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Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA)
TAKE ACTION: Making a good policy and regulation is not enough if it is not implemented. Our state agencies have a central role in designing good policies, and then implementing them to protect people's rights such as "right to life".
iTFA elimination regulations such as PS: 221-2023 which PSQCA has formulated needs to be enforced, and ghee mill must be asked to comply with the less than 2% limit of iTFAs.
These ingredients are harmful for cardio-vascular and metabolic system's normal functioning. Ultimately, the ingredients ingested through various foods cause diseases, disabilities, and pre-mature deaths.
Let us #eliminateTFAs and #preventNCDs!
Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA)
#Pakistan needs to develop policies and strengthen #foodgovernance to #preventNCDs. The battle cannot be won at treatments level without effective prevention strategies which promote good health. Our young are the most vulnerable to the aggressive food marketing which often carries wrong food advice.
Real nutritious food is the answer, not ultra-processed items.
#eliminateTFAs
Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA)
Media coverage of Public Private Dialogues (PPDs) between Mardan Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry and eleceted/public administration
Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA)
In order to #eliminateTFAs, it is important to make the supply of healthy alternative and fortified oils available, affordable, and accessible for the people with clear instructions about the reduced and safe amount of consumption.
Aamer Hayat Bhandara is a progressive farmer and in his statement has encouraged the government agencies to provide support to the local farmers to help produce #WHO suggested safer unsaturated oils such as olive, canola, avocados and others. A good value addition for the farming businesses could be to help them extract oil, package it, and market it according to the safe food regulations of the government of Pakistan. UN agencies such as #FAO and #WFP can play an important role in fully operationalising #REPLACE and also ensuring food security.
Let us #eliminateTFAs and #preventNCDs!
Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA)
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in KP
CGPA and WCCI Mardan Division successfully hosted a Public-Private Dialogue to strengthen women-led businesses and foster participatory democracy in KP. Supported by CIPE, the event highlighted strategies to address challenges and create opportunities for women entrepreneurs. Key stakeholders emphasized collaboration,capacity-building, and policy reforms to drive inclusive economic growth.
The event brought together an esteemed panel of speakers, including:
Himayat Ullah Mayar, Mayor of Mardan, Ashfaq Masood, Commissioner FBR, Asmat Ullah Wazir, Deputy Commissioner Mardan, Zahoor Babar Afridi, DPO Mardan, Ambreen Huti, Founding President WCCI Mardan, Zahida Iftikhar, President WCCI Mardan, Rashid Aman, Provincial Chief SMEDA, Mahvish Ayub, Head of Strategy, NIC
Tehsil Chairmans of different tehsils , CSOs, media representatives, entrepreneurs and the business community also actively participated in the event.
Together, we’re paving the way for a more equitable and prosperous KP.
#WomenInBusiness #PublicPrivateDialogue #InclusiveEconomy #KPDevelopment
Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA)
Industrially produced trans fats (iTFAs) are known to be harmful, however, removing them from food supply can bring numerous benefits for individuals, families, healthcare systems, and the economies.
Dr. Lubna Naz, a renowned health economist, has conducted extensive research on out-of-pocket expenditures and double disease burden arguing for increase in healthcare financing to shoulder the costs incurring to the poor and the marginalised.
In her statement, she has stressed on the case of primordial prevention and thereby creating healthier populations and economies. This is a human development pathway in which better health is treated as basic capability of human agency to function.
The central piece of advice is to ENFORCE the notified limit of less than 2% iTFAs in ghee.
Let us #eliminateTFAs and #preventNCDs by improving #foodgovernance!
Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA)
Ms. Mania Shakeel believes that good policies and regulation are meant to be implemented, and implemented effectively. These should not be placed on some shelf somewhere. In her statement, she has encouraged government departments to take action, and fully operationalise the REPLACE framework to #eliminateTFAs from food supply.
#Pakistan has already formulated mandatory regulation of less than 2% limit for banaspati ghee and other foods such as bakery ware. It is the time to cleans our food environment of this harmful substance and help reduce the burden of NCDs, and achieve SDG 3 targets which includes reduction in premature mortality.
iTFAs cause diseases, disabilities, and deaths which are avoidable with the right kind of public policies and nutrition action.
Let us #preventNCDs with better #FoodGovernance !
Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA)
CGPA is making collaborative efforts to help execute #REPLACE framework of the #WHO which is one of the key components of wider strategies to reduce burden of NCDs. #Pakistan, no doubt, needs to update and develop public policies which can modify the emerging obesogenic food environment in Pakistan. Such policy gaps have led to a dramatic increase in diabetes and now 36 million adults are diabetic while obesity is fast increasing even amongst the children and adolescents.
