ISLAMABAD, JUL 27: /DNA/ – Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Pakistan Y.Kistafin held a meeting with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of Pakistan General N.Raza in Islamabad.
During the meeting both leaders discussed matters of bilateral interest.
Distt admin expedites vaccination campaign in rural areas
MULTAN, Jul 27 :Deputy Commissioner Ali Shehzad said on Tuesday that people of rural areas were lagging behind in terms of vaccination and directed officials at Rural Health Centres to expedite the vaccination campaign.
Deputy Commissioner in a statement said that the citizens without vaccination could face different sorts of restrictions. So, they should undergo vaccination process as early as possible.
He stated that teams of health departments were paying door to door visits to vaccinate citizens across the district, adding, on Monday, about 27,000 persons underwent vaccination against pandemic coronavirus.
The Punjab government has set a target to vaccinate 40 % of citizens above 18 years old by August 14, 2021. Teams were working in field to vaccinate 686,000 citizens before the set schedule, said Ali Shehzad.
DC Ali Shehzad also instructed assistant commissioners concerned to monitor the vaccination campaign.
Moreover DC urged citizens to cooperate with teams as the fourth wave of novel pandemic was very much dangerous. The masses should demonstrate responsibility and help to keep the dear homeland safe and secure, added DC.
AZERBAIJAN PRESIDENT RECEIVES PAKISTANI PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATION IN BAKU
BAKU, JUL 27 / DNA/ – President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received the PakistaniParliamentary delegation led by Honorable Speaker Mr. Asad Qaiser at the Presidential Palace, this morning.
Welcoming the Speaker, PresidentIlham hoped that First Trilateral Conference of the Speakers will contribute towards strengthening the relations among the three brotherly countries.
Speaker Mr. Asad Qaiser thanked the President for receiving him and conveyed the greetings and good wishes of President of Pakistan Dr.ArifAlvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan.
The Speaker also thanked the President for extending continued support on the issue of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu &Kashmir. Speaker congratulatedthe President and the people of Azerbaijan on the resounding victory in the 44 day Patriotic War.
The Speaker highlighted the need for further expanding the excellent relationship between the two brotherly countries to a broader array including education, health and climate change.
The Speaker also proposed the creation of the Joint Working Group between the Commerce Ministries to focus and prepare action plan for increasing bilateral trade.
President Ilham noted that Azerbaijan has always stood by Pakistan on its just and legitimate stand regarding the issue of Jammu &Kashmir and assured that Azerbaijan will continue to extendits support at all international fora with regard to Jammu &Kashmir.
The Speaker National Assembly extended an invitation to visit Pakistan and address the National Assembly of Pakistan.
President indicated the desire to visit Pakistan after the improvement in pandemic situation. He positively reciprocated the proposal by the HonorableSpeaker to intensify cooperation in education, health and climate change as well as ecological review and monitoring between the two countries.
SAUDI ARABIA AND PAKISTAN RELATION IN CHANGING DYNAMICS
Shakeel Ahmad Ramay
Political Economist
Foreign minister of Saudi Arabia is visiting Pakistan on 27 July, on the invitation of foreign minister of Pakistan. According to Foreign Minster of Pakistan, both countries will hold comprehensive dialogue including all fields of mutual interest. This is not new in bilateral relations of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, both countries always consult each other and try to deepen their cooperation. Saudi Arabia and Pakistan always help each other to face the difficult situation and there is no need to mention the things, as it is common knowledge among masses. Howbeit, world is going through a greater reset and dynamics are changing quite frequently. Thus, it has become important for both countries to interact frequently and analyze their relation in changing dynamics. This visit should also be analyzed in the context of changing dynamics in Middle East.
Last decade witnessed rapid changes in Middle East especially with the emergence of new leadership. Although, there can be many contributing factors, but economic interests dominate all other factors. It is evident from the fact that many countries came up with their own visions of development and future course of actions. Countries are trying to reshape their economies and looking for new avenues of economic significance, which can help them to sustain and enhance their development status. Climate change has further pressurized the countries to look for new avenues and race of reshaping has been accelerated. As, we know major economies of Middle East are dependent on export of oil, which is major contributing factor to climate change.
There is pressure on world leaders to move away from oil and look for cleaner sources of energy. Paris Agreement has further made it compulsory for countries to move towards cleaner sources of energy. COVID-19 has further stressed the need to diversify. Saudi Arabia’s economy shrank by 4.1 percent due to COVID-19, as the oil prices and export declined. Now the market is recovering but there are some irritants in the markets, due to different preferences of countries.
