PM FOR END TO INSTITUTIONAL ‘HURDLES, BOTTLENECKS’ TO LET FBR REFORMS BEAR FRUIT
N A u n a n i m o u s l y r e j e c t s I n d i a ’s i l l e g a l
K a s h m i r m ove o n Yo u m - e - I s t e h s a l
The National Assembly of Pakistan has unanimously adopted a resolution condemning India s controversial actions of August 5 2019 in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), marking Youm-e-Istehsal
The resolution, presented by Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Senator Amir Muqam rejects India s unilateral revocation of Articles 370 and 35A of the Indian Constitution, which had granted special status to the region
“The Indian actions are a blatant violation of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions and international law the resolution stated, passing without any opposi-
tion in the House Lawmakers also paid tribute to the courage and sacrifices of the Kashmiri people reaffirming Pakistan s steadfast support for their right to self-determination
The resolution also strongly condemned the use of force unlawful detentions and suppression of Kashmiri voices urging the immediate release of all political prisoners in IIOJK
The House strongly condemns these actions and calls for the immediate release of all political prisoners ” it read Senator Amir Muqam speaking on the floor condemned India s continued military presence and oppressive actions in Kashmir, accusing the Indian government of attempting demographic engineering by altering the region’s Muslimmajority status India has martyred thousands
of Kashmiri youth turned children into orphans and women into widows Despite all this the passion for Pakistan remains alive in the hearts of Kashmiris, he said The minister further emphasized that India’s revocation of Kashmir ’s special status not only violates UNSC resolutions but also breaches fundamental moral and democratic principles
He urged the international community to take urgent action to address the grave human rights situation in the region and to pressure India to allow independent observers and human rights organizations into IIOJK
The resolution calls for the resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people as outlined in UNSC resolutions
Ineligible individuals to face stricter restrictions in car, property transactions
during a public hearing on distribution companies’ (Discos) petition for the fourth-quarter tariff adjustment (QTA) for the previous fiscal year According to officials better performance by Discos saved around Rs200 billion, with other measures contributing to further reductions However, industrialists have ex-
pressed concerns that the relief may be temporary, accusing the government of relying on bank loans to reduce arrears Power Division officials stated that an additional Rs1
lion is being raised from banks to further cut the circular debt but they emphasized that this borrowing would not necessitate a separate surcharge for repayment The hearing also highlighted discrepancies between official data showing a 49% rise in industrial power consumption and industry claims of factory shutdowns Nepra Member Maqsood Anwar questioned, If industries are consuming more power, why are they claiming closures?” Officials clarified that several power plants and the Neelum-Jhelum hydropower project were offline yet industrial consumption grew as industries shifted from captive power
the Prime Minister ’s Office (PMO) on Tuesday The FBR provisionally collected over Rs754 billion in July 2025 surpassing the assigned target of Rs748 billion, achieving 100 9% of the target Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who chaired the meeting, expressed satisfaction with the increase in the tax-to-GDP ratio, attributing this success to reforms implemented within the FBR “The federal government and I personally will fully support and safeguard the reform measures taken by the authorities he said PM Shehbaz emphasized the need for consistent implementation of reforms by eliminating red tape and institutional barriers He directed that to sustain the gains
in tax collection for the ongoing fiscal year, the federation and provinces must work together with an integrated strategy The Prime Minister also urged FBR authorities to formulate a strategy in consultation with federal agencies and provincial governments to further improve the taxto-GDP ratio He emphasized that efficient implementation of already levied taxes would be crucial for increasing tax collection PM Shehbaz further instructed that FBR and customs clearance departments collaborate with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to enhance public awareness about the reformed system
The meeting also highlighted that on the special directive of the Prime Minister the income tax return form has been made available online in Urdu This new system is expected to benefit approximately 84% of filers
Additionally, it was reported that the establishment of digital enforcement stations for customs clearance is underway as a priority and the full implementation of the Centralized Assessment Unit (CAU) and faceless customs system will enhance efficiency and transparency in customs clearance processes
Port’s capacity by introducing new shipping lines and launching a ferry service connecting Pakistan with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry highlighted that the initiative aims to position Gwadar as a central hub in the Arabian Sea, enhancing regional connectivity, maritime trade, and economic development The LoI signed by Yi Jiang of Xinning Enterprise and received by Umer Zaffar Shaikh Additional Secre-
