Islamabad Marriott Hotel Launches ‘Kiku’: A Gateway to Authentic Japanese Cuisine
DNA
The Islamabad Marriott Hotel has announced the grand opening of ‘Kiku’, an elegant new addition to Islamabad’s culinary scene. The inauguration ceremony was attended by the Ambassador of Japan, H.E. Mr. WADA Mitsuhiro, who expressed his delight and endorsement of Kiku as “the only authentic Japanese restaurant in Islamabad.” The restaurant’s name, Kiku, translates to ‘chrysanthemum’ in Japanese, a symbol of rejuvenation and nobility, reflecting the restaurant’s commitment to providing guests with an authentic and exquisite dining experience. The restaurant offers a meticulously curated menu of contemporary Japanese cuisine, prepared by highly skilled chefs who have mastered the art of Japanese culinary arts. There is also a live sushi bar, teppanyaki and Robatayaki stations complemented by vibrant music played by a DJ.
Kiku’s interior has been designed to transport diners to Japan, with a serene and elegant ambiance that combines traditional and modern design elements. The opening of Kiku marks a significant milestone in the city’s dining landscape, promising an unforgettable journey into the heart of Japanese culture and cuisine. Mr. David Richard O’Hanlon, the General Manager of the Islamabad Marriott Hotel said: “Kiku is more than just a restaurant; it’s an invitation to explore and appreciate the rich culinary traditions of Japan.”
The cultural bridge is being built through the culinary exchange, and Islamabad Marriott is proud to offer its guests an unparalleled authentic Japanese dining experience.
Election regulator uploads forms almost two weeks after expiry of stipulated time
Faisal Sheikh
ISLAMABAD: After a prolonged delay, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has finally uploaded Forms 45, 46, 48, and 49, related to the February 8 general elections, amid allegations of massive rigging and tempering results.
The election regulator uploaded the election-related forms of all the constituencies of provincial and national assemblies, almost two weeks after the expiry of the stipulated time. The deadline for publishing the forms expired on February 22.
Last month, a senior ECP official conceded it was unlikely for the electoral body to meet the legal deadline despite the best efforts, something it could not do in the past as well, owing to various reasons.
He explained that some 300 petitions, regarding the difference between forms 45 and 47 had landed at the ECP on the orders of high courts.
The official pointed out that many petitioners were carrying Forms 45 which were different from the ones the respondents had in possession.
Earlier this week, lambasting the eight-party ruling coalition in the National Assembly, PTI leader and Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) lawmaker Omar Ayub Khan dubbed newly elected Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif a “product” of Form 47 — a document which provides insight into unconfirmed results of a constituency, including the number of votes cast and cancelled.
The PTI claimed its mandate was stolen in the February 8 general elections and results were changed in Form 47s.
The Imran Khan-founded party also claimed they won 180 NA seats as per the statistics of Form 45s.
It is pertinent to mention here that Form 45, also known as the Presiding Officer’s Results of the Count, is the form that the presiding officer (PO) is required to sign and provide with his thumb impression and signature to the polling agents.
This form records the number of votes cast in a polling station. It also separately mentions how many votes a candidate received from that polling station.
The purpose of this form is to prevent any alteration during the process, ensuring transparency in the results. This is admissible in court too.
Form 46 is the form that has the count for the ballot papers. It has the number of ballot papers received at a polling station, the number of ballot papers taken out of the ballot box, tendered ballot papers, challenged, spoiled, stray, and cancelled ballot papers at a polling station.
Form 47 is another important form related to polling stations. In this form, the count of votes from all the polling stations of a constituency is recorded by the Returning Officer.
This makes a provisional consolidated result of the constituency sans postal ballots. A postal ballot is a ballot of a registered voter and it is filled and sent to the voting centre through postal mail by the person eligible for postal ballot.
ISLAMABAD, MAR 5 /DNA/ – The Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on Tuesday celebrated the 128th Adwa victory day in Islamabad in the presence of a large number of government officials from different Ministries and Armed Forces, Members of Parliament, diplomatic corps, business community, civil society, media, and above all Ethiopian Diaspora in Pakistan.
