PM REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO STRUCTURAL REFORMS TO ACHIEVE ECONOMIC PROSPERIT Y
g WE HAVE A LONG AND THORNY JOURNEY AND TO FACE MOUNTAIN-
s ta f f r e p o r t
R I M E Minister
PShehbaz Sharif on Saturday reaffirmed his government s commitment to achieving economic prosperity through long-overdue structural reforms institutional changes and a renewed focus on merit-based governance
The road is very challenging as there were long overdue reforms, and the structural changes had not taken place in the last many decades,” he said while addressing a group of Pakistani students who are getting education in the world s leading educational institutes and selected for the government s internship summer scholars program of
Uraan Pakistan
The prime minister stressed that Pakistan had to undertake these long overdue structural changes through untiring and long efforts
He pointed out that when the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) took charge of the government during 2023, Pakistan was facing a serious threat of default, and their fate was hanging in the balance
The majority viewed that Pakistan would go into default while the minority thought that we will escape this disaster, he said, adding that he held marathon discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) managing director and assured that Pakistan would not run into default and achieve the IMF program
Chief Justice Sindh High Court
As per the declaration issued at the end of the meeting, the participants approved the draft of the SJC Service Rules, 2025 It was decided that more brainstorming would be done on making amendments to the code of conduct for the judges and the mode of inquiry to be adopted The participants rejected the proposal to make the names of judges against whom complaints had been disposed of public Following is the text of the press release issued after the SJC meeting: A meeting of the Supreme Judicial Council was held under the chairmanship of Mr Justice Yahya Afridi, Chief Justice of Pakistan/Chairman
The prime minister said that at
The
p o r t
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F (JUI-F)
chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said on Friday that since the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) holds the majority in KP any change in the province should come from within the party s ranks
“It is my suggestion there is to be a change in Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa but it should emerge from within the PTI the JUI-F said while addressing a press conference in Peshawar
The JUI-F chief said, They do not recognize the authority of armed groups and that the public is dissatisfied with the role of the state Although political parties have differences there is no enmity
He added that JUI-F would make decisions regarding the
province only after party consultation noting that the province cannot afford further political instability Commenting on the Senate, Fazl said it was too early to offer remarks on any possible adjustments
Following the Supreme Court’s June 27 verdict which ruled that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is ineligible for reserved seats the opposition alliance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) is now just 20 members short of forming a simple majority in the provincial assembly
A meeting between KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on July 2 further fueled rumours that the federal government may be considering the ouster of KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur However senior PML-N leaders Khawaja Asif and Rana Sanaullah have publicly dismissed
LAHORE s a l e e m J a d o o n
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur on Saturday announced the launch of a new political movement from Lahore he described as the "political Kaaba" of Pakistan, saying whenever a movement starts from Lahore it succeeds across Pakistan Addressing a presser after presiding over a consultative meeting of the PTI central leaders and workers, held at a farmhouse in Lahore's Raiwind, he said, “Today, we are launching our movement from here and Insha Allah it will sweep the entire country
the possibility of a no-confidence motion against Gandapur
Meanwhile KP Governor Kundi did not rule out the option entirely Speaking to a TV channel, he stated, “We are not plotting against the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa However the day we have even one more member in the assembly it will be our democratic right to move a no-confidence motion On the political front, he said JUI-F has differences with PPP, PML-N and ANP but not hostility There is no enmity between PTI and JUI either he said adding that there had been a bitter chapter in their relationship in the past
Addressing the law and order situation, Fazl stated that if the opposition reached out regarding the matter he would be willing to sit and hold talks
pm at the Punjab Assembly wherein both sides are expected to finalise recommendations for the negotiation framework Key representatives from both treasury and opposition benches are likely to establish Terms of Reference (ToRs) in the coming days, aimed at regulating the future proceedings of the Punjab Assembly and discouraging humiliation abusive exchanges and violent conduct between lawmakers The list of suspended PTI MPAs includes: Malik Fahad Masood (PP-13) Muhammad Tanveer Aslam (PP-19), Syed Riffat Mehmood (PP-24), Yasir Mehmood Qureshi (PP-25), Kaleem Ullah Khan (PP60), Muhammad Ansar Iqbal (PP-73), Ali Asif (PP-75) Zulifqar Ali (PP-76) Ahmad Mujtaba Chaudhary (PP-99) Shahid Javed (PP-115) Muhammad Ismael (PP-116) Khayal Ahmad (PP118) Shahbaz Ahmad (PP-130) Tayyab Rashid (PP-141), Imtiaz Mehmood (PP-155), Ali Imtiaz (PP156), Rashid Tufail (PP-175), Rai Muhammad Murtaza Iqbal (PP-203), Khalid Zubair Nisar (PP231) Chaudhry Muhammad Ejaz Shafi (PP-258) Samia Kanwal (PP-260) Muhammad Naeem (PP263) Sajjad Ahmad (PP-265) Rana Aurang Zaib (PP-276) Shuaib Ameer (PP-281) and Usama Asghar Ali Gujjar (PP-282) Both sides reportedly agreed to form a joint committee of senior members to make the consultation process more effective and to explore constitutional legal and parliamentary solutions to the impasse It is worth mentioning that Speaker Khan had received disqualification references against these currently suspended MPAs under Article 63(2) read with Article 113 of the Constitution It is his constitutional obligation to decide on these references within 30 days, as stipulated in the
In a blistering attack on the military establishment Gandapur accused it of imposing an undeclared martial law that has "ruined the country " "For decades, a few parties and the establishment have imposed their will on this nation " he said "They conducted so many experiments under martial law that they bankrupted Pakistan These experiments have pushed Pakistan into a severe crisis, he added “Even after all this, their hunger for power remains unsatisfied Now they have imposed a form of martial law that exists not on paper but is very real in its effect The KP Chief Minister lamented the damage caused to the country and criticized the military s current role saying They do not realize the extent of harm caused to Pakistan, and they show no remorse Their interference has also insulted the dignity of the soldiers standing at the frontlines ” He further stated “When questioned they refuse to consider themselves answerable But we will hold them accountable
