ISLAMABAD, JAN 28 /DNA/ – Raising voice against Israeli atrocities is the responsibility of every human being, said Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, Chairman Pakistan Ulema Council, Special Representative to Prime Minister on Inter-Religious Harmony and Middle East.

Taking International Media here on Sunday, Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi said that it is a pity that the whole world could not stop the Israeli atrocities on the oppressed Palestinians.

Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi said that
Pakistan wants the best relations with all Islamic countries, including Iran, adding that with the patience and tolerance of Pakistan’s political and military leadership, Pakistan stayed away from a terrible situation in the region.

Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi said that terrorists are enemies of both Pakistan and Iran, and following the resumption of Pakistan-Iran relations, killing of the Pakistani workers invites both the countries to get unite against terrorism.

Commenting on elections, Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi said that there is no ban on women’s vote, adding that Pakistan Ulema Council will hold an important press conference regarding the elections on Tuesday in Islamabad.

Chairman of Pakistan Ulema Council and Special Representative of Prime Minister of Pakistan Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi also stated that Pakistan wants good relations with all Islamic countries including Iran, Iran is also Pakistan’s neighbor and Islamic brother country, what happened two weeks ago, It was regrettable but now there will be more improvement in the restoration of relations between Pakistan and Iran.

It is a pity that the way Pakistanis were slaughtered yesterday is also a matter of concern for Pakistan and Iran and stresses the need to get unite to eliminate terrorism.

In response to a question, Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi said that the people of Pakistan are Muslims and Pakistanis and their religious schools of thought are their identity after Pakistan.

Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi also said that prevailing issues in Pakistan demands solidarity from all the sections of the country and with unity and tolerance, Pakistan can overcome all the challenges and difficulties.

In response to another question, Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi said that Pakistan’s military and political leadership and security institutions have brought the region out of a terrible situation and crisis.

Pakistan does not want any confrontation with Iran, and wants to resolve all the misunderstandings through mutual cooperation and we hope that what happened last week will not happen again, said Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi.

Talking about the elections in Pakistan, Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi said that the elections in Pakistan will be peaceful and the orders of Shariat Islamia regarding women’s vote in the elections are clear.

In this regard, on Tuesday, the Ulemas and Mashaykhs of all the religious schools of thought of Pakistan will issue a joint Fatwa and code of conduct for the public at the call of the Pakistan Ulema Council, said Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi.

Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi also pointed out that Pakistan and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have unanimous position on Palestine issue and there is no possibility of Pakistan’s relations with Israel, till establishment of an Independent Palestinian state with Al-Quds as its capital.

Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi also said that Pakistan is an important member of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and doesn’t want to see instability in OIC.

There is a place for you in Rotary if you have the heart and the hands for service, says Rotary International President 2024-2025 Stephanie Urchick.

Ansar M Bhatti

ISLAMABAD: Rotary International President Elect Stephanie Urchick has lauded Rotary Pakistan’s humanitarian projects, particularly Smart Villages, and how it encompasses all 7 areas of humanitarian focus of Rotary International.

She expressed particular admiration for the efforts of frontline polio workers in Pakistan. “Polio will be gone in Pakistan because of the commitment of polio workers,” she commented.

She expressed these views while talking to a group of senior journalists. The press talk was facilitated by Imran Ghaznavi.

Stephanie Urchick further said that the aim of the Rotary was to empower people and give them a hope. She said she was amazed to see resilience and steadfastness of the people living in the smart villages established by the Rotary.

“I was deeply moved when a little girl gifted me a piece of handicraft especially prepared for me’, she added.

She spoke about how Rotary International has changed and adapted to the changing times, and how there is a place in Rotary for those with the heart and hands for service.  Mr. Tom Gump similarly spoke about his admiration for service efforts by Rotary Pakistan, especially regarding sanitation, water treatment plants, and mobile libraries.

Rotary Pakistan leaders also emphasized the importance of youth in Pakistan and how Rotary Pakistan is working to generating leadership and nation-building among youth in Pakistan.

 The distinguished dignitaries included Rotary International President Elect 2024-25 Ms. Stephanie Urchick and her Aide Mr. Thomas Gump. They were accompanied by senior Rotary Pakistan leaders, Mr. Faiz Kidwai (Rotary International Director), Mr. Masrur Scheik (District Governor of Rotary District 3272) and Mr. Imran Ghaznavi (ARPIC).

