FARUKH SHEHZAD

ISLAMABAD, MAY 7: Prime Minister Imran Khan is leaving for Saudi Arabia on Friday (today) on a three-day visit (May 7-9) and a number of bilateral agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) are expected to be inked between the two countries during his visit.

It is expected that the visit will serve to improve “strained” relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia that were shaken in the recent past due to several reasons.

According to the Prime Minister Office, Mr Khan is visiting Saudi Arabia on the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman who struck a conciliatory tone towards the kingdom’s arch-nemesis Iran last week, saying he sought “good” relations, after the rivals held secret talks in Baghdad. Iran welcomed Saudi Arabia’s “change of tone”.

During the visit, Prime Minister Khan will be accompanied by a delegation, including the foreign minister and other members of his cabinet.

• Trip likely to improve ‘strained’ ties with kingdom

The prime minister’s consultations with the Saudi leadership will cover all areas of bilateral cooperation, including economics, trade, investment, energy, job opportunities for Pakistani workforce and welfare of Pakistani diaspora in the kingdom. The two sides will also exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.

During the visit, the prime minister will also meet Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Dr Yousef Al-Othaimeen, Secretary General of the World Muslim League Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa and the Imams of the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madina. Mr Khan will also interact with members of Pakistani diaspora in Jeddah. He will also raise the issue of Islamophobia in the West, including a recent resolution of European Parliament that called for withdrawal of GSP plus status of Pakistan.

The PMO’s press release said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had long-standing and historic fraternal relations, rooted deep in common faith, shared history and mutual support. “The people of Pakistan hold the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in the highest esteem. The relationship is marked by close cooperation in all fields and mutual collaboration on regional and international issues, in particular those faced by the Muslim Ummah. Saudi Arabia is a member of the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir,” it added.

Saudi Arabia is home to more than two million Pakistanis, contributing to progress and prosperity of both countries. Regular high-level bilateral visits play a pivotal role in providing impetus to the fraternal ties and close cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

According to media reports, Pakistani-Saudi relations have been complex all along but since 2015, when the Pakistani parliament restricted the military from participating in the war in Yemen, its relations with Saudi Arabia have soured. Military conflict in Yemen is said to be one of the reasons behind strained relations between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.

Last year Pakistan had expected Riyadh to support it in dealing with India over the Kashmir crisis. In particular, Pakistan had sought a supportive meeting with the Council of Foreign Ministers of the OIC. After Saudi Arabia turned down the request, Pakistan repeated its demand, which in turn resulted in Riyadh calling for repayment of $1 billion loan. Consequently, Pakistan repaid the loan while using the amount obtained under a new loan — this time from China.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Khan has announced that the government will provide Rs25,000 funeral grant to the overseas Pakistanis to help the needy ones bury their loved ones with dignity.

In a tweet, the prime minister said: “Our govt is moving forward in service delivery for overseas Pakistanis. Funeral grant of PKR 25,000 has been approved to be given from Overseas Pakistanis Foundation.”

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COURTESY DAWN NEWS

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RAMALLAH, MAY 7: Foreign Minister of Palestine Riyad al-Maliki will arrive Turkey today on Friday, May 7th.

During the visit of Riyad al-Maliki ways to improve bilateral relations will be discussed with Turkish government officials.

Friday is significant as it is observed as Al-Qudus Day throughout the world.

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Exclusive by Farukh Shehzad

Editor-In-Chief / DIPLOMATICNEWSPK.BLOG

Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran khan has the golden opportunity to give a precious gift to his Nation during his remaining two years of government.

Few years back during the time of Nawaz Sharif or Asif Zardari the government of China made an offer of providing "Cheap Electricity with just Rs. 300 bill per house".

According to sources, that Chinese offer was purely designed to facilitate Pakistani people and the offer was carrying many incentives for Pakistanis.

No.1: People were allowed to use electricity as much as they can during whole month and whole year and all years.

