g PREMIER SHEHBAZ TERMS THE MOBILE APP LAUNCH A S A REVOLUTIONARY STEP WHICH WOULD BENEFIT CONSUMERS
g SAYS DESPITE CONCERNS, GOVERNMENT MADE TOUGH DECISION TO REBA SE PRICES AND NOT PA SS THE BURDEN TO CONSUMERS
PM Shehbaz visits Ch Nisar’s residence, invites him to rejoin PML-N
maximum relief to the consumers
Police conducts 446 search & combing operations ‘codenamed Muharram Security ’
attack on security forces in North Waziristan, calling it deeply concerning He reaffirmed that both the provincial and federal governments were coordinating efforts to ensure peace and stability across the country K P C M
E D
D E M A N D E D: Meanwhile the leader of the opposition in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, Ibadullah Khan, has demanded the resignation of CM Ali Amin Gandapur over the Swat tragedy The opposition leader accused Gandapur of showing a callous
operations a spokesperson for the Punjab Police informed that 189 proclaimed offenders involved in serious crimes 118 court absconders and 128 habitual criminals were arrested The spokesperson further shared that drugs, illegal weapons, and ammunition were recovered from the possession of criminals and suspects During operations against criminal elements 6 criminals were neutralized 6 were injured, and 8 others were arrested Punjab IG Police Dr Usman Anwar emphasized that search, sweep, and combing operations will continue throughout Muharram to hold anti-state and criminal elements accountable
These operations have great significance to maintain security and deter the terrorists and criminals from carrying out their nefarious agenda ”
S: Meanwhile, on the instructions of Punjab Inspector General of Police Dr Usman Anwar, strict security arrangements were ensured by Punjab Police across Lahore and the entire province on the third day of Ashra-eMuharram According to the Punjab Police spokesperson, more than 30,000 officers and personnel carried out security duties for processions and Majalis across Lahore and the rest of the province on the 3rd of Muharram On
the second day of Muharram, more than 2 900 police officers and personnel were deployed for security duty in the provincial capital Across the province a total of 136 mourning processions and 3,659 Majalis were held In Lahore alone, on the 3rd of Muharram, 15 mourning processions were taken out and 395 Majalis were held More than 15 000 community volunteers supported the security arrangements for the Majalis and processions across the province
The Punjab IG Police said that high-alert security will be ensured throughout Ashura-e- Muharram across the province “Implementation of Section 144 imposed by the Government of Punjab is being ensured the IGP stated emphasizing that aerial firing display of weapons, dissemination of hate material, and incitement were strictly prohibited
The CTD Special Branch Traffic Police Dolphin Squad PRU and other field formations are deployed for Muharram security The IGP instructed officers to strictly ensure compliance with the Loudspeaker Act and to take firm action against lawbreakers promoting hateful content on social media
Gov t reaffirms suppor t for youth through PM’s programme
Fovernment is taking prac tical steps to equip youth with tools to transform their lives and contribute to countr y ’s development, says Rana Mashhood ISLAMABAD M o n i to r i n g D e s k Chairman of the Prime Minister
The Indus Waters Treaty cannot be junked as easily as Modi thinks
TH E International Court of Arbitration has ruled that it continues to have jurisdiction on disputes before it under the Indus Waters Treaty despite India’s having said it held it in abeyance after the April 22Pehelgam attack, which led to a military confrontation between India and Pakistan International law experts had said at the time that the IWT continued to have effect, because it contained no provision for exiting from the treaty, or for any amendment, except without the consent of both parties The ICA was especially emphatic in its finding that proceedings under the IWT, once initiated, had to be completed and the Court itself as well as the Neutral Expert appointed under the IWT would be bound to complete its work and arrive at a finding There were already proceedings initiated by Pakistan in which it objected to certain Indian projects back in 2016 A neutral expert had been appointed in 2024 and the current suspension was clearly an attempt to avoid the proceedings probably because of the likelihood that the judgement would go against India There is the question of what about new proceedings The IWT is already dysfunctional because the regular meetings of the Indus Water Commissioners supposed to be appointed by both countries have not been taking place Now that India supposes itself free of the IWT it may well start projects designed to steal Pakistan’s water If the Water Commissioners do not meet how is Pakistan supposed to approach the Court? Ex parte proceedings could take place but how would such verdicts be implemented? Already India has rejected the finding of the Court of Arbitration Can a party to a civil suit refuse to obey the court if it rejects his plea that it lacks jurisdiction? India should understand that the Indus Waters are central to its existence and it is ready to take the next step that states engage in when they find that international law does not give them redress which is armed conflict If that point is reached India will find that Pakistan will see little difference between a slow death by starvation in the midst of desertification and a faster one caused by radioactive fallout from Indian weapons used in a nuclear counterstrike In that apocalyptic event it may well be that India is also dragged down into the nuclear abyss and the world into the depths of a nuclear winter
Dedicated to the legac y of
M A Niazi Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami Editor Profit
‘ IT is easy to be pessimistic about multilateralism nowadays Recent international gatherings– including the 2023 Sustainable Development Goals Summit, the 2024 Summit of the Future and multiple United Nations Climate Change Conferences– have yielded only unfulfilled promises can the Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) at the end of this month go any better?
