FARUKH SHEHZAD

NAB says he isn’t cooperating in the investigation

ISLAMABAD, MAY 22: The Islamabad High Court has extended interim bail of B4U owner Saif-ur-Rehman’s till June 9 for scamming the public in the name of investment.

Saif-ur-Rehman did not appear before the court on Thursday as he had tested positive for Covid-19. His request to remain absent from the hearing was accepted.

A written reply from the National Accountability Bureau was made part of the record.

NAB requested the court to dismiss Saif-ur-Rehman’s petition against its call-up notice. Rehman’s lawyer, however, sought time to respond to NAB.

The anti-graft body informed the court that Saif-ur-Rehman’s companies were in deficit. The profit made by them for the public was apparently unrealistic, it said.

NAB opposed Rehman’s plea for the extension of bail. “In the public interest, the petition of the accused should be rejected,” it said.

But the court granted the plea and adjourned the hearing till June 9.

Earlier, Rehman and his son Ahmar’s name were put on the Exit Control List so they couldn’t leave the country as their company is being investigated for a fraud.

The two men have been accused of fraudulently encouraging people to invest in their company.

NAB has asked victims of the B4U Global fraud to contact it in Rawalpindi.

B4U Global Investment grew 4.5 times in less than a year with its investor base rising from 100,000 in June to 450,000. It is estimated that the company has attracted billions of rupees in investment.

The Malaysia-returned Pakistani uses a controversial multi-level marketing business model to offer people unrealistic and guaranteed profits. The promise ranges from 7% to 20% a month (or 2.4 times a year), depending on one’s network size.

Earlier in December last year, the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan warned people against investing in any fraudulent schemes that promise hefty profits and unrealistic incentives. B4U was on its list.

“This entity is raising unauthorised deposits from the general public in the name of different investment plans,” the SECP said. It added B4U is working with different companies registered with the SECP, and that the watchdog has already initiated legal proceedings against these companies and their directors.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

COURTESY SAMAA

----------- 

Infrastructure transformation enables enhanced data-driven capabilities and faster and better-informed decision-making

KARACHI, MAY 21: IBM (NYSE: IBM) and GBM Pakistan (Private) Limited (GBM Pakistan), an IBM Business Partner, today announced that Honda Atlas Cars Pakistan (Honda Pakistan) has selected IBM Systems and IBM Storage solutions to run its real-time planning solution, based on SAP S/4HANA. 

The move was designed to enhance customer experience across Honda Pakistan’s 35 dealerships in the country and boost its after-sales services. Today, Honda Pakistan benefits from an approximately 80% acceleration in spare part planning for its customers.

Honda Pakistan is a joint venture between Honda Motor Company Limited and the Atlas Group of Companies and produces over 50K units per annum. In 2015, it turned to IBM Global Business Services (GBS) to deploy its initial SAP ECC Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system to benefit from real-time planning and in turn, improve customer experience.

Recently, IBM GBS completed an IBM HANA Impact Assessment, which helped Honda Pakistan plan for the technical and operational requirements of the SAP S/4HANA move. To further enhance and nurture long-term customer loyalty, the company decided to revamp its after-sales services, which include maintenance, repairs, and vehicle servicing and collaborated with IBM and GBM Pakistan to implement IBM Power Systems and IBM FlashSystem Storage for its new SAP S/4HANA environment.

“In just a few years, rapid economic growth in Pakistan has caused dramatic changes both in the competitive landscape and consumer expectations,” Mr. Maqsood-ur-Rehman Rehmani Vice President, Honda Pakistan. “At Honda Pakistan, customer experience lies at the core of everything that we do and our after-sales service is no different. It is incredibly important for maintaining customer loyalty which is why we have turned to IBM processing and storage solutions and GBM Pakistan to revamp our services and further enhance customer satisfaction.”

Through the deployment of IBM Power Systems, Honda Pakistan today benefits from optimized performance and real-time planning. It also was able to drive up server utilization and reduce its spending on power and cooling in its data center.

As part of the transformation, Honda Pakistan also moved SAP S/4HANA to the IBM FlashSystem 5000 for fast access to its growing data volumes. With the addition of the FlashSystem and the greater availability to data the company is able to fuel analytics to make better-informed decisions, more quickly. In the past, generating reports on spare parts orders from its dealerships across Pakistan required up to 20 minutes to complete. Today, this process only requires a few minutes—a reduction of approximately 80 percent, freeing up the time of employees for more strategic initiatives.

