US SEES OPPORTUNIT Y TO DEEPEN STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH PAKISTAN: RUBIO
g SECRETARY OF
RESPONSE TO CLOSER US–PAKISTAN
H S A N I Q B A L S AY S PA K I S TA N B A C K O N T R A C K , U R G E S U N I T Y F O R S U S TA I N E D P R O G R E S S
US sees oppor tunit y to deepen strategic par tnership with Pakistan: Rubio
Govt moves to revive gemstone expor ts with restoration of key SRO
OFIT
there are things we
work together with them on he said Rubio reiterated that the United States was fully aware of the challenges arising from the South Asian rivalry, but its aim was to explore partnerships with countries where it’s possible ” He added, “We’ve had a long history of partnering with Pakistan on counterterrorism and things of that nature We d like to expand it beyond that if possible understanding that there ll be some difficulties and some challenges Describing the current trajectory of relations as very encouraging, he underlined that the revitalized partnership with Islamabad should not be seen as a trade-off with any other country “I don’t think it comes at the expense of or instead of a good relationship with India or anybody else for that matter Rubio concluded Analysts view the development as part of a broader realignment in Washington s approach to South Asia, with Pakistan entering a new phase of its economic and strategic engagement with the United States The evolving partnership is being shaped not only by security cooperation but also by emerging collaboration in the minerals and industrial sectors In September, American firm US Strategic Metals (USSM) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Pakistan to invest around $500 million in establishing mineral processing and development facilities in the country The company recently dispatched its first consignment of mineral samples prepared locally in collaboration with the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) to the United States to advance the agreement The shipment includes antimony copper concentrate and rare earth elements such as neodymium and praseodymium In its statement USSM described the delivery as a milestone in the Pakistan–US strategic partnership, adding that the MoU establishes a roadmap for cooperation across the entire mineral value chain from exploration and processing to the establishment of refineries inside Pakistan ” Diplomatic observers note that the minerals partnership has added a new dimension to bilateral ties, complementing renewed security and political engagement between the two countries Earlier this year, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir visited Washington for a five-day official tour in June during which he met President Donald Trump over a luncheon becoming the first serving army chief to hold a one-on-one meeting with a sitting US president During his second visit in August, Field Marshal Munir termed the renewed engagement “a new dimension” in Pakistan–US relations In September he accompanied Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to a meeting with President Trump on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly session, where regional security, counter-terrorism cooperation, and economic opportunities were discussed
o N to r i N g D e s k Pakistan is moving to restore the SRO 760(I)/2013 Import and Export of Precious Metals Jewellery and Gemstones Order 2013 a long-suspended regulatory framework once designed to bring transparency and structure to the country s gemstone and jewellery trade According to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan the federal government has submitted a summary to the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet recommending the reimplementation of SRO 760(I)/2013 The proposal seeks to revive formal trading mechanisms and strengthen oversight of gold, silver, platinum and gemstone exports Originally issued in 2013 the SRO had introduced a transparent import-ex-
port certification and documentation system for precious metals and stones Its suspension in subsequent years led to irregularities, under-invoicing, and a steep decline in formal exports, pushing much of the trade into informal channels
The government now views the framework’s restoration as a crucial step toward standardisation investor confidence and export revival Officials believe the move could help Pakistan reclaim a place in competitive global markets such as China, Thailand, and key European destinations Complementing the ECC proposal the National Assembly Standing Committee on Commerce has called for establishing a dedicated regulatory authority under the Commerce Division to oversee gemstone mining, processing, certification, and exports Lawmakers say the new body would promote
responsible mining practices and ensure that Pakistani stones meet international quality and authenticity standards Pakistan hosts abundant reserves of emeralds, rubies, aquamarines, topaz, and other precious stones in regions including Gilgit-Baltistan Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan Yet despite this natural endowment annual gemstone exports remain limited to just $5–7 million, far below their potential Experts argue that reinstating the import-export regulations, together with the creation of a specialised gemstone authority could generate employment attract foreign investment and boost revenues from cutting polishing and jewellery manufacturing Once approved by the ECC, the revival of SRO 760(I)/2013 is expected to help formalise trade, curb smuggling, and position Pakistan’s gemstone sector for sustainable growth
Pakistan, Turkiye agree
Pakistan, Iran form joint committee to resolve border trade hurdles
M o N i to
Pakistan and Iran have agreed to establish a joint committee aimed at removing logistical bottlenecks and facilitating smoother cross-border trade between the two neighboring countries The understanding was reached during a meeting between Iran s Minister for Roads and Urban Development, Ms Farzaneh Sadegh, and Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan held in Islamabad on Saturday According to an official press release the joint committee comprising officials from both countries has been tasked with submitting its final report within a week, focusing particularly on resolving issues faced by Iranian commer-
