FARUKH SHEHZAD

MOSCOW, NOV 28: Russia‘s ambassador to the United States said that 27 more Russian diplomats and their families were expelled from the United States and would leave on Jan. 30.

“Our diplomats are being expelled…A large group of my comrades, 27 people with families, will leave us on January 30… We are facing a serious staff shortage,” Ambassador Anatoly Antonov said in a video interview for the Soloviev Live Youtube channel aired late on Saturday.

Russia has previously said that over 100 of its diplomats with families had been forced to leave the United States since 2016 when the relationship between the two countries worsened.

As of Oct. 29, nearly 200 Russian diplomats were still in their jobs in the United States, included the staff of the Russian mission to the United Nations, according to Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.

President Joe Biden‘s administration said last month that the staff of the U.S. mission in Russia had shrunk to 120 from 1,200 in early 2017 after a series of expulsions and restrictions, and it was difficult to continue with anything other than a caretaker presence at the embassy.

The U.S. Embassy in Moscow stopped processing non-diplomatic visas this year and added Russians to a list of “homeless nationals” who can apply for visas in third countries.

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Courtesy Anews

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ISLAMABAD, NOV 28: As the strategy partner of PFOWA, this is the third time for Huawei Pakistan to support PFOWA program as the highest sponsor. Huawei vision and mission is “Bring digital to every person, home and organization for a fully connected, intelligent world". 

Huawei already launched HUAWEI Women Developers (HWD) program globally and it aims to empower women developers, provide them with comprehensive resource support, and help them acquire greater space for career and technology development.

First lady appreciated all sponsors including Huaweiand other organizations to make this charity and Bazzar happened, and request all to provide more support for women development in future. 

First Lady Samina Alvi said while addressing the ceremony that empowerment of women by making them self-dependent was vital to make them play a productive role for their families as well as the society.

Empowered, self-dependent women can contribute to national development.she further said the government had taken various measures for women’s self-dependence.

She lauded the PFOWA for keeping up its charitable services even during the pandemic besides taking part in the awareness drive on breast cancer.

Senator Faisal Javed Khan also visited Huawei’s Booth and appreciated Huawei last 20+ year support and efforts for Pakistan ICT development. MrTouseef Abbasi Central Secretary PTI Informationaccompanied.

Held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the bazaar provided a mix of cultures and cuisines with the stall depicting the artifacts and apparel of multiple countries.

The stalls were set up by the embassies of various countries including China, Turkey, Thailand, Iraq, Iran, Jordan, UAE, the European Union, and many more besides the educational institutes and private companies.

Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood said the bazaar had become a part of Islamabad’s social calendar contributing to fundraising for the charity works. He also appreciated the sponsors like Huawei and other firms’ strongest support and cooperation for today’s program.

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DHAKA, NOV 28: Bangladesh’s Taijul Islam claimed his ninth five-wicket haul while Abid Ali hit a century for Pakistan as the first Test remained delicately poised in Chittagong on Sunday.

The hosts bowled out Pakistan for 286 at the stroke of tea on the third day to take a 44-run lead into the second innings thanks to the mesmerising bowling of Taijul, who finished with 7-116.

But Pakistan struck back in spectacular fashion with Shaheen Afridi dismissing Shadman Islam (one), Najmul Hossain (zero) and Saif Hasan (18) to finish the day at 3-6 and reduce Bangladesh to 39-4 at stumps.

Hasan Ali also scalped the wicket of captain Mominul Haque for a duck to rob the hosts of their advantage.

Mushfiqur Rahim remained unbeaten on 12 alongside debutant Yasir Ali, 8 not out.

Ali earlier made 133 off 282 balls, holding one end for Pakistan for a long stretch after Taijul’s early strike of two wickets in two balls in the day’s first over.

Faheem Ashraf added 38 late in the innings to keep Pakistan in contention before he was last man dismissed.

Pakistan, who resumed on 145-0 and looked poised for a big total, suffered an early setback when Taijul trapped debutant Abdullah Shafique leg-before on his fifth ball.

