1 8 P E R I S H A S C LO U D B U R S T, F L A S H F LO O D S W R E C K PA R T S O F G
g MORE THAN 200 RESCUED TOURISTS SHIFTED TO CHILA S, PROVIDED SHELTER: GB SPOKESPERSON
g SAYS KARAKORUM HIGHWAY BLOCKED AT SEVERAL LOCATIONS, ISOLATING NUMEROUS VILLAGES AND CUTTING OFF VITAL ACCESS ROUTES
g NEOC ISSUES IMPACT-BA SED WEATHER AND GLOF ALERTS AMID INTENSIFYING MONSOON ACTIVITY
g PRESIDENT, PM ORDER IMMEDIATE A SSISTANCE AND REHAB OF FLOOD -AFFECTED COMMUNITIES
ture
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ISLAMABAD
s ta f f r e p o r t Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) strongly condemned while the federal government hailed as a “positive step” the Sargodha Anti-Terrorism Court’s (ATC) verdict sentencing a
two sisters brother-in-law brother sister-in-law and children were all vacationing with him Among the deceased are a female doctor named Mashal, her brother Dr Fahad, and her innocent son Dr Saad miraculously survived the catastrophe The dead body of another tourist has also been recovered by the rescue teams from the area Rescue operations are still underway on Babusar Road, where 15 tourist vehicles were swept away So far, three bodies and seven injured individuals have been recovered but over 15 tourists remain missing Pakistan Army and GB Scouts have started a search for missing persons, while a military helicopter is also being used to find the Lodhran family members at Babusar Top In the aftermath, hundreds of stranded tourists were rescued and sheltered by local residents of Thak Babusar More than 100 tourists
ISLAMABAD
s ta f f r e p o r t
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday said that the government was building a safe and business-friendly environment for the Chinese community in Pakistan
“The confidence of Chinese companies in the Pakistani economy is extremely important for our economic future, the prime minister said while chairing a meeting regarding security arrangements for Chinese citizens in Pakistan He stated that multiple measures were being taken to enhance the security of Chinese nationals across the country including in Islamabad
The prime minister said that the Safe City projects were an excellent example of this increasing capacity He added that Safe City projects were being built across the country as per the international standards China is our friendly country, said the prime
ures be taken on a priority basis at all airports across the country to facilitate the arrival and departure of Chinese nationals During the meeting the prime minister was briefed on the progress of special security arrangements for Chinese nationals throughout the country The interior minister informed the prime minister about the security arrangements being implemented nationwide In the briefing it was stated that in light of potential terrorist threats special security arrangements for Chinese nationals had been enforced G o v t b u
minister, stressing that the protection of Chinese brothers was the top priority of the government He said the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was a highly important joint project between the two countries which had now entered its second phase where business-to-business cooperation will be prioritized between the two countries In light of the development of CPEC, the protection of Chinese nationals in Pakistan had gained even greater importance the prime minister stressed He directed that meas-
PAKISTAN’S TRADE DEFICIT WITH MIDDLE EAST WIDENS
g BUDGET ALLOCATION FOR STR ATEGIC PROJECTS INCLUDES PARTIAL FUNDING FOR KE Y INFR ASTRUCTURE WORKS
its request of Rs56 9 billion According to NHA documents the authority had requested Rs56 9 billion for projects that are 70% complete aiming to ensure their early completion Among the key projects, Rs4 25 billion was proposed for land acquisition, compensation, and utility relocation for the 959km Karachi-Lahore Motorway
(KLM), but only Rs500 million was approved For the Jaglot-Skardu Road (S-1, 167 km) Rs5 3 billion was requested for improvement and widening but only Rs1 billion was allocated Similarly the construction of a motorway from Burhan/Hakia on M-1 to DI Khan saw a budget of Rs500 million approved against a demand of Rs2 57 billion The construction of a two-lane highway from Basmia to Khuzdar (106 km) was allocated Rs2 5 billion far below the requested Rs7 23 billion The overhead bridge at Imamia Colony Railway Crossing Shahdra re-
ceived Rs200 million against the request of Rs863 million For other strategic projects, Rs3 billion was allocated for the GwadarRatodero Road Project (M-8), against the demand of Rs4 94 billion Rehabilitation and upgradation of the 54 80 km Awaran Jhalijao road and dualization of Old Bannu Road were allocated Rs1 04 billion and Rs988 million, respectively, matching their full demand Notably, the construction of the Kot Pindi Das Interchange on Motorway M-2 in Sheikhupura received the full allocation of Rs251 million as did the dualization of the Indus Highway (N55) Sarai Gamila to Kohat Section, which was granted Rs1 5 billion Additionally, the bridge on River Ravi at Syed Wala was allocated the full Rs324 million as per its request
Vietnam’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Pham Anh Tuan announced that bilateral trade between Pakistan and Vietnam is expected to soon reach $1 billion laying the foundation for stronger economic
350 million, both nations see significant potential for deeper economic integration Vietnam’s global trade volume is currently $800 billion with plans to reach $1 trillion presenting substantial opportunities for Pakistani exporters Bilateral trade reached $850 million in 2024, a rise from $750 million in 2023 Pakistan’s imports from Vietnam amounted to $522 million while ex-
