PAKISTAN’S RESPONSE TO BE ‘COMPREHENSIVE, DECISIVE’ IF SOVEREIGNT Y THREATENED: DG ISPR
g 26 MILITARY INSTALLATIONS, FACILITIES USED FOR TARGETING PAKISTANIS, FOMENTING TERRORISM DESTROYED DURING BUNYAM MARSOOS: LT-GEN CHAUDHRY
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g PAF TARGETED HIGHEST NUMBER OF IAF AIRFIELDS IN A SINGLE MISSION SINCE 1971: AIR VICE MARSHAL AURANGZEB
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S TA F F R E P O R T
DI R E C TO R General InterServices Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry on Sunday firmly said that no one should have any doubt that whenever Pakistan s sovereignty is threatened or its territorial integrity violated, the response will be comprehensive, retributive, and decisive
Addressing a press conference along with the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Air Vice Marshal Aurangzeb Ahmed and Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (Operations) Vice Admiral Raja Rab Nawaz, he said, No one should have any doubt that whenever our sovereignty would be threatened and territorial integrity violated the response would be comprehensive retributive and decisive
While sharing the details of Bunyam Marsoos operation, he said, 26 military targets as well as facilities that were used to target Pakistani citizens and those enterprises that were responsible for fomenting terrorism
g INDIAN NAVY UNDERSTOOD HEAVY PRICE THEY WOULD HAVE TO PAY HAD THEY TRIED TO ACT FROM THE SEA: VICE ADMIRAL RAJA RAB NAWAZ
in Pakistan were engaged in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir and also mainland India The targets included Air Force and aviation bases at Suratgarh, Sirsa Adampur Bhuj Nalia Bathinda Barnala Harwara Avantipura Srinagar Jammu Mamoon Ambala Udampur and Pathankot all of which sustained major damages , he detailed He added that BrahMos facilities, which had fired missiles in Pakistan and killed innocent civilians were also destroyed He said that S-400 battery system at Adhampur and Bhuj was also attacked by proud Pakistan Air Force Military logistic and support sites which helped sustain this unlawful operation against innocent Pakistani civilians like field supply depot at Uri and radar station at Poonch were also targeted he added
He said, military command headquarters, which helped plan the operation killing of innocent citizens, including 10th and 80th Brigade at KG Top and Nowshera were destroyed
Lt-Gen Chaudhry said that facilities which harboured train and capacity proxy elements that perpetrate terrorist attacks inside Pakistan which kill innocent civilians were specifically identified and destroyed
The DG ISPR said across the line of control military elements including headquarters logistic bases artillery positions and posts that had caused civilian casualties in Azad, Jammu and Kashmir through unprovoked artillery and small arms fire were relentlessly targeted and heavily damaged until they raised white flags and asked for restraint
The military spokesperson said, Pakistan had brought justice and retribution for reprehensible Indian military’s aggression and brutal killings of our citizens
Lt-Gen Chaudhry said that during the operation Bunyam Marsoos Pakistan s response was a textbook demonstration of integrated tri-services jointness enabled by real-time situational awareness, network-centric warfare capabilities and seamless multi-domain operations
HHa jj figHts operation resumes after airspace opening
ISLAMABAD: The Hajj flights operation, which was affected due to the PakistanIndia war, was fully restored after Pakistan opened its airspace for all kinds of flights The Ministry of Religious Affairs spokesperson said that “now all Hajj flights are departing as per their schedule The
said that India used drones to violate Pakistani airspace to intimidate civilians and spread fear All through Operation Bunyam Marsoos dozens of Pakistani armed drones hovered over Indian major cities and sensitive political and government facilities including their capital New Delhi and from Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir all the way up to Gujarat to manifest clearly our lethal long-range unmanned capability to indicate the futility of the use of this domain in warfare He said Pakistan Armed Forces also carried out comprehensive and effective cyber offensive to temporarily cripple and degrade critical infrastructure and services that were being used by Indian Armed Forces to sustain their operations Let me tell you that Pakistan Armed Forces possess an adequate suite of very sophisticated niche military technologies all only some of which were used with restraint in this conflict and there are many more such capabilities being kept as future surprises Despite all this let me say that compared to Indian relentless provocations Pakistan’s military response has been precise, proportionate and still remarkably restrained” he added Lt-Gen Chaudhry said it was carefully calibrated to avoid civilian casualties and has exclusively targeted those entities and facilities which were directly involved in orchestrating and executing cold-blooded killings of Pakistani civilians and those carrying out terrorist attacks inside Pakistan The DG said Pakistan also sustained an abnormal and immediate spike in Indian-sponsored terrorism across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan while we were busy in operations on the Eastern Front He said, this vindicates that India is directly involved in fomenting terrorism in Pakistan and its proxies were fully operationalized during this time to distract our attention Pakistan Armed Forces are resilient and simultaneously with the conduct of Operation Bunyam Marsoos, the forces carried out most effective counter-terrorism operations in the western region without any pause
