In partnership with
Profit
Sunday, 21 December, 2025 | 29 Jamadiul Sani, 1447
Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 166 | 8 Pages | Islamabad Edition
President erdoğan reaffirms ‘timeless brotherhood’ as türkiye delivers Pns khaibar to Pakistan
g
relations Between pakistan and türkiye are not Merely state-to-state ties But a Bond Between two nations and two Brothers: erdoğan
t g
g
turkiye president says two More corvettes to Be constructed in karachi shipyard under technoloGy transfer fraMework
2nd BaBur-class corvette Built under türkiye’s MilGeM project handed over to pn ISTANBUL
staff report
üRKIyE’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Saturday reaffirmed the “timeless brotherhood” between Pakistan and Türkiye, describing their relationship as a bond “rooted deep in history, culture, religion, and shared destiny” that, Allah willing, will endure and grow stronger. His remarks came at the handingover ceremony of PNS Khaibar, the second Babur-class corvette built under Türkiye’s MILGEM project for the Pakistan Navy, marking a significant milestone in bilateral defense cooperation. The ceremony, held at İstanbul Naval Shipyard Command, was attended by Türkiye’s Minister of National Defence H.E. yaşar Güler, Pakistan’s Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf NI(M), Commander of Turkish Naval Forces Admiral Ercüment Tatlıoğlu, Chairperson SSB Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün, and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Türkiye Dr. yousaf Junaid.
President Erdoğan recalled the September 2018 contract for four MILGEM corvettes with Pakistan, noting that after the delivery of PNS Babur in May 2024, PNS Khaibar has now been formally handed over following successful completion of all testing and acceptance activities. He confirmed that the remaining two ships are being constructed at
Karachi Shipyard under a technology transfer framework, with deliveries expected by mid-2026 and early 2027. “Relations between Pakistan and Türkiye are not merely state-to-state relations but a bond between two nations and two brothers,” Erdoğan emphasized. Pakistan’s Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, highlighted the ex-
ceptional nature of Pakistan-Türkiye relations, stressing that the strategic partnership is a source of regional stability and holds special value for Pakistan. The ceremony also showcased Türkiye’s naval advancements, with three platforms entering service in the Turkish Navy: TCG Hızırreis submarine, Ç-159 landing ship, and the ULAQ unmanned surface vehicle. The event further highlighted ongoing construction of offshore patrol vessels for domestic and export purposes, reflecting the maturity of Türkiye’s shipbuilding, design authorities, and supply chains. President Erdoğan detailed the advanced capabilities of the newly commissioned submarine, equipped with air-independent propulsion and sophisticated sonar systems, enhancing undersea deterrence and operational stealth. He also announced that offshore patrol vessel TCG Koçhisar is scheduled to join the Turkish Navy in May 2026, and the first steel cutting for TCG Seferihisar, the seventh vessel in the Offshore Patrol Vessel project, has begun.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 03
Pm orders tech-driven overhaul of immigration and border management system LAHORE
staff report
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday underscored the urgent need for the full utilization of modern technology to strengthen Pakistan’s immigration and border management system, as he chaired a high-level review meeting on efforts to eradicate human trafficking and curb illegal travel abroad. Emphasizing transparency, efficiency and zero tolerance for corruption, the prime minister directed all relevant institutions to ensure that lawful travelers are facilitated while those involved in illegal migration are dealt with strictly. The prime minister appreciated the efforts of relevant institutions in curbing human trafficking. Referring to recent reports and complaints regarding the off-loading of passengers traveling abroad, he commended Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi for personally visiting airports to review the situation. He directed that while taking action against individuals traveling abroad illegally or holding dubious travel documents, special care must be ensured so that passengers with valid travel documents are not inconvenienced. The prime minister also instructed that the performance of the Protectorate of Emigrants be further improved and coordination with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and other relevant institutions be strengthened to facilitate those traveling abroad legally for employment. The prime minister further directed strict action against corrupt elements, emphasizing that transparency and efficiency in the immigration system are critical.
‘TORN TO SHREDS’
Opposition warns Constitution under threat, calls for nationwide action ISLAMABAD
staff report
Mahmood Khan Achakzai, chairman of the Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party and head of Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP), on Saturday warned that Pakistan’s Constitu-
tion and laws “have been torn to shreds,” calling on every conscious citizen to raise their voice in defence of parliamentary sovereignty and the rule of law. Achakzai made these remarks while addressing the inaugural session of the two-day national conference titled “Protection of the Consensus Constitution:
The Need of the Hour and a Way Forward through Collective Wisdom,” organized by TTAP—an alliance of opposition parties. The veteran politician said that hopes of establishing constitutional supremacy in the country were fading and stressed that all political forces must rise above temporary party interests, power-sharing
calculations, and political affiliations to formulate a consensus course of action. The conference was convened following remarks by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, who criticised PTI chairman Imran Khan for allegedly creating and spreading “anti-army” rhetoric, describing it as a
“national security threat.” Achakzai questioned the role of the military in Pakistan, asking, “Is this country meant for the military, or is the military meant for the country? If the military is subordinate to the country, then what is the justification for constitutional exemptions?”
CONTINUED ON PAGE 03
02 NewS
Sunday, 21 December, 2025 | ISLAMABAD
FARMERS SUFFER MASSIVE FINANCIAL LOSSES FROM COUNTERFEIT, ‘IMPORTED’ PESTICIDES, CCP REPORT FINDS
T g
PESTICIDE MARKET IS ENTIRELY DEPENDENT ON IMPORTS; STUDY URGES STRONGER ENFORCEMENT AND LOCAL MANUFACTURING TO ADDRESS MARKET CHALLENGES IN PESTICIDE SECTOR structural and regulatory challenges facing the industry, emphasizing gaps in enforcement and oversight that undermine fair competition and product quality. Pakistan’s pesticide market is entirely dependent on imports, as the country lacks local manufacturing. The report highlights that weak enforcement, regulatory deficiencies, and lengthy approval processes hinder the growth of legitimate businesses and expose farmers to poor-quality products. The study points out that counterfeit pesticides continue to be widespread in Pun-
PROFIT
staff report
HE Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has released a study on the pesticide sector, revealing that counterfeit and adulterated pesticides are prevalent in Punjab and Sindh, causing significant crop damage, financial losses for farmers, and distorting market competition. The “Competition Assessment Study of the Pesticide Sector in Pakistan” outlines the
jab and Sindh, resulting in significant crop damage and financial losses for farmers. High investment costs, strict shelf-life regulations, and long testing procedures discourage domestic production. Additionally, some imported pesticides are unsuitable for Pakistan’s climate, further compounding challenges. The CCP’s recommendations include revisiting the two-year shelf-life rule, harmonising regulatory frameworks between federal and provincial authorities, and expediting product registration processes.
The Commission also suggests promoting locally tested, climate-appropriate pesticides, improving inspections, and increasing legal actions against counterfeit suppliers. Strengthening provincial laboratories, enhancing technical staffing, and supporting local manufacturing are also key recommendations to reduce Pakistan’s reliance on imports. Furthermore, the CCP urges the facilitation of licensing for agriculture graduates to act as distributors and aligning pesticide regulations with global sustainability goals related to food security and public health. The report concludes that effective enforcement, regulatory clarity, and better coordination across sectors will improve
Pakistan’s exports to US drop 8% to $439m in November, despite tariff advantage g
EXPORTS FOR THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF FY26 REACH $2.5B; INDIA’S EXPORTS SURGE 22% TO $38B; REPORT WARNS OF A POTENTIAL 30% DECLINE IN FUTURE EXPORTS DUE TO TARIFF CHALLENGES PROFIT
staff report
Pakistan’s exports to the United States fell by 8% in November, amounting to $439 million, down from $476 million in the same month last year, according to data from the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP). Despite Pakistan’s tariff advantage, with the US imposing a 19% tariff on Pakistani goods compared to up to 50% on Indian exports, Pakistan has seen a de-
cline in its market share. India’s exports to the US, on the other hand, experienced a strong 22% growth, reaching over $38 billion in November 2025, contrasting with Pakistan’s struggles. In the first five months of the fiscal year 2026, Pakistan’s total exports to the US reached $2.5 billion, marking a 4% increase from the previous year. However, the November downturn signals deeper concerns over the competitiveness of Pakistani products despite lower tariffs. Experts point to structural chal-
lenges, including high production costs due to elevated utility tariffs and raw material prices, as significant barriers to capitalizing on the favorable tariff environment. A report from the Saarc Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the South Asian Federation of Accountants warns that Pakistan could face a 30% decline in exports to the US due to the high tariff burden. The report also highlights the risks for industrial employment, particu-
larly in key textile hubs such as Faisalabad, Karachi, and Lahore, with the potential for significant layoffs. However, it also suggests that diversifying into regional markets like India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the GCC could provide an additional $2-3 billion in annual exports. Pakistan’s trade relations with the US are also hindered by rigid tariffs and non-tariff barriers, including customs valuation issues, restrictions on genetically engineered products, and halal certification requirements. Additionally, Pakistan’s position on the US Special 301 Watch List due to weak intellectual property enforcement complicates access to the US market.
Govt decides not to implement daylight saving time after PM panel’s assessment g
ECNEC approves 11 projects, including PC-1 for Dasu Hydropower and youth training initiatives
Deputy Prime Minister chairs meeting, focusing on transport, communications, and environmental development ISLAMABAD
staff report
The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC), chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, has approved 11 key projects spanning various sectors, including transport, communications, and the environment. The meeting, held on Saturday, was attended by the Minister for Planning, SAPM Tariq Bajwa, ministers from Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, along with federal secretaries and provincial heads of development departments. Among the approved projects was the revised PC-1 for the Dasu Hydropower Project. Additionally, the committee greenlit a policy paper aimed at providing training opportunities for up to 10,000 young engineers annually, who will be placed in development projects across the country.
Karachi Cotton Exchange unable to issue spot rates for fifth consecutive day due to building closure PROFIT
staff report
The Karachi Cotton Association (KCA) has been unable to issue cotton spot rates for the fifth consecutive day on Friday due to the ongoing sealing of the historic Karachi Cotton Exchange (KCE) building, which has housed the exchange since 1936, Dawn reported. The Evacuee Property Trust Board (ETPB), with the assistance of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), sealed the building last week. Despite the closure, no alternative arrangements have been made for the KCA’s operations, leaving brokers, exporters, and importers with 152 closed offices within the KCE building.
PANEL CONCLUDES DST WON’T SIGNIFICANTLY BENEFIT ENERGY SAVINGS OR THE ENVIRONMENT PROFIT
staff report
The federal government has decided not to implement daylight saving time (DST), following a comprehensive review of empirical data by a special panel formed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in October 2025. According to a news report, the panel, led by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, was tasked with assessing the potential impact of DST on energy conservation, power demand, and environmental factors during the winter months. After reviewing historical data and international case studies, the panel concluded that the practice would not significantly benefit Pakistan’s energy usage or environmental goals. The committee’s terms of reference included evalu-
ating potential energy savings based on load-curve data, reviewing global best practices, and estimating reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Despite prior assumptions that DST could help reduce energy demand, the panel determined that the potential benefits did not outweigh the disruptions it could cause. Pakistan has not observed DST since 2009, after experimenting with the practice in 2002, 2008, and 2009 as a temporary measure to help mitigate energy shortages. While DST was initially viewed as a way to conserve electricity and protect workers from the heat during peak summer months, the latest findings suggest it would have limited impact on energy conservation in the current context. As a result, the government will not adopt DST in the foreseeable future.
Centre paid Rs6.57tr to KP, including NFC share, War on Terror compensation, finance ministry says g
RS5.87TR PAID UNDER NFC AWARD, RS482.78B FOR OIL AND GAS ROYALTIES, RS704B FOR MERGED REGIONS, AND RS117.17B FOR IDPS PROFIT
staff report
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has received a total of Rs6.57 trillion from the federal divisible pool since July 2010, which includes its share under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, as well as additional compensation for War on Terror-related expenditures, according to data shared by the Ministry of Finance. The finance ministry said that the federal government transferred Rs5.87 trillion to KP from July 2010 to November 2025 as its share under the NFC Award. This amount was supplemented by an additional Rs705 billion allocated to the province to cover the financial impact of the War on Terror. Under the 7th NFC Award, KP’s share was set at 14.62% of the
provincial share in the divisible pool. In recognition of the province’s significant burden due to the War on Terror, an additional 1% of the undivided divisible pool was allocated specifically to KP. Although the 7th NFC Award was initially intended to last five years, continued implementation of this framework has been necessary due to the absence of consensus on subsequent NFC Awards. As a result, KP continues to receive its share, including the extra 1% allocation for its War on Terror-related costs. The Ministry of Finance noted that federal government transfers to KP have been made on a fortnightly basis without any outstanding liabilities. On December 17, 2025, the federal government released Rs46.44 billion to KP, reflecting its commitment to timely disbursements. In addition to NFC transfers, the
NHA revenue surges 63% to Rs108.9b amid reforms, minister tells Senate panel g
COMMUNICATIONS MINISTER HIGHLIGHTS KEY INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS, AIR AMBULANCE PLANS, AND TOURISM DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES PROFIT
staff report
Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan informed the Senate Standing Committee on Communications on Friday that the National Highway Au-
thority (NHA) has seen a 63% increase in revenue, attributing the growth to reforms and improved management practices. During a detailed briefing to the committee, Khan highlighted ongoing and upcoming projects across the country, including key motorway expansions,
service area developments, and initiatives aimed at boosting tourism. The minister said the NHA’s revenue had increased from Rs66.8 billion in 2024 to Rs108.9 billion, with a target of reaching Rs400500 billion by the end of his tenure. The revenue boost, Khan noted, was
federal government has also provided Rs482.78 billion to KP between July 2010 and November 2025 for royalties on oil and natural gas, gas development surcharges, excise duties on natural gas, and other related items. Following the merger of former FATA into KP, the federal government has been financing the expenditures for the newly merged districts (NMDs) from its own NFC share. Since 2019, Rs704 billion has been transferred to KP for NMDs and Rs117.17 billion to support Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the region. The Ministry of Finance further highlighted that the federal government has allocated Rs115 billion from the Federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) over the last 15 years for provincial development projects.
largely due to reforms such as the implementation of M-Tag, axle load control, and more transparent toll plaza management. He addressed criticism about the NHA being run like a housing society, asserting that the measures had benefited the national economy and brought billions in revenue. The minister also unveiled plans for an air ambulance service, set to launch by 2026, aimed at providing quick emergency response on highways. Additionally, new service areas with proper facilities will be developed at intervals of 20-25 kilometers on motorways, funded through NHA’s own revenue without government grants.
competition in the pesticide market, reduce risks for farmers, and support Pakistan’s agricultural and environmental objectives.
