The emotional moments of Carryn Owens

The emotional moments of Carryn Owens

Dr. Jassim Taqui

This time, nobody should blame the US President Donald Trump of being divisive or self-centered. Trump delivered a historic address to the joint session of the Congress, laying out the agenda for his presidency and his vision for America.

His address was repeatedly interrupted by applause including from the hostile Democrats.

His masterstroke, however, came when he paid rich tribute to the Navy SEAL William Ryan Owens who was killed recently in Yemen. This made his widow Carryn Owens burst into tears. The entire House was on its feet applauding her along with Trump for a record time of 3.54 minutes. And during this period, Carryn Owens never stopped crying.

Trump did not only acted Presidential but a humanist as well. One could not help but cry with Carryn Owens who went deep into the souls of hundreds of millions of people who have the privilege of seeing her live on CNN and BBC.

Trump was giving a lesson not only to the Americans but to the entire world that you should show recognition and respect for all those who serve your cause, expose their lives to danger and get killed in the process.
Al-Bab reproduces those emotional moments of Carryn Owens in the following videos:

MALNUTRITION COSTS PAKISTAN US$7.6 bn

MALNUTRITION COSTS PAKISTAN US$7.6 BILLION ANNUALLY, NEW STUDY REVEALS

Al-Bab Report

ISLAMABAD – The consequences of malnutrition – including lost labourers, healthcare expenses and lower productivity – cost Pakistan US$7.6 billion, or 3 percent of GDP, every year,according to a new report launched by the Pakistan Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Secretariat at the Ministry of Planning Development & Reform, in collaboration with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP).

The report “The Economic Consequences of Undernutrition in Pakistan: An Assessment of Losses” used economic modeling to review 15 nutrition indicators from the 2011 National Nutrition Survey and the 2013 Pakistan Demographic Graphic Survey.

REPORT FINDINGS

• More than 177,000 children die every year in Pakistan before their fifth birthday because they or their mother are malnourished. The value of this lost future workforce is estimated at US$2.24 billion annually.
  
  
• More than 90 million cases of diarrhea and respiratory infection among children are attributed to poor breastfeeding practices and zinc deficiencies each year, costing health care systems and families more than US$1 billion annually.
  
  
• More than two-thirds of Pakistan’s children suffering from stunting, anemia or iodine deficiencies will suffer deficits in mental and physical development, leading to lower school performance and lower productivity as adults, depressing GDP by US$3.7 billion annually.
  
  
• More than 10 million working adults with anemia experience chronic weakness and fatigue, reducing economic output in industry, agriculture and other manual jobs by more than UD$657 million annually.

“Malnutrition is a heavy burden – both for the mother of a weak baby, but also for the economy of Pakistan. And each time a malnourished child is born to a malnourished mother, the burden grows. It is possible to reduce this burden and to overcome the consequences of undernutrition, but we need to work together, we need to work with local communities, and we need to scale up our interventions for maximum impact,” said WFP Deputy Country Director Stephen Gluning.

In response to the report, the Ministry of Planning Development & Reform (MPDR) and the Health Services Regulation & Coordination are planning to review existing malnutrition programs to identify possible gaps and make recommendations on actions to take.

“The Government of Pakistan is taking many steps towards improving the situation, but much work remains to be done to achieve food security and also improved nutrition indicators,” said Mr. Sikandar Hayat Bosan, Federal Minister for Food Security & Research. “It is quite obvious that one ministry alone cannot bring major change, but assistance is needed from all sectors and joint efforts from the government, development partners, particularly the civil society, to achieve significant success.”  

In order to enhance coordination, collaboration and partnerships in the fight against malnutrition, a Declaration of Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Pakistan were signed in 2013. Since then, various networks have been formed and are working under the leadership of the MPDR/ SUN Secretariat, linking Government, donors, UN agencies, civil societies, business community, and academia.

“The Government of Pakistan has given due attention to nutrition, we believe that nutrition is important for good health and human wellbeing, therefore it has been an integral part of SDGs and Vision 2025,” said Professor Ahsan Iqbal,  Minister for Planning Development and Reform/ Deputy Chairman Planning commission. He added, “we need knowledgeable, creative and highly cognitive, as well as innovative manpower to implement our high-efficiency economic development programs that can only be done by ensuring food and nutrition security”.

