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Business Recorder
4 days ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Indo-Pak dispute
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing a large rally last week in his home state Gujarat, said: the people of Pakistan, especially its youth, must step forward to rid their country of 'the disease of terrorism'. He added: 'Live a life of peace, eat your bread or else my bullet is always an option,' thereby drawing applause from the crowd. 'The Pakistan government has taken note of the remarks by the Prime Minister of India, delivered in Gujarat with the theatrical flourish of a campaign rally rather than the sobriety expected of the leader of a nuclear-armed state,' the Foreign Office of Pakistan said in a statement issued early this week. 'Such statements blatantly violate the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter, which obliges member states to resolve disputes peacefully and to refrain from the threat or use of force against the sovereignty or political independence of other states,' it added. The statement of Modi was undoubtedly meant for the appeasement of the Indian public. The downside of the statement is the message to the world that peace between the two neighbouring countries is far away. The statesmanship of a public leader demands management of public emotions and to provide the nation a meaningful way forward for dispute resolution. Swayed by the euphoria of negativity and Pakistan bashing, India fell short to provide the world a realistic and transparent analysis on the cause, motive and to name the perpetrators of the Pahalgam incident. The worn-out script of finger-pointing at Pakistan, based on historical data, found no takers in the United Nations. Pakistan's offer for a joint investigation into the incident was rejected by India. Disappointed with lack of world support for pinning down Pakistan for the incident, India last week sent a parliamentary delegation to 33 countries on a diplomatic mission to drum up support for Delhi in its narrative of countering Pakistan-behind recent cross-border attacks and that the Pakistan-based Lashker-e-Taiba (LeT) Islamist militant group was behind the attack. Reportedly, India has built up a case based on the historical data on the subject. In parallel, Pakistan too has organised a parliamentary delegation on a diplomatic mission to these very countries to seek support against Indian involvement of terrorism in Pakistan. It has also prepared a dossier to present its case. In all probability, both sides would be sympathetically heard around the globe. But, nothing tangible is expected beyond this — as is evident from the outcome of some of the meetings Indian delegations already held. India has placed its bet on the presumption that on the strength of its economic and geopolitical supremacy over Pakistan, and its far greater global outreach, its narrative would sail through with no question asked. This presumption may prove wrong. The world is no longer the same as a year back. The geo-political landscape is undergoing a dramatic transformation with all countries, big or small, being in the midst of recalibrating their places in this change. There is a significant internal and external transformation on state governance, and new alliances are shaping up in the west. The geopolitical and economic priority of the US has moved to 'America first'. China is now more assertive in world politics than ever before. Its support to Pakistan in the recent conflict with India is the beginning of a 'new normal' between Pakistan and China. The South Asia region is moving out of the orbit of India and is recalibrating a balance in its relations with India and the growing China's influence in the region. The recent neutral stance of the US towards the ongoing Indo-Pak conflict indicates Washington's enthusiasm in prompting India to challenge Beijing in the region is dwindling. The evolving global economic and geopolitical dynamics lead to the conclusion that India and Pakistan have to resolve their issues by themselves and reset their relationship. Political maturity would have been if the Indian delegations would have walked over from Wagah border into Pakistan or vice versa Pakistan delegation to India and sit together and work out the differences as best as possible. The results could have been far more rewarding and tangible than expected from aimlessly moving around the globe soliciting buyers of one's narrative. It is an exercise in futility with no takers. There are no big issues which cannot be resolved between India and Pakistan. They are historically driven issues left unresolved for decades. Many times, Pakistan and India came close to resolving the Kashmir issue, but only to be aborted at the last minute. If Pakistan and India could sit together in 1960 to work out the complicated Indus Water Treaty, why cannot they sit together today to review the treaty in the best interest of both the countries. Solutions can only be worked out in a bilateral dialogue between Pakistan and India. The process can immediately roll out once India starts considering Pakistan as its equal partner and the self-inflicted animosity, meant for public appeasement, is put aside by both the neighbouring countries. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
02-05-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
FO refutes false claims on Indian media, says Wagah border open for Pakistanis
Listen to article The Foreign Office of Pakistan on Friday rejected claims made by Indian media that the country had closed the Wagah border to Pakistani citizens returning from India, amid escalating tensions between the two nations. The statement came in response to a Indian media reports alleging that Pakistan had 'refused' to open the Wagah border, leaving several Pakistani nationals stranded in the area between the Attari and Wagah checkpoints. 'Many patients with fragile health had to return to Pakistan without completing their treatment. Furthermore, there are reports of families being split and children being separated from one of their parents,' the Foreign Office said in its statement. The ministry clarified that the Wagah-Attari border crossing remained operational until April 30, and Pakistan remains willing to receive its citizens as long as Indian authorities permit them to cross. 'The Wagah border will remain open for Pakistani citizens in the future as well,' it added. Tensions have risen between two countries following a deadly attack on April 22 in the Pahalgam area of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which killed 26 people, most of them tourists. India has hinted at cross-border links to the attack but has not provided evidence. Pakistan has strongly denied involvement and called for an independent investigation. Following the incident, India revoked the visas of Pakistani nationals and directed them to leave the country by April 29. Previously, Pakistan's health minister pledged government-funded treatment for two young heart patients who were forced to return from India without medical care due to escalating tensions between the two countries. Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal directed the Director General of Health to immediately contact the family of the two girls. He said arrangements were being made to begin their treatment in Pakistan at the government's expense. Kamal also confirmed that he had reached out to the Prime Minister's Office and that the health ministry had started coordinating with various hospitals. The girls may be referred to the Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology (AFIC), he added.
