ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has called on Israel to withdraw from Lebanese and Syrian territories, including Golan Heights, and allow United Nations (UN) peacekeepers to freely operate in the region to ensure compliance with international agreements, Pakistani state media reported on Saturday, citing Islamabad’s UN envoy.
The remarks by Pakistan’s permanent representative, Ambassador Munir Akram, followed a briefing by two senior UN peacekeeping officials on recent developments in Lebanon and Syria, and the challenges facing “blue helmets” there.
Speaking at the UN Security Council, Ambassador Akram voiced “deep concern” over the increasing threats faced by peacekeepers from the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO).
The Pakistani envoy strongly condemned ongoing Israeli “aggression” in Syrian territories and the illegal incursion of Israeli military forces in the separation areas established under the 1974 Disengagement Agreement between Israel and Syria.
“That agreement remains binding and must be upheld without exception,” Ambassador Akram was quoted as saying by Pakistan’s APP news agency,
“Any unilateral actions that undermine this agreement are unacceptable,” Akram said, that no force except the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) should have a military presence in the territory.
Similarly, Ambasador Akram said, Pakistan recognized the essential role of UNIFIL in maintaining stability in southern Lebanon under the Security Council resolution 1,701.
The Pakistani envoy welcomed a November 26 ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel, but voiced alarm over continuing violations of the arrangement by Israeli forces, including airspace violations, airstrikes and restrictions on UNIFIL’s movement.
“Israel must adhere to the 60-day timeline stipulated in the arrangement and complete its withdrawal from southern Lebanon,” he said, urging that any security concerns must be reported to appropriate mechanisms, including UNIFIL, instead of resorting to unilateral violations.
“The unrestricted freedom of movement of UNIFIL and full deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) are crucial to achieving the security and stability [of Lebanon].’
The Security Council was briefed by UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix and Maj. Gen. Patrick Gauchat, head of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) who is temporarily in charge of the UN force in the Golan, UNDOF. Lacroix is currently in Lebanon, where the UNIFIL monitors the Blue Line border of separation with Israel. He is accompanying UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the officials visited the mission’s area of operations on Friday.
The Pakistani envoy urged the Security Council to ensure complete implementation of the mandates of both UNDOF and UNIFIL, saying they must be equipped with adequate resources and modern technologies to enhance their operational efficiency.
“Those who attack UN peacekeepers must be held accountable,” he added.
Ambassador Akram also hoped that the Gaza ceasefire “is real and it will be the first step toward a comprehensive solution, including two-state solution and establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state.”
Pakistan does not recognize nor have diplomatic relations with Israel and calls for an independent Palestinian state based on “internationally agreed parameters.”
The South Asian country has so far dispatched several relief consignments for Gaza and Lebanon, besides establishing the ‘Prime Minister’s Relief Fund for Gaza and Lebanon’ that aims to collect public donations for the war-affected people.
Pakistan demands Israel withdraw from Lebanon, Syrian buffer zone and allow UN peacekeepers to operate
https://arab.news/mbt4v
Pakistan demands Israel withdraw from Lebanon, Syrian buffer zone and allow UN peacekeepers to operate
- The remarks by Pakistan’s representative to the United Nations followed a briefing by two senior UN peacekeeping officials
- Ambassador Munir Akram says no force except United Nations Disengagement Observer Force should have a presence in the region
High-level IFC delegation in Pakistan after nearly 10 years as World Bank pledges $20 billion
- The IFC, a member of the World Bank group, is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets
- Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb underscores efforts for the private sector to lead economic growth, particularly in export-led expansion
KARACHI: A high-level International Finance Corporation (IFC) delegation has met Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, the finance ministry said on Friday, weeks after the World Bank pledged $20 billion support to the South Asian country.
The World Bank last month announced supplying Pakistan with $20 billion of loans over the next decade, which are expected to be invested in nutrition, education and renewable energies in the hope of stimulating private-sector growth.
The IFC, a member of the World Bank group, is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets, and its managing-director, Makhtar Diop, is currently leading a delegation to Pakistan.
