Foreign news
Pakistan Accuses India of Provocation, Condemns Missile Strike and Drone Incursions
Joel Ajayi
The High Commissioner of Pakistan to Nigeria, Rt. Maj.-Gen. Sohail Khan, has strongly condemned the Indian missile attack on the night of May 7, which struck nine locations across Pakistan, resulting in the deaths of 37 civilians, including women and children.
In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, the High Commission described India’s allegations as baseless, devoid of truth, and filled with propaganda.
High Commissioner emphasized that Pakistan’s commitment to peace should not be misconstrued as a sign of weakness.
According to the statement, the High Commission categorically rejected the “irresponsible and unfounded” accusations propagated by Indian media, which claimed that Pakistan was responsible for attacks on Pathankot, Jaisalmer, and Srinagar.
“The statement labeled these claims as politically motivated and part of a reckless propaganda campaign aimed at maligning Pakistan.”
It further stated that the repeated pattern of making accusations against Pakistan without credible investigation reflects a deliberate strategy to manufacture a pretext for aggression and destabilize the region. Such behavior, the Commission warned, not only threatens regional peace but also exposes a troubling tendency to exploit misinformation for political and military gains.
“We urge the international community to take serious note of this dangerous behavior and to advise India to act with restraint and responsibility,” the statement read.
It concluded by affirming that “any escalation based on false pretenses will be met with full resolve and determination to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” The Commission reiterated that while Pakistan remains vigilant and committed to peace, it will not be provoked, intimidated, or misled, and reserves the right to respond to any acts of aggression. The allegations were rejected in the strongest possible terms.
It is worth recalling that on Thursday, India accused Pakistan of launching drone and missile attacks on three military bases in Indian territory and Indian-administered Kashmir—an allegation Islamabad promptly denied.
Meanwhile, Pakistan claimed it had shot down 25 Indian drones in recent hours, while New Delhi has remained publicly silent on the matter
Foreign news
Namibia Embassy Celebrates 35th Independence Anniversary in Abuja
…As Nigeria-Namibia Trade Relations Expand
By Joel Ajayi
The Namibian Mission in Nigeria recently marked the 35th Independence Anniversary of Namibia with a vibrant celebration in Abuja, marked by pomp and excitement.
Speaking at the event, His Excellency Humphrey Geiseb, High Commissioner of the Republic of Namibia to Nigeria, commended the resilience of every Namibian who fought for the country’s freedom and democracy.
“This day reminds us of the sacrifices made by countless Namibians who gave their lives for our freedom. As our national anthem says, ‘Their blood waters our freedom.’ Namibia’s independence on 21 March 1990 was the result of a long and tireless struggle. We continue to honor the legacy of those who fought for a free and democratic nation,” he stated.
He emphasized that this year’s celebration holds additional significance:
“A few weeks ago, Namibia witnessed the inauguration of Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as the 5th President of the Republic of Namibia. This marks a historic milestone, not only for our country but for the entire SADC region, as she is the first woman to hold the highest office in the land.”
He praised the progress Namibia has made in gender representation, noting that President Ndaitwah’s administration includes a female Vice President, nine women Cabinet Ministers, and a female Speaker of Parliament.
“This shows that women occupy top leadership positions in Namibia, demonstrating that they can lead with strength, vision, and wisdom,” he said.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s role in Namibia’s independence struggle, the High Commissioner expressed deep gratitude:
“Namibia’s fight for independence would not have been successful without the unwavering support of our international friends, and Nigeria was a key partner. From the 1960s to the 1980s, Nigeria welcomed Namibians—particularly students—and supported liberation movements in Southern Africa through political, economic, diplomatic, and logistical means.”
He noted that, since independence, Namibia has enjoyed peace and political stability for 35 years without internal conflict. However, challenges such as poverty and unemployment persist. The government remains committed to improving living standards and achieving the goals of Vision 2030, aiming to solidify its high middle-income status.
Despite challenges in securing financial support due to its middle-income classification, Namibia continues to advance across multiple sectors.
Geiseb also acknowledged Nigeria’s contribution to strengthening bilateral ties.
“I want to sincerely thank the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the successful outcomes of the 5th Session of the Namibia-Nigeria Joint Permanent Commission of Cooperation, held in February 2025 in Namibia.”
That session resumed official dialogue between the two nations after a 15-year hiatus and introduced new mechanisms for deepening collaboration.
Highlighting growing economic ties, the High Commissioner mentioned that two Nigerian companies—Premier Charcoal and King Charcoal—are thriving in Namibia’s charcoal industry, exporting high-quality products to the international market. Additionally, Namibia exports salt worth approximately $5–6 million annually to Nigeria.
“We look forward to further expanding our trade relations, and we hope Nigerian products will soon be available in Namibian supermarkets,” he said.
He concluded by appreciating Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the entire Nigerian government for their continued support in strengthening Namibia-Nigeria bilateral relations.
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