ISLAMABAD, (DNA) – The scheduled meeting  between PM Shabaz Sharif and Dr Muhammad Yunus on the sidelines of UN General Assembly is being keenly  anticipated in Bangladesh as a very welcoming development.This was shared by renowned International relations experts from Bangladesh at a roundtable discussion held by the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS) on the “Post Hasina Wajid Bangladesh”.

Professor Saber Chaudhry, Dean at Dhaka University and Professor Shahab Enam Khan from Jhangirnagar University, Dhaka, highlighted the goodwill and desire for enhancing multifaceted cooperation shared by the peoples of Pakistan and Bangladesh. They also expressed their optimism about Bangladesh’s future under the leadership of Dr. Yunus, noting that Bangladesh had the potential to achieve political stability, economic growth, and balanced foreign relations. However, they acknowledged that the reform process might face challenges due to highly politicized institutions in the country.

Ambassador Jauhar Saleem, President of IRS, emphasized the importance of building on the significant  economic cooperation between Bangladesh and Pakistan to further substantiate the bilateral ties. He also underlined  the need for both countries to work together for the betterment of the entire region, through promoting intra- regional cooperation. In this regard, he highlighted the significance of SAARC; particularly since the current Secretary General of SAARC, Mohd Golam Sarvar, hailed from Bangladesh. He recalled that during his recent visit to Pakistan the SAARC Secretary General had spoken at IRS and shared his aspiration for revitalizing SAARC.

Renowned International relations expert, Dr Syed Riffat Hussain, in his remarks on the occasion, stressed the need for caution as the situation in Bangladesh was still unfolding. He also noted that, Sheikh Hasina’s legacy would continue to pose challenges to interim government’s reform process.

Recalling his experience as the former High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Ambassador Imran Ahmed Siddiqi, Additional Foreign Secretary (Asia-Pacific) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that despite political challenges in the last 15 years, he had witnessed deep affection for Pakistan among the ordinary Bangladeshis. He emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to strengthen relations with Bangladesh and hoped that the strong desire of the peoples of the two countries to forge closer ties  would guide them towards a harmonious, and prosperous future.

Professor Shahab Enam highlighted the need to identify potential areas of greater cooperation such as tourism, exchange of scholars, and business interactions, so to further cooperation between the two countries.

Ambassador Syed Ahmed Maroof, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, emphasized that the interim government of Dr Muhammad Yunus had the backing of all major political parties for comprehensive economic and constitutional reforms. He dismissed the notion of continued ethnic or communal violence in Bangladesh and attributed the spread of misinformation to Indian propaganda.

Professor Saber Ahmed Chowdhry explained that the student led protests were a result of years of marginalization of younger generations from mainstream politics, as well as widespread corruption, and highly politicized institutions. He highlighted the significance of involving the youth in the reform process concerning key sectors  such as police, judiciary, and election commission.

The event drew a diverse audience, including diplomats, researchers, academics, and students from universities across Islamabad.

Shamim Shahid

PESHAWAR: The Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack against a police van escorting Ambassadors convoy is now generating a stock of questions when banned Tehrik Taliban Pakistan has not only disowned its involvement but has also made allegations against its own security forces. Analysts believe it is a repetition of 2004-2005 strategy on the part of militants who are linked with Al Qaeda, declared an international terror group throughout the world.

Though District Police Officer Swat Dr. Zahid Ullah soon after the occurrence in chat with media accused banned TTP and the Counter Terrorism Police (CTD) registered a case against unknown militants but almost heads and responsible office holders of law enforcing agencies are yet to establish such claims and charges. For the last two days, high level police and other security organs officials have engaged in prolonged discussions and consultation to find out the elements or hands responsible for terrorizing Ambassadors from important countries.

Whatever might be claims and justifications on the part of police and other law enforcing agencies as well but one cannot ignore the presence of hundreds of banned TTP militants who are scattered in Swat and its surrounding areas. These militants shifted from neighbouring Afghanistan in accordance with a deal made by former ISI Chief and ex-Corps Commander Peshawar Lt. Gen (Retd) Faiz Hameed who is now facing trials in military courts, also called Court Martial. Whereas a couple of days the British media has reported the presence and activating of Hamza Osama Bin Laden in Afghanistan.

