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Author: World News

  • International moot on molecular medicine concluded at PCMD-KU

    KARACHI: The four-day 8th International Symposium-Cum-Training Course on Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, organized by Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, concluded here on Thursday at the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi.

    The symposium recommended that the alarming scenario in countries like Pakistan demands urgent attention to increase awareness about healthy lifestyles and the highly adverse effects of chewing various ingredients (like Pan, betel nuts, Gutka, etc.) on one hand and screening programs for early detection of breast and mouth cancer on the other. The symposium also called on the lawmakers to legislate in both federal and provincial assemblies the disease of cancer as a mandatory reportable event like many infectious diseases for instance Covid-19. It was also recommended that a strict surveillance program for highly infectious diseases needs to be implemented to check and contain diseases like the Congo virus, Ebola virus, etc.

    Addressing the closing ceremony, Prof. Dr. Atta-ur Rahman, Professor Emeritus and former Federal Minister for Science and Technology, appreciated the ICCBS administration for organizing such a useful symposium. He also highlighted the importance of high-quality open distance education and said that ICCBS has created a useful website at the Latif Ebrahim Jamal Science Information Center that exciting initiative allows individuals from anywhere in the world to benefit from tens of thousands of excellent courses without registration or payment.

    Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, the Coordinator General OIC-COMSTECH, and UNESCO CHAIR on Medicinal and Bio-Organic Natural Product Chemistry ICCBS said, “Our students are in fact our real wealth, who are the future of the country.”

    Prof. Dr. Farzana Shaeen, Director of the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, thanked the organizers, especially Prof. Dr. Asmat Saleem, faculty, staff, students, and volunteers for playing a key role in the organization of the international event. She hoped that the conference would be meaningful for the participants, especially young scholars, and said that this meeting would foster stronger research ties between participating scientists representing different regions of the world.

    Foreign delegates, including Dr. Paul Denny from the UK, Dr. Xiao-Ping Wang from China, and Dr. Muriel Cuendent from Switzerland, also expressed their views on the occasion. They said that we should work together on rare diseases which are neglected. Their concluding message was “Sit down together, Work together, and Cheaply make Orphan drugs together”

    They said that Dr. Panjwani Center had become a center of excellence for quality research on molecular medicine. This center has hastened the pace of development in the field of molecular medicine. The foreign participants also acknowledged the hospitality and warmth of the people of Pakistan during the four-day symposium. In the end, the Symposium Coordinator Prof. Asmat Salim presented a vote of thanks

    Over 600 scientists, including 70 scientists from 26 countries, including Australia, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Cameron, Canada, China, Greece, Hungry, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UAE, Uganda, UK, USA, Yemen attended the international symposium held with an aim to bring together the leading experts in the field of molecular medicine

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  • The first phase of the International Pediatric Urology Conference held successfully

    Karachi: The first phase of the International Pediatric Urology Conference, which held a series of surgical demonstrations concluded today.

    The session was a part of the four-day conference jointly organized by the Asian Pacific Association of Pediatrics (APAPU) and SIUT (Sind Institute of Urology and Transplantation.

    Some three hundred delegates including some internationally renowned surgeons took part in the deliberations beside surgeons from various parts of the country.

    In the first phase which lasted for two days, some procedures were performed which were both essential as well as prerequisite for juniors and senior surgeons. The highlight of these surgical procedures was that they were performed at three different theatres simultaneously and transmitted to the audience in an auditorium. Speakers taking part in the discussion particularly highlighted the causes of the commonest disease among the children population of Pakistan.

    The surgical procedures were followed by an exhaustive discussion on the surgical technique related to reconstructive procedures and prevailing ailments among the children population of Pakistan. Professor Philip Ransley moderated the entire proceedings.

    Prominent surgeons who took part in the exercise included celebrated Dr Philips Ransley from UK, Professor Marc-David Leclair of France, Professor Alaa El Ghoneimi from France, and Gianantonio Manzoni from Italy.

    Also present at the session were members of SIUT faculty and founder Director Professor Adib Rizvi. The second part of the conference which will focus on scientific papers will begin today (Friday)

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  • Nawaz Sharif acquitted in Avenfield corruption reference

    Islamabad: Islamabad High Court on Wednesday struck down the conviction of former prime minister and chief of Pakistan Muslim League (N) Mian Nawaz Sharif in the Avenfield reference.

    Former PM Nawaz Sharif was sentenced to 10 years in prison by the accountability court Islamabad in the Avenfield properties corruption reference in July 2018 accusing him of owing assets beyond his known source of income.

    IHC’s two-member bench comprising Chief Justice Aamir Farooq and Justice Miangul Hasan Aurangzaib heard the arguments of the counsel on Nawaz Sharif’s appeal that was restored after the return of Nawaz Sharif to Pakistan from abroad where he was staying for the last couple of years for medical treatment.

    Nawaz Sharif’s counsel Amjad Pervez submitted that the prosecution failed to prove charges pertained to assets beyond means as under the law prosecution has to prove certain facts and the accused is required to be shown as a public office holder.
    The counsel said that the prosecution failed to investigate the source of assets at the time of the acquisition of the properties in question and compare the known source of income with the value of the assets. He said that the prosecution failed to prove that these properties were purchased by the appellant and the value of the properties was not ascertained by the investigation agency.

    The NAB prosecutor submitted that the reference was filed after the judgment of the Supreme Court in the Panama case. He submitted that IHC had acquitted the co-accused Maryam Nawaz and captain (retd) Safdar in the case which was not challenged by the NAB therefore it has not become final.

    He further submitted that NAB also wanted to withdraw appeal against the acquittal of Nawaz Sharif in Flagship reference.
    The court after hearing the arguments of the counsel, for reason to be recorded later on, set aside the conviction of Nawaz Sharif in Avenfield case and acquitted him of corruption charges.

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  • Caretaker PM receives a telephone call from Bill Gates, Co-chair of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

    Abu Dhabi: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar received a telephone call from Mr. Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) to discuss progress in the ongoing efforts to eradicate polio from Pakistan.

    The Prime Minister is currently on an official visit to the UAE. During the telephone call, the caretaker Prime Minister and Mr. Gates followed up on their discussion in New York when they met on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session in September.

    The Prime Minister appreciated the Gates Foundation’s support to the government’s efforts to secure a polio-free Pakistan.

    He reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to rid the country of this debilitating virus. Prime Minister briefed Mr. Gates on the polio vaccination drive currently in progress across Pakistan.

    The issues of malnutrition and maternal health also came under discussion. The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction at the excellent cooperation between the government and BMGF. The Prime Minister assured Mr. Gates that the government of Pakistan was fully committed to delivering on the promise of a healthier, safer, and financially inclusive Pakistan and counted on reliable partners such as BMGF in this endeavor.

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  • UN chief urges world leaders to break the deadly cycle of global warming before reaching tipping point

    United Nations: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged world leaders at the climate conference COP 28 to break the deadly cycle of global warming before a deadly tipping point is reached.

    UN secretary was briefing reporters in New York after seeing for himself over the weekend the “profoundly shocking” speed at which ice is melting in Antarctica – three times faster than the rate in the early 1990s.

    New figures reveal that sea ice at the South Pole is now 1.5 million square kilometers below average for this time of year; that’s equal to the combined surface area of Portugal, Spain, France, and Germany combined.

