AMRITSAR, Dec 4 (APP): The Heart of Asia Conference (HoA) Sunday
called for concerted regional and international cooperation to ensure elimination of terrorism in its all forms and manifestations and stressed on early finalization of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism with consensus.
The ‘Amritsar Declaration’ issued at the conclusion of the 6th Ministerial Conference of Heart of Asia held in Indian city of Amritsar, also called for “dismantling of terrorist sanctuaries and safe havens in the Heart of Asia region, as well as disrupting all financial, tactical and logistical support for terrorism.”
The conference co chaired by Arun Jaitley, Finance Minister of India
and Salahuddin Rabbani, Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, recognized terrorism as the biggest threat to peace, stability and cooperation in
the region.
The participants of the meeting called upon all the states to take action against the terrorist entities in accordance with their respective national counter terrorism policies, their international obligations and the UN Global Counter Terrorism Strategy 2006.
The participants recalled the five ministerial conferences in Istanbul (2011), Kabul (2012), Almaty (2013), Beijing (2014), and Islamabad (2015) and reaffirmed commitment to the principles, objectives, and outcomes enshrined in the declarations of HoA IP aimed at promoting regional peace and prosperity.
The HoA IP was reaffirmed as an important regional platform for political dialogue and close regional cooperation aimed at promoting stability, peace and prosperity in Afghanistan and the entire Heart of Asia region, and for enhancing Afghanistan’s connectivity with the entire Heart of Asia region.
The meeting commended countries in the region and beyond,
particularly Iran and Pakistan, for their hospitality in hosting millions of Afghan refugees for over three decades and called upon them to continue hosting the Afghan refugees until their sustainable
repatriation and reintegration in Afghanistan can take place in a
voluntary, safe, gradual and dignified fashion, in accordance with the Solutions Strategy for Afghan Refugees to Support Voluntary Repatriation, Sustainable Reintegration and Assistance to Host Communities.
The conference urged the international community to provide generous support and targeted assistance for Afghan refugees, returnees and host communities in the region, with emphasis on youth, education and livelihoods.
It welcomed the Afghanistan Pakistan UNHCR and Afghanistan Iran UNHCR Tripartite Commissions on Voluntary Repatriation of Afghan Refugees from Iran and Pakistan, as vital steps in the Solutions Strategy, and supported the Final Statement of the UNHCR Executive Committee High Level Segment refocusing the international community’s attention on the Afghan refugee situation in this critical period.The conference recognized the role of cultural heritage as a
catalyst for social and economic development of the Heart of Asia region.
The participants reaffirmed commitment to the United Nations
Charter and its enshrined principles of sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, sovereign equality of nations and non intervention in the internal affairs of other states as well as universally recognized principles and norms of international law.
The conference reaffirmed commitment to the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights and reiterated the importance of increased political dialogue and consultations between countries of the Heart of Asia region for a stable, peaceful and prosperous region.
It remained committed to resolving differences peacefully, and refraining from threat or use of force against the political independence, territorial integrity, or sovereignty of any state.
It was decided to work towards regional consensus on non interference
in the internal affairs of other countries, which is critically important for good neighborliness between countries of the region, and for peaceful co existence as independent and sovereign nations, and re affirm
commitment to these principles.
It was stressed to advance regional cooperation as an effective means
to address common challenges and to promote security, stability and socio economic development in the Heart of Asia region.
The conference reaffirmed appreciation and expressed strong and unequivocal support for the ongoing constructive efforts of the Government of Afghanistan towards regional engagement and its commitment to building an increasing environment of trust and confidence throughout the region.
The participants appreciated the commitment of the international community for supporting the Government and people of Afghanistan and stress the crucial need for continuation of such support for achieving a peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan.
The conference welcomed the assumption of full responsibility for security by the ANDSF and for their role in fighting terrorism and
violent extremism in Afghanistan. The agreements were welcomed between the International Community and the Government of Afghanistan, and relevant decisions, which allow for continued financial support to the ANDSF until 2020 and assistance to them by the Post ISAF Mission, in support of long term security and stability in Afghanistan. Tributes were paid to the sacrifices made by the ANDSF and international forces.