An excerpt from a Project Syndicate (PS) published article Can the conference on financing for development success? by internationally renowned economist Jayati Ghosh In 2015 most of the countries signed up to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aiming to achieve targets set for 2030 The rising cost of capital a serious inflationary spiral, the covid-19 pandemic, a fast-unfolding climate change crisis, and a weak multilateral spirit have all contributed to the slow pace of progress in this regard Not only that, a significant number of developing countries have increasingly seen rising debt distress
An April 2 PS published article This UN debt initiative is different indicated in this regard With just five years left until the 2030 deadline for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), developing countries– impeded by a persistent $4 trillion annual financing gap– are on track to meet less than one-fifth of the SDG targets ’ It is in this context that the ‘Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) to be held in Seville Spain from June 30 to July 3 provides an important opportunity to use this platform for much-needed improved response to an otherwise weak performance with regard to SDGs, in creating an improved level of climate finance, and in moving towards a comprehensive policy with regard to not just debt servicing but in reaching both goals of improved debt servicing while not compromising on SDGs In fact the United Nations launched a Group of experts in December 2024, which will come up with a comprehensive report covering both aspects of debt servicing, and sustainability related goals, will in turn inform the upcoming FfD4 conference about its find-
income not only deepens economic inequality but also damages the moral fabric of taxation Why should a factory worker or teacher pay more proportionally than a real estate speculator or stock investor? The logic, often couched in the language of investment incentives, fails to account for the lived experience of a populace already weary of elite capture If the tax code rewards wealth over work it signals a deeper rot one that no amount of enforcement raids or digital trucks can repair While one must acknowledge the positive strides made through digital reforms like electronic invoicing, faceless customs, Urdu tax forms, and e-tagged freight monitoring these innovations though commendable remain insufficient in a vacuum A truly modernized tax system must be matched with humanized policies That means simplifying registration processes, offering tax rebates or holidays for first-time filers, and ensuring timely refunds without bureaucratic obstruction Currently, exporters and manufacturers continue to voice frustration over delayed refunds with little clarity or consistency in response from the authorities The lack of taxpayer facilitation breeds resentment and discourages voluntary compliance Unless the FBR evolves from a collector
ings A news item titled Group of experts - to promote policy solutions to resolve debt crisis from United Nations Secretary-General, dated 6 December 2024 pointed out in this regard ‘Today, the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres is appointing a group of prominent experts to promote actionable policy solutions and galvanize political and public support required to resolve the debt crisis This work will inform the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), an intergovernmental process facilitated by the United Nations, which will take place from 30 June to 3 July 2025, in Sevilla, Spain The developing world is currently facing an unprecedented debt crisis with dozens of countries struggling under the weight of debt service that threatens economic stability social progress and sustainable development And yet, to date, the global response has fallen short In their April 2 article This UN debt initiative is different’ published by PS (same article referred to above as well), the members of this group highlighted the focus of this work and how it is different from previous efforts in this regard as follows: Although previous UN working groups have tackled sovereign debt issues several factors set this initiative apart The first is timing: successive economic shocks have forced developing countries to borrow, typically at high interest rates, severely restricting their fiscal space Second while previous initiatives focused on developing countries’ ability to repay and service their debts the Expert Group aims to ensure that any proposed solutions support sustainable development Third, the
v e n e s s ; b e t t e r d o m e s t i c r e s o u rc e m o b i l i z a t i o n , a n d h i g h e r l e v e l o f e x p o r t s
r e q u i r e c o u n t e r- c y cl i c a l p o l i c i e s – i n s t e a d o f t h e c u r r e n t
ov e r b o a rd a u s t e r i t y - b a s e d , p ro - c y cl i c a l p o l i c y s t a n c e i n a n u m b e r
o f c o u n t r i e s i n g e n e r a l , a n d a l s o o n a c c o u n t o f I n t e r n a t i o n a l
M o n e t a r y F u n d Ês ( I M F Ês ) p ro g r a m m e r e l a t e d c o n d i t i o n a l i t i e s .
to a service provider one that views citizens as clients rather than suspects its reforms will remain cosmetic Furthermore the integrity of the institution itself remains an open question Despite recent efforts to bolster internal monitoring through intelligence units and anti-corruption teams, the perception of the FBR as a rent-seeking entity lingers Structural corruption and informal “settlements” continue to define the taxpaying experience for many businesses In this context simply adding more vehicles or expanding field operations does little to address the core issue of institutional credibility What is needed is not more visibility but more accountability performance evaluations tied to fairness, grievance redressal mechanisms that actually work and disciplinary actions that send a message that malpractice will no longer be tolerated There is also a critical opportunity here a chance to reimagine what taxation can mean in a country so deeply fractured along class and power lines Tax reform, if approached with empathy and strategy, can become a tool of justice, not punishment This means not just going after the untaxed but also reforming how taxes are conceived collected and redistributed Revenues should translate into visible public benefits better schools, affordable healthcare, subsidized utilities so that citizens see value in compliance But if, instead, their contributions fund the bureaucratic spectacle of bulletproof SUVs and lavish offices the social contract begins to fray
The FBR s recent decisions reflect a familiar problem: a state apparatus that conflates coercion with efficiency, and optics with outcomes To genuinely reform Pakistan’s tax system and uplift the national economy, the state must realign its priorities That means curbing wasteful expenditure building taxpayer trust through facilitation and fairness closing elite loopholes and above all acknowledging the daily struggles of the common man who can no longer afford to foot the bill for systemic dysfunction Bureaucracy armored in bulletproof vehicles may feel secure but in its detachment from the people it risks becoming irrelevant Reform must begin not on the roads with convoys, but within the institutions, in the spirit of service, equity, and economic justice
