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PM COMMENDS PAEC’ HEALTH SERVICES; TERMS SERVING HUMANITY NOBLER CAUSE Monday, 29 December, 2025 | 8 Rajabul Murajjab, 1447
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Rs 50.00 | Vol XVI No 174 | 40 Pages | Islamabad Edition
PREMIER SHEHBAZ INAUGURATES PAEC’S g HIGHLIGHTS HARDSHIPS OF PATIENTS CANCER CARE HOSPITAL KINOR IN TRAVELING FROM REMOTE AREAS FOR MUZAFFARABAD, BRINGING MODERN LIFE-SAVING CARE, CITING PERSONAL CANCER TREATMENT CLOSER TO PATIENTS EXPERIENCE AS A CANCER SURVIVOR
URGES PAEC TO CONTINUE EFFORTS TO PROVIDE HOPE AND EARLY DETECTION TO PATIENTS
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PAEC CHAIRMAN SAYS 20 CENTERS HANDLE 80% OF CANCER CASES NATIONWIDE, MARKING KINOR AS 21ST FACILITY, EQUIPPED WITH LATEST TECHNOLOGY UNDER EXPERT SUPERVISION
ISLAMABAD
staff report
RIME Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday lauded the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) for its pivotal role in the health sector, describing the provision of advanced cancer treatment to patients as the “biggest service to humanity.” Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the Kashmir Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Oncology and Radiotherapy (KINOR) in Muzaffarabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, the prime minister said there could be no nobler cause than serving patients at their doorstep—especially those who previously had to travel long distances to Islamabad for treatment of life-threatening diseases. In his remarks, broadcast live on national television, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the efforts of PAEC and related authorities, urging them to recognize the hardships of patients unable to afford expensive treatments for fatal illnesses like cancer. Citing his personal experience as a cancer survivor, he emphasized the importance of easing the financial and logistical burdens on patients coming from remote areas. He stressed that PAEC should continue its efforts to contain the disease and bring hope to cancer patients, underlining the moral responsibility of providing quality care close to patients’ homes. The ceremony was attended by AJK Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, federal and provincial ministers, parliamentarians, and leading health experts. Speaking on the occasion, PAEC Chairman Dr.
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Raja Ali Raza Anwar highlighted the commission’s contributions to healthcare, noting that the 20 cancer treatment centers established with PAEC’s support currently handle 80 percent of cancer patients across Pakistan. He said that through awareness, screening, and early diagnosis, these centers provide modern and life-saving care. Dr. Anwar added that KINOR would be the 21st facility in the country, offering state-of-the-art equipment and expert oncology supervision to residents of AJK. He noted that nearly 60 percent of patients present at advanced stages, emphasizing the urgent need for early detection, awareness, and timely intervention. Each year, approximately 1,000 new cancer pa-
tients from AJK travel to PAEC hospitals in other provinces, facing long distances and financial strain. A message from International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi was also screened, congratulating Pakistan for establishing cancer treatment facilities and commending PAEC for serving humanity with cuttingedge treatment equipment. Earlier during his visit, the prime minister toured various departments of the hospital and received briefings on the institute’s facilities, underscoring the government’s commitment to improving healthcare access for all Pakistanis, particularly in remote regions.
Pakistan among 21 countries, OIC unequivocally reject Israel’s Somaliland recognition ISLAMABAD
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Pakistan on Sunday joined the 20 Muslim and Arab countries and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to unequivocally reject Israel’s recognition of the “self-declared Republic of Somaliland,” condemning that Tel Aviv’s measure reflected its “full and blatant disregard for international law,” according to a Foreign Office (FO) statement. In the joint statement, issued by the Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Jordan, Egypt, Algeria, Comoros, Djibouti, Gambia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Maldives, Nigeria, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Turkiye, Yemen, and the OIC, emphasized that Israel’s unilateral action threatens regional and international peace and security. The statement also expressly rejected any potential linkage between Israel’s recognition of Somaliland and attempts to forcibly expel the Palestinian people from their land,
describing such measures as unacceptable in principle. The joint declaration underscores the commitment of Muslim and Arab nations to uphold the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states while opposing any actions that could set a dangerous precedent in international relations. “The FMs of Muslim and Arab countries warn that the unprecedented move poses serious repercussions for peace and security in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea and carries grave implications for international peace and security, while reflecting Israel’s blatant disregard for international law,” the FO statement said. Condemning the move in the strongest terms, the ministers said the recognition constituted a grave violation of the principles of international law and the United Nations Charter, which explicitly mandates the protection of state sovereignty and territorial integrity, and reflects Israel’s expansionist policies. The ministers reiterated their full support for the sovereignty of
the Federal Republic of Somalia and expressed unequivocal rejection of any measures that undermine Somalia’s unity, territorial integrity, or its sovereignty over its entire territory. Meanwhile, in a call with Somali Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s full support for Somalia’s sovereignty and condemned actions undermining it, the FO said in a post on X. “The Somali Foreign Minister thanked the DPM/FM (Dar) for standing by Somalia and for Pakistan’s continued and sustained support,” the post read. “He also sought Pakistan’s assistance in raising Somalia’s concerns at the UNSC.” The FO said that Dar affirmed Pakistan’s full support for Somalia at the UN and other multilateral fora. Similarly, in another call with Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr Badr Abdelatty, Dar discussed regional and global developments, with Somalia and Yemen in particular, the FO said in another social media post.
2025 becomes deadliest year for militants since 2015, with 2,115 fatalities: PICSS ISLAMABAD
staff report
Pakistan experienced a marked escalation in violence in 2025, with attacks intensifying in both tempo and lethality, pushing multiple security indicators to their highest levels in years. According to a report released by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), the year proved to be the deadliest for terrorists, with 2,115 militants killed, while 664 security personnel and 580 civilians lost their lives in combat-related incidents. The PICSS report highlighted that 2025 not only saw a steep rise in overall combat-related deaths but also became the deadliest year for terrorists since 2015, the most lethal for security forces since 2011, and the worst for civilian casualties in a decade. “Militant attacks climbed to their highest annual total since 2014, and the use of suicide bombings and small drones showed a clear upward trend,” the report said. According to PICSS statistics, combat-related deaths in 2025 rose by 73 percent to
British daily credits CDF Asim Munir’s front-foot strategy for Pakistan’s diplomatic comeback
3,387, compared with 1,950 in 2024. This figure included 2,115 terrorists, 664 security forces personnel, 580
civilians, and 28 members of progovernment peace committees.
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12 Indian proxy terrorists neutralized in Kalat, Karak operations RAWALPINDI
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Security forces killed 12 terrorists in intelligence-based operations conducted separately in Balochistan and KhyberPakhtunkhwa on Sunday, according to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police and the military’s media wing on Sunday. In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces killed four terrorists belonging to the Indian proxy Fitna al-Hindustan during an intelligence-based operation in Balochistan’s Kalat district. The ISPR said the operation was carried out on Saturday
following reported presence of terrorists linked to Fitna alHindustan in the area. “During the conduct of the operation, own troops effectively engaged the terrorists’ location. After an intense exchange of fire, four Indian-sponsored terrorists were neutralised,” the ISPR said in a statement. The military said weapons, ammunition and explosives were recovered from the killed terrorists, who were actively involved in multiple terrorist activities in the area. Sanitisation operations were continuing to ensure no other Indian-sponsored terrorists remained in the vicinity.
Pakistan’s recent diplomatic gains have received prominent international recognition, with British newspaper The Telegraph describing the country’s engagement with Washington as a clear success, crediting Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir with playing decisively on both the military and diplomatic fronts to restore Pakistan’s standing in the United States. In an article titled “How Pakistan won over the White House,” The Telegraph wrote that the extradition of a suspect involved in an attack on the US Army proved to be a major turning point in Pakistan’s relations with the Trump administration, helping rebuild trust despite lingering bitterness from President Donald Trump’s first term. The report noted that during his address to the US Congress, President Trump publicly thanked Pakistan for its practical cooperation against terrorism, signalling a renewed level of confidence in Islamabad. According to the article, Pakistan has since regained a strong position in Washington, even in the face of intense Indian lobbying. The Telegraph observed that Pakistan gained a clear diplomatic advantage, receiving better trade tariff concessions than many other countries, and securing direct access to the Oval Office for Pakistan’s prime minister and Field Marshal Asim Munir. The paper said Pakistan’s effective diplomacy helped change the overall atmosphere at the White House. The article further described Pakistan’s nomination of President Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize as an extraordinary diplomatic move, noting that Islamabad earned trust not merely through statements but by delivering concrete results.
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02 NEWS
CCP ExtEnDS DEaDLinE fOr PrivatE SChOOLS tO rESPOnD tO ShOw-CauSE nOtiCES
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Monday, 29 December, 2025 | ISLAMABAD
initiated a sector-wide inquiry, following which the show-cause notices were issued as part of enforcement proceedings. Once replies are received, the CCP will fix hearings, during which the concerned schools or their authorised representatives will be given an opportunity to present their defence in accordance with the law. Officials said the Commission considers the education sector to be of critical public interest, affecting millions of households nationwide, and emphasised that the proceedings would be conducted in a transparent and lawful manner.
PRIVATE SCHOOL CHAINS GET MORE TIME TO RESPOND TO CCP NOTICES OVER ALLEGED ANTI-COMPETITIVE PRACTICES ISLAMABAD
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HE Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has granted private school systems additional time to submit their replies to show-cause notices issued over alleged anti-competitive practices, officials said on Sunday. According to the CCP, several major pri-
vate school networks requested an extension to respond to the notices, which relate to suspected violations of Section 4 of the Competition Act, 2010. The allegations centre on forcing parents to purchase branded uniforms, stationery and other school supplies exclusively from designated vendors, a practice the Commission believes may amount to abuse of dominant position. After considering the requests, the Commission extended the deadline for submis-
sion of written replies until December 30, 2025, citing the need to ensure due process and provide all parties with a fair opportunity to present their position. Some school systems have already submitted their responses, officials said. The show-cause notices were issued to several well-known private school operators, including Beaconhouse School System, The City School, Lahore Grammar School (LGS), Headstart, Froebel’s, Roots Interna-
tional, Roots Millennium, KIPS, Allied Schools, Super Nova, Dar-e-Arqam, STEP School, Westminster International, United Charter School and The Smart School, among others. The matter has drawn significant public attention since earlier reports in the Pakistan press highlighted complaints from parents regarding rising education-related costs and mandatory purchase policies imposed by private schools. The CCP had subsequently
Islamabad bars entry of vehicles without M-Tags ISLAMABAD News Desk
CBD Punjab CEO reviews Lahore development projects PROFIT
News Desk
Central Business District Punjab (CBD Punjab) Chief Executive Officer Imran Amin on Saturday inspected ongoing construction work at multiple project sites across Lahore. The visit covered CBD VERTEX, CBD Walk, The Second Walk and CBD NSIT City. He was accompanied by Executive Director Technical Riaz Hussain, Director Architecture and Planning Sameer Aftab Sial, Director Project Management Asif Iqbal, and senior representatives from NESPAK and contractors. At CBD NSIT City, asphalt work on the internal road network is underway. Construction of the top slab of the twelfth floor of the Celestia IT and Office Tower is nearing completion. At CBD VERTEX, scaffolding installation has been completed, allowing interior and exterior finishing work to begin. At CBD Walk, basement excavation and foundation concrete works have been completed, with first slab construction in progress. Officials said these projects form part of CBD Punjab’s broader plan to modernise urban infrastructure through innovation, sustainability and transparent execution.
SECP operates below full strength as chairman, two commissioners exit PROFIT
News Desk
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has been running with only two commissioners since December 12, following the completion of terms by former Chairman Akif Saeed and Commissioners Mujtaba Lodhi and Abdur Rahman Warraich. The remaining members, Zeeshan Rehman Khattak and Muzaffar Ahmed Mirza, are overseeing the regulator, which is mandated under the SECP Act to have five to seven commissioners. Regulatory experts say a full commission is essential for key functions, including policy approvals, enforcement actions, and major regulatory decisions. Analysts warn that incomplete leadership could undermine oversight of the Pakistan Stock Exchange, corporate governance, and investor protection. In early December, a high-level committee led by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb interviewed 27 candidates for the three vacant posts. Shortlisted names are expected to be forwarded to the federal cabinet for final approval. Stakeholders have expressed concern over the delay. Najam Ali, CEO of Next Capital, said the absence of new appointments sends a negative signal to investors about Pakistan’s capital markets.
The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration has announced that from January 1, vehicles without M-Tags will not be allowed to enter the federal capital, as authorities move to fully enforce the city’s electronic vehicle management system. The decision has been taken on the directives of the interior minister, with instructions to begin action against non-compliant vehicles once the system becomes fully operational. Officials said the enforcement phase will rely on technology rather than routine manual checks. Under the plan, electronic tag readers installed at major entry points and selected checkpoints across Islamabad will automatically detect vehicles that do not carry M-Tags. The system will flag non-tagged vehicles as they pass through monitored points, enabling authorities to initiate action without stopping traffic unnecessarily. Officials said the initiative is aimed at improving traffic regulation, strengthening digital record-keeping, and ensuring that vehicles entering the capital are properly registered within a centralised system. The administration believes the technology-based approach will also reduce congestion at entry points and limit discretionary checks. In preparation for the January 1 dead-
line, the deputy commissioner of Islamabad has directed all relevant departments to accelerate the issuance process at existing M-Tag centres. Authorities said efforts are focused on minimising waiting times and facilitating vehicle owners who still need to obtain tags. Currently, 16 M-Tag issuance points are operational at various locations across Islamabad. These centres are functioning daily to register vehicles and issue electronic tags. Officials said the locations were selected to cover major sectors, highways and approach roads, allowing residents and frequent visitors to access the service with ease.
State Bank mourns passing of former governor Dr Shamshad Akhtar
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CENTRAL BANK PAYS TRIBUTE TO PAKISTAN’S FIRST FEMALE SBP GOVERNOR, HAILING HER LEGACY IN MONETARY LEADERSHIP AND GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT PROFIT
News Desk
The State Bank of Pakistan, in a statement issued on Sunday, expressed profound grief over the passing of its former Governor, Dr Shamshad Akhtar.
