entire nation stands in resolute solidarity with every member of its Armed Forces, the COAS said Gen Munir underscored that no hostile design can erode the determination of the armed forces Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos: COA S says unified response marks defining
Tex tile expor ters c
bound for Sharjah Dammam and Kuwait due to operational reasons
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
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
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
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
TH E recent ceasefire between Pakistan and India, brokered by the United States, has brought a semblance of calm to the region after a series of intense military exchanges However the situation remains precarious with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi characterizing the ceasefire as merely a pause in the fighting This rhetoric raises concerns about the long-term prospects for peace in the region
The conflict began with India’s accusations that Pakistan was harboring terrorists responsible for the Pahalgam attack which killed 26 tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir Pakistan denied these allegations and called for an independent investigation which India rejected The situation escalated when India launched airstrikes on Pakistani territory, prompting a robust response from Pakistan, which targeted 26 military sites in India and downed several Indian jets, including five French Rafale aircraft
Despite the ceasefire the underlying issues remain unresolved Pakistan has consistently demonstrated restraint and a commitment to peace while India s aggressive posturing has raised tensions The international community must play a role in ensuring that India adheres to the ceasefire and engages in meaningful dialogue to address the Kashmir dispute
The recent conflict highlights the need for sustained diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation The US intervention was crucial in brokering the ceasefire but it is essential for the international community to maintain pressure on both countries to work towards a lasting peace Pakistan s military response was measured and proportionate, demonstrating its commitment to avoiding civilian casualties and minimizing damage However India’s actions and rhetoric suggest a desire to escalate tensions further Modi s claim that the ceasefire is only a pause is concerning as it implies that India may be planning to resume hostilities The international community must hold India accountable for its actions and ensure that it adheres to the ceasefire In the aftermath of the conflict, Pakistan’s
WE always talk about the problems lack of jobs outdated education social unrest, and brain drain But if a country like Pakistan, with nearly 65 percent of its population under the age of 30 prioritizes its youth and works in a united strategic direction it can completely change its economic and social dynamics This is not merely a dream but a vision that can: become reality The youth, if equipped with the right tools, can become job creators instead of job seekers, innovators instead of dependents, and active contributors to national progress rather than sidelined spectators However the government’s efforts so far have lacked consistency and depth With minimal focus on structured youth development and long-term planning we are risking the loss of a generation that could otherwise redefine our future If given the right direction, this energetic and ambitious segment of our population could reshape industries, bring innovation to every field and elevate Pakistan’s standing globally But what could those steps be that will truly make a difference and turn this youth bulge into the country s most beneficial asset in every sense? There are several strategic areas where focused efforts can unlock the true potential of Pakistan’s youth From entrepreneurship to the environment, the following measures offer promising pathways
CREATING AN EASY AND YOUTH-
FRIENDLY BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT
Entrepreneurship is a powerful tool to empower the youth With limited job opportunities in the formal sector, the government and private stakeholders have to create a conducive environment for youth-led startups Initiatives such as tax incentives business incubators and accessible loan schemes such as the Kamyab Jawan Programme can encourage young people to start innovative projects India s Startup India initiative is a strong example of this, where youth-led startups are getting guidance, seed funding and ease of doing business, resulting in the creation of thousands of new companies and jobs
INTRODUCING AGRITECH TO EMPOWER
RURAL YOUTH
Dedicated
Hitler s clarity on the identity of the perpetrators Disregarding the need for a proper investigation – India instantly blamed Pakistan for the highly condemnable terrorist attack in Pahalgam The ferocious speed of Indian allegations and actions have created a war hysteria not seen since 2019 when Indian Airforce pilot Abhinandan Varthaman came to have tea within Pakistani borders Mr Modi has given his armed forces operational freedom to respond as they see right and suspended the Indus Water Treaty The similarities seem uncanny Pakistan has been quick to renounce Indian accusations on international forums Prime Minister Sharif has clearly indicated that Pakistan is ready for a neutral and transparent investigation into the deadly attack and outrightly denied any sort of involvement However, this offer has fallen on deaf ears of the Indian state
A large number of youth in rural areas stay away from mainstream economic activities Introducing modern farming techniques, promoting agribusiness and developing rural value chains can turn agriculture into a profitable sector for the youth This will not only increase food security but also prevent migration from rural areas to cities The involvement of Indonesian youth in agri-tech startups is helping to modernize farming, increase productivity and attract young talent to villages– an approach that Pakistan can
adopt with local partners PROMOTING DIGITAL ECONOMY FOR YOUTH ENGAGEMENT
The digital economy provides a game-changing opportunity for the youth of Pakistan With the increasing availability of internet access, young people can engage in freelancing, e-commerce, content creation, app development, and fintech
However, the governmentÊs effor ts so far have lacked consistency and depth With minimal focus on structured youth development and long-term planning, we are risking the loss of
g eneration that could otherwise redefine our future If given the right direction, this energ etic and ambitious segment of our population could reshape industries, bring innovation to ever y field, and elevate PakistanÊs standing globally.