The writer is a freelance columnist
Bureaucracy armored in bulletproof vehicles may feel secure but in its detachment from the people , it risks becoming irrelevant Reform must begin not on the roads with convoys, but within the institutions, in the spirit of ser vice , equity, and economic justice
tee (VEC) session and performing well in the National Uniformity Yield Trial the seed is passed by the Provincial Seed Council The breeder or research organization can then produce BNS in the next year, which is considered the pre-basic class of seed
ing, and conditioning to ensure the purity and quality of seed commodities
50 percent of its employees including officers and officials being retained while the remaining 50 percent would be let go and placed in the surplus pool The retained employees would function as a wing of NSDRA Moreover, there are rumors of a paradigm shift in the seed certification process, which would be abruptly changed to a
labeling process Pakistan being
agricultural country has been following international seed certification standards and procedures in accordance with the International Seed
Association (ISTA) since the inception of the Seed Act 1976 If the seed certification process is suddenly changed to truthful labeling for all major and minor crops across the country it would be detrimental to the seed industry Such a rapid policy paradigm shift would be challenging for any solid agricultural country like Pakistan In Pakistan, we adhere to international standards and procedures set by the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) Our seed certification process is modeled after the American system with different classes of seeds having distinct characteristics According to the Seed Act of 1976 and the Seed Certification Rules of 1987, we categorize seeds into various classes The process begins with Basic Nuclear Seed (BNS) which is obtained directly from the breeder or a government research organization After completing the Distinctness Uniformity and Stability (DUS) test and Variety Evaluation Commit-
I n d i r a G a
This class of seed is characterized by high physical purity genetic purity and high germination rates and is represented by a white tag with a purple diagonal stripe The progeny of pre-basic seed in the next year is classified as basic seed, represented by a white tag The progeny of basic seed in the next year is classified as certified seed, represented by a blue tag Finally the progeny of certified seed is classified as approved seed represented by a pink tag This is the final step in the seed certification process in Pakistan In the USA, the seed certification process and procedures are similar to those in Pakistan The process begins with breeder seed, which is not tagged but is represented by the breeder or agricultural station Breeder seed is characterized by high physical purity germination and genetic purity
The progeny of breeder seed is foundation seed, which is represented by white tags
The progeny of foundation seed is registered seed, which is indicated by pink tags attached to the bags
The progeny of registered seed is certified seed which is represented by blue tags Certified seed is the final product that is grown by farmers across all states in the USA The seed certification process in the USA is controlled by a combination of government departments and private agencies, including the Seed Regulatory and Testing Division
This division ensures compliance with the Federal Seed Act which mandates truthin-labeling and regulates the commerce of certified seeds among states for different crops The seed trade between different partners, including government departments and private sector entities is also maintained
Each state in America has its own seed certification agency and the Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies (AOSCA) is a non-profit organization that sets standards for seed certification for different crops across all states AOSCA also coordinates among states concerning seed standards from time to time Additionally accredited programs for seed companies focus on field crop inspection testing sampling laboratory test-
India s seed industry is governed by the Seed Act of 1966 which was formulated after extensive deliberations involving approximately 400 agricultural scientists from various spheres of agriculture departments and private seed sectors The Act comprises 25 sections and has undergone several amendments since its inception In 2004 India declared its Seed Policy which further shaped the country s seed industry The seed certification process in India is maintained by government organizations/agencies, including:
1 State Seed Certification Agency: Each state has its own agency that controls certification procedures for different crops within that state
2 National Seed Corporation of India: This organization oversees seed certification across the country
3 Central Seed Certification Board: This board ensures seed certification and sets standards for the entire country In India there are different classes of seeds for each crop including:
1 Nuclear Seed: Developed by breeders or government/agricultural research organizations, these seeds are highly pure and genetically pure with no tags
2 Breeder Seed: The progeny of nuclear seed breeder seed is directly supervised by the breeder or agricultural organization and is represented by a golden yellow tag
3 Foundation Seed: The progeny of breeder seed, foundation seed can sometimes be directly used to produce certified seed
4 Registered Seed: Sometimes skipped
registered seed is represented by a purple or opal blue tag 5 Certified Seed: The progeny of registered or foundation seed certified seed is represented by a blue tag and may be multiplied in the next year as Certified II (Second) class These classes are designed to maintain purity identify quality and provide highquality seeds to farmers The United Kingdom s seed certification process and standards are worth examining given the historical ties between the UK and the countries of the Subcontinent, including Pakistan and India As a result of this legacy, our seed certification processes and procedures often follow similar strategies to those employed by the UK
In the UK certified seeds are classified into several categories, each with distinct purposes and characteristics These categories include:
1 Pre-Basic Seeds: Derived from nuclear stock these seeds are used for testing and quarantine purposes such as pathogen testing Pre-basic seeds are further divided into:
n P B T C (Pre-Basic Class for Tissue Culture): Seeds produced using tissue culture techniques n PB (Field Grow): Seeds grown in the field under eco-friendly conditions
2 Basic Seeds: The progeny of pre-basic seeds basic seeds are further multiplied into: n S: High-quality seeds with strict purity standards and health soundness n SE: Seeds with slightly lower health and purity standards than S n
n d h i v s N a r e n d r a M o d i –w h o s e r e g i m e h a s b e e n w o r s e ?
