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ISSI, UMT conclude MoU on mutual collaboration

ISSI

ISLAMABAD, NOV 12 /DNA/ – The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) and the Department of Political Science and International Relations (DPSIR) of the School of Social Sciences and Humanities (SSSH) at the University of Management and Technology (UMT) Lahore, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The MoU was signed by Dr. Talat Shabbir, Director Administration, ISSI and Dr Usman Askari, Chairperson and Associate Professor, DPSIR, UMT on their respective sides. DG ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood was present at the ceremony, which was also attended by other delegation members.

Representatives from both ISSI and UMT expressed optimism that this MoU would pave the way for enhanced cooperation between academia and the policy research community. Both institutions aimed to bridge the gap between scholarly research and practical policy solutions, enabling a richer exchange of knowledge and expertise on issues relevant to national and regional geopolitical affairs.

As part of this partnership, ISSI and UMT discussed several initiatives, including offering internship programs for UMT students, the organization of joint seminars on topics of mutual interest, and collaborative studies and publications in areas related to strategic and policy issues relevant to Pakistan. These collaborative efforts are expected to enrich academic discourse, equip students with practical experience, and provide thought leadership in addressing pressing policy challenges.

Trump picks South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as Homeland Security secretary: report

Trump picks South Dakota Governor

WASHINGTON, NOV 12: US President-elect Donald Trump has picked South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem to serve as the next secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, CNN reported on Tuesday, citing two sources.

Noem, once seen as a possible running mate for Republican Trump, is currently serving her second four-year term as South Dakota’s governor after a landslide re-election victory in 2022.

She rose to national prominence after refusing to impose a statewide mask mandate during the Covid-19 pandemic.

However, Noem had a turbulent few months politically this year.

She faced widespread backlash in April this year when she wrote in a memoir that she shot to death an “untrainable” dog that she “hated” on her family farm, following which some Trump advisers said they believed that Noem’s stock had fallen in the former president’s eyes at the time when she was still a vice president contender.

Both Trump’s campaign and Noem’s office did not respond to requests for comments outside regular business hours.

The Department of Homeland Security is responsible for everything from border protection and immigration to disaster response and the US Secret Service.

Trump on Monday appointed Tom Homan as his administration’s incoming “border czar”. Homan said he will prioritize deporting illegal immigrants who pose threats to public safety and national security.

Sources told Reuters on Monday that Trump was expected to tap US Senator Marco Rubio to be his secretary of state.

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi meets Chaudhary Shujaat Hussain

Mohsin Naqvi

DNA

Islamabad; Nov 12: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited the residence of the President of Pakistan Muslim League (Q), Chaudhary Shujaat Hussain in Gulberg and held a meeting with him. Provincial Minister Shafay Hussain was also present on the occasion. Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain strongly condemned the Quetta railway station blast and expressed solidarity with the martyrs.

Interior Minister and Chaudhary Shujaat Hussain expressed their heartfelt condolences to the families of the martyrs. Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain proposed to attribute all the new road and projects being constructed by the Fedaral Government in the name of martyrs. The Federal Interior Minister announced that the new projects being built in Islamabad will be named after the martyrs. He added that it’s implementation will also be taken up with the Chief Ministers of all provinces. Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain said that this work will always be remembered as the government’s expression of solidarity with the martyrs and their families, adding that Pakistan’s sacrifices in the war against terrorism are unparalleled in the world. He further said that thousands of Pakistanis have sacrificed their lives in the war against terrorism.

Mohsin Naqvi said that Pakistan cannot repay the great sacrifices of the martyrs, the martyrs have sacrificed their blood for the establishment of peace in the country. He emphasized that we are with the families of the martyrs and will always stand by them. He made it clear to eliminate the terrorism from the motherland for the sake of coming generations with the support of the nation.

Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and Chaudhry Shafay Hussain congratulated Mohsin Naqvi for winning the ODI series against Australia after 22 years and said that hard work of Chairman PCB and the performance of the players played an pivotal role in this victory, the cricket team and the nation have been waiting for such a magnificent victory for a long time. Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain hoped that the Pakistani team would show such performance in the ICC Champions Trophy tournament as well.

Smog causes significant eye issues: Al-Shifa Trust

Al-Shifa Trust

ISLAMABAD, NOV 12 /DNA/ – Al-Shifa Trust (AST) asked the masses on Tuesday to protect their eyes from the adverse effects of smog that has engulfed a large part of the country.

We have some of the most polluted cities in the world, where millions of people live. Still, the pollution levels have hit records this month, affecting many, it added.

