ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in New York on Tuesday to attend the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported, where he is expected to engage with world leaders on key global issues and present Pakistan’s stance on Israel’s war in Gaza and the Kashmir dispute.
World leaders, policymakers, and international stakeholders are arriving in the city to attend this year’s UNGA from Sept. 10-28. Policymakers and global leaders will hold high-level discussions and summits aimed at addressing the world’s most pressing issues.
“Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reached New York to attend the UN General Assembly’s seventy-ninth session,” Radio Pakistan said. “He is scheduled to address the General Assembly on Friday.”
PM Sharif will address the UNGA session, participate in Sustainable Development Goals Moment 2024, attend a high-level open debate of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), titled ‘Leadership for Peace,’ and participate in a session on the looming threat of rising sea-level, according to the prime minister’s office.
“Shehbaz Sharif will also hold meetings with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, President General Assembly Philemon Yang, President European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, Founder of Gates Foundation Bill Gates, World Bank President Ajay Banga and Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund Ms. Kristalina Georgieva,” Sharif’s office said in a statement.
The prime minister will meet Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to discuss ongoing Israeli military campaign in Gaza and efforts to persuade the international community to step up to stop Israel from further military actions, according to the statement.
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.
During his visit to New York, Sharif will hold bilateral meetings with the heads of friendly countries and attend a dinner to be hosted by Chief Adviser of Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus, on the completion of 50 years of Bangladesh’s membership of the United Nations.
The prime minister will also meet the US-Pakistan Business Council and Pakistani bankers, and inform them about his government’s business and investment-friendly policies, according to his office.
He will highlight before the world leaders the threat of climate change, Pakistan’s sacrifices to eliminate terrorism in the region, and problems relating to the global economic system and debt-trapped countries. He will also talk about India’s unilateral actions in part of Kashmir it controls.
Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Education Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi will also be accompanying the prime minister during the visit.
Pakistan PM reaches US to attend UNGA session to highlight Palestine crisis, global issues
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Pakistan PM reaches US to attend UNGA session to highlight Palestine crisis, global issues
- Shehbaz Sharif to meet Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, discuss Israeli military campaign in Gaza
- Will hold bilateral meetings with heads of friendly countries, members of US-Pakistan Business Council
Pakistan warns torrential rains from Sept. 26-Oct 1 may trigger floods in Punjab, KP
- Moist currents from Bay of Bengal likely to penetrate upper parts of country from Sept. 25, trigger torrential rains
- Torrential monsoon rains from Jul. 1 to Sept. 6 this year killed 347, including 175 children and 54 women, in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s disaster management authority this week warned that heavy rains from Sept. 26 to Oct. 1 are likely to trigger floods in nullahs in the urban centers of Punjab and Nowshera and Peshawar cities of the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, warning the public and authorities to take precautions to save lives.
Pakistan’s Meteorological Department on Monday said moist currents from the Bay of Bengal are likely to penetrate the upper parts of the country from Sept. 25, adding that a westerly wave is also likely to approach the upper parts of Pakistan from Sept. 26 which is expected to trigger torrential rains in most parts of the country.
In a press statement issued on Monday night, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said it anticipates heavy rain with wind and thundershowers in parts of Punjab, KP, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir from Sept. 26 to Oct. 1. Parts of Sindh are expected to receive rain with occasional gaps from Sept. 26-28, it added.
“Heavy rainfall is likely to trigger urban flooding in local nullah in urban centers of Punjab while Nowshera and Peshawar cities of KP,” the NDMA said. “Heavy rain may cause landslides in hilly areas of Murree, Galiyat, Mansehra, Kohistan, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Bunair, Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan.”
The authority urged administrations and the public to take necessary precautions to mitigate the potential impacts of heavy rains. It issued instructions to all relevant departments to alert Emergency Response Teams and mobilize resources to ensure a swift response to disasters that may disrupt people’s lives.
“NDMA urges relevant department to ensure pre-placement of heavy earth moving machinery at chokepoints and at-risk regions for managing landslides and restoration of roads,” the disaster management body said. “NDMA advises the public to stay informed and download ‘Pak NDMA Disaster Alert’ mobile app for timely alerts and closely monitor weather reports.”
