Islamabad, 17 Jan. 2024 (APP/Irna)

Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani on Wednesday firmly underscored that the attack conducted by Iran inside Pakistani territory, on January 16, was not only a serious breach of Pakistan’s sovereignty but was also an egregious violation of international law and the spirit of bilateral relations between Pakistan and Iran.

“Expressing Pakistan’s unreserved condemnation of the attack, the Foreign Minister added that the incident has caused serious damage to bilateral ties between Pakistan and Iran. The Foreign Minister added that Pakistan reserved the right to respond to this provocative act,” the Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a press release.

The caretaker foreign minister who is currently leading the Pakistan delegation to the Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement in Kampala, Uganda, received a telephone call from Foreign Minister of Iran Hossein Amir Abdollahian.

Stressing that terrorism was a common threat to the region and required concerted and coordinated efforts to combat this menace, Foreign Minister Jilani underlined that unilateral actions could seriously undermine regional peace and stability.

No country in the region should tread this perilous path, he stressed.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Wednesday, Amirabdollahian said that the target of the cross-border airstrikes on Tuesday night were "Iranian terrorists present on Pakistani soil".

Reports said on Tuesday night that positions of Jaish al-Adl terrorist group had come under attack in the restive Baluchistan region, which borders Iran.

“We targeted Jaish al-Adl, not Pakistani citizens,” Amirabdollahian confirmed in his speech.

“We have no tolerance for terrorists operating within the territories of Iraq and Pakistan, posing a threat to Iran's security. We respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan, but we won't allow Iran's security to be compromised,” he added.

The airstrikes came a day after Iran launched a series of missile strikes targeting an Israeli espionage center in Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region and Daesh terrorist positions in Syria’s Idlib.

“We consider the security of Iraq and Pakistan to be that of the security of Iran,” Amirabdollahian said.

Iran’s interior minister issued a warning to Pakistan to stop the Jaish al-Adl terrorists from launching attacks in Iran, after 11 Iranian policemen were killed in the southeastern city of Rask in Sistan and Baluchestan Province, which borders Pakistan.

Elsewhere in his speech at the Davos forum, Amirabdollahian warned about the repercussions of continued Israeli war on Gaza for the entire region.

“Lebanon is currently engaged in war, and we witness conflicts in the Red Sea. Today, we see the genocide, intensified fighting, and the deliberate starvation of the Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank,” he said.

Iran’s top diplomat said that Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu must understand that continuing the war on Gaza is not the solution to his problems. “Hamas will not be destroyed by war, and Israeli captives will not be set free.”

During the telephone conversation on Wednesday, Amirabdollahian and Jilani exchanged views on the latest situation of mutual ties between the two countries.

Expressing satisfaction with the friendly ties between the two countries, Amirabdollahian emphasized the importance of continuing cooperation and close contacts between the two countries' officials in various fields.

Emphasizing the respect of the Islamic Republic of Iran for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its friendly neighbor of Pakistan, the top Iranian diplomat highlighted that "Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity are strongly our concern".

Describing Pakistan’s security as Iran’s security in the region, Amirabdollahian highlighted that the so-called “Jaish Al-Adl” terrorist group acts against the joint security of the two countries.

He went on to say that Iran's security has been repeatedly threatened by this Iranian terrorist group from Pakistan's soil, and the group has repeatedly claimed responsibility for terrorist acts on Iran's territory.

Amirabdollahian added that the anti-terrorist operation of the Islamic Republic of Iran was against this Iranian terrorist group and no Pakistani national was attacked during the operation.

Jilani, for his part, pointed to the common ideals of the two countries and the history of Iran and Pakistan in defending each other, as well as fighting terrorism, emphasizing that Iran's security is Pakistan's security and whenever there is a threat on Pakistani soil against the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Pakistani government has taken action against it.

Referring to the various fields of cooperation between the two countries, he called on the Iranian side to provide information about terrorist groups on Pakistani soil in line with joint cooperation between the two countries.

He stressed that Islamabad expects the fight against terrorist groups in Pakistan to be carried out by Pakistani forces.

