DRIVING SUSTAINABILITY: GLOBAL COMPACT NETWORK PAKISTAN ACKNOWLEDGES K-ELECTRIC’S CONTRIBUTIONS TO SDGs

KARACHI 23rd November 2022: Executive Director of the Global Compact Network Pakistan Fasihul Karim Siddiqi commended KE’s contribution towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals, sharing their initiatives as an opportunity for others to mobilize towards building resilient, environmentally conscious communities.

These comments were made at a session inviting industry leaders and experts to learn from KE’s progress. With the climate crisis impacting people, many organizations are adopting environmentally conscious approaches into their business plans and daily operations. The UN Global Compact (UNGC) is a worldwide network of over 20,000 companies spanning 150 countries committed towards achieving this goal.

“In this decade of action, tackling the climate crisis and energy conservation agenda is gradually entering the DNA of companies. For the last 17 years, UNGC has been mobilizing private sector entities to support governments in achieving the SDG targets. We appreciate companies in Pakistan including KE which is one of the largest participating organizations in the country for their diverse initiatives tackling multiple SDGs in a proactive manner.” said Fasihul Karim Siddiqui

KE’s sustainability agenda touches on 11 of the 17 SDGs, with a focus on SDG-5 (achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls), SDG-7 (deliver clean and affordable electricity), and SDG-11 (build sustainable cities and communities). Speaking about the initiatives on these fronts, Director of Environment, Sustainability and Governance, Zehra Mehdi Malik shared “These goals revolve around the company’s core operations, for e.g. The S&P award-winning, “Roshni Baji” program saw 100 women get trained as certified electricians. A first of its kind for Pakistan, these women began educating over 463,000 families on safety and energy conservation for individual households. We are also increasing diversity through employment of 5 female Grid Operating Officers (GDOs) and 24 female Meter Data Maintenance Officers (MDMOs).”

This engagement is in tandem with grassroots development with the company’s Sarbulandi Program (aligned with SDG-11) that is improving existing infrastructure in Karachi’s densely populated neighborhoods. Furthermore, KE is supporting 40 organizations working in service of the city under its institutionalized platform of the KHI Awards providing them a chance to extend their impact, serving approximately 9 million lives on an annual basis.

Speaking on SDG-7 and KE’s energy ambitions, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Sadia Dada shared that KE is aspiring to achieve ‘30 by 30’ – by FY30, renewable energy which will constitute 30 percent of the company’s generation mix. This is in line with the company’s vision to make electricity affordable and available for its growing customer base. Asked about what the roadmap for sustainability entails, she added “Climate change is at our doorstep, and if we go by current rates of progress, it is estimated that we will be able to achieve our targets by 2061. But we should not keep our ambition on the backburner; companies, governments, and organizations working in the climate change space must embed sustainability into our businesses to accelerate our collective progress. We must keep innovation at the center of our focus and apply this lens to every aspect of our business to succeed in today’s environment.”

At the onset of the session, Mr. Fasih remarked that we are all ambassadors of sustainability, of ourselves, our homes, communities, and our larger circle of influence. With perseverance and commitment, we can overcome the challenges of the future.

The MACN Spring Members Meeting/Conference took place at Moltke’s Palace in Copenhagen, Denmark, on April 23-24, 2024. It was attended by over 230 participants representing MACN members, partners, and staff.

During the conference, Pakistan presented the progress made so far. This included introducing the project’s lifecycle to date and activities carried out by the Project Manager, Muhammad Akram. Advisor MACN, Mr. Syed Tanvir Ahmad, elaborated on corruption-related challenges for the shipping sector, with a special focus on shortage claims in edible oil and bulk cargo in Pakistan. He also discussed potential solutions and the way forward. This breakout session was well-received by the members.

The presentation was followed by a question and answer session, during which Mathias Bak, an Associate MACN Representative, also participated. He provided updates on project developments in Pakistan.

Representatives of member companies and the P&I club discussed the shortage claims issue at length and tried to understand this phenomenon.

Bangladesh, India, Egypt, Nigeria, Argentina, Malaysia, and West Africa provided updates on the progress of their projects during separate breakout sessions.

