Washington D.C – Page 3 – PPI News Agency

December 10, 2019

Message of the Honourable President on the occasion of Human Rights Day 10th December, 2019

Washington DC, December 10, 2019 (PPI-OT): The observance of International Human Rights Day signifies our commitment and firm resolve towards the promotion of human rights at all levels. Indeed upholding human dignity, safeguarding human rights and ensuring human freedom and equality is one of the fundamental principles of our religion and Constitution.

The Constitution of Pakistan guarantees rights to its citizens regardless of their caste, colour or creed. The Government of Pakistan stands committed to protect and promote human rights and will continue making efforts to safeguard freedom, liberty, dignity and self-esteem of every citizen of the state. Cognizant of the need to accord greater attention towards protection of the vulnerable and marginalized segments of society, the Government is determined to make every possible effort to put in place effective legal, economic and social frameworks so as to ensure protection of human rights.

I take this opportunity today to reiterate Government of Pakistan’s commitment to support freedom struggle of Kashmiris in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and to express deep concerns over the military lockdown, curfew and suppression of basic human rights of more than 80 million Kashmiris. On this historical day, I call upon all the government, non-government organizations, media and civil society to come forward and play their role for the protection of human rights of the people of Indian Occupied Kashmir and their right to self-determination in accordance with the United Nations Charter and UN Security Council Resolutions.

In the end, I would also like to appreciate the UN agencies, Non-Governmental Organizations and Media for their endeavors in supplementing the Government’s efforts to create conducive environment for our people.

May Allah bless us in this important mission-Aameen.

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

December 9, 2019

Ambassador Dr. Asad M. Khan briefed students and faculty of Elliott School, GW about Pakistan-US relations and the region

Washington DC, December 09, 2019 (PPI-OT): Ambassador Dr. Asad M. Khan briefed students and faculty of Elliott School, GW about Pakistan-US relations and the region, focusing in particular on the humanitarian crisis triggered by India’s continuing lockdown in Occupied Kashmir and its implications for peace in South Asia.

December 6, 2019

Pakistani stall at ‘Winter National 2019 – 8th Annual Embassy Showcase’

Washington DC, December 06, 2019 (PPI-OT): Ambassador Dr. Asad M. Khan visited Pakistani stall established by the Embassy at the “Winter National 2019 – 8th Annual Embassy Showcase”, where 61 countries set up their stalls.

December 3, 2019

On the invitation of the Sindhi Association of North America, Washington DC chapter, Ambassador Asad Majeed Khan attended an event to celebrate Sindhi Culture Day

Washington DC, December 03, 2019 (PPI-OT): Recalling the important role that the province of Sindh and its people had played in the creation of Pakistan, the Ambassador said that Sindh had the privilege of being the birthplace of the father of the nation Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Sindhi culture, the Ambassador said, was part of the beautiful mosaic of rich Pakistani cultural heritage.

Ambassador Khan informed the audience about the government’s efforts to promote cultural and other forms of tourism in Pakistan as well as policies to facilitate visa issuance in this regard. Lauding the role of Pakistani Americans in strengthening Pakistan US bilateral relations, the Ambassador urged the participants to become more actively involved in the economic progress of their land of heritage, Pakistan. Ambassador was presented with traditional Ajrak and Sindhi topi. Other speakers on the occasion highlighted various positive aspects of Pakistani culture.

November 11, 2019

Embassy of Pakistan organizes Mehfil-e-Milad to celebrate birth of Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him)

Washington DC, November 11, 2019 (PPI-OT):The Embassy of Pakistan, Washington D.C. organized a ceremony (Mehfil-e- Milad) to celebrate the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Eid-Milad-un-Nabi is celebrated by Muslims around the world on the 12th day of Rabbi ul Awal, the third month of the Islamic calendar, to pay homage and respect to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) on his birthday.

The event was attended by a sizable gathering of ladies from the Pakistani-American community of the DMV tri-state area. The program featured recitation from the Holy Quran as well as recital of several Naats – special poems offering tribute to the Holy Prophet.

