Latest news with #PakistanConference2025
Business Recorder
02-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Pakistan Conference at Harvard: NFL outlines economic opportunities and challenges
KARACHI: National Foods Limited participated, as a key partner, in the first-ever Pakistan Conference 2025 at Harvard, recently held with an aim to highlight the opportunities and challenges for Pakistan's economy. The 'Pakistan Conference 2025 at Harvard' was the largest student-led gathering on Pakistan in the United States, convening policymakers, academics, business leaders, and civil society experts to engage in critical discussions on Pakistan's economic trajectory, governance, and global positioning. According to the NLF, addressing the conference, Abrar Hasan, Global CEO of NFL said that striving to become a knowledge-based economy should be a priority for Pakistan but it requires more than just investment, it demands a shift in mindset, and a commitment to innovation. He emphasized that this transformation is not easy but embracing this change will be key to driving sustainable growth and global competitiveness. He said that the NFL has witnessed firsthand how strategic planning and innovation drive industry growth. 'These strategic initiatives have enabled us to bring the rich culinary heritage of Pakistan to tables across the world, redefining how our cuisines are experienced globally,' he added. National Foods is one of the main sponsors and leading Pakistani companies at this landmark global forum which is a student-led initiative aimed to serve as a transformative platform for dialogue. Abrar said National Foods takes pride in supporting this conference which has highlighted the opportunities and challenges for Pakistan's economy, and how complexities can be navigated to foster economic resilience. Muhammad Hadi, Chair of Pakistan Conference 2025 at Harvard, acknowledged NFL's contribution and said that it is proud to have National Foods Limited as a key partner for the first-ever Pakistan Conference 2025 at Harvard. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
News18
30-04-2025
- Politics
- News18
'Organised By Students': Harvard Distances Itself From 'Pakistan Conference' Row After Pahalgam Attack
Harvard University, after a backlash, clarified that the 'Pakistan Conference 2025' was independently organised by students and not endorsed by donors or the administration. Days after organising the 'Pakistan Conference 2025' on April 27, Harvard University's South Asia Institute has distanced itself from the controversy that followed and asserted the conference was independently organised by the students and their faculty advisor. The University faced a backlash for organising the event just five days after the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists on April 22. In a statement, Harvard University's South Asia Institute also extended its condolences to the victims of the attack. 'The Institute supports academic research projects and works with other university partners on multiple events throughout the academic year. One such event was 'The Pakistan Conference', organised by students from Harvard and held on April 27, 2025," the statement read. 'In accordance with our principles of operation, we did not consult any benefactor of the Institute regarding this conference. The students, along with their faculty advisor, independently determined the topics and speakers presenting," it added. 'We share the grief and anguish with our friends, colleagues, and loved ones in India who have been affected by the attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, and we offer our heartfelt condolences," the University stated. 'These acts of violence were not indiscriminate— they were calculated attacks based solely on religious identity," the letter by the students stated. 'While formally denying involvement, Pakistan's ministers and lawmakers have simultaneously issued aggressive warnings to India and reaffirmed their support for insurgent activity in Kashmir. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar has even issued threats of retaliation, should India take any 'kinetic step' in response," the letter read. 'Welcoming representatives of a government that not only denies accountability for but also ideologically supports such religion-based terrorism, risks Harvard being complicit in legitimising those who enable or justify these crimes," the students wrote in the letter. 'We ask for the clarity, courage, and compassion for Hindu and Indian students grieving the targeted killing of members of their faith. We request you to take a stance against Hinduphobia," it read. 'We respectfully request that Harvard University: 1. Issue a public statement condemning the Pahalgam terror attacks and affirming support for victims of religion-based violence. 2. Review the participation of Pakistani officials at the Pakistan Conference 2025 in light of their government's ideological and rhetorical support for groups like LeT. 3. Provide emotional and institutional support to affected students through the Office for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging," the letter mentioned. 'This is not about political posturing. It is about moral clarity. Harvard must ensure its campus does not become a platform for whitewashing state-enabled religious terrorism," it concluded. STUDENTS SAY PAHALGAM ATTACK WAS 'TARGETED' Speaking to news agency ANI recently, Surabhi Tomar said, 'The horrible attack in Pahalgam was a targeted, religion-based massacre. When Harvard invites officials, especially officials who have ideologically justified such acts, it risks legitimising the state-backed terror narratives on our campus. This is the reason why we thought that we should take some action or ask people to take some action." Elaborating more on the event, Tomar said, 'It was a pre-planned event, and it was a coincidence. However, even given the coincidence, we do not think that it is correct for anyone, especially a university like Harvard, to legitimise such voices, especially when they in their country are trying to justify such acts and not condemning them." She further said that the students have urged US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to 'deny visas to officials who support terror-linked ideologies." 'We shouldn't stay silent after a faith-based killing, that is our belief. We consulted our peers. We received a great deal of support from students from 65 countries. We read the testimonies of survivors, and we acted on a shared moral obligation to speak out. We emphasised that this was not random violence. It was religious persecution," she said. 