ISLAMABAD, Sep 26 (APP/DNA):President Asif Ali Zardari’s recent visit to China has further deepened strategic cooperation, expanded economic partnerships, and opened new avenues for bilateral collaboration between the two countries in diverse sectors, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) senior leader Senator Saleem Mandviwala said in a press conference on Friday.

Spokesperson to the president Murtaza Solangi also accompanied Saleem Mandviwalla in the joint press conference. 

Saleem Mandviwalla said that the president’s visit was aimed at strengthening business-to-business ties and fostering public-private partnerships across a a range of sectors. 

He said this was President Zardari’s second official visit to China since assuming office. However, he said that unlike the first visit when the president met with the top Chinese leadership, he focused on mid-level Chinese leadership, engaging extensively with provincial governors and Communist Party officials to promote investment and cooperation. 

President Zardari witnessed the signing of six key agreements with various Chinese institutions in areas including transportation, waste management, energy, education, and agriculture.

President’s spokesperson Murtaza Solangi highlighted that while President Zardari’s first visit included meetings with China’s top leadership, including President Xi Jinping, this visit deliberately focused on provincial-level engagement. “The President visited Shanghai, Urumqi, Kashgar, and Sichuan, covering a broad spectrum of sectors such as agriculture, public health, biotechnology, food security, transportation, and education,” he said.

One of the most notable aspects of the visit, Solangi noted, was the unprecedented presence of Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong, who accompanied President Zardari throughout the tour on instructions from Beijing which reflected the level of bilateral relationships.

Saleem Mandviwala underlining the historic nature of President Zardari’s visit to Kashgar, making him the first Pakistani head of state to do so said that the visit came at the invitation of the Chinese government.

He also termed the president’s tour of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) a milestone, noting that Zardari became the first foreign head of state to be invited to the AVIC complex. The president was briefed on China’s latest aerospace capabilities including the J-10 fighter jet, JF-17 Thunder co-production, J-20 stealth aircraft, UAV technologies, and multi-domain command-and-control systems.

“This visit could pave the way for future agreements for the procurement of advanced defence technologies from China,” Mandviwala added.

Among the key outcomes of the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of a Coal Gasification and Fertilizer Plant in Thar, Sindh, the first of its kind to utilize Thar coal. This project is expected to address energy needs while supporting Pakistan’s agriculture sector.

The president also witnessed the signing of three additional MoUs focused on modernizing Pakistan’s livestock industry, construction of a modern textile industrial park, and supply and after-sales services for fire trucks and emergency equipment, Mandviwalla said adding that another agreement was signed for waste and tyre recycling in Karachi, while President Zardari also experienced China’s high-speed rail network, expressing his desire to see similar technology adopted in Pakistan.

As regards the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Mandviwalla confirmed that discussions were held to reinvigorate and expand the initiative. 

To a question, Mandviwalla clarified that the agreements and projects signed during the visit were not limited to Sindh, but were meant to benefit the entire country.

In response to another query, Senator Mandviwalla said that the Chinese leadership expressed satisfaction over Pakistan’s recent operational success in “Operation Bunyan um-Marsoos,” against India particularly noting the effective use of Chinese-made aircraft.

Both Solangi and Mandviwalla emphasized that President Zardari was continuing the strong foundation of bilateral cooperation laid during his previous tenure (2008–2013), and the recent visit further cements Pakistan-China ties as comprehensive and strategic partners.

“This is my most sincere and serious offer before this assembly of the world nations,” says

WASHINGTON: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) that Pakistan sought peace in the region after it delivered a “bloody nose” to India in the May conflict.

“We have won the war, and now we seek to win peace in our part of the world, and this is my most sincere and serious offer before this assembly of the world nations,” the prime minister said at the August forum in New York.

Pakistan and India engaged in a four-day fight — their worst in decades — after New Delhi’s unprovoked assault on Islamabad following a terrorist attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. India blames Pakistan for the attack, a charge that Islamabad has vehemently denied.

At the outset of his speech, the prime minister noted that the world is more complex than ever before: conflicts are intensifying, international laws are being brazenly violated, humanitarian crises are multiplying, terrorism remains a potent threat, disinformation and fake news undermine trust, and climate change threatens our very survival — particularly in countries like Pakistan.

“Today, multilateralism is no longer an option; it is the need of the hour. Pakistan’s foreign policy, guided by Quaid-i-Azam, is based on peace, mutual respect, and cooperation. We believe in the peaceful settlement of disputes through dialogue and diplomacy,” he said.

