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KASHMIR WILL REMAIN CORNER STONE OF PAKISTAN’S FOREIGN POLICY, SAYS PM SHEHBAZ Thursday, 6 February, 2025 | 7 Shaban ul Moazzam, 1446
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PM Shehbaz asks India to hold meaningful, result-oriented talks for resolution of Kashmir issue
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No act of aggression to go unanswered, COAS on Kashmir Day
Reiterates unwavering moral, diplomatic, and political support for Kashmiris until they get right to self-determination MUZAFFARABAD stAff RepoRt
RIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif has again called on India to hold meaningful and result-oriented talks for the resolution of Kashmir issue. PM Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s moral, diplomatic and political support to Kashmiri brethren while addressing the AJK Legislative Assembly in Muzaffarabad on Wednesday, on the occasion of Kashmir Solidarity Day. Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan will continue its unwavering moral, diplomatic, and political support for the Kashmiri people until they
get their right to self-determination, in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. During a meeting with the leaders of All Parties Hurriyat Conference in Muzaffarabad, he said Jammu and Kashmir dispute is a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy and will remain so. Shehbaz Sharif urged the international community to take action against India’s aggression and human rights violations in illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir. “The sacrifices of Kashmiris who have laid down their lives in the struggle for the right to self-determination will not go in vain,” the Prime Minister said. He also directed Federal Ministers Ahsan Iqbal and Engineer Amir Muqam to
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formulate a strategy to address the concerns and issues faced by refugees in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The APHC leaders praised the Prime Minister and the Government of Pakistan for expressing solidarity with the Kashmiris and commended the unwavering support for the Kashmir freedom movement. They also praised the Prime Minister for highlighting the Kashmir dispute at the platform of the United Nations. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has assured government’s full cooperation in efforts for the welfare of the Kashmiri people.
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir on Wednesday vowed that no act of aggression would go unanswered and underscored Pakistan Army’s commitment to defend the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity with full resolve. The army chief’s remarks came as he visited Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s (AJK) capital Muzaffarabad, where he paid homage to the sacrifices of the martyrs, a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said. Upon arrival at the Jammu and Kashmir Monument, the ISPR mentioned, he laid a floral wreath at the Martyrs’ Mon-
ument and offered rich tributes to the unparalleled sacrifices of the Shuhada. While paying homage to the martyrs of Kashmir, the COAS also commended the unwavering dedication, professional excellence, and combat readiness of the deployed officers and soldiers in the face of challenging operational conditions in Kashmir. He lauded their high morale and vigilance, emphasising the importance of maintaining peak operational preparedness to deter and counter any hostile provocations. The army chief also expressed complete confidence in the battle readiness of the armed forces.
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President Zardari, President Xi discuss ‘positive trajectory’ of bilateral relationship
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PRESIDENT PAYS RICH TRIBUTE TO PRESIDENT XI FOR CHINA’S PROFOUND CONTRIBUTIONS TO GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT UNDER BRI BEIJING/ISLAMABAD stAff RepoRt
President Asif Ali Zardari ad Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday took note of the “positive trajectory” of bilateral relations while underlining the enduring friendship between the two countries, reaffirming their mutual support on core issues of interest. President Asif Ali Zardari met with the President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, a day after he reached China with a delegation that includes Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Senator Saleem Mandviwala, and Dr Asim Hussain. According to a statement issued from the President’s Secretariat, at the meeting, “the two leaders discussed the positive trajectory of the bilateral relationship, regional and international issues of common interest, and opportunities to even further expand the scope of bilateral partnership, especially through continued high-level exchanges. Underlining the enduring friendship between the two countries, they also reaffirmed support for each other on the issues of core interest.” President Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to its AllWeather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with China and underlined the unique, time-tested and special relationship between the two countries. He also commended China’s exemplary development, progress and prosperity, calling it a manifestation of the vision of the Chinese leadership and the dynamism of
the Chinese people. President Zardari also paid rich tribute to President Xi Jinping for China’s profound contributions to global devel-
opment under the Belt & Road Initiative (BRI). He termed China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a shining model of the BRI’s visionary concept of
win-win cooperation. Both sides also discussed the highquality development of CPEC 2.0 and its vital role in promoting regional connectivity, shared benefits and common prosperity, including through partnerships with other countries. They underlined the significance of people-to-people linkages and cultural exchanges for strengthening the ChinaPakistan Community of Shared Future in the New Era. President Zardari extended the invitation to President Xi to visit Pakistan, emphasizing that the people and government of Pakistan hold him in high esteem as a visionary leader and as a special friend of Pakistan.
