THE INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR COUNTERING HATE SPEECH Dr. Jassim Taqui DG, Al-Bab Institute for Strategic Studies Islamabad June 17, 2023: The UNSG gave the following message on the occasion of The International Day For countering Hate Speech:

Hate speech is used to stoke fear and division, often for political gain, and at immense cost to communities and societies. It incites violence, exacerbates tensions, and impedes efforts to foster mediation and dialogue. It is one of the warning signs of genocide and other atrocity crimes. Hate speech is often aimed at vulnerable groups, reinforcing discrimination, stigma and marginalization. Minorities, women, refugees, migrants, and people of diverse sexual orientation and gender identity are frequent targets. Social media platforms can amplify and spread hate speech at lightning speed. Misguided and ambiguous responses to hate speech – including blanket bans and internet shutdowns – may also violate human rights by restricting freedom of speech and expression. They may even silence some of those best placed to counter hateful narratives: human rights defenders and journalists. But we are far from powerless in the face of hate speech. We can and must raise awareness about its dangers, and work to prevent and end it in all its forms. The United Nations Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech is our comprehensive framework for tackling the causes and impacts of hate speech, in line with international human rights standards. Our offices and teams around the world are confronting hate speech by implementing local action plans, based on this strategy. Education initiatives, positive speech campaigns, research to understand and address root causes, and efforts to promote inclusion and equal rights all have an important role. Religious, community and business leaders can all play their part. The United Nations is consulting governments, technology companies and others on a voluntary Code of Conduct for information integrity on digital platforms, aimed at reducing the spread of mis- and disinformation and hate speech, while protecting freedom of expression. As we mark the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, let us renew our efforts to prevent and end this toxic and destructive phenomenon, while promoting inclusive, just and peaceful communities and societies and protecting the rights and dignity of all.

Pakistani Law Enforcement Officer Zaheer Ahmed Receives Trafficking in Persons Prevention Award from U.S. Secretary of State Dr. Jassim Taqui DG, Al-Bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad June 17, 2023: Zaheer Ahmed, a Pakistani law enforcement officer, was presented with the prestigious Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Hero award by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a June 15 award ceremony in Washington, DC. This annual award brings international attention to the fight against human trafficking. Officer Ahmed was recognized for his efforts in guiding the Government of Pakistan’s implementation of anti-trafficking in-person reforms, his leadership in capacity building, and his training initiatives. These efforts were instrumental in Pakistan's promotion from TIP Tier 2 Watchlist to Tier 2 in 2022. Zaheer Ahmed is a former director of the Federal Investigative Agency's Anti-Human Smuggling Unit and is passionate about stopping human trafficking in all its forms. Within Pakistan, he raised awareness of this global issue and how it disproportionately affects the most vulnerable Pakistanis. His unwavering commitment and innovative approach increased collaboration between Pakistani law enforcement agencies and civil society, leading to improved recognition of TIP and identification of TIP victims. As the director of the FIA’s Anti-Human Smuggling Unit, Ahmed was at the forefront of numerous training and capacity-building initiatives for law enforcement agencies, social welfare, and other partners on preventing, identifying, and assisting with TIP cases. Ahmed's efforts extended to local and international advocacy groups, forming strategic partnerships and fostering a united front against human trafficking. His hard work was pivotal in influencing policy reforms and strengthening legal frameworks in Pakistan. Thanks to Ahmed and other Pakistani government officials, Pakistan ratified the UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress, and Punish Trafficking in Persons in 2022. Upon receiving the award, Ahmed expressed his gratitude, recognizing all the colleagues he has worked with, "This award is a testament to the resilience and strength of our teamwork. I am humbled and honored to receive this recognition, and I will continue to fight alongside my peers until human trafficking is eradicated from our world." The TIP Report Hero Award acknowledges the exceptional efforts of individuals like Ahmed, whose dedication and determination inspire other individuals to act. Ahmed’s unwavering commitment to the cause has earned him the respect and admiration of his peers, and he will now begin an International Visitor Leadership Program tour of the United States, meeting and learning from fellow anti-TIP leaders.

