Chairperson of PERWAKILAN hosts coffee morning during Malaysian Culture show

Sat, 14 Sep 2024, 5:40 PM

ISLAMABAD, Sep 14 (APP): PERWAKILAN Islamabad under the leadership of To’ Puan Amelia Amani Abdullah, Chairperson of PERWAKILAN hosted an exclusive coffee morning get-togather celebrating Malaysian Culture here on Saturday.
The event started off with a welcome remarks by Ambassador Dato’ Mohammad Azhar Mazlan, followed by the presentation of appreciation certificates to the cultural performers from KencanaPawana, University Malaysia Pahang(UMP), Al-Sultan Abdullah, Malaysia; Chef Pathma of Islamabad Serena Hotel and Madam Sofia, said a release issued here on Saturday.

The purpose of the event was to strengthen the bond of friendship and socio-cultural understanding with the diplomatic ladies circle, Pakistani and Malaysian ladies residing in Pakistan.
Apart from that, it was also a culmination of the High Commission’s Malaysia 67th National Day Celebration and Malaysia Food Festival Week.

The guests were treated to a delightful brunch of Malaysian style fried noodles, spring rolls, dessert (kuihbakar) and variety of pastries and seasonal fruits.
While enjoying the delicious spread, multi media show on PERWAKILAN’ activities and Malaysia was presented on the big screen.

This was followed by a series of cultural performances, featuring traditional dances by KencanaPawana, UMP. To their delight, the guests were visibly impressed with the different traditional Malaysia’s costumes presented by PERWAKILAN ladies and family during a fashion show.
At the end of the event, guests were invited to join in the dance – ‘joget’ one of Malaysia’s renowned traditional dances.

It was really a memorable morning as aptly cited by Ambassador Dato’ in his remarks …’to know Malaysia is to love Malaysia!’ The Ambassador admired to all the PERWAKILAN members for their commitment in making this event a success.

Rescue 1122 marks World First Aid Day

Ali Ali

Sat, 14 Sep 2024, 5:39 PM

LAHORE, Sep 14 (APP):Emergency Services Department Secretary Dr. Rizwan Naseer commemorated World First Aid Day with the Rescue Scouts and rescuers, reaffirming his commitment to making Pakistan a “nation of lifesavers”.

He shared these thoughts while addressing a ceremony at the Command & Control Centre in Lahore on the occasion of World First Aid Day. He emphasised that Rescue Scouts can play a vital role in saving lives by providing first aid as first responders from the community before specialized emergency services arrive.

On the direction of the Secretary ESD, World First Aid Day was commemorated in all districts of Punjab to raise awareness about the importance of first aid, particularly bleeding control and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). All District Emergency Officers were directed to observe World First Aid Day week from September 10th to 14th, with the goal of training as many Rescue Scouts as possible in CPR and bleeding control. A central ceremony was held at the Command & Control Centre, Lahore in which a large number of Rescue Scouts, social activists, NGOs, rescuers and the general public participated.

Dr. Rizwan Naseer emphasised the importance of a lifesaver and first aider in every home. He said that emergency services like Rescue 1122 require at least 8 to 10 minutes to respond to any emergency while in the case of cardiac arrest, brain damage or brain trauma starts after 4 minutes which can only be prevented by performing quality CPR by a trained “lifesaver”.

He explained that Rescue 1122 has provided timely emergency services to 15.6 million emergency victims since inception of service. Furthermore, the founder of Rescue 1122 Pakistan, Dr. Rizwan Naseer appealed the general public, especially the youth, to become part of Rescue 1122’s life-saving mission by getting CPR training and certification by simply downloading Pak Life Saver app. He said that the practical exercises after initial on-line training can be done from any nearby rescue station. He appealed the students of colleges and universities to join hand with Rescue 1122 as “lifesaver” to save lives in emergencies and disaster.

Call for collaborative efforts to address shrinking spaces for civil society

NNPS Desk

Sat, 14 Sep 2024, 5:33 PM

ISLAMABAD, Sep 14 (APP): Civil society representatives at an Open Public Forum underscored the urgent need for collaborative efforts to address the shrinking spaces for civil society in Pakistan.

The participants emphasized the need for enhanced collective advocacy to reform restrictive regulations impacting civil society.

Building alliances with business groups, academics, and international organizations was highlighted as crucial for advancing policy changes that support greater freedom for CSOs.

They said the social development sector has shrunk to the historic low because of undue regulatory frameworks, and lack of donors’ trust in the nongovernmental sector.

Instead of engaging civil society to counter anti-state propaganda and to support development, many restrictions were imposed on them.

