FARUKH SHEHZAD

ISLAMABAD: February 26, 2022, marks the 30th anniversary of the Khojaly genocide committed by the armed forces of Armenia during the Armenian aggression against Azerbaijan.

One of the gravest crimes committed against the civilian population during the decades of Armenian aggression against Azerbaijan, and the most tragic page of the First Karabakh War, was the destruction of the city of Khojaly and the genocide of its inhabitants. Before the conflict, Khojaly, located in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan, was a home to over 7,000 people: men, women, children, families.

From October 1991, the town was surrounded by the armed forces of Armenia. Overnight, on 25th February 1992, following massive artillery bombardment of Khojaly, the armed forces of Armenia, with the help of the former USSR infantry guards regiment No.366 of which the Armenians constituted the majority, forcibly seized control of Khojaly. 

Invaders destroyed the city and, with particular brutality, brought violence to its peaceful population.

5,379 inhabitants of the city were forcefully expelled. 613 people, including 63 children, 106 women and 70 elderly citizens, were brutally murdered. 1,275 were captured and taken hostage and were tortured, and 487 were injured. 

The fate of 150 of those captured, including 68 women and 26 children, remains unknown to this day. 

The actions of the armed forces of Armenia tore families apart. Eight families were left with no survivors to speak of. 130 children lost a parent, with a further 25 children left with no surviving parent at all.

The indiscriminate killings of civilians at Khojaly stemmed from a policy of ethnic hatred and racial discrimination against Azerbaijanis at the state level in Armenia. It led to the killing of innocent people based simply on their ethnicity. 

The crimes committed at Khojaly were an integral part of Armenia's policy of systematic violence against Azerbaijanis.

The Khojaly massacre and other crimes committed by Armenia in the course of its aggression against the Republic of Azerbaijan, including war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide, constitute serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. 

These include violations of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment; the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and others.

So far, the national legislative bodies of 17 countries, as well as 24 States of the USA, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Organization of Turkic States have adopted a number of resolutions and decisions condemning the massacre of civilians in Khojaly and characterizing it as a crime against humanity and an act of genocide.

In its judgment of 22 April 2010, the European Court of Human Rights arrived at an important conclusion with respect to the crimes committed in Khojaly, denouncing the behavior of those carrying out the atrocities as “acts of particular gravity which may amount to war crimes or crimes against humanity”.

Under international law, States have a responsibility to investigate atrocities such as those committed by Armenian forces at Khojaly and prosecute the perpetrators. 

However, to date none of those responsible for the crimes committed at Khojaly have been prosecuted by Armenia.

In a telling admission of culpability, Armenia’s then Defence Minister and ex-President, SerzhSargsyan, was quoted by the British journalist Thomas de Waal, as saying, “before Khojali, the Azerbaijanis thought that ... the Armenians were people who could not raise their hand against the civilian population. 

We were able to break that [stereotype]” (Thomas de Waal, Black Garden: Armenia and Azerbaijan through Peace and War (New York and London, New York University Press, 2003), p. 172).

Deliberate targeting of the Azerbaijani civilian population continued during military operations conducted by Armenia from September 27 to November 10, 2020.

Deliberately targeting the civilian population and civilian infrastructure of Azerbaijani cities such as Ganja, Barda, Terter, which are located at a considerable distance from the war zone, Armenia resorted to the same terror tactics as they had in 1992.

This time with the use of modern types of armoured vehicles, rocket launchers and cluster munitions, Armenia once again unlawfully targeted and killed peaceful Azerbaijani civilians.

The Republic of Azerbaijan believes that continuous measures taken at the national level, as well as within the framework of existing international law, will serve to end impunity and bring to justice those responsible for serious crimes committed during Armenia's aggression against Azerbaijan.

We take this opportunity to remember the victims of the Khojaly massacre and commit their sacrifice to our collective national memory. May they rest in peace.

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ISLAMABAD, Feb 25: Pakistan’s cellular and digital services frontrunner, Zong 4G, held its Annual Business Conference 2022 digitally that was attended by over 250 employees from across the organization. 

Themed, ‘Let’s Get Digital’, which is also Zong’s new brand tagline, the event saw company management highlighting annual achievements and milestones for the year 2021.

