ISLAMABAD, MAR 14 /DNA/ – We join the international community in commemorating 15th March as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. Three years ago, the United Nations General Assembly adopted its landmark decision to mark this day amidst increasing prejudice, hatred, discrimination, and attacks against Muslim communities, as well as their sacred symbols and places of worship. This day not only serves as a stark reminder of the gravity of the challenges being faced by Muslims worldwide but also as a powerful call to action, reflecting the collective will of the international community to combat Islamophobia through concrete legislative and policy measures.

Pakistan is extremely proud to have led this important initiative at the United Nations and welcomes actions taken by some Member States to outlaw the desecration of the Holy Quran as well as to address the systemic marginalization of Muslims. However, much more is urgently needed to reverse the alarming tide of Islamophobia and end the flagrant violations of fundamental human rights and religious freedoms.

At a time when religious intolerance is on the rise, we reaffirm that no justification exists for blasphemy or the desecration of sacred symbols under the guise of freedom of expression. For every Muslim, safeguarding the honor of the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is not just a duty but a sacred trust, one that we uphold with absolute conviction. Respect for all faiths and their revered figures is essential for global peace and harmony. It is imperative that international forums recognize the profound hurt caused by such acts and work collectively to prevent them.

On this International Day to Combat Islamophobia, Pakistan reiterates its call on the international community, human rights organizations, and global leaders to raise awareness against this scourge, as well as to prevent incidents of desecration of the Holy Quran, attacks against mosques, and other acts of religious intolerance against Muslims. In line with the decision of the United Nations General Assembly, we also look forward to the early appointment of a UN Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia as an important milestone towards addressing this challenge.

Let this day serve as a catalyst for global unity and solidarity not only in speaking out and acting against the rising tide of Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hatred but also in promoting dialogue, harmony, and mutual understanding across religions, faiths, cultures, and civilizations. This is essential for overcoming divisions and building mutual respect across diverse communities.

Pakistan remains steadfast in its commitment to spreading Islam’s true message—one of love, peace, and tolerance.

ISLAMABAD, MAR 14 /DNA/ – Commander Bahrain National Guard, General Shaikh Mohammed Bin Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa, called on Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, at Naval Headquarters, Islamabad.

Upon arrival at Naval Headquarters, Commander Bahrain National Guard was received by Naval Chief. The dignitary was also introduced to the Principal Staff Officers at Naval Headquarters. During the meeting, both leaders discussed matters of mutual interest, regional maritime security situation, and avenues for enhanced cooperation in defence, training, and security. Admiral Naveed Ashraf highlighted Pakistan Navy’s initiatives for ensuring maritime security and regional stability through Regional Maritime Security Patrols.

General Shaikh Mohammed Bin Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa appreciated and acknowledged Pakistan Navy’s contributions and unwavering commitment to collaborative maritime security efforts in the region. Both leaders pledged to further strengthen and diversify the scope of existing bilateral defence relationship.

Pakistan and Bahrain share longstanding brotherly relations, with close naval cooperation, particularly in training and maritime security. The visit of the Commander Bahrain National Guard is expected to further enhance bilateral collaboration between the two countries.

ISLAMABAD, MAR 14 /DNA/ – The National University of Modern Languages (NUML) and the National Information Technology Board (NITB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster collaboration between academia and the IT industry. The signing ceremony, held at NUML, was attended by Director General NUML Brig Shahzad Munir and CEO NITB Babar Majid Bhatti, along with senior officials from both institutions.

Speaking at the ceremony, Brig Shahzad Munir and Babar Majid Bhatti hailed the MoU as a significant step towards digital transformation and economic growth. They emphasized that this partnership is just the beginning of a long-term collaboration that will bring mutual benefits. Both reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the effective execution and implementation of the agreement.

To oversee the implementation process, NUML has also established a Steering Committee, which will play a pivotal role in planning, executing, and monitoring various initiatives under the MoU.

The primary objective of this partnership is to bridge the gap between academia and the IT industry by promoting research, development, and knowledge-sharing. Through this collaboration, both institutions aim to enhance technological readiness and support Pakistan’s digital transformation efforts.

The MoU will facilitate joint research projects, allowing faculty and students to work on real-world IT challenges while contributing to the country’s innovation ecosystem.

Additionally, the agreement will create opportunities for professional training and skill development in the IT sector. NUML students will have access to unpaid internships within NITB projects, providing them with hands-on experience and industry exposure. The collaboration will also involve the organization of joint workshops, seminars, and conferences, fostering a culture of continuous learning and engagement with IT professionals.

