pakistan jordan express
| |

Pakistan, Jordan express deep concern over escalat…

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar and Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi held a telephone conversation on Tuesday to discuss the worsening humanitarian and security situation in the Palestinian territories, expressing deep concern over the continued escalation of violence in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the two leaders reviewed the latest developments, focusing on the ongoing Israeli military operations, intensified airstrikes, ground offensives, and the deteriorating conditions faced by Palestinian civilians. They emphasized the urgent need for international efforts to reduce tensions and prevent further loss of life.

During the discussion, both foreign ministers strongly condemned repeated incursions by Israeli settlers and far-right groups into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem. They also criticized restrictions imposed on Palestinian worshippers, describing such measures as a violation of the sanctity and religious significance of one of Islam’s holiest sites.

Dar and Safadi agreed that actions affecting the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound not only inflame tensions on the ground but also undermine regional stability and diminish prospects for a peaceful resolution to the long-standing conflict. They stressed the importance of respecting the historical and legal status of the holy site and ensuring freedom of worship for Palestinians.

The conversation also focused on diplomatic efforts aimed at addressing the crisis. The Jordanian foreign minister briefed Ishaq Dar on Jordan’s proposal to convene a meeting of Arab and Islamic countries to review the rapidly evolving situation and coordinate a collective diplomatic response. The proposed gathering is expected to explore ways to strengthen international engagement, promote humanitarian assistance, and support efforts to achieve a peaceful settlement.

Both leaders agreed that close coordination among Muslim and Arab countries remains essential in responding to the ongoing crisis. They emphasized the importance of maintaining diplomatic momentum to encourage dialogue and prevent further escalation in the region.

Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi acknowledged Pakistan’s consistent role in advocating for regional peace and stability. He appreciated Islamabad’s diplomatic efforts and expressed hope that ongoing international initiatives would contribute to reducing tensions and creating conditions conducive to lasting peace.

During the call, Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. He reiterated Pakistan’s long-standing position that a just, comprehensive, and durable peace can only be achieved through a negotiated political solution based on international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.

Dar once again emphasized Pakistan’s support for the two-state solution, calling for the establishment of an independent, sovereign, contiguous, and viable Palestinian state based on the pre-1967 borders. He said East Jerusalem, referred to by Muslims as Al-Quds Al-Sharif, should serve as the capital of the future Palestinian state.

The deputy prime minister also stressed the need for the international community to intensify diplomatic efforts to end the violence, protect civilians, and facilitate humanitarian assistance for those affected by the conflict. He underscored that meaningful dialogue and respect for international law remain essential for achieving lasting peace and stability in the Middle East.

The telephone conversation reflected the close cooperation between Pakistan and Jordan on issues concerning Palestine and highlighted their shared commitment to supporting diplomatic initiatives aimed at ending the conflict. Both countries reaffirmed their determination to continue working with regional and international partners to promote peace, safeguard holy sites, and uphold the rights and aspirations of the Palestinian people.

Similar Posts

  • |

    Pakistan will respond if India threatens water rights: PM Shehbaz

    ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has warned that Pakistan will not compromise on its water rights, describing every drop of the country’s water as a “red line” and cautioning India against any move that threatens Pakistan’s sovereignty, security or access to water. Addressing a ceremony in Islamabad following the inauguration of a monument commemorating Pakistan’s recent military success, the prime minister said India had demonstrated its disregard for regional peace by unilaterally suspending the Indus Waters Treaty. He said Pakistan desired peace and stability in the region but would not interpret its commitment to peace as a sign of weakness. “Pakistan stands for peace with honour and dignity,” the prime minister said, adding that the country had emerged as a factor of stability in the region. Referring to the military confrontation with India in May 2025, Shehbaz Sharif praised the armed forces for their role and said the country’s response had demonstrated Pakistan’s determination to defend its territorial integrity and national interests. The prime minister specifically commended Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for his leadership, while also highlighting the contributions of the Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Navy under their respective chiefs. He said the performance of the armed forces during the conflict had become a lasting part of the country’s history and represented a victory not only for the military but for the entire Pakistani nation. “This victory belongs to the people of Pakistan and its armed forces,” he said, describing the achievement as a source of national pride. Shehbaz Sharif maintained that Pakistan did not seek confrontation with any country. However, he stressed that Islamabad would respond firmly if its sovereignty or security were challenged in the future. He said the events of May 2025 had sent a clear message to the international community about Pakistan’s military capabilities and national resolve. According to the prime minister, the conflict had significantly strengthened Pakistan’s standing and demonstrated that any attempt to undermine the country’s sovereignty would carry serious consequences. Turning specifically to the water dispute, Shehbaz Sharif criticised India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, calling the move unilateral and unlawful. He warned that Pakistan’s water resources could not be treated as a bargaining tool and said Islamabad would defend its water interests. “Every drop of Pakistan’s water is a red line,” the prime minister declared, warning that if India failed to reconsider its position, Pakistan would respond directly. The prime minister’s remarks come amid heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, with water rights emerging as a particularly sensitive issue alongside longstanding disputes over security and regional stability. Shehbaz Sharif reiterated that Pakistan preferred dialogue and peace but would remain prepared to protect its national interests. He said the country’s policy was based on maintaining peace without compromising dignity, sovereignty or security. He further said the lessons of the May 2025 confrontation should not be forgotten and warned that any future miscalculation against Pakistan would invite a stronger response.

