Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay of XXI Commonwealth Games arrived in Pakistan ………………… By.Asghar Ali Mubarak

Posted on September 29, 2017

Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay of XXI Commonwealth Games arrived in Pakistan
By.Asghar Ali Mubarak

Islamabad; Queen’s Baton for 2018 Commonwealth Games arrived the beautiful county Pakistan. To Welcomes and celebrate the Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay of the XXI Commonwealth Games a colorful reception was hosted by Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Margaret Adamson mark the imminent arrival of the Queen’s Baton Relay of the XXI Commonwealth Games which will be held on the Gold Coast, Australia from 4 to 15 April 2018. High Commissioner Adamson highlighted the Australian Government’s support for sports development across Commonwealth countries including Pakistan.
“The visit of the Queen’s Baton Relay is an opportunity to celebrate the dedication and sacrifice of Pakistani sports women and men – past and present-who are great ambassadors for Pakistan,” Ms Adamson said.
“Australia is pleased to support a visit to the Gold Coast of a girl and boy from Pakistan as `student ambassadors’ to participate in a cultural orientation program involving students from the Gold Coast and other Commonwealth Countries during the XXI Commonwealth Games,” she added.
Australian Government is supporting a number of sports development activities in Pakistan including the training of more than 600 young Pakistanis in squash skills and the promotion of health and gender equality.
Also, the annual Australian High Commission and Pakistan Cricket Board School Girls’ Cup cricket tournament and skills development clinics which aim to empower girls through cricket.
The Commonwealth Games Association of Pakistan is hosting a number of sports and cultural activities around the visit of the Queen’s Baton Relay from 29th September to 3rd October.
The student representatives to visit the Gold Coast will be selected from The City School
According to a message received here, Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay will arrive in Lahore on 29th September marking the 200th day of the 388-day expedition across Commonwealth countries.
Pakistan is the first stop for the baton in its visit to South Asia.
The Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay is set to be the longest in Commonwealth Games history, covering 230,000 km through 71 countries.
As part of the celebrations, the Australian High Commission will support a visit to the Gold Coast by two Pakistani school students to participate in a cultural orientation program with Gold Coast schools and other school students from Commonwealth countries during the Games.
The Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay was launched on Commonwealth Day, 13 March 2017, on the historic forecourt at Buckingham Palace, signaling the official countdown to the start of the Games. Accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh and Prince Edward The Earl of Wessex, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II heralded the start of the relay by placing her ‘message to the Commonwealth and its athletes’ into the distinctive loop-design Queen’s Baton which then set off on its journey around the globe. It will travel for 388 days, spending time in every nation and territory of the Commonwealth. The Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay is set to be the longest in Commonwealth Games history. Covering 230,000 km over 388 days, the Baton will make its way through the six Commonwealth regions of Africa, the Americas, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia and Oceania.
The Baton will finally land on Australian soil in December 2017 and will then spend 100 days travelling through Australia, finishing its journey at the Opening Ceremony on 4 April 2018, where the message will be removed from the Baton and read aloud by Her Majesty or a representative. The Baton for the Gold Coast 2018 was designed by Brisbane-based Company Design works to reflect the local culture and life of Queensland. Designed for each Game by the host nation, the 2018 Queen’s Baton has been made using macadamia wood and reclaimed plastic, sourced from Gold Coast waterways, and inspired by the region’s vibrant spirit and indigenous heritage. For the first time, the Queen’s baton was presented at the Commonwealth Youth Games during its sixth edition in 2017 which were held in Nassau, Bahamas. The Queen’s Baton Relay is a relay around the world held prior to the beginning of the Commonwealth Games. The Baton carries a message from the Head of the Commonwealth, currently Queen Elizabeth II. The Relay traditionally begins at Buckingham Palace in London as a part of the city’s Commonwealth Day festivities. The Queen entrusts the baton to the first relay runner. At the Opening Ceremony of the Games, the final relay runner hands the baton back to the Queen or her representative, who reads the message aloud to officially open the Games. The Queen’s Baton Relay is similar to the Olympic Torch Relay. The Relay was introduced at the 1958 British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Cardiff, Wales. Up until, and including, the 1994 Games, the Relay only went through England and the host nation. The Relay for the 1998 Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia was the first to travel to other nations of the Commonwealth. The 2002 Commonwealth Games relay covered over 100,000 kilometers and went through 23 nations.

’’Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay of the XXI Commonwealth Games to portray positive image of Pakistan’’ By.Asghar Ali Mubarak

Posted on September 28, 2017

’’Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay of the XXI Commonwealth Games to portray positive image of Pakistan’’
By.Asghar Ali Mubarak

Islamabad; Pakistan is ready to welcomes and celebrate the Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay of the XXI Commonwealth Games. The ‘Queen’s Baton’ of the Commonwealth Games celebrations in Pakistan will portray a soft image of the country. Queen’s Baton will be arrived in Pakistan via Lahore on September 29 from Cyprus and will remain in the country for four days and its presence will help in developing a positive image of the country ideal for all kind of international sports events and activities. A colorful welcomes reception was hosted in this regards by the Australian High Commissioner H.E.Ms, Margaret Adamson at her Residence in Islamabad. The federal minister for IPC, provincial sports ministers, presidents of Pakistanis’ sports federations and prominent sports personalities, legends were among the guests. The Queen’s Baton carries a message from Queen Elizabeth-II that calls the Commonwealth’s athletes to come together in peaceful and friendly competition. The GC2018 Relay will be the longest and the most accessible ever, not just passing through, but spending quality time in each community it visit. In total, it will visit 71 countries, covering 200,000 miles (321,868km) in 388 days, before arriving in Australia’s Gold Coast for the games. Commonwealth Games will be held from April 4 to April 11.2018 at Gold Cost, Australia. Pakistan Olympic Association already announced programmes to mark the arrival and stay of Queen’s Baton in Pakistan which is a historic moment in country’s sports.
Queen’s Baton relay is an integral part of the Commonwealth Games and it travels through all the participating countries and its historic journey commences from Buckingham palace. The Baton will leave for India on 4th October 2017. To highlighting the features of Queen’s Baton relay ceremony a four member team, carrying the baton, will be received at Allama Iqbal Airport, Lahore. The 2018 Commonwealth Games, which will see participation from 70 countries, will be held in Gold Coast, Australia, in April 2018. The baton relay is similar to the Olympic Torch Relay and it has already been carried to 50 countries before Pakistan following which it will be taken to Bangladesh and eventually reaching the host country on December 24, 2017.Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay of the XXI Commonwealth Games welcome ceremony will be held tomorrow (September 29) at a local hotel and the baton will be handed over to Gen Arif president POA.
On October 2 the baton will be brought to the famous Hazuri Bagh Lahore in front of Lahore fort for the replay programme, which will be attended by former Olympians, legends of Pakistan sports. On Commonwealth Day on March 13, 2017, the Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay was launched at Buckingham Palace, signaling the official countdown to the start of the Games. The 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay is the longest in the history of the Commonwealth Games and will cover a distance of approximately 2,30,000 km in 388 days, will traverse through the Commonwealth regions of Asia, Australia, Africa and others. After reaching Australia in December, it will be carried across the host country for 100 days till the Games start on April 4, 2018.Calling it a proud occasion for the state as the Queen’s Baton is being taken to only a few states in the country. Pakistani sportsmen have won medals in previous editions of the Games and baton programme would help in glorifying the achievements of the home stalwarts besides highlighting the history of the Games. Last time the Queen’s Baton came to Islamabad was during the 2010Commonwealth Games. This is indeed a proud moment for us since this would be brought to Pakistan.

Queen’s Baton for 2018 Commonwealth Games arrived the beautiful capital Islamabad BY.ASGHAR ALI MUBARAK

Posted on September 27, 2017

Queen’s Baton for 2018 Commonwealth Games arrived the beautiful capital
Islamabad

BY.ASGHAR ALI MUBARAK

Islamabad;To Welcomes and celebrate the Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay of the XXI Commonwealth Games a colorful reception was hosted by the Australian High Commissioner H.E.Ms, Margaret Adamson at her Residence in Islamabad. The federal minister for IPC, provincial sports ministers, presidents of Pakistanis’ sports federations and prominent sports personalities, legends were among the guests. The Queen’s Baton for 2018 Commonwealth Games will pass through big cities of Pakistan. On Commonwealth Day on March 13, 2017, the Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay was launched at Buckingham Palace, signaling the official countdown to the start of the Games. The 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay is the longest in the history of the Commonwealth Games and will cover a distance of approximately 2,30,000 km in 388 days, will traverse through the Commonwealth regions of Asia, Australia, Africa and others. After reaching Australia in December, it will be carried across the host country for 100 days till the Games start on April 4, 2018.Calling it a proud occasion for the state as the Queen’s Baton is being taken to only a few states in the country. The Baton reached in the beautiful capital Islamabad from Delhi. Last time the Queen’s Baton came to Islamabad was during the 2010 Commonwealth Games. The 2018 Commonwealth Games, which will see participation from 70 countries, will be held in Gold Coast, Australia, in April 2018. The baton relay is similar to the Olympic Torch Relay and it has already been carried to 52 countries before Pakistan following which it will be taken to Bangladesh and eventually reaching the host country on December 24, 2017.This is indeed a proud moment for us since this would be the second time since that the baton would be brought to Islamabad.

