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ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Malaysia on Sunday for a three-day official visit aimed at deepening Pakistan&rsquo;s economic and digital cooperation with Kuala Lumpur, his office said, as the two nations look to strengthen trade, investment, and technology partnerships across Southeast Asia.&nbsp;PM Sharif was received at Kuala Lumpur International Airport by Malaysia&rsquo;s Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil and Pakistan&rsquo;s High Commissioner Syed Ahsan Raza Shah.&nbsp;&nbsp;The prime minister was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi.&nbsp;According to the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Office, PM Sharif and his counterpart, Anwar Ibrahim, will hold high-level talks to expand collaboration in trade, IT and telecommunications, the halal industry, education, energy, infrastructure, and the digital economy.&nbsp;The two sides are also expected to sign several agreements and memorandums of understanding to enhance cooperation in both existing and emerging sectors.&nbsp;Pakistan&rsquo;s Foreign Office described the visit as a reaffirmation of the &ldquo;strong and enduring strategic partnership&rdquo; between the two Muslim-majority countries, rooted in mutual respect and shared economic goals.&nbsp;Officials say the visit reflects Islamabad&rsquo;s increasing focus on digital transformation, innovation, and connectivity, while analysts view it as part of Pakistan&rsquo;s broader strategy to diversify its economic ties and engage more closely with ASEAN economies.&nbsp;Malaysia, a key member of ASEAN, is viewed as a crucial partner for Pakistan in promoting trade, technology, and investment throughout the region.&nbsp;&ldquo;This visit is regarded as highly significant in further consolidating relations between Pakistan and Malaysia,&rdquo; the PM Office said.

Foreign Affairs

The three-day visit to Malaysia focuses on boosting trade, investment, and digital collaboration, with both nations set to sign new agreements to strengthen economic, technological, and people-to-people partnerships across Southeast Asia.

Pakistan PM in Malaysia to deepen economic, digital and strategic ties

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will pay a two-day official visit to Malaysia from October 5 to 7 at the invitation of his Malaysian counterpart, Anwar Ibrahim, the Foreign Office announced on Saturday.&nbsp;According to the statement, the visit highlights the &ldquo;strong and enduring strategic partnership between Pakistan and Malaysia, rooted in mutual respect, shared interests, and close cooperation across a wide range of sectors.&rdquo;&nbsp;During his stay, the prime minister will hold delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.&nbsp;&nbsp;The discussions are expected to cover regional and global developments, as well as ways to deepen collaboration in diverse areas, including trade, investment, information technology, telecommunications, energy, infrastructure, the Halal industry, education, and the digital economy. Both leaders are also expected to discuss ways to enhance people-to-people exchanges, further solidifying cultural and social ties.&nbsp;The Foreign Office confirmed that the visit will witness the signing of several agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at boosting cooperation in both existing and new sectors. These agreements are anticipated to provide a fresh impetus to bilateral trade and investment opportunities, while also opening doors for joint ventures in emerging industries.&nbsp;Earlier this month, Malaysian High Commissioner to Pakistan Mohammad Azhar Mazlan emphasized the strong potential for expanded cooperation between Kuala Lumpur and Islamabad. He noted that both countries share significant common ground, particularly in areas such as trade, technology, and cultural exchange, marking an important step toward unlocking greater economic and diplomatic benefits.&nbsp;Analysts view the visit as part of Pakistan&rsquo;s broader efforts to diversify its international partnerships, strengthen its regional engagement, and explore new avenues of growth in line with global trends. With Malaysia being a key player in ASEAN and an essential partner in the Muslim world, Islamabad sees Kuala Lumpur as a crucial ally in advancing shared economic and strategic objectives.&nbsp;&ldquo;The visit underscores Pakistan&rsquo;s continued commitment to strengthening ties with Malaysia,&rdquo; the Foreign Office concluded.

PM Sharif to visit Malaysia from October 5 to 7 to discuss regional developments, boost bilateral cooperation, and witness agreements in trade, investment, technology, and other sectors.

Pakistan PM to visit Malaysia to boost bilateral cooperation

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday welcomed the successful conclusion of talks between the government&rsquo;s negotiation committee and the Joint Action Committee in Azad Kashmir, describing the agreement as a major step towards peace and stability in the region.&nbsp;In a statement from his office, the prime minister hailed the individual and collective efforts of the members of the negotiation committee. He congratulated the committee on securing what he termed a &ldquo;significant achievement for both Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.&rdquo; &ldquo;Conspiracies and rumors have finally died down, and all issues have been resolved amicably, Alhamdulillah,&rdquo; Sharif said.&nbsp;He also thanked the members of the Joint Action Committee for the success of the negotiations and congratulated them on the restoration of peace.&nbsp;The government &quot;is always ready to resolve the problems of our Kashmiri brothers,&quot; the prime minister said.&nbsp; &ldquo;Public interest and peace are our top priorities, and we will continue serving Azad Kashmir,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;The prime minister urged Kashmiri brothers to avoid paying attention to rumors.&nbsp; &ldquo;We have always been the protectors of the rights of our Kashmiri brothers and sisters, and we will continue safeguarding their rights in the future as well,&rdquo; he said.

