FARUKH SHEHZAD

Saudi Arabia and longstanding ally Pakistan signed several agreements Saturday and vowed to reset ties strained by months of disagreement over policy on the Kashmir dispute.

RIYADH, MAY 9: Pakistan's prime minister met the crown prince of Saudi Arabia in Jeddah on Saturday to discuss bilateral, regional, and international issues, including the Afghan peace dialogue and the Kashmir dispute.

Imran Khan and Mohammed bin Salman reaffirmed the strong and historic bonds between the two countries rooted firmly in shared beliefs, common values, mutual trust, and longstanding tradition of mutual support, according to a statement by the Prime Minister's Office.

Khan, who is on a three-day visit to the oil-rich kingdom, reiterated Pakistan's "abiding" support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Saudi Arabia.

He outlined his vision for a peaceful region to advance objectives of national economic development and highlighted Islamabad's "consistent" efforts to support peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan.

He also stressed the need for peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute.

The two sides agreed to further strengthen, deepen, and diversify their existing bilateral political, economic, trade, defense, and security ties, according to the statement.

Special emphasis was laid on increasing Saudi investments in Pakistan, collaboration in the field of energy, and increased job opportunities for Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia, it added.

Khan also thanked the Saudi leadership for taking considerate measures for the welfare of Pakistani expatriates during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The two leaders signed the Agreement on Establishment of the Saudi-Pakistan Supreme Coordination Council (SPSCC), the statement added.

The council, co-chaired by the premier and the crown prince, is "designed to impart strategic direction to the development of Pakistan-Saudi relations."

They also witnessed the signing of a number of bilateral agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoU).

These included an "agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Combating Crimes; agreement on Transfer of Convicted Individuals (Prisoners); MoU on Combating Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Precursor Chemicals; and Framework MoU for financing of projects (totaling up to $500 million) in energy, hydropower generation, infrastructure, transport and communication and water resource development."

The Pakistani prime minister also invited the Saudi crown prince to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience, the statement added.

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COURTESY Anews

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KABUL, MAY 9: A blast outside a girls' school in an area of the Afghan capital populated largely by the Hazara community killed at least 30 people and wounded scores including students on Saturday, officials said.

The explosion rocked the west Kabul district of Dasht-e-Barchi — a regular target of Islamist militants — as residents were out shopping ahead of Eidul Fitr next week that marks the end of Ramazan.

It comes as the United States military continues to pull out its last remaining 2,500 troops from violence-wracked Afghanistan, despite faltering peace efforts between the Taliban and Afghan government to end a decades-long war.

Interior ministry spokesman Tareq Arian told reporters that at least “30 people were killed and 52 wounded” in the blast.

Arian's deputy Hamid Roshan told AFP that an investigation had begun into the explosion, adding that casualties included students.

“I saw many bloodied bodies in dust and smoke, while some of the wounded were screaming in pain,” Reza, who escaped the blast, told AFP, adding that most of the victims were teenaged female students who had just left the school.

“I saw a woman checking the bodies and calling for her daughter. She then found her daughter's blood stained purse after which she fainted and fell to the ground.”

Health ministry spokesman Dastagir Nazari said several ambulances had been rushed to the site and were evacuating the wounded.

He said an angry crowd had beaten the ambulance workers at the site.

No organisation took responsibility for the attack and the Taliban denied involvement.

But President Ashraf Ghani blamed the group for the blast, which took place near the entry gate of Sayed Al-Shuhada girls' school.

“This savage group [Taliban] does not have the power to confront security forces on the battlefield, and instead targets with brutality and barbarism public facilities and the girls' school,” he said in a statement.

'Despicable act of terrorism'

The Taliban has denied carrying out attacks in Kabul since February last year, when they signed a deal with the United States that paved the way for peace talks and withdrawal of the remaining US troops.

But the group has clashed in near-daily battles in the rugged countryside with Afghan forces even as the US military continues its withdrawal.

The US was supposed to have pulled all forces out by May 1 under a deal struck with the Taliban last year, but Washington pushed back the date to September 11 — a move that angered the insurgents.