ports were valued at $328 million Key Pakistani exports to Vietnam include cereals ($117 26 million), cotton ($65 64 million), raw hides and leather ($26 59 million), meat products ($14 33 million), and pharmaceuticals ($10 67 million) Vietnam’s main exports to Pakistan are electrical and electronic equipment ($186 67 million) coffee tea and spices ($30 70 million) and man-made filaments ($20 63 million)
Both countries have identified priority sectors for cooperation, including textiles agriculture pharmaceuticals information technology and energy Vietnam is particularly interested in importing more Pakistani rice textiles and leather, while also encouraging Pakistani investment in its manufacturing and tech sectors
The ambassador noted the complementary nature of the two economies with Vietnam excelling in electronics machinery and processing while Pakistan specializes in textiles, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals The 5th Meeting of the Pakistan-Vietnam Joint Trade
Committee held in Hanoi on July 11 2025 marked a significant development in bilateral relations, with Pakistan s Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan and Vietnam’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Nguyen Hong Dien, in attendance During the meeting both sides agreed to start negotiations on a Pakistan-Vietnam Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) within 2025, which is expected to formalize trade ties and reduce barriers The Joint Trade Committee reactivated after eight years will serve as a platform for ongoing dialogue and cooperation Key areas of discussion included trade promotion textile cooperation, aquaculture, and halal trade development, along with aviation, finance, healthcare, human resources and visa facilitation The ambassador concluded by stating that both countries are committed to enhancing trade investment technology transfer, and industrial collaboration, supported by institutional frameworks and regular high-level exchanges
US IMPOSES NEW ‘VISA INTEGRIT Y’ FEE FOR FOREIGN TRAVELERS
crush a democratically elected political party through the use of brute state power PTI Spokesperson stated that the manner in which political leaders and workers have been branded as terrorists and handed decades-long sentences clearly reflected the unfortunate reality that Pakistan s courts are now functioning as instruments of the establishment rather than as impartial institutions of justice PTI asserted that all these individuals are peaceful law-abiding citizens and that sentencing them under false fabricated and concocted terrorism charges is nothing short of a mockery of both the Constitution and the very concept of justice He questioned what kind of justice allows a single individual to be named in dozens of cases across multiple cities all on the same day Is it even logical he asked to believe that one person could be present at eight different locations simultaneously? The PTI spokesperson stated that these sentences were based on a web of fabricated FIRs, calling the entire exercise a grave miscarriage of justice “We strongly condemn the statement made by a sitting government minister who shamelessly claimed on television that the verdict was based on merit he added PTI spokesperson stated that the government and its sycophants should be ashamed of openly endorsing such blatant oppression, adding that it seems the crimes of the PML-N, PPP, and other allied parties are considered
The “Green Tractor Scheme” offers a subsidy of Rs0 1 million per tractor with a balloting system for farmers to select from a range of 50 to 85 horsepower tractors, all of which are locally manufactured Stakeholders argue that the exclusion of imported tractors particularly those in the 50–65 HP range limits consumer choice as these models often feature advanced fuel-saving technologies and other competitive advantages The CCP, under its mandate, is authorised to investigate actions that hinder competition in the market or result in the abuse of domestic market dominance CONTINUED
life in the capital region Emergency services remain on high alert as further rain is expected in the coming days KARAKORUM HIGHWAY BLOCKED AT SEVERAL LOCATIONS: The GB government said that Karakorum Highway is blocked at several locations isolating numerous villages and cutting
A pre-qualification meeting for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and importers was recently held However, concerns have been raised that the scheme includes only locally manufactured tractors in the 50–65 HP range excluding imported models of similar specifications This exclusion could potentially be discriminatory and may violate Sections 3 and 4 of the Competition Act, 2010, which prevent abuse of dominant market position and restrictive agreements
in the powerful current and dragged away
The incident occurred amid widespread urban flooding caused by heavy downpours across the twin cities The eyewitnesses reported that water levels rose rapidly which flooded the roads and entered the homes in low-lying areas The rescue teams swiftly launched a search operation to locate the missing individuals but
per-
sonnel continue efforts to remove remaining debris In addition to rescue operations, the Pakistan Army is providing food and essential supplies to those stranded Around 150 ready-to-eat meal packets have been delivered to affected areas by helicopter
