ISLAMABAD: Foreign Secretary Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi will lead Pakistan’s delegation at the 50th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Cameroon from Aug 29-30 to discuss the Gaza war and the situation in Kashmir, an official statement said on Monday.
Pakistan actively participates in CFM meetings to address issues affecting the Muslim world, including Palestine, Kashmir and counter-terrorism, while promoting regional cooperation, economic development and Islamic solidarity, and fostering collaboration with other member states to tackle common challenges and opportunities.
“Foreign Secretary Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi will lead the Pakistan delegation at the 50th Session of Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) being held from 29-30 August 2024 in Yaoundé, Cameroon,” the foreign office announced in the statement.
It added the foreign secretary will share Pakistan’s perspective over on the killings of Palestinians in Gaza, raise concern over Israel’s policy in the region and how it can threaten peace in the Middle East and highlight the plight of the people of Indian-administered Kashmir.
The statement informed Qazi will also talk about the solidarity and unity among Muslims, discuss rising Islamophobia and xenophobia in different parts of the world and highlight climate change and other global challenges.
“On the sidelines, the Foreign Secretary will hold bilateral interactions with his counterparts from participating OIC member states,” it added.
Pakistan to discuss Israel’s war in Gaza at OIC meeting in Cameroon this week
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Pakistan to discuss Israel’s war in Gaza at OIC meeting in Cameroon this week
- Foreign Secretary Muhammad Syrus Qazi will lead the country’s delegation at the OIC’s CFM conference
- Pakistani official will also discuss pressing issues like Islamophobia, climate change and other challenges
Pakistan nears $1.5 billion deal to supply weapons, jets to Sudan
- Deal may include drones, air defense systems and Karakoram-8 aircraft, with possible JF-17 fighters
- The sale is expected to bolster Sudan’s army in the ongoing civil war with the Rapid Support Forces
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is in the final phases of striking a $1.5-billion deal to supply weapons and jets to Sudan, a former top air force official and three sources said, promising a major boost for Sudan’s army, battling the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.
Their conflict has stoked the world’s worst humanitarian crisis for more than 2-1/2 years, drawing in myriad foreign interests, and threatening to fragment the strategic Red Sea country, a major gold producer.
The deal with Pakistan encompasses 10 Karakoram-8 light attack aircraft, more than 200 drones for scouting and kamikaze attacks, and advanced air defense systems, said two of the three sources with knowledge of the matter, who all sought anonymity.
It was a “done deal,” said Aamir Masood, a retired Pakistani air marshal who continues to be briefed on air force matters.
Besides the Karakoram-8 jets, it includes Super Mushshak training aircraft, and perhaps some coveted JF-17 fighters developed jointly with China and produced in Pakistan, he added, without giving figures or a delivery schedule.
Pakistan’s military and its defense ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
A spokesman for Sudan’s army did not immediately respond to a message requesting comment.
Assistance from Pakistan, especially drones and jets, could help Sudan’s army regain the air supremacy it had toward the start of its war with the RSF, which has increasingly used drones to gain territory, eroding the army’s position.
PAKISTAN’S DEFENSE AMBITIONS
The deal is another feather in the cap for Pakistan’s growing defense sector, which has drawn growing interest and investment, particularly since its jets were deployed in a conflict with India last year.
Last month, Islamabad struck a weapons deal worth more than $4 billion with the Libyan National Army, officials said, for one of the South Asian nation’s largest arms sales, which includes JF-17 fighter jets and training aircraft.
Pakistan has also held talks with Bangladesh on a defense deal that could includes the Super Mushshak training jets and JF-17s, as ties improve ties with Dhaka.
The government sees Pakistan’s burgeoning industry as a catalyst to secure long-term economic stability.
Pakistan is now in a $7-billion IMF program, following a short-term deal to avert a sovereign default in 2023. It won IMF support after Saudi Arabia and other Gulf allies provided financial and deposit rollovers.
