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Pakistani and Russian generals review defense cooperation, express satisfaction with progress

Pakistani and Russian generals review defense cooperation, express satisfaction with progress
Russia’s Deputy Chief of General Staff Sergey Yuryevich Istrakov (left) in a meeting with Pakistan’s Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza in Rawalpindi on October 4, 2024. (Photo courtesy: ISPR)
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Updated 3 min 19 sec ago
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Pakistani and Russian generals review defense cooperation, express satisfaction with progress

Pakistani and Russian generals review defense cooperation, express satisfaction with progress
  • Pakistan and Russia have worked to strengthen their defense and security relations in recent years
  • Russia’s Deputy Chief of General Staff Sergey Istrakov lauds the professionalism of Pakistani armed forces
Updated 3 min 19 sec ago
Arab News Pakistan
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ISLAMABAD: Russia’s Deputy Chief of General Staff Sergey Yuryevich Istrakov held a meeting with Pakistan’s Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza in Rawalpindi on Friday, during which both military commanders reviewed bilateral defense cooperation and expressed satisfaction with its trajectory.
Pakistan and Russia have worked to strengthen their defense and security relations in recent years, marking a shift from their historically strained ties during the Cold War period. The two sides conducted a joint military exercise in 2021, a few years after Pakistan received four Mi-35 attack helicopters from Russia in 2017.
Earlier this year, General Mirza also visited the Russian Federation to engage with the top military leadership in Moscow.
“During the meeting, both sides expressed satisfaction on positive trajectory of bilateral defense cooperation and discussed the evolving security situation in the region with a view to promote regional peace and stability,” the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said in a statement while sharing details of the meeting.
“The visiting dignitary lauded the professionalism of Pakistan Armed Forces and acknowledged the sacrifices rendered by Pakistan Armed Forces in the fight against terrorism,” it added.
In addition to defense ties, Pakistan and Russia have expanded their collaboration in economic and energy sectors.
This includes discussions on gas pipelines, crude oil supplies and broader trade relations, underlined by Moscow’s recent support for Pakistan’s inclusion in an economic bloc consisting of five major economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

Topics: Pakistan Russia Ties

Government deploys army troops in Islamabad to ensure security of SCO summit

Government deploys army troops in Islamabad to ensure security of SCO summit
Updated 55 sec ago
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Government deploys army troops in Islamabad to ensure security of SCO summit

Government deploys army troops in Islamabad to ensure security of SCO summit
  • The Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit is scheduled to be held on October 15 and 16
  • The decision comes at a time when Islamabad and nearby areas have witnessed political protests
Updated 55 sec ago
Aamir Saeed

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani government on Saturday deployed army troops in the federal capital of Islamabad to ensure security ahead of a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on October 15 and 16, according to an official notification, with foreign dignitaries arriving from various countries.
The SCO is an important Eurasian political, economic and security alliance founded in 2001 by China, Russia and several Central Asian nations. Over the years, it expanded to include countries like India and Pakistan, making it a significant regional bloc.
Pakistan is hosting the SCO Council of Heads of Government summit in Islamabad under its rotating chairmanship of the organization, with the participants expected to discuss issues related to trade, economic cooperation, security, and regional stability.
Among other international leaders, Pakistan also extended invitation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, though the delegation from New Delhi will be spearheaded by External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.
“Pursuant to the request made by the Office of the Chief Commissioner, ICT [Islamabad Capital Territory] ... the Federal Government, in exercise of the powers conferred under Article 245 of Constitution, 1973, and under Sections 4 & 5 of Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, is pleased to authorize deployment of requisite strength of Pakistan Army in aid of civil power from 5th to 17th October, 2024, in ICT, for maintaining law and order situation with respect to 23rd meeting of SCO Council of Heads of Government and visits of VVIP delegation for the said meeting,” the interior ministry announced in an order on Friday.
Television footage showed vehicles of Pakistan Army patrolling various areas of the federal capital on Saturday morning as the government’s order came into effect.
Article 245 allows the government to call in the armed forces to act in aid of the civilian administration.
“The validity of any direction issued by the Federal Government under clause (1) shall not be called in question in any court,” it reads. “A High Court shall not exercise any jurisdiction under Article 199 in relation to any area in which the Armed Forces of Pakistan are, for the time being, acting in aid of civil power in pursuance of Article 245.”
Section 4 of the ATA allows for the deployment of armed forces in any area, while Section 5 allows the use of “necessary force” to prevent any “terrorist acts or scheduled offenses.”
The decision comes at a time when Islamabad and the nearby city of Rawalpindi have witnessed protests by various political actors in recent months.
The police also attempted to prevent a protest by former prime minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party near the parliament building on Friday, blocking highways and suspending cellphone services in the capital.
The government maintained it was not the time for protests as state guests were visiting Islamabad, making it crucial to ensure their safety.
The interior ministry also said in its order that the exact area of deployment, along with the number of additional troops if required, would be worked out by the capital territory administration in consultation with relevant stakeholders.

