RULING PARTIES RALLY BEHIND MILITARY, REBUKE PTI FOR ANTI-ARMY RHETORIC
g LABEL PTI RHETORIC A GROWING NATIONAL SECURITY CONCERN, URGING JOINT STAND AGAINST ANTI-STATE CAMPAIGNING
IISLAMABAD/KARACHI/QUETTA
S ta f f r e p o r t
N a show of solidarity with DG
ISPR, leaders of the ruling political parties on Sunday rallied behind the armed forces, sharply rebuking Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for what they termed a deliberate campaign to undermine state institutions a day after the military s media wing accused incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan of pushing an anti-army narrative that was morphing into a national security concern Leaders from the ruling coalition and allied parties warned that attacks on the military threatened national cohesion at a time of heightened internal and regional security challenges, while the PTI rejected the allegations as politically moti-
stability unity and security He said attempts to malign the military only served Pakistan s enemies and strongly condemned what he called Imran s politics of “hate, distortion and incitement ” In Karachi Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) chairman Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui warned of a possible another conspiracy against Pakistan, accusing the PTI of abandoning parliamentary politics in favour of street agitation to create instability g
vated and dangerous for democracy The show of unity followed the InterServices Public Relations (ISPR) press briefing in which its director general described Imran Khan as a narcissist with a delusional mindset claiming his rhetoric was being amplified by Indian media and accounts linked to hostile intelligence agencies PTI had termed the briefing “inappropriate and unfortunate ” triggering strong reactions from across the political spectrum Planning Minister and PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal said Imran s politics reflected a deeply irresponsible and dangerous trend” aimed at weakening national institutions and eroding trust in the armed forces Writing on X he stressed that while political disagreement was natural in a democracy crossing into anti-state narrative-building endangered
media affairs wing said on Sunday In a statement the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said The IBO was conducted on Saturday on the reported presence of terrorists belonging to Indian proxy, Fitna-al-Hindustan
The state has designated Balochistan-based terrorist groups as Fitna-al-Hindustan to highlight India’s alleged role in terrorism and destabilisation across Pakistan The ISPR statement detailed that during the operation yesterday, own forces effectively engaged the terrorists location, and after an intense fire exchange, 12 Indian-sponsored terrorists were sent to hell” Weapons, ammunition and explosives were found in the terrorists’ possession it said adding that they had been actively involved in numerous terrorist activities in the area Sanitisation operations are being conducted to eliminate any other Indian-sponsored terrorist found in the area as [a] relentless counter-terrorism campaign under the vision of ‘Azm-i- Istehkam’ (as approved by Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan) by 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, the statement concluded Pakistan has been grappling with an alarming surge in terror activities, especially against the security forces and other law enforcement agencies in KP and Balochistan after the TTP ended its ceasefire with the government in November 2022 Yesterday the security forces neutralized 14 terrorists had been killed in three separate intelligence-based IBOs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa s Lakki Marwat and Balochistan’s Tank, according to a statement issued by the ISPR
ISLAMABAD S ta f f r e p o r t
Pakistan on Sunday strongly rejected and condemned what it described as highly inflammatory baseless and irresponsible remarks by Indian External Affairs
Minister Dr S Jaishankar against Pakistan’s armed forces, warning that such statements were misleading provocative and detrimental to regional peace and stability
The Foreign Office (FO) reaction came a day after Dr S Jaishankar alleged that India s core challenges with Pakistan stemmed directly from Pakistan’s military establishment Islamabad dismissed the claims as part of a deliberate propaganda campaign aimed at deflecting attention from
India s own destabilising conduct in the region
In a sharply worded statement, the FO underscored that Pakistan was a responsible state and that all its institutions including the armed forces were pillars of national security fully committed to safeguarding the country s sovereignty and territorial integrity Pakistan s armed forces remain professional, disciplined, and dedicated to the defence of the motherland ” the statement said Referring to the brief four-day military confrontation between India and Pakistan in May, the FO said the episode had vividly demonstrated” the professionalism, restraint and resolve of Pakistan’s armed forces in defending the country and its people against any
Indian aggression in a befitting effective yet responsible manner It added that no amount of propaganda can belie this truth
