RAWALPINDI l : Posting & Appointments: Lt Gen Muhammad Abdul Aziz, Comd Lhr Corps, Lt Gen Muhammad Waseem Ashraf, Comd Multan Corps, Lt Gen Nadeem Ahmed Anjum, Comd Kci Corps, Lt Gen Khalid Zia, Comd Bahawalpur Corps, Lt Gen Sarfraz Ali, Comd Southern Command & Lt Gen Muhammad Ali, Comd ASFC.Posting / Appointments: Lt Gen Majid Ehsan posted as Inspector General Arms, Lt Gen Syed Muhammad Adnan, Inspector General Training & Evaluation, Lt Gen Sardar Hassan Azhar Hayat, Military Secretary & Lt Gen Asif Ghafoor, Inspector General Communication & Information Technology.
Wasim vows to find ‘window’ for Afghanistan’s tour of Pakistan
The Chief Executive Officer of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Wasim Khan said has reiterated commitment to host Afghanistan in the near future.
Prime Minister Imran Khan, during his one-day state visit to the neighbouring country, invited their national side to tour in the coming months.
The PCB CEO has said that the governing body will explore all possible options to make the tour possible.
“PM Khan has invited the Afghanistan side to play here,” he said. “We will find a window to make sure that it happens. We are in talks with the Afghanistan Cricket Board in this regard.”
He added: “Afghanistan’s progress is highly important if the game has to develop. Pakistan has always played a helping hand in growing the game there and their several players have taken part in our domestic competitions as well. Our legends Inzamam-ul-Haq and Rashid Latif have also worked with Afghanistan cricket in coaching roles.”
Pakistan and Afghanistan haven’t met on the cricket field since their nail-biting contest in the 2019 International Cricket Council World Cup match in Headingley.
Then-captain Sarfaraz Ahmed’s side came out the winner by a close three-wicket margin, courtesy brilliant batting display from Imad Wasim.
Gold price drops Rs2,350 in Pakistan
The price of gold dropped by Rs2,350 in Pakistan on Tuesday. A tola of gold reached Rs110,500, according to rates shared by the All Sindh Saraf Jewelers Association.
It also dropped Rs450 the previous day.
Gold prices in Pakistan respond to its international prices. The precious metal’s price has been decreasing internationally after the news of successful development of coronavirus vaccines.
The prices of gold and other precious metals increase whenever there’s uncertainty. When the world expects stable times ahead, their prices fall.
Adnan Agar, an expert on gold and other commodities, says the prices of gold and other metals have reacted to coronavirus vaccine news.
These metals are considered safe for investment. When things don’t look in favor of the economy and stock markets, investors tend to invest in gold. When the world economies are expected to improve, investors move out of gold and other metals towards capital markets.
The price of gold started increasing internationally as countries across the world went into lockdowns in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It rose from $1,471 to reach an all-time high of $2,063 an ounce by August 6.
But later a fall in the price of gold was also seen. It fell to $1,809 an ounce internationally by the time of filing of this report.
Yangtze River Delta region to strengthen economic ties with Pakistan
DNA
BEIJING, Nov 25 – Yangtze River Delta International Trade Promotion Committee and the China-Europe Association for Technical and Economic Cooperation (CEATEC) showed desire to strengthen their economic and trade ties with Pakistan.
According to Gwadar Pro, Zhao Haofang, the Secretary-general, and Tammie Xu, the Secretary of vice president, of CEATEC visited the Consulate General of Pakistan in Shanghai.
They had a meeting with Hussain Haider, the Consul General of Pakistan in Shanghai, discussing the matters of bilateral cooperation.
On the occasion, Hussain acclaimed the friendship between Pak-China and introduced the circumstance for foreign trade in Pakistan.
“As a BRI country, Pakistan welcomes Chinese enterprises to invest in Pakistan and jointly drive its economic development. We also look forward to cooperating with CEATEC and Yangtze River area,” he said.
He said that Pakistan enjoys a favourable environment for economic and trade cooperation with China. Nearly 75% of goods have zero or low tariffs, and there are fewer restrictions on imports and exports.
