Beijing, China, 08 Nov. 2022 (Xinhua)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), and Commander-in-Chief of the CMC joint operations command center, inspects the CMC joint operations command center, demonstrating the stance of the new CMC on implementing the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress and enhancing troop training and combat preparedness.

Xi instructed the armed forces to thoroughly study, publicize and implement the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress and take concrete actions to further modernize national defense and the military.

Noting that the world is undergoing more profound changes unseen in a century, Xi stressed that China's national security is facing increased instability and uncertainty, and its military tasks remain arduous.

He demanded that the entire armed forces implement the Party's thinking on strengthening the military for the new era, follow the military strategy for the new era and adhere to combat effectiveness as the sole criterion.

Xi also instructed them to resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, and successfully complete various tasks entrusted by the Party and the people.

Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt (Anadolu-New York Times)

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced an action plan on Monday for an early warning system against climate disasters.

Speaking at the UN climate summit COP27 in Egypt’s seaside city of Sharm el-Sheikh, Guterres said the plan calls for initial new targeted investments of $ 3.1 billion between 2023 and 2027 – roughly six percent of the requested $50 billion in adaptation financing.

“Vulnerable communities in climate hotspots are being blindsided by cascading climate disasters without any means of prior alert,” Guterres said.

“Countries with limited early warning coverage have disaster mortality eight times higher than countries with high coverage.  The Action Plan launched today sets out the way forward to right this wrong, and protect lives and livelihoods.”

The early warning system would allow communities hazardous climate-related events and would reduce by 30% the damages from extreme climate changes.

“People in Africa, South Asia, South and Central America, and the inhabitants of small island states are 15 times more likely to die from climate disasters. These disasters displace three times more people than war. And the situation is getting worse.” Guterres said.

Egypt is currently hosting COP27, with more than 100 leaders and heads of states attending the global event to discuss ways to lessen the negative impacts of climate change and adapting to its repercussions.

Dozens of presidents and prime ministers spoke on Monday at a global summit on climate change after the United Nations chief opened the day’s session with a warning that the world was “on a highway to climate hell with our foot on the accelerator.”

The U.N. secretary general, António Guterres, set the tone for the annual United Nations-led international climate talks, which officially began on Sunday as the accumulating threats of war, warming and economic crisis take a toll on every continent, hitting the world’s most vulnerable people the hardest.

“We are in the fight of our lives, and we are losing,” Mr. Guterres said in opening remarks at the summit in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt. Dozens of world leaders delivered brief addresses at the event on Monday.

Later, the British prime minister, Rishi Sunak, told delegates the Russian invasion of Ukraine should prompt countries to invest more heavily in renewable energy. “Putin’s abhorrent war in Ukraine, and rising energy prices across the world, are not a reason to go slow on climate change,” Mr. Sunak said. “They are a reason to act faster.”

President Emmanuel Macron of France said the war in Ukraine should not change countries’ commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The talks opened under the shadow of unsettling new data: The World Meteorological Organization said on Sunday that the planet had likely witnessed its warmest eight years on record, including every year since countries came together in 2015 to create the landmark Paris agreement that was aimed at pivoting the global economy away from fossil fuels and slowing down warming.

The biggest fault line of this year’s talks is the question of what rich, industrialized countries that account for the largest share of greenhouse gas emissions owe to those bearing the brunt of climate hazards. On that there was a small breakthrough on Sunday — progress on the contentious issue of who will pay for the irreversible damage that climate change is wreaking on the world’s most vulnerable.

Egypt is hosting the conference, and the government has tried to cast itself as a climate champion of the developing world. But those efforts have sometimes seemed at odds with the country’s troubling records on the environment and human rights. The most prominent political dissident in Egypt, Alaa Abd el-Fattah, who has spent more than 200 days on a hunger strike in an effort to pressure the authorities to let him go, vowed to begin a water strike as the summit began.

