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ILO, Labour Federation join hands to protect miners’ life, health

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ISLAMABAD, Sep 02 (APP): A consultative workshop supported by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Quetta concluded that the ratification of ILO occupational Safety and Health in mines Convention will ensure the rights of Pakistan’s 300,000 mine workers.

Representatives of government departments, workers and employers’ organizations, examined ways to promote occupational safety and health in mines at the consultation, organized by the All-Pakistan Labour Foundation (APLF) and Pakistan Central Mines Labour Federation (PCLMF), said a press release issued by ILO on Saturday.

The participants agreed to intensify the campaign for the ratification of ILO Convention No. 176, to ensure workplace safety and social security coverage for Pakistan’s mine workers. 34 countries have so far ratified Convention 176 which came into force in 1995, but not Pakistan.

“The ratification of Convention 176 is central to achieving decent work in a sector that is particularly prone to accidents and injuries. It is an essential tool for resolving the challenge of occupational safety and health in Pakistan’s mining industry,” said Geir Tonstol, Country Director of ILO in Pakistan.

He further recalled that a significant proportion of workers in Pakistan’s mining sector, especially casual labourers were not able to access social protection, as they were not recognized as mine employees. “I am encouraged by the initiative of our social partners to establish a trade union platform of action on OSH in mines here in Baluchistan. The ILO is committed to providing the technical assistance required to create safer, healthier, and more inclusive workplaces for all,” Geir Tonstol added.

Lala Sultan Khan, President of APLF, welcomed the participants and highlighted the challenges faced by mine workers, and called for joint actions using Trade Union Platforms, such as those in Baluchistan. “It is crucial to have a thorough understanding of the country’s mining operations. Regular provincial and federal consultations are overdue to address mining sector challenges and enhance worker safety,” Sultan Khan emphasized.

Mines in Pakistan employ around 300,000 workers and contribute significantly to the GDP of the country. Accidents and injuries are reported every year. Workers at mining sites in Pakistan are often not provided with appropriate skills training to execute the work allocated to them and they are unaware of potential hazards. In June 2022, the International Labour Conference took a historic step by incorporating “a safe and healthy working environment” into the ILO’s framework of fundamental principles and rights at work.

2023 SIFTIS: Climate report released to propel greener world

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climate change summit china

BEIJING, Sept. 2 (APP): As the number of extreme weather and climate events continues to rise around the world, the importance of international cooperation is even greater, noted Prof. Petteri Taalas, Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), while addressing the Second International Summit on Meteorology and Economy.

The summit, one of the ten Summit Forums of the ongoing 2023 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS), kicked off in Beijing on September 2.

On the occasion, a report titled “Climate Status under Belt and Road Initiative” was unveiled by the National Climate Center, providing guidance to enhance mutual understanding among “Belt and Road” countries and help Chinese enterprises go global, China Economic Net (CEN) reported.

“Climate change knows no national borders. As extreme weather events becoming the new norm, how to deal with it and promote world economic recovery has become a common task facing the international community,” pinpointed Qu Ya, secretary-general of the China Meteorological Service Association.

She added that the release of the report is of great significance to propel the green development of the “Belt and Road” countries and help the world inch towards a green and low-carbon future.

The report is aimed at providing the necessary basic information for all countries and regions in the region to solve many problems such as economic development, improving people’s livelihood and eliminating poverty while improving their ability to cope with climate change, as per the organizer.

During the event, experts shared their insights on climate change and new energy. They reached a consensus that against the backdrop of record-breaking global temperatures and frequent extreme weather and climate events, disaster prevention and reduction, climate change response and meteorological economic development have become the focus of the international community.

China is continuing to adjust its industrial structure and energy structure, vigorously develop renewable energy, actively promote the green and low-carbon transformation of its economy through market-based approaches, and earnestly enhance its capacity for climate governance, so as to make a greater contribution to addressing global climate change.

The summit was sponsored by WMO, co-organized by the Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organization and China Green Carbon Foundation, and hosted by the China Meteorological Service Association.

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Pak Pavilion inaugurated at CIFTIS, top Pakistani service enterprise participated

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Amb Moin ul Haq

BEIJING, Sept. 2 (APP): Ambassador of Pakistan to China Moin ul Haque officially inaugurated the Pakistan Pavilion at the China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) here Saturday. The pavilion showcases the diverse range of service-oriented enterprises from Pakistan, highlighting the country’s commitment to fostering international trade partnerships.

