The right to eat

Pakistan has global acute malnutrition (GAM) rate of almost 18pc, exceeding the emergency threshold of less than 10pc. To address this, the NGO Fortified Education Foundation (FEF) has embarked on a journey to feed the malnourished mindfully with certified nutritionists on board who devise recipes to nourish children, according to a press release.

Plaguing Pakistan at an alarming rate, the most affected lot remains school-going children aged between five and 15. A recent study in Karachi’s urban slums found that the frequency of malnutrition among this category was: 38.3pc (stunting), 28.5pc (wasting), and 17.5pc (underweight).

Another study from Islamabad showed similar results. Malnutrition causes weakness, weight loss, impaired thinking, and a compromised immune system stunting their growth.

Currently, the NGO feeds about 350-400 children daily, trying to make a difference in their lives. The NGO is committed to amplifying its efforts all across Karachi after starting off from Orangi Town.

Agha Khan’s sustainability efforts

Aga Khan Health Service, Pakistan, an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), has won the silver award in the Ashikaga-Nikken Excellence award category for Green Hospitals at the International Hospital Federation (IHF) Awards 2022, according to a press release.

In Pakistan, waste volumes and emissions have been controlled at health facilities operated by Aga Khan Health Service, Pakistan, by up to 60pc. Air conditioners and refrigerators have been shifted to use the most environment-friendly gases. All facilities and offices are in the process of switching to energy-efficient lights or, in some cases, solar energy.

In remote valleys, Aga Khan Health Service has made it possible for patients to connect with doctors in urban areas working in modern health facilities via teleconsultations. This not only saves patients’ time and money but also impacts emissions by minimising the need to travel.

Minister visits POF’s stall at IDEAS

On the 4th day of the International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS-2022), Muhammad Israr Tareen, Federal Minister for Defence Production, visited the Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF) Stall. POF has a vast indigenous range of over 11 products that were launched at IDEAS-2022, according to a press release.

Products include 12.7mm heavy sniper and 5.56x45mm ammunition. The heavy sniper rifle ammo is a high-precision armour-piercing cartridge for long-range shooting against protected targets. It is designed for use in all 12.7x99mm sniper rifles and guarantees a precision of 19.2cm at 550meters. It can perforate a 22mm armour plate at 100 metres.

The ammunition has been produced indigenously as per NATO standards. Mr Tareen has lauded POF’s efforts to cater to the defence needs.

Workshop on green energy development

A one-day international workshop on “Sustainable and Green Energy Development” was organised by the Department of Civil Engineering, UET Peshawar, in collaboration with Universite’ Le Havre Normandie, France, on November 17, 2022, at UET Peshawar, according to a press release.

The workshop aimed to provide a platform for an open discussion among national and international researchers and students on sustainable and green energy development, finding solutions for minimising the impact of climate change and beneficial reuse of waste material in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.

Housing finance solutions for employees

Mobilink Microfinance Bank Limited (MMBL) and U Microfinance Bank Ltd (U Bank) have entered into a strategic partnership to provide housing finance facilities for their employees. Under this partnership, U Bank and MMBL employees can seek housing finance from each other.

Eligible employees would have the opportunity to access affordable housing finance of up to Rs3m to purchase a new house, flat, apartment, or plot for construction, as well as to construct a house on a pre-owned plot or add an extension to an existing housing unit. The loan application process has been simplified to facilitate fast-track processing and efficient disbursement of the loaned amount.

FFC’s corporate briefing

Fauji Fertiliser Company (FFC) held its third corporate briefing for 2022 in collaboration with Khadim Ali Shah Bukhari Securities (Pvt) Ltd as part of its best corporate governance practices, according to a press release. FFC has been recognised by the Pakistan Stock Exchange as the first among the top 25 companies for 12 years consecutively for its company performance, efficient management and compliance with the Code of Corporate Governance.

Published in Dawn, The Business and Finance Weekly, November 21st, 2022