SECP allows Asset Management Companies to invest in GoP Ijarah Sukuk to boost capital market
Regulation aims to expand participation in one-year GIS, with conditions set for money market schemes PROFIT
staff report
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has taken a significant step to promote Pakistan’s capital market by permitting Asset Management Companies (AMCs) to invest in Government of Pakistan Ijarah Sukuk (GIS) listed and traded on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX). The SECP issued Circular No. 36 of 2025, which impacts AMCs, the Mutual Funds Association of Pakistan, and Trustees of Collective Investment Schemes (CIS). The circular supersedes earlier directives on the categorisation of open-end CIS, aiming to increase participation of mutual funds in one-year GIS investments. The SECP has allowed AMCs to invest in GIS with a maturity of more than six months but not exceeding one year. This move is part of the SECP’s broader efforts to enhance capital market activity, offering a more inclusive investment opportunity. Key conditions outlined include a requirement for the weighted average time to maturity of the net assets to remain under 90 days, and a monthly fund manager report disclosing the exposure to GIS investments as a percentage of net assets. All other applicable conditions for money market schemes remain in place. This initiative comes after the government raised Rs2.25 trillion through Sukuk auctions since December 2023, further solidifying the role of GIS in the national financial market.
Engro secures $475m Islamic financing for telecom infrastructure expansion
Funding will add Deodar and its 10,000+ telecom towers to Engro’s portfolio PROFIT
staff report
Engro has secured $475 million (Rs133 billion) in financing, fully structured through Islamic banking, to expand its telecom infrastructure. The funding will enable the addition of Deodar and its 10,000+ telecom towers to Engro’s portfolio, supporting the company’s focus on digital transformation. State Bank Governor Jameel Ahmad praised the successful collaboration and emphasized the importance of telecom connectivity for financial inclusion. He also acknowledged the efforts of Engro’s leadership, particularly Hussain Dawood and his family, for their commitment to securing the funding through Islamic banking channels. This financing deal further aligns with Pakistan’s ongoing transition towards an Islamic banking system, highlighting Engro’s role in this process while strengthening its telecom sector presence.
Commerce ministry considers one-time movement of commercial cargo under transit trade with Afghanistan PROFIT
staff report
The Ministry of Commerce is expected to recommend allowing a one-time movement of commercial transit cargo under transit trade with Afghanistan, in response to ongoing financial losses faced by traders and transporters due to the prolonged closure of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Business Recorder reported that this issue was raised during a meeting between Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and stakeholders from the Chaman border. The stakeholders informed the minister that transit cargo destined for Afghanistan and Central Asia had been offloaded at Pakistan’s ports due to the border closure, and vehicles assigned to these consignments were detached. Approximately 600 vehicles, en route or already at the Chaman and Torkham borders, remain stranded at various locations. Stakeholders warned of significant daily losses from nearly 10,000 detained containers, each incurring a $70 detention cost, amounting to $700,000 in daily losses and millions in total liabilities. Port demurrage and terminal yard charges are also accumulating, with approximately 8,000 containers facing daily charges of Rs4,000 each, totaling Rs1.8 billion.
Sunday, 21 December, 2025 | ISLAMABAD
PaKISTaN SEEKS IMF CONCESSIONS TO REMOvE gROwTh BaRRIERS, ExPlORES ExIT OPTIONS
P
g
REVIEW REVEALS INADEQUACY OF CURRENT ECONOMIC STRUCTURE IN ATTRACTING FOREIGN INVESTMENT AND SUPPORTING LONG-TERM GROWTH; FINANCE MINISTER INITIATES DISCUSSIONS WITH MINISTRIES FOR REFORM ROADMAP PROFIT
staff report
AKISTAN’S government has formally requested proposals from key economic ministries to identify potential concessions from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in an effort to address obstacles to economic growth and create a more realistic budget framework, The Express Tribune reported. The decision, made after a recent review of the country’s economic situation, comes as the existing economic structure has been found to be inadequate for attracting foreign investment or delivering longterm growth.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb held the first meeting with economic ministries on Thursday, requesting them to submit proposals that outline a future roadmap for economic reform. These discussions are focused on maintaining Pakistan’s engagement with the IMF programme until September 2027 while exploring options for an eventual exit once the current $7 billion bailout package expires. In parallel, authorities are conducting a review of Pakistan’s policies to address the broader economic issues that are hindering export growth and investment. According to the report, the meeting with economic ministries also raised concerns about Pakistan’s budget, with offi-
cials pointing to missed tax targets and the use of delayed refunds to inflate revenue figures. Some industries also highlighted that levies on captive power plants were undermining the financial stability of public-sector gas companies. A key focus of the discussions was how to align Pakistan’s economic reforms with global market trends and the digital economy. The government intends to complete the ongoing assessments by March 2026, with the dual objective of attracting investment, particularly from Saudi Arabia, and seeking IMF relief during the next programme review scheduled for late February. The review found that key sectors, including textiles, lack complete value chains needed for export competi-
tiveness. Government sources noted that even the textile sector suffers from fragmented supply chains. The government is also working with Saudi Arabia to deepen commercial ties under the Saudi-Pakistan Economic Cooperation Framework. A 90-day activation plan has been prepared to focus on 12 joint working groups in sectors such as agriculture, IT, mining, tourism, and energy. The aim is to identify structural gaps and guide economic reforms that can attract investment and improve competitiveness. Earlier, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal had linked a permanent exit from the IMF to raising Pakistan’s exports to $63 billion by 2029, which would require a 100% increase over four years.
Rs3.38b tax evasion uncovered as 77,000 kg of cellulose acetate misdeclared as polyester fiber
g
CELLULOSE ACETATE TOW, A KEY RAW MATERIAL FOR CIGARETTE FILTERS, IS SUBJECT TO A HIGH FEDERAL EXCISE DUTY OF RS44,000 PER KG PROFIT
staff report
Authorities have uncovered a major tax evasion scheme, with around 77,000 kilograms of cellulose acetate tow, used in cigarette filter production, being misdeclared as polyester staple fibre, leading to a Federal Excise Duty (FED) evasion of Rs3.38 billion, Business Recorder reported.
The case emerged after an investigation by the Customs Collectorate of GilgitBaltistan, which seized a suspicious consignment during a routine examination. Initially, the goods declaration for the shipment listed items such as walnuts in shell, stipple fibre, and school bags. However, customs officials discovered a different set of goods upon physical inspection, including 37,800 kilograms of undeclared
Nine non-custom-paid vehicles, smuggled goods worth Rs121.6m seized in Quetta antismuggling operation PROFIT
staff report
In a major anti-smuggling operation, the Collectorate of Enforcement in Quetta successfully seized nine Non-Custom-Paid (NCP) vehicles along with smuggled goods worth Rs121.6 million, including assorted brands of cigarettes, gutka, Chinese salt, and betel nuts. The operation, carried out in Rakhni with the support of FC North and Loralai Police, followed credible intelligence and directives for strict enforcement against NCP vehicles and smuggled goods. All the seized vehicles and goods have been taken into custody, and legal proceedings under the Customs Act, 1969 have been initiated. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) reaffirmed its commitment to combating smuggling and illegal trade. The operation is part of ongoing efforts to curb illicit activities and safeguard national revenue. FBR officials confirmed that further investigations are underway, and the agency will continue its stringent enforcement against smuggling and illegal trade, including the movement of NCP vehicles.
PTI’s Yasmin Rashid, Ejaz Ch, others sentenced to 10 years jail in additional May 9 cases CONTINUED FROM BACK PAGE
ATC-III Judge Arshad Javed presided over the hearings for both cases today in Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat jail. A total of 22 accused were sentenced to 10 years in prison, while five were acquitted in the Kalma Chowk case. In the Gulberg case, the judge handed down sentences to five, including the PTI leaders, while acquitting 22 others. The judge noted that former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had not yet been indicted in either case and his trial would proceed separately once a supplementary challan was submitted by the prosecution. According to the prosecution, a total of 78 witnesses were presented in both cases. In the Gulberg case, a challan was filed against 33 individuals, while four others were declared proclaimed offenders during the trial. In the Kalma Chowk case, the prosecution filed a challan against 36 people, while 12 others, including Hammad Azhar, Murad Saeed, Zubair Niazi, and Mian Aslam Iqbal, were declared absconders. The prosecutor argued that PTI leaders had instigated party workers to revolt and create public disorder. Talking to the media later, PTI’s counsel said the cases were scheduled for routine proceedings, but “sentences have been handed down once again in the darkness of night”. He added that the defence was not given the chance to fully present its case. “The morale of the prisoners in Kot Lakhpat Jail is high. So far, the leaders have been sentenced to a total of more than 200 years,” the counsel said, adding that the sentences would be challenged in the high court. With these verdicts, decisions have now been announced in seven of the 14 cases related to the May 9 riots registered in Lahore. Verdicts had previously been announced in trials concerning an attack on Shadman Police Station, violence at Sherpao Bridge, the burning of police vehicles near Rahat Bakery, the torching of a Supreme Court judge’s squad vehicle near Jinnah House, and an attack on the entrance gate of the GOR-I Club Chowk.
cellulose acetate tow, undergarments, school bags, and children’s bags made from artificial leather, none of which matched the original declaration. To confirm the mis-declaration, samples of the goods listed as PSF were sent to the Customs House Laboratory in Faisalabad, which confirmed that the material was indeed cellulose acetate tow. This raw material, primarily used in the production
of cigarette filters, is subject to a high FED rate of Rs44,000 per kilogram, making it a prime target for tax evasion. Further investigations revealed that the same importer had previously cleared seven other consignments with portions of goods misdeclared as PSF, totaling 77,000 kilograms. Authorities are now expanding their probe to determine whether these earlier shipments also involved similar misdeclarations. If the pattern of misdeclaration is confirmed, the total evasion of Federal Excise Duty could amount to Rs3.38 billion.
Jirga, administration reach agreement for Tirah valley ‘evacuation’ by Jan 25 PESHAWAR
staff report
A 24-member jirga comprising tribal elders from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s restive Tirah valley has finally reached a written agreement with security and district administration officials under which the entire Tirah valley will be vacated by January 25, 2026, paving the way for what is being described as a long-anticipated military operation against all proscribed militant groups currently holed up in the area. The written agreement was reached after weeks of protracted and hectic deliberations between the tribal elders and security and administration officials. Under the agreement, the jirga members have agreed to begin vacating their homes from January 10, ahead of the planned operation against militants. A deadlock had persisted between the valley’s tribal elders and government officials over both the launch of a military operation in Tirah and the relocation of families to prevent collateral damage. According to sources among the 24-member jirga, which negotiated the displacement process with the district administration, the complete evacuation of the valley by January 25, 2026, would clear the way for a decisive operation against all outlawed militant groups entrenched in the region. Spelling out the terms and conditions of the agreement, jirga members said the district administration had agreed to pay Rs3 million to families whose houses were completely damaged and Rs1 million to those whose houses were partially damaged during the military operation, which will commence once the evacuation is completed. They said the jirga was also assured that each family would receive Rs250,000 through JazzCash or Easypaisa upon biometric verification at the time of registration at the Bagh Markaz
and Paindi Cheena registration centres. In addition, every displaced family would be provided with a monthly stipend of Rs50,000 until April 5, 2026, when the return process would begin following the completion of the military operation, the sources added. The district administration also agreed to arrange free transportation for the departing families and to ensure the provision of free health services during their journey to their next destination. It was further decided during the deliberations, held at Khyber House, that families who had already left their homes would also be included in the survey of newly displaced families. The head of each family will be required to report to either the Bagh Markaz or Paindi Cheena registration centre for biometric verification before January 25, 2026. A representative jirga of Tirah elders had earlier presented a list of demands to security and administrative officials, seeking Rs8 million and Rs4 million as compensation for fully and partially damaged houses, respectively, along with Rs500,000 for every departing family. However, the demands were later toned down to limits mutually agreed upon by security officials, the district administration and the jirga members, with Tirah elders left with no option but to accept the written agreement as time was running out for the launch of the planned military operation. According to sources privy to the development, jirga members repeatedly raised concerns about collateral damage caused by indiscriminate artillery shelling of suspected militant hideouts and quadcopter attacks, which they said posed serious risks to civilians. Security officials, on the other hand, maintained that the presence of militants in congested residential areas was a major obstacle to conducting effective intelligencebased operations (IBOs).
