Day: June 9, 2024

A month-long Pre Hajj flight operation will conclude tomorrow. Radio Pakistan Correspondent Bilal Khan Mehsud reports from Makkah that the flight operation which began on 9th of the last month to transport around 70,105 pilgrims from major cities of Pakistan to Madinah and Makkah under the government scheme would complete with the arrival of the last flight at the King Abdulaziz International Airport Jeddah. As per the schedule, the last flight through Saudi Airlines SV-3727 would leave Islamabad International Airport for Jeddah at 3:00 am carrying 380 passengers. This year, 160,000 Pakistani pilgrims will perform pilgrimage, with 70,000 arriving under the government scheme and around 90,000 through private Hajj Groups Organizers. Source: Radio Pakistan

Legendary broadcaster and Radio Pakistan's Urdu Newscaster Taskeen Zafar was laid to rest in Rawalpindi on Sunday. Veteran politician Raja Zafar-ul-Haq, Director of News and Current Affairs Radio Pakistan Amanullah Sipra, controllers, and other serving and retired officers of the state broadcaster attended the funeral prayer of the legendary newscaster. Besides, a large number of people belonging to the media industry, especially Radio Pakistan and Pakistan Television also joined the last rituals of the departed soul. Floral wreaths were laid on the grave of late Taskeen Zafar on behalf of Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Secretary Information and Broadcasting Shahera Shahid, Director General Radio Pakistan Saeed Ahmed Shaikh and Managing Director Pakistan Television. Born in Rawalpindi in 1957, Taskeen Zafar's broadcasting career spanned over four decades. She joined Radio Pakistan as an announcer in 1980. Taskeen Zafar also hosted programs at Radio Pakistan's News and Curren t Affairs Channel. She also remained associated with Pakistan Television where she read news and hosted music programs. In recognition of her meritorious services, Taskeen Zafar was presented Presidential Pride of Performance award last year. Radio Pakistan and entire broadcasting fraternity mourn the loss of a legend. Taskeen Zafar's eloquent voice and unique style of reading news will always resonate in the minds and hearts of Radio listeners. Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has expressed deep sorrow and grief over the death of senior Radio and Television newscaster Taskeen Zafar. In his condolence message, he termed the death of Taskeen Zafar as an irreparable loss to the radio and television industry. Sardar Ayaz Sadiq prayed for high ranks of departed soul and expressed sympathies with bereaved families. Deputy Speaker of National Assembly Syed Mir Ghulam Mustafa Shah also expressed grief over the death of senior radio newscaster Taskeen Zafar. Source: Radio Pakistan

Pakistan is committed to regional peace, security and prosperity. This was highlighted by Additional Foreign Secretary Ambassador Imran Ahmed Siddiqui at the Senior Officials Meeting preparatory to the Ministerial Meeting of the ASEAN Regional Forum held in Laos yesterday. Imran Ahmed Siddiqui appreciated ASEAN Regional Forum's pivotal role in multilateral efforts for regional peace and prosperity. Reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and the ASEAN Regional Forum's mandate, he emphasized the importance of international collaboration for shared objectives of stability and sustainable prosperity. Stressing the need for an equitable and inclusive security framework, the Additional Foreign Secretary underscored the importance of resolving the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the United Nations Security Council Resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people for lasting peace and security in South Asia. Imran Ahmed Siddiqui also cond emned the rising tide of Islamophobia and pursuance of Islamophobic political agenda as strategies in election campaigns. He emphasized the importance of comprehensive approaches to address the root causes of terrorism. He also called for international scrutiny and accountability for extraterritorial killings by foreign agents inside Pakistan. The Additional Foreign Secretary reaffirmed Pakistan's consistent and principled stance on the Palestinian question and called for an urgent and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza and an end to foreign occupation of Palestinian territories. Source: Radio Pakistan

Minister for Kashmir Affairs Amir Muqam has urged the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to work for development of the province and prosperity of its people. Addressing the workers convention of PML-N in Swat today, he said the people of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are demanding their basic rights and we should work for this purpose. The Minister asked the Chief Minister of the province to follow the steps taken by the Punjab government for development and welfare. Amir Muqam said the PMLN strongly condemns the hate speech by the Chief Minister for instigating public for another incident like 9th May. Source: Radio Pakistan

Pakistan Pavilion Shines at a global festival organized by the International School of Brussels. The Embassy of Pakistan, Brussels participated in International School of Brussels International Festival with a uniquely designed Pakistani pavilion. The festival is an annual celebration showcasing diverse cultures and traditions from around the world. The diverse student community of the school actively participated with 100 countries represented in the event with their distinctive displays. The event provided an opportunity to present rich heritage, cultural diversity, tourism, and export potential of Pakistan. These displays included artifacts, handicrafts, traditional costumes, and photographs. A selection of books and documentaries on tourism and culture in Pakistan provided visitors with a unique insight into the country's rich history, traditions, and tourism potential. Traditional Pakistani street food was a major attraction, drawing a large number of visitors, who enjoyed delicacies such as Biryani , Samosas, Gulab Jamun, and the special Pakistani chai. The pavilion also featured a Henna corner, offering intricate and beautiful designs for those seeking a more immersive cultural experience. Particular interest was taken in Made in Pakistan Sports items such as. football and cricket kits. Children and parents took special pictures with the World Cup Football on the Pakistan stall. Ambassador Amna Baloch stated that the International Festival serves as a wonderful platform to showcase Pakistan's rich cultural heritage, diversity, and the warm hospitality of our people. Visitors deeply appreciated the Pakistani cuisine and the beautiful artifacts displayed at the Pakistan Pavilion, making it one of the highlights of the festival. Source: Radio Pakistan

A group of sixty-four teachers from different districts of Balochistan province visited headquarters of FC Balochistan (North) under 'Safar Mualim' campaign. They were briefed about efforts of FC for welfare of local people and maintaining peace in Balochistan. IG FC Balochistan (North) Major General Chaudhry Ameer Ajmal met the teachers and answered their questions. He said teachers are an important pillar of society and can bring changes in Balochistan with their positive role. The teachers appreciated the efforts of FC for establishing peace in Balochistan and paid tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives during these efforts. They termed the visit useful and requested to continue such activities. Source: Radio Pakistan