Mrs. Zunaira Asad Khan, spouse of the Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States, welcomed the guests. In her remarks, she reflected upon the life and teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). She said the Prophet’s life and character was the personification of the ideals of mercy, dignity, tolerance, fortitude and forgiveness. The eternal message of peace and harmony carried by the Holy Prophet was for all humanity and gave the world a code of conduct that ensures equal opportunities for all; irrespective of cast, colour, religion and gender, she added.

The ceremony also included narration on salient events from the life of Holy Prophet (PBUH) and highlighted his teachings which urged Muslims all over the world to follow injunctions of Quran and Sunnah, individually as well as collectively. The Mehfil-e-Milad concluded with special prayers for the progress and prosperity of Muslim Ummah, Pakistan and especially for the Kashmiri people, who are suffering from a brutal lockdown at the hands of Indian Security forces for the last 95 days.

October 28, 2019

Luncheon discussion with students on the occasion of Kashmir Black Day

Washington D.C, October 28, 2019 (PPI-OT): To commemorate Kashmir Black Day and to raise awareness about the recent crisis in Kashmir, a luncheon discussion with the students of John Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) was organized at the Embassy of Pakistan, Washington DC.

In his remarks, Ambassador Dr. Asad M. Khan briefed the students on the history of the Kashmir dispute, the significance of Kashmir Black Day, the relevant UNSC resolutions and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir after the Indian Government revoked the special status of the region on August 5th, 2019.

Since the last 85 days, Kashmir valley remains under complete lockdown and under occupation of more than 900,000 security forces personnel with complete communications blackout. Over 12 million people are under curfew, children are not able to attend to their schools, colleges and universities, while the local Kashmiri leaders are under house arrest, he added.

While appreciating the bold position taken by U.S. President Donald Trump on the Kashmir issue, Ambassador Khan underscored that the Kashmir issue requires urgent attention of the world community, particularly the U.S. Administration as this may lead to a serious threat for the peace and security in South Asia. While Pakistan is convinced that we want to pursue a policy of dialogue and peace to address all outstanding issues including the Kashmir issue, the same has not been reciprocated by the Indian side, he said.

In addition to the Kashmir issue, Ambassador Khan also briefed the students on a wide range of topics including Pakistan’s domestic and foreign policy priorities, the current economic and security challenges faced by Pakistan, Pak-US bilateral relationship and Pakistan’s role in Afghanistan peace process.

October 8, 2019

Ambassador Asad M. Khan visits Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Washington D.C, October 08, 2019 (PPI-OT): Ambassador Asad M. Khan spent a busy day in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on October 7th, 2019. During his visit, he had two speaking engagements; one at the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh and the other at the University of Pittsburgh, which is one of the oldest and the most distinguished Universities in the US. Members of the Council, students, academicians, and other distinguished guests attended the two events.

During his interactions, Ambassador Khan gave an overview of Pakistan-US bilateral relationship, the prevailing humanitarian crisis in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan’s efforts for peace in Afghanistan. Ambassador Khan underscored the importance of the relationship between USA and Pakistan covering the seven decades of bilateral cooperation across multiple fields.

He also shared Pakistan’s perspective on the Afghanistan issue and reiterated Pakistan’s support for an all-inclusive reconciliation process. On the recent developments in Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK), he underscored that the issue of Kashmir requires urgent attention by the world community. Over 08 million people in the valley have been incarcerated for now 64 days which is unprecedented in the human history,” he underlined.

Besides these speaking engagements, Ambassador Khan met Congressman Mike Doyle and members of the diaspora at the dinner reception hosted in his honour. The Ambassador apprised them about the latest developments in the region, particularly the human rights situation in Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK). “The International Community, most importantly the U.S., having the global influence and capability has an important role to play in saving the people of IoK from the repressive and brutal actions being carried out by India in IoK,” he underscored.