Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kyrgyz Republic to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan H.E. Ulanbek Totuiaev met with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Yemen to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, concurrently to the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the Maldives H.E. Mohammed Motahar Alashabi.
Ambassador Mohammed Motahar Alashabi congratulated Ulanbek Totuiaev on his appointment to the post of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Kyrgyzstan to Pakistan and wished him successful and fruitful work.
During the meeting, the parties discussed the situation in the region, and also exchanged views on the areas of bilateral cooperation between the Kyrgyz Republic and the Republic of Yemen and strengthening relations between states.
Following the meeting, the parties agreed to maintain regular contacts.
US President Joe Biden‘s administration on Tuesday called Egypt a “constructive” defense partner as it considers new military aid despite concerns on human rights.
Biden took office vowing no more “blank checks” to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi due to his sweeping crackdown on dissent but is considering whether to release $300 million in military aid that was linked by Congress to human rights standards.
Questioned at a Senate hearing, State Department and Pentagon officials said that Biden has made human rights a priority in talks with Egypt.
“But we also believe and support that Egypt has legitimate security concerns and believe that security assistance to Egypt is a critical tool in supporting those needs,” said Dana Stroul, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for the Middle East.
“The current view of the administration is that Egypt is playing a constructive role when it comes to border security, Libya, GERD, obviously the conflict in Gaza, et cetera,” she said, pointing as well to US military overflights and Suez Canal transit.
Stroul also praised Egypt for agreeing to devote its own funds — not just part of its $1.3 billion in annual US security aid — to upgrade its Apache helicopters.
Egypt, the first Arab state to make peace with Israel, helped broker a May ceasefire that ended the worst fighting in years between the Jewish state and Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip.
Sisi was closely allied with former president Donald Trump who unsuccessfully tried to negotiate a deal on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, or GERD, a vast project on the Nile that Egypt and Sudan fear will deprive them of vital water.
Stroul was responding to Democratic Senator Chris Murphy, who voiced doubt that Egypt would curb cooperation due to lower aid and warned that the United States “compromises our ability to lead the world” on human rights if Egypt faces no consequences.
He pointed to the prison treatment of Mohamed Soltan, a US citizen who has filed a lawsuit alleging torture in Egyptian custody.
“That’s the kind of behavior that we empower when we continue to send $1.3 billion to that regime,” Murphy said.
Human rights groups have voiced outrage at reports that Egyptian agents have harassed Soltan on US soil since his release and have urged Biden to exert pressure by cutting military aid.
ISLAMABAD: Ambassador of Republic of Korea to Pakistan Suh Sangpyo talked to Daily Islamabad POST on a variety of issues. He discussed in detail the ongoing cooperation between the two countries. Ambassador Suh also explained salient features of bilateral cooperation in the field of agriculture and as to how this cooperation can further be enhanced. Here is the text of his interview.
1. Bilateral relations
Korea’s annual trade volume is over 1 trillion dollars and the trade volume between Korea and Pakistan is only 1 billion dollars. So, trade and economic relations between the two countries need to be expanded. Recently joint ventures between Korea and Pakistan have been created, such as Kia and Hyndai in auto industry and Samsung in electronics as well. In June two hydro power projects of 1.5 billion us dollars obtained Letter of Intent from the KP provincial government.
2. Business potential
The Pakistani government has done well to make business easy for foreign investors. So I see the increase of Korean companies in trade and investment. However, there exist some aspects to be improved for creating even better environment for business. For example, transparency and predictability are very important in doing business and so more sophisticated business regulations need to be introduced.
3. Korean companies in Pakistan
There are Korean companies in various sectors. If I enumerate some of Korean companies in Pakistan, there are Korea Energy, K-Water, Lotter Construction Company in hydropower sector, Hyundai and Kia in auto industry and Samsung and LG in electronics sector.
Most of difficulties that Korean companies encountered have been resolved thanks to the full assistance by the federal and local governments of Pakistan. But as I told earlier, some difficulties such as unpredictability in doing business might be a barrier for Korean companies to come here. Recently an abrupt imposition of taxes on the imported mobile phones gives difficulties to Samsung electronics.
4. Pakistani manpower in Korea
Pakistani manpower is skillful and diligent, so they are welcomed by the Korean companies. The Korean government established a work visa system for the skilled foreign workers. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, around 500 Pakistani workers entered Korea under the work visa system. Pakistani workers in Korea contribute a lot to cement the ties between the two countries. Their excellent work performance and their kindness are well explaining Pakistan to the Korean people.
