ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is ready to effectively respond to any misadventure or aggression by Indian forces with the full support of the nation, Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Sunday as he vowed to stand by the people of Kashmir and continue to provide them moral, political and diplomatic support.
The prime minister made these remarks while chairing a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) that was held to discuss recent escalation along the Line of Control and India’s use of cluster munition against civilians in Azad Kashmir.
Kashmir has surged back into the spotlight in recent days after New Delhi deployed at least 10,000 troops to the region and ordered foreign tourists and pilgrims to vacate the area citing an imminent threat of a suicide bombing.
“Pakistan will always stand with Kashmiris and will not be deterred from its just stance based on the [United Nations Security Council] resolutions and aspirations of Kashmiri people,” the prime minister said after chairing the meeting that was also attended by the three services chiefs, director-general Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and senior federal cabinet members.
Since 1947, Kashmir, a Muslim-majority region with 86,000 square miles of territory, remains disputed between India and Pakistan. Both countries claim it in full but only control parts of it. The two nations have also fought wars over the territory, but the dispute continues to linger on.
The NSC was briefed on India’s use of “cluster munitions against civilians to provoke Pakistan” and it also focused on New Delhi’s intent to change the demographic structure and the internationally recognized disputed status of Indian-administered Kashmir.
“The recent buildup of [Indian] forces [in Kashmir] and their brutal use against an unarmed population is adding fuel to fire,” the NSC said in a statement. “The forum strongly condemned such Indian strategy at this time when Pakistan and the international community are focused on resolving the Afghan conflict.”
The NSC noted that the recent Indian measures would increase the levels of violence and turn the area into a flashpoint and a destabilizing factor in the midst of two strategically capable neighboring countries.
“India is totally disregarding international obligations and her arrogance will only result in heightening the conflict dynamics in the region,” the prime minister said while inviting the attention of world leaders and international bodies toward “irresponsible, unilateral and irrational behavior” of Indian leadership.
The prime minister also reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve “to respond to any Indian misadventure or aggression with the full support of the nation.”
Renowned defense analyst General (r) Talat Masood said the Line of Control had become “very volatile” due to “India’s unprovoked firing on the civilian population across the border and its recent troop buildup in Kashmir to suppress the people struggling for their right to self-determination.”
“Both the countries should start talking to each other to cool off the Line of Control and prevent a full-scale armed conflict for the peace of the whole region,” he told Arab News.
Pakistan vows to stand by Kashmiris, respond to ‘Indian misadventures’
Pakistan vows to stand by Kashmiris, respond to ‘Indian misadventures’
- Condemns India’s decision to raise tensions in Kashmir at a time when the world is trying to resolve Afghan conflict
- Analysts urge the two South Asian nuclear neighbors to prevent a full-scale armed conflict in the region
Thousands gather in northwest Pakistan as grand council of banned Pashtun groups is delayed
- PTM leaders say the ‘crackdown’ against them impeded the preparations for the Pashtun gathering
- KP government says it allowed the gathering on condition that no anti-state slogans will be raised
PESHAWAR/ DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Thousands of people gathered in the Khyber tribal district in Pakistan’s northwest on Friday to attend a three-day grand council organized by the recently banned Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) to address issues in the volatile region, though proceedings were delayed due to insufficient arrangements.
The provincial administration of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) allowed PTM to hold the Pashtun National Jirga after extensive deliberations involving representatives of different political parties a day earlier.
The dialogue over the issue was arranged by KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and took place after federal authorities in Pakistan banned PTM on charges of supporting the Pakistani Taliban militants and promoting anti-state narratives and activities.
The PTM leadership, which has consistently denied these allegations and claims it only advocates for Pashtun rights, said it would proceed with the jirga to discuss security challenges in the province. The group lost three of its supporters in a clash with police on Wednesday while preparing for the ethnic gathering.
“The arrangements were delayed as we had an issue [with the police] some two days ago and faced a crackdown that impeded the preparations,” Zakim Wazir, a member of PTM’s central committee, told Arab News.
“Around 80 camps had to be set up for the jirga, and we were only allowed to do that by the provincial authorities the night before,” he added.
PTM founder Manzoor Ahmad Pashteen also highlighted these challenges while speaking to those attending the gathering.
“The proceedings of the first day will be held tomorrow [Saturday] along with the second day’s proceedings,” he said.
