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PAKISTAN, BELARUS AGREE TO ENHANCE BILATERAL COOPERATION ACROSS DIVERSE FIELDS Saturday, 12 April, 2025 I 13 Shawwal, 1446
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PM SHEHBAZ, PRESIDENT LUKASHENKO AGREE TO JOINTLY WORK FOR MANUFACTURING OF AGRICULTURE MACHINERY, EXPAND COOPERATION IN MANUFACTURING OF ELECTRIC BUSES, FOOD SECURITY
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MINSK
STAFF REPORT
AKISTAN and Belarus on Friday agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in several areas including agriculture, food security, industries, trade, and defence. During a meeting between Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko here, the two sides also agreed to send 150,000 skilled Pakistani youth to Belarus to con-
tribute to nation-building efforts of Belarus. A comprehensive strategy in this regard will be formulated soon. During the meeting, the two sides agreed to jointly work for the manufacturing of the agriculture machinery and expand cooperation in manufacturing of electric buses and food security. Furthermore, the two leaders also reiterated their resolve to boost defense and business to business cooperation. The two sides discussed matters relating to trade, investment and regional issues and expressed satisfaction over the recent progress on all
Israeli attacks undermining Syria’s pursuit of political stabilization, Pakistan tells UNSC NEW YORK
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan has told the UN Security Council that Israel’s recent air strikes across Syria were in flagrant violations of international law, and also undermined the country’s pursuit of political stabilization and national reconciliation. “We are witnessing a deeply troubling pattern: continued, unprovoked Israeli military aggression; repeated violations of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement; an illegal military presence in the Area of Separation; and open declarations of indefinite occupation, ” Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, permanent representative of Pakistan to the UN, told the 15-member Council during a briefing on the situation in Syria. Voicing alarm at the escalating attacks on multiple locations in Syria—including civilian infrastructure and urban centers— he said those military actions have caused civilian casualties and posed a grave threat to regional and international peace and security. “The Security Council cannot allow illegal military actions to set dangerous precedents,” the Pakistani envoy said, pointing out that last month the Council itself reaffirmed Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and called for upholding these principles. But Israel’s actions, he said, were in direct violation of this consensus, and it must, therefore, act “decisively and ensure accountability”. Pakistan was equally concerned about the broader regional implications of the Israeli actions, Ambassador Asim said, warning that continued escalation risks igniting wider conflict, at a time when diplomacy, de-escalation, and reconstruction must be the priority. He said that Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be fully respected, highlighting that Israel’s occupation of the Syrian Golan remained illegal and, as such, “null and void.”
SC withdraws stay order on judges’ appointment in GB ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The Constitutional Bench of the Supreme Court of Pakistan has lifted the stay order on judicial appointments in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), allowing the federal government to proceed under the provisions of the Gilgit-Baltistan Order 2018. The development came during the hearing of a series of petitions concerning the mechanism and legality of appointments in GB’s judiciary. The Attorney General of Pakistan informed the bench that consultations had been completed with the Advocate General of Gilgit-Baltistan and that the appointment process would now proceed in compliance with the 2018 order. Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail stressed the need for equity in judicial matters, warning that any lapse in fairness could create deeper complications.
aspects of the bilateral relations. The prime minister said that a significant progress in various sectors was made after the eighth meeting of Pak-Belarus joint ministerial commission held last year and visit of Pakistan’s inter-ministerial delegation to Belarus. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in his social media post on X highlighting his meeting with the Belarusian President said “We reviewed the entire spectrum of our bilateral cooperation, including political, trade, investment, and people-to-people contacts”.
