ISLAMABAD, Jul 14 (APP):Speaker of National Assembly Raja Pervaiz Ashraf  Friday said the 15th July episode of the failed coup attempt in Türkiye, was bravely defended by the Turkish people as 250 people sacrificed their lives to save democracy and to protect their rights and freedom.

It is indeed a historic example and a great message to the entire world that nothing can harm a democratic order if it is tested and then trusted by the people.

He made the remarks while addressing the 7th commemoration ceremony of the martyred of the July 15, 2016, thwarted coup attempted by Fethullah Gulen Terrorist Organisation (FETO) and Democracy and National Unity Day.

The speaker further stated that this day reminded us of the memorable victory of the Türkiye’s democracy over the dark forces of regression and repression as it was the glorious day when the entire Turkiye nation stood like a rock side by side and showed their patriotism and courage.

They defended democracy and their popular leader President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The cowardly attempt was made to detract from its chosen path of democracy, people’s rules, and people’s progress, he added.

He congratulated Dr. Mehmet Paçaci, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye, on behalf of the entire nation on this 7th anniversary.

He expressed that Pakistan and Türkiye shared goals of democracy & stability.

Pakistan considered Türkiye a brotherly country as it supported us in difficult times, especially during natural disasters, including the earthquake of 2005, the speaker said.

He added that the last year both countries commemorated the 75th anniversary of the bilateral relations, adding

Raja Pervaiz said “I am confident that our relations will continue to grow and stronger in every passing day and our people have always taken pride in Türkiye’s progress as for generations, our two peoples have shared our joys and sorrows.”

Turkey has always supported Pakistan at all regional and global forums and added that the Turkish Embassy in Islamabad also played its role in taking Pakistan-Turkey relations to new heights.

The bilateral relations had been further strengthened by the exchange of parliamentary delegations of Azerbaijan including Turkey and Pakistan.

Dr. Mehmet Paçaci, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Pakistan said that the evening and night of the 15th July was a night of unprecedented betrayal as well as a night of unprecedented heroism until dawn.

He said that the Turkish people defended democracy simply at the cost of their lives.

The envoy acknowledged Pakistan’s initiative to prudently clear the FETO organization from its country which was working in the education sector such as schools.

The Supreme Court of Pakistan declared FETO as a proscribed organization with its decision on December 28, 2018. For this, the Turkish nation is grateful to Pakistan.

ISLAMABAD, Jul 14 (APP):In an effort to raise awareness about corruption and instill a sense of responsibility among students, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Balochistan on Friday organized a seminar and walk in Quetta Cantt School.

The primary objective of the seminar was to educate students about the consequences of misconduct and promote a culture of intolerance towards such actions.

The event was attended by Saima Nazir and Henna, representing the school, along with Zahid Kassi and Khurram Shahzad, Deputy Directors from NAB Balochistan.

The speakers expressed their views on the subject and shed light on NAB’s strategies and the role of students in combating corruption. They emphasized the negative impacts of corruption on society and highlighted the valuable initiatives taken to eradicate it.

During the seminar, effective measures were also highlighted, empowering students to actively contribute to the development of a transparent and accountable society.

The overall objective of the seminar was to serve as an informative platform, motivating students to actively participate in actions against misconduct. The participants gained insights into the negative effects of misconduct and the steps being taken to prevent it.

In a symbolic gesture, a walk was organized at the conclusion of the seminar, in which students enthusiastically participated. The walk aimed to symbolize their commitment to fighting misconduct and their dedication to building a more transparent society.

The seminar and walk organized by NAB Balochistan in collaboration with Quetta Cantt School successfully raised awareness about misconduct and encouraged students to play their part in eradicating it. This initiative serves as a stepping stone towards fostering a responsible and accountable society.

JAKARTA (Indonesia), July 14 (APP): Foreign Secretary Dr. Asad M. Khan on Friday paid a courtesy call on Indonesian President Joko Widodo in the Indonesian capital and conveyed his good wishes on behalf of the Pakistani leadership.

The foreign secretary also met Merutay Vidada Hafid, Member of Parliament, Chairperson of Commission 1 of the Indonesian Parliament, the Foreign Office said.

The two sides discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation in various fields including political, economic, education, and tourism as well as cooperation between the parliaments of the two countries.

Foreign Secretary Dr. Asad with Abdul Kadir Jailani, Director General for Asia, Pacific, & Africa, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Indonesia.

They discussed the entire gamut of bilateral relations and expressed resolve to further expand and deepen cooperation in all areas.

ISLAMABAD, Jul 14 (APP):The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has urged students to ensure the accreditation of professional degree programmes and the recognition of admitting university/sub-campus from HEC before taking admission.

According to HEC, the professional degree programmes include Engineering, Medicine & Dentistry, Veterinary Education, Nursing, Architecture and Town Planning, Pharmacy, Law, Homoeopathy, Tibb, Agriculture, Business, Computing, Teacher Education, and Technology.

The programmes required accreditation from the respective professional councils, it said.

