Saudi defense minister guest of honor at Pakistan Day parade

Saudi defense minister guest of honor at Pakistan Day parade
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(From left to right) Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, President Asif Ali Zardari, Saudi Arabia’s minister of defense, Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Shairf watch Pakistan Day military parade in Islamabad on March 23, 2024. (Photo courtesy: President Office)
Saudi defense minister guest of honor at Pakistan Day parade
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Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari arrives to attend the Pakistan Day Military parade at Parade Avenue in Islamabad on March 23, 2024. (Radio Pakistan)
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Updated 23 March 2024
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Saudi defense minister guest of honor at Pakistan Day parade

Saudi defense minister guest of honor at Pakistan Day parade
  • Pakistan Day marks adoption of 1940 resolution calling for independent state for Muslims of India 
  • Saturday’s parade kicked off with the fly past of fighter jets of the Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Navy

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Day military parade was held today, Saturday, at the Parade Avenue in the federal capital of Islamabad, with the Saudi defense minister attending as a guest of honor.

The parade is being held on the 84th anniversary of “Pakistan Day,” marked each year to celebrate the adoption of the Lahore Resolution by the Muslim League, which called for the creation of an independent state for the Muslims of India on March 23, 1940.

Saturday’s parade kicked off with the fly past of fighter jets of the Pakistan air force and navy. 

“Newly inducted J-10 C , indigenously built JF-17 , F-16 and Mirage fighter jets as well as AWACs, P-3C Orion and ATR participated in the fly past,” Radio Pakistan reported. “The Saudi Defense Minister is attending the parade as a guest of honor.”

Contingents of the Pakistan army, navy and air force as well as Special Services Group, Frontier Corps, Rangers, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police and Gilgit Baltistan Scouts marched past the dais, presenting a salute to the chief guest and the guest of honor. Troops from Azerbaijan and China also participated in the parade.

Mechanized columns including tanks, armored personnel carriers, rocket launchers, air defense system, guns, UAVs, short and long range missiles Ra’ad, Nasr, Babur, Shaheen, Ghauri and Ababeel were showcased on the occasion. The army’s engineering corps also presented state of the art equipment.

The parade featured the march and fly past of the helicopters of the navy, air force and army.

“Formations of Sherdils and JF-17 Thunder and F-16 fighter jets presented breathtaking aerobatic maneuvers spreading a range of colors in the skies,” Radio Pakistan said. “Floats depicting culture of Azad Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan and the four provinces were part of the parade.”

“The sky divers of Special Services Group exhibited free fall from a height of ten thousand feet, carrying national flags and those of services. Afterwards, the national flag was presented to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif,” Radio Pakistan added. “The parade culminated with presentation of a special song themed ‘Pochay Jo Naam Koi Tum Pakistan Batana.’”

“PATH TO RECOVERY”

In a message to the nation ahead of the parade on Saturday morning, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said his government was committed to putting the country on the path to economic recovery and prosperity with a “cogent policy reform framework.”

“We are completely cognizant of the serious challenges confronting Pakistan currently including inflation, unemployment, circular debt, fiscal and trade deficit, and above all the growing scourge of terrorism,” the prime minister said.

“I can assure you that we stand committed to put Pakistan on the path to economic recovery and prosperity with a cogent policy reform framework. I hope that these measures will bring economic stability and the current wave of high inflation will recede, bringing respite for our citizens.”

Separately, the Pakistan army congratulated the nation on Pakistan Day, saying “this historic day reminds us of the greatest sacrifices and contributions of our forefathers which they made in the struggle for creation of Pakistan.”

“On this day, Armed Forces of Pakistan renew their resolve to defend the motherland and protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity at all times and at any cost, and uphold the national flag.”

“Let’s cherish the vision of our forefathers and strive to fulfill the dreams they had for our beloved homeland. Happy Pakistan Resolution Day,” the foreign office said.