The Foreign Office accused the Indian leadership of attempting to malign Pakistan’s state institutions and national leadership as part of a broader narrative to divert attention from New Delhi s own policies These, it said, included destabilising actions in the region and beyond as well as state-sponsored terrorism in Pakistan ” Such incendiary rhetoric only exemplifies the extent of India s disregard for amity, peace and stability in our region, the statement said, warning that repeated verbal escalation undermined prospects for dialogue and confidence-building
APTMA DISPUTES OFFICIAL RECORD, SAYS
KEY COTTON REVIVAL DECISIONS OMITTED
TPakistan opens first solar panel testing lab with Korean suppor t
will oversee operations and aims to secure Certification Body Testing Laboratory (CBTL) status, enabling issuance of IEC compliance certificates to support local manufacturers exports to Europe and Central Asia KOICA supplied installed and commissioned all necessary equipment and provided a nine-month training program to ensure smooth operations KOICA President Chang Won Sam and Republic of Korea Ambassador Park Jae-Lark attended the inauguration Chang highlighted Pakistan’s abundant solar resources as a key opportunity for clean energy growth Dr Jaesang Park KOICA project manager said the lab would significantly strengthen Pakistan
IMF BACKS PAKISTAN REFORMS AS AURANGZEB HIGHLIGHTS TRADE, CLIMATE AND DIGITAL PUSH
Pakistan slams
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
The FO further advised the
government to introspect on its internal challenges instead of issuing misleading remarks about Pakistan It urged India to investigate what it termed the “fascist and revisionist Hindutva ideology ” accusing it of unleashing mob violence lynchings arbitrary detentions and the demolition of properties and places of worship According to the statement, the Indian state and leadership had themselves become hostage of this terror in the name of religion,” a situation that posed serious risks to regional stability Reaffirming Pakistan’s position the FO stressed that Islamabad believed in coexistence dialogue and diplomacy as the preferred means of resolving disputes However, it added that Pakistan remained united and resolute in both its intent and ability to safeguard its national interests and sovereignty against any threat
Ruling parties rally behind military, rebuke PTI for anti-army rhetoric
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
He said that at a time when all political forces should stand united with the armed forces, a sustained campaign over the past two days had raised concerns of foreign involvement Siddiqui urged all parties to sit together identify anti-state actions and respond collectively Balochistan Chief Minister and PPP leader Sarfaraz Bugti said propaganda against the army aligned with the agenda of hostile agencies, particularly when provinces like Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were facing serious insurgencies
He said the people of Balochistan stood firmly with the security forces and warned against narratives that weakened the state Comparing military sacrifices with Imran s criticism Bugti said the country must be placed above politics, cautioning that without a strong state there would be nothing left to protect Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi speaking in
criticised Imran and his family for giving interviews to Indian and Afghan media and accused the PTI founder of targeting state institutions, including the military, rather than individuals
education, develop disaster-resilient training facilities, and strengthen workforce governance Three centres of excellence will be built in Lahore Multan and Rawalpindi featuring simulation labs, digital learning platforms, and gender-responsive hostels The program will expand the pool of qualified nurses, predominantly women, to improve provincial healthcare and meet domestic and international demand ADB Country Director for Pakistan Emma Fan said the projects will modernise agriculture, enhance human capital, and significantly improve livelihoods for millions of people across Punjab ” highlighting the province’s critical role in Pakistan’s economy ADB approves $381 million for Punjab development projec ts
The project will
mechanisation including
The Responsive, Ready, and Resilient STEM Secondary Education Program will receive $107 million, combining a $100 million loan and $7 million grant Implemented by the Punjab School Education Department it aims to modernise STEM curricula expand access to quality secondary education, and strengthen human capital across the province The Punjab Nursing and Health Workforce Reform Program will receive $150 million to improve nursing
S evere frost in Balochistan, dr y and cold conditions persist in Lahore