    “What happens in Antarctica doesn’t stay in Antarctica”, Mr. Guterres said. “We live in an interconnected world. Melting sea ice means rising seas. And that directly endangers lives and livelihoods in coastal communities across the globe.

    He noted that it’s not just the impact of floods and saltwater on food and water supplies at stake, but the viability of small islands and entire cities on coasts across the world.

    “The movement of waters around Antarctica distributes heat, nutrients and carbon around the world, helping to regulate our climate and regional weather patterns”, he told correspondents outside the security council.

    “But that system is slowing as the southern ocean grows warmer and less dense. Further slowdown – or entire breakdown – would spell catastrophe.”

    With no let-up in fossil fuel extraction “we’re heading towards a calamitous three-degree celsius temperature rise by the end of the century”, he warned.

    :If we continue as we are, and I strongly hope we will not, the Greenland and West Antarctica ice sheets will cross a deadly tipping point.” This represents an astonishing rise of around 10 metres.

    The vicious cycle means accelerated heating as ice diminishes and more extreme weather.

    At COP28 in Dubai, which starts later this week, “leaders must break this cycle”, the UN chief urged.

    “The solutions are well known. Leaders must act to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees celsius, protect people from climate chaos, and end the fossil fuel age.”

    Only a global pact to triple renewable energy use, a doubling in energy efficiency and access to clean power for all by 2030, will be sufficient, he argued.

    “Antarctica is crying out for action”, the Secretary-General added. “I salute the thousands of researchers – in Antarctica and around the world – expanding our understanding of the changes taking place on the continent.

    “They are testament to human ingenuity and the immense benefits of international collaboration. leaders must not let the hopes of people around the world for a sustainable planet melt away.”

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  • NYC Comptroller announces that NYCERS, Teachers’ TRS have joined LRIN, and its partnering unions

    New York: New York City Comptroller Brad Lander announced that the New York City Employees’ Retirement System (NYCERS) and Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS) have joined the Labor Rights Investor Network (LRIN), a global initiative of the CWC and its partnering unions.

    The network consists of asset managers, asset owners, and investment service providers committed to integrating labor rights into their stewardship practices.

    “As financial stewards responsible for the retirement savings of thousands of unionized workers we want to ensure that the companies in which we invest our capital are in turn investing in their workforce. Ignoring fundamental workers rights risks eroding long-term shareholder value,” said Comptroller Lander. “The historic movement to ensure labor rights are respected has led to measurable gains for hundreds of thousands of workers. We are proud to stand boldly with the Committee for Workers Capital to announce this important initiative which centers respecting labor rights as a business imperative key to mitigating systemic risks.”

    “Organized labor is the foundation of our City, and a central element of the City workforce whose finances we steward. Worker protections are vital to all New Yorkers. I fully support our membership in the Labor
    Rights Investor Network. Membership will strengthen our pension fund and promote positive labor practices that are both prudent and principled,” said New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams.

    The Systems’ membership with the network builds upon an extensive record of prioritizing a company’s treatment of their workforce as a critical factor in their role as fiduciaries responsible for securing strong returns for hundreds of thousands of current and former public sector workers and their beneficiaries. This record includes securing a workers rights assessment by Apple and Starbucks that will conclude this year. The Systems view the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining as a fundamental human right as recognized by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the United Nations (UN).

    LRIN members set expectations for their portfolio companies and request that the boards and senior management of these companies take responsibility for labor rights oversight and ensure respect for workers’ rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining. The LRIN is housed at the Global Unions’ Committee on Workers’ Capital (CWC), a committee of the International Trade Union Confederation, the Global Union Federations and the Trade Union Advisory Committee to the OECD that advocates for the responsible investment of workers’ capital.

    Comptroller Lander joined network members, representatives from Microsoft and others from the labor and business communities yesterday for an official launch of the Network during an events at the U.S. Department of Labor aimed at highlighting how businesses and investors can become more resilient and competitive by harnessing the growing global movement for worker voice.

    In addition to Comptroller Lander, the trustees of the aforementioned New York City pension funds are as follows:

    New York City Employees’ Retirement System (NYCERS): Mayor Eric Adams’ Appointee Bryan Berge, Director, Mayor’s Office of Pension and Investments; New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams; Borough Presidents: Mark Levine (Manhattan), Donovan Richards Jr. (Queens), Vito Fossella (Staten Island), and Vanessa L. Gibson (Bronx); Henry Garrido, Executive Director, District Council 37, AFSCME; Richard Davis, President Transport Workers Union Local 100; and Gregory Floyd, President, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 237.

    Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS): Mayor Eric Adams’ Appointee Bryan Berge, Director, Mayor’s Office of Pension and Investments; Chancellor’s Representative, Dr. Angela Green, New York City Department of Education Panel for Educational Policy; and Thomas Brown (Chair), Victoria Lee, and David Kazansky, all of the United Federation of Teachers.

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  • Around 51,000 New York drivers may face license suspensions over vision tests

    New York: The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles has warned that 51,000 drivers who fail to submit their license renewal and vision tests as suspensions would affect drivers whose licenses expired between March 1, 2020, and Aug. 31, 2021.

    According to the DMV, due to the restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, drivers have temporarily self-verified their vision test and renewed their license online, however, drivers will still be required to submit the vision test otherwise their license will be suspended.

    Driving with a suspended license in NY can result in a ticket or fines of $200 to $500. It could also result in possible jail time of up to 30 days.

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  • NYC Mayor expands immigration application assistance centers, convinces resettlement working group, amid city faces migrant crisis  

    NEW YORK – As New York City continues to manage a national asylum seeker crisis largely on its own, New York City Mayor Eric Adams today launched an expansion of the Asylum Application Help Center, scaling up a resource that has helped thousands of asylum seekers complete complex immigration forms as they continue to pursue the American Dream.

    With funding from the state, the Adams administration will open two satellite sites to assist asylum seekers submit applications for asylum, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and work authorization — critical steps on the path to securing employment and living independently. As the city continues to pursue its own long-term solutions in the absence of a federal strategy, Mayor Adams also convened a Resettlement Working Group to focus on collaborating with national refugee resettlement organizations and municipalities across the country looking to boost declining populations.

    The city continues to work diligently to help asylum seekers move from shelter to alternative housing by intensifying casework, reticketing migrants, and providing legal support so that asylum seekers can become self-sufficient. Thanks in large part to the city’s efforts helping asylum seekers take the next steps in their journeys, more than half of asylum seekers who have come through the city’s shelter system have found alternative accommodations.

    “While we continue to call for a national strategy to solve a national crisis, New York City continues to do its part to support asylum seekers,” said Mayor Adams. “For over a year, we have asked the federal government to put forward a resettlement strategy, expedite work authorizations for asylum seekers, and provide New York City with much needed and meaningful financial support. In the absence of that national strategy, New York City continues to lead — building out the legal and resettlement infrastructure needed to address this crisis. We hope the federal government will join us in these efforts and finish the job they started.”

