Category: Islamabad

Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday strongly condemned the blast in Shahrag area of Harnai district, Balochistan, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of precious lives.

In separate statements, the president and the prime minister offered heartfelt condolences to the families of those died in the terrorist incident.

They also vowed to continue efforts till the elimination of terrorism from the country.

PM Shehbaz directed the relevant authorities to provide the best medical support to the injured. He also prayed for their early recovery.

The prime minister said the individuals who harm the lives and property of innocent and defenseless citizens will have to pay a very heavy price.

Islamabad: Coordinator to the Prime Minister on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Dr Mukhtar Bharath on Friday urged to make integrate efforts to protect children from vaccine-preventable diseases.

He was addressing the national workshop on Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) and the Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) synergy framework and integrated plan development, organized in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO).

Dr Mukhtar stressed the need for strong commitment to enhancing collaboration between the EPI and

PEI.

He emphasized the urgency of integrated efforts to protect every child in Pakistan from vaccine-preventable diseases with a special emphasis on achieving the goal of a Polio Free Pakistan.

Dr Bharath acknowledged the unwavering dedication of all provincial, areas, EPIs, Polio Emergency Operation Centres (EOCs), partner organizations (GAVI, World Health Organization, UNICEF, Gates Foundation) healthcare professionals, government agencies and specially the frontline health care workers working tirelessly to achieve immunization targets.

He underscored that the Synergy Framework is not merely a document, but a strategic roadmap designed to optimize resources, strengthen coordination, and ensure no child is left behind.

'This is a shared responsibility that demands full commitment from all of us, especially at the provincial and district levels,' Dr Bharath stated.

He said that EPI and PEI must collaborate as one team, particularly in areas where service delivery remains a challenge.

He said that identifying zero-dose and under-immunized children is a priority, ensuring they receive their vaccines in a timely and effective manner.

Dr Bharath stressed the need for actionable and well-monitored strategies.

'We will not just plan, we will track our progress. A tracker sheet will be developed to monitor implementation, address challenges, and hold provinces and districts accountable for results.'

Reiterating the government's unwavering commitment to polio eradication and routine immunization, Dr Bharath called for a unified approach where partners, government bodies, health workers, and communities work collectively.

He said,"We must train our teams, align our strategies, and ensure every household, every community, and every child is reached.'

Dr Shabana Saleem, the Director General Health and FDI, echoed Coordinator's vision, stating 'the integration of EPI and PEI efforts is a significant step towards strengthening Pakistan's immunization landscape.

She said that aligning the strategies and resources, EPI and PEI programmes will ensure that every child, especially those in hard-to-reach areas, receives life-saving vaccines against the 12 vaccine preventable diseases.

"I commend all stakeholders specially GAVI, WHO, UNICEF and Gates Foundation for their dedication and urge continued collaboration at every level to achieve our collective goal of a healthier, disease-free future for our children."

She said that the government in collaboration with its partners, remains dedicated to strengthening immunization services, ensuring equitable access, and ultimately eradicating polio from the country.

Muhammad Anwarul Haq, National Coordinator, Polio Emergency Operation Centre said, 'The EPI and PEI Synergy Framework marks a pivotal step in our fight against polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases."

He said, "By fostering integration between routine immunization and polio eradication efforts, we can maximize our reach, especially in high-risk areas. Our collective commitment and data-driven approach will help us close immunity gaps and move Pakistan closer to a future free of polio and other preventable diseases.'

Islamabad: The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) hosted a high-level delegation from the Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organization (MAPIM), led by its President, Mohd Azmi Bin Abd Hamid.

A roundtable discussion was organized to evaluate the current status of the global movement for Jammu and Kashmir and explore strategies to highlight India's illegal occupation, its continued aggression against Kashmiris, and its denial of the right to self-determination, as enshrined in the UN Charter and relevant Security Council resolutions, said a press release issued here on Friday.

