Photo exhibition paying tributes to diverse beauty of China by Ambassador Haque held in Beijing

Sat, 19 Aug 2023, 10:47 AM

BEIJING, Aug. 19 (APP): A photo exhibition titled “China in Frames: A Photographic Tribute” by Pakistan Ambassador to China, Moin ul Haque was held at Yindi Art Museum to pay tributes to the rich culture and diverse beauty of China.

The collection of photographs reflects the Ambassador’s three years in China, showcasing his deep appreciation and admiration for the country’s unique charm.

Each photograph tells a story of breathtaking landscapes, iconic monuments, ancient traditions, and the vibrant spirit that permeates every corner of China.

The exhibition also encapsulates the Ambassador’s profound connection with China, paying tribute to the shared heritage and the enduring friendship between China and Pakistan.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Ambassador Haque who travelled to numerous provinces, cities, tourist places and cultural sites in China said that the exhibition expressed his deep affection for China and showed the beauty and diversity of Chinese landscapes.

“In each photograph is a brush stroke portraying a nation that has captured my heart and soul,” he added.

He emphasized that these photographs are not just ordinary pictures; they represent his love for China, its people and the captivating landscapes, diverse culture, and progress the country has made.

“These photographs do not merely capture moments but captured the essence of a land that has graciously unfolded its wonders before me,” he added.

Ambassador Haque said that his photographs will serve as cherished memories of his staying in China, and added, “China having rich history, landscapes, traditions and people has been my home away from home.”

He said that his stay in China has been a revelation that has unfolded with every step, every interaction and every moment.

Terming the exhibition as a tribute from an iron friend to a best friend, he said that the friendship between Pakistan and China is all-weather and time-tested and it will continue to grow in the future.

Ambassador Haque has been greatly impressed by the development of China and its economic progress, which he considers a modern-day miracle.

He also expressed his intention to bring his photo exhibition to Pakistan, allowing the Pakistani people to learn more about China and the friendship between the two countries.

In his address, President, China Pakistan Friendship Association, Sha Zhukang appreciated Ambassador Haque’s photographic work and said that each photograph tells a story of breathtaking landscapes, iconic monuments, ancient traditions, and the vibrant spirit that permeates every corner of China.

Other speakers also paid rich tributes to Ambassador Haque for holding the exhibition and said these unique photographs are gifts for both nations and will further strengthen people-to-people contacts.

The exhibition is divided into six themes namely, 1) Chinese people,2) nature,3) street life,4) Chinese monuments,5) Chinese culture, and 6) China at night.

Alert issued for people to shift safe areas over Sutlej river flood

Zaka Ullah Ch

Sat, 19 Aug 2023, 10:21 AM

BAHAWALPUR, Aug 19 (APP): Following the significant warning from the Flood Forecasting Division (FFD) of the area about medium to high floods in the Sutlej river, the district management of Bahawalpur has issued an alert for people living near the banks of the river to shift to safe areas.

“According to the available information and hydro-meteorological conditions, Sutlej river at Ganda Singh Wala and downstream is likely to attain medium to high flood”, Flood Forecast Division, and the Pakistan Meteorological Department issued a warning here on Saturday.

Following the forecast issued by the Flood Forecast Division, the district management of Bahawalpur has urged people living in areas located near the banks of the Sutlej River to shift to safe areas.

The Deputy Commissioner Bahawalpur Office has warned that the Sutlej River is likely to receive a medium to high flood, therefore, people living in areas lying near the Sutlej River should evacuate their areas immediately besides moving to safe areas.

Assistant Commissioner of Hasilpur Tehsil of Bahawlapur district has urged people of areas including Pala, Gahi Behrma, Luddan, Noorpur, Aaqil Pur, Khairo Ghazi Khanana, Chohan and Naseerpur and others to move to safe areas in view of medium to high flood in Sutlej river.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Bahawalpur, Zaheer Anwar Jappa has said that arrangements had been finalized to tackle any emergency situation caused by high flood in Sutlej river.

