ISLAMABAD: An All Parties Conference (APC) in Pakistan on Monday called on the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to convene an emergency summit to address the situation in Palestine, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announcing the formation of a special working group to engage other Islamic countries in raising a collective voice on Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza.
The APC came as Pakistan observed Palestine Solidarity Day to mark one year of Israeli invasion of Gaza that has claimed the lives of more than 41,800 Palestinians so far.
The conference took place at the Presidency in Islamabad, with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Sharif, and leaders of key Pakistani political parties in attendance.
Speaking at the APC, PM Sharif said it was time for the Muslim World to move forward and take practical steps to prevent Israel from further bloodshed in Palestine.
“Pakistan has decided to form a special working group which will go to different lobbies and reach out to other countries in the Islamic world to raise a collective voice against Israeli atrocities,” he said.
“The first priority should be to stop the bloodshed in Palestine, which is a foremost duty and for this, the platform of the OIC is available.”
While reading out a joint communique by all parties, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said the APC called for full implementation of a UN General Assembly resolution, ES 10/24 of September 18, which inter alia demanded an end to Israeli occupation.
“[This APC] calls on the OIC to convene an emerging emergency summit to discuss the situation in Palestine, Israel’s brutal aggression in the region and its implications for the regional peace and security and underscores the need for unity of the Islamic ummah,” Dar said.
He demanded implementation of provisional measures by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which called for preventing Israel from committing further acts of genocide against the Palestinian people, as well as the ICJ’s advisory opinion of July 19 that reaffirmed the illegality of the Israeli occupation.
Dar said the APC expressed full support for the ongoing political and diplomatic efforts by the OIC, the League of Arab States, the United Nations and brotherly countries in addressing the prevailing situation in Palestine as well as for peace and stability of the broader region.
In his speech at the conference, President Zardari regretted the fact that the international community had failed to stop Israel from committing the “genocide” in Palestine.
“The prevailing culture of impunity and disregard for international law must be urgently addressed and it is crucial for the international community to take swift action to de-escalate the situation,” he said.
The president reiterated Pakistan’s firm support and vowed to continue raising its voice at all regional and international forums to stop Israel’s human rights violations and aggression against the Palestinians.
Nawaz Sharif, a three-time former prime minister and the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party supremo, questioned the world silence on Israel’s “genocide and war crimes” in Gaza.
“The government should contact the Islamic community after preparing recommendations for an effective role in the Palestine conflict, reflecting the nation’s desire to contribute decisively,” he said.
Nawaz urged Muslim countries to unite and develop a joint strategy to stop the ongoing bloodshed in Palestine.
“We have not seen such atrocities anywhere in the world as those being committed by Israel, yet many countries do not recognize it as a humanitarian crisis,” he added.
Speaking at the conference, Jamiat Ulema Islam (JUI) leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman called for practical steps to help the Palestinians, instead of “passing resolutions and issuing condemnations.”
“A joint platform of leading Muslim countries should be formed to evolve a common strategy to face multiple challenges in Palestine,” he added.
Jamaat-e-Islami chief Naeem-ur-Rehman said Pakistan had to take a very clear stance on Israeli brutalities against the Palestinians.
“Pakistan should take steps to convene a meeting of the Islamic countries to adopt a common stance in this regard,” he said, adding that Islamabad should play a proactive role to launch a diplomatic campaign to highlight this issue at world fora.
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 (OIC) and other multilateral platforms and demanded international powers and bodies stop Israeli military actions in Gaza. The South Asian country has also dispatched several aid consignments for the Palestinians.
Pakistan all-parties conference urges OIC to call emergency summit on Gaza war
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Pakistan all-parties conference urges OIC to call emergency summit on Gaza war
- PM Shehbaz Sharif says Pakistan will form a special working group to engage Islamic countries in raising a collective voice against Israeli actions
- Joint communique of All Parties Conference calls for full implementation of UN General Assembly Resolution demanding end to Israeli occupation
Saudi pavilion draws crowds at Karachi travel expo with year-round tourism opportunities
- The Pakistan Travel Mart 2025 exhibition is hosting 250 companies from 18 countries
- Visitors at the Saudi pavilion express excitement about tourist attractions in the Kingdom
KARACHI: The Pakistan Travel Mart (PTM) 2025 exhibition, which opened in Karachi on Friday, witnessed a strong presence from Saudi Arabia, with a dedicated pavilion highlighting the Kingdom’s diverse tourism offerings beyond the traditional Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages.
