ISLAMABAD: /DNA/ – Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan lashed out at the imported government for adopting fascist approach of harassment and intimidation to muzzle and suppress the dissenting voices in media, saying that a group of criminals in the guise of politics was brought in to power through foreign conspiracy who were attacking the constitution and democracy.

Talking to Social media officials of PTI North Punjab, who called on him here on Wednesday, PTI Chairman said that the imported government resorted to the worst fascism to silence the independent and neutral voices in the media but social media emerged as the most powerful voice of the people.

Imran Khan said that the social media freed the media from the clutches of tyranny and fascism and further added to political maturity and consciousness of the people, adding that the PTI’s long march was not for achieving the traditional political goals but for the real freedom of the nation.

He said that Pakistan was pushed into the quagmire of political and economic crises by ousting PTI government through foreign-backed conspiracy at the time when the country was making progress in almost every field.

PTI Chairman stated that the nation reacted so strongly and spontaneously and took to the streets in such unprecedented number because they believed that it was an insult to the public mandate to de-seat the well-performing elected government through foreign conspiracy.

During the meeting, they held detailed discussion on important issues including the country’s political situation, the features of PTI’s narrative on important national issues including the rising incidents of harassment and targeting of social media workers just for revenge by the fascist imported government.

They also discussed in length the PTI’s preparations for the Long March and the public enthusiasm in this regard.

Speaking on the occasion, Imran Khan made it clear that curbing of freedom of expression by violating the constitution and law was no longer possible.

He said that the PTI social media would play a key role in the Long March because it was inevitable that the workers convey the message of real freedom to every individual. 

Imran Khan made it clear that immediate and transparent elections in the country was the only way forward to get the country out of the prevailing quagmire of problems and to ensure political and economic stability.

DNA

ISLAMABAD, OCT 19: The inaugural ceremony of a two-day flagship international seminar titled ‘Global Strategic Threat and Response’ (GSTAR) arranged by Centre for Aerospace & Security Studies (CASS) was held at Air Headquarters, Islamabad today. Dr Arif Alvi, President Islamic Republic of Pakistan was the chief guest at the occasion. On his arrival at Air Headquarters, Islamabad he was received by Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force.

President  Dr. Arif Alvi in his Inaugural Address appreciated the PAF’s key initiatives directed towards maximising the field of knowledge into its operations. The President appreciated the CASS administration for the conduct of a thought provoking seminar on the contemporary strategic issues. The President said,  “The complex dynamics of the world politics has exponentially changed the traditional balance of power and security environment which demands befitting response through national cohesion. The present era marked the creation of new centres of power created by technology and wealth, therefore, there is a need to construct a new order on the basis of equality of humans, respect for human security, harnessing of new technology and a commitment to peace.”

Earlier CAS in his welcome address said, that the growing rivalry between major powers had resulted in weakening of international institutions and emergence of traditional and non-traditional security issues. In the context of new technologies, he highlighted the dangerous consequences of selective sharing and its effect on regional stability. The Air Chief emphasised on the need for international consensus to address the challenges of these technologies. He reiterated the resolve of the PAF to contribute towards securing the national interests of the country. In this regard, he informed about significant initiatives being planned in various domains including operations, capability enhancement, organisation and training, to make PAF a cutting-edge force.

The Air Chief also announced the formal launch of the National Aerospace Science and Technology Park (NASTP) aimed at giving impetus to the process of indigenisation and technology drive in the country. The first Park of its kind would be inaugurated this year while two others would follow in near future.

Later, President Dr. Arif Alvi met Air Chief in his office. The President was briefed on the operational readiness and PAF’s unflinching resolve to ward off any external threat to national security. CAS highlighted PAF’s comprehensive plan for growth of in-country capabilities in the well-established as well as emerging disruptive technologies in Aerospace, Cyber, IT and Artificial Intelligence domains.

While acknowledging the critical role of PAF in the defence of motherland, the President underlined the importance of Air Force in contemporary geo-political milieu. He lauded PAF’s efforts and contributions beyond call of duty by assisting the government of Pakistan in responding to natural calamities. He expressed highest level of confidence in the visionary PAF leadership and stated that PAF’s Human Resource, technical, operational and  industrial domains were well poised to achieve excellence which had always been a hallmark of Pakistan Air Force.

ISLAMABAD, OCT 19 /DNA/ – Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI) has called upon the government to ensure strict enforcement of intellectual property rights in the country to promote innovations, brands and attract more investment to the country.

He said that due to lukewarm enforcement and IPR violations, the government was losing significant revenue besides engendering the life of the public exposed to counterfeit products. He said this while addressing an awareness seminar on IPR issues for women entrepreneurs and start-ups organized by ICCI in collaboration with Islamabad Women Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IWCCI). 

Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari said that lengthy processing timelines for granting IP rights, complicated procedure for registration and long drawn judicial procedure for the protection of IP rights are the key issues that should be addressed to promote their compliance.

