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The speech of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, the Amir of Qatar, at the opening session of the United Nations General Assembly represents the conscience of the Arab and Islamic Ummah and reflects the shared sentiments of humanity against the continuing atrocities in Palestine. Pakistan fully aligns with HH Amir’s vision of peace and stability in the region and beyond.Pakistan reiterates its strong condemnation of the recent treacherous Israeli attack on a residential area in Qatar, which was a blatant violation of international law and a shocking act of aggression against a country that has consistently pursued peace and mediation. Such an act, committed while Qatar was engaged in sincere efforts to mediate for an end to the bloodshed in Gaza, amounts to nothing less than a betrayal of humanitarian values, international norms and diplomacy.The extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit convened in Doha on September 14–15 under the leadership of HH the Amir was a historic moment of unity, in which the Ummah expressed its firm rejection of Israel’s aggression and its solidarity with the people of Palestine. Pakistan pays tribute to Qatar for its decisive and principled leadership at this critical juncture.We fully endorse HH the Amir’s bold and principled stance at the UNGA for a rule-based international order, particularly his call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and for renewed commitment to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the principles of justice and international legality.Pakistan reiterates its complete solidarity with the brotherly State of Qatar. We stand shoulder to shoulder with Qatar in its efforts for peace, justice, and the protection of innocent lives. Pakistan will continue to support Qatar’s tireless mediation role as well as its broader vision to consolidate peace, security, sustainable development, human rights, and the rule of law at all levels.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and continued efforts toward a two-state solution, which is the only viable solution to peace in the Middle East.In his address at the start of the High-Level General Debate of the United Nations General Assembly's 80th session, he stressed that the horrors in Gaza are approaching their third year, and the scale of death and destruction exceeds any other conflict. He noted that famine has been declared in Gaza despite the International Court of Justice's declaration of measures, and that these measures must be implemented immediately.He also stressed that nothing justifies the collective punishment of the Palestinian people and the systematic destruction of their livelihood.The UN Secretary-General said that the scale of death and destruction in Gaza exceeds any other conflict he has witnessed during his tenure as Secretary-General of the United Nations, emphasizing the need to implement the legally binding provisional measures issued by the International Court of Justice in the case: "Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip."He also warned that civilians in Sudan are being killed, starved, and silenced, and that women and girls are facing unspeakable violence, emphasizing that there is no military solution to the conflict.In this context, he urged all parties to end the foreign support that fuels the bloodshed in Sudan and to press for the protection of civilians.On the other hand, Guterres said that the principles of the United Nations are under siege, the pillars of peace and progress are crumbling, and that without effective multilateral institutions, the world will descend into chaos.Referring to the organization's creation after World War II, he said that 80 years ago, world leaders chose cooperation over chaos, law over lawlessness, and peace over conflict, and that this choice resulted in the birth of the United Nations.He added that the United Nations is not just a meeting place, but a moral compass, a force for peace and its preservation, a protector of international law, a catalyst for sustainable development, a lifeline for people in crises, and a beacon for human rights.The UN Secretary-General also addressed the current challenges, questioning the nature of the world we will choose, and indicating that the world is becoming increasingly multipolar. This may be a positive thing, reflecting a more diverse international arena, but multipolarity without effective multilateral institutions leads to chaos.The UN Secretary-General urged UN Member States to make five choices: peace rooted in international law, human dignity and human rights, climate justice, technology at the service of humanity, and strengthening the United Nations for the 21st century.The UN Secretary-General stressed that peace is our first commitment, adding that impunity is the mother of chaos.