On April 26, 2024, MACN hosted the 5th Collective Action Workshop at their office. Countries running the Collective Action Program participated through their representatives. In this workshop, MACN’s partners shared their experiences, approaches, and tools in implementing anti-corruption projects in their respective countries. Through facilitated discussions and knowledge-sharing, all the participants identified key learnings and practices to be replicated and scaled in other contexts. Participants discussed and agreed upon the way forward.

It was an excellent opportunity to interact with members and workshop participants, exchange ideas, and enhance networking. It will help in reshaping Pakistan’s program and future course of action.

EFP actively working on Gender Equality and Equity ~~ EFP President

Malik Tahir Javaid, President Employers Federation of Pakistan, stated that EFP is the leading employers’ body that has been actively working to empower women with equal access to decent work, promote gender equality, and eliminate all forms of discrimination at home and at the workplace which is in line with its mission to make Pakistani’s economy prosperous, sustainable, and inclusive. EFP has also taken the lead in creating awareness about the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the ILO Decent Work Agenda, especially SDG 5 on Gender Equality and SDG 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth. He was speaking as the Chief Guest at the Global Compact Network Pakistan event on Target Gender Equality in Islamabad.

Malik Tahir Javaid informed that EFP started a campaign on Women Empowerment in collaboration with the International Labor Organization under a project that is an initiative of the Government of Japan. It is aimed to promote the inclusivity of females in the active workforce through enterprise-level policy recommendations and female entrepreneurship. It would also address the formalization of Domestic Workers in Pakistan through a Code of Conduct for employers of Domestic Workers. EFP has organized several training programs and awareness raising sessions on ILO’s Convention 190 on violence and harassment in the world of work.

Majyd Aziz, President Global Compact Network Pakistan, in his welcome address highlighting the Target Gender Equality initiative, said that it is a global program to support UN Global Compact business participants in setting and meeting ambitious targets for equal participation and leadership across all levels of management, as well as to advance equal pay for work of equal value. He disclosed that over 2,000 companies around the world, including eighteen from Pakistan, have joined the program from over seventy countries. More than 4,000 “change makers” are involved in this program. He added that GCNP would equip companies with latest data and research to support them to build a case for gender equality. He was hopeful that by end of 2023, the number of Pakistani companies would cross thirty.

Mian Akram Farid, Former President of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that it is the responsibility of employers to provide jobs to women and to ensure a conducive working environment. He advised that pilot projects in SME sector should be started for women and that Women Chambers Council and various mainstream Chambers and Associations should play a prominent role in facilitating these pilot projects. He disclosed that none of the hotels in Pakistan has a woman Head Chef and this is a sad story. Women should be allowed to work on machines and jobs that are traditionally done by men.

Hina Mansab Khan, Chairperson of Women Chambers Council, said that since last couple of decades, she has been struggling to create an ecosystem for women to have their own Chambers and positions as office bearers of FPCCI. She deplored the attitude of many who indulge in character assassination of women who are actively involved in trade bodies. She called upon all in the private sector to ensure that women are given respect, equality, and positions in decision-making.

Fiza Farhan, an Advisor to UN Secretary General and well known consultant, conducted an interactive training program in which mostly women in the audience enthusiastically participated. She motivated them by stating that women are an asset in any organization and together women can bring change. She said it is high time an environment be created that would use reverse psychology to get those women who face gender and other issues and help get them out of depression. She advised that a “pressure cooker” approach is required to comfort and educate women who face work related issues.

Many women in the audience informed about their personal efforts, difficulties, and initiatives, and offered ideas and solutions. The consensus was that positions and jobs in private sector should be gender-blind, that women themselves should demonstrate flexibility with regard to equality, that women should be on policy making boards, that the practice of unnecessarily forcing women employees to work late hours, and that ensuring not only equality but also participation in equity.

Mostly entrepreneurs and career-based women attended the Target Gender Equality event from Islamabad, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, and they complimented GCNP for organizing this event. Samreen Shaikh and Zainab Fatima of GCNP, assisted by consultant Fauzia Mahmood, moderated and coordinated the program.