Torrential monsoon rains from Jul. 1 to Sept. 6 this year killed 347 people, including 175 children and 54 women, across Pakistan while 648 persons were injured as per the NDMA.
Global organizations, such as the United Nations, see Pakistan as one of the countries most vulnerable to extreme weather and climate change, with floods wreaking havoc in 2022, killing more than 1,700 people and displacing millions.
Scientists also blame the country’s erratic weather changes in Pakistan on climate change effects. This year, the South Asian country recorded its “wettest April since 1961,” with 59.3 millimeters of rainfall, while some areas of the country faced deadly heatwaves in May and June.
Pakistan reaffirms commitment to strengthen ties with Saudi Arabia at 94th National Day celebrations
Pakistan reaffirms commitment to strengthen ties with Saudi Arabia at 94th National Day celebrations
- Saudi Arabia celebrates Sept. 23 as its National Day to commemorate Kingdom’s unification
- President Asif Ali Zardari says both nations will work together for unity, peace and progress
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday reaffirmed Pakistan’s determination to further strengthen bilateral cooperation with Saudi Arabia as the Kingdom marked its 94th National Day.
Saudi Arabia celebrates its National Day, also known as Al-Yaom-ul-Watany, on September 23 each year to commemorate the unification of the Kingdom and its founding by King Abdulaziz in 1932.
The Saudi embassy in Islamabad organized an event to celebrate the day, with President Zardari attending the ceremony as the chief guest. Members of Pakistan’s federal cabinet, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, religious scholars, diplomats, dignitaries, and civilian and military officials also participated in the event.
President Zardari extended his felicitations to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the people of Saudi Arabia on their National Day. He noted that the two brotherly countries enjoyed cordial relations in various fields and always supported each other in challenging times.
“On this day, we reaffirm our commitment to further enhancing our bilateral relations in the areas of trade, business and culture,” he said, while addressing the event. “We will continue to work together for the advancement of our nations, the unity of Muslim Ummah, and the promotion of peace and stability in the region and beyond.”
The Pakistan president appreciated Crown Prince Mohammed’s Vision 2030, which he said had placed Saudi Arabia on a path to greater progress and prosperity.
“The Kingdom has embarked on a journey of progress and modernization through Vision 2030 as the bold initiatives being taken to diversify the economy and empower the youth to build a vibrant society are truly inspiring,” he added.
Saudi Arabia is consolidating its economy along modern lines under the Vision 2030 program. The strategic development framework intends to cut the Kingdom’s reliance on oil and is aimed at developing public service sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, recreation and tourism.
President Zardari expressed his gratitude to Saudi Arabia for its continued support to Pakistan and for hosting nearly 2.7 million Pakistanis, who were not only a source of remittances to the South Asian country, but they were also making contributions to the Kingdom’s social and economic development.
In his video message played at the event, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid a tribute to the visionary leadership of King Salman for steadfastly guiding the Kingdom toward progress and prosperity, while upholding the sacred responsibilities of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.
“We also highly commend the sagacious and farsighted vision of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman whose initiatives have positioned Saudi Arabia as a beacon of modernity, innovation and economic growth,” he said, adding that the Kingdom was assuming a global leadership role.
“The Kingdom is making remarkable strides in ease of doing business, surpassing the world’s largest economies, embracing modern techniques as it is in fact among the countries that are leading in science, technology, innovation and enterprise.”
Sharif thanked the Kingdom for standing by Pakistan in difficult times.
“The people of Pakistan join me in acknowledging from the core of our hearts the Kingdom’s generosity in helping stabilize Pakistan’s economic situation from time to time,” he said. “These historic gestures have touched us deeply and profoundly forever.”
In his speech, Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki said it was a “glorious day” in the history of the Kingdom, which symbolized unity, prosperity and a long journey of progress.
“The Kingdom is witnessing tremendous transformations that have included all areas of life, from economy to education, health and infrastructure,” he said, adding that the Kingdom went through several stages of growth and development until it became a model in the Arab and Islamic worlds.
“The Kingdom continues to play its leadership role in the Arab and Islamic worlds, especially with regard to defending the issues of the Islamic nations and supporting the stability of the region.”