5. Business environment
Security in a society is one of important elements to bring foreign investments. Therefore, Afghan peace process is very important to continue to host foreign investment in Pakistan. I see the Pakistani government do its best for the peace process and on the other hand fencing the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan to prevent happening abrupt insecurity in Pakistan.
6. Tourism
In 2019 a big Korean Buddhist delegation of Jogye Oder visited Pakistan to boost Buddhist pilgrimage tourism here. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, tourist exchanges have been limited. Once the pandemic is over, we will see a rapid increase of Korean tourists here. Other than Buddhist heritage, the Northern mountainous areas are also famous to Koreans. So there is great potential in touristic exchanges.
7. Your impressions about Pakistan and its people?
Pakistan is a huge country with a population of 220 million and endowed with natural resources and vast farmland. Pakistan is a country where Indus valley civilization, one of three ancient civilizations of the world, is originated. So my impressions about Pakistan is amazing. Pakistan is making efforts to do its role as a responsible country in the world. Pakistani people are enjoying their lives in all the aspects of society such as culture and economy. Even people of Pakistan are very kind to foreigners and make them feel at home. Pakistan is a preferred country for diplomats to come.
8. Cultural relations
Cultural relations between Korea and Pakistan go up to the 4th century when Malananda, a Buddhist monk from Pakistan, brought Buddhism to the Korea. In 8th century Hyecho, a Korean Buddhist monk made a pilgrimage visit to Pakistan. Now cultural exchanges of the two countries have expanded to various areas. The Korean embassy recently held a festival of K-Pop, Korean popular music and many Pakistani young people attended the festival and enjoyed themselves.
(The detailed interview shall be published in the coming issue of CENTRELINE magazine)
DUBAI, AUG 10: The International Cricket Council (ICC) says it is preparing a bid for the game’s inclusion to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Cricket was last featured in the Olympics in 1900 in Paris when only two teams competed at the event – the Great Britain and hosts France.
“A Working Group has also been formed to lead the bid,” according to ICC statement.
The ICC Olympic Working Group will be chaired by England and Wales Cricket Board Chair Ian Watmore. He will be joined by ICC Independent Director Indra Nooyi, Chair of Zimbabwe Cricket Tavengwa Mukuhlani, ICC associate member director and Vice President of the Asian Cricket Council Mahinda Vallipuram and Chair of USA Cricket, Parag Marathe.
Pakistan doesn’t have any representation in the ICC Working Group.
Cricket will feature in the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games next year, which, according to ICC, shapes as a perfect showcase for what the sport can bring to the Olympics.
“Our sport is united behind this bid, and we see the Olympics as a part of cricket’s long-term future. We have more than a billion fans globally and almost 90 per cent of them want to see cricket at the Olympics,” ICC Chair Greg Barclay said in a statement.
Barclay said the addition of cricket to the Olympic Games would be beneficial to both the sport and the Games themselves.
As many as 30 million cricket fans live in the USA, making LA 2028 the ideal Games for cricket to make its return to Olympic competition, the statement says.
Barclay added: “Clearly cricket has a strong and passionate fanbase, particularly in South Asia where 92pc of our fans come from whilst there are also 30m cricket fans in the USA. The opportunity for those fans to see their heroes competing for an Olympic medal is tantalising.”
The ICC representative said “We believe cricket would be a great addition to the Olympic Games, but we know it won’t be easy to secure our inclusion as there are so many other great sports out there wanting to do the same.”
Chair of USA Cricket Parag Marathe said the time was now for cricket to make its long-awaited return to the Olympics.
“USA Cricket is thrilled to be able to support cricket’s bid for inclusion in the Olympics, the timing of which aligns perfectly with our continuing plans to develop the sport in the USA,” he said.
“With so many passionate cricket fans and players already in the USA, and a huge global audience and following for the sport around the world, we believe that cricket’s inclusion will add great value to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games and help us to achieve our own vision for establishing cricket as a mainstream sport in this country,” he added.
