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Turkish CG Cemal Sangu says Pakistan, Trkiye enjoy deep bond

Karachi:Consul General of Trkiye in Karachi Cemal Sangu on Thursday said that there is a deep bond between Pakistan and Trkiye which is beyond words and does not rely on verbal expressions of love. The relationship between Pakistanis and Turkish people is deeper than the oceans and higher than K2.

He expressed these views in his addressed to the seminar titled 'Influence of Turkish History on Urdu Literature and Journalism' and a certificate distribution ceremony on the completion of a one-year certificate course in the Turkish language organized by the Yunus Emre Enstitusu of Turkish Language established at the University of Karachi. The event was held at the KU's Audio Visual Centre.

Cemal Sangu highlighted the significance of language as a bridge not only between individuals but also between cultures and nations.

He proudly acknowledged that students who completed Turkish language certificate courses at the University of Karachi were now expressing themselves in Turkish and even conducting the entire event in Turkish, which reflects their keen interest in the language.

The Turkish CG Sangu also discussed various scholarships provided by Trkiye to Pakistani students, covering financial assistance, tuition fees, accommodation expenses, health insurance, and opportunities for academic, social, and cultural engagement.

He encouraged students to benefit from these scholarships and spread the word to maximize participation. On this occasion, the KU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi stated that mastering a language is an achievement and helps a lot in understanding a country's history, culture, and people.

He congratulated the students who have completed the certificate courses and acknowledged the efforts of Professor Dr Tanzeemul Firdous and her team at KU's Yunus Emre Enstitusu.

The KU VC Professor Dr Khalid Iraqi mentioned that language is not only a medium for exchanging ideas, emotions, and information, but it also provides a foundation for identity and relationships.

He expressed that mastering a new language is a fascinating and challenging endeavor. He encourages students to learn different languages besides studying different degree programs.

The KU's Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Professor Dr Shaista Tabassum highlighted the continuous effort and time required to master a language.

She termed the certificate courses as a stepping stone and stressed the importance of mastering Turkish to understand Turkish history and culture.

Dr Muhammad Sohail Shafiq from KU's Department of Islamic History discussed the teaching of the Turkish language in Pakistan from a historical perspective.

He observed that despite the shared history, culture, politics, and literature between Pakistan and Turkey, language has been a barrier.

He emphasized the importance of understanding Central Asian history and the cultural and political structure of Turks through learning the Turkish language.

One of the speakers, Dr Rana Khalid Mahmood presented a paper on the impacts of contemporary Turkish history on early 20th-century Urdu journalism.

He discussed how language differences have naturally hindered mutual understanding, and how history and journalism have played a crucial role in bridging this gap.

Assistant Professor Dr Nadia Raheel from the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology presented a paper on the Urdu translations of Turkish novels, emphasizing how languages and their literature nourish each other.

Earlier, the KU's focal person for Yunus Emre Enstitusu of Turkish Language established at the University of Karachi, Professor Dr Tanzeemul Fridous attributed the pioneering effort in Turkish language education in Pakistan to the University of Karachi.

Later, the Turkish CG Cemal Sanu and the KU VC Professor Dr Khalid Iraqi distributed the certificates among the students.

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4-Day Illustrators workshop concludes at NBF

Islamabad: The four-day illustrators workshop concluded successfully at the Ahmed Faraz Auditorium of the National Book Foundation (NBF) on Thursday.

Around twenty illustrators from twin cities participated in this international workshop with a special focus on children's education.

NBF, with the collaboration of the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training and Idara-e-Taleem-o-Aagahi, organised this workshop.

The moderators included Idara-e-Taleem-o-Aagahi Manager Publications Fareeha Nasim, NBF Publication Incharge Nazia Rehman, Srilankan Writer and Director Mahesh Pathirathna, and resource person Maria Riaz from Muzaffarabad, Kashmir.

The aim of the workshop was to produce children's literature in order to promote reading culture in Pakistan from an early age.

The speakers stressed the importance of producing literature that connects with real life and prepares children for the future.

Manager Publications of Idara-e-Taleem-o-Aagahi Fareeha Nasim expressed a commitment to expanding such workshops to different regions of Pakistan.

"Such initiatives will nurture local talent, providing platforms for writers and illustrators to gain valuable guidance and opportunities."

Renowned Sri Lankan trainer and director Mahesh Pathirathna provided practical principles and suggestions to enhance the participants' skills, while Maria Riaz focused on developing picture books and fostering an appreciation for art and science among children.

They guided participants on writing for children, generating ideas, and creating engaging stories using illustrations.

