Day: October 16, 2021

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Border should not be closed to those who flee in fear for their lives

Islamabad, October 16, 2021 (PPI-OT):At a roundtable organized by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) and South Asian Partnership – Pakistan (SAP-PK) today, panellists called on the government to formulate, as a matter of priority, a coherent policy for assisting Afghan refugees fleeing the Taliban-led dispensation in Afghanistan, where reports of human rights violations have escalated steadily since the far right militant group seized power in mid-August.

SAP-PK executive director Muhammad Tahseen said that the absence of such a policy meant that poorer, more vulnerable Afghans were being side-lined arbitrarily in favour of better-connected Afghans when attempting to cross the border into Pakistan to seek asylum or visas to third countries. HRCP chairperson Hina Jilani pointed out that developments in Afghanistan had serious implications for civil society in Pakistan and that ‘secret briefings’ on the issue were unacceptable. While respecting Afghan sovereignty was indeed important, she said, this should not keep civil society in Pakistan from speaking up against human rights violations in Afghanistan.

Former senator and HRCP Council member Farhatullah Babar emphasized the need to develop a human rights-centric policy with respect to Afghan refugees. Not only should this be taken forward by the Parliamentary Committee of the Whole, but Pakistani civil society should also be involved in developing such a policy. The Cabinet’s 2017 decision to adopt a national policy on the management of Afghan refugees and nationals in Pakistan, he added, should be revived.

Former senator and former HRCP chairperson Afrasiab Khattak said it was critical to hear from Afghan refugees themselves. Cumbersome documentation requirements and reports that the authorities were extorting refugees for money at the border were cause for grave concern. It was essential, he added, that Pakistan accede to the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol and pass national legislation in light of these obligations.

Other participants, including development practitioner Saba Khattak, HRCP member Fatima Atif, UNHCR spokesperson Qaiser Khan Afridi among others, recommended that Pakistan honour its precedent of accepting Afghan refugees, while calling on the Ministry of the Interior and foreign embassies to hasten the paperwork needed to secure safe transit and onward visas for asylum seekers. The government must take immediate steps to ensure that refugees had unhindered access to healthcare and employment. In addition, they said, civil society should be entitled to assist Afghan refugees to whatever extent possible without fear of harassment by the Pakistani authorities.

For more information, contact:
Chairperson
Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP)
Aiwan-i-Jamhoor, 107-Tipu Block,
New Garden Town, Lahore-54600
Tel: +92-42-35864994
Fax: +92-42-35883582
Email: hrcp@hrcp-web.org
Website: www.hrcp-web.org

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Punjab University Pakistan Study Centre organizes webinar on Pak-Russia relations

Lahore, October 16, 2021 (PPI-OT):Pakistan Study Centre Punjab University in collaboration with Department of South Asian History, Lomonosov Moscow State University Russia organized an international webinar on ‘Prospects for Pakistan Russia Relations’. Dean Faculty of Arts and Humanities and Director Pakistan Study Centre Prof Dr Amra Raza, Head of the Department of South Asian History, Institute of Asian and African Studies Safronova Professor Alexandra, Associate Professor Dr Amjad Abbas Magsi, Dr Anna Bochkovskaya, faculty members, PhD and Mphil Scholars and others attended the webinar.

In her address, Dr Amra Raza said that this academic activity would play a role in bringing the two institutions closer, the faculty and the students. She underscored the need to work collectively in the fields of Arts, literature music and sports. She said that PU offers educational facilities in the fields of languages and arts. She desired to renew the MoU for innovative economies. She hoped for extended cooperation between the two countries as well as the two Universities.

Professor Alexandra elaborated on the comprehensive nature of Pak-Russia relations. She noted that current geopolitical changes have opened up new prospects for cooperation and research. To this end, a possible foundation of the Pakistan-Russia network of higher education institutions, precisely between University of the Punjab and Lomonosov Moscow State University, could yield result through the signing and implementing new memorandums of understanding. This would contribute to the consolidation of research and educational institutions’ efforts in training highly skilled specialists for the innovation economies and to the promotion of academic exchange program between Pakistan and Russia.

