KARACHI: February 01-
Caretaker Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Murtaza Solangi addresses the seminar on General Elections 2024 Challenges for the New Government and the Road Map organized by Press Information Department of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting at Auditorium National Museum of Pakistan
KARACHI: February 01-
Caretaker Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Murtaza Solangi addresses the seminar on General Elections 2024 Challenges for the New Government and the Road Map organized by Press Information Department of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting at Auditorium National Museum of Pakistan
KARACHI: February 01-
Caretaker Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Murtaza Solangi addresses the seminar on General Elections 2024 Challenges for the New Government and the Road Map organized by Press Information Department of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting at Auditorium National Museum of Pakistan
KARACHI: February 01-
Kashmiri artists & poets playing significant role in highlighting Indian HR abuses: Mushaal
ISLAMABAD, Feb 01 (APP): Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Human Rights and Women Empowerment Mushaal Hussein Mullick on Thursday said the Kashmiri artists and musicians were playing a significant role in highlighting Indian human rights violations and expressing the resistance and struggle for freedom of the people of Jammu and Kashmir through their works.
She was addressing a seminar on “Reflections of Resilience; Showcasing Kashmiri Identity & Solidarity through Art”, organized by The India Study Center (ISC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad.
The event brought together young Pakistani and Kashmiri artists, creating a platform for an artistic exploration of Kashmiri identity and resilience and expressing solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK).
Mushaal lauded the creative initiative of engaging and empowering the youth of both Pakistan and Kashmir to express support for the Kashmiri freedom struggle through art.
She said the musicians from Kashmir had composed songs that reflected the sentiments of resistance in the people of IIOJK which resonated locally and globally.
She said that visual artists, filmmakers, and photographers from the region were recognized for their contributions in depicting the harsh realities of life in Kashmir through political cartoons, illustrations, documentaries, and powerful images.
She also acknowledged the literary contribution of Kashmiri poets and writers for providing a voice to the Kashmiri people through verses, novels, short stories, and essays.
The SAPM underscored the vital role of the Kashmiri artists and activists in utilizing social media platforms to share their work and raise awareness about human rights violations by India and the ongoing struggle for freedom by the people of IIOJK.
Mushaal underlined the impactful role of cultural events, concerts, and art festivals in engaging diverse audiences, expressing solidarity with people of IIOJK and constructing a compelling narrative to deepen global understanding of the Kashmir struggle.
She stressed the significance of Pakistan’s educational institutions and universities organizing cultural festivals, with a specific focus on inviting Kashmiri talent to showcase their skills on international platforms.
She highlighted that organizing art exhibitions featuring the works of talented Kashmiri artists had the potential to resonate beyond national borders.
Mushaal advocated for cultural diplomacy as a means to support and promote initiatives that amplify Kashmiri voices. She stressed close collaboration between the artists from Kashmir and Pakistan for participation in global cultural events to garner international recognition.
She underscored films as a powerful tool for raising global awareness, urging Pakistan’s media houses to create documentary films that explore the lives and struggles of the people, artists, musicians, and poets of Kashmir.
The SAPM said that by highlighting the Kashmiri freedom struggle through their works, artists could contribute to a broader understanding of the complexities involved in the Kashmiri freedom struggle and advocate for justice and peace.
Mushaal later inaugurated the Kashmir Art Exhibition, witnessed the artwork depicting the lives of Kashmiri people under the Indian oppression and distributed awards among the winners of the Kashmir art competition.
Despite security challenges, elections on time: CEC
ISLAMABAD, Feb 1 (APP):Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja stated on Thursday that despite existing security challenges, the upcoming elections will be held on February 8.
The Election Commission is fully prepared to conduct the elections with the support of law enforcement agencies and the Pakistan Army. He expressed these views while addressing an important meeting held by the Election Commission to discuss the deteriorating law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan and its impact on the general elections.
The Election Commissioner made it clear that despite terrorism, security challenges, and incidents affecting the electoral process, the elections will not be postponed and will take place on schedule. He urged everyone not to harbor any misconceptions or doubts in this regard.
He warned that decisive measures would be implemented against any elements attempting to undermine peace and security during the electoral process. Apart from the members of the Election Commission, Caretaker Federal Minister of Interior, Federal Secretary of Interior, DG-IB, Chief Secretary and IG of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province and Balochistan Province, representatives of other agencies, the Secretary Election Commission, and other senior officers participated in the meeting.
Addressing the participants of the meeting, the CEC expressed his concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, especially the incidents of attacks on Election Commission offices and political meetings.
Sikandar Sultan Raja termed terrorism the biggest enemy of the electoral process; however, he expressed full confidence in the law enforcement agencies that they have taken all necessary administrative and security arrangements for the peaceful conduct of the general elections.
He called for providing a secure and conducive environment for political parties, candidates, and voters to participate in the electoral process without fear. The Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Chief Secretaries of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, and IGs of the respective provinces briefed the Election Commissioner on the security situation and the protective measures taken nationwide and particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
They assured the ECP that all administrative and security agencies are on high alert and fully prepared to combat terrorism. The Chief Secretaries and IGs of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa outlined the ongoing operations against terrorists in their respective provinces.