A severe cold wave has settled over Balochistan with the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warning of extremely low temperatures and dry conditions across most districts on Sunday Northern areas are expected to see the sharpest drops during night and early morning hours while surrounding hills may receive light snowfall and rain Quetta and adjoining north-western districts are likely to experience cloudy weather, with isolated snowfall and rain reported in Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qila Abdullah, and Qila Saifullah Meteorologists warned that these conditions could intensify the cold wave in mountainous areas urging residents and travellers to exercise caution Early Saturday morning, minimum temperatures fell sharply in several regions Quetta recorded 0°C, while Kalat and Ziarat registered –2°C Other readings included Zhob at 3 C Sibi at 9 C Turbat at 14 C Nokundi at 9 C and Chaman at 4 C Coastal districts experienced milder conditions, with Gwadar at 18°C and Jiwani at 12°C Authorities advised residents, especially those in higher-altitude areas, to take precautions against the harsh cold The PMD emphasized wearing warm clothing and providing special care for children and the elderly as low temperatures are expected to persist through the night In Punjab, Lahore experienced cold and dry weather on Saturday with similar conditions forecasted for Monday Continental air prevailing over most
parts of the country, coupled with a shallow westerly wave affecting upper regions is contributing to the chill The PMD further predicted partly cloudy skies for Gilgit-Baltistan Kashmir, northern Balochistan, and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Smog and patchy fog during night and morning hours are likely to continue over the plains of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa adding to the cold discomfort for residents
around collective responsibility and equity
He noted that the world is rapidly shifting towards green infrastructure and environmentally sustainable technologies, adding that Pakistan is implementing reforms to boost renewable energy solar power and green technological solutions
international financial institutions to expand climate financing enabling developing nations to adopt green technologies more affordably Financial incentives and concessional financing are now essential for sustainable climate action,” he said warning that climate change is intensifying emergencies and increasing economic burdens on vulnerable countries Professor Ahsan emphasized the need to redesign the global financial system
Highlighting the country s potential he said Pakistan has strong solar resources, a growing renewable energy market, a skilled engineering and scientific talent pool, and an enabling environment for innovation The minister added that Pakistan is collaborating with international organizations multilateral partners and private investors to develop new climate financing models These initiatives include the adoption of modern instruments such as green bonds and blue finance, designed to mobilize resources for sustainable development while promoting green economic growth he explained
COMMENT
The ner ve remains raw
WH E N Director General ISPR Lt Gen Sharif Chaudhry said PTI Founder Imran Khan was a ‘mental patient’ one reaction was that he was pitching it strong He was the target of criticism from both the government and the PTI The PTI reaction’s being negative was only to be expected especially for a party that has taken the cult of personality to new heights While the government was supportive in spirit, there was some implied criticism of General Chaudhry for not going far enough They did not seem to realize that he was treading a fine line, between doing what he himself said in his press conference, that the government was the ultimate authority, not the military, and speaking about politics
The PTI contains some elements that have taken the DG’s presser as an indication that the party has gone too far in its attacks on the military There is some merit in this for the constant sniping and even outright insults to the Chief of Army Staff issued in Mr Khan’s own name indicate an animus that has been given a relatively mild response The PTI seems upset that the military establishment it has decried ever since losing office in a constitutionally mandated manner, did so well during the summer conflict with India That that sterling performance was rewarded by the Army Chief s promotion to field marshal, and the higher defence organization was rationalized in the Constitution, and in the light of that conflict, did not seem to have sat well with the PTI That refusal to acknowledge the Army’s role in defending the country seems self-defeating in a party which aspires to power in the future
The DG’s presser did make it clear that there was no way the PTI was going to overcome the hurdle of 9 May 2024 not until the trials of those responsible have concluded That has already led to two eviscerations of the party the first at the time of the event itself the second after the recent round of convictions of party leaders led to disqualifications Mr Khan has not yet been convicted in any of the cases There should be no war of words, something which has too often happened to serious debates, but at the moment, it seems that the PTI is best positioned not to inflame the situation Unfortunately, it has not shown the necessary selfrestraint in the past
Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
