Tue, 21-Oct-2025

Pakistan to host 23rd CHG SCO summit on Oct 15 to 16

Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will host the twenty-third meeting of the Council of the Heads of Government (CHG) of the Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) from 15 to 16 October in Islamabad.

“In his capacity as the current Chair of the CHG, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif will preside over the upcoming CHG meeting,” Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a press statement on Saturday.

SCO member States will be represented by the Prime Ministers of China, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan as well as the First Vice President of Iran and External Affairs Minister of India.

Prime Minister of Mongolia (Observer State) and Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Ministers of Turkmenistan (Special Guest) will also participate in the meeting.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will also hold important bilateral meetings with visiting heads of delegation on the sidelines of the meeting.

The CHG meeting will discuss ongoing cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, environment, socio-cultural linkages and review the performance of the Organization.

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Pakistan condemns Israel’s aggression against Lebanon  

Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Tuesday strongly condemned Israel’s latest military aggression against Lebanon, massacring hundreds of civilians.

This act of aggression against the Republic of Lebanon is a grave violation of the UN Charter and international law. It is a dangerous escalation that has further endangered peace and security in an already volatile region, a Foreign Office press release said.

It said Pakistan reaffirmed its full support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and stood in solidarity with the people of Lebanon and for their right to live in peace and security.

“We call upon the international community to take urgent steps to hold Israel to account for its alarming adventurism in the region and its acts of aggression and genocide,” it added.

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Dar to skip UNGA session amid diplomatic engagements

Dar

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar will not proceed to New York for the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly due to important diplomatic commitments and preparations for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit to be held in Islamabad.

Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch issued the statement over the media speculation regarding the participation of the deputy prime minister in UNGA Session.

Meanwhile, she made it clear that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s programme for participation in the Session will remain unchanged.

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Pakistan sends strong message to Afghanistan over Bannu attack

Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The deputy head of mission at the Afghan Embassy in Islamabad was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to receive Pakistan’s strong protest over a militant attack at an army cantonment this week, which resulted in the martyrdom of eight soldiers and injuring several others.

The terrorist attack was carried out by the Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group based in Afghanistan. Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group, along with Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of civilians and law enforcement officials in multiple terrorist attacks inside Pakistan.

According to the Foreign Office, Pakistan reiterated its serious concerns over the presence of terror outfits inside Afghanistan that continue to threaten Pakistan’s security. Such incidents also go against the spirit of bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries.

The Interim Afghan Government was urged to fully investigate and take immediate, robust and effective action against the perpetrators of the Bannu attack and to prevent the recurrence of such attacks against Pakistan using the territory of Afghanistan.

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Pakistan expresses sorrow over terrorist attack in Muscat, Oman

Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Tuesday strongly condemned the heinous terrorist attack on Imam Bargah Ali bin Abu Talib in Wadi Kabir, Muscat, Oman, which led to multiple casualties, including the tragic loss of four Pakistanis.

In a press release, the Foreign Office said, “We are heartened that the government of Oman has neutralized the attackers. Pakistan has offered all possible assistance to Omani authorities in the investigation and in bringing to justice those responsible for this heinous crime during this holy month of Muharram.

The statement mentioned that the Pakistan Embassy in Oman had remained in contact with Omani authorities for the identification and repatriation of the mortal remains of the four Pakistani martyrs.

Additionally, a helpline was set up to handle inquiries from the Pakistani community in Oman and to assist them. Ambassador Imran Ali was also visiting local hospitals to check on the well-being of injured Pakistani nationals.

At least four Pakistanis were killed by gunfire in the vicinity of a mosque in Oman’s capital of Muscat, the Omani police said on Tuesday, a rare breach of security in one of the most stable countries in the Middle East.

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MOFA increases rates for document verification

MOFA

ISLAMABAD: Ministry of Foreign Affairs(MOFA) has increased the rates for attestation and verification of legal, education and commercial documents.

Spokesman of the Foreign Office said verification of legal documents is being resumed in the Foreign Ministry from Monday. The verification of educational credentials, legal documents and commercial documents will be initiated.

The spokesperson of the Foreign Office said that citizens can use the walk-in procedure of the MOFA to verify documents. Citizens can also go to Ministry of Foreign Affairs Liaison Offices including Lahore and Karachi for verification of documents.

The Ministry of External Affairs has ended with the requirement of prior appointment for verification of documents.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a new rate list for the verification of documents according to which according to the new rate list the verification of personal and educational credentials will be 3000 per document. The legal documents will be verified for Rs.4500 and commercial documents for Rs.12000.

