g FIELD MARSHAL MUNIR SAYS INVOKING THIRD PARTIES IN WHAT IS UNMISTAKABLY A BILATERAL MILITARY CONFRONTATION REFLECTS A DISINGENUOUS ATTEMPT AT BLOC POLITICS
g ARMY TOP BRA SS AT 271ST CCC ALSO CONDUCTS HOLISTIC REVIEW OF PREVAILING INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL SECURITY
DYNAMICS WITH PARTICULAR EMPHA SIS ON RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN ME, IRAN
g FORUM ALSO BRIEFED ON VISIT OF COAS TO US, WHERE MEETINGS WITH TOP-TIER LEADERSHIP AFFORDED AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE FIRST PAKISTAN S OBJECTIVE PERSPECTIVE
Cs ta f f r e p o r t
HIEF of Army Staff Field Mar-
shal Asim Munir said on Thursday that India was intensifying its “nefarious agenda” against Pakistan by leveraging proxies following manifest defeat in the recent confrontation between the two countries according to the military s media wing
Following its manifest defeat in direct aggression against Pakistan, post-Pahalgam incident, India is now doubling down to further its nefarious agenda through its proxies of Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna alHindustan Field Marshal Asim Munir echoed the sentiments while chairing the 271st Corps Commanders Conference (CCC) at the General Headquarters (GHQ), a statement issued by the InterServices Public Relations (ISPR) said The statement from the ISPR said the CCC participants offered prayers for the martyrs of recent terrorist attacks by Indian-sponsored proxies
“Taking stock of recent successes against terrorist proxies, the forum resolved that the blood of our martyrs will not go to waste and the safety and security of the people of Pakistan remain the
topmost priority for the armed forces of Pakistan The forum strongly asserted that it is imperative to take decisive and holistic actions at all levels against the Indian-backed and sponsored proxies, the statement said India blamed Pakistan for the April 22 Pahalgam attack in occupied Kashmir without evidence and escalated the situation to a military confrontation On May 6–7 New Delhi launched airstrikes that killed civilians followed by a week-long missile exchange which ended after US President Trump brokered a ceasefire between the two countries A day earlier, Director General InterServices Public Relations (ISPR) Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry also echoed similar sentiments accusing Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval of masterminding terrorism in Pakistan and alleging Indian support for terrorist groups
In July last year, the government designated the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan as Fitna-al-Khawarij while mandating all institutions to use the term khariji (outcast) when referring to the perpetrators of terrorist attacks on Pakistan In May this year, the government designated all terrorist organizations in Balochistan as Fitna-al-Hindustan a new phrase aimed at framing India’s alleged role in terrorism as a deliberate destabilization strategy potentially to galvanize domestic support
The ISPR said the forum also noted the Indian military’s “baseless insinuations to offset its comprehensive defeat,” in an apparent reference to the deputy Indian army chief alleging last week that China gave Islamabad live inputs on key Indian positions during the conflict Invoking third parties in what is unmistakably a bilateral military confrontation reflects a disingenuous attempt at bloc politics aimed at falsely projecting India s self-assigned role as a net security provider to accrue benefits in a region that is visibly growing disillusioned with Indian hegemonic ambitions and Hindutvadriven extremism, the ISPR quoted Field Marshal Munir as saying on the matter
LAHORE N e w s D e s k
The threat of disqualification references against 26 provincial assembly members is being viewed as a tactical move rather than a genuine attempt at punitive action, according to a source close to the Punjab Assembly Speaker The source revealed that Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan is using the move as a bargaining chip to ensure smoother parliamentary operations and hold the opposition accountable for their conduct
As per sources, the Speaker was fully aware of the potential consequences of pursuing such references but felt that the opposition’s actions during recent sessions crossed unacceptable lines He emphasized that the reference was more of a smokescreen designed to push the opposition into a position where they would agree to follow parliamentary procedures The source further clarified that the Speaker ’s focus was not on individual actions, such as those involving Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz but on preventing rowdy behavior and restoring order in the assembly The Speaker was not intending to disqualify anyone the source asserted adding that if the opposition could acknowledge their behavior and take responsibility, there would be no need for further references While some speculated that the Speaker was backpedaling due to the political fallout the source denied any change in position He explained that the Speaker had always intended to send a message to the opposition about the seriousness of their conduct using legal means to do so The source also referenced the opposition s eventual concession to a fine and suspension, which was seen as a compromise to avoid further escalation The Speaker ’s actions were framed as a lesson in accountability with the source citing the example of the Panama judgment and the opposition s prior stance on similar matters
Zardari being removed nor CoaS aspiring to become president: naqvi
g SECURITY CZAR SAYS ‘FULLY AWARE OF WHO IS BEHIND MALICIOUS CAMPAIGN TARGETING PRESIDENT, PM, AND COAS’
Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi on Thursday made it crystal clear that neither President Asif Ali Zardari is resigning nor the Chief of the Army is aspiring to become president ”
“We are fully aware of who is behind the malicious campaign targeting President Asif Ali Zardari
