Munaza Kazmi

Kohinoor, one of the most coveted and valuable diamonds of all times. This dazzlingly beautiful rare jewel has been in the eye of the storm ever since it left the hands of its original owners, the Kakatiyas of Warangal. Never bought or sold, the fabled diamond changed many hands as it traveled through several dynasties.

Kohinoor found reference in Sanskrit script some 5000 years ago. According to Hindu belief, Kohinoor was Surya’s gift, “Syamantaka” with the saying, “This gemstone will bring you great fortune. Where there is need, it will produce eight times its weight in gold per day. As long as you properly honor this gift, it will bring you wealth and good health. No tragedy shall befall you.” 

To the known history, its origins are somehow ambiguous, however it is generally agreed that the fascinating diamond is mined from Golconda mines, South India around 625 AD under King Pulakesi ll and later owned by Kakatiya dynasty, who fixed Kohinoor in the eye of idol in Vijayanagara temple (Bhagrakali temple).

Later, we found it’s marks in Amir Khusrau’s (1253-1324)“Khazainul Futu”, in which Sultan Alauddin Khalji (1229-1316), took away the Kohinoor from the temple.

Going further it can be said that whichever king had it in its possession, met an early death, in fact, the stone is a harbinger of misfortune and bloodshed although precious. Seeing the Khilji’s account who took away the prized Kohinoor to Delhi as loot, no doubt with much bloodshed, Lodhi’s defeat at Panipat at the hands of Zahir-ud-din Babur in 1526, who described Kohinoor in Baburnama as ‘Worth the value of one day’s food for all the people in the world”. Following Babur’s death in 1530 only 4 years after his arrival in India.

Humayun’s forced exile in Persiain 1540, less than 10 years on throne. As said, “When worn by a clean man, it produces gold, but to an unclean person, it indubitably proves fatal”. Hence it brought the good fortune to Humayun, as it helped him regain the lost kingdom “Hindustan” with the help of Shah Tahmasp, who lost it later in the sands of Persia, while sending as a present to Nizam Shah.

Furthermore, the pages of history read the prosperity in the region of Akbar, as he ruled over 5 times the population commanded by the only rivals, the Ottomans- some 100 million subjects, controlling almost of all of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, as well as eastern Afghanistan. The capitals were the megacities, they were second to none either in Asia or in Europe with regards to size, population, knowledge or wealth. In fact, they were the living embodiment of wealth and power. Later we can see as explained in Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri, the rule of Jahangir (1569-1627) from the most rich throne; the well maintained and prosperous. The references reflect that it was the period in which Kohinoor was missing hence the curse as it is said to be was overtaken.

The diamond return to the Mughal Empire when Prince Khurram, the future Shah Jahan was on the throne, who commissioned the infamous Taj Mahal and the Peacock Throneon which the Kohinoor was shining in its full glory. Earlier his region came to a dramatic premature end in 1657, when Shah Jahan suffered a stroke and his son Aurangzeb staged a skillful coup d’état and imprisoned his father in the Red Fort of Agra.

The act of arresting one’s own father seems really a forbidding impression, but in monarchy these things comes so often, however the reason still couldn’t support rightness. Though Aurangzeb possess natural gifts of high a high order, but his religious bigotry made him ill-suited to rule the mixed population of empire. All these ended in sprawling Mughal political structure. The Kohinoor was in his possession, so if it’s the curse of his inability to rule.

However, in 1739, the Mughal Empire was still the wealthiest state in Asia, and Dehli was the most prosperous and magnificent city between Ottoman Istanbul and Imperial Edo. The region of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan was ruled from the Peacock Throne – with the Kohinoor glittering from of the top. However, its curse picked up when Nadir Shah plundered the city and slaughtered some 30,000 citizens, the worst day in Mughal history, and later on, took the Kohinoor from the Emperor Muhammad Shah to Persia along with as much as he could, on 700 elephants, 4,000 camels and 12,000 horses to meet a horrible death in his own bed. 

Here we can see first the captured and looting of the city, which is only because of the bad governance, since the historians report the, Dehli had massive force, 2 miles wide and 15 miles long, a sea of people, enough to conquer the world. Secondly the humiliating death of Nadir Shah, there I believe the gem had played its role, since he was filled with sordid avarice and responsible for Dehli massacre.