Pakistan naval chief lauds fleet readiness, highlights role in securing vital maritime zones

Pakistan naval chief lauds fleet readiness, highlights role in securing vital maritime zones
Updated 26 sec ago
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Pakistan naval chief lauds fleet readiness, highlights role in securing vital maritime zones

Pakistan naval chief lauds fleet readiness, highlights role in securing vital maritime zones
  • Admiral Naveed Ashraf witnesses Pakistan Navy’s annual efficiency competition parade in Karachi
  • Ashraf praises officers and sailors for achieving the operational objectives and milestones in 2024

ISLAMABAD: Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf on Friday expressed satisfaction with the operational readiness of Pakistan’s fleet, highlighting its critical role in safeguarding strategic maritime zones, including Gwadar Port developed under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), to boost trade and regional connectivity.
The Gwadar Port, a vital link in Pakistan’s efforts to enhance regional trade, has been at the center of the country’s push to convince landlocked Central Asian states to utilize its ports for international trade via sea lanes.
The navy has also been instrumental in fostering the development of Pakistan’s blue water economy, ensuring maritime security and facilitating economic growth.
“Chief of the Naval Staff expressed complete satisfaction and confidence in the operational readiness of Pakistan Navy Fleet,” the navy said in a statement after holding fleet annual efficiency competition parade. “He lauded the dedication and professionalism of officers and sailors in safely and efficiently achieving the operational objectives and milestones for the year 2024.”
“He highlighted Pakistan Navy’s efforts to ensure the security of strategic maritime zones, particularly Gwadar Port and maritime projects under CPEC,” it added.
The parade was held at the dockyard in Karachi. The naval chief attended the event as the chief guest and elaborated on the evolving maritime security challenges in the region.
He also stressed the need for the navy to remain vigilant and prepared to counter any threats to Pakistan’s maritime boundaries.
Earlier, Commander Pakistan Fleet Rear Admiral Abdul Munib, in his welcome address, highlighted the fleet’s operational achievements over the past year.
Awards and trophies were presented to the best-performing squadrons and units during the ceremony, recognizing their exemplary contributions to the navy’s operational success in 2024.


Pakistan pledges support for occupied peoples as it joins Security Council as non-permanent member

Pakistan pledges support for occupied peoples as it joins Security Council as non-permanent member
Updated 20 min 31 sec ago
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Pakistan pledges support for occupied peoples as it joins Security Council as non-permanent member

Pakistan pledges support for occupied peoples as it joins Security Council as non-permanent member
  • Senior Pakistani diplomat at the UN highlights the significance of multilateralism in tacking global challenges
  • Pakistan plans to actively pursue just solutions to issues on the council’s agenda, help with conflict prevention

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to being a strong voice for people under foreign occupation as it raised its flag at the United Nations on Thursday, marking the beginning of its two-year term as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.
This is the eighth time Pakistan has secured a seat as a non-permanent UNSC member since joining the world body in 1947. The 15-member council comprises five permanent members — the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom and France — along with 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms.
Non-permanent members play a crucial role in shaping global discussions on peace and security and in influencing the drafting of resolutions.
“Pakistan will continue to be guided by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, including maintenance of international peace and security and development of friendly relations among nations based on the principle of equal rights and self-determination,” Ambassador Asim Iftikhar, Pakistan’s Alternate Permanent Representative to the UN, said during the flag-raising ceremony.

Ambassador Asim Iftikhar, Alternate Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN, installs Pakistani flag at the Security Council stakeout in New York on January 2, 2024. (Photo courtesy: X/@PakistanUN_NY)

“Pakistan will always remain a strong voice for peoples under foreign occupation and oppression for the realization of their right to self-determination,” he added.
Iftikhar said the flag ceremony symbolized democratic renewal through the periodic rotation of the UNSC membership, reinforcing the global aspiration for a Security Council that “is more effective, open and transparent, and accountable to the UN membership.”
He also highlighted the importance of multilateralism in tackling global challenges.
“We are convinced that cooperative multilateralism – with the UN at its core – is the best way of tackling the multifaceted challenges of today,” he said.