cial trucks entering Pakistan Abdul Aleem Khan assured the visiting Iranian minister that all necessary measures would be taken to ensure the prompt clearance of Iranian trade vehicles He issued immediate directives to the National Logistics Cell (NLC), Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and other relevant authorities to expedite coordination He emphasized that Pakistan is fully committed to advancing regional trade and connectivity, offering Iran access to conduct trade through Pakistan s transit routes toward China and other countries The minister expressed satisfaction over the renewed cooperation between the two brotherly Islamic nations calling it a positive step for broader regional development Following the bilateral talks, the Iranian delegation also met with Federal Min-
ister for Railways Hanif Abbasi and Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan During the meeting a detailed review of Pakistan-Iran trade and transport links was carried out Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi proposed accelerating the implementation of the Pakistan-Iran agreement signed in September and announced that a review of the Islamabad–Tehran–Istanbul Train Project will take place in December this year Meanwhile, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan reiterated Pakistan s strong interest in expanding bilateral trade with Iran to USD 10 billion In response Minister Farzaneh Sadegh thanked Abdul Aleem Khan for organizing the meeting on short notice and conveyed Iran s desire to deepen cooperation in maritime affairs, particularly through Chabahar and Gwadar Ports She noted that the President of Iran attaches great importance to strengthening ties with Pakistan, describing the ongoing Regional Transport Ministers’ Conference in Islamabad as an encouraging initiative that will yield mutual benefits Separately United Nations Special Envoy
S m o g i s b a c k
Have sufficient measures been taken to reduce the smog
U N J A B CM Maryam Nawaz did try to talk up her government s efforts against the smog but it came nonetheless borne on a combination of strawstubble burning in Indian Punjab, and the smoke let off by the Diwali festivities there And what with the rains damaging the rice crop stubble burning in Pakistan would not be contributing much to the problem However smoke from the east is only part of the problem Talks between Pakistan and India, probably at the provincial level, are no longer possible If they were there is not all that much that could be done that is not being done already particularly in the way of police action against farmers insistent on stubble burning as an integral means of preparing for the Rabi crop Whatever the reason the smog is back a real-world manifestation of the distinction Lahore could do without, that of being the world’s most polluted city That honour, if indeed honour it is, will change hands with New Delhi repeatedly over the next few months but the unfortunate season of burning eyes hacking coughs and a peculiar chemical taste in the very air itself, has well and truly arrived
One essential means of tackling the smog has not been attempted that of reducing the emissions from fuel engines There are various tiers of the problem, the first one being two-wheelers, both commercial and private Instead of going after two-wheelers with polluting engines there should simply be a campaign directed towards their replacement Some efforts have been made in this direction, but there has been no deadline set, after which internal-combustion-engine two wheelers will not be allowed on the road One method to nudge people towards conversions would be to tax ICE vehicles Similarly, the next stage, that of transport, needs to be tackled The polluting presence of goods and human transport vehicles should also be tackled by imposing taxes on ICE vehicles The polluting potential of diesel engines should not be underestimated It should also be noted that the problem of range for commuter vehicles will become irrelevant for vehicles undertaking short-term commutes Electric vehicles hold out the prospect of rendering unnecessary the pollution caused by the internal combustion engine Lahore’s smog problem obliges it to be a leader in adopting the EV It should be noted that the problem will probably be eliminated by a partial conversion This makes more sense that chasing after smog guns and air purifier towers which might dent the problem but not solve it
Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
M A Niazi
Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami Editor Profit
Pakistan will not take any nonsense
matic triumph a reference to the role played by
FI E L D Marshal Asim Munir while addressing the cadets on the eve of their passing out parade at the Military Academy Kakul last Friday minced no words regarding how Pakistan viewed the emerging security situation in the region and what would be its response to any provocation or acts of aggression by India and her Afghan proxies who were carrying out acts of terrorism within Pakistan He forcefully reiterated the new normal of Pakistan in the most vehement and unequivocal terms that echoed the sentiments of the entire Pakistani nation by saying Should a fresh wave of hostilities be triggered Pakistan would respond much beyond the expectations of the adversary With diminishing distinction between combat and communication zones, the reach and lethality of our weapon systems will shatter the misconceived immunity of India’s geographic vastness The deeply hurting retributive military and economic losses inflicted will be much beyond the imagination and calculations of the perpetrators of chaos and instability In an obvious response to the bellicose rhetoric by the Indian Army Chief he firmly reiterated “I advise and firmly caution the Indian military leadership that there is ‘No Space for War ’ in a nuclearized environment Settle the core issues with Pakistan as per the international norms on the basis of equality and mutual respect We will