tary of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, includes plans for a range of ventures These include developing Gwadar as a regional transshipment center launching new industrial projects optimizing existing facilities within the Gwadar Free Zone and relocating industries Chairman of Gwadar Port Authority, Noor-ul-Haq Baloch, joined the event via Zoom Both parties discussed ways to enhance the performance of Gwadar Port and committed to adhering to Pakistan’s legal and regulatory framework for port operations They also agreed to continue discussions to identify investment opportunities finalize operational details and establish mechanisms for cooperation
Chaudhry reaffirmed the government s commitment to transforming Gwadar into a global maritime gateway and an industrial powerhouse He emphasized that partnerships with reputable international enterprises would accelerate Pakistan’s maritime and economic goals Additionally the government recently approved its first-ever ferry service licence to the international operator Sea Keepers which will connect Pakistan to GCC countries The new ferry service is expected to serve hundreds of thousands
Balochistan mandated to operate flights from Quetta to Iran, Iraq for Arbaeen pilgrims: Kh Asif
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01 The
COMMENT
The revelation of overbilling by LESCO leads to calls for other DISCOs to be checked
IT took the Prime Minister to order a probe into what was an open and badly kept secret: that there was rampant overbilling by LESCO, which was using this method to make up for electricity theft, almost entirely with the connivance of its officials That probe found that not only was there overbilling, but the overbilled consumers then faced punitive action on the basis of these bills There had been numerous attempts to remedy this situation, including taking a snapshot at the time of meterreading and including this in the bill The only problem was that these photos were illegible according to an investigation ordered by the National Electric Power regulatory Authority itself A subsequent probe by the Power Division itself had revealed even more overbilling with the result that NEPrA had arranged a return of the overbilled amounts to the consumers This sorry tale came to light as NEPrA when it held a meeting to consider a DISCO request for a tariff cut of rs 1 80 per unit to refund consumers rs 53 4 billion because of savings in capacity payments in the quarter just concluded The LESCO overbilling finding and the subsequent action against LESCO officials was disclosed by the Additional Secretary Power to the meeting This naturally raises the question of what is happening in the other distribution companies It cannot be stressed too much that overbilling is integral to corruption in all DISCOs and if overbilling is stopped the consumer will be protected from the direct effects of the corruption which has led to DISCO officials being perceived as among the most corrupt of government officials There will then remain the awarding of contracts and acquisition of equipment which are highly lucrative However the consumers pay only indirectly in the shape of inefficient and inadequate service so it is not as bad In the power sector this is the government’s next frontier Overbilling is a scourge which not only creates pathways for corruption but is also unfair for it means that honest consumers or at least those too scared to steal or default have to pay for power used by the thieves It should also be considered what role is played by giving free electricity for those getting it will not see overbilling as a problem since they do not have to pay the penalty
Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
M A Niazi Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami Editor Profit
Ou r understanding of an historical event’s meaning is a function of two factors The first is what we choose to identify as the starting point leading up to the event The second is the lens through which we view it This should be obvious, but unfortunately it is not, and the failure to acknowledge or understand it has consequences in everything from public policy to personal relationships This truth can be ignored due to thoughtlessness blindness to one s biases or just plain ignorance On some occasions there can be malign intent including efforts to deliberately hide what one knows to be an event s antecedents for political or personal reasons
Before examining the issue that prompted this column, I want to share an example The comedian Dick Gregory once noted that despite what we were taught in school Columbus didn t discover America because it wasn t lost His point seems simple enough but upon closer examination it reveals deeper truths Columbus discovered America erases the history, civilization, and contributions of the indigenous groups who populated the lands that Europeans came to call the New World Even the term “New World” was a thinly veiled masking of their imperial self-understanding and intent We discovered these lands and they are ours to take name and exploit The American history we were taught was an extension of European history It began with Columbus Then moved to the Spanish, British, and French colonialists, culminating in the revolutionary War and the birth of the united States The native peoples were treated as bit players in the unfolding story at times a footnote at others an inconvenient obstacle
