Category: Islamabad

Islamabad: The India Study Centre (ISC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) on Friday held a seminar in commemoration of the Kashmir Solidarity Day, titled 'Kashmir Solidarity Day: A Commitment to Peace, Rights and Self-Determination'.

The event included inauguration of the 'Kashmir Resource Centre' - a first-of-its-kind at a national think-tank. Ambassador Amna Baloch, the Foreign Secretary of Pakistan, was the chief guest on the occasion, said a press release.

Expressing her views, the Foreign Secretary said the Kashmiri people have not been able to exercise their fundamental right of self-determination due to continued Indian intransigence. Today, the true representatives of the Kashmiri people remain behind bars, with the total number of political prisoners being in the thousands. Iconic Kashmiri leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani died during detention. As if the imprisonment of popular leaders was not enough, the Indian authorities have been banning the political parties that represent the true aspirations of the Kashmiri people. So far, 14 political parties have been outlawed. History bears witness that India's continued occupation of large parts of Jammu and Kashmir has threatened regional peace and stability on a number of occasions.

She stressed that Pakistan believes in peaceful co-existence with its neighbours. However, a peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in accordance with the UN Security Council Resolutions and aspirations of the Kashmiri people, is essential for lasting peace in South Asia.

Amna Baloch commended the ISSI for establishing a much-needed 'Kashmir Resource Centre' and expressed her hope that this Centre will offer a useful repository of knowledge for researchers, practitioners and lay readers alike.

Director General ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, in his remarks, said that while Pakistan and the Kashmiris remain resolute in their quest for a solution based on the Security Council resolutions, India has long reneged on its solemn commitments. The international community hesitates to play its rightful role, either because of geo-strategic considerations or corporate interests. Meanwhile, India's conduct in the occupied territories is marked by heartless cruelty and repression, political manipulation, demographic engineering, and an onslaught of misinformation and disinformation.

In order to deceive the world community and secure legitimacy for its crimes, India has been trying to paint the legitimate Kashmiri resistance struggle as 'terrorism', leveling allegations of 'cross-border terrorism' against Pakistan, and projecting a false sense of 'normalcy' in IIOJK since 5 August 2019.

Ambassador Sohail Mahmood stressed that for the Kashmiris and the people of Pakistan, it is imperative to reject any narratives of despair and to keep faith in the prospects of a fair settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

While highlighting the importance of the newly-established Kashmir Resource Centre (KRC) at ISSI, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood hoped that it will play a meaningful part in creating increased awareness and understanding and promote informed discourse, particularly among the youth of Pakistan about this most intractable of global issues from the last century. He also thanked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its support in the establishment of KRC.

Earlier, in his introductory remarks, Dr. Khurram Abbas, Director India Study Centre said that every year, Pakistan observes Kashmir Solidarity Day to express unwavering support for the Kashmiri people's right to self-determination, as enshrined in the UN's Charter as well as the Security Council resolutions. Indian occupied forces in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) are responsible for many untold atrocities but they could not break the will of the Kashmiri people for their right of self-determination.

The seminar featured a line-up of distinguished speakers who shared their perspectives on the Kashmir issue.

Speaking from the perspective of a Pakistani youth, Ms. Fatima Waheed said that the revocation of Article 370 and 35A was a calculated step towards erasing Kashmir's identity - a violation of international law and United Nations Security Council resolutions. She questioned that while the world claims to value democracy and justice, why Kashmiris are being denied both?

Ms. Tayyaba Khurshid, Research Officer at CISS (AJK), shared her perspective as a Kashmiri youth. She said that there is a strong bond between Kashmir and Pakistan.

Ms. Naila Kyani, a social and political analyst and a seasoned anchorperson, highlighted the resilience and role of Kashmiri women in the freedom struggle.

She said that Kashmiri women have shown remarkable resilience in the face of brutal repression and systemic violence. For over seven decades, Kashmiri women have led protests, sit-ins, and resistance movements.

She highlighted the sacrifices of women like Asiya Andrabi, Anjum Zamrud Habib and Fehmeeda Sofi who have been in Indian prison for years. She also highlighted movements like 'Wanan Zanan' that provide safe spaces to women through storytelling, literature and poetry.

Altaf Hussain Wani, Chairman, Kashmir Institute of International Relations, speaking on Modi's policies in IIOJK said that when Modi assumed power in 2014, he started rounding up Kashmiri political leaders and sent them to jails so that their voices does not reach a common Kashmiri. While giving the example of renowned human rights activist Khurram Parvez, who has been in Indian captivity for more than three years.

Wani said that free speech has been criminalized in Jammu and Kashmir under Indian occupation. The hallmark of Modi's policies in IIOJK was the revocation of Articles 370 and 35A, which was done to implement the 'Hindutva' agenda, bring about demographic change in IIOJK, and 'Indianize' Kashmir, which the Kashmiris will not accept.

Ghulam Muhammad Safi, Convener, All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), highlighted various dimensions of the Kashmir dispute that included human rights violations as Kashmiris are being killed and tortured in custody of Indian forces. Rape is being used as a weapon.

