DNA

Rawalpindi: The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) hosted a meeting to express its support for Palestine followed by a solidarity walk. Ms Mushaal Hussein Malik, SAPM on Human Rights and Women Empowerment attended the meeting and rally as a special guest. RCCI President Saqib Rafiq along with Group Leader Sohail Altaf expressed deep and unwavering solidarity to the Palestinian people during this time of hardship.

A resolution was also adopted unanimously for the condemnation of atrocities and human rights violations by Israel in Palestine. The house demanded the world powers, UN and OIC to play their role for resolving the conflict, permanent peace and humanitarian aid for Palestine.

“In this difficult time, our Muslim brothers and sisters in Palestine are not alone,” remarked President Saqib Rafiq. At this difficult hour of time, we stand with them in firm support for peace, justice, and a better future.

Ms. Mushaal Hussein Mullick said “At this crucial moment, we stand with our people in solidarity, compassion, and hope. She condemned in the strongest terms the unabated Israel’s atrocities, oppression and siege of the Gaza Strip, resulting in a grave humanitarian tragedy. The resolution of Palestine and Kashmir issues is vital for durable peace in the world.

RCCI office bearers, Former Presidents, EC members, members from Trade Associations, women members, distinguished RCCI members and students from various institutes attended the meeting and also participated in the short walk.

Experts call for fiscal devolution, empowering CCI, local governments, highlight role of NFC for federal harmony

ISLAMABAD, OCT 20 /DNA/ – A functional Council of Common Interests (CCI) with its rules of business, consistent National Finance Commission (NFC) Award governed through subordinate legislation, and devolution of political, financial, and administrative authority empowering local governments are imperative to create the right environment to renew Pakistan’s commitment to federalism, uphold the constitution’s mandate, and protect its basics for the next 50 years.

This was highlighted by veteran statesmen, jurists, and constitutional experts during the concluding session of the two-day conference on ‘The Constitution of Pakistan: Lessons for Next 50 Years’ co-organized by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), Islamabad, and the Department of Law, Fatima Jinnah Women University (FJWU), Rawalpindi.

The conference was addressed, among others, by Raja Zafar-ul-Haq, former senator, Khalid Rahman, chairman IPS, Owais Ahmed Ghani, former governor, Balochistan and KP, Amanullah Kanrani, Balochistan’s interim law minister, Dr Saima Hamid, former vice chancellor, FJWU, Prof Dr Shoaib Akhtar, dean, FJWU, Aftab Memon, former federal secretary, ministry of interprovincial coordination, Inayatuallah Khan, former minister for local governments, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Lt Gen (r) Naeem Khalid Lodhi, former federal minister for national security, Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, president, PILDAT, Prof Dr Aziz-ur-Rahman, director, School of Law, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Dr Nadia Khadam, head, Department of Law, FJWU, and Prof Dr Fakhr-ul-Islam, advisor research IPS and former DG, Pakistan Study Centre, University of Peshawar.

Emphasizing the fundamental principles upon which Pakistan was founded – unity amidst diversity and a strong federal structure – the speakers highlighted concerns related to the Council of Common Interests (CCI) and National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, underscoring the need for meaningful reforms.

As the 1973 Constitution inherently carries the characteristic of federalism, aimed at safeguarding provincial rights and fostering equitable socio-economic development, this unity remains pivotal to Pakistan’s survival.

However, there are rising concerns about the functionality of the CCI, meant to safeguard and protect the rights of the provinces, as its secretariat remains nonfunctional for all practical purposes, said Inayatullah Khan.

The issue has been compounded because there are no rules of business for the CCI even after 50 years, added Amanullah Kanrani.

The speakers said this dysfunctionality is undermining the spirit of federalism and fueling dissatisfaction among provinces because their rights are not being upheld.

Furthermore, the National Finance Commission (NFC) has failed to implement its Awards to the provinces. Since 2010, the succeeding NFCs have struggled to reach a consensus and implement awards within their stipulated time period, in violation of the constitution. Subordinated legislation is needed to govern NFC awards for consistency, emphasized the speakers.

The disarray in the relations between the center and provinces has compromised the inclusiveness of diverse ethnicities and units, said Aftab Memon. The 18th Amendment has created problems for the country in terms of financial inclusion and distribution of resources. He said it is imperative to revisit key federal issues such as the 18th Amendment and the separation of judiciary from the executive to address the challenges effectively.

The experts said an underlying issue is the post-18th Amendment scenario, in which the center failed to restructure devolved departments, resulting in a reduction in federal fiscal space. This reduction, they said, could be used to prepare grounds to invalidate the 18th Amendment, which would be an injustice to the country.

