Pakistani envoy, OIC chief discuss Islamophobia ahead of annual coordination meeting on Sept 21 

Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Ambassador Syed Mohammad Fawad Sher (left) shakes hands with the OIC Secretary General, H.E. Hissein Brahim Taha at the OIC General Secretariat in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on September 12, 2023. (Photo courtesy: Foreign Office)
Short Url
Updated 13 September 2023
Follow

Pakistani envoy, OIC chief discuss Islamophobia ahead of annual coordination meeting on Sept 21 

  • Ambassador Fawad Sher reiterates Pakistan’s strong condemnation of Qur’an burnings, other Islamophobic acts 
  • OIC secretary-general appreciates Pakistan’s effective participation in addressing challenges faced by Muslim world 

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s permanent representative to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Ambassador Syed Mohammad Fawad Sher, on Tuesday called on the OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha at the OIC General Secretariat in Jeddah, where the two figures discussed Islamophobia and a wide range of issues facing the Muslim world, the Pakistani consulate in Jeddah said. 

The development came days ahead of the OIC’s annual coordination meeting on September 21, which would be held on the sidelines of the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session in New York. 

The annual meeting will be attended by foreign ministers of the OIC member states and feature other events on the sidelines, including the meeting of the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir. 

“Ambassador and the Secretary General exchanged views on issues slated for discussion during the forthcoming OIC Annual Coordination Meeting (ACM) and the Islamic Summit including, inter alia, the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, Palestine, Afghanistan, Islamophobia incidents of desecration of the Holy Qur’an and COMSTECH Islamabad (OIC’s Ministerial Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation),” the Pakistani consulate said in a statement. 

“Ambassador Fawad Sher noted that Pakistan maintained a firm position and has traditionally played an active role in steering OIC’s response to all important issues. On Islamophobia and the repeated incidents of desecration of the Holy Qur’an, he reiterated Pakistan’s strong condemnation of these despicable incidents.” 

The Pakistani envoy thanked Secretary General Taha for the OIC’s unwavering support to the Jammu and Kashmir cause and urged for the complete implementation of the OIC plan of action on Jammu and Kashmir, adopted by the 48th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) in Islamabad. 

Participating countries discussed a wide range of issues and adopted 140 resolutions, including the Islamabad Declaration, at the 48th session of the OIC CFM held in the Pakistani capital in March last year. 

The declaration highlighted the desire of OIC member states to promote and protect their common interests, support “just causes” such as the Palestine and Kashmir issues, uphold the rights and interests of Muslim minorities in non-OIC countries, and pursue a shared vision for greater social, economic, scientific and technological development and integration within the Muslim world. 

The Muslim-majority Himalayan region has been a bone of contention between Pakistan and India since their independence from the British rule in 1947. Both neighbors rule parts of the Himalayan territory, but claim it in full and have fought two of their three wars over the disputed region. 

During Tuesday’s meeting in Jeddah, the OIC secretary general appreciated Pakistan’s robust engagement with the OIC and its effective participation in addressing challenges confronting the Muslim world, according to the Pakistani consulate. 

He stated that the OIC highly valued Pakistan’s contributions on issues of collective concern to the Ummah. 

The OIC is the second-largest intergovernmental organization in the world, after the UN. It consists of 57 Muslim member states spread across four continents. It is considered the collective voice of Muslim countries around the world and aims to promote the interests of its member states. 


Pakistan confers military award on Turkish land forces commander

Updated 47 min 26 sec ago
Follow

Pakistan confers military award on Turkish land forces commander

  • President Asif Ali Zardari conferred the award at a special investiture ceremony held in Islamabad
  • General Selcuk Bayraktaroglu, who is currently visiting Pakistan, also met Army Chief Gen Asim Munir

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Sunday conferred a military award, Nishan-i-Imtiaz, on Commander of the Turkish Land Forces, General Selcuk Bayraktaroglu, during his visit to Islamabad, Pakistani state media reported.

Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari bestowed the Turkish general with the award at a special investiture ceremony held at the Presidency in Islamabad, the state-run Radio Pakistan broadcaster reported.

“The award was conferred upon him in recognition of his illustrious services and contribution toward strengthening Pakistan-Turkiye defense relations,” the report read.

The investiture ceremony was attended by foreign diplomats and high-ranking military officials.

Separately, General Bayraktaroglu called on Pakistan’s army chief, General Asim Munir, and General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, the Pakistani military said.

