KARACHI, FEB 24 /DNA/ – “The APNS is holding 25th APNS Awards Ceremony wherein, the Prime Minister, Mr. Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has been requested to grace the ceremony as Chief Guest and distribute the Awards among the winners of journalist and advertising agencies awards.

The APNS has announced the winners of 24th APNS Journalist Awards which will be given at the APNS Awards Ceremony. The Panel of Judges consisted of the prominent writers and intellectuals namely, Ms. Ameena Saiyid, Ms. Nasira Zuberi, Prof. Tauseef Ahmed, Mr. Abid Ali Syed, Prof. Semi Naghmana, Prof. Dr. Rafia Taj, Ms. Sana Ali, Dr. Fateh Muhammad Burfat, Prof. Dr. Har Baksh Makhijani and Dr. Badruddin Soomro.

The Panel selected the following awards :

• Best Feature Award (English), Mr. Muhammad Hanif, Daily Dawn.
• Best Feature Award (Urdu), Mr. Munawar Ali Rajput, Daily Jang.
• Best Feature Award (Regional Languages), Mr. Wahid Paras Hisbani, Fortnightly Ibrat Magazine
• Best Column Award (English), Mr. Salman Masood, Daily The Nation
• Best Column Award (Urdu), Ms. Razia Fareed, Daily Jang and Mr. Nusrat Javed, Daily Nawa-i-Waqt
• Best Column Award (Regional Languages), Mr. Ali Muhammad Memon, Daily Kawish and Mir Qaim Khan Talpur, Daily Ibrat
• Best Investigative Report, Ms. Naziha Syed Ali, Daily Dawn and Mr. Muhammad Akbar Notezai, Daily Dawn
• Best Investigative Report (Business/Economic), Mr. Saleem Ullah Siddiqui, Daily Jang
• Best Investigative Report (Environmental/Conservation/Gender) Mr. Muhammad Akbar Notezai, Daily Dawn
• Best Cartoon, Mr. Rohait Bhagwant, Daily Dawn
• Best Photograph, Mr. Jalaluddin Qureshi, Daily The Express Tribune

From Our Correspondent

PESHAWAR, FEB 24 : Senior Vice President Pak-Afghan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PAJCCI), Zia-ul-Haq Sarhadi, has urged the governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan to address the challenges faced by traders and the public due to the ongoing closure of the Pak-Afghan border at Torkham.

In a press statement issued on Monday, Zia-ul-Haq Sarhadi, who is also an Executive Member of the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), highlighted the severe impact of the border closure, which has persisted for the last three consecutive days.

He stated that the shutdown has not only halted trade between the two neighbouring countries but has also left thousands of people in distress on both sides of the border.

He pointed out that approximately 2,500 goods-laden trucks are stranded on the Pakistani side, waiting for clearance, with a similar number of vehicles stuck across the border.

Many of these trucks carry perishable goods, including meat, poultry, vegetables, fruits, and juices, which risk spoilage if not transported promptly.

Furthermore, Zia noted that hundreds of people, including patients, women, children, and elderly passengers, are stranded at the border, anxiously waiting for it to reopen. Many have been forced to wait at immigration centers for the past three days without any clear updates on the situation.

The PAJCCI official also expressed concerns over the financial strain on the business community, which was already grappling with the imposition of a two percent Infrastructure Development Cess on export consignments in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Although the provincial government later reduced the cess to one percent, businesses continue to shift to other provinces, particularly Balochistan, due to the added costs.

Zia emphasized that sudden and prolonged closures of the Torkham border severely disrupt bilateral trade, causing significant economic losses for businesses on both sides.

He urged authorities in Pakistan and Afghanistan to resolve the issue immediately and ensure the uninterrupted movement of trade and passengers for the benefit of both nations.

ISLAMABAD, FEB 24: /DNA/ – With the financial support of the Government of Canada, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Country Office Pakistan is working hand in hand with the Government of Pakistan to enhance security, law enforcement, and judicial systems. Through a series of strategic initiatives and high-level engagements in Karachi and Islamabad, this collaboration underscores the strong and enduring partnership between Pakistan, Canada, and the UNODC. Together, they are strengthening institutional capabilities to address emerging security threats and governance challenges effectively while promoting human rights and gender responsiveness through initiatives for law enforcement and criminal justice stakeholders.

