RAWALPINDI, Pakistan: The Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Alexey Overchuk paid a courtesy call on the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi on Wednesday.
During their meeting, they engaged in productive discussions on matters of mutual interest, regional security dynamics, and bilateral cooperation across various sectors, according to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).
Talking to the Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk, the COAS reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to fostering traditional defence ties with Russia.
Both sides reaffirmed their resolve to strengthen security and defence cooperation in multiple domains.
The visiting dignitary praised the Pakistan armed forces’ pivotal role in combating terrorism and their tireless efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The federal government is considering a proposal to establish a new Steel Mill in Karachi with Russian cooperation and the both Countries agreed to form working groups to move forward on the project.
In this regard, the Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation Aleksei Gruzdev met with the Minister for Industries, Production and National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain in Islamabad on Wednesday.
The minister informed that the government has earmarked 700 acres land of Pakistan Steel Mills for establishing a new Steel Mill.
وفاقی وزیر رانا تنویر حسین سے روسی فیڈریشن کے نائب وزیر صنعت و تجارت مسٹر الیکسی گرزدیو کی ملاقات
صنعتی اور زرعی شعبے میں تعاون بڑھانے کے امور پر بحث
روس کے تعاون سے کراچی میں نئی اسٹیل مل کے قیام کی تجویز پر غور
Rana Tanveer said that despite being blessed with considerable reserves of iron ore (estimated reserves of 1887 million tons), Pakistan is forced to import around US$ 2.7 billion of iron and steel.
There is perpetual gap between domestic production and demand of iron and steel. For the last year, the gap is estimated at 3.1 million tons, he added.
Pakistan’s per capita steel consumption level is below even those of developing countries indicating significant growth potential over medium and long term. He said efficiency of Pakistan’s steel industry is limited as it segmented (600 small units) and based on old inefficient technology.
The proposed site is located at Karachi and in closed to Port Qasim that reduces cost of transportation of raw materials. Pakistan’s industrial and agricultural experts are set to visit Russia, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.
During the meeting, they emphasized on balance trade between both countries.
Rana Tanveer stressed the need for modern agricultural machinery to boost crop yields and enhance agricultural productivity.
The minister said the government will provides all the facilities to the Russian investor in the Country.
The Russian Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Aleksei Gruzdev said that his Country will provide modern agricultural machinery to Pakistan in order to boost crop yields and enhance agricultural productivity across the country.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy Trade Representative of the Russian Federation in Pakistan Denis Nevzorov, Secretary for Industries and Production Saif Anjum, Secretary National Food Security and Research Ali Tahir, Additional Secretary National Food Security Amir Mohyudin, Deputy Chief Industries and Production Abdul Samad and Executive Engineer PSM Engr. Muhammad shoaib.
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: President Asif Ali Zardari has categorically rejected the elections for the Legislative Assembly of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), asserting that these polls are no substitute for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.
Talking to a delegation of migrants from IIOJK, residing in Pakistan since 1989 led by Uzair Ahmed Ghazali at Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad on Wednesday, the president emphasised that such elections are unacceptable to the people of Kashmir and called upon the international community to hold the Modi government accountable for ongoing human rights violations in IIOJK.
Terming the Legislative Assembly elections in IIOJK as part of India’s broader strategy to consolidate its illegal occupation of the region, President Zardari urged the need to take concrete steps toward conducting a plebiscite in line with relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions.
The president highlighted that such measures could neither legitimize India’s occupation nor suppress the freedom struggle of the Kashmiri people. He stated that India was trying to alter the demographic structure of IIOJK by turning the Kashmiri Muslims into a minority and transforming them into a disempowered community in their own land.
The president said that Pakistan greatly valued the sacrifices made by the Kashmiri people for their rights and would continue to stand in solidarity with them. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to provide moral, political and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people till the realization of their right to self-determination.
The delegation apprised the president about the atrocities being committed by the Modi regime in IIOJK.
It was highlighted that the entire Kashmiri leadership had been imprisoned to suppress the voice of the Kashmiri people.
