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Category: pakistan

  • Pakistan’s Ambassador and Saudi Minister for Multilateral affairs discuss bilateral relations.

    Zaka Mohsin, Riyadh,

    Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Raja Ali Ijaz has called on Saudi Deputy Minister, Abdul Rehman Al-Rasi for Multilateral Affairs.

    According to a statement issued by the Pakistani embassy in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, the meeting discussed bilateral relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

    During the meeting, various issues including ways to enhance cooperation between the two friendly countries in various fields were also discussed.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Mushahidullah Khan condolence meeting in Saudi capital Riyadh

    Zaka Mohsin, Riyadh,

    Pakistan Muslim League-N held a condolence meeting in Saudi capital Riyadh, on the death of Mushahidullah Khan. The death of Mushahidullah Khan has created a vacuum and the powerful voice of democracy is no more. Mushahidullah Khan has rendered immense services for democracy which can never be forgotten.

    Mushahidullah Khan was a favorite leader of other political parties in Saudi Arabia, including PML N workers. With his death, the PML-N has lost an ideological activist, but PML N workers will work together to advance their ideology and serve Pakistan to the fullest

    PML-N Riyadh Region President Khalid Akram Rana, Dr Muzammil Shah, Wasim Sajid Rana, Khadim Hussain expressed their views while prayers for forgiveness were also offered for the highest reward of Mushahidullah Khan.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Mega surge in Peshawari girl, Dananeer Mobeen fan base.

    Peshawar,

    The video of a young influencer Dananeer Mobeen, travelling in the northern area of Pakistan is trending on social media. Mimicking the Pakistani burger accent saying “Yeh hamari party ho rahi hai” in a funny way has amused the netizens.

    A four-second video with these three lines by a Peshawari girl, has created a mega storm on the social media a few days back. The video has been shared and watch thousands of times across social media platforms.

    Moments after the video went viral, the Internet started flooding with various memes and recreations of the video by the users.

    Celebs like Aijaz Aslam and Saba Qamar also joined the bandwagon of taking up the trending challenge, and uploaded their versions of the video.

    Aijaz Aslam also taking up the trending challenge, and uploaded his version of the video.

    Akcent is a Romanian singing formation whose members sing in Romanian, English and Spanish. Akcent also make a video in response of  “#PawriHoriHai”.

    She thanked her fans and followers on Instagram Friday after Indian music composer Yashraj Mukhate recreated her video.

    “Very overwhelmed right now it’s crazy, I am so happy that you are enjoying this video so so much,” Mobeen said in her video message.

    “I think at this point the only thing that matters to me is that everyone is enjoying this thing and I’m having fun looking at you guys enjoying this trend and this song.. its recreations.”

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • British High Commission says before April, Pakistan receives 17 million shots of AstraZeneca.

    Islamabad,

    The British High Commission on Sunday announced that Pakistan will soon receive shots of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

    According to a statement from the Commission, the country will receive “17 million doses of the vaccine before April”.

    Thereafter, “before June”, Pakistan will receive an “additional 10 million doses”, said the statement.

    With the vaccine, more than eight million people will receive protection from coronavirus, it added.

    The chief of the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), Asad Umar, had earlier broke the news that COVAX has indicated a supply of up to 17 million doses of the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine for Pakistan in the first half of 2021.

    “Good news on COVID vaccine front. Received a letter from COVAX of an indicative supply of up to 17 million doses of AstraZeneca in 1st half 2021,” Umar wrote on Twitter.

    According to the planning minister, six million of the total 17 million doses will be received by March with delivery starting in February. He did not specify any dates.

    Soon after, the COVAX program for COVID-19 vaccines announced a list of countries it will be distributing doses to, with Pakistan to get 17.2 million doses.

    The initiative has planned enough doses for dozens of countries to immunize more than 3% of their populations by mid-year.

    A statement said the initial distribution was in line with a target “to protect the most vulnerable groups such as health care workers” in the first half of the year.

    The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine is made from a weakened version of a common cold virus, known as adenovirus, from chimpanzees, and has been modified to look more like the coronavirus although it cannot cause the illness.

    When the vaccine is injected into a human body, it prompts the immune system to make antibodies and trains it to attack any coronavirus infection. The vaccine requires two doses to be administered.

    The jab has been found to be 76% effective against the original coronavirus after the first dose. Research shows that when a second dose is given after 12 weeks or more, the efficacy rises to 82%.

    The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine is more suitable for developing countries as it can be stored in a normal fridge for six months, making it much easier to distribute. It is also cheaper to make. It was first approved for emergency use by the United Kingdom government.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • ANP Webinar in Saudi Arabia on 11th anniversary of baba Ajmal Khattak

    Zaka Mohsin, Riyadh,

    Awami National Party Saudi Arabia organized a webinar on the 11th anniversary of famous revolutionary poet Ajmal Khattak Baba, former central president of ANP, in which participants paid tribute to him.

    Ajmal Khattak was an ideological politician and poet whose poetry was revolutionary aimed at improving and reforming society and system which, was in line with sentiments of the Pakhtun people. His services to the party are invaluable and will never be forgotten.

    In the webinar, ANP Saudi Arabia Central President Dr. Syed Muzammil Shah, Habib Younis, Hussain Shah Yousafzai, Noshirwan Khattak and others spoke and paid tribute to Ajmal Khattak.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Earthquake, 6.4 magnitude, shakes parts of Pakistan.

    Web desk,

    A 6.4 magnitude earthquake shakes various parts of Pakistan and its neighbouring countries on Friday night.

    According to the National Seismic Monitoring Centre (NSMC) the epicenter of the quake was 35 kilometer west of Murghob, Tajikistan and its depth was 80 kilometres.

    The earthquake tremors were felt in Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Lower Dir, Haripur, Muzafarabad, Dera Ismail Khan, Swat, Multan, Charsada, Charsadda, Rawalpindi and other areas.

    People of the areas where the quake was felt rushed out of their homes in panic reciting Quranic verses.

    According United State Geological Survey, the magnitude of the earthquake was 5.9 with 91.6 kilometre depth.

    Jolts were also felt in Indian capital New Delhi and other parts of the country.