Air pollutants present in smog adversely affect health, especially the eyes. Dust and harmful particulate matter enter the eyes, causing unclear vision, redness, burning sensation, dry eyes, and itching, said Prof. Dr. Inam Ul Haq, Senior Consultant at Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital.

Talking to the media, he said that life has become challenging due to rampantly rising air pollution in many cities, and people’s health has taken a significant hit.

He said everyone is exposed to air pollutants every time they step out of their homes or offices, and it’s virtually impossible to be completely protected.

However, there are certain practices a person can adopt to prevent these symptoms as much as possible, he added.

Prof. Dr. Inam Ul Haq said the public should minimize exposure by staying inside, avoiding walking or riding a bike along busy streets, and refraining from going to industrialized areas unless necessary.

Motorists should close their car windows during peak traffic hours and avoid leaving home or the office between noon and 4 pm, as the air quality is lowest at this time.

He strongly recommended wearing oversized sunglasses with adequate UV protection for better eye protection.

He said people should avoid rubbing their eyes in case pollutants get in the eye. Instead, eyes should be washed thoroughly with cold water or lubricating eye drops for relief.

He added that everyone should wash their eyes with cold water when back from outdoors as a preventive measure.

He advised buying a home air filter to block out particulate matter, and placing cucumbers on the eyes can help reduce inflammation. He also recommended using lubricating eye drops, which specialists recommend as part of a daily eye care routine.

Prof. Dr. Inam Ul Haq also said that carrots, green leafy vegetables, almonds, walnuts, fish, etc., are perfect for the eyes.

Frequent blinking and moistening eyes using lubricating eye drops are good ways to relieve the symptoms.

But, he said, visiting an eye specialist is recommended if infections and allergies prolong the symptoms.

He said that urgent and more extraordinary efforts are needed to reduce air pollution, as over 11 million children under five years of age were exposed to smog in the worst-affected districts of Punjab.

The air quality is severely declining in many parts of the country, requiring urgent attention.

Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh issues 38-point declaration on Gaza crisis and Palestinian rights

Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh issues 38-point declaration

ISLAMABAD, NOV 12 /DNA/ – We, leaders of the states and governments of the League of Arab States and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, gathered on the kind invitation of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and under the chairmanship of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and based on our decision to merge the extraordinary Arab and Islamic summits that the League of Arab States and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation had decided to organize at the request of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to discuss the Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people on 11 November 2023,meet today in the city of Riyadh in response to the escalating events, and after consultations conducted by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the request of the State of Palestine and some other Member States, and with the kind hosting of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia;


While we affirm the centrality of the Palestinian cause and the firm support for the Palestinian people to achieve their legitimate and inalienable national rights, foremost among which is their right to freedom and to an independent, sovereign state on the lines of June 4, 1967, with East Al-Quds as its capital, and the right of refugees to return and to compensation in accordance with the relevant resolutions of international legitimacy, particularly Resolution 194, and confront any attempts to deny or undermine these rights; reaffirming that the Palestinian cause is like all just causes of peoples struggling to get rid of occupation and obtain their rights, While we reaffirm the full sovereignty of the State of Palestine over occupied East Al-Quds, the eternal capital of Palestine, and reject any Israeli decisions or measures aimed at Judaizing it and consolidating its colonial occupation of the city, considering such decisions and measures null, void and illegitimate under international law and relevant United Nations’ resolutions, considering Al-Quds Al-Sharif a red line for the Arab and Islamic nations, and reaffirming our absolute solidarity in protecting the Arab and Islamic identity of occupied East Al-Quds and in defending the sanctity of the holy Islamic and Christian sites therein, While we affirm our absolute support for the Lebanese Republic, its security, stability, sovereignty and the safety of its citizens,

Decide:


1- To affirm the resolutions issued by the First Extraordinary Joint Summit in the city of Riyadh in November 2023, to renew our strong countering of
the brutal Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip and Lebanon, and to work
to end its disastrous humanitarian repercussions on civilians, children,
women, elderly and unarmed civilians, to continue to act, in coordination
with the international community, in order to put an end to the serious
Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law,
and to Israel’s jeopardizing of regional and international peace and security, reaffirming the resolutions of the 33rd Arab Summit, held in the Kingdom of Bahrain in May 2024, and the 15th Islamic Summit, held in the Republic of Gambia in May 2024.


2- To warn of the danger of the escalation sweeping the region and its regional and international consequences, of the expansion of the aggression that has lasted over one year on the Gaza Strip, and extended to include Lebanon, and of the violation of the sovereignty of the Republic of Iraq, the Syrian Arab Republic and the Islamic Republic of Iran, without the international community’s concern.


