DNA

ISLAMABAD, MAR 8: The Centre for Aerospace & Security Studies (CASS), Lahore, hosted a seminar titled ‘Climate Resilience & Strategic Preparedness: Safeguarding Pakistan’s Security Interests’. The event discussed the challenges that Pakistan faces in the wake of global climate change, which can potentially threaten state security and social cohesion.

The seminar commenced with opening remarks by Mr Ameer Abdullah Khan, Senior Researcher at CASS, Lahore, who spoke about the different aspects in which climate change is interrelated with the national security of Pakistan. This was followed by a keynote address by Mr Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, member Loss & Damage Fund Board and World Bank Consultant, who spoke about strategic preparedness in the face of ecological uncertainty while outlining policies and priorities from global to domestic levels. Mr Ahmed Rafay Alam, an environmental lawyer, shed light on governance-related challenges, which augment climate-induced threats to Pakistan’s security. The last speaker, Ms Sarah Hayat, Climate Law and Policy Expert, discussed the need for climate adaptation and mitigation as a way forward to a secure future for Pakistan.

In his concluding remarks, Air Marshal Asim Suleiman (Retd), President, CASS Lahore, said that despite contributing minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions, Pakistan has endured the harsh realities of climate change. He highlighted that the crisis does not stop at natural disasters, rather it extends to straining the economy, political stability, and social fabric of Pakistan, besides intensifying regional tensions. The President acknowledged Pakistan’s initiatives to combat climate change, however, he stressed the need for international cooperation, considering this to be a shared endeavour.

The seminar highlighted various key points. The speakers pointed out how certain lapses in management in the past have contributed to the escalating severity of climate change threats. They also emphasised the need for inclusive climate-resilient strategies at the federal, provincial and local levels. They further suggested to bridge the knowledge-policy gap pertaining to climate change. They also stressed the urgency of boosting efforts to enhance international climate finance inflows. The seminar concluded with a unanimous call for proactive decisions to safeguard Pakistan’s national security interest.=DNA

Serena Hotels celebrates International Women’s Day with a Focus on Inspiring Inclusion

Mahnoor Ansar

Islamabad: Mar 8: Serena Hotels proudly hosted a vibrant celebration in honor of International Women’s Day, underscoring the theme of “Inspire Inclusion.” The event, held at Islamabad Serena Hotel, featured a dynamic panel discussion on “Breaking Barriers: Inspiring Inclusion and Diversity in Leadership.”

Moderated by renowned broadcast journalist Sidra Iqbal, the panel included esteemed personalities such as Dr. Sania Nishtar, a leading public health and development expert; Azima Dhanjee, a disability rights activist; Dr. Noor Khan, a distinguished career diplomat; and Mr. Lansana Wonneh, Acting Representative of UN Women Pakistan.

Distinguished guests from the diplomatic community, international agencies, corporate sector, representatives from the Pakistan Foreign Office Women Association and Islamabad Foreign Women Association and Serena associates participated to honor and appreciate women who have shattered stereotypes and achieved success across various spheres of life. Foreign Secretary Mr. Syrus Qazi and many Ambassadors and their spouses also joined in the celebration.

Reflecting on the significance of the occasion, CEO Serena Hotels Aziz Boolani stated, “Today, we celebrate the resilience, strength, and achievements of women who have paved the way for generations to come. Our event aims to recognize their contributions and amplify the voices of those advocating for gender equality and inclusion.”

The Chief Guest for the occasion, Begum Samina Alvi, First Lady of Pakistan, graced the event alongside accomplished women from diverse backgrounds, symbolizing unity and collective empowerment. She also said ‘we need to focus on girls’ education to make our women strong enough to face the challenges of life with the strength of their minds. We also need to make continuous efforts to equip our women with vocational skills to utilize their potential and also to save them from economic exploitation’.

As Serena Hotels continues to champion gender equality and diversity, events like these serve as catalysts for meaningful dialogue and action towards a more inclusive society.

DNA

ISLAMABAD: On the occasion of the 114 International Women’s Day, the Embassy of Nepal in Islamabad organized a programme ‘Vipassana: Stress Management and Inner Peace for Better World’ highlighting the inner peace to manage stress through Vipassana. During the programme, I shared the imprint of Vipassana in Taxila and Takht-I Bahi and other places in Pakistan that have full evidences of meditation.

As an oldest country, Nepal has preserved and practised the oldest traditions, which could be beneficial to all of us. A large number of foreigners are visiting Nepal each year to learn, practice, and develop their skills in Yoga and Meditation. The yoga and meditation are non-religious and nonpolitical and beneficial for the well-being of humankind. Some of the centers in Nepal offer courses without any charge.