    “Our city has done a nation’s work — without a nation’s resources — in responding to the asylum seeker crisis, and our Asylum Application Help Center is the tip of the spear in our efforts to help asylum seekers take the next steps in their journeys,” said Chief of Staff Camille Joseph Varlack. “These satellite sites will allow us to process even more applications, getting asylum seekers one step closer to work authorization and self-sufficiency.”

    “In less than six months, the Asylum Application Help Center has assisted thousands of individuals and families take important and necessary steps to ultimately continue on their path to self-sufficiency and the American Dream,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “This work will be bolstered by additional satellite sites across the city in order to help even more people. We continue to do our part as a city, and we thank the federal government for their support with work authorizations — but more federal support is needed to help asylum seekers transition more quickly to independence.”

    Since opening this summer — bolstered by critical funding from state partners — the city’s help center has supported the filing of over 7,200 asylum applications, approximately 2,900 work authorization applications, and nearly 2,900 TPS applications — more than 13,000 total. The city has additionally helped asylum seekers file over 3,100 work authorization applications during two clinics hosted in partnership with the federal government and city-based nonprofits — totaling more than 16,000 asylum, work authorization, and TPS applications filed thanks to the city’s efforts in recent months.

    This month, the city also launched its first satellite sites for immigration application assistance in Harlem and Lower Manhattan, and, in the coming weeks, the city will open additional sites to serve more asylum seekers in the city’s care. Interested asylum seekers can schedule one-on-one appointments at help centers, where trained application assistants provide individualized support to the applicant based on their needs. The city remains on track to identify, screen, and schedule appointments for all eligible Venezuelans who are in the city’s care and qualify for the federal government’s extension and redesignation of TPS by the end of the year.

    Comprised of city officials working on the asylum seeker response, the Resettlement Working Group is meeting with immigrant and refugee resettlement organizations and experts to understand best practices from across the country and the world. The working group will also continue to connect with leaders of cities dealing with large influxes of asylum seekers, as well as with cities in need of people to fill vacant jobs. For over a year, the city has asked the federal government to lead a national resettlement and decompression plan. In the absence of action, New York City continues to lead and invest in long-term strategies like resettlement, legal services, and casework to move asylum seekers out of shelter and onto a path to stability.

    Since this humanitarian crisis began, the city has taken fast and urgent action, opening over 210 emergency sites to provide shelter to asylum seekers, including 17 additional large-scale humanitarian relief centers; standing up navigation centers with support from community-based organizations to connect asylum seekers with critical resources; enrolling thousands of children in public schools through Project Open Arms; and more. Earlier this spring, the city released “The Road Forward: A Blueprint to Address New York City’s Response to the Asylum Seeker Crisis,” detailing how the city will continue to manage the influx of asylum seekers and advocate for support from federal and state partners.

    As the Adams administration continues to prioritize helping asylum seekers live independently, without significant or timely state and federal assistance, the city plans to pursue a 20 percent reduction in spending on the migrant crisis in the Fiscal Year 2024 Preliminary Budget, which will be released in January 2024.

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  • Community Op-Ed: Staying Safe for the Holidays

    BY ERIC ADAMS, NYC MAYOR

    The upcoming holiday season is a festive time of year. It’s getting colder, so we try to stay warm, we invite friends and family over, cook more, light candles, maybe burn a fire in the fireplace or use space heaters, buy Christmas trees and string them up with lights, and fill our homes with other decorations. That is why the winter season is also unfortunately known as the fire season, and more than one-third of all home fires occur between December, January, and February.

    Early during our administration, in January 2022, 17 people were killed and many more were injured in a tragic fire at the Twin Parks apartment building in the Bronx. The fire was caused by a defective space heater and self-closing doors that didn’t work properly. That loss and devastation remains with us, which is why we are asking all New Yorkers to work together and take some basic precautions this winter season so that we can make this a safe and happy time of celebration.

    Smoking materials, like cigarette butts, ashes, lighters, and matches, are the leading cause of home fires. Make sure they are discarded properly in large, deep ashtrays. Smoking is followed by home heating as the second leading cause of home fires. Make sure your equipment —including central heating units, portable and fixed space heaters, as well as fireplaces — are installed by a qualified technician, and inspected and cleaned regularly. All space heaters should have the “Underwriters Laboratories” (UL) mark on them. Never use an extension cord with a space heater, and avoid using space heaters in places like bathrooms, where they can come into contact with water. And make sure to put out the fire in your fireplace completely before you go to sleep.

    Candle fires have tripled in the past 10 years — most of these happen when the candles are left unattended or are lit next to combustible materials like paper or fabric. If you enjoy candles in your home, make sure to be present at all times while the candle is burning; keep candles away from flammable materials like curtains, decorations, and bedding; and also place them out of reach of children and pets.

    Electric blankets and extension cords are another source of potential danger. They should also have the (UL) mark. Please replace your electric blanket if it is more than 10 years old and buy ones with an automatic shut-off. Also, inspect the condition of your extension cords, make sure that all outlets and switches have cover plates that are not discolored (a possible sign of overheating), and however much you have going on, please don’t overload your outlets with more than two appliances.

    If you are buying an artificial Christmas tree, buy one that is flame retardant. Position your trees near outlets so that you don’t have to use extension cords and unplug tree lights when you are not in the room or are going to sleep.

    If you own an e-bike or other micro-mobility device, never charge it overnight or leave batteries unattended while charging. Don’t store devices between you and the exit of your home (the batteries can explode, trapping you inside.) Ideally, do not store your batteries or devices indoors at all.

    Finally, remember that smoke alarms and carbon-monoxide detectors save lives. Make sure to check your smoke alarms and replace the batteries twice a year. Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that is released during fires or by malfunctioning heating equipment. Carbon monoxide kills, so a working carbon monoxide detector is essential. It is also required by law in New York City.

    Let’s make 2023 the safest holiday season ever so that we can all celebrate our festivals, families, friends, and this beautiful city we call home. Happy holidays!

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  • Apna Women’s Club established, as Pakistani women throng to Brooklyn Meena Bazaar, get discounted quality products

    New York: Apna Women’s Club has been established for the Pakistani-American community’s women in New York as the announcement came at Apna’s Meena Bazaar which was set up on Cony Island Avenue in Brooklyn.

    The participating women shop for oriental colorful clothes, beautifully designed jewelry, and cosmetics products at discounted prices at the Meena Bazaar.

     

    The Mena Bazaar was inaugurated with the recitation of a few verses of the Holy Quran.

    Chairman of Apna Community Center Pervez Siddiqui, Executive Director Shazia Watto and founder of Apna Women’s Club Samreen Hussain inaugurated the event with a ribbon cutting.

    Free shopping stalls were set up in Meena Bazaar to promote women’s small businesses where oriental clothes, beautifully designed jewelry, and cosmetics products were available at discounted prices.

    On this occasion, the special guest and Chairman of Apna Community Center Pervez Siddiqui also contributed a donation to encourage women.

    Along with the purchase of beautiful women’s dresses and embellished jewelry, women also applied Mehendi to their hands on this occasion.

    While addressing the participants, the executive director of Apna Community Center, Shazia Watto, said that efforts have always been made to empower and stabilize the women of the community, so there will be a meet and greet every month and Meena Bazaar will be held regularly.

    In Meena Bazaar, children got a chance to roam around and women got the opportunity to meet each other, eat food and chat with each other. They said that their aim is to bring educated, skilled and unskilled women together.