3- To insist on the implementation of all relevant resolutions issued by the
United Nations’ General Assembly, including Resolution No. A/RES/ES-
10/22 on the protection of civilians and adherence to legal and
humanitarian obligations dated December 10, 2023, and the resolutions
issued by the Security Council, and the need for the Security Council to
adopt a binding resolution, under Chapter VII of the United Nations’
Charter, to compel Israel, the occupying power, to a ceasefire in the Gaza
Strip, to allow the entry of immediate and sufficient humanitarian aid to all
areas of the Strip, and to implement Security Council Resolutions 2735
(2024), 2728 (2024), 2720 (2023), and 2712 (2023), which call for taking
urgent steps to immediately allow the delivery of humanitarian aid in a
broad, safe and unhindered manner, and Resolution No. 2728, which calls
for a ceasefire, as well as the resolutions that affirm the right of the
Palestinian people to exercise their inalienable rights, including the right to
self-determination, national independence and the right of refugees to
return, and the resolutions that affirm the permanent responsibility of the
United Nations for the Palestinian issue until it is resolved in all its aspects;
and to call on the Security Council to follow up on the international
consensus expressed in the UNGA Resolution dated May 10, 2024 that the
State of Palestine is qualified for full membership in the United Nations,
calling to issue a resolution granting the State of Palestine full membership
in the United Nations, and to urge Member States to mobilize the necessary support to adopt the resolution.

4- To affirm support and express appreciation for the tireless efforts made by the Arab Republic of Egypt and the State of Qatar in cooperation with the United States of America to achieve an immediate and permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages and prisoners, and holding Israel responsible for the failure of these efforts as a result of the Israeli government’s withdrawal from the agreements reached by the negotiators.


5- To call on the international community to fully implement the advisory
opinion of the International Court of Justice dated July 19, 2024 towards
ending the Israeli occupation, removing its effects, and paying
compensation for its damages, as soon as possible.


6- To condemn the crime of enforced disappearance committed by the Israeli occupation forces since the beginning of the current aggression against thousands of Palestinian citizens in the Gaza Strip and throughout the occupied Palestinian territory, including children, women and the elderly, in addition to the abuse, repression, torture and degrading treatment to which they are subjected, to call on the Member States of the United Nations to work at all levels to disclose the fate of the kidnapped, to work to release them immediately, to ensure the provision of their protection, and to demand an independent and transparent investigation into this crime, including the arbitrary execution of some of the kidnapped.


7- To condemn in the strongest terms what is unveiled of the horrific and
shocking crimes committed by the Israeli occupation army in the Gaza
Strip in the context of the crime of genocide, including mass graves, the
crime of torture, field executions, enforced disappearance, looting, and
ethnic cleansing, especially in the northern Gaza Strip during the past
weeks, and to call on the Security Council to form an independent and
credible international investigation committee to investigate these crimes,
and to take serious steps to prevent the obliteration of evidence and proof
to hold the perpetrators accountable and ensure that they do not escape
punishment.


8- To strongly condemn the continued and persistent Israeli aggression
against Lebanon and the violation of its sovereignty and of the sanctity of
its territories, to call for an immediate ceasefire, and the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution No. 1701 (2006) in all
its provisions, and to insist on solidarity with the Lebanese Republic in
confronting this aggression; to strongly condemn the deliberate targeting
of the Lebanese army and its centers, which led to the fall of a number of
martyrs and wounded in its ranks, in addition to the killing of civilians,the
systematic destruction of residential areas, and the enforced disappearance of persons, as well as the targeting of the United Nations’ Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL); to insist on supporting the Lebanese constitutional institutions in exercising their authority and extending the sovereignty the Lebanese state over all its territories, and in this regard, to insist on supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces as the guarantor of Lebanon’s unity and stability, and on the importance of expediting the election of a president of the republic and the formation of a government based on the provisions of the Lebanese constitution and the implementation of the Taif Agreement.


9- To unequivocally condemn the deliberate attacks on UN Peacekeepers in Lebanon by Israel, which are direct violations of the UN Charter, and to
demand the United Nations Security Council to hold Israel accountable for
ensuring the safety and security of UN peacekeepers operating under the
banner of United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).


10- To reject the enforced displacement of Palestinian citizens inside or outside their land, which is a war crime and a flagrant violation of international law that we should address together.