Afterwards, for possessing the Kohinoor there happened great deal of violence, and it passed to Ahmad Khan Abdali, he rarely lost a battle, but eventually died with a miserable fate. However, he himself acted in the much violent way, that would be a great reason for his picking the curse. Kohinoor then transferred to his heir Timur Shah, resulting losing most of his father’s conquered territories and an end with poison. Later, it came in the hands of Shah Zaman, that took him into dungeon. Subsequently, its next holder Shah Shuja, adeposed monarch, who experienced a prolonged period of humiliation and exile.

Eventually, it was Maharaja Ranjit Singh where Kohinoor bestowed good fortune, the throne of Punjab bloomed, became coveted and feared by all. However, with the death of Ranjit Singh the curse picked up his heir’s one by one, no doubt their hearts were the place of ill deeds. 

In 1843 this extraordinary gem finds its way to Duleep Singhsecond eldest son of Ranjit Singh, who couldn’t keep it for long, reasoning the colonial injustice and on 29 May 1849, India lost its Kohinoor. 

On 6 April 1850, the Kohinoor loaded on to Her Majesty’s ship the Medea, which caught with deadly cholera resulting in 135 deaths of crewmen, later for the treatment when it reached to the coast of Mauritians, it was refused to stop by. Next the ship meets with a heavy storm that threatened to snap in two: was that the dark curse. While the ship was entering the British territory, their Prime Minister Sir Robert Peel died by felling from a horse, Queen Victoria was attacked by a former British officer. Why not since it was stolen.

Great Britain, once the land where sun never sets, and today a tiny piece of land. Once the colonial power, today a lonely state. Moreover, the sudden death of princess Diana, troubling stories in the immediate royal family leading to the spilt of brothers. The immense deaths resulting the pandemic, and the caging of Kohinoor due to its powerful curse in Tower of London. Doesn’t it signal for the curse of Kohinoor.

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LAHORE/SAN FRANCISCO, MAR 9: (Raja Furqan) - US billionaire Tim Draper, whose portfolio of investment consists of big tech giants such as Hotmail, Skype, Tesla, SpaceX, Baidu, and Robinhood, has invested in Pak tech startup Remotebase. Pakistani technology startup RemoteBase has raised almost 220 million rupees of funding in its seed round of investment so that it can enable Pakistani software engineers and developers to get international exposure.

RemoteBase finds, hires, trains and places Pakistani software engineers and developers in Silicon Valley startups. Famous Silicon Valley startups include Google, Facebook and Apple. This investment by Pakistan based Indus Valley Capital and US Billionaire Tim Draper in RemoteBase are considered to be a huge boost in Pakistan's tech ecosystem since it reflects a growing trend of Pakistani tech startups raising millions of dollars.

Dr Umar Saif, former chairman of Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) and founder of Plan9, a tech incubator that gave Pakistani startups exposure to investors in Silicon Valley said: “I am super proud of Qasim and his team on the fundraising. Having seen him work in the past, I can see Remotebase playing a pivotal role in placing Pakistan on the global map.” “As companies go remote, they are looking to hire software engineers from all over the world and Pakistan can benefit from this immensely. Pakistani engineers are some of the most talented engineers I have worked with in the past. All they require is good training and direction, and I can see Remotebase doing that.”

The founder of RemoteBase, Qasim Asad Salam who has also worked closely with Umar Saif and Plan9 said that his only goal is to help Pakistani engineers compete internationally and that remote working during COVID-19 made it possible. Qasim further added, "Pakistani talent has always amazed me. Engineers from Pakistan are on par with the best engineers in the world. They just don’t have the right direction or the right opportunities.

With Remotebase, we want to change that.” “Remotebase is all set to completely disrupt how work is done. Being a remote worker for most of my life I was always passionate about enabling people to build companies entirely in the cloud and giving them access to top talent from all around the globe. Where better to start the company from than Pakistan, a country where I have personally witnessed an immense amount of talent, and super hungry individuals just looking for opportunities to learn and grow,” Qasim said. RemoteBase currently has 40 software engineers but the company plans to hire 150+ Pakistan engineers by the end of 2021 after gaining this investment.

US billionaire Tim Draper, who has backed this Pakistani startup and believes that it has the potential to significantly disrupt the tech ecosystem of the world. Tim Draper said, “Remotebase's mission is to create a world with no physical boundaries and help engineers in emerging markets have the same access to working with innovative companies as those in developed nations.” Tim Draper further said that: "Knowing Qasim and having seen him work right outside my office, I can say that he and his team are going to take Remotebase to the moon.

