HARBIN, FEB 7 /DNA/ – President Asif Ali Zardari attended the grand opening ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China, alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and other heads of states from Asia.

The ceremony drew high-profile attendees, including the Sultan of Brunei, the President of Kyrgyzstan, and the Prime Minister of Thailand. The games, scheduled from February 7 to 14, have attracted over 1,200 athletes from 34 countries. Pakistani winter athletes are also participating in the event.

The President’s participation in the opening ceremony highlights the importance of the games in fostering regional cooperation and strengthening people-to-people ties. The games offer an opportunity to further deepen cultural cooperation among regional nations and promote sports diplomacy between Pakistan and China.

The President’s participation will also further cement bilateral ties between Islamabad and Beijing.

The Asian Winter Games could also serve as a significant platform for advancing winter sports in Pakistan.

The President also extended his best wishes to the Chinese government and all athletes competing in the games.

RAWALPINDI, FEB 7 /DNA/ – The United Kingdom continues to be one of Pakistan’s major trading partners and currently stands as the fourth largest export market for Pakistani products. In the previous fiscal period, Pakistan exported goods worth $935.018 million to the UK, reaffirming Britain’s crucial role in Pakistan’s trade landscape.

 This was stated by Usman Shaukat, President of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), during a meeting with a visiting delegation led by Rashid Iqbal, Chief Executive and Trade Champion of the Pakistan Britain Business Council (PBBC).

 President Usman Shaukat highlighted the steady growth of Pakistan’s exports to European countries, which increased by 8.62% in the first five months of the current fiscal year. He attributed this growth to higher shipments to Western states and emphasized the need to further strengthen bilateral trade relations between RCCI and PBBC.

 The discussions during the meeting focused on enhancing trade cooperation, fostering business-to-business linkages, and supporting entrepreneurs, particularly women entrepreneurs, in expanding their reach to international markets.

 The visiting delegation acknowledged Britain’s significant role in Pakistan’s trade sector and commended the Pakistani diaspora in the UK, which represents the second-largest overseas Pakistani community in the world, for its substantial contributions to bilateral trade and investment.

 The meeting was attended by RCCI Senior Vice President Khalid Farooq Qazi, Vice President Fahad Barlas, and other executive members of the chamber. Both sides expressed their commitment to continued collaboration to boost economic and trade activities between Pakistan and the UK. 

ISLAMABAD, FEB 7 /DNA/ – The third meeting of the CDA Board was held on Friday at CDA Headquarters, under the chairmanship of Muhammad Ali Randhawa. The meeting was attended by all members of the CDA Board. Various agenda items were discussed during the third meeting of the CDA Board

During the third meeting of CDA Board, approval for the appointment of a Director Finance to efficiently manage the financial matters of the CDA Hospital. The meeting also decided to implement the SAP system for the financial management of CDA. Under this decision Government of Pakistan’s accounting system, SAP, will be introduced in CDA for financial matters. The Board also approved rate running contract for the supply of various kits in the Health Services Wing.

CDA Board was apprised that the monthly lease of the petrol pump located in Sector F-6 has increased from PKR 292,000 to PKR 4.5 million per month, with an additional 10% annual increase in the annual lease of the petrol pump.
Chairman CDA, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, instructed that data for all assets under the administration wing should be compiled.

Furthermore, the meeting decided to recruit landscaping experts in CDA to further beautifting Islamabad.The CDA Board approved recruitment of a Managing Director and three Directors for the Islamabad Water Agency. It was also decided to recruit Urban Developers and a Carbon Credit Expert within the institution.

Additionally, it was decided to take action against deputation officers and employees who have taken house building advances from CDA but have not made deductions.In this regard, it was decided that a request will be made to the Establishment Division for action against deputation officers who are not returning loans. The decision was also made that no last pay certificate will be issued for any deputation officer or employee until they repay the advances taken from CDA.

Chairman CDA, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, emphasized that efforts should be made to facilitate the officers and employees of CDA with easy loans from other banks, along with house building and car advances provided by CDA.

The CDA Board also decided to upgrade the nursery located on Park Road.In this regard a proposal was discussed to establish a Carbon Credit Center at the nursery.

The CDA Board approved the hiring of a transaction advisor for the Green Four tier Data Center. The meeting also approved e-payment gateways of the My Islamabad App.

The CDA Board also approved the hiring of a consultant under 42 (F) for the revamping of Parliament Lodges and Government Hostel.

ISLAMABAD, FEB 07 (APP): Acting President Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Friday urged the youth to take lead of the Green Pakistan initiative through research, advocacy and innovation to ensure inclusive climate resilience at the national level.