Zhao told the journalists of Gwadar Pro that CEATEC previously focused on the cooperation between China and Europe and did not have much contact with the Pakistani government and enterprises. But through this meeting, they really felt the good friendship between Pakistan and China.
The meeting enabled CEATEC to have a profound understanding oftrade, industrial policy, and business environment in Pakistan. It also promoted the mutual trust and pragmatic cooperation.
“In order to lay a foundation for future trade and industrial cooperation, the two sides reached a consensus on the organization of urban environment promotion activities and the business connection between enterprises of the two areas,” he said.
Zhao said that although the Yangtze River Delta is the gateway to the Asia-Pacific region, it should not be limited in Asia-Pacific region.
To adhere the national strategy of China, the regional integration development of the Yangtze River Delta should open a global perspective.
Cooperation with Pakistan will help promote development and prosperity of the Yangtze River Delta area and Pakistan,” he added.
Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor, 5 others made Lt. General
Naveed Miraj
RAWALPINDI: As many as six Major Generals have been promoted to the Rank of Lieutenant General. Those promoted include Major General Akhtar Nawaz , Major General Sardar Hassan Azhar Hayat, Major General Asif Ghafoor, Major General Salman Fayyaz Ghani , Major General Sarfraz Ali, and Major General Muhammad Ali.
EU reconfirms support for Afghanistan at Geneva moot
BRUSSELS / DNA : The European Union today reconfirmed its long-standing solidarity and partnership with the people of Afghanistan, pledging support of €1.2 billion over the period 2021–2025 in both long-term and emergency assistance at the 2020 Afghanistan Conference “Peace, Prosperity and Self-Reliance”.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell, speaking at the opening session of the conference, said: “With intraAfghan peace negotiations having started, but terrible violence still causing great suffering for the
Afghan people, Afghanistan is at a crossroads. The Afghan people can count on the European Union’s support for a prosperous and peaceful future for their country, but our support relies on democracy, human rights, and social progress being protected.”
Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, who announced the EU’s pledge at the conference and participated in a side event on anti-corruption, said: “A pledge of €1.2 billion for the next four years illustrates our commitment to the Afghan people. Our assistance will support the Afghan authorities’ agenda for democratic, sustainable development and modernisation, helping to lift people out of poverty, improve governance, reduce corruption and enhance the daily lives of the Afghan people.”
Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, who co-hosted a side event on sustainable peace building, as well as a high-level meeting on international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians in Afghanistan ahead of the conference, said: “We are boosting our humanitarian aid to help those most in need. While it must never become a political instrument, humanitarian assistance, International Humanitarian Law and protection of civilians must be central in the ongoing Afghan Peace Process negotiations.
The protection of civilian lives and respect of International Humanitarian Law in conflict cannot wait for the end of the peace negotiations. It must begin now.”
Significant but conditional support The significant financial commitment demonstrates that the EU is unwavering in its determination to promote a peaceful, democratic, sovereign and prosperous Afghanistan, deserved and long awaited by its people, and makes clear that EU development assistance is based on clear conditions and principles.
These conditions are laid out in a paper co-authored by the EU and other key international partners of the country, which combined provide 80% of international assistance to Afghanistan. As reiterated by High Representative/Vice-President Borrell and Commissioner Urpilainen at the Conference, the EU’s support to Afghanistan is conditional upon an inclusive, Afghan-owned, Afghan-led peace process that builds on the political and social achievements of the last 19 years. Preserving democratic pluralism, the constitutional order, institutional transparency and accountability, and the rule of law, further promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms, especially for women, children and minorities and including freedom of media, and pursuing sustainable peace, development and prosperity, are essential for Afghanistan’s future.
Many of the principles for EU and international support are reflected in the Joint Political Communiqué and the Afghanistan Partnership Framework, which were adopted at the Conference.
