ISLAMABAD, Oct 27 (APP) President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday paid tribute to security forces for launching two successful operations against terrorists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The president, in a statement, commended the bravery of security forces for conducting successful operations against Khawarij terrorists.

He expressed resolve to continue operations against terrorists until the complete elimination of Fitna al-Khawarij. “The entire nation stands with its security forces in the fight against terrorism”, the president said.

RAWALPINDI, OCT 27 /DNA/ – Closing ceremony of Pakistan – South Africa Joint Exercise Iqbal-I in Counter Terrorism domain was conducted between the Armies of Pakistan and Republic of South Africa at Cherat, Pakistan.

Two weeks long exercise commenced on 15 October 2024. 2 x Combat Teams from Special Services Group, Pakistan Army and Republic of South Africa Special Forces participated in the Exercise.

Commandant Special Operation School, attended the closing ceremony as Chief Guest. Colonel SS Lechoenyo, Chief of Staff Republic of South Africa Special Forces also witnessed the Closing Ceremony.

The troop displayed highest standards of professional excellence during the conduct.

The Exercise was aimed at refining the drills, procedures and techniques involved in CT operations through joint training, besides harnessing the historic military to military relations among the friendly countries.

RAWALPINDI, OCT 27: /DNA/ – On 26/ 27 October 2024, four Khwarij were killed by the security forces in two separate operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province.

An intelligence based operation was conducted in North Waziristan District and after intense exchange of fire, two khwarij including Kharji Insaf Ullah were sent to hell.

In another encounter in Khyber District, own troops effectively engaged the khwarij location and resultantly two khwarij were killed, while three got injured.

Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from killed khwarij, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities against the law enforcement agencies as well as the innocent civilians.

Sanitization of the area is being carried out to eliminate any other kharji found in the area as security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country.

BRUSSELS, OCT 27 /DNA/ – KC-EU holds protest in front of Indian Embassy in Brussels against occupation of Kashmir A protest demonstration was arranged in front of Indian Embassy in Brussels by Kashmir Council Europe (KC-EU) today, the day of Indian Occupation of Jammu and Kashmir.

Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control and based in other parts of the world observe Black Day on 27th October every year to mark protest against the illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir by India.

A number of the Kashmiris based in Europe including Belgium and their sympathisers and representatives of the various non-governmental organizations participated in the demonstration. They were holding placards and banners having slogans against the Indian occupation of Kashmir and in favour of freedom struggle of Kashmiris.

On occasion of the protest in Brussels, Chairman Kashmir Council Europe (KC-EU) Ali Raza Syed made it clear that we demand New Delhi to free people of Kashmir by ending the occupation of Kashmir and give them right of self-determination.

Ali Raza Syed said, 27th October 1947 was the darkest day in history of Jammu and Kashmir when India in total violation of all international norms and human values illegally landed its troops in the state of Jammu and Kashmir against the will of the Kashmiri people.

Chairman KC-EU further said, by staging this protest, we intend to send a message to the Indian government that Kashmiris do not accept India’s illegal occupation. The Kashmiri people wish to decide their future in a free environment. It is sad to say that India claims to be the largest democracy in the world, but it suppresses the rights of Kashmiris and kills the innocent people in the occupied valley. People in the Occupied Kashmir are victims of Indian persecution for above seven and half decades. On a daily basis, Indian authorities are attempting to crush the Kashmiris. Indian police and security forces commit violence and create fear among the people of Kashmir.

He said, the international community should understand that peace in Kashmir is connected to the whole region. If Kashmir is witness of peace, the whole region would be witness of peace and prosperity.

Chairman Kashmir Council EU Ali Raza Syed asserted that Kashmiri nation is not ready to compromise on their right to self-determination.

He also urged the world’s major powers to help the people of Jammu and Kashmir, struggling for their right to self-determination. A peaceful resolution of issue of Kashmir, which is long lasting desire of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, should be achieved.

Other speakers of the protest also condemned the Indian atrocities in the occupied Kashmir and demanded the freedom of the Jammu and Kashmir from Indian occupation.

