Pakistan condemns ‘reprehensible’ storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque compound by Israeli authorities 

Israeli police stand guard as visitors tour Al-Aqsa compound, known to Jews as Temple Mount, amid tensions ahead of the annual flag march which marks Jerusalem Day, in Jerusalem May 18, 2023. (REUTERS)
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Updated 20 May 2023
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Pakistan condemns ‘reprehensible’ storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque compound by Israeli authorities 

  • Hundreds of Jewish pilgrims, including members of Israeli parliament, toured the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound this week 
  • The rising number of Jewish visitors, some of whom defy a ban on non-Muslim prayer there, has angered the Palestinians 

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Saturday condemned storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound by Israeli authorities under the protection of Israeli forces, its foreign office said, terming it a “reprehensible” move in violation of the sanctity of one of the holiest sites of Islam. 

Hundreds of Jewish pilgrims, including members of Israeli parliament, toured the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in the Old City. The site, called the Noble Sanctuary by Muslims, is the third holiest in Islam and also revered by Jews as the Temple Mount, a vestige of their faith’s two ancient temples. 

The visits passed without incident, but Palestinians have been angered by the rising number of Jewish visitors to the compound, some of whom defy a ban on non-Muslim prayer there. Jordan, which has a custodial role over the Muslim and Christian holy sites of Jerusalem, condemned the visits as a provocation that risked escalating tensions. 

The Pakistani foreign office said the visit by Israeli authorities was part of a series of recent Israeli actions that were disrespectful to Muslims around the world. 

“Pakistan strongly condemns storming of Al Aqsa Mosque by a member of the Israeli occupation authority and members of the Knesset under protection of Israeli occupation forces,” it said in a statement. 

“Violation of the sanctity of one of the holiest sites in Islam constitutes yet another reprehensible event in a series of escalatory Israeli actions disrespectful to religious sentiments of over 1.5 billion Muslims around the world.” 

The visit came as tens of thousands of Israeli nationalists marched through the Muslim quarter of Jerusalem’s walled Old City under heavy security in an annual event that drew condemnation from Palestinians. 

The parade is the main celebration on Jerusalem Day, when Israel marks its capture of Jerusalem in the 1967 Middle East war. The event has become a show of force for Jewish nationalists and, for Palestinians, a blatant provocation meant to undermine their ties to the city. 

Despite fears the event could spark a renewed violence following days of cross-border fire with Palestinian militant fighters in Gaza last week, the march ended with no major security incidents. 

Pakistan once again called on the international community to take immediate action to put an end to Israeli transgressions in the occupied Palestinian territories since the beginning of this year. 

“We reiterate that such acts are inconsistent with the right to freedom of expression and religion or belief of the Palestinian people, defying all humanitarian and human rights laws and norms,” the statement read. 

 “We reaffirm unstinted support for the Palestinian cause, and renew our call for a viable, independent and contiguous Palestinian State, with pre-1967 borders, and Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital being the only just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue.” 
 


Peshawar Zalmi thrash Multan Sultans by 7 wickets, keep PSL playoff hopes alive

Updated 7 sec ago
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Peshawar Zalmi thrash Multan Sultans by 7 wickets, keep PSL playoff hopes alive

  • Zalmi all-rounder Ahmad Daniyal returns figures of 3/17, Luke Wood and Maaz Sadaqat take two wickets each 
  • Peshawar will next face Karachi Kings on Wednesday and two-time champions Lahore Qalandars on Friday 

ISLAMABAD: Peshawar Zalmi continued their impressive run of form on Monday by beating Multan Sultans by seven wickets at their home ground, effectively keeping their hopes of qualifying for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) playoffs stage alive. 

The Sultans batted first at their home turf but were unable to impress, losing a flurry of wickets as Zalmi bowlers kept on taking breakthroughs at regular intervals. The only signs of resistance came from Shai Hope, who top-scored for the Sultans with 23 runs while middle-order batter Tayyab Tahir made 22. 

Zalmi’s Ahmad Daniyal was the pick of the bowlers, returning figures of 3/17 from four overs while Luke Wood and Maaz Sadaqat picked two wickets each to ensure the Sultans were bowled out for 108 runs in 19.1 overs. 

“In the 25th match of Pakistan Super League, Peshawar Zalmi defeated Multan Sultans by seven wickets in Multan last night,” Radio Pakistan reported. 

Zalmi chased the total in 13 overs with seven wickets to spare. Explosive opening batter Saim Ayub scored 49 runs from 33 balls while Max Bryant remained unbeaten on 38 from 20 balls. 

Zalmi captain Babar Azam scored 8 runs from 13 balls while Mitchell Owen scored only one run from two balls. For the Sultans, Shahid Aziz returned figures of 2/17 from three overs while David Willey finished with 1/9 from his single over. 

The “Yellow Storm” remain at number five on the PSL points table with four wins from a total of eight matches. The top four teams will qualify for the PSL playoffs. 

If Zalmi qualify for the playoffs, Azam’s team will remain the only one to qualify for every playoff since the edition began in 2016. 

