health, skills, and employment opportunities to the people, especially the youth of the merged tribal districts, as a priority of the government
He said the federal government has allocated a substantial amount of development budget during the current year for the upgradation of FATA University and police infrastructure in the merged districts
He said establishment of law and order in the merged districts is the top priority of the government He said security forces of Pakistan police and other law enforcement
agencies are embracing martyrdom while fighting bravely against terrorists
The Prime Minister said that tribes always made immense sacrifices for the peace and security of Pakistan, and elders of all schools of thought will have to play their role together to make Pakistan a cradle of peace
He directed to expand the scope of the committee established to deal with the issues of merged districts with Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam in the chair
He further said that tribal elders of the merged districts are also being given representation in this committee
On their part the delegation of tribal
TTAP convenes APC to char t path out of Pakistan’s political, constitutional crisis
ISLAMABAD S ta f f R e p o R t Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) has announced that a two-day All Parties Conference (APC) will be held in Islamabad on July 31 and August 1 2025 to openly discuss Pakistan s deepening constitutional and political crises emphasizing It is time for a serious national dialogue to steer the country out of troubled waters The announcement was made by TTAP chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai during a press conference along with the senior leadership of the opposition alliance here on Thursday Achakzai emphasised that this conference would not be symbolic as it would bring together political parties civil society and even representatives from institutions to find lasting and durable solution to the problems facing the country presently From Gilgit-Baltistan to Gwadar, we will mobilize, street by street, door to door but without violence and abuse because this struggle is principled and constitutional ” Achakzai added He declared that the opposition alliance was not formed for political theatrics but to restore true democratic representation through a neutral election commission because it was the first alliance not manufactured by intelligence agencies He criticized the ruling coalition for using brute force to suppress political opponents “Even victorious parties are denied access to their imprisoned leaders This is coercion not democracy the TTAP chief added Achakzai called for an independent election commission to ensure fair representation, adding that Pakistan must be governed by the ballot, not by force He said that the way Shehbaz and company have imposed control through force is undemocratic and unacceptable Speaking on the occasion PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja said that as per PTI Patron-in-Chief Imran Khan s instructions this was not just PTI s movement but it was the movement for every oppressed voice in Pakistan Today, we speak for all those denied justice and silenced by fear, he said, adding that TTAP was a peaceful, constitutional, and ideological movement, as they stood for the rule of law not for destruction not for confrontation He made it clear that Pakistan cannot be run by force as the way forward was constitutionalism democracy and justice
elders expressed gratitude for the expansion of the scope of the committee representation of tribal elders and restoration of the quota of merged districts in medical colleges and engineering universities
The delegation paid tribute to the Pakistan Army for its courageous strategy and strong response to Indian aggression during the recent Pakistan-India conflict
They also thanked the prime minister for arranging consultative meetings regarding law and order, development, and prosperity of the merged districts
The Prime Minister said that more consultative meetings will be held with tribal elders regarding the progress of the merged tribal districts
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia affirm mutual resolve to strengthen defence cooperation
Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) chief of staff, Vice Admiral Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Ghuraybi and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza on Thursday affirmed mutual resolve to enhance bilateral defence cooperation the military s media wing reported In a statement the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), RSNF chief of staff, Vice Admiral Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Ghuraybi called on Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza at Joint Staff Headquarters in Rawalpindi on Thursday The CJCSC highlighted the historical brotherly relations between [the] Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and [the] Is-
constable was martyred and two others were injured when terrorists attacked their vehicle on Thursday in the Daryoba area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu district according to the police
A statement from Bannu Police Spokesperson Aamir Khan said two terrorists
L AW ENFO RCEMENT AG ENCIES L AUNCH CRACKDO W N O N CURRENCY
has proposed a plea bargain offer of Rs3 45 billion which he intends to pay in three installments The applications, once approved by the NAB chairman will be sent for processing and a report will be submitted to the Accountability Court However the NAB is still in the process of finalizing the exact amount of embezzlement linked to each individual which must be determined before the applications can move forward
