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27TH CONSTITUTIONAL AMEND CLEARS SENATE AMID ‘UPROAR, DEFECTIONS AND DEEPENING POLITICAL RIFTS’ Tuesday, 11 November, 2025 | 19 Jamadiul Awwal, 1447
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BILL SET FOR NA TABLING TODAY AFTER STORMY SENATE APPROVAL SPARKS NATIONWIDE DEBATE
TWO OPPOSITION DEFECTIONS SECURE CRUCIAL TWO-THIRDS MAJORITY IN UPPER HOUSE
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Profit
TREASURY–OPPOSITION CLASHES TRIGGER CHAOS AS LAWMAKERS TRADE SLOGANS, ACCUSATIONS ANP, MQM PROPOSALS DEFERRED; GOVT VOWS BROADER CONSULTATION WITH PROVINCES
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ISLAMABAD
saleem Jadoon
The government on Monday pushed the contentious 27th Constitutional Amendment through the Senate with an emphatic 64-vote majority, securing the crucial two-thirds support it needed after weeks of political turbulence, fierce objections from the opposition and acrimonious scenes inside the upper house. The amendment — one of the most consequential constitutional overhauls in recent years — passed after dramatic procedural
Govt tables 27th Amendment in NA after Senate approval today ISLAMABAD
staff report
The government is set to table the controversial 27th Constitutional Amendment bill in tomorrow’s National Assembly session after it successfully sailed through the Senate on Monday, securing a two-thirds majority following the defection of two opposition members. A notification from the NA Secretariat confirmed that Law
Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar will formally present the bill, which has been the center of political debate for weeks. Today’s National Assembly session, however, was marred by ruckus from both treasury and opposition benches, leading to an early adjournment. During the session, PPP MNA Raja Pervaiz Ashraf faced disruptions from the opposition as he addressed the house on presidential immunity, a measure he said was standard prac-
tice in many countries. Ashraf criticized opposition members for raising objections despite having violated constitutional norms themselves. PTI lawmakers responded with slogans of “Go Zardari go” and “Long live Imran Khan”, also mocking Ashraf as “Raja Rental.” Following Ashraf, Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl MNA Aliya Kamran questioned the need for haste, noting that all stakeholders had not been consulted.
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 125 | 8 Pages | Islamabad Edition
PPP’S ASHRAF DEFENDS PRESIDENTIAL IMMUNITY; PTI BENCHES RESPOND WITH UPROAR
WALKOUTS, TORN BILL COPIES MARK SENATE SPECTACLE BEFORE SMOOTH FINAL VOTE
voting, loud sloganeering, torn copies of the bill hurled towards the treasury benches, and a walkout by nearly the entire opposition, which accused the government of forcing through a measure that would reshape Pakistan’s judicial and military command structures without national consensus. The ruling coalition’s victory hinged on the defection of two opposition senators, allowing the amendment to comfortably cross the 64-vote threshold required in the 100-member house. The government now moves to the final
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COMMITTEES CLEAR AMENDMENT WITH ‘MINOR TWEAKS’ AMID OPPOSITION BOYCOTT
DAR SAYS ARTICLE 243 CHANGES ‘AMICABLY SETTLED’ AS DEBATE OVER CIVIL, MILITARY BALANCE INTENSIFIES
stage: securing passage in the National Assembly, where it already enjoys a two-thirds majority. Yet Monday’s proceedings — charged, chaotic and politically revealing — also exposed widening cracks in several political parties, signalled intra-party dissent, and raised questions about the longterm implications of new constitutional arrangements, including the creation of a Federal Constitutional Court, alterations to Article 243, and the formal constitutional recognition of a five-star field marshal rank.
Opposition protests, torn papers and walkout clear the way The Senate session, presided over by Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, witnessed heated scenes even before Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar rose to present the bill. Opposition lawmakers rose from their seats shouting slogans, accusing the government of upending constitutional traditions, and casting the amendment as an assault on the judiciary and an attempt to shield specific offices from accountability.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 03
Ex-legal ‘giants’ urge chief justice of Pakistan to summon full court meeting over 27th Amendment ISLAMABAD
staff report
As the government advances toward the passage of the controversial 27th Constitutional Amendment, a coalition of senior judges and top legal experts has formally urged the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP), Yahya Afridi, to convene a full court session to deliberate on the legisla-
tion’s implications. This call was articulated in a letter dated November 9 and penned by senior counsel Faisal Siddiqi, the letter was also endorsed by former Supreme Court senior puisne judge retired Justice Mushir Alam, ex-Sindh High Court judge retired Justice Nadeem Akhtar, along with nine other prominent legal figures.
The letter begins by emphasizing the unprecedented gravity of the moment, stating that, “we are witnessing the greatest threat to the Supreme Court of Pakistan since its establishment in 1956.” It describes the proposed 27th Amendment Act as “the most radical restructuring of the Federal Appellate Court system since the enactment of the Government of India Act, 1935.”
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Tuesday, 11 November, 2025 | ISLAMABAD
NEWS 03
Tuesday, 11 November, 2025 | ISLAMABAD
SECoNd US-orIGIN CrUdE oIl CArGo ArrIvES IN PAkISTAN
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crude, reflecting growing confidence in the economic feasibility of sourcing oil from the United States. According to the company’s vice chairman, the positive experience with the first cargo paved the way for more such imports in the future. Notably, in 2023, Cnergyico had already made headlines by importing Pakistan’s first private-sector shipment of Russian crude oil, capitalizing on discounted prices offered by Moscow. The company’s move to diversify its crude supply sources — from Russia to the United States — underscores its strategic approach to securing energy supplies and strengthening Pakistan’s position in the global oil trade.
CnergyiCo reCeives A seCond us Crude oil shipMent; vessel CArries one Million bArrels of wti Crude ISLAMABAD
AhMAD AhMADAni
AKISTAN has received its second shipment of US crude oil, marking another milestone in the expanding energy trade between Islamabad and Washington. The US oil tanker MT Albany has entered Pakistan’s maritime boundaries and is scheduled to berth today at the Cnergyico oil terminal in Balochistan. The vessel carries around one million barrels of West Texas In-
Fire erupts at Gul Ahmed Textile’s warehouse; company assures insurance cover
termediate (WTI) crude oil, making it the second major US oil carrier to dock at a Pakistani port. Cnergyico has imported two shipments— each carrying one million barrels—of WTI crude oil from the United States, a first in Pakistan’s history. The company initiated this landmark import following a new bilateral trade agreement aimed at enhancing energy cooperation between the two countries. The first US crude oil cargo, carried by MT Pegasus, arrived in Pakistan on October 29 after departing from Houston on Septem-
KARACHI
news Desk
Gul Ahmed Textile Mills Limited has formally notified the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) of a fire that broke out at one of its warehouse facilities, the company disclosed in a filing on Tuesday. The incident, which occurred at the company’s Landhi plot, is reported to have affected certain inventories and fixed assets stored within the warehouse. In its communiqué to the Exchange, the company stated that it has immediately initiated a “detailed assessment to evaluate the extent of the damage and any resulting operational impact.” In a key reassurance to its shareholders and investors, the textile giant confirmed that the affected inventories were “fully covered under comprehensive insurance policies.” This disclosure is critical as it potentially shields the company from a significant direct financial loss arising from the damage. “The Company is in close coordination with insurance providers, safety authorities, and relevant stakeholders to manage the situation efficiently and ensure business continuity,” the notice, signed by Company Secretary Salim Ghaffar, further added.
BISP digital wallets to be fully operational by November end, payments to be cashless
govt accelerates cashless economy efforts with digital wallets, Qr codes for utilities, and mobile payment integration ISLAMABAD
ber 14. The vessel anchored at Cnergyico’s offshore terminal, marking the beginning of direct US crude imports into Pakistan. Industry experts view this development as a significant step toward diversifying Pakistan’s crude supply sources and strengthening its energy security. It also reflects the growing trade engagement between Pakistan and the United States in the energy sector. By the end of October 2025, Pakistan received its first-ever shipment of US crude oil, with the cargo arriving at Cnergyico’s
PROFIT
Monitoring Desk
Wheat cultivation in Punjab has picked up strong momentum, with provincial agriculture authorities confident of meeting the 16.5 million-acre target for the 2025– 26 crop season, backed by favorable weather and improved soil conditions following recent floods. Officials said more than 3 million acres have already been sown, and the pace is accelerating in major wheat-producing districts. The optimal sowing window will remain open until the end of November, and farmers have been urged to complete planting before the deadline to ensure maximum yield. Weather and agriculture experts attribute the strong start to ample soil moisture and enhanced fertility in the Barani (rainfed) regions. “Conditions in the Barani areas are very conducive this year due to sufficient soil moisture following the September floods,” said Dr. Anjum Ali Buttar,
offshore terminal, known as the Single Point Mooring (SPM) port, located along the coast of Balochistan. This milestone marked the beginning of direct US crude imports into the country. Earlier, in August, it was reported that Cnergyico would import one million barrels of crude oil from Vitol during the month. Following the successful delivery, the company’s management deemed the transaction commercially viable. Subsequently, in September, Cnergyico placed an order for a second shipment of US
Punjab wheat sowing gains pace amid favorable post-flood conditions g
over 3 Million ACres AlreAdy CultivAted As provinCe tArgets 16.5 Million ACres for 2025–26 Crop seAson
consultant at the Punjab Agriculture Department and former director general of the department. “We expect over 95 percent of the target area to be cultivated by November 30.” Muhammad Riaz, former director general of the Pakistan Meteorological Department, said that the floods deposited nutrient-rich alluvial material across large tracts of farmland, improving soil productivity. “The floods helped the soil retain moisture and enhanced its organic con-
tent,” he said. “However, some areas experienced sand deposition where floodwaters remained stagnant for longer periods.” The Agriculture Department has listed several recommended wheat varieties for this season, including Akbar-2019, Dilkash-2020, Fakhar-e-Bhakkar, Aruj2022, Nishan, Pakistan-2013, Faisalabad2008, MH-2021, MA-2021, Subhani-2020, and Wafaq-2023. Dr. Buttar noted that there is no shortage of inputs in the province, with around
SBP sets revenue limits for SMEs to boost access to bank financing g
new regulAtions CAtegorize sMes, outline finAnCing options And introduCe digitAl Credit sCoring Models for eAsier ACCess to funding KARACHI
Monitoring Desk
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has updated its regulations to simplify the process for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to access financing from banks, establishing clear annual revenue limits based on sales turnover. Under the new guidelines, small enterprises are categorized into two groups. Micro enterprises have an annual revenue limit of Rs30 million, while above micro enterprises can have an annual revenue ranging from Rs30 million to Rs150 million. Mediumsized enterprises, with annual sales
turnover between Rs150 million and Rs800 million, have retained their previous limits. Enterprises up to five years old will be classified as Start-up SE (small enterprises) or Start-up ME (medium enterprises). To qualify for bank financing, SMEs and startups must be independent, profitdriven, and privately owned. The updated rules allow small enterprises (both micro and above micro) to access up to Rs100 million in funding, while medium enterprises can secure up to Rs500 million from a single bank or across multiple financial institutions such as Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) and Microfinance Banks (MFBs).