The KP chief minister condemned the imprisonment of PTI founder Imran Khan, calling him "innocent" and stating that "there are no real cases against him " Gandapur urged PTI leaders from all provinces to assess their local political conditions and devise strategies accordingly Our action plan must align with Pakistan s current situation, he said I urge all provinces to analyze their cir-
ISLAMABAD
ISLAMABAD
PAKISTAN DEL AYS SATELLITE INTERNET L AUNCH AMID PUSH FOR STRICTER REGUL
TThe Punjab government has shown willingness to invest Rs350 billion for the upgradation and dualisation of railway tracks across the province Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi informed the National Assembly Standing Committee on Pakistan Railways on Friday
The committee met under the chairmanship of Rai Hassan Nawaz Khan to review the latest developments in the Pakistan Railways (PR) including organisational restructuring project plans and land disputes
Briefing the committee Abbasi said Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif had expressed interest in modernising the railway network within the
province and a proposal for track dualisation was under consideration He termed the provincial government s willingness to contribute Rs350 billion a significant development for national rail infrastructure During the meeting, the committee questioned the rationale behind winding up three of PR’s state-owned enterprises: Railway Construction Company (RAILCOP) Pakistan Railway Advisory and Consultancy Services (PRACS) and Pakistan Railway Freight and Transportation Company (PRFTC) In response, Abbasi explained that the ministry had opted for a right-sizing strategy aligned with broader federal government initiatives He said the functions performed by these companies were being handled internally by PR itself which rendered them redundant The committee, however recommended that experienced staff from these defunct companies should be accommodated within PR s existing operations Concerns were also raised over the presence of around 47 Pakistan Railways officers reportedly residing abroad while still drawing salaries and benefits Abbasi acknowledged the issue and assured the committee that these cases were under examination The committee asked for a detailed report on the matter to be presented in the next session In another matter, the committee directed PR to undertake maintenance and repairs of the pedestrian walkway on the Red Bridge over the Kabul River in Nowshera Kalan District Nowshera
taken without heeding to a culture of any Sifarish he added The prime minister said that previously the digitization process in the FBR was only confined to papers, as no practical step was taken, and blamed the corrupt and shrewd elements for hoodwinking the system He said that it
To investigate a separate issue involving an audio leak allegedly featuring the current Divisional Superintendent of PR
Karachi and the CEO of Pakistan Railways the committee formed a four-member sub-committee The sub-committee will be convened by MNA Shafqat Abbas and include members Ibrar Ahmad Sadiq Ali Memon, and Syed Waseem Hussain It is expected to submit its report within 30 days The committee also deliberated on a land dispute concerning Mouza Sonaki in Tehsil and District Muzaffargarh The Commissioner of Dera Ghazi Khan Division presented a report on the matter but the committee did not find it satisfactory It decided to summon the Senior Member of the Board of Revenue Punjab and the Commissioner of Dera Ghazi Khan Division to resolve the land title restoration issue in favour of Pakistan Railways
The session concluded with direcives to ensure greater transparency in personnel deployment, improved asset management, and enhanced coordination between federal and provincial authorities for rail development
Engro Powergen Qadirpur Limited (EPQL) has urged the Power Division to intervene and expedite the signing of a Supplementary Agreement (SA) with the Central Power Purchasing Agency Guarantee Limited (CPPA-G), allowing the company to use low-BTU indigenous gas from the Badar-1 field to enhance power generation In a formal communication to the Power Division, EPQL CEO Adeel
Qamar highlighted that the 225megawatt EPQL power plant operating under a Power Purchase Agreement since 2007 and running primarily on permeate gas from the Qadirpur gas field has contributed significantly to the national grid since commencing operations in March 2010 According to the company, it has s
tricity to the grid with high utilisation levels under the Economic Merit
KP CM URGES PM SHEHBA Z TO RESOLVE RS75B
HYDEL PROFIT DISPUTE
COMMENT
Changing the system
PM’s vision leaves no room for present outdated system
PRIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif, while chairing a meeting to review the work of the Energy Ministry, took the opportunity on Friday to say that the country could not pursue development if the system of the last 70 years still prevailed For the leader of a conservative party, that was pretty revolutionary stuff However, that did not stop it from being true Pakistan has not been served well by its civil servants The purpose of a permanent civil service is supposed to be a continuity of policy in development, no matter the hue of the party at the helm of affairs Instead of assisting the rulers too often the bureaucracy has tried to rule itself One result has been that the state does not serve the welfare of the people but merely of government servants The result is a kind of conservatism that is virtually a freeze
The problem is not just the existing system but the fact that its purpose differed from that promised by the leaders of the freedom movement Before 1947, the purpose was one of control and exploitation Independence was supposed to end this, and resources were supposed to benefit the common man, not the colonial power However, instead of a genuine change, natives took over No longer obliged to exploit the country for the benefit of a colonizer, they went into business for themselves These elements are diehard conservatives, who oppose a modernization of government, not just on principle, but for ulterior motives
The government must also take its finger out of its ear and give civil servants a proper wage As they say if you pay peanuts you will get monkeys The PM should observe alone the attitude of the government’s permanent employees towards solarization It is amazing how it is seen as better to opt for generation plants fired by imported fuel rather than use the cheap power the Almighty has provided through the sun Considering the hydel and wind-power resources available, it is surprising that the country has any fuel-powered generation, let alone a majority, and an IPP issue that is being used to stop solarization The hopes that this machinery will allow digitization are forlorn If the PM wishes to deliver the development people want, he will have to engage in root-and-branch reform, not just tinker with the system
Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
M A Niazi Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami Editor Profit
THE £190 million corruption scandal has unraveled with damning revelations implicating former Chairman of the Asset Recovery Unit (ARU) and ex-Adviser to the Prime Minister on Accountability Mirza Shehzad Akbar, as the principal architect of a highly organized and unlawful scheme Sources confirm that Akbar orchestrated a clandestine operation that inflicted severe financial losses upon the Pakistani state while gravely undermining national interests This scandal which has brought international disrepute to the country, starkly illustrates how individuals entrusted with power can manipulate their authority to serve private agendas and vested interests Investigations reveal that on 6 November 2019 Shehzad Akbar signed a Deed of Confidentiality marking the beginning of this illicit conspiracy Notably this act was carried out without the knowledge or approval of the federal cabinet or any constitutional institution clear evidence that it was part of a premeditated and covert manoeuvre It has further emerged that the £190 million originally frozen by the UK s National Crime Agency (NCA) during investigations against Ali Riaz Malik and his wife Mubashara Malik was returned to Pakistan under the guise of transparency However, instead of being deposited into the national treasury, the funds were rerouted to a designated account of Bahria Town a private real estate developer This account was deliberately misrepresented as an account of the State of Pakistan According to sources co-accused Zia Mustafa Naseem also signed the same confidentiality deed and facilitated the entire transaction The registration of this special account under the name of the Supreme Court’s Registrar while falsely iden-
THE elevation of Pakistan’s Permanent Representative in Vienna to the presidency of the Industrial Development Board of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) marks a pivotal inflexion point in Pakistan s diplomatic trajectory Far beyond the mere occupancy of a procedural office, this development crystallises decades of engagement with the multilateral system It reflects Pakistan’s aspiration to transcend narratives historically circumscribed by security preoccupations and geopolitical contestations
To understand the significance of this leadership position, it must be situated within the broader continuum of Pakistan’s external relations and the evolving architecture of global economic governance It constitutes a deliberate recalibration a rearticulation of Pakistan s identity as a constructive stakeholder in international development deploying what Joseph Nye termed soft power, the capacity to influence others through attraction and normative legitimacy rather than coercion or material inducement Historically, Pakistan has been framed through registers of security dilemmas internal instability and developmental deficits Though early decades witnessed engagement with international development partners foreign policy energy was largely consumed by managing strategic rivalries and navigating Cold War alignments The multilateral sphere often operated as an auxiliary domain rather than the fulcrum of diplomatic effort Against this backdrop the country’s ascension to the presidency of a UN organ focused on industrial transformation signals that Pakistan s identity is no longer confined to security concerns but extends to shaping developmental norms and institutions
UNIDO occupies a distinctive position within the UN system Unlike agencies centred narrowly on humanitarian relief it is mandated to drive structural transformation in developing economies through industrial modernisation and capacity building This mission resonates with the Global South s aspiration to achieve inclusive prosperity without repeating unsustainable trajectories Thus, the presidency is not an honorary function alone but a vantage point from which to influence agendas fundamental to economic sovereignty and sustainable growth The election of Pakistan s envoy can be viewed
tifying it as a State Bank account, is further evidence of gross financial misconduct In 2019 Shehzad Akbar made two trips to the United Kingdom from 4 to 8 February and again from 22 to 26 May during which he held secret meetings with the British Home Secretary and senior officials of the NCA These meetings laid the groundwork for a covert agreement that enabled the repatriation of funds to Pakistan conspicuously bypassing key institutions such as the Federal Investigation Agency the Federal Board of Revenue and the State Bank of Pakistan The deliberate exclusion of these state bodies was designed to avoid scrutiny and ensure that only a select group benefited from the transaction at the expense of national transparency and public interest What makes the situation even more troubling is that when the matter was brought before the Cabinet on 3 December 2019 Shehzad Akbar failed to disclose that the secret agreement had already been signed weeks earlier on 6 November This omission was not an oversight it was a deliberate act of deception Records now confirm that all critical procedures related to the fund transfer were completed well before the cabinet’s formal approval revealing a blatant misuse of executive power and manipulation of state machinery
The frozen assets in the UK, including luxury properties such as 1 Hyde Park Place, were seized under the UK’s Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 following investigations into alleged illicit wealth The return of these funds presented a rare opportunity for Pakistan to inject a significant amount into the national exchequer resources that could have been allocated toward public welfare projects in health, education, and clean water Regrettably, this opportunity was squandered through backdoor deals and unauthorized use of executive power leading not only to financial loss but also to a severe erosion of international trust Court records and insider accounts confirm that the Asset Recovery Unit had already entered into a preliminary agreement with Bahria Town on 13 and 21 March 2019, following multiple contacts with UK authorities and legal representatives in London Though the full details of these arrangements remain opaque the documents available clearly point to Shehzad Akbar s role in devising the scheme with strong indications of political backing and legal overreach Statements from former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his Principal Secretary Azam Khan further confirm that covert meetings with the NCA regarding this settlement had