In his key note speech, Dr Amjad Abbas Magsi traced the historical background of the relationship between the two countries. He pointed towards transformation in the wake of geo political situation of South Asia. He threw light on the steps taken by both countries to enhance the mutual relationships. He underscored the need to diversify the basis of interactions. They will have to leave the past behind to make substantial head way in the relationship. They need to focus on their mutual benefits rather through lense of outside factors. He said that there was a lot of scope to consolidate and widen the foundations for the lasting friendship.

Both the countries can further cooperation in the fields of energy, art and cultural exchange to increase people to people contacts, he added. Dr Magsi stressed that there was a need for a joint collaborative strategy to cope up with the situation in Afghanistan especially in the wake of rising humanitarian crisis there. The efforts of Russia about Afghanistan were especially lauded. The role of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is very significant to bring peace and prosperity in the region. Through inclusion of Pakistan, India, Afghanistan and Iran, this regional forum can bring positive consequences for the region. Dr Magsi pointed out in the fields of Pharmacy and Biological Sciences and Information Technology, Punjab University and Lomonosov Moscow State University could explore joint studies and research projects.

Anna Bochkovskaya highlighted some fields and vectors for joint activities of the two countries, namely, trade, cooperation in energy engineering, military and technical cooperation, in exchanging experience in countering terrorism, which remains among major challenges of the 21st century. Focusing on the necessity of promoting humanitarian, cultural and scientific ties Dr Bochkovskaya pointed out that currently there is no intergovernmental program that would cover the cultural and scientific exchange between Russia and Pakistan. Signing a new MoU between the Lomonosov Moscow State University and University of the Punjab seems a very promising perspective for Pak-Russia cooperation in the humanities. The webinar option could and should be used to launch some preliminary discussion in this direction.

For more information, contact:
Registrar,
University of the Punjab
Quaid-e-Azam Campus, Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-99231102
Fax: +92-42-99231103
E-Mail: registrar@pu.edu.pk
Website: http://pu.edu.pk/

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Pakistan Army and Pakistan WAPDA teams reached the final of the 24th National Baseball Championship 

Lahore, October 16, 2021 (PPI-OT):The 24th National Baseball Championship organized by Pakistan Federation Baseball is underway at Army Cricket Ground GHQ Rawalpindi. Sheikh Mazhar Ahmed, Secretary General, Pakistan Federation Baseball, said that both the semi-finals of the tournament were played on the fifth day. The first semi-final was played between the teams of Pakistan Army and Islamabad while the second semi-final was played between the teams of Pakistan WAPDA and Pakistan Police.

According to Sheikh Mazhar Ahmed, the President of Punjab Baseball Association Muhammad Hamood Lakhvi was the Chief Guest on the fifth day of the tournament. He was accompanied by Muhammad Mohsin Khan, Senior Vice President PFB, Dr. Shaheen Gulraiz, Vice President, Punjab Baseball Association, Musaddiq Hanif, Chairman, Baseball Coaching Association, Jamil Kamran, Chairman, Baseball Umpiring Association and other officials of the Federation.

In the first semi-final which was played between the teams of Pakistan Army and Islamabad, Pakistan Army defeated the team of Islamabad 23-0 after an easy match. The Pakistan Army team, which included a large number of experienced players from the national team, easily beat Islamabad to advance to the final. Arsalan Jamshed scored 4 runs, Younis, Muhammad Hussain and Abdullah scored 3 runs each, Faqir Hussain, Asad, Shehzad, Wasim Akram and Nazir scored 2 runs each.

