cdf asim reinforces
| |

CDF Asim reinforces Pakistan’s defence partn…

ByJustpaste.in

A high-level delegation from Somalia, led by Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, met Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi to discuss bilateral defence cooperation and regional security.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the meeting focused on matters of mutual interest, the evolving regional security environment and ways to strengthen defence and military cooperation between Pakistan and Somalia.

Both sides emphasised the importance of expanding military-to-military relations and enhancing cooperation in training and capacity-building initiatives to address shared security challenges. They also discussed the need for closer collaboration to promote peace and stability in the region.

During the meeting, the Somali defence minister acknowledged Pakistan’s continued support for Somalia and praised the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces in contributing to regional peace and security.

Field Marshal Asim Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supporting Somalia in strengthening its security institutions and enhancing defence capabilities. He said Pakistan values its longstanding relationship with Somalia and remains committed to deepening bilateral cooperation in the defence sector.

The meeting reflects the growing defence ties between the two countries and their shared commitment to enhancing security cooperation and addressing common regional challenges.

Similar Posts

  • 20-kanal government land deal faces Parliament scrutiny

    ByJustpaste.in

    Islamabad: A long running agreement involving government land, a private training institute and millions of rupees came under intense scrutiny as lawmakers questioned the terms of the Hazza Institute of Technology arrangement during a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training. Members raised serious questions over how a private institute continued operating on government provided land, why the agreement was extended for another 15 years and whether public interest was fully protected in the deal. The committee was informed that around 20 kanals of land were provided to Hazza Institute under a Public Private Partnership model, but lawmakers questioned whether the government was receiving proper benefits from the arrangement. The issue was discussed during the 25th meeting of the committee after members raised concerns about repeated projects being given to the same institute and questioned whether Hazza had received special preference over other organisations. The Executive Director of the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), Muhammad Amir Jan, rejected allegations of favouritism and said no institution was being supported unfairly. He told the committee that decisions regarding Hazza were made by previous administrations and that he was responsible for dealing with the existing agreement according to government rules. According to the briefing, the Hazza Institute project started in 2010 under a Public Private Partnership model. A Saudi Arabia based training company along with its local partner was selected after a process at that time. Under the original plan, the government was supposed to provide land and invest Rs 340 million through the Workers Welfare Fund. Officials informed the committee that while the land was provided, the planned investment was not released. The agreement was later rewritten in 2018 by the National Training Bureau, which transferred responsibilities to NAVTTC. The new arrangement continued for 15 years starting from 2018 and would remain effective until 2033. During the meeting, members questioned why the government did not take action earlier to review or end the agreement. The committee members asked for details of the agreement and questioned why a private organisation was allowed to continue using government property without clear financial benefits for the state. NAVTTC officials explained that the agreement was legally valid and the institute was considered an authorised occupant under the existing contract. However, the Executive Director admitted that some terms of the agreement were one sided and needed to be reviewed. He informed the committee that under the agreement, the government had limited powers to remove the institute before the completion period. Officials said efforts were now underway to renegotiate the terms and ensure that the government receives proper value from the land the institute is using. The committee was informed that NAVTTC had already taken back around 4,000 square feet of built up space from the total area for establishing a NAVTTC incubation centre. The official said the total built up area was around 20,000 square feet and explained that under the Built Operate Transfer model, ownership would eventually return to the government after the agreement period ends. The financial side of the matter also came under discussion. Officials informed the committee that Hazza was linked with an overseas training programme and was expected to train thousands of young Pakistanis for foreign employment opportunities. The committee was told that the institute was involved in a programme targeting 4,000 trainees, out of which 780 had already completed training and moved forward. The Executive Director stated that no additional funds would be released unless the programme produced results and overseas employment targets were achieved. He also informed the committee that disputes and complaints involving Hazza had reached different forums, including government platforms, with competing groups filing complaints against each other. Members demanded greater transparency and said that government land and public resources must be managed in a way that protects national interest. The committee also questioned the extension of the agreement period, noting that the original partnership documents from 2010 and 2011 had different timelines. Officials explained that the agreement was revalidated in 2018, restarting the 15 year period from that year. The committee directed NAVTTC to review the matter carefully and provide a progress report after two months. Chairperson Mahtab Akbar Rashdi said the committee wanted practical action and clear decisions rather than further delays. She stressed that while investment made by private partners should be considered, government interests and accountability must remain the priority.

