ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Monday condemned what it called “violent calls” by the Hindu right in India to carry out the ‘genocide’ of Muslims living in the neighboring country.
Hundreds of right-wing Hindu activists and monks rose in unison at a three-day conference last week and called for Hindus to arm themselves and kill Muslims. Videos of the event have spread widely on social media in India but the government has remained silent.
People in attendance included influential religious leaders with close ties to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s governing party, the Bharatiya Janata Party, and even some members of the party itself.
On Monday, Islamabad summoned the Indian Charge d’ Affaires to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and conveyed the government of Pakistan’s “serious concerns,” the foreign office said in a statement.
“Violent hate speeches were made during the ‘Dharma Sansad’ held at Haridwar, Uttarakhand from 17-20 December 2021,” the foreign office said. “It was highly reprehensible that ... the Indian government has [not] condemned or taken any action against them so far.”
“Regrettably, the toxic narrative against minorities, particularly Muslims and their persecution understate patronage has become a norm under the current ... government in India,” the statement said.
Pakistan called on the international community including the United Nations, Organization of Islamic Corporation and other human rights organizations to hold India accountable “for its gross and systematic human rights violations against minorities, particularly Muslims and take immediate measures to save them from impending genocide.”
Pakistan also said India should investigate the hate speeches and incidents of violence against minorities and take measures to curb such events in the future.
Pakistan condemns ‘violent calls’ by Hindu right to commit mass killing of Indian Muslims
https://arab.news/8whav
Pakistan condemns ‘violent calls’ by Hindu right to commit mass killing of Indian Muslims
- Hundreds of right-wing Hindus held a conference in India last week, called for Hindus to arm themselves and kill Muslims
- The meeting was attended by influential religious leaders with close ties to PM Narendra Modi’s BJP party
Planning minister says Pakistan to set up advanced technology centers to support economic growth
- Ahsan Iqbal says planned centers to focus on artificial intelligence, quantum computing and nanotechnology
- He also cites satellite technology as key tool for climate monitoring, early warning and disaster management
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan plans to set up technology Centers of Excellence, including facilities focused on quantum computing and nanotechnology, as it seeks to benefit from rapid advances in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, state media reported on Friday.
The announcement was made by Planning and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal, who said the government aims to position Pakistan to compete in future technologies that are expected to drive economic growth and reshape global industries.
Quantum computing, which uses the principles of quantum mechanics to process information far more quickly than conventional computers, has applications ranging from complex data analysis and cryptography to climate modeling and materials science. Nanotechnology focuses on engineering materials at the molecular level and is widely used in energy storage, medicine and electronics.
Addressing a ceremony in Islamabad, Iqbal said countries that master artificial intelligence, robotics, quantum computing and space technologies would lead the global economy in the coming decades.
“During the address, the minister said Pakistan’s efforts to align itself with rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, robotics, space innovation and emerging technologies reflect the country’s ambition to participate confidently in shaping the future,” Radio Pakistan reported.
“Ahsan Iqbal further announced that the government plans to establish three Centers of Excellence, including a National Center for Quantum Computing and a National Center for Nanotechnology, aimed at upgrading the national economy,” it added.
He informed the ceremony that measures were underway to develop a new Silicon Valley in Pakistan “to promote cross-fertilization of ideas and innovation by bringing talent, research and industry together under one roof.”
The minister also highlighted the role of technology in tackling climate challenges, noting that satellite systems are increasingly used worldwide for disaster management, early warning systems and climate monitoring.
Pakistan, one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries, can benefit from satellite technology to track weather patterns, manage floods and improve disaster preparedness, he said, adding that more than 9,000 satellites currently orbit the Earth and are transforming how economies and governments operate.
Iqbal said the planned centers would support Pakistan’s broader “Uraan Pakistan” vision, which focuses on exports, digital development, energy and infrastructure, environmental resilience and social equity, Radio Pakistan reported.
