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Improving Municipal Services for Urban Population

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The Municipal services are among the most important services rendered by the Municipalities or Municipal corporations globally including Pakistan. The Poor Planning, absence of Master plans for the urban cities have made the urban population of the cities prone Environmental, the Social and Economic performance of the cities such as Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Hyderabad and others.

The thematic areas of  Municipal corporations include Clean drinking water, Sanitation, Sewerage, Waste Management, Streets, Lighting, Emergency or rescue services such as Ambulances, basic Health facilities, social and community welfare activities such event management, recreational services, Public Safety, Transportation and roads, Bus, Van and Taxi Terminals, Parks and zoos for amusement and recreation.

The essential services include such as schools, colleges, Playgrounds etc. These facilities are mentioned in UN-Habitat Essential services and Practices policy especially recommended for the whole world as mentioned in Istanbul “Declaration on Human Settlements”.

The Municipal committees and Municipal Corporation generate funds from various sources such as property and estate owned by them given on lease or rent to the people and the income generated is used on provisions of various essential services.

The Municipal Committees or corporations also auctions various contracts to the general public such as Cattle Markets, Vegetable and Fruit markets, Transport Services and accrues a handsome amount in millions from them.

The funds are spent for the general public on the provision of clean drinking water, Education and Health facilities, Emergency, Infrastructure such as roads, Parks, Public Libraries, Community centres, Auditoriums, Marriage Halls. The Municipalities also earn from these services and cover their operation and maintenance costs.

With ever-growing Population and massive urbanization, it is very difficult for this organization to cater to the needs of the population at such a large scale. The meagre budgets allocated on the basis of smaller Population puts municipalities on the test as this organization struggle to meet the requirements of the common people.

There are also reports that misappropriation in the local government funds, Mismanagement, incompetence, Political involvement, non-cader employees has wreaked havoc with these local government Organizations. The political and fake appointments lead affecting their proper function and heavy burden on their operational and maintenance budget.

The Chief Municipal Officers are often appointed on nepotism, favouritism and sold like the commodity to those who could afford since there is no proper recruitment policy that may bring a constructive and lasting change in improving the indispensable Municipal services to provide relief to the Urban Population.

There is also a serious problem of misuse of funds in other activities beyond the purview of the municipality such as repair and renovation of bungalows of Political figures, purchase of vehicles beyond the Limit and corrupt practices of fake appointments or Ghost appointments.

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The local funds are transferred to bank accounts as these funds are not routed or passed through government treasuries. The lower sanitation staffs are mostly affected as these are not paid on time.

Even, their pension cases are delayed on the pretext of shortage of funds. Actually, funds are utilized by the Influential Elected representatives the Municipal Committee or Tehseel councils and District Councils.

The local Government system introduced by General Parvez Musharraf was much better than existing municipals services since the finance department and Planning Departments were devolved at the district level and the districts had financial autonomy in fund spending.

But, nowadays, people knock the doors of  MPAs and MNAs for minor development work of Crosses, CC Blocks, Small bridges over canals, repairs of link roads. The Sustainable, efficient and integrated municipal services lead to facilitate people enormously and boost urban development.

The clean drinking water is the basic need of people but unfortunately, access to clean and safe drinking water is still a far cry in various big and small cities especially Karachi, Sukkur.

The lethargic and incompetent municipal authorities have messed up the issue of water supply as so far these water distribution channels have not repaired and maintained to fulfil the needs of the ever-growing population. The water supply is often contaminated with sewage thus creating various water-borne diseases and environmental challenge for the People.

The Government should take the issue seriously and ensure the provision of Safe and Pure drinking water to minimize the chances of various diseases.

The transportation or mobility is yet another key component of Municipal which is also being neglected, The Poor infrastructure of Streets, Roads and Drainage system causing various environmental challenges. The Streets and roads are often inundated with sewage water thus making the movement of the people very difficult. The Municipalities should study various models and implement the best model given the conditions and challenges being faced with.

There are also the biggest issues of proper waste management. The heaps of garbage lying in every street poses a grave threat to public health warrants the municipal authorities and the provincial Government to chalk out plan dispose of the waste so that the environmental challenges may be curbed.

Through Sindh Government has established Sindh Solid Waste Management Board to carry out waste management in Karachi Metropolitan Area but such initiative is needed at every District level so that proper waste management practices may be utilized to make the environment clean for the living.