They informed that all necessary steps have been taken to ensure security during the elections. They also affirmed that no political or non-political force would be allowed to obstruct the electoral process, and those attempting to do so would be dealt with firmly.
The Chief Secretary and IG of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa enlightened the participants about the security measures taken in the province and discussed the specific threats associated with the upcoming elections. They assured the Election Commission of their readiness to address any challenges posed by terrorists.
Federal Interior Minister Gohar Ijaz, who returned from a visit to Balochistan, said that both the federal and provincial governments are fully prepared for secure and peaceful elections.
He assured the Election Commission of complete cooperation and resources for the upcoming elections, ensuring that there would be no lapses or negligence at any level regarding this matter.
ATC sends Aliya Hamza to jail on judicial remand in May-9 case
LAHORE, Feb 01 (APP):An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Thursday sent Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) former MNA Aliya Hamza to jail on 14-day judicial remand in a case of torching Shadman Police Station.
Earlier, the police produced Aliya Hamza before ATC Judge Muhammad Naveed Iqbal and sought physical remand. The investigation officer submitted that the accused was involved in a case of torching Shadman Police Station and her custody was required for investigations.
However, the defence counsel opposed the plea and requested the court to discharge his client. The court, after hearing arguments of the parties, turned down plea for physical remand and sent Aliya Hamza to jail on 14-day judicial remand. The court ordered for producing the accused on expiry of the remand term, February 14.
The police had registered a case against PTI leaders and workers over torching Shadman Police Station, during May-9 violence.
COMSTECH organizes Kazakhstan Alumni Forum Meeting
ISLAMABAD, Feb 01 (APP): COMSTECH organized 4th meeting of Kazakhstan Alumni Forum on Thursday at COMSTECH Secretariat.
Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General COMSTECH said that the Ambassador of Kazakhstan in Pakistan, Yerzhan Kistafin is one of the best in his cadre and he is behind the formation of Kazakhstan Alumni Forum.
He introduced the experts invited to deliver the lectures. Prof. Choudhary said that the leadership of Kazakhstan is playing very important role in the world affairs. He appreciated the role of Kazakhstan it played for the COMSTECH.
He said that Kazakhstan have high ranking world class institution. Prof. Choudhary said that each one of us has a story of love and affection with Kazakhstan. Prof. Choudhary appreciated the biosecurity and biosafety idea of the President of Kazakhstan.
Many participants shared their thoughts and suggestions. They suggested the establishment of a good language institution in Pakistan to teach Kazakh and Russian languages to the students.
They also suggested that Kazakh students should also come to Pakistan and spend 6 to 12 months in Pakistan to complete their study. They also suggested to organize seminars about the education opportunities being offered by Kazakhstan to Pakistani students, liaison between Pakistani and Kazakh relevant regulatory and education institutions, online admission and exchange of high-tech delegations between the two nations. They appreciated the excellent education system of Kazakhstan.
Yerzhan Kistafin, Ambassador of Kazakhstan thanked Prof. Choudhary for organizing the 4th meeting at COMSTECH.
He talked about key recent initiatives such as the establishment of Kazakh house in Lahore, starting of direct flights from Lahore to Kazakhstan and events organized recently for solidifying the relationship between Pakistan and Kazakhstan.
He said the direct connection between Pakistani educational institutions and Kazakh institutions have been made possible. He thanked the alumni for their comments and suggestions.
He suggested them to share your experience with others who are willing to study in Kazakhstan.
During the meeting Prof. Dr. Shoab Ahmed Khan and Prof. Dr. Atia-tul-Wahab delivered presentations on applications of artificial intelligence in healthcare sector, and aromatase inhibitors for breast cancer treatment respectively.
Both the presentations were highly appreciated by the participants. Forty Kazakhstan alumni registered to join the meeting.
Political & economic stability to be main challenge for new elected govt: Speakers
KARACHI, Feb 01 (APP):The speakers at a seminar on Thursday stressed the need for political and economic stability in the country which would be the main challenge for the newly elected government.
They were addressing the seminar on “General elections 2024, Challenges for the new government and the road map”, organized by the Press Information Department.
Caretaker Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi, Principal Information Officer Tariq Mehmood Khan, and others were the main speakers of the 4th seminar of the series. The PID has already organized three seminars in the Federal Capital while the 5th and last one will be held in Lahore before the general elections.
Addressing the seminar, the Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Murtaza Solangi said the caretaker government was fully prepared and committed to conducting general elections on February 8.
The minister, in his speech, said that as the government’s spokesperson, he had been reiterating the caretaker government’s commitment to holding elections as per the schedule given by the Election Commission of Pakistan.
“The election process should continue in any case and major issues facing the country, including economy, foreign policy, local governments, governance, and civil service reforms, should also be discussed to find their solution,” he remarked.
Senior journalist Mehmood Sham said that there were several challenges ahead that must be dealt with collective wisdom. Such seminars should have been organized much before the elections, he added.