M A Niazi Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami Editor Profit
ON a gray November afternoon, just two blocks from the White House the story Donald Trump wanted to tell about a safe and peaceful capital exploded in a hail of bullets Two members of the National Guard were on routine foot patrol when an Afghanborn gunman opened fire in a sudden ambush that stunned the entire nation Beckstrom died the next day, and Wolfe continues to fight for his life It was an attack that pierced the heart of the security narrative Trump had been promoting especially after deploying over 2000 National Guard troops across Washington D C in a show of restored order
The shock was immediate Television screens filled with images of uniformed soldiers bleeding on downtown sidewalks in full view of the White House What was meant to be proof of law and order became a terrifying reminder that chaos needs only one crack to break through Very quickly the identity of the attacker transformed the discussion from crime prevention to national identity The shooter, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, had entered the USA legally under Operation Allies Welcome after the fall of Kabul He had been part of
were promised safety Now because of one man s descent into violence, their futures are frozen Trump s new directives also cast a long shadow over immigrants worldwide, including those who spent decades waiting for lawful entry Families who followed every rule gathered every document passed every interview and waited patiently for their priority dates now see their dreams threatened overnight My own family is among those who waited almost 20 years for a lawful, transparent immigration process We began in 2007, sponsored by an American relative, and endured delays, repeated paperwork, bureaucratic hurdles and shifting immigration quotas Only in 2024 did we finally arrive as legal permanent residents Our journey reflects the commitment millions make to follow the rules respect the system and contribute to American society And yet today, even people like us legal, vetted, documented find ourselves under the shadow of suspicion because of
of thousands remain in legal limbo in Pakistan the Gulf and elsewhere awaiting visas Many served US forces risked their lives and
In the coming weeks, investigators will uncover more about the gunmanÊs motives, background, and state of mind Politicians will shout, the public will divide , and cour ts will be asked to inter vene But underneath all of this lies a single question that tests the values of the nation.
Karachi in the Mirror of the World Urbanization Prospects 2025
Karachi’s demographic momentum can be an o p
opposite directions What Karachi needs is clear: metropolitanwide planning, transparent land governance, climate-resilient infrastructure, empowered local institutions affordable housing frameworks modern transit systems and a social protection network that recognises the vulnerabilities created by rapid urban migration Without this WUP 2025 will not be a point of pride it will be a marker of the moment the crisis became undeniable
The UN has
ning investment and institutional reform A city of this scale cannot function through improvised arrangements
done its part by holding up a global mirror The question now is whether we are willing to look into that mirror and finally act
The writer is a freelance columnist
When image outruns truth
A new look at the countr y ’s biggest cit y
majid NaBi Burfat
Qamar Bashir
IINTO CHAOS
What started in April 2023 as rivalry between SAF and RSF led by Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo respectively has turned into a disrupted combat force As of mid-2025 the RSF has seized much of Darfur and the west while the SAF has assumed control of east and north, with insurgent groups such as the “Sudan People’s Liberation MovementNorth” supporting the RSF and others bolstering the SAF The turning point was the
fall of El Fasher in late October RSF authorities blamed for ethnic carnage akin to Rwanda s first 24 hours trapped millions in underground trenches during hospital bombing and blackouts Outside interference fuels the horror: arms from UAE flow to RSF through Libya and Chad while Iran provides drones to the SAF Russia deploys Wagner apparatuses for gold mines and Ethiopia exploits LOC vacuums in Al Fashaga Ceasefire attempts, like the Jeddah Declaration, failed as both parties strive for breakaway governments, SAF fights for a transitional Council versus the RSF Secular Charter in Nairobi The outcome of this conflict are forgotten atrocities with over 30 million needing support and famine warnings across the country
ECONOMIC DISTRESS: A PATH TO CATASTROPHE
The civil war in Sudan has ruined its economy giving a cautionary warning for developing economies Consider the facts and figures: Sudan s GDP contracted 29 45 percent in 2023 and another 14 percent in 2024, one of history s biggest drops ever, led by Khartoum’s destruction/The same is the case with the services sector and trade paralysis By the end of 2025 forecasts show a further 35-43 percent decline under moderate to extreme scenarios as of July 2025 inflation was recorded at 78 4 percent and poverty rising to 64 percent Oil production, once recorded as 10 percent of total GDP, decreased to half, Sudan’s lifeline gold exports crashed by RSF control of mines Trade corridors playing a pivotal role for food imports (22 percent of goods) gold and livestock exports lie in ruins Sudan s ports, such as Port Sudan, were occupied by
