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Arab Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Arab Times
‘Pakistan fully backs Kuwait's efforts for regional stability'
KUWAIT CITY, June 25: Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Kuwait Dr. Zafar Iqbal has affirmed the strength of bilateral relations between Pakistan and Kuwait as well as the depth of historical, social and economic ties that bind the two countries, indicating these relations are based on mutual respect and a shared vision for a future of peace and prosperity. This came in a speech that the Ambassador delivered Thursday night at a celebration organized by the Pakistani Embassy on the occasion of the 85th National Day of Pakistan. Present at the event were Minister of Commerce and Industry Khalifa Al-Ajeel, and many ambassadors and representatives of the diplomatic corps. Iqbal pointed out that the skilled Pakistani workforce in Kuwait, particularly in the construction and services sectors, is regarded as a vital bridge between the two countries and contributes significantly to supporting the Kuwaiti economy. He confirmed his country's aspiration for a broader Kuwaiti partnership in the national development process of Pakistan. He expressed his gratitude to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, as well as the government and people of Kuwait, for their generosity, hospitality, and continuous support for the Pakistani community. He also praised the role of the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs, especially the Department of Asian Affairs, in strengthening bilateral relations. Regarding regional affairs, he expressed his country's concern about the current situation, while appreciating the balanced and supportive positions of Kuwait towards peaceful solutions. He added that Pakistan reaffirms its full support for the efforts of Kuwait to maintain regional security and stability. On Pakistan's National Day, he stated that it is an occasion to celebrate the national identity and commemorate the historic Lahore Resolution of 1940, which paved the way for the establishment of a State where Muslims in the subcontinent could live in dignity and freedom. He said the occasion is considered an opportunity to express appreciation for the longstanding relations between Pakistan and Kuwait, which are getting stronger day by day through close cooperation in the fields of trade, investment, energy, infrastructure, information technology, and tourism. He then expressed his concern over the ongoing Israeli aggression on Gaza, which has resulted in heavy losses of innocent civilian lives. 'Pakistan calls for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, and reaffirms its unwavering support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian State on the pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital,' he asserted. In conclusion, he praised the contributions of the Pakistani community in Kuwait, considering them a source of pride for both countries. He also called for continuous joint work toward a more just, peacefu,l and dignified world.
News18
14-06-2025
- Politics
- News18
The 'Joy Bangla' Deception: Don't Judge By The Cover, 'Study' It
Last Updated: The 'Joy Bangla' Deception is divided into four clearly defined sections, with a logically progressive narrative that unfolds before you, presenting a highly disturbing picture The complete title of the book under consideration is The 'Joy Bangla' Deception—Bangladeshi Islamism Under the Façade of Bengali Nationalism. I generally do not begin a book review with criticism. But this time I make an exception. The cover does not do justice to the book and its content. It does not capture the intensity of the work done by the two authors, Kausik Gangopadhyay and Devavrata. So, my first request to the readers is not to go by the dull, uninspiring cover; just grab a copy and study it, not just read it. The book shook me up, like none other in recent times. I must confess that I, too, was going by the generally accepted narrative of Bangladeshi nationalism, the secular nature of Mujibur Rehman's politics. I was not so much aware of the bloody trail of the history of Bengal, divided into East Pakistan and West Bengal, and the new avatar of the Muslim League's two-nation theory—Bangladesh. Abdul Mansur Ahmad, a Muslim Bengali leader, notes, after Bangladesh was created, 'Neither Pakistan is broken by the liberation or Bangladesh, nor 'Two Nation Theory' was proven false. Instead of one Pakistan, two Pakistans have happened as per Lahore Resolution. The GOI has assisted us to realise the Lahore Resolution and we are grateful to them. The Lahore Resolution does not mention the word Pakistan, only 'Muslim Majority state'." If a person like me, who has done research on the northeast region of Bharat, which means I also had to study West Bengal and a little about East Pakistan (later Bangladesh), had only a limited idea about the ideology behind Awami