In his meeting with IFC delegates, Aurangzeb briefed the about Pakistan’s macroeconomic stability on both the debt and equity sides as well as key structural reforms undertaken by his government, according to the Pakistani finance ministry.
“The finance minister highlighted the government’s recent declaration of warehousing as an industry and reaffirmed its commitment to public-private partnerships (PPPs) in infrastructure, IT (information technology), data centers, and AgTech (agricultural technology),” the ministry said in a statement.
“He emphasized that agricultural income tax remains a key area of discussion, alongside the broader goal of capital mobilization, where the private sector must play a leading role. He also noted that several international partners have publicly acknowledged Pakistan’s growing investment potential.”
During the meeting, Diop acknowledged the government’s reform efforts and noted that Pakistani private sector stakeholders had expressed confidence in the current policies, according to the finance ministry.
He commended Pakistan’s Country Partnership Framework (CPF) with the World Bank, recognizing it as one of the best practices globally, and reiterated IFC’s commitment to working closely with Islamabad and providing support in key areas such as green energy, data centers, agricultural supply chain improvements, telecom sector, and digitization.
The World Bank’s lending for Pakistan will start in 2026 and focus on six outcomes: improving education quality, tackling child stunting, boosting climate resilience, enhancing energy efficiency, fostering inclusive development and increasing private investment.
Pakistan nearly defaulted in 2023 on the payment of foreign debts and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) rescued it by agreeing to a $3 billion bailout. Last year, Islamabad secured a new $7 billion loan deal from the IMF. Since then, the country’s economy has started improving with weekly inflation coming down from 27 percent in 2023 to 1.8 percent in January. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has vowed to reduce dependence on foreign loans in the coming years.
During the meeting, Finance Minister Aurangzeb also outlined key structural reforms, including the recent introduction of agricultural income tax along with pension reforms and rightsizing initiatives across 43 ministries and 400 attached departments.
“He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to fostering an environment where the private sector leads economic growth, particularly in driving export-led expansion,” the finance ministry added.
Azad Kashmir says 54 ‘IED incidents’ reported since 2016 along de facto border with India
- 740-km Line of Control divides Himalayan Kashmir region between Pakistan and India
- Neighbours signed ceasefire agreement along LoC in 2003, truce has frayed in recent years
ISLAMABAD: Azad Kashmir Home Minister Waqar Ahmed Noor said on Friday 54 improvised explosive device (IED) “incidents” had taken place since 2016 along the Line of Control (LoC) that divides the Himalayan Kashmir region between Pakistan and India, with many casualties reported.
The statement comes after reports Pakistani and Indian troops had exchanged fire across the heavily militarized 740-km long de facto border this week. The nuclear-armed neighbors signed a ceasefire agreement along the LoC in 2003, but the truce has frayed in recent years, and there have been mounting casualties among villagers living close to the border. In 2021, after months of exchanging fire on the LoC, the militaries of India and Pakistan said in a rare joint statement they had agreed to observe a ceasefire.
Since independence from Britain in 1947, the two nations have fought three wars, two of them over Muslim-majority Kashmir, which they both claim in full but rule in part. The Pakistan-ruled part is called Azad Kashmir while India administers Jammu and Kashmir.
“Up to 54 IED incidents have been reported on this side of the LoC which includes Chakothi, Neza Pir, Chirakot, Rakh Chikri, Deva, Battal and Kot Kotera sectors,” Noor said at a press conference, naming border towns in Azad Kashmir.
“India is targeting civilians in Poonch, Bagh, Kotli, Mirpur, Rawalakot and Bagsar sectors also.”
Noor said four IEDs were recovered between Feb. 4-6 in Azad Kashmir’s Battal and Rawalakot sectors, with one civilian killed.
“Pakistani officials have submitted evidence over these incidents to United Nations officials,” he added.
Indian-administered Kashmir has been roiled by militant violence since the start of an anti-India insurgency in 1989 that killed tens of thousands, although violence has waned in recent years. Insurgent groups demand independence or merger with Pakistan.