He was of the view that the better enforcement of IPRs would reward the innovators, increase value of businesses & start-ups and attract more local and foreign investment to Pakistan.

John Cabeca, US Intellectual Property Counselor for South Asia gave a detailed presentation on IP Rights including utility patent, design patent, copyright, trade secret & trademark. He said IPRs encourage and protect innovations & inventions, promote commercialization and application of IP, incentivize investment and foster economic growth.

Ms. Naima Ansari, former President, Islamabad Women Chamber of Commerce & Industry stressed for creating maximum awareness about IP Rights in women entrepreneurs and start-ups to encourage innovative solutions of the various problems being faced by the society.

Azhar ul Islam Zafar, Vice President ICCI said that timely registration of copyrights, trademarks and patents supported by strict enforcement regime is critical for building confidence of the existing and potential foreign investors in Pakistan.=DNA

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Karachi, OCT 19 /DNA/ – “The 11th edition of IDEAS scheduled from 15 – 18 November 2022 at Karachi Expo Centre (KEC) will significantly contribute towards fostering and promoting Pakistan’s strategic relations with international fraternity and would serve to achieve the shared objectives of global peace, stability and balance”, stated Syed Murad Ali Shah, Chief Minister of Sindh while chairing the 3rd Steering Committee Meeting held at Chief Minister Sindh Secretariat on Wednesday.

He added that hosting IDEAS is a testimony to our pledge for encouraging technological growth and exchange in the region. Towards the end of first session, Chief Minister Sindh reassured continuous patronage and full support of Government of Sindh for successful accomplishment of IDEAS – 2022.

The meeting was attended by senior representatives from Federal Ministries, various departments of Government of Sindh, Armed Forces of Pakistan, Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) and Badar Expo Solutions, the Event Manager.

To provide impetus to ongoing national level preparations for this strategically important event, the second session was chaired by Director General DEPO, Maj General Muhammad Arif Malik, HI(M).

He was appraised about the finalization of administrative, security and support plans by various Government Departments, Armed Forces of Pakistan and LEAs.

Towards the end of second session, DG DEPO highlighted that event as per its traditions will host number of splendid activities encompassing world’s cutting edge defence technology demonstrations, International Seminars, Cultural Show and business expansions through well planned B2B and B2G engagements.

He added that Karachi Show will be arranged exclusively for the people of Karachi at Sea View (Nishan-e-Pakistan) on 17 November 2022.

At the end of the meeting, CEO Badar Solutions Zohair Naseer said that with the support of armed forces, federal and provincial governments, and law enforcing agencies the IDEAS 2022 is to be held in a befitting manner.

“Badar Expo Solutions as the organizer will play its due role to make this event achieve its national goals,” said Zohair.

During the meeting, all government organizations and departments pledged their full support for successful accomplishment of IDEAS – 2022.

ISLAMABAD, OCT 19 /DNA/ – Pakistan has termed the remarks against  Saudi Arabia on account of the decision taken by (OPEC+) Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries Plus) as regrettable and sorrowful, said Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, Secretary General International Tahzeem-e-Harmain Al-Sharifain Council, Special Representative to Prime Minister Pakistan on Religious Harmony and Middle East.

While talking to World Media in Cairo (Egypt) here on Wednesday, Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi said that Pakistan owns a very clear stance, we express solidarity with the people and leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

 He also stated that Pakistan appreciates the concerns raised by Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in view to ensure World economic stability.

The stance of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is based on ground facts and Pakistan has endorsed the stance of Saudi Arabia in view of the ground realities, said Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi.

He said that all the Arab Islamic countries along with Pakistan are currently supporting the stance of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on oil decision.

Talking World Media in Egypt (Cairo),  Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi said that Pakistan and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are knotted in relationship of faith and belief and Pakistan has supported the stance of Saudi Arabia on the issue of oil in the context of the global economic situation.

Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi said that Pakistan believes that the steps taken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to ensure global economic stability have been supported by all the Islamic Arab countries.

 Any kind of rhetoric against the leadership of Saudi Arabia is not acceptable under any circumstances, said Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi.

He said that Saudi Arabia is the land of Harmain Al-Sharifain, with which the faith and belief of Muslims are related, and this is the very reason why the entire Islamic world and the Arab world will not accept any kind of rhetoric and action against the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi also stated that under the auspices of the International Tehzeem-e-Haramin Al-Sharif Council,

‘ International Tahzeem-e-Harmain Al-Sharifain Conference’ is being held in Nigeria on October 22, 2022, in which the important leaders of the Islamic world, will express solidarity with the leadership and people of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and respective tributes will be paid to the services provided to Hajj and Umrah pilgrims on part of Saudi Arabia leadership.

On this international conference, important planning and strategy for the future will also be announced.