They said the forceful occupation of private houses by militant groups and their frequent movement between locations had caused continuous hardship, with security officials insisting that complete relocation of residents was essential to enable a decisive push against all proscribed militant groups. Security officials, in consultation with local elders, had earlier agreed on limited internal displacement during IBOs, with families temporarily shifted from suspected localities to nearby safer areas. However, this arrangement failed to ease the suffering of residents, while security forces were compelled to conduct repeated IBOs whenever militants re-entered areas previously declared cleared. According to a member of the Jirga, “It’s imperative that we leave the entire valley at the disposal of the security forces after our complete relocation to safer locations, far from the heat of the military operations in Tirah.” He, however, insisted that there should be no further displacement once the anticipated operation is completed and sought firm assurances that no future IBOs would be carried out in cleared areas. PTI MNA Iqbal Afridi and MPA Abdul Ghani, along with members of the Bara Siyasi Ittehad, who had opposed forced displacement and military operations in Tirah, were not included in the deliberations. MNA Afridi has maintained that military operations in the merged districts had failed to achieve lasting results and instead caused prolonged displacement and destruction. Last month, at least five terrorists affiliated with the proscribed Tehreeki-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were killed in an IBO in Tirah valley. In September, at least two dozen residents of Tirah, including women and children, lost their lives in blasts, which officials said were caused by terrorists storing and manufacturing explosive devices inside houses.
Toshakhana-II verdict ‘unconstitutional, malicious and a blatant act of political revenge’: PTI CONTINUED FROM BACK PAGE
Salman Raja added that Imran Khan ad conveyed a clear message to the party and supporters to prepare for a nationwide movement. Highlighting the country’s economic situation, Salman Raja remarked that industries and factories had shut down and that the prevailing system was designed to enrich a few while pushing ordinary citizens into hardship. “We are standing for values and principles and will not compromise on them under any circumstances,” he said. He further announced plans for the party to travel across the country, calling on lawyers nationwide to unite and play their role in the struggle for
justice and the rule of law. Asad Qaiser said the circumstances left no option but peaceful resistance grounded in democratic and constitutional principles. “PTI seeks justice for its founder and will continue the struggle until justice is fully served,” he added. PTI Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram reiterated the party’s rejection of the sentence, terming it unconstitutional and illegal. He criticized the judicial process, stating that neither Imran Khan’s family nor his lawyers were allowed to attend the verdict announcement, calling it “open contempt of court, contempt of law, and contempt of justice.” He further highlighted that
the sentence represents the second punishment for the same charge, which violates the Constitution, national law, and the international principle of double jeopardy. The party also pointed to perceived inconsistencies, noting that while Imran Khan faced 17 years for lawfully acquired gifts, the judiciary remained silent on cases involving Nawaz Sharif, Asif Zardari, and Maryam Nawaz, who allegedly retained Toshakhana vehicles in violation of rules. Salman Raja acknowledged past mistakes by the party but emphasized the need to move forward collectively, learn from experiences, and work together for Pakistan’s future.
NEWS 03
President Erdoğan reaffirms ‘timeless brotherhood’ as Türkiye delivers PNS Khaibar to Pakistan CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
Türkiye’s defense export achievements were highlighted, with the country now ranked the 11th largest global defense exporter, exceeding USD 8.6 billion in defense and aerospace exports, with a target of USD 11 billion by 2028. Erdoğan underlined Türkiye’s ambition to enter the global top ten, supported by over 3,500 defense companies and 100,000 personnel across the sector. The ceremony also included an announcement on Türkiye’s new aircraft carrier project, a 300-meter vessel intended to complement and surpass TCG Anadolu, signaling Türkiye’s plans to expand naval aviation and bluewater operational reach. For Pakistan, the delivery of PNS Khaibar, displacing approximately 2,400 tons and measuring 108 meters, is a pivotal step in naval modernization. Equipped with stealth technology, the ADVENT combat management system, 3D radars, electronic warfare suites, and combined diesel-gas propulsion allowing speeds over 31 knots and a range of 3,500 nautical miles, the corvette strengthens Pakistan’s capabilities across anti-surface, anti-air, and anti-submarine warfare. The project, valued at over $1 billion, also advances local shipbuilding expertise, with two of the four corvettes being assembled in Karachi. The event underscored the growing defense collaboration between Pakistan and Türkiye and highlighted Türkiye’s dual focus on domestic capability development and strategic defense exports.
‘Torn to shreds’: Opposition warns Constitution under threat, calls for nationwide action CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
The first day of the conference saw participation from prominent political figures, including PTI leaders Salman Akram Raja and Asad Qaiser, BNP chief Akhtar Mengal, Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, Javed Hashmi, Mohsin Dawar, Afrasiab Khattak, Safdar Abbasi, Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, Senator Mushtaq Ahmed, Syed Zain Shah, as well as journalists, lawyers, and civil society representatives. He called for clarity on negotiations with the government, stating that any talks must specify who will participate, on which issues, and under what conditions. “The first prerequisite for paving the way for negotiations is the immediate lifting of restrictions on meetings with incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan by his family, lawyers, and political leaders,” Achakzai said. He condemned restrictions on meetings with Khan despite court orders and alleged that individuals attempting to meet him face state violence and legal cases, describing the situation as “outright injustice. Achakzai further said that no army can achieve real victory without public support, urging political parties, civil society, and diverse schools of thought to contribute suggestions to help the country emerge from its current deadlock. ‘MARTIAL LAW HAS BEEN IMPOSED’ PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar, speaking at the conference, claimed that a “martial law has been imposed in the country.” He said, “When courts cannot do justice, judges cannot protect themselves in court, and civilians cannot protect themselves before judges in open court, the judiciary becomes irrelevant.” Referring to the Toshakhana-II verdict, in which Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were sentenced to 17 years each, Gohar said the nation was grieving. “We were hoping that after May 2025, justice would prevail. We tolerated everything, did not resort to sit-ins or take the law into our hands, and kept hope alive,” he said. Gohar warned that the PTI leadership faces sentences totaling 70 years across multiple cases, with additional verdicts pending, potentially increasing the cumulative punishment to 140 years. He described the multiple convictions in a single case as unprecedented in Pakistan’s history and “beyond the law and the Constitution.” “We were expecting 2026 to bring hope, but some people continue to block the path for the masses. When leaders fail, the masses will find their way on their own,” he said.
Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi handed 17-Year jail terms in Toshakhana-2 Case CONTINUED FROM BACK PAGE
Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were indicted in the case in December last year. In October, both formally denied the charges. Recording his statement under Section 342 of the CrPC, Imran Khan described the case as “malicious, fabricated and politically engineered,” insisting that due process had been followed under the Toshakhana Policy 2018.He maintained that the gift was duly declared to the Prime Minister’s Office protocol section, properly assessed, and legally retained after payment was deposited into the national exchequer. He also argued that he did not qualify as a “public servant” under the relevant legal provisions and that the gift had been presented to his wife. POLITICAL IMPACT The conviction further compounds Imran Khan’s legal challenges and deepens Pakistan’s political uncertainty, as the former prime minister remains jailed while PTI leaders accuse the government of using accountability laws to marginalise the opposition. The sentencing is expected to intensify political tensions and trigger strong reactions from PTI supporters, while legal proceedings move into the appellate phase.
04 COMMENT
Sunday, 21 December, 2025
Stability or More Conflicts?
Winter water
I
A
India is showing that its IWT suspension was not aimed only at the monsoon
What will a multipolar Asia bring?
FTER India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty in May, following its blaming Pakistan without bothering to produce any evidence, it was pointed out that there was no provision for such a suspension, or for a withdrawal from it in any form. However, ever since, it has behaved as if the IWT had been abrogated. The problem has been that India has not specified how it intended relations with its lower riparian to be governed. The problem it faces is that the IWT did not really break new ground or make special provisions. It merely codified existing customary international law as applied to two states using a single river, and made it into a judicially enforceable mechanism. The Pakistani fear that India would indulge in bad behaviour was justified during the monsoon, as India tried to change the flow of the Chenab by holding back its water and then releasing it, timing the release to coincide with the floods that were plaguing the country. Now India has engaged in an emptying of its Baglihar Dam hydropower project, and then refilling it, which again disrupted the water flow of the Chenab. This had led to the disruption of canal flows at the time of the sowing of the wheat crop, so vital to Pakistan’s food security. At the time of the suspension, it was noted that India would not be able to reduce the water flows without engaging in extensive construction for this purpose. However, it has now shown that it can make a nuisance of itself without this. It has further shown that it can disrupt Pakistan’s water supply at any season of the year. It has further shown that it has now weaponised water. Perhaps the worst consequence of the suspension is that India has deprived itself of a vital line of communication. Pakistan will use the channel of the water commissioner, but that was an office empowered by the IWT. One reason for the suspension seems to have been the impunity that India has had from the international community, for the treaty is guaranteed by the World Bank. Indian refusal to accept any restraint on the waters it shares with Pakistan cannot be accepted by the comity of nations, though the world’s powers have only themselves to bl.ame for this, because their refusal to enforce internationa law in the case of the Kashmir dispute has led to India defying all norms. The IWT is not the only example. Murders and attempted muders in the USA and Canada are examples with the same root in Indian outlawry.
N Asia, one of the most drastic shifts in power is a significant transformation that is reshaping the continent’s geopolitics, driven by the expansion of globalization. While Asia for a long time was geopolitically dominated by the American factor, the emergence in the Asia geopolitics of China, the resurgent factor of Russia, the greater influence of India, and the middle-ranking powers of Japan, South Korea, and the rising of South East Asian countries, most notably Indonesia, and Iran, leads to the emergence of a multipolar Asia. There is greater geopolitical complexity and more opportunity for peace and stability, but do we have the ability as a world of nations in Asia and the Americas to collapse more of the age and history into greater rivalries and conflicts? Basically in the first part of the Cold War, for an extended period, the world geopolitically dominating the Asia-Pacific was the USA, and with it was dominating the geopolitics of China, the largest economy in the world and an emerging power federally as a military power and as a global super power. At the same time India was a closed economy. The regional and global geopolitical conflicts and instabilities were dominated by the USA’s military presence and peace was a consequence of what was coined as the 'military peace'. The peace of the post-Cold War period formed an emerging economy of China, which was at the time a vast superpower, having full military power to dominate the region. Russia was recovering and with it, it was dominating regional geopolitical conflicts and instabilities with its military presence dominating India in Asia. In alliance with Japan and South Korea, the USA merged military with economy, and as a central power with dominant global military, dominating the geopolitics of Asia, and was military superpower. ASEAN member countries tried to balance relations among the great powers. The zone has several centres of power, and it's a classic case of a multipolar order. The major question is, is this distribution of power a source of stability, or will it lead to conflicts? According to many analysts, a multipolar Asia has the potential to create greater regional stability. The greater the power becomes, the more it is counterbalanced by several other powers, which helps reduce the potential consequences of unilateral expansion. For example, China's rise is counterbalanced by India, Japan and the USA while the ASEAN
Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
M. A. Niazi
Babar Nizami Editor Profit
collectively controls China's influence in Southeast Asia. Economically, Asia is the centre of the world, and trade, investments, and supply chains highly integrate the world with several states, including the USA and China, which, despite their rivalry, are major trading partners. India has trade relations with China, despite their border confrontations. Japan, South Korea and ASEAN countries are highly dependent on the region for their economic growth and therefore, stability in the region. Such economic interdependence increases the cost of conflicts and therefore discourages major wars. Along with this, International and regional organizations such as ASEAN, RCEP, the SCO and infrastructure initiatives such as the Belt and Road, provide platforms of collaboration. Although such institutions are not always decisive in preventing conflicts, they help in the reduction of conflicts, and the management of dialogue to cope with the situations of crises. In addition, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Australia, and the Gulf States, as potential stabilizers, can promote equilibrium and curtail extreme forms of regional rivalry. On the other hand, multipolarity can also intensify regional tensions. The sharpest fault line in global power is the Sino-US rivalry in the South China Sea and the order of global dominance by means of technology, economy, and military power. Such a rivalry tends to create regional blocs in tension with one another. Secondly, contested and vulnerable regions in Asia include Taiwan, the South China Sea, the IndiaChina border, Kashmir, the Korean Peninsula, and various maritime disputes. Multipolarity only serves to increase the number of potential actors that can instigate or raise the stakes in a conflict.
Making sure that multipolarity becomes a source of strength rather than a trigger for crisis is the true challenge facing Asia’s leaders. For decades to come, the global order will be shaped by how it navigates this difficult and complex landscape
Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami
Editor Pakistan Today
Kinza baTool
The writer is a freelance columnist
T
Editor’s mail
Silence of the Safe City in the Alleys of Crime
Send your letters to: Letters to Editor, Pakistan Today, 4-Shaarey Fatima Jinnah, Lahore, Pakistan. E-mail: letters@pakistantoday.com.pk Letters should be addressed to Pakistan Today exclusively
Are only traffic offences to be punished?
