Day: January 4, 2022

Islamabad, January 04, 2022 (PPI-OT):While observing 5th of January as Right to Self-Determination Day for the Kashmiris we reiterate our commitment to uphold the fundamental human rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and pay homage to Kashmiris’ just struggle spanning more than seven decades.

On this day in 1949, the United Nations Commission on India and Pakistan (UNCIP) adopted a resolution which guaranteed Kashmiri people their inherent right to self-determination through a free and impartial plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir.

We are commemorating this day to remind the world community that it cannot abandon its moral and legal responsibilities towards the Kashmiri people. The importance of the inalienable right to self-determination has been acknowledged in all important human rights covenants, decisions of the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council.

The right to self-determination was granted to the Kashmiris by the United Nations and cannot be unilaterally denied by India. Three generations of Kashmiris have waited for the world community and the United Nations to honour their solemn commitments made to Kashmiris.

Indian atrocities in IIOJK continue unabated but the courage and spirit of Kashmiris remain strong. With the presence of 900,000 troops, India has turned the occupied territory into the largest open-air prison and the most militarized zone in the world.

The recent surge in oppression of the people of IIOJK through arbitrary detentions, coercion, harassment and humiliation, and extra-judicial killings in staged encounters and cordon-and-search-operations is a matter of grave concern for the international community.

India’s illegal and unilateral actions of 5 August, 2019, and subsequent measures, particularly pertaining to domicile rules and land ownership laws, are aimed at changing the demographic structure of IIOJK and converting the Kashmiris into a minority in their own land.

These Indian actions are blatant violation of the international law especially the UN Charter, UN Security Council Resolutions, and the 4th Geneva Convention. Kashmiris have been deprived of their rights to life, food, health, freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, freedom of religion, and above all the right to self-determination.

Pakistan calls upon the international community to demand from India and immediate end to its state-terrorism against Kashmiris and allow access to international human rights and humanitarian organizations to the occupied territory.

Durable peace in South Asia is contingent upon peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with international legitimacy. Pakistan will continue to extent all possible support to the Kashmiris till the realization of their inalienable right to self-determination and a just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant UNSC resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.

For more information, contact:
Principal Information Officer,
Press Information Department (PID)
Tel: +92-51-9252323, +92-51-9252324
Fax: +92-51-9252325, +92-51-9252326
Email: piopid@gmail.com
Website: www.pid.gov.pk

Islamabad, January 04, 2022 (PPI-OT):The Federal Cabinet has approved provision Electronic Voting Machines to the Election Commission of Pakistan to hold Local Government elections in the Islamabad Capital Territory through EVMs.

Briefing media about the decisions taken by the federal cabinet which met in Islamabad today with Prime Minister Imran Khan in the chair, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain said that the ECP had written a letter to the Ministry of Science and Technology for the provision of EVMs and the federal cabinet directed the ministry to acquire the same as per ECP’s demand.

The Minister said the cabinet was briefed that Omicron cases are rising in Pakistan and keeping this in view it was stressed that precautionary measures should be followed to avoid spread of this variant of Coronavirus. Talking about the Health Card programme, he said this initiative is being launched gradually in Punjab, while the entire population of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has already been provided this facility. He said all members of a family registered in NADRA record can get treatment up to one million rupees from all government and designated private hospitals.

He said this facility is available to admitted patients only. He said Punjab is going to contribute 400 billion rupees for this programme and Sindh Government should also play its due role to provide quality health facilities to the people of Sindh. Chaudhry Fawad Hussain said prices of essential items are decreasing, which is a good omen.

He said the cabinet also approved tabling of Finance (Supplementary) Bill, 2021 in the National Assembly. He said it approved an agreement between China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Authority and Chinese Ministry of Environment to provide 3,000 solar power generations to the people of Gwadar, who are facing the problem of electricity.

Talking about foreign funding case in ECP, Chaudhry Fawad Hussain said it is the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, which has an elaborate system of funding and accounting. He demanded of the ECP that a comparison of all political parties should be presented so that people can know which party has a complete record and which one is missing this.

Speaking on the occasion the Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Farrukh Habib said Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and the Pakistan People’s Party run unverifiable accounts, which is a sheer violation of law.

For more information, contact:
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
Government of Pakistan
4th Floor, Cabinet Block, Pak. Secretariat, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9103557
Email: info@moib.gov.pk
Website: http://www.moib.gov.pk

Islamabad, January 04, 2022 (PPI-OT):A delegation of Deutsch-Pakistanisches Forum (DPF), called on Ambassador Dr. Mohammad Faisal, today, at the Embassy of Pakistan, Berlin. The four-member delegation was led by Professor Dr. Habil M.R.N. Jansen, President DPF.

The Ambassador welcomed the delegation and noted that Pakistan was turning a new page in bilateral relations with Germany and focusing on all aspects including education, culture, tourism and people to people contacts. He stressed the role of civil society and relevant organisations in this regard, says a press release received here today from Berlin.