The European Union delegation in Afghanistan condemned what it said was a “despicable act of terrorism”.

“Targeting primarily students in a girls' school, makes this an attack on the future of Afghanistan. On young people determined to improve their country,” it said on Twitter.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) expressed its “deep revulsion” at the blast.

The Dasht-e-Barchi neighbourhood has been a regular target of attacks from Islamist militants.

In May last year a group of gunmen attacked a hospital in the area in a brazen daylight raid that left 25 people killed, including 16 mothers of new-born babies.

The hospital was supported by Doctors Without Borders, the international medical charity, which later pulled out of the project.

No group claimed that attack, but Ghani blamed the Taliban and the Islamic State group.

On October 24, a suicide bomber blew himself up at a tuition centre in the same district, killing 18 people including students in an attack that also went unclaimed.

Pakistan condemns attack

Meanwhile, Pakistan strongly condemned the "reprehensible" attack. In a statement, the Foreign Office said that that Pakistan offered heartfelt condolences to the Afghan government and citizens and prayed for quick recovery of the injured.

"Pakistan condemns terrorism in all forms and manifestations. At this moment of grief, Pakistan stands [with] Afghan brethren in their struggle against the scourge of terrorism," the statement said.

"Pakistan will continue to support Afghanistan on its path to peace, progress and prosperity," it added.

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COURTESY DAWN NEWS

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ANKARA, MAY 8: Foreign Affairs Minister of Palestine, Riyad al-Maliki met Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu in Turkey.

During the meeting both leaders discussed several important matters of bilateral cooperation.

Turkish support with Palestine will always remain active, Mevlut Cavusoglu ensured to Palestinian counterpart.

In addition, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, Mevlut Cavusoglu emphasized strong support and he said that Israel must end occupation of E. Jerusalem and West Bank and must allow elections.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, Mevlut Cavusoglu also condemned attacks on Haram al-Sharif and forced evictions in Sheikh Jarrah.

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LAHORE, MAY 8: PML-N President and Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif was reportedly not allowed to fly from the Lahore airport to the United Kingdom via Qatar on Saturday morning after the Federal Investigation Authority (FIA) allegedly placed his name on "another list", preventing him from leaving the country.

Earlier on Friday, the Lahore High Court (LHC) granted Shehbaz conditional permission to travel abroad once for medical treatment.

Speaking to the media early Saturday morning, PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb said that two FIA officials were present in court when the LHC issued an order allowing Shehbaz to travel abroad. The court order also mentioned the flight number the PML-N president would take to fly to Qatar, Aurangzeb said.

"When Shehbaz Sharif came to the airport today, FIA officials stopped him and said he could not travel because there was another list, a 'person-not-in-list'," she said, adding that according to the FIA, the system had not been updated yet after the court order.

Terming it "malafide" intention, Aurangzeb said that the present government's priorities were focused on "Shehbaz Sharif" and political opponents instead of providing electricity, water, sugar and wheat to citizens.

She claimed that Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry and Adviser to Prime Minister on Accountability and Interior Shahzad Akbar had been issuing statements saying they "did not accept" the order and they would make "complete efforts to stop Shehbaz".

"The proforma that was given [after not letting Shehbaz fly] states ‘of by immigration not updated in IBMS system PNIL notepad’. The two FIA officials present for the court order [...] they did not update the system. [Prime Minister Imran Khan's] instructions came and Akbar carried them out," Aurangzeb alleged.

Dawn.com has reached out to the FIA for a statement on the episode and awaits a response.

The PML-N spokesperson termed the FIA's notice as "lies" and a violation of the LHC's order.

"This is tantamount to contempt of court and we are holding legal discussions on this," she added.

She questioned what the government could gain from stopping Shehbaz from travelling abroad, stressing that the government would have to answer. "They know the public has rejected them whether it is in Daska, Wazirabad or Karachi. This is why they have resorted to such petty actions.

"They are afraid that the PML-N is united, the people of Pakistan are voting for PML-N and Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif's service."

She alleged that Shehbaz was stopped on the "orders" of the prime minister and Akbar.