We are so proud of what they have achieved so far and are looking forward to helping him and his team on this incredible journey.” The Co-founder of RemoteBase, Talha Masood said, “No individual should be discriminated against in terms of race, colour, nationality or gender and the world should be made more inclusive as a whole.”

“Working remotely my entire life with Silicon Valley companies has been an incredible ride. I had immense freedom, meaningful work and I got to learn from the best companies in the world. One went on to become a multi-billion dollar startup. I want other Pakistani engineers to have the same experiences and opportunities I had,” Talha said.

With this fresh round of funding, Remotebase aims to hire more engineers, power Remotebase hackathons, and encourage women to get into tech through Remotebase for Women. A former senior executive at popular business networking app, Linkedin, Aatif Awan from Indus Valley Capital expressed excitement about investing in a new Pakistani startup.

Aatif said: “Remotebase has been crushing it. Growing 28% month over month since they started in April, and crossing $1 million in Accounting Rate of Return (ARR) in less than a year. We are super excited to be partnering with them and helping Pakistani engineers receive global recognition.” Pakistan's tech ecosystem has been growing at a rapid pace and has the potential to earn significant foreign currency whilst also providing lucrative employment opportunities for the youth of Pakistan. It will also boost the economy of Pakistan.

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ISLAMABAD, MAR 9: An Online International Conference was organized on “Azerbaijan’s Reconstruction to Reconnect: A Way Forward”. This conference was jointly organized by Regional Integration Center, University of the Punjab, Lahore, ADA University, Azerbaijan, and Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad.

The conference aimed to discuss the possible ways and means to facilitate the process of reconstruction and mega infrastructural development in the liberated areas of Azerbaijan.

The conference was commenced with the opening remarks of Dr. Fozia Hadi, Director, Regional Integration Center, University of the Punjab, Lahore. She highlighted that Pakistan has always supported Azerbaijan’s stance against Armenia, we are also the only country that does not recognize the state of Armenia.

She also extended Pakistan’s full support in the process of reconstruction of liberated areas and suggested joint research activities to connect the academia of Pakistan and Azerbaijan. She was of the view that academic linkages will play a great role in strengthening the bilateral ties of both countries.

Mr. FarizIsmailzade, Executive Vice-Rector, ADA University, Baku, Azerbaijan highlighted that during his visit to Pakistan, he firsthand witnessed the strategic importance of Pakistan and its potential in the region.

Pakistan and Azerbaijan have cooperation’s in multiple fields like education, diplomacy, and think tank cooperation as well. Azerbaijan now wishes to establish enhanced economic ties with Pakistan. Furthermore, Azerbaijan and Pakistan can also collaborate in the fields of infrastructure development and defense as well.

He mentioned that during his various meetings in Pakistan, they tried to foster economic cooperation in business and the economy. Azerbaijan is ready to welcome companies from Pakistan for investment and to develop transport corridors and mutual investments in Azerbaijan.

Discussing the liberated areas of Nagoro-Karabakh he highlighted that these areas were under Armenian occupation and Armenia has destroyed the history and culture of these areas.

He appreciates Pakistan’s constant support during the war with Armenia. Dr. Fariz also mentioned that the year 2020 was special for Azerbaijan and we hope that the years to come will open up new chapters of cooperation between Pakistan and Azerbaijan. He also shared few pictures from liberated areas of Nagorno-Karabakh and explained the destruction caused by Armenian forces.

Dr. Mahboob Hussain, Chairman of Department of History and Pakistan Studies, University of Punjab, Lahore briefly shared the history behind the Armenia and Azerbaijan conflict. Armenia breached the ceasefire contract and attacked civilians and Azerbaijan Armed forces breaking several humanitarian accords.

During a one-and-a-half-month conflict, Azerbaijan has liberated several cities and nearly 300 illegal settlements and villages that were occupied by Armenia for the past three decades. He further highlighted that Armenia has disturbed the geography of this region for the past many decades by its illegal occupation of Azerbaijan lands.

The liberation of these lands was not an easy task but the performance, courage, strength,and bravery of the Azerbaijan Armed forces were exemplary in this regard. This war will be remembered in modern warfare history. He also highlighted that Azerbaijan was supported by the international community for its legitimate stance over the issue. He also mentioned that there is a dire need of reconstructing these areas and ensure their reintegration into the political and economic infrastructure of Azerbaijan. He suggested that it is very important that civil society, local support programs, and human rights organizations are involved in this process. Furthermore, it is important to keep in mindthe two fundamental sectors, one is the restoration of the infrastructure, and the second is economic rehabilitation. He extended his best wishes to the government and people of Azerbaijan for the successful reconstruction of the liberated areas.

