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Category: pakistan

  • Pakistan PM questions as to why his country is paying the price of climate change

    New York: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Friday posed a pertinent question before the global leaders at the UN General Assembly as to why Pakistan is paying the price of climate change since the country’s carbon-footprint contribution is almost zero.

    Addressing the UNGA-77 session in New York, Pakistan’s premier said that climate change has pushed one-third of his country under waters in the wake of a superstorm that no one had witnessed in living memory. More than 11 million people would further be pushed below the poverty line, he said.

    “No words can describe the shock we are living through. I have come here to explain, the scale and magnitude of this climate catastrophe that has pushed one-third of my country underwater in a super storm that no one has seen in living memory,” he said.

    More than 33 million people including women and children are now at high risk of health hazards. Around 650,000 women are giving birth in makeshift tents.1500 people lost their lives in the flash flood. Millions of climate migrants are still looking for dry land to live.

    13000, km road network, and 370 bridges, millions of homes and 4 million acres of land have been swept away by floods, while the damages of this climate catastrophe are immensurable. Pakistan had never seen such a huge devastating impact of global warming, ever before.

    “I have visited personally every corner of my country. People of Pakistan ask as to why this flood devastation has racked havoc. It’s time to ask as to what can be done, and what must be done.”

    Undeniable truth is the calamity has not been triggered by anything we have done. Our glaciers are melting at fast pace, and this global warming is making Pakistan a hottest place and one of the world’s 10 vulnerable countries on the planet.

    Real worry is next days when the cameras would leave and the story would shift away from this hot issue like Ukraine and we would be left to mercy of monster monsoon floods.

    Many of lives we have saved. Permanent food insecurity, 11 million people will be pushed further below the poverty line.

    We have mobilized all available resources. Budget priorities have now been shifted to flood hit citizens, cash transfers are being made to the most effected 4 million women.

    Rs 70 billion are being spent on the Benazir Income Support Program. But the scale of disaster is immeasurable .

    He questioned as to why are my people are paying the price of global warming, though no fault of us.  We have no contribution towards the carbon footprint but our economy is suffering the crippling impacts of climate change.

    Hope is the best enemy of darkness, Pakistanis are resilient people. He said rapid economic growth is the top most priority of Pakistani government. We need a stable external environment; sustainable peace could only be achieved through the just solution of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in light of the UN resolutions.  He said the long standing issue of Kashmir needs to be resolved in accordance with the will of Kashmiri people.

    He said New Delhi has ramped up troops in IOK. Through extra judicial killing, and deliberate targeting of Kashmiri youth, India is seeking to turn the Muslim dominated IOK into Hindu dominated territory as fake domiciles have been issued to some two million people, fraudulently.

    India must take credible steps to bring peace and build strong ties with Pakistan. He said that the both nuclear armed countries have so far fought three wars and the consequence of which is the grinding poverty. War is no option. The mutual problems and issues can be resolved through peaceful negotiations. Shehbaz also asked the India to come up and have close ties with Pakistan and work together for the promotions of education and healthcare in both countries.

    Talking about the neighboring Afghanistan, Shebaz Sharif said that 30 million Afghans are left without functional economy. Pakistan is very concerned for the restoration of peace and progress in Afghan soil. He asked to global community to support Afghanistan in this crucial time.

    He also spoke about the Afghan women’s and girls’ right to education and work, while urging the world to avoid isolating the Afghan Interim Government, as it could “aggravate the suffering of the Afghan people, who are already destitute”.

    “Constructive engagement and economic support are more likely to secure a positive response,” he said.

    The premier said that a peaceful, prosperous, and connected Afghanistan is in everyone’s “collective interests.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • UN SG pledges to call ‘Donors’ Conference’ to support the flood-hit Pakistan, soon: PM Shehbaz

    New York: Pakistani Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday said that the recent ruthless floods have caused a loss of whopping $30 billion to the already fragile economy of Pakistan.  

    Also, he said that the António Guterres Secretary-General of the United Nations has pledged to call a ‘Donors’ Meeting’ possibly in New York, or somewhere else to help support the flood-hit Pakistan.

    Talking to the media during his visit to a photo exhibition titled “Floods in Pakistan: A climate Carnage” in the Sect Lobby of UNHQs, the Prime Minister said that the floods have racked havoc on the daily lift and properties in Pakistan. He said the damage caused by the flood is estimated to be around $30 billion which may go up as the exact scale of devastation is yet to be ascertained.

    He said the standing crops have been damaged. The land for the cultivation of crops is not ready, as flood water is still stagnant elsewhere in four provinces including Sindh, and Baluchistan.

    The PM said he has convened meetings with the UN Secretary-General. He is a very kind-hearted soul and has sympathies with the flood victims in Pakistan.

    Shebaz also thanked the global leaders including the US president, Presidents of Turkey and Iran etc,. who have urged the global community to help support Pakistan in the need of hour.

    Minister for Information Mariyum Augangzeb was flanked with the PM during the visit. She told media that the French President has called upon the global leaders and financial institutions to come up with mechanism to support countries like Pakistan who have been suffering from the impacts of climate change.

    She said the country was already facing economic crisis for the last four years, and the recent floods have compounded the plight of Pakistanis.

    She said 650,000 women are pregnant, and 2600 such women are going to give birth soon, and they need special attention from us in terms of healthy baby food, nutrition, tents, medical care, and warm clothes on the eve of cold weather in Sindh and Baluchistan. NDMA is releasing data as per need-based requirements.

    She said the PM has categorically asked that the production cost of Panadol and Paracetamol tablets will not go up as their demand is increasing due to water borne diseases and Dengue outbreak after the floods. She said the Ministry of Finance will give subsidy for the producers of these medicines, if needed.

    She said the US president Joe Biden has a good reception for heads of the states and he has special attention towards floods and catastrophic situation in Pakistan. This was PM Shehbas Sharif’s voice as well. This is a shared concerned of global community. NGOs has important role to play in natural calamities like situation.

    Mis. Melissa Fleming, USG for Global Communication also spoke during to media during her visit to the exhibition site. She said the floods have wreaked havoc in Pakistan. This is the worst of climate change. It has mass destruction. She said that people who don’t believe as to how climate change is devastating, they should go to Pakistan and look into the scale of devastations by themselves.

    There are 25 photos of sites of disaster and the impact. On digital screen, a documentary is played which has been produced by ministry of information and Broadcasting.

    The department of global communication has also shared their documentary to be played on Pakistan floods and climate change.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Bill Gates calls on Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif

    New York: A day after the U.S President Joe Biden made a fervent call for extending help to Pakistan where floods have caused huge devastation in his speech to the United Nations General Assembly, Bill Gates, the co- chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation called on Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday on the sidelines of UNGA.

    This information was shared by Prime Minister House through a tweet.

    During the meeting, Shahbaz apprised Bill Gates about the human cost of climate change, food insecurity triggered by floods, and the plight of flood-stricken women and children.

    https://twitter.com/PakPMO/status/1572942697165455360/photo/1

    It is relevant to mention here that PM Shehbaz Sharif is visiting New York to attend the 77th session of the UN General Assembly wherein he has been meeting with the world leaders to discuss the global issues of mutual interests.

    The UNGA session is being convened at a time when half of Pakistan is inundated with flood water. Sindh, Baluchistan, Punjab, KPK provinces suffering due to flood, while the picturesque Gilgit-Baltistan is feeling the heat of climate change with witnessing unprecedentedly changing rain patterns, and fast melting glaciers, flash flooding and glacial lake outbursts.

    The floods have killed over 1,500 people and displaced 30 million as the Pakistan government,  with the support of the UN and partners, is racing against time to help the distressed people.

    Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb also said in a tweet on Thursday that Bill Gates called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in New York.

    She said the PM apprised him about human cost of climate change, food insecurity triggered by floods and plight of flood-stricken women and children

    Yesterday. the US President Joe Biden made a fervent call for extending help to Pakistan where floods have caused huge devastation in his speech to the UN General Assembly.

    “Pakistan is still under water, needs help,” the president told the 193-member Assembly in its high-level debate, when he dealt with the adverse impacts of climate change.

    The iconic hall of the General Assembly was packed-to-capacity with world leaders, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, when Biden spoke.

    In his address, Biden  announced over $2.9 billion in new assistance to address global food insecurity, building on the $6.9 billion in US government assistance to support global food security already committed this year.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Peace to remain a distant dream in South Asia, until the longstanding J&K dispute is peacefully resolved: Pakistan’s FM Bilawal

    New York: Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Wednesday said that the Hindutva” ideology, the RSS-BJP government in India has initiated illegal demographic changes in the occupied territory in gross violation of international law, and urged the UN to implement its resolutions in letter and spirit.

    Addressing the ministerial meeting of the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir, Bilawal thanked the Secretary-General for providing an update on the implementation of the action plan that was adopted during the last meeting of the OIC Contact Group on the margins of the 48th OIC CFM in Islamabad.

    “Today’s interaction would help us take stock of the prevailing political and security environment and the consequent impact on the humanitarian and human rights situation in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and consider ways and means to address these challenges,” Bilawal said.

    Last month marked the completion of three years of India’s illegal and unilateral actions of 05 August 2019 aimed at changing the internationally recognized “disputed” status of Jammu and Kashmir and altering the demographic structure of the occupied territory in blatant violation of the United Nations Security Council Resolutions.

    To this end, India has resorted to a series of illegal actions, gross and consistent violations of human rights, and other crimes:

    First, there is no letup in the Indian military deployment in occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Roughly 900,000 troops to date. This military deployment is the densest occupation in recent history.

    Second, this massive Indian occupying force has continued to perpetrate vicious and repressive actions, including:

    He said extrajudicial killings of innocent Kashmiris in fake encounters; Custodial killings and “cordon-and-search” operations; the use of pellet guns to kill, maim, and blind peaceful protestors; o the abduction and enforced disappearance of 15,000 young Kashmiri boys; and “collective punishments” with the destruction and burning of entire villages and urban neighborhoods.

    Third, the Indian authorities incarcerated the entire Hurriyat leadership, the true representatives of Kashmiri political aspirations. Most Hurriyat leaders are subjected to brutal and inhumane treatment at the hands of Indian occupation forces.

    Fourth, in pursuance of the “Hindutva” ideology, the RSS-BJP government in India has initiated illegal demographic changes in the occupied territory in gross violation of international law, including the Fourth Geneva Convention. This is central to its scheme of converting the Muslim majority into a Hindu-majority territory to drown out the demand for freedom and self-determination.

    New “domicile rules” have been introduced, and over 4 million fake domicile certificates have been issued to Hindus from across India to settle in occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The land and properties of Kashmiris are being confiscated for military and official use, Bilawal added.

    Through an exercise of reallocation of electoral seats in the Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir “legislature” and the gerrymandering of electoral boundaries within the occupied territory by a so-called “Delimitation Commission” Muslim representation is to be further reduced, and the voices for freedom further silenced.

    There will be no peace in South Asia until the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is peacefully resolved on the basis of justice and international legitimacy.

    The dispute has remained unresolved primarily due to India’s refusal to implement the resolutions of the Security Council, which stipulated that the final disposition of the State of Jammu and Kashmir shall be made in accordance with the will of the people expressed through the democratic method of a free and impartial plebiscite conducted under the auspices of the United Nations.

    The ceasefire understanding of 25 February 2021 along the Line of Control (LOC) was a prime example of Pakistan’s efforts to maintain peace along the LOC, save precious Kashmiri lives, and alleviate the sufferings of Kashmiris living along both sides of the LOC.

    We expected that India would take positive steps to enable the resumption of dialogue to resolve the dispute. Instead, India intensified its repression.

    Pakistan is prepared to resume a dialogue with India to resolve the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. However, the onus is on India to create a conducive environment for such a dialogue. It must:

    – Reverse its unilateral and illegal measures instituted on 05 August 2019;

    – Halt its human rights violations in IIOJK;

    – Halt and reverse the demographic changes in the occupied territory.

    Pakistan’s FM said that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, along with Palestine, is one of the two longest- standing items on the UN and OIC agenda.

    Pakistan greatly appreciates the OIC’s continued and unequivocal support for this just cause.

    The OIC has been at the forefront of efforts to support the legitimate struggle of the Kashmiri people for their inalienable right to self-determination, as reflected in the decisions and resolutions of the Islamic Summits and Council of Foreign Minister sessions and the statements issued by the OIC’s General Secretariat.

    The OIC’s Contact Group has made an invaluable contribution to galvanizing international attention on the worsening situation in IIOJK.

    OIC support remains fundamental to efforts toward a lasting solution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, as captured in the action plan agreed in Islamabad earlier this year.

    He urged for an active support in raising the issue at relevant UN fora, including the possibility of writing a joint letter to the Security Council on behalf of the Contact Group conveying its outcome documents.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Brooklyn Mosque Volunteer sues NYPD over ‘false’ arrest at his place of worship

    New York: Brooklyn mosque volunteer named Ishtiaq Ahmed filed a federal lawsuit on Tuesday alleging that New York Police Department (NYPD) officers falsified an “assault” that never happened in order to arrest Mr. Ahmed and intimidate him and his mosque community.

    According to a press note released from the lawyer of Ishtiaq Ahmed, NYPD officers fabricated the assault after an interaction in which Mr. Ahmed enforced social distancing restrictions against members of service attempting to enter the Makki Masjid mosque’s prayer room during services.

    The press release alleges that NYPD officers falsely reported that Mr. Ahmed assaulted a member of the mosque community during that interaction, even though CCTV footage confirms that no assault happened. The purported victim of the assault also told media outlets that no assault occurred and that he never made a report to the police.

    Based on their ‘fabricated’ report, NYPD officers arrested Mr. Ahmed, jailed him for 24 hours, and charged with him assault. It took months for the false charges to be dismissed.

    “When I came to this country, I never expected police here could do this,” Mr. Ahmed said. “They targeted me and destroyed my life to make an example of what happens if you question them. Police act like they can get away with anything they want in our community.”

    According to the Complaint, the ‘fabricated’ report was retaliation for the mosque’s recent objection to NYPD officers seizing the mosque pulpit to make speeches promoting the NYPD, as well as Mr. Ahmed’s effort to apply the mosque’s social distancing restrictions against NYPD officers. The Complaint alleges that NYPD officials had regularly visited the Makki Masjid mosque in Brooklyn’s “Little Pakistan” neighborhood to make such speeches as part of “community policing” tactics that were actually intended to divide the community.

    The Complaint alleges that the officers intended to humiliate, intimidate, and punish Mr. Ahmed and his community for denying them unfettered access to the mosque.

    “NYPD framing Mr. Ahmed was part of a decades-long police campaign to intimidate and control the city’s Muslim communities,” said attorney Shakeer Rahman. “Although NYPD has tried to rebrand its surveillance of immigrants as ‘community policing,’ Mr. Ahmed’s experience shows how this reform is just as violent as the tactics of the past.”

    According to the press release, the fabrication was perpetuated by several NYPD officers, including Deputy Inspector Richard Taylor—who was present during the interactions that NYPD falsely characterized as an assault.

