Latest news with #Dar
Express Tribune
16 hours ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
China sets up int'l mediation body in HK
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis pose for a photograph after a signing ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of The International Organization for Mediation in Hong Kong. Photo: Reuters Listen to article China signed a convention setting up an international organisation for mediation in Hong Kong on Friday that Beijing hopes will be on par with the International Court of Justice and bolster the city's international credentials. The move comes amid growing geopolitical tensions that have been exacerbated by US President Donald Trump's global trade war and fuelled risks of a sharp worldwide economic downturn. Pakistan became a co-signatory to the IOMed, a statement by the Foreign Office said. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar signed the convention establishing the organisation during a ceremony attended by officials from several countries, including Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos and Serbia. Representatives from around 20 international organisations, including the United Nations, were also expected to participate, according to Hong Kong's public broadcaster RTHK. "IOMeD also offers new opportunities and fresh hopes to build a more inclusive, more just and more equitable world. As one of the founding members of IOMed, Pakistan would continue to be an active voice in this noble mission," the statement quoted him as saying. Speaking at the high-profile gathering, Dar lauded the visionary leadership of the People's Republic of China for spearheading the creation of IOMed. He hailed China for once again leading a transformative initiativecomparable in impact to the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). The DPM underlined that Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful conflict resolution by becoming a founding member of the newly established International Organization for Mediation (IOMed). Senator Dar described the establishment of IOMed as "the birth of an important global institution dedicated to mediation and peaceful dispute resolution," and commended the selection of Hong Kong as the organization's headquarters. Calling the city a "super connector," he noted its symbolic value in bridging East and West. Reiterating Pakistan's dedication to the principles of the UN Charter and international law, Dar highlighted the country's recent efforts, including the establishment of the International Mediation and Arbitration Center (IMAC) in Pakistan, aimed at advancing commercial dispute resolution. The Foreign Minister also used the platform to draw attention to pressing global conflicts, citing unresolved issues such as Jammu and Kashmir and the occupied Palestinian territories, and warned against the rise of unilateralism and populism. The mediation body aims to cement Hong Kong's presence as a top centre to resolve disputes between countries, leader John Lee said earlier this week, adding that it's status would be on par with the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration of the United Nations in The Hague. Indonesia, Pakistan, Laos, Cambodia and Serbia were among the countries attending the signing ceremony. Representatives from 20 international bodies including the United Nations were also expected to join, public broadcaster RTHK said.
Business Recorder
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
China's global mediation body: Pakistan becomes co-signatory
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has become a co-signatory to China's newly setup Hong Kong-based International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed), Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson said in a statement on Friday. According to details, Pakistan, Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia and Serbia were among the countries attending the signing ceremony, while representatives from 20 international bodies and organisations, including the United Nations, were also present to sign the Convention on Establishment of IOMed. Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Friday, signed on behalf of Pakistan, the Convention on the establishment of IOMed in Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of People's Republic of China, the spokesperson added. Speaking on the occasion, the deputy prime minister appreciated the Chinese leadership for its wisdom in developing and consistently leading efforts for the establishment of IOMed and in fostering a global community with a shared future. Dar stated that the creation of IOMed underscores the indispensability and significance of multilateralism as the centre piece for international peace, stability, and development. 'The IOMeD also offers new opportunities and fresh hopes to build a more inclusive, more just and more equitable world. As one of the founding members of IOMed, Pakistan would continue to be an active voice in this noble mission,' he added. Dar underlined Pakistan's strong commitment towards promoting peace and security as well as development. He underlined the critical importance of advancing and preserving multilateralism through faithful adherence to the principles of the UN Charter, full implementation of UN Security Council resolutions as well as international law. Dar drew attention to India's violation of international law through its acts of aggression against Pakistan and its unlawfully holding in abeyance of the Indus Waters Treaty. He also highlighted the occupation of Jammu and Kashmir and occupied Palestinian Territories as drivers of conflict to regional peace and security. Dar called for resolution of the longstanding Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions and wishes of the Kashmiri people. The idea for the establishment of the IOMed was one of the key outcomes of the second Belt and Road Forum held in Beijing in April 2019. China initiated discussions for the establishment of IOMed in 2021, and invited Pakistan to join negotiations as one of its founding members. The organization is open to all countries; is based on respect for the sovereignty, core interests and legitimate concerns of every country; aims to promote dialogue and trust between parties concerned based