    Women were very happy with the provision of free stalls and the availability of discounted and quality items in Meena Bazaar.

    On this occasion, famous singer Saima Jahan presented songs in her melodious voice, which was appreciated by the audience.

    The women praised the establishment of Meena Bazaar and expressed the hope that consumers will get good products from here, while women associated with small businesses will also get better business opportunities.

    The founder women of Meena Bazaar presented a bouquet to the special guest Pervez Siddiqui and cut a cake together in celebration of the establishment of their women’s club.

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  • Welfare of overseas Pakistanis, resolution of issues among govt’s top priorities: Caretaker FM

    ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani on Monday said that the welfare of the overseas Pakistanis and the resolution of their issues on a priority basis were among the top priorities of the interim government, according to APP.

    Jilani further said that the European Union (EU) was an important partner of Pakistan and welcomed the continuation of GSP Plus status for Pakistan, adding these steps would further promote bilateral economic links with the EU.

    Welfare of overseas Pakistanis, resolution of issues among govt’s top priorities: Caretaker FM

    The minister expressed these views during his visit to Pakistan Embassy in Belgium where he was warmly received by Pakistan Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg and the European Union Amna Baloch and other members of the diplomatic staff, a press release said.

    The caretaker foreign minister visited different sections of the embassy including consular section and expressed his satisfaction over the facilities being provided to the Pakistani community.

    On the occasion, he also penned down his expressions in the visitors’ book placed in the embassy.

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  • A Pakistani-American youth succumbs to burn injuries in Brooklyn

    New York: One of the two Pakistani-American brothers who sustained fatal burn injuries after a fire broke out in their house in Brooklyn, has passed away.

    As per details, the 23-year-old Nadeem Maqsood succumbed to his burn injuries while his brother – 20-year-old Khalil Maqsood is under treatment at a Staten Island hospital.

    The victims are grandsons of the late Haji Maqsood, former secretary of Makki Masjid, and sons of Naeem Maqsood.

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  • Annual International Culture Day organized at Pakistan Embassy College Beijing

    BEIJING: Over 40 countries including Pakistan and China set up their national stalls featuring a range of cultural activities such as traditional music as well as a display of art, costumes, and cuisines at the annual International Culture Day organized by Pakistan Embassy College (PECB) here on Sunday.

    According to APP, the Pakistan Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi inaugurated the event as the chief guest.
    Ambassadors, senior diplomats, officials, media representatives and students along with their families, and members of the Pakistani and international community participated in this cultural gala.

    China, Russia, Italy, Rumania, Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Libya, Bulgaria, Bangladesh, Nepal, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan and several other countries showcased their cultural handcrafts, products, and traditional cuisines.

    Ambassador Hashmi visited stalls and exhibitions set up by students and their parents and appreciated them for showcasing handicrafts, foods, and culture of their respective countries.

    There were fun areas and gaming zones for children. Cultural performances of various countries were also presented which were greatly enjoyed by the guests.

    Ambassador Hashmi in his address commended the PECB and its students for excellent organization and for presenting the rich kaleidoscope of performances which advanced mutual understanding, respect and collaboration among different cultures and traditions.

    He described culture a powerful tool to build bridges and foster friendships between nations.
    Ambassador Hashmi also underlined the significance of International Culture Day celebrations for China Pakistan relations, noting that the event served as a platform to promote the creation of China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future.

    Principal, Shazia Amjad welcomed the audience and expressed gratitude for their keen interest and enthusiastic participation.
    Some exquisite dance performances on tunes of Pakistan’s traditional music, stunning Pakistani and Chinese songs and cultural dresses mesmerized the audience.

    Pakistani food, handicrafts and traditional dresses showcased to highlight and promote Pakistani culture attracted a lot of attention from the participants.
    Ambassador Hashmi and his wife cut a cake along with the principal, teachers and students to mark the special occasion. The students were also given gifts through lucky draw.

    The International Culture Day is celebrated every year by PECB to highlight the institution’s core values of mutual learning, respect and cooperation.

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  • More aid delivered into Gaza on first day of humanitarian pause: UN says

    UNITED NATIONS: The United Nations was able to scale up delivery of humanitarian assistance into and across bombed-out Gaza during the humanitarian pause that went into effect on Friday following an agreement reached this week between Israel and Hamas, according to APP.

    Gaza has a population of over two million, with the UN agency that assists Palestine refugees, UNRWA, hosting more than a million displaced people in 156 of its installations across the enclave.

    The UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA, said on Friday that 200 trucks were dispatched from Nitzana, a town in Israel, to the Rafah crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip.

    From there, 137 trucks of goods were offloaded by the UNRWA reception point in Gaza, making it the biggest humanitarian convoy received since the start of hostilities on 7 October, it said.

    Additionally, 129,000 litres of fuel and four trucks of gas also crossed into Gaza, and 21 critical patients were evacuated in a large-scale medical operation from the north of the enclave.

    “Hundreds of thousands of people were assisted with food, water, medical supplies and other essential humanitarian items,” OCHA said.

    The UN welcomed the release of 24 hostages held in Gaza since 7 October and renewed its call for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

    Nearly 15,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since Oct 7– mostly women and children, according to Palestinian’s Health Ministry.

    Humanitarian teams from the UN and partners will continue to ramp up humanitarian operations to meet the needs of people throughout Gaza in the coming days.

    Separately, UN Middle East envoy Tor Wennesland issued a statement welcoming the start of the implementation of the agreement, while expressing hope for an extended humanitarian ceasefire.

    He said the development saw the release of 13 Israeli hostages, 39 Palestinians from Israeli prisons, and several foreign workers held in Gaza.

    Wennesland – the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process – looked forward to additional releases that are expected over the coming days.

    He noted that the humanitarian pause went into effect with relative calm, allowing truckloads of aid to enter Gaza.

    “These developments are a significant humanitarian breakthrough that we need to build on. More assistance and supplies must enter the Strip safely and continuously to alleviate the immense suffering of civilians,” he said.

    He again called for the release of all hostages, and commended the Governments of Qatar, Egypt, and the United States for their determined efforts to facilitate the agreement.

    “I call on all concerned parties to uphold their commitments and refrain from provocations or any actions that could impact the full implementation of this agreement,” he said, while also urging the parties “to exhaust every effort to achieve an extended humanitarian ceasefire and pursue a more peaceful future.”

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  • ICNA-Relief gives away halal chicken and other daily essential items among 200 families in NYC

    New York: ICNA-Relief distributed Halal chicken among the needy families as part of the Thanksgiving Day in New York City.

    The volunteers also organized a one-dish party for each other to make the day more special.

    The organization distributed halal chicken and other daily essential items to more than 200 families in the Flushing area of New York on Thanksgiving Day.

    A long queue was seen on the occasion, in which people of all races and colors were present.

    ICNA-relief volunteers, including women and children, cheerfully shared their joy and happy moments with each other and area residents.

    The community has highly appreciated ICNA’s contributions towards the society.

    After distributing food to the needy families, these volunteers celebrated Thanksgiving Day and organized a one-dish party for each other in which the women prepared and brought different types of dishes from their homes.

