ISLAMABAD
Caretaker Federal Minister for Interior Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti addressing the inaugural session of Seerat un Nabi (PBUH) Conference
ISLAMABAD
UNESCO, PJN partner for strengthening access to Information online
ISLAMABAD, Sep 29 (APP): UNESCO, the Peace & Justice Network (PJN) and the Pakistan Information Commission (PIC) have joined hands to strengthen access to information online.
As part of UNESCO’s International Day for Universal Access to Information, civil society – the PJN with partners including the Pakistan Information Commission and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands held a conference here on Friday.
Taking forward this year’s global agenda “The importance of Online Space for Access to Information” forward, the national conference mapped priorities to address challenges faced by marginalized in accessing information online.
It is crucial for persons with disabilities, transgender and religious minorities, etc., to have equal access to information to promote inclusivity. The information and its access if effectively utilized can become a means for empowerment, justice, and equal participation in society.
Keeping the United Nations’ shared value of “leaving no one behind” at the core, it is imperative to ensure that these groups leverage online spaces.
The online space(s) have become an indispensable resource for many communities, including marginalized groups. They are not only offering a space to engage in public discourse but is an earning source. Marginalized communities already stigmatized can leverage these spaces to uplift themselves socially and economically.
Therefore, it is necessary to realize that online spaces and by extension internet need to be integrated with the rights perspective.
An approach developed by UNESCO that safeguards rights is open and accessible for all and consists of representing pluralism.
Senator Farhatullah Babar highlighted the need for government institutions to enhance access to information to strengthen democratic values in the country.
On strengthening the role of information commissions Chief Information Commissioner, Shoaib Ahmad Siddiqui stressed the need for more proactive disclosure to promote a culture of accountability and transparency.
Deputy Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Hajo Provo Kluit recognized the importance of access to information for marginalized groups in ensuring stronger institutions.
During the session ‘Connecting the Disconnected’ moderated by Farieha Aziz, Co-founder Bolo Bhi, experts Mukhtar Ahmed Ali, Mary James Gill, Usama Khilji and Barrister Yasser Latif Hamdani presented the challenges citizens face when the government shutdown or restrict people’s Internet access, as this severely restricts their ability to exercise their rights, including the right to access information and engage in democratic processes.
They all highlighted the need for a strong policy framework to address internet disruptions, ensuring access to information and protecting fundamental rights.
To sensitize key stakeholders about access to information online specifically for marginalized groups, a session was moderated by Nayyab Ali, Gender Advisor PJN, and Syed Raza Ali CEO of PJN.
After extensive deliberations by the representatives from marginalized communities, key experts from diverse backgrounds Moon Ali, Abia Akram, Mary James Gill, Jayaa Jaggi and Syed Raza Ali prepared recommendations and presented their plans to duty bearers including the Ministry of Human Rights.
Experts term Mastung blast heinous design to spread anarchy in country
ISLAMABAD, Sep 29 (APP): The defence analysts on Friday termed the blast in Mastung on Eid Milad-un-Nabi another heinous design of inimical forces to spread anarchy in the country.
In a joint statement here, the analysts expressed that the Eid Milad procession near Khalid Mosque in Mastung was attacked by anti-Islam and anti-national elements.
They said those who targeted innocent citizens on the holy occasion could neither be Muslims nor Pakistani.
“Our eternal enemy who is always looking to harm Pakistan wants to divert our and the world’s attention from its internal and external problems by doing such terrorist incidents,” the Defence Analysts said.
Recently, the Indian government and RAW have been directly involved in the killing of Sikhs in Canada, due to which they are being called a terrorist state in the world and are under extreme pressure.
It cannot be ignored that giving dollars to TTP, Daesh, etc., to spread unrest in Pakistan, as India has used such lousy tactics many times before, the analysts said.
Pakistan has seen irrefutable evidence of terrorism in Balochistan before – Kulbushan Yadav, the Indian spy has been caught red-handed doing terrorism in Balochistan.
