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PM-LED FEDERAL CABINET GREELIGHTS NEW LG SYSTEM FOR ISLAMABAD IN FIRST 2026 MEETING Saturday, 3 January, 2026 | 13 Rajabul Murajjab, 1447
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PM SHEHBAZ SAYS PIA PRIVATISATION MARKED SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS IN GOVT’S COMMITMENT TO PRIVATIZE SOES
HIGHLIGHTS SOES PRIVATISATION AS PART OF BROADER ECONOMIC REFORM VISION, DESCRIBING GDP GROWTH IN FY H1 2025-26 AS ENCOURAGING
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CABINET APPROVES ECC DECISIONS FROM AUGUST 26, INCLUDED MEASURES TO PROVIDE RELIEF TO ELECTRICITY CONSUMERS
Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 179 | 8 Pages | Islamabad Edition
ALSO OKAYS ACTION FOR ISSUANCE OF PRESIDENTIAL ORDER TO AMEND OFF-GRID (CAPTIVE POWER PLANTS) LEVY ACT 2025
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PM approves 14-member GB caretaker cabinet ISLAMABAD
Staff CorreSpondent
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ISLAMABAD
Staff report
HE federal cabinet, in its first meeting of the New Year chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday, approved the introduction of a new local government system in Islamabad, endorsing recommendations of the Cabinet Committee on Legislative Cases (CCLC), including actions under the Is-
lamabad Capital Territory Local Government (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025. Addressing the first federal cabinet meeting of the year on Thursday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated cabinet members on the New Year and stated that the privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines marked significant progress in the government’s commitment to privatise state-owned enterprises (SOEs). The prime minister highlighted that
ECP seeks reply from KP CM’s Advisor over Haripur by-polls irregularities claim ISLAMABAD
Staff report
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday issued a notice to Advisor to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister on Information and Public Relations Shafiullah Jan, seeking an explanation over his public allegations accusing the electoral body of irregularities in last year’s Haripur by-elections. During a press conference on December 19, Jan blamed the ECP for electoral irregularities and claimed that Form-47 was issued from Islamabad instead of the returning officer’s office. “This was a singular yet bizarre event in the country’s history, when a Form-47 was issued from Islamabad,” he said, adding that “the ECP didn’t upload all Form-45s from 602 polling stations in the constituency, nor could the PML-N produce all Form-45s from 602 polling stations.” Sources said the ECP, in its notice, termed the allegations against the commission regarding the conduct of the Haripur by-elections as “baseless,” including claims about the issuance of Form-47 from Islamabad, the non-uploading of Form-45s on its website, and other assertions of irregularities. They added that the electoral body had reviewed the matter and “is of the considered view that allegations made in the said statement are incorrect, misleading, and not supported by any evidence.” Sources said such statements, when made publicly without verifiable evidence, create “unnecessary confusion and adversely affect public confidence” in the electoral process. “It appears to be an attempt to malign the institution,” they added. Jan has been directed to explain his position regarding the statements he made and to provide “concrete and verifiable” evidence in support of his claims within the next seven days.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved the formation of a 14-member caretaker cabinet for Gilgit-Baltistan, with the appointments finalized in coordination with the caretaker chief minister of the region. According to official details, the prime minister granted the approval in his role as chairman of the GilgitBaltistan Council, following which a formal notification was issued. The notification confirmed that the caretaker cabinet was constituted after consultations with the caretaker Gilgit-
the privatisation of state-owned enterprises is part of the government’s broader economic reform vision. He noted that the country’s GDP showed significant growth in the first quarter of the current fiscal year, describing it as encouraging.
Baltistan chief minister. Those appointed to the caretaker cabinet include Sajid Ali Baig, Engineer Altaf Hussain, and Ghulam Abbas. Other members are Colonel (retd) Abrar Ismail, Meher Dad, Sharafat Din, Maulana Sarwar Shah, Raja Shehbaz Khan, and Mumtaz Hussain. Additionally, Dr Niaz Ali, Syed Adil Shah and Bahadur Ali have also been named as part of the caretaker setup. Syed Fatima and Abdul Hakeem have been appointed as advisors. The newly approved caretaker cabinet will oversee administrative affairs in Gilgit-Baltistan until the formation of an elected government.
The cabinet endorsed conclusions made by the Cabinet Committee on Legislative Cases in its December 30 decision, which included actions relating to the Islamabad Capital Territory Local Government (Amendment) Ordinance.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 02
7 media men awarded life terms in May 9 digital terrorism case ISLAMABAD
Staff CorreSpondent
An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Islamabad has sentenced five individuals, including prominent online commentators, to multiple life terms for what it described as digital terrorism against state institutions during the violent events of May 9. ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra announced the reserved verdict, sentencing Adil Raja, Haider Mehdi, Moeed Pirzada, Wajahat Saeed, and Sabir Shakir to two life imprisonments each. The court also awarded an additional cumulative sentence of 35 years under various provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Act and imposed fines totalling Rs1.5 million. The trial was conducted in ab-
sentia on the prosecution’s request, as permitted under anti-terrorism laws. During the proceedings, the prosecution presented 24 witnesses, after which the court reserved its decision and later pronounced the verdict. According to the court’s ruling, Sabir Shakir, Moeed Pirzada and Syed Akbar Hussain were convicted in a case registered at Aabpara police station, while Shaheen Sehbai, Haider Mehdi and Wajahat Saeed were convicted in a separate case registered at Ramna police station. Prosecutor Raja Naveed Hussain Kiani represented the state, while Advocate Gulfam Ashraf Goraya appeared on behalf of the accused after being appointed by the court. The verdict comes amid a series of convictions related to the
May 9 riots, during which violent protests targeted state installations across the country. In a similar case related to the May 9 riots, an anti-terrorism court in Lahore in August 2025 sentenced senior Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leaders, including Dr Yasmin Rashid, Ijaz Chaudhry, Mehmoodur Rashid and Omar Sarfraz Cheema, to 10 years in prison, while acquitting former foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi. That verdict, announced by ATC Judge Manzar Ali Gul at Kot Lakhpat Jail, also saw PTI leaders Aaliya Hamza and Sanam Javed sentenced to five years each. Several other accused were convicted or acquitted in separate arson and vandalism cases linked to the unrest.
Dar condoles death of Khaleda Zia during Bangladesh HC visit ISLAMABAD
Staff report
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar on Friday visited the Bangladesh High Commission to express his condolences on the passing of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, according to a Foreign Office (FO) statement. He conveyed his sympathies to the Acting High Commissioner of Bangladesh, offered fateha, and recorded his impressions in the book of condolence. Senator Dar recalled meeting Begum Khaleda Zia during his visit to Bangladesh a few months ago, the FO said. “With deep sorrow, I note the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party,” he said. “On behalf of the people and Government of Pakistan, and on my own behalf, I extend heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Bangladesh, and to her family and supporters. Begum Khaleda Zia devoted her life to public service and the welfare of her nation. Her resilience and leadership during challenging times have left a lasting legacy. She will be remembered with respect by all who value service to country and people,” the statement said. He added, “At this difficult moment, the people of Pakistan stand in solidarity with the people of Bangladesh. We share your grief and pray that you find strength and comfort in the memories of her service and the legacy she leaves behind.” DPM, Azeri Minister Review Bilateral Ties On the other hand, Senator Ishaq Dar held a telephonic conversation with Mikayil Jabbarov, Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan, to discuss the realization of Azerbaijani investment worth US$2 billion in Pakistan. Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the current state of bilateral relations and agreed to further enhance cooperation, said teh FO in another statement. The Deputy Prime Minister underscored the importance of high-level engagements in strengthening PakistanAzerbaijan cooperation in areas of mutual interest. It was agreed to finalize a mechanism to facilitate Azerbaijani investments in identified sectors of Pakistan’s economy. DPM/FM Interacts with Young Officers Meanwhile, Senator Ishaq Dar interacted with probationary officers of the 53rd Common Training Programme (CTP) during their visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The delegation was led by the Director General of the Civil Service Academy (CSA), Lahore, with the Foreign Secretary also in attendance.
IHC sets Jan 21 for hearing of plea against Imran Khan’s X account ISLAMABAD
Staff CorreSpondent
The Islamabad High Court has scheduled the hearing of PTI founder Imran Khan’s petition seeking the suspension of his X (formerly Twitter) account for January 21. The court has directed the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Imran Khan, and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to submit their responses ahead of the hearing. Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir of the Islamabad High Court issued a written order in the case following a petition filed by citizen Ghulam Murtaza, which requests the removal of posts from Imran Khan’s X account during his imprisonment, declaring them illegal. The petition argues that posts made from an official account of a convicted prisoner during incarceration, which contain propaganda or malicious content, are unlawful. It calls for NCCIA and PTA to investigate and determine who was operating the account while Imran Khan was in jail. The petition further requests that all such illegal posts be blocked and removed from social media platforms.
Pakistan reiterates One-China policy, backs Beijing on Taiwan ISLAMABAD
Staff report
The Foreign Office (FO) on Friday reaffirmed Pakistan’s position that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, reiterating its support for Beijing amid recent developments in the Taiwan Strait. Responding to media queries, FO spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Pakistan and China were “iron-clad friends and all-weather strategic cooperative part-
ners” and stressed Islamabad’s consistent support for China on matters concerning its core interests, including Taiwan. “We will continue to adhere to the One-China principle and regard Taiwan as an inalienable part of China,” he said. The spokesperson noted that similar remarks had also been made during the FO’s weekly press briefing a day earlier in response to a question about the United States’ sale of arms to Taiwan. China claims Taiwan as its territory, a
position rejected by the self-governed island. While the FO statement did not specify the exact developments prompting the remarks, it followed the completion of large-scale Chinese military drills around Taiwan. The exercises included live-fire operations simulating a blockade of key ports and attacks on maritime targets. Meanwhile, the US State Department on Thursday criticised the Chinese war games, saying they had “unnecessarily” heightened tensions in the re-
gion. Calling on Beijing to halt its military pressure, State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott urged China to exercise restraint and engage in meaningful dialogue. Pakistan praises Saudi, UAE efforts in Yemen for regional peace Pakistan has appreciated the efforts made by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in Yemen, saying such efforts reflected the two countries’ “common desire for regional peace”.
Pakistan joins seven countries in calling for urgent relief as Gaza conditions deteriorate ISLAMABAD
Staff report
Pakistan and seven other Muslim-majority countries on Friday expressed grave concern over the worsening humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, warning that harsh winter weather, limited aid access and widespread infrastructure destruction were pushing civilians deeper into crisis. In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Qatar, Indonesia, Jordan, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates said the humanitarian conditions in Gaza had deteriorated sharply, with severe weather further compounding the suffering of the population. The statement noted that heavy rainfall, storms and unstable weather had intensified hardships for civilians, particularly for displaced families living in makeshift shelters. It said the situation was being aggravated by restricted humanitarian access, acute shortages of life-saving supplies and delays in the entry of materials needed to restore basic
services and temporary housing. According to the ministers, nearly 1.9 million people remain vulnerable, many of them displaced and living in unsafe conditions. Flooded camps, damaged tents, collapsing structures and exposure to cold temperatures have significantly increased health risks, including the spread of disease, especially among children, women, the elderly and people with existing medical conditions. The foreign ministers highlighted that Gaza’s already fragile infrastructure had been severely damaged by the war, leaving large sections of the population without reliable shelter, clean water or medical services. They said the impact of severe weather had exposed the depth of the humanitarian emergency. The statement praised the efforts of United Nations agencies, particularly the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, as well as international humanitarian organisations, for continuing to deliver assistance under extremely challenging conditions. The ministers stressed that these organisations must be allowed to operate freely
and without obstruction in both Gaza and the West Bank. They said any attempt to restrict the work of UN bodies and humanitarian organisations was unacceptable and called on Israel to ensure sustained, predictable and unrestricted humanitarian access, given the central role these agencies play in responding to the crisis. The eight countries reiterated their support for a United States-drafted resolution adopted by the UN Security Council last year endorsing President Donald Trump’s plan aimed at ending the war in Gaza. They reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the implementation of the plan to help maintain the ceasefire, end hostilities and create conditions for a dignified life for Palestinians. The ministers also underscored the urgent need to immediately begin and expand early recovery efforts, including the provision of durable and dignified shelter to protect civilians from harsh winter conditions. Calling on the international community to meet its legal and moral responsibilities, the statement urged pressure on Israel, as the
occupying power, to lift restrictions on the entry and distribution of essential supplies such as shelter materials, medical aid, clean water, fuel and sanitation support. The foreign ministers further demanded the immediate, full and unhindered flow of
humanitarian assistance into Gaza through UN agencies, the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure and hospitals, and the opening of the Rafah Crossing in both directions, in line with agreed arrangements, to ease the suffering of the civilian population.
