Sindh Agriculture University launches ambitious 10m tree plantation campaign.

on 25/09/2024

To address climate change and environmental degradation, Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) Tandojam has launched an ambitious 10 million tree plantation campaign in collaboration with provincial institutions, farmers, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The initiative aims to restore ecological balance and mitigate the adverse impacts of deforestation and climate change in the region.
The university’s Department of Energy and Environment, in partnership with the Lions Club Karachi, the High Court Environment Campaigner, and Rotary International, hosted a seminar titled “Planting for the Future: 10 Million Trees as Guardians Against Climate Change.” The inauguration ceremony, led by SAU Vice Chancellor Dr. Fateh Mari, featured distinguished participants including Vice Chancellors Dr. Nusrat Shah, Dr. Arabela Bhutto, and Dr. Rafiq Ahmed Memon, alongside representatives from public and private institutions and key farmer associations.
Addressing the audience, Dr. Fateh Mari emphasized the crucial role trees play in combating rising temperatures and the destructive effects of climate change, highlighting the severe damage caused by deforestation. He noted that deforestation has not only displaced millions due to flooding but has also caused irreparable losses to agriculture in the country.
Dr. Mari shared his vision of a collective effort across Sindh’s 1,100 union councils, over 50,000 schools, 300 colleges, 300 technical institutes, and more than 70 universities. He stated that with the support of these institutions, the target of planting 10 million trees is achievable. On this occasion, the Vice Chancellor also announced a conference on the various references to nature in the poetry of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai, scheduled for October.
Dr. Nusrat Shah, Vice Chancellor of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical University, stressed the importance of incorporating environmental education at school and college levels, commending SAU’s leadership in spearheading the plantation drive across regions, including Larkana.
Dr. Arabela Bhutto, Vice Chancellor of Shaheed Allah Bux Soomro University of Art, Design, and Heritage, highlighted that the 17 goals of the United Nations Sustainable Development include clean water and sanitation, combating climate change, and protecting land resources, urging collective efforts toward these goals.
During the event, Dr. Rafique Ahmed Memon, Vice Chancellor of the University of Mirpurkhas, along with progressive farmer Syed Nadeem Shah, environmentalist Ghulam Nabi Morai, and SIDA Chairman Qabool Muhammad Khatian, shared their thoughts on the initiative. Prominent farmers Dr. Zulfiqar Yousfani, Mir Zubair Ahmed Talpur, and Syed Zarar Haider Shah pledged their commitment to the campaign, offering free saplings and calling for greater involvement from the forestry department.

Artificial Intelligence Act 2024 tabled in Senate.

on 25/09/2024

A ruling PML-N member has tabled a bill titled the ‘Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Act 2024’ in the Senate. The bill seeks to regulate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the country to mitigate the “various risks” associated with the technology and suggests imposing fines amounting to billions of rupees for violators.
Senator Afnan Ullah Khan moved the legislation as a private member, and the draft has been referred to the Senate’s standing committee on information technology for further deliberation.
Digital rights activists have reportedly raised concerns about the proposed legislation. Nighat Dad, the founder of the Lahore-based Digital Rights Foundation, described the bill as “odd” and “abstract.” She was quoted by an English daily as saying, “This bill talks about privacy [of personal data], but there is no data protection or privacy law in the country at the moment. This bill, to me, is just another piece of legislation that has been proposed without doing any groundwork.”
In his statement of objectives, Senator Khan emphasized the “dire need to monitor, regulate, superintend, and supervise” the dissemination of data and information at both national and international levels. He highlighted the risks associated with AI use, calling for increased human involvement to prevent “an unseen catastrophe” and to establish a “secure and well-protected” AI system to drive growth and productivity in the country.
The bill further proposes the establishment of a “National Artificial Intelligence Commission” with its headquarters in Islamabad. According to the bill, the commission would have several key mandates including 1) ensuring equitable access to AI opportunities for all citizens, regardless of religion, gender, ethnicity, geographic location, financial status, or physical ability, 2) maintaining human oversight over AI matters, particularly in areas such as national security, health, and education, 3) guaranteeing that AI systems are safe, secure from “malicious use,” and free from errors, 3) developing a robust AI research and development infrastructure, 4) utilizing AI to enhance public service delivery in sectors such as healthcare, finance, trade, and science.
The bill also proposes protecting the privacy and safety of AI users and advocates for transparency in AI data collection, storage, and usage. Additionally, it calls for strengthening the country’s telecommunications systems, digital governance, and cybersecurity. The commission members, who will be appointed by the government, will be prohibited from holding any public or political office simultaneously. Violations of the bill could result in fines ranging from Rs1.5 billion to Rs2.5 billion, with the possibility of increased penalties for cases involving the “dissemination of sensitive or classified data.” However, the bill does not specify which particular violations would trigger these fines.