never be intimidated nor coerced by your rhetoric and shall respond decisively beyond proportions to even a minor provocation without any qualms The onus of ensuing escalation, one that may ultimately bear catastrophic consequences for the entire region and beyond will squarely lie with India Similarly he also sounded a warning to the Afghan regime and the terrorist entities Be rest assured that like our victory in the conventional domain, every state proxy of our neighbour will be razed to dust, Insha Allah Like we stood firm against a much larger adversary we shall persevere and never bow before a handful of misguided terrorists having perverted interpretation of Islam Rest assured that Pakistan is a peace loving nation and shall ensure peace within and peace without I think it would be hard for anybody to take an issue with his assertions that Pakistan’s prestige has been enhanced at the global level through the diplo-
Pakistan in securing the Gaza ceasefire as well as due to the capabilities of its armed forces in defending the country against any aggression as was manifest during the recent conflicts with India, particularly the one during May this year in response to Indian attack in the back-drop of false-flag operation at Pahlgam Equally uncontestable was his claim that Ever since creation of Pakistan the Armed Forces with full support of the nation have defended the external and internal frontiers of this great country with unflinching resolve, conviction and pride The most recent display of the spirit and resolve of the Armed Forces of Pakistan during Maarqa-e-Haq Operation Bunyan-umMarsoos has further strengthened the trust and confidence of the people of Pakistan on competence and far reaching capabilities of its Armed Forces By neutralizing all threats with remarkable professionalism, downing advanced assets like Rafael, targeting multiple bases including S-400s and showcasing multi- domain warfare capabilities, Pakistan has displayed its capabilities and will to defend ” He also announced the unswerving and abiding commitment of the armed forces to defend Pakistan in these words We men in uniform shall always remain ready and arrayed to support the progress and prosperity of the people and the state of Pakistan and defend the ideological and physical frontiers of this great country Allah indeed loves those who fight in His Way in ranks as though they were a solid wall (Surah As-Saff: 4) It was indeed very re-assuring for the whole nation which views Pakistan army as guardian of ideological and physical frontiers of the country and appreciates the sacrifices given by the security forces in thwarting nefarious designs of enemies and tackling terrorism which poses existentialist threat to Pakistan His address was not entirely focused on Indian aggression and terrorism emanating from Afghanistan but he also used the occasion to reiterate Pakistan s credentials as a peace loving nation by citing example of participation of Pakistan armed forces in the UN peace keeping missions and ever spiking
d A f g h a n i s t a n h a s p l e d g e d n o
s u p p o r t t o g ro u p s o p e r a t i n g f ro m i t s s o i l I t r e p r e s e n t s
c c e p t
t h r
i s
TT h e M y t h o f t h e p r o m i s e d l a n d
Israel is immoral, according to the Jews’ own law
conduct such as the systemic dispossession of Palestinians (the Nakba) or the creation of a vast system of illegal control violates these primary ethical laws its moral right to the land is nullified mirroring the biblical precedent for exile following injustice This ethical critique gains potent legal weight from the body of international law Israel’s practices in the occupied Palestinian territories (OPT) are widely cited as violations of the Fourth Geneva Convention particularly Article 49 which prohibits an occupying power from transferring its own civilian population into the territory it occupies the legal basis for declaring Israeli settlements illegal Furthermore, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), in its recent Advisory Opinion (19 July 2024)
determined that Israel’s prolonged occupation of the OPT is unlawful as it violates the Palestinian right to self-determination The ICJ found that Israel s policies which include settlement building and the imposition of restrictions on Palestinians, demonstrate systematic discrimination and annexation, obligating Israel to end its presence “as rapidly as possible,” evacuate settlers, and make reparations Thus, the argument concludes that the “tyranny” of the State of Israel fails the test of both the ancient ethical mandate for righteousness and the modern binding principles of international law thereby invalidating its claim to legitimate tenure
The writer is Senior Fellow at the NUST Institute of Policy Studies
This ethical critique gains potent legal weight from the body of international law. IsraelÊs practices in the occupied Palestinian territories (OPT) are widely cited as violations of the Fourth Geneva Convention, particularly Article 49, which prohibits an occupying power from transferring its own civilian population into the territory it occupies the legal basis for declaring Israeli settlements illegal. Furthermore, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), in its recent Advisory Opinion (19 July 2024), determined that IsraelÊs prolonged occupation of the OPT is unlawful as it violates the Palestinian right to self-determination
Lessons from Palestine
Colour and character
dr MohaMMad Bilal khan
Automobile Industr y: Beyond the Junction
Tin the global transformation towards the decarbonizing of road transport through increased use of electric vehicles is commendable, the increasing cost of ownership for ICEVs and HEVs in Pakistan’s context will prove to be a detrimental factor for the automobile industry
The automobiles in Pakistan are already highly taxed on top of the high production costs, which has to date limited the vehicle ownership in the country The production capacity of vehicles increased beyond half a million vehicles annually but the production remains around 200 000 to 250 000 vehicles in a good year Increasing the cost of ownership for these ICEVs and HEVs