In the programme, Vipassana teacher Mr. Khageshwar Aryal shared the importance of Vipassana for the well-being of people and taught some breathing exercises and meditation. In the programme, Government officials, corporate chiefs, Human Resource Managers, Yoga teachers and practitioners were also present.

Bosnia, Pakistan ties from cordial to excellent, says Ambassador

Film “Qou vadis, Aida?”, on the occasion the 32^nd anniversary of Independence Day of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Saifullah Ansar

ISLAMABAD: Mr. Emin Cohodarevic Ambassador Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina has said  he was pleased to present the film “Qou vadis, Aida?”, on the occasion the 32^nd anniversary of Independence Day of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The film is not only a cinematic masterpiece, but a painful reminder of the Srebrenica genocide, the worst atrocity on European soil since World War II.

A large number of guests hailing from various walks of life attended the reception.

The ambassador said, it was an undeniable reality that the relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Islamic Republic of Pakistan are special: alongside the enduring link of the permanent support that Pakistan give to Bosnia and Herzegovina on its path to preserve freedom and democracy.

‘’Our relations have an out of ordinary dynamic, they permanently develop and diversify. There no single field, either political, defense, economical, cultural or social one, where we not able to give positive examples and good practices’.

He said he was confident that the friendship between the people of the two countries and bilateral relations between  two governments will continue to flourish and achieve new heights.   

While giving a highlight of the film, the ambassador said, it was not coincidence that we chose this moment to screen    “Quo vadis, Aida?”, as we mark our 32^nd  year of independence, recognizing all of the stories, tragic and heroic, personal and collective, well-known and yet-to-be-told, that are part of my country′s history already.

‘Aida′s drama and her emotions are the heart of the story. I would like you to take away the feelings and questions the film raises. How many things would have been different if we had more empathy and solidarity? Did this tragedy have to have such a terrible outcome?

He said, he would like to express his gratitude to the Pakistan National Council of the Art for hosting us this evening, as well as Mr. Danish Iqbal, Honorary Consul of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Lahore, Mr. Asad Saleem, Honorary Consul of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Peshawar and Mr. Khawaja Abdul Ghani Majid, Honorary Consul of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Karachi who so generously contributed to the success of tonight′s event.

PESHAWAR, MAR 6 /DNA/ – The member of the provincial assembly elected on the general seat from Chitral and the first ever female deputy speaker in the history of the provincial assembly Suriya Bibi, has said that Pakistan-China friendship will become stronger and more stable with the passage of time, we believe that CPEC is a plan for the economic development of Pakistan, he expressed these views during a visit to China Window, a Chinese cultural center established in Peshawar and addressing the ceremony of awarding certificates to language learners. Suriya Bibi visited various galleries of the state of the art China Window, signed the friendship wall and recorded her comments in the guest book. 

She said that China has helped Pakistan in every difficult time and now the CPEC project will play its role in the economic development of Pakistan, however, he emphasized that the backward areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa should also be given a share in the CPEC, especially Chitral should also be considered in the CPEC. She hoped that CPEC would usher in a new era of prosperity in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Deputy Speaker Provincial Assembly Suriya Bibi also described Chinese language as important for the future and said that it is the need of the hour to learn Chinese language so that learners can get job opportunities in the ongoing projects of Chinese investors in Pakistan. Deputy Speakers said that with the establishment of Rashkai Economic Zone, more than two hundred thousand jobs will also be created which can be benefited .Suriya Bibi further said that the China Window is a wonderful center of friendship not only for the people of Peshawar but also for the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa which is also playing a significant role to strenghern the friendship between the two countries. Later she distributed certificates among the students of the Chinese language learning course. Earlier in his speech at the ceremony, Peshawar Press Club President Arshad Aziz Malik said that after the general elections, the government’s focus should be on economic development so that production can increase and People get jobs. He said that Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has also indicated in his first speech on the floor of the assembly to take all possible steps to improve the economy, after which he hopes that the industrial sector in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. And agricultural development will start very soon.

MINSK, MAR 6 /DNA/ – Pakistan Embassy in Minsk holds a Reception Celebrating the 84th Pakistan Resolution Day and 30th Anniversary of Pakistan-Belarus Diplomatic Relations.

The Embassy of Pakistan in Belarus organized a Reception in commemoration of 84th Pakistan Resolution Day and 30th Anniversary of the establishment of Pakistan-Belarus Diplomatic Relations. His Excellency Mr. Viktor Karankevich, Minister of Energy of the Republic of Belarus was the Chief Guest, whereas over 250 other guests, including Ambassadors, Belarusian dignitaries, media personnel and expatriate Pakistanis attended the event.