Companies in flight
Dr MuhaMMaD Tayyab Khan Singhanvi
HE implementation of the e-challan system in Karachi has undeniably marked a new chapter in the city’s traffic management infrastructure. The advanced cameras installed at various locations have issued traffic violation tickets to hundreds of thousands of citizens, an indication that the system is functioning with full technical precision. Yet there is another side to this picture, one that is not only alarming but raises serious questions about the overall efficacy of the entire project: street criminals, target killers, and even gangs involved in stealing manhole covers seem to remain invisible to these sophisticated surveillance eyes. It is as though the best available technology has conceded defeat before these offenders. The Safe City project is, in principle, a fully integrated surveillance and commandand-control system, with Facial Recognition and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technologies as its core components. The cameras installed across the city are meant not only to monitor traffic violations but also to maintain constant vigilance over criminal activity. For traffic monitoring, the process is straightforward: whenever a vehicle violates the law, cameras capture images or video evidence, and the automated system retrieves the vehicle owner’s data to generate an e-challan. The procedure is transparent, and citizens are provided with photographic or video proof to eliminate ambiguity. However, when it comes to apprehending criminals, the same technology fades into the background. Facial Recognition cameras are fundamentally designed to identify wanted and absconding suspects and immediately trigger alerts yet the statistics reveal that street crime in Karachi remains rampant. Nearly 59,000 incidents of street crime were reported this year alone, and these represent only the recorded cases; the actual situation is likely far more disturbing. More than 15,000 mobile phones were snatched, over 6,000 vehicles and motorcycles were taken at gunpoint, and nearly 37,000 more were stolen with no trace to this day. These numbers highlight not only
the operational strength of criminal networks but also their awareness of surveillance blind spots, enabling them to evade detection with disturbing ease. The most troubling aspect is that while the system possesses the extraordinary capacity to issue thousands of traffic tickets daily, the same city witnesses an average of more than 46 mobile snatchings per day, over 5 four-wheelers stolen or hijacked daily, and 123 motorcycles disappearing into the hands of criminals each day, yet the role of surveillance technology in resolving or preventing such crimes remains negligible. The question is not whether the technology is flawed, but rather why its operational focus has been restricted almost exclusively to traffic regulation. Equally astonishing is that even individuals involved in heinous crimes such as targeted killings seem to slip through the system unnoticed. Although there have been isolated instances such as when South Zone Police apprehended a suspect using Facial Recognition technology, these rare successes only prove that the system can work, but is not being applied consistently or comprehensively. If such tools are limited to select locations or specific categories, criminals will always find pathways to evade detection. The situation becomes even more dire
It is imperative that the Safe City project not remain confined to traffic management. Its cameras and technologies must be deployed with full force for the identification, tracking, and apprehension of criminal elements. Unless the system is operationalized in service of the people’s safety and protection, the impressive speed of e-challan generation will remain a quiet contradiction when weighed against the city's persistent and devastating crime wave Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965
However, while Asia contains four of the world' s nuclear states, China, India, Pakistan, and North Korea, the balance of power becomes precarious with the potential for a number of very high risks, especially in a crisis situation. Furthermore, Asia, unlike Europe, does not have killer mechanisms in place for its post-war systems. There is a limit to what ASEAN and SAARC do without major-power cooperation, and the entrenched rivalries dictate that the powers involved are likely to establish a multilateral framework, leading to weak mechanisms for enforcement. Additionally, though middle powers are often stabilizing as well, they are just as likely to aggravate these tensions. Japan's military normalization could escalate tensions with China. North Korea's unpredictability poses acute threats to Northeast Asia. Iran's influence affects the Gulf and the South Asia region. Multipolarity does not just increase the number of stabilizing actors; it also increases the number of destabilizing actors. A multipolar Asia is neither automatically stable nor conflict-ridden. Its trajectory will depend on the political choices made, the degree of diplomacy exercised, and how the region is managed. Stability will ensue if: rival powers are able to manage their competition in an orderly manner, regional institutions are strengthened, economic cooperation is given precedence, middle powers are constructively engaged and crisis communication along with conflict prevention mechanisms are put in place. Thus, Asia is already multipolar. Whether this new order will foster stability or conflict will depend on leadership, diplomacy, and strategic foresight. Power transitions, if left unregulated, have the potential to destabilize regions, and history provides lessons on this. However, it also shows that regions can be saved from disaster via careful management of power, economic integration, and regional cooperation. Asia has the potential to become a role model for collective security, shared growth, and controlled competition. Making sure that multipolarity becomes a source of strength rather than a trigger for crisis is the true challenge facing Asia’s leaders. For decades to come, the global order will be shaped by how it navigates this difficult and complex landscape.
I
Karachi – Ph: 021-32640318 I
when one considers crimes that directly threaten human life. The theft of manhole covers, for instance, is not merely a financial loss but a deadly hazard. Several children and adults have fallen victim to open drains, yet no substantial evidence exists showing that Safe City cameras have assisted in identifying perpetrators involved in these thefts. On one hand, the technology performs with formidable efficiency in generating traffic fines; on the other, it maintains a troubling silence when it comes to crimes that claim precious lives. What deepens the concern is the conspicuous silence from the authorities. Attempts to obtain comprehensive e-challan statistics from DSP Traffic Karachi proved unsuccessful. A request for the Safe City surveillance performance report from DG Safe City also received no response. This silence raises critical questions. If the system is effectively deterring or solving crimes, why then is the data not being shared publicly? This stark contrast between traffic enforcement and criminal surveillance leads Karachi’s citizens to a pressing question: Is the Safe City system genuinely functioning as a tool of public safety, or has its practical utility been reduced to traffic fine collection? Mistaking revenue generation for technological success is a dangerous illusion. If properly integrated into a coordinated crime-prevention strategy, this system has the potential to significantly reduce street crime and targeted killings in Karachi. It is imperative that the Safe City project not remain confined to traffic management. Its cameras and technologies must be deployed with full force for the identification, tracking, and apprehension of criminal elements. Unless the system is operationalized in service of the people’s safety and protection, the impressive speed of e-challan generation will remain a quiet contradiction when weighed against the city's persistent and devastating crime wave. The writer is a freelance columnist
Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545
I
THE past three years have witnessed an alarming departure of over twenty major multinational companies from Pakistan including Shell, Procter & Gamble, Pfizer, Microsoft, Telenor, TotalEnergies, Eli Lilly and Yamaha Motors. This exodus reflects a deepening crisis of confidence triggered by prolonged economic instability. Once symbols of modernisation and quality, these brands are either shutting plants, selling assets to local firms or shifting to import-only models. The consequences are that thousands of direct jobs have vanished, ancillary industries face collapse, foreign direct investment has plummeted and Pakistan’s global reputation as an investment destination lies in tatters. More critically, the country is losing technological knowledge and access to global supply chains, pushing it further toward economic isolation while neighbours like Bangladesh and Vietnam surge ahead. Reversing this trend will reequire bold reforms and serious conviction from the government. Without decisive action within the next six months, Pakistan risks permanent exclusion from global value chains. Only a radical improvement in the ease of doing business can stem the flight and restore investor trust. AAMIR KHAN WAGAN LARKANA
Dignity in the drain
MANUAL sewer cleaning remains one of the most degrading and dangerous practices in Pakistan. Despite repeated warnings from human rights organisations, this inhumane method continues in many cities, exposing workers to extreme risks. No person should be forced to descend into toxic manholes without protective gear and equipment, or without adequate training. These workers face deadly infections, which sometimes lead to their death — all to perform a task that modern machinery is fully capable of handling. A society that claims to be civilised cannot continue to sacrifice the health and dignity of its poorest labourers simply to maintain outdated systems. Pakistan must urgently ban manual sewer cleaning and replace it with mechanised alternatives widely used around the world. Municipal authorities must be held accountable, necessary equipment must be funded and strict enforcement of regulations must be ensured. Lives should never be treated as expendable. Beyond policy, the stigma attached to sanitation work must also be confronted. Many sewer cleaners belong to marginalised communities and have no other livelihood options. They deserve protection and respect, while also being given opportunities for safer employment — not silence and neglect. The dignity of workers reflects the dignity of a nation. Protecting those at the bottom therefore becomes a moral obligation for every citizen, reagard of class or wealth. I urge the government, civil society and citizens to raise their voices and stand for the dignity of these workers. Protecting the weakest among us is the true measure of humanity. SHAHA GUL KHAIRPUR MIRS
Cousins and consequences
COUSIN marriage has become a serious problem in Pakistan. In almost all provinces, including Balochistan, Sindh and Punjab, cousin marriage is becoming very common. This is causing the spread of many harmful diseases. Many children in Balochistan are suffering from illnesses such as polycythemia, cancer and heart diseases because proper medical checkups are not a norm before marriage. Similarly, many people are affected by thalassemia for the same reason. Cousin marriage remains a cultural tradition despite its harmful consequences, and that too without any medical testing, which is affecting future generations. I request authorities to enforce medical checkups before marriage and make them accessible for the poor faction of society. A simple blood compatibility test will help protect our future generations. HAJIRA HALEEM ABSOR
Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk
I
Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk
Learning Without Walls Sunday, 21 December, 2025
The Rise of Non-Formal Pathways in Pakistan
“T
Majid Nabi burfat
he State shall provide free and compulsory education to all children aged five to 16 years.” With this bold promise, Article 25-A of Pakistan’s Constitution stands alongside global commitments such as Sustainable Development Goal 4, which envisions inclusive, equitable, quality education for all by 2030. Yet the contrast between these commitments and ground realities is striking: millions of children remain out of school, trapped between the rigidities of formal education and the limitations of non-formal alternatives. Nowhere is this contradiction more visible than in Sindh, where the struggle to bring children into learning has become a race against time, poverty, and systemic inertia. Pakistan’s educational landscape is shaped by two parallel structures. On one
side lies formal education— public schools, private schools, madrassas— operating within a standardized curriculum and bureaucratic framework. On the other stands non-formal education (NFe), an expanding constellation of accelerated learning programmes, community-based literacy centres, and flexible learning spaces that have quietly become a lifeline for children left behind. Though often treated as separate worlds, both systems reflect a single national challenge: the inability of mainstream education to retain its learners, and the resulting reliance on alternative pathways to fulfill constitutional and global obligations. The formal system carries the weight of tradition, legitimacy, and state responsibility. In principle, it is the gateway to structured learning, critical thinking, and social mobility. In practice, however, it is weighed down by insufficient infrastructure, teacher absenteeism, inconsistent quality, and demographic pressures. Reports show that in Sindh, enrolment sharply declines after primary school, and transition to middle grades is alarmingly low. This explains why, even though children may enter school, many quietly disappear from the system before acquiring meaningful skills. economic compulsion, cultural constraints (especially for girls), and distance from school facilities all fuel the dropout cycle. In regions hit repeatedly by floods, destroyed schools and prolonged disruptions further widen the gap between intent and reality. Urban Sindh presents another paradox. Despite better infrastructure compared to
Article 25-A and SDG-4 are more than legal obligations— they are moral commitments. They remind us of a collective responsibility to ensure that no child remains outside learning, regardless of the form it takes. The transformation of Sindh’s educational landscape— and Pakistan’s future— will depend on the degree to which both formal schooling and non-formal education are strengthened, harmonised, and made accessible to those who have waited far too long for the right to learn
rural districts, public schools in cities remain vastly outnumbered by the population they are meant to serve. As a result, families increasingly turn to low-cost private schools or to non-state providers capable of filling functional gaps. here organisations such as The Citizens Foundation (TCF) play an outsized role. With one of the largest private networks of purpose-built schools in low-income communities, TCF has become a parallel formal system, offering high-quality education where the state’s presence is minimal. Its female-led teaching model and emphasis on child-centred pedagogy provide an example of how formal education, when thoughtfully designed, can improve access and outcomes for disadvantaged children. This is where non-formal education enters the picture— not as a substitute but as a corrective mechanism. NFe has grown rapidly across the country, driven by both necessity and evidence. Flexible timings allow working children or girls with household responsibilities to participate. Communitybased venues reduce travel barriers and safety concerns. Accelerated Learning Programmes (ALPs) compress primary education into shorter cycles, enabling over-age children to re-enter schooling. The recent Non-Formal education Statistical Report shows nationwide NFe enrolment rising sharply, with over 35,000 centres serving millions. A significant proportion of learners are girls, and many instructors are women, helping overcome cultural constraints that inhibit female education. A number of organisations have become critical actors in expanding NFe access. Muslim hands, for instance, operates hundreds of community schools and education complexes, many of which function as nonformal or semi-formal centres in disaster-hit and poverty-stricken regions, including parts of Sindh. Their “Street Children School” model offers flexible schooling to children engaged in labour or living on the streets— populations that the formal system rarely manages to reach. Similarly, GANDS (Gender & Development Studies)-based programmes and grassroots literacy networks run community learning centres focused on foundational literacy, adolescent skills, and second-chance education. These organisations not only deliver education but also provide psychosocial support, community mobilisation, and linkages with vocational programmes to make schooling relevant to families’ economic realities.
