Epaper_25-12-28 ISB by Pakistan Today

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Sunday, 28 December, 2025 | 7 Rajabul Murajjab, 1447

Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 173 | 8 Pages | Islamabad Edition

NATION REMEMBERS SHAHEED BENAZIR AS TRAILBLAZER OF DEMOCRACY AND WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT 18th anniversary of her assassination

LEADERS ACROSS POLITICAL SPECTRUM, INCLUDING PM SHEHBAZ, PRESIDENT ZARDARI, REMEMBER HER AS A SYMBOL OF COURAGE, RESILIENCE AND COMMITMENT TO INCLUSIVE GOVERNANCE

PREMIER DESCRIBES HER CONTRIBUTIONS AS MONUMENTAL, RECALLING HOW LATE LEADER ADVOCATED WOMEN’S RIGHTS, MINORITY PROTECTIONS

FIRST FEMALE PM OF A MUSLIM-MAJORITY NATION, ELECTED AT AGE 35, LEFT AN INDELIBLE MARK ON NATIONAL POLITICAL HISTORY

Bilawal underscores greater provincial role to resolve centre’s financial challenges GARHI KHUDA BAKHSH staff report

GARHI KHUDA BAKHSH staff report

HE nation on Saturday paid homage to Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, the country’s first female prime minister and a trailblazer for democracy in the Muslim world, on the 18th anniversary of her assassination in a gun-andbomb attack following a public rally in Rawalpindi. Leaders across the political spectrum, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari, remembered her as a symbol of courage, resilience, and commitment to

inclusive governance. Born on June 21, 1953, Bhutto first became prime minister in 1988 at the age of 35, making history as the youngest and first woman to hold the office in a Muslim-majority nation. She served a second term from 1993 to 1996, surviving politically motivated allegations of corruption and mismanagement that she consistently denied. Bhutto’s political career was shaped by personal tragedy and national turmoil, entering politics after her father, former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, was executed in 1979 during General Zia-ul-Haq’s military regime. Despite long-standing political differ-

Four Indian proxy terrorists killed in Balochistan’s Panjgur operation: ISPR RAWALPINDI

staff report

Security forces killed four Indian proxy terrorists during an intelligence-based operation in Balochistan’s Panjgur district, near the border with Iran, according to the military’s media wing on Saturday. “On 26 December 2025, security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in Panjgur District of Balochistan, on reported presence of Khwarij belonging to Indian proxy, Fitna al-Khwarij,” the InterServices Public Relations (ISPR), said in a statement. “During the conduct of operation, own forces effectively engaged the Khwarij location, and after an intense fire exchange, four Indian-sponsored Khwarij were sent to hell,” it added. The outlawed group, also known as the Tehreek-eTaliban Pakistan (TTP) and is designated as Fitna al-Khwarij, has largely operated in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa along Pakistan’s border with Afghanistan. Islamabad has frequently accused Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government of sheltering Fitna al-Khawarij leaders and fighters, allegations Afghan officials deny.

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Saturday urged giving provinces a greater role in areas such as tax collection and public utilities to help resolve the federal government’s financial challenges. He made the remarks while addressing the death anniversary programme of his mother, former prime minister Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh. Benazir Bhutto was assassinated on December 27, 2007, in a gun-and-bomb attack near Liaquat Bagh, Rawalpindi, after a public gathering. The Sindh government declared a public holiday today to commemorate her martyrdom. Over 8,500 police personnel, alongside Rangers and other security agencies, were deployed to ensure foolproof seences with the Sharif family, she signed the 2006 Charter of Democracy with three-time former PM Nawaz Sharif, pledging to uphold democratic institu-

ISLAMABAD

staff report

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Saturday asserted that Pakistan, once portrayed as “diplomatically isolated,” had reemerged as a confident, influential, and respected state on the global stage, attributing this transformation to the incumbent government’s dynamic, proactive, and principled foreign policy. Addressing a press conference to present the annual achievements and performance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the DPM/FM said Pakistan’s firm, balanced and proactive stance on major global and regional issues had earned widespread recognition and appreciation at international forums. Dar said Pakistan’s interna-

TRANSACTION EXPECTED BY MARCH 31, TALKS CONTINUE ON FURTHER UAE INVESTMENTS PROFIT

staff report

Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates are moving towards a transaction under which UAE entities will acquire shares in companies owned by the Fauji Foundation, a move that would eliminate a $1 billion external liability, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Saturday. Briefing the media during a UAE official visit to Pakistan, Dar said the $1 billion amount, which had earlier been rolled over by the UAE, would no longer remain a liability once the share acquisition is completed. He said extensive meetings had been held under his leadership, with the Fauji Foundation group taking the lead on the transaction. He said the government expects the process to be completed by March 31, adding that shares of different Fauji Foundation group companies would be disinvested as part of the deal. Dar said Pakistan had previ-

Continued on page 03 tions and prevent military interventions— a commitment that underscored her vision for Pakistan’s political stability.

Continued on page 03

pakistan grows stronger diplomatically, politically and economically worldwide: dar tional standing among the comity of nations had significantly improved due to its principled and proactive diplomacy, and he also thanked the national media for effectively projecting the country’s image abroad. He recalled that when the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government assumed office, “Pakistan was known as a diplomatically isolated country,” adding that today Pakistan’s role was acknowledged and respected internationally. The DPM/FM said that during the four-day armed conflict with India, New Delhi’s so-called hegemony and its self-proclaimed role as a net security provider in the region were tested and decisively shattered. He said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had remained proactive following the Pulwama incident, in

uae to acquire fauji foundation shares as $1bn rollover liability set to end: dar g

curity for VVIPs, VIPs, and the general public at and around her mausoleum. Bilawal said the PPP is a federal party committed to both national and provincial politics, treating the Centre’s challenges as its own. “If there is an issue of fiscal space for the federal government, then as a patriot, I would want to help solve it. As the chain binding the four provinces, we have a responsibility to address the Centre’s issues while protecting provincial rights,” he said.

ously been compelled to secure around $12 billion in external support to stabilise its foreign exchange position, explaining that $12 billion included, significant contributions and rollovers from Saudi Arabia, $4 billion from China on a state-tostate basis, and $3 billion from the UAE. He said the borrowing became unavoidable to balance the country’s external accounts, as an IMF condition. Referring to discussions with the UAE, Dar said engagement with Abu Dhabi, about the remaining $2 billion was also ongoing and is expected to move beyond rollovers towards direct investment, that would permanently retire liabilities rather than extend them. He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also raised the issue of the $2 billion amount, due in January, during talks with UAE leadership. According to Dar, the UAE side immediately responded positively to the rollover request but both sides agreed that converting liabilities into investments would be

a better long-term outcome. Dar said discussions also touched on potential investment-related matters involving Etisalat, noting that Etisalat is a state-owned listed company with a pending transaction in Pakistan. He said both sides hold their respective positions on the issue and that further talks were expected after Etisalat contacted him ahead of the visit to seek discussions. The foreign minister said Pakistan’s recent diplomatic engagements had helped improve its standing internationally, adding that proactive and result-oriented diplomacy had played a role in restoring confidence among partner countries. He said Pakistan had faced diplomatic isolation in previous years but had since re-engaged with the international community through sustained outreach and negotiations, expressing hope that continued engagement would further stabilise the country’s external position.

which India falsely accused Pakistan, adding that the country’s defence posture was now solid and firm. Dar reiterated that during Indian aggression, Pakistan responded with responsibility, underscoring that Islamabad had always stood for peace. He said Pakistan’s nuclear capability and missile strength had rendered the country’s defence strong and invincible. The DPM/FM stressed that the government was now focused on transforming Pakistan into an economic power, adding that once such a status was achieved, Pakistan would be in a position to lead the Muslim Ummah. He said Pakistan was blessed with immense natural resources, including minerals, precious stones and gas, citing foreign investment inflows into projects such as Reko Diq.

PTI distances itself from UK protester’s remarks, condemns KP CM’s mistreatment LAHORE

staff report

The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) on Saturday distanced itself from “provocative” remarks made by a protester during a demonstration in Bradford, United Kingdom, amid mounting criticism from the government and other quarters. The party reaffirmed its commitment to democratic, constitutional, and peaceful political struggle, condemning all forms of hate speech and inflammatory rhetoric. A video, initially posted on PTI’s UK page and since deleted, showed a woman wishing harm on a person without naming anyone, saying they should be “blown up in a car,” while surrounded by people holding PTI flags. Pakistan issued a demarche to the acting British high commissioner, demanding action against those involved. A Foreign Office spokesperson called for the UK to hold accountable all responsible elements in accordance with the law. In a strongly-worded statement, PTI Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram stated that the demonstrator had “no connection” with the party. He clarified that the woman holds no position within PTI and has no affiliation with the party. The party “completely disowned her rhetoric” and emphasised that it has never endorsed such irresponsible statements from any office-bearer. “PTI, as a matter of principle, strongly opposes violence, hate speech, incitement, and the use of unethical or indecent language in political discourse. The party firmly believes in democratic and peaceful political struggle and does not support any individual or group engaging in conduct contrary to these values,” Akram said. PTI condemns Punjab government over treatment of KP CM and delegation Separately, PTI strongly condemned the Punjab government for its handling of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, his cabinet, parliamentarians, and accompanying delegation during their visit to Punjab. Afridi arrived in Lahore on Friday to launch a mass street movement on the instructions of PTI founder Imran Khan, urging public engagement against perceived oppression. According to Akram, the visit, which began on December 26 in Lahore and other districts, was a peaceful political engagement to meet party workers and discuss public issues. However, the Punjab government allegedly turned it into an exercise of political vendetta. CM KP and his delegation were reportedly stopped at multiple locations, their routes blocked, and they faced physical pushback and humiliating treatment inside the Punjab Assembly.

UK seeks evidence from Pakistan after demarche over threats in Bradford protest ISLAMABAD

staff report

The United Kingdom has requested evidence from the Pakistani government regarding threatening statements made against Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir during a protest outside the Pakistani consulate in Bradford, following a formal demarche issued by Pakistan on Friday. The demarche, delivered to British Deputy Head of Mission Matt Kennell as High Commissioner Jane Marriott was out of the country, lodged Pakistan’s strong objection over the incident and urged the British authorities to take immediate legal action against those involved in threats and inflammatory slogans. According to a spokesperson for the British High Commission, reported by BBC, police and prosecution in the UK operate independently of the government.

02 NEWS

Sunday, 28 December, 2025 | ISLAMABAD

ECC REJECTS GAS, RLNG TARIFF CONCESSION REQUEST FOR GLASS INDUSTRY

PROFIT

NEWS DESK

COMMERCE MINISTRY SAYS SUBSIDY NO LONGER AVAILABLE, EXPORT SHARE REMAINS LIMITED

The decision followed a summary submitted by the Ministry of Commerce, which maintained that extending discounted energy tariffs to the glass sector was not supported under the existing export-oriented framework. The ministry informed the ECC that it had placed the matter before the forum in compliance with a judgement of the Lahore

HE Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the federal cebinet has rejected a request for granting concessionary gas and re-gasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG) tariffs to the glass industry, declining relief sought by Ghani Glass, The Express Tribune reported.

