Adana (Turkiye), 28 Feb. 2023

Qatar is trying to help people in Türkiye’s quake-hit regions “as if it is our own country,” according to a Qatari military commander.

“When this disaster occurred, we took action on the very first day, as instructed by Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani,” Lt. Col. Hamad Al Hajri told Anadolu at the Incirlik Air Base in the southern Adana province, where his team is stationed with four helicopters and a C-130 plane.

Adana is one of the 11 southern Turkish provinces hit in the Feb. 6 tremors, along with Kahramanmaras, Hatay, Gaziantep, Adiyaman, Malatya, Diyarbakir, Kilis, Osmaniye, Sanliurfa, and Elazig.

The magnitude 7.7 and 7.6 quakes, which were centered in Kahramanmaras, have affected more than 13 million people, while the death toll is now over 44,200.

“After a preparatory meeting on Feb. 8, a team of 30 people set off for Türkiye on two planes of the Qatar Armed Forces on Feb. 9. The next day, two more planes and four helicopters arrived,” Al Hajri said.

“Within a few days, our aircraft were ready to carry supplies to the regions in need. After that, humanitarian aid, such as medical supplies, have been arriving from Qatar every day, and this is still continuing,” he added.

Additionally, four Qatari military planes are also being used to airlift relief supplies from different countries, he said.

Via an air corridor set up at the Incirlik Air Base, Qatari C-17 and C-130 military aircraft are used to transfer aid materials sent from different institutions and organizations, he added. “From the first day, we have been working in close cooperation with the Turkish Armed Forces, like a team. It is just like we are in Qatar,” he emphasized.

One of the first things Qatari officials did in Türkiye was to get in contact with the Turkish disaster management agency AFAD and find a place to set up a field hospital, said Al Hajri.

“After finding the right location for the hospital, we immediately started its construction, as well as setting up shelters for victims,” he said.

A field hospital was set up and made operational in Hatay’s Payas district within five days, while tents were installed for 1,000 people, according to the official. The hospital has a capacity of 200 people, he said, adding that it has so far served some 2,000 patients.

“We serve as if it is our own country,” he asserted.

On the strong bond between Türkiye and Qatar, the commander said: “The relations … are very historical. The two countries have always stood by each other in difficult times and will continue to do so.”

He said Qatar has named its Türkiye relief effort Operation Bricks of a Building, in reference to a saying of Islam’s Prophet Muhammad where he likened the relationship between Muslims as the bricks of a building that support each other.

Al Hajri concluded by expressing heartfelt condolences to the Turkish nation.

“First of all, I wish Allah’s mercy on those who lost their lives in this great disaster, and healing to the injured, and patience to the Turkish people,” he said.

Qatar’s ruler Al Thani was the first foreign leader to visit Türkiye after the Feb. 6 twin tremors.

In his meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul, Al Thani pledged that Qatar would extend all possible support to help the brotherly nation of Türkiye overcome this crisis.

Doha, 28 Feb. 2023

Qatar Airways has launched a new brand campaign in collaboration with world-renowned Indian actor, Deepika Padukone. The campaign launch is the culmination of the airline's endeavour to redefine Qatar Airways Premium experience, particularly through showcasing the world-class Qsuite along with the unparalleled surroundings of The Orchard, which are core to Hamad International Airport’s expansion.

The timeless acoustic track ‘Ain’t Nobody’ accompanies the campaign that connects Padukone’s journey with Qatar Airways to a new level of luxury and elegance. She encapsulates the premium experience available to customers of Qatar Airways, transiting through the best airport in the world, Hamad International Airport.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “At Qatar Airways, we constantly strive for excellence. This collaboration brings together refinement and grace, and Deepika showcases beautifully on how Qatar Airways offers award-winning premium experiences both in the sky and on the ground to its customers. Deepika is an obvious choice as she has the right global appeal and charisma for our brand. We are truly delighted to have Deepika on board Qatar Airways as our Global Brand Ambassador.”

A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways was recently announced as the ‘Airline of the Year’ at the 2022 World Airline Awards, managed by the international air transport rating organisation, Skytrax.  The airline continues to be synonymous with excellence having won the main prize for an unprecedented seventh time (2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021 and 2022), while also being named ‘World’s Best Business Class’, ‘World’s Best Business Class Lounge Dining’ and ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’.

Qatar Airways currently flies to more than 150 destinations worldwide, connecting through its Doha hub, Hamad International Airport, currently named the ‘Best Airport in the World” by Skytrax World Airport Awards 2022.

