Pakistan lists SCO summit attendees, excluding Afghanistan, ahead of high-profile event

Pakistan lists SCO summit attendees, excluding Afghanistan, ahead of high-profile event
An undated file photo of the flags of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization member countries. (Photo courtesy: the europe today/ website)
Short Url
Updated 12 October 2024
Follow

Pakistan lists SCO summit attendees, excluding Afghanistan, ahead of high-profile event

Pakistan lists SCO summit attendees, excluding Afghanistan, ahead of high-profile event
  • Afghanistan holds the SCO observer status that has reportedly remained inactive since Taliban’s 2021 takeover
  • Pakistan has made extensive preparations for the summit, focusing on Islamabad’s security and beautification

ISLAMABAD: The foreign office of Pakistan released the names of countries attending the 23rd meeting of the Council of Heads of Government (CHG) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), scheduled for October 15-16 in Islamabad, notably excluding Afghanistan, while key member states like China, Russia and India are set to attend.
Afghanistan is not a full SCO member but holds observer status, which has reportedly remained inactive since September 2021, following the Taliban takeover.
Pakistan’s relations with Afghanistan have severely deteriorated for more than a year over the issue of cross-border militancy, with officials in Islamabad repeatedly accusing the Taliban-led government of “facilitating” armed groups responsible for attacks on Pakistani soil, an allegation denied by Kabul.
Tensions further escalated last year when Pakistan decided to expel Afghan refugees, citing national security concerns and the alleged involvement of some refugees in militancy and crime.
“Pakistan will be hosting the Twenty-third meeting of the Council of the Heads of Government (CHG) of the Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) from 15 to 16 October 2024 in Islamabad,” the foreign office said in a brief curtain raiser.
“SCO member States will be represented by the Prime Ministers of China, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan as well as the First Vice President of Iran and External Affairs Minister of India,” it added. “Prime Minister of Mongolia (Observer State) and Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Ministers of Turkmenistan (Special Guest) will also participate in the meeting.”
The foreign office said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will preside over the SCO meeting in his capacity of the current chair of the CHG.
He will also hold important bilateral meetings with visiting heads of delegation on the sidelines of the summit.
The government has made extensive preparations for the event while focusing on both security and beautification of Islamabad.
According to Dawn newspaper, over 10,000 security personnel have been deployed to ensure the safety of around 900 international delegates.
Special efforts are also being made to enhance the appearance of the city, particularly along VIP routes and the Jinnah Convention Center where the summit will be held.
The prime minister himself has finalized the arrangements by visiting all these places.
The SCO meeting will discuss ongoing cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, environment, socio-cultural linkages and review the performance of the Organization.
The participants will adopt important organizational decisions to further enhance cooperation among SCO member states and approve the budget of the organization.
 


Russian naval ships visit Pakistan’s Karachi port to conduct joint exercises

Russian naval ships visit Pakistan’s Karachi port to conduct joint exercises
Updated 16 March 2025
Follow

Russian naval ships visit Pakistan’s Karachi port to conduct joint exercises

Russian naval ships visit Pakistan’s Karachi port to conduct joint exercises
  • Pakistan and Russia, once Cold War rivals, have strengthened ties in recent years through increased cooperation in various sectors
  • The visit of the Russian flotilla marks a ‘significant milestone’ in maritime diplomacy and defense cooperation, Pakistan Navy says

KARACHI: A Russian navy flotilla has arrived in the southern Pakistani port city of Karachi to conduct joint exercises with Pakistan Navy, the Directorate General Public Relations (DGPR) of Pakistan Navy said.
Pakistan and Russia, once Cold War rivals, have strengthened their relations in recent years through increased dialogue as well as trade, energy and defense cooperation.
Regular port visits and joint exercises between Pakistan Navy and Russian Navy continue to strengthen bilateral ties, deepen naval collaboration, and foster mutual trust.
Upon arrival in Karachi, the Russian warships were accorded a warm welcome by officials of the Pakistan Navy and the Russian consulate, according to the DGPR.
“During the port call, the crew of the visiting ships will engage in professional discussions with Pakistan Navy personnel,” the DGPR said in a statement.
“Russian and Pakistani naval ships will conduct joint exercises aimed at enhancing interoperability and maritime cooperation.”
The Russian flotilla comprising RFS REZKIY and RFS ALDAR TSYDENZHAPOV frigates and medium-sized sea tanker RFS PECHENGA will be in Pakistan till March 18, according to the DGPR.
“The visit of Russian Flotilla marks a significant milestone in maritime diplomacy, reinforcing security and defense cooperation between the two nations,” it said.
Pakistan Navy regularly collaborates and holds joint military exercises with allies and friendly nations to increase synergy, promote regional peace and stability and deter piracy, drug trafficking and other illicit maritime activities.


