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Punjab govt employees get 10pc salary raise, pensioners 5pc

By
Shahzad Ahmad
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LAHORE, Jun 16 (APP):The Punjab government has announced to increase the salaries of public-sector employees by 10 percent and pension for the pensioners by five percent.
Presenting the budget speech in the Punjab Assembly session here Monday, Provincial Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman said that salaried class, especially government employees and pensioners, have limited incomes, which makes them the most vulnerable.
Government employees spend their entire lives in public service and implementing national development projects. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the government to take special care of its employees. In this regard, the Punjab government has decided to increase the salaries of provincial employees from grade 1 to 22 by 10 percent, while pension by five percent. Similarly, it has also proposed to increase the minimum monthly salary from Rs 37,000 to Rs 40,000.

Dogar calls budget ‘people friendly’

By
Kamran Muraad
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ISLAMABAD, Jun 16 (APP): Member National Assembly and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Abdul Ghafar Dogar on Monday termed the federal government’s recently announced budget as “people-friendly,” stating that under the current economic circumstances, no better proposal could have been presented.
Talking to APP, Dogar acknowledged that while there was always room for improvement in any fiscal plan, the new budget reflects realistic efforts to stabilize the economy and support the public.
He particularly lauded the tangible improvements introduced in agricultural policy, aimed at the sector’s sustainable development.
Citing the growing impact of climate change on agricultural output, Dogar said the government had proposed several measures to address these challenges.
“These initiatives will play a key role in mitigating climate-related threats, especially those linked to irrigation and water management,” he added.
Dogar emphasized that proactive planning in the agriculture sector is essential for long-term food security and economic resilience.

Stakeholders urge safer, inclusive media landscape in Pakistan

By
Shahzad Ahmad
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ISLAMABAD, Jun 16 (APP):The Center for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI), in collaboration with Individualland (IL) and European Union (EU) funding, organized a stakeholder dialogue to promote a safer and more inclusive media environment in Pakistan.
The dialogue session was held under the project “Strengthening Media Persons’ Capacity and Engagement for Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms,” the event brought together journalists, media regulators, civil society, and government representatives, said a press release on Monday.
Marta Ubeda Rodriguez, EU representative, in her opening remarks said, “The EU is proud to support this coalition of actors under this project. The EU recognizes the vital contribution of free and pluralistic media, as well as civil society,  ensuring that citizens can make informed choices. It also highlights the media’s key role in resisting manipulation and interference in the information space.”
Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, as Chief Guest of the Dialogue, highlighted the challenges of fake reporting, artificial intelligence (AI) and social media misinformation.
He expressed concern over the humanitarian crises caused by conflicts, stressing that civilians should not suffer for the actions of a few.
He emphasized the crucial role of journalists in providing accurate information and called for stronger regulations around AI and digital platforms to prevent misuse.
 Praising the responsible role of Pakistani media during recent tensions with India, advocating for media literacy education, as seen in Finland, to combat misinformation.
He commended CPDI and the EU for their efforts and stressed the need for human intervention and ethical responsibility in the evolving media landscape.
Moonus Kayinat Zahra, Project Manager at CPDI, highlighted the challenges facing Pakistan’s media, including political tensions, restrictive policies and threats to freedom of expression.
 She added that the 2025 amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) have increased censorship and risks for journalists.
“These issues, combined with safety concerns and economic instability, undermine media independence,” she said, adding “the urgent need to fully implement journalist protection laws at federal and provincial level.” She said.
 While acknowledging AI’s potential for innovation, she warned of its ethical challenges for journalism and the spread of misinformation threatening public trust and democratic discourse.
Ayesha Manzoor Watto, Director General of Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) Punjab emphasized the crucial role of journalists, particularly for rural communities that depend on electronic media for information.
Praising the positive contribution of media during recent Pakistan-India tensions, she cautioned against the dangers of AI-generated fake videos and the widespread impact of misinformation on social media.
 She also acknowledged Pakistan’s challenges in verifying authentic news, highlighted PEMRA’s efforts in addressing salary issues for women journalists.
She noted the establishment of a committee under the Anti-Harassment Act within PEMRA to support journalist safety and welfare.
The European Union and its partners in Pakistan reaffirmed their commitment to supporting initiatives that uphold fundamental freedoms and human rights, recognizing the vital role of a free, safe and inclusive media in strengthening democracy and social cohesion in Pakistan.

