turkey cancel pakistan pm visit

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Turkey insults Pakistan, refuses to host PM Shehbaz Sharif

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif announced his visit to Ankara to show solidarity with Turkey. He did not think that the country which is currently facing a natural disaster, resources should not be spent on VIP visits. In such a situation, Turkey itself refused to host Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif

Islamabad: Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif has been slapped with an international-level insult by earthquake hit Turkey.

There has been devastation due to the earthquake in Turkey. Countries around the world are sending relief materials and rescue teams to Turkey.

But, Pakistan tried to capitalize on this disaster as an opportunity, which backfired. In fact, Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif announced his visit to Ankara to show solidarity with Turkey. He did not think that the country which is currently facing a natural disaster, resources should not be spent on VIP visits. In such a situation, Turkey itself refused to host Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif.

“Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will leave for Ankara tomorrow morning, he will express his condolences and condolences to President Erdoğan for the destruction of the earthquake, the loss of life, and the people of Turkey. Due to Prime Minister’s visit to Turkey, the APC convened on Thursday February 9 is being postponed, a new date will be announced in consultation with the allies,” Pakistan’s Information Minister Maryam Aurangzeb said in a statement on Twitter.

وزیراعظم شہباز شریف کل صبح انقرہ روانہ ہوں گے، وہ صدر اردوان سے زلزلے کی تباہی، جانی نقصان پر افسوس اور تعزیت،ترکیہ کے عوام سے یک جہتی کریں گے۔ وزیراعظم کے دورہ ترکیہ کی وجہ سے جمعرات 9 فروری کو بلائی گئی اے پی سی مؤخر کی جا رہی ہے، اتحادیوں کی مشاورت سے نئی تاریخ کا اعلان ہوگا — Marriyum Aurangzeb (@Marriyum_A) February 7, 2023

However, hours after her tweet, Azam Jamil, former special assistant to the prime minister of Turkey, took to social media to announce his country’s reluctance to host Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif.

“The last thing Turkey wants at a time like this is to look after state guests. Please send relief staff only,” he tweeted.

The last thing Turkey wants at a time like this is to look after state guests. Please send relief staff only. — Azam Jamil اعظم (@AzamJamil53) February 7, 2023

What was Pakistan’s excuse for canceling Shehbaz Sharif’s Turkey trip?

Pakistan’s Information Minister Maryam Aurangzeb said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Turkey has been postponed. She said that Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz’s visit has been postponed in view of the ongoing relief work after the massive earthquake in Turkey and Syria on Monday morning.

“Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has decided to establish the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund to support the earthquake victims of our brother country Turkey in their difficult times. The cabinet has announced to donate 1 month salary to the relief fund. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has appealed for the generous help of our brother country Turkey,” Maryam Aurangzeb tweeted.

وزیراعظم شہباز شریف نے برادر ملک ترکیہ کے زلزلہ متاثرین کی مشکل گھڑی میں معاونت کے لئے وزیراعظم ریلیف فنڈ قائم کرنے کا فیصلہ کیا ہے۔ کابینہ نے 1 ماہ کی تنخواہ امدادی فنڈ میں دینے کا اعلان کیا ہے۔ وزیراعظم شہباز شریف نے مخیرحضرات کو برادر ملک ترکیہ کی فراخ دلانہ مدد کی اپیل کی ہے — Marriyum Aurangzeb (@Marriyum_A) February 7, 2023

Shehbaz Sharif was scheduled to leave for Turkey today. He sent a 51-member rescue team and also set up a relief fund. But, Pakistan itself is poor, in such a situation how much financial help it will be able to provide to Turkey is under question.

More than 8000 killed in Turkey and Syria

The earthquake in Turkey and Syria has killed more than 8300 people so far, while millions of people have been injured and were trapped in the debris.

The epicenter of this devastating earthquake was in Kahramanmaras, central Turkey. The tremors were felt as far away as Greenland. Aftershocks and extremely cold weather of this earthquake have further worsened the situation. It is also raining in many areas, which has made relief and rescue operations more difficult.

Pakistan also sent relief material to Turkey

Pakistan has sent over 21 tonnes of relief material to earthquake-hit Turkey and Syria. A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) spokesperson said two PIA flights on behalf of NDMA left Islamabad for Istanbul and Damascus on Wednesday morning.

