Category: Government Institutions

Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs of the United States Department of State Victoria Nuland held a meeting with Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar, on the side lines of the UNGA.

The MOS thanked the U.S. Government for the solidarity it expressed with the flood victims by assistance of 55 million dollars and underscored that the recent visits of the US Congressional delegations and the members of Administration to Pakistan were a manifestation of the empathy that the United States had for the flood victims and the people of Pakistan.

She apprised the Under Secretary on the devastation caused by the ravaging floods which directly affected 33 million people with punitive losses to Pakistan.

The MOS stressed that even though Pakistan is responsible for less than 1 percent of global emissions it was bearing the brunt of climate crisis. She also highlighted the relief efforts of the Government and emphasized that reconstruction and rehabilitation would require long-term commitments on part of the international community.

The MOS underscored that there was enormous potential for deepening and widening the Pakistan-US bilateral ties, particularly in the areas of trade and investment and in reinforcing people-to-people relations- based on mutual trust and mutual respect.

The MOS highlighted the deteriorating situation of the human rights in India and, in particular, how it was affecting the plight of the Kashmiris in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and emphasized the centrality of the resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute for the regional peace and stability.

The Under Secretary offered condolences over the loss of precious lives in Pakistan due to the super floods. She maintained that the U.S. would support Pakistan in the reconstruction and rehabilitation process. She also reaffirmed that the US would widen its engagement with Pakistan in various areas including climate change, health, energy, and trade and investment.

The MOS also discussed the regional situation and emphasized the need for peace, development, and stability in Afghanistan and beyond.

 

Source: Radio Pakistan

The Foreign Ministers of the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir have reaffirmed their support for the legitimate struggle of Kashmiri people for realization of their inalienable right to self-determination and freedom from Indian occupation.

In a Joint Communiqué of the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir, the Foreign Ministers reaffirmed the inalienable right to self-determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir in accordance with the recognized OIC position and the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

They met today on the sidelines of the 77th United Nations General Assembly in New York on with its Secretary-General in the chair.

The Foreign Ministers denounced India’s illegal and unilateral actions of 5 August and subsequent steps which are in direct violation of UNSC resolutions and are aimed at changing the demographic structure of IIOJK.

They rejected the issuance of fake domicile certificates to non-Kashmiris granting them the voting rights, and amendments in land ownership laws, and any other step to alter the existing demographic structure of the disputed territory.

They deplored that the Indian forces continue to perpetrate a vicious campaign of repressive actions, including extrajudicial killings of innocent Kashmiris in fake encounters, custodial killings and cordon-and-search operations.

They also condemned that the entire Hurriyat leadership, the true representatives of Kashmiri political aspirations, has been under continued detention for three years with most having been subjected to brutal and inhumane treatment at the hands of Indian occupation forces.

They paid rich tribute to the unflinching commitment of the Hurriyat leadership, including the late Syed Ali Geelani to the Kashmir cause in the face of persistent persecution and tremendous personal hardships.

The Foreign Ministers reiterated the call on the international community to hold India accountable for the heinous crimes being committed by the Indian forces in the IIOJK.

 

Source: Radio Pakistan

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has called for huge investment to build disaster resilient infrastructure in Pakistan through coordinated efforts with international development finance institutions.

He was talking to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Development Finance Corporation (DFC) of the United States, Scott Nathan in New York today.

The Foreign Minister said additional capital through institutions like DFC is imperative for addressing the challenge of climate change and development in renewable energy, agriculture and business industry.

He said attracting investments in all sectors of Pakistan’s economy is the government’s top priority.

Highlighting agriculture, infrastructure, energy including renewable energy and technology sector including green technologies as priority areas, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari hoped that DFC will tap the tremendous investment opportunities in these sectors in Pakistan.

Briefing the CEO of DFC about the devastating floods in Pakistan and the government’s efforts to manage the crisis, he expressed gratitude for the flood relief assistance provided by the United States.

The Foreign Minister said Pakistan wants to make economic and investment cooperation as one of the key pillars of its bilateral relations with the Unite States and DFC has an important role in this regard.

Speaking on the occasion, the CEO of DFC expressed solidarity with the people and government of Pakistan in the wake of devastating floods and assured continued US support in managing the crisis.

He reaffirmed DFC’s interest in collaborating with Pakistan’s private sector and assured continued engagement to identify projects ready for investment by US Corporate sector.

He also accepted the Foreign Minister’s invitation to visit Pakistan.

It is pertinent to mention here that the Development Finance Corporation of the United States has developed a Climate Action Plan beginning next year under which it would allocate 33 percent of its investments in climate related projects.

 

Source: Radio Pakistan

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that he is deeply touched by Palestinians’ gesture of sending their Rapid Response and Rescue team to help flood victims in Pakistan.

In a tweet today (Tuesday), he said it is a reflection of a strong bond of love and brotherhood between the peoples of Pakistan and Palestine.

Expressing his gratitude to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, he said Pakistan will never forget this gesture.

 

Source: Radio Pakistan

President Dr. Arif Alvi has held telephonic conversation with the families of the soldiers who were martyred in exchange of fire against terrorists on the Kharlachi Afghanistan border.

The President prayed for the high ranks of the martyrs and patience to the bereaved families.

Dr Arif Alvi also paid homage to the soldiers who laid down their lives for the protection of our motherland.

 

Source: Radio Pakistan

Election Commission of Pakistan has reserved judgment in Toshakhana case against PTI Chairman Imran Khan.

The judgment was reserved today (Monday) after hearing arguments of the parties.

 

Source: Radio Pakistan