Iqbal beats in hearts of all Pakistanis: Envoy

Mon, 26 Sep 2022, 8:37 PM

MOSCOW, Sept 26 (APP): Pakistan’s Ambassador to Russia, Shafqat Ali Khan on Monday said that humanism, passion for justice, striving for a new world based on justice and fairness made Allama Iqbal a part of the collective ownership of entire humanity.

“Iqbal beats in the hearts of all Pakistanis,” the Ambassador expressed these views in his opening remarks at a ceremony to present an Encyclopedia of Iqbal held at the Eastern Cultural Centre, Institute of Oriental Studies under the Russian Academy of Sciences.

The three-volume Encyclopedia in Urdu language was presented by Senator Walid Iqbal, Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights, who is also a grandson of the great poet, a press release issued by Pakistan Embassy in Moscow said.

The Senator recalled that one of the dreams of Muhammad Iqbal was the Asian renaissance that can be achieved through the Islamic concept of the oneness of God or Tawhid, which was viewed by him as human solidarity, human equality and human freedom.

Senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar highlighted Iqbals’ emphasis on the intellectual curiosity and respect for difference of opinions.

Senator Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar argued that the future generations would be benefiting from the heritage of Iqbal, as his poetry was not based on geography or any single language, be it Urdu or Persian, as the language was just a medium for him.

The purpose of Iqbal’s’ poetry was unification of the human race not in a classical way of having monotonous economy or political system, but in terms of creating a modus vivendi where all live in a difference of opinions but still coexist in a peaceful manner.

Dr Lyudmila Vasilyeva, specialist on Urdu poetry, briefed about the history of studies of Allama Iqbal in Russia and assured that the Encyclopedia of Iqbal would be translated into Russian language and find attentive audience.

Among other speakers on the occasion, there were Professor Vyacheslav Y. Belokrenitsky, Chairman, Centre for the Study of Near and Middle Eastern Countries, Institute of Oriental Studies, Dr Anna Suvorova, Head of Literature Department, Institute of Oriental Studies, Dr Irina Serenko, Pakistan Study Sector, Institute of Oriental Studies and Ms Irina Maksimenko, specialist on Urdu language.

The ceremony was also attended by scholars from the Institute of Oriental Studies under the Academy of Sciences and other prominent institutions and thin-tanks, as well as Pakistani diplomats.

Education Minister condemns PTI’s political gathering in GCU

NNPS Desk

Mon, 26 Sep 2022, 8:32 PM

ISLAMABAD, Sep 26 (APP):Federal Minister of Education and Professional Training Rana Tanveer Hussain on Monday strongly condemned the Vice Chancellor Government College University (GCU) Lahore and PTI leadership for turning a renowned higher educational institution into a political stage.

It is to inform here that PTI organised a political Jalsa at GCU Lahore, where the students along with PTI political leaders chanted slogans against the leaders of other political parties during Imran Khan speech.

In a statement, Rana Tanveer Hussain said that GCU was considered to be one of the oldest institutes of learning.

Unfortunately, Rana said, the GCU was being staged for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leaders to spread hate against their political rivals.

The concerned authorities had been ordered to take strict action against vice chancellor GCU, he added.

He further added that PTI leaders had no shame in stealing projects and rebranding the initiatives of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz’s (PML-N) government in their name.

Today’s event at GCU Lahore was the rebranding of PMLN’s e-employment scheme, he informed.

US appreciates Pakistan’s digitalization efforts

NNPS Desk

Mon, 26 Sep 2022, 8:19 PM

Read in Urdu

ISLAMABAD, Sep 26 (APP):Deputy Secretary of Communication of United States Mcclain Delaney on Monday appreciated Pakistan’s efforts for digitalization and connectivity projects launched by the government for the people of remote areas.

The high-level delegation of the United States led by Deputy Secretary of Communication Mcclain Delaney met with Federal Minister of Information Technology and Telecommunication Syed Amin-Ul- Haque during a sidelines, after the opening ceremony of the International Telecommunication Conference (ITU PP-22) in Bucharest Romania, said a news release received here.