Budget 2025-26: Treasury defends, opposition critiques fiscal strategy

By
Kamran Muraad
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ISLAMABAD, Jun 16 (APP): Lawmakers in the Senate on Monday continued the debate on the Federal Budget 2025-26, with members from both treasury and opposition benches turning back to the budget, he underscored the need for generating employment opportunities for the youth, terming it essential for providing relief to the common man.
Taking part in the debate, Parliamentary Leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in the Senate, Senator Syed Ali Zafar on national security, said that Pakistan had successfully defended itself in conflict against India, and earned recognition as a formidable aerial power. “The world knows us as the king of skies. Our defense is in safe hands and the nation feels secure,” he added.
Referring to the recent Israeli strike on Iran, he drew parallels with regional dynamics, stating, “The pattern is evident—first India attacks Pakistan, now Israel targets Iran. This escalation is a dangerous trend, and Israel’s use of advanced weaponry poses broader regional risks.” He warned that the danger for Pakistan was not over, citing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “agenda of regional destabilization.”
Senator Zafar emphasized the need for national unity in the face of external threats. “If we are to succeed diplomatically and strategically, we must put our differences aside and stand united,” he remarked.
He also expressed concern over the economic fallout of the Israel-Iran conflict, which has triggered a rise in global oil prices, impacting Pakistan’s economy.
Ali Zafar pointed out the imposition of petroleum and carbon taxes, warning that these measures would burden the common citizen. “Although these taxes are justified under climate initiatives, their impact on daily life cannot be ignored,” he said.
Commenting on the enhanced powers granted to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), particularly the authority to make arrests, Senator Zafar called for a thorough review of the policy.
“Even though the government has indicated reconsideration, such steps require careful assessment,” he noted.
He also express concerned the proposed 18% General Sales Tax (GST) on solar panels, arguing it would undermine Pakistan’s climate commitments. “This move contradicts our environmental goals and discourages clean energy adoption,” he said.
Senator Zafar urged the government to revisit the budget’s priorities and align them with economic growth, environmental sustainability, and public welfare.
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senator Khalil Tahir Sandhu criticize Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), questioning its past dealings with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and their attempts to undermine the country’s economic standing through letters to international financial institutions.
Senator Sandhu said the first question to ask is whether there is political will behind Budget 2025-26. “Yes, there is a clear and good intention behind it. No budget is perfect, and there is always room for improvement,” he added.
Congratulating Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, he praised them for presenting a people-friendly budget despite challenging economic conditions.
Highlighting key measures, Senator Sandhu noted the reduction in income tax on government employees’ salaries, a cut in withholding tax on property transactions from 4% to 2.5%, and the streamlining of tariff lines from 7,000 to 4,000 as major relief initiatives.
He further said that the record increase in remittances reflects the overseas Pakistanis’ growing confidence in the current leadership. “This trust is a significant indicator of political and economic stability,” he said.
Calling for increased allocations to the Ministry of Human Rights, Senator Sandhu stressed the importance of prioritizing social welfare alongside fiscal reforms. “Human rights deserve greater attention in our national agenda,” he added.
Senator Syed Masroor Ahsan pointed out that despite recurring commitments, the country remains under IMF influence. “Each year we hear it’s the final IMF budget, yet the cycle continues,” he remarked.
He welcomed the allocation for the Karachi-Hyderabad-Sukkur Motorway project but stressed that more funds were urgently needed. “Karachi is the economic hub of the country, linking regions and facilitating trade. Its connectivity must be prioritized,” he asserted.
He also appreciated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s previous visit to the K-IV water project site in Karachi and acknowledged the Rs3.2 billion allocation for the scheme. However, he noted the amount was insufficient to meet the project’s actual needs and urged for enhanced financial support.
Senator Ahsan urged the government to allocate development fund for the fishermen communities. He also pointed out the carbon levy, saying that such measures would impact the common man.
Discussing employment challenges, he said Pakistan is the sixth-largest provider of labour globally, with a population of 241 million, including 62.5% youth. We should expand industrial output and business activity to creates jobs, he added.
Senator Muhammad Faisal Vawda underscored the need to accord greater priority to the agriculture sector in the Federal Budget 2025-26, terming it the backbone of Pakistan’s economy.
He emphasized that agriculture-related policies must be aligned with changing climate patterns to ensure sustainability and protect the livelihoods of farmers.
Commenting on the country’s import policy, Senator Vawda said it should be devised with due consideration to the exchange rate impact, as he had also raised this issue during discussions in the finance committee.
He lauded Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial for their efforts in reviving the national economy and pushing forward the country’s development agenda.
Meanwhile, Senator Dost Muhammad Khan called for enhanced financial incentives for government employees due to inflation.
“Eighty-five percent of the population in ex-FATA lives below the poverty line,” he said, calling for substantial allocations to address the damage caused by years of terrorism. “Our homes, fields, and businesses have suffered immensely, and we demand our rightful share for rehabilitation and development,” he added.
Senator Atta-ur-Rehman, stressed that “peace is paramount” and called on fellow lawmakers to prioritize efforts to restore and uphold peace in the country.
He said that whenever the nation faces a crisis, Jamiat Ulema-e-Pakistan has always stood by its side, and every worker of the party is ready to defend the country.
He stated that while discussions on financial issues are important, maintaining peace should be the top priority.

