Rawalpindi, 2 Jan /DNA/ – An Induction and Operationalization Ceremony was held at an operational base of Pakistan Air Force, today. General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M) Chief of Army Staff, attended the distinguished ceremony as the Chief Guest. Upon his arrival at the base, Chief of Army Staff was received by Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force. The ceremony showcased the newly inducted weapon systems and defence assets of PAF.

Upon his arrival, a smartly turned-out contingent of Pakistan Air Force presented Guard of Honour to the COAS.

During his speech CAS highlighted the latest inductions in the PAF’s arsenal comprising of J-10C fighter jets, air mobility platforms, modren Radars, Unmanned Aerial Systems, Loitering munition capabilities and Long Range Vectors which have significantly bolstered the aerial defence capabilities of the country.
CAS also mentioned that Center of Excellence for Air Mobility & Aviation Safety, College of Air Defence and reinvigoration of Air Power Centre of Excellence alongside operationalization of National Aerospace Science and Technology Park has provided PAF the capability to stay abreast with the evolving challenges. He emphasized upon the progress achieved by PAF in the emerging domains of Cyber and Space technologies to ensure an impregnable defence of the country.

COAS in his speech lauded the operational preparedness of Pakistan Air Force in incorporating state-of-the-art weapon systems, substantially contributing in ensuring the balance of power in the region. While emphasizing the significance of indigenization and human resource development, COAS wholeheartedly endorsed PAF’s dedication to technological advancements and operational excellence, reassuring that the Armed Forces of Pakistan are fully prepared to thwart any aggression. COAS also appreciated PAF’s efforts for transportation of Relief Goods for the victims of Gaza conflict.

Following the ceremony, a spectacular airshow was conducted, featuring various PAF fighter jets, training aircraft and UAVs. The Chief Guest and the attendees later witnessed a static display showcasing the diverse PAF fighter, air mobility and UAV fleet.

DNA

Karachi, Jan 2: International Exercise BARRACUDA-XII formally commences today at Headquarters Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA), Karachi. The event started with an impressive flag hoisting ceremony followed by wreath laying on Shuhadas monument. The ceremony was attended by observers from 13 friendly countries and officers of Pakistan Navy and PMSA. Exercise BARRACUDA-XII is scheduled from 02-04 Jan 24 and comprising Harbour and Sea phases.

Opening brief of the exercise was held at Karachi. Federal Minister for climate change Ahmed Irfan Aslam graced the occasion as Chief Guest. Foreign Observers and delegations from relevant stake holders also attended the brief wherein the Aims and objectives of Exercise BARRACUDA-XII were highlighted. Moreover, scholarly papers on response of Oil Spill and Search and Rescue at sea were presented by both National and International speakers.

During his address Chief Guest thanked all foreign delegates for their participation in the event. He further added that the exercise will continue to crystallise our preparedness for maritime disasters management. Pakistan has always been and will continue to be an ardent advocate of safe & secure seas for the wellbeing of the region and the world.

Earlier during his welcome address, DG PMSA Rear Admiral Imtiaz Ali apprised the audience about Government of Pakistan’s endeavour to curb pollution at sea and reiterated resolve of PMSA to fight Marine pollution. He further highlighted the role of PMSA in implementing the laws in National seas. He thanked the foreign participants and national maritime stakeholders for their support.

DG PMSA Rear Admiral Imtiaz Ali also called on the foreign observers and discussed the matters of mutual interest.

Exercise BARRACUDA is a marine pollution response exercise conducted biennially by PMSA since 2007. Focused on refining response mechanisms and enhancing coordination among stakeholders. The exercise serves as a critical platform to prepare for and address potential oil spills and other marine pollution incidents.

BARRACUDA-XII will unfold as an immersive experience in the North Arabian Sea providing a platform for participating countries to engage in scenario-based simulations and comprehensive drills starting from 2 Jan 24. The 03 days exercise which includes harbour and sea phase will facilitate knowledge exchange, enhance interoperability and solidify coordination among diverse maritime entities, thereby fortifying our global resilience against marine pollution incidents. As the world grapples with the imperative need to protect our oceans, BARRACUDA-XII stands as a testament to the power of international cooperation in combating marine pollution.

DNA

Islamabad, JAN 2: President Arif Alvi has underscored the need for taking measures to improve the status of women, provide them employment opportunities and enabling working-environment to increase their economic participation. He highlighted that our religion Islam granted property rights to women and it was our responsibility to give them their due share and create a safer society for them.

The President expressed these views while chairing a meeting during his visit to the Federal Ombudsman Secretariat for Protection Against Harassment at Workplace (FOSPAH) Head Office, in Islamabad, today. Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment at Workplace, Ms Fauzia Viqar, Secretary FOSPAH, Mr Arif Karim, advisors and officials of FOSPAH attended the meeting.

Ms Fauzia Viqar gave a detailed presentation about the role and achievements of FOSPAH in protecting women’s rights. She informed that FOSPAH was providing speedy justice in harassment at the workplace and property cases of women who had been deprived of their ownership rights. She informed that 725 harassment cases were registered with FOSPAH, during 2023, out of which 517 cases had been decided. She said that an upsurge had been witnessed in the registration of harassment and women’s property cases with FOSPAH due to the awareness campaign about its role and functions. She apprised the meeting that harassment of women and denial of property rights to women were pervasive issues in Pakistan. Appreciating the continued support of the President Dr Arif Alvi, she told the meeting that so far 208 representations against the decisions of FOSPAH had been filed with the President, out of which only 10 were under process with the office of the President while the rest had been decided.

