n y m i
g GEN MUNIR REAFFIRMS MILITARY ’S ‘UNYIELDING RESOLVE’ TO DEFEND NATION’S SOVEREIGNTY AND TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY AT ALL COSTS g
g ‘ EXERCISE HAMMER STRIKE’ DESIGNED TO VALIDATE COMBAT READINESS, BATTLEFIELD SYNERGY AND OPERATIONAL INTEGRATION OF CUTTING-EDGE WEAPON SYSTEMS
ISLAMABAD
S TA F F R E P O R T
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday called on President Asif
Ali Zardari to discuss the prevailing security situation and enquire after his health after recovery from Covid-19 The two leaders expressed deep concern over India s belligerent attitude and provocative statements, which posed a threat to regional peace and stability,” According to a statement issued from the President House after the meeting
They reaffirmed that Pakistan would never compromise on the country s territorial integrity and sovereignty, and would respond to any act of aggression in a “befitting manner”
DPM and Foreign Minister
Ishaq Dar and Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar were also present during the meeting
They stated that the Pakistani nation was united and stood behind its military which was capa-
ble of responding to any threat or aggression They also reviewed Pakistan s response to India s belligerent posture and any possible acts of aggression
The two also expressed regret over the Indian leadership’s accusations regarding the Pahalgam attack noting that they were made without any investigation It was highlighted in their talks that Pakistan had been a victim of terrorism, suffering immense human and economic losses for over two decades
They said that the international community should take note of India s involvement in funding training and sending militants into Pakistan to carry out terrorist activities
The statement said President Zardari commended the government’s response to Indian baseless accusations and handling of the situation in a responsible manner He reaffirmed that Pakistan would take all necessary steps to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and vital
‘HIGH
swept across Islamabad and Rawalpindi on Thursday bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds that provided a welcome respite from the intense heatwave gripping the twin cities The storm, which occurred in the afternoon, darkened the skies and significantly cooled the temperature with the rain causing traffic disruptions and forcing several businesses and restaurants to temporarily close The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted that the storm marks the beginning of widespread rainfall across the country The ongoing heatwave, which has affected both major cities and rural areas, is expected to subside as rain systems move in N E W S D E S K
ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T Pakistan on Thursday allowed 150 stranded Afghan trucks carrying goods for India to cross the Wagah Border easing a weeks-long bottleneck the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement The moves came nearly a week after Pakistan shut off its borders for any trade with India, including to or from a third country in response to New Delhi s measures following a deadly attack in occupied Kashmir India without proof, implied cross-border links, which Pakistan denied and instead sought a neutral probe A document shared by the foreign ministry today a copy of which is available with Dawn com acknowledged a request made by the Afghan embassy in Islamabad on April 28 regarding containers stranded at different transit points in Pakistan
Wagah-Attari
The ministry has the honour to inform that in view of the brotherly relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan the government of Pakistan has decided to permit stranded Afghan trucks carrying goods in transit to India which entered Pakistan before April 25, 2025, to cross Wagah Border for delivering the goods
“The list of 150 trucks provided by the esteemed embassy has been transmitted to the concerned authorities the foreign ministry said Details of other stranded trucks, if any, may also be tared at the earliest, it added Islamabad decided to halt trade
with New Delhi including to and from any third country via Pakistan during the National Security Committee meeting on April 24 Trade between the two countries had already been suspended since February 2019 when New Delhi imposed steep duties on Pakistani imports after the Pulwama attack, which killed 40 Indian soldiers in Indian-occupied Kashmir That August after New Delhi stripped occupied Kashmir of its special status by revoking Article 370, Pakistan formally downgraded trade ties with India to the level of Israel, with which it has no commercial relations
Bruce said that Trump administration officials are monitoring the developments across the board in that region” and also “at
Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb assured that the government would address all issues related to rice exports to help generate more foreign exchange for Pakistan
The assurance came during a meeting on Wednesday at the Federation House with Rafiq Suleman former Chairman of the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) and Convener of the FPCCI Standing Committee on Rice Suleman informed the minister that while rice exports had seen an increase
Fasset
this year, further tax relief for exporters could significantly boost exports and help the country earn more foreign exchange He urged the Finance Minister to include the rice sector among the special beneficiaries of government incentives, similar to other export-oriented sectors that have received special facilities for years Suleman also highlighted the potential of mechanical farming suggesting that with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif s intervention provincial governments could encourage farmers to adopt modern farming methods He argued that such measures could increase crop yields by 50 to 60 percent leading
to higher rice exports and improved prosperity for farmers Further, Suleman recommended the removal of taxes on machinery imports for the rice sector such as silos and dryers He explained that installing temperature-controlled silos would improve the storage of essential commodities like wheat, maize, and rice, reducing spoilage and contributing to national economic stability
The Finance Minister acknowledged the importance of rice as a significant contributor to Pakistan s foreign exchange earnings and assured that the government would prioritize resolving the issues raised by the rice industry He also confirmed plans to visit the REAP House soon following a promise made to REAP Vice Chairman Javed Jelani