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and the Chief of Army Staff, the interior minister said in a post uploaded on the X platform Thursday The Interior Minister further said “I have categorically stated that there has been no discussion nor does any such idea exist about the President being asked to resign or the COAS aspiring to assume the presidency ” The minister maintained, “The President of Pakistan enjoys a strong and respectful relationship with the leadership of the Armed Forces He clearly stated I know who is spreading these falsehoods, why they are doing so, and who stands to benefit from this propaganda ” Naqvi said, “The sole focus of the COAS is the strength and stability of Pakistan nothing else To those involved in this narrative do whatever you wish in collaboration with hostile foreign agencies As for us, we will do whatever is necessary to make Pakistan strong again, In-
shAllah It may be mentioned here that in a statement on Wednesday, PPP senior leader Senator Sherry Rehman had also strongly refuted reports regarding the resignation of President Asif Zardari calling them baseless and misleading Sherry Rehman declared that these rumors are part of a deliberate conspiracy to weaken Pakistan’s democratic framework She urged the public not to fall prey to fake news unverified speculation and negative propaganda being spread to create political instability Sherry Rehman emphasized that President Zardari has always
upheld the flag of democracy particularly during times of national crisis She described him as a symbol of democratic stability and a true guardian of constitutional values She added that President Zardari through his political wisdom and will had transferred all powers to the Parliament, a move that laid the foundation for strengthening parliamentary democracy in the country
Sherry Rehman concluded by asserting that President Zardari s presence ensures the protection of the Constitution, Parliament, and democratic institutions neither
Lanka bilateral relations During the meeting both ministers expressed satisfaction over the robustness of ties between the two countries and pledged to further deepen cooperation in key areas The discussions focused on high-level political exchanges expanding economic partnerships religious tourism and educational collaboration a DPM s Office news release said Dar emphasized the importance of promoting
ADB IDENTIFIES POLITICAL INSTABILITY, SECURITY CONCERNS, EXTERNAL SHOCKS AS MAJOR THREATS TO PAKISTAN’S ECONOMIC RECOVERY
explained that the FBR has firmly separated itself from political influence and warned tax officials that any attempt to exert such pressure would result in immediate suspension The committee also addressed a case raised by Senator Afnanullah Khan regarding harassment by FBR officials over tax demands for an incomplete project Langrial pledged a swift resolution and emphasised that any official found guilty would face appropriate consequences Senator Mohsin Aziz raised concerns about the frequent reopening of taxpayer cases to which Langrial responded that tax officials were instructed to collect only the correct amount of taxes not additional taxes The meeting also touched on the status of barter trade between Pakistan and Iran,
SBP warns reducing incentives could impac
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has expressed concern over the government s decision to reduce subsidies for the Pakistan Remittance Initiative (PRI), which has contributed to a record $38 billion in remittances for the fiscal year 2024-25 SBP Acting Deputy Governor Dr Inayat Hussain cautioned that the removal of incentives could lead to a reversal of remittances from banking channels back to the informal sector Reducing incentives may hit remittances, shift inflows to informal channels, warns SBP According to media reports Dr Hussain s remarks came during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance chaired by Senator Saleem Mandviwalla The committee called on SBP to explain why subsidies have increased sig-
nificantly compared to remittances Over the past few years, the subsidies grew fivefold, while remittances only doubled In the fiscal year just ended Pakistan saw a 26 6% increase in remittances reaching $38 3 billion making it the fifthlargest recipient of foreign remittances globally Since the launch of the PRI in 2009, remittances have become Pakistan s single largest source of foreign exchange, surpassing exports by $6 billion However the government has cut back on remittance incentives allocating no funds for the scheme in the new fiscal year, compared to Rs85 billion in the previous year The central bank reported that the actual cost of subsidies last year was Rs200 billion, with 85% of this amount spent on the Telegraphic Transfer (TT) Charges Scheme Additional Finance Secretary Amjad Mehmood informed the committee that the cabinet had approved a revision to the PRI scheme The government increased the minimum eligible transaction size for remittances to $200 and introduced a flat rebate of 20 Saudi Riyals (SAR) per eligible transaction The previous rebate ranged from SAR20 to SAR35 but was reduced by 43% The new rules came into effect on July 1, 2025
The TT Charges Scheme, which had offered free transfers
Trading Corporation of Pakistan, private sec tor granted major tax exemptions on sugar impor ts
25% on sugar imports by both the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) and the private sector In a series of notifications issued on Wednesday SRO 1215(I)/2025, S R O 1216(I)/2025, and SRO 1217(I)/2025 the FBR also
waived a 3% minimum value-added tax (VAT) on the import of up to 500 000 metric tons of sugar These changes apply to both commercial imports of crystalline sugar with specific conditions attached The revised tax and duty exemptions are designed to facilitate sugar imports through TCP or the private sector, with a deadline for the imports set for September 30 2025 The Commerce Division will oversee the process ensuring quality assurance via an international inspection firm The move follows the Cabinet’s approval to ensure the availability of sugar at competitive prices