THE WORLD DAY TO COMBAT DESERTIFICATION AND DROUGHT Dr. Jassim Taqui DG, Al-Bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad June 16, 2023: In a message by UNSG Antonio Guterres on the occasion of The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought said: We depend on land for our survival. Yet we treat it like dirt. Unsustainable farming is eroding soil 100 times faster than natural processes can restore them. And up to 40% of our planet’s land is now degraded: Imperiling food production; Threatening biodiversity; And compounding the climate crisis. This hits women and girls the hardest. They suffer disproportionately from the lack of food, water scarcity, and forced migration that results from our mistreatment of land. Yet they have the least control. In many countries laws and practices block women and girls from owning land. But where they do, they restore and protect it: increasing productivity; building resilience to drought, and investing in health, education, and nutrition. Equal land rights both protect land and advance gender equality. That is why this Desertification and Drought Day puts the focus on “her land, her rights”. I urge all governments to eliminate legal barriers to women owning land and to involve them in policymaking. Support women and girls to play their part in protecting our most precious resource. And together, let’s stop land degradation by 2030. Thank you.

France Provides €180 Million Dr. Jassim Taqui DG, Al-Bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad June 15, 2023: Dr. Kazim Naiz, Secretary of the Economic Affairs Division (EAD), H.E. Mr. Nicolas Galey, Ambassador of France, and Mr. Philippe Steinmetz, Country Director of the French Development Agency (AFD), signed the Credit Facility Agreement of €180 million to finance the National Transmission & Despatch Company (NTDC) Transmission Lines and Grid stations Projects. These Projects are located in Punjab in the vicinity of the cities of Vehari, Arifwala, and Sialkot. This soft loan will support the NTDC in its transmission mandate and provide reliable and efficient power in major cities of Punjab. The funding will also help enhance the transmission of green energy and efficient power distribution in Pakistan. Such benefits will contribute to improving affordability and scaling up the energy supply. These will be achieved while also mitigating the impacts of climate change, in line with the policies of the Government of Pakistan. This funding provided by AFD will: 1. Help to enhance the reliability of the power supply and climate change mitigation and adaptation. 2. Benefit & improve the quality of power supply for 26 million inhabitants. 3. Provide reliable power supply to the biggest industrial and sports city (Sialkot). The three components of the project are as follows: • In the locality of Arifwala: the construction of a new 220kV substation and 50km of new 220kV transmission lines to be connected to it. The new substation will be connected to the MEPCO grid; • In the locality of Vehari: the upgrade of the existing 220kV substation to 500 kV level and 48km of new 500kV transmission lines to be connected to it. The substation is connected to the MEPCO grid; • In the locality of Sialkot: the construction of a new 500kV substation and 55km of new 500kV transmission lines and 36km of new 220kV transmission lines to be connected to it. The new substation will be connected to the GEPCO grid. The project will contribute to the Government of Pakistan’s strategy to develop green energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, in line with the French Government’s agenda of promoting climate-friendly projects. It is also part of the pledge and commitments announced by France at the International Conference on Climate Resilient Pakistan, which took place in Geneva on January 9, 2023. France, through the French Development Agency, is providing technical and financial support in several sectors such as energy, water and sanitation, urban development, rural development, health, and cultural heritage. Since 2006, €1.232 billion has been committed to Pakistan. The clean energy sector alone has mobilized a total of €930 million.