“We must remember. TTP, Daesh and Baloch terrorists are the tools of the enemy and operate from Afghanistan and do not miss any opportunity to do any nefarious work for dollars which also supports their cause.
We should have no doubt that our eternal enemy is directly or indirectly behind these anti-Islam and anti-Pakistan activities,” they maintained.
Meher Kashif highlights transforming globalization with growing role of regionalism
ISLAMABAD, Sep 29 (APP): Coordinator to Federal Tax Ombudsman Meher Kashif Younis on Friday said the concept of globalization is undergoing a transformation, with regionalism playing an increasingly prominent role.
Speaking at a seminar on “Globalisation shifting to Regionalisation” held under the aegis of Gold Ring Economic Forum, a strategic think tank, he said this shift is driven by a combination of economic, political, and technological factors, said a news release here.
Meher Kashif said that it will be fascinating to see how these developments continue to shape world in the coming years.
He said globalization, for decades, has been characterized by the interconnectedness of economies across the world.
It brought about a remarkable era of international trade, cultural exchange, and technological advancement, he added.
However, as we move further into the 21st century, we are witnessing a noticeable shift in this paradigm.
He said another aspect of this transition is the changing political landscape. Nationalism and protectionism have gained traction in some parts of the world, challenging the principles of globalization.
Political leaders and policymakers are increasingly focusing on domestic priorities, which can sometimes conflict with the global interconnectedness that defined previous decades, he added.
Meher Kashif Younis said one of the most significant factors contributing to this shift is the rise of regional trade agreements and blocs.
Organizations like the European Union, ASEAN, BRICKS and the African Union are gaining prominence and reshaping global trade dynamics.
These regional agreements often prioritize intra-regional trade and cooperation over global engagement.
He said the motivations behind this shift vary, but they often include a desire to protect regional interests, strengthen economic resilience, and address specific regional challenges more effectively.
Technological advancements, particularly in communication and transportation, have made regional collaboration more accessible and efficient, he added.
This has empowered regions to work together closely while maintaining a level of autonomy while the shift towards regionalism is notable, it’s essential to recognize that globalization is not disappearing forthwith but the dynamics of these connections are changing.
Caretaker Federal Minister for Interior Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti addressing the inaugural session of Seerat un Nabi (PBUH) Conference
ISLAMABAD
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar performs Umrah
MAKKAH MUKARRAMA
PBF praises govt for finalizing FTA with GCC, calls it a positive step for export growth
ISLAMABAD, Sep 29 (APP): The Pakistan Business Forum (PBF) has commended the efforts of the Ministry of Commerce for finalizing the Pakistan-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Free Trade Agreement (FTA) at Riyadh and the PBF called the signing of the FTA a “remarkable step” for export growth.
PBF President, Mian Usman Zulfiqar said, “FTA has been the first by GCC with any country since 2009.”
“We have excellent relations with all the countries of the GCC, and this FTA will ensure that our economic ties are commensurate with these excellent relations,” he added.
Pakistan and the GCC had signed a framework agreement to discuss the free trade pact in August 2004, but only a few rounds of talks took place. The two sides resumed the negotiations in 2021.
PBF President also noted that this historic economic agreement represents an important turning point in cooperation and would contribute to growth and prosperity in a way that serves the common interests of both sides.
The PBF is a leading business organization in Pakistan that represents the interests of the private sector. The organization has been a vocal advocate for the FTA, arguing that it would boost trade between Pakistan and the GCC countries and create jobs in Pakistan.
The GCC is a regional bloc of six Arab countries: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. The GCC countries are major trading partners of Pakistan, and the FTA is expected to increase trade between the two sides by up to 50%.
“From this development Pakistan to boost its exports to GCC countries,” and this FTA would help enhance trade with Gulf nations, he added.
“One should understand that FTA is a basic tool to enhance trade between the nations and this step is very welcoming because of the future growing market of the Middle East,” Zulfiqar said.
