ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar met Muslim ambassadors of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region on Wednesday to discuss the deteriorating human rights situation in Palestine, Islamophobia, and other issues, a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said.
Islamabad enjoys fraternal ties with Muslim countries in the MENA region, particularly Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Over three million Pakistani expatriates live in the two countries alone, making them a huge source of remittances for the South Asian country.
Pakistan has consistently lobbied for a cease-fire in Gaza, as the human rights situation in the Middle East worsens. Israel’s defense forces have killed over 20,000 Palestinians and wounded thousands more since Oct. 7, as it mounts air and ground offensives against Hamas.
Kakar met the ambassadors of Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Syria, UAE and Yemen for lunch on Wednesday, the PMO said.
“The Prime Minister shared Pakistan’s perspective on a number of issues, particularly the deteriorating human rights and humanitarian situation in the occupied Palestinian territories,” the statement said.
“Other challenges confronting the Muslim world such as Islamophobia were also discussed.”
The premier stressed the need for Muslim countries to work closely and collectively, especially through the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on these “complex issues,” the PMO added.
Kakar underscored the importance that Pakistan attaches to fraternal relations with Muslim states, particularly those in the MENA region.
“The Prime Minister praised the Ambassadors for their efforts to forge stronger ties between Islamabad and their respective capitals,” the PMO said.
The ambassadors, in turn, thanked Kakar and reiterated their support toward advancing bilateral relations with Pakistan, the statement said.
Pakistan’s PM discusses Palestine crisis, Islamophobia with ambassadors of MENA countries
https://arab.news/gjv7m
Pakistan’s PM discusses Palestine crisis, Islamophobia with ambassadors of MENA countries
- PM Kakar meets ambassadors of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Palestine, Jordan, Egypt and other countries from MENA region
- Pakistan’s premier urges countries to work closely and collectively, especially through OIC, to combat mutual challenges
Pakistan says Roosevelt Hotel deal still being structured after PIA sale
- The century-old Manhattan hotel is among state-owned properties under review as Islamabad pushes a privatization drive
- Pakistan said this year it was examining multiple options after international media reported the hotel’s possible demolition
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s defense minister Khawaja Asif said on Wednesday the government was working on structuring a transaction for the Roosevelt Hotel in New York, a day after a leading Pakistani consortium bought a majority stake in Pakistan International Airlines, as Islamabad presses ahead with efforts to offload loss-making state assets.
Asif’s comments came after the Arif Habib Group acquired 75 percent of PIA for Rs 135 billion ($482 million), marking the government’s first major privatization deal in years and reviving focus on the future of other high-value state-owned assets, including the Roosevelt Hotel, which is owned by PIA through its investment arm.
The hotel, a century-old Manhattan property located near Grand Central Terminal, Times Square and Fifth Avenue, is considered one of Pakistan’s most valuable overseas assets, though it was closed in 2020 due to heavy losses. Asked about the future of the property following the PIA privatization, Asif told Geo TV it was still a work in progress.
“The shape of the transaction is being made,” he said, adding that a previous offer of around $375 million had not materialized.
Pakistan’s privatization plans for the Roosevelt have faced repeated delays.
Earlier this year, Muhammad Ali, adviser to the prime minister on privatization, said the government was examining multiple options after Bloomberg reported plans for its demolition.
Ali said there were various options on the table, including continuing hotel operations or entering a joint venture in which Pakistan would contribute the land while a partner brings in equity.
The government also said it wanted to complete the Roosevelt Hotel’s privatization this year, though the plan does not seem close to completion.
