DNA
ISLAMABAD, DEC 8: Ameer Khurram Rathore, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Indonesia, officially presented his credentials to Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia.
During the ceremony, Ambassador Rathore conveyed warm regards from Pakistan’s leadership, which President Jokowi graciously reciprocated.
This exchange of sentiments marks a continued strengthening of diplomatic ties between Pakistan and Indonesia.” DNA
KARACHI, DEC 8: /DNA/ – “Nazafreen Saigol Lakhani, President and Sarmad Ali, Secretary General of the All Pakistan Newspapers Society have expressed profound grief on behalf of APNS Office Bearers and members of the Executive Committee over the sad demise of Mr. Muhammad Almas Abbasi, Publisher, Daily Azkaar, Rawalpindi.
The APNS offered condolence to the bereaved family and prayed that Almighty Allah rest the departed soul in eternal peace and give them courage and patience to bear the loss.
Dr. Muhammad Akram Zaheer
Pakistan and Iran have tied in all circumstances at political, historical, cultural and economic level. But mutual relations between different countries have lagged.Connection and relations between countries are essential to put all the capacities to work especially in cultural diplomacy with the virtue of public diplomacy. To achieve objectives of abroad, expanding communication technologies, diplomatic disorderfrom traditional to modern have given the concept of public diplomacy for government.
Cultural diplomacy means exchange of ideas, information, art, technology and other aspects of culture among nations to promote mutual understanding.To achieve political goals, governments are making efforts to converge culture as part of public diplomacy to align public opinion. By making officially relations with other countries, there can be interaction on political and cultural aspect of our country. Culture of soft diplomacy is the base of public diplomacy. Cinema, culture, theatre and literature of a country and its people are involved in cultural diplomacy. Films have played a great role not just becoming the source of entertainment but also going beyond borders at different level. To promote relations with Iran and other countries like Pakistan, public and cultural diplomacy are the most important factors. Policy of relations with other countries can grow by cooperation among regional countries.
Benazir Bhutto was the first female prime minister of an Islamic country. She was a great politician. Some people thought that they should make a movie about the life of Benazir Bhutto. It can be most important factor as a joint venture between Islamic countries like Iran and Pakistan. Bhutto was a great political leader who followed rules and regulations of Islam. She was murdered when she in political struggle of Pakistan. She was the fourth member of her family. She was executed at the age of 54. Her father was also a great political leader. He ruled over Pakistan during (1971-1977). He was the founder of Pakistan People Party (PPP). He was removed by General Zia UlHaq as the chief of army staff. He was hanged in 1979. Shah Nawaz was died in 1985 who was the youngest brother. Murtezawas also killed under mistrust circumstances.
As the leader of Pakistan People Party, Bhutto was a great personality. She wanted to make country democratic and representative of democratic ideals. Mr. Bhutto was elected as a prime minister of Pakistan for two times. He was exiled for many years. Power was taken away for both times. Bhutto’sthinking on Islam as a tolerant religion was quiet evident. She thought that many religions are mistreated bysupremacist and fanatics. The making of movie about life of Bhutto as a contractual cooperation facilitates Pakistan and Iran to cooperate closely in cultural project.
As Shahbaz Sharif was elected prime minister of Pakistan in 2022 because Imran Khan could not get vote of confidence in Parliament on April 2022. Bilawal Bhutto was appointed as foreign minister by Shahbaz Sharif. Many people believe that Shahbaz Sharif appointdBilawal Bhutto to get high rank in country.Bilawal Bhutto was the youngest foreign minster whose age is 33.He is the son of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and former president Asif Ali Zardari. His grandfather was also a prime minister whose name is Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. We can consider it as the factor of progress above mentioned project.
Pakistan’s bowlers could only take two wickets during the third day of the practice match against Australian Prime Minister XI on Friday.
The Australia’s Prime Minister’s XI had resumed their first innings at 149-2 in reply to Pakistan’s 391-9, declared, in Canberra.
At the close of play on the third day, the home side reached 367-4 in 141 overs.
Matt Renshaw starred with the bat and was unbeaten on 136 runs in 337 balls with the help of eight fours and a six.
Khurram Shahzad, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf and Imam-ul-Haq claimed one wicket each for Pakistan.
The best moment of the day for Pakistan was Mir Hamza took a stunning catch, which led to the dismissal of captain Nathan McSweeney on the bowling of Imam.
Pakistan will face Australia in a three-match Test series after the conclusion of the four-day game.
Whitewashed in each of their last five Test tours of Australia, optimism will be in short supply for Pakistan ahead of a three-match series starting in Perth next week, with new captain Shan Masood’s task made even more difficult by a depleted bowling corps.
