LAHORE, MAR 24 (DNA)- Education is one of the greatest engines for societal development, laying a strong foundation for economic empowerment. To support Pakistan’s initiatives of making education accessible to its children, Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has donated essential supplies and limited-edition, handcrafted backpacks from its ‘Air crafted by Emirates’ collection to a non-profit organisation in Pakistan.

Pakistan has made significant reforms in its education system, continuously improving its infrastructure and resources to provide equal opportunities to children across the country. To support their efforts in rolling out access to education for children in rural areas, Emirates assisted the students of SOS Children’s Villages by donating 107 practical, stylish backpacks filled with stationery, books and hygiene supplies. The NGO was selected carefully as it serves local communities by creating a nurturing and inspirational space for financially disadvantaged youths to continue their education. The institute has a longstanding legacy of supporting youth and a particular focus on education. The initiative reinforces the airline’s commitment to ‘connecting communities’ by building enduring relationships and making meaningful differences in the destinations it serves.

Mohammed Al Nahari Alhashmi, Vice President, Pakistan for Emirates said: “We are pleased to collaborate with organizations such as SOS Village that share our commitment to advancing UN Sustainable Development Goal No. 4  to ensure every child has access to quality education and gets a chance to learn, thrive and unlock their full potential. With 17 branches across Pakistan, SOS Children’s Villages has a wide network in the country. They have been carefully selected for their dedicated work in providing abandoned or orphaned children with a safe and stable home where they can pursue their education.

“Donating the Aircrafted KIDS bags made with recycled materials and filled with essential stationary, learning and hygiene items will equip children with confidence and tools to make their everyday learning journey easier. We take pride in sharing our upcycled bags as this initiative not only promotes sustainability but also connects children in Pakistan with a piece of our history.”

Saba Faisal, the National Director of SOS Children’s Villages Pakistan, said: “It was a pleasure to host the Emirates team, and we would like to thank them for supporting the educational development of our children, who come from vulnerable backgrounds yet possess immense potential to achieve success and positively contribute to society. We are grateful for companies such as Emirates for their contribution towards the wellbeing of our students and impact them in such a positive way. It was a delight for our children to meet the Emirates team, receive the bags, and create happy memories they will cherish forever.”

To ensure the NGO received exactly what they needed for each and every student, SOS Children’s Villages handpicked the specific bags they required from the ‘Aircrafted KIDS by Emirates’ collection, accounting for children of all ages. The backpacks were then handmade by Emirates Engineering in-house, with materials upcycled from the airline’s iconic A380 and B777 aircraft that underwent refurbishments.

In addition to the bags, Emirates provided school and hygiene supplies such as pens, pencils, erasers, calculators, notebooks, sanitizers, soaps, toothpastes and more. The airline also purchased books which blend culturally rich stories with interactive learning opportunities. The books can be swapped and discussed amongst the students, further developing their understanding of the material.

Under the Aircrafted program more than 50,000 kg of materials from 191 aircrafts slated to undergo the airline’s interior cabin retrofit programme are expected to be recovered and repurposed. In addition to the donations made in Pakistan, Emirates provided organisations in Bangladesh and India with bags, bringing the total donation to 700  in Asia alone after donating 1,239 in Africa in the previous months.

ISLAMABAD, MAR 24 (DNA)- Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani has said that Pakistan’s relations with the United States constitute an important element of its foreign policy and Pakistan has a longstanding and broad-based relationship with the U.S. The Chairman Senate expressed these views in a meeting with Natalie Bakar, Chargé d’Affaires in Islamabad on Monday. He said that our bilateral relationship is on the upward trajectory, and it is important to maintain the current positive momentum.
Mr. Gilani observed that mutual trust, mutual respect, and mutual interests should be the defining principles of this relationship. “We wish to further deepen and broaden this relationship” , he remarked. Chairman Senate highlighted the significance of people to people contacts and called for enhanced interaction at different levels to promote understanding. He said that Pakistan highly values relations with United States and desires to further deepen the cooperation through exchange of delegations at political , parliamentary , business and education and people to people levels. He said that Pakistan is encouraging US companies to explore new areas for investment in Pakistan. The U.S. remains Pakistan’s largest export market and we are desirous of diversifying our bilateral trade relationship with the U.S. , Chairman Senate stated while emphasizing the significance of trade and business relations. He also observed that Pakistan wants to have better and constructive relations with all regional countries despite bilateral challenges that afflict the region.
Mr. Gilani also mentioned special endeavours made by him to augment US-Pakistan relations during his tenure as Prime Minister. He recalled visiting the United States as Prime Minister of Pakistan in July 2008 and having productive and cordial meetings with the US administrations, especially the then President George W. Bush. Chairman Senate further recalled having a very fruitful meeting as Prime Minister of Pakistan with US President Barack Obama on the sidelines of a nuclear summit in Seoul in 2012.