“Women should be recognized on merit, not gender” ~~ Musharaf Hai

Ms Musharaf Hai, Former CEO of Unilever and L’Oreal, said that the entry of women in Corporate Sector and Trade Associations should be based on merit and not because of their gender. Biases, prejudice, and preconceptions make it difficult for women to come forward. Women should be courageous and not succumb to conforming what others say. Women should exhibit their knowledge, expertise, and competence to counter negativity in their march forward. As Chief Guest, she was addressing a large audience at the National Conference on Gender Equality hosted by Global Compact Network Pakistan in Karachi.

Ms Hai advised the women audience that they should not box themselves up, but must arm themselves with required knowledge, laws and regulations if they want to change their surrounding environment. If strong women were not visible then their very purpose would face setbacks. She advised that three important qualities are important for women to excel, progress, and scale. Women must have confidence in themselves and their profession or careers. They must possess integrity of purpose and for this they have to be fearless. Moreover, it is crucial that they move ahead with perseverance and face any adversity in their way.

Ms Hai further added that in her career, she had been mentoring and motivating women subordinates, and today a large number of women are climbing the ladder of hierarchy in enterprises. She added that despite the misogynistic environment in many corporations, those women who are determined to achieve their objectives continue to prove their merit and hence they are more positioned to succeed and be recognized.

Majyd Aziz, President GCNP, in his welcome address said that the theme of the Conference is “Breaking the Ceiling in Pakistan’s Misogynistic Ecosystem” and the purpose of the Conference was to advocate a balanced entrepreneurial ecosystem for the present and future generations. He said that during his four decades of involvement in Chambers and Associations, he learnt the power of saying “I can” and he hoped that more and more women would also say, “I can”. He also narrated many instances of his leadership in KCCI, Employers Federation of Pakistan, and GCNP, through which he assisted in breaking the ceiling for women.

Majyd Aziz added that in the Islamic tradition, a woman has an independent identity, she is a responsible person in her own right, and she carries the burden of her moral and spiritual obligations. Women have as much right to education as men do. He also informed that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) had said, “Among my followers, the best of men are those who are best to their wives and the best of wives are those who are best to their husbands. The best of women are those who assist their husbands in their work”. He said today, by law, there has to be atleast one woman on Board of Directors. He informed that today, Employers Federation of Pakistan has five women in the twenty-member Board, a process that commenced when he took over as EFP President in 2017. He also said that although now there are many women heads of state and government, the four SAARC countries, Pakistan, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka have already reached that milestone.

Ms Hina Mansab Khan, Chairperson of Women Chambers Council, who was the keynote speaker, said that the motto of her organization is “I am” and assured that now women will not fail. She said that women have to exert their rights and that now they are earning a lot of respect. She lamented that despite gains made by women, Pakistan is number 187 in the Gender Equality Global Index. She also gave an example of the tremendous work of women in Gilgit and called for some policy to deter middlemen who extract most of the profit that should have gone to the women involved in producing handicrafts and garments in Gilgit.

Ms Yulia Bazhenova, representative of GIZ Germany, was also another keynote speaker. She informed that GIZ is very much involved in the textile industry in Pakistan with focus on labor, social and environmental standards. GIZ is working with one hundred companies in the field of gender equality, women employment and women empowerment. GIZ is also now introducing new programs and projects to further spread the message to, and sensitize industries to promote gender equality and women employment.

A very vibrant and informative panel discussion was held with four panelists, Dr Uzma Shujaat of Area Study Centre for Europe, University of Karachi, Ms Sadaf Hatif, CEO of company providing manpower services, Ms Ayesha Ashraf Jangda, head of Women Development in Bank Islami, and Ms Farheen Zahoor, Head of Sustainability in AGI Denim. All four narrated their case studies, the challenges they faced in their fields, their successes despite all biases and prejudices, and provided advice and guidance to the women present in the audience. They highlighted the fact that despite all these roadblocks, they were and are committed to achieve their objectives and excel in their work. They said that even female are misogynistic, while many male bosses have an egoistic nature in dealing with women. They accepted that women have a tough journey in their careers. They implored that women who wear Niqaab should not be discriminated but encouraged in the corporate sector. It was also mentioned that despite all challenges, this is the best time to be a woman.

