Tag: president

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Pakistan’s President Alvi Pledges Protection of Minority Rights

Arif Alvi . (Photo: Twitter/@ArifAlvi)

In Pakistan, all communities are enjoying equal rights and living with peace, which is a “beautiful banquet” of interfaith harmony and unity, Alvi added…reports Asian Lite News

Pakistani President Arif Alvi has said that his country is fully committed to ensuring the rights and welfare of minorities living in the South Asian country.

“It is our duty to safeguard the basic rights of all religious minorities…all the rights of minorities would be completely protected at all costs,” Alvi added on Thursday while addressing a ceremony held in connection with the celebrations of Christmas.

He said that the country is devoted to ensuring peace, tranquility and equal rights to all citizens of the country irrespective of caste, creed and religion, adding that the incumbent government has been making strenuous efforts in this regard, Xinhua news agency reported.

In Pakistan, all communities are enjoying equal rights and living with peace, which is a “beautiful banquet” of interfaith harmony and unity, Alvi added.

Appreciating the role of minorities in the social and economic uplift of Pakistan, the President said that all religious minorities have been playing a major role in the country’s progress and prosperity.

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Ecuador Chooses New President Amid Rising Violence

More than 10 million people voted in the runoff amid tight security measures in place, with tens of thousands of police officers and army personnel deployed at polling stations across the country…reports Asian Lite News

Amid a wave of violence and a worsening security situation, Ecuador has chosen Daniel Noboa, from the right-wing National Democratic Action alliance, as its new President.

Citing the preliminary official results of the presidential runoff held on Sunday, the National Electoral Council (CNE) said Noboa had obtained 52.29 per cent of the valid votes compared to 47.71 per cent for his rival, Luisa Gonzalez from the Citizen Revolution movement led by former President Rafael Correa, reports Xinhua news agency.

The results were declared after 90.78 per cent of the votes were counted.

On Sunday night, CNE President Diana Atamaint affirmed that the results were “irreversible” and declaring Noboa as be president-elect of the South American country.

More than 10 million people voted in the runoff amid tight security measures in place, with tens of thousands of police officers and army personnel deployed at polling stations across the country.

Noboa, 35, was a lawmaker before outgoing President Guillermo Lasso dissolved the legislature and called for early elections,CNN reported.

He has pledged to create more work opportunities for the young; bring in more foreign investment, using technology to fight crime; and has suggested several anti-corruption measures including sentences for tax evasion.

Speaking to reporters after the result late Sunday night, Noboa thanked his wife, parents, and God for allowing him to serve his country.

“I also thank all those people who have been part of a new, young, improbable political project, a political project whose purpose was to give back a smile to the country,” he said.

“Starting tomorrow, Daniel Noboa, your president of the republic, starts working.”

Meanwhile, his rival Gonzalez has conceded defeat.

Tension remained high during Sunday’s vote which came just months after the high-profile assassination of presidential candidate, Fernando Villavicencio, who was killed days before the August 20 first round of polling, CNN reported.

ALSO READ-Gonzalez, Noboa lead Ecuador’s first round election

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India News Politics

Kashmir on High Alert Ahead of President’s Visit for Convocation

Security tightened in Srinagar on Aug 5 on 2nd anniversary of article 370 abrogation

Special intelligence review is being taken of the profile of all those who attend the convocation in whatever capacity their presence is required during the event…reports Asian Lite News

Heightened security was in place across the Valley on Sunday ahead of President Draupadi Murmu’s visit on October 11.

The President will deliver the 20th convocation address of Kashmir University on October 11. 

This will be her first visit to the Valley after she became the country’s President. 

The President will award meritorious students/scholars of the University from 2020 onwards. Four hundred students/scholars will receive gold medals, PhD and M.Phil degrees at the convocation. 

After the convocation, the President will attend a light and sound show on the Dal Lake in Srinagar where the Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha is hosting her on dinner in the evening of October 11.

As per the President’s security protocol, the campus of Kashmir University is being sanitized days ahead of the VVIP visit. 

Special intelligence review is being taken of the profile of all those who attend the convocation in whatever capacity their presence is required during the event. 

Special security personnel in civvies and in uniform will dot the entire over 1500 Kanal campus from Monday onwards and entry into the campus would be highly regulated through electronic and human surveillance. 