as recognition of an expanded portfolio of cooperation within UNIDO Over recent years Pakistan has developed one of the most substantial pipelines of technical cooperation projects within the organisation, spanning renewable energy, agri-based value chains, fisheries management, and climate-smart practices These engagements have furnished Pakistan with a credible record of implementing complex initiatives testifying to operational credibility as a partner capable of delivering on commitments
Yet the significance transcends project metrics
The institutional trust embodied in this consensus decision reflects Pakistan’s steady cultivation of relationships across diverse regional blocs Unlike elections fractured along North-South or East-West divides this unfolded in broad consensus underscoring Islamabad s ability to build bridges across geopolitical fault lines This consensus signals that, despite turbulent crosscurrents in international politics, Pakistan has achieved reputational legitimacy sufficient to command confidence in forums where technical cooperation and normative governance intersect
From an International Relations perspective this episode exemplifies institutional soft power accumulation Realist paradigms often interpret multilateral institutions as arenas for the projection of material interests by dominant powers Yet the functionality of UNIDO’s governance relies on a nuanced interplay of legitimacy expertise and procedural stewardship For Pakistan assuming the presidency does not confer unilateral power but provides a platform to demonstrate leadership in consensus building and to influence the discursive frames through which development is conceptualized
The timing is propitious In a world increasingly preoccupied with climate adaptation and economic inclusion UNIDO occupies strategic space where industrial development converges with environmental stewardship For Pakistan a country vulnerable to climate shocks and grappling with low value-added industrial structures this presidency offers the chance to demonstrate policy innovation reconciling growth with sustainability It enables Islamabad to position itself as a laboratory of green industrial transitions a narrative carrying significant reputational dividends Consider flagship initiatives Pakistan has incubated: programs such as the Partnership for Accelerating Industrial Development and Rural Advancement have contributed to domestic poverty alleviation and become illustrative case studies within UNIDO’s knowledge platforms Through this experience, Pakistan can inform the organisation’s global agenda with insights rooted in lived developmental challenges rather than theoretical abstraction This infuses Pakistan s soft power with an authenticity difficult to manufacture through conventional public diplomacy In practical terms, the presidency provides an opportunity to elevate discourse around inclusive industrialisation as an instrument of peacebuilding and social stabilisation Economic marginalisation often fuels grievances that metastasise into conflict In fragile regions industrial development is not merely an economic objective but a security imperative Pakistan s developmental experience renders its voice
taken place as early as March 2019
The entire episode underscores how Shehzad Akbar not only exceeded the legal boundaries of the ARU but also colluded with the then Prime Minister to bypass state institutions compromise judicial transparency and mislead the Cabinet His actions directly undermined public institutions, the judiciary, and the integrity of the country s accountability mechanisms Deliberately concealing the existence of a confidential agreement from the Cabinet amounts to wilful betrayal and abuse of office Sources now confirm that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and other relevant agencies are actively pursuing the case and crucial evidence has already been unearthed Shehzad Akbar has been declared a proclaimed offender, and proceedings are underway to request Interpol Red Warrants for his extradition Pakistan s judicial and investigative institutions are under increasing pressure to bring such individuals to justice sending a clear message that abuse of public office for personal gain will not be tolerated The magnitude of this scandal is staggering: £190 million equivalent to Rs 50 billion was diverted from the national treasury to a private housing scheme Had this amount been placed in state coffers it could have funded countless development projects benefitting millions Instead the funds were lost to a well-orchestrated network of corruption, deception, and political patronage leaving the nation to bear the cost This scandal now stands as a dark chapter in Pakistan s history a glaring indictment of the country s accountability system and a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked executive power When individuals like Shehzad Akbar, entrusted with the public's trust and holding senior positions, engage in clandestine agreements and exploit legal loopholes they don’t just commit corruption they corrode the very foundation of democratic governance
It is now the solemn duty of the state and its institutions to set an example those who betray public trust must be held accountable, without fear or favour Only through firm and transparent action can Pakistan hope to restore institutional credibility and prevent such breaches from ever recurring This case does not implicate Shehzad Akbar alone Mounting evidence points toward the complicity of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who not only sanctioned these illicit actions but remained complicit through silence and obstruction His principal secretary’s testimonies, cabinet manipulations and failure to ensure state oversight reveal a systemic betrayal of the people of Pakistan
Worse still the entire PTI leadership which today preaches accountability and transparency from political platforms and foreign capitals, actively facilitated this massive financial crime While they campaign abroad under the guise of "justice" and "democracy " they continue to work against Pakistan s image economic stability and institutional integrity
This is not mere negligence it is betrayal And the time has come for the people of Pakistan to demand accountability not just from individuals, but from entire political forces that have systematically looted the state while masquerading as its saviours
The writer is a freelance columnist
credible when articulating the interdependence between economic growth and sustainable peace The presidency can thus be leveraged to build coalitions, situating industrial transformation at the heart of postconflict reconstruction strategies Additionally the role can catalyse greater visibility for Pakistan s development diplomacy While Pakistan s contributions to multilateral peacekeeping are well-documented, its credentials as a proponent of developmental multilateralism remain under-com-
Dr AftAb HusAin
Pakistan’s UNIDO Presidenc y is no empt y honour
