Bewal Express
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I am sure there is some exaggeration and political spin but there is also no doubt that there is real work on the ground going on.
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Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's 'billion tree tsunami'
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I am sure there is some exaggeration and political spin but there is also no doubt that there is real work on the ground going on.
Funny , you asking Mamoon about Imran Khan's project, don;t you know his answer already, :
)
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Bewal Express
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Funny , you asking Mamoon about Imran Khan's project, don;t you know his answer already, :
Do remember his Saplings thread where he tagged me in and then ran from his own thread.
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Found this but it is really old. Hopefully we can message this guy to update. He used free available GIS maps from US geological services to see the changes.
https://geospatialwarehouse.wordpre...planation-with-remote-sensing-satellite-data/
OMB
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Pakistan not at fault but most at risk due to climate change: PM Imran
Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Thursday that Pakistan was among the countries most at risk due to climate change even though it contributed less than one percent to global carbon emissions.
The premier expressed these views while addressing a special event in Islamabad on green financing innovations. The event was organised by the Ministry of Climate Change as part of World Environment Day, according to Radio Pakistan.
"We are more vulnerable than Bangladesh [...] due to the melting of our glaciers," he said. "It is not our fault. There are giants that contribute to carbon emissions but countries like us face the consequences," he said, adding that awareness was slowly spreading.
"For the first time in the United States, President Joe Biden's administration is focusing on climate change. The previous administration was not thinking about environmental degradation."
PM Imran reiterated that if we wanted to protect future generations from the impact of climate change, it is imperative to take steps to protect the environment, which include making national parks, planting trees and carrying out urban forestry.
"We need to utilise all available resources to increase the number of trees in the country," he said, adding that China had also developed a green city. "We can learn a lot from China."
PM Imran lauded that fact that mangroves had increased in the country during the last 20 years despite deforestation. He also said awareness about climate change had increased among the public, especially among school children.
"We need to take this further so that our entire country is focused on ensuring a better future for coming generations."
Commenting on the concept of "green bonds", he said that the world was slowly realising the greed with which it had exploited nature. "There were always going to be consequences of that. Thankfully, awareness has increased in the past 10 years."
He said Pakistan would take the lead in raising awareness about climate change.
"People only started caring about global warming in the past 20 years. Before that when someone used to talk about it, others used to laugh. Even now, in the past three to four years, some developed countries did not take it seriously."
He said that the California wildfires and Australia bush fires had jolted the global community. Major personalities, like Microsoft founder Bill Gates, had realised that steps were needed to mitigate the challenges of climate change before it was too late, he said.
PM hails launch of green bond
Earlier this week, the premier formally launched Pakistan's first green Eurobond by the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) to meet the financial needs for the construction of Diamer-Bhasha and Mohmand dams.
Out of nearly $2.2 billion that Wapda needs over five years ($1.1bn in first two years), it is initially raising $500m through the Indus bond. The number of bonds will gradually be increased based on the financial needs of the projects to be funded.
Speaking at the ceremony, PM Imran had said: "Unfortunately, one of Pakistan's biggest weaknesses is the implementation of projects. In my government I am also seeing that some things lag behind when it comes to implementation."
"A nation can't progress if you carry out planning from one election to the next," he had said, adding that there was a need to invest in the country's children and to think about where the country was headed.
https://www.dawn.com/news/1627291/pakistan-not-at-fault-but-most-at-risk-due-to-climate-change-pm-imran
Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Thursday that Pakistan was among the countries most at risk due to climate change even though it contributed less than one percent to global carbon emissions.
The premier expressed these views while addressing a special event in Islamabad on green financing innovations. The event was organised by the Ministry of Climate Change as part of World Environment Day, according to Radio Pakistan.
"We are more vulnerable than Bangladesh [...] due to the melting of our glaciers," he said. "It is not our fault. There are giants that contribute to carbon emissions but countries like us face the consequences," he said, adding that awareness was slowly spreading.
"For the first time in the United States, President Joe Biden's administration is focusing on climate change. The previous administration was not thinking about environmental degradation."
PM Imran reiterated that if we wanted to protect future generations from the impact of climate change, it is imperative to take steps to protect the environment, which include making national parks, planting trees and carrying out urban forestry.
"We need to utilise all available resources to increase the number of trees in the country," he said, adding that China had also developed a green city. "We can learn a lot from China."
PM Imran lauded that fact that mangroves had increased in the country during the last 20 years despite deforestation. He also said awareness about climate change had increased among the public, especially among school children.
"We need to take this further so that our entire country is focused on ensuring a better future for coming generations."
Commenting on the concept of "green bonds", he said that the world was slowly realising the greed with which it had exploited nature. "There were always going to be consequences of that. Thankfully, awareness has increased in the past 10 years."
He said Pakistan would take the lead in raising awareness about climate change.
"People only started caring about global warming in the past 20 years. Before that when someone used to talk about it, others used to laugh. Even now, in the past three to four years, some developed countries did not take it seriously."
He said that the California wildfires and Australia bush fires had jolted the global community. Major personalities, like Microsoft founder Bill Gates, had realised that steps were needed to mitigate the challenges of climate change before it was too late, he said.
PM hails launch of green bond
Earlier this week, the premier formally launched Pakistan's first green Eurobond by the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) to meet the financial needs for the construction of Diamer-Bhasha and Mohmand dams.
