Category: Embassies

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Japanese Cuisine Sushi demonstration held at Embassy of Japan in Islamabad

Islamabad, April 14, 2018 (PPI-OT): The Embassy of Japan in collaboration with the Asian Study Group organized a demonstration of making traditional Japanese cuisine Sushi on Saturday 14th April 2018 at the residence of the Ambassador of Japan H.E. Mr. Takashi Kurai. A select gathering of Pakistani people were invited at the occasion to see and learn the art of making sushi who later also tried their skills to prepare this world renowned Japanese cuisine.

Mr. Katsunori Ashida, Head of Public Affairs of the Embassy of Japan, who himself is expert in making this Japanese cuisine demonstrated in front of the Pakistani people while explaining various stages involved in preparing sushi and tempura.

Ambassador Kurai said that Pakistani food is also becoming popular in Japan and there are a fair number of Pakistani restaurants in Tokyo and other cities of Japan providing delicious Pakistani dishes. I believe events like this today paves a way for bringing the people of two countries further closer to each other through understanding of their culture and food, said Ambassador Kurai.

SUSHI: Sushi is a Japanese dish of specially prepared vinegar rice (sushi-meshi), usually with some sugar and salt, combined with a variety of ingredients such as seafood, vegetables and occasionally tropical fruits. Styles of Sushi and its presentation vary widely, but the key ingredient is “sushi rice”, also referred to as shari or sumeshi. The term sushi is no longer used in its original context and literally means “sour-tasting”.

Sushi can be prepared with brown rice, but traditionally it is made with medium grain white rice. It is often prepared with raw seafood, but some varieties of sushi use cooked ingredients such as calamari, eel, and imitation crab meat. Many others are vegetarian. Sushi is often served with pickled ginger (gari), wasabi (not to be confused with horseradish paste), and soy sauce (or tamari). Daikon radish is popular as a garnish.

For more information, contact:
Embassy of Japan
53-70, Ramna 5/4, Diplomatic Enclave 1
Islamabad 44000
Pakistan (P.O. Box 1119, Islamabad, Pakistan)
Tel: +92-51-9072500
Fax: +92-51-9072352
Email: culture@ib.mofa.go.jp
http://www.pk.emb-japan.go.jp

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U.S. Embassy Statement on the traffic accident involving an Embassy vehicle on April 7

Islamabad, April 08, 2018 (PPI-OT): The U.S. Embassy expresses its deep sympathy to the family of the deceased and those injured in a tragic traffic accident involving a U.S. Embassy vehicle on Saturday, April 7. Embassy officials are cooperating with local authorities who are investigating the accident.

For more information, contact:
Spokesman
Information Office Public Affairs Section
Embassy of the United States of America
U.S. Embassy, Islamabad- Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-2082911, +92-51-2081136
Cell: +92-300-5012640
Fax: +92-51-2278607
Email: webmasterisb@state.gov

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Senior United States Official from the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Ambassador Alice Wells visits Pakistan

Islamabad, April 03, 2018 (PPI-OT): The U.S. Department of State’s Senior Bureau Official for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Ambassador Alice Wells visited Islamabad and Karachi March 28 – April 3. In Islamabad, Ambassador Wells met with Minister of Interior Ahsan Iqbal; SAFRON Minister LTG (ret) Abdul Qadir Baloch; Advisor to Prime Minister on Finance, Revenue and Economic Affairs Miftah Ismail; Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua; National Security Advisor Nasser Janjua; and UN High Commissioner for Refugees Country Representative Ruven Menikdiwela.Ambassador Wells also met with Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Bajwa.Ambassador Wells travelled to Karachi over the weekend where she met with Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and business leaders.

During her visit, Ambassador Wells discussed the South Asia strategy and Pakistan’s stated commitment to eliminate all terrorist groups present within its borders, as well as our shared interest in building economic and commercial ties that benefit both nations. In the aftermath of the Tashkent conference on Afghanistan, Ambassador Wells noted the growing international consensus on the way forward to achieving peace in Afghanistan and the meaningful role that Pakistan, partnering with the United States, could play in achieving a peaceful resolution in Afghanistan. In Karachi, Ambassador Wells highlighted our ongoing efforts to build strong economic and people-to-people ties with the people of Karachi and Sindh.

For more information, contact:
Spokesman
Information Office Public Affairs Section
Embassy of the United States of America
U.S. Embassy, Islamabad- Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-2082911, +92-51-2081136
Cell: +92-300-5012640
Fax: +92-51-2278607
Email: webmasterisb@state.gov

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Japan extends Grant Aid worth 2,892 Million Yen for Two Projects, “the Economic and SocialDevelopment Programme”, and “the Project for Improvement of Airport Security (Phase 2)”

Islamabad, March 27, 2018 (PPI-OT): The Government of Japan has agreed to extend grant assistance to the Government of Pakistan, namely “the Economic and Social Development Programme”, worth 500 million Japanese Yen (approximately 4.7 million US dollar), and “the Project for Improvement of Airport Security (Phase 2)” worth 2.392 billion Japanese yen (approximately 22.5 million US dollar).

