Chairman Senate, Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani presenting souvenir to H. E. Sheikh Falah Bin Jassim member of the Qatar’s Royal Family
UN slams attack on Pakistani embassy in Kabul targeting head of mission
UNITED NATIONS, Dec 03 (APP): The United Nations firmly condemned the attack on the Pakistan Embassy in Kabul on Friday that targeted the Head of Mission, Ubaid-ur-Rehman Nizamani, with the hope that the security situation in Afghanistan will improve.
“We’re, first of all, thankful that the charge d’affaires (Nizamani) of the embassy of Pakistan was unharmed,” the UN Secretary-General’s Spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, said in reply to a question at the regular noon briefing in New York. “We very much hope the security guard (who was critically injured) recovers.”
“But”, the spokesman added, “more importantly, we condemn, firmly these types of attacks.”
Asked whether the security situation in Afghanistan was deteriorating, Dujarric said, “We have seen in Afghanistan a number of attacks of security challenges. We want the situation to get better and to improve, and we will continue to do what we can in that regard.”
In Islamabad, the Foreign Office has asked the Afghan authorities to investigate the attack and hold the culprits to account.
Acting Afghan FM phones Bilawal; condemns attack on Pak embassy; assures to bring perpetrators to justice
ISLAMABAD, Dec 2 (APP): Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan Amir Khan Muttaqi on Friday called Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to condemn the terrorist attack on Pakistan’s Mission in Kabul and assured that the Afghan government would bring the perpetrators to justice swiftly.
The Afghan acting foreign minister strongly condemned the terrorist attack targeting Pakistan’s Head of Mission in Kabul, Ubaid-ur-Rehman Nizamani, and conveyed his good wishes and prayers for the early recovery of the security guard, Sepoy Israr Mohammad who was critically injured in the attack.
The foreign minister thanked the interim Afghan government for its strong expression of solidarity and underscored that safety and security of Pakistan’s diplomatic personnel in Afghanistan was of utmost importance.
“The Afghan government must prevent the terrorists from undermining relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan,” he remarked.
Foreign Minister Bilawal also reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to fight terrorism and said that Pakistan will be undeterred by such cowardly attacks.
Earlier, Pakistan also summoned the Afghan Charge d’affaires to convey its “deep concern and anguish” over the attack in Kabul on Pakistan’s Head of Mission.
It was underscored that perpetrators of this attack must be apprehended and brought to justice urgently, an investigation be launched into the serious breach of security of the embassy premises, and that all necessary steps be taken to ensure the security of the diplomatic premises, officers and staff working in Pakistan’s Mission in Kabul and consulates in Jalalabad, Kandahar, Herat and Mazar-i-Sharif.
Responding to Pakistan’s call for apprehending the perpetrators and launching an investigation, the Afghan diplomat said that the security of the Pakistani diplomatic missions had already been beefed up and assured that the Afghan authorities would leave no stone unturned in bringing the perpetrators of this dastardly act to justice.
Meanwhile, the Pakistani security guard Israr Mohammad was flown back to Peshawar after he was critically injured in the said attack.
“The helicopter carrying the injured security guard Israr Mohammad in today’s attack on our mission in Kabul, has landed in Peshawar,” the Foreign Office spokesperson said in a statement.
The spokesperson, responding to a media query, said that there were no plans to close the embassy or withdraw diplomats from Kabul.
“Pakistan is in contact with the Interim Government in Afghanistan and enhanced security measures are being taken to protect Pakistani diplomatic personnel and Missions in Afghanistan,” the spokesperson added.
Aunt of Marriyum Aurangzeb passes away
ISLAMABAD, Dec 02 (APP): Begum Najma Hameed, aunt of Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurnagzeb and sister of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)’s leader Tahira Aurangzeb, passed away in Rawalpindi on Friday.
Begum Najma Hameed was the senior leader of PML-N and got elected as senator twice.
The announcement regarding her funeral would be made shortly.
Security guard injured in Pak embassy attack in Kabul flown back to Peshawar
ISLAMABAD, Dec 2 (APP): The Pakistani security guard Israr Mohammad was flown back to Peshawar on Friday night after he was critically injured in an attack targeting Pakistan’s Head of Mission in Kabul Ubaid-ur-Rehman Nizamani.
“The helicopter carrying the injured security guard Israr Mohammad in today’s attack on our mission in Kabul, has landed in Peshawar,” the Foreign Office spokesperson said in a statement.
Earlier in the day, the compound of the Embassy of Pakistan in Kabul came under attack targeting the Head of Mission, Ubaid-ur-Rehman Nizamani.
The Head of the Mission remained safe, however, a Pakistani security guard Sepoy Israr Mohammad was critically injured in the attack while protecting the envoy.