Mr. Yousaf Naseem Khokar, Secretary Ministry of Planning, Development, and Reform appreciated the efforts by the MPDR and WFP to put forward the piece of evidence showing the gravity of current nutrition situation and its economic consequences to the tune of UD$7.6 billion annually in terms of GDP loss at 3 %.  He added that in order to improve human capital and in turn to accelerate economic growth we need to break the vicious cycle of poverty and undernutrition.

Dr. Mubarik Ali, Member Food Security, and Climate Change appreciated the effort and said, “The report shows that it is the time for more comprehensive, multi-sectoral, effective and strategic programs to reduce the current prevalence of undernutrition in Pakistan.

The SUN Movement is led by the government and supported by organizations and individuals to promote collective actions to ensure that every child, adolescent, mother, and family can realize their right to food and nutrition, reach their full potential and shape sustainable and prosperous societies. MPDR is currently spearheading the movement in the country and promote and support multi-sectoral actions to address malnutrition, our goal is to have the world free from malnutrition in all its forms said Mr. Aslam Shaheen, Chief Nutrition/ SUN Focal Point Pakistan. We are striving to achieve our goal through (a) expanding and sustaining an enabling political environment (b) prioritizing and institutionalizing effective actions that contribute to good nutrition (c) Implement effective actions aligned with Common Results and (d) effectively use, and significantly increase, financial resources for nutrition.

WFP facilitates the work of SUN at the federal and provincial levels and supports the National and Provincial Fortification Alliances.

Afghan Vanity Fair as a spoiler of CPEC

Afghan Vanity Fair as a spoiler of CPEC

Dr. Jassim Taqui

When all arrangements were made for the historic 13^th ECO summit, Afghanis­tan refused to send a high-level representation. Instead, Kabul decided to be represented in the ECO summit by its ambassador to Pakistan Dr. Omar Zakhilwal.

Heads of states or governments of all other countries, except Uzbekistan whose deputy prime minister is coming to the summit, have confirmed their participation in the event.

The already tense relations with Afghanistan got further complicated earlier this month following a spate of terrorist attacks in Pakistan, which the government blamed on terrorist sanctuaries on Afghan soil. The Pakistan Army closed border crossings with Afghanistan to protest Kabul’s inaction against terrorist groups targeting Pakistan and shelled the sanctuaries along the border.

This Kabul’s stance is expected on two counts. First, Afghanistan is a puppet of the invading US troops. Hence, it is influenced by Washington.

Second, Kabul has signed the so-called Military Partnership with India, which publicly opposes the CPEC.

Consequently, this stance of Ashraf Ghani signifies the official emergence of US-India-Afghanistan axis that opposes the China and Russia-supported CPEC.

The trio is working to deny Pakistan connectivity and cooperation in energy, infrastructure, transport, and trade sectors.

However, CPEC is possible even without Afgha­nistan becoming part of it. The CPEC can enter western China from Pakistan with connectivity alre­ady exists with Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan and through them, Kazakhstan can be connected. Since Kazakhstan borders Russia and Mongolia, Pakistan would be connected with CARs, Eurasia, and through them with Russia and China, which are the main pillars of SCO.

The army to hunt the terrorists of Punjab

The army to hunt the terrorists of Punjab

Dr. Jassim Taqui

The Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah who is the godfather of the militants in Punjab should be a worried man. He would see his militant allies smoked from the province one after another. Enough is enough.

The Punjab Apex Committee on Sunday decided to intensify and expand the scope of joint raids in the province being carried out as part of Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad.

The meeting agreed to tighten security along Punjab’s border and initiate an operation in areas adjoining it to completely eliminate masterminds of extremism, sectarianism and fanaticism from the province.

It was decided also to expand the scope and intensify joint anti-terrorist operations being conducted by Rangers, the Counter-Terrorism Department and police and accelerate Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad.

The committee resolved to take indiscriminate action against terrorists and their facilitators, root out terrorist networks and eliminate the mindset of militancy, extremism, and fundamentalism from Punjab with full force.

Participants expressed satisfaction with Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad and decided to enhance cooperation with other provinces in order to tackle both internal and external terrorism challenges. They decided to choke sources of terror-funding and vowed to continue the military operation until militancy was wiped out in its entirety. The meeting also agreed to provide foolproof security to mosques, Imambargahs and other places of worship.