The depth of the historical and fraternal relations that bound Pakistan and Saudi Arabia added a special dimension of pride and appreciation to this national occasion, he said.
“Today, we are not only celebrating a national occasion, but we are also celebrating the strengthening of bilateral relations that are growing stronger day after day,” the ambassador added.
Fly Jinnah flight makes emergency landing in Lahore, all passengers and crew safe
- The plane made emergency landing after the captain reported smoke in its cargo compartment
- Pakistan’s aviation protocols have faced significant scrutiny since a PIA plane crash in 2020
KARACHI: A Fly Jinnah flight on Monday made an emergency landing at the Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) said, adding all passengers and crew members safely off-loaded from the plane.
The flight, FL-846, left Karachi in the country’s south for the eastern city of Lahore on Monday evening, according to the (PAA).
The captain reported smoke in the cargo compartment and gave a ‘mayday’ call at 7:15 near Lahore.
“Fly Jinnah flight, FL-846, safely landed at the Lahore at 7:23 pm,” the PAA said in a statement. “[Officials of] the Airport Authority’s Fire Department were present on the spot to deal with any emergency as per the SOPs (standard operating procedures).”
All passengers and crew were safely offloaded through emergency exit of the plane and at 7:57pm, the fire department cleared the plane following an inspection, according to the PAA.
Officials have ordered an investigation into the incident.
Pakistan’s aviation protocols have faced significant scrutiny since 2020 following a scandal wherein approximately 262 out of 860 active Pakistani pilots were said to have obtained fake licenses, leading to the grounding of around 150 pilots from the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and other carriers.
The revelation came in the wake of the tragic crash of a PIA flight, PK-8303, in Karachi on May 22, 2020, resulting in the suspension of PIA’s operations in the European Union (EU) and other regions and prompting calls for regulatory reforms to improve safety standards and transparency.
Pakistan, UK eye major trade boost amid high-ranking British official’s visit to Islamabad
- Oliver Christian has facilitated over £78 billion in investment and export deals apart from playing a key role in launching the UK Global Investment Summit
- In meeting with Pakistan’s commerce minister, the UK trade commissioner acknowledged Pakistan’s potential and assured support for increasing trade volume
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United Kingdom (UK) expect a major boost in bilateral trade between the two countries, the Pakistani commerce ministry said on Monday, following the arrival of British Trade Commissioner Oliver Christian in Islamabad on a three-day visit.
Christian, who serves as the Trade Commissioner for the Middle East and Pakistan as well as the UK counsel general to Dubai, landed in Islamabad over the weekend on his first-ever trip to strengthen economic and trade links with Pakistan.
He has facilitated over £78 billion in investment and export deals apart from playing a key role in launching the UK Global Investment Summit and the Office of Investment, according to the British high commission in Islamabad.
On Monday, the UK trade commissioner, met with Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Jam Kamal to explore avenues to enhance bilateral trade, the Pakistani commerce ministry said.
“The meeting highlighted the need for sectoral collaboration and a business-to-business matchmaking approach to target growth areas in both countries,” it said in a statement. “Jam Kamal emphasized Pakistan’s immense potential in the food sector, particularly through value addition.”
Kamal underscored his government’s commitment to expanding trade and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s plan to achieve an ambitious export growth target of $60 billion from the existing $30 billion. He highlighted Pakistan’s success in organizing an International Food and Agriculture Exhibition in Karachi on Aug. 9-11, where more than 800 foreign delegates participated.
“This was the first event of its kind, with such a large international presence and it opened doors to significant business opportunities,” the minister said.
Citing Pakistan’s growing exports in information technology, mining, horticulture and dairy, Kamal discussed the potential for future exports, including olive products. “Pakistan is on its way to becoming a significant olive exporter, with vast cultivation underway,” he shared.
The UK trade commissioner acknowledged Pakistan’s vast potential and assured full support for increasing the trade volume between the two nations, according to the Pakistani commerce ministry. Both sides emphasized the importance of the UK-Pakistan Trade Dialogue, a platform to be established soon to promote trade and investment.
As the UK diversifies its import sources post-Brexit, Kamal highlighted Pakistan’s potential to become a key supplier of food products to the UK, given its compliance with international standards.
