Doha
28th Feb. 2017:

Qatar Charity launched today ‘ZHAAB’ initiative in presence of Yusuf Bin Ahmed Al-Kuwari, CEO of Qatar Charity and Talal Al Kuwari, Executive Director of ‘ZHAAB’ initiative.

‘ZHAAB’ initiative is established by Qatar Charity under the slogan ‘A Duty, not a Favor’ to provide support to the communities and families in need inside Qatar. ‘ZHAAB’ which is a colloquial Qatari word that refers to a personal object of great value, be it moral or material, in this context - the Qatari society.

Addressing a press conference today, Yusuf Bin Ahmed Al-Kuwari CEO of Qatar Charity said in his address “His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, The Emir of Qatar, and His Highness Sheikh Hamad Al Thani, The Father Emir, having stressed the importance of giving back to the community to establish a society based on justice, charity and equality, as stated in the Qatar National Vision 2030.”

“Qatar Charity is proud to launch under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, ‘ZHAAB’ initiative under the slogan ‘A Duty, not a Favor’, to emphasize the role, the initiative plays in giving back to diverse segments of the local community. Our ultimate goal is to create a well-developed society, built on the basis of human equality and social justice.”

Talal Al Kuwari, Executive Director of ZHAAB said on the occasion “Although an existing number of humanitarian initiatives and charity programs in the state of Qatar are already providing aid and support to many segments of society here and abroad, there has always been an urgent need for a national initiative which caters to providing aid and assistance to members of the local communities in particular.”

One of our primary objectives is to provide support to all segments of society in addition to safeguarding their rights and values and empowering them to play an active role in social development and by providing them with the necessary tools to earn an income and become self-reliant.

He stressed that “Our mission does not end when we just lend a helping hand to the needy, rather we seek long-term comprehensive solutions to the challenges they face in order to ensure a sustainable and comprehensive development of society as a whole, with a focus on human rights while promoting a culture of community service through cooperation with various state entities.”

‘ZHAAB’ is keen on serving the initiative’s target groups, through a campaign to receive donations under the name of "Zokhor" which means generosity on the part of the donor. “Zokhor” is a monthly donation plan established through Qatari banks to facilitate the donation process and make it more convenient to the donor.

In an effort to ensure the success of this initiative, a carefully set criteria has been put in place to evaluate the applications requesting support, as well as provide the necessary and appropriate assistance to those families and individuals.

For further information on how to apply for support or to donate money to support “ZHAAB” initiative, please visit ZHAAB/Qatar Charity offices.

Doha
27 Feb. 2017 (QNA)

Dr Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi, Secretary-General, Foreign Ministry of Qatar today hosted a farewell reception at the hotel Four Seasons Doha in honor of out-going ambassadors - Ahmad Demirok of Turkey and Zahi Mohammad Al Samadi of Jordan.

Qatar based ambassadors and senior officials of Qatar Foreign Ministry attended the reception.

Islamabad
27 Feb. 2017
(APP)

A meeting of senior officials from member states of the Economic Corporation Organization (ECO) in Islamabad on Monday finalized an agenda for a forthcoming ECO summit to be held on Wednesday.

The two-day meeting which began on Sunday with Pakistan’s foreign secretary Aizaz Chaudhry in the chair comes ahead of the 22nd meeting of the ECO’s Council of Ministers to be held on Tuesday in Islamabad, a foreign ministry spokesman said.

The two meetings are part of the 13th ECO summit, which will be held in Islamabad on Wednesday and is expected to be attended by heads of state and representatives from the 10 ECO member states, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The most recent meeting was attended by representatives from Turkey, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

ECO Secretary General, Turkey’s Halil Ibrahim Akca, as well as representatives of the ECO’s specialized agencies and regional institutions, were also present, Nafeez Zakaria, the foreign ministry spokesman confirmed in a statement.

The ECO was established in 1985 by Iran, Turkey, and Pakistan. It succeeded the Regional Cooperation for Development, which was founded in 1964 to promote cooperation among the three member states.

In 1992, the organization welcomed seven new members: Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Afghanistan. The Treaty of Izmir, signed in 1977 and subsequently amended in 1996, is the group’s legal foundation.

During their stay in Pakistan, Heads of state and government, and their accompanying delegations will be given foolproof security.

Minister for Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, today chaired a meeting of administration and high level police officials of twin city Rawalpindi and Islamabad approved the security plan for the ECO summit.

