UNITED NATIONS, Dec 03 (APP/DNA):With the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) set to end its work this month after more than two decades, Pakistan has praised the Mission’s “pivotal role” in helping the country achieve stability, strengthening electoral processes, facilitating political dialogue, and advancing national reconciliation efforts.

“We laud the resilience of the Iraqi people and their steadfast pursuit of a peaceful and prosperous future,” Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, permanent representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, told the UN Security Council on Tuesday.

The Mission was established in 2003 against the backdrop of long-standing dictatorship, regional wars, internal conflict, foreign occupation and terrorism.

Speaking in a debate on UNAMI’s last report to the 15-member Council, the Pakistani envoy welcomed the holding of parliamentary elections in Iraq last month.  The polls, he pointed out, were conducted in an orderly and inclusive manner with a strong voter turnout, reflecting public confidence in democratic institutions and the will of the Iraqi people in pursuit of stability, good governance, and sustainable development.

Noting that Iraq’s security situation has improved, even as it still warrants vigilance, he stressed that Da’esh, which continue its attacks in several governorates,  “must not be allowed to regroup or regain operational space.”

“We appreciate the Iraqi security forces for their continued counter-terrorism operations to neutralize this menace,” Ambassador Asim Ahmad added.

 The drawdown and imminent completion of UNAMI’s mandate mark a “historic milestone” and a testament to Iraq’s progress, its strengthened institutions, and its restored capacity to steer its own future, he said.

“In a region facing profound turmoil,” he added,  “Iraq’s trajectory stands as a beacon of hope, demonstrating what national resolve, adequate international support, and inclusive political processes can achieve together.”

Briefing the Council, Mohamed al Hassan, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNAMI, said, “Today, indeed, is a great day for the international community and the UN to witness the honourable and dignified closure of a UN mission.”

He said UNAMI’s departure does not mark the end of the Iraq-UN partnership.  “Rather, it represents the start of a new chapter rooted in Iraq’s leadership of its own future.”

Hassan recounted the Mission’s history, noting:  “The road to peace, security and stability was long and difficult.  However, with the support of the international community, Iraq came out victorious — but with untold sacrifice.”  He noted the many tragedies faced by the people of Iraq and UN personnel alike, including the 22 staff killed in the 2003 Canal Hotel bombing.

Since that time, Iraq has made many strides, including adopting a new Constitution and holding 13 successful elections.  “Iraq was able to incrementally consolidate hard-won gains despite all odds,” he said.  The country held its sixth parliamentary election on 11 November, marked by a notable increase in turnout.

Voicing hope that Iraq will form its new Government without delay,  Hassan also urged stronger relations with the Kurdistan region and longer-term solutions, including the adoption of a comprehensive national plan, to help Iraq’s 1 million displaced persons — most of whom are Yazidi survivors living in precarious conditions.  

He congratulated Iraq on its election as a member of the Human Rights Council, which “comes with a corresponding responsibility to uphold the highest standards in the promotion and protection of human rights”.

Referring to the four-day conflict with India earlier this year in May, Dar said, “In 92 hours, the Indo-Pakistan war had the potential to escalate to far more dangerous levels.”

Ansar M Bhatti

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said on Wednesday that multilateralism was “under assault” as stability in South Asia faced various threats, stressing the need for regional cooperation.

Speaking at an event in Islamabad, Dar said, “Multilateralism is under assault and the institutions of global governance are often criticised for the acts of omission and commission of a few states driven by unilateralist impulses.”

Referring to the four-day conflict with India earlier this year in May, Dar said, “In 92 hours, the Indo-Pakistan war had the potential to escalate to far more dangerous levels.”

He said that states had increasingly resorted to the use of force to settle disputes while disregarding international law and the principles of the UN Charter.

The deputy premier noted that “emerging technologies, transnational terrorism and hybrid warfare, including misinformation campaigns, continue to challenge stability”.