Managing Director of the National Book Foundation, Murad Ali Mohmand, shared, "NBF is actively promoting book culture and storytelling events across Pakistan in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education."

He expressed gratitude to Idara-e-Taleem-o-Aagahi and Room to Read for their support in executing this significant initiative.

The workshop concluded with the distribution of certificates to participants.

The event was streamed live worldwide by Asad Nagra and Aftab Ahmed.

Murad Ali Mohmand expressed his satisfaction with the successful completion of the workshop and reiterated the foundation's commitment to organising similar training initiatives in the future.

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President, PM pay tribute to security forces for foiling infiltration attempt along Pak-Afghan border

Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday paid tribute to the security forces for foiling an infiltration attempt on the Pak-Afghan border in Zhob district.

In separate messages, the president and prime minister appreciated the bravery of the security forces for killing six terrorists during the timely operation.

"Pakistan's valiant armed forces are determined to protect the country's borders at all times. Operations against terrorists will continue until the complete elimination of the menace of terrorism. The entire nation stands with its security forces in the war against terrorism," the president said.

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif said, "The nation is proud of the security forces. They will continue to thwart the nefarious intentions of the enemies of humanity. The government of Pakistan and the security forces are mobilized to completely eliminate terrorism from the country."

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Federal Govt opening schools in remote areas: Khawaja Asif

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Defence, Khawaja Asif informed the National Assembly on Thursday that the perception of the federal government not opening schools is incorrect, and said that new schools are being established in Gilgit-Baltistan and Gwadar to expand educational opportunities in remote regions.

Responding to a calling attention notice regarding the non-opening of federal government schools in District Rawalpindi, Khawaja Asif clarified, 'The perception is incorrect. Our priority is to establish schools in remote areas to benefit underserved populations."

While the federal government is playing its part, he said, it is primarily the responsibility of provincial governments to establish schools in their respective areas.

He further highlighted that providing quality education to children is a shared responsibility of both provincial and federal governments.

Addressing a question, the minister said that civilian enrollment numbers are high in army-run schools, adding, 'There is no discrimination.'

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Pakistan advances labour standards under GSP+ through ILES project completion; says Salik

Islamabad: Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development (MOPHRD), delivered an inspiring address at the Closing Ceremony of the International Labour and Environmental Standards Application in Pakistan's SMEs Project (ILES).

The event marked the conclusion of a groundbreaking initiative aimed at fortifying Pakistan's adherence to international labour and environmental standards, said a press release issued here on Thursday.

In the presence of distinguished guests, including Ambassador of the European Union to Pakistan Madam Riina Kolke, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change Ms. Romina Khurshid Alam, Director of the ILO Office for Pakistan Mr. Geir Tonstol, the minister lauded the collaborative efforts that led to the project's resounding success.

The ILES project has not only strengthened the capacity of tripartite stakeholders to promote and enforce labour rights but also directly benefited hundreds of enterprises, institutions, and organizations across the nation. This initiative accelerated Pakistan's ability to meet international obligations, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and trade agreements with the European Union, he said.

The federal minister expressed profound gratitude to the European Union for its generous funding and to the International Labour Organization (ILO) and WWF-Pakistan for their unwavering guidance. He also commended the dedication of provincial labour departments, worker and employer representatives, and other key contributors to the project's achievements.

Reflecting on the eight-year journey under the GSP+ framework, the minister emphasized the critical role of sustainable practices in economic development. The ILES project has demonstrated that respect for labour and environmental rights is not just a moral imperative but also a cornerstone for sustainable and inclusive economic progress, he expressed.

Looking to the future, Salik Hussain reaffirmed the government's commitment to building on the momentum of the ILES project. Key initiatives announced include accelerating the ratification, reporting, and implementation of international labour standards; fulfilling commitments to ratify key conventions, including the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) conventions and the Convention on Violence and Harassment at Work (C190), by 2025; and strengthening support for provincial labour departments to enhance worker wellbeing and rights.

The federal minister highlighted the enduring impact of the ILES project in fostering a collaborative community dedicated to safeguarding labour and environmental standards. While we bid farewell to this remarkable initiative, its legacy will live on through platforms like the Provincial Tripartite Consultation Committees (PTCCs), Federal Tripartite Consultation Committees (FTCCs), and other mechanisms for advancing social dialogue and addressing critical labour issues.

The event concluded with the minister's extending of heartfelt thanks to the EU, ILO, WWF-Pakistan and all stakeholders for their steadfast commitment to Pakistan's developmental goals. Together, we have laid the groundwork for a brighter, more equitable future.