On the instructions of the Interior Minister, for the convenience of residents of Rawalpindi and Islambad it will be a local holiday in both cities on March 1 while on February 28, after 1 pm, educational institutions and offices will be closed.

A traffic plan for the twin cities during the summit, was also approved. From February 28 till night of March 1, Kashmir highway will remain closed from Zero Point to Serena square for ordinary traffic.

These steps will be taken to ensure security, uninterrupted flow of traffic and for saving citizens from any hardship.

The traffic coming from Murree and Kashmir will gain access to Kashmir Highway and Zero Point through Faizabad via Convention Centre. The Interior Ministry appealed to the residents of twin cities for cooperation in view of the significance of ECO meeting.

Besides ensuring security of VIPs and smooth flow of traffic on alternative routes, it should also be ensured that the citizens face the least inconvenience, he directed.

The minister said the security of ECO summit was not only an administrative issue but also a matter of image of Pakistan.

Arab Network Of National Institutions for Human Rights and Office of the United Nations High Commissioner For Human Rights has signed recently a memorandum of understanding to work together based on a shared vision between the two sides on the need to consolidate efforts and expertise in the field of human rights in the Arab region

MOU was signed by Miss Kate Gilmore, Deputy High Commissioner, UNHCR and Sultan bin Hassan, CEO, Arab Network of National Institutions for Human Rights. Present on the occasion were Dr. Ali Samikh AlMarri, Chairman NHRC, Qatar, George Abu , Director of Training & Documentation Center, Doha.

It was stressed that there is a need to strengthen the bonds between the network and the Commission through institutional capacity-building efforts of the members states. It was also agreed to provide joint support in the implementation of technical and professional programs to achieve common goals in the field of protection and promotion of human rights in the Arab region.

It was also agreed to on setting up a mechanism for joint cooperation between the two parties in ways that enhance their respective roles, and strengthen coordination between them, and contributes to the exchange of experiences, according to the objectives and areas of cooperation of mutual interests and intersections between the strategic objectives of both parties, according to raise capacities and skills of national human rights institutions in the Arab region.

It was also agreed to create awareness of the culture of human rights in the Arab region and to have it published through official and social media level. In addition, organizing of workshops, conferences and training courses, which would contribute to the promotion and protection of human rights to be used. Moreover, steps to be taken in areas like regular exchange of views & consultations, to conduct studies and research to discuss the challenges being faced and to study the mechanisms to deal with these challenges.

Doha
26 Feb 2017
Report by Ashraf Siddiqui

A total strength of 17,000 nurses are employed in Qatar, out of which merely 2 % are Qatari nurses including both male and female. To attract nationals, first national college of nurses is under study and hopefully before end of the year, a decision will take place in this regard, it was told by Dr. Nabila AlMeer, Executive Director of Nursing at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC). On the sideline of Second GCC Nurses Conference opened this morning for two days at the Hotel Sheraton Doha.

Dr. Nabila AlMeer told that several attempts are being taken regularly to create awareness and attract local youths towards nursing profession including visits to schools and presentation to higher class students. By opening nursing college, it will attract locals to come forward and opt as career, she said. Objective of having national nursing college is to prepare specialized nursing professionals.

Second GCC Nursing Conference is organised by Qatar this year, first ever GCC Nursing conference was held two years before in Kuwait. Theme of two days Doha conference is 'Evolution of Technology & It's impact on Humane Nursing Care'. Delegates from the region and around the world will be discussing on recent technological breakthroughs and it's impact on nursing profession.

The Minister of Public Health Dr Hanan Mohammed al Kuwari opened the conference.

Dr Wasmiya Dalhem AlKuwari, Executive Director of Nursing Informatics at HMC gave presentation on HMC achievements in the development of Nurses career in presence of latest technology equipment and in improvement of patient care in Qatar.

Presently, there is one Canadian nursing faculty campus in Qatar, 'University of Calgary in Qatar' which offers Bachelor of Nursing Degree as well as a Nursing Diploma. Around 570 students of 30 different nationalities are getting nursing courses.

Supreme Committee
for Delivery & Legacy
Doha, Qatar / www.sc.qa
23 Feb. 2017

Gianni Infantino, FIFA President visited Qatar recently since his last visit a year before. During his visit, Infantino attended a two days long Executive Football Summit. Objective of the summit was to bring together member association presidents and general secretaries to discuss strategic matters as well as workshops were designed to foster greater collaboration.

Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) gave a presentation on plans for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar.

President Infantino spoke exclusively to www.sc.qa about the progress he has seen over the past 12 months, as well as the incredible legacy that will be left behind for the entire Middle East as a result of hosting the tournament.

You mentioned last week how impressed you have been at the legacy plans of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar™. What have you seen in your latest trip that has impressed?

The legacy of this World Cup hasn’t just been evident over the past two days but for a long time now. One of the key pillars of the organisation of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy is linked to legacy and football projects in different countries around the world. What has been done with these projects, which were presented to the Member Associations last week and impressed all of them, is not just about education values and producing professional players who can play in the World Cup. It’s about what we can do and what Qatar is doing, for young boys and girls who can play football and enjoy its core values through education which is hugely important.

Have the Member Associations who were in Qatar learned more about the legacy plans of 2022 that they perhaps did not know much about before?

I’m sure many were not aware of the full legacy plans and it’s good that they were able to hear about them first-hand. This is the sort of information that gets lost when you speak about organising such a big event as people tend to focus on stadiums or airports and hotels. They want to talk about the big things you can see and touch. They don’t always see the additional work which is why these presentations were very important.

I spoke with the associations about these issues of course and it was great to see representatives from Qatar exchanging contact details with their counterparts, which I am sure will lead to working on various activities together in the future. I think the best example of seeing this kind of relationship in practice is to look at the Nordic FAs that came to Qatar last year. They were very impressed by what they saw and they expressed this after their meeting.

You have been very clear about your plans for an expanded World Cup to ensure sustainable tournaments. Is it fitting that 2022 – which could be the last World Cup as we know it – has been planned to leave a sustainable legacy behind?

No matter what happens, 2022 will leave a lasting legacy because it is the first World Cup to be organised in the Middle East. It is the first time an Arab country will have hosted the tournament and this is important as we live in a time when we need to highlight respect and inclusion. It will also take place during a different time of the year which is something else that will make the event very unique.

What the future of the World Cup will look like we will have to wait and see. We still don’t know if there will be one host or two hosts, so time will tell. However, we are very much looking forward to this World Cup because it will be something really special.

We know everything will be located very closely together and to have the furthest stadiums situated no more than 60 kilometres apart is quite something. Normally a World Cup city would only have matches every three or four days. In 2022 there will be games in a World Cup country the size of a city every day and people will enjoy this concept.

It’s been almost one year since you were in Doha. How impressed have you been with the progress since the last time you were here?

There has been enormous progress made, with the infrastructure and the construction works. Khalifa Stadium is the historic stadium in Qatar. It is a beautiful stadium and is almost complete. More generally, the construction of the stadiums is progressing at a fast rate which is fantastic to see. As 2022 approaches, we must now move at full speed.

Last week it was announced work had begun to install the modular components on Al Bayt Stadium. It must be very encouraging to see some of the promises made during the bid come to life?

This is extremely satisfying to see. It is part of the legacy we were talking about. Not only is it a beautiful stadium that represents such an iconic part of the Arabic culture, but also the modular structure is a very intelligently designed project that avoids creating a 60,000-seater monument that you do not need because of Qatar’s size. What is left behind can be used by other people after the tournament, so for me that is a concrete example of intelligent, sustainable construction. It is a true testament to the legacy of the work that has been done so far. We are looking forward to the first stadium inspections which will take place from this year onwards.

Generation Amazing, the SC’s flagship CSR programme, is another example of the impact this World Cup is having five years before the tournament even begins. How impressed have you been by the impact a programme like this is having so far in advance?

The rewarding aspect of these projects is you can see they have already started. You can already feel the World Cup and the impact it has on so many people. Even the name of the programme describes its effect. What has already been done in this project is amazing and it is good to embrace these activities so far in advance because they are all part of the project and demonstrate the impact that a World Cup in Qatar will have in this country and around the rest of the world.

In terms of the progress made on Workers’ Welfare, do you still have a level of comfort that the health and well-being of workers is being looked after?

Work on this issue is never finished and there is a lot that still needs to be done, however there has been progress. The World Cup in Qatar is a catalyst for change, providing a tremendous opportunity to set a benchmark for the conditions of workers, not just in this country but across the entire Gulf region. Yes, a lot needs to be done but I think you must also look at what has already been accomplished like the establishment of workers welfare standards, the signing of an agreement between Building and Wood Workers’ International and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy to conduct joint labour and accommodation inspections on World Cup stadia, and the cooled helmet and towel initiatives which will provide workers with specially designed helmets and cold towels during construction phases when temperatures increase. We will always look at this issue in a critical way, but in a way that provides constructive criticism and recognises the progress and effort that has been achieved so far.