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Pakistan rebukes India for misleading world over CPEC

Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan said that India had no right to object to the references made to Jammu and Kashmir in Pakistan-China joint statement of June 8 and reiterated ‘it is an established fact that Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally-recognized disputed territory’.

In response to media queries regarding the statement made by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs on June 3, the Foreign Office Spokesperson in a press statement said that Kashmir dispute has been on the agenda of the UN Security Council for over seven decades.

“The relevant Security Council resolutions clearly stipulate that the final disposition of the State of Jammu and Kashmir will be made in accordance with the will of the people expressed through the democratic method of a free and impartial plebiscite conducted under the auspices of the United Nations,” it was reasserted.

In that backdrop, the spokesperson said the Indian claims over Jammu and Kashmir were totally unfounded and misplaced.

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Flight operation to bring students back from Kyrgyzstan completed

Kyrgyzstan

ISLAMABAD: The ongoing flight operation to bring Pakistani students back home from Bishkek Kyrgyzstan has been completed.

In the operation of returning students, 4500 students returned home, the expenses of which were borne by the government of Pakistan.

According to the spokesperson of the Foreign Office, the fake news disturbed the Pakistani students and their families, and they were brought back to the country on the request of the students.

The spokesperson said that the decision to return to Kyrgyzstan will be the students’ own, the situation in Kyrgyzstan has returned to normal, they want the students to continue their education online or in other ways.

According to sources, only Pakistani students returned from Kyrgyzstan, while more than 19,000 Indian students are still in Kyrgyzstan.

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Pakistan strongly condemns terrorist attack in Herat

Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Wednesday strongly condemned yesterday’s heinous terrorist attack at a mosque in Herat, Afghanistan, resulting in loss of lives and injuries.

The people and government of Pakistan extend their heartfelt condolences to the people of Afghanistan. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families in this hour of grief, a Foreign Office statement said.

“Pakistan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including despicable attacks on places of worship”, it added.

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FO says listing of commercial entities on allegations takes place without evidences

FO

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office Spokesperson commenting upon reports of United States’ decision to impose sanctions against commercial entities on allegations of links with Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme, said that such listings had taken place in the past without sharing any evidence whatsoever.

Responding to media queries, the spokesperson, in a press statement, said while they were not aware of the specifics of the latest measures by the US.

In the past, they had come across many instances where listings had been made on mere suspicion or even when the involved items were not on any control lists but were deemed sensitive under catch-all provisions, it was added. “We have pointed out many times that such items have legitimate civil commercial uses. It is, therefore, important to avoid arbitrary application of export controls,” the spokesperson said.

There was need for discussions between concerned parties for an objective mechanism to ensure access to technology in pursuit of socio-economic development, it was stressed.

The spokesperson said Pakistan had always been ready to discuss end-use and end-user verification mechanisms so that legitimate commercial users are not hurt by discriminatory application of export controls. “Pakistan rejects political use of export controls.

It is a reality that the same jurisdictions, which claim to exercise strict non-proliferation controls, have waived off licensing requirements for advanced military technologies for some countries,” it was added.

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Secretary Commerce will visit Afghanistan today

Secretary Commerce will visit Afghanistan today

ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani official is scheduled to undertake a two-day official trip to Afghanistan to discuss trade-related issues, as stated by Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zehra Baloch in a statement on Sunday. “In her statement on Sunday, Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zehra Baloch announced that Secretary Commerce Khurrum Agha will be embarking on a two-day … Read more

Pakistan fully committed to foster inclusive democratic process: FO

Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said that Pakistan was fully committed to foster an inclusive democratic process and uphold the rule of law.

The spokesperson’s remarks came in response to the media queries on the statement by UN Human Rights High Commissioner Volker Türk who had urged authorities in Pakistan to ensure that parliamentary elections this week were free and fair.

He also appealed to ensure a fully free and fair vote and to recommit to the democratic process and an environment that promotes and protects human rights.

“Pakistan is fully committed to fostering an inclusive democratic process, upholding the rule of law and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms guaranteed in its laws and Constitution,” the spokesperson remarked.

She said the security plans have been finalized to hold the elections on February 8, 2024, as per the electoral laws of Pakistan.

The spokesperson said that Pakistan’s judicial system provided for fair trial and due process. Domestic legal remedies are available in case of any complaints in the electoral process, she added.

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Pakistan strongly condemns terrorist attack in Istanbul

Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Tuesday strongly condemned the terrorist attack targeting the Courthouse complex in Istanbul, Turkey.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the brotherly people and government of Turkey and pray for the swift and complete recovery of those injured in this heinous attack. Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families,” the Foreign Office spokesperson said in a statement.

