Latest news with #KhalilHashmi
Express Tribune
22-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Sesame seed exports to China hit $49 million
Listen to article Pakistan's sesame seed exports to China have soared to unprecedented levels, reaching nearly $49 million between January and April 2025. This surge marks a major milestone in the growing agricultural trade between the two countries. Pakistan's Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi, credited the growth to domestic innovation and China's rising demand for quality imports. He praised the contributions of local research institutions, such as the Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI) and its Oilseeds Research Institute (ORI) team, for driving productivity through improved seed varieties and advanced farming techniques. "While supply-side developments such as improved seed varieties and research-led farming techniques have played a vital role, it is China's growing consumer demand, preference for high-quality imports, and competitive pricing that are driving this record-setting trend," he said. Pakistan's rise in China's sesame import market has been dramatic. In 2019, it ranked 14th with $4.6 million in exports. By 2024, it climbed to third by value at $226.53 million, and second by volume, with 177,640 tonnes exported. From January to April 2025, exports hit 38,828 tonnes, valued at $48.58 million, a 337% year-on-year increase. Gopal Khamuani, Chairman of Pakistan Sesame Exporters Association, cited Pakistan's advantage in average export price at $1,300 per tonne, fast 1520 day transit via sea and land, and 510 day processing times. Hashmi outlined a strategic roadmap to deepen trade ties through better seed quality, value-added processing, expanded e-commerce, and joint ventures. "Our goal must be to move beyond raw exports and tap into China's booming sesame-based product market, valued between $4.7 and $9.5 billion annually," he said. He also highlighted key initiatives, including the September 2024 trade event that secured $28 million in deals and registration of 177 Pakistani sesame companies in China. "Our sesame trade with China is more than an export story - it's a blueprint for shared prosperity," Hashmi concluded.
The Star
19-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Brics message to ‘ring hollow' if Pakistan remains ‘blocked by India': envoy Khalil Hashmi
Khalil Hashmi has served as Pakistan's ambassador to China since November 2023, marking his second diplomatic posting in Beijing. Over his nearly 30-year career, he has held key assignments in several capitals, including Copenhagen, as well as at Pakistan's missions to the United Nations in both New York and Geneva. He has worked on policy issues including arms control, counterterrorism, human rights and climate change. India and Pakistan have accused each other of ceasefire violations in Kashmir. What is Pakistan's current position, and what are the key next steps or strategies envisioned for achieving a peaceful resolution? Pakistan remains committed to the ceasefire understanding and is of the considered view that its faithful implementation is essential for preserving regional peace and stability. Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team. Meetings between the directors general of military operations of both countries have been taking place since May 10. The good news is both sides have agreed to stage-wise de-escalation and demobilisation. Each side has also released one soldier as a goodwill gesture. As for key next steps, our approach is anchored in the principles of the UN charter, international law and global norms of state behaviour. A dozen resolutions adopted by the UN Security Council and accepted by both Pakistan and India provide a blueprint for peaceful resolution to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. This unresolved dispute has festered for decades and is the key driver of tensions and the root cause of conflict between Pakistan and India. According to Article 25 of the UN charter, all UN member states are required to accept and carry out the decisions of the UN Security Council. Pakistan wishes to resolve this dispute through dialogue and diplomacy. That said, the fulfilment of this aspiration shared by the international community requires a willing partner on the other side. We welcome [US] President [Donald] Trump's offer to mediate on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. What role did China play in enabling the ceasefire agreement? China's position towards situations of tensions and conflicts has always been very constructive, calling for restraint, de-escalation, ceasefire, pursuit of dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes left over from history. Indeed, Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke to Pakistan's deputy prime minister and Indian national security adviser. We welcome China's diplomatic efforts aimed at easing tensions, paving a path towards de-escalation and durable ceasefire. [Pakistani] Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif gave a special mention to China and President Xi Jinping in his May 10 national address, in recognition that Pakistan and China are strong partners in promoting peace, advancing development and countering terrorism. How about China's role in helping to bring about a solution in Kashmir? Possibly a lasting solution beyond crisis management? China is a neighbour to both Pakistan and India. It is a member of the UN Security Council, and it has shown in recent years that it is capable of acting as an honest broker, and a credible peacemaker. It is pursuing its own neighbourhood policy, which in essence is about promotion of peace and stability. We would welcome China's role in mediating a just resolution to the Kashmir dispute. We also value good offices of third parties, whether it is the United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres' office, or others. Because the situation is often tense and requires a diplomatic path to resolve it. The overall approach on questions of peace and security needs reflection. For example, China offers a very good model. As a country that is still developing, China