The staff of the Emergency Department, Rescue 1122, has also been asked to remain alert to provide rescue and relief facilities to people if needed.

Federal govt notifies transfers, postings of secretaries, officers

Munir Hussain

Sat, 19 Aug 2023, 12:40 AM

ISLAMABAD, Aug 18 (APP):The federal government Friday notified transfers and postings of secretaries and high ranking officers working in various ministries and departments.
The Establishment Division issued notifications for the following postings and transfers of officers:
Kamran Ali Afzal, a BS-22 officer of Pakistan Administrative Service, presently posted as Director General, Civil Services Academy, Lahore, was transferred and posted as Secretary, Cabinet Division.
Sajid Baloch, a BS-21 officer of Pakistan Administrative Service, presently posted as Additional Secretary, Cabinet Division, was transferred and posted as Special Secretary, Cabinet Division.
Muhammad Abdullah Khan Sumbal, a BS-21 officer of Pakistan Administrative Service, presently posted as Additional Secretary (ln charge), Science and Technology Division, was transferred and posted as Additional Secretary (ln charge), Interior Division.
Hasan Nasir Jamy, a BS-22 officer of Pakistan Administrative Service, presently posted as Secretary, Water Resources Division, was transferred and posted as Secretary, Information Technology and Telecommunication Division.
Momin Agha, a BS-21 officer of Pakistan Administrative Service, presently posted as Additional Secretary (ln charge), Industries and Production Division, was transferred and posted as Additional Secretary (ln charge), Petroleum Division.
Capt. (Retd.) Muhammad Mahmood, a BS-21 officer of Pakistan Administrative Service, presently posted as Additional Secretary (ln charge), Petroleum Division, was transferred and posted as Additional Secretary (In charge), National Food Security and Research Division.
Dr. Shahzad Khan Bangash, a BS-22 officer of Pakistan Administrative Service, presently posted as OSD, Establishment Division, was transferred and posted as Secretary, Housing and Works Division.
Syed Asif Hyder Shah, a BS-22 officer of Pakistan Administrative Service, presently posted as OSD, Establishment Division, was transferred and posted as Secretary, Climate Change Division.
Allah Dino Khawaja, a BS-22 officer of Police Service of Pakistan, presently serving as Commandant, National Police Academy (NPA), under Interior Division, was transferred and posted as Secretary, Human Rights Division.
Humaira Ahmad, a BS-22 officer of Pakistan Administrative Service, presently awaiting posting in Establishment Division, was transferred and posted as Secretary, National Heritage and Culture Division.
Syed Ali Murtaza, a BS-22 officer of Pakistan Administrative Service, presently posted as Secretary, Interior Division, was transferred and posted as Secretary, Water Resources Division.
Dr. Muhammad Fakhre Alam Irfan, a BS-22 officer of Pakistan Administrative Service, presently posted as Secretary, Housing and Works Division, was transferred and posted as Chief Secretary, Government of Sindh.
Dawood Muhammad Bareach, a BS-21 officer of Pakistan Administrative Service, presently posted as Additional Secretary, Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Division, was transferred and his services were placed at the disposal of Azad Government of the State of Jammu and Kashmir, for further posting as Chief Secretary, Azad Government of the State of Jammu and Kashmir, under Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Division.
Shakeel Qadir Khan, a BS-21 officer of Pakistan Administrative Service, presently posted as Additional Secretary, Power Division, was transferred and posted as Chief Secretary, Government of Balochistan.
Capt. (Retd.) Muhammad Anwar ul Haq, a BS-20 (Acting Charge) officer of Pakistan Administrative Service, presently at the disposal of Capital Development Authority, was transferred and posted as Chief Commissioner, Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), Islamabad, under Interior Division.
Ali Raza Bhutta, a BS-22 officer of Pakistan Administrative Service, presently posted as Secretary, Human Rights Division, was transferred and posted as Secretary, Science and Technology Division.
Ms Sarah Saeed, a BS-22 officer of Pakistan Administrative Service, presently posted as Special Secretary, Prime Minister’s Office, was transferred and posted as Special Secretary, Commerce Division.
Eazaz Aslam Dar, a BS-22 officer of Pakistan Administrative Service, presently posted as Special Secretary, Cabinet Division, was transferred and directed to report to Establishment Division.
Navid Ahmed Shaikh, a BS-22 officer of Pakistan Administrative Service, presently posted as Secretary, Information Technology and Telecommunication Division, was transferred and directed to report to Establishment Division.
Musaddiq Ahmed Khan, a BS-21 officer of Pakistan Administrative Service, presently posted as Additional Secretary (In charge), Climate Change Division was transferred and directed to report to Establishment Division.
Dr. Muhammad Sohail Rajput, a BS-22 officer of Pakistan Administrative Service, presently posted as Chief Secretary, Government of Sindh was transferred and directed to report to Establishment Division.
Muhammad Usman Chachar, a BS-22 officer of Pakistan Administrative Service, presently posted as Chief Secretary, Azad Government of the State of Jammu and Kashmir, under Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan Division was transferred and directed to report to Establishment Division.
Abdul Aziz Uqaili, a BS-22 officer of Pakistan Administrative Service, presently posted as Chief Secretary, Government of Balochistan, was transferred and directed to report to Establishment Division.
Yawar Hussain, a BS-20 officer of Pakistan Administrative Service, presently posted as Director General, Immigration and Passports, under Interior Division, was transferred and directed to report to Establishment Division.
Capt. (Retd.) Noor-ul-Amin Mengal, a BS-21 officer of Pakistan Administrative Service, presently posted as Chief Commissioner, Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), under Interior Division, was transferred and directed to report to Establishment Division.
Mustafa Kamal Kazi, a BS-20 officer of Ex-PCS, Government of Sindh, presently posted as Joint Secretary (BS-20) National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination, Islamabad, was transferred and posted as Director General, Immigration and Passports, Islamabad, on deputation basis.
Dr. Iram Anjum Khan, a BS-22 officer of Pakistan Audit and Accounts Service (PA&AS), presently posted as Additional Auditor General-1, Office or the Auditor General of Pakistan, Islamabad, was transferred and posted as Secretary, Maritime Affairs Division.
Ms. Fareena Mazhar, a BS-22 officer of Inland Revenue Service (IRS), presently posted as Secretary, National Heritage and Culture Division, was transferred and directed to report to Establishment Division.
Abdul Ghufran Memon, a BS-22 officer of Pakistan Audit and Accounts Service (PA&AS), presently posted as Secretary, Maritime Affairs Division, was transferred and directed to report to Establishment Division.

