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Showing posts from September, 2025

Why the UAE Search and Rescue Team Leads Global Aid

When catastrophic natural disasters strike, international emergency response must be swift, structured, and technically proficient. In my opinion, the recent milestone achieved by the UAE Search and Rescue Team -retaining its prestigious UN-affiliated Heavy classification for the third consecutive cycle-defines modern crisis leadership. When UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan personally received the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority’s elite unit at Qasr Al Bahr, it underscored a vital truth: effective humanitarian relief requires elite operational mastery. By maintaining this top-tier accreditation under the United Nations International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) framework, the Emirates reinforces its commitment to rapid disaster response worldwide. I believe this achievement is not merely a technical badge, but a clear reflection of strategic foresight, national discipline, and deeply ingrained humanitarian values. What Does INSARAG Heavy Cla...
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This is not our document: Dar on US President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan for Gaza

  Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar asserted on Tuesday that US President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan on Gaza was “not our document”. The “document has been issued by the US”, he said during a press conference in Islamabad, seemingly distancing the Pakistan’s decision-makers from the plan. “This is not our document, which we sent to them. There are some key areas that we want covered … If they are not covered, they will be covered” he said, adding that the immediate objectives of the plan were to ensure a ceasefire, “stop the blood, let the humanitarian aid flow and end forced displacement”.  Consider Trump’s announcement of the 20-point plan as “an announcement from their side”, he added. “We have issued a joint statement on behalf of eight countries [that held a meeting with Trump in New York last week]. We own this. If there is any difference anywhere, we would go by — we are committed to this (joint statement).” he emphasised. The  meeting  held on the sidelines of the...
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Pakistan PM backs Trump’s Gaza plan, says his leadership vital to ending war

  ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday backed President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan to end Israel’s war on Gaza, praising his leadership for efforts to bring an end to the nearly two-year-old Israeli onslaught. Trump presented the peace plan for Gaza and the Middle East during his meeting with leaders of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Turkiye, Indonesia and other Muslim states last week on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session. The meeting came in the backdrop of Israel’s ramping up of its military operations in Gaza, where it has killed over 65,000 people since October 2023, as well as Israeli attacks against other regional states, with Muslim nations demanding the world hold Tel Aviv accountable. In a post on X, Sharif, whose country does not recognize Israel and calls for an independent Palestinian state with pre-1967 borders, welcomed the US president’s 20-point plan to ensure an end to the war in Gaza. “I am...
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PM Sharif, President Trump discuss bilateral, regional matters

  WASHINGTON : Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif , along with Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Friday met US President Donald Trump at White House . According to the Prime Minister’s Office , discussions covered matters of mutual interest as well as global and regional developments. Prime Minister Shehbaz hailed President Trump as a “champion of peace,” praising his bold and decisive leadership. noted that President Trump’s efforts had played a crucial role in achieving a ceasefire between Pakistan and India , while also commending his initiatives to end the war in Gaza and his plan to convene key Muslim leaders in New York later this week. The meeting primarily focused on peace in the Middle East, particularly in Gaza and the West Bank . The Prime Minister extended an invitation to President Trump to visit Pakistan . The Prime Minister’s Office described the meeting as “friendly and cordial.” US Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio also joined the mee...
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Pak-Saudi defence pact poses no threat to any third country: FO

  Spokesperson says as per agreement, any aggression against either country to be considered as aggression against both Pakistan has categorically stated that the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement signed with Saudi Arabia underscores the two countries' shared commitment to regional peace and security . The pact is not aimed at threatening any other nation, Associated Press of Pakitan (APP) reported. In his weekly media briefing on Friday, Foreign Office Spokesperson Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan said, Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have signed a landmark defence agreement during Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif ’s official visit to Riyadh specifically meant to strengthen defence cooperation. The agreement was signed following official talks between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, Muhammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz al Saud , on September 17 . “Both leaders reaffirmed the historic and strategic relations , spanned...
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Saudi Arabia, nuclear-armed Pakistan sign mutual defence pact

  Saudi Arabia and nuclear-armed Pakistan have signed a formal mutual defense pact , Pakistani state television said on Wednesday, in a move that significantly strengthens a decades-long security partnership . "This agreement, which reflects the shared commitment of both nations to enhance their security and to achieving security and peace in the region and the world, aims to develop aspects of defense cooperation between the two countries and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression. The agreement states that any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both," a statement from the Pakistani prime minister's office said.
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Pakistan court cancels telecom chief’s appointment over rule violations, favoritism

  ISLAMABAD: A high court in Pakistan’s capital on Tuesday canceled the appointment of Major General (retired) Hafeez-ur-Rehman as the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) chairman over violation of rules and favoritism. Rehman was first appointed PTA member (administration) and in May 2023, he was appointed the chairman of the authority. The petitioner, Usama Khilji, challenged Rehman’s appointment as PTA member (administration), saying it was in contravention of PTA rules. In his verdict, Islamabad High Court (IHC) judge Babar Sattar stated that Rehman’s appointment as the PTA chairman was not legally valid, adding that a senior member of the authority should be appointed as the chairman temporarily. “The creation of the office of Member (Administration) and the appointment made under it are void and of no legal effect,” the judge stated in the verdict. “The recruitment process suffered from mala fide in law and lacked transparency.”  The petitioner said the federal c...
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Pak vs Ind: India make short work of uninspiring Pakistan, win by 7 wickets