  • | |

    Rana Sanaullah calls AJK polls free and fair

    ByJustpaste.in

    Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has defended the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections. He described the polling process as peaceful, free, fair and credible. Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Sanaullah said voters had exercised their democratic right across 13 constituencies of Mirpur Division on July 27. According to unofficial results, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) won nine seats. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) secured four seats. Sanaullah congratulated the winning candidates. He also praised the Election Commission, AJK administration and security agencies for managing the election process. He said the polls were held despite a challenging security situation. He added that the authorities took steps to maintain law and order throughout polling. The prime minister’s aide urged opposition parties to respect the voters’ decision. However, he said they were free to challenge any alleged irregularities through constitutional and legal channels. Sanaullah said complaints regarding the election would be examined by the relevant authorities. He stressed that political parties should use legal forums instead of creating political tensions. He also said polling hours were extended by one hour. The extension was given to facilitate voters and allow more people to cast their ballots. He estimated voter turnout at between 40 and 60 per cent. Sanaullah said the election was largely peaceful. However, a serious incident occurred in LA-9 Nakyal. A dispute between members of the same family reportedly turned violent because of political differences. One person was killed and another was injured in the incident. Police arrested several suspects in connection with the shooting. Sanaullah also mentioned the killing of PML-N leader Malik Ashiq. He was shot during an election rally in Kotli on July 11. The government official further claimed that a candidate from LA-6 and members of his campaign team attempted to take ballot boxes after polling. He said the suspects were arrested and a case was registered. Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam also addressed the press conference. He said the PML-N’s performance showed strong public support for the party. Muqam said the party would work to fulfil the promises made during its election campaign. Sanaullah attributed the PML-N’s success to teamwork and its political leadership. He also said development initiatives in Punjab had contributed to the party’s electoral performance. The election results have triggered political exchanges between the PML-N and PPP. The PPP has raised allegations of irregularities and accused the government of influencing the election process. The PML-N has rejected the allegations. It has also accused political opponents of attempting to manipulate the electoral process. The Election Commission has said that violations of electoral rules will be dealt with under the law. The AJK elections are being conducted in three phases. The first phase covered 13 constituencies in Mirpur Division. The second phase is scheduled for August 2. It will cover Muzaffarabad Division and refugee constituencies. The final phase will be held in Poonch Division on August 10. Sanaullah said the government was ready to address genuine complaints. He maintained that political parties should follow constitutional procedures while challenging election results.

  • |

    Pakistan’s hockey error hands India edge

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s hockey team suffered a disappointing defeat against India in the group stage of the Asian Five-a-Side Hockey Tournament after a serious mistake by the team management resulted in a breach of tournament rules. During the match, Pakistan mistakenly fielded six players instead of the permitted five. In Five-a-Side Hockey, each team is allowed to have only five players on the field at any given time. The error was spotted by match officials, who immediately informed the umpires. After the violation was identified, the umpires ordered two Pakistani players to leave the field. The decision left Pakistan with only three players on the pitch for a short period as a penalty for the rules breach. India took full advantage of Pakistan’s numerical disadvantage. Playing with fewer players made it difficult for Pakistan to defend and maintain possession, allowing India to dominate the game during that phase. The Indian team eventually secured victory in the group-stage encounter. The defeat has been linked to the management’s mistake rather than the players’ performance on the field. The incident has raised concerns over the handling of team operations and compliance with tournament regulations during an important international competition. Five-a-Side Hockey follows strict rules regarding the number of players on the field. Any violation can result in immediate penalties that may significantly affect the outcome of a match. Officials acted quickly after noticing the extra player, ensuring that tournament regulations were enforced. Despite the setback, both Pakistan and India have qualified for the final of the Asian Five-a-Side Hockey Tournament. The two rivals are set to meet once again in the title clash later today. The final will give Pakistan an opportunity to recover from the earlier defeat and compete for the championship. The team will also aim to avoid the costly mistakes that affected its performance in the group-stage match. Hockey fans will be hoping for a disciplined display as Pakistan looks to avenge its earlier loss and challenge India for the tournament trophy.