Topics: Pakistan Army SCO Council of Heads of Government summit Shanghai Cooperation Organization

After Islamabad, ex-PM Khan party to hold protests in Lahore and other Punjab cities today

After Islamabad, ex-PM Khan party to hold protests in Lahore and other Punjab cities today
Updated 9 min 47 sec ago
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After Islamabad, ex-PM Khan party to hold protests in Lahore and other Punjab cities today

After Islamabad, ex-PM Khan party to hold protests in Lahore and other Punjab cities today
  • Mobile phone services suspended, major roads leading to Islamabad blocked for a second consecutive day on Saturday
  • Khan’s party says the demonstration will continue in Islamabad, where the government has deployed Pakistan Army troops
Updated 9 min 47 sec ago
KASHIF IMRAN

ISLAMABAD: Former prime minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has announced protests in Lahore and all other districts across Pakistan’s biggest Punjab province on Saturday, saying the demonstration in the federal capital of Islamabad would continue simultaneously.
The PTI has been holding protests across several Pakistani cities this week against proposed constitutional amendments that it claims are aimed at curtailing the independence of the judiciary, a charge the government denies.
The Pakistani opposition party is also trying to mobilize supporters through large public gatherings to put pressure for the release of Khan, who has been in prison since August last year and faces a slew of legal challenges.
The PTI initially announced a protest in Lahore on Saturday, but Hammad Azhar, a key member of the party, announced on X that demonstrations would be held in all districts across the province.
“Islamabad protest will continue,” he said. “Apart from this, it is announced that protests will begin in all districts of Punjab from today. People from Lahore and its surroundings will join the protest in Lahore. There is a call for peaceful protests from today in all the rest of the districts of Punjab.”
The announcement came hours after police fired tear gas and arrested Khan supporters at the demonstration in Islamabad, with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi saying the government would not allow violent protests in the capital.
Mobile phone services remained suspended, while all major roads and highways leading to Islamabad were blocked off with shipping containers for a second consecutive day on Saturday. The federal government also deployed army troops in the capital on Saturday to ensure security ahead of a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) that is scheduled to be held later this month.
Clashes erupted on Friday evening as Khan supporters tried to march toward the D-Chowk square in Islamabad, where they had planned to hold the demonstration.
Islamabad police chief Ali Nasir Rizvi told media over 30 people had been arrested for violating Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which allows the district administration to outlaw gatherings of more than four people on account of security threats. The ban was imposed in Islamabad as well as the cities of Lahore, Rawalpindi, Attock and Sargodha ahead of this week’s protests by the PTI.
Addressing a press conference, Naqvi accused PTI supporters of coming to the Islamabad protest armed.
“They have a right to hold a rally but not the way it’s going on,” he told reporters. “It’s every Pakistani’s right [to protest]. If they want to voice their opinion they can, but this is not the way to do it. It’s wrong what they are doing, and we can’t give permission for this.”
Residents complained of immense difficulties in navigating the twin cities.
“You don’t want people to come into the city [Islamabad] and get to D-Chowk where the protest is but at least let people go outside the city,” taxi driver Arshad Shad, who was on foot, told Arab News. “Buses can’t move, there is no Internet, no mobile phone service. Families are stuck, they can’t come or go. So I don’t understand what the government is doing, they are only making life more difficult for the public.”
Zafar Iqbal, who deals in the sale and purchase of property, lamented frequent protests and their impact on businesses in the twin cities.
“Every fourth day there is a protest. This is very wrong. This shouldn’t happen. People’s businesses are getting affected and the public is being humiliated,” he told Arab News. “This is a curse for the public, for businessmen. There is already no business and people are worried.”