The conference commended the European Union and Afghanistan for convening the October 4 5 Brussels Conference on Afghanistan, and
recognize the importance of the development assistance commitments made
by over 100 countries and international organizations, and of the Self Reliance through Mutual Accountability Framework (SMAF) and its deliverables.
The international community was called upon to further strengthen international and regional cooperation towards sustained efforts for a secure, stable and prosperous Afghanistan.
The conference appreciated the continued efforts by the OIC and Afghanistan to convene the International Ulema Conference in Makkah,
Saudi Arabia with inclusive representation of the Islamic countries and hope a positive outcome would contribute to lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan.
The significance of United Nations Security Council Resolution
1325 (2000) and its subsequent resolutions on the role of women in conflict prevention, peace negotiations and post conflict processes in the Heart of Asia region, was recognized.
The participants expressed concern over the gravity of the security situation in Afghanistan in particular and the region and the high level
of violence caused by the Taliban, terrorist groups including ISIL / DAISH and its affiliates, the Haqqani Network, Al Qaida, Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, East Turkistan Islamic Movement, Lashkar e Taiba, Jaish e Mohammad, TTP, Jamaat ul Ahrar, Jundullah and other foreign terrorist fighters.
Acknowledging the support that terrorism derives in the region, an immediate end to all forms of terrorism was demanded, as well as all
support to it including financing of terrorism.
The conference commended the government of Afghanistan in
successfully pursuing peace talks with Hizb e Islami Gulbuddin
Hekmatyar resulting in the signature of a peace agreement that sets a
good precedent for future peace talks with all other armed groups….APP/ Foreign Correspondent HoA Amritsar Declaration 3 ISLAMABAD
The declaration mentioning the challenges ahead recognized that
terrorism, violent extremism, radicalization, separatism, and sectarianism and linkages among them were the gravest issues that the Heart of Asia region and the rest of the international community face.
The conference termed those a severe threat to the sovereignty,
territorial integrity, economic development and bilateral and regional cooperation and renewed its strong commitment to strengthening comprehensive cooperation among the Heart of Asia countries and intensify efforts to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations through solidarity and collective action.
The Heart of Asia moot also vowed to introduce measures to curb
the spread of violent extremism and terrorism.
“We recognize the necessity of taking serious measures to address
recruitment of youth to extremist and terrorist networks.”
It noted that radicalization of disaffected elements of the population, especially youth, could only be prevented by effective de radicalization and counter radicalization strategies involving all the HoA countries.
To counter radicalization it was agreed to gather experts from the
fields of security, education and local governance to meet in the first half of 2017 to identify key areas to be addressed for developing this regional approach and provide recommendations.
The declaration welcomed and supported Afghanistan’s initiative
in taking the lead in exploring a regional counter terror strategy as agreed in Islamabad in December 2015.
The HoA expressed concern about the increase in production and
cultivation of opium in Afghanistan, the volume of drug trafficking and demand in the HoA region and beyond. The meeting called for eradication efforts as it posed a threat to the socio economic development, security and stability not only in Afghanistan, but also in the surrounding region and the world as a whole.
“We also stress the urgent need to respond to the serious challenges posed by the nexus between revenue and its financial support for terrorist entities in Afghanistan, the Heart of Asia region and globally.”
In a measure to disrupt these links, the conference called for
increasing dialogue between their relevant ministries and agencies to tackle this menace.
The conference, while recognizing that a politically negotiated settlement remains important for durable peace in Afghanistan, reiterated support to the Government of Afghanistan in its efforts to advance an Afghan led Afghan owned peace process.
“We urge all Afghan Taliban groups and all other armed groups to
enter into peace talks with the Government of Afghanistan.”
“While recognizing the importance of the contributions of neighbouring countries and regional partners in this process, we urge all those countries in the region and beyond who have leverages and influence to help bring the Taliban to the negotiation table,” the HoA declaration said.