Shafique left without adding to his overnight 52, and Taijul took Azhar Ali for a duck in the very next ball when the delivery hit him on the foot.

Azhar was initially given not out but the decision was reversed on review.

Babar Azam saw off the hat-trick ball in Taijul’s next over but did not survive long. Mehidy uprooted his off-stump with a straight delivery after the Pakistan skipper made only 10 runs.

Taijul grabbed his third wicket when he beat Fawad Alam with spin to remove the batsman for eight.

Bangladesh sought a review after the umpire turned down a confident caught-behind appeal. The replay indicated the ball took a feather touch on Alam’s glove, ending his brief stay at the crease.

Ali, who struck 12 fours and two sixes, was also lucky to survive after he was dropped at slip by Najmul Hossain off Taijul at 113.

He was dropped again by Yasir Ali at forward short leg on 133 but it did not cost Bangladesh much, with Taijul taking him leg before two balls later.

Pakistan had by then lost Mohammad Rizwan to Ebadot Hossain, who bowled 2-47.

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Courtesy Dawn News

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Ashgabat, NOV 28: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Sunday said regional and international cooperation were of great importance in the fight against terrorism and that no distinctions should be made between terror groups.

Speaking at the 15th summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization, Erdoğan said that peace, stability, and regional development would gain momentum once the region is cleared of terror groups such as YPG/PKK, Daesh/ISIS, and Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO).

The Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) contains great potential for the development of member countries, the Turkish president stressed in his comments.

At the summit in Ashgabat, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan delivered remarks on the economic potential of the region, the impact of COVID-19 worldwide, the issue of Cyprus as well as terrorism.

“We should make more use of the high potential offered by our geography, which has a population of approximately 500 million in an area of 8 million square kilometers (3.09 million square miles),” Erdoğan said.

“We must intensify our efforts to increase our trade volume to the level of $100 billion; in this context, we first must put into effect the trade agreement, ECOTA, which is among the strategic goals of the 2025 Vision document,” he added.

Stressing that the agreement, which has not been implemented for 17 years, was the main instrument that could help reach the intra-regional goals, Erdoğan said that the Istanbul-based ECO Bank could function efficiently to develop member countries once its institutional and financial capacities are enhanced.

Furthermore, the president noted that the improvement of the transport infrastructure within the region along with efforts to revive the Silk Road were ongoing at full pace.

“It is important to establish lasting peace and stability as soon as possible in Afghanistan which has been facing a serious humanitarian and economic crisis,” he said, referring to the member country.

Erdoğan said Turkey supported efforts to keep the Afghan state institutions functioning, including sectors of critical importance such as education and health, adding the Afghan economy should be supported to eliminate the risk of a possible influx of refugees that would affect the whole region.

The Turkish president underlined that Azerbaijan took back its occupied territories and opened the door for regional peace and stability. He applauded Baku’s efforts to increase regional prosperity through different projects.

“These steps will support the normalization efforts in the region. As Turkey, we will continue to be by Azerbaijan’s side. It is of great importance that we stand in full solidarity with Azerbaijan as an organization,” he said.

The key to the solution of the Cyprus issue is to recognize sovereign equality and the equal international status of Turkish Cypriots, Erdoğan said.

He called on the participant countries to evaluate the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus‘s (TRNC) vision of a solution without prejudice, and said Turkey encourages to develop ties in the fields of sports, culture, education and tourism in a bid to alleviate the isolation of Turkish Cypriots.

The TRNC is an observer state of ECO.

Erdoğan said the COVID-19 outbreak has transformed into a global threat through time and that more than 5 million people have lost their lives due to the virus, which adversely affected a variety of different sectors such as economy, commerce and tourism.

Turkey, for its part, has done its best to extend a helping hand to the world amid the pandemic, according to Erdoğan, who noted that Ankara has helped 160 countries and 12 international organizations, including some ECO members.

Noting that Turkey has provided vaccines to scores of countries, Erdoğan said the country’s first locally produced COVID-19 vaccine, TURKOVAC, will be put in the service of all humanity after getting emergency use approval.