Earlier, the KP administration released a statement saying it had imposed several conditions on PTM before allowing the gathering.
“There will be no anti-state or anti-military slogans during the three-day tribal council meeting,” Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, the KP administration’s spokesperson, said. “No one will also be allowed to raise the flag of any other country.”
Founded in 2014, PTM has long advocated against extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances of Pashtuns and other ethnic minorities, for which the state is sometimes blamed, though it has always denied the charge.
The KP spokesperson emphasized that the protection of public life and property, along with the restoration of peace and security in the province, were the top priorities of the provincial administration.
Pakistani minister reaffirms support for Palestine at humanitarian conference on Gaza and Lebanon
- Ahsan Iqbal launches the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund for Gaza and Lebanon at the conference in Islamabad
- He says the Western narrative on human rights has been exposed as Israel carries out ‘genocide’ in Palestine
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal said on Friday the people of Pakistan have a strong bond with Palestinians, as he addressed a conference focused on the humanitarian response to the situation in Gaza and Lebanon, organized by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
The NDMA has sent 11 relief consignments, totaling about 1,154 tons of medicines and other necessary items, to the two conflict zones in the Middle East since October last year.
The national conference, organized by NDMA officials, brought together representatives from the media and various international and local non-governmental organizations to mobilize further support for the residents of Gaza and Lebanon.
“The people of Pakistan have a deep connection with Palestine, a bond that dates back even before the creation of Pakistan,” the minister said at the gathering.
He noted that Pakistan’s founding father, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, had voiced concerns for Palestinian Muslims as early as 1934.
“The people of Pakistan have consistently stood shoulder to shoulder with Palestinians and highlighted their rights, just as we have advocated for the cause of the people of Kashmir on the international stage,” he added.
Iqbal emphasized the severe humanitarian needs resulting from Israel’s war in Palestine and Lebanon, stressing the urgent necessity to extend support to the affected populations.
He announced the establishment of the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund for Gaza and Lebanon, to generate and channel aid from Pakistanis to those living in Gaza and Lebanon.
The Pakistani minister criticized the Western narrative on human rights, saying it had been exposed as Western states looked the other way while unarmed Palestinians were killed, and Israel was given the “license to carry out genocide.”
The war in Gaza has lasted over a year, leading to nearly 43,000 Palestinian deaths, mostly women and children.
More recently, Israel opened another front in Lebanon, with the stated objective of destroying Hezbollah targets, raising fears of a wider war in the region, potentially involving Iran.
Saudi food chain AlBaik set for Pakistan debut after MoU signing with local energy firm
- Saudi food chain has amassed a huge fan base among Pakistani expatriates in the kingdom
- AlBaik’s entry into the Pakistani market has been awaited by those who travel to Saudi Arabia
ISLAMABAD: A popular Saudi food chain is set to make its long-awaited debut in Pakistan after a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between its officials and Gas & Oil Pakistan Limited (GO), according to a statement issued on Friday.
Established in 1974 in Jeddah, AlBaik is renowned for broast chicken and operates over 120 branches across Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and other regions.
It has amassed a huge fan base among Pakistani expatriates and those traveling to the Kingdom for business or religious purposes.
The collaboration with GO, a leading energy company, marks a significant step in expanding AlBaik’s presence in Pakistan, where its entry has been eagerly awaited.
“In a pioneering step that reflects the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 to enhance national exports and knowledge and open new horizons for Saudi commercial expansion globally, under the patronage of the Saudi Ministry of Investment, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Saudi company AlBaik and the Pakistani company GO,” the statement circulated by the Pakistani firm announced.
“This MoU aims to explore the possibility of establishing a strategic partnership to set up and operate AlBaik restaurants in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, as part of the company’s expansion strategy in Pakistan,” it added.
Pakistani and Saudi businesses signed over $2 billion of agreements and MoUs a day earlier in the presence of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Investment Minister Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih.
The development came as Pakistan seeks closer economic cooperation with friendly countries and regional allies, with the aim to attract foreign investment and shore up its $350 billion economy, beset by a prolonged economic crisis that has drained foreign exchange reserves and weakened the national currency.
