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Pakistan, Ƶ discuss Gaza situation amid regional peace efforts

Pakistan, Ƶ discuss Gaza situation amid regional peace efforts
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar meeting with the Foreign Minister of Ƶ, Prince Faisal bin Farhan (left), in Islamabad on April 16, 2025. (PID/File)
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Updated 22 October 2025

Pakistan, Ƶ discuss Gaza situation amid regional peace efforts

Pakistan, Ƶ discuss Gaza situation amid regional peace efforts
  • Pakistani and Saudi foreign ministers reaffirm shared commitment to Middle East peace in a phone call
  • Both countries recently signed a landmark defense pact, deepening consultations on key regional issues

KARACHI: Pakistan and Ƶ discussed the situation in Gaza and the broader region, the Pakistani foreign office said on Wednesday, as both allies coordinate their positions on the Middle East.

The two countries have worked closely to help end Israel’s military campaign against Palestinians as eight Muslim-majority nations, including their own top representatives, met United States President Donald Trump in September to discuss the situation in Gaza before a peace plan was formally unveiled.

The plan outlined a phased implementation, beginning with a ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. A ceasefire deal was later signed in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, earlier this month, in a ceremony attended by leaders from several nations.

“Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar spoke on the phone late last night with the Foreign Minister of Ƶ, Prince Faisal bin Farhan,” the foreign office said in a post on social media platform X. “Building on their previous discussions, the two leaders reviewed recent regional developments, including Gaza and Palestine.”

“Both reaffirmed their shared commitment to peace and stability in the region and agreed to stay closely engaged on matters of mutual interest,” it added.

Ƶ remains a key economic and strategic partner for Pakistan, with ties strengthened by a landmark strategic defense pact signed during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s last visit to the kingdom.

Under the agreement, any act of aggression against one country will be considered an attack against both, underscoring their deep security partnership.

The deal also provides for expanded defense cooperation, including joint military training, intelligence sharing, collaborative exercises and technology exchange, reflecting the growing trust and alignment between the two nations.

Both countries have also intensified consultations since then, with Saudi authorities maintaining close contact with Islamabad during Pakistan’s recent military standoff with Afghanistan. 


Saudi KSrelief launches project to distribute dates among vulnerable families across Pakistan 

Saudi KSrelief launches project to distribute dates among vulnerable families across Pakistan 
Updated 8 sec ago

Saudi KSrelief launches project to distribute dates among vulnerable families across Pakistan 

Saudi KSrelief launches project to distribute dates among vulnerable families across Pakistan 
  • KSrelief will distribute premium quality Saudi dates among families affected by floods, economic hardships
  • With KSrelief, Ƶ has contributed to flood recovery, health, education and other programs in Pakistan

Islamabad: Ƶ’s King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) announced on Wednesday that it has launched a Dates Distribution Project through which it would distribute dates among vulnerable families across the South Asian country. 

Under the initiative, KSrelief will distribute premium-quality Saudi dates across all provinces and regions of Pakistan, including Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir. The project will be carried out in collaboration with the Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal charity organization.

The project aims to support thousands of families, especially those affected by floods and economic hardships, by helping meet their basic nutritional needs, the Saudi agency said in its press release. The project was officially launched by Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki. 

“Speaking at the launch event, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Ƶ to Pakistan highlighted that this initiative embodies the deep-rooted friendship, brotherhood, and humanitarian partnership between Ƶ and Pakistan,” KSrelief said. 

The launching ceremony was attended by Senator Captain Shaheen Khalid Butt, the managing director of the Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal, along with representatives from government institutions, international organizations and humanitarian partners. 

Butt expressed gratitude to Ƶ and KSrelief for their continued support for the Pakistani people. He acknowledged KSrelief’s long-standing humanitarian partnership and reiterated Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal’s commitment to working hand in hand with the Saudi agency to ensure that the assistance reaches the most deserving families across the country.

Ƶ, through KSrelief, has been one of Pakistan’s largest humanitarian partners, contributing to flood recovery, health, education and livelihood programs across the country.

The humanitarian organization announced on Tuesday it has launched a project in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province to strengthen livelihoods and boost food security for vulnerable rural households through livestock distribution and training programs. 


Imperial College London denies plan to open campus in Lahore’s Nawaz Sharif IT City

Imperial College London denies plan to open campus in Lahore’s Nawaz Sharif IT City
Updated 38 min 54 sec ago

Imperial College London denies plan to open campus in Lahore’s Nawaz Sharif IT City

Imperial College London denies plan to open campus in Lahore’s Nawaz Sharif IT City
  • Punjab clarifies upcoming project is a collaboration between NovaCare, UK’s Imperial College Healthcare NHS 
  • Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s government says it aims to turn Lahore into a regional hub for education

ISLAMABAD: Imperial College London on Tuesday rejected media reports that it was opening an overseas campus in the eastern city of Lahore as part of the planned Nawaz Sharif IT City. 

