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Strict security measures for churches

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Iqra Yousaf Iqra Yousaf
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SARGODHA, Jan 21 (APP):The district police made strict security arrangements for churches in Sargodha and other parts of the district here on Sunday.
A spokesman for district police said here that District Police Officer Muhammad Faisal Kamran had ordered foolproof security for churches and all other religious places of the Christian community.
An adequate number of police officers and personnel were deployed in and around churches. Personnel of Elite Force, Traffic Police and other law enforcement agencies were also deployed at important points on Sunday.

Partly cloudy weather forecast for city

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Iqra Yousaf Iqra Yousaf
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weather
BAHAWALPUR, Jan 21 (APP):The local Met Office on Sunday has forecast a dry to partly cloudy weather for the city for next 24 hours.
The highest maximum temperature 13 centigrade and the lowest minimum 07 centigrade were recorded during last 24 hours.
The dry to partly cloudy weather has also been forecast for rest of the region.

Malik Iftkhar urges people to buy ‘Made in Pakistan’ products

By
Iqra Yousaf Iqra Yousaf
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LAHORE, Jan 21 (APP): SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s former president Iftikhar Ali Malik has urged the people to buy ‘Made in Pakistan’ products to promote the local market that will curtail the import bill and keep the foreign reserves in good shape.
Talking to a traders delegation led by Muslim Khan Buneri here Sunday, he added that economically, prioritizing locally made products bolsters the country’s industries, generates employment opportunities and increases economic growth. “When people choose Pakistani goods over imported ones, it strengthens the domestic market contributing to a more robust and self-reliant economy. It also leads to a positive cycle of increased investment, innovation and competitiveness,” he argued.
Iftikhar Ali Malik suggested enhanced collaboration between public and private sector to make this initiative successful. He added that government must formulate  policies which support local industries, while businessmen must ensure the quality and competitiveness of their products, that align with the ethos of ‘Made in Pakistan, Buy Pakistani, Be Pakistani.’ He said it symbolizes a collective effort to build a stronger, more self-reliant and culturally rich Pakistan. Embracing this slogan can contribute to a thriving economy.
Iftikhar Ali Malik said “Be Pakistani” encourages a shared responsibility for the country’s well-being, and also promotes a sense of unity and collective pride, transcending regional, linguistic and ethnic differences. He asserted, “Choosing products made within the borders reflects a commitment to the nation’s progress, sending a powerful message about solidarity and patriotism to the world.”

PFC plans for global presence of Pakistani furniture

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Iqra Yousaf Iqra Yousaf
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PFC
LAHORE, Jan 21 (APP):The Pakistan Furniture Council (PFC) has strategically chalked out an ambitious yearly plan to ensure global presence of Pakistani furniture.
Chairing the council’s Board of Directors (BoD) meeting here Sunday, the PFC Chief Executive Officer Mian Kashif Ashfaq disclosed the annual plan in which throughout the calendar year, the council aims to showcase its diverse range of furniture products in key international expos. This proactive approach would not only help explore new markets but also captivate the attention of foreign buyers, he added.
In order to strengthen the global footprint, the PFC envisions collaborative efforts by fostering partnerships with international counterparts. The plan emphasizes the significance of joint ventures within the furniture industry, focusing to create synergies that can propel the Pakistani furniture sector onto the international stage, he added.
Mian Kashif Ashfaq said by participating in renowned international expos, the PFC endeavors to highlight the craftsmanship, innovation and unique designs inherent in Pakistani furniture. He said this strategic initiative is poised to  increase export opportunities and contribute to the exchange of ideas and expertise, fostering a dynamic global network within the furniture industry. The PFC’s proactive stance reflects a commitment to positioning Pakistan as a significant player in the global furniture market, leveraging collaborations and exhibitions to unlock new avenues of growth, he concluded.

Non-state actors threat to regional, national security: Mushahid

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NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Jan 21 (APP): Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Defence, Mushahid Hussain Sayed has said that the Iran crisis resolution was the ‘model of crisis management’, whereas the non-state actors have become a threat to the regional and national security now linked to regional geopolitics.

