January 18, 2020 – Page 2 – AsiaNet-Pakistan

January 18, 2020

Repeated requests of severe action against the drug peddlers resulted in baseless allegations against me: Saeed Ghani

Karachi, January 18, 2020 (PPI-OT): Sindh Minister for Information, Archives and Labour Saeed Ghani on Friday termed the report issued against him by Senior Superintendent of Police Dr Rizwan Ahmed as baseless, false and fictitious. Provincial Information Minister said that if the blames mentioned in the report were true, then he would not only give up politics, but also ready to face severe punishment. Provincial Information Minister said that if the blames mentioned in the report were true, then he would not only end his career as politician, but also ready to face severe punishment. He said this while addressing a press conference on Friday.

Saeed Ghani said that he would appeal to Chief Minister Sindh to investigate the allegations against him by a competent and unbiased officer. The Provincial Minister for Information and Labour said that in his constituency, Chenisar Goth, false allegations on the politicians were made that if they were patronizing the drug dealers. Citing the reasons of allegations articulated in the report, Saeed Ghani said that Dr. Rizwan felt distasted when he asked the then Inspector General of Police, Sindh A.D. Khwaja and DIG Sultan Khawaja to take action against the drug peddlers in his constituency, Chanesar Goth. Provincial Information Minister explained that how much difficulty he had to face to establish contact with these two officers.

The action that these two officers took after being contacted was insufficient, as most of the innocent people were arrested in their action so that we had to face political pressure, the Minister added. He said that when Dr. Rizwan became Superintendent of Police, Jamshed Town, he tried to engage my brother Farhan Ghani, who was the then Chairman of Union Council, in espionage against the residents of the area.

Not only this, SP Dr. Rizwan also demanded furniture and eight motorcycles from my brother for Police check post of the area, he added. Saeed Ghani said that my brother straightway refused to fulfill all the demands of SP Dr. Rizwan by saying that the police should conduct their legitimate activities in the area and we would cooperate with them. Provincial Minister of Information and Labour Saeed Ghani said that after Dr. Rizwan’s posting as Superintendent of Police Jamshed Town, the drug trade in the area grew exponentially. Saeed Ghani said that he never contacted any criminal for support. Saeed Ghani said the only reason for the allegations against him was the repeated requests for action against the drug dealers.

For more information, contact:
Sindh Information and Archives Department
Directorate of Press Information
Government of Sindh
95-Sindh Secretariat 4-B, Karachi, Pakistan
Tel: +92-21-99204423, +92-21-99204401
Email: pressinformationzubair@gmail.com
Website: http://sindhinformation.gos.pk

January 18, 2020

Indian Charge d’Affaires summoned to register Pakistan’s strong protest on ceasefire violations by India

Islamabad, January 18, 2020 (PPI-OT): Indian Charge d’ Affaires Gaurav Ahluwalia was summoned by Director General (South Asia and SAARC) Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri, today, to register Pakistan’s strong protest at the ceasefire violations by Indian occupation forces along the Line of Control (LoC), resulting in serious injuries to an innocent civilian lady.

Due to indiscriminate and unprovoked firing by the Indian forcesin Kotkotera Sector on 18 January 2020, 36-year-old Shamim Begum w/o Raja Sajid, resident of village Jugalpal sustained serious injuries.

Condemning the targeting of innocent civilians by the Indian occupation forces, the DG (SA and SAARC) underscored that such senseless Indian acts, in clear violation of the 2003 Ceasefire Understanding and complete disregard for international human rights and international norms, further vitiate the tense atmosphere along the LoC and pose a threat to regional peace and stability. He emphasized that by raising tensions along the LoC and the Working Boundary (WB), India cannot divert attention from the worsening human rights situation in the Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJ and K).

The DG (SA and SAARC) called upon the Indian side to respect the 2003 Ceasefire Understanding; investigate this and other incidents of deliberate ceasefire violations and maintain peace along the LoC and the WB. He also urged that India should permit the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) to play its mandated role as per the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolutions.

For more information, contact:
Spokesman
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Government of Pakistan
Tell: +92-51-9205494
Fax: +92-51-9204202
Cell: +92-336-5644459
Website: www.mofa.gov.pk

January 18, 2020

Shehryar Khan Afridi visits central jail Doha, breaks bread with Pakistani inmates

Islamabad, January 18, 2020 (PPI-OT): In line with Prime Minister Imran Khan’s vision of ‘Naya Pakistan’; Minister for Narcotics Control Shehryar Khan Afridi Saturday visited Doha Central Jail to meet with the imprisoned Pakistanis. This was the first-ever visit of any jail in GCC countries by any Pakistani minister in history. Qatari Prime Minister Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani had issued a special permission for Shehryar Afridi’s visit to the central jail Doha. At central jail, the minister was welcomed by Director-General Public Security Major General Saad Bin Jassim Al Khulaifi. He briefed Shehryar Afridi on the facilities being provided to Pakistani inmates.