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Punjab has also established various waste management companies to manage waste in the Public sector such as Gujranwala Waste Management Company, Lahore Waste Management Company, Multan Waste Management Company, etc. There is strong need to expand such waste management Companies Network throughout Punjab at District Level. The ADB funded Projects such as Sindh Cities Improvement Program established North Sindh Urban Services Corporation (NSUSC) at Sukkur and South Sindh Urban Services but these failed to deliver the desired results of waste and sewage since people started complaining against these due to their inability to fulfil the needs of The People.

There are also reports that Municipal employs had hatched a plot to fail these services so that they may regain the responsibility and misuse the funds as practices earlier.

The other missing key component is education. The Municipal Administration in Sindh,  Punjab, Baluchistan and KPK have failed to provide basic education by establishing municipal Models School to impart education to people living in municipal limits and suburbs. Education leads the development of the nation but neglecting the Education component will cause backwardness and rise of criminal activities.

Finally, Municipal services are essential for the people living in the cities and the quality of Municipal services could be improved by studying various Models and implementing the best model as per the needs and circumstances. The proper solid waste management practices at the District and Tehsil level may be practised to get rid of the heaps of solid waste. The Solid Waste can be converted into Energy by producing electricity from the waste as practices India and other countries.

The Provision of clean drinking water may be ensured by setting up RO plants. The emergency services such as Fire Brigade Staff, Ambulance Services and rescue services in case Natural Disasters may be ensured so that the real spirit of Municipal services may be revitalized.

Though the urban Policy Units are established in three provinces, yet there is need to strengthen these policy units to give policy advice on solid waste management and effective Municipal services to transform cities into engines of growth to bring economic Boom.

The Urban Unit Lahore, Urban policy directorate Karachi and  Urban Policy Unit KPK have done a tremendous job by introducing best practices in the urban economy, Transportation, Housing, water and Sanitation and Solid Waste Management Technologies to transform the urban cities into growth engines through implementation of the effective Urban Policy.

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The Right-Wing Politics in United States & The Capitol Hill Mayhem

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The radicalized right-wing politics during the Trump Administration is responsible for creating severe unrest in the US, and subsequently, in the global community. There is a dire need to change the political structure in the US to safeguard the true spirit of democracy.

The US witnessed one of the tumultuous transitions of power as the republicans shook the very roots of a model democracy in the US after the Capitol Hill mayhem.

Trump administration during the four-year Presidential Term has been worst on all fronts -be it Internal Policy, Health Policy, unemployment, Governance, Foreign Policy, security and Trade policy.

Trump, being afraid of defeat resorted to inciting voters, supporters and workers to attack Capitol Hill, and his racial tirade and overtures drowned him in last year’s most trumpeted Presidential Elections when the country appeared divided between the rightist and leftists.

Trump and his attack on democracy

The elections witnessed the bloodshed, torture, violence and sheer violation of legislative laws that warranted immediate legal action. From his election to the Presidential slot, Trump behaved like an amateur.

He ran the political affairs as a personal business rather than a statesman. He, being an actor, took the job as a mere role but the presidency demands prudence and sensible decisions to avoid any worst repercussions.

Trump’s aggressive response to matters of importance further exacerbated the situation, especially with China and Iran.

The leftists or change agents wanted a people-friendly government where the rights of people should be protected regardless of their political affiliation or association, caste, colour, creed, religion, ethnicity.

For the years, US democracy has been a model for many developing countries owing to its non-radicalized and people-friendly Governments.

All the democratic forces were stunned over the unfortunate incident of  Capitol Hill mayhem and were shocked that even developed nations like America can be enthralled, enticed and incited to the level that will shake the very roots of  Democracy i.e  Capitol Hill.

The world responded with regrets that it was unfortunate that Trumpism radicalized supporters to the extent that they were instigated and incited to influence the Presidential Elections results so that Biden’s Victory may not be validated.

America in disgrace

The world might have moved to tears when Trump supporters and workers ransacked Capitol Hill and brought disgrace for America around the world.

All experts, analysts and pro-democracy leaders condemned such act since it was against the norms of civilized nations of the world.

All the mayhem that stormed the US was orchestrated and masterminded by a Business Tycoon, Actor turned Politician Donald Trump who already lost his credibility for his election to the office of President since he was facing rigging and horse-trading charges in his first term that led to his impeachment Trial but luckily he was set free twice from impeachment during his presidency.

Furthermore, his complete failure to tackle the issue of pandemic also contributed to his humiliating defeat since he ridiculed the pandemic by terming it China Virus owing to trade war with China.

Later, when the pandemic went out of control, he took initiative but it was too late to restrict the covid-19 infections since the US had the highest ratio of infections in the world.