Hundreds of tourists are stranded in the region with many locals stepping in to provide shelter and support While some stranded individuals have been successfully rescued by the authorities, dozens more have been accommodated by residents of nearby villages The death toll in GB since yesterday currently stands at five according to Diamer District Commissioner Attaullah Kakar GB government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq said in a statement: More than 200 rescued tourists have been shifted to Chilas and provided shelter in hotels and guest houses ” He added that the tourists were now able to contact their families after being stranded for hours DC Kakar detailed that rescue operations were still underway to look for missing
COMMENT
TW O questions emerged as the KP Assembly elected the Senators it could not in the general election last year First, whether the Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf would elect the Senators its strength gave it or whether the party infighting would cause any kind of upset? Second, would the ruling coalition be able to obtain a twothirds majority in the Senate? The answer to the second question depended on the first The sort of unprecedented infighting that preceded the Senate poll occurred because the a hardcore PTI refusal to compromise afflicted some of the party, which rejected the compromise achieved by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, whereby all parties accepted the inexorable logic of the numbers and withdrew extra candidates so that the election would be unopposed A number of PTI leaders, disappointed that their favourites had been excluded, insisted on voting going ahead This it did, but with the previously predicted results It was hardly a resounding victory but the PTI could still claim it had won the seats it should have
The decision on reserved seats had meant that the PTI could get any, even though it virtually swept KP It had fought a long battle to avert the members on women’s and minorities’ reserved seats ever since last year ’s general election but in the end the Supreme Court not only ruled against it, but had to intervene to ensure that the MPAs-elect took their oath by getting the Governor to take the oath, which he did on Sunday, so that voting could take place on Monday As there were no surprises and the PML(n) and PPP obtained only one Senator each, the party position in the Senate changed only marginally, with the ruling coalition remaining shy of the two-thirds majority need to amend the Constitution The reserved seats decision has allowed the coalition to obtain the requisite number of seats in the national Assembly but in the Senate it seems that the coalition is still dependent on the JUI(F), which now has seven Senate seats
The KP election was in the nature of a by-election, with members elected until March 2030 The present Senate party position is to remain the same until March 2027 That also means that unless they are dissolved, the current Assemblies will elect the new Senators The PTI must also get its house in order, and realize that Mr Gandapur apart from convenience was also working against the horse-trading the PTI dislikes so much
Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
M A Niazi Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami Editor Profit
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Ainspired leadership capable of projecting a strategic vision Instead they are mired in the muck of failed ideologies or imposed structures of governance Before anyone can speak of a transformed Middle East, two things must occur: Israel’s occupations and out-of-control brutal behaviour must be stopped, and new Arab leadership must emerge that can project a vision for the future that can inspire and transform the politics of Lebanon Syria and Palestine
This discussion of vision reminds me of a meeting I had a decade ago at my office with the leader of the Syrian national Coalition Our exchange was pleasant and yet unmemorable until he was leaving He paused at the doorway and turned to ask me “What is your long-term vision for the region from Iraq to Lebanon? And what do you see for us in the next three years? These are exactly the questions that should be asked and answered by leaders on all levels of government and civil society across the Middle East It is critically important to have a broad strategic vision of the future that embodies the values and aspirations of your people And it is equally important to be able to project how that vision can be implemented in the short term
My initial response was a bit flippant saying that looking 100 years down the road I can see an Arab boy from Amman marrying an Israeli girl from Tel Aviv and taking a job and settling down in the suburbs of Damascus I quickly added that what I meant was that I envisioned a region at peace with itself
with integrated societies economies and open borders (or no borders at all) allowing for the free movement of people and commerce
Given the bloody wars of the last several decades and continuing tumult and tension, such a vision might appear fanciful naysayers will go so far as to argue that it is not in the genetic makeup of either side to ever accept such a peace or integration But I m convinced they are wrong no group of people is uniquely indisposed to peace and integration and no people are immune from the inevitable pressures of history
In this regard, the Middle East is not exceptional It’s true that the region is plagued by war and upheaval but what region of the world hasn’t been so plagued? The same despair was once widespread across Europe That continent had for centuries been the setting for bloody conflicts pitting nations and sects against each other, culminating in the 20th century s two devastating world wars Who, in the midst of those horrors, could have imagined a Europe at peace with itself?
