Mirwaiz concerned over frequent CASOs in south Kashmir

Srinagar, September 05, 2018 (PPI-OT): In occupied Kashmir, the Chairman of Hurriyat forum, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, has expressed concern over the deteriorating situation in the territory, particularly in South Kashmir. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq in a statement issued in Srinagar, today, said that people were facing frequent crackdown operations by the Indian forces making their daily life a hell.

He condemned the authorities for leaving the civilian population in the occupied territory at the mercy of brutal Indian forces. He termed killing, arresting and taking people hostage in the name of so-called cordon and search operations in the territory, especially in South Kashmir, as the worst kind of state terrorism.

The Mirwaiz also demanded immediate release of Hurriyat leader, Sarjan Barkati, who was arrested during the 2016 uprising stating that he is being deprived of all the basic facilities guaranteed in the jail manual which is taking toll on his health. He said that slapping of draconian law, Public Safety Act, again and again on Sarjan Barkati was nothing but sheer political revenge as the court had already ordered his release but he continued to be booked under one or the other fictitious charge.

For more information, contact:
Kashmir Media Service
Email: info@kmsnews.org
Phone: 92-51-4435548, 4435549
Fax: 92-51-4861736

FB Page of Shabbir shah’s party blocked amid crackdowns

Srinagar, September 05, 2018 (PPI-OT): In occupied Kashmir, ahead of the so-called upcoming local bodies’ elections, the authorities have started a fresh crackdown on Hurriyat leaders, detaining several activists and leaders under draconian law, Public Safety Act (PSA). At least five Hurriyat activists were arrested over the past few days, while raids were conducted at a dozen places for more arrests.

Authorities have also started an e-crackdown on social media accounts of Hurriyat organizations. The Facebook pages of Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) and its Chairman, Shabbir Ahmad Shah, have been blocked.

The DFP in a statement said that the Facebook page of Shabbir Shah had been blocked. “He is undergoing illegal detention at Tihar Jail in New Delhi. DFP’s telephone connections and website have also been snapped or blocked since the day Shabbir Shah was arrested by India’s National Investigation Agency on July 25, 2017,” it added.

The All Parties Hurriyat Conference Chief Spokesman, Ghulam Ahmed Gulzar, told media that the authorities detained several leaders and booked them under the PSA. “They have been shifted to Jammu jails,” he added.

Among those who have been detained under the PSA include Farooq Ahmed Shah, Feroz Ahmed Khan, Ramzan Sheikh and Muhammad Amin. Amin, a resident of Kulgam, works as a cook in the APHC office. Feroz Ahmed Khan is affiliated with Jammu and Kashmir Muslim League. Another Hurriyat activist, Umar Adil Dar, was slapped with PSA last month.

For more information, contact:
Kashmir Media Service
Email: info@kmsnews.org
Phone: 92-51-4435548, 4435549
Fax: 92-51-4861736

New Permanent Residence Law in Qatar

Islamabad, September 05, 2018 (PPI-OT): On Monday, 3rd September 2018, H. H. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, issued Law No. 10 of 2018 on Permanent Residence in the State of Qatar that included:

Forming of a permanent committee in the interior to deal with applications for permanent residence permits.

Permission for permanent residence will not be issued for more than 100 persons per year.

With the approval of His Highness and upon the proposal of the Minister of the Interior, the number stipulated for each year may be increased.

The holder of the permanent residence card may leave the country and return to it without obtaining permission or approval to do so.

The cardholder may invest in the activities of the sectors of the national economy determined by the Council of Ministers without a Qatari partner.

Permanent residence holder may own real estate for housing and investment in areas according to the terms and conditions.

The cardholder may obtain medical treatment and education in government institutions within the State.

The spouse of the holder of permanent residence and his children up to the age of 18 shall enjoy the same privileges in residence, health and education.

The application fee for permanent residency, provision of its card and determination of its tenure shall be issued by the Minister of Interior.

For more information, contact:
Embassy of the State of Qatar
No. 20, University Road, Diplomatic Enclave,
Sector G-5/4, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-2270833, +92-51-2600958
Fax: +92-51-2600957
E-mail: qataremedia.islamabad@outlook.com
Website: http://islamabad.embassy.qa/en/home

His Highness the Emir congratulates Pakistan’s President Elect

Islamabad, September 05, 2018 (PPI-OT): His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani sent on Tuesday a cable of congratulations to H. E. Dr. Arif Alvi on his election as President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, wishing him success in his duties and the relations between the two friendly countries further development and growth.

For more information, contact:
Embassy of the State of Qatar
No. 20, University Road, Diplomatic Enclave,
Sector G-5/4, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-2270833, +92-51-2600958
Fax: +92-51-2600957
E-mail: qataremedia.islamabad@outlook.com
Website: http://islamabad.embassy.qa/en/home

Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan calls on Chief Justice of Pakistan

Islamabad, September 05, 2018 (PPI-OT): Mr. Ihsan Mustafa Yurdakul, Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan paid a courtesy call on the Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan Mr. Justice Mian Saqib Nisar at Supreme Court of Pakistan, Islamabad today i.e. 05.09.2018 and expressed his good wishes and conveyed greetings on behalf of judiciary of Turkey.

