ISLAMABAD, DEC 27 /DNA/ – Senior politician Chaudry Shujaat hussain along with Senator Mushahid Syed presented a shield to a famous businessman from US Naveed chaudry in ceremony held at his residence on Tuesday.
26 More Sri Lankan students arrive in Pakistan for Higher Studies
Islamabad, Dec 27: /DNA/ – Twenty-six more Sri Lankan students have arrived in Pakistan to study in Pakistani universities at BS, MS and PhD levels under Allama Iqbal Scholarships for Sri Lankan Students. The students arrived at Jinnah International Airport, Karachi, and Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore.
These scholarships are part of the comprehensive educational programme entitled “Pakistan-Sri Lanka Higher Education Cooperation Programme (HEC). The Sri Lankan students will pursue their BS, MS, and PhD studies in public sector universities of Pakistan. The scholarships are being offered in all major disciplines, including Medicine, Engineering, Business Studies, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, etc.
Students were selected through a competitive selection process keeping in view their basic eligibility criteria for enrolment in Pakistani public sector universities. The incoming Sri Lankan scholars were given a warm welcome at Lahore regional center of Higher Education Commission (HEC). They were briefed about the scholarship project, the core functions of HEC, and the academic structure of Pakistan.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka jointly work in multiple developmental arenas, including the higher education sector. It includes, but is not limited to, 1000 scholarships for Sri Lankan nationals (out of which 300 are currently studying in Pakistan), imparting executive training for senior Sri Lankan Government officials, and organization of the Pakistan Higher Education Expo annually in Sri Lanka. There is a faculty exchange component between the two countries’ universities to nurture joint research in different contemporary research areas.
PM Shehbaz meets High level delegation from Uzbekistan
ISLAMABAD:/DNA/ – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received High level delegation from Uzbekistan led by Deputy Prime Minister /Minister for Investment and Foreign Trade H.E. Khodjaev Jamshid Abdukhakimovich today in Islamabad.
Recalling his recent meetings with Uzbek President, H.E. Shavkat Mirziyoyev on the sidelines of SCO Summit held in Samarkand in September and the 6th CICA Summit held in Astana, Kazakhstan in October 2022, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to further enhance the existing excellent relationship between the two brotherly countries. The Prime Minister said Pakistan offers connectivity to Central Asia through road and railways. He hoped that the connectivity projects in the region will not only bring the trade communities together but also usher in a new era of peace, prosperity for the two countries and the region.
The delegation apprised the Prime Minister about their meetings with economic Ministries of Pakistan during which it was agreed to enhance economic and trade ties between the two countries. The visiting dignitary also briefed the Prime Minister about the discussions between the business groups of Pakistan and Uzbekistan in various fields. Prime Minister appreciated that fruitful discussion between business community to establish B2B contacts would enhance bilateral trade and investment.
The Uzbek delegation thanked Prime Minister and reiterated that the bilateral relationship is further deepening and pace of interactions is moving towards a positive trajectory. Prime Minister reiterated that friendship between Pakistan and Uzbekistan is strengthening with the passage of time and visit of delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan is manifestation of the growing relationship.
Thai civil society to continue helping flood victims
Ambassador of Thailand Chakkrid Krachaiwong says The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, the Royal Thai Embassy, and Thai civil society organizations contributed approximately 134 million Pakistan Rupees for the flood relief operations
Exclusive
Ansar M Bhatti
Ambassador of Thailand Chakkrid Krachaiwong talked to Daily Islamabad POST on various issues. First part of his interview was published last week. Here is the 2nd part of his interview.
Pakistani Truck Art
The 226-foot-long wall of the Embassy, which was painted with the Pakistan’s truck art, is one of the projects to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of Thailand-Pakistan diplomatic relations.
The Pakistan’s truck art is globally known for its unique charm reflecting appreciation for Pakistan’s love of art, friendliness, joyfulness, and diversity that resemble Thai people. I hope that this painted wall will connect the Pakistani and Thai people together in the sense that when the Pakistanis come to the Embassy, they would feel welcomed by the art of their own and, at the same time, when the Thai people come to the Embassy, they would get to know more about the Pakistan’s art and culture through this painting. It is also to demonstrate our respect to Pakistan’s rich culture and talented artists.
I would like to express my appreciation to the very talented artist, Mr. Siyar Khan, from Peshawar who has preserved this indigenous art for over 20 years of his work. We hope that this painting will contribute to the promotion and preservation of indigenous art, which has long history, in this digitalized era. I also would like to thank the Pakistan’s media that help promoting this project to wider audiences. I am very pleased the Thai media are also interested in and published a number of articles on this project, one of which is written by myself.
Thai role in flood relief work
I wish to express my sincere condolences and pass on solidarity from the people of Thailand to those who have been affected by one of the most devastating floods in the Pakistan’s history.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, the Royal Thai Embassy, and Thai civil society organizations contributed approximately 134 million Pakistan Rupees for the flood relief operations. Moreover, I also have a conversation with Mr. Aziz Boolani, CEO of Serena Hotel, and we agreed to have professional Thai traditional dancers and Muay Thai boxers who flew in from Thailand to perform at the Fundraising Gala Dinner both in Islamabad and Faisalabad to assist those who suffered from the severed flood. We are proud to be a crucial part of these fundraising galas and are appreciative of Serena Hotel and the donors as well as participants of the events.