02 NEWS
Saturday, 3 January, 2026 | ISLAMABAD
PETROLEUM DIVISION DELAYS ACTION ON UNAUTHORISED OWNERSHIP CHANGES BY ENERGY COMPANIES
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PROFIT
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news desk
ESPITE issuing show-cause notices six months ago to energy companies for unauthorised changes in ownership and control, the Petroleum Division has yet to take any action. The case involves Spud Energy Limited and Frontier Holdings Limited, which offloaded their stakes without approval, breaching national regulations governing the energy sector, Dawn reported.
The issue began in March 2025 when Phoenix Exploration sold a 73.3% stake in Jura Energy to IDL Investments Limited, a company registered in the British Virgin Islands. The transaction took place without prior approval from the relevant authorities, violating Pakistan’s petroleum regulations. On July 18, 2025, the Director General of
SBP forex reserves rise by $4.2 billion in 2025, but growth slows in second half
Petroleum Concessions (DGPC) issued a show-cause notice to the companies involved, stating that the transaction had not been disclosed or approved as required by law. Pakistan’s petroleum regulations mandate that companies holding petroleum rights disclose changes in shareholding, board appointments, capital issuance, and
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Only 27 days Of supply left; prices sOar with 40 kg bag rising tO rs12,500, accOrding tO pfMa PROFIT
news desk
PROFIT
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reported an increase of $4.2 billion in its foreign exchange reserves during 2025, although the pace of growth slowed in the year’s second half. Official data shows that SBP reserves were at $11.7 billion on January 3, 2025, and rose to $15.915 billion by the end of December. However, the second half of the year saw a more modest increase of $1.4 billion, from $14.5 billion on June 30 to $15.9 billion by year-end. While the overall rise in reserves bolstered external buffers and supported exchange rate stability, a substantial portion of the reserves consists of loans from friendly countries. The SBP aims to increase its reserves to over $18 billion by the end of FY26. However, the slower pace of accumulation in recent months has raised concerns. Malik Bostan, Chairman of the Exchange Companies Association of Pakistan, said that 2025 has been relatively more stable compared to 2024, with the rupee holding firm against the US dollar. He attributed this stability to the IMF agreements, which have helped contain dollar volatility. However, Bostan also pointed out that stagnant export growth continues to be a key concern for the economy. Despite record remittance inflows providing some breathing room for dollar purchases from the interbank market, reserve growth remained limited. Between January and September 2025, the SBP purchased $4.2 billion from the market, lower than last year’s total purchases of $9.7 billion. These earlier purchases played a significant role in rebuilding reserves. The increased reserves contributed to exchange rate stability, helping maintain relative economic steadiness despite weak growth and rising poverty. However, analysts caution that the second half of FY26 may pose challenges, with large loan rollovers, the need to curb the trade deficit, and efforts to stimulate GDP growth and create jobs for both skilled and unskilled workers. In its weekly statement, the SBP reported that its reserves rose by $13 million to $15.915 billion during the week ending December 26, 2025. Total liquid reserves held by the country stood at $21.012 billion, including $5.097 billion held by commercial banks.
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa is heading toward a severe food crisis due to the Punjab government’s restrictions on the movement of wheat and flour, warned the Pakistan Flour Mills Association (PFMA) KP. Addressing a press conference, Chairman of PFMA KP, Muhammad Naeem Butt, said that the province requires approximately 5.2 million tonnes of wheat annually, but do-
mestic production is only 1.2 million tonnes. The remaining supply is largely sourced from Punjab, which provides 75% of the country’s wheat. However, since August 25, Punjab has imposed an “unconstitutional and illegal” restriction on the inter-provincial transportation of wheat and flour. Due to these restrictions, he said, nearly 80% of flour mills in KP have been forced to shut down, leaving only 20% operating by purchasing costly smuggled wheat from Punjab. As a result, wheat
PROFIT
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has clarified recent reports circulating in the print and digital media about the scrutiny of exporters’ income tax returns. The FBR stated that these reports, suggesting the intent to impose unjust taxation, are incorrect. “It has come to the notice of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) that a letter attributed to the FBR is being circulated on social media, creating an impression
prices in K-P have skyrocketed, with the price of a 40 kg bag rising to Rs12,500— about Rs2,500 higher than in Punjab. Consequently, the cost of a 20-kilogram bag of flour has surged to Rs2,700, placing a heavy burden on low-income consumers. He further alleged that wheat consignments destined for KP are being stopped at checkposts and diverted to mills in Punjab. He questioned the Punjab government’s claim that there is no ban on wheat transportation, pointing out the inconsis-
PROFIT
news desk
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a technical assistance program to help Pakistan and other member countries enhance their transport infrastructure in alignment with sustainability goals. The initiative will focus on diagnostic assessments, improving governance in infrastructure, and exploring innovative technical solutions, including private sector participation. As per reports, the program aims to increase technical and institutional capacities while promoting low-carbon, circular economy solutions, climate-resilient transport systems, road safety,
and inclusive growth. According to ADB, global transport infrastructure investment needs from 2020 to 2035 are estimated at $2.9 trillion. This includes $2 trillion for new construction, $0.7 trillion for maintenance, and $0.2 trillion for climateproofing. Despite ADB’s substantial investment in transport infrastructure, the funding falls short of meeting global demands and supporting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The growing demand for transport infrastructure, particularly road construction, is putting pressure on the sustainability of construction materials. ADB’s report highlights that road construction alone accounts for 30-40% of
global construction material demand, with Asia’s demand rising by 64% over the past decade. To mitigate environmental impact and enhance sustainability, ADB encourages member countries to adopt climate-smart, circular economy approaches. These include using low-carbon and recycled materials, reusing construction waste, extending asset lifespans, and utilizing innovative construction techniques. The program also expands the use of the ADB Green Roads Toolkit across additional developing member countries, aiming to foster innovation and regional cooperation through knowledge-sharing platforms.
PM-led federal cabinet greelights new LG system for Islamabad in first 2026 meeting CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
The amendment bill, which received President Asif Ali Zardari’s assent on Friday morning, revises the framework for compensation on acquired property. Under the amendment, compensation will not be restricted to cash payments and may also be provided in the form of land or other prescribed arrangements. In cases of delayed payment, an additional 8% per annum will be payable. The legislation also introduces provisions relating to persons with disabilities, minors, and individuals under legal constraints, along with clauses
aimed at safeguarding the rights of landowners. The cabinet approved Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) decisions from August 26, which included measures to provide relief to electricity consumers under the Off-Grid (Captive Power Plant) Levy and to develop a strategy for its implementation. On the recommendation of the Petroleum Division, the cabinet also approved action for the issuance of a presidential order to amend the Off-Grid (Captive Power Plants) Levy Act 2025, allowing third-party sale of gas to offgrid captive power plants.
that exporters’ income tax returns will be scrutinised with the intent to impose unjust taxation. This impression is incorrect and not based on factual grounds,” the tax authority said. For clarity, the legal framework governing exporters was amended through the Finance Act, 2024, whereby the regime applicable to exporters was changed from a final tax regime to a minimum tax regime. This change is required to be reflected in the Income Tax Returns for the Tax Year 2025. The FBR said that to mitigate the pos-
sibility of any bona fide or other errors, the field formations were directed to pursue the returns and process them in accordance with the law, wherever any legal inconsistency is identified. Conducting desk audits of returns and ensuring compliance with tax laws is a statutory and primary responsibility of the FBR. Furthermore, to prevent any inconsistency, misuse or undue inconvenience to taxpayers, this exercise has been initiated under the supervision of the FBR headquarters. The tax body said that it remains committed to fair tax administration, facil-
PROFIT
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PM Shehbaz also spoke about his recent meeting with United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, which he described as productive in terms of bilateral cooperation and mutual consultation. The prime minister met the UAE president and ruler of Abu Dhabi at Sheikh Zayed Palace in Rahim Yar Khan on Tuesday afternoon to discuss matters of mutual interest. The leaders continued discussions from their recent meeting in Islamabad on December 26, when Sheikh Mohamed paid his first official visit to Pakistan as UAE president.
itation of taxpayers, and implementation of tax laws in a lawful, transparent and professional manner. On Thursday, it was reported that the FBR has ordered the scrutiny of tax records for over 480 major exporters after noticing significant reductions in their declared taxable income for Tax Year 2025, following changes in the Income Tax Ordinance through the Finance Act, which transitioned export proceeds from a final tax to a minimum tax regime. The move has raised alarm within the export community, with industry groups like the Pakistan Business Council and Pakistan Retail Business Council expressing concerns. They argue that this increased scrutiny could deter investment in the already struggling export sector, especially as businesses face rising costs and complex tax burdens.
tency between the claims and the actual restrictions on wheat movement. The PFMA chairman warned that the flour milling industry in KP, once the province’s largest sector, faces the risk of complete closure if the situation is not resolved. He called for the formation of a joint committee to address the issues faced by flour mills nationwide. Despite multiple letters sent to both the Prime Minister and the Punjab Chief Minister, no responses had been received, he said.
Pakistan’s mobile phone imports rise 40% to $801 in five months of FY2025-26
ADB approves technical assistance for sustainable transport infrastructure in Pakistan
FBR clarifies reports about scrutiny of exporters’ income tax returns news desk
corporate structure. The notice requests detailed documentation from Spud Energy, Frontier Holdings, and Jura Energy, including pre- and post-transaction shareholding structures, board appointments, transaction values, and tax filings. The companies were also asked to confirm whether capital gains or withholding taxes were paid in Pakistan.