'We urged Harvard to stand against Hinduphobia and asked the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to deny visas to officials who support terror-linked ideologies," Tomar added. ALSO READ | Indian Army Northern Command Chief Ousted Over Pahalgam Attack? PIB Fact-Checks Pro-Pakistani Handles Another student, Rashmini Koparkar, expressed disappointment, stating that the guests at the event didn't condemn the Pahalgam attack and show sensitivity. 'We were expecting a certain degree of sensitivity and acknowledgement of what has happened. The event was pre-planned and already discussed. It was a coincidence that the event took place within five days. However, a more thoughtful gesture would have been preferable." 'First of all, they could have condemned the attacks. Secondly, the number of guests and the high-ranking officials that were arriving at this event were actually in question because this is a state which has been harbouring cross-border terrorism for years. India has been suffering," Koparkar said. THE PAHALGAM TERROR ATTACK On April 22, armed terrorists unleashed horror by opening fire at tourists in Kashmir's iconic Pahalgam. The wives and other relatives of those killed in the attack later revealed to the media that the terrorists asked the names and the faith of tourists before shooting them dead. They also reportedly asked those who said they belonged to the Muslim community to recite the Kalma. The terrorists shot dead those who said they were Hindus, and left their relatives, especially women, asking them to narrate the ordeal to the government. top videos View all The attack claimed the lives of 26 tourists, including one Nepali national. ALSO READ | PM Modi Chairs Cabinet Committee On Political Affairs Meet, First Since Pulwama Attack Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : Harvard University Pahalgam attack Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: April 30, 2025, 13:40 IST News world 'Organised By Students': Harvard Distances Itself From 'Pakistan Conference' Row After Pahalgam Attack
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
‘Take stance against Hinduphobia': Indian students slam Harvard for hosting Pak event post-Pahalgam attack
Indian students at Harvard have raised strong objections to Pakistani delegates attending the Pakistan Conference 2025, days after the Pahalgam terror attack. Students claim the attack targeted Hindu pilgrims and accused Pakistan of backing religiously motivated violence. They've written to Harvard leadership and the US Secretary of State demanding action. Tensions rise as top Pakistani officials attend the event. Show more Show less
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
30-04-2025
- Politics
- First Post
‘Take stance against Hinduphobia': Why Harvard University is under fire days after Pahalgam terror attack
Indian students at Harvard University in the United States objected to the visit of Pakistani delegates, including the country's Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, for the Pakistan Conference 2025. This came just days after the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people in Jammu and Kashmir. The students urged Harvard to issue a public statement condemning the attack and reconsider allowing Pakistani officials to participate in the conference read more Indian students at Harvard University raised objections to the visit of Pakistani delegates to the campus. Reuters/File Photo The aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack has now reached other parts of the world. A recent event focused on Pakistan at Harvard University's South Asia Institute has drawn strong criticism from Indian students. The conference took place shortly after the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam. Top Pakistani leaders like Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Pakistan's Ambassador to the US, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, were part of it. ALSO READ | Trump vs Harvard: How the fight started, where it is heading STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Pahalgam attack is one of the deadliest attacks in Jammu and Kashmir since the 2019 Pulwama strike. After the incident, India took strict steps against Pakistan, accusing it of supporting cross-border terrorism. In this explainer, we look at why the Harvard event has caused anger and what Indian students are saying about it. The backlash against Harvard over Pakistan conference Indian students at Harvard University in the United States raised objections to the visit of Pakistani delegates to the campus. They have accused the Pakistani government of backing religiously motivated attacks against Hindus in India. Two Indian students, Surabhi Tomar and Abhishek Chaudhari, sent a letter to Harvard's management. They expressed grief over the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, saying the attackers had targeted Hindu tourists after confirming their religion. Before the event took place, the students also wrote to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, asking him to cancel the visas of the Pakistani officials attending the Pakistan Conference 2025 at Harvard. 'These acts of violence were not indiscriminate - they were calculated attacks based solely on religious identity,' the letter read. Indian students of @Harvard have demanded the Admin to issue a statement condemning the #PahalgamTerroristAttack where Hindu tourists were massacred by #Pakistan & affirming support for victims of religion-based violence.@Keir_Starmer — Sukhwinder Singh Parmar (@sukhparmar03) April 30, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD They also pointed out that Pakistan had made threatening statements to India after the country took steps against Islamabad following the attack. According to the letter, while Pakistan's Foreign Ministry offered brief condolences, other officials made indirect threats to India and reaffirmed their support for Kashmiri insurgents, which they say is linked to groups like LeT. The students said they were especially concerned that Pakistani delegates, including Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, were scheduled to speak at the event. They stated that this came shortly after Pakistan's Senate passed a resolution supporting what it calls Kashmir's 'freedom struggle,' which, they argued, is often used to excuse violence against Indian citizens. 'Welcoming representatives of a government that not only denies accountability for, but also ideologically supports such religion-based terrorism, risks Harvard being complicit in legitimising those who enable or justify these crimes,' the letter read. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD ALSO READ | How India's decision to cancel medical visas after Pahalgam is hurting Pakistanis The students asked Harvard to make a public statement against the attack, reconsider letting Pakistani officials take part in the conference, and offer support to students affected by the violence, CNN-News18 reported. 