Dr. Basit, Secretary General of the DAP, in his statement, has encouraged the government agencies i.e., #PSQCA and food authorities to start implementing the polices and regulations that can help reduce incidence of diabetes. One of the key intervention is to #eliminateTFAs from food supply and undertake a targeted action on the ghee-making processes.
Our society deserves safe and nutritious food items rather than energy-dense products with low nutritional value.
#PreventNCDs
#FoodGovernance
Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA)
Ms. Amina Hassan Sheikh, member Punjab Assembly, has stressed on the importance of eliminating iTFAs from food supply, and encouraged the provincial food authorities to take action in accordance with the PSQCA's PS: 221-2023. Pakistan has regulations for product reformulations, and these must be enforced to improve food environment hence preventing morbidities, premature deaths, and economic hardships of individuals, families, and the country.
Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA)
Industrially produced trans fats (iTFAs) are harmful for heart health and metabolic functions. Dr. Kazmi emphasises on the importance of eliminating iTFAs as a measure of #preventivecardiology. He also mentioned REPLACE framework to do it better.
#PreventNCDs #FoodGovernance
Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA)
BEWARE: Excessive use of salt is one of the dietary risk factors for noncommunicable diseases, and is present in high quantities in ultra-processed foods such as pizza, and burgers etc. Excessive consumption of such foods can lead to heart diseases and stroke.
#PreventNCDs #FoodGovernance
Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA)
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Signing Ceremony Announcement 📅 Tuesday, 19 November 2024 📍 University of Peshawar We are delighted to announce that Development Insight Lab (DIL) and the Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA) have entered into a strategic three-year partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This collaboration marks a significant milestone in addressing critical development challenges at national, international, and regional levels. The partnership aims to foster sustainable and improved governance in Pakistan through comprehensive research, analysis, and policy engagement on pressing developmental issues. The collaboration will focus on initiatives at regional and national levels, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with a primary emphasis on: • Research addressing complex challenges at country, provincial, and regional levels. • Economic development and governance reforms. • Social justice, poverty reduction, and tackling marginalization. • Demographic changes and population dynamics. • Natural resource management and climate change adaptation. CGPA extend heartfelt gratitude to the vibrant leadership of Honorable Vice Chancellor, University of Peshawar, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Naeem Qazi, and DIL Coordinator, Dr. Sajjad Ahmed Jan, for their instrumental role in facilitating this remarkable collaboration. The CGPA team, led by Executive Director Mr. Muhammad Anwar, was also present to witness this significant moment. Their unwavering dedication continues to inspire efforts toward inclusive development and sustainable governance. We look forward to this partnership driving impactful change and advancing our shared mission of addressing Pakistan's most pressing challenges. Together, we aim to pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting collaboration! #CGPA #DIL #MoUSigning #Governance #Development #Collaboration #Policyresearch #SustainableFuture
Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA)
#EliminateTFAs to reduce cardio-vascular & metabolic disorders.
Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA) is helping various government agencies to fully implement various segments of #REPLACE and reduce the burden of diseases such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and other cardio-vascular ailments.
Healthy alternatives are possible!
#preventNCDs #nutrition #foodsafety #foodgovernance
Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA)
First 1000 days after birth are extremely important in a human life for the reasons of interaction between nutrition and health outcomes. If we miss this important time segment, falling short on providing adequate nutrition, chances are that we also lose human capital in the shape of reduced human capabilities to function due to the early onset of noncommunicable diseases in the population.
In this context, today, CGPA advisor Mr. Zubair Faisal Abbasi had a detailed meeting with the Programme Director, Dr. Zeeshan Shaikh, and discussed the idea of better nutrition actions for mothers and children. We can learn a great deal from Sindh Integrated Health and Population Program.
Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA)
CGPA, as a member of the scientific panel on oil and ghee policies and standards, participated in discussions. Zubair Faisal Abbasi representing civil society perspective laid emphasis on the need of looking at standards and regulations from the perspective of food governance to protect people's right to good health and food security. In addition, the Sindh Food Authority SFA must keep following global best-practice policies while regulating "nutrients of public health concern". One of the best-practice policies on oils and fats have been encapsulated in the REPLACE package of the World Health Organization. There is an urgent need to operationalise the package in #Pakistan, and CGPA will help the governments in doing so.
