PM, TURKIYE PRESIDENT RENEW COMMITMENT TO FURTHER DEEPEN MULTIFACETED COOPERATION
g PM SHEHBAZ, ERDOGAN PLEDGE TO CONTINUE WORKING CLOSELY FOR REGIONAL PEACE, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, AND SHARED PROSPERITY
g TWO LEADERS REAFFIRM THEIR PRINCIPLED SUPPORT FOR EACH OTHER ’S CORE CONCERNS, INCLUDING KA SHMIR DISPUTE AND SITUATION IN GAZA
g AGREE TO TAKE STEPS FOR ACHIEVING $5 BILLION ANNUAL BILATERAL TRADE TARGET A S SET EARLIER BY THE TWO LEADERS
g PREMIER SHEHBAZ EXPRESSES GRATITUDE TO GOVT AND PEOPLE OF TURKIYE FOR ‘ UNWAVERING SUPPORT ’ DURING RECENT CONFLICT WITH INDIA
g BOTH LEADERS FOLLOW UP ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF KEY DECISIONS TAKEN DURING 7TH SESSION OF HLSCC, HELD IN ISLAMABAD ON 13 FEB
g TURKISH PRESIDENT HOSTS DINNER IN HONOUR OF PM SHEHBAZ AND HIS DELEGATION
Committed to peace but will respond more strongly if provoked: DG ISPR
Army and Kashmir will become Pakistan ” Students waved national flags, lauding and voicing support for the military
Lt-Gen Chaudhry said Pakistan s armed forces had previously responded decisively to Indian airstrikes, with more precise and resolute retaliatory strikes on 26 military installations He referenced the death of a young boy in Muzaffarabad saying the brigade headquarters responsible for the attack was destroyed Our aircraft targeted only military infrastructure and installations,” he asserted, adding “We did not strike any civilian population infrastructure or place of worship because we believe in peace The military spokesperson also accused India of sponsoring terrorism and funding militancy in Pakistan, including unrest in Balochistan and attacks by extremist groups There will be India s hand in every terrorist act in Pakistan whether in Balochistan or
Long live the Pakistan
elsewhere, he pointed out
Addressing Afghan authorities, he urged not to allow militants use Afghan soil for launching attacks on Pakistan Do not become proxies of India he emphasized adding that the problem lies with certain Afghan elites allegedly funded by New Delhi
The DG ISPR also condemned hardline groups such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) accusing them of distorting Islamic teachings and seeking support from India You ask for help from those who violate the dignity of Kashmiri women,” he said Reiterating Pakistan’s long-standing stance on the Kashmir dispute he told the audience: The time has come again Kashmir will become Pakistan
The recent military conflict between Pakistan and India came in the wake of Pahalgam attack, a tourist report in Indian-occupied Kashmir on April 22 that resulted in the killing 26 tourists
ity it added Premier Shehbaz Sharif who was accompanied by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the government and people of Turkiye for their “unwavering support” to Pakistan during the recent developments in South Asia underscoring the “strength of the fraternal bonds between the two nations He lauded Turkiye s principled stance and the outpouring of support of goodwill of the Turkish people for Pakistan and termed it as a “source of great comfort and strength for Pakistan ” The Prime Minister highlighted the commitment and courage and the spirit
Pakistan and the resolute patriotism of the people of Pakistan that was demons t
the PMO statement
ta f f R e p
The Punjab Assembly on Friday saw the introduction of a bill aimed at making mother tongues such as Punjabi Seraiki and other regional languages a compulsory part of the primary education curriculum across
armed neighbours since the partition of the subcontinent Barrister Sultan accused India of staging a false flag operation in Pahalgam and attempting to pin the blame on Pakistan in order to sway international opinion He asserted that the Indian government’s propaganda campaign collapsed when the Pakistan Army decisively
Karachi braces for searing heat as temperature nears 40°C
insufficient to ease the oppressive conditions Meteorological analyst Owais Hyder said a low-pressure system located over Maharashtra in neighbouring India is not expected to bring any relief to Karachi As a result no rainfall is forecast for Sindh, including the provincial capital, over the coming days The PMD has urged residents to take necessary precautions to avoid heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses Citizens are advised to stay indoors during peak afternoon hours and avoid strenuous outdoor activities Those who must go out are encouraged to use protective gear such as caps, scarves, or umbrellas and remain hydrated throughout the day
UN agenda for decades, yet it remains unresolved,” he said, adding that the
ternational community must break its silence and actively intervene to
further escalation Barrister Sultan reiterated that the absence of a diplomatic solution to the Kashmir conflict keeps the region on a war footing “Without a resolution of this long-standing issue, the clouds of war will continue to hover over South Asia he cautioned He urged world powers particularly the United Nations to uphold international law and ensure the implementation of the UN resolutions that recognize the right of Kashmiris to selfdetermination In closing the AJK President made a strong appeal to global leaders urging them to acknowledge the urgency of the situation and support efforts toward a peaceful settlement The region deserves peace, but that peace is not possible without justice for the people of Kashmir ” he said
Doctors are recommending increased fluid intake including water lemon water yoghurt-based drinks and lassi Light-coloured and loose-fitting clothing is also advised, along with a diet of fresh, easily digestible meals, avoiding heavy and oily foods
farming for months without incident
IT seems everyone is getting entangled with his own shoelaces, while trying to work out how to address, or at least designate the COAS The simple British what would be to call him Field Marshal with General replaced That s how it works for other
made it simply a rank in the structure, to which one would be promoted if one was competent enough and had put in the time The Red Army was big which meant more articulation that usual Divisions (commanded by major generals) made up armies (commanded by lieutenant generals), and they made up fronts (or groups of armies), which in turn made up strategic directions So a strategic direction had to have a marshal to command it so a higher rank was needed for the strategic directions So they came up with marshals Then there was a rank devoted to the senior marshal of a service, who was designated Marshal of Infantry Artillery or whatever arm he was a
member of Finally for exceptional performance was the rank of Marshal of the Soviet Union with a diamond star as the rank badge But there was one rank over that that of Generalissimo, which was held
Medical professionals are also alerting vulnerable populations including children the elderly and those with preexisting health conditions to remain especially cautious during the ongoing heatwave With no respite expected in the immediate future, authorities are urging the public to stay vigilant and take all necessary measures to stay safe during this period of extreme weather
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At UNSC, Pakistan warns against India’s ‘malevolent designs’ to stop flow of its water