The speakers suggested that concerted coordination between the NFC and the provinces to provide funds may be a realistic alternative. The solution to the post-18th Amendment interprovincial disparities lies in Article 140(A) of the amendment, i.e., devolution of political, financial, and administrative authorities to local governments.

Moreover, a chapter should be included in the constitution regarding local governments so that the provincial governments cannot hinder the local government elections, as is currently being done, said the speakers. This will ensure the protection of the powers of local governments and elections at regular intervals for Pakistan’s democratic future.

“Failure of the political system means failure of the constitution,” said Owais Ghani while highlighting the false dynamics of the national political system. He underscored that political systems and national policies should be designed keeping in view that Pakistan is a natural state.

Khalid Rahman also stressed reform of the electoral system and adoption of the proportional representation system. He also urged revival of the local bodies in their true form as these act as nurseries for grooming future politicians.

On the other hand, Raja Zafar-ul-Haq urged for strengthening the bond between the legislature and judiciary so that the constitution can remain a beacon of hope for the people.

The most crucial aspect of the future democratic framework is the civil-military relation, said Ahmed Bilal. He stressed the way forward through civil-military dialogue, for which an active National Security Committee (NSC) provides an excellent forum. In this regard, people’s welfare and well-being must be the common goal of both the military, as the muscle of the nation, and civilians, as the brain, said Naeem Khalid.

The conference concluded that the right kind of environment is needed where everyone does their level best to implement the mandate of the Constitution and protect its basics for the next 50 years.

The conference included eight sessions on six major themes in which multi-disciplinary researchers from more than eight national and three international universities presented 25 papers on various research topics related to the 1973 Constitution.

78th Indonesian Anniversary of the Independence and Armed Forces Day celebrated

Islamabad: The Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia Mr. Adam M. Tugio hosted a grand reception today to mark the 78th Anniversary of the Independence and the Armed Forces Day of Indonesia. The reception was attended by a large number of government dignitaries, diplomats and eminent members of civil society. The Federal Minister for National Food Security & Research Dr. Kauser Abdullah Malik was the Chief Guest and Vice Admiral Abdul Samad was the Guest of Honor on the occasion.

In his welcome address, Ambassador Adam highlighted significant achievements of modern and developing Indonesia as the world’s largest democracy, a G-20 member with trillion dollar economy and its strong commitment to contribute for world peace and security with an inclusive approach. He added that Indonesian National Armed Forces Day are an integral part of this consistent struggle for a more progressive and prosperous Indonesia with their motto of ‘Three services, One Determination’, reflecting strong spirit of mutual cooperation among three military services.

Talking about Indonesia-Pakistan relations, he said the growing two-way ties are a good example of multi-dimensional constructive engagement and productive cooperation. He deeply appreciated support and cooperation of Pakistan as a valued friend in South Asia during course of Indonesian progress and expected enhanced strategic engagement for the mutual benefit of both countries in the future. The Ambassador gladly pointed out that mutual fascination for each other’s culture has grown in recent years, which is reflected by the display of Indonesian Batik with Pakistani traditional design of motif in the reception.

The Chief Guest Dr. Kauser Abdullah Malik in his remarks expressed satisfaction with the growing momentum of bilateral cooperation and suggested further expansion and diversification in multiple areas of interest.

The special feature of the reception was an entertaining performance by Indonesian artists from Padang, West Sumatra Province of Indonesia, reflecting the diversity and charm of Indonesian culture.

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                ISLAMABAD, Oct 19 (dna):Pakistan on Thursday expressed its disappointment over the results of the emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) held on Wednesday and called for an immediate end to the bombardment and inhumane blockade of Gaza.

“We are nationally disappointed by the results of the UNSC debate. The Security Council should play its designated role to bring an immediate end to the bombardment and blockade leading to a humanitarian catastrophe,” the Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said in her weekly press briefing.

The spokesperson was referring to the use of veto power by the United States at the UN Security Council to block a resolution calling for Israel to allow humanitarian corridors into the Gaza Strip, a pause in the fighting and the lifting of an order for civilians to leave the north of the besieged territory.

China, Russia and the UAE had convened the meeting to discuss the worsening situation in Gaza. The resolution, sponsored by Brazil, had wide support and would have also condemned all violence against civilians. The vote in the 15-member Council was 12 votes in favour to one (United States) against, with Russia and  China abstaining.

She said Pakistan did not believe in escalation but rather wanted a ceasefire and cessation of hostilities and called upon the international community to work together to ensure peace.

