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Pakistan Air Force test DAR IN BEIJING TO CO-CHAIR 7TH PAKISTAN, fires Taimoor missile CHINA STRATEGIC DIALOGUE BEING HELD TODAY capable of hitting targets Sunday, 4 January, 2026 | 14 Rajabul Murajjab, 1447
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DEPUTY PM FIRST FOREIGN DIGNITARY TO VISIT CHINA IN 2026 AT WANG YI’S INVITATION
DIALOGUE TO REVIEW FULL SPECTRUM OF BILATERAL COOPERATION AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENTS
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VISIT TO FOCUS ON EVENTS, INITIATIVES TO MARK 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF PAKISTAN–CHINA DIPLOMATIC TIES
Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 180 | 8 Pages | Lahore Edition
HIGH-STAKES VISIT UNDERSCORES SHARED COMMITMENT TO PEACE, DEVELOPMENT AND LONG-TERM PARTNERSHIP
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Deputy PM holds talks on Yemen peace process with Saudi, UAE counterparts ISLAMABAD
staff report
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BEIJING
saleeM jadoon
EPUTY Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar arrived in Beijing on Saturday to co-chair the seventh round of the Pakistan–China Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue, scheduled for Sunday, signaling a fresh push to deepen the “all-weather” partnership between the two countries, the Foreign Office (FO) announced on X. According to the FO, Dar will be the
first foreign dignitary to visit China in 2026, at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, with whom he will jointly lead the dialogue. The visit comes amid intensified high-level exchanges, reflecting the growing depth of strategic coordination between Islamabad and Beijing. In 2025, both President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited China in succession, underscoring the momentum of bilateral engagement. In August, Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Commu-
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Saturday held separate telephone conversations with the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Türkiye, underscoring Pakistan’s active engagement in regional diplomacy and its commitment to supporting peace, stability, and dialogue in the Middle East, the Foreign Office said in separate X posts. According to the Foreign Office (FO), the discussions focused on recent developments and the evolving regional situation, with Dar appreciat-
nist Party of China Central Committee, visited Pakistan to co-chair the sixth round of the strategic dialogue. Less than a year later, Pakistan’s foreign minister is visiting China, highlighting the “ironclad friendship” between the two nations, CGTN reported. Dar was received at the airport by China’s Special Representative on
ing the efforts of all sides to resolve tensions amicably. DPM Dar discusses Yemen with Saudi counterpart In a post on X, the FO stated that Dar and the Saudi foreign minister “deliberated on the recent situation in the region.” This marked their second call this week, following an earlier conversation in which both leaders exchanged views on “the current regional situation and recent developments.” “The DPM/FM welcomed the Saudi foreign ministry’s statement regarding Yemen and appreciated the efforts of all sides to resolve the regional situation amicably,” the FO said.
Afghanistan, Ambassador Yue Xiaoyong, Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, and officials from the Pakistani Embassy. “DPM/FM will also attend events marking the 75th year of Pakistan– China diplomatic ties, with initiatives and commemorative activities planned throughout 2026,” the FO post added.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 03
Pakistan rejects Jaishankar’s remarks, accuses India of deflecting from terror record Army Captain, soldier martyred in GB snow clearance operation RAWALPINDI
staff Correspondent
A Pakistan Army captain along with a soldier, and a civilian machine operator was martyred during a snow clearance operation in Gilgit-Baltistan after a snow avalanche struck Burzil Pass, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Saturday. According to a statement by the military’s media wing, the operation was launched on the night between January 2 and 3 to clear heavy snow and reopen Burzil Pass to facilitate the operational movement of troops in the area. The mission was being carried out using heavy machinery and was led by Captain Asmad, 28. The ISPR said that at around 2am on January 3, a sudden snow slide occurred while the operation was underway, trapping Captain Asmad, two soldiers, and a civilian machine operator from the Public Works Department (PWD). After strenuous rescue efforts, all four were pulled out of the snow. However, Captain Asmad, Sepoy Rizwan, 32, and machine operator Essa succumbed to their injuries and embraced martyrdom. “These individuals rendered the ultimate sacrifice while leading a challenging operation in extreme weather conditions to facilitate the movement of forces,” the ISPR said, paying tribute to their devotion and sacrifice. The statement added that the martyrdom of the fallen personnel reflects the resolve of the Pakistan Armed Forces to defend the country and fulfil their duties, even at the cost of their lives.