To assess creditworthiness, banks and DFIs are required to develop digital credit scoring models, using data sources like transactional records, bank account activity, and digital supply chain data. The clean exposure (unsecured credit) for SMEs will be capped at Rs50 million, with loans secured solely on personal guarantees and based on the SME’s financial condition and credit score. Additionally, banks and DFIs must ensure effective monitoring of SME loans through digital tools and physical verification where necessary, allowing them to track the financial health and operations of SMEs receiving financing.
Monitoring Desk
The government announced on Monday that the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) digital wallets will be fully operational by the end of November, marking a significant step in transitioning to a cashless economy. The next round of payments to beneficiaries will be disbursed through these digital wallets. This announcement came during a review meeting on cashless economy measures, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The meeting also highlighted the ongoing efforts to digitize bill payments, with electricity and gas bills now being paid through Raast QR codes, facilitating billions of rupees in transactions via digital systems. The Prime Minister was briefed on the progress of the development of 10 million digital wallets under BISP, which are aimed at furthering financial inclusion. Emphasizing the need for increased awareness in rural areas, the PM stressed that achieving a cashless economy was crucial to eliminating the informal economy. Additionally, the meeting covered the integration of a mobile application with Raast for government services, and the linkage of new business licenses and existing shop payments to digital systems, further promoting digital transactions across the country.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Digital Payment Act finalized, to be presented for cabinet approval g
CM Afridi outlines plAns for digitAlizing finAnCiAl And AdMinistrAtive operAtions to ensure trAnspArenCy And effiCienCy PESHAWAR
Aziz Buneri
Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Muhammad Sohail Afridi, announced on Monday that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Digital Payment Act has been finalized and will soon be presented to the provincial cabinet for approval. The provincial government is advancing towards digitizing all administrative and financial operations with the aim of ensuring transparency, convenience, and efficiency in financial matters. Under the new Digital Payment System, all transactions—whether between the public and the government, the government and citizens, or with traders—
will be fully digital and transparent. While chairing a meeting on the Digital Khyber Pakhtunkhwa initiative at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, Sohail Afridi emphasized, “We are committed to making Khyber Pakhtunkhwa economically independent and a model of modern governance.” He directed that progress reviews on digitization be held every two weeks to ensure timely implementation. During the meeting, it was revealed that 170 services have been identified for inclusion in the digital system, with 14 already digitized. These services include property transfer tax, property tax, arms licenses, irrigation fees (Abiana), driving licenses, plot registration, HEC admission fees, and hunting li-
cense fees, among others. The meeting also highlighted that an additional 34 services will be digitized by December 2025, leading to projected savings of Rs. 12.3 billion. The full digitization of all 170 services is expected by June 2026. The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah, Secretary of Science, Technology & IT Amjad Ali Khan, Secretary of Finance Aamir Sultan Tareen, Managing Director of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa IT Board Dr. Akif, and other relevant officials.
27th Constitutional Amend clears Senate amid ‘uproar, defections and deepening political rifts’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
Several opposition members tore copies of the bill and flung them toward the law minister’s table. The uproar, however, had the unintended effect of paving the way for the bill's smooth passage. After sloganeering for several minutes, the opposition staged a walkout, with only a small number temporarily remaining in the chamber to continue protest chants before leaving. With the chamber largely emptied of dissenting voices, the government easily completed the clauseby-clause voting and subsequently closed the gates for voting by division — completing what it had sought to achieve for weeks.
COMMITTEE APPROVAL, NA VOTE TOMORROW: Earlier in the day, a joint meeting of the Senate and National Assembly standing committees on law and justice — boycotted by the opposition — voted to approve the bill with minor changes. The changes were incorporated into a detailed report presented by Senator Farooq H. Naek, chairman of the Senate’s Law and Justice Committee. With Senate approval secured, the government now requires passage by the 336-member National Assembly, where the ruling coalition holds 233 seats, comfortably exceeding the two-thirds requirement. The NA, which briefly met today but was adjourned amid noisy exchanges, will reconvene at 11am Tuesday. The coalition’s numbers in the lower house include PML-N (125 seats), PPP (74), MQM-P (22), PML-Q
(5), IPP (4), and one seat each for three smaller coalition partners. POLITICAL TREMORS: PTI senator resigns after voting ‘for Gen Asim Munir’ In one of the day’s most striking developments, PTI Senator Saifullah Abro dramatically resigned from the Senate moments after voting in favour of the amendment. Taking the floor shortly after the vote, Abro said he had cast his ballot “only for Syed Gen Asim Munir”, adding: “The Pakistani armed forces made the nation proud by winning the war with India. During the 26th Amendment, 10 family members of mine were abducted, but my party did not come to the rescue.” His remarks triggered gasps in the chamber and signaled deep internal dissent within PTI ranks. Senate Chairman Gilani responded reassuringly: “We will make you a senator again.” Separately, JUI-F expelled its senator Ahmed Khan for voting in favour of the bill in defiance of party instructions. Government: Amendment is ‘historic’, fulfils Charter of Democracy Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, speaking immediately after the bill’s approval, hailed the amendment as “historic” and part of the “unfinished agenda” of the 2006 Charter of Democracy (CoD). Dar said the amendment would bring long-needed structural clarity: “There was a feeling to maintain balance, and thus a constitutional court is being formed for the betterment
of the judiciary.” On the controversial clause creating constitutional space for the field marshal rank, Dar argued: “Space has been created for a five-star general across all three military forces. The seniority of current SC judges or the chief justice will not be affected.” Key changes finalised by parliamentary committee Tabling the committee report, Senator Farooq Naek outlined several adjustments: 1. Establishment of Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) The committee unanimously approved the creation of the FCC but added key revisions: All provinces will have equal representation. Islamabad High Court will also have representation. 2. Appointment criteria revised Original requirement: 7 years of service as a high court judge. Revised requirement: 5 years. 3. Seniority rules Sitting SC judges appointed to the FCC will retain their inter-se seniority. For fresh appointments, seniority starts from oath date. If multiple judges take oath on same day, age determines seniority. 4. JCP composition adjusted The committee replaced the earlier provision for a woman or non-Muslim nominee with a more flexible option: The Speaker may nominate a woman, non-Muslim, or technocrat qualified to be an MP.
100,000 bags of certified wheat seed available through the Punjab Seed Corporation and private companies. He said the provincial government, under its post-flood relief initiative, is providing farmers with interest-free loans for Rabi (winter) crops to support the ongoing sowing drive. Agriculture officials expect Punjab to meet its wheat sowing target by the end of the month, setting up the province for a potentially strong Rabi harvest. Riaz added that similar post-flood soil recovery in 2022 had also led to a bumper wheat crop — a pattern experts hope will repeat this season.
SECP to host inaugural International Capital Market Conference & Expo 2025 PROFIT
news Desk
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), in partnership with the Capital Market Infrastructure Institutions (CMIIs), will host the inaugural International Capital Market Conference & Expo in 2025. This landmark event, the first of its kind in Pakistan, will bring together global and regional stakeholders to promote collaboration, innovation, and growth in the capital markets. The conference will feature capital market regulators, policymakers, and market infrastructure institutions from countries including Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, China, Iran, and the USA, along with multilateral organizations and key players from Pakistan’s financial ecosystem. This initiative highlights the SECP’s role in fostering regional financial integration and positions Pakistan as a key player in global market development. Over the past year, the SECP has engaged in strategic discussions with market institutions across Asia, culminating in this event. The conference will serve as a platform for sharing regulatory insights, best practices, and lessons on developing transparent and inclusive capital markets. Alongside the conference, the Expo will showcase leading market participants such as asset management companies, brokerage houses, insurance providers, technology firms, and banks. It aims to promote investor education and raise awareness about Pakistan’s diverse financial products.
04 COMMENT
The undoing of Pakistan’s judicial independence?
Delhi car bombing
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HE car explosion outside Delhi’s Red Fort that left eight tragically dead and over 20 more injured could well prove to test the fragile ceasefire between India and Pakistan arranged by the United States. It did not take long after the unfortunate incident for the Indian media to begin speculating regarding the potential involvement of Pakistan in the incident. A headline from The Economic Times, once a very solid Indian publication, in their online edition ran a headline that asked the question “Delhi Blast: Is Hafiz Saeed behind the Red Fort car bombing?” Soon after India Today reported that the government had put troops on the borders of Pakistan, Nepal, and China on high-alert following the blast. Never mind the fact that Delhi Police have said the matter is still under investigation and there has been no indication from either Prime Minister Modi or his Home Minister Amit Shah that this was a terror attack. In fact, initial eyewitness reports suggest there were four to five people in the vehicle that exploded, which has given rise to the theory that it was a family car that unfortunately had its CNG cylinder blow up. In any case, what we know for now is that it is far too early to tell what happened. This has clearly not stopped even the mainstream media from speculating whether or not Pakistan is involved, what to speak of the more extreme elements of Hindutva ideology that use the megaphone of social media to fan the flames of anti-Pakistan bias. It became clear back in May that the Indian media has, for all intents and purposes, resigned itself to capitulation in the face of the Modi Administration. Their eagerness to please by pushing Modi’s narrative and complete ignorance of facts and verification makes it easy to turn Pakistan into a boogeyman. Pakistan has learnt from Pahalgam that calls for investigations and third party verification carry little weight to the Indians. Even then no official investigation found evidence of Pakistani involvement. In case the Modi administration feels like they can use what is possibly a senseless tragedy to continue their aggression against Pakistan, they would do well to remember the country stands ready to fight back.