“In a growing sector like the automotive industry in Pakistan, digital transformation and implementation of new technologies such as IBM Power Systems and IBM FlashSystem storage determines how much data can be stored and how fast it can be transmitted, processed and accessed,” says Asif Ahmad, Country General Manager, IBM Pakistan. “The improvement in efficiency for Honda Pakistan’s unique business requirements truly demonstrates the importance of continuing to evolve technology provisions within enterprises.”

“We are delighted to be announcing yet another landmark IT project, this time for a leading automotive company, Honda Pakistan,” said Saqib Ahmad Khan, Country General Manager, GBM Pakistan. “Honda Pakistan has been taking bold, innovative steps to redefine customer experience, and this project is yet another testament to the company’s commitment to its customers.”

GBM Pakistan is a member of IBM PartnerWorld, IBM’s partner program that empowers businesses with the tools and resources they need to help transform clients into industry leaders.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

(Japan-Pakistan think-tank cooperation)

ISLAMABAD, MAY 21: Developing intellectual exchange between two countries by facilitating exchange of sophisticated information and various perspectives through experts will contribute to mutual understanding. From this viewpoint, the Embassy of Japan has always been committed to promoting think-tank cooperation between Japan and Pakistan.

In this context, we welcome that the Institute of Developing Economies (IDE-JETRO) in Japan and the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) held the first online workshop on May 17, 2021.

Starting from the opening remarks and mutual introductions by FUKAO Kyoji, the President of IDE-JETRO and Nadeem Ul Haque, the Vice-Chancellor of PIDE, experts from both sides have made presentations and discussed about topics such as Labor Force Participation of Women, Reform Agenda for Accelerated and Sustained Growth, Geographical Simulation Model of IDE, and Tax Policy Design and Options for Reform.

MATSUDA Kuninori, Ambassador of Japan is very pleased with the development of cooperation between two institutions. “Although it is not easy to arrange physical people to people exchange between two countries under current COVID-19 situation, it is remarkable that two institutions have taken initiatives to realize this mile-stone event.

The Embassy of Japan will continue to support think-tank cooperation towards the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relationship between Japan and Pakistan in 2022”, he said.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Relationship between China, Pakistan has set a model for other countries: Chinese ambassador

ISLAMABAD, MAY 2021: China-Pakistan Study Centre (CPSC) at Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) launched its second edited book titled ‘Higher than Karakoram: Seven Decades of Pakistan-China Partnership” on May 20, 2021.

Sohail Mahmood, Foreign Secretary was the Chief Guest at the event, while, Nong Rong, Ambassador of People's Republic of China was Guest of Honor.  Other dignitaries and discussants included Mr. Moin ul Haque, Ambassador of Pakistan to China, Ambassador Naghmana Hashmi, Ambassador Masood Khalid, Dr. Fazal ur Rehman, Director Pakistan Institute of China Studies, University of Sargodha, Dr. Di Yuna, Executive Director, Pakistan Study Center of Science & Technology and Economy, and Dr. Li Jingfeng, Director Regional & Strategic Research Office, Sichuan Academy of Social Sciences.

During his remarks, Nong Rong, Ambassador of People's Republic of China congratulated ISSI and CPSC for launching the book at the important occasion, when China and Pakistan are celebrating the seven decades of diplomatic relations.

While delving on importance of the bilateral relations, Ambassador Nong Rong stated that the relationship between China and Pakistan has set a model for other countries. He underscored the importance of research in propagating the right narrative and also suggested to focus on more areas of common interests.

The Chief Guest, Sohail Mahmood appreciated ISSI and CPSC for publishing the book and underscored that this book will guide the future discourse of the important relationship between Pakistan and China.

 While delving on the seven decades of this relationship, Mahmood stated that the expressions like ‘higher than Himalayas, deeper than ocean, sweeter than honey’ are not mere cliché’s but the realities and substantiation of this important relationship. He further said that the two countries support each other on the issues of their core interest.

 China has stood by Pakistan in supporting our key strategic, economic, and developmental priorities including the issue of Jammu and Kashmir.

To commemorate the historic event, the Chief Guest said that Foreign Ministers of China and Pakistan unveiled the official logo of 70th anniversary in a simultaneously held virtual ceremony on March 2 2021. Pakistan has planned a series of events, spread over the entire year to commemorate the historic occasion in a befitting manner. He further hoped that such academic exchanges and insightful learning will help understand the significance of this relationship and achieve key policy objectives.

Earlier during his welcome remarks, Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Director General ISSI, congratulated CPSC and outlined how ISSI has created a vision of which the edited books are a part of. Ambassador Chaudhry said that what makes this book unique is that it marks the 70th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan.

