Wednesday, 23 March 2022

Qureshi assures Palestinian FM of Pakistan's 'unequivocal support' in struggle for rights

 

Qureshi assures Palestinian FM of Pakistan's 'unequivocal support' in struggle for rights

ISLAMABAD, MAR 23: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Wednesday held a meeting with Palestinian counterpart Dr Riyad al-Maliki and reaffirmed Pakistan's "unequivocal support" for the rights of Palestinians in their just struggle, according to a statement issued by the Foreign Office (FO).

The foreign ministers met on the sidelines of the 48th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which Pakistan is hosting in Islamabad. The two-day summit will end today.

According to the FO, Qureshi underscored during his meeting with Maliki that Islamabad's principled position on Palestine reflected the sentiments of the people of Pakistan.

"Maliki expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s unwavering support and principled stance on Palestine, including at the UN (United Nations) and OIC," the FO said, adding that the two foreign ministers also reviewed bilateral ties and exchanged views on regional and international issues.

Tweeting about the meeting later, Qureshi said Pakistan was pleased to continue to offer Palestinian students seats in its educational institutions and military courses.

"We will also offer positions in junior and advanced diplomatic courses in Pakistan to Palestinian diplomats," he added.

'We have failed Palestine'

Qureshi's assurance on Pakistan's stance on the Palestine issue comes a day after Prime Minister Imran Khan lamented while delivering his keynote address at the OIC summit that "we have failed both the Palestinians and the people of Kashmir".

"I am sad to say that we have been able to make no impact at all," he regretted during his speech. While the international law was on the side of the people of Palestine, he said, the international community never ensured that the people of Palestine were given their rights.

He further cautioned that unless the OIC was united on core issues, human rights abuses would keep happening, such as the "daylight robbery in Palestine".

"The only hope I have is that for the first time because of social media, there is awareness in Western countries. Much more than the OIC, it is the mobile phone and the spread of information of the injustices being done to the Palestinians ... at the moment, that is the best way to protect them, not us," the PM concluded.

On the occasion, Qureshi had also highlighted the plight of Palestinians, who he said were "reeling under abominable subjugation".

Qureshi's and PM Imran's statements reiterated Pakistan's stand on the decades-long Palestine issue.

Israel had captured east Jerusalem, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip in the 1967 Mideast war. It later annexed east Jerusalem in a move not recognised by most of the international community. The Palestinians seek the West Bank and Gaza for a future independent state, with east Jerusalem as its capital.

Pakistan's longstanding stance on the issue has been that it supports a "just and solution of the Palestinian issue, through dialogue and negotiations, that leads to the realisation of the legitimate rights of the Palestinians, including the right of self-determination".

Over the years, Pakistan has consistently supported a two-state solution, as enshrined in the relevant Security Council and General Assembly resolutions and reaffirmed support for the cause till Palestinians get their due rights.


With additional input from AP

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Flag hoisting ceremony for Pakistan Day and launch of Quaid at Quaid-e-Azam House Museum

Flag hoisting ceremony for Pakistan Day and launch of Quaid at Quaid-e-Azam House Museum


KARACHI, MAR 23: The Board of Management, Quaid-e-Azam House Museum – Institute of Nation Building observed Pakistan Day at Quaid-e-Azam House Museum Karachi on 23rd March, 2022.

 

The Flag hoisting ceremony was performed by Liaquat H. Merchant, Senior Vice Chairman and grandnephew of Quaid e Azam, Ikram Sehgal, Vice Chairman, Commodore (R) Sadeed Malik and members of the Board of Management, Quaid-e-Azam House Museum.

 

A student band from Ida Rieu School for special children played the National Anthem while the Pakistan flag was hoisted. Patriotic songs were sung by the students of Ida Rieu School, Jinnah Foundation School, and Hamdard Foundation School. 

 

Addressing the audience, Liaquat H. Merchant said that 23rd March was a special day in Pakistan at par with 14th August. Mr Merchant said that the principles, ideals and vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah for Pakistan should always be kept in mind in order to achieve unity, faith and discipline. 


