ISLAMABAD, APR 19 /DNA/ – Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) this evening.

The Prime Minister’s call was centered on his admiration for the strong resolve and impeccable efficiency with which the UAE leadership had confronted the challenges that had emerged from the recent rains in the country. He lauded the UAE President, who had once again demonstrated his outstanding leadership qualities and proven his strong commitment to ensuring the welfare of the Emirati people.

The Prime Minister said that Pakistan has also witnessed heavy rains in recent days, resulting in loss of many precious lives. The Prime Minister called for collective actions to combat the challenge of climate change and suggested that both countries strengthen their collaboration in this field. The President of UAE expressed appreciation for the Prime Minister’s good wishes and reciprocated the warm sentiments for the people affected from rains and flooding in Pakistan. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhance bilateral cooperation in multifaceted areas.

ISLAMABAD, APR 19 /DNA/ – President Asif Ali Zardari conferring the award of Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military) upon the Turkish Chief of General Staff, Republic of Turkiye, General Metin Gurak, in recognition of his services in strengthening defence relations between Pakistan and Turkiye, at Aiwan-e-Sadr, on 19-04-2024.

 President Asif Ali Zardari meeting with the Turkish Chief of General Staff, Republic of Turkiye, General Metin Gurak, who called on him, at Aiwan-e-Sadr, on 19-04-2024.

ISLAMABAD, APR 19 /DNA/ – President Asif Ali Zardari has called for enhancing road and railway connectivity between Pakistan and Turkiye to further promote people-to-people contacts between the two brotherly countries. He said that overland transport was cost-effective, which would not only lead to increased interactions between the two nations but would also enhance bilateral economic ties.

The President expressed these views while talking to the Turkish Chief of General Staff, General Metin Gurak, who along with his delegation, called on him, at Aiwan-e-Sadr, today. Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, and Ambassador of Turkiye to Pakistan, Dr Mehmet Pacaci, also attended the meeting.

Welcoming the delegation, the President said that Pakistan was committed to further deepening mutually beneficial cooperation with Turkiye in all areas of common interest. He urged the need to increase bilateral cultural exchanges, particularly in the areas of literature and poetry, to bring the people of two brotherly countries further closer.

The President highlighted that Turkiye was a sincere friend of Pakistan and both countries had enjoyed deep fraternal ties, which needed to be further strengthened for the mutual benefit of the two sides. He expressed satisfaction over the existing level of bilateral cooperation between the two countries, adding that Pak-Turkiye relations were on an upward trajectory marked by increased high-level exchanges.

Earlier, President Asif Ali Zardari conferred Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military) on the Turkish Chief of General Staff, General Metin Gurak, in recognition of his outstanding services in strengthening and promoting defence ties between Pakistan and Turkiye, at a special investiture ceremony, held, at Aiwan-e-Sadr today.

Islamabad, APR 19 /DNA/ – Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, called on President Asif Ali Zardari, at Aiwan-e-Sadr today, and congratulated him on assuming the office of the President.

The Naval Chief briefed the President about the operational readiness of the Pakistan Navy in safeguarding the maritime interests of the country.

He highlighted that the Pakistan Navy had the capability to defend the national sea frontiers.

The President commended the professionalism of the Pakistan Navy in protecting the maritime interests of the country.

ISLAMABAD, APR 19 /DNA/ – The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) and the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Pakistan Office will be co-hosting a one-day International Conference, titled “Pakistan in the Emerging Geopolitical Landscape,” at ISSI on 24 April 2024.

Building on the success of last year’s International Conference – “Pakistan’s Strategic Frontiers”, this year’s event will delve into the relationship between Pakistan’s strategic position and the rapidly shifting dynamics of West and Central Asia. The Conference agenda focuses on three key themes. The first working session, titled “Unraveling Afghanistan’s Shifting Landscape,” will examine the evolving situation in Afghanistan, particularly its impact on Pakistan’s security and foreign policy considerations.  The second session, titled “From Dependency to Diversity: The Evolution of the Middle East,” will analyze the changing environment within the Middle East and its influence on Pakistan’s regional partnerships and economic interests. The third and final session, titled “Rising Non-Conventional Security Threats in Afghanistan, Central Asia, and the Middle East,” will seek to address the growing challenges posed by non-traditional threats like cyberwarfare, pandemics, and climate change, emphasizing the necessity of regional collaboration to mitigate these threats.

Through in-depth discussions and expert insights, the Conference aims to achieve a broad set of objectives.  It will analyze the impact of the evolving regional landscape on Pakistan’s foreign policy, security concerns, and economic opportunities.  The Conference will also explore the changing nature of security threats and their implications for regional stability.  Furthermore, the discussions will emphasize the importance of fostering regional connectivity and economic cooperation for sustainable development.  Ultimately, the Conference seeks to generate valuable knowledge on how Pakistan can effectively navigate its changing regional environment, enhance its diplomatic space, and promote economic development.