He was speaking at the Pakistan-China Institute dialogue on “Outlook of Security Situation in South Asia in 2024″ organized under Friends of Silk Road (FOSR) Initiative that took place simultaneously at two venues; Islamabad and Quetta Press Club, said a news release issued here Sunday.

In his opening speech, Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed highlighted the significance of the current scenario, dominated by turbulence and transformation. In this context, he analyzed China’s Global Security Initiative (GSI) as a new framework for peaceful resolution of security issues, since GSI focuses on security as being indivisible, based on respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of states. It seeks also to promote a security governance framework, including A.I., cyber security and related security threats based on accepted international norms of behavior enshrined in the UN Charter and international law.

He strongly condemned the ongoing Genocide and Crimes against humanity in Palestine by Israel. Delving into security issues, he discussed three new realities; the shattering of the Middle East status quo after October 7, serious challenges posed by Non-State Actors, and the complex security situation between Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan which is now inextricably intertwined with regional geopolitics, necessitating dialogue and diplomacy.

Senator Mushahid Hussain termed the swift and smooth resolution of the Iran crisis as ‘model of crisis management and crisis resolution’ adding that the two crises, Pulwama 2019 with India and Panjgur 2024 with Iran, had helped Pakistan in establishing certain ‘regional rules of behavior based on our red lines in our troubled neighbourhood’. He said ‘Iran is not India, but a brotherly Muslim neighbour with which Pakistan has no fundamental conflict of interest’. In this regard, Senator Mushahid Hussain especially praised the Pakistani leadership for their deft handling of the Iran crisis, maintaining a mature and measured, cool and calm approach, while avoiding jingoism.

In his speech, Senator Mohammad Abdul Qadir emphasized the urgent need to address the economic challenges facing Balochistan. Highlighting the province’s high poverty rate, unemployment, and wealth disparity despite rich resources, Senator Qadir stressed the importance of responsible resource management and equitable development. He underscored the transformative potential of Gwadar Port, citing Chinese investments in infrastructure that have already fueled economic growth, job creation, and increased trade. He cited tourism as a factor in development and growth.

Lt. General (r) Muhammad Afzal, former Chairman NDMA and DG FWO, delivered a PowerPoint presentation on “Western Route-CPEC opportunities for development and stability.” The presentation explored the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and areas of interest for both nations. The analysis highlighted achievements in road infrastructure and power generation under CPEC but emphasized the need for prioritizing rail, addressing immediate concerns in water storage and IT infrastructure, and role of privates sector.

Muhammad Amir Rana, Director of Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS), underscored the pivotal role Baluchistan plays in the economic development of the country, given its strategic location on classical routes connecting Asia, East Asia, and Central Asia. In addressing the global North-South divide mirrored in Pakistan, Rana attributes it to inherited administrative systems from British colonial era. Rana emphasized the shared objective of redressing wrongs of the past and upholding rights of the local communities in Balochistan, advocating for a focused resolution to address long standing demands. He regretted that ‘no attempt at reform’ had been made by Pakistan especially in neglected areas like Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan.

In his address, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General of the Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad (ISSI), emphasized the paramount importance of Pakistan’s unwavering relationship with China, ‘since China is a trusted friend’. Shedding light on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and CPEC, which he underscored ‘addressed key deficits in development and energy’. Ambassador Mahmood also highlighted that President Xi Jinping’s GSI was ‘an alternative paradigm promoting peace building in a world becoming more dangerous’.

Ambassador (r) Masood Khalid, former Ambassador to China, highlighted CPEC’s transformative journey for Pakistan. Reflecting on the challenging security situation in 2013 that deterred all foreign investors, he underscored China’s groundbreaking investment through the CPEC as it was then the only country willing to invest in China. Ambassador Khalid’s remarks shed light on how China’s commitment has defied skepticism, reshaping Pakistan’s economic landscape and fostering a new era of collaboration.