Ms Hai unveiled a display of Women in Stamps curated by renowned philatelist Mr Arif Balgamwala who also presented his design of a stamp that should be accepted and approved by Pakistan Post Office for release on International Women’s Day 2024. It was the first time such a display of collection of Women in Stamps issued by many countries was publicly presented. GCNP Recognition Plaques to Ms Caroline Bates, Head of ILO Better Work Program, Ms Durreshawar Nisar, Chairperson of KCCI Women Entrepreneurs Committee, and Arif Balgamwala for winning world awards in philately were awarded. The program was fabulously managed by GCNP staff members Ms Samreen Shaikh with technical support from Ms Zainab Fatima.

Contact-free ecosystem facility must for business: KCCI president

KARACHI: Today’s fast-track global business demands that online documentation and digitization is essential for Pakistan’s private sector and that a total contact-free ecosystem must be introduced in the country. KCCI, being the representative organization of all Karachi’s trade and industry, has been advocating this system. KCCI acknowledges that a lot of progress has been made to digitize and it is high time the private sector’s time, efforts, and money are not wasted in visiting government departments and agencies”. These views were expressed by Chief Guest Muhammad Tariq Yousuf, President Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry while addressing the “Global Compact Network Pakistan Roundtable Conference on Maritime Anti-Corruption Network”.

KCCI president Tariq Yousuf added that a contact-free environment would be beneficial for the private sector since it would reduce to a large extent the lack of transparency, reduce port congestion, enhance the security of data and cargo, help in the huge decrease in the elements of corruption, bribery, and red tape. It is also imperative that a structured Alternate Dispute Resolution system be activated as this would reduce filing of court cases and legal complaints. He offered full support of KCCI in the campaign to eliminate bad practices in the Maritime sector since after all 90% of Pakistan’s imports and exports are through ships.

Mathias Bak from MACN Denmark, in his virtual speech, highlighted in detail the activities of MACN and stated that MACN is a global business network working towards the vision of a maritime industry free of corruption that enables fair trade for the benefit of society. Established in 2011 by a small group of committed maritime companies, MACN has grown to include over 180 companies globally, and has become one of the pre-eminent examples of collective action to tackle corruption.

“MACN and its members work towards the elimination of all forms of maritime corruption by: raising awareness of the challenges faced, implementing the MACN Anti-Corruption Principles and co-developing and sharing best practices; collaborating with governments, non-governmental organizations, and civil society to identify and mitigate the root causes of corruption, and creating a culture of integrity within the maritime community.”

Majyd Aziz, President GCNP, in his welcome address, stated that every day vessels with cargo enter Ports and cargo cleared by Customs, and the process involves numerous stakeholders across several jurisdictions. Generally speaking, this scenario creates huge opportunities for bad practices, such as illicit payments, one of the biggest problems faced by importers and exporters as well as other port users. “It is our moral duty to challenge this, both individually and collectively, to create an impartial, safer, and brighter future for generations to come. If concerned private sector institutions and other players do not take a stand now, it would manifest their concurrence and invariable support to its ever-increasing damaging impact.”

President GCNP added that bad practices, such as corruption and bribery, is expensive and significantly adds to the cost of production and higher prices for the consumers. These also affect compliance with international anti-corruption standards. He emphasized that from an ethical standpoint, these undermine both democracy and law by directing money away from morally sound enterprises and government Treasury and into the hands of unscrupulous officials and black sheep in the private sector.

Majyd Aziz moreover enumerated steps that would help mitigate these bad practices. He said that it is imperative to implement a comprehensive anti-bribery and good governance compliance program, periodically review policies and assess effectiveness of this program, adopt a zero tolerance culture, strengthen internal controls by conducting training programs for employees, hire and appoint agents after a strict due diligence, and introduce a whistle-blower mechanism for stakeholders to inform without fear of retaliation.

The conference brought together representatives from various organizations, including FPCCI, KCCI, Customs Agents, Terminal Operators, Stevedore Conference Pakistan, All-Pakistan Custom Bonded Carrier Association, SITE Association of Industry, Karachi Customs Agents Association, and others.

 

Huge economic costs of corruption: Majyd Aziz

KARACHI: Majyd Aziz, President Global Compact Network Pakistan(GCNP), has said that corruption in business is a universal problem and that the worldwide economic costs of corruption are in excess of $2 trillion. In Pakistan, corruption and bad practices are now institutionalized and hampering economic progress. The widespread corruption results in an inefficient economy. Moreover, the moral cost of corruption is endemic too and those who have discretionary or decision making powers are either forced to commit corrupt practices or are deeply involved in taking advantage of their positions.