Out of nearly $2.2 billion that Wapda needs over five years ($1.1bn in first two years), it is initially raising $500m through the Indus bond. The number of bonds will gradually be increased based on the financial needs of the projects to be funded.
Speaking at the ceremony, PM Imran had said: "Unfortunately, one of Pakistan's biggest weaknesses is the implementation of projects. In my government I am also seeing that some things lag behind when it comes to implementation."
"A nation can't progress if you carry out planning from one election to the next," he had said, adding that there was a need to invest in the country's children and to think about where the country was headed.
https://www.dawn.com/news/1627291/pakistan-not-at-fault-but-most-at-risk-due-to-climate-change-pm-imran
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Prime Minister Imran Khan has said the world's richest countries have not done enough to combat global warming, adding that his country had done more than any other in the world to combat rising emissions relative to its economic means.
Pakistan, this year's host of the United Nations' annual World Environment Day on June 5, is among the countries worst affected by climate change, having been regularly hit by devastating floods in recent years, displacing hundreds of thousands of people and destroying swathes of agricultural land.
"Has the developed world done enough: The answer is no," Imran said. "Emissions are from the rich countries. And I think they know they haven't done enough."
This year's World Environment Day will serve as the launch of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, calling for urgent action to revive damaged ecosystems.
Under PM Imran, Pakistan has undertaken a number of restoration projects, including a 10 billion tree-planting drive.
This week, Imran planted the billionth tree in that drive. The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) said in a report released on Friday that over the last five years, Pakistan had experienced an environmental turnaround after years of decline in its natural capital, but added more needed to be done.
Imran said developing countries like Pakistan had done "more than enough" to combat global warming and climate change despite having limited budgets and an array of problems to deal with such as in education and health.
"To take so much money out as we did - proportionate to our GDP and available income - I think Pakistan has done more than any country in the world," he said.
Aside from ecological restoration projects, Pakistan has also recently become active on the global green finance market, looking to access finance for environmentally friendly projects and decrease its reliance on fossil fuels.
Pakistan said the World Bank estimated the country's new plantation projects would be worth $500 million, and that the valuation could go up to $2.5 billion if carbon pricing estimates went up.
Imran said global green financing and the valuation of natural assets provided good incentives to the developing world to protect the environment.
"If you can prove to the people that by protecting your environment you can actually gain something as well, that means you have more buy-in from the people," he said. "Remember: hungry people do not really care for the environment."
Pakistan, this year's host of the United Nations' annual World Environment Day on June 5, is among the countries worst affected by climate change, having been regularly hit by devastating floods in recent years, displacing hundreds of thousands of people and destroying swathes of agricultural land.
"Has the developed world done enough: The answer is no," Imran said. "Emissions are from the rich countries. And I think they know they haven't done enough."
This year's World Environment Day will serve as the launch of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, calling for urgent action to revive damaged ecosystems.
Under PM Imran, Pakistan has undertaken a number of restoration projects, including a 10 billion tree-planting drive.
This week, Imran planted the billionth tree in that drive. The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) said in a report released on Friday that over the last five years, Pakistan had experienced an environmental turnaround after years of decline in its natural capital, but added more needed to be done.
Imran said developing countries like Pakistan had done "more than enough" to combat global warming and climate change despite having limited budgets and an array of problems to deal with such as in education and health.
"To take so much money out as we did - proportionate to our GDP and available income - I think Pakistan has done more than any country in the world," he said.
Aside from ecological restoration projects, Pakistan has also recently become active on the global green finance market, looking to access finance for environmentally friendly projects and decrease its reliance on fossil fuels.
Pakistan said the World Bank estimated the country's new plantation projects would be worth $500 million, and that the valuation could go up to $2.5 billion if carbon pricing estimates went up.
Imran said global green financing and the valuation of natural assets provided good incentives to the developing world to protect the environment.
"If you can prove to the people that by protecting your environment you can actually gain something as well, that means you have more buy-in from the people," he said. "Remember: hungry people do not really care for the environment."
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Bewal Express
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I think we have to create a central authority to oversee all the planting because we know enough people will see this as an opportunity to scam money. We need a website to show where its been done and strict monitoring using things like Google maps and audits to see if the saplings are surviving. It could become our great contribution to humanity or just a PR thing that dies a death with billions lost.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I thank ���� President Xi’s strong message on World Environment Day 2021 hosted by ���� reflecting our commitment to counter environment degradation. We laud Pres Xi's ldrship in combatting climate change & biodiversity loss & his offer to step up cooperation on ecosystem restoration</p>— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1401476917224738818?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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LONDON: Prime Minister Imran Khan and his British counterpart Boris Johnson in a telephone call on Monday discussed a range of issues, including the current situation in Afghanistan, global environmental challenges as well as the Covid-19 pandemic.
Mr Johnson also offered his condolences on the train accident that claimed dozens of lives in Ghotki.
A handout from 10 Downing Street read: “The leaders discussed the current situation in Afghanistan. They agreed on the need to ensure a long-term future of peace and stability in the country. The prime minister reiterated that the UK would continue to use the diplomatic and development tools at our disposal to support the government of Afghanistan.”
