ISLAMABAD: August 17
President Dr. Arif Alvi administering the oath of office to members of the caretaker Federal Cabinet, at Aiwan-e-Sadr
ISLAMABAD: August 17
Newly sworn-in cabinet vows to cope with challenges, serve masses
ISLAMABAD, Aug 17 (APP): The members of the newly-appointed interim federal cabinet on Thursday vowed to cope with the challenges confronting the country and serve the masses within the given short stint.
The 16-member interim cabinet members took the oath of office at a swearing-in ceremony held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, also attended by Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi and prominent figures from various sectors.
Talking to the newsmen after his oath, Murtaza Solangi said that the masses would be ready to back the government if it succeeded to create closeness with them.
The minister said, if he was given the portfolio of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, he would strive to modernise the state media institutions including the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), Pakistan Television and Radio Pakistan to make them cope with the modern trends.
Talking to APP, former Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani, who is also part of the interim cabinet, said the main objective of the foreign policy was to serve the national interest.
He said the caretaker cabinet would strive to serve the country’s interest through national consensus and improve cordial ties with countries like China, the United States, UAE, Iran and South Asia states, among others.
He said Pakistan should further strengthen its relationship with China being a strategic partner with great economic cooperation.
Similarly, he said the success of the Afghan government was also essential that should play its role to eliminate terrorism.
Moreover, Jilani said he also desired that Pakistan’s all longstanding disputes with India should be resolved peacefully including Kashmir, Sir Creek and water issues.
Madad Ali Sindhi told the media that if given the portfolio of education and youth ministry, he, in cooperation with his team would strive for promotion of education in the country.
He said the caretaker government would also address the issue of confrontation in student politics as disputes among the student unions adversely impacted the working of universities.
Renowned actor and director Jamal Shah, who was also sworn in, said if given the portfolio of the culture ministry, he would serve to promote the country’s cultural heritage as coming from the same field, he was cognizant of the potential in the culture sector.
President Dr. Arif Alvi administering the oath of office to members of the caretaker Federal Cabinet, at Aiwan-e-Sadr
ISLAMABAD: August 17
Murtaza Solangi assumes charge as Interim Information Minister
ISLAMABAD, Aug 17 (APP): Murtaza Solangi on Thursday assumed charge as Interim Minister for Information and Broadcasting.
“Mortaza Solangi arrived in his office at the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting after taking oath of his position (at the President’s House),” said a news release.
After assuming the responsibilities as the interim information minister, Murtaza Solangi held a meeting with the ministry’s officers and his staff.
An elder vendor selling handmade hand fans while shuttling on GPO Road to earn for livelihood
LAHORE: August 17 –
Saudi embassy commemorates Pakistan’s Independence Day with spirited celebrations
ISLAMABAD, Aug 17 (APP): In a show of unity and camaraderie, the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia marked Pakistan’s Independence Day with fervor and national pride.
The local employees and officials gathered at the embassy to partake in the jubilant festivities that highlighted the enduring bond between the two countries the other day.
Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki led the commemorative event, embodying the deep-rooted ties between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Amidst an atmosphere charged with patriotic fervency, Ambassador Al-Malki ceremoniously cut a cake adorned with the flags of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
The poignant strains of the national anthems of both nations reverberated through the embassy, echoing the shared aspirations and values that bind them.
As a gesture of friendship and goodwill, the ambassador generously distributed gifts to Pakistani nationals present at the event. This heartfelt exchange symbolized the unwavering brotherhood that defines the relationship between the two countries.
The occasion was organized by Saudi Press Attaché, Dr. Naif Al-Otaibi, who emphasized the profound interconnectedness across various spheres between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
Dr. Al-Otaibi underscored that the celebration was a testament to the profound social, political, cultural, economic, and religious affiliations that have blossomed over the years.
In a poignant reflection, Dr. Naif Al-Otaibi noted the significance of Pakistan’s Independence Day for Saudi Arabia. He articulated that Saudi Arabia holds Pakistan and its citizens in the highest regard, considering them as integral members of their extended family. This sentiment resonated strongly with the attendees, further cementing the enduring friendship that serves as the cornerstone of Saudi-Pakistani relations.
The commemoration served as a poignant reminder of the shared history and shared dreams that bind these two brotherly nations. The Embassy’s celebration showcased the vitality of this diplomatic partnership and its unwavering commitment to fostering amicable relations between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
گزشتہ روز ہم نے پاکستان کے یوم آزادی کی مناسبت سے اپنے مقامی بھائیوں کے ساتھ سفارت خانے میں جشن منایا۔
اس موقع پر سفارتخانے میں میڈیا اتاشی کی جانب سے ایک تقریب کا انعقاد کیا گیا۔
ہمارے لیے بھی ایسے ہی یہ ایک قیمتی دن ہے جیسا کہ پاکستان میں ہمارے بھائیوں کے لیے ہے 🇸🇦🤝🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/fC62B5UUDH— نواف بن سعيد المالكي (@AmbassadorNawaf) August 17, 2023
Sikh delegation calls on CJP
ISLAMABAD, Aug 17 (APP): An eight-member delegation of the Sikh community on Thursday paid a courtesy call on Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial.
The delegation was headed by Implementation Minority Rights Forum Chairman Samuel Payara and comprising Baba Makhan Singh, Baba Gurpal Singh, Dr Sahib Singh, Sardar Bishan Singh, Amrik Singh, Kaka Singh, Satnam Singh and Dharam Singh, said a press release.
The CJP welcomed the delegates and felicitated them on the Minorities Day. He briefed them about the rights of minorities as enshrined in the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973. He further said that in Pakistan, every citizen had the right to profess and practice their respective faiths.
The chief justice termed the courts in Pakistan the custodian of the fundamental rights of the people, which had always been cognizant of the rights of minorities and had delivered judgments to enforce, implement and address issues faced by the minorities in the country.
Considerable strides had been made to safeguard the religious properties of the minorities, in particular the Christian and Hindu communities, he added.
The delegation apprised the CJP about the Sikh history and various issues, including their security and protection of their religious properties. The CJP termed the safeguard of minorities rights the fundamental duty of the state and assured the delegates of taking up the matter with the authorities concerned.
He stressed upon a collective resolve and effort to address the prevailing myriad challenges being faced by the country.
The delegation presented a souvenir of a golden Kirpan to the CJP as a token of respect and gesture of goodwill.
A vendor preparing paan at Lakshmi Chowk
LAHORE: August
Doctors are examining destitute patients at Sharifan Bibi Free Medical Camp (Shed Trust) at Maskan House
SIALKOT: August 17 –
SIALKOT: August 17 – A Group photo of doctors at Sharifan Bibi Free Medical Camp (Shed Trust) at Maskan House. APP/MUT/TZD/ZID