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Author: World News

  • Escalating Israeli attacks on Gaza could spread conflict to wider region, UN official warns

    UNITED NATIONS: Against the backdrop of relentless Israeli attacks on Gaza, the UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Izumi Nakamitsu, has warned of a dangerous expansion of the conflict in the wider region at a conference on the establishment of a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons, according to APP.

    Ms. Nakamitsu, addressing the opening session of the conference on behalf of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said she came to the Conference “with a heavy heart, anguish, pain and sorrow that I had never felt in my more than 30 years of UN career.” She noted the minute of silence among UN personnel to mourn and honour the 101 brave colleagues from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) who have lost their lives in Gaza in service of others.

     

     

    During her address to the Conference last year, she spoke of the increasing geopolitical tensions and conflicts in the world and the strain on multilateral disarmament and non-proliferation regimes, she said. “A year on, we are witnessing a crisis of humanity unfolding in front of our eyes in Gaza,” she said.

    The geopolitical and security situation has worsened and relations among major powers have further strained, Ms. Nakamitsu noted.

    She expressed deep concern about clear violations of international humanitarian law in the ongoing conflict.

    “Let me repeat the clear, unequivocal position of the United Nations that no party to an armed conflict is above international humanitarian law. Even wars have rules,” she said, calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to allow for life-saving aid to reach those in urgent and desperate need.

    “Cool heads and diplomatic efforts must prevail,” she said, emphasizing that no effort should be spared to help pave the way to peace, to a two-State solution with Israelis and Palestinians living in peace and security.

    Addressing the root causes of the conflict, including through a broader peace and security architecture in the region, is urgent, Ms. Nakamitsu said.

    Given the current crisis in the Middle East, the decision to continue the important work of the Conference demonstrates a collective will to use dialogue and diplomacy in seeking common security and regional peace.

    “Any threat to use nuclear weapons is inadmissible [and] further illustrates the urgency and imperative to achieve the objective of a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction,” she said.

    The current session will continue to address key issues for a future Middle East zone treaty. The importance of effective verification cannot be understated, as it ensures compliance and fosters trust among the parties to a future zone, she said.

    “The path towards the establishment of a Middle East zone through the elaboration of a legally binding treaty will not be smooth sailing,” she said. But the incremental approach of the Conference is working well in preparing States for future negotiation of a treaty, she added, reiterating a call for the full participation of all States in the region. “A Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction will significantly contribute […] to peace and security of the Middle East and beyond,” she said.

    Opening the conference, the President of the fourth session of the Conference, Taher El-Sonni of Libya, said the crisis in Gaza and its unpredictable backlash for peace and security in the Middle East and beyond underscores the urgency of the work of the Conference.

    “The grave violations by the Israeli occupation forces must come to an end immediately,” he said. “As long as there are nuclear weapons and other WMDs (weapons of mass destruction) in our region, there will be no hope for sustainable peace in our region,” he said, adding that the provocative statement by a representative of the Israeli Government a few days ago, threatening the use of nuclear weapons against Gaza, is unacceptable.

    The Conference and all parts of the United Nations must condemn that threat, which proves the gravity of the situation, he said.

    The President of the General Assembly, Dennis Francis, noted that over four decades ago, the Assembly recommended the establishment of a nuclear-free zone in the Middle East.

    “The ardent hope for a safer future has not been lost on the sands of time,” he said, highlighting that only two weeks ago, the First Committee (Disarmament and International Security) reaffirmed its unflinching support for the establishment of this zone, calling for urgent and practical steps for implementation.

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  • China strongly condemns Israeli strike on UN staff in Gaza

    BEIJING: China on Tuesday strongly condemned the Israeli strike on the staff of the United Nations (UN) in southern Gaza and reiterated its call to immediately stop fighting to prevent a larger-scale humanitarian disaster.

    “We are shocked by and strongly condemn the strike on the guesthouse for UN staff in southern Gaza,” Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said during her regular daily briefing, according to APP.

     

     

    She said that the Chinese side “mourns the UN staff members killed in this round of conflict”.

    “Violence does not bring true security. The use of force will not create lasting peace. The safety of UN staff members must be effectively protected,” the spokesperson added.

    China, she said, called on relevant parties to be cool-headed and exercise maximum self-restraint, comply with international law, earnestly implement the UN General Assembly’s resolution adopted on October 27, immediately stop the fighting, and prevent a larger-scale humanitarian disaster.

    The UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) Commissioner-General said on Monday that the Israeli forces had struck a guesthouse for UN staff in the southern part of the Gaza Strip.

    On the same day, the UN flag flew at half-mast at its New York headquarters in memory of the 101 UN staff members killed in Gaza since the start of the ongoing round of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

    About safety of Chinese citizens in Gaza, the spokesperson said that amid the escalating Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the CPC Central Committee attached high importance to the safety of Chinese nationals in the conflict area.

    “China’s diplomatic missions overseas, under directions from home, maintained contact with Chinese nationals in the Gaza Strip all along. With the concerted efforts on various fronts, all the Chinese nationals have left Gaza safely in recent days,” she added.

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  • Pakistani teacher who set up school for underprivileged wins $1m Global Teacher Prize

    A Pakistani teacher who as a teenager founded a school for underprivileged children in her home has won the $1 million Global Teacher Prize, according to the National News.Com UAE.

    Sister Zeph was just 13 years old when she set up a school in the courtyard of her home for children whose parents could not afford to send them to school.

    She worked eight-hour days to fund the school and then taught pupils for four hours, and then stayed up at night teaching herself.

    Twenty-six years later, the school is now housed in a new building and provides free education to more than 200 underprivileged children.

    Sister Zeph plans to use the $1 million she won to build a school on four hectares where children from the poorest families in the country can be educated without facing any discrimination.

    She also wants to create a shelter for orphans, where food will be grown in-house and teachers from all parts of the world invited to provide classes.

    Stefania Giannini, assistant director general for education at Unesco, congratulated Sister Zeph on winning the Global Teacher Prize 2023.

    “Inspirational teachers deserve recognition for their strong commitment to education in a world faced by global teacher shortages and a decline in conditions and status,” Ms Giannini said.

    “Teachers matter. Now more than ever, we must honour and support teachers as they shape not only the next generation but the future course of our societies.”

    Sister Zeph, from Gujranwala, Punjab, in Pakistan, was selected from more than 7,000 nominations and applications.

    She teaches English, Urdu, culture, inter-faith harmony and climate change.

    Ms Zeph also runs self-defence classes for girls and provides financial assistance to families forced to choose between educating their children and paying their bills, and runs a vocational centre that has helped more than 6,000 women gain skills in computers, textiles, and learning English.

    The Global Teacher Prize, now in its eighth year, is an annual award by the Varkey Foundation made to an educator who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession.

    The Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize 2023 is organized in collaboration with Unesco in partnership with Dubai Cares and is the largest prize of its kind.

    Actor, comedian, and writer Stephen Fry announced Sister Zeph as the winner at a ceremony he also hosted, from Unesco’s headquarters in Paris.

    Sunny Varkey, founder of the Varkey Foundation, said: “Congratulations to Sister Zeph for winning the Global Teacher Prize 2023. Your incredible story shows the vital role education plays in tackling the great challenges of today and tomorrow.”

    Tariq Al Gurg, chief executive officer and vice-chairman of Dubai Cares, also congratulated Sister Zeph on her win.

