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Interior Minister congratulates Saudi Arabia on National day

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NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Sep 21 (APP):Minister for Interior Rana Sanaullah on Wednesday congratulated Saudi Arabia on its National Day and hoped that ties between the two countries would strengthen in coming days.

While addressing a ceremony arranged by the Saudi embassy to celebrate the kingdom’s 92nd National Day, he thanked Saudi Arabia for hospitality of pilgrims and said that more than two million Pakistanis were working in Saudi Arabia and sending huge amounts of remittances which play a big role in stabilizing our economy.

The event took place at the Centaurus Mall in Islamabad and was opened to public.

A group of Saudi artists performed the traditional sword dance which was applauded by the audience.

He said Pak-Saudi relations were characterized by its strength and durability adding that people of Pakistan had extreme love and appreciation for Saudi nation because the Kingdom had a special place in their hearts due to existence of the two Holy Mosques.

Rana Sanaullah said Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman would arrive in Pakistan on an official visit in November and the whole nation was eagerly waiting for his visit. “We are waiting with love and affection for the day when Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will visit Pakistan,” said the interior minister. “He will come to Pakistan in November this year.”

“I would like to congratulate the Saudi ambassador to Pakistan, King Salman, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the kingdom’s people on their National Day from myself, our government, and Pakistani people,” he added.

Sanaullah said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were like two brothers who had always stood by each other in difficult times.

“The friendship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is an example for the whole world,” he added.

The minister praised Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki for his services, calling him a great friend of Pakistan while saying the friendship between the two nations had touched new heights since his appointment in Islamabad.

“Saudi Arabia is a holy land for the whole Pakistani nation due to the Two Holy Mosques, and we love their leadership and their people as well,” Sanaullah said.

The minister said the Saudi envoy had assured him during a recent meeting he would do his best to solve the problems faced by the Pakistani expatriates in the kingdom and further help increase their number in the foreseeable future.

He said Al-Malki was also playing an important role in the expansion of the Makkah Route project next year which would further ease Hajj travel for Pakistani pilgrims, he continued.

Rana Sanaullah said interior ministry was working in close coordination with the Saudi embassy to complete all requirements for the expansion of the initiative.

The Saudi envoy thanked the minister for extending best wishes on the kingdom’s National Day and prayed for Pakistan’s prosperity and success.

PM highlights importance of a comprehensive reform of UNSC

By
Irfan Khan
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PM highlights importance of a comprehensive reform of UNSC

NEW YORK, Sep 21 (APP): Emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday underscored the need for continuing transparent, consultative and constructive intergovernmental negotiations, which would respond to the positions and expectations of all member states.  

The prime minister held a meeting with President of United Nations General Assembly (PGA) Csaba Korosi on the sidelines of 77th Session of UNGA.

Drawing attention to the unprecedented rains that had triggered the worst natural disaster in Pakistan’s history, the prime minister stressed that the support of the international community was crucial to help the country respond effectively to this climate catastrophe, and to recover and rebuild, in a sustainable manner.

PM highlights importance of a comprehensive reform of UNSC

He also extended Pakistan’s support, as the current Chair of the Group of 77 and China, to advance the development agenda in the General Assembly and other relevant bodies and forums.

Highlighting the multiple challenges confronting the world today – the COVID pandemic, economic recession, climate change, great power tensions, and a number of old and new conflicts, the prime minister hoped for concrete responses by the Assembly under his leadership.

The prime minister congratulated Csaba Korosi on his election as the President of 77th Session of UNGA.

The PGA expressed his complete “sympathy, solidarity and cooperation” with Pakistan.

He noted that the disaster was not of Pakistan’s making and it deserved the world’s support. There should be a “global solution to a global problem”.

The prime minister also briefed the PGA on Pakistan’s priority issues, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, Afghanistan, and Islamophobia.

US Secretary of State meets PM; assures support for Pakistan at this difficult time

By
Shahid Saleem
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Read in Urdu

NEW YORK, Sept 21 (APP): US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken met Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif here at the UN General Assembly.

Secretary Blinken expressed sympathy for the flood victims and assured the Prime Minister of US commitment to stand with Pakistan at this difficult time.

PM, WB President discuss ongoing engagement to strengthen different sectors of Pakistan

By
Irfan Khan
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Read in Urdu

NEW YORK, Sep 21 (APP):  Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and President of World Bank Group David R. Malpass on Wednesday discussed World Bank’s ongoing engagement with Pakistan to strengthen its infrastructure, agriculture, rural and urban development, social service, as well as economic growth.

They met on the sidelines of the 77th UN General Assembly Session.

