Day: March 8, 2024

Senate today passed a resolution recommending government to take measures to ensure and enhance women’s economic inclusion.

The resolution, moved by Senator Seemee Ezdi, called for enhancing recruitment, retention and development opportunities for female talent through effective education and skills programs.

The resolution emphasized to introduce gender-sensitive policies and foster inclusive work environments that prioritize the well-being and advancement of women.

The House also called upon all stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, the private sector, the media, academia and individuals, to join hands in the collective pursuit of gender equality and women’s empowerment.

The House also adopted another resolution unanimously, demanding the Federal Government to declare former Prime Minister Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto a national democratic hero.

The resolution, moved by Senator Rukhsana Zuberi, said the Supreme Court in its opinion in the Presidential Reference filed
by then President Asif Ali Zardari in the murder case of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto has acknowledged that fair trial and due process were denied to the former Prime Minister.

The House further demanded to officially declare Zulfikar Ali Bhutto as Shaheed. It said Nishan-e-Zulfikar Ali Bhutto be awarded to political workers and activists, who have fought and sacrificed their lives for democracy.

The chair directed the Secretary Senate to issue production orders of Senator Ejaz Ahmad Chaudhary of PTI, enabling him to cast his vote in the upcoming presidential elections.

Leader of the House in the Senate Ishaq Dar has called for national reconciliation and charter of economy to steer the country out of crises.

In his farewell speech in the Senate today, he said all the political parties will have to join hands to bring Pakistan out of economic difficulties as no party can single handedly do this.

He said Pakistan is a nuclear power and efforts should be made to include the country to the club of top twenty
economies of the world.

In his remarks, Syed Muzaffar Hussain Shah called for financial empowerment of the Senate to make the Upper House effective and stronger.

Tahir Bizenjo said the issue of missing persons should be resolved and more powers be given to the Senate.

Fida Muhammad suggested giving priority to efforts for providing relief to the common people instead of wasting time in political point scoring.

In his farewell remarks, Deputy Chairman Mirza Muhammad Afridi said he always worked for the supremacy of the constitution. He also thanked the media and supporting staff for their support during the tenure.

The House has now been prorogued.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Pakistan has called for urgent and unrestricted relief to people in Gaza enclave ahead of holy month of Ramzan.

Speaking during weekly media briefing in Islamabad, Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said Pakistan welcomes Extraordinary Session of Council of Foreign Ministers of Organization of Islamic Cooperation held in Jeddah.

She said Pakistan strongly condemns unprecedented Israeli aggression against civilians in the besieged Gaza Strip and entire Occupied Palestinian Territory.

The Spokesperson said the Council of Foreign Ministers has held the occupying power fully responsible for the ongoing genocide of civilians in Gaza.

Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said we join their call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and cessation of Israeli aggression.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has arrived in Muzaffarabad on a day-long visit to Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Prime Minister Azad Kashmir Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq accorded a warm welcome to him at the helipad

During the visit, the Prime Minister will meet and interact with the rain and snowfall affected people of the area.

The Prime Minister will also distribute relief cheques among the affectees.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Army Chief General Asim Munir has said success of Balochistan is the success of Pakistan.

During his visit to Awaran district of Balochistan, the Army Chief said people of Pakistan are proud of the brave people of Balochistan who have stood tall against all odds.

He said Armed Forces of Pakistan and Law Enforcement Agencies will continue to render their services in support of the people of Balochistan for peace and prosperity.

The Army Chief interacted with the local elders, farmers and families of Shuhada and assured them of the Army’s unstinting support for their security and welfare, while paying rich tribute to the sacrifices rendered by the Shuhada.

While interacting with the notables and farmers of Awaran, COAS emphasized the importance of agriculture and Army’s commitment to the Green Pakistan Initiative (GPI).

He said that farmers will be provided with all kinds of agricultural facilities, including the provision of easy agricultural loans, seeds, fertilizers, solar tube wells and guidance by ag
riculture experts, so that they can cultivate their lands and become partners in the progress and development of Pakistan.

Later on, COAS inaugurated Cadet College Awaran and interacted with faculty members and students. The Army Chief appreciated the establishment of yet another Cadet College in Balochistan for the people of the area.

He reiterated his commitment that Pakistan Army will continue development and relief activities in Balochistan in collaboration with the concerned civil departments.

Earlier on arrival, COAS was received by Corps Commander Balochistan Corps.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Pakistan has voiced opposition to the G-4 model for UN Security Council Reform, as presented by India on behalf of the Group of Four during the IGN meeting.

Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations Ambassador Munir Akram expressed these views during the Fourth IGN on Security Council Reform (Model Presented by Group of Four – G-4) in New York.

Ambassador Akram criticized the G-4 model, labeling it as undemocratic, unaccountable, and inequitable, asserting that it does not serve its intended purpose.

During his remarks at the fourth IGN meeting on the UNSC Reform, Ambassador Akram questioned the rationale and intentions of the G-4 countries in proposing this reform model. He raised concerns about the involvement of aspiring new permanent members in addressing conflicts such as those in Ukraine and Gaza.

He said as a member of the Uniting for Consensus (UfC) Group, it is evident that our position has consistently opposed the issue of the creation of new permanent members, and this notwith
standing would be different from the distinguished representative of the United States.

He said the G-4 model would direct us in the opposite direction. It would expand 6 new permanent seats, but only 5 new non-permanent seats. It would reduce the proportionality between permanent membership and non-permanent membership by half and reduce the chances of representation for the rest of the 182 countries who will not be permanent members on the Security Council.

Source: Radio Pakistan