In addition, protests, which have been a feature of earlier COP summits, have been noticeably absent so far in Egypt, partly as a result of strict security measures and the remoteness of the conference site from major cities.

Even with protesters mostly absent from the streets, activists still seized on the opportunity to push governments to take tougher action against climate change. On Monday, environmental groups called for a 'fossil fuel nonproliferation treaty' that would ultimately put an end to to all new oil, gas and coal projects.

The climate talks are the 27th session of the Conference of Parties to the United Nations convention, which is why the event is known as COP27,  Over 44,000 people have registered to attend, including representatives of government, business and civil society groups.

The talks come at the end of a year that saw extraordinary heat waves across the northern hemisphere, catastrophic flooding in Pakistan and Nigeria, and a punishing drought in China.

According to a list posted by the United Nations, 110 heads of state and government are addressing the conference, a larger number than at many previous climate conferences. Of those, just seven are women.

In her remarks on Monday, Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados linked the inability of vulnerable countries to cope with climate hazards to history, saying that countries of the Global North still controlled the money that countries of the Global South need in order to pivot away from fossil fuels.

She also restated a call for an overhaul of international development institutions like the World Bank.

“This world looks too much like it did when it was part of an imperialistic empire,” she said.

Doha, Qatar, 02 Nov. 2022

Emir of State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani today conferred the prestigious Al Wajba Medal on Pakistan Ambassador Syed Ahsan Raza Shah, in recognition of his efforts and role in enhancing cooperation between Pakistan and Qatar.

According to Pakistan emnassy press statement, His Highness the Emir met the outgoing envoy of Pakistan at the Emiri Diwan.

The Emir wished the Ambassador success in the future duties and praised his role in strengthening bilateral ties between the two brotherly countries.

Outgoing Ambassador of Pakistan expressed his gratitude and appreciation to His Highness the Emir and the officials of the State for the cooperation accorded to him that contributed to the success of his tenure in the country.

Doha, 06 Nov. 2022 (Philippine News Agency)

By Ashraf Siddiqui

Tiny State of Qatar in Arabian Peninsula has gained prominent and prestigious status among the world body through it’s a positive and strong role in various sectors across the world. Its role as a strategic partner in the political arena in solving major conflicts; meeting energy requirements across the regions; programs like Education Above All, WISE and WISH in the development of medicine, science and research are among numerous services for the elevation of humanity.

Sport is a culture in Qatar as witnessed from ‘Qatar National Sports Day’, 2nd Tuesday of February of every year is a public holiday to promote healthy lifestyle and promoting the importance of exercise in daily life. Moreover, the hosting of various regional and world level tournaments as well as Qatar’s holding of various positions in the ranking of various sports has cemented strong confidence in Qatar’s deep passion and dedication in the field of sports not only in the sport of soccer.

Another feather is now added to its worldwide reputation in sports on the timely completion of a challenging innovative infrastructure required in hosting mega sports event level of FIFA World Cup with a style and innovation to be followed in the future.

The decision to host a mega sport like of FIFA World Cup by Qatar, a small country to many was a mistake, a simple dream as mentioned by then US President Barrack Obama on the night of 2nd December 2010. He had said that FIFA made a 'wrong decision' and that too ahead of the United States. The US had lost in final voting against Qatar by 14-8 in Zurich.

However, Father Amir HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa comments were “We will deliver with passion and make sure this is a milestone in the history of the Middle East and a milestone for Fifa. On behalf of millions of people in the Middle East, thank you for believing in us, thank you for having such bold vision. I can promise we will not let you down.”

2022 World Cup is first tournament in Middle East, 2nd time in Asia jointly organized in 2002 by Japan and South Korea.

Now less than three weeks are left in the realization of then a dream to many, to me it was a vision not simple dream, very well calculated, well planned, designed in an innovative and unprecedented style, well organized and well-selected team.