In the second semi-final which was played between Pakistan WAPDA and Pakistan Police teams, WAPDA defeated Police 17-3 and qualified for the final. Jawad Ali scored 3 runs, Sumair Zawar, Waqas Ismail, Amin Afridi and Saddam Hussain scored 2 runs each, while Imran Nazir, Noman Zulfiqar, Umair Bhatti, Mukarram Usman, Muhammad Zakir and Fazal-ur-Rehman scored 1 run each. Tomorrow, October 17, Pakistan Army and Pakistan WAPDA will compete for Gold Medal while Pakistan Police and Islamabad teams will compete for the Bronze Medal.

For more information, contact:
Pakistan Federation Baseball
Punjab Stadium, Ferozepur Road,
Lahore, Pakistan
Tel. +92-42-353-41121
Fax + 92-42-357-11828
E-mail: pakistanfederationbaseball@hotmail.com

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RMU is the first university in Punjab to launch American ACGME University Residency style program for training of doctors: Ch Parvez Elahi 

Lahore, October 16, 2021 (PPI-OT):Vice Chancellor of Rawalpindi Medical University Prof. Dr. Muhammad Umar called on Acting Governor Punjab Chaudhry Parvez Elahi at Governor House here. Secretary Punjab Assembly Muhammad Khan Bhatti, Dr Nadeem Afraz and Dr Zahid Minhas were also present on the occasion.

Ch Parvez Elahi said that Prof. Umar is the only Vice Chancellor of Pakistan who is volunteering his services without pay, working diligently in the medical field and serving humanity by encouraging charity work. Appreciating the services of Prof. Dr. Muhammad Umar, Ch Parvez Elahi said that he was also rendering excellent services as the Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of Allied Hospitals.

He said that a new research department has been set up in Rawalpindi Medical University for students and junior doctors. He said that RMU has launched ACGME University Residency style program in the university which is the best program for training of specialist doctors. Pakistan needs such education and modern research program at present.

Presenting the annual report of Rawalpindi Medical University to Acting Governor Punjab Ch Parvez Elahi, Prof. Muhammad Umar said that the students of the university are taught the Integrated Modular Curriculum which is the best medical curriculum in the world. Due to these qualities, Time Higher Education has named Rawalpindi Medical University as the top university in Pakistan.

For more information, contact:
Mediacell, Pakistan Muslim League
30-C, Chaudhry Zahoor Elahi Road,
Gulberg-II, Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-35878428
Fax: +92-42-35877329
Website: www.pmlmediacell.com

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Kohli feels Dhoni’s presence as mentor gives India an edge

Dubai, October 16, 2021 (PPI-OT):Virat Kohli feels being mentored by Mahendra Singh Dhoni gives India an edge on their rivals in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Iconic keeper-batter Dhoni captained his country at each of the first six editions of the tournament, including to victory in the maiden staging in 2007.

Dhoni won’t be playing at an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup for the first time but will play a key role in India’s campaign once again as a mentor, on whom Kohli will lean for leadership.

“MS is excited to be back, although he’s always been a mentor for all of us,” said Kohli.

“He has an opportunity to do it again and work with the younger guys who are playing in a major tournament in the early stages of their careers.

“We want to use the experience he’s gained over the years and have conversations with him around the game. Tactical inputs, intricate details of where the game is going and how we can improve by small margins.

“We’re absolutely delighted to have him back and his presence will certainly boost the morale of the team even further and give us even more confidence than we have as a team.”

Another team who will call on the cricketing brain of a legend is Sri Lanka, who have engaged Mahela Jayawardene as a coaching consultant.

Jayawardene’s experience will be even more crucial given the loss of seasoned bowler Nuwan Pradeep to injury.

They will captained by all-rounder Dasun Shanuka for the first time at an ICC event.

“He’s been amazing over the years,” Shanaka said of Jayawardene.

“Tactically, he is the best in the business. He’s been a real asset for all of us.”