Dr. Mehmood-Ul-Hassan Khan, Regional Geo-Political Analyst & Member Board of Experts, CGSS highlighted the atrocities committed by Armenia. He mentioned, that during the time of occupation Armenia deliberately destroyed cities and villages, all cultural and religious sites of Azerbaijan in the occupied territories were demolished. International media has documented the facts of deliberate destruction and desecration of the cultural and religious heritage of Azerbaijani people which requires reconstruction through regional reconnect.

Discussing the role of Pakistan and Azerbaijan cooperation, he highlighted that the government of Pakistan dispatched humanitarian aid to Azerbaijan. The assistance was intended for service members and other people working in the liberated territories. Furthermore, the government and people of Pakistan have always stood by Azerbaijan and we are ready to provide full support in reconstructing the liberated territories and returning IDPs to their homes. He also highlighted the importance of the Frontier Works Organization in reconstructing the newly liberated areas of Azerbaijan.

Prof. Dr. Iram Khalid, Chairperson of Political Science Department, University of Punjab, Lahore highlighted that regional connectivity is gaining more and more importance.  Culture serves as a transmission belt to engage and understand cultures, norms, and practices. She emphasized that Pakistan and Azerbaijan share common cultural, historical, and religious values. The relationship between both countries is strong in the fields of diplomacy, economy, and political cooperation as well. She was of the view that now it is the time to further strengthen these bilateral ties by building people-to-people contact by arranging conferences, seminars, and other activities to bring closer the people and specifically the academia of both countries.

She highlighted that there is a need to improve the informal communication and efforts between both countries. During academic and formal discussions there ate many problems that can not be discussed. She was of the view that this online conference is a positive step in this regard.

Dr. Iram suggested that Pakistan can not only provide support to Azerbaijan in the infrastructural rehabilitation but also in symbolic cooperation that includes psychological and social support to the people of the liberated areas. She further suggested having follow-ups of all formal meetings to devise a practical strategy and work plan.

Dr. Adam Saud, Dean, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences of Bahria University, Islamabad highlighted that Armenia’s destruction and aggression have destroyed the cultural heritage and history of Azerbaijan. During the last three decades, this region was kept underdeveloped by the Armenia forces. They did not invest in any development of the occupied region. When the Armenian forces were retreating after they lost the war, they destroyed many religious sites and looted important artifacts.

Armenia demolished almost 700 buildings 927 libraries, 85 art schools, 22 museums, and 4 art galleries, all these buildings and facilitations were destroyed or abolished by the Armenian forces.

Discussing the reconstruction, he emphasized that to reconstruct the infrastructure, Azerbaijan has immediately started to take important steps. The people and government of Azerbaijan are committed to rebuild the community and restore peace in the areas. He also discussed the idea of smart cities and highlighted that the government has ensured safety to all citizens whether they are from Armenia or Azerbaijan.

Prof. AzerBabayev, ADA University, Baku, Azerbaijan that this occupation by Armenia is one of the longest occupations. He highlighted that Armenia has systematically done ethnic and cultural cleansing of the Azerbaijani people, their culture, and history.

Prof Azer further highlighted that Azerbaijan’s behavior in the international community is commendable as we have invited social, cultural, and political cooperation with the international community. He also emphasized that many Armenian people are living in Azerbaijan and the government has always taken care of them, as we have nothing against the people of Armenia. Furthermore, Azerbaijan does not believe in humiliating the enemies. The region of Nagorno-Karabakh holds special significance and it is a promising land for not only Azerbaijan but for the entire region.

Dr. Marium Kamal, Assistant Professor, South Asian Studies Center, University of Punjab, Lahore discussed the security dilemmas involved in the reconstruction and rehabilitation of liberated areas.

She emphasized that after the liberation of these areas there exists an uncertainty in the region. Hence, the priority should be to regain and rebuild the trust between the people of these areas for a better social environment. She also mentioned that we need new methods of international cooperation between both countries. Untraditional methods need to be secured for regional reconstruction and connectivity.

Identifying certain areas, she emphasized the importance of cooperation in the field agricultural sector and the Tourism sector as Azerbaijan and Pakistan share many historical and cultural ties. Furthermore, educational cooperation is also very important to create linkages between the two countries.