  • | |

    Punjab Imams to use pulpits, social media to promo…

    LAHORE: Secretary and Chief Administrator Auqaf Punjab Dr Ehsan Bhutta has urged Imams and Khateebs to play a broader role in promoting religious harmony, social cohesion and positive values, saying their responsibilities extend beyond leading prayers and delivering Friday sermons. Addressing the concluding ceremony of the 45th Quarterly Refresher Training Course for Imams and Khateebs at Aiwan-e-Auqaf in Lahore, Bhutta said the pulpit and mihrab were important platforms for the religious, moral, intellectual and spiritual development of society. He said 19 Khateebs from different parts of Punjab had successfully completed the mandatory three-month training programme required for promotion to the next grade. The course, he added, was designed not only to support professional progression but also to strengthen the participants’ religious knowledge, intellectual abilities, research skills and professional competence. Bhutta stressed that religious scholars must remain equipped to respond to emerging social challenges, changing societal needs and contemporary intellectual and jurisprudential questions. He called for greater emphasis on research, communication skills and modern approaches to religious guidance. The Auqaf secretary urged Khateebs to use Friday sermons, religious gatherings and public interactions to foster unity among Muslims, interfaith harmony, tolerance, brotherhood and mutual respect. He also called upon them to help counter sectarianism, extremism, intolerance, hate speech and divisions based on language or group identity. He said Islam promotes peace, justice, compassion, human dignity and harmonious relations within society. Religious scholars, he added, should present the teachings of the Holy Quran, Sunnah and Seerah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) in a wise and meaningful manner while keeping contemporary circumstances in view. Referring to the growing influence of digital platforms, Bhutta said social media and other modern communication tools had become powerful means of shaping public opinion. He encouraged Imams and Khateebs to use these platforms responsibly to communicate the peaceful and universal message of Islam, particularly to young people and audiences around the world. He further urged religious scholars to contribute to efforts against misinformation, inflammatory material, hate speech and sectarian propaganda by promoting well-reasoned and constructive content. Bhutta said the Auqaf and Religious Affairs Department was continuing reforms aimed at improving transparency, merit and good governance in the management of mosques, shrines and Khanqahs. The department was also working to improve the welfare of Imams and Khateebs, expand their intellectual and professional training and enhance the quality of religious services. He said that under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s “Magnificent Punjab” vision, the department was stepping up efforts to strengthen peace, religious harmony, tolerance and positive social values across the province. He added that under the supervision of Chief Secretary Punjab Zahid Akhtar Zaman, administrative reforms, departmental performance and public facilitation initiatives were being made more systematic, effective and results-oriented.