Zalmi will next play Karachi Kings on Thursday before taking on former two-time PSL champions Lahore Qalandars on Friday. 


Pakistan army chief, Iranian FM review border management, security challenges

Updated 22 min 32 sec ago
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Pakistan army chief, Iranian FM review border management, security challenges

  • Pakistan and Iran have often been at odds over instability along their shared, porous border 
  • Araghchi arrived in Islamabad this week to discuss surging tensions between India and Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir reviewed border management and security challenges with Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi this week, the Pakistan military’s media wing said, with the two sides agreeing to enhance bilateral cooperation. 

Pakistan and Iran have often been at odds over instability along their shared, porous border and routinely trade blame for not rooting out militancy. Tensions surged in January last year when Pakistan and Iran exchanged airstrikes, with both claiming to target alleged militant hideouts in each other’s territory.

Araghchi arrived in Pakistan on Monday to hold talks with Pakistani leadership as Islamabad’s tensions with New Delhi surge. Iran has offered to mediate between the two nuclear-armed nations as the threat of war looms over the South Asian region. 

“The meeting featured constructive discussions on the geo-strategic environment, with particular focus on challenges confronted by both countries in the domain of security,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing, said on Monday. 

“The Pak-Iran border security mechanism was also reviewed as part of efforts to enhance bilateral coordination.”

The statement said both sides agreed to stay engaged for enhanced bilateral cooperation, while jointly working to assist in bringing “positive developments” in issues concerning the region.

“The Iranian FM acknowledged and appreciated Pakistan’s efforts for peace and stability in the region,” the ISPR said. 

Earlier, Araghchi met Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar as the two held delegation-level talks. Dar expressed appreciation for the positive momentum in Pakistan-Iran relations and emphasized the need to expand cooperation in key areas including trade, energy, border security, and regional connectivity, state-run Radio Pakistan reported.


Pakistan urges Security Council to de-escalate tensions, says dialogue ‘only way’ to resolve issues

Updated 56 min 55 sec ago
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Pakistan urges Security Council to de-escalate tensions, says dialogue ‘only way’ to resolve issues

  • Pakistan’s UN ambassador briefs Security Council during special session in New York on prevailing tensions with India
  • New Delhi accuses Islamabad of backing militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir last month that killed 26 tourists

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Asim Iftikhar Ahmad has urged the UN Security Council to de-escalate Islamabad’s tensions with New Delhi, stating that dialogue is the “only way” to resolve issues between the nuclear-armed nations, state-run media reported on Tuesday. 

A special UN Security Council session to discuss surging tensions between Pakistan and India was convened in New York on Monday at Islamabad’s request. The meeting took place as fears of a military confrontation between India and Pakistan loom after ties deteriorated last month following an attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 people. 

India has accused Pakistan of backing the Apr. 22 attack which took place in Pahalgam, a tourist spot in Indian-administered Kashmir. Islamabad has denied involvement and asked for evidence which New Delhi has so far not publicly shared. Both countries have since exchanged gunfire in Kashmir, taken diplomatic measures against each other, expelled citizens and ordered the border shut. 

“Pakistan has urged the United Nations Security Council to take steps to de-escalate tensions in South Asia for global and regional peace,” state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported. 

The state broadcaster said Ahmad told reporters after the session ended that India’s recent steps are a “threat to peace and stability in the region and dialogue is the only way to resolve issues.”

Ahmad informed Security Council members that Pakistan is ready to take part in any independent and neutral investigation into the Pahalgam attack, Radio Pakistan said. He also raised the issue of India suspending the decades-old Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance unilaterally. 

India suspended the 1960 World Bank-mediated treaty a day after the Pahalgam attack, saying the suspension would last until “Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism.” Pakistan has described the suspension of the treaty as an “act of war” and vowed to respond with full force to any attempts to divert or stop its water flow. 

The flare-up and exchanges of small arms fire between India and Pakistan across their de facto border in Kashmir has alarmed world and regional powers, who have called for restraint and urged the two neighbors to resolve the crisis through dialogue. Pakistan has assured foreign capitals and friendly nations that it would not be the first one to strike, according to officials.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday night, Radio Pakistan reported, to discuss Pakistan’s ongoing tensions with India. Guterres briefed Sharif on his outreach efforts for peace and stability in the region, expressing his commitment to remain engaged with all interlocutors on the issue.
Sharif appreciated the UN secretary-general’s continued engagement and outreach efforts and welcomed his call for de-escalation, the state-run media reported.
Pakistan and India have a history of bitter relations. They have fought two of their three wars over Kashmir, a region split between them, since gaining independence from the former British colonial rule in 1947.


