In a major development, at least 79 Pakistani pilgrims stranded in conflict-hit Syria evacuated to Beirut, from where they will be brought back to Pakistan, the federal cabinet was informed today. 

The development came a day after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the authorities concerned to form an action plan for the safe evacuation of Pakistanis wishing to return from Syria, via neighbouring countries as soon as possible.

The cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, was apprised that out of 250 Pakistani pilgrims in Syria, 79 have reached Beirut.

Additionally, out of 20 Pakistani teachers and students in Syria, seven teachers had also reached Beirut.

The meeting was further informed that the officials of the Pakistani embassies in Syria and Lebanon were taking all possible measures to ensure the safe return of Pakistanis from the conflict-hit country.

A day earlier, PM Shehbaz, in a telephonic conversation with his Lebanese counterpart Najib Mikati, exchanged notes on the evolving situation in Syria.

The premier sought Mikati’s personal intervention and support in facilitating the immediate evacuation of Pakistani nationals, stranded in Syria through Beirut.

Mikati had assured Shehbaz that Lebanon would wholeheartedly welcome Pakistani nationals from Syria and extend all possible support to them in their safe return home.

Meanwhile, Syria’s new interim leader announced taking charge of the country as caretaker prime minister with the backing of the former rebels who toppled President Bashar al-Assad three days ago.

In a brief address on state television, Mohammed al-Bashir, a figure little known across most of Syria who previously ran an administration in a small pocket of the northwest controlled by rebels, said he would lead the interim authority until March 1.

“Today we held a cabinet meeting that included a team from the Salvation government that was working in Idlib and its vicinity, and the government of the ousted regime,” he said.

“The meeting was under the headline of transferring the files and institutions to caretake the government.”

In the Syrian capital, banks reopened for the first time since Assad’s overthrow. Shops were also reopening, traffic returned to the roads, construction workers were back fixing a roundabout in the Damascus city centre and street cleaners were out sweeping the streets.

There was a notable decrease in the number of armed men on the streets. Two sources close to the rebels said their command had ordered fighters to withdraw from cities, and for police and internal security forces affiliated with the main rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Shams (HTS) to deploy there.

The steps towards normalisation came despite intense airstrikes from Israel targeting bases of the Syrian army, whose forces had melted away in the face of the lightning rebel advance that ousted Assad.

Israel, which has sent forces across the border into a demilitarised zone inside Syria, acknowledged on Tuesday that troops had also taken up some positions beyond the buffer zone, though it denied they were advancing towards Damascus. It mounted airstrikes on bases of the now dissolved Syrian army.

ISLAMABAD, DEC 10 /DNA/ – The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), in collaboration with the Pak America Business Forum (PABF), organized the 5th Pak-America Business Summit at a local hotel in Islamabad.

RCCI President Usman Shaukat in his keynote address emphasized the vast potential for increased trade and investment, urging stronger collaboration to achieve mutual economic goals. He said that the major purpose of the summit was to provide an opportunity to exchange the views and identify the hurdles in trade ties between the two business communities. Also, enhance cooperation with key organizations and sector specific information sharing in both countries to ensure cohesive and coordinated strategies in promoting U.S. private sector interests in Pakistan, he added.

Coordinator on Climate Change Romina Khurshid Alam who was the chief guest on the occasion, described Pakistan and the U.S. as “best friends and trading partners,” calling for continued cooperation in environmental and business initiatives.

U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker highlighted that the United States is Pakistan’s largest export market, accounting for approximately 16% of Pakistan’s total exports annually. She said, “Over 80 U.S. firms in Pakistan directly employ 120,000 Pakistanis and indirectly provide livelihoods for over 1 million workers. Our teams actively connect American and Pakistani businesses, fostering stronger trade and economic ties.”

Chairman PABF Waqar Khan stated the forum’s mission is to enhance trade relations and create new opportunities for Pakistani and American businesses.

President PABF Anwar Azam assured full support for Pakistani businesses aiming to expand into the U.S. market, reiterating the forum’s role as a key enabler.

Sohail Altaf, former RCCI President, stressed the importance of facilitating business delegation exchanges through the U.S. Embassy to unlock Pakistan’s export potential to the United States.

The event was attended by senior RCCI leadership, including Senior Vice President Khalid Farooq Qazi, Vice President Fahad Barlas, former RCCI presidents Kashif Shabbir and Dr. Shimail Daud, Executive Committee members, women entrepreneurs, and representatives from TDAP.

The event served as a dynamic platform to explore opportunities for bilateral trade, investment, and economic collaboration between Pakistan and the United States.

DNA

ISLAMABAD, Dec 10: Challenges to peace and justice largely arise from the misinterpretations and actions of followers rather than the essence of religion itself. Manipulated religious teachings, used for personal, political, or ideological gains, frequently fuel conflicts. In this context, a common ground for global unity through diverse paths can be established by teaching and embodying the true essence of faith.

