KARACHI, NOV 30 /DNA/ – “Hameed Haroon, President, Sarmad Ali, Secretary General, All Pakistan Newspapers Society on behalf of the Office Bearers and members of the Society have expressed profound grief over the sudden and sad demise of Syed Mukhtar-ul-Hasan Gohar, Chairman M/s. Bilal Associates.
The APNS Office Bearers expressed their condolence and prayed that Almighty Allah may rest the departed soul in peace and give patience to bereaved colleagues and family to bear the irreparable loss.
DNA
ISLAMABAD, NOV 30 – The British High Commissioner to Pakistan Dr Christian Turner, CMG in his frank and interactive discussion highlighted the importance of UK-Pakistan relations at the CASS Conversations with Ambassadors on “Pakistan – United Kingdom Relations – Challenges and Opportunities” organised by the Centre for Aerospace & Security Studies, here in the capital today.
The High Commissioner said he was making efforts to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two friendly countries and to propel the volume of bilateral trade to boost inclusive and export-led economic growth through collaborative joint ventures in the areas of healthcare, clean energy, combating climate change, education and tourism sectors in Pakistan.
Moderated by Ambassador Jalil Abbas Jilani, Director Foreign Policy at CASS, the discussion was followed by a candid Question/Answer session between the High Commissioner and the participants.
It seems that the OIC has shown a cold shoulder to the Kashmir issue much against its previous proclamations. Let us recall the 22nd session of the OIC in December 1994 at Casablanca on Jammu and Kashmir with binding effect on the OIC. It has shown no interest in condemning Indian efforts to change the Muslims majority status by unlawfully bringing in non-Kashmiris to settle there for the first time in the 93 year history of state Subject Law.
In order to change the demography and frustrate plebiscite. United Nation too has neglected Kashmir. It has not called any session of General Assembly or Security Council to consider Indian violation of its first undertaking of 8 January 1948, violation of UN resolution of 30 March 1951 and non-compliance of the recommendations made in the June 2018 and July 2019 reports of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. These reports reflect the crimes against Humanity being committed by India. It is unfortunate that a brotherly country was unhappy when the Foreign Minister of Pakistan reminded the OIC of its obligations. He may continue in his efforts undeterred using his diplomatic skills. Pakistan has an option of invoking the advisory jurisdiction of ICJ.
Besides, pursuing the matter under International Law. Let us remind the OIC of its commitment on Kashmir at Casablanca by referring to the salient points of the resolutions
Instead of following the UN resolutions starting from resolution 38 of 1948 onwards and Indian commitment to respect the wishes of people of Jammu and Kashmir it has illegally brought about a change in the status of Kashmir as reflected in Article 370 of the Indian constitution and has illegally and under coercion annexed Kashmir making it a province of India. This act of the Indian government is destitute of the will of the people. The all party conference of 2000 has categorically denounced the purported document of accession to Indian. This is mere fabrication. Kashmir remains an international conflict zone and India is not allowing UN and other independent delegations to visit Kashmir and see for themselves the war crimes being committed with impunity by India.
The previous High Commissioner of Human Rights condemned Indian for not allowing inspection. The sub-committee of Human Rights Council through its report of 1997 authored by Mr. Palley called the Indian Army as a Rogue Army. For purposes of advocacy we should start addressing the National Institutions of the Human Rights in the 160 countries of the world. My services are always available as being the former Chairmen of the National Commission for the Human Rights. I have contacts with the Global body of the National Institution of Human Rights in the Geneva.
We cannot allow inertia to prevail. The Kashmir issue has to be kept alive. We have to raise voice against the war crimes in Kashmir before the world and the UN. This is our obligation. The Author is a former International Judge of the UN at The Hague, Chief Justice of the Gambia, First Chairman of National Commission for the Human Rights Pakistan, Judge of the superior judiciary, Co-Chair Person UNESCO, Professor of International Law etc.
DNA
RAWALPINDI, NOV 30 – General Wei Fenghe, Minister of National Defence, China met General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) at GHQ.
During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, regional security and enhanced bilateral defence collaboration were discussed. Visiting dignitary acknowledged and appreciated Pakistan Army’s sincere efforts for regional peace and provision of secure environment for CPEC projects.