In his keynote address at the closing session of Breathe Pakistan International Climate Change Conference, the acting president reaffirmed the country’s commitment to address gravest challenges of climate change.

He said that Pakistan had endured devastating floods, droughts and glacier melting causing floods due to climate change despite it’s least share to the global carbon emissions.

“Climate Change is a living reality. Pakistan needs support for technology transfer and capacity building to ensure climate resilience,” he said.

Acting President Gilani  mentioned that Pakistan had taken indigenous steps to contain climate change impacts on the region mainly renewable energy (RE) adoption like solar and hydropower projects to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

The country, he said was also exploring climate finance and carbon markets to mobilize climate finance.

He underscored that early warning systems and disaster management frameworks were critical to protect communities.

The government, he said was holding dialogue with communities, provincial governments and development partners to ensure improved and holistic climate action.

He added that fight against climate change was not possible without global support and global commitment for international climate finance was critical to ensure access of least developed nations to climate finance for adaptation and mitigation.

“We need to equip the young change makers with skills, technology and knowledge to lead community level climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. Climate action is a movement that demands relentless commitment and devotion,” he said.

Aban Marker Kabraje of UNEP said the speakers and experts rendered quality discourse, subject matter and knowledge in their speeches and addresses.

The interventions were rich full of enormous information required to address climate change, she added.

Folerence Roll, FAO Country Head presented the outcomes of the Breathe Pakistan Conference.

The conference provided a great opportunity to showcase how media can lead climate action, she said , adding, “The first outcome is on key aspect that climate change affects all aspects and components of society and multi sectoral and multidisciplinary action to address, encourage federal and provincial governments to join resources to address it.”

She added that climate finance was the second important outcome and demanded Pakistan to mobilize international agenda on climate finance and enhance it’s capacities of accessing climate finance.

The living Indus Initiative was a national project that addressed all provinces and the government was addressing it, she mentioned.

The Conference outcomes underlined that the fourth outcome was about women and girls who were the most affected due to climate change and look forward for specific measures to address specific strategy to address resilience building of women and girls.

It also demanded transformation of agriculture food system to enhance quality and nutrition of food, and improve tree cover that have huge potential to mitigate and transform climate change impacts.

ISLAMABAD, FEB 7 /DNA/ – The India Study Centre (ISC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized a Seminar in commemoration of the Kashmir Solidarity Day, Titled “Kashmir Solidarity Day: A Commitment to Peace, Rights and Self-Determination”, the event included inauguration of the ‘Kashmir Resource Centre’ – a first-of-its-kind at a national think-tank. Ambassador Amna Baloch, the Foreign Secretary of Pakistan, was the chief guest on the occasion.

Expressing her views, the Foreign Secretary said the Kashmiri people have not been able to exercise their fundamental right of self-determination due to continued Indian intransigence. Today, the true representatives of the Kashmiri people remain behind bars, with the total number of political prisoners being in the thousands. Iconic Kashmiri leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani died during detention. As if the imprisonment of popular leaders was not enough, the Indian authorities have been banning the political parties that represent the true aspirations of the Kashmiri people. So far, 14 political parties have been outlawed. History bears witness that India’s continued occupation of  large parts of Jammu and Kashmir has threatened regional peace and stability on a number of occasions. The Foreign Secretary stressed that Pakistan believes in peaceful co-existence with its neighbours. However, a peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in accordance with the UN Security Council Resolutions and aspirations of the Kashmiri people, is essential for lasting peace in South Asia. The Foreign Secretary commended the ISSI for establishing a much-needed ‘Kashmir Resource Centre’ and expressed her hope that this Centre will offer a useful repository of knowledge for researchers, practitioners and lay readers alike.

Director General ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, in his remarks, said that while Pakistan and the Kashmiris remain resolute in their quest for a solution based on the Security Council resolutions, India has long reneged on its solemn commitments. The international community hesitates to play its rightful role, either because of geo-strategic considerations or corporate interests. Meanwhile, India’s conduct in the occupied territories is marked by heartless cruelty and repression, political manipulation, demographic engineering, and an onslaught of misinformation and disinformation. In order to deceive the world community and secure legitimacy for its crimes, India has been trying to paint the legitimate Kashmiri resistance struggle as “terrorism”, leveling allegations of “cross-border terrorism” against Pakistan, and projecting a false sense of ‘normalcy’ in IIOJK since 5 August 2019.  Ambassador Sohail Mahmood stressed that for the Kashmiris and the people of Pakistan, it is imperative to reject any narratives of despair and to keep faith in the prospects of a fair settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

While highlighting the importance of the newly-established Kashmir Resource Centre (KRC) at ISSI, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood hoped that it will play a meaningful part in creating increased awareness and understanding and promote informed discourse, particularly among the youth of Pakistan about this most intractable of global issues from the last century. He also thanked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its support in the establishment of KRC.

