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Russian Deputy PM meets COAS Gen. Asim Munir for bilateral security talks

Russian Deputy PM meets COAS Gen. Asim Munir for bilateral security talks

RAWALPINDI, SEPT 18 /DNA/ – Alexey Overchuk, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, paid a courtesy call on General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS), at the General Headquarters. During their meeting, they engaged in productive discussions on matters of mutual interest, regional security dynamics, and bilateral cooperation across various sectors.

The COAS reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to fostering traditional defence ties with Russia. Both sides reaffirmed their resolve to strengthen security and defence cooperation in multiple domains.

The visiting dignitary praised the Pakistan Armed Forces’ pivotal role in combating terrorism and their tireless efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.

Ch Shafay lays foundation stone of 19 centres of excellence

Ch Shafay lays foundation stone of 19 centres of excellence

LAHORE, SEP 18 (DNA) — Provincial Minister for Industries and Commerce Chaudhry Shafay Hussain laid the foundation stone of the project to build 19 centres of excellence in Government College of Technology here at Allama Iqbal Town on Wednesday. Under the project, Centres of Excellence will be established in 16 institutions of TEVTA and 3 institutions of Punjab Vocational and Training Council.

With the support of Asian Development Bank, 19 centres of excellence will be built and the project will cost Rs. 5 billion. Chaudhry Shafay Hussain said that the plan to establish centres of excellence in Punjab is a milestone in the preparation of skilled manpower. Completion of the project will increase the efficiency and professional technical skills of these institutions. CBTA based courses will be conducted on modern lines in all these centres of excellence.

Chaudhry Shafay Hussain apprised that under this project, access to technical and vocational education will be easy. The youth will get decent employment opportunities. 8 different priority economic sectors have been selected under this project which include information communication, technology, health, hospitality, construction, textiles, garments, light engineering, agriculture farm machinery, surgical instruments, automobiles, auto-bike assembling and food processing sectors as well.

The Provincial Minister for Industries and Commerce said that a revolutionary project has been started to create centres of excellence for the promotion of skill development. Garment City is being built in Quaid-e-Azam Business Park Sheikhupura on an area of 630 acres. China’s textile industry will move to Garment City and new factories will also be built over there. Chaudhry Shafay Hussain said that Chinese companies will set up factories for manufacturing solar panels and electric vehicles in Punjab this year.

 He underscored that if all institutions work hard and diligently, there will be no need to borrow from the IMF. For the first time, solar studies have been initiated in TEVTA’s facilities and the project to upgrade TEVTA’s facilities has been initiated. Chairperson Chief Minister Task Force on Technical Education Adnan Afzal Chattha said that a major skill development project has been started with the support of Asian Development Bank.

37,000 children will benefit from this project launched with the support of Asian Development Bank. He said that under the Chief Ministerial Development Program, IT short courses are being provided free of cost to the youth. Provincial Secretary for Industries and Commerce Ehsan Bhutta said that 64% youth population is not a burden but the future of the country.

 The destiny of the country can be changed by making the youth skilled. He said that girls have been given free pick and drop facility in Garment City and they are also being given a stipend of Rs. 20,000 per month. He further informed that Centers of Excellence in Sialkot and Mian Channu will be completed by December. Project Director Zohaib highlighted the salient features of the project. —DNA

President rejects IIOJK Legislative Assembly polls

President rejects IIOJK Legislative Assembly polls

ISLAMABAD, SEPT 18 (DNA) – President Asif Ali Zardari has categorically rejected the elections for the Legislative Assembly of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), asserting that these polls are no substitute for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination. He emphasised that such elections are unacceptable to the people of Kashmir and called upon the international community to hold the Modi government accountable for ongoing human rights violations in IIOJK. He further urged the need to take concrete steps toward conducting a plebiscite in line with relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions.

The President expressed these views while talking to a delegation of migrants from IIOJK, residing in Pakistan since 1989, led by Mr Uzair Ahmed Ghazali, at Aiwan-e-Sadr, on Wednesday.

Welcoming the delegation, the President condemned the Legislative Assembly elections in IIOJK, terming them as part of India’s broader strategy to consolidate its illegal occupation of the region. He highlighted that such measures could neither legitimize India’s occupation nor suppress the freedom struggle of the Kashmiri people. He stated that India was trying to alter the demographic structure of IIOJK by turning the Kashmiri Muslims into a minority and transforming them into a disempowered community in their own land.

The President said that Pakistan greatly valued the sacrifices made by the Kashmiri people for their rights and would continue to stand in solidarity with them. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to provide moral, political and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people till the realization of their right to self-determination.

