FIELD MARSHAL’S US VISIT REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT
g COAS HIGHLIGHTS PAKISTAN’S UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO REGIONAL PEACE, ITS CONSTRUCTIVE ROLE IN FOSTERING A RULE-BASED INTERNATIONAL ORDER
g FIELD MARSHAL SHED LIGHT ON PAKISTAN’S REMARKABLE UNTAPPED POTENTIAL IN IT, AGRICULTURE AND UNDEREXPLOITED RESERVES IN MINING AND MINERAL SECTORS
g INTERACTION WITH US THINK TANKS, STRATEGIC AFFAIRS INSTITUTIONS PROVIDED OPPORTUNITY TO ARTICULATE PRINCIPLED STANCE ON KEY REGIONAL, GLOBAL ISSUES
CH I E F of Army Staff (COAS)
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir during his US visit reaffirmed Pakistan s commitment to regional peace, counterterrorism, and economic growth, while advocating for deeper diplomatic and strategic ties with the United States According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) during his official visit to the United States the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, held a comprehensive and candid exchange with senior scholars, analysts, policy experts and representatives of leading international media outlets in Washington DC The interaction with prominent US think tanks and representatives of the
strategic affairs institutions provided an opportunity to articulate Pakistan s principled stance on key regional and global issues and to deepen understanding of Pakistan’s strategic outlook In his remarks the Chief of Army Staff highlighted Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to regional peace and stability and its constructive role in fostering a rules-based international order The Field Marshal eluded the details and analysis of the Marka-e-Haq and Operation Bunyanum Marsoos and elaborated on Pakistan’s perspective on terrorism noting the malign influence of certain regional actors in sponsoring and perpetuating terrorism as a tool of hybrid warfare The COAS emphasized that Pakistan has been on the front lines of the global war against terrorism having rendered immense sacrifices both human and economic in pursuit of a safer and more
US encourages Pakistan to continue playing its role in peace effor ts with Iran
The United States has encouraged Pakistan to continue playing its role in the ongoing peace efforts with Iran to deescalate tensions with Israel amid deepening fears of broader conflict The development came as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif received a telephone call from US Secretary of State Rubio on Friday according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister s Office
During their warm and cordial conversation, the prime minister conveyed his best wishes for President Donald Trump and praised him for his bold leadership He also appreciated Secretary Rubio s proactive diplomacy that played a pivotal role in helping Pakistan and India to arrive at a ceasefire understanding and averting a major catastrophe between the two nuclear-armed states Premier Shehbaz added that President Trump’s positive statements about Pakistan were most encouraging for a
secure world Field Marshal Asim Munir shed light on Pakistan s remarkable untapped potential particularly in the domains of information technology agriculture and its vast and underexploited reserves in the mining and mineral sectors He invited international partners to explore collaborative opportunities in these sectors to un-
durable peace in South Asia which could only be made possible by initiating meaningful dialogue between Pakistan and India In this context he reaffirmed Pakistan’s willingness for talks with India on all outstanding issues including Jammu & Kashmir the Indus Water Treaty, trade, and counter-terrorism The situation in the Middle East, particularly the Iran-Israel crisis, was also discussed, where PM Shehbaz emphasized the need to find a peaceful resolution to this grave crisis through dialogue and diplomacy He stated that Pakistan was ready to play a constructive role in any effort for peace in the current situation, which was deeply worrying, not only for the region but for the entire world
PM meets Maulana Fazl, enquires after well being of his younger son
” according to a joint statement issued following the meeting The countries committed to exploring collaborative projects in key areas such as trade, industry, maritime affairs, water resources, agriculture, climate change, health, education, youth engagement, culture, and think tank collaboration A trilateral working group will be formed to oversee the implementation of the agreed initiatives aimed at enhancing economic growth and improving living standards across the three nations The statement highlighted that the trilateral framework is rooted in true multilateralism and open regionalism” and emphasized that it is “not directed at any third party ”
While recalling President Trump’s focus on trade the premier stated that Pakistan and the US needed to work together to advance mutually beneficial cooperation across a wide range of areas, including trade, investment, energy, mining, rare earth metals, and IT
lock shared prosperity Participants noted the openness and clarity of the COAS s perspectives and appreciated Pakistan s consistent and principled policies The interaction was marked by a spirit of mutual understanding and was widely regarded as a positive step toward enhancing strategic dialogue between Pakistan and the United States
Pakistan counters India’s claims on Pahalgam incident in UN, c alls for K ashmir resolution
GENEVA