Professor Jansen briefed the Ambassador about the upcoming events planned by the DPF for promotion of Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage and expressed gratitude for the continued assistance extended by the Embassy for the said purpose. He also apprised the Ambassador about celebration of 100 years of “Discovery of Indus Valley Civilisation.” The delegation expressed keen interest in exploring opportunities of investment in various areas, including energy, construction, artificial intelligence, digital art, humanitarian aid etc. The Ambassador underscored that Pakistan was cradle of world’s oldest and greatest civilisations.

It had a rich culture. Strengthening linkages through tourism, culture and people to people contacts was the priority of the Government and the Embassy was aspiring to achieve that goal in line with the vision of the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister. In this connection, Pakistan was establishing Iqbal Goethe Cultural Centre in Munich, which would play a vital role to promote soft image of Pakistan. The embassy was aspiring to showcase this treasure to the international community.

Welcoming the interest of the delegate members for investments in Pakistan, the Ambassador assured that maximum facilitation and cooperation would be extended by the Embassy to materialise different proposals shared by the delegates. At the end, the Ambassador presented a souvenir to the President Deutsch-Pakistanisches Forum.

For more information, contact:
Principal Information Officer,
Press Information Department (PID)
Tel: +92-51-9252323, +92-51-9252324
Fax: +92-51-9252325, +92-51-9252326
Email: piopid@gmail.com
Website: www.pid.gov.pk

Islamabad, January 04, 2022 (PPI-OT):Prime Minister Imran Khan has called for collective efforts to enhance Pakistan’s forest cover, protecting and establishing National Parks to avert negative impact of the global warming. He was addressing the signing ceremony of an agreement between the Ministry of Climate Change and the World Bank in Islamabad on Tuesday.

The Prime Minister said the world is now acknowledging that changing weather patterns will have extremely negative impact if we do not take meaningful and strong steps. He said global warming is impacting our cities and glaciers.

He said Pakistan has launched Ten Billion Tree Tsunami to increase forest cover of the country. He said the PTI government has announced 15 National Parks, which is vital to protect wildlife, generate employment, and promote tourism in the country. The Prime Minister also stressed the need for protecting green areas in cities to ensure availability of clean air and water for the future generations.

Imran Khan said the government is preparing master plans of cities under which urban population will be green fenced and cities will not be allowed to spread beyond established limits. He said it is a great pleasure that mangrove plantation has increased in Balochistan and Sindh due to government’s efforts.

Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam said that under the Green Stimulus initiative, to be completed with the generous cooperation of the World Bank, will generate 1,35,000 jobs. He said over 188 million trees will be grown and 15,000 beekeepers be trained under this programme.

For more information, contact:
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
Government of Pakistan
4th Floor, Cabinet Block, Pak. Secretariat, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9103557
Email: info@moib.gov.pk
Website: http://www.moib.gov.pk

Islamabad, January 04, 2022 (PPI-OT):President Dr Arif Alvi has called for collective efforts to ensure women’s inclusion to economic development process and inheritance rights, health, education, violence-free environment and equal opportunities. Addressing an event in Islamabad today (Tuesday), he said financially strong women can significantly contribute to national developmental and their empowerment.

He said the government was committed to ensure social and economic betterment of womenfolk and started its flagship social security and welfare initiative under Ehsaas programme for women, youth and other segments of society.

For more information, contact:
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
Government of Pakistan
4th Floor, Cabinet Block, Pak. Secretariat, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9103557
Email: info@moib.gov.pk
Website: http://www.moib.gov.pk

Islamabad, January 04, 2022 (PPI-OT):The Senate today (Tuesday) passed four bills.

These include, the Protection against Harassment of women at the Workplace (Amendment) Bill, 2021, The National Commission on the Rights of Child (Amendment) Bill, 2021, The Juvenile Justice System (Amendment) Bill, 2021 and The Islamabad Capital Territory Child Protection (Amendment) Bill, 2021.

A copy of Money Bill, the Finance (Supplementary) Bill, 2021 was also laid before the house. Finance Minister Shaukat Fayaz Ahmed Tarin laid the copy before the House for recommendations, if any, to the National Assembly on the Bill. The House discussed Money Bill, the Finance (Supplementary) Bill, 2021.

Various members of the house participated in the debate including Raza Rabbani, Sherri Rehman and Tahir Bizenjo. Later, the House was adjourned due to lack of quorum, pointed out by the Opposition to meet again on Friday at 10:30 in the morning.

For more information, contact:
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
Government of Pakistan
4th Floor, Cabinet Block, Pak. Secretariat, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9103557
Email: info@moib.gov.pk
Website: http://www.moib.gov.pk

Islamabad, January 04, 2022 (PPI-OT):The Cabinet applauded recognition of Government’s policies regarding successfully managing COVID pandemic, Ehsaas poverty alleviation initiatives and environmental protection measures particularly 10 billion tree tsunami programs that have been acknowledged by international organizations.

Federal Minister Asad Umar briefed the Cabinet regarding the new variant of COVID-19 Omicron. It was informed that the new variant is rapidly spreading across the globe and positivity ratio in Pakistan has increased. The Cabinet emphasized upon use of face masks, maintaining social distancing and completion of vaccinations. SAPM Dr. Faisal Sultan briefed the Cabinet regarding National Health Cards and universal Health coverage.