“There is huge potential for trade enhancement and investment in the GCC region as countries including Saudi Arabia are rapidly growing.”
The share of Pakistani exports to the Saudi market was very limited, the PBF President said, an issue that would be addressed through the removal of trade barriers under the FTA.
Similarly, this FTA would provide a competitive level playing field to Pakistan compared with its South Asian neighbors including India and Bangladesh.
“This FTA will also increase trade volume with GCC nations because if we compare our trade (with GCC) with India, it is doing well in GCC, while we are lagging,” Zulfiqar added.
PBF President also stated, “The signing of the FTA comes as Pakistan is pushing to pitch an improved business climate and its potential for foreign direct investment in a range of sectors. In June Pakistan government set up a Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) — a civil-military hybrid forum — to fast-track decision-making and promote investment from foreign nations, particularly Gulf countries.”
The council has identified five sectors as a priority, namely agriculture, mining, information technology, defense production, and energy, as Pakistan deals with a balance of payments crisis and requires billions of dollars in foreign exchange to finance its trade deficit and repay its international debts in the current financial year.
Four soldiers embraced martyrdom, three TTP terrorists killed amid thwarting infiltration attempt along Pak-Afghan border
RAWALPINDI, Sep 29 (APP): Four soldiers of the Pakistan Army have embraced martyrdom while bravely thwarting an infiltration attempt of the terrorists near Zhob District of Balochistan Province along the international Pakistan-Afghanistan border and also killed three terrorists during the fire exchange.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations ISPR on Friday, September 28, at 1745 hours, the security forces had thwarted an attempt by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorists to infiltrate from Afghanistan into Pakistan near Sambaza in Zhob District close to Pak-Afghan border.
The martyred soldiers were identified as Havildar Sattar, Lance Naik Sher Azam, Lance Naik Adnan and Sepoy Nadeem who fought valiantly and embraced shahadat (Shahadat).
During the fire exchange, three terrorists were killed and a few got injured.
“Security Forces of Pakistan will continue to thwart efforts of the enemies of peace and prosperity in the country,” the ISPR said.
Eid Milad-un-Nabi (SAWW) celebrated with religious zeal and fervor in DI khan
DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Sep 29 (APP): Eid Milad-un-Nabi (SAWW) was celebrated with profound religious zeal and fervor in the district, here on Friday.
Special prayers for the unity of the Muslim Ummah, progress, and prosperity were offered in the mosques after Jumma prayers.
Different ceremonies were held in that regard and 16 processions were also taken out from different areas of the district with its attendees expressing their profound reverence and deep affection for the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
The Ulema and other speakers urged the people to follow the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) to achieve success in this world and the hereafter.
Out of 16 processions taken out across the district, two major processions were taken out in DI Khan Tehsil.
The main Milad procession was taken out by Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat from Haqnawaz Park and culminated at Hafiz Jamal ground after passing through various places in the city.
The second procession was taken out by Jamaat Ahl-e-Sunnat (Barelvi) from Jamia Masjid Taj, Town Hall, and culminated at Milad Park.
The district police had taken stringent security measures to ensure a peaceful celebration of Eid Milad-ul-Nabi (SAWW).
The district was divided into six sectors where around 1300 police officers and jawans had been deputed to perform their duties for the security of 47 processions across the district.
DPO of Dera Abdul Rauf Babar Qaisrani personally supervised all the security for the processions.
Bilawal, Asif condemn loss of lives in Mastung blast
KARACHI, Sep 29 (APP):Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Former President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday condemned the blast in Mastung and expressed grief over the loss of innocent lives.
Bilawal and Asif Zardari, in their separate messages issued here, expressed sympathy and condolence to the families of the martyrs who lost their lives in the incident and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Bilawal said that killing innocent people was a heinous incident of terrorism and that the perpetrators of the blast should be sentenced with severe punishment.