You are here

  • Home
  • Pakistan Deputy PM to leave for Iran today to attend ECO meeting

Pakistan Deputy PM to leave for Iran today to attend ECO meeting

Pakistan Deputy PM to leave for Iran today to attend ECO meeting
This file photo, taken on July 30, 2024, shows Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar during his arrival in Tehran. (Photo courtesy: MOFA/File)
Short Url

https://arab.news/9vqjw

Updated 20 min 53 sec ago
Follow

Pakistan Deputy PM to leave for Iran today to attend ECO meeting

Pakistan Deputy PM to leave for Iran today to attend ECO meeting
  • Pakistan and Iran have had a history of rocky relations despite a number of commercial agreements
  • In January, both countries came to the brink of war after cross-border strikes on militant hideouts
Updated 20 min 53 sec ago
SAIMA SHABBIR
Follow

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister, Ishaq Dar, will leave for Iran today, Monday, on a two-day official visit to attend the 28th meeting of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Council of Ministers, according to the Pakistani Foreign Office.
Pakistan and Iran have had a history of rocky relations despite a number of commercial pacts. In 2004, both countries signed the $7 billion Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project agreement but 20 years on, the project remains incomplete.
Tehran has completed the gas pipeline’s construction on its side of the border while Pakistan is seeking a United States (US) waiver to go ahead with it due to international sanctions targeting Iran.
In his address with the ECO meeting in Mashhad, Dar would highlight the potential of greater connectivity in the ECO region, according to Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch.
“Deputy PM will reiterate Pakistan’s commitment to the ECO charter and highlight the potential of greater connectivity in the ECO region to development of road and rail networks, liberalization of visa regimes, simplification of border procedures and to maintain sustainable growth and enhance geo-economic potential of the ECO region,” Baloch said at a press briefing last week.
“Deputy PM will sign the charter for ECO clean energy center and hold bilateral meetings with participating ministers and other dignitaries on the sidelines.”
Dar would also reiterate Pakistan’s concerns over hostilities in the Middle East that endanger peace and security of the region.
Dar’s visit comes weeks after Iranian FM Seyed Abbas Araghchi’s two-day visit to Islamabad to hold consultations with the Pakistani leadership on the Middle East situation following Israel’s invasion of Gaza and Lebanon, and to discuss bilateral ties with Pakistan.
Despite several agreements between them, Pakistan and Iran have often been at odds over instability along their shared, porous border and routinely trade 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 territory.
Late Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi had later traveled to Pakistan on a three-day visit in April to ease tensions and strengthen bilateral relations. The two sides had also signed memorandums of understanding in the fields of trade, science technology, agriculture, health, culture, and judicial matters.

Topics: Pakistan Iran Ties Ishaq Dar

Pakistan offers support to Malaysia after floods displace over 122,000

Pakistan offers support to Malaysia after floods displace over 122,000
Updated 1 min 9 sec ago
Follow

Pakistan offers support to Malaysia after floods displace over 122,000

Pakistan offers support to Malaysia after floods displace over 122,000
  • The number even surpassed the 118,000 evacuated during one of Malaysia’s worst floodings in 2014
  • Both countries agree to encourage the two relief authorities to hold discussions on support from Pakistan
Updated 1 min 9 sec ago
SAIMA SHABBIR

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister, Ishaq Dar, on Sunday telephoned Malaysian Foreign Minister Hajji Mohamad bin Hajji and offered Islamabad’s assistance following the evacuation of more than 122,000 people due to recent floods in Malaysia, the Pakistani foreign ministry said.
The massive floods, caused by relentless rains, swept through Malaysia’s northern states, killing at least four people, according to Malaysian disaster management officials.
The number surpassed the 118,000 evacuated during one of the country’s worst floodings in 2014, and officials feared it could rise further as there was no let-up in torrential downpours.
During the telephonic conversation, Dar offered his deepest sympathies on the tragic loss of lives and property in Malaysia, according to the Pakistani foreign ministry.
“He conveyed Pakistan’s full solidarity with the people of Malaysia and the readiness to extend immediate humanitarian assistance to Malaysia in this difficult time,” the Pakistani ministry said in a statement.
“The two ministers also agreed to encourage the disaster relief authorities of the two countries to continue discussions on humanitarian support from Pakistan.”
Pakistan and Malaysia enjoy a strong bilateral relationship, rooted in shared Islamic values and historical ties.
Since 1957, they’ve fostered economic cooperation, defense collaborations, and cultural exchange. The Pakistan-Malaysia Free Trade Agreement of 2008 boosted trade and investment, while regular high-level visits have solidified their partnership, underpinned by mutual respect and trust.

