At SCO dinner gala, Pakistani chef crafted meatless menu for Indian delegates

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Updated 24 October 2024
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At SCO dinner gala, Pakistani chef crafted meatless menu for Indian delegates

  • Asad Monga was asked to come to Islamabad to oversee the food served to foreign dignitaries
  • He says Pakistan should develop a service-based economy focusing on hospitality, culinary arts

KARACHI: A Karachi-based chef, specially flown to Islamabad to oversee meals for foreign dignitaries at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, said this week his team ensured diversity in the menu to respect cultural sensitivities, recalling they avoided serving red meat to the Indian delegation.

The 23rd SCO Council of Heads of Government took place on October 15 and 16, bringing together political leaders from Russia, China, India, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and other participating nations, including Pakistan.

Chef Asad Monga, 32, was invited to join the culinary experts at Islamabad’s popular Serena Hotel for the summit’s lunch and dinner services.

He informed the menu not only reflected international flavors but also highlighted local Pakistani dishes such as mutton chops and flatbread with minced meat filling. However, his team was also sensitive to the dietary preferences of the visiting delegates.

“[It was] just a good, well rounded mix of food to showcase our regional capabilities as people and as cooks, and also keeping in mind the diverse set of people that were coming to eat the food so that it registers with their palette also,” he told Arab News on Tuesday.

“We couldn’t serve red meat to the Indian delegates, so we had a vegetarian and chicken-based menu for that,” he added.




Chef Asad Monga (center in the first row) poses for a picture with other chefs during Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit held in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, on October 15-16, 2024. (Asad Monga)

Indian External Affairs Minister Subramanyam Jaishankar, who led his country’s delegation at the SCO Summit, was the first high-profile official from New Delhi to visit Pakistan in nearly a decade.

Although he did not hold formal bilateral meetings in Islamabad, Pakistani officials described his trip as an “ice breaker” amid hopes in both countries for a thaw in the frosty relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

“The meal started with the Mezze Platter. There was Yousaf Labneh on the menu, and of course, butters were served with Sumac as a condiment,” Monga said.

“The Middle Eastern influence in our region is strong, and when you serve food in a restaurant or a five-star hotel, you will always find some Middle Eastern cuisine on the table,” he added.




A chef prepares food for the guests at Serena Hotel during Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit held in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, on October 15-16, 2024. (Asad Monga)

Monga, who was born and raised in Karachi, became passionate about cooking and chose culinary school after A Levels.

He enrolled at Taylor’s University in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 2011 as part of a dual degree program. After gaining international experience, he returned to Pakistan in late 2016 for personal reasons.

“For Pakistan to succeed in the future, we need to develop a strong service-based economy that focuses on hospitality and the culinary arts,” he reflected, based on his experience of serving the SCO delegates.




Waiters line up to carry food plates for the guests attending Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Islamabad, Pakistan. (Asad Monga)

He noted that by promoting chefs and expanding the hospitality industry, Pakistan could project its warm hospitality to the world and cultivate a softer image.

Monga also shared his desire to set up a small culinary school in the mountains, where he could forage ingredients, ferment them, and develop flavor catalogs.

“I hope to develop a school there where I can teach students who are interested in learning,” Monga said. “They can come and collaborate with me, and together we can shape the future of Pakistani cuisine and its culinary landscape.”


Pakistan PM discusses Middle East crisis with Saudi Crown Prince, calls for de-escalation

Updated 6 sec ago
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Pakistan PM discusses Middle East crisis with Saudi Crown Prince, calls for de-escalation

  • Heightened tensions after Iranian missile attack on US base in Qatar spark fears of wider Gulf conflict
  • Sharif also holds third call with Iranian president in as many days, urges diplomacy to restore peace

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday spoke by phone with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss the situation in the Middle East amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel.

The call followed Israeli and United States strikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory missile attack on a US base in Qatar on Tuesday. Qatar condemned the Iranian strikes as a “flagrant violation” of its sovereignty, raising fears the crisis could draw in other regional powers if not defused.

During the call, Sharif said Pakistan supported immediate de-escalation of the Iran-Israel conflict and its peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy.

“While referring to last night’s attacks, he called for adherence to international law and the UN Charter principles by all sides,” Sharif’s office said after the telephone discussion with the Saudi Crown Prince. “In this context, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Kingdom’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

Sharif also praised the Saudi crown prince’s efforts to restore calm, describing them as reflective of the kingdom’s leadership role in the Muslim world and its position as a peacemaker, according to his office.

The crown prince, for his part, appreciated Pakistan’s show of solidarity and acknowledged Islamabad’s constructive role in supporting a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

“His Royal Highness said that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was fully committed to efforts aimed at fostering lasting peace and stability in the Middle East,” Sharif’s office said.

