Category: 1. Pakistan

A Gilgit-Baltistan government helicopter crashed near Thor in Chilas on Sunday, leaving three people injured, officials said.

According to government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq, the helicopter developed a technical fault and attempted an emergency landing but crashed afterward.

“There were two pilots and three technical staff members on board,” Faraq confirmed.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday raised the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) issue at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s (SCO) summit in China and called for a “structural” dialogue on all outstanding disputes.

PM Shehbaz arrived in China on Saturday to attend the SCO Council of Heads of State (CHS) summit held from August 31 to September 1. Besides Pakistan, the SCO comprises China, India, Russia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Belarus. Another 16 countries are affiliated as observers or “dialogue partners”.

“We respect all international and bilateral treaties and expect similar principles to be followed by all SCO members,” PM Shehbaz said at the summit today, in an apparent reference to fellow SCO member India and its unilateral move to hold the IWT in abeyance in April.

“Uninterrupted access to due share of water as per existing treaties among SCO members will strengthen the SCO working smoothly and will support the achievement of broader goals for which the SCO was established,” he stressed at the summit in China’s Tianjin.

India held the IWT in abeyance following the April 22 attack in occupied Kashmir’s Pahalgam that killed 26 — an incident New Delhi blamed on Islamabad without evidence. Pakistan termed any attempt to suspend its water share an “act of war”.

Earlier this month, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague issued a “Supplemental Award of Competence” in the case, stating that India cannot unilaterally hold the treaty in abeyance.

At the SCO summit, PM Shehbaz called for a “comprehensive and structural dialogue to discuss all outstanding disputes”, adding: “I will request your consideration to lead this dialogue under your sagacious leadership so that they can have its dividends as early as possible.”

The prime minister reaffirmed that Pakistan sought a “normal and stable relationship with all its neighbours”. “It seeks dialogue and diplomacy over conflict and confrontation,” he highlighted.

PM Shehbaz noted: “Pakistan has always believed in the power of multilateralism, dialogue and diplomacy, and shunning unilateralism. And yet, to our shock and deep disappointment, the region witnessed extremely disturbing developments during the last few months.

“Pakistan supports and respects the sovereignty and integrity of all SCO members and its neighbours,” he added.

“We will continue our efforts, along with all SCO members and the chairman of SCO, to promote progress and prosperity in the entire region and to ensure lasting peace in South Asia,” PM Shehbaz pledged.

“Pakistan has always abided by the UN and SCO charters and will always respect the principles that will hold dear to all of us for our collective good. As a peace-loving nation, Pakistan has always advocated dialogue and diplomacy, consultation over confrontation,” he reiterated.

During his address, the premier also highlighted the severe floods that Pakistan was once again facing.

“My country is once again passing through unprecedented torrential rains, cloudbursts and massive devastation due to consequent flooding in three of our major rivers,” PM Shehbaz said, highlighting huge loss of lives and livestock, as well as severe damage to infrastructure and crops.

“We deeply appreciate the international community’s, including China’s, solidarity, sympathy and support with us,” he said, hailing the rescue and rebuilding efforts of “my brave and resilient people”.

At the outset of his speech, the prime minister noted that the port city of Tianjin, where the summit is taking place, represented “China’s core values as a connector and bridge of cultures and civilisation”.

He thanked President Xi and his government for the warm hospitality and excellent arrangements for the SCO gathering. The premier also extended his felicitations to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan on their national days today and yesterday, respectively.

PM Shehbaz further said: “For us, the SCO is a platform that best represents Pakistan’s abiding commitment to regional cooperation and integration. China’s successful tenure as chair of the SCO is reflective of President Xi’s sagacious and visionary leadership.”

He stressed that China’s “global leadership” was exemplified not only through the bloc but also in landmark initiatives, such as the Belt and Road Initiative and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

‘Irrefutable evidence of foreign hands in terrorism on Pakistani soil’

At the SCO summit, PM Shehbaz also highlighted the issue of terrorism and said Pakistan had “irrefutable evidence of involvement of some foreign hands” in the Jaffar Express hijacking in March.