On July 8 the federal cabinet approved the import of 500 000 tons of sugar in a bid to address supply gaps and stabilise prices amid growing concerns over inflation and commodity shortages
The Ministry of National Food Security and Research said that the sugar will be procured through the government sector with arrangements already underway to begin the import process immediately
The decision follows a recent highlevel meeting chaired by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, during which earlier recommendations to import sugar were endorsed Officials described the move as a precautionary measure to ensure availability and prevent a potential price spike
A spokesperson for the food security ministry said the government’s strategy this year departs from past approaches avoiding both export-led shortages and subsidy-driven imports This is a calibrated intervention based on actual need, the spokesperson stated
and combat illicit activities in the sector On Tuesday, the federal cabinet approved the establishment of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) marking a step towards formalising the country’s digital assets ecosystem However confusion arose when an official statement referred to it as the Virtual Assets Act,
04
COMMENT
Arrival of the monsoon
Nothing explains the lack of preparedness
IT should not be a surprise It happens every year and is not something like Halley’s Comet which last appeared in 1986 after last appearing in 1910 and which will not reappear until 2072 Very rare is the person who remembers seeing Halley s Comet as a child, and who sees it a second time as an old timer On the other hand, the monsoon arrives every year However, it seems to take the authorities by surprise every year, much as if it was some surprise sprung on an unsuspecting desert That the monsoon rains and floods killed as many as 11 people on Wednesday was bad enough, but the rains on Thursday morning killed another four These deaths are not collateral damage, meant to be accepted as inevitable, leaving the administration as complacent as before
One of the reasons for the deaths are entirely avoidable Electrocutions should not happen and a pre–monsoon safety check should reveal any wires that could cause electrocutions Anyway, the very first thing WAPDA does is turn off the power when the rain starts, so that dome lives are saved, and the rest made miserable Next to go is the water, ironic enough considering the superfluity of water The condition of the sewers left much to be desired, as clearly thorough checking had not been done before the rain As if these old complaints were not enough, this year saw the pre-rain windstorms tear off solar panels from roofs and cause damage, all over the country Has the government evolved some way of inspecting the state of these panels? This is probably a smaller task than the inspection of all buildings to see whether they can sustain the rains
The setting up of Disaster Management Authorities does not seem to have worked Perhaps we should be thankful that they have not made matters worse All the old arguments, like too many people moving to cities, thus straining existing infrastructure, the need for more money, wear thin in the face of people facing the rage of the waters It is also not going to work, to wait out the problem, for global warming is going to stop the monsoon falling on this part of the world, with the result that the problems will be those of desertification, not the monsoon However, the main problem is that the authorities must realize that while they may lord over the people for the rest of the year for the monsoon they are expected to serve the people and meet their needs
Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
M A Niazi Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami Editor Profit
C o s t o f b e f r i e n d i n g t h e U S A
N D I A has announced that it will give posthumous awards to about 100 military personnel including three Rafale pilots and five S400 operators That indicates that the awards are being given to those who were killed both in Operation Sindoor, as well as those killed during the Pakistani response, Operation Bunyanum Marsoos At one point a senior Indian Air Force officer had claimed that all pilots had returned safely Now it appears that the Pakistani claim of downing three Rafales was not only correct but the pilots were killed instead of having time to eject safely The deaths of the S400 operators confirms the Pakistani claim of a successful attack on a system, which was the most modern means of air defence available to India but which failed to prevent Bunyanum Marsoos
It is worth noting that India had initially admitted to the deaths of eight military personnel initially but has now conceded an even greater number soon after the government faced increasing criticism from the opposition in Parliament It is also facing criticism from within its own ranks over conceding the losses, because it made the ruling BJP look bad Another complication that India has gotten into was shown by the incident at Bhopal railway station where posters were removed of Iranian revolutionary leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iraqi religious leader Ayatollah Ali Sistani and martyred Iranian Armed Forces chief of staff Maj Gen Mohammad Bagheri The posters had been put up by local Shia activists to coincide with Ashura which was then days away (and which has now been commemorated) as symbols of the kind of resistance to evil that Ashura represents It shows the sensitivities that are needed to retain Israeli friendship, once one recognizes it Not only must any support for the Palestinian cause be abandoned but for Iran India s support for Israel is because of its wish to win over the USA In the same way Arab countries have recognised Israel primarily to win US favour Saudi Arabia was moving in that direction until Hamas struck Israel on 7 October 2022, and the ensuing Israeli massacre of Gazans made it impossible for such recognition Pakistan has long taken the position that it will not recognise Israel as long as the major Arab states do not but that is a short-hand for Saudi Arabia Already many Arab states have done so, but Saudi Arabia has not However, throughout the Muslim world, the Palestinian cause is considered a religious cause among the people not because they have a particularly strong empathy with the liberation of the Palestinian people but because it represents the takeover of one of the most holy sites of Islam Recognizing Israel does not mean abandoning one of few last freedom struggles in the world, but also a deeply-held belief In addition, recognising Israel now also carries