    On Friday, an earthquake of 4 magnitude felt in Balochistan and Southern Punjab. The depth of the quake was 15 kilometre with its epicentre was 43km west of Dera Ghazi Khan.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • PTI USA delegation meets Consul General Ayesha Ali

    New York:

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) USA delegation headed by president Amjad Nawaz visited Pakistan Consulate Office New York. Ms. Ayesha Ali Consul General, welcomed the delegation and discussed important community related matters including government’s new economic and business initiatives.

    PTI USA delegation were consist on finance secretary Imran Qazi, senior advisor Zaman Afridi and senior hint secretary of membership Umer Farooq.

    Meanwhile, Vice Consul General Nawab Adil khan were also present in meeting.

    “PTI USA will work closely woth government to creat awareness and encourage business investment”, Amjad nawaz assured to Consul General Ayesha Ali.

    It has been jointly agreed in meeting to conduct seminar and webinar for speedy awareness regarding trade, investment and also highlight government’s new policies related to create opportunities of safe investment for overseas Pakistani.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • I’m on Hunger Strike in Guantánamo. I Dream of Cooking for My Family.

    Illustration of Ahmed Rabbani cooking with Guantanamo fencing behind, in past

    There are very few freedoms at Guantánamo Bay prison, where I have been held without charge or trial — referred to as Guantánamo ISN 1461 — for over 16 years. The right to starve myself is one of them, but even then, they force-feed me, to spare themselves the embarrassment of my death.

    Back in Pakistan, before I was kidnapped and tortured and flown halfway around the world in chains, I loved cooking. There is nothing more satisfying than preparing a hot meal for your family and sharing it with them. Here, I am allowed to cook for my fellow prisoners, but only in a microwave, and the guards could take even that away at any time. I never eat the food myself. I have been on hunger strike for seven years in protest at my indefinite detention. When everything else has been taken from you, this small measure of self-determination means a lot.

    Ahmed Rabbani, pictured pre-detention
    This photograph shows Ahmed Rabbani in Karachi, Pakistan, before he was sold to the U.S. for a bounty in 2002. (Courtesy of Reprieve)

    I was abducted from my home on September 10, 2002, and sold to the U.S. for a bounty, with the false story that I was a terrorist called Hassan Ghul. As a result of that, I was taken to the Dark Prison in Kabul, and tortured for 540 days. I refused to say I was Hassan Ghul because I wasn’t. Eventually the U.S. captured Ghul, and because he was deemed “cooperative,” they let him go. He went back to his old ways, and was killed by a drone in 2012.

    I was rendered to Guantánamo in September 2004. I tried to obey the prison’s foolish rules for a long time before I gave up. I began hunger striking in earnest in 2013 when my patience finally ran out. Twice a day, they strap me into their torture chair and force a 110-centimeter tube up my nose.

    My lawyers have now created a website where, as I approach 3,000 days on strike, you can follow my gradual disappearance. I was 170 pounds when they first seized me, and I am now down to 80 pounds. This means that 53 percent of me has “escaped” from this prison. It can’t go on forever of course, and I hope that I don’t get shipped home in a coffin — but I have to do something to peacefully protest.

    This would be hard enough for anyone, but for a man like me who loves to cook and eat, it is even worse. Can you begin to imagine the torture when I make meals for my brethren here, but do not eat myself?

    All I have to sustain me are dreams. When I get out of here, I dream of opening a restaurant where I will cook only the most original food from our society, food that has existed for centuries. I will give you one example which perhaps you would like to try.

    I call it a “Rabbani” as it is my own take on an ancient tradition: I am ethnically Rohingya, but I am a Pakistani citizen and lived for many years in Saudi Arabia. The name of a similar dish among Arabs is “harisa” or “hareesa” and it is very spicy. My wife used to make it the Pakistani way: it is called “haleem” and has lentils with less spice. My innovation was to blend the cultures, using the spice of Arabia and the lentil flavor of Pakistan.

    Take whole wheat and soak it all night, with half as much weight in lentils. The next morning boil the wheat and lentils together in water for at least one hour, adding some spices — whole spices, not powder — plenty of cinnamon, cardamom and cloves.

    Meanwhile, fry some onion — cut very thin — in oil to begin with, but I generally add butter or organic ghee as they soften. Then add pepper and ginger.

    Now the meat. Lamb was my favorite, with a bit of fat. It should have been boiled beforehand until tender.

    Then mix everything for many minutes. It must be done by hand with a spoon, over the fire — never use a machine for this. Adding a little milk will lighten the color.

    Here at Guantánamo, I don’t have the ingredients for a Rabbani, so when I cook for the other men, I must make do with lentils. Last night I soaked some so that they would be ready after my call with my lawyer. One day, when I go back to my wife and family in Karachi, I hope to be able to make the dish properly once again.

    This post was originally published on Latest – Truthout.

  • Muhammad Ali Sadpara and team missing during K2 summit.

    Skardu, Gilgit Baltistan,

    Muhammad Ali Sadpara and two other mountaineers John Snorri from Iceland and Juan Pablo Mohr from Chile had gone missing on Saturday after which a search operation to retrieve them was launched.

    It had been reported two days ago that Sadpara and his team had successfully summited the 8,611-metre K2, the world’s second-highest mountain, late Friday, a month after their first attempt failed.

    Helicopters flew to a height of 7,000 metres on Saturday afternoon in their attempt to locate the missing mountaineers but were unable to find any clue to their whereabouts.

    Pakistan Army’s continued their search for Pakistani mountaineer Muhammad Ali Sadpara, Iceland’s John Snorri and Chile’s Juan Pablo Mohr for the third day with helicopters hoping to locate the missing men alive.

    Gilgit Baltistan’s Home Secretary Muhammad Ali Randhawa shared pictures taken of the K2 on the Pakistan Army Aviation Helicopters during the search operation.

    Earlier, Randhawa had tweeted that the third-day helicopter search mission by Pakistan Army aviation began at 9:30 am.

    The secretary had shared the update after the helicopters had reached the basecamp.

    On Sunday, Sajid Ali Sadpara, the son of Muhammad Ali Sadpara, who safely climbed down and reached Skardu, had said that the chances of his father being alive “are next to none”.

