FARUKH SHEHZAD

ISLAMABAD, SEPT 22: Health has always been an increasingly important agenda for our government and our President. Recently the President of Pakistan took to his Twitter account and shared an important message, along with an ad film produced by Bionic Films for KhairKhwah.

In Pakistan people usually hide behind a ‘brown bag’, and they avoid conversations that are considered taboo. They either feel too ashamed to discuss such matters or are afraid of what others might think about them. Bionics Films, however, did a terrific job highlighting the importance of starting a conversation about such topics.

The ad campaign launched in July and continues to play an important role when it comes to spreading awareness for family planning and the health of women and children. The President also took notice of the campaign and advocated for the key message behind it.

“Health in my country is closely related to the health of the mother & child. We as a nation must prioritize what is important and manage the family for a prosperous Pakistan. Take care of numbers & ensure good health. Don’t ignore, recognize, discuss, communicate and propagate.” Wrote Dr. Alvi on his Twitter.

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KABUL/NEW YORK, SEPT 22: Who should represent Afghanistan at the United Nations this month? It’s a complex question with plenty of political implications.

The Taliban, the country’s new rulers for a matter of weeks, are challenging the credentials of their country’s former UN ambassador and want to speak at the General Assembly’s high-level meeting of world leaders this week, the international body says.

The question now facing UN officials comes just over a month after the Taliban, ejected from Afghanistan by the United States and its allies after 9/11, swept back into power as US forces prepared to withdraw from the country at the end of August. 

The Taliban stunned the world by taking territory with surprising speed and little resistance from the US-trained Afghan military. The Western-backed government collapsed on Aug 15.

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Secretary-General Antonio Guterres received a communication on September 15 from the currently accredited Afghan Ambassador, Ghulam Isaczai, with the list of Afghanistan’s delegation for the assembly’s 76th annual session.

Five days later, Guterres received another communication with the letterhead “Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” signed by “Ameer Khan Muttaqi” as “Minister of Foreign Affairs,” requesting to participate in the UN gathering of world leaders.

Muttaqi said in the letter that former Afghan president Ashraf Ghani was “ousted” as of Aug 15 and that countries across the world “no longer recognise him as president” and therefore Isaczai no longer represents Afghanistan, Dujarric said.

The Taliban said they were nominating a new UN permanent representative, Mohammad Suhail Shaheen, the UN spokesman said. He has been a spokesman for the Taliban during peace negotiations in Qatar.

Senior US State Department officials said they were aware of the Taliban’s request — the United States is a member of the UN credentials committee — but they would not predict how that panel might rule. However, one of the officials said the committee “would take some time to deliberate”, suggesting the Taliban’s envoy would not be able to speak at the General Assembly at this session at least during the high-level leaders’ week.

In cases of disputes over seats at the United Nations, the General Assembly’s nine-member credentials committee must meet to make a decision. Both letters have been sent to the committee after consultations with General Assembly President Abdulla Shahid’s office. The committee’s members are the United States, Russia, China, Bahama, Bhutan, Chile, Namibia, Sierra Leone and Sweden.

Afghanistan is scheduled to give the last speech on the final day of the high-level meeting on Sept 27. It wasn’t clear who would speak if the committee met and the Taliban were given Afghanistan’s seat.

When the Taliban last ruled from 1996 to 2001, the UN refused to recognise their government and instead gave Afghanistan’s seat to the previous, warlord-dominated government of President Burhanuddin Rabbani, who eventually was killed by a suicide bomber in 2011. 

It was Rabbani’s government that brought Osama bin Laden, the mastermind of 9/11, to Afghanistan from Sudan in 1996.

The Taliban have said they want international recognition and financial help to rebuild the war-battered country. But the makeup of the new Taliban government poses a dilemma for the United Nations. Several of the interim ministers are on the UN’s so-called blacklist of international terrorists and funders of terrorism.

Credentials committee members could also use Taliban recognition as leverage to press for a more inclusive government that guarantees human rights, especially for girls who were barred from going to school during their previous rule, and women who weren’t able to work.

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PESHAWAR/ISLAMABAD, SEPT 22: Two-day International Conference (21st-22nd September) on ‘’Pakistan – Eurasian Heartland Connectivity: Towards Socio-Economic, Academic, and Legal Cooperation’’ was held at Area Study Center (Russia, China & Central Asia), University of Peshawar, Peshawar.

First day of the Conference was conducted in two sessions. The main goal of the International Conference is to enhance closer cooperation and connectivity within Eurasian countries.