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ISLAMABAD, NOV 27: Pakistan placed a complete ban on Saturday on travel from seven countries in the wake of the discovery of a new variant of the coronavirus, Omicron, first detected in South Africa, according to a notification issued by the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC).

The notification said travel had been restricted from six southern African countries, namely South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, Botswana and Namibia, as well as Hong Kong.

These countries, the NCOC added, had been placed in category C — which includes nations from where people face restrictions and can only travel to Pakistan under specific NCOC guidelines — consequent to the emergence of the Omicron strain in South Africa and its spread to adjoining regions.

Hence, “a complete ban has been placed on direct [and] indirect inbound travel from these countries with immediate effect.”

Earlier, Federal Planning and Development Minister Asad Umar announced the same in a tweet.

“Based on the emergence of the new covid variant, notification has been issued [to] restrict travel from 6 South African countries and Hong Kong,” he said, adding that the “emergence of new variant makes it even more urgent to vaccinate all eligible citizens 12 years and older”.

Protocols for travel ‘on extreme emergency’

Travel from the seven countries to Pakistan would be allowed “on extreme emergency”, provided that the travellers obtained the required exemptions and followed the needed health and testing protocols, according to the NCOC’s notification.

The health and testing protocols, as outlined in the notification, include having a vaccination certificate, a negative polymerase chain reaction test taken within 72 hours before boarding the plane and undergoing a rapid antigen test at the airport after reaching Pakistan. In case of a negative test result, travellers will have to home quarantine themselves for three days and undergo another rapid antigen test conducted by the civil administration on the third day. Those with positive results will have to quarantine for 10 days and undergo a polymerase chain reaction test on the 10th day.

But to “facilitate stranded Pakistanis, travel from these countries till December 5 will be allowed without exemption[s], though the above-mentioned health and testing protocols will remain applicable,” the notification said.

The NCOC also directed the Aviation Division, airport management, and the Airport Security Force to devise a mechanism for screening passengers travelling from the seven countries via indirect flights and share its details with all relevant departments by November 29.

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Courtesy Dawn News

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TOKYO, NOV 27: Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, at his first troop review Saturday, renewed his pledge to consider “all options,” including acquiring enemy base strike capability, and vowed to create a stronger Self-Defense Force to protect the country amid growing threats from China and North Korea.

Kishida said the security situation around Japan is rapidly changing and that “the reality is severer than ever,” with North Korea continuing to test-fire ballistic missiles while advancing its capability, and China pursuing a military buildup and increasingly assertive activity in the region.

“I will consider all options, including possessing so-called enemy base strike capability, to pursue strengthening of defense power that is necessary,” Kishida said in an address to hundreds of Ground Self-Defense Force members in olive-colored helmets and uniforms.

Kishida, who took office in October, served as top commander for the first time at Saturday’s Self-Defense Force troop review held at the main army base Camp Asaka, north of Tokyo. About 800 troops gathered for the inspection, according to the Defense Ministry.

“The security environment surrounding Japan has been rapidly changing at an unprecedented speed. Things that used to happen only in science-fiction novels are today’s reality,” Kishida said. He said his government will lead “calm and realistic” discussions to determine what is needed to protect people’s lives and gain their understanding.

The possibility of possessing so-called enemy base strike capability has been a divisive issue because opponents say it violates Japan’s war-renouncing Constitution.

Kishida has shifted his dovish stance to a more hawkish one, apparently to please influential leaders within his governing party, including former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and to strengthen his grip on power. He now advocates increasing Japanese military capability and spending.

On Friday, Kishida’s Cabinet approved a 770 billion yen ($6.8 billion) request for an extra defense budget through March to expedite the purchase of missiles, anti-submarine rockets, and other weapons amid rising concern over the escalation of military activities by China, Russia, and North Korea.

The request, still pending parliamentary approval, is a record for an extra defense budget and will bring Japan’s military spending for the current year to a new high of more than 6.1 trillion yen ($53.2 billion), up 15% from 5.31 trillion yen in 2020. The combined budget for 2021 will be just over 1% of Japan’s GDP, keeping its customary cap.