80% of KP flour mills forced to shut down as wheat crisis looms over province due to Punjab’s ban, says PFMA
total sbp-held reserves reached $15.9b by december 2025, with a $1.4b increase in the second half due to iMf inflows news desk
The notice warned that failure to comply could result in punitive action, including the revocation of petroleum rights. Both companies acknowledge the unauthorised transaction. However, despite the DGPC’s authority under Rule 69(d) to suspend or revoke licenses in such cases, no enforcement action has been taken. On October 16, 2025, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) issued a status quo order, preventing any alterations to the shareholding or control structure of Spud Energy and Frontier Holdings until further notice.
petrOleuM divisiOn has yet tO enfOrce cOMpliance Or respOnd tO cOurt Orders regarding unauthOrised Ownership changes by spud energy and frOntier hOldings
Pakistan’s mobile phone imports rose by 40.5% in the first five months of the fiscal year 2025-26, compared to the same period in the previous year. The total value of imported mobile phones during July-November 2025 reached $801.1 million, up from $570.2 million during the same period in 2024-25, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). On a monthly basis, November 2025 witnessed an increase of 4.81% in mobile phone imports compared to November 2024, with imports recorded at $156.57 million, up from $149.38 million. Furthermore, imports grew by 8.3% in November 2025 compared to October 2025, where imports stood at US $144.56 million. While imports have risen, local production of mobile phones has also increased. In November 2025, local manufacturing rose by 8% year-on-year, reaching 2.49 million units, up from 2.31 million units in the same month last year, according to Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) data. However, cumulative production during the first 11 months of 2025 stood at 27.6 million units, reflecting a 3% decline compared to the same period in 2024. Of the total units assembled in 2025, smartphones accounted for 53%, or 14.51 million units, while 2G handsets made up 47%, or 13.09 million units. Despite the monthly increase in local assembly, the percentage of domestic production meeting market demand fell to 88% in 2025, down from 93% in the first ten months, primarily due to the rise in imports after the launch of premium models like the Apple iPhone 17. Infinix led the local assembly volumes with 3.47 million units, followed by VGO Tel at 3.07 million, Vivo at 2.57 million, and other brands such as Itel, Tecno, Samsung, and Xiaomi. Analysts at Topline Securities noted that the increase in November’s production suggests a gradual recovery from a period of slow production and inventory accumulation. The brokerage firm projects a 7-8% year-onyear growth in mobile phone sales over the next 12 months, fueled by a stable rupee, easing inflation, and growing consumer purchasing power. The government is also pushing for a more robust local manufacturing industry. The Ministry of Industries and Production, in coordination with the Engineering Development Board (EDB), has finalised a draft Mobile and Electronic Device Manufacturing Policy (2026-33), aimed at moving the industry from low-value assembly to full-scale manufacturing. This policy targets deep localisation, export growth, and integration into global supply chains. Currently, Pakistan’s mobile industry remains heavily reliant on assembling imported kits, with limited value addition and minimal exports.
PPL, POL announce major gas discovery in TAL Block in KP PROFIT
news desk
Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) and Pakistan Oilfields Limited (POL) have jointly announced a major hydrocarbon discovery at their Bilitang-1 exploratory well in the TAL Block, located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Both companies shared this development with the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) through separate notices on Friday. The discovery was made by TAL Joint Venture, with MOL Pakistan Oil & Gas Co. B.V. as the operator, and includes partners such as Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL), Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), Pakistan Oilfields Limited (POL), and Government Holdings Private Limited (GHPL). The well was spudded on August 10, 2025, and has since been drilled to a target depth of 4,011 meters. The well successfully tested gas from the Hangu/Lumshiwal formations, recording a flow rate of 1.58 Million
Standard Cubic Feet per Day (MMSCFD) at a 40/64″ choke against a wellhead flowing pressure (WHFP) of 164 psi. This promising initial result has been followed by an acid job to further enhance production from these formations. The success of this exploration has boosted prospects for the potential of the TAL Block, which is expected to lead to further exploration opportunities. Additionally, POL revealed that the well is undergoing a Drill Stem Test (DST) to isolate and test the surrounding geological formations. The results will be crucial in confirming the commercial viability of the find. According to POL, the pre-commerciality working interest of POL in this discovery stands at 25%. In line with the successful discovery, the exploration effort has been characterised by the reduction of risks in further exploration plays in the TAL Block, which could lead to new upside opportunities and strengthen Pakistan’s energy security by increasing the country’s reserves from indigenous resources.
Saturday, 3 January, 2026 | ISLAMABAD
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04 COMMENT
Nuclear trust and India
Saturday, 3 January, 2026
Inflation wobbles
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Though far from out of control, the December inflation figure raises concerns
A dangerous gamble once again
HE December reading of the Consumer Price Index was 5.6 percent higher year-on-year, while there had been a month-on-month decrease from November of 0.5 percent, and after an increase of only 0.1 percent over October. This puts serious pressure on the Monetary Price Committee of the State Bank of Pakistan, to lower the interest rate. It has already brought down the interest rate from the 10.5 percent to which it has been brought from a 2023 high of 22 percent. Under its IMF-driven independence, the State Bank has focused on fighting inflation, something it has been encouraged by the IMF, with the latest encouragement coming in last year’s review mission. However, one effect of this has been to stifle growth. The private sector would like a little pump-priming, and has long demanded a single-digit interest rate. The SBP is taking its own sweet time getting there, and is now just six-tenths of one percent from that goal. The government, like all of its predecessors, wants that rate cut both for political reasons and for governance reasons. Politically, growth means more jobs, and thus an electorate which looks on it favourably. There is however one problem: growth depends on exports to the USA of textile made-ups. With the new tariffs in place, it seems textile exports have fallen off. Demand seems depressed, and demand needs to pick up considerably before it becomes a source of growth. Besides, much of that growth would result in hiring those previously laidoff, rather than provide for those new entrants into the job market, whose ballots are so important in the next election. The government has a more immediate need for a rate cut: that would reduce its debt servicing costs, something the IMF also desires greatly. However, the present scenario needs two caveta. First, it depends on global oil prices remaining at present levels, if not going down further. The recent drop in fuel prices will be reflected in the January inflation figure, but only if it sustains. Second, too an interest rate because of law inflation is a threat to the very banking system. That is far from the case at the moment, but it can be seen on the horizon. However, the present situation, with interest rates so high while the inflation are is falling, takes the country into uncharted economic territory, and is too unpredictable for anyone’s liking.
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muhammaD uSama KhaliD
N late November, international media outlets reported that India and Canada were close to finalizing the 10-year uranium deal worth $2.8 billion. Canada’s Cameco Corp. will supply the uranium. This deal is being portrayed as an enormous breakthrough between the two states, whose broader nuclear cooperation had been temporarily halted. Diplomatic terms have begun to get back on track since the change in the Canadian leadership, because during Justin Trudeau’s government in 2023, their ties deteriorated to a record low after the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, who was an active member of the Khalistan movement. However, to the ordinary public, this looks fine and a prerogative of state affairs, but it is history that needs to be vigilantly looked at. India–Canada nuclear cooperation began in the 1950s, when, in 1956, Canada gifted India the CIRUS research reactor under the then globally ambitious Atoms for Peace initiative. In the 1960s, Canada helped India build its first CANDU reactor. However, the veiled villainous act of India was unveiled to the world when, in 1974, it conducted its nuclear test in the Pokhran region of Rajasthan by stealing plutonium from the CIRUS reactor, marking the cessation of bilateral nuclear cooperation. In 2022, an investigative USA-based non-governmental organization, the National Security Archive, published on its website the declassified documents related to the suspicion that India had concealed ambitions in the late 1960s and early 1970s to embark on the dangerous path of nuclear development. According to one of the many declassified files, in 1968, Canadian inspectors were disturbed by the data of the Trombay facility, suggesting that India might develop a nuclear weapon utilizing uranium from the Canadian research reactor. India, on the other hand, was adamant on the so-called notion of Peaceful Nuclear Explosion (PNE) and justified the development and testing of the device as significant for the indigenous production of plutonium. The Indian so-called PNE test by India forced the world to adopt a multilateral arrangement for enforcing strict controls on nuclear export. This led to the establishment of the Nuclear Suppliers Group in 1974 with the stated aim of preventing further nuclear proliferation. The story does not end here; with the rapidly changing international landscape, the beginning of the 21st century witnessed China’s economic rise on the global stage. The USA felt threatened by this development and devised a strategy to counter the threat at home, which became the basis for the historic Indo-US strategic ties.
Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami
Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
The strategic significance of the deal was the issuance of the NSG waiver to India (a non-NPT signatory), the same country whose illicit act 36 years earlier had brought this very arrangement into being. This waiver paved the way for the resumption of India– Canada nuclear cooperation in 2010, with the signing of the Nuclear Cooperation Agreement (NCA), which allows the transfer of uranium and nuclear technologies to Indian facilities under IAEA safeguards. But in 2023, India and Canada began an intense diplomatic rift after the murder of the Khalistan movement leader. However, with a new administration in power in Canada, things are getting back on track. However, the annoyingly interesting thing is that despite the reported cases of Indian mismanagement of its nuclear material, it has still been given such favours. Currently, there are 22 operational nuclear facilities in India, of which 14 are open to IAEA inspection, while eight are not. India has been acquiring international assistance to run its civil nuclear programme smoothly while simultaneously operating military facilities for nuclear weapons development with domestically produced fissile material. India’s strategic edge in the South Asian regional context is hazardous not only for regional stability but, most importantly, for the global nonproliferation
Babar Nizami Editor Profit
These courses are proving their worth
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Dr Saira Kazmi
HE initiative of English courses at undergraduate level in Pakistani universities has proved beneficial in academic development. English as a medium of instruction holds a significant position within the Pakistani education system. Besides institutions where Urdu is the medium of instruction, English is widely used to teach most subjects up to the college level. At the university level, English serves as the principal medium of instruction, with the exception of a few disciplines that are taught in the national language (Urdu) or in specific foreign languages. Even in such cases, English translations are frequently preferred to ensure clearer understanding. Consequently, English is taught as a Second Language (ESL) in higher educational institutions across Pakistan. However, English as a second language in Pakistan has acquired considerable significance, and proficiency in English confers substantial advantages in higher education. Within this framework, the teaching and assessment of English particularly in written form are widely recognized as instrumental in fostering critical thinking, metacognitive awareness, and deep approaches to learning. To enhance students’ linguistic and academic competencies, universities offer a range of compulsory English courses, including Expository Writing, Comprehension and Presentation Skills, English Grammar and Comprehension, Critical Reading and Writing, Communication and Presentation Skills, Functional English, Creative Content Writing, English Composition and Comprehension, and Communication and Writing Skills, and so on. These courses, mandated by the Higher Education Commission (HEC), are offered from the first to the third semester across all academic disciplines. These disciplines include the natural sciences, social sciences, biological sciences, medical sciences, environmental sciences, computer sciences, media studies, anthropology, defense and strategic studies, statistics, mathematics, history, English, law, pharmacy, economics, and architecture, among others. The
primary objective of these compulsory courses is to address deficiencies in students’ English language proficiency at the initial stage of university education. Their mandatory inclusion reflects the broader reality that English functions as the dominant medium of instruction in Pakistani higher education institutions, leaving students with little alternative but to engage with and develop competence in the language. At the undergraduate level, a substantial number of students exhibit low to average proficiency in English per study of Haidar and Fang, 2019. This limited proficiency can be attributed to multiple factors, including the continued reliance on traditional teaching methods, outdated curricula, inadequate linguistic competence, insufficient learning resources, low motivation to address language deficiencies, weak teacher–student rapport, and a generally casual or disengaged attitude toward learning. However, Panhwar and Melanie (2023) examined strategies to enhance student engagement in large ESL classes at a Pakistani university. Employing a participatory action research framework, the study emphasized cooperative learning as a pedagogical approach. A comprehensive review of the literature, combined with a detailed situational analysis, informed the development of an initial instructional plan incorporating two cooperative learning strategies: Student Teams– Achievement Divisions (STAD) and Think–Pair–Share (TPS). This plan was implemented over one semester in a compulsory second-year undergraduate ESL course through a series of interactive mini action-research cycles. Data were gathered via classroom observations, student questionnaires, and semi-structured group interviews. The findings revealed that the cooperative learning intervention significantly enhanced students’ behavioral, cognitive, and emotional engagement when compared with their prior experiences in traditional lecture-based classrooms. On this basis, it has been observed that the inclusion of diverse assessment methods and pedagogical approaches by expert faculty members has resulted in considerable improvement in students’ performance by the end of the se-
mester. Pedagogical practices tailored to students’ specific needs such as formative assessments, quizzes, presentations, group participation, and regular teacher–student interaction have collectively contributed to measurable gains in academic performance. Lectures alone cannot improve student performance; effective learning requires two-way interaction and meaningful communication facilitated through appropriate pedagogical approaches. Moreover, instruction delivered by a faculty with expertise in functional linguistics has resulted in a substantially higher proportion of students demonstrating improved understanding of English. An integrated approach combining grammar with syntactic and morphological structures, language studies, and critical discourse analysis has proven to be an effective and comprehensive framework for supporting students’ linguistic development. Undergraduate students in Pakistan have demonstrated steady progress following the implementation of new pedagogical approaches, particularly through the introduction of the English courses across disciplines, where English functions as the primary medium of instruction. These courses have played a significant role in helping students address persistent weaknesses in their understanding and use of English as a Second Language. The Higher Education Commission of Pakistan has introduced these courses as a strategic initiative to strengthen students’ academic language skills. Prior to university entry, deficiencies in language proficiency resulting from limited training and outdated syllabi at the intermediate level often failed to meet the academic demands of higher education. Although these gaps were not systematically addressed in earlier stages of education, the rigorous requirements of university-level written expression necessitate structured guidance and sustained support from qualified faculty. The introduction of undergraduate English courses represents a commendable step toward addressing students’ linguistic deficiencies. The writer currently serves as a Visiting Assistant Professor at Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad. She holds a Ph.D. in Communication Sciences, specializing in Media Discourse with expertise in Linguistics, from Malaysia.