'We ask for the clarity, courage, and compassion for Hindu and Indian students grieving the targeted killing of members of their faith. We request you to take a stance against Hinduphobia," it read. The letter made three specific requests to Harvard: 1. Issue a public statement condemning the Pahalgam terror attacks and supporting victims of religion-based violence. 2. Review the participation of Pakistani officials in light of their government's support for groups like LeT. 3. Provide emotional and institutional support to affected students through the Office for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging. In a follow-up letter addressed to Harvard's leadership, the Indian students discussed the university's long-standing values. It said, 'Harvard has always stood for equity, global justice, and human dignity. In recent years, the university has taken meaningful stances in support of communities affected by racism, antisemitism, Islamophobia, and other forms of hatred.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How did the University respond? The conference was reportedly put together by Pakistani students at Harvard. As per reports, the university's role was only to help with arrangements and coordination. Amid the controversy, fresh debate began after it emerged that Hitesh Hathi, Executive Director of Harvard's South Asia Institute, had taken part in a panel with Pakistani-American historian Ayesha Jalal. It is a shame that after the #Pahalgam attack, the 'Pakistan conference at Harvard' is being held with the Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute (@MittalInstitute) being a partner. This is quite unfortunate and must be stood against strongly! Jai Hind — Mrittunjoy Guha Majumdar (@Zeit_MjGM) April 27, 2025 The discussion, titled 'The Enlightened Muslim: Examining the intersection of religion, modernity, and state formation in Pakistan,' was one of several listings later taken down from the institute's website. Harvard has not issued a statement about the removal of these details. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While the event was hosted by Pakistani students at Harvard, some attendees told The Times of India that the conference also seemed intended to boost Pakistan's presence in US academic circles, which has reportedly declined in recent years. Figures from Open Doors, which tracks the number of international students in the US, show that 10,988 students from Pakistan are currently studying in American institutions. Meanwhile, India leads with 331,602 students, followed by China with 277,398. Notably, Pakistan has fewer students in the US than Bangladesh and Nepal, which have 17,099 and 16,742 students enrolled, respectively, the report said. ALSO READ | Will Harvard University stop admitting foreign students? What happened in Pahalgam? In one of the deadliest attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, terrorists linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba opened fire on a group of tourists in Pahalgam on Tuesday, April 22. At least 26 people, including foreign nationals, were killed, and many others were injured. The Resistance Front (TRF), believed to be an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the attack. Security personnel stand guard after a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. File image/PTI Following the incident, India downgraded diplomatic relations with Pakistan. The Indian government announced a series of tough measures, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, reducing the strength of Pakistan's mission in New Delhi, and expelling its military officials. The Integrated Check Post at Attari was also shut down. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In response, Pakistan said it would withdraw from the 1972 Simla Agreement and close the Wagah border crossing with India. Speaking in Bihar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised strong action against those responsible. He said India would 'pursue the terrorists to the end of the earth.' Meanwhile, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warned that any move to change the flow of water or block Pakistan's rights under the Indus Waters Treaty would be treated as 'an Act of War.' With inputs from agencies
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Pahalgam terror attack: Indian students at Harvard protest Pakistani delegates' visit
Water flows down the Charles River near Harvard University, in background. (Pic credit: AP) In the wake of Pahalgam terror attack , Indian students at the Harvard Kennedy School protested the upcoming visit of Pakistani delegates to the campus. In a letter to US secretary of state Marco Rubio , the students requested him to revoke the visas of Pakistani officials who will attend the Pakistan Conference 2025 at Harvard University. "We are students at Harvard Kennedy School, deeply disturbed by the recent targeted terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India, on April 22, 2025. Survivors confirm that attackers demanded religious identification and recitation of Islamic prayers--those who failed or identified as Hindu were killed. This was not an indiscriminate act of violence--it was a faith-based massacre," Indian students Surabhi Tomar and Abhishek Chaudhari wrote in the letter. The students condemned Pakistan's response to the attack, as many leaders issued threats towards India. "Even more troubling is the response from Pakistani state officials. While the Pakistani Foreign Ministry issued perfunctory condolences, other leaders have simultaneously issued veiled threats toward India and reaffirmed their support for Kashmiri insurgents, the ideological and logistical base for LeT," the letter added. The students noted that "despite this, senior Pakistani government figures, some directly tied to these statements, are scheduled to attend the Pakistan Conference 2025 at Harvard University. These include Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and others representing institutions complicit in ideologically or materially enabling religiously motivated terrorism." "Senator Rubio, we respectfully urge you to recommend that the US State Department revoke the visas of all Pakistani officials travelling to the United States for this conference," the letter added. In another letter to the leaders of Harvard, the students said that "Harvard has always stood for equity, global justice, and human dignity. In recent years, the university has taken meaningful stances in support of communities affected by racism, antisemitism, Islamophobia, and other forms of hatred." "We now ask for the same clarity, courage, and compassion for Hindu and Indian students grieving the targeted killing of members of their faith. We request you to take a stance against Hinduphobia," it added.
