled between India, Pakistan, and China, has made it a focal point of territorial disputes. Moreover, its fragile environment is bearing the brunt of climate change, with altered weather patterns causing floods, landslides, and droughts in its thinly populated villages.



Joining the protesters is renowned climate activist and engineer Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a hunger strike in Leh town since the demonstrations began on March 6. Despite the freezing conditions, Wangchuk, known for his commitment to sustainable living through his Himalayan Institute of Alternative Ladakh, has limited his intake to salt and water in a “climate fast” to draw attention to the urgency of the environmental crisis facing the region.



Wangchuk’s protest underscores the severe consequences of unchecked industrial development and military activities, including those stemming from the ongoing military standoff with China, on the local environment. The dispute has intensified since 2020, further exacerbating the region’s pollution levels and contributing to the rapid melting of glaciers.



Highlighting the broader implications of the crisis, Wangchuk warned of a looming “international disaster,” as the Greater Himalayas, to which Ladakh belongs, are crucial to the water supply of over 2 billion people across multiple countries. He also pointed out the encroachment on vital pasturelands used by Ladakh’s nomads due to large-scale Indian industrial endeavors.



The protest movement gained momentum following the controversial decision by New Delhi in August 2019 to revoke the special status of Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir, subsequently separating Ladakh as a union territory without its consent.

Punjab Government Delivers Millions of Ration Bags to Deserving Families During Ramadan


Lahore, In a monumental relief effort directed by Chief Minister Punjab, the provincial government’s Nighaban Ramadan package has successfully delivered approximately 48.5 million ration bags to the doorsteps of deserving families across the province. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to alleviate the financial burden on underprivileged citizens during the holy month of Ramadan.



According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab, an essential meeting took place at the Civil Secretariat to assess the progress of the Ramadan package and price control measures. Chaired by Chief Secretary Punjab Zahid Akhtar Zaman, the session was attended by key officials from various departments. Through a comprehensive video link setup, Additional Chief Secretary, all Divisional Commissioners, and Deputy Commissioners also participated, highlighting the widespread administrative involvement in the campaign.



The meeting disclosed that during Ramadan, a concerted crackdown on price manipulation resulted in 6,132 arrests and 2,109 cases being registered, demonstrating the government’s firm stance against illegal profiteering. Furthermore, price magistrates conducted inspections at nine million locations, levying fines totaling seven and a half crore rupees for various violations.



Chief Secretary Zaman lauded the administrative officers for their pivotal role in the smooth execution of the ration bag delivery program, acknowledging it as a significant challenge successfully overcome. He also commended the Punjab Information Technology Board for ensuring transparency and efficiency through digital monitoring of the distribution process.



In recognition of exemplary performance, it was decided that certificates of appreciation would be awarded to the top 10 districts in ration bag provision. The Secretaries of Industry and Agriculture provided detailed briefings on the ongoing measures to stabilize market prices and the impact of agriculture fair price shops in Ramadan markets, which have benefited over 1.5 million consumers by offering reduced prices on essential commodities.



This initiative underscores the Punjab government’s dedication to supporting its citizens through targeted relief efforts and stringent market regulation during the holy month of Ramadan.

PM felicitates Hindu community on Holi festival

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has extended his felicitations to the Hindu community on the auspicious occasion of Holi festival. In a message, he said, "as Pakistanis we take pride in the multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, multi-cultural and multi-religious characteristics of our society. Source: Radio Pakistan

Reviving economy prime challenge for Govt: PM

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has urged the electronic media to support government's efforts for the development and prosperity of Pakistan. He was talking to a delegation of Pakistan Broadcasters Association, comprising Shakeel Masood, Mir Ibrahim, Mian Amir Mahmood and Sultan Lakhani, in Islamabad. The Prime Minister said protection of media persons is the responsibility of the state. He expressed hope that the media, through objective reporting, would continue playing its role for strengthening and stabilizing democracy in the country. The Prime Minister said fake news is a big challenge and the role of mainstream media is pivotal in checking this menace. He said media is the fourth pillar of the state and electronic media's role is cardinal in the development and progress of the society as well as mental and ideological training of the people. Shehbaz Sharif further said he has assumed power at a time when the country is facing immense difficulties. He said bringing the economy back on track is the b iggest challenge. Talking about his government's economic priorities, the Prime Minister informed the delegation that efforts are afoot to ensure privatization of loss-making state-owned enterprises, institutional reforms, internal and external investment and austerity. He said a committee has been formed regarding reduction of government expenditure, which will submit its report soon. Shehbaz Sharif highlighted that the federal cabinet has voluntarily foregone salary and other perks. He said services of international experts are being hired for the hundred percent digitization of the Federal Board of Revenue. He said leading taxpayers, exporters, and women entrepreneurs will be acknowledged at the government level. The delegation congratulated the Prime Minister on assuming office and expressed good wishes. Source: Radio Pakistan