Punjab presents a historic budget for health, education: Malik Abrar

By
Shahzad Ahmad
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RAWALPINDI, Jun 16 (APP):The Punjab government has presented a most progressive budget in the province’s history, with record-breaking allocations for health and education sectors for fiscal year 2025-26.
This was remarked by PML-N MNA and Rawalpindi Division President Malik Abrar Ahmed, while commenting on the Punjab annual budget proposals, during an exclusive interaction with APP here on Monday.
He said that the education sector has been granted an unprecedented Rs. 811.8 billion, representing a 21% increase from previous year’s budget.
“What’s particularly remarkable is the Rs. 148.5 billion allocated specifically for education development projects, which is 127% higher than last year, the highest such allocation ever made in Punjab,” he said.
Malik Abrar highlighted that the health sector has similarly received magnificent funding, with total allocations of Rs. 630.5 billion which is a 17% year-on-year increase. The development budget for healthcare infrastructure and services has seen a 41% boost, reaching Rs.181 billion.
“This budget is a clear depiction of CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision to establish Punjab as a national model for human development and public welfare,” Abrar said, adding that these investments would revolutionize service delivery in both critical sectors.

Senate body Pakistan Navy (Amendment) Bill

By
Shahzad Ahmad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Jun 16 (APP):The Senate Standing Committee on Law and Justice on Monday unanimously approved the Pakistan Navy (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
The senate body met here under the chairmanship of Senator Farooq H. Naek, at Parliament House to deliberate on two important legislative proposals: the Pakistan Navy (Amendment) Bill, 2025 and the Legal Practitioners and Bar Councils (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
During the review of the Pakistan Navy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, the Committee considered proposed provisions aimed at addressing cybercrimes committed by personnel of the Pakistan Navy. The Committee took note that the bill is exclusively applicable to naval personnel and does not extend to civilians.
Minister for Law and Justice, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, endorsed the proposed amendments, reiterating the government’s resolve to reinforce internal disciplinary mechanisms within the armed forces while adhering to legal principles.
After detailed deliberations, the Committee unanimously approved the Pakistan Navy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, with the exception of Section 176(c) giving mandate of national development, which was omitted based on concerns raised by Committee members by the vote of 3:2.
The Committee also examined the Legal Practitioners and Bar Councils (Amendment) Bill, 2025, introduced by Senator Farooq H. Naek. The bill sought to enhance regulatory oversight in the legal profession by introducing stricter eligibility criteria and disciplinary measures.
However, in light of the reservations expressed by the Pakistan Bar Council, Senator Naek withdrew the bill, underscoring the importance of respecting the views of the Bar Council as a regulatory authority. He clarified that the intent behind the bill was to promote integrity and professionalism in the legal field, not to curtail the independence of the profession.
The meeting was attended by Senators Kamran Murtaza, Shahadat Awan, Hamid Khan, Syed Ali Zafar, Khalil Tahir, Mohammad Abdul Qadir, Minister for Law and Justice Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, and senior officials from the Establishment Division, Ministry of Law and Justice, Ministry of Defence, and representatives of the Bar Councils