Topics: Pakistan Malaysia ties Malaysia floods

Pakistani journalist, arrested after coverage of anti-government protests, denies ‘fabricated’ charges after release

Pakistani journalist, arrested after coverage of anti-government protests, denies ‘fabricated’ charges after release
Updated 4 min 49 sec ago
Follow

Pakistani journalist, arrested after coverage of anti-government protests, denies ‘fabricated’ charges after release

Pakistani journalist, arrested after coverage of anti-government protests, denies ‘fabricated’ charges after release
  • Matiullah Jan was booked in a in a terrorism and narcotics case after being arrested from outside a hospital in Islamabad
  • Jan thanks his lawyers, journalists and the civil society as well as the diplomatic community for standing by him and his family
Updated 4 min 49 sec ago
KASHIF IMRAN

ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani journalist, who was arrested after coverage of last week’s anti-government protests in Islamabad, on Sunday denied “fabricated” charges against him, a day after his release in a terrorism and narcotics case.
Matiullah Jan, a broadcaster working with Neo TV, was “picked up” from outside a hospital in Islamabad on Wednesday, where he was investigating alleged fatalities during the recent protests in support of jailed ex-premier Imran Khan, according to his son.
The police report registered against Jan included Code of Criminal Procedure’s Sections 279 (rash driving or riding on a public way), 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of duty), 382 (theft after preparation made for causing death, hurt or restraint in order to the committing of the theft), 427 (mischief causing damage), 506 (criminal intimidation) along with 7ATA (terrorism-related section) and a narcotics-related section.
On Saturday, an anti-terrorism court judge, Tahir Abbas Sipra, who presided over the hearing of Jan’s bail petition, approved the plea against surety bonds worth Rs10,000 ($36), following which he was released from custody.
“Allah Almighty has been very kind to me once again. I am back home safe and sound,” Jan said on X. “I want to completely deny the false and fabricated charges brought against me by the government.”
Jan has a history of criticizing Pakistan’s government and the country’s powerful military establishment. He was also briefly detained by uniformed men during Imran Khan’s tenure in 2020.
He thanked his lawyers, journalists, politicians, members of the civil society as well as the diplomatic community for standing by him and a timely response to ensure safety and security of journalists in Pakistan.
Successive Pakistan governments have often been criticized by rights monitors for using broad anti-terrorism legislation to quash dissent.
Islamabad witnessed a protest march by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters, who faced a major government crackdown in which nearly a thousand political activists were arrested during three days of unrest this week.
Jan was investigating the aftermath of the crackdown on PTI workers when, according to his family, he was taken away by people in unmarked vehicles hours before the police announced his arrest.
Amnesty International has criticized Pakistani security forces for using “unlawful and excessive force” on crowds, but Information Minister Attaullah Tarar told reporters on Wednesday that the PTI was “lying” about it, as its leaders claimed their followers had been killed.
Khan’s party has so far named 12 people, claiming it has evidence they lost their lives during the crackdown in the federal capital and demanding the judiciary take notice and hold top government ministers accountable.

Topics: matiullah jan PTI protest Islamabad Protest

Pakistan forms task force to identify those involved in ‘propaganda’ over Islamabad protests

Pakistan forms task force to identify those involved in ‘propaganda’ over Islamabad protests
Updated 22 min 46 sec ago
Follow

Pakistan forms task force to identify those involved in ‘propaganda’ over Islamabad protests

Pakistan forms task force to identify those involved in ‘propaganda’ over Islamabad protests
  • Ex-PM Imran Khan’s party last week led supporters to Islamabad, resulting in clashes with law enforcers on several locations
  • The government says the campaign against it aims to create law and order situation, foment provincialism and ethnic cleavages
Updated 22 min 46 sec ago
KASHIF IMRAN

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani government has formed a joint task force to identify the one involved in “propaganda against the state,” following last week’s violent protests in Islamabad by supporters of former prime minister Imran Khan.
Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party on Nov. 24 led thousands of supporters to Islamabad, seeking to pressure the government to release the ex-premier from jail. The protests resulted in clashes that Pakistan’s government says killed three paramilitary soldiers and a police officer, and injured hundreds of others. The PTI has named 12 people and says it has evidence they lost their lives during the crackdown, however, several PTI members have given varied accounts of casualties during the protests. Pakistani authorities deny the claims.
The Pakistani interior ministry said on Sunday said it would hold social media users accountable for propagating “fake” deaths during the anti-government protests, reiterating that law enforcers deployed to disperse violent protesters did not have live ammunition. It said the army, deployed under Article 245 of the constitution to secure key government installations and foreign diplomats in Islamabad’s Red Zone, neither came in direct clash with the protesters, nor was it employed for riot control.
In a notification issued late Sunday, PM Shehbaz Sharif’s office said the “malicious campaign” was aimed at discrediting the state in general and security forces in particular, for which multiple local and foreign media platforms were being used to “perpetrate concocted, baseless and inciting news” implicating the state apparatus for committing serious human rights violations.
“This campaign is aimed at creating serious law and order situation in the country and foment provincialism and ethnic cleavages for specific vested political interests. To attract foreign audience, perpetrators of this inimical campaign attempted to create serious human rights violations through fictitious violent images and contents,” it said.
“The prime minister has desired to form a joint task force (JTF) to inquire and pursue defaulters.”
The task force will include officials from the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority, ministries of information technology, interior and information and broadcasting, police and the Federal Investigation Agency as well as civilian and military intelligence agencies, according to the notification.
It will identify individuals, groups and organizations involved in creating and spreading “fake and misleading news” relating to the Islamabad protests, track and trace individuals and groups in the malicious campaign both in Pakistan and abroad, and bring them to justice. The task force will also suggest measures to bridge policy gaps and share its findings with the government within 10 days.
Khan’s PTI party has staged several protests this year to demand the release of the ex-premier, who has been in jail since August last year on a slew of charges, as well as to challenge results of the Feb. 8 national election, which it says were manipulated to keep the party from coming to power in the country. The Pakistani government and election authorities deny this.
Last week’s protest was by far the largest to grip the capital since the poll and the Pakistani government said it caused Rs192 billion per day indirect losses to the economy.