Former P. M.Pakistan Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif criticized the Supreme Court of Pakistan after appearing before accountability court Islamabad ….By.Asghar Ali Mubarak

Posted on September 26, 2017

Former Prime Minister Pakistan Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif criticized the Supreme Court of Pakistan after appearing before accountability court Islamabad

By.Asghar Ali Mubarak

Islamabad: The former Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif criticized the Supreme Court of Pakistan hours after he appeared before the judge Mr. Muhammad Bashir National Accountability Bureau (NAB) court Islamabad on Tuesday. Addressing a press conference, former Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif said although he and his family were apparent targets of a campaign, it was the people and the country that have become ultimate victims. “I have faced gravity of circumstances before, and still continue to face, but never bowed before dictatorship.”
He said the Panama case was the first example in which defender was deprived of all the rights.The former prime minister said he was punished on the pretext of Iqama because the court wouldn’t have been able to punish him in Panama Papers case.The former Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif said the court formed a mysterious Joint Investigation Team after finding no evidence against him in the wake of Panama Papers revelations.
The former Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif said the court ordered the NAB to break its rules to file a reference against him. “Then the court took control of the NAB,” said he.
“The same court has become monitor of the accountability court and it seems it would also hear my final petition”.
The accountability court on Tuesday decided to indict former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in three NAB references on 2 October and issued bailable arrest warrants for his children and son-in-law Capt Safdar (retd) as they skipped second appearance. Nawaz Sharif appeared before the accountability court briefly in corruption cases that have been filed on the orders of the Supreme Court as per 28 July verdict in Panama Papers case.Earlier the former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif appeared before the judge Mr. Muhammad Bashir National Accountability Bureau (NAB) court Islamabad on in connection with the three corruption references. The proceedings lasted for only a few minutes after which the former premier was allowed to leave. Sharif reportedly informed the NAB court that his wife was not well and he needed to attend to her, following which Sharif was granted permission to leave.
The NAB court then adjourned for 10 minutes before continuing with the normal case proceedings.
The court has summoned Sharif again on October 2 for formally indicting him in the three separate references.
The court also issued bail able arrest warrants for Sharif’s children Hassan, Hussain, and Maryam, and for son-in-law Captain Safdar. The court directed them to submit surety bonds worth Rs 1 million each to secure bail.

NAB’s legal team also requested the court to order the interior ministry to place Sharif’s name on the exit control list.
A number of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders, including federal ministers, accompanied the former prime minister to his first appearance before the accountability court.
The court had summoned Sharif, who arrived Monday morning from London, after his failure to appear at an earlier hearing on Sept 19.
The court had also summoned Sharif’s sons — Hussain and Hassan — but they are not appearing as they are still in London tending to their mother, who is undergoing cancer treatment.
During the court appearance, some PMN-L followers started chanting slogans in Sharif’s support inside the courtroom, annoying the judge Mohammad Bashir, who then asked the former premier to leave as his lawyers were there to represent him.
Sharif has now returned to Punjab House in the federal capital, where he is expected to chair a meeting of senior PML-N officials later in the day.According to media reports extraordinary security arrangements were made on the occasion and the general public was not allowed even within a kilometer radius area near the judicial complex.
Security was so tight that the NAB prosecutors following the case were also not allowed inside the courtroom.
The incumbent government probably didn’t trust anyone with the security arrangements, as instead of Islamabad police chief the state minister for interior, Talal Chaudhry, was supervising the security.
In addition to the extensive on-ground arrangements, two helicopters also kept circling the area throughout the time Nawaz Sharif was there.

Meanwhile the sources close to PMLN stated that the counsel for Sharif’s sons would ask the court to exempt his clients from personal appearance since they were looking after Kulsoom Nawaz.
Sharif’s political secretary Asif Kirmani told reporters outside Punjab House that the former prime minister would hold a press conference today (Tuesday) after appearing before the NAB court.
On Monday, the former prime minister was received by a number of party leaders, including National Assembly Spe¬aker Ayaz Sadiq and cabinet ministers, at the airport and was whisked to Punjab House amid tight security.
Kirmani said that the former PM held a number of informal meetings and consulted senior party leaders, as well as members of his legal team, to devise strategies to deal with the legal and political challenges facing the party.

The most significant development was Sharif’s meeting with the former interior minister and estranged PML-N leader Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan. The latter spent a considerable amount of time at Punjab House after holding a one-on-one meeting with the former prime minister.
Chaudhry Nisar has been openly criticising PML-N’s strategy in dealing with the issues related to the military and judiciary and was critical of the party’s policy after the July 28 verdict of the apex court in the Panama Papers case.
A senior PML-N leader and party office-bearers told Dawn that the Nawaz-Nisar meeting materialised due to the efforts of Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, who is still in London and expected to return in the next few days.
The sources said that the former prime minister was not feeling comfortable due to a knee ailment, and was seen sitting in an unusual posture since he was unable to bend his legs.
Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi also visited Punjab House on Monday evening and held consultations with his predecessor on issues related to governance.
Others who called on Sharif included PML-N chairman Raja Zafarul Haq, Deputy Speaker Murtaza Javed Abbasi, Punjab Governor Rafiq Rajwana, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Iqbal Zafar Jha¬gra, ministers Zahid Hamid, Khawaja Saad Rafiq, Abdul Qadir Baloch, Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Daniyal Aziz and Talal Chaudhry.
Speaking to reporters in London before leaving for Islamabad, the former prime minister had said that he had come to the UK only to inquire after the health of his wife and had no plans to stay for a long time.
The Sharif family had earlier opted to boycott court proceedings. However, the sources said they changed their mind and decided to appear before the courts on the advice of a number of senior party leaders, including Shahbaz Sharif, and their lawyers.
Accountability Judge Mohammad Bashir had earlier summoned Nawaz Sharif, his daughter Maryam Nawaz, sons Hussain and Hassan Nawaz and son-in-law retired Captain Mohammad Safdar on Sept 19 in connection with three corruption references filed by NAB under Supreme Court orders.
Though Sharif and his children have publicly expressed concerns over the SC judgment and had filed review petitions before the same bench, the petitions were all dismissed on Sept 15.
NAB had filed three references against the Sharif family in connection with the London properties, the establishment of 16 companies, including Flagship Investment Ltd in the UK and Azizia Steel Mills and Hill Metal Establishment in Jeddah.
The former premier and his sons have been named in all three references, while Maryam and Capt Safdar have only been named in the Avenfield reference.

Lt Arsalan Alam laid to rest with full military honors, Objectives Operation Khyber-4 in Rajgal valley yet not achieved? By. Asghar Ali Mubarak

Posted on September 24, 2017

Lt Arsalan Alam laid to rest with full military honors,
Objectives Operation Khyber-4 in Rajgal valley yet not achieved?