Participants of the meeting included National Security Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Nasser Janjua, Lahore Corps Commander Lt Gen Sadiq Ali, Punjab Counter-Terrorism Minister Col (retd) Muhammad Ayub, DG Rangers Punjab Maj Gen Azhar Naveed Hayat, General Officer Commanding 10 Division Maj Gen Sardar Tariq Aman, Chief Secretary Capt (retd) Zahid Saeed, police chief Mushtaq Ahmed Sukhera, Interior Secretary Maj (retd) Azam Sulaiman Khan and other top civil and military officers.

Army, Rangers and police have set up check posts on the M-1 and M-2 motorways, and issued contact numbers to report any suspicious activity or persons, the military’s media wing said on Sunday.

According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the purpose of the check posts was to enhance security and surveillance. ISPR also shared landline, SMS and WhatsApp numbers, and postal and email addresses, requesting public to report any suspicious activity or information related to terrorism to Punjab Rangers. ISPR asked to call at 04299220030/99221230, SMS at 03408880047, WhatsApp at 03408880100, email at help@pakistanrangerspunjab.com and post at the address Headquarters Pakistan Rangers Punjab, 33 Ghazi Road Lahore.

SONGS OF SPRING

SONGS OF SPRING

Artist’s Statement

An exploration of music was the starting point for this series. I wanted to see how nature-inspired compositions from different cultures could reflect a common human thread. Interested in exploring both the familiar and unfamiliar, I chose traditional South Asian, European and Japanese music concerned with nature and spring.

In the earlier paintings, I worked more consciously with the beat and length of the notes. I felt that my multi-layered technique could reflect the complexity of sounds and that the pitch could give me guidance about color. Later, I was influenced by specific images, which I associated with springtime. As the series progressed I used a freer approach and let the paintings take over earlier.

Although I continued to use earlier techniques such as staining, applying and removing color, there was some innovation; my use of gesso was more varied and I manipulated washes on the surface with greater deliberation.

I had decided not to research the musical traditions but there were some interesting results. One painting consisted mainly of blues and purples and it transpired that the music behind it, was composed specifically for the evening. Also, some of the colors in the South Asian pieces seemed to relate much more to deep earth and water as opposed to growth above the ground.

The process of mark-making was influenced by the type of music I was listening to and personal experience, memory, and association also had a part to play. Working with unfamiliar sounds required a different kind of effort and this was the most valuable point for me; stretching out of a musical comfort zone required me to be more open-minded.

It is not easy to identify a common human thread or unifying cross-cultural factor, but I feel the series is tied together by a sense of movement and a common feeling that an event or experience has taken place.

People will bring their own interpretations to what they see, as I did. Paintings inspired by music about the natural world have ultimately become visual songs.

Mehriban Aliyeva a new Vice President of Azerbaijan

Mehriban Aliyeva  a new Vice President of Azerbaijan

Dr. Jassim Taqui

The President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has appointed his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva as the first Vice President – a newly-established position that would see its holder take over as a temporary leader if the president were to step down or prove unable to perform his duties.

Mehriban Aliyeva has been playing an important role in the social, political and cultural life of the country for many years.

Aliyeva is the first person to hold the post as Azerbaijan's first Vice President, as the position was only established through changes to the constitution, introduced following a 2016 referendum.

Aliyeva has held the position of deputy head of the country's main political party, the New Azerbaijan Party – led by Aliyev and founded by his father, Heydar Aliyev in 1992.

It is the largest political party in the South Caucasus. It has nearly 700,000 members. Aliyeva has also been an MP in the Azerbaijani parliament since 2005 and thus has politically matured for the new post.

Apart from her political activity, Mehriban Aliyeva has been in charge of promoting culture, education, and sports in Azerbaijan, as well as doing charity work. She heads the country's largest NGO, the Heydar Aliyev Fund.

Mehriban Aliyeva was born in Baku, the Azerbaijani capital, in 1964. Graduating as a medical doctor, she also secured a degree in philosophy, defending a thesis on euthanasia.

She founded and served as the head of the 'Fund of Azerbaijan's Friends' for over two decades. She held a UNESCO goodwill ambassador and received the title of 'Woman of the Year' in her home country.