CONDOLENCE MESSAGE FOR DR. SHAMSHAD AKHTAR On behalf of the Board, Management, and Staff of the State Bank of Pakistan, we express our profound sorrow on the sad demise of our former Governor, Dr. Shamshad Akhtar. Dr. Shamshad Akhtar made history as the first female Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan. Her tenure was marked by exemplary leadership, integrity, and an unwavering commit-
ment to public service. She played a pivotal role in strengthening the State Bank of Pakistan and advancing sound monetary and financial sector policies, leaving behind a lasting legacy that continues to inspire generations.
M.a. Niazi HE government has privatized PIA on much the same principle as the fellow who knocked his head against the wall repeatedly. He said it would feel good when he stopped. Similarly, the government is apparently happy with the fact that it would not get much money from the sale, because it would have the relief of not paying anything out of its budget. Of course, there’s a mountain of Rs850 billion of debt, which has been shoved off onto a holding company, for which the taxpayer is responsible. However, it seems the banks to whom this money is owed have been told that they shouldn’t expect to see any hard cash soon, just government securities and other such instruments about which it is debated whether they are worth
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Dr. Akhtar also rendered eminent service to Pakistan and the international community through her senior leadership roles at the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank, and the United Nations, as well as Caretaker Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue and Chairperson Pakistan Stock Exchange. Her illustrious career as a distinguished economist and global development leader enhanced Pakistan’s standing in international financial and multilateral institutions. She will be remembered with deep respect and gratitude as a distinguished economist, visionary leader, and devoted servant of the nation. The State Bank of Pakistan extends its deepest condolences to her family, friends, and loved ones. May her soul rest in eternal peace.
FBR suspends six officials for absence from sugar mill monitoring ISLAMABAD
staff report
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has suspended six officials after they were found absent without authorisation from their monitoring duties at sugar mills, officials said on Monday. As per details, the officials were deployed under Section 40B of the Sales Tax Act, 1990 to oversee sugar production and ensure compliance with tax regulations. Their absence was identified during routine verification and inspection by the Large Tax Office (LTO) Lahore, which is responsible for supervising monitoring operations
in the region. According to sources, the lapse raised concerns over the effectiveness of the monitoring mechanism at sugar mills, prompting immediate administrative action. The LTO Lahore has recommended formal disciplinary proceedings against the officials under the relevant service rules. Pending completion of the inquiry, the officials have been placed under suspension to prevent any disruption to the monitoring process, the sources added. The FBR has instructed its field formations to ensure strict adherence to deployment orders and attendance requirements, warning that any negligence or failure to perform assigned duties would invite disciplinary action.
Selling off PIA without Gandapur’s help City Notes
Since the registration process began on November 14, nearly 100,000 vehicles have already been issued M-Tags, according to official figures. The administration said this response reflects growing public awareness but stressed that a large number of vehicles still need to be registered before enforcement begins. Islamabad Traffic Police and district administration officials said identification of non-M-Tag vehicles will be carried out entirely through the installed readers. Once a vehicle passes an entry point or checkpoint, the system will automatically determine whether a valid M-Tag is present. Briefing on the implementation plan,
the paper they’re printed on. Anyhow, I suppose the government was happy to have made the sale. It got an embarrassing shock last year, when none of the bidders got to within the government’s reserve price, Only KP CM Ali Amin Gandapur offered to buy at the reserve price. The government was desperate enough that it asked him to pay the money and take the airline, but it smelled a rat when Ali Amin said that drinks would once again be served on flights, and he would take a daily flight to check that service was adequate, and when pressed for money, said, “Ask Sharjeel Memon.” It was funny that while PIA has privatized in Pakistan, Christmas was disrupted in India. It makes one wonder whether there Two-Nation Theory could be extended from Islam to other religions. It almost seems as if the Muslims being out of the equation, Hindus are turning their attention to other religions. For the sake of the Christians of India,
perhaps someone should tell the Hindus that there are still a lot of Muslims out there, and the ‘Ghar Wapsi’ movement has had a negligible effect. There are still a lot of Muslims out there who have not relapsed into Hinduism, so perhaps they should be handled first before going after Christian churches or schools, as has happened this Christmas. Otherwise, with the Muslims left unhandled and the Christians hardly touched, you might find Hindus haring off after Sikhs, or Jains, or Buddhists. Frankly, I think the Parsis are next. It’s sad when you think of it, because there’s hardly anything more Indian than Parsis, who are the last remnants of the Iranian pro-Chosroes monarchists after the Arabs conquered Persia, who sought refuge in India about 13 centuries ago. Yet the BJP
still thinks they are foreigners. Now Islam, Christianity and Zoroastrianism are undoubtedly religions that originated from outside India, but Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism split off from Hinduism over the same issue, caste. Now none of them acknowledge caste, but all of them have it practically. Heck, such Hindu reform movements as the Brahmo Samaj and the Arya Samaj also reject caste. But the BJP is caste-ist in an almost unashamed way, even though Modi is an OBC, a teli. I’m not sure we should talk. We might not be baste-ist, but we are an almost pathological biradari-based society. Electoral politics is all about biradaris, and not just for local councils or legislatures, but even for professional organizations like bar associations. Then there are biradaris in
officials said the tag readers have undergone testing and staff have been trained to operate the system in coordination with traffic police and district authorities. Full activation of the readers is scheduled for January 1, after which enforcement action will begin immediately. Authorities said the M-Tag system is also expected to support law enforcement by creating digital movement records of vehicles entering and circulating within the capital. These records, officials added, will assist in monitoring traffic patterns and responding more effectively to violations or security-related incidents when required. Citizens have been advised not to wait until the last moment to complete registration. Officials urged vehicle owners to obtain M-Tags promptly to avoid complications once enforcement begins. They said facilitation measures are in place, but compliance by the public is essential for smooth implementation. With the deadline approaching, the ICT administration said awareness campaigns will continue through public notices and coordination with traffic police. Authorities reiterated that from January 1, the rule will be enforced strictly and vehicles without M-Tags should not expect any exemptions. Officials emphasised that timely registration is the responsibility of vehicle owners as Islamabad prepares to transition fully to technology-based vehicle entry and monitoring.
Joint security operation in Paharpur leads to arrest of 21, arms recovered DI KHAN
staff report
District police and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) arrested 21 suspected individuals during a joint operation in the Paharpur area of Dera Ismail Khan, police said on Sunday. According to a police spokesperson, the operation was carried out under the supervision of District Police Officer Sajad Ahmed Sahibzada following intelligence reports about the presence of miscreants in the area. Raids and search activities were conducted in multiple locations, including Seedu Wali, Barz Wali, Ali Wanda, Chanda, Kali Wanda, Garah Pir Imam Shah, Gloti and different localities of Paniala. Senior officers, including SP CTD Iftikhar Ali Shah, SP Paharpur Asad Ali Shah and SP Muhammad Nawab Khan, oversaw the operation. Personnel from the Al-Burraq Force, Elite Force, CTD and district police participated. Police said an exchange of fire took place between law enforcement personnel and suspected militants in a mountainous area near the inter-provincial boundary. No casualties were reported. The suspects managed to escape during the initial encounter. Following the exchange, police launched a search operation in the surrounding mountainous terrain and nearby localities. As a result, 21 suspects, including individuals described as facilitators, were taken into custody. Officials said weapons and ammunition were recovered during the operation. The arrested suspects were shifted to undisclosed locations for interrogation. Police said investigations were under way to determine the role of those detained and to identify others involved. Security operations would continue in the district to prevent militant activity and maintain law and order, the spokesperson added. professional life. Muslims managed to get away because they got a separate country. Sikhs have got East Punjab, Christians may have Mizoram and other states in the North-East. Still, getting a separate country may not be a complete solution, because some of your co-religionists remain in India. A little like England opener Ben Duckett, who was being widely castigated for being drunk on the beach during the current tour, just before the Melbourne Test. That was over in two days, like the Perth Test. Maybe it indicates what the wickets are like. Or is it an aspersion on the batsmen? Well, Duckett may find himself out of the game, as Monty Panesar, the slow leftarmer, did. Panesar found his cricketing career come to a crashing halt after he relieved himself on the wall of a pub one night after he’d had one too many. Wonder what he’d’ve done had he been on this tour? Relieved himself in the ocean? Did Duckett? Will it help that England won in Melbourne?
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Monday, 29 December, 2025 | ISLAMABAD
TAJIK EDUCATION MINISTER LAUDS ATSM ROLE IN STRENGTHENING MEDICAL TIES WITH PAKISTAN
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ISLAMABAD
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AJIKISTAN’S First Deputy Minister of Education and Science, Hoshimzoda Homid Hasan, on Sunday praised Avicenna Tajik State Medical University (ATSM) for playing a key role in strengthening cooperation between Pakistan and Tajikistan in medical education and sciences. Speaking during a meeting with a delegation of Pakistani journalists, the deputy minister said medical education and research were central to bringing the two countries closer, with young professionals acting as a bridge between institutions on both sides. The delegation was led by Dr Muhammad Abbas Mahar, chief executive officer of MBBS Abroad Private Consultancy Pvt Limited. Hasan said both governments shared a clear vision to expand institutional collaboration, particularly in medical sciences and medical tourism, describing it as a pathway
to deeper academic engagement and broader economic cooperation. He said Pakistan and Tajikistan were working towards signing a memorandum of understanding to facilitate student and faculty exchanges. Highlighting the role of media, the deputy minister said informed reporting could help raise awareness about educational
PTI leaders say dialogue without ‘level playing field’ a ‘losing game’ CONTINUED FROM BACK PAGE
and medical opportunities, encouraging greater participation in cross-border cooperation in the health sector. He expressed hope that the journalists’ visit would contribute to stronger mutual understanding and sustained collaboration between the two countries. Hasan said Tajikistan was increasingly attracting medical students from neigh-
bouring countries, noting that its universities followed international standards and offered modern academic and clinical facilities. He added that the country was also expanding its medical tourism sector, including specialised treatments and advanced surgical procedures. According to the deputy minister, the leadership of both Pakistan and Tajikistan remained committed to promoting peopleto-people contacts, which he described as essential for long-term bilateral relations. Dr Muhammad Abbas Mahar said ATSM currently hosts around 450 Pakistani medical students, reflecting growing academic exchange between the two countries. He said Tajikistan was positioning itself as a regional destination for medical education and healthcare services for international students. He also pointed to Tajikistan’s potential in wellness tourism, citing dozens of sanatoriums and health resorts offering mineral baths, mud therapy, herbal treatments and rehabilitation programmes for a range of medical conditions.
Punjab motorways closed as dense fog reduces visibility, nationwide weather updates issued ISLAMABAD
staff report
“This time, we will not make tall claims but do practical work and come up with a positive output,” he said, stressing that the new movement would be measured in action rather than rhetoric. PTI Secretary-General Salman Akram Raja echoed the chief minister’s position, stating that no political party could afford to walk into a blind alley. He accused the government of attempting to silence PTI on key issues. “We are seeing that the government want the PTI to neither speak about its election fraud, the release of incarcerated party founder Imran Khan, nor question institutions’ interference in politics and journalism. Then what should we do?” he asked. Raja said reconciliation and dialogue could only proceed once “basic principles” were agreed upon. Failing that, he said, PTI would take to the streets to force acceptance of those principles through public pressure. Following the media interaction, CM Afridi visited the residence of party leader Mirza Afridi before heading towards the Lahore cantonment area, where he planned to meet the families of incarcerated former Punjab governor Omar Sarfraz Cheema and advocate Hassan Niazi. However, he was stopped from entering the cantonment, triggering sharp criticism from PTI leaders. “The cantonment has been made a no-go area,” the KP chief minister said, questioning the legality of the restriction. “I have asked whether Pakistan’s territory ended here and another country’s land started,” he remarked, expressing frustration over what he described as repeated obstruction over the past three days. Afridi lamented what he termed harsh treatment by the Punjab government, saying he had repeatedly sought permission to visit party leaders’ residences inside the cantonment but was denied. He demanded that authorities provide a written explanation for stopping him. Salman Akram Raja said the KP chief minister had even offered to proceed without his security detail, including KP police and gunmen, but was still not allowed to enter the area. Later, CM Afridi met Hassan Niazi’s mother, Noreen Khan, along with other family members, at the residence of Punjab Assembly member Zamirul Hassan Bhatti. During the meeting, Afridi expressed solidarity with the families of jailed PTI leaders and offered prayers for the early release of political detainees. Participants emphasised the need for legal justice, restraint and dialogue, while also calling for respect for the human rights of prisoners. The developments come days after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended an offer of talks to the opposition, while maintaining that any dialogue would be confined to what he termed “legitimate matters.” For now, PTI leaders insist that the road to negotiations runs through public mobilisation rather than behind-the-scenes engagement, signalling that political tensions are likely to persist in the near term. ‘STREET MOVEMENT FAILED TO ATTRACT PUBLIC’: AZMA Meanwhile, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari ridiculed PTI’s street movement, claiming its “reality was exposed in daylight after social media hype overnight.” In a post on X, Bokhari said PTI supporters had been circulating images from Bangladesh since the previous night, but the movement failed to attract any public response during the day. She said there was no one even to respond to slogans raised by protesters. Taking a jibe at PTI leaders, she said they had “toured the ‘Europe of Pakistan,’ Lahore, enough under heavy protocol” and should now return.
