Latest news with #InternationalConferenceonGlaciers
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Pakistan will not allow India to cross Indus Waters Treaty red line: PM Shehbaz
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Friday that Pakistan will not allow India to cross the red line by holding the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance. Addressing International Conference on Glaciers, Preservation-2025 in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, the PM said India's unilateral and illegal decision to hold in abeyance the Indus Water Treaty is deeply regrettable. 'Millions of lives must not be held hostage to narrow political gains,' PM Shehbaz said. Meanwhile, the PM called for an enhanced global action to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change. He emphasized that the developed countries must meet their climate related financial commitments without any delay. 'Adequate funding for climate resilient infrastructure and overcoming financing gap remains critical,' the PM said, adding that investments must be made in the early warning systems and disaster preparedness and management. The premier highlighted that Pakistan possesses one of the largest glaciated areas outside the Polar Region. He further said that glaciers contribute nearly half of the annual flow in the Indus Water River system, 'the lifeline of our civilization, culture and economy'. He said the five great rivers that shape our geographical landscape: Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej depend on the stability of glacial system, emphasizing that this makes Pakistan one of the most vulnerable countries to any climatic changes that impact glaciers.
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Pakistan, Turkiye and Azerbaijan reaffirm unity at trilateral summit
Listen to article Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday joined Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in a firm call to 'reject conflict' and prioritise peace, as the three nations held a high-level trilateral summit in Lachin, Azerbaijan. The meeting marked a symbolic display of unity among historically allied nations, with Pakistan, Turkiye, and Azerbaijan reaffirming mutual support on longstanding regional disputes including Kashmir, Karabakh, and northern Cyprus. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, accompanied by Ishaq Dar and COAS Gen Munir, attends the Pakistan-Turkiye-Azerbaijan Trilateral Summit in Lachin, Azerbaijan on May 28, 2025. — X/azpresident PM Shehbaz was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. The summit forms part of his four-nation diplomatic tour, which has already included visits to Turkiye and Iran. He is expected to proceed to Tajikistan next to attend the International Conference on Glaciers in Dushanbe. Addressing the summit, Shehbaz said the world is facing 'grave challenges' such as conflict, climate change, disease and economic instability. 'This is why the three of us have assembled here today, opting for compassion while rejecting conflict,' he said. 'We are confident that patience and wisdom will ultimately usher in peace and prosperity.' He thanked President Aliyev for the warm hospitality and said the summit reflected 'a meeting of hearts and souls of genuine friends and sincere well-wishers.' Shehbaz recalled 'fruitful discussions' held during last year's Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Kazakhstan and said the trilateral partnership was poised to rise to 'new heights' in line with the aspirations of the people. 'This would be no surprise to anyone, as Pakistan, Azerbaijan and Turkiye are bound together by deep historical, cultural and spiritual ties forged through centuries of shared values and mutual support.' The prime minister reaffirmed solidarity with Baku and Ankara, referencing Pakistan's unwavering positions on Karabakh and Turkish Cyprus. He noted, 'Our strength lies in our solidarity and mutual respect.' Shehbaz thanked both nations for their visible public support during Pakistan's recent military standoff with India, following the Pahalgam incident. 'We could not but be mesmerised by the intensity of the fervour and enthusiasm of our common citizens,' he said. He said India had failed to provide credible evidence linking Pakistan to the incident and had rejected Islamabad's offer of a neutral and transparent international investigation. Addressing the summit first, President Ilham Aliyev expressed concern over the recent Pakistan-India tensions and reiterated Azerbaijan's solidarity with Pakistan. 'We watched it very closely in the hope that peace would prevail. From the early hours, we expressed our solidarity with brotherly Pakistan,' he said. Aliyev added that resolution through 'dialogue and negotiations in line with the UN Charter and resolutions' was the best path forward. Earlier in the day, PM Shehbaz also extended heartfelt congratulations to Aliyev and the people of Azerbaijan on their Republic Day. 'The way the Azeri nation fought for its liberation, you earned a high position in the community of nations,' he said. He also praised President Erdogan's handling of the Kurdish rebel issue, referring to the PKK's recent decision to disband. 'That goes to explain in volumes, my brother, your diplomatic skills to resolve this issue. By virtue of this, you have earned a high place and influence not only in the region but beyond,' he said. A day earlier, Shehbaz held a bilateral meeting with President Aliyev and thanked him for Azerbaijan's support during the recent confrontation with India. The meeting was also attended by COAS Gen Munir. According to a press release from the Prime Minister's Office, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to diversify their strategic partnership and promote investment opportunities. Azerbaijan agreed to facilitate the exchange of delegations to advance discussions on its investment in Pakistan. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), PM Shehbaz described the visit as a celebration of 'historic bonds rooted in shared history, mutual trust and unwavering support for each other.' He expressed confidence that under President Aliyev's leadership, bilateral ties would 'continue to grow from strength to strength.' On behalf of the people and Government of Pakistan, and on my own behalf, I extend our heartfelt felicitations to President Aliyev @presidentaz and the brotherly people of Azerbaijan on the joyous occasion of Azerbaijan's Independence Day. Pakistan deeply values its close… — Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) May 28, 2025