By. Asghar Ali Mubarak

ISLAMABAD: The martyr Lieutenant Arsalan Alam, who was martyred in a cross-border firing on other day (23rd September 2017) in Khyber Agency’s Rajgal valley, laid to rest in his native town of Gail, Murree with full military honors’ today. It is mentioned here that earlier on 21st August 2017 in a media briefing the Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor had announced the successful completion of Operation Khyber-4 in the Rajgal Valley, which lasted more than a month. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) DG Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor stated that 91 check-posts have been established in Rajgal valley.
He said the army had achieved its objectives in the Rajgal and Shawal valleys. The Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor also claimed that two soldiers of the Pakistan Army were martyred and 15 others injured during the Operation Khyber-4 which was aimed at clearing out hideout of terrorists from these areas.
Mean while the Pakistani soldiers carry the flag-draped casket of 22-year-old Army Officer. The officer Lieutenant Arsalan Alam, who was martyred in Khyber Agency’s Rajgal valley, was commanding a recently established border post after the Pakistan Army successfully carried out Khyber-4 operation in the valley when he came under cross-border firing. As result of the attack, the 22-year-old officer embraced martyrdom, ISPR said in a statement.
His funeral players were offered at Peshawar Garrison on other day (Saturday 23rd September 2017) , which were attended by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Governor Iqbal Zafar Jhagra, Peshawar Corps Commander Lt General Nazir Butt, senior military officers and the deceased’s relatives. The Pak Army officer’s funeral prayers attended by KP Governor Iqbal Zafar Jhagra, and other senior military officers on Saturday in PeshawarIn a message, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi expressed deep grief over loss of life and said that the war on terrorism is a matter of survival for country.“The state will not rest till elimination of terrorism menace from the country,” the PM vowed.
On 21st August 2017 in a media briefing the Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor claimed the successful completion of Operation Khyber-4 in the Rajgal Valley, which lasted more than a month. But the recent incident clearly indicates that the militants are still active and well organized in border area. A new Operation inside the Khyber agency is need of the day. The Pakistan Army although announced successful completion of Operation Khyber-IV, saying ground objectives in Rajgal and Shawal valleys had been achieved but it is need of the day to more action against militants.
“Every single terrorist was on the target of security forces during the operation,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) DG Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor briefed media on 23rd September 2017. The Pak- army launched the major ground offensive in one of the last two remaining pockets in the tribal areas bordering Afghanistan as part of Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to establish state writ in the region and also deny Da’ish any space in the country last month .Two army soldiers, he added, embraced martyrdom while 15 received injuries during the operation.“As many as 52 terrorists were killed during the Khyber-IV offensive, while 31 were injured. “Four militants handed themselves to the forces, he added. “Militants tasked with inciting sectarianism were working at the behest of Indian spy agency RAW and Afghan NDS.” “As many as 250 cross border attacks from Afghanistan have been foiled during the current year.”Maj Gen Ghafoor also stated that the militant involved in perpetrating suicide attacks on prominent personalities, including Punjab chief minister, had been apprehended. Some of the terrorists were affiliated with the group of self-confessed an Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadav, he added. “Now, there is no organized infrastructure of any terrorist organization in the country,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) DG Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor said. He added that 1,728 intelligence based operations were conducted in Punjab alone. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) DG Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor said 152 landmines were dismantled during the operation. “Khyber-IV was initiated following three earlier operations in Khyber Agency.” The process of clearance is underway in the agency, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) DG Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor said, adding 91 check-posts have been established in Rajgal valley.The “95 per cent of the people displaced during the operation have returned home,” Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) DG Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor maintained. “Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were also recovered by the security forces,” Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) DG Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor said. “One of the IED materials had letters inscribed on it, suggesting it was made in India.”Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) DG Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor ruled out a civil-military standoff, saying any possible difference of opinion should not be labeled as a rift between the two. “We are all one,” he remarked. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) DG Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor said that India wants to label the continuing freedom movement in held Kashmir as terrorism. However, he added, resistance in the held valley was an internationally-recognized freedom movement. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) DG Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor, it was the prerogative of the government to open inquiry into any matter it deems fit, including Dawn leaks. He was referring to the former interior minister Ch. Nisar Ali Khan’s presser a day earlier, wherein the latter demanded making the report public. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) DG Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor claimed that only one incident of terrorism had so far taken place in Karachi in the continuing year, saying operation in the metropolis had brought significant results. The Operation Khyber-4 has been successfully completed. The valley associated with Brekh Top is now being cleared. The mountain top itself was cleared in an operation carried out by the Special Services Group (SSG).Pakistan Army launched Operation Khyber-4 on 16th July, 2017 under Operation Radd -ul- Fasaad (RuF) in the Rajgal Valley area of Khyber Agency.During the Operation Khyber-4 cleared Brekh Top, many terrorists were killed with a few managing to escape to Afghanistan. Operation Khyber-4 is the code-name for a military offensive being conducted by Pakistan’s military in the Khyber Agency in four phases; Khyber-1, Khyber-2, Khyber-3 and Khyber-4.Khyber Agency is among Pakistan’s seven semi-autonomous tribal districts near the Afghan border, rife with insurgents and militants. No one wants peace in Afghanistan more than Pakistan. Terrorist organizations including Al Qaeda and ISIS have had presence there. On 16th July, 2017 the DG ISPR read out a message from Chief of Army Staff Gen Qamar Jawed Bajwa during the press conference: “We are building peace in our country brick by brick and moving from relative stability towards enduring peace. For this, the army should continue to perform its role with support of all other state institutions.The Pakistan Army was established in 1947, since then it has been involved in four wars with neighbors India and several border skirmishes with Afghanistan. The Pakistan Army has had to battle the terrorists within Pakistan for a long time. Comparing the first operation to the last, there is a huge learning process for the Pakistan Military as well. Besides being trained as a force for conventional warfare, presently the military forces have become well equipped and trained to fight unconventional warfare effectively. The ground forced is now well acquainted with the terrain, surrounding areas’ and local tribal population. Among all major military operations in Pakistan, Operation Rah-e-Rast and Zarb-e-Azb have been the most successful in eliminating terrorists. Operation Zarb-e-Azb was the biggest and most well-co-ordinated operation ever conducted against terrorists.’ And that it was a ‘war of survival’ hence that operation holds greater significance among all the operations conducted so far.
he Pakistan Armed Forces are the sixth largest in the world in terms of active military personnel and the largest among Muslim countries. The Pakistan Armed Forces are the best-organized institution in Pakistan, and are highly respected in civil society.Since the founding of Pakistan, the military has played a key role in holding the state together, promoting a feeling of nationhood and providing a bastion of selfless service.The Pakistan Armed Forces were formed in 1947 when Pakistan became independent from the British Empire.Since then, the Armed Forces have played a decisive role in the modern history of Pakistan, fighting major wars with India in 1947, 1965 and 1971, 1999 and on several occasions seizing control of the civilian government to restore order in the country.Between 1947 1971and 1999 Pakistan has fought direct conventional wars against India, with the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 witnessing the secession of East Pakistan as independent Bangladesh.Rising tensions with Afghanistan in the 1960s and an indirect proxy war fought against the Soviet Union in the 1970s led to a sharp rise in the development of the Pakistan Armed Forces.In 1999, an extended period of intense border-skirmishing with India, the so-called Kargil War, resulted in a redeployment of forces.The armed forces comprise three main service branches – Army, Navy, and Air Force – together with a number of paramilitary forces and the Strategic Plans Division Force.Chain of command of the Military is organized under the Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (JCSC) alongside Chiefs of Staff of the Army, Navy, and air force.All of the branches work together during operations and joint missions under the Joint Staff Headquarters JS HQ.The Pakistan military has its roots in the British Indian Army, in which many British Indian Muslims served during World War II, prior to the Partition of India.Upon Partition, military formations with a Muslim majority were transferred to Pakistan,while on an individual basis Indian Muslims could choose to transfer their allegiance to the new Pakistani military. Those who did so included Ayub Khan (British Indian Army), Haji Mohammad Siddiq Choudri (Royal Indian Navy), and Asghar Khan (Royal Indian Air Force).Many of the senior officers who would form the Pakistan Armed Forces had fought with the British forces in World War II, thus providing the newly created country with the professionalism, experience, and leadership it would need in its wars against India.In a formula arranged by the British, military resources were to have been divided between India and Pakistan in a ratio of 64% going to India and 36% for Pakistan; however, Pakistan initially demanded 50% of the equipment.
The Pakistani military retained British military traditions and doctrine until 1956, when the United States dispatched a special Military Assistance Advisory Group to Pakistan; from this point, American military tradition and doctrine was generally adopted by Pakistan’s military.In March 1956, the Pakistani military order of precedence of three services changed from “Navy-Army-Air Force” to “Army-Navy-Air Force”.In the 1990s, the additional reforms of the military eventually changed the order of precedence to Army-Navy-Air Force-Marines; though the Marines remained part of the Navy, not a separate service branch.The Pakistan Army since its established in 1947 has been involved wars with India and battle the terrorists for a long time. After the September 11 attacks in the United States of America, Pakistan joined hands with international forces for peace; US-led War on Terror helped the international forces by severing ties with the Taliban.
The Pakistan Army joint operations are;
Operation Al-Mizan (2002-2006)
Operation Rah-Haq (November 2007)
Operation Sher-e-Dil ( September 2008)
Operation Zalzala (2008-2009)
Operation Sirat-e-Mustaqeem (2008)
Operation Rah-e-Rast (May 2009)
Operation Rah-e-Nijaat ( October 2009)
Operation Koh-e-Sufaid (July 2011)
Operation Zarb-e-Azb (2013)
Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad February 2017
Operation Khyber-1 ;on 17th October, 2014
Operation Khyber-2 –February 2015 to June 15th, 2015
Operation Khyber-3 -August, 2016 to July 2017
Operation Khyber-4 in July, 2017
Operation Al-Mizan (2002-2006)
This was the first major Operation Al-Mizan (2002-2006)
of Pakistan Army against the militant groups working against Pakistan. At that time the Army Chief was General Pervez Musharraf, who deployed forces in FATA of around 70,000-80,000 men. The loss security personnel’ was around 1200-1500 soldiers as it was the first major operation inside the country and the army faced a huge loss due to lack of information about the methodology of the enemy, their hideouts and barely know-how of the terrain. Full convoys were targeted by the Taliban militants in the initial stages causing many casualties. Besides the basic infantry, Special Force units of the Pakistan Army, the elite SSG (Special Service Group) were also directly engaged in fighting. This operation comprised of many small operations too such as Operation Kalosha II, which took place in South Waziristan. Lack of public and national support at that time created hurdles in the smooth progress of the operation.
Operation Rah-Haq (November 2007)
In May 2004 clashes erupted between Pakistan Troops and Al- Qaeda and the other militants joined by local rebels and pro-Taliban forces. The offensive was poorly coordinated and the Pakistan Army suffered heavy casualties. After a two-year conflict (2004-2006) The Pakistan Military negotiated a ceasefire with the tribesmen from the region where they pledged to hunt down Al-Qaeda , stop Talibanisation of the region and to stop attacks in Pakistan and Afghanistan. However, the militants did not keep their word and started to rebuild and took over Lal Masjid in Islamabad. After a six-month standoff, a fight erupted in 2007 when the Pakistan Military decided to use force to end the Lal Masjid threat. Once the operation was over the newly formed Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), an umbrella group of militants based in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) vowed revenge and launched a wave of attacks and suicide bombings in North-West Pakistan and major cities. The militants expanded their base of operations and moved to the Swat Valley. The first phase of Operation Rah-e-Haq commenced in November 2007 in collaboration with the local police against Tehreek-e-Nafaz-e-Shariat-e-Mohammadi (TNSM) in the Swat Valley. The militants however gradually infiltrated into key cities. The second phase began in July 2008 and continued throughout the year. This operation resulted in the deaths of 36 security persons, 9 civilians’ and 615 militants. The third was launched in January 2009, which ended after a peace accord, known as Malakand Accord that was signed between the Government and TNSM.
