Governor Sindh Kamran Tessori inquiring about the health of tallest man of Pakistan Naseer Soomro
IPRI holds seminar on ‘Developments in Middle East’
ISLAMABAD, Jun 7 (APP): Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI) in collaboration with We News organized an international seminar on ‘Developments in the Middle East: Lessons and Opportunities for Pakistan.’
President IPRI, Amb. Dr Raza Muhammad, while opening the seminar, underscored the need for greater cooperation with the Middle Eastern states, and highlighted the ongoing regional socio-political developments as the way ahead.
He said that focusing on inter-regional developments is a must, and Pakistan can learn and benefit a lot. He cited the examples of Europe and pointed out how from deep-rooted animosity, the region has moved towards a geo-political union in the form of a 27-member European Union. He said that with Mideast coming together and burying the hatchet, Pakistan has some lessons to learn.
Ambassador Raza said that human resource management and Information Technology start-ups are some of the avenues where Pakistan has immense potential in the new era. These muscles can be used for unshackling society and moving towards a friendly business environment.
Chief Editor WE News Ammar Masood, said that promoting dialogue in a polarized society and opting for greater regional cooperation are avenues that are the need of the hour.
While flagging the potential of Pakistan in the Middle East, he said that new areas of cooperation can be explored, and stated that dialogue serves as the cornerstone for building bridges to dispel misconceptions.
He also illustrated that trade and development in interstate relations, as well as cultural cooperation as soft power, need to be harnessed. Masood also brought to the fore the dynamics of truth, integrity, and impartiality as values that go on to cement society with the world outside for a promising partnership.
Former Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan, Ali Awadh Asseri talked about the evolution of Saudi Arabia into a modern developed state under the vision of Muhammad Bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, and said that Vision 2030 is transforming not only Saudia but also the region at large.
He said that Riyadh is moving towards reconciliation with Iran, and termed it as a promising development. He said that the new environment is conducive to trade and collective prosperity.
He pointed out three developments that are changing the region, and they are China emerging as a major investor in the region, which has come with political muscles; Saudi Arabia experiencing a complete socio-economic transformation under MBS vision and diversifying its relationship with the US and China.
Asseri said that China and the Arab states want the United States to guarantee security in international commerce in the region, and there is no point in reading about conflict between major powers in the region.
He said that around $250bn is being invested in the region, and China is one of the largest trading partners of Saudi Arabia and a major crude exporter.
The Saudi ambassador pointed out that 34 deals were signed between Riyadh and
While pointing out potential opportunities for Saudi-Pak cooperation, Asseri said that BRI and the 2030 vision are interlinked, and Pakistan must use this opportunity to integrate its economy with Central Asia and other countries.
Asseri said that there are more than 2 million Pakistani workers in his country, and the remittances are to the tune of $5bn annually.
He called upon the Chambers of Commerce and Industries between the two countries to cooperate more profoundly and take interaction to a new level.
He lamented that both the countries have very low trade and the volume is less than $3bn.
The former envoy said that Saudi Arabia is a land of opportunities under Vision 2030, and declared that Saudi and Pakistani interests are aligned with a rising China.
He called for ushering in political stability in Pakistan and opined that without putting the house in order democracy is meaningless.
Vice-Admiral Khan Hasham bin Siddiqui said that there is a paradigm shift in US policy vis-a-vis Gulf, and the renewed interest of China is changing the landscape.
He said that Gulf is the only place where money is pouring in, and called upon Pakistan to formulate progressive and business-centered policies.
He said that Saudia has a $ 1 trillion economy, and non-oil revenue is up to 900bn Saudi riyals, with a tourism potential of $49bn in the year 2022.
The vice-admiral called for creating a one-window process for executing Pak-Saudi collaborative projects so that success could be achieved.
Former Minister of State & Chairman Board of Investment (BOI) Azfar Ahsan said that there are opportunities for a few billion dollars pouring in every year from China and Arab states, and it is an undeniable ground reality.
He called for facilitating existing local and foreign investors and said that creating a conducive environment is a must.
Azfar pointed out that incompetence and an unproductive bureaucracy are eating away at the vitals, and are at the root cause of our backwardness. He said collaboration among stakeholders is essential to transform Pakistan.
Governor Sindh Kamran Tessori talking to media persons after inauguration ceremony of “Welcome to Karachi Board”
Gandhara tourism promotes Pakistan’s soft image: Dr Ramesh
ISLAMABAD, Jun 7 (APP):Minister of State, Chairman for Prime Minister Task Force on Gandhara Tourism Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani on Wednesday said the Gandhara tourism’s promotion was crucial to project the soft image of the country at the international level.
Talking to the media during a visit to the historical and archeological site Takht Bahi at Mardan, the minister said that thousands of years ago, Takht Bahi was the cradle of education and training during the Gandhara civilization. “By visiting this place, I felt that we have reached an ancient university,” he added.