Politics

Congratulates the committee on securing a significant achievement for both Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir; government always ready to resolve issues of Kashmiri brothers.


PM Sharif hails breakthrough in Azad Kashmir talks

Mariam Ellahi

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday expanded the federal negotiation team tasked with defusing tensions in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), according to his office, amid ongoing protests led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC).&nbsp;According to an official statement, the team has travelled to Muzaffarabad to engage in dialogue with JAAC leaders and provide recommendations to the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Office.&nbsp;The expanded team now includes Senator Rana Sanaullah, Federal Ministers Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, Ahsan Iqbal, senior leaders Amir Muqam, Raja Pervez Ashraf, Qamar Zaman Kaira, former AJK president Masood Khan, and Sardar Masood Ahmed.&nbsp;PM Sharif emphasized that peaceful protest is a democratic right, but warned against actions that disrupt public order and peace. He directed law enforcement agencies to exercise restraint and avoid excessive use of force, assuring protesters that the government is committed to addressing their concerns.&nbsp;Dialogue and government responseSharif also announced support for families affected by the unrest and has called for a transparent investigation into the recent violence. He said he will personally oversee the negotiation process upon his return from London.&nbsp;Federal Minister Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry reiterated the government&rsquo;s openness to dialogue, saying it is now the JAAC&rsquo;s responsibility to help stabilize the situation.&nbsp;Background of the unrestProtests erupted across AJK on September 29, triggering a near-complete shutdown in Muzaffarabad. Markets remained closed, public transport was suspended, and most schools were empty, despite being officially open.&nbsp;The JAAC submitted a 38-point charter of demands, which included the abolition of 12 assembly seats reserved for Kashmiri migrants from Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and royalty payments from regional hydropower projects.&nbsp;Government officials reported that nearly 90% of the demands were accepted. However, two key demands &mdash; reducing the number of ministers and abolishing migrant seats &mdash; were rejected, as they require constitutional amendments.&nbsp;Calls for calmAt a joint press conference on Wednesday, Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry and AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq urged the JAAC to resume talks. They warned that continued violence would undermine public welfare.&nbsp;&ldquo;Public rights are affected where human lives are lost,&rdquo; said PM Anwar-ul-Haq, noting that the federal government had already engaged in extensive negotiations, resulting in a draft agreement.&nbsp;Officials added that federal ministers stationed in Muzaffarabad and Rawalakot will oversee the implementation of any agreements reached with protest leaders.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expanded a federal team to negotiate with protest leaders in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, urging calm and restraint. Most protest demands were accepted, as talks continue to resolve the unrest.

