Sherpao backs APC, urges national unity
The Qaumi Watan Party Chairman, Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao, has welcomed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's decision to convene an All Parties Conference (APC), describing it as a positive and timely initiative.
He emphasized the importance of such forums, particularly in the context of rising terrorism in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
Speaking to the media in Tehsil Tangi, Sherpao said that the prevailing national situation calls for unity and collective resolve, rather than political point-scoring.
"This is a time for national cohesion and solidarity — not individual freedoms — so that peace and stability can be restored," he said.
Addressing recent developments, Sherpao condemned India's unilateral actions following the Kashmir incident, stating that decisions made without credible evidence are unacceptable.
He noted that Pakistan stands united on the Kashmir issue, while internal divisions persist within India.
He also strongly criticized the Modi government's treatment of Kashmiris and called on the international community to raise its voice against these injustices.
Sherpao rejected India's threats to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty and cut Pakistan's water supply, calling such actions intolerable.
"The Pakistani nation has always stood shoulder to shoulder with its armed forces, and it will continue to do so," he said.
He urged the Muslim world to unite and take decisive action against the oppression of Muslims in Kashmir and Palestine, stating that mere resolutions from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) are no longer sufficient.
"We do not seek war with India," Sherpao added, "but third-party mediation is essential to de-escalate tensions. War would be disastrous for both nations."
He warned, however, that if India provokes conflict, Pakistan's military response would be decisive and beyond India's expectations.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
38 minutes ago
- Business Recorder
Iran-Israel war: envoy Moghaddam praises JI, Pakistani nation
LAHORE: Iranian ambassador Reza Amiri-Moghaddam has expressed deep gratitude to people of Pakistan and Jamaat-e-Islami for their strong support of Iran in the face of Israeli and American aggression. According to JI media cell at Mansoora, at a luncheon ceremony hosted at the embassy in honour of Jamaat-e-Islami Hafiz Naeem Ur Rehman on Monday, he presented a formal letter of appreciation, lauding the JI's principled stance and the Pakistani people's vocal rejection of the recent Zionist military campaign. According to media cell of JI at Mansoora, speaking at the occasion, Hafiz Naeem Ur Rehman commended the Iranian leadership, particularly Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, for demonstrating remarkable resolve in the face of hostile foreign intervention. He conveyed condolences for the Iranian martyrs and solidarity with their families, noting that the Iranian people's steadfast resistance was the key factor in defeating the designs of the U.S. and Israel, who sought regime change in Tehran. Calling for Muslim unity, Rehman stressed the need for Islamic countries to set aside internal differences and stand united against common enemies. He warned that Israel and the United States do not wish to see any Muslim country rise in strength and are systematically working to weaken them one by one. The JI chief also urged for greater economic and strategic cooperation between Iran and Pakistan, including the swift completion of the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline and the initiation of formal mechanisms to import oil from Iran. He proposed a political and defense alliance between Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey, stating that such a pact would serve as a powerful deterrent against external aggression. Praising Iran's unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, he said Tehran's backing of the people of Gaza has reinvigorated the movement for the liberation of Palestine. 'Jamaat-e-Islami stand firmly with the Palestinians until their complete freedom,' he affirmed, adding the JI's commitment to the cause of Al-Quds and the unity of the Ummah transcends all divisions of race, sect, and language. In his letter, Ambassador Amiri-Moghaddam described the recent Zionist aggression—carried out with the backing of the United States and other colonial powers—as a blatant violation of international law and human values. He praised the resilience of the Iranian people, the sacrifices of its armed forces, and the wisdom of its leadership as the reasons for the failure and disgrace of the aggressors. He wrote that the principled and vocal support of Jamaat-e-Islami and the Pakistani people in such a critical moment served as a source of strength and comfort for the Iranian nation and helped reinforce bonds of brotherhood among Islamic nations. He called Rehman solidarity a shining chapter in the historic ties between Iran and Pakistan and a reflection of the deep religious and cultural bonds the two countries share. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
39 minutes ago