Celebrated with a national zeal and fervor, the commemoration day featured multiple events including documentaries on history of the Adwa victory of Ethiopia against the then colonizers, Ethiopia’s role in laying the foundation of Pan-Africanism and its consistent diplomacy for promoting the regional integration.
Senior Parliamentarian and Member of the National AssemblyKhawaja Asif graced the celebration ceremony of the Adwa victory Day as the chief guest.
Governor Sindh Kamran Tessori was the guest of honour at the ceremony.
Speaking on the occasion, H.E. Jemal Beker Abdula, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the FDRE to Pakistan, extended his felicitations to the whole Africa especially the people of Ethiopia on the occasion of 128th Adwa Victory Day commemorated under the theme of “Adwa Black People’s Victory”.
He expressed gratitude to the people of Pakistan for gracing the 128th anniversary of the Black People’s Vicotry in such a large number.
H.E. Ambassador Jemal Beker briefed the honorable participants in Islamabad on historical role played by the Adwa battle in igniting movements for freedom, equality and liberty in the whole Africa and in other continents against the colonization.
On March 2, 1896, a united Ethiopia achieved the biggest victory in battle field against the invading forces which, indeed, changed the course of history, humanity, political and social narration at the global level, the ambassador noted.
Adwa’s victory is an inspiration and spirit of Pan-Africanism that ignited anti-colonial movements all across the world, the ambassador remarked.
The Adwa victory symbolized Ethiopian unity and pan-Africanism, he said while highlighting the major initiatives of the reformist Government of Ethiopia that further fostering regional integration in the region.
He said Ethiopia had built Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam which would further promote regional integration through energy export. Ethiopia was already sharing its resources with the people of neighboring countries and would continue to do so.
The ambassador said Green Legacy Initiative of H.E. Dr Abi Ahmed, Prime Minister of Ethiopia, was also another major initiative of the government to boost collaboration with regional countries in mitigating global issues like climate change and food insecurity.
32.5 billion seedlings of different fruits, plants, trees and animal feed were planted during the last four years under the Green Legacy campaign, he added.
The ambassador also expressed resolve to further strengthen the bilateral ties between the two countries through economic diplomacy.
He announced Hijra Trip II, another business delegation of Pakistani business community to Ethiopia in this year, for boosting the trade between the two countries.
Last year, the Embassy of Ethiopia mobilized a historic delegation of 75 business persons to Ethiopia, the ambassador added.
Chief Guest Khawaja Muhammad Asif also congratulated the people of Ethiopia and Africa on the Adwa victory day.
He also stressed the need for the Pakistani business community to explore African markets especially through Ethiopia which was a gateway to the African continent.
ISLAMABAD, MAR 5 /DNA/ – Health experts and anti-tobacco activists urge the government to harmonize cigarette taxes with WHO guidelines to protect the country’s youth from falling victim to smoking, a consequence of the current affordability of cigarettes*.
Imposition of low taxes on cigarettes in Pakistan make them cheaper that not only increases the number of smokers every year but also smoking related diseases and health bill for the government.
Dr Maleek Haider has an unending number of patients of smoking-induced ailments.
“Most of my patients are poor and bread-winners in their families. I have observed that they start smoking at an early age and fall sick by the time they cross 30,” he said.
His observation strikes a chord with the findings of one of the latest studies on smoking in Pakistan conducted by Pakistan Institute of Development Economics.
It says that 86 percent of the cost of smoking-induced diseases is borne by individuals in 35–64 age group.
Alarmingly, it also states that total cost of mortality and morbidity by smoking accounts for 1.6 percent of GDP of a country that spends less than 1 percent of its GDP on healthcare.
Shedding light on why cigarettes are cheap, the study says that it is due to overlooking at the guidelines set by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The WHO guidelines state that “threshold of 70 percent of the retail price or the level required to cover the costs tobacco makes the country incur. In the latter case, the increase would be four to five times what the tax rate is now. In the short-run, the rates on the two tax tiers should be increased with a higher increase for the second tier so that the gap between them is minimized. In the long run, however, the two-tier system should be abolished to have a single-tier system. This would help in bringing the poor out of the vicious cycle of poverty in addition to reducing the smoking-related disease burden.”
