DNA

ISLAMABAD: Starlink, the satellite internet service, is set to launch in Pakistan by November or December, according to Minister of State for Information Technology (IT) and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja.

The minister shared the update during a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on IT and Telecom, chaired by Aminul Haq.

Last month, Khawaja confirmed that the satellite-based internet provider was granted temporary registration in Pakistan following the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. “With the consensus of all security and regulatory bodies, Starlink has been issued a temporary no-objection certificate (NOC),” she said in a statement on March 21.

The Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) informed the meeting that the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB) had granted Starlink a temporary licence. 

The PTA chairman clarified that the company would receive a full licence once the regulatory framework for satellite internet is given final touches.

Addressing questions from the committee, IT minister Khawaja assured that there were no significant hurdles in issuing the licence. 

ISLAMABAD, APR 7 /DNA/ – Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a telephone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio today. The two leaders discussed bilateral relations, regional security, and economic cooperation.

During the call, DPM/FM Dar reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the United States. He emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation in areas such as trade, investment and counter-terrorism.

Secretary Rubio reciprocated the desire to collaborate with Pakistan in trade and investment in various sectors, especially critical minerals. He said that cooperation in economy and trade would be the hall-mark of future relations between the two countries.

DPM/FM Dar highlighted Pakistan’s efforts in successfully fighting terrorism during 2013-18, which caused Pakistan huge economic and human losses.

Secretary of State Rubio also appreciated Pakistan’s efforts in the fight against terrorism and expressed the US desire to further enhance counter-terrorism cooperation.

The two leaders also discussed the situation in Afghanistan. Secretary Rubio agreed on the need to resolve the issue of US Military equipment left behind in Afghanistan.

DPM/FM Dar and Secretary of State Rubio agreed to remain in close contact and to work together to advance the shared interests of both countries.

ISLAMABAD, APR 7: Reacting to a bipartisan bill introduced in the US House of Representatives seeking sanctions against Pakistan, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan clarified on Monday that his party has no connection with legislation in the US Congress.

His comment came after two US lawmakers in the House of Representatives last month sought sanctions against Pakistani state officials via the bill titled ‘Pakistan Democracy Act’ over alleged human rights violations, including the “persecution” of former prime minister Imran Khan”.

The bill aims to invoke the US Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, which permits the US to deny visas and entry to individuals accused of committing human rights violations.

Talking to reporters at the Parliament House, Gohar said countless legislations and resolutions are passed in the US Congress, however, the former ruling party has no connection with the said bill.

He also clarified that his party is not in contact with the US delegation that arrived in Pakistan.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had brushed aside what was seen as an anti-Pakistan bill introduced in the US House of Representatives and hoped that the US would instead continue its supportive role in strengthening the Pak-US ties.

“We are aware of the bill being introduced in the House of Representatives. This is an initiative of a single individual legislator. We believe the timing and context of the bill do not align well with the current positive dynamics of Pakistan-US bilateral relations based on mutual respect, understanding and non-interference in each other’s affairs,” said the Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan at a press briefing.

Pakistan remains committed to constitutionalism, rule of law, protection of human rights and freedom of expression because it considers democracy as a vehicle for prosperity and progress as a nation, he added.

To a query regarding PTI-establishment contacts, Gohar gave a vague response, saying he was just as aware of the development as the media.

Some reporters questioned Gohar about the PTI’s next political move. To this, Gohar said that the PTI would finalise its future strategy after forming an alliance with the opposition parties.

He detailed that Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman will announce his decision on April 15 after consulting his party’s executive committee. The joint opposition will decide on terms of reference for the upcoming anti-government movement.

It is noteworthy to mention here that the Imran Khan-founded party expedited efforts to form a grand opposition alliance to launch an anti-government movement after Eid ul Fitr.

Following Khan’s directives, PTI leaders approached every political party to form a grand opposition alliance and launch an anti-government movement.

In April 2024, the PTI formed the Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP), a multi-party opposition alliance comprising the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M), Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), and Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM).

Whereas, after talks between the government and the opposition collapsed in January, the PTI made another push to establish a joint front against the ruling coalition by roping in ex-premier Shahid Khaqan Abbasi last month to become part of its movement.

Commenting on the internal rifts among the PTI leadership, Gohar said in today’s media talk that all of them are part of a democratic party which doesn’t stop anyone from expressing opinions.

He, however, advised the PTI leaders to discuss party affairs within the party.

Mahnoor Ansar

ISLAMABAD, APR 7 /DNA/ – On World Health Day, PODA Alliance for Rural Women Leadership – Pakistan, representing over 2,000 rural women leaders from 130 + districts, reiterates its call to incorporate right to health in the fundamental chapter of rights of the Constitution of Pakistan.

There is no specific article directly related to right to health in the Constitution of Pakistan. However, Pakistan affirms its commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by adopting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as its own national development agenda through a unanimous National Assembly Resolution in 2016. SDG 3 states “ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all at all ages.” In this perspective, it’s obligation of the government to fulfill all indicators described under SDG 3 specifically and Article 38 of the Constitution of Pakistan which safeguards access to healthcare services.

The World Health Organization (WHO) was founded in 1948 with the goal of promoting health, keeping the world safe, and serving the vulnerable. The First World Health Assembly, held that same year, designated April 7 as World Health Day to be celebrated annually starting from 1950. According to WHO the right to health features in approximately three-quarters of the constitutions of the 194 WHO Member States (at least 140).

Focusing on the current theme of World Health Day, Ms. Sameena Nazir, Chief Executive Officer of PODA said “recognizing health as a constitutional right is key to quality healthcare for every mother and newborn. Advocacy, policy reforms, and investment in healthcare infrastructure can make this right a reality.”

The current theme “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures” highlights the importance of ensuring healthy starts in life. By addressing child marriages and promoting access to healthcare, Pakistan can work towards achieving this goal and creating a brighter future for its citizens, said Sameena Nazir.

PODA is implementing a 3-year project, “Reduce Early Marriages to Enhance Gender Equality,” supported by the Norwegian Embassy in Islamabad. The project acknowledges the link between child marriages and healthcare in Pakistan, aiming to reduce early pregnancy and related health risks for young mothers and their children. A key strategy involves advocating for a uniform law establishing a minimum age for marriage to mitigate child marriages and associated health issues. Building on years of efforts to combat gender-based violence, PODA has been instrumental in educating marginalized communities about reproductive healthcare, enabling them to access better facilities and services to safeguard their basic constitutional rights.