Dar said that India and Pakistan were “involved in a conflagration” that would have gone toward an “uncontrollable escalation”, adding that an “uneasy and fragile peace persists”.

“Pakistan demonstrated both in resolve and capability to thwart aggression and reinforce deterrence. The concept of a net security provider is buried,” he asserted.

The foreign minister pointed out that “major power competition is a defining feature of our times”, with military, technology, trade, tariff and resource rivalries intensifying.

However, the deputy PM said, Pakistan “opposed bloc politics and zero-sum approaches and consistently stressed the imperative of cooperation rather than confrontation”.

“We have underscored the indispensability of dialogue and diplomacy, of peaceful settlement of disputes, and of international cooperation and solidarity.”

As an elected member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2025-2026 term, Pakistan was “engaged in vanguard efforts to promote international peace and security”, Dar highlighted.

Dar also noted that the rise of extremist ideologies, political populism, democratic backsliding and Islamophobia were “negatively impacting the globe and causing upheavals in unprecedented ways”.

“Pakistan envisions a South Asia where connectivity replaces divisions, economies grow in synergy, disputes are resolved peacefully in accordance with international legitimacy and where peace is maintained with dignity and honour,” Dar said.

“We remain ready to work with all willing partners to help South Asia realise its immense potential,” the deputy premier affirmed.

Speaking further on South Asia, Dar said the region had a complex security environment as it comprised “three geographically contiguous nuclear powers with complicated relationships”.

“Major regional states boast of some of the largest armed forces in the world. There is a continuous buildup of conventional and nuclear arms and regular induction of destabilising weapons systems.

“Strategic stability is delicate, among other things, by some dangerously ill-conceived war-fighting notions in the nuclearised environment,” he added.

Pointing out that sustainable peace had eluded South Asia for the past 78 years, Deputy PM Dar said there were “escalating disputes” over resource sharing, particularly on river waters, as exemplified by India’s illegal and unilateral announcement on the Indus Waters Treaty” in April.

“There are pervasive interstate differences and some of the longstanding unresolved political disputes, like Jammu and Kashmir, continue to threaten the peace and stability in the region,” Dar highlighted.

“Sustainable peace in South Asia, however, requires more than maintaining strategic stability,” the foreign minister said, emphasising that a just and lasting solution to the Kashmir dispute remained essential.

Dar stated that the structured dialogue process between India and Pakistan has remained stalled for over 11 years.

“Other South Asian states have had their share of the see-saw relationship with our neighbour India,” he said.

“Burden of history, trust deficit, impulses of dominance and hegemony; domestic, political and electoral calculation; rise of populism and hypernationalism; and an ideological inclination for territorial expansionism add multiple layers of complexity to the regional landscape,” the deputy PM added.

He went on to highlight that the Indo-Pacific strategy aimed at China’s containment assigned the role of the net security provider to “one state in the region”, and that “friction” between it and China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which was focused on connectivity, impacted the regional states’ efforts for peace and development.

‘Are we doomed to remain mired in confrontation and conflict?’

Deputy PM Dar also detailed various challenges that South Asia faces, including poverty, inequality, illiteracy, disease, malnutrition, income disparities, food insecurity, natural disasters and the impacts of climate change.

The region fares terribly low on most human development indices. South Asia also remains poorly integrated economically, with intra-regional trade hovering around 5 per cent,” he said, adding that the region was energy-deficient.

“Regional connectivity is woefully inadequate,” he said, pointing out that South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) — the only region-wide platform for economic cooperation — had “largely remained inactive for over a decade”.

Dar asked: “We South Asians need to think really hard. Are we doomed to remain mired in confrontation and conflict while other regions progress and prosper?

“The answer should be a clear ‘no’. The cumulative challenges of regional security, economic fragility and climate crisis are simply too grave to disregard.”

The deputy PM asserted that these challenges could not be tackled in an environment of “political fragmentation and fractured regional architecture”.

“To begin with, we must overcome zero-sum mindsets and foster an environment of dialogue, peaceful coexistence, economic interdependence and win-win cooperation,” Dar said.