The forum underscored the importance of working with legal experts to challenge and seek reforms for laws that severely restrict CSO activities, such as those related to registration, foreign funding, and operational constraints.

The forum encouraged engaging with international organizations and networks to gain support and advocacy for a more favorable environment for CSOs. Participating in global dialogues and forums was also suggested to share experiences and influence international policy.

Devcom-Pakistan, a leading development organization, hosted the Open Public Forum on Saturday to address the pressing issue of shrinking spaces for civil society in Pakistan. The forum brought together key stakeholders, including civil society organizations (CSOs), policymakers, digital experts, and community leaders, to discuss the challenges faced by CSOs and propose actionable recommendations for fostering a more enabling environment.

HRDN Executive Director Robeela Bangash said undue regulatory frameworks, political instability, inconsistency of policies, and the negative perception about the nongovernmental sector marred the spaces, and undervalue their work in the development of communities.

Devcom-Pakistan Executive Director Munir Ahmed highlighted the importance of building local partnerships and mobilizing community volunteers to support CSO activities and advocacy efforts.

He suggested comprehensive training for CSO staff and volunteers on navigating regulatory environments and enhancing digital security was emphasized.

PAKAID chief executive suggested changing the work behaviour and patterns to seek partnerships and funding.

Meanwhile, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has welcomed the Lahore High Court’s ruling, under which the federal government’s 2022 policy – requiring NGOs to register with the Economic Affairs Division if receiving foreign funds – has been declared unlawful because it lacks legal cover. The writ petition was filed earlier in February by HRCP because such policies violate NGOs’ right to association.

This policy was framed some months after its 2013 precursor was declared invalid by the Sindh High Court in February 2022. This is a key decision for civil society organizations and for civic spaces in general. Many NGOs’ operations have been curtailed by what is an intrusive policy imposing onerous requirements and giving security agencies the authority to arbitrarily deny organizations clearance.

Malaysian High Commissioner pays courtesy call on Foreign Secretary

NNPS Desk

Sat, 14 Sep 2024, 5:17 PM

ISLAMABAD, Sep 14 (APP): Dato’ Mohammad Azhar Mazlan, High Commissioner of Malaysia to Pakistan, paid a courtesy call on the newly appointed Foreign Secretary of Pakistan, Ambassador Amna Baloch, who officially assumed her post on September 11th 2024.
During the meeting, Ambassador Dato’ Azhar extended his warmest congratulations and heartiest felicitations to Ambassador Amna Baloch on her appointment as Foreign Secretary.

Considering her extensive diplomatic experience, including her tenure as High Commissioner of Pakistan to Malaysia from 2019 to 2023, Ambassador Dato’ Azhar expressed his confidence that the excellent bilateral relationship between Malaysia and Pakistan will be elevated to greater heights, said a released issued here on Saturday.
Dato’ Mohammad Azhar Mazlan, High Commissioner of Malaysia to Pakistan in the meeting said that both sides held extensive constructive discussion aimed at advancing the strategic partnership between the two nations.
He said that both of the countries explored new collaboration in emerging areas such as automotive industry, blue economy, education, energy production and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) for skilled and semi-skilled workers.
Ambassador Dato’ Azhar emphasised that despite the highest bilateral trade recorded at USD1.8 billion previously, there existed immense potential for growth, and that both countries should put efforts to increase the figure through new trade and investment initiatives.
In the regional context, Ambassador Dato’ Azhar highlighted the opportunities presented by ASEAN, particularly Malaysia’s strategic position as a gateway to the ASEAN market, offering immense potential for Pakistan to expand its economic engagement in the region.
Malaysia would assume the chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025 and both sides also touched on issues of mutual concern, including the situation in Palestine and Afghanistan.
As both sides were preparing for the upcoming visit by the Prime Minister of Malaysia to Pakistan, Ambassador Dato’ Azhar acknowledged the importance of the visit in reinvigorating relations between the two nations.
Given the last Prime Ministerial visit five years ago, he stressed that the timing was crucial for strengthening ties. The meeting also touched on potential deliverables of the visit, focusing on trade, halal cooperation, air connectivity, and tourism sector.
The meeting marks a renewed step towards further deepening cooperation and cementing the long-standing fraternal ties between Malaysia and Pakistan.

Considering that both Foreign Secretary and High Commissioner have had the privilege of working together during the former’s stint in Malaysia and the latter as Undersecretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia overseeing Malaysia-Pakistan relations, the atmosphere of the meeting was warm and friendly.