HH The Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad AlThani in his message at the 51st annual session of Shura Council on Nov. 1 said, “Our meeting today is taking place against the backdrop of the state and the people’s preoccupation with preparing to host a historical event that constitutes one of our most important national projects, which is the World Cup. The global interest in this event as well as in the host country reveals the extent of significance of this event for our country. It is the most important sporting event, yet it is not a mere sporting event, but rather a major humanitarian occasion.”

HH the Amir said, “In short, it is an occasion in which we portray ‘who we are’, not only in terms of the strength of our economy and institutions but also in terms of our civilizational identity. This is a great test for a country the size of Qatar that impresses the whole world with what it has already achieved and is achieving.”

The first match on the inauguration ceremony of the long-awaited tournament will take place on 20th of November at the iconic architecture of AlBayt stadium in AlKhor in presence of 60,000 overwhelmed spectators including expected dozens of heads of states, prime ministers and other dignitaries.

Around 20 days are left in the inauguration of the mega football world cup here in Qatar. It will be right to say that completion of all arrangements for hosting 2022 FIFA World Cup by the State of Qatar has not only defused all the doubts about its capability rather strengthened much confidence in its leadership role in the sports sector too. (PNA)

Ashraf Siddiqui, a well known journalist, and having rich experience of over four decades in Gulf States

Doha, 05 Nov 2022 (QT)

By Vinay Nayudu & Ashraf Siddiqui

While Rahat Fateh Ali Khan mesmerized, Sunidhi Chauhan simply rocked the night in company of composing duo Salim and Sulaiman Merchant at the mammoth Lusail Stadium on Friday at the Bollywood Music Festival held as part of Darb Lusail festival marking the start of grand fan festivities ahead of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

Almost 50,000 people crooned to soul-stirring Bollywood songs as the FIFA World Cup 2022 final venue came aglow with the torch lights of their mobile phones.
While Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, who hails from Pakistan, is a popular performer whose voice is on many famous Hindi cinema tracks, India’s Sunidhi Chauhan’s iconic singing has won her many awards.

Spectators could be seen tapping their feet, applauding, whistling and at times dancing in the aisles as the music masters dished out one hit after another. Just as the music night began, Nasser Al Khater, CEO, FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 LLC, while speaking of the event said, “We are very happy. This was an important event for us to test the Lusail Stadium much ahead of time before the beginning of the World Cup in Qatar. We are very happy with this show and we are looking
forward to welcoming everyone back to the FIFA World Cup.

“We are also happy that people are enjoying the Qatari hospitality. We are always keen to ensure that all spectators and guests feel at home and that there’s nothing missing in their experience of these great events. “At the same time with so many people coming together, there will be congestion at Metro stations, there will be traffic on roads. And that’s why we always urge all to leave their place of stay early at the stadiums and follow directions for a smoother passage out at the stadiums and Metro stations.”

“It was a smooth affair at the 80,000-capacity Lusail Stadium on Friday as spectators and guests were guided by efficient volunteers with all courtesy. The huge movement of the crowd towards the Metro station also mattered little to fans as they continued dancing of drums they carried along much to the delight of all.”
Not only those who attended the event but the artists themselves were taken in by the occasion at the sprawling venue.

“This is crazy,” screamed Gauhar Khan, Indian actress and model, as she introduced the evening. “I was in Japan when it hosted the 2002 football World Cup, but this in Qatar is historic. We all can say we were at the Lusail Stadium!,” she added.

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, highly accomplished Sufi and qawwali singer, said, “I welcome you all to FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar.” And then he captured the hearts of all with his great singing. After rendering “tere bin nahin lagda dil mera”, Rahat, nephew of the legendary singer late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, introduced his
son, saying “My son and my brother are giving me company with the music.”

From Aafreen, Aafreen, to Mere Rashke Qamar to Tere mast do nain…. Nusrat was indeed magical.