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Pakistan has formally rejected India’s allegations concerning the recent Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir addressing the claims at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Thursday Pakistan s representative, Muneeb Ahmed, exercised the country’s right to reply during the ongoing session of the UNHRC
He dismissed the allegations made by India emphasizing that no substantial evidence had been provided to substantiate the claim that Pakistan was involved in the attack India, he pointed out, had prematurely accused Pakistan without completing its investigation Ahmed further criticized India for rejecting calls for an independent inquiry and continuing its military operations against civilians in Jammu and Kashmir He stated that these actions are worsening the already fragile situation in the region Even before India s own investigative authorities had concluded their findings they escalated the oppression of the people in Jammu and Kashmir India continues to carry out unjustifiable military strikes, not only against civilians in Kashmir but also
abandon its pursuit of Hindutva policies and respect the rights of Kashmiris “India must stop blaming Pakistan and Muslims and instead address the real issue the rights of the Kashmiri people he asserted Pakistan called on India to act in accordance with international law and respect the sovereignty of Jammu and Kashmir as an internationally recognized disputed territory The statement concluded by reaffirming Pakistan s commitment to a peaceful and diplomatic resolution to the Kashmir issue, stressing that this is essential for the longterm stability of the region RAWALPINDI
within Pakistan s borders, he said Pakistan’s representative emphasized that resolving the Kashmir issue was crucial for ensuring lasting peace in South Asia The dispute over Jammu and Kashmir remains unresolved and continues to pose a significant threat to regional peace This issue can only be resolved through the exercise of the Kashmiri people’s right to selfdetermination as recognized by numerous UN Security Council resolutions, Ahmed added Furthermore, he condemned India’s actions under the leadership of the current regime urging India to
ISLAMABAD
Pakistan pushes for expanded energy, mining cooperation at
2025 In another significant meeting Malik met Alexey Shemetov First Deputy Director of Rosatom Minerals During their discussion Malik invited Rosatom to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan’s mining sector, particularly in technology transfer and enhancing safety and efficiency Shemetov showed interest in these proposals signaling potential collaboration
FBR calls for bringing banks under normal tax regime applicable to companies
Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial urged the Senate Standing Committee on Finance to abolish the Seventh Schedule (Banking Schedule) of the Income Tax Ordinance 2001 recommending that banks be treated under the same tax framework as other companies According to a news report, FBR chairman raised concerns over the special tax treatment given to banks, questioning why they were not subjected to the same tax laws as other registered companies “Banks are businesses and their tax treatment should be aligned with that of other companies FBR chairman stated during his briefing before the Senate committee He further criticized the Banking Schedule, which was inserted into the Income Tax
issues
The Privatisation Commission has made progress in its reform agenda initiating the process for appointing financial advisers for four power distribution companies and two power generation plants, while also receiving expressions of interest (EoIs) from eight parties seeking management control of Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Ltd (PIACL) In a bid to accelerate privatisation and encourage private sector involvement, the commission aims to improve efficiency and ease the financial burden on the government During its meeting on Thursday, the Privatisation Commission board
approved the appointment of financial advisers for four power distribution companies: Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (Hesco),
Kohala Hydro Company Limited (KHCL) has formally requested an extension of its Letter of Support (LoS) for the $2 5 billion Kohala Hydropower Project a 1 124 MW run-of-the-river initiative until September 30 2027
According to a report by Business Recorder this extension is critical for ensuring Pakistan s existing water rights under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), signed in 1960 between Pakistan and India with World Bank mediation
In a letter to the Managing Director of the Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB) KHCL CEO Liu Yonggang emphasized the project s strategic importance for Pakistan s hydroelectric power generation on the Jhelum River The IWT guarantees Pakistan’s rights to use water from the Jhelum, Indus, and Chenab rivers KHCL stresses that the timely
development of the 1 124 MW Kohala Hydropower Project is essential for Pakistan to establish and protect its rights to Jhelum water The company argued that failure to proceed with the project would compromise Pakistan s ability to assert its water rights, leaving the country vulnerable to further Indian upstream interventions Drawing reference to the legal dispute between Pakistan and India over the Kishenganga Dam Project KHCL pointed out that the Court of Arbitration (COA) ruled in favor of India stating that only those uses of water that were established at the time of notification were protected under the IWT KHCL noted that, similarly, any delay in the Kohala project would jeopardize Pakistan’s ability to claim protection for its planned hydroelectric use KHCL emphasized that timely development of the Kohala project is crucial to establish Pakistan s water rights and protect them from potential future upstream interventions by India