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Sarmad Sattar
year ago, Qazi Faez Isa departed as Pakistan’s Chief Justice, leaving behind a parting gift that was at once subtle and seismic: the reversal of the ruling on dissident parliamentary votes. On the surface, it was a legal correction. In reality, it kicked open the gates for the 26th Amendment, forcing lawmakers into voting for what can only be described as the funeral rites of the judiciary. And now, the 27th Constitutional Amendment looms, extending this slow-motion destruction, cementing the subordination of the courts. Walking into the ceremony celebrating judicial and governmental elites, one could see the rot in plain sight. A constitutional colossus is lauded among pygmies and dwarves. Symbolism replaces substance. This is not ceremonial exaggeration; it is the reflection of a system that has betrayed its own oath. Human rights protections, once the bright promise of judicial oversight, have regressed into a hollow fiction. Edward Gibbon’s observation on princes “permitted for a while to hold a precarious sceptre, dismissed from their thrones as soon as their appointed task was complete” has never felt so prescient. Pakistan’s judges, once expected to be the guardians of law, have been fashioned to fit the yoke of power. The 26th Amendment decimated judicial authority, eliminating reserved seats in Parliament, expanding military trials for civilians, and enabling politically pliant judges to parachute into the Islamabad High Court. The 27th Amendment compounds this assault. By creating a sprawling federal court as a warehouse for compliant judges, the amendment turns constitutional review from a principled exercise into a bureaucratic shuffle. The Supreme Court, once a sentinel against the abuse of power, is now relegated to petty civil disputes, land quarrels, and perhaps the occasional buffalo wandering into a rice paddy. This is no apex court; this is a clerical office masquerading as one. Pakistan’s legal system, grounded in common law, is uniquely vulnerable to this kind of manipulation. Unlike civil law countries, where codified statutes dominate, Pakistan relies on judicial precedent and reasoned interpretation. Stripping constitutional review powers from the superior courts is not a
Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami
Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
mere administrative adjustment; it is a structural subversion of the law itself. Judges are meant to be the final frontier against democratic derailment. The 27th Amendment removes that frontier entirely, leaving the citizenry exposed to the gloved hand of power. Supporters of the amendment will argue it is a modernization effort. In reality, it does not bring justice to ordinary citizens. It touches only a fraction of cases 98% of litigants remain unaffected. Those seeking justice are not the beneficiaries of this amendment. What has been accomplished is a profound realignment of judicial power, transferring it from the apex courts to a federal court designed to implement, not challenge, authority. The amendment is emblematic of a broader failure: Pakistan has never lacked constitutional courts, but it has always lacked constitutional courage. Judges, repeatedly pressured to align with the powerful, have often acquiesced. Past eras from martial law regimes to politically manipulated verdicts reveal a pattern: courage is sacrificed, independence is compromised, and the citizen remains defenseless. The 27th Amendment is a structural codification of this historical weakness, turning ad hoc erosion into permanent law. The political symbolism of this amendment is unmistakable. By sidelining constitutional review, it signals that the judiciary is no longer co-equal with the executive or legislature. It transforms the courts from a forum of accountability into a ceremonial institution. Administrative efficiency is cited as justification, but the true function is ratification, not oversight. The apex court now exists in form only; its function as the defender of rights has been hollowed out. This is not merely a legal issue, it is a warning about the state of Pakistan’s democracy. Judicial independence has always been the last bulwark against authoritarian overreach. From landmark rulings protecting human rights to interventions against electoral manipulation, superior courts have occasionally upheld constitutional norms, even if inconsistently. The 27th Amendment removes this safeguard, leaving the executive free to override democratic processes. Pakistan’s courts, historically a check on power, are now instruments of its entrenchment. Yet all is not lost. Pakistan’s legal tradition is re-
Babar Nizami Editor Profit
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Suleman Zia
N the slopes of Monte Cassino in Italy, graves of Punjabi and Frontier soldiers lie beneath rows of white headstones. These men, many recruited from what is now Pakistan, were part of the British Indian Army whose service stretched across continents during the world wars. Each November 11, the world pauses to honour the fallen, yet the contributions of these soldiers and the sacrifices of their families rarely appear in global remembrance. For Pakistan, these stories are not distant chapters but part of its own national history. The scale of this contribution is striking. By the end of the Second World War, the British Indian Army numbered over 2.5 million men, with Punjab alone providing nearly half of all recruits. Regiments drawn from the Frontier (now known as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Punjab, Baluchistan and Sindh fought in campaigns from the deserts of North Africa to the mountains of Italy, and from the Middle East to the jungles of Burma. They did not fight for empire but were swept into a global conflict that reached into their villages and altered the lives of their families. In Burma, Pakistani regiments formed the backbone of the Allied effort against Japanese forces. Battling malaria, exhaustion and isolation, they endured conditions that claimed nearly as many lives as combat itself. In the North African deserts, men from Punjab regiments fought in some of the hardest engagements against the Axis, while Frontier troops played key roles in the Italian campaign. These journeys show how deeply the war reached into what would later become Pakistan. The sacrifices were immense. According to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), more than 87,000 soldiers of the Indian Army lost their lives in the Second World War, and over 74,000 in the First. Taken together, more than 160,000 South Asians perished in these conflicts, with tens of thousands hailing from the areas that today form Pakistan. Over 25,800 names are listed on the Delhi and Karachi 1939–1945 War Memorials, many of them sons of Punjabi villages or Pathan hamlets who never returned home.
Acts of courage also defined this experience. Over 4,800 gallantry awards were conferred on South Asian soldiers during the Second World War, including the Victoria Cross. But medals capture only fragments of reality. The broader truth was of ordinary men enduring long separations from home, serving for modest pay, and marching into unfamiliar battles. Their service brought pensions and new incomes into rural households, but it also left behind widows and communities marked by loss. The war effort drew heavily on Pakistan’s regions. Punjab supplied entire divisions, Frontier units were deployed to remote theatres, and Baloch regiments served across the Middle East. These were not abstract contributions; they were rooted in the soil of what would become Pakistan. The memory of sacrifice thus belongs not to others but to this land itself. Around the world, cemeteries testify to this legacy. In Cassino, Italy, Pakistani names are etched into headstones beneath olive trees. At Kranji in Singapore, memorial walls list Pathan and Baloch soldiers. From El Alamein in Egypt to Kohima in northeast India, traces of Pakistan’s contribution are scattered across continents. These sites remind us that liberty in the twentieth century was defended not only in Europe but also by men from South Asia. For Pakistan, remembrance carries a dual meaning. It is not about celebrating colonial command but about recognizing the immense human cost borne by ordinary families. The men who left their homes in Punjab or the Frontier returned — if they returned at all — to a
silient. Principles of common law and judicial reasoning persist, embedded in the professional ethos of lawyers and judges alike. Structural limitations imposed by the 27th Amendment cannot erase decades of jurisprudential practice or the collective memory of constitutional fidelity. Future courts, civil society actors, and legal professionals may still find ways to assert independence, challenge the amendment’s reach, and defend the Constitution even if the formal powers of the Supreme Court have been diminished. The 27th Amendment is both symptom and accelerant. It reflects the longstanding vulnerability of Pakistan’s judiciary. It accelerates the hollowing out of constitutional safeguards, ensuring that the courts no longer serve the citizens. Its immediate effect is procedural; its long-term impact is structural: A judiciary that survives in name but not in function. The Supreme Court, once a beacon of constitutional oversight, now risks becoming a monument to neglect, a colossus surrounded by pygmies, honored in ceremony but hollowed in substance. The lesson of the 27th Amendment is stark: constitutional institutions only endure if society defends them. Without vigilance, courage, and principled action, Pakistan’s judiciary will remain a ceremonial vestige, incapable of protecting rights, checking power, or fulfilling the promise of the Constitution. This amendment is a warning, not just to judges and lawyers, but to every citizen: when the guardians of the law are rendered powerless, the Constitution itself becomes a relic. The writer is a freelance columnist
The political symbolism of this amendment is unmistakable. By sidelining constitutional review, it signals that the judiciary is no longer co-equal with the executive or legislature. It transforms the courts from a forum of accountability into a ceremonial institution. Administrative efficiency is cited as justification, but the true function is ratification, not oversight.
The forgotten sacrifice: South Asia’s role in defending liberty M. A. Niazi
Editor Pakistan Today
subcontinent changed by war. The conflicts revealed both the reach and the limits of empire, sharpening the desire for self-determination. By the late 1940s, as the Pakistan Movement gained momentum, the memory of wartime sacrifice added weight to the demand for independence. Communities that had sent their sons to fight in global conflicts now sought sovereignty at home. Their conviction was clear: if they had given their blood for the world’s freedom, they were entitled to freedom for themselves. As the world marks Remembrance Day, it is time to widen the lens. The story of liberty in the twentieth century is incomplete without Pakistan. To remember those who fell is to remember that liberty was defended not only in London, Ottawa or Canberra, but also in Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar. Their sacrifice is part of Pakistan’s story, one that connects the cemeteries of Monte Cassino and El Alamein to the struggle for independence that followed. To stand in silence on November 11 is therefore to honour not just the familiar symbols of remembrance but also the forgotten soldiers from this land. Their graves and memorials lie across continents, but their legacy rests here. They remind us that the cost of liberty whether on foreign battlefields or in the journey to independence has always been borne by ordinary people, including countless Pakistanis whose names deserve to be remembered.
Suleman Zia is educational consultant
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Feminist leadership rising
FEMINIST leadership is not about replacing one form of control with another; it’s about transforming power itself, turning it from domination into collaboration. In Pakistan, this change is long overdue. Although the Constitution guarantees equality, women’s representation in leadership remains minimal. Yet, feminist leadership is emerging at the grassroots level. From Sindh’s community women’s groups demanding healthcare to the Aurat March’s decentralised activism, we see a growing culture of shared leadership grounded in empathy and justice. True feminist leadership rejects tokenism. It insists that women not only participate but also shape decisions. It values listening to lived experiences as much as formal expertise, recognising that leadership built on trust is far more sustainable than authority imposed from above. As Pakistan grapples with inequality, polarisation and climate challenges, feminist leadership offers a vision of inclusivity and dignity. When power is shared, it multiplies and with it grows the possibility of a just and humane society. TALHA IKRAM LAHORE
Lies that go viral
IN today’s digital world, social media platforms have become a primary source of news for millions of people. But often, it is misused to spread fake news and fake information, misleading the younger generation. The spread of fake news can have both personal and academic consequences. In a perfect world, media reports would always be factbased, and you would be able to trust that the media you consume is reliable. But unfortunately, that is mere fantasy. For example, during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, a fake news story spread on social media claiming that drinking concentrated alcohol or bleach could kill the virus. Many people started believing this false information and consumed harmful substances, which led to thousands of poisonings and even deaths, especially in countries like Iran and the USA. Therefore, It is very important for people to verify news before sharing it. The government should introduce strict laws against those who spread fake news deliberately to curtail misinformation and harmful consequences. SAMRANA TARIQ TURBAT
Fear of numbers
As the world marks Remembrance Day, it is time to widen the lens. The story of liberty in the twentieth century is incomplete without Pakistan. To remember those who fell is to remember that liberty was defended not only in London, Ottawa or Canberra, but also in Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar.