A Foreign Office handout said Mr Khan reiterated Pakistan’s support for an “Afghan-led and Afghan-owned” peace and reconciliation process and also stated that “a negotiated political solution was the only way forward”.
The two leaders discussed the need to take action to cut carbon emissions and protect biodiversity ahead of the COP26 Summit to be hosted by the UK later this year.
Mr Johnson congratulated Mr Khan on the success of the World Environment Day event which Pakistan hosted with the UN this week.
A day earlier, Mr Johnson in a video message had acknowledged Mr Khan’s efforts in the 10 Billion Tree Tsunami project. “I salute what Prime Minister Imran has done in promising to plant 10 billion trees. I salute what Imran Khan is doing to replant mangroves that are so vital for hoovering up carbon dioxide. I can’t promise a 10 billion tree [campaign] in the UK but I can say we in the UK will work with you and everyone else to tackle climate change and reduce emissions,” Mr Johnson had said.
The UK will host the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow on Nov 1-12.
In March, Mr Khan in a comment piece for The Times newspaper had written that COP26 would “end in failure without a finance deal”.
“I want to travel to COP26 in Glasgow with hope and optimism, showcasing Pakistan’s positive climate actions. However, what is clear to me is that without a strong climate finance deal on the table, there may not be any agreement at COP26 — an outcome we can all ill afford,” he had written, putting Pakistan’s adaptation finance needs at “$7-$14 billion each year”.
Ahead of the phone call, sources told Dawn that Mr Khan is tentatively scheduled to visit the United Kingdom in July. While no official confirmation or details of the visit were provided by the Pakistan High Commission, sources in Islamabad said his itinerary would be planned in accordance with the Covid-19 restrictions in place.
Pakistan is currently on the UK’s ‘red list’ for travel, which means only UK residents and nationals can enter after a mandatory 10-day hotel quarantine. However, the government has said that diplomatic missions, international organisations and conferences are among the limited exemptions to the travel ban.
Sources said Mr Khan’s trip may coincide with the scheduled England-Pakistan cricket matches in the UK starting on July 8 and ending on July 20.
In England, the final stage in the tiered roadmap for lifting lockdown is on June 21, although the spread of the Delta variant may result in changes to the timelines.
Published in Dawn, June 8th, 2021
Mr Johnson also offered his condolences on the train accident that claimed dozens of lives in Ghotki.
A handout from 10 Downing Street read: “The leaders discussed the current situation in Afghanistan. They agreed on the need to ensure a long-term future of peace and stability in the country. The prime minister reiterated that the UK would continue to use the diplomatic and development tools at our disposal to support the government of Afghanistan.”
A Foreign Office handout said Mr Khan reiterated Pakistan’s support for an “Afghan-led and Afghan-owned” peace and reconciliation process and also stated that “a negotiated political solution was the only way forward”.
The two leaders discussed the need to take action to cut carbon emissions and protect biodiversity ahead of the COP26 Summit to be hosted by the UK later this year.
Mr Johnson congratulated Mr Khan on the success of the World Environment Day event which Pakistan hosted with the UN this week.
A day earlier, Mr Johnson in a video message had acknowledged Mr Khan’s efforts in the 10 Billion Tree Tsunami project. “I salute what Prime Minister Imran has done in promising to plant 10 billion trees. I salute what Imran Khan is doing to replant mangroves that are so vital for hoovering up carbon dioxide. I can’t promise a 10 billion tree [campaign] in the UK but I can say we in the UK will work with you and everyone else to tackle climate change and reduce emissions,” Mr Johnson had said.
The UK will host the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow on Nov 1-12.
In March, Mr Khan in a comment piece for The Times newspaper had written that COP26 would “end in failure without a finance deal”.
“I want to travel to COP26 in Glasgow with hope and optimism, showcasing Pakistan’s positive climate actions. However, what is clear to me is that without a strong climate finance deal on the table, there may not be any agreement at COP26 — an outcome we can all ill afford,” he had written, putting Pakistan’s adaptation finance needs at “$7-$14 billion each year”.
Ahead of the phone call, sources told Dawn that Mr Khan is tentatively scheduled to visit the United Kingdom in July. While no official confirmation or details of the visit were provided by the Pakistan High Commission, sources in Islamabad said his itinerary would be planned in accordance with the Covid-19 restrictions in place.
Pakistan is currently on the UK’s ‘red list’ for travel, which means only UK residents and nationals can enter after a mandatory 10-day hotel quarantine. However, the government has said that diplomatic missions, international organisations and conferences are among the limited exemptions to the travel ban.
Sources said Mr Khan’s trip may coincide with the scheduled England-Pakistan cricket matches in the UK starting on July 8 and ending on July 20.
In England, the final stage in the tiered roadmap for lifting lockdown is on June 21, although the spread of the Delta variant may result in changes to the timelines.