The industry-academia collaboration for R&D and innovation is essential if Pakistan is to achieve the targets for EV transition as laid out in the NEV policy 2025-2030, as it is not just a matter of vehicle affordability for the public but also about the growth of the industry in the country. The path of the automobile industry beyond the junction is difficult but clear: Innovate and increase production to make automobiles- be they ICEVs, HEVs or just EVs- affordable for a larger population of the country
Meet Netanyahu’s old spymaster
Former Mossad chief Yossi Cohen wants to be Israel’s nex t prime minister. His autobiography shows he has the ‘persuasive’ streak required
It ’s a case of identifying your weak spot –we all have one. ‘Greed, money, position, ideology, friendship, sex, love, securing their future, beliefs, hatred, jealousy ’
Among those leaving are thousands of highly skilled professionals, including more than 8,000 from the hi-tech industry
‘ The ner ve of a sniper, the instinc ts of a card sharp, and the luck of the D evil’
IN his new autobiography The Sword of Freedom Yossi Cohen the former chief of Mossad Israel s national intelligence agency explains how he d go about turning you to do Israel s bidding –willingly or otherwise First, he would hack your smartphone, that “deeply personal possession”, unlocking everything from your bank details and emails to your drunken social-media posts Then it s a case of identifying your weak spot – and yes he says we all have one Greed money position, ideology, friendship, sex, love, securing their future, beliefs, hatred, jealousy, Cohen writes “Once I know what button to press, I have something to work with ” If that sounds far-fetched bear in mind that Cohen 64 has found buttons to press on all manner of unlikely people In a fourdecade career, he has turned everyone from Lebanese terrorists to Iranian nuclear scientists, and as Mossad head from 2016 to 2021, he oversaw two of its biggest coups: the snatching of Iran’s secret nuclear archive in 2018
Born into an ultra-Orthodox family, Cohen joined the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) aged 18 and fought in the 1982 Lebanon War He was invited to apply for Mossad aged 22 just as he was about to start studying in England with a view to becoming a lawyer The tests he had to pass included breaking into apartments and planting bugs in hotel rooms, the requisite talents being, as he puts it, the nerve of a sniper, the instincts of a card sharp, and the luck of the Devil” Fluent in English Hebrew Arabic and French and with dapper looks that earned him the nickname The Model Cohen s skills saw him rise to the head of Mossad s HUMINT or human intelligence, division The Sword of Freedom sketches out the elaborate charades that Mossad deploys to groom assets for their cause An agent might spend years posing as an Arab businessman offering lucrative contracts in return for information about Hezbollah Others might flatter the vanity of well-connected Iranian journalists or opinion-formers, setting up fake literary festivals in Europe for them to talk at One of Cohen’s early coups after Hezbollah’s 1986 kidnapping of two Israeli soldiers Yosef Fink and Rahimim Alsheikh came when he was tasked with finding out whether they were still alive or not A turned Lebanese terrorist provided proof that they were already dead: this prevented Hezbollah from demanding the release of Arab prisoners in exchange After becoming head of Mossad in 2016 Cohen also helped to mastermind the operation to identify and steal an Iranian nuclear archive housed in a facility in Tehran In what he describes as Ocean s Eleven for real , a 20-strong team blowtorched their way overnight into several 20ft high safes fleeing with more than 50 000 documents before guards turned up at dawn A week after Netanyahu revealed the archive at a press conference, US president Donald Trump withdrew from the nuclear deal Barack Obama had brokered with Iran Then, in 2020, the agency targeted scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh the head of Iran’s nuclear programme and Tehran s most heavily guarded man (after supreme leader Ali Khamenei) Fakhrizadeh routinely travelled with an eight-vehicle convoy of bodyguards; but even that was no use against a satellitecontrolled and AI-assisted robot gun, concealed in a parked Nissan that waited for the group to pass and then raked Fakhrizadeh’s car with bullets The weapon weighing more than a ton and smuggled into Iran piece by piece, self-detonated immediately afterwards Written in simple, unassuming prose, this
memoir also has a self-serving element, given not only the author ’s political ambitions but the criticism that Israel s security services faced in the aftermath of the October 7 attacks Cohen tries to deflect blame from Mossad itself by saying that, despite his own objections, Gaza had become the responsibility of the IDF and the Shin Bet (Israel’s domestic intelligence service) which lacked the espionage skills to monitor it properly
Tlar figures expected this year, the highest since 2010 Among those leaving are thousands of highly skilled professionals, including more than 8 000 from the hi-tech industry between October 2023 and mid-2024 alone
Dr Dalia Adler a demographer at Hebrew University puts it plainly: This wave of emigration is unprecedented Young, educated Israelis are leaving, and if we don’t act fast, it could seriously damage Israel’s innovation and growth ” But the story isn’t that simple As global antisemitism rises Israel s role as a refuge for Jews worldwide has never been more critical Yet, paradoxically, many Israelis are deciding to leave, driven by security fears and uncertainty I recently spoke with an IT specialist who moved his family to the US right after the October 7 attacks but has since returned His takeaway? The fear of being Israeli in America was just as intense as the fear of security threats back home
RECORD NUMBER OF IS-
RAELIS EMIGRATE ABROAD:
Professor Yossi Klein Halevi captures this tension: Security concerns, economic pressures, and social divisions are pushing Israelis to reconsider their future here At the same time Israel remains a vital refuge for Jews worldwide creating a complex balancing act for the government This migration trend shines a harsh light on deep anxieties about safety, economic opportunity, and quality of
MohaMMad Shaaf Najib
T R U M P O V E R S E E S T R A D E D E A L
L U R R Y O N F I R S T A S I A N S T O P
KUALA LUMPUR
United States President Donald Trump co-signed a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia in Malaysia during the first stop on his Asia tour, which is expected to culminate in talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping The ceasefire following a bloody border dispute was signed by Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, as well as Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim
The agreement will see the release of 18 Cambodian prisoners of war a statement from Cambodia s foreign
quotas on exports to the United States of critical minerals or rare earth elements the countries said They did not specify whether Malaysia’s pledge applied to raw or processed rare earths
Breast Cancer awareness strengthens national health systems
Breast Cancer is Pakistan’s most common cancer among women According to the Government of Pakistan, approximately 90 000 new cases are diagnosed each year with nearly 40 000 deaths annually These numbers place enormous pressure on an already strained healthcare system
The World Health Organization (WHO) stresses that early detection and timely treatment are the most effective ways to reduce breast cancer mortality, noting that survival rates can exceed 90% if diagnosed at Stage I or II However late detection remains widespread in Pakistan due to a lack of awareness limited access to screening and cultural stigma According to the WHO s Global Breast Cancer Initiative (2021), countries that invest in population-wide awareness and early diagnosis strategies significantly reduce advanced-stage cases, thereby easing the load on tertiary hospitals Pakistan’s health system has begun to respond The Ministry of National Health Services Regulations &
Coordination (NHSRC) reports that cancer is among the top five non-communicable diseases in Pakistan, and breast cancer accounts for the largest share The government has announced multiple initiatives including expanding cancer diagnostic services training lady health workers for awareness and early detection and introducing screening units at selected public hospitals Such initiatives align with the WHO s recommendations for national cancer control strategies
Awareness campaigns are critical in strengthening the health system When women understand the importance of self-examination regular clinical checkups and mammography they are more likely to seek h
s costly treatments, reducing the burden on specialized cancer units and freeing up resources for other pressing health challenges
However, awareness must translate into action Without adequate infrastructure screening facilities diagnostic labs trained personnel and accessible treatment risks become symbolic rather than transformative To truly
strengthen national health systems, Pakistan must expand breast cancer services beyond urban centers, ensuring equitable access in rural and underserved areas WHO advises that cancer control be fully integrated into Universal Health Coverage (UHC) frameworks For Pakistan this means incorporating breast cancer awareness and early detection into primary health services, supported by adequate funding and nationwide policy coordination
In a country where women form nearly half the population and are central to families communities and the economy breast cancer is not just a health issue; it is a national development challenge Awareness campaigns coupled with functional healthcare infrastructure, can turn the tide By investing in prevention and early detection, Pakistan can strengthen its health system, reduce mortality, and safeguard the future of its women and families
The writer is a professor of Surgery and Principal of the School of Health Sciences NUR-Fatima Memorial System Lahore
Kashmir The Promise that Became a Prison
Every October, Pakistan observes a date carved into its national memory October 27, 1947 It was on this day that Indian forces entered Jammu and Kashmir, transforming what was meant to be a political dialogue into a brute military occupation that still casts its long shadow over South Asia Kashmir Black Day is not a mere annual ritual It is an act of remembrance an insistence that history, though often buried under propaganda and silence continues to breathe This year under the direction of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz the provincial government has framed the observance of Kashmir Black Day as an exercise in civic awareness and moral reflection Across Punjab, rallies will be held at all levels Arts councils will stage exhibitions puppet shows skits and tableaus; documentaries will be aired to sensitize the world about this core issue
The flags of Pakistan and Azad Kashmir will be displayed together at public places, while black banners and panaflexes will mark the province’s solidarity with the oppressed Kashmiris Even the symbolic city branding of Rawalpindi with billboards and streamers at Kachehry Chowk and Peshawar Road
will carry a unified message: that the people of Punjab stand with Kashmiris in their just struggle for self-determination
India’s acceptance of UN Security Council Resolution 47 the following year formalised that pledge calling for a free and impartial plebiscite under international supervision What began as an article of faith soon became a casualty of expedience Over the decades, that unkept word has hardened into the silence of barbed wire and curfews
Today the revocation of Articles 370 and 35A in August 2019 has stripped Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir of the limited autonomy it once possessed The region, once celebrated as paradise on earth, now resembles a vast open-air prison, where communication blackouts, demographic manipulation and the suppression of dissent have become daily realities The question for the world is simple: can peace be built on the denial of consent?