Friday, Dawn reported The launch aligns with the Chinese automaker ’s strategy to establish Pakistan as a key regional market while setting up a local production facility This move aims to enhance the availability of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) in Pakistan During a recent experiential workshop Lei Jian Country Head of BYD Pakistan highlighted the company s vertically integrated supply chain and continued investment in research and development The engine activates only when necessary, offering a smooth and efficient long-distance driving experience ” he said Danish Khaliq Vice President of Sales and Strategy at BYD Pakistan dif-
ferentiated hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) from PHEVs, noting that while HEVs mostly rely on petrol engines and recharge through regenerative braking PHEVs feature larger batteries that can be charged externally Danish said the company plans to launch its first locally assembled vehicle in Pakistan by July or August 2026 through a partnership with Mega Motor Company, a subsidiary of Hub Power The new plant near Karachi began construction in April and will produce 25 000 units annually on a double shift It will start with assembling imported parts and some local production of non-electric components, focusing on the domestic market, with exports to right-hand drive countries depending on costs BYD began delivering imported EVs in March and although exact figures were not shared Khaliq said sales exceeded targets by 30% He expects EV and plug-in hybrid sales in Pakistan to grow 3–4 times in 2025 from around 1,000 units in 2024,
with BYD aiming for a 30–35% market share BYD made a profit of 444 million rupees ($1 56 million) in the March 2025 quarter according to HUBCO BYD entered the Pakistani
Business leaders meet with SIFC; FBR assures against
In a meeting with the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) on Wednesday representatives from the business community were reassured by Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) officials including the chairperson that newly introduced FBR arrest powers would not be misused Kamran Arshad, Chairperson of the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) shared this update while speaking to Geo News This development follows a meeting held the previous day between APTMA the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), and Field Marshal and Army Chief Asim Munir The two trade bodies have claimed with no official denial thus far that the army chief assured them the immediate suspension of FBR s
to propose changes to these provisions However, it was only after their meeting with Field Marshal Asim Munir that any indication of suspension emerged Asked why trade leaders were not satisfied with the prime minister s reassurances, Arshad explained that the FBR s ambitious tax collection target of Rs14,131 billion for FY26 had raised concerns among businesses Many leaders worry that the burden will fall disproportionately on the documented sector of the economy to meet this target Arshad also noted that the meeting with SIFC provided an important platform for discussions, helping to bridge the communication gap between the business community and the FBR Another concern voiced by traders was the amendment to Section 24 of the Income Tax Ordinance which prohibits the deduction of expenses for cash sales exceeding Rs200,000 This amendment has not been well received by the business community
Pakistan ranks among weakest passpor ts globally, tied for 96th place with Somalia and Yemen
Pakistani passpor t holders can travel visa-free to just 32 countries, while Singapore leads with access to 193 destinations
The $12 million investment will specifically target increasing Panadol production with the new factory in Jamshoro set to increase output from 6 billion to 8 billion tablets annually The facility will meet international standards, including automated, touch-free packaging to ensure product purity The project is still awaiting regulatory approvals from DRAP, but once completed, it will further strengthen Haleon’s local manufacturing footprint Naseer also highlighted the need for long-term economic frameworks advocating for policy consistency to boost investor confidence He commended the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) for its pro-industry policiesand regulatory support, which have contributed to the positive outlook on Pakistan’s pharmaceutical sector He also mentioned Haleon’s efforts to mitigate challenges such as energy water and logistics constraints with the Jamshoro facility now 98% solar-powered and equipped with an on-site RO water filtration system to ensure a steady supply
COMMENT
TH E Independent Power Producers are now looking for new fields to conquer, now that their cost capacity charge deals with the government have been snatched away and replaced by the need to produce electricity before they are paid Kot Addu Power Company, one of the oldest IPPs, has not only formed part of one of the consortia bidding for PIA, but is also partnering with China’s largest electric vehicle manufacturers in assembling vehicles, but is partnering with PSO in sweating up EV charging stations along the Motorway Now, it seems, other IPPs are also looking, but are remaining closer to their original area of expertise The Senate Committee on Privatization was told that three power distribution companies the Islamabad Electric Supply Company the Gujranwala Electric Power Company and the Faisalabad Electric Supply Company had to be sold by the wend of this fiscal year that is to say by 30 June 2026 The earmarked DISCOs are loss-making; which is the position with other DISCOs but these DISCOs are strategic for other reasons IESCO services the federal capital FESCO the textile units of Faisalabad and GEPCO the tubewells of Punjab’s agricultural heartland