He encouraged students to read more about Quaid-e-Azam and understand his vision for Pakistan. Mr Merchant gave students copies of “QUOTES FROM THE QUAID” compiled by Liaquat H Merchant and the late Professor Sharif ul Mujahid and published by Lightstone Publishers.

 

Nadira Panjwani, a Member of the Board of Management spoke on the achievements of Quaid-e-Azam and the future prospects of Pakistan as a Muslim State. She presented students copies of “OUR QUAID” written by Amina Azfar and published by Lightstone Publishers. 


This book was the brainchild of Liaquat H Merchant and was a project of the Jinnah Society. Ms. Panjwani recommended that “OUR QUAID” be prescribed by the Sindh Government Education Department for use in government schools across Sindh. 

 

Amina Azfar said that she was pleased to write “OUR QUAID” for The Jinnah Society and hoped that the book would be widely read by students in Pakistan.

 

Ikram Sehgal said that, following the success of the Inter-School Declamation Competition 2022, the 23rd March 2022 event was also highly successful as it motivated students to attend, help hoist the flag and sing the National Anthem and patriotic songs. He advised students to read “OUR QUAID” and work hard to complete their studies and serve Pakistan to the best of their ability. 

 

Ikram Sehgal thanked Liaquat Merchant, Nadira Panjwani, Amina Azfar, and Ameena Saiyid of Lightstone Publishers for publishing this book as well as the teachers and students present. 


He further said that he and Liaquat Merchant, Commodore (R) Sadeed Malik and the entire Board of Management of Quaid-e-Azam House Museum under the guidance of Chief Minister Sindh will strive to make Quaid-e-Azam House an effective Institute of Nation building. 


The event was compered by Ameena Saiyid, a Member of the Board of Management.

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Pakistan Day: Armed forces show off military might as OIC officials watch

 

Pakistan Day: Armed forces show off military might as OIC officials watch

ISLAMABAD, MAR 23: The country is celebrating Pakistan Day on Wednesday with the armed forces displaying their might in the annual military parade in Islamabad while dignitaries participating in the 48th Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) watch as guests of honour.

Pakistan Day commemorates the passing of the Lahore Resolution on March 23, 1940, when the All-India Muslim League demanded a separate nation for the Muslims of the British Indian Empire.

According to Radio Pakistan, the day started off with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital and a 21-gun salute in the provincial capitals.

A change of guards ceremony was also was held at the mausoleums of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Iqbal in Karachi and Lahore, respectively.

The report added that special prayers were offered in mosques after Fajr prayer for Pakistan's progress and prosperity.

The main feature of the day is the grand military parade — currently underway — in Islamabad in which the three contingents of the armed forces and other security forces conduct a march while fighter planes present aerobatic manoeuvres.

Prime Minister Imran Khan, President Arif Alvi, the three services chiefs, federal ministers as well as officials and foreign ministers of 57 Muslim countries that are members of the OIC are present for the displays.

Pakistan Day: Armed forces show off military might as OIC officials watch

Pakistan Day: Armed forces show off military might as OIC officials watch

After the PAF fighters' mesmerising show, Pakistan Army, PAF and Navy parachuters demonstrated their skills with free-falls from 10,000 feet. Major General Adil Rehmani, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Special Service Group (SSG) – an elite unit of commandos from the army – then presented the flag of Pakistan to President Alvi, after which the parachuters were given a gun salute.

After the demonstration, floats, representing each province, took a round of the venue. This year, for the first time ever, a presentation was given by Jammu and Kashmir too. The region's float featured a miniature structure of the famous Dargah Hazratbal located in Srinagar. It also carried banners of freedom fighters who were martyred in Indian occupied Kashmir.

In his address on the occasion, President Alvi said Pakistan was a responsible atomic power that wanted peace with all other nations and respected their sovereignty.

He made it clear that Pakistan would never compromise on its security and sovereignty and would give a forceful response to any aggression directed towards it. "I believe our nation won't hesitate from any sacrifice for the country's security," Alvi added.

The president highlighted extremism and the spread of fake news as among the biggest challenges facing society and called on scholars, parents and teachers to play their part in tackling these societal problems.