Doha, 25 Feb. 2023

The world's 3rd seed Daniil Medvedev, Russian tennis star beat this evening British Tennis star Andy Murray in final of Qatar ExxonMobil Open in Doha by 6-4, 6-4.

The match between former World No 1s took 1 hr 47 minutes. It was first ever entry in Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2023 of Daniil Medvedev, but 17th successfull Tour level tournament of his career, carried away Golden Falcon Champion Trophy 2023.

Andy Murray lifted 2008 and 2009 Qatar ExxonMobil Open trophies.

Medvedev made a fast start in both sets to complete his victory.

Doha, 24 Feb 2023

Czeck Tennis Star Jiri Lehecka To Face British Star Andy Murray; and Daniil Medvedev, Russian star will be facing Auger-Aliassime In Semi Final Today in Doha.

Lehecka in a surprise win of his career on Thursday defeated World's No 5 seed Andrey Rublev of Russia to reach the semi-finals of the $1.5mn Qatar ExxonMobil Open.

Lehecka, 21, scored 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 against Rublev, and recorded his first win from a top player. He will face on Friday, today in Semi final British former champion Andy Murray, 2008 and 2009 Champion Qatar ExxonMobil. 4-6, 6-1, 6-1 win in 2 hours and 3 minutes. Murray, now 23-4 in Doha, fired 9 aces in the thrilling centre court clash.

In another fascinating and thrilling game on Thursday, British star Andy Murray defeated French Alexandre Muller in three sets, 4-6, 6-1, 6-1 win in a 2 hours and 3 minutes game.

In another quarter-final, Russian Daniil Medvedev, World No 3 defeated Christopher O’Connell, Australian to reach the semi-finals in his first ever appearance in Qatar ExxonMobil Open. Medvedev won 6-2, 4-6, 7-5 in 1 hours and 58 minutes.

Lehecka said he has improved the mental side of his game to come through a tough week in Qatar.  He has improved everything, but mostly his mentality. 'On the court I gained some confidence at the Next Gen finals and then I just learned how to use it and. I just feel great on this court with these balls. It’s an incredible atmosphere over here. I am really looking forward to another match. I am very happy that I had a chance to play here,” he added.

Murray 35, three-time Grand Slam champion praised Muller for his performance in Doha. 'He had an excellent tournament coming through qualifying. He’s had some good wins over the years. I saw last year he beat (Richard) Gasquet and he beat Tsonga too. I knew it was going to be a tough match. He plays very well, hopefully with more experience, you know, playing at this level, he’ll be back here more often in the future, but he plays very well,” Murray said.

Murray replying a question in press conference post match, said that his first ATP Tour 18 years before was in Bangkok. Where he played until quarterfinal level and he lost to  Roger Federer in the final.

Murray said he is expecting a dogfight in the semi-final today against Lehecka.

Doha, 24 Feb. 2023 (QNA)

Tareq Darwish Zeinal, Secretary General, Qatar Tennis Federation (QTF) in a press release today has said that Qatar Tennis, Squash and Badminton Federation (QTSBF) is preparing a plan to upgrade the Qatar ExxonMobil Open Tennis Championship from the ATP 250 series to ATP 500 series.

He said that the General Assembly of the Federation, chaired by Nasser Bin Ghanim AL Khelaifi, President QTF discussed upgrading the championship from the ATP 250 to ATP 500, due to the great importance of the Qatar Championship and its distinction among all the championships of the same category.

He said that the tournament participants, including officials from the Professional Tennis Players Association and players, assured the organizing committee that the Qatar Championship would be chosen as the best tournament in its category for the sixth year in a row.

Zeinal said that General Assembly discussed the issue of merging the Padel under the QTSBF umbrella highlighting that the construction of six Padel courts in the vicinity of the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex has been completed and equipped in preparation for the tournament that will be hosted by the federation after the completion of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open championship.

He mentioned the meeting discussed a number of issues in developing tennis. Among these were emphasizing on the strategy to develop sport by organizing local, Asian and international tournaments; developing the capabilities of Qatari players and providing them with more support through setting up camps and participating in Asian and international tournaments.

Asian Tennis Federation (ATF) headed by Thai Kitsombat Euammongkol, held its Ordinary general assembly in Doha. Present on the occasion were QTSBF Secretary-General, ATF Vice President Tariq Darwish Zainal, and members of the Board of Directors in Doha and via visual communication technology.