the SAF however they were drone-bombed The RSF using Chad and Libya routes engaged in fuel smuggling but
u c t i o n , p ov e r t y, h u n g e r, a n d w i d e s p r e a d v i o l e n c e ev e n i n l a rg e a n d s t r a t e g i c a l ly i m p o r t a n t c o u n t r i e s I n O c t o b e r, 2 0 2 5 t h e f a l l o f E l Fa s h e r, t h e e t h n i c
c h o i c e
that these are comparative advantages The ancients needed an easily portable widely accepted medium of exchange Gold was better than the alternatives But more than anything, people trusted it as money because they knew other people would accept it as payment for goods and services
In that respect gold isn t as different from fiat currency as we sometimes pretend We accept it has value because we know other people accept it has value True, gold has a longer history of acceptance than paper bills, its value does not depend on government action and its relative rarity means there’s little danger of a quick increase in supply that lowers its price But fundamentally it has monetary value by accepted convention, much like fiat money
The difficulty of increasing gold s supply is particularly important when comparing it to other commodities Farmers may wonder why if doubts about fiat money have propelled gold s price dramatically higher the price of the hard commodities they grow hasn t also surged Alas, unlike gold, which has to be found and mined and whose price is determined mainly by demand, prices of agri commodities are driven by a far more complicated interplay of supply and demand As farmers know all too well supply plays a particularly important role Meanwhile, demand for agri commodities is ultimately about their uses in the real world as food and fiber and energy By contrast gold, for the most part, is mainly an alternative store of value When folks are fearful demand for it soars The odd thing
A S governments weaken environmental protections to promote new mining projects, the global scramble for critical minerals is deepening social divides and harming vital ecosystems Only reduced consumption and robust enforceable rules can prevent long-term harm and protect basic human rights The environmental and human toll of mineral extraction is becoming clearer –and more alarming – by the day Roughly 60% of Ghana’s waterways are now heavily polluted due to gold mining along riverbanks In Peru many communities have lost access to safe drinking water after environmental protections were weakened and regulatory controls were suspended to facilitate new mining projects, contaminating even the Rímac River which supplies water to the capital Lima These environmental crises are exacerbated by deepening inequality and social divides in many mining-dependent countries The Global Atlas of Envirnsamachikwankaonmental Justice has documented more than 900 mining-related conflicts around the world about 85% of which involve the use or pollution of rivers lakes and groundwater Against this backdrop, major economies are rapidly reshaping resource geopolitics The United States, while attempting to stabilize the fossil-fuel-based global economy is also scrambling to secure the minerals it needs for electric vehicles renewable energy weapons systems digital infrastructure and construction often through coercion and aggressive negotiating tactics In its quest to reduce dependence on China, which dominates the processing of rare-earth elements environmental and humanitarian considerations are increasingly brushed aside Saudi Arabia is likewise positioning itself as a rising power in the minerals sector as part of its efforts to diversify away from oil, forging new partnerships – including with the US – and hosting a high-profile mining conference At the same time the Kingdom is actively undermining progress in other multilateral fora including this
There are more than 900 mining-related conflic ts around the world, about 85% of which involve the use or pollution of rivers, lakes, and groundwater
year s United Nations Climate Change Conference in Brazil (COP30) and the ongoing pre-negotiations of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA7) In Europe industry groups are lobbying for further deregulation with fossil-fuel companies like ExxonMobil TotalEnergies and Siemens using misleading tactics to undermine newly established mechanisms designed to protect the rights of communities in resource-producing regions We should be worried that the companies and countries which helped drive global warming environmental degradation and human-rights abuses now seek to dominate the mineral sector Allowing them to do so will put all of humanity, not just vulnerable populations, at risk Governments must not remain passive They must reclaim responsibility for steering the primary driver of mining expansion: demand Reducing material consumption especially in developed countries remains the most effective way to protect vital ecosystems