Indian SC verdict stands no legal validity in presence of UN resolutions: AJK LA Speaker

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Thu, 14 Dec 2023, 11:29 PM

MUZAFFARABAD , Dec 14 (APP): An extraordinary session of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly was held on Thursday in the backdrop of the Indian Supreme Court’s verdict that validated the Modi government’s actions of abrogating Article 370 of Indian Constitution of August 5, 2019 changing the special status of the Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

The session was specially attended and addressed by Caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq, Leader of the Opposition Khawaja Farooq Ahmed, and others, an AJK government press release said.

In his opening remarks, AJK LA Speaker Chaudhry Latif Akbar, while welcoming Prime Minister Kakar, said that his arrival in the august House had boosted the morale of Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control, and especially those who were engaged in the freedom struggle on the other side of the LoC.

He said the Indian SC’s politically motivated verdict was actually a continuation of the August 5, 2019 move that led to the revocation of Kashmir’s special status and dissolution of the state.

He said that the lopsided decision was a clear violation of the United Nations resolutions, and had no legal standing.

The decision could not supersede the UN Security Council resolutions, he added.

Addressing the session, Leader of Opposition Khawaja Farooq Ahmed said that it was expected that the Indian SC would endorse and put a seal of approval on the Modi government’s decision.

He said that Pakistan was the sole advocate of the Kashmiri people. “We wish the Government of Pakistan should take up the issue aggressively at the international level and adopt a cogent and convincing approach to galvanize world support in favour of the Kashmiris’ right to self determination,” he added.

Pakistan Peoples Party AJK President Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin said that in presence of UN resolutions, the Indian top court’s judgement had no moral or legal standing. He said that the Kashmiris were already aware of Narendra Modi’s nefarious designs.

He also expressed his deep concern over the international community’s indifference towards the plight of Kashmiris and its double standards. A robust and proactive Kashmir policy was direly needed to foil Indian designs, he added.

Yasin said that delegations consisting of members of the National Assembly of Pakistan, Azad Kashmir and APHC should be sent abroad to sensitize the world about early and amicable settlement of the Kashmiri dispute.

President of Muslim League-N AJK Shah Ghulam Qadir highlighted the Kashmiris’ vital role and contribution in the security and economic development of Pakistan.

He said the Indian Judiciary had never been fair to the Kashmiris and added the Indian government had unleashed a reign of terror in the occupied Kashmir.

“India on the one hand is hectically engaged in its efforts to alter the region’s demography, while on the other innocent civilians are being killed by the Indian occupation forces day in and day out,” he said and added that retired soldiers of the Indian army were being settled along the Line of Control.

Qadir said that the Government of Pakistan should formulate a comprehensive policy and stressed the need for including Kashmiris in the policy making process.

Former AJK prime minister Sardar Abdul Qayoum Niazi said that the purpose of establishing the AJK Government was to liberate the rest part of the state that was still reeling under the India’s occupation.

“It is our duty to realize this primary responsibility and use all our energies to raise the issue of Kashmir at every forum”, he said.

He stressed the need for convening a joint sitting of the Kashmiri representatives hailing from both sides of the LOC and members of the diaspora community to chalk out an effective strategy and plan of action to counter Indian false and fabricated narrative on Kashmir.

Raja Mohammad Farooq Haider Khan said that holding referendum in the region was the Kashmiris’ only demand.

He said that the AJK Government should be recognized as the representative government of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir until the Kashmiris get their right of self-determination guaranteed to them by the United Nations.

Sardar Hasan Ibrahim said that Kashmiris had decided to align their fate with Pakistan months before the emergence of India and Pakistan as sovereign states. The historic resolution known as accession to Pakistan resolution, he said was adopted at the residence of his grandfather Sardar Muhammad Ibrahim Khan and then the revolutionary government of Azad Kashmir was established under his leadership on 24 October 1947.

He said that the Kashmiris’ ongoing struggle was all about the right of self determination.

The assembly session was also attended by the representatives of All Parties Hurriyat Conference.

