Pakistan FM urges UN Security Council to implement resolutions on Kashmir

Pakistan's foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari addresses Security Council meeting at the UN in New York, US, on December 14, 2022. (PPP/Twitter)
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Updated 15 December 2022
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Pakistan FM urges UN Security Council to implement resolutions on Kashmir

  • Bhutto-Zardari urges member states to divert their attention away from ‘narrow national ambitions’
  • The minister is scheduled to hold multilateral, bilateral engagements in the US from Dec 14 to 21

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Wednesday urged the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to ensure the implementation of its resolutions on Kashmir and deliver upon its commitments to regional peace. 

The statement by the Pakistani foreign minister came at a high-level debate at the UNSC, themed as “Maintenance of International Peace and Security: New Orientation for Reformed Multilateralism.” 

Bhutto-Zardari said while the UNSC covered a lot of issues, but a “multinational” agenda item of the Kashmir issue had been left unaddressed. 

“We believe it a multinational agenda, an agenda of this UNSC, and if you want to see the success of the multilateral institution or multilateralism and the success of this very council, surely you can aid in this process and allow the implementation of the resolutions of the UNSC,” the foreign minister said. 

“When it comes to the question of Kashmir, prove that multilateralism can succeed, prove that the UNSC can succeed and deliver peace in the region.” 

The Muslim-majority Himalayan region has been a flashpoint between Pakistan and India since their independence from British rule in 1947. 

Both countries rule parts of the territory, but claim it in full and have fought two of their four wars over the region. 

The foreign minister stressed further democratization of all parts of the UN to empower the organization, urging the UNSC to help divert the world’s attention from “narrow national ambitions” to global challenges. 

“It does not serve the purposes of the UN to add more members to its elitist club and to expand the tyrannical power of veto,” he said. 

“Simultaneously, we must confront the rise of the ideologies of hate, xenophobia, populist extremism, and racial and religious intolerance, including Islamophobia, which imposes discrimination and violence, and even threats of genocide, against vulnerable minorities in certain countries.” 

The Pakistani foreign minister has been on an official visit to the United States from December 14 till December 21, and is scheduled to have multiple multilateral and bilateral engagements in New York and Washington DC. 

On Wednesday, Bhutto-Zardari met with Csaba Korösi, president of the 77th session of the UN General Assembly, and UN deputy secretary-general Amina J. Mohammed in New York. The meetings were centered around matters pertaining to the impact of climate change, water crisis and sustainable development goals, according to the foreign office. 

The Pakistani foreign minister will travel to Washington DC on December 19, where he will hold meetings with high-level government officials, congressional leaders, and Pakistani-American businessmen and community members. He will also engage with think-tanks and the media. 

The meetings are likely to focus on bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest to carry forward the momentum in Pakistan-US bilateral relations, particularly in the areas of trade, investment, climate resilience and economic development. 


Pakistan Navy conducts exercise to counter sub-conventional, asymmetric threats to major ports

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Pakistan Navy conducts exercise to counter sub-conventional, asymmetric threats to major ports

  • The exercise comes weeks after Pakistani and India air and ground forces engaged in a four-day military conflict that killed 70 people
  • Reports suggests an Indian aircraft carrier maneuvered toward Karachi, but Pakistan Navy kept it confined to Indian territorial waters

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Navy has conducted a comprehensive two-day exercise to counter sub-conventional and asymmetric threats to all major ports and harbors, its Directorate General of Public Relations (DGPR) said on Sunday, weeks after a four-day standoff with India.

While air forces and armies of both countries traded jet, drone, missile and artillery strikes last month, the two navies did not reportedly engage each other during the four-day standoff.

Media reports, however, suggested that Indian aircraft carrier Vikrant had maneuvered toward the southern Pakistani port city of Karachi, but Pakistan Navy kept it confined to the Indian territorial waters.

The DGPR said on Sunday the naval exercise was aimed at validating and refining Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs) to ensure robust defense of critical maritime infrastructure against “evolving” asymmetrical threats.

“The exercise involved coordinated operations by PN (Pakistan Navy) Fleet units, Pakistan Marines, SSG (Special Services Group of Navy) and Naval Aviation assets,” it said in a statement.

“The exercise’s scenarios were designed to simulate a range of sub-conventional threats including sabotage, infiltration and unconventional attacks, enabling participating units to enhance inter-agency coordination, situational awareness and rapid response capabilities.”

During the exercise, Pakistan Coast Commander Rear Admiral Faisal Amin visited various operational setups at ports and harbors and witnessed live action simulations carried out by participating units.