COAS thanked the dignitary for China’s unwavering support to Pakistan on all key issues at regional and international forums. COAS said that Pakistan Army greatly values our time-tested and brotherly relations with China.
We have been standing together all along , and our relations will be no different in wake of future challenges, COAS reiterated.
Later on, an MoU was also signed for enhancement of defence cooperation between both the Armies.
Earlier on arrival at GHQ, Minister of National Defence, laid a floral wreath at Yadgar-e-Shuhada. A smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Army presented the Guard of Honour to visiting dignitary.
At least 13 people were burnt to death and 17 others injured when a passenger van collided with a bus and caught fire in Punjab’s Sheikhupura district on Monday, rescue sources and officials said.
The blaze destroyed both the vehicles and left passengers’ bodies charred beyond recognition.
The accident took place on Narowal Road in Narang Mandi when the speeding bus travelling from Narowal to Lahore collided with the van coming from Lahore in the opposite direction, a Rescue 1122 statement said, adding that the incident apparently occurred due to fog in the area.
After the collision, the LPG cylinder fitted in the van exploded, with the blaze engulfing the entire vehicle within moments and leaving 13 of its passengers dead. Passengers on board the bus were able to disembark before it caught fire.
Rescue services reached the site of the accident, doused the fire and pulled out the bodies from the wreckage.
The 17 injured were shifted to Narang Mandi Rural Health Centre (RHC) after being administered first aid and were subsequently taken to Lahore’s Mayo Hospital. The bodies of the deceased, who could not be identified as yet, were shifted to Muridke Tehsil Headquarters (THQ) Hospital.
Seven of the deceased belonged to the same family. They were travelling home in the van after attending a wedding in Lahore, according to Rescue 1122.
Speaking to reporters, Sheikhupura Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Asghar Joiya confirmed the death toll and injuries, saying the accident that took place near Meeran Shah Darbar was apparently the result of over-speeding. He said it was always advised to drive slowly in foggy conditions.
Thousands of people lose their lives in traffic accidents across the country every year that are caused due to poor roads, badly maintained vehicles and reckless driving. Crashes killing dozens of people are not uncommon.
Earlier this month, 12 people were killed and 30 others injured in a head-on collision between a bus and a truck in Pindi Bhattian.
In September, 13 people were killed and several others injured when a passenger van overturned and caught fire on the Karachi-Hyderabad Motorway (M-9) in the jurisdiction of Nooriabad police station.
ISLAMABAD, NOV 30 (DNA) – The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI) and Pakistan HVACR Society have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration on initiatives that would promote the interests of business community and local industry.
Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan, President ICCI and Khurram R. Malick, President, Pakistan HVACR Society signed the MoU during a ceremony held at ICCI. Abdul Rehman Khan, Vice President ICCI, Saif ur Rehman Khan, Khalid Chaudhry and others were also present at the occasion.
By signing the MoU, both sides have agreed to collaborate on resource sharing for seminars, trainings and workshops for members of the business community. Both sides shall help each other in enhancing the participation of the business community in workshops, conferences and exhibitions arranged by either party.
Speaking at the occasion, Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry said that by formulating more conducive business policies, Pakistan could witness an industrial revolution in the next decade.
He said that the PM’s construction package has given a boost to construction activities as many big construction projects have been started across the country. He said that in these conditions, the role of Pakistan HVACR Society has assumed additional significance to promote energy efficiency in new buildings. He said that installation of energy efficient heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration systems would save sufficient energy and prove more cost effective for the investors.
He said that ICCI was planning to organize an industrial expo and Pakistan HVACR Society should encourage its members to participate in it. He said that ICCI in consultation with Pakistan HVACR Society would also form a HVACR Committee to promote the business interests of this sector. He assured that ICCI would fully cooperate with Pakistan HVACR Society for creating better awareness in the business community about the benefits of using energy efficient systems in business and industrial establishments.
Khurram R. Malick, President, Pakistan HVACR Society expressing his views said that his Society in collaboration with ICCI would guide investors for constructing energy efficient buildings. He said that there was no international testing lab in Pakistan for HVACR systems and stressed that the government should arrange a testing lab that would also help in promoting the export of HVACR systems.
He said that HVACR Society has contributed to upgrading the technical lab in a college in Lahore and was now working on a similar project in Karachi to produce skilled manpower for businesses and industries.
