‘Pakistan Trade & Cultural Centre’ inaugurated at Pak Embassy in Bulgaria

 

SOFIA, OCT 12 /DNA/  –  A ‘Pakistan Trade and Cultural Centre’ was inaugurated in the Embassy of Pakistan today. The centre displays samples relating to main Pakistani export items i.e., textile products, leather goods, sports goods, surgical instruments & medical supplies, Himalayan salt product and traditional Pakistani handicrafts. Different paintings depicting the rich cultural diversity of Pakistani provinces are also displayed in the centre.

The inauguration of the centre was carried out by Mr. Tsvetan Simeonov, President of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in a simple and dignified ceremony which was attended by different businessmen from Sofia as well as representatives of regional chambers. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Simeonov thanked the Embassy for its continuous efforts and initiatives to strengthen trade relations between the two friendly countries, including by organizing exhibitions and arranging online B-2-B meetings.

 He appreciated the initiative of the Embassy to establish this ‘Trade & Cultural Centre’ which would help the Bulgarian businessmen immensely as they could see the samples directly and get information about the respective businesses. On the occasion, he also encouraged the Bulgarian businesses to take advantage of GSP+ status of Pakistan which allowed the import of products duty-free in the European Union markets.

In her remarks, the Ambassador thanked Mr. Simeonov and officials of BCCI for their continuous support to all initiatives of the Embassy aimed at cementing the trade relations between the two countries. She said that the actual trade volume between the two countries was still not commensurate with the actual potential that exists between the two economies. In this regard, she encouraged the Bulgarian businesses to take advantage of still-unexplored Pakistani market and established useful business linkages with their counterparts there. She assured full support of the Embassy to the concerned business associations and companies in Bulgaria in this regard.

On the occasion, documentaries depicting the trade and tourism potential as well as rich cultural diversity of Pakistan were also shown to the participants.   

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PRCS to organize National and Int’l donors conference on Nov 8

 

• An appeal will be made for financial assistance for reconstruction, resettlement and rehabilitation of flood victims

Islamabad: /DNA/ – The Pakistan Red Crescent Society PRCS a leading humanitarian organization, in order to attract and channelize International & National Donors for relief & rehabilitation support to recover from the devastating effects of this season’s unprecedented floods of 2022, is organising ‘Pakistan – International & National Donors Conference for Relief & Rehabilitation’ on November 8th 2022 in Islamabad.

As Pakistan moves to the rehabilitation and rebuilding phases in the aftermath of this year’s devastating floods, the glaring gaps in funding needed to finance these critical activities are becoming obvious, regrettably, International appeals to help Pakistan at this difficult time have yet to receive a robust response, therefore, the proposed conference is being organized with objective to seek financial commitments as well as material support in current relief and further rehabilitation, the conference funding will contribute to rehabilitation of affected population.

Diplomatic organisations, multilateral agencies, government and corporate organizations are being invited to attend this one-day conference.

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Australia, Indonesia mark 20th anniversary of Bali bombings

 

DNA

ISLAMABAD, OCT 12: The Australian High Commission and the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia marked the 20th Anniversary of the Bali terrorist bombings on 12 October with a commemorative ceremony in Islamabad.

The memorial paid tribute to the courage and resilience of those affected by the attacks of 12 October 2002, which killed 202 innocent people, including 88 Australians and 38 Indonesians, and wounded hundreds more.

Speaking at the commemorative ceremony today, Australian High Commissioner Neil Hawkins highlighted the subsequent close cooperation between Australia and Indonesia and emphasised the commitment of both countries to countering terrorism and violent extremism.

“The shared grief of the Australian and Indonesian peoples gave rise to a shared resolve: Australia and Indonesia have worked together to strengthen regional responses to the threat of terrorism and violent extremism.” Mr Hawkins said.

Indonesian Ambassador Adam Tugio remarked that successful prevention of violent acts of extremism calls for an inclusive approach involving youth, professional media, religious leaders and relevant stakeholders both at national and global level.

“Two-decade remembrance of tragedy in Bali is a valuable opportunity to renew and reiterate our collective commitment to strengthen the voice of moderation, tolerance and respect for cultural diversity”, added Mr. Tugio.

The ceremony was attended by representatives from across the diplomatic community, including other nations who lost citizens in the bombings.

In addition to the ceremony in Islamabad, the occasion was marked with commemorative events in Australia and Indonesia, including local communities in Bali.

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Egyptian Armed Forces Day celebrated in style

 

DNA

ISLAMABAD, OCT 11: Col Mahmoud Hassan, Defence Attache of Egypt hosted a reception to mark The Great October War Victory (Egyptian Armed Forces Day) at Islamabad Serena Hotel.

Air Marshal Irfan Ahmed HI (M) Deputy Chief of the Air Staff was the chief guest. –DNA

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CII terms Transgender Act 2018 ‘un-Islamic’

 

ISLAMABAD, SEP 27 – The Council of Islamic (CII) Ideology on Tuesday declared the Transgender Act 2018 as un-Islamic. The council said that many provisions of the Transgender Act are not in accordance with Islamic teachings. The council asked the government to form a committee to review the Transgender Act and the committee should consist of legal experts and religious scholars.

The council said the Act could add to social problems in the country, adding that a number of provisions in the current Act are generally inconsistent with Sharia law.

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