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Category: pakistan

  • New report indicates 16% increase in Pakistani students studying in US universities

    New York: The U.S. Department of State, in collaboration with the Institute of International Education (IIE), has released the annual Open Doors Report for 2022-23 which highlights a substantial increase in the number of students from Pakistan studying in U.S. higher education institutions.

    According to the report, during 2022-2023, there were 10,164 Pakistani students, compared to 8,772 in the previous year, indicating an impressive 16% increase.

    This growth positions Pakistan among the top eight countries experiencing a notable rise in the number of students pursuing education in the United States, according to the U.S. Open Doors Report on International Students Exchange.
    The report underscores the United States’ continued prominence as the top destination for international study in the 2022-2023 academic year. Notably, the data reveals a significant milestone, with the U.S. hosting over one million (1,057,188) international students during this period, marking a remarkable 12% increase from the previous academic year and representing the fastest growth rate in over four decades.

    Welcoming significant increase in numbers, Pak Ambassador to the United States Ambassador Masood Khan expressed the hope that the ongoing efforts would result in doubling the existing numbers in next three years.

    He thanked the US administration for its cooperation in education sector and observed that the presence of Pakistani male and female students, from across the country, in various US institutes not only reflected close cooperation of the two countries in education sector but also guaranteed strong Pak-US relations in the future.

    Masood Khan said that focus was being laid on providing Pakistani students with greater opportunities in STEM subjects especially in science, technology, engineering and mathematics so that they could benefit from US expertise and knowledge in these disciplines.

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  • Pakistan re-elected to UNESCO Executive Board for 2023-2027

    Paris: Pakistan was re-elected to the executive board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for the term 2023-2027.

    Pakistan thanked the member states for their support and the confidence reposed in its candidature, according to information department’s press release.

    “It is a matter of immense pride to have been entrusted with the responsibility to serve on the Executive Board,” it stated.
    “Pakistan will avail this opportunity to continue to contribute to the policymaking, development of norms, advancement of global priorities, and effective oversight of programs and activities of the Organization.”

    Pakistan values the ever-relevant and crucial role of UNESCO as a universal forum to promote the intellectual and moral solidarity of mankind and advancement of global peace and development through education, science, culture and communication.

    “As an ardent advocate of multilateralism, Pakistan will endeavour to strengthen our collective efforts at UNESCO, including by building bridges across regions and forging consensus on key issues for tangible outcomes and impact on ground. As a partner, Pakistan will continue to extend proactive support for the SIDS Operational Strategy and Global Priorities – Africa and Gender Equality. Pakistan’s re-election is a testament to its longstanding support for and constructive role at the United Nations.”

    “Pakistan will continue to work with all Member States to strengthen UNESCO’s mandate and advance our shared goals.”

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  • NYC’s DOE says public school enrollment goes up to 1 percent or 8,000 students, first time in 8 years

    NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Education (DOE) Chancellor David C. Banks today announced the first increase in student enrollment at New York City public schools in eight years, based on preliminary data. For the 2023-2024 school year, the DOE has seen enrollment increase approximately 1 percent — or roughly 8,000 students — bringing the total number of students registered in the DOE to approximately 915,000 and maintaining New York City’s status as the nation’s largest school district.

    “When we say New York City is back, we are not just talking about our economy — we are talking about our communities and our entire city. And after eight years of declining enrollment, New York City public schools are back,” said Mayor Adams. “Chancellor Banks and our administration are focused on delivering the best education possible for our young New Yorkers by cutting through bureaucracy, expanding outreach, and making enrollment easier. New Yorkers are voting with their feet, and we are excited to see funding increase for so many of our public schools.”

    “After eight years of enrollment declines, we are thrilled to see enrollment increase across the city,” said DOE Chancellor Banks. “With a majority of schools gaining additional funding during this mid-year adjustment, we are well positioned to meet the challenges ahead. However, to continue our progress and ensure the success of our students, particularly those in temporary housing, we urgently need increased state and federal funding.”

     

    After eight years of declining enrollment, this positive trend is a testament to the effective strategies implemented by the Adams administration, including through the Project Open Arms initiative. In line with DOE’s standard timeline, audited and finalized enrollment data will be available in the spring as part of the demographic snapshot. As this data — current as of October 31, 2023 — is preliminary and unaudited, students can still enter or leave the system, and the data can fluctuate until the audit process is complete.