    In a conversation with reporters in Skardu, where he arrived earlier on Sunday, Sajid said: “Rescue operations now only make sense if they are carried out to bring back his body. Otherwise, the chance for anyone to survive at 8,000 meters after being missing for two to three days are next to none.”

    Sajid said that a team of four mountaineers began their climb at around 11pm-12am on February 5 the night between Thursday and Friday.

    “Unfortunately, I was without oxygen and at a height of about 8,200 meters in the winter. I felt like my health was getting affected as well as my mental well being.”

    “My father was carrying another oxygen tank which he offered me to use. But as I began fitting the oxygen mask regulator, it leaked. So, I had to climb down,” he narrated.

    Sajid said that the last time he saw his father was at the bottleneck at around 8,200-8,300 meters, the most “technical portion” of the climb, at around 11am on Friday.

    “I’m sure he summited the peak and was on his way back after which he encountered an accident which is why he is missing,” he said.

     

    Read also

    Bulgarian mountaineer Atanas Skatov dies on K2

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • German Lanka and We Are Pakistan launch Protests against deportation of Pakistanis and immigrants.

    Mateullah, Berlin,

    German political party Leaders reassured Pakistani community that they would play their part in preventing deportation of migrants and called for a review of government’s current policy. Attempts are being made to integrate immigrants instead of deporting them because of COVID-19. While the current government threatens to deport migrant workers due to its misguided policies.

    Lanka, Germany’s left-wing political party, has vowed to raise its voice in other important sessions, including parliament, to prevent deportation from across Germany. Representatives of human rights organizations also took part in the demonstration, which was co-sponsored by organization, ‘We are Pakistan’. Immigrants should be issued visas, giving them  right to stay in Germany on the basis of wages. Immigrants living in Germany have spent most of their youth here for years. Immigrants who have adopted German society should be given the right to stay in Germany.

    founder and leader, of “We are Pakistan”,  Mahmood Saeed, General Secretary, Asadullah Tariq, a well-known social activist Sunny  and leader of German political party Lanka, also called deportation policy inhumane and part of the capitalist system.

    Leading social activist Samar Khan, organize the demonstration, told protesters that there was unrest among immigrants in Germany. He called on German government to stop deportation and to integrate Pakistani migrants into the German labor market. Representatives of local political parties and human rights groups also strongly condemned the deportation.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • JI Leader and Ex MNA Hafiz Salman died.

    New York,

    Leader of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan and former member National Assembly (MNA), Hafiz Salman Butt died of a heart attack last week in Lahore, Pakistan.

    New York-based Pakistani-American Pharmacist Chaudhry Zahid Farooq arranges a Fateha at his residence for the reward and forgiveness of deceased. The Fateha Khawani was attended by business and social personalities of the community including Pakistani American Pharmacists and prayed for highest rank and forgiveness of deceased.

    On Fateha Khuwani, participants said that late Salman Butt was a brave and straightforward leader and an honest man who raised their voices at every forum for the oppressed of the society. Participants paid homage to the deceased for political services.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Seminar organizes by Pakistan High Commission in London.

    Muqeem Ahmad, London,

    A parliamentary webinar held on occasion of Kashmir Solidarity Day at Pakistan High Commission London. It was attended by a large number of British MPs from both houses of Parliament, eminent scholars, academics and members of civil society.

    The President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Sardar Masood Khan addressed the gathering while, British MPs supported the right of Kashmiris to self-determination and assured to raise their voice in their favor.

    Addressing the webinar, High Commissioner, Moazzam Ahmad Khan said that one million armed occupying forces in occupied Kashmir are violating fundamental rights of innocent and unarmed Kashmiris on a large scale in modern times. He said that Indian atrocities in occupied Kashmir were a reminder of worst atrocities of fascism in Second World War.

    Pakistan’s Ambassador, Moazzam Ahmad Khan called on British Government to play its full role in bringing humanitarian crisis and political conflict to a peaceful and just conclusion in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of Kashmiri people.

    Addressing the gathering, President, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Sardar Masood Ahmad Khan said that Occupied Kashmir has become a center of Islamophobia and Kashmiris have faced genocide.

    He said that rape and target killings of women were being used by occupying forces in Occupied Kashmir as a means of intimidating population.

    Sardar Masood Ahmad Khan said that, BJP government was resettling millions of Hindus in occupied territories to change their population in violation of international law and Geneva Conventions. He urged British government to mobilize UN for resolution of the dispute.

    On the occasion, British MPs and MPs of Pakistani descent in their speeches assured the Kashmiris of all kinds of support.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Webinar at Riyadh to express solidarity with oppressed Kashmiri

    Zaka Mohsin, Riyadh,

    The Pakistan Embassy in Saudi Arabia organized a webinar to express solidarity with Kashmiri people. Webinar attends by political, social, literary personalities and journalists including Pakistan Ambassador, Raja Ali Ijaz and Expressed solidarity with people of Occupied Kashmir.

    The entire Pakistani nation is with Jammu and Kashmir in this struggle for independence and the way India is changing the Muslim majority in Kashmir by creating 3 million fake domiciles is not only a heinous crime but also a humiliation of humanity which will never be accepted.

    Speaking on the webinar, Pakistan Ambassador, Raja Ali Ijaz said that February 5 is a day to remember the story of 73 years of persecution in Kashmir and the UN resolution.

    Today, India use every tactic to suppress Kashmiris to give up their demand for independence and by providing land in Kashmir to 30,000 Indians is playing with the sentiments of the Kashmiri nation But Kashmiri youth have thwarted Indian intentions. Pakistan will continue to provide all possible moral and diplomatic support to its Kashmiri people and as a lawyer will continue to highlight Kashmir issue all over the world.

    In the webinar, Ilyas Rahim presented the resolution while Muhammad Khalid Rana, Mian Hamid, Qari Mumtaz, Dr Asad Rumi, Khalid Akram Rana, Gohar Ali, Chaudhry Bashir and others spoke.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • New York Assembly passes resolution on Kashmir Day

    New York,

    The New York State Assembly has passed a resolution that February 5 naming as Kashmir Day. After the resolution was passed, the New York Assembly became, first legislature in US to pass Kashmir Day. The efforts of American Pakistani Advocacy Group (APAG), a political organization of American-Pakistani youth, have been successful.