In this context, Saudi Arabia has devised Vision 2030 to diversify its economy. Presently the oil is major source of revenue, as 85 percent export of Saudi Arabia revolves around the oil and its products. In the efforts to diversify economy, Saudi Arabia is facing some competition and challenges, especially from the old allies. The first glimpse came from UAE, when UAE unilaterally announced to enhance its oil production. Saudi Arabia strongly opposed it and asked the UAE to reconsider its decision. This is not only area, where both countries have difference. There are many areas, where both countries differ from each other.
On economic front, the recent efforts of Saudi Arabia for diversification have created distress in some Middle Eastern countries. First, Saudi Arabia has announced that it will be connectivity hub in coming years, according to the plans of Vision 2030. Saudi Arabia has announced that it will be investing almost US$ 130 billion to restructure and expand the airports and related sectors. It has also planned to launch a new airline. This initiative has direct relevance for UAE and Qatar, as both are major hubs of connectivity in region.
Second, Saudi Arabia is also trying to attract major companies to Kingdom by using the methodology of “carrot and stick”. On one hand KSA is offering good incentives for companies and private business. On other hand in early 2021 KSA announced that it will sever its relationship with companies which do not established their headquarters in Kingdom. Again, presently, many companies are based in UAE or Qatar and operate their business from there. Third, KSA has also revised its policy of concessions of tariff and movement of goods across the border. It has announced thatgoods containing Israeli inputs and those produced in free trade zones, will not receive any type of concession or preference. It is direct hit on UAE.
Fourth, the next competition would be in the field of renewable energy, climate friendly industries, technologies and securing food. Oil dependent countries are facing dual challenge. They have to quit fossil fuel production and meet the energy demand of country, simultaneously. Besides, they also have to shift their industry on climate friendly technology, as they do not have any base for such technologies. On food front, most of the regional countries are dependent on imported food. In the case of KSA, it imports more than 80 percent food. Climate change will further complicate the situation, as climate change is impacting food production.
There are also many areas in the geo-political field, where Saudi Arabia has conflicting views with other Middle Eastern countries. However, that is not focus of article and it is also advisable for Pakistan avoid it, until all parties request Pakistan to be part of it. Pakistan should focus on economic field and emerging opportunities from the region. Pakistan should closely work with all countries in region but there should be special focus on Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Pakistan can benefit from opportunities from both countries by adopting a wise and dynamic policy of engagement.
For example, as it is stated in Vision 2030 that KSA will be building new infrastructure. It will open doors for construction and companies. Adaptation of modern technology, especially in the field of cyber technology will also create many opportunities, which Pakistan can exploit. Pakistan can also benefit from emerging job market in services sector. As, Saudi Arabia decided to become connectivity hub, it will bring new job opportunities in great number. Pakistan can also benefit by venturing in restaurants industry by tagging it to food and food commodities of Pakistan. KSA has high demand of quality and fresh and Hilal food and food commodities. Pakistan can meet the demand of Saudi Arabia.
Howbeit, to exploit the potential of job market Pakistan will have to work on two areas. First, Pakistan will have to develop skill, especially among the youth. For that purpose, Pakistan will have to run specialized program by keeping in mind the new job market of Saudi Arabia. We need to say goodbye to old strategies and practices. Second, Pakistan will have to work on communication and PR skills of people. As, most of the jobs will be in the field of public engagement sectors. The improved communication and PR skills along with skills of related field, will create greater demand for Pakistani workers. It will result in better source of foreign exchange earnings.
In the conclusion, Pakistan must be conscious of changing dynamics of region, both in term of economic and geo-politics. Pakistan should conduct a detailed analysis of these changing dynamics and politics in the region. It will help Pakistan to devise a balanced and wise policy. Howbeit, Pakistan should try to avoid picking sides in region. It will be harmful for Pakistan, and Pakistan should stick to policy of Prime Minister Imran Khan “Pakistan is ready to work for peace and development, but Pakistan will not pick sides in conflicts”. This should be guiding principle. By sticking to this policy Pakistan should try to create common ground among all countries. It will be win-win scenario for all regional countries and Pakistan.
PAKISTANI PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATION ARRIVES AZERBAIJAN
BAKU, JUL 27: /DNA/ – President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received the Pakistani Parliamentary delegation led by Speaker Asad Qaisar at the Presidential Palace.