authorities and right-wing media hell-bent on stirring up a storm It would be advisable for the Prime Minister to read more on Walter Gempp to assess whether his offer may be taken by the Indian side Gempp served as the head of the Berlin fire department at the time of the Reichstag fire and personally directed the logistical operations at the incident site On 25th March 1933, Gempp was dismissed for bringing forward evidence that suggested possible Nazi involvement in the fire He cited certain glaring errors on part of the Nazi administration which involved a delay in notifying the fire brigade Gempp also alleged that he had been forbidden from using the full resources at his disposal Almost immediately, Gempp was arrested for abuse of office and imprisoned till his eventual death The Nazis were not to let anyone dispute their truth The RSS machinery operates with similar vengeance
Similarly, in 2004 Atal Bihari Vajpayee ushered similar hope as he travelled to meet President Musharraf Amidst high security detail, he told a closed off convention hall: „We must make a transition from mistrust to trust, from discord to concord and from tension to peace . ‰
The Defence Minister has labelled the attack as a false flag operation Such remarks may be well placed as the rebel organization, the Resistance Front, which has claimed responsibility for the attack has not been substantially linked to Pakistan Pakistan must continue to stand its ground amidst what the Foreign Office has described as an extensive Indian misinformation campaign Many have described this escalation as Modi’s ploy to cement his legacy in Indian history by usurping Kashmir completely The revoking of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution was just the appetizer For Modi it is now time to serve up the main course as domestic pressures on him increase manifold Like Hitler, Modi envisions his legacy in war and glory His brand of Hindutva made transcendent by mixing it with nationalism and hawkism Yet, the beauty of history is that it preaches both the lessons of war and the tales of peace In Germany it was the sheer post-war determination of Konrad Adenauer that led to the symbolic signing of the Elysee treaty in 1963 between Germany and France In Adenauer s speech after the signing of the pact, he said that the treaty was essentially directed at young people who should embrace each other ’s culture and values wholeheartedly after a period of endless wars Similarly in 2004 Atal Bihari Vajpayee ushered similar
The Defence Minister has labelled the attack as a Âfalse flagÊ operation Such remarks may be well placed as the rebel organization, the Resistance Front, which has claimed responsibility for the attack has not been substantially linked to Pakistan Pakistan must continue to stand its ground amidst what the Foreign Office has described as an extensive ÂIndian misinformation campaignÊ
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
and doxxing by
right-
handles following the announcement of a mutual ceasefire between India and Pakistan, with some users dragging his family, including his daughters into the hate campaign reported Indian media Vikram Misri who faced trolling on social media in the wake of India and Pakistan reaching an understanding on May 10 to halt all military actions, received support from veteran diplomat Nirupama Menon Rao and politicians Asaduddin Owaisi and Akhilesh Yadav Samajwadi Party chief Yadav wrote a long post on X in Hindi and said, such statements break the morale of honest officers who work day and night dedicated to the country It is the government s responsibility to make decisions – not in-
dividual 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 respect 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 are scheduled at 12 noon on May 12
The announcement came shortly after US President Donald Trump in a surprise social media post claimed that the talks between the two sides were “mediated” by the US Former foreign secretary Nirupama Menon called the trolling of the senior diplomat utterly shameful and said it crosses every line of decency It s utterly shameful to troll Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and his family over the India-Pakistan ceasefire announcement A dedicated diplomat Misri has served India with professionalism and resolve and there is no ground whatsoever for his vilification
experienced full-day suspensions of scheduled services The widespread disruption in domestic aviation follows Pakistan’s recent retaliatory strikes after an alleged Indian incursion According to military sources the Pakistan Army launched its Fateh-1 missile system and reportedly destroyed India s S-400 air defence system valued at approximately $1 5 billion, at the Adampur air base using a hypersonic missile fired from a JF-17 Thunder aircraft
ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T
Shares of Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) the Chinese aerospace company behind the J10 fighter jet surged by 20% on May 12, 2025, amid reports of a Rafale jet being downed during recent India-Pakistan air clashes This marked a significant rise in investor confidence for CAC with its stock reaching CNY 95 86 a 60% increase from the previous week This uptick follows reports confirming that the Indian Air Force lost several aircraft, includ-
ing a Rafale jet, in the ongoing military confrontations between India and Pakistan Investors are reacting to the growing perception of CAC s defense capabilities especially amid rising tensions in the region In contrast, French aerospace giant Dassault Aviation, manufacturer of the Rafale, saw its stock fall On May 9 2025 Dassault shares closed at EUR 314 6 down from EUR 325 8 on May 5 marking a decline of about 3 44% This drop follows the Indian Air Force s acknowledgment of losses, including the Rafale jets, during these clashes
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
on the 9th
and electronic warfare it also came down to human courage Pakistani pilots displayed remarkable bravery, with three of them reportedly preparing for suicidestyle 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 toptier 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 datalink sharing BVR missile technology realtime 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
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