benefit from its historic stability and value The introduction of tokenised gold marks a major milestone for Pakistan’s financial ecosystem aligning with Fasset’s broader mission of making wealth-building tools universally accessible At a time when Pakistan s economy faces challenges such as high inflation and a depreciating currency, gold re-
mains a trusted hedge against economic uncertainty However, traditional methods of investing in gold have often been out of reach for many due to high upfront costs risks associated with physical storage and limited accessibility Fasset s gold tokenisation solution directly addresses these barriers by allowing individuals to invest in microunits of gold, starting with as little as Rs 100 Using blockchain technology each transaction is fully auditable and secure significantly reducing risks of fraud and enhancing regulatory transparency This innovative approach not only protects investors against inflation and currency devaluation but also promotes broader financial inclusion and supports the growth of a more liquid and efficient gold market in Pakistan
The new service is being rolled out under SECP s Regulatory Sandbox framework, where it will undergo live testing to validate its operational processes user experience and scalability before expanding its reach nationwide
Fasset s platform enables users to register accounts through secure KYC
verification, deposit funds, purchase gold tokens backed 1:1 by physical gold, track their investments in realtime and even convert their digital holdings into physical gold once a specified threshold is met with delivery managed by trusted local partners Commenting on the launch, Mohammad Raafi Hossain, CEO and CoFounder of Fasset, said, “At Fasset, our mission has always been to democratize access to wealth-building tools especially in markets where traditional financial systems have left many behind By launching Pakistan s first gold tokenization solution, we re giving people a safe, transparent, and affordable way to invest in one of the world’s most trusted stores of value In a time of economic uncertainty we re proud to offer a solution that empowers individuals to protect and grow their wealth This initiative is expected to significantly enhance access to safe investment options for millions of Pakistanis while boosting confidence in digital financial assets and contributing to the formalization of the local economy
said the COAS lauded the high morale, combat proficiency, and warfighting spirit of the officers and troops, terming them the “embodiment of Pakistan Army’s operational excellence” Senior military leadership formation commanders and dignitaries from various services also witnessed the exercise Exercise Hammer Strike stands as a testament to Pakistan Army s pursuit of continuous transformation through rigorous training, doctrinal innovation, and technological modernisation, the ISPR said It added that the exercise was meticulously designed to validate combat readiness battlefield synergy and the operational integration of cutting-edge weapon systems under near-battlefield conditions A diverse array of advanced capabilities including multirole fighter aircraft, combat aviation assets, longrange precision artillery, and next-generation field engineering techniques, were employed to simulate conventional battlefield scenarios The ISPR said troops from all arms and services demonstrated “exceptional tactical cohesion agility and lethality during synchronised offensive manoeuvres reflecting an extraordinary level of training and professionalism Notably, the exercise showcased Pakistan Army s increasing absorption of niche and emerging technologies to augment its kinetic and non-kinetic operational capabilities ” A day ago Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar had said the country would exercise restraint in the face of heightened tensions with India but warned it would respond strongly and decisively if attacked Pakistan will not be the first one to resort to any escalatory move; however, in case of any escalatory move by the Indian side we will respond very strongly ” DPM Dar had said during a joint media briefing with military and Foreign Office spokespersons Dar said a similar message had been communicated to the international partners Any misadventure will be responded to in a befitting and decisive manner at the time and place of our choosing “Our response would be befitting, decisive and assured ” ISPR DG Lt-Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry had
S Secretary of State Marco Rubio s phone call to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reflected a number of things First, US President Donald Trump s airy reassurance of a couple of days ago seems to have been abandoned, and the USA had now realized that matters were not calming down Second, Secretary Rubio s suggestion that Pakistan cooperate with the enquiry did not seem to reflect the Indian position which was what one expected of a country closely aligned to India to the extent of regarding it as a regional policeman Another reason for Secretary Rubio’s intervention is that there was what for the USA would seem a danger of Iran playing a mediatory role while the USA remained uninvolved
The involvement is something that Pakistan, as the non-aggressor in the conflict, would have wished, not because it fears India, but because it is having a conflict thrust upon it without its wishing There has been unprovoked Indian firing along the Line of Control, to which the Pakistan Army has made valiant reply, and tempers remain frayed Pakistanis are smarting under the unfairness of the Indian accusations, and the possibility that it might use this excuse to engage in a misadventure Information Minister Ata Tarar and Defence Minister Kh Asif have separately predicted an Indian attack very soon an indication that some information had been received A conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbours is not really an option but escalation is extremely fast to occur and the entire world cannot afford even what is happening troops of the two countries keep firing at each other At the moment both sides are using small arms but how long is before someone uses cannon> And before the other side calls in an air strike to silence the cannon? Can anyone say with any degree of confidence that the escalation will not climb the ladder?