The Pakistani delegation included former IT Minister Anusha Rahman (Candidate for ITU BDT), Permanent Representative of Pakistan to UN in Geneva Mr. Khalil Hashmi, Pakistan Ambassador to Romania Dr. Zafar Iqbal, Member IC Ajmal Awan and Chief Executive Officer of Universal Service Fund Haaris Mahmood Chaudhary.

Syed Amin-Ul-Haque informed the US delegation about the loss of lives and property caused by floods in Pakistan and the government’s relief efforts. The meeting also discussed Digitalization, Connectivity and Policies related to the IT and Telecom sector.

The delegation appreciated the MOITT slogan” Affordable Connectivity and Smartphone for All”.

Earlier, the Pakistani delegation led by Federal Minister IT and Telecommunication Syed Amin-Ul-Haque, participated in the opening ceremony of the ITU PP-22, in which Ministers and Heads of Missions of 186 member states of the world are participating.
The Plenipotentiary Conference (PP), ITU’s highest policy-making body, meets once every four years to set the Union’s general policies, adopt the four-year strategic and financial plans, and elect the senior management team of the organization, the Member States of the Council and the members of the Radio Regulations Board.

Talking about the ITU Conference IT Minister Syed Amin-Ul-Haque said; the theme of the conference is “Building a Better Digital Future for All” this conference is held every 4 years, this time the venue is the historical Palace of Parliament building in Bucharest, Romania.

Every four years, ITU brings together the brilliant minds of the world and gives them the chance to decide, what is the best way to make technology work for the benefit of all humankind.

“Today, the power of technology is impressive; it connects people worldwide in ways we never imagined decades ago. Just remember that during the pandemic, technology was the only way we could keep in touch with each other” he added.

On the other hand, during the most important conference where the World leaders are under one roof, the meetings of Federal Minister IT Syed Amin-Ul-Haque with the delegations of 17 different countries are also going on in the USA, Japan, Turkey, Bahrain, Egypt, Azerbaijan etc.

In these meetings, information technology and telecommunication and bilateral issues related to future digital projects were discussed.

Syed Amin-Ul-Haque informed the delegations that; Pakistan is committed to work for affordable internet, universal and meaningful connectivity, and close global and regional cooperation.

He said the government of Pakistan through its Universal Service Fund initiative is running diverse telecom infrastructure and services programs that are playing a pivotal role in providing high-speed Internet to un-served, underserved & hardest-to-connect communities.

The subsidy driven programs are accelerating digital transformation and are empowering marginal communities to ease into the digital ecosystem, with special emphasis on gender inclusively, he added.

During the last four years we have contracted 79 new projects worth over 266 Million USD to provide coverage to 28 million people, he added.

He said the government of Pakistan also intends to provide not only a conducive environment but to drive both the demand and supply sides of the ecosystem, hence creating an image of a globally competitive and prosperous country that provides a high quality of life for all its citizens.

As part of our digital transformation journey, the government is targeting an ambitious slogan “Smartphone for All”.

It is pursuing a multipronged implementation strategy. This will range from nascent policy interventions for creating a harmonized regulatory environment to digital awareness and skills development programs for harnessing a culture of indigenous research and innovation, he added.

Moreover, for augmented, seamless and transparent delivery of government to government/business/citizen services, we are implementing a comprehensive smart government ecosystem, which is helping us to consolidate our resources and efforts for achieving the public service delivery, efficiently and effectively, Syed Amin Ul Haque said.

The Minister said the government of Pakistan has a strong vision to empower talented youth of Pakistan by providing opportunities where they can embark on entrepreneurship as a career. For this purpose, the Government is providing an enabling environment to talented youth by establishing tech-based National Incubation Centers(NIC), he said.

MPs delegation attends int’l conference on Pakistan’s 75th anniversary in Moscow

Ishtiaq Rao

Mon, 26 Sep 2022, 8:18 PM

ISLAMABAD, Sep 26 (APP): A parliamentary delegation of Pakistan on Monday participated in an international conference held in Moscow in connection with the 75th Anniversary of Pakistan’s Independence to highlight and discuss different aspects and role of Pakistan in global and regional affairs, cooperation and progress in the bilateral relations.

The delegation comprising Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights Senator Walid Iqbal, Senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokar, Senator Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar and Pakistan’s Ambassador to the Russian Federation Shafqat Ali Khan attended the conference held at Institute of Oriental Studies, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, in collaboration with the Embassy of Pakistan in Russia.

