Hepatitis C control pilot program launched in GB
Second day of exhibition at SCCI held
Death anniversary of renowned Urdu poet Josh Malihabadi observed
ISLAMABAD, Feb 22 (APP): The 43rd death anniversary of legendary Urdu poet Shabbir Hassan Khan, popularly known as Josh Malihabadi was observed on Saturday.
Born on December 5, 1898, in Malihabad, Josh contributed poetic works in Urdu and he was given the title of “Poet of Revolution and Youth”.
His work “Yadon Ki Baarat” became famous as a poetry collection.
Josh Malihabadi wrote numerous books comprising poems and ghazals and also wrote some books of prose.
He was posthumously awarded Hilal-e-Imtiaz in 2013.
He died on February 22, 1982.
Commissioner for stern action against overcharging in cattle markets
MD APP felicitates IRNA chief for 90th anniversary
ISLAMABAD, Feb 22 (APP): Managing Director, Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), Muhammad Asim Khichi on Saturday felicitated Dr Hossain Jaberi Ansari, Managing Director of the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) and his team on achieving the incredible milestone of 90 years of dedicated service in journalism.
“Your unwavering commitment to truth, awareness, and progress has played a vital role in shaping public discourse and strengthening the foundations of your nation”, said MD APP in his felicitation message to MD IRNA.
He said that over the past 90 years, the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) has been a beacon of reliable information, empowering citizens with knowledge and upholding the principles of free and responsible journalism.
“This remarkable achievement is a testament to your hard work, integrity, and dedication to the greater good,” he added.
“As you celebrate this historic moment, we extend our best wishes for continued success and innovation in the years ahead. May you keep inspiring, informing, and guiding generations to come,” MD APP added.
He said that APP and IRNA have had a news exchange agreement since 1981 and sharing news of mutual interests and regional and international development.
Asim Khichi said the world has now become a global city in which media play a very important role, adding that news collaboration among regional news agencies is a must to give first-hand and reliable information to its people.
He said official news agencies of Pakistan and Iran –APP and IRNA are disseminating accurate, rapid information and providing a true image of events to their subscribers and audience.
He said the news exchange agreement between APP and IRNA would be further strengthened for benefit of the people of brotherly countries.
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Sukkur IBA University to host vibrant Flower Exhibition 2025
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NDF & IUCN conducts training on boat engine operation, maintenance for Fishermen in Sujawal
SUJAWAL Feb 22 (APP):In an effort to promote the development of coastal areas and improve the welfare of fishermen in Pakistan, the National Development and Development Forum (NDF) organized a training workshop on boat engine operation and maintenance in collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
This workshop aimed to provide fishermen with essential knowledge on engine repair, maintenance, and operation.
During the training, participants were given detailed information about engine repairs, solutions to various technical issues, and general maintenance practices.
The training not only included theoretical knowledge but also offered practical lessons in boat engine repair and maintenance skills.
The goal of the training was to increase the fishermen’s self-reliance in their daily activities and equip them with modern technical skills to enhance their performance.
This collaboration between NDF and IUCN represents a significant step in improving the economic conditions of fishermen in Sujawal’s coastal areas and enhancing their professional capabilities.
UNSC urges Rwanda to pullout troops from Congo; Pakistan pushes for peace talks
UITED NATIONS, Feb 22 (APP): The UN Security Council unanimously has adopted a resolution condemning Rwanda for backing a rebellion in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and ordering its troops to withdraw from the country, with Pakistan urging the parties to comply with the verdict to restore peace and stability there.
“All parties must prioritize dialogue and diplomacy and recommit to the peace and mediation processes in place, going forward,” Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, alternative permanent representative of Pakistan to the UN, told the 15-member Council as the situation as the situation in DRC worsened.
The meeting took place as M23 rebels and Rwandan soldiers took over two main cities in Congo’s mineral-rich east over the last month and continued to expand their territory, displacing nearly a million people and bringing the central African Great Lakes region to the brink of war.