The EU’s development assistance is subject to adoption of the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework along the lines proposed by the European Commission on 2 June. This assistance will support implementation of the second Afghanistan National Peace and Development Framework covering the period of 2021-2025. The EU’s support will also help to address growing poverty levels in Afghanistan in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Alongside development support, the EU will also continue to provide impartial, life-saving humanitarian assistance, boosting the coronavirus response as well as assisting victims of conflict and forced displacement, including with emergency food provision, protection services to address gender-based violence, the education of children, as well as advocacy for respect of International
Humanitarian Law by all parties to the conflict. In 2016, the EU similarly pledged Afghanistan €1.2 billion euros over a four-year period. Actual payments in 2016–2020 exceeded €1.75 billion. In 2002–2020, the European Union has committed in total more than €5.1 billion to Afghanistan. Afghanistan is the largest beneficiary of EU development assistance in the world. EU support aims to preserve the political and development achievements of the last 19 years and is guided by strong democratic and human rights principles.
The EU has been among the most generous humanitarian donors to Afghanistan. Total EU humanitarian assistance in the country since 1994 amounts to almost €1 billion.
Pakistan strongly condemns blasts in Bamiyan City
Islamabad, 25 Nov 2020: Pakistan strongly condemns blasts in Bamiyan city, which resulted in loss of precious human lives and injuries to several others.
We convey our deepest condolences to the bereaved families and pray for speedy recovery of those injured in these gruesome attacks.
Pakistan has noted with concern that as there is progress in the Afghan peace process, the increased terrorist attacks on civilian targets, including educational institutions and public spaces are aimed at undermining the peace efforts. We, therefore, continue to underline the need to be vigilant about the designs of the spoilers.
Pakistan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. We stand in solidarity with Afghan nation in this hour of grief and reiterate our commitment to a peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan.
Foreign Minister’s Visit to Niger to Participate in the 47th Session of OIC Council of Foreign Ministers
ISLAMABAD 25 Nov 2020 : Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi will lead Pakistan’s delegation to the 47th Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) being held in Niamey, Niger, on 27-28 November 2020.Representatives of 57 OIC Member States and 5 Observer States are expected to attend the meeting.
During the two-day session, the CFM will discuss a wide range of issues confronting the Muslim world with particular focus on combating Islamophobia and defamation of the religions; Palestine; Jammu &Kashmir dispute; situation of Muslim communities and minorities in non-OIC states; OIC 2025 Programme of Action;and various matters related to promotion of civilizational, cultural and religious dialogue. The Council will also hold a brainstorming session on “Security and Humanitarian Challenges Confronting African Sahel States Members of the OIC.”
During the visit, the Foreign Minister will highlight aggravating human rights and humanitarian situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJ&K) in the wake of India’s illegal and unilateral actions of 5 August 2019 and subsequent measures to change the demographic structure of the occupied territory.
The Foreign Minister will also highlight rising incidents of Islamophobia and hate speech against Muslims and emphasize the need for unity of the Islamic world to combat the scourge of Islamophobia and promote inter-faith harmony.
On the sidelines, the Foreign Minister will hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts/ heads of delegations of member states.
The OIC is the collective voice of the Muslim Ummah. It the second largest international organization after the United Nations. With 57 members and five observers, the OIC membership spans over four continents. The organization has completed 50 years of its existence. Pakistan is one of the founding members of the OIC and has actively contributed towards the objectives and goals of the OIC.
Admiral Fasih Bokhari Sounds theConcluding “Ring off Main Engines”
(Adieu to a Sailor)
Muhammad Azam Khan
Admiral Fasih Bokhari, the former Chief of the Naval Staff, Pakistan Navysounded “Ring off Main Engines” one last time. The Admiral passed away peacefully in the small hours of November24. The term, “Ring off Main Engines” wascommon in earlier nauticaljargon. Itwas an order to the marine engineering staff onboard to “Shut Downthe Engines”once the shipreturned from sea and finally secured alongside at the Port. In submarines this term is worded as “Finish with Main Motor”.In his professional life, the late Admiral must have given such orders on numerous occasions while commandingvarious warships and submarines. This time however it was to be a final trumpet.
Born and destined to be a sailor and gifted with stunningly handsome appearance, the Admiral exuded looks of no less than an American or British officer. He belonged to a Persian pedigree. Admiral Bokhari’s extraordinary command overFrench and English language added to his aura. On many occasions, American and British officers unconsciously took him to be one of them. Admiral Bokhari had traits which qualified him to be man of high integrity. This strength showed right through his long yet brilliant career including Command of Pakistan Navy as Chief of the Naval Staff.
