Foreign Office condemns Israeli strikes on Gaza and India's ban on Kashmiri parties

Pakistan condemns Israeli strikes, criticizes India'a political ban; SCO meeting and IMO Chief’s visit in Focus

Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned Israeli airstrikes on the Al-Maasi humanitarian zone in Gaza, which resulted in the deaths of 40 civilians.

In a statement delivered by the Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, the Pakistani government called the attack a "flagrant violation of international humanitarian law" and urged the UN Security Council to take immediate action.

The strikes, conducted by Israeli forces on 10 September, targeted civilians in a designated safe zone, a move Pakistan labelled as part of Israel's "genocidal designs" against the Palestinian people.

Pakistan urges India to lift ban on Kashmiri parties, cites dissent suppression

In a separate address, Pakistan also called on India to lift its ban on several Kashmiri political parties, labelling the move as part of a broader strategy to suppress dissent in the region.

The Indian judiciary recently upheld the decision to ban these groups under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), a law Pakistan says is being used to stifle the voices of Kashmiris advocating for their rights.

SEO summit opens; Pakistan highlights blue economy, welcomes IMO chief

Meanwhile, the 23rd meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SEO) member states began in Islamabad.

The meeting is set to focus on foreign trade and economic collaboration between the member countries.

Preceding the ministerial event was a meeting of senior officials from 10-11 September to negotiate documents for the upcoming head of state council in Islamabad.

In other developments, International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary General Areno Antonio Vasco arrived in Islamabad last night for a historic three-day visit.

This marks the first visit by any IMO Secretary General to Pakistan, with meetings scheduled in both Islamabad and Karachi. The Secretary General will also participate in the International Maritime Business and Finance Conference during his stay.

Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, who served as the chief guest at the Maritime Sustainability Exhibition and Conference in Islamabad, underscored Pakistan's commitment to a "vibrant blue economy."

In his speech, he stressed the need for sustainable marine resource management and expanding trade, fisheries, and offshore resources, including gas and petroleum, to drive economic growth.