Later came Sunidhi and she rocketed with some of greatest hits including desi girls to beedi jalay le piya.. before signing off in her signature style – “this is Sunidhi Chauhaaan”.

“It was soul stirring night and just right tonic for we football fans ahead of the world’s greatest football show one earth, echoed Nishat Mohammed as he ran out to join his friends to celebrate outside the stadium soon after the show.

A crazy Lionel Messi fan, Nishat said he has been lucky that he also got a ticket to watch a World Cup match when Messi and Argentina play against Saudi Arabia during the groups stage of the tournament.

Abdulaziz Al Nasser at one of the VIP Lounges at the stadium said, “It’s fantastic. It’s an event that brings different cultures together. It’s a great occasion for all the expats who live in Qatar and we love them. As for me, while I may not understand their singing but I love the notions, the musical instruments that they play.
“All these different instruments coming together takes a lot of orchestrating to do it and creates a beautiful atmosphere for the body and the soul.”

The event was part of a final hosting exercise at Lusail Stadium and open to all and only Hayya card holders.

Mehr Nissa from Hyderebad, said, “What a beautiful crowd and show. And if this now, just imagine how it would be during the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. It’s thrilling.

Doha, 05 Nov. 2022 (QNA)

The Ministry of Defense has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Ministry of Defense of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, pertaining to technical arrangements regarding the provision of ships by the Pakistan Navy to secure the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

The memorandum was signed on behalf of the Ministry of Defense by Deputy Chairman of the Executive Committee for Security and International Relations, Brig. Gen. Khaled Mohammed Al Nuaimi and on behalf of the Pakistani side by Pakistan's Defense Attache to Qatar Commodore (Brig. Gen.) Sharjeel Iftikhar.

The technical arrangements aim to define and organize responsibilities related to the cooperation between the two parties and the contribution of the Pakistani Armed Forces in providing support for maritime security during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

Doha, 05 Nov. 2022 (Anadolu News)

Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani has slammed criticism of the Gulf country’s hosting of the World Cup as “hypocrisy”.

Qatar is set to host World Cup from Nov. 20 through Dec. 18, becoming the first Arab and Middle Eastern country to organize the global tournament.

The country, however, came under fire since it was awarded the event in 2010, mainly on alleged mistreatment of migrant workers and its human rights records.

“I think there are some people who don’t accept that a small country in the Middle East is hosting such a global event,” bin Abdulrahman said in an interview with Le Monde newspaper.

"The reasons given for boycotting the World Cup do not add up. There is a lot of hypocrisy in these attacks, which ignore all that we have achieved," he added.

The Qatari minister said that attacks against his country over hosting the global even were made “by a very small number of people”.

“It is frankly unfortunate. The reality is that the world is looking forward to this celebration. Over 97 percent of the tickets have been sold. Among the 10 countries that bought the most tickets, we find European countries like France,” he said.

The top diplomat stressed that Qatar is a “very welcoming country” and that the “entire world is welcome in our country”.

“All we ask is that fans respect our laws, just as we are expected to respect yours when we visit you,” he added.

Beijing, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan on his official visit to China at the Great Hall of the People on Wednesday.

Xi welcomed Sharif and thanked him for his congratulatory letter right after the opening of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

Noting that China and Pakistan are good friends, good partners and good brothers, Xi said amid global changes and instability in recent years, the two countries have supported each other and forged ahead, demonstrating an ironclad friendship.

"China views its relations with Pakistan from a strategic and long-term perspective, and Pakistan has always been a high priority in China's neighborhood diplomacy," Xi said.

China is ready to work with Pakistan to elevate the level of all-round strategic cooperation, speed up efforts to build a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era, and inject new impetus into their all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, according to Xi.

Xi stressed that China commends Pakistan's firm commitment to advancing friendship and cooperation with China, and expressed appreciation for Pakistan's support on issues vital to China's core and major concerns.

China will continue to firmly support Pakistan in safeguarding its sovereignty, territorial integrity, development interests and dignity, and in achieving unity, stability, development and prosperity, the Chinese president said.

