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Pakistan deputy PM praises UAE for reviving Joint Ministerial Commission after a decade

Pakistan deputy PM praises UAE for reviving Joint Ministerial Commission after a decade
Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar speaks during a ceremony at Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad on March 27, 2024. (Photo courtesy: MOFA/File)
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Updated 07 September 2024
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Pakistan deputy PM praises UAE for reviving Joint Ministerial Commission after a decade

Pakistan deputy PM praises UAE for reviving Joint Ministerial Commission after a decade
  • Ishaq Dar discusses trade and investment in a phone call with UAE state minister for foreign affairs
  • The two sides are expected to hold the JMC meeting on October 1, strengthen business-to-business ties
Updated 07 September 2024
Arab News Pakistan
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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday praised the United Arab Emirates for agreeing to hold the Pak-UAE Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) meeting next month after more than 10 years during a phone call with UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh.
Dar is currently on a five-day visit to the United Kingdom where he has met top British officials and interacted with members of the Pakistani diaspora.
The Pakistani deputy PM, who also holds the foreign minister’s portfolio, took the UAE minister’s phone call in which they discussed other issues of mutual interest.
“UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh, spoke with Deputy Prime Minister/ Foreign Minister @MIshaqDar50 who is currently visiting the UK,” the Pakistan foreign office said in a social media post. “They discussed OIC [Organization of Islamic Cooperation] related issues and key areas of bilateral cooperation in the field of trade and investment.”
“[Dar] welcomed the holding of 12th session of Pak-UAE Joint Ministerial Commission in the UAE next month after a hiatus of 13 years,” the post added.

 
Pakistani media reported earlier last week the Pak-UAE JMC was scheduled to take place on October 1, adding it would focus on different economic and financial fields.
The two countries are expected to hold a joint business council meeting on the sidelines of the JMC and work toward the establishment on greater business-to-business relations.
The UAE is Pakistan’s third largest trading partner after China and the United States. Policymakers in Pakistan consider the Emirates an optimal export destination due to geographical proximity, which minimizes transportation and freight costs while facilitating commercial transactions.
The UAE is also home to more than a million Pakistani expatriates and the second-largest source of remittances to the South Asian country after Saudi Arabia.

Topics: Ishaq Dar Pakistan UAE ties

Saudi Arabia’s Wafi Energy becomes majority shareholder in Shell Pakistan

Saudi Arabia’s Wafi Energy becomes majority shareholder in Shell Pakistan
Updated 7 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia’s Wafi Energy becomes majority shareholder in Shell Pakistan

Saudi Arabia’s Wafi Energy becomes majority shareholder in Shell Pakistan
  • Wafi Energy, an affiliate of Asyad Group, holds approximately 87.78% of the total issued share capital of SPL
  • SPL has a network of 600+ sites, countrywide storage facilities and broad portfolio of global lubricant brands
Updated 7 sec ago
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Wafi Energy Holding Limited has become the majority shareholder of Shell Pakistan Limited (SPL) after Shell Petroleum Company Limited, a subsidiary of global Shell plc (Shell), completed the sale of its 77.42 percent interest in SPL, a statement from the group said on Thursday.
Wafi Energy, an established Saudi company and an affiliate of the Asyad Group, now holds approximately 87.78 percent of the total issued share capital of SPL. The Shell brand will remain in Pakistan through retail and brand licensing agreements, with SPL as the exclusive brand licensee.
“Wafi Energy is excited to announce its entry into Pakistan by acquiring majority ownership of Shell Pakistan Limited. This marks a significant milestone in the Asyad Group’s commitment to expanding its presence in Pakistan and the region,” Ghassan Amoudi, CEO of Asyad Holding Group and incoming Chairperson of SPL, said.
“As the exclusive Shell Licensee, we are delighted that the Shell brand remains in Pakistan. This continuation builds on a strong legacy, supported by a team of highly skilled professionals who ensure customers have access to Shell’s premium fuel and lubricant offerings, all delivered with the highest safety and security standards.”
Waqar Siddiqui, the Chief Executive and Managing Director of Shell Pakistan Limited,said the company would continue to build a “sustainable energy future for Pakistan, combining Wafi Energy’s commitment to growth and investment and Shell’s strong legacy of innovation and trust in the country.
“This new chapter offers Shell Pakistan Limited the opportunity to build upon this strong foundation, ensuring the continued delivery of quality products to their valued customers.”
SPL is one of the oldest multinationals in Pakistan with a network of 600+ sites, countrywide storage facilities and a broad portfolio of global lubricant brands. 
Shell has endeavored to support Pakistan’s developmental priorities, from developing and distributing energy by land, air and sea, to providing petroleum products for the construction of mega projects like the Mangla Dam and Kotri Barrage, expanding the country’s growing road infrastructure, to powering the first flights of Pakistan International Airlines, and supporting the next generation of innovative entrepreneurs in Pakistan.