    Governor Andrew Cuomo and New York State Assembly issued a formal decree in this regard. Members of both parties supported the resolution. State Assembly member Neder K. Siag presented a document approving agreement to APAG chief Ali Rashid and his team. Ali Rashid, a member of APAG, said his organization would continue to speak loud in favor of Kashmiris.

    On the occasion, Amin Ghani, Pervez Riaz, Zameer Chaudhry, Sehar Khan, Sara Pervez, Naomi, Sultan Rashid, Faisal Khan, Anisa Riaz and others were present.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • International Solidarity Day is celebrated as Independence Day of Kashmir says Pakistan Ambassador

    Vienna,

    Pakistan Ambassador, Aftab Ahmed Khokhar host foreign media persons in Austria on the occasion of Kashmir Solidarity Day. They were described Indian atrocities in illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

    Ambassador said that International Solidarity Day of Kashmir is being celebrated on February 5 as Independence Day. Ambassador Aftab Ahmed Khokhar, referring to illegal action of Indian government on August 5, 2019, and said that there is a violation of resolutions.

    He also said that India continued its endless military siege from August 5, 2020 and made Jammu and Kashmir, largest prison in the world through a communication blockade, depriving Kashmiri people of medical or other facilities.

    He reiterated that government and people of Pakistan would continue their unwavering political, moral and diplomatic support to Kashmiris as long as they were entitled to self-determination in accordance with the UNSC resolutions and aspirations of Kashmiri people.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Solidarity with Kashmir at Pakistan Consulate in Germany.

    Mehwish/ Berlin,

    An event organized at Pakistani Embassy in Berlin, Germany on the occasion of Kashmir Solidarity Day. People from different schools of thought belongs to Pakistan were invited in the event.

    Addressing the function, Pakistan Ambassador Dr Muhammad Faisal said that no one knows real lockdown better than Kashmiri people. Kashmiris spend their lives at the mercy of Indian Army for last one and a half years.

    For a year and a half, they have been cut off from rest of the world. If Kashmiris lose morally, then this movement has died down and goes in vain but it cannot happen. We stand with Kashmiri Ambassador added.

    We know that every time this movement boosted, it emerges stronger than before. Talking to media, Dr Muhammad Faisal said that Kashmir issue should be resolved according to their wishes and aspirations. We are not saying that they should be part of Pakistan or India.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Our Mutual Fight: The Case against Pakistani Normalization with Israel   

    The Pakistani government should never, under any circumstances and no matter the pressure, normalize with Israel. Doing so is not only dangerous – as it will embolden an already vile, racist, violent apartheid Israel – but it would also be considered a betrayal of a historic legacy of mutual solidarity, collective affinity and brotherhood that have bonded Palestinians and Pakistanis for many generations.

    The bond between Palestine and Pakistan is not one that is based on rhetoric. Rather, it is cemented through blood and sacrifice, as Pakistani fighters have taken part in the desperate Palestinian-Arab attempt at pushing back Zionist colonization of the Palestinian homeland in 1948. Whenever Palestinians think back of those who stood by their side during their times of hardship and collective pain, Pakistan always features prominently on the list.

    But it is not just this. The Pakistani Air Force also took part in the war of 1967 when Israel occupied the rest of historic Palestine and, more importantly, in the pivotal war of 1973, when Arabs and Muslims fought back. It was no surprise to learn that the Pakistani government recognized the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as the ‘sole and legitimate representative of the Palestinian people before the Arab League had done so at the Rabat Conference in Morocco in 1974.

    It is terribly sad to see that Morocco, despite the collective love shared between the Moroccan and the Palestinian people, has succumbed to Jared Kushner’s political designs to normalize with Israel. Trump’s son-in-law had launched a decided campaign to normalize Israel in the eyes of Arabs and Muslims, without forcing Tel Aviv to make a single political concession to the occupied and oppressed Palestinians. Countries like Morocco, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Sudan sold Palestine so cheaply, in exchange for limited, selfish and, worse, unguaranteed gains.

    Pakistan cannot join this misled club. A country of Pakistan’s size, of its large and vibrant population and of the kind of moral authority it possesses is not meant to be an American lackey, dancing to the drumbeats of the US administration, of Kushner-like politicians, who are unable to decipher the long-term consequences of their actions.

    If Pakistan normalizes with Israel through any kind of diplomatic, cultural or trade exchanges, it will send an unprecedented message to the rest of the Muslim Umma; in fact, to the whole world that Muslims are now willing to coexist in a reality in which injustice, in all of its manifestations is, simply, normal and acceptable.

    What kind of moral authority would that make Pakistan, especially as it is leading the fight against the occupation of Kashmir and the perpetual injustices and violence that is experienced daily by millions of Kashmiris?

    From a very young age, all Palestinians are reminded that the struggle for Palestine is part and parcel of the larger struggle against the evils of military occupation anywhere in the world, starting with Kashmir. Every Palestinian mosque often ends its Friday sermons with a heartfelt prayer to Allah, to bring to an end the woes of mankind, from Palestine to Kashmir, to Afghanistan, to Iraq, to Syria and so on. At times, this camaraderie is all that Palestinians are left with, as the so-called international community has long-turned its back on the Palestinian people and their seemingly endless tragedy.

    But what would Pakistan gain from normalization with Israel, anyway, aside from lofty promises that are likely to be forgotten as soon as the Joe Biden Administration takes over the White House? What did Egypt and Jordan gain from their normalization and diplomatic ties with Israel, over the course of 40 and 26 years, respectively? They are certainly not better off in any way. Since then, the Egyptian pound has been devalued numerous times against the US dollar; it is almost worthless. Jordan, on the other hand, has been reeling under a prolonged economic crisis, one that seems to worsen with time.

    Additionally, the geopolitics of the Middle East is in an unprecedented state of flux. Since the seismic American decision to ‘pivot to Asia’ in 2012, its ‘leadership from behind’ in the NATO-led war in Libya and every other major regional event since, it is crystal clear that the US is no longer the dominant party in the greater Middle East region. With its Asian domain evidently shrinking due to China’s growing economic and political might and outreach and its ‘scramble for Africa’ facing numerous obstacles, the US is no longer in a position to dictate, neither to Pakistan nor any other country, on how to conduct its foreign policy. The upcoming US administration is likely to be busy for years in a desperate attempt to stave off some of the damage inflicted by the Donald Trump Administration, starting with amending some of its ties with its European and NATO allies.

