QUETTA
Chairman Senate, Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani in a meeting with the delegation of Pakistan Humanitarian Forum at Parliament House
ISLAMABAD
Senators Dar & Mandviwalla to continue as Leader of House, Chief Whip: Solangi
ISLAMABAD, Nov 20 (APP): Caretaker Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, and Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi on Monday informed the Senate that Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar had endorsed Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar as Leader of the House and Senator Saleem Mandviwalla as Chief Whip with status of Minister of State.
Responding to a point raised by Senator Shahadat Awan during the session on October 30 regarding the status of leaders of the House and Opposition, and the Chief Whip after completion of constitutional tenure of the last government, he minister clarified that as per parliamentary traditions, they would continue to perform their responsibilities.
A notification regarding appointment of Saleem Manviwalla as Chief Whip had also been reissued, he added.
Caretaker PM reiterates Pakistan’s solid support to diplomatic efforts for ending violence, brutality in Gaza
ISLAMABAD, Nov 20 (APP): Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Monday reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong support to diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the violence in Gaza and stopping the brutality unleashed by Israel on innocent Palestinians.
Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmad Al Maliky called on him at the Prime Minister’s House, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.
The prime minister conveyed his deep appreciation for the Saudi leadership for hosting the OIC Extraordinary Summit earlier this month to discuss the situation in Gaza.
He lauded the role of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman in building historic consensus among the Arab and Islamic countries.
Caretaker PM stresses upon further strengthening of Pak-UAE cooperation in energy, trade
ISLAMABAD, Nov 20 (APP): Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Monday expressed satisfaction at the robust and wide-ranging engagement between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates and stressed the need to focus on strengthening cooperation in energy, trade and investment.
The prime minister was talking to Ambassador of UAE to Pakistan Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi who called on him at the Prime Minister’s House, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.
The Emirati ambassador presented a formal invitation to the caretaker prime minister for attending the forthcoming COP-28 meeting in Abu Dhabi.
He said that Pakistan was one of the leading countries in climate change negotiations and the U.A.E. was hopeful that Pakistan would play its part in ensuring the success of COP-28.
The caretaker prime minister congratulated the UAE for hosting this important global climate change conference and assured of Pakistan’s active participation in the event.
Progress on bilateral cooperation was also discussed.
During discussion on the situation in Gaza, Prime Minister Kakar urged the Muslim countries to speak with a united voice to urge the international community to end the violence and brutal murder of innocent civilians in Gaza at the hands of Israeli occupation forces.
Ashrafi highlights Pakistan’s unwavering support for Palestine amidst ongoing Gaza crisis
ISLAMABAD, Nov 20 (APP): Special Representative to the Prime Minister on Religious Harmony and the Pakistani Diaspora in Middle East and Islamic Countries, Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi on Monday stated that Pakistan’s stance on the Gaza issue had been unequivocal since October 7, affirming its unwavering support for Palestinians in their just cause.
Addressing a press conference here, he highlighted that certain entities wanted to disturb the country’s peace through disinformation, with numerous fake social media accounts from India fanning religious disharmony and political instability.
Ashrafi, who is also Chairman of Pakistan Ulema Council, emphasized that Pakistan was among the first nations to provide aid to Palestine, with contributions from its government, army, and people for the Palestinian brethren.
He said the issue of Palestine prominently featured in the Corps Commander Conference, and Pakistan maintained a clear stance on the matter at the summit of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and that unambiguous position was highlighted during the meeting of Army Chief with the Palestinian ambassador.
Ashrafi mentioned that both Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman and Pakistan’s Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar directly engaged with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. The Pakistani prime minister was among the few leaders who met the Palestinian president during the special summit in Riyadh.
Emphasizing that the Palestine and Kashmir were the common issues of the Islamic Ummah, he said deviating from the two concerns was not a viable option.
He expressed gratitude to the Saudi Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, for convening Arab and Muslim ministers to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. This occurred during their delegation’s visit to Beijing as part of a tour aimed at ending hostilities and facilitating humanitarian aid to the distressed Palestinian enclave, he added.
Ashrafi stated that Pakistan maintained communication with various Islamic countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Iran and Egypt, in an effort to peacefully address the Palestine issue.
He pointed out that the matter of the return of illegal Afghan migrants had been negatively portrayed by a certain section of the media with malicious intent. He questioned whether Pakistan did not have the right to repatriate those foreigners residing unlawfully within its borders.
Expressing a desire for peace among Islamabad and Kabul, he emphasized the responsibility of neighbours to take care of each other.
Ashrafi also mentioned that an OIC delegation had recently arrived in China from Saudi Arabia, indicating improvement, and he anticipated positive outcomes from the decisions made by Muslim leaders during the OIC special summit in Riyadh.
To a query, he said that no illegal immigrants would be permitted to remain in the country.
He clarified that the religious Ulema and Mashaykh were in full agreement with the Army Chief regarding the repatriation of illegal Afghan immigrants. He clarified that there were no illegal students in any federally affiliated seminaries, and Wifaqul Madaris had already concluded its efforts in that regard.