The objective is to deliberate upon the ways and means for enhancing trade, economic, cultural, educational, and industrial links between Pakistan and the Eurasian heartland for shared growth and prosperity.

Day first of the conference was well attended by the worthy Ambassadors of various countries to Pakistan and renowned subject experts and scholars from all across Pakistan.

The theme of the first session was ‘’Pakistan- Eurasian Connectivity: Analyzing Opportunities and Challenges”.  The session was commenced with the keynote address by Prof. Dr. Shabir Ahmed Khan, Director, Area Study Center (Russia, China, Central Asia), University of Peshawar. He welcomed all the participants, speakers, and worthy Ambassadors.

He highlighted the significance of Eurasian region. He enlightened the audience about regional connectivity and associated benefits for integration because of regionalism. Prof. Dr. Shabir shed light on important multilateral regional arrangement programs, i.e., CAREC, BRI, ECO, CPEC, Mizar-e-Shareef-Kabul-Peshawar, etc. While concluding his speech, he stated that joint efforts are required to enhance research & academic cooperation between Pakistan and Eurasia.

Prof. Dr. Saleem Mazhar, Pro-vice chancellor, University of Punjab, Lahore stated that universities are the driving force for integration and academic learning. He enlightened the audience about the Regional Integration Center (RIC), University of the Punjab, Lahore, and its initiatives for joint collaboration among regions.

Prof. Dr. Saleem stated that if universities strive towards enhancing research dynamics via students and faculty exchanges, it will enhance people-to-people contacts, prosperity, and cooperation.

Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director, Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabadwelcomed all participants and Ambassadors. 

He explained the concept of regional connectivity and also the establishment of regional integration center at various universities. 

He stated that the aim is to have joint efforts to enhance academic cooperation, fellowship programs and research initiatives.

He also highlighted the significance of Eurasian Industrial Research Center that is to establish market links between Pakistan and Central Asian SMEs sector. 

Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram enlightened the participants about Eurasian Legal Center, facilitating regulatory regimes and laws with other regional countries.

AybekArifUsmanov, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan addressed the audience online. He expressed his gratitude to all worthy speakers and Ambassadors.

He highlighted the legacy of Zaheer-ur-din Babur, Allama Iqbal and Rehman Baba in contributing to peace, cooperation, and friendly regional ties. He shed light on the significant initiatives taken by ShavkatMirziyoyev, President of Uzbekistan for regional connectivity. 

 AybekArifUsmanovtalked about the mega development projects between Central Asia and Pakistan for enhanced cooperation.  He also discussed Pakistan-Uzbekistan cordial relationship in terms of trade development.

Prof. Dr. Nadeem Ahmed Chaudhry, Pro-Vive Chancellor, University of Sialkot expressed his views on regional connectivity between the Eurasian region and Pakistan. He stated that academic institutions play a vital role in enhancing regional integration and socioeconomic indicators.

He highlighted the importance of Eurasian Industrial Research Center established at the University of Sialkot. He stated that through joint academic and industrial research, Pakistan can develop new mode of market collaboration and technological transformation.

The second session was commenced with a speech by YerzhanKistafin, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Pakistan. He enlightened the audience about Kazakhstan and Pakistan bilateral relations. He stated that Pakistan is a golden gate for Kazakhstan as it provides a great way to reach warm waters. Likewise, Kazakhstan is a golden gate for Pakistan to access Eurasian Economic Union. 

YerzhanKistafinstated that this is the time to revive brotherly relations between Central and South Asia for regional connectivity and unity. He stated that People-to-people dimension is significant to strengthen relations between regional countries.

Ulanbek Totuiaev, Ambassador of Kyrgyz Republic to Pakistan expressed his views on Pakistan and Central Asian countries. He highlighted investment opportunities in Kyrgyzstan. He explained that there are many investment opportunities in Kyrgyzstan for enhanced regional cooperation. 

He also shed light on the initiative of direct flight commencement between Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan.  He stated that South Asian countries can invest in many domains because Kyrgyzstan has potential in diverse fields.

Mr. Zahid Latif Khan, Chairman, Islamabad Stock Exchange gave a speech on Trade and Transport Connectivity for Enhanced Regional Economic Growth. He stated that for regional cooperation, comparative advantage is important and we need to understand its relevance.  

He suggested that energy cooperation is necessary between Central and South Asia. However, infrastructure development is a hindrance. Therefore, it must be resolved via mutual accords and agreements by regional countries.

