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Maritime Diplomacy: Pakistan, Turkiye seek deeper defense ties

Maritime Diplomacy: Pakistan, Turkiye seek deeper defense ties

ISLAMABAD, DEC 3 /DNA/ – Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf met with the Ambassador of Turkiye to Pakistan, Irfan Neziroglu, at Naval Headquarters today.

The meeting focused on enhancing bilateral maritime cooperation and strategic relations between Pakistan and Turkiye.

During the high-level diplomatic engagement, both leaders discussed potential areas of collaboration and mutual interest in naval defense and regional security.

The meeting underscores the strong diplomatic ties between the two nations and their commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships.

The discussion highlighted the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation in addressing regional maritime challenges and promoting peace and stability.

Pakistani, German homeopathic experts commemorate 50 years of medical collaboration

Pakistani, German homeopathic experts commemorate 50 years of medical collaboration

ISLAMABAD, DEC 3 /DNA/ – “Homeopathy is a natural form of treatment that is rapidly gaining popularity and has a very positive impact on patients’ health due to its lack of side effects.” These thoughts were shared by Dr. David Reckeweg at the Golden Jubilee event of Dr. Reckeweg Germany and Dr. Salim Ahmed & Co. He further emphasized that Dr. Reckeweg Germany believes in making treatment effective and affordable.

Dr. Najmus Saqib expressed his gratitude towards the German team for their unwavering support, stating, “This milestone reflects not only our shared past but also a commitment to continue innovating and expanding access to homeopathic healthcare in Pakistan.”Aziz A. Khan shed light on the global impact of homeopathy and its increasing popularity in Pakistan.

He stated, “Homeopathy is a natural and effective treatment that is improving the lives of millions of people.”The event included heartfelt tributes and awards presented to key contributors of this success journey, including Dr. David Reckeweg, Dr. Najmus Saqib, and Aziz A. Khan for their leadership and tireless efforts.

It also highlighted the future prospects of improved healthcare services through partnerships like Dr. Reckeweg Germany and Dr. Salim Ahmed & Co.More than 500 distinguished guests attended this prestigious event, including homeopathic doctors, industry experts, and prominent figures from the public health sector.

Dr. Reckeweg Germany proudly celebrated its 50-year partnership with Dr. Salim Ahmed & Co., Pakistan. This Golden Jubilee marks 50 years of excellence, innovation, and collaboration, which stands as proof of providing high-quality homeopathic healthcare services across Pakistan.

Olympian Sadaf Siddiqui excels in IOC Coaching Course

IOC Coaching Course

By our correspondent

ISLAMABAD, DEC 3: /DNA/ – Olympian Sadaf Siddiqui has successfully completed the International Coaching Course (ICC) in General Conditioning under the auspices of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and in collaboration with the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA).

The course brought together athletes, officials, and representatives from 17 countries across four continents, specializing in ten different Olympic sports disciplines.

The Hungarian University of Sports Science (HUSS) hosted the Graduation Ceremony for the ICC, a milestone event that celebrated the achievements of 19 exceptional students, including Sadaf Siddiqui.

The course is part of the IOC’s ongoing efforts to improve coaching standards in developing countries. It is a joint initiative between the IOC and HUSS, aiming to provide the latest training to coaches and officials, enhancing their skills and perspectives in the global sports industry.

Supported by IOC Olympic Solidarity, the ICC is a globally recognized program designed to develop sports professionals with the expertise required to excel in today’s rapidly evolving sports landscape.

The ceremony was attended by representatives from various diplomatic missions, including Hungarian University of Sports Science Vice-Rector for Education Dr. Habil Ákos Cserny, General Vice-Rector Dr. Csaba Ökrös, International Relations Director Denissza Blanár, and International Training Coordinator Nóra Széles, among other dignitaries.

Upon completing the course, Sadaf Siddiqui expressed her gratitude, stating, “I am thankful to the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) and Army Sports Directorate for providing me with this platform to enhance my abilities. This experience has helped me develop key skills, such as leadership, teamwork, and a strong commitment to advancing sports, especially among the youth.”

Sadaf has represented Pakistan in the Summer Olympics in Beijing, China, as well as in the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, SAF Games, and other international sports events. She has also played a pivotal role in representing the Army at national events and in identifying and nurturing fresh talent.