The delegation also apprised the president about the issues of the refugees in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
President Zardari underscored that a protest should be lodged over the illegal steps and atrocities being committed by the Indian Occupation Forces in IIOJK. He said that Pakistan was committed to the socio-economic uplift of refugees and resolving their issues. He assured the delegation that the AJK government would be asked to enhance subsistence allowance as well as provide other relief measures to Kashmiri refugees.
Asif Ali Zardari further assured that Pakistan’s social safety net would be extended to include 8,000 migrant families through the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP).
The delegation thanked the president for Pakistan’s continued moral, political and diplomatic support for the Kashmiri people.
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Wednesday held delegation-level talks with the Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad.
The two sides reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral cooperation and agreed to pursue robust dialogue and cooperation in areas of trade, industry, energy, connectivity, science, technology and education.
The two sides also agreed to continue coordination on multilateral fora including at the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation.
Earlier upon his arrival at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the visiting dignitary was welcomed by Senator Ishaq Dar.
The Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk is undertaking a two-day official visit to Pakistan from September 18-19 to discuss areas of multi-faceted bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and the Russian Federation including trade, energy and connectivity.
During his stay in Islamabad, Alexei Overchuk will also meet President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif.
His visit is taking place in pursuance of the vision of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and President Vladimir Putin on transforming bilateral relations into a solid, mutually beneficial economic partnership.
Separately, the Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation Alexey Gruzdev met the Federal Minister for Industries, Production and National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain in Islamabad, and held a discussion on enhancing cooperation in the industrial and agricultural sectors.
In the meeting, the proposal to establish a new steel mill in Karachi with the Russian collaboration came under consideration.
Both sides agreed on forming working groups for further dialogue between the two Countries.
وفاقی وزیر رانا تنویر حسین سے روسی فیڈریشن کے نائب وزیر صنعت و تجارت مسٹر الیکسی گرزدیو کی ملاقات
صنعتی اور زرعی شعبے میں تعاون بڑھانے کے امور پر بحث
روس کے تعاون سے کراچی میں نئی اسٹیل مل کے قیام کی تجویز پر غور
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The National Commission on the Rights of the Child (NCRC) and the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) held a high-level consultation with key stakeholders including legislators and civil society, to address the pressing issues of forced conversions, early and forced marriages.
The discussion was led by the Chairperson NCRC Ayesha Raza Farooq alongside the Executive Director of CSJ Peter Jacob, Secretary of the Ministry of Human Rights Allah Dino Khowaja, Zeb Jaffar (MNA), Senator Saba Sadiq, Former Senator Farhatullah Babar, and Lindsey High Advocate.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chairperson NCRC Ayesha Raza Farooq highlighted: “Both forced conversions and child marriages are deeply entrenched issues in our society, disproportionately affecting girls and religious minorities. Despite the presence of legal frameworks, these violations persist, exposing gaps in implementation, enforcement, and protection mechanisms. Societal pressures, legal loopholes, and insufficient awareness of the rights are the contributing factors to these injustices.”
Ayesha Raza Farooq further added, “Today’s consultation seeks to address these gaps and develop recommendations to strengthen child protection measures across Pakistan. Our goal is to explore legal safeguards, review existing laws, and propose reforms to enhance the protection of vulnerable groups. The insights gathered here will be critical in shaping our future advocacy and policy efforts.”
The Chairperson NCRC observed that the empirical evidence, including ongoing efforts and court cases, demonstrates that complaints about forced conversions and marriages, particularly from minority communities, are credible.
The Executive Director CSJ Peter Jacob stated that although successive governments have made efforts to bring about awareness and introduce safeguards, yet the consistent reports regarding involuntary and forced conversions and marriages remain a challenge.
Peter Jacob also stressed the severity of the issue, citing data from the Centre for Social Justice: “Between 2021 and 2023, at least 338 cases of abduction and forced conversions of minority girls and women were reported in Pakistan. These violations not only damage the lives of individuals but also stir frustration and anger among minority communities. Both the government and civil society must take concrete measures to address these human rights violations through robust legal measures.