    This is not the time to join yet more American political gambles, lining up Arabs and Muslims on the side of Israel to fight some imagined Iranian threat. On the contrary, this is the time for influential and well-regarded countries like Pakistan to champion their own initiatives, with the help of other peace and justice loving countries, to force Israel to respect international law, to end its military occupation of Palestine and to dismantle its system of racist apartheid. This will certainly garner Pakistan the respect and leadership it deserves as a global Asian and Muslim power.

    The Palestinian and Pakistani peoples need each other as vanguards against racism, military occupation and injustice. They must remain united at the forefront of this defining fight, no matter the sacrifices and the pressures. If Pakistan abandons this noble fight, the pain of this loss will be felt most deeply in the heart of every Palestinian, for generations to come.

    Pakistan, please do not validate apartheid; do not make military occupation normal.

    The post Our Mutual Fight: The Case against Pakistani Normalization with Israel    first appeared on Dissident Voice.

    This post was originally published on Dissident Voice.

  • Our Mutual Fight: The Case against Pakistani Normalization with Israel   

    The Pakistani government should never, under any circumstances and no matter the pressure, normalize with Israel. Doing so is not only dangerous – as it will embolden an already vile, racist, violent apartheid Israel – but it would also be considered a betrayal of a historic legacy of mutual solidarity, collective affinity and brotherhood that have bonded Palestinians and Pakistanis for many generations.

    The bond between Palestine and Pakistan is not one that is based on rhetoric. Rather, it is cemented through blood and sacrifice, as Pakistani fighters have taken part in the desperate Palestinian-Arab attempt at pushing back Zionist colonization of the Palestinian homeland in 1948. Whenever Palestinians think back of those who stood by their side during their times of hardship and collective pain, Pakistan always features prominently on the list.

    But it is not just this. The Pakistani Air Force also took part in the war of 1967 when Israel occupied the rest of historic Palestine and, more importantly, in the pivotal war of 1973, when Arabs and Muslims fought back. It was no surprise to learn that the Pakistani government recognized the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as the ‘sole and legitimate representative of the Palestinian people before the Arab League had done so at the Rabat Conference in Morocco in 1974.

    It is terribly sad to see that Morocco, despite the collective love shared between the Moroccan and the Palestinian people, has succumbed to Jared Kushner’s political designs to normalize with Israel. Trump’s son-in-law had launched a decided campaign to normalize Israel in the eyes of Arabs and Muslims, without forcing Tel Aviv to make a single political concession to the occupied and oppressed Palestinians. Countries like Morocco, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Sudan sold Palestine so cheaply, in exchange for limited, selfish and, worse, unguaranteed gains.

    Pakistan cannot join this misled club. A country of Pakistan’s size, of its large and vibrant population and of the kind of moral authority it possesses is not meant to be an American lackey, dancing to the drumbeats of the US administration, of Kushner-like politicians, who are unable to decipher the long-term consequences of their actions.

    If Pakistan normalizes with Israel through any kind of diplomatic, cultural or trade exchanges, it will send an unprecedented message to the rest of the Muslim Umma; in fact, to the whole world that Muslims are now willing to coexist in a reality in which injustice, in all of its manifestations is, simply, normal and acceptable.

    What kind of moral authority would that make Pakistan, especially as it is leading the fight against the occupation of Kashmir and the perpetual injustices and violence that is experienced daily by millions of Kashmiris?

    From a very young age, all Palestinians are reminded that the struggle for Palestine is part and parcel of the larger struggle against the evils of military occupation anywhere in the world, starting with Kashmir. Every Palestinian mosque often ends its Friday sermons with a heartfelt prayer to Allah, to bring to an end the woes of mankind, from Palestine to Kashmir, to Afghanistan, to Iraq, to Syria and so on. At times, this camaraderie is all that Palestinians are left with, as the so-called international community has long-turned its back on the Palestinian people and their seemingly endless tragedy.

    But what would Pakistan gain from normalization with Israel, anyway, aside from lofty promises that are likely to be forgotten as soon as the Joe Biden Administration takes over the White House? What did Egypt and Jordan gain from their normalization and diplomatic ties with Israel, over the course of 40 and 26 years, respectively? They are certainly not better off in any way. Since then, the Egyptian pound has been devalued numerous times against the US dollar; it is almost worthless. Jordan, on the other hand, has been reeling under a prolonged economic crisis, one that seems to worsen with time.

    Additionally, the geopolitics of the Middle East is in an unprecedented state of flux. Since the seismic American decision to ‘pivot to Asia’ in 2012, its ‘leadership from behind’ in the NATO-led war in Libya and every other major regional event since, it is crystal clear that the US is no longer the dominant party in the greater Middle East region. With its Asian domain evidently shrinking due to China’s growing economic and political might and outreach and its ‘scramble for Africa’ facing numerous obstacles, the US is no longer in a position to dictate, neither to Pakistan nor any other country, on how to conduct its foreign policy. The upcoming US administration is likely to be busy for years in a desperate attempt to stave off some of the damage inflicted by the Donald Trump Administration, starting with amending some of its ties with its European and NATO allies.

    This is not the time to join yet more American political gambles, lining up Arabs and Muslims on the side of Israel to fight some imagined Iranian threat. On the contrary, this is the time for influential and well-regarded countries like Pakistan to champion their own initiatives, with the help of other peace and justice loving countries, to force Israel to respect international law, to end its military occupation of Palestine and to dismantle its system of racist apartheid. This will certainly garner Pakistan the respect and leadership it deserves as a global Asian and Muslim power.

    The Palestinian and Pakistani peoples need each other as vanguards against racism, military occupation and injustice. They must remain united at the forefront of this defining fight, no matter the sacrifices and the pressures. If Pakistan abandons this noble fight, the pain of this loss will be felt most deeply in the heart of every Palestinian, for generations to come.

    Pakistan, please do not validate apartheid; do not make military occupation normal.