Mr. Mian Abdul Rauf, Former Advocate-General Islamabad & Prosecutor-General of Pakistan under the Protection of Pakistan Act gave a speech on understanding Legal Landscape, Legal Barriers to Regional Connectivity between Pakistan and Eurasia.

He stated that modern infrastructure, information technology, legal regimes, and advanced transport system are the barriers for connectivity. He suggested that dispute resolution mechanisms and legal frameworks are required to resolve common issues.

Prof. Dr. Zafar Nawaz Jaspal, Professor, Social Sciences Department, Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad shared his views on regional connectivity imperative for shared prosperity. He stated that without regional connectivity, countries are unable to build economic cooperation.

This implies huge shared responsibility on all regional states. Prof. Dr. Zafar Nawaz stated that Central and South Asia have many similarities, i.e., culture, religious, historical, spiritual etc.

Thereby, the role of academic institutions is pivotal to rejuvenate the historical relations between Pakistan and Eurasian region.  While concluding his speech, he stated that in the 21st century, we all must move ahead for a shared future and prosperity.

The sessions were moderated by Dr. FouziaHadi Ali, Director, Regional Integration Center (RIC), University of the Punjab, Lahore. It is noteworthy that the conference was well attended by students and renowned scholars, experts, academicians, and policymakers of Pakistan.

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ISLAMABAD, SEPT 21: The third nationwide anti-polio campaign of 2021 is underway. Over 40 million children under five years of age will be vaccinated during the campaign.

In Pakistan, only one case of wild poliovirus has been reported so far this year, while 75 cases were reported in the same period last year.

MATSUDA Kuninori, Ambassador of Japan, highly appreciated the drastic decrease in the number of reported wild polio cases in Pakistan as a result of the sincere and united efforts of the government and people of Pakistan.

He also expressed his respect for all the polio workers who are engaged in the door-to-door vaccination amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Japan has been supporting polio eradication in Pakistan since 1996, with the total amount reaching $229 million. Ambassador MATSUDA added, "I am encouraged by the signs of polio eradication in Pakistan. Japan will continue to support Pakistan's efforts.”

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WASHINGTON, SEPT 20: Right-wing radio host and television presenter Glenn Beck, whose charity organisation has been assisting with evacuations from Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover, lauded Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday for his support to the cause and help in getting people — including Afghan female footballers — out of the war-torn country.

In a statement on Twitter, Beck said that he would share the details of the correspondence between him and PM Imran on the radio the next day, and thanked the premier as well as the people of Pakistan. 

“We reached out and asked numerous leaders and civil societies around the world for help and Prime Minister Imran Khan of Pakistan responded with determination and without hesitation,” Beck said.

“We reached out and asked numerous leaders and civil societies around the world for help and Prime Minister Imran Khan of Pakistan responded with determination and without hesitation,” Beck said. Earlier this month, Newsweek, an American weekly magazine, had reported that six planes chartered by Beck’s charity, Mercury One, “seeking to evacuate at least 1,000 people—including more than 100 Americans … have been grounded by the Taliban” in the Mazar-i-Sharif city.

Beck’s statement today said that the support from PM Imran and Pakistan’s military and civilian resources under his leadership and “their ability to cooperate with the Taliban, has enabled the first two flights to depart Mazar-i-Sharif with FIFA (International Federation of Association Football) female athletes and their families on board.”

In a separate tweet, he said that Pakistan’s leadership helped with the release and departure of three flights overall.

Appreciating the prime minister, Beck said that Prime Minister Imran’s “leadership of placing humanity before politics is a great example of inter-faith cooperation between the faiths, bridged by the shared value of human compassion”.

“Pakistan has once again proven to be a valued partner in all seasons for the United States, despite recent criticisms from some sections of US media,” he said. “We look forward to the ongoing continued cooperation in the coming weeks as we continue our common goal of protecting the innocent during this humanitarian effort.”

He added that the US should recognise Pakistan’s assistance at this juncture: “We will not forget this support that has enabled America and its allies to make good on their promises to those who helped them without pause or reflection.”

Beck said “no other global leader that we have seen, took such an initiative to leverage his/her position to save the innocent putting humanity before politics.”

“He (PM Imran) has been gracious with his time and never once questioned our motives,” he added. Beck said that “media outlets may have their own agenda for criticising him (PM Imran) over the last few days, but he should be recognised for the lives he helped save this weekend.”