The latter two are under threat from so has shown decidedly mixed regular power apart from the general adoption of that technology by residential consumers A previous example of privatization K-Electric (formerly KESC) but that might be the result of corporate infighting rather than anything else KElectric’s latest management team which is still embroiled with the vprevious one is willing to take on the challenge of solarization directly and it remain to be seen how the new managements manage when the companies are privatised
These privatizations will be significant because they will be the first utilities privatized after PTCL The big difference is that landlines were fading out at that point and the real attraction was in
ernment doesn’t pay electricity bills anyhow, defying the distribution companies to cut off their electricity and thus impede the work of the government DISCOs have threatened to do so but have backed off at the last moment Instead they have notched another increase in their receivables from the government At the moment, the DISCOs have the great advantage that solar electricity generated cannot be stored The consumer needs the DISCOs to supply electricity during the night The problem the DISCOs are facing is that solarized consumers are not buying from them and are paying them much
cash than they used to creating all sorts of financial problems for the DISCOs They must be dreading the time technology allows storage of electricity generated, and an increase in the power of sunlight conversion by solar panels, because that would mean consumers would no longer need them for the night Storage is already possible but it is expensive and high-maintenance However the majority of government offices are closed at night, which means they can go off-grid without any harm done However, that would be terrible for the DISCOs, for even if they do not pay their bills, their dues
TWhat we observe is not strategic caution but a calculated assertion– an appetite for dominance wrapped in policy And it is a path that risks escalating tensions undermining regional stability and pushing others to follow suit New Delhi s persistent pursuit of nuclear dominance, disguised as self-defence, has become more dangerous, driven by ambition and strategic arrogance What started with the socalled “peaceful” nuclear explosion in 1974 has now developed into a stance that seems less about protection and more about provocation With each new test and policy change, New Delhi moves further from restraint, pushing South Asia toward instability and raising concerns well beyond the region As one wisely puts it “The most dangerous countries in the world are not those with the most weapons but those most obsessed with having them India fits this warning all too well Doctrines like No First Use may project themselves as responsible,
the world desperately needs diplomacy over destruction, India s nuclear behaviour sends the wrong message: that fear commands more respect than peace Such a trend is particularly alarming for vulnerable less secure nations that may seek to do the same The country s expanding arsenal of lethal and sophisticated weapons including the Agni5 with MIRV technology, intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), and pursuit of hypersonic nuclear-capable systems, reveals a reckless and dangerous obsession one that exceeds logic and necessity With each new missile test nuclear upgrade and high-tech military purchase it fuels a false sense of supremacy These weapons rather than preventing conflict increase tensions in a volatile region Why? Because deterrence requires balance, dialogue, and restraint all of which are absent from India’s aggressive military stance These vast nuclear programmes aren’t just about self-defense; they are part of a deliberate plan to dominate South Asia and secure a position among global powers This pursuit of prestige comes at a cost, especially for neighbouring countries By racing to keep up with China, India is also intimidating and forcing smaller states like Pakistan into an arms race they can barely afford The image of India as a responsible nuclear power no longer holds especially under Modi whose government has cloaked nationalist ambitions in the language of defence But these weapons don t stop at the borders A heavily armed India sends shockwaves far beyond South Asia– its aggressive stance threatens to destabilize
regions as far away as the Middle East Europe and parts of Africa What we are witnessing isn t deterrence– it is a ruthless and arrogant power grab that the world can’t afford to overlook India’s fascination with weapons is a calculated effort to crown itself as the uncontested leader and dominant power of the region more powerful than any of its neighbours determined to crush any rival that dares to stand in its way or question its authority This obsession is not driven by genuine security concerns but by an aggressive desire to claim a throne on the global stage regardless of how destabilizing provocative and dangerous the consequences may be The world must urgently unite against India s dangerous nuclear obsession just as humanity pledges to stand together against extraterrestrial threats, it must now face this real and growing danger on Earth India’s unchecked buildup of advanced weapons is expanding like a fierce flood and its neighbouring countries are the only barrier holding it back These neighbours through resistance deterrence, and regional balance, are the last line of defence slowing India s march toward unchecked dominance But if the barrier breaks– if India succeeds in overpowering them no one can predict where this surge of militarism and aggression will go next This is not just a regional issue; it s a global warning The time to act is now before this obsession leads to destruction
The writer is Assistant Research Fellow at the Balochistan Think Tank Network Quetta
Customs turn blind