With their expertise over their respective areas, the authors have provided the readers with valuable information on the past, present and future trends in the multiple dimensions of bilateral ties between China and Pakistan. The fact that both Pakistani and Chinese authors have contributed in this book reflects our commitment to address our challenges collectively.

While introducing the book Dr. Talat Shabbir, Director CPSC said that through this book, CPSC has brought to light the fact as to why our relationship is considered to be ‘Higher than Karakoram’. He further hoped this book will help readers have better understanding of this unique relationship and will lead to further meaningful academic exchanges in the times to come.

At the conclusion of the event, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman ISSI presented the Institute’s memento to the distinguished guests.

---------------------------------------------------------------

NEW YORK, MAY 21: Pakistan on Thursday joined Turkey in urging the UN to deploy an international protection force in occupied Palestinian territories to protect innocents there from Israeli violence.

Speaking at a UN General Assembly special meeting on Palestine, Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said Gaza has plunged in darkness, literally and metaphorically, while the only light is that of Israeli explosions.

"The General Assembly should call for concrete steps to protect the Palestinians. We should deploy an international protection force, as was called for in General Assembly Resolution ES-10/20 and as demanded by the Islamic Summit Conference on 18 May 2018," Qureshi said.

"If the Security Council cannot agree to send a protection force, a 'coalition of the willing' can be formed to provide at least civilian observers to monitor a cessation of the hostilities and supervise the provision of humanitarian help to the Palestinians," he suggested.

The meeting in New York chaired by Volkan Bozkir, the Turkish diplomat who heads the UN General Assembly, was also attended by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and foreign ministers from such countries as Palestine, Turkey, Qatar, Jordan, Algeria, Pakistan, Indonesia, Kuwait, Maldives, Tunisia, and Saudi Arabia.

This was also the first in-person participation at the ministerial level at UN headquarters since the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020, according to Bozkir.

Qureshi also called on Guterres and the UN high commissioner for human rights to offer protection to Israel's Arab citizens who are being lynched and murdered by fascist Israeli gangs.

ACCOUNTABLE FOR WAR CRIMES

Qureshi also urged Israel be held accountable for its war crimes and asked the UN to activate the Human Rights Council, International Criminal Court, International Court of Justice, and other avenues to ensure this.

"Israel's crimes against humanity should not escape accountability. There should be no impunity for violation of international law, including the Fourth Geneva Convention and other human rights conventions," he said.

Qureshi said that so far over 250 Palestinians have been killed and thousands other injured, one-third of them women and children.

"Death echoes in every home in Gaza. The Israeli airstrikes are responsible for the taking of every single life of the Abu Hatab family. Two were women and eight children," he said, adding that so far over 50,000 Palestinian have fled their homes in Gaza.

He added that Israeli airstrikes destroyed entire buildings to kill and terrorize innocent Palestinians and even silence the media.

"It is time to say 'Enough!'" he said.

He underlined his country's full support for the Palestinian people, saying, "The voice of the Palestinian people cannot and will not be silenced. We, the representatives of the Islamic world, are here to speak with them and for them."

Qureshi also expressed regret over the Security Council's failure to halt Israeli attacks, saying: "It is appalling that the Security Council has been unable to exercise its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. The Security Council has failed even to demand a cessation of hostilities."

"Those preventing the council from doing so bear a heavy responsibility," he added, referring to the US blocking Security Council statements demanding an immediate cease-fire.

Qureshi ended his speech with a verse from his country's resistance poet saying: "O Land of Palestine! I too, am there for you."

-----------------------------------------------------------------

COURTESY Anews

----------- 

By Khalid Taimur Akram

                  ‘’A friend in need, is a friend indeed’’                  

On 21 May 1951, Pakistan and China established their diplomatic relations. However, the attachment of true friendship date back to centuries-old trade relations, when Chinese traders travel through the sub-continent for business trips to Europe, Middle East, and the world’s other parts via the ancient Silk Route. Both countries are enjoying strong cordial ties since the commencement of diplomatic relations. 

The relationship bloomed into an “All-weather cooperative partnership” with many projects of inclusive economic development. 2021 is a year in which China and Pakistan are celebrating the 70^th anniversary of everlasting friendship. Seventy years of unprecedented and close bilateral relations are based on mutual respect, trust, harmony, and goodwill between both nations. Cultural exchanges have resulted in enhancing people-to-people contacts. 

The non-regional powers tried to create many ups and down in both state’s diplomatic and economic partnership. However, they have remained failed to fracture the strong bond between both countries. Therefore, this article aims to highlights the potential contours of the bilateral relations between China and Pakistan. Moreover, the study also gives a brief analysis of the seventy years of mutual cooperative and successful patterns of collaboration between China and Pakistan.