No.2: The amount of electricity bill was fixed upto just 300 rupees per month, that means people of Pakistan had to pay just rupees 300 at the end of every month.

No.3: 300 rupees per house had to pay.

According to sources, that Chinese offer of "Cheap Electricity" was purely designed to facilitate people of Pakistan belonging all walks of life, regardless of that they are poor or rich.

Sources say that there was not enough commission to earn for Asif Zardari or Nawaz Sharif, because that era of government was of Asif zardari or Nawaz Sharif, so what they did?

They did not accept that offer of Chinese government due to less commission, which indicates that Asif Zardari or Nawaz Sharif did not join the politics to serve Pakistani people but they joined politics to make money and to enjoy the government's protocol.

But now, Prime Minister Imran Khan is in power and we also know that he has spoken in his speeches on number of occasions during public gatherings before 2018 General Elections that he wanted to join politics to serve Pakistani Nation.

Imran Khan has spent a good amount of time in power and he has now remaining 2 years left behind to utilize and play with.

Prime Minister Imran Khan now has the excellent time to give a present (Gift) to Pakistani Nation as they are looking for such gift for decades.

We request to Prime Minister Imran Khan that visit the Embassy of China in Islamabad and meet Chinese Ambassador Nong Rong multiple times and ask him, request him for taking that "Cheap Electricity" offer back for the people of Pakistan and keep meeting Chinese Ambassador for this crucial task in his last two years until the dream come true.

I also request Prime Minister Imran Khan to visit China and meet Xi Jinping the President of China and remind him that few years ago you made an offer for providing "Cheap Electricity" to all Pakistanis but rulers of Pakistan at that time did not accept your offer but today I'm here, asking you to give us that offer ones again.

Prime Minister Imran Khan is needed several visits to Chinese embassy in Islamabad and also PM Imran needs to go to China to meet Xi Jinping the President of China face to face to discuss and convince him and to bring “Cheap Electricity Offer” to Pakistan of its people.

I request to Prime Minister Imran Khan that do not hire any advisor or any minister for completing this crucial task, instead  please do it on your own for your people.

PM Imran Khan has the capability to achieve such tasks as we all know that he achieved many goals in the past in his life too, So people of Pakistan feel that PM Imran Khan will achieve this goal as well handsomely within his remaining time of government.

PM Imran Khan you have plenty of time left and have a golden opportunity, So, begin your work on this project and inject life into this offer of “Cheap Electricity” and bring it to the people of Pakistan as a precious gift for them.

 

Note: At that time when Chinese government announced this offer it was mentioned that bill charges after end of the month will be 300 rupees per house but now as a lot of time has passed away so the charges of the Electricity bill you may extend upto 400 to 500 rupees per house.

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• Dr. Talat Shabbir’s landmark book “Creating Shared Futures Pakistan-China: A Journey of Trust and Friendship” launched. Scholars, Diplomats and Public Policy Experts Lauds the Research Book and Terms it as Important Academic Contribution to Understand the Pakistan China Relationship.  

ISLAMABAD, MAY 2021: The relationship between China and Pakistan has been researched and documented by Dr. Talat Shabbir in the context of futures possibilities and options in the book “Creating Shared Futures, Pakistan China: A Journey of Trust and Friendship”. The book was launched today at the Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad.

The launch event was organized jointly by Eurasian Century Institute and Mishal Pakistan, the launch was attended by a small group of intellectuals and research enthusiasts to listen to the leading scholars in Pakistan. Due to Covid SOPs the event was also participated by a large number through Zoom. The event was also streamed live on YouTube and Facebook for international participation.

In his forward, Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Foreign Minister of Pakistan has said, “Dr. Talat Shabbir’s book is a brilliant and timely discourse on the multifaceted partnership and what it means for both the countries going forward. He has traced the history of this relationship since its inception and where we stand today.  He has brought forth the various facets of these ties ranging from diplomatic, political, economic, to strategic.