Istanbul, 13 Jan. 2024 (Anadolu)

The 2024 Grand Slam tennis season is set to start on Sunday in Melbourne with the 112th edition of the Australian Open.

For the first time in its history, the tennis tournament will kick off on a Sunday instead of a Monday, and will run for 15 days, not the customary 14.

The first round will consist of 128 games. The women's singles final will be contested on Jan. 27, and the men's title match will be played on Jan. 28.

Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka are seeking back-to-back titles. Sabalenka, 25, clinched the 2023 Australian Open women's singles title after coming from behind to beat Elena Rybakina in three sets.

Serena Williams has the most women’s singles trophies in the competition with seven titles, while Djokovic is the most successful men's singles player, with 10 wins in the Open era.

Williams’ latest Australian Open title came in 2017, when she defeated her sister, seven-time Grand Slam title winner Venus Williams, in straight sets.

Last year, 36-year-old Djokovic defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets to equal Rafael Nadal's men’s record of 22 Grand Slam crowns.

Meanwhile, the Australian Open prize money increased to $58 million which is 13% higher than in 2023.

Doha, 13 Jan. 2024

Qatar Railways Company (Qatar Rail) has announced its preparedness to welcome the fans of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 onboard, promising a seamless and world-class travel experience for all the fans through its Doha Metro and Lusail Tram networks.

As part of its commitment to ensuring convenient and easy movement to and from the tournament stadiums, activation areas and other key locations, Qatar Rail is fully mobilizing the entire fleet of 110 modern, comfortable, and secure Doha Metro trains. This includes the deployment of 6-carriage trains on the Red Line, doubling the capacity to 1120 passengers per train, and reducing headway to 3 minutes between trains on all three lines during match periods.

During the tournament period (12th January to 10th February), Doha Metro and Lusail Tram services will operate as per the usual timetable, except for Friday.

Friday afternoon matchdays (19th Jan and 2nd Feb), services will operate from 10am, instead of 2pm.

Eng. Abdulla Saif Al-Sulaiti, Chief of Service Delivery at Qatar Rail, said: “During the planning and preparation phase for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, all the lessons learned from the FIFA World Cup were taken into consideration in terms of operational processes, crowd management, customer service, and more.

For us, the 2022 FIFA World Cup was a rich experience and a real test of the network's capabilities and service efficiency during major events, he added. At that time, the metro was exceptionally successful, serving as a key pillar of the transportation system for the tournament and the optimal choice for traveling to the stadiums and event areas. We look forward to providing our services to the fans during this tournament at the same level of excellence”, AlSulaiti concluded his remarks.

Ajlan Eid Al Enazi, Chief of Strategy and Business Development at Qatar Rail,  commented: “We are thrilled to welcome fans, passengers, and visitors once again during AFC tournament. Our goal is to offer unparalleled travel experience, especially for football enthusiasts coming from Asia.

He said, 'Both the Doha Metro and Lusail Tram will play a crucial role in delivering a world-class and reliable travel experience. Our networks have evolved into essential elements of the overall fan experience. We are confident that all fans and visitors will enjoy a seamless travel experience throughout the tournament on our networks', he said.

Doha Metro network is notably linked to the nine stadiums of the AFC Asian Cup, directly serving five of them – Lusail, Khalifa International, Ahmad bin Ali, Education City, and Jassim Bin Hamad stadiums through the Lusail QNB, Sport City, Al Riffa Mall of Qatar, Education City, and Al Sudan stations, respectively facilitating swift and easy movement between matches, particularly during the group stage with up to four matches per day.

A stadium shuttle bus service is provided by the Local Organizing Committee from identified Metro stations to access other four stadiums that are not directly accessible through metro stations.

The bus service will be provided from Al Wakra, Free Zone, Qatar University, and Lusail QNB Stations to reach Al Janoub, Al Thumama, Abdullah bin Khalifa, and Al Bayt Stadiums, respectively.

In its efforts to manage crowds seamlessly and efficiently, Qatar Rail, has installed additional internal signage at Metro stations linked to the stadiums, along with trained staff to handle the expected high turnout optimally in the stations.