The Cabinet was appraised that National Health Cards program will facilitate provision of quality Health services in far flung areas and development of private Health sector. This program will also improve service delivery in basic Health units in rural areas and Government Hospitals.

Universal Health coverage will create a competitive environment for service delivery and create opportunities for public-private partnership. There is a misconception that this program will affect Government Hospitals adversely, rather it will help in improving quality of public sector Health facilities.

Pakistan’s National Health Card program is a unique initiative in the developing world. Government of Punjab has allocated Rs. 400 billion for Health Cards. The Cabinet was briefed regarding use of Electronic Voting Machines and Voting rights for Overseas Pakistanis.

The Cabinet unanimously expressed that use of EVMs is now more than ever necessary after complaints of irregularities in the recently held local bodies’ elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Finance Minister appraised the Cabinet regarding weekly prices of essential commodities.

It was informed that weekly inflation has recorded a decrease of 0.5% while as prices of food items has recorded an average decrease of 0.7%. Moreover, prices of 33 items have decreased. The Cabinet decided that Ambassadors of foreign countries posted in Pakistan shall only contact Federal Cabinet members and federal Ministries through Foreign Office of Pakistan.

The Cabinet approved placement of “Statement of Contingent Liabilities” with Finance Supplementary Bill before the National Assembly of Pakistan. The Cabinet approved extradition of accused Abdul Qadar Ahsan from Pakistan to UK.

This approval has been granted on the request of the accused to face charges against him in UK Courts. The Cabinet approved appointment Mr. Nadir Mumtaz Warraich as Chairman, Karachi Port Trust. The Cabinet approved reconstitution of Pakistan Tobacco Board.

The reconstituted board will now be comprised of members from Federal Government, Provincial Governments and private trade associations. The Cabinet approved appointment of Dr. Azizullah Khattak as Member (Economic Statistics), Dr. Muhammad Asif Khan as Member (Resource Management) and Mr. Muhammad Sarwar Gondal as Member (Support Services) in the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.

The Cabinet granted ex-post facto approval of MoU signed between Government of China and CPEC Authority Pakistan. Under this MoU China will provide 3000 solar power generation systems to be provided to households in Gwadar free of cost.

The Cabinet approved appointment of Brig. Muhammad Asim Ishaq as Managing Director, National Radio Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC). The Cabinet approved appointment of Mr. Bilal Anwar as CEO, National Disaster Risk Management Fund (NDRMF).

For more information, contact:
Principal Information Officer,
Press Information Department (PID)
Tel: +92-51-9252323, +92-51-9252324
Fax: +92-51-9252325, +92-51-9252326
Email: piopid@gmail.com
Website: www.pid.gov.pk

Islamabad, January 04, 2022 (PPI-OT):On 5 January 1949, United Nations Commission on India and Pakistan (UNCIP) adopted a resolution, guaranteeing a free and impartial plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir. Today marks 73rd anniversary of the United Nations’ commitment that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute would be decided through the democratic method of a free and impartial plebiscite under the UN auspices.

Kashmiris around the world are observing this Right to Self-Determination Day to make the international community realize that their promise to the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) remains unfulfilled. In these difficult seven decades, three generations of Kashmiris have suffered at the hands of Indian occupation forces, waiting for the actualization of UN’s promise to them.

Despite lapse of seven decades, Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains unresolved due to India’s obstinate refusal to honour its commitments and its disrespect for the fundamental human rights and international law.

Since August 5, 2019, through a number of illegal and unilateral steps, India has created an environment of fear and chaos in IIOJK. India has promulgated new domicile rules and introduced amendments in landownership laws to alter the demographic structure of the occupied territory in clear violation of the international law including the UN Charter, relevant UN Security Council resolutions, and the 4th Geneva Convention.

With the pandemic situation, the Kashmiris are faced with ‘double lockdown’ in IIOJK. The lockdown and the COVID-19 pandemic are estimated to have cost around US$ 9.5 billion to the economy of the IIOJK.

Indian occupation forces have intensified repression of the Kashmiris through surge in extra-judicial killings, fake encounters, arbitrary detention of Kashmiri journalists and human rights defenders, communications blackouts, incarceration of Kashmiri political leaders, violent suppression of peaceful Kashmiri protests, use of pellet guns and demolition of entire neighbourhoods and villages as collective punishment.

No amount of Indian attempts will succeed in misleading the international community and glossing over India’s state-terrorism being perpetrated with shameless impunity in IIOJK. Nor could use of brutal force ever succeed in breaking the will of the Kashmiri people in their just and legitimate struggle.

Pakistan calls upon the international community to hold India accountable for the egregious human rights violations in IIOJK and to play its role for peaceful and durable resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. Pakistan, on its part, will continue to extend all possible support to the Kashmiri people until they realize their legitimate and inalienable right to self-determination, in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions.

For more information, contact:
Principal Information Officer,
Press Information Department (PID)
Tel: +92-51-9252323, +92-51-9252324
Fax: +92-51-9252325, +92-51-9252326
Email: piopid@gmail.com
Website: www.pid.gov.pk