Latest news with #Sharif
Business Recorder
11 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Israeli aggression: Pakistan expresses solidarity with Iran: PM
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday said that Pakistan expressed full solidarity with the Iranian government and people at all levels during the recent Israeli aggression on Iran. Speaking to members of the Senate and National Assembly after the approval of Budget 2025-26, he said that Iranian leaders, notably President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian, maintained continuous contact with him throughout the crisis. 'The resolution of the Israel-Iran conflict will unlock a new era of peace and prosperity across the region,' he said, underlining Pakistan's commitment to regional stability. Shifting focus to domestic affairs, Sharif hailed the tireless efforts of his economic team for crafting a 'people-friendly' budget designed to meet the aspirations of all Pakistanis. He expressed deep gratitude to allied political parties, whose crucial consultations paved the way for the budget's smooth approval. 'This exemplary unity among our coalition partners is the backbone of our economic revival,' he said, urging collective hard work for the nation's development. Turning to security and foreign policy, Sharif proudly recounted Pakistan's recent victory in countering India's 'unjustified aggression.' He credited the Armed Forces, political leadership, civil society, and media for collectively foiling hostile designs and elevating Pakistan's prestige on the global stage. Under the leadership of PPP Chairman Bilawal, Pakistan's diplomatic delegation exposed India's malign intentions and won international acclaim. The delegation's efforts were warmly lauded by overseas Pakistanis, who praised both the government and the military for their decisive diplomatic and military triumphs, he added. The parliamentarians who called on the Prime Minister include MNAs Khail Das Kohistani, Dr Darshan, Nelson Azeem from PML-N, and Ramesh Lal and Naveed Amir from PPP. They congratulated the Prime Minister on the budget's approval and discussed pressing constituency issues. Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Rana Mubashir Iqbal, Minister of State for Power Abdul Rehman Kanju, and Special Assistant Talha Burki also met the Prime Minister. In a separate meeting, Sharif welcomed MNAs Abrar Shah, Tahir Iqbal, Salahuddin Junejo, Jam Abdul Karim Bajar, Abdul Qadir Gilani, and Sardar Yaqub Khan Nasir, who reiterated their congratulations and brought forward local concerns. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
No interest in holding talks with political parties: DG ISPR
RAWALPINDI: Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry denied any backchannel communication or negotiations with former prime minister Imran Khan. In an interview with a British media outlet, the Pakistan military's spokesperson said, 'The military is not interested in talking to political parties, emphasising that dialogue and political negotiations are the responsibility of politicians.' Recorded on May 18 at the ISPR headquarters, the interview addressed several pressing topics including political instability, relations with neighbouring countries and others. Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif reiterated the military's longstanding position that it operates strictly under the constitutional framework. 'We speak to the state, not to individual political parties,' he said. According to him, the military serves the elected government of the time and should not be dragged into political debates or controversies. Responding to persistent claims about the military's involvement in politics, particularly following the ouster of Imran Khan's government, Gen Sharif blamed political actors for creating and spreading such narratives to mask their own shortcomings. The ISPR chief elaborated on the military's support in civil sectors like health, disaster response, and infrastructure development. He noted the army's key role during the Covid-19 pandemic and in polio vaccination drives. 'We act upon requests by the federal and provincial governments,' he added. On the complex security situation in Balochistan, the army's spokesperson said the region faces hybrid warfare driven by separatist elements and foreign-funded propaganda. He acknowledged the issue of enforced disappearances but stressed that no one has the right to illegally detain citizens. A judicial commission, he noted, is actively working on these cases. Lt Gen Sharif defended Pakistan's approach to media regulations and online monitoring. He pointed to Article 19 of the Constitution, which allows freedom of expression with reasonable restrictions. He also criticised what he described as double standards in global discourse on media freedoms, comparing Pakistan's environment with India's. Regarding Pakistan's security concerns stemming from Afghanistan, Gen Sharif stated that militant sanctuaries across the border continue to pose threats. He confirmed that Pakistan has conducted targeted operations across the border, including the recent Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos on May 10, aimed at neutralising threats. 'A single Pakistani life is more precious than a thousand foreign ones,' he asserted, underlining the military's commitment to protecting national sovereignty and citizen safety.
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Business Standard
a day ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
US' Rubio, Pak PM acknowledge importance of working together for peace
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday acknowledged the importance of working together to promote peace and stability in the region. Rubio dialled Sharif to discuss the Middle East situation. "The two leaders acknowledged the importance of working together to promote a durable peace between Israel and Iran and maintaining regional stability," said Tammy Bruce, US State Department Spokesperson. Both leaders "agreed to continue working together to strengthen Pakistan-US relations, particularly to increase trade", said a statement released by the Pakistan government. Commenting on the current situation in the Middle East, Sharif asserted that Pakistan will continue to play a constructive role in establishing peace in the Middle East. Sharif also praised US President Trump's "courageous and decisive leadership, which led to a ceasefire between Iran and Israel."
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Business Standard
a day ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
US' Rubio, Pak PM agreed to strengthen Pak-US relations to increase trade
'The two leaders acknowledged the importance of working together to promote a durable peace between Israel and Iran and maintaining regional stability,' said Tammy Bruce, US State Dept Spokesperson Press Trust of India Islamabad US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday acknowledged the importance of working together to promote peace and stability in the region. Rubio dialled Sharif to discuss the Middle East situation. "The two leaders acknowledged the importance of working together to promote a durable peace between Israel and Iran and maintaining regional stability," said Tammy Bruce, US State Department Spokesperson. Both leaders "agreed to continue working together to strengthen Pakistan-US relations, particularly to increase trade", said a statement released by the Pakistan government. Commenting on the current situation in the Middle East, Sharif asserted that Pakistan will continue to play a constructive role in establishing peace in the Middle East. Sharif also praised US President Trump's "courageous and decisive leadership, which led to a ceasefire between Iran and Israel." He also thanked Secretary Rubio for the key role of the United States in the Indo-Pak ceasefire. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Hindu
a day ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Rubio dials Shehbaz Sharif, pledge to work together for durable peace in West Asia
The U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday (June 27, 2025) acknowledged the importance of working together to promote peace and stability in the region. Mr. Rubio dialled Mr. Sharif to discuss the situation in West Asia. "The two leaders acknowledged the importance of working together to promote a durable peace between Israel and Iran and maintaining regional stability," said Tammy Bruce, U.S. State Department spokesperson. Both leaders "agreed to continue working together to strengthen Pakistan-US relations, particularly to increase trade", said a statement released by the Pakistan government. Commenting on the current situation in the West Asia, Mr. Sharif asserted that Pakistan will continue to play a constructive role in establishing peace in the region. Mr. Sharif also praised U.S. President Mr. Trump's "courageous and decisive leadership, which led to a ceasefire between Iran and Israel." He also thanked Secretary Rubio for the key role of the United States in the Indo-Pak ceasefire.