In addition, Qatar Rail has developed a digital guide titled "Stadium by Metro" particularly for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, aiming to ease access to information related to stations and connectivity to stadiums. Customers can also contact the 24/7 customer service center at 105 for train timings, last-train departure times, and any other information or inquiries.

Fans can utilize free wireless internet (Wi-Fi) services at all stations and experience an exceptional shopping with a variety of local and international retail brands, including food and beverage services, mini-marts, pharmacies, sports apparel stores, technology, and gift shops, and more.

Focused on improving the overall customer experience, Qatar Rail has enhanced its technical and organizational staff to deliver world-class customer service during the tournament. Employees have been trained to proactively assist customers and guide fans within the stations and trains, with additional support provided for people with disabilities, reflecting Qatar Rail’s commitment to an inclusive and reliable travel experience for everyone.

Qatar Rail emphasizes the importance of all fans and passengers planning their journeys in advance, allowing enough amount of time, and staying informed about the latest service updates during the tournament through Doha Metro and Lusail Tram's social media channels.

Ankara, 11 Jan. 2024 (Anadolu)

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Friday said it will begin deliberations as it concluded the two-day public hearing of South Africa's case that accused Israel of committing a genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza.

"The public hearings on the request for the indication of provisional measures submitted by South Africa in the case concerning Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip (South Africa v. Israel) concluded today," the ICJ said in a statement.

"The Court will now begin its deliberation. The Court’s decision will be delivered at a public sitting, the date of which will be announced in due course," the top UN court added.

South Africa, which filed the case in December, accused Israeli authorities of perpetrating genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. It requested provisional measures from the court to protect the Palestinian people, including by calling upon Israel to immediately halt military attacks.

South Africa laid out a list of alleged genocidal acts by Israel on the first day of the hearing on Thursday, while Israel defended itself on Friday.

Israel has killed more than 23,700 Palestinians in Gaza since the Oct. 7 cross-border offensive by Hamas. The military campaign has also caused mass displacement, destruction and hunger.

Following the end of public hearings in The Hague, Cuneyt Yuksel, Chairman, Turkish Parliament's Justice Committee and AK Party lawmaker from Istanbul, who led the Turkish delegation in The Hague to monitor the trial, presented a photobook to John Dugard. The book contains photos as evidence taken by the official news agency of Turkey Anadolu journalists in Palestine.

Yuksel stressed the importance of the publication, and shared that photographs on the 24th page were presented as evidence during the two-day hearing that concluded Friday.

Dugard said the photos in the book were "horrific," adding: "It will be very useful during our case." South Africa's legal team's head said that these pictures will be very useful.

Among Turkish delegation also included Ismail Emrah Karayel, President, EU-Türkiye Joint Parliamentary Committee, and Cahit Ozkan, a member of the Constitution Committee and deputy from the city of Denizli.

Anadolu's images included pictures of the moments of white phosphorus artillery shells exploding in mid-air during Israeli airstrikes in Gaza on Oct. 10 and 11, as well as images of the Turkish news agency's photojournalist, Mustafa Haruf, being beaten by Israeli forces in the occupied East Jerusalem.

Killings, destruction in Gaza

Israel has been criticized by the international community for indiscriminate attacks in Gaza Strip and its military actions amounting to collective punishment.

It has launched air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7, killing more than 23,700 Palestinians and injuring many more. About 1,200 Israelis are believed to have been killed in the initial Hamas attack. Among the dead there are at least 10,000 children and 7,000 women, according to Palestinian officials.

South Africa’s case, filed in December, argues that Israel violated the 1948 Genocide Convention. It filed an 84-page document with the court detailing acts it says amount to genocide in Gaza.

The court in The Hague heard South Africa’s arguments on Thursday, while Israel defended its actions on Friday, and the two-day hearing ended.

The Hague-based ICJ is the principal judicial organ of the UN, established in 1945. It is composed of 15 judges who are elected for a 9-year term by the UN General Assembly and the UN Security Council.