Bangladesh court upholds death sentence of 20 students in 2019 murder case

Bangladesh court upholds death sentence of 20 students in 2019 murder case
Updated 16 March 2025
Follow

Bangladesh court upholds death sentence of 20 students in 2019 murder case

Bangladesh court upholds death sentence of 20 students in 2019 murder case
  • Abrar Fahad, a student at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, was killed after criticizing then government of Sheikh Hasina on Facebook
  • Fahad, 21, was beaten for nearly six hours with cricket bats by a group of 25 students, all members of the student wing of Hasina’s Awami League political party

DHAKA: A court in Bangladesh upheld on Sunday death sentences of 20 former university students convicted of murdering a fellow student in 2019 who had criticized the country’s former government on social media.
Abrar Fahad, 21, a student at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), was killed hours after publishing a Facebook post that criticized the then government of Sheikh Hasina for signing a water-sharing treaty with India.
Fahad was beaten for nearly six hours with cricket bats by a group of 25 students, all members of the Bangladesh Chhatra League, the student wing of former prime minister’s political party, the Awami League.
The student wing was accused of creating a reign of terror on university campuses before Hasina was ousted last year following a student-led uprising.
“I am satisfied. I hope the legal procedures will be completed soon, and justice will be served,” Fahad’s father, Barkat Ullah, told reporters after the verdict was announced by the court on Sunday.
“I don’t want to blame the parents who sent their sons to the top university, but they got involved in bad politics. I would urge others to stay away from harmful activities,” he added.
Fahad’s killing sparked nationwide protests, forcing Hasina to pledge the highest punishment for the perpetrators.
Due legal process will be followed to implement the verdict, Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman told reporters.
“The High Court upheld the lower court verdict that handed down death sentences to 20 and life imprisonment to five,” Asaduzzaman said.
“The convicts will be allowed to appeal against the verdict and will have all the rights ensured by the court.”
Syed Mizanur Rahman, one of the group’s defense lawyers, said, “We will appeal against the verdict.”
Of the 20 sentenced to death, four are still on the run.
One of them, Muntasir Al Jamie, who was convicted in Faha’s murder, broke through the prison wall of a high security jail on August 6.
Death sentences are common in Bangladesh, with hundreds of people currently on death row.
All executions are carried out by hanging, a legacy of British colonial rule.


PCB serves legal notice to South Africa’s Corbin Bosch for ‘breaching’ Pakistan T20 league contract

PCB serves legal notice to South Africa’s Corbin Bosch for ‘breaching’ Pakistan T20 league contract
Updated 16 March 2025
Follow

PCB serves legal notice to South Africa’s Corbin Bosch for ‘breaching’ Pakistan T20 league contract

PCB serves legal notice to South Africa’s Corbin Bosch for ‘breaching’ Pakistan T20 league contract
  • Bosch was picked by Peshawar Zalmi in the Diamond category during player draft for the 10th edition of Pakistan Super League
  • The Pakistan Cricket Board says its management has outlined repercussions of Bosch’s departure from the league in the notice