Since the US withdrawal of Afghanistan, Pakistan has been playing an active role in facilitating evacuation efforts.

In a recent development in this connection, Afghan footballers belonging to the national junior girls’ team and their families were allowed to cross the Torkham border to reach Pakistan after the government issued emergency humanitarian visas to evacuate them from their country.

Prior to this, the Foreign Office (FO) had said in a statement that Pakistan remained deeply engaged with the international community since the Taliban took over of Afghanistan, with much of this engagement focused on the evacuation of foreigners and vulnerable Afghans.

The statement, issued on Sept 2, said some 12,000 people had been evacuated from Afghanistan with Pakistan’s assistance until then.

Beck, one of the most controversial media figures in the US, has a very loyal following, especially among conservative circles. During Barack Obama’s presidency, he had stirred controversy among Democratic and liberal circles with his opposition to Obama and his administration.

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ISLAMABAD, SEPT 20: Area Study Center (Russia, China & Central Asia), University of Peshawar in collaboration with University of the Punjab, Lahore, University of Sialkot, Sialkot and Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad is organizing an International Conference on "Pakistan - Eurasian Heartland Connectivity: Towards Socio-Economic, Academic, and Legal Cooperation" on 21st - 22nd September 2021 at the Area Study Centre, University of Peshawar, Peshawar.

The main goal of the International Conference is to enhance closer cooperation and connectivity within Eurasian countries.

The objective is to deliberate upon the ways and means for enhancing trade, economic, cultural, educational, and industrial links between Pakistan and the Eurasian heartland for shared growth and prosperity.

The aim is also to introduce the newly established academic and research institutes for enhanced connectivity within Eurasia i.e., Regional Integration Centre at University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan, and Eurasian Industrial Research Centre at Sialkot University, Sialkot, Pakistan.

You are cordially invited to attend the conference, kindly find attached the detailed program herewith this blog post.

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ISLAMABAD, SEPT 20: Huawei in collaboration with the Higher Commission of Pakistan has opened registrations for the Huawei Middle East ICT Competitions 2021.

This is the 6th time the event is happening in Pakistan. Through the Competition, the company aims to provide students with a platform to compete and exchange ideas in order to enhance their ICT knowledge, practical and application skills, and raise their innovation awareness.

The competition is also a platform that facilitates connections between international talent as well as the collaboration between governmental organizations, higher educational institutions, training agencies, and enterprises, thus promoting the education, growth, and employment of ICT talent.

National competitiveness will be increased through developing ICT talent in Pakistan. Upgrades of teaching methods and connectivity with the industrial development will be focused upon. This will direct the students to perceive employer’s perspective by developing their ICT knowledge.

Throughout the Huawei ICT Competition stages, contestants receive the latest updates on emerging technologies that are reshaping Pakistan’s digital economy. These include Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, the Internet of Things (IoT), and most importantly 5G broadband—seen as a crucial digital-service enabler.

The competition is a unique opportunity for students to test their abilities in these cutting-edge fields, and helps colleges and universities to better understand the talent requirements of today’s top businesses and government leaders.

Roadshows and awareness sessions are to be conducted at 50+ colleges and universities all around Pakistan. The number of registrations reached 15000+ last year, which was the highest record in four years, it was also the first time the competition was held online, due to the restrictions placed by Covid-19. Additionally, the Pakistani team won first prize in the regional competition.

Following the launch of the competition, the preliminary and national finals will be held in October, with the regional finals taking place in November of 2021. The competition covers an array of courses like Datacom, Security, Wlan, 5G, Cloud, storage and AI, to name a few.

The winners of the regional competition will win 20,000 USD, a Huawei certification trophy, internship opportunities and the Huawei Matepads.

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UNITED NATIONS, SEPT 20: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi arrives in New York on Monday (today) for the 76 session of the UN General Assembly during which Pakistan will join the United Nations in urging the world to prevent an economic collapse in Afghanistan.

“The situation in Afghanistan is unpredictable,” said UN Secretary General António Guterres in an interview to UN News.

“Because of all the different measures and sanctions that exist, there is a risk of completely strangling the economy,” he warned.

“We have to stabilise Afghanistan,” said Pakistan’s UN envoy Munir Akram while talking to Dawn. Pakistan would avail this opportunity to call for “preventing an economic collapse” in Afghanistan, he said.

“Those who want to play politics, can play politics. But everyone knows the consequences of an economic collapse.”