    “It is unacceptable that several NYPD officers thought they could lie about Mr. Ahmed and get away with it,” said attorney Sam Barr. “This culture of impunity has to end.”

    As a result of his false arrest, Mr. Ahmed claims that he suffered physical injuries and has experienced emotional distress, including post-traumatic stress disorder. He also lost his Taxi and Limousine Commission license upon his arrest, and the incident had a devastating effect on his ability to support his family.

    “Since the arrest last year I have not been able to sleep, I get nightmares and suicidal anxiety, I have been terrified to go to the Friday prayers, and I cannot even look at the clothes I was wearing that day,” Mr. Ahmed said. “My children feel the trauma too, their grades at school are suffering, and they tell me they want to leave the country.”

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Seven decades on, India obstructed UN efforts to implement UNSC resolutions on J&K: Pakistan’s FM Bilawal

    New York: Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Wednesday said that over the last 7 decades, India has obstructed the efforts of the UN mechanisms to implement the UN Security Council’s resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).

    Addressing the 12th Ministerial Meeting of the UN Group of Friends of Mediation, titled “Avoiding Humanitarian Crises through Mediation” Bilawal said the continuation of India’s illegal actions was manifested in the unilateral measures taken on and since 5 August 2019 to annex the occupied territory of Jammu and Kashmir without even the fig leaf of legal justification or plebiscite.

    He said the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is one of the oldest issues on the agenda of the Council. At the outset, the Security Council decided that “the final disposition of the State of Jammu and Kashmir will be made in accordance with the will of the people expressed through the democratic method of a free and impartial plebiscite conducted under the auspices of the United Nations”.

    The Security Council also instituted several mechanisms to secure the implementation of its decisions on Jammu and Kashmir, including:

    1. a) the UN Commission on India and Pakistan (UNCIP);
    2. b) the deployment of the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP); and
    1. c) the appointment of several distinguished Special Representatives.

    To this end, Pakistan continues to advocate a more active role by the United Nations Security Council and the Secretary-General.

    We urge the Secretary-General to avail the full panoply of mediatory measures available to him under Article 99 of the UN Charter to persuade India to reverse its unilateral measures and agree to promote an equitable solution to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with Security Council resolutions and

    the UN Charter. The Security Council should give full support to the Secretary- General in using his good offices to this end.

    Bilawal said “let me begin by thanking the Co-Chairs Turkiye and Finland for organizing 12th Ministerial Meeting of the UN Group of Friends of Mediation and their successful stewardship of this initiative.”

    Pakistan also commends the UN Secretary General and President Erdogan of Turkiye for successfully mediating the landmark Black Sea Grain Initiative.

    He said The important role of the United Nations in conflict prevention is unquestionable.

    Bilawal said the Charter of the United Nations contains a comprehensive framework for the pacific settlement of disputes. At any stage of a conflict, the Security Council can recommend to the parties appropriate procedures or methods of settlement of their dispute, which may include mediation under Chapter VI of the Charter.

    Under Article 37 and 38, the Security Council also has the power to recommend terms of settlement to the parties, if they request this or if the Council considers that the continuance of their dispute is in fact likely to endanger the maintenance of international peace and security. Over the years, the Security Council has also established subsidiary organs to carry out mediation in pursuance of this core mandate.

    Nearly 77 years after the signing of the Charter, the challenges and threats to peace and security are perhaps more complex, but the Charter’s purposes and principles remain valid and immutable. It is imperative to reaffirm our commitment and confidence in these principles and to promote solutions to disputes and conflicts, between large and small States, on the basis of these principles.

    The Secretary General’s repeated calls for a ‘surge in diplomacy’ for peace is both urgent and important. And, such a surge of diplomacy must emanate from the United Nations and the machinery that is available to it for the purpose, including for mediation and similar means of dispute resolution.

    While the United Nations has had several successes in mediating political settlements to disputes and conflicts, it could and should have done more and with greater success.

    In conclusion, Excellencies, let me say that Pakistan is a proud member of the Group of Friends of Mediation, and I would like to thank the Chairs and all the members of the Group for their work.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • France, Pakistan agree to join hands for economic revival, reconstruction of flood-hit areas

    New York:

    According to APP News, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday had a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly here.

    Besides exchanging views on the enhancement of bilateral relations, the two leaders agreed on mobilizing international support for Pakistan to help recover and rebuild its economy on a sustainable footing in the aftermath of the recent devastating floods in Pakistan related to climate change.In order to gather the relevant International financial partners and development partners, France will host an international conference before the end of the year aiming at contributing to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of flood-affected areas of Pakistan.

    France would also help with climate-resilient reconstruction-related financing, to accelerate the transition to renewable energy.

  • PM Shahbaz Sharif meets French President on sidelines of UNGA session

    New York:

    According to the APP News, Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday met with President of France Emmanuel Macron, on the sidelines of the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly here.

    During the meeting, they discussed bilateral ties as well as matters of regional and international importance.

    Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Finance Minister Miftah Ismail, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb, Minister of State Hina Rabbani Khar, and SAPM Tariq Fatemi accompanied the prime minister.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Pakistan’s PM arrives in NY to participate in the high-level general debate of UNGA77

    By our correspondent

    New York: Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif arrived at the United Nations Headquarters to attend the reception given by the Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, in honor of the heads of state and government participating in the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

    The premier has arrived in New York to participate in the High-Level General Debate of the 77th Session of UN General Assembly (UNGA77), scheduled from 20 to 26 September 2022 at UN HQs, New York, USA.

    According to a statement issued by the media wing of the Prime Minister’s Office, Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif will spend a busy day in New York today.

    The Prime Minister will participate in the opening session of the high-level discussion of the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

    Besides this, the Prime Minister will hold bilateral meetings with H.E Mr. Emmanuel Macron, President of the Republic of France;  H.E Mr. Karl Nehammer, Federal Chancellor of the Republic of Austria; H.E Mr. Pedro Sanchez Perez-Castejon, President of Spain: and H.E Mr. Sayyed Ebrahim Raisi, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

    In the afternoon, the Prime Minister will visit The Times Centre for an interview with the New York Time’s Editorial Board.

    In the evening, the Prime Minister will be called on by Mr. John Kerry, US Special Envoy for Climate Change.

    The Prime Minister was received at John F Kennedy (JFK) International Airport, New York by Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN Munir Akram, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Washington Masood Khan and other senior officers.

    Meanwhile APP added: The prime minister is set to address the 193-member Assembly during its high-level debate on September 23.

    The debate opens Tuesday and ends on Sept. 26

    The prime minister flew into New York from London where he attended the final rites of Queen Elizabeth II.

    On his arrival at New York’s John F Kennedy International Airport , he was received by Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Munir Akram, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Washington, Masood Khan, Consul General in New York, Ayesha Ali and other senior officials.

    On September 20, the prime minister would attend a reception to be hosted by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

    On the same day, he would also meet French President Emmanuel Macron, the Austrian chancellor and the Spanish president.

    A meeting with President of the European Union Council Charles Michel and participation in Global Food Security Summit to be hosted by President of Senegal and the African Union is also on the agenda of the prime minister’s visit.

    On September 21, he would meet Managing Director of International Monetary Fund Kristalina Georgieva and President of World Bank David Malpass, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi.

    Besides meeting with the UNGA president, Csaba Korosi, the prime minister would also attend a dinner reception to be hosted by US President Joe Biden.

    Prime Minister Sharif will also host a luncheon reception in honour of Turkish president and his spouse, besides meeting with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto.

