ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch has said that Pakistan's election process is an internal sovereign affair, emphasizing the nation's commitment to upholding its constitutional obligations. Responding to the queries of media persons at her weekly news briefing in Islamabad on Thursday about the reaction of different countries on the general elections, Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch emphasized Pakistan's democratic nature, highlighting the significant participation of millions of voters, including unprecedented numbers of women and young voters in the general elections. She mentioned that Pakistan welcomed foreign observers, including a group from the Commonwealth, demonstrating the country's commitment to transparency in the electoral process. She said Pakistan takes its constitutional obligations seriously. It is the right of Pakistanis to enjoy freedoms and democracy. She said any step that Pakistan takes in this regard is in conformity with its own constitutiona l obligations and not influenced by external advice. Mumtaz Zahra Baloch pointed out that the interim report of Commonwealth observer group also highlighted the transparency and participatory nature of the general elections. When asked about the budget announced by the Indian government for illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), the FO Spokesperson said pouring in money in the occupied territory can neither absolve the occupying power from its responsibilities nor can it legitimatize its illegal occupation. She said Jammu and Kashmir is one of the oldest unresolved disputes. It has been on the agenda of the UN Security Council since 1948. She said the UN Security Council resolutions reaffirm the right of self-determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Voicing concerns over the presence of one million Indian security forces in IIOJK, she said these forces are responsible for suppression of Kashmiri people. She called for a solution of Jammu and Kashmir dispute on the basis of UNSC resolutions. When asked about relationship with India, the spokesperson said both the countries have had a difficult relationship over the last several decades. She said Pakistan has always expressed desire to have peaceful relations with all neighbors including India. She however regretted that India has an approach of belligerence towards Pakistan and the region. This, she said, creates a negative environment for peace and dialogue and makes it difficult to have a normal relationship. She said that India's campaign to curb dissent in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) remains in full swing. On 10th February 2024, India's National Investigation Agency (NIA), conducted multiple raids on 15 properties of Jammat-i-Islami, Kashmir in different cities. These raids were part of an ongoing crackdown against the Kashmiri political organizations. Jamaat-i-Islami is one of the six political organizations already proscribed by India. She said that we urge the Indian authorities to end intimidation and persecution of the Kashmiri political activists and parties. All Kashmiri political prisoners and activists should be released and the people of Jammu and Kashmir should be able to enjoy their rights and freedom. She said that Pakistan will continue to extend political, diplomatic and moral support to our Kashmiri brothers and sisters for the just and peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN Security Council Resolutions. The spokesperson said Pakistan endorses the statement of OIC strongly condemning the ongoing Israeli military aggression against Gaza and the expansion of indiscriminate attacks on the Rafah city. She said the OIC has raised alarm on expansion and escalation of the pace of the Israeli aggression and warned against an unacceptable attempt to forcibly displace the Palestinian people from their own land. She said Israel's merciless onslaught against the 1.4 million displaced people in Rafah is a blatant defiance of the provisional measures outlined by the Internation al Court of Justice in its interim order. The spokesperson called on the UN Security Council to fulfill its responsibility and urgently intervene to impose a ceasefire and bring an end to the massacre of the Palestinian people. She said the siege of Gaza must be lifted to prevent further deaths and suffering from famine and non-availability of decent medical care. She said Pakistan stands resolute in its unwavering diplomatic, moral, political, and humanitarian support to the besieged people of Gaza.