Express Tribune
7 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PM Shehbaz departs for Iran following two-day trip to Türkiye
Listen to article Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif departed for Iran on Monday following the conclusion of his two-day official visit to Turkiye. During his visit to Turkiye, the prime minister conveyed Pakistan's gratitude to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the Turkish people for their unwavering support during recent regional tensions with India. The prime minister lauded Turkiye's principled stance and the outpouring of goodwill of the Turkish people for Pakistan. He described it as "a source of great comfort and strength" for Pakistan, the statement added. He was seen off at the Istanbul airport by Turkish Minister of National Defence Yasar Guler, Deputy Governor of Istanbul Ilker Haktankacmaz, and President of the Pakistan-Türkiye Cultural Association Burhan Kayaturk. Also present were Ambassador Yousaf Junaid, Consul General Nauman Aslam, Turkish officials, and members of the Pakistan Embassy. Prime Minister Shehbaz is on a six-day diplomatic tour of Turkiye, Iran, Azerbaijan and Tajikistan, as Pakistan seeks to bolster regional partnerships following recent tensions with India. The Foreign Office earlier said the prime minister is holding wide-ranging talks with the leadership of all four countries. He is also conveying Pakistan's appreciation for their support during the recent escalation. The trip began in Turkiye and concludes in Tajikistan, where the prime minister will attend the International Conference on Glaciers in Dushanbe on May 29–30. The prime minister is expected to meet Iranian leadership upon his arrival in Tehran to continue diplomatic engagements aimed at strengthening bilateral ties. Previously, Pakistan had welcomed the visit of Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and expressed no objection to Tehran acting as a mediator between Islamabad and New Delhi to help ease escalating tensions. Seyed Abbas Araghchi had travelled to Islamabad on an unscheduled visit as part of Iran's efforts to promote de-escalation between India and Pakistan following the April 22 Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). During the visit, the Iranian diplomat had held formal talks with his Pakistani counterpart, Ishaq Dar, and also met separately with President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Business Recorder
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
PM Shehbaz arrives in Turkiye as part of four-nation tour
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has arrived in Istanbul, Turkiye on Sunday as part of his four-nation diplomatic tour. According to a statement from the Prime Minister's office, the premier was received by Turkiye's Minister for National Defence Yasar Gulen. His trip is part of Pakistan's efforts to strengthen bilateral ties and address regional and global challenges. The high-level delegation includes Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi. During his visit, PM Shehbaz will also visit Iran, Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan from May 25 to May 30, 2025. PM to embark on 4-state visit today During these visits, he will engage in wide-ranging discussions with the leadership of these countries on bilateral relations and matters of regional and international significance. A key focus of the tour will be expressing gratitude for the support extended by friendly nations during Pakistan's recent crisis with India. The Prime Minister will also participate in the International Conference on Glaciers in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on May 29-30, highlighting Pakistan's commitment to climate change and environmental cooperation.
Express Tribune
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PM Shehbaz Sharif begins four-country visit with departure to Türkiye
Listen to article Prime Minister of Pakistan, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, has departed for Türkiye on the first leg of a four-nation tour. Accompanying him are Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi. From May 25 to 30, the Prime Minister will visit Türkiye, Iran, Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan. During the tour, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will hold extensive discussions with the leadership of these countries on bilateral relations, as well as regional and global issues of mutual concern. He will also express Pakistan's gratitude for the support extended by these friendly nations during the recent crisis with India. On May 29–30, the Prime Minister is scheduled to participate in the International Conference on Glaciers to be held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Turkey and Azerbaijan voiced support for Pakistan Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held a phone call with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to express solidarity following India's missile strikes on Pakistani territory. During the conversation, Erdoğan praised Pakistan's calm and measured response to the escalating tensions and endorsed Islamabad's call for an investigation into the April 22 attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which left 26 people dead. Pakistan denied any involvement in the incident. According to the Turkish presidency, Erdoğan described Pakistan's position as appropriate and assured that Turkey would continue diplomatic efforts to help prevent further escalation. Turkey had also condemned India's military action and warned it could lead to a wider conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. The government of Azerbaijan also expressed strong support for Pakistan. In an official letter addressed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Azerbaijan condemned India's recent military actions and voiced concern over the rising tensions. The message was delivered by Azerbaijani Ambassador to Pakistan Khazar Farhadov, who conveyed his government's solidarity with Pakistan during the crisis. Azerbaijan extended condolences to the families of those affected and wished a speedy recovery for the injured. The Azerbaijani government also called for resolving the conflict through diplomatic channels and reaffirmed its commitment to continued cooperation and support for Pakistan.