has always advocated and pursued an approach that is a departure from one of confrontation to a win-win, or a mutually beneficial proposition. That's the approach that needs to be emulated and which would take us to a different path than the current one. Pakistan and India are both large developing countries. Both have several challenges, i.e. poverty alleviation, access to health, and education. There are millions of people in that region who deserve to live a life of dignity, peace and prosperity. South Asia has a lot of promise, but regional organisations like the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation haven't been allowed by India to convene since 2016. We have seen other regions such as Southeast Asia, Europe and others where the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and European Union – despite their difficulties- are making progress. So a shift in approach is required in South Asia. Moving away from conflict or confrontation to a mutually beneficial development-oriented approach. How will Pakistan react to Donald Trump's 'Liberation Day' tariffs? What is Pakistan's position, and will it affect the relationship with China either way? As a developing country, and with the United States being Pakistan's largest export destination, we are naturally concerned about the economic impact of these unilateral tariff hikes. Like many others in the Global South, we believe that an equitable, free, fair and rules-based trade is vital for development and prosperity of all countries. A tariff regime that imposes significant costs on developing economies, undermines global supply chains, and disrupts the very foundation of inclusive growth is certainly unhelpful. That said, the tariffs are held in abeyance for 90 days. We very much hope these would be reviewed and revised, keeping in view the legitimate interests and needs of developing countries. That said, the recent agreement reached between China and the US in Geneva is a first welcome step. We hope similar steps will be taken towards other trade partners of the US. Pakistan and China relations are solid. They are neither targeted against any third country nor do we expect other relationships to affect our partnership with China. In fact, we look forward to further strengthening our economic partnership with China and other like-minded countries, [and] to explore new pathways for mutually beneficial trade arrangements that help us diversify and deepen strategic economic ties. Some say the trade war is an attempt to reset the global economic order. The heaviest tariffs are mostly on developing countries. What do you think the developing countries, or the Global South, could do to help each other? What can organisations such as Brics do? The Global South urgently needs greater unity and a more coherent voice on issues of economic justice. However, that effort is being hampered by underrepresentation in key institutions and by politicised approaches within regional and multilateral platforms. Pakistan, despite being the world's fourth-largest developing country by population, remains excluded from Brics. The reason is no secret: it has been consistently blocked by India. This politicisation extends beyond Brics to institutions like the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, where India's obstructionist approach undermines the very principle of inclusive development. The message of solidarity among the Global South that Brics members and similar institutions relay will ring hollow if they exclude key developing nations from their fold year after year. If the Global South is to evolve into a truly effective and credible force, its members must transcend narrow political calculations and embrace the principles of fairness, openness, and regional cooperation. The Belt and Road Initiative has been a key focus of the Trump administration to pressure China, and Washington has celebrated Panama's exit from the initiative. Do you think US pressure will be effective in swaying other countries? The numbers speak for themselves. Over 150 countries and organisations are part of the Belt and Road Initiative. The trend is clearly towards consolidation and expansion. Developing countries are drawn to [the belt and road] not out of ideological alignment, but because it delivers concrete, visible outcomes in the form of roads, energy, connectivity, and infrastructure. These are the real building blocks of prosperity, and [the Belt and Road Initiative] offers them where many others have delivered only promises. [The initiative's] appeal lies in its ability to address long-standing development gaps. It offers not only a vision but a path to practical cooperation, not conditionality, and that's what makes it both sustainable and attractive. Turning to global governance, Pakistan has been a firm supporter of UN reform. As the institution marks its 80th anniversary this year, do you believe the UN remains an effective vehicle for promoting a more democratic international order? The benchmark for assessing the effectiveness of global governance is not just the UN Security Council, notwithstanding its role under the UN charter. The most democratic part of the United Nations is the General Assembly. So reform and revitalisation of the General Assembly has also been a long-standing subject, pursued for as long as the reform of the UN Security Council. Another principal organisation, crucial for developing countries like Pakistan, is the Economic and Social Council. It also requires revitalisation and strengthening. Developing countries have advanced proposals for reforming and revitalising these institutions to reflect current realities – political, economic, demographic and digital. The message of solidarity among the Global South that Brics members and similar institutions relay will ring hollow if they exclude key developing nations from their fold year after year This 80th anniversary is an important year to look at UN reform holistically. The UN remains an indispensable tool to promote a more democratic international order. That said, the UN or its member states cannot and should not just be responsive to aspirants of permanent membership of the Security