IA g l o b a l s h i f t i n s t r a t e g y
It’s
ances
must be corrected through punitive measures is a populist oversimplification Economies specialize, consumers choose, and deficits emerge naturally Punishing countries for selling what Americans want to buy is not reciprocity- it’s retaliation Moreover Washington’s coercive strategy stands on shaky legal ground The US Court of International Trade ruled in May 2025 that the administration s use of emergency tariff powers was incompatible with trade law Yet, legality seems increasingly irrelevant in the face of a foreign policy that views the WTO not as a rules-based arbiter but as an inconvenience And still the global economy hums The Dow and Nasdaq have posted historical highs Inflation remains subdued Emerging markets, far from fleeing, are holding their ground It’s tempting to believe the tariffs are toothless But that would be premature Beneath the surface a quieter reordering is underway Countries are no longer scrambling to appease Washington They re building buffers From ASEAN s supply chain diversification to the African Continental Free Trade Area’s intra-regional push, nations are insulating themselves- not just economically but diplomatically The BRICS bloc is central to this shift No longer just a symbolic grouping it has taken tangible steps toward a multipolar economic architecture New initiatives unveiled in Rio- such as the BRICS Pay platform, the Multilateral Guarantee Mechanism, and ethical AI cooperation- are not mere declarations of intent They are building blocks of a system that does not rely on Western-dominated institutions for validation China s role in this transformation is pivotal As the world s second-largest economy and a founding BRICS member China has consistently championed win-win cooperation over confrontation Its advocacy for local currency-based payment systems climate financing for the Global South, and expanded youth and trade exchanges underscore a strategic, long-term vision One not built on coercion, but on connectivity India too proposed a forward-looking four-point agenda for the 2026 BRICS Summit
In a letter campaign launched on July 7, the US administration warned dozens of nations that unless bilateral trade deals are reached by August 1, punitive tariffs would be unilaterally imposed Brazil, the current chair of BRICS and a nation with a sizable trade deficit vis-à-vis the USA, was told in no uncer tain terms that its expor ts would be slapped with 50 percent tariffs The premise is both stark and familiar: comply, or pay
existed for a long time because of Israel having almost eliminated Iran s proxies But I remain a pessimist about the Middle East The possibility is to get to a Saudi-Israeli peace But the difficulty is that the Crown Prince does need something on the Palestinian issue, and I don t see Israel being willing to give it
TIME: What would it take to make a compromise happen?
House: Trump now has more leverage over both MBS and Israel and the Palestinians have been through so much that they might be willing to have some kind of coexistence where they have no military It s not that the Palestinian people themselves in my view are so eager to do away with Israel It’s that the militants in the Arab world and Iran as the greatest militant in the region take the view that Israel must be destroyed
The Crown Prince with his Saudi-first doctrine is not willing forever to put off relations that allow for a security and a commercial relationship that protects Saudi Arabia and advances [his aspiration for] a new Silicon Valley in the northwest with Israeli technology and Saudi money There’s so much he can gain from that
TIME: Transitioning to your reporting for the book what was it like going from
House:
bringing papers doing other things They had no interest really in conveying information It was a kind of almost meet-and-greet, a formality, not an interview MBS from the first time I met him in January of 2016
well, I had met him before that actually with
TIME: You write about his growing-up, that he was not his father ’s favorite, that he had fewer privileges than many of his cousins House: There is a chip-on-the-shoulder quality He is the first of his mother s sons She s the third wife His mother told him don t be an also-ran to the first wife s sons You have to get out there and make something of yourself
TIME: Take us from that observation to his role in the most visible family contest the Ritz lockup and purge that followed House: I think it had two purposes at least, maybe more but one was to consolidate his power by removing from potential competition the sons of King Abdullah Prince Mitteb was the head of the National Guard and he was one of the first people called to the Ritz Carlton Then his brother Turki
When I wrote my first book people in the royal family and in the government said at least 30% of the government budget every year was simply siphoned off to this royal and that one, and this businessman and that one Corruption was simply an accepted way of life [MBS] wanted to modernize the economy and get people off of dependence on government handouts They had to wring some of the corruption out to make young people think the playing field was level if you weren t a royal or you weren t the child of one of the dozen biggest businessmen in Saudi Arabia And he succeeded Prince Turki is still in prison Prince Miteb in essence is under house arrest He can’t fly Prince Alwaleed bin Talal the famous businessman who owns part of various banks in New York and the Four Seasons Hotel etc he was one of those arrested And he says It s all in the family We have forgiven everything I mean, I m content with this And he’s back in his business empire
TIME: How do you reconcile the ruthlessness and the charm, the lock-up and purge against the selfie-posing video game playing informality?