    Meetings with Microsoft founder Bill Gates and the UN chief, Chinese President Premier Li Keqiang and Japanese PM Fumio Kishida are also part of the prime minister’s engagements.

    He would also meet Luxembourg PM Xavier Bettel and Malaysian PM Ismail Sabri Yaakob on the same day, besides interacting with international media outlets.

  • Pakistan asks the world to mobilize resources for basic quality education

    UN: Pakistan’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar has said that in order to ensure a peaceful world, every child must have access to quality education, and she called upon the world to mobilize resources, in this regard.

    She was addressing the G77 “Transforming Education Summit” (Accessibility feed) at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Monday.

    She said the current state of global education does not reflect the estimated targets, and this is not a good omen for a peaceful and prosperous world at large.

    She said that ‘political will, as well as the international solidary, are the basic preconditions for the provision of quality education amongst the children.

    She called upon the international community to mobilize resources so that the very right of access to evidence-based, yet quality education could be ensured amongst children across the globe, without any discrimination.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • China’s CASC wins follow-on CH-4 UAV export order

    China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) announced in early September that it had secured an export contract for its CH-4 (Cai Hong-4, or CH-4) medium altitude long endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (MALE UAV) worth over US$100 million from an undisclosed customer. It is understood that the order is from an existing customer for an […]

    The post China’s CASC wins follow-on CH-4 UAV export order appeared first on Asian Military Review.

    This post was originally published on Asian Military Review.

  • A Sikh and a Pakistani community captain posted in NYPD promoted to the rank of commanding officers

    New York: A Sikh and a Pakistani community captain posted in the New York Police Department have been promoted to the rank of commanding officers

    The two South Asians have been promoted to the position of Commanding Officer in the New York Police Department.

    Amanjeet Sandhu of the Sikh community who has been promoted to the rank of Commanding Officer from Captain has been posted in District Transit 1, and is the first Commanding Officer in the Sikh community.

    The Sikh community has expressed great joy on receiving this post.

    A Pakistani officer posted in NYPD has also been promoted. Captain Muhammad Ashraf has been promoted to the rank of Commanding Officer in District 12.

    Muhammad Ashraf is a board member of the Muslim Officer Society, while the other Pakistani-Americans who have been given the post of commanding officer are Pakistani-Americans.

    In celebration of his promotion, Deputy Inspector Adeel Rana, Commanding Officer of Muslim Officer Society, along with others, cut the cake and congratulated the entire Pakistani community.

    Adeel Rana also advised the youth of the community to join the police force for their better future.

  • U.S is likely to grant temporary legal status to Pakistanis living in America: Senator Bob Menendez’s Chief of Staff assures APPAC

    New York: US Senator Bob Menendez’s Chief of Staff has assured the American Pakistani Public Affairs  Committee (APPAC) that the Biden administration will soon grant temporary legal status to Pakistanis living in the US.

    After receiving TPS status, Pakistanis living in the US who do not have legal immigration documents will be given temporary legal status for a specific period, and the facility may extend further.

    The American Pakistani Public Affairs Committee had an important meeting with the Chief of Staff of Senator Bob Menendez in this regard.

    In this meeting APPAC Chairman Dr. Ijaz Ahmed, Board Member Dr. Inamul Haq, Mrs. Fakhira Haq, Dr. Mahmood Alam, Professor Faizanul Haq, Asad Chaudhary and Imtiaz Rahi were present.

    In the meeting, Dr. Ijaz Ahmed informed Senator Bob Menendez Chief of Staff about the flood disasters in Pakistan.

    In view of the flood situation, there was a detailed discussion regarding the provision of temporary legal status by the Biden administration and the Department of Homeland Security to Pakistanis living in the United States who do not have legal documents.

    US Senator told the APPAC team that Bob Menendez along with his other congressional colleagues, has been in contact with the Biden administration on the issue of TPS for Pakistanis and is also doing special work on the issue.

    He has assured that the Biden administration will soon give temporary legal status to Pakistan. After receiving TPS status, Pakistanis living in the US who do not have legal immigration documents are granted temporary legal status for a specified period. The status will be granted and extension is also possible.

    APPAC expressed the expectation that Pakistan will be granted TPS status for at least three years in the first phase.

    Earlier, Dr. Ijaz Ahmed said that one-third of the country has been subjected to flood water and destruction, more than 1500 citizens and 1.3 million cattle have been killed while the population of 30 million is affected by the flood so far.

    He said the restoration will require billions of dollars.

  • Imam Hussain Conference: Religious scholars argue there is no Shia-Sunnis rift at all.

    New York: Leading scholars, both Sunni and Shia living in the U.S, came together at the annual Imam Hussain (A.S) Conference in Brooklyn, and called for unity among the followers of the two prominent Muslim schools of thought and thwart the nefarious designs of those who are hell-bent upon creating sectarian rifts among the

    Religious scholars said that there is no conflict of personal differences in Shia-Sunnis – the two main schools of thought in Islam.

    It is the responsibility of all of us to discourage the conspiratorial elements who spread sectarianism and prejudice.

    Scholars from different schools of thought from Pakistan and India participated in the annual Imam Hussain conference held at a local hotel on Coney Island Avenue in Brooklyn, New York.

    The conference was started with the recitation of the Holy Quran followed by the presentation of Naat-e-Rasool Maqbool (PBUH).

    In their address to the conference, Ahle-e-Sunnat scholars said that none of the Qur’an and Ahlul-Bait can be left out. The Messenger of Allah, peace, and blessings of Allah be upon him, has explained the virtues of the Ahlul-Bait in clear words.

    Apart from scholars, a large number of the Pakistani community living in Brooklyn also participated in the Imam Hussain conference. In their address to the participants, the scholars said that the grandson of the Prophet (peace be upon him) stood up against falsehood in the field of Karbala and gave a message to the living world that the truth can never bow down to falsehood.

    Scholars showed a wonderful practical demonstration of unity and solidarity. Addressing the audience, the Shia scholars said that a lover of Imam Hussain is not a Shia or a Sunni, but a Hussaini in real sense. Imam Hussain always gave the message that never support oppression but always support the oppressed.

    At the end of the conference, Ayatollah Allama Dr. Sakhawat Hussain Sundralvi thanked all the scholars and attendees for their presence and prayed for the relief of flood victims in Pakistan.

  • State of Texas offers highest job opportunities in U.S: Governor Greg Abbott

    TEXAS: Texas Governor Greg Abbott has said that Texas is the state with the strongest economy in the United States, and the job opportunities are the highest among all other states. He said the Texas budget for the financial year 2022-23 stands $27 billion plus.

    Also, he said that Pakistan is suffering from floods these days and unknown rains have caused havoc there.

    He was speaking as the chief guest at a simple but dignified function organized in his honor at the residence of Dr. Rao Kamran Ali, president of PAK-PAC and active leader, in Southlake City, Texas.

    The association of physicians of Pakistani descent of North America (APPNA), various socio-political personalities belonging to Dalles fort participated on this occasion. While Southlake City Mayor John Huffman, Texas Medical Board President Dr. Sharif Zafar were also present.

    The event, hosted by Dr. Rao Kamran Ali and his wife Selina Ali, was also significant because, for the first time in Dallas, Fort-Worth, Governor Greg Abbott, who belongs to the Republican Party, met Pakistani Americans and answered their direct questions in detail. Answered.

    Texas Governor Greg Abbott said that the state of Texas is the state with the strongest economy in the United States, and the job opportunities are the highest among all other states. He said the Texas budget this year is $27 billion plus.

    We are rich in natural resources, which is why people from all over the United States are moving to Texas. Texas has the highest number of job opportunities mainly due to large national level companies moving to Texas.

