Day: February 4, 2023

Islamabad, February 04, 2023 (PPI-OT):A rally will be taken out in London on Sunday from the Indian High Commission to the British Prime Minister’s residence at 10 Downing Street to express solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The rally being organized by the Kashmir Peace Forum International would be attended by the members of the Kashmiri and Pakistani diaspora in the United Kingdom.

President Azad Jammu and Kashmir Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry will lead the rally. He appealed to Kashmiris living in Europe, America, and the world over to show solidarity with the people of Indian Occupied Kashmir.

For more information, contact:
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
Government of Pakistan
4th Floor, Cabinet Block, Pak. Secretariat, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9103557
Email: info@moib.gov.pk
Website: http://www.moib.gov.pk

Islamabad, February 04, 2023 (PPI-OT):As we observe the Kashmir Solidarity Day, the people of Pakistan salute the sacrifices of our Kashmiri brothers and sisters who have suffered for more than seventy-five years under brutal Indian oppression.

For over seven decades, Indian Occupation Forces have brutalized the Kashmiris and denied them their rights. Today, Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) is one of the most-militarized zones of the world, with the presence of over 900,000 occupation forces.

With its illegal and unilateral actions of 5 August 2019, India has opened a new chapter in suppressing the people of IIOJK. With fresh delimitation of electoral constituencies, issuance of millions of domicile certificates to non-Kashmiris, and addition of hundreds of thousands of non-Kashmiris in the voter’s lists, India’s ruling dispensation aims to transform Kashmiris into a disempowered minority in their own land.

Kashmiris are living in a constant state of fear as Indian forces engage in indiscriminate use of force and extra-judicial killings in staged “cordon-and-search” operations. Political activists and human rights defenders face arbitrary detention, torture and confiscation of properties.

India must end its gross human rights violations in IIOJK; reverse its unilateral and illegal actions of 5 August 2019 including demographic changes; repeal draconian laws; allow UN-mandated investigations into cases of extrajudicial killings and; implement relevant UN Security Council resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir.

I want to remind our Kashmiri brothers and sisters that Pakistan will never sit back and watch silently while Kashmiris continue to suffer Indian atrocities. Jammu and Kashmir dispute will remain a key pillar of Pakistan’s foreign policy. We will continue to lend unstinted moral, diplomatic and political support to the Kashmiri people until the realization of their right to self-determination in accordance with the UN Security Council 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

Islamabad, February 04, 2023 (PPI-OT):Speaker National Assembly Raja Pervez Ashraf and Deputy Speaker Zahid Akram Durrani have said that the resolution of Kashmir issue is essential for peace and stability in the region. They said that the use of force against unarmed Kashmiris could neither crush their independence movement nor could change the principled position of Pakistan.

They expressed these views in their separate messages on the occasion of Kashmir Solidarity Day which is marked on 5th February every year. On this occasion, the Speaker said that the oppression and cruelty of the Indian government against the innocent Kashmiris in Indian illegally occupied Jummu and Kashmir has already compromised the peace of the world and the region at stake.

He said that the repeal of Articles 370 and 35-A of the Constitution of India had deprived the Kashmiri people of their identity and freedom which was a stark violation of the promises made to Kashmiris internationally. He said that the repeal of the above article was a reflection of the oppressive policies of the Indian government.

Highlighting Pakistan’s support and principled stance for the struggle of the Kashmiri people for independence, the Speaker said that the Pakistani government and people would continue to provide moral, political and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people in their struggle for self-determination at every forum.

He said that the Parliament of Pakistan is committed to the peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue as it has always emphasized to resolve the Kashmir issue in accordance with the resolutions of the UN Security Council and to stop the atrocities committed by Indian forces in the occupied valley.

He reiterated Parliamentary support on every International and Regional forums for Kashmir issue. He said that the tyrannical occupation of Kashmir by India was against the moral values of modern society and the basic right of the people to self-determination.

The Speaker urged the United Nations to implement its resolutions on Kashmir and put pressure on India to stop using force. He expressed the hope that the sun of independence would soon rise in occupied Kashmir and the people there would be able to live in a peaceful and free environment.

On the occasion, Deputy Speaker Zahid Akram Durrani has said that Pakistan would continue to fully support the self-determination of the Kashmiri people in the occupied valley and would raise its voice for it on every forum.

He said that the Parliament of Pakistan was fully committed to the peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue and had passed several resolutions against the atrocities of the Indian Armed Forces in Occupied Kashmir and for the right of self-determination of the people of Occupied Valley in accordance with UN resolutions. He said that the aggressive occupation of Kashmir was a denial of modern principles of the state and the fundamental right of the people to self-determination.