That
IN early June the senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh began using the hashtag Emergency@11 in his daily posts charging the Narendra Modi government with various errors, mistakes and crimes This was in anticipation of what Ramesh knew would come later in the month: namely, the prime minister ’s invocation of the 50th anniversary of the Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi and her Congress Party Through that hashtag Ramesh was suggesting that while Indira s Emergency lasted less than two years, Modi s period of authoritarian rule had extended for more than a decade I myself came of age during Indira Gandhi’s prime ministership and am growing old during Narendra Modi s prime ministership In this column I shall venture to compare their political legacies drawing both on personal experience and on academic research (I shall leave the assessment of their economic and foreign policy legacies to scholars who understand those subjects better than I do ) To the historian there are five striking similarities between these two prime ministers separated in time and by ideological affiliation To begin with Modi like Indira has used his political authority to construct a mammoth personality cult, representing himself as the sole embodiment of the party, the government, the state, the nation itself This cult is sustained by the public exchequer and burnished by the sycophants around him Second like Indira Modi has worked assiduously to undermine institutions whose independence is vital to democratic functioning It was Indira who first spoke of a committed bureaucracy” and a “committed
then Sanjay Gandhi Likewise with Modi; it is Amit Shah and Amit Shah alone whom he trusts And Shah is as much a votary of non-transparent, authoritarian methods of rule as his boss Fourth, like Indira, Modi has sought to eviscerate Indian federalism While Indira used the blunt instrument of Article 356 to dismiss state governments run by non-Congress parties Modi has weaponised the technically non-partisan office of the governor to weaken elected governments The Bharatiya Janata Party under Modi and Shah has also used its infamous washing machine to break Opposition parties and install BJP state governments in violation of the popular mandate Fifth like Indira Modi has stoked hyper-nationalism to consolidate his rule Like her he has used the party the state and the media to claim that only he can represent what India wants and what Indians desire The jingoism thus nurtured dismisses all criticism as motivated, as being allegedly fuelled by foreign powers Indira went so far as to insinuate that the great patriot Jayaprakash Narayan was a Western agent Now the BJP’s ecosystem accuses the leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi of being in the pay of George Soros Such are the similarities I now turn to the differences, of which two are of particular significance First, despite her dictatorial ways, Indira upheld the plural idea of India encoded in the Constitution wherein citizenship is not defined in terms of language religion or ethnicity While Jawaharlal Nehru arguably an even more principled secularist could not secure the appointment of a single Muslim chief minister in a Congress-ruled state, Indira was able to appoint as many as four Indira also famously refused to dismiss her Sikh bodyguards, paying for this act of principle with her life On the other hand Narendra Modi is a thoroughgoing majoritarian as dogmatically devoted as any of his fellow swayamsevaks to the construction of a Hindu rashtra in which the nation s politics, cultural ethos and style of administration shall be determined by right-wing Hindus alone, and where Muslims and even Christians will be accorded second-class status Eleven years of Modi’s prime ministership have exposed his Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas for the hypocritical humbug one knew it all along to be Of the 800-plus MPs sent by the BJP to the Lok Sabha in the elections of 2014, 2019, and 2024, not one was a Muslim And outside Parliament, physical attacks on Indian Muslims the bulldozing of Indian Muslim homes the taunting and stigmatisation of Indian Muslims even the forcible expulsion of Indian Muslims to other countries all proceed apace cheered on by Modi s supporters and by the section of the media memorably characterised as Lashkar-e-Noida Indira’s belief that our country belonged equally to all Indians regardless of their religion admirably marked her out from the majoritarian Modi On the other hand the second major difference between them brings her discredit For by anointing her son Sanjay as her successor during the Emergency and, then, after Sanjay s death in 1980, making her other son, Rajiv, her heir, she introduced a pernicious political practice that ran contrary to the history and heritage of the Congress Party in which none of Mahatma Gandhi s children became an MP or minister after Independence although all four had gone to
prison during the freedom struggle Indira s conversion of the country s oldest political party into a family firm encouraged leaders of other parties to do likewise The Shiv Sena, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, the Akalis, and the Trinamool Congress once stood for regional pride; now that often takes second place to the perpetuation of the rule of the Thackerays the Karunanidhis the Badals and the Banerjees respectively Likewise the SP and the RJD stand for the continuation of family rule rather than for socialist ideology Modi s parents were not in politics, and he has no children This, in electoral terms, constitutes a colossal (and continuing) advantage he holds over his putative prime ministerial rival whose elevated status in the Congress Party is owed entirely to the fact that he is the son of Rajiv and Sonia Gandhi and the grandson of Indira Gandhi The contrast between Modi the self-made politician and Rahul the entitled dynast contributed in good measure to the BJP’s victory in the last three general elections and it may yet help them in the next More generally the national dominance of the BJP is enabled by the dynastic politics of the major parties opposed to them This is a brutal fact that too many brave and well-meaning opponents of Hindu majoritarianism are unable or unwilling to acknowledge Dynastic politics is one legacy of the Emergency that continues to exercise a baleful influence on Indian democracy in the present
Of all the prime ministers we have had since Independence Indira Gandhi and Narendra Modi have been the two with instinctively authoritarian instincts Whose regime has been worse? When reckoned in terms of freedom of expression, we are slightly better placed now, given the existence of a few independent websites and regional newspapers which tell the truth as it should be told Likewise there is a greater space for political opposition principally because while in the Emergency all but one state government was controlled by the Congress, now more than half-adozen states are in the hands of parties strongly opposed to the BJP On the other hand since May 2014 our public institutions have been deeply and perhaps irreversibly damaged by excessive political interference The bureaucracy and the diplomatic corps are largely compromised; the higher judiciary, only slightly less so The tax authorities and the regulatory agencies are more “committed” to their political bosses than ever before; so arguably is the Election Commission Finally and most worryingly under Modi s watch the poison of religious bigotry has spread far, deep, and wide This bigotry is increasingly manifest in everyday life on the ground, and in the speech and conduct of senior cabinet ministers (including the home minister and, on occasion the prime minister) and of chief ministers of the BJP (notably those of Uttar Pradesh and Assam) The armed forces once so proudly secular and non-sectarian are increasingly asked to demonstrate a public allegiance to Hinduism and Hindu domination This fusion of majoritarianism with authoritarianism constitutes the most damaging aspect of Narendra Modi’s style of governance which even after he has finally demitted office may take decades to undo and reverse