This story of American history results from choosing Columbus as the starting point and using a lens so Euro-centric that it only sees the indigenous peoples who populated this land as less than human and therefore less deserving of defining their own history or even remaining on their land
Migration as adaptation
change cut across regions and sectors, coordination among federal, provincial, and district levels becomes increasingly important From this point on mechanisms that promote joint planning and shared data systems can help ensure that policies are coherent and inclusive For example, inter-governmental platforms involving the Ministry of Climate Change, disaster management authorities, and planning departments could enhance communication and streamline interventions
They were removed and/or massacred their humanity was ignored and their treatment was justified because they were of less worth than the Europeans who displaced them
This reflection was prompted by the way Israel’s war on Gaza continues to be reported in the press and discussed in policy circles uS reporters appear to be required to include a line in their stories that reads The hostilities began on 7 October 2023 when Hamas militants attacked Israel killing 1 200 and taking 250 hostages It isn t accidental that this line (or something very close to it) occurs in almost every uS print story We all must agree that what happened on October 7 was traumatic for Israelis It was a shock that their security was breached and that some horrible and condemnable atrocities were committed by Hamas and others who joined in their attacks But history didn t begin or end on October 7 recall that just a few weeks before the Hamas attack, President Biden’s National Security Advisor noted that the Middle East was the calmest it had been in years This statement gave short shrift to the Palestinian reality and made clear the biased lens through which he saw the region He was ignoring Israel s continued economic strangulation of Gaza (which made Palestinians increasingly dependent on Israel or Hamas for their livelihood) and the growing threat of settler violence settlement expansion and land confiscations in the West Bank and East Jerusalem A few
is inclusive, planned, and resilient Climate migration, far from being an inevitable tragedy, can be addressed through proactive governance and policy foresight With the right institutions regulations and coordination in place migration can become a legitimate adaptation strategy rather than a source of distress
Globally, the World Bank projects that more than 216 million people may be displaced internally due to climate impacts by 2050 Pakistan, with its diverse geography and
vulnerability finds itself in the direct path of this
In districts such as Tharparkar prolonged drought has pushed families toward urban centres or more fertile regions, reshaping demographic and economic patterns Similarly, in coastal Sindh, rising sea levels and the degradation of mangrove ecosystems are compelling communities to abandon ancestral homes These movements while often necessary bring to light new planning and service delivery challenges in areas receiving these populations
It is encouraging to note that Pakistan has already laid important groundwork through policy instruments like the Climate Change Act of 2017 and the National Climate Change Policy These initiatives reflect a clear recognition of environmental threats and a desire to act decisively From here onward there is an opportunity to expand this commitment by developing responses that directly consider climate-induced migration as an integral part of adaptation strategy
A promising direction could be the formulation of a national policy framework specifically addressing climate migration Such a framework can help define the rights and responsibilities of climate-displaced persons, establish durable solutions, and provide administrative clarity to agencies involved Embedding migration considerations into the National Adaptation Plan would further help align resources strategies and programme design to evolving population dynamics Additionally, as the effects of climate
Enhancing local government capacity is equally vital In regions experiencing population shifts due to environmental stress better data collection, participatory planning, and early warning systems can lead to quicker and more targeted responses Projects supported by international organizations have demonstrated how capacity building can empower local institutions to monitor climate impacts and develop relevant solutions Expanding such efforts will be beneficial as climate variability continues to influence livelihoods and settlement patterns At the same time, attention must be given to reducing the need for involuntary migration through rural resilience investments Initiatives such as the Living Indus platform already provide a model for integrating ecosystem restoration with climate planning By supporting infrastructure development, sustainable agriculture, and water management in climate-sensitive areas, it is possible to make communities more capable of withstanding shocks and less likely to relocate under distress urban areas also have an important role to
Peacemaking requires that an effor t be made to rise above false narratives, self-ser ving star ting points and the biased perceptions of one or another side . ThatÊs not „what-aboutism‰ itÊs leadership. And itÊs been sorely lacking in the USA.