Prior to university entry, deficiencies in language proficiency resulting from limited training and outdated syllabi at the intermediate level often failed to meet the academic demands of higher education. Although these gaps were not systematically addressed in earlier stages of education.
Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965
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Karachi – Ph: 021-32640318 I
The writer is a Research Officer at Balochistan Think Tank Network (BTTN), Quetta.
This concern, in the contemporary context, further increases when the ruling government of India, under ModiÊs vicious agenda of Hindutva, diligently works to reshape the secular identity of India into an ultraconservative Hindu nationalist state. This religio-politico ideological rather than prudent approach, in a nuclearized regional dynamic, would influence and affect the strategic decision making in a crisis or conflict.
Contribution of English Courses to undergraduate academic development M. A. Niazi
Editor Pakistan Today
regime. The Indian case in point is the reason for fuelling a gradual yet threatening arms race in the hostile regional dynamics. Giving strategic advantage to one state over the other in a nuclearized South Asian scenario is simply inviting inadvertent nuclear escalation into play, which is a dangerous development both for regional as well as global strategic stability. Ultimately, the historical case of Indian fissile material theft from research reactors for the development of an atomic weapon reveals that a state with such irresponsible and untrustworthy behavior should not be given such elite treatment despite geopolitical and geostrategic constraints. This concern, in the contemporary context, further increases when the ruling government of India, under Modi’s vicious agenda of Hindutva, diligently works to reshape the secular identity of India into an ultraconservative Hindu nationalist state. This religio-politico ideological rather than prudent approach, in a nuclearized regional dynamic, would influence and affect the strategic decision making in a crisis or conflict. In such a scenario, states need to be extra cautious when making strategic deals involving dualuse technologies, as they could potentially complicate the security dynamics of an already hostile-driven South Asia.
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Foreign powers and unrest
FROM the ruins of Aleppo to the streets of Sanaa, one pattern is hard to ignore: when foreign powers intervene in the Middle East, conflicts rarely remain local. The United States, Russia and Iran claim they are either protecting stability or fighting terrorism, but on the ground, their actions deepen divides, prolong wars, and turn local struggles into regional crises. The central question is: do these outside powers make conflicts worse, or do they prevent total collapse? At times, they have stopped conflicts from escalating completely out of control, but far more often, their involvement has poured fuel on already intense fires. In the Middle East, a crisis in one country quickly spills into another. For Syrians forced into refugee camps, or Yemenis facing famine, the promises of foreign powers ring hollow. Foreign powers do not just fight over territory or resources; they also turn conflicts into battles of identity. This framing transforms local disputes into global ideological struggles. Outside powers see the Middle East less as a humanitarian concern and more as a stage for their global rivalries. As a result, what looks like stability in the short term often plants the seeds for future unrest. If foreign powers genuinely want to support stability, they need a different approach. First, they must dial back their rivalries. Treating the region as a chessboard only turns every dispute into a proxy fight, and Washington and Moscow, especially, should resist the urge to make every war another front in their global competition. Second, outside actors should encourage regional dialogue. The Saudi-Iran thaw brokered by China in 2023 showed that local actors can reduce tensions without foreign armies. This kind of diplomacy deserves support, not sabotage. Third, the focus should shift from arming to rebuilding. Finally, foreign powers must listen to local voices. What the region desperately needs is not more matches thrown into the fire, but space for its own people to rebuild peace from the ashes. EMAN TAHIR ISLAMABAD
Toll plaza overload
TOLL plazas in Sindh have become a source of generating revenue for the influential people and a nuisance for the public. The distance between Karachi and Hyderabad is approximately 165km, but commuters have to dis out toll tax twice. People coming from Hyderabad have to first pay Rs500 for one-sided car trip at the M-9 Motorway Toll Plaza, and then Rs70 at the Jamshoro Toll plaza, which is just about 10km away from the former. According to the National Highway Authority (NHA), toll is a fee, not a tax — meaning it must correspond to a specific service or benefit. However, the Jamshoro Toll Plaza does not provide any of it in any shape or form. Moreover, it violates the NHA toll policy 2010, which states that the distance between two toll plazas should be at least 35km. Similarly, travelling from Hyderabad to Dadu, a distance of 180km, one has to pay toll first at Petaro and then at Sehwan. Those proceeding further are charged again at Dadu and then at Mehar. Most of these toll plazas lack justification as they offer no benefit to the commuters. Considering the fast-paced construction of toll plazas in the province, it appears that by 2030, there will be a toll plaza after every 20km, each charging Rs200 or even more. According to media reports, several toll plazas were found occupied by influential persons in 2019. The Hyderabad-Tando Jam Toll Plaza was removed on the orders of the Sindh High Court for lack of justification and benefit to the commuters. Other unnecessary toll plazas should also be removed the same way. TALAT AZIZ HYDERABAD
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COMMENT 05
Saturday, 3 January, 2026
Beijing’s quiet challenge to US influence in Latin America China realizes that South America needs finance
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M a hossain
Y any historical measure, great powers rarely announce their ambitions with fireworks. They prefer white papers, strategic roadmaps, and bureaucratic understatement. China’s latest policy paper on Latin America and the Caribbean, released quietly in late 2025, belongs squarely in that tradition. Yet to treat it as routine diplomacy would be a serious misreading of the moment. This is Beijing’s first major update on the region since 2016. In the years between, the world has hardened. The US-China rivalry has moved from abstraction to structure. Sanctions have replaced persuasion. Financial systems have become instruments of power. In that context, China’s Latin America strategy is not a provocation— it is a declaration of intent. The thing that really stands out about this document is how it talks about identity. Beijing always says that Latin America and the Caribbean are an important part of the “Global South”. This is not a way to describe these places, it is a way to say they are part of a group. It means they have all been treated unfairly by countries and they all want to change this. Beijing thinks Latin America and the Caribbean are key to the “Global South”. That is a big deal. The “Global South” is not a term: it is a group of countries that want to make things more fair. History has a lot to teach us. Look at what happened during the Cold War. The USSR wanted to be in charge of a lot of countries that were not yet developed. They did this by saying they were a choice rather than the Western countries. China is doing something but in a quieter way. They do not use language that is meant to stir up changes. They also do not test people to see if they believe in ideas. China talks about being in control of your country, not interfering in other countries and having a balance of power, around the world. Phrases such as “a community with a
shared future” and opposition to “unilateral bullying” are not accidental. They resonate with governments that have grown wary of conditional aid, fluctuating Western attention spans, and moral lectures that rarely survive strategic inconvenience. China is not promising leadership. It is offering alignment without subordination. At the political level, China is explicit about its expectations. Recognition of the “One China” principle remains foundational. Taiwan is treated not as a negotiable issue but as a test of seriousness. In return, Beijing pledges reciprocal support on sovereignty and territorial integrity— a currency many states value in an increasingly interventionist world. What sets China apart is the scope of its political engagement. Beijing is no longer content with executive-level diplomacy. It seeks ties with legislatures, political parties, and state institutions across the ideological spectrum. Left or right, populist or technocratic— it makes little difference. What matters is continuity. This is a sharp contrast to the Western habit of organizing partnerships around shared values and common adversaries. That model has strengths, but it also limits reach. China’s indifference to ideology allows it to build influence incrementally and persistently, even as governments change. Infrastructure remains central to China’s strategy. Projects such as Peru’s $3.5 billion Chancay port or rail links across South America are tangible and visible. But the more consequential shift lies in finance. Beijing is openly encouraging reduced reliance on the dollar in regional trade. Currency swap agreements, local-currency settlements, and deeper cooperation among central banks are no longer peripheral ideas. They are policy objectives. In Washington, this is often interpreted as an attack on the dollar’s primacy. That
framing misses the point. De-dollarization is not ideological rebellion; it is strategic insurance. Once the USA demonstrated its willingness to weaponize access to the dollar-based financial system, other states began exploring alternatives. Latin American governments, even those aligned with Washington, have taken note. Coupled with expanding Chinese credit lines— such as the $9.2 billion facility announced in 2025— and the growing presence of Chinese financial institutions, a parallel ecosystem is emerging. It is not yet dominant. But it is credible. And credibility, in international finance, changes behaviour. China’s strategy has a sensitive part and that is security cooperation. China wants to work with countries on security issues. China
Washington openly engages Taiwan while insisting Beijing respect US sensitivities in the Western Hemisphere. From ChinaÊs perspective, the symmetry is obvious. Great powers test boundaries where they can. ChinaÊs Latin America policy paper reflects a world that is already multipolar, not one that might become so. Washington can respond with anger· or with strategy.