Currently, the Thai civil society still continues its financial support to the flood victims because we understand that even if the flood has been subsided in many areas, the rehabilitation of the flood affected people still be a priority.
I believe that it is important for the international community to focus much more on combating climate change and global warming. Otherwise, this can happen again and it could happen to any country.
Impressions about Pakistan
I extremely value my assignment here as Ambassador because it allows me to meet Pakistani friends from all walks of lifeas well as my friends in Diplomatic Circle. It has also given me profound respect for the people of Pakistan and their patriotic minds and passionate hearts as Pakistan progresses through this challenging world. My Ambassadorship is alsogiving a great opportunity for me and our families at the Embassy, to return your kind hospitality, with our sincere friendship to our dear friends in Pakistan. Rest assured that, as a friend, Thailand will work hand in hand with Pakistan to achieve our common goals for the benefits of our peoples
as well as people of the world.
Foods that keep skin moisturised during winters
During the winter season, we all moisturise our skin externally but did you know that you hydrate your body internally as well?
A healthy diet will help you reduce your skin’s dryness in addition to consuming lots of water to keep your body and skin hydrated.
It’s crucial to make sure you’re including essential nutrients in your diet every day because studies have shown a connection between vitamins and nutrients and the general health of the skin.
If you aren’t getting enough vitamins A, C, D, E, zinc, or copper in your diet, supplements are an excellent method to make up the difference. Each of these vitamins contributes to the hydration, barrier protection, collagen protection, and healthy glow of your skin.
Foods for dry skin
Beef liver
Beef liver has a lot of vitamin A. This important vitamin promotes moisture retention, which relieves irritated skin caused by conditions like psoriasis and helps prevent UV damage. It might even aid in preventing acne and skin cancer. Even though most people find beef liver to be unappealing, just three ounces of beef liver provide about 731% of your daily requirement for vitamin A.
Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are more than just a popular side dish for holidays. These are also good sources of vitamins A and C. But be aware that an excess of vitamin A can also result in chapped lips and dry skin. On the other hand, vitamin C can support the growth of collagen in your skin. Your skin is kept moisturised, healthy, and, plump and bouncy by that collagen.
Salmon
Salmon is also known for having a high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are oils that assist in controlling and maintaining the moisture level of your skin.
Omega-3s can also aid in clearing up any breakouts you may be having. If you currently take fish oil pills, a piece of salmon can help you increase your consumption of these oils since it is a natural source. Salmon contains a significant amount of vitamin D, which can aid with dryness and irritation.
Oranges
Oranges contain a lot of vitamin C, as you are fully aware. Start each day with an orange or a glass of pure orange juice throughout the colder months of the year (or really any time of year). This will provide you with an early morning vitamin C boost. For hydration, potassium is also included in oranges.
Spinach
Choose leafy green spinach for your next salad, side dish, or warm soup because it has numerous health advantages, including being good for your skin. Potassium and vitamins C are abundant in spinach. Potassium is another important nutrient to pay attention to because it keeps your entire body, including your skin, moisturised.
Almonds
Another food source of vitamin E is almonds, which support your skin barrier by retaining moisture within to keep your skin hydrated. Almonds are a healthy snack that will benefit you in general because they are a fantastic source of protein and fibre in addition to helping to keep your skin hydrated.
Saudi embassy advises its citizens in Pakistan to ‘remain careful, limit movement’
ISLAMABAD, DEC 26: The Saudi Arabian embassy in Islamabad issued a security alert for the kingdom’s citizens in Pakistan on Monday, advising them to remain “careful and limit their movement” amid rising terror threat.
The alert comes a day after the US embassy stopped its staff from visiting Islamabad’s Marriott Hotel due to fears of an attack. A few other embassies have also advised their staff and citizens in the federal capital to restrict their movement for some time, especially until Jan 1.
The Islamabad police had also raised security to high alert in the capital. The police had said that checking was increased at all entry and exit points and requested the public to cooperate with inspections.
The Saudi security alert advised incoming Saudi residents and those in the country to “be cautious” and not venture out except for any necessity. “Security of Islamabad has been placed at the highest level,” the alert said, adding that Saudis should contact the embassy and consulate if the need arises.
The developments come in the wake of a suicide bombing in the federal capital on Friday which claimed the lives of a policeman and a taxi driver.
According to the Islamabad-based Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), it was the first suicide attack in the capital since 2014.
A total of 165 people lost their lives and over 600 were injured in 18 suicide attacks in the city from 2005 to 2014. The last suicide attack took place in March 2014 when two persons blew themselves up in the Judicial Complex at F-8 sector.
The country has seen 504 suicide attacks over the last 22 years. A total of 6,748 people were killed and 15,111 injured in these attacks.