ISLAMABAD
staff report
The Foreign Office (FO) on Saturday strongly rejected what it termed “irresponsible assertions” by Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar, accusing New Delhi of attempting to deflect attention from its own record of promoting terrorism and fuelling regional instability. The FO’s response followed Indian media reports quoting Jaishankar as saying that India had the right to defend itself against terrorism while referring to “bad neighbours”, an apparent reference to Pakistan. He also linked the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) to alleged cross-border militancy, arguing that decades of terrorism undermined the spirit of good neighbourliness
underpinning the agreement. In a statement, the FO said Pakistan “firmly rejects” the Indian minister’s remarks, adding that India’s “documented involvement in promoting terrorist activities in the region, particularly in Pakistan, is well known”. It cited the case of Commander Kulbhushan Jadhav as a “stark example” of state-sponsored terrorism. Jadhav was arrested in Balochistan in March 2016 and later confessed to espionage and sabotage activities; he remains imprisoned in Pakistan. The FO further alleged that India has been involved in extraterritorial killings, proxy sabotage and covert support to militant networks, describing these actions as consistent with the Hindutva ideology. It also reiterated Pakistan’s stance on Jammu and Kashmir, condemning
India’s “illegal and violent military occupation” and reaffirming support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination under UN Security Council resolutions. On the IWT, the FO stressed that the treaty was concluded in good faith and warned that any unilateral violation by India would undermine regional stability and its credibility under international law. It said Pakistan would take all necessary steps to safeguard its rights under the agreement. The statement comes days after National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq and Jaishankar briefly shook hands in Dhaka during the funeral of former Bangladeshi prime minister Khaleda Zia, marking the first high-level contact between Pakistani and Indian officials since the military conflict in May 2025.
from very low altitudes ISLAMABAD
staff Correspondent
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has successfully conducted the test flight of the indigenously-developed Taimoor Weapon System, marking another milestone in the advancement of national aerospace and defence capabilities. According to a statement issued by the ISPR on Saturday, Taimoor Air-Launched Cruise Missile is capable of engaging enemy land and sea targets with high precision at a range of 600 kilometers, carrying a conventional warhead. Equipped with state-of-the-art navigation and guidance system, Taimoor is designed to fly at very low altitudes, enabling it to effectively evade hostile air and missile defence systems. Missile’s precision-strike capability significantly enhances the conventional deterrence and operational flexibility of Pakistan Air Force, further strengthening the country’s overall defence posture. The successful flight test underscores the technical maturity, innovation and self-reliance achieved by Pakistan’s defence industry. The launch was witnessed by senior officers of the Pakistan Armed Forces, along with distinguished scientists and engineers who played a pivotal role in the development of this advanced weapon system. Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, heartily congratulated the scientists, engineers and the entire PAF team on this remarkable achievement. He lauded their professional excellence, dedication and unwavering commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s defence capabilities. The Air Chief reaffirmed that such accomplishments are a testament to the nation’s resolve to achieve technological self-sufficiency and maintain a credible conventional deterrent in the evolving regional security environment. The successful test of the Taimoor weapon system reflects Pakistan Air Force’s continued pursuit of operational readiness, technological superiority and national security objectives, the ISPR statement concluded.