    ICNA-Relief New York Area Manager Ishaq Alpar and other guests praised the role of volunteers. They said ICNA-Relief has arranged the event to share their happiness with the needy ones. On this special occasion, one must remember the the marginal segments of the society and bring smile to their faces.

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  • ECO announces Youth Award in art, culture, sports fields for member countries

    ISLAMABAD: The Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) has announced the ECO Youth Award in the fields of research projects including arts – preferably regional – culture and sports fields for the member states.

    The youths from the 10 member states will be eligible for the award including Iran, Pakistan, Turkiye, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, according to a message received from Pakistan Embassy in Tehran, where the ECO headquarters is also located, APP  reported.

    A total ten awards, one from each member state will be announced every year with a cash award of USD1,000 amongst the youth of 18-30 years of age, selected from the nominations made by each member state.

    The need for the expansion of relations among the peoples in the ECO region, along with the significant role of youth as a major driving force for the ECO countries development, has increased the importance of planning to maximize their optimal participation in the activities implemented by the ECO Cultural Institute (ECOCI).

    The Youth Award initiative has been proposed with the aim to discover young talent and to pave the way to further popularize ECO Cultural Institute.

    As there will be one winner from each member country, there will be no competition between countries.

    The award is presented annually to the winners selected from the nominations made by the ECO member countries on occasions such as the ECO Day.

    In order to identify the ECO top youth, call for nominations will be published on ECOCI website and the Ministry of Culture of each ECO member state will nominate up to a maximum of three persons.

    The Award Committee, comprising the Cultural Attachés of ECO member states in Tehran will judge and select one winner from each country.

    The ECO Award will be presented during a ceremony on the occasion of ECOCI Day/ECO Day.

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  • Imam-e-Kaaba leads Friday prayer at Faisal Mosque

    ISLAMABAD: Imam-e-Kaaba, Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah Bin Humaid delivered a Friday sermon at Faisal Mosque and led the prayer where he called upon the Muslim countries to be united and prayed for the end of atrocities against Palestinian Muslims.

    According to APP, the Friday prayer at Faisal Mosque was also attended by the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia, Nawaf Said Al-Malki, President of the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), Dr. Hathal Homoud Alotaibi, Vice presidents of IIUI, diplomats of various Muslim countries, prominent religious and political figures and thousands of faithful from twin cities.

    In his Friday sermon, the Imam-e-Kaaba emphasized respect for humanity and respect for opinion. He said a society that adopts the characteristics of respect for humanity and respect for opinion becomes stable and successful.

    The Imam-e-Kaaba emphasized the importance of promoting love, brotherhood and equality within the communities drawing on the metaphor of Muslims as a unified body.

    He also discussed the sanctity of human life and the promotion of peace. He said, Islam teachers respect for even one who has a difference of opinion.

    Emphasizing the need for unity of the Muslim Ummah at this time, he said that Muslim countries should be united and they should have such a unity in which there is no rift.

    Later, the Imam-e-Kaaba prayed for the stability of the Islamic world, the progress of Pakistan and Muslims of Gaza that May Allah end their hardships.

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  • Pakistan makes a formal request to join BRICS: Ministry of foreign affairs

    Islamabad: Ministry of foreign affairs has confirmed that Pakistan has made a formal request to join BRICS, which it believes is an important grouping of developing countries.

    Responding to queries of journalists at media briefing, ministry of foreign affairs spokesperson said that Pakistan enjoys friendly ties with most of the members of BRICS, as well as the newly invited group of countries.

    “Pakistan is also an ardent supporter of multilateralism and is a member of several multilateral organizations,” spokesperson said adding that it has played an important role for global peace and development.

    “Pakistan is an important developing country and has made important contributions in promoting peace, solidarity and cooperation among countries of the south.”

    “We have taken this decision after having noted the BRICS related developments in Johannesburg and its proclaimed openness to inclusive multilateralism.

    “We believe by joining BRICS, Pakistan can play an important role in furthering international cooperation and revitalization of inclusive multilateralism. We also hope that BRICS will move forward on Pakistan’s request in line with its commitment to inclusive multilateralism,” spokesperson commented.

    To a query with regard to UNHCR statement on illegal immigrants’ deportation, spokesperson said that current drive to implement Pakistan’s immigration laws is focused on individuals who are residing here illegally.

    “It does not apply to individuals who are here on refugee status,” spokesperson said adding that UNHCR has the mandate to deal with refugees.

    “We agree that refugees who are in Pakistan shall return to their home country in honour and dignity through a consultative process, which is a tripartite consultative process between Pakistan, Afghanistan, and UNHCR,” spokesperson commented.

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  • Caretaker PM to attend world climate action summit in Dubai

    Islamabad: Caretaker prime minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar will undertake an official visit to Dubai, United Arab Emirates to participate in the world climate action summit, scheduled to take place on 1-2 December 2023, as part of the UN climate change conference 2023 (COP 28).

    Caretaker foreign minister Jalil Abbas Jilani and the caretaker minister for climate change and environmental coordination will be part of the delegation, according to ministry of foreign affairs’ spokesperson.

    PM Kakar’s programme in Dubai includes participation in the high-level events at the summit and bilateral meetings with counterparts from participating countries.

    The caretaker PM will present Pakistan’s vision for climate change and call for implementing common climate commitments across all areas, including mitigation, adaptation, climate finance, and loss and damage.

    He will underline the centrality in the climate change debate of the established principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities. He will also emphasize the need for closer global cooperation for building climate resilience.

    At COP28, Pakistan will work with other developing countries and seek operationalization of the ‘loss and damage’ fund for all climate vulnerable developing countries, as well as meaningful outcome of the first global stock take (GST). It will also reiterate its call for the developed countries to urgently and fully deliver on the long overdue goal of mobilizing US$ 100 billion per year as climate finance for developing countries.

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  • Chinese Ambassador meets Pakistan’s commerce minister to discuss bilateral trade

    Islamabad: Federal caretaker minister for commerce and industry Dr. Gohar Ejaz received the ambassador of China to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong for a meeting to discuss Pakistan-China economic cooperation especially in fields of trade and Investment.

    The focus of the discussions revolved around the implementation of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which has now entered its second stage.

    Dr. Ejaz informed the ambassador that the first phase of CPEC is at an advanced age at inter-governmental level which has helped Pakistan to develop the infrastructure, road network, power plants to meet energy needs, and now the time has come for the private sectors of both countries

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  • Education is best source to end hatred, IMAM-E- KAABA

    Islamabad: Imam Kaaba Professor Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Muhammad Al Hameed has said that education is the best source to end hatred and International Islamic University is playing an exemplary role in promoting Islamic teachings.

    Meeting with Pakistan’s caretaker education minister Madad Ali Sindhi, Imam Kaaba said that Pakistan feels like his home and Pakistan-Saudi relations are deep and historical.

    Ambassador of Saudi Arabia Nawaf Said Al-Maliki and President of International Islamic University Dr. Hathal Homoud Alotaibi were also present on this occasion.

    Imam Kaaba said that he was always happy to meet Pakistanis. He said that people of both countries have immense love for each other. Imam Kaaba said that the ongoing cooperation between the Ministry of education and the Islamic University will benefit students all over the world. He appreciated the International Islamic University for organizing a conference on the importance of human life in the light of Sharia and law, in which he has especially come to participate.