PM Shehbaz holds telephonic talk with Amir of Qatar
ISLAMABAD, DEC 26 /DNA/ – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif spoke on the telephone with the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim ibn Hamad Al Thani, today. The Prime Minister invited the Amir to participate in the International Conference on Climate Resilient Pakistan, co-hosted with the United Nations, in Geneva on January 9, 2023.
The Prime Minister thanked the Amir for the generous humanitarian assistance provided by Qatar in the wake of the devastating climate-induced floods in Pakistan earlier this year. He recalled that Pakistan now faced the enormous challenge of rehabilitation and reconstruction in a climate-resilient manner.
The Prime Minister highlighted that while Pakistan had mobilised its own limited resources to the extent possible, continued international support and solidarity was required to meet the daunting challenge of recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction of the affected areas, and to build resilience against future climate shocks.
The Prime Minister congratulated the Amir on Qatar’s successful hosting of FIFA-2022 Football World Cup, which had set a new benchmark for international sports events. The Prime Minister and the Emir also had a brief exchange of views on bilateral and international issues of mutual interest.
PTI seeks ‘good working relations’ with establishment
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senior Vice-President Fawad Chaudhry said Monday the former ruling party seeks “good working relations” with the establishment.
But, during his conversation with a private television channel, he also said that although establishment is a reality in Pakistan, so is PTI Chairman Imran Khan.
“Whoever denies this reality will not only harm themselves but also the country,” Fawad said, adding that since General Asim Munir took charge as the chief of army staff, a “difference” has been witnessed.
The PTI chief has been on a maligning spree against the former army chief, Gen (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa, recently, and has not only accused him of “betrayal”, but also of ousting his government.
Shedding light on the talks with the coalition government, Fawad said that negotiations between Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Ishaq Dar and President Arif Alvi “failed”.
“They [coalition rulers] wanted to disqualify Imran and initiate criminal proceedings against him,” the PTI leader said.
Castigating the coalition government for not holding snap elections, the former federal minister said the multi-party Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) cannot gain political ground despite holding polls later as they had failed on several fronts.
“It has become difficult now to stand by [Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz supremo] Nawaz Sharif and [Pakistan Peoples Party Co-chairman] Asif Ali Zardari,” he added.
Parvez Elahi ‘angry’
Fawad also said, without naming anyone, that former chief of army staff General (retd) Bajwa was told thrice that Imran would de-notify him and his intelligence chief.
“Imran had never thought of denotifying anyone. There’s another issue that each and everything is recorded. If you report things out of context, it seems like a conspiracy is hatching,” he said, defending the audio leaks that have been surfacing recently.
In response to a question about Punjab Chief Minister Parvez Elahi getting “angry” about Imran’s statement regarding the ex-COAS, Fawad said: “Imran will not take instructions from Elahi.”
“Elahi might have issued that statement in anger, but he never says anything to anyone,” he said.
‘Negative things’
Moving on, the ex-information minister said when his party’s government was ousted in April, the party — without specifying who — was assured that elections would take place.
“But now, we are getting calls from unknown numbers and Imran has also been banned from the media. Some negative things are going on as well, including complaints from our MPs that they are getting calls from unknown numbers,” he said.
He also acknowledged that the lawmakers might also be issuing such statements “just for the sake of establishing their worth”.
The PTI had recently, when the political tensions heightened in Punjab, claimed that its lawmakers were getting calls from “unknown numbers” to switch loyalties and that opposition parties were approaching them and offering bribes to jump the ship.
Funeral prayer of Capt Fahad offered at Army Graveyard
Rawalpindi, 26 Dec /DNA/ – Namaz e Janaza of Captain Muhammad Fahad Khan, who embraced shahadat yesterday in IED Blast near Kahan Balochistan, was offered at Army Graveyard Rawalpindi, today.
CJCSC General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, General Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), and a large number of senior civil and military officers, soldiers, citizens and relatives of shaheed attended the Namaz e Janaza.
Shaheed was buried with full military honour.
FM Bilawal thanks Saudi Arabia for valuable flood relief assistance
ISLAMABAD, DEC 26 /DNA/ – Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari spoke with His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, today.
Reaffirming the fraternal relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, the two Foreign Ministers reiterated their mutual commitment to further enhance and deepen bilateral cooperation across all areas of mutual interest.
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari thanked the leadership of the Kingdom for valuable flood relief assistance to Pakistan.
The Foreign Minister apprised his Saudi counterpart of the upcoming International Conference on Climate Resilient Pakistan, which is being held in Geneva on 9 January 2023. The Saudi Foreign Minister conveyed the Kingdom’s strong support for all initiatives aimed at strengthening and reinforcing Pakistan’s post-flood reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts.
The two Foreign Ministers also discussed the recent developments in Afghanistan. They reaffirmed the importance of guaranteeing women’s rights and their full and equal participation in all aspects of life. They also reiterated their support for security, stability and peace in Afghanistan and the importance of international engagement for building a more sustainable future for the Afghan people.