Council, for whom the whole reform of the United Nations boils down to securing their permanent membership. We see the need for Security Council reform differently. We advocate for a council that is more representative and democratic, but not one that becomes another centre of privilege for a few additional countries holding veto power. The Security Council is already gridlocked. Adding more members, without accountability, will not make the council more efficient or effective. In my view, any country aspiring to permanent membership should meet two essential criteria: one, it should demonstrate faithful and consistent adherence to international law, including implementing resolutions of the very body it wishes to join permanently. Secondly, such a country should also demonstrate it is not in any conflict with any of its neighbours. On the UN Security Council, what specific reforms do you believe are necessary for it to better address the conflicts and wars of today? The Security Council must improve and reform its working methods so that it becomes more transparent and accountable to the larger membership it claims to represent. It must improve its engagement with other principal UN organs, particularly the General Assembly, and provide analytical clarity on why or when it fails to act, whether in Africa, our region, or elsewhere. The council has a responsibility to live up to its mandate and explain its actions, or inactions, to the broader membership. Again, this means improving its methods of work and rules of procedure, being open to more accountability, and increasing transparency. And also having more representation from developing countries. However, this representation should not be for life. It should be tied to perhaps longer-term seats – maybe more than the current two years to four years or slightly more – but these members must leave the council and seek re-elections. These are proposals that the Uniting for Consensus group, of which Pakistan is an active member, has proposed. We are not opposed to expanding the Security Council, but we are certainly opposed to creating new centres of privilege without any accountability. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is another significant global development. How do you foresee the US-China competition shaping AI governance, and crucially, how can the interests of developing countries be safeguarded in this rapidly evolving domain? AI is a transformative technology, but also a deeply dual-use one, with enormous benefits and equally significant risks. Left unregulated, its deployment, especially in military applications, could destabilise regions and exacerbate inequalities. Pakistan believes global guardrails must be developed proactively to prevent dangers and promote development dividends of this transformational technology. The US, China, and other leading nations need to engage constructively on UN platforms to establish rules, norms, and minimum standards, particularly for the development and ethical use of AI and effective regulation of its military applications. In 2023, Pakistan submitted the first ever working paper [at the] Geneva Conference on Disarmament proposing international regulation of AI's military applications. Our position is clear: humans must always be in the loop and make decisions pertaining to life and death. The time for preventive diplomacy in AI governance is now, not after the damage is done. On a more direct security concern, there have unfortunately been terrorist attacks in Pakistan that targeted Chinese personnel and projects. Could you share more on the current state of counterterrorism cooperation between Pakistan and China to prevent such tragedies? Pakistan and China maintain deep and institutionalised cooperation on counterterrorism. Following the tragic loss of Chinese lives, Pakistan's leadership expressed the resolve to bring the perpetrators to justice. Both sides closely coordinate, consult and cooperate bilaterally as well as at international platforms. We do joint exercises, share intelligence and conduct training and capacity-building programmes. Terrorism threats to Pakistani people and Chinese citizens inside Pakistan emanate from groups such as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also known as the Pakistani Taliban, and the Baloch Liberation Army. Both of which are supported, financed and sheltered by external actors. We are actively engaging the interim Afghan authorities not to allow use of territory under their control against Pakistan and to hold the perpetrators to account. At the same time, we have presented several dossiers to the UN and other members of the international community providing information, data and evidence of strong linkages between these groups and India's state actors. Terrorism is a common enemy and combating it effectively requires shunning double standards, avoiding politicisation and pursuing law-based approaches grounded in investigations, presenting credible evidence and bringing the perpetrators to justice. Looking ahead, China will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in World War II later this year. In your view, what is the significance of remembering this event in 2025? Commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II is both about reflection on history and reaffirmation of our collective commitment to peace, multilateralism, and responsible state behaviour. Like the UN's own 80th anniversary, this is an occasion to draw the right lessons from the past in order to shape a future that is more peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable. By convening such commemorative events, we remind ourselves that progress must be anchored in mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. The future we all seek – greener, more prosperous, more digital – can only be built on a foundation of trust, peaceful coexistence and shared responsibility. The 80th anniversary is also an opportune moment to walk the talk by faithfully implementing the principles of international law, the UN charter, and the UN Security Council resolutions. More from South China Morning Post: For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2025.
