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IPS’ study on ‘Forced Conversions’ discussed in KU’s session

ISLAMABAD: In an online interactive session organized by Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) in collaboration with the Department of Mass Communication, Karachi University, students of media research deliberated on the methodology and findings of a recent IPS’ study titled ‘Forced Conversions or Faith Conversion: Reality and Rhetoric’ with its researchers.

Dr. Ghulam Hussain Sufi, IPS research officer and author of the study, Syed Nadeem Farhat, senior research officer at IPS, responded to the questions and comments of the media research students, whereas Samina Qureshi, assistant professor, mass communication, moderated the discussion.

Busting the so-called forced conversion myth in Pakistan, Sufi Ghulam Hussain said marriage is the prime reason behind such conversions as Islam does not allow Muslims to tie the knot outside their religion. Hence, faith conversion is instead a ritualistic need for a converter, he added.

The baseline study, Hussain said, analyzed the content of around three dozen reports of various rights organizations.

He added that these reports are often presented as evidence for alleging that there is an organized and systemic effort to forcibly convert non-Muslims to Islam. However, he contended in the study that these reports lack any primary or empirical data.

Such reports, the study claims, rely on clichés cited from other reports which too have been prepared without any evidence. At most, he said, some reports had based themselves on anecdotal evidence taken from newspaper reports and political statements but they still do not independently verify the allegations of forced conversions from ‘the supposed victims and so-called perpetrators’.

Claims in these reports are tautological and make circular arguments based on unverified, unverifiable secondary sources, the study noted.

The study also probed the polemics against religious clerics, lawyers, police, and the state which characterizes the content of reports. It showed how the narrative is developed into a charged rhetoric through social media platforms to malign the state and society and the religion of Islam. It further alleged that social media accounts associated with Hindu extremist groups in India are quite active in spreading such allegations.

“To say that in Pakistan, non-Muslims are forced by religious clerics and the state will be a sweepingly naïve understanding of the very complex phenomena, and will be as flawed as the assertion that free-will conversions are always divinely inspired,” the study emphasizes and calls upon the civil society organizations and responsible citizens to abstain from raising ‘false alarm’ on sensitive issues through rhetoric that tarnishes the image of the country and Muslims without clear justification as it undermines genuine issues of the oppressed scheduled castes in Pakistan. Concluding the session, Samina Qureshi thanked the IPS team for the academic discussion on the sensitive topic and apprising media students of an alternate dimension of the issue.

Uzbekistan keen to expand scientific ties with Pakistan

Uzbekistan keen to expand

scientific ties with Pakistan

Prof. Dr. Asif Ali, Vice-Chancellor, MNS University of Agriculture, Multan meets Aybek A. Usmanov, Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Pakistan

Saifullah

ISLAMABAD: A meeting was held between Prof. Dr. Asif Ali, Vice-Chancellor, MNS University of Agriculture, Multan, H.E Aybek A. Usmanov, Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Pakistan, and Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director, Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad. The meeting was held at the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Islamabad and Prof. Irfan Ahmed Baig, Dean Faculty of Social Sciences & Humanities, MNS University of Agriculture, Multan was also present during the meeting.

During the meeting, H. E Aybek A. Usmanov appreciated the significant role of Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad in bridging the gap between the academic institutions of Pakistan and Uzbekistan. The development of academic linkages between the two countries is fundamental for a holistic regional connectivity.

Furthermore, areas of mutual interest particularly research, student exchange programs, and faculty exchange programs were discussed. Furthermore, it was decided that joint academic initiatives will be taken by the three institutions.

Additionally, Prof. Dr. Asif Ali and H. E Aybek A. Usmanov also discussed the exchange of knowledge, technology, research, and expertise in areas of cotton, wheat, and other crops growing were discussed. Moreover, the growing and export of these crops was also finalized between the two institutions.

Lastly, enhancing connectivity in sectors of trade and commerce between the two countries was also highlighted. It was also decided that collaborations between MNS University of Agriculture, Multan and relevant institutions of Uzbekistan will also be supported.

Indonesian ambassador stresses deep people-to-people contacts

Prof. Dr. Asif Ali, Vice Chancellor, MNS University of Agriculture, Multan meets Ambassador Tugio

Staff Report

ISLAMABAD: A meeting was held between Prof. Dr. Asif Ali, Vice Chancellor, MNS University of Agriculture, Multan, Adam M. Tugio, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Pakistan & Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director, Center for Global & Strategic Studies, Islamabad. The meeting was held at the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, Islamabad and Prof. Irfan Ahmed Baig, Dean Faculty of Social Sciences & Humanities, MNS University of Agriculture, Multan was also present during the meeting.