is proposing that countries do military exchanges, have training programmes and work together under what China calls the Global Security Initiative. China is being very careful to make sure this does not seem like a threat to countries. The focus is on things like helping each other in disasters, giving assistance in stopping terrorism and keeping the peace. China’s security cooperation is about working on these kinds of issues. China is changing the way it looks at things. It does not just think of itself as a country that does business with countries. China is trying to become a country that helps keep people safe in a region where the USA has a lot of influence. China is doing this slowly and carefully. The USA has always thought of this region as its area to take care of. Now China wants to be a part of it too. China wants to be a security actor in this region. The USA still carries historical sensitivities rooted in the Monroe Doctrine. Though obsolete as policy, its logic endures. Chinese control over ports, lithium, energy grids, and digital infrastructure alarms Washington, where competition makes such leverage consequential for US interests. Resource access sharpens the picture. China’s investments in lithium across Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile intersect directly with US efforts to secure supply chains for batteries, defence systems, and clean energy technologies. Agricultural trade tells a similar story, as Brazilian and Argentine exports increasingly displace US farmers in the Chi-
Why India faces a tough 2026 India has found itself critically exposed to China and Pakistan, without reliable support from either the United States or Russia
India’s proclaimed policy of multi-alignment, caught between the unpredictability of American policy and the reality of the Chinese threat, is under severe strain
Of late, India’s regional environment has also become more hostile than it has been for decades
There has also been talk of a China-Pakistan-Bangladesh security pact in some political circles in Bangladesh, which adds to Indian concerns about strategic encirclement
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THE NATIONAL INTEREST MohaMMed ayoob
T is said that when it rains, it pours. This aphorism fits India’s current foreign policy predicaments like a glove. Not since the Bangladesh crisis and war of 1971 has the Indian foreign policy establishment faced such a cumulation of challenges as it does now. The Chinese threat to India’s national security continues unabated despite the current softening of rhetoric on both sides, thanks to the uncertainties introduced into their respective relationships with the US by President Trump’s unpredictable foreign policy. Despite temporary restraints at the rhetorical level, China remains the primary threat to India’s territorial integrity in both the northwest and the northeast, and to its aspirations to become a major power in Asia and beyond. Discerning observers both within and outside the government have long recognized this fact. However, in order not to aggravate tensions with its militarily and economically stronger neighbor, the Indian rhetoric of threat perception has focused primarily on its smaller and weaker neighbor, Pakistan. Several factors have contributed to this diversionary tactic. First, the continuing Pakistani irredentism makes it appear a larger threat than it is. Second, visceral antagonism toward Pakistan, going back to the partition of British India in 1947, has created the perception in India that Pakistan is the “natural” enemy of the country. Third, it is far more convenient for the government to flex its rhetorical muscles against Pakistan, since it can occasionally follow up with military action that boosts its domestic popularity. Highlighting the threat from a more assertive China without an adequate military response exposes the government’s weakness and undermines its credibility and legitimacy. Fourth, China is India’s leading trade partner, with a trade deficit of nearly $100 billion during the 2024–5 fiscal year. Electronics, machinery, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals account for the bulk of imports. Cutting off, or even reducing, trade with China is bound to roil large segments of the growing Indian middle class, which has become accustomed to cheap Chinese products. This would create serious rifts in the political coalition of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). By contrast, India’s trade with Pakistan is negligible and much of it clandestine in the form of smuggled
goods across the porous border. Official Indian trade statistics show $558 million in trade for FY 2024–5, with imports from Pakistan accounting for a minuscule share. With trade between the two countries officially limited since the Pahalgam terrorist attack in April, the Indian consumer has hardly noticed. India’s proclaimed policy of multi-alignment, caught between the unpredictability of American policy and the reality of the Chinese threat, is under severe strain. This is not due to any missteps by New Delhi, but to President Donald Trump’s decision to retrench from strategic issues that do not bring immediate rewards for Washington. Transactional strategies have replaced policies of global involvement and long-term strategic planning. Also, the Trump administration’s softening stance on China has deprived New Delhi of the reassurance that Washington may come to its aid if relations with Beijing deteriorate to the point of open confrontation. The American decision to impose 50 percent tariffs on Indian imports for the country’s purchases of Russian oil was not just an economic blow for New Delhi; it was a wake-up call that America’s rules of engagement with India had changed, and its value as a potential strategic counterweight to China no longer counted for much with Washington. This was driven home further when the Trump administration dramatically reduced tariffs imposed on China and suspended new export controls and port fees on Chinese goods. This has left India in a double bind. It has immeasurably weakened its hand in its dealings with China and forced it to adopt a far more conciliatory policy toward Beijing at the strategic level than it would have liked. It has also forced it to publicly emphasize the positive aspects of its relationship with Russia to demonstrate to its domestic constituency that it was not totally beholden to the United States. Russian president Vladimir Putin’s recent visit to New Delhi and the warm reception he received underscore this fact and convey to Washington and the domestic public that India has other options. At the same time that the United States is sending signals that its policy has become transactional rather than based on long-term considerations, India’s policy of multi-alignment has left it open to criticism from the United States that it is abandoning any hope of a “special relationship” and, therefore, does not deserve to be treated as a potential ally or strategic asset. India is, therefore, caught between a rock and a hard place. As if these problems at the global level were not enough, of late, India’s regional environment has also become more hostile than it has been for decades. India’s smaller neighbors, with the exception of Pakistan, had, by and large, been willing to accord India the respect it thought it deserved for its size, population, and economic heft. Beginning with the 1971 war that led to the liberation of Bangladesh from the Pakistani yoke, India has repeatedly acted as the security provider for its smaller neighbors, particularly Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
Bhutan had been a virtual Indian protectorate, and landlocked Nepal was too economically dependent on India to pose a political challenge, even though periodic strains in their unequal relationship hit the headlines. New Delhi perceived Bangladesh as a loyal friend. Under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League party, Bangladesh cooperated with India to crack down on anti-India insurgents seeking refuge in that country, helped resolve connectivity issues between the Indian northeast and the rest of India, and, overall, expanded defense and counter-terror cooperation. The Awami League’s crackdown on Islamist extremists and its generally secular orientation also suited Indian preferences. Pakistan has always been an exception to the rule that neighbors defer to India. The main objective of Pakistan’s foreign policy has long remained military and diplomatic parity with India. Since Islamabad could not achieve this on its own due to India’s advantages in size, population, and resources, it has relied on foreign powers, especially the United States and China. Its capacity to do so from the United States has varied depending upon Washington’s strategic calculations about the region. The United States’ increasingly warm relations with India during the past two decades have led to a depletion of Pakistan’s leverage with American decision-makers. However, the second Trump administration has reversed this trend with the president himself emphasizing the importance of Pakistan in American foreign policy and publicly praising Asim Munir, Pakistan’s defense chief, who is the real power behind the throne in his country. This has upset Indian calculations about America’s role in any future conflict with Pakistan. Based on past experience, New Delhi expected Washington to put pressure on Islamabad to desist from escalating any conflict with India. But now, with the convergence of American and Chinese support for Pakistan, India is worried that it could be a rerun of the 1971 movie when both Beijing and Washington supported Pakistan in its confrontation with India over the liberation of Bangladesh. India successfully met the joint threat because it had the Soviet Union’s support. This factor is missing today because Russia is China’s junior partner in Asia and mired in a bloody war in Ukraine. If China and Pakistan are long-term threats to Indian security, the most immediate challenge comes from recent events in Bangladesh, long considered India’s firm ally in South Asia. The ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last year, following a youth-led popular revolt, and her flight to New Delhi and asylum in India have upended these calculations. India’s support to the increasingly authoritarian and unpopular Awami League government during its time in power and its decision to give Hasina refuge have not only become impediments to developing friendly relations with Dhaka, but they have also led to the outpouring of unprecedented antiIndian sentiments in Bangladesh.
nese market. Latin America, however, is not a passive arena. Governments in the region face pressing development needs and limited financing options. The Chinese capital is often welcomed not because it is Chinese, but because it is available. Panama’s withdrawal from the Belt and Road Initiative in early 2025 under US pressure illustrates the dilemma. Strategic alignment with Washington can carry immediate economic costs. Chinese engagement, by contrast, often arrives with fewer visible conditions— though not without long-term consequences. The real risk for the USA is not that China will “take over” Latin America. That fear is exaggerated. The greater danger is strategic complacency— the assumption that influence persists by default. History suggests otherwise. Power erodes when engagement fades. There is a final irony worth noting. Washington openly engages Taiwan while insisting Beijing respect US sensitivities in the Western Hemisphere. From China’s perspective, the symmetry is obvious. Great powers test boundaries where they can. China’s Latin America policy paper reflects a world that is already multipolar, not one that might become so. Washington can respond with anger— or with strategy. History tends to reward the latter. The writer can be reached at: writetomahossain@gmail.com
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is likely to form the government in Dhaka after the next election in February 2026 The Islamist parties, such as the Jamaat-i-Islami, which have always harbored pro-Pakistan sentiments, have taken advantage of this situation and further fanned the flames of hostility toward India. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), founded as the opposition to the Awami League and the family of Sheikh Hasina, is likely to form the government in Dhaka after the next election in February 2026, either on its own or in coalition with anti-Indian parties such as the more explicitly Islamist Jamaat-i-Islami. The BNP has thrived on the current wave of anti-Indian sentiment in the country. It is also more pro-Pakistan in its orientation and committed to emphasizing Bangladesh’s Islamic identity and distinctiveness from the contiguous Hindu-majority Indian state of West Bengal. Recent events and current trends in Bangladesh are therefore a source of great concern for India, as they have derailed New Delhi’s assessment of its security environment in the eastern theater. This is especially the case because they threaten to isolate or even cut off access to its vulnerable northeastern states, which are connected to the rest of the country through the small Siliguri corridor (also known as the “chicken’s neck”), a narrow strip of land between Bangladesh and Nepal. This Indian security concern is heightened because the post-Hasina interim government has shown a distinct bias in favor of China and against India, a tilt likely to be continued by the post-election government in Dhaka. On a recent visit to Beijing, Mohammed Yunus, the head of the interim government, invited China to use Bangladesh as its gateway to the region, noted that India’s northeastern states are landlocked, and touted Bangladesh as the “sole guardian of the ocean.” This was interpreted in India as a proposal for a security linkage between China and Bangladesh that would isolate and encircle the vulnerable Indian northeast and potentially could cut it off from the mainland. India finds this very threatening since China has a longstanding territorial claim on the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, which it calls Southern Tibet, and refuses to recognize it as a part of India. There has also been talk of a China-Pakistan-Bangladesh security pact in some political circles in Bangladesh, which adds to Indian concerns about strategic encirclement. Taken together, there is a convergence of global and regional factors that has created a conundrum for Indian foreign policy makers and military planners not seen since the Bangladesh War of 1971. How New Delhi comes to grips with these simultaneous and overlapping problems will define the future trajectory of Indian foreign policy and its self-perceived role as the pivotal power in South Asia and a putative great power in the international system.
Mohammed Ayoob is a university distinguished professor emeritus of international relations at Michigan State University. His books include The Many Faces of Political Islam (University of Michigan Press, 2008), Will the Middle East Implode (2014), and, most recently, From Regional Security to Global IR: An Intellectual Journey (2024). He was also the editor of Assessing the War on Terror (2013).
06 NEWS
SWISS AUTHORITIES BEGIN IDENTIFYING VICTIMS OF BAR FIRE THAT KILLED 40, INJURED 115
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Saturday, 3 January 2026 | ISLAMABAD
BERN
Agencies
NVESTIGATORS on Friday set about identifying the burned bodies of a blaze that engulfed a crowded bar, killing around 40 people and injuring 115 at a New Year’s Eve party in the upscale Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana. The severity of the burns suffered by the young crowd of revellers in the Le Constellation bar will cause the identification process to take days , according to Swiss officials. Parents of missing youths anxiously issued pleas for news of their loved ones as foreign embassies scrambled to work out if their nationals were among those caught up in one of the worst tragedies to befall modern Switzerland. “The first objective is to assign names to all the bodies,” Crans-Montana’s mayor, Nicolas Feraud, told a press conference on Thursday evening. This, he said, could take
days. Mathias Reynard, head of government of the canton of Valais, said experts were using dental and DNA samples for the task. “All this work needs to be done because the information is so terrible and sensitive that nothing can be told to the families unless we are 100% sure,” he said. What caused the blaze was unclear. Swiss authorities said it appeared to be an accident rather than an attack. Some accounts from survivors and footage broadcast on social media suggested that the ceiling of the bar’s basement may have caught fire when sparkling candles got too close. Residents of Crans-Montana, which has the distinction of being not only a popular draw for skiers but also golfers, were stunned by the inferno. Many knew victims, and some said they were lucky not to have been there themselves. Hundreds of people stood in silence near the scene as they came to pay their respects to the victims on Thursday night.
“You think you’re safe here, but this can happen anywhere. They were people like us,” said Piermarco Pani, an 18-year-old who, like many others in the town, knew the bar well. Dozens of people left flowers or lit candles on a makeshift altar at the top of the road leading to the bar, which police had cordoned off. Some cried, others quietly hugged one another. Behind the cordon, the bodies of some victims still lay in the bar, police said, as they pledged to work around the clock to identify everyone who succumbed to the blaze. Kean Sarbach, 17, said he had spoken to four people who escaped from the bar, some with burns, and that they had told him the flames had spread very quickly. Elisa Sousa, 17, said she was meant to be there but ended up spending the evening at a family gathering instead. “And honestly, I’ll need to thank my mother a hundred times for not letting me go,” she said at the vigil for the victims. “Because God knows where I’d be now.”
