TMSG calls to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding in Pakistan

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Trust for Malnutrition and Stunted Growth (TMSG), on the occasion of the World Breastfeeding Week being celebrated from August 1 to 7, has urged policymakers, healthcare providers, community leaders, and families across Pakistan to recognize breastfeeding as a cornerstone in the fight against child malnutrition.

“More than half of Pakistan’s children suffer from malnutrition and one of the root causes is the sharp decline in breastfeeding during the first critical months of life,” Aziz Memon, Chairman, TMSG, highlighted. 

“No nutritional intervention can match the power of a mother’s milk. It is the child’s first vaccine, first food, and first protection,” he pointed out. 

“Breastfeeding reduces the risk of life-threatening infections, promotes brain development, and lays the foundation for a healthy, productive future. Yet, millions of mothers across Pakistan face barriers ranging from lack of awareness and workplace challenges to aggressive marketing of formula substitutes,” Aziz Memon stated. 

The TMSG, another initiative of Aziz Memon, will be carrying out stronger public education campaigns to emphasize the life-saving importance of breastfeeding during the coming week. 

It will also bring to light support systems for mothers in hospitals, communities, and workplaces, besides advocating for enforcement of laws against unethical formula promotion and inclusion of breastfeeding counseling in all malnutrition clinics nationwide. 

The TMSG, which has held quite a few events to create awareness about health-related issues, has reckoned that a national shift toward breastfeeding was not only medically necessary but also morally urgent. 

“By promoting and protecting breastfeeding, we are not just nourishing children, but building a healthier, stronger Pakistan. The TMSG remains committed to working alongside partners including UNICEF, the Ministry of Health, and civil society organizations to ensure every child receives the nutrition and care they deserve from the very beginning,” Aziz Memon concluded.

Aziz Memon extends support to CPLC chief

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist, Aziz Memon, has hailed the appointment of Muhammad Zubair Habib as the new provincial chief of the Citizens-Police Liaison Committee (CPLC). 

“Heartiest congratulations on your deserving appointment as Chair of the CPLC, Sindh. You are doing great work. Please continue with the same spirit and I assure you my full support,” Aziz Memon, who has immortalized himself with innumerable accomplishments in various fields, wrote to Zubair Habib in a brief congratulatory note. 

Zubair Habib happens to be one of the founding members of the CPLC Sindh. His association with CPLC dates back to its inception in 1989. 

He was the first District Chief for CPLC-ZRC West from 1993-2007 and later on headed the Charged Parking Project, a joint venture of CPLC and KMC. 

He also headed ZRC districts of Malir, East and South before he was assigned the charge of Deputy Chief CPLC Central Reporting Cell in 2015. 

The CPLC is a non-political, statutory organization which works with law enforcement to improve public safety and provide support to citizens. 

Its core mandate revolves around crime prevention, protection of life and property, upholding the rule of law, and providing relief to crime victims. 

The CPLC also offers technical assistance to law enforcement agencies and helps resolve general disputes. 

The CPLC actively works to prevent crimes through various initiatives, including maintaining databases of jail inmates, addressing illegal detention cases, and assisting law enforcement in combating crimes like kidnapping, extortion, and robbery.

Strong, deep-rooted bonds between Pakistan and Turkiye highlighted

By Iqbal Jamil 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Historically, right from the era of Moghals and Mahmood Ghanavi, Turkiye has had its presence in Central Asia and sub-continent, and that is the reason due to which both countries have long and excellent bilateral relations. 

This was stated by the outgoing Consul General of the Republic of Turkiye, Cemal Sangu, at the farewell lunch hosted in his honour by the Center for Alternative Perspectives at the DHA Golf Club in Karachi. 

The outgoing diplomat recalled that the relations between Pakistan and Turkiye are soul to soul for more than 1000 years old, and it is not a coincidence as there were connections between Ottoman Empire and the Moghals. 

He reckoned that the future of Pakistan is the future of Turkiye and whatever the circumstances, we are always together. Reminding the audience, he said that Pakistan was the first country to send aid when Turkiye was hit by earthquake. Likewise, during the floods in Pakistan, Turkiye was the first country to send the aid. 

Cemal Sangu emphasized that the power engine for development is education. He said that there are 28 Tukish schools across Pakistan having 13 thousand students. 

He thanked the Center for Alternative Perspectives (CAP) for honoring him to be part of such an event. 

The founder of the CAP, Dr Samreen Bari Aamir, noted that the Cemal Sangu tenure as Consul General will be remembered for a long time to come. 

The General Secretary of the CAP, Dr Sundus Basharat Ahmed, welcomed the distinguished, expressing the hope that the Pakistan-Turkiye relations will be cementing further with the passage of time. 

Former Dean of Arts and Social Sciences of University of Karachi and mentor of CAP, Dr Shaista Tabassum, praised the interest of the Consul General in the development of education in Pakistan. 

The head of PTV World in Karachi, Ali Asghar Arbab, believed that Turkiye and Pakistan may be two countries physically but they are actually one nation, culturally embedded. 

The General Secretary of the Palestine Foundation, Dr Sabir Abu Maryum, thanked His Excellency, Consul General Cemal Sangu, for supporting the cause of Palestine. 

The Dean of Social Sciences, Greenwuch University, Fatima Agha Shah, also praised Cemal Sangu, describing him as a very cooperative and dedicated person. Later, the President of the CAP, Dr Sidra Ahmed, presented a shield in token of appreciation to Cemal Sangu.

Former diplomat documents glories splendidly

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The high-achievers from different walks of life have had the tendency of bringing out their biographies and autobiographies to document the glories of their illustrious careers but Abdul Kader Jaffer, a renowned entrepreneur and philanthropists, who also served as Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, has done it in style. 

His autobiography titled ‘The Passionate Patriot’ is not only rich in content but its design, layout and printing are nothing short of spectacular. The hardbound coffee table book, spread over nearly 300 pages, is a masterpiece of sorts. 

Abdul Kader Jaffer, one of the most eminent personalities of the country, has done justice to his outstanding works in the fields of business, industry and social sector by producing such a high-quality book, elegantly designed by Tannaz Minwalla, who headed the famous Creative Unit with distinction for many years. 

The author himself, Abdul Kader Jaffer, presented signed copies of his book ‘The Passionate Patriot’ to the duo of Ehsan Qureshi and Syed Khalid Mahmood, both of them towering media personalities in their own right, in a meeting on July 1. 

The book was greatly admired by both the seasoned journalists who congratulated the 88-year-old Abdul Kader Jaffer on his latest accomplishment in the shape of a magnificent book which is being sent to the movers and shakers of the country for record and reference purposes.

Syed Khalid Mahmood described the book as a welcome addition to the Pakistan's literary arena which rarely gets to see such super-duper publications.

Ehsan Qureshi also lavishly praised the quality of the book and commended the author for undertaking the venture which could serve as guiding light for other luminaries of the country, who are looking forward to join the elite list.