    “Teachers are at the heart of the education ecosystem and have one of the most important jobs in the world as they shape young minds and prepare them for a world that is constantly changing,” he said.

    Teachers applying for the Global Teacher Prize are assessed on teaching practices, how they innovate to address local challenges, achieve demonstrable learning outcomes, affect the community beyond the classroom, help children become global citizens and improve the teaching profession.

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  • ICNA-Relief holds fundraising dinner in Albany to help people in need

    New York: ICNA-Relief in collaboration with Pakistan Association of New York District Capital organized a grand fundraising dinner in Albany, the capital of New York State, in which the participants generously donated their donation to help the needy ones.

    A large number of people participated in the fund raising dinner.

    Irum Shakir had the honor of reciting a few verses of the Holy Quran, followed by Naat by famous Naat Khuan Amjad Hussain in his soulful voice.

    On this occasion, Board Member of Pakistan Association Muhammad Irfan welcomed the guests.

    President of the organization Akbar Khan introduced the responsible persons of ICNA Relief. He said that ICNA Relief is doing welfare work all over America. Albany’s well-known personality and Imam Jafar of Jamia Masjid Al Huda also grace the event. He highlighted the importance of charity in Islam and advised the participants to trade with the Allah Almighty by helping the needy ones from their wealth.

    ICNA Relief New York Area Manager Ishaq Alpar and Upstate Manager Khalid Javed, who participated in the fundraising dinner, said that INCA Relief is always ready for the needy people in America.

    On this occasion, religious scholar Sheikh Shamiq, while addressing, urged the people to help people around them and said that this is the Sunnah of the Prophet. This is the reason why ICNA Relief is doing its duty of service in America.

    Addressing the participants of the fundraising dinner, Arshad Jamal, in-charge of ICNA Relief North East, said that we are proud to be Muslims and Pakistanis, we have always tried to help humanity regardless of colors, and cast.

    Arshad Jamal also thanked Pakistan Association and Rafaqat Ali of ICNA Albany, with whose support this program was made possible.

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  • Protesters in Austin calls for immediate ceasefire in Gaza, halt U.S. Aid to Israel

    Austin: Thousands gathered at the state capitol in Austin this weekend and marched the streets to demand an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

    Attendees also called for an end to both U.S. Aid to Israel and to what they call a 17-year siege of Gaza.

    According to the Palestinian Youth Movement and partnering organizers, the protest was the largest in favor of Palestinians in Texas history.

    “It was a continuation of what we saw in D.C. a week ago, where we saw hundreds of thousands of people on the streets in D.C., Declaring that this is just the beginning and that they want to escalate until they get what they want, which is a cease fire,” says Palestinian Youth Movement Member Nashwa Abdulawahed.

    Thousands lined the streets to protest the deadly bombings in Gaza and demand an immediate ceasefire to end what Abdulawahed calls a 17-year siege.

    Abdulawahed adds, “I think the hardest part of all of this has been seeing the way people are treated, the way people, the way the Palestinian people have been talked about in order to justify their genocide. What we’ve seen is, is the worst of humanity in Gaza.”

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  • Community Op-Ed: Helping New Yorkers live longer

    By Eric Adams, NYC MAYOR

    New York: When we came into office, we promised that we would ensure that our prosperity would be felt across the five boroughs. And the health of our people is key to that prosperit.

    But despite coming out of a once-in-a-century pandemic, life expectancy in this city has not fully recovered. Between 2019 and 2020, overall life expectancy in New York City fell to 78 years. So, it is time we gave New Yorkers some extra life.

    That is why we recently launched HealthyNYC, our ambitious plan to extend and improve the lifespan of all New Yorkers to 83 years by 2030. HealthyNYC sets clear goals to reduce the greatest drivers of premature death, including chronic and diet-related diseases, overdose, suicide, maternal mortality, violence, and COVID-19.

    Pill boxes, injections, and doctor’s appointments should not define the lives of New Yorkers — we can and we must invest in helping all New Yorkers enjoy healthier, quality lives. This is personal to me. I have seen up close how chronic disease can hijack your life. Many New Yorkers know my personal story, but they don’t know my mother’s story. Dorothy Adams was a diabetic for 15 years, and I watched her inject herself with insulin for seven of those years. But she changed her diet and her lifestyle, and she was able to live until she was 83. I believe if we had caught the chronic diseases she was facing earlier, she would have been with us even longer.

    Many New Yorkers have someone in their life impacted by a chronic disease, by addiction, by cancer. They worry about the next examination, the next injection. New Yorkers shouldn’t face anxiety and worry about their health and the health of their families. With HealthyNYC, we are going to refocus our public health work around the goal of helping people live longer lives.

    And we are going to do that by addressing health inequities in our Black and Brown communities. This includes increasing access to quality health care to reduce pregnancy-associated mortality among Black women, through programs like our citywide doula initiative.

    We also know that unhealthy foods — fast food, processed foods, and sugary drinks — contribute to chronic diseases. Much of the problem lies in the fact that oftentimes, only higher-income neighborhoods have access to healthy food and the Whole Foods of the world, while our low-income neighborhoods are left with junk food options. Eighty percent of health care dollars in America go toward treating diet-related chronic diseases that these kinds of foods fuel. We don’t want to keep feeding this crisis, so we are going to increase access to healthy foods and promote plant-forward diets to reduce chronic and diet-related disease deaths.

    Through HealthyNYC, we are also going to expand access to mental health care and social support services, including early intervention for communities of color and LGBTQIA+ youth, as well as address the impact of social media on youth mental health and suicidal ideation to reduce suicide deaths.

    Additionally, we are going to take on the overdose crisis in our city. New York City has lost too many people to overdoses. Too many families and communities have faced the pain and heartache of seeing a loved one go through addiction. So, we are going to increase access to proven harm-reduction and treatment and recovery centers to reduce overdose deaths.

    Increasing life expectancy across our city is an all-hands-on deck moment because every New Yorker deserves a healthier, longer life. With HealthyNYC, we are going to build a healthier, more prosperous city for all.

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  • Khalil Hashmi assumes charge as Pakistan’s Ambassador to China

    BEIJING: The newly appointed Ambassador to Pakistan Khalil Hashmi on Monday assumed charge of his office, according to APP.

    In his first official engagement, Ambassador Hashmi presented a copy of his credentials to Hong Lei, Director General of the Protocol Department of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    Ambassador Hashmi, in his remarks, expressed gratitude to the Chinese side for the warm welcome accorded to him, in keeping with the long-standing tradition of both countries.

    Reminiscing of his previous stint in Beijing from 2008-2010, he expressed his resolve to further solidify the already-robust relationship between the two countries.

    Director General Hong conveyed the best wishes to Ambassador Hashmi for a successful tenure and assured him of full support.

    Earlier on his arrival in Beijing in the weekend, he was by Zhang Maoming, Deputy Director General of Asia Department. He succeeds Ambassador Moin ul Haque who returned to Pakistan on retirement early this month.

    Ambassador Hashmi is a senior Pakistani diplomat with 29 years of experience in both bilateral and multilateral relations.
    Prior to his recent appointment, he served as Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva from November 2019 onwards.

    He has also worked at Pakistan’s Permanent Mission to New York twice, including as Deputy Permanent Representative.