Punjab s commemoration of Kashmir Black Day 2025, therefore, assumes a deeper meaning It is an attempt to shift the conversation from emotion to ethics
from slogans to scholarship By engaging citizens through culture, media, and civic participation, the provincial government aims to foster a rational understanding of why Kashmir matters not only to Pakistan but to the moral architecture of international law itself
There is an underlying philosophy at work here, one that recalls the wisdom of Kautilya, the ancient strategist who argued that power divorced from justice ultimately devours itself The lesson applies with tragic clarity to Kashmir When a state rules without legitimacy it may command obedience but never loyalty Suppression may silence dissent for a time, but it cannot erase the truth that gave rise to it The United Nations, for its part, has failed a fundamental test of credibility
More than seventy-five years after adopting resolutions that guaranteed the right of self-determination to the people of Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, it has yet to fulfil its own mandate The world that found its conscience in East Timor and South Sudan appears content to lose it in Srinagar The selective application of justice corrodes not only institutions but the very idea of global order
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz s government deserves recognition for anchoring this year s commemoration in awareness rather than anger By invoking art education and civic participation Punjab’s campaign demonstrates that solidarity can be expressed through reason as much as rhetoric The message it conveys is not of hatred, but of hope that peace built upon justice remains possible, if the world chooses to honour its own word Kashmir today stands as a testament to both resilience and betrayal a valley where the beauty of nature mocks the ugliness of politics The black flags that rise across Punjab this October will speak for those who have been silenced, reminding the world that a promise once made before humanity cannot be buried under the rubble of expediency Kashmir Black Day is not about darkness; it is about the refusal to let darkness prevail The day endures as an indictment of hypocrisy and a quiet appeal to conscience For as long as the promise remains unkept, the prison remains unbroken (The writer is a Lahore-based public policy analyst and can be reached at qudratu@gmail com)
She has reignited the emotional connection between Punjab and Kashmir binding both through shared sacrifice faith and hope As Pakistan observes this 27th October it does so with renewed determination guided by a leader who understands that freedom movements are not sustained by force but by faith, perseverance, and moral truth The path to justice may be long, but as Maryam Nawaz often reminds, “The courage of Kashmir will outlast oppression and the dawn of freedom will rise over the valley On this Kashmir Black Day Pakistan stands united with the brave people of Kashmir their pain is our pain, their struggle, our struggle, and their freedom, our unshakable promise
QUDRAT ULLAH
MARYAM UNVEILS PUNJAB’S FIRST HEALTH SCREENING, DIGITAL SAFET Y DRIVE FOR SPECIAL CHILDREN
The Regional Transport Ministers Conference (RTMC-2025) opened at the Jinnah Convention Center Islamabad on October 23 bringing together transport ministers, senior government officials, international delegates, and maritime industry leaders from across the region to advance regional integration transport connectivity and economic cooperation
Organized by the Ministry of Communications Government of Pakistan, the three-day conference seeks to promote collaboration in developing integrated maritime, road rail and logistics networks
The Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) led by its Chief Executive Officer Syed Jarar Haider Kazmi, played a pivotal role in the event under the guidance of the Minister for Maritime Affairs, Mr Junaid Anwar Chaudhry In his address Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry reaffirmed Pakistan s commitment to establishing secure efficient and interconnected regional transport systems, emphasizing the significance of maritime trade routes, port infrastructure, and land-sea linkages in driving economic growth particularly for landlocked Central Asian states Syed Jarar Haider Kazmi underscored PNSC s resolve to expand Pakistan s maritime footprint and strengthen partnerships with regional and global logistics players International delegates lauded Pakistan’s initiative in convening RTMC-2025 and called for collaborative policy frameworks to enhance trade efficiency and transport sustainability
A major outcome of the conference was the signing of two landmark Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at expanding maritime cooperation
The first MoU was signed between
The renowned platform Shaan-e-Pakistan proudly kicked off its 10-year milestone celebration with the setting up of SEPMA Academy to provide free space for unparalleled music education to the visually impaired and specially abled individuals The vibrant Media Meet-and-Greet event held here earlier today featured a Red Carpet buzzing with distinguished personalities such as Alyy Khan, Nadira Panjwani, Irfan Pardesi, Jawed Iqbal and many more The welcome address was delivered by Shanaz Ramzi who has been an integral part of SEPMA events since day one and who shed light on SEPMA s past and proposed activities A short musical presentation by SEPMA was up next, followed by a mash-up on the theme of ‘The World is different but emotions are the same produced and directed by Huma Haji Zikar Pardesi Next up was a heart-warming performance titled We Sense by the SEPMA Academy that was practicing it for weeks again under the direction and show production of Huma Pardesi SEPMA is grateful to Fragrance Lab for their support in this segment
PNSC and Dynamic World Wide Logistics Group represented by Syed Jarar Haider Kazmi and Muhammad Saleh Tariq Chaudhry to enhance collaboration in maritime logistics, create new trade corridors, and integrate sea-land transport solutions The second MoU was inked between PNSC and Ravian Maritime Pvt Ltd represented by Syed Jarar Haider Kazmi and Abdul Hameed Paracha focusing on developing regional shipping routes, launching liner services from Pakistan to Central Asia, the Far East the Gulf Africa and Europe and promoting enhanced land-sea connectivity
Pinktober Women Festival Season 4 Held at Governor House Karachi
KARACHI
s ta f f r e p o r t
The Karachi Women Entrepreneurs Group by Shama