Representatives from top Pakistani service-oriented enterprises participated in the event, including companies specializing in IT, telecommunications, logistics and traveling and financial services.

Pakistan Ambassador to China, Moin ul Haque said that the Pakistan Pavilion at CIFTIS provided a platform for Pakistani businesses to showcase their capabilities and explore new avenues for trade and investment. He said this initiative reflects Pakistan’s dedication to strengthening economic ties with China and other countries by further positioning the country as a hub for service-oriented enterprises in the region, China Economic Net (CEN) reported.

“This exhibition will support Pakistan in increasing services exports, especially in IT, e-commerce, finance and logistics. It will also help promote regional connectivity with the presence of NLC and PIA in the exhibition. This year, 75 countries and international organizations are participating in the CIFTIS with almost 1,868 exhibiting companies”, he added.

The top Pakistani Firms participating in CIFTIS, Special Technology Zone Authority (STZA), Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), NETSOL, ISBEI, National Bank of Pakistan, National Logistic Corporation (NLC), Fb Enterprises and others opened their booths to attract Chinese investors at CIFTIS, which takes place in Beijing from September 2 to 6.

Exhibitions, forums, business promotion conferences, supportive activities and a global services trade summit will also be held.

PAF JF-17 Thunder participates in Multi-National Air Exercise “Bright Star 2023” at Egypt

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PAF Pride JF-17 Thunder

ISLAMABAD, Sep 02 (APP): The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) contingent will showcase its exceptional capabilities at the Multi-national Air Exercise “Bright Star 2023” that kicked off at the Mohammed Naguib Military Base, Egypt alongside its JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, dedicated air and ground crew.

Originally established as a bilateral training event between the United States and Egypt during the Camp David Accord of 1977, Bright Star Exercise has evolved into a significant multi-national endeavor, a PAF news release said on Saturday.

Since 1995, nations from around the world have been invited to participate in the mega exercise, transforming it into one of the largest and most intricate joint air force exercises globally.

The exercise aimed to promote interoperability among the participating nations, fostering shared learning opportunities.

Designed to simulate realistic aerial warfare scenarios, Exercise Bright Star provides an invaluable opportunity for participating Air Forces to assess their operational readiness in real-time.

Over the course of two weeks, the exercise will bring together air, naval, and ground assets of the participating nations in the desert terrain of North-West Cairo, Egypt. A total of 34 countries including Pakistan, the United States of America, India, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Greece and Qatar will be participating in this prestigious event.

In light of the complex security environment and contemporary strategic challenges, exercises like Bright Star 2023 enable the Pakistan Air Force to enhance its interoperability with friendly nations. Apart from strengthening military relations, this exercise will facilitate the practice of integrated employment of combat and combat support assets. It will also provide an opportunity to formulate and validate tactics against contemporary threats, ensuring preparedness for any future contingencies.

Pakistan Air Force looks forward to contributing to the success of this multinational exercise. Through such endeavors, PAF reaffirms its commitment to regional stability, international cooperation, and the continuous development of own capabilities.

World’s silence emboldened India to continue its repression in IIOJK: Masarrat Aalam

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APHC Chairman Mussarat Aalam

ISLAMABAD, Sep 2 (APP): Illegally detained Chairman of All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), Masarrat Aalam Butt, has deplored that world’s criminal silence has emboldened India to continue its repression in the Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

Masarrat Aalam Butt, in a message from New Delhi’s Tihar Jail, said that the Narendra Modi-led Indian government was using its military might to suppress the Kashmiris’ struggle for the right to self-determination but would never succeed in its nefarious designs. He pointed out that India had waged a war on the unarmed people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir and the Indian atrocities witnessed an upsurge after 5 August 2019, Kashmir Media Service reported.

The APHC Chairman said the Kashmiris have been facing the Indian brutalities for the last seventy six years just for demanding their right to self-determination. He said the Indian repression cannot force the Kashmiri people to give up their just demand. He appealed to the world human rights organizations to raise their voice against the Indian atrocities in IIOJK.

Meanwhile, the APHC leaders including Saleem Zargar, Abdul Samad Inqilabi, Maulana Musaib Nadvi, Israr Ahmad and Malik Noor Muhamamd Fayaz in their statements in Srinagar, said India is employing terrorism as a state policy to intimidate the Kashmiris into submission. They said that Indian troops were perpetrating grave human rights violations in occupied Kashmir and 8 Kashmiris fell to the Indian bullets in the last month of August.

