MINSK, Sept 3: /DNA/ Ambassador Sajjad Haider Khan met with the Director of the Belarusian Institute for Strategic Research (BISR), Mr. Oleg Makarov. The meeting was also attended by Deputy Director, Vitaly Stakhovsky, and Expert, Mr. Yury Yarmolinsky.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed the possibilities of cooperation between the leading think tanks and research centers of Pakistan with BISR. The Ambassador confirmed his readiness to contribute to the establishment of stronger ties between the think tanks of Belarus and Pakistan and the possibility of his personal further participation in round tables and events organized by the experts of the Institute.
AMBASSADOR SAJJAD HOLDS MEETING WITH DIRECTOR BELARUSIAN INSTITUTE FOR STRATEGIC RESEARCH (BISR)
International, Domestic Flight Schedule Disrupted After Rains, Caa Says
KARACHI : After the heavy rains lashed parts of Sindh with Jinnah Terminal amongst Karachi regions to receive heaviest rains, the flights arriving and departing both have suffered disruption of schedule.
Civil Aviation Authority has confirmed the flights scheduled to fly today have been delayed due to heavy rains while those arriving in the city have suffered difficulties in the landing.
CAA has circulated an alert across all airports of Pakistan that only after the weather has stabilized that the flight operation will fully restore.
All international and domestic flights will see or have seen two- to -four-hour delays, CAA said.
The notification has been sent to all the airlines, including Pakistan International Airlines, private local airlines and international ones, too. All the planes are to be parked in a safe space, CAA cautioned airlines.
Relevant to note that the monsoon spell currently spanning over Sindh will have intermittent heavy rains continuing for hours on Friday due to an activated storm cell in the atmosphere, Pakistan Meteorological Department said.
The series of episodic rains will continue across Sindh due to the active storm cell in the system, the Met Office said.
Some Karachi areas will receive light to moderate showers while some will get heavy pours, said the Met officials.
Taliban co-founder Baradar to lead new Afghanistan government: sources
KABUL, SEPT 3 -Taliban co-founder Mullah Baradar will lead a new Afghan government that could be announced soon, sources in the group said on Friday, as it battled rebel fighters while striving to ward off economic collapse.
Baradar, who heads the Taliban’s political office, will be joined by Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob, the son of late Taliban founder Mullah Omar, and Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai, in senior positions in the government, three sources said.
“All the top leaders have arrived in Kabul, where preparations are in final stages to announce the new government,” one Taliban official told Reuters, on condition of anonymity.
The Taliban, which seized Kabul on Aug. 15 after sweeping across most of the country, have faced resistance in the Panjshir Valley, north of the capital, with reports of heavy fighting and casualties.
Several thousand fighters of regional militias and remnants of the government’s armed forces have massed in the rugged valley under the leadership of Ahmad Massoud, the son of former Mujahideen commander Ahmad Shah Massoud.
Efforts to negotiate a settlement appear to have broken down, with each side blaming the other for the failure.
HUMANITARIAN CATASTROPHE
The government’s legitimacy in the eyes of international donors and investors will be crucial for an economy grappling with drought and the ravages of a conflict that killed an estimated 240,000 Afghans.
Humanitarian groups have warned of impending catastrophe and the economy, reliant for years on many millions of dollars of foreign aid, is close to collapse.
Many Afghans were struggling to feed their families amid severe drought well before the Taliban took power and millions may now face starvation, aid agencies say.
“Since August 15, we have seen the crisis accelerate and magnify, with the imminent economic collapse that is coming this country’s way,” Mary-Ellen McGroarty, the director of the World Food Programme in Afghanistan, told Reuters from Kabul.
The administration of U.S. President Joe Biden has no plans to release billions in Afghan gold, investments and foreign currency reserves parked in the United States that it froze after the Taliban’s takeover.
In a positive development, a senior executive of Western Union Co said the firm was resuming money-transfer services to Afghanistan in line with a U.S. push to keep up humanitarian work.
RECOGNITION
The Taliban enforced a radical form of sharia, when it ruled from 1996 to 2001.