This was said by Justice Dr Syed Muhammed Anwer, judge, Federal Shariat Court, at the concluding session of an international seminar titled “The Role of Religions in Fostering Peace, Harmony, and Justice,” held at the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), Islamabad. The session was also addressed by Khalid Rahman, chairman IPS, Ambassador (r) Syed Abrar Hussain, vice chairman, IPS, and Prof Dr Mohyuddin Hashmi, dean, Faculty of Arabic and Islamic Studies, Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad.

Justice Syed Anwer, drawing attention to Pakistan’s unique constitutional and symbolic recognition of religious minorities, highlighted the reflection of religious inclusivity in the national flag and its definition of minorities. Unlike many nations, Pakistan’s framework considers minorities solely based on religious beliefs, not caste, color, or creed, ensuring equal constitutional rights for all citizens. However, he acknowledged that the ideal of equality is not always reflected in practice, urging a renewed focus on teaching and promoting the true values of religion.

Exploring the contrasting experiences of minorities in secular and religious states, the speaker pointed out that secular states often face challenges in ensuring the safety and rights of their minority populations. He emphasized the multifaceted nature of the issue, noting that faith communities need to prioritize the dissemination of their core messages of peace and mutual respect.

Presenting his insights on the way forward, Khalid Rahman underscored the complexity of creating a just environment, emphasizing that the prevailing narratives and structures are often shaped by powerful elites who primarily benefit from the status quo. He stressed that the challenges attributed to religion are equally rooted in governance and decision-making processes dominated by these elite groups.

He argued that the inequities and conflicts observed globally are not the result of religious teachings but stem from systemic issues perpetuated by those in authority. Highlighting the global arms trade as an example, he noted that the largest weapons producers are also the nations advocating peace, illustrating the contradictions in elite-driven policies.

He called for a critical examination of governance structures and the roles of all stakeholders, urging a shift from assigning blame to religion toward addressing the socio-political systems and economic interests that drive inequality and conflict.

Earlier, Ambassador Abrar Hussain shared the key takeaways from the day-long seminar, noting the enduring relevance of religion in addressing humanity’s quest for peace, justice, and harmony amidst modern challenges. He emphasized that while secularism and irreligiosity dominate many societies, religions continue to offer a unique moral framework essential for fostering inclusivity, empathy, and coexistence. He reiterated that faith communities must introspect and engage collaboratively, focusing on moral appeal over coercion, to counter the misuse of religion for violence, prejudice, or political agendas.

The session concluded with a call for collective responsibility by Dr Mohyuddin Hashmi. He urged religious leaders and communities to counter violence and prejudice, prevalent across all religions, by teaching and embodying the true essence of their faiths. 

ISLAMABAD, Dec 10 /DNA/ – The Rolling Resistance: Theatre on Wheels campaign, a cornerstone of UN Women Pakistan’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, reached its powerful conclusion at the Pak-China Friendship Center in Islamabad. This groundbreaking initiative, which has travelled across Pakistan, delivered its poignant message of #KoiJawaazNahi (#NoExcuse) to a national audience, sparking dialogue and inspiring collective action against gender-based violence (GBV).

Mohamed Yahya, UN Resident Coordinator in Pakistan, highlighted the United Nations’ commitment to supporting gender equality “As we conclude this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, I want to honor the resilience of survivors of domestic violence. These women and girls have faced unimaginable pain, yet their courage to rebuild their lives inspires us all.”  He further added, “ Our mission is unwavering: to create a world where survivors are not only heard but also empowered. This requires ensuring access to justice, fostering financial independence, and building support systems that enable women to reclaim their lives and thrive.”

The event featured a final performance on the iconic Rolling Resistance mobile theatre truck, delivering a compelling narrative on the importance of justice for survivors and accountability for perpetrators. Students, activists, and policymakers engaged in post-performance discussions, sharing insights and strategies for fostering safer communities.

Jamshed Kazi, Country Representative Designate UN Women Pakistan, opened the event, emphasizing the campaign’s transformative journey: “Gender-based violence is not merely a women’s issue; it is a profound human rights crisis that impacts every aspect of society. Achieving gender equality and eradicating gender-based violence requires the unwavering dedication of individuals, organizations, and institutions. Campaigns like Rolling Resistance and The Inkvisible exemplify the power of collaboration and the transformative potential of united efforts.”

In parallel with Rolling Resistance, UN Women launched Inkvisible campaign. This powerful initiative reinterprets traditional bridal henna designs, using them to trace bruises and injuries that reveal hidden stories of abuse. The campaign’s evocative imagery—a black eye, marks of strangulation, and other signs of violence—brings the invisible scars of domestic violence into stark focus, amplifying the voices of survivors and making their silent suffering visible to all.

Romina Khurshid Alam, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to gender equality. She said, “The government of Pakistan is committed to ensuring that Pakistan becomes a country where women and girls can thrive without the shadow of violence. Rolling Resistance is a testament to the power of grassroots advocacy, and we are proud to support this impactful initiative.”

Through initiatives like Rolling Resistance and The Inkvisible., UN Women Pakistan continues to amplify advocacy against GBV, fostering awareness, dialogue, and action for a safer, more equitable future.

The concluding candle lighting ceremony brought together attendees in a solemn moment of reflection and unity, symbolizing the shared resolve to illuminate the path toward a violence-free society.