China and Pakistan: Iron Brothers

Pakistan considers China one of the closest partners, and China termed the relationship with Pakistan as Iron Brothers.Both countries have shared weal and woe, established an all-weather friendship and carried out all-round cooperation since the establishment of diplomatic relations.In the past 70 years, both states adhere to some fundamental principles in developing the relationship.In this regard, the contours of the first principle are as follows:

• ·    Equality
• ·    Respects of each other’s sovereignty, integrity and independence.
• ·    Trust and mutual assistance

The contours of the second principles are as follows:

• ·    Decision-making based on joint consensus
• ·    Approaches of mutual benefits
• ·    Win-win cooperation to collectively pursue progress and inclusive development.

The Contour of the third principles are as follows:

• ·  Close cooperation and coordination in major international and regional issues, ensuring the common interests of the two countries and other developing states.

Under these principles, it is a proud time to witness the China-Pakistan relationship as the model of peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation of countries with different cultures and social systems.China, a rising superpower has left no stone unturned to help its true friends in the time of crisis. The world is multipolar Now. The changing dynamics of global politics and multilateral civilizational patterns have enabled countries to indulged in cooperation and defy orthodox notions of confrontation.  In this regard, with the full support of Pakistan, China has emerged as a significant player in regional and international socio-politico and economic discourse.

China’s Grand Initiatives under the Incumbent Visionary leadership of China: Role of Pakistan

China is integrating and engaging all countries through its grand visions of cooperation and inclusive economic development. China’s Belt & Road Initiative (BRI), its mega flagship project China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and many other potential projects are the clear manifestation of President Xi Jinping’s integrating visions. These initiatives of grand alignments always acquired full support from Pakistan. Pakistan has remained one of the best allies of China in every leap and bound.

Moreover, China and Pakistan contribute to regional peace and security through the narratives of significant alignments. In this regard, Beijing’s exceptional ideas such as ‘Dialogue of Civilizations’ and ‘Building a Community with Shared Future’ are resulting in achieving mutual benefits and prosperity. Therefore, Pakistan is also working closely with China to establish an integrated framework of cooperation and grand regional alignments to find solutions for the common challenges. These narratives will definitely bring peace, unite nations, and tackle the issues collectively.

Underpinning the Contours of Inclusive Economic Development: Pakistan-China Integrated Framework

It is a time to recall with pride the collective achievements of China-Pakistan and draw advanced horizons for taking the truly unique friendship and partnership forward. One of the main essences of this strong bond is an economic partnership. In this new era, CPEC is the major highlight of both countries’ relationships.It has been anticipated that the total Gross Domestic Product(GDP) of Pakistan would be US$ 4.2 trillion by 2050. CPEC covers and cooperate in all the fundamental fields and beyond, such as science & technology, research & development agriculture, economic paradigms, and infrastructure development. As per the official sources, CPEC would bring approximately 700,000 new jobs for Pakistan’s people in many diverse sectors.

Apart from economic assistance, both countries are also facilitating each other in this period of the Covid-19 pandemic. During China's fight against the COVID-19, Pakistan immediately donated medical aid to China.All walks of life in the country voiced their support for China and opposed politicizing the pandemic and targeting China.On the other hand, China is the first country in the world that has quickly recovered from the severe shocks of the pandemic and revived its economy. Moreover, China is a prominent country, assisting and providing Covid-19 vaccines to many countries, including Pakistan. During the Covid-19 surge in Pakistan, groups of Chinese medical experts, as well as batches of medical supplies, have been sent to assist the country. The two sides are firmly supporting each other in relative fields and different other sectors.

All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partners:

The cooperation that began with economic assistance can lead to strategic partnership and collaboration in many other fields. China state’s policy has consistently recognized Pakistan’s potential part in enhancing the strategic partnership. Both countries have deepened their defence ties on overland routes through CPEC to foster maritime diplomacy through joint naval exercises in the Arabian sea. The famous lines ‘Sweeter than Honey, Higher than Mountains’ regarding Islamabad-Beijing relations are gaining strong grounds, despite the challenges posed by regional or international players, i.e., India or U.S.A. Pakistan has a location in the fulcrum of South Asia that can comprehensively serve positive Chinese interest in this region. In this aspect, Beijing’s strategic interest in Pakistan has been significantly increased. Both states are assisting and significantly contributing to end terrorism and hostile/extremist groups. They are heading towards a new era of long-term security and strategic ties. Therefore, the strategic partnership of both countries has potential impacts on regional and international discourse. The strategic ties of both countries have been strengthening from the very beginning. Both nations’ leadership has promoted a joint political vision for peace and security in South Asia and beyond. Thereby, it increased defence cooperation and signed many economic projects and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).This strategic partnership has an immense potential to seek the attention of other regional and international states’ business actors to get aligned with the game-changer project, CPEC.