League and the level of violent persecution of Hindus, I can imagine what an ordinary Indian knows. I was aware of Bouddh Chakmas but not to the extent that this book exposes. Hindu Bengalis of West Bengal may be aware, but they have chosen to gulp down the tablet called Amnesia to sleep well and forget about what their own families went through and what their unfortunate brethren are facing in Bangladesh even today. Tathagata Roy explains this mentality in his book. The dedication of the book gives you a hint that you are getting into uncharted territories. It is dedicated to the Bengali humanist bloggers, writers, and activists, of whom 11 are dead; of these, only one is Hindu. And survivors, all of whom are Muslims, have been exiled from their country. You also realise that there are still some Muslims out there who believe in humanity, coexistence, and truth. The introduction of the book makes you uneasy. You feel lost because you have no clue of the context, about which you are ignorant. Ideally, read the introduction after reading a few chapters; it will make more sense. The 'Joy Bangla' Deception is divided into four clearly defined sections, with a logically progressive narrative that unfolds before you, presenting a highly disturbing picture. There are 14 chapters and a very elaborate section of endnotes, not found in many books. As a critic, I can only say that it is too academic because it is written by academicians. But on the positive side, this academic approach saves the book from falling into the trap of emotional storytelling or raising tempers. It is a harsh story, told calmly, as it is. The first section, The Propaganda of 'Joy Bangla', destroys many images of Sheikh Mujibur Rehman that we hold dear, and opens your mind with evidence based on the true political character of Mujib and his friends. One is surprised that our people never went beyond the disappointment of Jogendra Nath Mandal, who returned to Bharat and died an unsung, unhappy soul. Even this story was seen as a footnote in the history of partition, about which hardly anyone talked until recently. Maulana Bhashani, the guiding light of the Muslim Awami League, later renamed as Awami League, time and again asserts that he may be called a socialist or a communist, but he remains a Muslim to the core. He says, 'Indians are the greatest enemy of Bengali Muslims." He notes that Mujib once assured him, 'I remained a lifelong Muslim Leaguer." He proved it when he did not give permission for the rebuilding of the huge Ramna Kali temple, destroyed by the Pakistani army in 1971 after the liberation of Bangladesh. He, in fact, bulldozed the remaining temple and built a garden, naming it in memory of Suhrawardy, the butcher of Bengal. Leaders of Bangladesh were and are clear all through that Bangladesh may not be an Islamic state, but it is a Muslim state nonetheless. Bengali nationalism was invented to overcome the Hindu resistance against the Muslim Awami League. The oft-repeated theory that neglect of the Bengali language was the cause of the rise of Bengali nationalist sentiment is also stripped of its validity by the writers with evidence that Bengali had become the second national language in 1956 and was given equal space in the government. The fact is, the bold voice that called for the Bengali language was not a Muslim but a Hindu leader, Dhirendranath Datta. Once a powerful elected leader from East Pakistan days, he died a lonely man, and his property has since been taken over by the Muslims, like so many other properties of Hindus. The real issue was the exploitation of East Pakistan's economy by West Pakistan and the division of political power between the two wings. Since a separate Hindu electorate with a sizable number of seats was dissolved, Hindus were left with a choice between a radical Muslim party or the Awami League, which succeeded in projecting a moderate face. The book discloses that right after partition, isolation and weakening of Hindus had begun. There was sustained economic deprivation that impoverished most of the Hindus. Their properties were taken away under the Enemy Properties Act. This Act was never removed by Sheikh Mujibur Rehman, only renamed. The desecration of Hindu homes of great Bengali leaders of the current West Bengal and Bangladeshi Hindus is a who's who list. Academic research papers have been written on this topic by independent Bangladeshi scholars, most of whom are Muslims. So, the news of the desecration of Rabindranath Tagore's home is not a surprise for the observers of Bangladesh's history. It is a continuity of the same process. Do not be surprised if, under Muhammad Yunus, you find Amar Sonar Bangla removed as the national anthem. Islamists are waiting for the right time. The churn in Bengali society and its Islamist element is brought out well by Humayun Azad, a noted intellectual, in 1990: 'Muslims of this country after some time, became Muslim Bengali, then Bengali Muslims, and then Bengali. Now