The event was attended by academics, researchers, diplomats, human rights activists, and youth mobilizers working on the issue.

Dr. Khurram Abbas, Director of the India Study Centre at ISSI, welcomed the participants and introduced the visiting delegation.

In his remarks on the occasion, Director General ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood applauded MAPIM's commendable work under Mr. Azmi's leadership in advocating for the causes of the Muslim Ummah, particularly Palestine and Kashmir.

He acknowledged MAPIM's efforts in drawing international attention to the plight of the Kashmiris and emphasized that the delegation's visit to ISSI provided an opportunity to share insights as well as exchange views on the evolving global dynamics with reference to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

Ambassador Sohail Mahmood emphasized that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute must be examined through legal, human rights, and peace and security perspectives. Legally, he asserted that the Kashmiri people's right to self-determination is enshrined in international law and UN resolutions, which India has historically evaded while now openly violating these obligations by claiming the territory as its 'integral part.'

He also highlighted India's attempts to misrepresent the Kashmiri freedom struggle as 'terrorism' and accelerate demographic changes post-August 5, 2019. On human rights, he highlighted widespread abuses, including prolonged curfews, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and the persecution of activists, journalists, and youth as part of its agenda to silence dissent and quell resistance in the occupied territory. From a security standpoint, he warned that this unresolved dispute remained the main obstacle in the way of sustainable peace in South Asia.

He lauded Malaysia's principled stance on the Kashmir cause and emphasized the need for greater collaboration among like-minded countries, including with in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

In his remarks, Mohd Azmi Abd Hamid highlighted that the MAPIM delegation's visit was part of its broader efforts to mobilize resources and advocacy for the Kashmir issue. He noted that colonial powers had deliberately left behind unresolved disputes to internally weaken post-colonial societies. While the establishment of the United Nations had initially raised hopes for justice, its failure to resolve disputes like Kashmir and Palestine has raised serious concerns about its effectiveness.

He reiterated Malaysia's steadfast support for the Kashmir cause at both governmental and non-governmental levels.

He suggested that, given shifting global dynamics, informal, people-centric approaches should be prioritized to sustain international attention on Kashmir. He emphasized the importance of action-oriented research and innovative solutions to create an enabling environment for resolving the dispute.

The discussion that followed reinforced the need for a community-oriented approach to the Kashmir issue, alongside active diplomatic efforts.

Participants also stressed the importance of countering India's misleading narrative and presenting the legal and historical realities of the dispute to the international community. Additionally, they highlighted India's desire to alter Kashmir's demography and erase its Muslim identity through acts of ethnocide and forced Hinduization and stressed the need for systematic efforts to effectively counter these Indian attempts.

The leadership of ISSI and MAPIM agreed to strengthen institutional collaboration and work closely on areas of mutual interest, particularly the Jammu and Kashmir issue. The roundtable concluded with a vote of thanks by Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman of the BoG, ISSI.

Islamabad: Pakistan Muslim League-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui Friday praised the party's leadership for its unmatchable performance, ensuring Pakistan's progress despite PTI's attempts to create political instability.

In an exclusive conversation with a private news channel, Irfan Siddiqui credited his party's leadership for Pakistan's remarkable resilience in the face of instability, noting that all state institutions continue to function effectively, ensuring the country's progress remains uninterrupted.

Siddiqui further highlighted that PML-N's endeavours have successfully attracted foreign investment, resulting in a surge of dignitaries visiting Pakistan and creating new investment opportunities.

Responding to a query, Irfan Siddiqui lashed out that although corruption allegations have long surrounded many politicians, the PTI's genuine corrupt activities are only now being exposed, with the Farah Gogi land scandal being a prime illustration.

To another question Irfan Siddiqui stated that there is no existence of Al-Qadir Trust, adding that all the tall claims and lies of PTI are being exposed.

Responding to a question about the opposition alliance, Irfan Siddiqui said that any party that truly loves Pakistan will refuse to support PTI and mature politics will not consider an alliance.