KP char ts path to fiscal excellence with comprehensive public financial management
assessment
digital financial transformations
in
and 2017 this initiative led by the Finance Department with support from the SubNational Governance Program-II, aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and service delivery while aligning with the province’s strategic objectives A high-level stakeholders’ workshop brought together around 35 representatives from Finance Planning and Development Health Education Local Government, Auditor General s Office, and development partners The workshop’s objectives are multifaceted, designed to facilitate a robust and inclusive assessment that drives meaningful reform First it seeks to build consensus on the interpretation of PEFA indicators and scoring criteria, enabling stakeholders to apply a consistent and informed approach to evaluating PFM performance Second it aims to strengthen participants’ understanding of critical PEFA dimensions such as credibility trans-
Operation Bunyam Marsoos has been a great example of coming together of all elements of national power with overwhelming support of Pakistani public to effectively counter the threat to our national sovereignty and integrity and the threat to our great motherland The DG ISPR affirmed that Pakistan never targetted civilians because “our religion culture and professionalism doesn t allow us to do so We will never target civilians Even from Indian statements, did you find that Pakistan attacked anything other than military targets? No ” He said, “Alhamdulillah, Pakistan Armed Forces have delivered the promise made to our people I begin by thanking Almighty Allah for His infinite blessings mercy help and divine support as He has ordained the believers to retaliate whenever they are wronged We bow our heads to Him in utmost humility who have enabled us to translate our resolve into decisive actions in the battlefield ”
He also expressed sympathies with families of the shuhada who sacrificed their lives for the beloved country He prayers for the quick recovery of injured countrymen
He extended heartfelt gratitude to every officer, soldier, airman and sailor of the Armed Forces of Pakistan who made this success on the battlefield possible through their courage professionalism and sacrifice
He said The Armed Forces of Pakistan express their profound appreciation and gratitude to the brave Pakistani nation whose moral strength, resolve and above all wholehearted support and prayers remained unwaveringly with us during these testing times which became a force multiplier for the Armed Forces of Pakistan
We are specially indebted to the youth of Pakistan who became the frontline soldiers as information and cyber warriors of the country Profound thanks are also due to you the vibrant media of Pakistan who also stood like Bunyam Marsoos a steel wall against the Indian media information blitz and fuming as well as warmongering done by the Indian media We are extremely grateful to the political leadership of all political parties without any distinction for the unified resolve in support of their Armed Forces for the defence of our motherland ” The DG ISPR said that the Armed Forces are specifically grateful to the inspiring leadership of the Prime Minister of Pakistan and his Cabinet Ministers for taking destiny changing decisions of the country and steering it through this critical situation Pakistan Armed Forces thank and salute the Pakistani nation for
parency, and accountability and their relevance to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s PFM challenges fostering a shared vision for reform Third the workshop provides a platform for hands-on working sessions to analyze indicator-specific data requirements, identifying gaps and challenges in data collection to ensure the assessment’s accuracy Finally, it focuses on pinpointing contextual obstacles in applying the PEFA framework to the province s unique PFM environment and collaboratively developing practical solutions to address them The Advisor to the Chief Minister for Finance inaugurated the session
Emphasizing the assessment’s strategic significance he stated that this will provide the needed lens to develop strategic and policy-oriented reforms for improving the PFM system which will serve as the backbone for improved service delivery and will lay strong foundations for achieving the government’s strategic objectives He underscored that the assessment is not merely a diagnostic but an opportunity to embed transparency, accountability, and fiscal discipline into the province’s PFM system, aligning with flagship initiatives like the Public Financial Management Act 2022 Fiscal Responsibility & Debt Management Act 2022 Treasury Single Account and