Reflecting on the historic significance of March 23rd, Ambassador of Pakistan to Belarus Sajjad Haider Khan, paid homage to the visionary founding fathers especially Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, whose leadership led to the birth of Pakistan as an independent nation on August 14, 1947.

Ambassador Khan underscored Pakistan’s stature as the world’s second-largest Muslim nation, with a population of 240 million and a robust economy boasting a GDP of $1.283 trillion in terms of purchasing power parity. The contributions of Pakistan’s 10 million expatriates, who annually remit around $30 billion, were lauded for their role in the nation’s socio-economic development.

Ambassador Khan reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the principles of equality, justice, and non-alignment in international affairs, as enshrined in the UN Charter. He underscored Pakistan’s active participation in multilateral and regional organizations, advocating for peace, cooperation, and regional development.

Turning to the bilateral relations between Pakistan and Belarus, Ambassador Khan highlighted the development of the partnership over the past three decades, characterized by mutual respect and cooperation. Significant agreements, including the visa abolition for diplomatic and official passport holders, and over 80 other MoUs and agreements, have laid the foundation for diverse cooperation across various sectors.

The Ambassador also spoke about the Cultural exchanges between Pakistan and Belarus which have flourished, enriched by film, art, music, sports, and educational initiatives. As part of the 30th-anniversary celebrations, a series of events, including book launches, cultural festivals, art exhibitions, and musical concerts, are planned to further strengthen cultural ties between the two nations.

During his speech, the Belarusian Minister of Energy Viktor Karankevich expressed warm congratulations to Pakistan on its National Day and highlighted the significant milestones achieved since the Lahore Declaration in 1940. He commended Pakistan’s journey to becoming a respected global player and emphasized the strengthening of bilateral relations over the past 30 years.

The Minister highlighted successful elections in both countries, cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and key achievements in trade and education. He thanked Ambassador Sajjad Haider Khan and the Embassy team for their contributions and expressed optimism for continued cooperation and partnership between Belarus and Pakistan.

A special feature about the event was the live performance by students of the State University of Culture & Arts on instrumental tunes of Pakistani national songs.

The Ambassador expressed gratitude to the Belarusian government for their steadfast support and concluded by expressing confidence in the continued strengthening of Pakistan-Belarus relations in the years to come.

ISLAMABAD, MAR 6 (APP/DNA): President Arif Alvi on Wednesday said that Pakistan desired to expand its trade and economic relations with the friendly countries. The president expressed these views during separate meetings with Ambassador-designate of Pakistan to Portugal Dr Muhammad Khalid Ejaz and Ambassador-designate of Pakistan to Myanmar Imran Haider, who called on him at the Aiwan e Sadr.

Pakistan desires to expand trade, economic cooperation with friendly countries: President Talking to ambassador-designate to Portugal, the president urged him to work for further strengthening of bilateral trade ties with his host country, adding that Pakistan was ensuring conducive environment for the economic and trade activities. The foreign investors should avail of such business-friendly environment in Pakistan, President Secretariat Press Wing, in a press release, quoted the president as saying. President Alvi also underlined the need of enhancing political, cultural and people to people contacts between Pakistan and Portugal, besides strengthening of exchanges at the political level. Portuguese IT companies could benefit from the skilled human resources of Pakistan in the respective sector, he opined. The president, during his meeting with ambassador designate to Myanmar, stressed upon further cementing of bilateral relations between the two countries. He stressed that both countries were required to enhance their cooperation in business sector to promote trade. Ancient Buddhism heritage in Pakistan could further bring the two countries closer in tourism and cultural sectors. On the occasion, the president also separately expressed his good wishes for the success of both envoys.

RAWALPINDI, MAR 6 /DNA/ – General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS), visited Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) today as chief guest at the rollout ceremony of HAIDER tank (Pilot Project).

The ceremony was attended by Ambassador of the Peoples Republic of China, key officials of Chinese state company NORINCO, high officials of Government of Pakistan & Pakistan Army, and various military and civilian officials of HIT. During the ceremony, HIT unveiled its new Tank HAIDER, which has been indigenously manufactured through collaboration with NORINCO China and various industries of Pakistan.

HAIDER embodies cutting-edge technology and impressive capability in the domain of tank warfare having remarkable firepower, protection and manoeuvre characteristics. Crafted with state-of-the-art advanced technologies, HAIDER stands as a testament to Pakistani defence industry’s relentless pursuit of excellence in defence innovation.

COAS was briefed in detail about the technical capabilities of the HAIDER tank and the progress being made in achieving indigenization in arms and armament.

COAS also visited other manufacturing facilities within the Heavy Industrial Complex and appreciated the commitment of the officers and workforce in successful achievement of another technological milestone.

Earlier on arrival, COAS was received by Chairman HIT.