Mr. Nicolas Galey Ambassador of France to Pakistan called on Caretaker Federal Minister for Finance, Revenue and Economic Affairs Dr Shamshad Akhtar at Finance Division

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Zia Ur Rehman

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Thu, 14 Dec 2023, 11:00 PM

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APP64-141223 ISLAMABAD: December 14 - Mr. Nicolas Galey Ambassador of France to Pakistan called on Caretaker Federal Minister for Finance, Revenue and Economic Affairs Dr Shamshad Akhtar at Finance Division. APP/ABB/ZID

Ms. Hela Cheikhrouhou, Regional Vice President of International Finance Corporation (IFC) for Middle East, Central Asia, Turkey, Pakistan and Afghanistan called on Caretaker Federal Minister for Finance, Revenue and Economic Affairs Dr Shamshad Akhtar at Finance Division

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Zia Ur Rehman

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Thu, 14 Dec 2023, 10:59 PM

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APP63-141223 ISLAMABAD: December 14 - Ms. Hela Cheikhrouhou, Regional Vice President of International Finance Corporation (IFC) for Middle East, Central Asia, Turkey, Pakistan and Afghanistan called on Caretaker Federal Minister for Finance, Revenue and Economic Affairs Dr Shamshad Akhtar at Finance Division. APP/ABB/ZID

Pakistan, France agree to further boost economic relations

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Muhammad Ashraf Wani

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Thu, 14 Dec 2023, 10:23 PM

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 14 (APP):Pakistan and France agreed here on Thursday to further enhance economic relations, explore investment opportunities, and increase bilateral trade between the two countries.

According to press statement issued by finance ministry Ambassador of France to Pakistan, Nicolas Galey called on Caretaker Federal Minister for Finance, Revenue and Economic Affairs Dr Shamshad Akhtar and during the meeting, matters of mutual interest, economic relations between the two countries and collaborative efforts in various sectors were discussed.

On the occasion, the finance minister stated that both countries enjoy deep and historical relations, adding Pakistan highly values its bilateral ties with the France including trade and economic relations.

The Finance Minister apprised the French Ambassador about the economic reforms of the government that have brought economic and fiscal stability in the country.

She informed that the government has successfully concluded first review of the Standby Agreement with International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently.
Finance Minister also shared reform agenda of the interim government which aims to bring economic and fiscal stability in the country, adding the fiscal and current account deficit has narrowed.

She further informed the Ambassador on key reforms being undertaken by the caretaker government including State Owned Enterprises, privatization, forex exchange regime, and reforms in Federal Board of Revenue.

Finance Minister stated that the interim government would like to hand over economy to incoming political government in a positive trajectory which can continue the economic policies for the ultimate good of the people.

The French Ambassador recognized the stabilization efforts of interim government through structural economic reforms. He said that the fiscal sustainability achieved by the government would be helpful to the new incoming political government.

He also congratulated Finance Minister on concluding IMF review successfully and expressed the desire to further deepen bilateral trade and investment ties with Pakistan.

Govt taking measures to improve capital market, insurance industry

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Muhammad Ashraf Wani

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Thu, 14 Dec 2023, 10:12 PM

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 14 (APP): Caretaker Federal Minister for Finance, Revenue and Economic Affairs, Dr Shamshad Akhtar said here on Thursday that the government was paying attention to improve capital market, insurance industry, investment finance, export oriented growth and was establishing special economic zones to boost exports.

The minister was talking to Regional Vice President of International Finance Corporation (IFC) for Middle East, Central Asia, Turkey, Pakistan and Afghanistan, Ms. Hela Cheikhrouhou, who called on here here, according to press statement issued by fiannce ministry.

The meeting was attended by IFC Regional Director, Khawaja Aftab Ahmed, Country Director, World Bank, Mr. Najy Benhassine, Country Manager, IFC Pakistan, Zeeshan Shaikh and senior officials from Economic Affairs and Finance Division.

She said, the insurance industry can play important role in offering a social safety net mechanism, encouraging building of sustainable and climate-resilient infrastructure in Pakistan.

If liquidity from insurance sector is effectively deployed it can trigger development of the capital markets.
The Finance Minister highlighted the current economic situation of Pakistan and said that the government is committed to introduce reform in various sectors to address the long outstanding structural issues.

She shared reform agenda and economic reforms of the interim government that have brought economic and fiscal stability in the country. The minister encouraged IFC to concentrate its private sector operations in insurance sector, export oriented business and export processing zones.

On the occasion, Ms. Hela Cheikhrouhou appreciated the steps taken by the government in economic and financial sectors for improvement in the economy of Pakistan. She extended her all out support for the progress and betterment of economic agenda of the country.