Lahore, OCT 27 /DNA/ – A delegation of Pakistan People’s Party led by Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari calls on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on 27 October 2024.

The systematic study of India’s internal dynamics could enhance Pakistan’s advocacy for Kashmiris’ rights

Islamabad, OCT 27 /DNA/ – A deeper and more systematic understanding of India’s sociopolitical and cultural landscape, “Hindustan Sanashi“, is a prerequisite for shaping effective policies, as well as advocacy efforts for marginalized communities like Muslims in India and Indian Occupied Kashmir.

By broadening its scope to include serious academic study and curricular integration, and reaffirming the ideas surrounding Pakistan and Kashmir, a more comprehensive approach to regional issues can emerge. This expanded understanding should extend beyond media, entertainment, and major urban centers, offering hope and direction for future generations.

This was observed during the launching event of renowned journalist Iftikhar Gilani’s latest book ‘Ikkeeswi Sadi ka Bharat aur Musalman: Siyasat aur Samaaj kay Aeenay Mai’ (The 21st Century India and Muslims: Reflections in the Mirror of Politics and Society)” held by Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), Islamabad.

The book, published by IPS Press – the publishing arm of IPS, provides an in-depth exploration and record of the evolving dynamics between India’s Muslim minority and the state, and the impact of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) policies, which are reshaping India’s political and cultural identity with significant implications for Muslims and other minorities.

Chaired by Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, former foreign secretary and high commissioner to India, and director general, Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad (ISSI), the event featured remarks from Khalid Rahman, chairman IPS, and Ambassador (r) Syed Abrar Hussain, vice chairman IPS. The reviews of Prof Khurshid Ahmad, eminent scholar and patron-in-chief IPS, Raja Muhammad Zafar-ul-Haq, former senator and secretary-general Motamar Al-Alam Al-Islami, and Pakistan’s former high commissioner to India Ambassador (r) Abdul Basit were also presented on the occasion.

In his review, Prof Khurshid Ahmad emphasized the socio-political setbacks for Muslims and the decline of secular values in India, calling the book a crucial revelation of the harsh realities confronting the community.

Raja Zafar-ul-Haq emphasized the growing influence of Hindutva and the systemic marginalization of minorities, urging the need for Muslims to defend their identity and rights.

Ambassador Abdul Basit lauded the book’s thorough analysis of policy impacts over three decades, framing it as essential for understanding the ongoing struggle for Muslim rights in India.

Ambassador Sohail Mahmood emphasized that “Hindustan Shanasi” goes beyond academic curiosity; it is crucial for effective policymaking in Pakistan. He argued that a structured and deep study of India’s internal dynamics – addressing issues such as sectarianism, authoritarianism, and socioeconomic inequalities – can guide more informed decision-making. The speakers noted that understanding India’s sociopolitical landscape is vital for Pakistan, especially in advocating for the rights of Kashmiris and Muslims on international platforms.

The panel discussed the importance of reaffirming and promoting the “idea of Pakistan” alongside positioning Pakistan as a role model, championing the cause of Kashmir through a coherent narrative on Kashmir and Muslims and advocacy for Kashmir’s and Muslims rights at every international forum, based on a well-documented narrative of the region’s ideology, history, and struggles.

In this regard, documentation was considered a vital tool for strengthening the permanence and credibility of advocacy. The panel underscored the significance of compiling meaningful and contextual records of the challenges faced by Muslims in India, the struggle for Kashmir, and the evolution of Pakistan’s own identity is crucial for shaping policies and influencing international perspectives.

In his concluding remarks, Khalid Rahman said that ‘Ikkeeswi Sadi ka Bharat aur Musalman’ is not merely a compilation of articles but a meaningful documentation of the evolving relationship between the Indian state and the Muslim minority.

He further noted that much of the current discourse on India remains confined to media portrayals and major urban centers, failing to capture the complexities of India’s democracy, social structures, and shifting ideologies that, in turn, shape India’s governance, economic disparities, and the challenges faced by minority communities. 