By bringing together renowned international and Pakistani scholars, academics, practitioners, policymakers, and diplomats, the Conference seeks to create a platform for constructive dialogue and contribute to deeper understanding of Pakistan’s role in the emerging geopolitical landscape. The Conference aims to foster a comprehensive and more nuanced appreciation of the complex challenges and opportunities Pakistan faces in the evolving global environment.

DNA

ISLAMABAD, APR 19: Turkish Chief of the General Staff, General MetinGürak visited Naval Headquarters Islamabad and called on Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf. Upon arrival at Naval Headquarters, the dignitary was received by Chief of the Naval Staff.

Later, General MetinGürak called on Chief of the Naval Staff in his office, where matters of mutual interests, regional maritime security environment and bilateral naval collaboration were discussed. Various avenues of cooperation including training, exchange of visits and conduct of bilateral naval exercises between the two Navies were also focused. The Naval Chief highlighted Pakistan Navy’s initiatives to ensure maritime security and peace in the region through Regional Maritime Security Patrols. The visiting dignitary acknowledged Pakistan Navy’s efforts and commitments in support of collaborative maritime security in the region.

The recent visit of Turkish Chief of the General staff will further augment and expand defence ties between the two brotherly countries in general and the defence forces in particular.

LONDON: APR 19 /DNA/ – Several decorated British military officers paid glowing tributes to the allure of Pakistan while referring to the hospitality of Pakistanis as being unparalleled. They appreciated the professionalism and versatility of the Pakistan Army, calling it one of the best and most disciplined military organisations in the world.

Around 50 senior British military men of the Quetta Association who studied and served in Pakistan Army’s elite Command and Staff College in the last 50 years shared their views after attending a luncheon in their honour hosted at the Army and Navy Club in London. UK Army Chief General Patrick Sanders was the Chief Guest on the occasion.

The event was organised to cherish the indelible imprints of the British officer’s stay at Quetta. Veteran British officers paid rich tributes, unbounded homage and reverence to the great institution at Quetta.
Notable British military officers who attended the event included Lieutenant General Sir Alistar Irwin (1980 graduate), Lieutenant General Anthony Palmer (1981 graduate), Brigadier Nick Thompson (1971 graduate), Brigadier Tony Berry (1970 graduate) and Major General Seumas Kerr (1985 graduate).
They were accompanied by their wives who were equally delighted in reminiscing the good old memories of the past.

The event was conducted by Colonel Taimur Rahat, Army and Air Adviser at Pakistan High Commission London. He spoke on the achievements of the Staff
College and informed the audience of the value that Staff College beholds for the training and grooming of officers from 1905 onwards. Col Taimur gave various
examples of how command and staff echelons in all major battles fought by the British Army from 1900s to 1950s were groomed at Quetta. He stated that students
who studied from this prestigious institution have gone on to become Viceroys, Governor Generals, Presidents and Field Marshals. Some are even credited with being founding fathers of various Arms / Services in their country’s armed forces. Countless have laid the supreme sacrifices of their lives in almost every theatre and battlefield of the world. The message of Commandant Command and Staff College Major General Nassem Anwer was also read out in the gathering to the applause of everyone.
Souvenirs were presented on the occasion to the Chief Guest and other notables by spouse of the High Commissioner, Pakistan High Commission.

Commenting about the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces, the British
Army Chief said there was no comparison to the Pakistan military’s professional finesse and expertise. General Patrick Sanders termed Pakistan as UK Army’s foremost priority in various avenues of Defence Association and Defence Collaboration during his tenure. He fondly recalled the glimpses of his visits to Pakistan over the years and lamented about his forthcoming trip to Pakistan as his last in uniform. He spoke at length on the significance of Pakistan as an extremely vital country situated exactly at the centre of the East and the West. General Patrick Sanders referred to the enriched association and tapestry between the Pakistani and British militaries and highlighted the potential of collaborating in the Defence Industry. He praised the leadership of COAS Pakistan Army General Asim Munir and fondly narrated his personal connection and affinity with him.

General Patrick also lauded the efforts of Defence Wings of Pakistan and British High Commission for their fervent pursuit of military diplomacy in taking the long- standing ties to another level. General Patrick Sanders affirmed the role Pakistan Military plays in defence and nation building. He said that Pakistan army was battle-hardened and known for its ability to defend the country as well as providing vital help to the partner countries. He also recognised the honesty and integrity of the Pakistani Armed Forces officers and recalled unique generosity of the Pakistani nation.