The last time Pakistan won a Test Down Under was in late 1995 when nearly half of the current side were not even born, and in Pat Cummins-led Australia they face the reigning world Test champions.
Pakistan’s unpredictability means they can never be ruled out but their chaotic buildup to the series makes the tourists tough to back in Australia.
Masood inherited the Test captaincy from Babar Azam, who stepped down as all-formats skipper last month in the wake of their failure to make the semi-finals of the 50-overs World Cup in India.
Series schedule
First Test: December 14-18, Perth
Second Test: December 26-30, Melbourne
Third Test: January 3-7, Sydney
ISLAMABAD, DEC 8 /DNA/ – Hashoo Group, a leading name in Pakistan’s hospitality industry renowned for its exceptional service standards and unmatched quality, has embarked on a strategic partnership with Highland Country Club & Resort. This partnership heralds a new chapter in elevating the hospitality experience for guests amidst the serene beauty of the Pir Sohawa Hills in Islamabad. The collaboration marks another milestone in Hashoo Group’s continuing endeavor to forge impactful alliances with hospitality leaders in the country, aimed at catalyzing industry growth and contributing to a more prosperous Pakistan.
The signing ceremony took place at Highland Country Club & Resort, situated approximately 18 kilometers from Islamabad, accessible by a relaxing and scenic 40-minute drive. The event was attended by senior officials and management teams from both organizations, who shared their collective vision for the future of tourism and hospitality in Pakistan and discussed strategies to realize their joint ambitions for the new venture under the PC Legacy brand.
The partnership introduces the Highland Country Club & Resort as a rebranded 4-star PC Legacy property called PC Legacy, Highland Resort, Islamabad aimed at elevating its service quality to new heights. Guests can enjoy a choice of luxurious villas or rooms, savor exceptional cuisines, and access facilities for banquets, meetings, and a kids’ play area. The venue offers a luxurious atmosphere with stunning views of the hills, ensuring a perfect balance of comfort and relaxation.
Sharing his valuable thoughts on the partnership, Mr. Murtaza Hashwani, Deputy Chairman & CEO, Hashoo Group stated, “The future of tourism and hospitality relies greatly on combining strengths and moving forward collaboratively. We are excited to begin this new venture and make PC Legacy Highland Resort, Islamabad a choice getaway destination for our valued guests.”
Haseeb A. Gardezi, Chief Operating Officer, Hospitality & Education Division, Hashoo Group, remarked, “With its beautiful location and outstanding reputation for gold-star services, PC Legacy Highland Resort will be a crown jewel for local and international tourists visiting the capital.”
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Syed Zahid Hassan said, “Joining hands with Hashoo Group marks a significant milestone for us. This partnership embodies our shared commitment to excellence in hospitality. We’re excited to transform our resort into a top destination, showcasing Pakistan’s hospitality and natural beauty.”
Owned and operated by Zahid Group of Companies, the Highland Country Club & Resort offers splendid views of the Himalaya Mountains and the iconic Murree Hill station. The resort was established in 2013 and spans over 150 kanals at a 4,500 ft. elevation. With diverse cuisines and premium services, the resort is an ideal spot for staycations, vacations, and corporate getaways.
PC Legacy, operated by Hashoo Group, is a bridge between its 5-star luxury brand PC Hotels & Resorts, and select-service brand, Hotel One. 4-star PC Legacy hotels offer premium services geared towards encouraging relaxation, rejuvenation, and local exploration & discovery across scenic locations in Pakistan. The new destination property in Pir Sohawa is poised to continue the legacy of gold-star services and unparalleled offers for its valued guests.
Hashoo Group is Pakistan’s premium conglomerate with a diversified business portfolio spanning both national and international markets. The Group owns and operates the Pearl-Continental Hotels & Resorts, PC Legacy & Hotel One brands in Pakistan and has business interests encompassing the information technology, investment, travel & tourism, and real-estate sectors.
Islamabad, Dec. 8 (DNA): POWERCHINA has commenced the full-scale construction of the Mansehra 765/220KV substation, which will undertake power transmission between Dasu Hydropower Station and the Islamabad Power Grid.
“The groundbreaking ceremony for the Mansehra 765kV Substation, Pakistan’s first 765kV substation EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) project constructed by PowerChina, was grandly held at the project site, signaling the commencement of full-scale construction,” POWERCHINA stated.
The substation is situated in Mansehra city and will facilitate power transmission between Dasu HPP and the federal capital, pioneering the use of 765/220kV voltage for the first time.
This voltage grade represents the highest capacity substation in Pakistan at present. With its completion, by transmitting clean energy, its substation will help alleviate local power shortages and promote economic development in Pakistan.
In January 2023, POWERCHINA SEPCO1 Electric Power Construction Corporation and the National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC) of Pakistan signed the EPC contract for the 765 kV Mansehra Substation.