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Tuesday, 11 November, 2025
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LEARNING mathematics is a unique challenge in schools. Basic math skills and data analysis are not just for finance or economics but are important for daily life, as they build reasoning, creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills. In Pakistan, schools often fail to teach mathematics effectively because they still use outdated methods that only push students toward passing grades. Math anxiety also creates a major obstacle. For example, when asked to solve a problem, many students feel nervous and fear being disrespected by teachers. According to a survey, 67 per cent of teachers reported that their students face problems with math anxiety. Educators must make the subject exciting and engaging. Math education should be practical, responsive and fun to inspire students both in school and at home. To conclude, mathematical contests should be held at the district level, and students must be given platforms to show their mathematical skills. NIDA AZEEM PIDRAK, KECH
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COMMENT 05
Tuesday, 11 November, 2025
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Qamar Bashir
HEn the British flooded China with opium in the nineteenth century, they did not merely poison a people; they paralyzed a civilization. China’s national will was broken, its economy dismantled, and its sovereignty sold to foreign powers. The Communist Revolution of 1949 ended that humiliation, abolishing monarchy and feudal privilege and rebuilding the state on socialist foundations. Yet even after political liberation, the struggle against material poverty continued. By the start of the 1980s, China’s western frontier—especially Xinjiang—remained trapped in deprivation. The province’s per-capita GDP hovered around ¥400 (≈ Us $60), barely one-tenth of the national coastal average. literacy was below 65 percent, life expectancy only 57–58 years, and infant mortality exceeded 60 per thousand births. Unemployment and underemployment surpassed 20 percent, and fewer than 30 percent of households had access to electricity or clean drinking water. Roads were sparse, hospitals were few, and higher education enrollment stood below 7 percent of eligible youth. in this bleak landscape, Deng Xiaoping’s declaration—“Development is the hard truth”—became a national turning point. His leadership and the political will of the Communist Party re-anchored policy around one principle: China could not rise if its western half remained behind. The 1980s therefore marked a deliberate beginning. The state poured investment into education and human development. Thousands of rural schools were built, teachertraining colleges expanded, and adult literacy drives reached even remote villages. Within a decade, literacy climbed to 82 percent, and life expectancy rose to 63 years. Agriculture was revitalized under the household-responsibility system, lifting grain and cotton yields by more than 40 percent. Rural health clinics and cooperative medical schemes began to extend basic care. The 1990s concentrated on physical connectivity. Xinjiang’s first expressway linked
From Poverty to Prosperity – Xinjiang’s journey through time
Urumqi to Korla, rail lines stretched toward Kashgar, and irrigation projects converted deserts into farmland. Electricity production tripled, clean-water access passed 60 percent, and telephone coverage reached nearly all prefectures. The region’s GDP surpassed ¥1,200 (≈ Us $180) per person. More importantly, mobility and market access dismantled isolation. The 2000s saw industrial take-off under the Western Development strategy. Energy pipelines, fertilizer and textile plants, and logistics parks emerged across the province. Vocational institutes trained tens of thousands of rural youth for skilled work. Per-capita income reached ¥8,000 (≈ Us $1,200) by 2010, and the poverty rate plunged from over 40 percent in 2000 to below 15 percent by the decade’s end. stable housing, paved roads, and rural electrification transformed living conditions. The 2010s globalized the province. With the launch of the Belt and Road initiative (BRi), Xinjiang became China’s western gateway. The Khorgos Dry Port on the Kazakh border evolved into one of the world’s busiest inland logistics hubs, handling more than six million tons of freight annually. Rail links to Europe shortened delivery times from 45 days to 12. Border trade centers, warehouses, and customs-free zones created tens of thousands of private jobs. Tourism and cultural industries flourished, turning local music, dance, and crafts into engines of pride and prosperity. By 2018, GDP per capita exceeded ¥35,000 (≈ Us $5,000) and urbanization passed 60 percent. The 2020s have anchored the shift from expansion to innovation. Xinjiang’s deserts
now glitter with solar panels and wind turbines generating over 35 percent of regional electricity. smart farming uses artificial intelligence, drones, and sensors to manage water in the Tarim Basin. iT parks in Urumqi and Changji host software and e-commerce firms; local universities partner with national institutes on artificial-intelligence and renewable-energy research. High-speed rail now links Urumqi to lanzhou and Beijing, cutting travel to under 11 hours. literacy exceeds 99 percent, life expectancy tops 75 years, and infant mortality has fallen below 6 per thousand. Per-capita income approaches ¥45,000 (≈ Us $6,300), and unemployment has dropped below 5 percent—a forty-year reversal of fortune. Behind this transformation stands unwavering political will. Each Five-Year Plan built upon the last, guided by a leadership that fused vision with accountability. The Cadre Performance Appraisal system required every village and county head to meet quantifiable targets—jobs created, infrastructure completed, educational gains achieved, and environmental standards maintained. Those who delivered rose; those who failed were replaced. This meritocracy of performance ensured continuity across generations. During the author’s visits in 2012–2013 and again in 2024, the transformation was visible not only in concrete but in confidence. Modern highways sliced through once-barren landscapes. Border bazaars bustled with Central-Asian traders. iT students filled new university campuses. Families who once lived in mud-brick houses now owned cars, smartphones, and small businesses. The people’s
The 1990s concentrated on physical connectivity. XinjiangÊs first expressway linked Urumqi to Korla, rail lines stretched toward Kashgar, and irrigation projects converted deserts into farmland. Electricity production tripled, clean-water access passed 60 percent, and telephone coverage reached nearly all prefectures.
AI bubble about to pop as returns on investment fall short?
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DEUTSCHE WELLE Nik martiN
illions have poured into Ai, helping stock valuations soar. But the cracks are starting to show. slowing adoption, surging costs and elusive profits are fueling warnings that the boom may be headed for a hard reset. The artificial intelligence (Ai) party is still in full swing, with tens of billions globally pouring into infrastructure, startups and attracting the best talent. Among the headline announcements this year: ChatGPT parent company open Ai, softbank and oracle pledged to invest $500 billion (€433 billion) in Ai supercomputers, open Ai and chip giant nvidia announced a $100 billion fund to maintain the United states’ dominance in advanced chips, while Chinese tech giants Alibaba and Tencent hiked investments to help speed up China’s ambition to lead Ai by 2030. since ChatGPT’s debut in november 2022, Airelated stocks have added an estimated $17.5 trillion in market value, according to Bloomberg intelligence, driving around 75% of the s&P 500’s gains and propelling companies like nvidia and Microsoft to record-breaking valuations.
CORPORATIONS ARE HESITANT OVER AI ADOPTION: But signs of a hangover are getting harder to ignore. Ai usage by corporations is slipping, spending is tightening and the machine learning hype has massively outpaced the profits. Many economists think usage concerns, barely three years into Ai going mainstream, dropkick the prevailing narrative that Ai would revolutionize how businesses operate by streamlining repetitive tasks and improving forecasting. “The vast bet on Ai infrastructure assumes surging usage, yet multiple Us surveys show adoption has actually declined since the summer,” Carl-Benedikt Frey, professor of Ai & work at the UK’s University of oxford, told DW. “Unless new, durable use cases emerge quickly, something will give — and the bubble could burst.” The Us Census Bureau, which surveys 1.2 million Us companies every fortnight, found that Ai-tool usage at firms with more than 250 employees dropped from nearly 14% in June to under 12% in August. Ai’s biggest challenge remains its tendency to hallucinate — generating plausible but false information. other weaknesses are inconsistent reliability and the poor performance of autonomous agents, which complete tasks successfully only about a third of the time. “Unlike an intern who learns on the job, today’s pretrained [Ai] systems don’t improve through experience. We need continual learning and models that adapt to changing circumstances,” said Frey.
UNSUSTAINABLE CAPITAL BURN: As the gap widens between sky-high expectations and commercial reality, investor enthusiasm for Ai is starting to fade. in the third quarter of the year, venture-capital deals with private Ai firms dropped by 22% quarter on quarter to 1,295, although funding levels remained above $45 billion for the fourth consecutive quarter, market intelligence firm CB insights wrote last month. “What perturbs me is the scale of the money being invested compared to the amount of revenue flowing
from Ai,” economist stuart Mills, a senior fellow at the london school of Economics, told DW. Market leader openAi, which is backed by Microsoft, generated $3.7 billion in revenue last year, versus total operating expenses of $8-9 billion. The company says it is on course to make $13 billion this year but is still expected to burn through $129 billion before 2029, news site The information calculated in september. Mills thinks generative Ai companies like Elon Musk’s Grok and ChatGPT are “charging far less than they need to make a profit” and should raise subscription prices. Few have quantified the Ai bubble more starkly than Julien Garran, partner at UK-based research firm Macrostrategy Partnership. He argues that the sheer volume of capital flowing into Ai — despite little evidence of sustainable returns — dwarfs previous speculative frenzies. “We estimate a misallocation of capital equivalent to 65% of Us GDP — four times bigger than the housing buildup before the 2008/9 financial crisis and 17 times bigger than the dot-com bust,” Garran told DW.
INVESTORS INCREASINGLY CAUTIOUS: Recent earnings from Big Tech have sparked cautious optimism, but also fresh doubts about Ai’s staying power. Data analytics and intelligence platform Palantir’s Q3 revenue surged 63% year-over-year, but its stock price fell by up to 7% on the news. AMD and Meta also saw their strong Ai-related earnings overshadowed by market concerns about sustainability. That disconnect between soaring valuations and shaky fundamentals is exactly what worries Mills, who sees a widening gap between what Ai promises and what it actually delivers to businesses. “The data suggests that Ai is not penetrating high enough up the value chain. loads of people are using it, but it’s not being used for tasks that directly contribute to value production,” he told DW. nvidia’s upcoming earnings on november 19 may prove a key test of whether the Ai boom still has legs. in the second quarter, nvidia’s data center sales alone made up 88% of total revenue, which hit a record $46.7 billion. For Q3, the company has guided $54 billion, projecting 54% year-on-year growth, which would equate to a full-year total of more than $200 billion.
WHEN WILL THE BUBBLE POP?: “With the exception of nvidia, which is selling shovels in a gold rush, most generative Ai companies are both wildly overvalued and wildly overhyped,” Gary Marcus, Emeritus Professor of Psychology and neural science at new York University, told DW. “My guess is that it will all fall apart, possibly soon. The fundamentals, technical and economic, make no sense.” Garran, meanwhile, believes the era of rapid progress in large language models (llMs) is drawing to a close, not because of technical limits, but because the economics no longer stack up. “They [Ai platforms] have already hit the wall,” Garran said, adding that the cost of training new models is “skyrocketing, and the improvements aren’t much better.” striking a more positive tone, sarah Hoffman, director of Ai Thought leadership at the new Yorkbased market intelligence firm Alphasense, predicted a “market correction” in Ai, rather than a “cataclysmic ‘bubble bursting.’”
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dignity matched their development. Comparing Xinjiang’s condition in 1980 with its remarkable transformation by 2025 reveals a story of unprecedented human progress. literacy has surged from around 65 percent to over 99 percent, reflecting universal education and vocational training that empowered every generation. life expectancy, once limited to about 58 years, now exceeds 75 years, thanks to modern healthcare, improved nutrition, and cleaner living conditions. infant mortality, which stood at nearly 60 deaths per thousand births, has fallen to less than 6, marking one of the most dramatic improvements in public health anywhere in the developing world. Per-capita GDP has multiplied from a mere ¥400 to about ¥45,000, turning subsistence living into economic self-sufficiency. Unemployment has plummeted from roughly 20 percent to around 5 percent, while urbanization has nearly tripled—from 23 percent to 68 percent—bringing modern amenities and new opportunities to millions. Perhaps most symbolic of all, electricity access, which reached fewer than one-third of households in 1980, is now universal, illuminating every home and powering a new era of industrial, agricultural, and digital advancement. Xinjiang’s story now transcends its borders. it offers a replicable model for nations still trapped in cycles of poverty and underdevelopment. The region demonstrates how to transform an unskilled population into a skilled, confident workforce through mass education and vocational training; how to turn
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL Peggy NooNaN
HAT happened Tuesday is serious and big, but i start in a roundabout way. Throughout the 20th century it was the general way in American politics that when you made a lurch— 1932 was a lurch left, from the presidency on down, 1980 a lurch right—you stuck with the lurch a while until you moved on, usually toward the center. in this century we lurch around more. This might suggest an enduring dynamism (strong people don’t fear new directions) or a constant fevered state (the weak thrash about). Whichever, we’re lurching, and afterward trying to understand our own logic. An aspect of the modern conservative disposition is that we like the arts, culture and technology to be interesting and exciting, but we prefer government be boring, a stabilizing force while we act up in other areas. But it’s never boring now and likely won’t be in this century. Too bad. so, on to Tuesday night’s returns and the Democratic sweep. Yes, it was Donald Trump (both his substance and style) because everything is. We warned here that his workplace immigration raids would offend even his supporters; Hispanics, who’d been trending right, snapped back left across the board. But it was also, obviously, what used to be called the high cost of everything, and a sense the government isn’t doing much in that area. And i believe it was that so many people feel that what stability they have is provisional and temporary. Artificial intelligence is coming to eat your job, you better have a thick social safety net when it does. i want to focus on new York, which did the biggest lurch. in 2021 it elected the most conservative Democrat for mayor. This time it chose the socialist. Zohran Mamdani got the mandate he wanted, and it was big. He broke past 50% in a three-man race as a declared, not hidden, socialist, the first such mayor in new York. He did this at 34, with no real résumé, and as a Muslim, again a first. it is a most extraordinary achievement. And he didn’t come to do nothing. Alexandria ocasio-Cortez was elected to Congress in 2018 and went to Washington, where she posed for magazine covers and did TikTok rants. she didn’t accomplish much after she ran into a little iceberg named nancy Pelosi.