An early goal by defender Nayef Aguerd gave Marseille a 1-0 win over reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain Monday, a rare success against their great rivals in a game delayed by 24 hours by storms in southern France.Moroccan defender Aguerd, signed just before the recent transfer deadline from West Ham United, scored his second goal in as many Ligue 1 appearances for his new club with five minutes gone at the Velodrome. PSG goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier came for a deflected Mason Greenwood cross but got nothing on the ball, allowing Aguerd to head into the unguarded net and score the only goal of the game.The fixture, the biggest in French football, was scheduled to go ahead on Sunday but was called off because local authorities feared forecast heavy rainfall would be a significant risk for both players and spectators. With little space in a packed calendar and both clubs involved in the Champions League, the match was put back just a day.That proved awkward for PSG as it meant a clash with the Ballon d'Or awards ceremony in Paris, at which a host of their squad were nominated for the men's player of the year prize. Among them was Ousmane Dembele, the top scorer for the Champions League winners last season who was able to attend the ceremony having been ruled out of the Marseille clash due to injury.PSG coach Luis Enrique could have done with Dembele in the game, as well as his fellow injury absentees Desire Doue and Joao Neves. Achraf Hakimi was pushed forward from his usual right-back position to the wing, but it was still a strong Paris team. Nevertheless, Marseille held onto the lead following the early goal to claim a first home league victory against PSG since November 2011.Aguerd's goal was the first time they had even found the net at home to PSG in Ligue 1 since 2017. Amine Gouiri hit the bar soon after as Marseille sought to add to their advantage. The home side also had a goal disallowed for offside in the first half, before goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli made a couple of key saves to deny the visitors after the break.Marseille saw the game out, although not before fiery coach Roberto De Zerbi was shown a late red card on the touchline. It is a first loss of the season for PSG, who had won their first four matches in Ligue 1. They fall off the top of the table, behind Monaco on goals scored.Both teams have 12 points, as do Lyon and Strasbourg who complete the top four. Marseille are up to sixth, three points adrift of the leading quartet.

France forward Ousmane Dembele on Monday won the men's Ballon d'Or, the most prestigious individual prize in football, rewarding his starring role in the Paris Saint-Germain side that lifted the Champions League trophy last season.Dembele, 28, pipped Barcelona and Spain teenage sensation Lamine Yamal to the prize at a ceremony in Paris and succeeds Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri, who won the trophy in 2024. The former Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona winger, who was part of the France team that won the World Cup in 2018, scored 35 goals in all competitions as PSG won a French league and cup double as well as the Champions League for the first time in their history."I really don't have the words. It was an incredible season with PSG," said an emotional Dembele, who said his club coach Luis Enrique had been "like a father". "It is an individual trophy but it was really the collective that won it," added Dembele, who was one of nine members of the triumphant PSG team from last season nominated for the prize. "The Ballon d'Or has not really been an objective for me in my career but I worked hard for the team to win the Champions League."The 18-year-old Yamal, who was a teammate of Dembele's at Barcelona when he first broke through in 2023, earlier won the Kopa Trophy for the best player aged under 21 - the second year running he has taken that award.Luis Enrique and Sarina Wiegman landed the top coaching accolades following their sensational seasons in charge of Paris St-Germain and England’s Lionesses. Enrique achieved the remarkable Treble with a European club for the second time in his career, previously doing so with Barcelona in the 2014-15 season. He joins Pep Guardiola, who has also done this twice. And Wiegman became the first manager in either the men's or women's game to lead a team to five consecutive major international tournament finals: two with Netherlands, three with England.Enrique said in a statement: "Thank you to my family, thank you to PSG. I also want to thank two special people: Nasser Al-Khelaifi (PSG chairman) and Luís Campos (PSG sporting director). We have a special relationship. A message to my players who are there: it’s nice to win individual awards but I think the most important thing is the recognition of the fans."Spain's Bonmati wins Women's Ballon d'OrBarcelona and Spain star Aitana Bonmati won the Women's Ballon d'Or, the third consecutive year she has taken the prize. Bonmati edged out Mariona Caldentey, her teammate in the Spain side beaten on penalties by England in the Women's Euro 2025 final in July.The 27-year-old midfielder also lost the Women's Champions League final with her club last season, at the hands of Caldentey's Arsenal. Bonmati was named player of the tournament at the Euros, despite not starting either of Spain's first two matches as she recovered from a bout of viral meningitis.Alessia Russo, one of the nominees from the triumphant England European Championship team, came in third place. The Ballon d'Or is the most prestigious individual prize in both men's and women's football, and Bonmati's run of three in a row follows back-to-back victories for her Barcelona and Spain teammate Alexia Putellas. Norway's Ada Hegerberg and USA star Megan Rapinoe are the only other players to have won the Women's Ballon d'Or since it was introduced in 2018.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani participated in the High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution.The conference, held Monday on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, at the UN headquarters in New York.The conference was attended by a number of heads of states and governments, delegations, and representatives of governmental and non-governmental organisations.The conference was attended also by HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, and a number of Their Excellencies members of the official delegation accompanying His Highness the Amir.