ISLAMABAD, AUG 10 /DNA/ – The environmentalists from academia and civil society say they together can bridge research-policy gap in themes relating to climate change. They can offer evidence based policy solutions to goverements at local, provincial and national levels.They were speaking at webinar on ‘Role of academia in achieving the objectives of National Environmental Policy’ organized by Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) here on Tuesday.Senior academician Environmental Sciences, Dr M Irfan Khan, while presenting a detailed outlook existing policy framework of Pakistan pertaining environment and climate change, asserted to include these critical issues in curriculum from primary to university level. He explained that the departments in our universities are dominated by chemistry and biology majors while we lack scientific research on climate change. He said we need to focus on better implementation of policies. Dr Abid Qaiyum Suleri, Executive Director SDPI, said that we are connected to various universities on issues around climate change policy and science and would be happy to work together to bridge gap in scientific research and policy on these issues. “Creating such collaboration is imperative as it could lead to an effective environmental policy to be implemented in provinces,” Dr Suleri said and added that the measure would resolve various implementation related issues at local level. Dr Fatima Dar, Director CTELI IQRA University, emphasized that an intellectual cadre needs to be created, especially to raise awareness on environment and climate change related issues. She said that curriculum is a live document that should be open for incorporating updated knowledge. Chairman, FBA IQRA University, Dr Zaki Rashidi, was of view that policy is just one component that serves as a starting point for developing a strategy. Besides, there should be an execution plan, dedicated resources and engaging all stakeholders for the successful implementation. Dr Shams Hamid, Dean, FADSS, asserted that the ethical aspect of the issue should also be focused. Besides, we need to take responsibility and explore local solutions of the issues having impacts at local level. The universities should come up with extra curriculum programs and take messages to common people. Dr Shafqat Munir, Research Fellow SDPI, while referring to 2021 new IPCC report, said that the last five year were the hottest years in recent history which caused natural hazards such as floods and drought. The temperatures are rising due to climate change; and with it, the glaciers melting is resulting in rise in sea-level which is threatening for existence of many species and cities in the world. “We will have to go further from just policy making to respond to emerging challenges posed by climate change, Dr Shafqat Munir said and emphasized that we should go towards ecosystem restoration as introduced by UN. Pakistan took a major step forward by introducing Billion Tree tsunami program and it will not only help Pakistan but will play role in ecosystem restoration in the world, he added. Ms Maryam Shabir, (Environmentalist at SDPI and Mr Shahid M. Minhas, Head CLD, SDPI), also shared their views and highlighted various critical aspects of the topic.
Imran Khan says we are eyeing every sector that can help us boost our exports
Nazir Siyal
KARACHI: Regretting that Pakistan’s true potential could not be tapped, Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Tuesday that he was glad that the country was now beginning to stand on its own feet by developing in the field of technology.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony of ship lift and transfer system at Karachi’s shipyard, Imran Khan said when Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) government had taken over in 2018, there was record budget deficit.
“Thanks Allah (The Almighty), we are on road to recovery now as the deficit was shrinking rapidly with each passing day,” he said, and added the government was now making efforts to stop money laundering.
He said when nations resolved to develop and progress, Allah (The Almighty) helps them reach their goal. Citing the example of state of Medinah; how it evolved and became self-reliant, the prime minister said the government was now busy stabilizing the economy so that the country could also become self-reliant.
“Now we are eyeing every sector that can help us boost our exports,” he said and added, “At the same time, we will make efforts to reduce imports by making the imported items at home.”
Imran Khan said Pakistan did not progress as rapidly as it was supposed to, citing money laundering and corruption as major drawbacks. “Since I grew up side-by-side with Pakistan, let me say on this occasion that we [country] were not able to progress and reach our potential as we were supposed to,” said PM Khan.
The prime minister said instead of standing on their own feet and using their genius, Pakistanis lost their way. “We became an import-led economy and Pakistan started relying on foreign aid,” regretted Imran, adding “We didn’t recognise our power. Whenever someone starts to depend on crutches, his physique deteriorates.”
The premier used this example to state that God has made nations in a similar way, adding that when they learn to struggle and rise above hurdles, they prevail in the end.
He said the Almighty Allah tells Muslims to learn from the example of Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), adding that whichever states adopt the principles of the Riyasat-e-Madinah, it would always rise above its problems.
Highlighting his government’s priorities, he said Pakistan must end reliance on imports and attract foreign investment in the country. He said it was also important for the country to end money laundering so that the dollars it earns does not leave the country. Towards the end of his speech, the premier expressed happiness that Pakistan was finally on the path to achieve prosperity, paying tribute to Chief of Naval Staff Amjad Niazi for taking the initiative to launch the Ship Lift and Transfer system.
ISLAMABAD, AUG 10 /DNA/ – Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi held a telephonic conversation with Foreign Minister of Ukraine Mr. Dmytro Kuleba . Views were exchanged on the entire gamut of bilateral relations.
Foreign Minister Qureshi emphasized that Pakistan highly valued its relations with Ukraine and desired further to enhance bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest including political, trade and investment, defence, education and culture. The Foreign Minister highlighted Pakistan’s focus on geo-economics as per the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan and reiterated the importance of augmenting economic ties between Pakistan and Ukraine. He underlined the need for the Pakistan-Ukraine Business Council to play an instrumental role in this regard.