YORK S
f f R
p o R t A senior Pakistani diplomat has denounced India’s “malevolent designs” to impede the flow of water guaranteed to Pakistan under the 1960 Indus Water Treaty and called on New Delhi to refrain from stopping diverting or restricting rivers going downstream We will never accept any such moves,” Ambassador Usman Jadoon, deputy permanent representative of Pakistan told a United Nations Security Council meeting held under the format named after a former Venezuelan ambassador to the UN, Diego Arriva, while highlighting India s attempt to weaponize water Arria Formula meetings are informal that enable Security Council members to have a frank and private exchange of views on relevant subjects Friday s meeting of the 15-member Council on Protecting Water in Armed
Conflict’ was convened by Slovenia in cooperation with Algeria Panama Sierra Leone and the Global Alliance to Spare Water from Armed Conflicts Opening the debate, Slovenia s State Secretary Melita Gabric emphasized the critical role that protecting water and related infrastructure during armed conflicts plays in safeguarding civilian lives saying Protection of civilians and civilian objects under international humanitarian law is non-negotiable
In his remarks, the Pakistani envoy pointed out that attacks against water resources, related infrastructure, and denial of access to these resources constitute a flagrant violation of established norms and widely accepted principles noting that the UNSC has also reaffirmed these principles and strongly condemned the unlawful denial of such access and depriving civilians of objects indispensable to their survival India s decision to illegally and unilaterally suspend the 1960 Indus
Waters Treaty (IWT) aiming to impede the flow of water guaranteed to Pakistan under the treaty is a grave violation of international law including human rights law, treaty law, and customary international law, Ambassador Jadoon said
“Troubling pronouncements by Indian leadership to ‘starve the people of Pakistan depict a highly dangerous and perverse thinking he said We strongly condemn India s unlawful announcement to hold the treaty in abeyance and call upon India to strictly abide by its legal obligations and refrain from stopping diverting or restricting rivers that are a lifeline for 240 million people of Pakistan
In conclusion Ambassador Jadoon backed the calls for full compliance with the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and international human rights laws especially for the protection of water resources and related infrastructure
Punjab begins GPS monitoring of repeat sex offenders with ankle trackers
LAHORE N e w S D e S k The Punjab government has launched an electronic surveillance programme to monitor repeat sex offenders using GPS-enabled ankle devices beginning with a pilot deployment in Lahore According to the Crime Control Department (CCD), individuals convicted at least twice in rape or sodomy cases will be fitted with tamper-proof bands that send hourly location updates to a central control centre Any attempt to remove or interfere with the device will alert authorities immediately The initial rollout includes 30 devices in Lahore, with plans to distribute 100 more across the province Re-
moval of the device will only be considered after a consistent period of behavioural compliance This initiative is part of a wider surveillance framework approved by Home Secretary Noorul Amin Mengal, including the procurement of 1,500 GPS trackers for suspects on the Fourth Schedule and repeat offenders under supervision of the CCD Counter Terrorism Department and parole authorities A recent high-level meeting cleared the import of these additional monitoring bands In parallel, the provincial government has prepared a draft of the Punjab Control of Goondas Act 2025 aimed at curbing habitual criminal activity The law proposes legal measures for identi-
fying and restricting individuals involved in repeated anti-social conduct District Intelligence Committees will be authorized to declare a person as a Goonda based on reports from law enforcement or intelligence agencies Criteria include crimes such as extortion, cyber harassment, drug trafficking gambling impersonation and weapon display Once declared the individual may face restrictions including digital surveillance, confiscation of data devices, freezing of bank accounts, community service requirements, and travel bans The draft law includes provisions for biometric data collection and technical monitoring to ensure compliance and prevent further offenses
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
Emphasizing the need for further strengthening economic cooperation, particularly through joint ventures and enhanced bilateral investment, the Prime Minister highlighted key sectors including renewable energy information technology defence production infrastructure development and agriculture as areas of mutual interest and potential The two leaders conducted a comprehensive review of the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and reiterated their resolve to elevate the strategic partnership to greater heights They also followed up on the implementation of key decisions taken during the 7th session of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) held in Islamabad on 13 February 2025 Both sides agreed to take steps for achieving 5 billion USD annual bilateral trade tar-
get as agreed earlier by the two leaders
In addition to bilateral issues Prime Minister Sharif and President Erdogan discussed pressing regional and international developments Both leaders reaffirmed their principled support for each other s core concerns, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute They also expressed deep concern over the grave humanitarian situation in Gaza urgently calling for an immediate ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian access to the affected Palestinian population Deputy Prime Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Information & Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, SAPM Syed Tariq Fatemi and Pakistan’s ambassador to Turkiye Dr Yusuf Junaid were also part of Pakistan s delegation Turkish President Erdogan also hosted dinner in honour of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the accompanying delegation Taking to X, the PM wrote that he expressed gratitude to Erdogan for Turkiye’s support during the brief conflict
with India earlier this month “[I] conveyed the sentiments of gratitude from the people of Pakistan to their Turkish brothers and sisters the prime minister wrote We also reviewed the ongoing progress of our multifaceted bilateral engagements particularly in trade and investment and reaffirmed our resolve to reaffirmed our resolve to continue working closely to further strengthen these unshakable bonds of brotherhood and cooperation he added Earlier a statement from the Prime Minister s Office said that upon his arrival at the Istanbul Airport, the prime minister was received by Turkish Minister for National Defence Yasar Guler Governor Istanbul Davut Gul President of Pakistan-Turkiye Cultural Association Burhan Kayaturk Pakistan s Ambassador to Turkiye Yousaf Junaid, Consul General Istanbul Nouman Aslam, senior officials of the Turkish government and Pakistani diplomats posted in Turkiye