T h e d i g i t a l f r o n t l i n e
Tand enduring challenge for Pakistan, inflicting innumerable loses, economic viability, and national unity The Global Terrorism Index 2025 shows Pakistan as the second most affected nation worldwide with a 45 percent upsurge in terrorism-related deaths This statistic implies not only a persistent but escalated terrorist violence The launch of military operations like Zarbe-Azb, Radd-ul-Fasaad, and Azm-e-Istehkam have targeted terrorist safe havens and degraded their operational capacities but the threat-matrix continues to evolve This includes terrorism threats from the Tehrik Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) Islamic State-Khorasan Province (IS-KP), targeting security forces, critical infrastructure, and even Chinese nationals Adding to the threat-matrix is the fact that militant networks no longer conform to physical borders alone They have expanded their operational and digital activities by employing sophisticated communication tools and online encrypted platforms which rely on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for propaganda purposes Therefore, it is a strategic necessity for Pakistan to make its CT strategy dynamic by also integrating AI and data-centric capabilities into national security governance Currently the National Counter Terrorism Authority, the Federal Investigation Agency, and provincial Counter Terrorism Departments (CTDs) have limited interoperability or systematic data-sharing More than just improvements to operations there is a pressing need to align the organisational frameworks that deal with terrorism s multifaceted nature The problem cannot be addressed in isolation due to international and inter-state links If fully harnessed within institutional mechanisms, AI has the potential to transform Pakistan’s security posture from reactionary and event-driven to proactive and intelligence-led Pakistan has made commendable preliminary efforts Biometric identification systems have been deployed by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), while facial recognition technologies have also been operationalised at airports and high-risk checkpoints Additionally the Financial Monitoring Unit (FMU) has launched goAML an anti-moneylaundering software with support from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) This system exemplifies how international tools can be localised for high-value counter-terrorism use Moreover, in collaboration with UNODC Pakistan is also enhancing its capacity-building measures by training NACTA personnel focusing on data-analysis and counterterrorism using innovative AI-techniques AI applications are also extremely useful in
border security for tracking and detecting threats in real-time, especially in difficult, rugged, and high-risk areas Countries like China and India have already implemented AI for surveillance along their borders and many others around the globe are prioritising such integrated solutions Confronted with terrorism-related challenges along its western frontier Pakistan can collaborate with China to develop and deploy an AI-enabled border monitoring solution that meets Pakistan’s needs and threat landscape This also aligns with the May 2025 trilateral meeting between China Pakistan and Afghanistan where these countries called for joint CT operations improved information-sharing, and alertness against external interference AI, though very complex, is emerging as a game-changing technology to revolutionise CT Through Large Language Models, Natural Language Processing and Machine Learning systems AI makes it possible to sift data find patterns through predictive insights and thus provides an opportunity to support security architecture in terms of threat detection and neutralisation, even before the threats manifest However, these capabilities must be embedded within established processes chain-of-command structures and inter-agency protocols
In June 2025 Pakistan s appointment as Vice Chair in the Counter-Terrorism Committee of the UN Security Council highlights its frontline role in fighting against terrorism on a global scale This also means that Pakistan has the
with it the baggage of being anti-Iran There are a number of reasons why this is not an acceptable option It implies a revival of sectarian flames that even now have not been completely stamped out True it now seems sectarian terror is being nurtured by India (another example of it helping out Israel), but Israel would clearly love Pakistan to be driven away from Iran by sectarian differences Why go all through this rigmarole? Winning US favour There are strong reasons for this First Islamabad has been concerned about New Delhi s closeness to Washington and wants to stop that However Pakistan is holding back because of China with which it prefers to maintain relations Unlike Iran, Pakistan sees Palestine as an Arab cause rather than a Muslim This is also at odds with the feelings of the ordinary man in the street who sees Palestine as visceral
This means there is nothing to stop the Palestinian diaspora, which is surprisingly extensive and numerous, claiming a state of their own on top of todayÊs Israel.