The prime minister appreciated the World Bank’s partnership with Pakistan and informed him about the government’s steps to introduce economic policies focused on strengthening the economy, price stability and maintaining the sustainability of the external and fiscal sectors.

PM, WB President discuss ongoing engagement to strengthen different sectors of Pakistan

He also highlighted the government’s pressing requirements for additional investment and financial resources from global community to mitigate the devastating impact of climate change on the people and economy of Pakistan.

The prime minister apprised him of the devastating impacts of the unprecedented catastrophic floods in Pakistan.

He thanked the World Bank Group for repurposing the funds toward flood relief activities and providing US$ 372 million.

He underlined that Pakistan made little contribution to climate change, yet it faced the impacts disproportionately.

The World Bank president stressed that Pakistan must be prioritized for resilient reconstruction through the international community’s collective support. 

Malpass expressed sympathies and condolences over the loss and destruction caused by floods.

He also expressed the World Bank Group’s readiness to support Pakistan in its reconstruction and rehabilitation endeavours.

He also committed to the repurposing of US$ 850 million immediately to help Pakistan with its flood relief efforts.

The two sides also agreed to continue working together to strengthen governance and service delivery in Pakistan through institutional reforms.

Hina for coordinated system-wide responses during transitions of UN peacekeeping operations

By
Shahid Saleem
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0
Read in Urdu

NEW YORK, Sept 21 (APP):Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar Wednesday called for coordinated system-wide responses during transitions of UN peacekeeping operations to mitigate potential negative consequences and help host authorities to further their peace-building objectives
She highlighted that if ill-planned, United Nations transitions carry the risk of jeopardizing hard-won gains and may make it more difficult to prevent renewed violence. She also presented a road map for successful transitions.
The Minister of State was speaking at a High-Level Breakfast meeting on ‘Ensuring the success of Transitions in UN Peace Operations’ held here on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly’s 77th Session.
The Foreign Minister of Ireland hosted the event which was also co-sponsored by Pakistan, Brazil, Ghana, Japan and Switzerland. Several other high-level dignitaries also participated.

Hina for coordinated system-wide responses during transitions of UN peacekeeping operations


An interactive panel discussion to explore the challenges associated with transitions and the Secretary General’s 2022 report on Transitions in UN Peace Operations during the meeting was arranged comprising Under Secretary General for Peace Operations, Jean Pierre Lacroix, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cote d’Ivoire, Ms. Kandia Camara, and Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Head of MONUSCO, Ms. Bintou Keita.
Speaking on this occasion, the Minister of State also highlighted Pakistan’s key role in the most successful UN peacekeeping transitions, such as in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Burundi, and Timor-Leste.

Hina for coordinated system-wide responses during transitions of UN peacekeeping operations


She reiterated Pakistan’s deep-rooted commitment to women’s critical role in the promotion of sustainable peace and security and especially mentioned the deployment of the first all-female community engagement team in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which undertook several successful peace-building initiatives, including vocational training for students, teachers, and women, and conducted psychological workshops for Congolese police.
The Minster of State summed up by underscoring that transition in a conflict-affected country should be a step toward the goal of self-sustaining peace, stability, and economic prosperity.

Pakistan needs more int’l assistance for rehabilitation, reconstruction: Ayaz

By
NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Sep 21 (APP): Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Wednesday said Pakistan
required more international assistance for rehabilitation and reconstruction as the devastation caused by the catastrophic floods was immeasurable.

Appreciating the international community for providing relief assistance, he said currently Pakistan was in the first phase of providing immediate relief to the flood affectees with the provision of food, shelter, medical facility, mosquito nets etc.

“We still need more assistance for the second and third phases of rehabilitation and reconstruction as the devastation is immeasurable, ” he said while chairing the first meeting of Steering Committee for Coordination Regarding International Assistance for Flood Relief Activities.

The meeting was attended by the representatives of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Asian Development Bank, European Union, World Bank, USAID, ministries of Foreign Affairs, Health, Finance and EAD, Benazir Income Support Programme, and National Disaster Management Authority.

Welcoming the international development partners and government representatives, the minister told the meeting that the steering committee was formed on the prime minister’s directions with the purpose to encourage better coordination between the Government of Pakistan and international development partners for the effective and efficient provision of international assistance to the flood affected areas.

He encouraged assistance for climate resilient infrastructure for long-term benefit to the country. He said by October 15, the Damage Assistance Report would be ready which would provide complete picture of the overall damage done by the floods in the country.

The NDMA presented a brief overview of the floods situation in the country and highlighted the relief efforts and recent initiatives taken by the government of providing cash assistance to each household through BISP.

The international development partners appreciated the efforts and acknowledged the importance of the platform of the Joint Steering Committee that would help them coordinate with the government in a more effective manner.