Asked whether Pakistan intended to send its troops to Palestine under any mandate, not to fight against Israel rather for maintenance of peace, the spokesperson said that Pakistan had no such plan.

She said Pakistan had a peaceful posture and never started a war with any country and always called for dialogue to seek resolution of the issues.

She reiterated Pakistan’s condemnation on Israeli atrocities in Gaza particularly the recent attack on a hospital. She said the a deliberate attack on civilians constituted to war crimes.

Spokesperson Mumtaz Baloch told the media that a chartered plane carrying 100 tons of humanitarian assistance including medical supplies, tents and blankets would leave later on the day for Egypt for their onward transportation to Gaza for the suffering Palestinian population.

She told the media that a briefing session was held for the diplomatic corps on the subject of the repatriation of illegal foreign nationals from Pakistan. She said an institutional mechanism has been developed to prevent the incidents of harassment and a helpline has also been established to address the complaints.

Asked about any extension in the deadline of 31st October, she said the government had the mandate to make any such decision.

About the OIC ministerial meeting on the Gaza issue held in Jeddah on Wednesday, Spokesperson Mumtaz Baloch said the joint communique reflected the consensus among the member countries.

Referring to the Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar’s ongoing visit to China to attend Third Belt and Road Forum, she said the visit coincided with the the celebration of the decade of CPEC. The visit had four components of participation in the Forum, meeting with Chinese leadership, meeting with other leaders attending the event and interaction with think tanks and media.

She said during the visit, Pakistan and China also signed MoUs on the connectivity, and communication projects including ML-1, food security and research, industrial cooperation and climate change.

She said on Thursday the prime minister would travel to Urumqi to meet the party secretary, influential corporate executives and deliver a speech at Xinjiang University before returning to their homeland on Friday.

Highlighted the Indian oppression in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the spokesperson mentioned the forced closure of Jamia Masjid of Srinagar last Friday and house arresting Kashmiri leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq who was released recently after four years of house-arrest.

She said Pakistan would continue to support Kashmiri brothers and sisters till the implementation of the UN Security Council Resolutions.

                ISLAMABAD, Oct 19 (DNA):Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, visited an operational air base of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) to witness the ongoing aerial exercise Indus Shield-2023 on Thursday.

 On his arrival at the base, the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee was received by Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, a  PAF news release said.

The Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee was briefed on the Air Power Center of Excellence training facility as well as the scope of the exercise which aims to project cooperation between the participating air forces and consolidate upon modern concepts of aerial warfare.

The Air Chief appreciated the utmost support extended by General Sahir Shamshad Mirza and lauded his efforts in the promotion of tri-services synergy.

He highlighted the significance of the 14 nation Exercise Indus Shield which in addition to boosting the operational readiness of PAF, would also prepare the participants for contemporary warfare challenges.

He further reiterated that the exercise employing cutting-edge niche technologies and high-tech fighters not only offers a unique opportunity for participating air forces to bring their unparalleled skills and operational capabilities to the spotlight but will also deepen mutual understanding between the participating contingents to foster connectivity and cooperation.

Speaking at the occasion, the Chief of the Air Staff said, “The current global security situation coupled with the changing dynamics of warfare calls for enhanced partnership among armed forces. Exercise Indus Shield offers an invaluable learning experience of aerial warfare employment tactics to the air and ground crew through simulation of real-time war scenarios and varied combat missions”.

Interacting with the participants of the exercise, the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee accentuated the paramount importance of multinational air exercises in the pursuit of common objectives amidst the ever-evolving dynamics of air warfare.

He lauded the professionalism of the participants of the exercise and appreciated the efforts of the Air Power Center of Excellence in orchestrating this monumental exercise, which would not only fortify the existing partnerships among key allies but would also enhance interoperability among the participating Air Forces.

The visiting dignitary also admired the dynamic leadership of the Air Chief, whose firm resolve and relentless efforts paved the way for this exercise to be one of the mega aerial exercises of the region.

Exercise Indus Shield-2023 is witnessing participation from 14 esteemed Air Forces including Pakistan, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Egypt, Oman, Bahrain, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Morocco, Uzbekistan, China, and Hungary.

The exercise offers a unique opportunity for participating air forces to bring their unparalleled skills and operational capabilities on a single platform.

Likewise, the meticulous planning and execution of Exercise Indus Shield serves as a testament to the vision of the esteemed Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, in recognizing the pivotal role played by PAF in advancing technology, modernizing its capabilities and deploying contemporary combat tactics to effectively address shared challenges in aerial defence.