Published in Dawn, June 8th, 2021
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I want all Pakistanis, esp our youth, to gear up for the biggest tree planting campaign in our history. We have a lot of catching up to do. <a href="https://t.co/miObo6XLK6">pic.twitter.com/miObo6XLK6</a></p>— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1409066568835690500?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">And we will be gearing up this monsoon season for our plantation drive - the biggest in Pakistan's history.</p>— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1409076173020172288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">And we will be gearing up this monsoon season for our plantation drive - the biggest in Pakistan's history.</p>— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1409076173020172288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Bewal Express
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Great Initiative. IA its a success. I also think Kaptaan needs to create a dept to monitor and evaluate the plantation. With weak institutional oversight comes corruption and its his reputation that will get damaged if their is any serious corruption
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Matta in Swat - Barren hills turning green. Incredible results from our Billion Tree Tsunami campaign in Khyber Pukhtunkhwa. InshaAllah we will leave a clean and green Pakistan for future generations. <a href="https://t.co/HpkUlA88FR">pic.twitter.com/HpkUlA88FR</a></p>— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1414144434808238080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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King_Kohli
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">On 19 Aug another hero of Forest Dept, Jamshid Iqbal, Forester Chitral Forest Div embraced Shahadat in the line of duty while fighting a forest fire in Chumurkun-Gole Protected Forest Compartment No.01. These are our heroes protecting our forests for a Green Pakistan. <a href="https://t.co/GDYNoFUQyz">pic.twitter.com/GDYNoFUQyz</a></p>— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1428942577051504640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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OMB
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Our government is dedicated to preservation of our trees and every tree is being saved --- including saving & replanting trees that need to be removed from a particular location. <a href="https://t.co/tS0uAvkZfK">pic.twitter.com/tS0uAvkZfK</a></p>— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1448564814830358529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Balloki Nature Reserve initiated in 2019 by taking land back from land grabbers. <a href="https://t.co/N7iAAXhUMZ">pic.twitter.com/N7iAAXhUMZ</a></p>— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1554834276386230272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Our billion tree tsunami prog for environment protection & to counter impact of climate change esp for our future generations already having an impact on our environment & wildlife. 2500 acre barren land of Changa Manga forest before 2020 - turned green after 10BTT plantations. <a href="https://t.co/y5bZOZpzd2">pic.twitter.com/y5bZOZpzd2</a></p>— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1554834163756576768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Our billion tree tsunami prog for environment protection & to counter impact of climate change esp for our future generations already having an impact on our environment & wildlife. 2500 acre barren land of Changa Manga forest before 2020 - turned green after 10BTT plantations. <a href="https://t.co/y5bZOZpzd2">pic.twitter.com/y5bZOZpzd2</a></p>— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1554834163756576768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Bewal Express
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Amazing but This should be the start of a massive environmental regeneration. A well planned Green, sustainable economy can help to create jobs and improve the environment
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Rs3.49bn irregularities seen in Billion Tree Tsunami Project
approximately, Rs1.25 billion expenditures declared irregular, wasteful, unlawful and unnecessary
PESHAWAR: The auditor general of Pakistan has detected over Rs3.493 billion irregularities during the three-year special audit of the PTI flagship 10-Billion Tree Tsunami Project (BTTP). The auditor has declared Rs 1,259 million payment doubtful and Rs983 million expenditures fictitious.
Approximately, Rs1.25 billion expenditures were declared irregular, wasteful, unlawful and unnecessary. The 36% eucalyptus plantation was made against the 10% provision of the PC-1, resulting in a financial loss of Rs 11.96 million besides huge usurpation of water leading to dryness of land, creating a threat to the environment.
Around 199 advance audit paras have exposed fake and excessive reporting by the staff, putting a question mark on the transparency of the project. The auditor has recommended a high-level inquiry as well as immediate recovery from those who caused the losses.
During the special audit of the BTTP for the financial year 2019 to 2021, it was noticed that various enclosures of the project established in different circles on 16,953.74 hectares were shown part of the project. The GPS measurement showed an over-claimed area, inflicting a loss of Rs305.523 million to the national exchequer.
The auditor is of the view that there is a high risk of misappropriation in the establishment of enclosures. The high degree of overlapping put a question mark on the management and professionalism of the whole chain of command. He said if a professional attitude had been adopted, such loss would not have happened. The whole chain of command was responsible for this loss and be brought to light.
It was astonishing to observe that some officials did fake reporting of the project achievements which were duly verified by the monitoring team of the PMU. The fake reporting was carried out in Chitral, Dir Kohistan, Lower Dir, Malakand, Kunhar Watershed and Unhar Watershed Forest Divisions. The auditor is of the view that reporting fake areas was a fraudulent practice that might not be justified. He has recommended that an inquiry should be initiated for fixing responsibility as well as recovery of Rs 353.312 million from the persons at fault.
Similarly, several forest divisions fictitiously claimed plantation activities in different areas, overlapping the areas under the BTTP. The auditor said the loss occurred due to overlapping plantation areas of other DFOs. The monitoring report of the conservator resulted in an over-claimed area under the project. He said the DFO Orakzai and Galies Forest Division raised 7,671,400 plants in different nurseries while the said divisions showed utilization of 10,912,930 plants in different interventions. However, no whereabouts of the excess utilization of plants amounting to Rs32.415 million were shown in the audit that made the activities unauthentic and doubtful.
The auditor said uncertified and ungraded seeds obtained from unauthentic sources not only caused Rs109.365 million losses to the government but also increased the failure chances. The cost estimates of nurseries were not vetted by the specialized unit of the Environment Department. He observed that different circles raised various nurseries under the BTTP from which 51,070,457 plants were got. Of them, 28,000,122 plants were shown utilized while the whereabouts of the remaining 23,070,335 plants worth Rs 195.701 million were not shown to audit. He recommended a fact-finding inquiry for fixing responsibility as well as immediate recovery of Rs 195.701 million from the persons at fault.