He briefed his lordship about bilateral relationship between Pakistan and Turkey, and said that there are similarities between both the countries having common tradition and culture. He also extended invitation to Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan to attend the “150th Establishment Anniversary of the Council of State of the Republic of Turkey from 24th – 26th October” in Ankara, Turkey. The Ambassador thanked the Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan for sparing his time and presented the souvenir as token of respect and gesture of goodwill. The Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan also reciprocated the gesture by presenting a memento on the occasion.

For more information, contact:
Public Relations Officer
Supreme Court of Pakistan
Tel: +92 51 9204184, 9220581
Fax: +9251 9213452
Email: mail@supremecourt.gov.pk

Message from Chief of the Naval Staff on the occasion of Defence Day 6th September 2018

Islamabad, September 05, 2018 (PPI-OT):6th September is a day of reckoning in the history of our nation. It reminds us of the courage, unity and steadfastness that defined the Pakistani nation in the face of armed aggression in 1965 by a much bigger enemy. It was a day when the entire Pakistani nation and its Armed Forces stood together to foil the nefarious designs of the enemy with unmatched grit, fortitude and determination.

Pakistani nation celebrates this day to pay homage and acknowledge the valour and supreme sacrifices of our Shuhada and Ghazis who etched numerous accounts of bravery and gallantry in our proud history. The daring ‘Operation SOMNATH’ conducted by PN Fleet which saw the Indian Radar Station at Dwarka, on the Gujrat Coast, neutralized, was the glorious reminiscence of the 11th Century raids of Mahmud of Ghazni on the idolized Somnath Temple, located on the same coast. The much larger Indian Navy Fleet, including its Aircraft Carrier, was bottled up in harbours due to the fear of PN Submarine Ghazi. These are the heroic deeds of our valiant predecessors, which make us stand tall and proud.

Pakistan today faces a host of security challenges on the external and internal fronts. Certain elements are surreptitiously at play to disturb peace and harmony in our country. Our Armed Forces are at the forefront of national resolve to defend its territorial integrity and combat these inimical forces. They are undertaking round the clock operations to eradicate the scourge of terrorism and have rendered immense sacrifices, achieving astounding results.

Pakistan Navy on its part is playing an important role in the overall deterrence and national security. With the development of CPEC, referred as ‘Corridor of Prosperity’ and the Gwadar Port as its ‘hub and pivot’, maritime security all along our coast, particularly off Gwadar has assumed special significance. Pakistan Navy is vigilant and fully ready against any conventional or asymmetric threat to Pakistani ports and maritime infrastructure given the national importance of CPEC Project.

Pakistan Navy is also contributing as a key player in the regional collaborative maritime security. Furthermore, in view of the evolving regional dynamics and to pursue national interests with strategic autonomy, Pakistan Navy has recently instituted Regional Maritime Security Patrols in the IOR with the aim to maintain a robust security posture in critical sea areas and choke points of the IOR. Pakistan Navy has also reinvigorated its efforts to revive the maritime sector and promote blue economy to contribute substantially towards the national economy.

We need to remind ourselves that as a nation, we have been tested on numerous occasions whether on account of aggression from across the border or by extremist elements. Yet, we have always emerged more resolute by adhering to the spirit of Quaid’s golden principles of Faith, Unity and Discipline.

In the same spirit, this day demands from us that we renew our pledge to work selflessly and sacrifice whatever it takes, for a brighter and better tomorrow of our future generations. By anchoring faith in Allah SWT, keeping unity in our ranks and striving relentlessly in the defence of our motherland, let us commit to partake in transforming Pakistan into a strong, secure and prosperous country.

May Allah guide us and grant us strength to redeem ourselves with pride.

Pakistan Navy Zindabad – Pakistan Paindabad

For more information, contact:
Directorate of Public Relations,
Pakistan Navy
Naval Headquarters, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-20062326
Cell: +92-300-8506486
Website: www.paknavy.gov.pk

Ceasefire violations by India on 4th September 2018

Islamabad, September 05, 2018 (PPI-OT): The Director General (SA and SAARC), Dr. Mohammad Faisal summoned the Indian Deputy High Commissioner and condemned the unprovoked ceasefire violations by the Indian occupation forces in Kotkotera Sector along the Line of Control on 4 September 2018, resulting in the shahadat of one innocent civilian (Mr. Abdur Rauf) while grazing animals.

The Indian Forces have carried out more than 2000 ceasefire violations along the Line of Control and the Working Boundary, resulting in the shahadats of 32 innocent civilians, while injuring 122 others. This unprecedented escalation in ceasefire violations by India is continuing from year 2017 when the Indian forces committed 1970 ceasefire violations.

The deliberate targeting of civilian population areas is indeed deplorable and contrary to human dignity and international human rights and humanitarian laws. The ceasefire violations by India are a threat to regional peace and security and may lead to a strategic miscalculation.

The Director General (SA and SAARC) urged the Indian side to respect the 2003 Ceasefire arrangement; investigate this and other incidents of ceasefire violations; instruct the Indian forces to respect the ceasefire, in letter and spirit and maintain peace on the LoC. He urged that the Indian side should permit UNMOGIP to play its mandated role as per the UN Security Council resolutions.

For more information, contact:
Spokesman
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Government of Pakistan
Tell: +92-51-9205494
Fax: +92-51-9204202
Cell: +92-336-5644459
Website: www.mofa.gov.pk