11- To condemn the policy of collective punishment perpetrated by Israel and the use of siege and starvation as a weapon against civilians in the Gaza Strip, to call on the international community to take immediate practical steps to end the humanitarian catastrophe caused by the aggression, including forcing Israel to completely withdraw from the Gaza Strip and to open all crossings between it and the Strip, and lifting all restrictions and obstacles to safe, rapid and unconditional humanitarian access to the Strip, in implementation of its obligations as the occupying power, and in the same context, to call for the immediate withdrawal of the Israeli occupation forces from the Rafah crossing and the Salaheddine Corridor (Philadelphi corridor), and for the Palestinian National Authority to return to manage the Rafah crossing, and to resume work on the 2005 Movement and AccessnAgreement, in a manner that allows the regular work of relief organizations and the resumption of the flow of aid in a safe and effective manner.


12- To insist on the need to join efforts to implement the outcomes of the
Emergency Humanitarian Response Conference in Gaza, hosted by the
Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, jointly organized with the Arab Republic
of Egypt and the United Nations on June 11, 2024, and to mobilize the
necessary support for the humanitarian conference that Cairo will host on
December 2, 2024, in the context of efforts to provide adequate
humanitarian support to the Strip.


13- To call on the international community to take effective action to compel Israel to adhere to international law, denouncing the double standards in the application of international law, international humanitarian law, and the United Nations’ Charter, and warning that this double standard seriously undermines the credibility of the states that immunize Israel and place it above accountability along with the credibility of multilateral action, and exposes the selectivity of the application of the system of human values.


14- To welcome resolution A/RES/ES-10/24 issued by the General Assembly on September 18, 2024, which adopted the outcomes of the legal advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on the illegality of the Israeli occupation.


15- To call on all states of the world, their legislative bodies, and all
international institutions and organizations to abide by the resolutions of
international legitimacy regarding the city of Al-Quds and its legal and
historical status, as an integral part of the Palestinian territory occupied in
1967.


16- To strongly condemn the aggressive Israeli measures targeting Islamic and Christian holy sites in the city of Al-Quds and changing its Arab, Islamic and Christian identity, to call on the international community to pressure Israel to stop them, and warn against the continuation of attacks on the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif, including undermining the freedom of worship in the mosque, preventing worshipers from entering it, besides its desecration, storming, profanation and vandalism of its contents by groups of Israeli settlers, and the attempts aimed at changing the legal and historical status quo in the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque, dividing it temporally and spatially; and to stress that the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al- Haram Al-Sharif, with its entire area of 144 thousand square meters, is a place of worship exclusively for Muslims, and that the Al-Quds Endowments and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs Administration, affiliated with the Jordanian Ministry of Endowments, is the exclusive legitimate authority with jurisdiction to manage the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque, to maintain it and regulate entry to it, within the framework of the historical Hashemite guardianship over the Islamic and Christian holy sites in occupied Al-Quds.


17- To call on the Security Council to adopt a resolution obligating Israel to
stop these illegal policies that threaten security and peace in the region, and to implement the relevant United Nations resolutions regarding the Holy City of Al-Quds Al-Sharif, and to condemn any party’s recognition of Al- Quds as the alleged capital of Israel, the occupying power, as an illegal and irresponsible measure that constitutes an attack on the historical, legal and national rights of the Palestinian people and the Islamic nation; to consider any step aimed at changing the legal status of the Holy City of Al-Quds Al- Sharif as an illegal step and a serious violation of international law and relevant United Nations resolutions that must be immediately revoked and reversed, to call on any state that has taken steps that affect the existing legal and historical status in the City of Al-Quds to reverse these illegal steps, and to stress the need to work to establish the inhabitants of Al-Quds on their land, including through supporting the Al-Quds Committee and its executive arm, the Bayt Mal Al-Quds Al-Sharif Agency.


18- To start working to mobilize international support to suspend Israel’s
participation in the United Nations General Assembly and all its affiliated
entities, in preparation for submitting a joint draft resolution to the General
Assembly – the tenth special session (Uniting for Peace), on the basis of
its violations of the United Nations Charter, its threat to international peace
and security, and its failure to fulfill its membership in the United Nations
and based on the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of
Justice on July 19, 2024.


19- To call on all countries to ban the export or transfer of weapons and
ammunition to Israel; urging countries to join the initiative proposed by the
Republic of Turkey and the core group consisting of (18) countries, which
was signed by (52) countries, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and
the League of Arab States, and to send a joint letter to the UN Security
Council, the President of the UN General Assembly and the UN Secretary-
General to halt the provision of arms to Israel, and to invite all countries to
sign it.