Pakistan PM expands negotiation team to ease Azad Kashmir tensions

ISLAMABAD: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced a mass walkout at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Friday as he delivered a combative defense of Israel&rsquo;s war in Gaza, laced with Islamophobic remarks, attacks on Western states recognizing Palestine, and warnings against Iran.&nbsp;Netanyahu addressed a largely empty hall after dozens of delegations walked out in protest over Israel&rsquo;s military campaign in Gaza, which has killed more than 65,500 people, mostly civilians, according to local health authorities. His speech was broadcast along the Israel-Gaza border via loudspeakers mounted on trucks as part of an official campaign to project his message inside Gaza.&nbsp;Netanyahu, who faces an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for alleged war crimes, lashed out at France, Britain, Australia, and Canada for recognizing a Palestinian state. He compared the move to &ldquo;murdering Jews,&rdquo; accusing these governments of &ldquo;rewarding terrorism.&rdquo;&nbsp;He warned that establishing a Palestinian state near Jerusalem would be like &ldquo;giving Al Qaeda a state one mile from New York City after September 11,&rdquo; dismissing the idea as &ldquo;sheer madness.&rdquo;&nbsp;Iran as &ldquo;terror axis&rdquo;Holding up a map labeled &ldquo;The Curse,&rdquo; Netanyahu described Iran as the hub of a &ldquo;terror axis&rdquo; threatening &ldquo;the peace of the entire world&rdquo; and Israel&rsquo;s existence. He cited Israel&rsquo;s strikes on Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Hamas, and even took credit for the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.<figure class="fr-media"> </figure><figure class="fr-media"> </figure><figure class="fr-media"><img src="https://paktv-assets-7d41fab8.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/uploads/57ed6d92-3fb6-4da1-a741-800c2b8d648b-netnayhua.png" alt="The Israeli PM started off his speech by pulling out a map with the words “The Curse” written on it. He declared Iran as a hub “terror axis” that threatens the “peace of entire world”, “the stability of [Middle East]”, and “the very existence of my countr" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><figcaption class="caption-cover-image text-sm text-gray-600 italic">The Israeli PM started off his speech by pulling out a map with the words &ldquo;The Curse&rdquo; written on it. He declared Iran as a hub &ldquo;terror axis&rdquo; that threatens the &ldquo;peace of entire world&rdquo;, &ldquo;the stability of [Middle East]&rdquo;, and &ldquo;the very existence of my country, Israel&rdquo;.</figcaption></figure>Iran&rsquo;s foreign ministry denounced the speech as &ldquo;Islamophobic propaganda&rdquo; aimed at justifying &ldquo;genocide in Gaza&rdquo; and condemned what it called Israel&rsquo;s attempts to distract from its war crimes.&nbsp;Rejection of genocideResponding to genocide accusations, Netanyahu claimed Israel takes unprecedented measures to protect civilians, saying, &ldquo;For Israel, every civilian casualty is a tragedy. For Hamas, it is a victory.&rdquo;&nbsp;He accused Hamas of using civilians as human shields but rejected responsibility for Gaza&rsquo;s humanitarian catastrophe, which UN agencies warn has pushed the enclave to the brink of famine.&nbsp;Hamas responseHamas welcomed the mass boycott, saying it underscored Israel&rsquo;s deepening isolation. &ldquo;Boycotting Netanyahu&rsquo;s speech is one manifestation of Israel&rsquo;s isolation and the consequences of the war of extermination,&rdquo; said Taher al-Nunu, media adviser to Hamas political bureau.&nbsp;<figure class="fr-media"><img src="https://paktv-assets-7d41fab8.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/uploads/67780db5-3782-4c05-bfbc-39927ba3c9bf-6283817018288264.jpg" alt="6283817018288264.jpg" class="fr-fil fr-dib"><figcaption class="caption-cover-image text-sm text-gray-600 italic">People walk out of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speech at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 26, 2025 in New York City. (AFP)</figcaption></figure>Netanyahu also dismissed the Palestinian Authority as &ldquo;corrupt to the core,&rdquo; accusing it of incentivizing violence against Israelis. He argued the PA was no different from Hamas in opposing Israel&rsquo;s existence.&nbsp;Hostages and US supportSpeaking directly to families of hostages still held in Gaza, Netanyahu vowed they would not be forgotten: &ldquo;We will not rest until we bring all of you home.&rdquo; He praised US President Donald Trump for supporting Israel and urged the UN Security Council to reinstate sanctions against Iran to prevent it from rebuilding its nuclear program.&nbsp;Rejection of ceasefireThe Israeli leader rejected international appeals for a ceasefire as &ldquo;empty posturing,&rdquo; insisting that many governments privately thank Israel for countering terrorism. He described Israel&rsquo;s post-October 7 response as &ldquo;one of the most stunning in history,&rdquo; though fighting continues.&nbsp;Despite ruling out Palestinian statehood, Netanyahu signaled openness to peace with Lebanon and Syria through direct talks. He suggested that defeating Hamas could clear the way for broader normalization with Arab and Muslim-majority states, but warned Western leaders against &ldquo;shoving a terror state down our throats.&rdquo;

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at U.N. headquarters in New York City, U.S., September 26, 2025. REUTERSKylie Cooper

Americas

Asia

Middle East

Israeli PM opens his address in front of a largely empty hall, as several delegations staged a walkout in protest against the war in Gaza.