formidable deserts into power-producing fields of solar and wind energy; how to bring greenery and agriculture to barren lands using modern irrigation and Ai-driven precision farming; and how to elevate primitive bazaars into vibrant commercial centers and crossborder markets that drive regional trade. Xinjiang also illustrates the leap from subsistence agriculture to high-productivity agribusiness and from negligible industrial output to a thriving manufacturing base capable of meeting domestic demand and exporting abroad. For developing nations in Asia, Africa, and latin America, the Xinjiang model provides a roadmap—a synthesis of political commitment, institutional accountability, human-capital development, and environmental innovation. With local adaptation, the same principles can raise any struggling region: empower people with education, equip them with skills, connect them through infrastructure, and sustain them with green technology. From the forgotten deserts of 1980 to the dynamic economy of 2025, Xinjiang’s journey proves that prosperity is built, not bestowed— a triumph of will, work, and wisdom. its transformation stands as living proof that visionary leadership, disciplined planning, and social investment can lift not just a province, but an entire civilization from poverty to pride. The writer retired as Press Secretary the President, and is former Press Minister at Embassy of Pakistan to France and former MD, Shalimar Recording & Broadcasting Company Limited
Take Mamdani seriously and literally ‘We will prove that there is no problem too large for government to solve, and no concern too small for it to care about’
Mr. Mamdani won’t take a page from that book. He’s as serious as a heart attack. He told us in his victory speech. This is a man who six months ago was unknown to the vast majority of new Yorkers and 10 months ago was polling at 1%. Was he humbled by new York’s open-minded, open-hearted embrace? not in the least. He delivered a declaration of dominance: “To get to any of us, you will have to get through all of us.” Billionaires “can play by the same rules as the rest of us.” “We have toppled a political dynasty.” “We will put an end to the culture of corruption.” “We will prove that there is no problem too large for government to solve, and no concern too small for it to care about.” He declared a “new age.” He made Barack obama look modest and self-effacing. Van Jones, watching it live on Cnn, said, “i felt like it was a little bit of a character switch here.” During the campaign Mr. Mamdani was the warm, embracing fellow with the dimpled smile who loved everyone with an undifferentiated warmth. The night he won, he showed who he was: a serious ideologue who means it. in a day-after interview in the new York Times he spoke of the size of his win: “it is a mandate to deliver on the agenda that we ran on.” The conversation turned to his plan to raise taxes on the wealthy. in the past he had implied there might be other ways to raise funds for his programs, but not now. “i think that our tax system is an example of the many ways in which working people have been betrayed.” The Times headline: “An Emboldened Mamdani sheds Conciliatory Tone.” A good guess: He won’t start out “moderate” but he will be clever, because he is. He’ll focus first on city services such as garbage collection, knowing he can lose it all if he shows incompetence on the basics. He won’t quickly impose the Democratic socialists of America criminaljustice agenda and allow crime to spike. He won’t wear down popular and respected Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch right away—he’ll wait. But as months go by he’ll be an inchby-inch bulldozer. His economic agenda is to hike taxes on millionaires, billionaires and corporations. nobody minds if he gets another $5 million a year out of a billionaire; even the billionaire will hardly notice. i wonder if the Mamdani administration is going to find out that billionaires and corporations
have many legal ways to protect their wealth and profits, but high-salary “millionaires”—people who own a $1.4 million apartment and earn a joint $600,000 a year and have two kids in Catholic school, each with tuition, and are highly taxed (federal, state, city, property and sales taxes) already—are going to get clobbered. i wonder if socialists care about these fine points or just want to raise taxes on “the rich,” any rich, and get the credit with their followers. i suspect the latter. i suspect they think: Why should anyone have a million-dollar apartment when the homeless sleep in the streets? There will be some interesting aspects of his rule. Mr. Mamdani didn’t just have a million votes; he had 100,000 volunteers. The young who supported him won’t disappear; they’ll do everything they can to help him. Many are underemployed, for many reasons. They’ll volunteer at the public grocery stores. They’ll make lettuce chic. They’ll haul sacks of sweet potatoes through Park slope, and their hedge-fund fathers will say, “i sent him to Brown for this?” But a lot of us will be moved and cheer them on. Republicans should understand Mr. Mamdani isn’t your bogeyman to use for your electoral amusement. You think you’re going to make him “the face of the Democratic Party,” in that stupid phrase, and everyone will hate Democrats and you’ll profit without even trying. But he’s cleverer than you, he understands the world of right now better, and in any case he has an ideology he swallowed whole, at father’s knee, with mother’s milk, and has fully absorbed and digested. He thinks he knows his historical meaning. Do you? it isn’t necessarily true that Mr. Mamdani, unless he is an utter failure, will sour those outside new York on the Democratic Party. Americans think new York is a place apart, a liberal city that will always be new York-ing. in the coming Ai crisis his brand of leftism may start to look good to some people. Mr. Trump can’t moderate himself or his policies and will continue to rouse wild opposition. He’s the face of his party. “Mamdani can’t do anything alone, he needs the governor.” Kathy Hochul is up for re-election, faces a primary challenge from the left, and is surrounded by progressive legislators. she’s your bulwark? Against him? Take him both literally and seriously.
06 NEwS
US SENATE ADVANCES BILL TO END FEDERAL SHUTDOWN
Tuesday, 11 November 2025 | ISlamabaD
Travel chaos deepens as over 2,800 flights canceled amid US government shutdown WASHINGTON agencies
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WASHINGTON, DC news Desk
HE US Senate on Sunday moved forward on a measure aimed at reopening the federal government and ending a now 40-day shutdown that has sidelined federal workers, delayed food aid and snarled air travel. In a procedural vote, senators advanced a House-passed bill that will be amended to fund the government until January 30 and include a package of three full-year appropriations bills. If the Senate eventually passes the amended measure, it still must be ap-
proved by the House of Representatives and sent to President Donald Trump for his signature, a process that could take several days. Under a deal struck with a handful of Democrats who rebuffed their party’s leadership, Republicans agreed to a vote in December on extending subsidies under the Affordable Care Act. The subsidies, which help lower-income Americans pay for private health insurance and are due to expire at the end of the year, have been a Democratic priority during the funding battle. The vote to advance the bill passed by a 60-40 margin, the minimum needed to overcome a Senate filibuster.
Ukraine scrambles for energy after Russian attacks KYIV
agencies
Ukrainian crews scrambled Sunday to repair damage caused by one of the most devastating Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, President Volodymyr Zelensky said. Moscow, which has escalated attacks on Ukraine’s infrastructure in recent months, launched hundreds of drones at energy facilities across the country overnight into Saturday. “Repair crews are working almost around the clock in most regions,” Zelensky said in his evening address. “Restoration efforts are ongoing, and although the situation is difficult, thousands of people are involved in stabilising the system and repairing the damage,” he said. The situation was most difficult in the northeastern Kharkiv and Sumy regions, as well as in central Poltava. Around 100,000 clients were without electricity, water and heating in the Kharkiv region, Restoration Minister Oleksiy Kuleba said. In the Poltava region, one of the most affected, power was mostly restored on Sunday but damaged equipment left parts of its main city still in the dark, local authorities said. Scheduled power cuts, implemented by state grid operator Ukrenergo to balance the system, will remain in place on Monday in most Ukrainian regions. Ukraine’s energy minister Svitlana Grynchuk said the wave of attacks, which killed four people, marked “one of the most difficult nights” for Ukrainian energy since the Russian invasion began in February 2022. Russia has targeted the power and heating grid throughout its almost four-year invasion, destroying a large part of the key civilian infrastructure. ‘Complicates restoration’ Moscow has switched tactics, striking simultaneously generation facilities as well as power transmission and distribution systems, said deputy energy minister Artem Nekrasov. “This complicates the prompt restoration of normal power supply and the normal operation of the energy system,” he said. Zelensky said Russian forces had “increased their attacks, enhancing their strike power by using more ballistic missiles.” As with previous waves of attacks, Russia’s defence ministry said it struck “enterprises of the Ukrainian military-industrial complex and gas and energy facilities that support their operation”.
Sunday delivered the sharpest travel disruption since the US government shutdown began, with more than 2,800 flights canceled and over 10,000 delayed, according to the FlightAware tracking site. Major airports in New York, Chicago, and Atlanta were hit the hardest, with Atlanta’s main airport canceling more than 200 flights. Airlines for America, which represents major US carriers, said more than 4 million passengers have been affected since the beginning of October, the Washington Post reported. Transportation Secretary Sean P Duffy warned Sunday that the shutdown’s impact on US airports “will only get worse” and could stretch into the holiday season. He said thousands
“It looks like we’re getting very close to the shutdown ending,” Trump told reporters at the White House prior to the vote. The bill would prohibit federal agen-
more flights will likely be canceled as air traffic controllers work without pay, and some begin seeking other jobs to cover their expenses. Duffy also said that air travel could slow to “a trickle” in the two weeks before Thanksgiving and warned that a “substantial” number of Americans may not make it home for the holiday. The disruption follows a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) emergency order cutting flight volume to ease pressure on overworked controllers. He also said that the FAA is short 1,000-2,000 controllers, with 15-20 retiring daily. These losses will affect staffing even after the shutdown ends, he noted, warning that the impact will linger as pilots have reported stressed and less responsive controllers. By Tuesday, flights at dozens of airports are expected to be reduced by 6%, the Post also reported.
cies from firing employees until January 30, a win for federal worker unions and their allies. It would stall Trump’s campaign to downsize the federal workforce.