Express Tribune
06-02-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Pakistan condemns Trump's plans to 'takeover Gaza' reaffirms stance on Palestine
Listen to article The Foreign Office of Pakistan has issued a strong response to US President Donald Trump's remarks regarding Gaza, calling them unjust and unacceptable. During the weekly media briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan reaffirmed Pakistan's firm stance on Palestine, stating that its policy has remained unchanged since 1947. "Any statement suggesting the forced removal of Palestinians from their land is unjust. Pakistan stands firmly with the Palestinian people and condemns Israel's violations of the Gaza ceasefire agreement," Khan stated. He called upon the international community to take action against Israel's repeated violations and reaffirmed Pakistan's consistent stance on Palestine since 1947. No knowledge of Bilawal Bhutto's US visit Addressing reports regarding Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari's visit to the United States, the spokesperson denied any official knowledge of the trip. "There is no information about Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari's visit or any scheduled meeting with the US President. If such meetings occurred, the party would be in a better position to confirm," he added. Afghan refugees and counterterrorism efforts Responding to queries about Afghan refugees, Khan stated that the repatriation of undocumented Afghan nationals is legal and that Pakistan is in continuous communication with relevant countries regarding their safe relocation. He also stated the importance of Afghanistan taking action against terrorist groups operating within its borders. "SIGAR's report validates our concerns. We urge the Afghan government to eliminate terrorist sanctuaries in its territory. Pakistan expects Afghanistan to take responsibility for addressing the presence of terror outfits," he said. Khan also noted that the US government has accelerated efforts to deport undocumented migrants under a new executive order. Pakistan's diplomatic stance on global issues Commenting on Guantanamo Bay, Khan clarified that the issue was not part of discussions between Pakistan and the United States. He also addressed concerns over security threats to Pakistan's diplomatic missions abroad, particularly following the recent attack on Pakistan's embassy in Germany. "Ensuring security for diplomatic missions is the host country's responsibility. The attack on our embassy in Germany and the desecration of our national flag are serious matters that have deeply affected Pakistanis," he said. Khan also provided updates on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's upcoming visit to Pakistan, stating that arrangements are at an advanced stage and that details will be shared soon. He reiterated Pakistan's support for a stable and peaceful Syria. Pakistan's position on Kashmir and regional security Regarding Kashmir, Khan reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering stance, emphasizing that its position aligns with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. "Kashmir will always remain a core issue for Pakistan. We stand with the Kashmiri people in their struggle for self-determination," he declared. He also addressed the recent statement by Pakistan's military leadership, stating that it was a reaffirmation of Pakistan's defense preparedness and was in response to India's irresponsible remarks. Dr. Aafia Siddiqui's Clemency Appeal Rejected Khan confirmed that Dr. Aafia Siddiqui's clemency appeal to former U.S. President Joe Biden was rejected. "Following the rejection, the US Department of Justice has closed the case. However, Dr. Siddiqui can still submit a new clemency appeal through her legal representatives at any time," he stated. He also provided updates on the Kishanganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects, confirming that the matter will move forward with neutral experts in August 2025. Pakistan extends condolences on the passing of Prince Karim Aga Khan The Foreign Office expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Prince Karim Aga Khan, acknowledging his significant contributions to global development and social welfare. "Pakistan values Prince Karim Aga Khan's contributions to education, healthcare, and community development. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and the Ismaili community worldwide," Khan said. He added that Prince Karim Aga Khan's legacy of humanitarian work will always be remembered. Pakistan's engagement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Khan confirmed that the Director General of the IAEA will visit Pakistan next week at the invitation of the Pakistani government, reaffirming Pakistan's strong cooperation with the agency. Kashmir Solidarity Day and diplomatic briefings Khan highlighted that February 5 was observed as Kashmir Solidarity Day across Pakistan, with a special briefing arranged for foreign ambassadors. As Pakistan continues to engage on key diplomatic issues, the Foreign Office reiterated its commitment to regional stability, international cooperation, and the defense of Pakistan's national interests.