During the meeting, Qatar requested to host the ATF General Assembly meeting on Dec. 2023, to elect a chairman, vice-chairman and members of the board of directors for a new session.

Doha, 22 Feb. 2023

Doha, 21 Feb. 2023

Two day International Conference on Climate Change and Human Rights kicked off this morning at the Hotel Royal Meridien, Lusail City, Qatar.

Over 300 experts, academics, members of the civil society, stakeholders and human rights institutions participated from all around the world in conference organized by National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) Qatar in cooperation with Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR); UN Development Program (UNDP); League of Arab States; and Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI).

The conference aims to emphasize the importance of rights-based climate action, highlight good practices relevant to the State of Qatar and other active partners, including governments, the United Nations (UN), civil society organizations and companies, and develop recommendations for strengthening cooperation to support rights-based climate action around the globe, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa region.

The opening session was attended by Sheikh Dr Faleh bin Nasser bin Ahmed bin Ali Al Thani, Minister of Environment and Climate Change; Dr Ali bin Samikh Al Marri, Minister of Labour; Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi, Minister of Education and Higher Education; Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, Minister of Municipality; Mariam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad, Minister of Social Development; Mrs. Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah, Chairperson, National Human Rights Committee Qatar (NHRC), and President of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI); Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (video); Dr. Biplove Choudhary, UNDP Technical Representative and Head of office in Doha; Ambassador Haifa Abu Ghazaleh, Assistant Secretary General, Head of the Social Affairs Sector of League of Arab States (Video); Mohamed Ali Alnsour, Chief of the Middle East and North Africa at OHCHR; Michel Forst, Special Rapporteur on Environment Defenders; ambassadors; and dignitaries.

Second session was chaired by Michel Forst, Special Rapporteur on Environment Defenders with the theme : Climate  change and human rights: impacts and obligations

Ms. Ishraq bin Al-Zein, Human Rights Officer at the United Nations Training and Documentation Center. has been the Rapporteur of the session. Paperwork presenters: were Şeref Malkoç, Chief Ombudsman of Turkey and Paperwork presenter PROF. DR. MUHARREM KILIÇ,Chairman of the Human Rights and Equality Institution of Turkey.

Chairperson NHRC, Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah said that the conference provides a valuable opportunity for discussion and exchange of knowledge and experiences, in order to advance and accelerate the pace of dealing with climate change and environmental risks from a human rights perspective.

She stressed that the conference seeks to propose actions that help to make peace with nature, and to reach tangible recommendations regarding the promotion of human rights-based action on climate change, which could crystalize into the adoption of specific legal obligations that are implementable and may be adopted as a norm and a tool by the international human rights system.

She noted that in a few decisions that have been issued by the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC), the commission explained the importance of adopting a human rights perspective when discussing climate mitigation and adaptation measures.

She hoped that conference would result in recommendations that constitute the Doha program on human's right to dignified living in relation to climate change, especially that it includes all parties, partners, and stakeholders, whose goal is to examine the opportunity provided by human rights standards to save the planet, and to help the international community fulfill its obligations to achieve zero emissions, considering it a step towards creating a safer, more sustainable and more equitable world for us and future generations.

She pointed out the exorbitant cost resulting from natural disasters, the most recent of which is the consequences of the devastating earthquake in Turkiye and Syria, questioning extent of humanity's ability to bear human cost, and extent of its readiness for rapid global action in order to avoid it.

She underlined that human activity is what has made nature lose its balance, adding that humans are responsible for building the earth - not destroying it.

She called for organized and comprehensive action on the will of reconstruction in order to preserve the planet and restore its balance, expressing that this point is the hope in dealing with the environmental risks and challenges we live in, which represent one of the most serious obstacles to human dignity and the actual enjoyment of their rights and freedoms.

International efforts have not yet lived up to the level of environmental risks and challenges that we are experiencing, despite all the appreciated efforts made in this regard since the adoption of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 1992, she said, adding that the reason for this may be the omission of these policies to the human rights framework that constitutes the will for reconstruction and solution to the recovery of the planet and saving nature.

In this context, she stressed that - as a proposing force, the national human rights institutions have been able to play an influential and effective role in international efforts to combat climate change and access to climate justice.

She pointed out that the United Nations Human Rights Council resolution on the role of national human rights institutions in relation to climate change was initiated by the GANHRI, adding that the alliance has applied to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) for observer status, to enhance participation in climate talks and decision-making related to climate justice.