The train, travelling from Quetta to Peshawar and carrying 440 passengers, was hijacked near Balochistan’s Sibi area on March 11, resulting in the deaths of at least 26 passengers, including 18 security personnel. “All 33 terrorists” were neutralised during the two-day clearance operation, the military said.

“We have irrefutable evidence of involvement of some foreign hands in the devastating Jaffar Express train hostage incident, as well as countless other terrorist attacks against us in Balochistan and KP provinces of Pakistan,” the premier said at the summit.

“Those who have long used terrorism for advancing their political interests must know that the world no longer buys this fictitious narrative.”

Days after the hijacking, the military spokesperson had said India was the main sponsor “in this terrorist incident in Balochistan and others before”. In April, the Pakistan Mission to the United Nations had also said the country had “credible evidence” proving that the attack was “externally sponsored by its regional adversaries”.

At the SCO summit, the prime minister noted: “The menace of terrorism, separatism, [and] extremism continues to pose a grave threat to Pakistan and endanger peace and security of the entire SCO region and the SCO family.

“We condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations with the fullest force at our command, including state terrorism in clear and ambiguous terms,” he added.

Recalling the country’s “great sacrifices in combating terrorism not only for its own self but for the region and far beyond”, PM Shehbaz reiterated that Pakistan had lost over 90,000 valuable lives and endured economic losses of over $152 billion.

“A sacrifice which has no parallel in history,” the premier said, adding that there “cannot be a bigger manifestation of our unwavering commitment to defeat terrorism with the cooperation of all SCO members and global powers around the globe”.

Afghanistan and regional connectivity

The prime minister also voiced Pakistan’s desire for a “peaceful and stable” Afghanistan, noting that it was not only in Islamabad’s interest but that of the entire region.

“While we remain engaged in building our ties with the Afghan leadership to leverage them as economic partners and good neighbours, we hope that this cooperation with Afghanistan and our trilateral meetings between China, Pakistan and Afghanistan will have positive results in times to come,” Shehbaz said.

“As SCO leaders, we have reaffirmed year after year the significance of enhanced regional connectivity. This requires efficient land, air and rail transport corridors to ensure the reliability of supply chains,” he stressed.

The premier asserted that the expansion of CPEC could serve as a “practical demonstration of SCO’s vision for regional connectivity and economic integration”.

‘Heart-wrenching bloodshed in Gaza’

During his address, PM Shehbaz also condemned Israel’s deadly attacks on Iran in June this year and its “heart-wrenching bloodshed in Gaza”.

“Israel’s unjustified aggression against our fellow brotherly member country Iran, a fellow SCO state, is condemnable and therefore unacceptable,” the prime minister said.

“The suffering and starvation unfolding in Gaza is a festering wound on our collective conscience. We reiterate our call for an immediate end to gruesome violence and heart-wrenching bloodshed in Gaza,” the premier said.

He underscored that Pakistan has consistently supported the UN-mandated two-state solution, which meant the creation of an independent state of Palestine with pre-1967 borders and Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

Meetings with SCO leaders

PM Shehbaz also held meetings with fellow SCO leaders on the summit’s sidelines.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian condoled the prime minister on the ongoing floods in Pakistan and expressed his country’s support.

The two also reviewed the state of cooperation across diverse sectors and expressed satisfaction with the positive momentum in bilateral relations.

A crew of five died on Monday after an army helicopter crashed in Diamer District’s Chilas town in Gilgit-Baltistan after developing a “technical fault”, the military’s media wing said in a statement.

“On 1 Sep 25, at around 1000 hours, an MI-17 helicopter crash landed near Hudor village, approximately 12 kilometres away from Thakdas Cantonment,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in the statement. “The helicopter was on routine training flying when it developed a technical fault and crashed.”

It added that all crew members on board were martyred as a result of the crash.

