PM, FM cut short foreign visits; Pakistan’s action against terrorists, not Iran: Spox

          ISLAMABAD,):Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch on Thursday said that Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar and Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani had cut short their foreign visits in light of the developments, hours after Pakistan carried out a strike targeting the terrorists’ hideouts in Iran.

The spokesperson, in her weekly briefing, told the media that Pakistan’s action was against the terrorist outfits, not Iran as it desired peaceful relations with the neighborly country and always sought to address the challenges through dialogue.

“Pakistan fully respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The sole objective of today’s act was in pursuit of Pakistan’s own security and national interest which is paramount and cannot be compromised,” she reiterated her remarks already issued a short after Pakistan carried out a series of “highly coordinated” and “specifically targeted” precision military strikes in Siestan-o-Baluchistan province of Iran.

She said the prime minister who was currently in Davos to attend the World Economic Forum and the foreign minister attending the NAM Summit and Third South Summit in Uganda, have cut their visits short “in view of the ongoing developments.”

Asked about any third-party mediation to de-escalate the situation, she said that she was not aware of any such development.

She said Pakistan considered the Iranian people as friends and brothers and had no interest in escalating the situation and hoped that “our adversaries understand this”. Pakistan had always chosen the path of dialogue and would continue to engage with neighbours including Iran to ensure peace prevailed, she remarked.

She said that ‘Marg Bar Sarmachar’ was an Intelligence-based operation that killed a number of terrorists.

The spokesperson told the media that over the last several years, Pakistan had consistently shared its serious concerns and shared multiple dossiers with concrete evidence about the safe havens and sanctuaries enjoyed by Pakistani-origin terrorists calling themselves Sarmachars on the ungoverned spaces inside Iran.

“However, because of lack of action on our serious concerns, these so-called Sarmachars continued to spill the blood of innocent Pakistanis with impunity. This morning’s action was taken in light of credible intelligence of impending large-scale terrorist activities by these so-called Sarmachars,” she remarked.

She said the action was also a manifestation of Pakistan’s unflinching resolve to protect and defend its national security against all threats besides being a testimony to the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces.

“Pakistan will continue to take all necessary steps to preserve the safety and security of its people which is sacrosanct, inviolable and sacred… Pakistan will never allow its sovereignty and territorial integrity to be challenged, under any pretext or circumstances.”

Spokesperson Baloch said as a responsible member of the international community, Pakistan upheld the principles and purposes of the UN Charter including territorial integrity and sovereignty of member states.

“Absolutely not” was the spokesperson’s response when asked whether the Iranian side had given prior intimation before violating Pakistan’s airspace.

She said Pakistan had remained engaged with Iran on multiple subjects like trade and energy citing the Mand-Pishin border market and Polan-Gabd transmission line, but it was “surprising what happened two days ago.”

Coming to the Gaza situation, she said January 14, 2024 marked a painful milestone for the human conscience.

“It was the 100th day of Israel’s war on Palestine, which has taken over 24,000 lives in Gaza – a toll that is escalating with each passing day. The indiscriminate violence by Israel has to end. Humanity must prevail. The international community must play its part in saving the people of Palestine from the barbaric acts of the occupation authorities.”

ISLAMABAD, JAN 18 /DNA/ – This morning Pakistan undertook a series of highly coordinated and specifically targeted precision military strikes against terrorist hideouts in Siestan-o-Baluchistan province of Iran. A number of terrorists were killed during the Intelligence-based operation – codenamed ‘Marg Bar Sarmachar’.

Over the last several years, in our engagements with Iran, Pakistan has consistently shared its serious concerns about the safe havens and sanctuaries enjoyed by Pakistani origin terrorists calling themselves Sarmachars on the ungoverned spaces inside Iran. Pakistan also shared multiple dossiers with concrete evidence of the presence and activities of these terrorists.