Pakistan, Azerbaijan move closer to $2b investment deal PROFIT
staff report
Pakistan and Azerbaijan have advanced towards securing $2 billion in Azerbaijani investment, with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar holding talks on Friday with Azerbaijan’s Economy Minister, Mikayil Jabbarov. The discussions centered around finalising a framework that would facilitate Azerbaijani capital flowing into key sectors of Pakistan’s economy, according to Pakistan’s Foreign Office. Both sides agreed to expedite a mechanism to direct investment into identified priority areas. This proposed investment is expected to significantly bolster Pakistan’s efforts to attract foreign capital for economic stabilisation and growth. The two leaders expressed satisfaction with the current state of bilateral relations and committed to enhancing cooperation, particularly through high-level engagements. Dar emphasised the role of such engagements in strengthening Pakistan-Azerbaijan ties in areas of mutual interest. While the specific sectors targeted for investment were not disclosed, Pakistan has been actively seeking foreign investment in energy, mining, infrastructure, transport, and industrial development. Azerbaijan, a key energy producer and an emerging investor in the region, has shown increasing interest in expanding its economic presence in South Asia.
Sanaullah terms Imran Khan biggest obstacle to govt–PTI parley ISLAMABAD
staff report
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Adviser on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah said that the biggest impediment to negotiations between the government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is PTI founder Imran Khan himself, asserting that repeated claims of willingness for dialogue from lower-tier PTI leaders lack credibility without clear authorization
from the party’s top leadership. Speaking to a private TV channel, Sanaullah said it was impossible that the prime minister would have extended an offer for dialogue without taking former prime minister Nawaz Sharif or the establishment into confidence. He said second- or third-tier PTI leaders continue to speak about talks, but unless the PTI founder has a clear and declared policy on negotiations, such meetings would remain futile. He added
that Imran Khan has not authorized anyone to negotiate and even his sister Aleema Khan has publicly stated that whoever engages in talks will not be considered part of the PTI. The adviser further said that PTI has announced a wheel-jam strike, reiterating that the PTI founder remains the main obstacle to negotiations. He claimed that from 2011 to the present day, Imran Khan has consistently blocked dialogue and shown no willing-
ness to negotiate. “We are completely clear about talks, but there is ambiguity on the other side,” he said. Sanaullah said PTI repeatedly claims it has given permission to certain individuals for negotiations, but the final decision always remains with the PTI founder. “Speak plainly—say you are not in favor of dialogue and want confrontation,” he remarked, questioning whether any benefit resulted from the PTI founder’s previous meeting.
Trump says US to run Venezuela until ‘safe, judicious transition’ after Maduro capture FLORIDA
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United States President Donald Trump on Saturday said the US will “run” Venezuela until a political transition can occur, after the spectacular US military operation to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro from the country. “We’re going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition,” Trump told a press conference, adding that US forces were ready to conduct a second, “much bigger” wave of strikes if necessary. Trump said he would allow American oil companies to head into Venezuela to tap its massive crude reserves after a US military operation to seize Maduro. “We’re going to have our very large United States oil companies, the biggest anywhere in the world, go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure, the oil infrastructure, and start making money for the country,” Trump added. The US president said that the military
caused a blackout in the Venezuelan capital Caracas so it could carry out a stunning operation to seize Maduro. “It was dark. The lights of Caracas were largely turned off due to a certain expertise that we have,” Trump added. Shortly before his presser, Trump posted a photo of the Venezuelan leader in custody on a US naval ship and wearing both a blindfold and handcuffs. “Nicolas Maduro on board the USS Iwo Jima,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, along with a picture showing Maduro hours after he was snatched by US forces. The Venezuelan leader had on what appeared to be noise-canceling ear muffs and grey Nike-branded sweatpants and a jacket. Earlier today, US forces captured Maduro and his wife after launching a “largescale strike” on the South American country. “The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the
Country,” Trump said on Truth Social. US Attorney General Pamela Bondi later said that Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were indicted in the Southern District of New York. “Nicolas Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Machineguns and Destructive Devices against the United States,” she wrote in a post on X. The couple, she said, would soon “face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts”. ‘Like a television show’: Trump revels in Maduro capture President Donald Trump struck a triumphant note over the capture of Nicolas Maduro on Saturday, saying he had watched live as US forces seized the Venezuelan leader from a “fortress.” “I’ve never seen anything like this. I was able to watch it in real time,” the 79-year-old Republican said in a telephone interview with Fox News.