OGDCL and Chinese CCDC Sign MoU for Shale and Tight Gas Development in Pakistan.

on 25/09/2024

Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL), Pakistan’s leading exploration and production company, and CCDC, a major player in drilling and upstream oil field services, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development of Pakistan’s shale and tight gas potential.
Federal Minister for Petroleum Dr. Musadik Malik witnessed the MoU signing ceremony in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China, during the ongoing 8th Silk Road International Expo for Investment and Trade, according to a news release received here.
The MoU highlights the commitment of both countries to developing Pakistan’s shale and tight gas resources, aiming to address the country’s energy needs through indigenous sources. Mumtaz Ali Soomro, Executive Director (Production) of OGDCL, and Mr. Zhang Zhidong, Vice President of CNPC Chuanqing Drilling Engineering Company Ltd., signed the MoU on behalf of their respective organizations. Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi, also attended the event.
Dr. Musadik Malik expressed hope that cooperation in the energy sector between both nations will continue to strengthen in the future, benefiting both countries mutually. He emphasized the collaboration between OGDCL and CCDC on shale and tight gas, stating that this partnership will open a new chapter in the exploration of Pakistan’s untapped energy resources.
Who is CCDC?
CNPC Chuanqing Drilling Engineering Company Limited (CCDC), a subsidiary of China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), is China’s largest oil and gas producer, as well as one of the world’s major oilfield services providers and a globally reputed contractor in engineering construction. CCDC has expanded its operations by establishing branches in eight countries: Afghanistan, Ecuador, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Turkmenistan. With a strong focus on upstream oilfield services, CCDC is committed to providing innovative solutions to develop the oil industry across all its subsidiaries, says the company’s LinkedIn account.
Rise in Oil Reserves
According to a media report, Pakistan’s oil reserves saw a 26% rise, while gas reserves increased by 2% by the end of the 2024 financial year, based on official data from the Petroleum Information Service.
These positive developments were achieved with the support of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), which enabled new discoveries in the exploration and production sectors. By June 2024, Pakistan’s crude oil reserves reached 243 million barrels, compared to 193 million barrels in December 2023. Similarly, gas reserves grew from 18.10 trillion cubic feet in December 2023 to 18.47 trillion cubic feet by mid-2024.
Experts believe the newly discovered oil reserves can meet Pakistan’s needs for ten years, while gas reserves are sufficient for seventeen years. Energy expert Hamdan Ahmed reportedly appreciated the government’s proactive measures, attributing the 50 million barrel increase in oil production and the 1.1 trillion cubic feet growth in gas reserves to effective exploration and well-managed initiatives.
Key contributors to these achievements include OGDCL, Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), Mari Petroleum Company Limited, and Pakistan Oilfields Limited. This promising progress, aided by SIFC reforms, is expected to attract more investments in Pakistan’s gas sector, especially in exploration and production. According to experts, these local reserves help refineries meet 70% of the country’s diesel demand and 30% of its petrol demand.
Pakistani Shales for Shale Gas Exploration
A study titled “A Review of Pakistani Shales for Shale Gas Exploration and Comparison to North American Shale Plays,” published in Science Direct in 2022, states that large shale gas plays were discovered in China, where the Cambrian, Ordovician-Silurian, Carboniferous-Permian, and Triassic-Jurassic shales are the most significant producing resources. Other shale plays exist across the Asian continent, with more development plans underway in countries such as India and Saudi Arabia. The energy crisis in Pakistan requires a long-term solution to reduce the gap between supply and demand, as production from conventional reservoirs is insufficient to meet the country’s growing energy needs.
According to initial studies from the United States Energy Information Administration, Pakistan contains approximately 3,000 billion cubic meters (bcm) of shale gas reserves, suggesting that the total resource potential of shale gas in Pakistan is higher than the estimated reserves. Exploiting shale gas reservoirs may enhance gas production and alleviate the severity of the ongoing energy crisis. The main challenge in Pakistan is evaluating the shales using limited data and samples, which is why only a few companies are currently working on shale gas reservoirs in the country. Researchers need to assess and rank prospective Pakistani shales to attract companies to consider shale gas development. While the geological characterization of Pakistani shales has been investigated by several authors, more detailed work is required on geochemical, petrophysical, and geomechanical characterization to assess the actual potential of shales in Pakistan.
The study further states that three sedimentary basins exist within Pakistan: the Indus Basin, the Balochistan Basin, and the Pishin Basin. Most conventional oil and gas production occurs in the Indus Basin, which is subdivided into three parts: the Upper, Middle, and Lower Indus Basins (UIB, MIB, and LIB, respectively). Although the Lower Indus Basin (LIB) is likely more prospective for hydrocarbon production, many of the marine shales of the Indus Basin have been identified as source rocks for conventional reservoirs in the basin. Therefore, it seems reasonable to assess their potential for shale gas production.

