President calls for adoption of universal values to promote interfaith harmony, peace
ISLAMABAD, Aug 11 (APP):President Dr Arif Alvi on Friday underscored the need for the world to go back to its universal values to promote interfaith harmony and peace, resolve conflicts, end poverty and oppression, and tackle issues like global warming.
Speaking at a ceremony on the occasion of National Minorities Day, he urged the leaders of all religions to work together and spread the message of unity, peace and love for the people.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony observed the day every year on August 11.
The president said observation of the day was a pledge that the state would take practical steps to protect and promote the rights of minorities.
He appreciated the prime minister of Sweden for showing leadership on the issue of Islamophobia and after the acts of desecration of Holy Quran. He lamented that in many instances religion was being used for vested interests and to exploit people.
The president appreciated the government for fulfilling its responsibility to restore religious sites damaged in various incidents in the past.
He was of the view that Islam was a religion of community and its basis was to take care of the poor and feed the hungry, and this Islamic tradition was also prevalent in other religions which stressed on alleviating suffering of the poor and needy. Prophet Isa fed the poor and with his miracles restored eyesight and revived health to the diseased, he remarked.
President Alvi said nowadays states were bereft of moral and ethical values and even today they were waging wars and killing humanity.
He emphasized that Islam was a forward looking religion as it protected rights of women and gave them inheritance rights way before those rights were accepted by the Western world. Women should be encouraged to enter all walks of life, including the business world and contribute to economic development of the country, he added.
He also asked the religious minorities to come forward and apply for jobs according to the quotas prescribed in the Constitution. The government institutions were willing to take affirmative actions to fill jobs as per quotas, he add.
Similarly, he said, banks in the past had hired chartered accountants and prepared feasibility studies to facilitate women in getting loans for starting their businesses. Unfortunately not many women sought loans, he said, adding the government and political parties should be more proactive in encouraging women to avail loans offered by the banks.
He categorically stated that Islam was against forced conversions or forced marriages. The Pakistani state had a pact with the religious minorities and the Quaid-e-Azam clearly stated that minorities would enjoy complete religious freedom in the new state.
He said Islam abhorred killing of people and the Sufis who spread Islam had always advocated values of love for family, neighbours, humanity and all the living world.
Leaders representing different religions also spoke on the occasion, stressed for forging inter-faith harmony and called for protection of constitutional rights of minorities. They reiterated that religions were all about peace, kindness, tolerance and co-existence.
More than 1 million oil barrels removed from decaying tanker near Yemen, UN says
UNITED NATIONS, Aug 11 (APP): The transfer of 1.1 million barrels of oil from an aging tanker moored off the coast of war-torn Yemen has been completed, preventing the immediate threat of a massive spill that would have triggered an environmental catastrophe.
The cargo of oil aboard the tanker — FSO Safer — has been pumped onto the replacement vessel MOST Yemen (formerly Nautica) in a ship-to-ship transfer that began on July 25, following preparations on site for the operation that began in May by leading marine salvage company SMIT, a subsidiary of Boskalis.
The UN Development Programme (UNDP), which contracted SMIT, is implementing the operation.
As much of the 1.14 million barrels had been extracted as possible, the UN said, that less than 2 percent of the original oil cargo remains mixed in with sediment that would be removed during the final cleaning of the Safer.
“I welcome the news that the transfer of oil from the FSO Safer has been safely concluded today. The United Nations-led operation has prevented what could have been an environmental and humanitarian catastrophe on a colossal scale,” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a statement.
UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner said: “Today is a proud moment for the many people across the UN System as well as our donors and partners who have worked tirelessly over the past months and years to avert a disaster in a country already vulnerable following protracted conflict.
“There is still work to be done, but today we can say with confidence that the immediate threat of a spill has been averted.”
The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen, David Gressly, who has led UN system-wide efforts on the Safer since September 2021, said: “Today is a great milestone. A remarkable global coalition came together under the UN umbrella to prevent the worst-case scenario of a catastrophic oil spill in the Red Sea.
“We need to finish the work the UN started. The installation of a CALM buoy to which the replacement vessel will be safely tethered is the next crucial step.”
Various events planned to celebrate Independence Day
KARACHI, Aug 11 (APP):Transition Officer South and Town Municipal Commissioner Saddar, Akhtar Ali Sheikh, has said that various events will be organized in Lyari and Saddar Town to celebrate Independence Day in a dignified manner, for which all preparations have been completed at various key places in district South.
Pakistani flag and Independence Day congratulatory banners will be displayed on the night of the 13th and 14th of August.