COMMENT
PIA privatization
New players have come in
THE expressions of interest for the privatization of PIA, along with applications for qualification, have been filed by five consortia with another three having dropped out This is the second time PIA will go on sale, after last year ’s failed sale, and the entries of Fauji Fertiliser and Bahria Foundation as parts of different consortia are of interest indicating that the establishment does not want another failed sale The PIA privatization, which is for between 51 percent and 100 percent of its shares and management control, is one of the conditions of the current IMF programme A second failure could mean the sudden termination of not just the current programme, but also the $1 billion availed under the sustainability and relief fund It would also mean that the government would have to keep on picking up PIA’s losses It bodes well, though, that the airline turned its first profit in two decades in the onl financial result since the last fiasco That attempt also occurred in the midst of the government’s renegotiating the agreements with independent power producers, and it was widely speculated that the treatment meted out to foreign investors spooked many of the potential buyers
While none of the consortia were headed by foreign investors, they were certainly there in the background, not to mention that the sort of money needed for such a transaction can only be raised with the cooperation of foreign banks The last auction was an abject failure because of the qualifying consortia, only one submitted a bid That bid was for Rs 10 billion for a 60 percent stake The reserve price had been set at Rs 85 billion and thus the bid was rejected The present attempt thus depends first of all on how many bidders qualify
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W hat the Ro hingy a Co nf e re nce - 20 25 Mu st Achie v
UsAMA MAlick
tering its premises Apparently the aid meant to provide transient relief to the starving Palestinians is also being used as an instrument to carry out mass killings The reprehensible Israeli forces, during the first militarized food distribution, opened fire on famished Palestinians, killing at least three and wounding 35 Using hunger as a tool to lure Palestinians the diabolical Israeli forces make it as easy as shooting fish in a barrel The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is reported to have said The best of you are those who feed others" (Musnad Ahmad 23926)
The Israelis are also offering food to Palestinians not with the intention of feeding them but of killing them United Nations SecretaryGeneral António Guterres has issued a statement condemning this heinous Israeli act and calling for an inquiry He said, I am appalled by the reports of Palestinians killed and injured while seeking aid in Gaza yesterday It is unacceptable that Palestinians are risking their lives for food " Could humanity stoop any lower than this?
If this was not enough the fiendish Israeli government has shamelessly announced plans
ON September 30, the United Nations will host a high-level international conference on the Rohingya crisis Convened under the leadership of Ambassador Philemon Yang President of the UN General Assembly this conference is being touted as a pivotal moment in the quest for a peaceful solution to one of the most shameful humanitarian tragedies of our time But let s be clear: what the world needs in New York this September is not another well-meaning assembly of diplomats issuing platitudes and signing statements of intent What it needs is a bold actionoriented commitment to right a grotesque wrong to demand accountability and to engineer the return of the Rohingya people to their homeland not as refugees, but as rightful citizens of Myanmar The origins of this upcoming conference can be traced back to the 2024 United Nations General Assembly when Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus issued a direct appeal for global leadership A Nobel Peace laureate who understands both moral persuasion and political inertia, Yunus called for a new international compact to ensure a sustainable and dignified resolution to the Rohingya crisis In response the UN General Assembly adopted a consensus resolution later that year paving the way for the 2025 conference Since then Bangladesh has taken a proactive role led by Dr Khalilur Rahman the High Representative on the Rohingya Crisis, who worked closely with Ambassador Yang to ensure the conference has both legitimacy and muscle Ambassador Yang has promised “all-out support for maximum participation and a pragmatic outcome Such language sounds promising But if past international conferences are any guide promises without follow-through are often the first step on the road to irrelevance
