Pakistan Expresses Concerns Over US Arms Supply to India

Report by Syed Farzand Ali

Pakistan has strongly expressed concerns over the United States supplying advanced weapons to India, calling it a threat to regional peace and stability.

During a weekly press briefing, Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan stated that the US-India joint statement regarding Pakistan is baseless and misleading. He emphasized that Pakistan, as a country affected by terrorism, remains committed to promoting global peace and stability. He also accused India of severe human rights violations in occupied Kashmir, stating that New Delhi has failed to address human rights abuses.

Turkish President’s Visit to Pakistan

The spokesperson revealed that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan visited Pakistan at the invitation of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, accompanied by a high-level delegation. During the visit, the Turkish President held meetings with Pakistani leadership and also addressed the Business and Investment Forum.

Under the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Forum, both countries formed new committees and discussed regional and global issues. Regarding Afghanistan, both leaders agreed that there should be no safe havens for terrorists inside the country. The Turkish President also stressed the need to boost trade and investment relations, expressing Turkey’s keen interest in investing in Pakistan.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Visit to UAE

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif recently concluded a two-day visit to the United Arab Emirates, where he delivered a speech at the World Governments Summit and held meetings with UAE leaders. During the visit, he also engaged with US investors and other global leaders.

Pakistan Condemns Israeli PM’s Statement on Gaza

The Foreign Office spokesperson strongly condemned the Israeli Prime Minister’s statement suggesting the resettlement of Gaza’s people in Saudi Arabia, calling it irresponsible and provocative. He reaffirmed that Pakistan stands in full solidarity with Saudi Arabia.

Additionally, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has contacted the foreign ministers of Iran, Egypt, Türkiye, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia to discuss the ongoing crisis in Gaza. Pakistan has also expressed support for an extraordinary meeting of the OIC foreign ministers on the matter.

Libya Boat Tragedy: 63 Pakistanis Affected

Shafqat Ali Khan confirmed that 63 Pakistani nationals were aboard the ill-fated boat that sank off the coast of Libya. He reported that 16 bodies have been identified, three survivors are in the custody of the embassy, while 10 Pakistanis remain missing.

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to Visit the US

The spokesperson announced that Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will travel to the United States on February 18 to attend a United Nations Security Council meeting. He is also expected to hold bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the event.