Netanyahu’s UNGA speech triggers walkout amid Gaza war protests

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will lead Pakistan&rsquo;s delegation to the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, set to begin on September 22, the foreign office said on Sunday.&nbsp;Accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, along with several cabinet ministers and senior government officials, PM Sharif is scheduled to address the high-level segment of the gathering, which will bring together world leaders for discussions on pressing global issues.&nbsp;During his address, PM Sharif will highlight Pakistan&rsquo;s stance on the prolonged occupation and denial of self-determination in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, as well as the Palestinian territories. A key focus of his speech will be the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with a call for the international community to take urgent and decisive action.&nbsp;The prime minister will also emphasize Pakistan&rsquo;s perspectives on regional security, climate change, counterterrorism, Islamophobia, and the implementation of the United Nations&#39; Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). <div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1969648323490681060&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=687b137dc7b5edf620adb31a7f59618ab6964437&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 899px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>&nbsp;In addition to his address, Sharif is expected to participate in several high-level events on the sidelines of the UNGA, including meetings of the UN Security Council, the Global Development Initiative (GDI), and a special session on climate action.&nbsp;Sharif will also engage in a series of bilateral meetings with world leaders and senior UN officials, reaffirming Pakistan&rsquo;s commitment to the principles of the UN Charter, conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and sustainable development. Notably, Pakistan is currently serving as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.&nbsp;The foreign office emphasized that Sharif&#39;s participation at the UNGA will underscore Pakistan&rsquo;s continued commitment to multilateralism and its longstanding role in promoting international peace and development.&nbsp;Palestine, US ties, and Syria talks on agenda: ErdoganIn a similar vein, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan announced that he will raise the issue of Israel&rsquo;s actions in Gaza at the UNGA. He called for broader recognition of Palestine to accelerate efforts toward a two-state solution.&nbsp;Erdogan also noted that discussions with US President Donald Trump would focus on trade and defense cooperation. Additionally, he plans to meet Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa during his visit.

PM Sharif to attend high-level UNGA events, hold bilateral meetings, and discuss regional security, climate action, and development.

Kashmir, Gaza on agenda as Pakistan PM set to participate at UN General Assembly

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif left for Qatar on Thursday to show support after Israel&rsquo;s airstrike on Doha, which has drawn widespread condemnation across the Muslim world.&nbsp;According to the Foreign Office, the visit is a gesture of regional unity and support in the wake of a &ldquo;brazen violation of Qatar&rsquo;s sovereignty.&rdquo;&nbsp;The prime minister&nbsp;is scheduled to meet with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to convey Pakistan&rsquo;s &ldquo;deepest sympathies and support&rdquo; following the attack, which targeted residential buildings reportedly housing Hamas political leaders.&nbsp;He is accompanied by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.&nbsp;&ldquo;The visit underscores Pakistan&rsquo;s unwavering support for the security and sovereignty of Qatar, and its continued commitment to peace and stability in the Middle East,&rdquo; the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.<div style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em;"> </div><div style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em;">First Israeli strike on Qatari soil</div><div style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em;">Tuesday&rsquo;s airstrike, the first known Israeli military operation on Qatari soil, struck residential areas in Doha&rsquo;s West Bay district. Although top Hamas leaders reportedly survived, five individuals were killed, including the son of senior Hamas negotiator Khalil al-Hayya.</div><div style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em;">Qatar&rsquo;s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, condemned the strike as a &ldquo;cowardly assault&rdquo; and a form of &ldquo;state terrorism.&rdquo; He warned of &ldquo;dangerous consequences&rdquo; and pledged to pursue legal action against Israel through international forums.</div><div style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em;">&ldquo;This was a gross violation of our sovereignty and an escalation that threatens the entire region,&rdquo; the Qatari premier said. &ldquo;We reserve the right to respond through all available means.&rdquo;</div><div style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em;">Pakistan&rsquo;s response and UNSC push</div><div style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em;">Pakistan, alongside Algeria and Somalia, has formally requested an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council to address the crisis.</div><div style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em;">Foreign Minister<a href="https://x.com/MIshaqDar50/status/1965772015945531816">&nbsp;Ishaq Dar said</a> the attack is a &quot;grave matter&quot; that threatens not just Qatar, but broader regional security.</div><div style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em;">PM Shehbaz earlier condemned the airstrike as a &ldquo;dangerous provocation&rdquo; and a &ldquo;flagrant violation of sovereignty.&rdquo; In a call with the Emir of Qatar, he conveyed Pakistan&rsquo;s deepest sympathies to the Qatari leadership and the royal family.</div><div style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em;">In a statement issued by the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Office, Shehbaz called the bombing &ldquo;a dastardly act that reflects the mindset of Israeli leadership, willing to go to any length in the blind pursuit of nefarious goals.&rdquo;</div><div style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em;">Widespread Arab and Muslim condemnation</div><div style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em;">The Israeli strike on Qatar has united much of the Arab and Muslim world in condemnation. Several governments denounced the attack as a violation of international law and an affront to Qatari sovereignty:</div><div style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em;">Saudi Arabia condemned the strike as &ldquo;brutal aggression&rdquo; and warned of &ldquo;severe regional consequences.&rdquo;</div><div style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em;">The United Arab Emirates described it as a &ldquo;treacherous act&rdquo; and reaffirmed Gulf unity, saying &quot;Gulf security is indivisible.&quot;</div><div style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em;">Jordan called the attack a &ldquo;blatant breach of international law&rdquo; and an &ldquo;unacceptable provocation.&rdquo;</div><div style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em;">Kuwait denounced it as &ldquo;violent aggression&rdquo; and pledged full support to Qatar.</div><div style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em;">Iran warned that such acts could destabilize the entire Persian Gulf, labeling it a &ldquo;gross violation of international norms.&rdquo;</div><div style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em;">Iraq termed the attack &ldquo;cowardly,&rdquo; calling for regional unity in support of Qatar.</div><div style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em;">Turkey accused Israel of &ldquo;state-sponsored terrorism&rdquo; and of sabotaging peace talks.</div><div style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em;">Egypt said the strike undermines regional peace efforts and is a dangerous escalation.</div><div style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em;">Houthis in Yemen warned that similar strikes could spread across the region if not countered.</div><div style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em;">Additionally, Lebanon, Syria, Morocco, Sudan, Oman, Mauritania, Algeria, and Libya issued a joint statement condemning the attack as a &ldquo;dangerous violation&rdquo; and pledging solidarity with Qatar.</div><div style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em;">Palestinian response</div><div style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em;">Hamas and the Palestinian Authority both condemned the airstrike, calling it a &ldquo;criminal act&rdquo; aimed at derailing ceasefire efforts. Hamas stated that targeting its political negotiators was a direct violation of diplomatic norms and an intentional move to sabotage ongoing mediation.</div>