The Advisor called for a whole-ofgovernment approach urging stakeholders to address challenges in budget credibility procurement efficiency and audit outcomes He stressed that reforms must be bold and enduring, avoiding short-term fixes to create a lasting impact The workshop focused on building consensus on PEFA indicators and scoring criteria analyzing data requirements and tackling sector-specific challenges in health education local governance, climate resilience, and gender equity through scenariobased exercises and discussions By leveraging lessons from past assessments the workshop aimed to design actionable solutions to strengthen the province s PFM system Expected outcomes include a reform roadmap prioritizing high-impact policy changes, enhanced coordination with development partners to unlock performancelinked financing and positioning Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as a national leader in PFM excellence The Advisor termed the workshop as a defining moment which will unite stakeholders around a shared vision He added that the PFM system will stand the test of time propelling Khyber Pakhtunkhwa toward prosperity and governance excellence
system worked accurately and destroyed all hostile drones that entered its airspace
He shared that around 84 drones were shot down We had promised that anything sent toward us would not go back and we kept that promise,” he stated When asked about a ceasefire the DG ISPR clarified that Pakistan never requested it The DG ISPR put it on record that Pakistan never requested for a ceasefire On the night of May 6 and 7, after those dastardly and cowardly attacks were made, Indians requested and Pakistan gave a very clear response that we will communicate back only after we have given the response that this act deserves So on May 10 after the response and retribution [ ] and on the request and intervention of international interlocutors, we responded to the already made request of the Indians,” he said
“If you look at public statements from India’s Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces they were clearly calling for de-escalation he noted Responding to another question he said In a conflict between two rival nuclear powers such a conflict is actually an absurdity and it is inconceivable and sheer stupidity ”
“In the case of India and Pakistan such a conflict can lead to peril of more than 1 6 billion people he said In reality there is no space for war between India and Pakistan and if anyone wants to carve out this space for war, he is actually carving out the space for mutual annihilation ”
“This is why you saw how in this conflict Pakistan acted in a very mature manner and through conventional forces we maintained escalation control through conventional forces we gave them a two notch up response while also ensuring that the Pakistan forces employed on the counterterrorism operations
PESHAWAR
Pakistan and guarantors need to ensure there is no repetition
Th E immediate star of the Pak-india ceasefire was US President Donald Trump More so than either the indian or Pakistani Prime Ministers, respectively narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif it was he who seemed to want to take credit for the ceasefire it probably helped that neither of the leaders of the countries concerned seemed to want to have anything to do with it it is possible to understand Mr Modi s wanting to have no part of the matter, for it was his wrongheaded overestimation of his country s strength that led to what can only be described as a debacle however, Mr Sharif s reticence is not so easily understandable, unless he did not want to seen backing down from a fight Be that as it may, the respective Directors General of Military Operations have been in touch agreeing on an immediate ceasefire and to speak again on Monday (today)
One of the first things theory may discuss is the violations of the ceasefire There were reports of continued indian firing along the LoC as well as barrages of missiles directed against Pakistani cities apparently in a last-ditch attempt to damage Pakistani air defences This may have been a reaction to the last pre-ceasefire action which was the Pakistani reaction to the missile strikes which killed 31 of its civilians and which hit a Russiansupplied defence system among other targets That was the second highly praised indian air Force weapons system after the Rafale fighter that was rendered ineffective however though there were violations of the ceasefire on Saturday there were none on Sunday which may well reflect the preoccupations of local commanders more than national strategy at the same time violations would also invoke the ire of the third party involved in reaching the peace which would be the USa apart from the violations which may be airily dismissed by their violator as a procedural glitch there are still the twin issues of the still-unresolved Pehelgam attack and india’s suspension of the indus Waters Treaty Both are centred on the Kashmir issue and without talks on that it will not be possible to move forwards The goal should not merely be to solve the Kashmir issue but also to ensure that there is no repetition of a situation where nuclear-armed neighbours go up against each other eyeball-to-eyeball if the past is anything to go by india is ready to blame Pakistan for whatever goes wrong and there is plenty to go wrong in a country with a billion people and a government as inept as Mr
