Islamabad, The Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) and the Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) have entered into a strategic partnership aimed at improving humanitarian efforts across Pakistan. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the two organizations at the OGDCL central office in Islamabad on Tuesday, marking a significant step towards bolstering mutual relations and collaborative endeavors in humanitarian initiatives.
According to Pakistan Red Crescent Society, the MoU signing ceremony was attended by notable figures including Sardar Shahid Ahmed Laghari, Chairman of the PRCS; Brigadier (Retd) Abdul Hadi, Managing Body Member; Muhammad Abidullah Khan, Secretary General of PRCS; and OGDCL representatives Abdul Razzaq Khattak, Shahzad Safdar, and Aamir Salim. The document was signed by Ahmed Hayat Lak, Managing Director/CEO of OGDCL, and Sardar Shahid Ahmed Laghari, underscoring the joint commitment to humanitarian causes.
The partnership draws on OGDCL’s history of supporting the Red Crescent, notably its financial contributions in 2016 and 2017, and a significant donation in 2023 towards a state-of-the-art ambulance service. This service is currently operational in the flood-affected regions of Balochistan, demonstrating the tangible benefits of their cooperation.
Chairman PRCS, Sardar Shahid Ahmed Laghari, highlighted the importance of enhancing cooperation to more effectively meet the humanitarian needs across a wider scale. Ahmed Hayat Lak, in turn, praised the Red Crescent’s invaluable humanitarian services and reiterated OGDCL’s dedication to supporting and expanding these efforts to achieve shared goals.
This partnership is a testament to the growing recognition of the importance of collaborative efforts between corporate entities and humanitarian organizations in addressing the urgent needs of communities affected by disasters and crises.
Karachi, The General Secretary of the Pasban Democratic Party, Iqbal Hashmi, has raised concerns over the extravagant spending in the current elections, questioning the oversight role of the Election Commission. Hashmi criticized the prevailing political environment, where significant amounts of money are being spent, suggesting that politics has turned into a business at the expense of the people’s future. He advocated for a cessation of what he describes as a pretense of democracy and proposed the formation of a national government composed of competent individuals.
According to Pasban Democratic Party, Hashmi’s remarks were made during a meeting held as part of the election campaign. He highlighted the issues stemming from the current political practices, including the influence of money in securing governance and the perceived closure of political opportunities for sincere leadership. Hashmi argued for a systemic overhaul, urging the judiciary to address corruption actively and criticizing the existing democratic facade.
Hashmi’s statement reflects deep dissatisfaction with the status quo, where political success is often tied to financial power rather than policy or integrity. He lamented the failure of past governments to establish robust economic and industrial policies, pointing out the inefficacy of elected officials who, despite lavish spending on international travel, struggle to secure meaningful meetings or garner respect abroad.
The General Secretary also touched on the issue of foreign loans, mentioning a recent loan rescheduling by China as an example of the country’s reliance on external financial support. He criticized the reliance on income support programs as a substitute for industrial development, suggesting that such policies do not address the root causes of economic stagnation but rather perpetuate a cycle of dependency.
Hashmi’s call for a national government aims to initiate a radical change in Pakistan’s governance structure, advocating for a system that aligns with modern requirements and Islamic principles. His comments underscore a broader critique of Pakistan’s political landscape, where the quest for power often overshadows the pursuit of public welfare and sustainable development.
Faisalabad, Humayun Akhtar Khan, the Senior Vice President of the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party and candidate from NA 97, is actively campaigning in his constituency. During recent events, including corner meetings and a rally organized by Anjuman Tajran Tandlianwala City, he secured endorsements from prominent community leaders, social figures, business leaders, and youth representatives. Khan’s campaign is focused on addressing the long-standing issues faced by the residents of one of Pakistan’s most neglected areas.
According to Istehkam-e-Pakistan, Khan criticized the historical political dominance of two families over the past 76 years, blaming them for the area’s stagnation in development, lack of quality education and healthcare, and the overall state of impoverishment. He emphasized his and his panel’s commitment to overcoming these challenges and bringing substantial change to the constituency. Khan, leveraging his extensive experience in politics, including serving as a member of Parliament and holding federal ministries, promises a future of progress and prosperity for the local population.
Khan’s vision includes significant infrastructure improvements, the establishment of quality schools and healthcare centers at the Union Council level, and ensuring clean and accessible streets and roads. He outlined plans to initiate welfare projects, develop the agricultural sector, and introduce IT centers to revolutionize youth employment opportunities in Faisalabad. Khan’s pledge to the electorate is grounded in his clean political record and a promise of dedication to the constituency, aiming to dismantle the legacy of neglect by previous representatives.
The forthcoming general elections on February 8 represent, in Khan’s view, a critical opportunity for voters to choose a brighter future for themselves and succeeding generations. His campaign message is one of hope and change, urging constituents to support his bid to transform the area’s socio-economic landscape.