Dense fog and high pollution affected several cities across Pakistan on Sunday, prompting travel advisories and road closures, while rainfall is expected in parts of Karachi and Islamabad later this week. In Punjab, Lahore’s air quality worsened, placing it sixth among the world’s most polluted cities with an AQI of 189. Pollution readings in Chaman Park, Gulberg II, Cantt, and Askari-10 were recorded at 606, 553, 541, and 468 respectively. Thick fog engulfed Lahore, Pattoki, Okara, Sahiwal, Chichawatni, Iqbal Nagar, Mian Channu, Khanewal, Multan, and Bahawalpur, significantly reducing visibility. Karachi ranked fourth among polluted cities with an AQI of 179 and is forecast to receive rain from December 30. Islamabad’s weather remained cold and dry with partly cloudy conditions; the minimum temperature was recorded at 7 degrees Celsius and the maximum at 19 degrees. Rainfall in Islamabad is expected between December 30 and January 2. Westerly winds will affect upper areas of the country from December 28, and Karachi’s temperatures will range from a
low of 12 to a high of 28 degrees Celsius. Due to dense fog, Motorway Police closed multiple sections in Punjab to ensure motorist safety. M-2 was closed from Lahore to Kot Momin, M-3 from Faizpur to Darkhana, M-4 from Pindi Bhatian to Multan, M-5 from Multan to Zahir Pir, and M-11 from Lahore to Sialkot. Authorities advised travellers to use the Grand Trunk Road as an alternative and urged drivers to reduce speed and switch on fog lights. Motorway Police urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel, especially during nighttime when visibility is further
reduced. Those who must travel were advised to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, stay within their lanes, and avoid overtaking. Police teams are patrolling affected areas continuously, and citizens can contact the Motorway Police helpline at 130 or follow official social media channels for updates. Authorities emphasized that travel during daytime, between 10 am and 6 pm, is safer until fog conditions improve. Motorists are reminded that dense fog, combined with poor air quality, increases the risk of accidents and can significantly disrupt travel plans.
Bodies of woman, three children discovered in Sohrab Goth house tions and post-mortem reports. Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar took notice of the incident and sought a detailed report from the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) East, according to a statement released by his office. The minister directed police to investigate the case thoroughly and from all possible angles. Lanjar instructed authorities to determine the reasons behind the deaths and to identify any suspects, if involved, in accordance with the law. He also emphasised that those responsible, if any foul play was established, should be arrested at the earliest. The home minister further stressed the need for a transparent investigation and said justice for the affected family must be ensured. He directed police to rely on evidence and professional assessment rather than assumptions while probing the case.
KARACHI
staff report
The bodies of a woman and her three children were found hanging inside a house in Karachi’s Sohrab Goth area on Sunday, police said, as investigators began examining whether the deaths were the result of suicide or a criminal act. According to a statement issued by Sohrab Goth police, the bodies were discovered inside a residence near Machhar Colony. A crime scene unit was dispatched to the location to collect evidence, while police initiated further investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Police officials said no final conclusion had been reached at this stage. They noted that while initial observations suggested the possibility of suicide, the matter would only be clarified after completion of forensic examina-
In his remarks, the SSP East said that investigators were awaiting key findings from post-mortem examinations, forensic analysis and other material evidence before reaching a conclusion. “The facts will become clear once the reports are received and evaluated,” he said. Police said statements from neighbours and other relevant individuals would also be recorded as part of the inquiry, while the household was being examined for any signs that could indicate the sequence of events leading up to the deaths. The incident comes weeks after another case in Karachi in which three women were found dead inside an apartment in Gulshan-i-Iqbal. Police later declared that case a homicide following investigation. Authorities said all possibilities would remain open until the investigation into the Sohrab Goth deaths is completed and findings are formally established.
Man kills wife and alleged lover for honour in Peshawar, daughter injured PESHAWAR
staff reprot
A man shot and killed his wife and another man, described by police as her alleged lover, in the Daudzai area of Peshawar, while the couple’s daughter sustained injuries, officials said on Sunday. Police said the incident occurred inside a house in Daudzai, where the suspect opened fire before fleeing the scene. After receiving information, police teams reached the area and shifted the bodies to a local hospital for postmortem examination. An investigation has been launched, and efforts are under way to trace and arrest the suspect. Officials said preliminary information suggested the case was being treated as an alleged honour killing, though all aspects of the incident were being examined. According to police, the woman and the man died at the scene, while the injured girl was taken to hospital for treatment. Her condition was not immediately confirmed by authorities. A separate account included in the first information report refers to another incident registered in November 2025 within the jurisdiction of Mechani Gate Police Station. In that case, Waheed ur Rehman told police that his aunt, Rameem Bibi, and her daughter Alia were present at their home when the accused, identified as Gohar Rehman, entered the house carrying a weapon. The complainant stated that the accused opened fire on his wife and daughter, leaving both injured. They were taken to hospital, where the woman later died from her wounds, while the daughter remained unconscious, according to the FIR. The complainant alleged that the shooting was linked to a property dispute, claiming the accused had been pressuring his wife to claim his share in his parents’ estate. Police said a case had been registered under relevant sections of the law and a search operation was under way to arrest the suspect. Investigators said statements were being recorded and evidence collected to determine the circumstances and motive behind the shooting.
Nadra launches new fingerprint verification ISLAMABAD
staff report
The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has introduced a new digital fingerprint verification system, allowing users to verify their biometrics through the Pak ID mobile application, officials said on Sunday. According to authorities, the updated system enables applicants in Pakistan and abroad to complete fingerprint verification remotely using the Pak ID app, removing the need for physical visits in many cases. The move is aimed at improving access to identity and passport-related services, particularly for overseas Pakistanis. Officials said the system also includes a built-in facial verification option that will be offered automatically if fingerprint authentication fails due to worn fingerprints or technical limitations. The alternative method is intended to reduce delays in processing applications. Director General of Immigration and Passports Mustafa Jamal said that a significant number of overseas Pakistanis had raised concerns about difficulties with the previous online fingerprint verification process. He said the new system was designed to address those complaints and provide relief to expatriates and senior citizens who often face challenges with biometric verification. Jamal added that the government was focusing on the use of digital technology to improve the delivery of public services. He said the upgraded verification framework was part of broader efforts to streamline passport and identityrelated procedures. Officials said the new system would improve accuracy and reduce rejection rates caused by biometric mismatches. They added that further enhancements to digital identity services were planned as part of ongoing reforms. NADRA advised applicants to update the Pak ID application to access the new verification features and follow official guidelines to complete the process successfully.
British daily credits CDF Asim Munir’s front-foot strategy for Pakistan’s diplomatic comeback CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
According to the report, the capture and extradition of Daesh Khorasan commander Jafar, a key suspect in the Abbey Gate attack, was a prominent priority for the White House. The suspect was deported to the United States just two days after his arrest, a moment that a senior Pakistani official described as a turning point in Pak-US relations. A former US official, quoted by the newspaper, termed the move a powerful signal of Pakistan’s serious intentions. The article also pointed to the heightened regional tensions following the Pahalgam incident, noting that while India openly rejected the possibility of US mediation, Pak-
istan adopted a measured and responsible approach, engaging the White House through what the paper termed unconventional diplomacy. The Telegraph revealed that Field Marshal Asim Munir met President Trump privately and off the record in June, detailing how the Pakistani military chief impressed the US president during the meeting. According to the report, Trump continued to praise Field Marshal Munir even after the engagement. The newspaper noted that Trump publicly praised Field Marshal Munir on the occasion of the Gaza ceasefire, reportedly calling him his “favourite Field Marshal.” The report further highlighted Pakistan’s emergence
as an effective and responsible strategic partner in the Middle East, citing its growing proximity to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and balanced relations with Iran as key diplomatic advantages. Pakistan’s role in offering a practical solution to the US on critical minerals was also highlighted. The signing of a memorandum of understanding on mineral reserves worth $6 trillion in September was described as a major global surprise and a significant diplomatic achievement. Concluding its assessment, The Telegraph said Pakistan’s sustained and result-oriented diplomacy has successfully brought the country back to the forefront of Washington’s strategic calculus.
2025 becomes deadliest year for militants since 2015, with 2,115 fatalities: PICSS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
Terrorists accounted for 62 percent of total combat-related deaths, with their fatalities marking the highest annual toll since 2015, when 2,322 militants were killed. Compared to 2024, the terrorist death toll surged by 122 percent. Security personnel fatalities also increased by 26 percent, with 664 personnel killed in 2025 compared to 528 in 2024, reaching the highest figure since 2011, when 677 personnel were martyred. Civilian deaths rose by 24 percent to 580, the highest annual toll since 2015, when 642 civilians lost their lives. Injuries also spiked sharply,
with 2,263 people injured in 2025, including 1,025 security personnel, 982 civilians, 228 terrorists, and 28 members of pro-government peace committees, representing a 53 percent increase over 2024. Specifically, injuries among security forces rose by 62 percent, civilian injuries by 40 percent, and terrorist injuries by 61 percent. The PICSS report further revealed an 83 percent rise in arrests of suspected terrorists, with 497 suspects detained in 2025, the highest annual total since 2017. Kidnappings also surged, with 215 abductions recorded compared to 82 in 2024—a 162 percent increase and the highest single-year figure since 2012.
On the operational front, 1,063 terrorist attacks were recorded in 2025, a 17 percent increase from 908 in 2024, marking the highest annual total since 2014. Suicide attacks rose by 53 percent, from 17 incidents in 2024 to 26 in 2025, while the use of small drones, including quadcopters, increased, with 33 such incidents recorded. Security forces also expanded the use of unmanned aerial vehicles in counterterrorism operations. PICSS noted that violence remained concentrated in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including tribal districts, and Balochistan. Bannu Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Sajjad Khan reported that 27 police personnel were martyred in 134 terrorist attacks target-
ing police stations, posts, checkpoints, mobiles, and parties in the district. A total of 79 officers were injured, while retaliatory action resulted in 53 terrorists killed and 163 injured. The Bannu police conducted 168 intelligence-based operations, arresting 105 terrorists and eliminating 65, successfully acting against 170 militants overall. Earlier this year, Pakistan ranked second in the Global Terrorism Index 2025, with deaths from terrorist attacks increasing by 45 percent compared to the previous year. The Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) highlighted key trends and patterns in terrorism over the last 17 years. The report also underscored strained bi-
lateral relations with Afghanistan, with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) remaining a central point of contention. Pakistan has repeatedly demanded that Afghan authorities take action against cross-border terrorism and halt sanctuary for TTP militants, while the Afghan Taliban have denied allegations of allowing their soil to be used for attacks in Pakistan. The PICSS findings paint a stark picture of 2025 as a year of unprecedented security challenges in Pakistan, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance, intelligence-driven operations, and enhanced coordination between security agencies to curb militant activities and protect civilians and law enforcement personnel alike.
04 COMMENT
IMF’s EFF programme: Some reflections
Monday, 29 December, 2025
Learning from the PIA experience
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Does the deal with UAE and the holding back of DISCOs show a learning curve?
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HE overall experience of the government with privatization has been varied. From the time that privatization started off as an attempt to retire the country’s debts, the impulse to sell off the family silver reflected the reality that the books could not be balanced unless the family silver was placed under the auctioneer’s hammer. The PIA privatization marked a change, for essentially one of the best assets the government has ever had was sold off for peanuts, with only a risible Rs 100 billion coming to the government, and the remaining Rs 175 billion of the total Rs 185 billion final bid to be paid by investing in PIA. Essentially, that investment should have been made by the government, but it did not; instead it got the successful consortium to pay for the privilege of making that investment. Something of that spirit is visible in the deal with the UAE announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, in which it will take up a share in Fauji Fertilizer in exchange for $1 billion of its deposit in the State Bank. The remaining $2 billion will be rolled over when the entire amount falls due in January. From one point of view, the PIA sale was straightforward, as it owned the company. However, how it managed to swap for Fauji Fertilizer is not yet clear, but instead of putting up money up front, it put up a company owned by a foundation controlled by an organization of the Defence Ministry. If foundation property is thus to go up to pay off the country’s forex needs,there are breakfast cereals and a bank next on the cards. There is every sign of panic selling. The cancellation of the sale of two of three electricity distribution companies is also indicative of difficulties. It seems as if the government has assumed that the sale of PIA is enough of a sop to the IMF to allow it to avoid the sale of three DISCOs. Instead of selling them outright, it proposes giving them on concession. That may not work well, for such ‘farms’ applied to taxes have ultimately not worked. Pakistan has still not solved its central problem, that of exporting as much as, or more than, it imports. Previously, it borrowed, but now it is saddled with insurmountable debt. The sale of the family silver is no guarantee the need will go away. Take the example of PTCL, which was sold to the UAE’s Etisalat. There may still be payment issues, b ut what happened to the money received?