    The increase in enrollment is particularly significant as the Adams administration navigates the post-COVID-19 era without the benefit of federal stimulus funds. This year, approximately 57 percent of schools are expected to receive a total of $183 million — an average of $209,000 per school — in additional Fair Student Funding due to higher-than-projected enrollment. The Adams administration’s commitment to equitable education is further reflected in its Fair Student Funding policy, which ensures that schools with higher enrollments and schools that serve students with additional needs receive the necessary resources to support their students. Increased enrollment will also bolster the administration’s advocacy for additional state and federal funding.

    Also today, the DOE published its annual class size report, showing that the city is in compliance for this school year with the state’s new class size mandates. However, to maintain compliance as state law mandates smaller class sizes over the coming years, additional resources will be required — particularly to equitably support schools across the city. The Adams administration will continue to advocate for state and federal funding to support students and families as the law is implemented.

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  • IMF reaches staff level agreement on first review under Pakistan’s SBA

    Washington DC: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff and Pakistani authorities have reached a staff-level agreement on the first review under Pakistan’s Stand-by arrangement SBA under which Pakistan will have access to around US$ 700 million, subject to approval by the IMF’s executive board.

    The agreement supports the authorities’ commitment to advance the planned fiscal consolidation, accelerate cost-reducing reforms in the energy sector, complete the return to a market-determined exchange rate, and pursue state-owned enterprise and governance reforms to attract investment and support job creation, while continuing to strengthen social assistance.

    It is pertinent to mention that IMF team led IMF mission chief for Pakistan Nathan Porter, visited Islamabad from November 2-15, 2023, to hold discussions on the first review of Pakistan’s economic program supported by an IMF Stand-By Arrangement (SBA).

    At the conclusion of the discussions, Mr. Porter issued the following statement:

    “The IMF team has reached a staff-level agreement (SLA) with the Pakistani authorities on the first review of their stabilization program supported by the IMF’s US$3 billion (SDR2,250 million) SBA. The agreement is subject to approval of the IMF’s Executive Board. Upon approval around US$700 million (SDR 528 million) will become available bringing total disbursements under the program to almost US$1.9 billion.

    “Anchored by the stabilization policies under the SBA, a nascent recovery is underway, buoyed by international partners’ support and signs of improved confidence. The steadfast execution of the FY24 budget, continued adjustment of energy prices, and renewed flows into the foreign exchange (FX) market have lessened fiscal and external pressures. Inflation is expected to decline over the coming months amid receding supply constraints and modest demand. However, Pakistan remains susceptible to significant external risks, including the intensification of geopolitical tensions, resurgent commodity prices, and the further tightening in global financial conditions. Efforts to build resilience need to continue.

    “In this regard, strengthening macroeconomic sustainability and laying the conditions for balanced growth are key priorities under the SBA. The authorities’ policy priorities include:

    Continued fiscal consolidation to reduce public debt, while protecting development needs. The authorities are determined to achieve a primary surplus of at least 0.4 percent of GDP in FY24, underpinned by federal and provincial government spending restraint and improved revenue performance supported, if necessary, by contingent measures. The authorities are building capacity to expand the tax base and raise revenue mobilization and are committed to improving the quality of public investment and spending.

    Strengthening the social safety net to better protect the vulnerable. The authorities will continue the timely disbursements for social protection under BISP’s budget allocation—which are about a third higher than in FY23. This will allow for the expansion of the Unconditional Cash Transfers (UCT) Kafaalat program to 9.3 million families this fiscal year, with an annual inflation adjustment of the stipend. Looking forward, the authorities are seeking to improve the UCT Kafaalat generosity level and to increase enrollment into the Conditional Cash Transfers programs supporting children’s education and health.

    Further reforms to reduce costs in the energy sector and restore its viability. With the combined circular debt (CD) across power and gas sectors exceeding 4 percent of GDP, immediate action was critical. While protecting vulnerable consumers, the authorities implemented power tariff adjustments that were pending since July 2023 and increased gas prices after a long time, effective November 1, 2023. While these increases were substantial, they were necessary to avoid further arrears that threatened the viability of these sectors and the provision of critical energy supplies. The authorities are also moving to tackle cost-side pressures, including bringing private sector participation to DISCOs, institutionalizing recovery and anti-theft actions, improving PPA terms, and reducing the incentives for captive power.

    Returning to a market-determined exchange rate and rebuilding FX reserves. While inflows following increased regulatory and law enforcement helped normalize import and FX payments and rebuild reserves, the authorities recognize that the rupee must remain market-determined to sustainably alleviate external pressures and rebuild reserves. To support this, they plan to strengthen the transparency and efficiency of the FX market and to refrain from administrative actions to influence the rupee.