During his meeting with Gen Munir, matters of mutual interest and measures to further enhance bilateral defense cooperation were discussed, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistani military’s media wing. 

“Both sides expressed satisfaction over deep-rooted relations between the two countries, based on historic, cultural and religious affinity,” the ISPR said.

“COAS emphasized the need to further strengthen existing military to military cooperation between the two Armed Forces.”

During the meeting, the ISPR added, the visiting dignitary appreciated the role of Pakistan Army in ensuring peace and stability in the region.


Pakistan court hands life sentences to four in 2018 murder of lawmaker

Updated 29 April 2024
Follow

Pakistan court hands life sentences to four in 2018 murder of lawmaker

  • The accused were convicted of aiding, abetting, reconnaissance, and facilitating murder of Syed Ali Raza Abidi
  • Court suspends proceedings against prime accused, citing Supreme Court ruling that prohibits judgments in absentia

KARACHI: A Pakistani court on Monday handed life sentences to four accused who were convicted of aiding, abetting, reconnaissance and facilitating the murder of a Pakistani lawmaker in the southern city of Karachi in 2018.

Ali Raza Abidi, a businessman and politician, who belonged to the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) party, was shot dead outside his residence in the Defense Housing Authority (DHA) area of Karachi.

Police had registered a case against the suspects in the Gizri police station under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

“The evidence shows that all the accused persons in furtherance of their common intention are involved in the commission of murder of Syed Ali Raza Abidi and they are equally responsible for the act,” Zeeshan Akhter Khan, the Anti-Terrorism Court judge, stated in his detailed judgment.

The convicts, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Ghazali, Abu Bakar and Abdul Haseeb, were also fined under various sections of the Pakistan Penal Code. They can appeal the verdict within 15 days.

The court, citing a Supreme Court judgment, said since a case against absconding accused, Bilal, Hasnain, Ghulam Mustafa and Faizan, could not be proceeded in absentia, it was placed on dormant status until their arrest or appearance before the court.

Abidi was elected as a Member of the National Assembly (MNA) on the ticket of the MQM-P in the 2013 general election. He, however, quit the MQM-P following the party’s formation of an alliance with the rival Pak Sarzameen Party (PSP).

Despite briefly rejoining the MQM-P in December 2017, Abidi ultimately parted ways with the party in September 2018. He was killed months later on December 25, 2018.


Pakistani PM meets Malaysia’s Ibrahim on WEF sidelines, invites on official Islamabad visit 

Updated 29 April 2024
Follow

Pakistani PM meets Malaysia’s Ibrahim on WEF sidelines, invites on official Islamabad visit 

  • Shehbaz Sharif was in Riyadh to attend a WEF special meeting on Global Collaboration, Growth and Energy for Development on April 28-29
  • The Pakistan PM invited Malaysian traders and businessmen to visit Pakistan to discuss expansion of bilateral trade, investment relations

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday met his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim in Riyadh and invited him to visit the South Asian country, Sharif’s office said. 
The two leaders met on the sidelines of a two-day World Economic Forum (WEF) summit in Saudi Arabia’s capital of Riyadh, according to PM Sharif’s office.
During the meeting, both sides agreed to further develop relations.
“The two leaders also agreed to hold the next meeting of the Joint Ministerial Commission in Islamabad soon,” Sharif’s office said in a statement. 
“The prime minister reiterated his invitation to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to pay an official visit to Pakistan.”
The two leaders discussed bilateral ties in the fields of education, science and technology, livestock and trade, and vowed to further enhance cooperation in the future, according to the statement.
PM Sharif also invited Malaysian traders and businessmen to visit Pakistan to discuss the expansion of bilateral trade and investment relations.
The Pakistan prime minister was in Riyadh to attend the WEF special meeting on Global Collaboration, Growth and Energy for Development on April 28-29.
Sharif spoke about Gaza at the closing plenary of the two-day summit and held several bilateral meetings, particularly with Saudi officials, during the visit.


No peace in the world without ceasefire in Gaza, Pakistani PM says at WEF 

Updated 29 April 2024
Follow

No peace in the world without ceasefire in Gaza, Pakistani PM says at WEF 

  • Pakistan does not recognize Israel and calls for an independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders
  • Sharif is in Riyadh for two-day World Economic Forum summit on growth, has met top Saudi leaders on sidelines 

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Monday there could be no peace in the world without a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, as Israel’s attacks on the besieged Palestinians territory continue. 