ISLAMABAD: To showcase the depth of traditional Japanese cultural heritage from its earliest origins to contemporary works, a Japan Foundation's travelling pottery exhibition 'Yakishime: Earth Metamorphosis', one of the most basic or primitive means of producing ceramics, opened up at the National Art Gallery of the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) for visitors to get familiar with this unique and centuries old cultural facet of Japan. The exhibition, which runs until February 29, is jointly organized by the Japan Foundation and the Embassy of Japan in Islamabad in collaboration with the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA). Jamal Shah, the Caretaker Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, and WADA Mitsuhiro, the Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, together with the other distinguished guests inaugurated the exhibition on Thursday February 15 at the National Art Gallery to provide an opportunity to the visitors to witness the evolution of yakishime from its ancient roots to co ntemporary expressions. This captivating showcase focuses on a traditional Japanese ceramic technique yakishime (firing unglazed wares at extremely high temperatures) and introduces its history and evolution that has developed in distinctive directions in Japan from 4th and 5th centuries through present day. It features over 80 exquisite pieces from the earliest examples to the present through yakishime wares, tea vessels, food vessels, jars, containers and more that have become an essential part of everyday life in Japan. It also presents a wide range of non-utilitarian objects created by the contemporary ceramic artists working in yakishime styles aiming to provide an opportunity to communicate this distinctively Japanese sensibility and aesthetic to the people abroad. H.E. Ambassador WADA, while speaking at the inaugural ceremony, expressed his deep admiration for this time-honored traditional Japanese art of producing ceramic art and crafts, and said that 'one of the unique characteristics of Japanese culture is the fusion and coexistence of tradition and innovation. We are good at adding new interpretation to tradition, while respecting old methods and tastes.' Ambassador WADA mentioned that Pakistan is also known as a production center of traditional potteries with Blue Pottery from Multan which has common attractions with Yakishime. 'I feel a sense of warmth and simplicity from both of them', he further added. The Ambassador said both Japan and Pakistan have rich and diverse cultural heritage and the cultural linkages between the two friendly nations, and it can be traced back in history such as the Gandhara civilization. 'In terms of the fusion of tradition and innovation, I am looking forward to see the new phase of Pakistan's traditional arts in next generation as well', the Ambassador further added. The Ambassador expressed his appreciation for Pakistan National Council of the Arts for extending their collaboration in arranging this exhibition at the National Art Gallery.

ISLAMABAD: A meeting chaired by Interior Minister Gohar Ejaz in Islamabad today reviewed the existing system of water supply, sanitation and waste disposal of the federal capital and Rawalpindi. It was informed that there are 8,000 sanitation workers who dispose of 2,300 tons of waste daily with an annual budget of 7 billion rupees, but still the sanitation of both cities cannot be described as standard. Currently, the twin cities are facing forty seven percent water scarcity. In his remarks on the occasion, the Interior Minister noted that water supply and sanitation are basic needs, expressing the strong desire to make Islamabad a model for other cities. He said decisions will have to be taken today to meet tomorrow's needs. Gohar Ejaz said an integrated, comprehensive and effective system will have to be devised so that quality facilities can be provided to the people. He said the implementation of all necessary actions should be ensured as soon as possible. Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi, who also attended the meeting, said improvement of ground water level is very important in water supply and therefore attention has to be given to it. Additionally, he said the natural drains of Islamabad will have to be cleaned.