make a comeback in the game Fernando fell to Rishad Hossain after making 29 off 22 with the scoreboard showing 125/4 in 12 5 overs Shaheen Afridi removed Dinesh Chandimal on 22 off 13 balls, and dismissed Hasan Nawaz for 76 two balls later Haris Rauf removed Mohammad Amir and Abrar Ahmed for ducks in the penultimate over Faheem then played a late-inning cameo, in which he hit two fours and three sixes He was dismissed on the final delivery of the innings after making 28 off just eight balls For Lahore Qalandars Shaheen picked up three wickets while Salman Mirza and Haris Rauf bagged two wickets each Sikandar Raza and Rishad Hossain chipped in with a wicket each L A H O R E Q A L A N D A R S X I
COMMENT
It is beginning to take shape
TH E contours of the coming budget are beginning to take shape, with a prediction that the budget will actually be lower than the one presented last year One estimate is that the budget will of a volume of Rs 16 9 trillion, down Rs 2 billion from the Rs 18 9 billion budgeted last year
This is because the interest declined over the fiscal year from 22 percent last June which were brought down to 12 percent at present In the fiscal year nearing completion, debt servicing came down to Rs 8 5 trillion even though Rs 9 8 trillion had been budgeted One of the effects od the high debt servicing last year was that high State Bank of Pakistan profits were recorded, which were given to the government last year which made the budget figures that much better With the interest coming down, extraordinary profits should not be expected
Both the Finance Minister and the Planning Minister have said that a higher provision will have to be made for defence This is not to pay for extra expenses that have been incurred, but to provide for deficiencies that still exist No new divisions are being raised or tanks or planes being acquired but recruitments in all services have to be made keeping in view the need to ensure existing units are up to strength While tanks or planes (or jeeps or frigates) may not be acquired, spare parts must be on hand, and fuel has to be made available, for without it all three services would grind to a sudden halt Our pilots did us proud when downing Indian planes; that was only possible because the fuel was there to put the planes in the sky
While it must be grasped that national security is as much a condition of economic prosperity as political stability, there should be no throwing out the baby with the bathwater While it is a given that the coming budget must be one in which the buds of prosperity, the signs of recovery, must not be squeezed out The recent Indian shenanigans at the IMF in trying to get the Pakistani programme cancelled, show how deeply India is committed to throwing Pakistan off-balance economically The Finance Minister will have to find means to ensure that India does not get the satisfaction of succeeding
Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
M A Niazi Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami Editor Profit
sion and regional mobility
What sets China apart is its commitment to letting Afghanistan rebuild itself on its own cultural social and religious terms There is no political engineering No social or cultural meddling China is not offering a model to impose; it is offering a hand to uplift And that matters in a land long scarred by foreign interference
WH I L E the West devastated Afghanistan through decades of war drone strikes and foreign occupation China took a different path quiet strategic and respectful As US troops dropped bombs and NATO scrambled for exits, China was building something far more enduring: relationships, trust, and long-term partnerships not with governments or factions, but with the people themselves China never intervened in internal conflicts It didn t back one militia over another or try to redesign Afghanistan in its own image Instead it reached out to Afghan farmers miners traders and workers those who hold the real stake in a nation s future China didn t issue ultimatums or demand allegiance It offered trade, development, investment, and a shared vision rooted in mutual benefit While others saw Afghanistan as a battlefield China saw it as a bridge And now that vision is taking form
On May 21 a landmark informal meeting in Beijing brought together the foreign ministers of China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan More than handshakes and smiles, it marked a strategic turning point: the decision to extend the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan A decision that could not only reshape the region but offer Afghanistan a real shot at peace on Afghan terms CPEC the flagship of China s Belt and Road Initiative, has already transformed Pakistan with highways, ports, power plants, and rail links Now, Afghanistan joins this evolving network not as a dependent state but as a vital partner This is not just about infrastructure; it’s about integration Roads will link not only cities but economies Corridors will connect not only markets but destinies
Importantly, the emphasis is not just on hard connectivity rails, roads, ports but also on soft connectivity: harmonizing regulations, easing trade, facilitating the movement of people, and respecting local customs and social structures It’s a nuanced sophisticated model One that does not demand political alignment but offers economic alignment And within this spirit of integration other dormant regional initiatives are regaining momentum CASA-1000, TAPI, the Trans-Afghan Railway each poised to support energy sharing, trade expan-
Pakistan united against the terrorists
TThis new economic vision will allow Afghanistan to thrive the Afghan way Under the guidance of its traditions shaped by the values of its people, and led by the social fabric rooted in the Pashtunwali code, Afghanistan can now envision a future that is both modern and authentic
In the same meeting, the three nations also addressed regional peace and stability with clarity and resolve They jointly emphasized that no group or actor whether Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) or the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) would be allowed to use their territories to threaten regional security But this was not a military statement It was a reaffirmation that true security is a product of stability and opportunity not surveillance and subjugation And for the first time in years regional players are aligning not around ideology but around infrastructure integration and mutual interest The commitment to non-interference in Afghanistan s internal affairs a principle stressed by all three parties further highlights the maturity of this partnership Where others tried to rule, this alliance seeks to support This development also sends a gentle but clear message to powers like the USA the broader West and even India: peace is not built through pressure or presence it is earned through partnership India, in particular, is watching this shift with unease Having long opposed CPEC due to its passage through AJK New Delhi now sees its regional influence
to sow discord among the Ummah Under the guise of reform, those determining the narrative that we hear much of which promote anarchy, distrust and rebellion through foreign handlers through whom they get funding and direction