Pakistan and the UK have a long and multifaceted relationship, with the latter hosting a large Pakistani diaspora community. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also accepted an invitation by King Charles III over a telephone call last week to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa next month from October 21-26.
Earlier this month, Pakistan’s deputy premier Ishaq Dar also embarked on a five-day official visit to London, where he held wide-ranging discussions with the new British administration.
During his visit, Christian will announce significant new partnerships, including a strategic transnational education agreement between Beaconhouse International College and the University of Essex, the British high commission said on Sunday. The partnership with Essex University aimed to provide Pakistani students access to world-class education in business, computing and law subjects, it added.
The high commission said Britain’s Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust partnered with Novacare hospitals to set up a 250-bed hospital in Islamabad, which would open in 2026 and offer 28 clinical services along international standards.
Terming Pakistan as the third-largest trade partner, British Deputy High Commissioner Sarah Mooney said on Sunday the UK was committed to “driving economic development,” while addressing challenges that “hold back growth.”
“This visit reinforces our commitment to working together to unlock opportunities to benefit both countries,” she said.
Christain said British firms operating in Pakistan were market leaders in their respective fields that were “trusted by millions of consumers.”
“We are dedicated to strengthening our economic relationship with Pakistan, not just through investments and partnerships but by working together to demonstrate the opportunity here for UK businesses,” he said.
The high commission said the UK was Pakistan’s third-largest export market, with the total trade amounting to $5 billion in the four quarters leading up to the end of 2024.
Six killed, 25 injured as rival tribes clash over property dispute in northwest Pakistan
- The clashes erupted over piece of land in Kurram tribal district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which borders Afghanistan
- Both sides used heavy and small weapons to pound each other, blocking Parachinar-Peshawar highway for traffic
PESHAWAR: At least six persons have been killed and 25 others injured in three days of armed clashes over a property dispute between rival tribes in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, an official said on Monday, as tribal elders and local officials strive for a ceasefire between the warring parties.
The clashes erupted over a piece of land claimed by both sides in the Kurram tribal district of KP, which is located along Pakistan’s border with Afghanistan and has witnessed deadly tribal conflicts as well as sectarian and militant attacks in the past.
A major conflict that began in 2007 continued for years before it was ended with the help of a jirga, a council of tribal elders, in 2011. However, another round of clashes broke out over a property dispute in July this year that left 38 dead and 158 injured in the same district.
“We have received six dead and 25 injured during the last three days, with some of the wounded having been discharged after treatment,” Dr. Mir Hassan Jan, medical superintendent (MS) at the district headquarters hospital in Parachinar, told Arab News.
The Kurram police said the warring tribes used both heavy and small weapons to pound rival positions in the last three days, and the clashes blocked several routes, including Parachinar-Peshawar highway, for traffic.
Kurram Deputy Commissioner Javedullah Mehsud informed the media that tribal elders, security officials and the district administration were trying to resolve the issue through negotiations.
KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur directed police and district administration to take action and help reach a ceasefire between the warring tribes through a jirga.
“For the last one year, issues about law and order have been taking place in Kurram, which should be resolved permanently,” Gandapur said in a statement. “For a durable solution to the problem, a committee comprising members of national and provincial assemblies, local elders and law enforcement agencies should be formed to take warring tribes on board to resolve the issue once and for all.”
Brig (retd) Said Nazeer Mohmand, a security expert, told Arab News that the involvement of “foreign elements” and rumors played a major role in igniting sectarian tensions in the religiously sensitive district.
In the first phase, he suggested, security and district administration officials, backed by local elders, should discourage the involvement of foreign elements belonging to different sectarian groups.
“If we see the issue from a historical perspective, rumors and unfounded news always flare up fights in Kurram district,” Mohmand said. “Secondly, controlling foreign elements is of paramount importance to discourage armed clashes in the district.”
Mohmand emphasized the formation of committees comprising members from all tribes as well as security and district administration officials to keep a check on the situation regularly.
“The committee then should hold regular meetings to nip the evil in the bud and deny any space to foreign elements and rumors from spreading,” he said. “This way, we will be able to somehow to control things in this sensitive part of the region.”
