g PM SHARES PAKISTAN ’S SERIOUS CONCERNS WITH VISITING IRANIAN FM OVER PREVAILING TENSIONS IN SOUTH A SIA
M
g CATEGORICALLY REJECTS ATTEMPTS TO LINK PAKISTAN TO PAHALGAM INCIDENT WITHOUT SHARING ANY EVIDENCE
NA passes resolution vowing decisive response to any Indian aggression
ISLAMABAD
S TA F F R E P O R T National Assembly on Monday unanimously adopted a resolution affirming the country s commitment to peace but warning that any violation of its sovereignty or security would be met with a firm and decisive response The resolution rejected what it called “frivolous and baseless” attempts to link Pakistan to the Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir
(IIOJK) It condemned India’s “orchestrated and malafide campaign” to malign Pakistan for political gain
The House reiterated Pakistan s stance against terrorism in all its forms and declared that the killing of innocent civilians was contrary to the values upheld by the Pakistani state In a strong rebuke of recent Indian actions the resolution also condemned New Delhi s unilateral decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty calling it a blatant violation that amounts to an act of war
Khawaja Asif warns of potential Indian strike along LoC amid soaring tensions
a probe would expose whether India itself or any internal group was involved and clarify the truth behind New Delhi s baseless allegations, Asif said The minister accused Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi of “pushing the region to the brink of nuclear war” for political gains and repeated Pakistan s longstanding allegations of Indian involvement in terrorism in KhyberPakhtunkhwa (K-P) and Balochistan
UN chief urges Pakistan, India to step back from ‘brink of war ’
ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T Nuclear-armed foes Pakistan and India must exert maximum restraint and step back from the brink of war, UN chief Antonio Guterres urged Monday as tensions between the two neighbours soared New Delhi has blamed Islamabad for backing a deadly attack on tourists in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) last month, sparking a series of heated threats and diplomatic tit-for-tat measures
Relations have reached “a boiling point Guterres told reporters in New York adding that they were at their highest in years He again condemned the April 22 attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, calling for those responsible to be brought to justice through “credible and lawful means It is also essential – especially at this critical hour – to avoid a military confrontation that could easily spin out of control,” the secretary-general warned “Now is the time for maximum restraint and stepping back from the
brink ” he added International pressure has been piled on both New Delhi and Islamabad to de-escalate Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given his military “full operational freedom” to respond and Islamabad has warned it will hit back against any aggression The UN Security Council was due to meet behind closed doors later Monday at Pakistan s request over the crisis On Monday the Pakistan military said it had conducted a second missile test since the standoff began
of
Sahir Shamshad Mirza and
Asim Munir
They
preparedness and
to respond effectively to any threat against the country s territorial integrity The launch comes amid heightened tensions with India following the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which claimed 26 lives While India has hinted at cross-border involvement without evidence Pakistan has rejected the accusation and called for a neutral probe Tensions have continued to rise with military buildups along the Line of Control exchange of fire in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and both sides ramping up readiness In response to New Delhi s posture, Pakistan has conducted two successful missile launches in three days the Abdali Weapon System on Saturday and now Fatah reinforcing its deterrent capabilities President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif both lauded the successful test commending the strategic institutions for their role in strengthening the country s defence A day prior, DG ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar briefed political leaders in an in-camera session reaffirming Pakistan’s readiness to respond to any hostile act
Tarar takes int’l
MUZAFFARABAD S TA F F R E P O R T
In a move to directly counter India s accusations, Pakistan on Monday hosted a foreign media visit to the Line of Control (LoC) showcasing the reality on the ground and challenging India’s baseless claims about terrorist hideouts along the border
The visit, orchestrated by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, brought together a diverse group of both local and foreign media representatives including renowned CNN international diplomatic editor Nic Robertson he primary aim was to disprove
India s continuous allegations that Pakistan harbors militant camps along the LoC, frequently cited as a justification for military action and border tensions During the visit, media personnel were taken to several areas in Azad Jammu and Kashmir that India has repeatedly labeled as hubs of terrorist activity Instead of uncovering evidence of militant camps, the journalists were confronted with vibrant civilian life peaceful villages, bustling markets, and homes full of ordinary families going about their daily routines One of the most significant aspects of the visit was an in-depth interview conducted by Nic Robertson with the
firm policy of condemning all forms of terrorism, Dar questioned how a case related to the Pahalgam attack was registered within just ten minutes of the incident He said that the National Security Committee had decided to give a strong response to any aggression While the regional situation is evolving, Pakistan will not take the first step under any circumstances However, if aggression is imposed, Pakistan will respond with full national resolve and strength Dar added that Pakistan had swiftly thwarted Indian Air Force s attempted adventurism and reaffirmed that the country would never allow its territory to be used against any other nation