To understand what s at stake one need only look at the state of Myanmar today According to the United Nations, the country is on a path to self-destruction Civil war, military violence, and lawlessness now define daily life In March 2025, a catastrophic earthquake struck central Myanmar, but the conflict did not pause even for rescue operations The military junta driven by a zero-sum mentality and emboldened by a steady flow of weapons remains determined to crush resistance movements Since the February 2021 coup, over 6,600 civilians have been killed by Myanmar s security forces More than 22,000 political prisoners languish in detention including most famously former leader Aung San Suu Kyi Political participation is a distant dream And with another round of sham elections looming in late 2025 or early 2026 the stage is set for further bloodshed and deeper instability Within this bleak landscape, the plight of the Rohingya is particularly harrowing More than 1 1 million of them fled to Bangladesh after the 2017 “clearance operations” a euphemism for ethnic cleansing The military s intent was unambiguous: to erase the Rohingya from the fabric of Myanmar s social and political life Those who remain in Rakhine State some 600,000 Rohingya live in grinding poverty, subject to forced recruitment, abuse, and systemic exclusion In northern Rakhine, up to 80 percent of Rohingya civilians face acute food insecurity Aid convoys are often unable to reach them due to the ongoing clashes between Myanmar s military and the Arakan Army To make matters worse a new wave of recruitment from both sides threatens to turn Rohingya civilians into cannon fodder in a conflict not of their choosing Against this backdrop, the September conference must be far more than an exercise in moral theater If it is to be remembered as a success it must deliver on four core objectives First it must establish a binding framework for the early and sustainable repatriation of Rohingya refugees That means clear timelines, independent verification mechanisms, and strong international guarantees Half-measures and vague commitments will only embolden Myanmar ’s generals and frustrate host nations like Bangladesh which has borne the humanitarian burden for nearly a decade Second, the conference must directly confront the root causes of the crisis Repatriation without citizenship is a cruel joke No amount of food parcels or
to build 22 new settlements in the occupied West Bank region It is akin to daring the whole world including the inactive Muslim nations to stop it from acting on its whims and caprices Moreover, in the northern part of Gaza, several Israeli military excavators have been seen demolishing the only specialized dialysis facility Noura Al-Kaabi along with the nearby cemetery forcing people to evacuate the area Going against their own words the Israeli forces have also bombed areas where displaced families live, such as Al-Mawasi, which they themselves had designated as a 'safe zone ' Israel's nefarious actions in the region are among the worst crimes in human history It is not surprising that the human beings with enlightened consciences from across the globe are taking to the streets to express their unwavering support for the Palestinians It is not surprising that people with enlightened consciences from across the globe are taking to the streets to express their unwavering support for the Palestinians On May 29 an 18-hour-long vigil was held in London in remembrance of those who lost their lives due to the tyranny of Israel All the participants, including worldrenowned personalities such as Chris O Dowd, Steve Coogan, Dawn O’Porter, Nadia Sawalha, Misan Harriman, and Ncuti Gatwa, with tears trickling down their cheeks read aloud the names of 15 613 children who died as a result of Israel s war crimes UNICEF s Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa
Edouard Beigbeder has also asked How many more dead girls and boys will it take?
The extent to which Israel has killed Palestinians and destroyed their homes is beyond condemnation Now, nearly all world leaders, including those from Europe, have begun openly rebuking Netanyahu and his grossly inhumane genocidal policies without resorting to euphemisms Some EU states are even insisting on suspending full trade relations with Israel In a recent press conference, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that he cannot allow the current situation in Gaza to continue and that France will toughen its stance on Israel if humanitarian aid is not permitted into Gaza
The word genocide cannot capture the grief of the husband and wife both doctors who have lost nine out of their ten children in Israeli blasts This is just one family s tragic story Before the immoral Israelis begin moving into the Gaza Strip to settle there permanently, the world must act It must call for an immediate and lasting ceasefire and compel Israel to allow medical and food aid into
can
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A bright promise
Reform or betrayal?
M A HossAin
TCOST OF A BOILING NATION
For the average Pakistani, this heatwave is not just uncomfortable it s lifethreatening With large segments of the population lacking access to basic cooling water and shelter the heat is exacerbating existing vulnerabilities In rural regions field labourers and farmers are collapsing under the sun In urban slums, where electricity is erratic and homes are made of tin and concrete, indoor temperatures are unbearable Hospitals are seeing a surge in heatstroke cases dehydration and exacerbations of chronic illnesses like cardiovascular disease and kidney failure Schoolchildren already dealing with academic disruptions from political instability and underfunded education systems, are now unable to attend classes safely in many areas Exam schedules have been disrupted Construction workers whose daily wages are their families only income are being forced to work under deadly heat or go hungry
In Karachi, one of the most heat-vulner-
able megacities in the world daily power outages have worsened as the grid struggles to meet soaring demand from air conditioning units and fans Residents are increasingly relying on water tankers, which in turn are profiteering from a basic human need In places like Tharparkar, where water scarcity is already severe, this season has seen a spike in child deaths due to diarrhea and dehydration ECONOMIC FALLOUT AND AGRICULTURAL COLLAPSE