PM Shehbaz Sharif, Qatar, Israeli strikes in Doha

Security

The visit comes as the Muslim world condemns the attack as a violation of Qatar's sovereignty and a threat to regional peace.

PM Shehbaz visits Qatar amid regional outrage over Israeli airstrike on Doha

BEIJING: Pakistan and China signed bilateral agreements worth $8.5 billion on Thursday across various sectors, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif describing it as a &ldquo;long march of economic growth.&rdquo; Chinese and Pakistani companies signed $7 billion in memoranda of understanding (MoU) and $1.54 billion in joint ventures at the Second Pakistan-China B2B Investment Conference in Beijing. Sectors covered include agriculture, electric vehicles (EVs), solar energy, health, chemicals, petrochemicals, iron, and steel. In his address, the Pakistani PM announced the launch of CPEC 2.0, aimed at attracting investment into diverse sectors and creating job opportunities. He assured Chinese investors that bureaucratic delays would be eliminated. Describing the forum as a reflection of the &ldquo;iron-clad brotherhood&rdquo; between Pakistan and China, Mr. Shehbaz stated that Pakistan was committed to investor facilitation and security for Chinese nationals. &ldquo;The safety of Chinese citizens is paramount,&rdquo; he said. The Pakistani PM praised China&rsquo;s transformative influence on Pakistan&rsquo;s energy and infrastructure. He noted that Pakistan overcame severe power outages thanks to China&rsquo;s support.He also pledged to focus CPEC 2.0 on business-to-business investments in agriculture, IT, artificial intelligence, minerals, and industrial relocation. Highlighting the importance of special economic zones for attracting investment, Sharif called for Chinese partnerships to modernize Pakistan&rsquo;s agriculture. Over 60% of the country&rsquo;s population is employed in the agriculture sector. The Pakistani PM recalled his first visit to China in 1982. He lauded China&rsquo;s economic rise and leadership under President Xi Jinping, stating he was committed to replicating China&rsquo;s development model to transform Pakistan&rsquo;s economy. The conference was attended by senior Chinese and Pakistani officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Pakistan&rsquo;s Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi, and Chinese trade representatives.

Economy

The deals aim to boost investment, job creation, and economic growth 

Articles tagged with "Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif"

Pakistan PM in Malaysia to deepen economic, digital and strategic ties

Pakistan PM to visit Malaysia to boost bilateral cooperation

PM Sharif hails breakthrough in Azad Kashmir talks

Pakistan PM expands negotiation team to ease Azad Kashmir tensions

Netanyahu’s UNGA speech triggers walkout amid Gaza war protests

Kashmir, Gaza on agenda as Pakistan PM set to participate at UN General Assembly

PM Shehbaz visits Qatar amid regional outrage over Israeli airstrike on Doha

CPEC 2.0: Pakistan, China sign $8.5 billion economic deals

Netanyahu’s UNGA speech triggers walkout amid Gaza war protests