Chairman of the Writers' Union of Azerbaijan Anar discusses damaging myths destroying a country and its relations with neighboring states

An exclusive article for the “Moscow-Baku” portal

As you know, the most important component of the Armenian national and historical self-awareness is mythology. And if the myth about “Great Armenia from sea to sea” is a relatively harmless amusement for self-consolation of the most disadvantaged strata of the population, then the myths associated with territorial desires are dangerous not only for neighboring countries, but also for the Armenian people themselves.

From the very beginning of the Karabakh confrontation, I wrote and spoke more than once, both in my homeland and far beyond its borders - in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Washington, Strasbourg, Geneva, Istanbul, Ankara, Cyprus, on  Moscow and Turkish televised broadcast, on the pages of the German and French press, as well as at congresses of people's deputies of the USSR, sessions of the Supreme Council, various symposia, conferences, participated in meetings with US congressmen, with Gorbachev, Yeltsin, Nazarbayev, Demirel, Ozal, Ecevid, Erdogan, trying to express our point of view on this decades-long conflict.

Today, when our army inflicts crushing blows on the military facilities of the occupying forces of Armenia, when our people,  united with an unprecedented consolidation of all strata of society, stand for the liberation of their lands, when we watch with sincere pride the brilliant, well-reasoned speeches of our President in Azerbaijani, Russian, English, when our Truth, blocked for many years by the world mass media, finally seeps into the Russian and Western press and television, I want to approach this issue from a slightly different angle-on the part of sympathyfor the Armenian people, involvedin a fatal, primarily for this nation, confrontation with their neighborsby political adventurers, scribblers, cheap populists.

How did it start?

Due to my age, I witnessed the origin of this conflict and I must say that from the very first days of this confrontation, the Armenians relied on the myth. In this context, the word "myth" is not quite a precise definition. The word "falsehood" is more appropriate here.

The initial message of this conflict in that distant 1987 was that the Armenians living in the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast of Azerbaijan (NKAO) declared their economic problems and distress. There was an immediate reaction to these complaints: it was proved by a document that the standard of living of the Armenians of the NKAO is much higher than the standard of living of residents of other regions of Azerbaijan and even the population of Armenia itself.

Then another myth was launched - about the alleged discrimination of the Armenian population in the NKAO. However, all the facts contradicted this lie. All the highest power in the region according to the hierarchy of that time was in the hands of the Armenians. The first and third secretaries of the regional committee were Armenians, the second secretary was Russian, the chairman of the regional executive committee and all his deputies, except one, were Armenians Only one of the deputies was Azerbaijani, although Azerbaijanis constituted about a third of the region's population. In Khankendi (Stepanakert),a University  was functioning in the Armenian language. In this city and in other districts of the region, children studied in Armenian schools. 

The Armenian Theater operated in Stepanakert. Regional newspapers were published in Armenian and Russian, but there was not a single newspaper in Azerbaijani.NKAO had its own deputy quota both in the Supreme Soviet of Azerbaijan and in the Supreme Soviet of the USSR. One of the Deputy Chairmen of the Supreme Soviet of the Azerbaijan SSR was an Armenian, one of the members of the Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Azerbaijan was also an Armenian. Armenians were among the ministers, chairmen of the executive committees of various districts of Baku, and in the Baksovet (Baku Council) itself, Armenians held leading positions.

There was nothing of the kind in Armenia, where, after several mass expulsions, more than 200 thousand Azerbaijanis were still living before they were most cruelly expelled from their native lands.

Now, let's imagine, alas, a fantastic version: what would happen if the Armenians did not start this unjust conflict? Due to the centuries-old tolerance of the Azerbaijani people towards all other peoples living on our land, the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh would perfectly well exist as part of independent Azerbaijan, as they did before.Moreover, the natural resources of our country, its economic development would undoubtedly be reflected in the high living standards of the Armenians of Karabakh also. And the living of 200 thousand Azerbaijanis in Armenia would serve as a guarantor of the prosperous existence of both nations on the territories of each other.

In response to the harsh expulsion of Azerbaijanis from Armenia, fueled by the terrible stories of refugees, certain excessive acts took place in Baku and in relation to the Armenians. We do not deny those incidents. We condemn them. As a result, the Armenians were also forced to voluntarily leave Baku.Although, in terms of the degree of cruelty, isolated acts of violence in Baku cannot be compared with the total extermination of Azerbaijanis in the Gukar region and in the Azerbaijani village of BaganusAyrum, with the massive expulsion of the indigenous population from the regions of our republic occupied by the Armenian armed forces.