Operation Sher-e-Dil (September 2008)
The Pakistan Army launched Operation Sher-e-Dil on September 9, 2008 in Bajaur Agency to target all the militant groups that threatened the security of Pakistan. By early December over 1000 militants and 63 security personnel had been killed.
Operation Zalzala (2008-2009)
This operation was launched in South Waziristan Agency in January 2008 against Baitullah Mehsud and his supporters. Around 200,000 locals are estimated to have been displaced, though it cleared most of SWA and security forces destroyed over 40,000 houses.
Operation Sirat-e-Mustaqeem (2008)
Commenced in June 2008 but was halted by the Army on July 9, 2008 in Bara Tehsil, Khyber Agency- FATA. It was launched by Pakistan Army’s 40m infantry Division. PM Yousuf Raza Gillani’s government ordered the Army against the Taliban forces in Khyber Agency. The immediate trigger for the operation was two kidnappings in Peshawar of six women and a group of 16 Christians by the Islamic group Lashkar-e-Islam. Two militants and one soldier were killed in this operation. However, the major leader managed to escape to an unknown location. Soon after the capture of Bara Tehsil the operation was put to a stop.
Operation Rah-e-Rast (May 2009)
In May 2009 an operation in Swat was launched after the accord failed to ensure peace in the region. Major offensive took place in Mingora in the last week of May and by the end of the month, Pakistan Army regained its control over Mingora.
Operation Rah-e-Nijaat (October 2009)
October 2009 the army launched a combat against militants in South Waziristan with the help of gunship helicopters and aircraft. The major objective of this operation was to destroy the militant stronghold in the region.
Operation Koh-e-Sufaid (July 2011)
July 4, 2011 the Pakistan Army launched another operation against the militants in Kurram Agency located within the federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). Operation Koh-e-Sufaid (White Mountain) targeted militants in Kurram with the principal objective of securing and re-opening Thall Parachinar road which had been repeatedly under attack by Sunni Militants.
Operation Zarb-e-Azb (2013)
In 2012, the Pakistan Army was able to take control of major towns of the Malakand Division and many tribal agencies. Only swamp left was North Waziristan. Even though Chief of General Staff (CGS) and Corps Commanders gave a nod for the operation COAS General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani didn’t give the final go. The reason for this was that the general public wasn’t in favor of military operations and also that the army wasn’t well trained for the major task and difficult terrain. When General Raheel Sharif succeeded Kayani in November 2013, he gave the final order and by June 2014 the operation was started.Operation Zarb-e-Azb was conducted against the militant groups like Tehrik-i-Pakistan (TTP), Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, East Turkestan Islamic Movement, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, Al-Qaeda, Jundallah and the Haqqani Network. After one and a half years of Zarb-e-Azb phenomenal success was achieved. The terrorists’ backbone was broken and their structure dismantled. Nexus sleeper cells largely disrupted and with the Intelligence Based Operations (IBOs) the remaining sleeper cells were busted. 3400 terrorists were killed, 837 hideouts destroyed from where the activities were being conducted. And another 183 hardcore terrorists killed, 21193 arrested. However this success came with a high price, 488 valiant officers, men of Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps KPK, Balochistan, Rangers Sindh sacrificed their lives and 1914 were injured.The result of this was the overall improved security situation and the terrorist attacks in Pakistan had dropped to a six-year low since 2008.
Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad 22 February 2017
The Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad was a codename of a combined efforts by the Pakistani military in support of local law enforcement agencies to deweaponized and eliminate the hidden terrorist sleeper cells across the country on 22 February 2017.The operation was aimed at eliminating the threat of terrorism, and consolidating the gains of Operation Zarb-e-Azb which was launched in 2014 as a joint military offensive. It is further aimed at ensuring the security of Pakistan’s borders. The operation were active participation from Pakistan Air Force, Pakistan Navy, Pakistan Police and other Civil Armed Forces managed under the Ministry of Interior.The operation entailed the conduct of Broad Spectrum Security (Counter Terrorism) operations by Rangers in Punjab, continuation of ongoing operations across the country and focus on more effective border security management. Countrywide de- weaponisation and explosive control were also given as additional objectives of the Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad . The National Action Plan was pursued as the hallmark of this operation.In the month of February 2017, the terrorist group Jamaat-ul-Ahrar launched Operation Ghazi with several suicide attacks across Pakistan. Under the general consensus by some “top notch” defense “analysts”, army personnel and general public. The Jammat-ul-Ahrar claimed the responsibility of all terror attacks and said this is the revenge of Abdul Rashid Ghazi’s death who was shot dead by Pakistan army in Lal Masjid during an Operation Sunrise. Pakistan army’s ISPR announced the launch of Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad.On 23 February 2017, at least 45 suspects were arrested in Rawalpindi operations was conducted in Westridge, Dhoke Hassu and Bakery Chowk area of Rawalpindi .Frontier Corps (FC) and intelligence agencies foiled a major terror plot near Loralai, Balochistan. The security forces recovered 23 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) during the joint targeted operation. On 26 February 2017, the apex committee of Punjab decided to expedite ongoing Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad against terrorists across the province. Operation Radd-ul-Fasad was announced as a continuation of the National Action Plan (NAP).The Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad was widely criticized for its apparently half-hearted implementation, NAP had been formulated after the devastating attack on Army Public School Peshawar in December 2014.In the deadliest terror attack in the country’s history, 131 schoolchildren and 10 other people were killed when heavily armed militants stormed Army Public School Peshawar .A spokesman for the outlawed Mullah Fazlullah-led Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan accepted responsibility for the attack on Army Public School Peshawar .As part of the plan, military courts were established to fast-track terrorism cases. Intelligence-based operations across the country initiated to disrupt and destroy terror networks in urban and rural areas. NAP had also promised to take action against seminaries involved in militancy, but the government had dithered on bringing them under control, apparently for fear of backlash from religious parties as well as militants.
The plan further envisaged countering hate speech and extremist material through the powers vested in the provincial police and other authorities. Pemra and other regulatory authorities were tasked with checking and banning glorification of terrorism and militant groups through print and electronic media. The drafting of the Electronic Media Code of Conduct was also a positive step.The provinces were further instructed under NAP to raise a counter-terrorism force under a dedicated command structure.
Operation Khyber
The Operation Khyber was originally announced in 2014 as a part of Pakistan Army’s extension of Operation Zarb-e-Azab to parts of Khyber. It has been divided in to four phases since then, Khyber-4 being the ongoing phase targeting ISIS among other terrorist organizations. The first phase of the Operation Khyber-4 has been successfully completed. The valley associated with Brekh Top is now being cleared. The mountain top itself was cleared in an operation carried out by the Special Services Group (SSG).During the operation to clear Brekh Top, many terrorists were killed with a few managing to escape to Afghanistan, according to the details receved by the ISPR.The terrorists’ hideouts were cleared and caches of IEDs, arms and ammunition were recovered during the operation. The Director General (DG) ISPR Major General Asif Ghafoor on 16th July 2017 announced the launch of Operation Khyber-4 under Radd-ul-Fasaad to “wipe out terrorists” in the Rajgal Valley area of Khyber Agency.”An operation to wipe out terrorists has been launched in Rajgal valley in Khyber Agency,” Major General Ghafoor said.Khyber 4 seeks to target terrorist hideouts in what the DG ISPR called “the most critical area in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata)”.Operation Khyber-4 is the code-name for a military offensive being conducted by Pakistan’s military in the Khyber Agency in four phases; Khyber-1, Khyber-2, Khyber-3 and Khyber-4.Khyber Agency is among Pakistan’s seven semi-autonomous tribal districts near the Afghan border, rife with insurgents and militants. Terrorist organizations including Al Qaeda and ISIS have had presence there. The plains of Bara hold strategic significance for militant groups as they connect the agency to the outskirts of Peshawar. The key area also straddles the NATO supply line into Afghanistan. The region has been long fought over by a mix of militant organizations, including the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the Ansarul Islam and Mangal Bagh’s Lashkar-e-Islam.
Operation Khyber-1 ;on 17th October, 2014
The Khyber-1 amid failed attempts to negotiate with militants, Pakistan army declared the time to negotiate for terrorists operating in the restive Tehsil was over and that militants had no option but to either lay down arms or face a military crackdown. The operation ‘Khyber-1’ began with airstrikes against Lashkar-e-Islam outs in areas under the Mangal Bagh led group’s control in Tirah and Bara on 17th October, 2014, ultimately killing 21 militants including Mangal Bagh and destroying their three key bases. Sources said the main aim of the operation was to clear Khyber from Bara to the border of Tirah valley, following which the second phase of the operation will begin.
Operation Khyber-2 –February 2015 to June 15th, 2015
The Khyber-2 announced in February, 2015 and launched in March, 2015, Operation Khyber-2 aimed to clear the Tirah valley main target being Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, the Tirah valley consists of deep valleys and high mountains, a suitable time of year was chosen, although resulting in many casualties of Pakistan Armed Forces, the operation was successful. The operation was formally ended on June 15th, 2015 marking a one year anniversary of Operation Zarb-e-Azab.
Operation Khyber-3 from 16th August, 2016 to 16th July 2017
The Khyber-3Launched on 16th August, 2016, Khyber-3 intended to clear areas beyond the Tirah valley closer to the Durand line, nine militant dens were decimated along the border, Large dumps of arms and ammunitions were discovered, More than 40 terrorists were killed and 21 injured, the operation ended up greatly affecting the cross border movement of terrorists. The operation Khyber-3 was conceived ended with the start of Khyber-4.
Operation Khyber-4 in July, 2017
The first phase of the Operation Khyber-4 has been successfully completed. The valley associated with Brekh Top is now being cleared. Operation Khyber-4 was announced in July, 2017 as part of Pakistani army’s ongoing offensive Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad against militancy launched on 16th July, 2017, Phase 1 aimed to clear Rajgal valley, targeting Jamat-ul-Ahrar among other terrorist organizations, more than 13 terrorists were killed and 6 injured, A Pakistani soldier was also killed in exchange of fire, a total area of 90 kilometres was cleared with the help of Pakistan Air Force, the Inter Services Public Relations announced the end of first phase of Operation Khyber-4 on 21st July, 2017 declaring the operation to be successful.
Pakistan Army’s Operation Khyber-4, launched under Operation Raddul Fasaad (RuF) in the Rajgal Valley area of Khyber Agency. According to the ISPR, the operation has been yielding steady results: 13 terrorists were eliminated so far while six others have been debilitated. Army troops, including personnel from the Special Services Group, have cleared 90 square kilometers of area while advancing from multiple directions. The army’s bomb defuse teams have also successfully neutralized a number of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) that terrorists had hidden underground, while “terrorist hideouts have been destroyed in targeted strikes by Pakistan Air Force, Army Aviation and Artillery ”During exchange of fire a soldier, Sepoy Abdul Jabbar, laid down his life for the motherland. The Army had also informed Afghan forces ahead of the launch of Khyber-4 operation in Rajgal, which the Afghan army would be able to support on their side of the border if they wished. DG ISPR Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor said in a press briefing they “Under Operation RuF, Pak Army will strengthen our border. We will be able to check cross-border movement of terrorists, and our coordination with Afghanistan in this regard is ongoing,” he said, as is the fencing of the border which is in its first phase.”The shared border with Afghanistan and Iran are being fenced,” Ghafoor said.It will be physically and technically monitored, with either forts or a check post every 1.5 kilometers, he said. Alongside the border fencing, Pakistan and Afghanistan will maintain an open-door policy for cooperation and discussion on bilateral issues; particularly in order to remove what he said was “a trust deficit” on the Afghan side.”If the Afghan army were as capable as the Pakistan Army, then maybe the issue [of terrorism] would be resolved sooner,” Ghafoor said. No one wants peace in Afghanistan more than Pakistan,” the DG ISPR Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor said, adding, “We need to bring peace in our country first.”Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor rejected claims that Daesh ─ or the militant Islamic State (IS) group ─ has any organised infrastructure in Pakistan.
“We will not allow them to establish themselves. In Afghanistan, yes, it is getting stronger, but we don’t believe it is the same as the Daesh in the Middle East,” he elaborated.
“In Pakistan, the Jamaat-ul-Ahrar has shown an alliance with Daesh … Daesh as an organisation does not exist, but if splinter groups of the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan and other terror groups try to jump on the Daesh bandwagon, we are already taking care of them through other means, like in the Khyber-4 operation,” he said..