Trump warns US will Canada urges India to probe incident intervene if Iran kills involving pilot being under alcohol influence peaceful protesters NEW DELHI reuters
Canada’s transport regulator has asked Air India to investigate an incident of a pilot reporting for duty under the influence of alcohol and failing two breathalyser tests, a person familiar with the matter said. The tests were conducted by Canadian police at Vancouver International Airport after the pilot was asked to leave the aircraft, the person said. The incident was labelled as a “serious matter” by Transport Canada in a letter to Air India and authorities are likely to pursue enforcement action, the
person added. The person requested anonymity, as he was not authorised to speak to the media. Transport Canada did not respond to an emailed request for comment outside regular working hours. In a statement, Air India confirmed the flight from Vancouver to Delhi on December 23 experienced a lastminute delay due to the incident, adding that an alternate pilot was brought in to operate the flight. “The pilot has been taken off flying duties during the process of enquiry. Air India maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards any violation of applicable rules and regulations,” Air India said.
“Pending the outcome of the investigation, any confirmed violation will attract strict disciplinary action in line with company policy.” The letter from Transport Canada official Ajit Oommen has asked Air India to provide its findings and details of steps taken to prevent future occurrences by January 26, the person familiar with the matter said. India has been under intense scrutiny since the June 12 crash of a Boeing Dreamliner killed 260 people. India’s aviation regulator has flagged multiple safety lapses at the airline, which was previously owned by the government until 2022.
Pilots at Air India, owned by Tata Group and Singapore Airlines have also come under scrutiny. This week, India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation sent warning notices to four Air India pilots, flagging “serious safety concerns” related to regulatory compliance and flight crew decision-making. The DGCA said the pilots accepted an aircraft for operation last year despite prior knowledge of “repeated snags” and “existing systems degradations,” according to warning notices dated December 29 seen by Reuters. The aircraft is a Boeing 787 used for long-haul flights, according to Flightradar24.
Zohran Mamdani bursts into tears after meeting with Lahore-born woman NEW YORK Agencies
Zohran Mamdani, who recently made history as New York City’s first Muslim mayor, was visibly moved to tears during
an emotional interaction with a Pakistani woman who praised his empathy and leadership, crediting him with bringing positive change across the city. Samina, originally from Lahore, Pakistan, met Mamdani during a one-on-one
session titled ‘The Mayor Is Listening’, where she expressed heartfelt appreciation for his efforts and compassionate approach to governance. The bilingual conversation, conducted in both Urdu and English, deeply touched the mayor, prompting him to briefly pause before proceeding to meet another citizen. Upon arriving at the studio, Samina read from notes she had prepared in advance, apologising for her limited command of English. “Please, sorry, my English is not so good,” she said, before adding, “First of all, congratulations. Your empathy deserves to lead, and thank you for creating soft-
ness in people’s hearts in a world where people are not united.” She went on to urge the mayor to continue being “a light and hope during this difficult time,” crediting him for restoring optimism among New Yorkers. Mamdani responded warmly in Urdu and became visibly emotional upon learning that Samina was from Lahore, recalling his own visit to the city. “I went to Lahore once — it’s a beautiful city,” he said, his eyes filling with tears, thanking her for her kind words and support. Following the emotional exchange, the mayor briefly stepped away before continuing with his scheduled meetings.
Year in review: K-Electric shows steady progress during 2025 KARACHI
stAff report
In a year marked by return of economic stability, K-Electric (KE), Pakistan’s only vertically integrated power utility, showed steady progress across its businesses of generation, transmission, distribution, and supply, alongside continued investments in digital transformation and customer engagement. Moonis Alvi, KE CEO, said: “K-Electric has always focused on customer satisfaction, and we will continue to facilitate our customers with utmost dedication. Karachi is our responsibility and we will continue to serve the city with all our effort. “The revised MYT has presented new challenges, but we will balance the best of what we have to offer to both the city and the company.” The year-end business performance roundup shows KE’s focus on ensuring reliable power for Karachi’s households,
commercial hubs, and industrial units, while catering to the city’s unique operational and demand dynamics. PEAK DEMAND Karachi, Pakistan’s largest and most populous city, recorded a peak demand of 3,563 MW during June 2025 which was ably met with a peak supply of 3,545 MW, demonstrating KE’s grid resilience during peak summer conditions. Average demand for the year (January-November) hovered around 2,353 MW, reflecting the city’s expanding economic activity and urban growth. Monthly average demand figures fluctuated around 1,470 MW in winters and 2,920 MW during summers reflecting seasonal variations in consumption patterns. GENERATION UP TO THE TASK KE’s generation infrastructure played a key role in meeting Karachi’s seasonal demand variations, particularly during peak summer months when consumption rises sharply.
WASHINGTON Agencies
President Donald Trump of the United States of America on Friday said that if Iran shoots and kills peaceful protesters, the US will come to their rescue. “We are locked and loaded and ready to go,” he said in a Truth Social post. Trump’s declaration follows the deaths of several people as Iran’s biggest protests in three years over economic hardship turned violent across multiple provinces. The clashes between protesters and security forces mark a significant escalation in the unrest that has spread across the country since shopkeepers began protesting on Sunday over the government’s handling of a sharp currency slide and rapidly rising prices. The unrest comes as Western sanctions hammer an economy hit by 40% inflation and after Israeli and US airstrikes in June targeted the country’s nuclear infrastructure and military leadership. Iran’s economy has been struggling for years as a result of US and Western sanctions over Tehran’s nuclear program. Regional tensions led to a 12-day air war with Israel in June, further straining the country’s finances. The Iranian rial lost around half its value against the dollar in 2025, with inflation reaching 42.5% in December.
Contaminated water kills 9, hospitalises 200 in India’s Indore INDORE
Agencies
At least nine people have died and more than 200 have been hospitalised in the central Indian city of Indore after a diarrhoea outbreak that officials said was linked to contaminated drinking water, according to a lawmaker and local health authorities. Kailash Vijayvargiya, a lawmaker, said nine people had died in Indore. Indore’s chief medical officer, Madhav Prasad Hasani, told Reuters by phone that drinking water in the Bhagirathpur area of the city was contaminated due to a leak and a water test had confirmed the presence of bacteria in the pipeline. “I cannot say anything on the death toll, but yes, over 200 people from the same locality are undergoing treatment at different hospitals of the city. The final report of the water sample collected from the affected area is awaited,” Hasani said. Shravan Verma, the district administrative officer, said authorities had deployed teams of doctors for door-to-door screening and were distributing chlorine tablets to help purify water. “We have found one leakage point that could have contaminated the water and that point has been fixed,” Verma said, adding that officials had screened 8,571 people and identified 338 with mild symptoms. Indore, in Madhya Pradesh state, has been named India’s cleanest city and has topped the national cleanliness rankings for the past eight years.
Chinese mainland official calls for peaceful development of cross-strait relations BEIJING
stAff correspondent
A Chinese mainland official on Friday called for efforts to promote peaceful development of relations across the Taiwan Strait and achieve national reunification. Song Tao, head of both the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, made the remarks in a New Year message to people of Taiwan. He extended New Year wishes and sincere greetings to people in Taiwan, as conveyed in the message published in this year’s first issue of the “Relations Across Taiwan Strait” magazine.
Reiterating the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, Song said that in 2026 the mainland will continue expanding exchanges and cooperation and promoting integrated development across the Strait, while resolutely opposing secessionist activities seeking “Taiwan independence” and external interference to maintain peace and stability in the region. “We are ready to engage in dialogue and consultation with political parties, organizations and people from all walks of life in Taiwan concerning cross-Strait relations and national reunification on the basis of the oneChina principle and the 1992 Consensus,” he said. The year 2025 saw cross-Strait relations move forward despite difficulties, with momentum and strength building for national re-
unification, he said, highlighting greater facilitation for Taiwan residents to travel to the mainland and the significantly increased number of young people and first-time visitors from Taiwan to the mainland. Efforts were stepped up to advance with the high-quality development of the demonstration zone for cross-Strait integrated development and fully implement equal treatment for Taiwan residents and Taiwan enterprises on the mainland, while national sovereignty and territorial integrity were firmly defended, he said. Song called on people across the Strait to take on their historical responsibilities and join hands to oppose secessionism and work for national reunification.
NEWS 07
Saturday, 3 January 2026 | ISLAMABAD
CORPORATE CORNER
PTCL Group injecting PKR15b capital into U Microfinance Bank
LAHORE
staff report
Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL), the parent company of U Microfinance Bank Limited (U Bank), has approved a capital injection of PKR 15 billion* (approximately USD 53 million) into the Bank, one of the largest equity injection transactions in the industry. The capital injection is intended to support U Bank’s sustained growth trajectory and the development of its digital banking platform, enabling enhanced customer outreach and service delivery. Mr. Hatem Bamatraf, Chairman of U Microfinance Bank and Group Chief Executive Officer, PTCL Group, reaffirmed PTCL Group’s commitment to initiatives that promote financial inclusion, innovation, and socioeconomic development across Pakistan. He noted that the capital injection reflects the Group’s confidence in U Bank’s digital transformation strategy and its potential to strengthen the microfinance banking ecosystem. Mr. Tooran Asif, President and Chief Executive Officer, U Microfinance Bank, expressed appreciation to PTCL Group and the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) for their continued support and guidance. He stated that the capital injection comes at a critical stage as the Bank prepares to enter the next phase of its digital transformation in 2026. The Bank’s transformation strategy is focused on innovation and the introduction of new products and services aimed at expanding access to financial services for millions of customers nationwide.
EBM Leads Day 5 at Young Leaders Conference 2025 LAHORE
staff report
On Day Five of the Young Leaders Conference (YLC) 2025, founding partner English Biscuit Manufacturers (EBM) once again took the center stage, continuing their unwavering support for the initiative from day one. True to their commitment to youth leadership and social cohesion, EBM reinforced the conference’s vision of fostering inclusivity, empathy, and responsible leadership among Pakistan’s young leaders.Adding to the excitement of the day, Umair Jaliawala was celebrated as the Day Champ for Day Five, inspiring participants with his insights and engagement, while Shireen Naqvi, Shehroze Hussain and his students, Kainat Ansari, and Saif Samejo made the day even more memorable with their knowledge, experience, and captivating performance.Aligned with the theme “Manifesting Harmony in Diversity,” the day invited participants to explore how art, language, values, and cultural expression can bridge differences and strengthen societies. Through thought-provoking sessions on pluralism, cultural perception, and societal values, participants reflected on diversity not as a challenge, but as a source of collective strength.
HBL Pakistan Manufacturing PMI Hits 10-Month High KARACHI
staff report
The HBL Pakistan Manufacturing PMI, compiled by S&P Global, edged up to 52.8 in December, rising from 52.3 in November and marking the highest reading since February. The reading reflects a solid rise in production alongside stronger demand, with new orders accelerating at their fastest pace since March. Respondents linked the uptick to business expansion and improved product quality. Encouragingly, new export orders registered growth for the first time in six months, with businesses attributing the uplift to stronger international demand and better product quality. Despite higher output, capacity pressures remained subdued as work backlogs declined at one of the sharpest rates on record. Employment levels ticked higher for the second consecutive month, with firms pointing to greater workload.
