Interaction on Nepal-Pakistan parliamentary diplomacy
Nepal- Pakistan Parliamentary Friendship Group on Thursday held an interaction with Ambassador of Pakistan to Nepal Abrar H. Hashmi. The interaction was attended by members of group, diplomats from Pakistan Embassy and Nepal-Pakistan Friendship and Cultural Association.
Speaking on the occasion, Hashmi appreciated the longstanding and cordial relations between Pakistan and Nepal, rooted in shared cultural heritage, mutual respect, and regional affinity. He highlighted the deep people-to-people linkages and reiterated Pakistan’s desire to further expand relations between the two Parliaments and bilateral cooperation in trade, tourism, education, health, culture, climate resilience, according the press release.
The Ambassador also briefed the Parliamentary Friendship Group on the latest developments in Pakistan’s economy and regional situation, emphasizing Pakistan’s vision for a peaceful and prosperous South Asia. He welcomed the interest of the Nepali Parliament in fostering parliamentary diplomacy and institutional linkages.
Members of the Pakistan-Nepal Parliamentary Friendship Group expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s consistent support to Nepal and expressed satisfaction over relations free of irritants and underscored the importance of parliamentary exchanges in deepening mutual understanding. They also emphasized exploring new avenues of collaboration, particularly economic, cultural, youth, women, marginalized groups, technical support and capacity-building.
UN General Assembly adopts Gaza ceasefire resolution by overwhelming majority
The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution demanding an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, along with full, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access. The resolution passed with 149 votes in favor, 12 against, and 19 abstentions.
It condemns the use of starvation as a weapon of war and the denial of aid, stressing Israel’s legal obligation as the occupying power to ensure relief reaches all civilians. It demands Israel end the blockade, open all crossings, and cease settlement activity, land confiscation, and forced displacement in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, according to UN News.
The resolution reaffirms commitment to a two-state solution, rejects any demographic or territorial changes, and calls for for the Palestinian Authority to integrate Gaza and the West Bank. The resolution asks all parties to uphold international law and protect humanitarian and UN personnel.
The session was called after the United States vetoed a Security Council resolution requesting a cease-fire. Along with Israel and the United States, ten other countries voted against the resolution, including Argentina, Hungary, and Fiji, UN News reported.
Trump condoles Air India crash in Ahmedabad, offers US assistance
US President Donald Trump on Thursday communicated profound distress over the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, depicting it as “one of the most noticeably awful in flying history.” He offered condolences to the casualties and their families, calling the occurrence a awful misfortune.
Trump guaranteed that the Joined together States is prepared to help India in any way conceivable. “We’ll be over there quickly on the off chance that needed,” he said, emphasizing America’s readiness to back alleviation and recuperation endeavors, according to Firstpost.
Commenting on the scale of the catastrophe, Trump stated, “It looks like most are gone.” In spite of the gravity of the circumstance, he communicated certainty in India’s capacity to handle the emergency, alluding to it as a “strong country.”
US may extend trade deal deadline, says President Trump
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday signaled a possible extension of the July 8 deadline for securing trade agreements with key US trading partners, though he said it may not be necessary. Trade negotiations are currently underway with around 15 countries, including South Korea, Japan, and the EU, according to Xinhua.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told lawmakers the extension is “highly likely” to allow more time for deals. According to Bessent, 18 major trading partners are engaged in talks, and the US plans to send proposals to several others within weeks.
The July 8 deadline stems from a 90-day pause on proposed reciprocal tariffs affecting over 60 countries, initiated on April 9. So far, only a trade agreement with the UK has been finalized, Xinhua reported.