India behind anti-Pak campaign in Switzerland: Foreign Office Spokesman Nafees Zakaria…………………. By;Asghar Ali Mubarak

Posted on September 21, 2017 Updated on September 21, 2017

India behind anti-Pak campaign in Switzerland: Foreign Office Spokesman Nafees Zakaria

By;Asghar Ali Mubarak
ISLAMABAD –Foreign Office Spokesman Nafees Zakaria said on Thursday that India has funded the anti-Pakistan campaign under way in Geneva, Switzerland.
Addressing a weekly press briefing, Zakaria said India is involved in creating unrest in Baluchistan, adding that after Modi’s comments on Balochistan, anti-Pakistan activities have picked up pace. He claimed that undeniable evidence of Indian use of Afghan soil [against Pakistan] exists.
The FO spokesman said that the meeting between the prime ministers of Pakistan-India PMs is not on the schedule.
He said that last week’s joint statement by Japan and India was disappointing.
The FO spokesman condemned the detainment of Kashmiri leaders and said that Indian forces martyred four more innocent citizens.
He demanded that the international community needs to take notice of the atrocities.
The statement had unnecessary references to Pakistan, said Zakaria, adding that India is involved in spreading terrorism in neighboring countries and occupied Kashmir.
Talking about Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi’s visit to 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly, he said the premier held positive meetings with world leaders along the sidelines of the session.
Moreover, Zakaria said that Chief of Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa will leave for Moscow in the first week of October.
The visit is a continuation of high-level contact and a reflection of a wish to improve bilateral ties.
The army chief’s visit to Russia will contribute to the defence cooperation between the two countries.
On September 19, Abbasi arrived in New York to lead the country’s delegation to the 72nd session of the UNGA and meet world leaders.
Foreign Office Spokesman Nafees Zakaria while responding to questions
said compromising principles of inter-state relations for the sake of economic consideration in any situation is regrettable.
He made these remarks when his attention was drawn to the mentioning of Pakistan in the context of sheltering terror groups in the India-Japan joint statement made after Japanese Prime Minister’s last week’s visit to India.
The spokesperson said India is a country having a known track record of funding terrorism in neighbouring countries and blaming Pakistan for the terrorist attacks in its territory perpetrated by its own state agencies.
Responding to a question regarding the recent anti-Pakistan posters campaign in Geneva, Nafees Zakaria said Pakistan will continue to work with the United Nations and its member states to ensure that no individual or organization is given space for such vicious activities.
The Spokesperson said Pakistan is fully aware of such malicious campaigns particularly since Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has acknowledged the fact that India is involved in funding anti-state activities against Pakistan .
Responding to another question about statement of Indian Representative at the United Nations regarding Pakistan ‘s Kashmir stance, Nafees Zakaria said the statement reflects the respect that India has for the world body and its non-seriousness in commitment towards international conventions and laws on human rights.
He said Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa will be visiting Russia in first week of next month as part of regular bilateral exchanges.
He said the visit aims at strengthening the existing relations and defense partnership. Record of the Press Briefing by Spokesperson on 21 September 2017

[This is a rush transcript. This copy may not be in its final form and may be updated.]

Opening Remarks

Bismillah IrRehman NirRahim Assalaam Alaikum

The Prime Minister is leading Pakistan’s delegation to the 72nd UNGA Session in New York. You already have the details of the entourage. He is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly on 21 September. On the sidelines, he has held bilateral meetings with the King of Jordan, Presidents of Turkey, Iran, Sri Lanka, and US Vice President. The Foreign Minister and Foreign Secretary also had a number of bilateral meetings on the sidelines. They also had other important activities. During the stay, the Prime Minister would also have some more engagements as also the Foreign Minister and Foreign Secretary. We have been keeping our media informed on the outcome of the meetings.

The Int’l Atomic Energy Agency has unveiled a bust of Pakistan’s first Nobel Laureate, Dr. Abdus Salam, at its Headquarters. An advocate of “Atoms for Peace”, Dr. Salam’s efforts in making the world aware of the benefits of using nuclear knowledge for peace, health and prosperity have been globally acknowledged.

We condole with the people and the Government of Mexico on the devastations caused by the earthquake, which took a heavy toll on human lives.

While in New York 72nd Session of UN General Assembly and in Geneva 36th Session of Human Rights Council are in progress, Indian occupation forces martyred four more youth in Srinagar and Kupwara areas during last 6 days. We strongly condemn continued killing of innocent Kashmiris in staged encounters. At least two dozen defenseless Kashmiris were injured after Indian forces used brute force in different parts of the Indian occupied Jammu & Kashmir. Continued illegal detention of senior Hurriyet leader Shabbir Ahmad Shah, Massrat Alam Bhat, Aasiya Andrabi, Fehmeeda Sofi and over six hundreds of Hurriyet leaders , activists and students on fake cases languishing in different jails of occupied Jammu & Kashmir and in India is deplorable and a matter of deep concern. Int’l Community and the UN are urged to call India to account for the crimes against innocent and defenceless Kashmiris in IoK, committed by Indian occupation forces with impunity. Kashmiris in occupied Jammu & Kashmir were denied Juma prayers last week also in violation of human rights and religious freedom.

I wish to inform that OIC Contact Group on Jammu & Kashmir held a successful meeting in New York, chaired by OIC Secretary General. Dy PM of Turkey, FMs and Representatives of Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, Niger and OIC SG’s Special Envoy on J&K, Mr. Abdullah Alim participated. The Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif spoke of the human rights violations and denial of the right to self-determination of the Kashmiri people, which has been promised to them in the UN Security Council’s Resolutions. President AJ&K, Sardar Masood Khan, presented the situation of Kashmiris in IoK. The True Representatives of Kashmiri people presented a Memorandum to the Contact Group.