For more information, contact:
Secretary,
National Assembly of Pakistan
Automation Centre, National Assembly Secretariat,
Parliament House, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9221082-83
Fax: +92-51-9221106
Email: assembly@na.gov.pk
Website: www.na.gov.pk

Islamabad, February 04, 2023 (PPI-OT):Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar, visited Sri Lanka on 3-4 February 2023 at the invitation of the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister to participate as a ‘Special Guest’ on the 75th Independence Day celebrations that included a cultural event and Independence Day ceremony.

The Minister of State held a bilateral meeting with Foreign Minister, H.E. M.U.M. Ali Sabry and called on the President of Sri Lanka, H.E. Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe, and Prime Minister, H.E. Mr. Dinesh Gunawardena. She extended felicitations from the people and Government of Pakistan on the occasion of Sri Lanka’s 75th Independence Day.

In her meeting with the President of Sri Lanka, H.E. Ranil Wickremesinghe, the Minister of State conveyed Pakistan’s best wishes for the progress and prosperity of Sri Lanka. The President reciprocated the warm wishes and underscored that her participation in Independence Day celebrations was reflective of fraternal relations between the two countries.

During meeting of the Minister of State with the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Hon. Dinesh Gunawardena, it was agreed to further advance close, cooperative bilateral ties and strengthen high-level exchanges between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Minister of State Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar and Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Hon. Ali Sabry discussed a range of issues of mutual concern in trade and investment, defence, education, and health. They expressed satisfaction over the trajectory of bilateral relations and agreed to strengthen multidimensional cooperation and promote people-to-people contacts.

In Colombo, the Minister of State also held bilateral meetings with the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, Dr. A.K. Abdul Momen, and the Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Mr. Shunsuke Takei and discussed areas of bilateral cooperation and understanding.

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

Lahore, February 04, 2023 (PPI-OT):Inspector General Police Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar ordered to further improve the security arrangements in all police lines of the province and also improve the quality of all facilities including mess menu and residential barracks for the personnel.

IG Punjab directed that measures should be taken in consultation with retired officers such as Qalb-e-Abbas and Mushtaq Sukhera who had been served as SP headquarters to improve the food quality in mess and residential barracks. He stressed that while selecting the food menu, suggestions of the police personnel should also be taken into consideration.

IG Punjab said that in the future, in the regions and districts that I will visit, I will conduct a mandatory inspection of the residential barracks and mess of the personnel in the police lines, so all the RPOs and DPOs should check and improve the arrangements of the personnel’s residential barracks and mess under their supervision.

He said that in the districts where he could not go himself, various officers from the Central Police Office will be sent to the police lines of different districts of the province for surprise visits, so all the officers should ensure timely measures under personal supervision.

IG Punjab directed that healthy activities should be promoted in all police lines according to hygiene principles and effective use of available resources for accommodation and training of personnel should be ensured. He expressed these views today while visiting Police Lines Qila Gujjar Singh along with Chief Secretary Punjab Zahid Akhtar Zaman.

According to the details, IG Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar and Chief Secretary Punjab Zahid Akhtar Zaman visited Police Lines Qila Gujjar Singh and inspected the security arrangements of Police Lines, mess and residential barracks and other matters.

The SP Headquarters briefed the officers upon which the IG Punjab gave orders to further improve facilities for personnel. IG Punjab and Chief Secretary Punjab checked the quality of food while talking to the officials and inquired about their problems while talking to them. IG Punjab directed the SP Headquarters to take priority measures for the convenience of the lady officials and also issued orders to solve the problems of the officials.

For more information, contact:
Punjab Police
Punjab Police Computer Bureau,
5th Floor, Central Police Office (CPO),
Punjab, Lahore
Tel: +92-42-99213019, +92-42-99213013
Fax: +92-42-99213012
Email: sapcb@punjabpolice.gov.pk
Website: www.punjabpolice.gov.pk

Lahore, February 04, 2023 (PPI-OT):Inspector General Police Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar has said that the brave Ghazis who were injured, crippled or permanently disabled while protecting life and properties of citizens and performing their professional duties are the pride and valuable assets of Police Department.

In this regard, all available resources will be utilized to provide the best possible care, medical facilities and financial support to them. IG Punjab directed that medical package for rehabilitation and treatment of partly and fully disabled Ghazis during field duty operations should also be improved and provision of artificial limbs, electric wheelchairs and beds, medicines and services of expert physiotherapists should also be provided, while all possible measures will be ensured for the rehabilitation of the injured and the disabled Ghazis in the country and abroad.