Kishida has said he is open to doubling Japan’s military spending to cope with the worsening security environment. Critics also say Japan, as the world’s fastest-aging country with a shrinking population, should allocate more money toward health care and other services.

Compared to past troop reviews, which included 4,000 soldiers, more than 200 vehicles, and dozens of warplanes, Saturday’s event was significantly scaled down to minimize the impact on regular troop activity, officials said. There was no parade or public viewing, and only nine tanks and other vehicles participated in the online event.

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Courtesy Anews

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Athens, NOV 26: Twenty-seven prominent NGOs in Greece warned Thursday that refugees and asylum seekers face hunger following the government’s decision in October to halt services to those whose asylum applications have been accepted.

Around 34,000 asylum seekers have gone nearly two months without cash assistance which previously allowed them to buy food, clothing and essential items, the International Rescue Committee said in a statement.

The prominent global humanitarian aid, relief and developmental NGO stressed that problems began when the government took over the EU-funded cash assistance program on Oct. 1 that was previously managed by the UN Refugee agency.

The government made public assurances that distributions would resume by the end of October but one month later, the problem that exerts a devastating effect on asylum seekers remains unsolved, according to the committee.

The halt of cash assistance is stripping asylum seekers‘ of their dignity and depriving them of the lifeline many depend on. “Refugees and asylum seekers, who were already economically marginalized, are resorting to begging and other negative coping mechanisms to survive,” said the committee.

Emily Wilson, a humanitarian aid worker with Project Elea, drew attention to the dire situation of refugee women and children.

“The women in Eleonas camp keep telling us that their children are crying at night with hunger. Mothers now don’t have money for baby milk so they mush up biscuits in water instead,” she said.

Martha Roussou of the International Rescue Committee said the government’s decision pushed already vulnerable and marginalized refugees to the edge.

Accusing the Greek government of creating a hunger crisis among refugees and asylum seekers, Anita Bay, director of Save the Children Europe, said: “It is unlawful, unnecessary, and totally unacceptable for this to be happening in the EU.”

Accordingly, the NGOs, including Greek, European and global organizations, urged the Greek government to address the problem by restarting cash distributions, distributing adequate food to those dwelling in refugee camps and providing emergency assistance in the form of basic goods and vouchers.

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Courtesy Anews

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ISLAMABAD, NOV 25: Leading the digital innovation in the country, Zong 4G, Pakistan’s leading cellular and digital services provider has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Special Communication Organization (SCO), in a bid to work in-step towards the Prime Minister’s vision of Digital Pakistan. 

In a major development to offer their mutual subscribers a seamless and faster connectivity experience across the AJK & GB.

Through mutual collaboration, Zong and SCO will expand the network across the length and breadth of the AJK & GB to provide unmatched experiences to the customers. 

Along with SCO having unmatched coverage area in AJK/GB, and preferred business partner, Zong 4G will ensure the development of a state-of-the-art system by utilizing the new technologies in optimizing processes for network expansion and higher efficiency. 

With the company’s extensive experience in Mobile services and SCO`s remarkable infrastructure our mutual customers will be served with the most advance and reliable services across the country and especially in the AJK&GB region. 

"We can confidently claim to have the most advanced network, providing cutting-edge mobile services to its valued consumers in the AJK&GB region," stated Maj Gen Muhammad Shahid Sideeq, DG -SCO. "Zong is a highly innovative telecommunications firm in Pakistan leading the country’s ICT-powered digital transformation. 

I am confident that the biggest beneficiaries of this collaboration are going to be the people of AJK & GB.”

"Our strategic cooperation benefits both partners and, more significantly, the people of AJK & GB," stated Wang Hua, Chairman & CEO Zong 4G. "This agreement will ensure that resource-sharing benefits both enterprises and that the public receives superior products and services, improving their quality of life.

The partnership, which aligns well with our vision of Digital Pakistan, is a huge testament to our care for AJK & GB community and our commitment to meeting their ever-changing connectivity needs.”