Topics: Imran Khan PTI rally Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf

Government deploys army troops in Islamabad to ensure security of SCO summit

Government deploys army troops in Islamabad to ensure security of SCO summit
Updated 45 min 16 sec ago
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Government deploys army troops in Islamabad to ensure security of SCO summit

Government deploys army troops in Islamabad to ensure security of SCO summit
  • The Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit is scheduled to be held on October 15 and 16
  • The decision comes at a time when Islamabad and nearby areas have witnessed political protests
Updated 45 min 16 sec ago
Aamir Saeed

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani government on Saturday deployed army troops in the federal capital of Islamabad to ensure security ahead of a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on October 15 and 16, according to an official notification, with foreign dignitaries arriving from various countries.
The SCO is an important Eurasian political, economic and security alliance founded in 2001 by China, Russia and several Central Asian nations. Over the years, it expanded to include countries like India and Pakistan, making it a significant regional bloc.
Pakistan is hosting the SCO Council of Heads of Government summit in Islamabad under its rotating chairmanship of the organization, with the participants expected to discuss issues related to trade, economic cooperation, security, and regional stability.
Among other international leaders, Pakistan also extended invitation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, though the delegation from New Delhi will be spearheaded by External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.
“Pursuant to the request made by the Office of the Chief Commissioner, ICT [Islamabad Capital Territory] ... the Federal Government, in exercise of the powers conferred under Article 245 of Constitution, 1973, and under Sections 4 & 5 of Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, is pleased to authorize deployment of requisite strength of Pakistan Army in aid of civil power from 5th to 17th October, 2024, in ICT, for maintaining law and order situation with respect to 23rd meeting of SCO Council of Heads of Government and visits of VVIP delegation for the said meeting,” the interior ministry announced in an order on Friday.
Television footage showed vehicles of Pakistan Army patrolling various areas of the federal capital on Saturday morning as the government’s order came into effect.
Article 245 allows the government to call in the armed forces to act in aid of the civilian administration.
“The validity of any direction issued by the Federal Government under clause (1) shall not be called in question in any court,” it reads. “A High Court shall not exercise any jurisdiction under Article 199 in relation to any area in which the Armed Forces of Pakistan are, for the time being, acting in aid of civil power in pursuance of Article 245.”
Section 4 of the ATA allows for the deployment of armed forces in any area, while Section 5 allows the use of “necessary force” to prevent any “terrorist acts or scheduled offenses.”
The decision comes at a time when Islamabad and the nearby city of Rawalpindi have witnessed protests by various political actors in recent months.
The police also attempted to prevent a protest by former prime minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party near the parliament building on Friday, blocking highways and suspending cellphone services in the capital.
The government maintained it was not the time for protests as state guests were visiting Islamabad, making it crucial to ensure their safety.
The interior ministry also said in its order that the exact area of deployment, along with the number of additional troops if required, would be worked out by the capital territory administration in consultation with relevant stakeholders.

Topics: SCO Summit SCO summit 2024

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Indian external affairs minister to visit Pakistan for SCO summit amid strained relations

Pakistan government to host all-parties conference on Palestine on October 7

Pakistan government to host all-parties conference on Palestine on October 7
Updated 04 October 2024
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Pakistan government to host all-parties conference on Palestine on October 7

Pakistan government to host all-parties conference on Palestine on October 7
  • The conference will mark one year since Israel began its military campaign in Gaza, killing over 40,000 people
  • The event comes at a time when the conflict in Gaza has spread to Lebanon and threatens to engulf the region
Updated 04 October 2024
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s administration on Friday decided to hold an all-parties conference on Palestine on October 7, marking one year since the beginning of Israel’s ongoing war in the Gaza Strip, with a key coalition member welcoming the decision.

Pakistan has condemned the conflict in Gaza on various international forums, highlighting the toll of over 40,000 Palestinian lives, mostly women and children, while calling for an immediate ceasefire and accountability for Israel’s “war crimes.”

Pakistan, which does not recognize Israel, has long supported the Palestinian cause, dating back to its own independence in 1947.

All-parties conferences in Pakistan have been convened in the past to address critical issues that require the country’s political leaders to rise above their differences and show national solidarity.

“I welcome the Government’s decision for the President and Prime Minister to host an all parties conference on Palestine on 7th October,” Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, whose Pakistan Peoples Party’s support proved vital for Sharif while forming the government, said in a social media post.

“One year since occupation forces began their ruthless massacre in Gaza the war theater has expanded to include Lebanon and threatens to engulf the entire region,” he added. “The whole country must speak with one voice against the imperialists Zionist agenda.”