  • |

    Pakistan’s Young Taekwondo stars shine in Singapore

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan’s young taekwondo athletes delivered a memorable performance in Singapore, returning from the Grand Slam Youth Taekwondo League with an impressive haul of five medals, including three golds. The international youth competition was held in Tampines, Singapore, from July 24 to 26, bringing together talented athletes from more than 13 countries. The event provided young competitors with a valuable platform to test their skills against international opposition. The Singapore edition was also officially listed as the second edition of the Grand Slam Youth League. Pakistan’s Qadeer Khan, Wajahat Ali Khan and Arham Manaf emerged as the standout performers, securing gold medals in their respective categories after impressive displays. Their victories highlighted the growing confidence and ability of Pakistan’s young taekwondo athletes on the international stage. Competing against athletes from a wide range of countries, the Pakistani trio demonstrated determination, speed and technical skill to finish at the top. The country’s medal tally was further strengthened by Ayan Miraj and Syed Ahmed Ayaz, who claimed bronze medals after strong performances. The five-medal haul represents an encouraging development for Pakistan’s youth taekwondo programme. Beyond the medals themselves, the results offer a glimpse of the potential emerging among the country’s younger athletes. The Grand Slam Youth League is designed to give young competitors high-level international experience while allowing them to showcase their abilities in a competitive environment. For Pakistan, the Singapore success could prove an important confidence boost as these young athletes continue their development. Their performances have not only raised the national flag on the international stage but also underlined the depth of talent available in Pakistan’s next generation of taekwondo competitors.

  • | |

    Pakistan rejects Afghan claim over alleged weapons…

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has rejected claims by the Afghan Taliban that weapons are being smuggled from Pakistan into Afghanistan, calling the allegation baseless and contrary to established facts. In a statement, Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said the allegation appeared to be an attempt to divert international attention from the more serious security concerns emerging from Afghan territory. The ministry said Afghanistan already possesses a large quantity of modern weapons and military equipment left behind after the withdrawal of US and allied forces. According to the ministry, the value of the abandoned military equipment has been estimated at around $7.2 billion. Pakistan also pointed to Afghanistan’s large stockpiles of Soviet-era weapons. These weapons, it said, accumulated during decades of conflict in the country and remain another major source of arms available on Afghan soil. The ministry argued that attributing such weapons to Pakistan was misleading. It said the claim could shift attention away from the presence of militant groups operating from Afghanistan. Pakistan has repeatedly raised concerns over militant activity originating from Afghan territory. Islamabad maintains that terrorist groups continue to find shelter and operational space there. The ministry said these groups were allegedly using Afghan territory to plan, support and carry out attacks against Pakistan. It urged the Afghan Taliban authorities to focus on addressing militant safe havens instead of making what Pakistan described as unsupported allegations against Islamabad. “Afghan Taliban” authorities, according to the statement, should take effective measures against terrorist groups operating from their territory. Pakistan also called on Afghan authorities to honour their commitments and ensure that Afghan soil is not used for terrorism against Pakistan or any other country. The latest statement comes amid continued tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan over security and cross-border militancy. Islamabad has repeatedly demanded concrete action against groups that it says are involved in attacks inside Pakistan. Pakistan has also stressed that the issue should be addressed through practical measures rather than accusations. The ministry maintained that Afghanistan’s existing weapons stockpiles and the continued presence of militant groups are important factors in the regional security situation. It said efforts to blame Pakistan for the presence of weapons in Afghanistan should not distract the international community from addressing terrorism and militant activity based in the region.

  • | |

    Türkiye condemns Black Sea drone strikes on cargo…

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISTANBUL: Türkiye has strongly condemned drone attacks on two commercial cargo vessels in the Black Sea, warning that continued assaults on civilian shipping could jeopardize international maritime trade and global food security. According to international media reports, the vessels were attacked shortly after departing Russia’s Black Sea port of Novorossiysk. Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that several crew members were injured in the incidents and said their condition is being closely monitored. In a statement, the ministry expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine in the Black Sea, noting that repeated warnings about the risks to civilian navigation have gone unheeded. It stressed that disruptions to commercial shipping could have serious consequences for global trade routes and food supply chains. Ankara urged all parties involved in the conflict to take immediate and effective measures to safeguard freedom of navigation and ensure the safety of commercial vessels operating in the region. Reports identified the targeted ships as Yasir and Nadezhda, sailing under the flags of Panama and Cameroon, respectively. Although registered abroad, both vessels are reportedly owned by Turkish companies. The attacks come amid a steady rise in hostilities across the Black Sea, where commercial shipping has increasingly been caught in the crossfire of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. In late June, an attack near Crimea on a Turkish fishing boat left one person dead and four others injured, while another Turkish cargo ship was reportedly struck by a drone at the end of May. Meanwhile, separate security incidents have further heightened regional tensions. In the Russian-controlled Crimean city of Sevastopol, four people, including a soldier, were killed after a serviceman allegedly opened fire on both military personnel and civilians before being taken into custody. Authorities have launched an investigation into the motive behind the shooting. Elsewhere, Russian officials reported that a Ukrainian drone strike on the industrial area of Novoselki near Moscow killed five people and injured ten others. The attack also triggered multiple fires across the industrial zone. Analysts say the intensifying military activity in the Black Sea is increasing the risks to international commerce, energy transportation, and global food supplies, while further complicating efforts to ease the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Leave a Reply

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