Party of Imran Khan threatens march to Islamabad amid ban on meeting jailed leader
- The Punjab administration has banned meetings with jail inmates in Rawalpindi, citing security reasons
- PTI’s protest call on October 15 coincides with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in capital
ISLAMABAD: Former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party on Friday announced another protest in the federal capital for the coming week, saying it would proceed with the plan if the government failed to grant Khan access to doctors and lawyers.
The development follows restrictions imposed by the Punjab provincial administration on meetings with inmates at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, where the ex-premier is imprisoned on multiple charges.
The provincial government issued instructions to enhance jail security after the police counterterrorism department circulated a threat alert in the lead-up to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit on October 15 and 16.
PTI filed a petition challenging the restrictions on meetings with Khan, calling it a tactic to suppress his voice and expressing concern for his safety in prison amid ongoing tensions with the government and establishment. However, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) only directed the authorities to provide adequate medical facilities in prison and arrange meetings after the ban on visits expires following the SCO Summit.
“The politic committee comprising key members of PTI has announced a protest call at D Chowk Islamabad for Oct. 15, 2024, if access to Former Chairman Imran Khan is not given to his legal team & physician,” the party said in a statement after holding an emergency meeting on the subject.
Referring to an earlier court judgment in March, it noted the authorities were citing security reasons to prevent access to Khan, though Justice Sardar Ijaz of the IHC had ordered video link access if physical interaction with Khan was not possible.
The statement maintained PTI respected the law of the land, but it was “imperative that an access of some kind may be granted [to Khan], as some reports suggested his health was not well,” which was causing unrest within the party.
PTI’s previous protest at Islamabad’s D-Chowk, near some of the most sensitive government installations, brought life in the capital to a standstill as authorities sealed the city with shipping containers, alleging that Khan’s party was trying to “sabotage” the SCO Summit.
After the recent court order in response to its petition, the party has threatened another protest, this time coinciding with the international conference.
PTI’s last protest also led to clashes between its workers and law enforcement personnel, leading to dozens of arrests and injuries to a large number of cops one of whom died after being subjected to alleged torture by the protesters.
Khan, jailed since August last year, was ousted from the PM’s office in 2022 in a parliamentary vote of no confidence after what is widely believed to be a falling out with Pakistan’s powerful military, which denies being involved in politics.
Since his removal, Khan and his party have waged an unprecedented campaign of defiance against the military.
UNICEF appoints actress Saba Qamar as first National Ambassador for Child Rights in Pakistan
- One of the most versatile artists, Qamar will raise awareness about issues like child marriage, lack of education
- She calls it an honor to be chosen by the UN agency to work for the well-being of children across the country
ISLAMABAD: The UN agency dedicated to promoting children’s rights worldwide appointed renowned performing artist Saba Qamar as its first National Ambassador in Pakistan on Friday, with Qamar calling it an honor to be chosen to work for the well-being of children in the country.
UNICEF regularly appoints national ambassadors in countries around the world, leveraging the influence of celebrities to raise awareness for children’s rights and issues like education, health care and protection.
High-profile figures such as David Beckham in the UK and Shakira in Colombia have used their platforms to support the UN agency’s global initiatives.
The appointment of Qamar in Pakistan comes on the International Day of the Girl Child, which highlights the unique challenges faced by girls globally.
“We are delighted to announce renowned actor @sabaqamarzaman as our first National Ambassador for Child Rights in Pakistan to champion the rights of children and girls everywhere,” the UN agency announced on Instagram.
It also shared Qamar’s reaction in an official handout.
“It’s an honor to join UNICEF,” she said. “I will echo our shared mission of achieving every right for every child wherever I am.”
“In my recent travels, I have seen both the challenges children and women face in this country and the difference UNICEF’s dedicated efforts are making,” she continued. “I promise to play my part for the children and young people of Pakistan so that they can dream and have the chance to fulfill their dreams.”
UNICEF said Qamar would help raise awareness of children’s rights and issues affecting young people, such as child marriage, mental health, lack of education and the impact of violence, exploitation and child poverty.
Qamar, one of Pakistan’s most versatile and critically acclaimed actresses, has been praised for her performances in both Pakistani and Bollywood productions, including her award-winning role in Baaghi and her Filmfare-nominated performance in Hindi Medium.
Her dedication to the arts has earned her several accolades, including Pakistan’s prestigious Pride of Performance award, solidifying her influence both domestically and internationally.