Meanwhile, the Chairman Pakistan Ulama Council Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi held a meeting with Mufti-e-Azam Palestine Muhammad Hussain and Qazi Al-Qaza Palestine Dr. Mahmood Al-Habash in Cairo and expressed solidarity on behalf of the government of Pakistan and the people of Pakistan for the people and government of Palestine. 

He stated that Pakistan’s stance regarding Palestine is very clear, adding that Palestine and Kashmir are the burning issues  of the Muslim Ummah, and without the solution of both, world peace cannot be established. 

Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi also thanked the Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas for the aid to the flood victims in Pakistan and the Palestinian people for their solidarity with Pakistan.

Meanwhile,  Mufti-e-Azam Palestine Muhammad Hussain and Qazi Al-Qaza Dr. Mahmood Al-Habash while talking to Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi said that the government and people of Palestine value Pakistan’s support for Palestine and termed Pakistan and Palestine like two brothers and also alike body and soul.

 The government and people of Palestine express their grief over the damages caused by the flood in Pakistan and assure the government and people of Pakistan of all possible cooperation. 

The leaders also thanked the Australian government for withdrawing its decision to recognize West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

ISLAMABAD, OCT 19 /DNA/ – “What goes on in Pakistan [in terms of climate change] will not stay in Pakistan. The devastating recent floods in Pakistan were nature’s memo to humanity delivered through Pakistan,” said Federal Minister for Climate Change Senator Sherry Rehman. She was speaking at the event titled “Pre-COP 27: From Paris to Sharm El-Sheikh” jointly organized by the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS), the Civil Society Coalition for Climate Change (CSCCC), and Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) here on Wednesday.

Senator Sherry Rehman called for inclusive global decision-making on climate change and urged the international community to not only meet the commitments made under Paris Agreement but also to set more ambitious goals at COP 27. She highlighted that the vulnerable population of Pakistan was already experiencing impacts of climate change on their lives through changing weather patterns, crop losses, and water shortages, placing them among bottom 1% of climate risk pyramid. With reference to the upcoming COP 27, the Minister said that Pakistan’s slogan would be premised around questioning the world on how long it was expected of a country like ours to tolerate this dystopia at our doorstep, especially considering, that we had a minimal part in inviting its creation.

She iterated that while Pakistan’s share in global contribution to climate change was minimal, there is serious need among elite faction in the country to rethink their carbon-rich lifestyles which directly affected vulnerable communities. In addition to major behavioural and lifestyle changes, the Minister added, a comprehensive risk reduction mapping, developed consultatively with the provinces and the federating units was vital for effective engagement on climate change globally. Most importantly, climate financing must be reoriented toward facilitating the developing countries, she added. Senator Rehman said that the materialization of approved projects followed unrealistic timelines, amplifying the root cause(s) of the crisis in the process. She stressed that responsible and effective mitigation lied in capacity-building in three areas, i.e., resilience, adaptation, and financing.

Earlier, in his welcome remarks, President IRS Ambassador Nadeem Riyaz shared that half of the world was susceptible to climate change in the twenty-first century. He shared that COP 27 will aim at providing viable options for climate finance, adaptation, loss and damage, and increasing ambitions.

The Ambassador of France to Pakistan, Mr Nicolas Galey highlighted that the assistance provided by the French government to Pakistan in providing relief to the victims of floods. He called for greater attention toward the needs of the vulnerable communities in the aftermath of natural disasters in Pakistan. Mr Tarek Dahroug, the Ambassador of Egypt to shared that climate change could reduce global economic output by 4% by 2050. He further added that efforts will be made during COP 27 to urge the international community to meet its climate financing goals without any delay.

Samey Shoukry, Egyptian Minister for Foreign Affairs and COP 27 President said in his video message to the audience of the Conference that it was time the world realised that it needed to do more, act swiftly and rather decisively to ensure a qualitative response to climate change.  He added that COP 27 was the COP of implementation and required urgent consideration of normative frameworks and operational needs.

Syed Mujtaba Hussain, Senior Joint Secretary Ministry of Climate Change said that Pakistan had tried to adopt nature-based solutions via tree plantation and creation of Protected Areas as interventions during the previous COP, however the NDCs still had serious challenges. Some of these challenges, he added, were, lack of collaboration on provincial and federal levels, absence of focus groups, absence of specific reporting mechanisms for better monitoring and lack of access to international financing platforms. He said that there was need for policy and project based interventions in order to come up with a workable roadmap to address this challenge.

Mr Bilal Anwer, CEO NDRMF said that Pakistan needed to scale up ambition, action, supported by finance. He said that no action could be completed without finances and technology transfer. He said that there were serious challenges in the form financial gaps in mitigation, stressing that we needed to go beyond the socio-economic perspective on the debate. Speaking about COP 27, he said that it was imperative to discuss financial mechanisms for loss and damage, scaling up support for adaptation, strengthening emission reduction, increasing capacity of institutions and ensuring transparency and reporting on climate finance.