AIOU to hold inter-regions sports competitions at country level

AIOU to hold inter-regions sports competitions at country level

ISLAMABAD, Jan 24 - Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) will hold inter-regions sports competitions at country-wide level  through its strong regional network in order to encourage talents and positive attitude for establishment of a healthy society.

The competitions would be held at Regional level across the country while grand competition would be arranged at the University’s main campus in which the winning teams of regional competitions would be invited to participate.

The Director Regional Services has been advised to chalk-out comprehensive plan to involve the maximum number of students in such activities at their door-steps.

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AIOU sets-up exams centers in middle-east countries

AIOU sets-up exams centers in middle-east countries

ISLAMABAD, JAN 23 - Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) in collaboration with Pakistani missions has set up Examination Centers in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, Oman and Bahrain.

The final exams of Metric, FA, BA, B.Ed (1.5 years) and MBA COL programs for Pakistanis settled in Middle-East will start from February 3 and will be continued till February 21.

Roll number slips to all the enrolled students have been sent at their given addresses. Date sheet/roll number slips have also been placed at website overseas@aiou.edu.pk.

Students abroad could also contact for further information from University’s Directorate of Overseas Education and e-learning in Islamabad, at phone numbers 92-51-9250140 or e mail overseas@aiou.edu.pk. 

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Britain Airways team to visit Islamabad airport next week to assess security measures

Britain Airways team to visit Islamabad airport next week to assess security measures

ISLAMABAD, JAN 23 - A team of senior officials from Britain's national flag-carrier will be visiting Pakistan next week to inspect whether all prerequisite security measures are in place before the airline resumes its flights to Islamabad in June after a 10-year break.

"The main purpose of the visit will be to engage the Pakistani authorities on the critical security measures which British Airways (BA) will require full implementation of before they commence operations in June," read a letter written by British Deputy High Commissioner Richard Crowder to Secretary Aviation Division Shahrukh Nusrat.

During the visit, according to the letter, the BA team would like to visit the new Islamabad International Airport to "see first-hand the security measures in operation and to understand the infrastructure and services in place to support [BA] flights to and from Islamabad".

The deputy high commissioner wrote that the resumption of directs flights to Pakistan by Britain's flag-carrier was excellent news for both the countries.

"I see British Airways' return as a vote of confidence in the future of our two countries' links, and, of course, a reflection of the great improvements in the security situation in Pakistan in recent years," he wrote.

BA's head of worldwide airports, Paul Coventry, International Risk Adviser David Craig and Director Safety and Security John Monks will be visiting the country on January 29-30. The team is expected to visit the Islamabad airport on either day of their visit.

In September 2008, British Airways had suspended all its flights to Pakistan "for an indefinite period" citing security concerns in the aftermath of the Marriott Hotel bombing that claimed more than 50 lives and injured more than 250 people.

The airline last month decided to resume direct flights from London Heathrow to Islamabad’s new airport. According to a press release issued on BA's website, the route will launch as a three-per-week service, operated on a three-class Boeing 787 Dreamliner, with return fares starting from £499 [roughly Rs91,000].

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JIT fails to convince CM Buzdar; wants deadline extended by a week

JIT fails to convince CM Buzdar; wants deadline extended by a week

LAHORE, JAN 22 - Chief Minister Punjab Usman Buzdar has showed no-confidence over the initial probe report into Sahiwal alleged police encounter that killed four including a minor.

Additional Inspector General (AIG) Police Syed Ijaz Hussain Shah, who is heading the JIT, presented his initial probe report in a meeting being chaired by Chief Minister Punjab after end of the given deadline to JIT.

Well informed sources said the CM, while showing his resentment over Mr Shah, said the non-seriousness towards the inquiry will not be tolerated.

To this, the JIT head reportedly responded by saying that it was not possible to submit a report about such a high profile case within three days.

Reportedly, the JIT head told the Chief Minister that the team could not rely only on the statements of the eyewitnesses, and it needed to conduct a forensic analysis of the car.