added responsibility to respond decisively to the ever-changing spectrum of threats Therefore, the CT strategy of Pakistan must integrate AI in areas like intelligence assessment, border control and financial intelligence
A fundamental challenge to the integration of AI into Pakistan s security architecture remains the absence of a national AI policy and a robust legal framework Although the 2023 draft AI policy marks a step forward, its lack of enforceability and conceptual clarity limits its relevance for national security transformation To address this gap and institutionalise AI meaningfully Pakistan must establish a central coordination body that unites stakeholders from defence intelligence technology and academia This will provide strategic direction, ensure interoperability, and bridge policy with operational needs Pakistan is at a critical juncture where it is confronted with simultaneous challenges including resurgence of physical terrorist networks as well as decentralised and technologically-enabled terrorism Counteracting these threats requires foresight and the institutional capacity to neutralise them across physical and digital domains The ability to adapt swiftly and strategically to emerging threats will determine Pakistan s effectiveness in ensuring long-term security and building a safer and more resilient future
The writer is a Research Assistant at the Centre for Aerospace and Security Studies, Lahore and can be reached at info@ casslhr com
Generations United
perceive them as emotionally driven or dismissive of tradition, Gen Z’s focus on inclusivity, mental and emotional health awareness and climate activism reveals a profound albeit different moral compass The willingness of Gen Z to challenge wellentrenched systems from workplace hierarchies to societal norms can be misread as irreverence
Hate season
TThese trade talks with the USA must reflect not only urgency but wisdom rooted in national interest and long-term sovereignty A rare opportunity is unfolding in today s Pakistan–US negotiations with Pakistan s vast mineral wealth especially rare earth elements emerging as its strongest bargaining chip Long suppressed by out-
dated policies lack of infrastructure and underinvestment the country now stands at a critical geopolitical and economic crossroads The growing global demand for alternative sources of critical minerals, particularly amid the West s push to reduce dependence on China, has thrust Pakistan’s subterranean assets into the global spotlight As highlighted by Pakistan’s finance minister during ongoing high-level meetings in Washington the US delegation isn t just interested in ironing out tariff barriers they re actively exploring options to access Pakistan’s troves of rare earth minerals like copper, lithium, and other critical elements These developments follow commitments made at the Islamabad Minerals Forum earlier this year which framed Pakistan not merely as an extraction site but as a strategic node in the reshaping global resource economy It is imperative, then, that this moment of opportunity be treated with sophisticated foresight not transactional compromise
Yet the question before Pakistan isn t just geological it is fundamentally structural, political, and ideological In a world where raw material exporters are too often reduced to low-value, dependent partners, Pakistan must categorically reject that path
The country must insist on local value addition as a non-negotiable term of any bilateral trade arrangement As Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized at the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum, simply exporting raw materials does not translate into meaningful economic development Instead, the emphasis must be on building mineral processing refining and even manufacturing facilities on Pakistani soil This shift not only retains jobs and industrial momentum domestically but also positions Pakistan as an equal stakeholder in the global supply chain, rather than a passive supplier
In return for tariff reliefs or investment incentives the USA must be made to commit to co-developing infrastructure technology transfer, and skills training that enable Pakistan to climb up the value chain This is not merely about minerals; it’s about reclaiming autonomy in global trade narratives and correcting the colonial logic that keeps resource-rich countries poor
However the realization of this vision hinges entirely on Pakistan s ability to demonstrate credibility and consistency in governance For far too long, policy fragmentation has plagued the mineral and natural resource sectors With responsibilities scattered among federal provincial and regional bodies often with contradictory mandates foreign investors remain uncertain and strategic coordination remains elusive Unless Pakistan delivers on the longpromised unified mineral policy framework announced with much fanfare in April’s forum and backs it with strong enforcement mechanisms the entire promise of mineral-fueled resurgence will remain a mirage The Federal Board of Revenue s moves towards tax base broadening and digitization are welcome, but these systemic improvements must go hand-in-hand with investor-focused reforms such as streamlined approvals one-window operations and transparent fiscal regimes specific to mining operations Without such coherence even the most favourable trade terms with the USA will fall short of their transformative potential On the US side, the interest is palpable but tempered with caution The USA has recently signed critical minerals agreements with countries like Ukraine and Brazil and views Pakistan s mineral deposits as a crucial missing link in securing non-Chinese supply chains Yet this strategic interest will be married to commercial pragmatism US firms and policymakers will demand clear legal protections for investments limits on state interference repatriation rights and dispute resolution frameworks based on in-