Majyd Aziz was chairing the Roundtable Meeting on Identification of Good Practices, Malpractices and Corrupt Practices and their Solutions in Maritime Industry of Pakistan, hosted by GCNP in association with Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN) based in Denmark. He was addressing users and stakeholders of Maritime industry from eleven Chambers and Associations.

He advised all should agree in introducing transparency, having zero tolerance for corruption, and working as a united force. Influence peddling or giving expensive presents or payments given to receive undue advantage are normal. Corruption is also when businesses make political donations with intent of influencing political decisions changing policies or amending laws. Favoritism, nepotism, cronyism, etc. are forms of corruption because these lead to unfair preferential treatment at the expense of others. He wondered why stakeholders do not focus on one office or department at one time and sincerely pledge not to offer bribes or gifts. This can only happen if collective action is taken and agreed by all stakeholders.

Mathias Bak of MACN Denmark participated virtually, advised that stakeholders must sit and develop standard operating procedures and have a strong platform to become a powerful deterrent against bad practices. He added that full compliance of the SOPs would enable stakeholders to change the system through optimization of their resources. He said that curbing corruption is essential for economic growth and reducing cost. Developing consensus on efficiencies, transparency, and efforts, would ensure integrity, and free them from challenges of undue pressures.

During an informative, lively, and focused discussion among the stakeholders, there were a number of suggestions and proposals, especially with regard to detention charges and avoidable demurrages. There was a consensus to establish a Ship Agents Advisory Board that would be the focal point for all disputes and Port activities. Fixation of the Import Trade Price formula would end arbitrary price fixation and corruption in Customs. There was a need to form a Monitoring Body to keep a check on shipping companies.

The participants also complained that the Customs and Port authorities unilaterally change rules and regulations, and these changes result in corruption and bad practices. Issues were also highlighted on cross stuffing and if cross stuffing were allowed for transit trade, why should not it be done for general cargo. A defined explanation of examination by Customs be enforced and that transparent policies by the government were needed to end corruption in the Customs.

The participants made numerous complaints against the mushrooming of labor unions, use of by-road workers, entry of unauthorized persons in the Ports, mandatory employing workers of Karachi Dock Labor Board whose daily wages are very high, and the strong-arm attitude of officials of Department of Plant Protection. These and many more charges increases the cost of cargo clearance and ultimately paid by the general consumer.

Tanvir Ahmad, Advisor on MACN for GCNP, informed that GCNP had a meeting with FIA a detailed letter was handed over to the concerned Director. GCNP proposed that the old SOPs have become outdated and are not relevant today. FIA should study the ILO Maritime Convention and amend the SOPs accordingly. Muhammad Akram, Project Manager on MACN, moderated the meeting and informed that GCNP and MACN were holding regular seminars and individual consultative meetings and going full force in finding beneficial solutions. The National Conference would be held on 22 September where Mr. Bak of MACN Denmark would present the latest positive initiatives and action taken in other countries.

Representatives and office bearers from PIFFA, QICT, Custom Agents, Shipping Lines, Stevedores, Cargo Handling, PRGMEA, PHMA, QFS Terminal, KCCI, ICCI, Paper Merchants, attended the meeting. They unanimously expressed their willingness to join the fight against corruption and bad practices and offered full support and cooperation to GCNP and MACN.

Climate Change Vulnerability Affecting Pakistan: Younus Dagha

KARACHI: Younus Dagha, Chairman FPCCI Policy Advisory Board, has cautioned that Pakistan, despite being the fifth populous country, is highly vulnerable to climate change and is ranked 8th in the world. He added that although Pakistan has a large number of policies and even ratified global policies, the fact is that policies are not enforced or implemented. Hence the vulnerability factor is getting ominous for the country. He was speaking as Chief Guest at Global Compact Network Pakistan Net Zero Research Challenge 2023 in Karachi.

Younus Dagha further added that Pakistan is facing energy security, food security, and climate change mega issues. He advocated an Integrated Energy Plan and that a strategy must be put in action to drastically reduce dependence on fossil fuel.

