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Pakistan hasn’t joined ‘China bloc’, clarifies Foreign Office

10:33 AM | 26 May, 2023
Pakistan hasn’t joined ‘China bloc’, clarifies Foreign Office
Source: File photo

ISLAMABAD – Amidst the ongoing power rivalry between the United States and China, Pakistan categorically denied any speculations of aligning itself with ‘the China bloc.’ Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, during a weekly press briefing, refuted such claims and emphasized Pakistan’s consistent policy of not engaging in bloc politics.

Baloch highlighted Pakistan’s “All Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership” with China, underscoring the strong and enduring relationship that has developed over several decades. She further stated that Pakistan maintains excellent relations with numerous countries across the globe, including those in the Middle East, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Africa.

Regarding Pakistan’s relations with the United States, Baloch acknowledged the longstanding friendship and partnership between the two countries. She emphasized that Pakistan-US relations are multifaceted, encompassing various areas of cooperation, with Pakistani Americans acting as a vital bridge between the two nations. Baloch reiterated that Pakistan has no intention of aligning with any bloc and strives to maintain neutrality.

Responding to queries about a letter from over 60 congressmen to the US Secretary of State concerning human rights violations in Pakistan, Baloch expressed disagreement with the characterization of events and the situation in Pakistan mentioned in the letter. She referred to the National Security Committee’s clarification on the factual situation surrounding the events and reassured that Pakistan remains committed to protecting the rights and property of all its citizens, with the judiciary guaranteeing constitutional rights and fundamental freedoms.

Regarding India’s hosting of the G-20 Tourism Working Group meeting in Srinagar, Baloch criticized the move, emphasizing that Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally recognized disputed territory. She pointed out that the dispute has been on the United Nations Security Council’s agenda for over seven decades. India’s decision to host the meeting in Indian-held Kashmir, disregarding relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, the principles of the UN Charter, and international law, was condemned. Baloch remarked that India’s attempt to project normalcy in Kashmir is overshadowed by the harsh reality of the heavily militarized zone in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

Baloch commended China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, and Oman for their decision not to attend the Srinagar meeting, stating that these countries uphold international law and the UN Charter. She accused India of politicizing another international forum and exploiting its position as the current Chair to further its self-serving agenda. Baloch urged India to grant unrestricted access to international media and independent human rights organizations, end the repression in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, support the establishment of a UN Commission of Inquiry, and facilitate a UN-supervised plebiscite for the people of Kashmir to determine their own future.

Baloch also announced the appointment of Ambassador Asif Ali Khan Durrani as Pakistan’s Special Representative on Afghanistan. As a retired Foreign Service officer, Ambassador Durrani brings extensive experience, having served as Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran and the UAE, as well as in various roles in Pakistan’s Missions in Kabul, Tehran, New Delhi, London, and the Permanent Mission to the UN in New York. In his capacity as Special Representative on Afghanistan, Ambassador Durrani will act as a liaison between international partners and the Pakistani leadership, representing Pakistan in significant international mechanisms related to Afghanistan.

Addressing concerns about secret meetings between President Dr Arif Alvi and ambassadors of different countries without involving the Foreign Office, Baloch categorically denied such claims.

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Pakistani rupee remains stable against US Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal and Dirham; Check forex rates

Pakistani rupee remained stable against the US dollar, and other currencies in the open market on Friday.

Dollar Rate in Pakistan Today

On Friday, the US dollar remained stable and was being quoted at 283.2 for buying and 286.15 for selling.

Euro comes down to 308 for buying and 311 for selling. British Pound rate dropped to 358.5 for buying, and 362 for selling.

UAE Dirham AED witnessed slight drop and new rate stands at 77.4 whereas the Saudi Riyal remained stable at 76.

Today's currency exchange rates in Pakistan - 8 December 2023

Source: Forex Association of Pakistan. (last update 09:00 AM)

Currency Symbol Buying Selling
US Dollar ‎USD 283.2 286.15
Euro EUR 308 311
UK Pound Sterling GBP 358.5 362
U.A.E Dirham AED 77.4 78.1
Saudi Riyal SAR 76 76.8
Australian Dollar AUD 187.2 189
Bahrain Dinar BHD 757.23 765.23
Canadian Dollar CAD 209 211
China Yuan CNY 39.89 40.29
Danish Krone DKK 41.19 41.59
Hong Kong Dollar HKD 36.41 36.71
Indian Rupee INR 3.42 3.53
Japanese Yen JPY 1.39 1.45
Kuwaiti Dinar KWD 921.71 930.71
Malaysian Ringgit MYR 61.02 61.62
New Zealand Dollar NZD 174.54 176.54
Norwegians Krone NOK 26.05 26.35
Omani Riyal OMR 739.62 747.62
Qatari Riyal ‎QAR 78.22 78.92
Singapore Dollar SGD 211 213
Swedish Korona SEK 27.12 27.42
Swiss Franc CHF 324.94 327.44
Thai Bhat THB 8.06 8.21

Gold prices in Pakistan increase; Check out latest rates here

Gold price in Pakistan increased as the yellow metal witnessed an upward trend in the international market.

Gold Rates in Pakistan Today - 8 December 2023

On Friday, the price of a single tola of 24-karat gold stands at Rs217,400 and 10 grams of 24k gold costs Rs186,390.

Single tola of 22 Karat Gold costs Rs199,282, 21 karat rate for per tola is Rs190,225 and 18k gold rate is Rs163,050 each tola.

In the global market, gold prices hover at around $2026, gaining $8.30 on Friday.

Today Gold Rate in Pakistan

Today Gold Price in Pakistan (8 December 2023)

City Gold Silver
Lahore PKR 217,400 PKR 2,583
Karachi PKR 217,400 PKR 2,583
Islamabad PKR 217,400 PKR 2,583
Peshawar PKR 217,400 PKR 2,583
Quetta PKR 217,400 PKR 2,583
Sialkot PKR 217,400 PKR 2,583
Attock PKR 217,400 PKR 2,583
Gujranwala PKR 217,400 PKR 2,583
Jehlum PKR 217,400 PKR 2,583
Multan PKR 217,400 PKR 2,583
Bahawalpur PKR 217,400 PKR 2,583
Gujrat PKR 217,400 PKR 2,583
Nawabshah PKR 217,400 PKR 2,583
Chakwal PKR 217,400 PKR 2,583
Hyderabad PKR 217,400 PKR 2,583
Nowshehra PKR 217,400 PKR 2,583
Sargodha PKR 217,400 PKR 2,583
Faisalabad PKR 217,400 PKR 2,583
Mirpur PKR 217,400 PKR 2,583

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