The current threats attuned to the political leadership and national establishments did not come by accident They are all a part of a coolheaded, well-funded plan to undermine trust, slow down national progress, and create the picture of chaos that India can utilize on the international stage Bringing religion and sedition into play the group and its foreign masters try to cripple Pakistan from within India s meddling in Pakistan is not new While promoting the separatist movements in the
Kulbhushan Jadhav case continues to be a glaring example of this policy – a serving officer of the Indian Navy caught red-handed spying and wreaking sabotage inside Pakistan Now, with this group s emergence, India has got another pawn to use for its disruptive aspirations However this time the story is different Pakistan is strength its people its armed forces its institutions– all shoulder to shoulder in full rejection of this new wave of fitnah The oneness shown in the light of this threat is a reflection of the political maturity and strategic consciousness of the nation There is simply no place for the ideological deception of the Khawarij and for India’s endless interference
Our armed forces and the intelligence agencies helped to identify and destroy networks of subversion Pursuits against terrorist hide-outs disruption of propaganda sources, and monitoring of foreign funding routes have worked hugely in weakening the elements The state’s no-tolerance policy towards terrorism irrespective of their source or grounds is a reaffirmation of its determination to defend national sovereignty and constitutional governance
The people of Pakistan, at the same time, have proved to have a marvelous clarity There is increased public consciousness about how these extremist groups function how they glom onto young and vulnerable innocents poison religious teaching and manipulate a sociopolitical grievance to advance a foreign cause The refusal of scholars religious leaders and
civil society to accept these groups fortifies the national resolution Pakistan s message is clear: we won t be scared, estranged, or sidetracked We will no longer tolerate the lies of the TTP Not any group sponsored by a domestic or a foreign group shall interrupt our peace, break our sovereignty or hijack our faith Islam is a peaceful religion of justice and sympathy not a religion that supports terrorism or rebellion in the name of religion TTP ideology is an aberration of Islam and an opponent of unity Besides, today s war cannot be confined between the borders and battlefields It is waged in cyber networks media programmes and ideological infiltration India’s hybrid warfare would weaken Pakistan by affecting its social cohesion discrediting institutions and advocating constant instability narrative These tactics, although subtle, are as threatening The media, academia, and the digital platforms in Pakistan have to be watchful and responsible while combating disinformation and propagating national integrity Finally Pakistan is united against the fitnah of the Khawarij and the scheming foreigners Unity in every sense belief in the constitution and peace-loving are our strengths This should be a message to every enemy: visible and hidden, that the Pakistani nation is neither blind to deceit nor is weak against betrayal The citizens of this country will still stand behind their institutions protect their homeland and unveil lie of people who want to hurt their home There is still a role to be played by every citizen Stay vigilant Report suspicious activity Refute false propaganda And what is most crucial of all, do not allow the cloakers of sedition in religious robes split us The war against TTP and foreign conspiracies is not something that pertains only to the states but a national cause The writer is a freelance columnist
There is still a role to be played by ever y citiz en Stay vigilant Repor t suspicious activity Refute false propaganda And what is most crucial of all, do not allow the cloakers of sedition in religious robes split us The war against TTP and foreign conspiracies is not something that per tains only to the states, but a national cause .
Per formative restraint
S I N C E the early days of the Kashmir issue, the United Nations has made it a customary ritual to give a call for ‘restraint’ to both Pakistan and India The recent conflict was no different The world powers have done much the same except for the United States which in the current case has talked about resolving the root cause of the Pakistan-India problem Such an attitude of the UN has really encouraged India to continue to maintain its illegal occupation of the disputed territory for over seven decades On top of that both countries have during the course of time, acquired nuclear weapons, making it an even more dangerous dispute We have seen that 75 years of delivering restraint sermons have not been, and can never be, an alternative to a permanent solution and peace in the region India should also accept the ground realities, because its efforts during the last 75 years to change the status of occupied Jammu and Kashmir have taken it nowhere The Kashmir dispute has refused to disappear
Despite the fact that India faces several freedom movements and unrest in Manipur, Punjab, Mizoram, and, indeed, has a major confrontation with China, it is not making any effort to lessen its burden of problems so that it may alleviate the life of its suffering population This is not statecraft by any stretch of imagination ABID MAHMUD ANSARI ISLAMABAD
Local roots
S M A L L community-based farms can be a pretty viable way of reducing waste and preventing future poverty As food security becomes a growing concern, it is imperative that we build sustainable local food systems Community farming can significantly reduce rural and urban waste by promoting local food production and reducing reliance on large-scale agriculture
One of the primary benefits of small farms is the minimisation of transpor-tation By producing food locally, the need for long-
India’s false flag gamble and South Asian deterrence
Oa recurring pattern of attacking Pakistan, a nuclear-weapon state, through devastating missiles that threaten the airspace of Pakistan violating international law
In response to India s unlawful operation and continued drone and missile attacks Pakistan retaliated by launching Operation Bunyanun-Marsoos (Iron Wall), in defence of its sovereignty and territorial integrity Pakistan s retaliatory military operation crushed Indian aggression and re-established conventional deterrence Pakistan effectively showed synergy in air land sea and cyber domains As part of the operation multiple Indian military