New Delhi has for years accused Pakistan of launching militant attacks in India and helping militants who have battled Indian security forces since the late 1980s. Pakistan denies the accusation and says it only provides diplomatic and moral support for Kashmiris seeking self-determination.
In 2019, India’s government revoked Kashmir’s partial autonomy and imposed direct control.
WWF says Pakistan’s pangolin population down 80 percent, urging immediate action
- Population of pangolin has “drastically declined” due to poaching, illegal trade, habitat loss, retaliatory killings, climate change
- Pakistan is believed to be transit route for international smuggling of pangolin scales primarily to China and Southeast Asia
KARACHI: The World Wide Fund for Nature-Pakistan (WWF-Pakistan) said on Friday Pakistan’s pangolin population was “drastically” declining, saying it was down at least 80 percent from previously recorded numbers.
The Indian pangolin is the only pangolin species found in Pakistan, which is classified as endangered in the IUCN Red List of Species.
“In Pakistan, particularly in the Potohar region, the species has disappeared from 80 percent of its former range,” WWF-Pakistan said in a press release on World Pangolin Day, observed on the third Saturday of February.
“While exact population estimates are challenging to determine, the overall population has drastically declined.”
According to the IUCN, other population models predict that the global Indian pangolin population may decrease by approximately 50 percent over the next 20 years.
The Indian pangolin is protected under both federal and provincial wildlife laws in Pakistan. Since 2016, it has also been listed in Appendix I of CITES, which legally prohibits any international trade of the species and its products, including scales.
However, the pangolin faces several challenges, especially poaching, retaliatory killing and illegal trade activities. They are heavily hunted for their scales, which are used in traditional medicine and illegal trade. Urbanization, agricultural expansion, and deforestation are also reducing their natural habitat. Further, studies indicate that Pakistan is a transit route for the international smuggling of pangolin scales, primarily to China and Southeast Asia. All these challenges are putting the survival of pangolins at risk.
WWF-Pakistan has proposed that provincial wildlife departments and other law enforcement authorities take immediate actions to halt the illegal trade of the species and increase penalties for poaching and illegal trade. There is also an urgent need to enhance the monitoring of trade routes to prevent the smuggling of pangolin scales.
“As these species play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance, we must combat illegal wildlife trade, protect their habitats, and ensure a future where these unique creatures can thrive,” Muhammad Jamshed Iqbal Chaudhry, Senior Manager Research and Conservation, WWF-Pakistan, said, proposing reforestation projects and protection of pangolin habitats in key regions like the Potohar Plateau, Margalla Hills, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
The establishment of community-based pangolin protection zones (PPZs) in priority population hotspots in Rawalpindi (Punjab) and Mirpur (AJK) should be improved, Chaudhry said.
“Scientific studies to assess pangolin population trends and distribution in Pakistan should be conducted,” he added.
WWF-Pakistan also appreciated efforts taken for the development of the Pangolin Conservation and Management Plan for Pakistan (2018-23). SMART (Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool) has been implemented in key habitats of the pangolin in Punjab, and a coordination system with Rescue 1122 has been developed to encourage community engagement in reporting illegal pangolin trade to the wildlife authorities. Furthermore, SAFE Systems strategies have also been developed for human-pangolin conflict management.
Currently, WWF-Pakistan is working in collaboration with the KP and Punjab provincial wildlife departments for pangolin conservation. The project “Saving the Pangolin of Pakistan” is being implemented in the KP Province, and surveys for species distribution have been completed in the region.
Further, a Pangolin Protection Zone, enforced with community-based watch and ward, is being established in the southern districts of the KP province.
WWF-Pakistan has also planned a joint venture with Tikki Hywood Foundation (Zimbabwe) for radio transmitter installation to study the habitat of the pangolin and help in establishing a rehabilitation center.
Pakistan win the toss and bat against New Zealand in the tri-nation series final
- Final is a dress rehearsal for both teams ahead of next week’s opening game of the Champions Trophy
- Pakistan eliminated South Africa from final with epic run-chase of 355-4 at same venue on Wednesday
KARACHI: Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat against New Zealand in the tri-nation series final on Friday in a dress rehearsal for both teams ahead of next week’s opening game of the Champions Trophy.