The event was held to highlight and discuss the role of Pakistan in global and regional affairs, exploration of bilateral cooperation and connectivity, strengthening of Pak-Russia strategic and economic relations.

Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights Senator Walid Iqbal, in his keynote address, stressed the need of cooperation between Pakistan and Russia. He acknowledged Russian support of Pakistan for membership of SCO and conveyed gratitude for Russian Federation’s assistance in the wake of unprecedented floods in Pakistan.

MPs delegation attends int'l conference on Pakistan's 75th anniversary in Moscow

He stressed the need of realization of cooperation of agreements including the Pakistan Stream Gas Pipeline project to further boost the relations between the two countries.

Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan, while deliberating upon the bilateral relations between the two countries, noted with satisfaction that the trajectory of progress was not only positive but also seamless irrespective of change of Governments.

He listed significant achievements of Pakistan in various fields and highlighted strong political consensus in the country for the constitutional democracy and rule of law.

He also briefed on various aspects of Pakistan’s foreign and defense policy and emphasized the importance of settlement of Kashmir issue for peace and security in the region.

in his address, Professor Vyacheslav Belokrensitsky, Chairman Center for the Study of Near and Middle Eastern Countries, Institute of Oriental Studies said that the conference provided an opportunity for the participants to throw lights on various aspects of bilateral and regional issues with their recommendations.

Among other speakers of the conference included Masuma Hasan, Chairperson, Pakistan Institute of International Affars Karachi, Dr. Zafar Iqbal Cheema, Strategic Vision Institute, Islamabad, Hasnain Reza Mirza, Chairman Analytical Centre Golden Ring Economic Forum – GREF, Lahore, Dr. Shabir Ahmad Khan, Director, Area Study Centre (Russia, China & Central Asia), University of Peshawar, Shahida Wizarat, Institute of Business Management, Karachi, Sahibzada Sultan Ahmed Ali, Chairman Muslim Institute -Mission of Unity, Stability & Leadership in Muslims, Islamabad, Anna A. Suvorova, IOS RAS and Philipp P. Smolyakov, Russian Embassy in Islamabad.

Ship with 30 containers of relief goods from UAE arrive at Karachi port: FO Spokesperson

Shahid Saleem

Mon, 26 Sep 2022, 8:07 PM

Ship with 30 containers of relief goods from UAE arrive at Karachi port: FO Spokesperson

ISLAMABAD, Sept 26 (APP): A ship carrying 30 containers of relief goods for the people affected by devastating floods in Pakistan from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) arrived at Karachi Port.

“Relief assistance from UAE is welcomed with warmth and gratitude,” said Foreign Office Spokesperson Asim Iftikhar in a statement issued here Monday.

ITU conference begins in Romania, IT Minister represents Pakistan

NNPS Desk

Mon, 26 Sep 2022, 7:16 PM

Read in Urdu

ISLAMABAD, Sep 26 (APP): The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference (PP 22) titled ‘Building a Better Digital Future for All” was started in Bucharest, Romania wherein Minister for IT and Telecommunication Syed Amin Ul Haque is leading the Pakistani delegation comprising Khalid Hashmi, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to UN, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Romania Dr. Zafar Iqbal, Member International Coordination, MOITT, Ajmal Anwar Awan, and CEO Universal Service Fund (USF) Haaris Mahmood Chaudhary is participating in the Conference said a news release received here on Monday.

Ministers and heads of missions of 186 member countries are attending the Conference.

On the sideline of the Conference, the federal minister for IT Syed Amin Ul Haque also held separate informal meetings with the ministers of 17 countries and discussed bilateral issues. He apprised them about the large scale flood devastation in Pakistan. He also held detailed discussion on the digital future in Pakistan during the meeting of the heads of missions.

In this regard, Federal Minister for IT Syed Amin Ul Haque said that Pakistan’s Smart Phone for All Policy got great applause in the ITU conference.

The Plenipotentiary Conference (PP), ITU’s highest policy-making body, meets once every four years to set the Union’s general policies, adopt the four-year strategic and financial plans, and elect the senior management team of the organization, the Member States of the Council and the members of the Radio Regulations Board.