He commended the U.S. assistance and contributions as an important economic and developmental partner. He underscored the need to diversify the relations while expressing the desire to work with US in diverse areas including climate change, mitigation and adaptation, energy transition, water management, climate smart agriculture biodiversity and waste management.  In addition to the economic relations, Chairman Senate also highlighted that Pakistan enjoys robust defense ties with the U.S. that has a long history, especially mentioning Pakistan’s role as a frontline state during the global war on terror. We must continue to explore new avenues for trade and investment, leveraging our unique strengths to drive growth and innovation, he observed. He welcomed the new US administration under President Donald Trump’s leadership and expressed hope for continued improvement in bilateral relations with the newly formed government. Mr. Gilani also appreciated the U.S. assistance in flood relief efforts and other natural calamities.

He also acknowledged the vibrant role of Pakistani diaspora in the U.S. and the importance of educational exchanges .

He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to constructive engagement with the U.S., expressing hope for continued diplomatic collaboration and sustained bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Ms. Natalie Bakar   Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy thanked the Chairman Senate for the warm welcome. She said that Pakistan is an important country and President Trump has also appreciated Pakistan’s role in counter terrorism efforts. She acknowledged Gilani’s efforts for promoting peace and termed him a champion of peace. Ms. Bakar also called for broadening trade and economic ties. She also expressed well wishes for the Chairman Senate.

DNA

KARACHI, MAR 24: Muhammad Athar Kazi, Secretary General of the All Pakistan Newspapers Society has announced that the member publications of the APNS  will observe two closed holidays on account of EID-UL-FITR as per following:

In case the Eid falls on Monday March 31, 2025

There will be no morning newspapers on Tuesday, April 01, 2025 and Wednesday, April 02, 2025, whereas the evening newspapers not appearing on Monday, March 31, 2025 and Tuesday, April 01, 2025 may bring out their edition on Wednesday, April 02, 2025, if they so desire.

However, if Eid falls on Tuesday, April 01, 2025

There will be no morning newspapers on Wednesday, April 02, 2025 and Thursday, April 03, 2025, whereas the evening newspapers not appearing on Tuesday, April 01, 2025 and Wednesday, April 02, 2025 may bring out their edition on Thursday, April 03, 2025, if they so desire.

QUETTA: At least 16 terrorists were killed by security forces during an attempt to cross into Pakistan from Afghanistan in general area Ghulam Khan Kallay of North Waziristan district, the military’s media wing said on Sunday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces detected a group of terrorists attempting to cross the Afghan border in North Waziristan’s Ghulam Khan Kallay area.

“Own troops effectively engaged and thwarted their attempt to infiltrate. After an intense fire exchange, all sixteen Khwarij [terrorists] were sent to hell,” said the ISPR in the statement, using the term designating members of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

It noted that Pakistan has consistently been asking the interim Afghan government to ensure effective border management on their side of the border.

“Interim Afghan government is expected to fulfil its obligations and deny the use of Afghan soil by Khwarij for perpetrating acts of terrorism against Pakistan,” it added.

The statement said security forces are determined and remain committed to securing its borders and eliminating the menace of terrorism from the country.

The two nations share a porous border spanning around 2,500 kilometres with several crossing points which hold significance as a key element of regional trade and relations between the people across both sides of the fence.

However, the issue of terrorism remains a key issue for Pakistan which has urged Afghanistan to prevent its soil from being used by groups such as the TTP to carry out attacks inside the former’s territory.

Islamabad’s reservations have also been confirmed by a report submitted to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) by the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team, which has revealed a nexus between Kabul and the TTP with the former providing logistical, operational and financial support to the latter.

Earlier in Jan, security forces killed six terrorists trying to infiltrate from the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Zhob district of Balochistan.

In a statement, the military’s media wing said security forces intercepted the militants on the night of January 22-23 in the district’s Sambaza area.

“Own troops effectively engaged and thwarted their [terrorists] attempt to infiltrate. Resultantly, six khwarij [terrorists] were sent to hell,” it added.

