Mirpur,AJK, May 01 (APP):AJK President Sardar Masood Khan has emphasized that the Muslim Ummah must unite through
conscious efforts by promoting harmony, tolerance and social integrity.
Islam, he said, is a universal religion that promotes peace, love for humanity and unity.
The President made these remarks while addressing the Jammu and Kashmir National
Coordination Council seminar organized by the Council of Islamic Ideology, Azad
Jammu and Kashmir on Monday. The President was the chief guest at the event
while the Honourable Chief Justice AJK Supreme Court Muhammad Ibrahim Zia,
Chairman AJK Council of Islamic Ideology presided the ceremony.
The President commended the AJK Council of Islamic Ideology on organizing this very important
seminar aimed at promoting inter-sect harmony by uniting the Scholars and Ulema
of various schools of thought. He added that we must focus on the similarities
and not be obsessed with differences between the various schools of thought
practicing Islam in AJK and Pakistan.
The President emphasizing the role of the religious leaders in promoting peace and
tolerance in the society said that our leaders must set an example of
respecting varied religious opinions and preach brotherhood and tolerance. He
said Islam is a religion that promotes humanity and righteous virtues that we
need to unconditionally imbibe in order to progress.
The President said that AJK like Pakistan is a product of an ideology based on the
teachings of Islam, where the people will be free to practice their religion
without prejudice and discrimination. This ideology, he said, defines our
national outlook and the very structure of our society.
He said that our salvation lies in following the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and Prophet
Muhammad (PBUH),adding the Prophet (PBUH) blessed us with a complete religion
which encompasses all the aspects of our lives and the Prophet (PBUH) is a
guiding principle for all of humanity.
The President asserted the prominence of Mosque (Masjid), he said that our Mosque
is not just a place of worship but a complete institution for collective social
reform. He said that our Ulema must use their influence to promote inter-sect
and inter-faith harmony by shaping public opinion. He urged them to fight
against the evils dividing our society on the sectarian lines and make
conscious efforts to bring our society closer.
Masood said that we need to teach our children the lessons of humanity and tolerance by
making it a part of our academic syllabus. He said that the children of today
are our future and we need to indoctrinate them with these values to ensure
unity and progress of our nation.
The President informed audience that by the Grace of Allah, Azad Jammu and
Kashmir has no recorded sectarian violence. This he said was due to the efforts
of the religious leaders who have always promoted inter-sect harmony.
He said that we need to work on researching and developing Islamic Philosophy (Fiqh) in
collaboration with other Muslim nations. He said that Muslims all over the
globe are facing political, social and sectarian hurdles, which can only be
addressed if we fully imbibe the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) based on
tolerance, love, patience and most important the respect for our fellow human.
We must promote our Islamic culture gifted to us by Allah Almighty and preach
Islam in its true spirit.
By promoting unity in our society, he said, we can achieve economic prosperity and make
Pakistan a sovereign and powerful nation. He added that then only Pakistan will
be able to effectively take up the Kashmir issue and resolve this long pending
issue in accordance to the United Nation Security Council Resolutions.
Speaking on the abhorrent human right situation in Indian Occupied Kashmir, the President
said that our innocent brothers and sisters are being subjected to unimaginable
torture. He said that the Kashmiris in IOK are being mercilessly killed,
maimed, illegally incarcerated and their women folk dishonored with impunity.
He said that Hurriyat Leaders are under constant surveillance and their
political freedom like that of the people has been curtailed.
The President praised the efforts of the Council of Islamic Ideology both in
Pakistan and AJK saying that they have acted as a rudder in ensuring we follow
the ideology on which this nation is based.
A resolution was also unanimously passed by the participants to work in unison towards
promoting religious and inter-sect harmony throughout the country. The
resolution also strongly condemned the atrocities perpetrated by India in IOK
and asked for the just and sustainable resolution to the conflict.
The event was also addressed by Dr. Qibla Ayaz, Chairman Council of Islamic Ideology,
Pakistan, Honourable Chief Justice AJK Supreme Court Muhammad Ibrahim Zia,
Chairman AJK Council of Islamic Ideology, Maulana Ubaid-ur-Rehman Farooqi,
Chairman Ulema and Mashaikh Council AJK, Maulana Imtiaz Siddiqui and Kifayat
Hussain Naqvi. The event was attended by a large number of religious scholars,
theologists and religious leaders from all schools of thought from all over
Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

ISLAMABAD, Apr 30 (APP):President Mamnoon Hussain has said that the policies of the incumbent government were aimed at protecting the rights of labourers in accordance with the Islamic teachings and international laws.
In his message to the nation on International Labour Day observed globally on May 1, the president said the government has proposed a reasonable increase in the wages of the workers in the recent budget, which manifested government’s passion for the development and well-being of this sector.
He said the day is observed as symbol of protecting workers’ rights throughout the world. It is
also a day to pledge that the workers would perform their duties for national development and prosperity with sincerity and the employer will also ensure payment of wages on time both at state and non-state levels.
In the Pakistani society, he said the relation between the employer and the worker is based on the teachings of Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) which calls for paying the wages to the worker well on time which is considered as a golden principle for an agreement to protect workers’ rights.
He said that he felt delighted to tell his countrymen as well as the the world community that all the policies of the Pakistan’s government are based on the very golden rule, which is also protected by the country’s constitution.
President Mamnoon said the government is also executing various projects for welfare of the local as well as the overseas workers for the development and stability of the country as their remittances contribute to the economic stability.
He also lauded the role of brave workers who play a fundamental role in the struggle for the national development.
The president hoped that that Pakistani workers would continue contributing to the development of the country.