Academic- Cultural Exchanges: Enhancing People-to-People Contacts

Pakistan and China have a special relationship with deep civilizational roots and a history of mutually enriching interaction spanning several millenniums. Both countries enhance academic cooperation by providing a number of opportunities and scholarships with a conducive visa policy. CPEC also provides ample opportunities to increase people-to-people connectivity via cultural exchange and joint ventures. CPEC has also been termed as ‘China-Pakistan knowledge Corridor’ as it covers major areas of research & development. The mutually benefited partnership has been future resulted in harmonies cooperation for a glorious future.

Progressive Grounds for Future Collaboration:

Marking the 70^th anniversary of a highly prosperous relationship between China and Pakistan is unprecedented. Colossal efforts, cooperation in many areas and assisting each other in every leaps and bounds have paved the way for future cooperation and profound diplomatic ties.  With each passing day, this relationship is becoming more closely integrated into each other’s respective development strategies. Therefore, with the joint efforts, China and Pakistan will make new grounds for collective benefits and win-win development under a robust framework. The relationship portrays a great model of inter-state diplomatic ties.

By Mr. Khalid TaimurAkram, Executive Director, Center for Global &

Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BAKU, MAY 20: Head of the Press Service of Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Leyla Abdullayeva has commented on the statement of the official spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry of India on the recent developments along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border.

“Let me first underline that the key reason of the border issues between Armenia and Azerbaijan is Armenia’s illegal occupation of Azerbaijan’s territories till November 2020. Hence, it is Armenia that violated Azerbaijan’s internationally recognized borders. And now Azerbaijan is just restoring its internationally recognized borders. 

As it has been officially stated Azerbaijan continues its work on the border protection system within the territorial integrity of the country and this process is carried out on the basis of maps available to each of the sides that define the borderline between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Several disagreements occurred between the sides on border issues earlier, and all of them were settled via negotiations among the sides to the trilateral statements.

Second, it is quite strange that in past 30 years the MFA of India has not made an appeal for the withdrawal of the occupying forces of Armenia from the Azerbaijani territories, and is now speaking about pulling back forces. Apparently, this latest statement was made without a proper thorough examination of various dimensions of this issue.

I would like to remind that Azerbaijan has always been calling for, and continues to call for, the full respect of sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of internationally recognized borders of states. We believe that mutual respect for and strict adherence to these principles is the only way to settle any dispute and build truly good neighborly relations.

I must also stress that Azerbaijan as a current chair of the Non-Aligned Movement, has made the promotion of the Bandung Principles one of the priorities of its chairmanship. These principles have contributed to the promotion of justice and equality in international relations and ensured respect for the norms and principles of international law. Any attempts that harm the unity within the NAM are deplorable,” Abdullayeva said.

“Unfortunately, we observe a dramatic rise in intolerance and xenophobia in Armenia. What is particularly troubling is that this trend is aimed not only against Azerbaijan but now covers any nation or group that would dare to express an opinion even slightly differing from an Armenian line. In this country, the Nazi collaborators are idolized and international terrorists are glorified. An incomprehensible act of vandalism was recently taken against the monument to such a world-known proponent of peace and tolerance as Mahatma Gandhi.

Such trends of extremism are dangerous and they must be addressed immediately. Armenia must be encouraged to abandon toxic ideas of national supremacy and territorial expansion. Armenia must finally start abiding by international law and making its key principles a basis for the normalization of relations with neighboring states. Only then will Armenia start benefiting from the good neighborhood and regional cooperation.

Azerbaijan, in its turn, continues to be strongly committed to peace, security, regional development and cooperation on the basis of respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of internationally recognized borders,” she added.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

COURTESY azertag.az

-------------

NEW YORK, MAY 20: The UN Human Rights Council said on Thursday it would hold a special session on the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, amid Israel's deadly violence against the Palestinians in Gaza.

The session, planned for next Thursday, will address “the grave human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem”, the council said in a statement.

The session was requested by Pakistan, which is the coordinator of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and the Palestinian authorities, it said.

It will be the 30th extraordinary meeting of the UN's top rights body since its creation 15 years ago.

The United Nations did not immediately say how many of the Geneva-based council's 47 member states had backed the call, but at least a third must come out in support for a special session request to be granted.

Thursday's announcement came as Israeli air strikes continued to hammer Gaza and as diplomats stepped up efforts towards a ceasefire to stem the devastating violence that erupted 10 days ago.