She emphasized the importance of education, collaboration, and innovation in shaping the future of sports. Sadaf highlighted how the ICC serves as a bridge between diverse cultures, fostering mutual understanding and the exchange of ideas—key elements necessary for progress in the modern sports industry.

Pakistan signs ECO Clean Energy Center Charter, boosting regional renewable energy collaboration

Pakistan signs ECO Clean Energy Center Charter

MASHHAD, DEC 3 /DNA/ – At the 28th Meeting of the ECO Council of Ministers being held in Mashad, Iran, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar signed the Charter of the ECO Clean Energy Center.

The Charter is a flagship initiative of ECO in the energy sector, which will: focus on research & development for innovative renewable clean Energy sources to combat climate change;
• play a bridging role in enhancing regional cooperation for smooth transition to sustainable energy;
• contribute to the Global Network of Regional Sustainable Energy Centers in the framework of the UN’s Sustainable Energy for All Initiative.

Dar, Iran FM agree to deepen cooperation in ‘all spheres’

Dar, Iran FM agree to deepen cooperation in ‘all spheres’

MASHHAD, DEC 3: Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar met with Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi on Tuesday, during an official visit to Iran, where both leaders agreed to deepen cooperation in “all spheres”.

Dar, also the foreign minister, is in Iran to attend the 28th meeting of the Council Ministers of the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO), according to state-run Radio Pakistan.

The deputy PM arrived in Mashhad last night, where he was received by Razavi Khorasan Vice Governor General Mohammad Ali Nabipoor and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran Mudassir Tipu, the foreign ministry said in a post on X.

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Today, Dar met with FM Aragchi on the sidelines of the ECO meeting, according to a statement by the foreign ministry on X.

Both ministers exchanged views on areas of mutual interest and the latest regional and global developments. “They agreed to deepen cooperation between both the countries in all spheres,” the statement noted.

At the ECO ministerial meeting, Dar will sign ‘Charter for ECO Clean Energy Centre’, Radio Pakistan stated.

In his address, the foreign minister will reiterate Pakistan’s commitment to the ECO Charter and highlight the potential of greater connectivity in the ECO region through the development of road and rail networks, liberalisation of visa regimes and simplification of border procedures.

PTI trying to hoodwink masses through false narrative of bodies: Tarar

PTI trying to hoodwink masses through false narrative of bodies: Tarar

ISLAMABAD, DEC 03 (APP): Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting, National Heritage and Culture Attaullah Tarar said on Tuesday that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf was trying to hoodwink the people through fake narrative and lies.

Lambasting Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, in a media talk, he said that the party was creating a false narrative of firing on the protesters.

He once again challenged the PTI to present a single piece of evidence showing a law enforcement agencies personnel firing bullets directly on the protesters.

“There is not a single video in which law enforcement agencies person can be seen directly firing upon protesters. They have all kinds of videos but there is no video evidence ( of direct firing) as this never took place”, he maintained.

The minister said that a video of a man running away in which he was saying that he hit by a gunshot,  went viral.

Attaullah Tarar said the same person  in another video was claiming that he had got an injury on his hand.

However when in the video, he opened  the bandage on his hand  no bullet mark was visible on his hand.

Tarar stated that the PTI was defaming the state through their concocted stories based on lies.

 The PTI is spreading lies about bodies and different leaders were giving different figures of fatalities ranging from a dozen to 4000. A senior leader of the PTI Lateef Khosa claimed that over 150 bodies were lying at his residence.

He said even the PTI Chairman, Barrister Gohar remarked that there were only 12 bodies and all other claims were bogus.

He said there was no dead, if the PTI had any dead bodies they should present in front of the media.

Taking a dig on the PTI, he said these bodies were found on Tik Tok, Facebook, X, WhatsApp and other social media platforms, but in reality, there were no dead bodies.

He said the PTI was trying to hoodwink the nation through its lies and misleading statements.

 He said that it was  unfortunate  that such people form political parties who had no sense.

He also pointed out four Rangers personnel and  a police officer were martyred, but no one from the PTI  expressed sympathy with the bereaved families.

 The PTI miscreants target security forces and police personnel but later claim of make hue and cry of killing of their party workers.

