Connect with us

Politics

US terms Pakistan ‘major’ non-Nato ally, Nato partner

Published

on

  • US to work with Pakistan on regional security, defence cooperation.
  • State Dept avoids delving into details on COAS visit.
  • COAS Asim Munir is currently on an official US visit.

WASHINGTON: The United States acknowledges Pakistan’s significance as a “major” ally and plans to partner with it on regional security and defence cooperation.

Responding to a question during a presser on Tuesday, State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said Pakistan is a major non-North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) ally and a Nato partner.

The US comment comes at a time when Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir is on his maiden official visit to the US since assuming office in November last year.

The visit comes a day after the conclusion of a two-day stay of US Special Representative for Afghanistan Thomas West in Pakistan.

The army chief, during his visit, is scheduled to meet senior military and other government officials. However, details of the COAS’s visit have not been disclosed by the military’s media wing.

Responding to a question about the army chief’s official visit, the spokesperson did not delve into the details of his prospective meetings. However, it did share Washington’s wish to partner with Pakistan on regional security and defence cooperation.

“Generally speaking, we look forward to partnering with them on regional security and defence cooperation,” the spokesperson said.

Indian SC ruling on Article 370

In response to another question, the State Department mentioned it is keeping an eye on the developments in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) after India’s top court upheld Delhi’s controversial decision to revoke the special status of the state.

“We continue to follow developments in Jammu and Kashmir closely, noting the Supreme Court’s recent ruling,” the US State Department spokesperson said responding to The News.

“We look forward to further steps by the Indian government to fulfil its pledges to restore political normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir including by holding assembly elections as stipulated in the Supreme Court’s ruling,” it said.

It should be noted that the army chief’s visit coincides with the Indian Supreme Court’s verdict upholding the abrogation of Article 370, which strips the IIOJK of its special status.

This also means that during the visit by the COAS, discussion could be held on this pressing issue.

The Indian SC stated that the occupied territory was an integral part of the country.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government in August 2019 unilaterally abrogated the special status of the occupied valley and deployed tens of thousands of troops in a bid to ward off protests against the illegal move.

Latest News

PTI suggests resuming talks with government over judicial commission issue.

Published

on

By

Barrister Gohar, Chairman of the PTI, has claimed that the party’s founder has suspended negotiations, emphasizing that the government should declare the commission within seven days.

He emphasized the PTI’s openness to rethink if the government makes headway and establishes the commission.

Barrister Gohar told the reporters, “Seven days were enough to announce the commission.” We are ready to reconsider, but the government must first announce the commission.”

He stated that the PTI approached the negotiations with an open mind. “The PTI founder has halted the negotiations. “The government had eight laws on their agenda, while we only had two demands,” he stated.

The PTI chairman went on to say that even after seven days, no progress had been made in forming the commission. He encouraged the government to reconsider the decision and proceed with the announcement.

Continue Reading

Latest News

PTI will declare February 8 to be “Black Day,” sparking protests across the country.

Published

on

By

According to reports, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) intends to hold rallies nationwide on Wednesday in support of its decision to declare February 8, the one-year anniversary of the general elections, a black day.

According to media sources, PTI founder Imran Khan has instructed all party lawmakers—including MPAs and MNAs—to plan and take part in demonstrations in their local communities on February 8 in order to draw attention to their complaints and issues.

In a recent meeting with legal advisors on Wednesday, Imran Khan expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the party’s Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram. The meeting emphasized the importance of party discipline and gave stern directives to abstain from any criticism of Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the head of the JUI-F.

It has also been suggested that the PTI engage opposition leaders in the demonstrations in order to win their support.

Party insiders revealed that the founder has urged leaders to ensure effective coordination and mobilised efforts in preparation for February 8.

Continue Reading

Latest News

In 13 cases involving the D-Chowk demonstration, Bushra Bibi granted temporary release until February 7.

Published

on

By

Bushra Bibi, the wife of the PTI chairman, was granted temporary release by the Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in 13 counts pertaining to the November 26 D-Chowk protest. Judge Tahir Abbas Supra ordered the police to produce all pertinent documentation by February 7 and granted bail against surety bonds of Rs. 5,000 apiece.

Additionally, Bushra Bibi was given temporary release until February 7 in the Rangers’ accident case. During the hearing, Judge Tahir Abbas Supra expressed disappointment over the behavior of the defense counsel on two occasions. Addressing the lawyers, he remarked, “You demand VIP protocol everywhere, but this is not possible. Prepare your files properly before coming to court.”

Three cases at the Secretariat Police Station, two each at the Margalla, Karachi Company, and Ramna Police Stations, and one each at the Tarnol, Kohsar, Aabpara, and Khanna Police Stations are among the numerous charges against Bushra Bibi.

In addition, the judge chastised the defense team for requesting that Bushra Bibi sign and thumbprint blank documents. He said, “The accused must sign and thumbprint the court orders, not blank sheets.”

Bushra Bibi also went to the Islamabad High Court to have her biometrics verified in relation to her appeal to be exonerated in the Toshakhana-II case. On Monday, Bushra Bibi and the PTI chairman submitted their acquittal petitions. After finishing the biometric procedure, she departed right away.

Continue Reading

Trending