Day: October 12, 2021

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Need stressed to enhance Pak-Uzbek relations

Lahore, October 12, 2021 (PPI-OT): Punjab University Department of History and Pakistan Studies and Centre for Global and Strategic Studies have organized a roundtable discussion on Central-South Asia Regional Connectivity: Grand Initiative by His Excellency President Shavkat Mirziyoyev”. The discussion was organized in collaboration with Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Islamabad and Regional Integration Centre. The Uzbek Ambassador Aybek Arif Usmanov also called on PU Vice Chancellor Prof Niaz Ahmad at his office.

The vice chancellor stressed the need to enhance collaboration among the academic institutions of two countries and strengthen people-to-people contact. The roundtable discussion aimed at highlighting the importance of regional connectivity between Central and South Asia vis-a-vis socio-economic and cultural cooperation. The event commenced with the opening remarks of Pro Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Saleem Mazhar. He stated that Punjab University was the oldest university and the Department of History had created many scholars and professors.

He said that Punjab University has offered admissions to the students of Uzbekistan that would prove to be a milestone in Pak-Uzbek bilateral ties. Brigadier Mansoor Saeed Sheikh SI (M) (Retd), Vice President (Punjab Region), Center for Global and Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad in his welcome address stated that Pakistan is situated at the convergence of three geo-economically significant regions and it offers shortest route to the sea for all landlocked countries of Central Asia alongside western China and Afghanistan. He said Pakistan stood out significantly in this regional connectivity.

He also stated that at present, the initiative of Central-South Asian connectivity by President of Uzbekistan has emerged as a significant factor in rejuvenating centuries old traditional and cultural linkages between both countries. His Excellency Aybek Arif Usmanov, Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Pakistan, presented keynote speech on “Pakistan and Uzbekistan economic cooperation and perspective”. He stated that not only Punjab, but KPK is also well-connected with Uzbekistan.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister Imran Khan are the first drivers and promoters of connectivity. He said that the projects of connectivity between our countries are already showing positive impacts as I see young researchers, students and scholars gathered here for this event. He said that for more than three years, Pak-Uzbek leaders are working for the peace and development in Afghanistan.

He stated that all countries are interested to use Pakistan as a transit hub in Central Asia. He also stated that we are now working on high technology cooperation with Pakistan. He said experts from Uzbekistan helped in formulating solutions to enhance cotton production in Pakistan. Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director, Center for Global and Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad gave a detailed presentation on “Analyzing the concept of Central- South Asian Connectivity: Ten-point agenda by H.E. Shavkat Mirziyoyev”.

He stated that Central and South Asia, located at the crossroads of the Great Silk Road, have promoted active dialogue between peoples and civilizations for many centuries. He said that the peoples of our regions have repeatedly found themselves within the framework of common state formations, as well as a common political, economic and humanitarian space. He said that the close ties between our people have contributed to rapid intellectual and spiritual progress. Mr. Khalid Taimur also discussed the 10-point proposal by H.E Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Prof. Dr. Mahboob Hussain, Chairman, Department of History and Pakistan Studies, presented speech on “Historical and Cultural linkages between Central-South Asia: An overview of great civilizational patterns”. He stated that common cultural heritage needs to be explored and academic exchange and collaboration is the need of the hour. He said that the most recent initiative was taken by the President of Uzbekistan, His Excellency Shavkat Mirziyoyev by organizing an International Conference on Central-South Asia Connectivity.

He said connectivity is not just about economics, it also drives regional cooperation and encourages friendly relations among neighbours. He said that our university was ready to establish links and active participation with all the regional countries. Prof. Dr. Iram Khalid, Chairperson, Department of Political Science and International Relations, PU presented speech on “reinvigorating the phenomena of academic cooperation into regionalism: A case study of Central and South Asia”. She presented a model that included activities like student exchange programs, seminars, conferences and expert exchange programs.

She stated that for the growth of ideas, we need to incorporate academicians from social sciences. He said that moreover, a committee should be made for curriculum building specifically for this region and in the longer term, a university must also be established dedicated to the Central-South Asian studies. Prof. Dr. Rukhsana Iftikhar, Department of History, PU presented speech on “Economic Potential Between Central and South Asia”. She stated that since the freedom of South Asian states, Pakistan has also been trying to promote her relations with these newly born and rich resources states. He said that Pakistan has been a gateway to Central Asia since centuries.