In the past few decades Europe formed an economic union and then ended a Cold War that had divided the continent Though still not a perfect union the profound and positive transformations that have occurred and are still unfolding across that once-tormented region are impossible to ignore
What is important is that, in the midst of conflict, people are given a vision of the future and the possibility of change precisely so that they do not surrender to despair Projecting such vision can inspire and motivate societies to move forward rejecting the paralysis that comes from feeling trapped by present-day realities By projecting a progressive vision of the future, leaders are also able to present a stark contrast between the idea of the world
A future vision based on values is impor tant. Fighting evil with evil, repression with repression, and fanaticism with fanaticism, are nowin propositions. New ideas matter and so do means by which to bring those ideas to life .
Kashmir: A blot on the world’s conscience
Ta test of justice self-determination and the credibility of the United nations For over seven decades the people of Kashmir have endured unimaginable suffering in their pursuit of freedom, identity, and dignity
This is a region where oppression, militarization, curfews, arbitrary arrests, media blackouts, internet shutdowns, the blinding of youth through pellet guns and the discovery of mass graves have become tragically routine On 5 August 2019 the Indian government unilaterally abrogated Articles 370 and 35A of the Indian Constitution, revoking the special constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir In doing so, the entire region was transformed into a militarized zone Internet and mobile networks were suspended newspapers and TV channels silenced mosques and educational institutions closed and thousands of youth detained Former chief ministers and political leaders were either placed under house arrest or imprisoned Since then, the Valley has witnessed an alarming erosion of fundamental rights, judicial independence and democratic values
Human rights organizations such as Amnesty International Human Rights Watch the Un Human Rights Council and the European Parliament have expressed grave concern over these developments However, these expressions have largely remained symbolic, without any tangible international action This inaction has emboldened India to escalate its oppressive policies In early 2025 tensions reached a new high when, on April 22, a deadly attack in Pahalgam (Anantnag District) claimed 26 lives, including pilgrims and civilians India swiftly blamed Pakistan and launched “Operation Sindoor” from May 6 to 9 targeting alleged terrorist hide-
the sake of national optics Political leaders like Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah have repeatedly asserted that peace in the Valley cannot be enforced through military might but can only be achieved by winning the hearts and minds of the people a goal that hinges on resolving the core issue of selfdetermination Despite India’s announcement of assembly elections and the installation of a puppet leadership to manufacture the illusion of normalcy the Valley remains under military siege Extrajudicial killings sexual violence media censorship and criminalization of dissent continue unabated On the diplomatic front, Pakistan has consistently raised the Kashmir issue at international forums including the Un, OIC, and the European Parliament Both the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan have reiterated that regional peace is impossible without a fair resolution to the Kashmir dispute yet, global powers particularly the USA and European nations remain reluctant to take a firm stand due to their strategic and economic ties with India Civil society groups and human rights activists do protest but institutions like the United nations merely pass resolutions offering no real enforcement or justice As of today Kashmir remains an open-air prison where fundamental human rights are suppressed Mosques are locked, religious schools are raided, journalists are silenced, and women are harassed not only religious minorities but the Muslim majority itself is subjected to systemic state oppression The Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) provides blanket immunity to Indian troops, enabling them to commit gross violations with impunity Soldiers can kill civilians without accountability, and legal redress re-
mains a distant dream for victims families
Politically, the Valley is now devoid of authentic leadership All prominent voices of the Hurriyat and nationalist camps are either imprisoned or under house arrest
This brings us to the most pressing question: What is the solution?