He said that these violations of human rights are cause-related phenomena as India wants to silence the Kashmiri people and deter them from demanding their right to self-determination.

He underlined the importance of UN Security Council resolutions for solution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. He also emphasized that any country that is a strategic partner of India must not be allowed to mediate and that any talks on the resolution of Kashmir dispute must include Kashmiri leadership.

In his concluding remarks, Chairman Board of Governors Ambassador Khalid Mahmood said that the right of self-determination is a fundamental human right and Kashmiris have this right under the UN Charter, international law, and Security Council Resolutions. A number of human right organisations have highlighted the ongoing human rights abuses in IIOJK.

Despite India's oppression and its settler- colonial agenda, the resilience of the people of IIOJK has not shaken and Pakistan stands behind the Kashmiri people in their just struggle. Time is not far off when the people of Jammu and Kashmir will be exercising their right to self-determination, he added.

The Kashmir Resource Center is envisaged to be a resource hub aimed at promoting awareness and facilitating rigorous research, informed discourse, dialogue and advocacy on this issue of national importance and international significance.

Islamabad: The second day of the Breathe Pakistan conference unfolded on Friday with a renewed sense of urgency as experts, policymakers, and industry leaders gathered to tackle the country's deepening climate crisis.

With Pakistan facing extreme weather, water scarcity, and environmental degradation, speakers called for immediate, concrete action to build climate resilience.

Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change, Romina Khurshid Alam, set the tone for the discussions, declaring that Pakistan is at a defining moment in its climate journey.

'Pakistan is on the frontlines of climate change, paying the price for a crisis created by others,' she said, citing the devastating floods as a wake-up call. However, she insisted that the country must not remain a passive victim but an active force in shaping solutions.

A major point of discussion was Pakistan's updated Electric Vehicle (EV) policy, with Parliamentary Secretary Wajeeha Qamar unveiling new incentives to promote clean transportation and curb emissions.

Meanwhile, Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb announced a Rs100 billion allocation for climate resilience projects and Rs10 billion for smog mitigation in Punjab.

She also introduced Pakistan's initiative to engage with neighboring countries like India to tackle transboundary air pollution. 'Climate change knows no borders, and cooperation is essential,' she emphasized.

Another key highlight was the Living Indus project, described by environmental expert Aban Marker Kabraji as Pakistan's blueprint for adapting to an unpredictable future.

Stressing the urgency of water conservation, she called for long-term strategies to safeguard the Indus Basin.

Pakistan Banks Association CEO Muneer Kamal revealed that climate disasters have already cost the country $12.5 billion since 2022 and warned that without urgent intervention, Pakistan will need $348 billion for climate resilience by 2030-or risk losing 18-20% of its GDP by 2050.

LUMS Founder Syed Babar Ali stressed the importance of water conservation in industries and agriculture, while Unilever CEO Amir Paracha warned that sustainability must be made profitable to ensure long-term corporate commitment.

'When sustainability pays, businesses stick with it-otherwise, they move on,' Paracha noted, highlighting the urgent need for green financing.

UNICEF Representative Abdullah Fadil called for integrating climate education into school curriculums and proposed a national volunteer corps to mobilize youth for environmental action. 'The challenge now is to turn conference discussions into real-world mobilization of millions of young people,' he urged.

Meanwhile, private sector players like Jazz executive Fakhar Ahmed emphasized the role of technology in disaster early-warning systems, while Zong's Nabila Yazdani highlighted corporate investment in solar energy to cut carbon emissions.

As the conference progresses, attention remains fixed on turning pledges into tangible solutions-from green financing and regional cooperation to tech-driven climate strategies.

Islamabad: Japanese Ambassador AKAMATSU Shuichi on Friday called on Federal Minister for Law and Justice Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar to discuss issues pertaining to strengthen bilateral relations.

The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing mutual cooperation between Pakistan and Japan.

During the discussion, both sides emphasized the longstanding friendly relations between the peoples of Pakistan and Japan.

The Federal Minister acknowledged Japan's support in Pakistan's economic and industrial development and expressed Pakistan's desire to further strengthen cooperation with Japan.

Ambassador AKAMATSU reiterated Japan's commitment to supporting Pakistan's development goals and agreed to enhance collaboration in various sectors.

He also highlighted the completion of 70 years of Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) between Japan and Pakistan and reaffirmed Japan's willingness to continue its partnership in Pakistan's progress.

Both sides exchanged views on matters of mutual interest and agreed to further expand bilateral relations for the benefit of both nations.

Islamabad: In a remarkable celebration of cultural harmony, Muhammad Huzaifa, a young Pakistani student, musician, and writer, was honored at an event hosted by the ECO Cultural Institute (ECI), the cultural arm of the ten-member Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO).