He said that Central Asia holds significance for the land and people of Pakistan. He said that Pakistan can be one of the finest partner for Central Asia in terms of economic cooperation. Dr. Fozia Ali Hadi, Director, Regional Integration Center (RIC), PU presented speech on “Role of SCO in Central and South Asia Connectivity”. She stated that SCO Member states stand for promoting cooperation in the development of international relations built upon mutual respect, equality and mutually beneficial cooperation as well as developing a common vision of a community of common destiny for mankind.

She said that the role of SCO is critical in adopting programs to promote socioeconomic development as this may be the key to merge as an effective tool for gaining stability and prosperity in the region. Mr. Ghazi Muhammad Abdullah, Assistant Professor, Department of History and Pakistan Studies, PU presented speech on “Enhancing industrial cooperation between Pakistan and Central Asia: Options and parameters”. He discussed the current challenges in the way of development including the changing dynamics of Afghanistan, border tensions in the region and other pertinent issues.

He also discussed that our leaders and academia are actively engaged and they should also analyze the challenges and work towards their resolve. Mr. Jasur Saidahmedov, Second Secretary, Trade and Economy, Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Islamabad highlighted Pakistan and Uzbekistan cooperation with relevance to significant cultural and tourism ties. He discussed in detail the prospects of agricultural cooperation between Uzbekistan and Pakistan that will enhance the bilateral relations between both brotherly countries. He stated that Uzbekistan is eating Pakistani potatoes.

He said that in every village, every city there are Pakistani potatoes. Furthermore, he stated that the athletes from Pakistan are participating in various competitions of Uzbekistan and recently a wrestler from Pakistan has won a gold medal in that competition. Similarly, various other initiatives are being undertaken to enhance cooperation and people to people contacts. He stated that tourism has become important between our countries. We have a Pak-Uzbek culture and trade center and tourist information centers as well.

For more information, contact:
Registrar,
University of the Punjab
Quaid-e-Azam Campus, Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-99231102
Fax: +92-42-99231103
E-Mail: registrar@pu.edu.pk
Website: http://pu.edu.pk/

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Acting Governor Punjab Ch Pervez Elahi arrives at the residence of late Pervez Malik, expresses condolences to Shaista Pervez Malik and his sons

Lahore, October 12, 2021 (PPI-OT): Acting Governor Punjab Chaudhry Parvez Elahi visited the residence of PML-N Lahore President MNA Pervez Malik to offer condolences on his demise. He expressed his condolences to his wife Shaista Pervez Malik, his sons MNA Ali Pervez Malik, Ahmed Pervez Malik, his brother Dr Javed Akram, other family members and PML-N leaders and offered Fateha for the high ranks of the deceased.

Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Maryam Aurangzeb, Miftah Ismail, Manshaullah Butt MPA, Mohsin Naqvi, Khawaja Imran Nazir, Mian Misbah-ur-Rehman and other leaders were also present on the occasion. Ch Parvez Elahi said that whenever he met Pervez Malik, he met him with great love and affection. He was very affectionate on poor and he was very caring person. He said to his bereaved family that we equally share your grief. May Allah grant him a high position in Jannah.

For more information, contact:
Mediacell, Pakistan Muslim League
30-C, Chaudhry Zahoor Elahi Road,
Gulberg-II, Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-35878428
Fax: +92-42-35877329
Website: www.pmlmediacell.com

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ISSI-IPIS Bilateral Dialogue

Islamabad, October 12, 2021 (PPI-OT): The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad and Institute for Political and International Studies, Iran held their Annual Dialogue on bilateral and regional issues. The dialogue was divided into three sessions. The distinguished speakers included Dr. Hossein Ebrahim Khani, Senior Research Fellow, IPIS; Ambassador Riffat Masood, Former Ambassador of Pakistan to Iran; Dr. Saeed Ghaderi, Senior Research Fellow, IPIS; Ms. Amina Khan, Director, Center for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA), ISSI; Dr. Mohsen Roohisefat, Senior Research Fellow, IPIS and Dr. Talat Shabbir, Director China Pakistan Study Center (CPSC), ISSI, and was moderated by Ms. Amina Khan, Director CAMEA.