and prevent the long-term harms that extraction inevitably causes Yet despite overwhelming evidence that ramping up resource extraction threatens water supplies and public safety governments around the world are weakening environmental protections in a bid to lure foreign investment, thereby endangering the very ecosystems that sustain all life on Earth From an economic perspective, this approach is profoundly short-sighted In fact recent research shows that responsible practices are not just morally right but economically sound A new report by the UN Development Programme, based on five years of data from 235 multinationals, shows that companies that strengthen their human-rights record tend to perform better over the long run Governments should therefore be wary of industry claims that profitability requires rolling back environmental regulations or ignoring human rights When people cannot trust political leaders to protect their rights, they are highly likely to resist with the resulting social conflict
rabia SUndho
H I T S 6 1 8
Iran arrests two marathon organisers after hijab breach
Trump’s envoy says Ukraine peace deal ‘really close’ as two issues remain
most
in February 2022 after eight years of fighting between Russian-backed separatists and Ukrainian troops in the Donbas, which is made up of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions US Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg who is due to step down in January told the Reagan National Defense Forum that efforts to resolve the conflict were in the last 10 metres which he said was always the hardest The two main outstanding issues Kellogg said were on territory – primarily the future of the Donbas – and the future of Ukraine s Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe s largest, which is under Russian control
If we get those two issues settled, I think the rest of the things will work out fairly well,” Kellogg said on Saturday at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley California We re almost there We re really, really close, said Kellogg After President Vladimir Putin held four hours of Kremlin talks last week with Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump s son-in-law Jared Kushner Putin s top foreign policy aide, Yuri Ushakov, said territorial problems” were discussed That is Kremlin shorthand for Russian claims to the whole of Donbas though Ukraine is still in control of at least 5 000 square km (1 900 square miles) of the area
Almost all countries recognise Donbas as part of Ukraine Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has said that handing over the rest of Donetsk would be illegal without a referendum and would give Russia a platform to launch assaults deeper into Ukraine in the future Ushakov was quoted by Russian media on
an official in the Kish
zone, and the other works for the
company that organised the race, it added Around 5,000 people took part in the race, according to
The judiciary earlier reported a criminal case had been opened against the organisers of the race Despite previous warnings regarding the need to comply with the country s current laws and regulations, as well as religious, customary and professional principles the event was held in a way that violated public decency,” the local prosecutor was quoted as saying in Mizan Online
“Considering the violations that occurred and based on the laws and regulations a criminal case has
HARIS
Hangor Day occupies a distinctive position in Pakistan’s maritime history marking an event that profoundly shaped Pakistan Navy s operational philosophy and strategic development Observed annually on 9th of December, it commemorates the 1971 engagement in which the diesel-electric submarine PNS/M HANGOR successfully sank the Indian frigate INS KHUKRI This outcome was not simply a tactical triumph; it reconfigured regional naval assessments, demonstrated the decisive utility of undersea platforms in asymmetric environments and catalyzed long-term transformations in Pakistan’s maritime defense posture The event is widely regarded as one of the most consequential submarine actions in postSecond World War history and remains central to understanding how Pakistan formulated its approach to maritime de-
fense in an environment marked by asymmetry and regional rivalry Hangor Day represents more than the commemoration of a wartime achievement; it exemplifies how a single successful operation can influence the evolution of a navy’s professional ethos operational doctrine and long-term capability development Its significance endures because it intersects with questions of deterrence, coastal security and the strategic value of undersea warfare in South Asia’s contested maritime spaces
The historical trajectory leading to Hangor s operational deployment reflects Pakistan s early recognition of the advantages inherent in undersea warfare During the 1960s, as South Asian maritime competition intensified, Pakistan sought capabilities that could compensate for disparities in surface combatant strength The acquisition of Daphné-class submarines thus represented a calculated effort to employ stealth mobility and