FBR grants tax exemption on 2,403 Chinese goods imported via Sost for Gilgit-Baltistan

High Court dated April 10, 2025. The court had directed the government to formulate a uniform policy ensuring that tariff concessions are limited to export-oriented industries rather than sector-based classifications. Following the LHC ruling, the ECC had earlier directed the commerce ministry to consult the Attorney General of Pakistan on pursuing the case before the Supreme Court

ISLAMABAD NEWS DESK

Chinese-owned United Energy Pakistan Limited (UEP) is grappling with an unprecedented around $300 million in unpaid receivables and delayed tax refunds, pushing the company into severe financial stress, triggering layoffs, and threatening its role in Pakistan’s energy supply. United Energy Pakistan Limited (UEP), one of Pakistan’s largest foreign oil and gas producers, is facing an acute financial crisis as mounting unpaid receivables and delayed tax refunds continue to choke its cash flows, raising serious concerns over operational sustainability, workforce stability, and investor confidence. A subsidiary of Hong Kong-based United Energy Group (UEG), UEP was formed after UEG acquired British Petroleum’s (BP) Pakistani assets in 2011. The company primarily engages in upstream oil and gas exploration and production across Sindh, managing both onshore and offshore assets. Through UEP Wind Power, the company also operates a 99 MW wind energy project in the Jhimpir wind corridor, a China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiative. This facility was recently acquired by Chinese state-owned

PROFIT

NEWS DESK

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has exempted more than 2,403 Chinese-origin goods from sales tax, income tax and federal excise duty when imported through the Customs Dry Port at Sost for exclusive consumption in Gilgit-Baltistan. The exemption was notified through S.R.O. 2488 (I)/2025, which introduces a special clearance procedure for goods entering Pakistan via the Sost Dry Port. Under the notification, the tax exemptions will apply only if consignment-wise online authorisation is issued in the Customs Computerised Clearance System by a duly notified authority of the Gilgit-Baltistan government. The benefit will be extended by the Collector of Customs on a firstcome, first-served basis within an approved quota. Imports exceeding the allocated quota for local consumption in GilgitBaltistan will be subject to applicable sales tax, income tax and federal excise duty. The Gilgit-Baltistan government has been tasked with ensuring that goods cleared under this arrangement are used exclusively within the region. The notification also empowers the Collector of Customs, Gilgit-Baltistan, to suspend the tax exemption in cases of disruption to customs operations caused by protests or road blockades, following consultation with the regional government. In individual cases involving mis-declaration or where goods are moved outside Gilgit-Baltistan, the Collector of Customs may withdraw the exemption and initiate proceedings under the Customs Act, 1969. The Chief Collector of Customs (Enforcement) has been directed to ensure that goods cleared under the notification are not transported beyond Gilgit-Baltistan’s territorial limits. The FBR said the listed Pakistan Customs Tariff codes covered under the exemption will be reviewed periodically and adjusted as required. A separate procedure will also be developed to distinguish goods imported via Sost for Gilgit-Baltistan from those destined for the rest of the country. All relevant provisions of the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, 1950, the Import Policy Order and the Customs Act, 1969 will continue to apply to imports through the Sost Dry Port, regardless of their final destination.

of Pakistan. Consultations with the Attorney General’s Office and the Ministry of Law and Justice concluded that the relief granted by the LHC was substantive and unlikely to be fully overturned. As a result, the ministry prepared a fresh summary explaining the rationale for not contesting the matter further and for rejecting the concession request. It noted that while five export-oriented sec-

Crisis strangles United Energy, forcing layoﬀs and threatening energy security g

$300M IN UNPAID RECEIVABLES, DELAYED TAX REFUNDS, PUSHING COMPANY INTO SEVERE FINANCIAL STRESS

CNNP Rich Energy. UEP’s workforce is entirely Pakistani, including senior leadership positions, showcasing strong local integration and the company’s role as a model of PakistanChina economic collaboration. Sources told Profit, that the financial crisis at UEP has intensified due to unpaid receivables now standing at approximately $300 million, compounded by delays in tax refund disbursements. The company has already been forced to lay off seventy employees across multiple positions as cash flow constraints bite deep. Out of total pending tax refunds of roughly Rs 87 billion, Rs 21 billion has been released to Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL), but broader disbursement plans remain pending final approval from the Federal Board of Rev-

enue (FBR). SSGCL has expressed willingness to settle UEP’s dues but is waiting for refund releases and clear regulatory directives. UEP’s total receivables had previously reached nearly $400 million, creating severe liquidity stress. Following intervention by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), partial payments of around $100 million were made, providing temporary relief. However, the remaining $300 million continues to pressure the company’s financial position. Sources highlighted that delayed payments are already affecting production planning, capital expenditure, and workforce stability. UEP, which produces about 7,800 barrels of crude oil per day, 50 tons of LPG daily, and approximately 266 million cubic feet per day of natural gas,

Customs agents accuse transporters of doubling freight rates after strike ends

g KARACHI CUSTOMS AGENTS ASSOCIATION URGES ROLLBACK

TO PRE-STRIKE CHARGES AS PORT CONGESTION PERSISTS PROFIT

NEWS DESK

The Karachi Customs Agents Association has accused goods transporters of sharply increasing freight charges despite the conclusion of a week-long strike, warning that the move is adding to costs for businesses and delaying cargo clearance. According to the association, truck rentals on several routes have risen from Rs20,000–30,000 per trip to Rs50,000–60,000, effectively doubling freight costs overnight. It said the increase has compounded financial pressure on traders already facing higher operating expenses, including demurrage and detention charges. The KCAA appealed to transporters to restore pre-strike freight rates, saying a return to normal pricing was necessary to stabilise trade activity

the Karachi International Container Terminal and the South Asian Pakistan Terminal remain in poor condition, leading to severe congestion as trucks and public transport compete for limited road space. The association called on the government to involve customs agents, trade bodies, transporters and relevant departments in decision-making, particularly before policies are introduced that could disrupt logistics and trade. It also proposed the creation of a permanent advisory committee to address transport and trade issues on an ongoing basis and reduce the risk of future disruptions. The KCAA said improved coordination was critical to keeping Karachi’s trade infrastructure functional and preventing further losses stemming from inefficiencies in the transport and logistics system.

in the city. It also said repeated disruptions reflect weak coordination between the government and the transport sector, contributing to economic uncertainty. KCAA General Secretary Sheikh Waqas Anjum said that although the strike ended on December 17 following talks with the government, logistics operations remain under strain due to vehicle shortages and traffic congestion. He said a sudden surge in traffic after the strike had created bottlenecks at key points, including Gul Bai, Mauripur and major entry and exit routes serving port terminals. While port operations continue, congestion has slowed the movement and clearance of goods, he added. He said poor road conditions, weak traffic management and a lack of coordinated planning have worsened the situation. He noted that roads around

ADB rates Pakistan post-flood highways project less than successful g

INDEPENDENT EVALUATION DEPT OF ADB FLAGS EFFECTIVENESS, SUSTAINABILITY GAPS IN $218.8M REHABILITATION SCHEME PROFIT

NEWS DESK

The Independent Evaluation Department (IED) of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has rated the Pakistan: Post-Flood National Highways Rehabilitation Project as less than successful, citing shortcomings in effectiveness and long-term sustainability. According to a news report, in a validation report released this week, the IED found that while the project was relevant and efficiently implemented, it fell short of achieving key outcome targets and lacked sufficient evidence to demonstrate sustainability. The assessment

PROFIT

NEWS DESK

Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain said the government is pursuing export-led growth to support economic stability and reduce the current account deficit, and pledged to address issues raised by traders and exporters. He was speaking as chief guest at a ceremony held at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Friday, attended by LCCI President Fahim ur Rehman Saigol, chamber members and other participants. The minister said the government and business community should jointly develop a comprehensive strategy to increase exports, adding that higher exports would help ease pressure on the external account. He said the government has provided facilities to exporters, including tax reductions on export-oriented cotton, and said further steps would be taken. Referring to past support for the textile sector, he said incentive packages of up to Rs50 billion at a time had been given but ex-

tors, including textiles, carpets, leather, sports goods and surgical instruments, were granted zero-rated sales tax status under an FBR notification and received concessionary gas and RLNG tariffs of $6.57 per mmBtu in 2018, those subsidies were withdrawn in 2023. The commerce ministry said the glass sector’s contribution to exports was insignificant at the time the concessions were introduced and remains limited. It added that broader efforts are underway to enhance export competitiveness through tariff rationalisation, market access and trade facilitation rather than sector-specific energy subsidies. After considering the summary and stakeholder consultations, the ECC approved the proposal to reject Ghani Glass’s request for concessionary gas and RLNG tariffs, including the claim for retrospective application from 2019.

contrasts with the project completion report, which had classified the initiative as successful. The project, launched after the 2010 floods, had an estimated cost of $218.8 million and was supported by an ADB loan of $196.9 million. It involved the rehabilitation of 201 kilometres of national highways and 21 bridges across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Sindh, aimed at restoring transport links damaged by flooding. As part of the initiative, Disaster Management Units were established within the National Highway Authority, and staff received training to manage traffic disruptions during post-disaster situations.

The evaluation noted that the project was implemented efficiently, with an economic internal rate of return of 17.1% at completion, compared with 20% estimated at appraisal. However, the IED said there was insufficient evidence to confirm that intended outcomes, such as safer and more efficient traffic movement, were achieved. It also pointed out that 12 bridges originally included in the project scope were later cancelled and completed using government funding, weakening claims that all planned outputs were delivered under the ADB-financed programme. Concerns were also raised about sustainability. While road maintenance in

Pakistan is largely financed through toll revenues, the report said documentation did not clearly demonstrate that adequate operations and maintenance funding would be available to safeguard the rehabilitated assets over time. The IED noted that although the project played a role in reconnecting communities affected by the floods, weaknesses in monitoring, incomplete outputs and uncertainty over maintenance financing reduced its overall performance rating. The validation report recommended that a project performance evaluation report be prepared in 2026, noting that more than two years have passed since the project’s physical completion.

warned that sustained cash flow constraints could disrupt operations and future exploration projects. The issue has raised concern at senior policy levels, as prolonged delays in clearing undisputed tax refunds and receivables risk undermining foreign investment in Pakistan’s upstream energy sector. Officials stressed that the matter should be treated as a priority case between the taxpayer and FBR, with urgent resolution mechanisms implemented instead of being tied to broader government-wide settlement plans. Industry sources warned that unless receivables and refunds are promptly cleared, UEP’s financial difficulties could threaten production continuity, delay new exploration, and weaken Pakistan’s credibility as a destination for foreign investment, ultimately affecting the country’s long-term energy security. The President of UEP was contacted for comments but remained silent despite repeated attempts to reach him.

SBP injects Rs2.06 trillion liquidity via open market operations Rs1.73 trillion pumped through conventional OMO, Rs335 billion via Islamic window PROFIT

NEWS DESK

The State Bank of Pakistan injected Rs2.06 trillion into the banking system on Friday through conventional and Shariahcompliant open market operations to meet increased liquidity needs linked to government borrowing. Under the conventional open market operation, the SBP injected Rs1.728 trillion for five days at an average rate of 10.51%. Separately, Rs335 billion was provided through a Shariah-compliant Mudarabah-based OMO for the same tenor at a rate of 10.53%, according to the central bank. Commenting on the development, Saad Hanif, head of research at Ismail Iqbal Securities, said liquidity conditions continue to reflect the banking sector’s central role in financing the fiscal deficit. He said the Rs2.06tr injection showed that system liquidity tightens when government cash balances rise or tax collections accelerate, leading banks to depend on central bank funding to manage short-term mismatches. Hanif noted that full bid acceptance in both conventional and Islamic OMOs indicated persistent liquidity demand driven by government financing requirements rather than private-sector credit growth. He added that, in such conditions, OMOs function primarily as an operational tool to recycle liquidity and keep money-market rates within the policy corridor. Earlier this month, the SBP reduced its benchmark policy rate by 50 basis points to 10.5pc, after holding rates at 11pc for four consecutive policy meetings. The central bank last cut rates in May 2025. With the latest reduction, the SBP’s Monetary Policy Committee has lowered the policy rate by a cumulative 1,150 basis points since it peaked at 22pc in June 2024.

Govt pursuing export-led growth to support economic stability, cut current account deficit, says food minister g

RANA TANVEER HUSSAIN SAYS LIVESTOCK MAKES UP 60PC OF AGRICULTURE, CITES PLAN TO EXPORT 300,000 TONNES OF RICE TO IRAN

ports had not risen in line with those measures. He also said interest rates and the policy rate had been reduced, and expressed hope that the policy rate would move to single digits. Rana Tanveer Hussain said improving productivity and quality in local industry and agriculture was necessary to compete internationally and expand market access. He said livestock accounts for 60pc of agriculture and noted that exports are already taking place, adding there is scope to increase exports by improving quality.

He also highlighted the halal food market and said facilities would be provided to support the business community in that area. He said the government is focusing on seed quality and provision of certified seeds to farmers, while fertiliser prices have been kept uniform and supply uninterrupted. On trade expansion, he said efforts are underway to increase exports of edible items, meat, livestock, rice and other commodities, and cited steps to enhance trade with Iran, including exporting 300,000

tonnes of rice to Iran. He also referred to olives and fisheries as sectors with export potential and said Pakistan should expand export access, including to African and other emerging markets. He said Pakistani ambassadors have been instructed to support export promotion as part of the government’s approach, and emphasised the role of overseas Pakistanis in supporting the economy. LCCI officials and other speakers said the business community would support the government in meeting export targets.