On the night of August 13 and 14, lighting arrangements are being made at the central offices and various roundabouts.
On August 14, National Anthem and flag hoisting ceremony, national songs program for school children and national flags, badges and sweets will be distributed among the children.
Akhtar Ali Sheikh further said that under the direction of Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab, saplings will be planted in various parks and playgrounds of Lyari and Sadar Town.
Apart from this, elocution competition and tableau programs will also be organized among the children of the schools of the now-defunct municipality South on the occasion of Independence Day.
No restriction on Nawaz Sharif after completing 5-year disqualification: PM
ISLAMABAD, Aug 11 (APP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday said there was no restriction on Pakistan Muslim League-N supremo Nawaz Sharif to contest the election as he had completed his five-year disqualification period.
“As far as Nawaz Sharif is concerned, that law is in the field now under which, the maximum disqualification period is five years. There is no restriction on Nawaz Sharif as he has completed his five-year disqualification,” the prime minister said in an interview with a private television channel (Samaa News).
He said the new law promulgated by the parliament had overwritten the previous law which the Supreme Court has not yet annulled.
“Inshallah, I am sure that he will return by next month… He will face the law. The nation will receive him warmly… He will run the election campaign and all of us will be with him,” he stated.
Commenting about the Supreme Court’s decision on the Supreme Court (Review of Judgments and Orders) Act 2023, the prime minister said the legislature had all the powers of lawmaking.
“This is the first time in the history. I have not seen it happening anywhere in the world that legislation is stopped in anticipation,” he remarked and said the legislation was the job of parliament, not the supreme court.
Regarding PTI chief Imran Khan, he said the court would decide his fate as he had no role in that regard.
However, he said the NAB-Niazi nexus victimised him and his family, Nawaz Sharif and his daughter, and sister of Asif Ali Zardari when they were also denied bail.
Contrarily, Imran Khan’s government obtained stay orders in the cases of the BRT, wheat and sugar scandals.
He told the interviewer that inflation touched 12.5% during previous government which stood at just 3.5% during Nawaz Sharif’s tenure.
Prime Minister Shehbaz said his government reduced oil prices based on international rates after regular reviews, but had to increase them due to global market fluctuations.
He said the government spent Rs40-50 billion for distributing free flour during Ramazan to support the poor. Additionally, the government provided cross-subsidy to those consuming up to 200 units of electricity per month.
However, he said it was unrealistic to expect economic growth amidst incidents like the one on May 9, which was treason against Pakistan, the Pakistan Army, and the Chief of the Army Staff.”
To a question, he said the controversy over the appointment of the army chief was not a positive tradition. In other countries, such appointments are not publicized.
The prime minister brushed aside Imran Khan’s claim of any conspiracy by the US in the cipher as that time Pakistan’s ambassador, in the National Security Committee, had explained that there was no conspiracy to topple the government.
Coming to the approval of census, the prime minister said the government convened the meeting of the Council of Common Interests within few days of the completion of census. As per the CCI decision, the election will be held under the new census, he added.
Reiterating his desire for elections as early as possible, the prime minister said Election Commission had the mandate to hold the polls.
After the elections, whatsoever the government is formed, they should put the politics of accusation and mudslinging to rest which also strained the foreign relations, he added.
Former IG’s brother Malik Ghulam Habib killed
DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Aug 11 (APP):Former Inspector General of Police Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Salahuddin Mehsud’s brother, Malik Ghulam Habib Mehsud was shot dead shortly after his kidnapping.
Giving details, District Police Officer (DPO) Waqar Ahmed told media in a press conference that four unknown assailants riding on two motorcycles kidnapped Malik Ghulam Habib and later killed him.
Shortly after the incident, a police vehicle of SHO Gomal was going on a road when they spotted motorcyclists speedily heading on a dust road to a main road.
The cops got suspicious and tried to stop one of the motorcycles on which two assailants were whisking away Malik Gulam Habib but they sped up instead.
As policemen started chasing them, the pillion rider opened fire on the police party and five bullets pierced into the vehicle. However, the policemen remained unhurt.
The police also retaliated and injured one of the terrorists and started a search in their pursuit.
In the meanwhile, the SHO sent a message to the control about firing at his vehicle.
As soon as the call was received, all the SHOs and other senior police officers available including him rushed to the site.
When the reinforcement police reached they found one of the motorcycles left behind in a stream by assailants after police chased them and retaliated.
The assailants went on a dust path at the densely grown trees at the left side of main road Dabara.
He added that alerted all the police at check posts and the abductors were not in a position to take Malik Ghulam Habib along with them.