Sultan M Hali, renowned Security Analyst and author of seven books on China, dispelled various conspiracy theories surrounding China, the Belt and Road Initiative and CPEC. He referred to a 1976 Survey of mineral and natural resources of Balochistan which could be useful in mining and exploration. Emphasizing that CPEC stands as a guarantor of Pakistan’s prosperity, Hali highlighted the nation’s capability to diligently undertake necessary preparations and leverage opportunities within the framework of CPEC.

In their speeches, journalists from the Quetta Press Club, highlighted the critical role of the media in shaping public perceptions of the security situation in Balochistan.

Shahzada Zulfikar, former President of Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), Nurul Haq Bugti and Daniyal Butt, urged the government to pay special attention to the common people of Balochistan, especially the youth’, ‘hold fair and free elections in Balochistan’, and instead of ‘slogans and promises, government should eliminate bad governance and corrupt practices’ so that a conducive environment be created for successful development of CPEC.

In his closing remarks, Mustafa Hyder Sayed, Executive Director of the Pakistan-China Institute (PCI), expressed gratitude to all speakers. Emphasizing the significance of 2024, especially for Pakistan and CPEC, Mustafa Sayed stressed the need for constructive discussions to improve CPEC outcomes. He announced the forthcoming release of a report by PCI, based on the Seminar, providing insight into the needs of Balochistan’s stakeholders, especially the people of the province, and proposing a way forward in the context of security challenges which would serve as useful input for policymakers.

Over hundred participants consisting of media, civil society, parliament and academia participated in the dialogue.

The dialogue also featured a candid and insightful Questions and Answers session.

The dialogue featured speeches by Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, Chairman, Senate Defense Committee Defense and Pakistan-China Institute; Senator Mohammad Abdul Qadir; Lt. General (r) Muhammad Afzal, Former Chairman NDMA and DG FWO; Amir Rana, Director, Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS); Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General of Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad (ISSI); Ambassador (r) Masood Khalid, Former Ambassador to China; Sultan M Hali, Security Analyst; Shahzada Zulfiqar, former President, PFUJ, and Mustafa Hyder Sayed, Executive Director, Pakistan China Institute.

The dialogue was chaired by former Pakistan Ambassador to China, Moin ul Haque.

India’s Ram temple symbolizes Hindu supremacy over Muslims: US media

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NNPS Desk
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NEW YORK, Jan 21 (APP): The controversial Monday’s inauguration of Ram Temple atop the ruins of Babri mosque marks the culmination of a promise made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BPJ) and allies, and serves as the “biggest political testament yet to Hindu supremacy over Indian Muslims,” according to TIME magazine.

Hindu militants stormed the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya in December 1992, climbing atop the building’s dome as they demolished it to clear the site for a Hindu temple.

The temple site was bitterly contested for decades with both Muslims and Hindus laying claim to it and was a flashpoint for nationwide riots that killed more than 2,000 people, mostly Muslims.

A subsequent report commissioned by the Indian government found dozens of people—many of whom are now BJP political leaders—responsible for orchestrating and encouraging the attacks.

The BJP benefited from stirring up Hindu nationalism around the Babri Masjid, and in 2014 swept into power, displacing the more pluralistic Indian Congress Party, Time correspondent Audrey Truschke wrote in a dispatch from New Delhi.

The BJP then began to remake secular India into a Hindu supremacist state, the dispatch said.

Following a second BJP national victory in 2019, India’s Supreme Court, whose autonomy has been undercut by the Modi government—issued its final judgment that decided the fate of the Babri Masjid site, it said. The court called the mosque’s destruction “an egregious violation of the rule of law,” but nonetheless ruled that a Hindu temple could be built on the mosque’s rubble. Modi laid the foundation stone at a groundbreaking ceremony in August 2020, and will finish what the BJP and other Hindu supremacists began more than 30 years ago by consecrating the Ram temple surrounded by his Hindu nationalist peers.

