ISLAMABAD: May 03 – .
Thick clouds hovering over the sky in the Federal Capital
ISLAMABAD: May 03 – .
Free, responsible media essential for democracy: Law Minister
ISLAMABAD, May 03 (APP): Minister for Law and Justice, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar has emphasized on the necessity of an independent and responsible media to promote democracy and accountability in the society.
In his message on ‘Press Freedom Day here Friday, he said, this year’s theme, “A Free Press for a Sustainable Future: Journalism Facing Environmental Challenges,” highlights the important role of the media in addressing environmental issues and sustainability.
The law minister said that the Constitution of Pakistan ensured freedom of expression. It is our duty, as guardians of justice, to ensure a conducive environment where journalists can work freely, he added.
He said, it is imperative to promote ethical journalism practices and responsible reporting that is in the public interest. Collaborative efforts between the government, media organizations and civil society are crucial to address the challenges
and promote a fair and transparent media landscape, he said and stressed on continuous cooperation to promote professionalism and integrity of the media, which is essential to strengthen democracy and ensure a free press for next generations.
Chairman Pakistan People’s Party and MNA Bilawal Bhutto Zardari called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif
ISLAMABAD: May 03 – .
Lunar mission good example of Pak-China cooperation in space exploration, research: Ambassador Hashmi
WENCHANG (China): May 3 (APP):Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi on Friday said that launch of Pakistan’s historic lunar mission (ICUBE-Q) on board China’s Chang’e-6 lunar was a good example of Pakistan-China bilateral cooperation in space exploration and research.
Pakistan’s lunar mission (ICUBE-Q) was launched on board China’s Chang’e-6 from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in south China’s Hainan province.
While congratulating the China National Space Agency, SUPARCO and everyone involved in making this happen, the ambassador said that it signified yet another milestone and he looked forward to many more such milestones.
Talking to APP, Ambassador Hashmi said that it was an important day for China because launch of Chang’e-6 demonstrated an important landmark in the country’s space exploration journey.
After completion, the mission would bring back samples from far side of the moon, he added.
Terming the launch an important day for Pakistan as well, he said that it was an excellent example of international cooperation where countries and organizations were coming together with China.
The European Space Agency, France, Italy and Pakistan’s SUPARCO “have joined hands and are going on this exploration together”, he added.
About further cooperation between Pakistan and China in space, he said that it was an excellent example of international cooperation as well as absolute example of Pakistan-China collaboration for peaceful purposes in the space.
Ambassador Hashmi pointed out that Pakistan and China had been cooperating in the past.
“We have launched satellites before for communications and are working with China to launch another satellite,” he added.
He said that the ICUBE-Q was designed for research and exploration. Incidentally, the satellite was developed jointly by the Shanghai Jiaotong University and Pakistan Institute of Space Technology.
“Pakistan and China are working closely on unmanned flight of spacecraft and certainly we will look forward to many more such examples in the future,” he said.
Responding to a question about the impact of cooperation in space exploration on Pak-China all-weather friendship, he said that the two countries were old friends, very unique friends, and they had been cooperating on a number of matters such as diplomatic, multilateral cooperation, bilateral economic and defense and space.
“So, it’s a very wide ranging partnership and space cooperation is an important facet of this partnership. We see it as a platform to promote development objectives, and we are grateful to the government of China, the China National Space Agency providing this opportunity to launch the ICUBE-Q.”
Sharing his personal feelings about the launch, the ambassador said that he was very excited to witness the launch because it was his first time that he was going to witness a lunar mission.
Earlier, Ambassador Hashmi attended Chang’e-6 International Payloads Workshop held in Haikou, Hainan and hosted by China National Space Administration Lunar Exploration and Space Engineering Center.
The workshop was addressed by experts from Pakistan, China, France and Italy.
He also interacted with Pakistani and international delegates as well as media on the significance of today’s milestone for Pakistan and China and other countries and organizations.
Law minister congratulates nation on satellite mission to moon
ISLAMABAD, May 03 (APP): Minister for Law and Justice, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar Friday congratulated the nation on successful launch of Pakistan’s first satellite mission to the moon.
In his message, he said that there were proud moments for the entire nation.
The minister also congratulated Pakistan’s Institute of Space Technology, SPARCO and China’s National space agency.
He said that this mission would be an important milestone in the friendship between Pakistan and China.
He hoped that future space exploration would also achieve great success.
Minister for Maritime Affairs visits Gwadar
QUETTA, May 03 (APP): Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh along with Additional Secretary Maritime Affairs, embarked on a significant three-day visit to Gwadar.
Upon arrival, they were warmly received by Chairman Gwadar Port Pasand Khan Baldi, CEO of China Overseas Port Holding Company Limited, Yu Bu and other distinguished officials from GPA and China.
The minister’s first day in Gwadar was filled with engagements, starting with chairing a meeting at GPA head office, where senior officials from Chinese and Gwadar Port Authority discussed various matters.
Chairman Gwadar Port Passand Khan Buledi gave insights into the ongoing development projects at Gwadar Port, followed by a detailed briefing from Chairman COPHC about the Port’s operations and recent developments
The minister also visited the Free Zone, including a visit to the newly constructed 1.2 MGD Desalination Plant, showing keen interest in the infrastructure developments. Expressing satisfaction, the Minister commended the progress of ongoing works in Gwadar.
Press freedom imperative for just society: Mayor Karachi
KARACHI, May 03 (APP): Mayor Karachi and spokesperson for Sindh Government Barrister Murtaza Wahab on Friday said that press freedom was essential for a just society and People’s Party has always supported the press freedom.
Our struggle for press freedom and the betterment of journalists will continue, this he said in his message on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day.
Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab said that the Day provides an opportunity for us to remember the sacrifices of brave journalists and to renew our commitment for making all possible efforts for press freedom in the country.
He paid tribute to the journalist community for their valuable services for the survival of democracy in the country and said that journalists who while raising the voice of one’s right have never bowed down have in fact nurtured the high values of journalism and their struggle will always be remembered.
Barrister Murtaza Wahab said, free press has a fundamental role to play in building the best society and this fact is recognized all over the world. Freedom of press is also the need of the hour and an important step towards improvement which can pave the way for the stability of democracy and economic prosperity in the country, he said.
He said the government of Pakistan People’s Party in Sindh has taken several initiatives for the welfare of journalist community.