The total revenue collected from cigarettes taxation in the fiscal year 2021-22 was Rs 150 billion. Hence, the economic and health cost imposed by smoking on society is 3.65 times higher than the overall tax collected from the tobacco industry.
Similarly, the smoking-attributable direct cost is 8.3 percent of the total health expenditures, which is significantly high. Likewise, the total economic cost of smoking is almost equal (1.03 times) to the public sector health spending (both federal and provincial), says the PIDE report.
Anti-tobacco activists have called for increasing taxes on cigarettes instead of utilities such as electricity and gas.
Malik Imran Ahmad, Country Head of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (CTFK), also pointed out high prevalence of tobacco use in the country, with 31.9 million adults (15 years and above) consuming tobacco products, accounting for about 19.7% of the adult population.
It is estimated that smoking-induced illnesses, such as cancer, diabetes, and heart diseases, contribute to over 160,000 deaths annually in Pakistan.
Dr. Aman Khan director Waseela Foundation says that multi-national cigarette manufacturers know how to manipulate media to mislead the masses into smoking.
He said research has shown that hardly 16 percent of the cigarettes are illicit but the companies propagate that they account for 40 percent. These multinational companies are influential enough to stifle voices of sanity on media, he added.
He said the government needs to build a narrative on modern lines keeping in view the changing nature of media to counter smoking.
RAWALPINDI, MAR 4 /DNA/ – General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS) presided over the 263rd Corps Commanders’ Conference (CCC) held at GHQ, today.
Forum paid rich tribute to the supreme sacrifices of Shuhadas including officers and men of the Armed Forces, Law Enforcement Agencies and the citizens who have laid their lives for ensuring peace and stability in the country.
Forum resolved that terrorists, their facilitators and abettors, working on behest of hostile forces to destabilise Pakistan, will be dealt with full might of the state. COAS directed commanders to continue consolidating the gains of efforts against terrorism and militancy.
The forum expressed concerns over continued repression of Kashmiris in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and condemned the unabated human rights violations by India. Forum reaffirmed that Pakistan shall continue to support Kashmiris politically, diplomatically and morally at all levels.
The Forum also expressed complete solidarity with the people of Palestine and condemned serious human rights violations and war crimes being perpetrated in Gaza. COAS said that “the Palestinian people have unequivocal diplomatic, moral and political support of the Pakistani nation and we will continue to support the principled stance of our brethren for enduring resolution of the Palestinian issue”.
Forum appreciated efforts of Civil Administration, Law Enforcement Agencies and security forces for providing all out assistance during General Elections in the light of the Election Commission of Pakistan’s guidelines for creating a safe & secure environment for the electoral process, despite overwhelming odds.
Forum noted that the Armed Forces of Pakistan at a great peril to their primary responsibility, provided security environment for the conduct of GE-24 as per the given mandate, and had nothing to do with the electoral process. However, the forum expressed dismay that some vested small segments of polity and media especially social media have been maligning Armed Forces of Pakistan with unsubstantiated allegations of interference which is highly deplorable. It’s unfortunate that rather than focusing on real issues such as good governance, economic recovery, political stability and public well being, entire focus of such vested elements is on creating political instability and uncertainty by attempting to scapegoat others for their own failings. Forum emphasised that due legal processes be followed with evidence and proof rather than resorting to unconstitutional and uncalled for baseless political rhetoric and emotional outbursts.
Forum noted with satisfaction the smooth democratic transition of power in the Centre and Provinces. Forum hoped that the post elections environment brings in desired political and economic stability resulting into peace and prosperity for the people of Pakistan. Forum expressed that it strongly believed that democratic consolidation is the way forward for the country.
Forum affirmed that military leadership is cognizant of the full spectrum of the challenges and threats and it remains committed to shoulder its constitutionally mandated responsibilities with support of the resilient people of Pakistan.