NEWS 03 9TH CPEC MEDIA FORUM HIGHLIGHTS MEDIA AS STRATEGIC PILLAR OF CHINA-PAKISTAN PARTNERSHIP Sunday, 28 December, 2025 | ISLAMABAD

BEIJING

Staff RepoRt

HE 9th China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Media Forum held recently was more than a routine dialogue: it served as a timely reminder that media has emerged as a strategic pillar of the China-Pakistan relationship. Against a backdrop of intensifying geopolitical competition and fast-spreading disinformation, the forum’s theme—“Strengthen Media Cooperation, Advance the Construction of the Upgraded Version 2.0 of CPEC”—highlighted a shared recognition: without robust, credible communication, even the most ambitious infrastructure projects risk being misunderstood or misrepresented. This was stated by Prof. Cheng Xizhong, senior research fellow at the Charhar Institute, a non-governmental Chinese think tank on diplomacy and international studies based in Beijing. He said that this year’s discussions made clear that media is no longer a peripheral actor in ChinaPakistan ties but a frontline player in shaping public opinion and safeguarding mutual trust. Pakistani and

Chinese speakers alike noted that in an era of “information warfare,” false narratives can damage reputations, undermine policies, and even affect national security. Prof Cheng said that the proposal by Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar to establish a China-Pakistan joint fact-checking mechanism is therefore not merely a technical fix but a concrete step toward protecting the bilateral relationship from external manipulation. Similarly, Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong’s call for media to act as “bridges” between the two nations underscores the expectation that journalists and analysts should explain not only what CPEC is doing, but why it matters to ordinary people, he added. He said that as CPEC enters its “Version 2.0” phase, with greater emphasis on high-tech, green development and people-centered projects, the role of media becomes even more critical. The shift from a narrative dominated by ports and power plants to one highlighting job creation, energy security, and climate cooperation requires journalists who can tell nuanced stories and experts who can

provide context. Minister of State for Climate Change Shezra Mansab Ali Kharal rightly stressed that media can help project a positive image of China’s cooperation with the Global South, offering an alternative to the confrontational narratives prevalent in some Western discourse. The presence of senior journalists, think-tank scholars, and business representatives at the forum demonstrated that media cooperation is a multi-stakeholder endeavor. It is not just about government messaging, but about building a dense network of personal and institutional ties between professionals who influence how China and Pakistan are seen at home and abroad, he said. The Chinese scholar said that in short, the 9th CPEC Media Forum reinforced a simple but powerful idea: infrastructure connects countries physically, but media connects them in the minds and hearts of their peoples. By promoting accurate, timely, and responsible reporting, China and Pakistan are investing not only in roads and power grids but also in a shared narrative that can withstand the pressures of a turbulent international environment.

Bilawal underscores greater provincial role to resolve centre’s financial challenges CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

He added that rather than stripping powers from provinces, the federal government should delegate more responsibilities to them. Pointing to tax collection, he said, “We will collect taxes better than the Federal Board of Revenue and eliminate your financial crises.” He further suggested that provinces should manage electricity supply through power utilities, stating, “We will perform better than the Centre.” Bilawal highlighted that reconciliation and responsible politics are essential to resolve the country’s political crisis. He condemned actions like the May 9, 2023 riots and cursing of institutional heads, urging parties to abandon “political extremism” and focus on national interest. “Benazir and the PPP never pursued politics of revenge, as it harms the country, its people, and the party’s supporters,” he added. PRESIDENT ZARDARI PAYS TRIBUTE, REITERATES READINESS TO DEFEND PAKISTAN Speaking at the programme, President Asif Ali Zardari said Benazir’s assassination was a reminder that Pakistan must always be defended, both militarily and ideologically. He lauded the Pakistan Army’s “befitting response” to the May conflict with India and warned that any threat to Pakistan would be met with full resolve. Earlier, Zardari emphasized the need for “unity over division,” recalling Benazir’s lifelong commitment to reconciliation, democracy, and inclusivity. He highlighted her achievements as the first female prime minister of a Muslim country, her steadfast support for constitutional supremacy, and her dedication to marginalized communities, including women, workers, farmers, and minorities.“Her courage in the face of extremism remains one of her most enduring legacies,” Zardari said. “Her assassination reminds us that the fight against terrorism is not only about security, but also about ideas, education, and respect for diversity.” POLITICAL LEADERS AND FAMILY PAY HOMAGE PM pays tribute to Shaheed BB on her martyrdom anniversary Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Saturday, paid tribute to Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, former prime minister and said that she had waged an unprecedented struggle for democracy, public rights and the stability of the federation of Pakistan. In a message on Shaheed BB’s martyrdom anniversary, he said that today, they were observing the martyrdom anniversary of Pakistan’s great daughter, former prime minister Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed. Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto encouraged positive values such as tolerance and harmony in democracy, he said, adding Shaheed BB promoted a culture of forbearance in the political process, which was commendable The contributions of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto for the country and the nation will always be remembered. Patriotism etched prominently in the political legacy of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto,” PM Office Media Wing, in a press release, quoted the prime minister as saying. He further said that Mohtarma BB took valuable steps to strengthen the role of women, protect the rights of minorities and make Pakistan a peaceful, progressive, and democratic state, adding her sacrifices and services were a beacon of light for the nation. The prime minister stressed upon reaffirming of their

resolve to carry forward the journey of tolerance, patience, rule of law and public welfare in Pakistan for which Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto laid down her life. He also prayed for grant of the highest place for the departed soul of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto and patience upon her family and followers. NAQVI PAYS GLOWING TRIBUTE TO BENAZIR BHUTTO ON HER MARTYRDOM ANNIVERSARY Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi, in his message on the martyrdom anniversary of former Prime Minister Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, paid rich tribute to her lifelong struggle, calling her “the name of an era that will forever live on.” Naqvi said Benazir Bhutto’s national and political services for Pakistan would always be remembered.He described her as a symbol of hope, perseverance and unwavering commitment to democratic principles. “Shaheed Benazir Bhutto firmly believed in the power of the people,” the minister noted, adding that she sacrificed her life for a peaceful, progressive and democratic Pakistan. He said Benazir Bhutto’s vision continued to serve as a guiding light for all democratic forces in the country. She regarded workers, farmers and marginalized segments of society as the true foundation of national development, he added. Naqvi said her dream was of a Pakistan where the dignity of every citizen was upheld and democracy strengthened. “Today, President Asif Ali Zardari and Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari are carrying forward the legacy of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto,” he said, adding that her ideology “is alive today and will remain alive tomorrow.” BB’S LEGACY LIVES ON; SAYS KHURSHEED SHAH Senior PPP leader Syed Khurshid Ahmed Shah has said that Shaheed Benazir Bhutto’s services for the country, democracy and people were unforgettable. In his statement on Saturday, he said that Benazir Bhutto struggled for democracy, peace, prosperity and national defense, transferring power from dictators to the people. Democracy is the path to national security, peace, progress and prosperity, and PPP members will continue to work for democracy, peace, and development according to her vision, he emphasized.Shah paid tribute to Benazir Bhutto on her death anniversary, saluting her struggle and sacrifice for democracy. Bilawal, in a statement, said his mother’s “supreme sacrifice was a pledge written in blood that democracy in Pakistan would never surrender.” He reaffirmed the PPP’s commitment to social and economic justice, women’s empowerment, minority protection, and constitutional supremacy. Benazir’s daughter Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari visited her mother’s mausoleum, posting on social media: “She lived with courage and led with compassion. Her strength lives on in every voice that refuses injustice.” Senator Sherry Rehman also lauded Benazir’s vision and resilience, highlighting her enduring legacy through her family and the PPP. A government delegation led by National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq departed for Garhi Khuda Bakhsh to attend the gathering, including Adviser to PM Rana Sanaullah, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, and MNAs.

Nation remembers Shaheed Benazir as trailblazer of democracy, women’s empowerment CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described her contributions as monumental: “Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto took exemplary steps to strengthen the role of women, protect the rights of minorities, and make Pakistan a peaceful, progressive, and democratic state. Her sacrifices and services are a beacon of light for the nation.” President Asif Ali Zardari highlighted Bhutto’s vision for an inclusive Pakistan: “She rejected sectarianism, bigotry, and intolerance, and consistently spoke for the protection of minorities. Her life offers a clear lesson to the youth: speak up for justice, organize peacefully, and do not surrender hope in the face of adversity.” The Bhutto family, like other powerful political dynasties in South Asia—including India’s Gandhis and Sri Lanka’s Bandaranaikes—has endured extraordinary personal losses. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the founder of the family’s political legacy, was toppled by the military in 1977 and later executed, while both his sons died under mysterious circumstances. Benazir

herself survived a suicide attack in October 2007 that killed nearly 150 people upon her return from an eightyear exile, before falling victim to a second deadly attack in December 2007. Today, her son Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari leads the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), while her daughter Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari serves as the country’s First Lady. Aseefa remembered her mother’s enduring legacy on social media: “She lived with courage and led with compassion. Her strength lives on in every voice that refuses injustice.” Pakistan’s history has been punctuated by military interventions, with nearly half of its post-independence period under direct military rule. Both former premiers Imran Khan and Nawaz Sharif have claimed to have been removed due to disagreements with the military, although the army maintains that it does not interfere in politics. Benazir Bhutto’s life and sacrifice remain a symbol of democratic resilience, women’s empowerment, and the enduring struggle for justice and political inclusivity in Pakistan.

04 COMMENT

Hainan 2025 and China’s new model for an open economy

UAE President

Visit does not produce any agreements, but strong on bonhomie

AE President Muhammad bin Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan paid his first visit to Pakistan, a destination to which his late father and predecessor, Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan had visited frequently. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had shown a penchant for putting together trade deals, but with this visit he seems to have refrained, and though the economic ties between the two remained on even keel during this visit, he cannot remain unmindful of the importance of the relationship. The economic dimension remains foremost. Essentially, Pakistan imports Emirati oil, and exports labour. These matters got a nod tossed their way by the mention of cooperation in collaborating in energy and information technology. However, it is also worth noting that the UAE’s being a signatory to the Abraham Accords and thus having recognized Israel, perhaps prevented the almost ritual mention of Israel’s attempt at genocide in the Gaza Strip that is made in official communqués. If the topic was raised, it must have come during the discussion of ‘important regional and international developments.’ The UAE being a close regional ally of the USA would be paying attention to the fact that Pakistan was also trying to get close to the USA, and that too through sending peacekeepers to the Gaza Strip. The UAE has also got $2 billion on deposit with the State Bank, and this is due in January, unless rolled over again. Only Saudi Arabia has a larger deposit ($3 billion), and it should be noted that together with the UAE deposit, has helped prop up Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves. The Saudi and Emirati deposits were required by the IMF before it approved the current EFF. It should also be noted the UAE follows the Saudi lead in world affairs, and together they follow the USA’s. However, both have to pay attention to domestic public opinion, and thus they must be consulted about the proposed Pakistani deployment. It is also to be assumed that Pakistan’s purchase, under the pressure of US tariffs, of US crude would have been discussed, the UAE being a much larger supplier, with the US crude replacing it. While it was not discussed, unless it was covered by the mention in the communqué of peopleto-people contacts, Dubai, the capital of UAE of which the President is also Ruler, is developing as a tourist resort, and Pakistan is joining the Arab world in making it its playground.

One more step to easing business

DR IMRAN KHALID

N December 18, exactly 47 years after the landmark plenum that launched China’s reform era, Beijing drew a definitive line around the island of Hainan. By midnight, this tropical province, roughly the size of Belgium, was severed from the mainland’s customs territory. The launch of island-wide independent customs operations is not merely a technical adjustment to trade routes; it is a calculated geopolitical statement. In an era where the old guardians of globalization in the West are retreating behind walls of subsidies and tariffs, China is attempting to build a gateway in the South China Sea that functions on an entirely different logic. The timing of the Hainan move is as significant as its geography. For years, the global conversation has been dominated by talk of decoupling and derisking. The conventional wisdom in Washington and Brussels suggests that the era of deep economic integration is over, replaced by a more fragmented world of rival trading blocs. Yet, by turning Hainan into a free trade port of this scale, Beijing is betting that the world’s appetite for market access still outweighs the political desire for isolation. The mechanics of the new Hainan regime are designed to test the limits of what institutional openness can achieve within a socialist market economy. Under the new rules, the share of goods eligible to enter the island tariff-free has jumped from 21 percent to 74 percent. More importantly, the valueadded processing rule allows goods with 30 percent local content to enter the rest of the Chinese mainland duty-free. This is a powerful incentive for international firms to treat the island as a manufacturing hub for the vast domestic market, effectively bypassing the traditional barriers that often frustrate foreign capital. For those who track the shifting balance of power in Asia, Hainan’s transformation serves a dual purpose. First, it is a clear bid to anchor the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the burgeoning China-ASEAN trade corridor. By po-

Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami

Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor

Punjab’s vibrant digital rise M. A. Niazi

Babar Nizami

Editor Pakistan Today

Editor Profit

QuDRAt uLLAH

UNJAB’S transformation over the past year is no longer quiet; it is vibrant, deliberate, and increasingly visible in the daily lives of its citizens. Under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the province is embracing a wave of technology-driven reforms that are reshaping governance, empowering youth and women, and connecting local talent to the global digital economy. From paperless business approvals and digital land records to largescale IT training programmes and green mobility initiatives, Punjab is demonstrating that digital modernization can be both inclusive and practical, turning ambition into tangible opportunity across the province. At the heart of this transformation is a shift from opaque, paper-heavy bureaucracy to transparent, citizen-centric systems. The eBiz Punjab portal exemplifies this change. As a single digital gateway for business approvals and no-objection certificates, it has compressed processes that once stretched over months or years into just a few days. By limiting human mediation and automating workflows, the platform reduces delays, curbs discretionary decision-making, and signals that the government views citizens as partners in progress. This philosophy of efficiency and dignity is mirrored within government departments through e-filing systems such as eFOAS, which create traceable decision-making chains and recalibrate bureaucratic culture toward accountability and delivery. Few reforms, however, resonate as profoundly with citizens as the digitization of land and property records. In Punjab, where land ownership is closely tied to family stability and economic security, digital records protect rights, prevent tampering, and restore a fragile trust in institutions. This procedural reform may be quiet, but its impact is tangible. mrcan now access verified documentation and secure their assets without intermediaries, fostering both social and economic confidence. The most dynamic aspect of this transformation, however, lies in its investment in people. The provincial government has opened doors for rural women, training 27,000 participants in IT and digital skills under a comprehensive programme. Women receive scholarships, devices, and formal certification while learning coding, web development, digital

marketing, freelancing, social media management, office automation, and cybersecurity. By enabling home-based work and online business ventures, the initiative eliminates barriers of distance and tradition, empowering women to earn a dignified income while participating fully in the digital economy. In the words of the CM, these women are poised to become “the founders of a digital revolution in Punjab,” demonstrating that technology can serve as a tool for social and economic equality. Youth empowerment runs parallel to this initiative. The Hunarmand Jawan programme provides free advanced IT training to thousands of young people, equipping them with globally relevant skills and connecting them to international job opportunities. By prioritizing employability and entrepreneurship, the program transforms youth from job-seekers into innovators capable of competing in a borderless digital economy. This vision is further strengthened by the CM Punjab Laptop Programme 2025 and the Global IT Certifications initiative, which supply high-performance laptops and reimburse certification fees for global tech credentials from companies like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, IBM, and Meta. These initiatives ensure that Punjab’s youth are not only digitally literate but globally competitive. Connectivity underpins all of these efforts. Free Wi-Fi initiatives in Lahore and rural internet expansion projects recognize that inclusion requires access. Digital infrastructure allows citizens to participate in e-governance, online education, freelancing, and global marketplaces, ensuring that opportunity is not confined to urban centres. Punjab’s digital rise also extends to sustainability. Pilot projects distributing electric vehicles and buses in Lahore, alongside the Chief Minister’s e-Bikes scheme for students, are promoting eco-friendly mobility while integrating transparency through digital registration and balloting. These initiatives link environmental responsibility with practical public service, demonstrating that digital modernization can be simultaneously green and inclusive. Artificial intelligence, however, represents the next frontier of opportunity. Globally, AI is transforming industries, creating new economic opportunities, and redefining the work culture. For Punjab’s youth, AI is not a distant trend; it is the gateway to participation in the global economy. By developing skills in AI, machine learning, data analytics, and automation, people

sitioning Hainan as a bridge between Southeast Asia and the Chinese heartland, Beijing is reinforcing its role as the indispensable economic sun around which the regional planets orbit. If the project succeeds, the island will become a laboratory for the kind of highstandard trade rules required for China’s ultimate goal of joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). However, the challenges are as significant as the ambitions. Skeptics often point out that while Hainan has the scale and the support of the central government, it lacks the deep-seated legal traditions and financial sophistication that made Hong Kong a global icon. Creating a free trade port is about more than just lowering tariffs; it requires a predictable regulatory environment and a level of transparency that satisfies international investors. The 15 percent flat tax for talent and corporations is a start, but the real test will be whether the island can develop the soft infrastructure of trust that global commerce demands. The strategic dimension is also hard to ignore. Hainan sits at the edge of the South China Sea, a region fraught with maritime disputes and naval posturing. By emphasizing “blue partnerships” and ocean governance, as seen in the recent symposiums in Sanya, China is trying to frame its maritime presence through the lens of cooperation and shared development. The message is that the South China Sea should be a theater of trade rather than a theater of conflict. Whether this economic charm offensive can quiet the geopolitical anxieties of neighboring capitals remains an open question. In many ways, Hainan is the ultimate pilot project for the next phase of the Chinese economy. The old model of growth, fueled by property and infrastructure, is being replaced by a drive for high-tech innovation and modern services. By opening sectors like healthcare and telecommunications on the island, Beijing is using Hainan to see how much liberalization the domestic system can absorb without losing its core characteristics. If the experiment works, the Hainan model could eventually be exported to other

The world will be watching to see if Hainan can live up to the hype. If it does, it will not only reshape the geography of Asian trade but also provide a new template for how a major power can use institutional innovation to navigate a fractured global order.

Karachi – Ph: 021-32640318 I

The writer is a freelance columnist

Editor’s mail

IMF says what?

can create solutions, build startups, and compete internationally without leaving the comfort of their homes. Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s digital technology programs have laid the foundation; it is now up to the youth to seize these tools and ensure that Punjab becomes a hub of innovation and AI-enabled growth in South Asia. Sector-specific digitalization reinforces this trajectory. High-tech farm mechanization improves agricultural productivity, digital systems in healthcare strengthen service delivery, and modernized education platforms expand access to quality learning. These reforms demonstrate that technology is being woven into the fabric of democratic governance and society, rather than existing as a series of isolated initiatives. Punjab’s vibrant digital rise is procedural rather than theatrical, yet its impact is palpable. It is seen in the time saved by entrepreneurs, the security of landowners, the first online earnings of rural women, and the aspirations of students opening laptops for the first time. Under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, technology is being deployed with the purpose: to govern effectively, empower the marginalized, and prepare citizens to thrive in a world increasingly defined by artificial intelligence and global digital opportunity. The message is clear: The Punjab province is moving forward, quietly but decisively, and the youth have a historic opportunity. By embracing AI, coding, and digital entrepreneurship, they can transform this vibrant digital infrastructure into personal and collective success, connecting Punjab to the broader global economy. This is not a distant dream; it is a present possibility, and those who act now will shape the next chapter of Punjab’s transformation. The writer is a Lahore-based public policy analyst and can be reached at qudratu@gmail.com

Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545

parts of the country, signaling a broader reopening just when many thought China was turning inward. The broader international context makes the Hainan project particularly poignant. We are living through a period of profound disillusionment with the liberal international order. In the United States, both sides of the political aisle have embraced protectionism as a tool of national security. In Europe, the struggle to maintain industrial competitiveness has led to a flurry of anti-subsidy investigations. In this landscape, China is positioning itself as the unlikely champion of the open world economy. The rhetoric from Haikou and Beijing emphasizes “certainty” in an uncertain world. There is, of course, a risk that Hainan becomes an island in more ways than one. If the “second line” of customs between the island and the mainland remains too rigid, the benefits of the free trade port could be bottled up. If the global trade war intensifies, even the most generous incentives might not be enough to lure companies wary of secondary sanctions or supply chain disruptions. The success of the project depends not just on what happens in the customs halls of Yangpu Port, but on the broader health of the relationship between China and the West. Yet, as of December 2025, the momentum is undeniably with the builders. The arrival of the first intercontinental shipping lines and the expansion of visa-free access to dozens of countries suggest a region that is looking outward. The decision to launch these operations on the anniversary of the 1978 reforms is a deliberate nod to history. It is a reminder that China’s rise was built on a willingness to experiment and a refusal to accept the status quo. The world will be watching to see if Hainan can live up to the hype. If it does, it will not only reshape the geography of Asian trade but also provide a new template for how a major power can use institutional innovation to navigate a fractured global order. For now, the island stands as a testament to a simple but powerful idea: that even in a world of rising barriers, the logic of the market and the lure of connectivity remain the most potent forces in international affairs. Beijing has placed a massive bet on Hainan; the payout could redefine the next decade of globalization.

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

The message is clear: The Punjab province is moving forward, quietly but decisively, and the youth have a historic opportunity. By embracing AI, coding, and digital entrepreneurship, they can transform this vibrant digital infrastructure into personal and collective success, connecting Punjab to the broader global economy.

Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965

Sunday, 28 December, 2025

WHAT new truths has the recent Governance and Corruption Diagnostic Assessment Report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) revealed that most Pakistanis had not always known, talked about or painfully endured? Nothing, really. Absolutely nothing. Were we truly unaware of the astronomical salaries, perks and pensions granted to judges and parliamentarians? Did we not notice thousands of luxury vehicles purchased with taxpayers’ money to comfort the bureaucratic bigwigs? Were we oblivious to our leaders’ endless foreign junkets, essentially holidaying with family and friends at public expense? Were we blind to the non-stop barrage of shameless self-promotional advertisements on television and in newspapers, proudly showcasing leaders who never contributed a single rupee of their own to the projects they claim credit for? Were we fast asleep when the Ministry of Information Technology billed Rs703 million for a two-day Digital Foreign Direct Investment conference held earlier this year? Were we collectively in a state of paralysis when everyone knew that the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB) was siphoning off Rs3.2 billion every year from a single sanitation contract by stealing Rs22,000 from each worker’s monthly salary? Let us not fool ourselves. We have always known exactly how our greedy, insatiable elite class, in a million shameless ways, has been siphoning off every single drop of resource for its own benefits. The IMF report offers no startling insight except a loud echo of our own failings. We, as citizens, chose convenience over conscience, and silence over standing up for the voiceless. Can we reverse this equation? NAEEM SADIQ KARACHI

No bins, no sense

UNIVERSITIES, colleges and libraries across town are places where students and faculty members spend a significant amount of time studying. The lack of dustbins in such places is a serious issue. Dustbins are an important part of the environment because they help maintain cleanliness. Unfortunately, educational institutes do not pay attention to the necessity of such facilities. Due to the lack of dustbins, students throw crumpled up papers and empty wrappers on the floor. While civic sense is important, dustbins would also encourage students to use them. Many major institutes in Balochistan face this exact issue. The government should encourage institutes to comply with basic hygiene standards, including the installation of proper waste management systems. SHOKAT BALOCH KULANCH

Balochistan’s tiny labourers

CHILD labour is a huge problem in Balochistan. Due to this, Baloch people are suffering day by day and it affects children’s health. Children spend more than 12 hours in the blistering sun without resting for even an hour. Their skin is full of blisters and they are sick most of the time. Child labourers start their day at 7 am and return home from the fields late in the evening. They spend their lives working on farms without any holidays. Their condition is heart-wrenching, and anyone who sees them can’t help but cry. These children are compelled to work due to circumstances. If someone talks to them about their life, they might seem happy, but that’s because they don’t know anything else. They haven’t experienced an enjoyable life. When people from other provinces learn about their story, they become confused and sad due to the stark contrast with their own lives. My request to the Government of Pakistan is to provide good educational facilities to these children so they can enjoy their life, get an education and have opportunities beyond farming. IJAZ DK HUB

Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk

Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk

COMMENT 05

Decentralizing colonial pursuits

Sunday, 28 December, 2025

Allies’ boots doing the job Naqi akbar

OR any student of international relations and geopolitics; there are very symmetrical trends which indicate that in a unipolar world, despite the fact that the policies are pushed and dictated by the USA, the apparent visibility of its military power seldom crosses the B-52 threshold; symbolic flights even for just refueling purposes, if not else? The only exception has been the June 2025 B-1 Lancer bombing raids of Fordow atomic sites in Iran. Why we see these trends emanates from the fact that after the devastating wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, despite the fact that the occupation did not leave the aforementioned states too soon; but the eventual surrender to the people of these countries meant that these wars were nothing but a burden on the treasury. The resources which could have been spent on other heads of expenditure went there. A closer look at the US elections after the two invasions reveals a very distinct antiwar slant; where the voters appreciated those candidates who opposed wars; or in other words opposed sending too many American sons and daughters to the call of duty; a sentiment which first made its presence felt much earlier after the futile Vietnam war ending 1975, but knocked the door again in 2008/09. Later US deployments in the Middle East on sporadic basis, especially in Lebanon, also brought body bags; when the 243 or so US Marines were killed in a single strike attributed decades later to a Lebanese Amal/Hezbollah operative Emad Mughniyeh. It was not before the 2001 Afghanistan war in the backdrop of 9/11 and Iraq invasion in 2003 under the pretext of the WMD that the US economy and the polity felt the heat of the war fought in the foreign lands; a sentiment even picked up by vocalist groups like Status Quo way back in 1986 in their famous song “In the Army Now”. Wars by nature are resource draining initiatives; which, if the initial victory is not achieved and the war effort gets into a stalemate, can eat away any economy. That precisely happened between the years 2001 to 2011 when both the fronts of Afghanistan and Iraq were blazing with IEDs and continuous human losses. The balance sheets were reflective of internal debts and the deficits ran to billions and trillions.