Dr Omer JaveD
S another of many years come to close during the last four decades or so, when Pakistan finds itself in yet another International Monetary Fund programme, not to mention that the country has been in around more than two dozen IMF programmes, a very important analysis from the (2023) published book ‘A thousand cuts: social protection in the age of austerity’ pointed out that during 1980-2019, among all the countries availing IMF programmes during this time, Pakistan faced the most conditionalities at 1,303! The book ran a number of regression analyses, and it reached the conclusion that increase in IMF conditionalities on average led to decrease in healthrelated spending– both as a share of GDP, and in per capita terms– while it increased income inequality on average within a country. Given that the highest number of conditionalities were imposed by the IMF, as indicated above, it is likely that this produced a significantly deep impact on both health spending, and income inequality. The book, while analysing 195 countries during 1995-2017, pointed out with regard to the impact of increasing conditionalities on health spending of programme countries, on average: ‘There is a modest negative association between average annual government health spending as a share of GDP and total number of conditions. They correlate at -0.32. The association is stronger for the natural log of health spending per capita, correlating at -0.49. Overall, the two figures suggest that the more conditions a country has, the less it spends on health.’ With regard to the impact of the increasing number of conditionalities on income inequality, the same book indicated ‘We begin by examining the aggregate impact of all types of conditions on the income Gini between 1980 and 2017. …We find an effect for the total number of Gini coefficient of disposable income, and we are at least 95 percent sure that this relationship actually exists and is not an error caused by random chance. On average, each additional binding IMF condition increases the income Gini by 0.013 percentage points, all other variables held equal.’ These conditionalities, including the ones being prescribed under the ongoing extended fund facility (EFF) programme with IMF, are basically neoliberal, and austerity-based in nature. For instance, fiscal consolidation related conditionalities, like achieving primary surplus in the current EFF programme, are more often than not placed under quantitative performance criteria (QPC), which are those conditionalities that are ‘binding’. Moreover, structural
Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami
Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
conditionalities of the IMF programme support shock-doctrine-natured policies that reduce the role of government, and enhance market fundamentalism, like the current EFF programme calling for deep privatization of state-owned enterprises (SOEs), deregulation of agricultural markets, and price, and trade liberalization. In doing so, the authorities– which mutually, or in collaboration of the IMF prepare important programme documents like the Letter of Intent (LOI), and the memorandum of economic and financial policies (MEFP)– and the IMF have in no significant way learnt from either the misgivings of the neoliberal, and austerity policies, nor from the significant positive impact of gradual reform strategy, for instance by China, where instead of shock therapy, and outright privatization, the country successfully adopted price control policy of the nature of ‘dual-track’ pricing mechanism, and applying mixed-ownership enterprise model. Here, an important example of the lopsided nature of IMF programmes in general, and the ongoing EFF programme comes across in the shape of their over-emphasis on countries meeting fiscal consolidation (or austerity) targets, since they place them under ‘binding’ conditionalities, and even ‘floors’ or minimum levels of social spending related spending target – for instance, with regard to health, and education– under ‘non-binding’ indicative targets (IT). In the current programme, for instance, this continues to be followed whereby even after a country missing multiple times over meeting ‘Cumulative floor on general government budgetary health and education spending (billions of Pak-
Babar Nizami Editor Profit
The USA doesn’t even have enough power
Qamar Bashir
N a recent interview, a senior NVIDIA executive offered perhaps the most candid assessment yet of the global AI race, admitting openly that China is going full throttle across the entire AI ecosystem and will soon surpass the USA in building and deploying advanced AI platforms. According to him, AI is not a single monolithic technology; it is a vertical stack of more than five layers, stretching from the bottom layer of raw energy to the very top layer of applications. And across this entire stack, China is now moving with a speed, scale, and national purpose unmatched by any other country. He began with the foundational fact that AI is ultimately an energy-hungry technology. Training frontier models requires immense electricity— entire power stations dedicated to data centres— and here the gap is stunning. China today generates over 9,600 TWh of electricity annually, nearly double the roughly 4,800 TWh produced in the USA. Massive hydropower, coal, solar, and wind installations continuously expand China’s energy base, giving it the ability to power tens of thousands new data centres and fabrication plants. Without this energy, nothing else in the AI stack functions. The USA, he warned, simply does not have enough electricity to reindustrialize, restore manufacturing, or scale AI at the level required to maintain global leadership. Even if it decided now to double its energy output, it would take five to ten years to build the necessary power infrastructure. The second structural difference is speed. In the USA, constructing a semiconductor manufacturing facility can take three years or more because of permitting, regulation, zoning, and litigation. In China, the same facility can be erected in a matter of months, sometimes weeks, because the national system aligns government, regulation, industry, and capital around a single purpose: build fast, build big, and build continuously. This United States and Europe, by contrast, expand capacity by barely 10–20 percent annually. If this trend continues, China’s domestic production will increasingly cover its own AI needs, reducing dependence on imported chips and eventually surpassing rivals in total volume. The idea that China would always lag in semiconductors is collapsing under the weight of its own accelerated progress. Then comes the higher layer of the AI stack: the models, platforms, and applications that convert computation into economic value. Here the cultural and institutional differences are profound. In China, almost every major AI model is open source, from Baidu’s ERNIE to Al-
ibaba’s Qwen to models emerging from startups like Zhipu and 01.AI. Tens of thousands of researchers, students, surgeons, engineers, and small businesses use these models freely, improving productivity and innovation across society. China is not earning money from these open models; instead, it is earning capability, scale, and national momentum. Open-source AI becomes a nationwide accelerator that multiplies learning, experimentation, and economic output. In the United States, by contrast, almost all frontier models are closed and commercial. They are powerful, but they are fenced behind subscriptions, APIs, restrictions, and corporate ownership. This produces revenue, not widespread capability. The NVIDIA executive made a critical point: China is not monetizing AI at the application level; it is weaponizing openness to democratize AI across its entire population. This is why Chinese AI applications are spreading faster than American ones — because the barriers to entry are near zero. He also offered a striking cultural insight. When surveyed, nearly 80 percent of Chinese citizens view AI as a positive force for society. In the USA, the sentiment is almost the reverse— roughly 20 percent view AI positively while 80 percent express fear, distrust, or resentment. Innovation cannot thrive in a cultural climate of suspicion. China has fused optimism, national pride, and collective ambition into its AI mission. The USA has not. One example he gave was Huawei, now emerging as one of the fastest-growing AI companies despite US sanctions. The company builds chips, models, cloud platforms, and 5G systems simultaneously and is advancing at a speed that even American executives privately acknowledge with respect. When the US president asked him for recommendations on how to reindustrialize, he replied that the first requirement is not money or technology but energy— without doubling energy output, no amount of reshoring will succeed. AI factories, semiconductor fabs, and advanced manufacturing all require stable, abundant, and cheap electricity. China has it. The USA does not. He also warned that the US. system, while
superior in pure innovation and scientific breakthroughs, is deeply constrained by regulation, litigation, and slow infrastructure development. China, meanwhile, has government coordination, manufacturing speed, infrastructure readiness, and cultural enthusiasm. As a result, the remaining AI gap between China and the USA is now as small as six months— and shrinking. Behind these observations lies a broader truth: China is building the full AI stack. Energy, infrastructure, semiconductors, compute clusters, models, applications, and societal adoption. Every layer reinforces the others. The USA excels in some layers, particularly research and frontier architecture design, but lags in foundational layers like energy, manufacturing, and large-scale deployment. Without rebuilding the bottom of the stack, it cannot maintain leadership at the top of the stack.` Yet he was not pessimistic about the USA. He emphasized that it was a nation of extraordinary people, innovators, scientists, and extraordinary entrepreneurs. If the country decides to renew itself — doubling energy capacity, rebuilding industrial infrastructure, streamlining regulations, enabling faster construction, and fostering a cultural shift that welcomes AI rather than fears it— then the USA can still compete with China, perhaps even share global leadership. But without such a national transformation, the momentum is clearly with Beijing. The verdict from within the USA’s own technology leadership is unmistakable. China is not catching up; China is accelerating past. It is building more, deploying more, training more, and opening more. It has the energy, the infrastructure, the manpower, the optimism, the manufacturing base, and the national will to dominate the AI century. If trends continue, then sooner rather than later, China will indeed be number one in the AI business— and the world will be shaped by the platforms it builds.
The writer retired as Press Secretary the President, and is former Press Minister at Embassy of Pakistan to France and former MD, Shalimar Recording & Broadcasting Company Limited
The verdict from within the USAÊs own technology leadership is unmistakable. China is not catching up; China is accelerating past. It is building more, deploying more, training more, and opening more. It has the energy, the infrastructure, the manpower, the optimism, the manufacturing base, and the national will to dominate the AI century.
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istani rupees)’ it is still placed as a ‘non-binding’ constraint in the EFF programme. This sort of sub-optimal emphasis of IMF programmes on social spending related targets, as against over-emphasis on programme countries meeting targets related to fiscal consolidation is quite a norm, and not an exception. The same book pointed out in this regard by analysing West African programme countries during 2010-2017, shows these targets are frequently unmet. ‘Of the 313 social spending floors for which we could identify implementation data, only 155 were implemented, about 49.5 percent.’ Moreover, it was indicated ‘...budget balance conditions were consistently adhered to and often were far exceeded, while at the same time social spending floors remained unmet. [For instance]… authorities in Benin – a country that met only 13 of its 51 [almost one-fourth of the total] social spending floors– cut poverty reduction spending (including health) in 2005 to “ensure achievement of the main fiscal objectives”…’ The writer holds PhD in Economics degree from the University of Barcelona, and previously worked at International Monetary Fund. Prior to this, he did MSc. in Economics from the University of York (United Kingdom), and worked at the Ministry of Economic Affairs & Statistics (Pakistan), among other places. He is author of Springer published book (2016) ‘The economic impact of International Monetary Fund programmes: institutional quality, macroeconomic stabilization and economic growth’. He tweets @omerjaved7
In doing so, the authorities– which mutually, or in collaboration of the IMF prepare important programme documents like the Letter of Intent (LOI), and the memorandum of economic and financial policies (MEFP)– and the IMF have in no significant way learnt from either the misgivings of the neoliberal, and austerity policies, nor from the significant positive impact of gradual reform strategy, for instance by China, where instead of shock therapy, and outright privatization, the country successfully adopted price control policy of the nature of Âdual-trackÊ pricing mechanism, and applying mixed-ownership enterprise model.
China poised to outpace the USA in the AI race
M. A. Niazi Editor Pakistan Today
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Such programmes are bad for social spending
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Publication pressure escalates
THE Higher Education Commission (HEC) has recently introduced a new national research publication policy that enforces a weighted authorship model for all papers with more than three authors. Although intended to enhance fairness and transparency, the policy has generated considerable debate across universities. Under the revised framework, the first author and the corresponding author will each receive 30 per cent credit, while the remaining 40pc will be divided among the other co-authors. Currently, most universities require 10 publications for appointment or promotion to the post of associate professor (BPS20), and 15 publications for professor (BPS-21). In addition, universities typically expect that at least five publications must have been produced within the preceding five years — equivalent to one publication per year. Let us take an example and follow the above weighted system. In a six-author paper, the first and corresponding authors will get 30pc weightage, but the other authors will receive only 10pc each. To reach the 300-point threshold for associate professor (10 publications × 30 points), a middle author earning 10 points per paper would now require 30 papers rather than the previously expected 10. This also means that to meet the ‘five publications in five years’ rule, a middle author would need 15 weighted-equivalent publications over the same period — triple the annual workload expected under the current system. At the professor level, middle authors would need 45 publications to reach the required 450 points — again, three times the previous requirement. The new system may also reshape how faculty members earn extra marks for publications beyond the minimum eligibility criteria. Universities typically award up to 20 marks for additional outputs, with candidates earning two marks per paper as principal author, and one mark per paper as co-author. Once adjusted to the weighted system, middle authors must publish 30 additional papers to accumulate full marks. The calculations above are based on the promotion rules of one major public-sector university. Even a small increase, when combined with weighted authorship, would further intensify pressure on middle authors, who already need two to three times more publications to earn the same credit as first or corresponding authors. Some faculty members view it as a fairer way to recognise those who lead and communicate the research. They believe that it discourages honorary authorship, clarifies contributor roles, and may encourage researchers to take on more meaningful responsibilities rather than relying on passive co-authorship. Others express concerns. Collaborative and interdisciplinary fields may be dis-proportionately affected because middle authors now face much higher publication demands. Early-career researchers and postdocs, who contribute substantially but are not always first authors, may experience slower progression. Some also fear the policy could reduce large-team collaborations, strain professional relationships, and create competition for limited first-author opportunities. Questions have also been raised about whether or not existing infrastructure and funding can support these increased expectations. Complicating the matter further, most Pakistani universities still judge re-searchers solely on publication counts, with no distinction between top-tier journals and routine indexed outlets. The policy also raises a broader question: will the federal government, provincial authorities, and university administrations expand funding, improve research infrastructure, and administrative support to match these tougher requirements? WASEEM HASSAN & IMDAD ULLAH MOHAMMADZAI PESHAWAR
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Monday, 29 December, 2025
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COMMENT 05
Big boost for Pakistan’s Defence Enhancing F-16 capabilities
AbDUl bASIt AlvI
HE US State Department’s authorization of the sustainment and package for the PAF’s F-16 fleet, is worth $686 million, which signifies a strategic importance beyond routine transactions. This transcends the transactional nature of military equipment sales, instead establishing a commitment designed to anchor the security partnership between the two nations, thereby reverberating through global geopolitics, regional defence planning, and the long-term calculus of stability in South Asia. This truly colossal investment, a major infusion of advanced technical support, has been engineered to ensure the continuous operational relevance, undeniable technological superiority, and robust combat resilience of the PAF’s most advanced F-16 variants, which includes a particular and pointed focus on the highly capable Block-52 models and the extensively upgraded Mid-Life Update (MLU) Falcons. The package is aimed to address flight safety concerns arising with aging airframes, comprehensively moderne core avionics and electronic systems, and structurally refurbish the airframes to prolong their service life to 2040, thereby granting the fleet an additional two decades of high-end operational utility. This unprecedented extension of two full decades serves as a level manifestation of Washington’s acknowledgment that the F-16 platform remains a technologically capable aerial asset within the regional security calculus, the foundation of Pakistan’s high-end air defence infrastructure, its counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations, and the broader architecture required stability in South Asia. At the core of this endeavour lies the intent to not merely maintain but achieve and institutionalize comprehensive networkcentric warfare (NCW) capabilities. This objective fundamentally redefines the F16’s operational role and utility, transforming it from a merely conventional kinetic strike platform into a sophisticated, digitally integrated, and highly capable node
within a sprawling, interconnected aerial command and control ecosystem, which maximizes situational awareness and minimizes reaction time. The most pivotal, system-defining component of the entire package, explicitly categorized as Major Defense Equipment (MDE) despite its non-kinetic nature, is the critical provision of 92 advanced Link-16 Tactical Data Link systems, a highly advanced communications technology which functions as the highly secured, high-speed, and robustly jam-resistant digital nervous system of modern combat. This encrypted, time-division multiple access (TDMA), frequency-hopping network will confer upon the PAF the indispensable capability for the seamless, instantaneous, and real-time fusion and wide-area dissemination of voluminous quantities of critical battlespace intelligence, including precise multisensor radar tracks, complex non-cooperative target identification matrices, and dynamic, time-sensitive targeting solutions, across all participating air, land, and potentially sea platforms utilizing the NATO-standard Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS) protocol, thereby creating a unified, common operating picture across the theatre. This comprehensive Link-16 integration connects the F-16s not only securely with their wingmen and fellow fighter aircraft in a highly collaborative and redundant mesh network manner, but, crucially, with centralized ground-based command and control (C2) structures, dedicated Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) platforms such as the PAF’s highly capable Saab 2000 Erieye system, and potentially with other allied coalition forces operating with compatible Link-16 networks, significantly enhancing coalition interoperability. This robust, high-fidelity, and fused connectivity provides the individual PAF warfighter with an unparalleled, common, and continuously updated operational picture, significantly reducing the inherent latency and friction in threat data interpretation, radically accelerating the entire sensor-to-shooter decision-making cycle, and thus providing a decisive and overwhelming critical advantage in the compressed, high-velocity, and technologically demanding air engagements that characterize contemporary aerial combat, particularly in Beyond Visual Range (BVR) scenarios where rapid and precise, system-wide information sharing is an absolutely para-
Iran’s ballistic bunker-busters: Smashing Israel’s rules of war?