Thus, they killed Malik Ghulam Habib and his body was found near Manzai, Jondola road.
National Minority Day observed with traditional fervour of inclusivity, equity
ISLAMABAD, Aug 11 (APP): National Minority Day was observed on Friday across the country in general and the federal capital in particular with an aim to highlight their religious and socio-economic rights amid traditional fervour of inclusivity and equity.
Different events and seminars were held across the country to highlight the message of the Father of the Nation Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who had pronounced equal rights to all citizens of Pakistan.
On the occasion, the political leadership in the country also appreciated the contribution of religious minorities and vowed on the equality and protection of the rights of minorities.
The Sikh community arranged an event at Gurdwara Panja Sahab at Hassan Abdal to honour the services and sacrifices rendered by religious minorities for the country.
The President in his message said, “On the occasion of this happy day today I am in the process of nation-building. Want to highlight the important role of minorities, we acknowledge and appreciate the role of minorities in the development of the country.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the pivotal role played by non-Muslim Pakistanis in the overall development and progress of the nation.
The National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf extended heartfelt tribute and profound appreciation to all Pakistani Minorities for their exceptional contributions and unwavering dedication towards the cherished homeland.
He reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the full realization of rights for other fellow citizens, in accordance with the principles enshrined in the Constitution of Pakistan, notably within Article 36.
The Chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, has stated that only his party can put an end to the politics of hatred and division in the country and bring social justice to all disadvantaged sections, including minorities.
Managing Director Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal (PBM), Amir Fida Paracha has said that in Pakistan, religious freedom and the protection of the rights of minorities are enshrined in the constitution and protected by a number of legislative, policy, and administrative measures.
The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) organized a ceremony to celebrate National Minority Day.
Chairman of the One-Man Commission on Minorities Rights, Dr Shoaib Suddle said the Constitution of Pakistan guaranteed basic rights to all citizens including religious minorities and the Police had an important role to play in the protection of these rights.
The Shaheed Bhutto Foundation (SBS) also organized a seminar on National Minority Day. The CEO of SBS, Dr Asif Khan said that Shaheed Benazir Bhutto had taken several revolutionary measures during her tenure as the prime minister to resolve the problems of minorities and for their progress and welfare, including the establishment of the Ministry of Minorities Affairs.
The Government of Pakistan declared August 11 as National Minorities Day in 2009. It has always been the endeavour of the Government to safeguard the fundamental rights, safety, security, honours, life, liberty and prosperity of minorities in line with the historic speech of the founder of the nation Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah at the Constituent Assembly on August 11, 1947.
CM honours position holders
LAHORE, Aug 11 (APP):In accordance with the special directives of Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi, the Higher Education Department organized a ceremony to honour top achievers from all educational boards of Punjab.
The event took place at a local hotel here on Friday and witnessed the chief minister bestowing cash prizes, certificates, and medals upon the accomplished position holders. The ceremony celebrated the achievements of 142 students across Punjab’s educational boards who secured prominent positions.
Commending their triumphs and extending his best wishes for their promising futures, the CM warmly congratulated all position holders. He personally invited the fathers of students Kashf Fatima and Ayesha Shaukat to the stage, acknowledging their daughters’ success. Notably, both students’ fathers serve as government school teachers.
Amidst the ceremony’s ambiance, students presented a recitation of the Quran, followed by a Naat Rasool Maqbool (SAW) and renditions of national songs. The distinguished event garnered participation from various esteemed figures including provincial ministers Mansoor Qadir, Amir Mir, and Dr. Jamal Nasir, Secretary of Higher Education Javed Akhtar, Secretary of Information, Commissioners, other officers, students, and their parents.
Addressing the attendees, Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi conveyed heartfelt congratulations to the position holders and their families. He highlighted his swift decision to revive the tradition of honouring position holders, an initiative that had been discontinued for several years. He expressed his honour in sharing a platform with Pakistan’s promising future. Mohsin Naqvi stressed the collective responsibility to encourage and uplift the young achievers and pledged ongoing support for them.
Naqvi shared anecdotes from interactions with the position holder students, where their aspirations ranged from becoming software engineers to pursuing CSS. He was moved by a student expressing his desire to achieve a position akin to his own. This stirred his optimism about the bright future these students hold for Pakistan.
Acknowledging the parents who have persevered in providing education under challenging circumstances, Mohsin Naqvi paid tribute to their dedication. He affirmed that the Punjab government remains committed to supporting the education of position holders, underscoring their pivotal role in shaping Pakistan’s future. Encouraging collective efforts and asserted that positive actions taken collectively can bring about significant change.