Afghanistan’s health system suffers critical underfunding: WHO

NNPS Desk

Fri, 18 Aug 2023, 11:55 PM

UNITED NATIONS, Aug 18 (APP): The World Health Organization (WHO), Geneva-based UN agency, Friday appealed to donors to ramp up funding for providing healthcare to some 14 million people in Afghanistan, particularly in underserved areas where infrastructure is severely lacking.

Afghanistan continues to face a humanitarian crisis brought on by decades of instability, exacerbated by severe drought and natural disasters, the UN agency said. As a result, millions are living with poor or no access to healthcare and food, putting them at severe risk of malnutrition and disease outbreaks.

WHO added that the vulnerability of women and girls has further intensified as they face increased obstacles in accessing healthcare due to Taliban edicts on education and workforce participation.

“The situation in Afghanistan is critical, and it demands urgent attention,” Dr Luo Dapeng, WHO’s Representative there, said.

“For a country already affected by decades of conflict, underfunding of the healthcare system is a critical humanitarian concern. The consequences of this underfunding cannot be overstated.”

The UN and partners report an alarming increase in the number of Afghans in urgent need of humanitarian aid this year. Nearly 29 million require immediate assistance – up from 18.4 million prior to August 2021, when the Taliban returned to power.

To address the health emergency, humanitarians are targeting 14 million people, including 7.5 million children and 3.1 million women. They reached 8.4 million during the first six months of the year and have provided more than 25 million healthcare services since 2022.