I understand very well that, trying to erase these crimes from people's memory, some will talk about the events in Sumgait, as a result of which 26 Armenians and 6 Azerbaijanis died. The Sumgait events, as it was later irrefutably proven, were inspired by the KGB of the USSR. And the acts were captured in documentary footage filmed by professional cinematographers notified in advance with a very specific purpose - to discredit Azerbaijanis in the eyes of the whole world.

Another specific feature of the Sumgait events was that a group of the lumpen people was supplied with drugs and driven to Armenian addresses by criminal EdikGrigoryan (who, by the way, unlike other participants, escaped punishment).Moreover, he aimed mainly at the apartments of those Armenians who refused to contribute money to the separatists' fund. Those responsible for the Sumgait events were severely condemned by the public of Azerbaijan, by our writers, as well as in the pages of the Moscow press. And did at least one Armenian writer publicly condemn the monstrous genocide in Khojaly?!Khojaly, where the entire population of the city was massacred, where about 1000 inhabitants died and went missing - most of them women, old people and children ?! And the war criminal, who later became the head of Armenia, boasted cynically: Yes, we showed the Azerbaijanis that we are not joking and will not stop before the destruction of the civilian population - women, children, old people.

And what if all this had not happened ...

Now let's imagine that all these bloody events would not have happened - neither Sumgait, nor Khojaly, nor the occupation of Azerbaijani lands. The Azerbaijanis would not have been expelled from Armenia and there would have been no reciprocal steps from the Azerbaijanis.Nowadays, during the period of market economy, at least in the largest cities of Azerbaijan - in Baku and Ganja - Armenians with their commercial abilities, broad connections with representatives of their diaspora abroad, would own banks and supermarket chains, expensive hotels and tourism business.Possessing all of this, they would be influential both in the media and in politics. As it was at the beginning of the last century. So what did the separatists gain by drawing the two peoples into a maelstrom of bloody clashes? Only a temporary career success of the former Karabakh party and Komsomol functionaries who became presidents of Armenia one after another.Presidents in a foreign, as a matter of fact, for them, country.Presidents who were overthrown and arrested after a certain time not by Karabakh Armenians. How much blood was shed just to temporarily sit in the presidential office, and then end up in prison ...

What have the Armenians gained over almost three decades of the conflict they unleashed? World recognition, at least in words, of the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. Four UN resolutions on the withdrawal of the occupation forces from the territory of Azerbaijan. Alienation of Armenia from vital communication, economic, energy and transport projects. A demographic disaster with citizens leaving at the first opportunity from Nagorno-Karabakh, and from Armenia itself.Not recognized by anyone in the world, including Armenia itself, is a puppet regime in Nagorno-Karabakh. Political, economical and financial collapse in Armenia. Complete dependence on the foreign diaspora, which happily and comfortably living in Russia, in Western and Muslim countries, dooms the “beloved nation from afar” to incredible suffering.

And next to it, relying only on its own potential, rapidly developing, every day more and more strengthening in economic, political and military terms, Azerbaijan.

Is it really so difficult to draw appropriate conclusions based on reality, and not on the myths of the times of Tigranes the Great?

How much can you rely on the promises and handouts of other powers, at enmity with neighbors?

By the way, today in independent Azerbaijan, unlike in the neighboring Armenia, hundreds of thousands of peoplerepresenting various nationalities and religions live peacefully, not a single Russian school has been closed, a Slavic Universityexists, a Russian theaterfunctions in Baku, newspapers and magazines are published in Russian, there are a TV channel broadcasting in Russian.

All this is fake news...

The only thing nationalists are strong in are the propaganda of lies. And it is extremely disappointing that this fake news of Armenian origin is actively disseminated by some Russian mass media and, above all, TV channels.The fake news about an Armenian plane allegedly shot down by the Turks was spread by their submission. The rumor was not confirmed, but there was no intelligible refutation from anyone.Just like the myth about the alleged participation of Turkish soldiers or even some Islamist groups fighting on the side of Azerbaijan. The idea is stubbornly advanced that the Azerbaijani army is fighting on the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh, while it liberates, in accordance with UN resolutions, areas around Nagorno-Karabakh, where there has never been an Armenian population.

The Armenian propaganda explains the occupation of these seven regions as the creation of a "security belt" around the territory of the separatist regime.

Let's imagine for a moment an analogy - what country in the world would agree with such an interpretation of the occupation of its own territory?

Can you imagine that, say, Madrid would not only agree with the proclamation of Catalonia as an independent state, but moreover, would not mind the creation of a "security belt" around Catalonia from the occupied Spanish territories. Or the same analogy in relation to England and Scotland, Canada and French-speaking Quebec, and Macron's France and Corsica itself? Absurd? Sure!

So why should such an exception be made for Armenia and the separatists of Nagorno-Karabakh from the sovereign right of each state to its territorial integrity, approved by the world community?