COMMENT 05
Sindh’s experience reflects both the promise and fragility of these efforts. With an estimated 7.8 million children out of school, the province faces a challenge larger than the capacity of its formal system alone. Provincial departments have responded with thousands of new literacy centres, accelerated models, and partnerships with INGOs and NGOs, including UNeSCO’s equivalency programmes and UNICeF-supported ALP initiatives. Public-private partnerships involving organisations like TCF, Muslim hands, SeF community schools, GANDS, and various literacy networks show that when state and civil society cooperate, learning spaces multiply quickly. Yet a critical examination reveals that NFe, while essential, is not a cure-all. Many programmes remain primary-focused, offering limited pathways to middle or secondary education. Short-term donor funding and inconsistent government allocations make centres vulnerable to closure. Monitoring and evaluation systems are still evolving, raising questions about quality, equivalency, and learning outcomes. Without structured bridges back into mainstream schools or vocational training, NFe risks functioning as a terminal endpoint rather than a reintegration mechanism. There is also a danger that governments may lean too heavily on NFe as a temporary fix rather than addressing weaknesses in the formal system. The deeper truth is that out-of-school children are not only educationally excluded— they are also economically, socially, and geographically marginalised. A child who drops out often leaves due to forces far larger than schooling: climate displacement, poverty, domestic responsibilities, gender restrictions, safety concerns, or loss of livelihood in the household. education systems must therefore be part of a broader strategy that includes social protection, livelihoods support, gender-sensitive
planning, and climate resilience. Without addressing structural causes, even the best-designed NFe initiatives will struggle to sustain enrolment or ensure meaningful learning. Still, dismissing NFe as secondary or inferior would be a mistake. When well-designed, non-formal pathways do more than teach literacy: they rebuild confidence, restore dignity, create second chances, and provide skills that can change the economic trajectory of entire families. Organisations such as TCF, Muslim hands, GANDS, and hundreds of community-led learning centres consistently demonstrate that flexible, localised education can pull children back from the margins. Their success stories illuminate a quiet but powerful truth: education does not always have to happen within the walls of a traditional classroom. To translate constitutional promises and global aspirations into lived reality, Pakistan— especially Sindh— must treat formal and non-formal education not as competing streams but as interconnected pathways. The future lies in an integrated ecosystem, where a child can move fluidly between modes of learning depending on circumstance, need, and opportunity; where quality and monitoring are ensured regardless of the pathway; and where both systems receive sustained investment, not episodic attention. Article 25-A and SDG-4 are more than legal obligations— they are moral commitments. They remind us of a collective responsibility to ensure that no child remains outside learning, regardless of the form it takes. The transformation of Sindh’s educational landscape— and Pakistan’s future— will depend on the degree to which both formal schooling and non-formal education are strengthened, harmonised, and made accessible to those who have waited far too long for the right to learn. The writer is a freelance columnist
The life and world of the greatest Ottoman Sultan
T
There is murder, sex, duplicity and betrayal, all taking place at the court of one of the richest and most powerful empires of the 16th century
LONDON REVIEW OF BOOKS HeleN Pfeifer
he life of the tenth Ottoman sultan, Suleyman, known in europe as the Magnificent and in Turkey as the Lawgiver, has the trappings of a Greek tragedy or a soap opera. There is murder, sex, duplicity and betrayal, all taking place at the court of one of the richest and most powerful empires of the 16th century. even before his death in 1566, dramas began to be written about Suleyman, and more recently the Turkish television series Magnificent Century was watched by 500 million people worldwide. Now there is The Golden Throne, the second volume in Christopher de Bellaigue’s novelesque historical trilogy about his life. The book is a carnival of depravity in five acts. We meet enslaved Christians, deceitful pirates, conniving concubines and red-faced viziers. There are spectacular battles and ad-hoc executions. Above all, there is that brand of cleverness so admired by the British elite. No wonder one blurb declares: ‘I love history but recently my patience for history books has worn thin – the besetting sin is an excess of dates jostling with an army of names and a bloat of research. Reading The Golden Throne ... has been a joy, though.’ De Bellaigue’s book offers an evocative view onto the past, of the sort that academic accounts rarely achieve. It’s the product of his reading in French, Italian, Turkish and Persian as well as english, and despite his panache, he stays within the limits of his sources. But when you strip away the metaphors – some of which are very pretty – you are left with a rather traditional account of the politics of the Ottoman house. Suleyman came to the throne in 1520, when he was 26. That may sound young, but he was in good company: Francis I, king of France since 1515, had been born in the same year as him, and henry VIII (crowned in 1509) was three years older. Charles V was installed as holy Roman emperor in 1519 at the age of nineteen. Still, Suleyman had large shoes to fill. his father, Selim, had doubled the size of the empire during his eight years in power, and commentators in Western europe at first viewed Suleyman as the lamb to Selim’s lion. he was quick to prove them wrong. In 1521 his army took Belgrade, the Danubian gateway to Central europe; in 1522 he conquered Rhodes, that nest of Christian pirates; in 1526 he captured much of hungary. The conquests continued in the years that followed, but by the 1540s Suleyman’s health was starting to deteriorate. he suffered from gout and oedema so acute that at times he could barely walk. As news of this state of affairs spread, the question of a successor began to present itself. Ottoman succession practices cast all male dynasts as legitimate pretenders to the throne. On the death of the reigning sultan, his sons would race to Istanbul from their
provincial governorships. The one with the greatest cunning, the best advisers, the most popular support and, hence, the support of God would be the fastest, and therefore make the best sultan. But to avoid the instability wrought by the dispossessed siblings, a tradition emerged whereby the victorious claimant would hunt down and kill his surviving brothers and, often, their sons. (Selim is thought to have spared Suleyman this fate by removing the other pretenders to his throne himself.) Contemporaries were sometimes troubled by this violence, but believed it contributed to the greater good. An official tasked with eliminating one 15th-century prince explained: ‘even if formally I committed treason, still in essence I remained loyal. If I had allowed it, these two [brothers] would have ravaged the entire country by their struggle. harm to the royal family is preferable to harm to the public welfare.’ The system generally worked, producing a string of talented sultans with broad popular support. But it also produced sibling relations that were, to put it mildly, tense. To moderate this tension, the Ottomans came up with a ‘one mother, one son’ policy. By the late 14th century, sultans were propagating the dynasty exclusively with enslaved concubines, who entered the palace at a young age and renounced all prior familial attachments. With time, it became customary that after a concubine had given birth to a son she would cease sexual contact with the sultan (or employ contraception, which was widely accepted in Islamic societies). From that point on, she would be her son’s staunchest ally in his bid for the throne. So it was with Mahidevran, who gave birth to Suleyman’s first son, Mustafa, in 1515. If this meant that mothers did not have to choose between their sons, it also put some distance between royal half-brothers. That is, until hürrem. Known to europeans as Roxelana, she was captured in Ruthenia (in what is now western Ukraine) and entered the Ottoman palace as a slave, where it seems she fell wildly – and requitedly – in love with Suleyman. In 1521, she gave birth to their first child, Mehmed. In 1522, Mihrimah, their only daughter, was born, and in defiance of Ottoman tradition, the next few years brought more sons: Selim, Abdullah, Bayezid and Cihangir. Mustafa had the clear advantage. Not only was he the eldest, he was wise, generous and just, and was revered by the janissaries, the elite infantry troops who were known as kingmakers. In 1552, just as Suleyman decided not to lead the new campaign against the Safavids in Persia, Mustafa was nearing forty, an ideal age for a king to take his troops into battle. But hürrem was keen to plant one of her own sons on the throne. Contemporaries accused her of scheming with Rüstem Pasha, Suleyman’s grand vizier. That winter, Suleyman received an urgent letter from Rüstem, who was heading east with the army. he begged Suleyman to come immediately: the janissaries were clamouring for Mustafa to take the throne, and while Mustafa had demurred, he had given them an audience and rewarded them
with gold. Suleyman’s response, which contemporary historians recorded, was to insist on his son’s innocence, but the threat to imperial stability was obvious. Suleyman rushed to catch up with the troops and summoned Mustafa to his tent. As the prince approached, an arrow was shot at him bearing a letter that warned him to turn around and run. Ignoring it, he entered the tent, where he was killed instantly. In an interview with the BBC after publishing The Lion house, the first instalment in the trilogy, de Bellaigue explained that his portrait of Suleyman depended on ‘looking very, very carefully at the sources and not being blinded by the secondary literature or subsequent historical revisionisms or re-revisionisms ... What we really need to do is be very purist and go back to the sources and then see what the people who are most proximate to the sultan were saying at the time.’ To be purist and go back to the sources is a noble aim, to which Lutherans, Salafis and academics have all aspired. But of course, even the individuals closest to Suleyman had agendas that historians have taken decades to unpack and understand. The danger in sidestepping this work is being blinded by the sources. Oriental despotism is one such blinding trope. With its roots in the work of Aristotle,
In 1521 his army took Belgrade, the Danubian gateway to Central Europe; in 1522 he conquered Rhodes, that nest of Christian pirates; in 1526 he captured much of Hungary
the notion that eastern monarchies were inherently oppressive was revived in 16th-century europe to explain what some contemporaries understood to be the unchecked power of the Ottoman sultan. Whereas Western Christians exercised freedom, so the theory went, Ottoman subjects were kept in slave-like conditions, in a realm ruled not by law but by force. As Lucette Valensi observed nearly forty years ago, modern versions of the theory owe their origins in part to the Venetian ambassadorial reports on which de Bellaigue relies, and it shows. When Suleyman is not busy ‘bashing unbelievers’ in The Golden Throne, he is sacking people for rudeness or watching prisoners be trampled by elephants. On learning that the owner of a house he had temporarily commandeered had fumigated it after his departure, afraid he might contract an illness, Suleyman ordered the house razed and its owner put to death. If de Bellaigue’s Suleyman reveals the occasional spark of fairness, the men who serve him are all darkness, pillaging and decapitating with impunity. Justice is a commodity sold to the highest bidder or the most geriatric mullah. The second trope that de Bellaigue resuscitates is even older: the evil woman who corrupts the great man. Blaming a woman was not only the bread and butter of Abra-
hamic misogyny, but the safest way to criticise the sultan, and some Ottomans began calling hürrem ‘the witch’ as early as the mid-1530s. But it was her involvement in the death of Mustafa that blackened her name for ever. The female poet Nisayi, a friend of Mahidevran, wrote: ‘You allowed the words of a Russian witch into your ears/Deluded by tricks and deceit, you did the bidding of that spiteful hag.’ There is some truth to these readings. A peculiarity of 16th-century Ottoman rule was that most palace officials were, formally speaking, slaves. Although the master-slave relationship was subject to many legal restrictions, the sultan could issue summary punishments. And hürrem was undoubtedly a shrewd politician who wielded immense influence in domestic and foreign affairs. Yet to portray the Ottoman legal and political establishment as unremittingly venal and capricious is to miss the centrality of justice to Ottoman (and wider Islamic) political thought and practice, in which the protection of subjects against abuses of power is the key guarantor of state stability. To hold hürrem responsible for Suleyman’s decisions is to discount the larger political considerations that informed them. By the 1550s, the warrior-sultan type Mustafa represented was becoming obsolete. The legitimacy of the Ottoman house was so secure that dynastic contenders no longer had to prove themselves in battle. By ordering Mustafa’s execution, Suleyman not only safeguarded the authority of the ruling sultan but paved the way for more routine succession practices in the following centuries. erdoğan berated The Magnificent Century, which premiered in 2011, for depicting Turkish history as violent, debauched and mired in political intrigue. In the years that followed, the Turkish state broadcaster released several historical dramas more palatable to official sensibilities, featuring pious sultans fighting for justice and defending female honour. I don’t wish that de Bellaigue had presented this version of Suleyman’s life. But isn’t there a third way between sensationalism and hagiography? The historian Leslie Peirce narrates hürrem and Suleyman’s relationship as ‘the Ottoman empire’s greatest love story’, though her account is less sentimental than that might sound. The empress of the east (2017), her biography of hürrem, is sober and astute, yet offers a more intimate look at the Ottoman court than The Golden Throne. This is because Peirce approaches her human subjects with respectful curiosity and sympathy rather than a view to the next punchline. The Golden Throne ends with the grisly deaths of Mustafa and his son, setting up the last book in the trilogy to relate Suleyman’s death, the accession of his son Selim and the demise of a once great empire. We can only hope that de Bellaigue reads enough revisions and re-revisions to surprise us with something other than that tired old tale.
The Golden Throne: The Curse of a King by Christopher de Bellaigue, Bodley Head, 272 pp., £22,
06 NEWS
US HITS ISIS IN SYRIA WITH LARGE RETALIATORY STRIKES, OFFICIALS SAY
T
WASHINGTON reuterS
HE US military launched largescale strikes against dozens of Islamic State targets in Syria on Friday in retaliation for an attack on American personnel, US officials said. A US-led coalition has been carrying out airstrikes and ground operations in Syria targeting Islamic State suspects in recent months, often with the involvement of Syria’s security forces.’ Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the strikes targeted “ISIS fighters, infrastructure, and weapons sites” and that the operation was “OPERATION HAWKEYE STRIKE.” “This is not the beginning of a war — it is a declaration of vengeance,” Hegseth said. “Today, we hunted and we killed our enemies. Lots of them. And we will continue,” he added. Trump said on social media that the Syrian government fully supported the strikes and that the US was inflicting “very serious retaliation.”