The Secretary of the Ministry of Human Rights Allah Dino Khowaja emphasized the need to raise the legal marriage age and ensure that no child is forced into marriage before the age of 18: “There is no justification for opposing the increase in the legal marriage age. We must understand that no consent should be taken from a girl under 18 for marriage, even if she appears willing. The legal safeguards must be enforced uniformly, as this is not just a minority issue, but a child protection issue that affects all Pakistani children.”
Allah Dino Khowaja also proposed further legal reforms: “There should be a legal mechanism to give girls time and space to reconsider their decisions following conversion, particularly regarding marriage.”
The former Senator Farhat Ullah Babar underscored the need for procedural reforms: “There must be a streamlined process for conversions, ensuring that those wishing to convert present their reasons before a court. Additionally, there should be accountability at the nikah khawan (marriage registrar) level, as change must begin at the ground level to effectively combat these issues.”
The Member Sindh/Minorities at NCRC Pirbhu Satyani reiterated the international obligations Pakistan has undertaken: “Pakistan has received five recommendations under the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), one of which calls for the protection of victims of forced conversions and ensuring their access to justice. Despite this, forced conversions have become a routine violation of religious freedom and fundamental human rights. There is an urgent need for effective protection mechanisms and accountability.”
At this juncture, the dignitaries including the Federal Secretary Allah Dino Khowaja, the former Senator Farhat Ullah Babar, MNA Zeb Jaffar, and Senator Saba Sadiq were presented with shields of appreciation for their support concerning efforts for legal safeguards against forced conversions, early and forced marriage.
Moreover, CSJ’s award-winning documentary film ‘Hum Saya – Neighbor’ was screened that received the “Best Short Documentary on Human Rights’’ at the Venice Intercultural Film Festival, and highlighted the ordeal of the families of minor girls who had been forcibly converted in various areas of Punjab.
The consultation concluded with a series of recommendations, including calls for proper legislation to address forced conversions, child and forced marriages.
The participants stressed the need for establishing a statutory National Commission for Minorities Rights and ensuring that minorities are well represented in the Commission, placing greater accountability on individuals rather than institutions.
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif received a telephone call on Wednesday from his majesty King Charles III.
The King formally invited the prime minister to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) to be held in Samoa’s Capital Apia from October 21-26, 2024.
Accepting the invitation, the prime minister said that the CHOGM in Samoa would be a significant moment in the history of the Commonwealth, being the first summit that the King would chair since becoming Head of the Commonwealth.
The minister reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the Commonwealth and the values enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter. He said that the CHOGM in Samoa would provide a forum to discuss opportunities for enhancing intra-Commonwealth cooperation on a number of important issues, such as fostering sustainable development, strengthening democratic institutions, and empowering Commonwealth youth.
Noting the King’s longstanding interest in environmental issues and various initiatives for climate sustainability, the prime minister said that he particularly looked forward to engaging with Commonwealth leaders on climate change, especially as Pakistan is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
The prime minister also inquired after the King’s health and conveyed his best wishes for Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales, who had successfully completed her treatment.
Recalling the fond memories of the King’s last visit to Pakistan, when he was the Prince of Wales, the prime minister hoped that the King and Her Majesty the Queen would visit Pakistan soon.
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Alexei Overchuk has arrived in Islamabad on a two-day visit to Pakistan.
The visiting dignitary was warmly welcomed by the Ambassador of Pakistan to the Russian Federation Muhammad Khalid Jamali and Additional Foreign Secretary (Europe) Shafqat Ali Khan at the Islamabad Airport.
During his stay in Islamabad, the Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk will hold extensive talks with the President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, and Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Pakistan Mohammad Ishaq Dar
Pakistan and Russia enjoy cordial relations based on goodwill, amity and trust, which is reflected in the multi-faceted bilateral cooperation including in trade, energy and connectivity.
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC) Romina Khurshid Alam has emphasized the significance of COP29 as a platform for Pakistan to present its climate actions, challenges, and potential solutions.
The PM’s Aide was addressing a meeting of development partners regarding preparation for 29th COP of UNFCCC here on Wednesday.
Speaking at a meeting with development partners, she highlighted the need for collaboration to achieve climate diplomacy goals, promote gender equality, and advance smart agriculture initiatives through private sector engagement.