    He said that education is the best solution to eliminate social problems and prejudices.

    Lauding the services of International Islamic University for providing high-quality education to students of more than 30 countries in the light of Islamic teachings, he said the university’s role is commendable in this regard.

    Imam Kaaba praised the International Islamic University for its valuable services in the fields of Usulludin, Shariah and Arabic. He said that he was informed that the International Islamic University is the leading institution in the country where there is the largest number of foreign students, which is appreciable.

    Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Muhammad Al Hameed said that the His Majesty Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Royal Crown Prince have expressed their best wishes for this conference.

    He also praised the role of Dr. Hathal Homoud Alotaibi for providing the best higher education facilities to the students of Muslim world in the light of Islamic teachings.

    Minister of education thanked Imam Kaaba for visiting Pakistan and the International Islamic University.

    He said that IIUI is playing an important role for the promotion of religious and contemporary studies. He said that the ministry of education will continue to cooperate with the University. He said that we are trying to spread the message of love through religious seminaries and public sector universities.

    Federal caretaker minister for education and professional training Madad Ali Sindhi has said that a special research centre will be formed through collaboration of Saudi and Pakistani Universities which will focus on the Seerat of Nabi especially on the issues of politics, social reform and law.

    He said that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia share cultural, religious and historic ties. He said that Saudi Arabia is like a second home for the people of Pakistan. He said that due to Makkah and Madina, the love and respect for Saudi Arabia cannot be measured.

    Madad said that Pakistan appreciated deeply the role Saudi Arabia played in addressing the global issues of the Umma e Muslima.

    Madad said that he has put special focus on the teachings of Islam especially Seerat e Nabi (PBUH). He said that only through true teachings of Seerat e Nabi we can educate the nation and ensure that they follow the right track.

    Minister appreciated the upgradation of the systems in IIUI. Madad Ali Sindhi said that the standard of education at IIUI has been consistently on the rise under the leadership of Dr. Hathal Homoud Alotaibi.

    Education Minister said that 30 thousand Madrassas have been registered in Pakistan and now they are also providing religious, scientific and conventional education.

    He also highlighted the need to train religious leaders of Madrassas. He said that we need to enlighten our religious leaders and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia can help by giving trainings to clerics of Madrassas in Pakistan.

    Madad Ali Sindhi also highlighted the plea of the muslims of Gaza and said that in such times of hardships it is imperative that the Umma e Muslima stand fasts and presents a unified front to protect our muslim brothers and sisters.

    It is pertinent to mention here that Imam Kaaba arrived in Islamabad to attend the conference organized by International Islamic University.

    He will deliver a special address, in the conference at Faisal Masjid. Imam Kaaba will also lead Friday prayers in Faisal Mosque on Friday.

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  • Caretaker health minister meets British minister of state for health to discuss further bolstering health cooperation

    Islamabad: Federal caretaker health minister Dr. Nadeem Jan met with the British Minister of State for Health, Andrew Stephenson on Wednesday. 

    They discussed matters of mutual interest, bilateral relations, and increasing cooperation in various fields of health.

    Dr. Nadeem Jan appreciated continued support from the British government in diverse areas of the health sector in Pakistan.

    The British health minister appreciated Pakistan’s position in the nutrition sector.

    “We will continue the malnutrition program as per our vision. Apart from supplying nutritional supplements, we will also set up plants in Pakistan,” Mr. Stephenson said.

    It has been agreed to build this plant in Pakistan through transfer of technology.

    Dr. Jan Nadeem Jan said that we will not only be able to fulfill our needs, but we can also export them to the world due to such initiative.

    He extended invitation to his counterpart to participate in Global Health Security Summit being held on 10-11 January in Islamabad in which top health leadership and delegations from different countries will participate.

    Health minister said we would welcome if the British government considers to co-host this historic summit. T

    British health minister expressed his happiness and said that he will respond to the offer soon.

    Appreciating Pakistan’s health security agenda, the British Health Minister ensured his full cooperation on the security agenda.

    Dr. Nadeem Jan said reforms are being undertaken on a large scale in the health sector of Pakistan. He said that universal health coverage is Pakistan’s government top agenda and concerted steps are underway to ensure universal health coverage. Five hundred basic health units across the country will be upgraded within two months, health minister said.

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  • UN chief pushes for ceasefire as he welcomes deal to free hostages, ‘pause’ in Gaza bombardment

    UNITED NATIONS: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres Wednesday “welcomed” the temporary truce deal reached between Israel and Hamas, but said it was not enough, with his spokesperson emphasizing that he stands for a humanitarian ceasefire in besieged Gaza.

    “I welcome the agreement reached by Israel and Hamas. It’s an important step in the right direction, but much more needs to be done,” the UN chief said in a statement read out at the regular noon briefing at UN Headquarters in New York.

    In his statement, Guterres added that the UN “will mobilize all its capacities to support the implementation & maximize positive impact on the humanitarian situation in Gaza,” which after six weeks of relentless Israeli attacks is in ruins and its 2.3 million population traumatized.

    The temporary humanitarian truce between Israel and Hamas has been welcomed by the international community, from neighboring Arab countries to multinational organizations.

    It is expected to come into force on Thursday and in a first phase, Hamas will hand over at least 50 hostages, almost all of them women and children, of the more than 240 it seized on Oct. 7, and Israel will release a first batch of 150 Palestinian prisoners.

    The agreement includes a temporary truce of at least four days, which may be extended to a maximum of 10, in which the fighting will be completely paused and will involve the entry into the strip of between 100 and 300 trucks of food and medical aid and fuel.

    The top UN official leading efforts to secure a lasting peace in the Middle East, Tor Wennesland, echoed the secretary-general’s comments and also welcomed the announced 96-hour “humanitarian pause” in war-shattered Gaza.

    “This pause must be used to its fullest extent to facilitate the release of hostages and alleviate the dire needs of Palestinians in Gaza.”

    The development comes as UN humanitarians reiterated that they remain ready to seize the opportunity to ramp up lifesaving aid to the enclave.

    Following the four-day temporary truce announcement the UN World Health Organization (WHO) issued fresh calls for safe, unimpeded humanitarian access in the Strip.

    “The fighting needs to stop so that we can quickly scale up our response,” said Dr. Ahmed Al-Mandhari, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean. “We cannot keep providing drops of aid in Gaza in an ocean of need.”

    Meanwhile, WHO said that a new evacuation was underway at Gaza City’s embattled Al-Shifa hospital, with more to follow in northern Gaza.

    According to media reports, the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was due to begin within 24 hours of its announcement. In his statement, Mr. Wennesland welcomed the efforts of the Governments of Egypt, Qatar and the United States in “facilitating” the agreement.

    WHO’s representative in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Dr. Richard Peeperkorn, said that any news of a humanitarian pause and of a release of hostages was welcome, but that a true end to the fighting was needed.

    At the same WHO press conference in Cairo, Dr. Al-Mandhari called for a “permanent ceasefire” and said that the parties to the conflict should “put the welfare and health of their people as their first priority”.

    The UN health agency official also led a minute of silence to honour WHO staffer Dima Alhaj, killed in Gaza, along with many relatives. “As we grieve, we are reminded of the senseless nature of this conflict and of the fact that in Gaza today nowhere is safe for civilians, including our own UN colleagues,” he said.