ECO forum to foil Modi’s designs

ECO forum to foil Modi’s designs

Dr. Jassim Taqui

The convening of the 10-nation ECO Summit in Islamabad on 1^st March is a heaven-given opportunity to foil Modi’s design to isolate Pakistan regionally and internationally.

The moot will also fortify Pak relations with CARs and Eurasia, thus bringing Pakistan closer to Russia and China. The summit would further strengthen SCO as well.

Pakistan and Afghanistan have started negotiating a mechanism for addressing each other’s concerns over terrorism and can strike a deal next week.

Pakistan has sent its proposals to Afghanistan and established a telephonic conversation with Afghan National Security Adviser Hanif Atmar.The two sides agreed to implement an agreement on countering terrorism reached during last year’s quadrilateral talks also involving the US and China.

An agreement could be formalized during a bilateral meeting with Afghanistan on the sidelines of the ECO summit.

It is expected that TAPI gas pipeline would be discussed on the sidelines of the summit in an attempt to forge economic cooperation instead of hostility and regional proxy wars.

Evidently, those who advocate the policy of hatred and act as puppets of global powers are the net losers. And the peace-loving nations would emerge as the major winner. 

Pakistan falls into debt trap

Pakistan falls into debt trap

Dr. Jassim Taqui

According to the latest statistics by the State Bank of Pakistan, Every Pakistani owes over Rs115,000 as the country’s pile of total debt and liabilities increased to Rs23.14 trillion by the end of December 31, 2016, a year-on-year increase of 10%.

The share of external debt and liabilities stood at Rs7.8 trillion, or roughly $74 billion, but the PML-N would tell you, as part of its effort to show it was a good government, that the total stock of debt – domestic and otherwise – has reduced to 69.1% of GDP from 71.1% a year ago.

But with an ever-increasing debt pile comes another problem for the country’s economic managers. Foreign exchange reserves held by the SBP have come down to $17 billion and the current account deficit has widened by 90% in the first seven months (Jul-Jan) of 2016-17, standing at $4.72 billion. Together with falling exports, near-stagnant remittances, repayments to international creditors and increasing oil prices, pressure on reserves is likely to be fiercer than it was before.

Critics say Pakistan, which completed the latest IMF program in September 2016, will be in need of another bailout package near election time, slated to be held in the mid of 2018.

There is panic among the ranks. Reserves have fallen by $1.9 billion since October 2016 and the government’s financing requirements will increase in the near-term. The current account deficit is likely to hit the $7-8 billion mark this fiscal year and debt servicing requirements will add to the pressure on the country’s reserves.

There are no more flows from the Coalition Support Fund (CSF). CPEC projects would complicate the issue since the value of 90 percent of the $46 billion- projects are met by taking loans from the Chinese banks.

In its three-year stint, the PML-N government has obtained $25 billion as fresh foreign loans in addition to borrowing Rs3.1 trillion ($30 billion) from the domestic market for budget financing, according to Ehtesham Rashid, Director General of the Debt Office at the Ministry of Finance.

In dollar terms, the government’s total domestic and foreign borrowings amounted to $55 billion during the last three years. This means that the debts of Pakistan in 3 years increased by 22.5 percent as compared the  accumulated 70 years debts.

Elite Pakistani cadets compete for admission to prestigious U.S. military academies

Elite Pakistani cadets compete for admission

to prestigious U.S. military academies

Islamabad, February 24, 2017 – The Pakistan military, in partnership with the U.S. Embassy, is screening nominees for the Service Academy Foreign Student Program.  Under this program, partner nations nominate outstanding young men and women for the opportunity to compete for admission to the United States’ elite military academies.  

"As a proud member of the USAF Academy Class of 1991, I can attest to how much of an impact the service academy attendance had  on my military career, and my life, “ said Brigadier General Kenneth Ekman, who graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1991. “I fondly remember attending and graduating with some exceptional partner-nation classmates, many of whom went on to become leaders in their services and defense establishments. One of them, Cadet Mukarram Q. Khan, a fellow Aeronautical Engineering major, served with distinction in the Pakistan Air Force for over 10 years."