“It has to be a 100 per cent safe and secure environment within and outside the campus and for this purpose drone surveillance, electronic equipment, police, paramilitary and all other necessary hi-tech gadgets and human presence are in place,” said a senior security official. 

Extra security drills and surprise cordon and search operations have been started to keep anti-national elements and miscreants at bay. 

All vehicles and pedestrians entering Srinagar city are being frisked and additional deployments of mobile bunker vehicles and drop gates have been made in Srinagar and adjacent districts days ahead of the President’s visit. 

“A significant aspect of all our security arrangements is that the common man should be put to least inconvenience while ensuring 100 per cent security to the President,” the officials said. 

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Pakistan President Faces Mounting Pressure to Announce General Election Date

Alvi became the centre of controversy after he wrote letters to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and the Ministry of Law for a consultation meeting to decide the date of elections…reports Asian Lite News

Pakistan President Arif Alvi is under immense pressure from his political party too announce the date of the crucial general elections before he leaves office as his tenure ended on September 8.

According to Pakistan’s constitution, a President can remain in office even after his tenure ends until a new President is selected and replaces him.

This implies that Alvi can stay in office till the next elections and the corresponding process of selecting the next President via Parliament. 

Sources in the Presidency said that Alvi is being directed by his political party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and its jailed chief and former Prime Minister Imran Khan to use the constitutional power to announce the election dates.  

In a letter, PTI Secretary Omar Ayub Khan urging the President to announce the election date at the earliest. 

“Under Article 48(5) of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973, when the President dissolves the National Assembly, he is to appoint a date not later than 90 days from the date of dissolution for holding of general elections to the Assembly,” he added in the letter. 

Besides the PTI and Imran Khan, Alvi is also under pressure from the military establishment, according to a source. 

“President Alvi is under immense pressure from both the sides. PTI and Imran Khan messaging him indicates that the party wants him to announce the election date and practice his right as per the Constitution before leaving office. The other side (military establishment) has directed him to not do anything extravagant as per polls, because it would only create political uncertainty in the country. He is under immense pressure,” said the source. 

Meanwhile, speculations are rife over President Alvi’s final decision.

Alvi became the centre of controversy after he wrote letters to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and the Ministry of Law for a consultation meeting to decide the date of elections.  

The letters were responded both by the ECP and the Law Ministry, highlighting that the date of polls would be announced by poll bodyas it has been given the power and authority to do so after the recent parliamentary amendments in the Election Act, adding that it does not require consulting the President on the matter. 

But after the decision of the Supreme Courton the elections in Punjab province, in which, it asserted that an act of Parliament cannot supersede or bypass the country’s constitution, which clearly states that elections are to be held within 90-days of the dissolution of the assembly.

This gave courage to the President as he could announce the date of elections as the country’s president and as per the country’s constitution. 

However, a secret meeting of the top military chiefs and the President seemed to down play the intentions of the President an the polls dates. 

The source said that President Alvi is still under serious pressure by Imran Khan to give a surprise to the military establishment by announcing the date of elections before leaving the presidency, assuring him that his decision would be defended by PTI as it would be as per the constitution. 

On the other hand, he is also under clear directions by the military establishment to not opt to any misadventure of the sort.  

Informed sources have also saidthat it is possible that Alvi might announce poll dates, which may be as per the tentative dates given by the ECP — February 2024.

However, such an announcement would hurt Imran Khan and the PTI.  

But it seems that the President intends to give the announcement in the coming days as he has had a meeting with the caretaker Federal Minister of Law and Justice Ahmed Irfan Aslam. 

“The meeting between the government official and the president was part of the ongoing consultation regarding the general polls. The continuation of the consultation process with good intentions will prove to be productive for the democracy in the country,” read a statement from the President’s House. 

On the other hand, Alvi also faces criticism from the former ruling party Pakistan Muslim League–Nawaz (PML-N), which has demands him to leave the post after completion of his term. 

“Pack your bags and move to PTI secretariat because your desire is not just economic and political turmoil but also a constitutional crisisin the country,” said former Information Minister Marryum Aurangzeb. 

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Khuon Sudary creates history as Cambodia’s first female president

Parliament elected chairpersons and vice chairpersons of the 10 specialist commissions in the legislative body…reports Asian Lite News

Khuon Sudary was elected on Tuesday as the president of Cambodia’s National Assembly, or Parliament, for a new five-year term, becoming the first woman in the country’s history to hold this top post.