Addressing the meeting, the President called for taking appropriate legislative measures at the federal and provincial levels to ensure the protection of women’s property rights, besides discouraging the transfer of property by women to their family members due to pressures. He said that he was conducting personal hearings of the Ombudspersons’ cases to expedite the process of justice. He stated that highlighting important decisions of FOSPAH in harassment and women’s property cases through media would help increase awareness about the role of the Ombudsman. He said that police at the local level needed to improve their response to women’s complaints in property cases, adding that police officials should be educated about the provisions of the Enforcement of Women’s Property Rights Act, 2020.

The President urged FOSPAH to further increase its outreach and efficiency to provide speedy justice to women in harassment and property cases at their doorsteps. He also advised FOSPAH to enhance its linkages with NGOs and women’s rights organizations in Pakistan to seek suggestions for improving women’s status. The President said that providing a harassment-free and enabling environment to women in both the public and private sectors was essential for their economic and social empowerment. He underlined the need for increased engagements with the business community, particularly the chambers of commerce and industries, to provide employment to women as well as sensitize them about the importance and provisions of the Protection against Harassment at Workplace Act, 2010.

The President appreciated FOSPAH for its role in providing speedy justice to women, adding that women-led institutions like FOSPAH were critical in addressing the challenges being faced by women at workplaces as well as in acquiring their due property rights.

DNA

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan urged the Supreme Court (SC) to immediately intervene and take notice of the unjust step of en mass rejection of nomination papers of the PTI’s candidates on false and flimsy grounds by Returning Officers (ROs) to ensure holding fair, free and transparent elections in order to save democracy in the country.

During his informal conversation with journalists here on Monday, PTI Chairman highlighted that PTI and its leaders, workers as well as affiliates were being subjected to the worst reprisals and coercive actions.

He said that in the first phase of election, the nomination papers of more or less all the top PTI’s candidates were rejected in an unbelievable manner, opening a door of unnecessary legal proceedings aimed at entangling the party and its candidates in needless legal battle so as to keep them away from the masses.

However, he expressed optimism that Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) would prompt action to reverse the unjust and unlawful decisions.

PTI Chairman pointed out that the manner in which PTI and its candidates were being subjected to worst oppression and suppression in order to oust the party from the electoral battle had neither any place in the constitution nor in democracy.

Barrister Gohar Khan reiterated that PTI fully believed in democracy and was in favor of providing equal and fair opportunities to all political parties to participate freely in the elections.

He made it clear that despite the launch of the election process, PTI’s workers and supporters were not safe from oppression and fascism, adding that all basic constitutional and legal rights as a party were being usurped and taken away.

PTI Chairman vowed that they believed in the supremacy of constitution and upholding the rule of law in the country and wanted to see the country strong and prosperous.

Barrister Gohar Khan underlined that constitutionally, the Election Commission was bound to conduct free, impartial, fair and transparent elections in the country, adding that the state could be strengthened only through free and transparent elections.

However, PTI Chairman went on to say that the electoral watchdog has completely failed in performing its constitutional duty, which was evident from the non-implementation of the SC’s ruling pertaining to the providing level playing fields to all political parties due to which the electoral body was fast losing its credibility and effectiveness.

He stated that the international observers and organizations working on the transparency of elections were also closely and keenly mentoring the election process.

PTI Chairman lamented that the judges of Peshawar High Court (PHC) were being openly and blatantly threatened for their merit-based decisions regarding PTI.

Barrister Gohar Khan expressed his apprehensions that if the top court did not immediately intervene, democratic system would be wrapped up from the country.

PTI Chairman made it clear that undermining the transparency of elections and depriving the people of their right to vote was tantamount to a conspiracy against Pakistan.

He stressed that political stability and economic revival were directly linked with the conduct of free, fair and transparent elections in the country otherwise, rigged and stage-managed polls would further exacerbate political and economic instability in the country.

Barrister Gohar Khan vowed that PTI would keep on its political struggle for its rights in a peaceful manner within the ambit of the constitution and law in all circumstances.

He made it clear that they would never boycott the elections in any case and even if the PTI did not allow its election symbol of the “bat”, as they had an alternative strategy.

However, Barrister Gohar Khan raised a question that in case, PTI was deprived of its electoral symbol, then who would get the 227 reserved seats and whom to be blamed for the horse-trading in the aftermath of the elections.

PTI Chairman stated that if the elements involved in the deviation of the constitution did not shun their unconstitutional and unlawful actions, then as a party believed in the upholding of the constitution and law, they would also continue their struggle through peaceful constitutional and democratic methods come what may.

Barrister Gohar Khan recalled that PTI Founder Chairman Imran Khan had unequivocally stated that they had no conflict with any institution or personality of the state, adding that they wanted free and fair elections because people of the country have the ultimate power under the constitution to decide their fate.

Barrister Gohar Khan said that SC should take instantly notice of the situation and take effective and much-needed remedial measures to not only put a halt on the unlawful and unconstitutional steps against PTI but to ensure undisputed polls in the country.