Alam underscored the urgency of addressing climate change in Pakistan, which ranks among the most vulnerable countries globally. She pointed out that despite contributing less than 1% to global carbon emissions, Pakistan faces severe consequences from climate disasters, including floods and droughts that have devastated infrastructure and livelihoods.
The floods in 2022 alone caused over Rs 24 billion in damages. She called for input from development partners to enhance Pakistan’s participation in COP29, aiming to secure increased climate finance for adaptation projects as well. Alam also stressed the importance of gender equality in climate action, referencing a successful recent regional parliamentarians meeting held in Islamabad focused on empowering women in the green economy.
Through these efforts, she aims to position Pakistan as a proactive player in global climate discussions and advocate for justice regarding loss and damage caused by climate change.
The Prime Minister’s Aide said that she is actively seeking collaboration with Business 20 (B20) countries to develop regional solutions for climate and environmental challenges.
Romina highlighted the importance of inclusive growth strategies that align with the B20’s overarching theme for 2024, “Inclusive Growth for a Sustainable Future.”
This theme encompasses various pillars aimed at addressing pressing global issues, including climate change and resource efficiency She also emphasized the importance of engaging provincial governments in climate solutions, particularly highlighting the proactive measures taken by Chief Minister of Punjab.
Under her leadership, Punjab has finalized its “Climate Change Policy & Action Plan 2024,” which aims to address critical climate issues such as smog and environmental degradation.
While addressing the meeting, he Secretary Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Aisha Humera Ch shared her valuable insights to ensure Pakistan’s preparedness and success at the upcoming COP 29 summit and emphasized the need for a concrete plan to tackle climate change challenges.
The development partners from different international istitutions also shared their ideas, initiatives, to make Pakistan’s participation in COP29 more effective.
Representatives of development parters including international institutions, diplomatic missions and officials of climate change ministry attended the meeting.
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Ministry of Railways said that the 40 percent of the restoration work on the bridge located in Quetta – which was damaged by terrorism – has been completed.
In its post on X, formerly known as Twitter, the ministry said on Wednesday that the restoration process is ongoing in two shifts.
The Ministry of Railways said that the affected bridge will be opened for train operations by October 15, 2024, adding that the bridge restoration is being done by the railway using its own resources.
Furthermore, the ministry said that after security clearance, the rail link between Balochistan and the rest of the Country will be immediately restored.
کوئٹہ، دہشت گردی سے تباہ پُل کی بحالی کا %40 کام مکمل
پُل کی بحالی کا عمل دو شفٹوں میں جاری
متاثرہ پُل 15 اکتوبر تک ٹرین آپریشن کیلیے کھول دیا جائے گا
پُل کی بحالی ریلوے اپنے وسائل سے کر رہا ہے
سیکیورٹی کلیئرنس کے بعد بلوچستان کا ملک بھر سے ریل رابطہ فوری بحال کر دیا جائے گا pic.twitter.com/Pkxh463rQ0
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Minister of State for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja has reiterated the government’s commitment to building a digital Pakistan.
While addressing an event in Islamabad on Wednesday, she emphasized the need for collective efforts to foster innovation among the youth.
The minister said that the private sector should play a leading role in achieving a digital Pakistan.
Shaza Fatima noted that the government is working to provide unparalleled stable and fast digital connectivity.
The minister of state for IT highlighted that Pakistan’s ranking in the UN’s e-governance development index has improved by fourteen points. She mentioned that we are one of two countries in Asia that have moved from the middle tier of digital e-governance to the high tier, describing this as a significant achievement.
The minister also stated that Pakistan has made considerable improvements in the domain of cyber security, achieving top-tier status in this area.
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: President Asif Ali Zardari has categorically rejected the elections for the Legislative Assembly of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), asserting...
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Wednesday held delegation-level talks with the Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei...
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The National Commission on the Rights of the Child (NCRC) and the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) held a high-level consultation with...
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif received a telephone call on Wednesday from his majesty King Charles III.The King formally invited the prime...
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Alexei Overchuk has arrived in Islamabad on a two-day visit to Pakistan.The visiting...