During his welcome remarks, Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Director General ISSI said that Pakistan and Iran share close cultural and religious ties and have always resolved any bilateral issues in a conducive environment. He also said that there is a mutual benefit in coordinating with each other since events in Afghanistan have a direct impact on both the countries.

Dr. Mohammad Hassan Sheikholeslami, President, IPIS stated that there is a greater need for global concerted efforts to promote multiculturalism. Pakistan and Iran share a common regional destiny. The contemporary situation in Afghanistan is very concerning especially with regard to terrorist activities. He also pointed to how ‘Zionist’ attempts had created instability in the Persian Gulf region and that all regional states should work closely together to create a new security architecture. He also said that by working closely together, both Iran and Pakistan can champion shared goals and help counter any regional instability.

The first session was titled Pakistan-Iran bilateral relations and was moderated by Dr. Majid Ghafelebashi, Vice-President for Research, IPIS. Ambassador Hossein Ebrahim Khani gave a brief overview of the history of Pakistan-Iran relations and said that with the arrival of the new Taliban establishment in Afghanistan, there is a changed atmosphere in the region. He hoped this would pave the way for Pakistan to enter into closer cooperation and collaboration with Iran, and to revive existing arrangements as well as find new vistas especially in terms of trade to boost the economies of both countries.

Ambassador Riffat Masood while expressing her views said that now is the time for Iran and Pakistan to look beyond traditional rivalries and problems. She highlighted how the region is undergoing a major geostrategic shift and that regional countries should come together and work towards a peaceful stable Afghanistan. She said one area where both Pakistan and Iran have been negligent is on the economic front. As bordering countries both Pak-Iran economies naturally complement each other.

Hence, we have to work towards finding ways to overcome these challenges. She also highlighted how both countries should work towards making the border safer- especially for the religious pilgrims in the background of the Covid pandemic. The second session was on the Situation in Afghanistan and was moderated by Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman ISSI.

Dr. Saeed Ghaderi said that the Taliban are a reality in Afghanistan. Two decades of US presence in Afghanistan has created a crevice between the opinions of the Afghan public and the Taliban. The group also needs to give assurances that Afghan soil will not be used to target regional countries because there is a real threat that there may be revival of terrorist threats. He went on to highlight that Afghanistan is a vulnerable point for the entire region which the US can exploit and misuse. He concluded by underlining the importance of provision of international aid to Afghanistan without any preconditions attached. Legitimacy of the Taliban will depend on how they face current challenges.

Ms. Amina Khan stated that with the US exit and in the absence of a negotiated settlement, takeover by the Taliban was expected though the manner and the speed at which the group had taken over the country was certainly not anticipated. While no country has recognized the group, the international community has been engaging with the group through Doha, while the regional countries have been directly interacting with the group – therefore the group has attained de facto recognition.

With an interim government, the real test for the Taliban has only just began – which is certainly not limited to the capture of power, but is more about legitimacy, recognition, acceptance, and performance, in terms of governance, foreign relations, human rights and more importantly CT assurances, ensuring that Afghanistan does not become a safe haven for transnational terrorist groups for the region and larger global community.

The third session was on Regional Connectivity and was moderated by Dr. Majid Ghafelebashi. Dr. Mohsen Roohisefa said a lot of regional connectivity depends upon how well regional countries work together. A neighbourhood policy is obligatory for both Iran and Pakistan. Hence, the MoUs signed between the two sides should be implemented. There also needs to be an effective trade policy in place to counter sanctions on Iran.

There is a lot of opportunity for energy connectivity in this regard. He also pointed to how the new government in Iran paves way for enhanced regional connectivity which he said is premised on good bilateral relations between Iran and Pakistan. He also said that the shadow of terrorism needs to be abolosihed if any economic activity is to succeed in the region. Joint research is needed in this regard and would be beneficial for all, he concluded.

Dr. Talat Shabbir said that rapid transportation and easy communication are key for promoting regional connectivity which in turn is linked to peace. This is why stability in Afghanistan is key to establishing connectivity with the resource rich Central Asian States, he said. He also highlighted how Pakistan has changed its focus from geopolitics to geo-economics and so more opportunities between Pakistan and Iran in this regard have opened up. He also said that the proposed Pakistan-Iran Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is likely to bolster effective banking channels, establishment of markets along the border, elimination of illegal trade and exchange of business delegations.

