In partnership with
US SANCTIONS ON PAKISTANI FIRMS HAVE ‘NO JUSTIFICATION’: PM SHEHBAZ Wednesday, 25 December, 2024 I 22 Jumada Al-Akhirah, 1446
PREMIER EMPHASIZES NO INTENTION FOR NUCLEAR SYSTEM TO BE AGGRESSIVE AS IT’S FOR PAKISTAN’S DEFENCE
P
g
ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
RIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday asserted that the recent sanctions placed by the United States on four Pakistani firms for their alleged involvement in the country’s ballistic missile programme had “no justification”. Last week, the US imposed sanctions on the Islamabad-based National Development Complex and three Karachibased entities. Addressing a federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad on Tuesday, the premier said, “The sanctions placed upon our National Development Complex and other entities have no justification. “Pakistan has absolutely no intention for our nuclear system to be aggressive. It is 100 per cent for Pakistan’s defence. It’s just deterrence; nothing else,” he added. PM Shehbaz said Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme was for defending itself “if God forbid there is aggression against Pakistan”. Noting that the FO had given a “comprehensive response”, the prime minister said the missile programme was not his or any of the cabinet member’s but belonged to the entire nation. “It’s dearer to them (the public) than their own hearts and there will be no compromise,” the premier asserted, stating that the country was united on the matter. Last week, the US said it was imposing additional sanctions related to Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme, targeting four entities that it alleged were contributing to the proliferation or deliv-
ery of such weapons. Responding to the sanctions, the FO had said they were “biased” and “endanger regional and international peace”. Later, Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer accused Pakistan of developing long-range ballistic missile capabilities that could eventually allow it to strike targets “well beyond South Asia, including in the United States”. However, showing caution, Pentagon press secretary Maj Gen Pat Ryder refrained from direct criticism when asked about the US sanctions on Pakistan, adding that the US valued Pakistan as a partner in the region, having “worked closely” with the country on counterterrorism efforts in the past.
Profit g
Rs 20.00 | Vol XV No 169 I 8 Pages I Islamabad Edition
IT’S DEARER TO PUBLIC MORE THAN HEARTS AND THERE WILL BE NO COMPROMISE: SHEHBAZ
PM hopeful about positive outcomes of govt-PTI talks ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday assuring the government’s sincere efforts and contributions, expressed the hope that the talks initiated between the ruling coalition and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf would bring about positive outcomes to promote peace and economic stability in the country. The prime minister, in his opening remarks at the meeting of the federal cabinet he chaired, said that on the National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq’s initiative, the first round of talks with PTI was held on Monday with the second one scheduled on January 2, 2025. He said the government’s committee comprised Ishaq Dar, Rana Sanaulah, Irfan Siddiqui, Raja Pervaiz
Ashraf, Naveed Qamar, Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Abdul Aleem Khan, Ijazul Haq and Khalid Magsi. He said the process would meet success only if both parties set aside their likes and dislikes for the sake of national interests. “I do not doubt anyone’s intentions. I hope both PTI and the government party will bring about the outcomes for the country’s benefits and promote the economic stability” the prime minister said and mentioned the reduced policy rate to 13%, inflation below 5%, constant surge in exports and remittances. Referring to his meetings with Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor Dr Yunus, and the presidents of Indonesia and Turkiye on the sidelines of the D-8 Summit in Cairo, he said PakistanBangladesh ties were entering a new era as the latter had abolished erstwhile
100% scanning of Pakistan’s export products and special desk at airports for screening Pakistani passport holders. He said Pakistan was also reciprocating with positive indicators and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar was scheduled to visit Dhaka in February. “But all these efforts will come to fruition if we promote the national unity and solidarity. This is a good initiative of the National Assembly speaker. We will contribute with sincerity. But it takes two to tango. I hope both parties will play their part to serve the national interests and promote national stability,” the prime minister added. Coming to the US sanctions on NDC and other entities, the prime minister called the move illogical as Pakistan’s nuclear system was not meant for any aggression but only deterrence.
Imran wants a clear timeframe for results on PTI’s demands: Barrister Gohar ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar on Tuesday revealed that former prime minister Imran Khan wants the government to give a clear and defined timeframe for addressing the party’s demands during the negotiation process. Speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail on Tuesday, he stated that Khan has been briefed about the initiation of talks. However, he stated that any progress on PTI’s legitimate demands must occur within a specified and agreed timeframe to ensure timely results. Barrister Gohar clarified that no international matters were discussed during their interaction. He conveyed Khan’s directive that foreign policy issues should only be addressed by the PTI chairman, secretarygeneral, and information secretary. Discussions, he added, were limited strictly to the negotiation process, with no mention of a civil disobedience movement. The PTI chairman expressed concerns regarding participation in the negotiation process. Four key representatives, including KP CM were unable to attend the most recent session due to prior commitments, which had been communicated to the Speaker of the National Assembly in advance. Despite these challenges, the PTI plans to present a comprehensive ‘Charter of Demands’ to the government during the next phase of talks. Efforts are also underway to arrange a meeting between Khan and the PTI negotiation committee before the formal resumption of discussions. While declaring the cases against the PTI founder politically motivated, Barrister Gohar noted that Khan has secured bail in nearly all cases except for one pending reference. He further stated that all members of the PTI negotiation committee will participate in the next session, scheduled for January 2. During this meeting, PTI will formally present its written demands to the government, reflecting its commitment to a structured and results-oriented negotiation process. He expressed the hope for resolution of the pressing issues through constructive dialogue, reiterating the PTI’s commitment to engage in meaningful discussions.