The Foreign Minister further said that, “the book will be a valuable record and useful reading for all students of history and contemporary international relations and will help them to delve deeper into what is easily one of the most fascinating, consequential and forward-looking partnerships of our times.”

Speaking on the occasion, Director General ISSI said, “Dr. Talat has demonstrated his commitment to furthering the Pakistan-China relationship. His book argues one element stands out i.e., trust, a very rare state of mutual trust that any two neighbors enjoy”. Meanwhile, he highlighted that in recent years, people of both countries have tried to cross the barrier of language and culture, as today “Chinese universities are attracting most Pakistani students”, and as a nation “we can learn from Chinese wisdom”.

Former Minister for Defense, Lt. General Naeem Khalid Lodhi, remarked that, “Dr. Shabbir’s book shows that whatever happened in the world, the bond between Pakistan and China kept deepening and strengthened. And this is a unique feature of the bilateral relationship”.

Former Ambassador to China, Masood Khalid said, “Dr. Talat has aptly captured the essence of bilateral relationship. This relationship has withstood the test of time and both sides have continued to support each other during their respective testing times. It is indeed a unique model in inter-state relationships.”

Professor Song Zhihui of the Pakistan Study Center, Sichuan University, while expressing his thoughts, said, “It is a scholarly work backed by evidence-based research. He noted that in current times, CPEC is very significant for Pakistan and China, and both sides will continue to work on this in the second phase hoping to focus on industrial development in Pakistan”.

Pakistan’s leading futures research scientist, Puruesh Chaudhary, President AGAHI said, “‘This book to a great degree captures the relationship between Pakistan and China, Dr. Talat quite uniquely enables a reader to imagine how many possibilities are there to emerge as an outcome. Pakistan and China in years to come would have greater responsibility towards ensuring social justice’ 

Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman Board of Governors, ISSI said, “Dr. Shabbir has given an objective account of Pakistan-China relationship. His book is timed with 70th anniversary of establishment of Pakistan-China relations and 100th anniversary of founding of Communist Party of China. It is a unique friendship as we do not share culture, language, economic systems and have different ideological mooring. Yet despite that relationship has only deepened.”

The book, Creating Shared Futures, Pakistan China: A Journey of Trust and Friendship, is authored by Dr. Talat Shabbir, a well-known scholar on Pakistan-China relations, Dr. Shabbir holds a PhD in International Relations from Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad.  Dr. Shabbir is Director China-Pakistan Study Centre at the Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad, overseeing research and advocacy on all facets of Pakistan-China relations. His areas of interest include Pakistan, South Asia, Belt and Road Initiative, and China Pakistan Economic Corridor.

The book is an observation and an analysis of the relationship of the two nations from 1947 to today. It also talks about the possible futures that can be created if the policy makers make certain choices in a definite time frame. The book also contains an epilogue on the post COVID-19 global scenario, where the friendship of the two countries has been tested on social, economic, and political grounds due to international pressures and demands.

Dr. Talat has been a visiting scholar at Sigur Centre for Asian Studies, George Washington University, USA. He has been on the faculty of Institute of Strategic Studies Research and Analysis (ISSRA), National Defence University (NDU), Islamabad, where he was part of the team conducting national security workshop and national media workshop.

Besides editing a quarterly magazine for China-Pakistan Study Centre, he regularly contributes to newspapers on domestic, regional, and global issues and participates in panel discussions on various TV channels to address regional and global issues. Dr. Shabbir has also published a book of Urdu short stories and a collection of Urdu poetry.

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ISLAMABAD, MAY 6: AAA Associates, Pakistan Leading group of Companies, has been arranging Iftari from 1st of Ramazan till 30th Ramazan at Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry Rawalpindi. 

The Iftari arrangement is meant to serve that section of society which has been deprived of food in this holy month of Ramazan.

AAA Associate, under its corporate social responsibility, carried out this drive to feed poor in most respectable manner by inviting 500 people daily in RCCI to serve with Iftar. 