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has served a legal notice to South African all-rounder Corbin Bosch for “breaching” his contract for the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) Twenty20 tournament, the PCB said on Sunday.
The 30-year-old Bosch was picked by Peshawar Zalmi in the Diamond category during player draft for the 10th edition of PSL in Lahore on Jan. 13, according to the PCB.
The legal notice was served through his agent, and the player has been asked to justify his actions of withdrawing from his professional and contractual commitments.
“The PCB management has also outlined the repercussions of his departure from the league and expects his response within the stipulated time frame,” the board said.
“The PCB will not make any further comments on the matter.”
PSL, which officially began in February 2016, features city-based franchise teams and has become a major event in Pakistan’s cricket calendar, symbolizing the country’s love for the sport. The league brings together both local and international talent, and has grown substantially in value and popularity since its inception.
Pakistan will host the 10th edition of PSL from April 11, with defending champions Islamabad United taking on two times champions Lahore Qalandars at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in the opening match.
The six-team tournament will see 34 matches between April 11 and May 18. Lahore’s Qaddafi Stadium will host 13 matches, including two eliminators and the final, according to the PCB.
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will host 11 matches, including the first qualifier on May 13. National Bank Stadium in Karachi and Multan Cricket Stadium will host five PSL matches each.


Pakistan PM asks officials to intensify crackdown on human traffickers, smugglers

Pakistan PM asks officials to intensify crackdown on human traffickers, smugglers
Updated 16 March 2025
Follow

Pakistan PM asks officials to intensify crackdown on human traffickers, smugglers

Pakistan PM asks officials to intensify crackdown on human traffickers, smugglers
  • Several Pakistanis attempt the dangerous and illegal journey via sea each year in search of greener pastures abroad
  • These journeys have claimed lives of several dozen Pakistanis in recent years, prompting action against human smugglers

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has asked officials of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to intensify their crackdown on human traffickers and smugglers, the FIA said on Sunday.
The statement came after a meeting of senior FIA officials with the prime minister following the arrest of Usman Jajja, ringleader of a notorious gang involved in human trafficking.
Sharif said the individuals involved in the heinous crime of human trafficking not just cause a loss of precious human lives but also damage the country’s global repute.   
“The prime minister called for intensifying operations to bring those involved in human trafficking to justice,” the FIA said in a statement.
Sharif awarded a cash prize Rs1 million to each official who was part of the operation against the Jajja gang involved in the Greece boat accident, in which four Pakistanis died after a migrant boat they were on sank near the Greek island of Crete in Dec. 2024.
The boat tragedies put the spotlight on perilous journeys many migrants undertake, often driven by economic hardship as young individuals seek better financial prospects by attempting dangerous crossings to Europe.
Several Pakistanis attempt the dangerous and illegal journey each year in a bid to escape surging inflation and opt for a better life as the cash-strapped country navigates a tricky path to economic recovery from a macroeconomic crisis.
Pakistan has intensified its crackdown on human smugglers after multiple boat tragedies resulted in its citizens getting killed in recent years. In 2023, an overcrowded vessel carrying over 250 Pakistanis capsized near Greece, in what was one of the deadliest migrant boat disasters in recent history.


Chinese shipyard completes second submarine for ally Pakistan

Chinese shipyard completes second submarine for ally Pakistan
Updated 16 March 2025
Follow

Chinese shipyard completes second submarine for ally Pakistan

Chinese shipyard completes second submarine for ally Pakistan
  • The Hangor class is believed to be an export version of China’s 039A submarine, with a crew of 38 and equipped with anti-ship missiles
  • Pakistan contracted to buy eight of the submarines, the final four of which are to be built by the Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works

TAIPEI: A Chinese shipyard has completed a second submarine for the Pakistan navy, further strengthening military ties between the two countries.
The diesel-electric Hangor class craft was launched on Thursday at China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation’s shipworks in the central city of Wuhan on the Yangtze River, Chinese state media reported Sunday.
Pakistan contracted to buy eight of the submarines, the final four of which are to be built by the Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works in the Pakistani port city of the same name.
The Hangor class is believed to be an export version of China’s 039A submarine, with a crew of 38 plus eight spaces for special forces troops and equipped with torpedoes and anti-ship missiles.
Pakistan has used submarines in the past to confront India as part of their land wars over disputed territory in the north. Prohibitions on dual military and civilian use of technology by European nations that make diesel submarines has left China Pakistan’s best option for modern military equipment.
According to a Swedish military think tank, China has accounted for more than 81 percent of Pakistan’s weapons imports over the past five years. Joint venture projects include the Hangor as well as the JF-17 fighter jet.
Meanwhile, China and India have agreed to work toward a solution to their long-running border dispute in the Himalayas after a military standoff that flared with a deadly clash in 2020 but dates back decades.