A13 Israeli fighter jets launched a large-scale strike on Iran s key military and nuclear facilities Top military generals, along with nuclear scientists, were killed in the attack The Natanz enrichment site was hit along with other military compounds across Tehran Isfahan and Mashhad The attack was bold coordinated, and devastating It was the latest escalation in the already strained IsraeliIranian standoff, but this time, it echoed far beyond Tel Aviv or Tehran The response or more accurately the non-response of the Arab monarchies was louder than any condemnation Where some Gulf countries issued hollow calls for restraint or de-escalation, carefully avoiding naming Israel, while others, more disturbingly, engaged in helping Western forces track Iran’s movements and deflect Iranian retaliation according to international reports This silence in the face of blatant aggression is not new We have often seen this as part of a historical pattern that now defines the relationship between the Arab monarchies and the wider Muslim world The betrayal did not begin in 2025, it merely became harder to ignore The Myth of Muslim Unity: The idea of a unified Muslim world or Ummah was never as solid as textbooks claimed When the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) was formed in 1969, it was seen as a moment of Muslim unity Yet the foundational promise of pan-Islamism was soon hollowed out by geopolitics oil politics and dynastic insecurities During the 1970s and 1980s Arab states did support causes like
the Palestinian struggle and the Afghan resistance But even then, support was not rooted in justice; it was tactical, designed to increase influence and contain rivals By the 2000s the cracks in this brotherhood had widened into a chasm The post9/11 world saw Arab monarchies aligning themselves tightly with the West, each for their own interests They watched silently as Iraq was invaded in 2003, as hundreds of thousands of Muslims died as mosques were bombed and as cities were flattened Some even went as far as quietly cheering the collapse of Saddam Hussein s regime seeing in it a lesson for other uncontrollable Arab leaders We witnessed the same behaviour during the Arab Spring When common Muslims rose for dignity and democracy across Tunisia Egypt Syria Libya and Yemen Gulf monarchies felt threatened The rise of the Muslim Brotherhood especially after their election victory in Egypt, alarmed Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which saw political Islam as a danger They responded by backing Sisi’s military coup with billions in aid crushing democratic hopes and exposing their true loyalty; not to Islam or its people but to power control and Western approval Gaza and the Death of Moral Diplomacy: The betrayal deepened in 2023 and 2024, during Israel’s brutal assault on Gaza Over 30,000 Palestinians were martyred, many of them children The world watched in horror as hospitals schools and refugee camps were targeted Western governments as expected backed Israel unconditionally and called it self-defence But the Arab world s silence was more painful While Türkiye and a few African Muslim nations condemned the aggression Arab monarchies limited themselves to vague statements about the need for calm None recalled ambassadors None suspended trade None
imposed sanctions Some like the UAE and Bahrain which are the signatories of the Abraham Accords still continued to deepen their ties with Israel even as Palestinian blood soaked the streets of Gaza Saudi Arabia, though officially critical of Israeli actions maintained backchannel talks with Israeli and US officials throughout the war In the face of genocide the guardians of Islam chose investment portfolios and defense deals over moral clarity The 2025 Attack on Iran: Another Betrayal: The same hypocrisy was displayed when Israel bombed Iranian soil in 2025 where many expected a regional outcry Iran after all is a Muslim majority country and this attack was a violation of sovereignty of international law, and of peace Yet most Arab states either remained silent or released hollow, non-committal statements Worse still news emerged that some Gulf countries had provided logistical support to Western forces to monitor Iranian military movement and intercept any retaliation Well, it really wasn t very surprising After all, the groundwork for this betrayal had been laid over the past two decades These monarchies view Iran not just as a geopolitical rival but as a threat to their religious authority Shia-majority Iran presents itself as a revolutionary power that supports resistance movements across the Muslim world, whether it is Hezbollah, Hamas, or the Houthis This theological-political rivalry was cleverly exploited by Western powers Israel and the USA framed their anti-Iran campaign not just as strategic but as necessary for the stability of moderate Arab allies And the monarchs, eager for more arms, investment, and legitimacy, went along A Brotherhood Built on Oil and Fear: The deeper cause of these betrayals is not really foreign policy it’s internal insecurity Monarchies like Saudi Arabia the UAE Bahrain and others are built on fragile foundations Their legitimacy comes not from democracy, nor from religious authority, but from oil wealth and historical accidents They fear uprisings They fear elections And they fear any narrative that empowers the Muslim masses This is why they oppose the Muslim Brotherhood This is why they fear Iran This is why they suppress dissent, ban protests, and jail critics In their worldview, a freethinking, justice-seeking, transnational Mus-
was judged the best in my formation
lim identity is the greatest threat to their survival The West knows this and uses it effectively Defense deals, surveillance technology and diplomatic protection are offered in exchange for loyalty The monarchs comply and the Ummah suffers The West: United in Power Divided in Values: What s ironic is that while the Muslim world struggles to unite even symbolically,
and purposeful
spent more than 40 years in the Indian Army serving the interests of my country and battling for its security I participated in Operation Cactus Lily in 1971 in Jaisalmer Sector and spent many years fighting insurgencies in Punjab and North East India
through the traumatic experience of
of military persons to bring out the bare facts so that correct lessons can be drawn and corrective action taken These were unpalatable to certain sections who felt it was un-patriotic to write pure unvarnished truth GO TO PAKISTAN JIBES AND MY RETORT
For the last few years I have had my share of jibes of Go to Pakistan! I have countered these with my retort, “I have already been to Pakistan (Sindh) and camped there for six months after the Battle of Longewala ( December 1971) – and that too without a passport or visa! Some course mates and erstwhile friends who had trained with me at National Defence Academy (NDA) questioned (I suspect in a shade of green) how I had risen in the ranks whilst they got left behind They attributed it to some other extraneous considerations which would belittle me if I repeated them It would have been improper for me to apprise them of the facts as it would have been trumpet blowing