    Proactive monetary policy to lower inflation toward its target. With appropriately tight monetary policy, inflation should steadily decline and the authorities stand ready to respond resolutely if near-term price pressures reemerge, including due to second-round effects on core inflation or renewed exchange rate depreciation.

    Building financial sector resilience. Continued vigilance is warranted to safeguard the soundness of the banking system. Priorities include addressing undercapitalized financial institutions, ensuring foreign exchange exposures within regulatory limits, and aligning bank resolution and crisis management frameworks with best practice.

    Continuing state-owned enterprise and governance reforms to improve the business environment, investment, and job creation. Following passage of the State-Owned Enterprises (SOE) law, the authorities are moving forward with their SOE policy and implementation of their triage plan, including the privatization of select SOEs. High governance and transparency standards will apply to the management of assets under the ownership of the newly created Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) and the operations of the SIFC. To further strengthen governance, the authorities will ensure public access to asset declarations from Cabinet members and a task force, with participation from independent experts, will complete a comprehensive review of the anticorruption framework.

    Deepening cooperation with international partners. The authorities have accelerated the engagement with multilateral and official bilateral partners. Timely disbursement of committed external support remains critical to support the authorities’ policy and reform efforts.

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  • ‘Let power of intellect overrule military might to save humanity from wars,’ Alvi

    Islamabad: President Dr Arif Alvi has said that with wars and conflicts resulting in the massacre of innocent people, the world needed a unified approach to saving humanity from the violence of the powerful.

    “Power of intellect should be the world order taking precedence over the violent forces which quash the spirit of humanity and justice,” he said at annual Margalla Dialogue 2023.

    The event themed ‘Evolving world environment: Charting the course of our future’ gathered diplomats, thinkers, and intellectuals from various countries.

    President Alvi said dehumanizing people had become a norm in the world where vested interests prevailed over humanity.

    War, he said, was not a solution to resolve any conflict and always resulted in a never-ending vicious cycle of violenc

    He pointed out that using the right of veto against the cessation of war questioned the ethical standards of the countries concerned.

    In Gaza, he said the massive killings of Palestinians committed by Israel needed urgent attention by the international community to act and play its role in stopping the bloodshed.

    He said Israel, in its justification to eliminate Hamas was “killing the Palestinians like savages” and calling the colossal deaths as collateral damage”.

    The president mentioned that the world after several war-related deaths in Europe arrived at the culmination of peace treaties and bodies like the League of the Nations and the United Nations (UN).

    He emphasized the role of the UN in waging peace initiatives to prevent disputes from escalating into conflicts and an effective mechanism to stop wars.

    Besides conflicts, he said, the world faced several threats affiliated with climate change, artificial intelligence, negative social narratives, unequal wealth distribution, and dissatisfied mankind.

    “The realistic solutions to these challenges need international cooperation requiring the adoption of viable systems and also embedding ethical morality into approach,” he said.

    President of IPRI Dr Raza Muhammad said as the world grappled with both natural and man-made disasters, it was time for a collective approach to save humanity from emanating the risks involved.

    He highlighted the need for a global focus on conflict resolution, the economy, and climate change.

    Earlier, President Dr Arif Alvi and the guests in attendance observed a one-minute silence for the innocent people of Palestine who faced the barbaric acts of Israel.

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  • No room for hatred in the multi-ethnic, multi-cultural NYC: Eric Adams

    New York: New York City Mayor Eric Adams has said that there is no place for hate in our city, in the current situation we need to work together to solve hate crimes.

    Mayor of New York Eric Adams, while holding a weekly press conference in his office, informed the media representatives about the various challenges facing the city government and the measures taken to deal with them.

    On this occasion, the mayor was asked that due to the incidents of Islamophobia and hate crime, parents of both the Muslim and Jewish religions are worried about their children, and what measures the government is taking in such situations.

    On this occasion, Mayor Eric Adams responded that his administration has organized several round tables and other events to bring people of different religions closer to each other and eliminate hatred.

    New York is a city of diversity. It’s a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-generational city. Look at Crown Heights, the neighborhood consists of around 150 thousand residents among them largely the Jews. Similarly, in Cony Island, there are a large number of people originally hailing from Pakistan.

    The Mayor said that he encourages more conversation on a local level so that people from different cultures and ethnic backgrounds know each other, and live in a peaceful manner.

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  • ACMW, COPO hold awareness seminar on NYC’s annual budget, its allocation

    New York: The American Council of Minority Women (ACMW) in collaboration with the Council of People’s Organization (COPO) organized an awareness seminar on New York’s budgetary allocations, and development spending in the city.  