HAVING signed an executive order in March this year that effectively called for the dismantling of the Voice of America, US President Donald Trump has once again urged Congress to kill the news agency, which he derided as a mouthpiece for the Democrats The Voice of America was launched in 1942 to counter Nazi propaganda, and later on, after World War II, it functioned as a mouthpiece of the US government, disseminating “US values” and its ideologies to the world especially to socialist countries To be exact throughout the Cold War and beyond, the VOA served as a tool of the US soft power, aiming to penetrate into countries the US considered to be its rivals Its remit was to brainwash people in those countries of the appeal of Western values and ideologies such as freedom and democracy in the hope of establishing a pernicious influence with the intention of effecting changes in them desirable to the US Whatever motivations are behind the Trump administration s bid to shut down the VOA as well as similar news agencies such as Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Radio Free Asia, these propaganda mouthpieces of the US government have left dirty imprints on history With their designed lack of objectivity and balanced attitude in their reporting they were anything but media organizations serving instead as instruments of destabilization With the rapid development of telecommunications and digital technology and the rise of the mobile internet in particular international communication is totally different from what it was, enabling the viral dissemination of messaging Since new media channels have become the US’ preferred medium of choice for the dissemination of US propaganda the writing has been on the wall for the VOA and other legacy outlets For the cost-benefit-conscious US administration, funding such a relic of the past is considered dollars down the drain But a more fundamental observation to make is that the VOA and its sister organizations have no justification to exist at all given their raison d’etre is interference in the internal affairs of other countries And in today’s world exchanges between different
lower-income Americans, which he said would be devastating for his native North Carolina Tillis is up for reelection next year “Numerous people have come forward wanting to run in the Primary against Senator Thom Tillis I will be meeting with them over the coming
Israel s attack on the Evin Prison in Iran s capital, Tehran, on June 23 killed 71 people, Iranian judiciary spokesperson Asghar Jahangir said on Sunday At the end of an air war with Iran Israel struck Tehran’s most notorious jail for political prisoners in a demonstration that it was expanding its targets beyond military and nuclear sites to aim at symbols of Iran s ruling system In the attack on Evin prison, 71 people were martyred, including administrative staff, youth doing their military service, detainees, family members of detainees who were visiting them and neighbors who lived in the prison s vicinity Jahangir said in remarks carried on the judiciary s news outlet Mizan Jahangir had previously said that part of Evin prison s administrative building had been damaged in the attack and people were killed and injured The judiciary added that the remaining detainees had been transferred to other prisons in Tehran province Evin prison holds many foreign nationals including two French citizens detained for three years The strike targeting Evin prison in Tehran put our citizens Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris, in danger It is unacceptable, France s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot had said on social media X after the attack Earlier on Saturday, Iran held a mass funeral procession in Tehran for dozens of military commanders and high-ranking officials killed by Israeli airstrikes during a 12-day conflict that has escalated regional tensions State media reported that the ceremony to honour the martyrs commenced in Enghelab Square, with thousands of mourners dressed in black and waving Iranian flags The procession is moving towards Azadi Square a symbolic route used in major national events
12-DAY IRAN-ISRAEL WAR
The 12-day war that began with unprovoked Israeli military strikes in Iran on June 13 resulted in hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries on both sides, according to official figures released by the respective governments Israel launched the first strikes, targeting Iranian nuclear and military facilities with more than 200 fighter jets According to Iran s Ministry of Health and Medical Education at least 610 people were killed and 4 746 injured including 185 women and 13 children Public infrastructure also sustained extensive damage, including hospitals, ambulances, and emergency units
weeks, the president posted Paul opposed the legislation because it would raise the federal borrowing limit on the $36 2 trillion US debt by an additional $5tr Did Rand Paul Vote NO again tonight? What s wrong with this guy??? Trump said on social media IN LIMBO Saturday s vote was in limbo for hours as Vance, Senate Majority Leader John Thune and other top Republicans sought to persuade last-minute holdouts to support the legislation It was not clear what deals if any were struck to win over their support Hardline Republican Senators Rick Scott, Mike Lee and Cynthia Lummis, who want deeper cuts in federal spending, voted to support the bill in the end Another hardliner Senator Ron Johnson initially voted no but flipped his vote and backed the legislation Trump was monitoring the vote from the Oval Office late into the night, a senior White House official said The megabill would extend the 2017 tax cuts that were Trump’s main legislative achievement during his first term as president cut other taxes and boost spending on the military and border secu-
rity The nonpartisan Joint Tax Committee released an analysis projecting that the Senate bill’s tax provisions would reduce government revenue by $4 5tr
harm to our country! Musk wrote in a post on his social media platform X MEDICAID CHANGES Republicans from states with large rural populations have opposed a reduction in state tax revenue for Medicaid providers including rural hospitals The newly released legislation would delay that reduction and would include $25 billion to support rural Medicaid providers from 2028 to 2032
Iran could produce enriched uranium in months, UN nuclear chief warns
g US SAYS STRIKES HIT KEY IRANIAN NUCLEAR SITES; TRUMP WARNS OF MORE BOMBING IF URANIUM ENRICHMENT ESCALATES