The HoA conference during its deliberations on ways to achieving
prosperity acknowledged the crucial role of Afghanistan as a natural land bridge in promoting regional connectivity and economic integration in the Heart of Asia region.
“We reiterate our strong support for Afghanistan’s efforts to use
its geographic location to enhance wider regional economic cooperation.”
The moot welcomed the practical implementation of TAPI and completion of the first stage of the Asian International Railway Corridor between Imamnazar, Turkmenistan, and Aqina, Afghanistan—the initial stages of TAT linking Turkmenistan, Afghanistan and Tajikistan.
The conference also encouraged early implementation of the multinational energy and connectivity projects of CASA 1000, TUTAP, Chabahar Agreement, the Five Nation Railway, TAT linking Turkmenistan, Afghanistan and Tajikistan by rail, as it would forge economic connectivity and growth in the region.
It also welcomed the MoU on Jointly Building the Silk Road Economic
Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.
The HoA conference noted the ‘significant step’ taken by Afghanistan, Iran and India by signing their trilateral transport and transit agreement
based on sea access through Chabahar. Once implemented, this corridor
would provide additional and dependable access for Afghanistan and
Central Asia to regional and global markets.
It was agreed to collaborate more closely in removing the non tariff
barriers to trade, establishing and implementing bilateral and multilateral regional transit trade framework agreements. “In this regard, we stress on the urgent need to integrate, through the land route, South Asia and Central Asia through the expansion of existing bilateral trade and transit agreement both northwards and southwards,” the declaration added.
Recognizing the importance of the role of small and medium size
enterprises (SMEs) in the economic growth of individual countries and the region as a whole, the conference committed to undertake measures to strengthen the growth of SMEs, including women entrepreneurship, and their expansion across borders into other countries of the region.
In this regard, the members of the Trade, Commerce and Investment
Opportunities CBM were tasked to explore measures, such as simplifying
customs procedures, exchanging information on regional markets and
addressing tariff and non tariff barriers, and submit a report to the
Senior Officials Meetings.
As part of the Confidence Building Measures, the HoA declaration
reiteratied collective support to promote the implementation of six CBMs identified in the HoA IP and noted that a number of activities under various CMBs that were carried out since “we last met in Islamabad in December 2015.”
The HoA appreciated the valuable support of the international community to the HoA IP and in this regard called for looking forward to continued contributions of the supporting countries and organizations to realize the implementation activities prioritized under each CBM.
The conference concluded by tasking Senior Officials to hold the
first 2017 SOM of this process, within three months of this conference. It welcomed the willingness of Azerbaijan to host the next Ministerial Conference of the Heart of Asia Istanbul Process as Co chair in 2017.
It also welcomed the presence of guest countries Austria, Bulgaria,
Latvia and Uzbekistan in the conference and noted their interest in the Heart of Asia Istanbul process.
The declaration was adopted in Amritsar by the foreign ministers and high level representatives of the participating countries of the Heart of Asia Istanbul Process: Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Pakistan, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Nations.
The declaration also has the support of international and regional
organizations: Commonwealth of Australia, Canada, Denmark, Egypt, European Union, Finland, France, Germany, Iraq, Italy, Japan, Poland, Norway, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States, Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), Asian Development Bank (ADB), Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), Collective Security Treaty Organizations (CSTO), Economic Cooperation Organizations (ECO), North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
‘Amritsar Declaration’ calls terrorism biggest threat to regional peace, stresses early finalization of Int’l Counter Terror Convention
Bilawal should seek guidance from PM Nawaz: Marriyum
KARACHI, Dec 4 (APP): Minister of State for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Ms Marriyum Aurangzeb Sunday said Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari should seek guidance from Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif as he was a ‘novice’ in practical politics.
Speaking here at ‘Meet the Press’ programme of the Karachi Press Club, she said instead issuing ‘big warnings’ the PPP chief should better talk to the federal government on national issues.
The fate of all those who had hurled such warnings in the past, was known to the public, she added.
