Category: Politics

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

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

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

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

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

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the government would continue to take steps for ensuring equal rights for women and to provide them opportunities of education and jobs.

In a message on the International Women’s Day today, he said today is the day to recognize the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women and to provide them equal opportunities for their effective role in building the society.

He promised that the government will continue to take steps for equitable rights of women, their protection and for provision of equal opportunities of education and progress.

Source: Radio Pakistan

National Assembly today passed a resolution paying glowing tributes to Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, the first elected Prime Minister in the Islamic world, for her unwavering dedication to democracy, women empowerment, human rights, social justice and equitable society.

The resolution moved by Sehar Kamran said that Shaheed Benazir Bhutto was an icon of women struggle, courage and resilience in the face of challenges. It noted that Benazir Bhutto was a role model for women and mothers in general and women politicians and parliamentarians in particular.

The resolution pledged to uphold her legacy by championing policies that empower women, ensure equitable opportunities and eradicate gender discrimination.

Recognizing the significant potential and contributions of women in all spheres of life, the resolution emphasized the importance of continued and sustained efforts to remove barriers and obstacles that hinder the realization of women full potential.

It called upon the government and the private sector to inv
est more in women, enabling them to make even greater contributions to progress and development of Pakistan.

The resolution directed all departments concerned to show zero tolerance towards the perpetrators and inciters of crimes against women. It resolved to promote gender equality through legislative measures, education and awareness campaigns.

The resolution also urged the inclusion of women in decision making processes at all levels, ensuring their meaningful participation in shaping policies and programs that impact their lives.

The house has now been adjourned to meet again on Wednesday at 2:00 pm.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced to establish Pakistan Education Endowment Fund to enable the high achievers to continue their studies regardless of financial constraints.

Addressing an event in connection with International Women Day in Islamabad today, he emphasized the importance to equip boys and girls with the modern education and skills in order to take forward the country on the path of development.

He assured that all resources will be utilized in collaboration with the provinces in this regard.

The Prime Minister said women constitute forty-eight point three percent of the population and providing them with resources in terms of education and training will help exploit their full potential.

He said our women do not lag behind others and they are contributing significantly in different walks of life.

The Prime Minister also announced the establishment of a monitoring cell at the PM Office to check violence against women.

He said a complete mechanism will be put in place at the earli
est to ensure the dignity and honour of women.

Shehbaz Sharif said the government is firmly committed to support the youth in provision of modern education and gadgets.

He said education will be provided to the youth in various fields especially information technology and vocational training.

Shehbaz Sharif said the government will ensure that the stature given by our religion Islam to women is fully adhered to.

The Prime Minister also recalled the steps taken during his stint as the Chief Minister Punjab for the empowerment of women.

Speaking on the occasion, PML-N Leader Shaza Fatima said that government will ensure at least thirty-three percent participation of women in public sector and it will be mandatory to include one woman at least in all selection committees.

She said that women will also enjoy three-year relaxation in all jobs and establishment of Day care centers in all public offices will also be ensured.

Shaza Fatima said only fifty percent of women have mobile phone so government is stri
ving to end the Gender Digital Divide.

On the directives of the Prime Minister, she said private sector will be encouraged to provide women boarding and transportation facilities under the voucher scheme.

She revealed that working women endowment fund will be established with five hundred million rupees to facilitate institutions to make Day Care centers.

The PML-N leader said that government is looking for to bring amendments in the clause in order to extend the Maternity and Paternity leave in case of the premature birth or any mishaps.

In order to ensure the financial inclusion of women, she said that SMEDA is being directed to facilitate the women in the process of establishing their own businesses.

In order to sensitize the society related to the women issues, Shaza Fatima said the content related to the women sensitive issues will be introduced in the academic curriculum.

She said that a gender mainstreaming parliamentary party will be established to review the performance of different Ministries
related to gender parity gap.

Source: Radio Pakistan