Rashid organized the Pinktober Women Festival Season 4 at the Sindh Governor House, Karachi
The event began with the recitation of the Holy Quran and Naat by Nazma Javed The chief guest Advisor to the Governor Mr Tariq Mustafa delivered the message of the Governor of Sindh Kamran Tessori and appreciated Shama Rashid s remarkable efforts in organizing such a meaningful event
KWE President Shama Rashid highlighted the ongoing initiatives to combat breast cancer and expressed concern over the rising number of new cases each year The purpose of the event was to raise awareness among women about the increasing risks of breast cancer emphasize early detection and promote timely treatment and preventive measures The event also featured various sessions focusing on women s mental health, physical well-being, yoga, diet, and fitness Dr
PM, PRESIDENT REAFFIRM ‘UNWAVERING SUPPORT’ TO K ASHMIRIS, DEMAND GLOBAL ACTION AGAINST INDIA’S RIGHTS ABUSES IN IIOJK
Tand forcibly annexed the territory in blatant violation of international law and the principles of partition PM Shehbaz: ‘Kashmir remains the world’s longest occupation’ Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in his message said that every year the 27th of October marks the darkest day in the history of Kashmir It was on this day, seventy-eight years ago, that Indian occupation forces landed in Srinagar and annexed it a tragic chapter in human history that continues to this day Ever since that fateful day, India continues to deny the Kashmiri people their inalienable right to selfdetermination, as enshrined in numerous resolutions of the United Nations Security Council ” he added
Sindh logs 439 dengue cases in current month as Karachi tops list amid data dispute
Sindh has recorded 439 confirmed dengue cases so far in October, taking the provincial total for 2025 to 1,083, according to a new report issued by the Sindh Health Department Karachi remains the worst-hit division with 188 cases this month followed by Hyderabad with 154 Dengue a mosquito-borne viral infection transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, continues to pose a major public health challenge in Sindh, particularly during the post-monsoon period when stagnant water and poor sanitation conditions encourage mosquito breeding While official figures show a moderate spread data gathered independently from Karachi hospitals and laboratories suggest a much sharper surge Between October 1 and 16, three major hospitals and a public sector lab with branches in Hyderabad reported more than 12,000 suspected or confirmed cases a discrepancy raising concerns about the accuracy of government data Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho in a statement issued through her department said the official numbers were based solely on verified reports received from government hospitals If a patient undergoes testing at a private laboratory, that report is not included in our official data,” she clarified, urging citizens not to rely on unverified figures circulating on social media The minister said Karachi Division remained the most affected followed by Hyderabad Mirpurkhas Sukkur Shaheed Benazirabad and Larkana She added that anti-dengue operations had been intensified across the province, with fumigation drives, spraying, and water drainage being monitored at the district level
Naqvi
reinforces Pakistan’s counter terror, securit y ties with UK and US
ISLAMABAD staff report
The prime minister said that for nearly eight decades the people of IIOJK had endured immense hardship, persecution, and oppression We salute their indomitable spirit, courage, and resilience
in the face of fear and tyranny Their unwavering resolve to attain their just right to self-determination remains undiminished,” he remarked Referring to India’s actions following the revocation of Article 370 on August 5 2019 the premier said New Delhi had intensified its illegal and unilateral measures aimed at altering the demography and political status of the occupied territory In addition to human rights abuses, massive curbs have been imposed on freedom of movement and expression ” he said By imposing draconian laws India has unleashed a systematic campaign of violence and brutality to silence legitimate political voices The unlawful incarceration of Kashmiri leaders, activists, and journalists under fabricated charges reflects the ugliest face of Indian extremism he added The prime minister reaffirmed that Pakistan s position on Jammu and Kashmir remains clear, consistent, and principled As Prime Minister of Pakistan, I have always highlighted the plight of my Kashmiri brothers and sisters before the international community and echoed their calls for freedom from Indian occupation he said
Five soldiers mar t yred, 25 terrorists killed as t
wo infiltration attempts foiled in KP: ISPR
Security forces neutralized 25 terrorists of the ‘Indian-proxy’ Fitna al-Khawarij including four suicide bombers and seized a large cache of weapons and explosives while foiling two major terrorist infiltration attempts from Afghanistan in the North Waziristan and Kurram districts the military’s media wing said on Sunday While successfully thwarting the infiltration attempts five soldiers sacrificed their lives during the intense firefight, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement
The ISPR statement said “On 24-25 October 2025 security forces detected movements of two large groups of khwarij attempting to infiltrate Pakistan from Afghanistan near Ghaki in Kurram District and Spinwam in North Waziristan District ”
“Our own troops effectively engaged these groups of khwarij and as a result of precise and skillful engagements, fifteen khawarij, including four suicide bombers belonging to [the] Indian proxy, Fitna al Khwarij, were sent to hell in Spinwam North Waziristan Dis-
trict the statement said It added that another ten infiltrating Khawarij were killed in Ghaki, Kurram District, and a large cache of weapons, ammunition, and explosives was recovered from the slain militants
The term Fitna al-Khawarij has been designated for the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)
The statement added the fallen included Havildar Manzoor Hussain (35, District Ghizar), Sepoy Nauman Ilyas Kiyani (23 District Poonch) Sepoy Muhammad Adil (24 District Kasur) Sepoy Shah Jehan (25 District Vehari) and Sepoy Ali Asghar (25, District Pak Pattan), who embraced martyrdom while fighting gallantly