The number of displaced children reaches 43.3 million Dr. Jassim Taqui DG, Al-Bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad June 15, 2023: By the end of 2022, a record 43.3 million children lived in forced displacement, according to UNICEF estimates, many of them for their entire childhood. The number of children forcibly displaced from their homes doubled in the last decade, outpacing efforts to include and protect refugee and internally displaced children. The war in Ukraine has forced more than 2 million Ukrainian children to flee the country and displaced more than 1 million children inside Ukraine. “For more than a decade, the number of children forced to flee their homes has risen at an alarming rate, and our global capacity to respond remains under serious strain,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. “The increase is in step with the consistent onslaught of conflict, crises, and climate disasters around the world. But it also highlights many governments’ underwhelming response to ensure every refugee and internally displaced child can keep learning, stay healthy, and develop to their full potential.” Of the 43.3 million children who were forcibly displaced by the end of 2022, almost 60% (25.8 million) were internally displaced by conflict and violence. The number of refugee and asylum-seeking children also hit a new record of 17.5 million, a number that does not even include those newly displaced in 2023, including by the conflict in Sudan. UNICEF estimates more than 940,000 children have been displaced because of the conflict to date. In addition, extreme weather events, such as the Pakistan floods and the Horn of Africa drought, led to another 12.0 million displacements of children in 2022. Internally displaced and refugee children are often amongst the most vulnerable. Many are denied access to education and health care, miss out on routine immunization, and cannot access social protection. For many children, displacement is becoming increasingly protracted. Most children displaced today will spend their entire childhoods in displacement. Climate-induced displacement is expected to increase rapidly without urgent action to mitigate global warming and prepare communities living on the frontline of the climate crisis. “Greater political will is required to address the drivers of displacement and provide long-term solutions for children on the move,” said Russell. “A record number of refugee, migrant, and displaced children – a global population that rivals that of Algeria, Argentina, or even Spain – demands a commensurate response. We have seen sustained change when governments properly invest in the inclusion of displaced children and families. By working together, we can keep them safe, healthy, learning, and protected.”

Gender biases remain entrenched Dr. Jassim Taqui DG, Al-Bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad June 13, 2023: The latest Gender Social Norms Index (GSNI) report has revealed no improvement in biases against women in a decade, with almost 9 out of 10 men and women worldwide still holding such biases today. Half of the people worldwide still believe men make better political leaders than women, and more than 40 percent believe men make better business executives than women. A staggering 25 percent of people believe it is justified for a man to beat his wife, according to the new GSNI report launched today by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), reflecting the latest data from the World Values Survey. The report argues that these biases drive hurdles faced by women, manifested in a dismantling of women’s rights in many parts of the world with movements against gender equality gaining traction and, in some countries, a surge of human rights violations. Biases are also reflected in the severe underrepresentation of women in leadership. On average, the share of women as heads of state or heads of government has remained around 10 percent since 1995 and in the labor market women occupy less than a third of managerial positions. The report also sheds light on a broken link between women’s progress in education and economic empowerment. Women are more skilled and educated than ever before, yet even in the 59 countries where women are now more educated than men, the average gender income gap remains a staggering 39 percent in favor of men.

German Embassy Hosts Annual Alumni Gathering in Islamabad Dr. Jassim Taqui DG, Al-Bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad June 11, 2023: The German Embassy in Islamabad hosted its annual Alumni gathering, bringing together a diverse group of scholars and fellows who have studied and conducted research in Germany. The event, attended by a large number of Alumni from prestigious programs such as the German Academic Exchange Service DAAD, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation AvH, and the CrossCulture Program CCP, provided a platform for them to reconnect and share their experiences. Ms. Dorota Berezicki, Head of Communications and Cultural Affairs, set the stage with welcome remarks. His Excellency Alfred Grannas, the German Ambassador to Pakistan, took the opportunity to acknowledge the significant contributions of the alumni in their respective fields. Ambassador Grannas emphasized, "I hold in high regard the friendships that our alumni have cultivated with Germany and its research landscape. It is truly gratifying to witness the mutual benefits that arise from these connections." The highlight of the gathering was a thought-provoking panel discussion on Food Security in Pakistan, moderated by Dr. Abdul Wakeel. Esteemed panelists including Prof. Samina Mehnaz, Dr. Tahir Usman, Prof. M. Saqib, Dr. Nayer Iqbal, and Dr. Faisal Cheema engaged in an open and constructive dialogue, sharing insights and proposing strategies to address this pressing issue. To honor the valuable contributions of the alumni, Ambassador Grannas presented certificates of recognition to each of them, acknowledging their achievements and dedication. Adding an enchanting cultural touch to the evening, "The Kabul Trio," an all-female musical band from Afghanistan, captivated the audience with their mesmerizing melodies. The band's performances were met with resounding applause and cheers, showcasing the power of music in fostering cross-cultural connections. The event concluded with a meet-and-greet session, allowing the alumni to reconnect and network with one another, forging new connections and renewing old friendships. A delightful dinner brought the evening to a close, leaving the attendees with fond memories of a memorable gathering.