Apparently, the human development indicators got the hit and the loss of sons and daughters in the foreign assignments coupled with what the voter called ‘misplaced expenditure priorities’ created a firm voter block; which we might call the decisive swing vote in the South Asian context, which opposed war. The obvious choice for the US voters after the two terms of war mongering Republicans were the circumstantial antiwar democrats who forwarded Barak Obama as the choice for the President of the United States. Obama’s ascent was precisely on the note of minimizing wars outside the borders but quietly subletting wars under the vague banners; actually, subletting the same to the willing stakeholders and partners. The first test of that strategy was witnessed in the case of the Syrian civil war during 2011 to 2024; the local stakeholders were encouraged to wage a proxy war; with apparently the USA looking like to be unconcerned about what was happening until 2013-onwards period, when the USA and Russians were face to face with Iran and the Syrian Baath setup supported by the Russians while the Jihadists again supported by the USA through Qatar and Turkey, in terms of finance as well as logistics; with southern districts of Turkey playing the same role for Syria, which Pakistan played in the 1980s for the USA in the case of Afghanistan. The succeeding Republicans again did not want to pursue war either. The Trump era was punctuated with the earlier laying down of the foundations of the ‘Abraham Accords’. The only indirect war; that one again with Iran under the pretext of containing Houthi influence in the Arabian Peninsula and Yemen, which started during the Obama years continued during the Trump years. The Biden years were basically uneventful; as the period looked more like a transitional period. The Biden government

did not act out of the way for the IDF but never abandoned support for it. With the second Trump era heralding with a ceasefire between Hamas and IDF and the prisoner exchange; in a way signaling that the USA was not for war but for peace; but that was in fact another deceptive smokescreen where the USA was pulling back and going for more political solutions around the globe in conflicts where it has its strategic interests; while in practice it was letting its regional partners, soldiers of fortune, non-state actors do its job. The range of indirect US interventions through its regional allies ranges from interfering in regional conflicts in Africa; specifically in Sudan or even in the Maghreb region (and now Nigeria); where nation states now not more than a wasteland and a cause of concern for the United Nations are being inter-

These quickset solutions might benefit the unipolar calculations; as they continue to call the shots; but the ally statesÊ governance structures continue to be trapped in the quagmire of ÂregimentationÊ, ÂdictatorshipÊ and evolution of a democratic polity into a military one; where Âsincere words of adviceÊ might see their natural path ÂwantingÊ. With cold war, war on terror 1, 2 and 3 behind, what is needed is; what in reality can be construed as a utopian wish for the rule of logic; not brute power.

Attacks on media houses, unruly politics, and the new democratic risk

Bangladesh is now witnessing the emergence of non-state actors hell-bent on threatening media freedom

THE DAILY STAR

Dr S M rezwaN-Ul-alaM

HE smoke that rose from Karwan Bazar during the early hours of December 19 did not begin with fire. It started with grief, or so it seemed, apparently over the tragic killing of young leader Sharif Osman Hadi that shook the entire nation. In reality, that grief was exploited by vested quarters to do what many believe they wanted to do for long. Thus, the attacks on the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, along with the unruly behaviour directed at New Age editor Nurul Kabir, were not spontaneous outbursts borne out of mourning. They were the result of a political atmosphere in which anger is weaponised and violence is quietly rationalised as moral action. Hadi’s killing became the emotional trigger, but the target was the press. That shift tells us something deeply unsettling about how dissent, grief, and power are being managed today. When the state cannot clearly and forcefully defend journalists, it sends a message that some forms of violence are tolerable, even if they are officially condemned. Democracy does not collapse all at once. It erodes slowly, through moments when the state hesitates and non-state actors step forward to fill the space. The most troubling feature of these attacks is that they were carried out by groups that do not formally control the state, yet claim moral authority over it. These actors claim to defend national interest, religious values, or popular sentiment. In reality, they operate outside the law while masquerading as patriots or devotees. This is a classic pattern seen in fragile democracies. When unruly groups begin to decide who is loyal and who is a traitor, the rule of law is replaced by sheer misjudgement. Hadi’s killing intensified this process. His death created a powerful emotional narrative, especially among a section of young people who already distrust institutions. Instead of channelling that grief towards demands for investigation, accountability, and reform, influential

vened into through support for the warlords having no mass following but sophisticated weapons in their possession. Here it is pertinent to note that that interference has recently manifested itself in investments by the allied states; with finances from one ally and military expertise from another ‘willing’ ally. Without naming the states, a cursory look at the Middle East, South Asia and Far East reveals that the USA has encouraged states having deep pockets to invest in the arms and ammunition needs of the rogue elements as it did in the case of Syrian civil war and combine that with expertise available; as has been observed in the case of Indonesia and other ‘willing states’ providing the largest contingent for the proposed Gaza peacekeeping force; a potentially controversial ‘policing job’. In fact the USA had maintained what can be called the ‘looking the

voices redirected it towards media houses. They were accused of distortion, bias, or silence. Whether these accusations are fair or not became irrelevant. What mattered was that the press had become a symbol, and symbols are easily burned. This redirection did not happen organically. A significant role was played by online figures operating from outside the country. These digital actors speak loudly but risk nothing. From safe distances in Europe or North America, they frame events in moral absolutes and encourage confrontation. They do not face tear gas, arrest, or retaliation. Those consequences fall on young men on the streets, many of whom believe they are acting heroically. In this sense, the violence against media houses was due as much to local anger as to outsourced radicalisation. At the heart of this lies a dangerous misunderstanding of how media power actually works. Many attackers seem to believe that newspapers possess an almost magical ability to shape public opinion and fate, as if a single headline can sway the thoughts of millions overnight. This belief comes from an outdated view of communication, one that treats audiences as passive and the media as all-powerful. Modern research shows the opposite. Media influence is limited, filtered through personal beliefs, social networks, and digital algorithms. People choose what they consume. They argue, reject, remix, and ignore. In today’s Bangladesh, newspapers are no longer the dominant source of information. Social media platforms shape opinion far more aggressively and far less responsibly. Rumours spread faster than facts, and outrage travels further than evidence. If the genuine concern were manipulation, attention would be directed towards unregulated digital ecosystems. Burning newspaper offices does nothing to solve that problem. It only creates fear and silence. Yet, defending the press does not mean denying its weaknesses. Major media houses in Bangladesh have often failed to communicate effectively with the public, particularly with younger generations. They often speak in formal language, remain distant during crises, and assume that credibility speaks for itself. In a polarised environment, that assumption can be fatal. When accusations of being “anti-state” circulated, media institutions responded slowly and defensively. They did not explain their editorial processes. They did not humanise their tone. They did not actively en-

gage in online narratives that were turning hostile. This gap made it easier for non-state actors to define the media before the media could define itself. Silence was interpreted as arrogance or guilt. In an age where perception moves faster than truth, that silence became dangerous. To understand why this moment matters, it is helpful to consider a simple model of media attacks by non-state actors. The process usually unfolds in five stages. First, a triggering event occurs, often involving death, injustice, or humiliation. Hadi’s killing fits this stage. Second, emotional narratives spread rapidly, amplified by social media and external influencers. Third, the media is framed as an enemy, accused of betrayal or distortion. Fourth, symbolic violence is carried out against media institutions to demonstrate power and unity. Ultimately, fear sets in, leading to self-censorship and a weakening of accountability. This model shows why such attacks are not isolated incidents. They are structural threats to democracy. Bangladesh is now witnessing the emergence of nonstate actors hell-bent on threatening media freedom. The state’s response at this stage is crucial. Condemnation without enforcement is not enough. The interim government must make it unmistakably clear that violence against the press is a red line. That means arrests, prosecutions, and public accountability, regardless of who the perpetrators claim to represent. At the same time, media institutions must change. They cannot afford to remain insulated silos. They must engage directly with citizens, especially young people. They must explain why journalism matters, how stories are verified, and where mistakes are acknowledged and corrected. Trust cannot be assumed. It must be rebuilt, patiently and publicly. The fire in Karwan Bazar was not just an attack on two newspaper buildings; it was also an attack on press freedom. It was a signal that showed how quickly anger can be redirected, how easily non-state actors can shape political action, and how vulnerable democratic institutions become when both the state and the media fail to act decisively. If this moment is not taken seriously, the next crisis will be worse. And the subsequent fire may not stop at media houses.

Dr S M Rezwan-Ul-Alam is associate professor of media, communication, and journalism at North South University.

other way attitude’ with respect to their governance issues, especially the human rights issues of states opting to be willing allies. In that way, the US influence, despite the fact that the US firepower is depleting with the passage of time, has been able to maintain its nuisance value in one way or another. Another observation voiced by independent journalists and analysts especially of South Asian origin has been the ascent of Israel as the real time US policy tool. It might look odd to restate it; but the fact remains that the Abraham Accords, the near-genocide in Gaza, the neutralization of resistance as well as Hamas, with secular militant organization PLO already toothless, has been done by the IDF with the final beneficiary the USA. Here it is pertinent to note that the so-called East, in the form of China and Russia, has in fact stopped short of posing any real threat to the unipolar domination. These quickset solutions might benefit the unipolar calculations; as they continue to call the shots; but the ally states’ governance structures continue to be trapped in the quagmire of ‘regimentation’, ‘dictatorship’ and evolution of a democratic polity into a military one; where ‘sincere words of advice’ might see their natural path ‘wanting’. With cold war, war on terror 1, 2 and 3 behind, what is needed is; what in reality can be construed as a utopian wish for the rule of logic; not brute power. The director of the 2023 movie Umro Ayyar might have precisely wished that to be communicated. The writer is a freelance columnist

Robert McNamara: Tearful architect of the Vietnam war

McNamara’s tears were expressions of deep, debilitating guilt over his role as an architect of the Vietnam war The authors portray McNamara as if he were in a macabre game show ... consistently buzzing the wrong answer for himself and his country

THE FINANCIAL TIMES aNgUS reilly

OBERT McNamara cried often. The US secretary of defence during the Vietnam war wept at services for soldiers, in meetings debating the war’s conduct and at his own final ceremony when President Lyndon Johnson awarded him the Medal of Freedom in 1968. Later in life, as he wrestled publicly with his remorse, he cried in interviews with journalists, in documentaries and at seminars with historians. Someone who knew him once told me, scathingly, it was his “party trick”. Philip and William Taubman, brothers and each an experienced biographer, fix on McNamara’s internal conflict in their new book, McNamara at War. They open in 1968 with him trudging down to his office in his final years, anoraked and morose, and return to that image in their closing chapters. The crying was no affectation. McNamara’s tears were expressions of deep, debilitating guilt over his role as an architect of the Vietnam war. The authors note that by his eighties he had become suicidal, and in one of his last conversations with his son he admitted he felt God had “abandoned” him. It was not meant to have been this way. McNamara became secretary of defence under President Kennedy in 1961, having been a “Whiz Kid” at the Ford Motor Company, where he was remembered as having a “phenomenal IQ and a steel-trap mind”. In the Kennedy administration, McNamara was the quintessential member of “the best and the brightest”, as David Halberstam termed them in his book of the same name. “He was intelligent, forceful, courageous, decent,” describes Halberstam, “everything, in fact, but wise.” McNamara’s worldview was in accord with those heady years of American power. South Vietnam mattered because its fall, he believed, would send communism cascading across Asia as far as Japan and India, even imperilling American interests in Turkey. As early as November 1961, he urged Kennedy to dispatch 200,000 men to fight the North Vietnamese, adding that even if the Chinese invaded, the US would still be able to defend Berlin from the Soviets. The world was at stake in McNamara and Lyndon Johnson’s conception of the Vietnam

war. McNamara at War, however, is notably static, fixed on a single frame even as the war grows and the bodies come home. The authors portray McNamara almost as if he were in a macabre game show, being presented with two options — escalation or withdrawal — and consistently buzzing the wrong answer for himself and his country. Vietnam was a war of choices, but the crucible of the tragedy lies in the follow-through as well. McNamara stood atop a department in command of a military of 3.5mn soldiers and which gorged more than 9 per cent of US GDP by 1968 — three times as much as today. Someone of such apparent brilliance as McNamara was not a passive, tortured prisoner of circumstance but, even in tragedy, the forceful leader of a military behemoth. The Taubmans expose the inner turmoil of their subject as he gradually succumbs to doubt over the war, but that is the extent of their reach. They squeeze every possible drop of significance from newly discovered correspondence between McNamara and Jackie Kennedy. But McNamara remains forever distant. As he told one interviewer: “I just don’t share my thoughts period.” McNamara at War offers a fair-minded account of the struggle of a single man, but it is hindered by its own limited imagination. McNamara was emotionally ruined by Vietnam, and the consequences are starkly relayed. His wife’s illnesses were exacerbated by the stress, his son became an ardent opponent of the war, and even after leaving office to become president of the World Bank, he faced two credible assassination attempts — including once being dangled over the propellers of a ferry by a furious veteran. The story is bigger than one man, though, in scale and stakes. McNamara expressed bitter remorse and self-loathing, but he died in 2009 knowing that his tragedy was still so much smaller than those he felt he had inflicted on others.