During a comprehensive meeting with the Army Chief, Ashrafi said Ulema and Mashaykh from various schools of thought pledged their complete cooperation and support to actively counter any negative propaganda against national interests. They also reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace and tranquility through all available means in the country, he maintained.
Climate change becomes an issue of national endurance for developing countries: Caretaker PM
ISLAMABAD, Nov 20 (APP): Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Monday said that climate change had become a national issue of survival for the developing nations and Pakistan despite its lesser share of below one percent carbon imprints in the global climate change was among the most affected countries.
The caretaker prime minister presided the second session of Pakistan Climate Change Council. The meeting was attended by Caretaker Ministers including Ahmed Irfan Aslam, Shamshad Akhtar, Jalil Abbas Jilani, Umar Saif, Kausar Abdul Malik, Sami Saeed, Muhammad Ali, Chief Minister Gilgit Baltistan Haji Gulbar Khan, representatives of the provincial governments, civil society, NGOs and global entities, besides the relevant senior officials, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.
The caretaker prime minister said that one third of the country’s population was hit hard by the previous year’s floods triggered by the climate change, adding that the developing countries including Pakistan were facing dangers of climate induced changes due to impacts caused by the developed world.
He stressed upon taking of the required steps at the international level to save the developing countries from the perilous impacts of climate change.
The prime minister lauded the efforts of ministry of climate change and the climate activists of Pakistan in this regard, besides appreciating the endeavours of the provinces and their collaboration with the federation by taking of measures to avert negative impacts of the climate change.
He said that during the COP-28 meeting which would be held in the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan would present its stance effectively. They would send their delegation to participate in COP-28 after consultations with the relevant ministry and the provincial governments, he added.
The caretaker prime minister also desired preparation of short, medium and long terms framework to effectively warding off the harmful affects of the climate change and stressed upon inclusion of scholars and experts in the preparation of the framework.
He also resolved that Pakistan would present stance of all those climate change affected countries before the United Nations, and approved constitution of a committee of experts in Pakistan Climate Change Council under the ministry of climate change.
The committee would frame market for the carbon credits and formulate a comprehensive policy framework for the trade, besides function for further enhancement and improvement.
The meeting was apprised of the participation of Pakistan, agenda and strategy with regard to upcoming 28th Conference of Parties (COP-28) being held in the current month in the UAE.
The meeting was briefed on the targets of Pakistan set during the previous meetings and the steps taken for their achievement.
The session suggested for the establishment of COP cell to reinvigorate Pakistan’s stance at the world level with regard to negative impacts of the climate change. While at the national level, a cabinet committee might be formed for making the coordinated efforts and measures more effective.
Agreeing with these proposals, the caretaker prime minister directed the relevant authorities to ensure taking of steps in this regard.
The session was also informed that during the COP-28, Pakistan would submit a special report regarding the dangers posed by the climate change and the steps taken to overcome them.
A briefing was also given over setting up a Pakistan Pavilion and related activities during the scheduled conference.
The meeting was given a briefing over the policy guidelines for trade in the carbon markets and it was informed that a framework was being formulated in consultations with the relevant government and private entities, NGOs and civil society and implementation over it would commence soon.
Whereas, a strategy was being made under the guidance of the experts from the related sector for facilitating and utilization of carbon credits trade in the carbon markets.
The prime minister appreciated all the stakeholders, ministries and departments for taking steps and directed for completion of all the above mentioned steps in the stipulated period of time.
China supports diplomatic efforts by Arab, Islamic nations over Gaza: Wang Yi
BEIJING, Nov 20 (APP): China supports the diplomatic efforts by Arab and Islamic countries to de-escalate the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli conflict, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during talks with a delegation consisting of Arab and Islamic foreign ministers in Beijing, CGTN reported.
The delegation, including the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Indonesia and Palestine, and the secretary general of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, are on a two-day visit to China.
Reportedly set to meet officials representing each of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, the delegation has chosen China as the first leg of a tour to push for an end to hostilities between the Palestinians and the Israelis.
Wang said that shows a high degree of trust in China and the fine tradition of mutual understanding and support between the two sides. “China is a good friend and good brother of Arab and Islamic countries,” he said.
Noting that Monday marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Palestine, Wang said China stands for fairness and justice in the conflict, and has been working for de-escalations, protection of civilians, humanitarian relief efforts, the return to a two-state solution and an early resolution of the Palestinian issue.
The top priority is to fully implement the relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council and secure an immediate ceasefire, he said.
International law, especially international humanitarian law, must be abided by, added Wang.
As the rotating chair of the UN Security Council, China will continue to strengthen coordination with Arab and Islamic countries to build consensus and promote the Security Council to take further meaningful actions on the situation in Gaza, he said.
The delegation urged the international community to take responsible actions and promote an immediate ceasefire, secure a full delivery of humanitarian aid materials to Gaza, protect Palestine’s civilians, and prevent the forced relocation of Gaza residents.
