by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | electric power, energy sector, government, politics, politics and government
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday ruled out any shift in the government’s policy and priorities regarding solar energy, directing authorities to dispel ambiguities surrounding the solarization policy with facts and figures.
Chairing a review meeting on power sector matters, the prime minister emphasized the need for a clear and transparent approach to inform the public about solar energy initiatives. He also instructed officials to swiftly complete legal and procedural formalities for the liquidation of generation companies and to accelerate the privatization process of power distribution firms, according to a statement from the PM Office.
To provide relief to consumers, PM Shehbaz announced that a package to reduce electricity tariffs was in the works and would be unveiled soon. Additionally, he stressed enhanced coordination between the Power Division, Water Resources Division, and Petroleum Division to develop a comprehensive energy sector strategy.
The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Power Division Sardar Awais Leghari, Advisor to PM Dr. Taqeer Shah, and other senior officials. Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema and Advisor to PM Muhammad Ali participated via video link.
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | government, pakistan, politics, politics and government, politics and law
President Asif Ali Zardari has reiterated the country’s commitment to remain steadfast against all external and internal threats.
At the Pakistan Day Parade held at Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad on Sunday, he stated that the citizens of Pakistan have consistently remained steadfast beside the military, ready to make every sacrifice for their country.
While India has consistently held negative feelings toward Pakistan, the President pointed out that groups like the Khawarij and other militant organizations are actively working to carry out nefarious plans. Nevertheless, the President asserted that these entities will not prevail, as both the country and its military stand prepared to counteract such threats effectively.
Asif Ali Zardari stated that they have been reconstructing their country amid numerous difficulties and will persist in doing so with bravery and resolve. He particularly stressed the importance of bolstering both the economy and agriculture.
The President urged everyone to set aside their political disagreements and unite to create a stronger, more affluent, and advanced Pakistan.
Referring to the nation’s young people as an asset, Asif Ali Zardari emphasized the importance of providing them with research-driven education and cutting-edge technical training.
The President stated that Pakistan’s foreign policy revolves around the principles of peace and stability. He mentioned that Pakistan seeks robust relationships characterized by mutual respect and shared prosperity not only with neighboring countries but also with the global community.
The President stated that this day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who gave their lives for the nation.
On this day, he emphasized remembering and paying tribute to the people of Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir who are facing oppression. He also called upon the global community to enforce the United Nations Security Council resolutions aimed at settling the Kashmir conflict.
In support of the Palestinian people, Asif Ali Zardari urged the global community to act decisively and halt the immediate genocidal actions against unarmed Palestinians.
He said Palestinian people should have the right to live in their country with freedom and dignity without any external interference.
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | climate, climate change, environmentalism, global warming, sustainability
Climate change has emerged as an urgent issue affecting people’s lives and incomes in Pakistan. Yet, it remains largely seen as a topic only for specialists, leading to widespread apathy among the general population. Addressing this challenge requires participation from all sectors of society—families, educational institutions, work environments, and every individual. Educational facilities ought to integrate lessons about climate change and environmental stewardship, news outlets should discuss these topics regularly, and companies must embrace eco-friendly operations. Citizens can help by participating in initiatives like planting trees, organizing clean-up events, and advocating for sustainable agriculture methods. Immediate action is imperative.
I urgently encourage policymakers, educators, the media, and business leaders to emphasize climate consciousness and implementation of solutions. Building a sustainable tomorrow necessitates taking steps right now.
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | cricket, new zealand, pakistan, politics, sports
Unstoppable New Zealand dominated Pakistan during the fourth T20I at Bay Oval on Sunday, winning the five-game series 3-1. Their fierce performance with both bat and ball led them to overpower Pakistan’s batsmen, resulting in an emphatic 115-run win.
Facing a daunting total of 221, Pakistan’s batting order disintegrated under the unyielding assault from New Zealand’s bowlers, mustering only 105 runs before being dismissed after just 16.2 overs. The Pakistani team suffered a terrible beginning, with their top three batsmen falling in the opening two overs. Opener Mohammad Haris (2), Hasan Nawaz (1), and captain Salman Ali Agha (1) were quickly eliminated, putting Pakistan in dire straits at 3-11.
Deputy captain Shadab Khan quickly joined the list of dismissals, scoring only one run in the fourth over, which worsened Pakistan’s predicament at 26-4. The wickets kept falling periodically due to New Zealand’s consistent bowling, leaving no respite for the opposition.
Abdul Samad stood out as the sole resistor, contributing a valiant 44 runs off just 30 deliveries, featuring four boundaries and two maximums. Nonetheless, this wasn’t sufficient to orchestrate a comeback since Pakistan’s batting lineup crumbled swiftly under pressure. In contrast, for New Zealand, Jacob Duffy emerged as the standout performer with an impressive bowling stint of 4-20 over four overs. Additionally, Zakary Foulkes bolstered their efforts significantly with figures of 3-25.
Initially, after winning the toss and opting to bat first, New Zealand’s leading batsmen delivered an exceptional performance, amassing 220-6 within their allotted 20 overs. The opening pair of the Kiwis started strong, reaching 59 runs in only 4.1 overs. Tim Seifert spearheaded this onslaught with a scintillating knock of 44 from 22 deliveries, including four massive sixes and three fours. His bold approach laid down the groundwork for New Zealand’s formidable total until he was dismissed by Haris Rauf.
Finn Allen and Mark Chapman kept up the pressure, with Allen making a rapid fifty, hitting 50 from only 20 deliveries, including six boundaries and three maximums. Chapman contributed significantly as well, helping New Zealand reach 134-3 after 10.1 overs, showing great momentum.