In the ongoing Asian Indoor Games in Ashgabat, Pakistani Sports Teams made us proud with their sterling performance, winning 16 medals so far. We extend our heartiest congratulations to our teams.

Now the Floor is open for Questions

Question

Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi met with US Vice President Mike Pence and Foreign Ministers of the two countries are also expected to meet on the sidelines of UNGA Session in New York. Can you confirm Foreign Ministers’ meeting, its agenda and what were the expectations in terms of outcome? (Saima Shabbir – Bol News)

Supplementary Question

Is there any chance of our Prime Minister and Foreign Minister meeting with their Indian counterparts on the sidelines of UNGA’s Session? (Tariq Sial – Morning Mail)

Answer

Regarding Mr. Tariq Sial’s question, there is no such meeting scheduled.

On Ms. Saima Shabbir’s question, our Prime Minister had a good meeting with the US Vice President, Mike Pence, in New York. Both sides reiterated their desire for continued engagement. The US Vice President noted the importance of this relationship and underlined for continued partnership to pursue the objectives of peace and stability in the region. We also expect a meeting between the Foreign Minister and US Secretary of State to continue these conversations.

Question

Reportedly, anti-Pakistan elements are preparing the same campaign in New York and Brussels as they did in Geneva regarding Balochistan. What steps Pakistan has taken to counter the elements behind such malicious designs? (Shaukat Paracha – Aaj News)

Supplementary Questions

Reportedly, Indian mission in Geneva is financing and organizing anti-Pakistan activities and the local Swiss administration has been paid heavy amounts in commercial deals for these campaigns. Has Pakistan probed the matter and intends to raise the issue with the UN? (Amjad Ali – PTV News) (Asghar Ali Mubarak – Daily Mail Islamabad)

My question is regarding anti-Pakistan activity in Geneva during the recent Human Rights Council Session. Last year, such activities were also reported. Keeping in view that India is undertaking all efforts to malign Pakistan through such campaigns our reaction has not been so rigorous. Your comments please! (Syed Mohsin Raza – Asas Group of Publications)

Although we have taken up the matter of anti-Pakistan activities with the Swiss Government, we have also seen videos of MQM campaigning for Muhajirs being launched in various parts of the world. In these videos, Karachi is being talked in the same vein as Balochistan. Any plans to take up this matter with the UK Government also? (Ali Husnain – Business Recorder)

Answer

Pakistan is a democratic Islamic society, where rights of minorities and every segment of society are guaranteed by the Constitution. We have independent judiciary, vibrant civil society and free media. We continue to enhance these independent protections through legislative and administrative measures and establishment of institutions.

We are aware of the malicious / negative campaign against Pakistan for some years now. The focus of campaign has been various aspects of human rights in Pakistan as well as territorial integrity of Pakistan.

This campaign has become more vicious since Indian Prime Minister Modi publically acknowledged India’s role in Balochistan. India has been hosting the anti-Pakistan elements in and outside India. India is involved in perpetrating and financing terrorism in Pakistan and funding anti-Pakistan activities in other countries as well. In the latest instance in which anti-Pakistan campaign organized in Geneva, one of your own Journalist colleague, Murtaza Ali Shah, gathered evidence and it transpired that Indian diplomatic mission in Geneva was funding the ‘Baluchistan House’ and ‘BLA’, which he reflected in his report.

There are indeed other sources also that provide enabling environment to such entities to undermine Pakistan’s image and interests. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been and will continue to work with the UN and its Member States to ensure that individuals and organizations involved in such campaigns are not provided space on their territory.

Question

Reportedly, Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa will visit Russia next week. Do you have information about his visit?

Answer

On your first question, the visit of Army Chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, is scheduled in the first week of October 2017. Regular high level exchanges between the two sides in the past few years have set the stage for translating political goodwill into a substantial partnership in particular, in the field of defence. Last year, both countries held joint military exercise in September-October. The recent visit of COAS will contribute further strengthening of defence cooperation between the two countries.

Question

What is Pakistan’s Position on the Indian-Japan Joint Declaration issued at the conclusion of visit of Japanese Prime Minister to India, recently? (Saad Umar – Roze News)

Answer

Pakistan has noted with disappointment India-Japan Joint Statement issued at the conclusion of the visit of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to India (13-14 September 2017), in which an unwarranted reference on Pakistan has been included. Unfortunately, Japan’s subscribing to the Statement was uncalled for.

Moreover, India is a country that has a known track record of perpetrating blatant human rights violations in Indian Occupied Kashmir and involvement in state sponsored terrorism in its neighbourhood. Given the fact, backed by solid evidences, that Indian state agencies, in collaboration with their terrorist organization, RSS, have staged numerous terrorist attacks on its own soil and blamed them on either Indian Muslims or alleged non-state actor in Pakistan, Japan’s endorsement of Indian viewpoint is highly regrettable. Compromising principles of inter-state relations and fair play for the sake of economic considerations in any situation is regrettable.

Question

Reportedly, a Pakistani national, Asghar Ali is languishing in jail in Afghanistan despite completion of his sentence in 2015. What is the status and the steps taken by our Mission in Kabul to help him for his repatriation? (Sheeba Mahar – Daily SAMAA)

Answer

The Embassy of Pakistan in Kabul has raised this issue with the Afhgan authorities at various level with Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as NSA office. The issue was also formally raised on 14th September 2015, 9th August 2016, 29th December 2016 and 19th March 2017, requesting the Afghan authorities to release Mr. Asghar Ali.

Afghan Supreme Court has also ordered the concerned authorities to relase him, whose sentence ended in 2015.

The Embassy has once again approached Ministries of Defence and Foriegn Affairs as well as NSA office for early release of Asghar Ali.

Question

What is your reaction to Rajnath’s statement that talks with Pakistan meaningless due to terrorism”? (Nimra – PTV)

Answer

Indian state involvement in perpetrating terrorism and terror financing within India, in Pakistan, in neighbouring states, in Indian occupied J&K, and use of Afghan soil for the same purpose is based on irrefutable evidences, confessions and testified by the statements of their own leaders and officials. India tries to convince the world through propaganda and false information that she is a victim of terrorism. India hides behind excuses and misleads the Int’l Community to avoid resolving issues through peaceful means.

Question

India’s permanent representative to the UN said that Pakistan’s decision to raise the Kashmir issue at the UN is like “Mullah Ki daud masjid tak’. How significant it will be to raise the issue of Jammu & Kashmir at the UN in the current scenario? (Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal – Kashmir Post)

Answer

Jammu & Kashmir dispute is internationally recognized with UN Security Council’s Resolutions pending implementation. The UNSC Resolutions promise right to self determination for Kashmiris through an UN supervised plebiscite. India has been blatantly violating the UNSC Resolutions as well as the UN Charter by calling J&K its integral part and the human rights violations its forces commit in IoK.

Indian statements reflect that it has no respect for the UN and its non-serious commitment to the international conventions and laws pertaining to human rights.

Question

Reportedly, a six member Pakistani delegation led by DGMO visited Afghanistan last week and held meetings with Afghan officials. Please share the details of the visit?

Yesterday, ex-Minister has criticized Foreign Office performance on the BRICS declaration. Your comments please! (Tariq Mahmood – SAMAA TV)

Answer

Pakistan DGMO visited Kabul on 12 September 2017 to hold a regional trilateral meeting on cooperation against Daesh with his US and Afghan counterparts. This trilateral was followed by bilateral meeting between DGMOs of Afghanistan and Pakistan. During the meeting, various issues including Counter-terrorism and border management were discussed. Afghan side committed to forward a proposed Action Plan based on the discussions that have taken place to Pakistan side for their views. Both sides agreed to hold Border Flag meetings and establish hotlines between the local commanders at the border. For more details, please contact ISPR.

As for your second question, we do not comment on the statement made by our political leadership. On BRICS, our official stance is already on record.

Question

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani once again urged Pakistan to engage in comprehensive dialogue. Your comments please! (Rabia Pir – VOA DEEWA Radio)

Answer

It is not for me to respond on a statement made by the Afghan President. I believe he made this statement at the ongoing UNGA Session. However, our position on Afghanistan is very clear. We have said it time and again that peace and stability in Afghanistan is not only in Pakistan’s interest, but also that of the entire region. I invite your attention to Foreign Minister’s recent visits to regional countries, wherein there was a convergence of interest on the security situation in the region, including in Afghanistan. The points of convergence that emerged after the visits were contained in my last press briefing’s opening remarks. The regional countries are concerned about the rise of Daesh and other terrorist elements within Afghanistan. Pakistan believes that all initiatives for bringing peace and stability in Afghanistan should be Afghan-owned and Afghan-led.

Question

Reportedly, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani after his address decided not to meet with the Prime Minister of Pakistan on the sidelines of UNGA Session. Your comments!

Former Interior Minister lashed out at Foreign Office on BRICS declaration and recent drone strike in Pakistan. Your comments please! (Naveed Saddique – Dawn News)

Answer

Your first question has already been addressed by the Foreign Secretary, who is in New York, and your newspaper carried it in its today’s issue. It was a false media report. The fact is that some overshooting of time during an address at the UNGA session consumed the time of the meeting between the two leaders. The Afghan side, therefore requested for rescheduling of the meeting to which we responded in positive. I am not aware whether the meeting has been rescheduled so far.