    He said that more than fifty percent of the state’s tax is being spent on health and education sector, while the benefit of the surplus budget will be given directly to the tax payers in the form of a significant reduction in property tax.

    On this occasion, Texas Governor Greg Abbott also gave detailed answers to the questions of the audience. To a question, he said that in the last three joint sessions, it has been revealed that the State of Texas has spent 25 billion dollars on children’s mental health and this money has been provided to the relevant institutions under the health care program, which he believes, is still insufficient and needs further planning.

    More than 1,700 drug overdose deaths occurred in Texas last year, most of them between the ages of 18 and 45. We need to accept the facts and plan effectively on this important issue, he said.

    On another question, the governor of Texas said that there is no shortfall of energy in the state of Texas. In any place, if the power supply is suspended for a certain period of time, it may be due to bad weather.

    Texas has 3,000 megawatts of electricity stored all the time, while electricity production has been increased by 15pc during the last one year.

    To a question, Greg Abbott said that we all have a fundamental responsibility to exercise our right to vote.

    This time we have done comprehensive planning for the presidential election, we have data of 17 million voters and we know that they need to be mobilized using better resources and those who do not exercise their right to vote must be encouraged to vote.

    He said that the impression that other states have turned to Texas are not my supporters but anti-voters. He claimed that the majority of people who are moving here from New York, California and other states are my voters because they have moved here after seeing our government policy and the growth of Texas.

    He said that there is less than two months left for early voting and the purpose of my coming here today is to inform you about my performance and other important facts.

    This election is very important; the results will answer all your questions and will be important for the future of Texas for the next 20 to 25 years. So for the next 60 days, we will communicate directly with voters and tell them that we have done an extraordinary job for the growth and prosperity of Texas.

    If you want to see Texas more developed, a Republican government may be the best choice.

    Earlier, the host of the program, Dr. Rao Kamran Ali informed the audience about the aims and objectives of the event and gave a detailed briefing about the political and social services of Governor Texas.

    In his closing remarks, Rao Kamran Ali said that the perception that all Pakistani Americans are Democrat voters is completely wrong. Today’s event is proof of that.

    “We think this state is the best, and it’s all thanks to Governor Greg Abbott, obviously,” he said.

    Due to their efforts, this state has got the present achievements. He said that the Pakistani community living here will definitely support Governor Texas and his party in the upcoming elections.

    There is a need to take effective measures to end the lack of communication.

    He also thanked all the attendees including Governor Greg Abbott on this occasion

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Amid flood emergency, calls to suspend Pakistan’s debt, speed up climate financing

    As Pakistan struggles to respond to catastrophic floods, calls are growing to demand the suspension of the country’s external debt repayments, reports Susan Price.

  • Pak-American community organizations come together to help flood-hit Pakistanis

    New York: Various organizations of the Pakistani American community gathered at one platform to help the flood victims in Pakistan, in New York.

    The Pakistani community has appealed to the American government and citizens to support Pakistan in this difficult time.

    Yvette Clark, a member of the United States House of Representatives from New York’s Congressional District 9, and Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso gathered various organizations of the Pakistani American community at the Brooklyn Borough Hall for the rehabilitation of the victims of the recent flood disasters in Pakistan.

    They assured them that our sympathies are with the people of Pakistan in this difficult time, we will help the flood victims in all possible ways.

    New York City Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams and Deputy Public Advocate Kashif Hussain also participated in the press conference.

    They said that at this time the whole world is facing the challenges of climate change and its effects have affected Pakistan a lot.

    It is not easy to restore the victims in the disaster that the flood has caused.

    On this occasion, New York Police Muslim Officers Society President Deputy Inspector Adeel Rana, Pakistani American Law Enforcement Society President Rohail Khalid and COPO President Muhammad Rizvi appealed to the entire American community that the flood victims have a lot of hope from us.

    Everyone should help the victims of this calamity.

    Heads of women’s representative organizations also participated in the press conference.

    CEO of APNA Community Center Erum Hanif, Head of American Council of Minority Women Bazah Roohi and Chairperson of Pakistani American Skilled Women Atiya Shahnaz said that all elected American members should raise their voice for the flood victims.

    Global industry should also go ahead and play its role.

    Deputy Consul General Nawab Adil Khan, New York Mayor’s Advisor Ahsan Chughtai and representatives of many other organizations of the Pakistani American community also participated in the press conference.

  • APPAC urges US President and Congress to approve a $13 billion aid package for the flood-hit Pakistan

    New York: The American Pakistani Public Affairs Committee (APPAC), a Pakistani political group has written a letter to the US president Joe Biden seeking his administration’s help for the flood victims of Pakistan.

    APPAC has urged the Biden administration and Congress to approve a $13 billion aid package to help and restore victims of the devastating floods in Pakistan.

    APPEC Chairman Dr. Ijaz Ahmed said that Pakistan is currently facing the most difficult time. One-third of the country is under flood and the saddest part is that this year’s floods are a harbinger of worst weather disasters.

    The American community of Pakistani origin urged the United States to help the people of Pakistan on the basis of humanitarianism in this difficult time.

    In a letter written to US President Joe Biden and elected members of Congress, APPAC said that in this difficult time US must extend an important and immediate relief to the people of Pakistan in time.

    APPAC urged the United States to work with Pakistan to deal with the persistent threats posed by climate change.

    US have pledged only $30 million in aid, but the disaster scenario far outweighs the funding offered.

    According to the estimate of the American think tank Atlantic Council, Pakistan has lost $ 5.2 billion due to floods and will need $ 7.9 billion to restore it.

    Meanwhile, The APPAC chairman Dr. Ijaz Ahmed has left for Pakistan from New York. He will be part of the US Congressional delegation in Islamabad tomorrow and will also attend meetings with senior Pakistani officials.

     

    A delegation led by Democratic Party Congressman Tom Souzzi and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson from New York is visiting Pakistan.

    They have specially asked Dr. Ijaz Ahmed to join him in this visit.

    The purpose of the visit of the members of Congress is to review the US aid and role in helping the flood victims, including the flood situation in Pakistan after the disasters.

    This delegation will meet the Prime Minister of Pakistan Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, President Dr. Arif Alvi, Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and National Disaster Management Authority

    Chairman Lt. Gen. Akhtar Nawaz and others in Islamabad tomorrow.

    APPAC Chairman Dr. Ijaz Ahmed, Tahir Javed, Tahir Bhatti, Tanveer Ahmed and Rehan Siddiqui will also be included in the delegation of American members of Congress.

    In one of his statements, Dr. Ijaz said that this visit is very important. He said “we will talk for maximum help to the flood victims in Pakistan from the US side in this visit.”

    The entire Pakistani community is grateful to the Congress members, he concluded.

  • 165 Pakistani peacekeepers rendered sacrifices in UN peacekeeping missions

    ALI ABBAS

    New York: Permanent Representative of Pakistan in UN Munir Akram said that Pakistan has so far contributed over 200,000 troops and police in 46 peacekeeping missions, and as many as 165 Pakistani peacekeepers paid the ultimate sacrifice in the great cause.

    Addressing at the UNCOPS 2022, titled “Addressing key challenges facing United Nations peacekeeping through Action for Peacekeeping (A4P) and A4P+” Munir said.

    Peacekeeping is one of the cornerstones of the United Nations and an essential tool for creating lasting peace in war-torn societies. Pakistan proudly contributed over 200,000 troops and police in 46 peacekeeping missions, and 165 Pakistani peacekeepers paid the ultimate sacrifice.