It was reported that in the Mardan Forest Division (355 hectares) was charged for block plantation by the staff. It was revealed in the further scrutiny of the record that the actual area measured by the monitoring team was 38.08 hectares, causing a loss to the government to the tune of Rs 22.6 million. It was observed that the DFO Kohistan Watershed performed a bad land stabilization activity in various locations. It was astonishing to report that the sites namely Dedal 19 ha, and Chakesar 23 ha, were shown stabilized, but 34 ha did not physically exist on the ground. The auditor was of the view that the sites were fictitiously charged and caused a loss to the treasury amounting to Rs 5.168 million.
The report revealed that the Project Director PMU released Rs70.152 million to the DFO Mardan in 2019-20. The DFO reported almost all interventions in excellent condition while the scrutiny of the relevant record revealed that the plantation worth Rs8.500 million carried out along the Swat Expressway, Katlang, was in the worst condition. It was astonishing to note that the monitoring officer declared the area in excellent condition while the same was reported worst by senior officials at the same time. This contradiction clearly indicates that the monitoring officers intentionally did false reporting to the competent authority.
After the test check, the auditor was of the view that fake monitoring reports were generated for the entire Mardan Division. There was a high chance of misappropriation of government resources utilized under the BTTP. Fake monitoring reports put a question mark on the transparency of plantation activities carried out in the division. The auditor recommended early recovery from the responsible.
It was noticed that different forest divisions showed plantation of eucalyptus in violation of the PC-1 allocation of 10% of the total plantation. The scrutiny of the record revealed that 36% eucalyptus plantation was made against the 10% provision of the PC-1. The irregularity was a violation of PC-1, resulting in a financial loss of Rs11.96 besides huge usurpation of water, leading to dryness of land and creating a threat to the environment. Different forest divisions had distributed 19,706,685 plants free of cost to locals, but the record revealed that only 15,981,000 plants were distributed. This indicated that either the distribution was not carried out or only paperwork was done.
Likewise, in the Daur and Kunhar watershed, Torghar, upper and lower Kohistan Forest Divisions, 6,653,182 plants were distributed among locals free of cost, having a market value of Rs57.736 million. The detailed list of beneficiaries was not provided for audit. The auditor was of the view that without a proper record, the distribution of free plants amounting to Rs57.736 million was doubtful. It was noticed that various plantation activities were carried out, but no updated plantation journals duly approved pre & post-activity photographs and geo-mappings (shapefiles) of areas. The auditor said the absence of the aforementioned record of expenditure amounting to Rs205.628 million could not be verified.
The audit report said that in Upper Kohistan it was noticed that Rs500,000 was incurred on a scheme, but no detail or record was available. Similarly, in Lower Kohistan, Rs 4.00 million was spent on developing rainwater, harvesting and water source schemes, but no detail or record was available.
It was observed that the DFO DI Khan carried out different activities in waterlogged areas while as per the monitoring report, the said areas were dry and not waterlogged. The auditor said the above-cited sites were dry. This caused a Rs5.550 million loss to the national exchequer. He observed that Rs 288.877 million incurred on account of procurement of vehicles by the PD PMU were considered wasteful because the department also purchased almost the same number of vehicles under the BTAP. He said the BTTP was the sister project of the BTAP, and the same vehicles could have also been utilized. Moreover, the procurement of vehicles through direct purchase from the Indus Motors amounting to Rs 288.877 million as well as contracts were not signed by the PD PMU. The DFO Lower Dir executed various activities amounting to Rs11.57 million, but no updated plantation record was approved by the Directorate of HR&M.
It was noticed that Rs.25.97 million were incurred for the purchase of various materials, but no stock register as well as tender documents were shown for audit to authenticate the procurement, usage and issuance of the said material, which made the whole expenditure of Rs 25.97 million doubtful.
The spokesman for the Department of Forests, Environment and Wildlife, while reacting to the audit report, said a special audit was under way by the AGP office. The draft report for the first two years of the BTTP had been received and sent to the divisions concerned for feedback. The audit paras would be settled down by the departmental committee. He said the BTTP was a federal project. KP has a target of raising 1 billion plants at a cost of Rs 27.3 billion, equally shared by the PSDP and the ADP. However, up till now, only Rs 11 billion had been released to KP with approximately 50 % from the ADP and the PSDP.
“Approximately Rs 3 billion have been released to Nigaihbans of enclosures while Rs 2 billion to Chowkidars of various interventions through crossed cheques. Furthermore, the procurement of about Rs 3 billion for 30 tractors, 30 water vehicles, plants, polythene bags, soil, etc had been sought through a competitive tender process,” he said.
The News PK
approximately, Rs1.25 billion expenditures declared irregular, wasteful, unlawful and unnecessary
PESHAWAR: The auditor general of Pakistan has detected over Rs3.493 billion irregularities during the three-year special audit of the PTI flagship 10-Billion Tree Tsunami Project (BTTP). The auditor has declared Rs 1,259 million payment doubtful and Rs983 million expenditures fictitious.