Later, the minister visited the cells of Pakistani inmates. Shehryar Afridi was briefed by the inmates about their problems and issues. The Minister assured them to take up with the Qatari authorities to seek their solutions. Major General Saad Bin Jassim Al Khulaifi assured immediate redressal of all problems being faced by the inmates. The inmates were happy to see Shehryar Afridi among them and started to raise slogans of “Pakistan Zindabad; Imran Khan Zindabad and Shehryar Afridi Zindabad”. They said their hopes and trust in Prime Minister Imran Khan’s government was getting strengthened by each day passing.

Shehryar Afridi also had lunch with the inmates at the Central Jail. Addressing the inmates, Shehryar Afridi said that redressal of grievances faced by the overseas Pakistanis was top priority of the PTI government. He said that he had brought a message from Prime Minister Imran Khan and his Advisor on Overseas Pakistanis Syed Zulfi Bukhari for overseas Pakistanis.

“We will go to any extent to help resolve issues faced by the overseas Pakistanis and would also ensure restoration of the sanctity of green passport. I request the overseas Pakistanis to promote love, brotherhood and peace in your host countries so as true reflection of Islam and Pakistan could be projected in across the globe,” he added. Afridi stressed that overseas Pakistanis should also respect and obey all laws in their host countries and act as real ambassadors of Pakistan.

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

January 18, 2020

Indian diplomat summoned to reject mischievous portrayal of Minorities issues

Islamabad, January 18, 2020 (PPI-OT): A senior diplomat from the High Commission of India was summoned to the Foreign Office, today, to reject the mischievous portrayal by India of isolated, fabricated, incidents involving Pakistani citizens as minorities rights issues. It was underscored that such machinations cannot divert attention from the criticism the Indian Government is facing for its own discriminatory policies against minorities in India and the ongoing state terrorism in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJ and K).

The Indian side was conveyed that minorities in Pakistan enjoy full protections and rights under the Constitution. It was emphasized that the legal system of Pakistan is fully capable of protecting the rights of all its citizens. The authorities in India were urged to refrain from feigning concern for minorities elsewhere for narrow political agenda; focus on putting their own house in order; and ensure effective protection of Indian minorities, including from frequent incidents of mob lynching and repeated hate crimes against minorities.

January 18, 2020

India will have to resolve Kashmir issue

Srinagar, January 18, 2020 (PPI-OT): Supporting Pakistan’s principled position on the Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK), China Friday reiterated that Kashmir was a dispute left from history and it should be properly resolved through relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions and bilateral treaties and in a peaceful way.

Responding to a volley of questions by the Indian journalists based in Beijing, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesman said Beijing wanted to play a constructive role and was in contact with both India and Pakistan urging them to enhance dialogue, exercise restraint and work for de-escalation.

The spokesman said China actively participated in UNSC review of Kashmir issue because it wanted to work for de-escalation and regional peace and stability purely out of goodwill. “But if the Indian side interprets the other way then this could be over interpretation,” said the spokesperson.

“On January 15, the UNSC reviewed Kashmir. During the review process most UNSC members expressed concerns over the current situation and called for restraint and de-escalation and they stressed this issue should be settled in a peaceful and political way through dialogue. Russia is an important member of the UNSC and its position has been fully expressed and reflected. As I understand this is what happened in discussion in New York (UNSC),” said the spokesman. Earlier, India had asked China not to raise the Kashmir issue at the UN. The spokesman pointed out that both countries had been in touch on China’s position on Kashmir.

To a question from the Times of India that the Kashmir issue had not got much support from the UNSC members, the spokesman responded, “China’s position on Kashmir issue is consistent and clear. This issue is a dispute left from history and it should be properly resolved following the UN Charter, through relevant UNSC resolutions and bilateral treaties and in a peaceful way.

And as requested by Pakistan, the UNSC reviewed the Kashmir issue on January 15 and was briefed by the UN Secretariat and UNSC members are concerned about the current situation in Kashmir and they called on relevant parties to observe the UN Charter, international law, and resolve the dispute peacefully through political dialogue, and exercise restraint and work for de-escalation”.

He added that the issue had always been on the UNSC agenda, and it should pay attention to the situation in the IOK based on the latest development, and the review in the UNSC will help de-escalate tension and proper settlement.

“As the permanent member of the UNSC, China will continue to play a constructive role in upholding regional peace and stability and the Indian side should think about it and respond the request from the UNSC members”, he assured. Another Indian journalist pointed out that the UNSC had not released any statement on the one-hour discussion on Kashmir in the special session.