sites and air bases were targeted and reportedly destroyed including the BrahMos missile depots S-400 air defence system and cyberstrikes which disabled 70 percent of India s air capability As noted by Radio Pakistan the precision strikes wiped out Indian bases at Pathankot, Sirsa, Bathinda, Akhnoor, Halwara, Udhampur and artillery in Dehrangyari, Mankot Brigade Headquarters at Bhimber Gali KG Top Rajouri MI Center and Uri depot were also decimated by the PAF airstrikes Notably during the air combat India also lost its six fighter jets including the French-manufactured 4 5 generation Rafale, which caused New Delhi to face international humiliation A press conference by the Director General of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) noted that we targeted 26 military sites as well as the facilities that were used by India to launch cowardly attacks on innocent civilians It was stated that Pakistan s response was precise, proportionate, and remarkably restrained Since becoming the world’s seventh nuclear power in 1998 Pakistan has substantially relied on nuclear deterrence as a cornerstone of its national security and has effectively maintained the strategic balance in the region Pakistani strategic thinkers argue that nuclear deterrence in South Asia has effectively prevented large-scale conventional wars Moreover India’s idea of a limited war fought under the nuclear overhang has been effectively discounted with the capability of Pakistan s retaliatory action
The Indian aggression against Pakistan has pushed the region closer to a potential allout-war In the 2019 crisis, the conventional conflict had soon escalated into a nuclear rhetoric with Prime Minister Modi claiming that India had prepared for a Qatal ki Raat (night of murder) on 27 February However Pak-
istan’s robust nuclear deterrence provided no room for a limited conventional war under the nuclear overhang and effectively deterred Indian aggression In a conversation published by BASIC on 12 March 2025 Arms Control Advisor to Pakistan s Strategic Plans Division Brigadier Dr Zahir Kazmi stated that Pakistan had also made it clear that for every Indian missile prepared three Pakistani missiles were ready demonstrating the credibility of its deterrent posture The recent past has witnessed India employing the false flag operations particularly in IIOJK to accuse Pakistan of cross-border terrorism, aimed at tarnishing its international reputation
The Pahalgam incident coincided with the high-level visit of the US Vice President James David Vance to New Delhi which raised suspicions about its timing and intent All indicators point towards it being a falseflag operation conducted for strategic gains These politically motivated false-flag operations not only threaten regional peace and security but also exacerbate broader geopolitical tensions India’s pattern sheds light on a wider strategy that deflects attention from its internal fault-lines including the marginalization of Muslims and the ongoing repression of Kashmiri people The recent false-flag operation by India is not only an attempt to malign the image of Pakistan but to adversely affect its national interests Swiftly after the incident India suspended the World Bank-brokered Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 Subsequently India downgraded the diplomatic relations with Pakistan by reducing its diplomatic staff from the High Commission of Pakistan in India It also discontinued all third-party trade with Pakistan and shut down the integrated check post at Attari along with prohibiting the South Asian Association of
Regional Cooperation (SAARC) visa exemptions scheme to Pakistani nationals However, the Indian aggression was not limited to the diplomatic economic political measures against Pakistan the ideologically driven Modi regime authorized its armed forces the operational freedom to craft a severe military action against Islamabad In response to India s offensive diplomatic measures of April 23, Pakistan announced punitive actions which included the closure of its airspace for Indian flights suspension of the 1972 Simla Agreement closing the Wagah Border Post and subsequently the closing of all visas under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) Pakistan’s closure of its airspace for Indian flights has caused heavy losses to its commercial flights with over 1 000 Indianattributed to flights affected so far Since 1971 India has been conducting recurring false-flag operations against Pakistan In 2000 the Indian Army conducted a false-flag operation in occupied Kashmir before the visit of the US President Bill Clinton to India The motive was to defame the
The South Asian strategic equilibrium remains under strain due to IndiaÊs increasingly asser tive militar y posture , its pursuit of advanced defence technologies through strategic par tnerships, and its ambitions to asser t itself as a self-perceived regional heg emon IndiaÊs aggressive strategic posture , driven by Hindutva ideology, threatens PakistanÊs sovereignty and territorial integrity, increasing tensions and pushing South Asia to the nuclear threshold These developments risk the erosion of deterrence stability that has thus far prevented the outbreak of a major war in the region
The killing of Israeli
embassy staffers
AM E R I C A calls itself the land of opportunity The Department of Homeland Security slammed the door on thousands who came here to chase it After a prolonged back-and-forth over disciplinary records Washington has made good on its threats to strip Harvard of its ability to host international students revoking its Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification America s oldest institution of higher education has been left stunned in the aftermath Harvard will almost certainly take legal action But much of the damage has already been done As news of the DHS letter circulated just over a quarter of Harvard s student body felt a paradigm shift Nervous phone calls were made to friends and family Uncertainty about the vague timeframe of the decision and Harvard s lack of an immediate response though surely forthcoming only multiplied fears Without a clear timeline international students have been stranded in open water Many have left campus and most transfer deadlines have already closed Even if they do transfer there s no indication Trump won t come for their new institution next In his ongoing feud with Harvard, Trump has decided that Harvard’s 6,000 international students are acceptable collateral damage They studied at America’s most storied institution Through no fault of their own they may leave with nothing This is the human cost of playing politics At the center of the American mythos lies a grand promise: those who arrive on our shores seeking opportunity should be welcomed with open arms Under the pretext of standing for American values, Trump has destroyed that very principle As our peers suffer from the DHS’ ruling we as an Editorial Board and as Harvard students condemn Washington s move as cruel and deeply un-American These attacks don t just dehumanize our international peers they harm our campus and country alike Harvard’s international students are among the most talented scholars in the world, contributing to the University and the United States in myriad ways They enrich our classrooms and our
campus life Many go on to stay here long after they graduate, excelling in their fields and improving America for the benefit of us all
The Trump administration defends its choice to put our classmates’ futures in jeopardy under the guise of combating antisemitism racist DEI policies and anti-American sentiment on college campuses We have to wonder: How does sending Jewish students from abroad home including Israelis root out antisemitism? How does expelling young adults from other countries fight racism? What could be more anti-American than banishing potential immigrants who have come to our country to learn and contribute to our society?