Since 2017, the exhibition has served as a platform for international collaborations and discussions on sustainable tourism development. This year, around 250 companies from 18 countries are participating in the three-day event.
Saudi Arabia’s participation underscores its commitment to promoting the Kingdom as a year-round travel destination and the Saudi pavilion buzzed with activity on the opening day, attracting a large number of visitors who were eager to learn about the Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage, historical sites, and emerging adventure tourism opportunities.
“Saudi [Arabia] is open to the world,” Dr. Omer Ayoub, a director of Saudi travel services provider Albait Guests, told Arab News. “Earlier, it was known to the Pakistani market that people only go for Hajj and Umrah to Saudi [Arabia], but now, today, we are promoting Saudi as a [tourist] destination.”
Representatives from the Saudi Tourism Authority were present at the pavilion to support their Pakistani travel partners, including Al Hudda, Al Khair, Aroma, Dar ul Eimaan, F&S Global, Jas Travels, Meezab Group, Super Travel, Travel Designer and Welcome Travel.
Dr. Ayoub underscored the Kingdom’s tourism potential, citing AlUla’s Nabataean culture and Jeddah’s historical district as well as adventure, cultural and culinary experiences for visitors.
He said a large number of foreigners, including Pakistani expatriates, consider the Kingdom their “second home” and it was important to understand their sentiments to curate relevant travel products.
“We’ve witnessed a great footfall from the local audience,” Dr. Ayoub said. “As you can see, Saudi [pavilion] has captivated the whole attention.”
Dr. Ayoub also spoke about the growing trend of combining MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) events with Umrah, and emerging destinations like the Red Sea Global project, dubbed as the “Maldives of the region,” that offers coral reef experiences.
Visitors connected with various travel agencies at the exhibition and echoed this sentiment.
“I have come to know many vendors who are working not only for Umrah and Hajj, but also promoting Saudi tourism,” Alishba Shehryar Khan, a Pakistani visitor, told Arab News, expressing excitement about tourist attractions in the Kingdom.
S. M. Fahim, head of digital marketing at the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), appreciated staff at the Saudi pavilion for their explanation of online services for Hajj and Umrah passengers, including platforms for booking hotels and packages.
“It’s basically ease and comfort to the customers,” he said.
Iqbal A. Sakrani, a director at Super Travel, said he gained “firsthand exposure” to destinations like Balkh and Taif during a familiarization trip arranged by the Saudi Tourism Authority.
“Saudi Arabia is rich culture, heritage destination,” he said, adding his company plans to offer visits to historical sites on Umrah and Hajj trips.
Muhammad Yaqoob Saifi, an official of Saudi travel company Rowaa Golden, shared their plans to offer both religious and leisure tourism packages, including sightseeing tours to AlUla, Taif and Abha.
“This is the first year we will be providing sightseeing along with Umrah and Hajj,” he said, adding that his company has set up camps at these destinations to provide services like food, transportation and accommodation to visitors.
Pakistan recall Fakhar to Champions Trophy squad after injury rules Saim Ayub out
- Pakistan is scheduled to host the tournament from February 19 till March 9 and the PCB has until February 11 to make any changes to the squad
- Same squad will play tri-nation series, featuring New Zealand and South Africa in Lahore and Karachi, in the lead up to Champions Trophy 2025
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Friday announced a 15-player squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, recalling Fakhar Zaman after an injury ruled out Saim Ayub.
Pakistan is scheduled to host the tournament from February 19 till March 9 and the PCB has until February 11 to make any changes to the squad. After that, replacements will only be permitted on medical grounds, subject to approval by an International Cricket Council (ICC) committee.
There are four changes in the 15-player squad that last played a one-day international (ODI) series in South Africa late last year. Abdullah Shafique, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Saim Ayub and Sufyan Moqim have been replaced by Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khushdil Shah and Saud Shakeel.
The same squad will feature in the tri-nation ODI series, featuring New Zealand and South Africa in Lahore and Karachi, in the lead up to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
“The selectors have continued to adopt a horses-for-courses approach in assembling this squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025,” Asad Shafiq, member of the National Selection Committee, said in a statement shared by the PCB.
“Our focus has been on selecting players who have consistently excelled in domestic competitions under similar conditions, demonstrating their readiness to perform in a global event.”
The squad, captained by Mohammad Rizwan with Salman Ali Agha as vice-captain, includes three members from the 2017 title-winning side: Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf and Fakhar Zaman. Babar and Fakhar, along with Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Saud Shakeel also featured in the last 50-over Cricket World Cup 2023.