Multiple organisations and departments have planned a number of activities including seminars, conferences and discussion programmes to highlight the historical significance of Pakistan Day.

'Hard work, honesty and morality'

In his message to the nation, Prime Minister Imran Khan stressed that the country came into being after a long democratic struggle and the key to its development lay in "hard work, honesty and morality".

"We need to adhere to the principles of Unity, Faith and Discipline given by Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, and rededicate ourselves to develop Pakistan as a truly democratic welfare state on the model of Riyasat-i-Madina. On this day, it is pertinent to reflect upon the challenges confronting us as a nation," he said.

The premier added his government had brought in long-term reforms and initiatives to alleviate poverty and promote justice and its focus remained on the marginalised segments of society and how to provide them equal opportunities.

“We are now on the path to regain our past glory that was disrupted by previous regimes who gave importance to self-interests rather than national interest and welfare of the people.

"The struggle to eliminate corruption and improve moral standards would require the same persistence as our founding fathers persevered during the freedom movement,” the prime minister said.

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Courtesy Dawn News

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Tuesday, 22 March 2022

Palestinian tragedy at the heart of Middle East turmoil: PM Imran

 

Palestinian tragedy at the heart of Middle East turmoil: PM Imran

ISLAMABAD, MAR 22: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday said that being a matter of great anguish for Pakistani people and Muslims all over the world, the Palestinian tragedy was at the heart of the turmoil in the Middle East.

The prime minister, in a meeting with Palestinian Foreign Minister Dr. Riyad Al-Maliki reiterated Pakistan’s unequivocal support for the rights of the Palestinian people and their just struggle.

The meeting took place here on the sidelines of the 48th session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s Council of Foreign Ministers. The prime minister stressed the importance of fulfilling the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people.

The Palestinian foreign minister underlined that the unresolved issues of the Muslim Ummah, such as Palestine and the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, were among the root causes of instability in the respective regions.

He added that the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) were suffering grave atrocities and unabated repression for demanding their inalienable right to self-determination.

Foreign Minister Maliki expressed his gratitude for Pakistan’s unwavering support and principled position on Palestine.  Prime Minister Imran Khan and Foreign Minister Maliki also exchanged views on the excellent bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Palestine as well as the collaboration between the two sides at regional and international forums including the OIC.

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'We have failed Kashmiris and Palestinians,' PM Imran tells OIC moot

 

'We have failed Kashmiris and Palestinians,' PM Imran tells OIC moot

ISLAMABAD, MAR 22: Prime Minister Imran Khan delivered a keynote address at the inaugural session of the 48th Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) at the Parliament House in Islamabad on Tuesday.

While talking about the OIC's role, he said, "We have failed both the Palestinians and the people of Kashmir. I am sad to say that we have been able to make no impact at all."

The premier said Western countries did "not take the OIC seriously" because "we are a divided house and those powers know it.

"We (Muslims) are 1.5 billion people and yet our voice to stop this blatant injustice is insignificant."

PM Imran said international law was on the side of the people of Palestine and Kashmir, adding that the United Nations Security Council's resolutions backed the right of the Kashmiris to self-determination through a plebiscite. However, the international community never ensured that right was given, he said.

Referring to India's stripping of occupied Kashmir's special status in August 2019, he said "nothing happened because they (India) feels no pressure."

"They feel we can just [pass] a resolution and then [go] back to our usual business."

He cautioned that unless the OIC was united on core issues, human rights abuses would keep happening such as the "daylight robbery in Palestine".

"The only hope I have is that for the first time because of social media, there is awareness in Western countries. Much more than the OIC, it is the mobile phone and the spread of information of the injustices being done to the Palestinians ... at the moment, that is the best way to protect them, not us."

He said India was changing the demography in occupied Kashmir by bringing in settlers from outside but "no one has pushed about it because they think we are ineffective."

Resolution against Islamophobia

The PM began his speech congragulating the Muslim world for the recent adoption of a resolution against Islamophobia by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), that proclaims March 15 as International Day to Combat Islamophobia.