She stressed on the importance of taking comprehensive measures to combat climate change, warning of the expected possibility that these measures will negatively affect the enjoyment of human rights, such as the loss of job opportunities.

Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah also noted that there are countries that have followed policies that are inconsistent with their international commitments regarding greenhouse gas reduction, motivated by their aspiration for development and exploitation of natural resources.

Chairperson of NHRC affirmed that the State of Qatar has made good strides in its efforts to achieve the climate goals of the Paris Agreement for climate and the goals of sustainable development.

She highlighted the great success achieved by the State of Qatar in organizing the first global football championship (FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022), which was environmentally friendly and carbon neutral.

The opening session witnessed interventions from the various organizers of the conference, which in turn emphasized the importance of this international event in facing challenges related to preserving human rights in the light of national and global measures related to climate change. Among the speakers included  Mrs. Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah; Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. (video); Dr. Biplove Choudhary, UNDP Technical Representative and Head of office in Doha; Ambassador Haifa Abu Ghazaleh, Assistant Secretary General, Head of the Social Affairs Sector of League of Arab States through Video (LAS); and Mohamed Ali Alnsour, Chief of the Middle East and North Africa at OHCHR.

Karachi, 20 Feb. 2023 (Daily Dawn, Karachi)

Pakistan must ensure that its high earners pay taxes and only the poor get the subsidies if it wants to function as a country, the International Mone­­tary Fund’s (IMF) managing director has said.

“My heart goes to the people of Pakistan. They have been devastated by the floods that affected one-third of the population of the country,” Kristalina Georgieva told German broadcaster Deutsche Welle on Friday on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.

“My heart goes to the people of Pakistan. They have been devastated by the floods that affected one-third of the population of the country,” Kristalina Georgieva told German broadcaster Deutsche Welle on Friday on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.

“What we are asking for are steps Pakistan needs to take to be able to function as a country and not to get into a dangerous place where its debt needs to be restructured,” she said.

“I want to stress that we are emphasising two things. Number one, tax revenues. Those who can, those that are making good money [in the] public or private sector need to contribute to the economy. Secondly, to have a fairer distribution of the pressures by moving subsidies only towards the people who really need it,” she said.

“It shouldn’t be that the wealthy benefit from subsidies. It should be the poor [who] benefit from them,” she said, adding that IMF was very clear that it wanted the poor people of Pakistan to be protected.

The IMF chief’s statement came days after two sides could not reach a deal earlier this month and a visiting Fund delegation departed Islamabad after 10 days of talks but said negotiations would continue. Pakistan is in dire need of funds as it battles a wrenching economic crisis.

Talks centre around reaching an agreement on a reforms agenda under the country’s $6.5 billion bailout programme, which it entered in 2019. An agreement on the ninth review of the programme would release over $1.1bn.

Meanwhile, foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan have fallen to around $3bn, barely enough to cover three weeks of controlled imports. A resumption of the IMF programme would also unlock other avenues of funding for Pakistan.

The IMF has earlier said in a statement that both sides have agreed to stay engaged and “virtual discussions will continue in the coming days to finalise the implementation details” of the policies, including the tax measures, discussed in Islamabad.

The government is in a race against time to implement the tax measures and reach an agreement with the IMF.

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar on Wednesday tabled the Finance (Supplementary) Bill, 2023, in both houses of the parliament, outlining tax measures to raise an additional Rs170bn in the next four and a half months to meet the last prior actions agreed upon with the IMF.

The IMF has given a deadline of March 1 to Pakistan for implementing all these measures. However, the bulk of tax measures worth Rs115bn was already implemented from Feb 14 through statutory regulatory orders.

Published in Dawn, February 20th, 2023

Doha, 19 Feb. 2023

The Guzergah-e-Khayal, a Qatar based Urdu literary forum recently organised a "Ghalib Evening" (Dec. 1797-Feb.1869), literary seminar, paying homage to the legendary Urdu and Persian poet from the Indian subcontinent, Mirza Asadullah Khan Ghalib.

The seminar was held at the Mazza Restaurant in Qatar and was attended by literary enthusiasts and experts, who came together to celebrate the timeless beauty and artistic brilliance of Ghalib's poetry.

Ghalib, born in 1797 in Agra, is one of the greatest poets of all times in Urdu and Persian languages and his works continue to be widely read and admired today.