WORLD FOOD SAFETY DAY 2023 Dr. Jassim Taqui DG, Al-Bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad June 8, 2023: World Food Safety Day (WFSD) was commemorated on June 7th, focusing on raising awareness about the significance of food safety and ensuring access to safe and nutritious food for all. FAO Pakistan organized a series of activities in alignment with the theme "Food standards save lives," with a special emphasis on addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through collaborative efforts. The primary objective of these activities was to enhance knowledge about food safety and raise awareness regarding workplace, community, and governmental actions that can effectively promote safe food practices. Notable among the initiatives was an awareness walk conducted in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), Fleming Fund, and Islamabad Food Authority. This joint effort united key stakeholders in highlighting the importance of food safety and addressing AMR. Participants carried banners adorned with messages promoting safe and nutritious food as well as raising awareness about AMR. Dignitaries and officials shared their insights and underscored the significance of combating foodborne AMR while encouraging the adoption of safe food habits. To further advance the cause, two awareness seminars were organized in partnership with the Fleming Fund, Islamabad Food Authority, the World Health Organization, and the Institute of Food and Nutritious Sciences. The seminars, held respectively at Rawalpindi Women's University and ARID Agriculture University, served as platforms for in-depth discussions on food safety and foodborne AMR. Renowned experts delivered keynote presentations on various topics related to food safety, emphasizing the pivotal role of Codex standards in promoting both food safety and international trade. The distinguished speakers also shed light on the invaluable contributions of academia in developing innovative solutions. The seminars concluded with a strong commitment to promoting safe food practices and combating foodborne AMR. Recognizing the significance of the matter, the FAO Pakistan team held constructive meetings with the Commissioner of the Capital Development Authority and representatives from the Islamabad Food Authority. During these meetings, pressing issues concerning food safety and the escalating threat of AMR were extensively discussed. The Commissioner highlighted the risks associated with contaminated food containing drug residues and stressed the imperative of collective efforts from all stakeholders in combating foodborne AMR. Dr. M. Afzal, FMD Management Specialist participated in Radio Pakistan’s live program “Zarkhaiz Pakistan” where he emphasized the significance of food safety for all. FAO Pakistan, together with its esteemed partners, remains dedicated to the pursuit of safe and nutritious food for all, safeguarding public health, and fostering sustainable development. Through these diverse activities, FAO Pakistan aims to significantly increase awareness about food safety, encourage proactive measures to prevent foodborne illnesses and promote best practices in food handling, storage, and preparations.