Iran, it appears, is preparing to deploy indigenously produced bunker-busting ballistic missiles capable of breaching the very shelters that Israelis have so assuredly relied upon for protection
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MIDDLE EAST MONITOR Dr MohAMMAD I. ASlAM
HE deafening wail of the ‘Tzeva Adom’ (Colour Red) siren cuts through the air, a chilling signal that renders Israelis in every nook and cranny to shudder. It echoes from loudspeakers, streaming through texts and radio broadcasts, warning of incoming rocket attacks. In a 90 second window, they scramble to find the nearest fortified bomb shelter known locally as a Mamad (Residential Protected Space), or Miklat (Public Shelter). These shelters, mostly underground and of reinforced concrete, are built into the very fabric of Israeli life to withstand the barrage of missiles and rockets Israel’s enemies rain down on them every now and again. To an extent unparalleled by any other political entity, Israel has prioritized the protection of its Jewish population by ensuring that the construction of every building, from apartments and schools to hospitals and skyscrapers, come with bomb shelters. But this feature is not merely about having fortified sanctuaries to make society more resilient in the face of attacks. It also gives Israel’s war machine a crude but lethal advantage: the ability to preemptively strike enemy states and their civilians as collective punishment, whilst shielding its own from even a proportion of retaliatory equivalence.
IRAN’S GAME-CHANGING STRATEGY: In the Islamic Republic of Iran, Israel’s most powerful rival in the Middle East, a not-so quiet development is well-underway that threatens to upend Israel’s long-held calculus. Iran, it appears, is preparing to deploy indigenously produced bunker-busting ballistic missiles capable of breaching the very shelters that Israelis have so assuredly relied upon for protection. The hardened steel casings of these missiles are engineered to specifically overcome the protective barriers of reinforced bunkers, maximize kinetic energy and relying on gravity, speed, and aerodynamic properties to create immense pressure upon impact. Once deployed, they would render Israel’s bomb shelters vulnerable to attacks that they were never designed to withstand, thereby neutralizing one of Israel’s most significant military advantages and, for the first time, pose a direct threat to the safety of its population even in the most secure of spaces. Only then, Iranian strategists have calculated, would the era of Israel executing audacious shock and awe airstrikes against her enemies forcing them to sue for cessation or peace, finally be met with a frightening balance of fear that erases any notion that Israel can turn Iran into another Lebanon or Syria that it can bombard at will.
INDUCING A RE-THINK IN ISRAELI MILITARY DOCTRINE: Israel’s military advantage has always been a delicate balancing act. As seen most recently by three rounds of largely infrastructural destruction caused by retaliatory Iranian missile strikes on its home front in 2024 and 2025, these attacks do cause extensive damage. They’ve killed and injured dozens of Israelis, disrupt the workings of daily life, and even render others to flee abroad in panic. Yet, logistical challenges with missile interceptors aside, Israel still firmly operates on the certainty that its population (unlike that of its enemy) can safely take cover en masse in the event of an attack. But if Iran can breach that cover, Israel would be forced to quickly rethink its military strategy and move away from pre-emptive strikes in favour of more defensive postures as this scenario would present an existential challenge. This would in turn come at a significant cost—both militarily and politically and alter the risk/reward calculations that underpin Israel’s military doctrine, forcing it to reconsider the cost-benefit analysis of its pre-emptive strikes. A shift toward more defensive tactics would mean forfeiting the element of collective punishment that has long been the cornerstone of Israeli military superiority. It would also expose Israel’s vulnerabilities, potentially embolden its adversaries and encourage them to take more aggressive actions. The risk of non-combatant casualties would escalate, and both domestic and international pressure to avoid harming innocent lives would likely increase. The idea that Israel could ‘survive’ an attack, even while its enemies face the brunt of its devastating retaliatory strikes, would be less credible if the threat to civilian infrastructure becomes tangible. As the tension builds between these two regional powers, the world watches closely. Will Iran finally succeed in deploying the technology to breach Israel’s bomb shelters with adequate precision, or will Israel’s military capabilities evolve to counter this new threat? The outcome of this high-stakes drama will determine the future of military doctrine in the Middle East for decades to come. In the shadows, spy satellites and intelligence agencies work tirelessly to monitor Iran’s progress, while Israel’s Mossad and military intelligence gather information on the progress of Tehran’s missile program. The stakes have never been higher and the fate of millions hangs in the balance. Every move, every missile test, and every technological leap is watched closely by both sides, knowing that one misstep could lead to a conflict that reshapes the region forever. For now, the future remains uncertain. But one thing is clear: if Iran succeeds in perfecting its bunker-busting ballistic missiles, Israel’s military doctrine— and the security of its population at large— will never be the same.
mount and non-negotiable requirement for mission success and survivability. The meticulous strategic distribution of the total financial outlay is exceptionally telling and reveals the true, enduring purpose of this contract, with the vast majority, specifically approximately $649 million of the overall cost, being judiciously allocated to an expansive, highly detailed suite of nonMajor Defense Equipment (non-MDE) items and essential supporting services, a distribution that profoundly underscores a holistic, systems-level commitment to long-term systemic readiness, complete, uninterrupted sustainment, and operational flight safety rather than a limited, transient focus solely on the provisioning of new, offensive weapon delivery systems. This critical, voluminous component of the package represents a deep, technologically focused infusion encompassing all mandatory core avionics updates and essential hardware, modifications to the aircraft’s complex Operational Flight Program (OFP)— the proprietary, constantly evolving mission computer software that forms the digital heart of the F16, rigorously governing the precise functioning of the radar, complex sensor fusion logic, advanced cockpit displays, and precise weapons engagement parameters— alongside modern, secure, and highly resilient communications packages, upgraded Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) transponders such as the AN/APX-126 Advanced IFF system, highly advanced NSA-certified cryptographic appliques like the KY-58M and KIV-78 to ensure the utmost security, integrity, and compliance of all digital exchanges, and the necessary Simple Key Loaders such as the AN/APQ-10C for efficient mission data programming and key distribution. Furthermore, this extensive and comprehensive commitment encompasses multiyear logistics and field service support, the provision of sophisticated, networked mission planning systems, specialized electronic diagnostic and test equipment, a vast array of critical spare parts for extended maintenance operations, detailed technical publications and manuals, and advanced flight and maintenance training devices and high-fidelity simulators, which are all absolutely essential for maintaining peak pilot and ground crew proficiency over the next two decades, ensuring long-term human capital is preserved. This deeply comprehensive, technologically integrated approach represents a profound strategic choice to not merely apply temporary patches to aging systems, but to fundamentally assure the continued flight safety, structural in-
tegrity, combat resilience, and peak operational readiness of the entire F-16 fleet and its highly complex support infrastructure for the entirety of the next two decades, ensuring long-term technical solvency and mission capability across the entire operational envelope. The actual Major Defense Equipment (MDE) component is strictly limited in scope, consisting only of the 92 Link-16 systems and a mere six inert Mk-82 training bomb bodies, which are included solely for essential weapons integration testing purposes and not for kinetic use, totaling a modest $37 million, a minimal figure that powerfully and unambiguously reinforces the notion that this entire package is overwhelmingly focused on sustainment, interoperability, cryptographic compliance, and the mandated Service Life Extension Program, rather than serving as a significant, immediate offensive weapons boost or an alteration of the regional military balance, a point specifically highlighted in the DSCA notification itself. The fundamental strategic rationale propelling this massive authorization from Washington is firmly rooted in a deeply pragmatic, explicitly stated, and strategically unambiguous alignment of mutually shared security interests, which is meticulously detailed in the official policy justifications as directly supporting the core foreign policy and national security objectives of the USA in the broader region of South and Central Asia. This substantial, long-term sale is fundamentally designed to enable Pakistan to retain a high degree of technical and operational interoperability with US and allied forces, a functional capability deemed absolutely essential for the sustained, complex, and evolving counterterrorism and counter-extremism operations ongoing in the region and for maintaining a credible, highly effective, and regionally stabilized option for future, unpredictable regional contingency responses, thereby contributing to the collective security framework. This represents a clear-eyed, unsentimental validation and an enduring belief that the demonstrably professional and operationally experienced PAF, operating a fully modernized, Link-16-enabled F-16 fleet, is viewed by the USA as an exceptionally effective, reliable, and precise tool for successfully addressing both persistent internal extremist threats and contributing meaningfully to broader, regional security dynamics, thereby ensuring a vital measure of stability in an otherwise volatile and strategically sensitive area of global concern. By guaranteeing the long-term technical vitality and future relevance of these highperformance combat aircraft until 2040, the
USA is powerfully, though implicitly, affirming to all regional and global actors that a secure, stable, and professionally defended Pakistan is not merely a self-interested national aspiration but, rather, an indispensable and foundational pillar of the wider global security structure, acting as a crucial component of the international anti-terror and stability architecture. This profound, long-term defence commitment serves to firmly anchor Pakistan within the sophisticated Western defence technological and strategic partnership sphere, a highly consequential choice that carries immense weight in the context of the rapidly shifting global geopolitical and military environment, particularly with the rise of competing great powers and the increasing strategic focus on the Indo-Pacific region, making this a pivotal strategic anchor for the U.S. in South Asia and a crucial element for maintaining a degree of regional equilibrium. A major F-16 sustainment and upgrade investment is portrayed as a direct result of the PAF’s recent performance in demanding, high-intensity operational environments, which drew close international scrutiny. Through demonstrated technical skill, disciplined tactics, and effective command under sustained pressure, the PAF reshaped global perceptions of its combat capability and professionalism. These real-world outcomes are seen as dispelling earlier doubts about its ability to operate and sustain advanced Western systems, elevating its standing among international military planners and turning the funding package into a strategic acknowledgment of the PAF as a credible, top-tier force operating at an equivalent global standard. The authorization is also framed as a decisive affirmation of Pakistan’s broader strategic relevance and reliability as a defence partner. It signals that major powers, especially the USA, view Pakistan’s geopolitical position and military strength as essential to regional and global stability, marking a shift toward a more equal and respect-based partnership. For Pakistan, the agreement represents national validation and pride, recognizing long-term sacrifices and professionalism while confirming that a strong, secure, and technologically advanced Pakistan is considered beneficial to the international security system. The arrangement further underscores confidence in the PAF’s institutional maturity and self-sufficiency, highlighting its ability to absorb and sustain advanced capabilities independently over the long term.
Could Tarique Rahman be the next leader of Bangladesh?
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Since the interim government took office, the country has faced social upheavals, political fragmentation, a decline in law and order, and sluggish economic growth DHAKA TRIBUNE ASM AnAM UllAh
ARIQUE Rahman stands out as one of those rare world leaders who returned to his homeland after enduring a 17-year political exile in England. The overwhelming love and respect he garnered from the people of Bangladesh is truly remarkable. However, whether he can maintain this affection and what lies ahead for him will hinge on his political acumen and integrity. The political unrest in Bangladesh began with widespread protests in July and August 2024. Following the historic exile of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina to India, an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus stepped in, aiming to restore democratic institutions and organize elections. However, despite these noble intentions, the transitional period has been riddled with obstacles. The interim administration is grappling with political infighting, economic hardships, and uncertainty across various socioeconomic and political fronts. Since the interim government took office, the country has faced social upheavals, political fragmentation, a decline in law and order, and sluggish economic growth. Public unrest aimed at the current interim government has intensified considerably. In the midst of this turmoil, Tarique returned to his homeland on December 25, 2025, filled with hope to unite the nation under a shared vision: “Bangladesh is on top of all.” Yet, one pressing question remains: Can he achieve this on his own, or will he need the collective support of the people of Bangladesh? An ideal political leader, while not without flaws, should place the needs of the public above personal interests and lead with a balance of compassion and intelligence. They must respect institutions and uphold core values while fostering unity amidst diversity, all within the framework of democracy. In a democratic society, citizens play a vital role by championing these qualities through their votes and active participation — a long-standing aspiration in Bangladesh. Thus, it is crucial to identify a strong leader who not only possesses the knowledge and skills to navigate both national and international issues but also excels at tackling challenges and devising strategic solutions to advance the nation’s prosperity during these trying global times. The pressing question is whether
The writer is a freelance columnist
Can Tarique spearhead a cultural revolution with a strategic vision like that of Singapore, China, and Vietnam?
Tarique has the potential to emerge as the next trusted political leader in Bangladesh under the current national and geopolitical pressure.
ESTABLISHING MUTUAL RELATIONS: The current regional and geopolitical landscape is quite critical, and Tarique has a pivotal role to play in establishing mutual relations through both bilateral and multilateral initiatives. His task of re-establishing ties with India will be particularly challenging, especially in the wake of the severe damage to political relations following the ousting of the Hasina government. Additionally, major global players such as the US, the EU, Russia, and China are crucial strategic partners for Bangladesh. Tarique will need to cultivate strong relationships with these nations to foster stability and sustainability in Bangladesh, which presents its own set of challenges.
TACKLING UNEMPLOYMENT: In several of my articles, I have aimed to shed light on the key challenges hindering Bangladesh’s progress, and one of the most pressing issues is unemployment. If millions of young people are not provided with suitable jobs through market-driven education that equips them with the right skills, and if a significant number of individuals cannot seek opportunities in overseas markets, then societal challenges will continue to loom large. Thus another crucial question is how Tarique plans to tackle this problem. To effectively address the issue of unemployment in Bangladesh, it will require clear, strategic policies accompanied by targeted investments, particularly foreign direct investments. This is undoubtedly a formidable task.