ternational arbitration This is where Pakistan must neither capitulate nor obstruct but rather adopt a hybrid model one that merges global investor confidence with sovereign developmental imperatives Granting long-term mining rights can be acceptable, but only when accompanied by stipulations on domestic value retention worker rights environmental oversight and a guaranteed minimum of 30 percent local equity participation Such a model, already being explored by nations like Chile and Indonesia, offers a path where economic development and strategic sovereignty are not mutually exclusive but mutually reinforcing The political timing could not be more delicate or more advantageous The thawing of relations between Washington and Islamabad, notably visible in the recent goodwill between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and senior Trump-era officials such as Marco Rubio opens a window of opportunity The Guardian rightly notes that this warming trend has raised eyebrows in India signaling the geopolitical stakes surrounding the negotiations Pakistan must tread carefully here welcoming US attention while avoiding overdependence on the whims of a particular administration The lessons of history especially the cold withdrawal post-Afghanistan should not be forgotten Therefore Pakistan should anchor any deal in robust, institutional mechanisms: bilateral investment treaties, technology-sharing protocols, joint ventures governed by local labour laws, and recourse through international arbitration mechanisms A personality-driven approach may win short-term gains but only a treaty-based approach will ensure long-term resilience
No discussion on mineral wealth can overlook the precarious security context, particularly in Balochistan where a large portion of these resources are located The province has suffered years of insurgency grievances and deadly attacks on both domestic and foreign investment projects The failure of successive governments to address the socio-economic alienation of the Baloch people continues to threaten all development goals Any resource-driven growth strategy must begin with trust-building local inclusion environmental sensitivity and above all a transparent demilitarized investment security framework If Pakistan hopes to attract serious US investment in high-stakes mining
projects it must demonstrate that workers engineers and infrastructure can be protected through intelligence and community participation, not just coercive policing This sense of urgency is underscored by the high stakes tied to rare earth minerals themselves materials
Her office has issued detailed repor ts documenting war crimes in Gaza and the West Bank, one of which, called ‘Genocide as colonial erasure’
Both parties say they want the United States to outcompete China and dominate this century When it comes to scientific research and technological competition Republicans and Democrats tend to subordinate that goal to factional and cultural politics The Trump administration s onslaught against elite universities, its crackdown on foreign students and academics and the grant-slashing spree carried out by DOGE have upended some of America’s core strategic assets in a global intellectual arms race In his post-DOGE persona Musk also blistered Trump s sprawling tax law for severely damaging industries of the future a reference to the legislation s attempt to throttle growing parts of the clean-energy sector where the United States is already lagging behind China Democrats have not gone on the attack like this against incubators of innovation But they have treated investment in technology as a vehicle for other social change rather than as an end unto itself Exhibit A is the Biden administration’s implementation of the CHIPS Act when a law aimed at upgrading U S semiconductor manufacturing became an instrument for advancing progressive workplace equity policies And Biden kept tech tycoons like Musk himself at a distance, viewing them as malignant oligarchs despite some obvious overlapping interests Despite his DOGE record Musk could be a magnet for this strain of politics: one that says the United States must win the future by amassing all the intellectual and industrial might it can muster using every available lever of policy including the tax code, trade deals, immigration policy, energy regulation and more High-tech research policy is not typical soapbox fare But American leaders have a history of inspiring voters with scientific goals separated from other cultural and interest-group politics John F Kennedy did not say the United States would put a man on the moon so long as rockets were built in compliance with Davis-Bacon Ronald Reagan did not call for scientists to help make nuclear weapons obsolete, provided that no woke postdocs were working in the lab Is all this an agenda for Musk’s America Party? Probably not It’s unclear that the party will exist in any organized form or that Musk is even capable of executing a disciplined political strategy Still in an age of churning disorder in U S politics these ideological gaps and blind spots are opportunities for any political entrepreneur especially one who can freely spend billions of dollars on an electoral experiment Alexander Burns is POLITICO s senior executive editor, North America He was previously POLITICO’s head of news He has covered elections and political power
S for over a decade and co-wrote a best-selling book about Donald Trump and Joe Biden
WH E N the history of the genocide in Gaza is written one of the most courageous and outspoken champions for justice and the adherence to international law will be Francesca Albanese, the United Nations Special Rapporteur, who the Trump administration is sanctioning Her office is tasked with monitoring and reporting on human rights violations that Israel commits against Palestinians Albanese who regularly receives death threats and endures well-orchestrated smear campaigns directed by Israel and its allies, valiantly seeks to hold those who support and sustain the genocide accountable She lambasts what she calls “the moral and political corruption of the world” that allows the genocide to continue Her office has issued detailed reports documenting war crimes in Gaza and the West Bank one of which called Genocide as colonial erasure I have reprinted as an appendix in my latest book, A Genocide Foretold She has informed private organizations that they are “criminally liable” for assisting Israel in carrying out the genocide in Gaza She announced that if true as has been reported that the former British prime minister David Cameron threatened to defund and withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC) after it issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant which Cameron and the other former British prime minister Rishi Sunak could be charged with a criminal offense for under the Rome Statue The Rome Statute criminalizes those who seek to prevent war crimes from being prosecuted She has called on top European Union (EU) officials to face charges of complicity in war crimes over their support for the genocide
MajId nabI burfat
SCHEERPOST
Touhid expressed gratitude for the selfless assistance that China has provided for Bangladesh s development over the years stating that Bangladesh firmly adheres to the one-China principle and is willing to learn from China’s governance experience, expand friendly cooperation in areas such as trade and healthcare strengthen regional multilateral coordination and use the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations as an opportunity to elevate the bilateral relationship to a new level ‘ C H I N A W I L L I N G T O A LW AY S B E A T R U S T W O R T H Y,