Joint Statement on the 2023 Pakistan-U.S. Health Dialogue Dr. Jassim Taqui DG, Al-Bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad June 8, 2023: The United States and Pakistan held the second stand-alone U.S.-Pakistan Health Dialogue on June 8, chaired by Abdul Qadir Patel, Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination and Isobel Coleman, Deputy Administrator, USAID. Pakistan and the United States affirmed their mutual commitment to continue the close partnership in the health sector to combat infectious and non-communicable diseases; reduce malnutrition; strengthen the primary health care system and expand quality health services across Pakistan; and support Pakistan's recovery from the devastating 2022 floods. Both countries acknowledged their long history of bilateral partnerships in the health sector. For decades, the United States has invested in Pakistan’s health sector benefiting millions of Pakistanis. The United States has extended technical and financial assistance for the provision of clean drinking water and sanitation services to more than 300,000 people across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh provinces. The United States has donated more than 79 million safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines in partnership with COVAX; responded to outbreaks of HIV, typhoid fever, and other diseases in Pakistan; and delivered health services to nearly 11 million women and children over the past seven years. Pakistan has been a strong partner in efforts to improve access to quality health services, increase budget allocations for health, and invest in infrastructure to meet the health needs of the people of Pakistan. Through the Health Dialogue, the two governments are committing to work together in the ensuing years to help Pakistan continue to recover from the 2022 floods; strengthen maternal and child health and nutrition services; advance international health regulations and global health security; and combat infectious and non-communicable diseases. The United States remains committed to supporting shared priorities with Pakistan, including immunizations, health security, and Pakistan’s national public health institute. Both governments also resolved to continue deepening their bilateral partnership to address the health impacts of climate change and other environmental issues such as air quality and explore how those can be mitigated through the U.S-Pakistan Green Alliance – a framework to focus on food security, climate-smart agriculture, water management, and clean energy. The delegations discussed the United States’ recent announcement of $16.4 million to combat malnutrition, as well as plans to invest $30 million in already approved FY 2022 resources via USAID programs to support health sector programming in Pakistan. The delegations look forward to the U.S.-hosted bilateral Health Dialogue in 2024.

New Five-Year Bilateral Assistance Agreement Dr. Jassim Taqui DG, Al-Bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad June 8, 2023: Today, Pakistan and the United States renewed their long-standing bilateral development cooperation relationship during a meeting between the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the U. S. Agency for International Development (USAID). A new five-year agreement was signed by the Federal Minister of Economic Affairs Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, visiting USAID Deputy Administrator Isobel Coleman, Secretary of Economic Affairs Dr. Kazim Niaz, and USAID/Pakistan Mission Director Reed Aeschliman. This agreement builds on our countries’ long history of partnership and signifies the United States continued commitment to support Pakistan on development objectives that are important to both nations, including climate, resilience, clean energy, sustainable economic growth, inclusive democratic governance, education, and health security. The United States remains one of the largest providers of development assistance to Pakistan, partnering with the Government of Pakistan, civil society, and international organizations on numerous programs aligned with Pakistan's priorities. We look forward to continuing to advance this partnership in part through the U.S.-Pakistan "Green Alliance,” a framework focused on agriculture, water management, and clean energy.

UN WORLD OCEANS DAY Dr. Jassim Taqui DG, Al-Bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad June 7, 2023: The following is the message of the UNSG His Excellency Antonio Guterres on the occasion of UN World Oceans Day: The ocean is the foundation of life. It supplies the air we breathe and the food we eat. It regulates our climate and weather. The ocean is our planet’s greatest reservoir of biodiversity. Its resources sustain communities, prosperity, and human health around the world. Humanity counts on the ocean. But can the ocean count on us? We should be the ocean’s best friend. But right now, humanity is its worst enemy. Human-induced climate change is heating our planet, disrupting weather patterns and ocean currents, and altering marine ecosystems and the species living there. Marine biodiversity is under attack from overfishing, over-exploitation, and ocean acidification. Over one-third of fish stocks are being harvested at unsustainable levels. And we are polluting our coastal waters with chemicals, plastics, and human waste. But this year’s World Oceans Day reminds us that the tides are changing. Last year, we adopted an ambitious global target to conserve and manage 30 percent of land and marine and coastal areas by 2030, as well as a landmark agreement on fisheries subsidies. At the UN Ocean Conference in Lisbon, the world agreed to push for more positive ocean action. A global, legally binding agreement to end plastic pollution is under negotiation. And in March, countries agreed to the historic High Seas Treaty on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. Realizing the great promise of these initiatives requires collective commitment. Sustainable Development Goal 14 — to conserve and sustainably use the ocean’s resources — hangs in the balance. This World Oceans Day, let’s keep pushing for action. Today and every day, let’s put the ocean first.