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah has described the International Conference on the Two-State Solution as a pivotal moment to advance peace and reinforce international commitment to a just resolution of the Palestinian issue.Delivering remarks on behalf of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al- Saud, Prince Faisal addressed the opening session of the high-level conference on the peaceful resolution of the Palestinian conflict, held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.In his speech, the Saudi Foreign Minister condemned what he called the brutal crimes of the Israeli occupation in Gaza, ongoing violations in the West Bank, and repeated infringements on the sovereignty of Arab and Islamic nations - citing most recently the blatant aggression against the State of Qatar.Prince Faisal welcomed France's recent recognition of the State of Palestine and commended the growing number of countries taking similar positions. He also pointed to the overwhelming support for the UN General Assembly's adoption of the New York Declaration, which calls for a peaceful resolution and the realization of the two-state solution. With 142 countries voting in favor, he said, the resolution reflects a strong international consensus in support of the Palestinian people's legitimate rights, grounded in international law and the Arab Peace Initiative.The minister warned that Israel's continued hostile actions threaten regional and global stability and risk derailing peace efforts. He reiterated Saudi Arabia's longstanding position that the two-state solution remains the only credible path toward a comprehensive and lasting peace.Prince Faisal affirmed the Kingdom's readiness to work closely with France and other nations committed to peace in order to implement the outcomes of the conference. He stressed the urgent need to end the conflict in Gaza, stop all unilateral measures undermining Palestinian sovereignty, and advance a political solution to the crisis.He concluded by thanking the countries that have already recognized, or declared their intention to recognize, the State of Palestine, and called on others to follow suit and take what he described as a historic and necessary step toward justice and stability.

The assets of Islamic banks in the country grew by 3.9% to QR585.5bn in 2024, according to Bait Al-Mashura Finance.Quoting figures from the Qatar Central Bank (QCB), Bait Al-Mashura said in 2023 Islamic bank assets in the country totalled QR563.7bn.Islamic banks accounted for 28% of the total assets of Qatar’s banking sector, the researcher said.Domestic assets of Islamic banks increased by 4% in 2024 to QR529.7bn, while their reserves rose by 6.3% to QR20.6bn.Foreign assets amounted to QR35.2bn, a 0.4% decrease year-on-year compared to 2023.The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of assets for Qatar’s Islamic banks over the five-year period (2020-2024) reached 5.4%, compared to 3.5% for traditional commercial banks in the country during the same period.In 2024, Islamic banks in Qatar recorded revenues of QR29.5bn, representing a growth rate of 12.6% compared to 2023.Financing and investment activities accounted for 91% of these total revenues. This growth was driven by a 13.8% increase in financing and investment revenues, along with an 8.4% decrease in the provision for credit losses compared to 2023.Over the period 2020-2024, the revenue of Islamic banks grew at a CAGR of 9%.In 2024, the four Islamic banks in Qatar achieved total net profits of QR8.7bn for their shareholders, compared to QR8.2bn in 2023, representing a 6% growth.Data from the QCB showed that total deposits in the Qatari banking system grew by 4.1% in 2024.Islamic bank deposits in Qatar increased by 8.2% during the same period, compared to a 2.2% increase in deposits at conventional commercial banks.Islamic bank deposits accounted for approximately 34% of the total deposits in the Qatari banking system, reaching a total of QR339.1bn, compared to QR313.4bn in 2023.Over the period 2020-2024, the compound annual growth rate for deposits in Islamic banks was 5%, compared to 1.5% for conventional banks.The private sector held the largest share of deposits in Islamic banks, at 57%, followed by the public sector with 38%. Non-resident deposits constituted only 5% of total deposits in Islamic banks.During 2024, the most significant growth rate was observed in public sector deposits, which increased by 20%. Private sector deposits also grew by 4%, while non-resident deposits declined by 16% compared to 2023.According to quarterly data from the QCB, financing provided by Islamic banks (in 2024) reached QR401.5bn, an increase of 4.9% compared to 2023.Credit facilities extended by traditional commercial banks also increased by 4.4%.The most significant growth in Islamic bank financing in 2024 was observed in the real estate and general trade sectors, increasing by 16% and 12.7% respectively.Financing for the services and consumer sectors also increased by 4.5% and 2.9% respectively.Conversely, financing for the industrial and construction sectors declined by 14.2% and 11.3% respectively.Islamic bank financing represented 30% of total banking sector financing in 2024.During the period 2020-2024, the CAGR for total financing by Islamic banks was 5.2%, compared to 3% for traditional commercial banks.