You can be astonished at the one-sidedness of some Russian TV channels. Unfortunately, active participation of at least two and sometimes three representatives of the Armenian side from among experts and political scientists, acting as fierce guides of their national interests, is encouraged in each such program. At the same time, representatives of the Azerbaijani side are rarely invited to these programs.

I want to note that love for one nation should not necessarily be combined with rejection of some other. Say, to the same Turkey, constantly reminding about the Russian-Turkish wars of the past centuries. Who has not Russia and Turkey fought with for many centuries? But why should these two countries remain hostile to each other?After all, the reasons uniting them are much more than separating. Do bad relations with Turkey serve Russian interests? The Russian public consciousness is being taught the myth that there is supposedly some secret conspiracy about the creation of a kind of superpower of the Turkic-speaking peoples under the auspices of Turkey; and that this is a mortal danger for Russia; and that the only obstacle to the creation of the mythical Great Turan, naturally, is little Armenia. The so-called pan-Turkism under Stalin was the reason for the destruction of the intelligentsia of the Turkic-speaking peoples, including Azerbaijanis.It turns out that even now this ogre is a stainless weapon in the hands of provocateurs of all stripes. Even the founder of the idea of Pan-Turkism, the Turkish ideologist and scientist ZiyaGokalp, argued that "the creation of Turan - a single state of all Turks - is the utopia as the communist future of Lenin."  “And the same chimera as“ Great Armenia from sea to sea, ”we will add.

Is the common cultural space of Hispanic Latin American countries fraught with the threat of creating a single State? Or more than twenty Arab countries - adjoining on a common cultural, historical, religious, linguistic space, want to be united inone superpower?Nonsense? And this nonsense in relation to the Turkic-speaking peoples is stubbornly imposed by some ideologists on the Russian public consciousness, as if it were a potential threat to the very existence of Russia.

The past connects us ...

Too much connects the former Soviet republics, and in particular Azerbaijan, with Russia, with Russian history, culture, literature, language, to reject these values for the sake of the never-existingTuran or plans to merge with any other, even a very close country.Azerbaijan paid a high price for its independence to cede it to any other country. Historical, cultural, literary, ethnic, linguistic affinity, common spiritual, moral values connect Azerbaijan with Turkey, but no one ever, either in Turkey or in Azerbaijan, has thought or is thinking about the political or administrative merger of these two fraternal countries. Even in the Russian-Belarusian format.

In the years that followed the “Anschluss” of Nagorno-Karabakh and the seven adjacent regions of Azerbaijan, our country is no longer what it was thirty years ago, with an army that had not taken shape at that time, and with the then naive faith in the friendship of peoples being a savior. Now we are well aware of who our sincere friend is and who wants to become our enemy. Now we have a powerful army equipped with modern weapons.And thirty years of fruitless and empty negotiations with the participation of the Minsk Group (including France, engaged by the Armenian lobby), these purely factitious efforts did not bring the solution of the problem one centimeter closer. We are patient people, but there is a limit.

And now, when Azerbaijan, ON ITS OWN LAND, BY ITS OWN FORCES, IS TRYING TO WIN BACK ITS ANCESTRAL LANDS, Armenian STARTED TO CRY OUT ABOUT AGGRESSION from our side.The telephone receiver in the hands of the Armenian leader is heating up with a prayer to everyone in the world to save the Armenians. From whom? Nobody in Azerbaijan has anything against Armenia and Armenians. We are fighting only against the invaders who, with the latest weapons almost donated to them, are not only trying to hold onto the occupied lands, but also bombing civilians in cities and villages far from the front line.They are bombing from the territory of Armenia itself with an obviously provocative purpose to call back fire on themselves and then scream to the whole world about the agreement, according to which the member countries of the organization promised to protect the country against which the aggression was committed. A cheap trick. Nothing will come of this provocation;now we know well who we are dealing with.

Many experts scream that Turkey is preparing genocide against Armenians in Karabakh. It is not clear why Turkey is preparing the genocide of Armenians in Karabakh, if more than 20 thousand Armenians,having their schools, churches, and printed publications in Istanbul alone, live safely on the territory of Turkey. Moreover, Turkey constantly accepts, according to some calculations, 300 thousand, and according to other 200 thousand guest workers from Armenia, who earn their daily bread not in their homeland, but in a supposedly “hostile”country.

And why would Azerbaijanis organize genocide in Karabakh, while tens of thousands of Armenians live peacefully and calmly in Baku now?  Thatisanonsequitur.