    This article was posted on Thursday, February 4th, 2021 at 10:53pm and is filed under Apartheid, Bahrain, China, Donald Trump, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Militarism, Morocco, Occupation, Pakistan, Palestine, Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), Politics, Sudan, United Arab Emirates, United States, Zionism.

    This post was originally published on Radio Free.

  • Pakistan goes after family of escaped human rights defender Gulalai Ismail

    Mohammed Ismail, above in 2019, faces charges of sedition and terrorism financing, which human rights defenders say are bogus and thinly veiled revenge against the family for embarrassing the state security services.
    Mohammed Ismail, above in 2019,.Credit…Saiyna Bashir for The New York Times

    Jeffrey Gettleman and Zia ur-Rehman report in the New York Times of 3 February 2021 that Mohammed Ismail, father of the women’s rights activist Gulalai Ismail, now faces harsh terrorism charges that critics say are about revenge, not justice. (Digest: https://www.trueheroesfilms.org/thedigest/laureates/91dafeaf-7056-466f-82b9-4a380ba6391a]

    Gulalai Ismail, one of Pakistan’s boldest human rights defenders and a stalwart critic of Pakistan’s security services, succeeded in escaping to the United States in 2019, humiliating the authorities who had been persecuting her. Now Pakistan has taken aim at her parents, accusing them of terrorism, and throwing her father, who was recovering from Covid-19, into jail.

    A bail hearing ended with Mohammed Ismail being led away in handcuffs. He faces charges of sedition and terrorism financing, which human rights defenders say are bogus and thinly veiled revenge against the family for embarrassing the state security services.

    Ms. Ismail, who now lives in New York and has applied for political asylum in the United States, said the charges against her and her parents were “malicious and false.” “This is about setting a precedent,” she said on Wednesday, by phone from Brooklyn. “If a woman raises her voice, the whole family will face consequences.”

    Ms. Ismail made a name for herself by spotlighting the rampant abuse of women and girls in Pakistan, especially gang rapes perpetuated by government soldiers. She also joined the Pashtun Protection Movement, a human rights protest group known as the P.T.M., and whose rallies became the focus of a massive crackdown by the Pakistani security forces. [see also: https://humanrightsdefenders.blog/2017/10/06/gauri-lankesh-and-gulalai-ismail-win-2017-anna-politkovskaya-award/]

    This post was originally published on Hans Thoolen on Human Rights Defenders and their awards.

  • PML-N International Affairs G.S. notifies Middle East coordinator.

    Multan,

    National and Provincial Assemblies former and current members attended the ceremony, in the famous city of Sufi Saints, Multan.

    Speaking on the occasion, the PML-N leaders said that the PML-N is their favorite party, among Pakistanis all over the world, including the Middle East. Overseas Pakistan Muslim League-N is the vanguard, Sheikh Saeed Ahmed said that there are millions of Pakistanis living in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries who stand with PML-N.

    Mian Nawaz Sharif and Shahbaz Sharif are united in leadership but we are trying to make the party more dynamic and active in the Middle East. At the ceremony, General Secretary PML-N International Affairs Noorul Hassan Tanveer also issued a notification to Sheikh Saeed as Middle East Coordinator.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • COVID-19 vaccination drive begun in Pakistan

    Islamabad,

    Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday kicked off Pakistan’s COVID-19 vaccination drive, once again reminding the people to continue to exercise precautions.

    Under the supervision of the prime minister, his adviser on health Dr Faisal Sultan, and National Command and Operations Centre chief Asad Umar, the first vaccine was administered in Pakistan given to a healthcare worker in Islamabad.

    “The more you abide by coronavirus safety measures, the easier it will be to protect everyone from the virus,” said PM Imran Khan, addressing a gathering to mark the occasion.

    “I congratulate all those present here for working at great speed to import a vaccine. We also thank China for gifting us 500,000 vaccines,” he said.

    The prime minister said that similar to the shot the doctor had received, healthcare workers across the country that work with coronavirus patients will be the first to be given the jab, after which the age groups most at risk will be administered the shot.

    The premier also sought to assure the nation that the vaccine distribution across the various provinces is being done in a “just” manner. “No one should think we distributed more vaccines in a given province than in others.”

    He stressed the importance of healthcare workers getting the shot as “all over the world it is the healthcare workers that are most at risk”.

    “I also wish to stress to the nation the importance of coronavirus SOPs (standard operating procedures) and especially, wearing a mask.

    The prime minister said that schools have been reopened and so will hospitals soon enough. “Our cases are at a decline right now. The more you follow SOPs, the easier it will be to save our people from coronavirus.”

    He said that other countries, owing to the high death rate, have had to go for complete lockdowns.

    “Our economy is running and it is the service sector that has been curtailed. If you exercise caution, then all remaining sectors will be reopened,” PM Imran Khan said.

    Provinces to begin vaccination drive tomorrow

    China’s gift of 500,000 vaccines arrived in Pakistan on Monday, with storage arrangements made in advance in Islamabad.

    Dispatch of the vaccine to all federating units has been ensured, said the NCOC in a statement today. It said Sindh and Baluchistan were sent the vaccine by air, presumably to reduce time and ensure cold chain storage temperature.

    It was earlier reported that Sindh will receive 8,300 doses which will be transported to Karachi via a commercial flight.

    A ceremony will be held at the Chief Minister House on Wednesday to kick-start the vaccination drive in Sindh, during which 41,500 healthcare workers will be vaccinated.

    Meanwhile, the Balochistan government has asked the federal government to increase its quota of COVID-19 vaccines as 5,000 doses can not cater to the province’s requirement.

    While talking to local broadcaster, the provincial government’s spokesperson Liaquat Shahwani said there are 22,000 healthcare workers in the province.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Building a Nuclear Weapon-Free World

    On January 22, 2021, the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) became international law for the 122 states who signed the agreement in July 2017. Article 1a of TPNW states: “Each State Party undertakes never under any circumstances to… Develop, test, produce, manufacture, otherwise acquire, possess or stockpile nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices.”

    Initiated by a cross-regional group comprising Austria, Brazil, Ireland, Mexico, Nigeria and South Africa, the TPNW was approved by the United Nations General Assembly by a vote of 122-1. The treaty required that 50 signatory nations officially ratify it before it could become international law. That happened on October 24, 2020, when Honduras became the fiftieth country to do so. And then 90 days had to pass, which occurred on January 22.