Addressing
bereaved families of Muhammad Farooq and Muhammad Deen Both men were martyred in a fake encounter by the Indian Army, which had earlier claimed that they were militants Their families shared poignant accounts of the tragic event urging the international community to seek justice Robertson s visit was part of a broader effort to expose the falsehoods underpinning India s narrative He also interviewed multiple eyewitnesses who had witnessed atrocities carried out by Indian forces along the LoC The families heart-wrenching testimonies shed light on the human toll of India s ongoing military presence in the region
COMMENT
A cautious step for ward
TH E State Bank of Pakistan’s decision to cut the policy rate to 11% is a welcome move for the trade and industry sectors, which have been advocating for a significant reduction However, this step should be viewed with caution, especially given the current global economic landscape
The rate cut is largely driven by lower-thanexpected inflation, which dropped to 0 3% in April due to a decline in prices of key food staples and a cut in electricity and fuel charges While this trend is encouraging, it is essential to consider the broader economic context The Monetary Policy Committee s statement highlights the importance of maintaining a measured monetary policy stance given the heightened global uncertainty surrounding trade tariffs and geopolitical developments
The global economy is facing significant challenges, including a sharp decline in global oil prices and heightened financial market volatility The International Monetary Fund has downgraded its growth projections for both advanced and emerging economies, citing tariff uncertainty In this backdrop, Pakistan’s economy though showing signs of improvement remains vulnerable to external shocks
The provisional real GDP growth for Q2-FY25 was reported at 1 7% year-on-year, and the current account recorded a sizable surplus of $1 2 billion in March, mainly due to record-high workers’ remittances However, the shortfall in tax collection has continued to widen, posing a challenge to the government s fiscal management
The rate cut should be seen as a step towards stimulating economic growth but it is crucial to ensure that the economy grows on a sustainable basis The Monetary Policy Committee’s assessment that the real policy rate remains adequately positive to stabilize inflation in the target range of 5% to 7% is reassuring Nevertheless, the committee s emphasis on maintaining a measured stance underscores the need for caution
As Pakistan navigates the complexities of the global economy it is essential to prioritize stability and sustainability The rate cut is a positive step, but it should be accompanied by prudent fiscal management and structural reforms to ensure that the economy remains resilient in the face of external challenges With cautious policymaking and a focus on sustainable growth, Pakistan can build on its recent economic gains and achieve long-term prosperity
Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
M A Niazi Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami Editor Profit
India’s blame game falls flat
IN the immediate aftermath of the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam a heavily militarized yet scenic area of Indian-administered Kashmir India’s response was marked by outrage rather than introspection Yet, ten days later, no retaliatory action has occurred Domestically Prime Minister Narendra Modi finds himself increasingly isolated while internationally India stands diplomatically cornered for attempting to implicate Pakistan without credible evidence Despite fiery rhetoric, India s inaction reflects a sobering realization: any military confrontation with Pakistan would be regionally destabilizing, globally condemned and potentially catastrophic India’s restraint from launching punitive strikes against Pakistan can be attributed to four compelling reasons First Prime Minister Modi s narrative failed to gain traction among critical segments of Indian society including Indian Muslims, ordinary citizens, and even Kashmiris and victims of the attack many of whom demanded evidence before blaming Pakistan
Second Pakistan’s swift and robust military readiness served as a strong deterrent making any offensive operation risky Third the global community including major powers like the United States, Russia, China, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United Nations, collectively cautioned India against taking aggressive action without concrete proof Lastly the absence of international support left India diplomatically isolated forcing it to reconsider any rash military options Not a single opposition party supported the call for action against Pakistan Civil society, religious minorities including a vocal segment of the Sikh community and even victims’ families publicly questioned the government’s rush to assign blame without evidence Interviews conducted with Kashmiri civilians in Pahalgam revealed a powerful counter-narrative: while many condemned the attack they rejected the notion of Pakistani involvement in the absence of concrete proof
More compellingly, survivors recounted how local Kashmiris risked their own lives to shelter and assist fleeing tourists an act of humanity that contradicted the vilifying rhetoric being propagated by New Delhi
The attack was universally condemned including by Pakistan Yet instead of rallying global support India s accusations failed to gain traction among international powers or even within its domestic political spectrum Major global stakeholders ranging from the United States, China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and the European Union issued strong condemnations of the ter-