She said the next prime minister as a result of 2018 general election would be the one, who had served the masses in real terms.
Marriyum Aurangzeb said the positive results of the effective policies being pursued by the prime minister had started coming to the fore. There was substantial decrease in loadshedding whereas foreign exchange reserves had touched the highest level, she added.
Mega development work, she said, was being carried out in the country that included new projects in energy sector as well as motorways for the betterment and prosperity of the people. No government in the past had embarked upon such a journey for improving the lot of the masses.
Referring to China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), she said the game changer would result in huge economic growth in the country as well as in the entire region.
The minister asked Pakistan Tehrik i Insaf Chairman Imran Khan to concentrate on serving the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa instead of misleading them and taking ‘U turns’.
She said today there was marked decline in incidents of terrorism in the country as compared to 2013. This was possible because Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan was pursuing policies in accordance with the vision of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
Chaudhry Nisar, she said, played his due role with regard to the National Action Plan as evident from the positive results.
She cited that in just three months all the mobile phone SIMs were linked with the computerized national identity cards although the mobile companies had opposed such a move.
She said the Karachi Operation, which was initiated in 2013 in consultation with all the political parties, resulted in a visible improvement in the law and order situation in the metropolis.
She said democracy was being strengthened in the country and the journalists had an important role to play in that regard.
Marriyum said that after assuming as Minister of State for Information she had been visiting press clubs across the country.
The press clubs had funding problems and they should be assisted financially at institutional level and be given the ownership, she added
She said she was well aware of the problems being faced by working journalists and also knew how to solve the same. There were issues regarding their security and the government was working on steps for the insurance of the journalists, she added.
The minister said a proposed draft law had been prepared regarding journalists’ welfare and security. Input of all the press clubs and journalists bodies would be incorporated in the the draft to make it more effective and practical, she added.
Replying to a question about the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, she said there was a platform available for the provinces to raise their issues in that regard.
Last week, Federal Finance Minister Ishaq Dar had invited all the chief ministers to discuss issues related to the NFC award, she added.
The minister said difference of opinion was part of democracy. However, there should be no character assassination and negative propaganda against political rivals, she added.
KPC Secretary A H Khanzada and other office bearers were present on the occasion.
Dar chairs meeting to review revenue collection targets
ISLAMABAD, Dec 4 (APP): Minister for Finance Senator Mohammad
Ishaq Dar Sunday chaired a meeting here to review the revenue
collection targets and other matters related to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
Senior Advisor to the Prime Minister on Revenue Haroon Akhtar Khan was also present during the meeting, said a press release.
FBR Chairman Nisar Mohammad Khan briefed the Finance Minister on the latest revenue collection figures.
The minister appreciated the efforts of FBR in increasing tax collections by 60% over the last three years. He urged the FBR team to redouble their efforts to meet this year’s revenue targets.
He emphasized the importance of enhanced revenue collection in the background of the country’s need for development and for achieving higher rate of inclusive and sustainable growth.
The meeting was attended by senior officials of FBR and the Ministry of Finance.
Pak contingent named for Asian Netball C’ship
ISLAMABAD, Dec 4 (APP): Pakistan Netball Federation (PNF) on Sunday named a 16-member contingent for participation in Asian Men’s Netball Championship scheduled to be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from December 9 to 11.
According to Mudassar Razak Arain, President PNF the Ministry of Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC), Government of Pakistan and Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) have issued the NOC for participation in the said event.
“The Malaysian Consulate has also issued visas to the Pakistan Men’s Netball contingent,” he said.
“The 16-member contingent includes Muhammad Akhtar (Captain), Muhammad Zohair, Samad Masood, Umair Hassan, Ejaz ul Haque, Amir Rasheed, Fasial ur Rehman, Zahid Iqbal, Abdul Haq, Usman Bashir, 1. Khurshid Ahmed, Ali Raza and Zahid Sultan (Standby),” he said.
The officials comprise Anwar Ahmed Ansari (Coach), Yasir Javed (Assistant Coach & Physical Trainer) and Muhammad Riaz (Manager).