He said PIA flights PK-705 and PK-9135 carrying 7.4 tonnes and 14 tonnes of cargo (earthquake-relief aid) left Islamabad for Istanbul and Damascus at 8:45 am and 10:30 am respectively. The spokesman elaborated that the 14 tonnes of aid, which was sent to Damascus, also included winter tents and blankets

Close relations between Pakistan and Turkey

The relations between Pakistan and Turkey are very strong. The two countries are also working closely in the defence and trade sectors.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan blindly supports Pakistan in the name of Islam. This is the reason why Turkey has supported Pakistan on the Kashmir issue at the United Nations (UN).

Erdogan himself and the foreign minister there have raised the Kashmir issue several times in the United Nations. This is the same Turkey, which has excellent relations with Israel, while having an old enmity with Palestine.

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‘Busy in Rescue & Relief Works’: Turkey Cancels Pakistan PM Sharif’s Visit Amid Deadly Earthquakes

Curated By : Manoj Gupta

Edited By: Shilpy Bisht

Last Updated: February 08, 2023, 10:03 IST

New Delhi, India

People sit amid rubble following an earthquake in Hatay, Turkey (Image: Reuters)

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif, foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto and other officials were supposed to visit quake-hit Turkey for solidarity on Wednesday morning

Turkey, which is grappling with the devastation caused by three earthquakes that have killed more than 8,000 people, including in neighbouring Syria, has cancelled Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to the country.

According to a source in the Pakistan Foreign Office, Sharif cancelled his visit on Turkish officials’ request as Ankara is “busy in the earthquake rescue and relief operations”.

PM Sharif, foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto and other officials were supposed to visit quake-hit Turkey for solidarity on Wednesday morning.

In a tweet on Tuesday, Pakistan’s information minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said PM Sharif will leave for Ankara on Wednesday morning. “He will express his condolences and condolences to President (Recep Tayyip) Erdogan for the destruction of the earthquake, the loss of life, and the people of Turkey. Due to Prime Minister’s visit to Turkey, the APC convened on Thursday is being postponed, a new date will be announced in consultation with the allies,” she added.

Sharif took to Twitter on February 7 expressing solidarity with Turkey that was hit with a powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake on February 6 followed by a 7.5 magnitude quake and then over 5.5 magnitude one within 24 hours. Sharif tweeted, “24 hours after the devastating earthquake hit Turkiye & Syria, scenes of death & destruction are mind numbing. It breaks the heart to witness sheer scale of unfolding human tragedy. Solidarity should translate into tangible & timely material support for suffering humanity.”

Meanwhile, Pakistani civil society and media have criticised Sharif’s planned visit to Turkey amid economic crisis in the country.

The Pakistan government sent medical squads, search and rescue teams, and relief materials via two military aircraft and one passenger plane to Turkey to help rescue victims, according to the military media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement.

The air contingents left for Adana via Special Pakistan Air Force aircraft on February 6 night to carry out relief operations in Turkey. The contingents will stay in Turkey until the rescue and relief operations are not completed, the ISPR said.

Read all the Latest News here

• 2023 Turkey Earthquake
• Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif

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Turkey allows Qatar Emir’s visit days after cancelling Pakistan PM Shehbaz's visit amid earthquake

Earlier last week, turkey directed pakistan's prime minister to cancel his visit to ankara as the country's ministers are busy with relief and rescue operations..

The major embarrassment for PM Sharif came at the very last moment when he was scheduled to visit the devastated country on Wednesday morning. According to Pakistani media reports, PM Sharif and foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto were scheduled to visit Ankara on February 8 in solidarity with the victims killed in the earthquake. However, the host country denied their entry saying "its ministers have no time to entertain Pakistani PM and delegation". 

Turkey allows Qatar to visit Ankara 

However, Ankara has allowed Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, to land in their country and arranged an immediate meeting with its President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Interestingly, Qatar donated 50 million Qatari riyals, an air bridge equipped with relief and health materials and 10,000 mobile homes on Friday. 