A flagship infrastructure project spanning about 853 acres near Bedian Road in Punjab, the initiative aims to serve as an education and tech hub with commercial and residential zones.

Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said in a social media post on October 18 that the chief minister had chaired a meeting in which “important decisions were made.” She said an Imperial College London campus will be established in the Nawaz Sharif IT City, which would also include a state-of-the-art 300-bed hospital. She added that the project’s foundation stone would be laid in November.

“Reports that Imperial College London plans to open a campus overseas are incorrect,” the UK-based institution said on its website.

“There have been erroneous reports in the media and online that Imperial is opening a campus at Nawaz Sharif IT City in Lahore, Pakistan,” it added. “Imperial has no such plans, with all the university’s campuses based in the UK.”

However, the Central Business District Punjab (CBD) clarified that the upcoming project at the Nawaz Sharif IT City [NSIT] was a health care university and affiliated medical college, adding that it is a collaborative initiative between NovaCare and the Imperial College Healthcare National Health Service (NHS) Trust of the UK. 

It clarified that Imperial College NHS Trust was an independent institution of the NHS. 

“The project remains firmly on track under the NovaCare–ICHT partnership, advancing our mission to establish a world-class hub for health care education, research, and innovation at CBD NSIT [Nawaz Sharif IT City], Lahore, under the direct supervision of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust (UK),” it added. 

Nawaz Sharif IT City is backed by the Punjab administration of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz who has named the initiative after her father who previously served three times as the country’s prime minister.

The project promises to make Lahore a major regional hub for technology, education and innovation.


Muthusamy, Rabada take South Africa into 71-run lead over Pakistan

Muthusamy, Rabada take South Africa into 71-run lead over Pakistan
Updated 56 min 19 sec ago

Muthusamy, Rabada take South Africa into 71-run lead over Pakistan

Muthusamy, Rabada take South Africa into 71-run lead over Pakistan
  • South Africa managed to pile up 404 in reply to Pakistan’s 333
  • Pakistan won first Test match against South Africa by 93 runs

Rawalpindi: Senuran Muthusamy and Kagiso Rabada hit fighting half-centuries as South Africa took a crucial 71-run lead over Pakistan on day three of the second Test in Rawalpindi on Wednesday.

Muthusamy made a career-best 89 not out and Rabada struck his highest score of 71 as the visitors added 169 for the last two wickets.

Veteran Pakistan spinner Asif Afridi ended the innings on 404 at the stroke of tea.
The 38-year-old Asif finished with figures of 6-79 and is the oldest man to take five wickets on a Test debut.

The afternoon session though belonged to South Africa as the World Test champions bid to square the two-match series, after losing the first Test by 93 runs in Lahore.

Muthusamy defied the Pakistan spinners, hitting eight fours to improve on his previous highest of 68 not out against Bangladesh at Chattogram last year.

Muthusamy added an invaluable 71 runs for the ninth wicket with Keshav Maharaj (30) and then increased the lead with a last-wicket stand worth 98.

Rabada smashed four sixes and as many fours, improving on the 47 he made against New Zealand at Christchurch in 2022.

The morning belonged to Asif, who at 38 years and 301 days overtook England’s Charles Marriott as oldest debutant to take five wickets.

Marriott did so against the West Indies at The Oval in 1933 aged 37 years and 332 days.
Like fellow left-armer Maharaj — who took seven wickets for the visitors in Pakistan’s 333 all out — Asif used the dry conditions to maximum effect.

South Africa resumed on 185-4 and added 100 runs in the morning session.

With the turn on the Rawalpindi stadium pitch increasing considerably, Asif dismissed Kyle Verreynne caught behind by wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan for 10 with the fourth ball of the day.

Tristan Stubbs defied Pakistan’s spinners for 256 minutes before a fastish delivery from Asif trapped him leg-before for 76. 

His knock was studded with six fours and a six.

Asif completed his five-wicket haul by trapping Simon Harmer leg-before for two while Noman Ali dismissed Marco Jansen in the same manner for 12.