50th international Nathiagali summer college inaugurated

By
Shahzad Ahmad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Jun 16 (APP):The 50th International Nathiagali Summer College (INSC) on Physics and Contemporary Needs was inaugurated on Monday at the National Centre for Physics (NCP).
The event is organized by the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), which has been the principal host of the College since its inception.
The Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The event was attended by Chairman PAEC Dr. Raja Ali Raza Anwar, Members and the Secretary of PAEC, officials from the SPD, academicians, researchers, and students from leading universities across the country.
In his address, the Chief Guest, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, congratulated PAEC for consistently organizing the College since 1976, calling it a jewel in Pakistan’s scientific crown. He emphasized the transformative role of science and technology and urged participants to prepare for emerging global challenges.
Quoting verses from the Quran, he reminded the audience of Islam’s deep roots in the pursuit of knowledge, referencing the Islamic Golden Age as a period where science shaped the modern world. Speaking on emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, he stressed the need for ethical governance, stating, “Science without ethics is dangerous.”
He highlighted government initiatives to align academia with industry, including the establishment of specialized National Centers for AI, Cybersecurity, Quantum Computing, and other critical fields—aimed at transforming Pakistan into a knowledge-based techno-economy. He concluded that the solutions to present and future challenges lie in critical thinking and ethical innovation.
Earlier, in his opening address, Chairman PAEC Dr. Raja Ali Raza Anwar highlighted the organization’s contributions to national scientific development. He noted that, with the support of successive governments, PAEC has achieved significant successes across multiple fields.
Dr. Anwar credited INSC for nurturing young and aspiring scientists not only from Pakistan but also from numerous developing countries. He attributed several key PAEC achievements to the INSC, including Associate Membership with CERN, development of laser technologies, progress in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), initiatives in Quantum Computing and other advanced technologies.
He also underscored the challenges posed by emerging technologies and encouraged the participants to stay updated with global scientific advancements. He emphasized that Pakistan’s youth holds great potential for the country’s future.
The idea of the College originated from Nobel Laureate Professor Dr. Abdus Salam, who was also its founding director. Dr. Salam was a strong advocate of scientific communication and the transfer of knowledge among the global scientific community. INSC has emerged as a unique platform in the developing world where scientists can share knowledge and learn from each other’s experiences.
Over the years, more than 1,100 eminent scientists and speakers, including nine Nobel Laureates, have delivered lectures at the INSC. The College has hosted over 1,000 foreign scientists from more than 75 developing countries, along with over 11,000 scientists from Pakistan’s R&D institutes and universities.
The closing session of the 50th INSC will be held in Nathiagali on June 28, 2025.
50th international Nathiagali summer college inaugurated

One year on: Pakistan’s Trans Fat reduction effort shows long-term public health impact