The country witnessed a sharp increase in terror attacks in January 2025, surging by 42% compared to the previous month, according to data released by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), a think tank.

The data revealed that at least 74 militant attacks were recorded nationwide, resulting in 91 fatalities, including 35 security personnel, 20 civilians, and 36 militants. Another 117 individuals sustained injuries, including 53 security forces personnel, 54 civilians, and 10 militants.

KP remained the worst-affected province, followed by Balochistan. In KP’s settled districts, militants carried out 27 attacks, resulting in 19 fatalities, including 11 security personnel, six civilians, and two militants.

The tribal districts of KP (erstwhile Fata) witnessed 19 attacks, leading to 46 deaths, including 13 security personnel, eight civilians, and 25 militants.

Attack on a mosque in the country’s southwest that killed at least 44 people

Saifullah Ansar

ISLAMABAD, MAR 23: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has strongly condemned the terrorist attack on worshippers in Niger that claimed lives of innocent people.

In a message on social media platform X (Sunday), the Prime Minister said Pakistan stands in solidarity with the people of Niger and shares in their grief during this difficult time.

He said the terrorist attack on worshippers during the sacred month of Ramadan is a painful reminder that terrorism recognizes neither faith nor humanity.

West Africa’s Sahel region has seen an uptick in violence in recent years following the rise of armed fighters linked to the al-Qaeda and ISIL (ISIS) armed groups that took over territory in north Mali after the 2012 Tuareg rebellion.

Since then, it has spread into neighbouring Niger and Burkina Faso, and more recently into the north of coastal West African countries such as Togo and Ghana.

Niger’s interior ministry said the latest attack occurred early in the afternoon as people were attending a prayer service at the mosque during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

With the financial & technical support of the World Bank, the Government of Sindh is making substantial progress in restoring infrastructure, livelihoods, & essential services

Mumtaz Ahmed Bhatti

The Sindh Flood Emergency Rehabilitation Project (SFERP) is a large-scale initiative aimed at addressing the catastrophic effects of the 2022 floods in Sindh, Pakistan. Launched with financial and technical assistance from the World Bank, the project seeks to rebuild essential infrastructure, rehabilitate affected communities, and enhance disaster resilience in the province. The unprecedented monsoon rains of 2022 led to widespread destruction, severely impacting millions of people, causing extensive displacement, loss of life, and economic downturns. In response, the Government of Sindh, in collaboration with the World Bank, formulated SFERP to address immediate relief needs and implement long-term recovery strategies.The 2022 floods in Sindh were among the worst in the province’s history. Excessive monsoon rains resulted in overflowing rivers and reservoirs, submerging entire villages and towns. The flooding destroyed roads, bridges, farmlands, and homes, severely impacting agriculture—the backbone of Sindh’s economy. The humanitarian crisis necessitated an urgent response, prompting the Government of Sindh and international stakeholders to intervene. The primary goal of SFERP was not only to address immediate relief needs but also to lay the foundation for long-term disaster resilience and sustainable development.Rebuilding and restoring damaged roads, bridges, and irrigation systems to ensure smooth connectivity and agricultural productivity. Providing financial aid, agricultural support, and livelihood opportunities to flood-affected communities. Assisting in the rebuilding of homes for displaced families with improved flood-resistant designs.Repairing damaged health and educational facilities to ensure uninterrupted services.Implementing early warning systems and strengthening institutional capacity for future disaster management. Addressing waterlogging and salinity issues caused by excessive floodwater and restoring ecosystems.The project is structured around several components to ensure comprehensive recovery.Infrastructure Rehabilitation,Repairing and upgrading major roads and bridges.Restoring irrigation and drainage networks essential for agriculture.Ensuring sustainable water management solutions.Reconstructing homes with climate-resilient designs.Providing financial assistance to families who lost their homes.Implementing low-cost housing solutions in high-risk areas.Offering financial grants and micro-loans to small businesses and farmers.Introducing skill development programs for employment generation.Supporting farmers with seeds, fertilizers, and modern farming techniques.Rebuilding and equipping damaged hospitals and clinics.Ensuring the availability of essential medicines and healthcare workers.Repairing schools and providing necessary educational materials.Establishing flood monitoring and early warning systems.Training local communities in disaster response and mitigation.Strengthening institutions for better disaster management coordination.Since its launch, SFERP has made significant strides in implementing recovery and rehabilitation initiatives.378 water supply schemes and 156 drainage schemes have been completed, with 80% of the work finalized.Sindh Emergency Rescue Services 1122 District Headquarters Expansion:Four District Headquarters in Thatta, Sujawal, Badin, and Tharparkar were completed in February 2025, with handing over planned for March 2025.Six District Headquarters in Qambar Shahdadkot, Jacobabad, Ghotki, Sanghar, Matiari, and Umerkot are at the completion stage, with handover planned for April 2025.Two more District Headquarters in Khairpur and Naushahroferoz are under construction and will be completed by June 2025.Three government hospital emergency facilities were refurbished in August 2024.Ten trauma centers and emergency rooms were refurbished in ten district civil hospitals, including Civil Hospital Ghotki, Kumber, Shahdadkot, Shikarpur, Jacobabad, Sujawal, Johi, Matiari, Matli, and Thatta.Roadwork is in progress in 19 districts, with a total of 144 roads covering 836 km.120 roads covering 704 km have been completed.The remaining 24 roads, covering 132 km, will be completed by May 2025, benefiting 5.0 million people.The project ensures that all roads, water supply schemes, and infrastructure are constructed using the best available materials, adhering to international standards. Procurement of advanced vehicles and equipment for emergency rescue operations.Adherence to climate-resilient construction standards to prevent future flood damage.The successful execution of the SFERP project is a testament to the exceptional leadership of Secretary P&D Sajjad Hussain, Chairman P&D Najam Shah, and Project Director Muhammad Aslam Leghari. Their dedication, strategic planning, and professional approach have ensured efficiency, quality, and timely implementation. Strong leadership is vital in large-scale projects, and their commitment to excellence has significantly contributed to its progress. Through effective project management, they have optimized resource allocation, mitigated risks, and fostered seamless coordination among teams. Their unwavering efforts deserve immense appreciation, as they continue to drive the project toward successful completion with vision and determination.The Sindh Flood Emergency Rehabilitation Project (SFERP) represents a significant step toward rebuilding and strengthening Sindh’s disaster resilience. With the financial and technical support of the World Bank, the Government of Sindh is making substantial progress in restoring infrastructure, livelihoods, and essential services. The project not only addresses the immediate needs of flood-affected communities but also lays a strong foundation for sustainable development and future disaster preparedness. Through its comprehensive approach, SFERP is transforming Sindh into a more resilient and secure province, ensuring that the devastating impacts of the 2022 floods do not repeat in the future.