The crew members were identified as Major Atif, who was the pilot in command, Major Faisal, the co-pilot, flight engineer Naib Subedar Maqbool, and crew chiefs Havaldar Jahangir and Naik Amir, according to the ISPR.

Earlier, Diamer Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Abdul Hameed, in a statement, had confirmed the incident, saying that the helicopter was conducting a test landing on a newly proposed helipad when it crashed.

He said that the Diamer police and rescue teams had reached the incident site to start the evacuation.

Separately, GB Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan, in a statement, said he had issued directions to impose an emergency at Chilas Hospital and ordered the immediate availability of medical staff.

He also expressed his condolences and paid tribute to the martyred personnel. “The sacrifice of the martyrs of the helicopter crash is a source of pride for the nation,” he said.

Earlier this month, a rescue helicopter crashed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bajaur district, killing two pilots and three crew members. The helicopter was dispatched with supplies following flash flooding in the region.

In 2024, at least six people died and eight others were critically injured after a helicopter of a petroleum company crashed near the Shewa oil field in North Waziristan.

The 10-member Shanghai Cooperation Organisation on Monday (September 1, 2025) “strongly condemned” terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including the April 22 Pahalgam attack, and the attacks on Jaffer Express and Khuzdar in Pakistan.

The Tianjin Declaration, signed and adopted by all members including India, Pakistan, and Russia, also called for an end to “cross-border movement” of terrorists. The declaration reaffirmed the bloc’s “firm commitment to fight against terrorism, separatism, and extremism”, and stressed the inadmissibility of attempts to use terrorist, separatist, and extremist groups for “mercenary purposes”. 

The declaration at the summit, which focused on strengthening the Global South amid global uncertainties in trade and a “fluid and chaotic global situation”, opened by stating that the world was undergoing “profound historical changes that affect all spheres of political, socio-economic, and social relations”.

The member states also opposed “unilateral coercive measures, including those of an economic nature”, that contravene the United Nations charter and principles of the World Trade Organisation, in a possible reference to the U.S. tariffs. 

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Chinese President Xi Jinping, who chaired the meeting of the heads of the member states, in his opening remarks criticised the “bullying behaviour” in the world order and called on leaders to “adhere to fairness and justice” while opposing “cold war mentality”.  

“The shadows of Cold War mentality, bullying, are not dissipating, and there are new challenges that are increasing, not diminishing,” said Mr. Xi, who has often used the term “cold war mentality” to refer to the uncertainties over the U.S. tariffs. 

Mr. Xi, who chaired the ‘SCO plus’ meeting on Monday afternoon, proposed a Global Governance Initiative (GGI), calling on countries to work in concert for a more just and equitable global governance system adhering to sovereign equality, abiding by international rule of law, practicing multilateralism, advocating the people-centered approach, and focusing on taking real actions. 

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi, following the summit on Monday night, said the GGI aims at supporting the UN’s central role in international affairs and encouraging countries to participate in the reform of global governance system by relying on multilateral mechanisms. He also said that Pakistan and Armenia had announced development of diplomatic relationship at the summit.

Announcing that the grouping has decided to merge the statuses given to non-member countries — dialogue partner and observer — to a single partner status, Mr. Wang said that Laos has been accepted as a partner country of the SCO, taking the total strength of the grouping to 27 with 10 members and 17 partners.

Secretary-General of the SCO, Nurlan Yermekbayev, said at the briefing that an agreement was made at the summit to establish an SCO development bank, a long-term ambition of Beijing. 

Taking note of Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza and the catastrophic humanitarian situation engulfing the Gaza Strip, all the member states expressed “deep concern” and strongly condemned “actions that have led to numerous casualties among the civilian population” in the enclave. A “comprehensive and just settlement” of the Palestinian issue is the only way to ensure peace in West Asia, the declaration said.  

India also joined the fellow members of the grouping to strongly condemn the military strikes by Israel and the U.S. against Iran, a member state, in June that targeted Tehran’s nuclear facilities. The member states reaffirmed the importance of the UN Security Council resolution 2231 which included provisions for lifting sanctions imposed on Iran over its nuclear programme.  