CCP recovers Rs20.4 million in ICH case, total penalties reach Rs772m PROFIT
ghulaM abbas
The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has initiated the recovery of a Rs772 million penalty imposed on Long Distance International (LDI) operators involved in the International Clearing House (ICH) cartel, despite some companies having approached the Supreme Court. The penalties were imposed after the CCP found that 14 LDI operators had colluded under the ICH arrangement in 2012, eliminating competition in the international telephony market by routing all incoming international calls through a single gateway managed by Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL). This setup led to fixed high termination rates and reduced market efficiency. The Competition Appellate Tribunal (CAT) upheld the CCP’s findings of cartelisation and abuse of
dominance, revising the penalty to two percent of the revenues earned through the ICH arrangement. Following the Tribunal’s decision, the CCP began recovery proceedings. So far, Rs19 million has been recovered from Multinet (Pvt.) Limited and Rs1.4 million from Voice Communications. Although some operators have challenged the CAT verdict in the Supreme Court, there is no restraining order, and the CCP continues to pursue recoveries under the law. The penalised companies include PTCL, Multinet Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd., 4B Gentel International (Pvt.) Ltd., Wi-Tribe Pakistan Ltd., Dancom Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd., Wise Communication System (Pvt.) Ltd., Worldcall Telecom Ltd., ADG (Pvt.) Ltd., LinkdotNet Telecom Ltd., Telecard Ltd., Circle Net Communications (Pvt.) Ltd., Wateen Telecom Ltd., Redtone Telecommunications (Pvt.) Ltd., and Telenor LDI Communications (Pvt.) Ltd.
Explosion near Red Fort in India’s New Delhi kills at least 8 NEW DELHI news Desk
Authorities in India’s capital launched an investigation Monday after a car explosion near the Red Fort killed at least eight people and injured several others, police said. The blast also ignited a fire that damaged multiple vehicles parked close to the site. Emergency services rushed to the scene near the Red Fort metro station, a busy area surrounding one of New Delhi’s most visited landmarks. Firefighters managed to control the blaze within an hour, officials said. Police spokesperson Sanjay Tyagi confirmed that at least eight fatalities had been recorded and that officers were still determining what triggered the explosion. “The cause is being investigated,” he told reporters.
SBP chief credits policy discipline for Pakistan’s economic stability GOVERNOR AHMAD SAYS PRUDENT FISCAL, MONETARY COORDINATION CURBED INFLATION AND REBUILT EXTERNAL BUFFERS PROFIT
Monitoring Desk
Pakistan’s economy has regained a measure of stability as coordinated monetary and fiscal efforts begin to pay off, said State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Jameel Ahmad, crediting policy discipline for reducing inflation and rebuilding the country’s external and fiscal buffers, according to an official SBP press release issued on Monday. Speaking as chief guest at the 22nd Annual Excellence Awards hosted by the CFA Society Pakistan, Ahmad said the country has achieved “significant macroeconomic stability” through “coordinated and prudent” policymaking. He highlighted the role of capital markets in sustaining economic progress, noting that Pakistan’s private sector continues to face a financing gap that can be addressed through stronger market infrastructure, improved governance, and the introduction of alternative investment products. Expanding digital access, simplifying onboarding procedures, and enhancing transparency, he said, would further strengthen public confidence in the financial system. The SBP Governor also commended CFA Society Pakistan for its contribution to ethical investment practices and professional excellence, underscoring the importance of such efforts in promoting inclusive and sustainable growth. Paul Moody, Managing Director for Global Partnerships and Client Solutions at the CFA Institute, joined the event virtually and praised the Society’s “tireless efforts” in raising professional standards in Pakistan’s investment community. CFA Society Pakistan President Muhammad Asim, CFA, congratulated award winners, calling the ceremony a celebration of “professionalism, integrity, and leadership” in the financial sector. The CFA Society Pakistan is affiliated with the CFA Institute, a global body of over 190,000 charterholders committed to promoting ethical finance and investor protection.
Nishat Hotels pushes Rafhan Maize public offer to February 2026 PROFIT
Monitoring Desk
Footage broadcast by local media showed twisted metal and burnt-out vehicles cordoned off by police tape. Witnesses reported hearing a powerful sound that shattered nearby windows before flames engulfed cars along the road.
The Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a key symbol of Mughal architecture, attracts thousands of visitors daily. Authorities have tightened security around the monument as investigators continue to collect evidence from the scene.
Nishat Hotels and Properties Limited has extended the deadline for making the Public Announcement of Offer for acquiring up to 75.69% shares in Rafhan Maize Products Company Limited (RMPL) to February 10, 2026. The original deadline of November 12, 2025 — 180 days after the May 16, 2025 Public Announcement of Intention (PAI) — has been postponed by 90 days due to pending regulatory approvals and the finalisation of transaction documents, according to a notice shared with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) by Next Capital. Earlier this year, Ingredion Incorporated, a US-based food and beverage ingredient provider, was evaluating offers to sell its stake in RMPL. Following this, Nishat Hotels expressed its intention to acquire the majority stake.
Emirati official confirms UAE will not deploy troops to Gaza ABU DHABI news Desk
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is not planning to join the international stabilisation force for Gaza because it lacks a clear framework, a senior official said on Monday. “The UAE does not yet see a clear framework for the stability force, and under such circumstances will probably not participate in such a force,” Emirati presidential adviser Anwar Gargash told the Abu Dhabi Strategic Debate forum. The US-coordinated international force has been seen as likely to include troops from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkiye, as well as the UAE. Last week, US President Donald Trump said he expected the force to be in Gaza “very soon”, as a fragile ceasefire holds following two years of war. The oil-rich UAE is one of the few Arab nations with official ties to Israel after signing the Abraham Accords during
Trump’s first term in 2020. The United Arab Emirates does not yet see a clear framework for the proposed international stability force in Gaza and, under the current circumstances, will not take part, a senior Emirati official said on Monday. Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, said Abu Dhabi would continue
to support political efforts toward peace and remain a leading provider of humanitarian aid. “The region remains fragile, yet there is reason for cautious optimism”, he told the Abu Dhabi Strategic Debate. The Gaza ceasefire deal aimed at ending hostilities between Israel and Hamas was brokered by the United States, with
Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey also mediating. Washington has drafted a United Nations Security Council resolution proposing a two-year mandate for a transitional governance body and an international stabilization force in Gaza. The force, known as the International Stabilization Force (ISF), would be authorized to “use all necessary measures” to demilitarize Gaza, protect civilians and aid deliveries, secure Gaza’s borders, and support a newly trained Palestinian police force, according to a draft seen by Reuters. U.S. President Donald Trump said last week that the stabilization force for Gaza would deploy “very soon”, adding that “Gaza is working out very well”. The U.S. has approached several countries, including Indonesia, the UAE, Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and Azerbaijan, about contributing to the force, a senior U.S. official had told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Tuesday, 11 November 2025 | ISLAMABAD
CORPORATE CORNER
Jazz delivers strong 2025 growth as digital services, network investments accelerate scale ISLAMABAD
staff report
Jazz, invested over PKR 37 billion during the first nine months of 2025 to expand network capacity, enhance digital platforms, and strengthen service resilience. This investment supported broad-based revenue growth across telecom, fintech, and digital services, reinforcing the company’s ongoing transition into a ServiceCo — an integrated digital services provider. Overall revenue in the third quarter of 2025 increased 14.6% year-on-year (YoY) in local currency, led by solid performance in telecom and continued momentum in digital services. Core telecom revenue grew 9.8% YoY, supported by an expanding customer base and stronger engagement with data products. Average revenue per user (ARPU) rose 12.3%, reflecting improved pricing and higher digital usage. Commenting on the results, Aamir Ibrahim, CEO of Jazz and Chairman of Mobilink Bank, said: “Jazz’s performance reflects the strength of our long-term strategy and our commitment to building platforms that enable access and opportunity. As we shift from connectivity to capability, we are investing in infrastructure, innovation, and people — to unlock value across Pakistan’s digital economy and empower every individual to participate in the country’s progress.”
Fatima Fertilizer hosts Sarsabz Kissan Convention in Multan to boost wheat productivity KARACHI
staff report
Fatima Fertilizer, in collaboration with the Punjab Agriculture Department and local Govt, organized the Sarsabz Kissan Convention in Multan. The convention brought together over 1,300 farmers, serving as an important platform for discussing innovative and sustainable practices to improve wheat yields and overall agricultural productivity. The purpose of this farmers' seminar is to encourage farmers who have secured first, second, and third positions in the Government's wheat high-yield competition at the provincial level and achieved 97 top three positions in districts by using Sarsabz Nitrophos and CAN fertilizers. The event aimed to inspire other farmers to also benefit from using Sarsabz Nitrophos and CAN fertilizers to increase their wheat yields and profits. Experts and technical representatives from Fatima Fertilizer highlighted the balanced use of fertilizers, particularly Sarsabz Nitrophos and CAN, which have shown significant results in improving soil fertility and achieving 10% or higher per-acre yield of crops. Speaking on the occasion, Rabel Sadozai, Director of Marketing and Sales at Fatima Fertilizer, stated, "Through initiatives like the Sarsabz Kissan Convention, we are reinforcing our commitment to supporting Pakistan’s farmers by providing them access to high-quality products such as Sarsabz Nitrophos and Sarsabz CAN, along with on-ground advisory services. Our goal is to help farmers achieve higher yields, improve soil health, and contribute to a more sustainable and self-sufficient agricultural ecosystem."
realme C85 Pro Officially Launched in Pakistan at Grand Launch Event
NEWS 07
CM MARYAM TO HIGHLIGHT PUNJAB’S CLIMATE INITIATIVES AT COP-30
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PUNJAB CHIEF MINISTER WILL INAUGURATE PAKISTAN PAVILION AND DELIVER KEYNOTE AT COP-30 IN BELEM LAHORE
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UNJAB Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif is set to represent Pakistan at the prestigious Global COP-30 Conference in Belem, Brazil, underlining the province’s growing role in climate action and sustainable development. She will inaugurate the Pakistan Pavilion at the event and deliver a keynote address, showcasing Punjab’s ambitious initiatives for environmental sustainability and climate resilience. The conference, which continues until November 21, will also provide an opportunity for the Chief Minister to meet global leaders, heads of international environmental organizations, and climate experts to discuss collaborative strategies for a greener future. In her keynote, CM Maryam Nawaz will highlight flagship provincial programs including ‘Suthra Punjab’ and ‘Green Punjab,’ the promotion of electric vehicles, and the conservation and expansion of forests and wildlife. Her participation reflects the Punjab
government’s firm commitment to tackling the challenges of climate change while promoting environmentally friendly policies at both national and global levels. Accompanying the Chief Minister are Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Minister for Education Rana Sikandar Hayat, and Minister for Local Government Zeeshan Rafique. Sharing her reflections en route to
‘She’s Next’ Program returns to empower women-led businesses, drive economic growth KARACHI
Visa and HBL announce the return of She’s Next, a global advocacy program that spotlights women entrepreneurs who are actively financing, managing, and expanding their businesses. Recognizing their pivotal role as catalysts for economic and social development, women-led businesses are increasingly shaping Pakistan's economy with a distinct blend of resilience, social consciousness, and technological adoption. In 2024, the program received over 2,500 applications, culminating in the selection of five women entrepreneurs, including Ziana Sakhia (Bechlo), Sadaf Rehman (CodeSchool), Rida Zainab (Porter Pakistan), Ayesha Awan (SocialBlu), and Hira Javaid (Foster Learning), who secured funding collectively worth USD 50,000, training, and networking opportunities. To cater to the impressive demand, 'She's Next' will once again invite women entrepreneurs from all industries and sectors in Pakistan to apply on the official website for a chance to receive grants worth a total of USD 50,000 (USD 10,000 each). Winners will also receive a range of benefits, including a tailored training program, mentoring opportunities, and access to She’s Next Club re-
sources, including a workshop library and a community of entrepreneurs. Applications are open from today until December 24, 2025. “She’s Next, unlocking the boundless potential of every Pakistani woman, providing the essential stepping stone for women-led businesses to scale and expand collectively. Our inaugural program attracted over 2,500 applications, reflecting the deep entrepreneurial spirit and hunger for growth among women across the country. That excitement translated to real impact as the winners’ businesses are thriving and driving digital transformation in sectors like fashion, health, education, and technology. We’re excited to bring She’s Next back to Pakistan and uplevel the new cohort of winners,” said Umar S. Khan, Country Manager for Pakistan and
Afghanistan, Visa. “We also ran a new edition of the Visa & HBL Women SMB Digitization Index this year, which highlighted the positive economic impact of women entrepreneurs. Despite their own personal hurdles and personal growth ambitions, women business owners are motivated by financial independence, and a deep desire to create supportive work environments which uplift societies – an ethos that is very close to Visa’s own mission of uplifting everyone, everywhere. What’s been great to see is that women entrepreneurs are integrating payment technologies and artificial intelligence to overcome obstacles and drive their businesses forward, which really shows their progressive mindset.”