  • | |

    British Columbia declares emergency as fast-moving…

    British Columbia declared a provincial state of emergency on Saturday after a rapidly spreading wildfire forced thousands of residents in the western Canadian province to flee their homes overnight, with the blaze nearly doubling in size within hours. The Bald Range wildfire burned out of control and expanded rapidly to roughly 9,500 hectares, prompting evacuation orders across Summerland, Peachland and other districts west of Okanagan Lake in the province’s southern interior. The region produces the majority of British Columbia’s wine and ranks as Canada’s second largest wine producing area, adding an economic dimension to the disaster beyond the immediate threat to homes and lives. Officials describe explosive fire behaviour Premier David Eby told a news conference on Saturday that one fire official had compared the blaze to an explosion going off. Eby said the official described flames reaching 100 feet up trees, with additional flames shooting a further 200 feet above that, and the fire generating its own weather system that produced lightning, which in turn fed further fire growth in a self-sustaining cycle. “Homes have been lost, and properties have been destroyed,” Eby said, adding that some residents became trapped as conditions shifted rapidly and required rescue. The premier described the situation as highly dynamic and continuing to pose a serious threat to the region. Summerland had a population of about 12,000 residents according to the 2021 census, while neighbouring Peachland is home to roughly 6,500 people. Province activates emergency powers The declaration of a state of emergency grants provincial authorities immediate access to special powers, including the ability to impose travel restrictions, protect essential supplies from price gouging and deploy specific tools to coordinate rescue operations across affected areas. Officials said the Bald Range wildfire has triggered the largest evacuation event of the summer so far, with more than 20,000 people across British Columbia forced from their homes since the fire began its rapid expansion. Summerland Mayor Doug Holmes, speaking by phone from nearby Penticton, said a large number of farms in the area have been affected and that officials do not yet know the full extent of structural losses. “They’re still busy fighting the fire,” Holmes said, adding that the community needed to prepare for the worst possible outcome as firefighting efforts continued. Residents flee as highways begin closing Many residents left their homes overnight, driving south toward Penticton or north toward Kelowna before several highways in the region began closing due to the advancing fire. Terry Fries, a Summerland resident, said he was watching a football game on Friday night when a neighbour warned him to prepare an emergency bag as the fire continued to grow nearby. Fries said the fire remained visible behind nearby hills earlier in the evening before conditions worsened. When British Columbia authorities issued the formal evacuation order around midnight, Fries and his family drove approximately 45 kilometres north to the city of Kelowna to reach safety. Residents captured video footage showing fires burning along the highway and structures engulfed in flames as they fled the area. By Saturday afternoon, ash had begun settling on cars and houses in nearby communities as smoke from the fire cast an orange glow across the sky. Power and water systems disrupted Summerland lost electricity on Saturday and issued a boil water notice for residents after untreated water entered the municipal system when it bypassed the standard water treatment plant due to disruptions caused by the wildfire. Wildfires strain resources nationwide Several Canadian provinces, including Ontario and Quebec, have battled significant wildfires this year as hot and dry weather conditions fuelled blazes across dense forest regions. International firefighting crews from Mexico, Australia, France and New Zealand have travelled to Canada to assist local personnel in combating the fires. In British Columbia specifically, where continued hot and dry conditions have heightened the risk of further fire spread, approximately 1,500 firefighting personnel are currently battling more than 100 active fires across the province. Authorities have issued 40 formal evacuation orders and an additional 49 evacuation alerts as the fire season continues to intensify. Wildfires have burned through approximately 4 million hectares of land across Canada so far this year, according to figures from the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, underscoring the scale of a fire season that has placed sustained pressure on emergency services and firefighting resources nationwide.

  • |

    Kriti Sanon urges people to prioritise mental health

    Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon has opened up about the importance of mental and emotional well-being, urging people to pay as much attention to their minds as they do to their physical health. The National Award-winning actress reflected on how her experiences while working on films such as Mimi and Do Patti changed her perspective on acting and the emotional impact of portraying complex characters. According to Kriti, she once believed that the characters she played remained confined to the world of cinema and did not have any lasting effect on her personal life. However, her experiences with these two films made her realise that characters can leave an unconscious emotional impact on actors. Kriti explained that the effect of a demanding role does not always become apparent immediately. Sometimes, an actor may complete filming and only begin noticing emotional changes several days later. She said that a character can continue to influence a person’s mood, behaviour and thoughts even after the cameras stop rolling. The actress said this experience taught her the importance of consciously separating herself from the characters she portrays. While actors are expected to completely immerse themselves in their roles, Kriti believes that it is equally important to know when to step away from the emotional world created for a film. She also recalled times when she was personally dealing with difficult or emotionally challenging situations while having to continue working on a comedy project. Despite going through personal struggles, she still had to portray cheerful and entertaining characters in front of the camera. Kriti pointed out that actors repeatedly draw upon their own emotions while performing. They have to access different feelings and sometimes revisit difficult emotional spaces to make their performances believable. Because of this, she believes that maintaining good mental and emotional health should be an important part of an actor’s life. The actress encouraged people to find healthy ways of managing their emotions and maintaining mental balance. She suggested practices such as meditation, therapy and other activities that help individuals feel mentally grounded and emotionally stable. Kriti also shared that she personally turns to meditation from time to time and finds it beneficial. For her, taking a pause and reconnecting with herself helps maintain emotional balance, particularly after working on emotionally demanding projects. Her comments highlight a broader reality of the entertainment industry, where performers are often required to move between intense emotions and different personalities within a short period of time. While professional commitment is important, Kriti believes that taking care of one’s mental health should never be overlooked. Kriti Sanon was most recently seen alongside Shahid Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna in Cocktail 2. The actress continues to remain one of Bollywood’s prominent performers, balancing commercially successful projects with roles that require emotional depth and versatility.