Israeli strikes on Gaza have killed 230 Palestinians, including 65 children, according to the Gaza health ministry, leaving vast areas in rubble and displacing tens of thousands in the crowded territory.

Israel's army has meanwhile said Hamas and other Islamist armed groups in Gaza have fired 4,070 rockets towards Israel, the overwhelming majority of them intercepted by its Iron Dome air defences. The rockets have claimed 12 lives in Israel, including one child, with one Indian and two Thai nationals among those killed, the police said.

Meirav Eilon Shahar, Israel's ambassador in Geneva, urged member states to oppose next Thursday's meeting.

“The convening of yet another special session by the Human Rights Council targeting Israel is testament to the clear anti-Israeli agenda of this body,” she said on Twitter.

“The sponsors of this session are only rewarding the actions of Hamas, a terrorist organisation, that has indiscriminately launched over 4,000 rockets at Israeli civilians, using the people of Gaza as human shields.

“I call on all member states of the council to strongly oppose this meeting,” said Eilon Shahar.

------------------------------------------

COURTESY DAWN NEWS

----------

NEW YORK, MAY 20: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi urged the international community on Wednesday to persuade Israel to end its aggression against the Palestinians and to take concrete steps for a solution to the Palestine issue.

The foreign minister arrived in New York on Wednesday evening on a Palestine peace mission and to attend an emergency meeting of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), called by the Organisation of Islamic Corporation (OIC) and the Arab League.

Pakistan has joined hands with Palestine, Sudan and Turkey to take a united stance at the UNGA session scheduled today. This will be the first UN meeting that will see the physical presence of foreign ministers since the Covid-19 pandemic paralysed the world. Prior to this, UN had been holding virtual meetings in the wake of the pandemic.

Soon after his arrival in New York, Qureshi hosted a working dinner of the foreign ministers of OIC member states to discuss the situation in Palestine.

“We hope the UNGA meeting will send a strong message … to end the Israeli aggression and to take concrete steps to find a solution to the Palestine issue,” said the foreign minister while addressing the dinner.

The discussion focused on the worsening situation in Gaza and ways to formulate a unified and unequivocal response from OIC member states to Israeli aggression ahead of the UNGA meeting on Thursday evening.

Foreign Ministers Mevlut Cavusoglu of Turkey, Riyad Al-Maliki of the State of Palestine, Othman Jerandi of Tunisia and UNGA President Volkan Bozkir also attended the dinner.

Qureshi noted that Israel’s use of indiscriminate and disproportionate force against innocent Palestinians had enraged the entire Muslim ummah.

Israeli aggression has led to the loss of numerous innocent lives, including women and children, he said, reiterating Pakistan’s strongest possible condemnation of Israeli actions.

He said Israel had launched a deliberate and systematic assault against Palestinian worshippers at the Al Aqsa mosque during the month of Ramazan, violating the sanctity of the holy site.

The foreign minister also condemned Israel’s policy of the expansion of illegal settlements, forced eviction of Palestinians from their homes and demolition of their houses with impunity.

Qureshi expressed his deep gratitude to all brotherly OIC countries, who along with Pakistan, played a proactive role in convening the special meeting of the UNGA.

The permanent representative of Pakistan at the UN, Ambassador Munir Akram, and the ambassador of Pakistan in Washington, Dr Asad Majeed Khan, also attended the dinner.

A statement issued by Pakistan’s UN mission said that the foreign minister’s visit to New York was part of Pakistan’s intensive diplomatic outreach to mobilise international support for ending the ongoing Israeli aggression against Palestinians.

The foreign minister will address the special session of the UNGA today and highlight Pakistan’s stance on this issue.

The UNGA session follows an intensive international effort to secure a ceasefire in the occupied Palestinian territories after a week of deadly cross-border violence.

Calls for ceasefire

Earlier UN efforts to enforce a ceasefire were blocked by the United States (US). For the third time in a week, the US on Sunday blocked a joint statement from the UN Security Council (UNSC), which called for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Palestine.

In his address to the Security Council, UN Secretary-General António Guterres also called for ending the current “senseless” cycle of violence in the Middle East.

Terming the hostilities “utterly appalling”, the secretary-general warned that hopes of coexistence and peace between Palestinians and Israelis were being pushed even farther to the horizon.

“[The] fighting must stop. It must stop immediately,” he said. “Rockets and mortars on one side and aerial and artillery bombardments on the other must stop. I appeal to all parties to heed this call.”

On Wednesday, a UN relief agency called for an immediate ceasefire to allow humanitarian assistance to reach the victims.