Both sides also discussed collaboration on many initiatives that would be helpful in promoting the interests of businesses and industries.=DNA
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DNA
ISLAMABAD – Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, head of the Research and Innovation Organization of the Ministry of Defense of the Islamic Republic of Iran, was targeted and martyred in a terrorist attack in Tehran province on Friday evening, November 27th 2020.
He was an official of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran and his assassination is a clear violation of international law, contrary to the UN Charter and internationally recognized laws and norms. Along with him, some other citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran have been martyred or wounded, which in turn, turns this attack into an act against human rights and a violation of the right to life.
The traces of the terrorist and criminal Zionist regime (of Israel) are evident in this cowardly assassination, and any legal responsibility for this assassination will fall on this regime and its allies. This assassination is part of a series of assassinations carried out by the Zionist regime in Iran and in the region, and is therefore considered state terrorism.
All countries, especially those claiming to defend human rights and fight against terrorism, are expected to respond appropriately to this terrorist act.
The Islamic Republic calls on the international community – especially the officials of the European Union and the European capitals – to end their double standards and to condemn and deal with this state terrorist act in a transparent manner. This assassination shows that the enemies of diplomacy are living in anxious days and intend to endanger world peace and security by disturbing the region.
An important goal of the US-Israeli militants and their regional partners is to impose an extra-ordinary condition in the Middle East in order to achieve their sinister goals.
The Islamic Republic of Iran reserves the right to respond to this crime and to punish the perpetrators while being aware of the conspiracies of the enemies of peace, stability and security in the region and the world.
If a government or an individual thinks that he can use the means of terror to prevent Iran’s progress and advancement in the path of science, knowledge and technology, his ideas are completely wrong. Efforts to progress and succeed in all scientific fields will continue with vigor and speed.
The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, while condemning this criminal assassination, calls on all governments and free and truth-seeking individuals to raise their voices in opposition to this barbaric act and do not let the enemies of Islam and Muslims block the way for the development and prosperity of the countries in the region with these assassinations. Everyone should be aware of the dangerous consequences of such moves in this area. The failure of the enemies in their sinister plan to create insecurity and instability in this region is possible only through the coordinated and sympathetic action of the countries of the region against the enemies.
Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran- Islamabad
Pakistan’s lonely elephant Kaavan arrived in Cambodia by cargo plane on Monday to start a new life with fellow pachyderms at a local sanctuary, the culmination of years of campaigning for his transfer by American singer Cher.
Cher was on the tarmac at the airport of Cambodia’s second-biggest city Siem Reap to greet Kaavan and was photographed in sunglasses, black face mask and white jacket meeting the vets who accompanied the elephant, who made the long journey in a custom-made crate.
Animal rescue organisation Four Paws said Kaavan had another 90-minute drive ahead and would likely arrive at the sanctuary after nightfall, so he would be released in daylight on Tuesday.
“Kaavan was eating, was not stressed, he was even a little bit sleeping, standing leaning at the crate wall. He behaves like a frequent flyer,” said Amir Khalil, a Four Paws vet.
“The flight was uneventful, which is all you can ask for when you transfer an elephant.”
Cher had written songs pressing for Kaavan’s release from grim, isolated conditions at Islamabad Zoo and she had spent the last few days with him in Pakistan.
The multi-award-winning singer has been with a film crew documenting Kaavan’s story and said she was proud to be part of an effort to free an elephant she said had been shackled to a shed for 17 years.
Dozens of wildlife workers and experts led by Four Paws used a winch and rope to pull the sedated elephant into the crate before he was loaded onto the Russian-built cargo plane.
Kaavan’s handlers took more than 200 kg of food including bananas and melons to keep him busy on his journey.
Iran’s English-language Press TV said on Monday that the weapon used in the killing of a prominent Iranian nuclear scientist last week was made in Israel.
“The weapon collected from the site of the terrorist act (where Mohsen Fakhrizadeh was assassinated) bears the logo and specifications of the Israeli military industry,” an unnamed source told Press TV.
Speaking before the Press TV report, Israeli intelligence minister Eli Cohen told radio station 103 FM on Monday that he did not know who was responsible.
Separately, Ali Shamkhani, the secretary of the country’s Supreme National Security Council, told state TV that Iran’s enemies had launched “a number of failed operations” against Fakhrizadeh in the past.