Speaking alongside Aurangzeb, PML-N leader Ataullah Tarar claimed that there were "two Pakistans" — one where the prime minister could "get his special assistant Zulfiqar Bukhari's name removed from the ECL in 1.5 hours" and the other one in which the system was not updated despite a court order.

"Shehbaz Sharif's name was not on the ECL after which NAB went to the Supreme Court to get [the PML-N president's] name put on the ECL but was rejected. Following this, the NAB-Niazi nexus tried to put Shehbaz's name on the blacklist. There is a list called the 'person-not-in-list' which is illegal and a dirty tactic through which a person can be temporarily stopped from flying abroad".

He too termed the addition of Shehbaz's name to the PNIL as a violation of the LHC order. When the high court is giving permission to travel abroad, then the Ministry of Interior and FIA have "no legal basis" to stop Shehbaz Sharif this way, Tarar said.

"It is the government's job to implement court orders. A deputy attorney general was present in court. How long can you stop [Shehbaz]? We have the orders and we will get them implemented," he emphasised.

When asked whether the PML-N president took clearance from immigration before trying to fly abroad, Tarar replied that the party would "use all legal options as soon as possible". He said the party had a letter from the interior ministry that stated Shehbaz's name had been removed from the ECL.

Looking at Shehbaz's behaviour in the past when he had gone abroad for treatment but then came back to Pakistan, the government has "no ethical or legal basis" for stopping the PML-N president, Tarar added.

Shehbaz had approached the LHC on Thursday to challenge the placement of his name on a travel blacklist/no-fly list and seek one-time permission to go abroad for medical treatment.

Issuing the order on Friday, the high court said: "Dispensation sought for is allowed subject to all just and legal exceptions.

"Keeping in view the past conduct and travel history, the fact that name of the petitioner is not in Exit Control List (ECL) at the moment, the name of the petitioner in blacklist, if already placed, will not stop the petitioner from one-time visit to UK from May 8, 2021, to July 3, 2021 for his medical checkup as per his personal commitment made before this court," said the interim order, a copy of which is available with Dawn.com.

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COURTESY DAWN NEWS

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JEDDAH, MAY 8: Prime Minister Imran Khan has arrived in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on 3 day official visit, on Saturday.

The Prime Minister Imran Khan was received by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and was accorded a warm welcome at King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah.

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 is accompanied by a delegation, including the foreign minister and other members of his cabinet. Wife of PM Imran Khan also travelling with him.

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ISLAMABAD, MAY 8: PATCO is working on its mandate to promote the Research based products of the agriculture scientists and to commercialize these technologies with the support of private sector on the public private partnership. In connection with this vision, the PARC has setup “Business incubation Centre (BIC)” at Bard yard NARC.

The Worthy Chairman PARC Dr. Azeem Khan inaugurated the Aqua PARC plant & PARC Bakery processing Plant in the new established PARC- Business Incubation Centre (BIC). The Inauguration ceremony was attended by the high officials of the PARC, including Chairman PARC, Member (Natural Resources) Dr. Sarfraz Ahmad, DG. NARC, Engr. Shamu ul Sibtain Shah and CEO PATCO Dr. Muhammad Amjad, Secretary PATCO Dr. Tariq Sultan and other officials of the PARC and the Private sector Partners Mr. Waseem Abbas Aulakh.

While addressing the audience the Chairman PARC emphasized that Agriculture production should also be backed by the value addition of the various produce including the dehydration of the vegetables and fruits for the export purpose in the high end markets. Under the Umbrella of this Business Incubation Center several research based interventions would be launched.

Recently, two research based initiatives have been started at the Business Incubation Centre (BIC). The PARC Aqua Plant which is equipped with the Automatic water filtration and packaging plant, is installed in the Business Incubation Centre.

This activity will provide high quality drinking water to the community and would be jointly run on the public private partnerships model. Similarly, for the production of quality bakery products, the PARC Food processing plant (PARC Bakery) has also been setup in the same Centre and this will run on the commercial basis in collaboration with the S&S solutions.

Both of these activities are expected to generate the job opportunities for the skilled and unskilled manpower. These initiatives will help to generate the revenue for the sustainability of the institute and to support the research and development activities in the centre.