    Dr. Peeperkorn revealed on Wednesday that a mission was under way in close coordination with humanitarian partners the Palestinian Red Crescent and Médecins Sans Frontières, to evacuate patients and health workers remaining in Al-Shifa.

    The mission follows the initial inter-agency evacuation of 31 premature babies on Sunday. Out of the 220 patients and 200 health workers still at the hospital, the priority evacuees would be 21 dialysis patients, 29 patients with spinal injuries and those in intensive care, Dr. Peeperkorn said.

    He also informed that in the meantime, the UN health agency has received evacuation requests from three other hospitals in northern Gaza: Al-Ahli Arab Hospital, Al-Awda Hospital and the Indonesian Hospital, and planning was under way, with WHO and its partners sparing no efforts to “make sure this happens in the coming days”.

    He said that such evacuations are only undertaken upon request and as a last resort.

    Dr. Al-Mandhari deplored the fact that even hospitals are not being protected from the “horrors” of the conflict in Gaza. WHO has documented 178 attacks on healthcare in the Strip since 7 October and out of the enclave’s 36 hospitals 28 are not functional anymore, his colleague Dr. Peeperkorn told journalists.

    The eight remaining hospitals, all in the south, are “overwhelmed”, he said, and all efforts must be made to keep them functional and expand their bed capacity.

    The enclave had some 3,500 hospital beds prior to the current escalation and that number is now down to less than 1,400.

    The possibility of a ceasefire has raised hopes for improved access to desperate Gazan civilians and an increase in the volume of relief items coming through.

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  • Thanksgiving Day: APAG distributes Halal Turkeys among needy families

    New York: As the annual Thanksgiving Day is being celebrated across the United States today,  the American-Pakistani Advocacy Group (APAG) distributed more than three hundred halal turkeys amongst needy families in New York.

    APAG set up its stalls in New York on Thanksgiving Day, the festival of sharing happiness as the organization distributed Halal turkey along with fresh fruits, vegetables, and essential food items among more than three hundred families.

    Speaking on the occasion, Assemblyman David Weprin and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards said, “Be it tough times or any festival, we have always seen APAG bring joy to the community.”

    There were a large number of needy people outside the stalls of APAG, on this occasion.

    APAG President Ali Rashid thanked everyone and said that he would continue all such activities in the future.

    Volunteers of the American-Pakistani Advocacy Group also actively participated in the Thanksgiving Day event.

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  • A Muslim youth tortured by unknown assailants in Suffolk County, as Muslim community shows concerns over rising ‘Islamophobia’

    New York: The incidents of Islamophobia and hate crimes are apparently on the rise again in New York as a passerby named Abdul Rahman Mirza was subjected to the worst torture by unknown assailants while he was going to Fajr prayer early in the morning in Suffolk County, Long Island.

    Following the incident, there was a wave of concern in the Muslim community.

    As per details, Mirza was on his way to the Mosque for Fajr prayers around 5:30 a.m. when he was allegedly stopped on the way by some unknown persons and then severely beaten, tortured, and fled from the scene.

    When the victim reported the incident that happened to him, it caused a wave of concern in the Muslim community.

    Raja Hassan, a political and social figure of the Pakistani American community, met with the victim Abdul Rehman and his family and he assured the victim that the whole community stands with him.

    Suffolk County Police Department Deputy Inspector and Commanding Officer Joseph of the 6 Percent is investigating the incident to determine whether it was a hate crime or something else.

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  • ACMW distributes Halal Turkey among needy families as part of Thanksgiving Day

    New York: The American Council of Minority Women (ACMW), an organization consisting of Pakistani women in New York has distributed halal turkey among as many as five hundred needy families, as part of the Thanksgiving Day, being observed across the United States, Today.

    The American Council of Minority Women, in partnership with Islamic Relief of the USA, celebrated the third annual Day of Thanksgiving on Coney Island Avenue in Brooklyn.

    A large number of needy people from different areas gathered outside ACMW to get halal turkey and other items.

    On this occasion, the chairperson of the organization, Baza Ruhi said that they are trying to contribute their part while providing assistance to the people, who cannot afford to eat halal turkey throughout the year.

    The distribution ceremony of halal turkey was attended by Pakistan Consulate staff, ACMW team members, volunteers and staff from Councilwoman Rita Joseph’s office who expressed their happiness to participate in the process of sharing happiness.

    Thanksgiving Day participants included a large number of women and older adults. The staff of the American Council of Minority Women compiled lists before distributing the halal turkey to ensure fairness.

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  • NYC Comptroller Lander to Tesla Board: Musk support of Antisemitism invites far reaching reputational damage

    New York: New York City Comptroller Brad Lander wrote to Tesla’s Board of Directors expressing concern regarding CEO Elon Musk’s explicit support of antisemitic statements, which have not yet been removed, and the Board’s silence about the comments.

    The New York City retirement systems have approximately $946 million in Tesla shares as of September 30, 2023.

    “As CEO, Mr. Musk is the face of Tesla, and his behavior here, for better or worse, directly reflects on the Company,” the letter reads. “As Chair of the Board, you have a responsibility to all shareholders to hold Mr. Musk accountable for actions when they harm the Company and contravene the Company’s Code of Business Ethics. If the Board takes no action against Mr. Musk, it sends a message to all Tesla employees that the behavior of the company’s CEO is unassailable, the Company’s Code of Business Ethics is toothless, and employees are free to take any action or utter any words, no matter how hateful or harmful.”

    On November 15, Musk stated that an antisemitic post on X was “the actual truth.” Because the dangerous language in the post was written by Musk it poses a threat to all his portfolio companies including Tesla. On November 16, X CEO Linda Yaccarino condemned antisemitism on the platform but Musk’s original comments still remain active.

    The impact has already presented a financial and reputational impact, with condemnation by the White House and major advertisers pulling advertising, including but not limited to Apple, Disney, IBM, Warner Bros, Lionsgate, Sony Pictures and Paramount on the platform X. Lander insisted that shareholders, as well as employees, customers, and decent people everywhere are counting on the board to take action and that Tesla should not condone this troubling behavior. The behavior stands contrary to Tesla’s Code of Business Ethics, which reads in part: “Tesla has been, is and always aspires to be a Do the Right Thing company—in other words, engaging in conduct that you and your family would be proud of.”

    Musk’s social media usage has drawn negative attention to his portfolio companies in the past. Prior behavior led to a settlement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) over his posts regarding taking Tesla private.

    In the correspondence, Comptroller Lander also notes that the Tesla Code of Business Ethics has a specific section for CEO and Senior Financial Officers, which reads:

    “The Board of Directors shall determine, or designate appropriate persons to determine, appropriate actions to be taken in the event of violations of the Code of Business Ethics or of these additional procedures by the CEO and Tesla’s senior financial officers. Such actions shall be reasonably designed to deter wrongdoing and to promote accountability for adherence to the Code of Business Ethics and to these additional procedures, and shall include written notices to the individual involved that the Board has determined that there has been a violation, censure by the Board, demotion or re-assignment of the individual involved, suspension with or without pay or benefits (as determined by the Board) and termination of the individual’s employment.”