again, they are reverting, from Bengali to Bengali Muslim, from Bengali Muslim to Muslim Bengali and from Muslim Bengali to Muslim." This intriguing line explains the tragedy of Bangladesh succinctly, and more particularly of Bangladeshi Hindus. The current designs of Bangladesh Islamists were laid before the world by Maulana Bhashani in 1972: 'Assam is mine, West Bengal is mine, and Tripura is mine too. Until those regions are liberated back from India, neither the liberation of Bangladesh nor its map is complete." The book is full of such surprising and disturbing quotes that you may not have read so far in any book on Bengal or Bangladesh. They answer many of the questions that one faces while reading or hearing about disturbances in Bangladesh and the misfortune of Bengali Hindus. The writers assert that the only solution is to reclaim Bengaliness from the Islamic appropriation. As you move through the book, you are taken through the brutal persecution of Hindus, sustained killing and deprivation of Hindus, the fake history of Bengali nationalism of Bangladesh Muslim leaders, and the ambitious Islamist dreams of Bangladesh leaders. I can only say that sedatives are not a cure for a sickness. One needs to take a strong dose of bitter medicines or maybe undergo an operation to get cured of the cancer that is eating away at the core of the sacred land of Bharat, which inspired countless people to struggle for the renaissance of Hindu dharma and fight for freedom. The reviewer is a well-known author and political commentator. He has written several books on RSS, like RSS 360, Sangh & Swaraj, RSS: Evolution from an Organisation to a Movement, Conflict Resolution: The RSS Way, and done a PhD on RSS. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views. tags : bangladesh bengali Muslim pakistan West Bengal Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 14, 2025, 19:39 IST News opinion Book Review | The 'Joy Bangla' Deception: Don't Judge By The Cover, 'Study' It
Qatar Tribune
07-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Pakistan's envoy applauds deep-rooted relationship between Pakistan and Qatar
More than 700 guests, including Qatari dignitaries, senior officials, members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders, and members of the Pakistani community attended the grand reception hosted by Pakistan Embassy at the Sheraton Hotel in Doha, to celebrate Pakistan Day. The reception was graced by the presence of prominent dignitaries such as HE Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Subaie, Minister of Environment and Climate Change; and HE Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Sayed, Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs. Also in attendance was HE Ibrahim Yousuf Fakhro, Director of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, among others. In his address, the Ambassador of Pakistan to Qatar HE Muhammad Aamer warmly welcomed the guests and highlighted the historical significance of Pakistan Day, celebrating the nation's journey from the Lahore Resolution to independence in 1947. He emphasised the importance of resilience, unity, and continued progress for Pakistan. The ambassador underscored the strong and evolving relationship between Pakistan and Qatar, tracing back to the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1972. He noted the recent visit of Pakistan's Prime Minister, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, to Qatar in October 2024 as a milestone in deepening bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade, defence, technology, and education. The ambassador also highlighted the cultural collaboration between the two countries, particularly the successful 'Manzar Art and Architecture from Pakistan 1940 to Present Day' exhibition inaugurated at the National Museum of Qatar by the prime minister of Pakistan and the Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The ambassador expressed gratitude to Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani for her pivotal role in bringing the exhibition to life—an effort recognised through the conferment of the prestigious Hilal-e-Pakistan Award by the Government of Pakistan. The ambassador paid tribute to the nearly 300,000-strong Pakistani community in Qatar, praising their contributions across diverse sectors including health care, education, finance, and construction. The event reaffirmed the enduring friendship, brotherhood and strategic relations between Pakistan and Qatar. The ambassador also acknowledged the dedication of two talented artists, Shabbir Siddiqui and Shehla Khalid Khan, for creating a stunning truck art display on a scrapped car, which was parked at the entrance of the venue. The ambassador thanked Muhammad Qayum, CEO of Al Wakeel Group; Sobia Sarmad Sheikh, Managing Director of Amazetec Solutions; and Imran Rafique, General Manager of Unique Trading Company and Brighto Paints for their support in organising the event.