20- To urge the International Criminal Court to expeditiously issue arrest
warrants against Israeli civilian and military officials for committing
crimes – falling within the jurisdiction of the Court – against the Palestinian
people.


21- To call on the Security Council and the international community to take the necessary decisions, including imposing sanctions, in order to stop the
escalating illegal Israeli measures in the occupied West Bank that
undermine the two-state solution and undermine all chances of achieving
a just and comprehensive peace in the region, to criminalize such policies,
to condemn colonial policies pursued by the occupying power to annex any
part of the occupied Palestinian territory by force with the aim of
expanding illegal settler colonialism, and to consider this a blatant and
systematic attack on the historical and legal rights of the Palestinian people and a flagrant violation of the United Nations Charter, the principles of international law, and relevant United Nations resolutions.


22- To strongly condemn the terrorist acts committed by Israeli settlers against Palestinian citizens and their property, which are escalating in an organized manner with the support and armament of the Israeli occupation
government and the protection of its forces, and to call for:
– Holding settlers accountable for the crimes they are committing
against the Palestinian people and their property.
– Classifying Israeli settlers and Jewish settler movements as terrorist
groups and organizations, including them on national and
international terrorism lists, and working, at all levels, including in
the United Nations, and specifically the Security Council, to hold
Israeli leaders and settlers accountable for the crimes they commit.
– Boycotting products of Israeli settlements on the occupied
Palestinian territory, and the companies operating therein and
included in the database issued by the Human Rights’ Council on
6/30/2023, and forming Lists of Shame that include the names of
those companies considering that they feed the occupation and seek
to perpetuate it.
– Calling on all states of the world, including Member States, to
prevent settlers present in the occupied Palestinian territory,
including East Al-Quds, from entering them for any purpose that
may be, and establishing special mechanisms and measures to
examine identification documents to verify their places of residence
in cooperation with the State of Palestine, considering that as they
participate in terrorist hostilities against the Palestinian people, their
property and their lands.
– Calling on the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States and
the General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation,
in cooperation with the State of Palestine, to prepare a list of the
names of these groups and circulate it to Member States.


23- To call on the active international parties to launch a plan with specific
steps and timing under international sponsorship to end the occupation and establish an independent, sovereign Palestinian state on the lines of June  1967, with occupied Al-Quds as its capital, based on the two-state solution, and in accordance with the approved references and the Arab Peace Initiative of 2002.


24- To stress that a just and comprehensive peace in the region that guarantees security and stability for all its states cannot be achieved without ending the Israeli occupation of all occupied Arab territories up to the June 4, 1967 line, in accordance with the relevant United Nations resolutions and the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative in all its components.


25- To commend the states that recognized the State of Palestine, calling on other states to follow suit, welcoming the “International Alliance to
Implement the Two-State Solution, ” launched by the Joint Arab-Islamic
Ministerial Committee, headed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in
coordination with Arab and Islamic states, and in cooperation with the
European Union and the Kingdom of Norway in September 2024 in New
York City, holding its first meeting in Riyadh, stressing the importance of
supporting it, and calling on all peace-loving states to join this alliance.

26- To work to mobilize international support for the State of Palestine to join the United Nations as a full member and support the appreciated and
continuous efforts made by the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria,
in its capacity as a member of the two organizations, in the Security
Council, to submit a draft resolution to accept this membership, in addition
to its efforts to support the cause and unity of the Palestinian ranks.


27- To condemn the actions and statements of extremist hatred and racism by ministers in the Israeli occupation government, and to demand from the international community to hold them accountable in accordance with the international law.


28- To condemn the continuous attacks by the Israeli occupation authorities and their representatives on the United Nations and its Secretary-General, as well as condemning the ban on the work of international mechanisms and organizations including UNSR and COIs, and on members of the Office of the High Commissioner (for Human Rights) preventing from entering the territory of the State of Palestine, and its termination of the work of the International Presence Mission in Al-Khalil, in clear violation of its obligations, as an occupying power, and of the relevant United Nations resolutions, and demanding that the international community assume its responsibilities in providing protection as stipulated in the United Nations resolutions, and in accordance with what was proposed by the report of the Secretary-General of the United Nations in this regard.


29- To condemn the continued adoption and approval by the Israeli Knesset of racist and illegal laws, including the so-called law withdrawing the immunity granted to employees of the United Nations Relief and Works
Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), preventing it from working in
the occupied Palestinian territories and severing relations with it, and the
decision to reject the establishment of a Palestinian state; stressing that
these laws and decisions are null, void and illegal, and calling on the
Member States of the United Nations to impose sanctions on Israel, the
occupying power,in order to force it to comply with the international law
and international legitimacy resolutions, and calling on all states to provide
effective political and financial support to the agency.