play in this evolving landscape Cities often become the destination for climate migrants, and their ability to absorb new populations depends on how inclusive and forward-looking their planning systems are From here on city governance that incorporates migrant needs into housing, public services, and employment strategies can transform challenges into opportunities for growth and cohesion
Financial resources will be central to these efforts Pakistan has received significant international pledges in support of its climate resilience agenda Ensuring that these funds are channelled through transparent accountable and well-coordinated systems will help enhance their impact Linking climate finance to frameworks that recognize the human dimension of climate change including migration will create more sustainable and equitable outcomes
The road ahead is complex but also filled with potential Climate migration is a multifaceted issue, shaped by environmental, economic, and social factors Governance, therefore, must be equally multifaceted; inclusive, adaptive, and responsive With a concerted focus on planning, institutional strengthening and community engagement Pakistan can shape a model of climate resilience that not only addresses displacement but also builds the foundation for long-term sustainability
The writer is Assistant Chief of Policy at the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) and can be reached at usamaabdulrauf@pide org pk
Climate migration is a multifaceted issue, shaped by environmental, economic, and social factors. Governance, therefore, must be equally multifaceted; inclusive, adaptive, and responsive . With a concer ted focus on planning, institutional strengthening, and community engagement, Pakistan can shape a model of climate resilience that not only addresses displacement, but also builds the foundation for long-term sustainability.
Revolutionar y tribute
system they vowed to dismantle But you, standing alone against the weight of the establishment, have done more to weaken American imperialism than any so-called leftist movement of the modern era You have withdrawn from foreign entanglements, exposed the warmongers for their true nature, and forced the world to question the 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 fight
Russia’s African play
Medvedev s appeal was laced with references to ideologues of neocolonialism and equal partnerships Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has echoed similar lines, accusing the West of economic exploitation
Such rhetoric has struck a chord with leaders disenchanted with the asymmetries of the Western-led order
And yet to accept Russia as a liberating force in Africa demands a suspension of disbelief
If neocolonialism is defined as the economic dominion of sovereign nations under the guise of cooperation then Russia’s actions warrant scrutiny as much as those of the West Moscow s military ties in Africa are expanding rapidly Wagner mercenaries in the Central African Republic and Mali, arms deals across the continent, and intelligence-sharing agreements with autocratic regimes These arrangements often lack transparency and accountability Russian partnerships while devoid of the moral posturing typical of Western democracies are far from altruistic The idea of a multipolar world (an appealing concept to postcolonial states) is increasingly used as a diplomatic euphemism for alignment with non-Western power centres Yet the benefits of such partnerships remain uneven In Mali and Burkina Faso Russian support has coincided with growing repression and shrinking civic space While the Kremlin promises respect for sovereignty,” it often gravitates toward regimes that muzzle opposition and rely on coercion not consent This isn t to say that African countries are mere pawns in a great power game Quite the contrary they are navigating a world of constrained choices, reshaping their foreign policy around a strategic mix of Chinese investment Russian arms Gulf state capital and Western aid
of Western sanctions and isolation following its invasion of Ukraine, has cleverly tapped into this sentiment
RAND’s research team mapped out two paths the U S can take to blunt the leverage that kind of market dominance gives China It can try to break China s grip on the market outright That would mean investing in finding, mining, and refining new deposits of rare earths and other critical materials, at home and abroad Around 120 million tons of rare earth reserves are thought to exist around the world and most of them are not in China Just this year Sweden announced that it had found a deposit of potentially 1 million tons in its far north It described the discovery as the beginning of the end of China s market dominance, illustrating how important it will be to rely on allies, partners, and other countries
At the same time, though, the U S should also brace for the possibility of a supply disruption from a diplomatic break with China perhaps but also from an unexpected shock like COVID-19 That would mean increasing how long companies can survive without Chinese inputs through stockpiles, for example and reducing how long it takes them to get back up and running afterward