However, WHO warned that despite these efforts and without sufficient funding, eight million Afghans will lose access to essential and potentially lifesaving healthcare.

Furthermore, 450,000 people will have little to no access to lifesaving trauma care services, including blood transfusions and referrals. Roughly 1.6 million people with mental health conditions will also face shortfalls in accessing support.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO Director-General, urged donors to give generously so that its lifesaving work can continue.

“The situation in Afghanistan is grave, and the lack of resources and funding to support health workers and facilities is putting countless lives at risk,” he said. “Women and children are suffering the most.”

During the remainder of the year, WHO said it will continue working with partners to tackle critical health emergencies in Afghanistan while also building on successes achieved in 2022.

The UN agency stressed that much work still remains to deliver on its priorities which include protecting people every day; reaching everyone, everywhere, and putting mothers and children first.

Dr. Ahmed Al Mandhari, Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, urged the international community to unite with WHO and respond to the ongoing humanitarian health crisis in Afghanistan.

“It is our collective responsibility to act now to support the Afghan healthcare system,” he said. “The consequences of inaction are catastrophic and may leave a lasting impact on the health and well-being of the Afghan people.”

APP/ift

Interfaith leaders condemn Jaranwala tragedy, call for unity, peace

NNPS Desk

Fri, 18 Aug 2023, 10:45 PM

APP49-180823 LAHORE: August 18 - Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, Archbishop Sebastian, Bishop Azad Marshal addressing a press conference on Jardanwala issue under the auspices of Majlis Ulema Pakistan at Press Club. APP/AMI/ABB/ZID

LAHORE, Aug 18 (APP): The religious leaders from various faiths on Friday condemned the tragic incident in Jaranwala emphasizing the importance of unity, respect, and religious harmony in the nation.

Addressing the press conference at Lahore Press Club, Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Chairman Maulana Syed Muhammad Abdul Khabir Azad said Islam is a religion of peace, explicitly forbidding the burning of sacred places or religious artefacts.

He said the teachings of respect and humanity were central to the Islamic faith, and the Constitution of Pakistan guaranteed the rights of all minorities.

Maulana Azad expressed his concern over anti-state elements attempting to sow discord and religious unrest in Pakistan and emphasized that the tragic events in Jaranwala were a condemnable act aimed at disrupting the nation’s harmony. He called for unity and the protection of Pakistan’s security.

Archbishop Sebastian Shaw added his voice, expressing solidarity with the nation and denouncing external forces attempting to foment division. He cautioned against falling into the trap of religious conflict, asserting that the people of Pakistan stand united against such attempts.

Bishop Azad Marshall demanded that the perpetrators of the Jaranwala tragedy should be brought to justice. He underlined the need for accountability to ensure that such heinous acts were not repeated.

The religious leaders collectively voiced their sadness over the tragedy and stood in support of Pakistan’s security forces, emphasizing that the protection of all religious places and rituals was a shared responsibility. They called upon the government to take decisive action against those involved in the Jaranwala incident.

The conference participants called for the sanctity of religious sites and places of worship of all faiths adding that no individual should take the law into their own hands. They emphasized the importance of presenting the facts transparently to the nation and avoiding the wrongful targeting of innocent individuals.

Among others who addressed the presser include Allama Zubair Ahmad Zaheer, Mufti Mubashir Ahmed, Mufti Ramzan Sialvi, Hafiz Kazim Raza Naqvi, Archbishop Sebastian Shaw, Bishop Azad Marshall, Pastor Immanuel Khokhar, Dr Markus Fida, Sardar Bishan Singh, Sardar Ranjit Singh Gyani, Pandit Bhagat Lal Khokhar, Bishop Wilson, Maulana Sardar Muhammad Khan Leghari, Pir Waliullah Shah Bukhari, Maulana Ehsanullah Tabasim, Pir Qazi Abdul Ghaffar Qadri, Mir Asif Akbar Qadri, Maulana Fateh Mohammad Rashidi, Maulana Mukhtiar Ahmad Nadeem, Mufti Muhammad Shafiq Awan, Pir Usman Noori, Allama Sajjad Hussain Javadi, Allama Rasheed Turabi, Mufti Ashiq Hussain Shah, Allama Shakilur Rahman Nasir, Maulana Obaidullah Naqshbandi, Allama Abdul Sattar Niazi, Bilal Ahmad Mir, Hafiz Syed Muhammad Abdul Razzaq Azad, Sahibzada Syed Abdul Basir Azad, Khawaja Javed Aslam Sahaf, Chaudhry Shahaz Ahmed, Mian Ajmal Abbas and Haji Ghulam Hussain Chandio.

