ISLAMABAD, DEC 6: /DNA/ – Brief about the Grand Launch of Silk Road Culture Centre Pakistan as a curtain raiser for media on December 6, 2024.

1.            We are thrilled to announce the grand launch of the Silk Road Culture Centre Pakistan (SRCC), a landmark initiative poised to transform cultural exchange and diplomacy in the region. This groundbreaking platform celebrates the rich tapestry of cultures that converge along the historic Silk Road, while reinforcing Pakistan’s commitment to global harmony and mutual understanding.

2.            Fostering Ties with Cultural Pact Nations

The SRCC is an embodiment of Pakistan’s dedication to strengthening bonds with countries it has signed cultural agreements with. By showcasing shared heritage, fostering creativity, and hosting collaborative events, the center will play a pivotal role in deepening ties and facilitating meaningful cultural interactions.

3.            A Unique Opportunity for the Diplomatic Community

The launch of SRCC provides an unparalleled opportunity for the diplomatic community in Pakistan to promote cultural diplomacy. It offers an avenue for embassies and cultural missions to showcase their nation’s art, traditions, and heritage in a collaborative environment, fostering mutual respect and understanding.

4.            A Private Sector Pioneer in Cultural Promotion

The SRCC stands as the first-of-its-kind private-sector initiative in Pakistan dedicated to promoting international art and culture. Through exhibitions, performances, workshops, and dialogues, the center aims to project a positive image of Pakistan as a culturally rich, progressive, and welcoming nation.

5.            Promoting Regional and Global Synergy

In a time when global connections are more critical than ever, the SRCC seeks to act as a bridge, bringing together artists, scholars, and cultural practitioners from diverse backgrounds to engage in meaningful dialogue and collaboration.

6.            Encouraging Community Engagement

Beyond diplomacy, the SRCC is designed to engage local communities, inviting them to participate in events and gain exposure to diverse cultures. This inclusivity ensures that cultural exchange reaches all levels of society, fostering greater awareness and appreciation.

7.            The launch of the Silk Road Culture Centre Pakistan marks a new chapter in Pakistan’s cultural narrative—one of openness, collaboration, and celebration of diversity. We invite the media, diplomatic missions, artists, and the public to join us in this historic journey, as we unveil a beacon of cultural unity and creativity.

ISLAMABAD, Dec 06 (APP):President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday paid tribute to Major Shabbir Sharif Shaheed (Nishan-i-Haider) on the 53rd anniversary of his martyrdom, recognising his gallantry and sacrifice to safeguard the country.

The president and prime minister, in their separately issued statements, lauded the valor of Major Shabbir Shaheed while fighting the enemy in the 1971 war without caring about his own life.

They said that the whole nation was proud of martyred Major Shabbir for his gallantry and sacrifice and reiterated that the people of Pakistan would never forget the sacrifices of their soldiers. They also prayed to Allah Almighty for the elevation of Major Shabbir Sharif Shaheed and other martyrs in paradise.

“The entire nation is proud of brave officers like Major Shabbir Sharif who sacrificed his life for the defense of the motherland. The nation recognizes the sacrifices of all the martyrs and will not forget them,” the president remarked.

Calling Major Shabbir Sharif a model of courage and bravery, Prime Minister Shehbaz said that in the 1971 war, he held back the enemy’s advance at Sulemanki.

“Major Shabbir Sharif Shaheed not only defended his position but also disabled enemy tanks with an anti-tank rifle and eliminated the enemy, including their company commander. Despite its numerical superiority, the enemy could not withstand the effective defense of Major Shabbir Sharif,” he remarked.

He said that Major Shabbir Sharif Shaheed laid down his life to protect the motherland. His patriotism and the spirit of self-sacrifice for the country’s defense, by offering his own life, is an inspiring example for the younger generation, he added.

“The entire nation, including myself, is proud of Major Shabbir Sharif Shaheed and his family. His dutifulness and loyalty to the nation will continue to inspire future generations,” the prime minister said.