30- To call for providing all forms of political and diplomatic support and
international protection to the Palestinian people and to the State of
Palestine,forachieving Palestinian national unity, and for its effective
assumption of its responsibilities over all the occupied Palestinian territory,
including the Gaza Strip, unifying it with the West Bank, including the city
of Al-Quds, as well as supporting the State of Palestine economically by
supporting its efforts in humanitarian relief programs, economic recovery,
and reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, stressing the importance of
continuing to support the budget of the State of Palestine, activating a
transparent financial safety net according to agreed upon mechanisms, and requesting the international community to oblige the Israeli occupation
authority to release the withheld Palestinian tax revenues immediately and
in full.


31- To support the ongoing efforts made by the Arab Republic of Egypt to
achieve Palestinian unity at this critical stage, and enabling the Palestinian
government to carry out its responsibilities and duties towards the
Palestinian people, including through forming various mechanisms and
agencies and agreeing on a community support committee to be formed by a decree issued by the President of the State of Palestine, within the
framework of the political and geographical unity of the Palestinian land
on the lines of June 4, 1967, with East Al-Quds as its capital and the
sovereignty of the State of Palestine over it, and reaffirming that the
Palestine Liberation Organization is the sole legitimate representative of
the Palestinian people.


32- to call for continued provision of assistance and urgent humanitarian and relief support to the Lebanese government to confront the repercussions of the Israeli aggression, including confronting the crisis of the displaced until they can return to their regions and securing the elements of a decent life for them, with the necessity of implementing reforms that allow sisterly and friendly states of Lebanon to participate in supporting its economy to help the Lebanese people get out of the living crisis they are facing.


33- To strongly condemn the escalating brutal Israeli aggression on the
territory of the Syrian Arab Republic, including targeting civilians,
destroying civilian buildings and infrastructure, and violating its
sovereignty, which constitutes crimes and serious violations of
international law and relevant United Nations resolutions, and to stress the
need to end the Israeli occupation of the occupied Syrian Arab Golan.


34- To assign the Joint Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee, headed by the
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and formed in accordance with the decision
issued by the First Joint Arab-Islamic Summit on November 11, 2023, to
continue its work, to intensify its efforts, and expand them to include
working on ending the aggression on Lebanon; the Committee shall submit
periodic reports, which the two secretariats shall circulate to the Member
States.

35- To mandate the Ministerial Committee to further engage other actors of the Global South in the efforts to strengthen international support towards ending the war and Israeli occupation.


36- To stress the need to protect navigation in sea lanes in line with the rules of international law.


37- To welcome the signing of the tripartite mechanism to support the
Palestinian cause by the League of Arab States, the Organization of Islamic
Cooperation, and the African Union in Riyadh, and commend the African
Union’s firm positions towards the Palestinian cause.


38- To assign the Secretaries-General of the League of Arab States and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to coordinate follow-up on the
implementation of what is stated in the present resolution and the
submission of periodic reports to the leaders in this regard.

Navy Chief, Moroccan Air Force inspector meet to strengthen defense ties

Moroccan Air Force inspector

ISLAMABAD, NOV 12 /DNA/ – Inspector of the Royal Moroccan Air Force, Major General Mohammed Gadih, called on the Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, at Naval Headquarters, Islamabad. During the meeting; professional matters of mutual interest including bilateral collaboration and regional maritime security, were discussed.

The Naval Chief expressed that Pakistan and Morocco enjoy cordial relations underpinned by mutual respect, growing economic ties, and cooperation at multilateral forums. Various avenues, including bilateral training and exchange of visits were also highlighted.

The visiting dignitary appreciated and acknowledged Pakistan Navy’s efforts and commitment in support of collaborative maritime security. Both leaders agreed to further strengthen and diversify the scope of the existing bilateral defence relationship.

PM Shehbaz Sharif welcomed by UN Chief and Azerbaijan President at COP-29 opening

PM Shehbaz Sharif

BAKU, NOV 11 /DNA/ – Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif was warmly received by United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres and Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev at the opening session of the COP-29 Climate Action Summit in Baku today.

The inaugural session of this significant global climate conference marks a crucial gathering of world leaders to address pressing environmental challenges and climate action initiatives.

