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Iranian president arrives in Pakistan for three-day visit to bolster ties

Update Iranian president arrives in Pakistan for three-day visit to bolster ties
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif greets Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on his three-day official visit in Islamabad, Pakistan April 22, 2024. (PM Office)
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Updated 22 April 2024
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Iranian president arrives in Pakistan for three-day visit to bolster ties

Iranian president arrives in Pakistan for three-day visit to bolster ties
  • Ebrahim Raisi arrives in Islamabad with high-level delegation and “large” team of businesspersons, says foreign office
  • Raisi’s visit to Pakistan takes place amid surging Middle East tensions following Israel’s airstrikes against Iran last week
Updated 22 April 2024
SAIMA SHABBIR
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ISLAMABAD: Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi arrived in Islamabad on Monday for a three-day visit to the country, Pakistan’s foreign office said, with his trip aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries amid surging tensions in the Middle East.

The Iranian president arrived in the federal capital with his spouse, a high-level delegation of cabinet members and a team of businesspersons. He was welcomed at the Islamabad Airport by Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Housing and Works Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran Mudassir Tipu.

Raisi’s visit takes place days after Iran and Israel exchanged drone and missile strikes, escalating tensions in the already volatile Middle East.

“Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi at the Prime Minister’s House,” Sharif’s office said in a statement. “Both representatives exchanged good wishes for one another.”




Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi (center) arrives in Islamabad, Pakistan on April 22, 2024. (Government of Pakistan)

Raisi was presented with a guard of honor by a Pakistan Army contingent upon his arrival at the Prime Minister’s House. Sharif and the Iranian president then planted a sapling at the Prime Minister’s House to mark the annual Earth Day. 

The Iranian president also met Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, during which the two agreed to enhance cooperation in various areas. “They also discussed regional and global developments and affirmed commitment to peace and constructive dialogue for resolving regional challenges,” the foreign office said. 




This handout photograph taken and released by the Pakistan Foreign Office on April 22, 2024, shows Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi (R) speaking with Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar (L) during their meeting in Islamabad, Pakistan. (Pakistan's Foreign Office)

During his visit from April 22-24, the Iranian head of state is scheduled to meet Pakistan’s prime minister, president, Senate chairman and National Assembly speaker, the foreign office said in a statement on Friday, adding that he would also visit Karachi and Lahore cities to meet the country’s provincial leadership.

Raisi’s visit will be the first by any head of state to Pakistan after the contentious elections of February 2024.

Pakistan and Iran are often at odds with each other over instability on their shared porous border, with both countries routinely trading blame for not rooting out militancy.

Tensions surged in January when Pakistan and Iran exchanged airstrikes, both claiming to target alleged militant hideouts in each other’s countries. Both sides have since then undertaken peace overtures and restored bilateral ties.

“The two sides will have a wide-ranging agenda to further strengthen Pakistan-Iran ties and enhance cooperation in diverse fields including trade, connectivity, energy, agriculture, and people-to-people contacts,” the foreign office said.

Discussions would also focus on regional and global developments as well as bilateral cooperation to combat “terrorism,” the statement added.

“Pakistan and Iran enjoy strong bilateral ties anchored in history, culture and religion,” the foreign office said. “This visit provides an important opportunity to further strengthen Pakistan-Iran relations.”

Topics: Pakistan Pakistan Iran Ties Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi

Pakistan and Iraq sign MoU to boost workforce exchange, strengthen industrial partnership

Pakistan and Iraq sign MoU to boost workforce exchange, strengthen industrial partnership
Updated 11 sec ago
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Pakistan and Iraq sign MoU to boost workforce exchange, strengthen industrial partnership

Pakistan and Iraq sign MoU to boost workforce exchange, strengthen industrial partnership
  • Development occurred at the 9th JMC session held since its last meeting in Islamabad over two decades ago
  • Both countries discuss industrial cooperation, particularly in export processing zones, in a number of fields
Updated 11 sec ago
SAIMA SHABBIR