Pakistan s economy already fragile from inflation, debt crises, and political uncertainty is wilting under the pressure of this heat The agricultural sector which employs nearly 40 percent of the country’s workforce and accounts for 19 percent of its GDP is taking a devastating blow Wheat and sugarcane crops have failed prematurely in southern Punjab and Sindh due to lack of water and heat stress The cotton harvest, already struggling from pest infestations and water shortages now faces a further reduction This means higher food prices job losses and pressure on imports creating a cascading effect on inflation and food security Livestock, too, are suffering In Balochistan and interior Sindh, thousands of animals have died from heat and lack of fodder or clean water This impacts not only rural economies but national food supply chains Even the industrial sector is not spared
Heat-induced power shortages are forcing shutdowns in factories especially in Faisalabad s textile industry one of Pakistan s major export earners Cold storage units are malfunctioning, leading to losses in perishable goods The informal economy, including street vendors and small shops, is seeing reduced foot traffic and daily sales
REGIONAL INEQUITIES AND URBAN-RURAL DIVIDE
The impact of the heatwave is uneven across different parts of Pakistan Affluent neighbourhoods in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi may have backup generators and inverters, but just kilometers away, people in katchi abadis (informal settlements) have no access to electricity or potable water In northern areas such as GilgitBaltistan the heat is accelerating glacial melt at a dangerous pace This not only increases the risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) which already wreaked havoc in Swat and Hunza in past years but also threatens long-term water security for the rest of the country which depends on these glaciers as a key water source
Balochistan, already marginalized and underdeveloped, lacks both infrastructure and healthcare capacity to respond In some districts, there are only a few functional ambulances or cooling shelters Emergency response systems are either non-existent or poorly coordinated ENVIRONMENTAL AND INFRASTRUCTURAL COLLAPSE
The heat is also testing Pakistan s already-crumbling infrastructure Roads are buckling Railway tracks are warping In
some cases tarmac has melted Wildfires in forested areas like Murree and the Margalla Hills have increased in both frequency and scale The air quality is worsening not just from heat but from the pollutants trapped by stagnant overheated air Cities are turning into heat islands where concrete glass and metal amplify temperatures far beyond ambient levels Waste management, too, is being affected The faster decomposition of garbage under extreme temperatures is leading to more methane emissions, higher stench, and potential outbreaks of vector-borne diseases like dengue malaria and cholera A CLIMATE EMERGENCY THAT DEMANDS POLITICAL ACTION While climate change is a global phenomenon, Pakistan is bearing a disproportionate burden despite contributing less than one percent to global greenhouse gas emissions The country ranks among the top 10 most vulnerable nations to climate change according to the Global Climate Risk Index Yet the urgency of this crisis has yet to translate into real, long-term policy changes Climate adaptation strategies, such as urban tree-planting, heat-resilient crops, early warning systems and water conservation efforts are either underfunded or poorly implemented Existing climate policies remain largely cosmetic What Pakistan needs is not just awareness campaigns, but climate governance one that is inclusive, sciencebacked, and grounded in local realities SOCIAL SOLIDARITY AND COMMUNITY SURVIVAL
A
Today, it’s Israel and the US Tomorrow, China could use the same rationale to justify attacking Taiwan
LIKE the US-led invasion and occupation of Iraq in 2003 Israel s war on Iran is neither legal nor just It is a war of choice, not of necessity –and should the US or its European allies particularly Britain join in they risk being dragged into another disastrous and unlawful conflict in the Middle East
A US military intervention would be in direct contravention of international law Already, the US, once the architect and guardian of the international order, is now among its chief violators Instead of pressuring Benjamin Netanyahu to end his siege and destruction of Gaza Donald Trump has fully sided with Netanyahu and called Israel s attacks on Iran excellent He has demanded Iran s unconditional surrender Trump is considering military strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities Doing so is explicitly prohibited under article 56 of the additional protocol to the Geneva conventions because of the danger of nuclear contamina-
tion Britain, meanwhile, must tread carefully
The attorney general has reportedly warned that any UK military involvement beyond defensive support would be illegal Richard Hermer the government s top legal adviser is said to have raised internal concerns about the legality of joining a bombing campaign
The foundation of Israel s justification for launching pre-emptive strikes and of Washington’s quiet complicity is alarming
The core claim is that Iran was rapidly taking steps to weaponise its uranium with Netanyahu the Israeli prime minister repeatedly warning that Tehran was approaching a point of no return in developing a nuclear bomb