Faiz Kidwai spoke about the humanitarian aims of Rotary International, and how the groundbreaking Rotary Pakistan Smart Villages project is engaged at the grassroots level in Pakistan to transform the poorest of communities, bring development to small towns and villages, and empower their residents. The Rotary Pakistan Smart Villages project is not only providing essentials such as homes and shelters, but has long-term and far-reaching goals, such as infrastructure, education and health.

Water treatment plants, kitchen gardens, and solar-generated electricity has already been brought to these villages. Trainings to provide vocational and financial management skills are also provided at the Smart Villages in order to foster entrepreneurship and move towards de-urbanization in Pakistan.

20 of these Rotary Pakistan Smart Villages are to be completed by June 2024, after which this project will be expanded all over Pakistan based on the needs of the most deserving communities.

ISLAMABAD, JAN 28 (DNA) — Prominent Urdu poet, critic, essayist, lyricist, and scholar Muzaffar Warsi was remembered here on his death anniversary on Sunday. Born on December 23, 1933, in Meerut his name was Mohammad Muzaffaruddin Siddiqui and he used the pen name ‘Warsi’.

  Muzaffar Warsi started his poetry by writing lyrics for songs of Pakistani movies but gradually changed direction and his style of poetry became more oriented towards writing Hamd and Naats. He was one of the few distinguished voices and one of the most prominent poets of Pakistan.

Warsi experimented with every genre of poetry including ghazal, nazam, naat, and hamd. Unique style and diversity of themes made Warsi prominent among the poets of his era. Warsi enlightened ‘Natia Poetry’ with a new style and Naats like “Ya Rahmatullah Al Alameen”  would always be remembered among people having a literary taste.  He received the pride of performance award from the government of Pakistan in 1988. — DNA

DNA

RAWALPINDI, JAN 28: The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) organized 6th Pak-UK Business Opportunities Conference (BOC) at Queens Land hotel Leeds, UK. Mayor of Yorkshire Ms. Tracy Brabin was the chief guest on the occasion. The main purpose of the trade conference was to increase bilateral cooperation in various sectors, especially IT services, food, poultry, garments, textiles and machinery.

In his welcome address Saqib Rafiq highlighted the aim of organizing BOC in Leeds and added that Britain is a major trading partner of Pakistan. Saqib Rafiq also highlighted SIFC role and establishment of Business facilitation in 6 major cities in Punjab including Rawalpindi and further added that such initiatives will build more confidence and attract more Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) in Pakistan. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) was also signed between RCCI and West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce (WNYCC) to increase collaboration and networking.

RCCI President Saqib Rafiq, Vice President Faisal Shahzad, James Mason President/CEO West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, Zahid Jatoi Consul General of Pakistan, Amjad Bashir Chair of British Friends of Pakistan and Muhammad Akhtar Trade and Investment Attache at Consulate General of Pakistan, Manchester, distinguished RCCI members, Khurshid Barlas, Fahad Barlas and representatives from the companies based in UK were also present on the occasion.

DNA

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Industrial and Traders Associations Front (PIAF), hailing the improvement in China-Pakistan bilateral trade volume in the Chinese Yuan (RMB), reaching more than 14 percent in 2023 from just two percent of 2018, said that it would reduce dependence on the US dollar, stabilizing foreign exchange reserves and strengthen the rupee against the greenback.

The PIAF Chairman Faheemur Rehman Saigol also appreciated the SBP to take concrete steps to facilitate this shift by designating three banks – the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, the Bank of China, and Standard Chartered Bank to establish local RMB clearing and settlement setups. He said that this move was seen as a part of a broader strategy to ease pressure on Pakistan’s balance of payments and stabilize its fluctuating foreign exchange reserves, which are predominantly in US dollars.

The PIAF leader said that that the increase in RMB trade was a result of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the People’s Bank of China (PBC) and the SBP, authorizing ICBC to act as an RMB clearing bank in Pakistan. This shift towards RMB in trade transactions is not only significant for Pakistan but also marks a global trend.

