Pakistan’s defense minister, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, has stated that the international community is united in its support for a two-state solution to the Palestinian conflict. In a recent interview with Geo News, Asif emphasized that Pakistan is not considering sending troops to the region. He also welcomed the invitation extended to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif by former US President Donald Trump to participate in the Gaza Peace Process.
Asif highlighted that Pakistan can play a key role in shaping the future of Gaza, particularly if a road map is devised for the region’s development. He emphasized that the international community is in agreement on the two-state solution, which presents a golden opportunity for Pakistan to support its Palestinian brothers in their quest for freedom, justice, and human rights.
The defense minister added that Pakistan’s stance on the Palestinian issue is not to intervene in the affairs of other countries, as it is not in Pakistan’s interest to do so. He also stated that Pakistan’s focus is on maintaining good relations with its neighbors, particularly Iran, with whom it shares a special bond.
Asif also mentioned that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia will jointly decide on the inclusion of any other country in the defense agreement. He emphasized that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia aim to establish a comprehensive defense agreement among Islamic nations to ensure their collective security.
Meanwhile, a report by the Afghan Ministry of Finance revealed that the country’s development budget has been significantly reduced to 24 billion Afghanis from the initial 131 billion Afghanis. The report also stated that the government will introduce new SOPs and strengthen fire safety systems to prevent future incidents.
Separately, a recent incident in Karachi’s Gul Plaza resulted in the deaths of 29 people, with 11 bodies identified so far. The Rescue Services department has confirmed that the incident occurred due to severe fog.
In other news, the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has declared the adjacent Rameeza Plaza in Karachi as non-secure following the fire incident in Gul Plaza.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned that a powerful western system may affect the country’s upper regions from January 24 to 25.
In international news, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has convened an emergency board meeting to discuss the recent controversy surrounding Bangladesh’s decision not to play a match against India.
The ICC has announced that the board meeting will focus on addressing the issue and finding a resolution.
In related news, a recent meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has highlighted the tension between the two countries.
Finally, a recent development in the United States has seen President Donald Trump hold a lengthy press conference to discuss his administration’s policies, including immigration, the economy, NATO, the United Nations, and Greenland’s future.
In a separate incident, the daughters of Ahsan Iqbal, a Pakistani politician, have claimed that their father was lawfully living in the United States and was not forcibly deported to Pakistan. They have requested that their father be allowed to return to the United States.
Lastly, the Sindh Blood Bank Authority (SBCA) has declared the adjacent Rameeza Plaza in Karachi as non-secure following the fire incident in Gul Plaza.