Ambassador Asim Iftikhar, Alternate Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN, speaks during the flag installation ceremony at the Security Council stakeout in New York on January 2, 2024. (Photo courtesy: X/@PakistanUN_NY)

The Pakistani diplomat called for addressing the root causes of conflicts, prioritizing dialogue and diplomacy and supporting confidence-building measures at regional and global levels to foster peace and stability.
He also pledged that his country will actively pursue just solutions to issues on the council’s agenda and to contribute to conflict prevention and peacekeeping efforts.
“Never forgetting our solemn duty toward the millions of men, women, and children suffering in conflicts, Pakistan is assuming this responsibility, fully resolved to our collective endeavor for a more peaceful and secure world,” he said.


Pakistan PM blames ‘external hand’ for militant violence, urges coordinated action on security

Pakistan PM blames ‘external hand’ for militant violence, urges coordinated action on security
Updated 32 min 31 sec ago
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Pakistan PM blames ‘external hand’ for militant violence, urges coordinated action on security

Pakistan PM blames ‘external hand’ for militant violence, urges coordinated action on security
  • Shehbaz Sharif asks federation, provinces and army to formulate a security strategy at the earliest
  • Military says security forces have killed 925 militants last year in 59,775 operations across Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday blamed external forces for the surge in militant violence in Pakistan, urging a unified approach involving federal and provincial authorities along with the military to tackle the crisis.
Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and southwestern Balochistan provinces witnessed a spike in deadly militant attacks last year. Groups such as the Pakistani Taliban and other militant and separatist factions have targeted security convoys, checkpoints and carrying out daily killings and kidnappings of law enforcement personnel and government functionaries.
Officials in Islamabad have frequently accused Afghanistan of enabling “cross-border attacks,” a claim rejected by Kabul, which insists Pakistan’s security challenges are an internal matter.
Pakistan has also pointed fingers at India for stoking unrest in Balochistan, an allegation dismissed by New Delhi.
“In certain areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, the conspiracies being woven against Pakistan involve an external hand,” Sharif said while addressing the apex committee meeting of the National Action Plan in the federal capital. “We are well aware of the countries providing assistance [to militant groups].”
The prime minister emphasized closer cooperation among the Pakistani authorities to defeat militancy.
“I would only request that if the provinces, along with the federation and the Pakistan Army, could make a plan,” he said. “I feel we have to discuss how to eliminate this [militant violence].”
Sharif stressed that Pakistan’s success in different domains depended on improved law and order and the complete elimination of militants.
“Unity of thought and action” among stakeholders, he noted, was essential to thwarting militant schemes aimed at destabilizing the country.
The meeting was attended by Army Chief Gen. Asim Munir, DG Inter-Services Intelligence Lt. Gen. Asim Malik, federal ministers and all provincial chief ministers.
Last month on December 27, military spokesman Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry reported that 925 militants were killed in 59,775 operations across the country in 2024, with the majority in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
Militant attacks have surged in Pakistan since November 2022, following the collapse of a fragile truce between Islamabad and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Ethnic Baloch separatists are also engaged in a decades-long struggle for independence, accusing the central government of exploiting the province’s natural resources.


Young Maphaka makes debut as South Africa win toss and bat 1st in 2nd Test against Pakistan

Young Maphaka makes debut as South Africa win toss and bat 1st in 2nd Test against Pakistan
Updated 03 January 2025
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Young Maphaka makes debut as South Africa win toss and bat 1st in 2nd Test against Pakistan

Young Maphaka makes debut as South Africa win toss and bat 1st in 2nd Test against Pakistan
  • The 18 years and 270 days old broke Paul Adams’ South Africa record of youngest Test player
  • South Africa made three changes after sealing its place in June’s World Test Championship final