The statement came during the prime minister’s address at the closing plenary of a special two-day World Economic Forum (WEF) summit held in Riyadh, with a focus on global collaboration, growth and energy for development.

Israel’s air and ground assault on Gaza has killed about 34,500 Palestinians, according to Palestinian health authorities. The enclave is also in the grips of severe shortages of food, fuel and medicine since October 7 when the war started after attacks by Hamas on Israel.

“The world will not be in peace unless there is permanent peace in Gaza,” PM Sharif said.

Pakistan does not recognize the state of Israel and calls for an independent Palestinian state based on “internationally agreed parameters” and the pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

Sharif said conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine and elsewhere had led to inflation globally, which was “breaking the back of developing countries.”

Sharif arrived in Riyadh on Saturday for the WEF special meeting on Global Collaboration, Growth and Energy for Development on April 28-29.

The conference has convened more than 700 participants, including key stakeholders from governments and international organizations, business leaders from the World Economic Forum’s partner companies, as well as Young Global Leaders, experts and innovators.

During his address, the Pakistan prime minister also thanked Saudi Arabia and other friendly countries for supporting Pakistan through difficult times.

“I have to acknowledge from the core of my heart the support we have been given and received from the Saudi leadership,” he said. “I think, a friend in need is a friend in deed and we will never be able to repay back to them what they have done to Pakistan in difficult times.”

Sharif said his government was going for “deep-rooted structural reforms” to put the country on the path to economic recovery.

“It will hit me as prime minister, obviously,” he said. “But ladies and gentlemen, without that nothing will happen.”

Pakistan is facing a chronic balance of payments crisis, with nearly $24 billion to repay in debt and interest over the next fiscal year, three-time more than its central bank’s foreign currency reserves.

The country is in talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to secure a new loan program after its ongoing $3 billion program expires this month.


Pakistan, Saudi Arabia to take ‘concrete measures’ to boost bilateral trade — PM Sharif

Updated 29 April 2024
Follow

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia to take ‘concrete measures’ to boost bilateral trade — PM Sharif

  • Statement came after Shehbaz Sharif’s meeting with Saudi Commerce Minister Majid Al-Qasabi on WEF sidelines
  • The WEF has convened a special meeting in Riyadh on global collaboration, growth and energy for development

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia would be taking “concrete measures” to boost the volume of bilateral trade between the two countries, Pakistani state media reported.

The statement came after PM Sharif’s meeting with Saudi Minister of Commerce Majid Al-Qasabi on the sidelines of a special meeting of the World Economic Forum in Riyadh.

Sharif informed the Saudi minister about the role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), set up in June, in promoting and facilitating the foreign investment.

“The Saudi minister told the prime minister that on the directives of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, the Kingdom was prioritizing trade and investment in Pakistan,” the state-run APP news agency reported.

“The Saudi minister said that the targets were being set to take the bilateral ties to a new height within one or one-and-half years.”

On the occasion, PM Sharif noted that Pakistani nationals had played a significant role in the progress and prosperity of Saudi Arabia, according to the report.

The Saudi commerce minister stressed the need to further promote Pakistan-Saudi Arabia ties among the youth.

Sharif arrived in Riyadh on Saturday to attend the WEF summit on global collaboration, growth and energy on April 28-29. The conference has convened more than 700 participants, including key stakeholders from governments and international organizations, business leaders from the WEF partner companies as well as young global leaders, experts and innovators.

After being on a number of panels at the WEF event on Sunday and holding several sideline meetings, the prime minister will address the closing plenary of the summit today, Monday, and also meet a number of top Saudi officials.

On Sunday, Sharif attended a Special Dialogue and Gala Dinner hosted by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman where they discussed bilateral ties as well as regional issues including the war in Gaza.

Sharif’s meeting with the crown prince took place less than a week after a high-powered delegation, headed by Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan, visited Pakistan to discuss investments.

“To continue the discussion, the Prime Minister said that he has brought with him a high-powered delegation to Riyadh, including key ministers responsible for investment, so that follow-up meetings could take place between relevant officials,” the Pakistani Prime Minister’s Office said.

Sharif reiterated his invitation to the Saudi crown prince for an official visit to Pakistan at his earliest convenience, the PMO added.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy strong trade, defense and cultural ties. The Kingdom is home to over 2.7 million Pakistani expatriates and serves as the top source of remittances to the cash-strapped South Asian country.

Both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have been closely working to increase bilateral trade and investment deals, and the Kingdom recently reaffirmed its commitment to expedite an investment package worth $5 billion.