However, because of lack of action on our serious concerns, these so-called Sarmachars continued to spill the blood of innocent Pakistanis with impunity. This morning’s action was taken in light of credible intelligence of impending large scale terrorist activities by these so called Sarmachars.

This action is a manifestation of Pakistan’s unflinching resolve to protect and defend its national security against all threats. The successful execution of this highly complex operation is also a testimony to the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces. Pakistan will continue to take all necessary steps to preserve the safety and security of its people which is sacrosanct, inviolable and sacred.

Pakistan fully respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The sole objective of today’s act was in pursuit of Pakistan’s own security and national interest which is paramount and cannot be compromised.

As a responsible member of the international community, Pakistan upholds the principles and purposes of the UN Charter including territorial integrity and sovereignty of member states. Guided by these principles, and in exercise of our legitimate rights within international law, Pakistan will never allow its sovereignty and territorial integrity to be challenged, under any pretext or circumstances.

Iran is a brotherly country and the people of Pakistan have great respect and affection for the Iranian people. We have always emphasized dialogue and cooperation in confronting common challenges including the menace of terrorism and will continue to endevaour to find joint solutions.

Davos, JAN 17 /DNA/ – Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar met Mr. Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, in Davos today on the sidelines of the 54th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum.

Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar appreciated the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s ongoing collaboration with Pakistan, especially its critical support across such sectors as public health, social initiatives, and financial inclusion, as well as during the COVID-19 pandemic and the floods of 2022.

The Prime Minister and Mr. Gates discussed a range of social support initiatives being undertaken in Pakistan,emphasizing the need to further consolidate the gains while scaling up efforts throughout the country.

The Prime Minister also outlined the Government’s collaborative efforts to combat poverty and malnutrition.

DNA

DAVOS, JAN 17: Iran’s foreign minister has said that the country’s Tuesday missile attack on areas in Pakistan adjacent to Iranian borders was directed at the so-called Jaish al-Adl terrorist group and no Pakistani national was targeted.

Speaking on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos on Wednesday, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said members of the terrorist group are Iranians who have taken shelters in Pakistan and that Tehran had repeatedly warned Islamabad to prevent their anti-Iran cross-border operations.

“None of the nationals of the friendly and brotherly country of Pakistan were targeted by Iranian missiles and drones,” he said.

“The so-called Jaish al-Adl group, which is an Iranian terrorist group, was targeted,” he said, adding that this was a response to the recent attacks on Iran by the group, which he said is linked to Israel.

The minister also touched on Iran’s attack into Iraq’s Kurdistan region, saying they were retaliation for recent anti-Iran attacks staged by Israel’s Mossad.

The Iranian minister said Tehran has shared intelligence with Iraq about Mossad activities in Iraq’s Kurdistan, adding that Israel is an enemy of both Iraq and Iran.

He cited a 2023 security pact between Iran and Iraq, saying it obliges Iraqi officials not to allow Iran’s security to be threatened from their soil.

The top Iranian diplomat said Iran respected the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan and Iraq but would strongly react to any attack on its national security.

“We respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan and Iraq, but we do not allow our national security to be compromised, and we have no compunction about [dealing with] terrorist parties inside Pakistan and Israeli movements in the Kurdistan region of Iraq.”

He said the attacks were aimed at protecting the security of Iran, its neighbors, and also the wider region.

“What we did was aimed at boosting the security of Iran, Pakistan, Iraq, and the region. We consider the security of Iraq and Pakistan to be that of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” he said.

“Tahzeem-e-Harmain Al-Sharifain Conference”

LAHORE, JAN 17 /DNA/ – The speakers and representatives of Hajj Organization Punjab said that the governments of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are knotted in eternal and everlasting brotherhood relations.

While addressing Tahzeem-e-Harmain Al Sharifain Conference held in the aegis of Hajj Organizers Punjab, the speakers said that the governments of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are making every possible effort to facilitate the Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.