on equality; and desires inclusion of various legal systems, and their mediators. Meanwhile, Dar met with Chief Executive John Lee of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China. The deputy prime minister congratulated the Chief Executive on the successful establishment of IOMed while highlighting Hong Kong's unique role as a global hub linking East and West and its growing significance in international mediation. Recalling long-standing friendship between Pakistan and Hong Kong, the deputy prime minister/foreign minister commended the Chief Executive and SAR Government for its impressive economic and social development strides under the 'One Country, Two Systems' framework. Dar and Chief Executive discussed proposals to further deepen economic, investment and trade cooperation with Hong Kong through multiple streams. Hailing the launch of IOMed as a milestone inspired by President Xi Jinping's vision, Dar noted its alignment with Pakistan's commitment to dialogue-driven diplomacy and UN Charter's principles. Dar also commended the Pakistani community in Hong Kong for strengthening bilateral ties and contributing to the city's diversity and economy. The Chief Executive warmly welcomed Dar's visit and expressed eagerness to further enhance collaboration between Hong Kong and Pakistan. Dar is in Hong Kong to attend the official ceremony for signing the Convention on establishment of IOMed. AFP adds: China signed a convention setting up a global mediation body in Hong Kong, which aims to be comparable to organisations such as the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Beijing has taken a more proactive approach in international affairs in recent years, expanding its influence in global bodies such as the United Nations and the World Health Organization — especially as the United States has taken the opposite direction under President Donald Trump. The move is also being seen as an attempt to shore up Hong Kong's reputation as a leading place to conduct business, after Beijing's imposition of a wide-ranging national security law in 2020 shook confidence in the impartiality of the city's legal system. Initiated by Beijing, the establishment of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) was co-signed by 31 other 'like-minded' countries ranging from Serbia and Pakistan to Papua New Guinea and Venezuela. 'The birth of IOMed will help transcend the zero-sum mentality of 'win or lose', promote the amicable resolution of international disputes, and build more harmonious international relations,' said China's foreign minister Wang Yi, who presided over the signing. Hong Kong's government said IOMed will be the first intergovernmental body dedicated to mediation, while Wang said it would 'fill a gap in the field'. Mediation is when a neutral third party intervenes into a dispute to help two sides negotiate a jointly acceptable resolution to a conflict, as opposed to, for example, political bargaining or litigation. The body will mediate disputes between countries, between countries and individuals from another country, and between private international entities. IOMed 'is on a par with' the United Nations' ICJ and the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, said the Hong Kong government. One of the latter's more well-known rulings was in favour of the Philippines against China over territorial claims in the South China Sea. Beijing refused to take part in the proceedings and has ignored the judgement. Paul Lam, Hong Kong's secretary for justice, wrote in an article that IOMed's establishment came as 'hostile external forces are attempting to de-internationalise and de-functionalise' Hong Kong. IOMed will start operating by the end of this year or early 2026. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
The Wire
a day ago
- Business
- The Wire
Pakistan to Send Ambassador to Taliban Regime
Menu हिंदी తెలుగు اردو Home Politics Economy World Security Law Science Society Culture Editor's Pick Opinion Support independent journalism. Donate Now Top Stories Pakistan to Send Ambassador to Taliban Regime The Wire Staff 7 minutes ago The decision, which marks a further thaw in bilateral ties, will make Islamabad the fourth capital to send an ambassador to the Taliban. Pakistani foreign and deputy prime minister Ishaq Dar made the announcement on Friday, May 30. File photo: X/@mishaqdar50. Real journalism holds power accountable Since 2015, The Wire has done just that. But we can continue only with your support. Contribute now New Delhi: Pakistan will appoint an ambassador to the Taliban-run Afghanistan, where its highest diplomatic official is currently a charge-d'affaires, it said on Friday (May 30), marking an improvement in the two countries' strained bilateral relations. The announcement by Pakistani foreign minister and deputy prime minister Ishaq Dar came days after he met his Afghan and Chinese counterparts, Amir Khan Muttaqi and Wang Yi, in Beijing, where Islamabad and Kabul had discussed enhancing ties. Writing on X on Friday, Dar described Pakistan-Afghanistan relations as being on a 'positive trajectory' after his meeting with Muttaqi, who is the Taliban's acting foreign minister, in Kabul last month. He said: 'To maintain this momentum, I am pleased to announce the decision of the Government of Pakistan to upgrade the level of its Chargé d'Affaires in Kabul to the level of Ambassador.' 'I am confident this step would further contribute towards enhanced engagement, deepen Pak-Afghan cooperation in economic, security, CT & trade areas and promote further exchanges between two fraternal countries,' Dar continued. Kabul is yet to officially respond to the announcement. Pakistan is the fourth country to designate an ambassador as its highest diplomatic representative to Afghanistan since its 2021 takeover by the Taliban, after China, the UAE and Uzbekistan. None of these countries – or any nation in the world for that matter – formally recognises the Taliban regime, but it has been noted that an ambassador presenting their credentials to the regime in Kabul would count as a step in the way of recognition. While Pakistan and Afghanistan said they discussed enhancing bilateral ties and trade following the informal trilateral foreign ministers' meeting in Beijing on May 21, the Chinese foreign ministry's readout said that Islamabad and Kabul 'agreed in principle to exchange ambassadors as soon as possible'. The three sides also discussed extending the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor to Afghanistan, Beijing's readout further said. Pakistan's state-run radio also mentioned discussions on this topic. Friday's announcement also comes against the backdrop of enhanced relations between Afghanistan and India, with a phone call by external affairs minister S. Jaishankar with Muttaqi earlier this month marking the first ministerial-level engagement between New Delhi and the Taliban regime after it stormed to power four years ago. Before the May 15 phone call, foreign secretary Vikram Misri had met Muttaqi in Doha in January. Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been tense amid Kabul's opposition to Islamabad's demarcation of their western frontier, Afghanistan's support for the Tehreek-i-Taliban militant group operating across the border, recurring clashes between the Pakistani army and Taliban forces, and the expulsion of Afghan refugees by the Pakistani government. The recent thaw in relations began when Dar met Muttaqi on April 19 in Kabul. Make a contribution to Independent Journalism Related News Jaishankar Speaks to Taliban Counterpart, Welcomes Kabul's Rejection of Pak Claims During Conflict India's Outreach to Kabul Amid Simmering 'Pashtunistan' Demand Could Give It Leverage Over Pakistan US Reviewing Taliban's Classification as 'Foreign Terrorist Organisation' China Calls for 'Restraint' After Pahalgam, Reaffirms Support for Pakistan's 'Sovereignty' Why Naya Bharat Needs a Jameel Mahmood India Dismisses Pakistan's Claim of Role in Balochistan Attack as 'Baseless' Kerala Journalist Arrested by Nagpur Police for Criticising Operation Sindoor India Needs a Strategic Reset After Pahalgam Terror Attack, Operation Sindoor Pakistan's Slick US Strategy: It's Deja Vu All Over Again About Us Contact Us Support Us © Copyright. All Rights Reserved.
NDTV
a day ago
- Business
- NDTV
Pakistan Upgrades Ties With Afghanistan Days After China's Taliban Outreach
New Delhi: Days after a China-convened meeting that pushed for greater Pakistan-Afghanistan ties, Islamabad has made a significant announcement - that it will be sending an Ambassador to Kabul soon. This is the first time since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021 that Islamabad has decided to upgrade its ties with its western neighbour. The announcement was made on Friday by Pakistan's foreign minister Ishaq Dar, who met his Chinese counterpart and the Taliban's acting foreign minister last week in Beijing. Diplomatic ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan are currently at a charge d'affaires-level - a step below that of an Ambassador. Besides last week's ministerial-level meeting organised by Beijing, Pakistan's foreign minister had traveled to Kabul with a Pakistani delegation last month to hold delegation-level talks to further bilateral ties. 'POSITIVE TRAJECTORY' Praising the "positive trajectory" between Islamabad and Kabul ever since last month's delegation-level talks, Mr Dar said it is time to upgrade ties with the Taliban. Announcing the decision to send an Ambassador, he added that "I am confident this step would further contribute towards enhanced engagement and exchanges between two fraternal countries." Pakistan-Afghanistan relations are on positive trajectory after my very productive visit to Kabul with Pakistan delegation on 19th April 2025. To maintain this momentum, I am pleased to announce the decision of the Government of Pakistan to upgrade the level of its Chargé… — Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) May 30, 2025 Pakistan however, has not named the person who will be sent to Kabul as Ambassador. The Taliban too, has not responded to Islamabad's gesture yet, though it also has its charge d'affaires based in Islamabad. CHINA'S MOVES IN AFGHANISTAN China has made it a priority to settle differences between Pakistan and Afghanistan and push for Beijing's greater influence in south Asia. This could be seen last week. Besides the meeting where all three foreign minister's were present, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held individual closed-door talks with Afghanistan's acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Though China was the first country to accept an Ambassador from the Taliban-run administration in Kabul, Beijing says it officially hasn't formalised ties with Kabul. However, Beijing has swung into action after India's outreach to the Taliban administration on May 15 - when foreign minister S Jaishankar held ministerial-level talks with Kabul for the first time since 2021. Beijing has also announced that after last week's meeting with the Taliban minister, Afghanistan has come on board the so-called "China-Pakistan Economic Corridor" which passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir or PoK. In addition to this, Beijing said that the informal talks it organised between the Pakistani government and the Afghan Taliban administration has led to the two countries to upgrade relations. TRADING CHARGES Ties between Afghanistan and Pakistan have remained strained since December 2024, when nearly 50 people were killed in Afghanistan's Paktika province after Pakistan's air force bombed the region. Islamabad claims that those who launch attacks inside Pakistan use Afghan soil to do so. Kabul rejects this, saying such attacks emanate from within Pakistan, which is plagued with terrorists which are its own creation. Handling terrorism is Pakistan's domestic problem, Kabul has said. Afghanistan's Taliban administration has also expressed concern over the manner in which Pakistan was deporting tens of thousands of refugees. UNOFFICIALLY OFFICIAL No country has formally recognised the Taliban administration since it took control of Afghanistan after the withdrawal of US-led NATO forces. Nationals globally have called for the Taliban to change course on women's rights. Pakistan now becomes the fourth country after China, UAE, and Uzbekistan to designate an Ambassador to Kabul. Although these governments maintain that they have not formally recognised the Taliban, diplomats and experts say that having an Ambassador officially present their credentials represents a major step towards recognition.