Threats to international students do nothing to improve our campus because, for the Trump administration, that s not the point of levying them The White House is cracking down on Harvard because our University had the moral fortitude to resist attacks on its independence Because Harvard wasn’t willing to surrender its hiring or admissions policies to ideological standards imposed by the White House Trump has cracked down using every weapon in his arsenal Make no mistake: This is an attack on the fundamental value of pluralism worthwhile for its own sake and fundamental to excellence and innovation To protect our peers’ right to continue their education Harvard can’t stop fighting back Indeed lawsuits and other forms of continual resistance are our only viable option Quiet compliance with potentially unlawful oversight would represent a dereliction of our values as a University and there’s no guarantee it would yield durable protection from an unpredictable White House We’re heartened that the University seems poised to take legal action against the Trump administration but it can t do it alone To other universities we call on you to join Harvard in acts of collective resistance We understand trepidation about drawing the ire of the White House But if Trump is able to move forward with revoking our University’s right to host international students there’s no reason to believe he’ll stop there If higher education and the rest of American civil society doesn t stand with Harvard s international students now, they may find themselves alone when Trump comes for them next
HE R E was another chance – at least as Israeli
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saw it – of threading one set of events with another It s all part of the Israeli security state s playbook: any killing of Jews or its citizens, wherever they might be, will have a causal link to rabid, drooling antisemitism To protest ethnic cleansing against Palestinians dispossession starvation as a tool of war and the conscious infliction of humanitarian catastrophe on a population is equivalent to believing the Protocols of the Elders of Zion
These accusations and charges are seen as blood libels on the Jewish people, rather than rebukes and condemnation of the Israeli State and its policies
The killing of Israeli embassy staffers Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky as they were leaving an event at the Capital Jewish Museum located in downtown Washington
D C was such a chance According to Yechiel Leitner the Israeli ambassador to the US, the couple were to be engaged
The suspect gunman, Elias Rodriguez, was arrested at the scene and taken away shouting: “Free Palestine!” In court documents submitted by the FBI, the suspect, in handing himself to the officers stated his rationale for the shootings: I did it for Palestine I did it for Gaza I am unarmed He also professed admiration for US Air Force member Aaron Bushnell who immolated himself outside the Israeli embassy in February 2024 declaring that he would no longer be complicit in genocide Rodriguez has been charged by the US attorney’s office in Washington with two counts of first-degree murder
A grave reflective response might have been in order But the Netanyahu government has always been on the hunt for the political justification and the political expedient Given Netanyahu s own political travails, be they corruption charges and his own unpopularity, this quest has become habitual So it came to pass that Milgrim and Lischinsky could become a convenient platform to attack countries allied to Israel yet taking issue with the levelling and starving of Gaza
The mood was set during a press conference given by Israel s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa ar on 21 May The slaying of Milgrim and Lischinsky was the direct result of toxic antisemitic incitement against Israel and Jews around the world that has been going on since the October 7 massacre ” Israel’s missions and representatives across the globe had become “targets of antisemitic terrorism that has crossed all red lines ” In suggesting “a direct line connecting antisemitic and anti-Israeli incitement to this murder Sa ar accused leaders and officials of many countries and international organizations, especially from Europe , for being central instigators They had resorted to modern blood libels” in accusing Israel of “genocide, crimes against humanity and murdering babies” While not expressly mentioning them the Foreign Minister was clearly referring to France Britain and Canada and their joint statement of 19 May warning about the murderous implications of Operation Gideon s Chariots The statement affirmed the trio’s opposition to “the expansion of Israel’s
abhorrent language used recently by members of the Israeli Government, threatening that, in their despair at the destruction of Gaza civilians will start to relocate ” The statement went on to warn that were Israel not to cease pursuing such egregious actions cease the ongoing military operation and lift restrictions on humanitarian aid we will take further concrete actions in response On 20 May, in his address to the House of Commons, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy noted the “abominable” situation of threatened “starvation hanging over hundreds of thousands of civilians ” He grimly noted the words of Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich who had spoken of cleansing Gaza and destroying what s left with the intention of relocating Palestinians to third countries Such measures, for Lammy, were morally unjustifiable, wholly disproportionate and utterly counter-productive ” In light of such developments, negotiations with Israel over a new free trade agreement were to be suspended A further three individuals and four entities involved in Israel s illegal settler program in the West Bank were also to be sanctioned Israel s Foreign Ministry was dismissive of the British position, calling the sanctions regrettable If, due to antiIsrael obsession
ZamZam Channa
The dangerous Indian game
ISRAELI FORCES CONTROL 7 7PC OF GA Z A AS ‘ETHNIC CLEANSING’ CONTINUES: ENCL AVE’S GOVT
Trinasolar tops global innovation rankings
Pakistan Nav y's Crucial Role In Sustaining National Defence During Recent Conflic t
During the intense conflict with India planes of Pakistan Air Force with their missiles breaking the war stamina of our adversary were all over the TV screens and social media Pakistan Army with its Fateh Missiles and actions along Line of control (LoC) was also all over the news They deserve the gratitude of nation But all along what was visible there was another potent force of Pakistan which was silently operating in the sea with complete radio silence so to be undetected by the enemy and give them a fatal blow when instructed, Pakistan Navy (PN) It has demonstrated its vital importance during this conflict not just in defending maritime borders but also in ensuring the very sustenance of the nation s war efforts The navy's proactive measures in maintaining the openness of Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOCs) Karachi & Port Qasim port its operational readiness and strategic deployments have been instrumental in supporting the Pakistan Army and Pakistan Air Force in their offensive roles