“On January 15th, there was no statement but China as permanent member participated in the review and what I said about the review and if you think this is not in line with the truth you may refer to other sides. Which members have different views and did not express concerns? If you do not trust our view, you may refer to other sides for truth. India’s attitude and views, we understand them, but what I said was China’s views and stand and I believe India is aware of that. And we have been in contact on that,” he pointed out.

Responding to an invitation from India for Prime Minister Imran Khan to attend the SCO summit in New Delhi, the spokesman said this was a regional cooperation organization and India and Pakistan were both members to it. “Both countries, we hope, can work together closely under this framework and work for healthy development of this organization and in international and regional affairs. Both are important countries in South Asia we hope they can resolve their differences and disputes through dialogue and improve their relations,” he said.

For more information, contact:
Kashmir Media Service
Phone: +92-51-4435548, +92-51-4435549
Fax: +92-51-4861736
Email: info@kmsnews.org
Website: www.kmsnews.org

January 18, 2020

Pakistan Navy Ships MOAWIN and ASLAT visit Port Victoria, Seychelles

Islamabad, January 18, 2020 (PPI-OT): Pakistan Navy Ships MOAWIN and ASLAT visited Port Victoria, Seychelles as part of Pakistan Navy Overseas Deployment around African region. During the visit, Mission Commander and Commanding Officers of the visiting ships called on important authorities of Seychelles, visited Foyer De Nazareth Orphanage, Victoria besides holding various social and professional engagements at the host country. The visit was also amply utilized to highlight atrocities of Indian Armed Forces in Indian Occupied Kashmir (IoK).

Upon arrival at port Victoria, visiting Pakistan Navy Ships were extended warm welcome by Seychelles authorities. Mission Commander along with Commanding Officers of Pakistan Navy Ships called on Vice President of the Republic of Seychelles, Chief of Seychelles Defense Forces and other prominent authorities. During the interactions, Mission Commander conveyed sincere regards of Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi for people of Seychelles in general and Seychelles Coast Guard in particular. Both the sides displayed commitment to further enhance brotherly relations and expand bilateral cooperation in various domains between the two countries.

Pakistan’s sacrifices in fight against terrorism and Pakistan Navy’s role in ensuring maritime security were also underscored which were duly acknowledged by the host. During the meetings, deteriorating situation and human rights violations being committed by Indian Armed Forces against innocent people of Indian Occupied Kashmir (IoK) were also highlighted.

As a gesture of goodwill, Mission Commander and Commanding Officers of the visiting ships visited Foyer De Nazareth Orphanage, Victoria and distributed gifts amongst children of the orphanage. The ongoing deployment of Pakistan Navy Ships to Africa is aimed to further strengthen friendly ties with African Countries, extend humanitarian assistance and develop interoperability with host navies.

For more information, contact:
Directorate of Public Relations,
Pakistan Navy
Naval Headquarters, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-20062326
Cell: +92-300-8506486
Website: www.paknavy.gov.pk

January 18, 2020

Automation/Digitization of public health supply chain system is critical for improved access of essential health commodities: Dr. Zafar Mirza

Islamabad, January 18, 2020 (PPI-OT): Dr Zafar Mirza appreciated the collective efforts of Provincial Governments, UNICEF, BMGF, WHO, USAID and NGOs for strengthening the public health supply chain systems for improved access of essential health commodities across the country as he officiated the endorsement ceremony of Health Logistics Management Information System (HLMIS) at Islamabad. The HLMIS is developed by Chemonics International with technical and financial support of UNICEF and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation under Global Action for Pneumonia and Diarrhea (GAPPD).

The representatives of the Governments of Punjab and Sindh iterated that end to end visibility of MNCH essential medicines through HLMIS would empower the policy and program tiers to take evidence based decisions. They assured that the system will be implemented in true spirit while appreciating the support of UNICEF, BMGF and Chemonics International Inc. Applauding the collaboration of the Sindh and Punjab governments the UNICEF representative Ms. Aida Girma said, “It is a great achievement that HLMIS has brought data visibility of very essential MNCH medicines at provincial and district stores and health facilities in Punjab and Sindh.

UNICEF envisages that other provinces and regions shall follow the suit.” Summarizing the long journey in pursuit of digitizing the health sector Dr. Muhammad Tariq, Country Director, Chemonics International said, “History was made when we brought visibility to family planning and vaccines, the trend continued with TB and MNCH programs, and as we advanced in digitizing the health sector, we find ourselves closer than ever in our goal of connecting policies with people in Pakistan.”

The ceremony was witnessed by the dignitaries from the Governments of Punjab and Sindh, UNICEF, BMGF, USAID and WHO, along with members from academia and private sector organizations involved in healthcare service delivery. The ceremony concluded with presentation of shields and mementos to the contributing partners and the Chief Guest.