Monday, 1 November 2021

Ambassador lauds Pakistan’s stand on Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity


ISLAMABAD, NOV 1: Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Pakistan Khazar Farhadov on Monday appreciated Pakistan for its position and support on issues of Azeri territorial integrity before and during the patriotic war against Armenia, describing it “a true demonstration of brotherhood.”

“During the patriotic war, the government, the Parliament and people of Pakistan morally and politically supported us, condemning Armenian aggression and supporting our just position to restore territorial integrity,” Ambassador Farhadov said while addressing a news conference here to mark 1st anniversary of ‘44-day Patriotic War’ against Armenia

During the war, the Azeri forces liberated more than 300 cities and villages from 30-year illegal occupation of Armenia. Azerbaijan, he said, being member of the Kashmir Contact Group of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), fully supported the settlement of the Kashmir issue in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.

He recalled that Armenia for almost 30 years kept under occupation almost 20 percent of Azerbaijan’s territory, committing notorious war crimes and crimes against humanity. Armenia committed the Khojaly genocide in February 1992, killing hundreds of civilians, including 106 women and 63 children.

As many as 1275 Azerbaijanis were taken hostage, 150 of them are still missing. Armenia’s ethnic cleansing had resulted in more than a million Azerbaijanis becoming refugees and internally displaced persons. In 1993, he further highlighted that the UN Security Council adopted four resolutions calling for the immediate, complete and unconditional withdrawal of Armenian armed forces from the occupied territories of Azerbaijan.

However, these and all other similar decisions adopted by relevant international organizations had been ignored by Armenia, Ambassador Khazar Farhadov maintained. During the occupation, he said, Armenia tried to maintain the status quo, adding “unfortunately, no international sanctions had been imposed on Armenia to ensure the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions.

The overthrow of the war criminal regime in Armenia in 2018 was not accompanied by real changes.” In July 2020, he said, Armenia committed a military provocation on the state border with Azerbaijan and as a result of an artillery strike in the Tovuz region of Azerbaijan as many as 13 servicemen and civilians were killed.

Moroever, in August last year, the envoy said, an Armenian sabotage group tried to penetrate through the former line of contact in order to commit terrorist acts against Azerbaijani military servicemen and civilians, but was successfully neutralized by the Azeri forces.

He said at the General Debates of 75th Session of the UN General Assembly on September 24, 2020, President Ilham Aliyev warned that hostile statements and provocations of Armenian leadership demonstrated that it was preparing for a new aggression against Azerbaijan.

 

“Three days later, on September 27 last year, Armenia launched a large-scale attack on Azerbaijani military positions and civilians,” he added. In response, the ambassador narrated that Azerbaijan launched a counterattack in its own territories against Armenia, using the right to self-defense enshrined in Article 51 of the UN Charter. For 44 days, the Armenian armed forces intensively fired on the regions and cities along and also far from the front line, he added.

Armenia used ballistic missiles such as the Scud and Iskander-M, as well as banned white phosphorus and cluster munitions. As a result of these Armenian war crimes, more than 100 civilians, including 11 children, were killed and more than 450 were injured.

More than 12,000 civilian infrastructure, including individual houses, have been destroyed or severely damaged in Azerbaijan. Armenia has attracted mercenaries and foreign fighters from abroad and placed them against Azerbaijan. In total, he said, more than 300 cities and villages were liberated on the battlefield and Armenia had to sign an act of capitulation on November 10, 2020.

Accordingly, Armenia was obliged to withdraw its troops from the remaining parts of Azerbaijan’s territories, namely Aghdam, Lachin and Kalbajar regions.

Khazar Farhadov said the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict was left in the past and there was no administrative territorial unit called Nagorno-Karabakh in Azerbaijan. “We have about 4,000 citizens registered as missing during the First Karabakh War.

Armenia must inform us about their fate. We have solid evidence that almost all of them were tortured to death by Armenian servicemen in violation of international humanitarian law and buried in mass graves,” he said.