The concept of open Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOCs) is fundamental to a nation's ability to wage and sustain any prolonged conflict These sea routes serve as the arteries through which essential supplies including fuel food and raw materials are transported Imagine, for instance, that during the said conflict, an oil tanker en route to Karachi from Persian Gulf being struck by an enemy missile This single event would have triggered a cascading effect leading to potential critical shortage of fuel across the country Merchant vessel would have seized there operations to Pakistani ports The war surcharge and insurance allowance would have doubled to upto $200000 Container prices would have rocketed from $450 to over $2000 per container
Therefore, the Pakistan Navy's primary objective during this conflict was to guarantee the unhindered flow of maritime traffic along these crucial SLOCs By effectively denying the Indian Navy access to Pakistan s territorial waters and maintaining a secure maritime environment, the PN has ensured that these vital supply lines remain open and operational This success is a direct contribution to the continued effectiveness of the Pakistan Army and Pakistan Air Force on their respective fronts Further from the outset of the recent tensions Pakistan Navy was at its highest state of readiness across all its platforms In line with established SOPs, PN Ships & Submarines were deployed earlier at designated areas loaded with its formidable arsenal of anti-ship missiles, to launch upon receiving instructions from Naval Headquarters This visible preparedness served as a potent deterrent against any potential Indian Naval aggression The Pakistan Navy s proactive posture and effective deployment of its assets successfully kept the Indian Navy at bay Pakistan Navy managed to maintain a defensive buffer zone, effectively preventing Indian warships from venturing closer than 400 nautical miles from Pakistan's established maritime zones This significant standoff distance ensured the safety of Pakistan s coastal assets ports and the crucial SLOCs that feed into them By denying the Indian Navy the ability to operate within striking range of Pakistan's vital maritime infrastructure, the PN has played a pivotal role in securing the
nation s logistical backbone during this critical period and denial of opening of a war theater in South Indian media was proudly projecting their Aircraft carrier as a potent platform which can inflict damages to Pakistan’s fleet and port INS Vikrant India s first indigenously built aircraft carrier has faced significant operational challenges since it s commissioning Designed to carry up to 36 aircraft including 26 fixed-wing fighters, the carrier currently operates with only 8 to 12 MiG-29K aircraft This limited air wing is barely sufficient for the carrier's self-defense let alone for extended offensive operations especially when compared to international standards where a carrier s air wing is expected to provide comprehensive air superiority and strike capabilities
The MiG-29K fleet itself has been plagued with operational reliability issues Due these constraints, Indian Navy deployed INS Vikrant close to their ports away from Pakistan's territorial waters for effective patrolling or power projection Further the carrier's completely lack capability to operate in contested environments especially where there is a credible threat from surface and sub-surface platforms of Pakistan INS Vikrant is thus more of a liability than an asset to the Indian Navy PN Submarine Wing has always been a force multiplier for the nation Much prior to the Indian beginning of aggression PN submarine fleet was strategically deployed in designated operational areas to avert any overt hostilities These silent sentinels acted as a significant deterrent, posing a substantial threat to any Indian warships attempting to approach Pakistani waters Any incursion by Indian naval vessels into Pakistan's maritime zones would have undoubtedly resulted in catastrophic losses for them given the Pakistan Navy s underwater capabilities
The complete Sea Denial to Indian Navy with over 150K personnel & 150 Ships fleet comprising Conventional and Nuclear Submarines, Destroyers, Frigates and Missile boats coupled with Aircraft carrier, is no mean feat for a comparatively smaller navy in size like Pakistan It’s a testimony of the deterrence which PN can create and which was very rightly acknowledged by Indian Navy Chief Admiral DK Tripathi in Dec 24
It can be thus safely concluded that Pakistan Navy's actions during recent Pak-India conflict have gone beyond mere territorial defense By ensuring the uninterrupted flow of supplies through open SLOCs maintaining a high state of readiness with its missile capabilities and strategically deployed submarines and effectively deterring the Indian Navy from approaching its maritime zones the Pakistan Navy has directly contributed to the resilience and continued operational effectiveness of the entire national defense apparatus It is said that in case of famine, all the wolves’ sits in a circular formation and the one who wink first becomes a feast for others This analogy underscores the critical nature of maintaining vigilance In the recent standoff the Pakistan Navy proved to be the unblinking guardian, with its strength and readiness ensuring the safety of the nation's maritime arteries
The writer is associated with the National Institute of Maritime Affairs Islamabad and can be reached at cdranees@gmail com
The Orange Tree Foundation (OTF) hosted its “OTF Changemakers Gathering” aimed at supporting high merit financially challenged students through scholarships and holistic mentorship to help them achieve financial independence OTF s CEO Omer Mateen Allahwala, emphasized the Foundation s mission to provide not just financial aid but the emotional and mentorship support necessary for youth to thrive and lead positive change The event featured distinguished guests Mr Mushtaq Chhapra, Co-founder of The Citizens Foundation (TCF), and Dr Amjad Saqib, Founder of Akhuwat
R T Under the auspices of Allama Iqbal Open University and with the financial support of the Regional English Language Office (RELO) Pakistan, a grand and vibrant event titled “Entrepreneurship Fair in the Digital Age: Flight of Talent and Business Intelligence was held as part of the ongoing Access English Micro-Scholarship Program The chief guest of this lively event was Lisa Swinarski, Counselor for Public Diplomacy at the US Embassy, while the guest of honor was Mr Jerrold Frank, Regional English Language Officer (RELO) Speaking at the event Lisa Swinarski said "This program not only highlights the capabilities of youth but also serves as an excellent example of strengthening friendly relations between the United States and Pakistan The talented young individuals present here are a reflection of our shared dreams Programs like these help build stronger, safer, and more connected nations I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the organizers especially Coordinator Minhaj Uddin and his team whose efforts are truly commendable
Historic Denso Hall, Library
Reopens in Karachi
KARACHI S TA F F R E P O R T ) Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab on Sunday announced the reopening of the historic Denso Hall and Library after extensive renovations
This restoration is part of ongoing efforts to preserve the city s heritage following the refurbishment of other iconic sites like Khaliq Dina Hall, Frere Hall, and Empress Market At the inauguration on MA Jinnah Road, Mayor Wahab called on various institutions to collaborate in rejuvenating Karachi He was joined by Deputy Mayor Salman Abdullah Murad
Budget 2025-26: APBF demands business-friendly, expor t- driven roadmap