Earlier, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with the delegation of Arab and Islamic foreign ministers and held in-depth exchange of views on promoting de-escalation of ongoing Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
During the meeting held at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse here, the two sides also exchanged views on protecting civilians and finding a just solution to the Palestinian question, according to Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Mao Ning here.
“Since the outbreak of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, China’s position on firmly supporting a ceasefire, protecting civilians, providing humanitarian assistance and realizing the two-state solution is highly similar to that of Arab and Islamic countries,” Mao Ning said during her regular briefing.
She said that the Chinese side commends the Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit for speaking up for justice, and supports Arab and Islamic countries in making active diplomatic efforts and playing a greater role.
During the visit, the delegation will share more about the summit with China and the two sides will have in-depth exchange of views on the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
China stands ready to work with Arab and Islamic countries and continue making relentless efforts to work for an early ceasefire in Gaza, ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, realize peaceful co-existence between Palestine and Israel, and contribute to the peace and stability in the Middle East, she added.
Will give best against Tajikistan: Stephen Constantine
ISLAMABAD, Nov 20 (APP): Pakistan football team coach Stephen Constantine on Monday said the national squad would give its best in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers 2 match against Tajikistan on November 21 here at the Pakistan Sports Complex.
Every game is important and FIFA World Cup Qualifiers 2 matches will not be taken lightly,” he said at a press conference here along with attacking midfielder Otis Khan.
Khan said football was coming back in Pakistan and we had many opportunities to score goals against Saudi Arabia but could not be materialized.
He said Pakistan was a new team for FIFA World Cup qualifying. We have played three FIFA qualifying matches so far.
To a question, he said that he would play good game against Tajikistan and try to win the match. Pakistan football team played less international matches in the past, he said.
He said teams of Saudi Arabia and Tajikistan were continuously playing international matches while Pakistan was competing with best teams. The match against Tajikistan is important for Pakistan, he said.
He was of the view that no one expected Pakistan to win match against Cambodia, but we did beat Cambodia in a crucial match.
There should be maximum number of matches for the improvement of Pakistan football. Football leagues should be started in Pakistan, he said.
Meanwhile, coach of Tajikistan football team Petar Segrt, said the fans who were warmly welcomed upon arrival in Pakistan will get to see an excellent football.
A tough match is expected between both teams. FIFA World Cup Qualifiers match will be important for Pakistan and Tajikistan. Pakistan is a very hospitable country and I have heard a lot about Pakistan. Winning and losing the match is part of the game, he said.
Zindagi Trust, Meta join hands with PTA, FIA, NCRC to promote youth safety in digital spaces
ISLAMABAD, Nov 20 (APP): Zindagi Trust and Meta have announced their collaboration with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Federal Investigation Authority (FIA), and the National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC) to launch a digital campaign “Cultivating Digital Competence of Youth and Parents” to promote youth safety in digital spaces.
The collaboration was announced on the occasion of National Children’s Day in Pakistan, which was marked on Monday, a PTA news release said.
Shehzad Roy, founder of Zindagi Trust, in his remarks, said the main goal of the campaign was to start the dialogue, and educate the young people and their parents about online safety and different ways to report negative content such as online bullying, false information, hate speech and spam.
“As part of conversations on online safety, safeguarding children on the Internet, addressing their educational requirements, and encouraging positive interactions stand as paramount objectives for the PTA,” the news release said.
“It is important for the young people to understand that access to devices and the Internet comes with a responsibility that extends not only to their own safety but also to the well-being of others in the online sphere,” it added.
The commendable initiative by the Zindagi Trust and Meta would help the young people in cultivating online relationships in an environment where “they feel safe. The PTA supports this initiative and recognizes its potential to significantly contribute to the overall online safety of young people,”.
It is imperative to make online safety conversations part of everyday life – just like conversations about ‘stranger danger’ or crossing the road, and this should start early.
Imran Haider, Incharge of the Unit To Counter Online Child Abuse, Cybercrime Wing of FIA explained that in today’s digital age, children were surrounded by a wide array of electronic gadgets, “therefore, education and awareness play a crucial role in child protection by empowering children and families to identify and prevent child abuse”.
NCRC Chairperson Ayesha Raza Farooq expressed the hope that through the campaign, the young people in Pakistan would be equipped with the tools and knowledge to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.
The launch of the campaign was marked by a roundtable discussion, which discussed the importance of protecting the young people in the digital age and curating informed individuals on cybercrime.
Meta’s Director of Public Policy for South and Central Asia, Sarim Aziz, who attended the discussion, stated that the company was committed to doing their part to protect the young people on and off their apps and “will continue to collaborate with our various stakeholders, industry safety partners, and law enforcement to keep young people safe online”.
This collaborative digital campaign will also include video messages from students who talk about safety tools like Privacy Check Up, Locked Profiles, Hidden Words, Supervision Tools, and managing false information.