CM Buzdar, however, rejected the JIT’s request to extend the deadline for the probe, saying that “he would not tolerate the delay of even a moment in provision of justice”.

Sources say that at max, the Chief Minister could give one more day to the JIT, and if it fails to submit the report by then, formation of a judicial commission could be announced with JIT’s initial report referred to the commission.

Sources have claimed that the JIT failed to determine the people responsible for the incident within the deadline given by the CM Punjab. 

It was also learnt that efforts were underway to save police high-ups in the case by scapegoating sub-inspector and constable-level policemen.

replacing the CTD Chief and SSP Operations is also being discussed.

Mr Buzdar also directed the JIT head to refrain from issuing statements in media as the matter was highly sensitive in nature.

Earlier in the day, the JIT head had, in front of media personnel, excused himself from presenting a final report of the Sahiwal incident.

“It is not even possible to submit an initial report right now. We will conduct investigations on scientific basis and determine what the truth is,” Mr Shah had said while speaking to the media after visiting the incident site and recording statements of eyewitnesses.

It is pertinent to note that Chief Minister of Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar had promised that the JIT team investigating the Sahiwal incident will submit its report on Jan 22.

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UNGA president calls on army chief

UNGA president calls on army chief

RAWALPINDI, JAN 22 - Ms Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces, President of the United Nations General Assembly UNGA called on General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) at GHQ, Monday.

Matters of mutual interest including regional security were discussed. The visiting dignitary acknowledged and appreciated Pakistan Army’s contributions for United Nations in maintaining peace, stability and rehabilitation in conflict zones. 

She also said that UN values Pakistan’s role in the war against terror and efforts to resolve the regional issues.

COAS thanked visiting dignitary for her acknowledgment and contributions as part of UN.

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Pak-Iran share fraternal relations: Asad Qaiser

Pak-Iran share fraternal relations: Asad Qaiser

ISLAMABAD, JAN 22 - Iranian Ambassador Mehdi Honardost called on Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser on Tuesday at Parliament House and discussed matters pertaining to bilateral relations and regional issues.

Referring to warm relations between Iran and Pakistan, the Speaker remarked that both countries are intertwined by stronger multi-dimensional relations and underlined the need for renewed commitment to diversification of strategic, trade, economic, cultural and Parliamentary relations in the face of regional and global challenges.

Highlighting deep rooted religious, cultural and moral ties between the two countries, the speaker said that the trade volume between both countries is not optimum. He urged that both countries can benefit from mutual imports and exports.

Asad Qaiser also recommended frequent exchange of delegations to assign substantive meanings to inter-Parliamentary relations.

He termed Pak-Iran Parliamentary engagement as ‘highly imperative’ for cohesion of the entire region. The Speaker said that stronger Pak-Iran relation is inevitable for regional peace, security and prosperity.

He said that Pakistan believed in the unity of Muslim countries and stressed the importance of both Pakistan and Iran working together for resolution of problems faced by the Ummah.

The Speaker noted that the two countries also need to move forward with consensus on matters of international importance.

Iranian Ambassador Mehdi Honardost thanked the Speaker for continued efforts for strengthening parliamentary and bilateral relations and enhancing interaction in all areas including trade and economic cooperation.

He also conveyed the desire of the Iranian leadership and the government for continued efforts for growth in bilateral ties.

He added that Iran consider Pakistan as its partner for peace in the region and expressed his hope that in future both nations will continue to chart the paths of prosperity together.

He reiterated Asad Qaiser’s proposal for diversification of trade and economic relations and urged for comprehensive engagement of the Parliamentary committees to explore the avenues for cooperation.

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Uzbek, Pak cultural and people to people ties improved manifold: ambassador Furqat

Uzbek, Pak cultural and people to people ties improved manifold: ambassador Furqat

Historical movie Islam Khodja screened at PNCA

ISLAMABAD, JAN 22 – Ambassador of Uzbekistan Furqat Sidikov has said relations between Uzbekistan and Pakistan are growing at a fast speed adding our special emphasis has been on promoting and strengthening people to people contacts.