acoustic advantage in order to counter a larger adversary navy Hangor s commissioning in 1969 marked a moment when Pakistan s conceptual understanding of sea denial strategies began aligning with the operational realities of its maritime environment The Arabian Sea characterized by complex bathymetry and variable acoustic conditions offered a theatre in which conventional submarines could play a decisive role This contextual understanding is essential, because it foregrounds the strategic rationale that preceded Hangor ’s wartime achievement and makes that achievement intelligible within broader defense planning
The 1971 engagement itself occupies a central place in South Asian naval history because it demonstrated the disruptive potential of undersea platforms at a time when surface fleets dominated regional thinking While patrolling near the Indian coastline PNS/M HANGOR detected and engaged two Indian Navy
43rd Lahore Ophthalmo & POA Symposium showcases global ophthalmology excellence LAHORE s ta f
The 43rd Lahore Ophthalmo and 3rd Annual POA Symposium the country’s largest ophthalmology conference concluded successfully on December 7 2025 at a private hotel in Lahore drawing experts and participants from across Pakistan and the globe Organized by the Ophthalmological Society of Pakistan (OSP) in collaboration with the Pakistan Ophthalmological Association (POA), the three-day event featured 21 international and 400 national speakers sharing their research and experiences in nearly 100 scientific sessions Key highlights
M eena B azaar at L ahore Press Club brings joy to journalist families
nalists
Farah Warraich Saadia Salahuddin Tamsila Chishti
Shahnaila Kanwal Naseem
Durkhashanda Alimdar, Rabia Azmat, Dafiya Naheed Ikram, Mubashra Sultan, Nabila Akbar, Zahida Perveen Zubaida Khanum Ghazala Ismat Iqra Mughal Mahira Hashmi Khola Arshad and Dr Saima Iqbal
Participants praised NWJF for organizing a fair exclusively for journalist families, noting that for the first time in the club’s history, stalls offered essential and quality items on a No Profit No Loss basis NWJF
President Farzana Chaudhry played a pivotal role in persuading brands, campaigns, and home-based entrepreneurs to participate, supported by her team including General Secretary Durkhashanda Alimdar Vice President Mubashra Sultan Finance Secretary Rabia Azmat Information Secretary Nabila Akbar, and team member Zahida Perveen Nearly 25 stalls showcased a mix of products Highlights included Multi Brand Store by Talha Ahmed Phathar by Farooq Hussain Parle
Cosmetics and AS Beauty Products Women journalists such as Ghazala Ismat Khan, Dr Saima Iqbal, Khola Arshad, and Nabila Akbar also ran stalls Products ranged from organic items spices eyeglass frames bed sheets hoodies jewelry stitched and unstitched dresses and henna while food stalls offered dahi bhalay, laddo peethi, potato sticks, samosas, rolls, chana chaat, and fruit chaat Discounted prices and vibrant displays, particularly jewelry and makeup attracted large crowds and strong sales
enhancing collaboration at regional and global levels Several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) are expected to be signed during the visit “Pakistan and Indonesia enjoy close, cordial, and longstanding relations, underpinned by shared values and mutual interests The visit of President Prabowo will provide an important opportunity to deepen bilateral ties and expand mutually beneficial cooperation contributing to the continued growth and diversification of the partnership between the two countries, it was further added
Awaam Pakistan Party (APP) convener Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has criticised the 26th and 27th constitutional amendments calling them a setback for Pakistan s democratic and institutional framework
Speaking at the Peshawar Press Club alongside former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Sardar Mehtab Ahmed Khan Abbasi described the changes as measures that serve personal or partisan interests rather than the national good Abbasi said political activity should prioritise public welfare and national development over the pursuit of power He warned that repeated deviations from constitutional norms have contributed to the country s ongoing political crises
The 26th Amendment, passed last year, restructured the Judicial Commission responsible for judicial appointments and introduced the Constitutional Bench while the 27th Amendment approved last month made sweeping changes including reorganisation of military command, lifetime immunity for the president, and establishment of the Federal Constitutional Court Abbasi expressed concern that these amendments fundamentally alter Pakistan s governance structure without adequately reflecting public opinion
He emphasised that political instability has hampered economic progress and that institutional con-
flicts undermine effective governance Abbasi noted that denying public mandates and prioritising positions over national interests only intensifies political uncertainty