“Last year, from this very podium, I had warned that Pakistan would act — and act most decisively — against any external aggression. Those words of mine proved true. I hoped they would not. But then, that is destiny. In May this year, my country confronted unprovoked aggression from our eastern front. The enemy came shrouded in arrogance; we sent them back in humiliation, delivering a bloody nose.”

“India sought to extract political gains from a human tragedy by spurning my sincere offer of an independent international investigation into the Pahalgam incident,” he said.

The prime minister added: “Instead, it attacked our cities and targeted our innocent citizens. When our territorial integrity and national security were violated, our response was in accordance with the right of self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter.”

“Our valiant armed forces, under the leadership of Asim Munir, mounted an operation of stunning professionalism and bravery, repulsing the enemy’s attack under the air chief marshal. Our falcons took flight and etched their answer across the skies, resulting in seven of the Indian jets turning to scrap and dust — a decisive response. A response to the aggressor that will echo through the annals of history.”

“To the fair architect of this victory, to every officer and soldier, heirs of our martyrs — their names are forever engraved in glory,” he said.

“The mothers of our martyrs — their courage guides our path forward, and their sacrifice shall never be in vain, God willing. And to every Pakistani, you stood as one unbreakable wall — Bunyanum Marsoos,” he added.

“Though in a position of strength, Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire facilitated by President Trump’s bold and vigorous leadership. We express our deep appreciation to him and his team for their active role in bringing about the ceasefire.”

He added that Trump’s efforts for peace helped avert a more threatening war in South Asia. Had he not intervened timely and decisively, the consequences of a full-fledged war would have been catastrophic.

“Who would have lived to tell what happened? And therefore, in recognition of Trump’s wonderful and outstanding contribution to promoting peace in our part of the world, Pakistan nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize. I think this is the least we can do for his love of peace — truly, he is a man of peace.”

“We have won the war, and now we seek to win peace in our part of the world, and this is my most sincere and serious offer before this assembly of the world nations. Pakistan stands ready for a composite, comprehensive, and result-oriented dialogue with Indian on all outstanding issues.”

“South Asia requires proactive rather than provocative leadership. India’s unilateral and illegal attempt to hold the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance defies the provisions of the treaty itself as well as the norms of international law.”

“Pakistan has made it abundantly clear and led there be no doubt once again in anybody’s mind, as I said last year in this hall from this podium, we will definitely defend the inseparable right of our 240 million people on these waters. To us, any violation of this IWT represents an act of war.”

“Through this house, I wish to assure the Kashmiris that I stand with them, the people of Pakistan stand with them, and one day soon India’s tyranny in Kashmir will come to a grinding halt, Kashmir will gain its fundamental right to self-determination through an impartial plebiscite under the auspices of this very organisation, the UN.”

PESHAWAR, Sep 26 (APP):As the late summer sun peeks through rain-kissed clouds, the serene valleys of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) are welcoming a wave of tourists and adventure sports enthusiasts, all drawn by the region’s breathtaking natural beauty.

Nathiagali, perched in the western Himalayas, has turned into a canvas of colours, clouds, and cool breeze, creating a perfect prelude to the winter season.

After a night of rain, the scenic trails of Ayubia, Mukshpuri Top, and Donga Gali bustle with life. Children giggle on swings, couples ride the chairlifts, and amateur photographers scramble to capture the play of mist over the snow-capped peaks of Miranjani.

But beyond the Instagram-perfect moments lies a deeper story of economic opportunity, ecological balance, and a province finding its identity in ecotourism.

For many like Dr. Naveed Farooq, an assistant professor at Abdul Wali Khan University, KP’s mountain retreats are more than just a weekend escape and soul refreshing sanctuaries.

“I return every summer,” he shares while sipping tea in a Nathiagali café. “The serenity of Swat and Nathiagali recharges me. The trout fish, river rafting, snowfalls are a complete experience.”

“Today is the age of digital media and artificial intelligence. Such beautiful tourism destinations if properly highlighted through digital media platforms can bring an economic turnaround to Pakistan,” he says.

Dr. Naveed is among thousands of domestic travelers who have turned to KP’s eco-spots to unplug from the urban grind. And with smartphones in every pocket and drone cameras in the sky, KP’s hidden gems are now accessible to the world digitally.

However, this surge in tourism is not without challenges. Accommodation rates in Nathiagali and surrounding resorts have skyrocketed, often ranging between Rs7,000 to Rs20,000 per night  pricing out middle and low-income families.

“Nature belongs to everyone, not just those who can afford five-star lodges,” said Nasir Khan, a property dealer from Nowshera. “If unchecked, this kind of exploitation will discourage tourism rather than promote it.”