Pakistan is a third world country where millions of people, every day, go to bed without having a meal. The World Food Programmed states that 43 percent of the country’s population remains food insecure, and out of that, 18 percent of people are facing an alarming dearth of food. It further explains that six people out of ten in Pakistan are food insecure.

The food insecurity is the major reason of increasing hunger in Pakistan, whereas food production is sufficient to feed all the population in the state. In spite of being productive in the farming sector, there is a food insecurity. There are children dying in the laps of their mothers because of starvation.

AAA Associate Managing Director Lt. Col Shahzad Ali Kiani (Retd) stated that “We believe in serving Humanity in best possible manner by fulfilling their basic need of Food and shelter.

Being an Organization, we are collaborating on many projects with Local NGOs and Government to end food insecurity in the country. Feeding deprived section of society in the holy month of Ramzan is just one of the initiatives of AAA associate to uplift the community”.

AAA Chairman Mr. Shiekh Fawad Bashir share his views “Our aim is to transform the industry and our employee lifestyle who not only work as professional but contribute towards their community development. Under our CSR ambit, we are determinant to contribute toward the society which helped us to grow and become leading business group of companies of Pakistan. 

We can only achieve excellence by elevating the most deprived community of our society through these small steps which ultimately serve a big purpose of hungry free Pakistan”.

AAA Associates - an amalgamation of a group of companies, aiming at a different niche, envisioned to implement innovative business practices. The organization has been exceeding the expectations in Real Estate, Construction, Aircraft Maintenance, IT Solutions and Marketing plans.

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ISLAMABAD, MAY 6: The question of reforming the colonial civil service, and its linked institutions, has been on the agenda since independence. Numerous commissions and efforts have been thwarted. The popular perception remains that there has been a secular decline in civil service efficiency.

Most reform efforts focus on grades, performance reviews, and structures of the civil service. The incentive structure which economists think is central to human behaviour is often left out of the reform process. 

Civil service payment remains mired in its colonial foundations consisting of cash compensation that has not kept pace with inflation and several allowances and physical perks such as houses and cars. The perks are nontransparently given and have set up several individual and group dynamics that may not be conducive to the objectives of the public service.

Not all payments & rewards in the #Pakistan civil service are on the pay slip. Pakistan’s administrative machinery, in particular its bureaucracy is profoundly influenced by its #colonial legacy. @PIDEpk

report on #CivilService Compensation, now available.

For Detailed Report Click The Link Below.

This report is the first attempt to develop some clarity on the cost of the civil service, quantifying all aspects of compensation. It also develops a strategy for monetisation of all perks and setting in place a compensation system that is in line with modern economics and HRM practices. It also points to the huge gain from monetisation in terms of the release of city centre land for commercial development through a public-private partnership.

This is an important document that requires a lot of debate and further research for us to improve our public sector management.

Dr Nadeem Ul Haque

Vice-Chancellor

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The committee held its 13th session in the Egyptian capital Cairo on May 4-5, the ministry said in a statement.

Facilitating the processing of visas of citizens of the two countries, simplifying entry procedures and abolishing entry fees were discussed during the session, it added.

Among the main topics of the agenda were also the aspects of joint cooperation in the consular and security fields, cooperation in the judicial and social security area and fishing, financial and customs matters as well as land and air transportation.

In April, Egyptian officials announced that they had agreed with their Libyan counterparts to reopen their diplomatic missions in the capital Tripoli and the second-largest city of Benghazi as soon as possible.

Egypt and Libya then signed memorandums of understanding in Tripoli during an official visit by Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli – the highest Egyptian official to visit Libya since 2010, who was accompanied by 11 ministers – which included the resumption of civilian flights between the two countries.

In 2014, the Egyptian Embassy in Tripoli was closed and Egyptian flights with Tripoli were halted as fighting took place between Libya's internationally recognized government and militias loyal to putschist Gen. Khalifa Haftar, whom Egypt backed.