He said the world was now realising that Islamophobia was a reality and more needed to be done to combat it.

"Why was Islam equated with terrorism?" Imran questioned, and referred to the Christchurch attack on a mosque as a consequence of this stereotyping.

"Once that happens, how is the man in the street in Western countries, how is he supposed to differentiate between a moderate Muslim and a radical Muslim? Hence, this man walks into a mosque and shoots everyone he could."

The prime minister said it was unfortunate that the Muslim world was not able to combat this image of Muslims. "What should have been done wasn't; the heads of Muslim countries should have taken a stand on this. Unfortunately this narrative of Islamic terrorism, Islamic radicalisation, this narrative went on unchecked."

In response to this wave of Islamophobia, PM Imran said, some Muslim heads of state said they were moderate Muslims. "When you say this, you automatically say there are some extremist Muslims."

There were moderates, liberals, conservatives and fanatics in every human community, he said. But it was only Muslims who were "branded based on their religion", he added.

Muslim states had made the "biggest mistake" by not challenging the narrative because of which Muslims residing in Western countries suffered, he said.

"Any time any terrorist incident by Muslims happened, [it] immediately meant that every Muslim [was] branded. How could the whole community be responsible for some fanatical deed by some extremists?" he asked.

"They were able to vilify our religion and yet there was no coherent response from the Muslim world." Referring to the recently passed UN resolution, the premier said he hoped that from now onwards, the Muslim community would be able to put forward its narrative.

He also spoke about the state of Madinah, which he said had laid the foundation of "one of the greatest civilisations in human history".

He said he was glad that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi was attending the moot because he wanted people to understand what brought about "one of the greatest revolutions of all time".

"The state of Madinah was ahead of its time and it was the first welfare state in the world. It was a state that took care of its weak, orphans, widows, poor people."

The premier said he was saddened because some European states "look after their animals better than some of us treat our people".

Prime minister rued, "wherever you go ... we imprison our women, they have no rights. And sometimes, it almost seems the US invaded Afghanistan to liberate the women.

"Sadly, cultural issues are equated with our religion ... Let's not confuse Muslim imperialism with the 10 years of the prophet in Madinah. Because that's not what the prophet preached. The whole revolution was about ideas."

Afghanistan and Ukraine

The premier also spoke about the global situation, expressing his apprehension that the world is "headed in the wrong way".

A new Cold War had almost started and the world could be divided into blocs, he said, stressing that unless 1.5bn Muslims took a united stand, "we will be nowhere."

No other people had suffered as much as the people of Afghanistan, he said, adding that for the first time in 40 years, there was "no conflict" in the war-torn country. "The only danger now is through the sanctions [imposed on Afghanistan] and non-recognition", which could cause a humanitarian crisis, he cautioned.

He said it was "extremely important" to stabilise Afghanistan because it was the "only way we are going to be able to stop international terrorism from Afghan soil".

"Let's not be delusional that some other country can come in and fight terrorism through drones. The only way is a stable Afghanistan government that can take care of terrorism.

"Anyone who knows the Afghan character should be cautioned, please do not push the people of Afghanistan where they feel their sovereignty is being threatened."

The premier called on the OIC to encourage the Afghan people and include them in the international community, saying he believed the "people of Afghanistan are strong enough to evolve and go in the right direction."

Talking about the ongoing war in Ukraine, PM Imran suggested that the OIC foreign ministers should discuss how the body could "mediate, try to bring about a ceasefire and an end to the conflict".

If the war continued, it would have "great consequences for the world", he cautioned. "All countries that are non-partisan are in a special position to be able to influence this conflict."

He again repeated his suggestion that the foreign ministers discuss the issue, adding that he would also talk about it with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi about how the OIC, along with China, "can influence the events in Ukraine and stop this and have some ceasefire and resolve this conflict".

Earlier, in his opening speech, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi stressed that the forum is a bridge amongst Muslim nations and the rest of the world, highlighting its role in resolving conflicts in the Muslim world.

Before his opening remarks, Pakistan assumed the chair of the 48th session of the moot with Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi chairing the session.