Notably, Turkey, which is the worst-earthquake-affected country, was hit by a massive quake on Monday, resulting in the killing of more than 36,000 people. According to the Turkish authorities, the toll is expected to only rise in the coming days as thousands of people are still trapped under the debris of skyscraper buildings.  

Earlier on Tuesday, Pakistan’s information minister Marriyum Aurangzeb informed that the debt-ridden Prime Minister would leave for Ankara on Wednesday morning. “He will express his condolences and condolences to President Erdogan for the destruction of the earthquake, the loss of life, and the people of Turkey. Due to Prime Minister’s visit to Turkey, the APC convened on Thursday is being postponed, a new date will be announced in consultation with the allies," she said.

Bad weather?

Hours after her tweet, Azam Jamil, former special assistant to Prime Minister, took to social media and wrote, "The last thing Turkey wants at a time like this is to look after state guests. Please send relief staff only." Citing sources in Pakistan's foreign ministry,  Express News  reported that Sharif's visit has been postponed due to bad weather and the Turkish leadership's engagements related to the ongoing rehabilitation efforts.

It added that Pakistan's premiere would not be able to visit the affected areas as the helicopter could not fly during bad weather. Also, it noted that president Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his vice president are also engaged in relief activities.

Also Read: 'No need to come.. busy in quake relief works': Embarrassment for Pak PM as Turkey asks to cancel his visit

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Turkey snubs pak vip visit even as aid from indian government pours in.

The major embarrassment for Sharif came at the very last moment when he was scheduled to visit the devastated country on Wednesday morning. Turkey shares decades old close ties with Pakistan and has been backing Islamabad’s position on Kashmir.

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Turkish foreign minister arrives in Pakistan on two-day visit

Turkiye Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan arrived in Islamabad on Sunday on a two-day official visit to Pakistan.

Additional Foreign Secretary Ambassador Ahmed Naseem Warraich received the Foreign Minister of Türkiye and accorded a warm welcome at the airport.

During the visit, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will call on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and hold extensive discussions with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar.

The two sides will review the state of bilateral relations and assess preparations for upcoming high-level engagements between the two countries.

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Pakistan PM Shehbaz arrives in Turkey on three-day official visit

Asia pakistan.

Bilateral relations, regional and international issues to feature on agenda

Ankara: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, along with a high-level delegation, Tuesday arrived here on a three-day official visit. He was warmly received by Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar and senior government and diplomatic personnel at the Ankara Esenboga Airport.

A smartly turned-out contingent of the Turkish Army presented a salute to the prime minister, who is on his maiden visit to Turkey after assuming the office on April 11, this year. The prime minister was accompanied by Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Information and Broadcasting Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Minister for Investment Board Chaudhry Salik Hussain, and PM’s special assistants Tariq Fatemi and Fahad Hussain.

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will also join the delegation. During his visit, the prime minister will have a tete-a-tete with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, which will be followed by the delegation-level talks. Besides discussing the Pakistan-Turkey bilateral relations, the two leaders will also exchange views on regional and international issues. They will also address a joint press stakeout after the meetings.

As both countries are celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, the two leaders will jointly unveil a logo, marking the commencement of the celebrations.

The prime minister will also have extensive interaction with leading Turkish businessmen and potential investors from diverse sectors. He will attend a Pakistan-Turkey Business Council Forum, hosted in collaboration with DEIK (Turkish Foreign Economic Relations Board). The business delegation from Pakistan comprising representatives of leading companies across various sectors will also participate in the business engagements.

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Pakistani PM Sharif due in Turkey on 3-day official visit

By daily sabah.

Pakistan’s prime minister is set to arrive in Turkey on Tuesday on a three-day official visit to address bilateral relations and regional developments with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

The trip will mark Shahbaz Sharif’s first visit to Turkey since he assumed office in mid-April after former Prime Minister Imran Khan was ousted in a no-confidence vote following political turmoil.

Sharif’s meeting with Erdoğan will cover the “entire gamut” of Pakistan-Turkey bilateral relations and address regional and international issues, a statement by the Pakistani Foreign Ministry said Monday.

Accompanied by a high-level delegation, the prime minister will also have “extensive interaction” with leading Turkish businesspeople and potential investors from a range of industries, the statement noted.

A business delegation from Pakistan comprising representatives of leading companies across various sectors will travel separately to Turkey to participate in the business engagements, it added.

