Day: December 10, 2021

ISLAMABAD:Foreign Office Spokesperson Asim Iftikhar has said all arrangements have been finalized to host 17th Extraordinary Session of Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) on 19th of this month here in Islamabad.

During his weekly press briefing here on Friday, he said we are getting positive response on the invitation extended to member countries, observer states and P5 countries to attend the extraordinary session. He said the Session’s focus is on serious humanitarian situation in Afghanistan.

On the plight of Kashmiris in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), the spokesperson urged the international community including the United Nations to take immediate cognizance of grave situation in IIOJK. Responding a question on Winter Olympics to be held in China, he said Pakistan oppose the politicization of sports and hopes that all nations would come together in Beijing to showcase their sporting skills.

ISLAMABAD:President Dr Arif Alvi has urged the youth to focus on their studies and play their part for the development of the country.

He was talking to a student delegation of Balochistan Residential College Loralai here in Islamabad on Friday. The President said the youth should equip themselves with the education of Information Technology. Dr Arif Alvi said the government is paying special attention to the development of Balochistan. He said the youth of the province should take benefit from Kamyab Jawan Program.

ISLAMABAD:The 50th martyrdom anniversary of Sawar Muhammad Hussain Shaheed, Nishan-e-Haider, is being observed today (Friday).

Sawar Hussain was born on 18th January, 1949 at Jatli village in Gujar Khan. He was the first soldier to be awarded Nishan-e-Haider.

Meanwhile, Director General Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), Major General Babar Iftikhar has paid rich tribute to Sawar Muhammad Hussain Shaheed, Nishan-e-Haider, on his 50th Martyrdom anniversary for his supreme sacrifice in Zafarwal- Shakargarh Sector, in 1971. He said Sawar Hussain’s fearless actions inflicted heavy losses on enemy, destroying 16 Indian tanks, thus proving that courage knows no bounds.

ISLAMABAD:The International Mountain Day (IMD) is being observed tomorrow (Saturday). The theme of this year’s International Mountain Day is ‘sustainable mountain tourism’.

According to United Nations website, sustainable tourism in mountains can contribute to creating additional and alternative livelihood options and promoting poverty alleviation, social inclusion, as well as landscape and biodiversity conservation. It is a way to preserve the natural, cultural and spiritual heritage, to promote local crafts and high value products, and celebrate many traditional practices such as local festivals.

Mountain tourism attracts around 15 to 20 percent of global tourism. Tourism, however, is one of the sectors most affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, affecting economies, livelihoods, public services and opportunities on all continents.

In mountains, the restrictions of the pandemic have further compounded the vulnerabilities of mountain communities. This crisis can be seen as an opportunity to rethink mountain tourism and its impact on natural resources and livelihoods, to manage it better, and to harness it towards a more resilient, green and inclusive future. Sustainable mountain tourism is the suggested theme for 2021.

ISLAMABAD:Minister for Maritime Affairs Ali Haider Zaidi has said Gwadar deep sea Port is being developed as a trans-shipment hub, which will play an important role in advancing regional trade and economic integration.

According to a press release, he expressed these views during a meeting with Secretary General International Maritime Organization (IMO) Kitack Lim on sidelines of the IMO Assembly Session, which started on December 6 and will conclude on December 15 in London.

Matters of mutual interest including maritime issues came under discussion. The Minister apprised the IMO head of the government’s various initiatives in the maritime sector including efforts to promote clean and green shipping.

ISLAMABAD:A special drive by the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) to implement the obligatory vaccination regime is underway across the country.

According to official reports, the drive will continue till 18th of this month. All federating units through joint monitoring teams have been carrying out inspection of all intercity and intra city public transport and only vaccinated citizens are being allowed to travel.

Non vaccinated transport staff and passengers are also being vaccinated through mobile vaccination teams. A total of 3,793 inspections have been done so far and 46 vehicles impounded and eight people arrested for noncompliance with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

ISLAMABAD:International Human Rights Day is being observed today (Friday) to promote equality, peace, justice, freedom and the protection of human dignity.

This year’s theme of the day is, “Reducing inequalities and advancing human rights”. President Dr Arif Alvi in his message on the International Human Rights Day has said the Constitution of Pakistan guarantees freedom to its citizens regardless of their caste, colour or creed. He said the government will continue making efforts to safeguard freedom, liberty, dignity and self-esteem of every citizen of the state.

Minister for Human Rights Dr Shireen Mazari, in her message on the Day, said the government has moved beyond rhetoric and proactively removed the barriers faced by marginalized groups. Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in his message said Universal Declaration on Human Rights is a beacon of light and a moral compass for States, societies and communities to promote and protect rights, freedoms, and dignity of every human being, without any distinction.