According to the state-run National Television of Cambodia (TVK),  Sudary, 70, is currently a member of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP)’s Standing Committee, and used to be the second vice-president of the National Assembly in the old term, report Xinhua news agency.

She was elected after the CPP won a landslide victory in the July 23 general election, winning 120 out of 125 seats in the National Assembly.

Some 123 lawmakers unanimously elected her as the president during a “package vote”.

They also voted for CPP lawmakers Cheam Yeap and Vong Sauth as the first vice president and the second vice president, respectively.

Besides, Parliament elected chairpersons and vice chairpersons of the 10 specialist commissions in the legislative body.

The National Assembly in the seventh legislature consists of 125 lawmakers including 120 from the CPP and five from the royalist Funcinpec Party.

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President lauds India’s G20 presidency  

“Looking at the present, we see that India has not only regained its rightful place on the world stage, but it has also enhanced its standing in the international order,” she added…reports Asian Lite News

President Droupadi Murmu in her address to the nation on the eve of the 77th Independence Day on Monday said India has not only regained its rightful place on the world stage but it has also enhances its standing in the international order.

In her second speech as President of India, Murmu said that during her visits and interactions with members of the Indian diaspora, she has observed a new confidence in the India story.

“India is playing a crucial role in promoting developmental and humanitarian goals around the world. It has also assumed leadership of international forums, especially the presidency of G-20,” the President said.

“As the G-20 represents two-thirds of the world population, this is a unique opportunity to help shape global discourse in the right direction. With the G-20 presidency, India can nudge decision-making in trade and finance towards equitable progress,” the President said in her address.

She said that beyond trade and finance, matters of human development too are on the agenda. There are many global issues that concern all humanity and are not limited by geographical boundaries.

“I am confident that with India’s proven leadership in dealing with global issues, member nations will be able to advance effective action on these fronts,” the President said.

Speaking further on India’s G20 Presidency, President Murmu said, “What is notable in India’s presidency of G-20 is the way this diplomatic activity has been taken to the grassroots. There has been a first-of-its-kind campaign to encourage people’s participation. It is delightful to see, for example, students enthusiastically participating in diverse contests organised in schools and colleges touching upon the themes of G-20.”

“All the citizens are enthusiastic about events related to G-20,” she said.

In her address to the country, President Murmu said, “Independence Day is an occasion to reconnect with our history. It is also an occasion to assess our present and reflect about our way forward.”

“Looking at the present, we see that India has not only regained its rightful place on the world stage, but it has also enhanced its standing in the international order,” she added.

“This enthusiasm, along with a sense of empowerment, is possible, because the nation has been taking great strides on all fronts. India’s economy has proven to be not only resilient during turbulent times but is also a beacon of hope for others,” Droupadi Murmu said. (ANI)

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President approves Kakar’s appointment as caretaker PM

The senator has done a Master’s in Political Science and Sociology from the University of Balochistan…reports Asian Lite News

Pakistan’s President Arif Alvi approved the appointment of Anwarul Haque Kakar as Caretaker Prime Minister for the country.

On the social media account, X (formerly known as Twitter), the President’s Office said that under Article 224 A of Pakistan’s constitution, Alvi appointed Anwarul Haque Kakar as caretaker PM.

“President Dr Arif Alvi has approved the appointment of Anwarul Haque Kakar as Caretaker Prime Minister The President approved the appointment under Article 224 A of the Constitution,” the office said in a tweet.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the leader of the Opposition Raja Riaz met and concluded their last round of talks and decided to make Senator Kakar as caretaker PM.

Balochistan lawmaker, Kakar was elected to the Senate in 2018 and has also served as the spokesperson of the provincial government prior to his election to the upper house, as per Geo News.

The lawmaker was selected as the 8th interim head of the government, a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said Saturday.

Kakar and his party had good ties with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) during its government and he was among the people who former prime minister Imran Khan consulted on the matters of Balochistan.

For that reason, Balochistan Awami Party often faced criticism from PML-N for that reason. However, when the party changed sides, it faced criticism from PTI, reported Geo News.

The newly-appointed caretaker premier was born in 1971 in Muslim Bagh, an area of the Killa Saifullah district of Balochistan.

He completed his schooling at St. Francis School, Quetta, and later enrolled in Cadet College Kohat but returned to the Balochistan provincial capital after his father’s demise.