It was decided to hold a follow-up meeting in upcoming week to maintain efficient coordination.

President World Bank Group, Mr. David Malpass calls on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in New York on the sidelines of 77th session of United Nations General Assembly

By
Zia Ur Rehman
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President World Bank Group, Mr. David Malpass calls on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in New York on the sidelines of 77th session of United Nations General Assembly
APP67-210922 NEW YORK:

Bahrain’s Commander-in-Chief offers full support to flood-hit people of Pakistan

By
Abdul Hanan
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RAWALPINDI, Sep 21 (APP):Commander-in-Chief Kingdom of Bahrain Field Marshal Sheikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa on Wednesday had a telephonic conversation with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa and offered his full support to the flood-hit people of Pakistan.

During the conversation, the Bahrain’s commander-in-Chief expressed his grief over the devastation caused by unprecedented floods in Pakistan and offered sincere condolence to the families of the victims, said the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) news release.

He also appreciated Pakistan Army’s efforts for rescue and relief in flood affected areas.

The COAS thanked Kingdom of Bahrain for the support and reiterated that assistance from its brotherly countries would be vital in rescue and rehabilitation of the victims.

Corps Commander Balochistan Lt. Gen Asif Ghafoor visits relief camp in Usta, Muhammad

By
NNPS Desk
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0

QUETTA, Sep 21 (APP): Commander Balochistan Corps Lieutenant General Asif Ghafoor visited relief camps in flood affected areas of Usta Mohammad and Gandakha area of Jaffarabad district and held interaction with them in relief and medical camps on Wednesday.

According to ISPR Quetta, during the visit, Commander was given a detailed briefing on relief activities.

Maj Gen Shahab Aslam GOC, Chief Secretary Balochistan Mr. Abdul Aziz Uqaily, Commissioner Naseerabad Mr. Bashir Bangulzai and DG Health Balochistan Mr. Qazi Noor along with other military and civil authorities were present on the occasion.

Commander said that while water was receding due to recently made cuts in Khanpur (Dera Allah Yar-Usta Mohammad Road) essentially to clear the submerged road and railway track, planned efforts at Tehsil level be made to dewater selected areas like bazar, schools, hospitals, play grounds and DHQs, etc utilizing electric pumps & motors.

This shall facilitate restoration of routine daily life of the local population, he added.

PAC directs govt to deport unregistered Afghan refugees from Pakistan

By
NNPS Desk
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0

ISLAMABAD, Sep 21 (APP): The Public Accounts Committee on Wednesday directed the government to deport unregistered Afghan refugees while shifting the registered nationals in the refugee camps.

The committee, which met under the chairmanship of Noor Alam Khan, also directed ministry of states and frontier regions (SAFRON) to take up the issue of Afghan refugees at United Nation’s forum.

Noor Alam remarked that these Afghan refugees were living in Pakistan for years and doing business but they don’t pay taxes. Further, he took exceptions to the reports that Afghans were found defaming Pakistan across the world.

Meanwhile, the committee restrained the Principle Accounts Officer (PAO) of interior ministry from merging Khasadar and levis force into police.

The committee directed Interior Secretary and Secretary SAFRAN to trace 1.4 million Afghan Refugees within a month and then report it back to the committee.

The committee expressed displeasure to know that 14 officers including Chairman NADRA were having dual nationality and working in the sensitive department like NADRA.

Chairman remarked that DG (NADRA)-KP having dual nationality was appointed near Torkham Border seeking his removal while suggesting that a Colonel or a retired Brigadier to be appointed against this post.

The committee directed interior secretary to move a summary and make legislation that no government employee can attain the dual nationality.

On a query, Chairman NADRA replied that 34 employees having corruption charges were terminated from service and inquiries were pending against other officers in NADRA.

The committee directed Chairman NADRA to provide list of those who had been terminated from services from 2017 to 2022 and directed him to issue directions to concerned DGs, NADRA not to issue CNICs to Afghan nationals.

Secretary Interior, Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs were requested to provide list of 390 Afghans who had chanted slogans against Pakistan in UAE after the cricket match of Asia Cup.

In the end the committee also appreciated the quality of NADRA software being exported to other countries which was also a source of foreign exchange.

The committee directed the PAO of Ministry of Interior to initiate a crackdown against those officers/officials appointed on fake degrees and were working in government departments.

“FIRs would also be lodged against them and recoveries would be made from them,” the chairman asserted.

The committee asked the secretary interior to provide the list of fake degree holders employees enrolled in the Ministry of Interior within one month.

Meanwhile, the committee directed the Chief Commissioner Islamabad to submit a comprehensive report regarding illegal housing societies in the city, including Ghauri Town within a month so that action could be initiated against them.

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