“The Asian countries participating in the mega event include Pakistan, India, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Brunie and Singapore.”
Pakistan will play two matches on December 9 against Singapore (11:30 am) and Hong Kong (6:00 pm).
Pakistan will face Brunei (11:30 am), India (6:00 pm) and Malaysia (8:00 pm) on December 10. The final and third position match will be held on December 11.
Preservation of archaeological sites helps promote tourism
An APP Feature By Shumaila Noreen
ISLAMABAD, Dec 4 (APP): As the archaeological sites depict the culture of the past and serve as connecting link between old and modern civilisations, they ought to be taken care of.
Furthuer, the preservation of cultural heritage and archaeological sites, not only relives a nation but also promotes tourism, thus bringing monetary benefits to a country.
“Monuments and archaeological pieces serve as testimonies of man’s greatness and establish a dialogue between civilizations showing the great extent to which human beings are linked” an expert, Vincente Fox says.
But, the picture of existing Rawat Fort with its ramshackled rooms, a three-domed altered mosque, crumbling graves and a deserted mausoleum speaks largely of the state of neglect by the authorities.
Unnamed graves, dilapidated rooms and desolated atmosphere of the second major archaeological site of federal capital ‘Rawat Fort’ reflect unwillingness of the concerned authorities to preserve the vanishing historical relics.
Rawat Fort is originally an ancient Sarai (Inn) situated about 11 miles from Rawalpindi towards Jehlum close to the Grand Trunk road and appears to have been built during the Sultanate period in early 15th century A.D. The description board outside the fort in half omitted words reveals that the fort is associated with the name of Masud, son of famous Mehmood of Ghaznavi in 1039 A.D where he was arrested by his rebellious soldiers and eventually murdered in the fort of Giri near Taxila.
The fort is also associated with the name of Ghakhar tribe chief Sarang Khan who fell with his sixteen sons fighting against Sher Shah Suri and buried within the precinct of this monument, it says.
Out of 45 rooms of the square shaped fort where the travelers used to
stay, 26 rooms have fallen prey to intentional vandalism of the private constructors who have merged the major parts of the rooms into their houses.
The encroachment from three sides of the fort is sheer violation of
the Capital Development Authority (CDA) law which prohibits construction within 200 feet of the historical monuments premises.
The historical mosque and the mausoleum of Sarang Khan in the fort
were altered by the locals of the area from their original architecture, violating the law which prohibits damaging or altering the historical monuments.
The graves of 16 sons of Sarang Khan and others are also in dilapidated condition as usually locals pull the bricks of these graves out when they need it.
The site was protected by DOAM, Islamabad under Antiquities Act 1975
but after devolution under 18th amendment of the constitution, it was acquired by Punjab government, the source revealed.
The DOAM Islamabad has again acquired the site six months ago and
started initial working on a plan for its excavation, maintenance and preservation after removal of encroachments.
The Department of Archaeology and Museums (DOAM) has written to the CDA and Islamabad Capital Territory administration three weeks ago to take action against the encroachments from three sides of the site.
The road linking the historical site with Grand Trunk Road was purchased by the archaeology department but encroached by shopkeepers and roadside hawkers.
Director at DOAM, Abdul Azeem said the department had prepared PC-I
amounting to Rs. 20.290 million for repair, maintenance and development of the fort which would be submitted to the National Literary and Heritage Division soon.
The locals living in the surrounding areas even are unaware about the
existence of such an historical monument in their area and the only thing they know is that their children sometimes play in the small lawns of the fort on the both sides of entrance gate.
They have made many pathways to enter in the fort by demolishing its
walls and also throw their garbage inside the fort area and the stinking smell of garbage is serving as a safe haven for the mosquitoes and other insects, causing diseases.
Ameer Khan, an inhabitant of the area said, “The fort was a dormant
and barren place and the locals of the area rebuild the mosque inside it and started visiting it for offering prayer, giving the place a new life.”