Zong’s commitment to Digital Pakistan was reiterated at the event, and its several initiatives to bring the country at par with the global digital race were highlighted, with employees being enthused about their contributions. 

More in more, the company’s employees’ consistent and tireless contributions towards making the comp any the go-to provider of connectivity and high-end digital services was also brought to light and applauded by the top management.

Spotlight on the company’s goals for 2022 – and a wider vision for the future – was also shared at the event with employees showing their excitement over the company’s ambitions. 

The management also shared how Zong is leading Pakistan’s digital transformation from the front, and how it will continue to boost its efforts towards realizing the vision of Digital Pakistan.

Zong Chairman & CEO, Wang Hua, also shared the company’s long-term key strategic direction with the employees, along with Zong’s growth and development strategies for 2022. 

“I congratulate all Zong employees for making 2021 a year of many successes,” shared Wang Hua at the occasion. 

“We achieved many milestones and set new industry benchmarks which we owe to our valued employees and customers.”

He added “Each member of the team has contributed their best to make Zong the preferred Pakistani connectivity and digital services provider, and make Digital Pakistan a reality.

He also highlighted Zong’s CSR contributions and stressed its focus on adding value to Pakistani society. “Zong believes that through digital and intelligent transformation, we can help Pakistan transform digitally and enable every citizen,” he added.

Keeping employee health a top priority since March 2020, Zong adopted the work-from-home model and successfully transformed the company for the new business model. 

Since the pandemic, this is the second time that Zong has held its Annual Business Conference digitally.

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Developmental strategies of President Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister Imran Khan to foster regional connectivity

ISLAMABAD, FEB 25: A Roundtable discussion "State and Prospects for the Development of Cooperation between Uzbekistan and Pakistan’’ was held between the delegation of scholars from Uzbekistan and Pakistan. The event was organized by Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad.

The discussion commenced with the welcome address by Lieutenant General Aamer Riaz, HI (M), (Retd), President, Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad.

He welcomed the delegation of experts from Uzbekistan and all the worthy speaker. He shed light on the emerging socioeconomic and political scenario of Central and South Asia.

He stated that peace in Afghanistan is crucial for economic expansion. He also enlightened the audience about the prospects of cooperation between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.

Ambassador Doniyor Kmuqurbanov, Director, Information and Analytical Center for International Relations, Uzbekistan shared his keynote remarks. He thanked Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS) for organizing the discussion on significant theme.

He stated that Pakistan and Uzbekistan relationship has been touching new heights due to cooperation in number of fields. He discussed developmental strategies of President Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister Imran Khan to foster regional connectivity.

While enlightening the audience, Ambassador Doniyor also expressed his desire to enhance coordination with Pakistan’s institutions, especially CGSS.

The theme of the first session was ‘’Strengthening trade and economic ties between Uzbekistan and Pakistan’’.

Prof. Dr. Shabbir Ahmed Khan, Director, Area Study Center (Russia, China, and Central Asia), University of Peshawar, Peshawar shared his expert opinion while highlighting significance of economic expansion between Pakistan and Uzbekistan vis-à-vis enhancing tourism.

He stated that it is essential to increase trade and production in textile, leather and other areas between both countries. Prof. Shabbir suggested that direct flights must be revive between both countries.

It is imperative to provide an impetus to foster economic cooperation via logistic corridor, i.e., Khyber-Pass Economic Corridor. For this, peace in Afghanistan is necessary. He stated that chambers from both countries must be taken on board.

Dr. Anvar Kobilov, Head of the sector in Center for Economic Research and Reforms under the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan stated that trade cooperation between Pakistan and Uzbekistan has increased by five times in the last five years.

In 2021, trade turnover remained $181million. He enlightened the audience that 71 MOUs have been signed in different areas, which are significant to solidify joint relations.

Dr. Anvar also proposed future prospects for joint ventures between Pakistan and Uzbekistan while highlighting existing potential.

The theme of the second session was Enhancing connection of Central and South Asian regions: Vision of Uzbekistan and Pakistan.

Mr. Ashfaq Ahmed Gondal, Former Federal Secretary of Information and Broadcasting stated that connectivity is a cornerstone for enhancing coordination.