Qatar Chamber held a meeting Monday with a business delegation from India to discuss trade and economic relations and ways to enhance them, as well as opportunities for private sector collaboration and partnerships and promising sectors for Qatari investment in India.The delegation was led by Sanjay Beswal, co-chair of the International Affairs Committee at PHDCCI India, while Qatar Chamber board member Mohamed bin Mahdi al-Ahbabi headed the Qatari side.Addressing the meeting, al-Ahbabi highlighted the strong co-operation between Qatar and India at all levels, particularly in trade and economic relations. He noted that India is one of Qatar’s most important trading partners, with bilateral trade reaching QR48bn last year. He added that the Indian business community plays an active role in supporting Qatar’s economic development through the presence of numerous Indian companies operating across various sectors in the Qatari market.Al-Ahbabi also emphasised Qatar Chamber’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and co-operation between Qatari and Indian companies through joint investments and projects across diverse sectors, including energy, infrastructure, technology, healthcare, and food security.He invited Indian companies to explore the investment opportunities available in Qatar, highlighting the country’s advanced infrastructure and progressive legislation, which pave the way for deeper collaboration between the Qatari and Indian business communities.For his part, Beswal noted that PHDCCI is one of India’s oldest chambers, established over 128 years ago, and includes a wide range of leading companies, including SMEs across all sectors.He expressed his keenness to enhance co-operation with Qatar Chamber to develop stronger partnerships between the business sectors of both countries, especially given the shared desire to expand trade and economic co-operation. He highlighted the strong economic and commercial ties between the two countries, noting that India is one of Qatar’s leading exporters.Beswal said many Indian companies are keen to invest in Qatar and collaborate with Qatari counterparts across all sectors, inviting Qatari investors to explore India’s promising investment opportunities in infrastructure, education, healthcare, services, renewable energy, technology, and innovation, supported by legislative reforms, incentives, and a pro-business environment.He also invited Qatari businessmen and investors to visit India to explore available opportunities and meet their Indian counterparts to discuss co-operation and joint ventures.The meeting also included a presentation highlighting investment opportunities in India across sectors, such as energy, infrastructure, transport, smart cities, technology and innovation, food security, agriculture, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, and fintech.Also present at the meeting were Deepak Pundir, commercial attaché at the Indian Embassy in Qatar, along with a number of Qatari businessmen and their Indian counterparts.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul advocated for the immediate start of efforts to reach a two-state solution in the Middle East, while criticizing the Israeli offensive in Gaza City as completely misguided."For Germany, the recognition of a Palestinian state is more likely to come at the end of the process," the minister said. "But this process must begin now."On Monday afternoon, on the eve of the UN General Assembly, Wadephul plans to attend a conference organized by France and Saudi Arabia that aims to boost support for a two-state solution that envisions Israel and an independent, democratic Palestinian state living peacefully side by side."What the region needs now is an immediate ceasefire, significantly more humanitarian aid for the people in Gaza and the immediate, unconditional release of the hostages," Wadephul said.The Israeli offensive on Gaza City is completely the wrong approach, he added. "Any steps towards annexing occupied territories in violation of international law also undermine the chance of a lasting solution to the conflict." "As far as it may seem at the moment, a negotiated two-state solution is the way to enable Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace, security and dignity," Wadephul continued.