Topics: Pakistan petrol Saudi’s Wafi Energy Shell Pakistan Pakistan Saudi Ties

160 Pakistani MPs urge PM to lobby Washington against ‘political propaganda’ by Imran Khan’s party

160 Pakistani MPs urge PM to lobby Washington against ‘political propaganda’ by Imran Khan’s party
Updated 31 October 2024
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160 Pakistani MPs urge PM to lobby Washington against ‘political propaganda’ by Imran Khan’s party

160 Pakistani MPs urge PM to lobby Washington against ‘political propaganda’ by Imran Khan’s party
  • Over 60 Democratic lawmakers from the US House of Representatives have written to Biden asking him to secure Khan’s release from jail
  • In letter to PM Sharif, ruling coalition MPs call on government to engage with US to counter the “unwarranted and inaccurate” commentary
Updated 31 October 2024
Aamir Saeed

ISLAMABAD: Over 150 parliamentarians from Pakistan’s ruling coalition have urged the government to engage with the US to counter “unsubstantiated political propaganda” against the country following a letter earlier this month by over 60 US lawmakers urging President Joe Biden to secure the release from jail of former prime minister Imran Khan.
Khan, arguably Pakistan’s most popular politician, was ousted from office after a parliamentary no-trust vote in April 2022 and has since waged an unprecedented campaign of defiance against the country’s powerful military and the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif-led government, which Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party says rigged the Feb. 8 general election and formed a government with the backing of the army. Both deny the charge. 
The former cricketer has been in prison since August last year in a slew of cases ranging from corruption to treason that he says are politically motivated.
Earlier this month, in a letter addressed to Biden, over 60 Democratic lawmakers from the US House of Representatives expressed concerns about the human rights situation in Pakistan and said elections held earlier this year saw a “historic level of irregularities.” They included “widespread electoral fraud, state-led efforts to disenfranchise voters in support of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (Movement for Justice or PTI) party, the arrest and detention of large numbers of political leaders, journalists, and activists, and the continued imprisonment of former Prime Minister Imran Khan,” the letter said. 
“We urged the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to direct the diplomatic mission in Washington DC to engage the members of Pak Caucus in the US Congress as well as signatories of this letter to highlight the correct perspective on the issue and caution them from falling prey to unsubstantiated political propaganda against the Pakistani Government, its officials and elected representatives of people of Pakistan, as well as the democratic institutions of the country and independent judiciary,” said an undated letter signed by 160 parliamentarians and addressed to Sharif. The letter was shared with the media on Thursday. 
The MNAs expressed concern over the “unwarranted and inaccurate” commentary on Pakistani politics by American lawmakers, saying it reflected a “skewed view of realities” and exaggerated the “baseless” political narrative of ex-PM Khan’s PTI party. They said the US lawmakers’ letter was “tantamount to external interference” in the South Asian country’s internal matters and alleged the disinformation was spread by the PTI party as part of a campaign to “discredit the credible political process” in Pakistan and undermine its democratic institutions. 
US Representative Greg Casar, who led the letter initiative, has said it marked the first such collective call from multiple members of the US Congress for the release of Khan, who otherwise has had testy relations with Washington as a long standing critic of US foreign policy.
Washington has said the February vote could not be characterized as free and fair. Britain, the European Union and the United Nations have also raised concerns.
Khan did not run since he was in jail, but candidates he backed secured the highest number of seats though his rivals formed a weak coalition government.
A UN human rights working group said in July Khan’s detention violated international law.

Topics: National Assembly of Pakistan Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party

Pakistan moves Boeing aircraft by road in unprecedented Karachi-Hyderabad journey

Pakistan moves Boeing aircraft by road in unprecedented Karachi-Hyderabad journey
Updated 12 min 41 sec ago
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Pakistan moves Boeing aircraft by road in unprecedented Karachi-Hyderabad journey

Pakistan moves Boeing aircraft by road in unprecedented Karachi-Hyderabad journey
  • Decommissioned plane, previously stationed in Karachi, will be used for training purposes
  • Transporting it on a 40-wheel trailer required dismantling its wings, engines and wheels
Updated 12 min 41 sec ago
NAIMAT KHAN

KARACHI: A private company in Pakistan’s southern Sindh province is moving a decommissioned Boeing 737 between cities via a major highway, with news channels widely reporting the development on Thursday.
The grounded 350-seat aircraft, previously stationed at Karachi Airport, is being shifted to Hyderabad for training purposes.
Transporting the plane on a 40-wheel trailer required dismantling its wings, engines and wheels to enable safe intercity travel on the M-9 Motorway.
Although Hyderabad is typically over two hours from Karachi at normal speeds, the journey is expected to take longer due to the aircraft’s cautious travel speed.
“The aircraft has crossed Karachi Toll Plaza and is now traveling from the M-9 Motorway toward Hyderabad,” a brief statement shared among media groups said, as local channels broadcast visuals of the plane mounted on the trailer.
“It will be driven at a speed of 20 to 30 kilometers an hour,” the statement added.
Pakistan’s Geo TV quoted the Motorway Police as saying that the highway between the two cities will not be blocked during the transfer.
The vehicle carrying the aircraft has been instructed to drive on one side of the road, escorted by Civil Aviation Authority staff and security.
“The plane is being moved as per protocol,” the channel reported.