Swami Vichar Purananand Ji Maharaj arrives in Pakistan on 4-day visit

NNPS Desk

Fri, 18 Aug 2023, 10:28 PM

APP70-180823Karachi — KARACHI: August 18 - Shri Swami Vichar Purananand Ji Maharaj is warmly welcomed by Chairman PM's Taskforce on Gandhara Tourism Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani on his arrival at Airport. Shri Swami Vichar Purananand Ji Maharaj is on a 4-day visit to Pakistan. APP

KARACHI, Aug 18 (APP): A revered nonagenarian Hindu saint, Shri Swami Vichar Purananand Ji Maharaj, along with a group of followers arrived on a 4-day visit to Pakistan here at Karachi on Friday.

Chairman PM’s Taskforce on Gandhara Tourism Dr Ramesh Kumar Vankwani received the revered Hindu saint on his arrival at Jinnah International Airport Karachi in the presence of dozens of followers.

The visiting delegation was given a welcome reception at Anandpur Ashram, attended by a large number of devotees.

During his visit, Shri Swami Vichar Purananand Ji Maharaj will lead morning prayers- Artee Puja- at Anandpur Asharm on August 19, 20 and 21 besides leading other religious congregations. He will depart for UAE later.

After the arrival of international Buddhist monks to join the International Gandhara Symposium last month in July, the ongoing Hindu delegation was considered an important event as part of the government of Pakistan’s initiatives for the promotion of religious tourism particularly the Buddhist-focused Gandhara tourism in the country.

Pakistan is home to a number of centuries-old Buddhist archaeological sites and possesses relics and artefacts of historical significance preserved in museums having enormous potential to attract thousands of tourists from around the world particularly Far East and South East Asia.

The initiative also included holding an exhibition of Budh relics and artefacts in major museums of Pakistan and encouraging research on Gandhara Civilization in over 240 universities across the country.

Madaklasht: an unexplored beautiful valley of Chitral awaits Govt patronage to bolster tourism

NNPS Desk

Fri, 18 Aug 2023, 10:20 PM

CHITRAL, Aug 18 (APP): Known for lush green valleys, snow-clad mountains peak and primitive history, Madaklasht is a beautiful valley awaiting government patronage to build its infrastructure imperative to promote Eco-tourism and adventure sports in the picturesque town of Lower Chitral district.

Surrounded by the Chirpine and Deodar forests of Upper Dir and Chitral district, Madaklasht Valley attracts visitors’ attention after entering Chitral through the famous Lower Top in the Hindukash mountains range.

“Madaklasht carried a unique tourism, archaeological and cultural significance that always remained the centre of attraction for tourists due to its nearby three famous historic valleys and famous Kalash culture,” said Bakhtzada Khan, senior research officer of archaeology and tourism department while talking to APP on Friday.

He said the history of Madaklasht was as old as the history of Chitral. In18th century, he said about seven to 12 people migrated to Chitral from the Northern parts of the subcontinent (now Pakistan) for trade and establish their base camps in various places for residence and finally settled in Madaklasht.

“I had visited many tourist sites in the world including Pakistan but Madaklasht’s natural beauty was beyond one’s imagination,” said Manzoorul Haq, former Ambassador of Pakistan told APP.

While staying at Madaklasht, he said that a visitor could easily explore the three famous Kalash valleys including Bumburet (Mumuret), Rumbur and Biriu (Birir) that take tourists in the lap of serenity before return back in a day-long trip.