A key component of the MoU is the establishment of an Ideation Hub, which will serve as a platform for innovation and creativity in the IT sector. This hub will encourage students, researchers, and industry experts to collaborate on cutting-edge solutions, driving technological advancements and economic growth.

This partnership reflects NUML’s commitment to equipping students with the necessary skills to excel in the rapidly evolving digital landscape while supporting government-led IT initiatives. Through this collaboration, both institutions aim to contribute to Pakistan’s technological advancement and economic development.

One of the key figures present at the exhibition was Sardar Yasir Ilyas, the CEO of Centaurus, who visited all the stalls and praised the high quality of the products displayed. Speaking to the media, he described the Uzbek trade fair as a resounding success and expressed optimism that such initiatives would further cement trade relations between entrepreneurs from both countries

Ansar M Bhatti/DNA

ISLAMABAD, MAR 14 (DNA): The Embassy of Uzbekistan in Pakistan successfully organized a trade mission in collaboration with the Plant Quarantine and Protection Agency and the Association of Exporters of Uzbekistan. The trade fair generated immense interest among both the general public and key business stakeholders in Pakistan, with many expressing a strong desire to enhance trade ties with Uzbek companies.

The exhibition showcased a diverse range of Uzbek products, primarily focusing on fresh and dried fruits, vegetables, food, and processed products. The event provided a significant platform for Pakistani entrepreneurs to engage directly with Uzbek exporters and explore potential business collaborations. The positive response and enthusiastic participation from Pakistani businesses indicated a strong inclination towards fostering long-term trade relations between the two nations.

Adding to the event’s significance, diplomats from various countries attended the exhibition and lauded the initiative taken by the Uzbek Embassy. They emphasized the importance of such trade fairs in strengthening economic cooperation and opening new avenues for investment and trade expansion.

One of the key figures present at the exhibition was Sardar Yasir Ilyas, the CEO of Centaurus, who visited all the stalls and praised the high quality of the products displayed. Speaking to the media, he described the Uzbek trade fair as a resounding success and expressed optimism that such initiatives would further cement trade relations between entrepreneurs from both countries.

Dean of the African Group and Ambassador of Morocco, Mohamed Karmoune, also attended the exhibition and was highly impressed by the quality and cost-effectiveness of the products on display. He remarked that such trade collaborations would not only benefit the two nations but also create opportunities for broader regional economic engagement.

Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan, Alisher Tukhtaev, accompanied the dignitaries to various stalls, personally briefing them about the products and their potential for export. He reiterated the commitment of Uzbekistan to enhancing trade relations with Pakistan and supporting initiatives that promote economic cooperation.

Ambassador of Uzbekistan in his speech said it was his great pleasure to warmly welcome all of you to the Food Fest Uzbekistan 2025 here in the beautiful city of Islamabad.

 He added, in these holy days of Ramazan, the Food Fest Uzbekistan aims to bring our two brotherly nations, Uzbekistan and Pakistan, even closer.

Uzbekistan’s food industry is not just about flavor – it is about history, culture, and the stories that have been passed down through generations. From the famous plov to the mouthwatering samsa, from the delectable lagman to the sweet and fragrant chak-chak, Uzbekistan’s cuisine is a reflection of its warm hospitality, rich traditions, and the spirit of togetherness that binds its people.

Ambassador Alisher said, this festival is a journey – a journey into the heart of Uzbek culture, where each product tells a story. These stories are of nomadic traditions, of ancient cities like Samarkand and Bukhara, of grand feasts, and of simple family meals shared around a table. Each bite is a connection to the past, and a celebration of the present.

‘Today, we are not just tasting food – we are celebrating the legacy of the people of Uzbekistan. The rich spices, the vibrant colors, the intricate preparation techniques – every detail has been carefully passed down through generations, and now, it is our honor to experiece it firsthand’.

As we explore the food stalls and engage in the various activities today, let us remember that food has the power to bring people together. It transcends boundaries, breaks down barriers, and creates bonds that last a lifetime, he added.

The exhibition provided a valuable opportunity for Uzbek exporters to establish connections with potential Pakistani buyers, including supermarket chains and large-scale importing enterprises. With the success of this event, industry experts anticipate long-term trade agreements and substantial orders from Pakistani businesses keen on importing high-quality Uzbek products.