I still carry faith in common sense and a reasonable beginning in the Armenian public consciousnesswhen Armenians finally understand that it is better not lay eyes on other people's territories, but to help their own land flourish with a friendly attitude towards neighbors; when they realize that it is better to think not about retribution for the real or imaginary sins of others, but soberly assess your own history with unfulfilled ambitions, fruitless hopes and bitter disappointments.Really, one should not indulge in illusions of "living space" at the expense of foreign lands; it is better to try to help your own people in your own country so that they do not run away to find work in Russia, Turkey and God knows where else. The most burning problem in Armenia is not the fear of imaginary genocide, but the threat of demographic exhaustion.I am absolutely sure that after the liberation of our occupied lands, no real danger threatens the Armenians who have remained to live in Nagorno-Karabakh. The Azerbaijani state guaranteestheir absolutely safe existence and equal rights with all other citizens of our country.

I appeal to all sober-minded people of the Armenian society. Stop deceiving your people with myths about imaginary threats, stop feeding people with fables about a mythical state from sea to sea; stop the propaganda of enmity and revenge towards Azerbaijanis, Turks and other people; give up attempts to involve third countries in this conflict.This conflict is by no means included in the sphere of their national interests. In the end, your diaspora will get tired of feeding you morally and materially.

Stop living with myths that have failed. Let us establish at least good neighborly relations after the liberation of our lands. And then things will be fine for you, for us,for everyone, for Russia and Turkey.

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BAKU, NOV 7 (DN) - Sabina Aliyeva, Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of Azerbaijan has appealed to the international organizations concerning the eco-terrorism of Armenia in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan and its intentional fires aimed at destruction of forests of Shusha.

On 5 November 2001, November 6 was declared as the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict in accordance with the UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/56/4.

Unfortunately, it should be said that ecological terror does not bypass Azerbaijan either. As a result of the continued around thirty-year military aggression of Armenia, the nature, biological diversity, water reservoirs of Azerbaijan, as well as the environment of the areas under the occupation have been seriously affected, which consequently, caused to destruction and severe damage of the environment.

As a result of military operations and use of internationally prohibited weapons by Armenian armed forces, not merely the natural environment has been exposed to physical and chemical pollution, but various species of rare plants and animals, flora and fauna biodiversity have been destroyed.  Chemical pollution of fresh water sources resulted in violation of self-regulation process in rivers and lakes, as a result of which water ponds become more hazardous and dead zone.

Not surprisingly yet in 2006 the UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/60/285 on “The situation in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan” has also called for assessment of and counteraction to short and long-term environmental degradation of the region.

In 2016 Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe adopted Resolution No.2085 titled “Inhabitants of frontier regions of Azerbaijan are deliberately deprived of water”, demanding the immediate withdrawal of Armenian armed forces from the concerned region and allowing access by independent engineers and hydrologists to carry out a detailed survey on the spot.

Within this period of time, natural resources in the occupied areas of Azerbaijan have been plundered, 163 mineral resources deposits, including gold, mercury, copper, lead, zinc, coal and others, also forest  cover, rare trees have been subjected to illegal exploitation by Armenia.

Starting from September 27, 2020, Armenian army continues its crimes against peace and humanity targeting the densely populated civilian settlements, social cultural and strategic objects of Azerbaijan by using heavy artillery special missile systems and banned weapons.

In response to another provocation and the continued occupation by Armenia, since 27 September 2020, Azerbaijani military successfully continued its counter-offensive operations to restore its territorial integrity in conformity with international law and universally recognized state borders as per Article 51 of the UN Charter and four relevant UNSC Resolutions (1993).

Targeting areas far from the frontline and the civilians who are not direct part of active hostilities and killing of many peaceful citizens, including children and women and even, shelling of historical, cultural and religious monuments, cemeteries with ballistic missiles and artillery are only one part of the crimes committed by Armenian armed forces.

The position of the Republic of Azerbaijan is based on the Article 51 of the UN Charter, four relevant UNSC Resolutions (1993) and the norms of international humanitarian law.

Due to continuing nearly 30-year eco-terrorism committed by Armenia in the occupied areas of Azerbaijan, at the present, a rare forest cover is being destroyed through deliberately firing the wild forests of Shusha with the use of toxic and difficult to extinguish substances.

The destruction of a unique ecosystem with a total area of more than 8,000 hectares, consisting of valuable and perennial dense forests of oak, juniper, beech, hornbeam, pine, ash, and walnut, is a hardest blow to endemic biodiversity. Hence, this means serious violations of the international treaties in relation to the protection of the environment, including the UN Convention on the Prohibition of military or any other hostile use of environmental modification techniques, to which Armenia is also a party. According to experts’ opinion, forest fires caused by white phosphorus bombs cannot be extinguished and putting out such fires naturally is not also possible, and so, such fires last long. This is environmental terrorism.