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ISLAMABAD, MAY 8: Pakistan's newly-appointed Air Force chief commended Turkey on Friday for its "ever-available" support to Islamabad on several key issues.

Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu was speaking at a meeting with Turkey's Ambassador to Pakistan, Ihsan Mustafa Yurdakul, who called him at the Air Force headquarters in the capital Islamabad, according to a statement by the Air Force.

The two discussed various matters of mutual interest during the meeting which was the first between them, the statement added.

Acknowledging Ankara's support, Sidhu, who was appointed as air chief in March, said Turkey is one of the few countries that has always "unequivocally" supported Pakistan.

The two countries' air forces, he added, will continue to cooperate in every field.

For his part, Yurdakul extended his felicitations to the air chief on assuming command of the Pakistani Air Force, which he praised for its professionalism.

He said the peoples of both countries were "entwined" in a "long-lasting bond of brotherhood, complimented by common religion, culture and history," the statement added.

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COURTESY Anews

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ISLAMABAD, MAY 7: Huawei Pakistan and the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) have signed a memorandum of understanding to join hands in the development of talent within Pakistan’s artificial intelligence (AI) sector. The memorandum reaffirms an existing five-year healthy relationship between both entities.

The signing ceremony was attended by the Rector of NUST, Lt Gen (R) Engr. Javed Mahmood Bukhari, HI (M), Pro-Rector for Research, Innovation & Commercialization, Air Vice Marshal Dr. Rizwan Riaz SI(M), Huawei Middle East Vice President, Mr. Spacelee, Huawei Pakistan Deputy CEO, Mr. Wuhan, Vice President of Huawei EBG Service, Mr. Kyle Zhang, along with other respective members from both organizations.

The program is yet another enterprise-academic collaboration that explores the possibilities to integrate Huawei’s AI HCIA/HCIP course contents into AI-related courses offered by the university, and consequently, boost ICT talent in Pakistan. NUST, being the leading engineering university in the country, is recognized worldwide for the quality of education and research it offers.

Rector Javed Mahmood stated,” I firmly believe that from today onwards we will take our relationship to the next level. This bilateral relationship between Huawei and NUST is characterized by feelings of mutual interest, respect and goodwill towards each other.”

Mr. Spacelee, VP of Huawei Middle East, added: “Huawei attaches great importance to technology transfer and ICT talent cultivation in Pakistan, these programs include Seeds for the Future, AI training and 51 Huawei ICT Academies that have been established throughout Pakistan and have certified 10,000 people. Huawei will share its best practices and knowledge with NUST, providing AI knowledge transfer so that NUST students have the opportunity to connect with the industry at an early stage. Furthermore, future cooperation in the fields of intelligent computing, cloud computing is also being planned.”

Recent AI research will be shared with the NUST faculty and students so that they may benefit from the most secure, advanced solutions to improve the value of their academic programs. Through such programs, Huawei and NUST shall support Pakistan’s national ICT education initiative, while sharing expertise that contributes to actualizing the vision for Digital Pakistan.

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ISLAMABAD, MAY 7: Specialized Course for Foreign Nationals on, “Contemporary Dynamics of Pakistan” jointly organized by Regional Integration Center, University of the Punjab, Lahore, and Center for Global & Strategic (CGSS), Islamabad.

Contemporary Dynamics of Pakistan is a comprehensive, interactive, informative, and pragmatic program designed for foreign nationals. It aims to sharpen the skills of participants through intensive lecturing, multimedia presentations, and interactive sessions about the host country.

This program will strive to acquaint them better with Pakistan, the foreign nationals may have the golden opportunity to meet with dignified speakers, experts, government officials/policymakers.

The course is complimentary for all participants across the globe and a certificate of participation will be awarded to all participants.

Executive Summary:

Contemporary Dynamics of Pakistan is a comprehensive, interactive, informative, and pragmatic program designed for foreign nationals especially for Eurasia, Middle East, and European Union.

The aim is to make bridges of better understanding and disseminate a true picture of Pakistan, its foreign policy, the importance of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Kashmir issue, political system, democratization, the strategic importance of Central Asian Countries, various energy projects and last but not least tourism. It is also designed to promote cross-cultural understanding.