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M A Niazi Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami Editor Profit
China’s Vision for Peace in South Asia
h i n a has played an active-role to stabilize the current crisis between Pakistan and india through dialogue after the terrorist attack Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called Pakistani Foreign Minister ishaq Dar and india s national Security advisor ajit Doval, reaffirming Chinese support for Pakistan s sovereignty he urged a diplomatic resolution of all disputes a permanent ceasefire and better cooperation Even as he denounced the terror attack at Pahalgam he urged both countries to cooperate in current weeks Pakistan and india have come dangerously close to a flashpoint Minor miscalculations now carry the weight of catastrophe Violations of international borders, missile threats against cities and military installations, and a chilling diplomatic silence have dragged the entire South asian region into a haze of uncertainty On May 11 both countries accused each other of violating a fragile truce even as global attention turned toward the region US President Donald Trump, after initially brushing off the escalating tensions as “none of our business,” reversed course Vice President JD Vance called indian Prime Minister narendra Modi following “alarming intelligence” about the conflict Trust is lacking between Pakistan and india Without trust even a single miscalculation could ignite a conflict neither side can afford it s time for renewed dialogue and deeper public engagement, stating that peace in South asia cannot survive without face-to-face diplomacy and people-to-people contact Behind the scenes a critical yet unresolved matter is reappearing: the future of the indus Waters Treaty (iWT) Water specialists and policymakers have become more worried about india s latest unilateral suspension of treaty duties, a flow that jeopardizes the
well-being
Texecution Realizing the goals of the theme requires a careful comprehension of these difficulties and a proactive approach to them For many years Pakistan s nursing profession has been systematically neglected at the institutional, social, professional, and financial levels, nurses face a variety of difficulties Most of the time health care workers have to use outdated equipment, lack personal protective equipment and have insufficient basic facilities exposing both themselves and patients to unnecessary health risks nurses standing obstacles is lack of resources insufficient funding for government hospitals and medical facilities is reflected as one of the most bothersome problems to face the nursing profession also an inadequate shift system has frequently led to nurses working without break with a resultant poor performance and low morale and ill health The problem of low
wages and benefits is combined with patient demand so that the workload is left to the device of individual nurses The lack of fixed working hours takes heavy physical and emotional toll on nurses nearly all hospitals have very few nurses compared to the standard criterion Socially, nurses in the Pakistani context are often deprived of the respect and dignity commensurate with their noble profession Female nurses in particular face different forms of prejudice which further wears down their morale The mental health of nurses is an area that is basically overlooked nurses routinely come across profound emotional distress stemming from patient suffering and mortality, and the challenges of balancing familial and professional responsibilities however they lack access to adequate support systems or counseling services Despite these alarming challenges a concerted effort by the government, nursing institutions, and society to prioritize the well-being of nurses can yield a significant bonus investing in nurses’ physical and mental health can lead to improved patient care enhanced workplace productivity and greater interest in the nursing profession among future generations Embracing this theme can pave the way for a brighter future for Pakistan s health sector and overall economy
The
Despite these alarming challeng es, a concer ted effor t by the government, nursing institutions, and society to prioritiz e the well-being of nurses can yield a significant bonus. Investing in nursesÊ physical and mental health can lead to improved patient care , enhanced workplace productivity, and greater interest in the nursing profession among future g enerations.
