In 2001, when America devastated Afghanistan by launching the “shock and awe crusade,” Mullah Omar sent the message to Pakistan: “You have joined our enemy in their war on us, yet we regard you as our friend, because our national interests and destiny are linked.” These words have a deep meaning and need to be analyzed in depth, to formulate our national security policies, in this period of crises. In order to determine the policy framework, we have to find answer to the simple question: “Having supported the Afghan War of Liberation against the Soviet invasion, why America turned its guns on their old allies and continues to punish them even now by denying them the right to sovereignty over Afghanistan.” The reasons are:
UK divorces EU: what next? by Ansar Mahmood Bhatti
In an unprecedented move witnessed in the history of the European Union, the UK has voted by 52% to 48% to leave the European Union after 43 years in an historic referendum. London and Scotland voted strongly to stay in the EU however the rest of the regions decided to finally divorce the EU. The low turnout was witnessed in those areas where campaigners for No vote succeeded. The decision thus dealt a severe blow to the EU project as a whole. The British prime minister had to call it a day as he had no locus standi to remain glued to the power after a defeat in the referendum. The vote jolted financial markets the world, sending the U.K. currency tumbling to its lowest level since 1985.
AHMED SALEEM: Maldives, Pakistan friendship time-tested
High Commissioner of Maldives talks to Centreline & DNA
ANSAR MAHMOOD BHATTI
Mr. Ahmed Saleem, High Commissioner of Maldives talked exclusively to Centreline and Diplomatic News Agency (DNA) ahead of the Maldives national day to be celebrated in July. Mr. Ahmed Saleem has also served as the Secretary General of SAARC. Being a top SAARC diplomatic Mr. Saleem has a comprehensive understanding of the region. He talked about various regional as well global issues during the interview. Here is the text of his interview.
Let us begin with bilateral relations between Pakistan and Maldives. How would you describe these relations?
From a political perspective, Pakistan and the Maldives have excellent brotherly relations. However, there is work to be done in many fields to fully tap the potential. Economic, education and cultural relations need further improvement. This is underway and it is progressing. Cultural exchange programs, engaging both the countries through tourism, are in progress. Maldives having some history and experience in the field of tourism and hospitality, we could perhaps share that experience through exchange programs. Pakistan, with its greenery, hills, valleys and the mountain range, acquires its beauty for tourist attraction. Hence, I believe with the sharing of information and experiences in this vital field, this area could be enhanced. I see bright future for even a stronger relationship between our two brotherly countries.
Chinese news agency keen to expand cooperation with Pak media
KUNMING, (China)- JUNE 16 (DNA)- The delegation of journalists from South Asian countries visited the Yunnan province office of China News Service. Wang Lin, proprietor and Director of CNS along with his team members received the delegation.
The delegation of journalists from South Asia and Southeast Asian countries are on a 10-day trip to the Spring City Kunming, the provincial capital of Yunnan province, to cover the South and Southeast Asia import and export exposition.
The delegation was briefed about the working of the news agency and its overseas networks also. The members of the delegation evinced interest in news agency operations.
Crucial referendum in UK On EU membership
Ansar Mahmood Bhatti
For the first time in the history of the European Union, a member country will hold a referendum to seek public opinion on whether it should remain part of the Union or quit. This is unprecedented because there was simply no provision available in the EU constitution. However, a few years ago when the Union crafted a new constitution for itself called the Lisbon Treaty, an opt-out clause was introduced for the first time. Article 10 of the Lisbon Treaty now allowed a member state to opt out of the European Union. Critics say, UK, since long, had been championing for the inclusion of this particular clause to be incorporated into the EU constitution for no other country except its own self. Obvious benefit being the freedom to leave the bloc whenever its people and political leadership were so inclined.
Norwegian National Day celebrated
Centreline Editor Ansar M Bhatti: “I go to Norway every year to celebrate 17 May
By Atle Hetland
When the Ambassador Tore Nedrebø welcomed guests at his residence on the Norwegian national day 17 May, he underlined that it was a garden party, not a formal reception; hence, no chief guest and no cake cutting ceremony. But there was the official playing of the national anthems of Norway and Pakistan. The Norwegian was sung by half a dozen embassy staff members, and the Pakistani national anthem played by The Red Blood Cats band, who entertained guests throughout the evening with local pieces.
Education a catalyst to country’s progress & prosperity: Shahid Saeed
Interview of Registrar Bahria University Rear Admiral (R) Shahid Saeed HI (M)
Waheed Hussain
Quality education is a catalyst to the socio-economic development of any nation. Countries like China, Japan, South Korea, USA, and numerous 0thers in the western world accord top priority to education in the list of their development plans, which has enabled them to generate excellent human resource for their industry. In Pakistan quality education at all levels has been a great challenge for the various governments which have put in meager resources to match the international educational standards.
Nawaf Khalifeh Saraireh Jordan keen to diversify its ties with Pakistan
Ambassador of Jordan talks to Centreline and DNA
Ansar Mahmood Bahtti
Ambassador of Jordan Nawaf Khalifeh Saraireh gave an exclusive interview to Centreline and Diplomatic News Agency (DNA). Ambassador Saraireh covered various aspects of bilateral relations. He particularly talked about the economic relations between the two countries and suggested ways to further improve these relations. Here are excerpts from his interview.
BILATERAL RELATIONS
The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and Islamic Republic of Pakistan, enjoy strong, deep and historic ties, a relationship based on common values and perceptions. Jordan is always emphasizing the need to strengthen relations with Pakistan, because of the common interest of the two brotherly nations. Existing bilateral commercial and economic relations had increased; nevertheless, the present volume of bilateral trade is far below the potential of the two countries. We stress the need for measures to enhance and diversify trade relations.
India sponsoring state terrorism in Pakistan BY Waheed Hussain
Kulbhushan Yadav’s confessional video has confirmed the Indian state institutions’ involvement in heinous terrorist acts in Baluchistan, Fata, Karachi, KPK and other parts of the country. The objective of the madness like always is to destabilize and disintegrate Pakistan since Indian hatred and venom against Pakistan is not new. The seeds of acrimony were sown even before the creation of Pakistan when the Congress and its naïve leaders conspired to prevent establishment of new Muslim state in the sub-continent. Illegal occupation of Kashmir in 1947, creation of Bangladesh through Mukti Bahini, Siachen occupation in 1984, and sponsoring hundreds of terrorism acts in Pakistan since 9/11 attacks speak volumes of the Indian antagonism. Indian Naval Commander’s activities in Pakistan are in fact a continuation of the process initiated decades ago.
Much ado about Panama leaks By Ansar M Bhatti
The Prime Minister and his family seemingly badly shaken by the so-called Panama leaks, appear to have partially grappled with the situation. The government spin-doctors have thwarted the opposition onslaughts on the PM and his family members, who do own some offshore companies. These wizards are trying to prove that the PM does not personally own any offshore company and that he does not have any link with the companies owned by his children. Even the International Consortium of Investigative Journalism (ICIJ) has clarified that PM Nawaz Sharif’s name was mentioned inadvertently. The Opposition, especially Imran Khan, on the other hand seem averse to giving a lifeline to the PM.