This pricing problem has drawn the attention of local authorities, who now face the difficult task of regulating the booming, but uneven, tourism economy.

In a bid to make nature affordable again, the KP Tourism Department has introduced eco-friendly camping pods across major tourist spots. These small wooden structures, often located near lakes, valleys, or dams, offer modest but comfortable stays at Rs3,500–5,000 per night which is far more accessible than private hotel rooms.

Already operational in places like Sharan, Swat, Chitral, and Tandyani, the pods are rapidly gaining popularity.

“Each pod has two to four beds, a washroom, and a kitchen area which is an ideal for families,” said a Tourism Department spokesperson. “These are not just accommodations; they are experiences that bring people closer to nature.”

KP is not relying solely on its famous peaks. The government is actively developing lesser-known destinations ie from the pine-laden valleys of Khanspur and Kumrat to the emerald waters of Mahudand Lake, and from the rugged beauty of Chitral’s Broghil Valley to the colonial-era hiking tracks in Upper Hazara.

Ecotourism spots are also being created near small dams like Tanda (Kohat), Chattri (Haripur), and Naryab (Hangu), allowing day-trippers and families to enjoy scenic getaways without long travel.

A key driver behind KP’s tourism boom is security and accessibility. The launch of Tourist Police in Hazara and Malakand divisions, fluent in multiple languages and trained in crisis response, has increased confidence among travelers.

For added assurance, the government launched a Tourist Safety App, enabling direct contact with emergency services — especially useful for solo travelers and foreign tourists.

Road infrastructure has also received a major boost, with smoother routes now connecting remote locations like Bishigram Lake and Kandal. Jeep tracks and hiking trails, once inaccessible, are being revived some dating back to the colonial era.

KP’s rich blend of ecological and cultural diversity makes it a unique destination. From archaeological ruins in Swat to Sufi shrines in D.I. Khan, and from traditional Kalasha culture in Chitral to the music of tribal communities as every journey here is a living story.

Director General Habib Arif of the KP Culture and Tourism Authority believes that ecotourism can empower youth, especially in rural areas.

“Every pod we build, every trail we revive, creates local jobs — guides, cooks, porters, drivers. That’s how you beat unemployment and protect nature at the same time,” he said.

With rising climate concerns and over tourism threatening Pakistan’s northern belt, KP’s pivot to sustainable, experience-based tourism is timely. If managed wisely, ecotourism can turn the province into an economic powerhouse — while preserving its natural treasures for generations to come.

As the mist settles over the Galiyat hills and camera lenses continue to click, one thing is clear that the world is watching KP, not just for its beauty, but for how it redefines tourism in the age of climate and culture consciousness.

ISLAMABAD, SEPT 26 /DNA/ – The honourable Chairperson of the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS), Mrs Farzhana Naek, held a productive meeting with the President of the Norwegian Red Cross, Ms Siri Hatlen, to strengthen humanitarian cooperation and explore avenues for enhanced support to the people of Pakistan most affected by climate change.

During the meeting, Mrs Farzhana Naek emphasised that her visit to Norway was part of her ongoing advocacy for communities across Pakistan whose lives and livelihoods continue to be devastated by climate-induced disasters. She underscored that her primary objective was to mobilize greater international aid and grants, particularly in the area of health, to ensure long-term relief and rehabilitation of the flood affected population in different regions of Pakistan. She further added, Pakistan should be at the top of the list for climate aid, given the scale and severity of the impacts we are experiencing, Mrs Naek stated. “For me, International Humanitarian Law and Climate Justice remain a top priority, with a focus on protecting the most vulnerable communities.”

Ms Siri Hatlen said, we deeply value more than 20 years of strong cooperation and partnership with the PRCS, and we are proud of what we have accomplished together in Health, Clean Water, National Society Development, Finance Development, Sanitation, and Disaster Response. She also appreciated the efforts of PRCS and especially the transformation plan under the leadership of Ms Farzhana Naek.

On the sidelines of her visit, Mrs Naek also met with Mr Simen Saxebøl Acting Secretary General of Norwegian Red Cross and Mr Erik Abild, Director for the Humanitarian Department at Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) for discussions focused on building climate-adapted health systems and engaging in international climate policy, strengthening humanitarian response to natural disasters and armed conflict, and addressing the humanitarian needs of Afghans returning to their home country.

This visit marks an important step in reinforcing the shared humanitarian mission of PRCS and Norwegian Red Cross to alleviate human suffering and build resilient communities.