CGPA team later visited NICVD, Karachi and met with Dr. Khawar Kazmi and his team to work on #preventivecardiology to #preventNCDs.
Fayza Khan, our Karachi liaison, deserves special thanks on her coordination efforts!
Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA)
CGPA's advisor Zubair Faisal Abbasi participated in a policy dialogue on diabetes and obesity at the Aga Khan Medical University, Karachi. CGPA shared the civil society perspective emphasizing the importance of updating public policies, effective regulatory actions, and better institutional arrangements for improved food governance.
CGPA advocated for polices and regulatory frameworks such as fiscal policies to increase taxes on unhealthy ultra-processed foods, increased financing for preventive healthcare, front of package labeling, controlling promotional activities of unhealthy foods, and conflict of interest policies.
Indeed good nutrition actions are about both curtailing the supply and demand for unhealthy ultra-processed foods; the foods which have higher levels of fats, sugars, and salt.
#PreventNCDs #FoodGovernance
Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA)
Instead of subsidizing and/or reducing price of sugar which is a leading cause of #diabetes, provide subsidies on real foods such as lentils at the Utility Stores Corporation outlets. Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA) encourages the governments to subsidize and support food items which have established nutritional value than any of the "nutrient of public health concern" like sugars, oil, and salt.
#PreventNCDs
#WorldDiabetesDay
Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA)
#WorldDiabetesDay
Zubair Faisal Abbasi, advisor Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA), in a statement said “We have developed impaired dietary patterns, and sedentary lifestyles owing to urbanisation and aggressive marketing by the ultra-processed food producers.” “It is time that our provincial and regional food authorities, and Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) update their governance capabilities with plans of actions to help control and penalise producers of unhealthy foods adding burden of noncommunicable diseases”, he said.
Fayza Khan, General Secretary of Pakistan Nutrition and Dietetic Society (PNDS) emphasised that “Eating a balanced diet rich in whole foods, fiber, and healthy fats, and limiting added sugars and refined carbohydrates, is crucial for preventing and managing diabetes”.
#PreventNCDs #FoodGovernance
Pakistan has 33m diabetics, 27pc still undiagnosed: PM coordinator
ISLAMABAD: While World Diabetes Day observed on Thursday, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Health Dr Malik...
Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA)
Pakistan is going through a near crisis-like situation on account of the increase in both incidence and prevalence of #diabetes. Please read Rahul Rajput's insightful and detailed information-rich analysis for the Health Policy Watch. Our advisor Zubair Faisal Abbasi has been quoted in the story.
healthpolicy-watch.news/pakistan-has-the-worlds-highest-diabetes-prevalence-and-lacks-focus-on-prevention/
@followers
ISLAMABAD - Muhammad Waqas is an engineer at a private telecom company. He still remembers the day six years ago in 2018 when he was diagnosed with diabetes
Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA)
We have made commitments to improve diabetes coverage targets such as better screening to diagnose the undiagnosed, provide better medical /health advice to keep BP and glycaemia under control, provide special care to people with type 1 diabetes.
Let us act fast to fulfill these commitments!
#WorldDiabetesDay #PreventNCDs
Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA)
Today is #WorldDiabetesDay and CGPA in collaboration with other strategic partners is determined to act on modification of dietary & social determinants of diabetes epidemic in #Pakistan.
We pay tribute, and are thankful for cooperation, and also value the contributions of the Diabetic Association of Pakistan, Pakistan Nutrition and Dietetic Society, and IBA's Centre for Business and Economic Research in conducting valuable research, raising awareness, and delivering diabetes care services for the people of Pakistan.
Diabetes has hidden impacts, and various socio-economic costs. Let us work on diabetes prevention and care!
#PreventNCDs
Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA)
#WorldDiabetesDay will be observed tomorrow on November 14.
#Pakistan needs to focus much more on both policies and public awareness about diets, physical activity, standard treatments, but also how peer support groups help in diabetes care.
Diabetic burnout is real, and there are hidden impacts of the disease.
CGPA in press on diabetes 👇
World Diabetes Day to be observed on Thursday
ISLAMABAD, Nov 13 (APP):World Diabetes Day (WDD) will be observed globally on Thursday to raise awareness about diabetes, a chronic condition affecting
Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA)
Let us #EliminateTFAs from food supply, promotion, and consumption
Industrially produced trans fats (iTFAs) are a major risk factor for cardio-vascular diseases, obesity, and #diabetes.
iTFAs can also impair human reproductive function by interfering in the endocrine system.