He stated that Mizar-e-Sharif Kabul Peshawar rail project is significant for economic expansion and build relations at higher level. Mr Ashfaq also shed light on the grand concept of Central-South Asia regional connectivity. 

He stated that strengthening people-to-people contacts are necessary to revive centuries old ties and spiritual legacy between Central-South Asia.

Ambassador Sherzod Fayziev, Head of the Department of the International Institute for Central Asia highlighted four priority areas given by President of Uzbekistan, Excellency Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

He stated that these major areas became roadmap to enhance coordination with neighboring countries and economic turnover. Ambassador Sherzod Fayziev stated that all Central Asian countries are interested to enhance cooperation with Pakistan.

He also highlighted Prime Minister Imran Khan’s ‘’vision Central Asia’’ via Afghanistan. He suggested that expansion in trade development, energy, industrial products, transport & logistics and fight against terrorism must be prioritized.  In this aspect, Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) can be a great platform to reach towards culture and humanitarian cooperation.

The theme of the third session was Cooperation between Uzbekistan and Pakistan on combating terrorism and drug trafficking.

Mian Abdul Rauf, Former Advocate-General Islamabad & Prosecutor General of Pakistan under the Protection of Pakistan Act shared his expert opinion by explaining role of Shanghai Cooperation Organization in order to deepen coordination between regional countries and tackle common threats, i.e., combating terrorism.

He stated that the key to connectivity is to enhance joint cooperation in business, trade, and commerce.

If these areas are disrupted by terrorism, it will have negative consequences. Thus, he suggested that there is a need to share information, knowledge, and expertise to combat joint threats and dispute management. 

Dr. Marat Aitov, Head of the Department of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan stated that peace in Afghanistan is important to counter drug trafficking and terrorism. He discussed that Pakistan-Uzbekistan security commission has been established and this commission will work effectively to counter joint threats.

Dr. Marat suggested that there is a need to counter threats from cyber-site because cyber-attacks have been increased. Thus, a resilient framework with a holistic approach can help counter grave threats.

Major General Hafiz Masroor Ahmed, (Retd, Senior Vice President, CGSS stated that peace in Afghanistan is crucial for sustainable development and economic expansion with Central Asia. In this regard, Pakistan and Uzbekistan must devise a holistic framework to curb rising tensions and indulge countries in regional cooperation.

Raja Muqsit Nawaz Khan, CEO, Raja Haq Nawaz Khan Law Associates (RHNKLA) discussed prospects for collaboration between Central-South Asia. He stated that Uzbekistan is playing an instrumental role in reviving Central-South Asian regional connectivity. 

In this aspect, legal framework must be established to counter common threats with a shared approach.  He also highlighted business-to-business prospects between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.

Ambassador Doniyor Kurbanov, Director of Information and Analytical Center for International Relations gave the closing remarks. He thanked all the participants and speakers for a constructive discussion on enhancing Pakistan-Uzbekistan bilateral relations and resolving common issues with a shared approach.

He stated that peace and stability in Afghanistan is vital for our joint cooperation. Ambassador Kurbanov also suggested ways to stimulate Pakistan-Uzbekistan connectivity in number of areas.

Lieutenant General Aamer Riaz, HI(M), (Retd), President, Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad also thanked scholar/expert delegation from Uzbekistan.

He stated that Pakistan wants to take bilateral strategic relationship to the next level in order to solve Afghanistan crisis. He stated that there is a lot of business opportunities between both countries. Thus, it will gain momentum in the days to come.

Senior management of Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS) presented the delegation from Uzbekistan a book ‘His Excellency Shavkat Mirziyoyev: A Visionary Statesman’’.

The book is published by CGSS and an important step to enhance people-to-people contacts and understand Uzbekistan’s policies in multiple aspects. CGSS memento was also presented to Ambassador Doniyor Kurbanov, Director of Information and Analytical Center for International Relations. The discussion was moderated by Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director, CGSS.

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MOSCOW, FEB 25: Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is on a two-day visit to Moscow, held a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday during which the premier reaffirmed the importance of the Pakistan Stream gas pipeline as a flagship economic project between the two countries, his office said.

The Kremlin issued a brief statement, saying that the two leaders discussed the main aspects of bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on current regional topics, including developments in South Asia.

