pakistan pushes stronger
| | |

Pakistan pushes stronger ties with Belarus, Centra…

Pakistan has renewed its commitment to strengthening relations with Belarus and Central Asian countries.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held separate meetings with the foreign ministers of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan.

The meetings were held on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers meeting.The discussions focused on bilateral relations, trade, investment, regional connectivity and security.

Dar met Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov and reviewed the progress of relations between the two countries.The two sides agreed to expand cooperation in several important areas.

These include trade, investment, defence, agriculture, technology and workforce exchanges.They also discussed ways to strengthen economic ties and increase bilateral business activity.

Pakistan and Belarus are also preparing for the next session of their Joint Ministerial Commission.The ninth session is scheduled to take place in Islamabad on August 11 and 12, 2026.

The two countries are expected to use the meeting to explore new areas of cooperation.Dar and Ryzhenkov also discussed regional developments.

The Belarusian foreign minister appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to support dialogue and promote peace and stability in the region.

Dar also met Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev.The two ministers reviewed the positive progress in relations between Pakistan and Kazakhstan.

They agreed to accelerate the implementation of agreements reached during recent high-level exchanges.A key focus was the implementation of 37 memorandums of understanding signed during a high-level visit.

The two countries also agreed to increase cooperation in trade, investment, transport, energy and regional connectivity.

People-to-people contacts and cooperation at international forums were also discussed.Kosherbayev appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to support regional peace and diplomacy.

He also invited Dar to visit Kazakhstan.The Pakistani foreign minister accepted the invitation and said the visit would take place at a mutually convenient time.

In another meeting, Dar held talks with Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin.Both sides described Pakistan-Tajikistan relations as close and longstanding.

They agreed to further expand cooperation in several sectors.These include trade, investment, energy, connectivity and culture.

The two ministers also highlighted the importance of stronger people-to-people contacts.They agreed that regular high-level exchanges could help deepen bilateral relations.

The two sides also discussed regional and global developments.They stressed the importance of cooperation through international and multilateral platforms.

Tajikistan also expressed support for Pakistan’s efforts to promote peace and the peaceful resolution of regional issues.Dar also met Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov.

The two ministers reaffirmed the importance of the Pakistan-Uzbekistan strategic partnership.

They reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation.Trade, investment, connectivity, energy, culture and people-to-people relations were among the key areas discussed.

Dar and Saidov also stressed the importance of stronger links between the business communities of both countries.

They said closer business engagement could help increase trade and investment.The two ministers also discussed the implementation of understandings reached during Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s recent visit to Pakistan.

They agreed that existing agreements should be converted into practical projects through timely implementation.

Regional and global developments were also discussed.Saidov appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to promote regional peace and stability.

Both sides expressed hope that dialogue and diplomacy would continue to support lasting peace in the region.

Dar’s meetings took place during his visit to Kyrgyzstan for the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting.

Pakistan used the diplomatic engagement to highlight its longstanding relations with SCO member states.

Islamabad also reaffirmed its readiness to assume the SCO chairmanship for 2026–27.Pakistan has expressed its intention to promote greater cooperation among member states.

The focus will include socioeconomic development, regional connectivity and mutual economic benefits.

Dar also attended an informal dinner hosted by Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Zheenbek Kulubaev for visiting dignitaries.

During the visit, Dar met Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov and conveyed greetings from Pakistan’s leadership.He expressed Islamabad’s desire to strengthen cooperation with Kyrgyzstan across different sectors.

Dar later led Pakistan’s delegation at the SCO ministerial meeting.

In his national statement, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the SCO Charter and the principles of the Shanghai Spirit.These principles include mutual trust, mutual respect, shared prosperity and development.

Pakistan has also invited SCO member states to attend the SCO Council of Heads of State summit in Pakistan next year.The government says Islamabad’s upcoming SCO leadership will provide an opportunity to strengthen regional cooperation and deepen economic and diplomatic ties with member states.

