Pakistan voices opposition to G-4 model for UNSC Reform

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

Presidential Election to be held tomorrow

Presidential elections will be held tomorrow to elect the 14th President of Pakistan for next five years.

Asif Ali Zardari, the joint candidate of PPP and the PML-N, and Sunni Ittehad Council’s candidate Mahmood Khan Achakzai are vying for the office of President.

The President is elected by an electoral college comprising members of the Senate, National Assembly and the four provincial assemblies.

Voting is held through a secret ballot.

A joint session of the parliament will be held at the parliament house in Islamabad tomorrow in which the members of National Assembly and the Senate will exercise their right to vote.

Similarly, the provincial assemblies will hold their sessions tomorrow for the election.

Polling will begin at 10:00 am and continue till 4:00 pm.

Source: Radio Pakistan

President grants remission to children, women prisoners

President Dr. Arif Alvi has granted remission in sentences to women and children on humanitarian grounds.

He approved the remission under Article 45 of the Constitution.

The remission is for those women and children who are sentenced to 2 years or less.

The remission by President is not applicable to those convicted for crimes like murder, espionage, kidnapping, theft, robbery and crimes under the Hudood Ordinance, Anti-Terrorism Act, Foreign Nationals and Narcotics Control law.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Govt committed to provide equal opportunities to women: PM

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

PM stresses unity to steer Pakistan out of challenges

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has affirmed his government’s commitment to steer the country out of the current economic crisis through collaboration with all coalition parties.

Speaking at a dinner given in honour of coalition parties and parliamentarians in Islamabad tonight, he emphasized the importance of the coalition government and stressed the need to honor the mandate bestowed by the people of the country.

Highlighting the significant challenges confronting Pakistan, he likened them to the towering Himalayas but expressed confidence that with firm dedication and sincerity, these challenges can be tackled effectively.

To address the issue of economic deprivation, he expressed a desire to broaden the country’s tax net, noting that Pakistan’s tax-to-GDP ratio is significantly lower compared to neighboring countries.

Shehbaz Sharif also mentioned that PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari is set to be elected as the President of Pakistan on Saturday, emphasizing that there will be strong coordination betwe
en them after his election.

In his remarks, Asif Ali Zardari assured full cooperation to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in addressing the country’s challenges. He emphasized that significant progress in agriculture can greatly alleviate Pakistan’s problems.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari hailed the eighteenth amendment as a landmark achievement in the country’s constitutional history. He expressed confidence that Asif Ali Zardari, upon assuming the presidency, would play a crucial role in strengthening the federation.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Pakistan calls for full, non-discriminatory implementation of CWC

Pakistan has called for the full, effective and non-discriminatory implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention.

Addressing the Executive Council of Organization for Prohibition of Chemical Weapons in Hague, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to Organization for Prohibition of Chemical Weapons Ambassador Suljuk Mustansar Tarar said Pakistan has a robust national implementation mechanism for Chemical Weapons Convention.

Suljuk Mustansar Tarar mentioned the continuing tragic situation in Gaza and reiterated Pakistan’s call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Pak Navy, PMSA’s joint search, rescue operation underway near Hajamro Creek

A joint search and rescue operation of Pakistan Navy and PMSA is underway after the fishermen’s boat sank near Hajamro Creek.

According to the details, the fishing boat Al-Asad with a crew of 45, sank in the open sea near Hajamro Creek on Tuesday due to bad weather.

On receiving the information, the Joint Maritime Information and Coordination Center initiated timely operations with the support of Maritime Headquarters, Maritime Rescue Coordination Center and PMSA.

Pakistan Navy aircraft and helicopters as well as PMSA ships and boats are engaged in the search for the missing fishermen.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Indian Govt continuously peddling propaganda to push false narrative of so-called normalcy in IIOJK

In Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), Indian government is continuously peddling propaganda to push the false narrative of so-called normalcy in the held valley.

Talking to media in Srinagar, Political Analysts said continued cordon and search operations, house raids, frisking on roads, detentions, slapping of draconian laws, snatchings of properties and suspending or termination government employees debunk India’s claim of normalcy.

Source: Radio Pakistan