LONDON, March 23 (APP):The Pakistan Day was marked with a flag hoisting ceremony here at the Pakistan High Commission, London on Friday morning. High Commissioner Syed Ibne Abbas unfurled the national flag in the premises of the High Commission in an impressive ceremony.
After the recitation from the Holy Quran, the messages of President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi were read out.
A large number of people including mayors, councillors, community leaders, members of Pakistani
diaspora, officials from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO), British friends of Pakistan, a delegation of
Pakistan Peace Collective, students and representatives of media attended the ceremony.
Syed Ibne Abbas, in his address on the occasion, shed light on the importance of Pakistan Day as the turning point in the national history.
He paid glowing tribute to Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and other founding fathers, who, through their unwavering resolve and visionary leadership brought the Muslims of the sub-continent at one platform and created a separate homeland for them.
Giving an overview of Pakistan, the High Commissioner said: “Despite challenges, Pakistan is moving
forward and narrative of Pakistan is changing fast.”
He said due to the economic reforms agenda of the government, the economy was growing at the rate
of 5.6%, which was likely to touch the figure of 6% next year.
The foreign investors, he said, were showing keen interest in Pakistan. China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was a game changer with $62 billion investment portfolio, that would not only benefit Pakistan but would bring
about regional economic integration, he added.
“Security of Pakistan has significantly improved, and I pay tribute to our government, civil and armed law enforcement agencies, and the resilient people of Pakistan to successfully face the challenge of terrorism,” he said.
The high commissioner said the anti-Pakistan elements were not happy with the CPEC and were hatching conspiracies in the way to the economic prosperity of Pakistan but they would not succeed in their nefarious designs and “Our beloved country would continue to prosper and progress”.
On Pakistan-UK relations, the high commissioner underscored the importance of deep-rooted bilateral
ties, and informed that constant stream of high level visits from the United Kingdom (UK) to Pakistan was another manifestation of our mutually beneficial relations.
However, he added that despite excellent bilateral relations, the UK sponsored the recent move to put Pakistan on the Grey List Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which was a matter of a grave concern for Pakistan.
The high commissioner called upon the Pakistani diaspora to connect with their local members of parliament and effectively put across Pakistan’s point of view on important issues.
He thanked the community for their unified stance over anti-Pakistan campaign on London taxis and digital billboards last year.
He also congratulated those British-Pakistani diaspora, who had been awarded Pride of Performance on
the auspicious occasion of Pakistan Day.
The high commissioner also shared the details of the last year’s celebrations for the 70th Independence
Anniversary of Pakistan organized by the mission and thanked the community for their full participation in the
celebrations. He also commended the role of the community in development and progress of Pakistan and the UK.
Another challenge for Pakistan, the high commissioner said, was ceasefire violations by India across
Line of Control (LoC) and Working Boundary, due to which a large number of innocent lives had been lost. He
said: “During 2017, India violated the ceasefire 1970 times while in less than three months of this year these
violations have already reached to 400.”
He said the Indian provocations could jeopardized the peace of the entire region. Therefore, he suggested, both the countries should resolve the outstanding issues including the Kashmir dispute through dialogue.
He reiterated Pakistan’s continuous political, diplomatic and moral support for the just cause of the Kashmiri people.
On this occasion, local singers Durdana Ansari OBE and Sarah Peters presented the popular national songs and thrilled the audience. Shakeel Khan’s new national song was also launched during the ceremony and was received with huge applause.
The guests were served with traditional Pakistani brunch.
Similar events were held at other four consulates of Pakistan in Birmingham, Bradford, Glasgow and Manchester.
Pakistan Day celebrated at Pakistan High Commission London
China continues to see Pakistan as priority in its neighbourhood diplomacy: Han Changfu
BEIJING, March 23 (APP):China will continue to see Pakistan as priority in its neighbourhood diplomacy and work with it to take our relations to new heights, Chinese Minister for Agriculture and Rural Affairs Han Changfu said on Friday.
“As the all-weather strategic partner of China, I believe, Pakistan will become one of the primary beneficiaries of China’s development and progress,” he said while addressing a big gathering at a reception hosted by Embassy of Pakistan here in connection with Pakistan Day.
He said the two countries continued to strengthen their cooperation in the complex regional and international circumstances. During President Xi Jinping visit to Pakistan in 2015, “our bilateral ties elevated to all-weather strategic cooperative partnership turning a new chapter in our relations,” he added.