Answering a question, the envoy said the patriotic war that ended with a victory of the brave Azerbaijani Army, opened a new era, establishing international justice and changing realities in the region

After the liberation, Azerbaijan began to revive the liberated territories, which were completely destroyed by Armenia, he said, adding his country began to rebuild and restore its territories and in just 8 months, the Fizuli international airport had been built in Azerbaijan, and work was underway in all the liberated territories.

Replying to another question, he said direct flights between Azerbaijan and Pakistan would be operational soon as the procedural work in that regard was almost completed, but unfortunately it delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions in both the countries.

He said efforts were underway to further promote the bilateral ties in diverse fields especially information technology, education, health, science and technology, logistics and defense.

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Japan's ruling coalition keeps majority in parliamentary elections

TOKYO, NOV 1: Japan's ruling coalition led by the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on Sunday secured a majority in the parliamentary elections, exit polls showed.


Premier Fumio Kishida's LDP and its junior coalition ally Komeito secured at least 233 of 465 seats in parliament, according to exit polls by Kyodo News.


Meanwhile, the opposition Japan Innovation Party will add 11 seats in parliament. Ichiro Matsui's Japan Innovation Party agrees with the LDP on some issues, including constitutional reform, Kyodo News reported.


The announcement of elections came amid the COVID-19 pandemic and rising oil prices with the premier directing his Cabinet "to keep close tabs on the latest trends in the crude oil market, and investigate the impact that is likely to have on industries and businesses, not to mention our own wallets."

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Courtesy Anews

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India crushed again at T20 World Cup, this time by New Zealand


DUBAI, NOV 1: New Zealand inflicted a crushing eight-wicket defeat on India at the T20 World Cup on Sunday and put the tournament favourite on the brink of elimination.

India's much-trumpeted batsmen flopped for the second time after a 10-wicket defeat to Pakistan, reaching only 110-7 after New Zealand chose to bowl.

Daryl Mitchell (49) and captain Kane Williamson (33 not out) eased New Zealand to 111-2 in 14.3 overs in a lopsided Group 2 game.

Mitchell missed out on a deserved half century when he was caught at long on against Jasprit Bumrah's off-cutter. Mitchell hit four boundaries and three sixes. Bumrah finished with 2-19.

The heavy defeat to archrival Pakistan last week at the same venue appeared to still be playing on the minds of India's batsmen as wickets tumbled against both the spin and speed of the Black Caps.

“I don't think we were brave enough with bat or ball,” said Kohli at the post-match Q&A session on Sunday.

“We didn't have much to defend but we weren't brave when we walked out to field. When you play for the Indian cricket team you have a lot of expectations — not just from fans, but players as well.

“So there's always going to be more pressure with our games and we've embraced it over the years.”

Williamson hailed his team as they collected their first win. “A fantastic all-round performance from us against a formidable India side,” he said.

“We were able to build pressure throughout and the way the openers came out really set the platform.”

Boult rips through Indian attack

Earlier, pace bowler Trent Boult took three wickets in an inspired New Zealand attack as India limped to 110 for seven at the Twenty20 World Cup on Sunday.

Boult returned figures of 3-20 and leg-spinner Ish Sodhi took two wickets including Virat Kohli's key scalp to deliver a huge blow to India's hopes in the Super 12 clash in Dubai.

Ravindra Jadeja hit an unbeaten 26 and Hardik Pandya made 23 to take the score past 100 as both teams look for their first win.

Boult got Ishan Kishan out for four and nearly had Rohit Sharma on the next ball but Adam Milne dropped an easy catch at fine leg.

Milne, who replaced Tim Seifert as the only change in the New Zealand team from their opening loss to Pakistan, then gave away 15 runs from his first over with Sharma hitting the fast bowler for a four and a six.

But the New Zealand pace bowlers kept coming at the Indian batsmen as Tim Southee got KL Rahul walking back for 18 with another pull shot that found the fielder.

Sharma fell to Sodhi for 14, this time giving away a catch to long-on where Martin Guptill made no mistake.