Sharif will also attend a Pakistan-Turkey Business Council Forum, hosted in collaboration with the Turkish Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK).

“During these events, the prime minister will highlight Pakistan’s vast investment potential and encourage Turkish companies to invest in Pakistan and work to strengthen Pakistan-Turkey trade and economic ties,” the statement said.

“Prominent businesspeople from Pakistan will participate in these events and will also hold B2B meetings on the sidelines,” it added.

Turkish companies have invested more than $1 billion in Pakistan in different sectors, including construction, power, solid waste management, hygiene products, electronics and dairy.

This year, Pakistan and Turkey are celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, underpinned by structured institutional mechanisms.

The High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council is the primary platform at the leadership level, which has been instrumental in further cementing bilateral relations.

Six sessions of the HLSCC have taken place so far, with the 7th slated to take place this year.

“The historic and long-standing relations between Pakistan and Turkey are firmly anchored in common faith, shared history, and a glorious tradition of mutual support to each other on issues of core interest,” the Foreign Ministry said.

“The Turkish leadership and government have steadfastly supported the just cause of Kashmir. Turkey is an important and active member of the OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir,” it noted.

“The two countries have convergent views on a range of issues including peaceful and stable Afghanistan, Palestine and countering Islamophobia,” it added.

The statement said Sharif’s visit to Turkey “is important in the context of deepening and broadening bilateral cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, regional connectivity, health, education, culture and people-to-people relations.”

“It will help in further strengthening the leadership dialogue and existing multidimensional strategic relationship between the two countries and will impart fresh impetus to the efforts to take this unique partnership to new heights,” it added.

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Turkey refuses to host Pak PM as country busy in earthquake relief work

Turkey has been facing a major humanitarian crisis after earthquakes jolted the country on monday.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan

Pakistan PM Shehbaz ready to sacrifice political capital at IMF altar

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(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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First Published: Feb 09 2023 | 7:07 AM IST

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Pakistani prime minister leaves for 2-day visit to Turkey

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ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has left for a two-day visit to Turkey that Islamabad hopes will help further improve bilateral relations between the two countries.

Senior Cabinet ministers are accompanying Khan on the trip.

A government statement on Thursday said Khan’s trip comes at the invitation from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. It’s Khan’s first visit to Turkey since he came to power in August following last summer’s parliamentary elections.

Pakistan’s foreign ministry said the two nations share a common religious and cultural legacy that dates back centuries and that Khan’s visit will boost ties between them.

Khan’s meetings with Erdogan and Turkish officials are expected on Friday.

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Istanbul [Turkey], June 1 (ANI): Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has arrived in Turkey along with a high-level delegation on a three-day official visit.

The Prime Minister was received by Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar on Tuesday and senior government and diplomatic personnel at Ankara Esenboga Airport, according to Dawn newspaper.

Pakistani delegation includes Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Information and Broadcasting Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Minister for Investment Board Chaudhry Salik Hussain, and special assistants to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi and Fahd Husain.

However, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had reached the Turkish capital on Monday and was received by Ankara Governor Vasip Sahin. He will later rejoin the prime minister’s delegation, as per Dawn.

Besides discussing the Pakistan-Turkey bilateral relations, the two leaders will also exchange views on regional and international issues. They will also address a Joint press conference after their meetings.

“These historical relations are grounded firmly in common religious, cultural, and linguistic links and transcend political changes on either side,” Shehbaz said on Pakistan Turkey relations. (ANI)

This report is auto-generated from ANI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.

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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will embark on a three day official visit to Turkey tomorrow (Tuesday) to further boost friendly ties with the brotherly country.

This will be the Prime Minister's first visit to Turkey since assuming office.

During the visit, the Prime Minister will have tete-a-tete with President Erdogan. This would be followed by delegation-level talks.

Besides covering the entire gamut of Pakistan-Turkey bilateral relations, the two leaders will exchange views on regional and international issues. They will address a Joint Press Stakeout after their meetings.

President Erdogan will also host a dinner in honour of the Prime Minister.

 This year, Pakistan and Turkey are celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

During the tour, the Prime Minister of Pakistan and the President of Turkey would jointly unveil a logo, marking the commencement of celebrations of this important milestone in the long history of exceptional bilateral ties.

