Pakistan use untapped potential of women and get economy up by 30 per cent: WB Country Head

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February 20, 2020

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan can use untapped economic potential of women in the workforce which help boost the economy by up to 30 per cent, said Illango Patchamuthu, World Bank Country Director for Pakistan.

“By empowering women and girls to expand their skills, access to information, mobility, and access to finance and assets, may help country to grow quickly”, Illango Patchamuthu said speaking at Pakistan’s Second Human Capital Summit held in Islamabad.

Participants highlighted the need to invest in girls’ education and women’s economic empowerment as crucial to Pakistan’s sustained growth.

While last year’s Human Capital Summit focused on policy making, the Second Human Capital Summit engaged practitioners, learning from insights on the ground in Pakistan. Building upon the ‘Girls Learn, Women Earn’ initiative launched in December 2019, the Summit – co-hosted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and World Bank Pakistan – marked the progress being made in Pakistan in efforts to enable girls to excel in school, and women to thrive in the workplace.

World Bank’s country head maintained that every additional year of schooling for a girl increases her future earnings by up to 10 per cent.

The conference was opened with remarks from Dr. Sania Nishtar, Special Assistant on Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety to the Prime Minister, and Dr. Shinichi Kitaoka, the President of JICA. “Government of Pakistan’s Ehsaas program has a very serious intent to drive forward the agenda of women empowerment.

Ehsaas stringently follows 50 per cent rule across the board for women inclusion in all Ehsaas initiatives including interest free loans, scholarships and asset transfers”, said Dr. Sania Nishtar. “Likewise, Kafaalat that has recently been launched by the Prime Minister will ensure financial and digital inclusion of 7 million disadvantaged women across Pakistan who will now benefit from the monthly stipend of Rs. 2,000 along with access to bank accounts and affordable smart phones.”

Dr. Kitaoka emphasized the importance of investment in Human Capital. “Investments in Human Capital, such as education, health and nutrition, are inevitable for building a progressive foundation for Human Security,” said Dr. Shinichi Kitaoka.

“Learning from Japan’s experience, we know that countries can also enhance their Human Capital by thriving on trust and promoting the role of families and communities in national development. JICA will work pro-actively to build and nurture Human Capital by leading with trust and collaborating in the areas of education, health and nutrition as key building blocks of sustained Human Security for all.”

The challenges and constraints of the education system in Pakistan to promote girls learning were discussed by the panels. Poverty, distance from home to schools, and parental perception of schools’ safety were noted as three of the main determinants of school attendance for girls. In the ‘Girls Learn’ panel, it was highlighted that young girls in rural areas are the least likely to have full access to education and the gender gap in enrolment is a persistent issue across education levels.

In order to tackle these challenges, panelists showcased Accelerated Learning Program which provides overage out of school children with learning opportunities for their Human Capital development as a good practice from within Pakistan. Representatives from the government, academia, development organizations, commercial banks, telecom industry, startup ecosystem, fashion industry, civil society and media also participated in the Summit.

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Pakistan urges UK Parliament group to brief UN on situation in Kashmir

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February 20, 2020

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi urges UK Parliament group to brief UN on situation in Kashmir, He said that normal life remains paralyzed due to restrictions since August last year in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJK).

Addressing a press conference along with Chairperson All Party Parliamentary Group on Kashmir in UK Parliament Debbie Abrahams in Islamabad, he urged the UK Parliament Group to brief the United Nations on worst human rights situation in Occupied Kashmir.

Qureshi regretted that situation in Occupied Kashmir is getting deteriorated following Indian illegal and unilateral actions of August 5 last year, adding that Indian brutal and real face stands exposed before the international community, and massive Indian brutalities are ringing wake up call for international community.

The foreign minister appreciated the United Nations Secretary General s remarks in which he called for implementing UN Security Council s resolutions on Kashmir.

He also urged Parliaments of various countries, including UK House of Commons, to pass unanimous resolutions on Kashmir just like Pakistan.

Speaking on the occasion, Debbie Abrahams has slammed the Indian government for not allowing UK Parliamentary group to visit Occupied Kashmir, adding that the purpose of group s planned visit to Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Indian Occupied Kashmir was to review human rights situation there.

She said that Islamabad extended all-out cooperation to UK Parliamentary Group for visiting Azad Kashmir, but New Delhi did not allow the group to visit Occupied Kashmir.

Debbie Abrahams further said head of UN Human Rights Commission will soon visit Pakistan and India to collect documentary evidence about prevailing situation in Kashmir.

She expressed hope that India will cooperate with the Commission just like Pakistani government.

Meanwhile, Senior Vice-Chair All Party Parliamentary Group on Kashmir MP Imran Hussain said the Kashmiri people are facing communication blackout in the held valley and they are unable to get access to the essential commodities, including medicines owing to continuous curfew.