Meanwhile, skipper Babar Azam’s form with the bat and leadership qualities will be crucial to Pakistan’s hopes of lifting the trophy for the second time.

He is ranked second in the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s T20I rankings and averages a remarkable 46.89 in T20 internationals.

“Good performances give you confidence and I feel like I’m in form,” said Babar. “I’m ready and looking forward to the tournament.”

Pakistan, who staged a National T20 Cup to provide players with match practice ahead of the mega event, will once again call on Shoaib Malik, who has never missed a T20 World Cup, after he was a late replacement for the injured Sohaib Maqsood.

“Shoaib Malik is an experienced player who is also considered among the fit members of our squad,” said Babar. “However, we have to make a plan on including him in the playing XI squad.”

Defending champions West Indies are the only team to have won the tournament on more than one occasion and boast a devastating array of power hitters.

Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis and captain Kieron Pollard are all among the top ten in terms of most sixes hit in T20 internationals.

But Pollard is at pains to highlight that his side have more to their game than just plundering big boundaries.

“That’s the way we go about our cricket and it’s part of our strength,” said Pollard.

“A lot of different analysts keep harping on about dot balls and singles and ones and twos. To us, everything is important but we have to play to our strength.

“We continue to work on our weaknesses and keep our strength as our strength. We have a lot of powerful guys in our line-up, but sometimes the situation warrants it and sometimes it doesn’t.

“We also have guys who can manoeuvre the strike and run between the wickets. We want to play complete games of cricket and let the results take care of themselves.”

For more information, contact:
Headquarters,
International Cricket Council (ICC)
Street 69, Dubai Sports City,
Sh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE
Phone: +97-143828800
Fax: +97-143828600
E-mail: enquiry@icc-cricket.com
Website: www.icc-cricket.com

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IUCN workshop held to sensitize officials to climate change issues

Karachi, October 16, 2021 (PPI-OT):A 5-day training workshop concluded here in Karachi, imparting key lessons and techniques in climate change adaptation and mitigation to officials from different line departments of the Balochistan government. The purpose of the training was to sensitize the officials to climate change issues in Pakistan overall and in Balochistan in particular; and to help them introduce climate change aspects and sensitivities into their development planning, according to a statement issued on Saturday.

The Climate Change training was carried out as part of an ongoing partnership between IUCN and the Balochistan Integrated Water Resources Management and Development Project (BIWRMDP) for enhancing capacity building of the government officials of the line departments of Government of Balochistan pertaining to Climate Change its impacts and the mitigation techniques.

Senator (r) Javed Jabbar graced the occasion as a Chief Guest of the event. In his remarks, Senator (r) Javed Jabbar warned against the perils of the consumerism in the long run and its impact on the future generations. He further cautioned that if proper mitigation would not be taken in the country the consequences would be disastrous.

In his welcome remarks, Mahmood Akhtar Cheema, Country Representative IUCN Pakistan, recounted the cooperation and long association between the Government of Balochistan and IUCN Pakistan, spanning three decades on conservation of environment and sustainable development. He considered this Training Workshop as a step further towards strengthening of this relationship.

The training topics covered history of Climate Change; Environmental Abnormality and Impacts; Climate Change and it impact on water resources particularly on groundwater resources in context of Balochistan; Impacts of Climate Change on food security; Climate Change mitigation and adaptation with gender perspective; Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction; Climate Change Adaptation and Integrated Water Resource Management. The representatives of the Balochistan Government line departments hailed from: Agriculture Department; Environment Protection Agency; Public Health Department; Balochistan Forest Department; Irrigation Department.

For more information, contact:
Programme Officer
Education, Communication and Outreach
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Pakistan Country Office, 1, Bath Island Road,
Karachi – 75530, Pakistan
Tel: +92-21-35861540
Fax: +92-21-35835760, +92-21-35761448, +92-21-35870287
Cell: +92-301-2931184
Email: george.sadiq@iucn.org
Website: www.iucn.org