Reflecting on his caretaker government’s extended tenure, Mohsin Naqvi recounted remarkable achievements, such as cultivating cotton over an area of around 48 lakh acres, saving billions of rupees in foreign exchange. He also shared how strategic decisions alleviated the wheat circular debt, saving Rs. 600 billions.
Applauding team efforts, he credited the diligence of provincial ministers and bureaucracy in serving the people. Expressing concern over the state of hospitals, Mohsin Naqvi emphasized the need to enhance their conditions. He urged collective contributions to the betterment of Pakistan, highlighting the nation’s potential in agriculture and minerals. He said, “We have just returned from a visit to Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan is very advanced in cotton cultivation. Uzbekistan took the cotton seed from Pakistan and they developed it and today they are get three times more crop. “We have not done the research that is why we lag behind.”
Addressing the position holders, he advised them to balance education with extracurricular activities and aspire to contribute positively to Pakistan’s progress.
Provincial Minister of Education Mansoor Qadir emphasized that the true guests of the event were the position holders themselves and their parents. He acknowledged the need to bridge the divide between education for the poor and elite, lauding Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s efforts to achieve this balance.
Mansoor Qadir reaffirmed the commitment to demonstrating through actions that the nation’s resources were equally accessible to all, regardless of their socio-economic backgrounds. We have to leave good traditions for our generations, he added.
CM chairs meeting to tackle dengue threat
LAHORE, Aug 11 (APP):Caretaker Chief Minister Punjab Mohsin Naqvi, during a meeting held at Chief Minister’s office on Friday, reviewed the dengue situation in the province.
He issued directives to proactively implement measures to forestall the potential spread of dengue across all urban centers, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Multan. He emphasized the imperative of adopting multi-tiered measures to thwart dengue transmission.
During the meeting, it was resolved to entrust the task of oversight to deputy commissioners.
Mohsin Naqvi underscored the need for enhancing the efficacy of larval surveillance throughout Punjab. He further stressed the importance of ensuring the availability of skilled medical practitioners for dengue treatment within hospitals. The Chief Commissioner and deputy commissioners were urged to be mobilize and dutifully execute their monitoring duties in the field.
Mohsin Naqvi underscored the pivotal roles of the commissioners and deputy commissioners in steering the dengue control campaign. He emphatically stated that there was no room whatsoever for any lapses in the efforts to manage dengue.
Provincial ministers Dr. Javed Akram, Jamal Nasir, Mansoor Qadir, Azfar Ali Nasir, along with Chief Secretary, secretaries, medical experts and relevant officials attended the meeting while commissioners, deputy commissioners and experts contributed via video link.
UN agencies call for saving lives, after yet another Mediterranean tragedy
UNITED NATIONS, Aug 11 (APP): Three UN agencies have appealed for greater access to safe and regular pathways for migration and asylum in the European Union after another deadly shipwreck claimed dozens of lives in the Mediterranean.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM); the UN refugee agency, UNCHR; and the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) also called for coordinated search and rescue mechanisms.
The tragedy occurred between Thursday (August 3) and Friday (August 4), and to date, only four survivors have been rescued – all by a merchant vessel.
The survivors, brought to Lampedusa by the Italian Coast Guard, reported that they were among a group of 45 people, of whom 41 remain missing, including three children.
IOM, UNHCR and UNICEF are present in Lampedusa to support the authorities in both the disembarkation and initial reception phases to ensure that people seeking international protection can apply for it and that those with special needs are promptly identified.
The numbers add to the growing death toll of shipwrecks in the Central Mediterranean.
In June, a major tragedy occurred when an overloaded boat sank off the Greek coast where 700 people, including Pakistanis, were killed,
According to IOM’s Missing Migrants Project, more than 1,800 people have been reported dead or missing along the Central Mediterranean route so far in 2023. This route accounts for more than 75 per cent of the victims in the entire Mediterranean over the past 10 years.
The ill-fated vessel – an iron barge – had embarked from Sfax, Tunisia, but its journey was cut short by the unforgiving waves.
Dangerous weather conditions make crossings in iron vessels particularly perilous, the UN agencies said.
Such tragedies also highlight smugglers’ total disregard for the lives of migrants and refugees making these journeys, the UN agencies added, noting that only a few days ago, a pregnant mother and a child lost their lives off Lampedusa.
Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, called for better management of migration and refugee flows.
In a post on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, he urged action to address the root causes, responses in transit countries, trafficking and safe routes, for those on the move.
But tragedies like the Mediterranean shipwreck will happen again unless states invest more in organized, coordinated rescue at sea, he said.