The Chinese minister opined that acting on consensus reached by our two leaders, the two countries need to further strengthen partnership and mutual trust, speed up the building of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and expand people to people exchanges to strengthen ties among the people and also particularly strengthen cooperation in agriculture development and poverty alleviation.
Han Changfu said at the international fora, Pakistan had become an important force playing a positive role in United Nations (UN), Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) and other multilateral organizations.
Dedicated to the international counter-terrorism fight, Pakistan had rendered enormous sacrifices and made major contributions for the peace and stability of the region and the world at large, he added.
He said China-Pakistan friendship had a long history and it was getting strong over the years. Pakistan was among first countries to recognize the founding of new China and also the first Islamic state to establish diplomatic ties with China.
The Chinese minister said that China and Pakistan relations since the inception of diplomatic relations had withstood all the challenges at the international level and also went through challenges in domestic circumstances.
“We have forges all-weather friendship that is higher than mountains, deeper than oceans, stronger than iron and sweeter than honey and we have conducted all dimensional strategic cooperation,” he added.
Han Changfu said over the past 78 years, the hardworking Pakistani people had shown great wisdom in building up their country and their efforts had paid off as Pakistan had grown to a national strength and people enjoyed a better standard of living.
On behalf of the Chinese government, he also extended warmest congratulations to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on its 78th National Day.
In his welcome address, Pakistan Ambassador to China Masood Khalid said March 23 was a historic day for Pakistan. On the very day, the Muslims of Indian sub-continent adopted the Lahore resolutions which heralded the beginning of a practical struggle for attainment of Pakistan.
He paid tribute to the father of the nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the national poet, Dr. Muhammad Iqbal and leading lights for the freedom movement to this day.
Ambassador Khalid said this year Pakistan celebrated the 67th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with China, adding, “Our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership is an account of mutual trust, respect and shared values.”
He said their relationship had over time transformed into one of the most important relationships in Asia and served as a model in inter-state relationships.
Ambassador Khalid said the launch of CPEC had further deepened the friendship. In the outgoing year, CPEC had achieved steady progress in the area of energy, transportation, networks and Gwadar port, which was operational now and the first phase of the trade zone had been launched. At present 22 projects were under implementation, he added.
He said completion of each CPEC project brought “us closer to a realization of our shared vision for regional connectivity, trade, and infrastructure and energy resources development.”
“It is a model of win-win cooperation between our two countries as well as other countries in the region,” he added.
The ambassador said bilateral cultural exchanges and people-to-people contacts had intensified in recent years promoting goodwill and friendship between the two nations. “We will continue to strengthen our linkages in all fields and take our bilateral relations to new heights.”
Later, the chief guest along with the other distinguished guest performed the cake-cutting ceremony.
Two pianists, who arrived here from Pakistan, enthralled the audience with playing different tunes of national songs.
Secretary-General Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Rashid Alimov, senior diplomats and officials, traders, and a large number of Chinese and Pakistanis attended the reception.
Pakistan Day celebrated in Pakistan Embassy, China
BEIJING, March 23 (APP):Pakistan Day was celebrated in a prestigious and befitting manner at the Embassy of Pakistan here on Friday.
The flag hoisting ceremony began with recitation from the Holy Quran. As Pakistan Ambassador to China,
Masood Khalid hoisted the green and white flag, the national anthem was played.
He read out the messages of President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on
the occasion.
The students of Pakistan Embassy College Beijing attired in colourful Pakistani dresses presented national
songs with enthusiasm and national spirit. The Ambassador also distributed sweets among the children.
All officers and staff of the mission along with their families, students and a large number of Pakistanis
living in the Chinese capital attended the ceremony.
‘Dil Hai Pakistani’ staged at RAC
RAWALPINDI, Mar 23 (APP):To mark the Pakistan Day, a stage play “Dil Hai Pakistani” was arranged here under the auspices of Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC) which was based on patriotism.
The play was written by Yar Muhammad and directed by senior artist Masood Khawaja.
Members of Punjab Assembly Tehseen Fawad, Zeb un Nisa Awan and Lubna Pirzada were guests of honour. RAC Director Waqar Ahmed and former RAC director Naheed Manzoor were present on the occasion. The cast of the play included Masood Khawaja, Yar Muhammad, Saleem Afandi, Sapna Shah, Anjum Abbasi, Liaqat Shah, Jhalak Ali and others.
