PAKISTAN SPENDS RS448B OUT OF
DEVELOPMENT BUDGET IN THREE QUARTERS
expor ters
bound for Sharjah Dammam and Kuwait due to operational reasons
APTMA welcomes Trump’s pledge to boost trade with Pakistan
PR OFIT M o n to r i n g D e s k The All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) on Monday welcomed US President Donald Trump s statement expressing his intention to increase trade substantially with Pakistan, calling it a “timely recognition” of the critical role economic engagement can play in advancing peace and regional stability In a statement the association said it expects the US to move towards reducing existing and proposed tariffs on Pakistani
exports particularly textiles in light of Pakistan s growing cotton imports from the United
S azgar records drop in four-wheeler produc tion and sales in April
segment highlights continued consumer reliance on Sazgar ’s flagship CNG 4-stroke auto rickshaws for urban and commercial mobility Headquartered in Lahore Sazgar Engineering Works is widely recognised for its durable three-wheeler auto rickshaws and has recently expanded into the fourwheeler market, offering both off-road vehicles like the BAIC BJ40 plus and passenger SUVs like the Haval H6 The company also manufactures automotive wheel rims and maintains a growing presence in export markets
In recent years Sazgar has diversified its product portfolio by launching locally assembled variants of popular Chinese off-road vehicles under agreements with international brands Its entrance into the SUV and off-road segments has broadened its reach, although the company continues to rely heavily on its three-wheeler line for sales volumes Despite the monthly fluctuations Sazgar maintains its leadership position in Pakistan s three-wheeler market and continues to expand its footprint globally through a network of dealers and export partnerships
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He said Pakistan s response to Indian aggression was a textbook demonstration of integrated tri-services jointness, enabled by real-time situational awareness, network-centric warfare capabilities, and seamless multi-domain operations He said this synergy across air land sea and cyber domains allowed for precision engagement overwhelming lethality and lightening operational tempo All platforms operated in synergy, delivering coordinated effects at carefully selected decisive points he added “Using precision-guided longrange Fatah series missiles F1 and F2 of Pakistan Army precision munitions of PAF, highly capable longrange loitering killer munitions, and precision long-range artillery, 26 military targets as well as facilities that were used to target Pakistani citizens and those enterprises that were responsible for fomenting terrorism in Pakistan, were engaged in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and also mainland India,” the DGISPR said He said the targets included Air Force and Aviation bases at Suratgarh Sirsa Bhuj Naliya Adampur Bhatinda Barnala Halwara Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Udhampur, Mamun, Ambala, and Pathankot, all of which sustained major damages He said BrahMos storage facilities at Beas and Nagrota were also destroyed which had fired missiles on Pakistan killing innocent civilians including women, children and elderly S-400 battery systems at Adampur and Bhuj were also attacked and effectively neutralised by Pakistan Air Force he added Military logistics and support
sites which helped sustain this unlawful operation against innocent Pak-
istani civilians like Field Supply Depot at Uri and Radar Station at Poonch were also targeted Military Command Headquarters which helped plan the operational killing of our innocent citizens especially the children including 10 Bde and 80 Bde at KG Top and Naushera were completely destroyed, the DG ISPR added
He said the facilities which harboured, trained, and capacitated proxy elements that perpetrated terrorist attacks inside Pakistan and killed innocent civilians were specifically identified and destroyed These include intelligence units and their forward field elements at Rajauri and Naushera Across the LOC, military elements including HQs 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 he added
He said India used drones to violate Pakistani airspace to intimidate our civilians and spread fear and all through Operation Bunyanum 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 to Gujarat to clearly manifest our lethal long-range unmanned capability, indicating the futility of the use of this domain in warfare
He said Pakistan Armed Forces also carried out comprehensive and effective cyber operations to temporarily cripple and degrade critical infrastructure and services that were being used by Indian Armed Forces to sustain their operations Pakistan Armed Forces possess an ‘adequate’ suite of very sophisti-
cated niche military technologies , and only a limited number and type were used with restraint in this conflict, he added
“Despite all this compared to Indian relentless provocations Pakistan s military response has been precise proportionate and still remarkably restrained It was carefully calibrated to avoid civilian casualties and exclusively targeted those entities and facilities which were directly involved in orchestrating and executing the cold-blooded killings of Pakistani civilians and those carrying out terrorist attacks inside Pakistan, he added
He said Pakistan also sustained an abnormal and immediate spike in Indian-sponsored terrorism across KP and Balochistan while it’s armed forces were busy in operations on the eastern front This further vindicates that India is directly involved in fomenting terrorism in Pakistan, and its proxies were fully operationalised during this time to distract our attention he added
The DG ISPR said the resilient Armed Forces of Pakistan carried out most effective counter-terrorism operations in the western region without any pause simultaneously with the conduct of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos He said Marka-e-Haq has been a great example of the synergy between all elements of national power with overwhelming support of the Pakistani public, to effectively counter the threat to our national sovereignty and territorial integrity No one should doubt that whenever Pakistan’s sovereignty is threatened and territorial integrity violated the retributive response will be comprehensive and decisive Pakistan Armed Forces thank
