Latest news with #SenateStandingCommitteeonForeignAffairs
Business Recorder
a day ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Recent regional crisis: Senate body praises FO for outstanding performance
ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, chaired by Senator Irfan Siddiqui, praised the Foreign Office for its outstanding performance during recent regional crisis, asserting that Pakistan's strong diplomatic narrative has prevailed globally, particularly in wake of Pakistan-India war and attacks on Iran. In a high-level in-camera session held in Parliament House on Friday, Senator Siddiqui stated, 'The Foreign Office has played a brilliant role in representing Pakistan's position in the context of two consecutive wars and presenting a steady narrative to the world.' Senator Siddiqui also acknowledged the contributions of committee members Senator Sherry Rehman and Senator Musadik Malik, who, as part of a parliamentary delegation led by former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, effectively communicated Pakistan's position to the international community during a critical diplomatic juncture. The committee was given a comprehensive briefing by Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch and senior Foreign Office officials regarding Pakistan's stance following attacks on Iran. The officials outlined Pakistan's diplomatic efforts and shared insights into future regional dynamics. Addressing questions raised by committee members, Foreign Secretary Baloch emphasised Pakistan's commitment to regional peace, stating, 'All our efforts are focused on establishing lasting peace in the region, for which, Pakistan is playing a very effective role in collaboration with different countries.' Siddiqui further remarked, 'India's isolation at various international forums is a defeat in itself and our narrative is a victory.' He credited Pakistan's principled stance and proactive diplomacy for the shift in global perceptions. The meeting was attended by senators, Sherry Rehman, Anwarul Haq Kakar, Musadik Malik, Barrister Syed Ali Zafar, and Zeeshan Khanzada. The Foreign Office was represented by Foreign Secretary Baloch and other senior officials. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
14-04-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Pakistan eyes reset in Afghanistan ties
Pakistan's trouble shooter for Afghanistan on Monday informed a Senate panel that the relationship with Afghanistan was expected to improve as high-level visits to ease tensions were being planned. Special Envoy for Afghanistan Ambassador Muhammad Sadie was invited by the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs to brief its members about the state of the relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Sadiq travelled to Kabul last month as part of efforts to reset the troubled relationship and find a solution to the longstanding issue of terrorist sanctuaries on Afghan soil. The upper house session, chaired by Senator Irfan Siddiqui, was held behind closed doors. "Just briefed the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs in an in-camera session on the situation in Afghanistan and the challenges facing our bilateral relations. A candid and constructive discussion on regional developments and the path ahead for Pakistan-Afghanistan relations was a great learning experience," Sadiq said in a statement posted on X after the meeting. Meanwhile, chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Irfan Siddiqui, told reporters that there were expectations of improvement in the bilateral relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan. He said Sadiq Khan informed the Senate standing committee that high-level visits were being planned in the near future. Irfan said that the visits will help revive the process of bilateral talks. He said Ambassador Sadiq shared with the committee that the issue of banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) was being taken up forcefully with the Afghan authorities. The committee also decided to convene another meeting on the Afghanistan issue. Meanwhile, Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, in a meeting with Pakistan's Chargé d'Affaires Ubaid-ur-Rehman Nizamani in Kabul, expressed regret over the "forced deportation of Afghan refugees and the inappropriate treatment by certain quarters". He described the current mistreatment as provocative and harmful to the relations between the two countries, and called for an end to such actions, according to the statement issued by the Afghan foreign ministry. According to Afghan foreign ministry spokesperson Hafiz Zia Ahmad, the Pakistani diplomat said he understands the concerns of the Islamic Emirate and will share the matter with the relevant authorities. The statement further mentioned that comprehensive discussions were held on political and economic matters between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Both sides emphasised the need for effective mutual measures and the exchange of high-level delegations. Pakistan began deporting undocumented Afghans in October 2023. In the second phase, however, authorities are now repatriating those holding Afghan Citizen Cards. Islamabad has defended the move, stating it cannot host them indefinitely.