City Police stepped up crackdown on gambling in 2025; over 3,800 arrested
CM MARYAM UNVEILS AMBITIOUS INITIATIVE TO POSITION PUNJAB AS HUB OF MODERN AQUACULTURE
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PUNJAB CM GREENLIGHTS DRIVE TO ESTABLISH SHRIMP ESTATES OVER 5,600 ACRES IN SARGODHA AND ALIPUR LAHORE
staff report
UNJAB Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has unveiled an ambitious, multi-pronged initiative to position Punjab as a hub of modern aquaculture, with a special focus on shrimp farming, while simultaneously rolling out wideranging police reforms aimed at strengthening public safety and citizen-centric service delivery in 2026. As part of the aquaculture drive, shrimp estates will be developed over a total area of 5,600 acres in Sargodha and Alipur. The project aims to convert barren and saline lands into productive assets through modern shrimp farming practices, marking a significant milestone in Punjab’s agricultural diversification and economic development.
According to official updates, the 15th daily progress report of the Sargodha shrimp farming project has been released. So far, nine shrimp ponds have been completed on 20 acres, while 5,320 metres of drainage work has been finalized. Sur-
veys for an additional 10 acres have also been completed as part of the next phase. Meanwhile, a quality control laboratory being established in Lahore at a cost of Rs4.5 billion is nearing completion, with 99 percent of construction work fi-
‘Suthra Punjab’ model draws interest from Sindh and KP: Azma Bokhari LAHORE
staff report
Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari has said that the Punjab government’s flagship "Suthra Punjab" programme has not only achieved remarkable success at the local level but is also attracting interest from other provinces and even international cities. She said that the Sindh government has expressed its desire to adopt the Suthra Punjab model, while the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is also keen to benefit from it, and the KP Chief Secretary has formally
sought details of the programme. Azma Bokhari further revealed that the Punjab government has already provided guidance on the Suthra Punjab programme to the UK city of Birmingham. She added that other successful initiatives of the Punjab government include the anti-encroachment drive, the Model Village Programme, and the Punjab Development Plan. Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz has already made it clear that if any province requires the feasibility or guidance of Punjab’s successful projects, Punjab is fully prepared to extend complete cooperation.
PTBPL: Hyderabad Hunters secure semifinal spot with sixth straight win
KARACHI
staff report
Hyderabad Hunters continued their unbeaten run in the Pakistan Tape Ball Premier League by registering their sixth consecutive victory, defeating Lahore Lions by 11 runs in a thrilling encounter to book a place in the semi-finals.The match was played at the New Nazimabad Cricket Ground under the auspices of the Pakistan Tape Ball Federation. On the 12th day of the league — regarded as Pakistan’s biggest tape ball tournament — the unbeaten Hyderabad Hunters once again proved their dominance to qualify for the final four stage.Batting first, Hyderabad Hunters scored 66 runs for the loss of seven wickets in their first innings. M. Raza contributed 20 runs with the help of two sixes, while Ubaid Khan also scored 20 runs off just six deliveries, hitting two sixes. For Lahore Lions, Shah nawaz picked up three wickets.In reply, Lahore Lions posted 78 runs for the loss of five wickets, taking a 12-run lead. Falak Bashir was the standout performer with 23 runs off 10 balls, including two fours and two sixes. Majid Ali claimed two wickets for Hyderabad.In their second innings, Hyderabad Hunters piled up 127 runs for the loss of just one wicket, gaining an overall lead of 115 runs. M. Raza played a spectacular knock, scoring 57 runs off 18 balls with two fours and eight sixes.
Govt of Commonwealth of The Bahamas appoints Asad Ur Rehman Khan as Honorary Consul
She emphasized that, as the elder brother, Punjab is ready to fully support public welfare projects in other provinces and would be pleased if the people of Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also benefit from quality facilities similar to those in Punjab. Azma Bokhari noted that the "Suthra Punjab" programme is gaining recognition at the global level, and the ultimate goal is to see all provinces become as clean and wellmanaged as Punjab. She stressed that instead of political bitterness, mutual blame, and abusive politics, provinces should learn from each other’s experiences for collective progress.
Bank Alfalah recognised as Top ‘Most Inclusive Organisation’ in 2026 at GDEIB Awards
KARACHI
staff report
Bank Alfalah, one of the leading commercial banks in Pakistan, has been named one of the “Most Inclusive Companies in 2026” at the Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Benchmarks Awards, following a rigorous, evidence based disclosure process and an independent evaluation by an international jury. This year, 44 leading multinational and national companies participated in the awards, submitting documented evidence across people, culture and workplace practices. Bank Alfalah came out on top overall, recognised as the Most Inclusive Company in 2026, and won in 15 GDEIB benchmark categories: ● Vision, Strategy, and Business Impact ● Leadership and Accountability ● DEI Structure and Implementation ● Recruitment ● Advancement and Retention ● Job Design, Classification and Compensation ● Work Life Integration, Flexibility and Benefit ● Assessment, Measurement and Research ● DEI Communications
Sarwar Samejo promoted as director by Sindh Selection Board
LAHORE
staff report
The Lahore Police have stepped up a crackdown on gambling during 2025, arresting more than 3,800 suspects in citywide operations. According to a statement issued by the Lahore Police spokesperson on Friday, a total of 959 cases were registered against individuals involved in gambling across various police stations. During these operations, police recovered over Rs179.49 million stake money from the suspects. The divisional breakdown of arrests shows 299 suspects from the City Division, 144 from Cantonment, 125 from Civil Lines, 71 from Saddar Division, 188 from Iqbal Town and 90 from Model Town. CCPO Lahore Bilal Siddique Kamyana said that indiscriminate action was being taken against those involved in the social evil of gambling. He warned that networks engaged in online gambling were being dealt with “with an iron hand”. The CCPO said action would be taken against those who involve young people in gambling, adding that modern technology was being employed to enhance surveillance of online gambling.
KARACHI
staff report
The Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas has appointed Mr. Asad Ur Rehman Khan as Honorary Consul of The Bahamas in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. His appointment has been duly recognised by the Government of Pakistan through the issuance of an exequatur signed by the President of Pakistan.As Honorary Consul, Mr. Khan will represent and promote the interests of The Bahamas in Pakistan, with a focus on enhancing bilateral relations, facilitating consular services, encouraging trade and investment, and fostering cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.This appointment underscores the commitment of the Government of The Bahamas.
KARACHI
staff report
In a significant development for the Information Department of Sindh, renowned writer, poet, columnist, and senior information officer Mr. Sarwar Samejo has been recommended for promotion to the post of Director (Grade-19) by the Provincial Selection Board-II, which met under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Sindh, Mr. Asif Hyder Shah.Mr. Sarwar Samejo, widely respected for his literary contributions, journalistic integrity, and decades-long service in public communication, has played a vital role in promoting public awareness, cultural values, and government outreach through media. His elevation to Grade-19 is being seen as recognition of his professional excellence, commitment to public service, and intellectual contribution to Sindh’s literary and media landscape.
nalized. A separate laboratory in Muzaffargarh, aimed at supporting shrimp farming research and providing a conducive environment for aquaculture, has also reached 98 percent completion. To strengthen capacity building, Pakistani experts have completed training visits to Saudi Arabia and Mexico, while international specialists Jeffrey and Jamie Dominguez have visited Pakistan to provide technical guidance. Written examinations for 100 interns selected for the shrimp farming project have also been conducted. Infrastructure development is progressing rapidly, with 32 tubewells and eight transformers installed, and shrimp seed introduced into 64 research ponds. Additional shrimp estates and value chains are also being developed across Sargodha and Muzaffargarh. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz stated that the project would significantly boost Punjab’s exports and generate thousands of employment opportunities, describing it as the province’s largest and most important Blue Economy initiative to date.
From skills to sustainability: National Skills University celebrates a year of exemplary transformation
ISLAMABAD
staff report
Opening the Employee Appreciation ceremony, the chief guest, Minister of State MoFE&PT, Ms. Wajiha Qamar, praised the progress of National Skills University Islamabad as “exemplary" and urged that such ecosystems of skills, sustainability, and innovation be copied across the country. It was a statement that set the tone for an event that was more about meaningful progress than formality. The Employee Appreciation Ceremony in Islamabad was not just a celebration but also a clear declaration of intent: that universities focused on skills, environmental responsibility, and global relevance can quietly yet decisively shape the nation's future.Faculty members, administrators, technical staff, and university leadership gathered to reflect on a year that cemented NSU’s position as one of Pakistan’s most progressive public institutions. One of the key milestones was its ranking as the country's second-best sustainable federal university. This honor places environmental responsibility alongside employability and exemplifies a model of public education that aligns with both global and economic realities.The ceremony also emphasized NSU’s unique international reputation. As Pakistan’s only Centre affiliated with UNESCO-UNEVOC, the university has become a bridge between global best practices in technical and vocational education and local workforce requirements. Its designation as a European Centre of Vocational Excellence further shows a rare level of international trust in a Pakistani public university dedicated to skills training.
Federal Minister for Food Security inaugurates cutting-edge research facilities at NARC
ISLAMABAD
staff report
Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, on Friday inaugurated multiple state-of-the-art research facilities at the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), Islamabad. The newly inaugurated facilities include the National Wheat Speed Breeding Facility, Pulses Speed Breeding Facility, and an Intelligent & IoT-based Smart Greenhouse. These modern facilities aim to significantly reduce the time required for crop variety development from 10 years to nearly 5 years. By providing controlled environments and advanced technologies, the speed breeding facilities will enable researchers to harvest 5–6 generations per year and rapidly develop new crop lines with desirable traits such as high yield, disease resistance, and climate resilience. The Intelligent Smart Greenhouse is equipped with advanced technologies including artificial intelligence (AI), IoT-based monitoring systems, speed breeding modules, genome and risk assessment tools, vertical gardening, and high-throughput phenotyping. These features will support crop improvement, efficient resource use, and sustainable agricultural practices.Speaking to the media after the inauguration, Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain said that research is the core mandate of the Ministry of National Food Security and Research. He emphasized that agriculture is a priority sector for the government, and continuous efforts are being made to bring national research institutions at par with international standards.
saturday, 3 January, 2026
prayer timings
PTI WILL GO AHEAD WITH PLANNED FEB 8 PROTEST UNDER ‘ALL CIRCUMSTANCES’: CM AFRIDI news
K
PESHAWAR
staff report
HYBER Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Friday reaffirmed that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will go ahead with its planned February 8 protests under “all circumstances,” announcing that a cabinet expansion will take place “very soon.” Speaking during informal interactions with senior journalists in Peshawar, CM Afridi said the task of engaging in talks with (government) had been assigned to Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Nasir Abbas. “Those who want talks may proceed. I am ready to engage with the ‘establishment’ on provincial matters and to improve working relations,” he said. The chief minister clarified that PTI founder Imran Khan had not directed him to hold talks with the establishment and added that he had not been allowed to meet the party founder. CM Afridi stressed the need for supremacy of the Constitution and rule of law, while calling for an end to drone attacks. Commenting on recent political tensions, CM Afridi said harsh language used by ministers was a reaction to what
he termed unfair treatment in Punjab, adding that the concerned ministers had apologised. He also noted that no former minister was in possession of an official vehicle or government residence. CM Afridi said he would meet Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir if an official event or meeting took place. He pledged to develop Peshawar, but “not on the model of Lahore where rallies and processions are restricted.” On political mobilisation, the chief minister said his visit to Lahore was aimed at raising public awareness for
Ex-information secretary Ambreen Jan nominated to lead PEMRA ISLAMABAD
Dense winter fog paralyses life across Punjab, KP PESHAWAR
staff report
staff report
Former federal information secretary Ambreen Jan has been selected to head the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), becoming the first woman nominated for the top position of the country’s electronic media regulator. Her name was approved on Friday by a parliamentary committee tasked with finalising the appointment of Pemra’s chairperson. The committee, chaired by Senator Shehbaz Babar, unanimously endorsed Jan’s candidature after deliberations. Following the committee’s decision, her nomination has been forwarded to President Asif Ali Zardari for formal confirmation. Once approved, she will assume charge of the regulator, a post that has remained vacant since the retirement of the previous chairman, Mohammad Saleem Baig, last year. Jan is a retired Grade-22 civil servant with extensive experience in Pakistan’s information and broadcasting sector. During her career, she served as managing director of Pakistan Television, director general of Radio Pakistan and federal information secretary. She has also held a diplomatic assignment as press counsellor in Bangladesh during a period marked by strained bilateral relations.