Emerging Innovations in Biomass Energy Using Waste for Production

on 25/09/2024

An increasing amount of research and development is being focused on biomass energy as a sustainable replacement for conventional fossil fuels. Biomass energy is produced from organic materials including trash, wood, and animal waste. Various forms of waste are being turned into power as part of emerging trends in biomass energy, which offer chances to solve environmental issues as well as energy needs. Biomass energy is becoming more and more popular as new approaches of utilizing the energy potential of organic materials are explored, driven by technological improvements and environmental concerns. An important development in biomass energy is the use of sophisticated conversion technology. In addition to more advanced techniques like pyrolysis and biomass gasification, traditional methods like direct burning are being replaced. Biomass can be gasified to produce synthesis gas, or syngas, which is suitable for use to generate electricity or biofuels. On the other side, pyrolysis produces syngas, biochar, and bio-oil by heating biomass without the presence of oxygen. The extraction of energy from biomass is now more flexible and efficient thanks to these cutting-edge conversion methods.
An other developing trend is the incorporation of biomass-based energy into current energy systems. An increasing number of power plants are utilizing biomass co-firing, which involves burning biomass alongside coal. By lowering emissions of greenhouse gases and improving the sustainability of traditional power generation, this approach makes it possible to gradually switch from fossil fuels to biomass. Utilizing co-firing is a pragmatic way to gradually add renewable biomass sources to the energy mix while making use of the infrastructure already in place. The development of biomass energy is heavily reliant on advances in biomass feedstock. Non-traditional feedstocks including algae, specific energy agricultural products, and even waste products from homes and businesses are increasingly being used in addition to traditional feedstock like wood and crop leftovers. For example, algae may be grown in a variety of conditions and have rapid growth rates, making them a potentially adaptable and sustainable biomass source. Investigating non-traditional feedstock broadens the biomass energy resource base and improves the sector’s overall sustainability.
The circular bioeconomy is becoming more and more popular as a biomass energy management strategy. This entails integrating the production and use of biomass inside a closed-loop system in order to maximize resource efficiency and minimize waste. Organic waste from forestry, agriculture, and industry is transformed into energy, biofuels, or bio-based products in a circular bioeconomy. This strategy supports sustainability objectives by highlighting the circular movement of resources to develop a low-carbon, regenerative energy system. One significant trend enhancing the scalability and accessibility of bioenergy is the creation of decentralized biomass energy systems. Localized energy generation is made possible by small-scale biomass systems such modular bioenergy units, anaerobic digesters, and biomass gasifiers. These decentralized systems are especially useful in isolated and rural locations where biomass resources can be used to produce heat and power simultaneously, fostering rural development and energy independence.