The only viable solution is to grant the people of Kashmir their right to self-determination in accordance with United nations resolutions An impartial transparent and internationally supervised referendum must be held allowing Kashmiris to decide whether they wish to join Pakistan India or remain independent
Until this right is fulfilled, the Kashmiri struggle for freedom will persist The world may remain silent, and India may spin narratives but the truth remains: Kashmir is a disputed territory under forcible occupation
It is imperative for every citizen of Pakistan to recognize that Kashmir is not just a border dispute It is our jugular vein, a humanitarian crisis, a matter of faith and civilizational identity
We must amplify the voice of Kashmir across all platforms from social media to international diplomacy from classrooms to conferences from newsrooms to the United nations
This is not the time for silence this is the time for action If we fail to stand with Kashmir today, history will not absolve us tomorrow Kashmir lived yesterday, lives today, and by the will of God, shall live forever The sacrifices of its people will not go in vain One day the sun of freedom shall rise over its valleys because the flames of truth sacrifice and liberty never die They illuminate the path no matter how dark the night may be The writer holds a doctorate in Islamic Studies
Revolutionar y tribute
dominance of a decaying empire you have shown that the empire is not invincible That it is run not by all-powerful strategists, but by bureaucrats and profiteers whose only loyalty is to their own enrichment your defiance has sent shockwaves through their institutions, revealing their corruption and fear Those who have long claimed to
The arms trade
In a bid to project normalcy, India resumed the Amarnath yatra 2025 deploying over 42 000
Dr MuhaMMaD Tayyab Khan Singhanvi
Pakistan’s Red Line
TH E shifting sands of Middle Eastern geopolitics have once again reaffirmed a cardinal truth of global affairs: in international relations there are no permanent friends or enemies only permanent interests The recent developments surrounding Syria s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, Israel s uncharacteristic overtures, and the West’s newfound willingness to normalize ties with Damascus reflect not a genuine diplomatic thaw but a calculated reengineering of strategic interests across the region
That the USA after having designated Sharaa as a former al-Qaeda commander and placing a $10 million bounty on his head would now lift sanctions and initiate normalization speaks volumes about the elastic morality of the realpolitik that governs today s world order
Sharaa s sudden rise as Syria s de facto leader following the toppling of Bashar alAssad in December 2024 is no isolated event It is part of a long-incubated game plan, driven by global actors aiming to redesign the Middle East along interest-based lines That Sharaa once imprisoned by the USA for his al-Qaeda links is now being courted by the very states that once hunted him, reveals the disturbing paradigm of good versus bad militants an expedient and dangerous classification routinely weaponized to advance geopolitical objectives Russia’s recent formal recognition of the Afghan Taliban only reinforces this view That a permanent Un Security Council member became the first to embrace a militant regime long deemed rogue shatters any remaining illusions that ideology holds more weight than strategic leverage In this context Israel’s repeated airstrikes in Syria after Assad’s fall and its ongoing back-channel dialogue with Sharaa through Azerbaijani mediation are not acts of moral recalibration but calculated efforts
to recalibrate regional alignments Israel s enduring aim remains to neutralize Iranian influence in Syria, disrupt Hezbollah s supply lines, and fortify its northern security perimeter In Sharaa despite his extremist past Israel finds a potentially pragmatic actor distanced from Iran and eager for international legitimacy The willingness to revisit the 1974 disengagement agreement and restore the Un-patrolled buffer zone in the Golan Heights underscores both sides intent to temporarily shelve historical hostilities for short-term strategic gain However rherein lies the deeper concern: fleeting normalization often offers a deceptive illusion of stability The long-term implications could prove deeply destabilizing Elevating a former militant commander to national leadership under the pretext of fostering peace may backfire dramatically if ideological undercurrents resurface or if Syria once again becomes a battleground for rival proxies Moreover such normalization sends an unsettling signal: in today s world power flows not from legitimacy or justice but from utility and alignment with hegemonic sponsors It undermines organic political processes and legitimizes militant leaders with checkered pasts projecting a dangerous message that anyone can be made “acceptable” if they conform to the needs of dominant powers Azerbaijan s central role in facilitating these indirect negotiations should not be underestimated As a strategic ally of Israel and a neighbor of Iran, Baku has emerged as a pivotal node in this evolving equation Hosting Syrian-Israeli contacts is not merely a diplomatic gesture it symbolically and strategically contributes to the geostrategic encirclement of Iran As Israel strengthens its military and diplomatic presence in the Caucasus, while simultaneously engaging Syria, Tehran finds itself squeezed from multiple fronts potentially provoking an aggressive counter-response that could further