McNamara at War: A New History by Philip Taubman and William Taubman WW Norton $39.99, 512 pages

06 NewS

Sunday, 28 December 2025 | ISLAMABAD

US SEEKS LOCOMOTIVE SALES, MINERAL COOPERATION WITH PAKISTAN: REPORT

PROFIT

stAff report

ISCUSSIONS held during finance minister’s October visit on rail equipment, critical minerals, Starlink licence and digital finance; Pakistani authorities later reviewed US interest The Trump-led US administration has approached Pakistan over the sale of American locomotives and proposed cooperation on assessing and extracting the country’s mineral reserves, The Express Tribune reported, citing official sources. The discussions took place during Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb’s visit to Washington in October, on the sidelines of the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund. Pakistani authorities have since held internal consultations to review US interest in the railways and minerals sectors.

Aurangzeb met Raymond Emory Cox, Special Assistant to the President for International Economic Relations, and Ricky Gill, Special Assistant to the US President and senior director for South and Central Asia. During the meetings, Gill sought Pakistan’s support for the purchase of American locomotives, for which a tender has already been issued. Pakistan had previously acquired 55 locomotives from the United States. However, Pakistan Railways is facing liquidity constraints and is currently focused on repairing and refurbishing its existing fleet rather than making large new purchases. The federal government has recently revised upward a Rs16 billion project aimed at repairing 100 diesel-electric locomotives that frequently break down. Sources said Gill also requested favourable consideration of Starlink’s licence application to launch high-speed internet services in Pakistan, particu-

larly for rural and remote areas. He conveyed that protecting and advancing US commercial interests remains a priority for the Trump administration and called for a level playing field for American companies. US officials also welcomed Pakistan’s withdrawal of the proposed 5% digital services tax, which had been introduced in the federal budget but later removed as part of efforts to secure a trade understanding with Washington. According to the Tribune’s report, in a separate meeting, Thomas Lersten from the US State Department’s Bureau of Economic, Energy and Business Affairs reiterated Washington’s interest in Pakistan’s minerals sector. He proposed joint assessments of reserves and offtake agreements to enable faster extraction, and noted that artificial intelligence is a strategic priority for the United States, with a possible visit to Pak-

istan by US Under-Secretary of State for Energy Jacob Helberg. Aurangzeb also met Robert Kaproth, Assistant Secretary of State for International Finance, who asked whether Pakistan’s security agreement with Saudi Arabia would translate into financial inflows. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have signed a defence deal,

Netanyahu to meet Trump in US Monday: Israeli oﬃcial TEL AVIV

Agencies

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will depart for the United States on Sunday and meet with President Donald Trump in Florida a day later, an Israeli official told AFP. It will be Netanyahu’s fifth visit to see Trump in the United States this year. His trip comes as the Trump administration and regional mediators push to proceed to the second stage of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Trump told reporters in mid-December that Netanyahu would probably visit him in Florida during the Christmas holidays. “He would like to see me. We haven’t set it up formally, but he’d like to see me,” Trump said before leaving for his Mar-a-Lago resort. Israel’s Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper reported on Wednesday that a wide range of regional issues was expected to be dis-

cussed, including Iran, talks on an IsraelSyria security agreement, the ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon and the next stages of the Gaza deal. Progress in moving to the second phase of October’s Gaza ceasefire agreement, which was brokered by Washington

and its regional allies, has so far been slow. The ceasefire also remains fragile, with both sides alleging violations and mediators fearing that Israel and Hamas alike are stalling. Under the second stage, Israel is supposed to withdraw from its positions in

Gaza, an interim authority is to govern the Palestinian territory instead of Hamas, and an international stabilisation force (ISF) is to be deployed. It also includes a provision for the Palestinian movement Hamas to lay down its weapons—a major sticking point. On Friday, US news outlet Axios reported that the meeting between Trump and Netanyahu was key to advancing to the next steps of the deal. Citing White House officials, Axios said that the Trump administration wanted to announce the Palestinian technocratic government for Gaza and the ISF as soon as possible. It reported that senior Trump officials have grown “increasingly frustrated as Netanyahu has taken steps to undermine the fragile ceasefire and stall the peace process.” Yedioth Ahronoth said the prospect of Iran rebuilding its nuclear programme and ballistic missile capabilities was likely to top the agenda for Netanyahu.

Trump urges release of any Epstein files naming Democrats WASHINGTON Agencies

United States President Donald Trump urged the Justice Department (DOJ) on Friday to “embarrass” any Democrats who worked with Jeffrey Epstein after it began poring over millions of documents linked to the late sex offender. The DOJ began releasing records last week from the investigation into Epstein, a wealthy financier who died in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial for trafficking underage girls for sex. The latest disclosures on Tuesday contain numerous references to Trump, including documents detailing flights he took on Epstein’s private jet. Trump was once a friend of Epstein but distanced himself after his crimes came to light, and has appeared reluctant to discuss the case despite strong support in the Republican party for fuller transparency about the deceased man’s associates.

“Now 1,000,000 more pages on Epstein are found. DOJ is being forced to spend all of its time on this Democrat inspired Hoax,” Trump said on his Truth Social platform on Friday. “The Dems are the ones who worked with Epstein, not the Republicans. Release all of their names, embarrass them, and get back to helping our Country!” Trump said. “The Radical Left doesn’t want people talking about TRUMP & REPUBLICAN SUCCESS, only a long ago dead Jeffrey Epstein — Just another Witch Hunt!!!” Trump did not say which Democrats may be named in the files. The DOJ missed a December 19 deadline to release the files in full despite a law compelling it to do so. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche previously blamed the delayed release on a need to painstakingly redact the identities of Epstein’s victims. The DOJ has defended Trump, saying the files contain “untrue and sensationalist claims” against him that were submitted to the FBI before the 2020 election,

which landed him a second term in office. The department has not specified which allegations are false. “If they had a shred of credibility, they certainly would have been weaponised against President Trump already,” the department added at the time.

and Islamabad expects Saudi investment across eight priority sectors. Kaproth also outlined US interest in private-sector digital finance solutions based on stablecoin frameworks rather than central bank digital currencies, and expressed interest in collaborating with Pakistan on crossborder digital finance systems.

Winter storm hits New York region, disrupting airline travel NEW YORK Agencies

A winter storm packing a mix of snow and sleet swept the U.S. Northeast early on Saturday, disrupting postholiday weekend airline traffic and prompting officials in New York and New Jersey to issue weather emergency declarations. New York, the country’s largest city, was set to receive up to ten inches of snow overnight, with temperatures dropping to below freezing and the chilly weather continuing into the weekend. New York City Mayor Eric Adams said all departments are on alert under the city’s Winter Weather Emergency Plan. “As New Yorkers continue to celebrate the holidays and prepare to celebrate the new year, they should also prepare for hazardous travel conditions Friday into Saturday,” he said. “Avoid driving if possible, give yourself extra travel time on public transit, and stay alert to changing conditions.” In many areas, snow was forecast to be mixed or glazed over with sleet and freezing rain. “The safety of New Yorkers is my top priority, and I continue to urge extreme caution throughout the duration of this storm,” New York Governor Kathy Hochul said in a statement, asking residents to “avoid unnecessary travel.” Ice storm warnings and winter weather advisories were likewise posted for most of Pennsylvania, much of Massachusetts, and most of New Jersey, where a state of emergency also was declared. High winds were forecast as part of the storm. Snow began falling in western New York state and the New York City area on Friday evening and intensifying on Saturday. More than 1,600 commercial airline flights within the United States and into or out of the country were canceled on Friday, and 7,800-plus were delayed as weather conditions began to worsen, according to the flight-tracking service FlightAware. The three major airports serving the New York City area – John F. Kennedy, Newark Liberty International and LaGuardia Airport – accounted for the bulk of Friday’s flight cancellations. All three issued alerts on the social media platform X, warning travelers of potential disruptions. Another 650 flights that had been scheduled to depart or land in the U.S. on Saturday were canceled, FlightAware reported. Representatives from American Airlines, United Airlines and JetBlue Airways said those carriers had waived change fees normally charged to rebook for passengers whose travel plans may be affected by weather-related disruptions. New Jersey and Pennsylvania issued commercial vehicle restrictions for some roads, including many interstate highways.

Yogi Adityanath’s controversial remarks in UP Assembly spark outrage, viewed as anti-Muslim LUCKNOW Agencies

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s controversial remarks in the state Assembly, suggesting that he would not leave his opponents “even fit for Fatiha to be read,” have triggered sharp criticism from political leaders and legal experts alike. The comment was made during a heated exchange in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly, as Yogi responded to opposition criticism over the misuse of codeine-based cough syrup. Addressing the opposition benches, particularly the Samajwadi Party, Yogi said, “Hamari sarkaaar ki kaaravaai antim charan tak pauchegi, tab tak aap mein se bahut saare log Fatiha padhne jaayenge vahaan lekin hum aapko Fatiha padhne layak bhi nahin chhodenge (when the government’s action reaches its final stage, many would go to read Fatiha, but the government would not leave them ‘even fit’ for such prayers).” Fatiha is a short chapter from the Holy Quran recited in Muslim obligatory prayers or as part of funeral rites for the deceased. The UP CM’s use of this religious reference to make a political point has been widely condemned, with many interpreting it as a veiled threat and an attempt to incite fear and hostility, especially among the Muslim community. Leader of the Opposition Mata Prasad Pandey strongly criticized Yogi’s remarks, calling them, “unbecoming of a person holding a constitutional position.” He said the opposition had raised questions related to governance and accountability, but the Chief Minister “chose to respond with threats and religious references instead of facts.” He condemned the invocation of Fatiha in the debate, saying that “dragging a religious practice into a political attack lowers the dignity of the Assembly.” He further said that such remarks “create fear and polarisation rather than allowing democratic discussion,” and that the opposition was being discouraged from asking legitimate questions. Following the exchange, Pandey led Samajwadi Party MLAs in a walkout, saying they were protesting “the tone and language used by the Chief Minister on the floor of the House.”

NEWS 07

Sunday, 28 December 2025 | ISLAMABAD

CORPORATE CORNER

CM MARYAM CALLS FOR EPIDEMIC PREPAREDNESS, ORDERS ACTION ON HOSPITAL NEGLIGENCE

H g

KARACHI: Chief Guest Mr. Hanif Gohar, Chairman of Gohar Group and Air Karachi airline, receiving souvenir from Mr. Azeem Qureshi, Head of Board of Directors of Pro Skills, CEO ChenOne Hospitality and CEO Golden Keys Hotels, along with Muhammad Asim, General Manager of Airport Hotel Karachi, Chef Ghulam Khan, Founder Director of Pro Skills Academy, Chef Asma Imran Khan, during Airport Hotel Karachi and Pro Skills Academy Karachi have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aims at expanding educational, professional, and skill development opportunities for youth in Karachi. pr

CEO CBD Punjab reviews progress on strategic development projects

LAHORE

staff report

The Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA), also known as Central Business District Punjab (CBD Punjab), continues its commitment to delivering world-class urban infrastructure with CEO CBD Punjab, Imran Amin, conducting a detailed visit to ongoing development projects across CBD Punjab and NSIT City. During the visit, CEO CBD Punjab Imran Amin assessed progress and quality standards across multiple sites, including CBD VERTEX, CBD Walk, The Second Walk and CBD NSIT City. Accompanying him were Executive Director Technical Riaz Hussain, Director Architecture & Planning Sameer Aftab Sial, Director Project Management Asif Iqbal, and senior representatives from NESPAK and contractors. At CBD VERTEX scaffolding installation has been completed, paving the way for interior and exterior finishing works. The CBD Walk project has also made significant headway, with basement excavation and foundational concrete works concluded. The first slab construction is now in progress, reflecting efficient execution. At CBD NSIT City, CEO CBD Punjab Imran Amin chaired a high-level review meeting and was briefed on ongoing infrastructure works and the Celestia IT & Office Tower project. Asphalt work on the internal road network is underway, while the top slab of the twelfth floor of the tower is nearing completion.

GCT organising remaining two fun-filled events in Hyderabad and Sukkur HYDERABAD

staff report

The non-profit Green Crescent Trust (GCT) is set to host remaining twi vibrant, back-to-back recreational galas this month in Hyderabad and Sukkur, bringing joy and memorable experiences to more than 888 orphaned students enrolled in its 67 charitable schools across the most deprived and remote areas of interior Sindh in 19 districts. These daylong, fun-filled events will not only offer a rare opportunity for celebration and recreation to the children, but will also mark the formal launch of GCT’s ambitious 2026 Ramazan fundraising drive. Through this campaign, the non-profit aims to raise Rs 900 million to accelerate its mission of enrolling thousands of out-of-school children and strengthening access to quality education in underserved communities. In Hyderabad, more than 777 orphaned students will take part in a festive gathering. Sindh Senior Minister for Information and Transport Sharjeel Inam Memon expected to grace the occasion as chief guest. The 2nd remaining event, scheduled in Sukkur, will entertain over 111 orphaned students and is likely to be attended by the city’s Mayor, Arsalan Islam Sheikh, as chief guest. Both events will also bring together leading businessmen, industrialists, donors and philanthropists, who will reaffirm their support for GCT’s longterm vision of building and sustaining quality schools in backward and remote parts of Sindh.