According to reports, the Chinese yuan has ascended to the fourth most used currency in global settlements. In November, it surpassed Japan’s yen in international payments for the first time since January 2022, as reported by Swift international payment service. The yuan’s global usage for trade in November was at 4.61 percent, the highest since data collection began in 2015.

This increase is partly attributed to China’s push for using currencies other than the US dollar in its trade with countries like Russia, Middle East, and South America, particularly following Western sanctions on Russia due to its invasion of Ukraine.

In Pakistan, the increased use of the Chinese currency is also evident in its trade with Russia, particularly for fuel transactions, further underscoring the yuan’s growing prominence in international trade.

Faheemur Rehman Saigol said that the central banks of Pakistan and China earlier had agreed to make Rupee-Yuan clearing arrangements to reduce dependence on US dollar. He said that the establishment of the RMB clearing arrangement in Pakistan further boosted usage of RMB for cross-border transactions among Chinese and Pakistani enterprises and financial institutions. This also promoted bilateral trade and investment between the two countries, he added. Beijing and Islamabad conducted bilateral trade in Chinese currency worth RMB30 billion in the fiscal year 2021-22 under the currency swap agreement.

Accordingly, Pakistan had made available a total RMB40 billion to clear its import payments in the current fiscal year 2024, saving $6 billion in foreign reserves.

He said that the establishment of an RMB clearing unit in the country meant that Pakistan might no longer had to use its precious reserves of US dollars to trade with China. Moreover, when funding China-backed mega projects in the country, China too would not have to rely on sending Pakistan US dollars.

Earlier, the process was a bit complex. Pakistani customers made payments to local banks, which then transfer money to New York where settlements took place. From there, the money flown to the respective Chinese bank where the US dollars were converted into RMB.

ISLAMABAD, JAN 28 /DNA/ – Niaz Support, an award-winning social enterprise dedicated to mobilise persons with disabilities in Pakistan, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Air Chief Marshal (R) Mujahid Anwar Khan as its Global Goodwill Ambassador. The former Chief of Air Staff brings with him a wealth of experience, distinguished service, and a deep commitment to humanitarian causes.

Air Chief Marshal (R) Mujahid Anwar Khan, a highly decorated officer, served as the Chief of Air Staff in the Pakistan Air Force. His outstanding leadership and strategic acumen significantly contributed to the country’s defense capabilities. Beyond his military achievements, ACM (R) Mujahid Anwar Khan has consistently demonstrated a passion for making a positive impact on society, particularly for persons with special needs.

“I am thrilled to join hands with Niaz Support in their noble mission of empowering and supporting persons with special needs. It is a cause close to my heart, and I am committed to contributing my efforts towards creating a more inclusive and compassionate world,” remarked Air Chief Marshal (R) Mujahid Anwar Khan.

Niaz Support Founder, Hussain Odhwani, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, staCng, “Having ACM (R) Mujahid Anwar Khan as our Global Goodwill Ambassador is a momentous occasion for Niaz Support. His exemplary leadership and dedicacion to humanitarian causes align perfectly with our organizations  vision. Together, we aim to create awareness, foster inclusivity, and provide meaningful support to those who need it the most.”

In his role as Global Goodwill Ambassador, Air Chief Marshal (R) Mujahid Anwar Khan will actively engage in advocacy and awareness campaigns to further Niaz Support’s mission of enhancing the lives of persons with special needs.

DNA

ISLAMABAD: Mushahid Hussain elected Vice President of IPU Human Rights body (Geneva, 28 January): Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, who represents Asia in the Committee of Human Rights for Parliamentarians (CHRP) of the Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU), was unanimously elected as Vice President of the Committee at it’s meeting in Geneva. Ms Millie Odhiambo of Kenya was elected as President.

Senator Mushahid Hussain is the first parliamentarian from Pakistan to be elected to a high level office of a key body of IPU, which is a global organisation representing the world’s parliaments. Two years ago at the IPU General Assembly in Rwanda, Senator Mushahid Hussain was elected as Member of the CHRP, the only Asian in this important 10-member Committee.