ILO Country Director and Pakistani Minister Discuss Labor Initiatives

Islamabad, In a significant meeting at the Ministry for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, ILO Country Director Mr. Geir Tonstol, along with his team, engaged in discussions with Federal Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain on advancing Pakistan’s labor and employment agenda. This meeting highlighted the ongoing collaboration between Pakistan and the International Labour Organization (ILO) in promoting decent work across the country.

According to Press Information Department, the dialogue centered around the progress of the fourth Decent Work Country Program and explored the government’s plans for ratifying international labor standards. Additionally, the preparations for a national tripartite labor conference scheduled for May 2024 were discussed, underscoring Pakistan’s role as a pathfinder country in the Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection. The meeting also addressed the concerning issue of mine accidents in Balochistan province, reaffirming both parties’ dedication to improving worker safety and conditions.

Mr. Tonstol commended Minister Hussain on his appointment and appreciated the Ministry’s efforts in partnering with the ILO to foster a conducive environment for decent work in Pakistan. The engagement underscored a mutual commitment to enhancing labor standards and ensuring the welfare of workers throughout the country.

International Diplomats Extend Condolences at Russian Embassy in Islamabad


Islamabad, In a significant diplomatic gathering on March 25, 2024, representatives from a wide spectrum of countries convened at the Russian Embassy in Pakistan to express their condolences. Ambassadors from Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Syria, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen, the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka, the Charge d’Affaires ad interim of Tajikistan, and the Political Counselor of Afghanistan participated in this solemn occasion, leaving messages of sympathy.



According to Embassy of The Russian Federation, this collective act of condolence by members of the diplomatic corps in Islamabad signifies a profound gesture of solidarity and support in a moment of grief. The embassy expressed its deep gratitude for the sympathetic words shared by the international community.



This gathering not only underscored the mutual respect among nations but also highlighted the role of diplomatic engagements in fostering a sense of community and understanding in times of sorrow. The specifics of the event that prompted this outpouring of condolences were not detailed, but the gesture itself speaks volumes about the diplomatic ties and shared human values across borders.

PM directs to make track, trace system functional to prevent tax evasion

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the authorities concerned to make the track and trace system fully functional in all sectors, including tobacco, cement, sugar, and fertilizer industries, to prevent tax evasion. Chairing a meeting regarding the track and trace system in Islamabad today, he decided to take measures against tax defaulters and tax evaders on an emergency basis. The Prime Minister instructed to establish an inquiry committee to identify the obstacles in the way of the track and trace system and determine the responsible for that. The committee, in seven days, will identify the obstacles in the way of the complete activation of the track and trace system and the people involved in tax evasion. Shehbaz Sharif said the committee will also submit suggestions on the future strategy for the application of automatic tax system in factories. The Prime Minister further said all legal hurdles in the way of track and trace system should be removed. Prime Minister sought a comprehensive plan of action for the enforcement of automatic track and trace system and digital strategy. He said all such factories which refuse to install track and trace system should be sealed immediately. In addition to revenue collection, Shehbaz Sharif advised to use the track and trace system to prevent counterfeiting and substandard products. He directed that the sale of fake and unregistered cigarettes should be stopped and these should be seized and destroyed. He said country is suffering from economic problems and the mafia is colluding to damage the national exchequer. The Prime Minister advised to hire services of internationally renowned organizations for the track and trace system. The meeting was given a detailed briefing on the current status of the automated tax system and obstacles in the way of making this system fully functional in sugar, cement, fertilizer and tobacco industry. It was told that the track and trace system is fully functional in 14 big tobacco factories, while 12 units have been sea led for not installing the system. It was said that this system is fully functional in all fertilizer industries. Source: Radio Pakistan