According to local media reports, the decision was taken after Bhutto-Zardari met with the prime minister along with the chief of the Jamaat-e-Islami party, Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman, to discuss the situation in Palestine.

Rehman recently led anti-government protests after the presentation of the last budget in which the Sharif administration imposed additional taxes.

“Oct. 7 will be observed as the Palestine Solidarity Day as it is on this day last year that Israel began the latest wave of atrocities against the people of Palestine,” reported Dunya TV.

Topics: Palestine APC all-parties conference

‘History has been made’: Sirbaz Khan becomes first Pakistani to summit world’s 14 tallest peaks

‘History has been made’: Sirbaz Khan becomes first Pakistani to summit world’s 14 tallest peaks
Updated 04 October 2024
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‘History has been made’: Sirbaz Khan becomes first Pakistani to summit world’s 14 tallest peaks

‘History has been made’: Sirbaz Khan becomes first Pakistani to summit world’s 14 tallest peaks
  • The Pakistani climber has summitted 11 of the 14 highest mountains without using supplemental oxygen
  • His fellow climbers praise him for his skill and say his name is etched in history and will inspire everyone
Updated 04 October 2024
Nisar Ali

KHAPLU, Gilgit-Baltistan: Renowned Pakistani climber Sirbaz Khan made history on Friday by becoming the first Pakistani to summit all 14 of the world’s highest peaks, with his successful ascent of Shishapangma, standing at 8,027 meters, as confirmed by Pakistan’s Alpine Club and Imagine Nepal.

The 14 peaks, often referred to as the “eight-thousanders,” are over 8,000 meters high and are considered the ultimate test in high-altitude mountaineering. Khan, who was born and raised in Hunza, embarked on this journey in 2017 with the ascent of Nanga Parbat, one of the deadliest mountains in the world.

Over the years, he has climbed formidable peaks, including K2, Everest and Annapurna, solidifying his reputation as one of the world’s elite mountaineers. He also completed 11 of these summits without supplemental oxygen, demonstrating his remarkable endurance and skill.

“Sirbaz Khan has become the first Pakistani mountaineer to conquer all 14 of the world’s peaks above 8,000 meters, in an incredible display of courage and determination,” Karrar Haidri, the general secretary for the Alpine Club of Pakistan, told Arab News in a text message. “This extraordinary accomplishment demonstrates his unwavering passion and dedication to the sport of mountaineering.”

Haidri said Khan had faced the most extreme conditions during his mountaineering career.

“Faced with freezing temperatures, treacherous avalanches, oxygen-depleted altitudes, and the constant threat of crevasses, he has repeatedly demonstrated his resilience and strength,” he added. “His success not only represents personal triumph but also serves as an inspiration to mountaineers worldwide.”

Khan’s achievement was also acknowledged by Imagine Nepal, the tour company that organized the expedition, in a social media post.

“In an extraordinary achievement, 11 climbers from Imagine Nepal reached the true summit of Mt. Shishapangma (8,027m) at 4:06 p.m. CST [Central Standard Time] on 04 October 2024,” it wrote on Facebook.

“Mr. Sirbaz Khan has earned his place in history by summiting all 14 of the highest peaks, making him the first Pakistani climber to achieve this feat,” the company added.

Speaking to Arab News, Shahbaz Khan, the Pakistani climber’s brother, said the whole family was celebrating the moment.

“We are gathered to attend the marriage ceremony of our cousin,” he said. “All of our relatives are here and celebrating Sirbaz’s achievement.”

He said everyone was praying for his safe descent from the treacherous mountain, adding the next step would be to warmly receive him upon his arrival in Pakistan.

Khan also started receiving congratulations from fellow climbers soon after the news of his success began to spread.

“I salute your monumental achievement,” Shehroz Kashif, a young climber who has already conquered 13 of the world’s tallest peaks, said in a Facebook post. “Becoming the first Pakistani to summit all 14 8,000ers is a testament to your unwavering determination, resilience, and mountaineering prowess.”

“Your name etched in history inspires a nation,” he added.

Kashif noted that he will be following in Khan’s footsteps “in a few days,” as he prepares to summit the last of the 14 peaks on his list in Tibet.

Pakistan’s prominent female mountain climber Naila Kiani also applauded the development on social media.

“First Pakistani to summit all 14 X 8,000m peaks,” she said without naming Khan. “History has been made.”

Topics: Sirbaz Khan

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