foresight The initiative began in 2015 and rapidly scaled through multiple phases reflecting what can be achieved when governments, private entities, and international actors collaborate around a shared vision of sustainability According to the International Energy Agency (IEA) projects like Bhadla are critical in helping India reduce its carbon emissions by over 4 million tons annually while also reducing dependency on coal The Bhadla model is a masterclass in leveraging smart policy and international support Spearheaded by the Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation Ltd (RRECL) and developed through public-private partnerships including giants like Adani Renewable Energy and Saurya Urja Company the park reflects how governance can enable markets to flourish India also benefited from global climate finance tools, including the Clean Technology Fund and adaptation funds easing capital flow into green infrastructure Moreover India’s proactive engagement with international climate frameworks such as the Paris Agreement and the International Solar Alliance enabled it to integrate climate financing provisions with strategic planning In effect, the park didn’t just sprout from the ground it was cultivated through policy alignment stakeholder trust and visionary investment This juxtaposition with Pakistan is telling and troubling Consider the Quaid-eAzam Solar Park in Bahawalpur, inaugurated
in 2015 with a capacity of 100 MW under Phase I Initially hailed as a milestone in clean energy it quickly fell prey to bureaucratic delays, allegations of cost inflation, and limited expansion The subsequent phases never fully materialized Technical inefficiencies, lack of maintenance, and absence of competitive bidding marred its potential Unlike Bhadla the Quaid Park failed to harness private capital or international climate finance atscale rendering it an example of how good intentions without structural planning can lead to mediocrity
Where India converted its deserts into engines of energy security, Pakistan allowed its initiatives to wither under administrative malaise What makes this inaction more alarming is the rapidly changing environmental context Pakistan is among the top ten countries most vulnerable to climate change, as ranked by the Global Climate Risk Index 2021 From glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) in the north to desertification in the south, the nation faces multifaceted threats Ironically these very threats make the case for renewables stronger Solar energy is not only abundant but non-polluting and less water-intensive an important factor in a water-stressed country Additionally, as per the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Pakistan holds the technical potential to generate over 50 000 MW from solar energy alone Investing in solar is thus both an environmental obligation and an economic lifeline Moreover, the world s climate regime is evolving toward carbon
PakistanÊs energy conundrum is not just about outag es or circular debt it reflects a profound systemic failure to diversify energy sources, attract sustainable investments, and prioritiz e public welfare . The countr yÊs total installed capacity exceeds 44,000 MW, yet larg e swaths of the population experience routine blackouts. With a circular debt ballooning to over PKR 2.6 trillion and the lionÊs share of electricity g eneration still reliant on impor ted oil, gas, and coal, the model is unsustainable . Power tariffs continue to rise under IMF pressure , burdening both industries and households.
resemble a bi-
lateral trade embargo said Robin Xing chief China economist at Morgan Stanley in Hong Kong He said a surge in trade between the U S and China was likely during the 90-day window as both sides rush to take advantage of the lower tariffs a repeat of frontloading that occurred earlier in the year
Bessent said the two sides agreed to a framework to keep talks progressing, which he said should help avoid any future tit-for-tat escalation of the kind that followed Trump’s April 2 tariff announcement At the time, Trump imposed an additional 34% tariff on China as part of his global tariff plan affecting most U S trading partners and the figure kept rising as Beijing and Washington traded rounds of retaliation Though the sides didn t come to agreement over the fentanyl tariffs, the U S made clear in private meetings its views on the importance of combating the deadly drug Trump has accused China of playing a role in the illicit fentanyl trade something Beijing denies In a private meeting on Saturday Bessent picked up a bit of sugar out of a dish on the table and told Chinese officials that the amount he was holding could kill a person if it were fentanyl, said a person with direct knowledge of the exchange Bessent picked up a little more sugar and said that amount could kill people across Geneva Then he picked up more and said that much could kill people across Switzerland
In a briefing with a small group of reporters, Bessent said that although fentanyl wasn t the main focus of the trade talks, the Chinese delegation included China’s minister of public security Wang Xiaohong who was able to discuss the issue in detail with U S officials Such an official isn t usually part of a trade team Bessent said, and that shows their responsiveness
Retailers
MaJid naBi BurFaT
When the Dragon took FlIght:
PakIstan’s J-10C shIFts the bal anCe
portedly
two French-built Rafales a Su-30MKI and a MiG-29 While the US defence sources confirmed the loss of at least two Indian aircraft, including a Rafale, India s official stance remained vague The Indian Air Force initially refused to comment on the Rafale losses Days later an IAF spokesperson acknowledged the complexity of the engagement stating that losses were a part of combat, and chose not to disclose specific numbers, citing ongoing operations The news proved to be a shocker for the world The stock price of J-10 producing company Chengdu Aircraft Industries soared on the news that the Chinese-made fighter J-10C operated by the Pakistani military had shot down the Indian military s French fighter Rafale According to InvestingCom on the 9th May the stock price of Chengdu Aircraft Industries once hit 88 88 yuan in mainland China s stock market It rose 50% in three days from the closing price of 59 23 yuan on the 6th Chengdu Aircraft Industries returned its gains on the 9th due to profittaking sales, closing at 79 88 yuan This is also up 35% from the 6th For Pakistan the air battle was more than a tactical success; it was a validation