ADDRESSING CORRUPTION: Corruption continues to be a significant challenge in Bangladesh, impacting governance, economic growth, and public trust. It often shows up through bribery, misuse of power, political favouritism, and ineffective accountability measures within public institutions. Although there have been occasional anti-corruption initiatives and legal reforms, their enforcement has often been inconsistent, undermining their potential impact. This corruption drives up the cost of public services, deters foreign investment, and exacerbates social inequality, putting ordinary citizens at a disadvantage. Tackling corruption in Bangladesh requires bol-
stering independent and democratic institutions, upholding the rule of law, enhancing transparency, and cultivating a political culture that prioritizes integrity, accountability, and active citizen participation in governance.
BRINGING ABOUT A CULTURAL REVOLUTION: Since gaining independence, Bangladesh has needed a cultural revolution to reshape its society. However, entrenched cultural norms, social values, and power structures have hindered progress toward social justice, political reform, and national development. Unlike merely pursuing political or economic reforms, fostering cultural change tackles the belief systems and everyday behaviours that influence how individuals think, comply with authority, and interact with one another. This raises the question: Can Tarique spearhead a cultural revolution with a strategic vision like that of Singapore, China, and Vietnam? I hope that he will contribute to the creation of a state and society free from extortion, usurpation, and corruption. At his gathering on a return day to his motherland, a remarkable 90% of attendees were ordinary people expressing their love and respect for him. The individuals seeking to gain party positions through unethical means, such as extortion and tendering, must be blocked and controlled. If he truly aims to foster an ideal society, he must keep a close watch on these people who might have a vested interest in gaining from his favour. One crucial point to understand is that, despite strong public support, he must not squander the trust that people are willing to place in him by allowing even 1% dishonesty in his own political party. Following his 17-year exile, the public anticipated a clear, strategic, and impactful speech upon his return. I hope he will share that vision with the people soon. It is essential to note that Tarique’s father, President Ziaur Rahman, was a visionary leader whose work remained unfinished due to his tragic assassination. The aspirations he held for the nation now fall to his son. As the current leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), he is responsible for fulfilling his father’s dreams through effective and insightful leadership. Here’s hoping that his journey ahead in the nationbuilding process is successful.
Dr ASM Anam Ullah (PhD) is an Australian academic, human rights activist, political analyst, and OHS and industrial relations expert.
06 NEWS
THAI AND CAMBODIAN TOP DIPLOMATS MEET IN CHINA TO SOLIDIFY CEASEFIRE
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BEIJING
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OP diplomats from Thailand and Cambodia kicked off two days of talks in China on Sunday as Beijing seeks to strengthen its role in mediating the two countries’ border dispute, a day after they signed a new ceasefire. The ceasefire agreement signed on Saturday calls for a halt to weeks of fighting along their contested border that has killed more than 100 people and displaced over half a million in both countries. Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow and Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn were set to meet in China’s southwestern Yunnan province for talks mediated by their Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi. The talks aim to ensure a sustained ceasefire and promote lasting peace between the countries, according to a statement by Sihasak’s office. Wang was scheduled to join both bilateral meetings with each of the diplomats and a trilateral talk on Monday. China has welcomed the ceasefire announcement, which freezes the front lines and allows for displaced civilians to
return to their homes near the border. “China stands ready to continue to provide (the) platform and create conditions for Cambodia and Thailand to have fuller and more detailed communication,” a Chinese Foreign Ministry statement read. The ceasefire agreement comes with a 72-hour observation period, at the end of which Thailand agreed to repatriate 18 Cambodian soldiers it has held as prison-
ers since earlier fighting in July. Their release has been a major demand of the Cambodian side. China has sought to position itself as a mediator in the crisis, along with the United States and Malaysia. A July ceasefire was brokered by Malaysia and pushed through by pressure from US President Donald Trump, who threatened to withhold trade privileges
unless Thailand and Cambodia agreed. Despite those deals, Thailand and Cambodia carried on a bitter propaganda war, and minor cross-border violence continued, erupting into heavy fighting in early December. Prak Sokhonn, in a statement after his meeting with Wang, expressed deep appreciation for China’s “vital role” in supporting the ceasefire. China also announced 20 million yuan ($2.8 million) of emergency humanitarian aid for Cambodia to assist the displaced. The first batch of Chinese aid, including food, tents and blankets, arrived in Cambodia on Sunday, Wang Wenbin, Chinese ambassador to Cambodia, wrote on Facebook. Sihasak said Sunday he hoped the meetings would convey to China that it should both support a sustainable ceasefire and send a signal to Cambodia against reviving the conflict or attempting to create further ones. “Thailand does not see China merely as a mediator in our conflict with Cambodia but wants China to play a constructive role in ensuring a sustainable ceasefire by sending such signals to Cambodia as well,” he said.
Crime Surge Shakes Islamabad as Police Performance Faces Hard Questions ISLAMABAD
Raja Kashif ashfaq
Sikh activists clash with Hindu protesters outside Bangladeshi High Commission in London LONDON
agencies
A demonstration outside the Bangladeshi High Commission in London on Saturday briefly turned tense when pro-Khalistan Sikh activists and a small group of Hindu protesters confronted each other, prompting police intervention. The Khalistan Movement wants an independent Sikh state carved out of India and dates back to India and Pakistan’s independence in 1947, when the idea was pushed forward in negotiations preceding the partition of the Punjab region between the two new countries. The protest was held in connection with reports of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. During the gathering, Paramjeet Singh Pamma, identified by organisers as a coordinator of the Khalistan Referendum campaign, was involved in a brief scuffle with an Indian Hindu protester. Metropolitan Police officers on duty intervened quickly, separating the individuals and dispersing the groups from close proximity to the mission building. No injuries were reported. Following the incident, pro-Khalistan Sikh protesters formed a cordon near the embassy entrance and continued their demonstration. They raised political slogans, accusing the Indian government of involvement in the killings of Hardeep Singh Nijjar and others. Police maintained a presence to prevent further confrontation and said the situation was brought under control. India has designated Pamma as a “most wanted terrorist” — a charge he and his supporters reject. He currently resides in the United Kingdom. UK authorities have not announced any charges against him, and previous Indian requests related to his extradition have not resulted in court action. The Metropolitan Police did not issue any immediate statement on arrests or further action. Nijjar was shot dead at the age of 45 by masked gunmen outside the temple he presided over after being wanted by Indian authorities for alleged terrorism offences and conspiracy to commit murder — accusations he denied. His murder in June 2023 near his home in Vancouver sparked a diplomatic storm between India and Canada. Similarly, in November 2023, US authorities thwarted a plot to kill Sikh separatist. Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in the United States and issued a warning to India over concerns the government in New Delhi was involved, the Financial Times (FT) reported.
The year 2025 proved deeply troubling for residents of Pakistan’s federal capital, Islamabad, as a sharp rise in crime raised serious questions about public safety and the effectiveness of law enforcement. Despite repeated police claims of successful crackdowns, mass arrests and major recoveries, a surge in murders, robberies, kidnappings and a deadly suicide bombing exposed growing security challenges across the city. Throughout the year, streets, markets, residential neighborhoods and even sensitive locations remained vulnerable, leaving citizens increasingly anxious about their safety. According to available data, 192 people were killed in various incidents across Islamabad in 2025. At least 12 citizens lost their lives while resisting armed robberies. The escalating wave of street crime also resulted in heavy financial losses, with 2,784 vehicles and 2,160 motorcycles stolen during theft and robbery incidents. Kidnapping emerged as another major concern. Reports indicate that 304 cases of kidnapping
and kidnapping for ransom were registered during the year, posing a serious challenge for law enforcement agencies. In total, 23,506 criminal cases were lodged at police stations across the capital, highlighting the scale and severity of criminal activity. In contrast, Islamabad Police released figures emphasizing their enforcement efforts. Authorities claimed to have arrested 23,058 suspects involved in both serious and minor crimes during 2025. As part of operations against illegal weapons, police arrested 2,310 individuals and recovered 224 Kalashnikov rifles, 48 guns, 2,183 pistols, 285 daggers and more than 36,000 rounds of ammunition. Police also reported the arrest of 428 suspects in kidnapping and sexual assault cases, along with 1,748 alleged drug traffickers. Anti-narcotics operations led to the seizure of 304 kilograms of hashish, 539 kilograms of heroin, 154 kilograms of crystal meth (ice), eight kilograms of opium and 8,178 bottles of liquor. Additionally, authorities claimed the recovery of 369 stolen cars and 841 motorcycles. During the year, law enforce-
ment agencies conducted 390 search operations across different sectors of the capital. However, one of the most devastating incidents was a suicide bombing at the Judicial Complex, which claimed 12 lives and left 36 others injured. The attack significantly intensified concerns over security, particularly at sensitive and highprofile locations. Authorities also carried out a crackdown against professional beggars, resulting in the arrest of 3,932 individuals. Despite official assertions that patrols, checkpoints, Safe City surveillance systems and other security initiatives were operating effectively, public unease continued to grow. Many residents argue that the persistent rise in street crime has made daily life increasingly unsafe, with movement after dark no longer considered secure in several areas of the city. Overall, 2025 emerged as a year marked by crime, fear and insecurity for Islamabad. The widening gap between official police claims and ground realities has fueled public anxiety and renewed debate over law and order in the federal capital.
Israel’s recognition of Somaliland ‘threat’ to regional stability: Somali president MOGADISHU agencies
Israel’s recognition of the breakaway region of Somaliland “is (a) threat to the security and stability of the world and the region,” Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud told an emergency parliamentary session Sunday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Friday announcement, making his country the first to recognize Somaliland, “is tantamount to a blunt aggression against the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and the unity of the people of the Somali Republic,” Mohamud said. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has for decades pushed for international recognition. A self-proclaimed republic, it
enjoys a strategic position on the Gulf of Aden and has its own money, passports and army. But it has been diplomatically isolated since its unilateral declaration of independence. Somalia’s government and the African Union reacted angrily Fri-
day after Israel’s announcement. Mogadishu denounced a “deliberate attack” on its sovereignty, while Egypt, Turkiye, the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council and the Saudi-based Organization of Islamic Cooperation all condemned the decision.
Monday, 29 December 2025 | ISLAMABAD
Bangladesh police say student leader’s killers fled to India DHAKA
agencies
Bangladesh police on Sunday said the alleged killers of popular student leader Sharif Osman Hadi had fled to India, in comments likely to further strain relations with its neighbour. Hadi, a vocal India critic who took part in last year’s mass uprising, was shot by masked assailants in Dhaka earlier this month and later succumbed to his injuries at a hospital in Singapore. His death set off violent protests with angry mobs torching several buildings, including two major newspapers deemed to favour India, as well as a prominent cultural institution. With protests being held across the country almost daily, pressure has been growing on Bangladesh’s interim government to arrest the killers of Hadi, who was set to contest the general elections in February next year. “The killing was premeditated. Those behind it have been identified,” Nazrul Islam, a senior Dhaka Metropolitan Police officer, said at a news conference. He added that the suspects left Bangladesh through the Haluaghat border with India shortly after attacking Hadi on December 12. “They were received at the border by two Indian citizens, who escorted them into the northeastern state of Meghalaya before handing them over to two accomplices.” Bangladeshi investigators were in contact with their Indian counterparts, who had arrested the two suspected accomplices, Islam said. “We are communicating with Meghalaya police, who have confirmed the arrest of two Indian nationals,” he added. Two senior Meghalaya police officers, however, did not comment when contacted by AFP. The Indian foreign ministry had earlier said it rejects “false narratives” about New Delhi’s involvement in Hadi’s killing. Ties between the neighbours have deteriorated since ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina fled the prodemocracy uprising and sought refuge in India. India says it is still considering Dhaka’s requests to extradite Hasina, who was sentenced to death in absentia for orchestrating a deadly crackdown on the uprising. The lynching of a Hindu garment worker by a mob on December 18 has also hit ties. Amid the deteriorating security situation in the Muslim-majority country, Khuda Baksh Chowdhury, special assistant to interim leader Muhammad Yunus, overseeing the home department, stepped down on Wednesday.
Afghanistan and Tajikistan investigate deadly border clash KABUL
agencies
Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government said that it is coordinating with Tajikistan to investigate a deadly border clash that killed five people, including two Tajik border guards. Officials emphasized the need to prevent external forces from damaging bilateral relations. Tajik authorities reported that three alleged militants crossed illegally from Afghanistan into Khatlon province. Tajik security forces killed the intruders, but two of their border guards also lost their lives during the confrontation. The total reported casualties from the incident reached five, highlighting the continued volatility along the 1,350-kilometre (839-mile) mountainous border shared by the two nations. Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi confirmed that Kabul and Dushanbe have initiated a joint investigation into the incident. “I spoke to the foreign minister of Tajikistan, and we are working together to prevent such incidents,” Muttaqi said at an event in Kabul. He added that malicious elements might be attempting to damage relations between the neighboring countries. Tajikistan has historically expressed concern over security risks from Afghanistan, particularly since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. President Emomali Rahmon has criticized the Taliban and urged respect for ethnic Tajiks in Afghanistan. In late November and early December, at least five Chinese nationals were killed and several wounded in two separate attacks along the Afghan-Tajik border. A December UN report noted that the militant group Jamaat Ansarullah operates across Afghanistan with the aim of destabilizing Tajikistan. Additionally, Dushanbe is wary of Daesh in Khorasan operating near its borders.
