Category: Islamabad

Islamabad: Pakistan Navy is set to host AMAN-25; the ninth edition of the multinational AMAN exercise from February 7 to 11.

A key feature of this year's exercise will be the AMAN Dialogue, where Chiefs of Naval Forces, heads of Coast Guards, and senior leaders from around the world will convene to discuss regional maritime security and devise joint strategies to counter evolving maritime threats said a news release issued by Director General Public Relations (Navy).

Around 60 countries will participate in AMAN-25, contributing with ships, aircraft, Special Operations Forces (SOF), Explosives Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams, Marines, and observers.

Delegations from across the globe will also attend the inaugural International AMAN Dialogue, which will take place alongside the exercise.

The AMAN series has been a hallmark of the Pakistan Navy's efforts to promote regional peace and cooperation.

Launched in 2007, the inaugural exercise saw the participation of 28 countries. By 2023, the number of participating nations had grown to 50, including major naval powers. The motto of the AMAN series, 'Together for Peace,' reflects its core mission, while this year's theme, 'Secure Seas; Prosperous Future,' emphasizes the importance of maritime security for global prosperity.

AMAN exercise consists of harbour and sea phases.

During the harbour phase, activities such as seminars, operational discussions, counter-terrorism demonstrations, and pre-sail planning of evolutions at sea will be held.

The sea phase would include tactical manoeuvres, exercises related to maritime security such as anti-piracy and counter-terrorism, search and rescue, gunnery firings and air defence exercises.

The highlight of the sea phase will be the International Fleet Review, which will be witnessed by national and foreign dignitaries.

Islamabad: As the winter season reaches its majestic crescendo, the tourism industry in Pakistan is experiencing an unprecedented explosion in demand for 'Joint Tour Packages' to the sublime northern areas, renowned for its breathtakingly beautiful snowy-capped hills, tranquil lakes and lush emerald valleys.

A report aired by a private news channel said that this trend is particularly popular among families who are seeking affordable and convenient travel options.

Several tour operators in the country are cashing in on this trend by offering customized joint tour packages that cater to the needs of families, report added.

These packages typically include transportation, accommodation, meals and are priced competitively to attract a wide range of customers, said a tour operator.

"We have seen a significant increase in demand for joint tour packages to the northern areas, particularly from families," said Ali Khan, a tour operating company owner said in Islamabad.

"Our packages start from Rs. 10,000 per person for a 3-day trip to Naran and go up to Rs. 50,000 per person for a 7-day trip to Hunza and Skardu," he added.

Another tour operator from Rawalpindi added that his company offers customized packages that can be tailored to suit the needs and budget of individual families.

"We also provide the option of joint transportation, where families can share vehicles with other travelers to reduce costs," he said.

A tour operator from Lahore added that his company has seen a significant increase in bookings for joint tour packages to the Northern Areas.

"Our packages start from Rs. 15,000 per person for a 4-day trip to Gilgit and go up to Rs. 40,000 per person for a 6-day trip to Hunza and Nagar," he said.

He added his company focuses on providing high-quality services to its clients, including comfortable transportation, clean accommodation, and delicious meals.

The trend of joint tour packages to the Northern Areas is not limited to tour operators alone. Many families are also opting to hire joint vehicles to travel to the Northern Areas, which can help reduce costs and make the trip more

affordable, said a youngster in Islamabad.

"We hired a joint vehicle with another family to travel to Naran and it was a great experience," said

Sarah Ahmed, a resident of Lahore who recently returned from a trip to the Northern Areas.

"Not only did we save money on transportation costs, but we also made some great friends along the way," she added.

Islamabad to Naran Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 10,000 per person (depending on the type of vehicle and number of passengers), explain a citizen the rates of tour operators.

Islamabad: Prime Minister Azad Jammu and Kashmir Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq said that India was perpetrating war crimes in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

He was addressing a rally organized by All Parties Hurriyat Conference Azad Kashmir Chapter here on Sunday.

Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq said Kashmiris are observing India's Republic Day as Black Day today to lodge protest against Indian illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir.

The AJK Prime Minister said that minorities in Modi's India neither enjoy religious freedom nor their places of worship are safe.

He said Modi regime itself is involved in the killing of Sikh leaders in Canada and after covering up its crimes, it is busy in doing propaganda against Pakistan.

He reaffirmed that Kashmiris will continue their struggle for their right to self-determination as enshrined in the UN resolutions.

He also urged international media to leave dual-standards and expose the atrocities being perpetrated in IIOJ and K.

Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq thanked Pakistan for continuously extending its moral, diplomatic and political support to Kashmiris.

He said Pakistan and Kashmir have an eternal relationship.

On this occasion, the participants of rally also chanted slogans 'Kashmir Banay Ga Pakistan, Hum Pakistani Hain and Pakistan Hamara Hy'.

Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari Sunday condemned the incident of firing on the motorcade of Speaker of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly.

He said attack on the Speaker Legislative Assembly was cowardly and evil act.

He prayed for the recovery of the persons who were injured in the attack.

Islamabad: Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Sunday strongly condemned the firing incident targeting the convoy of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Latif Akbar.

Calling the attack a "cowardly and regrettable act," Gilani said such actions are utterly unacceptable.

He underlined the collective responsibility of protecting democratic institutions and upholding the rule of law.

Gilani described the incident as a sinister attempt to destabilize peace and urged authorities to conduct a thorough investigation.

He called for the immediate arrest of the perpetrators and stressed the need to ensure their swift prosecution.

Expressing relief over the safety of Chaudhry Latif Akbar and his convoy, Gilani thanked Allah that no lives were lost during the attack. He also highlighted the importance of guaranteeing the security of all public representatives.

Gilani prayed for peace and prosperity across Pakistan and expressed his hope for the country to become a symbol of safety, stability, and harmony.