The declaration also took note of the political situation in Afghanistan, which holds an observer status in the grouping but did not attend the summit. The members reiterated that the formation of an “inclusive government with broad participation of representatives of all ethno-political groups” of the society is the only way to achieve lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan.  

All the member states, except India, also reaffirmed their support for China’s Belt and Road Initiative.  

Mr. Xi, in his opening remarks, also pledged to provide ¥2 billion in grants to member countries within this year, and an additional ¥10 billion in loan to member banks of the SCO Interbank Consortium over the next three years. He also said that the group should set up an “SCO development bank” as soon as possible.  

The declaration also welcomed a resolution by the annual UN General Assembly that called for “combating glorification of Nazism, neo-Nazism and other practices that contribute to escalating contemporary forms of racism, xenophobia and related intolerance”.  

(With inputs from Suhasini Haider)

The writer is in China at an invitation from the China Public Diplomacy Association.

Published – September 01, 2025 11:49 am IST

KARACHI: The city dawned under overcast skies on Monday, with a blanket of clouds hanging over the metropolis and stirring anticipation among residents about the possibility of rain in the hours ahead.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said that the weather is expected to remain partly cloudy and humid in Karachi during the next 24 hours.

The Met Office noted that there is also a possibility of light drizzle occurring in the morning hours as well as later at night today.

According to the PMD, the maximum temperature in the city could rise as high as 32 to 34 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature that was recorded stood at 28 degrees. The department further observed that humidity levels in the air were measured at 78%, creating a damp atmosphere across the city. It added that south-westerly sea breezes were continuing to blow at a speed of 19 kilometres per hour.

Meanwhile, parts of Punjab, already reeling under severe floods, are also expected to receive heavy precipitation for a few days, starting from today.

The forecast comes against the backdrop of heavy rainfall that struck Karachi last month, when devastating downpours inundated neighbourhoods, disrupted daily life, and caused the loss of at least 10 lives. Casualties were reported in incidents of electrocution, drowning, and wall collapses as floodwaters spread through the city.

Traffic was paralysed on major arteries such as Sharea Faisal, University Road, and II Chundrigar Road, where waterlogged streets caused vehicles to break down.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), last week, issued a rain alert for several parts of the country, cautioning that Karachi may again face possible urban flooding between 30 August and 2 September.

Pakistan is battling torrential monsoon rains that have unleashed flash floods, swelled rivers, and filled dams, with more than 800 deaths reported since late June. Amid the heavy rains, India continues to release excess water this week from its dams, swelling river flows downstream in Punjab.

I am pleased to participate in the 25th SCO Summit. I extend my sincere gratitude to President Xi for the warm welcome and gracious hospitality.

Today marks Uzbekistan’s Independence Day, and yesterday was the National Day of Kyrgyzstan. On this occasion, I extend my congratulations and best wishes to both leaders.

Excellencies,

Over the past twenty-four years, the SCO has played a vital role in connecting the extended family across the Eurasian region. As an active member, India has always contributed in a constructive and positive manner.

India’s vision and policy towards the SCO are built on three key pillars:

S – Security

C – Connectivity

O – Opportunity

On the first pillar, “S” – that is Security, I would like to emphasize that security, peace, and stability form the foundation of any nation’s development. However, terrorism, separatism, and extremism remain major challenges along this path.

Terrorism is not only a threat to the security of individual nations, but a shared challenge to all of humanity. No country, no society, no citizen can consider themselves completely safe from it. That is why India has consistently stressed the importance of unity in the fight against terrorism.

The SCO-RATS has played a very significant role in this regard. This year, while leading the Joint Information Operation, India undertook an initiative to counter “Al-Qaeda” and its affiliated terrorist organizations. We have also proposed enhanced coordination, and joint measures against radicalization.

We have raised our voice firmly against terror financing, and I sincerely thank all of you for the support extended in this effort.

Excellencies,

For the past four decades, India has been bearing the grave scars of ruthless terrorism. Countless mothers have lost their children, and innumerable children have been left orphaned.