    Ambassador Hashmi joined the Pakistan diplomatic service in 1994. His first diplomatic assignment was at Pakistan’s Embassy in Copenhagen from 1999 to 2002.

    In Islamabad, Ambassador Hashmi served as Director General of the United Nations, European Region and Arms Control Divisions and as Director of South Asia, India and Disarmament Directorates.

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  • Caretaker PM reminds int’l community to intervene; implement solution to Palestine issue

    ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, during his participation in the Joint Arab Islamic Extraordinary Summit in the Saudi Capital of Riyadh on Saturday, has reminded the international community to promptly intervene and implement a durable solution to Palestine issue as the five-week ceaseless Israeli’s military aggression led to genocide and stoked fears of engulfing the region into wider conflict, according to APP. 
    He underscored the urgency of bringing an end to Israel’s aggression and brutality with an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, lifting of the siege of Gaza, and rapid and unhindered humanitarian and relief assistance.
    The prime minister of Pakistan was among the prominent leaders of the Muslim world who vociferously and very candidly highlighted the root causes leading to the current humanitarian crisis with over 11,000 deaths in Gaza due to Israel’s indiscriminate aerial and ground blitz after October 7.
    The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia hosted the Joint Arab Islamic Extraordinary Summit considering the human catastrophe that befell upon the Palestinian territories with Israel’s belligerent military invasion.
    The summit assumed significance as it brought the Muslims leaders from across the globe and continents together on one platform, expressing a unifying stance and forging a spirit of brotherhood and affinities for the unfortunate civilians of Gaza undergoing horrors of usage of globally banned arsenal and weapons by Israel occupation forces.
    Caretaker Prime Minister Kakar, in his remarks, reaffirmed that a permanent solution to the conflict was in the establishment of a secure, viable, contiguous and sovereign state of Palestine on the basis of pre-June 1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its Capital.
    He stressed that the Israeli occupation forces were acting in clear violation of the international humanitarian and human rights laws, and their indiscriminate and disproportionate use of force amounted to war crimes and crimes against humanity.
    He also reiterated Pakistan’s solidarity and support for the Palestinian people and their right to self-determination.
    The prime minister regretted that they were witnessing another war in Gaza which was ‘a genocide’, sharing his pains at the distressing and miserable images of the women and children in the backdrop of bombs being dropped at hospitals, refugees’ camps and ambulances as Israel had turned Gaza into a living hell.
    “Israel’s incessant flouting of international laws with impunity had few parallels in history, he said, adding “I condemn these atrocities in the strongest terms.”
    He called upon the international community to hold Israel accountable for its crimes, urging the UNSC members to rise above their differences and urgently perform their primary responsibility of maintaining peace and security in the region.
    “Human lives cannot be sacrificed at the altar of technicalities,” he added.
    Prime Minister Kakar opined that billions across the globe wanting peace and progress and development, and the world could not afford to be pushed into the brink of another war.
    He also proposed for initiation of proceedings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against Israel for its war crimes and crimes against humanity, besides the establishment of a special commission of inquiry by the United Nations Secretary-General to investigate these war crimes.
    During his three-day visit, the prime minister also held meetings with the Arab and Islamic countries leaders on the sidelines of the main event.
    The prime minister met with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister of KSA Mohammed bin Salman, Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on the sidelines of the summit.
    During their meeting, the prime minister and the Saudi crown prince underlined the need for an urgent international collaboration geared towards stopping Israel from brutal and indiscriminate aggression against the besieged and innocent Palestinians.
    They further emphasized the urgency of lifting the blockade of Occupied Gaza to facilitate the delivery of vital humanitarian aid and medical assistance to the affected population.
    While in his meeting with Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, they expressed their deep concern over the alarming situation in Gaza with the staggering death toll and wholesale destruction of civilian infrastructure amidst the ongoing Israeli aggression and siege.
    In a meeting with Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim on the sidelines of the Joint Arab Islamic Extraordinary Summit, the prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s strong condemnation of the ongoing brutal campaign by the Israeli forces.
    The bilateral ties and cooperation were also discussed during these meetings.
    The Joint Summit called for an immediate ceasefire, end to ongoing Israeli aggression and siege of Gaza, deaths and destruction, the opening of a humanitarian corridor and immediate implementation of two-state solution.
    The leaders denounced the forced displacement of residents of Gaza and the occupation of the territory by the Israeli armed forces.
    The Israeli aggression had so far killed more than 11,000 civilians while razing to ground the residential buildings and roads infrastructure in the indiscriminate and brutal aerial and ground assaults that also targeted hospitals, refugees’ camps and schools.

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  • SAPM met ILO delegation to discuss strategies for enhancing overseas employment

    Islamabad: Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development (SAPM on OP&HRD) Jawad Sohrab Malik met with the International Labour Organization ILO delegation led by Geir Tonstol, Country Director ILO for Pakistan, to discuss various strategies for enhancing overseas employment for Pakistani migrant workers.

    The discussion centered around devising a strategy to ensure fair recruitment and secure migration while upholding the principles of inclusive and equitable migration for dignified and decent employment.

    The SAPM expressed the desire for the ILO to lead the development of a national roadmap.

    According to SAPM, the roadmap will set forth practical measures, ranging from short to long term, aimed at enhancing people’s capacities through skills development.

    Furthermore, it should establish a policy framework that advocates for international accreditation, raises awareness among prospective migrant workers, and encourages private sector engagement in recognizing prior learning and integrating labor provisions into bilateral trade agreements.

    ILO delegation appraised SAPM that ILO is actively collaborating with government of Pakistan, under the leadership of ministry of overseas Pakistanis and human resource development, in ensuring safe migration practices, especially for blue-collar workers who are frequently vulnerable to exploitative working environment.

    In this regard, ILO officials said that together with Bureau of Emigration and Protectorate offices , the ILO provides predeparture support and awareness initiatives to both workers and public service providers for effective governance, aiming to enhance effective governance.

    SAPM and ILO delegation agreed upon continuous support to each other, in ensuring provision and securing of decent employment opportunities, in countries of destination, to migrant work force of Pakistan.

    The delegation of ILO included Dino Corell (Migration Specialist), Gabriel Bordado (Skills Specialist), Amish Karki (Program Manager for GOALS Project), Saghir Bukhari (Senior Program Officer ILO, Islamabad) and Shahzad Ahmed (Project Officer- GOALS).

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  • Caretaker government’s authority excludes extensions, appointments, says JUIP Senator

    ISLAMABAD: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Pakistan (JUIP) Senator Kamran Murtaza on Monday voiced strong opinions regarding the limitations of the caretaker government’s authority, asserting that extensions or significant appointments did not fall within its purview.

    According to APP, Senator Murtaza emphasized that Section 230 of the Election Act, 2017 explicitly restricted the caretaker setup from making any major appointments or extensions.

     

     

    During the session, he also addressed the establishment of a separate ministry dedicated to handling affairs related to the minerals of Balochistan.

    Expressing his reservations, he questioned the justification behind such a move, calling for transparency and accountability in the decision-making process.

    On a separate note, the senator raised concerns about the recent abduction and subsequent recovery of Naseeb Ullah Achakzai.

    He urged the authorities to enhance law and order in Balochistan, emphasizing the need for improved security measures to safeguard the well-being of citizens.