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office (FO) has said election process in Pakistan is its internal matter. "we have welcomed foreign observers and Common Wealth observers. We discharge our constitutional obligations forcefully. Political leaders are being targeted in Occupied Kashmir. Pakistan wants Kashmir issue is resolved as per aspirations of people of Kashmir in accordance with UN resolutions, this was said by Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch here in weekly press briefing Thursday. She mentioned that Pakistan welcomed foreign observers, including a group from the Commonwealth, demonstrating the country's commitment to transparency in the electoral process. She said Pakistan takes its constitutional obligations seriously. It is the right of Pakistanis to enjoy freedoms and democracy. She said any step that Pakistan takes in this regard is in conformity with its own constitutional obligations and not influenced by external advice. Mumtaz Zahra Baloch pointed out that the interim report of Commonwealt h observer group also highlighted the transparency and participatory nature of the general elections. When asked about the budget announced by the Indian government for illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the spokesperson said pouring in money in the occupied territory can neither absolve the occupying power from its responsibilities nor can it legitimatize its illegal occupation. She said Jammu and Kashmir is one of the oldest unresolved disputes. It has been on the agenda of the UN Security Council since 1948. She said the UN Security Council resolutions reaffirm the right of self-determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Voicing concerns over the presence of one million Indian security forces in IIOJK, she said these forces are responsible for suppression of Kashmiri people. She called for a solution of Jammu and Kashmir dispute on the basis of UNSC resolutions. When asked about relationship with India, the spokesperson said both the countries have had a difficult relationship over the last se veral decades. She said Pakistan has always expressed desire to have peaceful relations with all neighbors including India. She however regretted that India has an approach of belligerence towards Pakistan and the region. This, she said, creates a negative environment for peace and dialogue and makes it difficult to have a normal relationship. The spokesperson said Pakistan endorses the statement of OIC strongly condemning the ongoing Israeli military aggression against Gaza and the expansion of indiscriminate attacks on the Rafah city. She said the OIC has raised alarm on expansion and escalation of the pace of the Israeli aggression and warned against an unacceptable attempt to forcibly displace the Palestinian people from their own land. She said Israel's merciless onslaught against the 1.4 million displaced people in Rafah is a blatant defiance of the provisional measures outlined by the International Court of Justice in its interim order. The spokesperson called on the UN Security Council to fulfill i ts responsibility and urgently intervene to impose a ceasefire and bring an end to the massacre of the Palestinian people. She said the siege of Gaza must be lifted to prevent further deaths and suffering from famine and non-availability of decent medical care. She said Pakistan stands resolute in its unwavering diplomatic, moral, political, and humanitarian support to the besieged people of Gaza. Legalizing the illegal Indian steps in Occupied Kashmir by Indian Supreme Court has no legal standing, she said adding we have rejected illegal cases and death sentence awarded by Indian courts to Yasin Malik

ISLAMABAD: Election Commission (EC) has rejected Nawaz Sharif plea for stopping the notification about success of his rival candidate in NA-15 Mansehra. The EC while rejecting the petition has dismissed it. A two members bench of EC presided over by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja heard the petition. Returning Officer (RO) NA-15 Mansehra filed his report in EC. RO told on this occasion that the result of this constituency has been worked out as per form 45. The counsel for Nawaz Sharif appeared late in the EC and requested for not rejecting the petition. However the EC rejected the plea for stopping notification of success of rival candidate of Nawaz Sharif. The commission directed counsel for Nawaz Sharif to file petition again.

ISLAMABAD: Hearing of 190 million pounds reference against PTI Founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in Accountability Court (AC) Islamabad has been adjourned till February 20 due to non availability of the judge. Judge Muhammad Bashir of AC was to hear 190 million pounds reference against Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi on Thursday in Adiala jail. The hearing was adjourned without further proceedings due to non availability of the judge. Next hearing will take place on February 20. It is pertinent to mention here that the previous hearing could not take place due to non availability of judge. Earlier on February 01, the hearing of this case against PTI founder and his wife Bushra Bibi was adjourned till February 10 without any proceedings due to non availability of judge Muhammad Bashir of AC.

ISLAMABAD: Supreme Court (SC) has accepted appeal plea of former Prime Minister (PM) Raja Pervez Ashraf to get expunge observations against him. SC has ordered to expunge observations against Raja Pervaiz Ashraf in connection with Islamabad High Court (IHC) decision Thursday. A 3-member bench of SC presided over by Chief Justice of Pakistan(CJP) Qazi Faez Isa took up plea for hearing Thursday. The court remarked the judges should be cautious while giving observations against a person in his absence. If judges have to give observations against any one, they should issue notice to him first of all. We hope Judges will be cautious in future while giving observation against anyone. A single bench of Islamabad High Court (IHC) gave observations against Raja Pervez Ashraf in 2012. According to NAB nothing was proved against Raja Pervez Ashraf in NAB inquiry. Care should be taken while giving observations at the level of inquiry. Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui of IHC had given observations against Ra ja Pervez Ashraf in Gujjar Khan road case in 2012. Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui had declared Raja Pervez Ashraf corrupt in road contract case. IHC had ordered NAB to hold inquiry against Raja Pervez Ashraf in the case.