Islamabad: An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Friday adjourned hearing till February 17, on a case against PTI leaders including Faisal Javed pertaining to protest and riots in capital.

ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sapra heard the case wherein Faisal Javed's counsel didn't give arguments on his application seeking to remove anti-terrorism clauses from the case.

The court adjourned hearing of the cases due to incomplete attendance of the accused. Defence lawyer Sardar Masroof and Amna Ali Advocate appeared before the court.

The Islamabad's I-9 Police Station has registered a case against the PTI leaders.

Islamabad: The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) hosted a high-level delegation from the Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organization (MAPIM), led by its President, Mohd Azmi Bin Abd Hamid.

A roundtable discussion was organized to evaluate the current status of the global movement for Jammu and Kashmir and explore strategies to highlight India's illegal occupation, its continued aggression against Kashmiris, and its denial of the right to self-determination, as enshrined in the UN Charter and relevant Security Council resolutions, said a press release issued here on Friday.

The event was attended by academics, researchers, diplomats, human rights activists, and youth mobilizers working on the issue.

Dr. Khurram Abbas, Director of the India Study Centre at ISSI, welcomed the participants and introduced the visiting delegation.

In his remarks on the occasion, Director General ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood applauded MAPIM's commendable work under Mr. Azmi's leadership in advocating for the causes of the Muslim Ummah, particularly Palestine and Kashmir.

He acknowledged MAPIM's efforts in drawing international attention to the plight of the Kashmiris and emphasized that the delegation's visit to ISSI provided an opportunity to share insights as well as exchange views on the evolving global dynamics with reference to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

Ambassador Sohail Mahmood emphasized that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute must be examined through legal, human rights, and peace and security perspectives. Legally, he asserted that the Kashmiri people's right to self-determination is enshrined in international law and UN resolutions, which India has historically evaded while now openly violating these obligations by claiming the territory as its 'integral part.'

He also highlighted India's attempts to misrepresent the Kashmiri freedom struggle as 'terrorism' and accelerate demographic changes post-August 5, 2019. On human rights, he highlighted widespread abuses, including prolonged curfews, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and the persecution of activists, journalists, and youth as part of its agenda to silence dissent and quell resistance in the occupied territory. From a security standpoint, he warned that this unresolved dispute remained the main obstacle in the way of sustainable peace in South Asia.

He lauded Malaysia's principled stance on the Kashmir cause and emphasized the need for greater collaboration among like-minded countries, including with in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

In his remarks, Mohd Azmi Abd Hamid highlighted that the MAPIM delegation's visit was part of its broader efforts to mobilize resources and advocacy for the Kashmir issue. He noted that colonial powers had deliberately left behind unresolved disputes to internally weaken post-colonial societies. While the establishment of the United Nations had initially raised hopes for justice, its failure to resolve disputes like Kashmir and Palestine has raised serious concerns about its effectiveness.

He reiterated Malaysia's steadfast support for the Kashmir cause at both governmental and non-governmental levels.

He suggested that, given shifting global dynamics, informal, people-centric approaches should be prioritized to sustain international attention on Kashmir. He emphasized the importance of action-oriented research and innovative solutions to create an enabling environment for resolving the dispute.

The discussion that followed reinforced the need for a community-oriented approach to the Kashmir issue, alongside active diplomatic efforts.

Participants also stressed the importance of countering India's misleading narrative and presenting the legal and historical realities of the dispute to the international community. Additionally, they highlighted India's desire to alter Kashmir's demography and erase its Muslim identity through acts of ethnocide and forced Hinduization and stressed the need for systematic efforts to effectively counter these Indian attempts.

The leadership of ISSI and MAPIM agreed to strengthen institutional collaboration and work closely on areas of mutual interest, particularly the Jammu and Kashmir issue. The roundtable concluded with a vote of thanks by Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman of the BoG, ISSI.