The world must realize that it is the Indian warmachine which is headed by someone who once said that India s nuclear weapons were not fireworks to be let off at Diwali Pakistan has made itself clear: it will respond to aggression, but will commit none However, this should not be interpreted either as weakness or lack of resolve Pakistan s government would not like a war at a time when there seemed to be some light at the end of the economic tunnel but if it is thrust upon it then the nation is ready
FU T U R E historians will record that at a time when Pakistan was under threat of war from India, its traders and shopkeepers went on a one-day strike to protest the Israeli slaughter of Palestinians in Gaza True, the strike had been converted by its convener the Jamaat Islami into one against India too but originally the strike had been called over the Israeli ending of the ceasefire and resumption of its slaughter of Palestinian civilians Meanwhile, there was another example of the covert cooperation that has developed between India and Israel, as a group of Israelis visited Indian-Occupied Kashmir shrouded in deep secrecy, for unknown purposes It has long been noted that India and Israel seem to share notes on the respective illegal occupations of Muslim lands Kashmir and Palestine
The link between Palestine and Kashmir emerged only after Partition, but the link between Indian Muslims and Palestine goes back to the fall of the Khilafat It is no coincidence that when the Khilafat Movement came to an end its leaders the Ali brothers then held a Palestine Conference They established contacts with Al-Haj Amin Al-Husseini the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem Not only did Al-Husseini visit the Subcontinent, but the All-India Muslim League tried to attend the Round-Table Conference on Palestine between September 1946 and February 1947 It argued that as the Zionists were able to bring delegations from as far away as South Africa the other side should be represented by non-Palestinian Muslims It is also a little-known fact of diplomatic history that Pakistan played a key role in the Israel-Arab issue because the Arab delegations were more distinguished by their enthusiasm rather than their diplomatic ability, and were content to leave the heavy lifting of drafting and preparing talking points for speeches to the Pakistani delegation They did not prove so helpful when it was Pakistan s turn to need help over the Kashmir issue and it was then that Argentina stepped in Both Pakistan and Israel came into existence as a result of British decolonization, with the major difference that while Pakistan was hived off from India, Israel took over the major portion of the land in the Palestine Mandate What was left over the West Bank and the Gaza Strip being taken over in 1967 The decolonization in both cases was accompanied by widespread massacres It was the turn of Indian Muslims first, particularly in the Punjab, where the largest exchange of populations in history took place In 1948, the Palestinians were then turfed out of their homes to make way for Jewish settlers Palestinians remembered it as AN-Nakba or the Catastrophe It was a good name for what had happened in East Punjab However there was a difference If West Punjabi Hindus and Sikhs got a country, so did East Punjabi Muslims Palestinians, on the other hand, only got refugee camps Now even the ones in Gaza are no longer a refuge
The reports are coming in of increasing atrocities in the West Bank making it seem that the ceasefire (now broken) was to gain time and forces for the West Bank Apart from increased raids, there have been Israeli bombings for the first time after a long time It is no coincidence that Israel has water disputes with its neighbours over the Jordan and part of the clashes that occur between Palestinians and Israeli settlers are over water for their farms Kashmir was seen as the first example of the British leaving behind a problem Pakistan and India, neither of which had even written a Constitution for itself, went to war in 1948, because the Maharaja of Kashmir refused to accede to Pakistan even though it was an overwhelmingly Muslim state in population Perhaps most importantly it was the font of all the five rivers that made up the Indus Basin Though he was from an urban background, he was lawyer enough to realise that water was something over which peasants would fight India first tried water terrorism just after Partition when it stopped waters to Pakistan at the time of wheat sowing The two countries almost came to war and it was only the intervention of the international community that got India to respect the rights of the lower riparian The BRB canal was dug then so that water from the Indus could be diverted to the area irrigated by other rivers This was done by voluntary labour, not just by East Punjabi refugees, but, for example by college students Perhaps more importantly the crisis led to the negotiations which ultimately culminated in the Indus Waters Treaty As India under the BJP sees itself as bigger than an ordinary state, and as it seems to wish for the kind of exceptionalism that the USA has arrogated to itself, it does not like to be bound by the requirements of the IWT That is what was observed by Defence Minister Kh Asif based on earlier experience as Water and Power Minister that India chafed at having to submit its plans for using the Indus headwaters and at the consequent inspections He was probably being polite, and did not mention the specific plans that were being blocked by the IWT India has a huge and growing population and a corresponding appetite for water What plans the Indian government cannot be foreseen but it seems that the usurpation of the rights of the lower riparian are a part That has implications for the relations between Pakistan s provinces KP and Sindh have objected successfully to the Kalbagh Dam, and most recently Sindh has protested successfully against the taking off six canals from the Indus So far the disputes have been within Pakistan but what will happen when
veal a dangerous pattern of state-sponsored theatrics aimed at maligning Pakistan and consolidating authoritarian control at home Each fabricated crisis not only fuels war hysteria and justifies state oppression, but also exposes the lengths to which India will go to advance its agenda, no matter the cost to regional peace or innocent lives The anatomy of India s false-flag operations is as calculated as sinister These attacks almost always target civilians or security forces timed with surgical precision just before elections or pivotal diplomatic engagements ensuring maximum psychological impact and political mileage The blame is reflexively pinned on Pakistan with Indian media machinery unleashing a barrage of propaganda to whip up nationalist hysteria and drown out dissenting voices The 2007 Samjhauta Express bombing is a textbook example: a peace train turned into a fiery graveyard for 68 souls, mostly Pakistani civilians, on the eve of crucial bilateral talks Despite initial claims of