“Gaza’s one million children are reeling from the mounting consequences of [a] violent conflict with nowhere safe to turn. Lives have been lost and families shattered,” said United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Executive Director Henrietta Fore.

Fore’s comments followed a report by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, stating that only five trucks in a 24-vehicle humanitarian convoy had been able to enter southern Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing. Israeli authorities closed the crossing only hours after reopening it, blaming “militants” of launching mortars.

According to the UNICEF chief, nearly 30,000 children have been displaced in the occupied Palestinian territory since 10 May.

This underscores the need for “an immediate cessation of hostilities on humanitarian grounds to allow the entry of staff and essential supplies, including fuel, medical items, first aid kits and Covid-19 vaccines,” the UNICEF chief said.

The UN secretary-general expressed similar sentiments in a separate message, saying: “We are seeing immense human suffering and extensive damage to homes and vital infrastructure in Gaza.” He urged the international community to “ensure adequate funding for our humanitarian operations in Gaza.”

----------------------------------------------------------

COURTESY DAWN NEWS

--------------

BAKU, MAY 20: Azerbaijan’s Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) Sabina Aliyeva once again visited the members of an Armenian armed group, who were detained on the territory of Azerbaijan, the Ombudsman’s Office told AzVision.az.

During her next unnoticed monitoring of the Penitentiary Service of the Ministry of Justice under her National Preventive Mechanism mandate, Sabina Aliyeva once again visited the members of the armed group, who were settled by Armenia in the liberated areas of Azerbaijan, but detained as a part of the countermeasures for criminal acts threatening the lives and health of our civilians and military servicemen and handed over for the investigation being accused of committing terror acts.

It should be noted that those persons were detained during the measures countering criminal and terror acts resulted in the killing of four Azerbaijani servicemen and severely injuring one civilian in the territory of Azerbaijan on 12-13 December 2020 after a month of ceasing all hostilities in accordance with the joint statement of 10 November 2020, signed by the country leaders of Azerbaijan, Russia, and Armenia.

During the tete-a-tete meeting with those persons, the Ombudsman investigated the situation of ensuring their rights.  The accused persons expressed their satisfaction with their detention conditions, nutrition, healthcare service, and treatment.

The ombudsman privately listened to all those persons, presented them legislative acts in their own language, and explained their rights.

An ad-hoc report of the ombudsman based on the outcomes of this monitoring was submitted to relevant international human rights organizations.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

COURTESY en.azvision.az

-----------------

ISLAMABAD, MAY 20: Pakistan will decide Afghanistan’s future as the United States only has a minor role now in the country after almost 20 years of uninterrupted military presence.

This claim by Afghan President Ashraf Ghani echoed in the US Congress this week, where lawmakers from both Republican and Democratic parties expressed concern about Afghanistan’s future after the withdrawal of American and Nato forces and deliberated on the key role that must be played by Pakistan in this regard.

The Biden administration plans to withdraw all foreign troops from Afghanistan by September 11, almost 20 years after the first US troops arrived in the country.

In an interview with German publication Der Spiegel earlier this week, President Ghani had said that bringing peace to Afghanistan now was “first and foremost a matter of getting Pakistan on board” and the withdrawal would greatly reduce America’s influence in the country.

“The US now plays only a minor role. The question of peace or hostility is now in Pakistani hands,” he had claimed.

The alarming message was repeated in the House Foreign Affairs Committee on Tuesday when Congresswoman Sara Jacobs, a California Democrat, read Ghani’s quote during a hearing on “the US-Afghanistan relationship after the withdrawal.”

She described the Afghan president’s claim as “quite a statement” and asked America's chief negotiator on Afghan affairs, Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, about the way forward.

"What specifically are you doing to push Pakistan’s leaders and to ensure that they do step up the way we want them to?" she asked the ambassador.

Khalilzad said that he believed Pakistan’s civilian and military leaderships both recognised there was economic benefit in having peace in Afghanistan.

“COAS Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa and Prime Minister Imran Khan both (also) recognise that this economic benefit is where the future is. Gen Bajwa has said countries do not develop, regions develop,” he said.

“And I know there are challenges inside Pakistan, but I believe that Gen Bajwa’s last visit to Kabul was positive. They have discussed some steps that the two sides will take — working with the United Kingdom — in support of the effort to improve relations between these two countries.”

Ambassador Khalilzad called the Pak-Afghan relationship the Achilles heel of Afghanistan’s recent history that “needs to be overcome and we are hopeful, given the recent developments”.

The US envoy also underlined the need to view Ghani’s statement in the regional context, adding: “President Ghani is right in the sense that the region is important for a peace agreement to bring lasting stability to Afghanistan.