The minister said that on social media,  it was claimed that Jam Amanullah, a boy from Khanpur was killed in law enforcement agencies firing. Now his father Jam Tahir has issued a video in which he clarified that his son was alive and sitting beside him in his home.

He also made it clear that neither United States nor United Kingdom could allow armed rioters to protest outside White House and 10 Downing Street.

About the economic situation, the minister said that due to the prudent policies of the government, inflation has fallen to a 70-month low which was a manifestation that Pakistan’s economy was growing.

He said that foreign exchange reserves have exceeded $ 11 billion  mark and Consumer Price Index was going down every month.

He said that the stock market had broken several records and  crossed the 100,000 points mark whereas the interest rate had been reduced to 15 percent and the KIBOR rate to 13 percent.

He said following reduction in  interest rates, investment in the country was increasing.

 “Due to the day and night hard work and efforts of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, the inflation had fallen to record low”, he added.

He recalled that this achievement was made from a point of default when Shehbaz Sharif became Prime Minister for the first time.

Tarar said that Managing Director of International Monetary Fund had rightly pointed out that had  Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif not taken this matter seriously, it would not have been possible for Pakistan to avoid default.

He also recalled that when the country was on the verge of default, a political party was writing to the IMF not to grant any assistance to Pakistan,  so that it was forced to default.

 Today, he said inflation had fall2n to 4.8 percent, interest rate down to 15 percent, foreign remittances had reached $ 8.8 billion mark, foreign exchange reserves had reached $ 11 billion.

He expressed the hope that there will be further improvement in economic development of the country in coming times.

Pakistan, Russia positively assess expansion of bilateral connectivity

Pakistan, Russia positively assess expansion of bilateral connectivity

MOSCOW, DEC 3 /DNA/ – Minister for Energy of Pakistan Sardar Awais Khan Legahri  and Russian Minister for Transport Mr. Roman Starovoyt in a meeting here today positively assessed the prospects of expanding bialteral connectivity which would not only benefit Pakistan and Russia but the whole region.

Federal Minister for Energy (Power Division) Sardar Awais Ahmed Kgan Leghari is visiting Moscow to co-chair the 9th session of Pakistan-Russia IGC.

Sardar Awais Legahri appreciated the growing level of cooperation between Pakistan and Russia

The  two sides took stock of all bilateral cooperation projects in the transport sector including road, rail and air.

Minister Legahri invited Minister Starovoyt to visit Pakistan. Both sides agreed to continue contacts and enhance  cooperation.

Mental health: challenges and misconceptions

Mental health: challenges and misconceptions

Prof. Asad Nizami, a distinguished leader in Pakistan’s mental health field, recently granted an exclusive interview to Centreline and Daily Islamabad POST. Below is the complete text of his interview.

INTERVIEW

Ansar Mahmood Bhatti

1:     What inspired you to become a psychiatrist, and what motivate you to continue in this field?

My journey into psychiatry began back in medical college at Rawalpindi Medical College – now Rawalpindi Medical University. Over those five years, I found myself deeply fascinated by the human brain above all one organs. While studying the human body and its various organs, the brain stood out to me as uniquely complex and enigmatic. This brain was unlike any other, holding layers of mystery and the incredible capacity to shape thoughts, emotions, and behavior. My fascination only grew stronger after graduation during my year long house job, where my interest in neurology solidified.

I owe a great deal to my mentor and teacher, Professor Malik Hussain Mubasher, the founder of the Institute of Psychiatry, which he established in 1973. His guidance and the foundation he laid for the field of psychiatry has left an enduring legacy, now completed its 51 years of excellence. Inspired by Professor Mubasher, I realized that psychiatry offered a distinct approach to understand the brain and human behavior.

What drew me to psychiatry was the diversity and complexity of the challenges that the human mind presented. Each person brought a new kind of problem, and each required a unique solution. This challenge has kept me engaged and motivated in my specialty; My fascination with the human mind and the constant learning in mental health have become a lifelong commitment.

What aspects of psychiatry do you find most rewarding and which do you find most challenging?

Historically, decades ago, people often believed they understood the causes of all kinds of illnesses. If someone had a fever or tuberculosis, there was usually a tangible explanation. However, when someone exhibited unusual behaviors – waking up shouting, being abusive, or acting erratically – people attributed it to a supernatural influence.