None of those options are cheap or easy Starting up a new mine and processing facility can cost up to $1 billion and take more than a decade Scientists have developed more environmentally friendly ways to separate and process rare earths but there will still be impacts that need to be addressed And while China has entire labs devoted to rare earth mining and processing, the U S now has only a handful of scientists who truly focus on rare earths “These materials have become essential to our everyday lives ” said Jonathan Brosmer an associate physical scientist at RAND U S policymakers really need to find ways to incentivize either domestic or partner nation capabilities to meet our future demand Processing rare earths and other critical materials not just digging them out of the ground is the real bottleneck If every proposed processing plant outside of
Sikkim State plans to open the Dong Lang (Doklam) area and the Zhuo La (Cho La) Pass to tourists in late September even developing them into battlefield tourism attractions According to reports, in the initial phase, only 30 vehicles will be allowed to visit these sites daily, with a possible increase to 50 in the future Currently Sikkim State authorities are reportedly working with the Indian military to build tourism infrastructure in the area A travel magazine described the move as a significant shift in how India protects and showcases its military heritage, claiming that India, China, Bhutan strategic crossroads to become new frontier for patriotic travel ” This initiative is part of India’s so-called “battlefield tourism” project aimed at “promoting battlefield tourism in areas where India s military history was shaped Previous Indian media coverage also mentioned plans to develop tourism in the Galwan Valley It is not difficult to see that many of the sites India has chosen for such tourism projects are regions that have seen recent military friction with countries like China and Pakistan - some of which still remain unstable India’s rush to advance “battlefield tourism” in these areas raises questions: is the real goal economic development or reinforcing de facto control over the so-called disputed regions ? Such activities carry multiple risks Take the Dong Lang area as an example Dong Lang is China’s inherent territory and has no direct connection with India In 2017 Indian troops illegally crossed the border from the Bhutanese side leading to a military standoff between China and India Since then India has persistently promoted the false narrative that Dong Lang belongs to the boundary tri-junction Apparently, India is planning tourism routes near Dong Lang, which was referred in Indian media as “Sikkim’s Doklam region ” This not only spreads misinformation among the Indian public distorts history but also undermines the foundation of mutual trust between the two countries Second tourists are typically less organized These regions are located at high altitudes, with some mountain passes rarely visited by people If not properly managed, civil incidents could easily lead to misjudgments or even friction and conflict between the two countries and their militaries Third border areas often see relatively active smuggling and intelligence-gathering activities How India ensures that such illegal actions do not travel with the
M A HossAin
I
a new development paradigm according to the meeting The 15th Five-Year Plan is considered a crucial step as China is using a three-plan period that includes the 14th, 15th and 16th Five-Year Plans to “basically realize socialist modernization” by 2035, a goal set by the 20th National Congress of the CPC in 2022 The development of new quality produc-
tive forces a key driver for high-quality growth is expected to be a priority during the 15th Five-Year Plan
At the April symposium, Xi highlighted the strategic importance of developing new quality productive forces tailored to local conditions in 2026-2030 adding that China’s development will be driven by technological innovation with the real economy being the foundation
He called for comprehensively advancing the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries, actively developing emerging industries, and proactively laying the groundwork for future industries to accelerate the construction of a modern industrial system Xi also stressed the importance of improving the national innovation system through stimulating the vitality of various innovation entities and zeroing in on global scientific and technological frontiers
He urged a continuous push to strengthen basic research and boost original innovation as well as making key breakthroughs in core and frontier technologies Solid foundational and strategic support for new quality productive forces depends on the coordinated integration of education, technology and talent noted Xi The drafting of the 15th Five-Year Plan follows a long-established CPC tradition: conducting in-depth
Pak istan pledges unwavering suppor t for Kashmir, vows to expose Indian atrocities: Tarar
s k Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar stated on Tuesday that Pakistan would persist in its efforts to advocate for the Kashmiris’ rights exposing the human rights violations committed by Indian Armed Forces in Kashmir
Addressing the participants of the Kashmir Youm-e-Istehsal rally, Tarar reiterated Pakistan s commitment to the Kashmir cause, emphasizing the country’s moral political and diplomatic support for the Kashmiri people until their goal of freedom is achieved
The Kashmiris are not alone in their struggle; the state and people of Pakistan
stand firmly by their side, Tarar affirmed
He highlighted that August 5 marked a dark chapter in history as India’s actions on this day in 2019 when it revoked Article 370 and 35A stripped Kashmiris of their fundamental rights furthering the illegal occupation of the region