The World Cup spotlight may bring some negativity at times but it also brings positivity and we must continue this good work. I think back to almost a year ago when I attended the Workers’ Cup. This was a very interesting tournament and concept. The final had more people at it than a lot of professional leagues. This is one of the positives.

Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary General of the SC, spoke last week at Cambridge University about the importance of using football to bring people together. Has there been a more important time for the sport to try and achieve this?

These are very important points. Football is of course just a game but is also so much more than that. There are times like at the moment, when we look around the world and see a lot tension and fear. Through football we can try and change this and we can try and help people smile. All we want to try to do is let people share moments of joy and happiness because that’s what football is about.

Doha
23 Feb 2017

Prof. Dr Abdus Samad from India, a renowned educationist and author will receive the honour alongwith a Pakistani winner, whose name will be announced after the Pakistan Jury, headed by Dr Khurshid Rizvi, holds its meeting in the first week of March in Lahore'', said Mohammad Atiq, Chairman of the Majlis.

The award function alongwith an international Mushaira will be held in Doha in October/ November this year. The award carries a cash prize of IRs. / PRs.150,000/= and a gold medal for each winner. The award is given every year to two literary personalities-one from India and the other from Pakistan, for their contribution towards the promotion of Urdu language and literature, as a life-time achievement award.

Samad was chosen by an independent jury in a meeting held at India International Centre, New Delhi, India on Saturday, 18th February. The Indian Jury comprised of Prof. Dr. Gopi Chand Narang [Chairman], Prof. Shafey Qidwai, Nand Kishore Vikram and Prof. Atiqullah.

Samad was born on 18th July, 1952 in Bihar Sharif, Nalanda. He has completed M.A. and Ph.D. in Political Science. Later, he worked as U.G.C. fellow for research and teaching department of Political Science , Magadh University, Bodh Gaya. [ Jan. 1977 to Nov. 1979].

He then joined as a lecturer in Oriental College, Patna city in 1979, where he was promoted to the ranks of Reader in 1989 and Professor in 1997. His wife is also a Professor of Urdu in J.D. Women's College, Patna. He has two sons and a grand daughter.

Samad has also acted as :

[1] Principal, Raj Narain College, Hajipur [ January, 1996 to January, 1998 ]
[2] Principal, Oriental College, Patna city [ 2005-2010 ]
[3] Chairman, Urdu Advisory Committee, Government of Bihar in the rank of a Minister of State [ 1991 - 1999 ]

Starting his literary career with short story writing, Samad later began writing novels. He has written following 6 collections of short stories and 9 novels so far:

Collections of Short Stories :
1. Barah rangon wala kamrah [ 1980 ].
2. Pas-e- deewar [ 1983 ],
3. Siyah kaghaz ki Dhajjian [ 1990 ]
4. Musical Chair [ 1996 ] 5. Aag ke andar raakh [ 2000 ] 6. Baqalam khud [ 2006 ].

Novels : 1. Do Gaz Zameen [ 1988 ], 2. Mahatma [ 1992 ] 3. Khawabon ka Savera [ 1994 ] 4. Maha Sagar [ 1996 ] 5. Dhamak [ 2004 ]
6. Bikhre Auraq [ 2010 ] 7. Shakist ki Awaz [ 2013 ] 8. Ujalon ki Siyahi [ 2015 ] 9. The journey of a Burning Boat - English [ 2011 ].
He has also written two books on Political Science, two books of translations and a sketch '' Dil me rahen Muqeem [ 2014 ]. His novel--''DO GAZ ZAMEEN'' has been translated and printed in many languages of India like English, Bangla, Hindi, Punjabi, Kashmiri, Telugu, Kannad and Dogree, while his novel '' KHAWABON KA SAVERA'' has been translated and printed in English by renowned English Publications Organisation -- '' Macmillan'', under the title of --'' DAWN OF DREAMS ''.

'' Abdus Samad's novels state the sufferrings, injustices and ups and downs of life of the common man and depict the serious problems, deep pains and tragedies of the rural life, especially Bihar, North East India, Bangla Desh, Partition of the country and humanity'' said Dr. Gopi Chand Narang, Chairman of Indian Jury and former Chairman, Sahitya Academy, India.

