Bugti, SCBAP chief slam India's provocations
Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti on Tuesday said that all state institutions and the people must stand united in defending the country's sovereignty, and Balochistan will always be at the forefront of this struggle.
The Balochistan CM expressed his resolve during a meeting with Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan (SCBAP) President Mian Rauf Atta in Quetta.
Bugti said the Balochistan government is making serious efforts, in collaboration with national institutions, bar associations, and political leadership, to resolve provincial challenges, uphold the rule of law, and promote national harmony.
He added that all state institutions and the people must stand united in defending the country's sovereignty, and Balochistan will always be at the forefront of this struggle
On this occasion, SCBAP Vice President Balochistan, Muhammad Ishaq Notezai, and Balochistan High Court Bar Association President Mir Attaullah Langau were also present.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed a range of important national and regional issues, including the prevailing situation along the country's eastern borders.
They agreed that Pakistan, having suffered several tragic incidents of terrorism, strongly condemns all forms of terrorism. They emphasized that any act of aggression against the country's sovereignty should be met with a strong and resolute response.
They also expressed grave concern over India's unilateral actions, which are escalating tensions in the region and bringing the two nuclear-armed nations dangerously close to confrontation.
The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty was termed a highly provocative move, as water is a fundamental lifeline for the people of Pakistan.
The Bar president expressed complete solidarity with Pakistan's position on behalf of the legal fraternity and reaffirmed their commitment to making every possible sacrifice. He also emphasized the need to strengthen national unity and cohesion.
Mian Rauf Atta briefed the CM about his meetings with various national political leaders aimed at building broad-based consensus on issues facing Balochistan, which was appreciated by the chief minister.
Both sides agreed that a sustainable resolution of Balochistan's longstanding issues lies in continued dialogue, engagement, and adherence to democratic processes. APP
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
Bilawal vows strong response if India builds dams on rivers flowing into Pakistan
Bilawal Bhutto along with members of the delegation held a post-visit press briefing at Pakistan High Commission in London, UK on June 11. Photo: Listen to article Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari warned that Pakistan would take more aggressive actions if India goes ahead with plans to construct new canals or dams on the three rivers flowing into Pakistan. 'Were they to act on it, Pakistan has been very clear: we'd consider that an act of war,' he said. Speaking at a press conference in London on Wednesday, Bilawal warned that the risk of a nuclear conflict between Pakistan and India could become a reality if New Delhi carries out its threat to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), calling the move "water terrorism" and an act of war. 'India and Pakistan are bound by the terms of the IWT. India will have to take back and withdraw its threat,' he said, referring to the ongoing tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. Chairman PPP and Head of Pakistan's High-Level Delegation, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari addressing a press conference from London. — Pakistan Peoples Party Digital (@pppdigitalpk_) June 11, 2025 Bilawal, who is leading a parliamentary delegation to garner international support for Pakistan amidst rising tensions with India, expressed pride in Pakistan's military strength. He praised the leadership of COAS Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. 'We are proud that the Pakistan Army won the war against India. Pakistan Army proved that it can defeat India, both at the military and the diplomatic front,' he added. The PPP leader also raised concerns about India's role in transnational repression, pointing to Western intelligence evidence suggesting Indian involvement in terrorism on foreign soil, including the killings of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada and the assassination attempt on Sikhs for Justice leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in the United States. Bilawal stated that despite India's efforts to push a narrative of Pakistan's involvement in the Pahalgam attack, the Western world has refrained from siding with India due to evidence of its involvement in terrorism beyond its borders. 'India is involved in terrorism on Western soil, they are hiding the truth from their own people,' he said. Wrapped up a successful visit to London with a candid press interaction with Pakistani media in the UK. Throughout the high-level mission, we engaged across the board with UK officials, global think tanks, international media, civil society, and our vibrant diaspora, projecting… — BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) June 11, 2025 He further condemned Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar's threats to "strike deep inside Pakistan," calling them the rhetoric of a warmonger, rather than a diplomat. He called India a 'terrorist state' and said that its targeting of Sikhs had been exposed globally. The PPP leader also commented on the lack of evidence from India regarding the Pahalgam attack, stressing that India had failed to provide any identity of the so-called terrorists involved. Read More: India's unilateral suspension of IWT could destabilise regional peace: Bilawal Bilawal welcomed US President Donald Trump's offer to mediate between India and Pakistan, calling it a pragmatic approach. He noted that India's efforts to sabotage peace initiatives would not succeed. 'Kashmir is not a bilateral issue, it is an international issue,' he said, adding that India had no choice but to address the matter on a global stage. He concluded by announcing that Pakistan would soon present a new dossier to the international community, exposing India's role in terrorism and laying bare the "true face" of Indian aggression. Head of the High-level Multi-Party Delegation Mr. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari @BBhuttoZardari, along with other members of the delegation held a post-visit press briefing at @PakistaninUK. The High-level delegation briefed about their meetings with leadership and senior officials of… — Pakistan High Commission London (@PakistaninUK) June 11, 2025 Following successful visits to Washington, New York, and London, the Pakistani delegation arrived in Brussels on Wednesday. Upon arrival, the delegation was warmly received by Pakistan's Ambassador to the European Union, Belgium, and Luxembourg, Rahim Hayat Qureshi, along with officials from the Pakistani Embassy. The delegation is scheduled to meet senior officials from the European Union and Belgium. These meetings will address India's disinformation campaign, with the parliamentary delegation providing a robust response to India's aggressive stance and highlighting its intentions towards Pakistan. The delegation will also engage with leading European think tanks and international media representatives to further discuss the ongoing conflict and the importance of a peaceful resolution. Read Also: Bilawal warns Pakistan-India war threshold at 'historic low' The delegation's mission is to debunk Indian propaganda following the recent escalation in tensions between India and Pakistan. The delegation, appointed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, aims to present Pakistan's position on the conflict, emphasising the need to resolve the Jammu and Kashmir issue in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. The members of the delegation include Minister for Climate Change Dr Musadik Masood Malik, Chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change and Environmental Harmony Senator Sherry Rehman, Chairperson of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar, former minister for commerce Khurram Dastgir and MQM's Parliamentary Leader in the Senate Senator Faisal Sabzwari.
Express Tribune
8 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Trump's nominee Paul Kapur to prioritise Pakistan security ties in line with US interests
Listen to article Paul Kapur, US President Donald Trump's nominee for Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Tuesday that he would prioritise security cooperation with Pakistan where it aligns with US interests. He also expressed intent to explore opportunities for enhancing bilateral collaboration in trade and investment, He previously served on the State Department's Policy Planning Staff during Trump's first term, where he played a role in shaping US strategy in South Asia. Kapur, an academic of Indian origin, acknowledged the region's volatility, referring to the recent escalation between India and Pakistan. He said the crisis was narrowly averted due to 'intense engagement' by US Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. "If confirmed, I will pursue security cooperation with Pakistan where it is in America's interest," says Paul Kapur who is set to become Trump's top diplomat on South Asia — Shashank Mattoo (@MattooShashank) June 10, 2025 On Pakistan, he said that if confirmed, he would "pursue security cooperation where it is beneficial to US interests while seeking opportunities for bilateral collaboration in trade and investment." He noted that "South Asia recently avoided a costly conflict with Vice President Vance and Secretary Rubio intensely engaged on the issue." He added, "If confirmed, I will continue to promote long-standing US security interests with India and Pakistan through the pursuit of peace and stability and the fight against terrorism." These tensions between the two countires escalated after an attack in the Indian-Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) on April 22, which killed 26 people. India swiftly blamed Pakistan, but without presenting evidence. Islamabad denied the Indian claims and called for an independent probe. India the took hostile actions including the suspension of the 65-year-old Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), halting trade, and closing border crossings, as it retaliated against the alleged attack. In response, Pakistan undertook reciprocal measures, including halting trade and closing its airspace to Indian aircraft. The situation quickly escalated as missile strikes and air raids rocked both nations, resulting in dozens of casualties. Following a military standoff, the US announced a ceasefire on May 10. President Trump later wrote on Truth Social: 'I will work with you, both to see if, after a 'thousand years,' a solution can be arrived at concerning Kashmir.' READ MORE: Pakistan and India agree to immediate ceasefire Despite his commitment to regional balance, Kapur's prior scholarship has drawn criticism in Pakistan. His book Dangerous Deterrent and academic work, including India and Pakistan's Unstable Peace, have been viewed as reflective of a bias, with repeated suggestions that Pakistan instigates instability in the region. Kapur pledged to focus on practical diplomacy. 'If confirmed, I'll support efforts to bring home detained Americans in Afghanistan and work to prevent the country from becoming a terrorism launchpad again,' he said. The Senate is expected to vote on Kapur's nomination later this month. READ: 'Indian aggression carries consequences' Paul Kapur is set to take over as Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, a role previously held by Donald Lu. Lu had earlier come under scrutiny following allegations by former Pakistani prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan. Khan accused Lu of being involved in a 'foreign conspiracy' that, he claimed, led to his removal from office through a no-confidence vote in April 2022. In an interview with CNN's Becky Anderson, Khan alleged that Lu used threatening language during an official meeting with Pakistan's ambassador. 'On March 7... US undersecretary of state responsible for South Asia tells our ambassador in an official meeting [with] note takers on both sides that unless you get rid of your prime minister Pakistan will suffer consequences,' Khan said. He added that Lu should be sacked for 'bad manners and sheer arrogance.'