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Iraq on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the provision of workforce between the two countries while agreeing to strengthen industrial collaboration, according to an official statement.
The MoU was part of the 9th session of the Pakistan-Iraq Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC), which was historic for being the first such interaction held since the last meeting in Islamabad over two decades ago in 2001.
Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan arrived in Baghdad a day earlier to lead his country’s delegation at the talks and was received by Iraq’s Minister for Housing and Construction Bangen Rekani at the Baghdad International Airport.
“The purpose of the JMC was to enhance economic, trade and cultural ties, which culminated in the signing of several key memorandums of understanding, including an agreement on the provision of workforce between the two countries,” the statement said.
During the meeting, both sides explored avenues for collaboration in various sectors. Religious tourism emerged as a key area of interest, while discussions also highlighted opportunities for industrial cooperation, particularly in export processing zones and fields such as textiles, pharmaceuticals and agriculture.
Health and education partnerships were emphasized as well, with plans for scholarships for Iraqi students and training programs in health care, vaccine production and biotechnology.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Pakistani minister reaffirmed his country’s commitment to deepening its ties with Iraq.
“The economic potential between Pakistan and Iraq is immense, and today’s agreements provide a roadmap for achieving our shared goals,” he said.
The minister highlighted reforms introduced in Pakistan to attract foreign investment and urged Iraq to ease visa restrictions for traders from his country to promote bilateral trade and cultural exchanges.
He expressed optimism the decisions made during the JMC would pave the way for significant progress in bilateral trade, investment and cultural exchanges.
Khan also invited Iraq to participate in the 10th session of the ministerial commission in Pakistan to review progress and plan future initiatives.

Topics: Pakistan Iraq Ties

Pakistan orders inquiry after PIA Paris flight advert revives 9/11 fears

Pakistan orders inquiry after PIA Paris flight advert revives 9/11 fears
Updated 19 min 27 sec ago
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Pakistan orders inquiry after PIA Paris flight advert revives 9/11 fears

Pakistan orders inquiry after PIA Paris flight advert revives 9/11 fears
  • On Jan. 10, PIA shared a promotional image featuring a plane that appeared to fly toward Eiffel Tower along with a tagline: ‘Paris, we’re coming today’
  • The design drew comparisons to a 1979 ad by PIA showing its Boeing 747 casting a shadow over Twin Towers in New York, reviving horrors of 9/11 attacks
Updated 19 min 27 sec ago
KASHIF IMRAN

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has ordered an inquiry into a celebratory advertisement by the state-run Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) that sparked a controversy last week, with many saying the advert revived fears of 9/11 attacks against the United States.
The Pakistani state carrier resumed its Europe operations with a flight to Paris on Jan. 10, marking the end of a four-year ban imposed by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) over flight safety concerns. EASA, United Kingdom and United States authorities suspended permission for PIA to operate in the region in 2020 after Pakistan began investigating the validity of pilots’ licenses, following a deadly plane crash that killed 97 people.
On Jan. 10, PIA shared a promotional image on X featuring a plane that appeared to fly toward the Eiffel Tower along with a tagline, “Paris, we’re coming today.” The design drew instant comparisons online to a 1979 ad by PIA showing its Boeing 747 casting a shadow over the Twin Towers in New York. Many netizens said the chilling image revived horrors of the 9/11 attacks against the US by Al-Qaeda.

This combination of photos, created on January 14, 2025, shows two viral ad posts, 2025 Paris ad (left) and 1979 New York ad (right), by the state-run Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) that sparked a controversy.