rorist act but stopped short of echoing India’s allegations Pakistan for its part responded with urgency and maturity Its air force army and navy were placed on high alert to defend against any incursion, and preparations for a measured counterstrike were reportedly in place Yet, Islamabad’s official posture remained one of composure and diplomacy Pakistan reiterated its commitment to peace and offered to form a joint investigation commission national or international in nature to identify and prosecute the perpetrators It was a move that showcased both moral clarity and strategic sophistication International reactions reflected this cautious approach US Vice President JD Vance emphasized the importance of restraint stating “Our hope here is that India responds to this terrorist attack in a way that doesn t lead to a broader regional conflict and urged Pakistan to cooperate in addressing terrorism emanating from its territory President Donald Trump condemned the attack as deeply disturbing and reaffirmed support for India, expressing solidarity with Prime Minister Modi and the Indian populace U S Secretary of State Marco Rubio engaged in diplomatic outreach speaking with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif advocating for de-escalation and cooperation in investigating the attack The United Nations and European Union similarly declined to attribute blame without an investigation The EU’s foreign affairs spokesperson stressed the importance of “thorough impartial inquiry” before making any judgments Even traditionally close allies of India such as France and the UK withheld any statements implicating Pakistan, instead emphasizing regional peace and counterterrorism cooperation In short, Modi’s call to arms found no international takers This global restraint had a profound effect domestically in both countries In Pakistan a prevailing sentiment of vindication emerged Citizens across ethnic political and religious lines rallied in unity not in fear of war but in confidence that the truth would prevail In India, Modi s credibility began to
Pahalgam, located hundreds of miles from the Line of Control (LoC), is among the most tightly guarded areas in South Asia Many questioned how attackers could infiltrate such a zone without insider facilitation or gross security lapses raising uncomfor table questions for Indian authorities
punishment The policy revision although has been paused, it aims at creating a balance between grid and solar net metering consumers By reducing the buyback rate the government will not be discouraging solar power; it will in fact be restoring equity and must be appreciated for this move The goal is simple - if you re selling electricity to the grid, you should be compensated fairly, but not at the cost of those who never benefited from the arrangement in the first place A revised net metering structure that pays solar users closer to the actual cost of utility-scale generation while allowing room for fair returns can still promote adoption without undermining the public interest Tiered tariffs, infrastructure cost-sharing, and focused support for low-income solar adoption could pave a more benefitting path forward For now reducing the Rs 10 buyback rate is not just economically necessary but morally imperative Let us ensure our energy future is not just clean but also fair
Mian Zahid Hussain, (Sitara-e-Imtiaz, Hon PhD ) (Former Minister I T Govt of Sindh ) is a Chairman of National Business Group Pakistan (NBG) He can be reached at kenlubes ceo@gmail com
a long-overdue reset not a
LetÊs be clear-this is not a fight against solar energy In fact, Pakistan desperately needs solar to diversify its energy mix and reduce reliance on impor ted fuels However, the current buyback mechanism benefits a small, financially capable segment of society while pushing the financial weight of the grid onto those who are already under strain
Scripted tragedies
mian Zahid hussain
Qamar Bashir
When the World Wavers, Gold Glitters
i o n o f d e e p , s t r u c t u r a l s h i f t s i n g l o b a l f i n a n c e a n d s e n t i m e n t A s t r a d i t i o n a l a s s e t s f a l t e r a n d
u n c e r t a i n t y d o m i n a t e s h e a d l i n e s , g o l d h a s b e c o m e t h e s y m b o l o f s a f e t y a n d va l u e p r e s e r va t i o n Ye t , t h i s r e m a r k a b l e a s c e n t i s n o
D irec tor of National Intelligence Tulsi G abbard is under fire from neocons af ter she recently testified before the S enate Intelligence Committee ‘that Iran is not building a nuclear weapon and S upreme Leader Ayatollah Ali K hamenei has not authorized [restar ting] the nuclear weapons program he suspended in 2003’
Security Council helping with the transition as Secretary of State Marco Rubio steps in as interim national security advisor )
DE S P I T E relentless pressure, President Donald Trump has thus far resisted the push for a regime-change war with Iran thanks in large part to the growing influence of America First realists fighting to reclaim U S foreign policy from the permanent war machine But that influence is under siege, as evidenced by the shake-ups within the Pentagon as well as external forces in the media targeting administration officials who have preached realism and restraint over escalation
Starting from within the Pentagon Dan Caldwell a former senior adviser to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, recently appeared on the Tucker Carlson show to discuss the circumstances surrounding his firing for allegedly leaking classified information an allegation he vehemently denies Caldwell was one of three staffers who were recently terminated from their positions at the Pentagon All three staffers, coincidentally, but perhaps not, were voices who had either opposed a regime-change war with Iran (Caldwell) or threatened other “established interests” within the Pentagon leading Tucker to conclude during the interview that it was not leaks but rather their opposition to war with Iran that led to their firings Meanwhile, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard is under fire from neocons after she recently testified before the Senate Intelligence Committee “that Iran is not building a nuclear weapon and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has not authorized [restarting] the nuclear weapons program he suspended in 2003 This caused neoconservative media personality Mark Levin and 2024 GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley to push back on Gabbard, both sharing an op-ed from former John Bolton Chief of Staff Fred Fleitz who called the intelligence reports referenced by Gabbard “stupid intelligence ”