Topics: Islamabad Protest PTI protest Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party Imran Khan

Traditional Saudi stall steals spotlight at Pakistani Foreign Office charity event in Islamabad

Traditional Saudi stall steals spotlight at Pakistani Foreign Office charity event in Islamabad
Updated 01 December 2024
Follow

Traditional Saudi stall steals spotlight at Pakistani Foreign Office charity event in Islamabad

Traditional Saudi stall steals spotlight at Pakistani Foreign Office charity event in Islamabad
  • A charity bazaar was organized to raise funds for families of low-income staff of the Pakistani foreign ministry
  • Embassies of different countries showcased their cultural performances, costumes, music, art and food at the event
Updated 01 December 2024
SAIMA SHABBIR

ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia’s stall, comprising a traditional Bedouin tent with the rich aroma of ‘gahwa’ and the sweetness of dates, on Sunday stole the spotlight at the Pakistan Foreign Office Women’s Association (PFOWA) charity bazaar, which showcased a vibrant tapestry of cultural performances, traditional costumes, music, art and food from various embassies and missions in Pakistan.
Pakistan’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister, Ishaq Dar, inaugurated the bazaar at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) on Sunday. The event featured stalls from various countries as well as from Pakistani small and medium enterprises to raise funds for low-income MoFA staff.

Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar inaugurates Annual Charity Bazaar 2024, organized by Pakistan Foreign Office Women’s Association, in Islamabad on December 1, 2024. (Photo courtesy: MOFA)

At the entrance of the bazaar, the very first stall was set up by the Embassy of Saudi Arabia that featured a traditional Bedouin tent where visitors were welcomed with dates and gahwa, a traditional Arabic coffee.
“It is a very welcoming gesture by the Saudi embassy as they introduced us to the true taste of Saudi coffee which is very unique,” Tayyaba Aleem, a visitor, told Arab News, adding the traditional setting of the tent added an authentic cultural touch and made it a special experience.

Participants serve Saudi dates and gahwa to visitors at the Pakistan Foreign Office Women’s Association charity bazaar in Islamabad on December 1, 2024. (AN Photo)

In his inaugural address, Dar said the event offered a unique opportunity for people to visit the Pakistani Foreign Office, and experience rich cultures of various countries through their food and handicrafts, and to contribute to a charitable cause.
“Today’s bazaar is a captivating blend of diverse cultures and the variety of experiences fostering harmony and fraternity among different nations,” he said, adding that from the kind support and donations to setting up stalls showcasing traditional outfits, apparel, artifacts and a variety of delights, the event was a collective celebration of diversity and inclusion.

This photo shows general views of Palestinian stall at the Pakistan Foreign Office Women’s Association charity bazaar in Islamabad on December 1, 2024. (AN Photo)

“I am extremely grateful to the diplomatic missions in Islamabad and their contributions in this colorful event.”
Diplomats described the experience as a valuable opportunity to showcase their country’s cultural heritage, while learning about the traditions of others.

This photo shows general views of the UAE stall at the Pakistan Foreign Office Women’s Association charity bazaar in Islamabad on December 1, 2024. (AN Photo)

“It is a multilateral event and it brought a lot of things in for the participants, and for the visitors,” Muhammad Motahar Al-Ashabi, the ambassador of Yemen to Pakistan, told Arab News.
He said the Yemeni stall showcased pictures of his country’s rich heritage, including its architecture, culture and food.
“This display is a symbolic participation, but we have received a very good response from the visitors,” the ambassador added.