But Netanyahu’s narrative flatly contradicts the US intelligence assessment which found that not only is Iran not actively pursuing a nuclear weapon it remains at least three years away from having the capability to do so The CIA disputes the Israeli claim that Iran is close to crossing a nuclear threshold
Trump’s director of national intelligence Tulsi Gabbard testified in March that Iran was not building a nuclear weapon and that the country s supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei had not authorised a nuclear programme, one that was in fact suspended in 2003 Even if Iran was making a bomb, international law doesn’t give Israel and the US the right to bomb Iran
The UN charter is clear on the use of force in international relations
Yet when pressed about this contradiction, Trump dismissed the intelligence out-
right I don t care what she said, he told reporters I think they were very close to having it ” Netanyahu and Trump’s narrative also stands in direct opposition to findings by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) whose director general Rafael Grossi confirmed on 17 June that there was no proof Iran was systematically developing nuclear weapons Set against this backdrop, US military intervention would rupture the rules-based international order further and make future conflicts more unpredictable and dangerous Other powerful states could launch offensive wars under the pretext of pre-empting real or imagined threats to their national security Today, it’s Israel and the US Tomorrow, China could use the same rationale to justify attacking Taiwan The echoes of the Iraq war should also raise alarm bells Then as now war was sold on manufactured intelligence Netanyahu was a vocal supporter of the neoconservative movement that led the Bush administration s invasion of Iraq and justified it with claims about Saddam Hussein’s possession of weapons of mass destruction and ties to terrorism George W Bush sold that war with the now-infamous line about Hussein s massive stockpile of biological weapons despite the CIA stating it had no specific information” on quantities or types Bush went further, claiming: “We do not know whether or not [Iraq] has a nuclear weapon ” contradicting his own intelligence He knew and he lied Trump for his part publicly criticised that very deception, saying Bush s decision
to invade Iraq was the worst decision any president has made in the history of this country [the US]”, adding: “There were no weapons of mass destruction and they knew there were none ” Yet Trump today appears to borrow a page from Bush s playbook Although there is no plan for a US ground invasion of Iran, any attack on Tehran risks spiralling into a full-blown regional war Iran has repeatedly threatened to retaliate against US bases in Iraq, Bahrain and the wider Gulf A mission creep could easily escalate triggering a cycle of strikes and counterstrikes For example Iran could mine the strait of Hormuz,
The Meta- owned instant communication platform has strong privac y and security features but it isn’t impenetrable
IRAN RULES OUT CEASEFIRE AHEAD OF TALKS WITH EUROPEAN MINISTERS AS ISRAELI ATTACKS CONTINUE
Khamenei vows Iran will never sur render as missiles target Israel
These developments have
the stakes in the ongoing confrontation, as the conflict between Israel and Iran shows no sign of abating European Efforts and U S Involvement
The European Union has made efforts to mediate the situation with U S Secretary of State Marco Rubio meeting with European counterparts to discuss the escalating conflict President Donald Trump has also weighed in on the situation, announcing that a decision on U S involvement in the conflict would be made in the coming weeks Despite
these diplomatic efforts both sides remain entrenched in their positions with Israel continuing its strikes and Iran vowing to retaliate Trump s comments, including his threats to Iran and statements about the possible use of U S military capabilities, have only added to the uncertainty surrounding the crisis Despite the intense rhetoric no official decision has been made regarding U S involvement in the conflict Impact on Civilians The toll on civilians has been significant, with both Iranian and Israeli officials reporting casualties In Iran, the death toll has surpassed 600 including civilians military personnel and nuclear scientists On the Israeli side at least two dozen civilians have died in Iranian missile attacks As the conflict continues to escalate, diplomatic efforts are ongoing, with international leaders calling for de-escala-
tion However the hardline stances of both Iran and Israel suggest that a resolution may be difficult to achieve in the near future Outlook for Peace
The ongoing military conflict between Israel and Iran has raised alarm across the Middle East and beyond, with concerns growing over the potential for a broader regional war While diplomatic channels remain open the path to peace remains uncertain and the situation continues to evolve with no immediate signs of resolution
The international community remains focused on trying to prevent further escalation while working to address the underlying issues but the prospects for a ceasefire or meaningful negotiations appear bleak for now The coming weeks will be critical in determining the future of the conflict and the potential for broader peace in the region
China, New Zealand vow to safeguard multilateral trading system
BEIJING
s ta f f r e p o r t
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday met with New Zealand