During his concluding remarks, Ambassador Aizaz stated that a lot depends upon what will happen in Afghanistan. On regional connectivity the sentiment is positive and the potential between Pakistan and Iran is huge and must be released soon. Dr. Seyed Kazem Sajjadpour, former President, IPIS while making his concluding remarks said that for bilateral relationship to proceed principles are needed to be in place.

Though there is a lot of potential between Iran and Pakistan the practice to realise this is lacking on both sides. Player and partnership is important especially in light of events in Afghanistan and the Persian Gulf. He also said that we see western powers gradually receding from the region, which means regional players have more space to formulate conducive partnerships towards shaping a new region which will benefit everyone.

For more information, contact:
Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI)
Sector F-5/2, Islamabad – 44000, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9202481
Fax: +92-51-9204658
E-mail: strategy@issi.org.pk
Website: http://issi.org.pk/

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Murders shouldn’t be treated as suicides, Special Assistant to CM Surendar Valasai directs Sindh Police

Karachi, October 12, 2021 (PPI-OT): Special Assistant to Chief Minister for Human Rights Surendar Valasai has taken notice of unnatural death of Ms Moomal Sotehar in Mithi Town and directed SSP Tharparker to register the FIR as per the statement of her father and brothers.

He said that growing incidents of unnatural deaths, mostly of women in Thar are alarming for whole society and police needs to investigate every case separately so that murders are not treated as suicides. Surendar Valasai said he is personally monitoring each and every case in Tharparker as well as in the whole province and nobody will be allowed to influence the investigations to hide any crime committed behind the garb of suicides.

For more information, contact:
PPP Media Cell (Sindh)
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP)
Peoples Secretariat Shikarpur Colony,
Behind Mazar-e-Quaid-e-Azam, Karachi, Pakistan
Cell: +92-305-3370383
Email: contact@ppp-tu.com
Website: https://www.ppp.org.pk

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Government of Sindh and UNDP Establish Human Rights Information Management System to Strengthen Human Rights Data Collection and International Reporting

Karachi, October 12, 2021 (PPI-OT): The Human Rights Information Management System (HRIMS) was established at the Human Rights Department, Government of Sindh, with support of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The system was handed over to the Human Rights Department today in Karachi. Mr. Surendar Valasai, Special Assistant to Chief Minister on Human Rights was the chief guest of the ceremony and formally launched Sindh’s HRIMS housed at Directorate of Human Rights Department.

Sindh’s Human Rights Information Management System aims to address observed governance challenges linked to human rights data collection, strengthen the province’s human rights reporting and support evidence-based policy making and planning. The system accounts for Pakistan’s decentralized governance structure, under which provincial governments hold responsibility for implementing and monitoring the majority of human rights subjects, including health, education, social welfare and labour. Thus, the HRIMS is comprised of four provincial data servers and software interfaces housed in provincial focal, and it is consolidated under a national HRIMS, housed in the Ministry of Human Rights, Government of Pakistan (MoHR).

Government of Sindh and UNDP are working together to operationalise HRIMS in Sindh to report on Pakistan’s treaty body recommendations, SDG targets, UPR recommendations and human rights indicators digitally and efficiently. Data entered into the system reflects commitments made by duty-bearers through adoption of legal instruments/ rights-based institutional mechanisms, efforts by duty-bearers to implement human rights commitments, and attainment of rights by rights-holders.

Speaking at the event, the Special Assistant to Chief Minister Sindh on Human Rights, Mr Surendar Valasai said, “Sindh Government is a pioneer in legislations and initiatives to promote human rights in Sindh. However, reporting of this data and progress achieved by Sindh is a big challenge due to which Sindh cannot project its accomplishments. HRIMS a proactive solution to digitise the human rights-based data and we hope to overcome the province’s data and reporting challenges through this system.”

Mr Jawed Sibghatullah Mahar, Secretary, Human Rights Department said, “It is very important for Sindh to improve its infrastructure around human rights-based data collection and match its federal and provincial counterparts so the province can produce quality reports for international treaty obligations including core Human Rights Conventions, GSP+ and Sustainable Development Goals. HRIMS is the first step to improve the data ecosystem in Sindh and contribute towards reporting on Pakistan’s International Treaty obligations as well as making evidence-based and data-backed policies in Sindh.”