NEW YORK Ag e n c i e s
Iran could be producing enriched uranium in a few months the head of the UN nuclear watchdog Rafael Grossi was quoted as saying on Sunday raising doubts about how effective US strikes to destroy Tehran s nuclear programme have been US officials have stated that their strikes obliterated key nuclear sites in Iran, although US President Donald Trump said on Friday he would consider bombing Iran again if Tehran is enriching uranium to worrisome levels The capacities they have are there
They can have you know in a matter of months I would say, a few cascades of centrifuges spinning and producing enriched uranium, or less than that, Grossi told CBS News in an interview “Frankly speaking, one cannot claim that everything has disappeared and there is nothing there ” he
added according to the transcript of an interview on Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan due to air on Sunday Saying it wanted to remove any chance of Tehran developing nuclear weapons, Israel launched attacks on Iran earlier this month, igniting a 12-day air war that the US eventually joined Iran says its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes only
Grossi who heads the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency said the strikes on sites in Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan had significantly set back Iran s ability to convert and enrich uranium However, Western powers stress that Iran’s nuclear advances provide it with an irreversible knowledge gain suggesting that while losing experts or facilities may slow progress the advances are permanent Iran is a very sophisticated country in terms of nuclear technology Grossi said So you cannot disinvent this You cannot undo the knowledge that you have or the capacities that you have
community to hold India accountable for violating the Geneva Conventions and international humanitarian law in IIOJK Meanwhile the Jammu and Kashmir Young Men s League (JKYML) in a statement strongly condemned the raids and searches conducted by Indian army and police in Srinagar and other parts of the occupied territory A JKYML spokesperson said that the group’s workers and activists were harassed during the raids The spokesperson warned the Indian government that such actions cannot break the resolve of the Kashmiri people in their struggle to secure the UN-guaranteed right to self-determination JAILED KASHMIRI LEADER BEGINS 24-HOUR HUNGER STRIKE IN TIHAR JAIL Jailed member of Indian parliament from occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Engineer Sheikh Abdul Rasheed began a 24-hour hunger strike inside Tihar Jail on Saturday evening to protest the continued denial of democratic and legal rights to Kashmiris
Lighting a candle in the darkness: the enduring fight against poverty in Pakistan
development of truly
of deprivation and guiding them back toward dignity and hope
Established in 1991, PBM holds the distinction of being the nation s first-ever federally administered public welfare institution Guided by the noble vision of his late father Mian Muhammad Sharif thenPrime Minister Nawaz Sharif sowed
institution like a strong generous tree offering shade and sustenance to the deserving across every corner of the country For over 33 years, PBM has stood as a pillar of social protection; its unmatched services reflecting a legacy of trust, effectiveness, and sustainability Its enduring impact and efficient welfare system underscore its vital role in uplifting those most in need Extending its impactful social services across 166 districts nationwide this institution has become a vital lifeline for the poor, distressed, and vulnerable crafting countless, unforgettable stories of compassion and public service Today it stands as a radiant beacon on the social horizon brightening the lives of millions of families each year With unwavering commitment to serving the underprivileged irrespective of religion, gender, caste, or political affiliation PBM embodies the spirit of federal unity It binds the nation together like a bouquet of kindness woven with empathy harmony love and sincerity When individuals sense that the federal government stands beside them in times of need and hardship, their connection to the homeland grows stronger and deep that restore their hope and spirit as well Political instability in any nation poses a significant barrier to economic development often fueling the rise of poverty Contributing further to this crisis are systemic gaps, limited access to education, healthcare, food security, and the absence of vocational training; all of which deepen the roots of deprivation Regrettably nearly 40% of Pakistan s population lives below the poverty line
amounting to 2 6 million individuals facing dire economic conditions Equally alarming is the staggering number of out-of-school children, around 26 million of whom a disproportionate majority are girls, underscoring deep-rooted inequalities in access to education According to conservative estimates around 3 3 million children in Pakistan are engaged in various forms of labor to surv i v e A
books, society weighs down their innocent minds with the harsh burden of earning a livelihood, a cruel injustice that robs them of their childhood and their future Forcing children to shoulder the burdens of labor and exposing them to life s severest realities reveals the stark indifference of a society numbed by self-interest and devoid of empathy To shield vulnerable children from deprivation and exploitation PBM operates 160 ‘Child Labor Rehabilitation Schools nationwide along with 41 Pakistan Sweet Homes for orphaned and destitute children These initiatives provide a safe, nurturing environment where young lives are shaped through tailored education, emotional support, and essential training laying the foundation for a brighter more empowered future Under the Orphan and Widow Support Program families enrolling orphaned children in school receive monthly financial assistance PBM also extends support for cochlear implant surgeries for the children born with hearing and speech impairments helping them regain hearing and build a pathway toward a brighter more successful future
Women comprising nearly half of our country s population are a harbinger of progress and prosperity for our nation To tap into their potential, it is essential to provide a conducive environment for the country's underprivileged yet determined women to move forward To economically empower and give them a respectable position in society 165 Women Empowerment Centers are operational across the country offering various vocational training courses
PBM plays a vital role in supporting the treatment of individuals suffering from various diseases and advancing initiatives for the assistance and rehabilitation of the persons with disabilities Committed to integrating youth into the national development agenda the institution is also helping remove financial obstacles to education by sponsoring talented and deserving students across the country in pursuit of their academic goals
Efforts are also underway to provide temporary shelter and meals to destitute and vulnerable individuals with mobile food vans deployed across various locations to ensure broader outreach and timely assistance