The delegation apprised the President about the atrocities being committed by the Modi regime in IIOJK. It was highlighted that the entire Kashmiri leadership had been imprisoned to suppress the voice of the Kashmiri people. The delegation also apprised the President about the issues of the refugees in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

The President underscored that a protest should be lodged over the illegal steps and atrocities being committed by the Indian Occupation Forces in IIOJK. He said that Pakistan was committed to the socio-economic uplift of refugees and resolving their issues. He assured the delegation that the Government of AJK would be asked to enhance subsistence allowance as well as provide other relief measures to Kashmiri refugees. He further assured that Pakistan’s social safety net would be extended to include 8000 migrant families through the Benazir Income Support Programme.

The delegation thanked the President for Pakistan’s continued moral, political and diplomatic support for the Kashmiri people. The delegation also commended the efforts and role of the Chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party, Mr Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, who strongly advocated the cause of the people of IIOJK at various fora during his tenure as the Foreign Minister of Pakistan.

Pakistan, Russia explore new avenues for bilateral cooperation

Pakistan, Russia explore new avenues for bilateral cooperation

ISLAMABAD, SEPT 18 (DNA) – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar welcomed the Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Alexei Overchuk, on his arrival at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad.

They will discuss areas of multi-faceted bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and the Russian Federation including trade, energy and connectivity.

PM Shehbaz to attend commonwealth summit in Samoa

PM Shehbaz to attend commonwealth summit in Samoa

ISLAMABAD, SEPT 18 (DNA) – The King formally invited the Prime Minister to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa in October. Accepting the invitation, the Prime Minister said that the CHOGM in Samoa would be a significant moment in the history of the Commonwealth, being the first summit that the King would chair since becoming Head of the Commonwealth.

Prime Minister Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the Commonwealth and the values enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter. He said that the CHOGM in Samoa would provide a forum to discuss opportunities for enhancing intra-Commonwealth cooperation on a number of important issues, such as fostering sustainable development, strengthening democratic institutions, and empowering Commonwealth youth.

Noting the King’s longstanding interest in environmental issues and various initiatives for climate sustainability, the Prime Minister said that he particularly looked forward to engaging with Commonwealth leaders on climate change, especially as Pakistan is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

The Prime Minister also inquired after the King’s health and conveyed his best wishes for Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales, who had successfully completed her treatment.

Recalling the fond memories of the King’s last visit to Pakistan, when he was the Prince of Wales, the Prime Minister hoped that the King and Her Majesty The Queen would visit Pakistan soon.

Ambassador praises Ikebana, Bonsai enthusiasts for strengthening Japan-Pakistan ties

Ambassador praises Ikebana, Bonsai enthusiasts for strengthening Japan-Pakistan ties

ISLAMABAD, SEPT 18 (DNA) – WADA Mitsuhiro, the Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, on 18th September 2024, conferred the “Japanese Ambassador’s Commendations” to Ms. SHIRAI Mariko, Lahore Sogetsu Study Group and Lahore Bonsai Society at the ceremony held at his Official Residence in Islamabad.

The Japanese Ambassador’s Commendations are awarded to persons or organisations to commend their significant contributions or distinct service in accordance with the work of the Embassy of Japan. 

Ms. SHIRAI Mariko, General Manager of the Cox & Kings Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd., has played a role as the point of contact for Japanese travelers in Pakistan for many years. Ambassador WADA, speaking on the occasion, praised her active contributions to the Japanese community in Islamabad and thanked her for building bridges between the two cultures and supporting the important work of the Embassy.

Lahore Sogetsu Study Group is a cultural organisation of Japanese-style flower arrangement, Ikebana. Ambassador WADA appreciated their voluntary display of Ikebana arts at Japan’s Emperor’s Birthday and Self-Defense Forces Day receptions, and admired their love towards the Japanese culture.

Lahore Bonsai Society is a cultural organisation of Japanese-style potted trees. Ambassador WADA shared his experience and fondness for the art of Bonsai, and hoped for the continuing collaborations with them while thanking their voluntary contributions of Bonsai display to the Japan’s receptions.

Ms. SHIRAI, Ms. Neveen Syed, President Lahore Sogetsu Study Group, and Mr. Mian Umair, President Lahore Bonsai Society, were presented the certificates of commendations as well as the memorial trophies.

‘Study in Malaysia Education Fair’ kicks off in Islamabad

‘Study in Malaysia Education Fair’ kicks off in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD, SEPT 18 (DNA) – The highly anticipated Study in Malaysia Education Fair in Pakistan is set to take place in Islamabad on 18th September 2024, at Hotel Ramada by Wyndham. This event, Organised by Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) aims to provide Pakistani students and their parents with a unique opportunity to explore the diverse range of educational Programmes offered by leading Malaysian universities.

The fair will be officially officiated by the H.E. Ambassador Dato’ Mohammad Azhar Mazlan, the High Commissioner of Malaysia to Pakistan. A distinguished lineup of Malaysian universities will be participating, including University Putra Malaysia (UPM), Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU), UCSI University, INCEIF University, Multimedia University (MMU), University Kuala Lumpur (UniKL), University Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), University of Cyberjaya (UoC), University Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and University Malaya (UM).