Bangladesh tightens security after youth leader’s killing amid rising unrest DHAKA
reuterS
hit more than 70 targets across central Syria, adding that Jordanian fighter jets supported the operation. One US official said the strikes were carried out by US F-15 and A-10 jets, along with Apache helicopters and HIMARS rocket systems. Syria reiterated its steadfast commitment to fighting Islamic State and ensur-
At a speech in North Carolina on Friday night, Trump called it a “massive” blow against the ISIS members that the US blames for the Dec. 13 attack on coalition forces. “We hit the ISIS thugs in Syria. … It was very successful,” Trump said at a rally in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. US Central Command said the strikes
Bangladesh deployed police and paramilitary forces in the capital on Saturday ahead of funeral prayers for slain youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi, whose killing has triggered widespread violence and unrest across the country. Hadi, 32, a key figure in last year’s student-led uprising that toppled former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, was shot in the head by masked assailants while launching his election campaign in Dhaka last week. He died on Thursday night in Singapore after six days on life support. The unrest erupted amid rising political tensions following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. Hadi, a spokesperson for the student-led group Inquilab Mancha, was a key figure in the protests that toppled Hasina. He was shot in the head by masked assailants while launching his election campaign in Dhaka and later flown to Singapore for advanced medical care, where he died after six days on life support. Following his death, violent demonstrations spread across Dhaka and other cities, with mobs targeting media outlets, political offices, and cultural organisations. In Dhaka, the offices of major newspapers Prothom Alo and the Daily Star were vandalised, while in Chittagong, protesters attacked the Indian Assistant High Commission, reflecting growing anti-India sentiment. Analysts say the unrest highlights the fragile control of the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus and raises concerns about maintaining law and order ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled for February 12, 2026. The unrest has seen coordinated attacks on media outlets, political websites, and cultural institutions, including the Dhaka office of Udichi Shilpigosthi, a leading progressive cultural organisation. Demonstrations demanding justice for Hadi also spread to Chittagong, where protesters attacked the Indian Assistant High Commission, reflecting growing antiIndia sentiment following Hasina’s exile to New Delhi. Bangladesh is set to elect a new parliament on February 12, 2026, a transition aimed at stabilising the nation after nearly two years of political turbulence. Analysts say the unrest has exposed the limitations of the interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus and raised questions over its control in the world’s largest apparel producer after China. Yunus’ government declared Saturday a day of state mourning and urged citizens to resist “mob violence by fringe elements,” warning that continued unrest could undermine the fragile democratic transition. Human Rights Watch condemned Hadi’s killing as a “terrible act” and called on the government to halt ongoing violence, including attacks on journalists and media houses, which the group described as assaults on free expression. Amnesty International also urged prompt, independent investigations into Hadi’s death and subsequent violence. The violence underscores mounting concerns over press freedom and civic space in Bangladesh, which ranks 149th of 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index.
ing that it has “no safe havens on Syrian territory,” according to a statement by the foreign ministry. Two US Army soldiers and a civilian interpreter were killed on Saturday in the central Syrian town of Palmyra by an attacker who targeted a convoy of American and Syrian forces before being shot dead, according to the U.S. military. Three other U.S. soldiers were also wounded in the attack. About 1,000 US troops remain in Syria. The Syrian Interior Ministry has described the attacker as a member of the Syrian security forces suspected of sympathizing with Islamic State. Syria’s government is led by former rebels who toppled leader Bashar alAssad last year after a 13-year civil war, and includes members of Syria’s former Al Qaeda branch who broke with the group and clashed with Islamic State. Syria has been cooperating with a US-led coalition against Islamic State, reaching an agreement last month when President Ahmed al-Sharaa visited the White House.
US lawmakers demand India’s designation as Country of Particular Concern WASHINGTON inp
Prominent American figures have called for designating India as a Country of Particular Concern under the International Religious Freedom Act due to escalating violations against religious minorities. Republican Congressman Glenn Grothman, along with United States Commission on International Religious Freedom Chair Vicky Hartzler and Vice Chair Dr Asif Mahmood, penned a joint opinion piece urging Secretary of State Marco Rubio to take decisive action. The op-ed, published in a leading US outlet, highlights India's anticonversion laws in 12 states, which authorities allegedly misuse to target Christians and Muslims through arbitrary arrests and incitement of violence. These laws, dating back decades but increasingly enforced, prohibit conversions deemed forced or induced, yet critics argue they disproportionately affect minority faith leaders and communities. In Goa, the chief minister has expressed intent to enact measures against so-called love jihad, a term rooted in Hindu nationalist conspiracy theories alleging Muslim men lure Hindu women into marriage for conversion. Similar unfounded accusations in Uttar Pradesh led to the conviction of a Christian pastor and his wife, ac-
Iran executes architecture student accused of spying for Israel’s Mossad TEHRAN
reuterS
Iran executed a man on Saturday on charges of spying for Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad. This brings the number of convicts Iran has executed on espionage charges since June this year to 10. The executed man has been identified as Aghil Keshavarz, a 27-year-old architecture student. Keshavarz was arrested by soldiers earlier this year in the northwestern city of Urmia, reportedly while taking photographs of a military headquarters. According to investigative authorities, the accused confessed to taking these photographs for Israel, for which he had received money from Mossad. Iran’s Supreme Court was informed that Keshavarz carried out more than 200 missions for Israeli intelligence in various cities, including Tehran, Isfahan, Urmia and Shahroud. For these missions, Keshavarz was paid in cryptocurrency after completing each assignment, according to authorities. The alleged assignments included taking photographs of sensitive locations, conducting public opinion surveys, and monitoring traffic in specific areas. Encrypted messages between Keshavarz and the Israeli military and Mossad were also recovered. The Iranian judiciary stated that Keshavarz had deliberately cooperated with Israeli institutions and intended to harm the Islamic Republic of Iran. However, Oslo-based Iran Human Rights group said on X (formerly Twitter) that Keshavarz was sentenced to death on charges related to espionage for Israel “based on confessions extracted under torture”. The execution comes amid an ongoing crackdown by the Iranian government against infiltrators and spies within the country. Iran and Israel have been entangled in a decades-long shadow war, with the conflict escalating significantly in June when Israel struck various targets inside Iran. These attacks targeted Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, senior commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and nuclear scientists, and included operations that relied on Mossad commandos being deployed deep inside the country. Following these attacks, Iran launched the ongoing crackdown operation. During this crackdown, dozens of people have been sentenced to death or life imprisonment, including the 10 who have been executed.
Bangladesh holds state funeral for slain youth leader amid tight cused of enticing neighbors with for capital punishment in cases of education and aid programs, result- alleged forced conversions, signalsecurity ing a severe escalation in punitive ing in lengthy prison sentences.
Dr Asif Mahmood, a PakistaniAmerican physician from California who migrated from Kharian, marks a historic first as a South Asian Muslim in USCIRF leadership, bringing attention to these issues. The authors contrast India's situation with China's well-known restrictions, noting that the world's largest democracy is imposing cruel dictates on religious beliefs, undermining shared values with the United States. Data from human rights monitors indicate hundreds of unjust arrests under these statutes, often accompanied by communal tensions, mob violence, and property demolitions targeting minority places of worship. In Madhya Pradesh, proposals have emerged
measures against perceived threats to majority faith. The lawmakers emphasize that repealing anti-conversion laws would demonstrate India's commitment to bilateral ties and universal principles of religious liberty. USCIRF has recommended India's CPC designation annually since 2020, citing systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations as defined under US law. This call aligns with broader concerns over vigilante attacks, discriminatory policies, and failure to protect minorities from hate rhetoric and violence. Strengthening US-India relations, the authors argue, requires addressing these core human rights deficiencies to uphold mutual democratic ideals.
China, UAE to intensify trade and economic relations in the future BEIJING
Staff CorreSpondent
Sunday, 21 December 2025 | ISLAMABAD
China is willing to strengthen the alignment of its 15th Five-Year Plan with the development plan of Middle Eastern countries and further enhance cooperation, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in a statement, following his recent visit to three countries in the Middle East. UAE Foreign Trade Minister Thani bin Ahmed Al
Zeyoudi noted that bilateral strategic cooperation between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and China is growing under the leadership of the two countries. Non-oil trade volume between the two sides reached over $90 billion in 2024 and is expected to exceed $100 billion this year. As economic relations boom, bilateral investment is also expected to grow further, with logistics as a major highlight. Major ports and free trade zones in the UAE have established partnerships with their counterparts in China. What’s more, as China’s Hainan Free Trade Port launched island-wide special customs operations, it is increasingly attractive for more and more UAE companies to set up operations in China, while Chinese companies could use the UAE as a base to reach wider markets. China is expected to host the second China-Arab States Summit in 2026, and more cooperation between China and the UAE is expected on the horizon.
DHAKA
reuterS
Tens of thousands of Bangladeshi mourners, including the country’s interim government leader, attended the funeral on Saturday of a slain youth leader and election candidate amid tight security. Sharif Osman Hadi, 32, a key figure in last year’s student-led uprising that toppled longtime Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, was shot in the head by masked assailants in Dhaka last week while launching his campaign for an election due in February. He died on Thursday in Singapore after six days on life support. His death has prompted a wave of unrest in the South Asian nation that included coordinated mob attacks on major newspapers and cultural institutions. Police and paramilitary forces were deployed across the capital for Saturday’s funeral, but there were no reports of any renewed violence. Interim government leader Muhammad Yunus said Hadi’s legacy would endure, describing the funeral as a collective pledge to uphold the ideals he had championed. “Today, we have come to promise you (Hadi) that we will fulfil what you stood for,” Yunus, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, told the mourners, who included Bangladesh’s army chief and representatives from across the political spectrum. In a rare and symbolic honour, Hadi was laid to rest on the Dhaka University campus beside the grave of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. Bangladeshis hope election will end years of instability Bangladesh is to elect a new parliament on February 12 — a transition many hope will help the Muslimmajority nation of 175 million people recover from nearly two years of instability and reclaim its position as a regional success story. But frequent bouts of violent protests and political wrangling among disparate groups, including Islamist hardliners, have punctured the national sense of euphoria that arose after Hasina was ousted in August 2024. It has also exposed the limitations of Yunus’ interim government, analysts say, raising questions over his grip on governance in the world’s largest apparel producer after China. The government has declared Saturday a day of state mourning for Hadi and has urged citizens to resist “mob violence by fringe elements”, warning that turmoil threatens Bangladesh’s fragile democratic transition.
Mirziyoyev puts forward new initiatives to develop cooperation between Central Asia and Japan TOKYO
Staff CorreSpondent
On December 20 in Tokyo, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev took part in the first summit of the “Central Asia + Japan” Dialogue. The event, chaired by Prime Minister of Japan Sanae Takaichi, was also attended by President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov. In line with the agenda, prospects for expanding mutually beneficial cooperation between the Central Asian states and Japan in key priority areas were reviewed, including the green economy and sustainable development, strengthening connectivity and regional interaction, and human resource development. In his speech, the President of Uzbekistan noted that more than 20 years ago, Japan initiated the first dialogue in the “Central Asia Plus” format. A solid foundation for
multifaceted cooperation between Central Asia and Japan is established by deep historical ties dating back to the Great Silk Road, as well as shared traditions and customs, spiritual and cultural values, and family values. “We highly appreciate that throughout the entire period since the countries of Central Asia gained independence, Japan has acted as our reliable partner and has made a significant contribution to the socio-economic development of the region, the modernization of infrastructure, the industrial and energy base, and the strengthening of scientific, educational, and human resource potential. Therefore, the Central Asian states are interested in expanding Japan’s presence in the region”, Shavkat Mirziyoyev stated. The region’s rich natural resources, its location at the crossroads of global transport, trade, and energy routes, the dynamic economic growth of the Central Asian countries, and the ongoing rapprochement and integration create favorable conditions for cooperation with Japan. “I am confident that through joint efforts we will reach new heights. As a Japanese proverb says, “if the forces are united, the
mountains can be moved”, noted the Leader of Uzbekistan. Turning to the items on the summit agenda, the President of Uzbekistan presented his vision for developing cooperation in the “Central Asia + Japan” format. First, it was proposed to hold summits at the heads-of-state level once every two years, which would provide additional strong impetus for cooperation. Readiness was expressed to host one of these future meetings in Uzbekistan. Japan’s initiative to establish a new permanent mechanism in the field of justice and law, and to organize the first meeting of ministers of justice in Tokyo next year, was supported. The Head of State advocated developing a “Central Asia – Japan 2040” Cooperation Strategy, including specific programs and projects to promote the sustainable development of the region’s countries and deepen their integration into global economic processes. The relevance of establishing an Expert Forum, with participation from leading analytical institutions, to develop new ideas and proposals, and to form a comprehensive cooperation agenda was noted. It was proposed
to hold the first meeting of the Forum next year in Tashkent. The Leader of Uzbekistan welcomed the expansion of support by Japanese financial institutions for trade, economic, and investment projects in Central Asia. “I am confident that by combining the rich natural and human resources of Central Asia with Japan’s industrial and technological potential, we will be able to achieve an effect
of synergy”, stated Shavkat Mirziyoyev. In this regard, it was proposed to establish an Investment Fund for the Development of Infrastructure and Industry of Central Asia, launching on its basis a “Quality Infrastructure” Program, as well as to create a Central Asian network of Japanese technoparks – a regional platform for industrial cooperation, localization, and technology transfer.