One of the main areas of concentration in the rapidly changing biomass energy environment is the production of biogas from organic waste. Methane makes up the majority of the biogas produced by anaerobic digestion, a natural procedure in which microbes break down organic materials in the absence of oxygen. This biogas can be utilized straight away as an alternative fuel for transportation, heating, and energy production. Numerous organic wastes, such as municipal solid trash and agricultural residues, are becoming significant sources of clean energy because to the growing use of anaerobic digestion methods. The role of biomass energy is becoming more diverse than only producing power thanks to creative applications. Advanced biofuel manufacturing is picking up steam, with products like cellulosic ethanol and renewable diesel being produced. These biofuels provide a low-carbon substitute for traditional fossil fuels and can be easily incorporated into the current transportation system. In order to combat climate change and lessen dependency on fossil fuels, the transportation sector must decarbonize, which is made possible by the advancement of cutting-edge biofuels.
Using biomass combined heat and power systems is one way to generate energy in a variety of ways. Systems that use biomass for combined heat and power generation use the leftover heat for industrial or heating purposes. Because of this combined strategy, biomass CHP systems become more appealing for applications requiring both heat and electricity, like industrial facilities or district heating. This increases total energy efficiency. By making the best use of available resources, biomass CHP adds to sustainable energy solutions. Energy management for biomass is increasingly reliant on digitalization and data-driven strategies. Systems that employ biomass energy are more reliable and efficient when digital technologies such as automation, data analytics, and sensors are used. Improved overall system performance, predictive maintenance, and optimized operations are made possible by real-time monitoring of the quality of biomass feedstock, process variables, and equipment performance. Sustainable operations and improved operational excellence are two benefits of integrating digital technology into biomass energy plants.
A key element of the changing biomass energy scenario is international cooperation and knowledge exchange. In order to hasten the development and implementation of sustainable biomass energy solutions, nations are exchanging research findings, best practices, and knowledge. Together, we can better grasp the potential of biomass, technological developments, and policy frameworks on a worldwide scale. This understanding will help us pursue a cooperative strategy to fully utilize biomass energy. The potential and adaptability of organic substances as a sustainable energy source are highlighted by the changing trends in biomass energy. The world of biomass energy is changing dramatically, encompassing everything from digitization, decentralized solutions, and biofuels to sophisticated conversion technologies and the circular bioeconomy. Integration of these themes holds promise for developing a robust, resource-efficient, low-carbon energy system that leverages the ongoing innovation driving the biomass energy environment.