Pakistan condemns Israel’s airstrikes against Gaza despite peace agreement

Pakistan condemns Israel’s airstrikes against Gaza despite peace agreement
Updated 22 October 2025

Pakistan condemns Israel’s airstrikes against Gaza despite peace agreement

Pakistan condemns Israel’s airstrikes against Gaza despite peace agreement
  • Israel carried out wave of deadly airstrikes in Gaza on Sunday, killing 45 Palestinians 
  • Pakistan calls on international community to ensure protection for Palestinian lives 

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s foreign office on Wednesday condemned the Israeli military for its airstrikes on Gaza last week, criticizing its “violations” of the ceasefire agreement and urging the international community to protect Palestinian lives. 

Gaza’s fragile ceasefire faced its first major test on Sunday as Israeli forces launched a wave of deadly strikes, saying Hamas fighters had killed two soldiers. The health ministry in Gaza said 45 Palestinians had been killed in the strikes as Hamas denied involvement. An Israeli security official, on condition of anonymity, said the transfer of aid into the territory had been halted amid renewed hostilities. The military later said it resumed enforcing the ceasefire. 

“Pakistan strongly condemns the renewed attacks by the Israeli occupying forces in Gaza, resulting in the loss of numerous civilian lives,” the foreign office said in a statement. 

“Such actions run contrary to the spirit of the peace agreement signed in Sharm El-Sheikh in the presence of leadership from Muslim and the Arab world, US, Europe, and the UN.”

The Gaza Peace Summit in Sharm El-Sheikh earlier this month, co-hosted by Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and attended by heads of state and ministers from over 20 countries — including Ƶ, Turkiye, Qatar, France, the UK and the Palestinian Authority — endorsed a declaration aimed at ending hostilities, guaranteeing humanitarian access, and outlining a roadmap for Gaza’s governance and rebuilding. 

Islamabad urged the international community to take effective measures to end these violations and ensure full implementation of the ceasefire, and to provide protection to Palestinian civilians.

The foreign office called for an immediate end to Israeli hostilities and reiterated its stance of supporting an independent Palestinian state based on the pre-June 1967 border with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. 

Israel’s war on Gaza, which began on Oct. 7, 2023, has killed at least 68,229 people in Gaza, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory. The UN considers figures by the ministry credible. 

Pakistan and several other Muslim nations have consistently criticized Israel and called on the international community to ensure an unconditional ceasefire in Gaza and humanitarian aid for the Palestinian population. 


Two Pakistan police officers killed in drive-by shooting in restive Balochistan

Two Pakistan police officers killed in drive-by shooting in restive Balochistan
Updated 22 October 2025

Two Pakistan police officers killed in drive-by shooting in restive Balochistan

Two Pakistan police officers killed in drive-by shooting in restive Balochistan
  • Separately, security forces kill militant, destroy hideouts in northwest amid nationwide violence surge 
  • Islamabad has accused India and Afghanistan of supporting militants, both countries deny allegations

QUETTA: Two policemen were killed in a drive-by shooting in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province, police said on Wednesday, as insurgents stepp up attacks in the resource-rich region bordering Afghanistan and Iran.

The shooting underscores the worsening security situation in Balochistan — Pakistan’s largest but least-developed province — where separatist and other militant groups have intensified assaults on police and security forces in recent months, targeting officials and infrastructure linked to the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The latest attack took place in Killi Ghareeb Abad near the Nushki city bypass, close to the Afghan border. It was the second assault on police in Balochistan’s Rakhshan division in less than a week, following the killing of senior officer Muhammad Qasim in Kharan district on Friday.

“Unknown armed men riding on a motorbike targeted the policemen identified as Ubaid Ullah and Abdul Razzaq who were going to perform their duties,” Nushki Station House Officer Zaheer Baloch told Arab News. “We have initiated an investigation and a search operation has started to hunt down the attackers.”

No group has claimed responsibility.

Balochistan, home to vast mineral reserves and key CPEC routes, has seen several major incidents this year, including the hijacking of a passenger train in March and a suicide bombing in Khuzdar in May that killed several children traveling to school.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s security forces killed a militant in an operation in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, destroying several hideouts and tunnels used by insurgents, state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported.

The intelligence-based operation in the Shahi Tangi forest of Bajaur district led to an intense exchange of fire in which several militants were injured but managed to flee, the report said.

“During the operation, weapons, explosive materials and communication equipment used by Khwarij were also recovered,” Radio Pakistan said. 

Militant attacks across KP have surged since November 2022, when a fragile truce between the Pakistani Taliban, known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and Islamabad collapsed.

In recent months, Pakistan has accused India of supporting anti-state groups and Afghanistan of allowing its territory to be used for cross-border attacks. Both New Delhi and Kabul deny the allegations.