RAWALPINDI, 8 SEPT /DNA/ – Major General Humaid Mohammed Abdullah Alremeithi, Commander of the UAE Naval Forces, called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force at Air Headquarters, Islamabad. The meeting focused on evolving regional security dynamics, with both sides exploring fresh avenues of engagement through joint training initiatives and deeper military-to-military cooperation.

During the meeting, Chief of the Air Staff expounded his vision to transform PAF into a modern, agile and technology-driven Air Force through state-of-the-art upgradation programmes in cyber, space, Artificial Intelligence, electronic warfare and aerospace domains. He highlighted the deep-rooted religious and historical ties between the two nations emphasizing Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to expanding military-to-military cooperation with the UAE, particularly in the areas of training and joint operational exercises.

Commander of the UAE Naval Forces expressed sincere gratitude to the Air Chief for the warm reception and gracious hospitality extended by Pakistan Air Force. He lauded PAF’s indigenization drive, appreciating its robust framework, homegrown capabilities and focus on technological advancement making it an operationally prepared and technologically advanced Air Force of the region. The visiting dignitary expressed the earnest desire of the UAE Armed Forces to draw from the Pakistan Air Force’s rich operational experience in multi-domain warfare. He underscored that PAF’s tested operational framework and combat-proven doctrine remain invaluable for regional and international partners alike. Commander of the UAE Naval Forces further conveyed UAE’s keen interest in conducting joint exercises with PAF, highlighting the immense value of mutual learning, operational synergy and enhanced interoperability. He also shared that the UAE Air Force is eager to participate in joint training initiatives in Pakistan, an undertaking he described as a vital cornerstone in further cementing the brotherly relations between the two nations.

The meeting between Chief of the Air Staff and Commander of the UAE Naval Forces signifies the commitment between the Armed Forces of both the countries in working together to address common challenges and the willingness to further strengthen their bilateral ties in the realms of defence and military cooperation.

ISLAMABAD, SEPT 8 /DNA/ – Building on the success of its groundbreaking customized wheelchair initiative, Niaz Support, in partnership with Subah Sehar Foundation USA, has become the first organization in the world dedicated exclusively to educating the non-disabled children of parents with disabilities (PWDs).

For years, Niaz Support has been recognized for transforming mobility and dignity through customized wheelchairs. That initiative mobilised thousands of individuals across Pakistan. Today, together with Subah Sehar Foundation USA, Niaz Support expands its impact by ensuring that the children of PWDs – often overlooked – have the opportunity to pursue education and a brighter future.

“Our customized wheelchair initiative gave parents dignity and independence. Now, through education, we are investing in the futures of their children,” said Hussain Odhwani, Founder of Niaz Support.

Niaz Support’s new education initiative introduces scholarship gift cards, but unlike traditional vouchers, these are fully managed by Niaz Support. This ensures transparency, accountability, and the assurance that funds are spent directly on children’s educational needs. In addition to covering tuition, uniforms, books, and stationery, the initiative also provides dedicated mentors and guardians to guide children throughout their educational journey, comprehensive health insurance to safeguard their wellbeing, and occasional celebrations and community events to build confidence and belonging.

“These children deserve not just financial aid but also encouragement, guidance, and care,” said Fatima Mudassir, Director of External Relations at Niaz Support. “Through managed scholarship gift cards, mentorship, and health support, we are giving them the tools to succeed and thrive in every aspect of life.”

Niaz Support’s initiative is universal within Pakistan – dedicated solely to the children of parents with disabilities, regardless of region, religion, caste, or type of disability.

With this initiative, Niaz Support – a leading disability-focused social enterprise – continues to pioneer solutions that break cycles of disadvantage. They believe that no child should be left behind simply because their parent lives with a disability.

By Malik Faisal Munir / DNA

ISLAMABAD: The upcoming Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC), set to be hosted by the Senate of Pakistan in Islamabad this November, was officially launched with a curtain raiser ceremony attended by Parliamentary Leaders, Diplomats, and senior officials. A total of 38 ambassadors along with representatives from international organizations participated in the event, underscoring broad diplomatic support and global interest in the initiative.