The POWERCHINA has also signed another contract with NTDC, for the project of 765/220kV Mansehra Substation Lot 1. The project will build a 157-km-long 765kV double-circuit AC transmission line between the Dasu Hydropower Station and the Mansehra Substation, according to Gwadar Pro.
As per the Ministry of Water Resources, the Dasu Hydropower Project (DHPP) is a run-of-river project on the Indus River, located 7 km upstream of Dasu Town in District Kohistan.
The site is 74 km downstream of the proposed Diamer Bhasha Dam site and 350 km from Islamabad. Upon its completion, the DHPP will have a total installed capacity of 4320 MW with 12 generating units.
It is among the priority projects under the National Power Policy 2013 and Vision 2025 of the Government of Pakistan.
Installation of ‘Welcome to Pakistan’ signboard apparent cause of latest closure
Shamim Shahid
Peshawar: Afghan authorities on Wednesday closed the Torkham border crossing between the two countries in an apparent protest against a ‘Welcome to Pakistan’ signboard being installed at the crossing’s Zero Point.
As work crews were installing the signboard, Afghan authorities closed the international border crossing to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
The crossing at Torkham is a key trading waypoint, where Afghanistan exports truckloads of coal and receives food and other supplies from Pakistan.
Similarly in September, the border remained closed for two days after a gun battle erupted between Pakistan and Afghan border forces, with each side blaming the other for starting the firefight.
In recent weeks, Pakistan’s apparent shift in its policy regarding the Afghan Taliban has further created a tense environment. Islamabad earlier stated that it will no longer extend any “special privileges” to the interim Afghan Taliban government.
Pakistan’s policy of acting as the Afghan interim government’s spokesperson often drew strong criticism both from within and outside the country. However, officials at that time defended the approach, insisting that the Afghan Taliban were a reality and had no other option but to work with them.
In the past, Islamabad made efforts with other regional players to ensure that sanctions against the Afghan Taliban government were lifted and Kabul should have access to the funds frozen by the US soon after the fall of Kabul in August 2021. However, Pakistan’s goodwill gestures and assistance extended to the Afghan Taliban government after its return to power in August 2021 were taken for granted.
Also, Pakistan in order to facilitate the Afghan interim government, gave many incentives to Afghanistan in terms of trade and other facilities. But now, the sources said, Pakistan would no longer extend any special favours to the Afghan Taliban government as they were harbouring “our enemies”.
The relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan is already on the edge over the presence of TTP sanctuaries across the border.
The latest move by Pakistan to repatriate Afghans having no refugee status or visa has further compounded the bilateral relationship as the Taliban government is not happy with Islamabad and several Pakistani leaders.
ISLAMABAD, DEC 06 (DNA) — Mufti Taqi Usmani has said that the Gaza war will continue until the end of the Israeli occupation of Palestine. Addressing the Ittehad Ummat Conference on Wednesday, he said that their elders had declared Israel an illegitimate child.
“We do not accept the two-state solution. We do not accept the existence of Israel from day one. We should demand an end to bombardment on Gaza, instead of demanding the ceasefire,” he declared. Mufti Taqi Usmani said that Israel is violating all moral values in Gaza. “Hamas will continue its struggle until the end of the occupation of Palestine,” he added.
Jamaat-e-Islami ameer Sirajul Haq said that ‘Jihad’ had been made mandatory after the Fatwa of Mufti Taqi Usmani. “During the last 61 days, over 20,000 Palestinians have been martyred in Gaza. Israel has dropped explosives on Gaza much more than Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Allah Almighty will not pardon us if we did not support the innocent Palestinians,” he maintained. — DNA
ISLAMABAD, DEC 6: (DNA) – The Islamabad Conclave 2023, organized by the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), commenced today with insightful addresses from distinguished speakers, setting the stage for comprehensive discussions on the evolving global landscape.
Chief Guest President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan Dr. Arif Alvi shared insights on Pakistan’s dynamic approach in the face of global challenges. President Alvi stressed the importance of the strategic shift to geo-economics, aligning policies with regional and systemic developments. He called for a conscious rediscovery of Pakistan’s vision amid superpower rivalries and interference from neighbouring states.
President Alvi also expressed concerns over the prevailing global scenario, citing the need for a return to principles of morality. He highlighted the appalling situation in Gaza, emphasizing the importance of justice, consistent application of international rules, and respect for rights of Palestinians. The President also called for socio-economic justice, equal opportunities, and the empowerment of women to ensure real progress.