- Business Recorder
IHC asks Pakistan govt to submit reasons for not becoming party to Dr Aafia's case
ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) asked the federal government to submit the reasons for not becoming a party or provide legal assistance in Dr Aafia Siddiqui's case in a US court. A single bench of Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan on Monday heard the constitutional petition of Dr Fowzia Siddiqui regarding the release of her sister Dr Aafia Siddiqui, who is currently imprisoned in a US jail. The petitioner's lawyer Imran Shafiq, additional attorney general, and other officials were present in the court. At the outset of the hearing, the additional attorney general apprised the IHC that the government had decided not to become a party in the Dr Aafia case in the United States. At this, the judge questioned the reason behind the decision saying that on what grounds was this decision made? To this, the additional attorney general, however, failed to give a response, saying the government has so far taken this decision. Justice Ishaq remarked that this is a constitutional court and decisions must be accompanied by reasons. He added that a government or the attorney general cannot simply submit a stance without justification. He made it clear that this is a constitutional court, and decisions without justification are not acceptable here. The IHC ordered the additional attorney general to provide rationale for the decision on the next hearing. Later, the bench deferred hearing of the case till July 4. The bench on May 16, 25 had observed that the Aafia case has already become a movement and it is a long struggle. Justice Ishaq added that the problem could not be resolved by just ending this case. The court further observed that the government has taken all the steps regarding Dr Aafia only because of this case. The judge said the US visa was granted to Dr Fowzia Siddiqui because of the directions of this court, and also the prime minister wrote a letter for Dr Aafia. He continued that due to the instructions of this court a meeting took place between Dr Aafia Siddiqui and Dr Fowzia Siddiqui and a Pakistani delegation also visited the US and met Dr Aafia Siddiqui. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
an hour ago
- Business Recorder
High Commissioner of Kenya visits FCCI
FAISALABAD: Lt General Peter Mbogo Nijru (R), High Commissioner of Kenya has appreciated the 'Look Africa' policy of the Government of Pakistan urging upon the business community of Faisalabad to fully harvest its dividends by enhancing bilateral trade and making investment in Kenya. Addressing the business community in Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FCCI), he said that textile was the only globally recognized sector of Faisalabad but he has now come to know that pharmaceutical, chemicals, food processing, IT and other sectors are now also growing at a much faster pace. He said that Pakistani investors could invest in Kenya to produce different commodities in addition to its processing, packaging and exports to African and other countries. He mentioned the African Union and said that products manufactured in Kenya could be exported to different countries without any duty. 'Similarly Kenyan products have duty and quota free access to some European and American markets,' he said and added Pakistani investors could also explore this opportunity. He said that we must negotiate trade agreements between Pakistan and Kenya to give a quantum jump to our bilateral trade. He said that Kenya also offers huge opportunities for the promotion of tourism as it has scenic valleys like Gilgit and Baltistan. He also congratulated FCCI on its Golden Jubilee Year and hoped that it would make tremendous progress in the coming years. Earlier Rehan Naseem Bharara, President FCCI welcomed the Kenyan High Commissioner and said that our Ministry of Commerce was negotiating on an agreement to provide access to the Pakistani exporters to the eight different African countries including Kenya. He said that Pakistan was importing huge quantities of tea and coffee from Kenya and its investors must consider the cultivation and processing of these products in Pakistan. He also mentioned some tariff barriers and said that the Kenyan Government should revisit existing tariffs particularly on confectionary products. He also stressed the need to promote direct contacts between the business communities of the two countries and pointed out that some Pakistani banks are reluctant to accept LCs issued by the Kenyan banks. He said that this issue should be resolved on a top priority basis to streamline the banking channels. Naveed Akram Sheikh, Mirza Zahid Iqbal, Jawad Shafique, Mirza Muhammad Ashraf Mughal and Mian Muhammad Tayyab took part in the question answer session while Qaisar Shams Gucha, SVP offered vote of thanks. Rehan Naseem Bharara decorated Peter Mbogo Nijru with a special pin of FCCI Golden Jubilee. He also presented a FCCI shield to the Kenyan High Commissioner while they also exchanged gifts with each other. Bonface Njoroge Njuguna, Commercial Attaché of Kenya was also present during this meeting. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