    Pakistani Policepersons have earned respect for their professionalism and devotion to duty under the UN Police banner. Pakistani Policewomen, Shahzadi Gulfam, was the first-ever recipient of the International Female Police Peacekeeper Award in 2011.

    On behalf of Pakistan, Munir presented a set of proposals for the UN Police peacekeeping challenges:

    The work of the United Nations Police is protecting people, preventing conflicts, and sustaining peace. This could only be achieved by the reforms and by developing the institutional capacity of the host state. UNPOL needs to be managed and resourced effectively to address security threats affecting global security involving organized crime, human trafficking, terrorism, and financial fraud.

    He said closer coordination between the UN Police, the host government’s law enforcement machinery and the civilian population is essential to improve the efficiency of policing in the context of a mission.

    While a rapid deployment of Formed Police Units instead of troops may be needed in certain contexts, such deployment should be based on clear and achievable mandates supported by adequate resources.

    We should consider including police aspects in mediation and other dialogue processes, especially in situations where a lack of trust in the security sector is a root cause of grievance and conflict.

    The selection criteria should be upheld rigorously to ensure the competence of peacekeeping police. The provision of better technology is mandatory for efficient PKOs. The early warning system should be enhanced, and peacekeepers are armed with proper equipment.

    Peacekeeping is a shared responsibility. A spirit of mutual and respective responsibility is at the core of A4P, and nowhere is this more important than pursuing durable solutions to conflict and instability. The Security Council has been unable to develop political solutions to several old and new disputes, including the one where one of the oldest UN Missions, the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan, is stationed.

    Pakistan has pledged an FPU and remains committed to further improving the performance of our police serving as individuals or part of formed units.

    Pakistan steadfastly supports advancing the role and effectiveness of the UN Police to address the emerging challenges.

  • Out of 33 million Pakistanis affected by floods, 8.2 million are women of reproductive age: Munir Akram

    BY ALI ABBAS

    NEW YORK: Permanent Representative of Pakistan in UN, Ambassador Munir Akram has said that climate change has had a severe impact on the lives of all Pakistanis as around 33 million people got affected by the ruthless floods that struck Pakistan with the government has estimated $10 billion in losses as of now.

    Addressing the 2nd regular session of the Executive Board of UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS at the adoption of Pakistan’s UNFPA Country Programme Document (2023-2027), Munir said that the recent floods in Pakistan are another manifestation of Pakistan’s high-priced proneness to natural disasters caused by climate change.

    Of the 33 million people affected across the country, he said an estimated 8.2 million are women of reproductive age. According to one estimate, Munir said almost 650,000 pregnant women in the flood-affected areas require maternal health services to ensure a safe pregnancy and childbirth.

    Up to 73,000 women expected to deliver next month will need skilled birth attendants, newborn care, and support.

    We need to scale up the emergency response to provide life-saving reproductive health services and commodities to the affected population.

    We hope UNFPA will work with us to mitigate the impacts of climate change, both now and in the longer term, especially on the young female population.

    He said Pakistan appreciates the long-standing partnership and collaboration with UNFPA since the 1970s.

    Highlighting the key features of Pakistan, he said the country has one of the world’s youngest populations. Almost 40% of the country’s population is under the age of 15. Among the female population, more than 48 million are in the reproductive age group. We are most conscious that our development policies, programmes and interventions must focus on equipping our population in an environment where every young person’s potential is fulfilled.

    Like other developing countries, Pakistan confronts structural and systemic challenges in providing the basic needs for development, including for our young people. The Covid-19 pandemic, spiraling prices of food and energy and security challenges, have severely constrained our ability to respond to the goals of ensuring the nutritional, health, and hygienic needs of the population, particularly of the most disadvantaged among them.

    We take note with appreciation of Pakistan’s draft Country Programme for the period 2023 to 2027. During the process of formulating the programme, UNFPA has conducted extensive consultations, and has taken into consideration the priorities and concerns of all stakeholders at the national level. I am certain that such collaboration between Pakistan and UNFPA will be further strengthened at all levels.

    He said close and continuous coordination between the Government and UNFPA will be indispensable for the successful implementation of Country Programme Document 2023-27, and to ensure the continuity of critical services and investments in the areas of maternal health, reproductive services and family planning in line with national laws and priorities.

    Pakistan observes that out of the total US$ 59 million allocated for the Country Programme, only US$ 23 million is allocated through Regular Resources and  US$ 36 million is to be secured from co-financing and other resources. This indicates that around 60% of the financial resources would be met from extra-budgetary resources. We hope UNFPA will be able to secure the required funding from partners and donors to ensure the full implementation of the identified programme priorities.

    A shared aim of the Government and UNFPA is to ensure that health governance systems embrace maternal health as a fundamental element. To achieve this, it will be necessary to improve availability of     high-quality reproductive health services, especially through sustainable and equitable financing for the most underserved communities.

    Munir said that the role of nurses, midwives and lady health workers is critical in increasing the proportion of facility-based deliveries, and reduction of prolonged labour and childbirth complications. Therefore, it is critical to train and maintain midwifery cadres according to the global standards for midwifery education.

    He added that prioritizing youth empowerment in policies will remain a cornerstone in addressing long-term challenges to sustainable development. For this, there is a need to scale up policy implementation and increase investments in the populations of adolescents and youth, particularly in healthy, education and skills development.

    Munir was of the view that cultural particularities and sensitivities along with national priorities are taken well into consideration in implementation of the Programme Outcomes.

    Ends

  • If you don’t care about colonialism, you don’t care about the climate crisis

    Floods in Pakistan have killed more than 1000 people, and left more than 33 million Pakistanis affected – that’s 1 in 7 people in the country. A third of Pakistan has been submerged in water. Pakistan’s climate minister Sherry Rahman said: 

    We have the largest number of glaciers outside the polar region, and this affects us. Instead of keeping their majesty and preserving them for posterity and nature, we are seeing them melt.

    Last year, Malik Amin Aslam, federal minister and special assistant on climate change to Pakistan’s prime minister, said:

    Pakistan contributes less than 1% of the global greenhouse gas emissions but yet, every year we keep on climbing up the ladder of climate vulnerability. According to the long-term German Watch index, Pakistan is constantly among [the] top 10 climate vulnerable countries.

    The climate crisis cannot be viewed independently of global and political realities. The fact that Pakistan contributes so little to greenhouse gas emissions but faces the brunt of the impact is characteristic of the coloniality of the climate crisis. A report from the International Panel on Climate Change found that colonialism:

    has exacerbated the effects of climate change. In particular, historic and ongoing forms of colonialism have helped to increase the vulnerability of specific people and places to the effects of climate change.

    Humanitarian disaster

    Plenty of people on social media urged greater understanding for this humanitarian disaster. Rapper Lowkey mentioned the sheer number of glaciers in Pakistan:

    Urban and environmental planner Sana Gondal made clear just how far this disaster will reach:

    Cambridge lecturer Ayesha Siddiqi also argued for a deeper understanding:

    Next steps

    Of course, given that Pakistan is not a global power like the US or UK, coverage of the flooding has been patchy, to say the least. Teacher Ben See made a series of points about how this disaster is framed:

    It’s all too easy for media outlets from the global north to make it look like this flooding is just the kind of thing that happens in countries like Pakistan. But the truth is the impact of flooding in Pakistan is made worse because of the colonial climate crisis. The actions of Western countries like the UK, US, and Canada have directly created the deaths and displacement of people in Pakistan.