In a handout, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said that the two leaders held wide-ranging consultations on bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest.

"​Recalling the telephone conversations during the recent months between the two leaders, the prime minister expressed confidence that the positive trajectory of bilateral relations will continue to move forward in the future," the handout issued late on Thursday said.

PM Imran expressed the hope that the trust and cordiality marking the relationship would translate into further deepening and broadening of mutual cooperation in diverse fields.

He also reaffirmed the importance of the Pakistan Stream gas pipeline as a flagship economic project between the two countries and also discussed cooperation on prospective energy related projects.

"The prime minister underscored Pakistan’s commitment to [forging] a long-term, multi-dimensional relationship with Russia," the PMO said.

During the meeting, PM Imran also underlined the need for addressing the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and preventing a potential economic meltdown in the war-torn country.

"The prime minister reiterated that Pakistan would continue to work with the international community for a stable, peaceful and connected Afghanistan. In this regard, he underscored the ongoing cooperation and coordination between Pakistan and Russia at various international and regional fora, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation."

In regard to South Asia, the prime minister highlighted the human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and underscored the need for a peaceful resolution of the issue.

"The prime minister also highlighted the developments detrimental to regional peace and stability and stressed the need for measures that would help keep the regional balance," the statement said.

According to the PMO, PM Imran "regretted" the latest situation between Russia and Ukraine and said that Pakistan had hoped "diplomacy could avert a military conflict".

"The prime minister stressed that conflict was not in anyone’s interest and that developing countries were always hit the hardest economically in case of conflict. He underlined Pakistan’s belief that disputes should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.​"

The premier also expressed concern about rising extremism and Islamophobia in the country and stressed the need for interfaith harmony and coexistence.

After the meeting with Putin concluded, Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak and Energy Minister Nikolay Shulginov called on the premier along with a delegation.

Earlier today, PM Imran laid a floral wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow in a tribute to the casualties of World War II.

'PM to return to Pakistan as per schedule'

Before the meeting between PM Imran and Putin, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry — who is part of the Pakistani delegation in Moscow — confirmed that the premier was on his way to meet President Putin, debunking "speculation" regarding the premier's visit being cut short amid Ukraine-Russia tensions.

The information minister also said the premier's "visit is proceeding and that he would return to Pakistan tonight as per schedule".

Chaudhry's clarification came after a report by Associated Press claimed that the prime minister was ending his Moscow trip.

According to Dawn News correspondent Adil Shahzeb, who is currently in Moscow, the PM's "important meeting" with Putin was extended to three hours, which was earlier scheduled for an hour.

PM Imran arrived in Moscow yesterday on a two-day official visit, where he was greeted by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov upon his arrival. He was also presented a guard of honour.

Qureshi meets Lavrov

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi met his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Moscow as both the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries, according to a statement from the Foreign Office.

Qureshi said Pakistan attaches special importance to bilateral relations with Russia. He said relations between Pakistan and Russia have gradually strengthened.

"Pakistan pursues economic priorities and promotes regional ties in the light of PM Imran Khan's vision," Qureshi told his Russian counterpart.

Lavrov congratulated Qureshi and Pakistani leadership on the success of the OIC's Council of Foreign Ministers on Afghanistan held in Islamabad in December last year and also expressed best wishes regarding the upcoming meeting of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Islamabad next month.

The last Pakistani premier to visit Russia was Nawaz Sharif in March 1999, while former president Asif Ali Zardari came to Moscow in 2011.

PM Imran's visit is viewed by many in and outside Pakistan with much anticipation though the Pakistan government terms it a prelude to greater relationship in strategic, energy and regional connectivity.

The timing of the visit has been discussed threadbare but top Pakistani government officials term it one of the rarest opportunities for the energy-starved country to make headway in energy, regional connectivity and role in Afghanistan post US withdrawal.

National Security Adviser Moeed Yusuf, however, had rejected the notion about the timing of the visit. “Yes there is a global tension but our visit is of bilateral nature and the similar path was taken in the visit to China where economy, economic indicators and connectivity was at the heart of that tour,” he had said.