Following the World Cup 2023, Pakistan have played three ODI series, defeating 50-over world champions Australia 2-1, Zimbabwe 2-1 and South Africa 3-0.
Opener Fakhar Zaman, who scored a century in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 final against India, makes a comeback after overcoming injury and illness that had sidelined him from international cricket since June 2024. Fakhar demonstrated his return to complete fitness and form during the Champions T20 Cup 2024 in December, where he was the third-highest run-scorer with 303 runs at an impressive strike-rate of over 132. In 82 ODIs, Fakhar has scored 3,492 runs with 11 centuries and 16 half-centuries at an average of 46.5 and strike-rate of 93.4.
Pakistan Test vice-captain Saud Shakeel has been rewarded for his consistent and strong performances in home Tests by earning a place in the side. The left-hander played his 15th and last ODI against England in Kolkata in the ICC Men’s 50-over World Cup 2023 but has scored 577 runs in 13 Test innings at home this season with two centuries and two half-centuries against Bangladesh, England and the West Indies.
All-rounders Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah return to the 50-over squad, adding versatility and providing captain Mohammad Rizwan with additional options. Faheem’s 34th and last ODI was in September 2023 and since then he has been one of the most consistent domestic performers across all formats, while Khushdil last represented Pakistan in ODIs in August 2022 and has earned the selectors nod after scoring 176 runs in the Champions One-Day Cup as well as scoring 132 runs and taking nine wickets in the Champions T20 Cup.
“One of the standout qualities of this side is its flexibility, an essential trait in today’s modern-day cricket. We are confident that this squad strikes the right balance between youth and experience, and has all bases covered,” Shafiq said.
“Saim Ayub has not been included in the squad due to an ankle injury, but we remain optimistic about his recovery.”
PAKISTAN SQUAD
Batters: Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir
All-rounders: Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain)
Wicketkeeper-batters: Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Usman Khan
Spinner: Abrar Ahmed
Fast bowlers: Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi
Senior official injured in crossfire between warring tribes in restive Pakistani district
- Additional Assistant Commissioner Sayed Manan was in the field to ensure a ceasefire as rival tribes attacked each other in Kurram’s Bushara area
- The official was shot in the stomach and was airlifted to the provincial capital of Peshawar in critical condition, police and health authorities say
ISLAMABAD: A senior administration official was injured in a crossfire between warring tribes in the northwestern Pakistani district of Kurram that has been hit by clashes for more than two months, officials said on Friday.
Kurram, a tribal district of around 600,000 where federal and provincial authorities have traditionally exerted limited control, has frequently witnessed violence between its Sunni and Shiite communities over land and power. Travelers to and from the area often ride in convoys escorted by security officials.
Fresh feuding began on Nov. 21 when gunmen ambushed a convoy and killed 52 people, mostly Shiites. The assault triggered road closures and other measures that have disrupted people’s access to medicine, food, fuel, education and work and created a humanitarian crisis in the area, where authorities say at least 150 people have been killed in the two months of feuding.
The latest incident occurred when Additional Assistant Commissioner Sayed Manan was in the field to ensure ceasefire between warring tribes in Bushara area, according to Kurram police spokesman Riaz Khan. Manan was flown to the provincial capital of Peshawar in a helicopter in critical condition after being initially treated at a hospital in Kurram’s Parachinar.
“The additional assistant commissioner underwent surgery at District Headquarter Hospital Parachinar,” Dr. Mir Hassan Jan, the medical superintendent of the hospital, told Arab News. “He was shot in the stomach.”
The additional assistant commissioner was injured in crossfire between the two villages in Bushara area, according to police spokesman Khan. While the gunfire has stopped, authorities are on high alert.
“The situation is completely tense in the area,” he added.
Feuding tribes have been engaged in battles with machine guns and heavy weapons, isolating the remote, mountainous region. The main road connecting Parachinar, the main town in Kurram, to the provincial capital of Peshawar has been blocked since sectarian fighting began in November.
The violence has continued despite a peace agreement signed between the warring tribes on Jan. 1. Under the peace agreement, both sides had agreed on the demolition of bunkers and the handover of heavy weapons to authorities within two weeks, but there has been little to no progress on the terms.
Shiite Muslims dominate parts of Kurram, although they are a minority in the rest of Pakistan, which is majority Sunni. Provincial and federal authorities have been supplying relief goods and evacuating the injured and ailing from Kurram to Peshawar via helicopters since last month.