    A large number of community members participated in a session titled: “The People’s Money” and Idea Generation related to budgeting and spending by the Civic Engagement Commission, a sub-department of New York City.

    The participants were informed that they must present their proposals and suggestions to the government in budgeting.

    On this occasion, the chairperson of the Council of People’s Organization, Baza Ruhi, said that the city government has every community and their areas in the budget. A portion of the development projects is allocated for them, but for this, it is important that the people inform the government about their priority areas where development work is needed.

    On this occasion, COPO director Hasan Raza said that the city government wants to spend more of the budget on the welfare of the citizens, and has given many important suggestions from the community that should be presented to the city government for budgeting.

    The participants of the seminar were given a presentation based on the preparation of the budget and the COPO representative told in English that out of the annual budget of $1.3 trillion  of the United States, only $ 107 billion are allocated for New York City.

    ACMW member Mehwish Khan translated the presentation in Urdu so that the community members could easily understand.

    ACMW Secretary Ahmed and others also participated in the awareness session. At the end the participants were also given gifts through a lucky draw.

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  • International investors should explore business and investment opportunities in Pakistan, Alvi

    Islamabad: President Dr Arif Alvi has said that international investors and companies should explore business and investment opportunities in Pakistan and benefit from Pakistan’s improved business climate.

    Talking to a visiting delegation of Oxford Alumni, President Alvi said that Pakistan offered tremendous investment opportunities in diverse sectors of its economy and was an emerging market that was growing every year.
    The visiting delegation led by Haseeb Ahmad, comprised of Oxford graduates from different geographical and business backgrounds, who called on President Dr Arif Alvi at Aiwan-e-Sadr, and discussed the prospects of doing business in Pakistan.

    President said that Pakistan was focusing on improving its economy and was making efforts to enhance exports and explore new markets for its products.
    He stated that Pakistan offered an investment-friendly climate and had improved its ease of doing business ranking in recent years.

    He added that foreign investors should explore business opportunities in Pakistan in different sectors of the economy, particularly in Information Technology.

    The President informed the delegation that Pakistan had established the Special Investment Facilitation Council to facilitate and encourage foreign investment in Pakistan and provide a one-window facility to the investors.
    He remarked that foreign investors should invest in Pakistan’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Special Technology Zones (STZs) and benefit from tax incentives offered by the government.

    Highlighting Pakistan’s trained human resources, the President said that 3.5 million trainings had been imparted since 2018 under the Prime Minister’s Digital Skills Training Program ‘DigiSkills’ in the field of IT to equip youth and women with the latest IT skills.
    He said that Pakistan was focused on increasing the number of quality and skilled graduates, particularly in IT, besides increasing the quantum of online education.

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  • British high commission’s director development calls on planning minister

    Islamabad: A two-member delegation led by Jo Moir, Director of Development at British High Commission Islamabad called on the caretaker minister for planning development & special initiatives, Mohammad Sami Saeed on Tuesday.

    The two sides exchanged views on the existing portfolio for Pakistan and expressed their resolve to further enhance in the future.
    The Planning Minister highlighted a National Climate Finance Strategy (NCFS) which has been prepared to identify sectoral priorities and scale climate finance.

    He also highlighted the newly–established Sustainable Finance Bureau (SFB) to revolutionize climate finance. He said that Pakistan is among the countries in the world that are most affected by weather/climate-related hazards such as floods, landslides, droughts, heat waves, extreme cold, and cyclones, etc. He said that Pakistan has already geared up the efforts to cope with such a huge challenge as the planning ministry has taken the lead in establishing an NCFS and Climate Responsive Public Investment Framework.

    The Planning Minister appreciated the support of BHC for its decades-long assistance, which has been playing a vital role in the socio-economic uplift of Pakistan. He also appreciated their continued support and commitment for the ongoing development projects, particularly in the climate sector.

    Ms Moir appreciated the steps taken by the planning ministry and assured their full support in the future. She reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting Pakistan in its journey toward climate resilience and sustainable development. The UK has been actively involved in addressing the climate challenges which are being faced by Pakistan.