Visitors to the fair will have the chance to interact directly with university representatives, learn about the various courses and programmes available, understand the admission requirements, and explore the vibrant Malaysian student life. Additionally, the event will feature informative seminars and workshops on topics such as scholarships, visa procedures, and career prospects in Malaysia.

Malaysia has long been a preferred destination for international students due to its high-quality education system, multicultural environment and affordable education and living costs. Based on the latest statistics from EMGS, Pakistan is among the top 5 countries for new applications received to study in Malaysia in 2024. International students from Pakistan have a growing interest in studying abroad in Malaysia, with more than 7000 applications received since 2020.

NADRA Facilitation Centre starts work at ICCI

NADRA Facilitation Centre starts work at ICCI

ISLAMABAD: Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), emphasized that the business community is economy’s real driving force and resolution of its issues should be the government’s top priority to ensure ease of doing businesses. This statement was made during the inauguration of the newly established National Database Registration Authority (NADRA) Facilitation Centre at the Chamber launched along-with Mohammad Faheem Khan, Director General NADRA, ICCI executives and members.

Bakhtawari highlighted his commitment to selfless service to the business fraternity, citing it as his top priority throughout his tenure. He expressed gratitude for achieving numerous milestones, attributing his success to Allah Almighty.

Expressing utmost gratitude to Chairman NADRA, Lt Gen Muhammad Munir Afsar Malik  for his complete cooperation for the establishment of the Centre, he said that all credit goes to the Chairman for accepting his request for the Centre and initiating work on it on emergent basis for its completion within short span of time. He also expressed the hope that this fully equipped Centre offering range of services, including, Normal CNIC, Urgent CNIC, Family Registration Certificate (FRC) Birth Certificate etc. to the community will greatly benefit the members and contribute to  Chamber’s success.

 Under his leadership, ICCI has risen to the top position among country’s chambers, thanks to the contributions of various committees formed to promote linkages with key departments. The hard work of these committees has yielded significant results, earning the Chamber widespread recognition.

He said that a Mediation Council Office, Police Facilitation Centre, Tax Ombudsman office have already been working and offering  all the necessary services to the community.

He proudly mentioned his initiated mega projects including establishment of a state of the art Expo Centre at the heart of the twin cities, establishment of an Industrial Estate at Neela Dulla Interchange, Health Insurance of the ICCI members by expressing the hope that the dream of completion of these projects will soon materialize and the community will derive the benefit.

The ICCI President vowed that he is determined to continue the social service of the business community as well as the residents without any discrimination after the completion of his tenure as his corporate social responsibility by expressing the hope that the business community in the ICCI election for 2024-26 will vote for the Founder Group members by keeping their services for it and will enable them to bag the victory with sweeping majority.

On his part Mohammad Faheem Khan, Director General, NADRA apprised the attendees about the services to be offered by the Centre by commending ICCI President for his concerted efforts for the facility.

Prominent among those who attended the inaugural ceremony included Secretary General United Business Group Zafar Bakhtawari, President All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajraan, Ajmal Balooch, ICCI executives and members Nasir Mehmood Chaudhry, Malik Bashir Awan, Saifur Rehman, Imtiaz Abbasi, Ameer Hamza, Shahid Abbasi and other.

Russian Deputy PM Alexei Overchuk arrives in Islamabad

Russian Deputy PM Alexei Overchuk arrives in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD, SEPT 18 (DNA) – Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Alexei Overchuk, has arrived in Islamabad, Pakistan. He was warmly welcomed by Ambassador of Pakistan to the Russian Federation, Muhammad Khalid Jamali and Additional Foreign Secretary (Europe) Shafqat Ali Khan at the Islamabad Airport.

Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk will hold extensive talks with the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Pakistan Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 and call on the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan.

Iranian envoy to Lebanon among 1200 injured in explosions: reports

Iranian envoy to Lebanon among 1200 injured in explosions: reports

BEIRUT: Mojtaba Amani – the Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon – sustained injuries in a pager explosion in Beirut, which is being linked to a broader Israeli cyber attack affecting Lebanon and Syria.

The explosion occurred as part of a coordinated cyber offensive that targeted several locations in the region. Reports indicate that the ambassador, who was lightly injured, has been admitted to a Beirut hospital for treatment. In addition to Ambassador Amani, two other staff members of the Iranian embassy were also injured in the incident.

The embassy’s spokesperson confirmed the injuries through a social media post from the ambassador’s spouse, who reassured the public that the injuries were not severe. The attack marks a significant escalation in the ongoing regional tensions and cyber warfare.

The incident highlights the increasing vulnerability of diplomatic missions amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and its adversaries in the region. The Iranian government has not yet issued a formal response to the attack, but the situation is being closely monitored.

Security and diplomatic sources are working to assess the full impact of the cyber attack and to address the aftermath of the explosion. As tensions continue to rise, this event underscores the volatile security environment in the Middle East.

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