South China Morning Post
18-05-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Brics message to ‘ring hollow' if Pakistan remains ‘blocked by India': envoy Khalil Hashmi
Khalil Hashmi has served as Pakistan's ambassador to China since November 2023, marking his second diplomatic posting in Beijing. Over his nearly 30-year career, he has held key assignments in several capitals, including Copenhagen, as well as at Pakistan's missions to the United Nations in both New York and Geneva. He has worked on policy issues including arms control, counterterrorism, human rights and climate change. For other interviews in the Open Questions series, click here India and Pakistan have accused each other of ceasefire violations in Kashmir. What is Pakistan's current position, and what are the key next steps or strategies envisioned for achieving a peaceful resolution? Pakistan remains committed to the ceasefire understanding and is of the considered view that its faithful implementation is essential for preserving regional peace and stability. Meetings between the directors general of military operations of both countries have been taking place since May 10. The good news is both sides have agreed to stage-wise de-escalation and demobilisation. Each side has also released one soldier as a goodwill gesture. As for key next steps, our approach is anchored in the principles of the UN charter, international law and global norms of state behaviour. A dozen resolutions adopted by the UN Security Council and accepted by both Pakistan and India provide a blueprint for peaceful resolution to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. This unresolved dispute has festered for decades and is the key driver of tensions and the root cause of conflict between Pakistan and India. According to Article 25 of the UN charter, all UN member states are required to accept and carry out the decisions of the UN Security Council. Pakistan wishes to resolve this dispute through dialogue and diplomacy.
Arab News
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
China reaffirms support for lasting ceasefire between India and Pakistan after military standoff
ISLAMABAD: China's Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong met with Pakistan's envoy in Beijing to discuss tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi and expressed support for a lasting ceasefire, Reuters reported on Wednesday. The meeting followed a recent flare-up in hostilities between India and Pakistan, marked by cross-border missile, drone and artillery exchanges. The situation prompted international concern and calls for de-escalation. According to a statement from China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sun emphasized Beijing's support for a sustainable ceasefire between the two South Asian neighbors during his meeting with Ambassador Khalil Hashmi. 'China welcomes and supports Pakistan and India achieving a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire,' Sun said. 'China is ready to continue to play a constructive role in this regard.' China, a longstanding ally of Pakistan, has maintained a strategic diplomatic and defense relations with Islamabad. During the recent hostilities in the region, reports indicated that Pakistan deployed Chinese-made J-10C fighter jets and PL-15 missiles in its military operations. This marked the first known combat use of the J-10Cs, reflecting the potency of Chinese military hardware and highlighting Beijing's significant role as Islamabad's primary defense partner. While China has expressed support for Pakistan, it has also called for restraint and dialogue. In a statement issued earlier, the Chinese foreign ministry urged both India and Pakistan to prioritize peace and stability, remain calm and restrained and resolve their differences through dialogue and consultation. The recent ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, brokered with international mediation, has also been welcomed by China.