PQA chairman emphasizes need for innovation to strengthen nation’s Maritime industry

Ali Ali

Sat, 14 Sep 2024, 5:00 PM

KARACHI, Sep 14 (APP):The Chairman Port Qasim Authority Rear Admiral (R) Syed Hassan Nasir Shah on Saturday shared his insight on the evolving Maritime landscape of Pakistan and emphasized the need for innovation, sustainability global partnerships to strengthen the nation’s Maritime industries.

Rear Admiral (R) Syed Hassan Nasir Shah HI(M) warmly welcomed all the participants of IMSEC-24 on its 3rd and concluding day and highlighted Pakistan’s growing role in the global Maritime industry and the importance of sustainable practices to ensure the future of the maritime trade.

The first session of day 3 of the International Maritime Sustainability Exhibition and Conference delved into Maritime trade and the significant role of Pakistan’s ports and harbours, followed by discussions on the essential contributions of Pakistan’s seafarers to the global Maritime industry.

An exclusive video regarding Pakistan’s dynamic world of Pakistan’s Maritime industry was played after the National Anthem. The video showcased the nation’s ports, harbours and vital role in global trade and sustainability. From the bustling Karachi Port to the strategic Gwadar Port witness how Pakistan is positioning itself as a key in Maritime innovation and green shipping.

The video also highlighted the rile of the unsung heroes, Pakistani Seafarers, and explored the latest advancements in oceanography, Maritime archaeology and Maritime safety.

Applications for subsidised Green Tractors to be invited soon: secretary

Ali Ali

Sat, 14 Sep 2024, 4:56 PM

MULTAN, Sep 14 (APP):Secretary Agriculture Punjab Iftikhar Ali Sahu said on Saturday that applications for the Chief Minister’s Green Tractor Scheme, offering a subsidy of Rs one million per tractor, would be invited soon.

This initiative is aimed at promoting mechanized farming across the province. He made the announcement while presiding over a review meeting on cotton at MNS Agricultural University, Multan, where efforts to boost cotton production were also discussed.

The meeting was attended by Special Secretary for Agriculture South Punjab, Sarfraz Hussain Magsi, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmad Rajwana,Focal Person for Cotton, Dr. Muhammad Anjum Ali, Director General Agriculture Extension, Chaudhry Abdul Hameed, Director General Agricultural Information Punjab, Naveed Asmat Kahloon, Director General Pest Warning, Dr. Amir Rasool;, Director General Crop Reporting Service, Abdul Qayyum, Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Bandesha, and leading farmers including Khalid Mahmood Khokhar and Syed Hassan Raza.

Secretary Sahu directed the timely issuance of advisories for cotton care and stressed awareness campaigns on clean picking, storage, and transportation. He also called for proper documentation of cotton arrivals at ginning factories. Proposals for transforming Bahawalpur Division into a cotton valley were discussed.

The Secretary stated that both the public and private sectors were tasked with developing high-quality cotton seeds. He further mentioned that the distribution of Kisan Cards was ongoing, with 850,000 farmers already registered under the program. The Kisan Card initiative received an overwhelmingly positive response from farmers.

He also highlighted the Chief Minister’s Smog Control Program, which is being implemented to manage crop residue disposal, and preparations for the next wheat planting season are underway.

From September 16, young agricultural graduates will begin field activities under the internship program. Later, Secretary Sahu visited the Kisan Card distribution center in Multan to review its arrangements.

Balochistan education minister visits Khana-e-Farhang, Iran

Ali Ali

Sat, 14 Sep 2024, 4:53 PM

QUETTA, Sep 14 (APP):Balochistan Education Minister Rahila Hameed Durrani visited Khana Farhang, Iran, a statement issued on Saturday said.

Upon the Minister’s arrival, Director General Khana Farhang Syed Abul Hasan Meri warmly welcomed the distinguished guest.

The two leaders agreed to increase cooperation between Balochistan and Iran in educational activities along with the exchange of students and teachers.

Director General Khana Farhang Iran stressing the need for enhancing cooperation between two countries announced a scholarship program for Balochistan students from Master’s degree to PhD in Iranian universities.

On this occasion, the provincial education minister Rahila Durrani said that there are deep cultural, historical and cultural relations between Pakistan and Iran.

“The student exchange program between Balochistan and Iran and the training of teachers in Iran will be a milestone in the educational development of the province,” she hoped.

Director General Khana Farhang also invited the Provincial Minister of Education and other women members of the Assembly to visit Iran. Earlier, the Provincial Education Minister also visited Allama Iqbal Library established in the Khana-e-Farhang.