On Monday, US President Donald Trump said Israel and Iran had agreed to a “complete and total ceasefire” to be phased in over 24 hours. However, Israel warned of possible missile launches from Iran early Tuesday, and the launches began after 4am local time in Tehran.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran would halt its attacks if Israel ended its airstrikes.

It was unclear how the latest developments would affect the planned ceasefire.

Separately on Tuesday, Sharif held a third phone call in as many days with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and again urged dialogue and diplomacy to restore peace in the region.

The crisis has left Islamabad navigating a delicate balance between ties with Iran, other Gulf partners and the United States, which remains one of Pakistan’s largest trading partners and a major source of military and economic assistance.

“The prime minister said that Pakistan was closely following the rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East,” Sharif’s office said after the call with Pezeshkian. “He reiterated Pakistan’s support for Iran at all diplomatic forums, including at the UN Security Council and the OIC [Organization of Islamic Cooperation], while calling for adherence to international law and the UN Charter principles.”


Army major among two soldiers, 11 militants killed in Pakistan’s restive northwest

Updated 24 June 2025
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Army major among two soldiers, 11 militants killed in Pakistan’s restive northwest

  • The casualties occurred during an intelligence-based operation in South Waziristan district, which borders Afghanistan
  • Pakistan and India often accuse each other of backing militant groups that launch cross-border attacks on the other’s soil

ISLAMABAD: Two Pakistani soldiers, including an army major, and 11 militants were killed in a shootout in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, the Pakistani military said on Tuesday.

The operation was conducted in KP’s South Waziristan district, which borders Afghanistan, on intelligence reports about the presence of “Indian-sponsored” militants, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing.

The intense exchange of fire killed 11 militants and injured seven others. The shootout also left two Pakistani soldiers, Major Moiz Abbas Shah and Lance Naik Jibran Ullah, dead.

“Sanitization operation is being conducted to eliminate any other Indian-sponsored kharji [militant] found in the area,” the ISPR said in a statement.
Pakistan and India often blame each other for supporting militancy.

Islamabad accuses India of backing a separatist insurgency in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province as well as religiously motivated militant groups, like the Pakistani Taliban, in KP. India denies the allegations.

Pakistan has struggled to contain a surge in militancy in KP since a fragile truce between the Pakistani Taliban, or the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and Islamabad broke down in late 2022. The TTP and other militant groups have frequently targeted security forces convoys and check-posts, besides targeted killings and kidnappings of law enforcers and government officials in the region in recent months.

In a statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to Major Shah and Lance Naik Jibran Ullah for thwarting the evil designs of the enemy.

“We will continue the fight against the scourge of terrorism until it is completely eradicated from the country,” he said. “The entire nation, including me, stands by our Pakistani forces in their unwavering resolve to protect the homeland.”


In call with Iran president, Pakistan PM urges dialogue to restore peace in Middle East

Updated 24 June 2025
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In call with Iran president, Pakistan PM urges dialogue to restore peace in Middle East

  • The development came a day after Tehran attacked a US base in Qatar in retaliation for airstrikes on its nuclear facilities
  • The crisis appeared to put Islamabad in a difficult position to balance its equation with Iran, other Gulf partners, and the US

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian for the third time in as many days and urged dialogue and diplomacy to restore peace in the Middle East, Sharif’s office said.

The development came a day after Tehran attacked a United States (US) base in Qatar in retaliation for US airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities late last week. The US strikes followed days of Israeli attacks on Iran’s nuclear program and military leadership.

Qatar condemned the Iranian missile attack and called it a “flagrant violation” of its sovereignty, saying it reserved the right to respond directly and in accordance with the international law. The Iranian attack raised fears about a wider conflict in the already volatile region.

The crisis appeared to put Islamabad in a difficult position to balance its equation with Iran, other Gulf partners, and the US, which remains one of Pakistan’s largest trading partners and a critical source of military and economic assistance.

“The prime minister said that Pakistan was closely following the rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East. He emphasized the importance of restoring peace through dialogue and diplomacy,” Sharif’s office said after his telephonic conversation with the Iranian president.

“He reiterated Pakistan’s support for Iran at all diplomatic forums, including at the UN Security Council and the OIC [Organization of Islamic Cooperation], while calling for adherence to international law and the UN Charter principles, by all sides.”

The development came hours after US President Donald Trump said that Israel and Iran had agreed to a “complete and total ceasefire” to be phased in over 24 hours.

But Israel warned its public to take shelter after detecting missile launches from Iran early Tuesday. The launches came after 4am local time in Tehran, the time Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran would stop its attacks if Israel ended their airstrikes.