It is a multidisciplinary and multifaceted program that provides an environment of meaningful and practical learning and personal growth. It allows foreigners to know about the basic characteristics and salient features of Pakistan’s foreign policy, commercial diplomacy, cultural diplomacy, business & investment policies, political system, and tourism opportunities for the further strengthening of bilateral relations, inflows of FDIs, joint ventures and last but not least, diminishing of numerous confusions, contradictions and conspiracy theories.

The courses aim to include intensive lecturing, multimedia presentations, and interactive sessions about the Pakistan. It also includes an overview of the basic concepts and issues relevant to its foreign policy, commercial diplomacy, greater regional connectivity (CPEC), and regional energy cooperation (TAPI & IP, CASA-1000, etc.). Participants joining us from across the globe will also be introduced to Pakistani culture and society, government and politics, as well as its economy.

During their course, the Foreign nationals will have the opportunity to experience and study first hand, Pakistan, its national & regional as well as global strategic policies, history, cultures as well as its prospects and potentials.

Each subject in the curriculum is coordinated and delivered by course coordinators through lectures and interactive sessions. Each lecture typically comprises 60 minutes of talk followed by 30 minutes of Q&A.

Throughout the program, Regional Integration Center (RIC), University of the Punjab, Lahore, and Centre for Global Strategic Studies (CGSS) will strive to promote better understanding and stimulate knowledge-based activities.

Participants will have the opportunity to interact with dignified speakers, experts, government officials/policymakers.

Audience/Attendees:

Foreign Nationals from across the globe are eligible to apply

Program Language:

English

Mode of Communication:

The course will be held online, via Zoom Connection

Speakers

The lectures of this Specialized Course (SDC) will be delivered by subject experts arranged by the University of the Punjab, Lahore, and the Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad.

Both the institutions have a large pool of valuable human resources (national and international) in terms of highly qualified academicians and prominent regional experts who will prove to be a source of inspiration for the participants.

Duration of the Course

The course duration is two weeks.

Learning Methodology

The courses curriculum has eight major modules:

Module 1: The Vibrant History of Pakistan As the past, present, and future are inextricably linked, the importance of history cannot be denied. The true dissemination of historical knowledge is, therefore, a prerequisite for a nation’s development. This module will focus on the vibrant history of Pakistan.

Module 2: Pakistan’s Governance and Political System This module focuses on the governance and political system of Pakistan. It will cover all the major pillars involved to constitute the political system of Pakistan.

Module 3: Pakistan’s Status in the Regional Power Structure The region of which Pakistan is a part is quite diverse and complex since the country is located at the interface of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Pakistan provides great opportunities for the region. This module focuses on the significant role of Pakistan in the regional power structure.

Module 4: Pakistan’s Foreign Policy Outlook This module will focus on the major determinants of Pakistan’s foreign policyand the principles and objectives of Pakistan’s foreign policy. It will also discuss Pakistan’s relationship with other countries and also the latest developments in Pakistan’s foreign policy vis-à-vis the Kashmir issue.

Module 5: Pakistan’s Culture & Society Pakistan has a rich and unique culture that has preserved established traditions throughout history. This module will highlight the enriched Pakistani culture and would also focus on the importance of the customs and traditions of Pakistan. It would also discuss the current socio-cultural patterns of society.

Module 6: Pakistan and International Political Economy This module focuses on the significant role of Pakistan in the International economy including major international projects i.e., CPEC, TAPI, IP, and CASA-1000

Module 7: Tourism Potential of Pakistan

Pakistan is a prominent tourist destination and this module will focus and highlight the tourism potential of the country. A country with diverse cultures and natural beauty, Pakistan is a heaven for any tourist.

Module 8: Pakistan’s Energy Cooperation in South and Central Asia Pakistan has tremendous potential for cooperation in the energy sector. This module will highlight various sectors in which Pakistan can prove to be a major contributor to South and Central Asia.