NEWS 07
Sunday, 21 December 2025 | ISLAMABAD
CORPORATE CORNER
KP Governor Kundi visits Sundas Foundation Lahore
CM MARYAM: TRUE SOLIDARITY BEGINS WHEN STATE SUPPORTS THE WEAK
P g
LAHORE
staff report
Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi visited Sundas Foundation Lahore, where he met under-treatment child patients, inquired about their health and distributed gifts among them to uplift their morale.Upon his arrival at Sundas Foundation, the Governor was warmly received by Patron Sundas Foundation Sohail Warraich, Founder and President Muhammad Yaseen Khan, Director Khalid Abbas Dar and members of the foundation’s management.During the visit, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi interacted with children suffering from thalassemia, hemophilia and other blood-related disorders, encouraged them and reviewed the medical facilities being provided for their treatment. On this occasion, Medical Director Dr. Adnan Gilani briefed the Governor in detail about the foundation’s healthcare services, modern treatment methods, advanced medical equipment.
CBD Punjab accelerates construction work on CBD Walk project
LAHORE
staff report
Punjab Central Business District Development Authourity (PCBDDA) also known as Central Business District Punjab (CBD Punjab), has significantly accelerated construction work on CBD Walk, a premium retail destination being developed on CBD Route 47, further reinforcing Lahore’s emergence as a modern commercial hub. The project comprises 32 retail units of four marlas each, designed to offer a fine retail experience with contemporary urban aesthetics.CBD Punjab is progressing ahead of its planned schedule, reflecting strong project management, effective coordination and full mobilization of resources at site. Major construction milestones have already been achieved, including excavation, earth compaction, lean concrete, steel fixing and raft concrete, marking steady advancement towards timely delivery.
Meesaq Centres ensuring protection and facilitation of minority communities: CCPO LAHORE
staff report
More than 14,853 members of religious minority communities benefited from various police services through Meesaq Centres established in the provincial capital during the current year. According to a spokesperson for the Lahore Police, the Meesaq Centres issued character certificates to 1,553 non-Muslim citizens from Lahore and 414 from other districts. Additionally, police verification services were provided to 8,086 minority citizens from Lahore and 4,232 individuals from other districts. The spokesperson further stated that the centres also registered 243 reports of missing persons, 232 criminal-related complaints, and 36 cases involving destitute individuals during the same period. Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Lahore, Bilal Siddique Kamyana, emphasized that the Lahore Police firmly believe in delivering services to citizens of all faiths without discrimination. He described the Meesaq Centres as an effective, reliable, and one-window platform for providing essential police services to minority communities.
PUNJAB CM SAYS GOVERNMENT ENSURING HOUSING, SAFETY, EDUCATION AND HEALTH FOR ALL LAHORE
staff report
UNJAB Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Saturday emphasized that true human solidarity begins when a state refuses to leave the weak alone, highlighting that nations are measured not by slogans but by their support for vulnerable citizens. She said that in a society where even one individual remains neglected, development and solidarity remain incomplete. Speaking on International Human Solidarity Day, the Punjab chief minister said the provincial government is committed to including every segment of society, likening the state to a mother for every weak person. She noted that after years, the bond of trust, sympathy, and solidarity between the state and the people is strengthening, thanks to the government’s best policies. Maryam Nawaz highlighted that in Punjab, the government is ensuring that those without homes are provided housing, and those lacking safety are being protected. She underlined that initiatives
in education, health, social security, and public welfare are practical manifestations of human solidarity. The chief minister further stated that all policies and projects of the Punjab government focus on safeguarding the personal dignity and fundamental human rights of every citizen. “In Punjab, service is not considered politics, but a responsi-
bility that promotes respect, solidarity, and love,” she added. CM Condemns Attack on Security Forces Camp in North Waziristan Maryam Nawaz also paid rich tribute to security forces for eliminating four terrorists in North Waziristan and strongly condemned the attack on their camp. She appreciated the brave soldiers who sacri-
A Housing Revolution in Punjab: Maryam Nawaz’s Historic Housing Mission ZIA UR RAHMAN
For every human being, the greatest desire is to own a home. People work day and night to fulfil this dream, and only a fortunate few are able to achieve it in their lifetime. Due to the continuously rising prices of land and construction materials, owning a home in Punjab had become little more than a distant dream for a large segment of the population. In many cases, one generation could only afford to buy a plot, while the second or even third generation struggled to build a house on it. Now, however, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is transforming the fate of countless people across the province. She has launched a unique and unprecedented housing initiative titled “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar” (My Roof, My Home) to provide homes to the people of Punjab, an initiative unlike any seen before. In the past, various housing schemes were introduced in different eras, but most failed even before they began, remained incomplete, or fell victim to corruption. This time, however, no obstacle seems able to stand in the way of Maryam Nawaz’s resolve. From tenancy to ownership, Apni Chhat Apna Ghar has truly changed lives. Under this initiative, the Punjab Housing and Urban Development Department is providing interest-free loans of up to PKR 1.5 million for home construction. Applicants build their own houses and repay the loan over nine years. The scheme is specifically designed for low-income families. The loan can only be used for house construction and not for any other purpose. Applicants must be residents of Punjab. Importantly, the Government of Punjab is offering these loans without any religious, political, or ideological discrimination, and no recommendation from any Member of the National or Provincial Assembly or any government official is required. Under the Apni Chhat Apna Ghar scheme, applicants owning up to five marlas of land in urban areas
or ten marlas in rural areas are eligible for the loan. Applications are submitted with simple documentation. After verification, applicants receive two interest free instalments of PKR 750,000 each. Banks are not involved; instead, funds are disbursed through microfinance institutions. As of December 21st, 2025, the Housing and Urban Development Department has provided over 121500 thousand beneficiaries with more than 155,492,930 billion rupees. As a result, more than 50,000 houses have been completed across various districts of Punjab and are already inhabited, while more than 70,000 thousands are under construction. The Punjab government aims to ensure the construction of 500,000 houses within five years, while the Housing Department plans to provide interest free loans to an additional 100,000 people by June of the next fiscal year. So far, 57 percent of beneficiaries are from urban areas, while 43 percent are from rural regions. People from all walks of life including business owners, salaried employees, widows, orphans, transgender persons, and service providers are benefiting from the scheme. Under this unique initiative, every beneficiary constructs their own house and ensures its quality. No contractor, government official, or intermediary interferes in the process. Individuals build their homes according to their own preferred designs. The more applications the government receives, the more houses are built. Loan recipients are exempt from repayments for the first three months, after which they repay approximately PKR 14,000 per month. There is no precedent for the Apni Chhat Apna Ghar project in Punjab’s history. Its transparency and success are evident from the fact that Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) and the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) have submitted independent research and evaluation reports on the scheme. This ground breaking initiative has not only helped address the
housing shortage across Punjab but has also generated employment and boosted economic activity. Skilled and unskilled workers alike are finding jobs, improving livelihoods at both provincial and national levels. Domestic investment has increased, and foreign investment is also showing positive signs. So far, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has enabled thousands of orphans, widows, low-income families, families of martyrs, transgender persons, and other vulnerable groups to complete the construction of their homes. According to a World Bank report, Punjab currently faces a shortage of 2.3 million housing units, which could exceed 10 million by 2047. The report also highlights severe overcrowding in urban housing and a lack of basic facilities. Under the Apni Chhat Apna Ghar scheme, people are not only receiving homes but are also experiencing a tangible improvement in their quality of life. Providing someone with a home is even more important than providing employment. Across Punjab, countless families are being freed from the burden of rental housing and are offering prayers for Maryam Nawaz and her father, Mian Nawaz Sharif. Three-time former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had earlier introduced the Pakistan Housing Scheme. Following in her father’s footsteps, Maryam Nawaz is building homes and winning hearts— emerging as a true leader of the people. In her very first speech as Chief Minister, she promised to provide homes to the people, and she has honoured that promise, securing her place in history. Today, there is not a single district in Punjab where houses are not being built under the Apni Chhat Apna Ghar scheme. Maryam Nawaz is, in the truest sense, shaping a new Pakistan, where one vision is turning into thousands of roofs. By providing homes, dignity, and security, she has made the impossible possible.
The author is a freelance writer and can be reached: Twitter: @zeeea, zeea.rahman@hotmail.com
ficed their lives in the line of duty and prayed for the speedy recovery of all those injured, including women and children. Meanwhile, Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari said the verdict in the Toshakhana-II case has fully exposed the “false image of the socalled ‘Sadiq and Ameen.’” She asserted that the public is now aware that the PTI founder and his wife, referred to as “Pinky Peerni,” were involved in the misappropriation of gifts, Zakat, charity, and alms, undermining the claims of honesty and integrity. Bokhari described Saturday as a deeply painful and embarrassing day for the nation, saying that under the guise of politics, the public had been continuously misled. “By branding others as thieves, robbers, and corrupt elements, a person came into power whose sole aim was not public service, but personal interests, valuable gifts, and even trading diamonds,” she added. She emphasized that the court verdict should serve as an eyeopener for all, particularly for those who had consistently portrayed the PTI founder as “Sadiq and Ameen.”
Toshakhana-II verdict exposes so-called ‘Sadiq and Ameen’: Azma Bokhari LAHORE
staff report
Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari has said that the verdict in the Toshakhana-II case has completely exposed the false image of the so-called “Sadiq and Ameen.” She stated that the stories of theft involving Zakat, charity, and alms by the PTI founder and “Pinky Peerni” are no longer hidden from anyone. It has now become crystal clear that the PTI founder’s objective in coming to power was not public service, but the business of expensive gifts and diamonds. She remarked that Saturday stands as a deeply painful and embarrassing day for the nation. Under the guise of politics, the public was continuously misled. By branding others as thieves, robbers, and corrupt elements, a person was brought into power whose sole aim was not service to the country and nation, but personal interests, valuable gifts, and even the trading of diamonds. Azma Bokhari said that the court verdict announced yesterday should be an eye-opener for all, especially for those who persistently portrayed a particular individual as “Sadiq and Ameen.” Today, the reality stands fully exposed as to how lies, misrepresentation, and fake documents were used to justify the Bani Gala property under the false claim of honesty and trustworthiness. She said that the revelations brought to light through the verdict are clear proof that the individual presented as a symbol of moral superiority kept making claims of reforming Toshakhana rules, while in practice setting the worst examples of dishonesty. Valuing gifts worth Rs. 70 million at merely Rs. 5.8 million, indulging in under-invoicing, and breaching national trust represent the peak of fraud and deception. The Minister said that for those accustomed to embezzling Zakat and charity funds, the Toshakhana is hardly a challenge. A person who can run a political party through fake accounts and foreign funding, and divert charitable donations into personal and offshore companies, would naturally see no issue in trading valuable gifts after coming into power. She added that the nation has not forgotten the audio in which Bushra Bibi is allegedly heard instructing that gifts received from Toshakhana should not be officially recorded and should be quietly transferred to the Prime Minister House. These are not mere allegations, but undeniable facts that have now surfaced through a court verdict. Azma Bokhari further said that this is the same individual and the same party that for years labeled political opponents—particularly her leadership—as thieves and robbers. Mian Nawaz Sharif was subjected to a prolonged media trial over a so-called notional salary, yet today, divine justice stands evident before the nation.