Earlier, in his welcoming remarks, Director General ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood highlighted ISSI’s role in providing research-based policy inputs and serving as a platform for dialogue on issues relating to foreign policy and national security. He emphasized the imperatives of bridging the gap between the research and policy communities and strengthening collaborations with foreign counterparts and other think tanks. ISSI, he stated, is also committed to focusing on multi-stakeholder partnerships for operationalization of ‘Pakistan’s pivot to geo-economics’, engaging closely with the next generation of International Relations scholars, and amplifying Pakistan’s soft power through impactful research.
On the theme of Islamabad Conclave 2023, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood stressed that throughout human history, change has been the only constant. He added that the speed, depth and breadth of change in the world at this particular juncture, however, is breath-taking. It has been stated that the world is in a “hinge moment” — when one era is ending, and another era is taking shape. “From war in Europe to genocide in Gaza, from deepening geo-strategic rivalries to unprecedented growth of new and emerging technologies, and from existential threat of climate change to green transition and digital transformation, the world we are living in is changing in profound ways,” he said and added that it would be unforgivable for any country to either be oblivious of this dynamic and far-reaching transformation, or remain static in its strategic outlook despite knowing about this change.
The Islamabad Conclave 2023, themed ‘Pakistan in a Changing World,’ is poised to be a significant platform for exploring the multiple layers of change and charting the way forward for Pakistan. Over the next two days, the event will feature sessions on changing regional landscapes, evolving dynamics, geopolitical challenges, the pivot to geo-economics, comprehensive security, and Pakistan’s foreign policy in an emerging world order.
Earlier, Dr. Talat Shabbir, Director of the China-Pakistan Study Centre, emphasized the Conclave’s role as a forum to propose solutions to pressing global issues. He highlighted the significance of fostering comprehensive dialogues to address challenges effectively.
The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad remains committed to providing a vital dialogue platform for the research and policy community, facilitating discussions on matters of national, regional, and international importance.
DNA
Brussels, DEC 6 – Kashmir EU Week, the week long arrangement of events on Kashmir started in the European Headquarters Brussels. There was opening of a photo exhibition on Kashmir evening of yesterday, the first day of the program which will remain continued till 15th December.
A number of the people from different walks of life visited the exhibition and expressed their keen interest in the current situation in the occupied Kashmir. The events of Kashmir EU Week which is being organized by Kashmir Council Europe (KC-EU) also include conferences, seminars, discussions, a media conference and meetings at European Press Club Brussels, European parliament, and other institutions in the EU headquarters.
Talking on the opening of the photo exhibition at the EU Press Club, Chairman of KC-EU Ali Raza Syed said, beside the events at EU Press Club and EU Parliament, there would also be several meetings with the European officials, members of European parliament and representatives of civil society and human rights organizations during the Kashmir EU Week.
He explained the topics of the events would be related to history of the Kashmir dispute and the current situation of the conflict particularly human rights violations committed by the Indian occupation forces in the occupied land of Jammu and Kashmir.
Chairman Kashmir Council Europe Ali Raza Syed said, the weeklong programs of Kashmir’s EU week are being organized by Kashmir Council EU for many years and purpose of these events is to highlight the beauty of the Kashmir’s culture side by side the focusing on miseries of oppressed Kashmiris in Europe.
He expressed fear that as the world is currently focused on the tense situation in Europe (Ukraine) and the Middle East, the Modi government can take advantage of this situation to carry out some heinous act in Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Ali Raza Syed added, under the different pretexts, India wants to maintain its illegal possession of this region for a long time. Genocide of Kashmiris, extra-judicial killings, arbitrary arrests and crude tactics like amendment of domicile laws to change the Kashmiri population ratio are part of Indian nefarious motives.
Ali Raza Syed said that many Kashmiri leaders and activists, including Yasin Malik, are currently under arrest or detention and the purpose of these actions is to suppress strong voices favoring the oppressed Kashmiris. He paid tribute to Yasin Malik and other imprisoned Kashmiri leaders and activists and called for their immediate release. He said that we salute the brave Kashmiri leaders and activists and appreciate their courage who have been struggling for the rights of Kashmiris for a long time.
He further said, as in these days people in all over the world stood against the state terrorism and atrocities on the common citizens are being condemned, we hope world would prevent Indian brutalities on the Kashmiris.
He asked the international community especially European Union to put pressure on India to immediately end crimes of Indian security forces against people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir and grant them right to self determination according the UN’s resolutions on Kashmir issue. He said, since 1947 the people of occupied Kashmir are facing endless hardships as their deprivations are being increased day by day.
It is duty of international community including Europe Union to take immediate action in order to stop the atrocities against the people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir. So that situation of the disputed land should be normalized, and people of Jammu and Kashmir should be provided a peaceful atmosphere where they can use their right to self determination in accordance with their wishes and according to United Nations resolutions.