In her welcoming remarks, Misbah Khar, advisor to the Chairman Senate and Ambassador ISC, underscored the significance of this initiative, noting that Pakistan’s foreign policy objectives are closely aligned with its parliamentary outreach. She emphasized that the ISC offers a platform to resolve conflicts through dialogue and promote global peace, especially at a time when humanity faces shared crises such as poverty and climate change.

In his keynote address, Chairman Senate of Pakistan, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, welcomed Deputy Prime Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Secretary General of Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference Ek Nath Dhakal, Heads of Parliamentary parties, Diplomats, and distinguished guests, terming their presence a reaffirmation of Pakistan’s commitment to promoting peace, cooperation, and global solidarity.

Highlighting the inspiration behind the ISC, Chairman Senate reflected on his tenure as Prime Minister in 2008. He shared that during that time, he observed summits where world leaders set ambitious agendas for peace, development, and cooperation. However, the very institutions entrusted with translating those ambitions into laws — parliaments, the true custodians of legislation and public ownership — were missing from the table. This realization, he noted, became the driving force behind his vision to establish a dedicated platform for Speakers of Parliaments.

Underscoring climate change as a defining challenge, Chairman Senate shared his recent visit to flood-hit areas in Multan, noting that displaced families’ stories of loss and resilience underscored the urgency of global solidarity. “Climate change respects no border. No single government can respond alone. Governments need parliaments, and parliaments need each other,” he stated.

He outlined the Senate’s proactive steps in legislative diplomacy, including celebrating Pakistan–Africa Friendship Day and engaging with Central Asia and European partners. Referring to the inaugural ISC meeting held earlier this year in Seoul, which gathered over 45 Speakers of Parliaments, he stressed that the upcoming full-scale conference in Islamabad would focus on conflict prevention, food, water and energy security, climate action, sustainable development, good governance, and advancing parliamentary diplomacy.

Quoting John Donne’s famous words, “No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main,” the Chairman underlined the essence of ISC as a “Continent of Parliaments” where each Speaker contributes to the collective good.

Expressing gratitude to diplomats, parliamentary leaders, and international partners, Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani reaffirmed that the ISC in Islamabad would serve as a platform to transform commitments into concrete legislative pathways. “Parliaments are not merely instruments of national debate; we are architects of a more peaceful and prosperous world,” he concluded.

Deputy Prime Minister Senator Ishaq Dar also addressed the gathering, appreciating the Senate’s leadership and terming the ISC a “timely initiative with clear purpose.” Emphasizing that “without peace and security, there can be no development,” he said the upcoming conference is crucial for dialogue-based multilateralism.

Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq commended the ISC initiative and extended full support. He emphasized the bipartisan nature of parliamentary diplomacy, stating that both Houses of Parliament must work together to represent the will of the people. He noted the growing impact of emerging technologies like AI, highlighting the importance of collaboration between parliaments to prevent misinformation and strengthen institutions.

Secretary General, Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference, Ek Nath Dhakal also acknowledged the leadership of Pakistan for graciously hosting the ISC, describing it as a key platform for advancing peace and sustainable development through legislative cooperation.

The curtain raiser has set the tone for what promises to be a landmark gathering of Parliamentary Leaders this November in Islamabad. The event reinforces Pakistan’s commitment to inclusive, bipartisan, and forward-looking legislative diplomacy that aspires to shape a more harmonious global future.

BEIJING, SEPT 8 /DNA/ – Today, the Embassy of Pakistan in Beijing commemorated the Defence and Martyrs Day of Pakistan with a solemn and dignified flag hoisting ceremony. The event was attended by Embassy officials, members of the Pakistani community in China and media.

On this occasion, Ambassador of Pakistan to China H.E. Mr. Khalil Hashmi hoisted the national flag to the tune of national anthem.

In his remarks, Ambassador of Pakistan to China H.E. Mr. Khalil Hashmi paid rich tribute to the courageous sons of the soil who successfully foiled evil designs of the enemy and defended the motherland with ultimate courage and professionalism. The Ambassador underscored that bravery and commitment of the Armed Forces of Pakistan to safeguarding our homeland will never be forgotten. He lauded professionalism, discipline and bravery of the Armed Forces of Pakistan.

The Ambassador also reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong ties with China and its commitment for maintaining peace and regional stability.