The Court has a role to settle, in accordance with international law, legal disputes submitted to it by States; and to give advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by duly authorized UN organs and agencies of the system.

AlJazeera Network reported the day's development :

• Israel laid out its defence against charges of genocide at the International Court of Justice in The Hague.
• Tal Becker, the legal adviser of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, presented Israel’s opening statements arguing that South Africa had “ignored” the events of October 7 and that Israel had the right to defend itself.
• Becker also stated that the court should apply provisional measures against South Africa, accusing it of maintaining close ties with Hamas.
• Malcolm Shaw, a British professor of international law, then took the floor. He argued against South Africa’s claim the two countries were in a “dispute” instead labelling it a “unispute”.
• Galit Raguan, acting director of the international justice division at Israel’s Justice Ministry, then spoke after a short coffee break. She blamed Hamas for the high civilian toll in Gaza and asserted that Israel had not bombed hospitals.
• Christopher Staker, an international lawyer previously on the criminal tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, was Israel’s fourth representative. He claimed Israel had facilitated humanitarian aid.
• Gilad Noam, Israel’s deputy attorney general for international affairs, presented Israel’s final arguments. He argued against the use of provisional measures, listing several reasons, including that Hamas is considered a terrorist organisation by Israel and other countries and had committed “a large-scale terrorist attack”.
• We should expect a ruling from the court in favour of, or against, South Africa’s urgent request for provisional measures in a few weeks.

Pakistan has extended its support to South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Speaking at the UN General Assembly, Usman Jadadoon, Pakistan’s deputy permanent representative to the UN, welcomed the South African initiative to bring Israel's "transgressions" under the Genocide Convention to ICJ.

"Israel’s war in Gaza is a brutal, veritable genocide," said Jadadoon. He said this "genocidal war" must be stopped.

"Pakistan also looks forward to the Advisory Opinion of the ICJ on the legal consequences arising from the policies and practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem," he added.

Türkiye, Bolivia and Malaysia have already signaled support for the case.

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the world’s second-largest multi-national bloc, has also welcomed the lawsuit filed by South Africa.

It called on the ICJ “to respond expeditiously and take urgent measures to stop this mass genocide being perpetrated by the Israeli defense forces in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.”

Doha, 10 Jan. 2024

Doha, 10 Jan. 2024

Doha based Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies announced the results of the public opinion poll regarding the Israeli war on Gaza today, Wednesday 10 January 2024.

The poll was carried out on a sample of 8000 respondents (men and women) from 16 Arab countries. The survey questions were selected to determine the opinions of citizens in the Arab region on important topics related to the Israeli war on Gaza.

The results of the survey demonstrate the locality of the war as felt by Arab public opinion, with 97% of respondents expressing psychological stress (to varying degrees) as a result of the war on Gaza. 84% expressed a sense of great psychological stress.

Extent of psychological stress felt during the war on Gaza

About 80% of respondents reported that they regularly follow news of the war, compared to 7% who said that they do not follow it, a further indication that the Arab public sees this war as a local event. To access the news 54% of respondents relied on television, compared to 43% who relied on the internet.

Extent of news followship about Israel’s war on Gaza

It is noteworthy that the results highlighted that Arab public opinion does not believe that the military operation carried out by Hamas on 7 October 2023 was in pursuit of a foreign agenda. 35% of respondents considered that the most important reason for the operation was the continued Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories, while 24% attributed it mostly to defence against Israel’s targeting of Al-Aqsa Mosque, and 8% saw it as a result of the ongoing siege of the Gaza Strip.

The most important motivations for Hamas to carry out the military operation on 7 October 2023

While 67% of respondents reported that the military operation carried out by Hamas was a legitimate resistance operation, 19% reported that it was a somewhat flawed but legitimate resistance operation, and 3% said that it was a legitimate resistance operation that involved heinous or criminal acts, while 5% said it was an illegitimate operation.