Pakistan’s military has nominated 12 students to compete for admission to the United States Military Academy and United States Air Force Academy graduating classes of 2021.  Selected students attend four years of academic, military, and physical fitness instruction to become the next generation of military leaders. 

On February 23, the nominees completed the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA) and in-person interview portions of their application process at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad.   The CFA is a test of strength, agility, speed, and endurance used to predict the candidate’s aptitude for the physical program at the military academies.  In the interviews, the applicants demonstrated their strength of character and commitment to service in Pakistan’s Armed Forces. 

Due to the critical military relationship between Pakistan and the United States, Pakistan is one of only 12 countries designated by the United States Secretary Defense as a priority appointment country.

Pakistan currently has one student enrolled in the United States Naval Academy, three in the United States Air Force Academy, and four in the United States Military Academy.

"There can be no more rewarding experience in one's life than to attend the USAF Academy,” said Mukarram Q. Khan, who graduated with Brigadier General Ekman in 1991.  “It refines a human being academically, physically and emotionally, and exudes excellence unprejudiced by race, color, religion or national origin.  The inculcation at USAFA has always remained to be a source of strength and acumen for me -- as a fighter pilot, as a family man and as a proud citizen of Pakistan." 

The mysterious story of Kohinoor

The mysterious story of Kohinoor

Dr. Jassim Taqui

The Oxford University Press (OUP) Wednesday launched its latest publication – Kohinoor: The Story of the World’s most Infamous Diamond.

The book is jointly written by acclaimed historian William Dalrymple and Anita Annand the radio and Television journalist in Britain. Dalrymple had written some outstanding best sellers books like City of Djinns, White Mughals, the last Mughals, Nine Lives. Anand had written Sophia: Princess, Suffragette, and Revolutionary.

Revealing previously unknown moments in the Kohinoor’s history, the book traces the history and unravels the mystery surrounding the world’s most famous Diamond, using previously untranslated Sanskrit, Persian and Urdu sources.

The book launched held at the National Library of Pakistan featuring a stimulating presentation in which William Dalrymple told the sweep of the early history of the Kohinoor as referenced in ancient Indian texts, through its sightings during Mughal times, to its seizure by Nader Shah, and its possession by Ranjit Singh. Continuing with the journey of the prized gem,  Anita Annand gave an account of how the diamond was taken from the Sikh court and passed on to the British crown.

Earlier, Ameena Saiyid, Managing Director, OUP Pakistan, introduced the authors and said that the book was the story of a fascinating gem, accused of bringing misfortune to its owners, yet coveted and exalted by them.

Hale meets with Sialkot Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Members

American Ambassador Hale meets with

Sialkot Chamber of Commerce Executive Board

Members

 Al-Bab Report

Islamabad, February 23, 2017 – American Ambassador to Pakistan David Hale met today with members of the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (SCCI) Executive Board to discuss a wide range of initiatives and potential avenues for deeper economic and trade cooperation.  Ambassador Hale also spoke with the delegation about the different programs and initiatives that America has undertaken to improve trade and investment ties.

Ambassador Hale said America is determined to continue working with the Pakistani government and private sector to foster economic ties and increase bilateral trade.  He lauded the SCCI’s innovative approaches in creating opportunities for the region’s businesses to grow.  “Sialkot’s achievements are impressive, innovative, and could serve as an example for other areas of Pakistan.  America looks forward to working closely with Sialkot’s business community to develop models of economic success for application throughout Pakistan,” the Ambassador observed.

SCCI President Majid Raza Bhutta said, “The USA has always been the most important strategic partner of Pakistan and we believe that the relationship between the two countries would further strengthen in future, considering the determination of both countries to collaborate in the areas of trade development, education, women empowerment and intellectual property rights.”  SCCI President Bhutta thanked the Ambassador and his team for their hospitality and interest in cooperating with the Sialkot Chamber on issues of mutual interest.

Following the meeting with Ambassador Hale, the delegation, led by its President, held a detailed discussion with Embassy officials from the Economic, USAID, Public Affairs, and Political sections to discuss potential areas for further collaboration.  The meeting focused on collaborative initiatives related to trade promotion, education, and exchanges, improving labor standards, women’s role in the economy, entrepreneurship, and agriculture. 

