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  • Pakistan PM to speak on Palestine crisis, key global issues at UNGA this week 


Pakistan PM to speak on Palestine crisis, key global issues at UNGA this week 

Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif speaks at the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at U.N. headquarters on September 23, 2022 in New York City. (AFP/File)
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Updated 23 September 2024
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Pakistan PM to speak on Palestine crisis, key global issues at UNGA this week 

  • Shehbaz Sharif to address 79th session of United Nations General Assembly on Friday, says state media 
  • Pakistani prime minister to interact with world leaders, attend key sessions at sidelines of the event 
Updated 23 September 2024
Shahjahan Khurram

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will present Pakistan’s stance on key global issues, including Israel’s war on Gaza, the Kashmir dispute and the adverse effects of climate change, as he takes part in the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly this week, state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported on Monday. 

New York has once again taken center stage as world leaders, policymakers, and international stakeholders arrive in the city to attend this year’s UNGA from Sept. 10-28. Policymakers and global leaders are arriving in the city for a series of high-level discussions and summits aimed at addressing the world’s most urgent challenges.

The Pakistani prime minister will address the UNGA on Friday, Radio Pakistan said. According to local media reports, the Pakistani prime minister is in the United Kingdom from where he will depart for New York today, Monday, to attend the UNGA session. 

“In his address, the Prime Minister will highlight Pakistan’s perspective on a range of international and regional issues of concern, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute and Palestine issue,” state media reported. “The Prime Minister will reaffirm Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to multilateralism and support for the role of the United Nations in fostering global peace, security and prosperity.”

Sharif is scheduled to attend several high-level meetings, including discussions on existential threats posed by sea level rise and the UN Security Council’s open “Debate on Leadership for Peace” session, Radio Pakistan said. 

He will also hold several bilateral meetings with world leaders and meet UN Secretary-General António Guterres during his visit to New York. 

Israel launched its war on Gaza on Oct. 7 after Hamas fighters stormed into southern Israel, killing 1,200 and taking more than 250 hostages, according to Israeli figures. Israeli military campaign has since demolished swathes of the besieged territory killed more than 41,000 people, displaced nearly all of its 2.3 million people multiple times, and given rise to deadly hunger and disease in the area. 

Pakistan does not recognize nor have diplomatic relations with Israel and calls for an independent Palestinian state based on “internationally agreed parameters” and the pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

Since the beginning of Israel’s war on Gaza, Pakistan has repeatedly raised the issue at the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and other multilateral platforms. The South Asian country has also dispatched several aid consignments for the Palestinians.

Topics: Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif UNGA United Nations Palestine Gaza New York

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Strengthening of Pak-China ties of utmost importance to me, says Chinese president

Updated 2 min 46 sec ago
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Strengthening of Pak-China ties of utmost importance to me, says Chinese president

  • China’s Xi Jinping wishes Shehbaz Sharif on his 73rd birthday, describes Pakistan and China as strategic partners
  • Chinese president expresses desire to promote cooperation with Pakistan in various fields, says Prime Minister’s Office
Updated 2 min 46 sec ago
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Chinese President Xi Jinping wished Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the occasion of his 73rd birthday, expressing his desire to promote cooperation with Pakistan in various fields and saying that strengthening ties between the two nations is of “utmost importance” to him. 

This was said by the Chinese president in a letter that he addressed to the Pakistani prime minister, Sharif’s office said in a statement. It described the Chinese president’s letter as an “unusual progress” in Pakistan’s diplomatic relations with its neighboring country. 

China is a major ally and investor in Pakistan that has pledged over $65 billion in investment in road, infrastructure and development projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project. CPEC is a part of the Belt and Road Initiative, a massive China-led infrastructure project that aims to stretch around the globe. 

Chinese investment and financial support since 2013 have been key for Pakistan’s struggling economy, including the rolling over of loans so that Islamabad is able to meet external financing needs at a time its foreign reserves are low.

“Strengthening of China-Pakistan ties are of the utmost importance to me,” Jinping wrote, according to the PMO. “I want to work with you to promote China-Pakistan strategic cooperation and construction of CPEC.”

He described Pakistan and China as strategic partners of good and challenging times, adding that history was a witness that the two nations have always trusted and supported each other. 

“Such a strong relationship has been established between the two countries that it has never been affected by the changing international scenario,” he wrote.

The Chinese president also expressed his desire to promote cooperation with Pakistan in various fields and enhance people-to-people contacts, the PMO said. 

Though time-tested allies, recent security challenges have put a slight strain on Pakistan’s ties with China. Separatist and religiously motivated militants have attacked Chinese projects in Pakistan over recent years, killing Chinese personnel. In the most high-profile recent attack, five Chinese workers were killed in a suicide bombing in March, which was the third major attack on Chinese interests in Pakistan in a week.