The senator has done a Master’s in Political Science and Sociology from the University of Balochistan.

Senator Kakar started his career by teaching in a school in his native town, according to Geo News.

He is also one of the founding members of BAP and was appointed as the central spokesperson of the party in 2018. (ANI)

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President hails India’s G20 presidency

The President said as G20 represents about two-thirds of the world population and around 85 per cent of global GDP, it is an ideal forum to discuss and find solutions for global challenges…reports Asian Lite News

Noting that the world has started to look at India with new sense of respect, President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday said that India’s G20 presidency is an opportunity to promote democracy and multilateralism and the premier forum for international economic cooperation will be able to enhance its efforts to build a more equitable world order.

In her address to the nation on the eve of the 74th Republic Day, the President said the respect that India has earned on the world stage has resulted in new opportunities as well as responsibilities. “As a result of a series of initiatives in recent years to transform all aspects of governance and unleash creative energies of people, the world has started to look at India with a new sense of respect. Our interventions in various world forums have started making a positive difference. The respect that India has earned on the world stage has resulted in new opportunities as well as responsibilities. This year, as you know, India holds the presidency of the Group of 20 nations,” she said.

President Murmu said that with its motto of universal brotherhood, India stands for peace and prosperity of all. This was her first address to the nation on the eve of Republic Day.

“G20 presidency is an opportunity to promote democracy and multilateralism and the right forum for shaping a better world and a better future. Under India’s leadership, I am sure, G20 will be able to further enhance its efforts to build a more equitable and sustainable world order,” she said.

The President said as G20 represents about two-thirds of the world population and around 85 per cent of global GDP, it is an ideal forum to discuss and find solutions for global challenges.

“To my mind, global warming and climate change are the most pressing among them. Global temperatures are rising and incidents of extreme weather are increasing. We are faced with the dilemma: To lift more and more people out of poverty, we need economic growth, but that growth also comes from fossil fuel. Unfortunately, the poor bear the brunt of global warming more than others,” she said.

“Developing and popularizing alternative sources of energy is one of the solutions. India has taken a commendable lead in this direction by giving a policy push to solar energy and electric vehicles. At the global level, however, emerging economies need a helping hand from advanced nations in the form of technology transfer and financial support,” she added.

India formally assumed G20 Presidency in December last year. (ANI)

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‘India among fastest growing economies’

The President also talked about the challenges faced during the early years of Independence…reports Asian Lite News

As India celebrates 74th Republic Day President Droupadi Murmu in her first Republic Day-eve speech said on Wednesday that India has been among the fastest-growing major economies because of the timely and proactive interventions of the government.

Stating that India has became the fifth largest economy in the world, the President said, “This has been achieved against a global backdrop of economic uncertainty. With the help of able leadership and effective struggle, we soon came out of the recession, and resumed our journey of development.”

“India has been among the fastest-growing major economies because of the timely and proactive interventions of the government. The ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, in particular, has evoked great response among the people at large,” Murmu said.

The President also talked about the challenges faced during the early years of Independence.

“In the early years of Independence, we faced countless challenges and adversities. Very high levels of poverty and illiteracy were just two of the many ill-effects of the long foreign rule. Yet, the spirit of India was undeterred. With hope and confidence, we began an experiment unique in the history of humankind.”

Murmu said that those who shaped modern Indian mind also welcomed progressive ideas from abroad, following the vedic advice “Aano bhadra krtavo yantu vishwatah (Let noble thoughts come to us from all directions).

The President said, “From the day the Constitution came into effect to the present day, it has been an amazing journey that has inspired many other nations. Every citizen has reason to be proud of the India Story.”

Talking about challenges that need to be addressed urgently, the President said, “In my view, global warming and climate change are challenges that need to be addressed urgently. Global temperatures are rising and extreme forms of climate change are visible.”

The President also praised the role of farmers, labourers, scientists and engineers, saying, “I appreciate the roles of farmers, labourers, scientists and engineers whose collective strength enables our country to move forward in the spirit of ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan, Jai Anusandhan’.”

Speaking on the essence of India, the President said, “We are all one, and we are all Indians. So many creeds and so many languages have not divided us, but united us. That’s why we have succeeded as a democratic republic. This is the essence of India.”