Despite this, Pakistan managed to regain some ground during the latter part of the innings, largely due to Haris Rauf’s performance with 3 wickets for 27 runs and Abrar Ahmed’s contribution with 2 wickets for 36 runs. They excelled particularly towards the end of the game, which restricted New Zealand to a score of 220-6, thus avoiding an even higher target. This decisive victory allowed New Zealand to clinch the best-of-five match series at 3-1, highlighting their superiority over Pakistan throughout the competition.
At the post-match press conference, Salman acknowledged that New Zealand had dominated Pakistan across every aspect of the game. He stated, “New Zealand bowled exceptionally well and thoroughly outperformed us. They deserve credit for their performance. The conditions were tough due to significant movement both off the pitch and through the air, particularly in the second innings. However, as professional internationals, we must adjust our strategy and perform more effectively. Despite the considerable degree of swing, which made things very hard for us, we have to come together again and strive to secure victory in the upcoming match,” he concluded.
Scores in Brief
NEW ZEALAND 220-6 (Allen 50, Bracewell 46, Seifert 44, Rauf 3-27) defeated PAKISTAN 105 all out (Samad 44, Duffy 4-20, Foulkes 3-25) by 115 runs.
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | children and families, controversies, courts, laws and regulations, society
The judge said anonymous surrogacy arrangements prevent the court from ascertaining that the mother knows and consents to the application.
A
British High Court of Justice
has sparked concerns regarding the risks associated with anonymous surrogacy following a case where a Nigerian couple faced difficulties in obtaining official parenting rights for their child because there were no traceable records of the surrogate mother.
In anonymous surrogacy agreements, the intended parents and the surrogate do not disclose their personal information to one another and may have minimal direct interaction.
Such arrangements typically involve the assistance of surrogacy agencies or legal intermediaries. For the couple known as Mr. and Mrs. Houldsworth, the facilitation was handled by Lifelink Fertility Clinic, a medical center located in Lagos, Nigeria.
Nevertheless, in a decision issued last month, President Andrew McFarlane of the Family Division of the High Court of Justice stated that issues might emerge when prospective parents choose surrogacy arrangements with an anonymous surrogate’s identity unknown.
Mr. McFarlane stated that anonymous surrogacy agreements hinder the court’s ability to ensure that the mother is aware of and agrees to the application.
The UK Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act of 2008 requires that both unconditional and fully informed consent must be obtained.
The judge stated that the couple’s actions raise suspicion that the arrangement might not be as it has been claimed to be.
Although Mr and Mrs H have outlined their reasons for choosing anonymous surrogacy, this choice has led to significant challenges in submitting the current application.
A complicated surrogacy journey
Mr. and Mrs. Houldsworth, residents of the UK, faced significant legal challenges in obtaining formal parental recognition for their child. This ordeal persisted for approximately two years until a judge delivered his decision last month.
As per the legal papers acquired by PREMIUM TIMES, the pair chose surrogacy in 2022 following unsuccessful attempts at other medical solutions.
They formed an agreement with Lifelink Fertility Clinic in Nigeria, following the direction of its medical director, and chose anonymous surrogacy, a practice permitted in Nigeria.
The legal papers indicated that the pair fulfilled all necessary paperwork at the Nigerian courthouse, though the surrogate’s identity was kept confidential during the entire procedure.
The Houldsworths opted for this decision to steer clear of the conflicts typically linked to surrogacy involving a surrogate mother and the intended parents.
An embryo transplant occurred in mid-2022, and a baby girl was born in 2023. The couple was present during childbirth. Mrs Houldsworth also took a maternity leave and remained in Nigeria for eight months following the birth.
Trouble started once the newly returned parents initiated efforts to obtain legal status in the UK after coming back to the country.
The fertilisation law
According to the UK Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act of 2008, the surrogate mother needs to give her unambiguous and fully-informed consent prior to a parental order being granted to the intended parents.
For Mr and Mrs Houldsworth, the surrogate mother chose to remain anonymous, initiating a complex surrogacy process for them that spanned over two years.
In 2023, the couple officially submitted their request for legal parenthood through a parental order application accompanied by a statutory declaration; however, they were not granted instant approval.
In his ruling, which approved a parental order for the couple, the judge warned that their experience should act as a deterrent for parents thinking about anonymous surrogacy, especially within international contexts such as those found in Nigeria.
The judge pointed out that although the anonymity was meant to offer mental tranquility and prevent further responsibilities, it ended up causing legal hurdles that might make parental acknowledgment more complicated.
The case arises as the UK continues to be watchful about international surrogacy and adoption, maintaining specific limitations for adoptions from Nigeria because of worries related to untrustworthy paperwork and possible corruption, according to the judge.
Judge Mr McFarlane stated that individuals following him in the future should consider avoiding interaction with an unnamed intermediary.
The judge stated, “After gradually receiving fragments of information and evidence from Mr and Mrs H through multiple hearings, and especially after finally reviewing the alleged surrogacy contract, the court is now able to rule on the application.”
He stated that although the law requires the provision, it includes an exemption for instances where a suitable surrogate cannot be located.
After examining copious evidence such as bank statements, WhatsApp messages, and various documents pertaining to the surrogacy, he concluded that the couple’s attempts to contact the surrogate mothers were unsuccessful.
This occurs amid increased scrutiny of both international surrogacy and adoption practices.
The judge mentioned that there are already limitations on adoptions from Nigeria because of worries about untrustworthy paperwork and possible bribery.
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