Taking into consideration all the above-mentioned facts, on November 6-the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict, we call on international organizations, including all stakeholders acting for ecology and environmental protection to take all feasible measures in order to stop and to prevent the environmental terrorism committed and currently being continued by Armenia and to establish international legal responsibility of the aggressor State to prevent its recurrence.

This Appeal is addressed to the United Nations Secretary-General, United Nations Security Council, United Nations Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights, United Nations Office of High Commissioner for Refugees, United Nations Human Rights Council, the United Nations Children’s Fund, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, United Nations Economic and Social Council, United Nations Development Programme, European Union, Council of Europe, Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, International and European Ombudsman Institutions, Asian Ombudsman Association, Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Ombudsman Association of its member states, Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, European Network of Ombudspersons for Children, International Peace Bureau, different ombudsmen and national human rights institutions, embassies of the Republic of Azerbaijan in foreign countries and the foreign embassies in Azerbaijan,  the Azerbaijani Diasporas and also to international environmental organizations.=DN

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BEIJING - The first batch of Pakistani cherries is expected to leave for China, said Li Wei, business representative of Huazhilong International Trading Private Ltd.

Although in terms of their sweetness and quality, Pakistani cherries are considered top tier, they are not currently exported to China. However, Li Wei announced in an interview with the CEN at the third China International Import Expo (CIIE) held in Shanghai that Pakistan will be exporting its cherries to China now.

Pakistani cherries’ export to China had been halted previously due to lack of cold chain management, market information system, processing and packaging facilities. In light of these obstacles, Li Wei stated that China is ready to provide technical assistance to manage orchards, while Pakistan can provide workers.

Moreover, Li Wei pointed out that the export of agricultural goods from Pakistan to China results in great business opportunities and consequently, economic recovery. Earlier, in 2018, 24 tonnes of mangoes were exported from Pakistan to China. Li Wei also highlighted that Pakistani mango is better in terms of variety, appearance, and quality as compared to its competitors from Australia and the Philippines. The sugar content of ripe mango can reach 22.68 per cent, he added.

The mango season in Pakistan starts from Aug 20 to Nov 20, while there are almost no mangoes in southern China in November. Pakistani mangoes can extend the mango season by two months, Li Wei explained. This further highlights the great business opportunities and economic benefits to Pakistan.

“Chinese side provides technology and sends technical staff in fields of inorganic fertiliser, bagging, picking, disinfection, transportation, while Pakistani side provides labour. Finally, through cross-border e-commerce air transportation, Chinese customers can eat fresh mango within a week after placing an order,” Li Wei added.

COURTESY RUNWAY PAKISTAN!

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ISLAMABAD, NOV 7 (DN) – Patron-in-chief of Pakistan Hindu Council Dr Ramesh Kumar Vankwani has said that a change in the US government never ever leads to a change in state policies. Expressing his views during the Facebook live session on the US Presidential election, he said that the election process in the US is always of great interest for the people of Pakistan.

Dr Ramesh Vankwani was of the view that every US government used to focus on achieving national interests. “The change in national interests may result in modification of policies, according to the situation,” he emphasized.

During World War II, the US and the Soviet Union were on one page to fight against Hitler’s Nazi Germany. After winning the war, American interests were changed and confrontation with its former ally, the USSR, was started on all fronts. He said.

“Similarly, the tussle with the other superpower USSR during the cold war demanded the United States to support all those elements in Afghanistan who were later declared terrorists after the 9/11 attacks. Today after nineteen years of declaring war against terror, the United States is seeking cooperation with the Taliban, whose government was toppled by force as a reaction to the 9/11 tragedy,” he expressed.

Dr Ramesh Vankwani, while answering a question during the Facebook live session, admitted that bilateral ties between Pakistan and the US have also been in turmoil. “Following its interest, the US sometimes declared Pakistan a frontline state and sometimes demanded we ‘do more’,” he said.

Dr Ramesh Vankwani emphasized that Trump’s state policy towards China and Iran will be followed by the next US administration until there is a change in American interests. “If the US launches any new venture across our borders then Pakistan will certainly face severe pressure,” he said, adding that cordial ties with our neighbours could also be at stake if the US demands support.

On the occasion, Dr Ramesh made appeal to all political parties that our foreign policy should not be formulated to please any particular country or individual but should be for the protection of Pakistan’s national interests. In this regard, he suggested that the government must establish a think tank consisting of senior politicians from all political parties, retired bureaucrats and secretaries who have strong grip on foreign affairs. “No matter, whoever becomes the Prime Minister, Pakistan’s foreign policy must protect our national interests,” Dr Ramesh stated.=DN

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Desperate times call for desperate measures, and we are living in those times (unfortunately). With the security conditions in Pakistan being on the brink of the red zone, it is pertinent that everyone always knows how to remain safe. You can take all the physical measures to stay and remain safe, but what’s more important is that someone should be aware of your location if an emergency need arises.