He expressed these views on the occasion of screening of a movie Islam Khodja. A large number of people hailing from all walks of life including diplomatic corps witnessed the movie.

The embassy organised the movie show in collaboration with Mayor of Islamabad and the National Art Gallery.

The ambassador further said culture was yet another field where both countries had a big potential to increase cooperation.

The particular interest of Pakistani viewers was also atrracted by the fact that this film has historical ground based on existing archive materials without a single change in happened events.

He particularly thanked the Mayor of Islamabad and PNCA for assisting in the organization of such an important cultural event, which allowed highlighting the cultural potential of Uzbekistan, as well as strengthening the Uzbek-Pakistani cultural cooperation.

The ambassador told such events shall be organised in other major cities of Pakistan including Lahore and Karachi.

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AIOU to hold exams for overseas students from February 3

AIOU to hold exams for overseas students from February 3

ISLAMABAD, - Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) will hold final exams of Metric, FA, BA, B.Ed (1.5 years) and MBA COL programs for Pakistanis settled in Middle-East from February 3.

According to a notification, these exams will take place in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, Oman and Bahrain. The exams will continue till February 21.

These will be conducted through Pakistani missions in these countries.

Roll number slips to all the enrolled students have been sent at their given addresses. Date sheet/roll number slips have also been placed at website Overseas@aiou.edu.pk .

Students abroad could also contact for further information from University’s Directorate of Overseas Education and e-learning in Islamabad, at phone numbers 92-51-9250140 or e-mailoverseas@aiou.edu.pk. 

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Saudi, Pakistan Trade Mission begins in Jeddah

Saudi, Pakistan Trade Mission begins in Jeddah

JEDDAH, JAN 15 - In line with the Saudi-Pakistani business and economic relations, the Saudi-Pakistani trade mission has started in Jeddah on Sunday.

30 Pakistani and 86 Saudi food and building material companies met to discuss and explore opportunities to export Saudi products to Pakistan. 

This trade mission is organized by Saudi Export Development Authority “Saudi Exports”.

The Pakistani delegation, upon his arrival in Jeddah on Saturday, had a meeting with His Excellency the Deputy Minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources Eng. Abdul Aziz Al-Abdulkarim and the Secretary General of Saudi Export Development Authority Eng. Saleh Al-Solami. 

The two sides discussed aspects of joint cooperation and ways to enhance trade and economic relations between the two countries. 

Then, a dinner was held in the presence of His Excellency with the Pakistani delegation, concluding with taking memorial photographs.

The Trade mission ceremony started on Sunday, with a speech from Eng. Saleh Al-Solami welcoming Pakistani brothers in their second country, saying: “I am pleased to welcome you to this special meeting, which reflects the strategy of enhancing economic and trade relations and investment cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. 

It also highlights the strong relationship between the two countries, As the leaders in both countries are keen to consolidate this relationship for the benefits of both countries and people”

“In addition to our relations with our brothers in Pakistan, this participation of Saudi Arabia represented by “Saudi Exports”, opens many export opportunities. 

Which emphasizes the strength of trade relations and keenness to increase economic cooperation between the two countries. 

I would like to thank you for attending and hope that our efforts will succeed in achieving the aspirations of both countries” said Al-Solami.

Then, the Deputy Chairman of Jeddah Chamber Eng. Ziad Al Bassam welcomed the Pakistani delegation and praised the trade mission which will lead to various investment opportunities.

Afterwards, the Pakistani Commercial Consul in Saudi Arabia, Mr. Shahzad Khan, delivered a speech in which he referred to the depth of the Saudi-Pakistani relations and the contribution of this trade mission in enhancing trade exchange, activating partnership and encouraging mutual investments between the two countries. 

Mr. Khan also praised the hospitality that the Pakistani delegation received, and thanked "Saudi Exports" for their efforts and organizations for the cooperation between both countries.

