Embassy of Pakistan
France, Paris
Information Section
PRESS RELEASE
The Embassy of Pakistan in France organized a Special Seminar marking the Kashmir Black Day today, to express solidarity with the Kashmiris in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), Messages of the President, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan were read out on the occasion. Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said that durable peace and stability in South Asia remained contingent upon peaceful resolution of J&K dispute in accordance with UNSC resolutions and wishes of the Kashmiri people. 27 October 1947 was one of the darkest days for the Kashmiri people as the Indian occupation of J&K, which began on that day, stifled the legitimate aspirations of the Kashmiris to determine their own destiny and subjected them to decades long gross and systematic violations of human rights. For several generations, the Kashmiri people have been looking towards the global community, especially the United Nations, to deliver them their promised right to self-determination. India’s illegal and unilateral actions and continuing grave atrocities since 5 August 2019 had further exacerbated the situation and completely alienated the Kashmiri people who were united in rejecting any attempts by the occupying power to undermine the internationally recognized disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir and to alter the demographic composition of the occupied territory. India must realize that it cannot suppress the genuine aspirations of the Kashmiri people through its continued forcible occupation and brutalities. The Ambassador further said that the Kashmir case stood on strong political, legal and moral grounds and Pakistan will continue to extend all possible support to the Kashmiri brothers and sisters for the realization of their just cause. History was witness that legitimate freedom struggles could not be suppressed for long by use of force and violations of international law. The Ambassador noted that self-determination was a fundamental right enshrined in the UN Charter and international human rights covenants. Kashmiri peoples’ right to self determination was guaranteed by UNSC resolutions which stipulated that this right would be exercised through a free and impartial plebiscite to be held under the auspices of the United Nations. Speaking on the occassion AJ&K Minister for Small Industries and Trade Kausar Taqdees Gillani voiced strong concern for the inhuman treatment being faced by all Kashmiris especially women and children at the hands of Indian occupation forces. She called the attention of international community to come together and formulate policy in accordance with UNSC resolutions to help free Kashmiris from Indian occupation and protect their basic human rights. Prominent speakers condemned the gross violations of human rights and international humanitarian law being committed by the Indian occupation forces against innocent Kashmiri men, women and children. They called upon the international community and media to highlight the miseries of the defenseless Kashmiris and to hold India accountable for its atrocities, war crimes and crimes against humanity in IIOJK. People representing Pakistani diaspora, Kashmiris, academicians, journalists and other distinguished guests participated in the event that highlighted the seven decades long legitimate struggle of the Kashmiri people for their right to self-determination in accordance with the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir.
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Embassy of Pakistan
Paris France
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PRESS RELEASE
Paris October 20, 2024
Subject: Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad inaugurated the Pakistan Pavilion at SIAL Paris 2024
Pakistan shines at SIAL Paris 2024, Europe’s leading food fair, with 34 exhibitors under TDAP’s Pakistan Pavilion and 14 other exhibitors – diverse products from rice, corn and sesame seeds to processed food, spices, frozen food, fruit juices, candies and snacks. Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad inaugurated the Pakistan Pavilion & interacted with the participating business groups who shared their feedback and exchanged views on enhancing Pakistan’s exports in the food sector.
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Paris
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PRESS RELEASE
Co-sponsored by more than 50 Member States, Pakistan-led resolution entitled “Countering Disinformation for the Promotion and Protection of Freedom of Expression and Access to Information” was unanimously adopted today at the 220th Session of the UNESCO Executive Board, currently underway in Paris.
Pakistan took this initiative against the backdrop of proliferation and intensification of disinformation, misinformation and hate speech around the world.Disinformation is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, which is exacerbated by the rapid evolution of digital platforms and communication technologies. This resolution is the first of its kind at UNESCO specifically focusing on countering disinformation, misinformation and hate speech through the platform of UNESCObuilding on UNESCO’s activities and related decisions adopted by the UN General Assembly and the Human Rights Council where Pakistan has also been in the lead.
