ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s envoy to the United Arab Emirates on Monday emphasized the role of cultural diplomacy in strengthening people-to-people contacts, said an official statement, as he addressed an art exhibition in Ajman that highlighted his country’s rich cultural heritage.
The exhibition comes amid growing efforts by Pakistan to deepen economic and cultural ties with the Gulf nation. The UAE is one of Pakistan’s largest export destinations in the region due to its proximity, and Pakistani firms often use it as a base to target the broader Middle Eastern market.
In recent years, Pakistan has also hosted similar exhibitions featuring fruits, vegetables and industrial goods in a bid to enhance trade opportunities.
“Art, music, cuisine and sports have the power to unite people,” Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi said during the ceremony. “For greater harmony and peace, we must encourage more cultural exchanges.”
“The UAE’s beauty lies in its ability to bring together over 200 nationalities, creating a melting pot of cultures,” he added.
The exhibition featured a blend of traditional and contemporary works not only by artists from Pakistan but also other Muslim countries like Syria, Egypt and Lebanon.
The Pakistani envoy toured the venue following the inauguration, interacting with artists and appreciating their creative expressions.
The event concluded with the ambassador distributing certificates to participating artists in recognition of their work.
There was also a cake-cutting ceremony at the exhibition to mark Pakistan Day, annually celebrated on March 23.
Pakistani artists put spotlight on country’s rich cultural heritage at UAE exhibition
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Pakistani artists put spotlight on country’s rich cultural heritage at UAE exhibition
- Syrian, Egyptian and Lebanese artists also present their works
- Pakistan aims to deepen cultural ties with the UAE through art
Pakistan rejects Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, alleged plans to displace Palestinians
- Israel last week became the world’s first country to recognize Somaliland, a breakaway region from the African nation
- As per media reports, Israel has contacted Somaliland over potential relocation of Palestinians forcibly removed from Gaza
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Acting UN Ambassador Usman Jadoon this week rejected Israel’s recognition of the breakaway Somaliland region by describing it as a unilateral and unlawful move, saying Islamabad stands opposed to any plans aimed at forcefully displacing Palestinians from Gaza.
Last week, Israel announced it had recognized Somaliland, a breakaway African region that declared independence from Somalia in 1991. The move sparked anger among Muslim states, with 21 Islamic nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) rejecting Israel’s move collectively in a joint statement last week.
Several international news outlets months earlier reported that Israel had contacted Somaliland over the potential resettlement of Palestinians forcibly removed from Gaza. Muslim countries fear Israel’s recognition of the breakaway region could be part of its plan to relocate Palestinians forcibly from Gaza to the region.
“We strongly condemn the unilateral and unlawful recognition by Israel of the ‘Somaliland’ region of the Federal Republic of Somalia,” Jadoon, Pakistan’s acting permanent representative to the UN, said at a meeting of the Security Council on Monday.
“It is a direct assault on Somalia’s internationally recognized borders and constitutes a flagrant violation of international law.”
Jadoon said Israel’s move is alarming, especially when Somalia seems to be showing encouraging progress on its political and institutional trajectory.
“This positive momentum must be protected and reinforced, not undermined by actions that risk fragmenting the country and reversing hard-won progress,” he said.
Jadoon pointed to Israel’s previous references to Somaliland as a destination for deported Palestinians, especially from Gaza, saying Tel Aviv’s recognition of the region in this context is “deeply troubling.”
It said Israel’s occupation of Palestinian land has been a source of conflict in the Middle East, noting that it was now exporting this “destabilizing conduct” to the Horn of Africa.
“Pakistan unequivocally rejects any proposals or plans aimed at the forced displacement of Palestinians,” Jadoon said. “Any actions that advocate or imply displacement or resettlement not only violate international law but also undermine the prospect of a just and lasting peace.”
He said Islamabad stands firmly with the government of Somalia as it attempts to uphold peace and ensure progress in the country.
“In conclusion, Pakistan calls upon the Security Council and the broader international community to speak with one voice and reject all actions that undermine Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity,” Jadoon added.