Sodhi dismissed Kohli for nine after the captain mistimed a shot to be caught at long on and walked back to stunned silence at a stadium packed with Indian fans.

Pandya and Jadeja put up some resistance with a partnership of 24 that was broken by Boult who struck twice in his final over.

Mohammed Shami, the only Muslim player in the India team, walked in to loud cheers after being mercilessly trolled following the 10-wicket defeat to Pakistan.

Jadeja hit two fours and one six in his 19-ball stay.

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Courtesy DAWN NEWS

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Sunday, 31 October 2021

 

Govt says agreement reached with TLP, details to be unveiled at ‘appropriate time’



ISLAMABAD, OCT 31: Govt says agreement reached with TLP, details to be unveiled at ‘appropriate time’. The government’s negotiating team announced on Sunday that it has reached an agreement with the proscribed Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) but did not divulge any further details, with Mufti Muneebur Rehman saying the specifics will come to light at an “appropriate time”.

The agreement comes after almost two weeks of clashes that left at least seven policemen dead and scores injured on both sides.

The proscribed group began the march, calling for the release of its incarcerated leader, Saad Rizvi and the expulsion of France’s ambassador over the publication of caricatures depicting the Holy Prophet (PBUH) in a French satirical magazine.

Sunday’s announcement was made at a press conference held in Islamabad featuring Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser, MNA Ali Mohammad Khan, Mufti Muneeb as well as TLP members Mufti Ghulam Abbas Faizi and Mufti Mohammad Ameer.

“The government of Pakistan and the TLP had a detailed discussion under an environment of mutual trust, and an agreement has been reached between the two sides,” Mufti Muneeb said. “The agreement was reached after sense prevailed over aggression, rationality prevailed over sentiments, and all the participants demonstrated patience.

“I want to urge the entire nation that this is not the victory of any individual, but it is the victory of Islam, patriotism, and protection of human lives.

“I want to tell the nation that these dialogues were never not held under any duress. They were held in a serious, responsible and independent environment, [in which] everyone made their contribution. Everyone deserves to be thanked for it.”

The Mufti did not give any specific details of the agreement, simply saying that they will be shared at an “appropriate time”.

The Mufti said that the “positive impact” of the agreement will be seen in the coming week, adding: “The participants of the agreement entered the accord in the best interest of the country and its people. This agreement was reached before any untoward incident. This is the news for the entire nation, and the national media should portray it in a positive manner.”

The Mufti thanked all the parties involved for their help in striking the agreement.

“I am thankful to the prime minister for empowering the committee and trusting it, and also to the committee for working dedicatedly to resolve this matter,” he said. “Similarly, the TLP demonstrated the same behaviour.”

“The agreement was also backed by TLP chief Hafiz Saad Hussain Rizvi,” he added.

He said that a committee had been formed to oversee the matter. “State Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Muhammad Khan will be its head, while Law Minister Punjab Raja Basharat will be a member of the committee,” the Mufti said, adding that Mufti Ghulam Ghous Baghdadi and Engr. Hafeezullah Alavi will represent TLP in the committee.

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Courtesy DAWN NEWS

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Saturday, 30 October 2021

 

T20 WORLD CUP 2021: Buttler, Jordan give England clinical win over Australia

DUBAI, OCT 30: Jos Buttler’s unbeaten 71 and inspired bowling by Chris Woakes powered England to an eight-wicket over Australia and close in on a semi-final spot at the Twenty20 World Cup on Saturday.

Buttler put on an opening stand of 66 with Jason Roy, who made 22, as England romped home to their victory target of 126 in 11.4 overs in Dubai.

Buttler smashed five fours and five sixes in his 32-ball knock to drive England to their third successive win in the Super 12 stage.

Woakes and Chris Jordan shared five wickets between them to help bowl Australia out for 125 after they elected to field first.

Woakes sent the dangerous David Warner trudging back to the pavilion, caught behind for one, to signal his intent after England elected to bowl in the Super 12 contest in Dubai.