To verify the accreditation status of your desired programme, HEC asked students to reach out to the concerned professional councils’ website hec.gov.pk/site/accredita.

The commission further added that for professional and non-professional programmes, it was equally essential to ensure that the admitting university or sub-campus was recognised by the HEC.

The HEC also asked the students to check the recognition status, visit: hec.gov.pk/site/HEls.

ISLAMABAD, Jul 14 (APP):Ambassador of Algeria to Pakistan Dr. Brahim Romani while speaking about the enduring solidarity and continuous cooperation between Algeria and Pakistan, said that both nations were sharing a long and rich history of collaboration in various fields, particularly in investment, trade and scientific endeavors.

Speaking at the establishment ceremony of the International Association of Friends of the Algerian Revolution here Friday, The Ambassador expressed his anticipation for the upcoming celebration of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Algeria and Pakistan in October 2023. He regarded this milestone as a significant step towards the further development and enhancement of bilateral relations in multiple areas, benefitting both countries.
He highlighted Pakistan’s early recognition of the interim government of the Algerian Revolution, declared on September 19, 1958. Pakistan took swift action by opening a representative office in Karachi at that time, he said and added, Pakistan played a crucial role by granting diplomatic passports to several leaders of the revolution, including Mr. Ahmed Ben Bella, who later served as the first President of the Algerian Republic from 1962 to 1965, following the regaining of independence.

The Ambassador praised Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Algerian Revolution in international forums such as the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement since their establishment in 1955 in Bandung, Indonesia.
Pakistan’s commitment to the cause was evident through its participation in the founding General Assembly of the International Association of Friends of the Algerian Revolution, represented by the esteemed Dr. Eqbal Ahmad. Dr. Ahmad, known for his intellectual contributions as a thinker, researcher, journalist, poet, and advocate of the Algerian Revolution, had close connections with leaders of the Algerian revolution during his stay in Tunisia from 1962 to 1964, he expressed.
“Dr. Eqbal Ahmad, a prominent figure in political, academic, media and literary circles, was known for his principled writings and honorable stances in defense of just causes worldwide. His support extended to issues such as Palestine, the fight against the apartheid regime in South Africa, and opposition to the Vietnam War”.
Though Dr. Eqbal Ahmad passed away in Islamabad in 1999, his family member, Professor Pervez Amirali Hoodbhoy, a distinguished nuclear physicist, represented him at the founding assembly of the International Association of Friends of the Algerian Revolution. Professor Hoodbhoy received an award on behalf of Dr. Ahmad from the Ministry of Mujahideen Affairs of Algeria.

Dr. Romani took the opportunity to acknowledge and honor all those who fought, sacrificed, and provided solidarity and support to the great Algerian Revolution of 1954-1962 in various forms, including political struggle, armed resistance, financial aid, civil service, freedom of speech in media and information, literature, art, associative and party solidarity, as well as diplomatic support in regional and international forums.

In a momentous event held under the high patronage of the President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Algeria officially established the International Association of Friends of the Algerian Revolution on July 3rd, coinciding with the celebration of the 61st anniversary of the nation’s glorious regaining of national independence.

The ceremony witnessed the participation of numerous friends of the Algerian Revolution and their representatives from 31 countries spanning Africa, Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

During the inaugural ceremony of the founding General Assembly of the International Association of Friends of the Algerian Revolution, a speech was delivered on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the National Community Abroad, Ahmed Attaf.

The speech conveyed Algeria’s recognition and appreciation for the friends of the Algerian Revolution, acknowledging their invaluable contributions in supporting Algeria’s liberation.
Attaf emphasized their renowned sacrifices for the triumph of freedom and peace values globally, highlighting the significance of preserving and enhancing the national memory, which holds special importance to President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.
Ahmed Attaf, the Foreign Minister, reaffirmed Algeria’s support for just causes worldwide, particularly expressing solidarity with the Palestinian cause and the issue of Western Sahara, the last colony in Africa.

He concluded his speech by commending the noble objectives of the association and the commitment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to support and assist in implementing its program of activities.

The International Association of Friends of the Algerian Revolution appointed former President of Mozambique, Joaquim Chissano, as its honorary president, and former Algerian Ambassador, Mr. Nourredine Djoudi, as its president.

The association’s executive office comprises representatives from various regions, including the United States, Italy, Venezuela, Mauritania, Vietnam, Chile, Algeria, and Angola.

The International Association of Friends of the Algerian Revolution welcomes and embraces many other supporters of the Algerian Revolution worldwide, including personalities from Pakistan. While it was not possible to include all of them in the founding meeting due to time constraints, the association’s doors remain open for their participation.
The association aims to serve as an organization that promotes awareness of the historical legacy of friends of the Algerian Revolution across the globe.
It seeks to provide a platform for expressing revolutionary culture, defending freedom and peace values for all peoples and nations, and reflecting the principles of humanity, diversity, multilateralism, understanding, and tolerance, in line with international norms and agreements