According to Turkish media, two shooters attempting to attack a checkpoint outside a courthouse in Istanbul were captured dead.

“Today, there has been an attempted terrorist attack at the security checkpoint in front of the C Gate of Caglayan Courthouse,” Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said on X after the attack that left six people injured, including three police officers.

The Foreign Office spokesperson also reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolute solidarity with Turkiye in its fight against the scourge of terrorism.

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Pakistan strikes terrorists hideouts in Iran after airspace violation: FO  

Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday morning carried out a series of highly coordinated and specifically targeted precision military strikes against terrorist hideouts in Siestan-o-Baluchistan province of Iran, killing a number of terrorists.

“This morning Pakistan undertook a series of highly coordinated and specifically targeted precision military strikes against terrorist hideouts in Siestan-o-Baluchistan province of Iran. A number of terrorists were killed during the Intelligence-based operation – codenamed ‘Marg Bar Sarmachar’,” Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said in a statement.

She said that over the last several years, in bilateral engagements with Iran, Pakistan had consistently shared its serious concerns about the safe havens and sanctuaries enjoyed by Pakistani-origin terrorists calling themselves Sarmachars on the ungoverned spaces inside Iran. Pakistan also shared multiple dossiers with concrete evidence of the presence and activities of these terrorists, she added.

“However, because of a lack of action on our serious concerns, these so-called Sarmachars continued to spill the blood of innocent Pakistanis with impunity. This morning’s action was taken in light of credible intelligence of impending large-scale terrorist activities by these so-called Sarmachars,” the spokesperson remarked.

She said the action was a manifestation of Pakistan’s unflinching resolve to protect and defend its national security against all threats. Spokesperson Baloch said that the successful execution of the said “highly complex operation” was also a testimony to the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces.

Pakistan will continue to take all necessary steps to preserve the safety and security of its people which is sacrosanct, inviolable and sacred. She reiterated that Pakistan fully respected the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The sole objective of today’s act was in pursuit of Pakistan’s own security and national interest which is paramount and cannot be compromised, she added.

She said that as a responsible member of the international community, Pakistan upheld the principles and purposes of the UN Charter including territorial integrity and sovereignty of member states.

The spokesperson said that guided by the said principles, and in exercise of the legitimate rights within international law, Pakistan would never allow its sovereignty and territorial integrity to be challenged, under any pretext or circumstances.

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Pakistan strongly condemns violation of airspace by Iran

Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan strongly condemned the unprovoked violation of its airspace by Iran which resulted in death of two innocent children while injuring three girls.

This violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty is completely unacceptable and can have serious consequences, a statement issued by the Foreign Office Spokesperson said.

The statement added, “It is even more concerning that this illegal act has taken place despite the existence of several channels of communication between Pakistan and Iran”. Pakistan’s strong protest has already been lodged with the concerned senior official in the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tehran.

Additionally, the statement maintained the Iranian Charge d’affaires has been called to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to convey our strongest condemnation of this blatant violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty and that the responsibility for the consequences will lie squarely with Iran.

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Pakistan condemns banning of Muslim League Jammu Kashmir

Pakistan condemns banning of Muslim League Jammu Kashmir

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has condemned the decision of Indian occupation authorities to declare the Muslim League Jammu Kashmir as an “unlawful association” for a period of five years. The Foreign Office, in a statement today, said the party is led by the prominent Kashmiri leader Masarrat Alam Bhatt, who remains imprisoned for a period exceeding 20 … Read more

Islamabad urges Kabul to address anti-Pakistan terrorists

Islamabad urges Kabul

Islamabad: Pakistan has demanded on Thursday Afghan authorities to take action against anti-Pakistan terrorists, as Bol News reported. Spokesperson of the Foreign Office (FO),Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, while giving a weekly briefing has said that there is no dialogue between the state of Pakistan and the TTP. Our focus and demand is against the TTP and … Read more

Pakistan-US consultation on several matters underway: FO

FO

Consultations between Pakistan and the United States on various matters are underway, Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch reported. Baloch said that the two countries are actively engaged in a series of visits aimed at furthering these consultations. In the upcoming days, several visits are scheduled in the context of Pak-US consultation, as announced by … Read more

Pakistan neither supplied arms to Ukraine nor does it intend to do so: FO

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has rejected the notions of any discussion on arms supply between defence ministers of Pakistan and Ukraine. In a statement, Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch clarified that as a matter of policy, Pakistan did not supply arms to a region in conflict. She said that this topic was not discussed during the … Read more