UNODC, FIA JOIN HANDS TO COMBAT HUMAN TRAFFICKING
The scope of project is laid down for two years, a joint initiative by the Government of Canada and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
Special Correspondent
ISLAMABAD: – United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Country Office Pakistan with the implementing partner Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) launched a project Combatting Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants in Pakistan in Islamabad. The scope of project is laid down for two years, a joint initiative by the Government of Canada and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and it reaffirms that combating human trafficking and migrant smuggling is of the highest importance for the Government of Pakistan, Government of Canada, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime as a whole. This project is financially supported by the Government of Canada through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
This project is a coordinated response to trafficking in persons and the smuggling of migrants and aims to strengthen the capacity of the Federal Investigation for its fight against Trafficking in persons (TIP) and Smuggling of Migrants (SOM).https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/ads?client=ca-pub-7078513716629609&output=html&h=280&adk=129004692&adf=610996101&pi=t.aa~a.2356292401~i.12~rp.4&w=696&fwrn=4&fwrnh=100&lmt=1627381649&num_ads=1&rafmt=1&armr=3&sem=mc&pwprc=2527759049&psa=1&ad_type=text_image&format=696×280&url=https%3A%2F%2Fislamabadpost.com.pk%2Funodc-fia-join-hands-to-combat-human-trafficking%2F&flash=0&fwr=0&pra=3&rh=174&rw=696&rpe=1&resp_fmts=3&wgl=1&fa=27&adsid=ChAI8N3-hwYQzJ7li-_y-r8QEjkA1Z0-29gumFNoKwsdGmoDlbR_Nr6E3inmYadrJQos9OXClJa5-JU_1vfsDwT4ZIyIj13ei7E7SJQ&uach=WyJXaW5kb3dzIiwiNi4xIiwieDg2IiwiIiwiOTIuMC40NTE1LjEwNyIsW10sbnVsbCxudWxsLG51bGxd&tt_state=W3siaXNzdWVyT3JpZ2luIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9hdHRlc3RhdGlvbi5hbmRyb2lkLmNvbSIsInN0YXRlIjo3fV0.&dt=1627381649641&bpp=5&bdt=11078&idt=-M&shv=r20210722&ptt=9&saldr=aa&abxe=1&cookie=ID%3D2cab8dd1d7a97507-2251d758ada700c6%3AT%3D1619371132%3ART%3D1619371132%3AS%3DALNI_MbCWjL6fpbAI7C_Q4Gb9OcZB0P5kA&prev_fmts=0x0%2C1200x280&nras=3&correlator=3541912208456&frm=20&pv=1&ga_vid=1327996511.1627381648&ga_sid=1627381648&ga_hid=1815233545&ga_fc=0&u_tz=300&u_his=3&u_java=0&u_h=768&u_w=1366&u_ah=728&u_aw=1366&u_cd=24&u_nplug=3&u_nmime=4&adx=141&ady=1805&biw=1349&bih=657&scr_x=0&scr_y=994&eid=42530671%2C31060956%2C20211866%2C21067496&oid=3&pvsid=1690094995654395&pem=180&eae=0&fc=1408&brdim=0%2C0%2C0%2C0%2C1366%2C0%2C1366%2C728%2C1366%2C657&vis=1&rsz=%7C%7Cs%7C&abl=NS&cms=2&fu=128&bc=31&ifi=3&uci=a!3&btvi=1&fsb=1&xpc=62jjpEgv61&p=https%3A//islamabadpost.com.pk&dtd=83
“The support from the government of Canada through this project which we are launching today, will strengthen the national policies regarding TIP and SOM including the national capacity to assess and measure this phenomenon in Pakistan. It will strengthen the capacity of FIA and police to combat TIP and SOM; raise awareness amongst the risk group, public and relevant Pakistani authorities, and NGOs. It will also build the capacity of the national authorities to protect and reintegrate victims of trafficking and vulnerable smuggled migrants, especially women and children”, said, Dr. Jeremy Milsom, Representative, UNODC Pakistan in his opening remarks.
In addressing the event, Her Excellency Wendy Gilmour, Canada’s High Commissioner to Pakistan stated “Canada commends Government of Pakistan’s commitment to fight human trafficking and migrant smuggling and we are pleased to work with UNODC as a partner in support of the Government of Pakistan’s efforts in these areas. Human trafficking is a crime, representing an assault on the fundamental human rights of its victims. Improved data gathering and analysis will assist in combatting trafficking and migrant smuggling, helping Pakistan address transnational crime and stop those who would prey on some of the world’s most vulnerable for their own gain. Canada will continue to work alongside Pakistan and other global partners in fighting trafficking and smuggling operations to support safe migration”.