Assessments of Hamas’ military operation on 7 October 2023

The results showed that there is an Arab consensus of 92% expressing solidarity with the citizens of the Arab region with the Palestinian people in Gaza. While 69% of respondents expressed their solidarity with Palestinians and support for Hamas, 23% expressed solidarity with Palestinians despite opposing Hamas, and 1% expressed a lack of solidarity with the Palestinians.

Solidarity with Palestinians and support for Hamas

The majority of respondents rejected comparisons between Hamas and ISIS made by predominately Israeli and Western politicians and media personalities.

Comparisons between Hamas and ISIS

When asked about the responses of regional and international powers to Israel’s war on Gaza, 94% considered the US position negatively, with 82% considering it very bad. In the same context, 79%, 78%, and 75% of respondents viewed positions of France, the UK, and Germany negatively. Opinion was split over the positions of Iran, Turkey, Russia, and China. While (48%, 47%, 41%, 40%, respectively)considered them positively (37%, 40%, 42%, 38%, respectively).

Evaluation of international and regional positions

In the same context, 76% of respondents reported that their position toward the United States following the Israeli war on Gaza had become more negative, indicating that the Arab public has lost confidence in the US. Furthermore, respondents demonstrated a near consensus (81%) in their belief that the US government is not serious about working to establish a Palestinian state in the 1967 occupied territories(The West Bank, Jerusalem, and Gaza).

About 77% of respondents named the United States and Israel as the biggest threatto the security and stability of the region. While 51% saw the United States as the most threatening, 26% considered the biggest threat to be Israel. While 82% of respondents reported that US media coverage of the war was biased towards Israel, only 7% saw it as neutral.

How opinion on US policy in the Arab region has changed since the war on Gaza

Evaluation of US seriousness in establishing a Palestinian state in the 1967 Occupied Palestinian lands

Biggest threats to the peace and stability of the region

Evaluation of US media coverage of the war on Gaza

Arab public opinion sees the Palestinian Cause as an Arab issue, and not exclusively a Palestinian issue.  A consensus of 92% believe that the Palestinian question concerns all Arabs and not just the Palestinians. On the other hand, 6% said that it concerns the Palestinians alone and they alone must work to solve it. It is worth noting that this percentage is the highest recorded since polling began in 2011, rising from 76% at the end of 2022, to 92% this year. Some countries recordedsignificant increases. In Morocco, it rose from 59% in 2022 to 95%, in Egypt from 75% to 94%, in Sudan from 68% to 91%, and in Saudi Arabia from 69% to 95%, a statistically significant increase that represents a fundamental shift in the opinions of the citizens of these countries.

Consideration of the Palestinian Cause as an Arab issue over time

Arab public opinion is almost unanimous in rejecting recognition of Israel, at a rate of 89%, up from 84% in 2022, compared to only 4% who support its recognition. Of particular note is the increase in the percentage of those who rejected recognition of Israel in Saudi Arabia from 38% in the 2022 poll to 68% in this survey. Such a statistically significant increase also applies to other countries such as Morocco, where the percentage rose from 67% to 78%, and Sudan, where it increased from 72% to 81%.

Support/opposition for recognizing Israel over time

When asked about their opinions on what measures Arab governments should take in order to stop the war in Gaza, 36% of respondents stated that Arab governments should suspend all relations or normalization processes with Israel, while 14% of them stated that aid and support should be brought into Gaza without Israeli approval, and 11% said that the Arab governments should use oil as a weapon to assert pressure on Israel and its supporters.

Measures that should be taken by Arab governments to stop the war on Gaza

There is a near consensus among Palestinian respondents from the West Bank (including Jerusalem),around 95%, that safety and freedom of movement between the governorates and cities of the West Bank and their sense of security and personal safety have been affected negatively since 7 October 2023.

Negative effects experienced in the West Bank since 7 October 2023

A further 60% of Palestinian respondents in the West Bank said that they had been subjected to or were witnesses to raids by the occupation army forces, while 44% said that they were subjected to arrest or interrogation by the Israeli army, and 22% reported that they were subjected to harassment by settlers.