UN urges ‘maximum restraint’ as OIC group voices concern over India-Pakistan standoff

Updated 06 May 2025
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UN urges ‘maximum restraint’ as OIC group voices concern over India-Pakistan standoff

  • Relations between the nuclear-armed neighbors have plummeted after India accused Pakistan of backing an attack in Kashmir that killed 26 tourists
  • Pakistan has denied the allegation and called for a credible, international probe as pressure mounts on both New Delhi and Islamabad to de-escalate

ISLAMABAD: United Nations (UN) chief Antonio Guterres said on Monday that Pakistan and India must exert “maximum restraint” as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) expressed “deep concern” over the deteriorating security environment in South Asia, amid soaring tensions between the two neighbors over an attack in the disputed Kashmir region.
New Delhi has blamed Islamabad for backing the attack that killed 26 tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir’s Pahalgam town on April 22. Islamabad has denied the charge, with both sides announcing tit-for-tat measures.
There have been fears that India may conduct limited strikes close to its border with Pakistan, while the Pakistan military said on Monday that it had conducted a second missile test since the standoff began.
Guterres told reporters in New York that Pakistan-India relations had reached “a boiling point,” condemning the April 22 attack and calling for those responsible to be brought to justice through “credible and lawful means.”
“It is also essential, especially at this critical hour, to avoid a military confrontation that could easily spin out of control,” he said.
“Now is the time for maximum restraint and stepping back from the brink. Make no mistake: a military solution is no solution.”
No group has claimed responsibility for the April 22 attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, where several outfits have waged an insurgency since 1989.
Pakistan has denied any involvement and called for a credible, international probe into it as international pressure continues to pile on both New Delhi and Islamabad to de-escalate.
Separately, the OIC Group in New York, which represents the OIC’s interests and voice at the UN, expressed its “deep concern” over the situation in South Asia, exacerbated by India’s “unfounded allegations” against Pakistan, which it said were “inflaming tensions in an already volatile region.”
“The OIC Group reiterates its principled position against, and condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, committed by whomsoever and wherever; and reaffirms its unequivocal rejection of all attempts to associate any country, race, religion, culture or nationality with terrorism,” it said in a statement.
“The Group commends the offer of good offices made by the UN Secretary General and calls upon the international community, including the United Nations Security Council and influential states, to take immediate and credible measures to de-escalate the situation.”
Bitter foes Pakistan and India, which were carved out of the Subcontinent at the bloody end of British rule in 1947, have fought multiple wars, including two over Kashmir.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given his military “full operational freedom” to respond to the Pahalgam attack and Islamabad has warned it will hit back in kind against any aggression.
Speaking to reporters, Guterres said he was ready to offer his good offices to both countries to defuse tensions.
“The United Nations stands ready to support any initiative that promotes de-escalation, diplomacy, and a renewed commitment to peace,” he added.
 


Pakistan’s top oil refineries push ahead with investments, plant upgrades to boost domestic production

Updated 05 May 2025
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Pakistan’s top oil refineries push ahead with investments, plant upgrades to boost domestic production

  • CEOs of refineries call on Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb to discuss investment plans
  • Oil imports amounted to $5.1 billion in 2024, April data from Pakistan’s central bank showed

KARACHI: The chief executive officers (CEOs) of leading oil refineries on Monday called on Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and discussed with him investment plans, including multi-billion-dollar plant upgrades aimed at enhancing the domestic production capacity of petrol and diesel.
Pakistan produces some petrol and diesel domestically, but it is not sufficient to meet the country’s total demand. The country imports significant quantities of crude oil and refined petroleum products to supplement domestic production. Pakistan’s five oil refineries have a combined capacity to process 450,000 barrels of crude oil per day.
In the first four months of fiscal year 2025, petrol production was up by 4.50 percent and high-speed diesel by 7.85 percent, compared to the same period last year. This increase is attributed to rising demand in the transport and agriculture sectors.
On Monday, a delegation a CEOs of top oil refineries briefed the finance minister and his team on their upcoming investment plans, which include multi-billion-dollar plant upgrades aimed at enhancing domestic production.
“The delegation highlighted that these upgrades, once implemented, have the potential to save the country close to $1 billion annually in foreign exchange by reducing reliance on imported refined fuels,” a statement from the finance division said.
The refinery representatives also raised concerns regarding the change in the sales tax regime on petroleum products, specifically the shift from zero-rated to exempt supplies.
“They explained that this change has led to a significant increase in both operational and capital expenditure for the refining sector, adversely impacting the financial viability of their planned upgrades,” the statement added.
This change in the sales tax regime, introduced by the Finance Act 2024, means that certain petroleum products like motor spirit (petrol), high-speed diesel, kerosene, and light diesel oil are now exempt from sales tax instead of being zero-rated. This change has raised concerns from refineries, who worry about increased operational and capital costs due to the disallowance of input sales tax claims.
Aurangzeb assured the CEOs that the government would carefully review their concerns, especially those relating to the sales tax exemptions, and added that the issue would be addressed in a manner that supports the continued growth and modernization of the domestic refining industry.
“The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to enabling long-term investment in the energy sector and promoting sustainable industrial development,” the finance division said.
Pakistan imported 137,000 barrels per day of crude in 2024, mostly light grades from the Middle East, with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates among its top suppliers, data from analytics firm Kpler showed. Oil imports amounted to $5.1 billion in 2024, data from Pakistan’s central bank showed.
In February, Saudi Arabia, through the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), extended a $1.2 billion financing facility to Pakistan for the import of oil products for a year.
The SFD has provided approximately $6.7 billion to Islamabad for oil products since 2019.