In a session of Pakistan’s upper house of parliament on Tuesday, Senator Sherry Rehman drew the House’s attention to the controversial advertisement and said it “cost the national airline its reputation,” with several Western analysts and security experts criticizing the advertisement.
“The cabinet, and the prime minister too, have ordered an inquiry into who conceived this ad,” Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said in televised comments, in response to Rehman’s statement. “This was stupidity, to show the Eiffel Tower.”
Dar even suggested alternative ways to portray the resumption of PIA flights to Paris.
“They could have showed the aircraft above it [Eiffel Tower], and said that ‘We are coming’,” he said. “You could have flipped the front of the plane.”
The loss-making Pakistani airline now operates two weekly flights to Paris, on Fridays and Sundays, however, it remains barred from flying to the UK and the US.
PIA flies to multiple cities inside Pakistan, including the mountainous north, as well as to the Gulf and Southeast Asia. The airline, which employs 7,000 people, has long been accused of being bloated and poorly run — hobbled by unpaid bills, a poor safety record and regulatory issues.
Pakistan’s government has said it is committed to privatizing the debt-ridden airline and has been scrambling to find a buyer. Late last year, a deal fell through after a potential buyer reportedly offered a fraction of the asking price.
Officials hope the opening of European routes, which they expect will be followed by a similar announcement by the UK later this year, will boost PIA’s selling potential.

Topics: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)

Pakistan and Bangladesh establish business council in ‘milestone’ agreement

Pakistan and Bangladesh establish business council in ‘milestone’ agreement
Updated 14 January 2025
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Pakistan and Bangladesh establish business council in ‘milestone’ agreement

Pakistan and Bangladesh establish business council in ‘milestone’ agreement
  • FPCCI chief says strengthening trade relations requires cooperation between both business communities
  • Pakistan’s deputy PM is also scheduled to visit Dhaka next month to further consolidate bilateral ties
Updated 14 January 2025
SAIMA SHABBIR

ISLAMABAD: A landmark agreement to establish a joint business council was signed with Bangladesh on Tuesday, marking a “milestone” in efforts to enhance trade and economic cooperation between between the two states, the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) said.
Both countries share a complicated history, having once been a single entity known as East and West Pakistan until Bangladesh gained independence in 1971 following a war of liberation backed by India, Pakistan’s arch-rival.
Relations reached a new low in 2016 when Bangladesh executed several Jamaat-e-Islami leaders for alleged war crimes during the 1971 conflict, a move Pakistan condemned as “politically motivated,” saying the executions targeted individuals with a pro-Pakistan stance during the war.
Ties have warmed in recent months after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted last year following violent student-led protests. Her subsequent flight to India strained Dhaka’s relations with New Delhi, with Dhaka repeatedly demanding her extradition.
“The establishment of the Pakistan-Bangladesh Business Council is a milestone for trade relations between the two countries,” FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh said after signing an agreement to that effect with representatives of the Administrative Federation of the Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce.
During the visit, the FPCCI chief led a Pakistani business delegation that held meetings with their counterparts in Bangladesh to discuss ways to enhance trade ties.
Speaking at a business forum hosted by the Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, he also praised Bangladesh as a major economic power in South Asia.
“Strengthening trade relations requires mutual cooperation between the business communities of both nations,” Sheikh said, emphasizing the need to address key issues such as air connectivity, visa facilitation and prioritizing trade partnerships.
“There are vast opportunities for collaboration in agriculture, education, textiles and other sectors. The large populations of both countries should not be seen as a challenge but as an opportunity to drive economic growth,” he added.
Sheikh also reiterated his commitment to keeping the council active and fostering stronger links between the business communities of both nations.
The Trade Corporation of Pakistan also signed a memorandum of understanding for rice export to Bangladesh on Tuesday.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar is also scheduled to visit Dhaka in the beginning of February to further consolidate the relations between the two countries.

Topics: Pakistan Bangladesh Ties

Pakistan invites over 100 countries to maritime exercises from Feb. 7

Pakistan invites over 100 countries to maritime exercises from Feb. 7
Updated 14 January 2025
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Pakistan invites over 100 countries to maritime exercises from Feb. 7

Pakistan invites over 100 countries to maritime exercises from Feb. 7
  • Pakistan Navy has conducted AMAN maritime exercise every two years since 2007 under the theme “Together For Peace”
  • This year’s edition will include the inaugural AMAN Dialogue for senior naval and other leaders from participating nations
Updated 14 January 2025
SAIMA SHABBIR

