News from The Thursday Times' news desk.
"Several prominent heads of state are coming to SCO Summit. Pakistan seeks strong diplomatic relations with Russia, China, the UK, and the US. The political turmoil in Pakistan continues solely due to the obstinacy of one party," says Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's address to the UN General Assembly: "The atrocities and massacre by Israel in Gaza must be stopped, and a Palestinian state should be established with Jerusalem as its capital. The Kashmir issue should be resolved in accordance with UN resolutions. Pakistan will give a decisive response to any Indian aggression."
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a UN debate, highlighted the challenges of terrorism, climate change, and education. He emphasized Pakistan’s sacrifices, with 88,000 lives lost and billions in damages, urging global justice. He also highlighted Punjab’s educational reforms, including the Endowment Fund and Daanish Schools.
Russia has expressed support for Pakistan's bid to join BRICS, signaling a strategic shift in Islamabad's foreign relations as both nations seek to enhance economic ties and strengthen their partnership amid global geopolitical tensions.
Google has launched an initiative to produce 500,000 Chromebooks in Pakistan, marking the first presentation to PM Shehbaz Sharif during the Agay Barho event, where a report highlighted Pakistan’s growing IT exports and the need for further digital skills investment; Google emphasised its role in creating nearly 1 million jobs in 2023 and contributing Rs3.9 trillion to the economy.
Deputy PM Ishaq Dar and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy forge new strategic partnership in high-stakes meeting; Lammy congratulated Dar on Pakistan's election to the UN Security Council and reaffirmed longstanding British support for Pakistan.
Pakistan has invited Indian PM Narendra Modi for the October 15-16 SCO summit in Islamabad, marking a significant first in eight years amidst strained relations between the two countries.
In a recent radio interview, President Joe Biden made a notable verbal slip, declaring himself the "first Black woman to serve with a Black president." The gaffe, made during an Independence Day broadcast on Philadelphia's WURD Radio. This incident has intensified scrutiny of Biden's cognitive abilities and stirred political debate amid his re-election campaign.
EASA gears up to green-light PIA for European skies, with all other Pakistani airlines already cleared; high-stakes meeting in Brussels to seal the fate of PIA's return today after 2020's sweeping safety bans.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar arrives in The Gambia for the pivotal 15th OIC Summit, set to engage in high-stakes discussions on key issues like Gaza, Kashmir, and global challenges from Islamophobia to climate change.