Handing over Ceremony of Advanced Body Scanners to Airports Security Force – Karachi

In a significant step toward strengthening Pakistan’s aviation security, UNODC and Government of Canada officially handed over one of several advanced 360-degree body scanners to the Pakistan Airports Security Force (ASF). These scanners, which would be installed at major airports, will enhance the screening processes of passengers, preventing the smuggling of illicit goods and strengthening border security.

At the formal ceremony held at the ASF Center in Karachi, Major General Adnan Asif Jah Shad, Director General of ASF, received the equipment, highlighting its role in modernizing security operations. UNODC Country Representative Mr. Troels Vester stressed the long-term impact of this initiative, reaffirming UNODC and Canada’s commitment to Pakistan’s aviation security and border management.

Her Excellency Leslie Scanlon, High Commissioner of Canada to Pakistan, emphasized the deep-rooted partnership between the two governments and the importance of global cooperation in tackling common security challenges.

Inauguration of an eLearning Centre at CTD Sindh Police – Karachi

UNODC and the Government of Canada, in collaboration with NACTA and Sindh Police, inaugurated an eLearning Centre at the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), Sindh Police.

This facility provides law enforcement personnel with access to over 150 specialized training modules, covering critical topics such as: Counter-terrorism strategies, Cybercrime investigations and Prevention of violent extremism

Speaking at the event, Additional Inspector General of Police (IGP) Sindh, Mr. Muzaffar Ali Shaikh, stressed the pivotal role of digital learning in equipping law enforcement officers with essential investigative and operational skills. The High Commissioner of Canada acknowledged the contributions of Sindh Police in addressing the threats of terrorism in Karachi and emphasized on the importance of training front line officials to stay ahead of evolving security threats.

Modernizing Pakistan’s Judicial System – Launch of the Case Assignment & Management System (CAMS) – Islamabad

In Islamabad, UNODC, in partnership with the Ministry of Law and Justice of Pakistan and the Government of Canada, launched the Case Assignment & Management System (CAMS)—a transformative digital solution designed to modernize litigation management, streamline case tracking, and improve transparency in judicial processes.

Key objectives of CAMS include: Enhancing efficiency in managing legal cases, strengthening coordination between government ministries and law officers, and ensuring timely case disposal and reducing administrative delays.

The launch of CAMS marks a milestone in judicial governance, underscoring a shared commitment to leveraging technology for a more transparent and efficient legal system.

During the launch ceremony the Prime Minster Honorable Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif mentioned that this was long overdue, and by making the system more efficient it would directly improve service delivery to citizens across the country.

In her remarks Her Excellency the High Commissioner of Canada Ms. Leslie Scanlon said “it is an privilege to witness the launch of CAMS, a digital platform that reinforces strong legal governance and accountability. Canada is committed to supporting innovative solutions and by making procedures more transparent and efficient for the benefit of citizens. Having the honorable Prime Minister of Pakistan participate in the launch of this initiative showcases the commitment of the government in legal reforms and a paradigm shift towards institutionalizing e-office initiatives”. 

UNODC Country Representative Mr. Troels Vester highlighted that “today marks a historic milestone as we launch CAMS—an innovative tool that will enhance transparency and streamline legal processes across Pakistan. The presence of the Honorable Prime Minister at this launch underscores the critical importance of modernizing litigation management to ensure efficient governance and access to justice. This system embodies our commitment to modernizing government entities, ensuring accountability, and expediting case management.”

Ms. Erin Estey who was visiting from the Global Affairs Canada team in Ottawa participated in all the meetings and met with various project stakeholders to get a better understanding of the impact of ongoing technical assistance through various Canadian funded projects through UNODC to enhance the operational capacity of law enforcement and criminal justice stakeholders in preventing and countering terrorism, enhancing border management approaches across airports and disrupting illicit financial flows.