Qaiser questioned why Pakistan is reluctant to open channels of communication with Kabul when “we can talk to India despite severe tensions

Faisal Sheikh

ISLAMABAD — Former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser on Tuesday stressed the need for Pakistan to engage Afghanistan through diplomatic channels, saying that while the government’s concerns regarding the security situation are understandable, dialogue remains the only sustainable path forward.

Addressing a press conference, Qaiser questioned why Pakistan is reluctant to open channels of communication with Kabul when “we can talk to India despite severe tensions.” He said that durable peace in the region cannot be achieved without meaningful engagement between Pakistan and Afghanistan, adding that PTI Chairman Imran Khan had always advocated for structured dialogue with Kabul.

Qaiser highlighted that during the PTI government, bilateral trade with Afghanistan reached USD 1.7 billion, a sign of strong economic interdependence between the two neighbours. He also pointed to PTI’s foreign policy initiatives, including renewed focus on Africa under the “Engage Africa” policy and increased attention toward Central Asia. These policies, he said, opened new avenues for trade, investment, and diplomatic outreach.

Turning to domestic issues, Asad Qaiser expressed concern over what he described as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s unfair treatment in the National Finance Commission (NFC) award. He said the province was not receiving its rightful share, despite consistently contributing to national development and bearing the brunt of security challenges. “We are Pakistanis and we want uplift and progress in this country,” he said, urging the federal government to address provincial grievances.

Qaiser also emphasized the importance of strong institutions operating within constitutional limits. “Pakistan can only move forward when all institutions respect their boundaries,” he remarked. Stressing unity, he said the Pakistan Army is “our own army, our own children,” and that strengthening national harmony should be everyone’s priority.

The former speaker reiterated PTI’s stance that peace, stability, and job creation must remain the country’s top priorities. He said Pakistan’s economic revival is directly linked to regional cooperation, domestic stability, and fair treatment of all federating units.

“As Pakistanis, we want a peaceful and prosperous country where institutions function properly, the economy thrives, and our youth get employment opportunities,” Qaiser concluded.

ISLAMABAD, DEC 2 /DNA/ – Today, the United Nations in Pakistan marked the ’16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence’ by calling for urgent global action against digital violenceduring an event at Islamabad’s Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA). It alerted on the need to adapt the legislation to evolving technologies as nearly half of the world’s women and girls lack legal protection from digital abuse.

The event, chaired by the Federal Minister for Human Rights,Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar,in presence of UN Women Regional Director, Christine Arab, also marked the opening of ‘Seen& Unseen’, an Art exhibition featuring renowned Pakistani artists, with Prof. Salima Hashmi as Honorary Advisor. It was part of a series offour other UN events that discussed how to keep women and girls safe online, and empower them to lead and shape the digital future, in Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, and Quetta.

“During the 16 Days of Activism, we must invest in the vision and leadership of young people,” said Christine Arab, UN Women Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific. “When innovation is shaped by gender equality, we create digital spaces where women and girls are not just included, but protected, empowered and able to thrive,” she added as she launched UN Women’s Firewall Feminist Lab.

The five events brought together the Government, law enforcement, the legislature, and civil society, together with IOM, UNAIDS, UNDP, UNFPA, UNHCR, UNIC, UNICEF, UNESCO, UN WOMEN, and WHO. They took place in Punjab Safe City Authorities in Lahore on 25 November, Governor House in Quetta on 27 November, Peshawar Stadium on 1 December, and PNCA Islamabad on 2 December, with support from Marriott Islamabad. The fifth event will take place at State Bank of Pakistan Museum in Karachi on 4 December.

“The digital world promised connection and empowerment. Yet for millions of women and girls across the world, it has become a minefield of harassment and abuse,” said Pernille Ironside, Acting UN Resident & Humanitarian Coordinator. “We cannot letonline platforms become yet another space where women and girls are silenced, shamed, and intimidated — in Pakistan or across the world.We must urgentlyadapt the legislation to evolving technologies, and end the impunity of both perpetrators and online platforms. Just like the offline world, the online world should not threaten women and girls, but help them thrive. There is no excuse for online abuse.”