 Frequency of witnessing or happening upon incidences of raids, arrests, or settler harassment in the West Bank since 7 October 2023

This survey is the first of its kind to gauge public opinion on the topic across the Arab region. The field work was conductedfrom 12 December 2023 to 5 January 2024 in Mauritania, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Sudan, Yemen, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and the West Bank, Palestine (including Jerusalem). The surveyed communities represent 95% of the population of the Arab region and its far-flung regions. The sample in each of the aforementioned communities was 500 men and women, drawn according to cluster and self-weighted sampling methods to ensure that every individual in each country had an equal probability of appearing in the sample.

Gaza City, Palestine, 08 Jan. 2023 (Anadolu News)

Two more Palestinian journalists were killed in fresh Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip on Monday, pushing up the tally to 112 since Oct. 7, the government media office said.

A statement by the media office identified the slain journalists as Abdullah Breis and Mohammad Abu Dayer, but without providing any further details.

According to an Anadolu reporter, Abu Dayer was killed when Israeli fighter jets struck a house in al-Fakhour town in the northern Gaza Strip.

On Sunday, three Palestinian journalists were killed in Israeli attacks, including the son of Al-Jazeera reporter Wael Dahdouh.

Israel has launched air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7, killing at least 23,084 Palestinians and injuring 58,926 others, according to Gaza’s health authorities, while nearly 1,200 Israelis are believed to have been killed in the Hamas attack.

The Israeli onslaught has left Gaza in ruins, with 60% of the enclave’s infrastructure damaged or destroyed, and nearly 2 million residents displaced amid acute shortages of food, clean water, and medicines.

A UN associate spokesperson said on Monday that the number of journalists killed by Israel in the Gaza Strip is "exceedingly high,"

"We've seen these horrifying reports. We're very concerned about the killing of journalists in Gaza. We know that the number is exceedingly high in the short amount of time that the conflict has been going on," Florencia Soto Nino told the reporters.

Her remarks came after two more Palestinian journalists were killed in fresh Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip on Monday, pushing up the tally to 112 since Oct. 7.

Nino said the journalists risked their lives to bring the truth to everyone all over the world.

"This is increasingly hard in the conditions that they are facing over there. So, we reiterate that journalists just like any other civilians must be protected and that they should not be targeted for the job that they're doing there.

"We also note that, you know, misinformation about the work that they're doing can expose them to even greater risks," she added.

When asked whether journalists are being deliberately targeted in Gaza, Nino said it is not verifiable at the moment.

"But what we know is that many of them have died and we have repeatedly called for their profession to be respected so that they are able to do it freely and in safety," she added.

To a question whether Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has "greater fears" of the spread of the Gaza war as a result of the killings of senior Hamas and Hezbollah figures in Lebanon, she said it has the potential to become a more widespread conflict.

"We continue to call for restraint and for all of the actors involved to do everything in their power to prevent the escalation of the situation in the region," Nino said.

Guterres is in contact with several parties to try to prevent the escalation from happening, she added.

According to Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), preliminary investigations as of Jan. 08, 2024 :

• 79 journalists and media workers were confirmed dead: 72 Palestinian, 4 Israeli, and 3 Lebanese.
• 16 journalists were reported injured.
• 3 journalists were reported missing.
• 21 journalists were reported arrested
• multiple assaults, threats, cyber attacks, censorship, and killings of family members.

CPJ is also investigating numerous unconfirmed reports of other journalists being killed, missing, detained, hurt, or threatened, and of damage to media offices and journalists’ homes.

Doha, 07 Jan. 2024

Mrs. Maryam bint Abdullah Al-Attiyah, Chairperson, National Human Rights Committee of Qatar (NHRC), announced that the committee would host a conference titled 'Food Justice from a Human Rights Perspective: Challenges of Reality and Bets of the Future.' This disclosure occurred during a meeting with Prof. Dr. Rashid bin Hamad Al Balushi, Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission of Oman, and members of the accompanying delegation. The Omani delegation included Dr. Saleh bin Hamad Al Barashdi, Counselor Jamal bin Salem Al Nabhani, and Hon. Shatha bint Abdul Majeed Al Zadjali.