SCCI’s visit to the Embassy follows a mid-January visit to Sialkot by a U.S. delegation from Embassy Islamabad and Consulate General Lahore.  During the visit, U.S. officials called on Sialkot’s District Coordination Officer, the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Surgical Instruments Manufacturers Association of Pakistan.  They also toured the manufacturing facilities of the Silver Star Group.  

UNODC donates $70 million for drug and crime control

UNODC donates $70 million for drug and crime control

Dr. Jassim Taqui

23.02.2017 - Islamabad – Today, in an official ceremony at Serena Hotel Islamabad, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) presented its USD 70 Million Country Programme II (2016-19) under the title “developing solutions for drugs and related challenges in Pakistan”. In December 2016, UNODC in collaboration with the Government of Pakistan organized a signing ceremony at the United Nations Office in Vienna to officially endorse the Country Programme II which was then presented to the Permanent Representatives of the Member States.

Under Country Programme II UNODC will help enhance the skills and knowledge of law enforcement and criminal justice agencies in overcoming the multi-facet threats posed by transnational organized crime and would foster greater cooperation amongst neighboring countries to effectively find common solutions.

Mr. Aldo Lale-Demoz Deputy Executive Director UNODC is presently visiting Islamabad to attend a presentation of the Country Programme II and during his speech at the ceremony which has jointly been organized by the Narcotics Control Division and UNODC Country Office he stated, “the Country Programme II is based on principles of national ownership, upstream policy and human rights based approach. Pakistan has demonstrated notable achievements in many areas of cooperation, owing to the national leadership and political commitment”.

On the occasion, Mr César Guedes, UNODC Representative, Country Office Pakistan presented a comprehensive overview of assistance in the next four years under Country Programme II (2016-19). The CP II also envisions to be “Working together against illicit trafficking, drug use and crime, while promoting the rule of law for a safer society for all in Pakistan.” While giving the presentation, Mr Guedes emphasis “It is an opportunity to further advance Pakistan's strategy on counter-narcotics, strengthen regional cooperation and streamline our collective efforts to promote the rule of law, good governance and public health.”

The presentation was attended by members of the diplomatic community, heads of UN Agencies, officials from ministries and law enforcement agencies, judiciary, civil society representatives, and media representatives. On the occasion His Excellency Mr Baleegh ur Rehman, Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training, Interior and Narcotics Control stated, “Being a common and shared responsibility, it requires more concerted efforts of international community to effectively tackle this menace.” He also reiterated “Let me re-affirm the political will of the Government of Pakistan to stem out the menace of drugs from the region as well as from the world.”

Secretary Narcotics Control Division Mr Ajaz Ali Khan appreciated the assistance provided by UNODC under the previous Country Programme which strengthened the operational capacity of Anti-Narcotics Force as reflected by record seizures of narcotics over the last four years. The Country Programme-II (2016-19), would further enhance the effectiveness of UNODC’s support.”

Mr. Lale Demoz, said in his speech “Today marks another important milestone in combating illicit trafficking, drug use and crime in the country”. He particularly thanked Mr. Baligh ur Rehman – Minister of State for Interior and Narcotics Control, Mr Ajaz Ali Khan – Secretary of Narcotics Control Division (Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control), for representing Pakistan's continued and new commitment and to Mr César Guedes, Country Representative of our country office, for his comprehensive overview of assistance in Pakistan.”

Talking at the occasion H.E. Mr. Baleegh ur Rehman stated “Being a common and shared responsibility, it requires more concerted efforts of international community to effectively tackle this menace.” He also reiterated “Let me re-affirm the political will of the Government of Pakistan to stem out the menace of drugs from the region as well as from the world.”

The government of Pakistan has shown its firm resolve to curb the menace of illicit trafficking, drug use and crime. The new Country Programme has been developed through a participatory process involving UNODC experts and relevant Pakistani institutions, the international community, and civil society.

At the end of the ceremony UNODC presented mementos to the donors, which are Australia, Canada, Denmark, EU, Germany, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States of America for their financial contributions to the previous and the present Country Programmes. UNODC also presented mementos to Secretary Narcotics Control Division and H.E. Mr.Baleegh ur Rehman.