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Naqvi, Chinese counterpart agree to strengthen intelligence sharing BEIJING/ISLAMABAD stAff RepoRt
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and his Chinese counterpart Qiu Yanjun on Wednesday agreed to enhance intelligence sharing and security cooperation between Pakistan and China. The consensus was reached during a high-level meeting between Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and his Chinese counterpart, Qiu Yanjun, in Beijing. During the meeting, discussions focused on securing borders for para-
military forces and enhancing cooperation in this regard. Both sides also deliberated on the use of advanced technology for police and paramilitary forces. Both the security Czars held detailed discussions on acquiring modern equipment and technology from China to strengthen Pakistan’s law enforcement agencies. Naqvi emphasized that Pakistan would procure cutting-edge technology and equipment to enhance policing capabilities. Additionally, both countries
agreed to strengthen collaboration between the National Police Academy and enhance cooperation between Beijing and Islamabad police forces. The leaders expressed satisfaction with the progress made in the January meeting of the Joint Working Group. The high-level discussion between the two ministers lasted for two hours. On this occasion, the Interior Minister extended an official invitation to his Chinese counterpart to visit Pakistan.
Fazl urges civil, military leadership to clarify stance on Trump’s Gaza remarks ISLAMABAD
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has strongly criticized former US President Donald Trump’s remarks regarding Gaza, urging the Pakistani government and establishment to take a clear stance that truly represents the nation’s conscience. Maulana Fazlur Rehman reaffirmed his stance on Palestine, rejecting Israeli occupation, and emphasized that Palestinians have an undeniable right to their land. He condemned the statements made by Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during their meeting, calling it an insult to the Muslim Ummah, which he said is united in protest. The JUI-F chief asserted that the Palestinian struggle is a legitimate fight for freedom, labeling Israel as a Zionist occupation that has never been recognized by the Palestinian people. He declared that the entire Muslim Ummah stands firmly with the Palestinians in their resistance. He also reminded Trump of America’s failure in Afghanistan, stating, “You tried to occupy Afghanistan and spilled blood for 20 years, imposed war, and violated human rights—yet you faced a humiliating defeat.” Maulana Fazlur Rehman condemned Israel’s 15-month-long assault on Gaza, carried out with American support, which turned Gaza and Khan Younis into ruins. He highlighted that thousands remain buried under the rubble, while over 50,000 Palestinians, including women and children, have been martyred. “How else can one define such atrocities except as war crimes and crimes against humanity?” he questioned, drawing parallels to Saddam Hussein’s execution and Muammar Gaddafi’s overthrow, which he said were justified by the West on similar grounds.