The Project is launched with the roll out of two days training on data collection and management. The purpose of the training is to reinforce the importance of disaggregation of TIP and SOM data, its adequate collection, and the needs to understand the differences between TIP and SOM.https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/ads?client=ca-pub-7078513716629609&output=html&h=280&adk=129004692&adf=1662000795&pi=t.aa~a.2356292401~i.18~rp.4&w=696&fwrn=4&fwrnh=100&lmt=1627381649&num_ads=1&rafmt=1&armr=3&sem=mc&pwprc=2527759049&psa=1&ad_type=text_image&format=696×280&url=https%3A%2F%2Fislamabadpost.com.pk%2Funodc-fia-join-hands-to-combat-human-trafficking%2F&flash=0&fwr=0&pra=3&rh=174&rw=696&rpe=1&resp_fmts=3&wgl=1&fa=27&adsid=ChAI8N3-hwYQzJ7li-_y-r8QEjkA1Z0-29gumFNoKwsdGmoDlbR_Nr6E3inmYadrJQos9OXClJa5-JU_1vfsDwT4ZIyIj13ei7E7SJQ&uach=WyJXaW5kb3dzIiwiNi4xIiwieDg2IiwiIiwiOTIuMC40NTE1LjEwNyIsW10sbnVsbCxudWxsLG51bGxd&tt_state=W3siaXNzdWVyT3JpZ2luIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9hdHRlc3RhdGlvbi5hbmRyb2lkLmNvbSIsInN0YXRlIjo3fV0.&dt=1627381649641&bpp=13&bdt=11078&idt=-M&shv=r20210722&ptt=9&saldr=aa&abxe=1&cookie=ID%3D2cab8dd1d7a97507-2251d758ada700c6%3AT%3D1619371132%3ART%3D1619371132%3AS%3DALNI_MbCWjL6fpbAI7C_Q4Gb9OcZB0P5kA&prev_fmts=0x0%2C1200x280%2C696x280&nras=4&correlator=3541912208456&frm=20&pv=1&ga_vid=1327996511.1627381648&ga_sid=1627381648&ga_hid=1815233545&ga_fc=0&u_tz=300&u_his=3&u_java=0&u_h=768&u_w=1366&u_ah=728&u_aw=1366&u_cd=24&u_nplug=3&u_nmime=4&adx=141&ady=2735&biw=1349&bih=657&scr_x=0&scr_y=994&eid=42530671%2C31060956%2C20211866%2C21067496&oid=3&pvsid=1690094995654395&pem=180&eae=0&fc=1408&brdim=0%2C0%2C0%2C0%2C1366%2C0%2C1366%2C728%2C1366%2C657&vis=1&rsz=%7C%7Cs%7C&abl=NS&fu=128&bc=31&ifi=4&uci=a!4&btvi=2&fsb=1&xpc=qH0FYtQOjF&p=https%3A//islamabadpost.com.pk&dtd=211
Speaking about the project, Mr. Sana ullah Abbassi, Director General FIA, said, “Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), with the support of UNODC and the Government of Canada will improve prosecution of traffickers, smugglers and protect and support victims and witnesses, while upholding the rule of law and in recognition of human rights. The project is aligned with FIA’s National Action Plan to combat TIP and SOM (2021 – 2025), which was developed by FIA with the assistance of UNODC”. Regarding the training, he also said, that, “The training helped participants understand the techniques to expand their knowledge on the type of data that should be collected, its usefulness, the need for gender-segregated data and characteristics of good data”.
The launching ceremony took place in the presence of the Senior representatives of the Federal Investigation Agency and the High Commission of Canada in Pakistan.
New Azerbaijan Ambassador to Pakistan meets Amb. Bilal Hayee
BAKU (DNA) -Newly designated Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Pakistan Khazar Farhadov met with Ambassador of Pakistan to Azerbaijan Bilal Hayee in Baku today to exchange views on enhancing cooperation between Azerbaijan and Pakistan. Ambassador Khazar will soon take responsibility in Islamabad. It would be Ambassador Khazar’s first ambassadorial posting abroad
Shafqat Mahmood discusses educational collaboration with UK organisations
ISLAMABAD, JUL 26 – /DNA/ – On the joint invitation extended by Prime Minister of the UK, President of Kenya and the Chair of Global Partnership for Education (GPE), Mr. Shafqat Mahmood, Federal Minister for Education, Professional Training, National Heritage and Culture is on an official visit to London to attend the Global Education Summit, scheduled to be held from 28-29 July 2021.