House: That s a very interesting question As I write in the book, Peter the Great was a similar kind of person to MBS He was prepared to be ruthless He killed his own son, whom he thought had betrayed him But as a young man he was determined to be a modernizer He went to Europe learned how to build ships He thought he knew how to be a doctor he would operate on people He clearly had an engaging charm
TIME: Let’s move to the economy and Vision 2030 Your 2012 book, On Saudi Arabia, was really about the deep internal challenges oil dependency, gerontocracy that you argued were more threatening in the long-run to the country than external ones Did you see the path that emerged with MBS as a likely outcome of that predicament? Or was it a shock?
House: No, it was a surprise I described, I think very accurately, the country he is trying to now
remake Young Saudis and poor Saudis were frustrated
There was so much corruption so much hypocrisy The government forced people to follow the religious rules but the royal family didn t live by them At the end of that book, I warned that the risk was Saudi Arabia becoming like the old Soviet Union–one old man after another ruling until a Gorbachev came along but too late I used the analogy of a 747: the cockpit full of geriatrics First Class full of princes who would be king and Economy full of ordinary Saudis and terrorists I said there were some young men who could do a good job, and I named a few, but [MBS] wasn t one of them When the book came out, he was 27 off the radar I had met him but didn’t pick him out as the next leader So yes when he appeared it was a shock not just to me but to many Saudis People said Where did he come from? Nobody expected the sixth son of Salman to rise But the generational change was the good part Instead of continuing on with 77- and 80-year-olds with no ideas and no runway to act, they got someone with a vision and time to execute it
TIME: Still, even after 10 years of his rule, the country is highly dependent on oil
House: Yes But at least they re taking steps tourism, minerals They re on a path that, if pursued intelligently and consistently, could leave the country in a much better place Otherwise, they were
IMran KhalId
Germany approves Eurofighter jet deliver y to Turkey
Fallacies Distorting UNGA Resolution 2758 Must Cease
and procedural issues of the representation of the whole of China, including Taiwan, in the UN It also explicitly spelled out that China has one single seat in the UN so there is no such thing as “two Chinas or one China one Taiwan It can be concluded that the UNGA Resolution 2758 embodies in clear logic and solid jurisprudence the one-China principle that there is but one China in the world, Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, and the Government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China
Recently certain forces driven by geopolitical selfinterest have been distorting and challenging the UNGA Resolution 2758 spreading the fallacy that the resolution did not address Taiwan s legal status or clarify its sovereignty Such narratives are false fabrications aimed at undermining the legal foundation of the one-China principle This is indulgence and support for “Taiwan independence” forces flagrant interference in China s internal affairs a blatant challenge to the postwar international order and a serious threat to peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region I would like to share some fundamental facts with our Pakistani friends to enhance the comprehensive understanding of the oneChina principle so that we’ll jointly resist any attempts to distort or challenge the UNGA Resolution 2758 Taiwan has always been part of China this is a historical fact an international consensus as well as the key political premise for the UNGA s adoption of Resolution 2758 In 1895, Japan forced then Qing Dynasty of China to cede Taiwan through a war of aggression In 1945, following the victory of the Chinese people’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression Taiwan was returned to China The Cairo Declaration (1943) and the Potsdam Proclamation (1945) issued by the principal Allied Powers stated in explicit terms that Taiwan is a
to impact over 4 500 students including both girls and boys, across primary and middle school levels The initiative will roll out in two key components: • POWER (Play Opportunities for Wellness and Education Resource): A structured sports-based learning model that utilizes play to build foundational skills in children from the primary sections of 5 CARE Foundation schools Sport for Development (SFD): A sports-based curriculum tailored for students in grades 6 to 8 across 10 schools, leveraging sports as a tool to instill leadership, teamwork, emotional intelligence and resilience
CDA decides to launch elec tric tram buses in Islamabad
the tram system to facilitate modern bus services on the busiest routes
