In a significant development, Pakistani Ambassador Abdul Hamid warmly welcomed Japanese Ambassador to Pakistan, Hasegawa Shigeki, at the Pakistani Embassy in Japan. The meeting between the two ambassadors focused on various aspects of bilateral relations between Pakistan and Japan, including economic, trade, and cultural cooperation. Both ambassadors emphasized that the relationship between the two countries is built on mutual respect, trust, and long-standing friendship.
During the meeting, it was also decided that Chairman Overseas Pakistanis Foundation will attend meetings and open houses in various cities in Japan during his visit to strengthen ties with the Pakistani community. The ambassadors agreed that there are ample opportunities to further promote bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
Pakistani Ambassador Abdul Hamid praised Japan’s continued support to Pakistan in various fields, saying that Japan is a key and reliable partner of Pakistan. Japanese Ambassador Hasegawa Shigeki also expressed his commitment to further strengthening friendly relations between Pakistan and Japan.
At the end of the meeting, both ambassadors reiterated their commitment to expanding current bilateral cooperation and promoting joint efforts in various fields to take the relationship to new heights. They also emphasized the need to address outstanding issues through diplomatic channels.
Meanwhile, the Iranian government has confirmed that 106 children and 65 women are among the dead in the devastating air strikes on Iran. The Iranian government has also estimated that 43,600 houses, mostly residential units, have been destroyed in the attacks. The details of the casualties in the 15-day period of the US-Israel attacks on Iran have come to light.
The ongoing crisis in the Middle East has created a petrol gas (LPG) crisis in India. This is the second time since the start of the war that the American embassy in Baghdad has been attacked. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called on Pakistan and Afghanistan to immediately cease hostilities and resolve their differences through dialogue, adding that China is committed to playing an active role in reducing tensions between the two countries.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has worsened due to the sandstorm, further exacerbating the difficulties faced by Palestinians. The US Senate has said that the American military launched a major operation on the Iranian island of Kharg last night, destroying Iranian naval bases. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has reportedly informed the United Arab Emirates.
The Iranian government has stated that the Iranian defense system is in place to defend against aggression. Hamas has said that Iran has the right to defend itself against aggression, adding that Arab states are avoiding involvement in the conflict, which is causing them deep disappointment.
Meanwhile, International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially reprimanded Pakistani batsman Salman Ali Agha for a level 1 breach of the code of conduct and has given him one demerit point. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced that the government will implement austerity measures to reduce salaries of employees working in government and autonomous organizations by 5-30 percent, with the aim of using the savings to provide relief to the public.
Iranian Minister of Health Masoud Mirkazemi said that despite the difficulties, there was no major disruption to the provision of public services. The activity of oil companies operating in the region is also proceeding as usual, Iranian authorities said.
Meanwhile, PCB has said that left-arm wrist-spinner Hussain Talat suffered a dislocated left shoulder, which ruled him out of the second ODI against Bangladesh.