By
Shahzad Ahmad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Jun 16 (APP):One year after the successful completion of the national initiative, “Reducing Industrial Trans Fatty Acids (iTFA) in Pakistan,” Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), in collaboration with Cargill, Pakistan reflects on the program’s far-reaching impact on public health, institutional capacity, and food system reforms in the country.
Industrially Produced Trans-Fatty Acids (iTFAs), most often formed through the partial hydrogenation of vegetable oils (PHOs), have been present in margarine, bakery items and other products and are associated with increased risks of heart disease, stroke, and other chronic illnesses.
In response to these risks, the World Health Organization (WHO) has set a global target to eliminate iTFAs from the food supply by 2023. As a result, countries around the world introduced legislation to align with the WHO’s iTFA best practices.
As of last year, 53 countries have adopted best-practice policies which cover 46% of the global population (or 3.7 billion people),said a press release issued here on Monday.
In this global context, SDPI and Cargill jointly launched the iTFA reduction project in 2023 to support Pakistan’s alignment with WHO’s guidelines. The program focused on raising awareness, building technical capacity within government bodies, and engaging food sector stakeholders to reduce iTFA use, particularly in widely consumed products. The primary objective was not only to improve public health but also to alleviate pressure on the country’s healthcare system by reducing non-communicable disease burdens.
Throughout its course, the project effectively engaged with key regulatory bodies, including Punjab Food Authority (PFA), Islamabad Food Authority (IFA), and the Gilgit-Baltistan Food Department,  through structured meetings, consultative sessions, and capacity-building workshops. These engagements focused on the enforcement of iTFA regulations, aligning food safety protocols, and sharing the best national and international practices. Technical meetings with food departments across regions enabled the identification of common gaps and guided harmonizing regulatory efforts.
One of the critical achievements of the program was the development and dissemination of a detailed database of iTFA-free alternatives for manufacturers and food processors. This document was designed in collaboration with industry experts and later shared with food business operators (FBOs) across multiple provinces. The guide not only recommends safer substitutes for partially hydrogenated oils but also outlined supplier information, reformulation guidance, and compatibility considerations.
In addition, the program also launched multi-platform awareness campaigns to educate the public on the dangers of trans fats and encourage informed consumption. These campaigns were supported by community outreach, educational seminars for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and university-level engagements with food science departments.
Reflecting on the journey, Dr Vaqar Ahmed, Joint Executive Director at SDPI, noted:
“The real success of this program lies in its ability to bring together government regulators, industry leaders, and civil society under one banner. Through collaborative platforms and technical innovation, we’ve laid the groundwork for systemic change in how fats are produced, consumed, and regulated in Pakistan.”
A Cargill spokesperson said: “As a global food and agriculture company committed to nourishing the world safely, responsibly, and sustainably, Cargill is proud to partner with SDPI on this meaningful initiative to help bring healthier foods to Pakistani consumers. This is part of the industry-leading commitment we made to ensure that our entire worldwide edible oils portfolio meets WHO’s best practice standard on iTFA, including in the countries where there is no legislative mandate. We look forward to SDPI and industry partners building on the positive project outcomes to further advance food development and public health goals in the country.”