O O D PA R T N E R O F B A N G L A D E S H ’
solidly advance trilateral cooperation and achieve tangible results Wang added For his part
Hossain said that China is a reliable and trustworthy partner and friend for Bangladesh, and developing friendly cooperation with China is a consensus among the Bangladeshi people
Iran s president said on Thursday the UN nuclear watchdog should drop its double standards if Tehran is to resume cooperation with it over the Islamic Republic’s nuclear programme, Iranian state media reported
President Masoud Pezeshkian last week enacted a law suspending cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency and the IAEA said it had pulled its last remaining inspectors out of Iran
Relations between Iran and the IAEA have worsened since the United States and Israel bombed Iranian nuclear facilities in June, saying they wanted to prevent Tehran developing an atomic weapon Iran says its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes only and denies seeking atomic weapons The continuation of Iran s cooperation with the agency (IAEA) depends of the latter correcting its dou-
ble standards regarding the nuclear file, state media quoted Pezeshkian as telling European Council President Antonio Costa by phone Any repeated aggression (against Iran) will be met witha more decisive and regrettable response he said Tehran accuses the IAEA of failing to condemn the attacks by the United States and Israel, and says the nuclear watchdog paved the way for the bombing by issuing a resolution declaring Iran in breach of its non-proliferation obligations
“Failure to observe the principle of impartiality in reporting is one of the examples that casts doubt on the status and credibility of the IAEA Pezeshkian said The
Rubio 'hopeful' G aza ceasefire talks are nearing agreement
"hope-
of
China willing to promote strategic coordination with Russia: Wang Yi
BEIJING
M
China is ready to work with Russia to continuously promote strategic coordination and safeguard the security and development interests of both countries Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee made the remarks when meeting with Russian Foreign Minister
Sergey Lavrov Wang said that the two heads of states have maintained strategic communication providing steady and long-term guidance for China-Russia relations amidst the profound global changes unseen in a century
CORPORATE CORNER
CM MARYAM ORDERS URGENT PREVENTIVE MEASURES AMID URBAN FLOODING THREAT
From ‘S uthra Punjab’ to ‘S udhra Punjab’ – CCD's Per formance S ets
Benchmark: A zma Bokhari
s ta f f r e p o r t Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari praised the Punjab government s exemplary and well-coordinated arrangements during Muharram She said that despite the sensitive global environment Ashura passed peacefully thanks to a strong strategy the guidance of religious scholars, and public cooperation She noted that the atmosphere of religious harmony was commendable, and the nomination of the Chief Minister for an award by scholars is proof of that success Azma Bokhari announced the launch of the Sudhra Punjab program following the success of the Suthra Punjab campaign This initiative aims to eradicate crime from the province Highlighting the performance of the Crime Control Department she stated that its efforts have become the centre of attention across social media Within
days,1,509 wanted criminals were apprehended and 600 missing children were recovered Crime rates in Lahore have dropped by 68% and districts like Chakwal Bhalwal and Gujrat have reported zero robbery incidents She explained that CCD is modelled after the U S FBI and functions as a provincial agency handling major crimes and com-
Message from First Lady of Pakistan on World Population Day 2025
ISLAMABAD/KARACHI
s ta f f r e p o r t
On the occasion of World Population Day 2025, the First Lady of Pakistan, Her Excellency Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, calls for a renewed national commitment to the health dignity and empowerment of every individual; especially women children and youth across the country On this day we are reminded not only of numbers but of the lives and stories behind them of the mothers, children, and families who form the heart of our nation, said the First Lady “Our focus must remain on ensuring that every mother is healthy every child is safe and every family is given the opportunity to thrive Pakistan continues to face critical challenges in maternal health child welfare and youth empowerment In her message, the First Lady emphasized
plex investigations with an effective strategy These remarks were made during her press conference at DGPR Azma Bokhari emphasised the Chief Minister s clear instructions: no criminal should block the roads of Punjab All highways have been cleared, and many criminals are now begging for forgiveness on video swearing on the Quran
Minister appreciated the collaborative efforts of the JICA-supported AQAL Project and the Pakistan Institute for Education (PIE) which contributed to the development of this report Highlighting the significance of data Dr Siddiqui noted Access quality and governance in non-formal education can only be improved through robust and reliable data systems
S H C N U L L I F I E S P R I S O N S E N T E N C E O F
I L M M A K E R J A M I , G R A N T S H I M B A I L
SC schedules hearings for Fawad’s cases
Pakistan and China have agreed to bolster media cooperation by launching joint broadcasting projects to effectively address the growing concerns of fake news and disinformation
The agreement was made during a meeting between Pakistan s Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, and Cao Shumin, the Deputy Head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee and Party Secretary of the National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) of China
According to a report by Radio Pakistan, the two sides expressed mutual interest in strengthening media, cultural, and people-to-people relations as a way of enhancing the long-standing friendship between the two nations
Tarar and Cao discussed measures to improve technical training and foster institutional collaboration, with a special emphasis on developing a unified narrative to combat the spread of fake news
They also talked about the potential for an agreement between China Central Television (CCTV) and Pakistan Television (PTV) to facilitate the exchange of informa-