Woakes then removed Glenn Maxwell and returned figures of 2-7 from his first three overs of excellent seam bowling and in between took a superb catch to see off Steve Smith for one.

Fellow quick Chris Jordan (3-17) returned impressive figures of 3-17 to flatten the Australian batting despite a fighting 44 by skipper Aaron Finch.

Australia fell to a precarious 51-5 after leg spinner Adil Rashid trapped Marcus Stoinis lbw for nought and Liam Livingstone claimed the wicket of Matthew Wade, for 18.

Finch counter-attacked as he took on Tymal Mills and Jordan for a few boundaries.

He put on 47 runs with Ashton Agar, who made a run-a-ball 20, to give some respectability to the total.

The left-handed Agar hit two straight sixes off Woakes’ fourth over but fell to Mills while attempting another big hit.

Jordan came back firing to dismiss Finch and Pat Cummins, who had the first two balls of his three-ball stay over the fence, on successive balls. Adam Zampa avoided the hat-trick.

Mills gave away 45 runs from his four overs but got Mitchell Starc out on the final ball of the innings to bowl out the Aussies.

In reply, England started solidly before Zampa trapped Roy lbw, after an appeal the on-field umpire denied but Australia successfully reviewed.

Agar had Dawid Malan caught behind for eight with his left-arm spin but the wicket proved only a minor bump on England’s road to victory.

Buttler kept punishing the bowling, raising his half-century with a six. He had Jonny Bairstow, who hit the winning runs, for company till the end.

England stay top of group 1 with six points ahead of Australia and South Africa, who edged out Sri Lanka in the first match of the day.

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Courtesy Samaa

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How Qatar Airways is supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month

DOHA, OCT 30: How Qatar Airways is supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Qatar Airways is going pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October. The “Think Pink” experience aims to shed light on breast cancer with curated bespoke amenities and food experiences on flights and Hamad International Airport lounges.

The amenity kits, for example, are designed in collaboration with Italian luggage brand Bric’s and made from vegan leather.

The female passengers get a pink and white kit while the males get a black coloured kit.

Items inside the kits include products from Castello Monte Vibiano Vecchio, including lip balm, hydrating facial mist, and anti-ageing moisturiser in special limited edition pink branding.

First class and business class passengers departing from Doha get to sample a special “Think Pink” menu featuring afternoon tea and desserts with a sugar paste breast cancer ribbon. Economy Class passengers enjoy a pink-themed cheesecake and limited-edition breast cancer awareness amenity kit on select long-haul and ultra-long-haul flights.

Passengers also enjoy a crafted signature Pink Berry mocktail, a ruby hot chocolate topped with pink marshmallows and a pink-themed afternoon tea at Al Safwa First Lounge and Al Mourjan Business Lounge in Hamad International Airport.

Group chief executive of Qatar Airways Akbar Al Baker said Breast Cancer Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the challenges some Qatar Airways staff face when they or their loved ones get diagnosed.

“We value the health of our passengers and women worldwide and are proud to demonstrate our commitment by raising awareness of the importance of self-assessment during our annual support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month,” he said.

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Courtesy iol

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New buses to run to Baku’s suburban villages and settlements

BAKU, OCT 30: New 9-meter-long buses will run along public routes of Baku villages and settlements, the spokesperson for the Baku Transport Agency, Mais Agayev, told.

He noted that 135 buses have already been delivered to Baku: “Several 9-meter-long buses have been tested along streets of Baku settlements. As soon as technical issues are resolved, the buses will operate along the routes.”

Mais Agayev hopes that the 9-meter-long buses will help improve passenger transportation in suburban Baku villages and settlements: “These buses are more maneuverable due to their size and therefore, they are more suitable for the roads of Binagadi, Mashtaga, Ramana, Zabrat and nearby villages and towns. We repeatedly tested 12-meter buses. But due to their size, they have limited opportunities for movement in Baku suburbs and in many rural and urban areas. However, the 9-meter buses are maneuverable.”

Improvement of passenger transportation in suburban villages and settlements of Baku is carried out in accordance with the instruction of President Ilham Aliyev.