“Sometimes our children used to go there for playing also”, he said.
Renowned archaeologist and Director of Taxila Institute of Asian Civilization (TIAC) Professor Dr. Ashraf Khan said Rewat Fort had a strong historical background and it must be protected and maintained.
While serving as Director at DOAM in past, he said, he himself made
efforts to remove encroachments from the fort.
The concerned authorities must take action against those who damaged the historical site and focus on its preservation.
A total of 24 matches decided in Tennis
ISLAMABAD, Dec 4 (APP): As many as 24 matches were decided on the opening day of 2nd Benazir Bhutto Shaheed International Tennis Championships played here at the Islamabad Tennis Complex, G-6/5.
In the morning session Quaran Khawani and Fatiha was held at Islamabad Tennis Complex for Shaheed Mohtarma Benzair Bhutto. Senator Taj Haider, Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed, Senator Sarder Mir Kabir, Fazal Subhan Khalil , Karmran Khalil Tournament Director, Major Rashid Khan Ex Secretary Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) were present on the occasion.
On the occasion Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed welcomed the players for the event and encouraged the youngsters for participation in the tournament. He advised the players to struggle hard to win the competition and play fair game.
Senator Taj Haider thanked the sponsors and hoped for more foreign players in the coming years and this tournament become a symbol of country’s prestigious. He said this is the best way to pay tribute to Shaheed Mohtarma Benzair Bhutto who scarified her life for this beloved country.
This is the second edition of the Tournament which had attracted foreign players from Iran and Saudi Arabia. This tournament carries the highest prize money of Rs 600,000.
More than 200 players will be seen in action in seven different events of Men’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Junior U-18, Boys U-14, Boys U-10, Ladies Singles and Senior 45 Plus.
The final round will be played on Monday. The Main draws of Men’s Singles, Boys U-18, Boys U-14 Boys U-10 and Ladies Singles will also be held on Monday.
Men’s Singles Qualifying 1st round: Ahmed Asjad beat Fouz Sattar 8-1; Gul Zaman beat Umaid Saeed Khan 8-1; Jehanzeb Khan beat Komail Zaidi 8-0; Kashif Khan beat Omer Iftikhar 8-0; Khalil Khan beat Malik Masood 8-2; Suhail Kiani was given a walk over againstSaad Iqra; Waheedullah beat Waleed Ahmed Ranjha 8-2; Nouman Ahmed was given a walk over against Waleed Anwar; Faisal Khan was given a walk over against Mohsin Khan and Moosa Ch beat Razeen Mumtaz 8-0.
Men’s Singles Qualifying 2nd round: Wajid Khalil was given a walk over against Kashan-ul-Haq; Major Ahsan beat Asim Israt 8-1;
Jibran-ul-Haq beat Pooyan Shateri (Iran) 8-0; Yaseen Abbasi beat Ahmed Murad 8-0; Faizan Khurram was given a walk over against Asim Sheikh; Ahmed Asjad was given a walk over against Zaid Mujahid; Gul Zaman beat Ikramullah 8-2; Jehanzeb Khan beat Fahim Ramzan 8-2;
Asadulllah beat Kashif Khan 8-1; Inam Khan beat Khalil Khan 8-1;
Raja Shafaqaat beat Sohail Kiani 8-6; Mubarak Shah beat Waheedullah 8-1; Adnan Rashid beat Nouman Ahmed 8-6; Asad Mehmood Khan beat Faisal Khan 8-0 and Hafiz Arbab Ali beat Moosa Ch 8-4.
Peaceful resolution of outstanding issues, essential for promoting regional peace, prosperity: Sartaj
ISLAMABAD, Dec 4 (APP): Advisor to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz Sunday stressed upon the peaceful resolution of all outstanding issues for promoting regional peace and prosperity.
The regional cooperation played an important role in ensuring the political stability, and promoting and deepening mutually beneficial economic interaction, he said during his address at the sixth Heart of Asia Ministerial Conference held in the Indian city of Amritsar.