He said Kalash culture was a unique identity of Chitral that draw tourists from across the country and the world.

Manzoor said the underrated Madaklasht could prove the best winter sports destination due to its trekking and snowfall features.

Manzoor underlined the need for improvement of road infrastructure and showcasing Madaklasht’s mesmerizing natural beauty through digital and social media to bolster the rural economy and promote adventure tourism here.

He said these hidden treasures require to be projected through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other digital media tools with small videos to purge the country of prevailing economic challenges.

Omair Khattak, General Manager of Investment, Tourism Authority Govt of KP said that Madaklasht would become a hub of tourism and adventure sports after the construction of a cable car between it and Kumrat of Dir Upper.

The proposed Kumrat-Madaklasht cable car would be constructed with an estimated cost of USD 200 million with the assistance of the World Bank, he said.

The 16 kilometres long cable car would have 5,280 meters height with facilities of a base station at Kumrat, intermediate stops stations and car parking plazas for 500 vehicles,” he said, adding base station hotels, mosques, hydro plants, walking tracks and final station at Madaklasht would be built for facilitation of tourists.

He said feasibility studies of the mega project have been started and would be completed in eight years.

The development of infrastructure and construction of access roads besides additional aspects such as waste management would also be evaluated and roads to be ensured.

The cable car project on completion would attract an estimated 1.2 million domestic and international tourists annually to the Malakand division.

He said the project would make the entire KP especially Madaklast and Kumrat Valleys a hub of adventure sports and mountains tourism.

Extreme heat is here to stay: UN weather agency warns

NNPS Desk

Fri, 18 Aug 2023, 10:09 PM

UNITED NATIONS, Aug 18 (APP): Heatwaves sweeping large parts of the world offer yet another reminder that extreme weather events — boosted by human-induced climate change — have become “the new normal”, the UN World Meteorological Organization (WMO), a Geneva-based UN agency, warned Friday.

WMO Spokesperson Clare Nullis said that heat warnings have been issued by many weather services across Europe this week, including in France, Germany, Poland and Switzerland.

Meanwhile, parts of the Middle East were expected to see temperatures over 50 degrees Celsius in the coming days and Japan was experiencing a “prolonged” heatwave which shattered temperature records.

Speaking to reporters in Geneva about the recent massive wildfires fueled by the hot and dry conditions in Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands, Ms Nullis highlighted the “many evacuations and much devastation”.

“Unfortunately, that is a picture with which we’ve become all too familiar this summer,” she said.

The WMO Spokesperson also noted that Canada’s record-breaking season was continuing and that it was “completely off the charts” this year. As of 17 August, more than 600 wildfires across the country were out of control, she said.

Even Canada’s far north near the Arctic Circle had not been spared, as a mass evacuation order was in force in the town of Yellowknife in the Northern Territories due to an approaching blaze.

Meanwhile, in the British Columbia town of Lytton, a record temperature of 42.2 degrees Celsius was reached this week, Ms Nullis said.

WMO also warned that Hurricane Hilary had intensified “very rapidly” to a major category four hurricane off Mexico’s Pacific Coast, “fed by warm ocean surface temperatures”.

Sustained winds of up to 220 kilometres per hour were expected in Mexico’s coastal areas over the weekend. Ms Nullis noted that, as was often the case with tropical cyclones, “the threat is not just from the wind but also from water”, and rainfall of up to 152 millimetres was forecast in the affected areas in Mexico.

The usually arid southwest of the United States, including major cities such as San Diego, would also see “a huge amount of rain in a short time”, she said, with a high risk of flash flooding.

WMO climate expert Alvaro Silva commented that “the frequency and intensity of many extremes, such as heatwaves and heavy precipitation, have increased in recent decades”. He noted that it can be said with “high confidence” that human induced climate change from greenhouse emissions is the main driver.

The southwest Pacific was another region hit hard by the impacts of a warming climate, WMO said, with weather-related disasters “unravelling the fabric of society” there.

