ISLAMABAD: A 17-member delegation from the National Defense University (NDU) of Pakistan met with High Commissioner Maj. Gen. (R) Dr. Shahid Ahmad Hashmat in Colombo as part of a visit which is aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, a statement released on Tuesday read.
The group, led by Air Commodore Mustafa Anwer, is in Sri Lanka for a six-day visit and comprises senior officials from Pakistan’s Armed Forces and allied officers from Iran, Bangladesh and Nepal, who are undergoing a National Security and War Course at the NDU.
The visit is part of measures to improve bilateral cooperation and discuss ways to strengthen the collaboration between the two countries in the field of defense, an Embassy official said.
“High Commissioner underscored that relations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka are based on mutual trust and the commonality of interest in maintaining peace, security and stability in the South Asian region,” excerpts from the statement read, adding that both the countries “are working together on all these foras for shared values and interests.”
During the visit, NDU delegates are expected to meet with a number of prominent personalities from Sri Lanka’s Armed Forces and civil institutions.
The NDU delegation will also visit the Lakshman Kadirgamer Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies in Colombo and the Institute of National Security Studies Sri Lanka for an interactive session to build cooperation between the two institutions.
Both the South Asian nations have always shared friendly relations. In the past, Pakistan supplied high-tech military equipment to the Sri Lankan army for use in its civil war against the Tamil Tigers.
Additionally, trade between Sri Lanka and Pakistan stands at less than $400 million a year, with Pakistan saying in 2016 that it would re-invigorate efforts to reach a target of $1 billion “at the earliest.”
Delegation from Pakistan’s National Defence University visits Sri Lanka
Delegation from Pakistan’s National Defence University visits Sri Lanka
- Representatives are expected to hold talks with senior officials in Colombo
- Move part of efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two nations
Government says Imran Khan’s ‘detailed’ medical report shared, family disputes claim
- Khan underwent an eye procedure last month, PTI says family was not informed
- Ex-PM’s sister says only brief notes provided despite Supreme Court assurance
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s government said on Friday a “detailed” medical report of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan had been shared with his family following directions from the prime minister’s office, even as Khan’s relatives disputed the claim and accused jail authorities of withholding information.
Concerns over Khan’s health were raised by his family and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party last month after the government confirmed he was taken from prison to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for a brief eye procedure. Authorities said at the time that Khan’s condition was stable and the treatment routine, while PTI leaders said they were not informed in advance and questioned the lack of transparent medical disclosure.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the report was prepared by PIMS and had been forwarded to the prison authorities and handed over to Khan’s family.
“A letter was written by the Leader of the Opposition to the Prime Minister and PTI Leaders also approached the Supreme Court of Pakistan regarding medical check up of Mr. Imran Ahmad [Khan] Niazi who is serving his sentences in Central Jail Rawalpindi (Adiala),” he said in a social media post on X.
“On directions from Prime Minister’s Office, a detailed report has been sent by Executive Director PIMS Hospital to the Superintendent of Central Jail Rawalpindi (Adiala) which has been handed over to the family,” he added.
However, the former prime minister’s sister Aleema Khan said they had not received complete medical reports, despite assurances given by the country’s top judge.
“The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court committed last Friday that Imran Khan’s medical reports would be provided to his family,” she said on X. “Today, when the jail superintendent appeared before the ATC [Anti-Terrorism Court], only two brief notes were submitted.”
She said the government’s conduct reflected a disregard for the court’s order, urging the Chief Justice of Pakistan to issue a contempt notice to the jail authorities and ensure that Khan’s medical reports were handed over to his family without further delay.
The dispute has renewed tensions surrounding Khan’s incarceration, which has become a flashpoint in Pakistan’s deeply polarized politics.
Khan, who served as prime minister from 2018 to 2022, has been in prison since August 2023 following multiple convictions that he and his party say are politically motivated, a charge the government denies.