A high-level meeting was held at the CDA Headquarters under the chairmanship of Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa The meeting was attended by Member Administration and Estate Talat Mehmood Member Finance Tahir Naeem, Member Planning Dr Khalid Hafiz, relevant DGs, representatives of NRTC, and other senior officers Detailed discussions were held regarding introducing a state-ofthe-art transport system for the citizens of the Federal Capital Chairman CDA said that providing modern and efficient transport facilities is CDA s top priority The meeting decided to introduce electric tram buses in Islamabad ensuring citizens have access to advanced transport solutions He directed the completion of a feasibility study for
The trams will feature multiple compartments to accommodate more passengers and will be designed to be accessible for differently-abled individuals and women
During the briefing, it was informed that a feasibility report covering financial, operational and business models is being prepared
The electric bus project has already exceeded a daily ridership of 90 000 passengers as these buses are ecofriendly, cost-effective and punctual, attracting appreciation from citizens
Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa instructed officers to finalize the feasibility report particularly focusing on financial sustainability He emphasized developing a self-sustaining financial model and exploring public-private partnerships Clear timelines and operational goals for the tram project were also established Regarding electric feeder buses
Pakistan Nav y holds launching ceremony of PNS Sahiwal gun boat at Karachi
shipyard
KARACHI
s ta f f r e p o r t
Launching ceremony of PNS SAHIWAL (Desig) Gun Boat was held at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KS&EW) Vice Chief of the Naval Staff Vice
Admiral Ovais Ahmed Bilgrami graced the occasion as Chief Guest PNS SAHIWAL (Desig) Gun Boat has been indigenously designed by Platform Design Wing (PDW) of Pakistan Navy and is under construction at KS&EW This state-of-the-art vessel will be equipped with high-performance, long-range semi automatic guns enhancing its operational effectiveness in maritime missions Speaking on the occasion Chief Guest appreciated joint efforts of Platform Design Wing (PDW) of Pakistan Navy and KS&EW in furthering Pakistan Navy s policy of indigenization He extended his gratitude to the Ministry of Defence Production for its continued support to KS&EW He also highlighted that the Gun Boat will be equipped to perform diverse maritime security tasks He also stated that Pakistan Navy is considering additional production of Gun Boats It would eventually boost both indigenization process and uplift of KS&EW The launching ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials from Pakistan Navy including representatives from MODP, KS&EW and Shipbuilding Industry
the Chairman CDA directed route selection based on passenger data, prioritizing high-traffic areas He also ordered the installation of modern digital screens at terminals displaying advertisements schedules and safety guidelines
To enhance revenue, smart ticketing systems and in-bus advertisements will be introduced Additionally electric buses will also be allocated for CDA employees
The meeting was informed that 140 bus stops are being upgraded with over 200 new stops to be constructed, featuring digital boards for non-fare revenue generation Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa said that these initiatives will ensure a modern efficient and eco-friendly transport system They expressed confidence that these projects will transform Islamabad into a cleaner, smarter, and more attractive capital with citizens playing their part in supporting this vision
1st lady of Pakistan Aseefa Bhutto visits SICHN Hospitals
KARACHI s ta f f r e p o r t
The Honorable First Lady of Pakistan and Member of the National Assembly Her Excellency Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, accompanied by Madam Azra Fazal Pechuho, Minister for Health and Population Welfare, and Barrister Murtaza Wahab, Mayor of Karachi paid an official visit today to the Sindh Institute of Child Health and Neonatology s (SICHN) Mother & Childcare Hospital in Azam Basti and the Children Hospital in Korangi 5 At the Azam Basti facility, the delegation was warmly received by Saeed Ghani, President PPP Karachi Division & Provincial Minister of Sindh Local Government
During the visit the distinguished guests toured various departments warmly interacted with on-duty staff and doctors and met with parents of young patients receiving care They expressed their appreciation for the tireless efforts of the medical teams and acknowledged the Sindh Government s dedication to improving maternal and child healthcare services in underserved areas of Karachi Her Excellency