China has called on Islamabad to ensure security for its citizens in Pakistan. The South Asian nation has in turn sought to ease Chinese fears, vowing to provide fool-proof security to its citizens living and working in the country. 

Topics: Pakistan China Ties President Xi Jinping Xi Jinping Shehbaz Sharif China Pakistan Arab News Pakistan

In bid to revive cricket fortunes, Pakistan to hold high-level ‘Connection Camp’ today

Updated 23 September 2024
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In bid to revive cricket fortunes, Pakistan to hold high-level ‘Connection Camp’ today

  • PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to lead strategic camp with prominent cricketers, coaching staff
  • Development takes place after Pakistan’s humiliating 0-2 whitewash against Bangladesh at home
Updated 23 September 2024
Muhammad Ibrahim

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi will lead a strategic “Connection Camp” today, Monday, featuring prominent cricketers and coaching staff in a bid to restore the country’s cricket to its past glory after a string of humiliating losses at home, the PCB said. 

Pakistani cricket commentators and experts have raised alarm at the quality of cricket demonstrated by the national team after its first-round exits from the 50-over World Cup in India last year and T20 World Cup in the United States this year. 

Since 2022, Pakistan has lost to Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, Ireland, the United States and Bangladesh in all three formats of cricket. The green shirts lost to Bangladesh 0-2 in a home Test series this month, marking the first time they were whitewashed by the South Asian country. 

A PCB media release said the Connection Camp will be led by Naqvi and will feature nine cricketers, including Babar Azam (Pakistan’s white-ball captain), Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Shan Masood (Pakistan’s red-ball captain). Joining them will be national team head coaches Jason Gillespie and Gary Kirsten, assistant coach Azhar Mahmood and high performance specialist David Reid.

“The primary objective of the camp is to define a shared vision and mission, along with setting a roadmap to reignite the pride and excellence that has characterized Pakistan cricket since achieving Test status in 1952,” the PCB said on Sunday. 

It said the session will focus on fostering “stronger collaboration between players and the PCB,” adding that the board will reaffirm its commitment to supporting players in meeting strategic goals. 

“The ultimate aim is for players to take a leading role in inspiring the next generation of cricketers through outstanding performances,” the cricket board said.

Masood said the outcomes of the session will include performance benchmarks, player development programs and strategies to enhance grassroots cricket in Pakistan. 

“We’re fully committed to working with the PCB to reignite the pride and passion that Pakistan cricket is known for,” he said. 

Kirsten said the players and support staff would do their best to ensure Pakistanis are proud of their national team. 

“We will focus on refining our approach in white-ball cricket to meet the standards of the highest levels of international competition,” he said. 

Topics: Connection Camp Pakistan cricket Cricket Pakistan Cricket Board Mohsin Naqvi Babar Azam Shan Masood Arab News Pakistan

Pakistan government says will table constitutional amendments in first week of October

Updated 23 September 2024
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Pakistan government says will table constitutional amendments in first week of October

  • Government was expected to table amendments last week but failed to do so after securing required two-thirds majority 
  • Amendments include extending the tenure of superior judges by three years, changing process of chief justice’s appointment
Updated 23 September 2024
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s ruling coalition will table the controversial constitutional amendments package in parliament for approval in the first week of October, the government’s legal adviser Barrister Aqeel Malik has confirmed, adding that the document will be presented after a “broader consensus” is reached between political stakeholders and the country’s legal fraternity. 

Pakistan’s government was unable to present a set of history-making constitutional amendments last Monday after failing to secure the required two-thirds majority needed for them to pass. The proposed amendments are expected to establish a federal constitutional court, raise the retirement age of superior judges by three years and modify the process for the appointment of chief justice of the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

The matter has raised widespread concerns among opposition parties and independent experts who say the moves are aimed at increasing the government’s power in making key judicial appointments and dealing with the defection of lawmakers during house votes. The opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has alleged that the amendments are an attempt to grant an extension to incumbent Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa, who is widely viewed to be aligned with the ruling coalition and in opposition to its chief rival, the PTI. Pakistan’s defense minister has rejected the allegations, saying that the amendments address “constitutional imbalances,” adding that public representatives have the right to undo any “intrusions” into parliamentary powers and the constitution.

Malik, adviser to the Ministry of Law and Justice, told Dawn News on Sunday night that the government will present the amendments during the “beginning of October” after it receives feedback from the Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam Pakistan-Fazl (JUI-F) party and Pakistan’s legal fraternity. 

“I think it is expected that we will lay [constitutional amendments in parliament] in the beginning of October,” Malik said. “After reaching a broader consensus with opposition and other stakeholders. In the first week of October.”

Aqeel said that out of the 55 amendments proposed, the government has withdrawn amendments to Article 8 (laws inconsistent with or in derogation of fundamental rights to be void) and Article 243 (command of Armed Forces). 

He said amendments to Article 243 had been “put on the back burner,” saying that it revolved around the tenures for service chiefs in the country. 