Topics: Boeing Pakistan

Pakistan imposes ‘green lockdown’ in Lahore smog hotspots as pollution hits hazardous levels

Pakistan imposes ‘green lockdown’ in Lahore smog hotspots as pollution hits hazardous levels
Updated 31 October 2024
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Pakistan imposes ‘green lockdown’ in Lahore smog hotspots as pollution hits hazardous levels

Pakistan imposes ‘green lockdown’ in Lahore smog hotspots as pollution hits hazardous levels
  • Lockdown will restrict pollution-heavy activities, such as outdoor cooking, in designated areas
  • Authorities plan a ‘wall of trees’ around the city to reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality
Updated 31 October 2024
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The Punjab provincial administration announced Wednesday it will impose “green lockdowns” in Lahore’s smog hotspots as the city faces dangerously high Air Quality Index (AQI) levels, prompting strict measures to protect residents’ health and reduce escalating pollution levels.
The provincial authorities have already implemented several measures to combat Lahore’s hazardous smog, including a mandatory mask policy citywide and a temporary suspension of all outdoor school activities. Additionally, a ban on fireworks will remain in place until January 31, 2025.
The green lockdown will strengthen these efforts by restricting pollution-heavy activities such as outdoor cooking at barbecue spots and banning smoke-emitting public transport from operating in the city’s most affected areas​
“There are eleven hotspots where AQI levels have been calculated, with Shimla Pahari currently identified as a key hotspot,” senior Punjab provincial minister Marriyum Aurangzeb told the province’s legislative assembly while listing down measures taken by the government to deal with the issue.
“Around this area, we’re mapping a green ring to enforce a green lockdown,” she added. “However, it doesn’t mean we are closing Shimla Pahari itself. Instead, we are halting construction activities within a one-kilometer radius from today and redirecting three-wheeler rickshaws away from this hotspot.”
She also noted that the government planned a “wall of trees” around the city to control carbon emissions and improve the air quality.
Lahore’s winter smog has become an annual crisis, with air quality deteriorating to hazardous levels each season. The city consistently ranks among the world’s worst for air pollution, leading to a significant rise in respiratory issues and hospital admissions, especially affecting children and the elderly.
Last year, the severe pollution levels prompted a surge in cases of asthma, lung infections and other respiratory problems among residents, according to media reports.
The problem prompted Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif this week to propose cross-border cooperation with Indian authorities to tackle shared pollution sources, such as crop residue burning, which exacerbates the region’s smog problem​.

Topics: Pakistan Lahore smog

Pakistan says remains committed to providing humanitarian assistance to Lebanon, Palestine

Pakistan says remains committed to providing humanitarian assistance to Lebanon, Palestine
Updated 31 October 2024
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Pakistan says remains committed to providing humanitarian assistance to Lebanon, Palestine

Pakistan says remains committed to providing humanitarian assistance to Lebanon, Palestine
  • Pakistan has dispatched 17 relief consignments to Lebanon and Gaza since October last year
  • Over 42,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks in over twelve months of war 
Updated 31 October 2024
Hasaan Ali Khan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan said on Thursday it remained committed to providing humanitarian aid to the people of Palestine and Lebanon, as dozens were killed in Israeli attacks on Lebanon’s eastern Bekaa Valley this week. 

Israel has carried out thousands of air strikes across Lebanon over the past five weeks, targeting what it says are Hezbollah’s operatives, infrastructure and weapons. It also launched an air and ground offensive in Gaza in October last year, killing over 42,000 Palestinians since. 

Pakistan has so far dispatched 17 relief consignments for Gaza and Lebanon, including winterized tents, food items and hygiene kits. Pakistan has also set up a special account, “Prime Minister’s Relief Fund for Gaza and Lebanon,” under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s directions, for donations for the people of Gaza and Lebanon.

“Pakistan remains committed to providing humanitarian assistance to the people of Lebanon and Palestine,” Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said at a weekly press briefing. 

“Last week, Pakistan sent two more planeloads of humanitarian aid to Lebanon. Thus far four special cargo planes with essential humanitarian supplies have arrived in Lebanon from Pakistan. Our support will continue.”

Baloch reiterated Pakistan’s call for an “immediate secession of hostilities” as well as the protection of civilians and “unrestricted humanitarian access” to those in urgent need. 

Baloch urged the world community to intervene to end Israeli’s “genocidal” campaign against Gazans and hold it responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

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.

Topics: Pakistan Lebanon Palestine

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