It was unclear yet how the latest developments would impact the possible ceasefire agreement.

President Pezeshkian appreciated Pakistan’s consistent and principled support to Iran throughout the crisis, according to Sharif’s office.

“He also acknowledged Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting a peaceful resolution to the conflict,” it said. “The two leaders agreed on the importance of unity among the Ummah during this most challenging time. They agreed to remain in touch.”


Pakistan boosts intelligence-sharing with Gulf states to curb drug trafficking

Updated 24 June 2025
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Pakistan boosts intelligence-sharing with Gulf states to curb drug trafficking

  • The development comes months after Islamabad hosted the Pakistan-Gulf Cooperation Council Counter-Narcotics Conference
  • Oman has appointed its drug liaison officer in Pakistan, reflecting shared commitment to drug-free Gulf and South Asia

KARACHI: Pakistan and Gulf countries have intensified efforts to combat drug trafficking by enhancing intelligence-sharing, Pakistan’s Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) said on Tuesday, with Oman appointing a drug liaison officer in Islamabad.

The development comes months after Islamabad hosted the Pakistan-Gulf Cooperation Council (Pak-GCC) Counter-Narcotics Conference, marking the first-ever formal assembly of anti-narcotics leadership from Pakistan and all six GCC member states, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait along with special observers from Italy.

For years, drug traffickers have exploited geographical and technological loopholes, using Pakistan as a transit hub and GCC nations as lucrative markets, according to the ANF. Despite ongoing efforts, the scale of smuggling seizures continues to expand, with traffickers now leveraging the dark web, cryptocurrency, and synthetic drug manufacturing to evade law enforcement agencies.

“During the conference, the Director-General of Narcotics of the Sultanate of Oman announced the appointment of drug liaison officer in Pakistan,” the ANF said in a statement.

“Acting on this decision, Mr. Suleiman Al-Hanai has been appointed as Oman’s first Drug Liaison Officer in Pakistan who has assumed his official responsibilities in Islamabad.”

The announcement signals a new phase in relations between the two countries as they align their efforts in the global war on drugs, according to the ANF. The appointment reflects a shared commitment by Pakistan and Oman to safeguard their societies and promote a drug-free environment across the Gulf and South Asian regions.

In recent years, the ANF has successfully intercepted tones of illicit drugs, dismantled trafficking rings through road, border, dry port, airport and sea routes, and strengthened global relationships. With its advanced intelligence capabilities and strategic operations, the ANF has intensified collaboration with GCC security agencies, ensuring that traffickers find no safe passage between these regions.

In June 2024, the ANF also stepped up its international cooperation against drug trafficking through a workshop backed by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, uniting national, regional and global agencies to strengthen data-sharing and coordination.


Pakistan stocks see strong recovery as Iran-Israel ceasefire reports boost investor sentiment

Updated 24 June 2025
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Pakistan stocks see strong recovery as Iran-Israel ceasefire reports boost investor sentiment

  • US President Donald Trump said Monday that Israel and Iran had agreed to a ‘complete’ ceasefire to be phased in over 24 hours
  • Analyst says the momentum is likely to continue, with valuations still shy of a long-term mean and due to market-friendly budget

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Tuesday witnessed a strong recovery amid a reported ceasefire between Israel and Iran, traders and analysts said.

On Monday, United States (US) President Donald Trump said on social media that Israel and Iran had agreed to a “complete and total ceasefire” to be phased in over 24 hours.

The benchmark KSE-100 index surged by 6,079 points, or 5.23 percent, to close at 122,246 points on Tuesday afternoon, compared to the previous day’s close of 116,167 points.

“Stocks closed near all-time high after Iran, Israel agreed to a ceasefire receding fears of escalation in the Middle East tensions,” Ahsan Mehanti of Arif Habib Corporation told Arab News.

“Upbeat economic data on cement sales for Jul-May’25, bull run in global equities and receding fears over high inflation, impact on exports for supply disruptions over Middle East conflict played a catalyst role in the record bullish close.”

Raza Jafri, head of research at Intermarket Securities Ltd., attributed the momentum to reduction in international oil prices along with settling regional tensions.

In volatile trading on Tuesday, crude futures slumped more than five percent after Trump’s declaration of the Iran-Israel ceasefire.

“With valuations still shy of a long-term mean and Pakistan having recently unveiled a market-friendly budget, bullish momentum is expected to continue,” Jafri added.

On Monday, Pakistan’s stocks and currency markets had tumbled as investors reacted to the US foray into the Israel-Iran conflict a day earlier.

Monday’s 3.2 percent fall to 116,167 points was the worst since May 8, when the index had plunged 5.9 percent day-on-day during the India-Pakistan military standoff.