This photo shows general views of Yemeni stall at the Pakistan Foreign Office Women’s Association charity bazaar in Islamabad on December 1, 2024. (AN Photo)

Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan Irfan Neziroglu commended the PFOWA for providing a “wonderful opportunity” to engage with other diplomats and Pakistani people through the event.
“We brought a variety of authentic products, mostly from Turkiye, including traditional food, and received many visitors at our stall,” he told Arab News.
“We also visited the stalls of other embassies and a kind of cultural richness we see here, not only different countries, but also the richness of Pakistan, from different parts of the country.”

This photo shows general views of Turkish stall at the Pakistan Foreign Office Women’s Association charity bazaar in Islamabad on December 1, 2024. (AN Photo)

Basma Al-Masharqa, a Palestinian woman residing in Islamabad, also set up a stall, featuring traditional Palestinian cuisine.
“I prepare Palestinian food and all is handmade in my home,” she told Arab News. “For small businesses like us, it is so nice because many people, they are coming here and they see our work.”

Basma Al-Masharqa (1L), a Palestinian woman residing in Islamabad, gestures at her food stall setup at the Pakistan Foreign Office Women’s Association charity bazaar in Islamabad on December 1, 2024. (AN Photo)

She said such events should be organized more frequently to help home-based businesses in the Pakistani capital.
“My mother used to cook this food and we are trying to bring our traditional culture to the Pakistani market,” Basma’s daughter, Maryam, told Arab News, saying it was a “great place” to present the Arabic food as it brought together diverse communities.

Visitors writing messages in solidarity with Gaza at the Palestinian stall at the Pakistan Foreign Office Women’s Association charity bazaar in Islamabad on December 1, 2024. (AN Photo)

Amina Amir from Algeria praised the diversity of cultures presented at the event, hoping that Algeria would also participate next year to showcase her country’s rich heritage.
“As the largest country in Africa, we have diverse traditions and cultures that we would love to present,” she said. “It is a very good initiative as this is my second time attending this bazaar as I like to see the variety of different cultures and different countries.”

Topics: Pakistan Palestine Pakistan Foreign Ministry Ishaq Dar

Army captain among two soldiers, eight militants killed in northwest Pakistan

Army captain among two soldiers, eight militants killed in northwest Pakistan
Updated 01 December 2024
Follow

Army captain among two soldiers, eight militants killed in northwest Pakistan

Army captain among two soldiers, eight militants killed in northwest Pakistan
  • The deaths occurred in separate operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which borders Afghanistan
  • Pakistan blames the surge in militancy on militants operating out of Afghanistan, Kabul denies it
Updated 01 December 2024
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: An army captain among two Pakistani soldiers and eight militants were killed in two separate operations in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, the Pakistani military said on Sunday.
Five militants were killed and nine others sustained injuries in an intelligence-based operation in KP’s Bannu district, while a Pakistani soldier died during the gunfight, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing.
In another operation in the Khyber district, three militants were killed, while two others were apprehended by the security forces. The exchange of fire also killed Captain Muhammad Zohaib Ud Din, who was leading the troops.
“Sanitization operations are being conducted to eliminate any other kharji [militant] found in the area,” the ISPR said in a statement.
“Security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve.”
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which borders Afghanistan, has witnessed a number of attacks by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militant groups that targeted security forces convoys and check posts, besides targeted killings and kidnappings of law enforcers and government officials in recent months.
Last month, Pakistani security forces killed four militants in two separate encounters in KP’s North Waziristan district, according to the Pakistani military. In October, nine militants were killed in an overnight raid in the Bajaur tribal district.
Pakistan has frequently accused neighboring Afghanistan of sheltering and supporting militant groups, urging the Taliban administration in Kabul to prevent its territory from being used by armed factions to launch cross-border attacks.
Afghan officials, however, deny involvement, insisting Pakistan’s security issues are an internal matter of Islamabad.

Latest updates

Australian police arrest 13 people and seize a record 2.3 tonnes of cocaine from a fishing boat
Australian police arrest 13 people and seize a record 2.3 tonnes of cocaine from a fishing boat
Over 40 people hospitalized in Georgia during protests over the suspension of EU talks
Over 40 people hospitalized in Georgia during protests over the suspension of EU talks
Russia’s air units destroy 15 Ukrainian drones overnight, Russian agencies report
Russia’s air units destroy 15 Ukrainian drones overnight, Russian agencies report
US Navy destroys Houthi missiles and drones targeting American ships in Gulf of Aden
US Navy destroys Houthi missiles and drones targeting American ships in Gulf of Aden
Cavaliers get ‘statement’ win over Celtics in showdown of NBA’s best
Cavaliers get ‘statement’ win over Celtics in showdown of NBA’s best

Search form

Print Edition
Read pdf version Subscribe now
© 2024 SAUDI RESEARCH & PUBLISHING COMPANY, All Rights Reserved And subject to Terms of Use Agreement.