On March 27 in Islamabad, the signing for the projects took place between Mr. Takashi Harada, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the Embassy of Japan and Syed Ghazanfar Abbas Jilani, the Secretary of Economic Affairs Division (EAD). The grant for “the Economic and Social Development Programme” will be used to procure equipment for meteorological observation. It will enable the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) to improve the accuracy of weather forecasts and to disseminate the early warnings for climate disaster.

The second project, for which the E/N documents were signed today, “the Project for Improvement of Airport Security (Phase 2)” is a follow-up of the grant aid signed in 2013. Through the second phase project Japan will provide the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) with security equipment for screening of check-in baggage, hand baggage and vehicles at Karachi, Faisalabad, Multan and the New Islamabad International Airports, while the phase one project provided security equipment for Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad airports.

This equipment embrace the latest technology matching the international security standards set by the United States and the European Union. By installing this equipment, the risk of security related incidents at the four airports will be reduced, and operation of the airports will be improved.

Mr. Yasuhiro Tojo, Chief Representative of JICA Pakistan office, said that this project will support the Government of Pakistan to achieve the key objective of the National Aviation Policy 2015 which is “to improve the governance and oversight for the compliance of ICAO standards of aviation safety, security and efficiency” in Pakistan.

Mr. Takashi Harada, the acting Japanese Ambassador, added that “we appreciate the tireless efforts of the Government of Pakistan for the socio-economic development and the improvement of the security situation.” He further emphasized that the two grants from Japan will support the work of the Government of Pakistan and would strengthen the existing bond of friendship between the two countries.

For more information, contact:
Embassy of Japan
53-70, Ramna 5/4, Diplomatic Enclave 1
Islamabad 44000
Pakistan (P.O. Box 1119, Islamabad, Pakistan)
Tel: +92-51-9072500
Fax: +92-51-9072352
Email: culture@ib.mofa.go.jp
http://www.pk.emb-japan.go.jp

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Senior Government officials, celebrities, politicians and activists on stage in riveting play to raise awareness about violence against women

Karachi, March 27, 2018 (PPI-OT): The internationally acclaimed documentary play SEVEN continued its tour in Pakistan last night, as an ensemble reading of the play was staged at the Habib University in Karachi. Readers on stage were Chairperson, Sindh Commission on the Status of Women (SCSW) Ms. Nuzhat Shirin; Member of National Assembly (PPP) Ms. Shazia Atta Marri; Women and Human Rights Activist, Ms. Pushpa Kumari; TV and Film Actress Ms. Sarwat Gilani Mirza; Singer and Actor Mr. Asim Azhar; Musician and Actress Ms. Natasha Humera Ejaz and Lawyer and Broadcast Journalist Ms. Ayesha Tammy Haq. The play was directed by Ms. Tulin Khalid Azim.

The purpose of the event was to promote access to justice for female victims of violence by raising awareness on Pakistan’s existing legal services and framework on violence against women, such as the Federal Ministry of Human Rights’ toll-free helpline (1099) and legal advice to victims of violence, and provincial laws and services such as the Sindh Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act 2013 and the Women Complaint Cell established by Sindh’s Women Development Department.

Ms. Sarwat Gilani said at the occasion that, “These are the super heroes that need to be set as an example for our youth. And these are the stories that our youth, women and children need to know so that they can understand equality and women’s rights.” The event was attended by approximately 150 people, including high-level officials, activists, students and dignitaries who graced the occasion with their presence.

The Embassy of Sweden in Pakistan, The European Union Delegation to Pakistan, The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (UN Women) and the Potohar Organisation for Development Advocacy (PODA), in collaboration with the Swedish Institute, organized the event.

The play is produced by Hedda Krausz Sjogren and written in 2007 by seven playwrights: Paula Cizmar, Catherine Filloux, Gail Kriegel, Carol K. Mack, Ruth Margraff, Anna Deveare-Smith and Susan Yankowitz in collaboration with Vital Voices Global Partnership.

For more information, contact:
Embassy of Sweden Islamabad
Address House No. 4, Street No. 5
Sector F-6/3, P.O. Box 1100
Islamabad
Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-2828712-3
Fax: +92-51-2825284
Email: ambassaden.islamabad@foreign.ministry.se
Email Visa Section: ambassaden.islamabad-visum@foreign.ministry.se

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Rewards for Justice – Reward Offer for Information on Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan and Factions Key Leaders

Washington, March 09, 2018 (PPI-OT): The U.S. Department of State’s Rewards for Justice Program is offering rewards for information leading to the identification or location of three key leaders associated with the terrorist organization Tehrik–e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and affiliated factions. The Department is offering a reward of up to $5 million for information on TTP leader Maulana Fazlullah, and up to $3 million each for information on Abdul Wali and Mangal Bagh.

Maulana Fazlullah is the leader of the TTP, a terrorist organization that has claimed responsibility for numerous terrorist acts against Pakistani and U.S. interests, including the failed attempt by Faisal Shahzad to detonate an explosive device in New York City’s Times Square on May 1, 2010. Under his leadership, the TTP has also claimed responsibility for the December 16, 2014, attack on a school in Peshawar, Pakistan in which gunmen killed 148 people, including 132 students.

