DNA

The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on Wednesday explored various avenues to strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation in different areas such as defence and aviation.

The matter of such utmost importance came under discussion during a meeting between H.E. Jemal Beker Abdula, Special Envoy, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of FDR Ethiopia to Pakistan, and H.E. Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Minister for Defence and Aviation of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

Both sides also discussed full spectrum of ongoing bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation between the two brotherly countries.

During the meeting, H.E. Ambassador Jemal Beker expressed his gratitude for a continued support of the Government of Pakistan to the Government of Ethiopia at bilateral and multilateral level. 

The Ambassador briefed the minister on ongoing economic reforms carried out by the Government of Ethiopia to achieve macroeconomic stability, attract Foreign Direct Investment, increase productivity and job creation.

He also apprised the minister about relief and rescue efforts carried out in Gofa region of Ethiopia for permanent relocation of the affected persons.

Expressing his condolences for the loss of lives in landslide incidents that took place in Gofa region of Ethiopia, the minister reiterated the Government’s commitment and support to the people and Government of Ethiopia in difficult times.

H.E. Khawaja Asif expressed his government’s commitment to increase its presence in the African continent of more than 1.4 billion people with untapped resources.

The Minister recognized pivotal role of the FDR Ethiopia in effective implementation of Look Africa and Engage Africa policy of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan that attached utmost priority to Ethiopia which is a gate way to Africa.

H.E. Khawaja Asif appreciated arrival of the Ethiopian Airlines in Karachi which has given a major boost to the bilateral relations of the two countries especially people-to-people and business-to-business ties between Ethiopia and Pakistan as well connect the rest of Africa.

He also lauded economic progress achieved by Ethiopia under the leadership of H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of Ethiopia, who successfully implemented home grown economic reforms for peace and prosperity in the country.

Lahore, JUL 30: Sardar Kamal, the celebrated comedian actor known for his significant contributions to Pakistani cinema and theater, has passed away at the age of 52.

Kamal, who died of a heart attack, was a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, recognised for his remarkable talent and infectious humor.

His mortal remains will be transported to Faisalabad, his hometown, where his funeral will be held.

Throughout his illustrious career, Sardar Kamal starred in over 30 films, bringing laughter and joy to audiences with his impeccable comedic timing.

His contributions were not limited to films; he also left an indelible mark on the theater scene with his performances in countless stage dramas.

Kamal’s ability to evoke laughter and spread happiness earned him a cherished place in the hearts of many.

His legacy will continue to live on through his memorable performances and the smiles he brought to countless fans. His passing is a great loss to the entertainment industry and to all who knew and admired him.

Official warns of problems if Pakistani expatriates are not given due training to improve their behaviour

DNA

ISLAMABAD: In a worrying development that might have far-reaching consequences for hundreds and thousands of Pakistanis, several Gulf countries have expressed their concerns regarding Pakistani expatriates and labour force.

The revelation was made during a Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis during which Secretary Overseas Pakistanis Dr Arshad apprised the forum that the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait have voiced reservations on various issues related to overseas Pakistanis.

The disclosure comes months after the ministry back in September 2023 informed the same body that out of all the Pakistanis leaving the country, beggars are going abroad the most.

The official had said that Pakistani beggars travel to Iraq and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the guise of ziarat [pilgrimage]. Most people visit KSA on Umrah visas and then indulge in begging-related activities.

Out of all the beggars who were arrested, 90% turned out to be Pakistanis, the secretary had said.

However, the current development relates to a significantly more concerning issue as it highlights the rather “inappropriate” behaviour of Pakistanis in the UAE which includes them making videos in front of women in Dubai.

Secretary Dr Arshad today apprised the committee today that around 0.6 to 0.8 million Pakistanis go abroad each year, of which 200,000 to 300,000 come back.

Out of the total people travelling abroad, 96% go to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, they said.

Briefing about the problems that other nations have with Pakistan, the officials informed the committee that the UAE informed us that we had a quota of 1.6 million, which has exceeded to 1.8 million.

Pakistanis, they said, visit Malaysia for a year, extend their stay, and are then sent to jail. People have also slipped in Iraq, the officials said, noting that their exact number is not known.

Senator Nasir Abbas, adding to the conversation, said Bangladeshis are securing more jobs compared to Pakistanis. He added that in Iraq, Pakistanis are “helpless” as they are employed as cheap labour. Abbas added that they are kept as “prisoners” in Iraq.

The senator said that development works are underway in Iraq and they need labour. In response, the overseas officials said that Pakistanis in Iraq have several complaints.

Moving forward, the officials told the committee members that 2 million Pakistanis reside in Saudi Arabia and 0.4 million go to the kingdom every year.

KSA authorities, the officials said, have asked Pakistanis not to send “beggars and sick people”. They added that GCC is modern now, they are focusing on technology and development.

The overseas ministry officials said that Pakistanis going abroad are “unskilled” and noted that our people aren’t being trained as well. “People from other nations are replacing ours.”

They also noted that Pakistanis’ work ethics, work attitudes, and involvement in crime are big issues. In UAE, they said, Pakistanis are involved in 50% of the overall crime.

The officials said nations are “suspicious” of Pakistanis and are looking towards others. Providing further details, they said that 600,000-800,000 people go abroad, of which 96% travel to the Middle East. “Sensible people search for opportunities and go abroad.”

ISLAMABAD, JUL 30 (DNA) — Vice Chancellor (VC), Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU), Prof. Dr. Nasir Mahmood, Tuesday called on Sindh’s Minister of Education and Minerals, Syed Sardar Ali Shah in the latter’s office and discussed matters relating to the expansion of educational facilities in remote areas of Sindh.

During the meeting, Syed Sardar Ali Shah stated that the university will be provided with all possible support to promote education.  The provincial minister praised AIOU for illuminating remote areas across the country with the light of knowledge and acknowledged the mission to spread education in Sindh as a commendable initiative.

He assured the VC of the provincial government’s support for this noble cause. The VC briefed the provincial minister on the university’s network and educational services across Sindh.  He emphasized that their mission is to illuminate remote areas with knowledge, identifying regions, where formal education systems are lacking and establishing university campuses and model study, centers to spread the light of knowledge.

Prof. Dr. Nasir Mahmood, VC AIOU further mentioned that the university is transferring regional offices from rented premises to its buildings and highlighted the need for land for the construction of the Hyderabad campus.

He requested to philanthropists and high-ranking government officials to assist in this noble cause.  During this meeting, the Director General of Regional Services, Dr. Malik Tauqeer Ahmed Khan, and the Director of Admissions, Syed Zia-ul-Hassnain, accompanied the VC. — DNA