Approximately, Rs1.25 billion expenditures were declared irregular, wasteful, unlawful and unnecessary. The 36% eucalyptus plantation was made against the 10% provision of the PC-1, resulting in a financial loss of Rs 11.96 million besides huge usurpation of water leading to dryness of land, creating a threat to the environment.
Around 199 advance audit paras have exposed fake and excessive reporting by the staff, putting a question mark on the transparency of the project. The auditor has recommended a high-level inquiry as well as immediate recovery from those who caused the losses.
During the special audit of the BTTP for the financial year 2019 to 2021, it was noticed that various enclosures of the project established in different circles on 16,953.74 hectares were shown part of the project. The GPS measurement showed an over-claimed area, inflicting a loss of Rs305.523 million to the national exchequer.
The auditor is of the view that there is a high risk of misappropriation in the establishment of enclosures. The high degree of overlapping put a question mark on the management and professionalism of the whole chain of command. He said if a professional attitude had been adopted, such loss would not have happened. The whole chain of command was responsible for this loss and be brought to light.
It was astonishing to observe that some officials did fake reporting of the project achievements which were duly verified by the monitoring team of the PMU. The fake reporting was carried out in Chitral, Dir Kohistan, Lower Dir, Malakand, Kunhar Watershed and Unhar Watershed Forest Divisions. The auditor is of the view that reporting fake areas was a fraudulent practice that might not be justified. He has recommended that an inquiry should be initiated for fixing responsibility as well as recovery of Rs 353.312 million from the persons at fault.
Similarly, several forest divisions fictitiously claimed plantation activities in different areas, overlapping the areas under the BTTP. The auditor said the loss occurred due to overlapping plantation areas of other DFOs. The monitoring report of the conservator resulted in an over-claimed area under the project. He said the DFO Orakzai and Galies Forest Division raised 7,671,400 plants in different nurseries while the said divisions showed utilization of 10,912,930 plants in different interventions. However, no whereabouts of the excess utilization of plants amounting to Rs32.415 million were shown in the audit that made the activities unauthentic and doubtful.
The auditor said uncertified and ungraded seeds obtained from unauthentic sources not only caused Rs109.365 million losses to the government but also increased the failure chances. The cost estimates of nurseries were not vetted by the specialized unit of the Environment Department. He observed that different circles raised various nurseries under the BTTP from which 51,070,457 plants were got. Of them, 28,000,122 plants were shown utilized while the whereabouts of the remaining 23,070,335 plants worth Rs 195.701 million were not shown to audit. He recommended a fact-finding inquiry for fixing responsibility as well as immediate recovery of Rs 195.701 million from the persons at fault.
It was reported that in the Mardan Forest Division (355 hectares) was charged for block plantation by the staff. It was revealed in the further scrutiny of the record that the actual area measured by the monitoring team was 38.08 hectares, causing a loss to the government to the tune of Rs 22.6 million. It was observed that the DFO Kohistan Watershed performed a bad land stabilization activity in various locations. It was astonishing to report that the sites namely Dedal 19 ha, and Chakesar 23 ha, were shown stabilized, but 34 ha did not physically exist on the ground. The auditor was of the view that the sites were fictitiously charged and caused a loss to the treasury amounting to Rs 5.168 million.
The report revealed that the Project Director PMU released Rs70.152 million to the DFO Mardan in 2019-20. The DFO reported almost all interventions in excellent condition while the scrutiny of the relevant record revealed that the plantation worth Rs8.500 million carried out along the Swat Expressway, Katlang, was in the worst condition. It was astonishing to note that the monitoring officer declared the area in excellent condition while the same was reported worst by senior officials at the same time. This contradiction clearly indicates that the monitoring officers intentionally did false reporting to the competent authority.
After the test check, the auditor was of the view that fake monitoring reports were generated for the entire Mardan Division. There was a high chance of misappropriation of government resources utilized under the BTTP. Fake monitoring reports put a question mark on the transparency of plantation activities carried out in the division. The auditor recommended early recovery from the responsible.
It was noticed that different forest divisions showed plantation of eucalyptus in violation of the PC-1 allocation of 10% of the total plantation. The scrutiny of the record revealed that 36% eucalyptus plantation was made against the 10% provision of the PC-1. The irregularity was a violation of PC-1, resulting in a financial loss of Rs11.96 besides huge usurpation of water, leading to dryness of land and creating a threat to the environment. Different forest divisions had distributed 19,706,685 plants free of cost to locals, but the record revealed that only 15,981,000 plants were distributed. This indicated that either the distribution was not carried out or only paperwork was done.
Likewise, in the Daur and Kunhar watershed, Torghar, upper and lower Kohistan Forest Divisions, 6,653,182 plants were distributed among locals free of cost, having a market value of Rs57.736 million. The detailed list of beneficiaries was not provided for audit. The auditor was of the view that without a proper record, the distribution of free plants amounting to Rs57.736 million was doubtful. It was noticed that various plantation activities were carried out, but no updated plantation journals duly approved pre & post-activity photographs and geo-mappings (shapefiles) of areas. The auditor said the absence of the aforementioned record of expenditure amounting to Rs205.628 million could not be verified.
The audit report said that in Upper Kohistan it was noticed that Rs500,000 was incurred on a scheme, but no detail or record was available. Similarly, in Lower Kohistan, Rs 4.00 million was spent on developing rainwater, harvesting and water source schemes, but no detail or record was available.