The Advisor said Pakistan deeply valued the Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process, as the forum since its formation was making important contribution in the efforts to promote Afghanistan connectivity with the neighbouring and regional countries for durable peace and stability.
“My participation in the event, despite escalation on the Line of Control and the Working Boundary with India, is testimony to Pakistan’s unflinching commitment for lasting peace in Afghanistan and the region,” he added.
Sartaj said the Government and the people of Pakistan stood in complete solidarity with the elected government and the people of Afghanistan in furthering the objectives of peace, stability and development in Afghanistan.
He assured Pakistan’s help in achieving the objectives of HoA and stressed upon an objective evaluation of the efforts, made so far by the stakeholders in this regard.
Sartaj Aziz said the security situation in Afghanistan was very complex.
“It is simplistic to blame only one country for the recent upsurge in violence. We need to have an objective and holistic view,” he added.
He observed that the signing of a peace agreement by the Afghan government and Hizb-i-Islami Afghanistan and its implementation would serve as model for talks with other insurgent groups in future.
He underlined the need to address through effective and collective efforts the continuing wave of terrorism and violence in Afghanistan which had claimed scores of human lives.
The advisor said the peace talks process between Afghan government and Taliban had not produced positive results.
Pakistan was making serious efforts for facilitating the peace talks through the Quadrilateral Coordination Group (QCG).
He urged all the members of the QCG to continue their efforts for talks between the Afghan government and Taliban.
“In our view, there is no military solution to the Afghan conflict and all our efforts should be to achieve a politically negotiated settlement through an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned process,” he added.
Sartaj also regretted the postponement of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Summit scheduled in Islamabad, by saying that it was a setback to the efforts for promoting regional cooperation and undermined its spirit.
The Advisor has arrived India on Saturday to represent Pakistan in the two-day Heart of Asia (HoA) key moot with focus on regional cooperation between Afghanistan and its neighbours and the efforts for durable peace in the war-ravaged country during the transition period.
Indian Prime Minister and President of Afghanistan jointly inaugurated the ministerial conference which is being attended by around 40 foreign ministers and dignitaries of 14 participating countries.
The Advisor, highlighting the significance of regional connectivity, said it could stimulate economic development and cited Pakistan’s efforts in building its national rail, road and energy transmission network to meet the growing regional transport needs.
He said the focus was on the modern state of the art infrastructure through China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
There was immense potential for connecting Pakistan’s transportation and energy infrastructure with Afghanistan and other countries of the West and Central Asia, he added.
He informed the two countries were already part of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC), planned transport corridors five and six, adding Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif had also announced Pakistan’s joining of Ashgabat Agreement and the Lapiz Lazuli Corridor.
Besides, Pakistan was expediting the energy connectivity projects including Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) and Central Asia-South Asia (CASA-1000) with the regional countries.
Sartaj reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing facilitation for transit of Afghan goods through its territory and emphasized upon joint efforts for improvements in the Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (APTTA).
Recounting Pakistan’s efforts to host millions of Afghan refugees in the past three decades and their repatriation process, he said it was engaged with Afghanistan and the UNHCR in the ongoing return process to their homeland with honour and dignity.
He informed that they were working to extend refugees’ stay in Pakistan till December 31, 2017 and keep their voluntary return smooth and orderly.
The Advisor also appreciated the progress made by Afghanistan under the leadership of President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah.
He also noted that Afghan security forces were firmly and bravely facing the militant and terrorist attacks.
Sartaj welcomed the hosting of 7th Ministerial Heart of Asia Conference in Azerbaijan next year and said Pakistan had already co-hosted the event in Islamabad last December and would continue to actively participate in the meetings and the process.
No peace without resolution of Kashmir issue: Basit
ISLAMABAD, Dec 4 (APP): Pakistan’s High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit Sunday said peace could not prevail in South Asia without the resolution of Kashmir dispute.
The lingering issue of Kashmir was the root cause of tensions between India and Pakistan and it must be resolved according to the wishes of Kashmiris, he said while talking to media on the sidelines of Heart of Asia Conference in Amritsar, India.