“This time, the enemy applied a completely new, professional and sophisticated method,” Shamkhani said, without elaborating.
Fakhrizadeh, who had little public profile in Iran but had been named by Israel as a prime player in what it says is Iran’s nuclear weapons quest, was killed on Friday when he was ambushed on a highway near Tehran and his car sprayed with bullets.
Iran began Fakhrizadeh’s burial in a cemetery in northern Tehran on Monday, state TV reported, as the defence minister promised that the Islamic Republic would retaliate for his killing.
Iran’s clerical and military rulers have blamed Iran’s longtime enemy, Israel, for Fakhrizadeh’s killing, raising the threat of a new confrontation with the West and Israel in the remaining weeks of Donald Trump’s presidency.
However, Iran’s rulers are aware of daunting military and political difficulties in attacking Israel. Such an attack would also complicate any effort by United States President-elect Joe Biden to revive detente with Tehran after he takes office on January 20.
Tensions have increased between Tehran and Washington since 2018, when Trump exited Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal with six powers and reimposed sanctions that have crippled Iran’s economy.
In retaliation, Tehran gradually breached the deal’s curbs on its nuclear programme. Biden has said he will return the US to the deal if Iran resumes compliance.
Tehran has always denied seeking nuclear weapons.
A funeral service for Fakhrizadeh was held in Tehran today, with the Islamic Republic’s defence minister vowing to continue the scientist’s work “with more speed and more power”.
The service took place at an outdoor portion of Iran’s Defence Ministry in Tehran, with officials including Revolutionary Guard chief Gen Hossein Salami, the Guard’s Quds Force leader Gen Esmail Ghaani, civilian nuclear programme chief Ali Akbar Sahei and Intelligence Minister Mamoud Alavi. They sat apart from each other and wore masks due to the coronavirus pandemic as reciters melodically read portions of the Holy Quran and religious texts.
Defense Minister Gen Amir Hatami gave a speech after kissing Fakhrizadeh’s casket and putting his forehead against it. He said Fakhrizadeh’s killing would make Iranians “more united, more determined”.
“For the continuation of your path, we will continue with more speed and more power,” Hatami said in comments aired live by state television.
Hatami also criticised countries that hadn’t condemned Fakhrizadeh’s killing, warning: “This will catch up with you someday.”
Overnight, the United Arab Emirates, which just reached a normalisation deal with Israel, issued a statement condemning “the heinous assassination.” The UAE, home to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, warned it “could further fuel conflict in the region.”
Last year, the UAE found itself in the middle of an escalating series of incidents between Iran and the US. Though long suspicious of Iran’s nuclear programme, the Emirates has said it wants to de-escalate the crisis. The UAE just started passenger air service to Israel and Israelis are expected to vacation in the country over Hanukkah in the coming days.
Hatami also called the nuclear arsenal of the US — and the stockpile of atomic bombs Israel long has been suspected of holding — “the most dangerous threat against humanity”.
Mourners later buried Fakhrizadeh in the courtyard of Imamzadeh Saleh mosque in north Tehran.
ISLAMABAD, NOV 30 (DNA) – Allama Iqbal Open University has uploaded assignments submission schedule for the programs offered in autumn 2020 semester including matriculation, FA and I Com on its website (www.aiou.edu.pk).
According to the schedule assignment submission deadline for the submission of 1st assignment of all full credit courses of matriculation, FA and I Com is 30 November while the deadline for the submission of 2nd assignment is December 20. However, the students who are unable to submit 1st assignment by the deadline are allowed to submit it along with the 2nd assignment on or before December 20.
The deadline for the submission of 3rd and 4rth assignment is January 20 and February 20, 2021 respectively. Moreover, submission deadline for 1st and 2nd assignment of half credit courses of these programs is December 20 and February 20, 2021 respectively.
It is pertinent to mention here that the university has completed the process of admission confirmation of these programs and the candidates may verify their candidature from the website (www.aiou.edu.pk).
Books have already been dispatched to the students of these programs while the study period is from November 2020 to February 2021. Students are advised to study regularly and complete all their academic activities within the stipulated time period.
Moreover, they must follow the deadlines of assignments submission to avoid any future inconvenience. It is further communicated that the university has uploaded assignment marks of the students enrolled in FA program of spring 2020 semester.=DNA
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