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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Reconciliation between PTI, MQM-P after Siddiqui meets PM Imran

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February 13, 2020

ISLAMABAD: Reconciliation between Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI) and its key ally Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) after convener, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, met Prime Minister Imran Khan here in Islamabad.

Premier Imran Khan invited Khalid Maqbool for holding talks and the two leaders discussed matters related to Siddiqui’s ministry during the meeting, well informed sources said.

The MQM-P leader had taken up charge of the Ministry of Information Technology and Communication; however, the Karachi-based party refuted the report.

On January 12, the MQM-P had given the federal government a jolt as Siddiqui, then-minister for information technology, announced his decision to leave the federal cabinet over “unfulfilled promises”.

Siddiqui had said that his party had supported the federal government in every difficult phase but “injustice was still being done with Sindh”, Geo News Reported.

Following the announcement, several PTI leader and ministers met the MQM-P in Karachi to hear the concerns that they had put forward. It must be kept mind that PM Imran had not accepted Siddiqui’s resignation.

MQM-P was not the only ally of the ruling party that has threatened to quit its coalition at the centre. The PTI got much needed relief on Monday after its leaders managed to convince the estranged PML-Q to not leave the alliance.

Leaders of the ruling PTI and its coalition party, the PML-Q announced a truce after hour-long discussions at Punjab Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi’s residence on Monday.

The announcement was made during a joint press conference after the two parties’ delegations met in Lahore in a bid to reconcile. After the talks, leaders of the PTI and the PML-Q said they would go ahead hand-in-hand in the future.

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Pakistan concerned over sale of air defence system to India

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February 13, 2020

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday expressed concern over Washington’s approval of the sale of an air defence system to New Delhi.

Foreign Office spokesperson Aisha Farooqui in her weekly press briefing stated that South Asia cannot afford a further arms race in the region.

The Indian media on Tuesday had reported that the Trump administration has approved the sale of an Integrated Air Defense Weapon System for $1.8 billion to India. According to the Indian publication The Hindu, the sale was being processed under the Foreign Military Sales and awaits the approval from US Congress.

The State Department had said it had informed Congress that New Delhi plans to use the “defence articles and services to modernize its armed forces, and to expand its existing air defence architecture to counter threats posed by air attack”.

‘Irresponsible action feared during Erdogan visit by India’
Farooqui shared that Pakistan fears India may carry out an irresponsible action during the visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

She said Pakistan would respond effectively to any actions taken by the Indian government.

Also read: Pakistan in close contact with OIC on Kashmir: FO

The spokesperson further stated that Turkey supports Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir, adding that the Turkish president’s visit would improve the existing ties between the two countries.

Farooqui also shared that the UN chief will visit Lahore and Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur on his trip to Pakistan.

Farooqui stated that India’s lockdown of Kashmir has now lasted for 193 days, adding that the Kashmiris have been deprived of their human rights. She stated that the Kashmiri people have been deprived of the right to free speech.

“India has turned occupied Kashmir into the world’s biggest prison,” said the FO spokesperson. She added that Pakistan has informed the world of India’s plans to carry out a false flag operation to divert the world’s attention from Kashmir.

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Pervaiz Elahi refuses to reveal JUI-F’s secret deal

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February 13, 2020

LAHORE: Pervaiz Elahi, Speaker of Punjab Assembly refused to disclose agreement reached with Maulana Fazal-ur-Rehman to end sit-in in Islamabad.

Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) leader Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi said that agreement reached with Maulana Fazal-ur-Rehman is a secret and he will seek Maulana’s permission to reveal it.

Speaker Punjab Assembly advised government to focus on its work of providing relief to people and said that no one supports opposition’s movement as job of opposition to make noise outside and inside the House.

With input from INP

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Tag: islamabad

India rejects occupied Kashmir mediation offer by UN chief

Indian police arrest 4 more youth in occupied Kashmir

Reconciliation between PTI, MQM-P after Siddiqui meets PM Imran

Pervaiz Elahi refuses to reveal JUI-F’s secret deal

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