engagement He said that the business community remains deeply concerned about slowing industrial growth, and dwindling investor confidence “The government must ensure that Budget 2025-26 is development-oriented transparent and supportive of enterprise and exports, rather than relying on short-term revenue measures like excessive withholding taxes or
FRIA urges pro-industr y budget to revive manufacturing sector
Chairman of the Ferozepur Road Industrial Association (FRIA) Shahbaz Aslam has urged the government to frame the upcoming federal budget 2025-26 with a strong pro-industry focus to tackle the deepening industrial slowdown, rising costs of production, and waning investor confidence
Speaking to the media after a consultative meeting with FRIA members Shahbaz Aslam expressed concern over the repeated delays in the budget presentation and the government s reported move to hike petroleum levies He warned that increasing indirect taxation will further burden the already struggling industrial units, leading to more closures and layoffs “The government must realise that the survival of Pakistan’s manufacturing base depends on ease of doing business affordable inputs and stable policies Aslam said Instead of burdening industries with more levies we need targeted support to restore competitiveness The FRIA chairman noted that many medium-scale industries along Ferozepur Road
abrupt policy shifts ” he said APBF Chairman Ibrahim Qureshi also voiced concern over import restrictions on raw materials and machinery, which he said have severely affected production cycles, disrupted supply chains, and raised input costs “Policy uncertainty on imports harms investor confidence and stifles industrial productivity The government must facilitate legitimate imports required for value-added manufacturing and exports,” he emphasized
ICT Police nab 16 criminals during ongoing operations across capital
Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police arrested 16 criminals during the last 24 hours in ongoing operations across the Federal capital
A police spokesman told on Sunday that Kohsar, Tarnol, Sangjani, Sabzi Mandi, Shams Colony, Khanna, Kirpa, Nilore, and Phulgran police stations apprehended 10 individuals involved in various criminal activities including drug peddling and possession of illegal weapons
He said police teams also recovered 2 672 grams of heroin 12 wine bottles and 10 pistols along with ammunition from the suspects
He said that under a special campaign to arrest proclaimed offenders and absconders, six more criminals were apprehended by different police teams He said cases have been registered against all the arrested individuals and further investigations are underway
He said the Islamabad Police is committed to protecting the lives and property of citizens and that no one will be allowed to disturb public peace
3rd anti-polio drive of 2025 kicks off as ‘decisive step in final push’ to stop poliovirus
tSenate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that despite being a nuclear power, Pakistan responded to recent Indian provocations with restraint maturity and a firm commitment to peace earning global praise for its composure and diplomatic posture Speaking to the media after visiting the International Solar Energy Exhibition at the Expo Centre, Gilani credited national unity for the country’s coherent response The entire nation alongside all political parties displayed extraordinary solidarity This unity strengthened our position and was critical to delivering a strong, measured response to the enemy,” he said He lauded the professionalism and bravery of Pakistan’s
armed forces saying they acted with precision and in self-defense Our armed forces responded decisively while upholding peace This balanced approach has been recognised globally,” he added Gilani underscored that Pakistan has always chosen dialogue over confrontation despite repeated provocations We have never taken any step that could endanger regional stability Our conduct reflects our commitment to diplomacy,” he said Referring to India’s actions in Balochistan he recalled that during his tenure as Prime Minister he had presented credible evidence of Indian interference at international forums Even Bollywood s The Accidental Prime Minister hinted at the contradictions in Indian policy That exposure eventually pushed India toward dialogue
on Siachen Kashmir and Balochistan he said He criticised India s refusal to allow a neutral probe into the Pahalgam attack and condemned the unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty “Blocking river flows is a violation of international law Pakistan s leadership and armed forces have shown full readiness to defend our sovereignty, he noted On domestic issues, Gilani stressed the importance of unity over partisanship He refrained from commenting on PTI’s ongoing legal cases noting they are before the courts We must focus on bringing the nation together Political divisions must not distract from our shared priorities, he said Regarding the upcoming federal budget, he urged the government to provide maximum relief to ordinary citizens
Punjab Police implemented robust security measures for the PSL X final match between Lahore Qalandars and Quetta Gladiators and deployed over 8,000 police officers, with the Dolphin Squad, Elite Force, and PRU conducted extensive patrols to avert any untoward incident according to police statement
CCTV monitoring was carried out throughout the event, with snipers positioned strategically, while a detailed traffic plan was put in place to maintain smooth vehicular movement on all arteries leading to Qaddafi Stadium and around it a police spokesperson stated This was a historic moment for the Pakistan cricket and the nation as well and the Punjab Police under the supervision of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr Usman Anwar had chalked out a comprehensive security to ensure protection of the cricket teams and spectators the spokesperson expressed
He said that over 8 000 police officers and personnel were deployed for the final match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL 10) between Lahore Qalandars and Quetta Gladiators under comprehensive security arrangements
According to the Punjab police spokesperson Dr Usman emphasized that supervisory officers will personally review all arrangements related to security traffic management and general safety during the match He stressed that police personnel stationed at duty points should remain highly vigilant, with a sharp eye on any suspicious activities
We have adopted a more advanced security strategy for the PSL 10 matches, ensuring a safer environment for everyone involved,” said Dr Usman, lauding the efforts of the Lahore Rawalpindi and Multan police for maintaining peace during previous matches
The IGP also highlighted the successful coordination between
district administrations security agencies and relevant institutions which has contributed to the seamless execution of the PSL events Dolphin Squad Police Response Units and Elite Force teams conducted targeted patrols around key routes, the stadium and surrounding areas
Additionally continuous surveillance was maintained through CCTV cameras installed at critical locations such as the teams routes, the stadium and accommodation sites
The Punjab Police had issued a traffic advisory urging citizens to cooperate with law enforcement
Snipers were stationed on high-rise buildings surrounding the stadium to provide extra security, the police spokesperson maintained
“Of course cricket fans followed the police instructions fully and enjoyed the match in a safe and secure environment, he added