    Disregard for World Peace

    The nuclear nine – the United States, Russia, China, the UK, France, India, Pakistan, Israel and North Korea – boycotted the vote. In October 2020, the US government circulated a letter asking those governments who signed the treaty to withdraw from it. The US ambassador to the United Nations in 2017 – Nikki Haley – said that the TPNW threatens the security of USA. She asked those governments who had joined TPNW: “do they really understand the threats that we have?”

    The nuclear powers are in violation of the 50-year-old Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which requires them to negotiate to reduce and eventually eliminate all nuclear weapons. Instead, the nuclear powers are developing new nuclear weapons. The US is spending $494 billion over the next ten years, and more than $1.7 billion in the next 30 years to “upgrade” its arsenal of nuclear weapons. Powerful corporations will be making billions of dollars from the nuclear programs over the next decade.

    The US has withdrawn from one nuclear weapons treaty after another. Whether it is the Iran nuclear deal, Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty or the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty – USA has tried its hardest to undermine the idea of a world free from nuclear weapons. The last bilateral nuclear weapons treaty between the US and Russia, the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) concerning strategic nuclear forces, expires February 5, 2021.

    As a US Senate condition for ratifying New START in 2010, the US administration carelessly initiated a multi-trillion-dollar nuclear weapons modernization program. Russia and China have responded with their own nuclear modernization programs. The new strategic arms are hypersonic – six times faster. Modernization also deploys more tactical nukes in conventional forces with the dangerous military doctrine of “escalate to de-escalate.”

    The allies of nuclear-armed nations, including all NATO members, have also opposed TPNW.  These powers lack nuclear weapons but are relieved that their guardians do. The notion of an “umbrella of extended nuclear deterrence”  provides them comfort. For that reason Japan, despite advocating for the non-use and eventual elimination of nuclear weapons, has refused to endorse the weapons ban.

    Nuclear Annihilation

    In January 2020, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists set the Doomsday Clock to 100 seconds to midnight – the closest it has ever been. The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, founded by Albert Einstein and students from the University of Chicago in 1945, created the “Doomsday Clock” as a symbol to represent how close the world is to a possible apocalypse.

    It is set annually by a panel of scientists, including 13 Nobel laureates, based on the threats that the world faced in that year. When it was first created in 1947, the hands of the clock were placed based on the threat posed by nuclear weapons. Over the years, they have included other threats, such as climate change and technologies like artificial intelligence.

    As is evident from the Doomsday Clock, human civilization is moving closer toward possible destruction. One of things which can be done to avert such a scenario is for nuclear-armed nations to completely abolish nuclear weapons. The US and Russia have more than 90% of all the 13,410 warheads. Four countries – the US, Russia, the UK and France – have at least 1,800 warheads on high alert, which means that they can be fired at very short notice. A situation like this carries the threat of nuclear annihilation. Major nuclear powers should comply with TPNW to prevent such an occurrence.

    The post Building a Nuclear Weapon-Free World first appeared on Dissident Voice.

    This post was originally published on Dissident Voice.

  • NICVD sets up its 29th Centre at ASF Medical Centre, Karachi

    Karachi,

    National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) in collaboration with the Government of Sindh has established its 29th Centre at “Airports Security Force (ASF), Medical Centre, near Pehlwan Goth, Gulistan-e-Johar”, Karachi to facilitate patients with chest pain with easy access and free of cost services.

    NICVD has introduced a new era of heart healthcare with the inauguration of “CHEST PAIN UNITS” to serve the nation at their quick approachable areas. This service is one of its kinds and is available for 24/7 throughout the year.

    The Centre at ASF, would be 15 Chest Pain Unit of NICVD in Karachi Metropolitan. Moreover, 1 Chest Pain Unit in Tando Bago, 1 in Ghotki, 1 in Jacobabad and 1 in Umerkot are functional, providing state-of-the-art cardiac care and treatment to patients at their doorstep totally free of cost. From a single solo hospital, NICVD has been transformed into world’s largest healthcare network in short span of 5 years, included; 10 full-fledged hospitals and 19 Chest Pain Units.

    In a statement, Executive Director of NICVD, Prof. Nadeem Qamar termed the establishment of the 29th Centre at “ASF Medical Centre” as another gift for the people of Karachi. Saying this Centre will link with the main NICVD, where all cardiac care facilities, including Primary PCI, Angioplasty, Cardiac Surgeries and other state-of-the-art facilities are available.

    In these CPUs a total of 483,089 patients have been treated and saved over 10,723 lives, since inception till December 2020, which is incomparable performance by any means in the world.
    Shortly, every district of Sindh and major towns would be equipped with NICVD’s Chest Pain Units so that people could be provided timely first aid in case of heart attacks.

    He maintained and added that NICVD in collaboration with the Government of Sindh is providing quality healthcare facilities to the nation totally free of cost; which are evident from establishment of Satellite Centers and Chest Pain Units in the province.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Riyadh businessman host a dinner in honor of journalist

    Zaka Mohsin, Riyadh,

    A well-known businessman in Riyadh, Ayaz Ali host a dinner, in honor of journalists in Saudi Arabia, in which role of journalists was appreciated.

    The dinner was attended by journalists who appreciates performance of Pakistani community apart from Pak-Saudi relations and said that, besides manpower force, Pakistani business community has also made country Proud through its various business activities abroad.

    This is positive attitude that will enable Pakistani community to move forward in a better way in United Nations and establish its own unique place, said Ayaz Ali. While promoting Pak-Saudi relations, they also stand with community and play a role in resolving issues.

    Saudi Arabia is one of the most important countries for business people and Pakistanis should promote Made in Pakistan products and use Pakistani products. This will further improve Pakistan’s revenue generation.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • ANP Saudi Chapter marks anniversary of Party founders.

    Zaka Mohsin, Riyadh

    The Awami National Party (ANP) Saudi Arabia chapter organizes an online ceremony marking anniversary of Bacha Khan and Khan Abdul Wali Khan. The event was attended by Presidents and leaders of various regions of Saudia Arabia of ANP. Workers, party officials paid tribute to their leaders.