Still, the event will be marked by conspicuous absences, TIME said. Leaders of the opposition Congress party will skip the festivities, in protest over what they rightly see as a consecration that is more a political ploy than a religious ceremony. Even some Hindu leaders agree, arguing that the Rm temple cannot be consecrated since it remains incomplete, and therefore violates Hindu scriptures. They also object to the participation of divisive political figures like Modi.

Yet the Indian Prime Minister is pressing ahead with inaugurating an incomplete temple, even at the price of alienating Hindu religious leaders, because of India’s May 2024 general election in which the BJP hopes to secure another national victory, TIME said. “If history is any guide, this tactic of harnessing majoritarian sentiment for political gain may well succeed”.

The Ram temple’s inauguration portends dark times ahead not just for India’s Muslims but also some Hindus who remain committed to pluralism and tolerance, the dispatch said. Hindu supremacists have long sought to reduce the broad-based Hindu religious tradition to their hateful political ideology, and the Ram temple is a “sizeable step toward that goal”.

Muslims are second-class citizens in Modi’s India, regularly subjected to human rights violations, the dispatch highlighted.

Freedom House now classifies India, once heralded as the world’s largest democracy, only “partly free” on account of the “rise in persecution affecting the Muslim population.” And there are signs that the Ayodhya temple may only mark a new era of the Hindu supremacist war on mosques, the dispatch said. There are numerous cases in Indian courts seeking to demolish more of them in favour of building Hindu temples in Varanasi, Mathura, and other cities.

“Such demolitions may unleash more violence on India’s beleaguered Muslim minority, and further cement the feeling that the country is for Hindus, and Hindus alone,” TIME said.

Meanwhile, CNN reported that Ayodhya’s 500,000 Muslims are in a state of “grief and anxiety” as the inauguration nears.

The leading TV network quoted 65-year-old Maulana Badshah Khan as saying that he fears a repeat of the religious violence that erupted more than 30 years ago, when Hindu nationalists destroyed the 16th century mosque.

Badshah Khan said he believes the event is a clear sign of how Muslims are becoming marginalized under the leadership of Modi’s BJP.

“The wounds of Babri Mosque’s demolition will always be there. Even if we feel despondent about voicing them,” he said.

“The temple holds the symbolic value of showing the Muslims their place in New India,” Badshah Khan added.

Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center, a Washington-based think-tank , wrote in Foreign Policy, a prestigious magazine, wrote, “The event also fulfills another of Modi’s signature promises, all tied in some way to Hindu nationalism.

“The first such pledge he fulfilled was the 2019 revocation of Indian-administered Kashmir’s special autonomous status, giving New Delhi more control over the Muslim-majority region. The second, in 2020, amended a citizenship law to allow refugees who fled to India from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, or Pakistan for religious persecution to qualify for Indian citizenship, but excluded Muslim refugees.”

Kugelman pointed out that Modi has cleverly framed Ram temple with messaging around social welfare and development, Kugelman said. In recent days, he has also inaugurated several infrastructure projects in Ayodhya and linked Rama’s life story to uplifting the poor. “This enables him to amplify two of his major campaign themes and perhaps also to present a softer Hindu nationalism to those outside his core base who may be tougher to win over.”

‘Strong manufacturing industry enhances country’s position in global supply chains’