During the meeting, areas of mutual collaborations were discussed. It was decided that MNS University of Agriculture, Multan will work in collaboration with various universities and academic institutions in Indonesia. Furthermore, various possibilities will also be explored for cooperation in the agriculture sector.

It was also agreed that CGSS will facilitate academic collaborations between the MNS Agriculture University of Multan and academic Institutions in Indonesia to promote joint research opportunities and exchange of relevant expertise.

Adam M. Tugio, was of the view that people to people contacts must be promoted to build better partnerships between Pakistan and Indonesia. He also appreciated CGSS for its instrumental role in promoting Pakistan’s true potential in the region.

Cryptos turn choppy as bounce momentum ebbs

SINGAPORE: Cryptocurrencies slipped on Thursday, though without falling through recent lows, as traders clung to hopes that a nascent recovery from last week’s plunge can regain its momentum.

Bitcoin has failed to hold above its 200-day moving average and it fell about 4% in the Asia session to $37,619.

Ether, the coin linked to the ethereum blockchain network and the second-biggest cryptocurrency by market value, fell more than 7% to $2,675.10.

Both have marked sizeable year-to-date gains, with bitcoin up about 30% and ether more than tripling.

But a month-long selloff culminating in a sharp collapse last week has each of them well below record peaks made in April.

Sun to align with holy Kaaba today, at 14:18 Pakistan time

KARACHI: The sun will align with the holy Kaaba at the Grand Mosque in Makkah on Thursday (today) at 14:18 Pakistan Standard Time (PST) and 12:18 Saudi time.

The disc of the sun will be positioned immediately over the Kaaba and it will lose its shadow for a brief time, said Majed Abu Zahra, head of the Jeddah’s Astronomical Society.

The celestial phenomenon called “zero shadow” occurs twice every year at the Grand Mosque because of its location between the Equator and the Tropic of Cancer. The holy structure loses its shadow for some time during this phenomenon.

Due to the tilt of the Earth’s axis, the sun travels at 23.5 degrees north and south of the celestial equator. The sun falls directly overhead on places lying over the equator during the equinox.

“People can determine the exact direction of the holy Kaaba by placing a wooden stick vertically in the ground; the direction of the Qibla will be the exact opposite to the stick’s shadow,” Abu Zahra added.

Govt taking steps to address challenges of climate change: PM Imran

HARIPUR : Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan on Thursday has said that the government taking steps to address the challenges of climate change.

This he said while addressing the ceremony in connection with Ten Billion Tree Tsunami Program in the Haripur district of Punjab.

Special Assistant for Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam briefed PM Imran Khan on the achievements of the Ten Billion Tree Tsunami Program.

Prime Minister also took briefing on the report on the “Nature Capital of Pakistan” of the United Nations Environment Program.

The premier said Pakistan has taken climate change very seriously and taking practical steps to deal with its effects. Pakistan is included in the list of 10 countries that are most affected by climate change.

We want to leave a better Pakistan for our upcoming generations, Prime Minister Imran Khan said.

Highlighting the importance of the Billion Tree Tsunami Project, he said that the project was initially kicked off from KP, which is expanding now.

PM Imran Khan further said Pakistan’s efforts to fight climate change are being appreciated worldwide and Islamabad is hosting World Environment Day.

Sindh can utilize Rangers in anti-bandit operation, Rasheed tells Murad

KARACHI: Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed met with Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah in Karachi on Thursday.

The two discussed the prevailing law and order situation in the province as well as the ongoing anti-bandit operation in Shikarpur at length. The interior secretary, Sindh chief secretary and provincial police chief were also in attendance in the meeting.

CM Sindh Murad Ali Shah said people used to travel in convoys in Sindh due to the potential danger of getting robbed but in 2007, the PPP government cleared highways of bandits by launching a grand operation.

The law and order situation in Karachi had also worsened with several localities turned into no-go areas for citizens, he maintained.

The CM said the entire province from Guddu to Kotri Barrage is katcha area with forests stretching over six kilometres. On May 23, police recovered eight hostages from the katcha area in Shikarpur, he pointed out.