Led by Mr Shafqat Mahmood, the Pakistan delegation comprises Senator Saeed Ghani, Education Minister Sindh, Mr Sharam Khan Tarakai, Education Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ms Wajiha Akram MNA, Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Education and other federal and provincial officials.
Prior to the Summit, the Federal Minister today held bilateral meetings with Ms. Alison Johns, CEO of Advance Higher Education, and Ms. Christine Ozden, Chief Executive of Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE). Educational collaboration was discussed in detail.
Advance HE is a global not-for-profit charity, headquartered in the UK, using their expertise and sharing best practices in improving higher education across the world. In the meeting with its CEO, the two sides exchanged views on global best practices in higher education. It was agreed that Advance Higher Education would work closely with National Academy of Higher Education Pakistan in course-design to ensure quality of teaching and learning, leadership development, and governance and administration in Pakistan’s higher education sector. Pakistan’s first-ever international fellowship program was launched recently on 13 July 2021 with Advance HE, UK as a prime partner.
In his meeting with Ms. Christine Ozden of Cambridge, the Minister discussed the Cambridge International exam system. In view of the ongoing pandemic, they held detailed discussion on future course of action regarding conduct of exams, and efforts to work together in ensuring a robust mechanism for gauging academic progress through online platforms. Ms. Ozden also appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to smoothly conduct Cambridge exams in consultation with all national stakeholders.
BILAWAL, MARYAM SHOULD BOW OUT AFTER ‘HUMILIATING DEFEAT’ IN AJK POLLS: FAWAD
ISLAMABAD, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain on Monday said Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Vice President Maryam Nawaz should quit their party positions in the wake of humiliating defeat in the AJK Legislative Assembly elections.
If both Bilawal and Maryam had any moral courage, then they should accept responsibility for the drubbing at the hands of PTI and better gracefully resign to make way for the fresh leadership, he said addressing a news conference here along with Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan Ali Amin Gandapur.
The minister said the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had got a massive mandate in the July 25 Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections, which would have a far reaching consequences and impact for the region. He congratulated Ali Amin Gandpur on the party’s outright win.
He said the false narrative of rigging had vanished with a huge turnout of over 70 percent. Such a landslide victory could not be the outcome of manipulation, he said, adding it was rather a manifestation of the people’s confidence in the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan, who was the most popular leader not only in the AJK but also across the Line of Control.
With a huge mandate for the PTI, the AJK people had in fact given a new hope to their brethren facing Indian reign of terror in the occupied Jammu and Kashmir, he remarked.
Fawad said the AJK people had fully banished the narrative of Maryam Nawaz, who was targeting the national institutions. Her father Nawaz Sharif’s meeting with Afghan National Security Adviser Hamdullah Mohib a day before the polling day, he added, also did convey a negative message to the voters.
Like Pakistan and Gilgit-Baltistan, the parties with hereditary leadership had been routed in the AJK polls since the people there had rejected their narrative, he added.
The minister said Bilawal had given a ‘gift’ of the party’s defeat the AJK elections to his father Asif Ali Zardari on his birthday. The PPP, once a major political force in the country, had now been squeezed to just once province and it would vanish from Sindh on account of misrule and bad governance, he added.
Fawad said how the PML-N expect the Kashmiris to vote for it as its leader Nawaz Sharif had invited (Indian Prime Minister) Narendra Modi to Jati Umra, besides holding meetings with Jandal and working against national interests.
On the other hand, he said, Prime Minister Imran Khan did strive to effectively highlight the Kashmir imbroglio at international forums and that was why he was deemed as the ‘ambassador of Kashmir cause’.
During his election rallies, the prime minister focused on the Kashmiris’ sacrifices and freedom movement whereas Maryam and Bilawal only criticized Imran Khan, he added.
The minister said Prime Minister Imran Khan would take a decision about the next AJK leadership, including LA speaker, prime minister and president.
AFGHAN SITUATION THREATENS SECURITY INTERESTS OF REGIONAL COUNTRIES: CHINA
BEIJING, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian said on Monday that the current situation in Afghanistan gravely threatened its peace and stability, and security interests of the countries in the region.
He said that China always believes that political negotiation is the only viable way to settle the Afghan issue.
The spokesperson said, it should be pointed out that the recent US announcement of a complete withdrawal from Afghanistan has led to a deteriorating situation in the security of Afghanistan.
“This gravely threats Afghans peace and stability and security interests of countries in region,” he added.
He remarked that as the one who started the Afghan issue, the US should shoulder its due responsibility and ensure a smooth transition in Afghanistan with concrete actions, avoid a resurgence of terrorism and uphold the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan.