Time Business News
22-04-2025
- Time Business News
Pakistan's Cultural Heritage: Lahore and Karachi
Pakistan is a country steeped in history, where every corner tells a story of resilience, tradition, and progress. Two of its most iconic cities, Lahore and Karachi, stand out for their cultural and historical significance. These bustling metropolises serve as economic powerhouses and are living embodiments of Pakistan's diverse heritage . Lahore, often referred to as the 'Cultural Capital of Pakistan,' has preserved the legacy of its rich Mughal past while nurturing literature, arts, and culinary delights. Karachi, known as the 'City of Lights,' is a melting pot of cultures and a financial hub and reflects modern Pakistani resilience. Together, these cities form the dual heartbeat of the nation, each contributing uniquely to its identity. If you're a culture enthusiast, history buff, or travel lover, join us on this vibrant exploration of Lahore and Karachi. Lahore's deep historical roots trace back to the Mughal Empire, where the city flourished as a hub for art, architecture, and culture. This grandeur is still evident in its majestic landmarks, which were built to showcase Mughal splendour. During the pre-independence era, Lahore emerged as a centre for intellectual discussion, political movements, and the eventual push for Pakistan's independence. The Lahore Resolution passed in 1940 at Minto Park (now Iqbal Park) paved the way for the creation of Pakistan. Even today, Lahore pulsates with a dynamic energy shaped by its historical legacy. No visit to Lahore is complete without exploring its architectural masterpieces: Lahore Fort and Shalimar Gardens: Both UNESCO World Heritage Sites reflect the ingenuity and grandeur of Mughal architecture. Both UNESCO World Heritage Sites reflect the ingenuity and grandeur of Mughal architecture. Badshahi Mosque: This 17th-century mosque epitomizes Mughal artistic brilliance, exuding spiritual reverence. This 17th-century mosque epitomizes Mughal artistic brilliance, exuding spiritual reverence. Minar-e-Pakistan: Symbolizing independence, this iconic structure stands tall, marking where the Lahore Resolution was passed. These landmarks offer a glimpse into Lahore's glorious past and remind visitors of its role in shaping Pakistan's identity. Lahore has always been a cradle of art and literature. The annual Lahore Literary Festival showcases international and local literary works, fostering a celebration of ideas and storytelling. The Alhamra Arts Council, known for promoting performing arts, hosts plays, musical performances, and art exhibitions. Lahore also takes pride in being home to legendary poets like Allama Iqbal, whose work inspires generations. Lahore is a paradise for food lovers. Its iconic food streets, including Gawalmandi and Anarkali Bazaar, are bursting with Punjabi flavours. Must-try dishes include: Nihari: A slow-cooked stew rich in spices. A slow-cooked stew rich in spices. Paaye: A traditional dish made with goat or beef trotters. A traditional dish made with goat or beef trotters. Lahori Chargha: A marinated and deep-fried chicken delicacy. Lahore's food embodies its lively culture, inviting locals and visitors to indulge in its flavours. Festivals in Lahore are vibrant and colourful. Historically, the Basant Festival marked the onset of spring with kite flying, filling the skies with hues of yellow and green. While the festival is no longer commonly celebrated due to safety concerns, it remains a cherished memory for many. Festive Eid celebrations light up the city's streets, connecting deeply to its cultural roots. Once a small fishing village, Karachi transformed into a bustling port city during British rule and became the financial capital of Pakistan. Post-independence, Karachi became Pakistan's first capital and the centre of its economic activities. Home to the Karachi Stock Exchange, myriad industries, and bustling ports, the city is vital in driving Pakistan's economy. Karachi boasts its own set of historical and modern landmarks, including: Quaid-e-Azam's Mausoleum: A majestic white marble structure honouring Pakistan's founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah. A majestic white marble structure honouring Pakistan's founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Clifton Beach: Offering an escape to Karachi's vibrant coastline, it's one of the most visited spots for families and travellers alike. Offering an escape to Karachi's vibrant coastline, it's one of the most visited spots for families and travellers alike. Mohatta Palace: Built in the 1920s, this Indo-Saracenic structure now showcases mesmerizing artworks and historical artefacts. Karachi's unique identity stems from its incredible diversity. It's a city where Sindhi, Balochi, Pashtun, and Muhajir communities coexist, creating a harmonious blend of traditions, languages, and cuisines. This