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  • Caretaker PM urges overseas Pakistanis to invest in Pakistan

    ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Tuesday urged the overseas Pakistanis to invest in Pakistan and assured that the government would provide all possible support and facilities to them, APP reported.
    He said protecting the rights of overseas Pakistanis were among the top priorities of the government.
    The prime minister expressed these views during a meeting with a delegation of the overseas Pakistanis led by Nouman Mustafa that called on him, the PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.
    The prime minister observed that transfer of remittances of the Pakistanis residing aboard through legal and safe manner was very important for the country’s progress and urged them to send their amounts through the Roshan Digital Pakistan Account.
    He further said that the Roshan Digital Pakistan Account was the safest means for transfer of remittances and its utilization could help in improving the national economy.
    Protection of their investments and properties were the responsibility of the government and no leniency would be tolerated in that regard, he added.

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  • Joint Arab Islamic Summit’s resolution calls upon UNSC to condemn destruction in Gaza, ensure immediate cessation of Israeli escalation

    ISLAMABAD: The Joint Arab Islamic Extraordinary Summit which was held in Riyadh has called upon the United Nations Security Council to adopt a resolution to condemn the destruction, displacement, and prevention of basic services and needs in Gaza and to ensure immediate cessation of Israeli military escalation, according to Associated Press of Pakistan (APP.

    APP while quoting a press statement said that the summit further demanded lifting of the Israeli illegal siege, ensure delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and compel the colonial occupation to abide by the international laws, ).

    The joint extraordinary Arab and Islamic Summit held in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on 11 November had concluded its work in the presence of Heads of State and Government of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the League of Arab States, a press statement said.

    The two organizations in the resolution adopted by the joint summit underscored the centrality of the Palestinian cause and their support with all their capabilities for the legitimate struggle of the Palestinian people to liberate all their occupied territories and the need to end the Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people and to separate Gaza from the West Bank, including Al Quds Al Sharif.

    “The resolution affirmed that Israel and all the states in the region will never enjoy security and peace unless Palestinians enjoy them and reclaim all their usurped rights,”.

    The resolution mandated the foreign ministers of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as Chair of the Arab Summit (32), and the Islamic Summit and of Jordan, Egypt, Qatar, Turkiye, Indonesia, Nigeria, Palestine, and any other interested country and the secretary generals of the two organizations to start immediate international action on behalf of all member states of the Organization and the League to initiate an international action to stop the war on Gaza.
    The resolutions also demanded that all countries stop exporting weapons and ammunitions to the occupation authorities that are used by their army and terrorist settlers to kill the Palestinian people and destroy their homes, hospitals, schools, mosques, churches, and all their properties.

    The resolution mandated the two General Secretariats of the OIC and the League of Arab States to establish two specialized legal monitoring units to document all the crimes of the occupation authorities in the Gaza Strip since 7 October 2023 and to prepare evidence on the Israeli violations.

    It affirmed its support for the legal and political initiatives of the State of Palestine at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the International Criminal Court (ICC), and the Human Rights Council (HRC).
    It also requested the prosecutor of the ICC to continue its investigation into the war crimes and crimes against humanity perpetrated by Israel against the Palestinian people.

    The resolution called for convening an international peace conference, as soon as possible, noting that a just, durable, and comprehensive peace was the only way to achieve that on the basis of international legitimacy resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative as basic terms of reference and renewed adherence to all its provisions and priorities.

    The resolution contained political, legal, and humanitarian steps, including breaking the siege on Gaza, ensuring the entry of Arab, Islamic, and international humanitarian aid convoys, and supporting Egypt’s efforts to deliver aid to the Strip in an immediate, sustainable, and sufficient manner.
    It also called on the international organizations to participate in this process.

    It described the ongoing Israeli aggression as a retaliatory war crime that could not be justified under any guise.
    “The resolution also included the activation of the Arab and Islamic Financial Safety Net to provide assistance and financial, economic, and humanitarian support to the Government of the State of Palestine and to UNRWA, and emphasized the need to mobilize international partners to reconstruct Gaza and mitigate the effects of the massive destruction caused by the Israeli aggression as soon as it stops,” the statement said.

    The resolution also condemned the military aggression against the Gaza Strip and the war crimes and barbaric, brutal, and inhuman massacres committed by the colonial occupation government and the military operations against Palestinian cities and camps, the settlers’ terrorism, and Israeli attacks on Islamic and Christian holy places in Al-Quds and the illegal Israeli measures that violated freedom of worship.

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

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

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

     

     

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

     

     

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

     

     

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

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

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

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  • Pakistani filmmaker Mumtaz Hussain wins US award for distinguished artists

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Courtesy: urduqaisar.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

     

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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  • APPAC delegation visits FPCCI in Karachi

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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  • PACOLI announces new office bearers for 2024.

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

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

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

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

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

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