The Hindu
a day ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Pakistan announces to upgrade ties with Afghanistan, appoint Ambassador to Kabul
Pakistan on Friday announced to upgrade its diplomatic ties with Afghanistan and appoint an Ambassador to the country, a major indicator of improvement in ties between the two neighbours. Pakistan had tacitly applauded the capture of Kabul by Taliban in 2021 with the hope that the regime would address its security concerns but it proved otherwise and cross border attacks by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants increased manifolds. The ties plummeted as a result and Islamabad began accusing Kabul of providing sanctuaries to the TTP rebels while demanding action against them. The breakthrough in ties came through the trilateral mechanism of talks involving Afghanistan, China and Pakistan when the foreign ministers of the three nations met this month in Beijing. It is believed that China played a key role in sorting out differences between Pakistan and Afghanistan and the two agreed to upgrade diplomatic presence in their capitals. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar made the formal announcement, saying that the Pakistan-Afghanistan relations are on a positive trajectory after his visit to Kabul on April 19. 'To maintain this momentum, I am pleased to announce the decision of the Government of Pakistan to upgrade the level of its Chargé d'Affaires in Kabul to the level of Ambassador,' Dar said in a statement on X. 'I am confident this step would further contribute towards enhanced engagement, deepen Pak-Afghan cooperation in economic, security, counterterrorism and trade areas and promote further exchanges between two fraternal countries.' In a related development, Afghan interim foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is expected to travel to Islamabad soon on a first visit in two years, highlighting the growing high-level exchanges between the two neighbours in recent weeks, The Express Tribune newspaper reported. 'He will visit Pakistan soon. Dates are being worked out,' said a diplomatic source on Thursday. The source said the Afghan side has already accepted the invitation. According to a source, this will not be a daylong trip but a three-day trip where a whole gamut of relations would be discussed. In April, Foreign Minister Dar travelled to Kabul in a first visit by any Pakistani minister in three years. The visit helped ease tensions between the two countries. The sources said Muttaqi's visit was part of efforts to increase high-level exchanges. The two sides drew up a roadmap envisaging a series of visits by officials and ministers from both sides when a Pakistani delegation led by its special envoy Ambassador Muhammad Sadiq visited Kabul in the third week of March. The Afghan Taliban government's recent actions against groups posing a threat to Pakistan played a key role in the increased interaction between the two sides. In another major sign suggesting a shift in its approach was a statement by senior Afghan Taliban commander Saeedullah Saeed who, on Wednesday, warned militant factions against unauthorised jihad, particularly in Pakistan. Speaking at a police passing-out ceremony, Saeed said that fighting in any country, including Pakistan, without the explicit command of the Amir is not permissible. 'Joining various groups to wage jihad abroad does not make one a true mujahid,' he stated. 'Only the Amir of the state has the authority to declare jihad — not individuals or groups.' Saeed emphasised that those carrying out attacks independently or moving between regions to conduct operations cannot be classified as legitimate fighters under Islamic law. 'Jihad based on personal ego or group loyalty is considered 'fasad' (corruption), not legitimate resistance,' he added. He further stated that the Afghan leadership prohibited unauthorised entry into Pakistan, and any such act constitutes disobedience. 'Groups attacking in the name of jihad are defying both Shariah and the authority of the Afghan Emirate,' he said. His public statement is seen as a result of recent efforts both by Pakistan and China urging the Kabul administration to change its approach towards these groups. Sources said Pakistan would continue to encourage the Taliban government to carry out such measures. In return for these steps, Pakistan and China are willing to support Kabul both economically and diplomatically.