The Tahzeem-e-Harmain Al-Sharifain Conference was chaired by Chairman Pakistan Ulema Council, Special Representative to Prime Minister on Inter-Religious Harmony and Middle East Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi and Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf Saeed Al-Maliki graced the event as Chief Guest.

The speakers said that Pakistan fully support and endorse the decisions taken at the conference held in the aegis of Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia to facilitate the pilgrims of Hajj and Umrah in 2024.

The speakers also noted that the efforts taken in the patronage of Khadim-e-Harmain Al Sharifain Shah Salman bin Abdul Aziz and Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman’s Vision 2030 will create more facilities for pilgrims of Hajj and Umrah

Road to Makkah program is a great facility for Hajj pilgrims, said speakers while eaddressing the Tahzeem-e-Harmain Al-Sharifin Conference organized by Hajj Organizers Punjab.

 Nawaf Saeed Al-Maliki, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia in Pakistan, said in his address that the security and stability of Pakistan is very dear to the people and government of Saudi Arabia.

The leadership of Saudi Arabia considers it an honor to serve the Islamic and the Muslim world.

He said that Shah Salman bin Abdul Aziz and Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman have clear instructions for the services of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.

Saudi Arabia is trying to create best a available facilities for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, he said.

 Chairman of Pakistan Ulema Council and Special Representative of Prime Minister of Pakistan Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi said that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have relations of faith and belief. 

Under the supervision of Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman and the leadership of Hajj Minister Dr. Tawfiq al-Rabiah, we fully support the decisions taken for Hajj 2024.  Better and the best measures are being taken day and night, no one will be allowed to do corruption in the name of Hajj adding that all the companies should also fulfill promises made with the pilgrims.

Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi said that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are friends in difficult situations. Saudi Arabia has never left Pakistan alone in any difficult situations. He said that Hajj Organization Punjab and Pakistan Ulema Council will train pilgrims together and services will also be taken by Saudi Arabia’s Hajj and Umrah Ministry for the training purposes of the pilgrims.

The conference was also addressed by Sanaullah, Imtiaz Chaudhary, Saeed Malik, Hafiz Tariq and other officials.

ISLAMABAD, JAN 17 (DNA) — A walk was organized here in the Cantonment area against the use of plastic shopping bags and to create awareness about the cleanliness of the city.

Cantonment Executive Officer of the Cantonment Board Azra Bakht was leading the walk, which was also attended by President of Anjuman Tajraan Cantt Bazar Chaudhry Jameel Ahmad, General Secretary Muhammad Zeeshan, Incharge Cleanliness Staff of the Bazar Syed Riaz Hussain Shah, and a number of traders.

The participants of the walk were carrying placards inscribed with environment-friendly slogans, including ‘Cleanliness is half faith, ‘Plastic bags are enemies of the environment, and ‘Put the trash in dustbins’, etc.

Speaking on the occasion, President of Anjuman Tajran Cantt Bazaar Area Chaudhry Jameel Ahmed said the ban on the use of plastic bags by the Cantonment Board and the walk to create awareness about cleanliness in the Cantt Board area were a good initiative, adding that the traders were standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the Cantonment Board to make this campaign successful.

The traders would extend all possible support for the purpose, he assured. Azra Bakht, while addressing the participants, said the cantonment board was fulfilling its responsibilities for cleanliness, and the cleanliness situation would be further improved in the area.

This walk was aimed at creating awareness among the masses and traders about the hazardous effects of plastic bags on the environment so that they should also fulfill their responsibilities for keeping the environment clean. She said the plastic bags also cause blockage of drains, and their use must be stopped. — DNA

RAWALPINDI, JAN 17 (DNA) — A meeting of the Crime Investigations Agency (CIA) was held here on Wednesday under the chair of Superintendent Police (SP), CIA, Beenish Fatima to review performance.

The officers including DSPs of the Organized Crime Cell of the agency attended the meeting, according to a press release issued. The SP directed to take measures against anti-social activities in society. — DNA