Khujarav

China-Afghanistan transit trade starts via Khunjerab Pass Pakistan

PESHAWAR: A historic moment unfolded as the first shipment of goods embarked on its journey from China to Afghanistan through the Khunjerab border, marking the initiation of a significant trade route. The maiden consignment, bound for Kabul, began its voyage from China’s Kashgar city and made its entry into Pakistan through the renowned Khunjerab Pass.

To commemorate this pivotal event, an inaugural ceremony was held at Sost Dry Port, witnessing the convergence of key figures including GB Customs Collector Syed Fawad Ali Shah, Transit Trade Director for Peshawar Arbab Qaiser, officials, and trade representatives.

The introduction of this transit route holds immense promise, as it is projected to substantially reduce travel time by approximately 70%, accompanied by a significant 30% cut in logistics expenses. This cost and time reduction is poised to trigger positive trade diversion, amplifying the attractiveness of this route for international commerce.

The successful commencement of the inaugural shipment underscores the potential for enhanced trade connections between China and Afghanistan. With its strategic location and the facilitation of a more efficient trade corridor, this route is expected to contribute significantly to regional economic growth and collaboration.

The maiden shipment’s journey from China to Kabul via the Khunjerab border signifies a promising step towards fostering trade connectivity, unlocking economic opportunities, and strengthening international relations. As the route continues to develop and streamline, it holds the potential to become a pivotal link in the broader network of global trade routes.

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Disaster preparedness exercises empower girls’ education safety in Swat concludes

PESHAWAR: Preparedness exercises empower girls’ education safety in Swat schools concludes. The initiative aimed at ensuring girls’ education safety during disasters through a series of mock exercises. The program, supported by the district administration and funded by the FCDO-backed Sub-National Governance (SNG) programme, focused on disaster preparedness and risk management at the local level.

To address the vulnerabilities faced by girls’ education during emergencies, the initiative aimed to empower the community with the necessary skills to effectively manage risks. Collaborating with key stakeholders including the district administration Swat, Rescue 1122, Civil Defence, the education department, the Red Crescent Society, and the Social Welfare Department, the effort garnered significant support.

Spanning six days, the series of exercises brought together educators, students, and disaster management experts. The training covered a wide array of crucial topics, including disaster risk management, disaster preparedness strategies tailored for girls, guidance for addressing trauma, and fundamental first-aid techniques in school settings.

The sessions were thoughtfully designed to equip participants with essential tools, enabling them to safeguard education continuity even during challenging circumstances.

The district administration praised the dedication and collaborative spirit of all stakeholders involved, including SNG, Rescue 1122, Civil Defence, the education department, and the Social Welfare Department. The execution of these exercises was in alignment with the directives of the deputy commissioner of Swat and the provincial government.

Ibrar Wazir, Additional Deputy Commissioner Relief and Human Rights, acknowledged the inspiring commitment exhibited by the participating entities. He emphasized, “The initiatives were undertaken under the guidance of the deputy commissioner Swat and the provincial government. It is heartening to witness the dedication displayed by SNG, Rescue 1122, the education department, Civil Defence, and the Social Welfare Department in conducting these exercises.”

The disaster preparedness exercises in Swat stand as a testament to proactive efforts to bolster girls’ education safety, particularly in the face of unforeseen disasters. By bringing together expertise and community engagement, this initiative showcases the significance of preparedness and resilience in safeguarding the educational journey of young girls, even in challenging times.