KARACHI, 24 Feb : /DNA/ – The Opening Brief of Exercise SEA GUARD-25 was conducted under the auspices of Pakistan Navy. Commander Coast, Rear Admiral Faisal Amin, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.

The second in its series, Exercise SEA GUARD is a Pakistan Navy initiative aimed at bringing together representatives from Pakistan’s diverse maritime sectors; including shipping, fisheries, law enforcement agencies, private entities, and NGOs under one platform to collectively address multifaceted challenges in the maritime domain. In addition to prominent figures from private sector and fishing community, representatives from various organizations, including the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency, Pakistan Coast Guards, Pakistan National Shipping Corporation, Anti-Narcotics Force, Federal Investigation Agency, Karachi Port Trust, and Port Qasim Authority, attended the session.

During the opening brief, participants were apprised of the aims and objectives of Exercise SEA GUARD, as well as the critical role of the Joint Maritime Information Coordination Centre (JMICC) in ensuring maritime safety and security along Pakistan’s coastline. The exercise seeks to enhance coordination among national stakeholders while operating within their respective legal frameworks, using JMICC as a common platform to strengthen security of Pakistan’s maritime zones. It includes a series of practical scenario-based exercises at sea, along with table-top discussions, to refine and improve existing security mechanisms.

Commander Coast, Rear Admiral Faisal Amin, expressed his gratitude to all national stakeholders for their participation and commended their contributions towards fostering a safer maritime environment.

Prime Minister Shehbaz said US$2 billion investment in Pakistan announced by the Azerbaijan President will bring dividends to both countries

DNA

BAKU, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on Monday reaffirmed their commitment to boost trade turnover and increase cooperation across various sectors including defence, transportation and connectivity.

During a joint press stakeout, following the exchange of pre-signed documents of various projects, the two leaders emphasized the importance of unlocking the full potential of bilateral trade and investment in a range of mutually beneficial areas.

Prime Minister Shehbaz said US$2 billion investment in Pakistan announced by the Azerbaijan President will bring dividends to both countries.

He said that a one-month time had been given to finalize all the projects and agreements in various sectors to be signed in April this year during the visit of Azerbaijan President to Pakistan.

“This will be the first quantum jump in our trade and investment relations and will be a huge reflection of our fraternal ties,” the prime minister said adding that “Our business, trade, and investment ties were not reflecting the true strength of our relations but today we have achieved that target and in a months’ time we will celebrate this great decision into action”.

President Aliyev regretted that the bilateral trade turnover was only several tens of million of US dollars that was needed to be increased.

“I think we have the way how to do it”, he said adding that “We received concrete projects from Pakistan, and Azerbaijani representatives are evaluating them, today we put ambitious and realistic targets to finalize all the discussions within one month and by the beginning of April, the documents will be prepared for signing”.

The President of Azerbaijan emphasized that these projects covered infrastructure development areas as well as energy, economic, mining and others.

He said during his meeting with PM Shehbaz Sharif, they discussed important issues, and reaffirmed resolve to continue to support each other on all issues of international relations.

He said they also discussed numerous issues of current international development and cooperation in defence area including defence industry.

“Azerbaijan has already acquired defence equipment from Pakistan and we are satisfied with the quality of this equipment and we will continue to do to it.

At the same time, he said, they also discussed opportunity of joint manufacturing in defence industrial items, which will be another important sector of bilateral cooperation.

As regards connectivity and transportation sectors, he said that the people to people contacts had also been developed successfully between the two countries. “With regular airlines connection, the number will grow and we will see more regular interactions between the two countries.”

Praising Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision and reforms which he implemented in Pakistan, he said these steps brought important results in areas of economy and political stability. “All is due to your hard work and work of your team, and we as your brother and friend, really happy on the achievements under your leadership,” he added.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended his gratitude to the Azerbaijan President for dispatching his delegation to Islamabad to add further beauty and attraction to Islamabad.

He also thanked him for his country’s continued support for the cause of Kashmir without any political conditions.

“We deeply appreciate this and I hope that resolutions passed by the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council will be materialized one day soon through our collective efforts,” he added.