Low voter turnout marks Myanmar’s first election since 2021 military coup YANGON, MYANMAR agencies
Under the shadow of civil war and questions over the poll’s credibility, voters in Myanmar cast their ballots in apparently low numbers in a general election on Sunday, the first since a military coup toppled the last civilian government in 2021. The junta, having crushed pro-democracy protests after the coup and sparked a nationwide rebellion, said the three-phase vote would bring political stability to the impoverished Southeast Asian nation, despite international condemnation of the exercise. But the United Nations, some Western countries and human rights groups have said the vote is not free, fair or credible, given that anti-junta political parties are out of the running and it is illegal to criticise the polls. Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi, deposed by the military months after her National League for Democracy won the last general election by a landslide in 2020, remains in detention, and the party she led
to power has been dissolved. Map shows Myanmar’s general election schedule across three phases amid civil war. Yellow marks Phase 1 (Dec 28, 2025), teal Phase 2 (Jan 11, 2026), blue Phase 3 (Jan 25, 2026), and grey areas where no elections are scheduled. Map shows Myanmar’s general election schedule across three phases amid civil war. Yellow marks Phase 1 (Dec 28, 2025), teal Phase 2 (Jan 11, 2026), blue Phase 3 (Jan 25, 2026), and grey areas where no elections are scheduled. Military-backed party seen as frontrunner The military-aligned Union Solidarity and Development Party, led by retired generals and fielding one-fifth of all candidates against severely diminished competition, is set to return to power, said Lalita Hanwong, a lecturer and Myanmar expert at Thailand’s Kasetsart University. “The junta’s election is designed to prolong the military’s power of slavery over people,” she said. “And USDP and other allied parties with the military will join forces to form the next government.”
Initial voter turnout in Sunday’s polls was much lower than in the 2020 election, 10 residents of cities spread across Myanmar said. Further rounds of voting will be held on January 11 and January 25, covering 265 of Myanmar’s 330 townships, although the junta does not have complete control of all those areas. Preliminary results of the first phase will be announced on Sunday, after polling booths close at 4 p.m. (0930 GMT), junta chief Min Aung Hlaing told reporters. A date for the final election result has not been declared. Dressed in civilian clothes, Min Aung Hlaing voted in the heavily guarded capital city of Naypyitaw, then held up an ink-soaked little finger, smiling widely, footage on state media MRTV showed. Voters must dip a finger into indelible ink after casting a ballot to ensure they do not vote more than once. Asked by reporters if he would like to become the country’s president, an office that analysts say he has ambitions for, the general said he was not the leader of any po-
litical party. Item 1 of 5 Election Commission officials prepare at a polling station inside a school ahead of a general election, in Thingangyun Township, Yangon, Myanmar, December 27, 2025. REUTERS/Stringer
[1/5]Election Commission officials prepare at a polling station inside a school ahead of a general election, in Thingangyun Township, Yangon, Myanmar, December 27, 2025. REUTERS/Stringer Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab
Monday, 29 December 2025 | ISLAMABAD
CORPORATE CORNER
Hyderabad Hunters beat Sukkur Strikers by nine wickets in PTBPL
KARACHI
staff report
The Pakistan Tape Ball Premier League (PTBPL) cricket tournament is underway. Hyderabad Hunters defeated Sukkur Strikers by nine wickets to achieve an important victory. In the event organized by the Pakistan Tape Ball Federation at the Naya Nazimabad Stadium, Sukkur Strikers scored seventy-six runs in the first innings and seventy-eight runs in the second innings. Hyderabad Hunters scored ninety-eight runs in the first innings. While in the second innings, they won the match by scoring sixty-nine runs for one wicket. Amin ullah was the man of the match after taking three wickets in the first innings and four wickets in the second innings.
SIUT students’ volunteer winter program concludes KARACHI
NEWS 07
PUNJAB’S FIRST ‘SAHULAT ON THE GO BAZAAR’ DRAWS PUBLIC ATTENTION
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CM MARYAM NAWAZ EMPHASIZES COMMITMENT TO PUBLIC WELFARE, AFFORDABLE COMMODITIES AND CITIZEN SAFETY LAHORE
staff report
UNJAB Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Sunday emphasized her government’s commitment to public welfare, affordable commodities, and citizen safety, highlighting the success of the first-of-its-kind ‘Sahulat On-the-Go Bazaar’ and ongoing vigilance over public hospitals and law enforcement initiatives. Launched under the directions of CM Maryam Nawaz, the Sahulat On-the-Go Bazaar has quickly emerged as a major public attraction in Lahore, offering quality essential items at official District Collector (DC) rates while providing dignified livelihoods to street vendors. The initiative, which aims to ensure affordable commodities for citizens and a regulated business environment for vendors, has allotted more than 400 stalls through an open balloting process. In its first phase, the bazaars have become operational at ten locations in Lahore, including Gulshan Ravi, Shadman, Madar-e-Millat Road, Madina Market, Township, Sundar Road, Kotha Pind, Faisal Town, Kharak Nala, Awan Town, Valencia, and Shahdara. Vendors offer
fruits, vegetables, chicken, and grocery items at DC-notified rates, complemented by facilities such as security, clean washrooms, proper sanitation, and drivethrough shopping to facilitate citizens. Officials noted that by February, five more On-the-Go Bazaars will be launched in Lahore, while projects in Barki, Sadar, Nishtar Town, Raiwind Phase II, Faisal Town, Moon Market, and Ferozewala are in the final stages of completion. Vendors expressed satisfaction with the initiative, highlighting the shift from roadside pushcarts to proper shop
ownership. “We are no longer roadside hawkers; we now have our own shops,” several vendors said, thanking the chief minister for introducing a dignified and organized system. CM Maryam Nawaz stated that the project reflects Quaid Muhammad Nawaz Sharif’s vision of a clean and beautiful Lahore. “True development benefits the hardworking poor. Today, every vendor can proudly say that he owns a shop,” she said, adding that such projects will be expanded across Lahore and eventually throughout Punjab. She also praised the
staff report
Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT) held a certificate distribution ceremony for 140 volunteer students who successfully completed a week-long, 30-hour community service program at the institute. The main purpose of this biannual volunteer program is to develop a sense of community service, empathy, and social responsibility among students studying at matriculation, intermediate, and O/A Level. The program is designed to help students become responsible and caring members of society when they enter their professional lives. During the week-long program, students were introduced to the realities of healthcare services and were encouraged to develop compassion for underprivileged patients. They attended interactive lectures delivered by SIUT’s experts on important topics such as kidney function, kidney failure and dialysis, infection control and personal hygiene, robotic surgery, urology, organ donation, liver diseases, gastroenterology, pediatric cardiology, heart diseases and echocardiography, diet and nutrition, psychology, patient safety, quality assurance, and the responsible use of media. The participants also attended sessions at the Centre of Biomedical Ethics and Culture (CBEC), where they learned about ethical practices in healthcare. In addition, the students attended a dedicated lecture on SIUT’s digital library, which further enhanced their learning experience. As part of the training, students visited different departments of the institute, including transplant services, dialysis units, robotic surgery, nursing, radiology, radiotherapy, and medical social welfare. Through direct interaction with patients, doctors, and paramedical staff, they gained a better understanding of patient care and teamwork. The students also visited the Maryam Bashir Dawood Children’s Hospital to observe pediatric healthcare services. The volunteer program was started in 2006 and is held during summer and winter vacations. Over the years, it has received an encouraging response from students. To date, 7,500 students have successfully completed the program.
Khudi Foundation hosts launch of poetry collection ‘Bazgasht-e-Daroon’
KARACHI
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A dignified and intellectually rich book launch ceremony for “Bazgasht-e-Daroon”, the poetry collection of talented poet Muhammad Nasim Mehnavi, was held in Karachi under the auspices of the Khudi Foundation. The event was attended by prominent literary figures, intellectuals, and members of the literary and cultural community from across the country. The ceremony was presided over by Dr. Syed Taqi Abidi, an internationally recognized scholar, critic, and researcher of Urdu literature. Dr. Abidi is widely regarded as a leading authority in the fields of literary research, textual editing, and critic. His presidential address lent the event exceptional academic gravitas and intellectual depth. The Chief Guest of the event was Mahmood Ahmed Khan, a well-known literary and social figure recognized for his longstanding association with literary and intellectual circles. The opening remarks were delivered by Sarwat Shah, a prominent business and social personality of Karachi, who spoke with deep emotion about her father’s literary journey and the background of the publication. Participants described the book as a rare and meaningful gift from a daughter to her father—one that any parent would take pride in. Critical discussion on the book was presented by distinguished literary figures Shakeel Jafri, Aftab Alam Qureshi, Zaigham Rizvi, Kausar Abbas, and Salman Iqbal Qureshi, Faheem Siddiqui.
PTI's street movement exposed in broad daylight: Azma Bokhari LAHORE
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Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari has strongly reacted to PTI’s so-called “Street Movement,” stating that until last night, pictures from Bangladesh were circulated to create an illusion of success, but daylight revealed the complete reality. The Information Minister said
that those claiming a mass street movement “couldn’t find anyone in Lahore to even respond to their slogans — exposing their lack of public acceptance.” Azma Bokhari added, “You have already toured Pakistan’s Europe — Lahore — extensively. For God’s sake, return now and let this city breathe. Lahore does not need to be burdened any further by your protocol theatrics.”
PBA elects Zafar Masud as Chairman, constitutes 16-member Executive Committee
KARACHI
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The Pakistan Banks Association (PBA) elected and constituted a new 16-member Executive Committee, including two female members and eight newly inducted member banks, marking a strategic shift toward greater inclusivity and broader industry representation. Following the elections, the Executive Committee unanimously elected Mr. Zafar Masud, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Bank of Punjab, as Chairman of the PBA. Commenting on his election, Mr. Masud said the newly constituted Executive Committee represents an important evolution in the Association’s governance. He noted that the expanded and more diverse membership strengthens the PBA’s ability to advance a National Economic Agenda, with a focus on bridging credit gaps in priority sectors, accelerating financial inclusion through digital channels, and supporting Pakistan’s sustainable economic recovery.
She further said, “Just as you rushed to Lahore, go back with the same enthusiasm and listen to the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa — their grievances also deserve attention and relief.” The Minister concluded that political drama, edited visuals and propaganda “are merely failed attempts to mislead the public — attempts that have already been silently rejected by the people.”
AIOU announces Spring 2026 admissions schedule LAHORE
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Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) has announced that admissions for the Spring Semester 2026, covering all academic programmes from Matriculation to PhD level, will open simultaneously across the country from January 1, 2026. This facility will be available in all four provinces, as well as Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and the northern areas, said a press release issued here Sunday. Various academic programs at different levels are also being offered for Pakistanis residing abroad and for international students. According to the university administration, admission forms and prospectuses for all programs will be available online from January 1 on the official university website, enabling students to apply easily from home. To ensure effective guidance and support for students, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr Nasir Mahmood has issued special instructions to the heads of the university’s 53 regional offices across the country. As per these instructions, Student Facilitation Centers will be established at all regional campuses prior to the start of admissions where students will receive complete guidance. In addition, these centers will provide free computer and internet facilities to students so that they do not face any difficulties while applying online. The university administration stated that this initiative aims to further ease access to education and provide students with every possible facility.
Chairman CDA reviews Shaheen Chowk Underpass project ISLAMABAD
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Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, paid a visit to the Shaheen Chowk Underpass project and reviewed the ongoing construction work, inspecting various sections of the site. Officials briefed the chairman that the project has entered its final stages ahead of schedule, with over 95 per cent of development work completed. They informed him that the structural work has been finalized, while finishing works are progressing at a fast pace. The briefing further highlighted that landscaping and horticulture work is being carried out around the project to enhance its aesthetic appeal. In addition, permanent decorative lighting is being installed to further improve the outlook of the
underpass. Expressing satisfaction over the pace and quality of work, Randhawa said that high construction standards had been ensured alongside timely completion. He directed the concerned departments to expedite all remaining beautification works and complete them before the inauguration. The CDA chairman said the Shaheen Chowk Underpass would provide signal-free movement for
students of nearby educational institutions as well as daily commuters, resulting in significant savings of time and fuel. He added that the project would help reduce traffic congestion in the federal capital and improve overall travel facilities. “Providing modern infrastructure and the best possible travel facilities to the citizens of Islamabad remains one of our top priorities,” he said.
Punjab Sahulat Bazaar Authority for its efforts in establishing the initiative. Meanwhile, on her directions, the Chief Minister’s Inspection Team (CMIT) has continued surprise visits to public hospitals to monitor service delivery. During an unannounced visit to Tehsil Headquarters (THQ) Hospital, Hasan Abdal, Provincial Special Assistant Shoaib Mirza inspected various departments, interacted with patients, and reviewed the availability of medicines, operation of the cardiac unit, and functionality of X-ray, ultrasound, and ECG machines. The team also checked police facilitation services, laboratory operations, and patient amenities such as stretchers and wheelchairs, expressing overall satisfaction while noting areas for further improvement. In addition, CM Maryam Nawaz expressed grief over the passing of Shamshad Akhtar, the first woman governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, extending condolences to her family and paying tribute to her contributions to the country’s financial and economic sector. The chief minister also took notice of a youth injured by a kite string in Green Town, directing the Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Lahore to submit a detailed report and enforce measures to prevent hazardous kite flying. She emphasized that negligence endangering citizens’ lives will not be tolerated, reiterating that public safety remains the Punjab government’s top priority.
ITP’s ‘Good Citizen Campaign’ earns nationwide praise KARACHI
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The Islamabad Traffic Police’s (ITP) “Good Citizen Campaign,” under which law-abiding motorists are rewarded with a special “Good Citizen” sticker, has earned nationwide appreciation for promoting responsible road behaviour and strengthening trust between police and the public. An ITP spokesperson told APP on Sunday that the campaign was launched under the vision of Inspector General of Police Islamabad Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi and initiated by Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Captain (retd) Hamza Humayun to encourage voluntary compliance with traffic laws through recognition rather than punishment. Under the initiative, motorists who strictly follow traffic rules — including wearing seat belts, possessing valid driving licences, using original number plates and avoiding tinted windows — are rewarded with a “Good Citizen” sticker as a mark of appreciation. The spokesperson said that citizens holding the sticker are given special facilitation at ITP service centres, where dedicated desks have been established to provide priority services related to licensing and other matters. Lists of such lawabiding citizens have also been displayed at service centres to ensure prompt assistance. He said the campaign has gained significant attention across the country and received positive feedback on major social media platforms, where users termed it a constructive and people-friendly initiative. CTO Captain (retd) Hamza Humayun said the campaign focuses on education, awareness and encouragement rather than punishment, adding that motorists who receive the “Good Citizen” sticker may be issued a warning instead of a fine for minor violations.