#WorldDiabetesDay #PreventNCDs
Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA)
November 14 is World Diabetes Day. However, the month of November is diabetes awareness month. CGPA is working on raising awareness and helping design better public policies to modify dietary and lifestyle risk factors and help Pakistan save from the disease. 33 milion Pakistanis are diabetic while another 10 million are pre-diabetic. Hundreds of amputations are happening in the country hospitals due to diabetes related complications.
While it is possible to somehow manage the disease, but much better is to modify our diets and be physically active to avoid an early onset of the disease.
#PreventNCDs #PreventDiabetes #WorldDiabetesDay
Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA)
CGPA took part in the national policy consultations at the Ministry of Health, Islamabad. UNICEF organized the event, and insightful discussion took place on how to protect children and adolescents from the onslaught of unhealthy items being sold as food. CGPA suggested designing policies which can help reduce the availability, affordability, promotion, and consumption of three nutrients of public health concern. These nutrients are: sugars, fats, and salt. CGPA also emphasised the need of governments monitoring "celebrity endorsements" for unhealthy items. The suggestions were well-received by the government and UN agencies.
Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA)
A major source of free sugars is sugary sweetened beverages (SSBs). Our public policies must discourage the availability, affordability, promotion & consumption of SSBs.
Let us get our public policies right!
#WorldDiabetesDay #PreventNCDs
Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA)
Mr. Taimur Saleem Jhagra, the former Finance and Health Minister, addressed the NFC Seminar with a strong emphasis on advocating for a unified and collective stance regarding Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's (KP) share in the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, urging that this stance transcend political affiliations. He highlighted the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure that KP receives its fair share, which is crucial for addressing the province's financial needs and advancing regional development.
Mr. Jhagra also provided a detailed overview of KP's current financial status, shedding light on the challenges posed by the province’s debt and the budgetary pressures impacting essential services. He shared insights on the measures taken to manage KP’s financial commitments, emphasizing the need for sustainable financial planning to maintain economic stability.
Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA)
Mr. Khushdil Khan, former Deputy Speaker, addressed the NFC Seminar with an in-depth discussion on Article 160 of the Constitution, which outlines the NFC formula and defines the allocation of shares to each province. He emphasized the need for equitable distribution of resources, especially in light of the additional challenges faced by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) following the merger with the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).
Mr. Khan also highlighted the importance of establishing a stable and peaceful environment in the former FATA regions. He suggested that improved law and order would be a foundational step toward unlocking economic opportunities and fostering prosperity.
Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA)
Mr. Ahmed Kundi, the parliamentary leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), emphasized the critical role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in partnership with political leadership to address key provincial issues. Speaking at the NFC Seminar, he suggested that similar discussions should be organized across various universities to engage academia and inspire broader debate on issues impacting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) at the provincial level.
Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA)
Mr. Faisal Karim Kundi, Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, serving as the Chief Guest at the NFC Seminar, delivered an insightful address to the participants. In his remarks, Mr. Kundi emphasized the significance of the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award in ensuring equitable resource distribution for KP Province. He discussed the challenges and opportunities associated with the NFC framework and underscored the importance of provincial shares in NFC.
Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA)
What is Budgeting: A Brief Overview
Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA)
Press coverage of seminar ‘NFC Award; Case of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’ held on October 31, 2024.