destabilize the region On a global scale these developments epitomize the decline of ideology in foreign policy and the rise of pure transactionalism Washington s willingness to discard its own anti-terror rhetoric for the sake of repositioning in the Middle East, and Moscow s similar shift toward legitimizing the Taliban, underscore a growing tendency to prioritize immediate utility over long-held principles If the same militants once listed as international threats can be rebranded as legitimate leaders based on shifting alliances, the foundational rationale of the post-9/11 war on terror” collapses into contradiction and farce In this backdrop, Pakistan’s recent assertive stance against proxy warfare is not only timely it is imperative In a rare show of resolve both the military and political leadership have unequivocally committed to eliminating Indian-sponsored proxy networks responsible for destabilizing Balochistan and KP The Corps Commanders’ Conference held in July 2025 made this clear: there will be zero tolerance for terror outfits like TTP and BLA acting as Indian proxies Echoing this Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that after India s failures in direct conflict, it had intensified covert terror campaigns via proxies highlighting the broader
regional contest of narratives and influence This principled position long overdue sets Pakistan apart in a global environment increasingly tolerant of the weaponization of militancy While others embrace the utility of former insurgents for political purposes, Pakistan s rejection of proxy normalization aligns it with a rare moral clarity By drawing a red line against the co-optation of militants Islamabad sends a critical message: state legitimacy cannot and should not be bought through expedient alignments with those who thrive on violence and instability However, this principled stance must be institutionalized Pakistan must avoid the temptation of tactical mimicry and instead lead by example It must enhance its diplomatic outreach advocate for consistency in counterterrorism norms and collaborate with states that recognize the dangers of militant rebranding Engagements with forums like the Un, OIC, and SCO must be leveraged to foreground the hypocrisy of global powers who shift their stance based on short-term interests Pakistan’s policies must be anchored in constitutional law and global consensus not the shifting winds of strategic fashion As the international order undergoes rapid reconfiguration, Syria, Afghanistan, and the broader Caucasus are becoming laboratories
T h e r i s e a n d r i s k s o f s t a b l e c o i n s
Lsupport A third related law going through Congress the Clarity Act is int
crypto industry There is an unholy alliance behind the US crypto push melding strategic interest in growing an industry where the US leads with a desire to attract global money flows lower government funding costs and boost a number of get-rich-quick schemes including by the Trump family itself The digitisation of money cannot be avoided But we have seen time and again how financial innovation, when left to its own devices, can leave wreckage in its wake The US has chosen its course; other countries would do well to weigh other options
worst means to distribute political power Each vote does count, however unsatisfactorily under Westminster ’s electoral system – except when people are denied one For too long those missing out have included 16- and 17-year olds These teenagers are old enough to work, pay tax, join the army and
THE EDITORIAL BOARD Wa l
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China hopes upcoming China-EU summit to deepen bilateral cooperation
The upcoming 25th China-European Union Summit will help enhance bilateral strategic communication and deepen dialogue and cooperation, which will serve the interests of both sides and the world at large said the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Tuesday Guo Jiakun a spokesperson for the ministry stressed the significance of the summit against the backdrop of growing turbulence in the international landscape and rising unilateralism and protectionism President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen will visit China for the summit in Beijing on Thursday The summit coincides with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the EU and the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations
Over the past 50 years, China and the EU have seen their ties
spokesperson said He said China-EU relations are at a critical juncture building on past achievements and opening a new chapter and are confronted with both new opportunities and challenges China stands ready to work with the EU to secure a successful summit that sends a positive message to the world about the two sides joint commitment to a stronger partnership and to upholding multilateralism, openness and cooperation, said Guo I S R A E L K I L LS 3 5 I N G A Z A ,
