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Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
South Asia at brink over Kashmir, Indus Water Treaty, Bilawal warns US lawmakers
Listen to article A high-level parliamentary delegation from Pakistan, led by Mr. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and former Foreign Minister of Pakistan, held a series of significant meetings with members of the US Congress on Capitol Hill today. The delegation's visit underscores Pakistan's commitment to peace, dialogue, and partnerships built on justice, particularly in the context of recent escalations in South Asia. The delegation includes several prominent members of Pakistan's Parliament and former senior officials such as Mr. Musadik Masood Malik, Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination; Senator Sherry Rehman (PPP), Chair of the Climate Change Committee, former Minister for Climate Change, and former Ambassador to the US; Senator Bushra Anjum Butt (PML-N); Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar (MNA, PPP), Chair of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and former Foreign Minister; Senator Faisal Sabzwari (MQM); Engineer Khurram Dastagir Khan, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defense; Ambassador (r) Jalil Abbas Jilani, former Foreign Minister/Secretary; and Ms. Tehmina Janjua, former Foreign Secretary. The delegation engaged with a bipartisan group of US lawmakers, including a key meeting with the Congressional Pakistan Caucus, co-chaired by Rep. Jack Bergman and Rep. Tom Suozzi. During these discussions, Mr. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari briefed the members on "India's recent acts of unprovoked aggression, including the targeting of civilians and the deeply concerning, unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, a clear breach of international law." He extended appreciation to the United States, particularly "President Donald Trump, for his constructive role in helping de-escalate tensions and supporting efforts towards a ceasefire." The former Foreign Minister emphasised that "sustainable peace in South Asia hinges on dialogue, restraint, and a just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, rather than unilateralism or intimidation." In separate meetings with other influential members of Congress, the delegation also met individually with Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on South and Central Asia; Congressman Tom Kean Jr. (R-NJ), Member of HFAC; Congressman John Moolenaar (R-Mich), Member of the House Appropriations Committee; Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind), Member of the Armed Services Committee; Senator Van Hollen (D-MD); and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ). Throughout these engagements, the Pakistani delegation reiterated Pakistan's principled stance on regional peace, counterterrorism efforts, and recent Indian aggression. They reaffirmed "Pakistan's commitment to peace, responsible conduct, and rejection of baseless allegations." The delegation underscored "the urgency of dialogue on Jammu & Kashmir, an unfinished agenda of the United Nations," and stressed the imperative of "respect for international law, UNSC resolutions, and the Indus Waters Treaty, a lifeline for 240 million Pakistanis, now threatened by the dangerous precedent of weaponisation of water." Tensions between India and Pakistan, two nuclear-armed neighbours, escalated significantly following the April 22 deadly attack in Pahalgam area of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. India swiftly blamed Pakistan-based militants for the attack, without providing any evidence to support its allegations. Pakistan has strongly denied any involvement in the attack and called for an independent probe. India the escalated the situation implement a series of hostile measures, including closing the key Wagah border crossing, revoking all Pakistani visas, and taking the unprecedented step of suspending the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty—an agreement that governs water-sharing between the two countries. Pakistan's foreign ministry condemned the suspension, labeling it "an act of war." In retaliation, Islamabad sealed its side of the border. The situation further deteriorated in early May, when India launched attack on Pakistani cities on May 6-7. Pakistan, in response, launched Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos to counter the Indian threat. The military conflict seemed to reach a boiling point until US President Donald Trump brokered an "immediate and full ceasefire." Although the violence has subsided since the ceasefire announcement, India's actions, particularly regarding Pakistan's water rights, remain a point of contention and continue to fuel the hostility between the two nations. Chairman Bhutto stressed the importance of trade among countries, calling it "a bridge for constructive engagement and the betterment of our people." Members of Congress welcomed the Pakistani delegation, urging both countries to demonstrate restraint and prioritize regional peace and stability. They reiterated the US support for the people of Pakistan and its commitment to aiding the country's economic development.