gain and international theatrics Each time public discontent rises or global attention threatens to expose India s internal failures a new terror attack conveniently emerges be it Sarangkot or Poonch always pinned on Pakistan without a shred of credible evidence RAW-linked media outlets amplify the drama, drowning out facts and ensuring the narrative aligns with Modi’s agenda The Pahalgam attack starkly exposes India s enduring pattern of false-flag operations engineered to malign Pakistan and distract from its failures in Kashmir Despite a civilian-to-soldier ratio of 1:9 in one of the world s most militarized zones, attackers struck a fortified tourist site in broad daylight, an operational impossibility without internal orchestration With rising FDI political calm and regional engagement Islamabad s upward trajectory threatens New Delhi s long-standing narrative of a volatile Pakistan The attack s timing before key international summits, mirrors India s history of or-
chestrated violence to justify militarism in Kashmir and create space for proxies like the BLA and TTP This calculated escalation of hybrid warfare underscores India s desperation to preserve its crumbling image of supremacy India s decades-long playbook of false-flag operations is rapidly losing its grip, as the world begins to see through New Delhi’s carefully manufactured myths The recent Pahalgam attack is not some foreign conspiracy but a false-flag operation to suppress the organic outcry of people suffocating under brutal Indian occupation in Indian-Occupied Kashmir While India clings to deception, Pakistan stands united with its military, leadership, and people unwavering in their support for Kashmir’s just cause No wave of political instability at home has deterred Pakistan’s resolve; instead it continues to stand unwavering against India s orchestrated falsehoods and in solidarity with oppressed people of Kashmir
As India s falsehoods unravel under global scrutiny, time for performative condemnation is over The international community must demand independent investigations and listen, not to state propaganda but to voices rising defiantly from Kashmir s rubble Peace in South Asia will remain a distant dream until these voices are heard and the mask of manufactured terror is finally torn away
The writer is a freelance columnist and can be reached at zartajchaudhary@gmail com
As IndiaÊs falsehoods unravel under global scrutiny, time for performative condemnation is over. The international community must demand independent investigations and listen, not to state propaganda but to voices rising defiantly from KashmirÊs rubble . Peace in South Asia will remain a distant dream until these voices are heard, and the mask of manufactured terror is finally torn away.
I t c a n’t b e a l l owe d to g e t away w i t h i t : I l l e g a l, I m p o s s i b l e a n d I m m o ra l
TH E Indus Waters
(IWT), signed in 1960 between India, Pakistan, and the World Bank, is considered one of the most successful and resilient international watersharing agreements Even during wars and border skirmishes the Treaty has endured However following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, the Indian administration has suggested that it may suspend or reconsider its obligations under the Treaty Such statements however are legally unsound technically unfeasible and morally indefensible The Treaty is explicit in its construction: under Article XII, it shall continue in force until terminated by a duly ratified treaty concluded between the two Governments Unilateral suspension is not permitted Furthermore there is no national security exception or terrorism-related clause that would allow India to unilaterally withdraw No matter how severe political tensions or security concerns are, neither side has the legal right to suspend the Treaty on its own accord India would breach international law, the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (1969) and the United Nations Charter if it acted unilaterally
Technically under the Treaty Pakistan is entitled to unrestricted use of the Western Rivers, namely the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab India is allowed limited non-consumptive uses, including hydropower generation but it cannot store or divert significant quantities India s existing infrastructure only allows it to store about 3 6 million acre-feet of water from the Western Rivers which is negligible compared to the annual flow of approximately 135 million acre-feet Major projects like the Baglihar Dam and Kishanganga Hydroelectric Project are run-ofthe-river schemes with minimal storage capacity Seasonal floods and heavy monsoon rains would easily overwhelm India s limited reservoirs, causing internal flooding
if the water were obstructed Therefore under current circumstances India lacks both the technical infrastructure and the legal right to divert or control the flow meaningfully Even with accelerated dam-building projects India would require decades to establish the necessary infrastructure to capture and divert the Western Rivers flow substantially Experts suggest a timeline of 15 to 20 years if India aggressively constructs reservoirs, dams, and diversionary canals, all of which would still breach the Treaty Moreover, achieving complete control would demand not only extraordinary engineering feats but also a blatant and open defiance of international norms inviting severe diplomatic consequences and international isolation
If India sets a precedent of suspending a bilateral water-sharing treaty citing terrorism it would also dangerously expose itself to retaliation China which controls the headwaters of the Brahmaputra River could similarly argue national security grounds and build mega-dams to divert the flow away from India s northeastern states Such a move would have catastrophic consequences for Indian agriculture, drinking water supplies and hydroelectric generation in states like Assam and Arunachal Pradesh Thus any unilateral move to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty would not only undermine India s credibility but could also backfire catastrophically in other critical water-sharing disputes