The resolution called on the Rwanda Defence Forces to stop supporting the armed group and immediately withdraw from Congolese territory “without preconditions.”
The Council reiterated its urgent appeal for all parties to conclude an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, as called for by leaders from East and Southern Africa.
They also strongly urged the DRC and Rwanda “to return without preconditions to diplomatic talks as a matter of urgency to achieve a lasting and peaceful resolution of the protracted conflict in the region.”
The resolution was submitted by France whose Ambassador, Nicolas de Rivière, who thanked Council members for their commitment during negotiations over the past week.
“This delivers a clear message: there is no military solution to the conflict in the east of the DRC,” he said. “The offensive carried out by the M23 supported by Rwanda must be put to an end.”
The situation in the eastern DRC has deteriorated since January as M23 fighters advanced across North and South Kivu provinces, with the crisis spreading to Ituri.
They have captured the regional capital Goma and the second city, Bukavu. Thousands of people have been killed and even more displaced, including to neighbouring countries such as Burundi.
The resolution strongly condemned all attacks directed against civilians and infrastructure, including UN, humanitarian and medical personnel.
It also condemned summary executions and maiming, sexual and gender-based violence, human trafficking and the recruitment and use of children.
The Council demanded all parties to allow and facilitate safe, immediate and unhindered humanitarian access to all people in need, as well as the restoration of basic services such as healthcare, water, electricity and communications.
The Council also reaffirmed full support to the UN mission in the DRC, MONUSCO, and stressed that attacks against peacekeepers may constitute war crimes.
In his explanation of vote, the Pakistan envoy said there was no military solution, only a peaceful settlement through dialogue.
“All parties must prioritize dialogue and diplomacy and recommit to the peace and mediation processes in place, going forward,” Ambassador Asim Ahmad said.
” We cannot afford a failure,” the Pakistani envoy said. “We must not let everything unravel before our eyes.”
Pakistan, he said, believes that the resolution was an important and necessary step towards that objective.
Noting that the resolution reaffirms the Security Council’s strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of the DRC, he welcomed the regional efforts and processes, and high-level engagements led by the African Union and other sub-regional organizations to bring peace to the DRC.
“We expect and call on all parties to cooperate and fully comply with the provisions of this resolution and their respective obligations in a genuine and timely manner,” Ambassador Asim Ahmad added.
APP/ift
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Pakistan, UAE DPMs explore avenues to strengthen trade, defense cooperation
ISLAMABAD, Feb 22 (APP): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar held a bilateral meeting with his UAE counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan wherein they engaged in comprehensive discussions to further strengthen the longstanding bilateral fraternal ties.
In the meeting held in Abu Dhabi at the invitation of the UAE deputy prime minister and foreign minister, the two sides explored avenues to enhance bilateral cooperation across key sectors, including trade, investment, energy, defense, and people-to-people connections, a Foreign Office press release said Saturday.
The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and global developments of mutual interest, underscoring the importance of promoting peace, stability, and shared prosperity.
Senator Ishaq Dar congratulated the UAE leadership on the successful organization of the World Governments Summit 2025, in Dubai from February 11-13, 2025, and commended the UAE’s visionary initiatives in fostering global dialogue and cooperation.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening its multifaceted partnership with the UAE and highlighted the pivotal role of the Pakistani diaspora in the UAE, describing them as a bridge between the two nations.
Senator Dar also expressed gratitude for the UAE’s consistent support for Pakistan’s economic development and progress.
In response, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan reiterated the UAE’s steadfast commitment to strengthening its strategic relationship with Pakistan.
He acknowledged Pakistan’s significant contributions to regional stability and expressed appreciation for the positive role played by the Pakistani community in the UAE’s development.
The two leaders agreed to maintain a regular high-level engagements and consultations to further solidify bilateral ties and coordinate on regional and international issues of mutual concern.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both dignitaries expressing optimism about the future of Pakistan-UAE relations and their shared vision for a prosperous, peaceful, and stable region.