Similar Posts

  • |

    Gazans welcome Hamas disarmament plan but remain doubtful of Israeli withdrawal

    Many Palestinians in Gaza have cautiously welcomed reports that Hamas has agreed to disarm under a new United States backed proposal, hoping it could eventually bring an end to the devastating conflict. However, despite this small sign of progress, many remain unconvinced that Israel will withdraw its forces or that lasting peace is within reach. US President Donald Trump recently announced that Hamas had accepted a plan to surrender its weapons as part of a broader roadmap aimed at stabilising Gaza and beginning reconstruction. Hamas later confirmed the agreement. Even so, Israeli military operations have continued, leaving many residents uncertain about whether the proposal will lead to any real change. Thousands of families remain displaced, while many others continue living in overcrowded tent camps where shortages of food, clean water, medicine and proper sanitation have created severe humanitarian conditions. Disease outbreaks and poor living conditions have become an everyday reality for much of the population. For many Palestinians, survival remains the immediate concern. Abdel Moneim Aboul Roos, a 24 year old tuk tuk driver who lost a leg in an Israeli airstrike, said discussions about disarmament and troop withdrawals mean little while people continue to struggle for basic necessities. He said access to food and medical care matters more than political agreements that have yet to improve conditions on the ground. The latest proposal builds on a ceasefire agreement reached last year with US support. That deal ended large scale fighting for a period, secured the release of Israeli hostages and increased humanitarian aid entering Gaza. It also included plans for a gradual Israeli military withdrawal, the formation of an international stabilisation force and the dismantling of Hamas’ weapons. However, the agreement soon stalled as both Israel and Hamas accused each other of violating its terms. Hamas retained its weapons while Israeli forces remained in the territory, causing negotiations to break down. The newly announced roadmap provides more detailed arrangements for transferring Hamas’ weapons to a technocratic Palestinian administration. According to the proposal, Israel would not participate in the disarmament process and would instead halt military operations to allow political transition and reconstruction efforts to move forward. Despite these commitments, many Gazans remain deeply sceptical because previous promises of peace failed to deliver lasting results. Displaced resident Ayman Ahmed said people have repeatedly been told that the war would end, only to see the violence continue. While he hopes Hamas eventually lays down its arms, he believes such a step is unlikely in the near future and expressed frustration that ordinary Palestinians continue to suffer while political leaders remain divided. The conflict began after Hamas launched its October 2023 attack on southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking hundreds of hostages. Israel responded with a large military campaign in Gaza that has caused widespread destruction and heavy casualties. According to Gaza health authorities, more than 73,000 Palestinians have been killed during the war, while the fighting has displaced most of the territory’s population. The figures do not distinguish between civilians and fighters, although officials say women and children account for a large share of those killed. Many residents also fear that Israel has no intention of fully leaving Gaza even if Hamas is disarmed. Israeli officials have not publicly endorsed the latest roadmap and anonymous government sources have suggested that it does not match Israel’s security objectives. They have also indicated that Israeli forces intend to remain along the Yellow Line, a military zone separating Israeli controlled territory from the rest of Gaza. The military has strengthened its positions in these areas by building defensive barriers and carrying out demolition operations, leaving many displaced families uncertain whether they will ever return to their homes. Despite these fears, many Palestinians continue to hold onto hope. Anas Nakla, whose home in Rafah was destroyed during the war, said he still dreams of returning with his family even though nothing remains of his house. Mohamed Hamad, displaced from northern Gaza, believes that if the new plan results in even a partial Israeli withdrawal, it would restore hope that one day all displaced families could rebuild their lives in their own communities.

  • Deadly Fire At Bangkok Pub Kills At Least 27, Injures Dozens

    BANGKOK, Thailand — A devastating fire at a popular bar in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district early Monday morning has claimed the lives of at least 27 people and left dozens more injured. The tragedy unfolded at the Na Ladprao eatery near Soi Lat Phrao 1 Road at approximately 12:02 a.m., trapping numerous patrons inside the venue […]

  • Cambodia Pushes for Immediate Ceasefire as Border Talks Resume

    BANGKOK – Cambodian Defence Minister Tea Seiha has formally called for an immediate end to hostilities and full implementation of existing ceasefire agreements in a letter to his Thai counterpart. The proposal, dated December 22, urges a return to the terms of the Kuala Lumpur ceasefire agreement signed on July 26 and the Joint Declaration […]