Karachi Kids team tops points table in UBL APTPL

PUNJAB CM STRESSES TIMELY READINESS SAVES LIVES AND ECONOMIES, CAUTIONING EPIDEMICS CAN STRIKE GLOBALLY LAHORE

staff report

IGHLIGHTING the critical importance of global preparedness, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday said that epidemics are not confined to any single region and can affect the entire world, underscoring the urgent need for constant vigilance and readiness to prevent and control infectious diseases. In her message on the World Day for Epidemic Preparedness, the chief minister emphasized that timely readiness against epidemics not only saves lives but also safeguards economies and societies. She pointed to the Covid-19 pandemic as a reminder of the critical importance of sustained commitment and collective efforts to protect public health worldwide. CM Maryam Nawaz said that the Punjab government is actively enhancing the capacity of the health sector, with signifi-

KARACHI

The exciting UBL Amin Pakistan Tape Premier League (APTPL) organized by the Pakistan Tape Ball Federation is underway. Teams from eight cities of the country are participating in the electric light matches in Naya Nazimabad. Karachi Kids is at the top of the points table after winning three consecutive matches. Karachi Kids has played three matches and has earned six points after winning all three. While Hyderabad Hunters team has scored four points after winning two matches and is in second position on this table. Famous tap ball player Taimur Mirza's Rawalpindi Royals won two matches out of three matches and lost one. Sukkur Strikers played two matches and after winning both, they are fourth on the table. The matches of the event consist of two innings, like the Test format.

that virus-driven outbreaks have historically caused widespread social and economic disruption globally. Punjab govt sacks MS THQ Hospital Kot Momin and CEO (Health), Sargodha In a separate development, the Punjab government issued orders removing the acting Medical Superintendent of

Benazir Bhutto Punjab sets new benchmarks of governance, Mohtarma not only pride of PPP but a shared national asset, public service and welfare in 2025: Azma says Abdul Jabbar Khan

LAHORE

KARACHI

staff report

Highlighting a year marked by development, public welfare and administrative reforms, Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari on Tuesday said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Punjab has set new benchmarks of good governance, transparency and people-centric planning, with the provincial government’s annual performance reflecting strong public trust. Azma Bokhari said that Maryam Nawaz Sharif initiated 90 flagship projects in one year which not only moved beyond paperwork to practical implementation, but are also directly benefiting the public. She said that the inclusive policy of engaging every segment of society—farmers, students, workers, youth and women—has placed Punjab ahead of other provinces on the development trajectory. The Information Minister said that electric buses, Green Buses, electric bikes, Suthra Punjab, Apni Chhat Apna Ghar, Asaan Karobar Card and the Kissan Card are flagship programmes of Maryam Nawaz Sharif that have opened

staff report

new avenues of convenience, employment, education, transport, environmental improvement and economic progress. Owing to these initiatives, she said, Punjab today enjoys a clear edge over other provinces in services, reforms and sustainable development. Azma Bokhari said that Sohail Afridi is a respected guest and the Punjab government upholds its tradition of hospitality, political decency and respect. However, she said seriousness and responsibility should have been reflected in his statements and conduct, which, regrettably, was not observed. She added that the government believes in positive pol-

Customs Enforcement Quetta seizes contraband goods worth Rs317m ISLAMABAD

staff report

Collectorate of Customs Enforcement Quetta, continuing its sustained drive against smuggling, has conducted multiple successful anti-smuggling operations, resulting in the seizure of contraband goods worth Rs317 million. In an intelligence-based operation (IBO), carried out in coordination with Quetta Police, Customs Enforcement seized 508 cartons (25,400 sticks) of assorted branded smuggled cigarettes. The assessed value of the seized cigarettes is Rs200 million. The contraband was recovered following meticulous surveillance and examination in strict compliance with prescribed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). In separate operations, Customs Enforcement Quetta also seized a large quantity of smuggled mobile phones and 13 Non-Custom-Paid (NCP) vehicles, with a combined assessed value of Rs117 million. All seized items have been taken into official custody, and further legal proceedings are being initiated under the relevant provisions of the Customs Act, 1969.

itics and practical performance, not in allegations, misinformation and irresponsible remarks. She expressed these views while addressing a press conference at the Directorate General Public Relations (DGPR) on the annual performance of the Punjab government. She said that as the year 2025 draws to a close, it has proven to be a year of development, public welfare and political stability for Punjab. She added that the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif received appreciation at national and international levels, further strengthening the province’s positive image.

Govt of Commonwealth of The Bahamas appoints Asadur Rehman as honorary consul KARACHI

staff report

The Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas has appointed Asadur Rehman Khan as Honorary Consul of The Bahamas in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. His appointment has been duly recognised by the Government of Pakistan through the issuance of an exequatur signed by the President of Pakistan. As Honorary Consul, Mr. Khan will represent and promote the interests of The Bahamas in Pakistan, with a focus on enhancing bilateral relations, facilitating consular services, encouraging trade and investment, and fostering cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. This appointment underscores the commitment of the Government of The Bahamas to expand its diplomatic outreach and strengthen partnerships in South Asia, opening new avenues for cooperation and mutual understanding.

PPSC results of cops promoted under P-Cadet Scheme unveiled LAHORE

staff report

cant initiatives undertaken to strengthen healthcare services. She urged citizens to take responsibility for their health and adopt preventive measures as part of daily life. The chief minister further stressed that effective epidemic response requires cooperation, prompt action, and strict adherence to precautionary measures, noting

Tehsil Headquarters (THQ) Hospital Kot Momin and the Chief Executive Officer (Health), Sargodha, over negligence of duty. According to official orders issued by the Secretary, Health Punjab, CEO Health Sargodha Dr. Sara and acting Medical Superintendent THQ Hospital Kot Momin Dr. Fahad Shaheen have been relieved of their responsibilities with immediate effect and are directed to report to the Health and Population Department. The action follows a late-night inspection of THQ Hospital Kot Momin by Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Shoaib Mirza, conducted on the directives of CM Maryam Nawaz. During the visit, only one doctor was found on duty while the remaining medical staff were absent. Due to the absence of doctors, a maternity patient had to wait for more than half an hour despite being in pain. Taking serious notice of the situation, the provincial government ordered disciplinary action based on the inspection report submitted by Special Assistant Shoaib Mirza. Formal notifications in this regard have been issued by the Secretary, Health and Population Department Punjab.

Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) on Friday announced the final results of officers promoted under the P-Cadet Scheme, marking a significant career milestone for Punjab Police personnel. The scheme has enabled constables and head constables to advance to the rank of Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI), reflecting the force’s commitment to professional growth and merit-based progression. According to a Punjab Police spokesperson, among the officers promoted under the P-Cadet Scheme, 297 officers belong to Lahore, 111 from Sheikhupura Region, 87 from Multan Region, 86 from Dera Ghazi Khan Region, and 31 officers from Sahiwal Region. The spokesperson further said that in Lahore, 297 out of 299 seats were successfully filled; in Sheikhupura Region, 111 out of 112 seats were secured; in Multan Region, all 87 candidates qualified; in

Dera Ghazi Khan Region, 86 out of 87 candidates succeeded; and in Sahiwal Region, all 31 seats were successfully filled. Inspector General of Police Punjab, Dr. Usman Anwar, congratulated the promoted officers and extended best wishes for their future careers. He said the outstanding success ratio in the PPSC examination demonstrates the professional competence, dedication, and hard work of Punjab Police. The IG directed the newly promoted officers to perform their duties with a spirit of selfless service to citizens and fearless protection of Pakistan. Punjab Police releases 2025 Tahafuz Marakiz performance report Meanwhile, Punjab Police released the 2025 performance report of its Tahafuz Marakiz, highlighting their role in protecting and supporting vulnerable and marginalized segments of society across the province. According to the spokesperson, the Tahafuz Marakiz, including three in Lahore, provided assistance, protection, and rehabilitation to more than 100,000 people during the year. This

includes 45,954 women, 42,181 children, and 14,388 transgender persons. In Lahore alone, over 10,000 individuals received support from these centers. Across Punjab, a total of 38 Tahafuz Marakiz operate daily, providing critical services to vulnerable communities. Forty-two transgender persons serve as Victim Support Officers at these centers, ensuring priority social and legal protection for their community members. IG Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar said that Tahafuz Marakiz are an effective platform for assisting transgender persons, women, children, and other marginalized groups. He added that outreach programs are being strengthened to support victims of gender-based crimes, social insecurity, exploitation, and violence. Immediate relief is provided to victims, while practical measures are being implemented in collaboration with allied departments and welfare organizations to address the challenges faced by marginalized segments of society.

On the occasion of the 18th death anniversary of Shaheed-e-Jamhooriat Benazir Bhutto, the Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Sindh for Relief Abdul Jabbar Khan said in his message that Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was not only the pride of the Pakistan Peoples Party but a shared national asset, a shining symbol of democratic struggle, and the true reflection of the people-oriented philosophy of the Bhutto family, who translated the vision of her great father, Quaid-e-Awam Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, and the hopes of the people into practical politics with courage, sacrifice, and fearless leadership. He said that Quaide-Awam gave the country its Constitution, political awareness, and the principle of people’s sovereignty, while Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto kept this vision alive through resistance against dictatorship, democratic perseverance, and selfless public service. Abdul Jabbar Khan stated that the President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari, in extremely difficult and delicate circumstances, safeguarded democracy from derailment and ensured continuity of the democratic system, which stands as a historic and unforgettable achievement. He added that today the Chairman of Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is the true custodian of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto’s ideological legacy, the Bhutto family’s people-centric politics, and a modern democratic vision, actively playing a dynamic role in leading the youth, farmers, workers, and marginalized segments of society towards progress, equality, and prosperity. He further said that under the leadership of Sindh, the provincial government is implementing welfare, relief, and development initiatives in line with the people-friendly philosophy of the Bhutto family, and as a team, they are working day and night to translate the leadership’s vision into ground realities. He emphasized that whether during natural disasters or public hardships, the presence of Sindh’s relief machinery at the forefront is clear evidence that Shaheed Benazir Bhutto’s mission of public service continues in practical form even today.

Literary session held in Lahore in honor of Poet Faiqa Gul Sahibzada from Manchester, UK

LAHORE

staff report

A prestigious literary session was held at the Punjab Officers’ Mess, Lahore, in honor of renowned poet, writer, and translator Faiqa Gul Sahibzada, who is visiting from Manchester, United Kingdom. The event was organized by Quratul Ain Haider and was attended by prominent figures from the fields of literature, poetry, and journalism. Faiqa Gul Sahibzada is the CEO of SS Entertainment Digital Channel (UK) and the founder of the Saiban Literary Forum. She has been actively contributing to the promotion of Pakistani literature, art, and culture in the United Kingdom. She was accompanied by her husband, Humayun Sahibzada, a well-known social and journalistic figure in the UK, who has also rendered significant services in promoting literary and cultural activities among overseas Pakistanis. The session was attended by noted poets, writers, and columnists, including Shoaib Bin Aziz, Aftab Akbar (Atbaf Akbar), Dr. Mujahid Mirza, Hammad Ghaznavi, Sughra Sadaf, Neelam Ahmed Bashir, Advocate Adeel Haider Jafri, and Syed Hamid Ali Zaidi. Engaging literary discussions and poetry recitations created an intellectually rich and pleasant atmosphere throughout the gathering. Following lunch, informal interactions and an exchange of views continued on the lush lawns of the Officers’ Mess. On this occasion, Neelam Ahmed Bashir also presented her book to Humayun Sahibzada.

GOVT REVISES DISCO PRIVATISATION PLAN, OPTS FOR SALE OF ONE FIRM

Sunday, 28 December, 2025

pRayeR timingS

NEWS

GUJRANWALA ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY SET FOR OUTRIGHT PRIVATISATION; IESCO, FESCO TO BE OFFERED ON CONCESSION

PROFIT

Staff RepoRt

HE federal government has revised its privatisation plan for power distribution companies, deciding to offer only Gujranwala Electric Power Company for outright privatisation, Business Recorder reported, citing official sources. The revised plan was discussed during a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on December 15, 2025, where the Ministry of Privatisation outlined factors contributing to delays in the process. The Prime Minister was informed that several DISCOs had not fully complied with Conditions Precedent, par-

ticularly in relation to the transfer of properties to the Privatisation Commission. The prime minister directed the commission, Defence Division, Punjab’s chief secretary and the Ministry of Interior, including the CDA, to ensure cooperation in resolving property-related issues. The Privatisation Commission is now finalising the new transaction structure, with Letters of Intent expected to be issued in January 2026. Islamabad Electric Supply Company and Faisalabad Electric Supply Company will instead be offered to private investors under long-term concession agreements. Under the earlier framework, GEPCO, IESCO and FESCO were to be

privatised in the first phase, while Sindh-based Hyderabad Electric Supply Company and Sukkur Electric Power Company were planned to be offered under a concession model. Power Minister Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari was tasked with convening a meeting of relevant stakeholders to address property transfer matters and accelerate the privatisation process. The Privatisation Commission was also instructed to issue Expressions of Interest for the second phase of DISCOs by December 31, 2025. Under the updated roadmap, transaction advisers will be appointed to structure long-term concessions. In the second phase, Lahore Electric Supply

Company, Multan Electric Power Company and Hazara Electric Supply Company are planned for privatisation. Meanwhile, HESCO, SEPCO and Peshawar Electric Supply Company will be offered under concession arrangements. At the same time, Tribal Areas Electric Supply Company and Quetta Electric Supply Company will initially be retained for performance improvements before being considered for management contracts. The Privatisation Commission’s adviser, Alvarez & Marsal, has submitted its sectoral due diligence report, which identified multiple structural and regulatory issues. While some have been addressed, others remain pending.