The guests addressing the participants said that the sacrifices of forefathers made possible the freedom for the Muslims of the Indian sub-continent and Pakistan came into existence due to their struggle. Now, it was responsibility
of the citizens that they should come forward to play a role for the development of the country, they added.
They said,”The day reminds us the struggle of the leaders of the Pakistan movement and demand of the Muslims for a separate homeland.”
UN completes its mission in Liberia; Pakistani peacekeepers’ work praised
UNITED NATIONS, March 23 (APP):The United Nations Friday successfully closed its mission in Liberia after nearly 15 years of supporting the West African nation in the transition to peace and democracy, a process in which Pakistani troops and civilian personnel played a crucial role.
The United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) was deployed in 2003 to monitor a ceasefire agreement in Liberia following the conclusion of a brutal civil war. At its peak it consisted of up to 15,000 United Nations military personnel from and 1,115 police officers, along with a civilian component, from at least 10 troop contributing countries.
Over the years, Pakistan, as UNMIL’s backbone, provided infantry battalions, a signal company, engineering companies, military observers, police officers as well as the Level-II hospital . From 2005 to 2013, Pakistan contributed more than 2,000 peacekeepers to UNMIL per annum, with a high of 3,400 in 2007 and 2008.
The bulk of the Pakistani troops returned home in 2015. The medical unit was wound up today.
The Assistant Secretary-General for UN Peacekeeping Operations, Bintou Keita , visited the Pakistani Hospital in Starbase which will be repatriated on March 31. “At the occasion of closure of UNMIL, I am proud to acknowledge the excellent work done by PAKMED and all the men and women who have served peace for Liberia,” she said.
Celebrating the completion of UNMIL’s work at an event in the capital, Monrovia, Amina Mohammed, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, said that Liberia had made enormous progress in the past 15 years, while acknowledging its support for Liberians in restoring their country and building sustainable peace.
“In 2003, when UNMIL was created, Liberia was torn apart by conflict, with a traumatized population and no hope for its young people, especially our women and girls,” she continued.
She noted that 14 years of civil war left more than a quarter of a million Liberians dead, nearly one-third of the population displaced, and an estimated 80 per cent of women and girls injured by sexual violence.
Highlighting the important role of Liberian women, Ms Mohammed commend their “leadership, courage and integrity” in pursuing peace.
She thanked the Special Representatives, civilian and military personnel and troop-contributing countries and paid special tribute to the 200 peacekeepers who lost their lives in pursuit of peace in Liberia. “Today, we remember their sacrifice, we remember their families,” she stressed.
At an “important turning point,” she noted Liberia’s progress and acknowledged that challenges lie ahead.
“Peace will not last without sustainable development; and development gains will be at risk without sustained peace and respect for human rights,” she warned.
“We need to give Liberians back their dignity, dreams and faith in a better future,” Ms Mohammed cited the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union’s Agenda 2063 as the best roadmaps to achieve this.
She noted that a generation ago, Liberia and Sierra Leone were in freefall, and Ivory Coast was embroiled in crisis. Yet, 20 years later, “the closure of UNMIL marks the transition of all three countries to peace and democracy.”
“This sub-region has a bright future,” she stated.
Speaking to the press afterwards, she referred to UNMIL as another successful peacekeeping mission in West Africa.
It was deployed in 2003 when State institutions in ruins, a non-existent economy and a disintegrated national police and army. Today, the State has been rebuilt and more than 100,000 former combatants disarmed, demobilized and reintegrated. Justice and security institutions were restored.
Ms. Mohammed said that today Liberians enjoy peace and UNMIL leaves behind a country that has great potential to achieve lasting stability, democracy and prosperity.
To President George Manneh Weah, she underlined the UN’s support to him in sustaining peace and advancing sustainable development assuring him that the UN would remain committed beyond UNMIL’s 30 March mandate.
Although the mission is leaving, 17 UN funds and agencies will remain in Liberia to focus on development and improving the lives of Liberian people.
On behalf of the Liberian authorities, President Weah said: “UN has positively impacted the lives of Liberians as well as every fabric of the Liberian Society since its arrival in 2003.”
He acknowledged the hope the United Nations has given Liberians adding, “Liberia has to protect and sustain the peace.” He expressed his commitment towards ensuring it happens.