He said we are here to explore the human rights situation on the both sides of Line of Control.

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Steering Committee devising strategy to achieve economic diplomacy goals

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February 19, 2020

ISLAMABAD: Steering Committee on Economic Diplomacy met in Islamabad to begin devising a strategy to achieve the country’s economic diplomacy goals.

Special Assistant to PM on National Security Division and Strategic Policy Planning Cell, Dr. Moeed W Yusuf, chaired the meeting, that discussed the modalities to come up with a strategy to improve the country’s international standing through economic diplomacy.

Officials from various ministries were present in the meeting who discussed modalities for inter-ministerial coordination in implementing the strategy.

The Strategic Policy Planning Cell (SPPC), housed in National Security Division, has been directed by the Prime Minister to assess comprehensive security situation in its various dimensions including traditional, economic and human security and provide input on strategic responses to Pakistan’s internal and external challenges.

In this regard, SPPC has established a Steering Committee and an expert Working Group to deliberate on the economic diplomacy paradigm and submit its draft strategy to the Prime Minister. The aim of the working group is to come up with a comprehensive plan which will coordinate the efforts of different ministries to improve our country’s ability to pursue economic diplomacy with other nations.

SAPM Dr. Moeed W Yusuf said that Economic Diplomacy is an umbrella encompassing finance, economics, trade, labor, tourism, among other sectors, all of which should be synergized to achieve better linkages with the world and accelerate economic growth.

The participants of the meeting discussed the areas in which Pakistan can successfully leverage economic diplomacy to improve bilateral economic and diplomatic ties.

The Steering Committee will be the forum where the strategy will be discussed and finalized.

Dr. Moeed Yusuf said that by bringing politicians, technical experts and bureaucracy together, better results can be achieved in terms of ensuring overall gains for the country.

Strategic Policy Planning Cell (SPPC) is the intellectual hub for evidence-based policy planning on issues relevant to the National Security Committee. These pertain primarily to various aspects of traditional, economic/financial and human security. The mainstay of SPPC is the Council of Experts consisting of think tanks, universities and independent policy experts. Economic Diplomacy Working Group is a part of the Councils of Experts.Read more:

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Antonio Guterres praises Pakistan’s resilience, commitment for Afghans despite minimal international support

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February 17, 2020

ISLAMABAD: Antonio Guterres, United Nations Secretary General (UNSG) on Monday lauded Pakistan’s “remarkable resilience and commitment for the Afghan brothers” despite of minimal international support.

In his address to an international conference on the future of the 4.6 million Afghan refugees living in Pakistan titled 40 years of Afghan Refugees Presence in Pakistan: A New Partnership for Solidarity, organised jointly by the Pakistan government and the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in Islamabad, Antonio Guterres affirmed that the United Nations favours repatriation of Afghan refugees.

“We have come together to recognize a remarkable story of solidarity and compassion. It is important to do so because it is a story that spans over decades,” he said.

UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi, ministers and senior officials from 20 countries, participated in the conference.

“The story of Pakistan and Afghan refugees is a story of compassion to be celebrated for many reasons, one of which is that such compassion is missing from much of the world,” said the UN chief, Antonio Guterres,\.

“For 40 years, the people of Afghanistan have faced many crises, for 40 years the people of Pakistan have responded with solidarity. This generosity now spans across decades and generations and this is the world’s largest protracted refugee situation in recorded history.

“This is also a story close to my heart. In my previous life, as the UN human rights commissioner, Pakistan was a familiar destination. During most of my time at the post, Pakistan was the number one refugee-hosting nation in the world.

“For more than three out of every four years since 1979, either Pakistan or Iran have ranked as the top refugee-hosting country. And even though major conflicts have since erupted in other parts of the world and the refugee population has soared, Pakistan is still today the world’s second largest refugee hosting country in the world.

“On every visit here, I have been struck by their resilience, exceptional generosity and compassion. I not only saw compassion in words but in deeds.

“The generous spirit is fully in-line with what I regard as the best description for refugee protection is found in Surah Al-Tawbah of the Holy Quran and I quote: “And if anyone seeks your protection then grant him protection so therein he can hear the words of God. Then escort him where he can be secure.”

“This protection should be accorded to believers and non-believers alike – in a remarkable example of tolerance, many centuries before the 1951 convention that defines in a modern concept refugees and the protection they deserve.

“I saw that compassion play out in real time in Pakistan and it was grounded in vision. We have seen many innovative policies introduced here: bio-metric registration, access to the national education system, healthcare and inclusion in the economy. And in spite of the many challenges that Pakistan faced, the commencement of these initiatives has made a big difference. Indeed many [of these practices] have been recognised as a global model of good practices.