Business matching meetings between Saudi exporters and potential buyers from Pakistan began after that. 

Meetings will continue until Monday (January 14th), which is an opportunity for companies to have many deals to develop their businesses.

This trade mission is an extension of the historical economic and trade relations between the two countries. 

The total non-oil exports from Saudi Arabia to Pakistan during the past five years has reached SR17 billion, with over SR191 million for food exports and more than SR365 million for building materials during the same period.

This trade mission reinforced “Saudi Exports” efforts to support local exporters and promote their products and services to expand in international markets, reflecting the Saudi 2030 vision and its objectives to increase non-oil exports from 16% to 50% of total GDP and diversify sources of income for the national economy.

It is worth mentioning that "Saudi Exports" invests all its capabilities to improve the efficiency of the export environment, overcome the obstacles that exporters may face, raise awareness about export practices, and develop human competencies in the field of export.

It is also working to raise the export readiness of the targeted enterprises through an assessment of the export readiness and consultation services to improve the export capacity of the target enterprises. 

"Saudi Exports" is also working to facilitate the creation of suitable opportunities and export markets suitable for enterprises by preparing the manuals of market access and market studies on demand. 

"Saudi Exports" contributes to the emergence of Saudi products to the target groups through participation in international exhibitions. 

"Saudi Exports" also provide a service to facilitate linking exporters with buyers and potential partners through trade missions and bilateral meetings on the sidelines of international exhibitions. 

The work of the "Saudi Exports" reflects the Kingdom’s vision 2030 and meets the aspirations of the wise leadership in order to diversify sources of income for the national economy.

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Ukraine embassy hosts Ukrainian Diaspora in Pakistan to celebrate winter festivities

Ukraine embassy hosts Ukrainian Diaspora in Pakistan to celebrate winter festivities

ISLAMABAD, -  The Embassy of Ukraine in Islamabad celebrated “Happy Malanka” and this event offered excellent opportunity of festivity to children, young and not very young participants.

Happy Malanka in the Embassy of Ukraine in Islamabad was celebrated in connection with New Year and Winter Season`s Festivities together with Ukrainian citizens and Pakistani alumni of Ukrainian Universities.

Children had several games to show their creativity while parents had opportunity to tell their children that they have a young child still alive inside them.

What is Happy Malanka?

Malanka (Ukrainian: Маланка) is a Ukrainian folk holiday to be celebrated on 13 January, which is New Year’s Eve in accordance with the Julian calendar.

The Ukrainian New Year obtained the name Malanka from a Christianized folk tale of pagan origin, as collected and published by a Ukrainian ethnologist.

According to available information, the story is based on the creator god Praboh, and his four sons and one daughter. One of his sons was the Devil, the second son was St. George (Yar-Yarylo), the third St. John (Rai), and the fourth was Lad or Myr (Peace).

Ukraine embassy hosts Ukrainian Diaspora in Pakistan to celebrate winter festivities

The one daughter is an earth goddess named Lada, who had two children: a son called the Moon and a daughter “Spring-May”, later referred to as Mylanka because she was loving (мила).

As mother Earth, she was responsible for the blooming of flowers and the greenery of spring. In a version of the myth of Hades and Persephone, Mylanka’s evil uncle (the Devil) desired her presence in the underworld and abducted her one-day when the Moon was hunting.

While she was gone, the Earth was left without spring and once she was released from the vices of the Devil, flowers began to bloom and greenery spread around the world.

In simple words, Malanka is celebration of beginning of Spring and change of weather from worse to normal.

In Indo-Pak subcontinent, this event is also celebrated but with different mythological background and this is called Basant Bahar. Throwing wheat to doorstep is also an important ingredient of celebration of Basant Bahar in Indo-Pak celebration, particularly in Punjabi traditions.

How do Ukrainians celebrate Happy Malanka?

Therefore, Ukrainians celebrate Malanka to symbolize the onset of spring and they dress in traditional Ukrainian clothing and holding props such as the star and go door to door to their neighbours, nearest friends and family.