RESERVED SEATS

The government has proposed these amendments after a string of Supreme Court judgments that have ostensibly challenged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s coalition government, mostly notably a July 12 verdict by a 13-member bench of the Supreme Court that declared the PTI eligible for reserved parliamentary seats.

The verdict dealt a major blow to Sharif’s weak ruling coalition, which may lose its two-thirds majority in Pakistan’s parliament if the verdict is implemented. Sharif’s PML-N party has filed a review petition in the Supreme Court against the verdict.

PTI candidates contested the Feb. 8 general elections as independents after the party was barred from polls on the technical grounds that it did not hold genuine intra-party polls, which is a legal requirement.

Subsequently, the PTI-backed candidates won the most seats in the election, but the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) ruled independents were ineligible for their share of 70 reserved seats — 60 for women, 10 for non-Muslims. The reserved seats were then distributed among other parties, mostly those in the ruling coalition, a decision Khan allies contested in the court.

Reserved parliamentary seats for women and minorities are allocated in Pakistan in proportion to the number of seats a political party wins in general elections. This completes the National Assembly’s total 336 seats.

A simple majority in Pakistan’s parliament is 169 seats.

Topics: Pakistan National Assembly constitutional amendments

Pakistan, Chinese coal firm discuss investment in joint ventures

Updated 23 September 2024
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Pakistan, Chinese coal firm discuss investment in joint ventures

  • The development came amid Pakistan petroleum minister’s visit to Shaanxi Coal and Chemical Industry Group Company in China
  • Pakistan, which imports most of its energy needs, is currently looking to boost coal-fired output to save power generation costs
Updated 23 September 2024
SAIMA SHABBIR

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and a Chinese coal company have discussed investment in technology and joint ventures to manufacture chemicals from coal reserves in Pakistan’s southern Sindh province, the Pakistani petroleum ministry said on Sunday.

The statement came after Petroleum Minister Dr. Musadik Malik’s visit to Shaanxi Coal and Chemical Industry Group Company headquartered in Xi’an, China.

During the visit aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation, the petroleum minister was given a detailed briefing on various operations of the firm.

“Pakistan has vast reserves of coal,” Malik was quoted as telling officials of the Chinese coal firm. “Pakistan is determined to make full and efficient use of its natural resources.”

The visit aimed to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and China, particularly in coal, and both parties engaged in productive discussions about potential partnerships, according to the petroleum ministry.

Representatives from Pakistan’s Thar Coal Board, Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company and the Sindh energy department were also part of the meeting.

Pakistan has been mining around 7.6 million tons of coal per annum from Thar and plans to boost it to 11 million tons in up to three years, Farhan Mahmood, head of research at Sherman Securities in Karachi, told Arab News last month.

Pakistan, which has been struggling with a balance of payments crisis, record inflation and steep currency devaluation, lacks adequate resources to run its oil- and gas-powered plants and is looking to boost coal-fired output to save power generation costs.

In August, Pakistan’s energy ministry set up a four-member committee to provide recommendations to shift three Chinese power plants in Sahiwal, Karachi, and Hub to coal from Pakistan’s Thar region rather than the imported one.

Topics: Pakistan China Ties Chinese coal firm

Pakistan PM extends condolences to Iran after coal mine blast kills over 30

Updated 22 September 2024
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Pakistan PM extends condolences to Iran after coal mine blast kills over 30

  • The explosion injured 16 people, while 17 miners were still missing and their fate remained unknown, Iran’s Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni said
  • Rescue teams were still 400 meters away from the likely location and were expected to reach there by Monday after removing rubble and excess gas
Updated 22 September 2024
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday extended his condolences to President Masoud Pezeshkian and the Iranian people after a coal mine blast killed more than 30 people in the country.
The gas explosion in a coal mine in Iran’s South Khorasan province killed at least 31 people and injured 16 others, according to Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni.
Seventeen miners were still missing as rescue teams were still 400 meters away from the likely location and were expected to reach it by Monday after removing rubble and excess gas.
In his message on X, Sharif extended condolences to President Pezeshkian and the Iranian people on the loss of precious lives.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families,” he said. “Pakistan stands with its Iranian brethren during this time.”
There were 69 workers present in blocks B and C at the time of the explosion at the privately-owned mine operated by the Madanjoo company, state TV reported.
“Seventy-six percent of the country’s coal is provided from this region and around 8 to 10 big companies are working in the region including Madanjoo company,” Ali Akbar Rahimi, governor of the South Khorasan province, told state TV on Sunday.
The mine went through inspections last month and complied with all safety regulations, Labour Minister Ahmad Meydari told state media, denying any case of negligence and adding that such “sudden events also happen in the most advanced mines globally.”
An investigation into the incident has been ordered by the country’s public prosecutor.

Topics: iran coal mine accident

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