He called for a focus on institutional cooperation, warning that challenges faced by provincial and central governments could be more effectively addressed if leadership prioritised governance and public service Abbasi also addressed national security concerns, highlighting the need for Pakistan to respond firmly to any aggression particularly from neighbouring Afghanistan He stressed that external threats cannot be ignored and that protecting the country s sovereignty should remain a top priority for all political actors Sardar Mehtab Ahmed Khan supported Abbasi’s stance describing the political climate as unusually tense with Peshawar at the epicentre of emerging confronta-
tions He noted that political and institutional clashes have escalated to levels beyond historical precedents creating widespread uncertainty Mahtab criticised the constitutional amendments for appearing to serve individual interests, particularly the lifetime privileges granted to the president and the restructuring of military command
Both leaders called on the government, the military, and judiciary to assume responsibility for restoring political stability They argued that resolving differences through dialogue and mutual respect is essential for national cohesion and economic recovery Abbasi highlighted the importance of public engagement and warned that reliance on political manoeuvring or external influence would not benefit the country
Reflecting on his own political journey Abbasi explained that he left Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz due to disagreements over upholding democratic principles, particularly the “Respect the Vote” principle He stressed that political parties that prioritise positions and influence over the public mandate fail to serve national interests
The leaders urged all stakeholders to avoid personal conflicts and focus on governance, institutional balance, and national security They warned that neglecting democratic norms and public interests would have lasting consequences and stressed that political leadership should act in line with constitutional and legal frameworks
Tarar hails armed forces, PML-N development agenda and slams PTI failures
of
a regional patrol in the Arabian Sea marking one of its most significant anti-narcotics interceptions this year In a statement on Sunday, the Navy said Pakistan Navy Ship YAMAMA, while deployed on a Regional Maritime Security Patrol (RMSP), conducted the operation that led to the recovery of drugs valued at roughly
security operations The statement noted that Pakistan continues to contribute to broader efforts aimed at ensuring a safe and secure maritime environment across key shipping lanes in the region
LAHORE s ta f f r e p o r t Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Sunday lauded the Pakistan Armed Forces and Chief of Defence Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, saying the country s enemies were fearful of their strength He made the remarks while addressing a public gathering during the inauguration of development works in Union Council 240 Shabir Chowk near Bagrain Tarar said those who criticize the armed forces, which had defeated an enemy five times larger, should be ashamed of themselves He emphasized that the PML-N believes in good governance adopting a policy of progress and development across the country One can see signs of progress and prosperity everywhere, and the credit goes to Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and his party ” he said
Highlighting the party s development record, the minister said the PML-N government had focused on all sectors, including hospitals, universities, schools, roads, bridges, and powerhouses He pointed out that the Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute (PKLI) established by Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif had achieved a historic milestone by performing 1,000 liver transplants He added that the Safe Cities Project in Lahore, now being expanded by Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz was a gift from the PML-N Tarar criticized the previous PTI government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, saying it failed to deliver over the past 12 years, leaving the province without new schools, colleges universities or hospitals like PKLI He added that PTI ignored issues of law and order and failed to establish projects comparable to Punjab s Safe Cities Authority or Counter Terrorism Department
The minister strongly con-
demned PTI founder Imran Khan alleging corruption of £190 million, economic mismanagement, and attempts to undermine Pakistan internationally, including correspondence with the IMF He accused PTI of prioritizing personal motives over national interests and of discrediting the armed forces including giving interviews to Indian media and instigating incidents like May 9, which he said aimed to disgrace national martyrs
Tarar praised the incumbent government under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif saying it had stabilized the economy prevented default increased foreign exchange reserves reduced inflation, and enhanced respect for the Pakistani passport globally He said ongoing development works across Punjab including road construction sewerage improvement street light installations mobile clinics health facilities education projects, tourism promotion, and housing initiatives, were being executed efficiently and transparently