The Turkish Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Health would call on the Prime Minister during the visit.

 The Prime Minister will have extensive interaction with leading Turkish businessmen and potential investors from diverse sectors. He will be hosted by President of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey.

Shehbaz Sharif will also attend a Pakistan-Turkey Business Council Forum, hosted in collaboration with Turkish Foreign Economic Relations Board.

During these events, the Prime Minister will highlight Pakistan's vast investment potential and encourage Turkish companies to invest in Pakistan and work to strengthen Pakistan-Turkey trade and economic ties. Prominent businessmen from Pakistan will participate in these events and will also hold Business to Business meetings on the sidelines.

It is pertinent to mention that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is the first world leader to call Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on 11 April this year to felicitate him. The two leaders also spoke on telephone on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.

Heads of selected Turkish companies will also call on the Prime Minister during his stay in Ankara.

 Besides being part of regular high-level exchanges between the two countries, the Prime Minister's visit to Turkey is important in the context of deepening and broadening bilateral cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, regional connectivity, health, education, culture and people-to-people relations.

It will help in further strengthening the leadership dialogue and existing multi-dimensional strategic relationship between the two countries and will impart fresh impetus to the efforts to take this unique partnership to new heights.

The Prime Minister will be accompanied by a high-level delegation including Ministers, SAPMs, and senior officials.

A business delegation from Pakistan comprising representatives of leading companies across various sectors will travel separately to Turkey to participate in the business engagements.

The relationship between Pakistan and Turkey is underpinned by structured institutional mechanisms.

The High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council is the primary platform at the leadership-level, which has been instrumental in further cementing bilateral relations. So far, six sessions of the HLSCC have taken place. The 7th session is slated to take place this year.

The historic and long-standing relations between Pakistan and Turkey are firmly anchored in common faith, shared history, and a glorious tradition of mutual support to each other on issues of core interest.

The Turkish leadership and government have steadfastly supported the just cause of Kashmir. Turkey is an important and active member of the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir. The two countries have convergent views on a range of issues including peaceful and stable Afghanistan, Palestine, and countering Islamophobia.

A large number of Turkish companies have invested over one  billion dollars in different sectors, including construction, power, solid waste management, hygiene products, electronics and dairy, in Pakistan. Prominent investors include Al Bayrak, Oz Pak, Zorlu, Arcelik, Siyahkalem, Sutas, Coca-Cola Icecek, and Hayat Kimiya.

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Pakistan, Türkiye set $5 billion trade goal

Fidan holds talks; finalizes President Erdogan's visit

Pakistan and Türkiye on Monday finalised preparations for the upcoming visit of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as the two countries agreed to further strengthen their cooperation, setting a $5 billion bilateral trade target.

Foreign Minister of Türkiye Hakan Fidan travelled to Islamabad ahead of the high-level visit and held formal talks with his Pakistani counterpart, called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and met Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir.

This was the first visit of Fidan since he was appointed Türkiye’s foreign minister and it was part of the preparation of upcoming high-level engagement between the two countries.

A statement issued here by the Foreign Office said deputy prime minister and foreign minister, Senator Ishaq Dar on Monday held comprehensive talks at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye Hakan Fidan.

The two sides reviewed the state of bilateral relations and agreed to further strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, investment, defence and security domains. They also assessed preparations for the upcoming 7th session of the Pakistan-Türkiye High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) to be held in Islamabad in the near future.

Strategic Cooperation Council is the highest forum between the two countries and is co-chaired by Türkiye’s president and the Pakistani prime minister. The last meeting of the high-level council was held in Islamabad in February 2020.

Read Turkish FM Hakan Fidan arrives in Islamabad on official visit

Speaking at a joint news conference, Dar and Fidan said both countries agreed to take the annual bilateral trade from existing one billion dollars to five billion dollars.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said they had reviewed bilateral cooperation including trade, investment, connectivity and defence.

He said the strategic and comprehensive bilateral relations were manifested by elaborate institutional mechanisms and high-level exchanges.

Fidan told reporters Pakistan was a strategic partner of Türkiye as there had been an “unshakeable friendship and brotherhood between the two people who always supported each other.”