The minister underlined that the bond between Pakistan and Kashmiris is eternal, impervious to any Indian efforts to break it He pointed out that the bodies of martyred Kashmiris including youth icon Burhan Wani were draped in Pakistan s flag symbolizing the deep affection and solidarity the Kashmiri people have for Pakistan Tarar condemned India’s ongoing atrocities in Kashmir, which have been especially rampant since August 5 2019 He referred to India s military aggression and
Turkiye confers highest militar y award on Pakistan’s naval chief for maritime cooperation ISLAMABAD N e w s D e s k Admiral Naveed Ashraf Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) of Pakistan was honored with the Legion of Merit of the Turkish Armed Forces Turkiye s highest military distinction, for his significant contributions to strengthening defense and maritime cooperation between the two nations The prestigious award was presented by Admiral Ercument Tatlioglu, the Commander of the Turkish Navy during a ceremony held at the headquarters of the Turkish Naval Forces The Pakistan Navy highlighted Admiral Ashraf s pivotal role in fostering stronger ties between Pakistan and Turkiye, particularly in the maritime and defense sectors This collaboration has included joint military exercises, personnel exchanges, and shared efforts to enhance regional security During his official visit Admiral Ashraf met with senior Turkish defense officials including Defence Minister Yasar Güler Chief of General Staff Metin Gurak and Admiral Kadir Yildiz, Commander of the Turkish Navy Fleet Discussions centered on deepening bilateral defense cooperation, with a focus on enhancing joint training programs collaborative defense initiatives and addressing regional maritime security challenges Admiral Ashraf also visited the Istanbul Naval Shipyard where he was briefed on the ongoing Milgem project
the subsequent response by Pakistan s armed forces, asserting that when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attempted to assert control over Kashmir Pakistan’s military delivered a befitting response He added that India was not only defeated militarily but also humiliated diplomatically and in the realm of public opinion The minister further expressed that Pakistan’s success in the Ma’arka-e-Haq (Battle for Truth) had bolstered the morale of the Kashmiri masses He praised Pakistan s Armed Forces for dismantling India s military pride, citing the downing of Indian warplanes as a significant victory Tarar also commended Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan Engineer Amir Muqam for his efforts in
Israeli c abinet may order complete G aza takeover: repor t
TEL AVIV AGENCIES
Israel’s cabinet could authorise on Tuesday a complete military takeover of Gaza for the first time in two decades media reported despite international pressure for a ceasefire to ease appalling conditions in the besieged Palestinian territory
Israel has been facing growing international criticism over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and experts already declaring its actions in Gaza as a “genocide” which Tel Aviv rejects Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is leaning towards an expanded offensive and taking control of the entire enclave after 22 months of offensive against Hamas, Israeli Channel 12 reported
A senior Israeli source told Reuters on Monday that more force was an option following the collapse of indirect ceasefire talks with Hamas Seizing the entire territory would reverse a 2005 decisin by Israel to pull settlers and military out of Gaza while retaining control over its borders a move right-wing parties blame for Hamas gaining power there It was unclear, however, whether a potential full takeover of Gaza would entail a prolonged occupation or a short-term operation aimed at dismantling Hamas and freeing hostages
Israel’s coalition government is regarded as one of the
most right-wing in its history, with the cabinet including parties that seek to annexe both Gaza and the West Bank and encourage Palestinians to leave their homeland
The country s military has throughout the conflict pushed back against the idea of Israel trying to fully occupy Gaza and establish military rule there, which would require it to take over long-term governance
The military has also struggled with manpower issues as the offensive has dragged on with reservists being repeatedly called up and putting a strain on capabilities Israel s military campaign has
has forced nearly all of Gaza s over 2 million people from their homes and caused what a global hunger monitor called last week an unfolding famine That has caused widespread international anger and prompted several European countries to say they would recognise a Palestinian state next month if there was no ceasefire Inside Gaza on Tuesday Israeli gunfire and strikes killed
Over 1,000 K ashmiris mar tyred in IIOJK since August 2019, repor t shows
SRINAGAR N e w s D e s k