PCB calls up 60 U 19 cricketers for skills assessment camp from June 18

By
Shahzad Ahmad
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0
LAHORE, Jun 16 (APP):Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has called 60 U19 men’s cricketers for a Skills Assessment camp at the Inzamam-ul-Haq High Performance Centre in Multan from June 18 (Wednesday).
As many as 30 players each will participate in two phases. The players in the first batch will undergo match-based skill assessment from 18 to 23 June, while the second batch will run from 25 to 30 June.
Additionally, 10 players who have previously represented Pakistan U19 and are eligible to feature in ICC U19 World Cup 2026 will be called up in the third phase of the camp. The players born on or after 1 September 2006 are eligible to feature in the forthcoming ICC U19 World Cup.
The players for the camp have been selected based on their performances in the National Men’s U17 Cup 2024-25 and are no longer eligible to participate in future editions of the same tournament. Also, performers from the U19 inter-district tournament have been selected, while players who featured in the recently concluded Grade II tournament and meet the eligibility criteria for the ICC U19 event have also been invited to the camp.
The objective of the U19 camp is to identify players for this year’s ACC U19 Men’s Asia Cup and next year’s ICC U19 World Cup (Zimbabwe and Namibia).
During both phases of the camp, players will take part in match scenarios, enabling the academy coaches to assess their talent. Following this, 20 players will be shortlisted and along with the 10 Pakistan U19 players, a final pool of 30 players will continue training in the third phase of the camp, which will run from 1 July until the last week of August.
Azhar Ali, Head of Youth Development said: “This camp is a vital step in our long-term strategy to develop a strong and competitive squad for next year’s ICC U19 World Cup. We have designed the programme to ensure a structured pathway for our emerging players – from identification and training to high-quality match exposure.
“The players invited to the High-Performance Centre in Multan have been shortlisted based on their performances and potential. This first phase allows us to assess and train them in a high-performance environment, with a focus on refining skills, fitness and game awareness.
“Following the conclusion of the camp, in the second phase, these players will feature in the Regional U19 tournament scheduled to take place later this year. This will help us monitor their progress and identify a pool of 30 players for the ICC event.
“The third phase will involve 30 players selected from the regional tournament, who will undergo intensive training and match preparation in the lead-up to the ICC U19 World Cup. Our goal is to build a well-rounded and technically equipped squad, ready to compete at the highest level in youth cricket.”
First phase players (in alphabetical order):
Abbas Khan (Lahore), Abdul Ahad (Multan), Abdul Rasool Tariq (Lahore), Abdul Wahab  (Abbottabad), Abdul Wassay (Bahawalpur), Alyan Salman (Lahore), Atiq Ur Rehman (Peshawar), Ghulam Haider (Sialkot), Ghulam Mustafa (Bahawalpur), Haroon Khan (Peshawar), Hassan Ahmad (Peshawar), Hazrat Ali (Lahore), Ibtisam Azhar (Lahore), Jawad Khan (Peshawar), Moiz (Lahore), Mudasir (FATA), Muhammad Arshad (Rawalpindi), Muhammad Makki (Bahawalpur), Muhammad Saim (Faisalabad), Muhammad Salman (Abbottabad), Muhammad Zeeshan (Sialkot), Naseem Akhtar (Multan), Rana Adeel Mushtaq (Multan), Riyan Jibran (Bahawalpur), Sameer Minhas (Multan), Shah Afzal  (Peshawar), Sufyan Amin (Multan), Talal Ahmad (Multan), Uzair Ali  (Peshawar) and Waleed Iqbal  (Bahawalpur)
Second phase players (in alphabetical order):
Ahmed Raza (AJK), Abdul Wahab (Hyderabad), Ali Hassan Baloch (Lahore), Asad Umar (Karachi), Faisal Rehman (Larkana), Fazal Ur Rehman (Quetta), Hasnain Abbas Dar (Lahore), Huzaifa Ahsan (Karachi), Ishratul Ibad (DM Jamali), Jiyad (FATA), Mohammad Haris (Hyderabad), Mohammad Abbas (FATA), Mohammed Abbas Afridi (FATA), Muhammad Ismail (FATA), Muhammad Nameer (Hyderabad), Muhammad Shahzaib Naqeeb  (FATA), Muhammad Shayan (Peshawar), Muhammad Siraj (FATA), Muzamil Khan (FATA), Najeeb Ur Rehman (Quetta), Naveed khan (FATA), Niqab (Islamabad), Obaid Khan (Quetta), Rizwanullah (Karachi), Saad Sakhawat (Islamabad), Sahil Nisar (Islamabad), Sheeraz Ahmed (Quetta), Taimur Ali (FATA), Waleed Iqbal (Bahawalpur) and Yahya Shah  (Hyderabad)
10 Players (already represented Pakistan U19) in third phase (in alphabetical order):
Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Hussain, Farhan Yousaf, Hassan Khan, Mohammad Huzaifa, Mohammad Tahir, Momin Qamar, Tayyab Arif, Umar Zaib and Usman Khan.

High-level conference on two-State solution for Israel & Palestinians postponed: UN spokesperson

By
NNPS Desk
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0

UNITED NATIONS, Jun 16 (APP): The High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution has been postponed, UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Aziz Haq formally announced Monday.

The conference had originally been scheduled for this week.

Farhan Haq told reporters at the regular press briefing that the UN remains in contact with France and Saudi Arabia – the conference co-chairs – regarding new dates.

“The Secretary-General remains committed to a negotiated two-State solution, in accordance with UN resolutions, international law and prior agreements, so that Israel and Palestine can finally live side by side in peace and security, with Jerusalem as capital of both states,” he said.

The deputy spokesperson added that the UN chief continues to call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of hostages, and the rapid and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid.

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