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  • Indonesia Ambassador declares Murree ‘Sister City’ to Bali, urges tourism boost

    ISLAMABAD: Ambassador of Indonesia to Pakistan, Adam M. Tugio on Sunday said that Murree can be counted among the most beautiful regions in the world and the natural beauty of Murree can compete with any major tourism spot in the world, according to APP.

    Indonesia’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Adam Tugiu said that the world-famous tourist destinations of Pakistan, Murree, and Indonesia, Bali, can be called sister cities, for which the two governments should start talking and this will promote tourism on both sides.

     

     

    He said this while talking to the Journalist and local business community in the local hotel of Murree.

    The Ambassador of Indonesia said that there are historical religious and cultural relations between Pakistan and Indonesia, which are based on many factors needs to be transferred to the new generation. He said that Pakistan maintained friendship with Indonesia from the early years of independence, which can not be denied in the form of modern mutual economic, trade, cultural and diplomatic relations. The ambassador of Indonesia said that 600 soldiers went from Pakistan for the freedom of Indonesia, some of whom sacrificed their lives there, and as the sun of freedom rose in Indonesia, the relations between the two countries were growing day by day. Meanwhile, the ambassador of Indonesia said that the founder of Indonesia, Ahmad SuKarno, and the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, had a relationship of personal friendship, that’s why you see similarities between most famous  Jinnah Cap and Soekarno Cap.

    He said that Allama Iqbal’s poetry has an influence on many movements in Indonesia and Allama Iqbal is equally popular in Indonesia.The Ambassador said that there is similarity in the food and culture of the two countries and the habits of the two nations are similar in terms of food and drink and spices.In response to a question Indonesian Ambassador Adam Tugio said that he will do his best for the visit of Murree journalists to Indonesia and in this regard, Murree Press Club will be contacted soon. He said that the visit of Murree journalists to Indonesia will give them an opportunity to know about Indonesia, which will increase mutual intimacy.Adam Togio said that Indonesia announces scholarships for students every year and this year also the scholarship was awarded in the same way. He emphasized that the children of Murree journalists should apply for Indonesia’s scholarship, they should give priority to them and will be fully supported by the Indonesian Embassy Islamabad in this regard.In response to a question, the Ambassador of Indonesia said that the mutual economic and trade relations between Pakistan and Indonesia are very strong and bilateral trade between the two countries is $ 4.5 billion dollars, which needs to be further increased.He said that there is a need to promote mutual relations between the people of both the countries so that mutual intimacy between the people can increase.

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  • UN officials call for ‘urgent’ international action to end Israeli attacks on hospitals in besieged Gaza

    UNITED NATIONS: Senior officials of three UN humanitarian agencies on Sunday called for an “urgent international action” to end the deadly Israeli attacks against hospitals in blockaded Gaza, according to APP.

    In a joint statement, the regional directors of the UN Sexual and Reproductive Health Agency, UNFPA; children’s agency, UNICEF, and health agency, WHO, said they were “horrified” at the latest reports that many have been killed including children­ in facilities across Gaza city and other northern areas of the ravaged enclave.

     

     

    The Palestinian Red Crescent Society is reporting that the second largest hospital in Gaza, Al-Quds, is in effect out of service due to fuel shortages with the NGO saying it has only been able to make sporadic contact with the facility.

    WHO has lost communication with its contacts at Al Shifa Hospital, the largest in Gaza, where news reports quoting the health ministry, say that five wounded patients have died because they could not be operated on due to a lack of fuel.

    Two babies in the intensive care unit there were reported to have died on Saturday, with water, food and electricity cut off by the Israeli occupation forces.

    WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed grave concern for the safety of staff and patients caught in crossfire late on Saturday noting that Israeli tanks were reportedly surrounding Al Shifa.

    The Israeli military has repeatedly denied its forces are targeting hospitals, claiming that Hamas and other militants are using the facilities as shields with their headquarters located beneath Al Shifa.

    “Intense hostilities surrounding several hospitals in northern Gaza are preventing safe access for health staff, the injured, and other patients,” said the statement released by Laila Baker of UNFPA, UNICEF Regional Director Adele Khodr, and Dr. Ahmed Al-Mandhari, of WHO.

    “Premature and new-born babies on life support are reportedly dying due to power, oxygen, and water cuts at Al-Shifa Hospital, while others are at risk. Staff across several hospitals are reporting a lack of fuel, water and basic medical supplies, putting the lives of all patients at immediate risk.”

    Over the past 36 days, WHO has recorded at least 137 attacks on healthcare in Gaza, resulting in 521 deaths and 686 injuries, including 16 deaths and 38 injuries of health workers, the regional directors said.

    The world cannot stand silent while hospitals which should be safe havens, are transformed into scenes of death, devastation and despair, they said.

    Attacks on medical facilities and civilians are unacceptable and are a violation of international law, the statement said.

    “They cannot be condoned. The right to seek medical assistance, especially in times of crisis, should never be denied,” the statement said.

    More than half of the hospitals in the Gaza Strip are closed while those remaining “are under massive strain”.

    Shortages of water, food, and fuel are also threatening the wellbeing of thousands of displaced people, including women and children, who are sheltering in hospitals.

    “Decisive international action is needed now to secure an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and prevent further loss of life, and preserve what’s left of the health care system in Gaza,” the directors said.

    “Unimpeded, safe and sustained access is needed now to provide fuel, medical supplies and water for these lifesaving services. The violence must end now.”

    The Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Lynn Hastings, warned that lack of fuel is not only putting lives at risk in hospital, but water pumps, desalination plants and wastewater treatment centres are all “grinding to a halt.”

    She tweeted that public health crises are emerging and “humanitarian operations will be next.”

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  • Pakistani filmmaker Mumtaz Hussain wins US award for distinguished artists

    NEW YORK: A Pakistani-American author and filmmaker Mumtaz Hussain has been decorated with the Global Leadership 2023 Award for his “outstanding contributions” in the fields of art, films, and literature, according to APP.

    The New York-based writer was chosen by Lion Club and James Jay Dudley Luce Foundation for the prestigious award.

    Mumtaz Hussain, a graduate of the National College of Arts, Lahore, has enhanced his skills with exposure to European and American art scenes.

    His other works include the Urdu book of short stories, “GOOL AINAK KA PECHAY,” “LAFZON MAIN TASVARIAN”, “PELI PATI CHUNA KUM,” “MUMTAZ HUSSAIN DIAN CHUWIAN KAHINIAN” (GURMUKHI).

    Hussain’s art films, notably “Soul of Civilization,” have been screened in the halls of noted institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, Queens Museum of Art, Stony Brook University, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the University of Connecticut, showcasing his impact on the global cultural landscape.

    His first feature film, “Art=(Love) 2,” also garnered international recognition.

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  • Pakistan’s Transgender community holds ‘Hijra festival’ for the first time in Karachi

    KARACHI: For the first time in the history of Pakistan, the transgender community organized a ‘Hijra festival’ at the Arts Council of Pakistan (ACP) Karachi.

    The festival organizers said that the aim of the festival is to make society accept our identity, said the organizers.

    Komisad, the event organizer said that they have three demands, which are struggle, identity, and perseverance.

    She said the transgender community also came to the field raising their voices for their rights, and for the first time in history, the Hijra Festival was celebrated in Karachi.

    In the form of a rally from Karachi Press Club Chowrangi, a large number of transgenders marched towards ACP, chanting slogans in favor of their demands, and dancing to the beat of drums.