“COMCOAST appreciated high level of preparedness and professional conduct demonstrated during the exercises,” the DGPR said.

“He emphasized the importance of maritime installations and added that secure functioning of ports and harbors is directly linked to national economic stability and growth.”


Parvez lifts Bangladesh to 196-6 against Pakistan in third T20I

Updated 01 June 2025
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Parvez lifts Bangladesh to 196-6 against Pakistan in third T20I

  • Pakistan lead the series 2-0 after first two matches at the same venue
  • Parvez smashed four sixes and seven boundaries in his solid 34-ball 66

LAHORE: Parvez Hossain hit a fiery half century to guide Bangladesh to 196-6 in the third and final Twenty20 international against Pakistan in Lahore on Sunday.

Parvez smashed four sixes and seven boundaries in his solid 34-ball 66 and shared a 110-run opening stand with Tanzid Hasan (32-ball 42 with three sixes and as many boundaries) after the tourists were sent in to bat.

Bangladesh’s Tanzid Hasan Tamim (right) plays a shot as Pakistan’s Mohammad Haris watches during the third Twenty20 cricket match between Pakistan and Bangladesh, in Lahore, Pakistan, on June 1, 2025. (AP)

Pakistan lead the series 2-0 after winning by 37 and 57 runs respectively at the same venue.

The Parvez-Tanzid stand gave Bangladesh ideal start for their highest T20I total against Pakistan beating the 175-6 they made against them at Pallekele in 2012.

Towhid Hridoy, who scored a 18-ball 25 with a six and two boundaries, then added 49 for the third wicket with Litton Das whose 22 came off 18 balls.

Fast bowlers Abbas Afridi (2-26) and Hasan Ali (2-38) were the pick of home bowlers.


Pakistan reaffirms commitment to macroeconomic stability as Ipsos survey shows rising consumer trust

Updated 01 June 2025
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Pakistan reaffirms commitment to macroeconomic stability as Ipsos survey shows rising consumer trust

  • The latest Ipsos survey revealed that 42% Pakistanis now believe the country is heading in the right direction
  • The development comes amid stabilization of key indicators, including inflation, exchange rate and forex reserves

KARACHI: Pakistan on Sunday reaffirmed its commitment to macroeconomic stability after Ipsos, a Paris-based global market research and consultation firm, said consumer confidence grew in the South Asian country in the second quarter of this year.

The Ipsos survey revealed a significant surge in consumer confidence, with 42% of Pakistanis now believing the country is heading in the right direction — the highest level recorded in six years.

Perceptions of the economy being strong reached their most favorable levels since August 2019, and optimism overtook pessimism that marked a key psychological shift among the population, according to the survey.

Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said the “encouraging” data reflected the success of his government’s disciplined and targeted macroeconomic strategy implemented over the last 14 months.

“He highlighted that consumer confidence in making major purchases and investments has doubled compared to the same period last year, indicating that households are beginning to feel more secure in their financial prospects. Similarly, confidence in job security is now at its highest since 2019, a sign that

labor market conditions are gradually stabilizing in response to pro-growth policies and reforms,” the finance ministry said.

“Senator Aurangzeb reaffirmed that the government remains committed to maintaining macroeconomic stability, accelerating structural reforms, and ensuring that economic growth translates into real and inclusive progress for all citizens.”

The development comes amid stabilization of key economic indicators, including inflation, exchange rate, foreign exchange reserves and fiscal discipline, that has led a renewed public trust in Pakistan, which is currently on path to economic recovery under a $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) program secured in Sept. last year.

Aurangzeb pointed out that this upswing in consumer confidence spans across urban and rural areas, and is particularly evident among youth and women, demonstrating the broad-based nature of the economic turnaround.

He linked this optimism to sustained government efforts to create an enabling environment to enhance private sector growth, exports, social protection and financial inclusion.

“The findings of the IPSOS survey are a timely validation of Pakistan’s economic direction and a clear signal that the country is on a steady path toward recovery and resilience,” the minister said.


India arrests 81 for ‘sympathizing’ with Pakistan

Updated 01 June 2025
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India arrests 81 for ‘sympathizing’ with Pakistan

  • There has been a clampdown on social media since an April 22 attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir
  • New Delhi blamed Pakistan for backing the militants it said carried out the attack, Islamabad denies the allegation

GUWAHATI: Indian police have arrested scores of people for “sympathizing” with Pakistan, a month after the worst conflict between the arch-rivals for decades, a top government official said Sunday.

The arrests took place in the northeastern state of Assam, where Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said “81 anti-nationals are now behind bars for sympathizing with Pak.”