According to Jennifer Kavanagh, senior fellow and director of military analysis at Defense Priorities, “Waltz and Wong were among the more hawkish of Trump’s close advisors especially on issues related to Iran and China At many points both Waltz and Wong have seemed out of sync with President Trump who very clearly wants to avoid a war with Iran Given the extent of these private and public battles, it should be clear that we are witnessing an ideological struggle between proponents of an America First “realist” foreign policy particularly regarding Iran and an entrenched neoconservative faction that is pushing for regime change within yet another Middle Eastern country For decades, American intervention in the Middle East has led to a series of failed regime changes, particularly in Iraq, Libya, and Syria And while the rationale for these interventions was initially predicated on American interests they also happened to align with the strategic interests of Israel due to the presence of Iranian proxy forces within these countries
This long-standing strategic arrangement between the United States and Israel is bolstered by evangelical support neoconservative ideology and a bipartisan consensus in Congress that believes Israel represents the tip of the spear against Islamic terrorism and Iranian influence Yet under the growing influence of the more nationalist and non-interventionist America First movement, this longstanding alliance is beginning to fracture A new generation of right-wing leaders figures who are notably more realist and restraint-oriented and less reflexively pro-Israel such as Vice President J D Vance Elbridge Colby and influential media figures like Tucker Carlson are questioning endless American interventionism in the Middle East and whether U S interests are always best served by unconditional support for Israel And nowhere is this divide more visible than in how the two camps view Iran President Trump has firmly stated that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon and has not hesitated to use military force by striking Iranian-backed militias most notably killing Iranian General Qasem Soleimani Yet he has also repeatedly expressed his desire for peace with Iran preferring a “Verified Nuclear Peace Agreement over a decapitating strike against the Iranian regime or joint military action with Israel against Iranian nuclear facilities This position was recently tested after U S intelligence agencies had been warning for months that an Israeli military strike on Iranian nuclear facilities was all but inevitable and that the U S military would need to play an active role in the attack as Israel requires not only mid-flight refueling but also American-made bombs to penetrate
Israel s planned attacks telling Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the U S would instead pursue last-ditch negotiations, which have since concluded a positive third round, thanks in part to the efforts of U S Envoy Steve Witkoff Trump’s decision was quickly praised by key America First “realist” media figures such as Carlson who took direct aim at those pushing for military action against Iran posting on X: It s clear that now is the worst possible time for the United States to participate in a military strike on Iran We can t afford it Thousands of Americans would die We’d lose the war that follows Nothing would be more destructive to our country And yet we’re closer than ever thanks to unrelenting pressure from neocons This is suicidal Anyone advocating for conflict with Iran is not an ally of the United States, but an enemy On this, it s worth noting Vance s rhetoric regarding the separation of American and Israeli interests When asked what the Trump administration’s response would be to a potential major war in the Middle East after Israel s retaliatory strike against Iran in October 2024 following the Hamas attacks on Oct 7 then VP nominee Vance stated: Sometimes we re going to have overlapping interests, and sometimes we re going to have distinct interests And our interest very much is in not going to war with Iran It would be a huge distraction of resources It would be massively expensive to our country
Despite criticism from neoconservatives Trump, Vance, Carlson, and others are not isolationists; they are realists heirs to an American foreign policy tradition shaped by figures like George Washington, John Quincy Adams, and James Monroe These historical American greats advocated primarily for avoiding permanent foreign alliances opposed unnecessary interventionism and supported a defined sphere of influence that prioritized American interests elements that have been sorely lacking in modern American foreign policy
The struggle over Iran policy is not just a debate about one country it is a defining test of whether the United States will reclaim a foreign policy rooted in national interest and strategic restraint or continue to serve the ambitions of a permanent war establishment and its ideological allies The growing influence of the America First movement represents a long-overdue correction to decades of failed interventionism that has served distant interests at significant cost to the American people As pressure mounts for yet another regime-change war this time with Iran it is imperative that the U S resist calls for escalation The future
Question In your book you draw a parallel between the Weimar Republic [a German regime that emerged after World War I and ended with the rise of Hitler] and the present, in that it is a world in constant crisis Are we in a kind of global Weimar?