"China expressed deep sympathies to the Pakistani people over the devastating floods that have hit the country, and will provide additional emergency relief to help with post-flood reconstruction," Xi said, adding that China supports Pakistan's efforts to revive agricultural production, and will strengthen cooperation with Pakistan on disaster prevention and relief and climate change.

After presenting the key outcomes of the 20th CPC National Congress, Xi underscored that China will continue its fundamental policy of opening-up and provide new opportunities to Pakistan and the rest of the world through continuous development.

Xi said China will further deepen synergy between its development strategies and those of Pakistan, calling on the two sides to make full use of the Joint Cooperation Committee of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), advance CPEC with greater efficiency, and make CPEC an exemplar of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.

It is important to accelerate the construction of auxiliary infrastructure for Gwadar Port to unleash its role in driving interconnected development in the region, Xi said, hoping the two sides will work together to create conditions for the early implementation of the upgradation of the Main Line-1 (ML-1) and the Karachi Circular Railway project.

"Pakistan is welcome to export more quality agri-products to China," Xi said, adding that China will work with Pakistan to expand cooperation in digital economy, e-commerce, and photovoltaic and other new-energy technologies, and take solid steps to advance cooperation concerning agriculture, science, technology and people's livelihood.

He said China will continue to do its best to support Pakistan in stabilizing its financial situation. China supports its provinces with a strong industry in pairing up with Pakistani partners to advance industrial cooperation, and hopes the Pakistani side will provide a sound business environment.

Xi expressed his great concern about the safety of Chinese nationals in Pakistan, and conveyed his hope that Pakistan will provide a reliable and safe environment for Chinese institutions and personnel working on cooperation projects there.

Xi pointed out that the world, our times and history are changing in ways like never before. Facing a highly uncertain world, both sides should stand on the right side of history, keep up their strong cooperation in multilateral mechanisms, and work closely on major international and regional issues so as to uphold true multilateralism, international fairness and justice and the shared interests of developing countries, and inject certainty and positives into the world.

China will work with Pakistan to advance the operationalization of the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative, make the global economic governance system fairer, more equitable, inclusive and mutually beneficial, and build a community with a shared future for mankind, Xi said.

These collaborative efforts will provide a strong underpinning for the development of the two countries, and contribute more to global peace, stability and prosperity, Xi said.

Sharif noted that it is a great honor for him to be among the first foreign leaders to visit China after the successful 20th CPC National Congress, which marked a new milestone. He said the visit is a testament to the profound ironclad friendship between Pakistan and China.

On behalf of the Pakistani government and people, Sharif once again expressed hearty congratulations to President Xi on his re-election as general secretary of the CPC Central Committee. He said that over the past decade, under the dynamic leadership of President Xi, China has created a miracle of great development achievements.

He said China has upheld multilateralism, promoted global solidarity and cooperation, and made important contributions to safeguarding world peace and development. In doing so, China has lived up to its responsibility as a major country.

The world cannot operate without China, and China's development cannot be isolated or contained by any force, Sharif said, expressing his confidence that President Xi, with his extraordinary vision, will continue to lead China toward even more remarkable achievements and create an even brighter future for the world.

Sharif stressed that deepening Pakistan's all-weather strategic cooperative partnership with China is a cornerstone of Pakistan's foreign policy and the national consensus of Pakistan. He expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Chinese government and people for the valuable anti-COVID support, and for the generous assistance in the wake of the devastating floods. No country has ever helped Pakistan or other developing countries with such wholehearted sincerity, he said.

Sharif reiterated Pakistan's firm commitment to the one-China policy and its firm support for China's position on issues concerning China's core interests including Taiwan, Xinjiang and Hong Kong. He said even as Pakistan learns from China's successful experience and tries to rely on its own efforts, Pakistan will deepen all-round cooperation with China to better develop itself. He said this is the only way forward for Pakistan.