The APHC leaders said that atrocities by Indian troops, paramilitary and police personnel during cordon and search operations had become a routine matter in the occupied territory. However, they said the Kashmiri people are determined to continue their freedom struggle, despite Indian state terrorism.

Miran Shah operation martyrs to be laid to rest with full military honour

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ispr logo

RAWALPINDI, Sep 02 (APP): The funeral prayers of the Pakistan Army soldiers who embraced, shahadat, while fighting gallantly against terrorists during Intelligence Based Operation (IBO) in the general area of Miran Shah, North Waziristan were offered at Bannu.

According to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) news release on Saturday, the martyrs identified as Major Amir Aziz (age 29 years, resident of Sargodha District) and Sepoy Muhammad Arif (age 27 years, resident of Sahiwal District) would be laid to rest with full military honour in their respective hometowns.

Senior serving military and civil officials and public attended the funeral prayers.

“Armed Forces of Pakistan stand resolute and committed to eliminate the menace of terrorism from the motherland at all costs,” the ISPR said.

Murtaza Solangi calls on Caretaker PM; briefs over functioning of his ministry

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ISLAMABAD, Sep 02 (APP): Caretaker Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi on Saturday called on Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar.

Secretary Information and Broadcasting Zahoor Ahmed and Principal Information Officer Muhammad Asim Khichi were also present during the meeting, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.

The minister apprised the prime minister of the matters related to his ministry.

During the meeting, they also deliberated upon proposed strategy for the effective presentation of Pakistan’s positive narrative at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNG-78) session

78th ‘Independence Day’ brings economic development, prosperity to Vietnam: Ambassador

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ISLAMABAD, Sep 02 (APP): Ambassador of Vietnam to Pakistan Nguyen Tien Phong on Friday acknowledged that this year’s 78th ‘Independence Day’ of Vietnam has brought economic development and prosperity to Vietnam.

The ambassador said this in his special message on the occasion of the 78th, National Day of Vietnam today.

He said that under the visionary leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, “Vietnam today is on the path of development and prosperity, which was possible due to the economic reforms of our leadership”.

On the occasion he mentioned, “I would like to quote the affirmation of the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Phu Trong at 13th Party’s Congress in Jan 2021: “With all humility, we can still say that: Our country has never enjoyed such fortunes, potentials, international status and prestige as they are today. All this combined constitutes a pride, a driving force, an important resource, and a conviction for our entire Party, people and armed forces to overcome whatever difficulties and challenges, continue with firm steps on the road of comprehensive and concerted renewal; and develop the country expeditiously and sustainably”.

He said the achievements of 35 years’ implementation of the renewal process have continued affirming our Party’s renewal line as judicious and creative.

Vietnamese envoy said such great achievements of historic significance crystallize the creativeness of our Party and people, and assert that our country’s road to socialism is suitable with Vietnam’s reality and the times’ development trend, and confirm that the Party’s judicious leadership represents the primary determinant of the Vietnamese revolution’s success”.

The Ambassador said that after 37 years (1986-2023) of reforms/renovations/renewal/ Doi Moi (in Vietnamese), Vietnam’s spectacular economic development is crucially and decidedly attributed to the Communist Party’s successful leadership.

He said that nowadays, Vietnam has become a socialist-oriented market economy enjoying an immense breadth and depth of economic connectivity, having acceded to 17 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), including three next-generation FTAs of very high standards, and participating in an extensive network of economic linkages with major economies in the world.
While only 30 years ago we only had economic and trade ties with some 30 countries and territories, the number today is 230 countries and territories.

Nguyen Tien Phong said the foreign policy planning, implementation and orientation of “Vietnam’s Bamboo Diplomacy” play a pioneering role in maintaining an environment of peace and stability, contributing in an important way to the steadfast defense of national independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity; in promoting socio-economic development, and at the same time contributing to the maintenance of peace and stability in the region.

He said that Vietnam’s international status and prestige in the region and the world are constantly on the rise, and we make active and very responsible contributions to the maintenance of peace and cooperation for development and progress in the world.