ECP, CDA officials meet to fast-track Federal Election Academy and office projects
staff report
ISLAMABAD
staff report
In a push to accelerate key development projects for the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), Secretary ECP Omar Hamid Khan met Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa at the CDA Headquarters on Monday for a detailed review of ongoing and upcoming construction initiatives.
Open courts promote trust between consumers, IESCO: CEO ISLAMABAD
staff report
staff report
LAHORE
The realme C85 Pro has officially made its debut in Pakistan with a grand launch event that celebrated power, endurance, and innovation. Showcasing the brand’s signature fusion of performance and design, the event highlighted how the C85 Pro redefines the smartphone experience for users who demand more, from ultra battery life, ultra display brilliance, and IP69 Pro durability to unmatched all-round performance. Launched on November 10, the realme C85 Pro, featuring the segment’s best display among 7000mAh battery phones, will be available nationwide starting November 15, giving users the chance to experience unmatched power, clarity, and toughness in one sleek device. The realme C85 Pro is built for those who never stop, from riders navigating long routes to creators capturing life on the go.
Belem on the social networking platform ‘X’, CM Maryam Nawaz remarked that the vast forests surrounding Belem serve as a reminder that nature teaches balance, patience, and resilience. She added, “Punjab’s journey towards a greener and more sustainable future continues with full zeal and zest. We will effectively present Punjab’s environment-friendly initiatives at the conference.” The Chief Minister’s participation at
COP-30 underscores the provincial government’s determination to implement sustainable development practices and climate-resilient strategies in alignment with global environmental goals. CM’s Message on World Science Day/Week for Peace and Development Meanwhile, CM Maryam Nawaz emphasized the importance of science for peace, prosperity, and sustainable development in her message on World Science Day/Week. She highlighted the need to raise public awareness and encourage youth to embrace scientific research and technological advances. She outlined several initiatives under the Punjab government’s vision to promote science and technology, including Nawaz Sharif IT City, Nawaz Sharif Cancer Institute and Research Center, Maryam Nawaz Autism School and Research Center, and Nawaz Sharif Medical City, where special attention will be given to medical science research. The Chief Minister also noted that a unique science and technology show in government schools showcased innovative student projects, including a Wi-Fi model from Rajanpur reportedly 100 times faster than regular Wi-Fi, highlighting the potential of Punjab’s youth in advancing scientific and technological development.
Senior CDA officials, including Member Engineering Syed Nafasat Raza and Member Finance Tahir Naeem, along with officers from the CDA Engineering Wing and the ECP, attended the meeting. The session featured an extensive briefing on several under-construction and new ECP projects, particularly the establishment of the Federal Election Academy and new ECP offices in Islamabad. Officials
informed the meeting that the tendering process for these projects will begin shortly, after which the foundation stone will be laid without delay. It was also reported that work on the pre-fabricated gym at the ECP is progressing rapidly. Additionally, the meeting reviewed security-related upgrades, including the Fire Safety Implementation Plan for the ECP Secretariat. The survey phase for the fire safety plan has been completed, and its implementation will be given priority. CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa directed that ECP representatives be made part of the tendering process for all related projects. He also instructed that CCTV monitoring be used to ensure transparency and oversight of construction and development activities. Randhawa further emphasised the appointment of focal persons from both the CDA and ECP to guarantee high-quality work and timely project completion.
FFC Receives Best Corporate & Sustainability Report Awards ISLAMABAD
staff report
Fauji Fertilizer Company (FFC) continues its legacy of excellence, securing top honors for its Annual and Sustainability Reports 2024 at the awards ceremony in Lahore. Overall Top Rankings: • 1st Position - Chemical & Fertilizer Sector - 21st time • 1st Position - Sustainability Report - 9th time In the Overall Best Corporate Report category for year 2024, FFC secured second place. The awards were presented by
the joint committee of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) and the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Pakistan (ICMAP), recognizing FFC’s commitment to transparent reporting and exemplary governance practices. These achievements underscore the invaluable guidance of our Board of Directors and the tireless dedication of FFC management team, under the leadership of MD&CEO, Mr. Jahangir Piracha. With humility, we offer gratitude to the Almighty and pray for continued success, striving to raise the FFC banner even higher in the years ahead. Ameen.
Chief Executive IESCO Engineer Chaudhry Khalid Mahmood has said that for any public utility company, the greatest achievement is earning the trust of its consumers. To achieve this objective, IESCO regularly conducts online and open Katcheries at IESCO Head Office, Circle, and Sub-Division levels, providing an opportunity for valued consumers to directly present their complaints regarding electricity bills, connections, voltage issues, and other concerns to the officers. Engineer Ch. Khalid Mahmood stated that the purpose of these Katcheries is to reduce the gap between the organization and consumers and to promote transparency. Sharing details, he said that during the ongoing online and open Katcheries, IESCO received, 2,535 billing complaints,2,875 faulty meter complaints,37,380 electricity fault reports, 514 transformer-related complaints, 7,129 new connection, and 56,598 miscellaneous complaints. In total, 107,031 complaints were received and resolved immediately. Chaudhry Khalid Mahmood further said that consumers are our most valuable to us, and providing effective platforms for the timely resolution of their issues is the organizations top priority. IESCO Chief encouraged consumers to actively participate in these Katcheries to ensure quick solutions to their electricity-related problems.
Sindh Bank sees 213% growth in operating profit, posting PP of Rs2.5b for 9-month ended Sept 2025 KARACHI
staff report
The Board of Directors of Sindh Bank met on October 29, 2025 and approved the Nine Months accounts for the period ended September 30, 2025 while appreciating remarkable performance in key business areas. During the period Bank achieved 213% growth in its Operating Profit as compared to same period last year and Profit before tax soaring to Rs 2,542-mn. The Board expressed its appreciation and gratitude to the Government of Sindh and its clients for their continued confidence and patronage. Net Markup income increased by 25% in the nine months of 2025, despite downward revisions in the policy rate and non-Markup income of Bank increased by 79% i.e. Rs.694-mn attributable to increase in income from Fees, Commission, Dividends and gain on securities during nine months period Total Equity of the Bank grew by Rs2.1 billion reaching to Rs31.2 billion at the end of September 30, 2025. Bank’s Capital Adequacy Ratio stood at 25.04% as against the minimum requirement of 11.50% and maintained Rs26.8-bn as minimum capital against the requirement of Rs10 billion as on September 30, 2025 reflecting capital strength and resilience to absorb impacts and pursue balance sheet growth.
Lucky Investments Launches Lucky Islamic Pension Fund to Empower Financially Secure Retirements KARACHI
staff report
Lucky Investments Limited, a full-fledged Islamic asset management company under the Yunus Brothers Group, has announced the launch of the Lucky Islamic Pension Fund (LIPF) — a Shariahcompliant retirement savings solution designed to enable individuals to build long-term financial security through disciplined and ethical investing. The launch represents a significant development in Pakistan’s Islamic finance ecosystem and aligns with the government’s broader roadmap to transition the national financial system to Shariah-compliant practices by 2028.
24 INDIAN PROXY TERRORISTS KILLED IN THREE KP, BALOCHISTAN IBOS: ISPR
Tuesday, 11 November, 2025
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NEWS
Two terrorists killed as security forces foil attack on Cadet College Wana SOUTH WAZIRISTAN staff report
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RAWALPINDI
staff report
HE security forces killed at least 24 terrorists in fire exchange during three separate engagements in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, according to the military’s media wing on Monday. In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the KP intelligence-based operations (IBO) were conducted between November 8-9. During an intelligence-based operation in the general area of Shawal in North Waziristan, eight terrorists were
killed by the security forces. “During the conduct of operation, own troops effectively engaged the khwarij location, eight Indian sponsored khwarij were sent to hell,” said the ISPR. In July, the government designated the banned terrorist outfit Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan as Fitna al Khawarij, mandating all institutions to use the term khariji (outcast) when referring to the perpetrators of terrorist attacks on Pakistan. In the second IBO conducted in the Dara Adam Khel district of the province, 12 terrorists were killed after “an intense fire exchange.” The military’s media wing added that sanitisation operations were being con-
SHC seeks updates on missing persons KARACHI
news Desk
The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Monday issued notices to the provincial government and law enforcement agencies, seeking their responses in cases involving missing persons. The hearing was overseen by Acting Chief Justice Zafar Ahmed Rajput. During proceedings, a petitioner’s lawyer reported that Saad Alam went missing after visiting a barber near Ferozabad Police Station and has not returned home. Despite a missing person report filed by his father-inlaw, no information about his whereabouts has emerged. When the court inquired whether he might have left voluntarily, the lawyer confirmed that Alam had only gone out for a haircut and his phone has remained switched off. In a separate case, the lawyer stated that Abdul Subghat, who was released on bail after three years in prison, went missing from the Sohrab Goth area. The court directed the concerned authorities to conduct searches and submit progress reports within four weeks before adjourning the hearing.
Muqam slams KP CM’s ‘irresponsible’ remarks, demands apology to nation and armed forces ISLAMABAD
staff report
Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and SAFRON, and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) President Engr Amir Muqam on Monday lashed out at the KP Chief Minister over his “immature and irresponsible” remarks against state institutions, demanding a public apology to the nation, the security forces, and families of martyrs who sacrificed their lives for peace. Speaking at a ceremony where renowned KP businessman Qazi Waqas joined the PML-N, Muqam said such statements undermine the credibility of state institutions and the morale of families who lost loved ones in the fight against terrorism. “He should realise the situation that he was not addressing to the political gathering, the incumbent of CM offered several responsibilities and any statements and remarks caused the widespread impact,” he said. While remembering the sacrifices of innocent civilians in different parts of the province before the security forces, he said there are several political figures who lost two to three beloved ones in different attacks. He said, “It is due to the sacrifices of security forces the sovereignty and peace maintained yet, contrary to the past turmoil like situation particularly in KP province.” He also questioned whether the CM could guarantee the safety and integrity of Pakistan for even “two days” if the security forces presence was withdrawn from the borders and former tribal regions. Criticizing the policies of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) regarding the developments and welfare of the people, he noted that they are ruling the province for more than twelve years.