Mental health has long been stigmatized. Over time, though, we’ve progressed from viewing it solely through the lens of psychiatry to a broader understanding of mental well-being. For example, it wasn’t until 2001 that the WHO released its first comprehensive report on mental health. Before that, there was limited understanding of how to support people with mental health issues on a global scale. While the stigma around mental health persists, it has lessened considerably.

In Pakistan, the mental health field still faces significant challenges. There are only about 900 psychiatrists in a country with a population exceeding 220 million – far fewer than required. With the rising prevalence of mental health issues, this is a very low ratio. One of the main reasons for this shortage is the career preferences of medical students. Many aspire to become surgeons, medical specialists, or gynecologists rather than choosing psychiatry.

4:     What are your primary objectives for organizing the International Psychiatry Conference 2024 Islamabad?

The Pakistan Psychiatric Society’s International Conference occurs biennially, rotating through each of the six regional chapters. This year, from November 22nd to 24th, the Institute of Psychiatry at Rawalpindi Medical University is honored to host this prestigious gathering.

One key question we always face is: what are the tangible outcomes of these conferences? Are we producing results that drive meaningful change? This time, we aim to achieve that. The theme I proposed over a year ago, “From Mental Health to Global Mental Health,” focuses on building connections and collaboration across sectors. Mental health cannot function in isolation – it requires integrated efforts with Governmental, the World Health Organization, Health and Education sectors, NGOs, and other related organizations.

What makes this year’s conference unique is its outcome-oriented approach. Each session will culminate in a policy document. For instance, a session on public mental health will not just end with discussions but it will generate recommendations and actionable policies. Each session chair will draft these documents with support from the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, with the goal of embedding these ideas into Governmental Policy.

Our sessions will cover diverse topics, from creative and innovative mental health strategies to addressing controversies. We’ll explore pressing issues related to legal frameworks, such as sentencing and care for individuals with mental illnesses. Hot-button topics like the impact of mental health on issues of sexual identity, and difficulties faced by marginalized communities, will also be on the table.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of mental health outreach, and we now understand that remote support is vital. This conference seeks to capitalize on these insights, uniting experts to discuss sustainable, effective mental health solutions. We aim for actionable outcomes that the Government can champion and incorporate into long-term Policies.

To foster a comprehensive perspective, we’ve invited Ambassadors from various Embassies in Pakistan, offering them insight into mental health challenges both globally and within our region. With support from the planning division, we aim to implement a 10-year National Mental Health Policy to promote sustained improvements in mental healthcare nationwide.

Strategic partnership with KSA expanding

Shehbaz Sharif

PM expresses desire to expand cooperation with Saudi Arabia

Faisal Sheikh

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday expressed his satisfaction with the progress in cooperation and investment projects between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, hailing the longstanding friendship between the two nations.

Chairing a review meeting, the prime minister highlighted that Pakistan’s collaboration with Saudi Arabia continued to grow across various sectors, underscoring the strategic partnership between the two countries.

“Saudi Arabia has been a reliable partner in Pakistan’s challenging times, and we are committed to deepening this cooperation,” Prime Minister Shehbaz said.

The meeting also included a briefing on the remarkable progress of bilateral investments.

The meeting was briefed about the progress on bilateral cooperation in various fields in the second meeting of the Pakistan Saudi Arabia Joint Task Force held in November.

It was informed that within a short span of time, both the countries had signed of 34 memorandums of understanding (MOUs), seven of which have already been formalized into agreements. These agreements, valued at $560 million.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Minister for Petroleum Dr. Musaddik Malik, and National Coordinator of the Special Investment Facilitation Council Lieutenant General Sarfaraz Ahmed.

Ishaq Dar arrives in Mashhad for 28th ECO Council of Ministers Meeting

Ishaq Dar arrives in Mashhad for 28th ECO Council of Ministers Meeting

MASHHAD, DEC 2 /DNA/ – Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 has arrived in Mashhad, Iran to attend the 28th Meeting of the ECO Council of Ministers. He was warmly received at the airport by Vice Governor General of Razavi Khorasan province Mohammad Ali Nabipoor and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran, Mudassir Tipu.

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