By
Iqra Yousaf Iqra Yousaf
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0
LAHORE, Jan 21 (APP):A strong manufacturing industry enhances a country’s position in global supply chains, attracts foreign investment and fosters economic partnerships. Promotion of manufacturing industry is need of the hour as it is a key driver of economic development and has a significant impact on the national economy.
This industry also plays a key role in GDP growth, innovation and global competitiveness. Meher Kashif Younis, Coordinator to Minister of State and Federal Tax Ombudsman, expressed these views while addressing a conference on “Impact of Manufacturing Industry on Economy” held here on Sunday.
Meher was of the view that a thriving manufacturing sector creates a ripple effect that stimulates overall economic health.
He said  the manufacturing industry significantly contributes to a country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The production of goods domestically not only fulfills local demand but also opens avenues for export, ensuring the trade balance. This diversification of the economy helps mitigate risks associated with relying heavily on a single sector.
The Coordinator added that manufacturing industry acts as a catalyst for innovation and process of designing, producing, and refining products often leads to technological advancements. “It also fosters a culture of innovation, creating a positive feedback loop where advancements in manufacturing processes drive overall economic progress.”
He said global competitiveness is another crucial aspect influenced by a robust manufacturing sector. He said countries with strong manufacturing capabilities compete effectively in the international market. Meher Kashif Younis said  striking a balance between economic growth and environmental responsibility is essential for the long-term viability of the manufacturing sector. He said  it  plays a pivotal role in shaping the economic landscape of a nation.

Yoga centre opens at Jilani Park

By
Iqra Yousaf Iqra Yousaf
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0
LAHORE, Jan 21 (APP): The Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) of Lahore has opened a state-of-the-art community yoga center at Jilani Park (Racecourse Park). According to PHA’s spokesperson, there are several styles of yoga, ranging from gentle, meditative experiences to more physically intense formats. He noted that the center at Jilani Park, covering 5,445 square feet (one kanal), would allow enthusiasts to embrace this ancient form of fitness. Initially, the PHA intends to conduct two sessions, one in the morning and one in the evening, for participants, with a nominal fee. Later, the number of sessions will be increased to accommodate more visitors, he added.
Referring to the perils of noisy urban life, he observed that the new retreat was hidden in the center of the provincial metropolis on Jail Road. He said that the PHA was focused on making wellness more accessible, intending for the center to offer everything “under one roof.”
Under Muhammad Tahir Wattoo, who assumed the office of director general in March of last year, the PHA has undergone a development spree, designing the city’s first-ever government-owned Bonsai display center featuring dwarfed trees, opening a commercial nursery on Jail Road, and upgrading a dedicated rose garden.
The PHA has also taken drastic measures to bolster revenues to support government fiscal spending. Consequently, its revenue, according to Wattoo, has more than doubled in one year. Separately, in the past year, the PHA conducted two tent pegging events to promote the traditional sport of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. “We are committed to expanding opportunities for sports and recreational activities for the residents of Lahore,” the DG added.
Yoga, believed to have originated thousands of years ago in India, gained popularity in the West only in the late 19th century. The industry is valued at over $117.2 billion worldwide. Commonly understood as a physical stretching practice synchronised with breathing, the numerous benefits of yoga include lower blood pressure, increased strength and bone density, and reduced anxiety.

Fire erupts in Yarn factory, emergency declared

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Iqra Yousaf Iqra Yousaf
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Fire mobile
KARACHI, Jan 21 (APP):A fire has been reported in a yarn factory in New Karachi Industrial area Sector 12 here Sunday.
According to a spokesman for Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation, an emergency had been declared at Water Corporation’s Sakhi Hasan hydrant. Several tankers filled with water had been dispatched to the fire site.
CEO Water Corporation Engineer Syed Salahuddin Ahmed had said that the in-charge of Hydrants Cell was actively in contact with the Karachi Fire Brigade authorities. He said that water tankers would be provided to the Fire Brigade until the fire was extinguished.

IIU offers Sunday classes for Arabic language learning

By
NNPS Desk
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0

ISLAMABAD, Jan 21 (APP): The International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI), invited applications from students interested in enrolling in short Sunday courses to learn the Arabic language.

According to the University official, a 24 week Arabic learning course, taking place only on Sundays, is set to begin on February 18, 2024.

Admissions are open in three phases: certificate for individuals without prior knowledge of Arabic, diploma for those who complete the certificate course, and advanced diploma for those who finish the diploma course either at the Islamic university or elsewhere.

The fee for each of the three courses is Rs 15,000. Classes for males and females are held separately from 10 am to 2 pm, exclusively on Sundays. The deadline for fee payment is February 16.

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