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UAE President arrives in Indonesia to attend G20 summit

Sheikh Mohamed joins Indonesian president in inaugurating the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, named to laud the UAE’s founding father…reports Asian Lite News

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has arrived in Indonesia to attend the G20 summit. Sheikh Mohamed and the delegation were received by Indonesian President Joko Widodo, at the Solo airport.

The UAE President was invited to attend the summit by Indonesia, which holds the current G20 presidency.

The G20 is a platform comprising 19 countries and the European Union, which aims to address major issues related to the global economy. This year, the summit will take place in Bali, Indonesia on November 15-16, and will be chaired by the Indonesian president.

The UAE President was accompanied by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; and Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Special Affairs Advisor at the Presidential Court, official news agency WAM reported.

Sheikh Mohamed also joined the Indonesian president in inaugurating the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, named to laud the UAE’s founding father.

Taking to Twitter Sheikh Mohamed wrote that the Summit provides an important platform to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the world today. He also said that the UAE is looking forward to engaging in constructive dialogue to support sustainable growth.

He wrote: “The G20 Summit in Bali, Indonesia provides an important platform to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the world today. The UAE looks forward to engaging in constructive dialogue to support sustainable growth and shared progress for all countries and their people.”

Meanwhile, Arshad Rasheed, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has expressed his pride in the UAE’s participation at the G20 Leaders’ Summit meetings, praising the cooperation and the strong relations between the UAE and Indonesia.

In a statement to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia, Rasheed also expressed his hope to attract more Emirati investments to his country.

The total non-oil trade exchange between the UAE and Indonesia, from 2012 to 2021, amounted to $24 billion (AED86.9 billion).

The volume of intra-non-oil trade grew during the first nine months of this year, with an increase of 33% compared to the same period in 2021, and record growth of 104% compared to the same period in 2020.

The UAE is among the 20 largest trading partners of Indonesia and the second-largest trading partner in the Arab world.

In conjunction with the Business 20 (B20) Summit, which is part of the G20 Summit, the Ministry of Economy organised the UAE Business Forum on Saturday in cooperation with the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry to discuss prospects for cooperation. The two countries signed 16 cooperation agreements between companies from both sides.

Meanwhile, Indonesian Ambassador to the UAE Husin Bagis expressed the importance of the UAE’s participation at the Summit, especially being a leader in priority issues facing world. “We believe that the UAE will contribute to reaching concrete results at the G20 this year, to benefit the world economy. We all know the UAE is indeed one of the countries that lead in the three priority issues (Global Health Architecture, Digital Transformation, and Sustainable Energy Transition),” he said.

One notable partnership between the UAE and Indonesia was the signing of the Indonesia-UAE CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement) on July 1, 2022. It is projected to enhance trade balance between the two countries to$10 billion in the next few years. “The IUAE CEPA is expected to be Indonesia’s entry point to the UAE, which is a hub for increasing exports to potential export destination countries such as the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia, and South Asia,” Bagis explained.

According to the agreement, Indonesia will get 0% (tariff-free) for the exporting products of gold, tyres, spare parts, automotive accessories, car batteries, solar batteries, palm oil, jewellery, paper, rubber, and spices.

“In addition to strong economic ties, Indonesia, the most populous Muslim country in the world, and the UAE are highlighting shared common values regarding moderate Islam and a readiness to work together to promote tolerance and fight against religious extremism,” Bagis added.

UAE launches business forum

The UAE Business Forum was last week in Bali, Indonesia, on the sidelines of the annual G20 meeting.

The forum, which brought together business leaders from both countries, was launched to explore emerging opportunities for cooperation between the business communities, and resulted in the signing of 16 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).

The forum was one of the first major investment conferences to take place since the signing of the UAE-Indonesia Comprehensive Partnership Agreement in July, and which is likely to be ratified in the coming weeks.

Among the 16 MoUs was a deal between G42 and its subsidiaries Presight.ai and G42 Healthcare with Indonesian healthcare AI firm Asaren, while Burjeel Holding Group signed an MoU to develop a healthcare facility through a strategic partnership with the Indonesian Mitra Jaya Group.

Etihad Airways, GAL/AMMROC and Sanad signed in MoUs in aircraft maintenance, with MoUs on electric mobility and defence agreements signed by BarQ EV and Lahab respectively.

Seven additional MoUs were signed around cooperation on the organisation of the 2023 Annual Investment Meeting in Indonesia in 2023.

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