Says, “We attach exceptional importance to the comprehensive development of our relations

DNA

ISLAMABAD: President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has congratulated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and people of Pakistan on the occasion of Pakistan Day.

In a letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the President of Azerbaijan said, “On behalf of myself and the people of Azerbaijan, I sincerely congratulate you and your brotherly people on the occasion of the national holiday of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan – Pakistan Day, extending my best wishes.”

He said, “The current level of the Azerbaijan-Pakistan strategic partnership and our cooperation, which is enriched with new content day by day, is a source of great satisfaction.”

“Our successful joint activities in the economy, transport, logistics, energy, investment, defense industry, and several other areas of mutual interest are among the key factors determining our ties,” he added.

He said, “At the same time, the alignment of our positions on international issues and our mutual support serve as a clear expression of the Azerbaijan-Pakistan brotherhood, contributing to the fundamental interests of our countries and peoples.”

“We attach exceptional importance to the comprehensive development of our relations, which are built on strong foundations such as common cultural values and solidarity, stemming from the deep affection, respect, and trust between our brotherly peoples. The intensity of high-level visits, meetings, and contacts is a clear indication of the dynamic growth of our cooperation,” he continued.

The President said, “I highly appreciate our productive meeting held in an atmosphere of mutual trust, understanding, and sincerity during your state visit to Azerbaijan last month, as well as the exchange of views and discussions we had.”

“The agreements we reached on the future directions of Azerbaijan-Pakistan relations in various fields, along with the numerous documents signed during the visit, will contribute to further expanding the scope of our bilateral agenda and realizing our economic and trade potential in different areas,” he added.

He expressed confidence that the traditional friendship and strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Pakistan, strengthened by the time-tested brotherhood and unity of our peoples, will continue to grow and deepen through our joint efforts.

“On this significant day, I wish you good health, happiness, and success in your endeavors, and the brotherly people of Pakistan everlasting peace, prosperity, and well-being,” he added.