We do not comment on the statements made by our political leadership. On BRICS, our official stance is already on record. On drone strike, we have not received any confirmation from either Ministry of Interior or Defence.

Question

We have continuously seen that different quarters and centre of the world are being used against Pakistan, with some very serious allegations leveled against Pakistani Government and armed forces. We have also seen anti-Pakistan elements like Husain Haqqani, Brahumdagh Bugti, Altaf Hussain, Mir Suleman Dawood Jan, etc. who are based mostly in Western countries and using their soil against Pakistan. Can’t they be arrested and brought to Pakistan for trial? Is there any proposal to approach Interpol to arrest these people and bring them to justice in Pakistan, as was the case of Uzair Baloch? (Faisal Raza Khan – 92 News)

Answer

Your question pertains to Ministry of Interior, as the subject falls in their domain. We do have established mechanisms in place, such as between our Ministry of Interior and UK Home Office for direct cooperation, inter alia, on such matters. Therefore, given the nature of query you may like to contact MOI.

*****

‘’Hope comes true’’ Pakistan‘s Davis Cup victory against Thailand Aqeel Khan showed his importance why he considered country best player,,,, By.Asghar Ali Mubarak

Posted on September 17, 2017 Updated on September 17, 2017

Pakistan‘s Davis Cup victory against Thailand ‘’Hope comes true’’ Aqeel Khan showed his importance why he considered country best player
By.Asghar Ali Mubarak
ISLAMABAD; The Davis Cup victory: Pakistan tennis team’s ‘’Hope comes true’’ Pakistan’s veteran tennis star Aqeel Khan showed importance just why he is considered one of the best players in the country as he helped Pakistan seal the win at the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group II final. Pakistan’s veteran tennis star Aqeel Khan defeated Thailand’s Kittiphong Wachiramanowong 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 2-6, 6-2 in a marathon last reverse singles rubber that went on for more than three hours at the Pakistan Sports Board Complex in Islamabad. Tennis star Aqeel Khan began the rubber with confidence and seemed to be romping towards a victory — taking the first two sets 6-4, 6-3 — but age almost seemed to catch up to him in the next two sets as Wachiranmanowong went on to level the match with 6-3, 6-2 wins in the next two sets for Thailand.The fifth and final set was to be a battle of nerves and Aqeel showed just how prized experience is as he ran into a 4-0 lead that left his visiting opponent with little hope. The clinching set was won 6-2, with Aqeel claiming 15 aces and 142 points won in the game.Pakistan’s veteran tennis star Aqeel Khan‘s crucial win helped Pakistan win the tie, which was 2-2 after the fourth rubber. The country’s most seasoned player had huge responsibility on his shoulders and was taking on a much younger opponent in Wachiramanowong in the last match of the tie. “I can’t believe it, I wouldn’t want to play this five-setter again,” a delighted but spent Aqeel told media after winning the match. “It was tough, it was demanding and the pressure was immense but I think I got through because of the crowd, because of my teammates.” He also praised Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) for their enormous efforts in bringing talented youth to fore.PTF has been working on various future programmes in order to dig out the young talent,” he said. He also lauded PTF for their hard work in bringing international tennis tournaments to Pakistan from the International Tennis Federation (ITF).“ITF has allotted three $15,000 tournaments to PTF to be hosted in November and December which is a great achievement,” he said. Aqeel revealed he didn’t want the tie to go the distance, especially since Pakistan won both rubbers on day one. “I was telling Aisam that he should win his rubber; I was on the court the whole time praying for it, because obviously we didn’t want the situation to get desperate, but I guess it was written for me to win this tie for Pakistan. We are all ecstatic. And I have to give it to Aisam for playing such a long match right before mine. The Davis Cup is something else. It’s not just tennis, it’s what we are doing for our country more than for ourselves, and the emotion is completely different.”Aqeel revealed he went for broke in the final set, knowing that he needed to change something to stop Wachiramanowong’s onslaught.“I was leading by two sets and then suddenly it was two all. So of course it was a lot of pressure, but the point is I wasn’t getting any free points,” he said. “Everyone was thinking that I was tired, but I wasn’t. During that break I just told myself that I need to change my body language, I need to be more aggressive, and I think that worked. I just want to thank everyone who stuck by us, and worked with us during this tie.”Pakistan were 2-1 up at the end of day two but Aisamul Haq Qureshi had the tough task to begin the day, taking on Thailand’s top-seed Wishaya Wishaya Trongcharoenchaikul as the fourth rubber of the tie also went on for five sets. Aisam lost the first two sets to Trongcharoenchaikul 7-5, 7-6, but took the next two sets to make it 2-2.Just like Aqeel though, Trongcharoenchaikul kept his nerves to deny his opponent a memorable comeback in a marathon match that lasted for more than four hours. Earlier Thailand beat Pakistan equaled finals 2-2 in four hours 40 minutes marathon 1st reverse single match on tiebreak 5/6, 6/7, 6/4, 7/6, 7/3, Aqeel Khan was the last hope in the decider second reverse singles .Pakistan’s number 1 player Aisam ul Haq got injured in last set .Aisam was looking tired and struggling with his shots as he was not bending properly to meet the ball. Aisam ul Haq many times takes time to recover his injury in his right foot problem and rehydration .Thailand player Wishaya Trongcharoenchaikuc, beat Pakistan’s number 1 player Aisam ul Haq in last set in six minute on tiebreak 7/3 and leveled the best of five finals 2-2. After losing the 1st reverse singles. He was the Pakistan last hope tennis star Aqeel Khan himself hoped to play his major role for Pakistan’s victory in the second. Aqeel, who has been Pakistan No. 1 for the last 18 years was 100 % fit .Earlier the Thai team after lost both singles bounce backed and won their doubles match against Pakistan to reduce the hosts’ lead to 2-1 in the Asia Oceania Davis Cup Group II final at the Pakistan Sports Complex grass courts here on other day. Thailand bounced back to life in their Asia/Oceania Zone Group 2 battle with Pakistan yesterday when twin brothers Sonchat and Sanchai Ratiwatana picked up their first win. Thailand started the day trailing. Asian No 1 doubles pair Sanchai Ratiwatana and Sonchat Ratiwatana got the better of Pakistan No 2 pair of Mohammad Abid and Shahzad Khan 4-6, 6-4, 6-1, 6-1 to put Thailand on the board. The experienced Thai pair took time to settle down. They lost the opening set after Sonchat’s serve was broken in the dying moments of the set. After going up 1-0, Pakistan pair of Shahzad and Abid lost their momentum in the second set. Both Thai brothers were seen hitting winners one after another to seize the initiative. After winning the second set by the narrowest of margins, the Ratiwatana brothers totally dominated the third and fourth sets respectively to seal the victory. The Pakistani pair double-faulted eight times against the four committed by their Thai counterparts.“Since both Pakistan ace players have already crossed 37, it would have been difficult for them to play on all three days in the scorching heat. As a planned strategy, we had decided to field the back-up pair leaving both Aisam and Aqeel fresh for the reverse singles on Sunday,” Mohammad Khalid, the team’s non-playing captain said. “We have a plan in our mind which says that these two senior players should be used according to the situation. They have given us numerous victories in the past and hopefully they would do it in the future as well and Sunday would be no exception,” team coach Mushaf Zia said.

Theatre Play Tax Aur Mohabbat ‘’Tax and Love’’Draws Attention to Un-just Tax Policies By;Asghar Ali Mubarak

Posted on September 16, 2017

Theatre Play Tax Aur Mohabbat ‘’Tax and Love’’Draws Attention to Unjust Tax Policies

By;Asghar Ali Mubarak
RAWALPINDI: The tradition of using theatre as a tool for mobilising people for social change was revived on other day with the performance of Tax Aur Mohabbat ‘’Tax and Love’’ at the Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, which drew attention to Pakistan’s unjust and discriminatory system of taxation.
The performance was organised in honour of Oxfam Chair of Trustees Caroline Thompson, who is visiting Pakistan from the United Kingdom and attended by students and faculty members of the university. The play is written and directed by Rao Riaz under the initiative called Equality Threatre by International Youth and Workers Movement with support from Oxfam. The caste included a number of young amateur actors as well as some veterans from Lahore’s theatre scene.
The play opened to the scene of a middle-class home in Pakistan where a family struggles to meet their basic needs and finds that a high general sales tax on essential goods is adding to their misery. The play then followed the actors as they traverse their routine lives but find themselves having to pay taxes on everything from medicines and food to education. Through these scenes, the writer highlights the relationship between unjust tax policies and the state’s inability to provide basic services.
In a scene that particularly resonated with the audience, the lead character finds himself having to pay heavy taxes when organising his wedding. Depicting that the character’s happiness being marred by the burden of expenses, the writer cleverly reminds the audience that even love and marriage in this country is not tax free. Through humour and song the performance successfully drew attention to the issue of taxes such as the general sales tax which are charged to rich and poor indiscriminately and result in the poor and middle classes having to pay a greater portion of their income in tax.
Packed with culturally relevant jokes, the play had many in the audience in fits throughout the performance and managed to entertain while tackling a serious and dry subject. Speaking to the audience after the performance Ms Thompson said tax injustice is an issue many countries in the developing as well as developed world are grappling with. “In the United Kingdom where I come from, tax havens and big corporations not paying taxes is a big issue. In particular, some of the big American corporations such as Amazon pay very little tax,” she said.
Ms Thompson said she was happy to see that Oxfam is supporting such initiatives in Pakistan and appreciated the use of satire and humour to deliver an important message. “I know that one of the best ways to achieve change is to use creative forces, tell stories and fables and use metaphors and above all humour,” she said.
Speaking at the event, Oxfam Head of Programmes Javeria Afzal said that many Pakistanis do not understand how the taxation system works and Oxfam is making an effort to educate people about these issues using mediums such as theatre. “Openness and transparency in the economic system can help reduce poverty and eliminate social injustice,” she said.