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TWO LEADERS ALSO REITERATE THEIR RESOLVE TO BOOST DEFENSE AND B2B COOPERATION
Pakistan, Belarus sign multiple accords MINSK: Pakistan and Belarus on Friday signed a series of agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) aimed at enhancing cooperation across multiple sectors, including defense, commerce and environmental protection. The accords were signed during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s official visit to Belarus, following his meeting with President Aleksandr Lukashenko and the delegation-
Belarus to welcome 150,000 skilled Pakistani workers, announces PM Shehbaz MINSK
STAFF REPORT
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Friday that Belarus has extended a generous offer to Pakistan, inviting over 150,000 highly skilled workers to contribute to its nation-building efforts. Describing the initiative as a “gift” for the people of Pakistan, the prime minister expressed his gratitude, emphasizing that this move would benefit both Belarus’ economy and provide meaningful job opportunities for Pakistani youth. In a joint press conference with Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko, PM Shehbaz assured that the skilled Pakistani workforce would be a valuable asset to Belarus, given their international certifications and national accreditation. “These workers will serve as a significant asset to Belarus,” the prime minister said. PM Shehbaz, who is visiting Belarus at the invitation of President Lukashenko, also reflected on the strong ties between the two nations, citing the successful visit of President Lukashenko to Pakistan in November 2024. The prime minister noted that both countries had signed numerous agreements during that visit, further enhancing bilateral cooperation. Highlighting Belarus’ expert-
level talks between the two sides encompassing discussions on different areas of cooperation as well as regional and international matters. The two leaders witnessed the ceremony as ministers from both sides exchanged the pre-signed documents. The governments of Pakistan and Belarus signed a Readmission Agreement as well as an Agreement on Cooperation between the interior ministries of two countries. STAFF REPORT
FIA arrests two traffickers linked to 2023 Libya migrant disaster FAISALABAD
STAFF REPORT
ise in agriculture and mining, PM Shehbaz expressed Pakistan’s interest in leveraging Belarusian knowledge to improve agricultural yields and explore joint ventures in the mining sector. He emphasized that Pakistan’s vast mineral deposits could make both countries strong partners in this area. President Lukashenko, in turn, reiterated Belarus’ commitment to deepening its relationship with Pakistan, emphasizing the strategic importance of expanding collaboration in trade, agriculture, industry, and technology. He expressed confidence that PM Shehbaz’s visit would pave the way for a long-term,
mutually beneficial partnership. Following the talks, Pakistan and Belarus signed several agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) to strengthen cooperation in defense, commerce, environmental protection, and other sectors. These included a Readmission Agreement, cooperation agreements between the interior ministries, and a military-technical cooperation roadmap for 2025-2027. The agreements aim to further deepen the ties between the two nations, opening new avenues for collaboration across various industries and regions.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has apprehended two proclaimed offenders linked to the 2023 Libya boat tragedy, a deadly incident that claimed the lives of several migrants attempting to cross into Europe. The suspects, identified as Ataullah and Faisal Shehzad—residents of Daska, Sialkot—were arrested by the FIA Anti-Money Laundering Circle in Faisalabad, according to an official statement released on Friday. FIA officials said the two had extorted millions of rupees from aspiring migrants by offering them false promises of employment opportunities in Europe. The agency revealed that the victims, including individuals named Nadeem and Ajmal, were routed through Libya in an attempt to illegally reach Italy. “Once in Libya, the victims were detained in safe houses and subjected to inhumane treatment, including physical torture,” said an FIA spokesperson. The suspects were allegedly part of a wider trafficking syndicate involved in organizing illegal sea crossings. Director of the Anti-Money Laundering Circle Sarfraz Khan Work said the arrests marked a significant step forward in holding the perpetrators accountable. “The law will take its course. Justice will be delivered to the victims and their families,” he stated. This development follows a separate arrest last month of another key suspect, Adil, believed to be a central facilitator in the Libya boat wreck case. Adil was reportedly linked to an international human trafficking ring and is under investigation for collecting and transferring funds from victims on behalf of the network.
8,478 deported as crackdown on illegal foreigners continues Pakistan, Oman agree to strengthen across Punjab
security, workforce cooperation ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Omani Ambassador Fahad Sulaiman Khalaf AlKharousi on Friday reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with a focus on expanding security cooperation. The two officials met in Islamabad, where they held wide-ranging discussions on matters of mutual interest, including regional stability, workforce mobility, and growing economic collaboration. Highlighting the historic and
cultural ties between the two countries, Mohsin Naqvi said that Pakistan and Oman share a “bond rooted in brotherhood, trust, and common values.” He underlined the government’s desire to elevate this relationship through increased institutional collaboration and mutual support in key areas such as internal security and counter-terrorism. The interior minister also acknowledged the valuable contribution of the Pakistani diaspora in Oman, noting that more than 300,000 Pakistanis are currently living and working in the Gulf country. “Our people are playing a vital role in Oman’s development,
and we intend to facilitate more skilled professionals to meet the demands of Oman’s expanding economy,” he added. Ambassador Al-Kharousi, in turn, praised the Pakistani community for its positive impact and affirmed Oman’s readiness to further engage with Pakistan on regional security and people-to-people ties. He described the decades-old relationship between the two nations as “deeply respectful and enduring.” Both sides agreed to maintain close coordination on regional security matters and explore new avenues for bilateral cooperation under existing diplomatic frameworks.
LAHORE
STAFF REPORT
Punjab Police’s campaign to deport illegally residing foreigners continued in full swing and so far 8,478 illegal immigrants have been repatriated from Lahore and other regions of Punjab. Additionally, over 9,304 illegal foreigners have been shifted to holding centers. According to a spokesperson for the Punjab Police, 806 illegal residents are currently stationed at holding points, adding there are a total of 46 holding centers across the province, including five in Lahore. On the other hand, Punjab IG Police Dr Usman Anwar said that Pakistan, like other countries, was pursuing a deportation policy in line with international laws. “We have complete data of nearly 89,000 foreigners residing illegally in Punjab, including Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) Holders”, the police chief revealed, adding that all illegal immigrants had been informed in advance to leave the country voluntarily.