It was observed that the DFO DI Khan carried out different activities in waterlogged areas while as per the monitoring report, the said areas were dry and not waterlogged. The auditor said the above-cited sites were dry. This caused a Rs5.550 million loss to the national exchequer. He observed that Rs 288.877 million incurred on account of procurement of vehicles by the PD PMU were considered wasteful because the department also purchased almost the same number of vehicles under the BTAP. He said the BTTP was the sister project of the BTAP, and the same vehicles could have also been utilized. Moreover, the procurement of vehicles through direct purchase from the Indus Motors amounting to Rs 288.877 million as well as contracts were not signed by the PD PMU. The DFO Lower Dir executed various activities amounting to Rs11.57 million, but no updated plantation record was approved by the Directorate of HR&M.
It was noticed that Rs.25.97 million were incurred for the purchase of various materials, but no stock register as well as tender documents were shown for audit to authenticate the procurement, usage and issuance of the said material, which made the whole expenditure of Rs 25.97 million doubtful.
The spokesman for the Department of Forests, Environment and Wildlife, while reacting to the audit report, said a special audit was under way by the AGP office. The draft report for the first two years of the BTTP had been received and sent to the divisions concerned for feedback. The audit paras would be settled down by the departmental committee. He said the BTTP was a federal project. KP has a target of raising 1 billion plants at a cost of Rs 27.3 billion, equally shared by the PSDP and the ADP. However, up till now, only Rs 11 billion had been released to KP with approximately 50 % from the ADP and the PSDP.
“Approximately Rs 3 billion have been released to Nigaihbans of enclosures while Rs 2 billion to Chowkidars of various interventions through crossed cheques. Furthermore, the procurement of about Rs 3 billion for 30 tractors, 30 water vehicles, plants, polythene bags, soil, etc had been sought through a competitive tender process,” he said.
The News PK
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‘PTI’s schemes still receiving funds’
House passes motion to restore name of Benazir International Airport in Islamabad
ISLAMABAD:
The Ten Billion Tree Tsunami (TBTT) and the Naya Pakistan Housing Scheme (NPHS), the two flagship project of the previous Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government, still continued as the present government was releasing funds for them, the National Assembly was informed on Thursday.
The session, with Deputy Speaker Zahid Durrani in the chair, passed a motion to restore the name of Benazir Bhutto International Airport, Islamabad, despite its opposition from the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) – an ally of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led government.
The leaderships of the current government parties had been criticising the TBTT and the NPHS, when they were in the opposition. However, the house was informed that the both these schemes continued to receive allocated funds even after the removal of the PTI government in April this year.
The house was informed that Rs22.24 billion was spent under the TBTT in the last three years. After the present government took over, the scheme continued and between April 2022 and July 2022, 261.3 million saplings had been planted across the country.
Similarly, under the NPHS, banks had so far distributed Rs99.8 billion for the construction of 28,277 houses, while Rs9.6 million was paid by the government as subsidy. Besides, the government also paid Rs7 billion to the Ukhuwat Foundation for the construction of houses.
Climate Change Minister Sherry Rehman said that the Billion-Tree Tsunami scheme in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa was a provincial subject. She stressed that the Centre had no access to the corruption in the scheme but the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had taken notice of it.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the MQM—two major allies in the coalition government came face to face on restoring the old name of the airport in Islamabad. Nawabzada Iftikhar Khan moved a motion to restore the old name of Benazir Bhutto International Airport that was passed by a majority.
However, Kishwar Zehra of the MQM opposed the motion, saying that name change should not be made in a hurry. She reminded that her resolution about this was also pending. She demand that the Islamabad Airport should be named after the founding prime minsiter of Pakistan Liaquat Ali Khan.
Floods
Ghous Bakhsh Mahar of the opposition Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) raised the issue of floods in Sindh and Balochistan. He told the house that some members praised PTI chief Imran Khan others praised PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif but no-one cared about the people, who were drowning in floods.
Mahar stressed the need for providing seeds and fertilisers to the flood-affected farmers. In reply, Food Security Minister Tariq Bashir Cheema said that measures had been taken to rehabilitate the flood-affected areas.
The minister told the lawmaker that Rs5 billion had been released to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), which had started procurement of fertilisers. He assured that fertilisers, sprays and seeds would be provided to the flood-affected farmers.
Nuzhat Pathan said that nothing was left in Sindh after the floods, while the people were dying because of dengue outbreak. She added that the entire canal system has been destroyed in the province. She said what happened in Swat floods, would recur if buildings were constructed in riverbeds.
Khan Muhammad Jamali criticised the “incompetence” of the Balochistan Irrigation Department. He stressed the need for completing the Kachhi Canal. Another lawmaker Jamaluddin demanded purchase of two or three helicopters by each province so that those could be used in floods situations.
Qadir Mandokhel condemned the lack of participation of the lawmakers in the debate on the floods. He said that only five to seven members were present in the house. “There is a debate on the flood but there are no members in the House. I condemn the absence of members.”
Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh called for discussing the economic policies along with floods. He said that making economic polices was the job of parliament and not of bureaucrats. “Who is responsible for the burden on the common man?” he asked.