The strategic goals of the Country Programme are in line with the Government of Pakistan's Vision 2025 and complement the objectives for meeting various targets of the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

UNICEF statement on Baquer Namazi

UNICEF statement on Baquer Namazi
Al-Bab Report

NEW YORK, 22 February 2017 – “One year ago today, our respected former UNICEF colleague, Baquer Namazi, was imprisoned in Iran. Our concerns for his health and wellbeing have grown deeper with each passing day.

“Mr. Namazi, 80 years old, is increasingly frail as a result of his imprisonment. He should be returned to the care of his family and friends. After a lifetime of humanitarian service, he has earned a peaceful retirement.

“We join his many colleagues around the world in appealing for his immediate release on humanitarian grounds.

“This is the fourth statement UNICEF has made since our colleague and friend was imprisoned. We hope and pray that our next will celebrate his release.”

Genocide of Khojaly 25

Genocide and Ethnic Cleansing – Khojaly 25” 

in collaboration with the

Embassy of Azerbaijan

February 21, 2017

Al-Bab Report

 
The Khojaly genocide of the 20th century is one of the most serious crimes in history not only against the people of Azerbaijan but humanity as a whole. This was stated by H.E. Ali Alizada, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan, during his keynote address, at a Seminar on “Genocide and Ethnic Cleansing – Khojaly 25” organised by the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) in collaboration with the Embassy of Azerbaijan today.
The Chief Guest on the occasion was Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, Chairman, Senate Defence Committee. Other dignitaries of the seminar included Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, MNA and Convener of the Pakistan-Azerbaijan Parliamentary Friendship Group and Dr. Muhammad Khan, former HoD, Dept. of IR, NDU. A video on the Khojalay Genocide was also shown at the event.

Senator Mushahid HussainSayed stated that Pakistan has given unreserved support to Azerbaijan. He highlighted the commonality between the situations in Kashmir and Nagorno-Karabakh. Pakistan and Azerbaijan have a solid history and in the future there needs to be greater coordination between both countries especially on the issues of Kashmir and Nagorno-Karabakh. He stressed on the urgency of both countries taking up a joint research initiative so as not to be left behind in the battle of ideas.

Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman Board of Governors of ISSI, in his welcome remarks stated that the Khojaly genocide was one of the most tragic events of Azerbaijan’s history. He said that Pakistan and Azerbaijan are linked by histories and intense exchange of thinkers. Pakistan has provided endless support to Azerbaijan and has consulted its efforts with Azerbaijan in highlighting this tragedy.

H.E. Ali Alizada gave a brief overview of the events of the genocide - the Khojaly graveyard is a symbol of all the atrocities that took place during this incident. He highlighted that more than fourteen countries have recognised the incidents as genocide and relevant parliamentary resolutions have been passed. He stated that history provides evidence that such events can occur in the future too, and to avoid this repetition he said that there has to be a uniform stand against this crime and the perpetrators need to be brought to justice. The Ambassador was very appreciative of the friendship between the two countries and the solidarity between the two nations and acknowledged that Pakistan was one of the first countries which recognised this massacre as a genocide.

Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja in her speech stated that Pakistan and Azerbaijan have always been on the same page. She stated that Pakistan faces a similar situation in Kashmir, so Pakistan is well aware of what the people of Azerbaijan sense and is very grateful to the people of Azerbaijan for their support on the Kashmir issue. The Khojaly genocide is most definitely one of the worst massacres the world has seen- the gravity and enormity of the situation is overwhelming and cannot be justified and the way the people of Azerbaijan have come out of this bilateral issue is highly commendable.

Dr. Muhammad Khan in his presentation drew parallels between the atrocities in Kashmir and  Nagorno-Karabakh and stated that the Khojaly massacre is a bloody episode of human history and a bloody page of the policy of ethnic cleansing and genocide pursued by the Armenian  nationalists against Azerbaijani people over a hundred years. He also drew attention to the Human Rights report which described the event in Khojaly as “the largest massacre to date in the conflict”.He also highlighted the insensitivity of the international community, the silence of global media, and, no major actions from major powers.

Concluding the Seminar, the Chairman ISSI, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, stated that the refugees need to be rehabilitated immediately to their homes and the atrocities need to end. He stated that the principle position of both countries on humanitarian issues demonstrates their fidelity to international law and upholding of human rights and international human law and serves to reinforce the deep bonds of friendship between the two nations.