The conference was concluded with the closing remarks of Dr. Mehmood-Ul-Hassan Khan, Regional Geo-Political Analyst & Member Board of Experts, CGSS. He extended his gratitude to all the speakers and stated that Azerbaijan’s victory against Armenia is historical. He also highlighted that during the Azerbaijan-Armenia war around 2783 soldiers and civilians were martyred.

The conference was moderated by Ms. Palwasha Nawaz, Project Executive, CGSS, and was attended by experts and analysts from Azerbaijan and Pakistan. The conference was also viewed live by 300 viewers on social media platforms.

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WATCH VIDEO: Opening Remarks by Ashfaq Ahmed Gondal, Former Federal Secretary of Information and Broadcasting.

WATCH VIDEO: Online International Conference on “Cooperation Perspectives Between Azerbaijani and Pakistani Youth Diaspora to the International Recognition of Khojaly Genocide”.

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UNITED NATIONS, MAR 8: Pakistan has urged the international community to work together to prevent criminals from making and distributing false Covid-19 vaccines and other fake medical products.

“In the context of Covid-19, there is a need for effective action against falsified and fake medical products — such as Covid-19 vaccines — and to strengthen international cooperation in this regard,” said Munir Akram, Pakistan’s ambassador to the United Nations.

In his statement at a high-level segment of the 14th Crime Congress in New York on Saturday evening, the Pakistani envoy warned that the Covid-19 pandemic had exposed various vulnerabilities which could be exploited by the criminals.

“Like all other aspects of our daily lives, the impact of Covid-19 on transnational organised crime has been significant,” he said. “There is a compelling case for enhanced international action to combat and dismantle networks and platforms that perpetrate these crimes and undermine progress towards Agenda 2030.”

Agenda 2030 represents 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the UN General Assembly in July 2017 as a “blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all”.

“There can be no sustainable development without justice, the rule of law and prevention and control of crime,” Ambassador Akram warned.

He said that the agenda of the 14th Crime Congress — “Advancing crime prevention, criminal justice and the rule of law: towards the achievement of Agenda 2030” — was both timely and appropriate and central to the achievement of all SDGs.

Identifying the key issues that the Congress needed to focus on, the Pakistani envoy said their first priority should be to stop “the bleeding of the resources of developing countries through illicit financial flows”.

“It is nothing short of criminal to allow such flows to continue during this crisis when developing countries are already struggling to overcome the challenges posed by shrinking fiscal space to fight the pandemic and achieve the SDGs,” he added.

Ambassador Akram urged the Congress to consider the important recommendations contained in the latest report of International Financial Accountability, Transparency and Integrity (FACTI) Panel for follow-up action.

The panel’s estimates show that $7 trillion is held in secrecy jurisdictions and haven countries, which is almost 10 per cent of the global GDP. Illicit financial flows cost $500-$650 billion a year to developing countries. Criminal syndicates launder about $1.6 trillion every year. And about $1.5-$2tr every year passes hands as bribes.

To overcome this massive corruption, the panel proposed structural reforms in the global financial system.

Ambassador Akram also underlined the need to combat environmental crimes and ever-growing illegal trade in wildlife, “which could lead to other zoonotic diseases (like Covid-19)”, if not controlled.

The Pakistani envoy demanded changes in labour and migration laws to discourage human trafficking. “Opening up additional avenues for legal migration is one way to reduce the demand for smuggling services and to meet migration-related SDGs,” he added.

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ISLAMABAD, MAR 2021: A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Kinnaird College for Women University, Lahore, and Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad.

Both institutions agreed to cooperate in areas of mutual interest particularly exchange of research and academic material. Furthermore, it was decided that global student exchange programs, seminars, and conferences will be organized.

It was decided that training programs and events for the academic as well as co-curricular upbringing of the students, will be arranged. Moreover, both institutions will work and explore opportunities to involve academia in multilateral fields.

Both parties agreed to initiate and support training programs and events. Moreover, CGSS will also provide certified Internship programs to the students of Kinnaird College for Women.

Professor Dr. Rukhsana David, Principal, Kinnaird College for Women, Lahore, and Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director, Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad signed the Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of their respective institutions.

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LAHORE, MAR 8: A meeting was held between the Core committee of Regional Integration Center, University of the Punjab, Lahore, University of the Sialkot, Area Study Center (Russia, China, and Central Asia), University of Peshawar and Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad at University of Sialkot.

