Latest news with #PCNS
Maroc
16-05-2025
- Business
- Maroc
EuroMeSCo Consultation Circles on New Pact for the Mediterranean Kick Off in Salé
The EuroMeSCo Consultation Circles on the New Pact for the Mediterranean kicked off Tuesday in Salé, with the aim of fostering Euro-Mediterranean dialogue and addressing the region's shared challenges. Organized by the Policy Center for the New South (PCNS) and the European Institute of the Mediterranean (IEMed), the event is part of the IEMed-led project "Support to the reflection and consultation on the Pact for the Mediterranean." The pact is poised to become the European Union's (EU) main political framework for strengthening cooperation with its Southern neighbors. Karim El Aynaoui, Executive President of the PCNS, called for an in-depth reflection on the Euro-Mediterranean future relations. "The timing is spot-on to rethink these ties so that countries further reassess their foreign policies." " Partners are potentially willing to engage on various issues within the framework of renewed cooperation." In this regard, El Aynaoui welcomed the EU's initiative to reconsider its approach through the new Pact for the Mediterranean. Seven Florins, IEMed Executive President, highlighted the central role played by EuroMeSCO along with IEMed in promoting dialogue and research as well as in strengthening ties between Europe and its southern neighborhood. He stressed the importance of independent expertise and multilateral cooperation to address the common challenges, especially in a geopolitical context characterized by conflicts and climate emergency and economic disparities. For his part, Stefano Sannino, Director General for the Middle East, North Africa, and the Gulf at the European Commission, emphasized the importance of the new framework established by the Commission, which for the first time dedicates a portfolio exclusively to the Mediterranean region. He highlighted that this reflects the particular interest the President of the European Commission has in this strategic area, marking an unprecedented evolution in the structuring of Euro-Mediterranean relations. Running until May 14, the event is bringing together policymakers, experts, researchers, civil society representatives and private sector actors from both shores of the Mediterranean. Conclusions of the consultations will be taken into account while drafting the New Pact for the Mediterranean, ahead of its expected adoption during the 30th anniversary of the Barcelona Process, with the aim of contributing to the security and well-being of both shores of the Mediterranean. MAP:13 mai 2025
Express Tribune
26-03-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Govt taps Bilawal to engage PTI on security talks
A day after it was urged to reconvene the top-level security huddle, the federal government on Tuesday tasked Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari with engaging the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), accepting his offer to mediate between the ruling coalition and the opposition. Speaking on a private TV channel, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's advisor and senior PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah said the government was open to reconvening the Parliamentary Committee on National Security (PCNS) if Bilawal brought PTI to the table. "Bilawal Bhutto is already part of the government. If he successfully mediates between PTI and the government and the negotiations yield positive results, it will be a significant success for us," the PM's advisor said. Though Sanaullah referred to Bilawal as part of the government, it is pertinent to note that the PPP chairman has consistently maintained that while his party supports the PML-N-led government and sits on treasury benches, it is not part of the federal cabinet. The government's move follows Bilawal's call for a united front against terrorism and his concerns over the absence of key political parties, particularly PTI, from the recently held high-level security meeting. Addressing PPP workers at the Punjab Governor's House on Monday, he urged the prime minister to reconvene the PCNS session with full political representation, stressing that Pakistan's security challenges required collective responsibility. While pushing for broader participation, Bilawal also slammed opposition parties for prioritising political disputes over national security. Directly addressing Opposition Leader Omar Ayub Khan, he urged PTI to set aside internal grievances and focus on pressing national issues, including terrorism, economic instability and governance failures in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. He stressed that national security should not be held hostage to PTI's singular demand for releasing its supremo Imran Khan. He warned that Pakistan's internal divisions were being exploited by external forces and stressed the need for national unity. Positioning PPP as a bridge between the government and the opposition, Bilawal argued that his party's unique stance – neither fully in government nor opposition – allowed it to facilitate dialogue and work toward resolving key national challenges. On March 18, the PCNS had approved a unanimous declaration, reaffirming Pakistan's unwavering commitment to eradicating terrorism in all its forms and vowed decisive action against any elements threatening national stability. The country's top civil and military leadership had reaffirmed its commitment in the first security meeting in parliament during the incumbent PML-N-led coalition government, which was boycotted by the key opposition party, PTI, among others. The committee had reiterated that no institution, individual or group acting in collusion with hostile forces will be allowed to undermine Pakistan's peace and stability. Expressing regret over the absence of some opposition members, an official statement had said, the committee reaffirmed that consultations on this matter will continue. During the in-camera session, the military leadership had provided a detailed briefing on the prevailing security situation, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The meeting was informed about ongoing counterterrorism operations, recent threats and the state's comprehensive strategy to ensure internal security. The meeting of the PCNS was called after security concerns escalated following a string of attacks, particularly in Balochistan, where militants recently hijacked a passenger train and carried out a suicide bombing on a security convoy. Earlier, terrorists had attacked on Bannu Cantonment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where 16 terrorists were killed and five soldiers were martyred. Also, Maulana Hamidul Haq Haqqani - the son of Maulana Samiul Haq and chief of his own faction of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-S) - was among six people who perished in a recent suicide attack at the Darul Uloom Haqqani in Nowshera district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Express Tribune
21-03-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Pakistan, UK discuss joint terror strategy
Pakistan and the United Kingdom on Thursday discussed adopting a joint strategy against terrorism. In recent weeks, the country has faced a surge in terrorism, ranging from suicide bombings and targeted assassinations to complex assaults on military bases and mosques. To address the issue and build a joint narrative, the Parliamentary Committee on National Security (PCNS) met on Monday and emphasised the urgent need to implement counterterrorism frameworks — the National Action Plan (NAP) and Vision Azm-i-Istehkam - to curb terrorism. With this in view, Adviser to Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs Rana Sanaullah Khan held an important meeting with British High Commissioner Jane Marriott. Both the dignitaries discussed increasing security cooperation and taking collaborative measures to ensure regional peace and stability and agreed on reinforcing intelligence sharing and operational cooperation in counterterrorism efforts. They also discussed ways to strengthen economic partnerships, enhance trade relations, and explore new avenues of mutual cooperation between Pakistan and the United Kingdom. During the meeting, Sanaullah, who also holds the portfolio of Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC), reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to expanding bilateral ties with the UK, said a press release. Additionally, cultural exchanges and the promotion of people-to-people ties were discussed to further strengthen relations between the two nations. Sanaullah emphasized that Government of Pakistan is committed to deepening cooperation with the UK across all sectors and will take all necessary measures to achieve this goal.