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s navy said on Tuesday it had invited over 100 countries for the AMAN maritime exercises that are held every two years involving ships, aircraft and special operation forces from Feb. 7-11, with the event including a dialogue for senior naval leaders for the first time. 
The Pakistan Navy has conducted the AMAN (peace) maritime exercise every two years since 2007 under the theme “Together For Peace.” This year’s special feature is the inaugural AMAN Dialogue themed “Secure Seas, Prosperous Future,” with a focus on security challenges in the Indian Ocean including strategic competition, piracy, narco-trafficking, non-state actors, resource exploitation, climate change, emerging technologies like AI and unmanned systems, the blue economy, and the need for global collaboration to ensure stability and prosperity.
“Since its inception, AMAN exercise participation has grown steadily, with the 8th edition in 2023 hosting 50 countries, the largest ever, and this year we are expecting even more, as over 100 countries have been invited to the 9th edition scheduled from February 7-11,” Commodore Ahmed Hussain, Director General Public Relations of Pakistan Navy, said in a written statement shared with reporters at a briefing on Tuesday. 
Hussain said the AMAN Dialogue would bring together chiefs of navies, coast guards and heads of defense forces of participating countries.
“Due to the growing global participation over the years, PN has initiated the AMAN Dialogue as an adjunct to the exercise and its inaugural session will be held in tandem with AMAN-25,” he said, adding that the aim of the dialogue was to provide a “dedicated forum” for senior leaders to discuss regional security and evolving challenges at sea.
“AMAN dialogue will include a summit of chiefs of navy and coast guards, a seminar encompassing academic activities and bilateral meetings between delegations,” he added.
“The main objectives are to promote peace and regional cooperation, enhance interoperability with regional and extra regional navies, thereby acting as a bridge between the regions, displaying united resolve against terrorism and crimes in the maritime domain.”
Other objectives of the dialogue include understanding maritime security issues and challenges confronting the region and their linkages with the economy.
Main activities during the exercise will include a maritime counter-terrorism demo by the Special Service Group (SSG) and Pak Marines, table top discussions on professional topics, and ship visits.
“An International Fleet Review is scheduled for February 11, 2025, alongside sea exercises to address collaborative security threats, with Special Operations Forces, Explosives Ordnance Disposal, and Marines teams participating in developing Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for multinational responses to asymmetric threats,” the press statement added.

Topics: Pakistan Navy

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Pakistan polio program says 71 cases reported in 2024

Pakistan polio program says 71 cases reported in 2024
Updated 14 January 2025
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Pakistan polio program says 71 cases reported in 2024

Pakistan polio program says 71 cases reported in 2024
  • Pakistan, along with neighboring Afghanistan, remains the last polio-endemic country in the world
  • Pakistan polio program is scheduled to hold first nationwide vaccination drive of 2025 from Feb. 3
Updated 14 January 2025
KASHIF IMRAN

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani health authorities on Tuesday confirmed one more polio case of 2024, which took last year’s nationwide count to 71.
Polio is a paralyzing disease that has no cure. Multiple doses of the oral polio vaccine and completion of the routine vaccination schedule for all children under the age of five is essential to provide children high immunity against this terrible disease.
The regional laboratory for polio eradication at the National Institute of Health in Islamabad confirmed the wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) in a male child in the Jacobabad district of the southern Sindh province. The case — the fifth one in Jacobabad last year — was reported on December 27, 2024, according to Pakistan polio program.
“Pakistan has been responding to an intense resurgence of WPV1, with 71 cases reported in 2024,” the polio program said in a statement. “Of these, 27 are from Balochistan, 21 from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 21 from Sindh, and one each from Punjab and Islamabad.”
Pakistan, along with neighboring Afghanistan, remains the last polio-endemic country in the world. In the early 1990s, Pakistan reported around 20,000 cases annually but in 2018 the number dropped to eight cases. Six cases were reported in 2023 and only one in 2021.
The Pakistan polio program is scheduled to hold first nationwide vaccination drive of this year from Feb. 3 till Feb. 9.
“It is crucial for parents to ensure vaccination for all their children under the age of five to keep them protected,” it said.

Topics: Polio cases in Pakistan

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