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Courtesy report.az

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Zonergy puts renewable energy transformation at heart of sustainable future for Pakistan


ISLAMABAD, OCT 30: When people think about energy and development, especially in a developing country’s context, they typically think about providing access to electricity or fuel for clean cooking.


But renewable energy goes beyond and underpins all forms of development, and its contribution can be measured through a variety of indicators including jobs, agriculture production, economic growth, etc. 


Renewable energy also supports development by ensuring energy sovereignty, freeing up financial resources for infrastructure development, healthcare, education, among others.


Leading such an enormous change, Zonergy is pleased to place the dream of completely renewable energy within reach of businesses and sectors of all sizes across Pakistan. The company and their team of experienced technicians are committed to helping their community take the next step in the future by converting to green renewable energy.


The company's connection with Pakistan started with a $1.5 billion project. It is the world's largest centralized utility-scale PV power plant with a combined installed capacity of 900 megawatts, which is located in Bahawalpur, eastern Pakistan's Punjab province. 


As of the end of March this year, the cumulative generation capacity of the PV station reached 2.4 billion kilowatt-hours. This is enough to satisfy the electricity demands of more than 200,000 local households, the company figures show.


Pakistan’s economy is getting stronger, and it’s in large part thanks to the tremendous efforts of businesses and sectors adopting renewable energy. Over the same channel, Zonergy is pioneering the renewable energy future for Pakistan, attracting many industries with its performance and efficiency. 


Zonergy has recently completed the massive 520 KW Alfatah Rice Mill Project in Kasur drawing attention of other businesses to take part in green energy agenda.


With the signing of 500kW EPC Project in Balochistan, Zonergy has translated another promise of renewable energy into action and achieves another major milestone on its journey towards a clean, green Pakistan. This energy breakthrough in Balochistan is Government’s thrust on renewables and the target to build self-sustained state. 


With ever increasing energy costs due to IMF conditionalities, Government and local are turning towards renewable energy solution to uplift economy. Zonergy is taking lead in helping local industry and Government to meet growing demand at lowest cost. 


This is the right time for all to foray into solar energy, Zonergy’s solar project in Balochistan is both a significant step for the company towards a balanced energy portfolio and a giant leap towards better future for us a nation. 


“Economies across the world are gradually transitioning to cleaner energy sources and now is the time to invest in a better future”, said Richard Guo, President of Zonergy. “Government policies and investment choices can create the necessary momentum to enact systemic change and deliver the energy transformation away from fossil fuels. Driving a structural shift towards cleaner energy systems and more resilient economies and societies is more urgent than ever. Most of all, this is a global agenda, and we must leave no one behind."


Today, renewable energy sector is witnessing a positive momentum. The sector is committed to provide sustainable and affordable energy for all. Zonergy believes if Pakistan’s renewable potential is unlocked, it can transform the country’s energy architecture to be dominated by clean energy sources. 


Zonergy looks forward to continuing partnership with the Government, Stakeholders and people and thereby contributing to the country’s energy security. More important than this is that it’s not only about energy solutions but people, world and the future.

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Pakistan, Kazakhstan enjoy exemplary diplomatic relations: ambassador


ISLAMABAD, Oct 30: Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Pakistan Yerzhan Kistafin has said Pakistan and Kazakhstan have been enjoying exemplary diplomatic relations which can extend to new areas of cooperation.


He said both countries have robust political dialogue that also needs to reflect in bilateral trade and commercial ties.


The ambassador said the last session of Pak-Kazakh Inter-Governmental Commission was held in Islamabad in February last year in which it was agreed to establish three working groups on economic cooperation, energy cooperation and cooperation in regional connectivity.


He said we also need to focus on our transport and logistics issues as well as economic cooperation. State agencies of both countries should work together to address issues and challenges in our bilateral economic cooperation.


Yerzhan Kistafin said he has held fruitful meetings with representatives of Pakistani business community including those of FPCCI to explore the potential of increasing bilateral trade.