The UNDP team reiterated its commitment to support the Human Rights Department, Government of Sindh in its effort to strengthen human rights data collection in Sindh by providing technical training on the HRIMS and human rights normative training to the department as well as the relevant line departments in Sindh Government.

For more information, contact:
PPP Media Cell (Sindh)
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP)
Peoples Secretariat Shikarpur Colony,
Behind Mazar-e-Quaid-e-Azam, Karachi, Pakistan
Cell: +92-305-3370383
Email: contact@ppp-tu.com
Website: https://www.ppp.org.pk

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Olympic Scholarship for Athletes “Paris 2024”

Lahore, October 12, 2021 (PPI-OT): Dear Madam/ Sir,

1. I am pleased to inform that, as per Tokyo 2020, IOC has offered Olympic Scholarship to assist elite athletes selected and proposed by their respective National Olympic Committees (NOCs) in their preparation and qualification for the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad, Paris 2024, with a particular focus on athletes and NOCs with the greatest needs.

2. Only athletes with the following profile may be put forward by their NOC as scholarship candidates:

i. Olympic sport: athletes practising an individual sport included on the programme of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at international level.

ii. Minimum technical level: athletes with the technical level to be able to qualify for the Olympic Games Paris 2024. Proof of the athlete’s technical sports level must be shown through results obtained at international competitions, recognised by the International Federations.

iii. Access to training funds: athletes to whom a scholarship will make a significant difference to their training, and who do not have access to alternative means of paying for their preparation.

iv. Ethics: athletes who have not been convicted of a doping offence or sanctioned for actions contrary to the standards of sporting ethics as established by the Olympic Charter, the IOC or the NOC.

3. The Individual scholarships give NOCs the possibility to obtain financial and technical assistance for a limited number of elite athletes who are training and attempting to qualify for the Olympic Games Paris 2024. The scholarship offers selected athletes a fixed monthly grant for their training and qualification costs that may contribute to the following items:

i. Access to appropriate training facilities

ii. A coach specialised in the relevant sporting discipline

iii. Regular medical and scientific assistance and monitoring

iv. Accident and illness insurance since medical interventions are not covered by Olympic Solidarity

v. Board and lodging costs

vi. Pocket money (amount to be established with the NOC)

vii. Travel costs for the athlete to participate in competitions, including Olympic qualification event

4. In its decision to allocate an Olympic scholarship, Olympic Solidarity will strive to ascertain the optimum training environment for each athlete. Olympic Solidarity’s decision as to whether athletes will train in their home country or abroad in a high-level training centre will be exclusively focused upon the needs of the athlete and the requirements of his/her sport. The principal partners in this decision process will be the NOC and training centres. Two training options exist:

i. Training centre option

a. Olympic Solidarity will assist certain scholarship holders to train in an international high-level training centre with which Olympic Solidarity has a service agreement for this programme. The agreements should enable athletes to access training in most of the popular sports. There are three options available:

b. Partner NOCs: Olympic Solidarity has agreements with a number of NOCs which have a well-developed training structures to place athletes in their high-performance training centre network.

c. Partner IFs: Olympic Solidarity has agreements with a number of International Federations to place athletes in their training centre network.

d. Individual training centres: Olympic Solidarity has entered into a limited number of service agreements with specialised training centres.

ii. NOC training option

Olympic Solidarity recognises that a majority of athletes are training in an environment in which they feel comfortable and which offers all the necessary facilities. This environment is normally in their national territory; however, in some particular circumstances, it could be in an independent training centre overseas that is not part of the training centre network noted above.

5. Foregoing above, it is requested to please send the nomination of suitable candidate(s) (as per Para 2 above), with gender balance, on the attached Application Form latest by 20 October 2021. Copy of the guidelines of the subject Program is also attached for your kind perusal please.

Best regards,

Muhammad Khalid Mahmood, Secretary General POA

For more information, contact:
Pakistan Olympic Association
Olympic House, 2-Hameed Nizami (Temple) Road,
Lahore, Pakistan
Postal Code: 54000
Phone: +92-42-36280002, +92-42-36373753
Email: info@nocpakistan.org
Website: https://nocpakistan.org/