  • | |

    Pakistan removed from Lloyd’s war risk insur…

    Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, has welcomed the decision by the Lloyd’s Market Association’s Joint War Committee to remove Pakistan from its list of regions classified as high-risk for war insurance. The announcement marks a significant development for the country’s maritime and trade sectors and is being viewed as a positive sign of increasing international confidence in Pakistan’s security and economic environment. Sharing his reaction on the social media platform X, Ishaq Dar described the decision as an important milestone that reflects the international community’s growing trust in Pakistan. He said the move demonstrates recognition of the country’s improving security situation and its continued efforts to strengthen economic stability and regional connectivity. The removal of Pakistan from the war risk insurance list is expected to provide several economic benefits. Ships entering Pakistani ports will no longer face the additional insurance premiums that are typically imposed on vessels operating in areas considered vulnerable to conflict or instability. As a result, shipping companies are likely to experience lower operational costs, making maritime trade with Pakistan more cost-effective and attractive. According to Ishaq Dar, reduced insurance expenses are expected to lower overall shipping costs, which will benefit both importers and exporters. Businesses engaged in international trade may see reduced transportation expenses, helping Pakistani products become more competitive in global markets while also decreasing the cost of imported goods. These developments could contribute to increased trade activity and support the country’s broader economic growth. The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that the decision is not only an economic achievement but also a reflection of Pakistan’s improving international image. He noted that the country’s efforts to maintain stability, enhance security, and build stronger relations with international partners have helped restore confidence among global institutions and businesses. Ishaq Dar also expressed appreciation to the Lloyd’s Market Association for its constructive engagement throughout the review process. He acknowledged the organization’s professional approach and thanked its Joint War Committee for carefully assessing the situation before making its decision. He said the outcome reflects a balanced evaluation based on changing ground realities and demonstrates confidence in Pakistan’s progress. Industry experts believe that the removal of Pakistan from the war risk list could encourage greater commercial shipping activity at the country’s ports, including Karachi, Port Qasim, and Gwadar. Lower insurance costs may also attract more international shipping lines and investors, strengthening Pakistan’s position as an important regional trade hub. The development is expected to complement the government’s ongoing efforts to improve trade, attract foreign investment, and boost economic recovery. Reduced logistics costs could benefit multiple sectors of the economy, including manufacturing, agriculture, and exports, while creating a more favorable environment for business and investment. Overall, the decision by the Lloyd’s Market Association’s Joint War Committee is being regarded as a major positive step for Pakistan. It not only reduces financial burdens on international shipping but also sends a strong message that the country’s security and business environment are gaining international recognition. Government officials hope this milestone will further enhance investor confidence, promote trade, and contribute to long-term economic development.

  • |

    Powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake hits western Colombia, killing at least 111

    A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, killing at least 111 people and injuring dozens more in what authorities have confirmed is the country’s strongest earthquake of the 21st century. The massive tremor struck at a depth of 107 kilometres, with its epicentre located near Chocó. Despite occurring deep beneath the Earth’s crust, the intense seismic shock waves triggered widespread destruction across densely populated urban valleys throughout western Colombia and the primary coffee-growing regions. In Pereira, a four-story building collapsed into rubble, while video footage from Manizales captured the catastrophic collapse of one of the side towers of the city’s historic neo-Gothic cathedral. Severe building collapses and casualties were also reported in Cali, where local residents formed human chains alongside emergency responders to shovel away fallen concrete and pull survivors from trapped spaces. Thrusting the administration into its first major crisis just days after his inauguration, President Abelardo De La Espriella declared a national state of emergency. In a live television address, De La Espriella announced that all available state and military resources were being deployed to western Colombia, confirming that the national government’s immediate priority remains the location and rescue of victims trapped beneath collapsed structures. Severe regional communications outages initially delayed casualty reporting from rural zones near the epicentre in Chocó, where Governor Nubia Carolina Córdoba confirmed at least 12 fatalities and scores of injuries. Meanwhile, Colombia’s civil aviation authority halted flight operations across key regional airports, including facilities in Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartago, and Buenaventura, while structural engineers assess airfield and terminal safety. The Colombian Geological Service recorded over 20 aftershocks following the initial quake and warned that additional tremors remain likely. Sitting directly along the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire, western Colombia previously suffered a devastating magnitude 6.2 earthquake in 1999 that claimed more than 1,000 lives across the same region.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *