FO reaffirms zero tolerance for terrorism
Pakistan on Friday strongly reiterated its unwavering commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, calling for objective and collective global action against the menace, while rejecting politically motivated narratives aimed at maligning the country.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan reiterated its "zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism in all forms and manifestations," stressing that it has been a "frontline state in the global fight against terrorism".
The statement highlighted Pakistan's contributions to the international counterterrorism efforts, including the recent arrest of Sharifullah, the alleged mastermind of the Abbey Gate bombing.
"Pakistan has effectively dismantled terrorist outfits, arrested and prosecuted their leadership, and deradicalized their cadres," the statement said, adding that any linkage of the LeT with the Pahalgam incident "belies ground realities".
The ministry noted that investigations into the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 civilians, remain inconclusive. "The incident occurred in a disputed region under India's occupation, and attempts to link Pakistan to it are politically motivated," the statement added.
The Foreign Office accused India of "exploiting such designations to push anti-Pakistan propaganda and divert international attention from its irresponsible and rogue behavior, including ongoing human rights atrocities in IIOJ&K."
Pakistan also urged the international community to adopt "objective and non-discriminatory policies" in fighting terrorism. "Terrorist organizations like the Majeed Brigade must also be listed as aliases of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA," it stressed.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
7 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Visa exemption for Pakistani officials, diplomats traveling to UAE now in effect
The United Arab Emirates has formally implemented a visa exemption for Pakistani diplomatic and official passport holders, effective July 25, 2025, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed on Sunday. Announcing the development on the social media platform X, Dar said the move follows a bilateral agreement signed in Abu Dhabi on June 24, 2025, during his meeting with UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. 'We both agreed to grant visa exemptions to holders of diplomatic and official passports and signed a Memorandum of Understanding to bring this into effect,' Dar stated. 'The signed MoU came into force 30 days after the signing date.' In my meeting at Abu Dhabi on 24th June 2025 with my brother Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of UAE, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, we agreed mutual visa waivers on diplomatic and official passports between our two brotherly countries and we both… — Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) July 27, 2025 Dar confirmed that UAE authorities have now fully activated the waiver, allowing holders of diplomatic and official passports to enter the UAE without a visa. He also noted that, under the reciprocal arrangement, UAE citizens will now be granted visa-free entry at all Pakistani airports. The agreement is expected to ease official travel and strengthen diplomatic ties between Pakistan and the UAE. Last month, Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on mutual exemption of visa entry requirements among other agreements during the 12th session of the Pakistan-UAE Joint Ministerial Commission held in Abu Dhabi. The session was co-chaired by Pakistan's deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs, Senator Ishaq Dar, and the UAE's minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The two countries signed different agreements aimed at enhancing cooperation in areas such as investment, artificial intelligence and the digital economy, reported Radio Pakistan. Read: Pakistan, UAE reaffirm commitment to peace The meeting was held in a spirit of mutual understanding and brotherhood, with both sides exchanging views on regional and international developments. They reaffirmed their commitment to peace and stability in the region.
Business Recorder
10 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Govt bars pilgrims from traveling to Iran, Iraq by road this Arbaeen
Pakistani pilgrims will not be allowed to travel to Iran and Iraq by road for the Arbaeen pilgrimage due to public and national security, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said on Sunday. 'After extensive consultations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, [the] Balochistan Government, and security agencies, it has been decided that zaireen (pilgrims) will not be allowed to travel to Iraq and Iran by road for Arbaeen this year,' Naqvi said on X. The minister said that the decision was taken in the interest of public safety and national security. He added that the intending pilgrims will be able to travel by air. Naqvi said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the authorities concerned to arrange maximum flights in the coming days to facilitate pilgrims travelling for Arbaeen. PM Shehbaz directs assistance for protection of Pakistani pilgrims in Iran His remarks followed a briefing to the prime minister earlier in the day on the new pilgrimage management policy, according to a report by the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP). The prime minister also instructed Aviation Minister Khawaja Asif to ensure the availability of special flights for pilgrims, the APP reported, citing a press release from the PM Office. As part of broader reforms, the government plans to implement a new travel management system effective January 1, 2026. Under the new framework, only registered group organisers will be allowed to facilitate pilgrimages, replacing the traditional Salar system. Iran eases visa rules for Pakistan zaireen In addition to the increase in weekly flights to Iran from six to 15, authorities will arrange 107 special flights for Zaireen travelling to Iraq for religious observance. Meanwhile, Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousuf recently clarified that his earlier statement regarding 40,000 missing pilgrims was based on a misunderstanding. He said outdated paper records, which had not yet been fully digitised, led to the inaccurate figure. Arbaeen Pilgrims travel to Iraq to participate in the Chehlum observance, also known as Arbaeen, an Arabic word meaning 'forty', which marks the 40th day of mourning following the martyrdom of Imam Husain, the revered grandson of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Karbala, Iraq, where Imam Husain and his brother Abbas are buried in two grand shrines, becomes the focal point for millions of Shia pilgrims during Arbaeen. Last year, more than 21 million people took part in the annual pilgrimage.
Express Tribune
12 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Dar touts inflation dip, better global relations
Listen to article Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Pakistan has emerged from diplomatic isolation and is witnessing economic recovery, highlighting a sharp drop in inflation and growing international engagement. Speaking to the Pakistani community at the Consulate General in New York on Saturday, Dar said, 'We have made considerable progress, especially in political and economic fields, in the past three years, despite heavy odds – we are indeed a resilient nation.' Dar, who returned earlier in the day from Washington, said his meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was held in a cordial atmosphere and covered key global and regional matters. 'The meeting went very well,' he said, expressing hope for stronger bilateral ties. Present at the event were Pakistan's Ambassador to the United States Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, and Consul General Aamir Ahmed Atozai. Dar told the audience that Pakistan was no longer isolated and now enjoys support from many nations, evidenced by recent high-level meetings with officials from China, the US, and others. He pointed to the reduction of inflation from 40% to 2.4% as of January 2025 as proof of government effectiveness. The DPM/FM said investor confidence had returned following the successful conclusion of the IMF programme, a recovery acknowledged by international credit agencies. He reaffirmed the government's ambition to join the G20. Dar credited PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif for steering the federal and Punjab governments, calling him an able statesman. He also briefed the community on the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), which aims to ease investment in key sectors. He announced that work was under way to resume PIA flights to New York, following the restoration of routes to Europe and the UK. Appreciating the Pakistani-American community's role, Dar acknowledged their contributions to Pakistan and the US, praising their unity during past tensions with India. He recounted the shooting down of six Indian aircraft by the Pakistan Air Force and praised the leadership of Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. Dar noted Pakistan's presidency of the UN Security Council—secured with support from 182 countries—and the unanimous adoption of a Pakistan-sponsored resolution on peaceful settlement of disputes. He reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to diplomacy, peaceful regional ties, and its outreach to Afghanistan for trade and rail connectivity, while expecting Afghan soil not to be used for terrorism. On Aafia Siddiqui's incarceration, he said efforts for her release were ongoing through diplomatic channels. Ambassador Sheikh also addressed the community, noting Pakistan's improved global image following the armed forces' role in national defence. He urged the diaspora to invest in Pakistan, saying a strong economy is vital for national security.