However it is now time to clarify that I worked with dedication was lucky and got what I deserved The armed forces give all a fair deal, which I always got I never had to wear loyalty on my sleeve I should have apprised them that I had commanded my regiment which
Tdays to allow his administration time to determine the appropriate
My unit is still my family with which I have lasting bonds My son served in the same regiment We are a family of soldiers I was selected for several professional courses of instructions (which they hadn t) purely on merit It was my good fortune to represent our country as a Defence Attache in Saudi Arabia We strived very hard to wean the Arabs to our point of view This has certainly paid dividends as is visible with our close ties to the Gulf countries Towards the penultimate years of my service I was voted by all the units of the Regiment of Artillery as their Colonel Commandant , a singular honour Recently my sibling Naseeruddin Shah wrote an article “The Country I Miss It was published in the Indian Express I posted it on X with the following comments: A wonderful article by Naseeruddin Shah I entirely subscribe to his views
Of course, I have always advised him ‘not to shoot from the hip’ and to express himself without offending We were born in a conservative family but fortunately insulated from bigotry I found the same wonderful ethos in NDA, where I joined as a young lad of 15 years, eight months and later on right throughout my army career Some army colleagues have forgotten what we imbibed in our younger days I at-
tribute this to what they imbibed from the WhatsApp Library I received a large number of affirmative endorsements to my post on X There were the usual hate posts received in, orchestrated, tranches I deigned not to reply to these as I follow the advice of P G Wodehouse: “Some minds are like soup in a poor restaurant – better left unstirred ” PERSONS OF NARROW VISION AND HATE MONGERS ENJOY IMPUNITY
However, the comments that got my goat, and I felt that its authors deserved being blocked was when two branded me a ‘Jehadi General’ on X I have drawn strength from my faith which has taught me to remain true to my salt There is no contradiction or conflict, between my dedication for my faith and love for my country In fact, both these loyalties are intertwined and linked together Unfortunately persons of narrow vision and hate mongers enjoy impunity and prime time slots in the media Others who quietly carry on with their work, are the ones who live under constant suspicion and fear I have never been and definitely don’t intend being in the latter category and thus the angst that I feel today Lieutenant General Zameer Uddin Shah is a retired senior general of the Indian Army He last served as the Deputy Chief of the Indian Army Staff (Personnel & Systems) He is also the former Vice-Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University
course forward" He later extended the deadline for TikTok to be banned or sold pending a possible deal given that the app served as a major campaign tool contributing to his victory in the presidential election, in addition to the fact that around half the US population, many of them youths, use TikTok, and 7 million US businesses are on the app China has repeatedly asserted that it holds an open attitude toward normal cross-border commercial activities and supports Chinese enterprises, including high-tech companies, engaging in mutually beneficial cooperation, so long as they abide by local laws and respect market principles In the case of TikTok s possible divestiture in the US the Chinese government has made it clear that it respects corporate independence but it opposes any forced deal When the US' intention was first mooted in early 2023, a Chinese Commerce
out the suppression they face on the false ground of safeguarding "national security" Believing that it best serves the interests of both sides China seeks to address the frictions that have emerged with the US in the high-tech sphere especially in such
aspirations of Hindu and Tibetan Buddhist devotees In Hindu texts, Mount Kangrinboqe is known as "Mount Kailash," the abode where Shiva practiced his ascetic practices, and pilgrims can cleanse their sins and achieve liberation This belief dates back to the Vedic era and has been deeply embedded in the collective cultural memory of Hindus As the spokesperson of China s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated Indian pilgrims visits to Xizang for religious pilgrimage are an important part of the cultural and peopleto-people exchange between the two countries " By opening its spiritual sanctuary to Indian believers with grandeur, China demonstrates its commitment to protecting diverse religious cultures and embodies the Eastern wisdom of "harmony in diversity " This action directly addresses the core of civilizational dialogue which is the respect for spiritual beliefs representing the deepest empathy between civilizations The restoration of the pilgrimage route, marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and India, carries significant symbolic importance Reflecting on the 2014 Joint Statement between the Republic of India and the People's Republic of China on building a closer developmental partnership the pilgrimage route was once a key pillar of cultural cooperation between the two countries However it has been stalled in recent years due to border disputes The reactivation of this mechanism is viewed by some observers as a possible step from "de-escalation" to "re-engagement," which could help create a buffer space for higher-level political dialogue At a meeting on the sidelines of the 2024 Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Astana Kazakhstan the Chinese and Indian foreign ministers reached a consensus that the status quo between the two countries from 2020 to 2024 was "not in either side's interest " This statement subtly echoes the resumption of pilgrimages By engaging in low-political-sensitivity exchanges the two countries can bypass the geopolitical challenges and take the lead in cultural engagement This approach of cultural leadership followed by political engagement could serve as a point of reference in exploring ways to manage complex bilateral relations in the future The pilgrimage journey is fundamentally a
They responded by backing Sisi’s military coup with billions in aid,
democratic hopes and exposing their true loyalty; not to Islam or its people, but to power, control, and Western approval
IRAN’S MILITARY CAPABILITIES AT ‘PERFECT STATE’, SAYS TOP COMMANDER
Islamic Bank ing is for All
than 80 countries with assets exceeding USD 3 9 trillion offering millions a fairer more equitable way to engage with money The growth trajectory shows no signs of slowing down the global Islamic finance market is anticipated to reach an estimated value of USD 12 5 trillion by 2033, up from USD 2 2 trillion in 2023 This extraordinary expansion underscores the relevance and resilience of Islamic finance in the modern world as it continues to evolve and adapt to the needs of a diverse and interconnected global economy