Referring to situation in Afghanistan, the Kazakh ambassador said Kazakhstan is the biggest landlocked country in the world and we understand the importance of regional connectivity. He said Afghanistan could be the most beneficial country if trade increases between Pakistan and Kazakhstan though it. He said Afghanistan can serve as a regional transit hub between Central and South Asia if peace and stability comes in the country.


Elaborating further, the ambassador said special representative of Kazakhstan visited Kabul recently and held talks with current government in Afghanistan. He said we discussed restoring our trade and economic cooperation with Afghanistan for the mutual benefit of both the countries.  

He warned that if stability did not come to Afghanistan, it would have wider regional implications.


On trade between Kazakhstan and Pakistan, Yerzhan Kistafin informed that bilateral trade volume stood at 45 million US dollars last year. He said there is a need to establish cooperation between custom services of both Pakistan and Kazakhstan to remove hiccups in trade.


The Kazakh ambassador said apart from Afghanistan there are also other routes for trade between the two countries. He said Karakorum Highway is the shortest route to Central Asia from Pakistan, but due to harsh climate in winter it is impractical to use.


Another option, he said, is the route of Khunjerab Pass through which trade supplies can reach to Western parts of Kazakhstan.


He said Kazakhs consider Pakistan a regional power and bolstering cooperation between the two countries will be helpful for the whole central Asian region.


When asked about the rich hydro carbon reserves of Kazakhstan and possible cooperation with Pakistan in this sector, the Kazakh ambassador said the joint energy group on cooperation is working on it and exploring new ways.


He said investment by Kazakh investors into Pakistan is also being considered. He said Pakistan is a very promising market due to its large population and it is attractive to foreign investors.


Referring to Shanghai Cooperation Organization, he said last month summit of SCO countries was held in Dushanbe in which Kazakh President emphasized on wider regional cooperation. He said cooperation with Pakistan can help us achieve regional connectivity.


Regarding security cooperation between Islamabad and Astana, he said ministries of defense of both countries enjoy strong ties. Cooperation between defense universities of both countries as well as in other areas is also increasing.


Terming terrorism as a challenging threat, the Kazakh ambassador said it
is difficult to address the issue alone and needs a collective approach.
In that area, SCO can help us a lot in stemming this menace through
joint collaboration.


Pointing to increased potential of people to people cooperation between Kazakhstan and Pakistan, he said Prime Minister Imran Khan discussed bilateral agenda and economic cooperation during meeting with Kazakhstan President in Dushanbe. He said our nations have been cooperating for centuries but nowadays there is less information about the culture and lifestyle of the people of both countries. 

He said we need to enhance awareness about each other.


The Kazakh ambassador said three pillars to this effect are increasing direct ties between universities of both countries, stimulating direct ties between think tanks of the two countries, and enhancing cooperation between mass media of the two countries for exchange of information.


Exchange of TV programs can enhance cultural cooperation between the two countries to get to know each other’s traditions, festivals and cultures. He said invitation of artists and troupes can also help connect the two nations.


Yerzhan Kistafin said Kazakhstan and Pakistan are enhancing cooperation in the area of science and technology. He said we have established direct communication between Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad and Kazakh British Technical University. They are planning to exchange
students and scholars.


Similarly, he said, Pakistan’s National University of Modern Languages and Kazakh National University are working together on different projects relating to exchange of students and learning each other’s language. He said Urdu and Kazakh language have many similar words, as both originated from Turkic language. 


He said many Pakistani students are already studying in Kazakh medical universities.


The Kazakh ambassador proposed to start direct flights between Pakistan and Kazakhstan to enhance business, academic and cultural cooperation between the two countries.


The weekly program “Diplomatic Session” was hosted by renowned journalist and columnist Javed Siddiq while Producer of the program was Saeed Ahmad and Executive Producer Abdul Raoof Khan.


The weekly program “Diplomatic Session” is being broadcast from News and Current Affairs Channel and FM 101 networks of Radio Pakistan every Saturday at 1815 hrs.

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