Pakistan, Sri Lanka sign three MoUs to enhance multiple cooperation
ISLAMABAD, March 23 (APP):Pakistan and Sri Lanka Friday signed three memorandums of understanding (MoUs) to enhance bilateral cooperation in the fields of youth development and training of diplomats and civil servants.
The MoUs were signed at the Prime Minister’s House during the visit of Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, who is here on a three-day visit.
Both Prime Minister Abbasi and Sri Lankan President Sirisena witnessed the signing ceremony.
The first MoU between Foreign Service Academy of Pakistan and Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute of Sri Lanka was signed by Foreign Secretary of Pakistan Tehmina Janjua and Sri Lankan Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Vasantha Senanayake.
The second MoU was signed between Ministry of National Policies and Economic Affairs of Sri Lanka and Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination of Pakistan on cooperation in the field of youth development. The document was signed by Sri Lankan High Commissioner in Pakistan Major General (Retd) Jayanath C.P. Lokuketagodage and Secretary Ministry of Inter Provincial Coordination Syed Abu Ahmed Akif.
The third MoU was signed between National School of Public Policy of Pakistan and Sri Lankan Institute of Development Administration of Sri Lanka. The document was signed by Sri Lankan High Commissioner and Dean National Institute of Public Policy Shahid Rahim Sheikh.
Later, the Sri Lankan president also presented to Prime Minister Abbasi 10 corneas arranged by Sri Lanka Pakistan Friendship, Trade and Investment Association to be used for the treatment of visually impaired persons in Pakistan.
Earlier, on his arrival at the PM House, President Maithripala Sirisena was warmly received by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi at the entrance.
Pakistan’s desire for peace should not be misconstrued: President
ISLAMABAD, Mar 23 (APP):President Mamnoon Hussain Friday said that Pakistan’s desire for peace in the
region should not be misconstrued and reminded India to peacefully resolve the
long standing issue of Kashmir in line with the UN resolutions accepting the Kashmiris
right of self-determination through a plebiscite.
The president was addressing a dignified ceremony of 23 March Joint Service parade.
He said Pakistan stood for peace in the region and beyond and gave a message of peace
to those who did not want it.
“We give a message of good will to those elements opposed to peace and stability,” he added.
The president noted that for national peace and prosperity, it was imperative
that all kinds of outer aggression, hegemony, expansionism and interference into the affairs of
others should be avoided.
The president also cautioned against exploitation, suppression of nations and interference
in the internal affairs of the countries.
Pakistan is strictly abiding principle of non-interference and expected the world community to
respect these principles, he added.
The global scenario had changed manifold and now countries could not be coerced to toe line of one
particular country, he added.
He said Pakistan’ foreign policy was centered around endeavours for permanent peace in
the world and based upon non-interference in to internal issues of other countries.
President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Three Services
Chiefs and a large number of people attended the ceremony.
Earlier, after arrival of dignitaries, the national anthem was played and the president
inspected smartly turned out contingents of the armed forces.
The president also witnessed the fly-past of the Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Navy.
The president said Pakistan had been playing a vital role for the global peace and its
armed forces were rendering commendable services from the UN platform for the
world peace.
The president also reiterated that Pakistan would continue playing its role for
peaceful resolution of the Afghan issue.
Pakistan had always played a historic role in the peaceful settlement of Afghan issue and
for the stability of the Afghan government and would do the same in future with
the help of friends and the stakeholders.
Voicing his concerns over Indian violations on the Line of Control, Working Boundary, its
designs to amass arms and the gross human rights violations in the Indian
Occupied Kashmir (IoK), the president said with these peace subversive tactics
and irresponsible behaviour, Pakistan’s neighbor had put the regional peace at
stake.
He reminded India that it could not suppress the indigenous struggle of the Kashmiri people and
called upon an immediate peaceful resolution of the issue. “The only resolution
to the issue is in the implementation of UN resolutions and the right of self-determination
by its people through a plebiscite,” he added.
He called upon India to desist from repression of the indigenous freedom movement.
The president said various factors had impacted the regional situation, but it must
be remembered that particular hegemonic designs by certain quarters could not be
imposed on others.
The global political system was no longer driven by one particular player so it was not possible to
impose one’s whims on the world community to achieve one’s desired objectives,
he added.
To impose one’s hegemonic designs on someone could jeopardize the global peace, he warned.
“This era demands that one should move forward by subscribing to the principle of peaceful coexistence
and keeping in consideration the legitimate interests of the others,” he added.