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Courtesy Dawn News

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ISLAMABAD, FEB 24:  Ambassador of Palestine in Islamabad Ahmed Ameen Rabei has conveyed deepest condolences to Pakistani nation on the passing of his friend senator and former interior minister Rehman Malik,

Ambassador of Palestine prayed that the Almighty Allah grant him Jannat ul Maqam and his family the strength to bear this great loss.

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Kyiv, FEB 23: A 30-day state of emergency has been declared in Ukraine in light of a feared invasion by Russia in the country’s east, the secretary of the country’s security council said on Wednesday.

The move could mean Ukrainians will be ordered to stay home or placed under curfew, Oleksiy Danilov said.

The move comes in response to Russia’s decision to recognize two separatist regions in eastern Ukraine as independent countries and authorize Russian military forces to enter to prevent what the Kremlin insists is attempted genocide against ethnic Russians there.

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry on Wednesday urged citizens living in Russia to leave that country “immediately.” According to estimates, about 3 million Ukrainians reside in Russia. Many have family in both countries.

The West has responded to Russia’s actions vis-a-vis Ukraine with a flurry of sanctions for what it calls a violation of international norms.

Britain announced sanctions against Russian oligarchs and banks, while Washington announced moves against Russian financial institutions and sovereign debt. The European Union announced its own package of measures.

The US and European countries have been warning for weeks that Russia is preparing an invasion, with more than 100,000 troops amassing on the Russian side of the joint border and – more recently – Russia’s refusal to withdraw troops stationed in Belarus for military drills.

Russia responded that it was seeking guarantees that NATO forces would no longer operate forces in Eastern Europe – even in NATO member countries – and that Ukrainian NATO membership would be permanently off the table.

Russian President Vladimir Putin slammed the West on Wednesday for failing to respond to these demands, which he called “non-negotiable.”

“Our country is always open for direct and open dialogue, for the quest for diplomatic solutions to difficult problems,” he said in a video message released to mark Defence of the Fatherland Day, a day set aside to honour the armed services.

“But I repeat: The interests of Russia and the security of our citizens are non-negotiable for us,” he said.

Putin has repeatedly indicated that he thinks NATO’s eastward expansion is a threat to Russia.

“Today, securing the ability of our country’s defence forces remains the most important duty of the state,” he said.

Also on Tuesday, a debate about whether the Kremlin-backed TV station RT will be allowed to continue broadcasting in Britain was gathering pace.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss has said it is up to Britain’s communications regulator Ofcom whether the broadcaster would be allowed to continues with its licence, in comments reported by the Press Association.

“I think it is certainly true that (RT) is spouting propaganda on behalf of the Kremlin. One of the things the Kremlin does is use disinformation to try and sow discord in the West, and Russia Today is clearly part of that,” she said.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also called for action to tackle the “propaganda” put out by the channel, describing it as part of Putin’s “campaign of misinformation.”

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Courtesy Anews

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ISLAMABAD, FEB 23: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and Huawei Pakistan have signed a memorandum of understanding to close the digital divide and to reduce the gender gap by empowering women through digital technologies all across Pakistan in Punjab, KPY and Sindh to begin with. 

The signing ceremony was attended by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection Dr. Sania Nishter, Federal Secretary (IT & T) Dr. Sohail Rajput, PTA Chairman Maj Gen® Amir Azeem Bajwa, CEO Jazz Mr. Aamir Ibrahim, CEO Ufone Mr. Hatem Bamatraf, CEO Telenor Pakistan Mr. Irfan Wahab Khan, Deputy CEO Huawei Pakistan Mr. Ahmed Bilal Masud and Mr. Wu Han, along with other respective members from signing parties.

Dr. Sania Nishter and PTA appreciated all the operators and Huawei’s efforts to promote gender inclusion and Women Empowerment.

Access to the Internet and improved digital skills can pave the way for women to start new businesses, sell products to new markets, find market-competitive jobs, and access education, health, and financial services while actively participating in public life and improving information exchange. 

The gender gap in Pakistan’s ICT use has not declined in the last few years, this MoU signing aims to amend that. 

Huawei plans to support PTA in initiating projects to reduce digital gender gap via awareness programs and acquiring digital skills by females. In this regard, Huawei plans to launch trainings inviting approximately 500 women in 2022. 