FM says no federating unit has right to march on Islamabad, slamming KP govt for using “state resources”

Ansar M Bhatti

ISLAMABAD: Rejecting the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) allegations of “straight firing” at civilians during its “do-or-die” protest in Islamabad, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has clarified that the law enforcement agencies (LEAs) were not provided with live ammunition, but water cannon, tear gas and batons.

“Police and Rangers were deployed in the first two tiers, with the army as the third line of defence to protect the Diplomatic Enclave, Parliament House and other important buildings,” he said while briefing members of the diplomatic corps on the recent situation after the PTI protest.

The former ruling party’s much-hyped protest in Islamabad, aimed at securing PTI founder Imran Khan’s release who has been behind bars for more than a year, culminated in PTI’s hasty retreat after the government’s midnight crackdown on the protesters.

The Imran Khan-founded party has since claimed that at least 12 of its workers were killed and 1,000 were arrested. However, the government has categorically denied using live ammunition against the protesters and said that four law enforcers including three Rangers personnel and policeman were martyred during the protest.

Briefing the foreign diplomats, Dar — who is also the deputy prime minister — said that the government had enacted a new law “Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act, 2024” that barred the protest demonstrations in the Red Zone and required permission from a magistrate for any public gatherings.

Explaining why the government resorted to certain actions against the protestors, he said the Islamabad High Court (IHC) had barred the PTI from holding any protest gathering in the Red Zone area of the federal capital.

In pursuance of the court ruling, the government had tasked Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to engage with the party but to no avail. 

He said the federal government always prioritised the Red Zone’s security which housed Parliament House, the Supreme Court of Pakistan, federal institutions and the diplomatic corps.

Dar informed the diplomats that PTI had chosen to hold a protest on November 24, which coincided with the planned visit of the Belarusian president.

He added that this was consistent with the party’s past “malafide practice” of scheduling protests on significant dates, such as the SCO summit earlier this year and in 2014, when their protest led to the postponement of the Chinese president’s visit.

He recalled that the Supreme Court had dismissed PTI’s claims of rigging in 35 National Assembly seats — the primary reason behind the 2014 sit-in — yet the party never apologised, despite having committed to do so in a written agreement with the government.

Dar explained that PTI stubbornly attempted to march into the Red Zone, despite the government’s offer of an alternative protest site in Sangjani. He emphasised that human rights should not be exercised in ways that cause lawlessness and endanger the lives and property of both Pakistanis and the diplomatic corps.

The foreign minister highlighted that the government had shown restraint, as LEAs were only equipped with water cannons and tear gas, not live ammunition.

ISLAMABAD, DEC 4 /DNA/ – Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 chaired a consultation meeting with the former Foreign Secretaries to discuss regional and global developments and their input on foreign policy maters. Those in attendance were: Mr Inam ul Haq, Mr Salman Bashir, Mr Jalil Abbas Jilani, Mr Masood Khan, Mr Aizaz Chaudhry, Ms Tehmina Janjua, Mr Sohail Mehmood and Mr Syrus Qazi.

LAHORE, DEC 4 /DNA/ – Former Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Yastur-ul-Haq Malik, was laid to rest in Lahore. A large number of retired and serving armed services officials, as well as civilians, attended the late Admiral’s funeral prayers. The Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, expressed his condolences to the deceased’s family and prayed for the departed soul.

Admiral Yastur-ul-Haq Malik had a distinguished naval career spanning over four decades. He had the honor of participating in the 1965 and 1971 Pakistan-India wars. He served as the Chief of the Naval Staff from 1988 to 1991. Throughout his career, the Admiral displayed dynamic leadership, impeccable moral character, exceptional professional competence, and the highest sense of responsibility.

He joined the Pakistan Navy in September 1951 and completed his initial training at Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, UK. He was a graduate of the PAF Staff College and the National Defence University. Admiral Yastur-ul-Haq Malik held an illustrious record in command and staff assignments, both afloat and ashore. Notably, he commanded Pakistan Navy Fleet and served as Vice Chief of the Naval Staff. Additionally, he served as Chairman of the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation.