Atomic Energy Organisation is “trying to evaluate what has exactly happened to our nuclear material to our enriched material” Washington bombed three nuclear facilities in Iran on June 22 to support Israel s 12-day military offensive including the Fordow underground uranium enrichment site located south of Tehran US President Donald Trump has repeatedly called the strikes a success that “completely destroyed” the sites, lashing out at media reports citing intelligence findings of more conservative assessments Iran denies it is seeking nuclear weapons and says its programme is for civilian purposes only A US intelligence assessment found that Iran was not actively pursuing a nuclear weapon programme and was years away from producing one” Araghchi, while saying there was no military solution to the dispute over Iran’s programme told Fox News that “yes facilities have been destroyed They are severely destroyed But the technology is there our nuclear programme our enrichment programme, is not something imported from outside that can be destroyed by bombings, he said Trump welcomed Araghchi’s comments in a post on his Truth Social platform on Monday “Just like I said and we will do it again if necessary!” posted the US president Araghchi s remarks come as Tehran is set to hold new talks on its nuclear programme with Germany France and the United Kingdom on Friday in Istanbul Regarding negotiations with the United States to deescalate regional tension, Araghchi said “we are open to talks” but “not direct for the time being” “We are ready to do any confidence-building measure needed to prove that Iran s nuclear programme is peaceful in exchange for lifted US sanctions he added The foreign minister also confirmed that Iran would continue to develop and manufacture missiles
growing into one of the most influential bilateral relations in the world said Guo Bilateral cooperation has yielded fruitful results which boost the development and progress of both sides, deliver tangible benefits to the nearly two billion people of China and the EU and make a significant contribution to global peace and development This cooperation sets an example of mutually beneficial cooperation in the era of economic globalization, the
India to retire MiG-21 fighter jets permanently after six dec ades of ser vice
NEW DELHI ag e n c i e s The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially decided to retire its last remaining MiG-21 fighter jet on September 19 marking the end of an era for the aircraft that served the country for over six decades Indian media reports confirm that with the retirement of this final aircraft the MiG-21 fleet active since 1963 will become part of military history Over 62 years of service the MiG-21 participated in multiple key conflicts
However the aircraft also developed a reputation for frequent crashes Out of 876 MiG-21s inducted into service, around 490 have crashed, resulting in the deaths of more than 170 pilots The jets became infamous for their instability often described as falling like autumn leaves shortly after takeoff The retirement ceremony is scheduled to take place at Chandigarh Air Base, the same base where the first six MiG-21s arrived in April 1963 Initially brought in an unassembled state
from the Soviet Union to Mumbai, these jets were assembled by Soviet engineers and test-flown by Soviet pilots before being inducted into the IAF under the banner of The First Supersonics Squadron Currently, the IAF operates two MiG-21 squadrons, and their retirement will reduce the total number of combat squadrons to 29 one of the lowest in decades As per Indian defense policy the IAF requires at least 42 squadrons to prepare for a potential twofront conflict with Pakistan and China, with each squadron comprising 16–18 aircraft Meanwhile delays in the induction of the Tejas Mark-1A the aircraft meant to replace the MiG21 are compounding the IAF s challenges The first batch of Tejas jets was expected by March 2024, with a minimum of 16 aircraft to be delivered annually However not a single Tejas Mark1A has been delivered so far This delay poses a significant challenge to India s efforts to modernize its aging combat fleet amidst growing regional security threats
Trump pulls US out of UN cultural agenc y
she said French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on X: “Unwavering support for Unesco, universal protector of science, the ocean education culture and world heritage The withdrawal of the United States will not weaken our commitment to those who are fighting this battle Unesco was one of
s creative and strategic excellence has been recognized through numerous accolades
CCPO stresses closer police, CCD coordination for operational efficiency LAHORE s ta f f r e p o r t A meeting was held at the Capital City Police Headquarters under the chair of Capital City Police Officer Bilal Siddique Kamyana to review the overall law and order situation and policing matters Deputy Inspector General (Crime Control Department) Waqasul Hassan briefed the participants on important traced cases The meeting also took a review of inter-wing coordination mechanism and the CCPO underscored the need for seamless information-sharing between district police units and the Crime Control Department for operational efficiency "Timely redressal of public complaints requires a united front," said Bilal Siddique Kamyana "By improving communication and fostering closer coordination we can ensure more effective crime prevention and control Our goal was to build a crime-free society through joint efforts He also directed the officers to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and public service in the discharge of their duties to ensure meaningful relief to the public The meeting was attended by DIG (Admin) Imran Kishwar DIG (Investigation) Zeeshan Raza SSP (Investigation) Muhammad Naveed SP (CCD-I) Shahmeer Khalid and SP (CCD-II) Abdul Hanan
Dedic ated force constituted to combat menace