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  • NYC, NY Comptrollers urge eBay’s BoD to take swift action, ensure that company management comply with eBay’s stated HR Policy

    New York: New York City Comptroller Brad Lander and New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli penned a joint letter to eBay’s Board of Directors urging them to take swift action and ensure that company management complies with eBay’s stated Human Rights Policy as well as restore key language they removed from describing their commitment to workers’ rights. Specifically, the company’s current statement removed the following language: “eBay also respects workers’ rights to unionize and commits to bargain in good faith with any relevant associations or labor unions.”

    “Companies thrive when their workers are supported and respected,” said New York Comptroller Lander. “The stealthy removal of the language expressly referencing the fundamental freedom of workers to unionize threatens eBay’s legacy and deepened our concern as shareholders. Either eBay ignored our previous concerns or responded by removing the language about respect for workers’ rights and good faith bargaining without telling anybody–I’m not sure which would be worse. We urge the board to genuinely engage with us now. and I am thankful to Comptroller DiNapoli for his commitment to ensuring that we hold companies accountable for their promises.”

    “When companies are accused of acting contrary to their stated principles and policies, it prompts concerns among shareholders,” New York State Comptroller DiNapoli said. “eBay should be working to build constructive and positive bonds with its workforce, not removing commitments to fundamental human rights. Alongside Comptroller Lander, we encourage companies to uphold their commitments on labor rights, safeguarding employees and shareholder value. We strongly urge eBay to do just that.”

    The comptrollers’ letter notes that despite the company’s removal of the language, the current policy conveys plainly that eBay must strive to conduct business consistent with the principles set forth in the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the International Labour Organization (ILO) Fundamental Conventions. International human rights and labor standards include freedom of association and collective bargaining that are fundamental worker rights. The New York City and New York State pension funds are long-term investors in eBay, with 2.5 million shares in the company valued at $111 million as of June 30, 2023.

    A group of investors including Comptrollers Lander and DiNapoli previously raised concern in June regarding reports of violations of worker rights at eBay subsidiary TCGPlayer, the online trading card marketplace and seller of games including Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh and more. In that letter to eBay Board Chair Paul S. Pressler and CEO Jamie Lannone, the Comptrollers and other signatories expressed concern over an apparent misalignment between eBay’s stated human rights commitments and the conduct of management. In response to allegations of management’s violation of U.S. labor law by surveilling employees at work, holding anti-union meetings, and noting employees who displayed support for the union at TCGPlayer, the company has seemingly altered the language of the Human Rights Policy to align with management’s actions.

    Comptrollers Lander and DiNapoli gave eBay until December 4 to respond to this correspondence.

    As of June 30, 2023, both pension funds collectively hold more than $500 billion in assets under managemen

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  • Drivers, NYTWA, Attorneys termed the Jury Verdict – ‘a major victory’ in an ongoing class action against the Taxi & Limousine Commission

    New York: On Thursday afternoon, taxi and for-hire-vehicle drivers in a massive class action against New York City won the first test case trial for 10 drivers whose licenses were suspended based on arrest and not given a fair opportunity to challenge their suspensions, awarding these drivers $190,000.

    There are more than 8,000 individual class members in this case. Friday morning, November 17th, drivers, attorneys and organizational plaintiff New York Taxi Workers Alliance will hold a press conference to discuss this major development.

    Triumphant Drivers and Attorneys held Press Conference to brief media on major developments in Taxi and For-Hire-Vehicle Drivers’ Class Action on Friday outside the Daniel Patrick Moynihan Courthouse, United State District Court, 500 Pearl St, New York, NY

    Drivers involved in the lawsuit were Bhairavi Desai, New York Taxi Workers Alliance Executive Director Attorneys Shannon Liss-Riordan, Daniel Ackman, David Goldberg, Bradley Manewith

    Over the last 20 years, nearly 20,000 NYC taxi and for-hire-vehicle drivers licensed by the TLC were suspended based on arrests alone– before the drivers were convicted or even tried and without any consideration of the driver’s record or the facts underlying the arrest. A group of drivers and NYTWA filed a lawsuit in 2006 challenging the constitutionality of the TLC’s practices. In 2019, a federal appeals court found the TLC violated the drivers’ constitutional rights by not providing them a fair hearing to allow them to get their licenses reinstated if doing so would not threaten public safety.

    After that, a federal district court certified this case as a class action including drivers who were suspended based on an arrest between 2003 and 2020.

    More than 8,000 class members sought a hearing to recover damages, and the court set the first test case trial that was held this week. Today, a federal jury awarded the 10 plaintiffs in the test case trial a total of $190,000.

    Attorney Shannon Liss-Riordan, said: “This is an incredible affirmation by a jury of their peers that the hard-working taxi drivers of New York City were wrongly denied their constitutional rights and need to be made whole from the financial impact they suffered as a result. It’s now 10 down, and 8,290 to go, and we look forward to obtaining justice for all of these drivers who were unconstitutionally deprived of their right to their livelihoods without a fair chance to show they were able to continue safely working while resolving their criminal charges.”

    Attorney David Goldberg, said: “Today’s verdict, rendered unanimously by 8 fair-minded New Yorkers, is an important, but long overdue, step toward justice. The practices at issue in this case are cruel and pointless. That the City’s government has, for decades, maintained and defended them is shameful —and rooted in failure to respect the humanity of tens of thousands of hard-working immigrant New Yorkers who toil daily, under harsh conditions, to provide services that make life easier for the City’s most privileged residents.”

    “With great power comes great responsibility. Voltaire said it. Spider-Man said it and I say it, too. I think the TLC is starting to get that message, but slowly, “ said attorney Dan Ackman, who first filed the lawsuit in 2006.

    The post Drivers, NYTWA, Attorneys termed the Jury Verdict – ‘a major victory’ in an ongoing class action against the Taxi & Limousine Commission first appeared on VOSA.

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  • Influx of immigrants: NYC may face $7 billion budget deficit in a couple of years

    New York: New York City Mayor Eric Adams has warned of a potentially serious economic crisis in the near future due to the unprecedented influx of immigrants, saying if the federal government does not provide funds as required, the New York City government may face a deficit of $7 billion, that may prompt the administration to go for considerable cuts in the budget of some key civic departments.

    Adams revealed this at a press conference at City Hall. He said that more than 124,000 immigrants have arrived in the city, and the number of immigrants is increasing by 2000 to 4,000 every week.

    “Considering the situation, it is estimated that if this grim situation continues for one and a half years, we will need funds of $12 billion during the next two years to deal with the problems. If the federal government does not provide funds as required, the city government may face a deficit of $7 billion,”  the Mayor said.

    The mayor added that the city administration is following the federal government’s policy for the arrival of immigrants and their care, but due to the unusual arrival of refugees, the budget of the city government has become unbalanced.

    If necessary, the police department, fire department, and sanitation department may face cuts next year. Therefore, the federal government has a responsibility to help New York City in the current situation.

    The mayor was asked if the civic services are being affected by the budget cut, so will he contact the federal government, the mayor said that the consultation on the whole situation is going on.

    Every time I have been to Washington, I have presented the problems caused by the unprecedented influx of immigrants like limited resources, budget imbalances, and requested them to resolve problems.

    He said the Federal government should play its role for the influx of immigrants.

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