Pakistan eliminated South Africa from the final with its epic run-chase of 355-4 at the same venue on Wednesday with captain Mohammad Rizwan and vice-captain Salman Ali Agha scoring centuries.
Pakistan brought in fast bowling all-rounder Faheem Ashraf for his first ODI since his last appearance against Sri Lanka at the Asia Cup in 2023.
Ashraf replaced fast bowler Mohammad Hasnain, who went wicketless in his eight overs for 72 runs during Pakistan’s highest ever successful run-chase in ODIs two days ago.
“The pitch looks a little dry, and we want to put runs on the board,” Rizwan said at the coin toss.”The ODI win in the last game was massive and it has given us the momentum.”
New Zealand, which beat both Pakistan and South Africa at Lahore last week, made two changes and brought in Nathan Smith and Jacob Duffy. Smith replaced fast bowler Matt Henry while Duffy came in place of Ben Sears, who has been ruled out of the Champions Trophy with a hamstring injury.
“The boys have played here a lot and we had two trainings on similar wickets,” New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner said. “In Pakistan, the wickets are good. You always want to win, but there’s a bigger picture.”
Lineups:
Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Salman Ali Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed.
New Zealand: Devon Conway, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (captain), Nathan Smith, Jacob Duffy, Will O’Rourke.
Islamabad slams Israeli PM for attempting to undermine Saudi Arabia’s ‘unwavering’ position on Palestine
- Netanyahu’s remarks about the establishment of a Palestinian state on the Saudi territory drew widespread backlash this month
- Pakistan has reiterated its call to summon an extraordinary meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation on the issue
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Friday slammed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for attempting to undermine Saudi Arabia’s “unwavering” position on Palestine by calling for the relocation of millions of Palestinians and establishing a Palestinian state in the Kingdom.
Israeli officials have proposed establishing a Palestinian state on the Saudi territory after Netanyahu seemingly joked about the idea during an interview on Israel’s Channel 14 on Feb. 16, according to Reuters.
Netanyahu’s comments came amid a six-week truce announced on Jan. 19 between Hamas and Israel that ended 15 months of war, involving the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from central Gaza and the return of displaced Palestinians to the north.
Shafqat Ali Khan, a spokesperson for the Pakistani foreign office, said Islamabad “condemns in unequivocal terms” the recent statement by the Israeli prime minister, suggesting the Palestinian people should establish their state in Saudi Arabia.
“The remarks by Israel are irresponsible, provocative and thoughtless, and are offending, undermining and disregarding the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination, and an independent state on their own, historical and legitimate territory,” he said at a weekly press briefing.
“Pakistan stands in solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and any attempt to undermine Saudi Arabia’s unwavering position and misrepresentation of its commitment to the Palestinian cause is deeply regrettable.”
Pakistan has strong economic, defense and cultural ties with the Kingdom, while Islamabad does not recognize nor have diplomatic relations with Israel and calls for an independent Palestinian state based on “internationally agreed parameters.”
The remarks by the Israeli PM followed a suggestion last month by US President Donald Trump that Palestinians in Gaza should be resettled in Egypt, Jordan, or other countries — a proposal rejected by Egypt, Jordan, Pakistan, and other nations apart from being condemned by international rights groups.
Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry responded sharply to Netanyahu’s remarks on Sunday, saying it rejected “such statements that aim to divert attention from the continuous crimes committed by the Israeli occupation against the Palestinian brothers in Gaza.”
Speaking further at the briefing, Khan shared Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar had spoken with foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Türkiye, Malaysia and Iran about summoning an extraordinary session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on the issue.
“During these calls, the deputy prime minister [and] foreign minister termed the proposal to displace the people of Gaza deeply troubling and unjust,” the foreign office spokesman said.
“He also conveyed Pakistan’s support for convening of an extraordinary OIC meeting of the foreign ministers to deliberate upon this issue.”
Israel’s war on Gaza has killed more than 45,000 people, including children and women, according to the Palestinian health ministry, with at least more than 100,000 others wounded. The war began after Oct. 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas on Israel.