The event, held in Tehran, showcased Huzaifa's multifaceted talents, including his performance on the Baglama, a traditional Turkish musical instrument, and the presentation of his published essay, "Excavating A Forgotten Treasure from Trkiye". The essay recounts his journey to locate the burial site of the renowned Arab poet Imru' al-Qais in Ankara, Turkey, said a press release received here on Friday.

The gathering highlighted the ECI's mission to foster cultural and intellectual exchange among ECO member nations.

Huzaifa's performance, which blended Pakistani, Turkish, and Iranian cultural elements, was a centerpiece of the event. His ability to master the Baglama and perform it before an Iranian audience in Tehran was hailed as a symbol of unity and shared heritage.

Dr. Saad S. Khan, President of the ECI and a distinguished Pakistani diplomat, historian, and music expert, praised Huzaifa's achievements. 'A Pakistani boy performing a Turkish instrument before an Iranian audience in Tehran is a testament to the power of cultural diplomacy,' Dr. Khan remarked. 'This event underscores the ECI's commitment to bringing nations together through the arts, history, and literature.'

Dr. Ali Shaheedi, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Ancient Iranian Languages at Tehran University, emphasized the deep historical connections between literature and music. He noted that events like these serve as a bridge between nations, fostering mutual understanding and appreciation of shared cultural legacies.

The event also featured speeches by prominent figures, including Mr. Rashid Naqvi, Dr. Ali Bayat, Wafa Yazdanmanesh, and Hassan Naqvi. Each speaker echoed the sentiment that the gathering reinforced the ECI's mission to promote cultural exchange and intellectual dialogue among ECO nations. They lauded Huzaifa's efforts as a shining example of how art and literature can transcend borders and bring people closer together.

The evening concluded with a sense of optimism, as attendees reflected on the importance of preserving and celebrating cultural diversity. Huzaifa's performance and his scholarly work were seen as a powerful reminder of the rich, interconnected histories of Pakistan, Turkey, and Iran, and the potential for continued collaboration under the ECO platform.

This event not only celebrated the talents of a young artist but also served as a beacon of hope for deeper cultural ties among nations, proving that art and literature remain vital tools for building bridges in an increasingly interconnected world.

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Friday chaired a review meeting on the implementation of reforms in the power sector.

Speaking at the meeting, he said by the grace of Allah, the ongoing reforms in the power sector were yielding positive results.

He said it was a good sign that the ministry and the relevant departments were cooperating to rectify defects of the last seven decades.

The prime minister, "We promised to the public from day one that low cost environment friendly electricity will be provided to them."

He pointed out that the revisiting of agreements with the Independent Power Producers (IPPs) led to saving for the national exchequer and reduced the price of electricity for consumers.

He said the reduction in deficits of distribution companies due to campaign against electricity theft was made possible because of hard work of the ministry of power and supporting institutions.

The prime minister vowed to bring down losses of the distribution companies, caused by power theft, by 100 percent by speeding up the campaign against stealing of electricity.

He pointed that the performance of the distribution companies was improving after appointment of board members of good reputation, from the private sector.

More members of good reputation would be hired from the private sector soon for constituting boards in the remaining companies, he said adding the reduction in losses during electricity transmission was evident of the positive result of the reforms.

The tariff rate for domestic consumers and industries would be further reduced with the ongoing reforms in the power sector, he continued.

The meeting was briefed about the targets for the next three years in the power sector and on the performance of the sector.

It was told that the receipts of the distribution companies reached 93.26 percent by December 2024, as a result of the reforms and the campaign against electricity theft.

The participants were also informed about the strategy to reduce the circular debt in phases, establishment of competitive markets for transmission of electricity and about the timeline for reduction in power tariff and other reforms.

The meeting was told about the progress on the 500 kv Matiari-Moro-Rahim Yar Khan transmission line and Ghazi Barotha-Faisalabad transmission line.

They were also apprised about the dissolution of National Transmission and Despatch Company and on progress for formation of new Energy Infrastructure Development and Management Company (EIDMC).

The prime minister instructed to complete all reforms and projects within the stimulated timeframe.

Federal ministers Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Ahad Khan Cheema, Attaullah Tarar, Dr Musadiq Malik and Sardar Awais

Leghari, Special Assistant to PM Muhammad Ali and high level officers concerned attended the meeting.

Islamabad: Pakistani rupee on Thursday depreciated by 19 paisa against the US dollar in the interbank trading and closed at Rs279.14 against the previous day's closing of Rs278.95.

However, according to the Forex Association of Pakistan (FAP), the buying and selling rates of the dollar in the open market stood at Rs 279.60 and Rs 281.10, respectively.

The price of the Euro increased by Rs 1.73 to close at Rs289.75 against the last day's closing of Rs288.02, according to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

The Japanese yen went up by 03 paisa and closed at Rs1.82, whereas an increase of Rs1.86 was witnessed in the exchange rate of the British Pound, which was traded at Rs348.17 as compared to the last day's closing of Rs346.31.

The exchange rates of the Emirates Dirham and the Saudi Riyal increased by 06 and 05 paisa to close at Rs76.00 and Rs74.42 respectively.