In September, Zong (CMPak) emerged as the highest bidder for the 1800 MHz spectrum auction for Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJ&K) and Gilgit Baltistan (GB). Earlier this month, Zong launched its LTE services in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, achieving exceptional results in user speed and traffic. 

Zong’s LTE testing in the region was recently completed with the throughput experience improving up to 10-20 Mbps depending upon backhaul capacity across AJK and its various districts.

SCO being the most reliable partner of ZONG having cutting edge technology in remote areas of AJK & GB and ZONG being the leader of digital transformation, together this partnership is a testament to the company’s commitment to providing unparalleled services to its customers.

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Munaza Kazmi

Culture! “the system of shared beliefs, values, customs, behaviors, and artifacts that the members of society use to cope with their world and with one another, and that are transmitted from generation to generation through learning."

However, Culture is the cornerstone of any civilized society and evolves over time with its values and norms. It is not a fixed concept, however, and can change for many reasons. One force that can cause a culture to change is the exposure to other cultures' political and economical philosophies, social structures, religions, languages, and styles of education.

Talking about the culture of Pakistan, which seems quite diverse, and somewhat transforming, reasoning the involvement of different ethnic groups and its rich dynamic history. However, how far much diverse and changing it was, the ever constant object was the hint of respect, civilization, discipline and to which in Urdu we say, “Tehzeeb”.

Pakistani culture starting from its pleasant language Urdu, the beauty of its calligraphy, the softness of words, the way of delivery, the love and utmost respect in the dialect, that have no substitute.

Then our family culture, the warmth of togetherness, the cuddles of grandma,the knowledge sharing, moreover the satisfaction in eating together; The joint family structure.

Our delicious foods, from spicy biryani to the lip-smacking jalebi, from mutton karahi to yummy gulab jamun; the art of cooking, delight in learning recipes from mothers, planning food parties, the joy of sharing.

And the shyness in the eyes of little women, the respect for the family, the authority of brother, the honor in seclusion, the proper way of carrying oneself, the knowledge of forbidden……

Are you thinking that am telling you about a long-forgotten tale of 1960’s or 1980’s….

Perhaps you are right, am talking about the peelingonce colorful Pakistani culture, leaving behind the strained, unimaginable, and wicked shadows of the intoxication of the Western civilization, and culprit we our self are.

Vine Deloria, an American scholar once said, “Western civilization, unfortunately, does not link knowledge and morality but rather, it connects knowledge and power and makes them equivalent.”

Hence, the flip side of the coin shows a more menacing picture. The increasing trend of westernization has taken our local culture hostage in numerous aspects.

Let’s start with the language, that is known as the identity of any nation. By far, the greatest impact that westernization has had on our culture is on the language. Our mother tongue Urdu is being replaced by English as a more common language used in conversations.

This is happening because of the number of English medium schools in our society and the excessive use of email and messaging amongst the youth, which is usually in English or in a combination of English and a native language. It frequently, however, is communicated in Roman characters, diminishing the importance of Urdu script.

Moreover, the influence of colonial mindset is immensely drastic that a large part of society, specially youth feel ashamed speaking Urdu. In fact, we have started using English as a tool to distinguish between high and low class, we think it as a criteria to judge people, irrespective of their education and background.

Those who speak English proficiently are considered among the elite class, despite the fact that Urdu was the official language of Pakistan until English was added only a few years back.

Next, the extended or joint family system, a trademark of Pakistani social culture, is losing its value and seems to be vanishing altogether, replaced by a culture of individuality. The youth of today believe in independence and individuality. As a result, we have seen a rise in the psychological disorders, divorces, suicides, and crime.

Food, another lifeline of a culture, which in our transforming society is being hitting very badly. The traditional concept of home-cooked food is being replaced by fast food meals from restaurants like KFC, Pizza Hut, and McDonalds and others inspired by the fast food model.

Pakistani dishes, which were famous for their flavor, are hardly acceptable to today's youth. As of today, we see cold drinks being used to such an extent that they are part of almost every meal, even in formal dinners. The introduction of energy drinks and sodas also has played a part in diminishing or I should say put an end to the consumption of traditional drinks.