Maulana Akbar Chitrali drew attention of the house towards receiving TV fee in the electricity bills of a mosque in his native area. He said that the mosque of his neighbourhood got the electricity bill of Rs70,000 that included TV licence fee. Who watched TV in the mosque, he asked.
Parliamentary Secretary Rana Iradat Sharif replied that the TV fee charge meant that the mosque had the electricity connection in domestic category. He advised the lawmaker that mosque management should change the connection category.
Saira Bano criticised the appointment of Kamran Tessori as the new Sindh governor. She said that she was asked not to speak on the matter in the house but added that she would raise the matter anyway. Bano claimed that the Sindh governor was not supported by any of the 14 coalition parties.
However, Sabir Qaimkhani of the MQM replied that his party recommend the name of Tessori as the Sindh governor after consultation. Later, the National Assembly session was adjourned until 11 am Friday (today).
Express Tribune
House passes motion to restore name of Benazir International Airport in Islamabad
ISLAMABAD:
The Ten Billion Tree Tsunami (TBTT) and the Naya Pakistan Housing Scheme (NPHS), the two flagship project of the previous Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government, still continued as the present government was releasing funds for them, the National Assembly was informed on Thursday.
The session, with Deputy Speaker Zahid Durrani in the chair, passed a motion to restore the name of Benazir Bhutto International Airport, Islamabad, despite its opposition from the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) – an ally of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led government.
The leaderships of the current government parties had been criticising the TBTT and the NPHS, when they were in the opposition. However, the house was informed that the both these schemes continued to receive allocated funds even after the removal of the PTI government in April this year.
The house was informed that Rs22.24 billion was spent under the TBTT in the last three years. After the present government took over, the scheme continued and between April 2022 and July 2022, 261.3 million saplings had been planted across the country.
Similarly, under the NPHS, banks had so far distributed Rs99.8 billion for the construction of 28,277 houses, while Rs9.6 million was paid by the government as subsidy. Besides, the government also paid Rs7 billion to the Ukhuwat Foundation for the construction of houses.
Climate Change Minister Sherry Rehman said that the Billion-Tree Tsunami scheme in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa was a provincial subject. She stressed that the Centre had no access to the corruption in the scheme but the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had taken notice of it.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the MQM—two major allies in the coalition government came face to face on restoring the old name of the airport in Islamabad. Nawabzada Iftikhar Khan moved a motion to restore the old name of Benazir Bhutto International Airport that was passed by a majority.
However, Kishwar Zehra of the MQM opposed the motion, saying that name change should not be made in a hurry. She reminded that her resolution about this was also pending. She demand that the Islamabad Airport should be named after the founding prime minsiter of Pakistan Liaquat Ali Khan.
Floods
Ghous Bakhsh Mahar of the opposition Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) raised the issue of floods in Sindh and Balochistan. He told the house that some members praised PTI chief Imran Khan others praised PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif but no-one cared about the people, who were drowning in floods.
Mahar stressed the need for providing seeds and fertilisers to the flood-affected farmers. In reply, Food Security Minister Tariq Bashir Cheema said that measures had been taken to rehabilitate the flood-affected areas.
The minister told the lawmaker that Rs5 billion had been released to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), which had started procurement of fertilisers. He assured that fertilisers, sprays and seeds would be provided to the flood-affected farmers.
Nuzhat Pathan said that nothing was left in Sindh after the floods, while the people were dying because of dengue outbreak. She added that the entire canal system has been destroyed in the province. She said what happened in Swat floods, would recur if buildings were constructed in riverbeds.
Khan Muhammad Jamali criticised the “incompetence” of the Balochistan Irrigation Department. He stressed the need for completing the Kachhi Canal. Another lawmaker Jamaluddin demanded purchase of two or three helicopters by each province so that those could be used in floods situations.
Qadir Mandokhel condemned the lack of participation of the lawmakers in the debate on the floods. He said that only five to seven members were present in the house. “There is a debate on the flood but there are no members in the House. I condemn the absence of members.”
Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh called for discussing the economic policies along with floods. He said that making economic polices was the job of parliament and not of bureaucrats. “Who is responsible for the burden on the common man?” he asked.
Maulana Akbar Chitrali drew attention of the house towards receiving TV fee in the electricity bills of a mosque in his native area. He said that the mosque of his neighbourhood got the electricity bill of Rs70,000 that included TV licence fee. Who watched TV in the mosque, he asked.
Parliamentary Secretary Rana Iradat Sharif replied that the TV fee charge meant that the mosque had the electricity connection in domestic category. He advised the lawmaker that mosque management should change the connection category.
Saira Bano criticised the appointment of Kamran Tessori as the new Sindh governor. She said that she was asked not to speak on the matter in the house but added that she would raise the matter anyway. Bano claimed that the Sindh governor was not supported by any of the 14 coalition parties.
However, Sabir Qaimkhani of the MQM replied that his party recommend the name of Tessori as the Sindh governor after consultation. Later, the National Assembly session was adjourned until 11 am Friday (today).
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Agror in KP - part of our <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BillionTreeTsunami?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BillionTreeTsunami</a> programme. For the first time, the greening of Pakistan happened on such a massive scale. <a href="https://t.co/Z6krItyXvl">pic.twitter.com/Z6krItyXvl</a></p>— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1646543145662906368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2023</a></blockquote>
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