The two Foreign Ministers agreed to hold the next round of Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC) and inaugural session of Pakistan-Ukrainian Joint Economic Commission in September 2021.
Both the Foreign Ministers stressed the importance of exchanging high-level visits between the two countries to boost bilateral relations further.
Foreign Minister Qureshi and Foreign Minister Kuleba extended invitations to each other to undertake bilateral visits. They also agreed to remain in regular contact.
The telephone conversation was in the spirit of Pakistan-Ukraine friendly relations. Our ties are underpinned by close bilateral cooperation and collaboration on issues of regional and global importance.
ISLAMABAD, Aug 10: Hum TV, Geo, Dawn and Dunya TV entered into semi-final round of ongoing first RISJA Inter-Media Independence Cup Cricket Tournament will be held today (wednesday). Under the ages of Rawalpindi-Islamabad Sports Journalists Association (RISJA) in collaboration with Park View City and NasGas at National Cricket Ground Islamabad, Hum TV and Dawn Tv teams will compete in first semi final encounter while the second semi-final will be played between Geo and Dunya Tv. In the last match of pool round, the team of Parliamentarians defeated the team of Sama TV by 73 runs. Parliamentarians XI won the toss and elected to bat and scored 123 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in the stipulated 15 overs.Zulfi Bukhari scored 28 runs with the help of four fours. Wahab, Anwar and Hassan took two wickets each. In reply, Sama TV team could not meet their target but scored 50 runs for the loss of 10 wickets in 9 overs. Naveed scored 14 runs with the help of a four. Ahmed Kundi got three wickets, Imran Khattak and Zain Qureshi got two wickets each while Saboor, Gul Zafar and Murtaza Mahmood got one wicket each.
WASHINGTON: United States (US) Secretary Defence Lloyd Austin on Tuesday telephoned Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa to discuss Afghanistan and mutual goals of security and stability in the region.
According to the details of the conversation shared by the US defence secretary on Twitter, Secretary Austin expressed his interest in continuing to improve the relationship between the US and Pakistan, build upon the multiple shared interests in the region.
Secretary Lloyd Austin and COAS General Qamar Javed Bajwa also discussed the ongoing situation in Afghanistan, regional security and stability and the bilateral defense relationship more broadly.
Earlier in the day, the United States said it was up to Afghan security forces to defend the country after Taliban captured a sixth provincial capital on Monday, along with border towns and trade routes.
President Joe Biden has said the US military mission in Afghanistan will end on Aug. 31, arguing that the Afghan people must decide their own future and that he would not consign another generation of Americans to the 20-year war.
US envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad has left for Qatar where he will “press the Taliban to stop their military offensive and to negotiate a political settlement,” the State Department said on Monday.
Taliban captures 7th capital; the capture of Farah also provides another border crossing into Iran
News Desk/DNA
KABUL: The Taliban has captured the provincial capital of Farah in southwest Afghanistan, the seventh provincial capital the group has seized since Friday.
“This afternoon the Taliban entered the city of Farah after briefly fighting with the security forces. They have captured the governor’s office and police headquarters,” Shahla Abubar, a member of Farah’s provincial council, told a news agency on Tuesday.
Local sources in the southwestern province of Farah also that the group has taken over the province’s eponymous capital city.
The Taliban has also captured the province’s central prison, according to parliamentarian Abdul Nasri Farahi and provincial council member Shahla Abu Bakr. Farah is now the second provincial city in the southwest of Afghanistan that the group has taken. On Friday, the Taliban captured neighbouring Nimruz province.
The capture of Farah also provides another border crossing into Iran for the group.
Abubar said local security forces had retreated towards an army base outside the city.
Local police spokesman Farooq Khalid told Anadolu Agency that intense clashes between government forces and the Taliban fighters were underway. He claimed that over 80 advancing Taliban fighters were killed by security forces. The Taliban, however, claimed to have reached the city centre.
“Two checkpoints were captured near the intelligence and police command centre a moment ago… The battle continues and the Mujahideen advance,” tweeted Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahed.
In a major push to repel advancing Taliban from urban centres, the Afghan forces claimed killing 361 Taliban fighters in air and ground offensives in the past 24 hours.
The Defense Ministry said the operations were conducted in the Nangarhar, Kunar, Logar, Paktia, Paktika, Maidan Wardak, Kandahar, Sar-e Pol, Helmand, Kunduz, and Baghlan provinces.