The recent attempt to link a localized terrorist incident in Pahalgam to suspending the Treaty is fundamentally illogical The Indus Waters Treaty concerns the sharing and man-
agement of water resources; it has no provision linking it to security issues or counterterrorism measures Punishing millions of innocent civilians in Pakistan, who have no involvement in terrorist activities, by cutting off their access to essential water supplies would constitute collective punishment a violation of international humanitarian law and an act of aggression The connection drawn between terrorism and water rights is not only irrational but represents a deeply unethical approach to international diplomacy In addition to being morally indefensible India’s unilateral suspension of the Treaty would be unlawful Article XII of the Treaty clearly states that it can only be altered or terminated through mutual agreement by the two states, through a duly ratified treaty Under international law, particularly the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties unilateral withdrawal from a treaty is permitted only in cases of a material breach of the treaty s very obligations A terrorist incident however tragic does not relate to the water-sharing arrangements specified in the Treaty and thus does not qualify as a material breach Pakistan, faced with such a threat, has several avenues to respond effectively It can invoke the dispute resolution mechanism under Article IX escalating the matter from the Permanent Indus Commission to a Neutral Expert or a Court of Arbitration if necessary Pakistan can also approach the International Court of Justice (ICJ), arguing that India’s actions constitute a violation of international law Simultaneously Pakistan can bring the matter before the United Nations Security Council under Chapter VI of
the UN Charter highlighting how India s threat endangers international peace and security Diplomatically, Pakistan can mobilize international opinion by engaging the World Bank, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the European Union, China, Turkey Malaysia and others to condemn India s actions It can also seek economic and trade measures against India if it persists with its threats The United Nations and international institutions have
n d i n g i n t e r n a t i o n a l a g r e e m e n t s I f I n d i a p ro c e e d s d o w n t h i s p a t h , i t r i s k s d i p l o m a t i c i s o l a t i o n , l e g a l
c e n s u r e , a n d s t r a t e g i c b a ck f i r e Pa k i s t a n mu s t r e m a i n s t e a d f a s t i n i t s c o m m i t m e n t t o i n t e r n a t i o n a l n o r m s , w h i l e v i g o ro u s l y p u r s u i n g l e g a l a n d d i p l o m a t i c c h a n n e l s t o
s a f e g u a rd i t s r i g h t s T h e wo r l d mu s t r e c o g n i z e t h a t w a t e r i s a r e s o u rc e fo r l i f e , n o t a
w e a p o n o f w a r A ny a t t e m p t t o w e a p o n i z e i t s h o u l d b e c o n d e m n e d u n e q u i vo c a l l y Pe a c e , l e g a l i t y, a n d d i p l o m a c y mu s t p r e va i l ov e r i m p u l s i v e v e n g e a n c e
I
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TConcerned for the future of our beloved country I supported the publication of our advert in translation in the UK Times newspaper on 17 April It is no longer enough to keep this discussion solely within the borders of Israel We need to make sure that
our greatest friends It is for this reason that I and many others embroiled in the struggle for Israel s future were so pleased to see members of The Board of Deputies of British Jews – the UK Jewish community s largest representative community body – speak out in solidarity with us and in support of this existential battle we are waging The 36 individuals who wrote a public letter expressed the exact concerns and sentiments that we have been articulating on the streets week in week out These people are true friends of Israel It is not easy to speak out and I commend them for their bravery I know that they will now face a backlash However, so many of us leading the struggle in Israel wish that more of our friends in the diaspora would follow their lead To be a supporter of Israel today means to speak out against this extremist government not to sit on the sidelines in silence or worse still conduct a business-as-usual relationship meeting government officials and presenting an image of a global Jewry united behind the Israeli government The crisis we are facing is existential If we cannot build enough momentum to create a course correction the very existence of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state is under threat Silence is a show of support for the
style of administration Two versions of India emerged very quickly one in the government that sought to reclaim the cultural edifice from illegitimate occupiers and the second in the alternative idea of an India committed to an inclusive character and a liberal intellectual ethos Curiously, many political entities and their allies had worked to undermine the Congress-United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government compounded by a series of adverse judicial decisions that unravelled accomplishments in several sectors like coal mining and telecom The BJP s concerted political attacks and complete non-cooperation on several fronts of political functioning led to the narrative of policy paralysis and corruption The 2004 dream team returned to power in 2009 but was severely damaged and fatigued Unrelenting assault by a combination of populism by India Against Corruption with clandestine support from Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) cadres sapped all energy from the party Defeat came inevitably While the then Opposition sought to undermine the accomplishments of the UPA, the public at large remained ambiguous about economic reform and refused to be weaned off the state-controlled economy and its comforts
The Ram Temple movement continued to gather steam and the so-called Hindutva feeling continued to grow The year 2019 gave the BJP and Modi electoral approval for a second term and the Congress considerable anxiety over what was described by some as a permanent change in India s thinking, making the BJP the largest political party in the democratic world and the putative natural ruling party
