ISLAMABAD, Aug 31 (APP):Dean of diplomatic corps, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Pakistan, Atadjan Movlamov called on Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani here on Thursday.
During the meeting, they discussed state of bilateral relations and expressed the resolve to further strengthening ties in various fields of mutual interest.
RAWALPINDI, Aug 31 (APP): Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) while conducting five operations across the country managed to recover 37 kg drugs and arrested three accused, said an ANF Headquarters spokesman here on Thursday.
He informed that in an operation at a courier office in Rawalpindi, ANF recovered 25 grams weed from a parcel sent from UK.
In another operation at a courier office in Hyderabad, 10 kg hashish concealed in water coolers and hotpots, was recovered. Hashish was smuggled from Peshawar.
In third operation, 17.5 kg opium, concealed in secret cavities of a vehicle was recovered near Pasni. During the operation, two accused residents of Turbat were also arrested.
The spokesman informed that in fourth operation, 450 grams Ice drug was recovered from a local resident arrested near Charsadda Road Peshawar.
ANF while conducting fifth operation recovered 9 kg hashish concealed in Zakha Khel area of Khyber for smuggling.
Separate cases have been registered under the Anti-Narcotics Act against all the accused and further investigations are under process.
ISLAMABAD, Aug 31 (APP):Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani on Thursday said ensuring a safe and secure environment for United Nations peacekeepers who tirelessly maintain peace around the globe should be the foremost priority.
Addressing the 2023 UN Peacekeeping Ministerial Preparatory Meeting on “Safety and Security of Peacekeepers” here, the foreign minister said Pakistan’s participation in UN peacekeeping, spanning over six decades, was a tangible manifestation of its contribution to the maintenance of international peace and security, in line with the UN Charter.
He said legal frameworks and adequate accountability mechanisms were paramount for peacekeeper safety. “We must stand firm in holding accountable the perpetrators – individuals and groups that harm or threaten UN peacekeepers.”
?Medical care for peacekeepers is also essential, he said adding “our peacekeepers deserve the best care including mental health support. Standardized training, first aid provisions, and enhanced medical facilities are crucial for that”.
The FM maintained that addressing challenges, including language barriers and administrative obstacles, should also be one of our top priorities.
He said the spectre of threat posed by Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) to peacekeepers’ security needs a commensurate response. “We must intensify pre-deployment training; equip our peacekeepers with cutting-edge technology; and augment their capabilities for countering the IED threat.”
?The minister highlighted that leveraging technology was vital to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers. “The Strategy for the Digital Transformation of UN Peacekeeping underscores the need to enhance situational awareness, counter disinformation, and optimise the use of technology. By doing so, we empower our peacekeepers to make informed decisions and fulfil their mandates more effectively.”
Jalil Abbas Jilani said while Pakistan was proudly contributing over 4,000 troops to various ongoing UN peacekeeping missions, the attention should also be focused on the realm of peacebuilding.
“?Just as we have established a state-of-the-art facility for the training of peacekeepers – the Centre of International Peace and Stability (CIPS), where we are gathered for this meeting – we also hope to collaborate with the UN Secretariat and our international partners to create an Institute for Peacebuilding,” he remarked.
He also urged the finance contributing partners to embrace a more equitable distribution of the burdens associated with peacekeeping missions.
The challenges faced by peacekeepers, he said were universal in their impact, and it was imperative that the financial responsibilities reflected this shared endeavour for global peace and security.
“Open and constructive dialogue between TCCs and FCCs is essential to harmonize our efforts, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and fairly. Transparency in financial commitments and decision-making processes is key to building trust and enhancing mission efficacy,” he added.
Emphasizing the significance of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP), a pioneering peacekeeping mission established in 1949, the foreign minister said it held a distinctive place in peacekeeping history as one of the earliest initiatives to monitor and investigate ceasefire violations in the disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
“UNMOGIP personnel encounter unprecedented adversities due to the non-cooperation of one party. We must proactively address the safety and security gaps, as identified in the recent report on UNMOGIP by the UN’s Office of Internal Oversight Services, he added.
?He also acknowledged the indispensable and rightful role of women peacekeepers saying Pakistan was constantly endeavouring to further enhance the presence of female peacekeepers in its contingents.
He said women bring unique perspectives and skills that were instrumental in fostering trust and building relationships with local communities. Their presence not only promotes gender equality but also strengthens our peacekeeping efforts. “We must create an environment that empowers women peacekeepers and ensures their safety and security.”
The minister also eulogized the profound sacrifices by the dedicated peacekeepers in the line of duty. “These brave men and women leave behind the comfort of their homes, risking their lives to bring stability to war-torn regions”, he added.
ISLAMABAD, Aug 31 (APP): Islamabad police would address critical security concerns in markets as well as public parks and review the proposal for the installation of surveillance cameras there.
In a recent gathering, CPO Safe City/Traffic Shoaib Janbaz met with IT experts from the Islamabad Capital Police and officials from the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to address critical security concerns in public parks and markets.
The primary focus was on the efficient identification of stolen or lost mobile phones using IMEI numbers.
According to the police spokesperson, the meeting’s objectives encompassed devising robust strategies to trace mobile phones linked to thefts and criminal activities through IMEI numbers, alongside revamping outdated recording systems.
Notably, the IT experts emphasized their ability to differentiate between original and altered IMEI numbers, even if an individual attempts to change it and use the device elsewhere.
During the meeting, CDA officials underscored the necessity of collaboration with Islamabad Capital Police to modernize public parks. Suggestions included the installation of surveillance cameras in public parks, market areas, and both internal and external roads. Monitoring would be conducted through the Safe City Command and Control Center. Furthermore, there was a proposal to place emergency buttons in poorly lit areas.
Additionally, CPO Safe City/Traffic proposed the incorporation of identification card records for individuals visiting public parks into the new system.
CPO Safe City/Traffic conveyed unwavering cooperation with the officers and organized a visit to the Safe City Command and Control Center to further solidify these initiatives.
ISLAMABAD, Aug 31 (APP): Grade 21 Officer of Secretariat Group, Zahoor Ahmed on Thursday assumed the charge of Additional Secretary in-charge of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
On his arrival, Zahoor Ahmed was received by senior officers and staff of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
After assuming charge as additional secretary in-charge of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, he met with Caretaker Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi.
Information Secretary Zahoor Ahmed took instructions from the caretaker information minister regarding the affairs of the ministry.
Last night, a notification was issued for the appointment of Zahoor Ahmed as Additional Secretary (in-charge) of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
ISLAMABAD, Aug 31 (APP): Caretaker Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi has taken notice of the alleged torture and arrest of Fayyaz Zafar, a senior journalist from Swat.
Discussing the incident with relevant authorities, he emphasized the importance of conducting an impartial investigation into the incident.
The caretaker federal minister of information has sought a report of the torture and arrest of Fayyaz Zafar, said a press release.
He asserted that the authority of the office must not be employed to stifle the voice of journalists.
He affirmed his commitment to closely monitor the progress of Fayyaz Zafar’s case.
The Information Minister said the government firmly believed in freedom of expression and media, in accordance with the constitution.
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