Admiral Fasih joined Pakistan Navy in January 1959. The young naval cadetwas soon sent to Britannia Royal Naval College at Dartmouth,UK for initial training. He earnedhis commission in Pakistan Navyin May 1962. Later in 1964, the late Admiral joined the elite group of Submarine Service of Pakistan Navy. Little did the youthfulnaval officer then knew that he is ordainedto make history in the North Arabian Sea.
As an exuberantLieutenant, Fasih Bokhari was Operations Officer onboard PN submarine HANGOR when war broke outbetween India and Pakistan in December 1971. Under the Command of then Commander later Vice Admiral, Ahmad Tasnim, HANGOR was operating in North Arabian Sea, off the Indian coast of Kathiawar. In the early hours of 9 December, 1971, HANGOR picked up two contacts. Both were identified as warships. After tracking the two enemy ships for almost entire day, HANGOR’Smoment came that night at around 2000 hours.
Pakistan Navy submarine fired the torpedos, a down-the-throat shots at one of the enemy warship. It was three minutes to 2000 hours. As the first torpedo ran, no explosion was heard. Without any wait however, the control team onboard HANGOR sprang to action. The team that included the young spirited Lt Fasih Bokhari prepared another shot. A second torpedo was fired. Five anxiousminutes later at 2019a loud explosion was heard. The torpedo had found its mark. This was Indian frigate, INS KHUKRI. The ship received a hit right in theaft explosive stowage compartment. The Indian frigate sank in minutes, taking entire crew of officers and sailors onboard to the bottom of the sea.
This sinking of an Indian Navy warship restored the balance of power in North Arabian Sea during the 1971 war. It also thwarted further missile attacks on Karachi planned by the Indian Navy. From 9 December until 13 of December, 1971, Indian Navy committedwhatever it had in its arsenal to hunt and destroy PN submarine HANGOR. Luck however was with HANGOR. Indian Navy finally aborted the chase asHANGOR safely returned to Karachi. Reportedly, at no moment during the entire ordeal did young Lt Fasih show any signs of anxiety or fright. Like so many of his teammates onboard, he too was truly fearless.
Admiral Bokharihad a distinguished career in Pakistan Navy. He held numerous command and staff appointments. This included command of a Daphne class submarine and a tour of duty as Commander Submarines and Commander of a Destroyer Squadron. The late Admiral assumed charge as Commander Pakistan Fleet in 1995 and was later appointed Chief of the Naval Staff in May 1997. He was a graduate of French Naval War College. The Admiral distinguished himself through induction of French Agosta 90-B class submarines in Pakistan Navy.
Admiral FasihBokhari held a confident belief that future wars in the region will be fought not on land but rather at sea. He posited cogent and persuasive reasons to support his argument. Concurrently however, the Admiral wasstrong advocateof peace and maritime cooperation between India and Pakistan. This fact has been acknowledged even by his adversaries. Aformer Indian Navy Admiral, J.G Nadkarni wrote that Pakistan had sensible mariners in decision-making positions who were keen to have agreements with the Indian Navy.
In Admiral Fasih, Pakistan Navy and indeed the country has lost a valuable veteran whose intellect and personality inspired several generation of officers. Rest in peace dear Admiral.
The writer is a former naval officer
Ex-defence minister Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar dies in Lahore
LAHORE : A senior leader of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and former defence minister Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar died in Lahore on Wednesday morning.
He was reportedly suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and admitted to Lahore’s Shalimar Hospital. He had also undergone surgery in the United States (US) sometime ago. His funeral will be held at T Block mosque in DHA today at around 1:30pm.
Former president Asif Ali Zardari and PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed grief over the demise of Ahmad Mukhtar and offered condolence to the bereaved family.
Zardari said Mukhtar was a brave and loyal comrade, paying tribute to him over his services to the party. Bilawal said the deceased leader was an experienced politician as well as an asset to the party.
Mukhtar served as defence minister in the then PM Yousaf Raza Gillani’s cabinet. He had also served as federal minister for water and power and trade. He hails from Gujrat.