Al-Attiyah shared that approximately 700 delegates, representing governmental and non-governmental organizations, human rights defenders, special rapporteurs, and experts worldwide, would participate in the conference. The event would be organized in collaboration with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights; Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions; and Arab League.

Providing insights into NHRC Qatar's activities, Al-Attiyah highlighted their initiatives, such as the annual international conference; a national forum focusing on topics relevant to Qatari citizens, particularly vulnerable groups. She emphasized the committee's commitment to making recommendations to enhance the rights of these segments and collaborating with relevant authorities to ensure their implementation.

Expressing a commitment to effective cooperation and the exchange of experiences with the Oman Human Rights Commission, Al-Attiyah mentioned as President of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions, she works towards strengthening the role of these institutions globally.

She said that NHRC Qatar has achieved 'A' classification since 2011 by the International Accreditation Committee (ICC), renewed in 2015 and 2021.

She discussed her role as the president of the Asia Pacific Forum for Human Rights from 2013 to 2015 and her presidency of the Arab Network for Human Rights in 2013.

Al-Attiyah expressed a desire to expand cooperation for comprehensive and effective solutions based on human rights principles, emphasizing the pivotal role of national institutions in translating peace, security, and sustainable development into tangible realities for individuals.

The discussions between the two sides covered topics such as the adoption of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions, the foundations of classification, legal perspectives, and alignment with the Paris Principles. They also delved into the mechanism for selecting committee members and the importance of cooperation with other organizations.

Prof. Dr. Rashid bin Hamad Al Balushi commended NHRC Qatar's achievements and expressed the purpose of his delegation visit was to learn from the Qatari experience, particularly in the context of international classification and bilateral relations.

The Omani delegation later visited the permanent exhibition at NHRC Qatar's headquarters, showcasing the committee's role, achievements, awards, conferences, publications, and awareness campaigns related to human rights. The exhibition also highlighted historical milestones, artistic creations, and the committee's contributions in various sectors and occasions, including training courses and national events.

NHRC Qatar observes its anniversary on the eleventh of November every year.

Doha, 05 Jan.2024

Expo 2023 Doha is set to elevate the Asian Cup 2023 experience with the grand opening of its exclusive Fan Zone, a first-of-its-kind initiative in Al-Bidaa Park. The Expo 2023 Doha Fan Zone promises an unmatched fusion of sports, entertainment, and cultural festivities, creating a vibrant hub for football fans around the nation.

Situated in the Cultural Zone, the heart of Expo 2023 Doha, this one-of-a-kind Fan Zone is ready to become the epicenter of excitement during the Asian Cup. Offering a diverse range of activities, Expo 2023 Doha aims to bring back the electrifying football atmosphere.

Activities at the Fan Zone will include an exciting Paintball Battle Zone, a Shooting Range, engaging Foosball matches, a mini–Golf Course, mesmerizing Laser Shows, and a lively Color Festival. Freestyle performances are set to captivate audiences, adding an artistic touch to the overall experience.

To ensure an immersive sports experience, the cultural stage will showcase live matches, with audience engagement measured through interactive activities. The family stage will feature organized competitions and sports games, tailored to all our diverse visitors.

“Expo 2023 Doha is a platform to bring together millions from different countries around the world in one place to enjoy the many diverse experiences the Expo has to offer,” said Haifa Al Otaibi, Director of Public Relations and Communications at Expo 2023 Doha. She added: “Now, with the launch of the Fan Zone, we contribute to attracting fans to watch the 2023 Asia Cup matches, enjoy various sporting offerings, visit the pavilions of their respective countries, and many, many activities tailored to social groups of all ages.”

In addition to the array of activities, Expo 2023 Doha will explore the use of a screen in the international zone for live match broadcasts, creating an inclusive environment for all attendees. Expo 2023 Doha's Fan Zone is not just a celebration of sports; it's a convergence of cultures, entertainment, and community spirit. annually.

