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Pakistan PM to attend Iranian president’s oath ceremony next week

Pakistan PM to attend Iranian president’s oath ceremony next week
In this file photograph, taken and released by Prime Minister Office on May 23, 2024, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif boarding a Pakistan Air Force aircraft at the Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi. (Photo courtesy: PMO/File)
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Updated 25 July 2024
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Pakistan PM to attend Iranian president’s oath ceremony next week

Pakistan PM to attend Iranian president’s oath ceremony next week
  • Masoud Pezeshkian won the presidential election held after Ebrahim Raisi’s death in helicopter crash
  • Pakistan and Iran have made peace overtures after exchanging airstrikes earlier this year in January
Updated 25 July 2024
SAIMA SHABBIR
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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s foreign office announced on Thursday Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will visit Iran on July 30 to attend the inauguration ceremony of President-elect Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian.
This will be Sharif’s second visit to Iran in three months, as he previously visited the neighboring state to offer condolences on the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash in May.
Earlier this month, voters in Iran gave a decisive win to reformist candidate Pezeshkian in the runoff election against the ultraconservative Saeed Jalili to replace Raisi.
Pezeshkian is now required to take an oath in Iranian parliament before assuming the office of the head of the state next week.
“At the invitation of the Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, [Shehbaz] Sharif, will visit Tehran on 30 July to attend the inauguration ceremony of the President-elect of Iran, Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian,” the foreign office spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, informed during her weekly media briefing.
She said the visit demonstrated the dedication of both countries to enhancing high-level interactions and bilateral collaboration.
“The visit attests to the commitment by the two countries to strengthen leadership level engagements and bilateral cooperation,” Baloch said.
Pakistan and Iran have had a history of rocky relations despite several commercial pacts. Their highest profile agreement is a stalled gas supply deal signed in 2010 to build a pipeline from Iran’s Fars gas field to Pakistan’s southern provinces of Balochistan and Sindh.
Pakistan and Iran also find themselves at odds due to the instability along their shared porous border, with their leaders routinely trading blame after militant attacks in their respective territories.
Earlier this year in January, Pakistan and Iran exchanged airstrikes, with each government claiming to have targeted militant hideouts in the other country.
Both states have since made peace overtures and restored bilateral ties through multiple high-level visits.

Topics: Pakistan Iran Masoud Pezeshkian

Pakistan’s Saim Ayub ruled out of second South Africa Test after twisting right ankle

Pakistan’s Saim Ayub ruled out of second South Africa Test after twisting right ankle
Updated 27 sec ago
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Pakistan’s Saim Ayub ruled out of second South Africa Test after twisting right ankle

Pakistan’s Saim Ayub ruled out of second South Africa Test after twisting right ankle
  • Ayub fell awkwardly in the outfield and was visibly in lot of pain as he received brief treatment on the ground
  • South Africa dominated the day 1 at Newlands and piled up 316 for four, with Ryan Rickelton hitting 176 not out
Updated 27 sec ago
Shahjahan Khurram

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan had an injury scare when opening batter Saim Ayub twisted his right ankle on the field on day 1 of the second and final Test against South Africa on Friday.
Ayub fell awkwardly in the outfield and was visibly in lot of pain as he received brief treatment on the ground before he was rushed to a hospital for precautionary scans.
The opening batter has been ruled out of further participation in the second Test, according to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
“Saim underwent X-rays and MRI tests this afternoon and the reports have been sent to specialists in London for further advice on the treatment and time away from competitive cricket,” the PCB said in a statement.
South Africa dominated the day 1 of the second Test at Newlands and piled up 316 for four, with Ryan Rickelton hitting 176 not out. He shared a fourth-wicket partnership of 235 with his captain, Temba Bavuma, who made 106.
South Africa have already sealed a place in June’s World Test Championship final with a dramatic two-wicket win in the first test at Centurion.

Topics: Pakistan vs South Africa Saim Ayub

Pakistan issues 94 visas to Indian pilgrims for Hindu saint’s birth anniversary in Sindh

Pakistan issues 94 visas to Indian pilgrims for Hindu saint’s birth anniversary in Sindh
Updated 03 January 2025
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Pakistan issues 94 visas to Indian pilgrims for Hindu saint’s birth anniversary in Sindh

