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Business Recorder
5 days ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Pakistan for strengthen presence and role of UNMOGIP
ISLAMAVBAD: In the wake of recent developments following Pahalgam incident in April, Pakistan on Thursday said that there is a dire need to further strengthen the presence and role of UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP). 'Pakistan is also host to one of the oldest UN peacekeeping Missions – the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP). The recent developments in the region reinforce the need for further strengthening the presence and role of UNMOGIP, along with a just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people,' Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar stated on eve of International UN Peacekeepers Day. On the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, we commend the dedication of the UN peacekeepers, who continue to serve with courage in many parts of the world for the maintenance of international peace and security. As we commemorate this day, we reiterate our commitment towards UN Peacekeeping as a vital tool for a peaceful, stable, and prosperous world, and to adapt it to address the new challenges, said Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson in a statement on Thursday. On the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, Pakistan joins the international community in recognising the dedication, courage, and service of the UN peacekeepers, who continue to serve with dedication and courage in many parts of the world for the maintenance of international peace and security. DPM Dar highlighted this day is also an important reminder to honour the ultimate sacrifice made by many UN peacekeepers in their line of duty, including 181 brave peacekeepers from Pakistan. Over the years, Pakistan has remained a leading Troops Contributing Country (TCC), with over 235,000 Pakistani peacekeepers, both men and women, serving with distinction in many parts of the world, he added. At a time when the world is facing multifaceted threats the UN Peacekeeping remains one of the most reliable and cost-effective instruments for maintaining international peace and security. As the international community commemorates this day, there is a need for renewed political commitment to adapt the UN Peacekeeping to address the contemporary and future challenges, including through technological innovation, and strengthening regional partnerships. Pakistan, along with the Republic of Korea, co-hosted the Third United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial Preparatory Meeting on 15-16 April 2025, in Islamabad, under the theme: 'Towards a Safer and More Effective Peacekeeping: Use of Technology and Integrated Approach.' The outcomes of the meeting have been instrumental in helping create a new momentum towards achieving this end. Pakistan is the 5th largest contributor of uniformed personnel to UN Peacekeeping. It currently deploys more than 2,800 military and police personnel to the UN peace operations in Abyei, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cyprus, Somalia, South Sudan and Western Sahara. During ceremonies at United Nations Headquarters, Secretary-General, António Guterres, paid tribute to more than 4,400 UN peacekeepers who have lost their lives since 1948. UN also honoured posthumously two Pakistani personnel with the Dag Hammarskjold medal. The honoured personnel include: Sepoy Muhammad Tarique and Havildar Ahsan Ullah Khan who both served with UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA). Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
6 days ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
FM Dar to embark on two-day visit to Hong Kong tomorrow
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar will visit Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China, from May 29 to 30 to attend the signing ceremony of the Convention on the establishment of the International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed). DPM Dar is scheduled to sign the convention and deliver a keynote address at the ceremony on May 30, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. During his visit, he will also hold several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the event. Dar telephones Azerbaijan FM Pakistan is among the founding members of IOMed and has expressed firm support for the organisation's objectives. Islamabad views the initiative as a valuable step toward strengthening mediation and the peaceful resolution of international disputes. In a statement issued ahead of the visit, the Foreign Office emphasised that Pakistan remains committed to the principles of the UN Charter, international law, and the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions. It noted that mediation, diplomacy, and dialogue are essential tools in promoting global peace, security, and prosperity.
Business Recorder
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Islamabad extends olive branch to New Delhi
ISLAMABAD: In a surprise move, Pakistan has extended an olive branch to India, urging for result-oriented dialogue to settle all outstanding disputes. 'Enough is enough- let's make peace calmly—dignity lies in that. You've seen the result what we did. We have never said that we would use nuclear weapons. Now India will have to think,' Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar told a media briefing on Thursday after coming back from China's three-day visit. 'Pakistan is relevant and a peace-loving country. Pakistan desires peace. However, we will always defend our sovereignty and territorial integrity with full might whenever confronted. Ceasefire is holding, there is no ambiguity. No suspension of ceasefire,' he clarified. Pakistan responded to over 70 Indian fighter jets in air. Ceasefire is religiously being followed by both the professional armies. Ceasefire is being fully implemented and both are bound to withdrawing their forces and weaponries within 10 days, he revealed. He, however, said the venue of dialogue between Pakistan and India will be decided by both nations with consensus. He emphasised that India has some political compulsions to appease its own audiences. Dar elaborated that the ceasefire agreement was reached between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries, which is fully intact. 'Contacts between the two DGMOs took place on the 10th, 14th, and 18th of May,' he added. DPM Dar highlighted that the statements from Indian political leadership are unfortunate, saying even the Rafale manufacturers admitted that the Rafale jet went down, but India is reluctant and not accepting the truth. India had a major objective behind the Pulwama incident, which we have foiled.' In a query, Dar said Pakistan does not recognise Israel so it has nothing to do with them. He added Pakistan has successfully countered the Indian poisonous narrative. Pakistan had offered an international and neutral investigation into the Pahalgam incident, soon after the incident on April 22 but India declared and indulged in blame game. Regarding Khuzdar attack on school bus, the DPM said that perpetrators behind the attack on innocent children are being traced and will be brought to justice soon. He said Pakistan and Afghanistan are good neighbours and cannot be changed. Our diplomatic relationship are at Charge'd level and will be extended to Ambassador level if there is no terrorism from across the border, he said, adding Kabul is progressing positively. He said that Pakistan has introduced one-document regime to be applicable after 31st June. Drivers and cleaners be granted one-year multiple visa with $100 fee. Commenting on his recent visit to China, he termed it highly successful. He said Pakistan has achieved significant progress on diplomatic, strategic and economic fronts during the engagements in Beijing. The deputy prime minister said it was not a routine diplomatic engagement, but with clear and urgent objectives, also featuring bilateral meetings with Chinese leadership and trilateral dialogue involving Afghanistan. He said we agreed to eradicate terrorism with both China and Afghanistan that no terrorist organisation, whether TTP, BLA or others, would be allowed to use any country's soil against the other. He said we have decided to expand the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which is a part of Belt and Road Initiative, to Afghanistan. He said China also agreed to construct a highway from Peshawar to Kabul, which will boost the overall performance of Gwadar Port. Dar said China had expressed its desire to fund the Pakistan-Afghanistan-Uzbekistan Railway Project, which is a transformative step for regional connectivity. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