Aseefa Bhutto Zardari particularly lauded the provision of free-of-cost treatment for neonates infants and children along with the specialized healthcare services offered under the growing SICHN network
She directly engaged with families to gather feedback on patient experiences, service quality, and staff behavior
KARACHI:
KP CM vOWS TO ElIMINaTE CONCEPT OF ‘SO-CallED gOOD TalIbaN’ FROM PROvINCE
Party Chief and former Prime
Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has expressed his rejection of the May 9 verdict emphasizing that the decision would not be accepted by the nation in the coming two years He argued that such decisions have historically failed to gain legitimacy from both politicians and the legal community In his remarks during several television talk shows, Abbasi acknowledged the significance of the May 9 incident but raised concerns over the manner in which justice is being delivered He particularly criticized the Chief Justice s inability to hear a constitutional petition, questioning how justice could be served under such circumstances “A country without law cannot function; history has taught us this he stated Abbasi also condemned the current state of governance in Pakistan, asserting that the government s power struggles and amendments would be ineffective without the necessary administrative capacity Yes take all the powers make the 27th Amendment after the 26th
but without capacity you cannot run the country he stated further adding that the government was failing to address Pakistan s challenges No matter how long it lasts, it cannot lead Pakistan forward ” Abbasi underscored the unprecedented challenges facing the nation and stressed the importance of focusing on development rather than mere survival The country is stagnating, he said He further called for a comprehensive national political dialogue that should include not only political parties but also the military and judiciary to resolve the critical issues Pakistan faces Additionally Abbasi lamented the rampant corruption and inefficiencies in governance, stating that all provinces,
including Punjab, suffer from the same issues “Recommendation culture may have ended but corruption has reached its peak he asserted He pointed out that roads in Islamabad cost more than those in Dubai yet deteriorate quickly, questioning where the money is being allocated Abbasi further highlighted that every system in Pakistan from justice to police development and administration operates on financial influence emphasizing that even justice is bought
He referenced the imposition of Rs 600 billion in gas development surcharges, which resulted in financial loss to the government
He also criticized the carbon levy and stated that stock market performance and macroeconomic indicators hold no meaning if they don t improve the lives of ordinary people Stock market performance and macroeconomic indicators are meaningless when they don’t translate into food on the poor man s table he stressed
In conclusion Abbasi s remarks illustrated the growing frustration with the political system and governance in Pakistan, calling for a broad-based national dialogue to address the nation’s myriad challenges
Referring to the recent visits by
ISLAMABAD
S TA F F R E P O R T
Pakistan’s Foreign Office on Thursday reaffirmed its stance that any misadventure by India would be met with a robust posture from Pakistan emphasizing the country s confidence in its defence capabilities Regarding any misadventure by India, our posture remains very robust We are confident in our defence capabilities, and we hope India sees reason However if any attack or aggression occurs against Pakistan we are ready to defend ourselves Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan stated during a weekly
media briefing on Thursday
He stressed that Pakistan is prepared to respond to any aggression from India, pointing to the recent demonstration of military capability in the Marka-e-Haq, and expressed hope that India would recognise the futility of its aggressive stance warning that such hegemonic impulses would lead nowhere We are confident about our capabilities, and we have demonstrated this in the recent Marka-e-Haq, which should be evident to everyone The bottom line is that we remain ready and we hope India will see that bellicosity and hegemonic impulses will not lead it anywhere Khan
stated Reiterating Pakistan s invitation to India for dialogue he said So we hope that reason prevails and they can see that the route of diplomacy can lead to win-win situation between the two countries However, he stressed that the decision to engage in talks rests with India
The FO also dismissed reports suggesting the recognition of the Afghan Taliban Interim Government labelling the claims as speculative and refraining from commenting on the issue Ambassador Khan addressed questions surrounding the Taliban government’s recognition “At this point it is speculative I cannot comment on that Khan stated