    As they reached Arts Council Karachi, they began colorful show,  and presented skillful dance, highlighted the importance of transgender people in society through various theaters and tableaus.
    On this occasion, stalls of clothes and jewelry were also set up.

    The event organizers said they will extend this festival to other cities as well.

    The transgenders lit candles against the Israeli aggression and in memory of the martyrs in Palestine and expressed solidarity with the Palestinians. The participants lit candles in memory of those who were martyred in Palestine.

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  • The famed Indian Sufi singer Sagar Bhatia enthralls audience with his lovely voice at Qawwali night

    Dallas: The famed Indian Sufi singer Sagar Bhatia mesmerized the audience with the magic of his voice at the Dallas show.

    The South Asian community including India Pakistan Bangladesh called this show the best entertainment for the community and thanked Hiba Entertainment for the great show.

    Singer Sagar Bhatia also surprised the music fans by giving a non-stop performance for three hours

    Sagar gave a rich performance on Qawwalis and songs and the audience was enthralled at the concert. Some fans also showered dollars on artists.

    Sagar continued to awaken the magic of his voice. Men and women danced to his lyrics.

    In the concert, Sagar created a spiritual festival through Sufi and Western fusion and enthralled the audience with effective lyrics of qawwalis and ghazals.

    Nasir Siddiqui, the chief of Hiba Entertainment, thanked the singers and event participants for making the show a success and trusting Hiba.

    Dr. Ambar Jamal was the organizer of the Dallas concert. The attendees said that it was an everlasting evening and we will always be connected with the memories of that evening.

    Speaking at the end of the concert, singer Sagar said that the way he performed his art today was because of the love of the people of Dallas. This is the artistry that you can charm the hearts of your fans with your art and you can enjoy it to the fullest.

    Amish, the national promoter of singer Sagar, said that his shows across the United States were well received in every city and next year he will arrange his shows in more cities.

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  • Renowned Scholar and Former President South Asia Democracy Watch, Dr. Qaisar Abbas, Passed Away

    Denton, TX: Dr. Qaisar Abbas, a prominent scholar and former President of South Asia Democracy Watch, has passed away after a brief illness. His funeral was held in Denton, and he was laid to rest in a Muslim cemetery in the same city.

    Dr. Qaisar Abbas, born in Pakistan to Syed Bakshish Abbas Rizvi and Fatima Tauqir, was a distinguished academic and journalist. He earned his Master’s in Journalism from Punjab University and initially worked as a News Producer for Pakistan Television and as an Information Officer to the Minister of Education in the Punjab province.

    In 1981, he immigrated to the United States, where he pursued further education, obtaining a Master’s degree from Iowa State University and a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He made significant contributions to the field of Mass Communication and held administrative positions at various American universities, including roles as an Assistant Dean and Director of Multicultural Affairs.

    Courtesy: urduqaisar.com

    Dr. Abbas had a deep interest in political and international communication, development broadcasting, poetry, resistance, and postcolonial South Asia. He was a prolific writer, contributing to academic journals and newspapers in both English and his native language, Urdu.

    Beyond his academic endeavors, Dr. Abbas was a published Urdu poet and served as the chief editor for JeddoJehad. He co-edited the book “From Terrorism to Television: Dynamics of State, Media, and Society in Pakistan” (Routledge, 2020).

    He was actively involved in several organizations and notably held the position of Executive Director for South Asia Democracy Watch. He recently completed a manuscript for a book titled “Umeed e Sahar ki baat,” dedicated to his granddaughters, Iman and Noor Rizvi.

    As-Director-Florida-Atlantic-University Courtesy : urduqaisar.com

    Dr. Abbas is survived by his wife, Dr. Saleha Suleman, his twin sons, Shahryar Rizvi and Shahrzad Rizvi, and his siblings, Manzar Abbas, Kosar Abbas, Yawar Abbas, Haider Abbas, and Rana Khurshid. His passing is a significant loss to the academic and South Asian community, and his contributions will be remembered and cherished.

    Meanwhile, Dalles’s literary personality represent chairman Al-Noor International Noor Amrahavi. Dr. Amir Sulaiman, the leader of Urdu Ghar Dells, South Asia Democracy Watch President Amir Makhani, and Board Members Syed Fayyaz Hassan, Raja Muzaffar, Taseef Kamal, and Aftab Siddiqui, along with Raja Zahid Khanzada and Imad Salim, leader of the Muslim Democratic Caucus, mourn his passing. Pakistan Society of North Texas President Salman Tabani and Board of Trustee members Barkat Basria, Abid Malik, and Dr Riaz Haider, along with former president of Pakistan American Association Dr. Javed Ajmal and president of Jago Times Group of Publication Dr. Nasreen, have expressed their condolences. Many leaders describe his death as a significant loss to the academic and South Asian community, emphasizing that his contributions will always be remembered. I offer my prayers for comfort during this difficult time.

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  • NYC Govt. fails to contribute proportionately to the services, facilities allocated to the public: Comptroller’s audit report suggests

    New York: New York City Comptroller Brad Lander has admitted that the city government has failed to contribute proportionately to the services and facilities allocated to the public.

    From the analytical results of the audit report of the records covering five years by Comptroller Brad Lander, it has been revealed that the NYC administration has failed to provide uniform and equal facilities in the city.

    The Comptroller has stressed that urgent reforms are necessary to implement the Fair Share Charter of 1989 and provide equal facilities to citizens.

    Comptroller Brad Lander’s report on the shortcomings and deficiencies identified include the establishment of more shelters, lack of a comprehensive system to monitor the city, and neglect of the current needs in planning.

    The report said that forty percent of shelters in the city are still set up in areas where shelters were already established.

    The report shows that the provision of public parks, waste disposal sites, and social services in the city is not commensurate with the population of the areas. If urban planning is not done in a fair manner, it will cause distrust among the citizens.

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  • With Pakistan supporting, UN demands Israel cease exploiting Palestinians’ natural resources

    UNITED NATIONS: Amid escalating Israeli attacks on Gaza, a U.N. panel Thursday voted to adopt a resolution, by a large majority, demanding that Israel cease the exploitation, damage, cause of loss or depletion, and endangerment of the natural resources in occupied Palestine and in the occupied Syrian Golan, according to APP.

    The draft was approved by the UN General Assembly’s Second Committee (Economic and Financial) by a vote of 151 in favour to 6 against ( US, Canada, Israel, Micronesia, Nauru, and Palau), with 11 abstentions.

    Explaining his support to the resolution, Ambassador Usman Jadoon, the deputy permanent representative of Pakistan to the UN, said that it was an expression of solidarity with the brave people of Palestine enduring unrelenting oppression from the Israeli occupation forces.

    “It is an affirmation of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people and of the population of the occupied Syrian Golan over their natural resources, including land, water and energy resources – which are being brazenly violated by the occupying power, Israel,” he said.

    By the terms of the draft resolution titled “Permanent sovereignty of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and of the Arab population in the occupied Syrian Golan over their natural resources”, the General Assembly would recognize the right of the Palestinian people to claim restitution as a result of any exploitation, damage, loss or depletion or endangerment of their natural resources resulting from illegal measures taken by Israel, the occupying Power.