Imran to address UNGA session from Islamabad on 24th

The collapse could cause “a humanitarian crisis, an influx of refugees, revive conflicts and drug trafficking and enhance terrorism,” he said. “All those things must be avoided.”

The UN chief too underlined the consequences of mishandling the Afghan issue at this moment. “What happened in Afghanistan might embolden terrorist groups or other rebel movements to become more aggressive,” he said.

Mr Guterres further expanded the subject, highlighting the points he thinks must be addressed to stabilise Afghanistan.

“We all want Afghanistan to have an inclusive government… respect human rights especially of women and girls (and) never again be a centre for terrorists,” he said. “We all want Afghanistan to fight drug trafficking.”

The United Nations, he said, had a duty to engage Afghanistan, “based on what we can deliver, and what we can deliver is essential humanitarian aid”.

The United Nations, however, should also “engage in order to explain to the Taliban how important it is for them to have an inclusive government of all the different ethnicities, and, of course, with women,” he said.

Ambassador Akram said that Pakistan’s priorities in the 76th UNGA would be to promote its own economic and social development in these challenging times.

Pakistan, he said, would highlight its concerns about the Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir and the major human rights violations India was committing there.

“We want the world to realise the threat to peace and security arising from this situation,” he said.

Prime Minister Imran Khan will address the UNGA from Islamabad on Sept 24. The foreign minister will convene a meeting of the OIC contact group on Jammu and Kashmir to discuss the situation there. He will also participate in the meeting on the UN Security Council reforms and in other meetings on climate crisis and energy issues.

The prime minister will participate, virtually, in a conference of 30 world leaders as well. The UN chief has called the meeting to discuss the climate conference in Glasgow later this year.

The foreign minister will also call on the UNGA president, the secretary general and EU and other world leaders.

But Ambassador Akram acknowledged that Afghanistan would be the key issue before this UNGA. “Our strategy is to see how to stabilise Afghanistan, restore peace, promote reconciliation, bring humanitarian help and revive the Afghan economy,” he said.

“We will also address the issue of terrorism, particularly TTP’s activities.”

The 76th UNGA, he said, would not focus on whether to recognise the Taliban government in Kabul. “That issue may come up later as they have not yet formed a permanent government,” he said. “They are not seeking representation yet.

They may do so after a permanent government is formed.”

Asked if the international community was willing to help Afghanistan, Ambassador Akram noted that at a UN conference last week, the secretary general asked for $600 million but $1.2 billion were pledged. “That shows the level of interest.”

To avoid a human crisis, he said, Pakistan was also asking for unfreezing of Afghanistan’s reserves as “without cash the economy will collapse”.

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LAHORE, SEPT 20: Opposition alliance Pakistan Demo­cratic Movement (PDM) president Maulana Fazlur Rehman has urged Islamabad to immediately recognise the Taliban government for what he says bringing stability to war-torn Afghanistan.

“We should recognise the Taliban government at the earliest to cooperate in efforts being made for ensuring a peaceful country and a stable [governance] system in Afghanistan,” Geo News TV quoted him as saying on Sunday.

Maulana Fazl, who also heads the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam, said recognising the Taliban government is like recognising Afghanistan and that helping the Taliban required an immediate recognition of their government.

When China and Russia were taking interest in establishing ties with the new Afghan rulers, then Pakistan should also maintain its contacts with the Taliban, he said, adding Pakistan has historic ties with the Afghan people.

“We have historic relations with the Afghan people and we should help them in introducing peace and a stable system there.”

Responding to a query about inviting the PPP to rejoin the PDM, he said PDM is focused (on its target) and wished not to put its constituents into a test.

The alliance should be focused on putting pressure on the government and without resoluteness it is impossible.

He, however, advised the PPP to keep a balanced attitude towards its former opposition allies in the PDM and must not take a line that may benefit the government.

He said that opposition could also be done without joining the PDM, implying that PDM was disinterested in pulling the PPP back into its fold.

Maulana Fazl said he did not believe in opening multiple fronts at one time as confronting an enemy on a single front was more effective and suitable in politicking.

In response to another question, he said the government was not competent enough to run the country.

Earlier, the JUI-F chief attended a ceremony at the Jamia Ashrafia seminary where Mufti Taqqi Usmani was elected unopposed as new chief of Wifaq al-Madaris al-Arabia Pakistan.

Maulana Anwar al-Haq of Darul Uloom Haqqania, Akora Khattak, was elected vice president of the seminaries board.