Economic Times
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Economic Times
India Pakistan News Updates: Situation normal in Jammu and Kashmir; China's vice FM meets Pak envoy to discuss India tensions
14 May 2025 | 08:50:04 AM IST India Pakistan News Live Updates: China's vice-foreign minister Sun Weidong met on Tuesday with Pakistan's ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi to discuss tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi, a statement from his ministry said on Wednesday. India Pakistan News Live Updates: The Indian armed forces had launched Operation Sindoor to avenge the Pahalgam attack. Subsequently, the two countries were involved in military actions against each two sides on May 10 reached an understanding on halting all military actions. Show more On India-Pakistan understanding, BJP leader Rajendra Agarwal said, "... There is still a lot of anger in the country's people because Pakistan has an abysmal record. But we have given Pakistan a decisive defeat... We know that Pakistan only gives fake assurances. If Pakistan commits any more audacious acts, then we will attack it again, and the blessings and morale of the people will remain high." On MP Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah's objectionable remarks against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai says, "The nation is saddened by Colonel Sofiya Qureshi's insult, who increased the nation's respect. Her insult is an insult to the women, the army and the people of the country. I request PM Modi to take action against such a leader and suspend him immediately..." Security forces on Tuesday neutralised a live shell that was recovered earlier in the Nowshera area of Rajouri district in Jammu and live shells were reported after Pakistan's shelling across the Line of Control. The army successfully defused them for the safety of the locals in the border villages. The school education department here on Tuesday announced that all government and private schools in Jammu, Rajouri, Poonch, and Samba districts will remain closed to the department, the decision has been taken as a precautionary measure. No specific reason for the closure was stated in the order issued by the is important to note that government and private schools in Udhampur district, as well as in Bani, Basholi, Mahanpur, Bhaddu, Malhar, and Billawar zones of Kathua district, will remain open on the same day."All Govt and Pvt schools in Jammu, Rajouri, Poonch & Samba districts will remain closed tomorrow on 14 May, 2025. However, all Govt and pvt schools in dist Udhampur and Bani, Basholi, Mahanpur, Bhaddu, Malhar and Billawar zones of dist Kathua shall open tomorrow on 14th May, 2025," the department said in an official statement. China's vice-foreign minister Sun Weidong met on Tuesday with Pakistan's ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi to discuss tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi, a statement from his ministry said on said "China welcomes and supports Pakistan and India achieving a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire", the statement said. "China is ready to continue to play a constructive role in this regard," it added. The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, on Tuesday stated that the global community has shown a clear understanding of India's plight and recognised that the Pahalgam terrorist attack targeted Indian tourists and that the epicentre of terrorism lies across the border in said that numerous foreign leaders have acknowledged India's right to defend itself and protect its citizens, emphasising that the epicentre of terrorism is in addressing a question of India and Pakistan 'hyphenation,' Jaiswal, while addressing the MEA briefing, said, "There is widespread understanding in the world that Indian tourists were the victims of terrorism at Pahalgam and that the epicentre of terrorism is across the border in Pakistan. A number of foreign leaders, in their conversations with Indian counterparts, recognised India's right to defend itself and protect its people."He added, "I also draw your attention to the UN Security Council press statement of 25th April, which states that - 'there is a need to uphold perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of this reprehensible act of terrorism accountable and bring them to justice.' They further stressed that those responsible for these killings should be held accountable." Following the recent cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan, the US Department of State Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott emphasised the importance of direct communication between both also commended India and Pakistan for choosing the path of being asked if the US received any assurance or commitment during their talks with Pakistan, whether Pakistan will dismantle its terror infrastructure or no longer support terror groups in the country, Pigott while addressing the press briefing on Tuesday said, "I can only reiterate that we welcome the ceasefire reached between India and Pakistan this weekend. We commend both Prime Ministers for choosing the path of peace. We also want to encourage direct communication between the parties." Jammu and Kashmir Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Sat Sharma visited the families of the victims who lost their lives in heavy cross-border shelling by Pakistan in recent to ANI on Tuesday, Sharma said that Pakistan targeted civilian areas. Further referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the nation, the BJP leader also asserted that every action of Pakistan will be given a befitting reply."...We met the families who have lost their loved ones in Pakistani shelling... Pakistan targeted civilian areas... PM Modi clearly said that the fight between Pakistan and India is for Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and terrorism, and trade cannot go on simultaneously... Every action of Pakistan will be given a befitting reply," BJP President Sat Sharma said. Kapil Surana, President of Udaipur Marble Processors Committee, told ANI, "Udaipur is Asia's biggest exporter of marbles. All members of the committee had unanimously agreed to stop trade with Turkiye because of its support to Pakistan... 70% of the marble imported to India comes from Turkiye... Not just Udaipur, if all marble associations stop their trade with Turkiye, it will give a strong message to the world that the Indian government is not alone, industries and all Indians stand with our government... If we stop trade with Turkiye, the demand for Indian marble will grow..." India expelled a Pakistani official working at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi for allegedly indulging in Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the official was indulging in activities not in keeping with his official status in India and that he had been given 24 hours to leave the move comes amid tensions between the two neighbours following a four-day military confrontation. Pakistan on Tuesday declared a staff member of the Indian High Commission here "persona non grata" for engaging in activities what it called "incompatible" with his privileged status. A statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also said that the concerned official has been directed to leave Pakistan within 24 hours."The Government of Pakistan has declared a staff member of the Indian High Commission, Islamabad, as persona non grata for engaging in activities incompatible with his privileged status," it said.