According to the UN agency’s latest report, sea level rise threatened the future of low-lying islands, while increasing ocean heat and acidification devastated vulnerable marine ecosystems.

WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas said that the El Niño climate pattern will have a major impact on the region this year, bringing higher temperatures, disruptive weather “and more marine heatwaves and coral bleaching”.

APP/ift

Thief gang busted, stolen valuables recovered

Asim Usman

Fri, 18 Aug 2023, 10:08 PM

MULTAN, Aug 18 (APP):Mumtazabad police busted a notorious thief gang and arrested two criminals besides recovering stolen valuables from their possession here on Friday.

As per directives of the City Police Officer (CPO) Mansoor-ul-Haq Rana, the Mumtazabad police under the supervision of SP Cantt Division Capt (retd) Qazi Ali Raza launched a crackdown against thieves. The police team busted the notorious “Salu” gang and arrested two members including the ring leader Salman alias Salu and Danish.

Police have recovered stolen valuables including six motorcycles, one loader rickshaw and cash Rs 250,000 from their possession by tracing 15 cases from them.

Further investigations were underway from the arrested criminals and more recoveries were expected from them, police sources added.

Religious leaders unite to condemn violence, demand justice for minorities

NNPS Desk

Fri, 18 Aug 2023, 10:06 PM

KARACHI, Aug 18 (APP): Religious leaders from diverse faiths on Friday gathered to denounce exploitation, violence, and religious intolerance in all its forms.

Leading the press conference at the Karachi Press Club, Ambassador at Large for Global Peace and Human Rights, Imam Allama Muhammad Ahsan Siddiqui, Chairman of the Interfaith Commission for Peace and Harmony (ICPH) and Co-Chair of the International Religious Freedom Roundtable for Pakistan addressed the recent Jaranwala incident and called for justice and respect for religious minorities in Pakistan.

Highlighting the importance of unity and mutual respect, he stated that Islam unequivocally condemned all acts of violence and exploitation.

He emphasized that Islamic teachings required followers to honor and respect the beliefs of people from other religions, affirming that non-Muslim citizens possessed the same rights as their Muslim counterparts in an Islamic state.

Referring to the recent Jaranwala incident, Imam Siddiqui expressed deep sadness and concern over the violent actions that left churches vandalized and families homeless.

He condemned the actions of a radical mob and called for an immediate impartial inquiry to determine the facts and bring the culprits to justice. The incident, he stated, aimed to undermine the growing support of Christian clergy for Islam, particularly following the Pope’s condemnation of the burning of the Holy Quran in Sweden.

He stressed that the desecration of the Holy Quran was unacceptable and could not be tolerated under any circumstances.

He emphasized that failure to hold criminals accountable only encourages vigilantism, putting a strain on law enforcement agencies. Insulting places of worship, he asserted, was a grave offence that raises questions about the performance of authorities.

The press conference concluded with a unified call for justice and protection of religious minorities in Pakistan.

The religious leaders urged a collective effort to foster interfaith harmony and combat hatred in the guise of religion.

The leaders emphasized that respecting diversity and upholding the rights of all citizens were fundamental to achieving lasting peace and harmony.

1...13,36813,36913,370...31,078 Page 13,369 of 31,078

Associated Press Of Pakistan

Photo exhibition paying tributes to diverse beauty of China by Ambassador Haque held in Beijing

Alert issued for people to shift safe areas over Sutlej river flood

Federal govt notifies transfers, postings of secretaries, officers

Afghanistan’s health system suffers critical underfunding: WHO

Interfaith leaders condemn Jaranwala tragedy, call for unity, peace

Swami Vichar Purananand Ji Maharaj arrives in Pakistan on 4-day visit

Madaklasht: an unexplored beautiful valley of Chitral awaits Govt patronage to bolster tourism

Extreme heat is here to stay: UN weather agency warns

Thief gang busted, stolen valuables recovered

Religious leaders unite to condemn violence, demand justice for minorities

ABOUT US

FOLLOW US