He said in the past three decades, developments in the region including wars had also
affected Pakistan.
Pakistan faced all these challenges by successful launch of Zarb e Azb and Radd ul Fassad
operations, in which the armed forces and the nation had given immense sacrifices;
he said and announced commencement of Tamgha e Azm to pay tribute to the law
enforcement forces and armed forces.
He also stressed upon continuation of efforts against terrorism so that the achievements
made so far could be further solidified. The peace had restored in the country
and the economy had been on the right path, he observed.
The president also expressed his satisfaction that all the institutions in the
country were fully functional and working within their constitutional domains.
The democratically elected governments were completing their terms, he added.
He said the brave officers and soldiers of the armed forces would continue playing their
constitutional role for the protection and security of the country.
Referring to the observance of 23rd March, 1940, the president said there was no
other significant day in the country’s history as on that day our forefathers
had decided to no longer endure the foreign subjugation and the bias of majority.
That determination paved the way for creation of a true democratic and social
welfare state where no one would be exploited nor subjected to injustices.
The president said the whole nation paid tribute to all those leaders who had made
great sacrifices for the creation of motherland.
This marvelous parade was also an indication of such emotions, he added.
The president especially mentioned presence of Sri Lankan president and said Pakistani nation
warmly welcomed him. He also thanked participation of the friendly countries
armed forces contingents from Turkey, United Arab Emirates and Jordan.
The president expressed the hope that Pakistan friendship with the countries would further
enhance.
The president also appreciated the armed forces and the organizers for arranging the
auspicious parade.
UAE, Jordan military contingents, Turkish Air Force planes feature in Pakistan Day parade
ISLAMABAD, Mar 23(APP): A military contingent of United Arab Emirates (UAE) participated in the Pakistan Day parade, held at Shakarparian Parade Avenue here on Friday.
This was the first time that a UAE military contingent participated in the official ceremony of the Pakistan Day.
The participation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) military contingent in the Pakistan Day celebrations is a great gesture and honour for Pakistan.
Besides the UAE contingent, a military band from Jordan took part in the parade for the first time. Another feature of this year’s Pakistan Day parade was the participation of Turkish Air Force planes, which displayed breathtaking skills along with Pakistan Air Force jets and planes.
The audience present on the occasion gave a huge round of applause to the UAE, Jordanian contingents and Turkish Air Force planes.
Navy celebrates Pakistan Day with zeal, fervour
ISLAMABAD, March 23 (APP):Pakistan Navy Friday celebrated Pakistan Day with traditional zeal and fervour to recall the great and immortal sacrifices at the cost of which the country was created when the Muslims of sub continent declared their demand for a separate homeland to safeguard sanctity of rights of the Muslims.
The day dawned with gun salutes and special prayers were offered in mosques for solidarity and integrity of the country, said a Pak Navy press release issued here.
Pakistan Navy ships and establishments were illuminated and commanding officers of all units and establishments addressed special gatherings of officers and men highlighting significance of the day.
The major event of the day was Joint Services Pakistan Day Parade, which was held at Shakarparian, Islamabad. Captain Syed Atif Shah PN was Parade 2nd in Command whereas smartly clad and agile contingent of Pakistan Navy, led by Cdr Syed Saqlain PN, was part of the parade.
Lady officers, female medical technicians (FMTs) of Pakistan Navy, Special Services Group (Navy) and PN Band were also part of the Tri Services contingents.
In addition, Pakistan Navy aircraft P3C Orion, Z9EC and Seaking helicopters also flew past in this impressive parade.
Captain Shahzad Hamid PN led P3Cs formation fly past. P3Cs – Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft, known as “Flying Destroyers” are fitted with Anti-Surface Missiles, Anti-Submarine Torpedoes, Depth Charges, Bombs, and Mines.
Proudly known as ‘STINGRAY’, Pakistan Navy Z9EC helicopters are equipped with state of art Radar & Dipping Sonar and armed with torpedoes and depth charges; and designed to hunt enemy submarines. Captain Zahid Farooq PN led the Z9EC formation.
Seaking helicopters, avowed as “SHARKS” are part of Pakistan Navy 111 Squadron. These state of the art helicopters are capable of undertaking Anti Submarine Warfare and Anti Surface operations, besides carrying out maritime surveillance. Captain Noman Bashir Usmani PN led Seaking formation, the press release further said.