Pakistan also summoned the Afghan Charge d’affaires to convey its “deep concern and anguish” over the attack in Kabul on Pakistan’s Head of Mission.
The interim Afghan government strongly condemned the attack and assured that a “serious investigation” would be conducted to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Pak-Thai bilateral ties moving in upward direction: Shazia Marri
ISLAMABAD, Dec 02 (APP): Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Shazia Marri on Friday said bilateral relations between Pakistan and Thailand were moving in upward trajectory.
Speaking as chief guest here at a function held in connection with the 95th National Day of the Kingdom of Thailand, she said bilateral relations were marked with cooperation and convergence of perspectives on a multitude of regional and multilateral issues.
Bilateral relations between Pakistan and Thailand moving in upwards direction. Shazia Marri
She said in her speech on the occasion 95th National Day of the Kingdom of Thailand where she participated as chief guest in Islamabad.@BBhuttoZardari @ShaziaAttaMarri @Anny_Marri pic.twitter.com/vLEIayd8Sg
— Team Shazia Marri, PPP (@PanhwarJaffar) December 2, 2022
A 110% increase in bilateral trade between the two countries was a clear indication that they enjoyed good and cordial relationships, the minister, who is also Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Chairperson, added.
Highlighting the cultural and historical similarities between the two counties, she said like Thailand, Pakistan also supported and promoted multilateralism and regional cooperation.
She stressed upon the importance of people-to-people contact to further boost the bilateral relations between the two countries.
PM condoles death of renowned TV, film actor Afzaal Ahmed
ISLAMABAD, Dec 2 (APP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday expressed grief over the death of renowned television, film and theatre actor Afzaal Ahmed.
The prime minister, in a statement, said a unique dialogue delivery was the characteristic of the late legendary actor who had left unerasable imprints on the minds of the viewers.
He said the services of the late Afzaal Ahmed for Pakistan television, film and theatre would be kept alive forever.
The prime minister prayed to Allah Almighty for peace of the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family to bear the loss.
Equal opportunities for PWDs to help them excel: NA Speaker
ISLAMABAD, Dec 02 (APP): National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf and Deputy Speaker Zahid Akram Durrani on Friday said that provision of equal opportunities to persons with disabilities (PWDs) can make them useful citizens of society.
In a message on the occasion of the “International Day of Persons with Disabilities” (PWDs), they said, “special people have enormous abilities and can play an important role in the development of the country”.
“Differently disabled people have a lot of potential and energy to contribute to the progress of the country. The need is to provide PWDs to play their role in the development of the country,” they both added.
Speaker said that PWDs were performing prominently in every sphere of life.
He said that Saima Saleem was performing her duties as a United Nations delegate in Geneva, who fought the case of Kashmir on behalf of Pakistan in the UN General Assembly session last year.
The speaker said that the parliament was paying special attention to the welfare of PWDs and resolving their problems.
New legislation had already been enacted to bring long-term reforms for the well-being of PWDs, he added.
“Parliament House building has been made accessible exclusively to Persons with disabilities (PWDs). The initiative will contribute significantly to alleviate the difficulties being faced by PWDs, which will boost their confidence and encourage them to excel in all walks of life.
The accessibility of the National Assembly’s official website for PWDs has been ensured to help them to get information related to the National Assembly, besides, the full version of the Braille Constitution of Pakistan has already been unveiled,” he informed.
He stressed the need to ensure strict implementation of the quota in government jobs for physically challenged persons.
Speaker stressed over protecting the rights of PWDs, besides treating them with love, and compassion and taking care of their needs.
National Assembly Deputy Speaker Zahid Akram Durrani said that the PWDs were rendering their services in every field of life and playing a great role in the construction and development of the country.
He emphasized on providing equal employment opportunities to specially qualified persons.
Afghan govt condemns attack on Pakistan envoy; assures “serious investigation”
ISLAMABAD, Dec 2 (APP): The interim Afghan government on Friday strongly condemned the attack on Pakistan’s Head of Mission in Kabul Ubaid Nizamani, assuring that a “serious investigation” would be conducted to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“The IEA (Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan) strongly condemns failed firing attack towards Pakistan Embassy in Kabul,” the spokesperson of the Afghan foreign ministry Abdul Qahar Balkhi wrote on Twitter.
Praying for a speedy recovery of a security guard injured in the attack, he said that their government would not allow any “malicious actors” to pose a threat to the security of diplomatic missions in Kabul.
“Our security will conduct a serious investigation, identify perpetrators & bring them to justice,” the spokesperson assured.