Politics of divide and rule
remains a cohesive and resilient force com-
The recent crisis has proved this
Tcohesion of the Army One of the most remarkable aspects of this diversity is the inclusion of various religious communities While Pakistan is a Muslimmajority nation the Army proudly includes members of religious minorities such as Hindus Christians and others who serve with the same commitment professionalism, and pride The Army s inclusive traditions ensure that soldiers from all Islamic sects, including Sunni, Shia, and others, serve side by side, fostering unity through shared faith and brotherhood Despite the demographic majority of
Muslims, the Pakistan Army actively provides opportunities for religious minorities particularly in specialized non-combat roles such as engineering medical services and technical support Their skills dedication and patriotism are recognized and respected Christian soldiers, for instance, have been awarded honours for their bravery and service The Army continues to emphasize inclusivity offering equal opportunities career growth and benefits to all personnel regardless of faith
The Army also mirrors Pakistan s rich linguistic diversity Personnel are recruited from across the country, representing a wide array of regional languages and dialects Although Urdu serves as the national language and primary medium of communication the military encourages linguistic inclusivity Soldiers often speak in their native tongues such as Punjabi, Pashto, Sindhi, Balochi, and others creating a multilingual environment To promote understanding and operational efficiency, language training programmes are offered where needed ensuring effective communication across all ranks and units
Cultural diversity is another vibrant aspect of military life Soldiers bring with them the unique traditions, cuisines, customs, and practices of their regions, enriching the collective identity of the Pakistan Army This multiculturalism is not only respected but actively celebrated through events such as cultural festivals regional heritage days and traditional ceremonies These initiatives foster mutual respect, promote unity in diversity, and strengthen camaraderie among troops from all backgrounds
Diversity is truly one of the Pakistan Army s greatest strengths It ensures that the military reflects the broader fabric of Pakistani society where individuals regardless of race, religion, language, or ethnicity are given the opportunity to serve their nation with honour This inclusive spirit reinforces national unity strengthens internal harmony and ensures that the Army
mitted to the country’s security and success
The diversity within the military plays a vital role in strengthening national unity by uniting soldiers from various backgrounds under a shared commitment to defend the nation
Moreover, this diversity enhances the military’s ability to operate effectively across the country, particularly in regions with unique ethnic and cultural identities It allows for better understanding communication and engagement with local populations ultimately contributing to more effective and inclusive operations Local soldiers play a crucial role in fostering trust and building strong relationships with the communities they serve Their familiarity with the region’s geography language and culture allows them to offer valuable insights and enhance the Army s effectiveness particularly in conflict zones and peacekeeping operations
The Pakistan Army remains firmly committed to cultivating leadership from all backgrounds ensuring equal opportunities for individuals across every region and ethnic group to advance through the ranks
Leadership development is rooted in merit competence, and capability, allowing talented individuals to lead, inspire, and serve regardless of their origins
Professionalism and discipline form the core of the Pakistan Army’s ethos guiding every action decision and interaction
These principles ensure that all personnel uphold the highest standards of conduct
From training grounds to operational deployments, soldiers are instilled with values such as respect, humility, and a deep sense of duty Within the Army’s hierarchical structure soldiers are trained to respect their superiors while treating subordinates with fairness and dignity
Teamwork is essential to the Army s success and is grounded in mutual respect and shared purpose rather than individual ambition Soldiers are taught to value the contributions of every team member re-
gardless of rank The Army’s strict code of conduct which applies both in and out of uniform emphasizes the importance of treating others with decency and respect
Arrogance and rudeness are not tolerated; instead, humility, selflessness, and a sense of honour are considered defining qualities of a true soldier
Pakistan’s cultural values, which emphasize respect for elders and authority are reflected within the military Soldiers are expected to embody these principles upholding humility and integrity in every interaction This cultural foundation also shapes the Army s relationship with the civilian population Whether during peacetime or crises soldiers are trained to engage with civilians respectfully and courteously
