Lahore: The current strategy of shutting down commercial activities and markets to combat smog is deemed ineffective, with the government failing to address the root causes of the issue.

The Chainstore Association of Pakistan (CAP), the official trade body of the retail sector, conveyed these concerns during a ceremony focused on smog mitigation.

Tariq Mehboob, Chairman of CAP, asserted that the government's attempt to control smog by limiting commercial activity is misguided, as the retail sector's contribution to air pollution is minimal. He emphasized that heavy transport, burning of waste and crop residue, and non-compliant factories are the primary contributors to smog. Drawing on international examples, he suggested a shift in focus towards regulating large vehicles with low-quality fuel emissions, curbing waste burning, and addressing factories emitting pollutants by burning materials like wood and tires.

Chairman CAP Tariq Mehboob further highlighted that recent restrictions, including shortened operating hours and full-day closures, have resulted in significant losses for retail businesses, affecting employment and tax generation. He pointed out that the retail sector has faced over 30 instances of prolonged restrictions over the past four years, impacting compliant retailers the most.

Vice Chairman CAP, Asad Shafi, expressed concerns about the closure of commercial activities, stating that it does not address the root causes of smog. He emphasized that repeated shutdowns of one sector alone will not effectively reduce smog or save electricity.

Tariq Mehboob shared the economic impact of recent decisions, stating that the full retail shutdown in six major divisions of Punjab on the last Sunday led to a loss of Rs 10 billion for retail businesses, the domestic supply chain, and tax revenues.

While acknowledging the government's decisions, CAP proposed an alternative approach, suggesting a modification in daily retail operating hours to start in the afternoon, allowing for a daily saving of 4-5 hours in the morning.

This, according to CAP, strikes a balance between mitigating smog impact and sustaining economic activities, employment, and tax revenues. CAP also advocated for collaboration between the government and brands to educate the public on reducing air pollution and its harmful effects.

The association emphasized the importance of involving stakeholders in decision-making processes that directly impact businesses and local investments.

Dubai: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar met Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on the sidelines of COP-28 conference in Dubai today.

The two leaders discussed bilateral relations and exchanged views on international and regional issues of mutual interest including situation in Afghanistan.

They also discussed the evolving humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Both leaders expressed satisfaction over the upward trajectory in bilateral relations between Pakistan and the Netherlands.

They appreciated the celebrations held in Islamabad and the Hague to mark 75 years of establishment of diplomatic relations this year.

Speaking on the occasion, Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar underscored that Pakistan and the Netherlands should work together bilaterally and through the European Union on matters of mutual interest.

He invited the Dutch companies to invest in the areas of agriculture, horticulture, water management and renewable energy in Pakistan.

The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of concrete outcome on climate action and referred to Pakistan's climate vulnerabilities despite being one of the lowest carbons emitters.

He invited the Dutch Prime Minister to visit Pakistan.

Islamabad: Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja said that the delimitation of constituencies has been completed and everything will be done on time.

In an informal conversation with journalists in Islamabad today, he said we are doing everything well ahead of time.

The Chief Election Commissioner also assured timely announcement of election schedule and appointment of returning officers and deputy returning officers.

Earlier in the day, Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) released final list of constituencies of national and provincial assemblies based on the 7th Population and Housing Census 2023.

According to the notification, total seats of National Assembly would be 336 comprising 266 general, 60 for women and 10 reserved seats for non-Muslims.  

In the National Assembly, Punjab will have a total of 173 seats, Sindh 75, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 55 and Balochistan 20. The federal capital will have three general seats in the lower house.

Meanwhile, total seats for four provincial assemblies will be 749 comprising 593 general, 132 for women and 24 for Non-Muslims. 

In the provincial legislatures, Punjab Assembly will comprise of 371 seats, Sindh 168, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 145 and Balochistan sixty five seats.