We all share live locations, addresses, and even emergency SOS at times of need, but a little hack that can help you in desperate times within seconds cannot harm anyone.

The iPhone users also have to turn their ‘Settings’ on. From there, go to the ‘Emergency SOS’ option. You will have to scroll below to access it, no need to look for it in any other option. Once you have clicked on it, click on the ‘Turn On’ button. You will be prompted to the ‘Add Contacts’ option. Add the relevant contacts that you want to be chosen as the trusted ones.

How To Activate SOS?

Though I wish you do not have to face such times, now that you have turned the SOS on, it is also integral to know how to activate it so your trusted contacts can be informed. In most phones, you will have to tap the power button multiple times to activate it. However, it is recommended that you read your phone manual or search on the web with your phone’s model number to be sure of the activation method. Your phone will tell you exactly how many times the button must be tapped for the SOS to be sent.

Once you follow the right protocol, an SMS with the location will be sent to your trusted contacts and they will be notified that there is an emergency as well. In times like these, it is important that you do this and share it with your friends & family too, so we can all remain alert, in-touch, and safe at all times.

COURTESY DND NEWS!

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Munaza Kazmi

Brilliant! World leading magazine spotted Pakistan as, “Spectacular place for tourism”, along with the highlighting of scenic and mesmerizing valleys and gigantic mountains. Pakistan seems as Asia’s most fascinating destination. Moreover, another quoted "Pakistan has more peaks taller than 22,965ft than China and Nepal combined, making it an almost magnetic spot for adventure travelers and intrepid hikers."

Looking into Pakistan, a home to diverse culture and religions, one would find all. Let’s say ancient Hindu temples of Katas Raj Chakwal, the famous Nankana Sahib of Khartarpur, Buddhist monasteries Taxila, majestic St. Patrick's Cathedral Rawalpindi and a blend of all in Saidpur Village Islamabad.

Moreover, nature itself offers all its temptations to the visitor of Pakistan, from the calmness of sea shore of Karachi to the buzzling Mughal bazars of Lahore, from serene Margalla hills of Islamabad to gigantic, dazzling mountains of Gilgit, from the chilly winds of Karakoram and Himalaya to the heat of Cholistan……indeed marvelous beauty and diversity.

Hence, there is vast potential for the promotion of tourism. However, those travel to Pakistan discover a beautiful land full of contradictions, where simmering fear coexist with remarkable friendliness and hospitality, set against an Arabian Nights backdrop of majestic desert forts, exotic tales of Sultans and Djinns.

I suggest, here we have to take responsibility, in the way to become a little more hospitable, and tolerant. Our generation must possess religious and ethical tolerance, if the country itself is home of several cultures, then why the nationals may remain hostile to the idea. Our visions should be broad, our minds may work for the idea of promoting country’s good will, there should be an environment of security and peace in every direction, with intention that even a solo female may travel in ease to Pakistan. So that there may come no hindrance in the way of promoting tourism.

As, speaking at the inauguration of Hassan Abdal Railway Station on 6^th November, 2020, Prime Minister Imran Khan quoted, “Pakistan is an approaching tourist attraction”, further he stressed on the idea,“If we improve tourism, there would be no need for taking debt from IMF or any other country”.

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The war for the liberation of Karabakh opened a new page in the history of Azerbaijan. Apart from returning its lands, it also gives a chance to know the real partners in the political arena. In these hard times, Azerbaijan has seen Turkey and Pakistan standing with it during the war and before.

In the course of events, Pakistan introduced new content called “three countries, one nation” expressing the cordiality of the relations. Three countries united their efforts to end the occupation of Karabakh. Azerbaijani Armed Forces had always been ready to liberate its lands but lacked geopolitical situation and political support in 30 years.

Pakistan and Turkey held an unequivocal stance on the liberation of occupied Karabakh. They provided Azerbaijan political support and throughout the 30 years, they paid contribution to the enhancement of the military of Azerbaijan.

The support from strategic allies encouraged Azerbaijan to resist the enemy and pressures from regional powers. It once again tightened ties among them.

Trilateral mutual support

Azerbaijan has acquired support from Turkey and Pakistan for a long time on the Karabakh problem. As we know, Pakistan is the only country that doesn’t recognize the independence of Armenia for its aggression on Azerbaijan.

Turkey has a special role in the formation of the Azerbaijani army and trained officers. There exist programs for military education for Azerbaijani officers in Turkey. Apart from this, we should note that Turkey is one of the main arms suppliers of Azerbaijan.