This is called a Koliada, which starts on 6 January, Christmas Eve (Sviaty Vechir) and ends on 19 January.

Ukraine embassy hosts Ukrainian Diaspora in Pakistan to celebrate winter festivities

Traditionally, the first thing to do when you are invited into the family’s house is to have the eldest male throw wheat grains around the entrance, which gifts the family with happiness, health, love, luck and more. 

As the male is throwing the wheat grain, he is saying a verse (вірш).

Once this is completed, the rest of the carolers join in. Each person sends wishes to the family through these verses, they perform little skits and in between each of these, they sing traditional Ukrainian carols (Kolyadka).

The Embassy of Ukraine in Islamabad is actively celebrates different traditional festivities in embassy to promote Ukrainian culture and invite Ukrainian families living in and around Islamabad.

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AIOU places assignments’ marks at website

AIOU places assignments’ marks at website

ISLAMABAD, - Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) on Monday put academic assignments’ marks of Matric program relating to Semester Spring, 2018 on its website for information of the enrolled students.

The concerned students have been advised to visit the website to check their marks. In case of any error or laps they may contact the University’s Examination Department.

The correction could be done before the announcement of the final exams’ result that is expected to be announced next week.

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UNGA President Maria Fernanda Espionosa to visit Pakistan on Jan 18

UNGA President Maria Fernanda Espionosa to visit Pakistan on Jan 18

ISLAMABAD, JAN 14 - At the invitation of the Government of Pakistan, President of the UN General Assembly, Maria Fernanda Espionosa, will arrive in Islamabad on 18-22 January 2019.

This visit to Pakistan is the first to any country in the Asia-Pacific region by the President of the General Assembly (PGA), after her election.

Ms. Espionosa will call on the President and the Prime Minister. The Foreign Minister will hold a meeting with the visiting dignitary.

Apart from official engagements, the PGA will also meet members of the Women Parliamentary Caucus, Chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) and visit Pakistan’s Peacekeeping Training Center. Ms. Espionosa will also address members of academia, think tanks and students.

This marks the second visit by the President of UN General Assembly since 2010.

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Azerbaijan embassy to organize seminar on independence

Azerbaijan embassy to organize seminar on independence

ISLAMABAD, JAN 14 - The Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Pakistan and IQRA University are organizing a Seminar titled “From Martyrdom to Independence” in Islamabad on January 17.

The Seminar will be held at IQRA University, Islamabad Campus from 15:00 to 16:30 hours.

The Vice President IQRA University Dr. Mohammad Islam will deliver the opening remarks followed by a short video on the topic.

The former Special Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Ex-Ambassador of Pakistan to Afghanistan, Kuwait and Nepal Syed Abrar Hussain, the Chancellors, Iqra National University Obaid Khan, and the Chairman Senate Standing committee and Convener of Pakistan-Azerbaijan Friendship Group in Senate Senator Talha Mahmood will also address the participants.

The Azerbaijan in embassy holds, on regular basis, such seminars and interactions in order to highlight various issues.The Azerbaijan in embassy holds, on regular basis, such seminars and interactions in order to highlight various issues.Besides, the embassy under the aegis of the Hyder Aliey Foundation, also carries out charity and humanitarian work in various parts of Pakistan.

Besides, the embassy under the aegis of the Hyder Aliey Foundation, also carries out charity and humanitarian work in various parts of Pakistan.

While Ambassador of Azerbaijan Ali Alizada will also deliver a speech on the occasion and highlight various aspects of the topic.

Likewise, the embassy every year dedicates full day with persons with disabilities besides distributing sacrificial meat among the needy on every Eid ul Adha.

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SC dismisses NAB plea, upholds IHC verdict against Sharifs

SC dismisses NAB plea, upholds IHC verdict against Sharifs

ISLAMABAD, JAN 14 - The Supreme Court (SC) on Monday dismissed National Accountability Bureau’s (NAB) plea and upheld the Islamabad High Court (IHC) verdict against deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif, his daughter Maryam Nawaz and son-in-law Captain (retd) Safdar in the Avenfield Reference.