In recognition of his meritorious services and outstanding performance, the Admiral was awarded Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) and Sitara-e-Basalat.

Floral wreaths, on behalf of the President of Pakistan, the Prime Minister, the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Chief of the Naval Staff, other services chiefs, senior naval officers, and notable civilians, were laid on the Admiral’s grave.

ISLAMABAD, DEC 4 /DNA/ – There is an inseparable link between the role of religions and peace and development, as no society can flourish without the foundations of harmony, justice, and mutual respect. This connection has global significance, with particular relevancy for Pakistan, as collective efforts are essential to bridge divides, foster inclusivity, and pave the way for sustainable development and equitable growth.

These views were shared by Ahsan Iqbal, federal minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives while speaking as chief guest at the inaugural session of an international seminar, “The Role of Religions in Fostering Peace, Harmony, and Justice,” organized by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), Islamabad, on Wednesday. The seminar was addressed as keynote speaker by Dr Tamara Sonn, professor emerita, Georgetown University, Washington D.C., while Prof Khurshid Ahmad, founder and patron-in-chief of IPS, Khalid Rahman, chairman IPS, and Khurshid Ahmad Nadeem, chairman National Rahmatul-Lil-Aalameen Wa Khatamun Nabiyyin Authority, also spoke on the occasion.

The day-long event gathered international and local speakers, scholars, religious leaders, policymakers, and civil society to discuss religion’s transformative role in tackling humanity’s key challenges.

The seminar was held in collaboration with Allama Iqbal Open University, National University of Modern Languages, Islamabad, University of Management & Technology, Lahore, Gift University, Gujranwala, The Islamic Foundation, UK, and Markfield Institute of Higher Education, UK.

Ahsan Iqbal highlighted the enduring wisdom of faith traditions, emphasizing their universal principles of human dignity, non-violence, and compassion. Drawing on teachings from Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism, he noted that these shared values underpin harmonious and progressive societies. However, he expressed concern over rising intolerance and hate, which fuel extremism and hinder harmony and inclusivity. He underscored the importance of fostering a narrative rooted in tolerance.

Prof Khurshid Ahmad emphasized religion’s role in addressing spiritual needs, calling it a fundamental necessity throughout history. He warned that modern civilization’s departure from religion has led to injustice, oppression, and discord. As humanity grapples with materialism, nationalism, and neocolonialism, Prof Ahmad urged faith communities to foster harmony through moral appeal rather than coercion, offering ethical guidance to counter today’s challenges. He described Islam’s principles as fostering progress, justice, and harmony.

Dr Tamara Sonn highlighted religion’s paradoxical role in conflicts, noting its unparalleled potential to resolve disputes despite often being seen at their core. She warned against religious nationalism, calling it manipulative and destabilizing, and urged societies to embrace universal values of justice, humanity, and equality. Stressing the importance of values over identities, she remarked, “It is not the faith we are born into but the values we embody that define a person’s merit.” Dr Sonn advocated interfaith collaboration through a “dialogue of action” to address shared challenges.

Khurshid Nadeem underscored religion’s enduring relevance, highlighting secularism’s failure to provide a comprehensive moral framework. He stressed that religion remains essential to addressing fundamental human needs for meaning and guidance, especially in today’s moral crises.

Khalid Rahman accentuated the decisive role of human behavior in shaping religion’s influence, emphasizing that “religions are not inherently divisive; their impact depends on how they are practiced and interpreted.” He highlighted how religion is often misused to incite violence and exclusion, overshadowing its core values of compassion and justice.

Rahman pointed out that clashes often arise not because of inherent differences but due to mismanagement of diversity, personality clashes, and competing group interests. Rahman stressed the need for inclusive strategies to resolve conflicts, bridge divides, and address socioeconomic disparities, emphasizing that humanity’s strength lies in its diversity.