Pakistan, Basit said, had always favoured dialogue with India but on equal terms. He, however, added that Pakistan’s desire for talks should not be misconstrued as its weakness.
He said Pakistan had been rendering sacrifices for last 35 years for durable peace in Afghanistan. The brunt borne by Pakistan (in the fight against terrorism) after 9/11 incident in the United States was known to all, he added.
Replying to a question, the high commissioner said the joint declaration of Heart of Asia (HoA) Conference was a positive development.
Pakistan was already making integrated efforts to eliminate terrorism and all the participant countries of the HoA Conference should work together for durable peace in the region, he added.
Terming the meeting between Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and
Advisor to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz positive, he expressed the hope that the leadership of both the countries would resolve the mutual issues by sitting together in coming days.
Hurling accusations against Pakistan would not help stop bloodshed and violence in Afghanistan, he added.
Basit said for the first time that the name of Tehreek e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) was mentioned in the declartion of HoA Conference. The entire TTP leadership was in Afghanistan and the Afghan authorities and other stakeholder countries should take action against them, he added.
Pakistan planning to extend Afghan refugees’ stay till Dec 2017: Sartaj
ISLAMABAD, Dec 4 (APP): Advisor to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz Sunday said Pakistan was working on plans to extend Afghan refugees’ stay in Pakistan till December 31, 2017 and keep their voluntary return smooth and orderly.
During his address at the sixth Heart of Asia Ministerial Conference in Amritsar, India, he highlighted Pakistan’s efforts in hosting millions of Afghan refugees on its soil during the past three decades.
About their repatriation process, he said Pakistan was engaged with Afghanistan and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in the ongoing return process to their homeland with honour and dignity.
Pakistani movies captivate New York audiences as Pakistan Film Festival debuts
NEW YORK, Dec 4 (APP): (APP): Celebrated Pakistani movies drew packed houses on Saturday, the first day of Pakistan Film Festival’s triumphant debut in New York City.
“Actor in Law” and “Dobara Pher Say” received resounding applause from film fans and art lovers following the screening at Asia Society’s auditorium. More excitement was in store for them as the cast of the two movies appeared on stage.
Pakistani actors and film personalities, who traveled to New York from Pakistan, include Mahira Khan, Mawra Hocane, Nabeel Qureshi, Saba Qamar, Wajahat Rauf, Yasir Hussain, Sheheryar Munawar, Asim Raza, Tooba Siddiqui, Adeel Hussain, Sanam Saeed, Jerjees Seja (JJ), Producer, Afia Serena Nathaniel and Mehreen Jabbar.
Sabiha Khanum, the top star of yesteryears who lives near Washington, also made an appearance at a reception hosted by the Pakistan Mission to the UN on Friday to a warm welcome.
Earlier, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Nations Maleeha Lodhi declared open the two-day festival, saying it is a part of the continuing efforts to promote cultural diplomacy and to project the country’s soft power.
“Young film makers in Pakistan are producing an incredibly diverse and entertaining array of movies which are contributing to the cultural renaissance underway in the country which is also reflected in the profusion of creative voices found today in Pakistan’s art, music, literature and the media,” she said.
Since assuming charge as Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to UN, Ambassador Lodhi has undertaken several cultural projects and organized a series of events to promote Pakistan’s soft image and highlight its modern and vibrant culture but also its ancient civilizational roots.
The Pakistan Mission, under her leadership, organized a Sufi Night at the UN General Assembly hall to mark Pakistan Day earlier this year featuring Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.
She also organized an Exhibition of Contemporary Art from Pakistan at the UN, which showcased some of the best works of art to demonstrate how Pakistan is becoming a powerhouse of creativity. She was also instrumental in bringing the Lahore Literary Festival to the Asia Society in New York.
“Cultural diplomacy is an essential part of a diplomat’s job aimed at winning hearts and minds”, Ambassador Lodhi said, adding that “Pakistan has much to offer the world in this regard, and our responsibility is to take this to the international arena.”