Although I embarked on journey with PBM’s Managing Director around seven months ago I am convinced of the organization s exemplary role in addressing the painful issues linked with penury and fostering a stable, resilient, and progressive Pakistan To develop a more effective anti-poverty strategy I engage directly with the applicants These personal meetings provide invaluable insights into the multifaceted problems endured by the poor enabling the
‘Extreme of political hypocrisy,’ Memon reacts to JI chief’s statement
KARACHI
s ta f f r e p o r t
Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has said that this is the extreme of political hypocrisy Hafiz Naeem is sitting in Punjab and targeting Sindh s local government system, even though local body elections haven t been held in Punjab It seems Hafiz Naeem still hasn’t recovered from the shock of not becoming mayor Reacting to a statement made by Jamaat-e-Islami’s leader Hafiz Naeem Sindh Senior Minister and Provincial Minister for Information Transport and Mass Transit, Sharjeel Inam Memon, said that the local government system in Sindh is functioning within its constitutional limits, and Jamaat-e-Islami has always misled the public He added that if Hafiz Naeem has such a serious issue with Sindh s local government system then why doesn t he raise his voice with the same intensity in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa? It is not appropriate for Hafiz Naeem to accuse the Sindh government just to cover up his political failures Sharjeel Inam Memon said that Hafiz Naeem seems to forget that the PTI members against whom he had filed cases chose not to vote for him in the mayoral election He further stated that the JI has never secured the mayorship of Karachi through public votes, their two mayors were a product of dictatorship He urged opponents to engage in constructive politics and not to mislead the people through hate-driven statements
t Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP)
to offer full guidance and support to applicants Prospective students can obtain more information by visiting their nearest regional campus or by calling the university’s helpline at 051-111112-468 This is a golden opportunity for all those seeking quality and accessible education across Pakistan
KARACHI s ta f f r e p o r t
LADIESFUND the renowned platform dedicated to empowering women, hosted a memorable 2nd mango-themed Eid Milan event, bringing together a diverse array of guests for a joyous celebration The occasion was graced by the presence of over 75 esteemed guests from diplomatic circles, corporate sectors, ministries, developmental agencies, press, women SMEs, celebrities fashion designers all coming together to mark the joyous festival of Eid Networking and camaraderie in this way builds professional relationships opens doors to new opportunities, and facilitates the exchange of ideas and best practices It also aids in career development personal growth and
the occasion’s theme and adding to the vibrant This is officially an Eid Milan but our community gathering is about building relationships between people who may not ordinarily meet and providing opportunities for them to work together as well as support each other ’s projects and dreams
RAWALPINDI
s ta f f r e p o r t
The Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF) hosted 1st SNGPL All Pakistan Ranking Badminton Tournament concluded here at POF Sports Complex Wah Cantt The tournament reached its thrilling conclusion as the finalists have been decided after some highly competitive semi-final encounters Men’s Singles Finalists: Muhammad Irfan Saeed (Pakistan WAPDA) and Muhammad Ali Larosh (Pakistan WAPDA)
ISLAMABAD s ta f f r e p o r t
The Businessmen Panel (BMP)
Women’s Singles Finalists: Ammarah Ishtiaq (Pakistan Army) and Alja Tariq (Pakistan Army)
Men s Doubles Finalists: Muhammad Adnan & Amir Saeed (Pakistan WAPDA); Muhammad Ali Larosh (Pakistan WAPDA) & Raja Azulqarnain Haider (Pakistan Army)
Women’s Doubles Finalists: Zubaira Islam & Umama Usman (SNGPL); Ghazala Siddique (Pakistan WAPDA) & Ammarah Ishtiaq (Pakistan Army)
Results of Semi-finals
Men Singles Semi Final: Irfan
Saeed (Wapda) beat Azeem Sarwar (Wapda) by 21-13 21-7 Muhammad Ali Larosh (Wapda) beat Murad Ali (KP) by 22-20, 18-21, 21-10
Women Singles Semi Final: Alja Tariq (Army) beat Ghazala Siddique (Wapda) by 13-21 21-15 22-20
Ammarh Ishtiaq (Army) beat Mahoor Shahzad (Wapda) by 1921 24-22 21-19
Men Doubles Semi Final: Muhammad Adnan & Amir Saeed (Wapda) beat Abdullah Latif (Army) &Hamza Khan (KP) by 21-18 25-23
M Ali Larosh (Wapda) & Raja Zulqarnain (Army) beat Azeem Sarwar (Wapda) & Murad Ali (KP) by 21-18, 21-10
Women Doubles Semi Final: Zubaira Islam & Umama Usman (SNGPL) beat Khizra Rasheed & Farzana Ali (Wapda) by 21-12 2123 21-12
Ghazala Siddique (Wapda) & Ammarah Ishtiaq (Army) beat Huma Javeed & Bushra Qayum (Wapda) by 21-10, 21-14
commended the efforts and role of Parliament in promoting inclusive transparent, and participatory governance Today, we observe the International Day of Parliamentarism, reaffirming our commitment to upholding the principles of democracy freedom inclusivity tolerance and socio-economic justice he said Parliament is the sovereign representative of the people and the guardian of constitutional values It plays an important role in shaping national policy, ensuring transparency and accountability, and defending the fundamental rights and freedoms of all citizens Through effective legislation and oversight Parliament can help improve public service delivery enhance governance, and strengthen democratic institutions, he added He said, “The legislature holds the responsibility of protecting democratic ideals and advancing national development ”
second tremor was located 56 kilo-
Historical Context of Seismic Ac-
ISLAMABAD s ta f
Two of Pakistan s most wanted fugitives have been arrested in Spain following the diplomatic efforts of Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry According to Radio Pakistan, the arrest of these longtime absconders marks a significant success in Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to apprehend individuals wanted for serious crimes
The arrested suspects Nawazish Ali Hanjra and Haroon Iqbal were wanted by Pakistani authorities for various criminal offenses including terrorism murder and kidnapping for ransom Their arrests were made possible through the issuance of Interpol Red Notices After completing the necessary legal procedures, the two suspects will be handed over to Pakistani authorities The arrests followed a recent visit by Talal Chaudhry to Spain where he met with Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska During the meeting Chaudhry requested the swift arrest and extradition of wanted individuals through Interpol In response, the Spanish authorities acted promptly, directing relevant agencies to take action Pakistan has been seeking the arrest and extradition of 38 fugitives from Spain via Interpol Red Notices for several years Chaudhry expressed his gratitude to the Spanish government for their cooperation and emphasized his hope that more absconders will be apprehended and returned to Pakistan in the near future NCCIA arrests two suspects in Rs20b online fraud case, third on the run