Application Process

The filled Application form should be submitted by email to infocgss@yahoo.com by 25th May 2021. For any queries, please contact: Ms. Palwasha Nawaz, Project Executive, Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad at infocgss@yahoo.com Mobile: +92 306 5281927

All interested candidates must submit the following documents to be

considered for the program:

1. Application Form

2. Resume

Certificates

Certificates of participation are awarded to participants upon completion of the program.

You are requested to Share your resume at infocgss@yahoo.com for registrations.

Kindly find attached the application form and detailed concept note of the course.

To know more about University of the Punjab Lahore, kindly visit:

http://www.pu.edu.pk/

To know more about CGSS, kindly visit:

http://cgss.com.pk/

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Renew Europe, a liberal, pro-European political group of the European Parliament, presented a resolution and was passed by the EU by an overwhelming majority of 681 votes against six only. Extremist, racist groups influence the EU. No doubt, the whole world is suffering from intolerance and extremism. There are many racist movements in America and Europe too.

Pakistan being an open and democratic country, enjoys total freedom of expression to its citizen. There must be diverse voices within Pakistan. The Government of Pakistan is a parliamentary system. All matters are discussed in the parliament, which is responsible for building consensus on all crucial issues and addressing the concerns of all groups, factions, parties, minorities, etc.

Historically, Pakistan was a very tolerant and peace-loving, balanced society, but during the 1980s war in Afghanistan, Pakistan was radicalized by design. The western world deliberately promoted intolerance, religious extremist, and terrorism. Almost all intelligence agencies of the leading Western World were engaged in Pakistan for arming, training, and inspiring youth for Jihad in Afghanistan. 

These international intelligence agencies collected radical individuals from all over the world and concentrated them in Pakistan to launch Jihad in Afghanistan; Many terrorist organizations were created by them in the whole Muslim world, was either, Mujahideen, Taliban, Daesh, Al-Qaida, or ISIS, Boko-Haram, or any other militant group, was the creation of Western World and used for particular objectives. After achieving their goals, they banned them and kept their distance from them. And she was now blaming them for terrorism, Unfortunate!

 Pakistan was a close ally of the US, NATO, and Europe (Western World), an essential front-line state in the Afghan war, and a non-NATO ally in the war on terror.  Pakistan suffered extremism, intolerance, terrorism, gun culture, and drug culture, promoted by the Western world. Pakistan is a victim state.

The visionary leadership in Pakistan is very much clear about the situation and determined to establish the rit of government while staying within the democratic values of our system. The recent unrest in Pakistan was a domestic issue, just like in many parts of Europe and America. 

The incident of Capitol Hill, Killing of Gorge Floyd, and followed continued protests and demonstrations in America; agitations, demonstrations in many parts of Europe are witnessed often, it is believed that all governments are trying to resolve their domestic issues within their Constitution. There was no external pressure on either of these governments. It is expected that let Pakistan overcome its domestic crisis, and the capable Government of PM Imran Khan has already resolved the issue amicably.

Under this scenario, the adoption of a resolution by the EU is not appreciated and, in fact, has hurt the feeling of ordinary Pakistani. It reflects the bias of EU only. A resolution presented by the extremist group should not be the voice of the whole EU. Trust, there must be many reasonable, moderate, and unbiased members in the  EU parliament who think logically and rationally. The adoption of such a resolution is totally irrational, irresponsible, and against the globalization spirit.

While Pakistan is engaged to clear the mess created by Western World and almost near to succeed entirely, there is a dire need for International support, and coercion may not be fruitful at this critical moment. It is hoped that the EU may re-consider the resolution and revert it immediately. All peace-loving parliamentarians in the EU are appealed to think rationally and logically to promote international cooperation and understanding to defeat intolerance, bais, extremist, terrorism and turn the whole world into a better place to live and gift our next generation peace, stability, harmony, and prosperity.

However, Islamophobia is an international phenomenon in recent decades all over the Western World. The Prime Minister of Pakistan mentioned it in his speech at the United Nations General assembly (UNGA) last year. A similar resolution was also passed in the OIC. The whole Muslim World is worried and unhappy over blasphemy in the few western countries. There were protests and demonstrations by Muslims all over the world, with various intensities. At the same time, Muslims respect other religions and deserve to reciprocate respect for Islam.