PESHAWAR, Apr 30 (APP):Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Engr. Iqbal Zafar Jhagra has appealed to the labourers and
entrepreneurs to be more conscious towards ensuring best utilization of the available resources
as well as maintain unity and amicable working relationships in making the output of the work and investments of the desired standards.
In his message on the eve of 1st May, the governor said, “the 1st of May reminds us of the
sacrifices which the labourers of Chicago had offered for up-holding their rights and dignity of their
work. Their justified action impressed the world community so much that we have decided to observe
the day internationally with the basic aim to promote realization about the importance of labour and protection of the rights of workers.”
He said the difference in quality and level of facilities which prevails presently between the developed and egalitarian societies and the developing societies is in fact the result of the state of realization which they carry forward with regard to importance of labour and the volume of
investments which they make in this respect.
“We, as responsible members of the world community, are not only signatory to all international pacts and obligations for up-holding the rights of workers but being citizens of a Muslim state feel ourselves duty bound to fulfill all the responsibilities which we owe in this respect as well.
The core message which we derive from the Islamic teachings in this connection binds us to pay the dues of labour to workers before their sweat is dried up,” he added.
He said in wake of technological advancements, the situation demands extra and constant
efforts to ensure capacity building of workers; train them and up-date their knowledge and skills to
better utilize their potential for the progress of the nation. This is also an efficient way of ensuring
their well being and that of their families.

ISLAMABAD, Apr 30 (APP):Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq Monday said that Labour Day is an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of working men and women who are an indispensible pillar of the country.
While remembering Chicago Martyrs on this day for their valiant struggle against oppression, exploitation and injustice, we also pay tribute to the labour community for its valuable contribution in nation building, he said this in a message on Labour Day being commemorated on Tuesday.
He said this day symbolizes the strength and character of the Pakistani workforce and its devotion and commitment towards making our country a prosperous and progressive nation in the world.
Ayaz Sadiq said that the labour class plays a vital role in the development and progress of a country; therefore, it is essential to ensure their welfare and payment of proper and timely remuneration for their services.
The Speaker said that Islam lays a great emphasis on the welfare and proper award of labour. He said that all the civilized societies in the world have legislated to ensure the rights and welfare of their labour force.
He said that the present democratic government is pursuing labour friendly policies and have legislated for ensuring welfare of the labour class in the country.
The Speaker said that rights and duties go side by side and urged the labour class of the country to work hard with devotion to harness the country’s immense resources for the prosperity and development of the country and its people.
The Deputy Speaker National Assembly Murtaza Javed Abbasi in his message also paid tribute to workforce worldwide.
He said that workforce is extremely significant for the socio-economic development of any country.
He said that present setup in the country is taking various steps for the welfare of labourers and their families.
He reiterated the Government firm commitment to safe guard dignity and status of the workforce.

MIRAMSHAH, April 30 (APP):Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Monday said that mainstreaming of FATA was key to its long term progress and prosperity for which government was working in line with aspirations of the people of tribal areas.
The prime minister and Chief of the Amy Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa visited Miram Shah and Ghulam Khan areas of North Wazirstan Agency. On arrival at Miramshah, the prime minister laid a wreath at the Shuhada Monument and offered Fateha for Shuhada of Pakistan, who have rendered supreme sacrifices for restoration of peace and stability.
The prime minister lauded brave tribesmen for their unwavering support in fight against terrorism and ridding these areas of terrorists.
Prime Minister Abbasi inaugurated the newly constructed Miramshah Market Complex constructed by Pakistan Army Engineers, which includes 1344 shops, parks, car parking, solar lights, driveways and water supply network.
The prime minister also inaugurated Ghulam Khan Trade Terminal, North Wazirstan Agency as part of Central Trade Corridor. These newly constructed trade terminal and communication infrastructure in tribal areas would connect this market complex with China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) at Dera Ismail Khan and would have its share in national and regional trade routes and commercial dividends awaiting a new chapter of prosperity and economical uplift of the area.
Speaking on the occasion, the prime minister said that these social-economic projects were just
the beginning and many more such projects were in the pipeline for FATA in addition to the ones which had been completed or were in progress across FATA.
Rehabilitation of Temporarily Displaced Persons of tribal areas and socio-economic uplift of FATA was priority objective of the government.
Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, ministers, senators and Corps Commander Peshawar were also present during the visit.

ISLAMABAD, Apr 30 (APP):Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi expressing satisfaction over the existing cordial relations between Pakistan and Kenya on Monday stressed on enhancing and diversifying bilateral trade ties.
The Prime Minister expressed these views during a meeting with Foreign Minister of Kenya Ambassador Dr Monica Juma,
who along with the High Commissioner of Kenya in Islamabad called on him here at the PM House.
The Kenyan Foreign Minister was visiting Pakistan as Special Envoy of the President of Kenya to deliver an invitation to the Prime Minister to visit Kenya.
During the meeting, the prime minister recalled his cordial meeting with the Kenyan President at the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in the United Kingdom earlier this month.
The two sides discussed bilateral relations as well as international matters of mutual concern.
Among her other engagements, Foreign Minister Ambassador Dr Monica Juma will be attending the Kenya – Pakistan Trade and Investment Conference to be held in Karachi on May 2, 2018.