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in Beijing with both sides pledging to uphold the multilateral trading system and strengthen bilateral ties President Xi hailed the longstanding friendship between China and New Zealand noting that since the establishment of diplomatic ties more than 50 years ago, China-New Zealand relations have withstood changes in the international landscape
Noting the two countries have consistently upheld mutual respect and advanced together Xi emphasized that the bilateral relationship has always progressed ahead of China s ties with other developed Western countries
As the China-New Zealand comprehensive strategic partnership enters its second decade Xi urged joint efforts to deepen ties to achieve greater development for the benefit of the two peoples in the next 10 years
He stressed the importance of placing cooperation at the center of bilateral ties tapping into complementary strengths and expanding collaboration in trade investment, scientific innovation, climate change, infrastructure and other areas
hensive strategic partnership
Noting that this year marks the 80th anniversary of both victory in the World Anti-Fascist War and the founding of the United Nations, Xi reaffirmed China s readiness to work with New Zealand to uphold the international system with the UN at its core safeguard the multilateral trading system centered on the World Trade Organization and advance the international order in a more just and equitable direction Luxon highlighted the strategic importance of New Zealand-China relations He recalled President Xi’s 2014 visit to New Zealand and the establishment of the compre-
The Chinese president also encouraged enhanced exchanges in education culture youth civil society and local government to enrich the bilateral relationship Xi underlined that China and New Zealand have no historical grievances or fundamental conflicts of interest He called for continued mutual respect and the proper handling of differences through dialogue and consensusbuilding
The prime minister reaffirmed New Zealand s strong commitment to the one-China policy and expressed a willingness to continue high-level exchanges, expand trade and investment and deepen collaboration in agriculture fisheries and the dairy industry He also emphasized the need to boost people-to-people exchanges in tourism and education
Acknowledging the uncertainties facing today’s world, Luxon stressed that the international community looks to China to play a constructive role in addressing global challenges He also expressed New Zealand s willingness to enhance communication and coordination with China uphold the multilateral trading system and support China in hosting the 2026 APEC meeting
MNAS CALL ON PM SHEHBA Z , L AUD GOVT FOR ‘PRO-PEOPLE’ BUDGET 2025
any news on social media without verification falls under the category of propaganda Such behaviour is not only misleading but also harmful to national security,” she emphasised Azma Bokhari further remarked that certain individuals spread sensational content on social media but neither apologise nor properly retract their posts, by which time the misinformation has
MARCEGLIA
Italian Nav y Ship ITS ANTONIO
par ticipates in a bilateral exercise with Pakistan Nav y ship KARACHI s ta f f r e p o r t The Italian Navy Ship ITS ANTONIO MARCEGLIA participated in a bilateral exercise with Pakistan Navy ship and aircraft in the North Arabian Sea The primary objective of the exercise was to enhance operational efficiency and foster deeper cooperation between the two navies The exercise featured a
Syngenta launches new generation insecticide, a promising game changer for Pakistan’s rice farmers
Syngenta Pakistan has officially launched Incipio 200 SC, a next-generation foliar spray insecticide powered by cutting-edge Plinazolin® technology at a high-profile event in Daska Themed “Incipio Barhaye Pakistan Ka Khazana the event brought together agricultural leaders media and local rice growers to mark the arrival of a globally recognized crop protection solution in Pakistan Proven effective across rice-growing regions worldwide, Incipio 200 SC offers targeted control against Rice Stem Borer and Leaf Folder two of the most damaging pests in rice cultivation The product s advanced formulation shifts away from traditional granular methods embracing a foliar application approach that enhances precision, performance, and environmental responsibility As rice remains a cornerstone of Pakistan’s agricultural exports and rural livelihoods the introduction of Incipio 200 SC supports Syngenta’s mission to boost crop productivity minimize losses and empower farmers with reliable science-backed solutions With Incipio 200 SC, we re not just offering a product we re delivering global innovation tailored for local success,” said Zeeshan Hasib Baig, Country Head, Syngenta Pakistan Speakers also included the company s Head of Marketing and Product Manager who highlighted extensive R&D behind the product and shared farmer trial feedback indicating improved yields and ease of use
LAHORE s ta f f r e p o r t
Punjab Chief Minister
IMF APPROVES FIVE-YEAR-OLD CAR IMPORTS FROM SEPTEMBER 2025 UNDER NEW DUT Y REGIME
TSuspect arrested as another child pornography case sur faces in Punjab’s
The police have arrested the suspect and further legal actions are underway to assist the victims Despite strict laws in Pakistan, including the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2016, and the Zainab Alert, Response and Recovery Act, 2020, child sexual abuse remains an ongoing issue Last year over 3 300 child abuse cases were reported across Pakistan highlighting the persistent need for stricter enforcement and awareness In related news, police in Muzaffargarh arrested five individuals in April for their alleged involvement in the gang rape of a child