But this time around, the movement has tried to present a more moderate face to the world, promising to protect human rights and refrain from reprisals against old enemies.
The United States, the European Union and others have cast doubt on such assurances, saying formal recognition of the new government, and the resultant flow of economic aid, was contingent on action.
The Taliban have promised safe passage out of the country for any foreigners or Afghans left behind by the huge airlift that ended when U.S. troops withdrew ahead of an Aug 31 deadline. But, with Kabul airport still closed, many were seeking to flee over land.
Thousands of Afghans, some without documents, others with pending U.S. visa applications or whose families have mixed immigration status, also wait in “transit hubs” in third countries.
ENDING FEAR, UNCERTAINTY, BIGGEST GOVERNANCE CHALLENGE FOR IEA IN AFGHANISTAN
ISLAMABAD, SEPT 3 /DNA/ -In the wake of complete US withdrawal, brain drain from Afghanistan is posing a serious threat to a return to normalcy as skilled and educated people, facing an uncertain future, are leaving their country in desperation. This warrants some immediate action by the Taliban’s Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to ensure predictability in governance so that the prevailing chaos engulfing the lives of millions of common Afghans can come to an end.
This sentiment resonated at a roundtable titled ‘Afghanistan: Post-US Withdrawal – Present and Future Challenges’ which was organized by Institute of Policy Studies, Islamabad (IPS).
The roundtable was attended by academics, intellectuals, journalists, students, members of Pak-Afghan Youth Forum (PAYF), and Afghan delegates comprising politicians, former Afghan government officials and journalists.
The Afghan delegates included Maulvi Ataa-ur-Rehman Saleem, deputy chairman of National Peace Council, Ahmadullah Alizai, former governor of Kabul, Husani Mubarak Azizi, minister of transport, and Jamaluddin Badr, former governor of Nuristan province.
Khalid Rahman, IPS chairman, Ambassador (r) Syed Abrar Hussain, IPS vice chairman, Brigadier Said Nazir, strategic affairs expert, Juma Khan Sufi, author and Afghan affairs expert, Mahmood Jaan Babar, journalist, Dr Tughral Yamin, dean Center of International Peace and Stability, NUST, Dr Mohammad Iqbal Khalil, chairman Institute of Regional Studies, Peshawar, Dr Haroon Khatibi, director, Centre for Strategic and Regional Studies (CSRS), and Salman Javed, DG PAYF participated in the roundtable deliberations.
The speakers were of the view that the Taliban are a reality and acceptance of this can help in chalking out a pragmatic future line of action guaranteeing prosperity of Afghanistan. To achieve this, all Afghan factions representing different political and ethnic shades need to sit together and engage with each other for the formation of an inclusive government.
It was also felt at the session that the vacuum of a government structure in the existing scenario has given birth to political instability and uncertainty, resulting in fears and apprehensions among Afghans who want peace and stability so that business activities can resume and skilled people can find job opportunities.
Stressing the need for looking at the current situation in Afghanistan through the prism of humanitarian crisis, the delegation urged Pakistan and other regional countries to come forward to help Afghans who are in dire need of food and economic assistance.
They also requested neighboring countries, especially Pakistan, to open their borders to accommodate stranded Afghan refugees in their hour of need.
Strong cultural, religious, ethnic, academic and historic ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan were also discussed at the roundtable. The discussants maintained that 90% of Afghan religious clerics received their education in Pakistani madrasas and many senior government officials completed their higher education during their stay in Pakistan as refugees.
The speakers lamented the prevailing uncertainty which is also taking its toll on Afghan students who are unsure about their academic future post US withdrawal. They urged academia in Pakistan to step up efforts to facilitate Afghan students access better education. This will also improve bilateral people-to-people contacts between both the nations.
Concluding the session, Khalid Rahman opined that the Taliban should be given some time to form a government and demonstrate their governance and normalize the situation in Afghanistan.