The company also aims to support PTA in hosting projects, trainings and activities to promote Gender Inclusion in ICTs in collaboration with other organizations.

Increased focus will pave the way towards the inclusion of women in ICT academies, CSR projects and providing low-cost tools, phones & gadgets for females to help with easy learning.

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ISLAMABAD, FEB 22: Ukrainian envoy to Pakistan Volodymyr Lakomov has requested Prime Minister Imran Khan to raise the Ukrainian issue with the Russian president during his visit to Moscow.

Addressing a presser on Tuesday, the Ukrainian envoy appealed to Pakistan to play its role to alleviate the rising tension as a nuclear power.  

He asked for Pakistan’s help in case Russia invades the country. He said Russia wants to occupy his country as the latter has deployed its more than 150,000 troops on the Ukrainian border for the last six months.

The envoy was of the view that unrest would spread across the globe if Russia attacks Ukraine. He stressed upon Pakistan to play its part to solve this crisis. 

He also called upon Russia to respect the international laws and abide by its agreements, while urging Moscow to sort issues with dialogue instead of using force.

Ukraine has been facing foreign military aggression since Feb 20, 2014. The envoy said that his country would not compromise on its sovereignty. 

The Ukrainian envoy’s comments come a day ahead of PM Khan’s scheduled visit to Russia on the invitation of President Vladimir Putin.

The foreign office said in a statement that the premier will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including members of the cabinet. 

It said that both countries enjoy friendly relations “marked by mutual respect, trust and convergence of views on a range of international and regional issues”.

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ISLAMABAD, FEB 22: The Government of Japan has decided to provide grant assistance up to US$189,204 (equivalent to around PKR 33 million) to three NGO development projects in Pakistan. 

The recipients that will implement the projects are True Worth Foundation, Rehman Foundation, and Dir Area Development Organization (DADO). 

The grant contracts were signed between WADA Mitsuhiro, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, and representatives of the three organizations at the Ambassador’s residence in Islamabad on February 22, 2022. 

True Worth Foundation will receive a US$ 62,199 grant (equivalent to around PKR 10.8 million) to install computed radiography, an ambulance, and a generator in Al-Wadood Hospital run by the organization in Islamabad to provide local people with quality medical services at affordable prices. 

The computed radiography will enable the hospital to perform PCR testing and diagnose many more diseases. By introducing the ambulance, the operational and outreach capacity of the hospital in emergency circumstances will also be enhanced. 

Rehman Foundation will receive a US$ 65,800 grant (equivalent to around PKR 11.5 million) to install eight dialysis machines in Islamabad Dialysis Center run by the organization to strengthen the implementation structure of dialytic treatment.

The project will make it possible for dialysis patients to regularly take the treatment at minimal cost, and then ease the financial and physical burden on them. 

Dir Area Development Organization (DADO) will receive a US$ 61,205 grant (equivalent to around PKR 10.7 million) to construct a micro hydropower station in District Upper Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to supply reliable, low-cost, and environmentally-friendly electricity to local people. 

Its availability will allow them to use ceiling fans during the hot season and heating appliances in winter. Children will also be able to learn under an appropriate illumination level. 

At the signing ceremony, Ambassador WADA offered the three organizations his sincere congratulations for receiving the grants from the Japanese government.

He also hoped that these development projects would contribute to meeting basic human needs and improve the social well-being of Pakistani people. 

The Government of Japan will continue to support the socio-economic development in Pakistan at the grassroots level by working together with local NGOs through grant assistance.

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A drone attack or strikes is an unmanned combat aerial vehicle that fires a missile at a target. The word drone was first time used in 1946 but this technology in a few years made the term more common. 

The drone is mostly used in that situation in which fighting is difficult or too risky. The drones can be an automatic or remote drone. Drones can fly for a long period of time and it plays a key role in different aspects of aviation.

World War 1 saw the first real introduction of aircraft, the British army used aerial imagery to capture maps and location. 

Toward the end of the war, the US army was working on drones. Early-stage of World War 2 United States produces first remote control aircraft. 