At the heart of every soldier lies a core principle: to serve the nation above self This sense of duty fosters a culture of selfless service, ensuring that the military remains a force not only of strength but also of integrity and humanity Soldiers remain dedicated to the collective mission placing the nation’s interests above personal recognition
Leadership within the Pakistan Army is grounded in integrity empathy and mutual respect Officers and commanding personnel play a crucial role in shaping the values, behaviour, and discipline of those under their command Leadership that emphasizes compassion and selflessness fosters a culture where arrogance is rejected and professionalism prevails
Officers in the Pakistan Army are expected to lead by example, embodying the highest standards of conduct They are accessible, fair, and supportive providing guidance when needed and fostering a respectful disciplined environment This emphasis on respectful leadership sets a positive tone across all ranks cultivating a culture of mutual regard and professionalism throughout the Army
Military leaders are also trained to resolve conflicts through diplomacy ensuring fairness and dignity in their interactions
They are attentive to the emotional and psychological well-being of their troops and by prioritizing communication, empathy, and understanding, they help maintain a supportive and respectful atmosphere The professionalism of the Pakistan Army extends beyond its internal operations to the international stage Whether participating in peacekeeping missions joint military exercises or diplomatic engagements with foreign forces, Army personnel consistently represent Pakistan with honour and integrity
The Pakistan Army has a longstanding and respected presence in United Nations peacekeeping operations where its soldiers serve alongside multinational forces In ad-
DA N I E L M Rosen, in his recent article for the Jerusalem Post, argues that Iran is on the brink of collapse citing economic hardships posed by U S sanctions evolving situation in the West Asia region and what he calls internal discontent
However, predicting the Iranian government s imminent downfall overlooks historical resilience, strategic recalibrations, and Tehran’s evolving regional posture
One of the arguments for Iran’s alleged decline by Rosen is the country s economic situation However Tehran has repeatedly demonstrated adaptability under sanctions Tehran has cultivated economic ties beyond the West, particularly with China, Russia, and regional partners, allowing it to bypass conventional economic restrictions Tehran through mechanisms such as cryptocurrency trade and local currency deals mitigates sanctions imposed by the West The country has promoted domestic production in sectors like agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and military technology, reducing reliance on imports While economic hardship is undeniable, Iran’s ability to function within an alternative financial framework suggests that economic collapse is not foreseeable
The article then contends that Iran s military posture has suffered major defeats particularly in Syria and Gaza However it underestimates Hezbollah in Lebanon, Resistance groups in Iraq, the Ansarallah movement in Yemen, which still can be considered a huge leverage for Iran’s defensive strategy countering efforts to weaken Iran’s reach Over the years Iran has been modifying its defensive approach emphasizing drone warfare cyber operations and missile capabilities Iran retains control over key shipping lanes in the Persian Gulf, allowing it to exert pressure on global trade networks in case of any attack on its sovereign soil Although Iran has faced challenges in the West Asia region, labeling it a “paper tiger” underestimates its ability to adjust strategy and maintain regional influence Tehran has faced multiple waves of unrest some of which were openly or covertly supported by Western governments However, as demonstrated by over four decades of the Islamic Republic’s history, uprisings alone do not necessarily lead to ‘regime change’ Iran’s security apparatus remains a crucial pillar of the state’s ability to counter anti-Iran elements Tehran has developed extensive counterintelligence capabilities aimed at thwarting foreign intervention Iranian security forces closely monitor entities collaborating with foreign governments They have been capable of dismantling multiple foreign spy networks, particularly those linked to Western intelligence services and regional adversaries Tehran has enhanced its ability to counter digital espionage and has disrupted most of the hostile intelligence-gathering efforts While dissatisfaction can be seen in a range of issues, mainly caused by Western sanctions, there is no single issue that a political entity can ride on to initiate a
