ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Secretary General Hissein Brahim Taha agreed on Friday the OIC must intensify pressure on the international community to secure an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during their meeting in Pakistan’s federal capital.
The top OIC official arrived in Islamabad earlier in the day to attend a two-day global conference on girls’ education in Muslim countries, set to begin on Saturday. He was received by Education Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui upon arrival.
During the meeting, the prime minister thanked the OIC for its consistent support regarding the Kashmir dispute with his country’s nuclear rival, India.
Sharif strongly condemned Israel’s ongoing “genocidal campaign” in Gaza and stressed the need for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian aid for Palestinians and global accountability for Israel’s conduct of war.
“Both leaders agreed that the OIC must maintain its pressure on the international community for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza,” read an official statement released by Sharif’s office after the meeting. “They emphasized that the resolution of the Palestine issue must align with UN resolutions and the aspirations of the Palestinian people.”
The meeting also touched on combating Islamophobia and other global and regional matters of mutual interest.
GIRLS’ EDUCATION
The OIC secretary general expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s warm reception and praised the country’s leadership role in addressing critical issues facing the Muslim world.
“The hosting the international conference on girls’ education in the Muslim world is an example of Pakistan’s leadership role in addressing important issues,” he said.
Separately, the prime minister also met with Sheikh Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, the secretary general of the Muslim World League (MWL).
Sharif commended the MWL’s partnership in co-hosting the two-day conference and emphasized that the event would send a strong global message about the Muslim world’s commitment to advancing girls’ education.
Dr. Al-Issa informed Sharif the conference would culminate in the Islamabad Declaration, a consensus document promoting girls’ education in Muslim countries.
He also informed the conference would feature renowned scholars, educators, and thought leaders from around the globe to address a wide range of issues affecting the Muslim world.
Pakistani PM, OIC chief urge global push for Gaza ceasefire
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Pakistani PM, OIC chief urge global push for Gaza ceasefire
- The OIC leader is currently in Islamabad to attend a global conference on girls’ education in Muslim countries
- Shehbaz Sharif also met with the secretary general of the Muslim World League, the co-host of the conference
High-level Libyan delegation meets Pakistan PM, discusses areas for future cooperation
- The meeting comes over a month after Pakistan reportedly struck a $4 billion defense deal to sell military equipment to Libyan National Army
- PM Sharif reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to fostering friendly ties with Libya, emphasizes the importance of continued engagement and dialogue
ISLAMABAD: A high-level delegation from Libya on Tuesday called on Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad and discussed areas for future cooperation between the two sides, PM Sharif’s office said.
The delegation comprised Dr. Osama Saad Hamad, who governs eastern Libya, Libyan National Army (LNA) Commander-in-Chief Khalifa Abu-al-Qasim Haftar and his deputy, Lt. Gen. Saddam Khalifa Haftar.
During the discussions, both sides exchanged views on matters of mutual interest and underscored the importance of strengthening bilateral relations, according to PM Sharif’s office.
“The meeting reflected the shared desire to enhance cooperation in areas of common concern and to promote peace, stability, and development at regional and international levels,” Sharif’s office said in a statement.
The development comes more than a month after reports suggested Pakistan had struck a $4 billion defense deal to sell military equipment, including JF-17 fighter jets and Super Mushshak trainer aircraft, to the LNA that controls eastern Libya.
The reports followed the visit of Pakistani Defense Forces Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir to Libya in December. There has been no official confirmation of the deal so far.
Libya has been subject to a UN arms embargo since 2011, requiring approval from the UN for transfers of weapons and related material. It was not clear whether Pakistan or Libya had applied for any exemptions to the UN embargo.
PM Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to fostering friendly relations with Libya and emphasized the importance of continued engagement and dialogue, according to his office. The Libyan leadership appreciated Pakistan’s role and expressed interest in expanding collaboration between the two countries.
“The meeting concluded with an understanding to maintain close contact and explore avenues for future cooperation,” Sharif’s office said.
On Monday, LNA Commander-in-Chief Haftar also met Field Marshal Munir and discussed with him military cooperation and regional security, according to the Pakistani military.
“Both sides exchanged views on matters of mutual interest, with particular focus on security dynamics in respective regions and professional cooperation,” the Pakistani military said.
“The discussion underscored the importance of continued engagement and collaboration between the Armed Forces of Pakistan and Libya.”