While in Islamabad, Pakistan summoned the Afghan Charge d’affaires to convey its “deep concern and anguish” over the attack in Kabul on Pakistan’s Head of Mission.
Responding to Pakistan’s call for apprehending the perpetrators and launching an investigation, the Afghan diplomat said that the security of the Pakistani diplomatic missions had already been beefed up and assured that the Afghan authorities would leave no stone unturned in bringing the perpetrators of this dastardly act to justice.
Japan fully committed to further improving ties in all areas of mutual interest
ISLAMABAD, Dec 2 (APP): Ambassador WADA Mitsuhiro on Friday said that Japan attached immense importance to its relationship with Pakistan and is fully committed to further improving ties in all areas of mutual interest.
Talking to a group of senior journalists, he said, “The relationship between Japan and Pakistan has been very close as “Deerina Dost” and continues to spread through mutual cooperation based on shared values such as democracy, peace and sustainable development.”
As the Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, “I assure you all that I am fully committed to further developing our long-standing friendship through various channels” he said.
The envoy further said that both nations have supported each other and that this year Japan and Pakistan are celebrating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
“Our diplomatic relation was established on April 28 in 1952. Pakistan was one of the countries which welcomed Japan back to the international arena after World War II” he recalled.
He further said that Pakistan helped Japan diplomatically by sending a delegation to participate in San Francisco Peace Treaty.
“Pakistan was the first country that started to export cotton to Japan in the 1950s, which played an important role in the Japanese post-war reconstruction. Japan processed raw cotton from Pakistan into yarn and cloth. Japan on the other hand exported machinery such as spindles to Pakistan. In this way, we helped each other, particularly in the textile sector” the envoy added.
WADA Mitsuhiro said that during the first decade after Pakistan’s independence, a number of Japanese business offices were set up in Karachi mainly for trading purposes.
The ambassador said, “Today, we continue to make further efforts to promote the business relationships. We are working for a more business-friendly environment for activities of foreign companies in Pakistan, which will surely lead to mutual economic benefits.”
As for the Official Development Assistance (ODA) from Japan, he said, Pakistan was one of the first countries, which Japan started to provide in 1954.
He said that Japan remained one of its major bilateral development partners to Pakistan since 1954, extending assistance in multifaceted sectors of socio-economic development.
The ambassador said the total value of assistance has amounted to $11.7 billion while 7,273 trainees have been accepted from Pakistan as of January 2022.
Japan’s assistance, he said, included concessional loans, grant assistance, and technical cooperation. He said most aid has been utilized for supporting infrastructure, and social development, including assistance in creating roads, power generation, transmission, distribution, water, sanitation, agriculture, education, health, security, disaster management, climate change and human resources development.
“The Kohat tunnel, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), the construction of steel bridges near Fort Munro which connects Southern Punjab to Balochistan via N-70, Indus Highway, Weather Forecasting and Surveillance Radar System are a few examples of Japanese assistance” he added.
The envoy said polio eradication is one of the focused areas of Japanese assistance. Since 1996, the Government of Japan together with other partners has been consistently assisting Pakistan to eliminate this disease.
The video was also shown to the media regarding the working of JICA in Pakistan. “The video you are watching on the screen today is called “Weave Your Dreams” which is showing JICA’s activity to support women’s empowerment through technical training. You will watch the success stories of female graduates from three garment-related vocational training institutes in Faisalabad and Lahore” he added.
As a trusted partner, he said, Japan has tirelessly supported Pakistan at the time of the devastating earthquake in 2005, countrywide floods in 2010 and 2022, the COVID-19 pandemic or Locust invasion. “Japan is always standing by Pakistan as “Deerenah Dost” he added.
He said, that the Government of Japan also offered academic scholarships to Pakistani students every year for higher studies in Japan.
“This academic scholarship started in 1963 in Pakistan and so far 820 graduates (470 Embassy-recommended scholarships and 350 direct scholarships) have successfully completed their degrees from Japan. This scholarship is very popular and competitive due to the good academic environment of Japanese universities as well as its fully funded program” he said.
He said that Japan had also offered professional training courses such as the Teachers Training Course as well as the Young Leaders Program for Government officers, aiming to provide an opportunity to learn modern knowledge and advanced skills in Japan.
In 2018, he said, Japan also started another human resource development scholarship called JDS, which is exclusively for young Pakistani civil servants to acquire higher education in top Japanese universities with the purpose of nation-building for Pakistan.
The ambassador said People-to-people exchanges are the foundation of two countries’ friendship from a long-term perspective. In this regard, “I actively support events and programs which encourage further interactions and deepen mutual understanding.”
This year Pakistani military musical band, he said, participated in the annual grand concert organized by the Japanese Self-Defense Forces in Japan.