n e w s d e s k The National Cybercrime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has successfully apprehended two suspects involved in an online fraud worth Rs20 billion in Multan The suspects Samar Abbas and his assistant were arrested during a targeted operation The NCCIA is also pursuing a third suspect, Abdul Hai, who has been on the run for over a year The arrested individuals allegedly convinced citizens to invest in fake trading schemes
Early Sunday morning, Balochistan was rocked by two powerful earthquakes that caused widespread panic structural damage and injuries in the Barkhan Musa Khel and surrounding areas
The tremors were felt across multiple towns, significantly affecting remote areas already prone to seismic activity
The first earthquake struck at 3:24 AM with a magnitude of 5 5 on the Richter scale its epicenter located 28 kilometers beneath the surface in the region of Barkhan, near Musa Khel According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), this earthquake caused extensive damage to infrastructure including several houses that collapsed and left four people injured Local residents reported feeling strong tremors, which caused buildings, particularly in Musa Khel and Barkhan, to shake violently The earthquake’s impact was especially pronounced in the mountainous regions where rescue operations are often delayed due to difficult terrain This earthquake, while significant, did not immediately result in fatalities, though it raised concerns about the region’s preparedness for such natural disasters
Just hours later a second earthquake jolted the region at 7:30 AM with a magnitude of 4 8 on the Richter scale The epicenter of the
meters northeast of Musa Khel also within the rugged terrain of Balochistan This earthquake followed close behind the first and added to the strain on the already overwhelmed local authorities and emergency services Damage and Injuries
While no immediate fatalities were reported the damage caused by both earthquakes was significant
Two houses in Musa Khel were destroyed, and three other homes sustained partial damage, with the earthquake triggering the collapse of walls and roofs Three people were injured in the incident though the injuries were reported as minor
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has begun relief operations in the affected areas, with teams on the ground assessing the damage and distributing emergency supplies including tents for those displaced by the disaster
In addition to damage in Musa Khel, the Barkhan district also felt the tremors from the first earthquake
While no major destruction was reported there the US Geological Survey (USGS) indicated that the earthquake had a magnitude of 3 9 and a depth of 12 kilometers, with its epicenter located 59 kilometers northwest of Barkhan The region, which is already vulnerable to seismic activity was placed on high alert as the threat of aftershocks remained
tivity in Balochistan Balochistan Pakistan s largest and most sparsely populated province has long been prone to earthquakes due to its location at the intersection of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates The province has witnessed several major seismic events in the past including a 7 6-magnitude earthquake in 2005 that devastated Pakistan-administered Kashmir, claiming over 73,000 lives More recently, a 7 5-magnitude earthquake in 2015 affected both Pakistan and Afghanistan resulting in nearly 400 deaths In 2021 a deadly earthquake in Harnai district in Balochistan killed at least 20 people and injured several others, with landslides further delaying rescue efforts These previous events highlight the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity making preparedness and timely relief efforts essential for mitigating the impact of future disasters Efforts to Address the Situation Despite the ongoing challenges, authorities are working swiftly to assess the full scale of the damage and provide relief to those affected According to a PDMA spokesperson rescue teams are on the ground in Musa Khel and Barkhan and are coordinating with local authorities to expedite the provision of relief supplies including blankets food and clean water
SIALKOT n e w s d e s k Federal Minister for Defence
Khawaja Muhammad Asif has expressed his profound sorrow over the tragic loss of lives in Swat, stating that words cannot fully describe the enormity of the tragedy
Speaking to the media after offering condolences to the victims families in Daska, Asif described the heart-wrenching scenes where children drowned in front of their mother highlighting the emotional devastation caused by the incident I have no words to talk about this tragedy he remarked acknowledging the severe impact it has had on the families and the nation
Asif criticized the failure of the
rescue operations, describing them as inadequate and ineffective He pointed out that despite the presence of rescuers they arrived empty-handed and left without taking any meaningful action due to a lack of proper equipment
“This is not the first time such incidents have occurred; there have been similar failures before ” he said emphasizing that there is an urgent need for better coordination and resources in rescue operations
In his remarks, Asif revealed that some of the victims families were calling for the reinstatement of the officers who had been previously removed from their positions suggesting that they should not face any further consequences
The families believe the loss was
destined, and they do not wish for anyone to be held accountable ” he added
Asif strongly criticized the apparent negligence regarding safety measures asserting that while accidents are inevitable, preventive actions should have been taken to minimize risks “Accidents come from Allah, but no measures were in place to avoid them ” he said
Responding to questions about political ramifications Asif chose not to engage in political debates instead urging the leaders of the country to understand their responsibilities “Governance is not about enjoying privileges; it is a duty filled with challenges ” he stated
He stressed that rulers should prioritize the public s interests over their personal and political agendas
operations in Balochistan the military’s media wing said An IBO was conducted in the general area of Mach in Kachhi district on the reported presence of the terrorists, the ISPR said “During the conduct of the operation, the troops effectively engaged the Fitna al Hindustan terrorists’ location and after an intense fire exchange five Indian-sponsored terrorists were sent to hell the statement said In another IBO conducted in the general area of Margand in Kalat district, a terrorist hideout was busted and two terrorists were successfully neutralized, ISPR said Despite heightened military tensions between Pakistan and India last month militant groups were unable to significantly escalate their activities in the country according to data released by an Islamabadbased independent think tank The monthly security assessment issued by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) recorded 85 militant attacks in May as compared to 81 in April resulting in 113 fatalities These included 52 security forces personnel 46 civilians 11 militants and four peace committee members President, PM laud security forces for killing terrorists in Balochistan President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have commended the security forces on a successful operation against the Indian-backed terrorists of Fitna