Senator Mushahid Hussain, who is member of the Senate Human Rights Committee, served as Leader of the Pakistan Delegation to the United Nations Human Rights Commission in Geneva. In the year 2000, Mushahid Hussain was honoured by being declared as ‘Prisoner of Conscience’ by the prestigious London-based organisation, ‘Amnesty International’ due to his illegal detention without charges for 440 days, the only Pakistani political prisoner to be so honoured then.

Senator Mushahid Hussain is also Convenor of the Pakistan Parliamentary Forum on PKR (Palestine, Kashmir & Rohingya) and he also serves on the Executive Board of the Istanbul-based ‘Al Quds Parliament’, supporting the Palestine Cause.

ISLAMABAD, Jan 26 (APP/DNA): Coordinator General of COMSTECH, Prof Dr M Iqbal Choudhary, said on Friday that SESAME has the potential to transform the entire scientific landscape of the Middle East and OIC region for good.

Inaugurating the OIC SESAME Users two-day meeting, Prof Choudhary said that the SESAME (Synchrotron Light for Experimental Science in the Middle East) is the most important and expensive scientific facility available in the entire developing region. He said that SESAME is an elaborate, expensive, and impactful facility in the OIC region. He expressed his thanks to the government of Jordan for hosting this facility.

Prof Choudhary said that by using this huge infrastructure, researchers can perform experiments not only in a much better, more precise, and more efficient manner, but they can also conduct scientific studies that are not possible without such a facility. He said that OIC-COMSTECH is pleased to work with SESAME and its users to facilitate its use in the least developed member states.

Prof Choudhary mentioned that we are discussing the possibility of holding three SESAME user meetings in Nigeria for Anglophone Africa, Senegal for Francophone Africa, and Kazakhstan for Central Asia. Prof Choudhary mentioned that COMSTECH offered 25 travel grants annually to SESAME users from LDC and OIC countries.
The Ambassador of Jordan, Dr Maen Khreasat, as chief guest of the inaugural session, said that our collective focus is on the future and advancing our understanding of the scientific and technical marvels within the domain of synchrotron beamlines and their diverse applications.

He said that SESAME stands as a beacon for collaboration, bringing together minds from across the OIC member states to push the boundaries of knowledge and innovation.

Dr Khreasat said that Jordan, as the host country for SESAME, has played a pivotal role in fostering an environment that encourages scientific inquiry and cross-cultural collaboration. He said that Jordan has committed itself to providing the necessary resources and support to ensure the success of SESAME.

Dr Khreasat said that the partnership between COMSTECH and SESAME serves as a shining example of diplomacy through science. This collaboration is a testament to the belief that, by working together, we can overcome obstacles and build a brighter future for all. He said that the collaboration between COMSTECH and SESAME holds immense promise for the Middle East.

Dr Khreasat said that as we celebrate the achievements of SESAME, it is crucial to highlight the bilateral relations between Jordan and Pakistan. The ties between the two nations are deeply rooted in history, culture, and shared values.

He said Jordan and Pakistan can explore opportunities for joint research initiatives, academic exchanges, and technology transfer. He said, Let us continue to build bridges, both scientific and diplomatic, and work towards a future where the pursuit of knowledge knows no borders.

The Director General of Science and Technology of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Saudi Arabia, Dr Abdur Noor Sekendi, was the guest of honor. He appreciated the organization of the SESAME Users Meeting by COMSTECH. He said SESAME is a beacon of collaboration.

He said that through such collaborative efforts, we can help overcome challenges, and he encouraged the participants of the meeting to enhance networking for enhanced collaboration.

The UK’s representative on the SESAME Council, Prof Dr Samar Hasnain, said in his lecture that SESAME has brought scientific development, economic prosperity, and people together. He shared the economic impact of SESAME. He lamented that, unfortunately, we are largely consumers of knowledge rather than the creators of knowledge.

He appreciated the emerging partnership between the SESAME and COMSTECH for the scientific development of OIC countries. Administrative Director, SESAME Prof Dr Atef Elkadime, was the keynote speaker. He gave a comprehensive presentation on the establishment, history, achievements, and future plans of the SESAME.

He invited all to visit SESAME and benefit from this facility for their research work. Experts from the UK, France, Jordan, and Pakistan have delivered lectures, whereas more than 100 participants attended the event in person and online.