ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch announced that the 23rd Meeting of the Ministers responsible for Foreign Economic and Trade Activities from the SCO Member States is commencing in Islamabad. This meeting follows the recent session of the Commission of Senior Officials, held from September 10-11, 2024, in Islamabad, where documents for the 23rd Ministerial Meeting were discussed.
This two-day Ministerial Meeting is part of the regular annual process of the SCO and is expected to make significant contributions ahead of the Head of State Meeting in Islamabad.2 Kashmiri Youth Martyred in Indian Army Firing
The Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Arsenio Antonio Dominguez Velasco, arrived in Pakistan last night for a three-day visit, marking the first time an IMO Secretary General has visited Pakistan.
During his visit, Secretary General Velasco will meet with Pakistani leaders and senior officials in both Islamabad and Karachi. Today, he is participating in the “International Maritime Business and Finance Conference” in Islamabad, where Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar is the Chief Guest.
In his speech at the conference, Deputy Prime Minister Dar emphasized the importance of fostering peaceful relations, ensuring shared prosperity, and addressing common challenges related to security, environmental protection, and sustainable resource management. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong commitment to maritime safety and environmental sustainability, and highlighted the country’s focus on developing a vibrant blue economy as a critical element of economic growth, job creation, and responsible marine resource management.
He also discussed Pakistan’s dedication to expanding fisheries and maritime trade, promoting coastal tourism, and exploring offshore resources, including gas and oil.
Pakistan vehemently condemns the airstrikes carried out by Israeli forces on the Al-Mawasi humanitarian zone in Khan Yunis, Gaza on September 10, 2024, which resulted in the deaths of 40 civilians. These strikes, conducted in an area designated as a safe zone for displaced persons by the Israeli forces, represent a blatant violation of international humanitarian law.
The assault on Khan Yunis, carried out without warning and in disregard of fundamental protections, demonstrates a callous disregard for human life and Israel’s genocidal intentions towards the Palestinian people. Targeting individuals seeking refuge in a designated safe zone is a severe breach of international humanitarian law, which mandates the protection of civilian populations and humanitarian areas.
We urge the UN Security Council to take action to prevent further genocidal attacks by Israeli forces against the Palestinian people and to hold them accountable for their war crimes and crimes against humanity.
We also strongly condemn the Delhi High Court’s recent decision to uphold India’s ban on several political parties advocating for Kashmiri rights. This ban on indigenous political parties is part of India’s ongoing effort to suppress the Kashmiri people, stifle dissent, and strengthen its occupation of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) is being increasingly used to silence those who advocate for the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Indian judiciary’s role in legitimizing these actions follows recent decisions that have sanctioned the suppression of legitimate political voices in Jammu and Kashmir. Last year, the Indian Supreme Court endorsed the unlawful and unilateral measures taken in 2019 in IIOJK.