The U.S. military had experimented with pilotless aeroplanes as “aerial torpedoes” or flying bombs as far back as the First World War, but with no great success until the Vietnam War, when jet-propelled, camera-equipped drones built by Teledyne-Ryan were launched and controlled from U.S. Air Force C-130s on. 

Israel was the first country which developed military drone technology after the Arab Israel war in 1973. This technology makes its progress and becomes one of the most important and famous inventions of the century.

The CIA had been flying unarmed drones over Afghanistan since 2000. It began to fly armed drones after the September 11 attacks. Some were used during the air war against the Taliban in late 2001. 

But by February 2002 the CIA hadn’t yet used a drone for a strike outside military support. On Nov 14, 2001, five weeks into America’s war against al-Qaida, a small, unmanned, remote-controlled aeroplane called a Predator took off from a U.S. airbase in Uzbekistan, crossed the border into Afghanistan and with a video camera attached to its belly started tracking a convoy of vehicles believed to be carrying jihadi leaders along a road in Kabul. 

A group of officers and spies, monitoring the streamed footage from inside a trailer in a parking lot at CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia, watched the convoy stop outside a building. With the push of a button, the Predator fired a Hellfire missile at the building, the back half of which exploded. 

Seven people, survivors of the blast, were seen fleeing to another nearby structure. A second Hellfire destroyed that shelter, too. Among the dead were Mohammed Atef, al-Qaida’s military chief and Osama Bin Laden’s son-in-law. 

Five weeks earlier, on Oct 7 a drone strike had been launched against another caravan, this one carrying the Taliban leader Mullah Omar, but the missile missed doubts about this newfangled technology remained. 

The era of the armed drone the weapon that has since come to define American-style warfare in the 21st century had unambiguously begun.

First Drone attack in Pakistan was on 18 June 2004. The first known US drone strike killed 5–8 people including Nek Muhammad Wazir and two children, in a strike near Wana, South Waziristan. 

Pakistan's Army initially claimed the attack as its own work. Some notable drone strikes in Pakistan are Damadola airstrike, Datta Khel airstrike, 2009 Makin airstrike and Miramshah airstrike.

On 13 January 2006, the Central Intelligence Agency fired missiles into the Pakistani village of Damadola in the Bajaur tribal area, about seven kilometers (4.5 miles) from the Afghan border, killing at least 18 people. 

Originally the Bajaur tribal area government claimed that at least four foreign members of al-Qaeda were among the dead. 

The United States and Pakistani officials later admitted that no al-Qaeda leaders perished in the strike and that only local villagers were killed.

The Datta Khel airstrike was an American airstrike carried out on 17 March 2011 in Datta Khel, North Waziristan that killed 44 people and led to widespread condemnation in Pakistan. 

Sherabat Khan Wazir, a top commander of Hafiz Gul Bahadur's Taliban faction, was killed in the strike, and in response, Bahadur threatened to end the peace deal struck with the Pakistani government almost four years earlier. 

23 June 2009 Makin airstrike was an attack launched by United States drones on a funeral procession in the city of Makin in South Waziristan, Pakistan. The Miramshah airstrike took place on Friday 12 September 2008 in Miramshah in North Waziristan in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) in Pakistan.

Drones technology are not only used by the military but also used by militants or terrorist groups such as Small drones and quadcopters have been used for strikes by the Islamic State (ISIS). 

A group of twelve have been piloted by specially trained pilots to drop munitions onto the U.S backed ground forces. 

They have been able to evade ground defence forces. During the battle for Mosul, the Islamic State was able to kill or wound dozens of Iraqi soldiers by dropping light explosives or 40-millimetre grenades from numerous drones attacking at the same time.

There are a number of vocal critics of the use of a drone to track and kill terrorists and militants. 

A major criticism of drone strikes is that they result in excessive collateral damage. David Kilcullen and Andrew Exum wrote in the New York Times that drone strikes "have killed about 14 terrorist leaders". 

It has also killed an unknown number of militants. But, according to Pakistani sources, they have also killed some 700 civilians. 

Grégoire Chimayo’s analysis, of one three-hour-long surveillance and attack operation on a convoy of three of SUVs that killed civilians in Afghanistan in February 2010, shows a typical if notorious, case. 

Throughout the operation, there is a sense of the drone controllers’ desperation to destroy the people and destroy the vehicles whatever the evidence of their clearly civilian nature.