Climate-resilient WASH in Pakistan: Governance gaps and policy solutions SALEEM SHAIKH
Pakistan’s climate vulnerability is no longer an abstract warning; it is a lived reality. Ranked among the world’s most climate-exposed countries and facing severe water stress, the country is now confronting a quieter but far more persistent emergency: the collapse of its water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) systems under climate pressure. Floods, droughts, heatwaves and erratic rainfall are not only destroying infrastructure but exposing deep governance failures that leave millions without safe water or sanitation. The devastating floods in recent years have proved a brutal illustration. In Sindh alone, half of rural water supply schemes were rendered non-functional, thousands of small treatment plants were destroyed, and the vast majority of remaining water sources were contaminated. Yet this devastation was not simply the result of extreme weather. It was the outcome of systems designed for a climate that no longer exists, combined with fragmented governance and chronic underinvestment in resilience. Despite repeated disasters, Pakistan continues to treat WASH as a peripheral development issue rather than as critical climate and public health infrastructure. This neglect carries enormous social, economic and environmental costs. Unsafe water and poor san-
itation fuel waterborne diseases, increase healthcare spending, disrupt education and reduce overall productivity. These losses now far exceed the cost of preventive investment. After the 18th Constitutional Amendment devolved responsibility for water and sanitation to the provinces, coordination between federal policy and provincial implementation weakened significantly. Provinces now operate with different standards, monitoring systems and delivery models, while the federal government retains policy oversight without the authority or tools to enforce coherence. Consequently, the outcome is a patchwork of disconnected interventions, duplication in some areas and neglect in others. This fragmentation becomes especially dangerous during climate emergencies, when water systems fall flat simultaneously across provincial boundaries. Without national coordination, economies of scale are lost, technical learning remains siloed, and crisis response becomes reactive rather than preventive. Stakeholders involved in recent policy dialogues, organized by School of Public health, Health Services Academy in support with WaterAid-Pakistan, pointed out that Pakistan has policies, plans and strategies. But, they policy responses lack an effective mechanism to align them. Financing compounds the governance woes, hampering policy efforts making WASH sector climate-resilient. There are re-
port that indicate that nearly 70 per cent of Pakistan’s WASH sector funding comes from external donors, while domestic public investment remains well below international benchmarks. This dependency makes the sector vulnerable to shifting donor priorities and short project cycles that are incompatible with infrastructure that must last decades. When donor-funded projects end, maintenance often collapses and communities are left with broken systems and no recourse. The consequences are most severe in rural and marginalised areas, where sanitation coverage lags far behind urban centres and water quality monitoring is minimal. Women and children shoulder the heaviest burden, spending hours collecting water, facing heightened health risks and losing opportunities for education and income. Climate stress only increasingly deepens these inequalities. Nevertheless, Pakistan is not without solutions. The same policy dialogues that diagnosed the failures also identified pathways for reform embedded in Pakistan’s own institutional experience of managing WASH sector. One proposal gaining broad support is the creation of a National WASH Coordination Authority, modelled on the inter-provincial coordination achieved through the National Command and Operation Centre during Covid-19. Such a body would not only help tackle post-devolution governance
gaps and technical challenges, but would also provide a platform for harmonising standards, sharing data, coordinating largescale climate-resilient infrastructure investments and enabling joint federal-provincial planning. The pandemic demonstrated that Pakistan can overcome institutional silos when political will exists; climate resilience demands the same urgency. Financing reform is equally critical. Pakistan must begin shifting from donor dependence to domestic resource mobilisation. Progressive water tariffs in urban areas, carefully designed to protect low-income households, can generate substantial revenue for reinvestment in rural and climate-vulnerable regions. Recent tariff restructuring in Karachi has already shown that revenue gains are possible without sacrificing affordability. Regulated public-private partnerships, tied to service quality and coverage rather than short-term profit, can also play a role if transparency and accountability are enforced. Technology offers another untapped opportunity. Digital governance initiatives, ranging from cash transfers to citizen feedback platforms, have already transformed service delivery in other sectors. Applying similar tools to WASH sector could enable real-time monitoring of water systems, faster repair response, community reporting of failures and early warning for climate risks.
These are not futuristic ideas; they build on systems Pakistan already operates. Perhaps most importantly, Pakistan should scale up community-led sustainable models that have already proven effective. The Orangi Pilot Project remains a powerful example of how communities, when supported with technical guidance rather than top-down control, can deliver sustainable sanitation at a fraction of conventional costs. Replicating such approaches in urban informal settlements and rural villages alike would strengthen local ownership and long-term resilience. Climate-resilient WASH is also inseparable from healthcare resilience. Floods and heatwaves routinely overwhelm health facilities that lack reliable water, sanitation and waste management systems. Integrating WASH standards into health facility design and infection prevention protocols is not optional; it is foundational to protecting patients and healthcare workers during climate shocks. The economic case for action is overwhelming. Preventing waterborne disease through improved WASH facilities could save hundreds of millions of dollars annually in healthcare costs, while also improving school attendance and labour productivity. The writer is a climate policy analyst, research scholar and former UNFCCC fellow. He can be reached at saleemzeal@gmail.com
IMRAN KHAN, BUSHRA BIBI HANDED 17-YEAR JAIL TERMS IN TOSHAKHANA-2 CASE
Sunday, 21 December, 2025
prayer timings
NEWS
ISLAMABAD
staff report
A special court of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Saturday sentenced Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, to 17 years’ imprisonment each in the Toshakhana-2 case, delivering one of the most severe legal blows yet to the incarcerated opposition leader. The verdict was announced by Special Judge Central Shahrukh Arjumand during proceedings held inside Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, where Imran Khan remains in custody in several cases. The court also imposed Rs16.4 million in fines on each convict, with additional imprisonment to follow in case of non-payment. The case revolves around the alleged unlawful purchase and retention of a luxury Bulgari jewellery set, gifted to Imran Khan by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during an official visit in May 2021. Prosecutors argued that the gift was acquired at a grossly undervalued price, causing financial loss to the state and constituting criminal misconduct. Convictions and Legal Grounds Imran Khan was sentenced to 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment under Section 409
(criminal breach of trust) of the Pakistan Penal Code and seven years under Section 5(2)47 (criminal misconduct by public servants) of the Prevention of Corruption Act. Bushra Bibi received identical sentences
under the same provisions. In its order, the court said it had taken into account Imran Khan’s age and Bushra Bibi’s gender while determining the punishment, noting that a “lenient view” had been adopted.
PTI’s Yasmin Rashid, Ejaz Ch, others sentenced to 10 years jail in additional May 9 cases LAHORE
staff report
An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore on Saturday handed down 10 years imprisonment each to PTI leaders—Dr. Yasmin Rashid, Ejaz Chaudry, Omar Sarfraz Cheema and Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed—in two more May 9 cases. The fresh court ruling comes a day after a Lahore ATC sentenced the four PTI leaders, including Dr Yasmin Rashid, Omer Sarfraz Cheema, Mian Mehmoodur Rashid, and Ejaz Chaudhry to 10 years in prison in another case related to the May 9 riots while acquitted partys’ vice chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi. Confirming the court ruling, counsel for the PTI leaders, Rana Mudassar said
Govt to provide security to Imran Khan’s sons on visit to Pakistan: Talal ISLAMABAD
ZUHR
ASR MAGHRIB ISHA
6:55
1:30
3:45
the cases are related to the burning of police vehicles in Lahore’s Gulberg and a container near Kalma Chowk during the nationwide riots on May 9, 2023 following the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan. On that fateful day, nationwide protests erupted following arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan from the Islamabad High Court premises, which turned violent. Various military installations and government properties were vandalised and torched, including Lahore Corps Commander House, known as Jinnah House, an airbase in Mianwali and others. Subsequently, the state launched a vigorous crackdown on Imran and his party, booking the party founder and its leadership in multiple cases.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 03
The benefit of Section 382-B of the Criminal Procedure Code — allowing time already spent in custody to count toward the sentence — was also extended to both convicts. Defence Rejects Verdict
5:05
6:45
Soon after the ruling, defence lawyers announced their intention to challenge the verdict before the high court, calling it politically motivated and legally unsustainable.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 03
Toshakhana-II verdict ‘unconstitutional, malicious and a blatant act of political revenge’: PTI ISLAMABAD
staff report
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Saturday categorically rejected the Toshakhana-II verdict against its founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi, terming the ruling “unconstitutional, illegal, malicious and a blatant act of political revenge.” Both were sentenced to 17 years’ imprisonment each, along with heavy fines, in a case PTI leaders described as a “textbook example of victimization” and one of the darkest chapters in Pakistan’s judicial history. Addressing a press conference alongside PTI senior leader Asad Qaiser, PTI Central Secretary Information Salman Akram Raja said the conviction was an at-
tempt to extend the illegal incarceration of Imran Khan and provide temporary relief to a “petrified ruling clique.” He added that the rule of law in Pakistan had been subverted to serve political interests, with the judiciary acting in a subservient role. Salman Raja stated that the verdict, spanning several hundred pages, was read out in court on Saturday. He emphasized that the case rested solely on promissory notes and lacked credible evidence. “They have no witnesses except the person whom the PTI founder himself brought forward,” he said, describing the proceedings as absurd. Referring to the witness statement, he said, “A person stands up and says pressure was put on him, and you accept that as evidence.”
CONTINUED ON PAGE 03
PM reiterates support for export-led growth to bring about economic stability LAHORE
staff report
staff Correspondent
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry said on Saturday that the government would provide complete security to the sons of former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan when they would arrive in Pakistan. Speaking to reporters in Faisalabad, he said both Imran and his wife Bushra Bibi should have been sentenced in Toshakhana-II case a long time ago. He said that imprisonment for the couple in the case was writing on the wall since it was obvious that they were guilty. Talal the sale of gifts, given by foreign dignitaries, by Imran and his wife brought a bad name to Pakistan. He made it clear that being a popular leader did not imply that he would not be punished. “Don’t play the sympathy card,” he said, and added both Imran and Bushra are fine and they did not have health issues. The minister said that there should be no doubt that leniency would be shown towards those who brought Imran to power. “All people, including those who said, “Good to see you”, will be punished.” He reiterated that the PTI founder was the architect of the May incidents of violence.
Different parts of Balochistan receive first rainfall of winter season QUETTA
staff Correspondent
FAJR SUNRISE
6:20
Different parts of Balochistan, including Quetta and Gwadar, have received the first rainfall of the winter season as westerly winds have entered the province. On the other hand, rain is also expected in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Murree, Kashmir and the Hazara division, with snowfall over the hills. It was overcast in the twin cities in the morning on Saturday. The minimum temperature was recorded at 10 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature was expected to go up to 18 degrees Celsius. The weather department predicted that breeze would blow in the federal capital at the speed of six kilometers per hour throughout the day, while the level of humidity in the air was recorded at 66 per cent. Similarly, the Met Office forecast drizzle for Karachi during the next few days due to which the weather in the port city would turn colder, especially at night and in the morning.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday underscored that a sustained increase in exports was vital for Pakistan’s economic growth, employment generation and long-term macroeconomic stability, reaffirming the government’s resolve to extend full facilitation to businessmen and exporters to expand export volumes and strengthen the national economy. He expressed these views while chairing a review meeting on domestic exports on Saturday. The prime minister emphasized that the government was committed to providing all possible facilities to businessmen and exporters to enhance export volumes and strengthen the national economy. The PM stressed that priority work must be carried out to promote small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), noting that the expansion of the export sector would not only boost foreign exchange earnings but also create more employment opportunities
across the country. PM Shehbaz Sharif directed the federal ministers for commerce, industry and production and national food security to personally visit exporters in various industrial and commercial cities to understand their issues and ensure timely resolution. He also underlined the need to further strengthen coordination with the provinces to promote cold chain systems and other sectors linked with industry and trade. During the meeting, the PM was briefed on the exports and imports of the ongoing fiscal year 2025–26 so far, along with measures being taken to improve export performance. The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, Federal Minister for Finance
and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb, Federal Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani, Advisor to the Prime Minister Haroon Akhtar and other senior government officials. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack by Fitna Alkhawarij (terrorists) on a camp of security forces in North Waziristan district. The premier appreciated the security forces for killing four terrorists during the operation. The prime minister paid tribute to Pak Army Havildar Muhammad Waqas, Naik Khanwaiz, Sepoy Sufyan Haider and Sepoy Riffat who embraced martyrdom while combating the terrorists.
Only Imran Khan has mandate for any talks, says Shafiullah Jan PESHAWAR
staff Correspondent
Special Assistant on Information to PTI founder Imran Khan, Shafiullah Jan, on Friday said that only Imran Khan holds the authority to engage in any negotiations or discussions on behalf of Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI). Speaking to a private television channel, Shafiullah Jan criticised former PTI leaders Fawad Chaudhry and Imran Ismail for al-
legedly pursuing backchannel contacts without a mandate. He questioned their authority and accused them of attempting to return to the party after leaving it during difficult times. “Who gave them the mandate to hold talks?” he asked, stressing that Imran Khan, as the party’s founder, alone has the right to decide on negotiations. He said Fawad Chaudhry, Imran Ismail and Mahmood Moulvi had quit PTI after a press conference and joined the Is-
tehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), but were now expressing interest in rejoining PTI. In a separate segment of the programme, former federal minister Asad Umar clarified that a previously reported meeting involved Punjab Assembly Speaker Sibtain Khan, not Ghulam Sarwar Khan. He suggested that any progress in resolving PTI’s issues would depend on Imran Khan gaining direct understanding through consultations with jailed party leaders.
Nine dacoits killed as joint operation continues in Ubauro UBAURO
staff Correspondent
Five most-wanted dacoits were eliminated during an exchange of fire with Rangers and police personnel in the katcha area of Ubauro on Saturday, bringing the total number of outlaws killed during the last two days to nine. Police said that a number of dacoits were also injured during the encounter, while their safe havens had also been destroyed. Rangers and Police took control of the katcha area and further tightened the screws around the dacoits. On Friday, four dacoits had been killed during an exchange of fire with the lawenforcement agencies (LEAs) in the katcha area. Three days ago, all 20 passengers abducted from a bus by Katcha area dacoits near Ubauro in Sindh’s Ghotki district had been recovered unharmed, the Sukkur Range Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) said later on Tuesday. Around 25 dacoits had attacked the bus in Sadiqabad on Monday night and kidnapped several passengers after injuring the driver. DIG Sukkur Range, Captain (retired) Faisal Abdullah Chachar said that he reached Ghotki and led a large contingent of police personnel from different stations in Ghotki, Sukkur, Khairpur and Kashmore, along with Rangers officials. DIG Chachar led the joint operation with other senior officers, including Ghotki Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Muhammad Anwar Khetran, Sukkur SSP Azhar Khan Mughal and Khairpur SSP Samiullah Soomro. “We rescued all hostages unharmed from the clutches of the dacoits, with whom we engaged in a gunfight,” the DIG said. All routes leading to the Katcha area were blocked in time by police, preventing the dacoits from taking the hostages deeper into the riverine area. Meanwhile, the rescued hostages informed the police that two dacoits were injured during the operation. When the police engaged the dacoits, a police constable sustained injuries to his hand. Police moved the wounded personnel to Rahim Yar Khan Hospital for treatment.
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