CM Murad said that bandits attacked the police personnel after the armoured personnel carriers (APCs) they were in broke down, as a result of which two cops were martyred.

“Your are the interior minister. You can come here whenever you want,” the chief minister was reported as telling Sheikh Rasheed. “We will work together and we welcome you in Sindh.”

Sheikh Rasheed assured Murad of extending all possible cooperation saying the Rangers are at the provincial government’s disposal and it can utilize the services of the paramilitary force in the anti-dacoit operation. He suggested that terrorism cases be registered against dacoits.

CM Murad further asked the interior minister for help in procurement of necessary equipment for the security forces. He reiterated that the provincial government will clean the Katcha area of bandits.

Pakistan, Azerbaijan have time-tested relations, says Ambassador Alizada

Message of Mr.Ali Alizada,  Ambassador of Azerbaijan on the occasion of the National Day of Azerbaijan – May 28

ISLAMABAD: Ambassador of Azerbaijan Ali Alizade has issued  speciall message on the occasion of Natioanl Day of Azerbaijan. Here is the text of his message.

‘This year Azerbaijan celebrates the 103rd anniversary of the establishment of Azerbaijani Democratic Republic (ADR), the first democratic republic in the Muslim world,with double and special significance,afterthe liberationof the internationally recognized territories from almost 30 years of illegal Armenian occupation.

The ADR left an indelible mark and entered forever into the history of Azerbaijani nation with its rich state building experience and prepared a good basis for the future independence of Azerbaijan. As the successor of ADR, Azerbaijan regained its independence in 1991 and after coming to power of Heydar Aliyev, the National Leader of Azerbaijan in 1993,Azerbaijanhas overcome through the hard and strict tests of history and embarked on the path of development, ensuring stability and confidently moving forward.Relying solely on the support of the Azerbaijani people, H.Aliyev put an end to all negativity in the country, disbanded all illegal armed groups, established safety and order, and began building the state institutions and a regular army of Azerbaijan. All these years Azerbaijani nation lived with one dream, to liberate the illegaly occupied territories of Azerbaijan and restore peace and justice in the region,which Azerbaijan has seeked almost 30 years through all platforms.

If the creation of ADR, on May 28, 1918 was a historic event for Azerbaijani nation, the restoration of the territorial integrity of the modern independent Azerbaijan in 2020 became another glorious historic victory and achievement for Azerbaijan and its nation.For all 30 years of the conflict, Azerbaijan has suffered a lot from Armenian aggression and Azerbaijan has been delivering the truth about this issue at all international events and forums. More than 30 thousands of Azerbaijanis have been martyred, all cities, residential buildings, schools, hospitals, public buildings, historical sites and mosques in occupied territories of Azerbaijanhave been destroyed. Armenia insulted the entire Muslim world, kept cows and pigs in our mosques, destroyed all cultural monuments and even plowed up all graves. Despite that all leading international organizations recognized and supported the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and demanded withdrawal of Armenian troops from Azerbaijani territories, Armenia has always showed unconstructive approach to the resolution of the conflict and at the end the provocative steps, statements and aggressive actions of Armenia haveput an end to all negotiations and made war inevitable.Under the resolute command of the Supreme Commander-in-chief, Azerbaijan has fulfilled its historic mission and defeated Armenia due to professionalism and heroism of victorious Azerbaijan Army, and of course due tohigh national spirit and strengh.Glory to Allah, thanks to the dedication of our martyrs, Azerbaijan has again secured its territorial integrity. May Allah grant all our martyrs the highest rank in Jannah!

We have achieved our goal.The 44-day Patriotic war has demonstrated Azerbaijan’s power, resolve and unity. It showed that the Azerbaijani people will never put up with injustice. We must also mention that Azerbaijan has liberated its lands through development, because development is also the backbone of our victory, and today, Azerbaijan is one of the rapidly developing countries of the world, and under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev continues its dynamic progress and economic growth.And soon the liberated territories of Azerbaijan will also become one of the developed regions of Azerbaijan and a real paradise.