    Likewise, Pakistan’s historically lacklustre infrastructure cannot be explained away without adding in the British empire’s impact. This makes it all the more galling when recovery plans are hindered further. Academic Faiza Shaheen pointed out that the so-called “bailout package” from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will actually create more debt for Pakistan:

    Establishment responses are clearly not good enough. For example, the secretary general of the United Nations (UN), António Guterres, said:

    This is exactly the kind of thinking which has led to the climate crisis disproportionately affecting indigenous populations and the global south. If the likes of the UK, US, and Canada were to take any kind of ownership of their disaster capitalism, they would acknowledge that they’ve led Pakistan to its current state. Instead, we’ve got Pakistan in dire need of relief and funds, faced with oncoming debt, and the secretary general of the UN implicitly warning white people that they should care because it might be them one day.

    Until everyone can meaningfully reckon with how colonialism impacts the climate crisis, we’re all fucked.

    Featured image via screenshot – YouTube/Channel 4 News

    By Maryam Jameela

  • ICNA Relief opens men’s shelter home for those released from prisons.

    Washington: Islamic Circle of North America known as ICNA Relief – the largest Muslim charity organization in America has opened the first men’s shelter home in Seattle, Washington to accommodate those released from jail.

    Remember that ICNA Relief has already established thirty-six shelters for Muslim women in the United States where Muslim women can live without compromising their religious beliefs.

    In a simple and dignified ceremony held in Washington, Seattle’s social and religious personalities, including the Muslim-American immigrant Deputy Mayor of Bothell City, Rami Al-Kabra, and the CEO of ICNA Relief, Maqsood Ahmed, specially participated.

    Speaking at the opening ceremony, Program Manager Mosa said that America has the highest number of prisoners in the world.

    While there are 20,000 prisoners in Seattle, when they come out after being released, neither the system helps them nor society accepts them.

    People of other religions will also be given shelter in this shelter home.

    ICNA Relief CEO Maqsood Ahmed and Deputy Mayor Rami Al-Kibra said that through this program we can help those people who go to jail due to a mistake or an uncommitted sin, and they want to improve their lives after being released. But the system does not help them, people who want to change themselves after committing some mistakes or sins, this will be the best opportunity for them.

    Faheem Ahmed, President of Islamic Circle of North America Seattle said, “I thank the organizers of ICNA Relief who started this wonderful program.”

    He said that this idea was in our mind for many years that we will start it. “We thank Allah that we got a person like Musa who understands this system well,”

    Fareed Salman, Area Manager of ICNA Relief Seattle and Umber Haque, Director of Muslim Family Services, said that through this program, people suffering from mental disorder will be given full counseling so that they can return to the social mainstream.

    Starting in Seattle, the program will be a beacon for the Muslim community across the United States

    This shelter home established under the auspices of ICNA Relief is an example of its own, where the best rooms for living, magnificent bathrooms, beautiful drawing rooms for sitting, computer rooms and places for praying are also available.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Saleem Mandviwala calls for more dams to avoid flood devastations in future.

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) senior leader Senator Saleem Mandviwala has said that the country is facing the worst floods and related socio-economic destructions in its 75-year-history and stressed that the construction of new dams is inevitable to save Pakistan from destruction in years to come, amid global climate change affects.

    He was addressing a fundraising and prayer event organized in New York for the flood victims.
    The PPP USA organized the event for the flood-affected displaced brothers and sisters of Pakistan at a local restaurant located on Coney Island Avenue in Brooklyn, New York.

     Saleem Mandviwala graced the event with his presence as the special guest.
    The leadership of the People’s Party of America welcomed him and presented him with a bouquet.

    The event started with recitation of Fatiha for the martyrs.The participants of the event collectively recited Fatiha for the forgiveness of those who died in the flood, elevation of ranks and reward.

    In his address to the participants, Saleem Mandviwala said that the whole world is currently facing the effects of climate change, but the flood in Pakistan at this time is not only a result of climate change, but the country suffered flood devastations mainly due to non-availability of dams as per requirement.

    Business and social personalities of the Pakistani American community including famous actress Meera also participated and spoke to the the prayer ceremony.

    On this occasion, PPP America chapter president Khalid Awan and General Secretary Sameen Asad said that millions of our mothers, sisters and brothers are in great trouble, and urged the Pakistani Diaspora especially those living in US to play their part in this testing time by supporting the flood-hit fellow citizens at home.

    On this occasion, the attendees also expressed their views and said that they are living outside Pakistan but their hearts beat with Pakistan.

    They vowed that they will not leave their siblings alone in this difficult time.

    Other members of the PPP also pledged to help the flood victims.
    They were also of the view that construction of dams was politicized in Pakistan, if we want to save the country from such a disaster in the future, we have to construct small and big dams, immediately.

    Only the government alone cannot cope with this difficult time, every Pakistani should continue to help the flood victims in their own way until the recovery of the flood victims, they said.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Moin Khan to visit US next month to participate in the Dave Cameron Cricket Tournament

    New York: The former captain of Pakistan’s national cricket team, Moin Khan will pay visit to US next month to participate in the Dave Cameron Cricket Tournament at the invitation of the North American Cricket Authority (NACA).

    The North American Cricket Authority has announced to hold the Dave Cameron Cricket Tournament on the completion of 60 years of Jamaica’s independence from the British rule, which will start from September 3 next month.

    T-10 and T-20 matches will be played between the participating teams in the tournament, while the winning teams will be awarded with prize money of 200,000 dollars.

    NAKA has especially invited the former captain of Pakistan’s national cricket team and famous wicketkeeper Moin Khan to America.

    In a video message, Moin Khan thanked NAKA and Dave Cameron and appealed to the cricket fans to participate in this tournament in full.

    Earlier in May this year, the Cricket Hall of Fame Award was announced for Moin Khan, who will be presented with the award at a ceremony to be held at Bradley on October 1.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Mega Pakistan Day Parade held in New Jersey

    New Jersey: In connection with the 75th Independence celebration of Pakistan, the biggest Pakistan Day Parade was held in New Jersey U.S this year as well, with the national zest and fervour.

    The Colours of Pakistan’s history and culture were prominent in the mega event.

    The grand parade began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by the Naat Khwani.

    A press conference was also held, and a rally was also organized in which participants on motorcycles and vehicles attended in great numbers, while floats were also the centre of attention on this occasion.

    In the parade, the youths dressed as Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Ms. Fatima Jinnah were also the centre of attention.

    While the parade committee members Sam Khan, Dr Zubair, Mateen Abbas, Salman Malik and Kamran Khan played an active role in the success of the event that was attended by thousands of participants. They took pictures with the artists who performed dance dressed in traditional attire.

    Various traditional items and food stalls were also part of the parade, where ladies and gentlemen shopped enthusiastically.

    American officials also participated in the Pakistan Day Parade in New Jersey. They not only congratulated the Pakistanis but also appreciated the patriotism of the Pakistanis.

    The women members of the parade committee also cut the Independence Day cake.

     

    Prominent social activist Sam Khan said that young generation of the Pakistani community should become a practical part of the administrative affairs of the United States.

    Naeem Abbas Rufi mingled with the event participants and sang the song Ae Watan Pak Watan, and other songs.

    Dressed in Pakistani clothes and holding the national flags of both Pakistan and America in their hands, a large number of people including women and children participated in the Pakistan Day Parade in New Jersey.

    The attendees kept chanting slogans in favour of Pakistan and Pakistan’s Independence Day all the time.

  • Pakistani community must take active part in American politics: Tahir Javed

    NEW YORK: Khawar Baig, a businessman and social figure of the Pakistani American community in New York, hosted a grand dinner reception at his residence in honor of Tahir Javed, Deputy National Finance Chair of the Democratic National Committee.

    Tahir Javed, a proud figure of the Pakistani community in America is visiting New York these days. He was invited for dinner by Khawar Baig at his residence.