Despite the BJP’s remarkable success the test of a nation s success however should ultimately be in the total gross happiness of its people even if there is no mathematical model to measure it Of course this is a sum of comfort felt in personal safety and security, satisfying employment or occupation, housing and educational opportunity Along with creature comforts, a general and collective sense of wellbeing contribute to a nation’s happiness Above all a divided nation or community cannot claim to be happy because the life of a nation lies in its collective growth The decade of Modi s India was anything but happy despite the glamorous display of
Waters Treaty, which India has suspended in retaliation Despite the diplomatic strain the US maintains that the deal is aimed at supporting peace and security in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia
At the meeting of the World Trade Organization s Committee on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures on Tuesday, the Chinese representatives firmly rejected baseless accusations by the US and certain other members regarding “overcapacity condemning the US reciprocal tariffs and discriminatory subsidy policies for severely undermining WTO rules calling on all members to unite against unilateralism and protectionism, and up-
logic, aiming to creating anxiety, discredit China, and justify protectionist measures driven by worries over losing competitiveness and market share of their own Chinese representatives highlighted that the competitiveness of Chinese industries and products stems from con-
US, Ukraine sign long-awaited minerals deal
KYIV ag e n C i e S Ukraine and the United States signed a minerals and investment agreement that provides Washington preferential access to Ukrainian mineral projects and establishes a joint fund for Ukraine s post-war reconstruction The accord, signed in Washington after months of complex negotiations was strongly backed by US President Donald Trump, who has pushed for a tangible return on US aid to Kyiv The agreement is central to efforts by Kyiv to rebuild relations with Trump s administration which had grown tense since his return to office in January Ukrainian officials said the deal could help secure continued American support in the country s war with Russia US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Ukrainian First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko signed the deal in a ceremony in Washington “The agreement clearly signals the Trump Administration s commitment to a free, sovereign, prosperous Ukraine,” the US Treasury wrote on X, formerly Twitter Svyrydenko said the United States will contribute financially to the new joint fund and may offer further aid, such as air defence systems, though Washington did not confirm that element in its own statements The US remains Ukraine s largest military donor since Russia s 2022 invasion, providing over $72 billion in aid, according to data from the Kiel Institute Before the signing Trump reiterated that US support should come with returns citing Ukraine s rare earth mineral deposits as a strategic benefit to American interests In its announcement the Treasury said the partnership acknowledges the significant financial and material support that the people of the United States have provided to the defence of Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion ”
I ndia’s sabre -rattling takes its toll on innocent lives
ISLAMABAD ag e n C i e S A Pakistani family s seven-year struggle to obtain medical treatment for their children in India ended in devastation when their visas were abruptly cancelled amidst escalating tensions between India and Pakistan last week a media report said According to BBC Shahid Ali and his wife Ambareen had been trying to secure Indian visas for seven years to get medical treatment for their children Mansa 7 and Abdullah 9 who suffer from a rare heart condition called Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)
After finally obtaining the visas they arrived at the Asian Institute of Medical Sciences in Faridabad, Haryana, on April 21 – just a day be-
fore the killing of 26 tourists in Pahalgam in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK)
Without providing any evidence the Indian government blamed Pakistan for the attack and announced a raft of punitive measures, including cancelling of the visas of the Pakistani citizens The Pakistanis in India were told to leave the country in seven days According to the report the doctors at the hospital supported every possible way including pushing up the date of the surgery, but in vain An official came and informed us that our visas had been cancelled Upon hearing this my wife broke down in tears ” BBC quoted Shahid Ali as saying When we started preparing to return, the children asked why we
were going back without getting treatment This time it wasn’t just my wife we both cried When I couldn t find an answer I simply told them We ll come again Now they had returned to Larkana Shahid Ali and his family were among those Pakistanis affected by the Indian government’s strict measures following the April 22 attack on tourists in Pahalgam Indian-administered Kashmir in which 26 people were killed The family s ordeal is a testament to the human cost of the Indian government’s sabre-rattling vis-a-vis Pakistan However this is not the only heart-breaking story The cancellation of medical visas has affected numerous Pakistani families who had travelled to India for treatment
C hina welcomes Iran’s pursuit of dialogue on nuclear issue: Foreign Minister Wang Y i
BEIJING S ta f f C o r r e S p o n d e n t China welcomes the dialogue between Iran and relevant parties and supports Iran s necessary cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency on the nuclear issue, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday Wang also a member of the Political Bureau of the Commu-
nist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks while meeting with Ali Akbar Ahmadian, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council in Brasilia During the meeting Ahmadian reiterated that Iran has no intention of developing nuclear weapons and is willing to engage in negotiations with relevant parties based on equality and mutual respect Wang said China values Iran’s
g GILANI ’S VISION: UNITY IN THE FACE OF PROVOCATION
on the precipice of heightened tensions following the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir the Senate of Pakistan rose as a beacon of democratic maturity, unity, and resolve In a moment that demanded clarity and conviction the Upper House of Parliament delivered an emphatic and unanimous response condemning terrorism in all its forms and rejecting, with dignity and firmness, all baseless allegations leveled against Pakistan "In the face of provocation, the Senate stood not divided but dignified and resolute This act transcended the ordinary It was not merely a procedural undertaking but a profound reaffirmation of the Senate s role as the constitutional guardian of Pakistan’s Federation a platform where provincial identities political ideologies and historical rivalries converged in the service of a higher national purpose: the defense of sovereignty the pursuit of justice