Hailing CPEC's profound impact on Pakistan's economic and social development, the prime minister said Pakistan is ready to work with China to continue promoting high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and hopes to have China's strong support in the upgradation of ML-1, the Karachi Circular Railway and other important infrastructure projects.

Sharif said Pakistan will further step up security measures and do all it can to protect the safety of Chinese institutions and personnel.

Sharif said Pakistan fully supports the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative put forth by President Xi, and it will strengthen communication and collaboration with China in international and regional affairs to make a positive contribution to world peace and development.

The Pakistan-China friendship is unbreakable, and Pakistan will always stand firmly with China, Sharif said.

After the meeting, Xi held a welcoming banquet for Sharif at the Golden Hall of the Great Hall of the People.

Wang Yi and He Lifeng were present at the events.

Wazirabad, Pakistan, 03 Nov. 2022

Former Prime Minister Imran Khan survived in a shoot out and got slightly injured that took one life and injured a few more.

Imran Khan since ousted from government around seven months before through no-confidence motion in parliament has been carrying a protest campaign on roads against Pakistan Military Chief and other institutions for not supporting him undemocratic in bringing him back to power.

Moreover, there are a number of severe cases registered against Imran Khan and some of his party senior leaders on charges including by misusing of position taken away precious goods from treasury; sold them in market and hide the amount received; receiving of unauthorized and illegal funds in millions of dollars from non-Pakistani nationals and organizations; misappropriation of funds; non-disclosure of hidden bank accounts; involvement of himself and his present third wife in mega corruptions; etc. All such cases 

Since last one week,  he introduced a unique style of 'freedom movement' for the 'country'. He with his few thousand supporters gather for few hours late afternoon at a location on Grand Trunk Road moving slowly towards country's capital Islamabad and return back by evening to their homes calling it 'Haqeeqi Long March', real freedom movement.

UK Sport News, 02 Nov. 2022

The dispute between Qatar and Germany is easing after Berlin’s interior minister said critical comments had been “misinterpreted”.

German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser will attend her team’s opening match at the World Cup in Qatar, she confirmed during a visit to Doha, where she was received by Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani.

Faeser, who is also Germany’s sports minister, visited the Qatari capital on Tuesday in the shadow of a recent diplomatic row between the two countries over alleged mistreatment of migrant workers and the LGBTQ community.

In a recent TV interview, Faeser questioned whether Qatar should host the tournament, prompting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to summon the German ambassador.

But in Doha, Faeser said her recent remarks about Qatar hosting the FIFA World Cup 2022 had been misinterpreted. She appreciated Doha’s preparations to host the tournament and the sweeping and sustained labor reforms it has implemented, state-run Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported.

“It is important to support the country of Qatar in pioneering reforms,” ​​said Faeser on Tuesday at the end of the two-day visit to the country. “That’s why I decided to continue to be part of the process and to travel to the German team’s first game.”

Faeser said Sheikh Khalid offered her a “guarantee of safety” for LGBTQ fans during the tournament.

According to QNA, Sheikh Khalid reiterated that Qatar “welcomes all visitors during the World Cup” as it sees the tournament as an opportunity for the world to learn about Qatar’s culture and values.”

He also stressed his confidence in visitors’ understanding and respect for the traditions and values ​​of Qatari society.

Sheikh Khalid also stressed the need to address “misinformation about the labor and human rights situation in Qatar” and highlighted the labor reforms that Doha has implemented – steps recommended by various human rights groups and United Nations bodies.

Reforms included changing labor laws and practices, eliminating exit visas, allowing workers to change employers without prior approval, setting a minimum wage for workers, and establishing a fund to support workers and their rights.

Germany will “support reforms in Qatar even after the World Cup in order to further improve the lives of migrant workers and the human rights situation,” said Faeser.

Germany meets Japan in the tournament’s opening game on November 23.