Prime Minister’s visit to Baku, Azerbaijan to attend COP29

Shehbaz Sharif

ISLAMABAD, NOV 11 /DNA/ – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif will visit Baku, Azerbaijan on 12-13 November 2024 to participate in the “World Leaders’ Climate Action Summit” of the 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29).

The Prime Minister will be accompanied by Deputy Foreign Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and other senior officials.

The Prime Minister will address the World Leaders Climate Action Summit on 13 November 2024. He will also attend several High-Level events on the sidelines of the Summit, and hold bilateral meetings with world leaders. Several high-level events and roundtable discussions hosted by Pakistan will also take place at the Pakistan Pavilion during COP29.

At the COP29, Pakistan will call for balanced and ambitious progress on all issues such as loss and damage, adaptation, mitigation and means of implementation. It will seek predictable financing to address developing countries’ climate goals.  Pakistan will also underscore the historical responsibility and the principle of Equity and Common but Differentiated Responsibility and call on developed nations to undertake deeper emission cuts.

Pakistan, China agree to expand defense collaboration in training, technology

Pakistan

RAWALPINDI, NOV 11 /DNA/ – A meeting between Gen Li Qiaoming, Commander PLA Army and Lt Gen Muhammad Avais Dastgir, CGS Pakistan Army was held at PLA Army Headquarters, Beijing on 11 November 2024.
Discussion was focused at evolving global and regional situation and follow up on measures for enhancing bilateral military to military cooperation. During the meeting, CGS offered heartfelt condolences on loss of Chinese lives in recent terrorist attack in Karachi and affirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to ensure enhanced security of Chinese nationals in Pakistan.
The dignitary from China acknowledged Pakistan Army’s efforts and measures for improving the security of Chinese and assured wholehearted support to Pakistan.

Both sides agreed to further enhance mutual cooperation to counter common enemies working against the peace and development of the region. Other areas of defence cooperation were also deliberated and both sides reviewed progress of collaboration in areas of military education, training, equipment and technology.

Both sides agreed to further institutionalise mechanisms for mutual sharing of experiences, and enhancing regular interactions.

‘Humanitarian crisis beyond imagination’ in Gaza, says PM Shehbaz at Riyadh summit

Shehbaz Sharif

GAZA, NOV 11: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif delivered a speech to the Arab-Islamic Summit on Monday, denouncing Israeli aggression in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran and reiterating Pakistan’s “unwavering support” for the people of Palestine.

Arab and Muslim leaders have gathered in Saudi Arabia on Monday for a summit addressing the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, a chance to send a message to US president-elect Donald Trump.

PM Shehbaz, who left for Riyadh on Sunday, addressed the summit and pointed out the rapidly deteriorating situation in Gaza.

“The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached a level beyond imagination,” he said. “For over one year, the occupied Palestinian territories, especially Gaza, have fallen in endless darkness and despair with devastated homes, lives lost and families torn apart.

“These atrocities committed against the Palestinians have rightfully been labelled as genocide, not only by the media but the International Court of Justice,” the prime minister added.

“With each passing day, every moral code is flagrantly violated by Israel. yet the killing and destruction continue with no end in sight. I ask … how long will this annihilation be ignored?”

PM Shehbaz then noted that Israel has become emboldened by the “world’s indifference and inaction”, lamenting that calls for a ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian relief have fallen on deaf ears.

“The most sophisticated weapons continue to be supplied to Israel. Indeed, it has been assured of unconditional assistance and protection,” he said.

“International humanitarian laws meant to protect the vulnerable have been torn to shreds,” PM Shehbaz said. “Humanity is being tested and failing. Is it any wonder then that after decades of suffering and oppression, the spirit of resistance remains unbridled?”

The prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s commitment and unwavering support to “establish an independent, viable and contiguous State of Palestine with Al-Quds Sharif (Jerusalem) as its capital, based on the pre-1967 borders.” He stated that Palestinian self-determination is “the only avenue towards justice and durable peace in the Holy Land”.

The PM also condemned Israeli military action in Iran and Lebanon, warning: “Such escalations constitute a dangerous threat that could unleash a broader war.”

“As the Ummah, we are bound by duty, by faith and by our conscience to stand resolutely with the people of Palestine more than ever before,” Shehbaz said. “We must not let this systematic genocide and aggression persist.”

Israel’s retaliatory campaign against Hamas’s attack last year on Israel has killed more than 43,600 people in Gaza, most of them civilians, according to data from the territory’s health ministry that the United Nations considers reliable.

The Oct 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel had resulted in 1,206 deaths, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures.