Ghalib mastery of the Urdu and Persian languages, combined with his unique perspective and lyrical prowess, has earned him a place of honour among literary giants of the subcontinent.

The Guzergah-e-Khayal Forum, founded by Dr Faisal Hanif in 2009, has been dedicated to promoting a deeper understanding of Ghalib's poetry and philosophy.

The forum has been conducting monthly symposiums that critically appraise Ghalib's works and provide a platform for literary discussion and exchange. To date, the forum has examined 115 of Ghalib's ghazals, with noted literary figures, poets, writers, and Ghalib experts participating in the discussions.

The "Ghalib Evening" seminar was a testament to the forum's commitment to promoting the legacy of Ghalib. The programme was filled with a series of essays and talks by noted literary experts, each of whom shed light on various aspects of Ghalib's life and work.

Mohammed Rafique Shad Akolvi, president of Bazm-e-Urdu Qatar, Another Doha based Urdu literary forum  presided over the seminar while Iftekhar Raghib, Bazm’s general secretary and Dr Ayaz Ahmed were the chief guests. Local poet Muzaffar Nayab was the guest of  honour.

Mohammed Rafique Shad Akolvi presented a welcome note and an essay entitled "Understanding Ghalib and Guzergah-e-Khayal.

Welcome note followed a humorous letter from Mirza Ghalib imagined by Dr Faisal Hanif, the founding president of Guzergah-e-Khayal and chairman of Bazm-e-Urdu Qatar. The letter, written in classic Urdu, showcased Ghalib's wit and humour, and was a fitting tribute to the great poet.

Rashid Alam's essay, "Ghalib's Uniqueness", explored why Ghalib is considered a unique poet, highlighting his mastery of language, his innovative style, and his ability to convey complex emotions and ideas through his verse.

Muzaffar Nayab's essay, "Ghalib's Work on Tareekh-goi," delved into the genre of poetry that involves embedding a specific event from history into a short poem. Ghalib was an expert in this form of poetry, and Nayab's essay provided valuable insight into his skill and technique.

Dr Faisal Nazir's essay, "My introduction to Ghalib" emphasized the significance of Ghalib's work in the world of Urdu and Persian literature. He noted that Ghalib's poetry remains as relevant today as it was when he first wrote it, and that his words continue to inspire and captivate readers of all ages.

Dr Wasi Bastawi's essay, "Was Ghalib a Divine Poet? In the Light of the Book 'Ghalib-shikan/the Ghalib Breaker'” by Yaas Yagana (1884-1956) evaluated Ghalib's work in the context of Yagana's criticism of the poet. Yagana, a poet and critic from the last century, had criticized Ghalib for a number of reasons, and argued that he was not the best of all poets. However, Bastawi's essay demonstrated that Ghalib's work has stood the test of time, and that Yagana's objections have been largely rejected by the mainstream literary community and scholars.

Iftekhar Raghib in his essay "Ghalib's wine, wine or science," presented research that argued that Ghalib's couplets contained explicit references to scientific concepts, including ideas from theoretical physics. This was based on the premise that Ghalib was well-acquainted with Westerners living in British India who were familiar with the advancement of science during that period.

Ateeq Anzar, in his talk on "Ghalib's relevance and theological views," emphasized that Ghalib was a firm believer in religion and that his works reflected his deep faith. Dr Ata-ur-Rahman Siddiqui, in his essay "Historical events in Ghalib's poetry," explored the ways in which Ghalib drew inspiration from historical events to convey a message and make a point.

The Ghalib Evening was concluded with a presentation of Ghalib's ghazals by a select group of individuals, who captivated the audience with their renditions. Those who presented Ghalib’s ghazals were: Sheraz Ahmed Bakali, Waseem Ahmed, Mansoor Aazmi, Dr Wasi Bastawi, Iftekhar Hussain Kazem, Adeel Akbar, and Inaam Aazmi. Muzaffar Nayab and Iftekhar Raghib presented their poetic work where they borrowed one line from Ghalib’s couplet and added the other of their own.

In conclusion, the Ghalib Evening seminar was a truly remarkable event that showcased the enduring legacy of Mirza Ghalib and the dedication of the Guzergah-e-Khayal Forum to preserving and promoting his work. Audiences thoroughly enjoyed the programme and exhibited interest to attend future events hosted by the forum that continue to shed light on the literary and cultural significance of Ghalib's poetry.

Doha, 19 Feb. 2023