“It is significant to point out that these infiltration attempts by Fitna al-Khwarij are being carried out at time when delegations of Pakistan and Afghanistan are engaged in talks in Türkiye; casting doubts on the intentions of the Interim Afghan Government with regards to addressing the issue of terrorism emanating from its soil ” the statement said
It added that Pakistan had consistently been asking the Interim Afghan Government to ensure effective border management on their side
of the border and is expected to fulfil its obligations of the Doha Agreement and deny the use of Afghan soil by Khwarij against Pakistan
“The security forces of Pakistan remain resolute and unwavering in their commitment to defend the nation s frontiers and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve it said Sanitization operation is being conducted to eliminate any other Indian-sponsored kharji found in the area as the relentless counterterrorism campaign under vision Azm-e-Istehkam (as approved by the Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan) by the security forces and law enforcement agencies of Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country it said Pakistan has seen a surge in terrorist attacks particularly in KP and Balochistan, mostly targeting police, law enforcement personnel, and security forces The spike followed the banned TTP’s breach of a ceasefire agreement with the government in 2022
Last week security forces neutralized 34 India-backed terrorists during multiple operations across KP
‘No ban, no barrier,’ says A zma as Punjab dismisses wheat transpor t ban allegations
ISLAMABAD
s ta f f r e p o r t
With political developments gaining pace in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) the Pakistan People s Party (PPP) on Sunday achieved a major breakthrough after ten legislators elected on PTI tickets in the 2021 general elections announced their decision to join the PPP a move that has dramatically shifted the balance of power in the region’s Legislative Assembly and positioned the party to claim the premiership
The announcement came a day after senior PPP leaders from AJK held crucial meetings with Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and President Asif Ali Zardari in Islamabad to finalize the party s strategy for the removal of incumbent Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq
The latest political realignment has made the PPP the single largest party in the 53-member AJK Legislative Assembly with the numbers now clearly in its favor to form the next government PPP takes clear lead in AJK Assembly
Following Sunday s defections the PPP s strength in the house has surged to 27 members, followed by the PML-N with nine, the PTI with five, and two regional parties holding one seat each The breakaway group of PTI legislators supporting Haq has now been reduced to just ten members PPP lawmaker Chaudhry Qasim Majeed onfirmed that ten PTI legislators have joined the PPP in joint and separate meetings with Faryal Talpur at Zardari House in Islamabad ” He added “Yes we are now in a comfortable position to send the incumbent Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq packing and replace him with a new leader of the house from our ranks ”
Key defectors and political camps
Among those who switched sides were five lawmakers aligned with AJK President Barrister Sultan Mahmood including his son Yasir Sultan, his brother-in-law Chaudhry Arshad, Chaudhry Akhlaque from the Mirpur division, Chaudhry Muhammad Rasheed from the Muzaffarabad division and Sardar Muhammad
Hussain from the Poonch division
According to senior PPP leader Azhar Iqbal Baralvi, female legislator Sabiha Siddique, also from Sultan Mahmood’s camp, did not immediately join the PPP due to “reservations over the possible nomination of Haq s successor Later in the day Zafar Iqbal Malik from Kotli also announced his decision to join the PPP separately Following suit, Abdul Majid Khan, Chaudhry Akbar Ibrahim, Asim Sharif Butt (from refugee constituencies) and Sardar Faheem Rabbani from the Poonch division met Faryal Talpur to formally join the PPP All ten defectors are currently serving in Haq’s cabinet, though only the three refugee legislators had publicly announced their resignations earlier No official notification of their resignations however has yet been issued PPP strategizes for change in government PPP’s regional president Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin was notably absent from the meetings at Zardari House
” senior security sources said on Sunday The crucial negotiations mediated by Türkiye and Qatar are aimed at defusing heightened tensions following the worst border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan since the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul in 2021 According to security officials the Pakistani delegation led by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif presented a clear stance: the
Taliban s support for militant outfits operating from Afghan soil cannot and will not be tolerated Islamabad demanded “concrete verifiable and time-bound steps” from Kabul to eliminate all cross-border terrorist networks The arguments being offered by the Taliban side are illogical and detached from ground realities, one official said It appears they are pursuing someone else’s agenda one that endangers peace in Afghanistan Pakistan and the wider region ” Officials underscored that further progress in the talks would depend on a constructive attitude from the Afghan side, noting that the Taliban remained reluctant to act against Fitna al-Khawarij, a state-designated term for the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)
Pakistan s delegation presented documented evidence of the presence and activities of Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan within Afghanistan including intelligence showing that their leadership continues to receive protection from elements within the Taliban regime Officials further noted that the Taliban being non-state actors who now wield state authority appear unable to grasp the grave implications of supporting other non-state groups at the expense of formal bilateral relations Pakistan has stood by the Afghan people through decades of conflict and humanitarian crises, one source added But it cannot tolerate terrorism emanating from their soil ” The Pakistani delegation, according to officials participated in the talks with “ab-
solute clarity , keeping discussions tightly focused on the single-point agenda of counterterrorism “Pakistan made it clear that it would never engage with Fitna al-Khawarij and that the Taliban must decisively cut all support to the leadership of