The federal government in Pakistan has decided to address the European Parliament’s reservations after the body had called for an appraisal of Pakistan’s GSP Plus status. The development came after Prime Minister Imran Khan chaired a meeting involving senior ministers of the cabinet. It was called in response to a resolution approved by the European Parliament a few days ago, calling for an assessment of Pakistan’s GSP Plus status. 

The premier stressed the government would not compromise on the laws about the finality of the Prophethood. The participants, during the meeting, decided to address the reservations of the European Union. It was also unanimously agreed that the protection of minorities in the country would be ensured. The participants believed the GSP Plus trade agreement has nothing to with blasphemy laws.

In response to the European Parliament’s resolution, the Foreign Office had expressed disappointment over the development.”The discourse in the European Parliament reflects a lack of understanding in the context of blasphemy laws and associated religious sensitivities in Pakistan – and the wider Muslim world. The unwarranted commentary about Pakistan’s judicial system and domestic laws are regrettable,” read a statement by the FO.

“Pakistan is a parliamentary democracy with a vibrant civil society, free media, and independent judiciary, which remains fully committed to the promotion and protection of human rights for all its citizens without discrimination,” the Foreign Office had added.

The FO had emphasized that Pakistan is proud of its minorities who enjoy equal rights and complete protection of fundamental freedoms as enshrined in the Constitution. Judicial and administrative mechanisms and remedies are in place to guard against any human rights violations.

“Pakistan has played an active role in promoting freedom of religion or belief, tolerance, and inter-faith harmony. At a time of rising Islamophobia and populism, the international community must exhibit a common resolve to fight xenophobia, intolerance, and incitement to violence based on religion or belief and work together to strengthen peaceful co-existence.”

There exist multiple mechanisms in place between Pakistan and the EU to discuss the all-inclusive spectrum of bilateral relations, including a devoted Dialogue on Democracy, Rule of Law, Governance, and Human Rights. Pakistan would continue to remain definitely engaged with the EU on all issues of mutual interest. Pakistan believes in dialogue under the charter of the UN. Pakistan desires an early dialogue and settlement of all differences amicably. Any unilateral decision may not be fruitful to either side.

It is time to strengthen our ties and mutual support. Only by collective efforts may we turn this universe into a better place to live for humankind. Pakistan assures its best possible cooperation at all times and awaits reciprocity from the EU.

Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan, Sinologist (ex-Diplomat), Non-Resident Fellow of CCG (Center for China and Globalization), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan.

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COURTESY moderndiplomacy

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ISLAMABAD, MAY 7: Anger has been building among the foreign service officers over Prime Minister Imran Khan’s comments accusing them of harbouring ‘colonial mindset’ and ‘callousness’ in dealing with the expatriate community.

Prime Minister Khan had, while speaking to envoys posted in 19 countries through video conferencing on Wednesday, said that he had noticed “shocking callousness” of Pakistani diplomats posted overseas after a few recent incidents involving the expatriates.

He was in particular critical of the missions in Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates, which host the largest Pakistani communities overseas, but the way the comments were delivered made it look like a censure of the entire foreign service.

“Indifferent attitude is unforgivable, unacceptable,” Mr Khan had said, telling the officers to give up their ‘colonial mindset’ and extend special treatment to the expatriate communities.

• Posting of officials of allied departments on merit urged

Mr Khan’s comments came after the government suspended outgoing envoy to Saudi Arabia Raja Ejaz and recalled six other diplomats from Riyadh for not properly serving the community and inefficiency.

The prime minister’s comments led to angst, and demoralisation among the officers of the foreign service. To quote the words of one officer, the anger over the “caustic remarks” is very intense and the comments “have made even the reticent ones to speak up”.

There is no denying that overseas communities have faced problems at the embassies, but in conversation with Dawn, officers contended that prime minister’s own presentation of the issues displayed his lack of understanding of the issues and that he solely relied on complaints while making the allegations instead of first studying the issue.