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COURTESY dailysabah

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• The offline version of digital learning application successfully deployed in 67 public schools

KARACHI, MAY 6: SABAQ, in collaboration with the School Education Literacy Department (SELD), UNICEF, and Malala Fund has successfully deployed its offline version of SELD Learning Application in 67 public schools across three districts of Sindh, namely; Badin, Tando Muhammad Khan, and Tando Allah Yar. Through this model of blended learning using tablets 20, 776 students have access to digital learning for classroom and remedial learning.

The SELD Learning App contains content for pre-primary and primary grade in the form of animated video lessons, stories, flipbooks, and quizzes. The App aims to provide digital lessons for KG-5 during the COVID-19 crisis to students across Sindh and is aligned with Sindh’s curriculum. Moreover, the App’s interface is available in three languages: English, Urdu, and Sindhi so children with different backgrounds can benefit from it.

SABAQ and SELD selected test-qualified government teachers, to implement blended lessons in the schools.  A total of 89 teachers have been trained to delivery tech-enabled lessons in the govt. schools using the SELD App. As they help bring innovation to public schools, they are referred to as ‘Champions of Change’ in the program.

Dr. Fouzia Khan, Head of Curriculum Wing, and Additional Director (ECCE) of SELD called the implementation of the project as impressive and further observed that the collaboration has empowered the teachers to become Champions of Change for Sindh education system. They receive ongoing training and mentorship from our SABAQ team to ensure a smooth execution.

Sharing her gratitude, Miss Misbah, a teacher from Badin district said “This is the first time an innovation like SELD App has been introduced in the public schools and we are trained on blended learning. Usually, it is the private sector that benefits from these initiatives but we are thankful to SELD, SABAQ and other partners for providing us with the opportunity”.

Miss Sobia, a teacher from Tando Allah Yar district, also voiced her support and said “As a result of the pandemic, I had lost all hope for my students. I felt I won’t be able to help them or reduce their learning losses. But SELD Application has given us hope to help students catch up”

Several parents and community mobilizations activities have been carried out by the Champions of Change in which parents and community members have been trained to download and use the App during school closures amid the COVID-19 situation. With the support of the government, SABAQ aims to scale this successful pilot across all public schools in Sindh in order to be the catalyst for the introduction of digital learning in Pakistan’s education system.

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ISLAMABAD, MAY 6: Saudi Arabia on Wednesday assured Pakistan of its support in its initiatives for regional peace and stability.

The assurance was exten­ded by Chief of General Staff (CGS), Saudi Armed Forces, Gen Fayiadh Bin Hamed Al Rowaily during a meeting with Chief of the Army Staff Gen Qamar Bajwa.

Gen Bajwa is currently on a four-day visit to the Kingdom. His trip is taking place ahead of Prime Minis­ter Imran Khan’s visit scheduled to start from Friday.

“CGS KSA … assured full cooperation and support from KSA in all initiatives aimed at improving regional cooperation, peace and stability,” the Inter-Services Public Relations said in a statement on the meeting.

According to the military’s media affairs wing, the two commanders discussed regional security situation including Afghan peace process, and military-to-military bilateral cooperation.

Gen Bajwa called for greater military-to-military cooperation between the armed forces of the two countries and said it would positively impact regional peace and security.

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COURTESY DAWN NEWS

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ISLAMABAD, MAY 5: To make aware farmers and common masses of R&D activities, Directorate of Public Relations and Protocol of PARC called on electronic, print and social media groups to acquaint about the agri-research and development activities being carried at National Agricultural Research Centre on Wednesday 5th May, 2021.

Special Assistant to PM on MNFS&R Mr. Jamshed Iqbal Cheema was the chief guest while Chairman PARC, Dr. Azeem Khan; DG NARC, Shamim ul Sibtain Shah, all PARC’s Technical Members, PD’s of PDSP projects i.e Rice, Wheat, Sugarcane, Pulses along with other high officials and scientists were also the participants of this event.

