UNITED NATIONS, JAN 13 (DNA): Pakistan has urged Russia and Ukraine to enter into a “sustained, meaningful and structured dialogue” to resolve their raging conflict which will mark the four-year anniversary next month.

“The international community has been deeply perturbed by the continuing, and relentless hostilities, leaving behind a trail of death, destruction, economic losses and immense human suffering,” Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, permanent representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, told the UN Security Council on Monday.

(The conflict began when Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, arguing it was a “special military operation” for Ukraine’s “demilitarization”,  protecting Russian speakers from “genocide,” and preventing NATO expansion.)

 “We are alarmed by the recent intensification in fighting with escalation in attacks from both sides, further worsening the already dire humanitarian situation.” the Pakistani envoy said in a debate in the situation in Ukraine,  warning that such actions not only perpetuate the conflict, they also undermine trust, and the ongoing efforts for peace.

From the outset, he said, Pakistan’s position has been that dialogue was the only viable path for lasting peace.

“Now, more than ever before, the overwhelming global opinion is on the side of ending this conflict through peaceful means,” Ambassador Asim Ahmad pointed out.

“Diplomacy and genuine engagement in the past have delivered – as we saw in the case of Black Sea Grain Initiative in July 2022,” he said, referring to other actions, including Security Council resolutions seeking a peaceful end to the conflict.

Ambassador Asim Ahmad especially  commended the efforts by many countries, particularly the United States, for the resolution of this conflict, giving primacy to dialogue.

“We hope that all sides would make full use of the ongoing diplomacy, demonstrate genuine political will, and engage constructively to make meaningful strides towards a peaceful and negotiated settlement of the conflict, starting with an immediate ceasefire,” leading to peace and security in Europe.

“The imperative to deliver millions from agony must remain paramount,” the Pakistani envoy said.

Pakistan, he added,  supports all efforts aimed at resolving the issue peacefully, in a comprehensive and durable manner.

Opening the debate, Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, said, “The start of the new year has brought no peace or even respite to Ukraine.”

She said large-scale aerial assaults by the Russian Federation against civilians and civilian infrastructure have resulted in “horrific” levels of destruction and suffering.

Between 8-9 January, Moscow reportedly launched 242 drones and 36 missiles against Ukraine, the senior UN official said, adding that at least 4 people were reportedly killed and 25 injured in Kyiv alone.

 Areas in Lviv, meanwhile, were reportedly targeted by the so-called Oreshnik, believed to be capable of carrying nuclear weapons.

DiCarlo reaffirmed the the UN Secretary-General’s calls for an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire. “Any peace in Ukraine must fully uphold the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.”

Ramesh Rajasingham, Head of the Geneva Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and Director of the Humanitarian Sector Division, said in Ukraine, “the plight of civilians has grown more desperate”.

Speaking on behalf of Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher, he said the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported 11 attacks on health care in Ukraine since the start of the year.

“Each damaged substation, heating pipeline or pumping station triggers cascading failures that put even more lives at risk”.

“Use your voice, your influence and your engagement” to ensure civilians are protected, that safe, unimpeded humanitarian access is facilitated to civilians and that humanitarian action is funded in line with the scale of needs, Rajasingham said.

“Civilians who are enduring these attacks need more than statements of concern,” he added.

The Defence Minister will hold a meeting with Morocco’s Minister Delegate for National Defence Administration, Abdellatif Loudiyi, and lead delegation-level talks to explore avenues of cooperation in areas of mutual interest

DNA

Casablanca, JAN 13 — Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif arrived in Morocco on a three-day official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral defence cooperation.

Upon his arrival at Casablanca Airport, he was warmly received by Major General Ahmed Hattouto, Commander of the Casablanca Army, senior Moroccan officials, and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Morocco, Syed Adil Gilani.

This visit comes at a significant moment, as Morocco has recently appointed its first-ever Defence Attaché in Islamabad — a landmark step that reflects Rabat’s growing interest in deepening defence and security ties with Pakistan. The appointment is seen as a major institutional development, providing a permanent channel for defence diplomacy and coordination between the two countries.

During the visit, Pakistan and Morocco are set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance defence collaboration. The agreement marks a historic advancement in consolidating bilateral defence ties.

The Defence Minister will hold a meeting with Morocco’s Minister Delegate for National Defence Administration, Abdellatif Loudiyi, and lead delegation-level talks to explore avenues of cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

The MoU is expected to establish an institutional framework for sustained defence relations, opening new opportunities for collaboration in military training, exchange of expertise, capacity building, and other joint initiatives.

In addition, both sides are expected to discuss potential defence deals, including cooperation in aviation and the possible purchase of fighter jets, underscoring the strategic nature of the partnership.

Minister Asif’s visit reflects the deep-rooted friendship between Pakistan and Morocco and underscores the shared commitment to expanding cooperation in defence, security, and other fields of common interest. The timing of the visit, following Morocco’s appointment of its Defence Attaché in Islamabad, highlights the seriousness of both nations in elevating their defence relationship to new heights.

The Prime Minister welcomed the delegation and appreciated Ericsson’s longstanding investment in Pakistan and its contribution to the development of the country’s telecommunications sector

Saifullah Ansar

ISLAMABAD, JAN 13 /DNA/ – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received a delegation from Ericsson at the Prime Minister’s House today. The delegation was led by Mr. Patrick Johansson, President and Head of Market Area Europe, Middle East and Africa at Ericsson.