There is one significant point that throughout history without whoever on the government, both countries supported Azerbaijan. It indicates the strength of relationships. Pakistani Defense Ministry generated new principles for the expression of trilateral relations. It sounds like “three countries, one nation”. It means they see each other as the same blood. Undoubtedly, it has a huge impact on their foreign policy.

Since 27 September when the military confrontations broke out in Karabakh, Turkey and Pakistan expressed their full support to Azerbaijan. The officials from both countries demanded the end of the occupation of Azerbaijani lands and respect to territorial integrity.

The head of Pakistani Armed Forces, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gen. Nadeem Raza said that Pakistan Armed Forces fully support Azerbaijan’s position on Nagorno-Karabakh in his meeting with Azerbaijani ambassador Ali Alizada.

Along with the army, Pakistani Minister of Foreign Affairs Shah Mahmoud Qureshi held a telephone conversation with his Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov over the situation and expressed solidarity with Azerbaijan in its rightful stance.

Turkey is the strategic ally of Azerbaijan and the main military partner. Turkish military and diplomatic offices make statements almost every day. Not only statemen but also many celebs and public figures expressed solidarity with Azerbaijan. Despite requiring its right and the fulfillment of UN resolutions, Azerbaijan faced some pressures by mainly France and Russia. Turkey in its turn responded to their stance against Azerbaijan.

Turkey’s authority keeps constant contact with foreign countries including Russia. On 21 October, Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay stated that if Baku requires, Turkey won’t hesitate to send its soldiers for Azerbaijan.

President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Turkey has the same right as Russia to take part in the settlement of the Karabakh conflict. Azerbaijan receives pressures from different directions and it is hard to stand against each of them. In this condition, Turkey comes to help Azerbaijan and respond to all the unanswered questions.

The mutual support of the three countries doesn’t end in only Karabakh. There is Kashmir conflict and also Turkey’s position in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Erdogan raised the Kashmir conflict and called the fulfillment of UN resolutions at the UN Security Council on 22 September. Erdogan slammed the abolition of the special status of Kashmir which was made by the Indian government.

Azerbaijan also consistently supports Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir. The diplomatic circles of Pakistan have always valued this step and expressed gratitude to Azerbaijan.

Turkey’s right in the Eastern Mediterranean is another issue in mutual relations. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev openly voiced support of his state on Turkey’s stance. In November 2019, Pakistan joined with navy drills with Turkey. This step can be analyzed as Pakistan’s support.

The relations between the three countries are enhanced each day. Mutual support for each other and standing together against every challenge also spread to the relations among their people.

Flags on the Baku streets

People are carrying flags on their hands and put on the stores, apartments and cars for support to the army. In this hard time, some countries expressed full support to Azerbaijan. Azerbaijani people hanged those flags along with their national flags.

During these days, when someone walks in the Baku streets, they will see mostly three flags and many times together, those are Azerbaijan, Turkish and Pakistani flags. The love for these nations was boosted inside of the people’s hearts.

The most interesting point is that these flags are not only seen in Baku, but also in other cities of Azerbaijan. The motivation of the army is one of the essential elements on the road to victory. Azerbaijani army receives motivation from the people. People also obtain it from friendly nations and their support. Azerbaijan hangs three flags symbolizing “three countries, one nation”. It is a way of expressing gratitude to them.

On social media, people posting three flags in the posts. It is a rare occasion that three countries respect each other that much not at the government level but also at the people’s level. Azerbaijani people also demonstrate reactions to the important events in Pakistan and Turkey. The events could be holidays, any achievements, or some disastrous events.

The question is why Turkey and Pakistan? Azerbaijan receives significant support from different countries but you may see mostly three flags. Because these two states defended Azerbaijan’s stance from the beginning. They have never played a game of words, they openly stated position on the conflict. They called it occupation and required the return of lands. Two states have always held a frank stance towards Azerbaijan. That’s why the Azerbaijani nation values its actions most.

Actually, there is no need for war for the proof of the relations among the three countries. Nevertheless, war is a test and it surfaces reality. The reality is that Pakistan and Turkey passed the test as a reliable partner.

Three states support themselves in every problem and see each other’s people as their own. After the liberation of Karabakh, we will notice the tighter rapprochement. Azerbaijan, Turkey and Pakistan expressed their unity not in their words but in actions.

The silence of the international community on the injustice make states to maintain order by themselves. In such a kind of world order, we need to make alliances for our security. Three states have enough power and will have for solving their own problems by themselves.

The people of the three states will never forget mutual support and will value it in every form. The interrelations among them will make them powerful and quite strong against foreign pressures.

Ulvi Ahmadi

The writer is a Baku Based Journalist

who has a specialization in

Regional Affairs and Economy

(COURTESY DND NEWS)

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The National Command Operation Centre (NCOC) has placed a ban on gatherings at wedding halls from November 20 in big cities, including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Hyderabad, Multan and Rawalpindi.

People will, however, be allowed to hold weddings and other ceremonies in open spaces. A maximum of 1,000 people will be allowed to attend.

The new rules will also be applied in Gilgit, Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, Peshawar, Quetta and Gujranwala, Gujrat, Faisalabad, Bahawalpur and Abbottabad as well.

The decisions taken by the NCOC are aimed at containing the spread of the coronavirus’s second wave.

The NCOC has also decided to instruct government and private institutions to cut their workforce in half. Only 50% of their employees will work at offices while the rest will work from home.

The government will also impose smart lockdowns in areas affected by the virus.

The virus has so far claimed 6,923 lives in Pakistan, according to official figures. On October 28, Prime Imran Khan’s Special Assistant on Health Dr Faisal Sultan had announced that the second wave of the deadly virus has started in the country.

During a media briefing, he said health authorities were receiving 700 to 750 cases of coronavirus per day and the mortality rate had also increased.

Sindh announces new coronavirus restrictions

The Sindh government has barred companies and factories from calling employees above 55 years old to workplaces, according to a notification issued Friday night.

In the notification, the Sindh home department instructed companies and firms to only call skeleton staff to offices and put in place an online work mechanism. Managers and owners of companies will be held accountable in case of violations.

“Ensure that only minimal essential staff for the permissible activities/operation is engaged. Further, as far as is possible, engage in an online work from home mode of operation,” read the notification.

The home department said that the government could close any place or area with the highest number of coronavirus cases to contain the spread of coronavirus.

No more than two persons will be allowed to travel in a car, read the notification. “Persons coming out in public places for some necessity must necessarily wear a mask.”

COURTESY SAMAA TV!

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Secret Service sends additional agents to his campaign headquarters

The US Secret Service has increased its protective bubble around Joe Biden as chances increased that he will be the next US president, the Washington Post reported Friday.

The Secret Service sent an extra squad of agents to Biden’s campaign headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware as expectations rose that the Democratic candidate would be able to declare victory over President Donald Trump as early as Friday, the Post reported.

The Secret Service, an agency under the Department of Homeland Security, is in charge or protecting the White House and senior government officials, visiting high officials, and others.

It had already deployed some agents to protect Biden around early July after he triumphed in the Democratic Party’s presidential primaries.

As a former vice president, Biden could have requested Secret Service protection before then, but reportedly did not.

If Biden becomes president-elect, Secret Service protection is expected to ramp up to a higher level.

President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden are battling it out for the White House, with four states yet to be called.

TRUMP (214)*

Alabama (9)
Arkansas (6)
Florida (29)
Idaho (4)
Indiana (11)
Iowa (6)
Kansas (6)
Kentucky (8)
Louisiana (8)
Mississippi (6)
Missouri (10)
Montana (3)
Nebraska (4)*
North Dakota (3)
Ohio (18)
Oklahoma (7)
South Carolina (9)
South Dakota (3)
Tennessee (11)
Texas (38)
Utah (6)
West Virginia (5)
Wyoming (3)

BIDEN (264)*

Arizona (11)
California (55)
Colorado (9)
Connecticut (7)
Delaware (3)
District of Columbia (3)
Hawaii (4)
Illinois (20)
Maine (3)**
Maryland (10)
Massachusetts (11)
Minnesota (10)
Nebraska (1)*
New Hampshire (4)
New Jersey (14)
New Mexico (5)
New York (29)
Oregon (7)
Rhode Island (4)
Vermont (3)
Virginia (13)
Washington (12)
Michigan (16)
Wisconsin (10)

STATES NOT YET CALLED

Alaska
Nevada
North Carolina
Pennsylvania

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Shah Rukh Khan’s highly anticipated return to the big screen will surely be worth the wait, especially with new reports claiming that Salman Khan will also be joining the film.

According to Mumbai Mirror, Salman Khan will be joining the cast to play a cameo. Salman last featured in a cameo in SRK’s 2018 film ‘Zero’, that saw him making his grand entrance in a dance sequence.

The film casts include John Abraham as the villain and Deepika Padukone as the leading lady.

Shah Rukh Khan is expected to begin work on film Pathan later this November and is expected to carry on shooting well into the New Year.

This isn’t the first time they make an appearance in each other’s film. Salman appeared in SRK’s Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Om Shanti Om. Whereas SRK returned the favour in Salman’s Har Dil Jo Pyaar Karega and Tubelight.

COURTESY SAMMA NEWS!

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