Balochistan rolls out women-only Pink Bus Service in Quetta QUETTA
staff report
the release of PTI founder Imran Khan, and that a visit to Karachi was also being planned for the same purpose. He added that he would meet PTI-affiliated groups, including the Insaf Student Federation (ISF) and Insaf Labour Forum (ILF), during the Karachi visit. Regarding federal dues, CM Afridi said the Centre had yet to release Rs700 billion under the Annual Development Programme for merged districts, out of a total of Rs1,000 billion. He claimed the federal government owed KP more than Rs4 trillion in outstanding liabilities, including net hydel profit and other dues.
The Balochistan government has launched a women-only Pink Bus Service in Quetta at the start of the new year, aiming to provide safe, dignified and reliable public transport for women and female students, officials said. Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti announced the initiative through a message on social media platform X, stating that the service has been introduced to address long-standing transport and safety concerns faced by women during daily travel in the provincial capital. He said the provincial government was committed to running the Pink Bus Service on a permanent basis and would gradually expand it to other districts of Balochistan in future phases.
Afridi said talks for Imran Khan’s release required a conducive environment and that PTI leadership must actively mobilise. He defended public campaigning by the PTI founder’s sisters, calling it legitimate. Outlining governance priorities, CM Afridi reiterated a zero-tolerance policy on corruption, saying transparency, merit, and development were his government’s core principles. He said compensation for displaced families, including those from Tirah Valley, would be paid by the provincial government. On security, he said improving law and order was the government’s main challenge and that development in merged districts would help curb militancy. He also indicated a review of electricity issues, including transmission constraints and outstanding dues, and said bringing PESCO under provincial control was being examined. CM Afridi announced that a progress report on the Peshawar-Dera Ismail Khan motorway had been sought within 10 days. He said cabinet expansion would take place soon and that the government would present its 100-day performance. Reiterating the party’s stance, he said the February 8 protest would go ahead as planned.
Dense fog, described by commuters as the thickest spell of the winter so far, blanketed large parts of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Friday morning, reducing visibility to near zero and forcing the closure of major motorways, authorities said. Lahore was among the worstaffected cities, where early morning commuters struggled to navigate roads as visibility dropped sharply. Motorists reported that windscreens and helmet visors were rendered almost useless, forcing vehicles to move at a crawling pace. Traffic congestion was reported on several key arteries as drivers relied heavily on fog lights to make their way through the city. Residents said the fog appeared heavier and more persistent than previous spells this winter, effectively swallowing large parts of Lahore. The situation was com-
pounded by severe cold and hazardous air quality, disrupting daily routines and affecting road, rail and air travel across the region. Officials said a sharp drop in temperatures, combined with extremely low visibility and poor pollution levels, led to widespread delays and inconvenience for thousands of commuters and passengers. The cold wave intensified overnight, worsening fog conditions across several districts of Punjab and KP. As visibility deteriorated, multiple sections of the motorway network were closed as a precautionary measure. Motorway Police confirmed that traffic was suspended on M-1 from Peshawar to Risalpur and from Swabi to Burhan, M-2 from Lahore to Kot Momin, M-4 from Abdul Hakeem to Multan, M-5 from Multan to Zahir Pir, and M-11 from Lahore to Sialkot. Motorway Police Central Region spokesperson Syed Imran Ahmed said the closures were im-
posed to protect motorists and passengers from potentially fatal accidents in hazardous conditions. He said driving during dense fog posed serious risks due to sudden visibility loss and delayed reaction times. Authorities advised travellers that fog conditions usually ease during daylight hours, adding that travel between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm is comparatively safer. Drivers were urged to use the Grand Trunk Road where possible, reduce speed, and keep fog lights switched on at all times. Officials also appealed to the public to avoid unnecessary travel and remain indoors until conditions improve. Dense fog was also reported at several points along national highways, where visibility ranged between zero and 100 metres, further disrupting traffic flow. The Motorway Police said motorists requiring assistance or real-time updates could contact the National Highways and Motorway Police helpline at 130.
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Shahzad Akbar alleges second targeted attack on UK home within a week LONDON
staff Correspondent
Former special assistant to the prime minister (SAPM) Mirza Shahzad Akbar has alleged that his residence in the United Kingdom, where he is living in self-imposed exile, was targeted in a “deliberate and planned criminal attack” aimed at causing serious harm. The incident occurred days after Akbar said he suffered facial injuries, including a fractured nose, in an assault at his home. In a post on X on Thursday, Akbar said his house in Cambridgeshire, England, was attacked on December 31, 2025. He claimed the assailants damaged the property and attempted to set it on fire, placing lives at immediate risk. According to Akbar, this was the second targeted attack within a week against him and his family. He stressed that the incidents were not isolated. Recalling an earlier assault on December 24, Akbar said he was physically attacked in what he described as a targeted incident that left him with significant injuries. He added that UK authorities were investigating both cases and treating them as targeted attacks. “The UK has a legal and moral obligation to ensure it remains a safe country, particularly for political dissidents and individuals at risk of persecution,” Akbar said. Dawn has contacted the Metropolitan Police for further details. Akbar, who served as the accountability adviser during the PTI government, had said last week that an unknown assailant dressed in construction or wastecollection attire attacked him at his residence in Cambridge. “The individual asked, ‘Are you Shahzad Akbar?’ before launching the assault,” he wrote on X, adding that he sustained facial injuries, including a fractured nose. Terming the attack “cowardly,” Akbar urged British authorities to ensure the safety of political dissidents. He also vowed to continue speaking out against what he described as corruption, human rights violations and the erosion of democratic norms in Pakistan. This marks the third such incident reported by Akbar since November 2023, when a masked individual allegedly threw acidic liquid at his home in Hertfordshire. While Akbar has claimed Pakistani state involvement and initiated legal proceedings, Pakistan’s Foreign Office has categorically rejected the allegations as “preposterous.”
Four bodies found in Karachi manhole, teen killed in alleged police shootout KARACHI
staff report
PTI slams govt’s ‘misrule’ for rising terrorism, economic collapse ISLAMABAD
staff Correspondent
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has vehemently rejected Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal’s statement, calling it a blatant distortion of facts aimed at masking the current government’s catastrophic failures in governance, the economy, and law and order, which are evident from the alarming surge in terrorism in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while the wheel of development remains frozen under their two-year misrule. In a statement issued by PTI’s Central Information Department, the party said that the government’s repetitive claims of development and prosperity, coupled with blame-shifting tactics, have lost all credibility. “The nation is fully aware that Pakistan’s economy was moving on a path of growth and stability under the lead-
ership of Imran Khan,” the statement said. The party dared the current leadership to answer why Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are bleeding under their watch and why the wheel of development has ground to a halt during just two years of their rule. PTI highlighted that during its tenure, Pakistan witnessed a notable increase in exports, industrial revival, improved foreign exchange reserves, better conditions for farmers and laborers, and expanded employment opportunities. These achievements, the party said, stand in sharp contrast to the current economic stagnation. Questioning the government’s narrative, PTI asked why Balochistan is facing unprecedented instability and violent incidents if PTI had blocked development. PTI emphasized that between 2018 and 2022, incidents of terrorism in Balochistan declined significantly, and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was advanced beyond road infrastructure into its second phase, focusing on industrial and agricultural development. PTI stated that the present government was merely rebranding PTI-era projects while misleading the public with hollow slogans of progress.
Four decomposed bodies, including two women and a child, were recovered from a manhole near Mai Kolachi Phatak in Karachi on Friday, prompting Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah to order an immediate investigation. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) South Asad Raza said the victims included one man, two women, and a child, who appeared to have been dead for 10 to 15 days. The discovery came after a garbage collector alerted authorities, and Edhi Foundation volunteers, accompanied by police, retrieved the bodies. Police and rescue officials said concrete blocks had been placed inside the sewer to conceal the remains, and no identification documents were found at the scene. The bodies were shifted to a hospital for post-mortem examinations, which will help determine the cause of death and assist in identification. Officials said the women appeared to be between 24 and 45 years old, the man around 25 to 30, and the child approximately 14 to 16. Prolonged exposure to sewage water made immediate identification impossible. Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Zain Baloch described the area as a “jungle area” with no nearby residential settlements, noting similar incidents had occurred in the past. Rescue officials added that initial evidence suggested the victims may have been brought to the site before being killed, and signs of violence were present. The incident comes amid a surge in violent deaths in Karachi, with at least seven bodies recovered from various parts of the city, including New Karachi, Dhoraji, Safora, and Mai Kolachi, during the first two days of 2026.
Utmanzai tribe threatens ‘civil disobedience’ if demands not fulfilled by Jan 20 PESHAWAR
staff report
The Utmanzai tribe of North Waziristan staged a peace rally in Mir Ali on Friday and threatened to launch a “civil disobedience movement” if its demands, including restoration of peace, lifting the curfew, and reopening Ghulam Khan border crossing, were not fulfilled by Jan 20. Thousands of people from the tribe, along with other political and local leaders, led by MNA Mufti Misbahuddin, gathered at Noor Islam Shaheed Chowk in Mir Ali, where Friday prayer was also offered. Speakers stressed that peace was a fundamental right of citizens and demanded that residents of North Waziristan be allowed to live peacefully like people in other parts of the country. Misbahuddin told the rally that Waziristan could no longer withstand further military operations. “Peace is the greatest blessing, and tribal elders have always cooperated with the state, but the authorities never appear serious about restoring lasting stability,” he lamented.
Chief of Waziristan Jirga Malik Nasrullah said every child in the region yearned for peace and warned that if the government failed to act, the tribes would be compelled to announce “civil disobedience and block all internal and external routes”. He also demanded compensation for damaged shops, and the immediate return of seized vehicles that had not paid customs duties. “If affected drivers block roads in protest, Utmanzai elders and the public will fully support them.” Nasrullah also criticised the placement of tribal elders on the Fourth Schedule, demanding the immediate removal of restrictions to allow them free movemen. Addressing the gathering, Utmanzai tribes’ elders said, “The continued insecurity, restrictions on movement, and economic blockades have made life unbearable for the local population”. They warned that if their demands were ignored, they would be left with no option but to resort to civil disobedience after the deadline. Jamaat-e-Islami leader Malik Imshadullah said the region had endured more than “two decades of inconsistent policies”, marked by a
Published by Asad Nizami at Plot # 7, Al-Baber Centre, F/8 Markaz, Islamabad, for PT Print (Pvt) Limited. Ph: 051-2204545. Email: newsroom@pakistantoday.com.pk
persistent gap between the “state’s commitments and actions”. Awami National Party leader Malik Nisar Ali Khan urged the authorities to allow the youth of the region to live normal lives. Utmanzai tribe’s spokesperson, Mufti Baitullah Aman, said peace was a sacred demand, adding that Islam placed great emphasis on security and human dignity. “The people are asking for peace, not confrontation,” he said, calling on the state to fulfil its constitutional responsibilities. Participants demanded that the police be empowered and all check-posts handed over to them, while security forces should focus on border security. They also urged militant groups to stay away from populated areas, saying “homes, shops, hospitals, and other civilian properties cannot be turned into bunkers or occupied by force”. Elders also called for the reopening of the Ghulam Khan border terminal for trade with Afghanistan, stating that nearly 20,000 people depended on cross-border trade for their livelihoods.