Gaza high on agenda in Dar's UN visit next week
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will travel to the United States next week to participate in high-level events marking Pakistan's presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in New York, the Foreign Office said has confirmed.
Dar will chair multiple signature events at the UN headquarters, including a high-level open debate on "Promoting International Peace and Security through Multilateralism and Peaceful Settlement of Disputes." The session aims to reinforce multilateral diplomacy and mediation as key tools for resolving global conflicts.
He will also preside over the UNSC's quarterly open debate on the "Situation in the Middle East including the Palestinian Question," underscoring Pakistan's continued focus on long-standing international disputes, the FO added.
In addition, Dar is scheduled to chair a special UNSC briefing on strengthening cooperation between the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), part of Pakistan's broader diplomatic push to link multilateral institutions in pursuit of peace.
To reaffirm Pakistan's solidarity with Palestine, the deputy prime minister will attend a high-level conference on the "Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution." The event is expected to spotlight Islamabad's call for an end to occupation and a just resolution to the decades-old conflict.
During his stay in New York, Dar is also expected to hold several bilateral meetings with fellow foreign ministers and senior UN officials. He will later travel to Washington for additional engagements, though specific details of the visit have not yet been announced.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
an hour ago
- Express Tribune
Israel army chief warns of relentless combat over hostage crisis
Mourners react next to the bodies of Palestinians, who according to the medics, were killed in overnight Israeli strikes, at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza on July 23, 2025. — Reuters Listen to article Israel's top general has warned that there will be no respite in fighting in Gaza if negotiations fail to quickly secure the release of hostages held in the Palestinian territory. 'I estimate that in the coming days we will know whether we can reach an agreement for the release of our hostages,' said army chief of staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, according to a military statement. 'If not, the combat will continue without rest,' he said, during remarks to officers inside Gaza on Friday. Footage released by the Israeli military showed Zamir meeting soldiers and officers in a command center. Read More: UN says over 1,300 Palestinians killed seeking aid in Gaza since May Of the 251 people who were kidnapped from Israel during Hamas's attack in October 2023, 49 remain in Gaza, 27 of them dead, according to the military. Palestinian armed groups this week released two videos of hostages looking emaciated and weak. Negotiations -- mediated by the United States, Egypt and Qatar -- to secure a ceasefire and their release broke down last month, and some in Israel have called for tougher military action. This comes against the backdrop of growing pressure -- both internationally and domestically, including from many of the hostages' families -- to resume efforts to secure a ceasefire in the nearly 22-month conflict. Aid agencies have meanwhile warned that Gaza's population is facing a catastrophic famine, triggered by Israeli restrictions on aid. Also Read: Hamas rejects disarmament without Palestinian state Zamir nonetheless rejected these allegations out of hand. 'The current campaign of false accusations of intentional starvation is a deliberate, timed, and deceitful attempt to accuse the [Israeli military], a moral army, of war crimes,' he said. 'The ones responsible for the killing and suffering of the residents in the Gaza Strip is Hamas.' Hamas's 2023 attack resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to a tally based on official figures.
Express Tribune
6 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Govt to introduce separate immigration counters for foreign passengers
Listen to article Government will establish separate immigration counters for foreign passengers at all international airports, a government statement said on Saturday, in a move aimed at boosting tourism and investment. The initiative, introduced on the instructions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is designed to promote tourism, ensure the smooth flow of trade, and facilitate foreign investment. Government has decided to establish separate immigration counters for foreign passengers at all international airports in the country@PakPMO @MOIofficialGoP #News #RadioPakistan — Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) August 2, 2025 Officials said the dedicated counters will help reduce immigration processing times, making travel more convenient for international visitors. The arrangement is also expected to shorten procedures for returning Pakistani citizens, as passenger flows will be separated. 'This measure is part of the government's broader strategy to make Pakistan more attractive and welcoming for international tourists, investors and business delegations,' an official statement said. The government has recently stepped up efforts to enhance infrastructure and streamline travel procedures to position Pakistan as a more competitive destination in the region.
Express Tribune
8 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Iran's Pezeshkian lands in Pakistan on first official visit
Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Lahore on a two-day visit to Pakistan on August 2, 2025 where he was received by PML-N President Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. PHOTO: RADIO PAKISTAN Listen to article Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Pakistan on Saturday for a two-day official visit, his first since assuming office. He was warmly received at Lahore's Allama Iqbal International Airport by Pakistan Muslim League-N President Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Express News reported. Dr Pezeshkian was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, senior ministers, and other high-ranking officials. According to the Foreign Office, the Iranian leader will meet President Asif Ali Zardari and hold delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his stay. Speaking to the media before his visit, President Pezeshkian said the primary objective of his trip was to enhance trade and economic cooperation. He stated that matters concerning border security and regional peace would also be discussed, adding that cross-border markets and connectivity could open new avenues for collaboration. He expressed hope to raise bilateral trade to US$10 billion and reiterated Iran's interest in actively participating in the China–Pakistan Belt and Road Initiative, which he said could serve as a bridge connecting Iran with Europe. He also affirmed that attempts to undermine Pakistan–Iran Islamic unity would be unsuccessful. In May, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif undertook a two-day visit to Iran as part of his regional tour to friendly nations, aimed at expressing gratitude for their support during the conflict with India. During the visit, he met with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and President Pezeshkian. The discussions focused on strengthening Pakistan-Iran relations, with particular emphasis on enhancing trade and regional connectivity. Both sides also addressed broader regional issues and acknowledged Iran's efforts to promote peace during the war imposed on Pakistan by India.