Diplomatic relations ruined by Trumpism

Trump escalated the situation with Iran by killing General Qassem Suleimani in Iraq. Later, Iran attacked American Military bases in Iraq but there were no causalities reported for the incident. Iran also shot down a passenger plane by mistake and all passengers were killed.

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Trump’s diplomatic relations with China worsened due to the Trade war. American relations with North Korea did not improve though both Trump and KIM met in Singapore to reach a possible peace agreement.

His amnesty or pardon for his friends also came under heavy criticism since he was afraid that they might be prosecuted as his term ended.

His blunders contributed a lot to his worst defeat though, being stubborn did not accept defeat but later, Supreme Court rejected his claims of any rigging in elections.

Republicans being a right-wing party radicalized the political workers and community to that extent that people violated law without any fear as they enjoyed the support from the white house.

The right-wing politics of Donald trump sowed the seeds of hatred and hostility that will have serious repercussions in the long run as long as the Trumpism pandemic exists among the people.

His failure to implement a deal of the century plan in the Middle East that was aimed merely on supporting Israel by giving a greater share of settlements. The deal came to a logical end as it was heavily criticized and Palestinians called it to suicide if accepted.

Despite signing the deal with the Afghan Taliban with the help of Pakistan to end 20 years longest war on terror and paving the way for US troops’ withdrawal, the law and order situation has not improved so far as the peace dialogue between the Afghan Taliban and Government yet to take place.

Biden as a saviour

Right-wing politicians led by Trumps have serious implications that will ultimately create problems for Biden to cope with during his presidency.

Biden has to overhaul the whole system to restore the Trust and reputation in the world and strengthen the US through unity by abolishing the discriminatory approach.

The Selection of an Afro-American lady as Vice President has already laid the foundation to put the country on right track and building the trust of all the communities whether voted for him or not as he called himself the president of all Americans rather than of those who voted and supported him during his victory speech.

The Vote is the great tool of people to bring in the choice of leadership as it is the constitutional right of every American and can be exercised on free will without any pressure

The Afro-American community still recalls the cold-blooded murder of George Floyd by Police, supported Joe Biden after he chose Kamala Harris as Vice President candidate.

On the other hand, though Trump was given clean chit in impeachment since he was charged with inciting the supporters to attack Capitol Hill that will be marked as a black day in American history, yet he has sown the seeds of intolerance, political victimization and radicalizing the peaceful Americans.

This aspect of populist or right-wing politics always plagues the peaceful and vibrant societies in a developed nation like the US, UK, France and Germany.

Trump promoted racism through his flowery speech that incited and enthralled mob violence to exert pressure through street power as practised in Asian states such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, China and Japan.

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How will Biden make America ‘great’ again?

Political analysts term Trump as an existential threat for Biden as he still enjoys the second largest votes in key states and may create problems especially the legislation for key issues.

Biden will have to fix diplomatic relations with all nations of the world especially Tehran and Beijing as Former President Donald Trump escalated the diplomatic relations with these countries with his insensible and aggressive attitude.

He will have to take immediate steps to clear the mess that was stalled by Trump’s radicalized and extremist approach to right-wing Politics whose price is being paid by citizens through isolation and hatred.

Biden and Kamala Harris will have to chalk out such policies that deal with communities with equality and justice and especially deal with the pandemic situation through vaccination drive to minimize the covid-19 infections. The causalities have surpassed thousands whereas long lockdowns have created unemployment and an economic crisis impacting many industries.

They need to sit with health experts and Economists to get the country out of the crisis. It will be better to take help from the nations that managed to defeat this pandemic with SOPs and measures.

Beyond ego, the US may seek help from Russia, China, Singapore and the UK to win against the pandemic situation, though the ratio of the infections dropped worldwide as the cold winter departs.

Joe Biden will have to support Kashmiris against the unilateral move of India as he had promised in the election campaign.

He should play his role for the Middle East peace plan of the two-state solution so that Palestinians may have a state as per their wishes and the map they have in mind.

It was the sensible decision from him that troops’ withdrawal option was postponed, given the critical situation in Afghanistan. Rather, he should not jeopardize or sabotage the peace deal with the Taliban.

Biden should engage person like Zalmay Khalilzad to strengthen the dialogue process between the Afghan Taliban and other stakeholders including the existing Government of Ashraf Ghani so that peace could be restored as it will benefit all the countries and play a pivotal role in regional stability and prosperity.

The pandemic has united the world as human conscience has roused again.

Republicans and Democrats

Finally, Democrats have always saved America and promoted justice, equality and opened doors for the world for immigration but Trump wreaked havoc with all the social norms and promoted intolerance, racism and inequality that shook the very roots of the country and gave birth to happenings of Capitol Hill and distrust on the electoral system.