Digital violence is spreading at an alarming speed fueled by artificial intelligence, anonymity, and a lack of effective laws and accountability. It comes under many forms — online harassment, cyberstalking, doxing, non-consensual image sharing, deep fakes, and disinformation. Digital abuse can spill into real life, sometimes leading to physical violence. 

“Technology has transformed the nature of abuse, and our laws, institutions, and social responses must evolve accordingly,” said Chief Guest, Federal Minister for Human Rights, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, in his keynote remarks.He added, “The Government of Pakistan is committed to strengthening legal protections, expanding access to justice, and ensuring that every woman and girl can participate in society—online and offline—with safety, dignity, and equality.”

During the event, UNDP and UNPFA introduced their work around digital and technology-facilitated gender-based violence; IOM shared testimonies of survivors; UNFPA launched its new Reels ‘Salma Lives’ about child marriage; and WHO shared its perspective on the clinical and health impact of gender-based violence.

The United Nations calls for: 1) Global cooperation to ensure digital platforms and AI tools meet safety and ethics standards; 2) Support for survivors of digital violence by funding women’s rights organizations; 3) Holding perpetrators accountable through better laws and enforcement; 4) Tech companies to step up by hiring more women to create safer online spaces, removing harmful content quickly, and responding to reports of abuse; 5) Investments in prevention and culture change through digital literacy and online safety training for women and girls, and programmes that challenge toxic online cultures.

RAWALPINDI, DEC 2 /DNA/ – On 1 December 2025, seven khwarij belonging to Indian Proxy Fitna Al Khwarij were killed in two separate engagements in North Waziristan District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province.

On reported presence of khwarij, an intelligence based operation was conducted by the Security Forces in general area Mir Ali. During the conduct of operation, own troops effectively engaged the khwarij location and after an intense fire exchange, six khwarij were sent to hell.

Another intelligence based operation was conducted in general area Spinwam. In ensuing fire exchange, one more kharji was effectively neutralised by the security forces.

Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from killed Indian sponsored khwarij, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities against the Security Forces, Law Enforcement agencies and target killing of innocent civilians.

Sanitization operations are being conducted to eliminate any other Indian sponsored kharji found in the area as relentless Counter Terrorism campaign under vision “Azm e Istehkam” (as approved by Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan) by Security Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies of Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out menace of foreign sponsored and supported terrorism from the country.

ISLAMABAD, DEC 2 /DNA/ – The Graduation Ceremony of the 151st GD(P), 97th Engg, 108th AD, 10th Nav (Alpha), 28th A& SD, 11th Log, 134th Combat Support, and 98th EC (RSAF) Courses was held today at PAF Academy Asghar Khan, Risalpur. Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, graced the ceremony as the Chief Guest.

Upon his arrival, Chief of the Air Staff was received by Air Vice Marshal Shahryar Khan, Air Officer Commanding PAF Academy Asghar Khan. Addressing the parade, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu congratulated the graduating cadets and their families, appreciating the high standards upheld by the Academy. He lauded the achievements of distinction holders and recipients of the Swords of Honour, offering special compliments to the Royal Saudi Air Force cadets on their successful completion of training. He highlighted the participation of Saudi cadets as a reflection of the strong and enduring friendship between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Chief Guest in his address urged the young officers to honor their legacy and defend Pakistan’s skies with courage and professionalism. Highlighting the paradigm shift in PAF training, the Air Chief underscored the integration of future-focused technologies, leadership development, character building, intellectual enrichment, mental resilience and physical robustness to prepare cadets for the complex challenges of modern warfare. Referring to recent regional developments, he recalled attempts to challenge Pakistan’s sovereignty during the conflict in May, praising the unity of the nation and the professionalism of the Armed Forces. He further said that the victory also reflects great credit on the firm resolve of our national leadership, as well as on the well-executed tri-service synergy, aggressive decision-making, full support and the pivotal leadership role of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. He noted that Pakistan Air Force achieved overwhelming aerial dominance through the effective employment of Space, Cyber, Electronic Warfare, UAVs, Long-Range Vectors and Loitering Munitions. State-of-the-art enemy aircraft including multiple Rafales, SU-30MKI, Mirage-2000, Mig-29, and advanced unmanned aerial systems were neutralized in one of the most intense and prolonged BVR versus BVR engagements in modern history.