Pakistan Navy Sea Eagle team, led by Captain Imran Rana PN, Special Services Group (Navy) was also part of Tri Services Sky Diving Team. This team exhibited various free fall jumping techniques, which included complicated manoeuvers and landing at targets with precise accuracy.
Various other activities including Flag Hoisting ceremonies at different PN units/ establishments with singing of National Anthem and songs by the students of Pakistan Navy Academic Institutions were also held.
A special Pakistan Day Fun Fair was organised at Karachi where various activities highlighting the significance of the day were arranged for the interest of children and families.
A large number of officers, CPOs/sailors and their families including civilians attended the Fun Fair.
Saira Afzal Tarar conferred Sitara-i-Imtiaz for turning around polio
ISLAMABAD, Mar 23 (APP):Federal Minister for National Health Services Saira Afzal Tarar was conferred Sitara-i-Imtiaz by President Mamnoon Hussain on Pakistan Day in recognition of her leadership that led to the turnaround in polio situation.
In 2013 Pakistan was facing a raging outbreak of polio, a disease that causes permanent irreversible disability. Hundreds of children across the country were falling prey to the polio virus and the country was facing international embarrassment being held responsible for export of the virus to countries in the region and beyond, said a press release issued here Friday.
Terrorists and miscreants in some parts of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas had imposed ban on the polio campaign, polio teams were unable to operate with rampant threats and attacks in different parts of the country.
The Polio Eradication Program was being driven by international agencies with no national ownership. As soon as Saira Afzal Tarar took office in June 2013, she accepted the challenge and led from the front with utmost dedication and commitment to save Pakistani children from the crippling disease and restored the country’s image internationally as Pakistan was being considered the stumbling block in achieving the goal of a polio free world.
Mrs. Saira Afzal Tarar was instrumental in having Polio Eradication declared a National Health Emergency, in establishment of the National Task Force on Polio Eradication led by the Prime Minister. She established the National Emergency Operation Centers and its corresponding Provincial Emergency Operation Centers in Provincial Capitals and FATA to create nerve centers for coordination of all stakeholders in the fight against polio.
With her efforts Cabinet Committee on Polio Eradication and Immunization was established which allowed for involvement of security apparatus in collaboration with Interior Ministry and Pakistan Army, in combating and eliminating challenge posed by the militancy to the Polio Program.
She ventured out into the provinces and areas of serious concern making road trips to affected regions in the heart of Balochistan.
She helped form Provincial Task Forces and met Provincial Chief Ministers convincing them to lead the campaigns and accord it top priority.
She made an all-out effort to mobilize resources for the program committing sufficient funds nationally and garnering support from international partners to launch a major offensive against the Polio virus across the country.
She took the floor at the major international forums including the UN, World Health Assembly and International Monitoring Board for Polio Eradication effectively presenting Pakistan’s case and sharing the Pakistan’s epic fight back under her leadership to turnaround the Polio situation.
Realizing that an efficient vaccine management system was critical to success of the polio campaigns, she led a major reform process in establishing a world class vaccine management and tracking system which won ISO certification and was presented as a model globally for developing world to adopt.
She led the development of the most effective communication and advocacy strategy which resulted in support for the program by key segments of the society including ulema and top religious scholars besides successfully meeting the challenge of refusals and misconceptions.
Cognizant of the proliferation of Polio virus in the federal capital Islamabad, Mrs. Saira Afzal Tarar brought all stakeholders together, visited the katchi abadis in the outskirts of the city and personally monitored polio campaigns to arrest the spread of virus.
Mrs. Saira Afzal Tarar brought transparency and good governance to the program ensuring that the resources are optimally utilized for our children and that the most competent and dedicated team is tasked to implement the policies and strategies under her leadership.
It is a result of her continued advocacy and leadership that there is the highest level of political commitment across Pakistan to the cause of polio eradication.
Pakistan today has the lowest ever cases of Polio and its performance in stopping Polio virus transmission has won highest appreciation at international fora.
As Federal Health Minister, she is credited with major achievements and reforms including the launch of Pakistan’s largest ever health insurance Program, the Prime Minister’s National Health Program, introducing the country’s first-ever drug pricing policy, revamping Pakistan Medical and Dental Council, giving the first National Health Vision among others.
In recognition of her outstanding services to Pakistan in protecting and safeguarding the health of our children from Poliomyelitis, the President has been pleased to confer upon Mrs. Saira Afzal Tarar the award of Sitara-i-Imtiaz.