diversity of culture gives Karachi a dynamic and inviting spirit. From contemporary art galleries like T2F to energetic theatre productions, Karachi is always brimming with creativity. The city is also the hub for Pakistan's music scene, nurturing genres from pop to soulful Sufi music. Karachi's culinary treasures reflect its multicultural identity. Some must-try delights include: Biryani: A spicy, flavorful rice dish that Karachi has perfected. A spicy, flavorful rice dish that Karachi has perfected. Karachi Halwa: A traditional sweet treat with a hint of nostalgia. A traditional sweet treat with a hint of nostalgia. Street Food: Whether it's Bun Kebabs or Spicy Chaat, Karachi's street food scene has something for everyone. The city celebrates creativity through events like the Karachi Literature Festival, which attracts global literary figures. Major fashion shows also find their stage in Karachi, showcasing the country's rising talent in fashion design. Meanwhile, the sea festivals celebrate Karachi's coastal charm, bringing together locals and tourists. Lahore and Karachi contribute to Pakistan's resilience, showcasing their cities as history, culture, and innovation centres. Their roles in politics, education, and the arts have helped shape Pakistan's modern narrative. Lahore's timeless charm and Karachi's modern high-rises illustrate how tradition and progress coexist harmoniously. Internationally recognized as cultural treasures, Lahore and Karachi attract tourists seeking a vibrant mix of history, culture, and hospitality. Preserving Lahore's Mughal-era monuments and Karachi's colonial architecture is essential. Despite challenges such as urbanization and lack of awareness, efforts by local authorities and initiatives by cultural organizations continue to protect these invaluable assets. With better promotion, festivals in both cities have the potential to attract global audiences, presenting immense opportunities for cultural tourism. Lahore and Karachi represent the soul of Pakistan's cultural heritage. From their stunning architecture and rich history to their culinary delights and festivities, these cities offer something for every traveller, historian, and culture enthusiast. Discover their allure and experience two cities that embody Pakistan's heart and spirit. Whether strolling through Lahore's Mughal gardens or exploring Karachi's vibrant streets, a world of culture awaits you. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Arab News
09-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Pakistan's envoy to UAE says Islamabad pursuing progressive agenda to drive economic growth
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's envoy to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday said the administration in Islamabad was following an agenda to ensure economic progress, as he hosted a reception to mark his country's national day. Pakistan annually commemorates its national day on March 23, marking the anniversary of the 1940 Lahore Resolution that called for a separate homeland for the Muslims of the Indian Subcontinent. Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi highlighted the Pakistani government's socio-economic initiatives during the event in Abu Dhabi, which was attended by diplomats and senior Emirati officials, including Sheikh Nahayan bin Mabarak Al Nahyan, the UAE's Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence. '[Ambassador Tirmizi] invited attention toward a range of opportunities in Pakistan that remained pivotal in promoting socio-economic development in [his] country,' said an official statement issued by the Pakistan Embassy in Abu Dhabi following the event. 'These included a healthy youth bulge; growing women participation in public life; the potential of agriculture; rich socio-cultural heritage; tourism potential; and the fastest-growing IT sector,' the statement added. 'He underscored that the government was pursuing a progressive agenda aimed at making tangible progress toward achieving economic growth and Sustainable Development Goals.' In his address, the Pakistani envoy also called for an immediate end to hostilities in Gaza and reiterated Islamabad's support for the peaceful resolution of the Palestine and Kashmir disputes in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions. The ambassador acknowledged the UAE's impressive economic transformation over the past five decades and paid tribute to the leadership of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose vision, he said, was being proudly carried forward by President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Tirmizi also praised the growing political and economic partnership between Pakistan and the UAE while highlighting regular high-level exchanges and institutional cooperation between them along with the presence of a 1.7 million-strong Pakistani diaspora in the Gulf state.