Pakistan’s permanent Ambassador to the United Nations Mr. Muneer Akram has also hinted at re-activating of what he called Internationally declared terror organization Al Qaeda in Afghanistan.

A high level figure within the Federal Government when asked for his point of view after Swat bomb attack against police escorting Ambassadors convoy has avoided to say something in this respect, adding, “it is a great game, how it is possible for a common men to comment when forces didn’t forgive its high level general ( Faiz Hameed).” Swat journalists confirmed that the high profile ambassador’s visit to Malam Jaba was kept very secret and only a few high-ranking police and security officers were aware.

Former Secretary Home Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and retired Inspector General Police Syed Akhtar Ali Shah says, “attack against ambassadors was not new for him as some dacoits arrested from Matta Swat in 2004 have confirmed links with Al Qaeda and had disclosed plans of targeting foreigners visiting Swat. The dacoits were part of seven who had robbed a bank in Chaparral Matta Swat. Five of them were killed during encounters with police when Syed Akhtar Ali Shah was District Police Officer. The arrested dacoits/terrorists were affiliated with Pakistani group Jesh I Muhammad, linked with Al Qaeda.

Now it is no more secret that like in the late 90’s, Al Qaeda is again active throughout Afghanistan, where Taliban rulers are making their best to make “SILENT” media and politico-social activists as well. Unlike the 90’s, this time Al Qaeda is being supported by thousands of Pakistani militants who are associated with banned Tehrik Taliban Pakistan.

Apart from Al Qaeda, presence, strengthening and activating of Islamic States (IS) also called as Daaesh is most dangerous and harmful for the very interests of almost of South and Central Asian countries. The IS militants are stated financially, technically and organizationally sound and effective throughout Afghanistan. Majority of IS militants are Pakistanis who are familiar in Afghanistan due to their support and contribution in the war against the USSR and later against the US led war on terror.

No one can deny the fact that after changing its modus operandi after frequent resistance in war on terror in end of first decade of new millennium, the US through its most confidential aides like Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Pakistan, had gifted again Afghanistan to Tehrik Taliban Afghanistan also called it Emirate Islami Afghanistan.

ISLAMABAD, 23 Sept (DNA) – President Asif Ali Zardari, Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmed Al-Malkiy, Chief Minister Punjab, Maryam Nawaz and Governor Sindh Kamran Tessori participated in a cake-cutting ceremony held in Islamabad to celebrate the National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

The event was a symbol of the deep-rooted friendship and diplomatic ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

During the celebration, dignitaries expressed their commitment to further strengthening the historic relationship between the two brotherly nations.

The gathering was attended by officials, diplomats, and distinguished guests, marking the significance of the occasion.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has extended felicitation to the government and people of Saudi Arabia as the Kingdom celebrated its 94th National Day on Monday, marking the unification of the country by the late King Abdul Aziz in 1932.

In his message, the premier said, that under the leadership of Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Kingdom had emerged as a great country of the 21st century.

Calling Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 a role model for the world, PM Shehbaz said the Kingdom was playing a leading role in the developing world in business, technology, economy and other fields.

“Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoyed historic relations based on religious and cultural values and both countries supported each other through tough times,” he said.

The prime minister added that the entire Pakistani nation was grateful for Saudi Arabia’s support in the recent stabilisation of Pakistan’s economy and expressed the hope that both countries would continue to enjoy cordial ties in the future as well.

Meanwhile, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited the Saudi Embassy to mark the special occasion in the diplomatic enclave.

He was received by the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia Nawaf bin Said Ahmed Al-Maliki on his arrival.

Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi in a meeting with Ambassador of Saudi Arabia Nawaf Bin Said Ahmed Al-Maliki in Islamabad on September 23, 2024. — PID
Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi in a meeting with Ambassador of Saudi Arabia Nawaf Bin Said Ahmed Al-Maliki in Islamabad on September 23, 2024. — PID
The interior minister congratulated Ambassador Al-Maliki on Saudi Arabia’s National Day and expressed good wishes for the Saudi Royal Family and the people of Saudi Arabia.

He thanked the Saudi government and ambassador for their cooperation during difficult times, saying, “Saudi Arabia has always stood by Pakistan, whether during floods, earthquakes, economic or other challenges. Their support has been unparalleled.”

Naqvi emphasised that every Muslim holds Saudi Arabia in special esteem. He said that Saudi Arabia has consistently supported Pakistan through thick and thin, and every Pakistani takes pride in our historic friendship.

Saudi Ambassador said that Saudi Arabia highly values its relations with Pakistan as “it is our brotherly country”.

Islamabad, 23 Sept: /DNA/ – President Asif Ali Zardari reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) in the areas of economy, trade, defence, culture, education and people-to-people contacts.

The President expressed these views while addressing at the National Day Reception of KSA, hosted by Saudi Embassy to celebrate the 94th Anniversary of the National Day of the KSA in Islamabad, today. The event was attended by the federal Ministers, diplomats, dignitaries, and civil and military officers.

While extending heartfelt felicitations to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud and the people of Saudi Arabia on their National Day, the President highlighted that both brotherly countries enjoyed excellent relations in various fields and had always supported each other during challenging times.

The President expressed deep appreciation for the vision of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the significant progress achieved by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He remarked that the bold initiatives taken by the Crown Prince would propel the country towards greater progress and prosperity. The President wished Saudi Arabia continued success on this transformative journey.

The President expressed gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its continued support to Pakistan and as well as hosting nearly 2.7 million Pakistanis, who are making contributions to the Kingdom’s social and economic development.

The President expressed confidence that the bilateral relations between the two brotherly nations would continue to further strengthen in the years to come. He emphasized that both countries would work together for the advancement of their nations, the unity of the Muslim Ummah, and the promotion of peace and stability in the region and beyond.

ISLAMABAD, SEP 23 (DNA) — COMSTECH- the OIC Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation has announced research fellowships for students, scholars and institutions in Mauritania in order to strengthen the ties and build scientific capacity in Mauritania.

According to an official source, these research fellowships have been announced by the COMSTECH and National Agency for Scientific Research and Innovation, Mauritania under the Joint Science and Technology Capacity Building Program. COMSTECH shares a long-standing brotherly relationship with Mauritania and this program will further strengthen the scientific cooperation between the two countries.

Under the COMSTECH-Mauritania Program, Research Fellowships will be offered to young researchers and early stage scientists/engineers in Mauritania to enable them to spend six months at a relevant center of excellence in many listed institutions of OIC member states, especially Pakistan.

The purpose of these fellowships is to enhance the research and development capacity of promising researchers and engineers from Mauritania at the beginning of their research career, helping them to foster linkages for further collaboration in their fields. Besides this program, Mauritania students and scholars may also participate in other COMSTECH programs which are launched and publicized through COMSTECH website and social media.

Similarly, the Research and Development institutions of Mauritania may collaborate with COMSTECH Center of Excellence institutions for exchange of knowledge, expertise, technology and resources to develop their capacities and devise solutions. —DNA

SAHIWAL, SEP 23 (DNA) — The District Police Officer (DPO) Sahiwal, Faisal Shahzad has conducted an accountability session at the DPO office on Monday, where 41 police officers and employees were summoned.

According to DPO Office, during the session, two constables, Muhammad Rizwan and Khalid Mustafa were dismissed from their jobs due to corruption complaints. Additionally, the services of six other police officers and employees were confiscated while 9 more were censured.

Furthermore, an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI), Farooq Khalid was forced to retire due to allegations of illegal conduct.  DPO Faisal Shahzad emphasized that there is no place for corrupt, immoral or ill-reputed employees in the department and that the police must fulfill their duties and responsibilities with utmost sincerity and integrity. —DNA