  • | |

    AJK polling extended amid rain, PPP alleges electi…

    Polling continued on Sunday in the second phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections, with voters casting ballots in eight of the nine constituencies in the Muzaffarabad division and all 12 refugee constituencies. The polling process began at 8am and was initially scheduled to conclude at 5pm. However, an AJK Election Commission spokesperson announced a one-hour extension, allowing voters to cast their ballots until 6pm. Heavy rainfall forced authorities to postpone polling in LA-27 (Muzaffarabad-I), AJK Chief Election Commissioner Ghulam Mustafa Mughal said. More than 300 candidates are contesting the seats in the Muzaffarabad division and the 12 constituencies reserved for refugees settled in various parts of Pakistan. Meanwhile, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari renewed his allegations of electoral irregularities, accusing the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) of attempting to influence the voting process during the second phase as well. In a post on X, Bilawal condemned what he described as an attack on PPP’s regional president Chaudhry Latif Akbar, who is also contesting from LA-31 (Muzaffarabad-V). He alleged that elements linked to the PML-N were responsible for the incident and claimed that PPP worker Mushtaq Shah was killed in the same constituency. Bilawal accused the PML-N of using intimidation and violence to interfere with the electoral process and called for the immediate arrest of those responsible for the alleged attack on Akbar and the killing of the party worker. In another statement, the PPP chairman alleged that attacks had targeted his party’s voters as well as the AJK president. He said the contest in Muzaffarabad had turned into a struggle between the PPP’s political principles and what he described as the PML-N’s use of threats, coercion and alleged rigging. The PPP also submitted a formal complaint to the AJK Election Commission, alleging that Akbar faced a physical assault while participating in election-related activities on polling day. The party named three individuals in connection with the incident and said it had initiated the process of registering a first information report (FIR). The PPP urged the Election Commission to investigate the alleged security failure and determine how the incident occurred despite security arrangements at the polling site. AJK Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, who belongs to the PPP, also took notice of the incident. He directed the chief secretary and inspector general of police to investigate the matter and ensure that those responsible face legal action.

  • |

    Cuba plunges into darkness as national electric grid collapses

    Cuba’s state-owned grid operator, Union Electrica de Cuba, announced that the national electricity system collapsed late on Sunday night, leaving approximately 10 million residents without power. The widespread outage marks the fourth major blackout to hit the country in recent weeks following three similar grid failures recorded throughout July. The worsening energy crisis is driven by severe fuel shortages, which have left the nation’s ageing power generation facilities unable to meet basic electrical demand. Sanctions and geopolitical shifts have severely restricted the island’s ability to import crude oil. Following the ouster of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in January, a US-imposed oil blockade cut off Cuba’s primary source of imported fuel, while alternative shipments from Mexico have also stopped under pressure from Washington. To mitigate the escalating power supply emergency, the Cuban government has initiated unprecedented reforms by allowing private businesses and foreign-backed entities into its domestic wholesale fuel market.

  • | |

    Punjab cybercrime crackdown, 28 suspects arrested

    LAHORE: Authorities have arrested 28 suspects in Lahore, Faisalabad and Multan as part of a major crackdown on organised online fraud, exposing alleged schemes that relied on impersonation, fake investment opportunities and fabricated official identities to deceive citizens. The arrests were made during a province-wide operation by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Punjab, directed by Punjab Director Muhammad Ali Wasim, officials said. Investigators also seized 24 mobile phones and a laptop, which are now being examined for evidence that could lead to other members of the alleged network. The investigation has revealed how fraudsters allegedly manipulated trust to convince victims to hand over large sums of money. Millions allegedly lost in Lahore scam In Lahore, 18 suspects were arrested in separate operations. Investigators said the suspects allegedly impersonated relatives, visa agents, government officials and personnel associated with the Punjab Safe Cities Authority. In one case, suspects allegedly posed as both a relative and a visa agent and persuaded a victim to transfer Rs25.86 million. The case has highlighted how scammers can combine apparently familiar identities with urgent requests to make their schemes appear legitimate. Rs54.66m trading fraud uncovered Three suspects were arrested in Faisalabad in connection with alleged online trading fraud and unauthorised access to a company email account. According to investigators, a victim was shown fabricated trading records, digital-wallet balances and purported profit statements to create the impression that substantial returns were being generated. After being persuaded to invest, the victim allegedly lost Rs54.66 million, investigators said. The case demonstrates the growing sophistication of investment scams, where criminals allegedly use manipulated digital information to make fraudulent platforms appear genuine. Multan arrests expose impersonation tactics In Multan, seven suspects were arrested for allegedly posing as relatives, bank employees and individuals claiming to be based in Britain. Officials said victims were approached with various demands, including payments supposedly required for prize money, customs clearance, taxes and visa renewals. Such tactics typically create a sense of urgency, leaving victims with little time to verify the identity of the caller or the authenticity of the demand. Digital evidence now under forensic examination NCCIA investigators are examining the seized devices through forensic analysis. Financial transactions, call records and digital communications are also being reviewed to establish the full extent of the alleged operation and identify other people who may be connected to it. The crackdown comes amid growing concern over online financial fraud in Pakistan. The NCCIA’s own statistics identify financial fraud as a major category of reported cybercrime. The latest arrests underscore a simple but increasingly important warning: an apparently familiar voice, official-looking message or promising investment opportunity may not be what it seems. Authorities are expected to continue the investigation as they trace the alleged network and follow the digital and financial trails left behind.

Leave a Reply

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