The meeting was organized to discuss the establishment of “Eurasian Industrial Research Center”. This Center is being established by University of Sialkot in collaboration with CGSS and the RIC.

University of the Punjab, Lahore and Area Study Center (Russia, China, and Central Asia), University of Peshawar are also the collaborative partners in this Center.

The aim of establishing this center is to enhance the connectivity with regional countries in socio-economic as well as academic spheres, and establish a model of regional integration by actively collaborating with partner countries.

Furthermore, this Center will provide long-term opportunities for Pakistan to enhance socio-economic connectivity with the regional countries focusing on sustainable goal development, human capacity development, prospects of enhancing business, trade and investment, entrepreneurship and industrial cooperation and research.

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ISLAMABAD, MAR 7: Akan Rakhmetullin, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Pakistan visited Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad and had a meeting with Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director, CGSS.

During the meeting Akan Rakhmetullin presented a certificate of appreciation to Khalid Taimur Akram and other CGSS members for their dedication and active participation in the celebration of the 1150th Anniversary of Abu Nasr Al-Farabi, the great philosopher and scientist. These certificates are presented on behalf of Kazakhstan’s ministry of Culture and Sports.

Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram also briefed regarding the Regional Integration Center, University of the Punjab, Lahore and put forward projects and initiatives to include the academic sector of Kazakhstan in Regional Integration Center.

Akan Rakhmetullin appreciated the contribution of CGSS in strengthening cultural cooperation between Kazakhstan and Pakistan.

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ISLAMABAD, MAR 7: Two members of the National Assembly belonging to the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), Jamil Ahmed and Fahim Khan, called on Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday.

The MNAs were allegedly involved in a sting operation to record a video in which Ali Haider Gilani, the son of Senator-elect Yousuf Raza Gilani, was seen telling PTI MNAs how to make a vote in the Senate election invalid by over-writing and ticking in front of the names of all candidates on the ballot paper.

Talking to media in Parliament House, the MNAs admitted that both of them were present in the video clip but they did not call it a sting operation.

They said that they were ready to appear before the Election Commission of Pakistan if summoned by it during the hearing of the case seeking disqualification of Yousuf Raza Gilani. The hearing of the case will be held on March 11.

Earlier, soon after obtaining vote of confidence from the National Assembly, Prime Minister Khan met a number of lawmakers of the ruling alliance in Parliament House.

PM asks Hafeez to continue as finance minister

The prime minister also met Finance Minister Hafeez Shaikh who had faced an unexpected defeat in recent Senate elections on a seat from Islamabad won by Yousuf Raza Gilani.

An inside source said the prime minister asked Mr Shaikh not to be disappointed due to his defeat in the Senate polls and continue working as finance minister. This brought to an end rumours that the prime minister had decided to replace Mr Shaikh with an economic wizard from the PTI.

Earlier, under the Islamabad High Court’s decision, Mr Shaikh as an adviser to the prime minister could neither exercise executive powers not attend meetings of any government body. As a result, the prime minister appointed him federal minister for six months (till June 11) under a clause of the constitution.

The prime minister also met a delegation of Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan and leaders of other allied parties and thanked them for giving him vote of confidence.

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ISLAMABAD, MAR 6: President of Huawei Middle East Region, Charles Yang called on Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Amin Ul Haque and discussed matters of mutual interest. The Huawei delegation lauded the efforts of the minister regarding digitalization, Amin Ul Haque said that: “Steps are underway by the government for connectivity and provision of internet services across the country for 5G network in coming years.”

Federal Secretary for Ministry of IT and Telecommunication Shoaib Ahmad Siddiqui,Deputy Secretary, Aftab Rasheed, Director Telecom, Jehanzeb Ahmed were also present from the Ministry’s side. President of Middle East Enterprise Business department, David Shi, Huawei Pakistan CEO, Mr. Mark Meng, Deputy CEO, Ahmed Bilal Masud were also present at the occasion.

Furthermore, both sides discussed the 1,000 officers training program initiative, in which a 1,000 of the ministries officers would be given ICT knowledge training by Huawei’s industry leading teams to help increase their ICT skill. The Minister appreciated Huawei’s effort for the training program.

President Huawei Middle East, Charles Yang said, “The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication has Huawei’s full support, with the help of our secure and leading solutions, we can help Pakistan realize digital transformation, especially benefitting the people from rural areas.”

Both sides also discussed possibilities of future collaboration including the development of an innovation lab and other programs.

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