of its military modernization efforts and growing partnership with China The PL15 missile capable of engaging targets more than 200 kilometers away gave Pakistani pilots a considerable edge Designed to take down high-value targets like AWACS aircraft, tankers, and fighters the missile’s advanced active radar guidance made it particularly effective in beyond-visual-range combat scenarios In this engagement it proved its worth While the battle was about cuttingedge machines and electronic warfare, it also came down to human courage Pakistani pilots displayed remarkable bravery, with three of them reportedly preparing for suicide-style mission deep inside Indian Territory Each signed his own death certificate before entering the Indian airspace, fully aware of the dangers ahead Fortunately, all three returned safely, having completed their missions successfully Observers around the world particularly military strategists and defence analysts paid close attention to this confrontation It marked the first time Chinese military technology had been pitted directly against top-tier Western equipment like the Rafale in actual combat and emerged victorious The psychological and strategic implications of this are immense For decades Western
defence circles viewed Chinese military aviation as second-rate This encounter challenged that narrative and showcased a shift in the balance of air power
Beyond the immediate combat, this event also underlined the growing strategic coordination between China and Pakistan According to Indian defence analyst Pravin Sawhney this collaboration intensified after India s revocation of Article 370 and 35-A in Jammu and Kashmir In response, China and Pakistan appear to have developed a joint framework for multi-domain operations combining intelligence surveillance and electronic warfare with traditional firepower This includes data-link sharing BVR missile technology real-time satellite-based battle space visibility, and coordinated air defence strategies
The Pakistani Air Force’s ability to integrate advanced Chinese technology into its tactical and strategic operations has redefined its approach to aerial combat No longer limited to dogfights or reactive posturing, the PAF now operates within a broader, synchronized warfare model that prioritizes speed, reach, and real-time situational awareness The May 7 engagement was not just a battle; it was a test of doctrine technology and resolve
As the dust settles many believe Pakistan has, at least for now, achieved air superiority over its eastern neighbour While the long-term balance will depend on future developments and India’s response the success of the J-10C has sent a strong message It has also opened up global interest in Chinese hardware which is now seen as combat-proven
The history of the Pakistan Air Force is filled with tales of resilience and valour from the wars of 1965, 1971, and 1999 to their contributions in the ArabIsraeli conflicts This latest chapter adds to that legacy The sky over the subcontinent may have been a battleground but for Pakistan, it became a proving ground a stage where dragons flew and history was rewritten
dedicated to the country “It is the government’s responsibility to make decisions – not individual officers Some anti-social criminal elements are openly crossing all limits of abusive language against the officer and his family, but neither the BJP government nor any of its ministers are coming forward to protect his honour and re-
spect or discussing possible action against those who make such unwanted posts,” wrote Yadav India and Pakistan on Saturday reached an understanding to stop all firings and military actions on land air and sea with immediate effect after four days of intense cross-border drone and missile strikes that brought the two countries teetering on the edge of a full-scale war Making the announcement on Saturday evening Foreign Secretary Misri said the director generals of military operations of India and Pakistan agreed on the understanding during a call on Saturday afternoon, and the next talks
Chengdu Aircraf t
25-year plantation plan along motor ways to improve environment
Pakhtunkhwa Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir He called upon agricultural experts and farmers to actively participate in this noble cause and national drive Federal Minister for Climate Change Dr Musadik Malik directed the preparation of concrete proposals within the next three days and agreed to the implementation of the plan in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan assured full support from his Ministry in terms of data sharing land identification and other necessary aspects He emphasized that improving the environment and enhancing the travel experience on Motorways is a top priority and fruit trees should be planted according to the agricultural suitability of each region He further stated that expanding green areas along the Motorways would have a positive impact and this project would play a significant role in ensuring an ecofriendly future
ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T
Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Senator Rubina Khalid chaired an important meeting today at BISP Headquarters with Mr Sharjeel Murtaza Chief Digital Officer of Karandaaz to accelerate the launch of a new digital payment system via RAAST in seven districts across the country
The meeting focused on fasttracking the implementation of the pilot project aimed at improving the digital disbursement mechanism for BISP beneficiaries Emphasizing the importance of secure and efficient service delivery, Chairperson BISP stated, “Mobility and biometric verification of beneficiaries is essential and cannot be compromised We aim to make the lives of our 10 million beneficiaries easier We must adopt a proactive approach to ensure timely and