Reiterating PAF’s legacy of excellence, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu stated that Pakistan Air Force remains Second to None and stands as a symbol of national pride. He reaffirmed that PAF’s modern capabilities and operational readiness continue to fortify Pakistan’s strategic posture while strengthening defence cooperation with regional partners. He assured that PAF will continue to safeguard the nation’s airspace with vigilance, resolve and unwavering dedication. While reiterating the significance of National Aerospace Science and Technology Park, Chief of the Air Staff emphasized that NASTP is poised to become one of the world’s premier Aerospace, Cyber and IT clusters, transforming Pakistan’s national landscape through cutting-edge design, research, and innovation in emerging and disruptive technologies.The Chief Guest concluded by stating that PAF’s professionalism is proven through operational achievements, not narratives or propaganda. While Pakistan remains committed to peace and friendly relations with all nations, any challenge to its sovereignty will be met with an even stronger and more resolute response.

A total of 136 Aviation Cadets, 10 Gentleman Cadets and 20 Royal Saudi Air Force Cadets graduated on the occasion. The trophy for Overall Best Performance in General Service Training was awarded to Aviation Cadet Wing Under Officer Muhammad Ali Arif, whereas, Chief of the Air Staff Best Pilot Trophy for outstanding performance in Flying Training was received by Aviation Cadet Wing Under Officer Muhammad Arhamullah. Chief of Air Staff Trophy for Best Performance in Engineering Discipline was awarded to Gentleman Cadet Ali Ahmad Mustafa while Chief of Air Staff Trophy for Best Performance in Air Defence Course was won by Aviation Cadet Murtaza Ali. The Trophy for Overall Best Performance in the Admin & Special Duties Course was clinched by Aviation Cadet Yahya Nayyar, whereas, Trophy for Overall Best Performance in Logistics Course was awarded to Aviation Cadet Hunain Sarwar. Trophy for Overall Best Performance in Combat Support Course was received by Aviation Cadet Talha Ishaque. Sword of Honour for Overall Best Performance in College of Aeronautical Engineering was awarded to Aviation Cadet Wing Under Officer Muhammad Ali Arif while the Sword of Honour for Overall Best Performance in College of Flying Training was received by Aviation Cadet Academy Under Officer Muhammad Saad Shahzad. Trophy for Overall Best Performance in Allied Course was awarded to Royal Saudi Air Force Cadet Muhammad Khalid Jalfan. The ceremony concluded with a spectacular aerial display by an impressive formation flypast of F-16, JF-17 and J-10C aircraft, showcasing precision, skill and operational mastery. The Graduation Parade was attended by senior military and civil dignitaries, along with proud parents of the graduating cadets.

RAWALPINDI, DEC 2 /DNA/ – Participants of the Cambrian Patrol competition called on Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), at General Headquarters (GHQ) Rawalpindi.

COAS congratulated the team for their outstanding performance in one of the world’s toughest military endurance and leadership competitions. He commended the participants for demonstrating exceptional standards of physical endurance, tactical proficiency, and exemplary team spirit, in keeping with the highest traditions of the Pakistan Army.

COAS appreciated the dedication and rigorous training undertaken by the team, noting that their success has brought pride to the nation and reaffirmed Pakistan Army’s commitment to excellence.

The participants expressed gratitude to COAS for the honour and reiterated their resolve to continue upholding the core values of discipline, selfless devotion, and professional excellence.