He said both sides decided in principle to broaden and strengthen ties in trade, defence, investment, banking science and technology and innovation.

Read more Pakistan demands unconditional Gaza ceasefire

Dar appreciated Türkiye's firm and consistent support for the oppressed people of the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). He also reiterated Pakistan’s support for the legitimate rights of the people of Northern Cyprus.

The two ministers also discussed regional and global developments, especially the ongoing genocide and the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.

They stressed the need for an urgent and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza and the provision of urgent humanitarian relief for the besieged Palestinian people.They reiterated the imperative for the creation of an independent Palestinian state for lasting peace in the Middle East. The two leaders also discussed the need to combat Islamophobia and stressed the urgency of addressing it in a holistic manner.

“Pakistan and Türkiye enjoy special bonds of friendship and brotherhood rooted in history, culture and religion. Regular dialogue and exchange of high-level visits are the hallmark of Pakistan-Türkiye robust bilateral relations,” the foreign office statement said.

Meanwhile, the Turkish foreign minister met COAS General Syed Asim Munir and commended the Pakistan Army’s role in maintaining peace and stability in the region.

During the meeting, matters of mutual interest came under discussion, an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) news release said.

Both sides expressed their satisfaction with the deep-rooted relations between the two countries, founded on historic, cultural, and religious bonds, the statement noted.

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Approval of programme sets stage for energy capacity expansion through 2028

K-Electric Limited (KEL) on Monday announced that it has received approval from the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) for its Power Acquisition Programme (PAP), spanning from FY2024 to FY2028.

The power utility shared this information with the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) through a notice.

The approval, which KEL sought on March 20, 2023, aligns with regulations set forth in the 1997 Electric Power Act and subsequent NEPRA regulations of 2022.

This program is designed to address long-term energy demands by expanding capacity in a sustainable, reliable, and cost-effective manner across KEL’s licensed service areas.

The PAP is crucial for KEL as it positions the company to continue fulfilling its role as the Supplier of Last Resort (SoLR), ensuring that all consumers within its territory have access to electricity, especially in times of market shortfall.

This strategic plan not only underscores KEL’s commitment to enhancing energy infrastructure but also plays a vital part in stabilizing the national grid by mitigating future power shortages and contributing to the economic stability of the region.

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World reacts to the death of Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi

World leaders have expressed their condolences on the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash.

Rescue teams began searching for Raisi on Sunday afternoon after his aircraft, which also carried nine other officials, including Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, went missing in Iran’s mountainous northwestern region near the Azerbaijan border.

On Monday morning, relief workers located the missing helicopter. State TV reported that the president’s body and that of the others on board had been identified.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will now need to move quickly to replace the country’s leadership, with Tehran navigating heightened tensions in the Middle East and the risk of open conflict with Israel.

Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza has sparked lower-level conflicts with Iran-backed groups, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen. Last month, Iran and Israel swapped direct strikes at one another.

Reacting after the confirmation of Raisi’s death, an Israeli official told the Reuters news agency that Israel was not involved.

“It wasn’t us,” declared the unnamed official.

Here are some other reactions to the president’s death from across the world:

The Palestinian group conveyed its “deepest condolences and solidarity to Khamenei, the government and the Iranian people for “this immense loss”.

It praised Raisi and Amirabollahian for supporting Palestine against Israel and expressed confidence that Iran’s “deep-rooted institutions” will overcome “the repercussions of this great loss”.

Yemen’s Houthis

Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, head of the Houthi’s Supreme Revolutionary Committee, expressed his “deepest condolences” to the Iranian people and the families of the officials who died in the crash.

Al-Houthi added his certainty that Iran would continue “adhering to the loyal leaders of their people, by God’s will”.

“We express our solidarity with the brotherly Iranian people and the officials of the Islamic Republic during this painful tragedy,” Prime Minister Shia al-Sudani said in a statement.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared a day of mourning in Pakistan.

“May the martyred souls rest in heavenly peace. The great Iranian nation will overcome this tragedy with customary courage,” Sharif wrote on X.

Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani expressed his condolences to the people of Iran.

“Asking God Almighty for mercy and forgiveness for [those killed] and for their families with patience and solace. We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return,” he wrote on X.