Speaking on the occasion, Maulana Fazl said that new boards had been formed by the establishment to divide and weaken religious schools, which had been protecting Islamic values and civilisation for decades.

He said earlier an impression had been created that the graduates of the seminaries were children of lesser gods and were born as servants of people. Then [after the Afghan jihad was over], the religious schools were presented as a symbol of terrorism.

He greeted the ulema for confronting both the situations while holding their heads high.

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Dr. Mehmood-Ul-Hassan

The President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev delivered a keynote speech in the 20th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s (SCO’s) Heads of State Summit in Dushanbe.

During his remarkable speech president Mirziyoyev highlighted the salient features of his geopolitical, geostrategic and socio-economic strategic road map for peace and stability in Afghanistan. He followed an integrated mechanism and holistic policy to achieve this end goal by preventing the growth of extremism, dissemination of radical ideology and last but not least Afghanistan as a launching pad for terrorist activities in neighboring states.

He rightly stressed the need to have provision and protection of basic human rights and freedoms especially for women and minorities in Afghanistan.

To make it economically viable and financially stable and sustainable president Mirziyoyev timely suggested unfreezing foreign bank accounts of Afghanistan. His suggestion to regularly hold high-level meetings in Tashkent in the SCO-Afghanistan format would be effective and productive way forward for the further consolidation of joint efforts to achieve a political settlement in Afghanistan. He urged member countries to assist Taliban to form an inclusive government which is actually the need of the hour.

As a prudent economist and strategist the Head of the State of Uzbekistan pinpointed numerous short & long term initiatives for the further consolidation and development of the SCO.

He stressed the need to have a comprehensive program for the development of intraregional trade through the adoption of the industrial cooperation program and the creation of cooperation centers in this area.

In continuation of his “Ten Initiatives” of greater regional connectivity president Mirziyoyev pinpointed the SCO strategy in the field of transport connectivity and termed it vital for immense socio-economic integration.

Uzbekistan’s president highlighted the importance of the program for the development of infrastructure in the SCO Area for further strengthening of regional connectivity.

He emphasized the need for strengthening cooperation in the field of poverty reduction and food security and thus rightly highlighted the coordinated efforts for optimal level of cooperation in the fields of food & energy cooperation.

Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence is mandatory for achieving the goal of smarter economy and good governance that is why the Uzbek president rightly suggested forming the SCO expert Forum in the field of information security.

As a staunch supporter innovative means of engagements and public/people diplomacy he suggested the introduction of the institution of the SCO Goodwill Ambassador. To conclude Uzbek President stressed the need for the development of an intergovernmental agreement in the field of tourism.

Being a prominent regional expert of Uzbekistan & CIS I fully agree with diversified but integrated holistic policies of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev of peace, prosperity, social harmony, economic revival, financial stability, inclusive government and last but not least, provision and protection of basic human rights for women, weaker factions of society and of course ethnic minorities. It advocated the idea of multiculturalism in Afghanistan and disseminated socio-politico benefits of a consensus and inclusive government in Afghanistan.

Moreover, Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev concerns about growth of terrorism, expected terror sanctuaries and spillover repercussions of Talibanization in the region are absolutely right for which he recommended joint efforts and close liaison with Afghanistan.

On the issue of SCO further consolidation, effectiveness and development he chalked out comprehensive policies in terms of systematic development of international trade, massive but responsible industrialization, infrastructural development, eradication of poverty, digitalization, regional connectivity, establishment of integrated transportation system, food & energy security protocols, further strengthening of people’s diplomacy, formation of SCO Goodwill Ambassador and last but not least close cooperation in tourism is the way forward.

To conclude Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has already mesmerized head of the states, policy makers and regional experts with his constant strategic vision to achieve greater regional connectivity by jointly pursuing his “Ten Initiatives” and his most recent speech in the 20th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s (SCO’s) Heads of State Summit in Dushanbe is a value-addition in this regard.

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ISLAMABAD, SEPT 19: The popular instant messaging application WhatsApp is going to roll out a new feature that will allow users to convert their images into stickers.

WABetaInfo reported that the Facebook-owned company is currently working on a new update for the desktop WhatsApp.

Once the feature is made available, users will be able to see a new sticker icon next to the caption bar. When you will select it, the image will be sent as sticker.

“This feature is very useful and it allows to quickly create a sticker from an image, without using any third-party app! At the moment WhatsApp is not working on the same feature on WhatsApp beta for Android and iOS,” WABetaInfo said. “This option is under development and it will be available in a future update.”

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