Answer: The Weimar Republic was in a constant state of crisis; there was a lot of instability Today s world resembles that scenario Weimar was a truly permanent crisis I used Weimar as a way to describe today s world because technology has defeated distance We are more connected than ever and we can t ignore each other Crises in the Pacific can affect crises in Europe and the United States in a way that they never used to do In my book I talk about a permanent crisis I did not say anarchy or falling into the abyss So it s not a totally negative vision I see it s just struggling with one crisis after another
Q Does the fight over critical minerals reinforce the analogy?
A Critical minerals are an entirely new phenomenon We are entering a new imperial age that will be defined by great regional powers It will be greater North America with the United States exerting influence from Greenland to Panama in one form or another A Russia which is interested in more territory and China which wants to subdue Taiwan and gain more influence in the Western Pacific And these
Waqas shair
CHINA REAFFIRMS SUPPORT FOR PAKISTAN AMID RISING TENSIONS WITH INDIA
COAS, Iranian FM review Pak-Iran
border sec urity mechanism
particular focus on challenges confronted by both countries in the domain of security The Pak-Iran border security mechanism was also reviewed as part of efforts to enhance bilateral coordination The COAS reaffirmed that Pakistan and Iran are brotherly neighbours bound by deep-
Eight terrorists killed in multiple engagements across KP: ISPR
followed by reduced flow as reservoirs are refilled, triggering concerns of sudden floods or drought-like conditions
The Foreign Office in Islamabad decried the move as a violation of India s international obligations India s decision to suspend the treaty and unilaterally control water flows represents a reckless escalation with severe humanitarian and ecological consequences, said a
RAWALPINDI S TA F F R E P O R T
Eight terrorists were killed in multiple engagements across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa while one soldier was also martyred the military’s media wing said in a statement on Monday
Pakistan has witnessed an uptick in terror activities over the past year, especially in KP and Balochistan, after the proscribed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) ended its ceasefire with the government in November 2022
According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Rela-
tions (ISPR) an intelligence-based operation (IBO) was conducted by the forces in general area of Mir Ali in North Waziristan District
“During the conduct of [the] operation own troops effectively engaged the khwarij location and resultantly three khwarij were sent to hell it said referring to the term the state uses for terrorists In another IBO, conducted in South Waziristan District, two khwarij were successfully neutralized by the security forces However during an intense fire exchange one brave son of the soil Naik Mujahid Khan (age: 40
years resident of District Kohat) having fought gallantly, paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced shahadat,” the statement said It added that two more engagements took place between the troops and the terrorists in the Khyber and Bannu districts resulting in the killing of three terrorists Weapons, ammunition and explosives were also recovered from the terrorists, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities in the area against the security forces as well as target killing of innocent civilians the ISPR said
Islamabad moves to brief UNSC on India’s provocations, Indus Treaty breach
ISLAMABAD S TA F F R
P
R T Amid growing regional tensions and fears of escalation Pakistan has decided to formally approach the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to apprise world powers of India’s recent aggressive actions including attempts to unilaterally suspend the Indus Waters Treaty and provocative military posturing following the Pahalgam attack
The Foreign Office confirmed on Monday that Pakistan will call for an emergency UNSC session to present what it describes as “true facts” and urge the Council to fulfil its responsibility as the primary global body for maintaining peace and security
The directive to initiate diplomatic engagement at the UN level was issued by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who instructed Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar to immediately begin the process The move officials say is part of Pakistan s broader diplomatic outreach to build pressure on India and rally international support
Tensions between the two nucleararmed neighbours have flared since the April 22 attack in the Indian-administered town of Pahalgam which left 26 people dead India has hinted at cross-border involvement without providing evidence Pakistan has strongly rejected the allegations and offered an international probe, reiterating that it has no interest in destabilisation, especially at a time when it is recovering from economic challenges
The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty by India is a grave breach of international obligations, the Foreign Office said in a statement “Coupled with inflammatory rhetoric and cross-border provocations these steps pose a serious threat to regional and global stability
The Supreme Court s constitutional bench on Monday reserved its ruling on the intra-court appeal challenging the verdict that barred the trial of civilians in military courts The hearing on the appeal has been completed and a short verdict is expected to be announced