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed condolences over the death of two top officials he called “reliable friends” of Russia.

“Their role in strengthening mutually beneficial Russian-Iranian cooperation and trusting partnership is invaluable,” Lavrov said.

“We sincerely extend our condolences to the families and friends of the victims, as well as to the entire friendly people of Iran. Our thoughts and hearts are with you in this sad hour.”

President Vladimir Putin joined Lavrov in offering Tehran condolences.

“Raisi was an outstanding politician whose entire life was dedicated to serving his homeland,” Putin said in a letter to Khamenei, published on the Kremlin’s website.

“As a true friend of Russia, he made an invaluable personal contribution to the development of good-neighbourly relations between our countries, and made great efforts to take them to the level of a strategic partnership,” he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “deeply saddened and shocked” by Raisi’s death.

“His contribution to strengthening the India-Iran bilateral relationship will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family and the people of Iran. India stands with Iran in this time of sorrow,” Modi wrote on X.

President Xi Jinping called the “tragic death” of Raisi “a great loss to the Iranian people and the Chinese people have lost a good friend”, according to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he was “deeply saddened” by the news, noting that he had the “honour” of meeting Raisi last November.

“His dedication to justice, peace, and the upliftment of the ummah [the Islamic community] was truly inspiring. We committed ourselves to bolstering Malaysia-Iran relations, working together for the betterment of our peoples and the Muslim world. Our pledge will be fulfilled,” Ibrahim said.

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan expressed condolences and said Ankara had been in contact with Iran since hearing about the crash on Sunday.

He said Turkey’s relevant institutions, including the defence ministry and the disaster management authority, tried “their best but unfortunately, we weren’t able to hear good news,” he told a joint news conference with his Pakistani counterpart, Ishaq Dar, in Islamabad.

European Union

President of the European Council, Charles Michel, expressed the bloc’s “sincere condolences” for the death of Raisi, Amirabollahian and the other Iranian officials who died in the crash.

Today's Paper | May 22, 2024

Pakistan, turkiye vow to hike trade to $5bn.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Turkiye on Monday set their sights on enhancing annual bilateral trade to $5 billion, besides intensifying their defense collaboration as the two countries prepared for their upcoming high-level bilateral summit.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, while speaking at the Foreign Office after a meeting with visiting Turkish FM Hakan Fidan, said the two sides agreed on increasing trade to $5bn in three years.

Mr Fidan, while emphasising the need for expanding trade, noted that the annual bilateral trade volume was currently just $1bn.

During their meeting, the two sides reviewed the state of bilateral relations and discussed specific preparations for the upcoming 7th session of the Pakistan-Turkiye High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council.

Visiting Turkish FM hold talks with PM, Dar and army chief

Mr Dar, without giving the dates for the next meeting of HLSCC, which will be hosted by Pakistan, said it would be held “very soon”. HLSCC meetings are co-chaired by the chief executives of both countries.

A Foreign Office statement said an understanding had been reached with Turkiye on strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, investment, defence and security domains.

Mr Dar, in his media comments, recalled the rich history of defence collaboration and the support the two countries have extended to each other on core issues.

He appreciated Turkiye’s “firm and consistent support” for the people of held Kashmir. He also reiterated Pakistan’s support for the legitimate rights of the people of Northern Cyprus.

The two ministers, during their meeting, also delved into regional and global issues, particularly highlighting the genocide and severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza. They emphasised the necessity of an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza and the critical need for prompt humanitarian aid to the beleaguered Palestinian populace.

Furthermore, they reiterated the essential need for establishing an independent Palestinian state as a foundation for enduring peace in the Middle East.

Additionally, the two leaders addressed the rising issue of Islamophobia, underlining the urgency of tackling it comprehensively.

Turkish investment

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his meeting with FM Fidan, reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm commitment to further expansion of cooperation between the two countries, in all areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment, technology and defence.

He emphasised the need for undertaking concerted efforts to achieve the bilateral trade target of $5bn over the next three years.

He invited Turkish companies to expand their investment portfolio in Pakistan. Turkish companies may consider relocating their industrial units to Pakistan, he added.

Mr Sharif extended invitation to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to undertake an early official visit to Pakistan for co-chairing with him the 7th meeting of HLSCC.