The prime minister underscored that the People of Gaza now needed permanent ceasefire and today was the time that  pause in Gaza should now be converted into permanent ceasefire and dream of two-state of this area should be materialized.

BAKU, FEB 23: /DNA/ – Prime Minister of Pakistan, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, arrived in Baku for a two-days official visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Upon arrival at Heydar Aliyev International Airport, the Prime Minister was warmly received by senior Azerbaijani officials, including First Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Yaqub Abdulla oğlu Eyyubov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Yalchin Rafiyev, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Pakistan H.E. Mr. Khazar Farkhadov, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan H.E. Mr. Qasim Mohiuddin, and other senior dignitaries.

During the visit, the Prime Minister will hold high-level meetings with the President of Azerbaijan, H.E. Ilham Aliyev and other senior Azerbaijani officials.

The discussions will focus on further strengthening bilateral relations, expanding trade and investment, enhancing cooperation in the energy sector, synergize efforts to deal with  climate change,  deepening defense collaboration, and fostering cultural exchanges.

Several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements are expected to be signed, further solidifying the partnership between the two countries.

As part of his engagements, the Prime Minister and the Azerbaijani leadership will also address the Pakistan-Azerbaijan Business Forum, scheduled for Monday. The forum will bring together business leaders from both countries to explore avenues for joint ventures and trade and investment opportunities, emphasizing business-to-business (B2B) collaboration.

Pakistan and Azerbaijan share a long-standing bond of brotherhood, underpinned by shared values and common aspirations. This visit underscores the commitment of both nations to deepening their bilateral ties, enhancing economic cooperation, and fostering regional collaboration.

The Prime Minister is accompanied by a high-level ministerial delegation, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, Minister for Investment & Privatization Abdul Aleem Khan, Minister for Overseas Pakistanis & Human Resource Development Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Minister for Information & Broadcasting Ataullah Tarar, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi.

LAHORE, FEB 23: /DNA/ – The Sogetsu Ikebana Spring Exhibition, themed “Gandhara, Taxila, and Mehrgarh Civilizations,” opened in Lahore on Sunday.  The exhibition , organized by the Sogetsu Lahore Study Group, showcases the work of Sogetsu Ikebana artists who have drawn inspiration from these ancient civilizations, capturing their essence in unique and evocative floral arrangements.

The chief guest AKAMATSU Shuichi, the Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, inaugurated the exhibition. The exhibition highlights the rich cultural heritage of Pakistan and its connection to Japan through the art of Sogetsu Ikebana flower arrangements.  The flower arrangements not only demonstrate the artists’ skill but also tell stories, linking the past with the present and fostering a deeper understanding of these historical influences.

H.E. Ambassador AKAMATSU Shuichi, while speaking at the inaugural ceremony, expressed his delight to see the exhibition with such an evocative theme “Gandhara, Taxila, and Mehrgarh Civilizations” as these names, said the Ambassador, are important in Pakistan, Japan, and worldwide, showing the rich history and culture that has thrived here for thousands of years.

Appreciating the beautiful Sogetsu exhibition, the Ambassador said he was deeply impressed the way these artists have drawn inspiration, from ancient civilizations and capturing their essence in delicate flower arrangements. “These arrangements aren’t just beautiful; they tell stories, linking the past with the present”, he further added.

The Ambassador said that this Ikebana exhibition and other cultural events strengthen the bond and understanding between Japan and Pakistan, promoting peace, harmony, and respect through art. He also expressed his gratitude to Lahore Sogetsu Study Group for their invaluable assistance with the beautiful Ikebana arrangements for the Japan’s National Day celebration in Islamabad on the 18th of February that added a special touch to the occasion. The Ambassador also congratulated the Lahore Sogetsu Study Group for receiving the Japanese Ambassador’s Commendation in 2024, saying this award testifies their significant contributions in promoting Japanese culture in Pakistan especially in Lahore.

Ms. Neveen Syed, Director of the Sogetsu Lahore Study Group, expressed her gratitude to Blue Pine Serviced Residencies and all participating artists for their contributions in arranging this fascinating exhibition.