    Also by the text, it would call upon Israel to halt all actions, including those perpetrated by Israeli settlers, harming the environment, including the dumping of all kinds of waste materials, in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian Golan, and cease its destruction of vital infrastructure.

    In his remarks, the Pakistani envoy also said that the draft is another reminder of the multifaceted impact of repressive Israeli policies, denying the right to self-determination and impacting economic rights of the occupied.

    Pakistan, Ambassador Jadoon said, remains deeply concerned about the dire security and humanitarian situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, particularly the Gaza strip, as a result of the latest wave of Israeli aggression.

    Close to 11,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have lost their lives, while others are facing starvation and struggling to survive, with essential supplies blockaded.

    “The Israeli actions are a flagrant breach of international law including international humanitarian law and amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity,” he said. “They are also in grave violation of several UN resolutions including the latest one adopted by the 10th resumed Emergency Special Session of the UNGA on 27th October.”

    That resolution called for a “humanitarian truce’ leading to cessation of hostilities in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

    The Pakistani envoy called for an immediate ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian access and a stop to the forced transfer of Gaza’s population.

    The international community, he said, must work in concert for a just, comprehensive and lasting two-State solution with a viable, sovereign and contiguous State of Palestine based on pre‑1967 borders with Al‑Quds Al‑Sharif as its capital.

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  • FDIs can be potential drivers of growth and development of capital market, finance minister

    Islamabad: The caretaker federal minister for finance, revenue & economic affairs Dr. Shamshad Akhtar has said the Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) having requisite expertise, efficiency and flexibility can be the potential drivers of growth and development of the capital market.

    She was presiding over a meeting with the Chairman Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and the heads of DFIs to review the progress made by the DFIs on the establishment of a private equity and venture capital (PE & VC) fund.

    Re-affirming their commitment, DFI apprised the finance minister about the progress and impediments faced in the process.

    It is pertinent to mention that FDI, earlier in a meeting held on September 30, 2023, had committed to launch PE & VC Fund to serve as a catalyst for economic revival.

    Finance minister said the initiative is geared towards energizing the investment landscape and extending needed resources for start-ups and SMEs to grow their businesses, harnessing the potential of capital markets to diversify sources of financing, while also bolstering the country’s economic prospects.

    She emphasized that the role of DFIs is distinct from commercial banks and this needs to be reflected in their business philosophy.

    “Their investment policies and the manner in which these policies are regulated can have a powerful influence on the pattern of financial assets in the capital market, she added.

    The DFIs were emphasized in the meeting to share comprehensive profiles that encompass existing operations and activities, and their future transformation and diversification plans to achieve sustainable growth aligned with their conceptualized role.

    Finance minister urged the SECP to lend support to the DFIs. She asked SECP to actively engage with DFIs to highlight the opportunities present in the capital market.

    The envisaged strategic shift in the business policies by DFIs is likely to have a far-reaching impact on the nation’s financial landscape, creating new opportunities for investment, economic growth, and innovation.

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  • Pak-US collaboration in priority areas is imperative to improve health sector, health minister

    Pak-US collaboration in priority areas is imperative to improve health sector, health ministe

    Islamabad: Caretaker federal health minister Dr. Nadeem Jan has said that Pakistan-US collaboration in priority areas is imperative to improve the health sector.

    He made these remarks while talking to delegation from the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Atlant led by Dr. Richard Franka, representative of Global Immunization Division which called on him to discuss mutual areas of interest for cooperation in health sector.

    The delegation also included Acting Country Director of CDC in Pakistan, Dr. Jude Tuma as well as Ms. Suzzane Powel from the US Embassy.

    Dr. Nadeem Jan thanked US CDC for longstanding collaboration and technical assistance provided to the country for immunization, polio eradication, capacity building of public health workforce as well strengthening of public health labs in Pakistan.

    The federal minister elaborated the contributions of CDC trained field epidemiologists in disease detection and response, polio eradication as well as the recently encountered COVID-19 pandemic.

    Regarding priorities of the government to protect the health of most vulnerable populations, the minister updated the delegation about initiatives being undertaken to improve essential immunization coverage across Pakistan and plan to interrupt the polio transmission the soonest possible.

    ‘The national leadership is committed to use all its strengths and resources to contain all vaccine preventable diseases and finally confine polio virus to the history books,” he said. “Failure in this respect is not an option and we shall ensure it through accountability across the board, he remarked.

    Health minister stressed the need to adopt an integrated service delivery approach and urged the global community to extend support during the last miles toward eradication.

    Richard Franka appreciated the government’s commitment as well as the unprecedented support being extended to valiant frontline health workers by Pakistan’s law enforcement agencies.

    He appreciated the progress made in this regard and emphasized the need to modify strategies based on updated risk assessment. He urged that ongoing impact evaluations of interventions being implemented in priority zones.

    ‘The CDC truly believes in government leadership and shall remain supportive of the locally tailored strategic approaches to address challenges being faced in priority areas,” he added.

     

    The delegation was also informed about the government’s plan to embark on Hepatitis elimination and addressing widely prevalent maternal and child malnutrition. Both sides agreed to further strengthen the existing collaborations besides carrying forward the Pak-US strategic health dialogue addressing jointly identified priority areas.

    Secretary health Iftikhar Shalwani also apprised the delegation of country’s plan to host Global Health Security Summit in January 2024 and invited CDC leadership in the forthcoming event. The US delegation welcomed the initiative and assured appropriate level representation.

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  • Iqbal thoughts influence the entire South Asia, says Pak envoy to US

    Washington DC: Pakistan’s ambassador to the United States Masood Khan said that Allama Iqbal was great poet who dreamed of Pakistan and we are a manifestation of his dream.

    Addressing a special ceremony to commemorate Iqbal Day, the birth anniversary of Allama Mohammad Iqbal, the national poet of Pakistan, Masood Khan said that Iqbal was a poet par excellence and his thoughts has influenced the whole of South Asia, Afghanistan and in Persia.

    “Iqbal dreamed of Pakistan and we are a manifestation of his dream. He is our ideological compass and our lodestar. When we are looking for direction where we ought to go, we refer to Iqbal because he gave us the ideological basis for the state of Pakistan,” said Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States.

    He said that Allama Iqbal was a philosopher and his philosophy was not confined to the subcontinent. “He looked at the cosmos. He looked at the universe and how it was evolving in its spiritual and physical dimensions,” he said.

    Appreciating his deep understanding and knowledge of Quran and Islam, Masood Khan said that Allama Iqbal was one of the most authentic interpreters of the Quran and Islam.

    “If we want to understand the Quran in the contemporary context, we will have to study Iqbal,” he said.

    He said that many clerics and religious scholars cited Iqbal when they wanted to elaborate some complex thoughts in Islam.

    “Iqbal was a universalist. He was not a parochial poet. His poetry is a universal heritage; a universal legacy,” he said.

    Masood Khan highlighted that scholars from all over the world travel to Pakistan to discuss Iqbal’s thought. “We as Pakistanis should be proud of having such a genius who guided us in the formative years of Pakistan. And he propounded this idea which manifested itself in the state of Pakistan,” he said.

    Other speakers who spoke on the occasion included Ghazanfar Hashmi, Anwar Iqbal, Dr. Aseef Qadeer, Ex-Senator Akber Khawaja, Faiz Rehman and Riaz Niazi.