He cautioned against enemies of both Afghanistan and Pakistan who continue portraying a sorry picture of the state of affairs in Afghanistan and sabotage Pak-Afghan bilateral relations for their vested interests by spreading hate and misinformation.
VICE ADMIRAL FAISAL RASUL LODHI APPOINTED AS VICE CHIEF OF NAVAL STAFF
ISLAMABAD, SEPT 3 /DNA/ -Vice Admiral Faisal Rasul Lodhi has been appointed as Vice Chief of the Naval Staff (VCNS). Vice Admiral Faisal Rasul Lodhi was commissioned in Operations Branch of Pakistan Navy in 1986. Admiral has an illustrious career with wide ranging Command and Staff appointments.
His major Command appointments include Commanding Officer PNS TARIQ, Director Pakistan Navy Tactical School, Flag Officer Sea Training, Commander Coast and Commander Karachi. His major Staff appointments include Directing Staff at Pakistan Navy War college, Director Naval Warfare & Operational Plans at Naval Headquarters, Fleet Operation officer, Chief Staff Officer to Commander Pakistan Fleet, Liaison Officer US CENTCOM USA and Naval Secretary.
Lately, he has been appointed as Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (Operations) and Chief of Staff at Naval Headquarters, Islamabad. The Admiral has also performed duties as Additional Secretary-III in Ministry of Defence.
Vice Admiral Faisal Rasul Lodhi is a graduate of Pakistan Navy War College Lahore, National Defence University Islamabad, Royal College of Defence Studies UK and Naval Command & Staff College Philippines. He also holds Master’s Degree in International Security & Strategic studies from United Kingdom. In recognition of his meritorious services, the Admiral has been awarded Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military).
TOKYO PARALYMPICS: AMBASSADOR MATSUDA GREETS HAIDER ALI IN DISCUS THROW
ISLAMABAD, SEPT 3 /DNA/ – Ambassador MATSUDA Kuninori extends congratulations to Mr. Haider Ali, Pakistan’s premier para-athlete, for showing his great talent by winning the Gold Medal in the final of men’s Discus throw (F37) competition in the Tokyo Paralympics and conveys best wishes for his future endeavors.
“ I am truly delighted to see Pakistani athlete’s success in the Tokyo Paralympics. My sincere congratulations to Haider Ali, his family and the people of Pakistan for this amazing success to achieve the Gold Medal. I believe that you have made your country proud and won many hearts back home for your brilliant performance in the world’s mega event. ”, said the Ambassador.
Haider Ali secured the Gold Medal in men’s Discus throw (F37) with a throw of 55.26m, which also was his personal best score.
Sc Orders Agp To Conduct Audit Of Pr’s Old Gulf Club
ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court (SC) on Friday directed the auditor general of Pakistan (AGP) to conduct audit of the Old Gulf Club, owned by Pakistan Railways.
A three-member bench of SC headed by the acting chief justice of Pakistan while showing the resentment over the non-issuance of the tender for the lease of the Old Gulf Club remarked why the authorities have failed in releasing the tender despite the passage of two and half years.
Justice Ijazul Ahsan asked the railway authorities how long it will take to release the lease tender for the Gulf Club. He further remarked that the advisor to the railways’ minister has started looting the national assets soon after his appointment.
New staff has been recruited in the Gulf Club by expelling the old one while the advisor is also giving honorary membership of the club, Justice Ahsan asked.
“Where are the international investors who were roaming along with briefcases” he was quoted as saying during the hearing.
Later, the SC directed the private company to complete its ongoing audit soon also directed the AGP to initiate an audit of the Old Gulf Club.
The hearing was adjourned for an indefinite period.
Following the orders of the Supreme Court (SC), last month, the Interior Ministry had placed Shahrukh Khan, advisor and head of the Royal Palm Golf and Country Club, owned by the Pakistan Railways (PR) on the Exit Control List (ECL), citing well-informed sources.
ITALIAN FM TO ARRIVE ON SUNDAY
DNA
ISLAMABAD: Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio is expected to arrive in Pakistan on Sunday for bilateral talks. The Italian foreign minister during his visit is scheduled to meet with the high level Pakistani officials.