Expo 2023 Doha is the first A1 International Horticultural Exhibition held in Qatar, the Middle East, and North Africa. Organized and Led by the Ministry of Municipality, Expo 2023 Doha is conceived in line with the guiding principles of Qatar National Vision 2030 that puts environmental management and sustainable development at the heart of its mission.

Doha, 05 January 2024

Philippines Department of Health Undersecretary, Dr.  Enrique Tayag along with members of the legislative committees on health and finance from the Philippine Congress will be the speakers in the forthcoming conference on Wealth and Wellness in Doha, announced by Joseph Rivera, out-going Chairman of Association of Filipino Real Estate Executives in Qatar (AFREEQ) and Co-Chairman of the organizing committee.

Addressing at a press conference in Doha,  Joseph Rivera said that this event is dedicated to primarily promote investments both in Qatar and the Philippines to the Filipino & Expat community in Qatar will be highlighting opportunities this year in the financial & well-being sector in addition to it’s usual promotion of financial literacy, social entrepreneurship, real estate and tourism between the Philippines and Qatar through exhibits and special talks conducted by distinguished business icons and government leaders from both countries.

He said that among other speakers also include a senior representative of Philippine State owned Overseas Filipino Bank who will be delivering a lecture on financial education mainly on digital banking as part of well thoughtful and attractive program spread over 2-day including Trade and Exhibition; a Food Bazar complemented with cultural shows.

Rivera said that in alignment to the current trends on pursuing health & economic resilience in our current  post-pandemic era, the 5^th edition of the Philippine Property & Investment Show – Qatar (PPISQ)  has themed it’s come-back event this year as the Philippine Wealth & Wellness Conference Qatar.

He said that this annual gathering is known to be the 2^nd largest Philippine Trade Event next to the annual Philippine Independence Day Celebrations.

Qatar is home to 260,000 Filipino expats with many of its entrepreneurs contributing to the nation’s economy. The country is known for its aggressive prioritization of well-being initiatives as it has invested at least $ 6 billion in it’s healthcare industry since 2017 and has greatly liberalized it’s business establishment rules thus encouraging more start-ups in support to the nation’s 2030 vision of economic sustainability & diversification.

Joseph Timothy Rivera, who is also Co-chairman of the event’s organizing committee said that it is imperative for every person to first capitalize on his healthy well-being and basic sound financial standing so that we could easily take advantage of more investment opportunities not just in real estate but through other sustainable income-generating instrument henceforth leading to the strategic generation of wealth.

On this occasion, a contract signing ceremony took place between AFREEQ, ABESQ Hotel Doha, and Kulinarya Qatar, the event Organizing committee. Joseph Rivera as Chairman AFREEQ; Adnan Khan, Manager ABESQ ; and Miss Dahlia Agbanlog of Kulinarya Qatar signed the agreement.

Joseph Rivera announced First Awarding Ceremony Qatar to 10 winners. Three in Best Employer category, three Best Domestic Worker Category, and two awards each to Overseas Recruitment Agency and local Recruitment Agency category.

First of it's kind award ceremony in collaboration of AKO OFW Inc. Qatar will be held on 2nd day of the conference  in presence of dignitaries, expatriates community leaders, heads and representatives of Filipino Forums and the guests.

Last date of receiving nomination of their employers meeting the requirements is 15th of January 2024. For details may send queries to sec24.ako.qatar@gmail.com

Qatar is third country to announce such recognition awards followed by Filipino Community in Kuwait and Turkey.

Miss Dahlia Agbanlog shared highlights of the 2-day conference. All leading medical & wellness establishments as well as most business-oriented & entrepreneurial organizations in Qatar have been invited to attend this event.

The visitors will be having a chance to participate in a number of raffle draws including round-trip ticket from Philippine Airlines between Doha-Manila.

The PPIS-Q was first held  in 2015, 2nd in Katara in 2016,  3^rd PPIS-Q was themed as the Philippine Trade & Tourism Conference held at the former Shangri-La Hotel and as the Philippine Agricultural, Livelihood & Reintegration Conference held at the Intercontinental Hotel The City in 2018. Post-covid, 5th event is now scheduled to hold.