Earlier, in his introductory remarks, Dr. Khurram Abbas, Director India Study Centre said that every year, Pakistan observes Kashmir Solidarity Day to express unwavering support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination, as enshrined in the UN’s Charter as well as the Security Council resolutions. Indian occupied forces in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) are responsible for many untold atrocities but they could not break the will of the Kashmiri people for their right of self-determination.

The Seminar featured a line-up of distinguished speakers who shared their perspectives on the Kashmir issue. Speaking from the perspective of a Pakistani youth, Ms. Fatima Waheed said that the revocation of Article 370 and 35A was a calculated step towards erasing Kashmir’s identity – a violation of international law and United Nations Security Council resolutions. She questioned that while the world claims to value democracy and justice, why Kashmiris are being denied both?

Ms. Tayyaba Khurshid, Research Officer at CISS (AJK), shared her perspective as a Kashmiri youth. She said that there is a strong bond between AJK and Pakistan. The youth in AJK have hopes and possibilities for a better future, which is not the case with the Kashmiri youth under Indian occupation. India remained active in spreading falsehoods and sow disaffection among the youth. Both AJK and Pakistan must join hands to thwart Indian designs.

Ms. Naila Kyani, a social and political analyst and a seasoned anchorperson, highlighted the resilience and role of Kashmiri women in the freedom struggle. She said that Kashmiri women have shown remarkable resilience in the face of brutal repression and systemic violence. For over seven decades, Kashmiri women have led protests, sit-ins, and resistance movements. She highlighted the sacrifices of women like Asiya Andrabi, Anjum Zamrud Habib and Fehmeeda Sofi who have been in Indian prison for years. She also highlighted movements like ‘Wanan Zanan’ that provide safe spaces to women through storytelling, literature and poetry.

Mr. Altaf Hussain Wani, Chairman, Kashmir Institute of International Relations, spoke on Modi’s policies in IIOJK. He said that when Modi assumed power in 2014, he started rounding up Kashmiri political leaders and sent them to jails so that their voices does not reach a common Kashmiri. While giving the example of renowned human rights activist Khurram Parvez, who has been in Indian captivity for more than three years, Mr. Wani said that free speech has been criminalized in Jammu and Kashmir under Indian occupation. The hallmark of Modi’s policies in IIOJK was the revocation of Articles 370 and 35A, which was done to implement the ‘Hindutva’ agenda, bring about demographic change in IIOJK, and ‘Indianize’ Kashmir, which the Kashmiris will not accept. 

Mr. Ghulam Muhammad Safi, Convener, All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), highlighted various dimensions of the Kashmir dispute that included human rights violations as Kashmiris are being killed and tortured in custody of Indian forces. Rape is being used as a weapon. He said that these violations of human rights are cause-related phenomena as India wants to silence the Kashmiri people and deter them from demanding their right to self-determination. He underlined the importance of UN Security Council resolutions for solution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. He also emphasized that any country that is a strategic partner of India must not be allowed to mediate and that any talks on the resolution of Kashmir dispute must include Kashmiri leadership. 

In his concluding remarks, Chairman Board of Governors Ambassador Khalid Mahmood said that the right of self-determination is a fundamental human right and Kashmiris have this right under the UN Charter, international law, and Security Council Resolutions. A number of human right organisations have highlighted the ongoing human rights abuses in IIOJK.  Despite India’s oppression and its settler- colonial agenda, the resilience of the people of IIOJK has not shaken and Pakistan stands behind the Kashmiri people in their just struggle. Time is not far off when the people of Jammu and Kashmir will be exercising their right to self-determination.   

The Kashmir Resource Center is envisaged to be a resource hub aimed at promoting awareness and facilitating rigorous research, informed discourse, dialogue and advocacy on this issue of national importance and international significance.

RAWALPINDI, FEB 7 /DNA/ – Admiral M Nazmul Hassan, Chief of Naval Staff Bangladesh, who is on an official visit to Pakistan, called on General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, NI (M), Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee at Joint Staff Headquarters, Rawalpindi.

The discussion centered on evolving regional environments, mutual strategic interests, including maritime collaboration and explored ways to enhance bilateral defense cooperation. Both military leaders underscored the importance of collaboration in promoting peace and stability.

The visiting dignitary lauded the professionalism of Pakistan Armed Forces and acknowledged their sacrifices in fight against terrorism.

Earlier, upon arrival at Joint Staff Headquarters, a smartly turned-out tri-services contingent presented Guard of Honour to the visiting dignitary.