    Mr. Mian Iftikhar Hussain, Central General Secretary of ANP also addressed this important annual function from Pakistan. In his address, he urged the workers to understand life and struggle of Bacha Khan, Khan Abdul Wali Khan and adopt their lifestyle.

    General Secretary of ANP Balochistan Mr. Mahabat Khan Kaka, Central President of ANP Saudi Arabia, Syed Muzammil Shah Syed Zaman, President of Dammam Region, Habib Younis, President of Riyadh Region, Fakhr Alam, President of Jeddah Region also addressed function and highlighted the philosophy of non-violence

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • E-commerce portal launched in Saudi Arab amid growing demand of Pakistani goods.

    Zaka Mohsin, Saudi Arabia

    The demands for Pakistani goods in Saudi Arabia is growing, businessmen needs to invest in retail market, which will also strengthen Pakistani economy, while Pakistani embassy, commercial section in Saudi Arabia also includes Pakistani supermarkets in Saudi Arabia.

    Pakistan Embassy also cooperates in promotion for Pakistani goods so that demands can be met. Saudi Arabia is a huge market and there is a great demand for Pakistani goods but small and big markets in Saudi Arabia have less availability of Pakistani food items while their demand is high. Other foreigners including Saudi nationals also like Pakistani goods and buy them with enthusiasm.

    Pakistan has not been able to exceed US 500 million in exports for a long time, so it is important that Pakistani businessmen take advantage of this investment opportunities provided by Saudi government. In this regard, Azhar Dahar, Minister of Trade and Investment at Pakistan Embassy, said that he is in constant touch with businessmen and Pakistan government to open retail chain stores in Saudi Arabia.

    In light of online shopping trend, an e-commerce portal is also being launched so that consumption of Pakistani goods in Saudi Arabia can be increased in a better way and demands can be met.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Rao Shokat Khan, elder brother’s Rao Shah Nawaz Khan, died in Okara.

    New York/ Okara

    A well-known PTI member and social activist in New York, Rao Shokat Khan, elder brother’s Rao Shah Nawaz Khan, died at 67 due to severe cardiac arrest in Okara, district of Punjab Province, Pakistan.

    Deceased Rao Shah Nawaz used to live in America and shifted back to Pakistan.

    Rao Shokat Khan, social activist and  member PTI, NYC .

    According to Rao Shokat, funeral prayers of deceased will be offered in his hometown. The Pakistani community in New York expressed their griefs on the death of Rao Shah Nawaz to his brother Rao Shokat.

    “May Allah raise Rao Shokat Nawaz Khan on highest ranks”, community prayed for deceased.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Exemplary steps of Pakistan for minorities becomes role models.

    Fazal Khaliq, D.C.,

    Pakistan will be only country in the world where Marriage Act is being implemented for minorities Sikh community according to their religious beliefs.

    The government of Pakistani is promoting religious tourism, and more facilities are being created for Sikhs coming to Pakistan in this regard.  This will make it easier for Sikhs around the world to get visas and visit their holy places.

    Addressing a function organized by PTI in Washington, Farooq Arshad, Advisor on Religious Tourism in Pakistan, said that Pakistan’s image is improving around the world and now Pakistan is known for protecting minorities.

    The promotion of religious tourism in Pakistan will bring economic stability to the country. In this regard, government is also appoints overseas coordinators. According to Religious Tourism Advisor, Pakistan will be the first country in the world where Sikh Marriage Act will be enacted soon according to religious beliefs of Sikhs. Junaid Bashir and Shahid Abbasi, senior leaders of PTI Washington also addressed the function

     Pakistan Army’s professionalism has significantly reduced incidence of terrorism in Pakistan, now country’s tourism, especially religious tourism needs to be promoted

    In such a situation, Pakistan’s tourist destinations can become the center of attention of the world, which can lead Pakistan to development and prosperity.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Grief, anger and a curfew as Pakistani activist Karima Baloch buried

    Family of women’s rights advocate, found dead in Canadian lake, call for police to reopen investigation

    It was the homecoming they never wanted. Five years ago, Karima Baloch fled Pakistan after her work as a prominent human rights activist put her life in danger. On Sunday morning, on the tarmac of Karachi airport, she was returned to her family at last.

    But though she lay lifeless in a wooden coffin, her body was confiscated by Pakistani security officials for hours. Then her home town in Balochistan was placed under the control of paramilitary forces, a curfew was imposed on the region and mobile services were suspended, all to prevent thousands turning out for her funeral on Monday. It was clear that, even in death, Pakistan viewed Baloch as a threat to national security.

    Related: Pakistan: where the daily slaughter of women barely makes the news | Mohammed Hanif

    Video: Relatives & close family friends were allowed to participate in the last funeral prayers of #KarimaBaloch. The huge participation of local women can also be seen in this video. People across the Balochistan were not allowed to farewell their leader.@Gulalai_Ismail pic.twitter.com/mTw6iP3rJG

    Continue reading…

    This post was originally published on Human rights | The Guardian.

  • PM Imran Khan instructs German Consulate for immediate problems solving.

    Matiullah, Berlin,

    On the instructions of Prime Minister Imran Khan and Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, an online open forum was organized by Pakistan Embassy in Berlin to listen the problems of Pakistani community.

    In an open session, several people from all over Germany, including Berlin-Brandenburg, raised their issues. Pakistan Ambassador, Dr. Muhammad Faisal, MRP Passport Director, Imran Yasir in presence of First Secretary Ali Raza and other officers issued instructions to solve the problems immediately, faced by community. Community also raises concerns over delays in dispatch of ID cards, passports and other passport related inquiries

    The Pakistan Ambassador said that an online inquiry has been started for Punjab from Berlin Embassy while an online inquiry will be launched from Frankfurt Consulate within next two months. The online inquiry is completed in one and half months.

    He also added that a limited number of works are being done around the world. We have also made a series of various applications online to stop the virus spread. While applicants must be belongs to Punjab for online Passport Inquiry.

    The Pakistan Ambassador said that many Pakistanis have died in Germany due to Corona virus. Due to lockdown, all funerals and condolence programs are restricted and prohibited. We express our condolences to the families of all deceased.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.