Pakistan’s Ambassador and Permanent Delegate Asim Iftikhar Ahmad thanked all Member States for their invaluable inputs and support leading to consensus adoption of the text that puts UNESCO at the center of a multi-dimensional and multi-stakeholder approach to counter disinformation, misinformation and hate speech for effective promotion and protection of freedom of expression and access to information, as the lead UN agency mandated in the field. A large number ofdelegations speaking on the occasion noted that the increasing threat posed by disinformation was a shared concern that needed to be addressed through close coordination and collective efforts of Member States and all stakeholders.
Outcome of broad-based and extensive consultations, the resolution inter alia calls on the Director-General to provide an update on the initiatives undertaken by UNESCO to counter disinformation on digital platforms and to present a report on how to make UNESCO’s role more effective in countering disinformation, misinformation and hate speech for promotion and protection of freedom of expression and access to information.
The Executive Board is one of the constitutionalgoverning organs of UNESCO entrusted with the responsibility of preparing the agenda of the General Conference and examining the programme of work of UNESCO and its Budget. Pakistan is currently Vice-President from the Asia-Pacific at the Executive Board.
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EMBASSY OF PAKISTAN, PARIS, FRANCE
PRESS RELEASE
Paris September 5, 2024
EMBASSY OF PAKISTAN, PARIS, FRANCE
(INFORMATION SECTION)
PRESS RELEASE
Paris August 14, 2024
Subject: Independence Day Celebrations of Pakistan – 14 August 2024
On the occasion of the 78th Independence Day of Pakistan, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad hoisted national flag to the tune of the national anthem at the Embassy of Pakistan, Paris and welcomed distinguished members of the community and French friends including large number of children.
The messages of the President, the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan were read out on the occasion.
The Ambassador noted that 14th August was truly auspicious as it brought together the entire nation – in celebration, in paying homage to the Quaid-e-Azam and other leaders of the freedom movement, in remembrance of the supreme sacrifices of our forefathers, in honoring our heroes and drawing inspiration from our glorious past and the tremendous achievements over the decades. It was also a moment of reflection, of recognizing the challenges confronting us and seizing the immense opportunities presented to us.
Congratulating all on the Independence Day, the Ambassador said that we needed to draw guidance from the words of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah when he said “If we want to make this great State of Pakistan happy and prosperous, we should wholly and solely concentrate on the well-being of the people, especially of the masses and the poor”. All segments of the society in particular women and youth had an important role to play in national development. He emphasized the value of collective and individual responsibility in upholding and promoting the image and prestige of Pakistan. Praising national hero Arshad Nadeem’s Olympics gold medal, he noted how the accomplishment of an individual can bring immense joy and pride for the nation and project the country’s name world-wide.
Ambassador Ahmad emphasized that as we celebrate our freedom we must not forget our Kashmiri and Palestinian brothers and sisters, who have been struggling for over seven decades against illegal occupation and oppression. Pakistan reaffirmed its complete solidarity and full support for the people of the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine for their freedom and right to self-determination.
Further, the Ambassador highlighted that Pakistan enjoys close cooperative relations with France and looked forward to Pakistani diaspora for further cementing the bond of friendship between the two countries. “We are proud of your hard work and accomplishments and consider you as true Ambassadors of Pakistan”, he said.
The Ambassador noted that Pakistan stood tall and proud in the comity of nations with significant contributions towards shared objectives of global peace, security and development. We, all Pakistanis, inside or outside Pakistan are committed to serve our country to the fullest. May the national flag always fly high as a symbol of peace, prosperity and progress!
Later, the guests enjoyed tableau prepared by children, national songs and traditional Pakistani food.
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ONLINE RENEWAL FACILITY FOR OVERSEAS PAKISTANI REGARDING DRIVING LICENSE (ISSUED BY ISLAMABAD POLICE)
Pakistani community in France who are holder of driving license issued by Islamabad Police can now renew their driving license through Islamabad Traffic Police Driving License web portal : www.islamabadpolice.gov.pk
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