    The speakers dilated upon various dimensions and perspectives of Iqbal’s thought, as a poet and philosopher, and drew its relevance to the contemporary world.

    A photo exhibition was also arranged by the embassy of Pakistan in collaboration with International Academy of Letters USA, Sadequain Foundation USA and Sadequain Gallery of Chicago to pay tributes to iconic calligrapher, painter and poet Syed Sadequain Ahmed Naqvi, TI PP SI NI, often referred to as Sadequain Naqqash.

    The Ambassador thanked International Academy of Letters USA, Sadequain Foundation USA and Sadequain Gallery of Chicago for partnering with the Embassy of Pakistan in organizing the event.

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  • Pakistani delegation visits SCO platform in China

    BEIJING: A Pakistani delegation led by Ali Hussain, vice president of the Pakistan House Economic and Business Advisory Committee, visited the Trade and Economic Multifunctional Platform for SCO Countries in Chongqing, China, according to APP.
    Hu Kaiqiang, the Secretary-General of the Platform, received the delegation and held a meeting.
    During the meeting, Hu Kaiqiang introduced the Platform’s 16 industry working committees covering sectors such as culture, tourism, education and healthcare.
    Ali Hussain hailed the Platform’s efforts in facilitating international collaboration in different sectors and expressed the intention to cooperate.
    “As a research institution specializing in international affairs and policy, we have extensive connections with international think tanks that can provide valuable expertise and insights for collaboration. We also seek to establish connections with the Platform’s think tank, fostering exchanges and cooperation in international affairs.”
    Following the constructive discussions, the Pakistan House and the Platform reached an agreement to further promote cooperation in cross-border settlement and precious metal.
    Both parties also pledged to facilitate nongovernmental exchanges between China and Pakistan, as well as among other SCO member states.

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  • Pakistani delegation visits SCO platform in China

    BEIJING: A Pakistani delegation led by Ali Hussain, vice president of the Pakistan House Economic and Business Advisory Committee, visited the Trade and Economic Multifunctional Platform for SCO Countries in Chongqing, China, according to APP.
    Hu Kaiqiang, the Secretary-General of the Platform, received the delegation and held a meeting.
    During the meeting, Hu Kaiqiang introduced the Platform’s 16 industry working committees covering sectors such as culture, tourism, education and healthcare.
    Ali Hussain hailed the Platform’s efforts in facilitating international collaboration in different sectors and expressed the intention to cooperate.
    “As a research institution specializing in international affairs and policy, we have extensive connections with international think tanks that can provide valuable expertise and insights for collaboration. We also seek to establish connections with the Platform’s think tank, fostering exchanges and cooperation in international affairs.”
    Following the constructive discussions, the Pakistan House and the Platform reached an agreement to further promote cooperation in cross-border settlement and precious metal.
    Both parties also pledged to facilitate nongovernmental exchanges between China and Pakistan, as well as among other SCO member states.

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  • Mayor Adams rejects allegations of receiving Turkish funds for his election drive

    New York: New York City Mayor Eric Adams broke his silence on the issue of the inquiry related to taking funds from Turkey in his last election campaign as he said that he and his team did not receive any illegal path during the election campaign.

    We will continue to abide by all the rules and regulations in the future as well, Mayor Eric Adams said in a press conference at his office after a raid was reportedly carried out on the residence of his election campaign’s chief fundraiser.

    “I can say with great confidence that we followed all the rules in our campaign. However, it would be inappropriate to say anything about it in any context before the investigation comes to the logical conclusion.”

    On this occasion, Mayor Eric Adams was asked if all this is being done against him because he belongs to black Americans. Eric Adams responded with a smile at the question and said, “I don’t want to speculate, if I speculate, then we won’t be able to meet the challenges the city is facing.”

    Earlier, Mayor Eric Adams further said that we have made every possible effort to control the city on all channels, including hate crimes.

    To another question raised by a journalist, Eric Adams said that his administration has also worked to promote ethnic community media and make them stable. He said that in past, ethnic media was not given much importance.

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  • Pakistani journalists marched with their families to express solidarity with Palestinian counterparts

    KARACHI: Hundreds of journalists marched in Karachi to express solidarity with their Middle Eastern colleagues who have been killed in Gaza Strip following Israel’s ruthless bombing of civilian targets since October 7.  

    The Gaza Solidarity March was organized by several journalist bodies in Karachi, Hundreds of journalists and members of civil society families marched from Karachi Press Club (KPC) to the Sindh Governor House, waving Palestinian flags, chanting slogans such as “Stop targeting journalists,” “You can’t hide the truth by killing journalists,” and “Hold Israel accountable for journalists’ killing in Gaza”.

    The demonstrators were also carrying banners and placards engraved with slogans.
    Addressing the demonstrators, KPC President Saeed Sarbazi held Israel and United States (US) “equally responsible” for the deaths of journalists in Gaza.

    “It’s the US and some so-called Muslim countries, whose criminal silence has emboldened Israel to kill unarmed Palestinians,” Sarbazi said.

    At least 40 journalists were among the Palestinian death toll since the war began on October 7 — with more than 10,500 Palestinian deaths in Gaza and the West Bank and 1,400 deaths in Israel.

    According to a report published by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) today, eight journalists have been injured, three are reported missing and nine have been arrested.

    “The Israel-Gaza war has become the deadliest four-week period for journalists covering conflict since CPJ began documenting journalist fatalities in 1992,” it added.

    Meanwhile, the health ministry in Gaza said that at least 10,569 Palestinians people in the besieged enclave have been killed in Israeli attacks since October 7. The figure includes 4,324 children.

    Pakistan, which does not have diplomatic relations with Israel, has consistently called for an independent homeland for the people of Palestine based on the pre-1967 borders with Al Quds Al Sharif/Jerusalem as its capital.

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  • US tech entrepreneurs urged to invest in upgrading Pakistan’s tourism industry

    WASHINGTON: Pakistan’s Ambassador to the U.S., Masood Khan, has urged Pakistani-American Tech entrepreneurs to invest in promoting Pakistan’s tourism and digitalization of its industry, according to APP.

    “With the digitalization of necessary information, including bookings, lodging, transportation, and availability of accurate information, the tourism sector of Pakistan will witness a transformative change,” he said at a special session of the Annual Open Silicon Valley Forum 2023 in San Francisco, a city in the US state of California.

    The subject of the conference was “Exploring Pakistan’s Tourism Treasures: From Mountains to Metropolises.”

    “Our joint ventures will help tap the existing potential of tourism. Your equity participation will pay you off well,” Ambassador Masood Khan said.

    He thanked the organizers of the session which he said would “induce people to visit Pakistan and get a first-hand experience of witnessing its pristine beauty.”

    Pakistan has the tallest mountains, scorching deserts and a captivating coastline, he said, adding, “Pakistanis are loving, caring and welcoming people — known for their hospitality and taking care of guests.”

    A land of ancient civilizations, the ambassador said, Pakistan had everything to offer to every kind of tourist.

    Masood Khan said that the country had a strong domestic tourism industry and tens of millions of tourists visits various locations.

    “We are trying to upgrade our infrastructure so that we could absorb more international tourists in the country,” he said.

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  • US cautions Israel against reoccupying besieged Gaza

    WASHINGTON: The United States has cautioned Israel against reoccupying Gaza after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested that Israel could be there “for an indefinite period” after the conflict, according to APP.