ISLAMABAD, OCT 27 /DNA/ – On the 77th anniversary of the arrival of Indian troops in Jammu and Kashmir, the Government and people of Pakistan reiterate their unwavering solidarity with the people of Kashmir.

In their messages on this solemn occasion, the President, Prime Minister, and Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Pakistan have reaffirmed the nation’s steadfast moral, political, and diplomatic support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.

The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister has addressed letters to the leadership of the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), highlighting the ongoing situation in Illegally Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). He has called for the full implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions and urged international action to address human rights concerns, including the release of Kashmiri political prisoners and dissenters.

Additionally, the Foreign Secretary has briefed Islamabad-based diplomatic missions on the multifaceted legal, security, and human rights dimensions of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, underscoring Pakistan’s commitment to seeking a just resolution.

In a display of solidarity, a ‘Solidarity Walk’ took place in Islamabad this morning along Constitution Avenue to D-Chowk, led by the Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, Engineer Amir Muqam, and Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Shezra Mansab Ali Khan Kharal.

Across Pakistan, a series of events, including public rallies, seminars, and photo exhibitions, are being organized to honor the Kashmiris’ struggle. Pakistani and Kashmiri diaspora communities are actively participating, and Pakistan’s diplomatic missions worldwide are hosting special events to raise global awareness about the Jammu and Kashmir dispute

ISLAMABAD, OCT 27 /DNA/ – Serena Hotels, hosted a Mushaira “Mehfil-e-Sukhan” event, bringing together some of Pakistan’s most esteemed poets. The gathering celebrated under Serena Hotels’ Cultural Diplomacy Initiative was a tribute to the richness of Urdu poetry and to the power of words.

The gathering featured wonderful well-known poets, including Anwar Masood, Kishwar Naheed, Iftikhar Arif, Anwar Shaoor, Yasmin Hameed, Javed Saba, Akhtar Usman, Ahmad Ataullah, Zahoor Ahmed, Hamida Shaheen, Umair Najmi, and Farjad Mahdi. Each poet shared captivating verses that captivated the audience. The poetry shared highlighted how poetry continues to bring people together across different cultures.

This Mushaira was more than a recital; it was a celebration of language, tradition, and the timeless art of verse. Serena Hotels not only promote events like “Mehfil-e-Sukhan” but also actively supports renowned literary gatherings such as the Lahore and Quetta Literary Festivals, strengthening its mission to promote the Urdu language and cultural heritage across Pakistan. Through these initiatives, Serena continues to bring poetic voices together, appreciating the beauty and depth of Urdu poetry.

DNA

LAHORE: APNS expresses grave concern over the stoppage of tender advertisements in newspapers  by Punjab Government vide amend ment in the procurement (PPRA) rules. The APNS has strongly rejected the amendment being disastrous for the already crisis ridden newspapers in Punjab as it would result in the closure and strangulate all medium and regional newspapers accross the province.

The Punjab Committee of the APNS at its meeting held under the chairmanship of Mr Jamil Athar has urged upon Ms Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Chief Minister Punjab to immediately intervene in the matter and withdraw the amendment to save newspaper industry from closure and unemployment of thousands of jounalists and newspaper workers.

The APNS committee noted that the amendment would not only badly impact on the economies of newspapers but would also negate the transparency in the procurement process. The members were briefed that despite assurances by the Information Minister Ms Azma Bukhari the amendment has not yet been withdrawn hence the newspapers are facing acute financial crisis.

The members decided to  form a joint action committee of media organisations including CPNE and PFUJ. The committee also decided to take  legal recourse and actions and protests on all available forums if the amendment not withdrawn by the Punjab Govt.

The meeting was attended by Chairman Mr Jamil Athar, Irfan Ashraf ( Jang),  Imran Raza ( Dawn), Mohammad Farooq (Pakistan), Sheikh Furqan ( Khabrain), SafdarAli Khan (Sarzameen), Awais Razi ( Taqat), Mohsin Mumtaz ( Aftab), Imran Athar Kazi( Tijarat) and Irfan Athar Kazi ( Jurrat).=DNA