Ramesh Kumar further said that the mentioning of Gandhara civilization is incomplete without reference to the great King Ashoka, who once ruled present-day Pakistan, Afghanistan, and India. “King Ashoka during the Gandhara period is considered a patron in promoting Buddhism.”
Ambassadors of Indonesia, Thailand, Nepal, and Chinese students living in Pakistan, civil society, foreigners, and media representatives also attended the event.
On the occasion, the diplomats expressed their delight that they had the opportunity to visit the Gandhara-era Takh bahi holy place, which is the wish of every Buddha in the world to visit.
Ambassador of Republic of Bulgaria to Pakistan Ms. Irena Gancheva presenting souvenir to Secretary for National Heritage and Culture of Federal Government of Pakistan Farina Mazhar during inauguration ceremony of photo exhibition titled “Bulgarian Sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List” at Embassy of Bulgaria
Parents, teachers urged to stay watchful of kids’ online ventures
ISLAMABAD, Jun 7 (APP): The Internet has revolutionized the way children explore and learn, but it has also exposed them to various risks associated with the digital world to address these issues, parents and teachers must be vigilant about their children’s online activities, particularly excessive screen time that can lead to aggression, loneliness, and anxiety.
Everyone talks about the benefits of the internet but it’s a fact that very few know of its dark side as well. Online risk is a global phenomenon however, from Pakistan’s perspective we face additional challenges said Director Pakistan Telecommunication Authority Muhammad Farooq in his article “Children@ Online Risk”
The matter is so sensitive in nature that even a small incident can trigger a law and order situation and can cause real-world harm, he added.
Keeping in view the gravity of the matter, he said it is imperative to sensitize our social media users including youngsters, parents, teachers, and other key stakeholders not only to be well aware of its associated risks but should timely adopt proper measures to save our youngsters from further harm.
In order to have effective results, serious and collective efforts at all levels are indispensable he noted.
Youngsters are vulnerable in the online world but parents and guardians supervising them are not fully aware of online risks, community guidelines of Social Media platforms, and punishments mentioned in local laws (i.e. PECA, PPC, etc.).
Kids and students at this stage require proper counseling by their parents, teachers from time to time along with the adoption of proven measures such as: avoiding giving them handheld devices and allowing them to use PCs placed in a common area visible to all, and replacing online gaming facilities with physical activities.
He said parents must spare time for their children, be friendly and educate them about online risks and allow them to discuss their issues without judgment otherwise, they may confide in strangers/online predators.
He called upon educational institutions to raise awareness by organizing seminars/webinars, workshops, etc.
In addition, using parental control software and built-in safety features of SM applications is effective in filtering inappropriate content/apps, limiting screen time, observing online activities, etc.
TAPI project helps transform region: Musadik
ISLAMABAD, Jun 7 (APP): Minister of State for Petroleum Musadik Masood Malik said that the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project was not only a pipeline rather, it was a transformation agenda for the region.
The state minister made these remarks during his meeting with a high-level delegation of Turkmenistan led by State Minister and Chairman of Turkmengas Maksat Babayev, here Wednesday.
It was agreed in the meeting to appoint a high-level official from Pakistan to resolve the challenges regarding the project.
Turkmen delegation thanked the Pakistan Government’s support and cooperation for TAPI.
The Turkmenistan’s delegation included Deputy Minister Energy of Turkmenistan Annageldi Saparov, CEO and Chairman of the Board of TPCL Muhammetmyrat Amanov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan Atadjan Movlamov and Pakistan Branch Manager of TPCL Myrat Bayramov.
Minister Finance Gilgit-Baltistan Javad Manwa administering oath to newly elected Speaker Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly Nazir Ahmad Advocate during the 4th sitting of 19th session of GB Assembly at Assembly Secretariat
A vendor arranging and displaying watermelon pieces on handcart to attract the customers at his roadside setup
IHC’s Registrar office issues circular regarding security arrangements during Imran’s appearance
ISLAMABAD, Jun 07 (APP): The registrar’s office of Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday issued a circular regarding the security arrangements during the appearance of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan, tomorrow.
Chief Justice Aamer Farooq would hear the bail petitions of the PTI chairman in cases: Filed by PML-N leader Mohsin Shahnawaz Ranjha nominating the former prime minister as a prime accused for spearheading an alleged attack outside him on the ECP premises after the release of Toshakhana verdict, and a second bail petition challenges the case lodged for issuing controversial statements about the officers of the state institution.
The court would resume hearing in courtroom No.1 at 2:30pm. The entry of the lawyers and journalists in the said courtroom would be permitted with special passes. However, the court staff would be exempted from the passes.
Imran Khan would be allowed to take 15 lawyers along with him, while ten lawyers would be permitted from the office of the Attorney General of Pakistan. Likewise, 30 members of Islamabad High Court Journalists Association would be issued special passes for entry to cover the proceeding.
The registrar’s office asked the IGP and district administration to ensure the security arrangements during the appearance of PTI head.