Biden Administration is expected and mandated by the masses to clear that mess and pave the way for his second term if he succeeds to bring change to the country.

Right-wing politics has its pros and cons but the version introduced by Republicans radicalized the whole system and divided the country even in times of emergency.

Populist leaders all around the world have impacted various governments, especially in the Asian States as they are elected on popular vote.

The version introduced by Trump may give birth to the dissent voices as left-wing whose critique may be beyond rectification whereas the ethnic divide, will promote separatism as happened in the UK, Spain, Russia and the Subcontinent when people’s rights were compromised and the freedom of expression was annulled.

The US cannot afford further isolation and division of communities on the basis of ethnicity, colour or radical thoughts since it has already paid the price during the Trump regime.

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The Development of microfinance industry depends upon the resilience and risk management: SECP Chairman Amir Khan

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Islamabad : SECP Chairman, Aamir Khan emphasized that in these challenging times the development of microfinance industry depends upon the resilience and risk management, achieved through quintessential pillars of liquidity-tapped through private capital and technology embracement. Khan was addressing the Non-Bank Microfinance Companies Stakeholders Forum organized by SECP to devise a way forward and collaborate strategic response to cope the challenges posed by COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing lockdowns.

The SECP Chairman Amir Khan, along with Commissioner Specialized Companies Division, Farrukh Sabzwari chaired the session. Representatives of Pakistan Microfinance Network (PMN), State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), National Bank of Pakistan (NBP), Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF), Pakistan Microfinance Investment Company Limited (PMIC), Karandaaz Pakistan and multilateral donor agencies including the World Bank, International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Department for International Development (DFID) attended the session.

 The Chairman SECP advised NBMFCs to go far product diversification to insurance solutions and saving products and build capacity of their workforce to attain business development and operational efficiency. He endorsed formation of a working group consisting of nominees from SECP, PMN, PMIC and NBMFCs to further analyze the situation. The working group will also take up the matters with relevant forums including ministry of finance, SBP and multilateral donor agencies for possible solutions.

Khan expressed SECP’s firm commitment to providing all possible support to industry not only during the current pandemic times but also in developing the industry on a strong footing. SECP Commissioner, Sabzwari highlighted the measures taken by SECP to provide relief and flexibility to the NBMFCs and their wholesale lender in managing funding requirements. He also talked about SECP’s advice to NBMFCs to defer and reschedule borrower loans.

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Participants acknowledged SECP’s timely intervention to provide regulatory relief to NBMFCs in managing their credit lines and funding requirements. However, industry representatives expressed their concerns on potential defaults by borrower and liquidity crunch that may lead to capital crisis in the industry.

They raised the need of new money injection into the industry through collaborative efforts of microfinance regulators and the government. Representatives of international donor agencies attending the Forum expressed their resolve to extend fullest possible support to Pakistan’s microfinance sector.    

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Gov’t releases Rs 533.33 billion for various development projects so far

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Islamabad: The federal government has so far authorized release of Rs 533.33 billion for various ongoing and new social sector uplift projects under its Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2019-20, as against the total allocation of Rs 701 billion.

Under its development programme, the government has released an amount of Rs 230.3 billion for federal ministries, Rs 175.65 billion for corporations and Rs 43.46 billion for special areas, according to a latest data released by Ministry of Planning, Development and Reform.

Out of these allocations, the government released Rs 38.5 billion for security enhancement in the country for which the government had allocated Rs 53 billion during the year 2019-20.

An amount of Rs 81.37 billion has also been released for the blocks managed by finance division under the government’s 10 years development programme.

Similarly, for Higher Education Commission, the government released an amount of Rs 27.07 billion out of its total allocation of Rs 29 billion while Rs 301.47 million were released for Pakistan Nuclear Energy Authority for which the government had allocated Rs 301.48 million in the development budget.

For National Highway Authority, the government released Rs154.94 billion. Under annual development agenda, the government also released Rs 10.7 billion for Railways Division out of total allocation of Rs16 billion, Rs 7.7 billion for Interior Division, and Rs 8.38 billion for National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination Division.

Revenue Division received Rs 4.3 billion whereas the Cabinet Division also received Rs 30.18 billion for which an amount of Rs 39.986 billion has been allocated for the year 2019-20.

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The government also released Rs 26.9 billion for Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) block and other projects out of its allocations of Rs 27.26 billion and Rs 16.54 billion for Gilgit Baltistan (Block and other projects).

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