Recently, we witnessed the most heinous face of terrorism in Pahalgam. I express my deep gratitude to all the friendly nations that stood by us during this moment of grief. This attack was not only an assault on the conscience of India, but also an open challenge to every nation, and every individual who believes in humanity.

In such circumstances, it is natural to ask: Can the open support for terrorism by certain countries ever be acceptable to us?

Excellencies,

We must state it clearly and in one voice: double standards on terrorism are unacceptable. Together, we must oppose terrorism in every form and manifestation. This is our responsibility towards humanity.

Excellencies,

I would now like to share my thoughts on the second pillar, “C” – that is, Connectivity. India has always believed that strong connectivity does not merely facilitate trade but also opens the doors to trust and development.

It is with this vision that we are working on initiatives such as the Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor. Through these, we can enhance our linkages with Afghanistan and Central Asia.

We believe that every effort towards connectivity must uphold the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. This is also enshrined in the core principles of the SCO Charter.

Connectivity, that by-passes sovereignty, ultimately loses both trust and meaning.

Excellencies,

The third pillar is: “O” – that is Opportunity. Opportunity for Cooperation and Reform.

In 2023, under India’s presidency, the SCO witnessed fresh energy and ideas. New areas of cooperation were introduced, including start-ups and innovation, traditional medicine, youth empowerment, digital inclusion, and our shared Buddhist heritage.

Our effort was to take SCO beyond governments. To connect people, young scientists, scholars, and start-ups as well.

Today, I would like to propose another step to strengthen our people-to-people ties – the creation of a Civilizational Dialogue Forum under the SCO. Such a platform will allow us to share the richness of our ancient civilizations, art, literature, and traditions on a global stage.

Excellencies,

Today, India is advancing with the motto of Reform, Perform, and Transform. From the Covid crisis to global economic uncertainties, we have endeavoured to convert challenges into opportunities.

We are consistently pursuing wide-ranging reforms, which are creating new opportunities for both national development and international cooperation. I warmly invite you all to be a part of India’s development journey.

Excellencies,

It is a matter of great satisfaction that the SCO is evolving with time. Four new centres are being established to address contemporary challenges such as organized crime, drug trafficking, and cybersecurity. We welcome this reform-oriented approach.

SCO members can increase mutual cooperation for reforms in global institutions. On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, we can unanimously call for UN reform.

To confine the aspirations of the Global South to outdated frameworks is to deny justice to future generations. The colourful dreams of the new generation cannot be displayed on a black-and-white screen. It is time to change the screen.

The SCO can play a guiding role in promoting multilateralism and an inclusive world order. I welcome the issuance of a statement on this important subject today

Excellencies,

We are moving forward in close coordination and cooperation with all partners. I extend my best wishes to the next Chairman of the SCO, the President of Kyrgyzstan, and my friend, President Japarov

Thank you very much.

Tianjin

September 01, 2025

DISCLAIMER: This is the approximate translation of Prime Minister’s statement. Original statement was delivered in Hindi.

 

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday expressed satisfaction over the positive momentum in Pakistan-Iran relations, vowing to further strengthen political and economic ties.

The two leaders met on the sidelines of the Council of Heads of Member States (CHM) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin, where they reviewed bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.

Prime Minister Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to its historic ties with Iran, describing the relationship as rooted in shared history, cultural heritage and faith. He emphasized the importance of expanding collaboration in political and economic domains.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, and senior federal ministers were also present during the meeting.

President Pezeshkian, appreciating Pakistan’s consistent support, reiterated Iran’s determination to enhance cooperation in areas of mutual interest. He also expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and property caused by recent floods in Pakistan, assuring that Iran stood by Pakistan in this difficult time.

Referring to the Iranian president’s recent visit to Pakistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz noted that the trip had significantly contributed to strengthening bilateral ties and was warmly welcomed by the Pakistani people.

The prime minister also underlined Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity with Iran and reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy remained the only viable path toward regional peace and stability.