At least two terrorists were killed during a brazen attack on Cadet College Wana in South Waziristan on Monday, as the security forces conducted a swift and decisive clearance operation, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported. According to the military’s media wing, the attackers initially attempted to breach the college’s perimeter but were repelled by the “vigilant and resolute response” of the troops. Undeterred, the assailants then rammed an explosives-laden vehicle against the main gate, causing it to collapse and damaging an adjacent building. They subsequently entered the college premises but were cornered in the administrative block and neutralized. “Displaying unwavering courage and professional excellence, our troops engaged the intruders with pre-
ducted in the areas to “eliminate any other Indian-sponsored kharji found in the area.” It added that under Operation Azm-i-Istehkam, approved by the Federal Apex Committee on National Action
cision, eliminating two khwarij belonging to the banned Fitna alKhawarij—Indian-backed terrorist elements,” the ISPR stated. The ISPR noted that the terrorists inside the college were in contact with their handlers in Afghanistan, receiving instructions from across the border. “This blatant act of barbarism orchestrated from Afghanistan contradicts the Afghan Taliban regime’s assertions that such groups are absent from their soil,” it added. Pakistan reserves the right to respond against terrorists and their leadership present in Afghanistan. The military warned that the attack mirrors the 2014 Army Public School Peshawar tragedy, when 147 people, including 132 schoolchildren, were martyred. “These khwarij have once again attempted to spread terror among the youth of tribal areas, who are striving to achieve a better future through education,” the ISPR said.
Plan, 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”.
Aviation Minister dismisses ‘malicious propaganda’ targeting PIA PROFIT
Monitoring Desk
Minister for Aviation Khawaja Asif on Monday dismissed what he termed “baseless and malicious propaganda” about the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), its flight safety, and operations. In a post on X, the minister said safety remained “non-negotiable” and that “unqualified individuals cannot dictate it in the presence of Pakistani and international regulators.” Asif said PIA’s flight opera-
tions were fully compliant with both the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) and international aviation safety standards. He added that the government “fully backs team PIA’s efforts to restore the national flag carrier’s profitability and expand its network.” Highlighting recent performance, the minister said PIA’s average daily revenue over the past three days had reached Rs600 million, achieved through a regular domestic and international flight schedule without disruptions.
He accused certain quarters of “spreading malicious news to harm national interests and sabotage the airline’s revival efforts,” adding that the government had worked tirelessly over the past five years to bring PIA back on track. Asif, who also serves as Defence Minister, said PIA continued to operate scheduled domestic flights and international routes to Toronto, Manchester, Paris, Saudi Arabia, China, and the Far East, with plans to expand further into Europe and North America in the near future.
Court orders immediate action in Data Darbar ‘animal massacre’ ase LAHORE
staff report
In a significant development for animal welfare in Pakistan, the Lahore High Court has directed the Punjab Wildlife Department to take swift action following the tragic Data Darbar Animal Massacre. The Honorable Justice Shehram Sarwar, hearing the case Environmental and Animal Rights Consultants Pakistan v. Government of Punjab (W.P. No. 66492/2025), has issued an order requiring the department to address the incident within 30 days. The court’s directive mandates that the petition filed by Advocate
Altamush Saeed be treated as a formal representation, with a detailed report to be submitted. The report must include an investigation into the causes of the tragedy, a concrete plan to prevent similar events, and actions to hold those responsible accountable. The report should also include plans for educational programs aimed at fostering empathy and responsibility toward animals within government departments. Justice Shehram emphasized that failure to comply with the order could result in contempt proceedings, ensuring that the department is held accountable for its actions.
This ruling marks a major step for animal rights in Pakistan, as it is the first time the Punjab Wildlife Department has been legally compelled to take action on such an issue. Advocates argue that the deaths of the animals were entirely preventable, and if the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) had coordinated with the Wildlife Department, the animals could have been safely relocated rather than killed. The forthcoming report is expected to provide much-needed transparency on the incident, which has been widely condemned as one of the darkest moments for animal welfare in Lahore.
Ex-AJK PM Sardar Tanveer Ilyas wanted in diplomatic passport case ISLAMABAD
staff report
A district and sessions court in Islamabad on Monday issued arrest warrants for former Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) prime minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas Khan in connection with a diplomatic passport case. The case was heard by Judicial Magistrate Ahmad Shehzad Gondal. During proceedings, Sardar Tanveer Ilyas filed a plea seeking exemption from personal attendance, which the court rejected. The court subsequently directed law en-
forcement authorities to arrest him and produce him before the court. The next hearing has been scheduled for November 24, 2025. According to court records, Sardar
Tanveer Ilyas is accused of using his diplomatic passport to travel to Saudi Arabia after his tenure as AJK prime minister ended. He was previously arrested on May 20 in an unrelated case linked to a family property dispute. In that case, he faced allegations of attempting to seize property, involvement in a shooting incident, and efforts to take control of a mall’s central office and key documents. The issuance of the arrest warrant marks the latest development in ongoing legal proceedings against the former AJK leader.
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PML-N’s Senator Irfan Siddiqui passes away after brief illness ISLAMABAD
staff report
Senior PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui passed away on Monday in Islamabad after a brief illness, his son confirmed. The senator, who served as chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and PML-N parliamentary leader in the upper house, had been receiving treatment at a local hospital for respiratory distress. According to his family, Siddiqui was admitted to the intensive care unit due to breathing difficulties but was not placed on a ventilator. Earlier, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry had claimed that Siddiqui’s health had deteriorated and that he had been put on a ventilator. President Asif Ali Zardari extended his condolences to the family, praising the late senator for his “immense contributions” to democracy in Pakistan. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also paid tribute, describing Siddiqui as a “champion of high traditions in both journalism and politics.” Senator Siddiqui’s passing comes ahead of a crucial session of the Senate, where lawmakers were to discuss the 27th Constitutional Amendment bill. His absence is expected to complicate proceedings for the government, which requires a two-thirds majority to pass the legislation. Siddiqui had a distinguished career in both politics and journalism, and in 2019, he was briefly arrested at his residence in Islamabad over tenancy law issues but was later released on bail. The news of his death has prompted an outpouring of grief across political circles, with leaders from various parties paying tribute to his decades-long public service.
Gunmen attack Naseem Shah’s house in Lower Dir DIR
staff report
Unidentified armed men opened fire on the house of cricketer Naseem Shah in the Mayar area of Lower Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in the early hours of Monday, police and local residents reported. According to the Mayar police, the incident occurred around 1:45am when assailants fired multiple shots at the main gate of Shah’s residence, leaving visible bullet holes. The attackers fled the scene shortly after the firing. Police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the attack. CCTV footage from nearby houses is being examined, and security around the cricketer’s home has been enhanced. Lower Dir police officials indicated that, based on initial findings, the incident does not appear to be linked to terrorism. Instead, it may be related to a land dispute or a regional enmity. Shah’s father met with Lower Dir District Police Officer Taimur Khan, who assured the family that arrests would be made promptly. Local residents said that the Shah family is considered respectable in the area and has no known enmities or disputes.
Pillion riding prohibited in Balochistan, women and children exempt QUETTA
news Desk
The Balochistan government has imposed a ban on pillion riding on motorcycles across the province until November 30, according to a notification issued on Monday. The measure is part of the existing enforcement of Section 144, which restricts public gatherings and other activities to maintain law and order. The notification, the second issued in five days, also prohibits covering of faces in public places, the use of mufflers and masks, and the transportation of explosive materials and sulfuric acid. Women and children are exempt from the pillion riding ban. Authorities said the restrictions were necessary to ensure public safety and prevent potential misuse of motorcycles for unlawful activities. The government reminded citizens that Section 144 will remain in effect until the end of November and urged strict compliance with all directives. In a related development, the Punjab government on Sunday extended Section 144 across the province until November 15, maintaining a ban on protests, rallies, processions, sit-ins, and public gatherings. The notification also prohibits the assembly of four or more people, display of weapons, and the use of loudspeakers, except for religious purposes such as the Azan and Friday sermons.
PM stresses digital transformation, cashless economy for sustainable development ISLAMABAD
staff report
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday underlined the transformative potential of Pakistan’s shift towards a cashless economy, calling it a critical step for sustainable development, improved governance, and curbing corruption. He emphasized that digitalization initiatives, spearheaded by his government, are positioning Pakistan to keep pace with the global transition to fully digital financial systems. Chairing a high-level meeting to review progress on these initiatives, the Prime Minister directed relevant authorities to intensify awareness campaigns in rural areas to phase out the traditional cash-based economy
and accelerate adoption of digital financial services. “The entire world is moving towards a digital economy, and Pakistan must move forward alongside it,” he said. Highlighting the government’s achievements, the Prime Minister recalled that for the first time, during Ramazan, financial assistance under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) was successfully delivered to deserving families through digital wallets. He underscored that the cashless economy would not only enhance transparency but also significantly curb corruption, urging all departments to meet set targets within the stipulated timeframe. PM Shehbaz Sharif commended the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of IT, Federal
Board of Revenue (FBR), State Bank of Pakistan, and other relevant institutions for the satisfactory implementation of the cashless economy roadmap. The meeting reviewed key initiatives under the Prime Minister’s vision, including: Payments for electricity and gas bills through RAAST QR codes, enabling billions of rupees in digital transactions. Progress on 10 million BISP digital wallets, with all wallets to be activated by the end of the current month and the next tranche of assistance disbursed digitally. Integration of government service mobile apps in Islamabad with the RAAST system. Linking business licensing processes with digital payments and providing QR code payment facilities at retail shops. Issuance of
licenses for establishing digital banks nationwide. So far, the government has achieved financial inclusion for over 68% of the population, with plans to expand coverage further in the coming year. The prime minister directed that the scope of financial inclusion should continue to be broadened and reviewed targets for the next year. The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers Muhammad Aurangzeb, Ahad Khan Cheema, Attaullah Tarar, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani, Governor SBP Jameel Ahmed, Chairman NADRA Lt. Gen Muhammad Munir, Chairman FBR Rashid Langrial, and other senior officials. Balochistan CM calls on Prime Minister
Published by Asad Nizami at Plot # 7, Al-Baber Centre, F/8 Markaz, Islamabad, for PT Print (Pvt) Limited. Ph: 051-2204545. Email: newsroom@pakistantoday.com.pk
Meanwhile, Chief Minister of Balochistan Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti called on PM Shehbaz Sharif to discuss matters related to Balochistan. Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry and Advisor to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah also attended the meeting. PM grieves death of educationist Dr.Arifa Zahra Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep grief over the passing of renowned educationist and literary figure Dr. Arifa Syeda Zahra, paying rich tribute to her outstanding contributions to academia and promotion of the Urdu language. He prayed for peace for the departed soul and conveyed condolences to her family, students, and the academic community.