Express Tribune
30-03-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Govt pushes for zero-waste future
Federal Minister of Petroleum Musadik Masood Malik, speaks with Reuters during an interview in Islamabad, June 11, 2024. PHOTO: REUTERS Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Musadik Masood Malik on Sunday urged nationwide action to tackle waste management challenges as Pakistan observes International Day of Zero Waste. This year's theme, "Towards Zero Waste in Fashion and Textiles," highlights the pressing need to curb pollution from the textile sector, a major contributor to Pakistan's economy but also a significant source of waste. The minister acknowledged the textile industry's role in employment and GDP growth but warned that waste from plastics, electronics, and food remains a critical issue requiring urgent attention. "Pakistan is implementing robust policies to combat waste," he said, citing the National Hazardous Waste Management Policy (2022) and the Pakistan National Action Roadmap on Plastic Pollution as key steps toward sustainability. The government is pushing for a shift from a linear to a circular economy, where waste is minimized and resources are reused. Initiatives promoting eco-friendly fashion, sustainable packaging, and a forthcoming circular economy policy are part of this strategy. Malik stressed the need for private sector involvement in adopting sustainable practices and called on civil society to promote responsible consumption. "Our goal is a future where waste is drastically reduced, resources are preserved, and our environment is protected," he said, aligning efforts with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 11 and 12). Meanwhile, as the world marks International Day of Zero Waste 2025, alarming data highlights the scale of textile waste, with 92 million tonnes generated globally each year. This equates to a garbage truck full of discarded clothing being incinerated or sent to landfills every second. The exponential rise in textile production and consumption is outpacing sustainability efforts, leading to severe environmental, economic, and social repercussions, particularly in developing nations. According to the United Nations, textile waste production doubled between 2000 and 2015, while the lifespan of garments decreased by 36%. Additionally, 11% of global plastic waste originates from clothing and textiles, yet only 8% of textile fibers in 2023 were made from recycled materials. A study published in the Pakistan Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research reveals that Pakistan generates approximately 270,125 tonnes of textile waste annually, with Karachi alone contributing 19,305 tonnes. The study further breaks down textile disposal habits across economic classes, showing that the lower-income group (Class C) discards the highest volume of textiles. Meanwhile, the wealthiest segment (Class A Plus) disposes of an average of 195kg of clothing per year, followed by Class A at 150kg and Class B at 105kg. Pakistan faces significant challenges in managing textile waste sustainably. The lack of technical and financial resources, combined with low public awareness, has hindered efforts to address the issue. (With input from APP)
Express Tribune
29-03-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Call to curb pollution in textile sector
Listen to article Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Musadik Masood Malik has called for a nationwide action plan to tackle waste management challenges as Pakistan observed the International Day of Zero Waste. This year's theme, "Towards Zero Waste in Fashion and Textiles," highlights the pressing need to curb pollution from the textile sector, a major contributor to Pakistan's economy but also a significant source of waste. Malik acknowledged the textile industry's role in employment and GDP growth but warned that waste from plastics, electronics, and food remains a critical issue requiring urgent attention. "Pakistan is implementing robust policies to combat waste," he said, citing the National Hazardous Waste Management Policy (2022) and the Pakistan National Action Roadmap on Plastic Pollution as key steps toward sustainability. He announced that the government is pushing for a shift from a linear to a circular economy, where waste is minimised and resources are reused. Initiatives promoting eco-friendly fashion, sustainable packaging, and a forthcoming circular economy policy are part of this strategy. Malik emphasised the need for private sector involvement in adopting sustainable practices and called on civil society to promote responsible consumption. "Our goal is a future where waste is drastically reduced, resources are preserved, and environment is protected," which aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 11 and 12), he said.
Express Tribune
25-03-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
IWMB commended for bear rescue
Workers of the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board and Four Paws International shift the rescued Asian Black Bear, Rocky, to its new shelter in the Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre at the Old Marghazar Zoo, Islamabad. PHOTO: ONLINE The Ministry of Climate Change & Environmental Coordination, led by Federal Minister Musadik Masood Malik, has reaffirmed its commitment to wildlife protection and animal welfare with the successful rehabilitation of Rocky, a 7-year-old Asian Black Bear rescued from a horrific past. Rocky's tragic story came to light after a viral video revealed the severe abuse he endured, including being forced to participate in 35 brutal dog fights in Sargodha. Severely injured, with a broken jaw that left him unable to eat, Rocky was rescued through the combined efforts of the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) and Four Paws International. Upon learning of Rocky's condition, the ministry intervened to facilitate his rescue. Responding to a request from the Punjab Wildlife Department, IWMB and Four Paws International safely sedated and transported Rocky to the IWMB Rescue & Rehabilitation Centre, where he received urgent medical care, including wound stitching, neutering, and microchipping for future identification. Rocky was successfully moved to his new enclosure, marking a significant step in his recovery.