“Some of these policies have inspired elements of the global compact on refugees. we have been proud to work with you to support Pakistan host communities of Afghan refugees. However, we must recognise that international support for Pakistan has been minimal compared to your own national efforts.

“As we look to the challenges ahead, the global community should step up. As we have marked 40 unbroken years of solidarity, but we also despair at the 40 broken years of hostility.

“The Afghan conflict drags on and on and we see deep impact of the protracted nature of conflict, poverty and forced displacement. We know the solution lies in Afghanistan and I hope the signals of a possible passageway of peace will lead to a better future for the people of Afghanistan.

“I see with us Ambassador Khalilzad and I want to strongly encourage [pursuing] the way for peace. The Afghan people can count on the United Nations to support the efforts for peace. We don’t seek protagonism, we are here only to serve.

The Afghan people need and deserve peace and prosperity and full respect of their human rights,” Guterres said.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres stated on Sunday that he was hopeful that talks between the US and the Taliban would lead to a reduction of violence in Afghanistan and the peaceful return of refugees to their homes.

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India rejects occupied Kashmir mediation offer by UN chief

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February 17, 2020

NEW DELHI: India on Monday rejected an offer by United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres for mediation on the Kashmir issue between India and Pakistan, pronouncing that the matter will only be discussed bilaterally.

Guterres, who is on a four-day trip to Pakistan, had last week said in Islamabad that he was “ready to help if both countries agree for mediation”. The secretary-general made this statement prior to attending a conference on Afghan Refugees in Islamabad.

The issue [of Jammu and Kashmir] that needs to be addressed is that of vacation of the territories illegally occupied by another country, Raveesh Kumar, spokesperson of the Indian external affairs ministry told the media in reaction to the statement of the UN chief.

“Further issues, if any, would be discussed bilaterally. There is no role or scope for third party mediation,” the spokesperson noted. The spokesperson also stated that the country hoped the UN security-general would also ask Pakistan to take credible action against terror.

The UN secretary-general is also expected to visit Kartarpur Gurdwara to see the pilgrim corridor which he describes as a, “unique experiment in cross-border ties” during his stay in the country.

Commenting on the Kashmir lockdown last week, Guterres had expressed his deep concern and suggested both the countries to, “de-escalate, both militarily and verbally” to safeguard peace.

According to the Indian publication, the security-general has offered mediation on Kashmir multiple times in the recent past, especially in August 2019 when Indian government annulled article 370 of its constitution and imposed restrictions in Jammu and Kashmir.

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Pakistan wants peace in Afghanistan: PM Imran Khan

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February 17, 2020

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan seeks peace in Afghanistan as instability in the war-torn country is not in its interest, said Imran Khan, Prime Minister here on Monday.

“It is my belief that the people of Afghanistan have suffered more than any other human community and I pray from my heart that these peace talks are successful,” said the premier in reference to the ongoing talks between the US and the Afghan Taliban in Doha.

The premier was speaking at the two-day international conference titled “40 years of Afghan Refugees Presence in Pakistan: A New Partnership for Solidarity” which began in Islamabad today.

The prime minister said that the whole country was on the “same page” with regards to Afghanistan. He added that previously it was said that the government and the country’s security forces were not on the same page, however, this was not the case at the moment.

The premier highlighted that Pakistan was not seeking peace in Afghanistan because it has been hosting 1.4 million Afghan refugees, but because the people of Afghanistan deserve peace.

The premier also shared that today’s conference was a celebration “because there were not many instances that those who have been refugees have conducted themselves with honour”. He remarked that Pakistan despite its challenges has kept a wonderful relationship with Afghan refugees.

“A remarkable relationship has endured considering the situation that our [Pakistan] economy has faced,” remarked PM Imran.

PM Imran pointed out that there were “no safe havens” in Pakistan, however, he admitted that it was possible that such safe heavens were operating in the country after 9/11 in the refugee camps.

In the ‘mini-Kabul’ of Peshawar, Afghan refugees mark 40 years in peaceful Pakistan

“How is the government capable of checking how militants operate from the camps,” highlighted PM Imran, adding that it was not possible because refugee camps have had a population of over 100,000.

PM Imran told the audience that Pakistan seeks peace in Afghanistan for humanitarian reasons and to bring prosperity in the areas near the Durand Line.

He assured the audience that since coming to power his government has “done everything to facilitate the Afghan peace process”.

Earlier, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres in his address stated that the people of Pakistan for 40 years have responded with generosity in hosting the Afghan refugees.

“Even though major conflict has erupted in some other part of the world; Pakistan is still the second largest refugee host. I am struck by the extraordinary solidarity and compassion,” remarked the UN chief.

He added that the UN has been proud to work with Pakistan in hosting the Afghan refugees.