tion and enhance cooperation between the two broadcasters Minister Tarar highlighted Pakistan s commitment to translating this bilateral media cooperation into actionable steps He emphasized the significant role of state-run media organizations like PTV Radio Pakistan and the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) in effectively communicating China s development projects, such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), as well as fostering cultural ties between the people of both countries He also pointed out that PTV is contributing to strengthening cultural and intellectual ties by airing Chinese programs, documentaries, and news reports in Urdu Additionally,
APP’s China News Service has been instrumental in successfully conveying Pakistan s narrative to Chinese audiences
Both leaders acknowledged the crucial role of the media in bridging the gap between the people of the two nations promoting mutual understanding and fostering societal harmony They also identified new opportunities for collaboration in media and cultural exchanges, which could be supported by institutional mechanisms
The discussions further included plans for exchange visits for digital influencers from both countries Minister Tarar noted that such initiatives could bring fresh energy to the bilateral relations, especially in the context of the digital age
cases The cases were part of a larger investigation initiated in 2009, with the FIA registering multiple cases starting in 2013 The charges stem from alleged embezzlement of Rs 7 billion in freight subsidies, with claims of fake companies being created to misappropriate funds In his remarks outside the court Gilani reiterated his stance that
ISLAMABAD
s ta f f r e p o r t
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Wednesday called on the youth of India to reject disinformation and hate-mongering urging them not to fall for the rhetoric of war In an interview with Indian journalist Karan Thapar, the former foreign minister of Pakistan vehemently denied India’s allegations of Pakistan’s involvement in terrorism dismissing them as mere propaganda
Bilawal stressed that such claims were misleading and harmful, emphasizing that Pakistan did not condone any terrorist activities either within its borders or outside He pointed out that Pakistan had been battling terrorism for decades losing over 92 000 lives to terrorist attacks including more than 1 200 civilians just last year He warned that if the current pace of attacks continued, 2025 could be the bloodiest year in Pakistan’s history
Acknowledging the emotional toll of terrorism, Bilawal shared his personal connection to the issue referencing the trauma faced by victims and their families particularly in the context of the Pahalgam attack in India He reiterated Pakistan s willingness to participate in an impartial international inquiry into the April 22 incident, where 26 tourists were killed in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) but noted that India had rejected the offer
Bilawal also pointed to India’s history of fostering terrorism in Pakistan referencing the 2007 Samjhota Express attack and the case of Kulbhushan Jadhav an Indian spy arrested in Balochistan He questioned the lack of convictions in such incidents while holding Pakistan to a different standard On the issue of water Bilawal expressed concern over India s plans to cut off water supplies to Pakistan, criticizing the move as a violation of humanitarian principles and a threat to millions of Pakistanis He reminded India that such actions went against the philosophy of Gandhi and secular principles Despite these challenges Bilawal reiterated Pakistan s com-
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India on edge: CDS warns of ‘triple threat ’ from China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh alliance
China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, suggesting that it could lead to significant challenges for India’s internal stability
Addressing a session at the Observer Research Foundation in New Delhi General Chauhan said There is a possible convergence of interest we can talk about between China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh that may have implications for India s stability and security dynamics ” His remarks came amidst diplomatic strains between India and Bangladesh following the ousting of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last year who later sought refuge in India General Chauhan also voiced concerns over shifting geopolitical alignments in the
Indian Ocean Region (IOR), describing the region s economic vulnerabilities as a factor that has allowed external actors to deepen their influence He highlighted that the IOR has provided a platform for foreign powers to increase their leverage through debt diplomacy, thus creating vulnerabilities for India Similarly, frequent shifts in government in South Asia, with changing geopolitical equations and ideological views, pose another major challenge ” he said The CDS further touched upon the May 7–10 military conflict between India and Pakistan calling it potentially the first time two nuclear-armed nations directly engaged in combat He referred to the conflict as “Operation Sindoor,” a unique military engagement with significant global lessons Speaking about China’s involvement in the conflict General Chauhan expressed difficulty in determining the extent of state support from China to Pakistan but noted that
no unusual activity had been observed along India s northern borders during the conflict General Chauhan’s concerns about the threat posed by the convergence of China Pakistan and Bangladesh are aligned with statements from India s Deputy Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Rahul Singh, who had recently claimed that China provided Islamabad with live inputs on Indian positions during the May clashes These tensions follow the escalation of the conflict in May where both nations engaged in missile attacks drone strikes and artillery fire stemming from an attack on Hindu tourists in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which India blamed on Pakistan The conflict, which lasted for 87 hours, resulted in Pakistan downing six Indian fighter jets including three Rafales and dozens of drones The fighting was eventually brought to an end on May 10 with a ceasefire agreement brokered by the
United States General Chauhan s remarks underline India’s increasing concerns about shifting geopolitical alliances in the region particu-
larly the growing collaboration between China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, and the implications this may have for India’s security and stability