“It needs broad support inside […] Afghanistan and in the region, because part of Afghanistan’s problem has been a […] proxy conflict.”

The US, he said, was trying to build a regional consensus and support for peace and that’s why he “has repeatedly emphasised” the importance of this economic dimension of peace.

“The potential connectivity and trade between Central Asia, Afghanistan and South Asia is a vital part of the future of that region and for Afghanistan,” Khalilzad said while urging Afghans also to avail this opportunity for peace.

“One should not absolve the Afghans of their responsibility. They must accept each other and find a formula that can resolve their differences,” he said.

Congressman Ted Lieu, another California Democrat and a former US Air Force colonel, asked if Pakistan was so important for the success of the Afghan peace process, why was it not being treated accordingly.

“I am just curious about what happened earlier this year when 40 world leaders were invited to the climate summit, including the leaders of India and Bangladesh. And the leader of Pakistan was not invited, even though Pakistan is the fifth most climate vulnerable country. Even though 35 of the 40 countries invited have populations smaller than Pakistan’s,” he said.

“It seems to be disrespectful to not have invited the Pakistani leader to this climate summit when the leaders of India and Bangladesh were invited.

“And now we are asking Pakistan to help us, a lot, in Afghanistan. So, I am wondering what was the thinking (behind) that sort of exclusion of the Pakistani leader?”

Khalilzad said: “Of course, you are right. Pakistan is an important country. We have had periods of great cooperation with Pakistan. And Pakistan has a critical role to play in Afghanistan going forward and in a number of other issues.

“As to the climate summit, I am not in a position to respond as to what decisions were made but Pakistan’s participation, I believe, did occur. If you are interested, we can take that question for a response for the record. But I was not involved in it,” he added.

“Yes, I would like a response for the record,” Congressman Lieu responded.

Congressman Darrel Issa, a California Republican, noted that “during the ten years or twenty years, we have watched our ability to have a positive influence on Pakistan and Pakistan having a positive influence on Afghanistan go from bad to worse”.

Responding to a question from the committee’s chair Congressman Greg Meeks, Khalilzad said the US has recently had productive meetings with Russia, China and Pakistan, calling on the two Afghan sides to reduce violence and engage seriously in negotiations and on the Taliban not to pursue a spring offensive.

“We would like Russia and China and Pakistan to back efforts for a peaceful settlement in Afghanistan. Working to build a consensus on this objective,” he said.

When Congressman Michael McCaul, a Texas Republican, asked how the US would defend its interests in Afghanistan after the withdrawal, Khalilzad said: “We will maintain assets in the region. We are developing opportunities for enhanced cooperation with regional partners.”

And when Congressman Joseph Chabot, an Ohio Republican, suggested that the Taliban were behind last month’s bombing of a girls’ school in Kabul that killed scores of students, Ambassador Khalilzad said: “I don’t believe that they blew up the school. It’s likely ISIS which is seeking to disrupt any potential peace process and the Talibs have been fighting ISIS forcefully, which is positive.”

He pointed out that the Taliban were a formidable force against ISIS and the situation in Afghanistan was different from Iraq where the Shia-Sunni conflict created space for ISIS, while the Taliban and ISIS were from the same sect.

“The Talibs have done a reasonably good job in taking ISIS on,” he added.

Congressman Ami Babulal Bera, a California Democrat, said that since Pakistan “has been supporting the Taliban all along,” how the Biden administration could expect them to support the peace process now.

“There’s no military solution to Afghanistan and that comes to the diplomatic solution and the role of Pakistan. Pakistan has a special responsibility, given the fact that you described,” Ambassador Khalilzad said.

“And if Afghanistan goes towards a protracted war or a long war, Pakistan will suffer and Pakistan will be blamed for it. Gen Bajwa and PM Imran have said they have changed their policy, that peace settlement is the best.”

He noted that Pakistan had signed its name to a document that forbids a Taliban emirate and a military takeover. “We expect that they will deliver on those commitments. And we have found the recent engagement between Afghanistan and Pakistan encouraging,” he said.

Congresswoman Dina Titus, a Nevada Democrat, asked if the US could use its bases in Qatar and Diego Garcia to conduct airstrikes into Afghanistan, if needed.

“We are going to maintain both monitoring and strike capability in the region and expand cooperation with some of the neighbouring states for counter-terrorism purposes,” Khalilzad said.

“We will also maintain financial support and cooperation with Afghan security forces, but direct military support, such as strikes, are not being contemplated at this time.”

-------------------------------------------------------

COURTESY DAWN NEWS

---------------