and the preservation of peace At the heart of this remarkable show of solidarity under the on-going Senate s 349th session was the visionary leadership of Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani A statesman whose political career has been defined by an unwavering commitment to democratic principles and federalism Chairman Gilani steered the Senate with a steady hand and a unifying spirit Under his stewardship, the Senate sent an unequivocal message to the people of Pakistan and to the world: Pakistan stands united dignified resilient and steadfast in the face of external provocations Chairman Gilani s leadership turned crisis into consensus and discord into dignity " The resolution, endorsed by the signatures of leaders from across the political spectrum captured the gravity of the moment It underscored Pakistan s principled and longstanding opposition to terrorism condemned the orchestrated campaign to malign Pakistan s image following the Pahalgam attack, and warned of a firm, swift, and decisive response to any aggression, including India’s unilateral actions related
to the Indus Waters Treaty Most critically it reaffirmed Pakistan s unwavering political, moral, and diplomatic support for the Kashmiri people’s inalienable right to selfdetermination a cause deeply interwoven into the fabric of Pakistan’s national consciousness Democracy is Pakistan s strongest armor; unity, its greatest triumph Chairman Gilani s vision of unity, tempered with wisdom and a deep sense of history, was instrumental in forging this rare and vital consensus His inclusive and consultative approach reaching across political divides engaging with parliamentary leaders and invoking the ethos of participatory democracy transformed a potentially divisive situation into a moment of profound national reaffirmation It was a masterclass in leadership during crisis: where others might have seen an opportunity for discord Gilani built a bridge of unity Chairman Gilani s leadership in the Senate has reminded the nation that Pakistan s true strength is not measured solely in its military capabilities but in the resilience of its democratic institutions and the unwaver-
commitment to not pursuing nuclear weapons, respects its right to peaceful nuclear energy use and appreciates its continued diplomatic efforts The two sides agreed to maintain communication on the matter Wang also said the relations between China and Iran have maintained positive momentum despite external disruptions and challenges under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state
ing will of its people He has exemplified that while Pakistan remains fully committed to peace any assault on its sovereignty would be met with a response marked by resolve dignity and collective national strength a doctrine unanimously embraced in the Senate s resolution "Pakistan s strength lies not only in arms, but in the unity of its democratic will " Placed against the broader sweep of history this episode carries profound significance Democratic institutions are most tested and most needed during times of external threat Their worth is proven not through mere rhetoric, but through unity of purpose, clarity of vision, and strength of collective action In speaking with one voice, the Senate of Pakistan did more than pass a resolution: it reaffirmed Pakistan’s deeprooted commitment to peace sovereignty and the enduring cause of Kashmir At a moment when the world s attention is drawn to escalating conflicts and fragile alliances, Pakistan’s democratic response meticulously orchestrated under the leadership of Chairman Gilani offers a
Jaz zCash, Mobilink Microfinance Bank
Recognised by PM for Contributions to Ramzan Package
JazzCash Pakistan s largest fintech platform and Mobilink Bank, Pakistan s leading digital microfinance institution, have been recognised by the Honorable Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif for their role in the successful execution of the Prime Minister ’s Ramzan Relief Package 2025
The awards were presented to Aamir Ibrahim CEO of Jazz Murtaza Ali President of JazzCash and Haaris Mahmood Chaudhary, President and CEO of Mobilink Bank Under the Ramzan Relief Package, PKR 40 billion was distributed nationwide, empowering 3 5 million families with direct financial support of PKR 5 000 each JazzCash and Mobilink Bank facilitated secure transfers for 1 1 million families in over 450 cities The disbursements were made directly into beneficiaries mobile wallets or through selected JazzCash agents, significantly minimising the risk of fraud, reducing cash handling, and ensuring transparency Commenting on the recognition Murtaza Ali President of JazzCash said We are honoured by this recognition and commend the Government of Pakistan for taking a forwardthinking approach to welfare delivery By leveraging digital wallets at this scale, the government has demonstrated how technology can be harnessed to ensure speed, transparency, and dignity in aid disbursements "
CDA Chief reviews operationalizing SWET, improving operations of Electric Feeder
in the federal capital, an important meeting chaired by Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) Muhammad Ali Randhawa was held at the CDA Headquarters The meeting focused on operationalizing the Soft Wheel Electric Tram (SWET) and improving operations of Electric Feeder Buses The meeting was attended by CDA
s top priority The electric trams and feeder buses will not only offer citizens modern commuting solutions but also reduce air pollution and fuel consumption Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa directed authorities to finalize the feasibility study for the tram system to ensure its implementation on the city s busiest routes
contain traffic accidents and killings AI technology and CCTV cameras can help relevant authorities to identify the violation of traffic rules and penalize the violators subsequently Through this way, precious lives could be saved,he added He suggested that the traffic police collaborate with industrial zone associations, trade bodies and transporters groups to issue licenses
neutral investigation into April 22 Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) lauding Beijing for its consistent support amid escalating regional tensions