On the instructions of IG Punjab, Additional IG Welfare and Finance has prepared a new package for the financial support of police Ghazis, according to which Ghazis injured in various operations during duty will get 2.5 million instead of 1 million, while it has been decided to give one crore rupees as financial assistance to Ghazis who are totally disabled and confined to bed.

It has been decided to make the post of permanently disabled personnel a special post on the pattern of martyred personnel. With this initiative, the police will not only be able to give salary to the police Ghazis till retirement but also new recruits will be able to replace them on their seats. These views were expressed by the IG Punjab while giving instructions to the officers during a meeting with Ghazi Muhammad Rizwan of the Punjab Police at the Central Police Office.

According to the details, Muhammad Rizwan was seriously injured and disabled due to gunshots during the encounter with dacoits in Sheikhupura, who met IG Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar at the Central Police Office.

IG Punjab encouraged the brave disabled Ghazi and ordered all possible medical assistance. IG Punjab said that the best welfare of martyrs as well as police Ghazis is also among the priorities of the department, so all RPOs and DPOs should keep in close touch with brave Ghazis in their districts and don’t leave them alone in the time of need.

Additional IG Welfare and Finance has sent recommendations for increasing the financial assistance of Ghazis to IG Punjab for approval. DIG Ahsan Younas and SSP Faisal Shahzad and other officers were also present on this occasion.

For more information, contact:
Punjab Police
Punjab Police Computer Bureau,
5th Floor, Central Police Office (CPO),
Punjab, Lahore
Tel: +92-42-99213019, +92-42-99213013
Fax: +92-42-99213012
Email: sapcb@punjabpolice.gov.pk
Website: www.punjabpolice.gov.pk

Islamabad, February 04, 2023 (PPI-OT):Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Munir Akram has urged the international community, including the United Nations, to play its due role for the peaceful and early settlement of the Kashmir dispute to promote regional peace and stability.

Participating in Radio Pakistan’s News and Current Affairs Channel’s live program on Saturday, he said it is high time when the international community should exert pressure on India for stopping massive human rights violations in the held territory.

Munir Akram said the peaceful resolution of all outstanding issues, including the Kashmir dispute, is of particular importance in terms of ensuring peace and security in the South Asian region. He said Islamabad is committed to continuing its all-out support to the people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir until they achieve their legitimate rights, freedom and liberty.

He said the struggle of the Kashmiri people for freedom and self-determination is legitimate under the United Nations Charter, Security Council resolutions and international laws. The Ambassador said history tells us that struggles for freedom cannot be vanquished and the valiant Kashmiri people are bound to realize their cherished goal of freedom. He stressed that there is a dire need that UN resolutions on Kashmir should be implemented in letter and spirit.

Munir Akram said India has been involved in committing massive human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir for over 70 years. This repression has intensified in the aftermath of the unilateral measures initiated by India since 5 August 2019.

The Ambassador expressed the confidence that Indian campaign of oppression cannot succeed in extinguishing the desire and demand of the Kashmiri people for freedom and self-determination. Their freedom struggle continues and will continue in the future as well.

For more information, contact:
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
Government of Pakistan
4th Floor, Cabinet Block, Pak. Secretariat, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9103557
Email: info@moib.gov.pk
Website: http://www.moib.gov.pk

 

New Delhi, February 03, 2023 (PPI-OT):Sonam Wangchuk, Ladakh’s environmentalist and a well-known innovator, has said that he feels unsafe and unshielded under the present status of Ladakh as the region is facing imminent threat to its culture, its ecology and environment. Sonam Wangchuk in a media interview to Delhi-based NDTV said that it took him time to underhand how it’s impacting native people after Ladakh was made a Union Territory. He said, “I feel unsafe and unshielded when there are no safeguards for the region”, adding Ladakh cannot remain under permanent Governor’s rule.

Notably, Wangchuk had initially welcomed the Modi regime’s illegal action of abrogating IIOJK’s special status and carving out Ladakh as a separate union territory on 5 August 2019. He has now joined hands with other Ladakh-based parties for their demands including protection under the 6th schedule of the Indian constitution. He said that he can’t remain silent when local people have no say in running governance and the region is facing an imminent threat to its culture, its ecology and environment. Earlier, Wangchuk had also said that he was compelled to confess that Ladakh was better off as part of IIOJK.

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