Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari postponed his official visits to four European countries in view of calamities across Pakistan caused by the ongoing heavy monsoon rains and flooding, a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry said.
The foreign minister was set to depart on a four country-trip including Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Norway in a bid to strengthen Pakistan’s engagement with Europe and share its perspective on regional and global issues from August 22-26.
According to the statement, Bilawal delayed his visits due to the heavy damages to lives and property caused by the torrential rains in the country.
The foreign minister is looking forward to his interactions with his counterparts, other dignitaries and media, as part of Pakistan’s continued engagement with Europe.
FM Bilawal's visits to these capitals will be rescheduled at mutually agreed later dates in consultation with the host governments, said the ministry.
Canadian lawmakers have historically visited Taiwan two times a year, only to hit a pause during the pandemic, says parliamentary trade committee.
"The intent is not to disrupt and cause problems for Taiwan, or problems for China. It's about trade," says Canadian lawmaker Judy Sgro.
(Getty Images)
A delegation of Canadian lawmakers has announced plans to visit Taiwan in October to seek economic opportunities in the Asia Pacific region, a move that could further stoke tensions between China and the West.
Members of a parliamentary committee on trade have been planning to visit the island state for some time, Canadian Liberal Member of Parliament Judy Sgro said on Wednesday.
"The intent is not to disrupt and cause problems for Taiwan, or problems for China. It's about trade, it's about friendship, it's about opportunities for Canada, in that whole Asia Pacific region," Sgro, who heads the trade panel, told the Reuters news agency.
The relationship between China and the West has worsened since US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan earlier this month against Beijing's wishes.
China says Taiwan is its inseparable province and is against foreign politicians visiting the island. Taiwan, which maintains diplomatic ties with some 14 countries, says it is an independent country.
In response to Pelosi's visit, China restricted trade and launched massive military drills around Taiwan, as well as slapped sanctions on Pelosi.
Beijing also imposed sanctions on a Lithuanian minister who visited Taiwan days after Pelosi's trip.
China said another trip by US lawmakers to the capital Taipei on Sunday was an infringement on its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Chinese embassy in Ottawa did not respond to a request for comment.
The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Canada also did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.
Sgro said Canadian lawmakers have usually visited Taiwan twice a year in the past but stopped due to the coronavirus pandemic.
"This is part of an ongoing effort for us to ensure that the doors are open for Canadian companies wherever there's trade opportunity," Sgro said.
Conservative MP and vice chair on the trade committee, Randy Hoback, said he would seek guidance from the Canadian Foreign Ministry before deciding on visiting Taiwan.
"I think we need to get back to normalcy in a lot of things and one of that is in visits and having interaction from country to country," Hoback told Reuters.
Actor Ayeza Khan shared pictures from her family vacation in the United States and they are going viral.
The pictures show the celebrity couple enjoying their outing in the United States on the visual sharing platform. Thousands and millions of netizens liked the pictures.
Meray Paas Tum Ho actor took to her account on the photo and video sharing application earlier this week and shared a picture gallery of the family’s day out at a theme park, Sesame Place on the outskirts of Pennsylvania.
Ayeza Khan, who has more than 12 million followers on Instagram, posted a boomerang clip of herself on a trampoline as well.
The actress tied the knot with the heartthrob Danish Taimoor back in 2014 and has two children. She gave birth to Hoorain in 2015 and Rayan in 2017.
Ayeza Khan has proved her mettle in the drama and film industry with her versatile roles in several superhit projects. Her work in the projects has earned praise from both critics and fans.
Her hit serials and films include Mere Paas Tum Ho, Koi Chand Rakh, Kahani Aik Raat Ki, Mera Saaein 2, Aks, Pyarey Afzal, Ho Mann Jahan and Thora Sa Haq.