Pakistan is an integral part of this promising landscape With six dedicated Islamic banks and Islamic windows in all major conventional banks, the country is steadily moving toward full-scale conversion A standout example is Faysal Bank which has successfully completed the largest transformation of a conventional bank into a fully Islamic one It has also pioneered innovation with the launch of the Noor Card
principles ensure that profit is earned not through exploitation but through genuine economic activitywhether it's a small business seeking to grow or a farmer hoping to harvest his crops without falling into a cycle of debt
Financial inclusion is also a strong suit In many societies, access to traditional banking services has been a privilege, leaving vast segments of the populationespecially the poor and marginalized - without the means to save invest or borrow Islamic banks by of-
US sanctions Cuban president
system The subtle message was that finance need not be devoid of ethics, and that ribafree banking was a possibility From the sands of the Middle East to the cities of Southeast Asia and beyond, the movement gained momentum The oil boom of the 1970s poured fuel on this growing fire as Muslim-majority countries sought financial systems that resonated with their values What began as a handful of institutions has blossomed into a global ecosystem: today, Islamic banking spans more
Pakistan s first Shariah-compliant card Today, Faysal Bank is advancing rapidly, introducing products that reflect the Islamic principles of wellbeing, ethical growth and clean responsible profit Islamic banking - is a commitment to justice shared prosperity and the belief that no one should be left behind The philosophy is grounded in the pursuit of justice, fairness, and shared prosperity By prohibiting interest (riba) and speculative transactions (gharar), Islamic banking shields individuals and communities from the volatility and risks that have often destabilized economies Instead it promotes risk-sharing partnership and the equitable distribution of wealth These
to the socio-economic development of the province
SOA A’s newly-elected managing committee takes oath
S ta f f r e p o r t
The Sindh Outdoor Advertisers Association (SOAA) hosted a grand oath-taking ceremony for the inauguration of its newly elected Managing Committee (2025-2027) at the Marina Banquet, Marina Club Karachi on Friday July 11 2024 The newly-elected managing committee of Sindh Outdoor Advertisers Association of the year 2025-2027 who recently won election includes Shahid Zeb Chairman; Aamir Siddiqui, President; Hafeez ur Rehman, Senior Vice President; Syed Sabir Ali, General Secretary; Syed Faisal Hussain, Vice President; Masood Ali Khan, Joint Secretary: Najeeb Farooqui Information Secretary; Muhammad Usman Finance Secretary; Muhammad Zafar Executive Member; Syed Ammar ul Hassan Executive Member; Muhammad Jawed Executive Member The Chief Guest, Honorable Saeed Ghani, Provincial Minister of Sindh for Local Government, administered the oath of the elected members and extended his warmest congratulations to the newly-elected office bearers and underscored the pivotal role of outdoor advertising in urban development He reaffirmed the government s commitment to fostering a fair and progressive regulatory environment The newly-inducted committee members took their oath, pledging to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism,
PTI only champion of chaos as public funds being used to fuel their movement: A zma
said that the extremist insurgents in Balochistan must be eradicated, as peace and prosperity are impossible without their elimination While expressing solidarity with the families of martyrs she emphasised the urgent need to crush violent elements She criticised so-called human rights champions, saying they raise their voices for every oppressed group “but when Punjabis are being killed everyone turns a blind eye ” Speaking at a press conference at DGPR she labelled PTI as merely a champion of chaos, and claimed that preparations are complete to misuse public funds to support their movement Azma Bokhari took a jab at a prominent political figure referring to him as a Mahatma stating He built one hospital in his mother's name, but neither constructed any new hospitals nor improved existing ones She clarified that the Health Card scheme is still operational in private hospitals and over 9 3 million citizens have benefited from field hospitals Sharing uplifting news for the people of Lahore she announced that the Lady Willingdon Hospital is being completely reconstructed and expanded to meet international standards to better serve mothers and children Azma Bokhari praised Chief
Minister Maryam Nawaz s special focus on the healthcare sector, saying, “Health is Maryam Nawaz’s first and foremost priority ” Projects such as Nawaz Sharif Cardiac Hospital in Sargodha Cancer Hospitals and Field Hospitals reflect the government s commitment She also noted that free medicines are now being provided in public hospitals, and dismissed negative propaganda as baseless
ISLAMABAD S ta f f r e p o r t
Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa visited the CDA Model Nursery on Park Road, Saidpur Village, and Melody Food Street, accompanied by Member Environment Esfandyar Baloch, architects and horticulture experts from the Baku team DG Environment and other relevant officers
The Baku team’s architects and horticulture experts briefed Chairman CDA on the progress of upgradation and renovation of the CDA Model Nursery into a Gardenia Hub as well as ongoing uplift and renovation of the Saidpur Village and Melody Food Street projects They briefed Chairman CDA that work is progressing rapidly on transforming the nursery into the Gardenia Hub with Baku’s architects and horticulture experts providing specialized support The briefing highlighted that the upgraded nursery will include flower shops a training and research center and unique state-of-theart controlled-ventilation greenhouses designed to op-
timize plant growth and support research
Chairman CDA was further briefed that a modern tissue culture center will also be established at the nursery to propagate new plant varieties using advanced techniques
Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa said that the Model Nursery is being developed as a worldclass, state-of-the-art facility He emphasized that all staff working at the nursery will receive specialized training to ensure efficient functioning and maintenance of the nursery He praised the Baku team s work on the Gardenia Hub project and other developmental initiatives, expressing hope that the upgraded nursery will meet the horticultural needs of Islamabad s residents in the future Chairman CDA highlighted that the primary goal of upgrading the nursery is to position Islamabad as a key hub in horticulture He directed the swift completion of modern and aesthetically pleasing flower shops which will not only enhance the city s beauty but also serve as an attractive recreational spot