The two-day annual meeting of the 57-member body of Muslim countries is being held under the theme of 'Building Partnerships for Unity, Justice, and Development'. About 46 member states are being represented at the ministerial level in the meeting. The rest will be represented by senior officials.

Qureshi urges collective response

Qureshi urged the OIC to forge a collective response to meet the challenges faced by the Muslim Ummah, emphasising that the OIC is the collective voice of nearly two billion Muslims.

"It is a bridge amongst the Muslim countries and the international community. Promoting solidarity and cooperation within the Muslim Ummah is one of the central pillars of Pakistan’s foreign policy," he said, adding that Pakistan’s overarching goal as chair of the 48th session of the OIC meeting shall be to further solidify the cooperation amongst the Muslim countries.

"The Muslim world is faced with conflicts in the Middle East, prolonged foreign occupation, and the denial of the right to self-determination, most notably to the people of Palestine and Kashmir," Qureshi said.

"The Muslims of Palestine and the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) are still reeling under abominable subjugation. For the last seven decades, they have struggled to achieve their inalienable right to self-determination," the foreign minister noted.

Resentment in Muslims, he pointed out, is increasing due to frequent external interventions in Muslim countries. "More than two-thirds of all refugees worldwide come from just five countries: Syria, Afghanistan, South Sudan, Myanmar, and Somalia."

Qureshi said Muslim countries are hosting the largest number of refugees [presently].

"While we must work to prevent outside interference in the Muslim World, we alone can find solutions to internal fissures and challenges. The key to ending these conflicts and disputes is comprehensive engagement and cooperation among the Islamic countries," he suggested.

A similar resolve and unity, the minister urged, is needed in countering what he referred to as the ideologies of hate such as Islamophobia and right-wing racism. "Repeated incidents of desecration of the Holy Quran and reprinting of caricatures have seriously hurt the sentiments of Muslims across the world. They also cause great anguish within the Islamic world."

Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud, OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha, Islamic Development Bank President Dr Muhammad Suleiman Al-Jasser, Chinese State Councilor, and Foreign Minister Wangi Yi also addressed the session. A video message by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was shown as well.

'China stands with Palestinians'

Taking the stage at the OIC moot, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that maintaining friendly relations lies at the heart of the traditions of China.

"China can never forget the support of the Islamic world in the United Nations," he said, assuring unwavering assistance for the Muslims in Palestine.

"China stands with the Palestinian people for a two-state solution."

Regarding Afghanistan, Yi assured that China stands with the war-torn country for all possible assistance and cooperation for peace, development and reconstruction.

He revealed that China has, so far, donated 1.3bn coronavirus vaccine doses to 50 countries and promised 300 million more doses. "We are also investing $400bn in 600 projects in the Muslim world."

More than 54 countries, he said, are a part of the One Belt One Road Initiative, which is a global infrastructure development strategy adopted by the Chinese government in 2013.

The Chinese minister stressed that clashes between nations should be avoided via negotiations and dialogue, which is also what China is in favour of.

"China stands ready for cooperation with the Islamic world," he vowed, adding that the country is ready to work for regional security, stability, and development.

Talking about the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Yi said that China supports negotiations between the two countries.

Meeting's agenda

During the two-day conference, more than 100 resolutions will be overviewed.

The agenda of the meeting covers a review of the developments affecting the Muslim world since the last CFM held in Niamey in 2020 and efforts undertaken by the secretariat for the implementation of resolutions adopted in previous sessions, especially on Palestine and Al Quds.

The participants would also deliberate on the situation in Afghanistan and India-held Jammu and Kashmir.

Issues pertaining to Africa and Muslims in Europe and developments in Yemen, Libya, Sudan, Somalia, and Syria, will also be taken up at the meeting.

The agenda, moreover, includes Islamophobia and issues related to international terrorism and cooperation in economic, cultural, social, humanitarian, and scientific domains.

On March 23, foreign ministers will visit the venue of the Pakistan Day parade. Later in the day, FM Qureshi along with OIC Secretary General Hissein Brahim Taha will hold a joint press stakeout following the conclusion of the session.

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Courtesy Dawn News

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