administration has been widely framed as a decisive move to cripple Iran’s economy and force its leadership into submission However, historical patterns suggest that such measures have consistently fallen short of their intended objectives While sanctions placed economic strain on Iran they failed to trigger a fundamental shift in its policies Instead, these restrictions accelerated Iran s strategic pivot toward alternative global actors, particularly Russia and China, fostering deeper economic and political integration By strengthening ties with these nations Iran has mitigated the impact of Western financial restrictions Trade agreements energy partnerships and alternative payment mechanisms have enabled Tehran to maintain a degree of economic stability despite external pressures Moreover, the increasing fragmentation of the global financial system, with the rise of non-dollar trade agreements and alternative banking mechanisms has further diminished the effectiveness of unilateral sanctions In this context the notion that maximum pressure could serve as a final blow to Iran appears increasingly tenuous Rather than isolating Iran, these policies have contributed to its realignment within a broader geopolitical framework reinforcing its role as a key player in multi-polar global dynamics Iran s engagement in diplomatic negotiations should not be interpreted as an act of desperation but rather as a calculated move within a broader strategy aimed at securing national interests Over the years, Tehran has demonstrated an ability to leverage negotiations as a means of extracting concessions while maintaining its core political and strategic objectives Rather than signaling surrender Iran s negotiation stance suggests strategic pragmatism For decades various analysts and policymakers have predicted Iran s imminent collapse, citing economic distress, political challenges, and external pressures Yet, the Islamic Republic has not only endured but demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of adversity From the devastating Iran-Iraq War to periods of severe economic hardship induced by international sanctions Iran has repeatedly adapted to shifting geopolitical and domestic realities This resilience stems from a combination of structural, political, and social factors Unlike authoritarian regimes that rely on centralized rigid power structures Iran maintains a complex governance system that blends Islam with democratic elements This hybrid model includes institutions such as the Expediency Council and the Assembly of Experts which provide mechanisms for political adjustment and elite consensus Moreover, elections allow for shifts within the political landscape, helping the system recalibrate rather than collapse under pressure Beyond political structures Iran s enduring sociopolitical cohesion plays a vital role Despite internal
dition to peacekeeping, the Army regularly engages in joint training and defense collaboration with foreign militaries In all such interactions Pakistani soldiers uphold the highest standards of professionalism and courtesy, reinforcing a positive image of the Army and the nation it represents The Pakistan Army’s reputation both at home and internationally is built on its consistent adherence to professionalism discipline and respect Whether serving the public during crises or representing the nation abroad Pakistani soldiers demonstrate integrity in every aspect of their service Their humility and respectful conduct inspire trust among the Pakistani people and earn admiration from the global community Domestically the Army is widely regarded as a guardian of the nation and a pillar of stability owing to its steadfast commitment to national unity and its leading role in responding to challenges This trust is earned through the Army’s
Abdul bAsit Alvi
US-China talks resume as Trump hails ‘total reset’ in trade relations
WASHINGTON A G E N C I E S
Talks between top US and Chinese officials resumed for a second day on Sunday, after US President Donald Trump voiced optimism over the negotiations aimed at de-escalating trade tensions sparked by his aggressive tariff rollout
In a Truth Social post following the first day of talks in Geneva on Saturday Trump praised the very good discussions and deemed them a total reset negotiated in a friendly, but constructive, manner
Earlier, the Chinese state news agency Xinhua also described the talks in Switzerland as “an important step in
promoting the resolution of the issue”
The second day of closed-door meetings between US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng resumed shortly after 10am (1pm PKT) on Sunday As of Saturday the talks were taking place at the residence of the Swiss ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva a discrete villa with sky-blue shutters near a large park on the left bank of Lake Geneva “These talks reflect that the current state of the trade relations with these extremely high tariffs is ultimately in the interests of neither the United States nor
” Citigroup global chief economist Nathan Sheets told AFP calling the tariffs a lose-lose proposition Good news The discussions are the first time senior officials from the world s two largest economies have met face-to-face to tackle the thorny topic of trade since Trump slapped steep new levies on China last month sparking a robust retaliation from Beijing The tariffs imposed by Trump on the Asian manufacturing giant since the start of the year currently total 145 per cent, with cumulative US duties on some Chinese goods reaching a staggering 245pc In retaliation China put 125pc tariffs
on US goods Ahead of the meeting Trump signalled he might lower the tariffs suggesting on social media that an 80pc Tariff on China seems right! However, his press secretary Karoline Leavitt later clarified that the United States would not lower tariffs unilaterally and that China would also need to make concessions
Going into the meeting both sides played down expectations of a major change in trade relations, with Bessent underlining a focus on “de-escalation” and not a “big trade deal,” and Beijing insisting the United States must ease tariffs first