Samad's international fame novels - ''DO GAZ ZAMEEN '' and '' Khwabon ka Savera'' got him Sahitya Academy Award in the year 1990 and Bharatiya Bhasha Parishad Award in the year 1998 respectively. In addition, Ghalib Award [ 2014 ], Bihar Urdu Academy Awards [1990 ], Uttar Pardesh Urdu Academy Award [ 1990 ] have also been conferred upon him.

Samad has also been associated with the following :

1. Convenor, Urdu Advisory Board and member, Executive Committee of the Sahitya Academy, New Delhi.[ 1993 -1997]
2. Member, Gyanpeeth Award Committee, [ Urdu ] New Delhi [ 1996 -1997 ]
3. Member, Editorial Board of the English journal ''UTTARA'', New Delhi [ 1997- 1998 ]
4. Member of a number of State level Committees, Government of Bihar like, 15-points Programme Implementation Committee for minorities, Hindi Pragiti Samiti, Executive Committee, Bihar Urdu Academy.
5. Member, Syndicate & Senate, Magadh University, Bodh Gaya [ 1995- 2002 ].
6. Member, Syndicate & Senate, Bihar University, Muzaffarpur [ 1997 -1998 ]
7. Member, high level committee, headed by the Governor of Bihar, for assistance to the writers and artistes [ 1992 - 1996 ]
8. Member, high level committee headed by the member, Board of Revenue, for recruitment of translators and typists, [ Rajbhasha ]--1992- 1996.
9. Represented India at an international meet at Almaty, Kazhakistan in August, 1995.''

Doha
22 Feb.2017 (QNA)

The Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre (QICDRC) held its Annual General Meeting.

President of the QICDRC, Lord Phillips of Worth Matravers and Chairman of the QFC Regulatory Tribunal Sir David Keene chaired the meeting for both sides. Other officials attending the meeting were QICDRC judiciary to the AGM, including QICDRC CEO, Faisal Al Sahouti and Court Registrar Christopher Grout.

The agenda for the meeting included the caseload and plans for 2017 and matters relating to the general administration of the QICDRC. A swearing-in ceremony took place for Justice Gopal Subramanium who is the latest judge appointed to the QFC Regulatory Tribunal. Justice Subamanium is an Indian lawyer and Senior Advocate and the former Solicitor General of India.

Mubarak Saad Al-Hajri, a Judge in the Court of First Instance was appointed to act as a general legal counsel to the Qatar International Court (QIC), in addition to his original duties at the Supreme Judiciary Council.

CEO, QICDRC, Faisal Al Sahouti welcomed Judge Mubarak Al Hajeri in his additional role as General Legal Counsel.

Doha
22 Feb. 2017 (QNA)

Qatar's added value on spending doubled from year 2011 to year 2015 as per a report released today by Qatar Ministry of Economy and Commerce.

The added value from the tourism sector in Qatar grew from QR 21.2 billion in 2011 to 41.3 billion in 2015. The figures were provided in a report on the contribution of the tourism sector to the Qatari economy. The report highlighted the positive role that tourism sector plays in the economy, noting that its contribution in the past three years was between 12 percent and 14 percent. The sector's contribution to GDP was 5.4 percent, compared to a contribution of 3.3 percent in 2011.

As per the report, tourism is playing it's role as one of the main pillars of economic diversification. Tourism export rose from QR 10.2 billion in 2010 and reached QR 24 billion 2015. The increase was mainly due to the increase in the number of tourists and their spending. The total number of tourists increased from 1.7 million in 2010 to 2.9 million to 2015, a CAGR of 11 percent. The spending increased from around QR 2,471 per person in 2010 to QR 8,418 in 2015.

The report indicates scope for further growth in tourism sector especially as World Cup 2022 is approaching.

Doha
22 Feb. 2017 (QNA)

Emir of State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani today decorated with medal of AlWajbah to Ahmet Demirok, out-going ambassador of Turkey and Zaki Mohammed Alsamadi, out-going ambassador of Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in recognition of their efforts in enhancing ties between the State of Qatar and their countries.

Ambassador Ahmet Demirok and ambassador AlSamadi expressed their gratitude and appreciation to Emir of Qatar and the officials on their cooperation which contributed to their success during their tenure of posting in Qatar.

Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad AlThani, Emir of Qatar wished further progress and prosperity of their countries and success in their future assignments.