Fazlullah also is responsible for the June 2012 beheading of 17 Pakistani soldiers, and the October 9, 2012, shooting of Pakistani schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai. In 2015, the Department designated Fazlullah as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist under Executive Order 13224, which freezes all of his assets based in the United States or in possession or control of U.S. persons.

Abdul Wali is the leader of Jamaat ul-Ahrar (JUA), a militant faction affiliated with TTP. Under Wali’s leadership, JUA has staged multiple attacks in the region targeting civilians, religious minorities, military personnel, and law enforcement, and was responsible for the killing of two Pakistani employees of the U.S. Consulate in Peshawar in early March 2016.

Mangal Bagh is the leader of Lashkar-e-Islam, a militant faction affiliated with TTP. Under his leadership, LeI operatives have attacked NATO convoys. His group generates revenue from drug trafficking, smuggling, kidnapping, and collection of “taxes” on transit trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan. In September 2007, the Government of Pakistan announced a reward offer of about $60,000 for the capture of, or information leading to the arrest of, Mangal Bagh.

Each of these individuals is believed to have committed, or to pose a significant risk of committing, acts of terrorism that threaten the security of the United States and its nationals. In addition to opposing the Pakistani military, one of TTP’s stated goals is the expulsion of Coalition troops from Afghanistan. The group has demonstrated a close alliance with al-Qa’ida, and, since 2008, has also repeatedly publicly threatened to attack the U.S. homeland.

More information about these reward offers is located on the Rewards for Justice Website at www.rewardsforjustice.net. We encourage anyone with information on these individuals to contact the Rewards for Justice Office via the website, e-mail (info@rewardsforjustice.net), phone (1-800-877-3927 in North America), or mail (Rewards for Justice, Washington, D.C., 20520-0303, USA). Individuals may also contact the Regional Security Office at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. All information will be kept strictly confidential.

The Rewards for Justice Program is administered by the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service. Since its inception in 1984, the program has paid in excess of $145 million to more than 90 people who provided actionable information that helped bring terrorists to justice or prevented acts of international terrorism worldwide. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/Rewards4Justice.

For more information, contact:
Spokesman
Information Office Public Affairs Section
Embassy of the United States of America
U.S. Embassy, Islamabad- Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-2082911, +92-51-2081136
Cell: +92-300-5012640
Fax: +92-51-2278607
Email: webmasterisb@state.gov

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A delegation of US journalists called on Ambassador Aizaz Chaudhry

Washington, March 09, 2018 (PPI-OT): An eight member delegation of US Journalists called on Ambassador Aizaz Chaudhry before leaving for Pakistan on a week-long trip. The visit has been organized by International Centre for Journalists (ICFJ) Washington DC. While talking to the delegation of US journalists, Ambassador Aizaz Chaudhry said that to correct misplaced perception about Pakistan, there is a need to have a renewed look at Pakistan in changed circumstances. Pakistan has achieved unprecedented success in combating terrorism and security situation has improved tremendously. These successes on security front have led to economic progress, he added.

Ambassador Aizaz Chaudhry briefed the US journalists, who belong to various media organizations in different States about the tremendous sacrifices rendered by Pakistan in the fight against terrorism and the tangible results achieved on ground. After successful military operations that have helped in clearing all troubled areas, we have already started socio-economic development work in these areas.

The results of counter terrorism operations have salutary impact on our economy as all major economic indicators are showing upward trends. Investment is also flowing in Pakistan from many countries in the world including the US, particularly for a large number of projects under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Ambassador Chaudhry reiterated that Pakistan has unwavering commitment to eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Pakistan would not let its soil be used to launch or even plan attack against any other country in the region. Responding to a question about the current state of Pakistan-US bilateral relations, Ambassador Chaudhry said that both Pakistan and USA have always benefitted when they worked together and we are hopeful to continue working together in future as well.

Referring to a situation in Afghanistan, Ambassador Chaudhry remarked that peace in Afghanistan is imperative not only for Pakistan and Afghanistan but also for the peace in South Asia. History bears testimony to the fact that instability in Afghanistan always has a spillover effect in other countries of the region particularly Pakistan. Pakistan will continue to play its role along with other partners in finding out a political solution of the Afghan issue. However, Pakistan generally believes that the peace process shall be Afghan owned and Afghan led, involving all stakeholders.

Ambassador Chaudhry appreciated the efforts of International Centre for Journalists (ICFJ) in organizing Journalist exchange programs, sponsored by the US State Department. ICFJ takes American journalists to Pakistan and invites Pakistani Journalists to the US on regular basis. Such exchange initiatives promote harmony and better understanding about different cultures and faiths and bring people from both the countries closer to each other, he concluded.

For more information, contact:
Embassy of Pakistan, Washington D.C
3517 International Court NW
Washington, DC 20008.
Tel: (202)243-6500
Fax: 202-686-1534
Email: info@embassyofpakistanusa.org
Consular Section PH: 202-349-3177
Consular Section Email: consularsection@embassyofpakistanusa.org