Trump says US wants to take over Gaza Strip WASHINGTON Agencies
President Donald Trump said the US would take over the war-ravaged Gaza Strip and develop it economically after Palestinians are resettled elsewhere, actions that would shatter decades of US policy toward the IsraeliPalestinian conflict. Trump unveiled his surprise plan, without providing specifics, at a joint press conference on Tuesday with visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The announcement followed Trump’s shock proposal earlier on Tuesday for the permanent resettlement of the more than two million Palestinians from Gaza to neighbouring countries, calling the enclave — where the first phase of a fragile Israel-Hamas ceasefire and hostage release deal is in effect — a “demolition site”. Trump can expect allies and foes alike to strongly oppose any US takeover of Gaza, and his proposal raises questions whether Middle East power Saudi Arabia would be willing to join a renewed US-brokered push for a historic normalisation of relations with US ally Israel. The US taking a direct stake in Gaza would run counter to longtime policy in Washington and for much of the international community, which has held that Gaza would be part of a future Palestinian state that includes the occupied West Bank. “The US will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it too,” Trump told reporters. “We’ll own it and be responsible
Global outrage erupts over Trump’s Gaza ‘takeover’ proposal ISLAMABAD Agencies
Widespread international condemnation has followed U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza and establish longterm U.S. control over the region, as revealed during a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump suggested that Palestinians would “love to leave” Gaza and envisioned U.S. oversight of the territory to rebuild it and create jobs. His remarks have been sharply criticized as a violation of international law and a threat to stability in for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site.” “We’re going to develop it, create thousands and thousands of jobs, and it’ll be something that the entire Middle East can be very proud of,” Trump said. “I do see a longterm ownership position and I see it bringing great stability to that part of the Middle East.” Asked who would live there, Trump said it could become a home to “the world’s people”. Trump touted the narrow strip, where Israel’s military assault in response to
the Middle East. The proposal has been described by critics as a dangerous blueprint for ethnic cleansing, fueling concerns about the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the rights of Palestinian people. SAUDI ARABIA’S STRONG REJECTION Saudi Arabia issued a firm response to Trump’s statements, reiterating its unwavering commitment to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. The Saudi Foreign Ministry emphasized the Kingdom’s opposition to any forced displacement of Palestinians.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 03 Hamas’ Oct 7, 2023 cross-border attack has levelled large swaths, as having the potential to be “The Riviera of the Middle East”. Trump did not directly respond to a question of how and under what authority the US can take over and occupy Gaza, a coastal strip 45 kilometres long and at most 10km wide, with a violent history. Successive US administrations, including Trump in his first term, had avoided deploying US troops there. Several Democratic lawmakers quickly condemned the Republican presi-
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dent’s Gaza proposals. Netanyahu, referred to a few times by Trump by his nickname, “Bibi”, would not be drawn into discussing the proposal in depth other than to praise Trump for trying a new approach. The Israeli leader, whose military had engaged in more than a year of fierce fighting with Hamas in Gaza, said Trump was “thinking outside the box with fresh ideas” and was “showing willingness to puncture conventional thinking”. Netanyahu may have been relieved that Trump, who forged close ties with the Israeli leader during his first term in the White House, did not pressure him publicly to maintain the ceasefire. He faces threats from far-right members of his coalition to topple his government unless he restarts the fighting in Gaza to destroy Hamas. Some experts have suggested Trump sometimes takes an extreme position internationally to set the parameters for future negotiations. In his first term, Trump at times issued what were seen as over-the-top foreign policy pronouncements, many of which he never implemented. A UN damage assessment released in January showed that clearing over 50 million tonnes of rubble left in Gaza in the aftermath of Israel’s bombardment could take 21 years and cost up to $1.2 billion. Jonathan Panikoff, former deputy US national intelligence officer for the Near East, said Trump’s plan would mean a lengthy US military commitment and if it came to fruition would be viewed by the Arab world as Washington “not learning its lessons from nation building in Iraq and
Afghanistan”. Trump earlier repeated his call for Jordan, Egypt and other Arab states to take in Gazans, saying Palestinians there had no alternative but to abandon the coastal strip, which must be rebuilt after nearly 16 months of Israel’s bombardment. But this time Trump said he would support resettling Palestinians “permanently”, going beyond his previous suggestions that Arab leaders had already steadfastly rejected. Forced displacement of Gaza’s population would likely be a violation of international law and would be fiercely opposed not only in the region but also by Washington’s Western allies. Some human rights advocates liken the idea to ethnic cleansing. Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri condemned Trump’s calls for Gazans to leave as “expulsion from their land”. “We consider them a recipe for generating chaos and tension in the region because the people of Gaza will not allow such plans to pass,” he said. Trump offered no specifics on how a resettlement process could be implemented but his proposal echoed the wishes of Israel’s far right and contradicted Democratic former president Joe Biden’s commitment against mass displacement of Palestinians. Aaron David Miller, a former Middle East adviser to Republican and Democratic administrations, said Trump had given Netanyahu a “huge pass” with his Gaza announcement. “He validated almost every right-wing fantasy in Israel,” Miller said. The Saudi government, in a statement, stressed its rejection of any attempt to displace Palestinians from their land and said it would not establish relations with Israel without establishment of a Palestinian state.