He also said that huge Global Funding is available including a Green Climate Fund, but Pakistan is not taking advantage. He said Pakistan has applied for less than $200 million while even a smaller country, Sri Lanka, has received $600 million.

Mr. Dagha moreover called for extensive research on the sectors and processes that impact climate change and it is crucial that data is collected and analyzed, for example, on Net Zero Emissions. It is also imperative that SMEs are also involved and helped to reduce carbon footprint in their enterprises.

Younus Dagha offered that FPCCI Policy Advisory Board and Global Compact Network Pakistan must sign a MOU to collaborate and work together to achieve the objectives of awareness raising, sensitizing, and providing focused solutions.

Majyd Aziz, President Global Compact Network Pakistan, in his welcome address, stated that the Research Challenge project was a rare step where two teams of four students each from IBA and NED University were each assigned to visit one of four corporations, Artistic Milliners, AGI Denim, PARCO, and Roshan Packages, to prepare detailed case studies on the progress and future initiatives of each company in achieving Net Zero Emissions by 2050. He said that a strong linkage between Academia and Corporate Sector is significantly important for sustainable and impactful businesses.

Majyd Aziz further added that for Pakistan’s private sector to move towards Net Zero transition and to start contributing towards a low carbon economy, the essential actions are required. First to make a commitment towards Net Zero targets and provide transparent reporting. Secondly, to gain capacity building and technical support for this transition. Third, access to financing to implement long-term projects for moving towards renewable energy, carbon capture storage and utilization and integration in the value chain.

He added that the GCNP project would become the baseline for such future long-term projects. There is a crucial need to promote strategies for emission reduction and removal and that it would require mass level awareness campaigns at the grassroots level and to implement these strategies.

Majyd Aziz called upon FPCCI which is the apex body of over 200 Chambers and Associations to sensitize its members and create awareness raising. He advised private sector to have a common approach and consider implementation as an investment and not an added cost. He warned that non-implementation would negatively impact Pakistani exports if the conditionalities of EU GSP Plus, UN Global Compact, ILO International Labor Standards, and of Global buyers are not complied.

A Panel Discussion was also held and participated by Ms Nazish Shekha of Pakistan Business Council and Sanaullah Khan of GIZ Germany and was moderated by GCNP Consultant Debaaj Abidi. The event was largely participated by representatives from Corporate Sector and students and faculty from Academia.

Futuristic Shipping Policy being prepared ~~ Vice Admiral(R) Iftikhar Rao

Vice Admiral (R) Iftikhar Rao, Special Assistant to Prime Minister for Maritime, disclosed that the government is shaping a futuristic Shipping Policy keeping in view the new dynamics of the Maritime Sector. The Policy would address all aspects that would lead to a pragmatic outlook and enable all stakeholders to participate with more determination. He added that Maritime Economic Security is also crucial although it is different from Maritime Naval Security. Therefore, it is imperative that Maritime Economic Security and Maritime Military Security given equal importance. He was presenting his keynote address as Chief Guest at the Maritime Conference hosted by Global Compact Network Pakistan and Maritime Anti-Corruption Network based in Denmark.

Admiral Rao further stated that Pakistan pays over $7 billion each year to foreign shipping lines and this is a huge burden on the country’s foreign exchange reserves. He said that until 1960, Pakistan had no state-owned shipping company and now has only PNSC. He advised the private sector to enter the shipping sector since the future is very profitable in shipping. He also advised that the private sector should become major players in the Blue Economy. In his opinion, those who are in the Maritime Industry are very fortunate and progressive. He said that, unfortunately, information is lacking about Maritime Industry and Blue Economy and hence the transformation and change are very slow and that is why private sector is not eager to invest. However, the good side is that the private sector is always pragmatic and practical and that is why he is very optimistic.

Admiral Rao added that there would be a mega shortage of seafarers since demand for trained human resources would hugely increase. Therefore, it is imperative that the graduates of Pakistan Marine Academy be provided practical training on foreign ships through arrangement with the owners of these shipping lines. He also asked the private sector to provide ways and means to train the cadets who, as seafarers, could be employed at international level on foreign ships and earn foreign exchange for the country. He said that in the first instance, atleast 100 seafarers should be annually accommodated and the government is in contact with the shipping lines for their support.