#CGPA #nfcawards #kpk
#kpgovernor
Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA)
Two-day training on the Financial Records Information Management System (FRIMS), organized by CGPA with the valuable support of GIZ and LGS. The program aimed to enhance participants' skills in financial record management for improved efficiency and transparency
#FRIMS #GIZ #CGPA
Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA)
Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA)
Importance of Local Governments for a Democratic Dispensation
hazaraexpressnews.org/3502/?fbclid=IwY2xjawGRslFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHRv8ZQoskYPL6IySzrx9rGl6BcLD5AAX5NkETbNd2cR-lRvo2Uhq4Qo7FA_aem_4nQ2NRfmQDho7SIya7MG6Q&sfnsn=scwspwa
Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA)
An insight into KP-RTS act 2014
Empowering Citizens Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Right to Public Services
An important milestone towards good governance in KPK was achieved when the Right to Public Services Act 2014 was promulgated
Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA)
Insightful Seminar on "NFC Award and The Case of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa" - Jointly Organized by CGPA & Development Insights Lab CGPA and Development Insights Lab (DIL) jointly organized and hosted a productive seminar, titled "NFC Award and The Case of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa," highlighting KP’s evolving fiscal needs and future post-FATA merger. The event brought together esteemed political leaders and experts, including Hon’s Governor KP Mr. Faisal Karim Kundi, Mr. Taimor Jhagra (Ex-Finance Minister, PTI), Mr. Ahmed Kundi (Parliamentary Leader, PPP), Mr. Khushdil Khan (Ex-Deputy Speaker, ANP), Ms. Naeema Kishwar (Ex-MNA, JUI.F), Mr. Sikandar Hayat Khan Sherpao (Ex-Minister Social Welfare, QWP), Mr. Inayat Ullah Khan (Ex-Minister Local Government, JI), and Nadeem Afzak Chan (Ex MNA)alongside leading economists, financial analysts, civil society representatives, academia, media, and students. The seminar tackled key issues impacting KP's share in the National Finance Commission (NFC), with an in-depth discussion and analyzed the distribution of national resources and how the NFC shapes equitable resource allocation across provinces. The seminar on KP’s share in the National Finance Commission (NFC) explored critical issues affecting equitable resource and with key focus on the FATA-KP merger. Political leaders and experts addressed KP’s fiscal challenges, additional post-merger responsibilities, and strategies for sustainable development. The event emphasized the need for a balanced NFC framework, advocating for an equitable fiscal future for all provinces, with a focus on KP’s unique needs. CGPA and DIL thank all participants and guest speakers for their invaluable contributions to this crucial dialogue. Join us in advocating for fair and sustainable fiscal policies that support the future of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the whole nation. #NFC #KP-NMDs Development #FiscalFederalism #CGPA #developmentinsightslab
Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA)
Press release of theory of change
Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA)
Coverage by Mashriq tv and news on Draft of theory of change's workshop
Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA)
Today at Peshawar University.. stay tuned.
Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA)
Voila! The final workshop on the dissemination of Theory of Change for SMEs of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, held on October 30, 2024, at Shelton Rezidor Peshawar, was a tremendous success, setting the stage for many more to come! Organized by CGPA and supported by CIPE, the event featured vibrant participation from across KP, including Chamber of Commerce and Industries representatives covering all seven divisions, alongside government officials, academia, and key stakeholders and business associatons. The workshop was buzzing with energy and engagement as our honorable panelists from KPRA, FBR, RTS, Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industries, TEVTA, and SMEDA delivered powerful insights and addressed every question with expertise. This inspiring workshop marks just the beginning of an impactful journey ahead!
#cipeii #cgpa #toc #kp
#womenchamber
Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA)
A two-day Theory of Change validation workshop with SMEs from across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, bringing together representatives from Chambers of Commerce and Industry from divisional level.
#CGPA#KhyberPakhtunkhwa#womenchamber#SMEs #theoryofchange @followers
Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA)
Two-day training on the Financial Records Information Management System (FRIMS), organized by CGPA with the valuable support of GIZ and LGS. The program aimed to enhance participants' skills in financial record management for improved efficiency and transparency
#GIZ #LGS #cgpa
Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA)
It is our #righttoknow what is being sold to us. Food is one of the key ingredients that determine our health and wellbeing. So, #FOPL is vital for our efforts to #preventNCDs, and governments must protect our right to know and the right to good health.
#FOPL
Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA)
Empowering Future Leaders through Knowledge and Civic Engagement! CGPA proudly conducted the 9th three-day Youth Leadership and Civic Engagement training, bringing together young leaders and university students from across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This dynamic training focused on essential topics in civic engagement, local governance, and the fundamental role of constitutional bodies in Pakistan's parliamentary system. By understanding the Right to Information (RTI) and Right to Service (RTS) laws in KP, these emerging leaders are now equipped to advocate for citizens' rights and hold government bodies accountable. Key sessions in three days training covered; • Constitutionalism & Civic Engagement • Civic Education & Key Legislation • RTI & RTS Acts and its role in good governance • Local Government Structures & mechanism in KP • Constitutional Bodies in Pakistan With insightful sessions by Mr. Saddat from the RTI Commission and Mr. Muhammad Asim Imam, Commissioner of RTS, participants gained hands-on knowledge in filing RTI requests, complaint handling, and understanding the active role of local government bodies. Equipped with this knowledge, these youth leaders are now ready to make a real impact—championing transparency and promoting better service delivery in their communities. Together, we are building a brighter, more empowered Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. #YouthEmpowerment #CivicEngagement #RTIKP #Transparency #GoodGovernance #FutureLeaders #CGPATraining #RTS
Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA)
Impose ban on Plastic Products
#banonplasticbags #pollution #plastic #environmentprotection #solidwaste #peshawar #Peshawar @followers