Day: May 28, 2024

Pakistan has strongly condemned Israeli bombardment and targeting of an UNRWA refugee camp in Rafah in Gaza Strip that has resulted in multiple casualties. In a statement, the Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said that Pakistan reiterates its demand for immediate and unconditional implementation of the recent orders of the International Court of Justice. She sought measures for full protection of civilians in Gaza and demanded that Israeli occupation forces must be held accountable for the Gaza genocide. Mumtaz Zahra Baloch termed raid on a refugee camp another breach of international humanitarian law by the Israeli occupation forces. The Foreign Office called on the UN Security Council to play its role in preventing Israel from any further attacks against the civilians in Rafah. Source: Radio Pakistan

Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Chaudhry Salik Hussain has called for promoting tolerance and understanding to create a world where all people regardless of their faith can live in harmony and peace. Addressing the opening ceremony of Gandhara Symposium in Islamabad today, he said we must stand united against extremism and injustice recognizing that diversity is the strength. The Minister stressed the importance of intercultural and interfaith dialogue to deal with challenges like extremism. Chaudhry Salik Hussain said our heritage puts us in unique a position to promote dialogue and cooperation among all faiths. The Minister also commended Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its exceptional efforts in organizing the symposium. Earlier, the Minister received foreign delegations and Buddhist leaders from Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Nepal, South Korea, Sri Lanka and China. Sri Lankan Minister for Cultural Affairs Vidura Wickramanayaka was also among the visiting delegates. It is pertin ent to mention that the Gandhara Art was also exhibited at the symposium. The two-day Gandhara Symposium and exhibition has been organized by Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A large number of Islamabad-based diplomats, scholars, artists and art-lovers are attending the event, alongside around 25 foreign delegates. The event has been organized in connection with the 'Vesak Day', which commemorates the birth, enlightenment and death of Lord Buddha. The event highlights Pakistan's rich cultural heritage and importance accorded by the government to inter-faith harmony. Source: Radio Pakistan

Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, and SAFRON, Engineer Amir Muqam chaired a meeting regarding the state properties of Jammu and Kashmir in Lahore. The Minister directed the concerned authorities to increase the rent of shops and plazas on installments under the Jammu and Kashmir State Properties. He advised to conduct a survey of vacant plots and shops in Punjab within two weeks through NESPAK. The Federal Minister directed to take measures to bring under cultivation hundreds of acres of barren land in different districts. Source: Radio Pakistan

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has said Youm-e-Takbeer is a golden and memorable day in Pakistan's history. In his message on the occasion of Youm-e-Takbeer, he said on this day Pakistan declared that no one can enslave it. He said the then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif proved to the world that Pakistan cannot be bought nor can it be swayed. The Information Minister said every individual who carved out, nurtured and implemented the nuclear program is a hero of the nation. He paid tributes to the architect of nuclear program Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, his team and all the scientists. The Information Minister reiterated the commitment that there will be no compromise on Pakistan's independence, sovereignty and national interests. Source: Radio Pakistan

In Balochistan, rallies were held in Quetta and other areas to commemorate Youm-e-Takbeer. In Quetta, a large rally kicked off from 'Tanzeem Chowk' and witnessed active participation from social organizations and political parties. Participants waved national flags and echoed patriotic slogans of "Pakistan Zindabad" to mark the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, the participants emphasized that Youm-e-Takbeer holds significant importance in the country's history, and it should be celebrated with enthusiasm and fervor every year. Source: Radio Pakistan

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has welcomed the announcement of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to recognize the Palestine as an independent state. In a statement today, he said the recognition of Palestine by a country like Spain is a positive development on international scene. The Prime Minister said Pedro Sánchez and people of Spain have rejected the historical oppression of Israel on innocent Palestinians. The Prime Minister also condemned the recent attack of Israeli forces that resulted in the martyrdom of 45 innocent Palestinians. Source: Radio Pakistan