On the occasion, Special Assistant to PM on NFSR said that keeping in view of the vital role of agriculture in the development of country and prosperity of farming community, the agriculture sector is among the top priorities of the present Govt. Due to hard work of agriculture scientists, there is no deficiency of any food commodity in the country. He also attributed the progress in agriculture sector to the pro-farmers policies of the present Govt.

Chairman PARC, Dr. Azeem Khan was of the view that Pakistan Agricultural Research Council is working towards the scientific and technological solutions for addressing the agricultural problems. The highly efficient agricultural scientists/experts are intensively researching in the areas of climate resilient farming systems, technological transformation and high value crop production. The Chairman also added that PARC is putting special focus on technological transformation of agriculture in Pakistan.

The media team visited the field area where they were introduced to the Aeroponic green houses; NARC HG-1 garlic variety fields; wheat trials, wheat /AZRC Dera seed production block; NIGAB activities in biotechnology and Genomics; Horticultural research Institute HRI’s performance in the areas of fruits & vegetables; Agri. Engineering Institute where different Machinery was shown and the Dehydration Units that will be installed at AZRC- umerkot in the near future were Introduced. The visitors also mechanized harvesting of Wheat and visited the rye grass trials of the varieties received from Korea. Media persons also shown interest in Rabbitory and Aquaculture at Animal Research institute.

At the end of the visit, a press briefing was organized for the media representatives in which Jamshed Iqbal Cheema, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Food Security and Research reviewed the government's agricultural initiatives including increasing milk production, livestock, agricultural machinery, wheat production and other related issues.

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ISLAMABAD, MAY 5: On 5th May 2021, A certificate Distribution Ceremony was held for the Online Internship Program, “Contemporary Dynamics of Indonesia” jointly organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia to Pakistan and Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad.

The Online Internship Program was organized to facilitate the academic exchange between the two countries and to familiarize the participants with the contemporary characteristics of Indonesia.

The ceremony commenced with the opening remarks of Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director, CGSS. He highlighted that students from across Pakistan participated in this program, these students were provided with an opportunity to interact with renowned experts, analysts, and academicians from Indonesia. Mr. Khalid further applauded the Ambassador of Indonesia to Pakistan for his efforts in enhancing connectivity between Pakistan and Indonesia through this online internship.

Adam M. Tugio, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Pakistan presented a speech on, “Prospects for “Prospects for Strengthening Bilateral Relations between Pakistan- Indonesia”. He also highlighted the political history of Indonesia and its gradual economic development. Furthermore, he highlighted that Indonesia has survived through all challenges by its strong nationalism, national resilience, devolution, and the true spirit of Democracy.

Adam M. Tugio appreciated the management of the Center for Global & Studies (CGSS), Islamabad for their dedicated efforts in planning and organizing the Internship Program. 

He was of the view that this internship has familiarized the participants with the cultural, historical, and linguistic characteristics ofIndonesia. It has played an important role in developing academic linkages between both countries. He was of the view that this internship will open new avenues of cooperation.

Mr. Sanaullah, Former Ambassador of Pakistan to Indonesia also shared his thoughts on the occasion. He shared his experience of being in Indonesia and highlighted that it is a country of great cultural values and diversity. He emphasized that Pakistan is ready to take more initiatives to further strengthen bilateral ties between both countries.

The speeches were followed by an interactive session with His Excellency Adam M. Tugio, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Pakistan.

Letters and Certificates of appreciation were also presented to the interns and organizers of the Online International Internship Program.

In his concluding remarks, Maj. Gen. Hafiz Masroor Ahmed, Vice-President, Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad. He appreciated the enthusiasm of students during the internship and suggested that these kinds of opportunities play a significant role in the professional and academic profile building of students.

The event was moderated by Ms. Palwasha Nawaz, Project Executive, Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad. The interns who couldn’t attend the ceremony due to the COVID-19 situation participated virtually.

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