Pakistani deputy PM to attend UN moot on Palestine, reaffirming support for two-state solution

Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar speaks during a meeting with the foreign ministry officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad on May 14, 2025. (Photo courtesy: Handout/MOFA/File)
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Updated 11 June 2025
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Pakistani deputy PM to attend UN moot on Palestine, reaffirming support for two-state solution

  • Visit underscores Islamabad’s continued diplomatic support for Palestinian cause amid latest Israeli military offensive in Gaza
  • Conference comes amid renewed international efforts to revive stalled negotiations and de-escalate tensions in the region

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will travel to New York next week to attend a high-level United Nations conference on the peaceful settlement of the Palestinian question, the Foreign Office said on Tuesday.

The International Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution will take place at the UN headquarters from June 17-19.

The visit underscores Islamabad’s continued diplomatic support for the Palestinian cause amid the latest Israeli military offensive in Gaza, which began in October 2023. Around 54,000 people have been killed in the besieged enclave since, mostly women and children.

“DPM/FM shall be traveling to US to attend High-Level Segment of the International Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution to be held at UN New York from 17-19 June 2025,” the Foreign Office said in a brief statement.

During his visit, Dar is expected to meet with counterparts from other member states and reaffirm Pakistan’s call for an immediate ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian access, and a just and lasting resolution to the conflict in line with UN and OIC resolutions.

The conference comes amid renewed international efforts to revive stalled negotiations and de-escalate tensions in the region.

Pakistan has long advocated for a two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital of an independent Palestinian state.

Islamabad does not recognize Israel and has consistently condemned Israeli military actions in Gaza, especially following Israel’s latest offensive in response to Hamas-led attacks in late 2023, which have resulted in widespread casualties and a humanitarian crisis.


JazzCash signs deal with Binance in UAE to explore regulated crypto adoption in Pakistan

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JazzCash signs deal with Binance in UAE to explore regulated crypto adoption in Pakistan

  • MoU focuses on awareness and development of compliant virtual-asset solutions in Pakistan
  • Pakistan introducing licensing regime for crypto firms as it formalizes digital-asset oversight

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani financial-technology platform JazzCash has signed a memorandum of understanding with global cryptocurrency exchange Binance in the United Arab Emirates to explore cooperation on virtual-asset use and education in Pakistan, the company said on Wednesday.

The agreement sets a framework for discussions on awareness campaigns and future digital-asset products that would comply with Pakistan’s emerging crypto regulations. The move signals growing engagement between global blockchain companies and Pakistani fintechs as authorities shift toward formal licensing of the sector.

Pakistan has spent the past year drafting rules to regulate the fast-expanding market for digital coins and tokens, requiring virtual-asset service providers to obtain government approval. Officials say the transition is aimed at curbing money-laundering and terror financing risks, boosting transparency and encouraging responsible innovation.

“JazzCash has always championed technologies that expand financial access while promoting secure and inclusive participation in the digital economy," JazzCash Chief Executive Officer Murtaza Ali said. 

“By entering into this exploratory MoU with Binance, we are advancing our efforts to understand how global digital-asset trends can support Pakistan’s evolving regulatory landscape. We aim to engage responsibly, support regulatory progress, and advance opportunities that build trust, transparency and innovation for our customers.”

The MoU does not establish a commercial partnership, but marks one of the most high-profile engagements between Pakistan’s fintech sector and a global crypto exchange as the country moves toward regulated digital-asset adoption.

Binance welcomed the cooperation, framing it as part of Pakistan’s shift toward regulated digital-asset activity.

"With regulatory frameworks like [Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority] PVARA paving the way, this collaboration represents a significant step toward expanding financial inclusion and empowering more people to access the benefits of blockchain technology in a secure and compliant environment," Binance Chief Marketing Officer Rachel Conlan said.

Earlier this month, Binance executives met Pakistani finance officials to discuss digital-payments reform, blockchain-skills training and the potential for Web3-linked jobs. Pakistan also set up the Pakistan Crypto Council and formed PVARA this year to license and supervise crypto-asset service providers.