We are thankful to our brotherly country Pakistan and its nation which constantly stood shoulder to shoulder with Azerbaijan and supported its right of self-defence during Patriotic War of Azerbaijan. Pakistan even didn’t recognize Armenia due to occupation of Azerbaijani lands and always put its prinsipal position in the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. During the years of the occupation of Azerbaijani territories by Armenia, the Senate and National Assembly of Pakistan adopted several resolutions, Foreign Office and Armed Forces of Paksitan issued many statements condemnig the illegal actions and war crimes of Armenia against Azerbaijan.This is a true demonstration of brotherhood. Azerbaijan has also always stoodand supported Pakistan in all matters, including the Kashmir issue which also waits implementation of UN SC resolutions for several decades. I am sure our brotherhood and  mutual support to each  other will be continued and strenghened in the years ahead as well.

 Pakistan and Azerbaijan have time tested relations which based on strategic partnership, confidense, mutual respect and trust. In the last one year Covid-19 pandemic has caused worldwide slowdown, but even in pandemic time Azerbaijan-Pakistan relations,the political, military, defence, economy, security, and energy ties have continued to grow in upward trajectory.The leadertship of two countries had a regular constructive meetings and telephone conversations where they hailed the importance of further strengthening the efforts to boost cooperation between our countries. Despite the restrictions caused by pandemic we were able to hold bilateral political consultations, the meeting of Joint Working Group on Trade, online bussiness forum, B2B meetings and as well as the trilateral meeeting of FMs of Azerbaijan, Pakistan and Turkey. During the last year, we were also able to conduct several high level visits of government and military officials, including an official bilateral visit of FM of Azerbaijan to Pakistan, the bilateral official visits of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of Pakistan and the Chief of Air Staff of Pakistan to Azerbaijan, etc. Soon an official visit of Speaker of Milli Majlis (Parliament) of Azerbaijan to Pakistan will be conducted, the meeting of the Joint Working Group on Agriculture, the meeting of Intergovernmental Joint Commision will be arranged, the visits of Chief of Naval Staff of Azerbaijan to Pakistan and the Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan to Azerbaijan, as well as Azerbaijan, Pakistan and Turkey joint military exercise will be held during this year.The efforts for strenghening people to people contacts, cultural, media, science, education ties have also increased and the humanitarian-social projects of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation of Azerbaijan were also continued in Pakistan during this pandemic time. The establishment of direct flights remainsalso one of our main aims and the agreement have already reached to start operations of direct flights as soon as Covid -19 situation will be setlled down. All these developments show the committment of our fraternal nations and Governments to further deepen and strengthen our relations.

I thank the Government, Army and people of brotherly Pakistan for continued cooperation, support and commitment to further deepen our relations. Taking this opportunity, I congratulate Azerbaijani community in Pakistan and all my countrymen on the occassion of National Day, “May 28- Republic Day of Azerbaijan”. Pakistan-Azerbaijan Dosti Zindabad!

PSL 2021 : Departure of players, officials for UAE delayed again

KARACHI : The departure of chartered flights to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the remaining matches of the Pakistan Super League (PSL)’s sixth edition has been delayed at least by two hours due to some technical reason on Thursday.

This is the second time the players and officials’ departure for the UAE has been postponed.

The flight was previously scheduled to leave for the UAE at 8:00 am on Wednesday, which was later rescheduled to Thursday, 1 pm.

The same flight has now been rescheduled again, due to technical reasons, and is expected to fly for the UAE today (Thursday) at 3:00 pm. This was revealed by sources in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Two chartered flights carrying over 230 passengers — including cricketers, support staff, PCB officials and the production crew — will depart from Karachi and Lahore on Thursday afternoon for the remaining matches of the sixth edition of the Pakistan Super League.

The board is planning to start the PSL remainders from 5th June but a final schedule will be announced on Thursday.

Fresh Congo volcano warning prompts evacuation order

The authorities in Democratic Republic of Congo have ordered compulsory evacuation in parts of Goma, a city of two million just south of Mount Nyiragongo that erupted on Saturday.

The order comes after a warning of further volcanic eruptions on land and under the nearby Lake Kivu.

“This could happen with very little, or even without any warning” and could expose residents to the risk associated with lava flows, said Gen Costant Ndima, the military governor of North-Kivu region.

“The evacuation must be carried out calmly and without haste under the coordination of humanitarian workers.

“Return to homes can only be done on the recommendation of the provincial authority,” he added.

Residents have been told to carry “the bare minimum to give everyone the chance to get on board” vehicles that will be provided by the provincial authority in each district.

Mount Nyiragongo last erupted in 2002, killing 250 people and making 120,000 homeless. The volcano’s deadliest eruption happened in 1977, when more than 600 people died.

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