U.S. Mission, USPWC proud to celebrate S&P Global’s milestone achievement in reaching 20,000 women: Schofer

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NNPS Desk

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Thu, 14 Dec 2023, 10:05 PM

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 14 (APP): U.S. Embassy in Pakistan, Chargé d’ Affaires, Andrew Schofer on Thursday said the U.S. Mission Pakistan and the U.S.-Pakistan Women’s Council (USPWC) are tremendously proud to celebrate S&P Global’s milestone achievement in reaching 20,000 women as mentees, under the USPWC’s Million Women Mentors (MWM) Initiative.

Addressing as chief guest at the S&P Global 20K Women Mentorship Milestone Event, he said, “Just one year ago, Ambassador Blome celebrated S&P’s goal of 10,000 women mentees. These are remarkable efforts, and I applaud Mr. Zahur and his team’s impressive and energetic work, which reflects the best of U.S. corporate and social values in action.”

The Million Women Mentors is an initiative of the U.S.-Pakistan Women’s Council, led by member company Pod and STEMConnector. By 2025, it aims to provide one million Pakistani women and girls with the contacts, networks, and skills
critical to succeed in the workforce or as entrepreneurs, he added.

Mr Schofer mentioned that with women accounting for only 14.4% of total business owners in Pakistan, and more than twice the number of women out of the labor force than men, the Mission knew that women were the true key to unlocking economic growth.

The U.S.-Pakistan Women’s Council, a public-private partnership between the U.S. Department of State and Texas A&M University, catalyzes commitments from the private sector, civil society, and government leaders in both countries to advance women’s education, entrepreneurship, and employment.

“Mentoring is a powerful way to encourage and equip women and girls to pursue their career goals in all sectors. We are incredibly excited that S&P Global joined with us in this initiative and has been a trailblazer in reaching their mentoring commitments.

Mentorship nurtures our next generation of professionals in the workplace and can enable women to rise to positions of leadership,” he added.

On the occasion, Managing Director, S&P Global Pakistan, Mujeeb Zahur said, “This landmark achievement highlights our commitment to progress and equality, embodied in the Million Women Mentors (MWM) initiative. MWM not only opens doors for women in STEM but also fosters business and digital marketing skills, bridging the global skills gap and promoting an inclusive economy.”

The S&P Global Pakistan, steadfast in its mission, continues to uplift communities and empower women, whereas this success reiterates its dedication to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), he added.

“To honor their commitment, S&P Global Pakistan, teamed up with the Society for International Education (SIE), The Indus Entrepreneurs (TIE), She Means Work (SMW), National Incubation Center (NIC), Epiphany, CaterpillHers, and xCircle Women.

Under the MWM program over 250 sessions were conducted, engaging 150+ S&P Global mentors who dedicated more than 1170 volunteer hours. Covering a diverse range of STEM-related topics, the program mentors provided critical support to women entrepreneurs and professionals. The mentorship covered areas such as STEM Awareness, Upscaling
Business using Technology, Growth Mindset, Confidence and Imposter Syndrome, Freelancing, Digital. Marketing, Building Resumes, and Linkedln profiles. The commitment to mentor 20,000 women, and girls over three years has reached fruition. The MWM initiative has been lauded for the impact it has had and won the Vanguard Award in 2020 while earning an Honourable Mention in 2021.

At the token of appreciations and awards were distributed among the mentees and mentors. However, awards were given to top mentors with highest number of sessions delivered including Sadan Durrani, Usman Saleem, Samia Abbasi, Amjad and Fahad.

Election Commission dismisses PTI accusations of election postponement

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NNPS Desk

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Thu, 14 Dec 2023, 10:04 PM

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 14 (APP): The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) firmly denied the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman’s allegations of holding the ECP responsible for the election postponement, stating it as an unsuccessful attempt to mislead the public.

The ECP spokesman stated in a release that the Commission cannot be blamed for the present circumstances.

After examining PTI’s challenge to the appointment of District Returning Officers (DROs), Returning Officers ((ROs) and the subsequent suspension of their appointment by the Lahore High Court (LHC), the Commission deliberated on the situation in depth. It has now resolved to formulate a future action plan to address the circumstances.

The ECP spokesman confirmed that all preparations for the February 8 election were finalized. The appointment of District Returning Officers and Returning Officers was completed, and their training sessions commenced nationwide.

This is crucial before announcing the election schedule so that the DROs, ROs and others can promptly issue and receive nomination papers and fulfill other related responsibilities.