Pakistan calls for Gaza ceasefire at OIC meeting

A woman looks on from inside her tent at the Jabalia camp for displaced Palestinians in the northern Gaza Strip on April 8, 2025. (AFP)
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Updated 09 April 2025
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Pakistan calls for Gaza ceasefire at OIC meeting

  • Pakistan seeks lifting of Israel’s blockade to allow unimpeded humanitarian access across Gaza
  • It reaffirms commitment to working with OIC countries to advance the interests of the Muslim world

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan called for the immediate implementation of a Gaza ceasefire on Tuesday during an Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) ambassador-level meeting in New York, according to a social media post by the country’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations.
The war in Gaza, which began in October 2023 following Hamas’ attacks, has continued despite repeated international appeals for a ceasefire. The Palestinian death toll has reportedly surpassed 50,000, with women and children making up a significant portion of the casualties.
Pakistan, which does not recognize Israel, has consistently supported the Palestinian demand for an independent state based on pre-1967 borders. It has repeatedly raised concerns over the Gaza conflict at various global forums, including the UN Security Council, and has called for a ceasefire and accountability for Israel’s actions.




Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the UN, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad (center), speaks at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) ambassador-level meeting in New York, US, on April 8, 2025. (Radio Pakistan)

“Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, participated in the OIC Ambassadorial-level meeting held today,” Pakistan’s UN mission said in a social media post.
“In his remarks, Ambassador Asim reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, including the immediate and full implementation of the Gaza ceasefire, lifting of the blockade, unimpeded humanitarian access throughout Gaza, and an end to forced displacement and colonization, including in the West Bank,” the post added.
The OIC meeting also reviewed the situation in Palestine and Syria, and heard briefings from the foreign ministers of Bahrain and Kyrgyzstan regarding their respective candidatures for non-permanent seats on the UN Security Council for the 2026–27 and 2027–28 terms.
The Pakistani mission said the country remained committed to working closely with other OIC member states to advance common causes and the collective interests of the Muslim Ummah.


Pakistan, ADB sign $730 loan agreements to boost SOE reforms, energy infrastructure

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Pakistan, ADB sign $730 loan agreements to boost SOE reforms, energy infrastructure

  • Both sign $330 million Power Transmission Strengthening Project and $400 million SOE Transformation Program loan agreements
  • Economic Affairs Division official says Transmission Project will secure Pakistan’s energy future by strengthening national grid’s backbone

KARACHI: Pakistan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Thursday signed two loan agreements totaling $730 million to boost reforms in state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and energy infrastructure in the country, the bank said.

The first of the two agreements pertains to the SOE Transformation Program worth $400 million while the second loan, worth $330 million, is for a Power Transmission Strengthening Project, the lender said. 

The agreements were signed by ADB Country Director for Pakistan Emma Fan and Pakistan’s Secretary of Economic Affairs Division Humair Karim. 

“The agreements demonstrate ADB’s enduring commitment to supporting sustainable and inclusive economic growth in Pakistan,” the ADB said. 

Pakistan’s SOEs have incurred losses worth billions of dollars over the years due to financial mismanagement and corruption. These entities, including the country’s national airline Pakistan International Airlines, which was sold to a private group this week, have relied on subsequent government bailouts over the years to operate.

The ADB approved the $400 million loan for SOE reforms on Dec. 12. It said the program seeks to improve governance and optimize the performance of Pakistan’s commercial SOEs. 

Karim highlighted that the Power Transmission Strengthening Project will enable reliable evacuation of 2,300 MW from Pakistan’s upcoming hydropower projects, relieve overloading of existing transmission lines and enhance resilience under contingency conditions, the Press Information Department (PID) said. 

“The Secretary emphasized that both initiatives are transformative in nature as the Transmission Project will secure Pakistan’s energy future by strengthening the backbone of the national grid whereas the SOE Program will enhance transparency, efficiency and sustainability of state-owned enterprises nationwide,” the PID said. 

The ADB has supported reforms by Pakistan to strengthen its public finance and social protection systems. It has also undertaken programs in the country to help with post-flood reconstruction, improve food security and social and human capital. 

To date, ADB says it has committed 764 public sector loans, grants and technical assistance totaling $43.4 billion to Pakistan.