Forum reiterated to continue providing full support to the government in combating security threats and uplifting the socioeconomic growth in the country including wholehearted assistance in curbing all illegal activities including smuggling, hoarding, electricity theft, implementation of One Document Regime and respectable & safe repatriation of all illegal foreigners.
In line with the resolve of the honourable Prime Minister of Pakistan, the forum committed that planners, instigators, abettors and perpetrators/ desecrators of Shuhada Monuments and attackers of military installations on 9 May, would certainly be brought to justice under the relevant provisions of the law and Constitution. In this regard, malicious efforts to create distortions, confusion and disinformation are absolutely futile and only part of an organised campaign being launched for narrow political interests, to blur the abhorrent activities that took place.
The forum noted with concern organised misinformation and fake news being spread by certain nefarious elements to sow despondency and divisions within the society, and urged the proud people of Pakistan to remain positive and united and wholeheartedly participate in the progress and development of the country. The participants affirmed that Pakistan Army will continue defending and serving the nation in every possible way; in our journey towards enduring stability, prosperity and security.
COAS stressed on field commanders to continue maintaining high standards of professionalism, operational preparedness and motivation during operations and achieving excellence during training of the formations.
ISLAMABAD, MAR 5 /DNA/ – President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon held a telephone conversation with Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif today, the Founder of Peace and National Unity, the Leader of the Nation, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, had a telephone conversation with the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif.
At the beginning of the conversation, the Leader of the Nation warmly congratulated the esteemed Shahbaz Sharif on his election to the high post of Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan with wishes of health and new successes in public activities.
During the conversation, the parties discussed the state and prospects of Tajik-Pakistani friendly relations and multifaceted cooperation.
In this context, they noted the steady dynamics of the development and expansion of the complex of partnership relations between the two states based on long-standing good traditions and principles of mutual understanding, mutual respect and trust.
In this regard, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, stressing the special importance of continuing the interstate dialogue, invited the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to pay a visit to Tajikistan.
At the end of the conversation, the Head of our State wished friendly Pakistan and its noble people peace, tranquility, well-being and sustainable prosperity.
KARACHI, 5 Mar /DNA/ – Pakistan Navy, alongwith civil government continously providing ration, medicines and warm clothes to flood stricken people of Gwadar District.
Pakistan Navy is utilizing helicopters to ensure continous supply of relief goods to Jiwani, Ganz, Pishukan and Kappar. Pakistan Navy troops are reaching out to stranded people in other far-flung flood affected areas as well to distribute relief goods.
Pakistan Navy special response forces providing their support to local flood-affected communities to drain rain water from their homes and street with all available resources.
ISLAMABAD, MAR 5 /DNA/ – The Government of Japan has decided to provide grant assistance up to USD 300,800 (equivalent to around PKR 84 million) in total to five local NGOs for development projects in Pakistan. Three out of the five projects are flood rehabilitation projects in the areas affected by the 2022 Pakistan floods.
The grant contracts were signed between His Excellency, Mr. WADA Mitsuhiro, Ambassador of Japan to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and representatives of the five NGOs at the Embassy of Japan in Islamabad on March 5, 2024. The five NGOs that will implement the projects are (1) Association for Behavior & Knowledge Transformation (ABKT), (2) Fortified Services for Reforms & Transformation (FSRT), (3) Actions For Human Advancement (AHAT), (4) Lok Sudhar Association and (5) Safe Hands Foundation.
ABKT will receive a USD 63,518 grant (equivalent to around PKR 17.7million) to reconstruct three flood-damaged suspension bridges in District Upper Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This project will enhance the security of school children and local community members when natural disasters such as flood occur. It will also provide a safe passage to the school children as well as the local people to reach their school safely in this area.
FSRT will receive a USD 60,506 grant (equivalent to around PKR 16.8million) to reconstruct flood-affected school building for girls’ primary course in Malakand Division, District Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This project will provide school children with a safe place for learning, resulting in improving overall literacy rate of Swat, a city with one of the lowest literacy rates in Pakistan.
