Washington: Hala Rharrit, Arabic Spokesperson at US State Department, Resigns Over Gaza Policy Dispute

Hala Rharrit, the Arabic language spokesperson for the US State Department, has stepped down from her role citing disagreement with Washington's stance on Israel's actions in Gaza. This marks the third resignation in protest against US policy concerning Palestinians and Gaza.

Rharrit, also the Deputy Director of Dubai Regional Media Hub, had been with the State Department for nearly two decades, starting as a political and human rights officer.

In a social media post, she stated, “After 18 years of service, I resign in protest against America's Gaza policy,”.

During a press briefing, a State Department spokesperson mentioned that avenues exist within the department for expressing dissenting views on government policies.

This resignation follows recent departures from the Bureau of Human Rights and Education Department, highlighting internal discord over US support for Israel's actions in Gaza.

Criticism against the US has mounted internationally and from human rights organizations for its stance. Calls for a ceasefire have been made, with internal discussions reflecting deep divisions within President Joe Biden's administration.

Lahore: The Leadership in Resuscitation (LIR) Course organized by Community Safety Wing of Emergency Services Department in collaboration with Aga Khan University (AKU), Karachi was held at Emergency Services Academy for 45 master trainers of Pak Life Saver Program (PLSP) of the Service on Saturday.

Secretary, Emergency Services Department, Dr Rizwan Naseer attended closing ceremony of LIR course and said that the trainers of LIR would be expected to further train emergency responders on High-Performance Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (HP-CPR) to provide quality CPR to cardiac arrest patients.

Dr. Rizwan Naseer also directed them to provide scenarios to emergency responders and enhance their decision making and critical thinking skills at the time of emergency as you all have learnt in Leadership in Resuscitation course. He also thanked to the management of Aga Khan University, Karachi for organizing LIR course for master trainers and conducting evaluation of Emergency Medical Technicians at Emergency Services Academy.

Dr Rizwan recalled the initiative of the Prime Minister’s Pak Life Saver Program to train citizens on essential lifesaving skills of CPR & Bleeding Control for which the Rescue 1122 was given the responsibility of National Focal Point to train masses to save lives as much as possible.

 Accordingly, Rescue 1122  developed Pak Lifesaver App and web portal for online training followed by hands-on practice at nearest Rescue stations. Dr Rizwan appreciated Community Safety Wing and district training teams for training of – Lifesavers on Prime Minister Pak Life Saver Program. He also congratulated the participants of the LIR course on successful completion of the course.

Lahore:  Chinese Consul General Zhao Shiren on Saturday extended a warm welcome to Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.

The both sides discussed the matters of mutual interest and to enhance the bilateral cooperation during the meeting.

They also held discussions regarding the security of Chinese citizens in Pakistan.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi briefed the Chinse diplomat about the measures taken for the security of Chinese citizens.

Naqvi said,  “The protection of Chinese citizens residing in Pakistan is our national responsibility,”.  He stated that all the relevant authorities were instructed according to SOPs to ensure the security of Chinese citizens.

The interior minister also said that they would not allow any conspiracy to harm Pak-China friendship to succeed.

“No stone will be left unturned to ensure the security of our Chinese brothers,” said Interior Minister Naqvi.

On it, Chinese Consul General Zhao Shireen said, “China and Pakistan are friends in every season,”.

He said that the bonds of mutual trust between Pakistan and China are growing stronger with each passing day.