A report released by the Research Section of Kashmir Media Service on Tuesday revealed that 1,030 Kashmiris, including 21 women and 44 children have been martyred since India revoked Articles 370 and 35A on August 5 2019 This move by the Indian government which stripped Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) of its special status, led to an escalation of military repression and human rights violations in the region According to the report the killings of these 1 030 individuals include 274 who died in fake encounters or under police custody among them senior leaders of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), such as Muhammad Ashraf Sehrai, Altaf Ahmed Shah, and Ghulam Muhammad Butt The report also highlighted that at least 2 551 people were critically injured due to the excessive use of force by Indian security forces which included bullet, pellet, and teargas fire on peaceful protestors and mourners The report stressed that India’s brutal actions since the revocation of Kashmir ’s special status in 2019 have surpassed the atrocities committed in earlier years including those recorded in 2011 2012 and 2013 It further detailed that many of the young victims were arrested from their homes and later killed under the false charge of being resistance fighters Thousands of Kashmiris have been detained under draconian laws such as the Public Safety Act (PSA) and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) Additionally the report stated that over 1 165 houses and properties were destroyed and 137 women were molested by Indian forces The total number of arrests has crossed 29,565, including women and children, in 22 385 cordon and search operations This has created a terrifying atmosphere of fear with Kashmir now resembling an open-air prison the report added The report condemned India s continuing attempts to alter the Muslim-majority demographic of Kashmir It emphasized that the
ISLAMABAD
Services Wing The session was attended by Mr Shams-ulHaq Durrani (SSP/Director Special Initiatives ICTP) Mr Safdar Abbad (DSP) & Mashooque Ali Dahri (Chief LawInspector) and police officers/officials During the session, Mr Zafar Iqbal Khan gave a comprehensive presentation on the tax structure and overall working of FBR He highlighted the various measures beingtaken by FBR to enhance the transparency and efficiency of the revenue collecting system At the end of seminar a detailed Q&A session was conducted, where giveaways were distributed amongst the active participants
IPP expresses solidarity with Kashmiris, says Abdul Aleem Khan
ISLAMABAD/LAHORE s ta f f r e p o r t
On the occasion of Kashmir Exploitation Day, Federal Minister for Communications & President Istehkame-Pakistan Party (IPP), Abdul Aleem Khan emphasized that sustainable peace in the region is not possible without granting the fundamental rights of the Kashmiri people He stated that the oppressed peoples of Kashmir and Palestine have become enduring symbols of pain, sorrow, and sacrifice living examples of resistance and bravery against tyranny Declaring the day as a "Black Day" in response to Indian atrocities Abdul Aleem Khan reaffirmed IPP’s unwavering commitment to the principled stance on the freedom of Kashmir He stated that voicing support for the people of Kashmir is a national and religious obligation of every Pakistani The day is not far when the sun of freedom will rise over the paradise-like valley,” he added Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan also expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of Kashmiri martyrs Central Leaders of IPP also conveyed their complete solidarity with the oppressed Kashmiri people in their respective messages They stated that no effort for peace can be meaningful without acknowledging the Kashmiris right to self-determination and that their cause will be highlighted
NADRA simplifies process for obtaining succession certificates
ISLAMABAD s ta f f r e p o r t National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has made it significantly easier for citizens to obtain Succession Certificates According to a new notification issued by the Authority, legal heirs can now submit applications for succession certificates at any of 186 Succession Certificate Units (SFU) established at NADRA centers and other locations across Pakistan including Islamabad Punjab Sindh Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan, regardless of where the inherited property is located Additionally, the biometric verification process has been enhanced for greater convenience Legal heirs can complete biometric verification at nearby designated NADRA center or from the comfort of their home using the Pak ID Mobile App Previously applicants were required to file for a succession certificate only in the province where the inherited property was situated This restriction caused difficulties for heirs residing in other provinces Although NADRA had earlier introduced biometric verification through the mobile app submission of the application still had to be made in the province where the property was located With this new development NADRA has eliminated that restriction, allowing citizens to initiate and complete the process from anywhere in Pakistan
Interloop embarks on strategic digital transformation journey with SAP Ariba
KARACHI
500 million the company contributes significantly to Pakistan s overall export earnings, reflecting the strength and potential of the textile sector In its ongoing transformation to become a fully integrated clothing company aligned with global best practices Interloop has partnered with SAP to implement the SAP Ariba Source-to-Contract Suite The transformation initiative Project North Star began as Interloop restructured its business units to meet the evolving needs of global customers The company transitioned from a decentralized to a centralized model, ensuring a unified approach to accounting and procurement management To digitize its procurement function and drive transparency efficiency and cost savings Interloop selected SAP Ariba for its comprehensive capabilities in strategic sourcing, supplier management, contract lifecycle management, and performance tracking The Ariba platform will enable Interloop to manage sourcing events