The Prime Minister welcomed the delegation and appreciated Ericsson’s longstanding investment in Pakistan and its contribution to the development of the country’s telecommunications sector. He acknowledged Ericsson’s presence in Pakistan that spans more than six decades.

The meeting focused on the importance of next-generation digital connectivity for economic growth, productivity and public service delivery. The Prime Minister highlighted Pakistan’s interest in learning from Ericsson’s global experience in advanced networks, including 5G, while ensuring secure and resilient infrastructure aligned with national needs.

Discussions also covered cooperation on digital skills development, financial inclusion and the expansion of cashless payment systems, as well as the use of technology to strengthen disaster preparedness and institutional resilience.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to supporting foreign investors and strategic technology partners.

The Ericsson delegation praised the Government of Pakistan’s efforts to develop and upgrade the country’s IT infrastructure including the 5G spectrum auction.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Minister for IT Ms. Shaza Fatma Khawaja, SAPM Syed Tariq Fatemi and senior officials also attended the meeting.

RAWALPINDI, JAN 12 /DNA/ – A defence delegation led by Minister of Defence of the Republic of Indonesia, Lieutenant General (Retd) Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, at Air Headquarters, Islamabad, following the recent state visit of the Indonesian President.

The meeting reaffirmed the historic and brotherly ties between Pakistan and Indonesia and focused on strengthening bilateral Air Force cooperation, particularly in capacity building, training and technological collaboration. The Air Chief briefed the delegation on PAF’s modernization drive, including infrastructure development, revamped training and induction of niche capabilities to enhance readiness for multi-domain operations.

The Indonesian Defence Minister praised PAF’s professionalism, combat readiness and indigenization achievements under the National Aerospace Science & Technology Park, and expressed strong interest in expanding cooperation in training, aviation and aerospace domains.

The meeting reflected growing momentum in Pakistan–Indonesia defence ties and a shared resolve to deepen cooperation through sustained engagement and dialogue.

ISLAMABAD, JAN 12: Pakistan and Bangladesh have signed a major educational agreement, enabling Bangladeshi students to pursue fully funded higher education in Pakistani universities, sources in the Higher Education Commission said.

The HEC sources said the first phase of the programme will admit 500 students from Bangladesh into undergraduate programmes at universities in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Peshawar.

The scholarship, named after Allama Muhammad Iqbal, covers full tuition as well as additional academic and living facilities.

In December 2025, the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka, in coordination with the HEC, conducted entry tests in Dhaka, Chittagong, Rajshahi, and other cities, attracting thousands of young applicants.

Bangladeshi students warmly welcomed the Pakistani officials during the tests and took commemorative photographs with them, reflecting strong people-to-people ties alongside the academic collaboration.

Rawalpindi, 12 Jan /DNA/ – Lieutenant General Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin (Retd), Minister of Defence of the Republic of Indonesia, called on Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, COAS & CDF, at General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi.

The meeting focused on matters of mutual interest, evolving regional and global security dynamics, and exploration of avenues for enhancing bilateral defence cooperation. Both sides underscored the importance of strengthening institutional linkages, training collaboration, and defence industrial cooperation between Pakistan and Indonesia.

The visiting dignitary lauded professionalism of Pakistan Armed Forces and acknowledged their sacrifices in the fight against terrorism. He also expressed Indonesia’s desire to further expand defence ties with Pakistan across multiple domains.

The COAS & CDF reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to fostering strong and enduring defence relationship with Indonesia, based on shared values, mutual respect, and convergence of strategic interests.

ISLAMABAD: The information ministry on Monday dismissed claims that the United States fighter jets and aerial refuelling aircraft were conducting flights inside Pakistan to prepare for a potential strike on Iran.

The ministry said that several social media accounts, linked with India and Afghanistan, circulated the claim after US President Donald Trump said he is considering potential military action against Iran as protests rage in the country.

The accounts falsely claimed that the US has moved KC-135R, an aerial refuelling tanker, and surveillance aircraft to Pakistan, conducting unusual flights towards or into Iranian airspace.

Further, it was claimed that Pakistan is being used as a base or launch corridor to support US stealth fighters, such as F-35 and F-22, for a possible military strike on Iran.

However, the information ministry said that the US aerial activity was recorded in Europe and the Middle East amid rising tension in both regions.

Citing global publications such as Reuters and The Washington Post, the ministry said that the Pentagon dispatched refuelling aircraft to European bases.

“No credible outlet confirms that US KC-135R/ISR aircraft are operating in Pakistan,” the ministry added.

It also recalled that Islamabad had publicly condemned US strikes on Iran in June last year.

The raid, “Midnight Hammer”, was the “largest B-2 operational strike in US history and the second-longest B-2 mission ever flown. The US struck a key underground uranium enrichment site at Fordo, along with nuclear facilities in Isfahan and Natanz.

Meanwhile, the information ministry termed the claims of its airspace being used by the US military a “reckless” and “blame-pushing” narrative to drag Pakistan into a US-Iran conflict without any verifiable evidence.

The ministry urged the public to refrain from sharing sensational military “breaking news” from propaganda pages unless verified through credible reporting.

It advised Pakistani citizens to rely on the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), ministries and reputable defence outlets for national security and defence matters.