The Rolling Resistance: Theatre on Wheels campaign has traveled from Karachi to Lahore, Peshawar, Kohat, and Mardan, engaging diverse audiences and amplifying its call to action. Aligned with Beijing+30 advocacy priorities, the campaign focuses on strengthening accountability by delivering justice to survivors and holding perpetrators responsible, securing sustainable funding for women’s rights organizations and advancing national strategies and action plans to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls.

Observed annually from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10 (Human Rights Day), the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence is a global movement demanding urgent action to eradicate GBV. Through the #KoiJawaazNahi campaign, UN Women Pakistan seeks to inspire a society built on dignity, equality, and safety for all.

DNA

Islamabad, 10 Dec: Pakistan Navy Ship SAIF conducted Joint Patrol and Passage Exercise with Royal Navy of Oman Vessel (RNOV), AL SEEB and Spanish Navy Ship SANTA MARIA. Exercises were aimed to develop synergy and mutual understanding between Navies operating in the region while demonstrating interoperability to undertake Joint Operations.

The exercise between Royal Navy of Oman Ship AL SEEB, Pakistan Navy Ship SAIF and Pakistan Maritime Security Agency Ship KASHMIR was conducted during Focused Operation ‘KARAKORAM RESOLVE’ under Pakistan led Combined Task Force (CTF-150).

Pakistan Navy and Royal Navy of Oman share a history of operating together for promoting regional peace and stability; wherein regular visits and interaction are being conducted between both navies. In addition, Pakistan Navy and Royal Navy of Oman regularly conduct Bilateral Exercise THAMAR AL TAYYIB to enhance mutual cooperation and understanding between brotherly navies.

Upon culmination of Focused Operation ‘KARAKORAM RESOLVE’; PNS SAIF also conducted exercise with Spanish Navy Ship SANTA MARIA and rehearsed various maritime operations to enhance interoperability. Pakistan Navy has always been at the forefront of international efforts towards Maritime Security by maintaining permanent presence in the vital areas of Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Ex spy master Faez Hameed charge-sheeted

ISPR says process of FGCM was initiated against Lt Gen Faiz Hamid (Retd) under provisions of Pakistan Army Act and in first place Lt Gen Faiz Hameed (Retd) has been formally arraigned on charges of engaging in political activities, violations of Official Secret Act detrimental to safety and interest of the state, misuse of authority & government resources and causing wrongful loss to a person(s)

Staff Report

Rawalpindi, 10 Dec /DNA/ – On 12 August 2024, process of FGCM was initiated against Lt Gen Faiz Hamid (Retd) under provisions of Pakistan Army Act and in first place Lt Gen Faiz Hameed (Retd) has been formally arraigned on charges of engaging in political activities, violations of Official Secret Act detrimental to safety and interest of the state, misuse of authority & government resources and causing wrongful loss to a person(s).

During the process, involvement of Lt Gen Faiz Hamid (Retd), in events related to creating agitation and unrest, leading upto multiple incidents including but not limited to 9th May 2023 incident for fomenting instability; at the behest of and in collusion with vested political interests, is also being separately investigated.

Lt Gen Faiz Hamid (Retd) is being afforded with all legal rights as per the law.

ISLAMABAD, Dec 10 (APP/DNA):The meeting of the Joint Commission between Pakistan and Tajikistan will be held here on Wednesday, December 11, with an aim to further strengthen bilateral trade ties between the two countries.

This meeting, hosted by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, will be co-chaired by Federal Minister of Energy Sardar Awais Laghari and Tajik Minister for Energy and Water Resources Juma Daler Shofaqir, according to press release issued by Economic Affairs Division here Tuesday.

The joint commission aims to review progress in increasing cooperation in various sectors, including energy, and sign memorandums of understanding. This development is a significant step forward in the two nations’ relationship, which has been growing steadily.

In recent years, Pakistan and Tajikistan have made notable efforts to enhance their economic and trade cooperation. The two countries have signed several agreements to boost ties.

ISLAMABAD: DEC 10 /DNA/ – Pakistan joins the international community in observing the International Human Rights Day today to mark the 76th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

This Day symbolizes international community’s shared resolve to respect and uphold human dignity and to promote the human rights agenda without any distinction or discrimination.

This year’s theme for the Human Rights Day, “Our rights, our future, right now,” remains relevant for millions of people across the globe, from the Occupied Palestinian Territories to Indian-Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK), who continue to suffer under occupation and gross human rights violations in their just struggle for inalienable right to self-determination.

The alarming surge in Islamophobia worldwide, fuelled by discriminatory laws, populist politics, and xenophobic narratives, also remains a challenge for the international community.

Pakistan has made significant progress in the advancement of human rights agenda through a range of legislative, institutional, and policy measures and is committed to fulfill its obligations under international human rights framework. It is constructively engaged with human rights mechanisms under the auspices of the United Nations

On this Day, Pakistan reaffirms its commitment to ensuring the fundamental rights and freedoms of all individuals, regardless of race, religion, gender, or nationality.