Express Tribune
9 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Trump ready to mediate Kashmir dispute: US State Dept
US President Donald Trump speaks during a swearing-in ceremony for the new US ambassador to China, former US Senator David Perdue, at the White House in Washington, DC, US on May 7, 2025. Photo: REUTERS Listen to article President Donald Trump is willing to help mediate the Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan, the US State Department has said. Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, spokesperson Tammy Bruce said the president's efforts are consistently aimed at resolving deep-rooted global conflicts. 'President Trump has been the only one to bring certain people to the table to have conversations that nobody thought were possible,' she said. 'It shouldn't surprise anyone that he'd want to manage something like that.' READ MORE: After truce, Trump eyes Kashmir deal When asked whether the US administration might support a UN Security Council resolution or host leaders from both countries, Bruce said she could not speak to the president's future plans. As much as Modi gang doesn't want to hear the K word, the state department spokesperson Tammy Bruce blasts again. She says mediation on Kashmir between India and Pakistan is very much on the mind of President Trump. — Murtaza Solangi (@murtazasolangi) June 11, 2025 'But the world knows his nature,' she said. 'It is an exciting time... and I hope perhaps something like that can also get resolved before the President [leaves office].' Bruce also confirmed PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari met Under Secretary for Political Affairs Allison Hooker during a visit to Washington last week. 'They reiterated US support for the ongoing ceasefire — as you might imagine, thank God — between Pakistan and India,' said State Department spokesperson Bruce. 'They also discussed important issues to the bilateral relationship, including counterterrorism cooperation.' The Pakistani delegation visited Washington from May 31 to June 6, meeting more than a dozen US lawmakers and senior State Department officials. Bilawal Bhutto also presented Pakistan's views on Indian military actions, rising regional tensions, and concern over the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. Read: India laying ground for 'first nuclear water war', says Bilawal Indian parliamentary delegation was also in Washington during the same period. Deputy Secretary Landau met the group and reaffirmed strong US support for India in its counterterrorism efforts and broader strategic ties. Last month following a brief military standoff, the US announced a ceasefire on May 10. President Trump later wrote on Truth Social: 'I will work with you, both to see if, after a 'thousand years,' a solution can be arrived at concerning Kashmir.' READ MORE: 'I got that war stopped': Trump on Pakistan-India ceasefire Pakistan welcomed the offer, while India rejected it, maintaining that Kashmir is strictly a bilateral matter. In an interview with AFP, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari urged US President Donald Trump to play an active role in bringing India to the negotiating table for comprehensive talks with Pakistan. He emphasised that while Pakistan remains open to discussions on terrorism, the Kashmir conflict must be the central focus of any meaningful dialogue. Earlier, President Trump praised Pakistan's handling of recent tensions with India, calling its leadership 'very strong.' Speaking alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Trump remarked, 'Some people won't like when I say that, but it is what it is,' and credited his diplomatic efforts for helping de-escalate the crisis.