Restoration of public trust in police top priority: CCPO
Four PTI workers arrested from outside Islamabad cour t
ISLAMABAD s ta f f r e p o r t
Men in plainclothes on Saturday bundled four PTI
the golden principles of the Prophet s Seerah to regain lost ground Calling his participation in the sacred event an honor Ahsan Iqbal said the greatest treasure of Muslims is the Seerah of the Prophet (PBUH), who lit the torch of knowledge in an age of ignorance and established a just and exemplary system of governance, economics, society and spirituality He said that Muslims who were once pioneers in education and research are now far behind because of their deviation from the teachings of the Prophet He regretted that while many make claims of following religion, very few translate those claims into action, which has led to decline and humiliation The minister described the youth as the nation’s most valuable asset stressing the need to equip them with both modern education and the moral and ethical foundation derived from the Seerah He noted that around 2 5 million children are still out of school and highlighted the government s efforts to bring them into the education system through the use of all available resources Commenting on the current state of the world Ahsan Iqbal said that while material progress continues rapidly moral and spiritual crises are also deepening In this scenario the Seerah of the Prophet provides a complete and timeless model that can guide not just individuals but also entire societies He reiterated that to establish a transparent, just, and welfare-oriented society like the State of Madinah, it is essential to practically implement the teachings of the Prophet (PBUH) He praised the role of institutions like the Seerat Center saying they are key to fostering intellectual moral, and spiritual
Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, Federal Minister for Law and Justice, undertook an official visit to Baku, Azerbaijan aimed at strengthening bilateral ties in the legal and judicial sectors
A key highlight of the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Ministry of Law and Justice of Pakistan and the Ministry of Justice of Azerbaijan establishing a comprehensive framework for legal collaboration between the two countries
During the visit Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar held a series of highlevel meetings with senior Azerbaijani leadership He began by meeting with the Prime Minister of Azerbaijan His Excellency Ali Asadov where both sides underscored the importance of legal diplomacy in enhancing bilateral cooperation
This was followed by a detailed engagement with the Minis-
ter of Justice Farid Ahmadov focusing on areas such as legal modernization, institutional exchange, and the rule of law Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar also met with the Chairman of the Supreme Court of Azerbaijan His Excellency Inam Karimov where discussions centered on judicial reform digitalization of court systems, and strengthening dispute resolution mechanisms
The Memorandum of Cooper-
ation signed during the visit outlines key areas of collaboration including legal and judicial cooperation, promotion of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms digital transformation of legal services and the exchange of knowledge and expertise
Both Pakistan and Azerbaijan reaffirmed their mutual commitment to building stronger institutional linkages and working jointly to advance justice sector reforms
Pakistan’s role in SCO grows as it takes lead in security, connectivity and poverty reduction
PR OFIT s ta f f r e p o r t
Pakistan continues to play a pivotal and multidimensional role within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), with a growing influence in areas such as security coordination, economic connectivity poverty alleviation and sustainable development according to Prof Cheng Xizhong Senior Research Fellow at the Charhar Institute
Speaking on Saturday, Prof Cheng highlighted Pakistan’s expanding contributions ahead of the China-SCO Local Economic and Trade Cooperation Conference scheduled for July 17–18 in Qingdao, where a Pakistani delegation will participate in key economic discussions As a frontline state in counter-terrorism Pakistan’s active involvement in the SCO s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) is of critical practical importance The country is set to serve as rotating chairman of RATS from 2025 to 2026, enhancing its leadership in intelligence sharing and coordinated regional security operations
In the context of Afghanistan Pakistan plays a central role in the SCO-Afghanistan Contact
Group, promoting regional dialogue and urging member states to offer economic support to the war-torn country helping to stabilize the broader region Economically Pakistan has positioned itself as a connectivity hub The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) a flagship Belt and Road Initiative project has not only boosted domestic infrastructure but also linked Central Asian nations to the Indian Ocean deepening regional trade integration The importance of CPEC was formally acknowledged in the Joint Communiqué of the 23rd Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government held in Islamabad where it was included in the SCO s broader regional connectivity strategy Pakistan also leads on the social development front As permanent chair of the SCO Special Working Group on Poverty the country spearheaded the “Digital Social Safety Net framework using China s big data technology This initiative has already supported 2 3 million low-income families and aims to expand to other member countries by 2026 Agricultural cooperation has also flourished In collaboration with China s Northwest A&F
University, Pakistan established a joint laboratory for stress-resistant crop breeding The partnership has yielded drought-resistant cotton and cold-tolerant wheat varieties which are now being adopted in Tajikistan Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries resulting in 30% higher grain yields Pakistan is also set to host the SCO Agricultural Technology Expo in 2025 advancing the exchange of agri-science innovations across the region Prof Cheng emphasized that Pakistan s strategic location linking South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East has made it a crucial pillar in the SCO’s EastWest Connectivity agenda He noted that Pakistan s evolving role within the organization has transitioned from that of a participant to a designer, contributing significantly to the SCO s stability, development, and sustainability goals Despite facing internal economic pressures and external geopolitical challenges Pakistan remains committed to the SCO s vision With several initiatives lined up under the “Sustainable Development Year” program in 2025 the country is expected to emerge as a model for SouthSouth cooperation he added