Talking about the element of respect, discipline and ourTehzeebit seems as another island. Our very basic “Salam” being replaced by “Hello”, the kids seems in uniforms now just carry paper books not the knowledge or education since they have surpass all the elements of regard orLehaazas we say in Urdu.

The youth if we consider, that is said to be the defining pillar, is now a days can’t even hold their own balance, flying in air with effect of drugs, how would they even pick a brick for Pakistan.

The women once having shyness in eyes now talk about merajism mere marzi, however the meaning would be different but the choice of words are beyond admiration. Girls came from remote villages on the pretext of education well we all know what education they are getting in the dirty hostels and horrible flats.

The idea of socializing, liberation upon the curse of media have almost destroyed our culture. Now a days the half-naked dresses are common in stores even the advertising campaign of breakout and outfitters our everyday brandsare showing half-naked women.

I question if in the past they couldn’t make sale, the exposure of body is had become that essential that they have forgotten about our basic norms. And where is the control center, if its PEMRA or any another institution, why the authorities are blind or if waiting for complete destruction.

Moreover, it is the responsibility of parents to look into the matter, since only giving birth is not the solution, we have to answer another Authority in the end, to which I believe we had forgotten.

Increased exposure to internet, television, movies, and video games has increased drug abuse, violence, and related vices. The Pakistani youth, which forms the majority of the population, are quickly being influenced as they are the most vulnerable.

The influences mentioned above are in no way the only areas where westernization has had an impact. Westernization has influenced every aspect of daily life, ranging from cuisine to basic human rights.

To that extent, even the minute details of daily life have been affected by westernization effects on Pakistan's culture. However, Westernization has been part of the modernization process, but it is crucial to examine, otherwise it may lead to the disruption of cultural values and customs.

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Munaza Kazmi holds MPhil in Management Sciences (Bahria University Islamabad, 2020). She’s a travel writer, an author, & co-author of scientific contributions in national & international publications. Her main areas of research include tourism & quality management.

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ISLAMABAD, NOV 25: A meeting was held between Shahera Shahid, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of Pakistan, Ashfaq Ahmed Gondal, Former Federal Secretary Information and Broadcasting & Vice President (Federal Region), CGSS and Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director CGSS.

Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director CGSS briefed Ms. Shahera about the activities of CGSS particularly related to regional connectivity.

Shahera acknowledged and appreciated the efforts of CGSS in enhancing connectivity and mutual relations with regional countries.

During the meeting it was decided that CGSS and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting will collaboratively work in fields of mutual interest particularly media connectivity.

Further to it, CGSS and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting will work with Eurasian countries on media engagement and connectivity.

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• Dr. Zarema Shaukenova, Director, KazISS says 2022 will mark another significant year of diplomatic years between Pak, Kazakhstan

ISLAMABAD, NOV 25: A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan (KazISS), Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan and Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad, Pakistan.

The MOU calls for cooperation and collaboration between the two institutions in areas of interest including research. The two institutions agreed to collaborate in various joint projects including conferences, seminars, roundtable discussions, and research.

The MOU Signing symbolizes the beginning of a fruitful partnership between both think tanks which will eventually benefit Pakistan and Kazakhstan at bilateral level.

Dr. Zarema Shaukenova, Director, KazISS, expressed interest in initiating joint analytical research projects. Furthermore, she stated that 2022 will mark another significant year of diplomatic years between Pakistan and Kazakhstan.

Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director CGSS stated that CGSS has an extensive experience of working with various think tanks and institutions of Kazakhstan in areas of research, academics, and exchange programs.

Arman Tynabek, Deputy Head of Missions, Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Islamabad stated that the Embassy has always extended support to facilitating collaboration between various institutions of Pakistan and Kazakhstan.

Embassy is pleased to support this partnership which will eventually play a significant role in further enhancing the bilateral relations of two countries. Furthermore, we also appreciate the important role of CGSS and efforts in enhancing the relations of the two countries.

The MoU was signed by Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director CGSS and Dr. Zarema Shaukenova, Director, KazISS signed the MoU on behalf of their respective institutions.

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