He said that hundreds of Vietnamese officers and servicemen have been dispatched to UN peacekeeping missions in Africa. In various international issues of significance, Vietnam’s voice, initiative and solutions – being both sensible and full of human kindness, in the spirit of equality, amity, tolerance and humanism – have received agreement and support from the international community. Thanks to this contribution, Vietnam’s status and prestige in the international arena are on the rise.

The Ambassador said that with all the above-mentioned foundations and achievements, we are optimistic that the country will obtain more and more success and achievements in its cause of building and protecting the country.

“We will strive for ours to become by the mid-21st century a socialist-oriented developed country”, he said.

By 2025 which marks the 50th anniversary of the total liberation of the South and reunification of the country: Vietnam would become a developing country with an industry moving toward modernity and having passed over the lower middle-income level, he said.

He claimed that by 2030, upon celebration of the Party’s centennial Vietnam would become a developing country with a modern industry and an upper middle-income level.

He added that by 2045 which marks the centennial of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam would become a developed country with a high-income status.

He said that with those goals and targets, we have to raise the Party’s leadership, ruling and fighting capacity; build the Party and political system comprehensively clean and strong; consolidate and enhance the people’s trust in the Party, the State and the socialist system; induce aspirations for developing the country’s prosperity and well-being, promoting the willpower and strength of the great all-nation unity in combination with the strength of the times; push forward in an all-sided and concerted manner the cause of renewal, industrialization and modernization; to build and firmly defend the Homeland, and solidly preserve a peaceful and stable environment.

Ambassador of Vietnam to Pakistan Nguyen Tien Phong has said that over the past 51 years, Vietnam and Pakistan have enjoyed excellent friendship and cooperation in many fields, including trade, investment, and technology.

He said this year, 2022, Vietnam and Pakistan are celebrating the 51th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations.

Fifty years ago, on November 8, 1972, Vietnam and Pakistan officially established diplomatic relations, opening a new page in friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

He said that current relations are developing in all fields, especially economic cooperation, trade, investment, education, science and technology, and people-to-people exchanges.

Nguyen Tien Phong said the bilateral trade volume between Pakistan and Vietnam reached over 794 million USD in 2021, an increase of 54.41% compared to 2020, and reached over 904 million USD in 2022.

He said the two sides also cooperate and support each other at multilateral forums, supporting each other in many important international forums.

Edhi Foundation provided free treatment to 10,395 patients last month

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edhi foundation
LAHORE, Sep 02 (APP):The Edhi Foundation provided medical aid and medicines to 10,395 patients at  its free dispensary in August.
According to a spokesperson, 9,655 patients and bodies were shifted  to their homes by Edhi ambulances.
Forty-four people, who died in accidents in different areas of the city, were shifted to different places free of charge by Edhi ambulances. Some 273 people, who were injured, were shifted to hospitals while 8,217 patients were shifted  from homes to hospitals and from hospitals to homes.
Over 1438 bodies were shifted from hospitals to homes. About 356 people were admitted to Bilqis Edhi Home Gulberg  in which  194 were shifted to their homes by Edhi ambulances. Edhi Foundation buried  87 unidentified bodies. The foundation provided one-time meal to 11501 people at Edhi Free Lunger. The Edhi spokesperson has appealed to the public to report any emergency on Edhi emergency number 115.

Maulana Ashrafi slams PTI chairman for hiring UK lawyer

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ISLAMABAD, Sep 02 (APP): Chairman Pakistan Ulema Council Maulana Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi on Saturday strongly objected to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s decision to hire the services of Geoffrey Robertson KC, a British lawyer, to represent his case at the global fora.

In a short video statement, Maulana Ashrafi said that Robertson had been a counsel for heretical Salman Rushdie who was involved in sacrilegious acts against Islam and Muslims.

The Jewish lawyer had been active against Pakistan at different times, he said, adding the decision by the PTI leader to hire such a person who had defended the one (Rushdie) who had desecrated the religion of Islam and the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him), was very remorseful.

Maulana Ashrafi further said that if PTI chairman wanted to fight his case at the international level, he could hire someone else.

Such a decision gave rise to different questions and the PTI leadership have to give answers to the nation as the decision was unacceptable in any manner, he asserted.

The Council chairman said that Geoffrey Robertson KC was an anti-Islam and anti-Muslim.

“The nation asks what are the reasons for hiring such a person when you claimed to have presented the case for Islam at the UNGA and the OIC,” he added.