Pakistan leads 2-1 against Thailand in Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group-II finals, Islamabad both reverse singles will played on Sunday Tomorrow…. By;Asghar Ali Mubarak

Posted on September 16, 2017

Pakistan leads 2-1 against Thailand in Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group-II finals, at Islamabad both reverse singles will played on Sunday Tomorrow
By;Asghar Ali Mubarak

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan leads 2-1 against Thailand in Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group-II finals, both reverse singles will played on Sunday Tomorrow (ON 17-09-2017). The Thailand players had an upper hand against Pakistan in the doubles of the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group-II final, played here at the grass courts of the Pakistan Sports Complex on Saturday. The Thailand team of Sanchai Ratiwatana and Sonchat Ratiwatana outclassed Pakistan’s Muhammad Abid and Shahzad Khan by 3-1 (4-6, 6-4, 6-1, 6-1) in the doubles. Pakistan led the first set by 6-4 but after that lost three consecutive sets to Thailand by 4-6, 1-6, and 1-6. The match lasted for 2 hours and 15 minutes. Speaking after the match, Pakistan’s non playing captain Mohammed Khalid said” We want to come back strong on Sunday,” “we didn’t play Aqeel Khan and Aisam ul Haq in the doubles as we wanted to avoid an injury of these two players,” he said.“Though we didn’t expect this type of result but hopefully we would do better on the last day,” he said. It may be mentioned here that Pakistan led the singles on the first day of the Davis Cup final by 2-0.Pakistan won against Thailand in Davis Cup group on opening day of the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group-II final against Thailand played at the grass courts of Pakistan Sports Complex, Islamabad. In the opening match, which lasted for an hour and 46 minutes, Pakistan’s Aqeel Khan beat Wishaya Trongcharoenchaikul of Thailand by 3-0 (6-3, 6-4, 6-4).In the second match, Aisam-ul-Haq outclassed Thailand’s Kittiphong Wachiramanowong 3-0 (6-1, 6-0, 6-4).Speaking to media after the end of the matches, Aisam said he wasn’t expecting such an easy contest against his Thai counterpart.“We had a huge advantage playing on the grass court, but it would have been a tougher competition if we had played on clay,” he said. Aqeel said the duo was under pressure because of the home crowd but they played positively and won their matches. The Pakistan tennis star Aisam-ul-Haq was the big hope for Pakistan Davis Cup Group II final against Thailand at Islamabad Pakistan. Pakistan has produced some very talented tennis players over the years, both men and women. But the stature of Aisamul Haq Qureshi is above all. Pakistan tennis has become synonymous with Aisam, the international star who earned recognition and fame due to his numerous accomplishments over the past decade. He is the only Pakistan tennis player to reach the final of a Grand Slam. Aisam’s success has been predated by his multiple years of toil at international level, where relentless pursuit of his ambition helped him eventually breakthrough. In the process, he spent millions of rupees on coaching and travelling extensively. As Pakistan No. 1, Asiam has traditionally led Pakistan’s Davis Cup campaigns. After shocking New Zealand in the Asia-Oceania Zone Group I second round play-off in 2004 to survive relegation, he took them to the World Group Play-offs for the first time in 2005, before they were beaten by Chile. He has won the most Davis Cup matches for Pakistan, being the most successful singles and doubles player from his country ever. He is also part of the most successful doubles pairing for Pakistan with Aqeel Khan in the country’s sporting history.Aisam prefers the quicker grass courts and has had seen his greatest success on grass and hard courts. His playing style is serve-and-volley, relying on his serve to win him points by putting pressure on his opponents. Aisam’s clothing and shoes sponsor is Lotto. On 29 March 2008, Aisam signed an agreement with Pepsi Cola for sponsorship of coach for one year. He became the first Pakistan sportsman who wasn’t a cricketer to star in a Pepsi advertisement and become one of their brand ambassadors. Aisam teamed with Israeli player Amir Hadad during Wimbledon and the US Open tournaments in 2002. He is now a member of the ‘Champions for Peace’ club, a group of 54 athletes committed to serving peace in the world through sport, created by Peace and Sport, a Monaco-based international organisation. In November 2010 Aisam was appointed The United Nations Development Programmers (UNDP) goodwill ambassador. Aisam, who by virtue of spending his time playing on the Challenger Circuit and then the ATP World Tour, has been Pakistan’s official numerous despite ignoring the domestic circuit for the last so many years. Aisam could easily be termed as the most accomplished player of Pakistan, having made main draw appearances at Wimbledon and the US Open, though he deservedly acquired greater acclaim and fame upon reaching the US Open doubles finals (men and mixed) in 2010: men’s doubles while partnering with Rohan Bopanna of India and mixed doubles while partnering with Kvita Peschke of Czech Republic. A prolonged stint in the doubles top 10 further cemented his status as a contemporary great.Aisam was born and grew up in Lahore with swimming, cricket and football being his favorite pastimes at his alma-mater Crescent Model Higher Secondary School. He started playing tennis late at age of 14, when his maternal grandfather and first coach, Khawaja Iftikhar Ahmed, a former 10-time national champion, took him to a tennis club in Model Town Lahore. His maternal grandfather Iftikhar was also the All-British India champion, before Pakistan split from British India in 1947. His mother, Nosheen Ihtsham, was also a former women’s tennis champion. At age 16, the ITF sponsored Aisam for two years. He won the Pakistan International Junior Championships and went on to win the Casablanca Cup in Mexico and the LTA International Junior Championships in Roehampton, where he beat Olivier Rochus, Andy Ram, and Taylor Dent. In the World Super Junior Championships, he beat Andy Roddick. At 18, he was a top-20 junior player and decided to turn pro. As a junior, he was coached by LTA. Aisam has been coached by American Robert Davis since 1998. Robert has served as national coach for Peru, Panama, Thailand, and Indonesia. As a writer, Aisam contributes to the ATP’s Deuce Magazine, Tennis Magazine USA, Tennis.com, Tennis Magazine Australia, and ITF publications, as well as non-sporting publications and newspapers.Aisam was awarded the Arthur Ashe Humanitarian of the Year for 2010 along with his doubles tennis partner Bopanna of India. Along with Bopanna, Aisam received the 2010 ‘Peace and Sport Image of the Year’ award in recognition of their dedicated efforts to spread the message of peace through sport. Aisam and his doubles partner Bopanna also created a campaign, ‘Stop War Start Tennis’, with their goal to play a match on the border of India and Pakistan. He was also given the Pakistan President’s Award for Performance in 2002, the Salam Pakistan Youth Award by the President of Pakistan in 2007 and was runner-up for the 2003 Anne Frank Award for Moral Courage by the Anne Frank Trust, UK. In 2011, he was awarded Lux Style Award for Most Stylish Sports Person. The Davis Cup Group II final is scheduled from September 15 to 17 September 2017.The Thailand team reached Pakistan yesterday to participate in the Davis Cup. Along with Muhammad Abid Ali Akbar, Abid Mushtaq, Shahzad Khan and Muzami Murtaza are participating in the trials under the supervision of non-playing captain Muhammad Khalid also in the Davis Cup trials at Pakistan Sports Complex. The Pakistan Davis Cup team represents Pakistan in Davis Cup tennis competition and is governed by the Pakistan Tennis Federation. Pakistan currently competes in the Asia/Oceania Zone of Group II. Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) president Salim Saifullah Khan Said he is optimistic about Pakistan team’s chances in the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group-II final against Thailand. Salim said: “I know Thailand has a very competitive and balanced team and they have played excellent tennis throughout the campaign, but we are not less than them and will give them a good run for their money. I am confident enough that Pakistan team has every reason to stand bright chances of winning the tie. I request all tennis lovers to join us at the venue on 15th to 17th and support their team and tennis. I thank the ITF, our security agencies, CDA and all those who stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the federation.” The Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) Secretary Sanaullah Aman while talking to media stated that the three tournaments would be held in November and December.“Foreign players would be seen in action in these events while International Tennis Federation (ITF) officials would also be visiting here,” said Sanaullah Aman .He said more courts would also be prepared for these international tournaments. He also praised ITF for allotting Pakistan these three international tournaments.“ITF would also give more international events to Pakistan after successful holding of these three tournaments,” he said. He said foreign players would be provided with fool-proof security and invitations would soon be sent to foreign players for participation in international tournaments. Speaking about Pakistan-Thailand Davis Cup Group II final, he said he has high hopes for the team to do well in Davis Cup.