However, Guterres noted that that international support for Pakistan in tackling this problem has “minimal” compared to the efforts of the Pakistani government. “The global community must step up,” urged the UN chief

Earlier, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi and Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi also addressed the conference. Ministers and senior officials from around twenty countries, who have been supporting the Afghan refugees across the globe and in Pakistan are also participating in the conference.

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No society can progress without empowering its women: Emine Erdogan

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February 15, 2020

ISLAMABAD: No society in the world can progress and prosper without empowering its women, said Emine Erdogan, Turkish First Lady who was accompanying President Recep Tayyip Erodgan during two day official visit of Pakistan.

The Turkish first lady, was addressing a ceremony in Islamabad. In her address, Emine Erdogan said that the Turkish people consider the pain of Pakistani people as their own.

“Pakistani people are quite close to my heart,” she said, adding that she is grateful for the warm welcome extended to them in Pakistan.

She said that Pakistan and Turkey share common values on the basis of religion, culture, and history and no poer can separate the two people.

The Turkish first lady said that both the countries have helped each other in the time of need.

President Arif Alvi’s wife Samina Alvi gifted a traditional shawl to Emine Erdogan at the occasion.

At the end of the ceremony, the Turkish first lady also distributed sewing machines among the children suffering from Thalassemia.

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Japan donated coronavirus detection materials arrives Islamabad

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February 14, 2020

ISLAMABAD: Japan National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID) has donated Coronavirus detection materials (Primers and Probes) to Pakistan. This was a joint effort made by all the people involved both in Japan and Pakistan.

As a result of this joint effort, the first Coronavirus detection materials arrived in Islamabad from Japan and were received by the officials of the National Institute of Health, Islamabad.

MATSUDA Kuninori, the Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, in his message has appreciated the dedicated efforts which eventually helped to deliver the materials in a short span of time.

The Ambassador hoped that the materials donated by Japan would enhance the lab capacity to diagnose the Coronavirus cases swiftly and help Pakistan in its fight against the virus.

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Pakistan, Turkey agree to transform relations into strong partnership

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February 14, 2020

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Turkey have agreed to extend mutual support on issues of each other s core national interest and underscored the importance of fully realizing the immense potential of relationship between the two countries.

The understanding was reached at meeting between President Dr Arif Alvi and his Turkish Counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Islamabad on Thursday.

They also underlined in transforming this relations into a strong and dynamic trade and economic partnership.

Welcoming the President Erdogan to Pakistan, Dr Alvi expressed gratification over the level of enhanced and multifaceted engagement between the two countries.

He said that the 6th Session of High Level Strategic Cooperation Council will further strengthen and broaden the fraternal relations between Pakistan and Turkey.

Dr Alvi also apprised President Erdogan of the worsening human rights situation in Occupied Kashmir and took the opportunity to thank the President Erdogan for his principled stand on Kashmir.

A warm welcome was accorded to the Turkish President and First Lady of Turkey Emine Erdogan over their arrival at the presidency.

President Arif Alvi later hosted banquet in honour of the distinguished guests.

Earlier today, Erdogan was accorded a warm red-carpet welcome as he arrived on a two-day official visit.

Prime Minister Imran Khan received the Turkish leader at the Nur Khan Airbase. Senior Pakistani officials as well as the Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan were also present on the occasion.

Two children, clad in traditional Pakistani costume, presented bouquet to President Erdogan and the Turkish First Lady.

Contingent of static guards presented salute to the visiting dignitaries.

Later, Prime Minister Imran Khan himself drove President Erdogan to the Prime Minister House for welcome ceremony.

The Turkish President was also presented a guard of honour during an official welcome ceremony held at the Prime Minister House.

Upon arrival at the PM House, President Erdogan was warmly welcomed by Prime Minister Imran Khan.

President Erdogan, who was presented a salute and guard of honour by a smartly turned-out contingent of the armed forces, reviewed the guard. National anthems of the two countries were also played on the occasion.

Prime Minister Imran Khan and President Recep Rayyip Erdogan introduced their respective delegartions.

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Indian police arrest 4 more youth in occupied Kashmir

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February 14, 2020

SRINAGAR: Indian police arrested four youth in south Kashmir’ Islamabad and Pulwama districts, media reported here on today.

The police arrested three youth, identified as Adil Ahmed Dar, Aqib Fayaz Makroo and Aajaz Ahmed Sofi during house raid in residents of Arwani and Gund Chahal areas of Islamabad district. The police took into custody another youth, Tawfeeq Ahmed Butt, from Mongahama in Tral area of Pulwama district.

The Indian police dubbed the arrested youth as over-ground workers of mujahid organizations.

The police had also arrested five youth during house raids in Gundipora and Warihama areas of Badgam district, the other day.

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Tag: islamabad

Pakistan urges UK Parliament group to brief UN on situation in Kashmir

India rejects occupied Kashmir mediation offer by UN chief

Indian police arrest 4 more youth in occupied Kashmir

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