It is difficult to reconcile these figures because the drone strikes are often in areas that are inaccessible to independent observers and the data includes reports by local officials and local media, neither of whom are reliable sources. 

Critics also fear that by making killing seem clean and safe, so-called surgical drone strikes will allow the United States to remain in a perpetual state of war. However, others maintain that drones "allow for a much closer review and much more selective targeting process than do other instruments of warfare" and are subject to Congressional oversight.

Like any military technology, armed UAVs will kill people, combatants and innocents alike, thus the main turning point concerns the question of whether we should go to war at all. 

The New America Foundation stated in mid-2011 that from 2004 to 2011, 80% of the 2,551 people killed in the strikes were militants. 

The Foundation stated that 95% of those killed in 2010 were militants and that, as of 2012, 15% of the total people killed by drone strikes were either known civilians or unknown. 

The Foundation also states that in 2012 the rate of known civilian and unknown casualties was 2 per cent, whereas the Bureau of Investigative Journalism said the rate of civilian casualties for 2012 is 9 per cent. 

The Bureau, based on extensive research in mid-2011, claims that at least 385 civilians were among the dead, including more than 160 children. 

As this fact and figure shows that the rate of civilian death is also high in drone attacks so the drone technology can be used where militants are present not on the civilian or unknown person and also drone attacks are a crime against humanity, We Need Humanity, More than Cleverness, We need kindness, We need all of the Human qualities more than USA definition.

USA and other countries Drone Program Needs to Be Accompanied by Hard Facts on Civilian Deaths. USA Added Black Pages to History of Humanity. 

It should be noted as dangerous for Human Kind, human rights, rights of life liberty and pursuit of happiness.

Drone technology is one of the most important parts of the future of warfare. It is also a threat to liberties around the world. 

As drone strike play an important role in new warfare so there should put some limitation as in every successful drone strike terrorist kill as well as innocent people also become victims. 

Drones have uncountable advantages as well as disadvantages. It is also a fact that drones become necessary for security as it can be used where fighting is difficult or too risky. It is a need of time.

By

Raja Furqan Ahmed

The writer is a student of International Relations and Freelance journalist currently based in Islamabad, Pakistan.

He can be reached at furqanraja1122@gmail.com or @furqanraja1122 on Twitter.

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ISLAMABAD, Feb 22: Zong 4G – Pakistan’s cellular and digital services frontrunner and the CSR leader in the local ICT arena – has signed an agreement with the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) to promote gender inclusion in the workplace and beyond.

Since its inception, inclusion of women at all levels of employment and society has been as critical to Zong’s CSR as social responsibility has been to Zong’s professional ethos. The partnership with the Pakistani telecom regulator further broadens this very vision of gender diversity.

Zong has always worked relentlessly to build and promote a more gender inclusive workplace and society. 

Besides giving them a chance to prove their mettle at some of the most critical roles, the company provides women with an equal opportunity to excel at the workplace and in society. 

By focusing on Inclusive Growth, Zong has played a pivotal role in the uplift of women within and outside the organization.  

Some of Zong’s initiatives for women’s inclusion and empowerment within and outside the workplace include: Call centers with 49% female staff (both Pakistani and Chinese); International-standard work from home model for call center staff; Career & development opportunities for female graduates through GTO program; Meaningful celebration of Intl. 

Women’s Day every year; Focus on mental and physical wellbeing of female employees (sports, gym, yoga, breast cancer awareness, and more); Facilitation services for working mothers and State-of-the-art day care facilities; Setting up of digital labs, vocational training centers for girl students ; Digital training of women through Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF); Enablement of female doctors through Sehat Kahani; CSR Ambassador Program for Zong female volunteers to uplift women in society.

Zong strongly believes that women play an integral role when it comes to a progressive society and realization of the Digital Pakistan vision. 

That is the reason why Zong has been accelerating women’s inclusion and empowerment, and taking the lead on this front in the ICT sector. 

The gender inclusion agreement with PTA will help Zong broaden its horizon further and explore fresh and innovative avenues to not only to include more women in the workplace and give them the chance to grow in their careers, but also work for their enablement and empowerment in the society.

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