Meanwhile, Hakan Fidan also met Army Chief Gen Asim Munir, according to the military’s media affairs wing.

“Both sides expressed their satisfaction with the deep-rooted relations between the two countries, founded on a historic, cultural, and religious bonds,” the ISPR said, adding that Mr Fidan commended Pakistan Army’s role in maintaining peace and stability in the region.

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Iran’s President Raisi killed in a helicopter crash: What we know so far

A helicopter carrying Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi and the foreign minister crashed while travelling back from East Azerbaijan.

Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi has died alongside the country’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian after a helicopter carrying them and other officials crashed  in a mountainous and forested area of the country in poor weather.

Raisi was returning from Iran’s border with Azerbaijan, where he and the Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev inaugurated a cooperative dam project, the latest sign of warming relations between the two countries.

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Here is what we know so far:

What happened in Iran?

Raisi, a potential successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed alongside the country’s foreign minister  and other officials in a helicopter crash.

According to local media reports, one of the three helicopters in a convoy made a “hard landing” due to complications arising from heavy fog in the northern region of the country.

The aircraft came down in the early afternoon on Sunday prompting an extensive search operation involving military drones and at least 40 separate rescue teams.

At first, people who were with the president inside the helicopter managed to make an emergency call, according to the semiofficial Tasnim News Agency. But, rescue teams battled for more than 10 hours as fog and snow impeded their progress in reaching the crashed site.

According to IRNA reports, on Sunday, a commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said that they had detected the exact location of the crash after receiving a signal from the helicopter and the mobile phone of one of the crew members.

Who else was on the helicopter?

Travelling with Ebrahim Raisi were Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, Iran’s East Azerbaijan Province Governor Malek Rahmati, and Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Ale-Hashem, the representative of Iran’s Leader Khamenei to East Azerbaijan, according to state media.

Where did the helicopter fall?

It fell in the Dizmar Protected Area, a wildlife corridor across the border with Azerbaijan.

State TV initially said the helicopter fell near Jolfa, a city on the border with Azerbaijan but later it put it farther east near the village of Uzi.

According to state television, Dizmar experienced sudden bad weather, leading to the accident.

Did all three helicopters disappear?

No, two of the three helicopters in the president’s convoy made it back safely to the city of Tabriz.

Energy Minister Ali Akbar Mehrabian and Housing and Transportation Minister Mehrdad Bazrpash were in the helicopters that made it back safely.

What’s the latest on the ground?

In Iran, Khamenei assigned Vice President Mohammad Mokhber to assume interim duties.

The Iranian leader said that Mokhber will be required to work with the heads of legislative and judicial branches to prepare for presidential elections “within a maximum period of 50 days”.

Separately, a provincial official was quoted as saying a funeral procession will be held tomorrow in Tabriz and the bodies are headed there. The Red Crescent Society also announced that the search and recovery operation had formally ended.

On Monday morning, Iran’s Cabinet convened an emergency meeting. Following the meeting, the Cabinet released a statement expressing their commitment to following Raisi’s leadership path. IRNA shared a photo showing the empty chair where Raisi typically sat, vacant and draped with a black sash as a tribute to the late president.

Khamenei also announced five days of public mourning.

How do Iranians feel about the deaths, and what are they saying?

Foad Izadi, an associate professor of world studies at the University of Tehran, told Al Jazeera that Raisi’s death “in the line of duty” is a “shock to the nation”.

The news of President Raisi’s passing was declared at the mausoleum of Imam Reza in his native Mashhad, among other places. At night, crowds gathered to participate in a prayer vigil.

State-organised mournings are expected across the country for days. In Tehran, the main event will start at 4pm local (12:30GMT) at Valiasr Square.

Islamic prayers are being aired by Iranian state broadcasters between their news segments. Raisi’s X account recently shared verses from the Quran.

Who’s in charge in Iran while the president is missing or if he dies?

First Vice President Mokhber, 69, will assume power.

Khamenei reassured Iranians there would be no disruption to state affairs.

Marwan Bishara, Al Jazeera’s senior political analyst, said that Iran’s political system could indeed absorb any shock from Raisi’s incapacitation, with its strong governing elite and system of functional checks and balances.