zero-tolerance policy against drugs is now in effect across the province She reaffirmed the government s commitment to making Punjab drug-free adding that every possible step is being taken to protect the youth from falling into the trap of substance abuse Earlier, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz launched the Punjab Counter-Narcotics Force in a ceremony vowing zero tolerance against drug dealers and committing to erad-
icate narcotics from the province
The CM emphasized that drug dealers have no place in Punjab and the government will adopt an aggressive approach to eliminate drugs from educational institutions and society at large
The event saw CM Maryam Nawaz as the chief guest present the Counter-Narcotics Force’s flag to an officer followed by an inspection of the force s parade
Speaking to attendees, she praised the establishment of the force in a short period, underlining its importance in the province’s fight against drug-related crime
The CM stated Eradicating drugs is crucial for securing the future of our youth and we will soon make Punjab drug-free
In addition, the CM highlighted the creation of the Crimes Control Department within the police which has already led to a notable decline in crime rates
She also announced plans for an anti-encroachment force to address the rising issue of illegal land occupation in the province, signaling a broader effort to improve law and order
Exper ts brainstorm workshop on ways to save sight of premature babies
LAHORE s ta f f r e p o r t
The College of Ophthalmology and Allied Vision Sciences (COAVS) in collaboration with the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) organized a daylong training and awareness workshop The theme of the workshop was "Retinopathy of Prematureity (ROP), the role of neonatologist in preserving the vision of premature infants Numbers of experts attended the training workshop at Asad Aslam Auditorium of COAVS In this workshop Neonatologists, pediatricians, ophthalmologists, gynecologist and Ophthalmic nurses participated from 13 teaching hospitals across the Punjab Experts said that ROP is a dangerous disease that occurs due to abnormal development of retina in prematures If not diagnosed and treated in time, it can cause complete blindness
Prof Dr Muhammad Moin, Principal COAVS, clarified that the survival rate of premature babies has increased thanks to modern
medical facilities, but as a result, diseases like ROP are coming to light rapidly “Timely diagnosis and treatment is possible but for the coordinated support of neonatologists ophthalmologists and parents is indispensable, he stressed, adding that neonatologists are the first and most effective professional forces to protect the sight of prematures Professor Emeritis Dr Asad Aslam Khan said that retinopathy of prematurity is an emerging challenge of an international level A policy on timely eye screening in
the premature babies is the need of the hour as timely checkup of the premature can become a light for a lifetime he emphasized Prof Dr Haroon Hamid Chairman, Department of Pediatrics and CEO Mayo Hospital, said that an integrated referral system has established in Mayo Hospital to protect the vision of premature babies We together with the Punjab government and other
PAKISTANI, SAUDI NAVAL CHIEFS VOW TO FURTHER STRENGTHEN, DIVERSIF Y BIL ATERAL DEFENCE REL ATIONSHIP
’s visit would further enhance bilateral defense collaboration between the two countries
PTI announces rally at Minar- e-Pakistan as Barrister Gohar rules out fur ther negotiations
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced a public rally at Minar-e-Pakistan on August 5, aimed at demanding the release of party founder Imran Khan PTI Lahore President Sheikh Imtiaz Mahmood has formally submitted a request to the Deputy Commissioner for permission to hold the event from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM, with participation from PTI leadership and provincial assembly members The party has requested that the rally be held at Minar-e-Pakistan but has also expressed openness to alternative venues if required In a related development, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar, during a media interaction on Tuesday declared that the time for negotiations was over and emphasized that the party would follow Imran Khan s instructions moving forward Gohar explained that the recent Senate elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were conducted
smoothly with PTI finalizing its candidates ahead of time He acknowledged that PTI had hoped for a higher seat count, but six seats were still seen as a positive result
Responding to criticism over individuals who held press conferences after May 9 Gohar defended Mirza Afridi asserting that Afridi had consistently aligned with PTI s narrative and had not spoken against the party He stressed that it was time to end political victimization claiming that two years had passed since the controversy
Gohar also mentioned that political dialogue should now focus on PTI s priorities and emphasized that PTI would not expel anyone, as those leaving the party would do so voluntarily On the issue of meetings with Imran Khan Barrister Gohar expressed frustration over the violation of court orders that allowed visits to the imprisoned PTI leader He confirmed that the last meetings took place through Barrister Saif and his sisters but the meetings had raised doubts
s ta f f r e p o r t
Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Tuesday emphasized that climate change was no longer a looming threat but a terrifying reality that has already begun to severely impact vulnerable nations like Pakistan Speaking at an event titled “From Planning to PRACTICE: Ad-
