All posts tagged: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif

Pakistan Deploys 8,000 Troops, Fighter Jets to Saudi Arabia Amid Iran Row

Pakistan Deploys 8,000 Troops, Fighter Jets to Saudi Arabia Amid Iran Row

Pakistan has deployed about 8,000 troops, a squadron of fighter jets and an air defence system to Saudi Arabia. (File Photo) Pakistan has deployed about 8,000 troops, a squadron of fighter jets and an air defence system to Saudi Arabia under a mutual defence agreement, according to security and government sources cited by Reuters. The move comes amid an ongoing conflict between Iran and the US, even as Islamabad plays a role in mediation efforts. Sources told Reuters the deployment includes around 16 JF-17 fighter aircraft, along with drones and a Chinese-made HQ-9 air defence system. They said the personnel operating the equipment are Pakistani, while Saudi Arabia is financing the deployment. Role and purpose Officials said the force is combat-capable and could support Saudi Arabia if it comes under attack. At the same time, two security officials told Reuters the deployed personnel are expected to focus mainly on advisory and training roles during the current situation. Story continues below this ad “The deployment includes around 8,000 troops, with a pledge to send more if …

Sharif, Erdogan discuss peace efforts in West Asia

Sharif, Erdogan discuss peace efforts in West Asia

Islamabad, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Turkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday discussed efforts for peace in West Asia. Sharif, Erdogan discuss peace efforts in West Asia The two leaders met on the sidelines of the 5th Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Antalya, Turkiye, the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement. Sharif and Erdogan exchanged views on recent regional developments, particularly the evolving situation in West Asia, it said. “The two leaders emphasised the importance of effectively utilising the current window of opportunity to advance a durable and lasting regional peace,” the statement said. Sharif thanked Erdogan for his support and encouragement of Pakistan’s peace efforts and shared with him the updates on how to extend the ceasefire between Iran and the US and resume talks so that a peace agreement could be reached. Erdogan praised Sharif’s peace efforts and said Turkiye would continue to support Pakistan’s diplomatic initiative to bring peace to the region. While reaffirming the deep-rooted, historic, and brotherly ties between Pakistan and Turkiye, both leaders emphasised the importance of …

China, ‘social media users’ get special mention in Shehbaz Sharif address | Latest News India

China, ‘social media users’ get special mention in Shehbaz Sharif address | Latest News India

Amid ceasefire violations by Pakistan across Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed the nation on Saturday, extending gratitude to global leaders and nations for their support during heightened tensions with India. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (AFP) During his speech, Sharif thanked US President Donald Trump, the Saudi Crown Prince, the Emir of Qatar, and the President and people of Türkiye for their “constant support.” He also acknowledged “social media users” in Pakistan, despite India’s continued efforts to debunk misinformation spreading from Pakistani handles. Sharif’s special mention for China Giving particular importance to China, Sharif made a special mention of Pakistan’s longstanding ally. He said, “I have to mention them,” adding, “From the bottom of my heart, I want to say a big thanks to them.” He described China as a “very dear, very trustworthy and very dear friend.” He also expressed gratitude to the Chinese people, “who have always … been there when Pakistan needed them.” Emphasising optimism for the future, Sharif expressed confidence that water sharing, …

Pakistan’s history of dubious terror probes: 4 times India’s neighbour ignored evidence | Latest News India

Pakistan’s history of dubious terror probes: 4 times India’s neighbour ignored evidence | Latest News India

Pakistan on Sunday expressed its willingness to participate in a ‘neutral and transparent’ investigation into the Pahalgam terror attack, that resulted in the deaths of 26 people. CRPF personnel patrol on the banks of Dal lake after the Pahalgam terror attack.(ANI Photo) “The recent tragedy in Pahalgam is yet another example of this perpetual blame game, which must come to a grinding halt. Continuing with its role as a responsible country, Pakistan is open to participating in any neutral, transparent and credible investigation,” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said while addressing the army-cadets passing-out parade at the Pakistan Military Academy in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Kakul. Sharif’s offer came three days after New Delhi unveiled a raft of punitive measures against Pakistan, including suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, closure of the only operation land border crossing at Attari and downgrading of diplomatic ties. While there was no immediate response from the Indian government to Sharif’s proposal, Jammu & Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah questioned the legitimacy of the offer. “First they (Pakistan) did not accept that something had …

Hindu minister attacked in Sindh province of Pakistan, govt reacts | Pakistan News

Hindu minister attacked in Sindh province of Pakistan, govt reacts | Pakistan News

A Hindu state minister in Sindh province of Pakistan has been attacked by protestors who took out a rally against a plan for new canals. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz lawmaker Kheal Das Kohistani, the minister of state for religious affairs, was driving through the Thatta district on Saturday when his motorcade was pelted with tomatoes and potatoes by protesters who chanted slogans against the federal government. Officials said Kohistani was unharmed in the attack. Radio Pakistan reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif telephoned Kohistani and assured him of a thorough investigation into the incident. Story continues below this ad “The attack on the public representatives is unacceptable. The persons involved in the incident would be given exemplary punishment,” the prime minister said. Minister for Information Atta Tarar sought details of the incident from Sindh Inspector General Police (IGP) Ghulam Nabi Memon and a report from the federal interior secretary. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah also strongly condemned the act in the strongest terms. In a statement, Shah said no one had the right to …

18 Pakistani soldiers killed in fighting with separatist rebels in Balochistan | Pakistan News

18 Pakistani soldiers killed in fighting with separatist rebels in Balochistan | Pakistan News

Pakistani troops fought separatist insurgents who set up roadblocks in the restive northwestern region of Balochistan, leaving 18 paramilitary security forces and 23 rebels dead in some of the heaviest clashes in recent years, officials said Saturday. The military said troops suffered casualties when they engaged the insurgents who erected barricades on a key highway in Kalat, bordering Afghanistan. The security forces “successfully removed the roadblock” following the fighting overnight into Saturday morning, the military said in a statement. Story continues below this ad It said 18 security personnel died during the operation and vowed that “the perpetrators, facilitators and abettors of this heinous and cowardly act, will be brought to justice.” Security forces recovered the bodies of 12 insurgents, the military said. Troops also killed another 11 insurgents in an operation that was still underway, it said. Pakistan’s civil and military security forces in 2024 witnessed a 40% surge in militant attacks by all groups, compared to 2023. However, in December the military insisted that security forces killed 925 insurgents in 2024, a record …