Omanese bikers delegation reaches Islamabad
A 15-member delegation from the Bousher Bikers Club from Oman, arrived in Islamabad on Friday, marking another significant step towards promoting adventure tourism in Pakistan The Omani bikers were warmly welcomed at the Islamabad International Airport where they were greeted with bouquets and words of welcome Upon arrival, the bikers expressed their happiness and enthusiasm, eager to embark on their campaign in the northern areas of Pakistan, said a statement issued here A biker from the delegation remarked “Today marks the
The historic Shandur Polo Festival 2025 commenced with grandeur at the world’s highest polo ground in Shandur The three-day festival is being jointly organized by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority, Pakistan Army, and Chitral Scouts The opening ceremony was attended by Deputy Speaker of the Provincial Assembly Suraya Bibi Advisor to the Chief Minister on Information Barrister Dr Saif Secretary of Tourism Bakhtiyar Khan Commissioner of Malakand Abid Wazir, and Director General of Tourism Habibullah Arif A thrilling match between Chitral’s Surlaspur team and Ghizer team from Gilgit-Baltistan marked the first day of the festival with Surlaspur claiming victory by 6-3
Over the next three days, traditional rival teams from Chitral and Gilgit will engage in a series of exciting and fiercely contested polo matches
The opening ceremony featured a spectacular paragliding performance that greatly entertained the audience Additionally, impressive musical presentations were given by the FC Band and Chitral Scouts Band
During the festival seven traditional teams from Gilgit and Chitral will compete against each other and exciting and tough polo matches will continue for three days
A large number of tourists have
reached Shandur not only from different parts of the country but also from abroad to witness this unique cultural and sports event
Speaking to the media on the occasion, Barrister Saif, the Advisor for Information to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister, said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is a peaceful province and the provincial government is taking effective steps to promote tourism Speaking on the occasion KP Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Syed Fakhar Jihan said that the Shandur Polo Festival is not merely a sports event but a vibrant cultural celebration that introduces the world to Pakistan s peaceful atmosphere breathtaking landscapes and rich heritage He added that Shandur Polo is a treasured cultural sport played at an altitude of 12,000 feet, drawing polo enthusiasts and tourists from around the globe
The minister warmly welcomed the players and visitors to Shandur stating that such festivals are a message of peace to the world and a reflection of the love Pakistanis have for their culture Highlighting the significance of the event,
He further stated that under the vision of former Prime Minister Imran Khan the KP government is actively promoting traditional
of a centralised e-portal for monitoring religious processions and gatherings According to a spokesperson for the Home Department, all deputy commissioners (DCs) have been instructed to upload detailed information regarding processions gatherings (majalis) speech restrictions and inter-district movement limitations within five day The department has directed the DCs in all districts to prepare emergency response plans and finalise them through their respective District Intelligence Committees
Three tourists killed in
glacial slide near Naran
MANSEHRA s ta f f r e p o r t
Three tourists tragically lost their lives on Friday after being buried by a glacial slide
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Barrister Gohar
Ali Khan stated on Friday that the party would not seek foreign assistance for the release of its leader Imran Khan from Adiala Jail, stressing that all necessary legal measures would be pursued through Pakistan’s judicial system
Speaking to the media outside Parliament Barrister Gohar reaffirmed PTI’s stance that the party would follow due process under the law to address its concerns Our focus remains on the judiciary and we will seek all remedies through legal channels within the country, he explained
Addressing concerns about Pakistan s relations with the United States Barrister Gohar said PTI would comment on the situation once there was more clarity regarding the evolving direction of ties between the two countries “We are waiting for clear details before making any public comments on Pakistan-U S relations ” he added Barrister Gohar also took the opportunity to praise former U S President Donald Trump for his role in defusing tensions between nuclear-armed neighbors Pakistan and India His timely intervention helped avert further escalation when the situation between the two countries was extremely dangerous,” he noted Reflecting on Pakistan’s response during past military confrontations with India the PTI leader underscored that Pakistan s resolve and firm stance had shattered India s arrogance during the conflict Pakistan s determined response during wars has set a strong precedent, he added Barrister Gohar also emphasized the strength of Pakistan’s enduring relationship with China, describing it as “unbreakable and vital” for the nation’s strategic interests
On the topic of Imran Khan s legal matters Barrister Gohar reiterated that PTI s approach was solely based on the rule of law and the judicial system PTI remains committed to using the judicial system for any legal recourse, he concluded