BISMILLAH HIR REHMAN NIR RAHEEM, LIFE OF OUR BELOVED PROPHET

on 25/09/2024

WITH NAME OF MUHAMMED HE WAS RECOGNISED
— HE WAS GREATLY PRAISED, HIGHLY ADMIRED
THE WHOLE MANKIND IS GUIDED ARIGHT
— THIS WAS THE SACRED MISSION OF HIS NOBLE LIFE
BEFORE HE OPENED HIS EYES, HIS FATHER, EXPIRED
— LEAVING BEHIND, HIS MOTHER, TO SUPERVISE
HALIMA SADIA SUCKLED THIS BLESSED CHILD
— UNTIL HE WAS SIX, SHE WAS ALONGSIDE
AFTER HER MOTHER’S DEMISE
— ABDUL MUTTALIB PROVIDED HIM RESPITE
WHEN OUR PROPHET WAS NINE
— HIS GRANDFATHER TOO DIED
ABU TALIB, HIS UNCLE, THEN RAISED HIM UP LIKE HIS OWN CHILD
— AND MADE SURE HE SURVIVED DESPITE MANY WHO CONSPIRED
IN HIS 20’S, HE SUPERVISED THE BUSINESS OF HIS “WOULD BE BRIDE”
— WITH TITLES OF AL-AMIN AND SADIQ, HE WAS GLORIFIED
WITH KHADIJA (R.A.) AGED 40, HIS MARRIAGE WAS ORGANIZED
— HE WAS THEN ONLY TWENTY-FIVE
360 IDOLS IN THE KA’ABA, WERE LINED UP INSIDE
— OUR PROPHET DENIED THESE OUTRIGHT
HE WOULD GO TO MOUNT HIRA, LEAVING BEHIND HIS WIFE
— REFLECTING HOW TO SAVE EVERY LIFE FROM THE ETERNAL PLIGHT
WHILST MEDITATING THERE IN THE MIDST OF THE NIGHT
— HE HEARD A VOICE AND WAS SURPRISED
IT WAS THE ANGEL JIBREEL (A.S.) WHO ASKED HIM TO RECITE
— OUR PROPHET TRIED TO DO LIKEWISE
YOU ARE THE MESSENGER OF GOD, HE APPRISED
— MUHAMMED SHIVERED AND PERSPIRED
‘DON’T WORRY’ HIS WIFE PACIFIED
— ALLAH WILL ALWAYS BE ON YOUR SIDE
IN THE NEXT 23 YEARS THE REVELATION OF THE QURAN WAS FINALIZED
— HE PREACHED TO PEOPLE OF ALL TYPES AND ASKED NO PRICE
AMIDST FEARS FOR HIS LIFE, THE MIGRATION FROM MECCA TRANSPIRED
— HE ENTERED MEDINA, BY THE ALMIGHTY’S CHOICE
HE WAS GREETED BY THE ANSARIS WITH DELIGHT
— FOR THEIR BROTHERS THEY MADE EVERY SACRIFICE
THEN CAME THE BATTLES WITH LOSS OF LIFE ON BOTH THE SIDES
— HOWEVER, CONQUEST OF MECCA TRANSPIRED WITHOUT AN ARROW BEING FIRED
MUHAMMED GAVE US THE QURAN AS A GUIDE
— AND YET WE DON’T BENEFIT FROM IT’S LIGHT
PILLARS OF ISLAM ARE FIVE, HE DESCRIBED
— ON FAITH, PRAYERS AND FASTING WE MUST NOT COMPROMISE
REGARDING CHARITY TO THE DEPRIVED AND PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY SITES
— ONLY IF WE CAN PROVIDE, WE ARE OBLIGED
FOLLOW PROPHET’S WAY OF LIFE, IT IS EMPHASIZED
— AND SEND HIM SALUTATIONS AND BLESSINGS, LIKE ALLAH SPECIFIED
HIS BEST SUNNAH IS, HOWEVER, TO TIRELESSLY STRIVE
— SO THAT THE WAY OF LIFE HE PRESCRIBED IS APPLIED IN ALL WALKS OF LIFE
HE CAME TO GUIDE US TO THE PATH STRAIGHT AND UPRIGHT
— SO THAT THE MANKIND ENJOYS ETERNALLY IN THE GARDENS OF DELIGHT
HE WAS THE BEST MAN EVER, EVERYONE RECOGNIZED
— EVEN HIS WORST ENEMIES CERTIFIED
MAY WE TIRELESSLY STRIVE
— TO LIVE LIKE, THE WAY OUR PROPHET ADVISED