He said he was the witness to almost all the elections held in the country, including those held in 1970. He stressed the need of political dialogue to get the country back on the right track.
Senior journalist Mazhar Abass said the doubts of people about holding elections on the scheduled date and their credibility must be addressed.
“There is a need to give all political parties an equal space,” he stressed.
Senior journalist Aamir Zia praised the efforts of Press Information Department for organizing such seminars. He stressed that elections must not to be controversial like the ones held in 2018. In order to get the country out of the crises, all political forces should be given a level playing field, he urged.
He also criticized the political parties for failing to give concrete manifestos. All the manifestos announced were mere political slogans, he added, stressing that the parties should better announce their plans how to get country out the problems being faced by it for decades.
Senior journalist Agha Masood Hassan said there was need of creating political consensus as without it Pakistan could not move forward on the path of prosperity.
He said the people should come forward to improve the governance system so that political and economic stability could be achieved which was vital for the country’s survival.
Professor Tauseef Ahmed, Sohail Sangi, Advocate Yousaf Maulvi, Nadia Naqi, Dr. Huma Baqai, Saeed Sarbazi and Shehrbano also addressed the seminar.
PIO Tariq Mehmood Khan presented welcome speech while Director General PID Karachi Iram Tanveer thanked the guests and the participants of the seminar.
Later, Director General PID Karachi Ms. Iram Tanveer presented a shield to the Information Minister and PIO. The minister and PIO also presented shields to the guests.
PC-I of constructing wall around Regi Town sent for approval: Meeting told
PESHAWAR, Feb 01 (APP): Provincial Caretaker Minister for Local Government, Aamir Nadeem Durrani on Thursday informed that the PC I to construct a boundary wall around Regi Model Town has been sent for approval and steps are underway to give payments to land owners of Zone II.
The minister was chairing a meeting to review the pace of work on Regi Model Town. The meeting was also attended by the Secretary Local Government, Daud Khan, the Director General Peshawar Development Authority, and concerned officials.
Participants of the meeting were told that PC I of constructing Regi Model Town has been sent to the concerned for approval and land owners would be given payments very soon.
The meeting was also informed about progress on the Ring Road Link and the tendering process of the project. It was said that steps have been taken to expedite the tendering process.
Chairing the meeting, the caretaker minister directed to speed up the project by developing a liaison with concerned departments. He said that the government is taking steps to provide maximum relief to people and added that our efforts have started benefitting the masses at the grassroots level.
Political & economic stability to be main challenge for new elected govt: Speakers
KARACHI, Feb 01 (APP): The speakers at a seminar on Thursday stressed the need for political and economic stability in the country which would be the main challenge for the newly elected government.
They were addressing the seminar on “General elections 2024, Challenges for the new government and the road map”, organized by the Press Information Department.
Caretaker Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi, Principal Information Officer Tariq Mehmood Khan, and others were the main speakers of the 4th seminar of the series. The PID has already organized three seminars in the Federal Capital while the 5th and last one will be held in Lahore before the general elections.
Addressing the seminar, the Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Murtaza Solangi said the caretaker government was fully prepared and committed to conducting general elections on February 8.
The minister, in his speech, said that as the government’s spokesperson, he had been reiterating the caretaker government’s commitment to holding elections as per the schedule given by the Election Commission of Pakistan.
“The election process should continue in any case and major issues facing the country, including economy, foreign policy, local governments, governance, and civil service reforms, should also be discussed to find their solution,” he remarked.
Senior journalist Mehmood Sham said that there were several challenges ahead that must be dealt with collective wisdom. Such seminars should have been organized much before the elections, he added.
He said he was the witness to almost all the elections held in the country, including those held in 1970. He stressed the need of political dialogue to get the country back on the right track.
Senior journalist Mazhar Abass said the doubts of people about holding elections on the scheduled date and their credibility must be addressed.
“There is a need to give all political parties an equal space,” he stressed.
Senior journalist Aamir Zia praised the efforts of Press Information Department for organizing such seminars. He stressed that elections must not to be controversial like the ones held in 2018. In order to get the country out of the crises, all political forces should be given a level playing field, he urged.
He also criticized the political parties for failing to give concrete manifestos. All the manifestos announced were mere political slogans, he added, stressing that the parties should better announce their plans how to get country out the problems being faced by it for decades.
Senior journalist Agha Masood Hassan said there was need of creating political consensus as without it Pakistan could not move forward on the path of prosperity.
He said the people should come forward to improve the governance system so that political and economic stability could be achieved which was vital for the country’s survival.
Professor Tauseef Ahmed, Sohail Sangi, Advocate Yousaf Maulvi, Nadia Naqi, Dr. Huma Baqai, Saeed Sarbazi and Shehrbano also addressed the seminar.
PIO Tariq Mehmood Khan presented welcome speech while Director General PID Karachi Iram Tanveer thanked the guests and the participants of the seminar.
Later, Director General PID Karachi Ms. Iram Tanveer presented a shield to the Information Minister and PIO. The minister and PIO also presented shields to the guests.