    “We’re having active discussions with our Israeli counterparts about what post-conflict Gaza looks like,” White House National Security Spokesman John Kirby told reporters on Tuesday. “The president maintains his position that reoccupation by Israeli forces is not the right thing to do.”

     

     

    He added that, “Israel and the United States are friends and we do not have to agree on every single word,” and that, “Netanyahu and Biden are not always exactly in the same place on every issue.”

    Netanyahu told ABC News that Gaza should be governed by “those who don’t want to continue the way of Hamas,” without elaborating.

    “I think Israel will, for an indefinite period, have the overall security responsibility because we’ve seen what happens when we don’t have it. When we don’t have that security responsibility, what we have is the eruption of Hamas terror on a scale that we couldn’t imagine,” Netanyahu insisted.

    During the news briefing, when asked if the administration still is not drawing any “red lines” for Israel as the death toll keeps going up in Gaza, Kirby said, “That is still the case”, and added that “it is also true that airstrikes continue and it is also true that civilians keep dying from these air strikes.”

    The military onslaught by Israel comes as the United States scrambles to arrange a humanitarian pause for deliveries of fuel and relief aid to Gaza civilians. However, according to the reports, the United States has also armed Israel with massive military aid as it continues its air strikes on the Palestinian state.

    In his previous briefing, Kirby also said that Washington supports Israel’s right to defend itself after Hamas attacks in southern Israel on October 7. “We’re not drawing red lines for Israel,” the national security spokesperson said while adding that the country has not shied away from expressing concerns over the civilian casualties.

    “Since the very beginning, we have had and will continue to have conversations with them about the manner in which they’re doing this. And we have not been shy about expressing our concerns over civilian casualties, collateral damage, and the approach that they might choose to take. That’s what friends can do, and we’re friends,” Kirby said.

    A month of relentless bombardment in Gaza has killed more than 10,300 Palestinians, two-thirds of them women and minors, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. More than 2,300 are believed buried from strikes that reduced entire city blocks to rubble

    Reporters also asked Kirby whether the US had raised the prospect of suspending or reducing its aid to Israel given the rising casualties. “We’re going to make sure they continue to have what they need,” was the spokesperson’s answer.

    The US plans $320-mln transfer of precision bombs to Israel amid the continuing genocide in Gaza.

    The United States, Israel’s biggest and oldest ally, has provided the regime with thousands of arms consignments since the initiation of the war.

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  • APPAC delegation visits FPCCI in Karachi

    KARACHI: Irfan Iqbal Sheikh, President of FPCCI, has apprised that a high-profile delegation – vis-à-vis trade, investment, and economic relations – visited FPCCI to forge an alliance from the platform of the apex body with the private sector of Pakistan, according to a press statement released by FPCCI on Wednesday.

    It is pertinent to note that the visit was held under the auspices of the influential American–Pakistan Public Affairs Committee (APPAC) led by Mr. Philip Ramos, Deputy Speaker of the New York State Assembly, and; was attended by prominent business personalities of Karachi.

    Mr. Irfan Iqbal Sheikh explained that New York is one of the most significant states of the U.S. for Pakistan’s business community as it is a financial and commercial center of a country that accounts for upwards 17 percent of total trade of Pakistan; and, as per latest trade statistics, Pakistan – U.S. bilateral trade stands at $9.4 billion. This is a huge number for Pakistan’s economy and our peculiar dependence on foreign exchange, he added.

    Mr. Irfan Iqbal Sheikh stressed that Pakistan deserves enhanced access to the U.S. market for having suffered badly by the war on terror for a long-drawn-out period; last year’s floods and bearing the brunt of climate change.

    Mr. Suleman Chawla, SVP FPCCI, maintained that Pakistani businessmen have a lot to export to the U.S. – nonetheless, they are constrained due to the delays and restrictions in visa issuance. Therefore, easing and expediting visa issuance process logically becomes the first step towards enabling chamber-to-chamber and business-to-business linkages between the two countries.

    Engr. M. A. Jabbar, VP FPCCI, highlighted that interacting with the private-sector will be much more productive and result-oriented as there have been bureaucratic lethargy and red-tapism in dealing through the government alone.

    Mr. Philip Ramos, Deputy Speaker of the New York State Assembly, announced a number of proposed measures aimed at formalizing cooperation between APPAC and his assembly with FPCCI:

    (i) two high-powered committees should be formed with FPCCI to explore the opportunities; one is to enhance the investment and economic cooperation; and, the second for B2B alliances & matchmaking between New York businessmen and FPCCI (ii) he will lobby for humanitarian and economic assistance to Pakistan with New York State government as states in the U.S. enjoy autonomy to forge economic linkages (iii) he will look into the advocacy options to facilitate the visa issuance to businessmen from Pakistan (iv) American – Pakistani Public Affairs Committee (APPAC) will facilitate trade promotion activities of FPCCI delegates in the U.S. (v) New York Chamber of Commerce will be encouraged to form chamber-to-chamber alliance with FPCCI.

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  • PACOLI announces new office bearers for 2024.

    New York: Bashir Qamar, the founder of the Pakistani American Community of Long Island (PACOLI), a non-political and non-profit organization of Pakistanis in New York, has announced a new leadership to run the organization for the coming year 2024.

    Abdul Rahman has been appointed as President and Humayun Shabbir as Senior Vice President in the new cabinet consisting of 9 members.

    Three persons have been selected for the vice president slots, including Atiq Qadri, Salman Sheikh and Madiha Mustafa.

    Apart from this, Asim Malik has been appointed as General Secretary, Asfand Akram as Joint Secretary, Kashif Idrees as Information Secretary and Azra Dar as Comptroller.

    PACOLI’s new cabinet officials have reiterated their commitment that they will do their best to guide the Pakistani-American community in various areas and strengthen ties between other communities.

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  • BISP supports 9.3 million households under Kafaalat: Secretary BISP

    ISLAMABAD: Secretary Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Amer Ali Ahmad affirmed BISP’s status as a global model of social safety, providing financial assistance to 9.3 million households under its Kafaalat initiative. The program extends its reach to 8.2 million school-going children through stipends and 1.22 million individuals through Nashonuma support, ensuring inclusivity without discrimination, according to APP.

    Secretary Ahmad made these remarks during a visit to BISP headquarters by a delegation from the National Institute of Management (NIM), Peshawar. The delegation, comprising two faculty members and 18 participants from the 38th Mid-Career Management Course (MCMC), gained insights into BISP’s operations and its commitment to uplifting marginalized communities.

    Emphasizing BISP’s inclusive approach, Secretary Ahmad highlighted the organization’s efforts to identify beneficiary families and introduce skill development programs for the children of BISP beneficiaries. These initiatives aim to empower individuals and break the cycle of poverty.

    Additional Secretary Dr. Muhammad Tahir Noor provided an in-depth overview of BISP, encompassing its core initiatives: Kafaalat, Taleemi Wazaif, Nashounuma, Undergraduate Scholarship, and the National Socio-Economic Registry. He elaborated on the payment mechanism for BISP beneficiaries and the challenges faced by the organization.

    The NIM delegation commended BISP’s remarkable achievements and expressed appreciation for the organization’s dedication to improving the lives of vulnerable Pakistanis.

    The post BISP supports 9.3 million households under Kafaalat: Secretary BISP first appeared on VOSA.