Pakistan’s action against illegal foreigners in line with law: Foreign Office

Decision to deport illegal foreigners in line with sovereign laws, int’l norms: FO

ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office on Thursday said Pakistan’s action against illegal foreigners on its soil, including their deportation, was in accordance with the law of the land, Bol News reported. Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch at a weekly press briefing said the implementation of these laws was being carried out for the safety and … Read more

Pakistan voices concerns on Middle East situation

Pakistan
  • Pakistan is closely monitoring unfolding situation in Middle East.
  • Pakistan has consistently advocated for a two-state solution.
  • PM said he was heartbroken by escalating violence in Middle East.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Saturday while voicing concerns about the human cost of the escalating situation in the Middle East, called on the international community to come together for cessation of hostilities, protection of civilians and for a lasting peace in the region.

“We are closely monitoring the unfolding situation in the Middle East and the eruption of hostilities between Israel and Palestinians,” the Foreign Office Spokesperson said. Pakistan has consistently advocated for a two-state solution as the key to enduring peace in the Middle East, with a just, comprehensive and lasting solution to the Palestinian question anchored in international law and in line with relevant United Nations and OIC resolutions.

“A viable, sovereign and contiguous State of Palestine should be established on the basis of pre-1967 borders, with Al Quds Al-Sharif as its capital,” it was reiterated.

Earlier, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar said that he was heartbroken by the escalating violence in the Middle East which underscored the urgent need to address ‘the Palestine Question’.

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Pakistan extends greetings on Iraq National Day, Korea Foundation Day

Pakistan
  • Independence  Day of Iraq is annually celebrated on Oct 3.
  • Korea Foundation Day is also celebrated on October 03.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan extended greetings to the people and governments of Iraq and Korea as the two countries celebrated their National Day and Foundation Day respectively.

“On the occasion of National Day of the Republic of Iraq, we extend our heartiest felicitations to its people and Government,” the Foreign Office spokesperson said in a statement. Also known as Iraq Independence Day, the Day is annually celebrated on October 3 to mark the country’s independence from Britain in 1932.

“On the occasion of National Foundation Day of the Republic of Korea, we extend our heartiest felicitations to its people and Government,” the Foreign Office spokesperson said in a statement.

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Pakistan stands with Turkiye in fight against terrorism: FO

Turkiye

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has strongly condemned the terrorist attack targeting the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Türkiye earlier on Sunday. “We pray for the swift and complete recovery of those injured in this heinous attack,” the Foreign Office spokesperson said in a statement. The spokesperson said Pakistan resolutely stands with Türkiye in its fight against the … Read more

Afghanistan govt ‘misusing’ transit trade agreement: FO

Afghanistan trade agreement

FO said Afghanistan govt ‘misusing’ transit trade agreement. The UN General Assembly is scheduled for September 22. Baloch acknowledged the rise in trade activity between both nations. The Foreign Office has expressed concern over the alleged misuse of the transit trade agreement by the interim Afghanistan government, BOL News reported on Friday. FO spokesperson Mumtaz … Read more

Pakistan has not made any formal request to join BRICS: FO

Pakistan BRICS

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office has clarified that Pakistan has not made any formal request to join BRICS group of nations. The group encompassing five major emerging economies – China, Brazil, South Africa, Russia and India –made the decision to invited six countries as new memebers during the three-day annual summit held in Johannesburg, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, … Read more

FO summons Indian diplomat to protest LoC ceasefire violation

Indian LoC

ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office summoned the Indian Charge d’Affaires to register Pakistan’s strong protest over the killing of a civilian by Indian forces along the Line of Control (LoC). An elderly civilian was martyred as the Indian Army resorted to unprovoked firing across the LoC. The 60-year-old named Ghias, resident of Oli village of Kotli … Read more

PVF Faces $20,000 Fine for Missing AVC Challenge Cup

PVF Fine

Foreign Office denied permission, hindering communication with organizers. NOC not issued due to One China Policy, resulting in the imposed fine. PVF faces Rs13 million loss and jeopardized future participation. The Pakistan Volleyball Federation (PVF) has been fined $20,000 by the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) for not participating in the recent AVC Challenge Cup held … Read more

Pakistan fully committed to implement Indus Water Treaty: FO

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan remained fully committed to the implementation of Indus Water Treaty, including its dispute settlement mechanism, said Foreign Office spokesperson here on Thursday. While responding to media queries concerning the decision by the Court of Arbitration in the Hague on the question of its competence to hear Pakistan-India water disputes, the spokesperson said, “The … Read more