  dia romped to a comprehensive seven-wicket victory in their high-intensity encounter against Pakistan in the men’s Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai on Sunday. The match had been coloured from the start by calls from across the border to ‘ boycott ’ the fixture. It seems the pressure got to the players as well, with the Indian team refusing to shake hands, as is customary, at the toss and after the match. Then, at the post-match ceremony, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav seemingly ‘politicised’ the victory by bringing up the Pahalgham terrorist attack in India-occupied Kashmir, over which the two countries  fought  a four-day military conflict in May, saying the victory was “a perfect gift” for his country. “We stand with the victim’s families of the Pahalgam terror attack, and we express our solidarity, and we want to dedicate today’s win to the armed forces,” the Indian skipper said. Speaking at the post-match press conference, Yadav said: “Our government and the BCCI were aligne...
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Senegal-UAE Trade Surges: A $668 Million Partnership Transforming West African Commerce

The economic relationship between Senegal and the United Arab Emirates has witnessed remarkable growth, with UAE imports to Senegal skyrocketing from $174 million in 2019 to $668.5 million in 2023—representing a staggering 284% increase over just four years. This dramatic expansion reflects a deepening partnership that positions both nations as emerging investment allies bridging Africa and the Middle East. Driving Forces Behind the Trade Boom The surge in bilateral trade has been primarily fueled by three key sectors: refined hydrocarbons, equipment, and machinery. These imports align perfectly with Senegal’s infrastructure development goals and energy needs as the country positions itself as a regional economic hub in West Africa. Refined hydrocarbons represent a crucial component of this trade relationship, supporting Senegal’s growing energy demands and industrial development. The UAE’s expertise in oil refining and petrochemicals has made it a natural partner for Senegal’s energy ...
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PM Shehbaz arrives in Qatar to express ‘solidarity’ following Israeli attack

  Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday arrived in Qatar for a one-day visit to express “solidarity and regional unity” after  Israeli airstrikes  targeted residential areas in Doha earlier this week. On Tuesday, Israel launched an airstrike against  Hamas leaders  in Doha, expanding military actions that have ranged across the Middle East to include the Gulf Arab state where the Palestinian group has long had its political base. According to Hamas sources, the group’s representatives were targeted while they were  discussing   United States President Donald Trump ’s proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza. Qatar condemned the attack as “cowardly” and called it a flagrant violation of international law PM Shehbaz, accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and a high-level delegation, will meet Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to convey Islamabad’s sympathies and support for the Gulf state today,” a statement by th...
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Pakistan requests emergency UNSC session on Israeli strikes in Doha

  Pakistan on Wednesday requested an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) following Israeli strikes in Qatari capital Doha, which targeted Hamas leadership. With Tuesday’s  strikes , Israel is expanding military actions that have ranged across the Middle East to include the Gulf Arab state, where the Palestinian group has long had its political base. Qatar, which has acted as a mediator alongside Egypt in talks on a ceasefire in the almost two-year-old conflict in Gaza, condemned the attack as “cowardly” and called it a flagrant violation of international law. In a post on X, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar wrote that Pakistan requested the meeting along with Somalia and Algeria, after “unprovoked illegal Israeli aggression” in Qatar to “discuss the situation and seize itself of this grave matter”. “Pakistan expresses its complete solidarity and firm support with the government and brotherly people of Qatar,” Dar wrote. Our enemies are not safe anywhere’:...
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Afghanistan Earthquake Tragedy: Hearts Heavy as Region Mourns

A devastating earthquake has shaken eastern Afghanistan, leaving our neighboring nation in profound grief and desperate need of rescue operations. The catastrophic tremors have claimed at least 1,400 precious lives and left over 3,000 people injured across the affected regions. Families have been torn apart, communities destroyed, and countless survivors remain trapped beneath the rubble, fighting for their lives as rescue teams race against time. International Response In response to this humanitarian crisis, the United Arab Emirates has mobilized comprehensive relief efforts under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. UAE Search and Rescue teams, alongside units from the Joint Operations Command, have been deployed to coordinate with local Afghan authorities. The UAE mission includes conducting crucial field assessments to determine proper response strategies, providing logistical support to affected areas, and executing rescue operations to ext...
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Punjab floods ignite fears of Sindh deluge

  Floodwaters across Punjab reached alarming levels on Tuesday after India released additional discharges into the Sutlej and Ravi rivers, while persistent monsoon rains intensified the crisis, putting millions of lives at risk and raising fears of a super flood in Sindh. According to the Flood Forecasting Division (FFD), the Sutlej at Ganda Singh Wala recorded over 350,000 cusecs of water — the highest level since 1955. At Sulemanki, the flow was measured at 124,000 cusecs, while Islam Headworks reported nearly 86,000 cusecs. The Ravi also witnessed a dangerous rise, with water levels recorded at 54,000 cusecs in Jassar, 60,000 in Shahdara, 137,000 in Balloki, and 107,000 in Sidhnai. PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia said that over one million people have so far been relocated to safe areas, while 41 people have lost their lives since August 26. He described the ongoing relief and evacuation efforts as the largest rescue operation in the province's history. Punjab Relief Comm...
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