A five member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar comprising Justice Asif Saeed Khosa, Justice Mushir Alam, Justice Gulzar Ahmed and Justice Mazhar Alam heard the plea challenging the IHC verdict in the Avenfield case which suspended the sentences of the trio.

During the hearing, Justice Ahmed remarked that, “It is not necessary that an appeal in the top court can undermine a high court verdict,” adding that the bench will look into the merits of the case.

He further asked the NAB prosecutor that on what basis does he expect the court to suspend the IHC verdict.

“Part of the verdict that granted bail was not challenged,” added Justice Ahmed. “Mere high court remarks cant be used as a basis to suspend the awarded sentence.”

Upon hearing this, the NAB prosecutor responded saying, “A bail can only be granted in certain circumstances and the high court did not shed light upon any such circumstance.”

Further on in the hearing, Justice Khosa said, “What is the problem? Has Sharif been acquitted?” To which the NAB lawyer said, “The decision is almost equal to an acquittal.

”

The chief justice added that observations of an interim order does not have an effect on the submitted appeal.

Justice Khosa further asked the NAB prosecutor that how did the high court abuse its power by granting a bail? “One member of the family is behind bars already. 

According to your point of view, the high court verdict is wrong and you want us to commit the same mistake.”

Towards the end of the hearing, CJP Nisar asked the NAB counsel, on what grounds should the apex court suspend the bail. “Rules of granting a bail differ from rules of suspending a bail.”

The Avenfield case

An accountability court on July 6, 2018 sentenced the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) supremo to 10 years in prison and imposed a fine of £8 million after finding him guilty on different charges in the Avenfield properties case. 

Judge Muhammad Bashir also handed out a seven-year imprisonment to Maryam and fined her £2 million whereas her husband Safdar was awarded a one year jail term.

However on Sept 19, the IHC suspended the sentences awarded to Sharif, Maryam and Safdar in the case. A division bench comprising Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb suspended their sentence in a short verdict.

The verdict was announced in light of the petition filed by the trio, seeking suspension of the Avenfield verdict until a final decision is made on their appeals against the sentence.

Later, NAB approached the apex court challenging the IHC verdict releasing Sharif and his family members.

According to the Avenfield Properties reference, Sharif, his brood and his son-in-law had purchased four flats in Park Lane, UK, illegally. 

However, the deposed premier and his family members consistently claimed that the apartments were purchased through legal means.

They were jailed in a case stemming from 2016 Panama Papers revelations which showed that the apartments were purchased through off-shore companies.

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APS attack survivor Ahmad Nawaz awarded points of light award

APS attack survivor Ahmad Nawaz awarded points of light award

ISLAMABAD, JAN 14 - Ahmad Nawaz, who survived the attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar in 2014, has become the third Pakistani to be awarded a Point of Light. He was recognised for his work as an anti-radicalisation youth activist.

Mr Nawaz has addressed thousands of students at various schools in the UK and events organised by the United Nations, encouraging communities to unite and fight extremism together.

British PM Theresa May commented his work in a letter:

“The work that you do to educate young people about extremism and radicalisation is invaluable – and the fact that it comes from your own experience is testament to your incredible personal strength and resolve.

Your recent appointment to the National Counter Extremism Advisory board demonstrates the positive impact of your work. You should feel tremendously proud and I wish you the very best with your continued endeavours.”

Mr Ahmad Nawaz said:

“I am deeply honoured to be recognised as a ‘Point of Light’ by the Prime Minister. It has propelled me to do more of the positive work that I do for the society.

I would like to encourage other young people to do the same in order to have a society free of extremism and violence.”

Ahmad Nawaz is working with the Home Office and has recently been appointed a member of National Counter Extremism Advisory board. 

He is also a winner of the No2H8 Crime Young Upstander Award for his courage and conviction.

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