The Italian minister’s visit takes place in wake of recent developments in Afghanistan. The minister will ostensibly discuss the emerging Afghan scenario with the Pakistani authorities. The visit of the foreign minister will further strengthen bilateral relations between Pakistan and Italy.
TURKISH GOVT FURTHER EASES QUARANTINE RULES FOR TRAVELERS ARRIVING FROM PAKISTAN
ANKARA, SEPT 3 /DNA/ -Turkish Government has further eased quarantine regulations for Pakistani nationals intending to travel to Turkey. Announced on 2nd September, these regulations will become effective from 4th September.
Irrespective of vaccination status, all passengers will submit a negative PCR test result that should be made at most 72 hours before their entry into Turkey.
As per the new regulations, passengers arriving from Pakistan who will have documentary proof of COVID-19 vaccination will be exempted from quarantine. Such vaccination should be of two doses approved by the World Health Organization (except for Johnson & Johnson which is a single dose). Quarantine exemption will be applied to those vaccinated whose last dose was administered at least 14 days before their travel.
Pakistani travellers who cannot provide a proof of vaccination will be quarantined in their residences or addresses that they will declare, tourists will quarantine at their booked hotels. They will be PCR tested on the 10th day of the quarantine period and in case of a negative result, quarantine application will be terminated. The persons who do not take a PCR test on the 10th day will be kept under quarantine for 14 days. In case the test results are positive, the case will be dealt with as per the guidelines of the Turkish Ministry of Health.
Before the Turkish Government announced these revised regulations, the Pakistan Embassy was in constant touch with the relevant Turkish authorities, sharing the status of vaccination and measures in place in Pakistan for controlling spread of COVID-19 infections. The Pakistan Missions in Turkey are available to assist our nationals to the best of our abilities.
An English translation of the complete notification of the Ministry of Interior of the Turkish Republic is attached for reference.
INCLUSIVE GOVT ONLY OPTION: QURESHI
Paki, UK vow to work for Afghan peace
Taliban have made some serious vows but we have
Ansar Mahmood Bhatti
ISLAMABAD: Dominic Raab Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom has said that we do understand the problems created by Pakistan’s being on the red list and Britain is closely monitoring the way Pakistani authorities have been dealing with the pandemic. No one wants to see Pakistan on the red list including myself and therefore rest assured we will do everything to settle this issue.
He said we have appointed a new envoy to Afghanistan as we accord importance to the country and the region. We have allocated a special grant especially for the neighboring countries as well so that they could handle the people coming from across the border efficiently.
He said Taliban have made some serious vows but we have to see who they fulfill their vows and commitment made to the international community. We may not fund directly the Taliban govt however we would continue supporting the humanitarian agencies engaged in Afghanistan.
Raab said the Taliban takeover took everybody by surprise by taking over the control at a very speed, no one was expecting. He added, Britain had a constructive dialogue with the Taliban and it was after this dialogue that we were able to get over 15000 people out of Afghanistan.
He said Britain, like the other countries, wants an inclusive government in Afghanistan. Likewise we hope there would not be any terrorist acts committed from the soil of Afghanistan.
Regarding Kashmir he said Britain maintains principled positions on Kashmir and wants both Pakistan and India to sit together and find a solution.
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said Afghanistan is a country that represents various ethnicities. We have asked the Taliban to adopt an inclusive approach. When we deal with Afghanistan we have to deal with certain compulsions. For example we have to face a number of border crossings. Now the question is can we block these crossings. Certainly not. Then a bulk of trade goes through Pakistan. Should we close our borders and create a humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. So recognizing these challenges, Pakistan told the Taliban that we have addressed these challenges head one.
Our focus is on the people of Afghanistan. We feel that people of Afghanistan have suffered a lot therefore now should be given an opportunity to choose a peaceful course. Qureshi said we are waiting for what happens in Afghanistan in the coming days.
The FM said he also took up Kashmir matters with the British foreign secretary, especially the way Geelani’s burial was not allowed to happen in a smooth manner.