US credits Rubio -Vance diplomac y
for Pak-India ceasefire
WASHINGTON A G E N C I E S US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said that the recently announced India-Pakistan ceasefire agreement was significantly shaped by the diplomatic efforts of Senators Marco Rubio and JD Vance In an interview with a US television channel, Bruce revealed that multiple phone calls had taken place between top leadership of both countries including their prime ministers and high-level officials facilitated by American diplomacy
She said the ceasefire was the outcome of a beautiful partnership between both nations, with the United States playing a pivotal role under the leadership and vision of President Donald Trump “This achievement is a direct result of implementing President Trump s insight and strategy she added Tammy Bruce expressed hope for continued engagement between India and Pakistan, stating that effective dialogue will move forward, and this process will remain ongoing ” Meanwhile Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended gratitude to President Trump for his sincere efforts
toward the ceasefire also thanking China Saudi Arabia Türkiye the UAE and Qatar for their diplomatic support PM Shehbaz expressed optimism that the resolution of water disputes and the long-standing Jammu and Kashmir issue would also see fair and just solutions through such international cooperation After brokering ceasefire, Trump eyes solution to Kashmir issue
Meanwhile, in a significant development following the recent US-mediated ceasefire between India and Pakistan US President Donald Trump expressed his pride in the leadership of both countries acknowledging their efforts to step back from the brink of further escalation
The announcement of the ceasefire which took place after intense diplomatic interventions has been hailed as a moment of de-escalation in a region that has long been a flashpoint for tension
Taking to his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump lauded the decision by India and Pakistan to halt hostilities describing it as a “historic and heroic” step I am proud that the USA was able to help you arrive at this historic and heroic decision, Trump wrote
S The United States stepped in to defuse escalating tensions between Pakistan and India after an Indian missile strike on Pakistan s Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi raised fears of a potential nuclear escalation, the New York Times While Vance initially remarked in a May 8 interview with Fox News that the conflict was fundamentally none of our business the situation changed rapidly as intelligence indicated that Pakistani and Indian air forces had engaged in aerial combat Previousy Trump administration officials revealed to
Naqvi reviews progress of ongoing development work
to carefully consider the balance between generating tax revenue and ensuring that the business sector is not overwhelmed by excessive regulations and high taxes ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited the Jinnah Square Murree Road underpass project and reviewed the progress of the ongoing development work The walls on both sides of the underpass have been completed, while work on the roof has now been started It is worth mentioning that the underpass will be inaugurated on May 22 During the inspection Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi directed that 100 per cent of the work should
be completed within the current month He expressed satisfaction over the pace and quality of development work despite recent rainfall The Interior Minister also instructed for the development of green areas and beautiful landscaping around the project He also inspected the under construction bridge near the underpass as well He also directed immediate action for the removal of encroachments on the Expressway He stated that transforming Islamabad into a world-class city in terms of traffic management and public facilities is the top priority Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa, while briefing on the project, said that 75% of the development work has been completed Out of the four slip roads three have been completed and traffic has been restored for public convenience It was further highlighted during the briefing that despite rains and weather conditions, the development work will be completed on time The Federal Secretary for Interior Deputy Commissioner Islamabad and other officials were also present on the occasion
CDA ac tivates all fire and resc ue units to cope with ongoing rain emergenc y
On the directives of the Chairman CDA Chief Commissioner Islamabad and DG Civil Defence CDA has activated all fire and rescue units across its substations to manage the ongoing rain emergency Rescue teams are patrolling various areas of Islamabad to ensure vigilance address untoward situations and provide prompt assistance to the community Several successful operations have been conducted, including rescuing victims from a tree-fall incident near Aabpara and addressing waterlogging in lowlying areas The CDA remains committed to public safety and urges residents to report emergencies
LAHORE S TA F F R
proving that our ports remain a vital part of the global trade network," the KPT Acting chairman stated