Majyd Aziz, President GCNP, in his welcome address, said that GCNP and MACN are focused on initiating fundamental change in the Maritime ecosystem through sensitizing, informing, and training stakeholders to substantially eradicate corrupt practices. He said that three major conferences alongwith many consultative meetings, individual sessions, webinars etc have been undertaken. He said he is pleased to report that all stakeholders and users of ports have unanimously joined the bandwagon and have pledged to achieve the objective of zero tolerance for corruption. He said the menace of corruption has tarnished the global image of Pakistan and at the same time increased the cost of doing business. Moreover, corruption is now institutionalized, and it is high time that exemplary punishment is given to those whose corrupt practices are well known, as this would introduce deterrence for others who indulge in corrupt or bad practices. He proposed that Blue Economy should also be a priority in the Special Investment Facilitation Council domain since focus on indigenous resources must be encouraged rather than too much dependence on imported inputs. He also said that GCNP is working on an App so that members could access this for any issues faced by them. He suggested that this App should be linked to PSW so that fast track remedy could be provided.

Ms Alia Shahid, Director General Ports & Shipping, in her speech stated that she has been involved with this project from day one, and is pleased that momentum has been created to achieve the objectives. She added that any new project generally seems impossible but if it doable and feasible, then everyone must join to make it successful. She said that in her opinion, the path is becoming clearer and this is a great opportunity to move forward. She complimented GCNP and MACN and offered full support of her organization.

Mathias Bak, Associate from MACN, in his presentation said that now it is time to undertake a collective action by all stakeholders. Collective action is a process in which stakeholders coordinate to jointly address shared challenges and create a critical mass in order to forge ahead with unity and sincerity of purpose. He disclosed that such efforts have been successful in Nigeria, India, and Argentina where the positive rate was nearly 100%. He outlined five stages of the collective action lifecycle that are essential. He enumerated these as mapping and alliances building, scoping, inception, implementation, and continuous adaptation. He said that the project in Pakistan is at inception stage and with the full support of stakeholders, it would not take long to reach the implementation stage. He said MACN is committed to achieve this in Pakistan.

Adnan Rafiq, Domain Officer of Pakistan Single Window, in his presentation stated that 80% of global trade compliances are now covered under PSW, and over 67,000 users have subscribed in PSW. He disclosed that Pakistan is paying $450 million additional cost in complying with regulations related to imports but with PSW, the financial cost, time, and complications are substantially reduced, resulting in huge savings of foreign exchange.

Project Manager Muhammad Akram moderated a very informative panel discussion. The panelists Kamran Farid, President Stevedores Conference, Kashif Ali, Executive Director Transparency International, Capt Muqadas Sharif, representing Ship Agents, and Commander Idrees of Bahria University offered their views on how collective action could be structured and sustained among maritime industry stakeholders to minimize corruption in the handling of cargo and operations within ports, and what role could regulatory frameworks and industry guidelines play in fostering a culture of integrity and transparency within the maritime industry. Advisor of the project, Tanvir Ahmad offered the concluding remarks and vote of thanks while GCNP Executive Director, Khalid Junejo, organized and coordinated the event.

Majyd Aziz, President Global Compact Network Pakistan, stated that the enlightened corporations of Pakistan have steadfastly continued to comply with International Labor Standards, the Ten Principles of UN Global Compact, and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. They have become role models, not only for large corporations but also for SMEs. It is imperative that the private sector must ensure that in this tough global marketplace, the share of Pakistan must rise and there is no room for complacency or shortcuts. The consumer of today strongly demand that the products they purchase are made by companies that adhere to all quality standards. He was speaking at the signing ceremony of the Charter of Principles where Roshan Packages Ltd of Lahore, became a member of the UNGC based in New York.

Mr Tayyab Aijaz Qureshi, CEO of Roshan Packages, in his speech assured that his company, which is a leader in the packaging industry, would assiduously maintain its record of compliance and at the same time, motivate other companies to comply with all standards. He added that compliance of international standards is now the national duty of all companies and all must ensure that Pakistan becomes the country of choice to source excellent products.

Khalid Junejo, Executive Director GCNP, Rida Tayyab, Director RPL, and executives of both organizations were present at the signing ceremony.