CAPE TOWN: Kwena Maphaka became the youngest South African to make a Test debut as the Proteas won the toss and elected to bat in the second and final Test against Pakistan on Friday.
The 18 years and 270 days old Maphaka broke Paul Adams’ South Africa record of youngest Test player, who played his first Test against England in 1995 at the age of 18 years and 340 days.
South Africa made three changes after sealing its place in June’s World Test Championship final with a dramatic two-wicket win in the first Test at Centurion inside four days.
Australia, India and Sri Lanka all still in the race for the Lord’s WTC final against South Africa in June. Australia could advance to face South Africa if it wins the fifth Test against India in Sydney.
“It’s hot and we expect the wicket to break up,” South Africa captain Temba Bavuma said at the coin toss. “We’ve had time to wrap around what we’ve achieved, the preparations for this Test have been the priority … a chance to finish off with a good note.”
Fast bowler Mohammad Abbas brought Pakistan close to its first Test win in South Africa in 18 years with 6-54 in the second innings at Centurion but tailenders Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen shared a half century ninth-wicket stand and quashed the visitors hopes.
The home team, which has six successive Test wins, opted to go with the express pace of Maphaka in place of Dane Paterson, who was dropped after picking up his second successive five-wicket haul at Centurion.
Corbin Bosch was left out after making a stunning Test debut in the first Test where he took a wicket with his first ball and then made a scintillating unbeaten half century in the first innings which gave South Africa a match-winning lead of 90 runs.
Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj has recovered from a groin injury and replaced Bosch. Opening batter Tony de Zorzi had a thigh strain and was replaced by Wiaan Mulder as the all-rounder recovered from a finger injury and returned to the playing XI.
Pakistan, which has won just two of its last nine Test matches in this WTC cycle, once again went without a specialist spinner. It rested fast bowler Naseem Shah and brought in left-arm fast bowler Mir Hamza.
“A bit less grass than usual, but we would have had a bowl,” Pakistan captain Shan Masood said.


Father of murdered 10-year-old Sara Sharif attacked in UK prison — report

Father of murdered 10-year-old Sara Sharif attacked in UK prison — report
Updated 03 January 2025
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Father of murdered 10-year-old Sara Sharif attacked in UK prison — report

Father of murdered 10-year-old Sara Sharif attacked in UK prison — report
  • Urfan Sharif suffered slashes to his face and body which are ‘non-life threatening,’ police say
  • Sharif, Sara’s stepmother Beinash Batool were jailed for 40 and 33 years for killing 10-year-old

ISLAMABAD: Incarcerated Urfan Sharif, who was jailed last month for the murder of his 10-year-old daughter Sara Sharif in the United Kingdom, has been attacked at Belmarsh prison in southeast London, British media reported on Friday.
Sara was found dead in August 2023 at her home in Woking, a town southwest of London, after what prosecutors said was a campaign of “serious and repeated violence.” She suffered injuries including burns, multiple broken bones and bite marks.
Sharif and Sara’s stepmother fled to Pakistan immediately after the 10-year-old’s murder, before being arrested in September 2023 at London’s Gatwick airport after flying in from Dubai.
The 43-year-old father is understood to have suffered slashes to his face and body that require stitches, British broadcaster Sky News reported.
“Police are investigating an assault on a prisoner at HMP [His Majesty’s Prison] Belmarsh on 1 January,” Sky News quoted a prison service spokesperson as saying.
“It would be inappropriate to comment further while they investigate.”
The 43-year-old suffered “non-life-threatening injuries,” a Metropolitan Police spokesman told the broadcaster.
Sharif, his 30-year-old wife, Beinash Batool, who was Sara’s stepmother, were respectively jailed in Dec. for 40 and 33 years for years of horrific “torture” and “despicable” abuse that culminated in the 10-year-old’s murder.
Sara’s uncle, Faisal Malik, 29, was found not guilty of murder, but guilty of causing or allowing her death and awarded 16 years in prison.