“Pakistan is open to any ‘neutral and transparent’ investigation into the incident in IIOJK the prime minister remarked during a meeting with Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong according to statemedia – the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) and Radio Pakistan on Thursday While recalling the recent telephone conversation between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and DPM and Foreign Minister Sen Mohammad Ishaq Dar the
ISLAMABAD
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the welfare and improving the living standard of the working class state-media reported In their separate messages on International Labour Day observed on Thursday, PM Shehbaz and President Zardari President Zardari paid tribute to the men and women labourers in the country and highlighted their struggles around the world according to Radio Pakistan
In his statement, the President said: We reiterate our commitment to workers’ autonomy, fair wages, a safe environment and social security Workers and the working class are the driving force of our economy and national development
He highlighted the role of workers in building our infrastructure, developing industries, agriculture, and the economy”
He added: “Our workers are our pride Our national develop-
ment is due to the hard work and character of workers In a rapidly changing world, we must focus on skilling our youth and workers for a bright future We need to equip our workers and youth with modern skills The president also stressed the need to create a comprehensive system for the skill development of workers
We will have to work to create a fair labor environment and for the welfare of workers
Let’s promote meaningful policies inclusive development and a culture in the country where the role of every worker is respected, he added
Meanwhile, PM Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s “unwavering commitment to promoting safe, healthy, and dignified conditions for workers Radio Pakistan reported Our hardworking workforce is the driving force behind our nation s progress and our resilience, he said The protection of fundamental rights of workers is enshrined in the Constitution of Pakistan and is fully consistent with the core conventions of the
International Labour Organisation (ILO), to which Pakistan is a committed signatory, he added
The premier highlighted that the country has undertaken legislative and administrative reforms to strengthen labour and workforce protection including key international labour conventions such as the Forced Labour Convention and the 2014 Protocol to the Maritime Labour Convention
He stated “For the first time every worker in Pakistan is benefiting from a national occupational safety and health profile ensuring safe and healthy workplaces across the country He urged workers, activists, civil society and the government to play their role for “a society that respects workers upholds their rights and creates opportunities for decent work M e a n w h
man Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani also
individuals of the nation, stating that May 1
Minister Cho Tae-yul of the escalating regional situation arising from India s baseless propaganda and unilateral actions, including holding the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance Expressing concern over the situation, Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul underscored the importance of resolving issues through dialogue and diplomacy to maintain regional peace and security As non-permanent members of the UN Security Council the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening multilateral cooperation Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul appreciated the successful cohosting of the Third United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial Preparatory Meeting in Islamabad last month They also agreed to further strengthening
Three personnel of the CounterTerrorism Department (CTD) were martyred and two others injured in fire exchange with terrorists in Bannu in wee hours of Thursday officials said According to a statement issued by the office of Bannu Regional Police Officer (RPO) Sajjad Khan on Thursday the fire exchange took place in Bannu s Spin Tangi area of Chashmi late Wednesday night During the crossfire, Bannu CTD personnel, including Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Benyamin Khan Constable Inam Khan and Constable Musawar were martyred while two constablesb – Wafid Khan and Imran sustained injuries , it said The statement said two khawarij were also killed and two injured in the CTD personnel’s firing but their accomplices took bodies and injured with them Weapons ammunition IEDs (improvised explosive device) and hand grenades were recovered from the terrorists, which were seized by the police,” the spokesman said RPO Khan Bannu District Po-
lice Officer (DPO) Saleem Abbas Kalachi, and CTD Superintendent of Police reached the hospital soon after the incident and inquired after the condition of the injured personnel
They also issued instructions to the hospital staff for the best treatment of those injured Reiterating the force s resolve, RPO Khan declared that all available resources will be utilised for the best treatment of the injured personnel We will soon avenge our martyred brothers and deal the terrorists with an iron hand he said A large contingent of Bannu police and CTD police cordoned off the area and launched hunt for the runaway terrorists Raids are being conducted on the hideouts of
the terrorists, the spokesman said Later in the day, funeral prayers for the martyred were offered with official honours at Bannu Police Lines
The funeral was attended by CTD Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Shaukat Abbas, RPO Khan, DPO Kalachi, Bannu Commissioner, senior military officials and families of the martyrs “Terrorists cannot demoralise us with their evil intentions We will fight them bravely and destroy their evil intentions AIG Abbas said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi condemned the attack and expressed his condolences to the families of the martyred
as
try s prime minister The concerned amount relates to a property tycoon’s assets which were
by
The British
NCA during PTI’s
agency back then had said that
amount was supposed to be passed to
ment of Pakistan as its settlement with the Pakistani property tycoon was a civil matter, and does not represent a finding of guilt However, the NAB filed a reference in December 2023 followed by charges against Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi on February 27 2024 alleging that a settlement with the British crime agency was reached