Muhammad Ali Saif, a KP government spokesman, said on Friday hatred was the root cause of the Kurram issue and lasting peace in the region was not possible without eliminating it.
“All elements challenging the government’s writ will be punished according to the law,” he said, while speaking to a council of tribal and political elders in Kohat that was formed to resolve the Kurram issue.
“The Kohat [peace] agreement will be equally applicable to both parties.”
Ten militants killed in separate operations in Pakistan’s northwest — military
- The operations were conducted in Dera Ismail Khan and North Waziristan districts on the reported presence of militants
- Islamabad blames a surge in militancy on militants operating out of neighboring Afghanistan, Kabul denies the allegation
ISLAMABAD: Pakistani security forces have killed ten militants in multiple operations in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, the Pakistani military said on Friday.
The operations were conducted in KP’s Dera Ismail Khan and North Waziristan districts, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing.
Four militants were killed in Dera Ismail Khan’s Kulachi area, while six others were killed in North Waziristan’s Datta Khel, Hassan Khel, Ghulam Khan and Mir Ali areas.
“Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the killed khwarij [militants], who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities in these areas against the security forces as well as killing of innocent civilians,” the ISPR said in a statement.
“Sanitization operations are being conducted to eliminate any other Kharji found in the area.”
Pakistan has witnessed a surge in militancy in KP, which borders Afghanistan, since a fragile truce between the Pakistani Taliban, or the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and the state broke down in November 2022.
The TTP and other militant groups have stepped up their attacks against security forces, besides targeted killings and kidnappings of law enforcers and government officials, in recent months.
The latest casualties in the province come a day after the military said two Pakistani soldiers, including an army captain, and six militants were killed in a gunfight in the North Waziristan district, which borders Afghanistan.
Islamabad has frequently accused neighboring Afghanistan of sheltering anti-Pakistan groups which launch cross-border attacks. Afghan officials deny allowing the use of their soil against any country.
Champions Trophy: Pakistan to inaugurate Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Feb. 7
- The PCB has been renovating stadiums in Lahore and Karachi for the 2025 Champions Trophy scheduled to take place in February
- The tournament’s structure follows a compromised decision after India refused to play in Pakistan, citing ‘security concerns’
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will inaugurate Gaddafi Stadium in the eastern city of Lahore on Feb. 7, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi said on Friday, as the South Asian country gears up for the upcoming Champions Trophy.
The PCB has been renovating stadiums in Lahore and Karachi for the 2025 Champions Trophy scheduled to take place in Feb. across three venues: Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. This will be the first ICC tournament held in Pakistan since the 1996 World Cup.
Gaddafi Stadium is set to transform into a world-class facility, featuring over 34,000 seats, brand-new scoreboards on both sides and state-of-the-art floodlights, ensuring exceptional visibility for both players and spectators after sunset, according to the PCB.
On Friday, Naqvi visited the stadium and inspected the final renovation work on the ground.
“We are going to inaugurate the stadium in Lahore on Feb. 7, the prime minister will come here and inaugurate the stadium,” he told reporters at the venue.
Pakistani fans have long expressed dissatisfaction with the country’s stadiums, particularly the National Bank Stadium in Karachi, citing a lack of basic facilities and a subpar viewing experience for spectators.
The PCB has also been renovating the Karachi stadium.
“The president of Pakistan will inaugurate the stadium in Karachi on the 11th [of Feb.],” Naqvi said.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will take place from February 19 till March 9, with matches hosted across Pakistan and Dubai in a hybrid model.
The tournament’s structure follows a compromised decision after India refused to play in Pakistan, citing “security concerns.” Exercising its rights as the host nation, Pakistan designated Dubai as the neutral venue for India’s matches, ensuring all teams’ participation.
The PCB has scheduled the Champions Trophy opening ceremony in Lahore on Feb. 16, according to Naqvi.
“We are fully prepared, we will welcome all the teams that are coming,” he told reporters in Lahore. “The entire PCB and the rest of the team are working day and night on their security and other arrangements.”
In Pakistan, Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi will host three group-stage games each. Lahore is also set to host the second semifinal. Dubai will host all three of India’s group matches and the first semifinal, should India qualify.
The tournament opener on Feb. 19 will feature Pakistan taking on New Zealand in Karachi, while India will face Bangladesh in Dubai on Feb. 20.
This will be the ninth edition of the ICC Champions Trophy, after an eight-year hiatus. The last tournament took place in England in 2017. The event will feature top eight teams in world cricket competing for one of the sport’s most prestigious titles.