The Embassy of Uzbekistan also extended invitations to Pakistani entrepreneurs engaged in agriculture and food trade to participate in the event. This initiative aimed to encourage business discussions and forge stronger partnerships between Uzbek and Pakistani enterprises, fostering mutual economic growth and prosperity.

One of the key figures present at the exhibition was Sardar Yasir Ilyas, the CEO of Centaurus, who visited all the stalls and praised the high quality of the products displayed. Speaking to the media, he described the Uzbek trade fair as a resounding success and expressed optimism that such initiatives would further cement trade relations between entrepreneurs from both countries

Ansar M Bhatti/DNA

ISLAMABAD, MAR 14 (DNA): The Embassy of Uzbekistan in Pakistan successfully organized a trade mission in collaboration with the Plant Quarantine and Protection Agency and the Association of Exporters of Uzbekistan. The trade fair generated immense interest among both the general public and key business stakeholders in Pakistan, with many expressing a strong desire to enhance trade ties with Uzbek companies.

The exhibition showcased a diverse range of Uzbek products, primarily focusing on fresh and dried fruits, vegetables, food, and processed products. The event provided a significant platform for Pakistani entrepreneurs to engage directly with Uzbek exporters and explore potential business collaborations. The positive response and enthusiastic participation from Pakistani businesses indicated a strong inclination towards fostering long-term trade relations between the two nations.

Adding to the event’s significance, diplomats from various countries attended the exhibition and lauded the initiative taken by the Uzbek Embassy. They emphasized the importance of such trade fairs in strengthening economic cooperation and opening new avenues for investment and trade expansion.

One of the key figures present at the exhibition was Sardar Yasir Ilyas, the CEO of Centaurus, who visited all the stalls and praised the high quality of the products displayed. Speaking to the media, he described the Uzbek trade fair as a resounding success and expressed optimism that such initiatives would further cement trade relations between entrepreneurs from both countries.

Dean of the African Group and Ambassador of Morocco, Mohamed Karmoune, also attended the exhibition and was highly impressed by the quality and cost-effectiveness of the products on display. He remarked that such trade collaborations would not only benefit the two nations but also create opportunities for broader regional economic engagement.

Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan, Alisher Tukhtaev, accompanied the dignitaries to various stalls, personally briefing them about the products and their potential for export. He reiterated the commitment of Uzbekistan to enhancing trade relations with Pakistan and supporting initiatives that promote economic cooperation.

Ambassador of Uzbekistan in his speech said it was his great pleasure to warmly welcome all of you to the Food Fest Uzbekistan 2025 here in the beautiful city of Islamabad.

 He added, in these holy days of Ramazan, the Food Fest Uzbekistan aims to bring our two brotherly nations, Uzbekistan and Pakistan, even closer.

Uzbekistan’s food industry is not just about flavor – it is about history, culture, and the stories that have been passed down through generations. From the famous plov to the mouthwatering samsa, from the delectable lagman to the sweet and fragrant chak-chak, Uzbekistan’s cuisine is a reflection of its warm hospitality, rich traditions, and the spirit of togetherness that binds its people.

Ambassador Alisher said, this festival is a journey – a journey into the heart of Uzbek culture, where each product tells a story. These stories are of nomadic traditions, of ancient cities like Samarkand and Bukhara, of grand feasts, and of simple family meals shared around a table. Each bite is a connection to the past, and a celebration of the present.

‘Today, we are not just tasting food – we are celebrating the legacy of the people of Uzbekistan. The rich spices, the vibrant colors, the intricate preparation techniques – every detail has been carefully passed down through generations, and now, it is our honor to experiece it firsthand’.

As we explore the food stalls and engage in the various activities today, let us remember that food has the power to bring people together. It transcends boundaries, breaks down barriers, and creates bonds that last a lifetime, he added.

The exhibition provided a valuable opportunity for Uzbek exporters to establish connections with potential Pakistani buyers, including supermarket chains and large-scale importing enterprises. With the success of this event, industry experts anticipate long-term trade agreements and substantial orders from Pakistani businesses keen on importing high-quality Uzbek products.

The Embassy of Uzbekistan also extended invitations to Pakistani entrepreneurs engaged in agriculture and food trade to participate in the event. This initiative aimed to encourage business discussions and forge stronger partnerships between Uzbek and Pakistani enterprises, fostering mutual economic growth and prosperity.