Qatar beat Yemen 1-0 in the AGCFF U-17 Gulf Cup match played at the Grand Hamad Stadium on Sunday.Faisal Saeed scored the winner for the hosts. Qatar will next play Oman on Wednesday before meeting the UAE on September 27th.

The United States finished the world championships in style as Noah Lyles and Melissa Jefferson-Wooden completed memorable individual weeks by helping their country to emphatic golds in both 4x100m relays in driving rain Sunday.Jefferson-Wooden became the second woman to sweep all three sprint titles at one World Athletics Championships.The 24-year-old, who won the 100-200m double in Tokyo, helped the United States to a lead at the last exchange and Sha'Carri Richardson brought the baton home in 41.75 seconds."I did what I wanted to do individually, and then came back together with my girls, my training partners, and we were all able to walk away with the gold," said Jefferson-Wooden."It's crazy to be going home with three gold medals. I added my name to the history books once again. I am right where I want to be."Jamaica finished second in 41.79 to send sprint queen Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, whose 2013 sweep Jefferson-Wooden emulated, into retirement with a 17th world championship medal."I'm grateful for the opportunity that I got once more to represent my country and to walk away with a silver medal," said the 38-year-old, who won 10 world and three Olympic sprint titles over her glittering career."I'm excited to have done it with a young team that is coming up, and I'm hoping that I would have done my part to just add some inspiration or some outlook for them."Germany came third in 41.87 for bronze on the back of a blistering final leg from Gina Lueckenkemper to see off Britain, who finished fourth in 42.07.In the men's race, the final track event of what has been a fantastic nine days of action, the U.S. were slick in their handovers despite the testing conditions.Kenny Bednarek got a gold to cheer him up after yet another silver in the 200m, but it was Lyles taking the spotlight again as he brought them home in 37.29 for his second gold after he won a fourth successive 200 following his bronze in the 100."We all know we are the fastest. We just had to get the baton from start to finish," Lyles said."I saw the lead we had and it was a kind of a relief as everybody did such a great job. I just had to finish the race. They made it easy for me. I could not have asked for a better relay."Fast-finishing Canada took silver in 37.55, with the Netherlands delighted to take bronze in a national record 37.81.With the men's discus outstanding, due to rain delays, the U.S. sit top of the medal table with 16 gold, five silver and five bronze. Kenya are second with seven golds, while a record 50 countries have won a medal.

HE Sheikh Hassan bin Jabor al-Thani Sunday announced a dramatic return to international power boat racing after an 11-year lay-off from the sport.The former Qatari offshore racer was a regular front-runner in the UIM Class One World Powerboat Championship and the American racing scene until he stopped competing at the end of 2014.His former British throttleman Steve Curtis MBE has continued to compete in the highest echelons of the American offshore racing scene and the duo will join forces for the 44th Annual Offshore World Championship at Key West in Florida on November 2nd-9th.With support from Qatar’s Ministry of Sport and Youth, the duo will revive the legendary Spirit of Qatar 96 racing hull name with a new boat and compete in the Extreme class.“Our last race together was in 2014 but we will be testing during the third week of October before heading to Key West,” enthused Sheikh Hassan.“The goal, of course, will be the podium and to set plans in motion for the 2026 season. It will be a new boat for us to run together but I am sure that Steve and I will settle in quickly.”One of many highlights for the duo during their former association with the Spirit of Qatar Team was obliterating the water speed record with a stunning second run of 244mph at the 26th Annual Lake of the Ozarks Shootout in central Missouri in 2014.The iconic Key West racing festival is fought out over three races.After the customary parade through the streets of Key West on Sunday, November 2nd, technical checks and registration is scheduled for Monday, November 3rd.Official testing will take place on Tuesday, November 4th with the first of the Extreme races for the Truman Waterfront Cup and the on-water fireworks taking centre stage on Wednesday, November 5th.Further testing is permitted on Thursday, November 6th before the second race for the Southernmost Continental Championship on Friday, November 7th.Numerous spectator-friendly events are planned in Truman Waterfront Park on Saturday, November 8th, before the final race for the Conch Republic Championship rounds off the action on Sunday, November 9th.