Pakistan issues 94 visas to Indian pilgrims for Hindu saint’s birth anniversary in Sindh
  • Shiv Avtari Sant Shadaram Sahib was born in 1708 in Lahore, which is now part of Pakistan
  • Pakistani charge d’affaires in India says his country is committed to facilitating devotees
Updated 03 January 2025
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s High Commission in New Delhi announced on Friday the issuance of 94 visas to Indian pilgrims to attend the birth anniversary of a revered 18th-century Hindu spiritual leader in the southern province of Sindh.
Shiv Avtari Sant Shadaram Sahib was born in 1708 in Lahore, now part of Pakistan. Known for his spiritual teachings and emphasis on universal love, he is believed to be an incarnation of Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism, by his followers.
His most notable legacy is the founding of Shadani Darbar, a prominent Hindu temple and spiritual center located in Hayat Pitafi, situated in Ghotki District, which became a pilgrimage destination.
“@PakinIndia has issued 94 visas to Indian pilgrims for their visit to Pakistan to participate in the 316th Birth Anniversary Celebrations of Shiv Avtari Stguru Sant Shadaram Sahib, at Shadani Darbar Hayat Pitafi, Sindh from 05-15 January 2025,” the high commission posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
It mentioned that the Charge d’Affaires Saad Ahmad Warraich wished the pilgrims a “rewarding and fulfilling journey,” emphasizing Pakistan’s commitment to preserving sacred religious sites and facilitating pilgrimages.
Religious tourism remains a key aspect of cultural exchanges between India and Pakistan, governed by the 1974 Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines. This agreement allows devotees from both countries to visit sacred sites, including Hindu temples in Pakistan and Islamic shrines in India. However, political tensions between the two nations have at times disrupted these exchanges, with instances where visas were denied to religious pilgrims.
In recent years, Pakistan has actively promoted religious tourism, welcoming Buddhist monks as well as Hindu and Sikh pilgrims from India and across the globe. The inauguration of the Kartarpur Corridor in 2019, which allows visa-free travel for Indian Sikhs to the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, is a significant milestone in these efforts.
Each year, a large number of Indian Sikhs also travel to Pakistan to pay homage at sacred sites, including Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Samadhi in Lahore, the last resting place of the founder of the Sikh Empire, and Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hasan Abdal, revered for its connection to Guru Nanak.

Topics: Pakistan India Indian pilgrims in Pakistan Pakistan High Commission

Pakistan launches IT training portal with Huawei to build digital skills among youth

Pakistan launches IT training portal with Huawei to build digital skills among youth
Updated 03 January 2025
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Pakistan launches IT training portal with Huawei to build digital skills among youth

Pakistan launches IT training portal with Huawei to build digital skills among youth
  • Shaza Fatima Khawaja says it is vital to equip Pakistani youth with necessary skills to bolster the economy
  • The training program will use Huawei’s resources and global expertise to deliver comprehensive education
Updated 03 January 2025
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: State Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja on Friday stressed the importance of equipping youth with digital skills as the IT ministry, in collaboration with Huawei, launched a training portal to develop a more technologically skilled workforce, the state media reported.
The government views information technology as a driver of economic change, seeking to transform the sector into a cornerstone of its strategy for financial stability. Pakistan has earmarked IT as a priority sector, courting foreign investment from countries like China and the Gulf states.
“The main objective of this program is to impart training to our youth, making them eligible for jobs and enabling them to contribute to the country’s development,” Khawaja was quoted by the Associated Press of Pakistan as saying at the launch of the portal.
“To bolster the economy, it is essential to equip our young population with the necessary training and skills,” she added.
The minister emphasized the importance of IT in the modern age, pointing out that the government was also setting up e-employment centers and e-libraries.
Highlighting the country’s potential in the field, Khawaja noted that over 150 million young people in Pakistan were under 30, adding that they could play a critical role in driving economic progress.
The minister announced the formation of a National IT Skills Committee, comprising representatives from IT boards and provincial ministries, to strengthen governance and coordination in the sector.
Huawei’s Deputy CEO Ahmed Bilal Masud highlighted the company’s commitment to fostering digital literacy and bridging the gap between academic knowledge and industry needs.
“By investing in the future of our youth, we are paving the way for a skilled workforce that will drive Pakistan’s economic growth and technological advancement,” he said.
He informed that the training program would utilize Huawei’s extensive resources and global expertise to deliver comprehensive education for students and trainers, aiming to enhance ICT education nationwide and promote digital transformation in Pakistan.

Topics: Huawei Pakistan IT industry

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 03 January 2025
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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
Updated 03 January 2025
Arab News Pakistan

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.”

In this handout photo, taken and released by Pakistan Navy on January 3, 2025, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf speaks at the Fleet Efficiency Competition Parade 2024 at the Pakistan Navy Dockyard in Karachi. (Photo courtesy: Pakistan Navy)

“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.

In this handout photo, taken and released by Pakistan Navy on January 3, 2025, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf reviews the guard at the Fleet Efficiency Competition Parade 2024 at the Pakistan Navy Dockyard in Karachi. (Photo courtesy: Pakistan Navy)

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.

Topics: Pakistan Navy Pakistan navy chief Naveed Ashraf

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 03 January 2025
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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
Updated 03 January 2025
Muhammad Ibrahim

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.

Topics: Pakistan at UN UN Security Council (UNSC) Pakistan UN Ties

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