SSGC intensifies its operations against gas thieves in Larkana
region
KARACHI s ta f f
t Sui Southern Gas Company has been pulling out all stops to bring down incidences of gas theft in its franchise provinces of Sindh and Balochistan In an intensive anti-gas theft crackdown drive in Larkana
distribution main line near old NADRAs office Gadhi Mohalla Dokri
FAMILY, LEADERS BARRED FROM MEETING IMRAN AS PTI MARKS 2ND YEAR OF INCARCERATION
India must revoke all illegal actions taken on August 5, 2019: Dar
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar on Tuesday reaffirmed Pakistan s commitment to peace and peaceful coexistence, preferring dialogue and diplomacy over conflict but also remained ready to respond to any aggression India must revoke all illegal actions taken on August 5 2019 end its oppressive measures in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, and lift the media blackout in the region, which in fact is the key to lasting peace in South Asia,” DPM Dar emphasized while addressing a rally held in connection with Youme-Istehsal (Kashmir Exploitation Day) at D-Chowk in Islamabad on Tuesday Pakistan is committed to dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward but no one should misconstrue it as weakness, as we will give a robust response to any aggression, the deputy PM said He reaffirmed that Pakistan will continue extending diplomatic, political, and moral support to the Kashmiri people until their inalienable right to selfdetermination is realized He underscored that Kashmir is an internationally recognized dispute and its future cannot be determined through internal legislation or court rulings Dar also expressed concern over media reports suggesting that Indian authorities are attempting to grant statehood to Jammu while retaining the Kashmir Valley as a Union Territory He condemned such moves as unacceptable and provocative
The Deputy PM affirmed Islamabad s desire for friendly relations with all neighboring countries and its preference for dialogue and diplomacy over confrontation He, however, warned that Pakistan’s armed forces and its people are fully capable of delivering a resolute response to any act of aggression as demonstrated during Marka-e-Haq Addressing the rally Minister for Information and Broadcasting
Imran Khan raised the flag of true freedom by rejecting all offers:
Senior
(PTI) leader and
the
Assembly Asad Qaiser on Tuesday claimed that Imran Khan was offered various incentives during his imprisonment, including relocation to Bani Gala, Nathia Gali and even the facility to move abroad However Imran Khan rejected all such offers sending a clear message that the issue is not merely of release but of genuine freedom, the PTI stalwart said while addressing a protest demonstration in Swabi on Tuesday He said Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif did not come into power through public mandate but rather through Form 4 Billions were earned through the sugar scandal, and now, once again, a new game of corruption is being
Asad Qaiser
played through sugar imports Mr Qaiser alleged, saying a formal request has been submitted to the Chief Justice for a “transparent probe into the scam” to “apprise the public of the true facts ” He maintained that Bilawal Bhutto and Asif Ali Zardari have set new records in corruption adding that both these parties come to power solely to serve their personal interests Terming the ongoing loadshedding in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as retaliation against the people the PTI leader said that the public of the province is being punished through unfair power outages Mr Qaiser said that Imran Khan has issued clear directives that no form of military operation will be accepted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
He asserted that during their government s tenure there were neither bombings nor was the law and
order situation compromised yet today, they are being handed explosives, and their pens are being snatched away
He reiterated that under no circumstances would they allow a military operation in their province This is a war for freedom and we shall fight it under all circumstances, he declared Expressing dissatisfaction with the judicial verdicts, Asad Qaiser stated that the courts are not independent and that justice is being murdered He warned that if justice is not served within the country they would approach the International Court of Justice
He further announced that the second phase of the protest movement would commence on August 14 with a focus on Sindh Mr Qaiser concluded by stating that they would unite the entire nation and rid it of the oppressive government
Punjab CCD seeks hef ty fund of billions for crackdown on dacoit gangs
LAHORE s ta f f r e p o r t With law and order rapidly deteriorating in the Kacha region the Punjab government has tasked the Counter-Criminal Directorate (CCD) with launching a comprehensive operation against dacoit gangs operating in the districts of Rajanpur Muzaffargarh and Rahim Yar Khan In response to the escalating situation, the CCD has requested a substantial Rs2 59 billion in funds to initiate and sustain the operation