    The ceremony started with the recitation of the Holy Quran.

    Prominent personalities of the Pakistani community also participated in the dinner.

    The host Khawar Baig introduced the chief guest Tahir Javed and the community to each other and welcomed them on their arrival.

    The participants discussed in detail the importance and participation of the Pakistani community in US national and local politics.

    On this occasion, Khawar Baig said our community is very active in business and social activities but does not participate effectively in politics. The community should follow Tahir Javed.

    On this occasion, Tahir Javed shared various experiences of his political journey with the community. He urged the community to participate in practical politics.

    Later, in a conversation with Voice of South Asia VOSA, he said that if we make ourselves strong in the local politics here, it will benefit Pakistan a lot at the global level.

    All the participants agreed to keep their affiliation with the political parties of Pakistan while living in the US, but to participate in local politics of US is important. They stressed upon the need to exercise their vote in elections, so that better representatives can be elected.

  • Afghan female judge fleeing Taliban appeals after Home Office refuses UK entry

    Lawyers say the woman, who is in hiding in Pakistan with her son, will be killed if sent back to Afghanistan

    A female former senior judge from Afghanistan who is in hiding from the Taliban with her son has filed an appeal to the Home Office after her application to enter the UK was denied.

    Lawyers for the woman – who is named as “Y” – said on Saturday they had submitted an appeal on behalf of their client and her son at the Immigration Tribunal, saying she had been left in a “gravely vulnerable position” by the withdrawal of British and other western troops.

    Continue reading…

  • Pakistan’s 75th Independence Day marked in Pakistan House Brooklyn

    New York: Pakistan’s 75 Independence Day was marked at the Pakistan House in Brooklyn, with great national fervor.

    Pakistani Consul General, American officials and members of the Pakistani community graced the event with their presence.

    The theme of the event organized by Alizai Foundation was ‘Stability of Pakistan’.

    The event was moded by Shah Rooz Alizai.

    The function began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, after which well-known community leaders, Rana Akhlaq Ahmed and Mirza Anees Baig recited Naat and religious poems.

    The national anthems of America and Pakistan were also presented on this occasion. President of Pakistan Peoples Party America chapter Khalid Awan, Sarwar Chaudhry, Muslim League-N’s Danish Malik, PTI’s Abrar Khan and Zafar Khan also participated.

    Founder of Pakistan House Naseem Khan also praised the role of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah for the establishment of Pakistan.

    Congresswoman Yvette Clark and other guests expressed their happiness for participating in the event. They said that the work of Pakistanis in American welfare organizations is commendable.

    A cake cutting ceremony was also held in connection with the Independence Day, while a pledge was also expressed that the Pakistani community would always maintain the tradition of an active role in the development of America.

  • APPAC marks 75th independence anniversary of Pakistan with national sprit

    New Jersey: The American Pakistani Public Affairs Committee (APPAC) marked 75th independence anniversary of Pakistan by organizing a colorful magnificent event with national sprit, in New Jersey.

    The event was graced by American senator Cory Booker and Pakistani community with their presence. On this occasion, the event participants expressed their resolve to work for the progress and prosperity of both friendly countries – Pakistan and USA and to deepen bilateral ties in order to achieve the shared interests.

    The dignified ceremony was held at the residence of Pakistan’s leading businessman and social personality Nick Saleem.

    A variety of delicious food was also served to the participants.

    Women participated in dresses decorated with the colors of the Pakistani flag, a demonstration of love, connection and respect towards the motherland. They were the center of attention, as they continue to take selfies till the culmination of the independence celebratory event.

    Nick Salem, while thanking the distinguished guests, also invited APPAC head Dr. Ejaz for the address.

    Dr. Ejaz, in his address said that the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah was the prestige of Pakistan in the world. Ejaz Ahmed also presented the famous song ‘Sohni Dharti Allah Rakhe Qadam Qadam Abad Tujhe’ in his melodious voice that caught the attention of the event participants.

    Senator Cory Booker – who participated the event to wish the Pakistanis a happy Independence Day, stressed in his address the need of work on the promotion of Pakistan-US economic trade in order to strengthen the mutual relations between the two friendly countries.

    Senator Cory Booker not only spoke of the strong bond between the American and Pakistani people, but also prayed for its continuation. Senator Cory Booker seemed very excited at the event, taking selfies with attendees.

    Dr. Mehmood Alam of APPAG said: “we need collective and practical efforts for the development of America.” Dr. Mehmood Alam of APPEC also raised slogans of friendship between Pakistan and America.

    The event participants were of the view that Senator Cory Booker’s desire for Pakistan-US economic trade will play an important role in strengthening the relationship between the two countries. While Dr. Ejaz the head of APPAG and his team, will play the role for closed relations between Pakistan and USA.

  • PSNT holds a magnificent fair ‘the Quaid Mela’ on Pakistan’s 75th Birthday

    TEXAS: Pakistan Society of North Texas (PSNT) organized a magnificent festival named ‘the Quaid Mela,’ in Dallas in connection with Pakistan’s 75th Independence Day, which is dubbed the largest festival by Pakistanis on U.S soil.

    Famous singers Ali Haider, and classical and pop singer Naeem Abbas Rufi presented songs at the live show, while the late Ustad Amanat Ali’s famous patriotic song “Ay  Watan Pyary Watan” was also presented. Famous Pakistani comedian and actor Faisal Qazi also mesmerized the audience at Quaid Mela with his great performance.

    More than 5 thousand Pakistani American families participated in the event. The event was moderated by PSNT Treasurer Abid Baig and Dallas renowned RJ Shazia Khan.

    President of Pakistan Society of North Texas Abid Malik, Vice President Salman Tabani, Chairman Board of Trustee Dr Riaz Haider, Abid Baig, Secretary General of PSNT, PSNT board members Amir Ali Rupani, Barkat Ali Baseria and others were present on this occasion.

    On this occasion PSNT President Abid Malik informed the audience about the organization’s establishment, historical background, past performance and important initiatives. Abid Malik said in a conversation with VOSA TV that the trust of the Pakistani community living in Dallas Fort Worth on PSNT is a great asset for their entire team.

    PSNT has always been at the forefront of serving the Pakistani community, the extraordinary display of love for the country that was seen here at the Quaid Mela was never seen anywhere before.

    PSNT Vice President Salman Tabani also thanked all the sponsors of the Quaid Mela and said that without their support such a big event would not have been possible. He also thanked all the volunteers for their voluntary services.

    While the music program was the center of attention of the participants in the event, the decorated Pakistani clothes and traditional food stalls were also the center of attention of the people.

    On this occasion, Chairman Board of Trustee Dr Riaz Haider said that everyone enjoyed today’s celebration and the credit goes to our community for making it a success.

    Abid Baig, Secretary General of PSNT said that two years after the Covid-19, the show of Jashan-e-Azadi was organized and we got a better response than expected, we will do better in the future.

    In a conversation with VOSA TV, PSNT board members Amir Ali Rupani, Barkat Ali Baseria and others said that Pakistan Day Quaid Mela has broken all the records of success this year; we wholeheartedly support the entire community, and we are grateful.

    The participants of the event danced to Pakistani songs and national anthems. Most of the women and children were carrying green flags and dressed in costumes matching the national flag.

    Participants said that such a magnificent independence fair had never been seen here before. Today he is very happy to see all Pakistanis united under one national flag without discrimination.

    PSNT undoubtedly deserves congratulations for organizing such an organized programme.

    The participants of this Quaid Mela, which continued till late night, congratulated the entire team of PSNT for organizing a very organized and splendid Azadi Mela.