IESCO posts landmark performance in 2025 through reforms, digitalisation: CEO ISLAMABAD
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Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) recorded an outstanding performance across all sectors during 2025 by effectively implementing the reform agenda and digitalisation drive of the federal government and the Ministry of Energy (Power Division), Chief Executive Officer Engineer Chaudhry Khalid Mahmood said on Sunday. He said to provide quality, timely online and digital services to valued consumers, IESCO ensured region-wide rollout of the “Apna Meter Apni Reading” mobile application and the advanced 118 call line services following their inauguration by the Prime Minister of Pakistan and the Federal Minister for Energy, said a press release. Ch Khalid Mahmood stated that special emphasis was placed on the use of modern technology and digitalization to ensure transparency and timely services in customer services, operations, construction, grid services, and other departments. Elaborating further, he said that during the ongoing anti-electricity theft campaign, fines exceeding PKR 5.5 billion were imposed on electricity thieves, while outstanding dues amounting to more than PKR 6.99 billion were recovered from defaulters. A total of 3,185 electricity thieves were arrested by the police. To safeguard human lives from electrical accidents, IESCO spent a substantial amount of PKR 2.16 billion from its own budget and secured more than 10,000 hazardous electrical points. Furthermore, state-of-the-art customer facilitation centers were established, providing solutions to all electricity related issues under one roof.
PTI LEADERS SAY DIALOGUE WITHOUT ‘LEVEL PLAYING FIELD’ A ‘LOSING GAME’
Monday, 29 December, 2025
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makers, arrived in Lahore to formally initiate the fresh phase of protests as instructed by Imran Khan. After a day of political engagements, the chief minister departed for the motorway at around 6:40pm. Earlier, during an interaction with senior journalists at a private residence in Lahore’s Defence Housing Authority, CM Afridi asserted that dialogue without resistance would undermine the party’s political position. “We
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Nationwide final ‘anti polio push’ of 2025 missed key targets
irfan.farooq@pakistantoday.com.pk
ISLAMABAD
Pakistan’s final nationwide anti-polio vaccination campaign of 2025 did not achieve full coverage, with official figures showing that hundreds of thousands of children were left without vaccination during the drive conducted in December. According to official data cited by media reports, the campaign reached 98.6 per cent of its intended target. As a result, around 872,000 children were not administered polio drops during the seven-day drive, which ran from December 15 to 21. Officials said the largest proportion of missed children were those who were not available at the time vaccination teams visited their homes. Data shows that more than 669,000 children fell into this category. In addition, security-related constraints and local boycotts accounted for nearly 149,000 missed children, while parents of around 54,000 children declined vaccination. Health authorities noted that no national or sub-national polio campaign conducted during 2025 succeeded in achieving complete coverage, despite repeated efforts to improve planning and field implementation. Provincial figures indicate that Punjab recorded the highest number of missed children, with about 331,000 not vaccinated during the December campaign. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa followed with approximately 250,000 children missing polio drops. In Sindh, nearly 239,000 children were not vaccinated, while Balochistan reported more than 43,000 missed cases. In the federal capital, Islamabad, officials reported that around 6,000 children were not reached. Gilgit-Baltistan recorded 3,026 missed children, while 1,272 children were not vaccinated in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Data also points to continued challenges related to vaccine refusal. Sindh reported nearly 33,000 cases where parents declined vaccination for their children, while more than 21,000 refusal cases were recorded in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Health officials have repeatedly identified vaccine hesitancy as a key obstacle in achieving full coverage, particularly in urban centres and certain highrisk districts. District-level data shows uneven performance across the country. Vaccination coverage remained below 95 per cent in eight districts, while 111 districts achieved coverage ranging between 95 and 100 per cent. Officials said districts falling below the 95 per cent threshold remain a concern for the national eradication programme, as low coverage increases the risk of virus circulation. The December campaign followed another nationwide drive held in October, which also failed to meet its targets. That campaign, conducted from October 13 to 19, aimed to vaccinate more than 45 million children across the country. However, official figures showed that more than 1.09 million children were missed during that drive. Of those missed in October, more than 721,000 children were reported as unavailable when vaccination teams arrived, while over 53,000 cases of parental refusal were recorded.
will be at a loss if we enter into dialogue without resistance. So, the protest movement will continue until the rulers come to the table after recognising the opposition as an equal partner,” he said. Responding to a question on whether PTI had remained stuck in a cycle of protests without tangible outcomes, Afridi said the party was recalibrating its approach.
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PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Sunday emphasized the urgent need for political reconciliation in Pakistan, urging both the ruling party and opposition to play responsible roles to ensure political stability, national security, and economic progress. He highlighted that fostering a culture of tolerance and dialogue was critical to reducing political polarization and safeguarding the democratic process. Bilawal made these remarks while speaking to the media at the inauguration of the Sindh Institute of Child Health and Neonatology in Larkana, where he recalled the legacy of his late mother, former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, and her enduring message of “truth and reconciliation” in politics. He stressed that both the ruling
PROFIT
The government has requested a six-month extension from the World Bank for the $438 million Karachi Mobility Project (KMP), moving the closing date from December 31, 2025, to June 30, 2026, to avoid disruptions in construction of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Yellow Corridor and related infrastructure. The project, approved in June 2019 and backed by an International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) loan of $382 million, also includes $18.4 million in Sindh government counterpart funding and $37.5 million in private sector contributions. The extension comes as authorities prepare a $173.2 million additional financing pack-
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party and its allies must act proactively, while the opposition is expected to play a “responsible role” to support the country’s political and economic stability. “If stringent measures are taken in response to the politics of extremism, then there should be no complaints,” he remarked, quoting the English idiom, “if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.”
Mustafa Kamal alleges MQM founder Measles outbreak claims three children’s ordered Imran Farooq’s murder lives in Dherki village KARACHI
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Federal Minister for Health and MQM-P leader Syed Mustafa Kamal on Sunday alleged that Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) founder Altaf Hussain ordered the murder of senior party leader Dr Imran Farooq. Speaking at a press conference in Karachi, Kamal claimed that the killing was carried out while Hussain was intoxicated and described it as a “birthday gift” for the MQM founder. He also accused Hussain of staging a dramatic display at the funeral of Dr Farooq’s widow, Shumaila Farooq, and alleged that millions of pounds in donations were sought in relation to her burial. Kamal further alleged that Hussain had been receiving funds from the Indian intelligence agency, RAW, for 25 years, claiming that £500,000 was recovered from beneath his pillow. He urged authorities to bring all responsible for Dr Farooq’s murder to justice and offered assistance to trace the
perpetrators. Dr Imran Farooq, a founding member of MQM, was considered the party’s ideological architect, contributing to its constitution, discipline, and organizational structure. He was murdered on September 16, 2010, outside his London home. Police said he was attacked with a brick and knives by two men. Farooq had moved to London in 1999 following a security operation against MQM over alleged involvement in terrorist activities. The murder drew international attention and led to an investigation by Scotland Yard. While several MQM members were later convicted, suspicions about senior leadership involvement persisted. In 2020, an antiterrorism court in Islamabad convicted three Pakistani nationals—Khalid Shamim, Mohsin Ali, and Moazzam Ali—sentencing them to life imprisonment and imposing fines of Rs1 million each for Dr Farooq’s family. Property belonging to four other absconding suspects was ordered seized. Kamal described the MQM
founder as a “theatrical man” and accused him of relying on foreign funding, destroying generations, and continuing to harm people. He advised Dr Farooq’s children not to engage with Hussain. The MQM founder’s alleged role in Dr Farooq’s death has been a long-standing point of controversy. Later investigations suggested links between the suspects and MQM, reinforcing the view that the killing was politically motivated. Dr Farooq’s death marked a turning point for MQM, which later splintered into multiple factions amid internal disputes and leadership struggles. Dr Farooq’s widow, Shumaila Farooq, passed away in London on December 19 this year after battling throat cancer. She and the children were placed under Scotland Yard protection following the 2010 murder. Mustafa Kamal emphasized that Hussain’s actions contributed to imprisonments and deaths in Karachi and reiterated that those responsible for Farooq’s murder must be held accountable.
Govt proscribes UK-based YouTuber Adil Raja under ATA ISLAMABAD
staff report
The federal government has declared UK-based YouTuber and former Pakistan Army officer Adil Farooq Raja a proscribed person under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, citing his alleged sustained involvement in activities posing a serious threat to Pakistan’s security, integrity and public order. According to an official notification, the government said it had “reasonable grounds to believe” that Raja had been consistently misusing online platforms to promote, facilitate and amplify antistate narratives and propaganda associated with proscribed terrorist organisations, thereby acting in a manner prejudicial to the sovereignty and defence of Pakistan. The notification, issued by the Interior Ministry and dated December 27, stated that, “In exercise of powers conferred by Section 11EE of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, the federal government is pleased to direct to list Mr Adil Farooq Raja in the Fourth Schedule to the said Act as a proscribed person for the purposes of the said Act.”
The move followed the approval of the federal cabinet, after the Interior Ministry submitted a summary seeking Raja’s proscription on December 23, according to the notification. The development came roughly 20 days after Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi handed over extradition papers for Raja — who has positioned himself as a whistleblower — and former special assistant to the prime minister Shahzad Akbar to UK High Commissioner Jane Marriott. Earlier, Naqvi had announced a crackdown on individuals involved in fake news, stating that the government would seek the repatri-
ation from the United Kingdom of YouTubers engaged in such activity or in targeting state institutions. Reacting to the proscription, Raja said in a post on X: “They may call the British High Commissioner to complain, but such a complaint is itself unlawful under UK statutes, as we have committed no wrongdoing.” Earlier this month, on December 10, a London High Court ordered Raja to pay £350,000 in damages and legal costs after ruling that he had defamed a former intelligence officer through unfounded allegations of corruption and electoral interference. In 2023, Raja was sentenced to 14 years’ imprisonment following his Field General Court Martial for ‘inciting sedition’ and was stripped of his military rank. While the military’s media affairs wing did not directly link the convictions to the events of May 9, Raja and Mehdi had been accused by the Islamabad police of playing a significant role in fomenting rebellion and inciting attacks on military installations during protests that erupted following the arrest of PTI leader Imran Khan on that day.
GHOTKI
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A measles outbreak in the village of Jan Mohammad Mehar in Dherki has resulted in the deaths of at least three children, while 10 others have been hospitalised, local health officials said. The deceased children were identified as Amir Ali, Bismillah and Hazuran Bibi. Residents said several other children in the area were also showing symptoms associated with measles, raising concerns about further spread of the disease. Following the deaths, residents appealed to the Sindh health department to intervene immediately and establish emergency vaccination camps in the village. They also demanded a door-to-door immunisation campaign, citing limited access to routine healthcare services in the area. Local sources said that most affected families had not completed routine immunisation schedules for their children. Community members blamed gaps in vaccination coverage, lack of awareness and weak monitoring of immunisation programmes for the outbreak. Health officials acknowledged that measles cases had been reported from several parts of Ghotki district in recent weeks. They said surveillance teams had been alerted and steps were being taken to assess vaccination coverage in affected localities. Medical professionals have warned that Pakistan continues to face a high burden of measles cases.
Pakistan must deepen regional trade ties to stabilise economy, FTO official says PROFIT
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Federal Tax Ombudsman Coordinator Saif ur Rehman on Sunday said Pakistan must urgently deepen regional economic cooperation, warning that declining trade with neighbouring countries is undermining long term economic stability. Speaking to a delegation of traders, he said trade with Afghanistan, China, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Iran, Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives declined 17.05 percent to USD 1.635 billion during the last five months, highlighting the need for immediate policy intervention. Saif ur Rehman said regional cooperation was no longer a choice but a necessity and called on the government to adopt a proactive and pragmatic trade policy to reverse the trend. He urged authorities to narrow the trade deficit with regional partners through a comprehensive package of incentives aimed at boosting economic integration. He said Pakistan’s geographic location gave it the potential to emerge as a regional trade and transit hub, provided trade facilitation measures were aligned with regional economic conditions. Stronger regional trade, he added, could help conserve foreign exchange reserves, support industrial growth, create employment and stabilise the national economy. The FTO Coordinator said the proposed incentive package should include preferential tariffs, simplified customs procedures, reduced non tariff barriers and improved logistics and connectivity. He added that promoting cross border investment would further ease trade flows and strengthen trust among regional economies.
Government seeks six-month extension for $438m Karachi Mobility Project staff report
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Bilawal calls for political reconciliation, urges parties to act responsibly
saleem jadoon
AKISTAN Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership has categorically ruled out entering into dialogue with the government from what it describes as a position of weakness, insisting that any talks can only take place after the party secures a “level playing field” through sustained public mobilisation and street protests. The stance underscores PTI’s continued preference for pressure politics over quiet engagement, even as the government signals conditional openness to negotiations. The position was articulated by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and PTI Secretary-General Salman Akram Raja during a series of meetings in Lahore, where senior party leaders convened to launch a renewed street movement on the directives of incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan. The meetings reflected the party’s resolve to escalate agitation while setting preconditions for any possible reconciliation with the ruling coalition. CM Afridi, accompanied by provincial ministers and party law-
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age, which could extend the project’s duration to December 31, 2028. No changes are planned to the project’s scope, objectives, components, safeguards, procurement rules, or implementation arrangements. Despite early delays caused by staff turnover, limited political support, and COVID-19 disruptions, the project has gained momentum. According to World Bank officials, both Project Development Objective (PDO) progress and implementation performance are rated “Moderately Satisfactory.” Major milestones include the completion and partial opening of the Jam Sadiq Bridge, active construction of two BRT depots, and procurement for critical corridor packages. An Accelerated Implementation Plan has improved disbursement and oversight. Around $115 million—roughly 30
percent of IBRD financing—has been disbursed to date. The six-month extension is intended to maintain momentum while the additional financing is prepared. World Bank management approved a formal exception under its Investment Project Financing Directive, citing satisfactory borrower performance, the absence of outstanding audits, and a clear plan for project execution. Environmental and social risks remain rated “Substantial” due to the complexity of construction in Karachi’s dense urban areas. Mitigation measures, including compensation and livelihood rehabilitation plans, a grievance redress mechanism, a Gender Action Plan, and climate resilience features such as elevated corridors and improved drainage, are reported on track.
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