AHAT will receive a USD 57,684 grant (equivalent to around PKR 16million) to reconstruct a flood-affected primary and middle school in Tehsil Jampur, District Rajanpur, Punjab. This project will enhance learning environment for the children in one of the most flood-affected areas during the 2022 floods in Pakistan.
Lok Sudhar Association will receive a USD 51,407 grant (equivalent to around PKR 14.3 million) to establish an ophthalmology operation theater to expand eye care facility in Havelian, District Abbottabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This facility will provide eye-related treatment to the patients in accessible and affordable way. In particular, the people will have the opportunity to access to cataract surgery for the first time in this locality. This project will lead to the improvement of the health sector in the area.
Safe Hands Foundation will receive a USD 67,685 grant (equivalent to around PKR 19million) to construct the primary-school building to promote child education in village Khaisata Gul Kalay, District Khyber in KP. The project will provide, in one of the most deserving and vulnerable areas, the school building equipped with a solar system that can accommodate about 200 primary school children including those currently studying in an open-air classroom.
At the signing ceremony, His Excellency, Mr. WADA Mitsuhiro expressed his expectation that these development projects in cooperation with local communities would have a positive impact on uplifting the living standards of Pakistani people at the grassroots level.
The Government of Japan will provide further flexible and timely support to local NGOs through grant assistance to improve the social wellbeing of the people of Pakistan at the grassroots level.
RAWALPINDI, MAY 5 /DNA/ – General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (JCSC), today attended the opening session of SCO Members States Seminar being hosted by Pakistan at Rawalpindi on theme of “Challenges in Military Medicines”.
The Chairman JCSC in his address highlighted that emergence of new and complex healthcare challenges, Pandemics and humanitarian crisis merit crafting of collective preparedness, response strategies and more importantly strengthening of multilateral collaboration amongst SCO nations especially in field of military medicines.
CJCSC reiterated that both Pakistani nation and Pakistan Armed Forces take great pride in our partnership with SCO and are fully committed to further expand this cooperation.
He expressed his gratitude to SCO for affording this platform for dialogue and cooperation; and the delegates from partner countries for their whole hearted attendance.
ISLAMABAD, MAR 5: NIMA in collaboration with the Royal Malaysian Navy – Sea Power Centre (RMN – SPC), Pakistan Embassy in France, Centre for International Studies (CeSI) Italy, and Institute of Regional Studies held an international hybrid seminar at NIMA Head office, Islamabad. Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed was the Chief Guest. Asim Iftikhar Ahmed, Pakistan’s Ambassador to France also joined as the Guest of Honor through Zoom.
The main focus of this seminar was to develop an understanding on regional and international perspectives about the Indian and Pacific Oceans, and their challenges in 21st Century. Renowned regional & international scholars shared their insights about this important subject. In opening remarks, President NIMA highlighted the significance of the Indian and Pacific Ocean, its security, related issues, and its effect on maintenance of good order at sea.
Ambassador Masood Khalid articulated China’s viewpoint on emerging challenges in the Indian-Pacific region, while Rear Adm (Retd) Jean Mathieu Rey, Senior Research Fellow FMES, France, presented the European perspective. Mr. Tiziano Marino, Head Asia Pacific Analysis Unit at CeSI, Italy, shared Italy’s insights. Rear Admiral Dato Pahlawan Abd Halim bin Hj Shaari (RMN-SPC) proffered the perspective of ASEAN countries. Rear Admiral Faisal Ali Shah elaborated Pakistan’s thought process, and the seminar was succinctly summarized by President IRS, Amb. Nadeem Riyaz.
In his concluding address by Chief Guest, Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed pointed the disruptive behavior of India in the Indian Ocean. Impounding of Pakistani bound commercial cargo, was characterized as a state sponsored piracy.
The event was well-attended by academia, professionals, diplomatic corps, reps of think tanks, subject matter specialists, government officials, faculty members, defense officers, and key maritime stakeholders.