Lebanon-based Hezbollah began firing on Israel after the October 7 attack. The regular cross-border exchanges escalated in late September when Israel intensified its air strikes and sent ground troops into southern Lebanon.

Pakistan called for the following at the summit

An immediate and unconditional ceasefire
Impose an immediate arms embargo on Israel
Lifting Israel’s blockade of Gaza and ensuring the prompt delivery of food, water, electricity and medical aid
Accountability for Israel’s alleged war crimes
The adoption of UNGA resolution 10/24
A comprehensive review of Israel’s membership in the UN
“Let this summit be a moment to transform our voices into actions,” the PM said. “Together, we must move beyond condemnation and act swiftly to uphold justice and dignity for the people of Palestine and all those who face oppression.”

“May our unity today be the dawn of Palestine’s freedom.”

Trump looms over Arab-Islamic Summit
Despite criticism of the impact Israel’s military campaign has had on Gaza civilians, outgoing US President Joe Biden ensured that Washington remained Israel’s most important military backer during more than a year of fighting.

Addressing the Council of Foreign Ministers Preparatory Meeting for the summit a day ago, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar expressed hope that the incoming US administration would lend its weight to reinvigorate efforts for peace in the Middle East.

The Saudi foreign ministry had announced plans for the summit in late October during a meeting, also in Riyadh, of a new “international alliance” to press for the establishment of a Palestinian state.

It comes one year after a similar gathering in Riyadh of Cairo-based Arab League and Jeddah-based Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) during which leaders condemned Israeli forces’ actions in Gaza as “barbaric”.

This time around, Trump’s election last week for a second term in the White House is likely to be on leaders’ minds, said Anna Jacobs, senior Gulf analyst for the International Crisis Group think tank.

“This summit is very much an opportunity for regional leaders to signal to the incoming Trump administration what they want in terms of US engagement,” she said.

“The message will likely be one of dialogue, de-escalation and calling out Israeli military campaigns in the region.”

‘Rely on the Saudis’
In his first term, Trump’s actions showed him as an even firmer supporter of Israel.

He defied international consensus by recognising Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and moving Washington’s embassy there.

He also endorsed Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, which are illegal under international law.

Under the Abraham Accords, Trump oversaw the establishment of diplomatic relations between Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, as well as Morocco.

Though Saudi Arabia did not join those agreements, Trump cultivated warm ties with the Gulf kingdom while in office and has deepened his business connections to the region during the Biden years.

Saudi Arabia has pressed pause on a US-brokered deal where it would recognise Israel in return for security and economic benefits, insisting there will be no diplomatic ties without a Palestinian state.

Umer Karim, an expert on Saudi politics at the University of Birmingham, said Riyadh will use Monday’s summit to signal to the incoming Trump team that it remains a strong partner.

The message is that Trump “can rely on the Saudis as being representatives of the Muslim world”, and that “if you want to extend American interests in the region, Saudi Arabia is your bet”, he said.

The 57-member OIC and 22-member Arab League include countries which recognise Israel and those firmly opposed to its regional integration.

Last year’s summit in Riyadh saw disagreement on measures like severing economic and diplomatic ties with Israel and disrupting its oil supplies.

Karim said the post-summit statement on Monday will likely “strongly condemn Israel […] while also pushing for greater American leverage and diplomacy on the issue”.

The November 2023 meeting featured an appearance by Iran’s then-president Ebrahim Raisi, highlighting how regional diplomacy has changed since Trump was last in office.

In March 2023, Iran and Saudi Arabia announced a China-brokered rapprochement after seven years of severed ties.

The Middle East heavyweights have maintained regular high-level contact as part of efforts to contain the ongoing conflicts.

Iranian state media said the chief of staff of the Saudi armed forces was to arrive in Tehran on Sunday for talks, a rare high-level visit.

PM meets Saudi investment minister
PM Shebaz Sharif held a meeting with the Saudi Minister for Investment Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih and Royal Court Advisor Mohammed Al-Tuwaijri on the sidelines of the Arab Islamic Summit.

Riyadh: Saudi Investment Minister Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih and Royal Court Advisor Mohammed Al-Tuwaijri call on PM Shehbaz Sharif on the sidelines of the Arab Islamic Extraordinary Summit on Nov 11, 2024. — PID
It was a follow-up meeting on the recent engagements for economic cooperation between the two countries, APP quoted a PM Office press release as saying.

PM appreciated the progress on major projects under discussion and acknowledged the efforts of the technical teams for their close cooperation to further strengthen economic partnerships in diverse fields.

He will also hold a meeting with the Muslim World League secretary-general, state-run Radio Pakistan reported.

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