Although serving officers, because of the official discipline, could not publicly respond, former foreign secretaries took the lead in denouncing the premier’s comments on social media.

Former foreign secretary Tehmina Janjua wrote on Twitter: “Deeply dismayed at the unwarranted criticism of the Foreign Ministry. There seems to be woefully inadequate understanding of Embassies’ consular work, the acute resource constraints, and the role of multiple departments which [are] not under the control of Ambassadors.”

Another former foreign secretary Salman Bashir explained on Twitter: “Usual services to the community are essentially in the domain of other departments that handle passports, nicop [National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis], consular attestation etc.”

There are structural reasons behind these problems and if thoroughly and dispassionately probed, it would become evident that the rot is due to the dysfunction of various governmental institutions and not the Foreign Office alone. Blaming FO would only cover up the real structural issues, officers posted at the FO stressed.

The prime minister himself mentioned that most of the complaints pertain to passports and ID cards, which come under the domain of Ministry of Interior and National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra).

“Officers of the Machine Readable Passports and ID cards have their own issues, there are problems with their posting, which is mostly not done on merit, whereas the flak is taken by foreign service officers who neither post them nor can hold them accountable as they don’t sign their performance reports, commonly called ACRs,” a Pakistani diplomat at an overseas mission pointed out.

More significantly, the officials from directorate general of passport and Nadra are not trained to function in foreign environments. “A majority are rude, make applicants take multiple rounds and in most of the cases with shortcomings, these officials use the ‘over-rule’ button — implying that the applicant is ‘not’ a Pakistan national, rendering thousands of Pakistanis stateless who then have to pay large amounts to get their names cleared,” another foreign service officer said.

Similarly, going online for visas, ID cards, and passports has created lots of problems. The blind jump on the “online” wagon too has been made without enough research. The common Pakistani in the Middle East, Europe and even in North America cannot write Urdu let alone English. An exasperated officer said: “You have pushed Pakistanis into the hands of agent mafias dominated by Indians, Bengalis, Afghans and Pakistanis. All Pakistanis abroad pay them hefty fees, and the data reaches hostile countries.”

Overseas Pakistanis based in UAE, Portugal, Italy and Greece say that “now even the gatekeepers at Pakistani missions abroad, akin to Western embassies in Pakistan, just shoo away visa applicants”. One wonders whether security implications of even starting online passports were studied before its hasty implementation.

`Angst is palpable’

The angst in the Foreign Office is palpable and widespread. “There are numerous sterling examples,” said a senior officer at the headquarters.

The Strategic Communications Division under the foreign minister has aligned Pakistan’s social media initiative for the first time in Pakistan’s history on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. The FM direct application allows communication with heads of missions and it is frequently used. New missions are being opened in Africa.

Officers at the FO said the Foreign Office has emerged as the custodian of Pakistan’s moral stand on Kashmir. The FO has defended Pakistan’s nuclearisation in a hostile world as well as its defence needs.

It is not that diaspora only has complaints against the Pakistani missions. They in WhatsApp conversations recalled that the entire staff of the embassy in Greece contracted coronavirus and had to function minimally; the consulate in Milan issued travel documents late into the night when immigration opened in Italy last year. The state legislature of New York passed a resolution on Kashmir due to the efforts of the consulate and the community there. The Los Angeles consulate has worked with Amazon to give Pakistan seller status. The Barcelona consulate is famous in Europe because it remained open on Sundays during Covid 1 and 2, making Pakistan the first country to take back its coronavirus victims.

They pointed out that the UAE and Saudi Arabia might be in the eye of the storm but they too evacuated thousands of Pakistanis from Dubai and Jeddah in the most difficult situations, in a very difficult host country environment. A letter of the National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser dated July 27, 2020 surfaced on Thursday in which he had praised the now suspended former envoy to Saudi Arabia Raja Ejaz and the embassy staff for their role in repatriation of Pakistanis during the Covid-19 crisis.

Ms Janjua in a tweet recalled: “Officers displaying colonial mindset? Far from it. Only during Covid, officers volunteered to be with community in Wuhan, embassies looked after stranded Pakistanis, distributed food.”

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COURTESY DAWN NEWS

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