PML-N questions PTI’s mixed signals over talks, urges dialogue over deadlock SUKKUR

Contempt plea filed in LHC against Punjab CM, Azma Bokhari over ordinance remarks LAHORE

Staff RepoRt

A contempt of court petition has been filed in the Lahore High Court (LHC) against Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Provincial Information Minister Azma Bukhari over their public statements criticizing a recent LHC order suspending the Punjab Protection of Ownership of Immovable Property Ordinance, 2025. The petition, submitted by citizen Munir Ahmed through his counsel, Advocate Azhar Siddique, alleges that the statements made by the chief minister and the information minister undermined the authority of the judiciary, damaged its reputation, and attempted to politicize a judicial decision. According to the petitioner, Maryam Nawaz’s remarks, including claims that the LHC’s suspension of the ordinance contradicted principles of the superior judiciary and would benefit “land mafias” and “encroachment mafias,” amounted to scandalizing the court and interfering with judicial processes. Similar allegations were made against Azma Bukhari for echoing these views. The petition argues that comments from high-ranking officials violate constitutional norms and could prejudice ongoing judicial proceedings. It requests the LHC to issue show-cause notices to both leaders and initiate contempt proceedings against them. The controversy arises from an interim order issued by LHC Chief Justice Aalia Neelum on December 22, 2025, suspending the operation of the ordinance. The law, approved by CM Maryam Nawaz in October, was designed to provide swift resolution of property disputes through deputy commissioner-led committees, targeting illegal land occupations and offering relief to vulnerable owners, particularly women and underprivileged citizens. During hearings, Justice Neelum raised concerns over the ordinance concentrating “unchecked powers” in the executive, potentially bypassing civil courts and infringing on fundamental rights. The chief justice also ordered the reversal of possessions transferred under the law and recommended forming a full bench for detailed hearings. In response, Maryam Nawaz issued a statement criticizing the suspension, asserting it contradicted established judicial precedents and would harm ordinary citizens while empowering land grabbers. Provincial ministers and treasury members defended the law in the Punjab Assembly, framing it as a measure against powerful mafias. Legal experts and bar associations have largely supported the LHC’s intervention, viewing the ordinance as an encroachment on judicial domain. Following reports of the impending contempt action, the government reportedly softened its tone and expressed willingness to address any flaws in the law through the courts.

Staff RepoRt

Senior leaders of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on Saturday said that Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) was sending “contradictory signals” regarding negotiations with the government, reiterating that “democratic progress and political stability” could only be achieved through “dialogue and not deadlock.” The remarks came amid ongoing uncertainty over the opposition’s position on talks, after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif earlier this week extended an offer for dialogue to all political forces. On Friday, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah said the prime minister would decide on initiating talks with PTI once the party clarified its stance on negotiations. While PTI has outright rejected talks with the government on the directions of its founder Imran Khan, the opposition alliance Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) — of which PTI is a constituent — has publicly stated that it remains open to negotiations.

PML-N leaders, including Rana Sanaullah, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq and Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, expressed these views while speaking to the media in Sukkur. The delegation was en route to Garhi Khuda Bakhsh to attend the 18th death anniversary of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said PTI’s statements on dialogue reflected confusion and inconsistency. “On one hand, they say that dialogue should be held, and on the other hand, Aleema Khan says that anyone who supports dialogue cannot be a part of the party,” he remarked. Responding to questions about talks and speculation regarding the PTI founder’s possible transfer to Balochistan, Rana Sanaullah maintained that dialogue remained the only democratic way forward. “As a political party, we believe democracy is strengthened through dialogue, not deadlock. This is why PML-N and PPP have always attempted to bring all political forces to the table to resolve issues through talks,” he said.

However, he alleged that the PTI founder had consistently opposed dialogue. “This has been his attitude since 2011, during the 2018–2022 period, and now again in 2025. He does not believe in political dialogue,” Sanaullah claimed. Addressing restrictions on visitation, the adviser said that no one could be allowed to create chaos or anarchy in the country. He alleged that the PTI founder had been doing so through his meetings, messages and social media posts. “He continues to badmouth political leadership, and the restrictions on meetings are in accordance with the law,” Sanaullah said, adding that the government remained open to talks if PTI chose dialogue. “As far as negotiations are concerned, we have always been ready and we remain ready. If they want to talk, that is fine; if they don’t, that is their decision,” he added. Sanaullah further stated that during court proceedings related to visitation rights, PTI leader Salman Akram Raja had assured the court that the party would neither hold press conferences nor issue political messaging following meetings.

FAJR SUNRISE

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Pakistan Navy commissions 124 officers at PNA Parade KARACHI

Staff RepoRt

Demonstrating the Pakistan Navy’s enduring commitment to professional excellence and international cooperation, the Commissioning Parade of the 124th Midshipmen and 32nd Short Service Commission (SSC) Course was held at the Pakistan Naval Academy, marking the successful passing out of 90 Midshipmen and 34 SSC cadets, according to the military’s media wing on Sunday. In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said, “Commander Royal Bahrain Naval Force, Rear Admiral Ahmed Mohamed Ebrahim Al Bin Ali, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.” Upon arrival, the chief guest was received by the Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf. The chief guest, himself an alumnus of the Pakistan Naval Academy, expressed pride in reviewing the Commissioning Parade at his alma mater and lauded the professional competence of the Pakistan Navy as a key regional maritime force. He highlighted the Pakistan Navy’s longstanding tradition of imparting high-quality training to cadets from friendly countries, noting that cadets from Bahrain, Iraq, the Republic of Djibouti, Sri Lanka, and Türkiye participated in the parade. Reaffirming the enduring bonds between Pakistan and Bahrain, the Chief Guest underscored the shared values and commitment of both countries towards mutual progress and cooperation. Later, the chief guest distributed prizes to the outstanding performers. Midshipman Muhammad Uzair Abbas was declared the winner of the coveted Sword of Honour for overall best performance, while Midshipman Shahab Ahmed won the Academy’s Dirk. Officer Cadet Umar Mukhtar from Pakistan and Officer Cadet Aldhahabi Fahad Husam Fareed from Iraq secured the Chief of the Naval Staff Gold Medals, whereas Officer Cadet Syed Saad Shahid from the SSC Course clinched the Commandant Gold Medal. The Proficiency Banner was claimed by Quarterdeck Squadron. The ceremony was attended by senior military officers, dignitaries and parents of the cadets.

Italy opens 10,500-job quota for Pakistani workers over 3 years PROFIT

Staff RepoRt

Former SBP governor Dr Shamshad Akhtar passes away at 71 KARACHI

Staff RepoRt

Renowned economist and former State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) governor Dr Shamshad Akhtar passed away due to a cardiac arrest at the age of 71 on Saturday. Akhtar, known for her leadership roles in both national and international financial institutions, took over as the 14th governor of SBP on January 2, 2006, becoming the first woman to hold the position. She had also been the finance minister in the caretaker setups before the 2018 and 2024 general elections. Akhtar also served as the vice president of the World Bank for the Middle East and North Africa and the executive secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). Prior to her appointment as SBP governor, Akhtar served as the director general of the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Southeast Asia Department since January 2004. She also held the position of the Governance, Fi-

nance and Trade Division director for ADB’s East and Central Asia Department. Condolences pouring in from far and wide President Asif Ali Zardari expressed grief over her passing and paid tribute to her services in the field of economics and financial management, noting her contributions to strengthening economic governance in the country. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the late former central bank governor and said she was a “devoted public servant” and served the nation with distinction. “She made outstanding contri-

butions to strengthening Pakistan’s financial architecture,” said the premier and offered his “heartfelt condolences and prayers” to the family. Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has expressed deep grief and sorrow over the demise of Dr Shamshad Akhtar and extended condolences to the bereaved family. In his message, he prayed Allah Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant patience to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss. He said Dr Shamshad Akhtar rendered invaluable services to Pakistan in the field of economics. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb described Akhtar as a principled and dignified voice in Pakistan’s economic history, praising her integrity, professionalism and long public service. “She served the country with honesty and dedication in some of the most senior economic roles,” Aurangzeb said in a statement, offering condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.

Italy has opened a quota-based legal pathway for Pakistani workers by allocating 10,500 jobs over the next three years, a move officials say could help reduce illegal migration to Europe. Under the arrangement, 3,500 Pakistani workers will travel to Italy annually under seasonal and nonseasonal employment schemes, according to the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development. Of the yearly allocation, 1,500 workers will be hired under seasonal programmes, while 2,000 will be placed in non-seasonal jobs. Officials said the allocation makes Italy the first European country to formally open its labour market to Pakistan through a quota-based mechanism, describing it as a potential model for similar agreements with other European states. The development comes as outward migration from Pakistan accelerates sharply. Nearly 2.9 million Pakistanis left the country over the past three years, driven by low wages, high inflation, unemployment and rising education costs. According to the Economic Survey 2024–25, more than one million Pakistanis went abroad for work in a single fiscal year, highlighting the growing dependence on overseas employment and remittances. Officials said the Italian quota provides a legal and structured alternative to irregular migration, which has increased significantly in recent years. Illegal migration from Pakistan to Europe rose by 280% in 2022, with thousands attempting dangerous journeys through Libya, Egypt and other transit routes. Authorities said many migrants fall victim to smugglers and face detention, deportation or death while crossing the Mediterranean. By offering state-backed access to Europe, officials believe the Italy agreement could reduce risky, desperation-driven migration and channel workers into regulated employment routes.

Russian drones, missiles pound Ukraine ahead of Zelenskiy-Trump meeting KYIV, UKRAINE agencieS

Russia attacked Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine with hundreds of missiles and drones on Saturday, ahead of what President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said would be a crucial meeting with US President Donald Trump to work out a plan to end nearly four years of war. Zelenskiy cast the vast overnight attack, which he said involved about 500 drones and 40 missiles and which knocked out power and heat in parts of the capital, as Russia’s response to the ongoing peace efforts brokered by Washington. The Ukrainian leader has said Sunday’s talks in Florida would focus on security guarantees and territorial control once fighting ends in Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War Two, started by Russia’s 2022 invasion of its smaller neighbour. The attack continued throughout the morning, with a nearly 10-hour air raid alert

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for the capital. Authorities said two people were killed in Kyiv and the surrounding region, while at least 46 people were wounded, including two children. “Today, Russia demonstrated how it responds to peaceful negotiations between Ukraine and the United States to end Russia’s war against Ukraine,” Zelenskiy told reporters. In Russia, air defence forces shot down eight drones headed for Moscow, the city’s mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on Saturday. Explosions echoed across Kyiv from the early hours on Saturday as Ukraine’s air defence units went into action. The air force said Russian drones were targeting the capital and regions in the northeast and south. State grid operator Ukrenergo said energy facilities across Ukraine were struck, and emergency power cuts had been implemented across the capital. DTEK, Ukraine’s largest private energy company, said the attack had left more than a million households in and around Kyiv without power, 750,000 of which remained

disconnected by the afternoon. Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba said over 40% of residential buildings in Kyiv were left without heat as temperatures hovered around 0 degrees Celsius on Saturday. Territorial control: A diplomatic stumbling block On the way to meeting Trump in Florida, Zelenskiy stopped in Canada’s Halifax to meet Prime Minister Mark Carney, after which they planned to hold a call with European leaders. In a brief statement with Zelenskiy by his side, Carney noted that peace “requires a willing Russia.” “The barbarism that we saw overnight the attack on Kyiv shows just how important it is that we stand with Ukraine in this difficult time,” he said, announcing 2.5 billion Canadian dollars ($1.83 billion) in additional economic aid to Ukraine. Territory and the future of the Russianoccupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant remain the main diplomatic stumbling blocks,

though Zelenskiy told journalists in Kyiv on Friday that a 20-point draft document – the cornerstone of a US push to clinch a peace deal – is 90% complete.

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

He said the shape of US security guarantees was crucial, and these would depend on Trump, and “what he is ready to give, when he is ready to give it, and for how long.”