Sarma, from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist ruling party, said in a statement “our systems are constantly tracking anti-national posts on social media and taking actions.”

One of the persons was arrested after he posted a Pakistani flag on his Instagram, Assam police told AFP.

No further details about other arrests were given.

There has been a wider clampdown on social media since an April 22 attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir, the deadliest on civilians in the contested Muslim-majority territory in decades.

New Delhi blamed Islamabad for backing the militants it said carried out the attack, charges that Pakistan denied.

India and Pakistan then fought a four-day conflict, their worst standoff since 1999, before a ceasefire was agreed on May 10.

India’s counter-terrorism agency last month arrested a paramilitary police officer for allegedly spying for Pakistan, while authorities have arrested at least 10 other people on espionage charges in May, according to local media.

Sarma is also pushing efforts to stem the contentious issue of illegal immigration.

Assam shares a long and porous border with neighboring Muslim-majority Bangladesh.

Indian media have reported that Assam’s government has allegedly rounded up dozens of alleged Bangladeshis in the past month and taken them to the frontier to cross.

The Times of India newspaper on Saturday reported that Assam was “dumping them in no-man’s land,” suggesting that at least 49 had been pushed back between May 27-29 alone.

The Assam government has not commented on the reports.

Bangladesh, largely encircled by land by India, has seen relations with New Delhi turn icy, after the Dhaka government was toppled in an uprising last year.

Bangladesh has also moved closer to China, as well as to Pakistan.


PM urges trickle-down effect of development schemes in insurgency-hit Balochistan

Updated 01 June 2025
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PM urges trickle-down effect of development schemes in insurgency-hit Balochistan

  • Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest but most impoverished province, has been the site of a long-running insurgency that has intensified in recent months
  • PM Shehbaz Sharif says Balochistan will receive 25 percent share of Public Sector Development Program, which funds long-term projects, in the upcoming budget

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has stressed the need to ensure a trickle-down effect of his government’s developmental initiatives in the southwestern Balochistan province, Sharif’s office said on Sunday, amid a surge in militant attacks in the region.

Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest but most impoverished province, has been the site of a long-running insurgency that has intensified in recent months, with separatist militants attacking security forces, government officials and installations and people from other provinces who they see as “outsiders.”

The Pakistani government says it has launched several development schemes relating to infrastructure, health and education for some 15 million people of Balochistan, which is also home to deep seaport being built by China, gold, copper and coal mines, and has a long coast on the Arabian Sea.

Speaking to tribal elders during his visit to the provincial capital of Quetta, PM Sharif highlighted the series of developmental programs undertaken by his government for the prosperity of Balochistan and called on officials to ensure that their benefits reach the people of the southwestern Pakistani province.

“He praised the people of Balochistan for their historic role in safeguarding national unity and urged them to remain vigilant against foreign-backed subversion and sabotage orchestrated and sponsored by India,” Sharif’s office said.

“The jirga [council of tribal elders] concluded with a unanimous pledge from tribal elders to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Government of Pakistan and armed forces, reaffirming their commitment to the security, stability and development of Balochistan.”

Pakistan and India often accuse each other of supporting militancy. Islamabad blames India of backing the separatist insurgency in Balochistan as well as religiously motivated militant groups, like the Pakistani Taliban, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. India denies the allegations.

Sharif announced that Balochistan will receive 25 percent share from the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP), which funds infrastructure, energy, education and other long-term projects, in the upcoming budget.

“I think that PSDP will be of Rs1,000 billion [in the next budget],” he told the gathering. “So, out of this [amount], a fund of approximately Rs250 billion is for Balochistan alone. That is, 25 percent of the total federal PSDP for Balochistan.”

Addressing the challenge of militancy in the province, Sharif called for engagement at the grassroots level to ensure that militants find no social space.

“This was crucial for the success of counter terrorism efforts and for the long-term peace and stability,” he said.

On the occasion, Field Marshal Asim Munir, who accompanied the prime minister to Balochistan, emphasized that Pakistan’s army was fully alert and prepared to respond decisively to any threat.

“Peace in Balochistan is non-negotiable and that the future of Pakistan is directly linked to a stable, prosperous Balochistan,” he was quoted as saying by Sharif’s office.

Sharif also visited the military’s Command and Staff College in Quetta and addressed student officers and faculty, reflecting his government’s commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s defense institutions amidst evolving regional and internal security dynamics.

“The prime minister highlighted the critical importance of professional excellence, operational readiness, and strategic foresight in the face of emerging and hybrid threats, especially in sensitive regions like Balochistan,” Sharif’s office said.