China, Russia denounce blatant use of force against Venezuela ISLAMABAD Mian abrar
China and Russia Saturday denounced the U.S. blatant use of force against sovereign state of Venezuela and action against its president. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Saturday said China is deeply shocked by and strongly condemns the U.S. blatant use of force against a sovereign state and action against its president. It’s reported that the U.S. launched military strikes on Venezuela and President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that the U.S. has “successfully” carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, along with his wife, have been taken and “flown out of the country.”
In response, the spokesperson said such hegemonic acts of the U.S. seriously violate international law and Venezuela’s sovereignty, and threaten peace and security in Latin America and the Caribbean region. “China firmly opposes it,” said the spokesperson, urging the U.S. to abide by international law and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and stop violating other countries’ sovereignty and security. Russia Condemns US Strikes on Venezuela, Backs UNSC Emergency Meeting The Russian Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned the US military strikes against Venezuela, calling them an “act of armed aggression” lacking credible justification.
02 NEWS
Sunday, 4 January, 2026 | LAHORE
PAKISTAN LAUNCHES FIRST-EVER FISCAL RISK MONITORING FRAMEWORK TO TRACK CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND FINANCIAL GUARANTEES IN PPP PROJECTS
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new Framework aims to enhance transparency in managing contingent liabilities and Financial guarantees For ppp projects, covering rs472.3 billion in Fiscal exposure PROFIT
staff report
HE Ministry of Finance has introduced Pakistan’s first-ever Fiscal Risk Monitoring Framework (FRMF) to track contingent liabilities and financial guarantees associated with Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects. This initiative, designed to enhance transparency and improve fiscal planning, reveals that the country’s public sector currently faces Rs472.3 billion in fiscal exposure from PPP-related contingent liabilities
and guarantees, according to a report by Business Recorder. The framework, developed by the Debt Management Office, aims to establish a consistent system for identifying, quantifying, and reporting contingent liabilities at both federal and provincial levels. This includes risks that might arise from PPP projects but are not immediately reflected in budget or debt statements. Such liabilities can materialise later due to guarantee calls, revenue support mechanisms, or adjustments linked to inflation or currency fluctuations. The total fiscal exposure includes
Rs368.3 billion in contingent liabilities and Rs104 billion in funded financial guarantees, based on provisional estimates as of December 2025. These figures cover 36 PPP projects across the federal government and all four provinces, which will now be regularly disclosed in the Fiscal Risk Statement (FRS) and debt reports. The framework categorises liabilities into two types: direct and contingent. Direct liabilities, which are contractually fixed, include obligations such as viability gap funding (VGF) or annuity payments. Contingent liabilities, on the other hand,
depend on specific conditions, such as minimum revenue guarantees or cost escalations. Contingent liabilities are further classified into explicit and implicit categories. Explicit liabilities arise directly from PPP contracts, while implicit liabilities are non-contractual but politically or economically driven. The framework introduces a qualitative probability rating system—Low, Medium, or High—for each contingent liability, based on observable factors like past guarantee calls, demand volatility, and tariff adjustments. The system also ensures transparency by requiring agencies to justify their ratings with written explanations. In addition to tracking contingent liabilities, the framework mandates that funded
PSX set for further growth, KSE-100 expected to reach 263,800 by end of 2026: report g
market momentum driven by easing monetary policies, political stability, and external account improvements; kse-100 set to hit historic $100bn market capitalization, akd research Forecasts PROFIT
staff reort
The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) is expected to maintain positive momentum with the KSE-100 Index forecasted to reach 263,800 by December 2026, driven by further monetary easing, an improving external account position, and ongoing reforms amid political stability, according to a note by AKD Research. The KSE-100 Index surged by 6,634
points, up 3.8% week-on-week, to a new all-time high of 179,035 points during the week ended on Friday. This momentum was supported by favorable New Year effects and a softer-than-expected inflation print of 5.6% for December 2025. Investor sentiment was further buoyed by a sharp rally in the exploration and production (E&P) sector, particularly following Oil and Gas Development Company’s (OGDC) oil and gas discovery in the Nashpa Block, which added 4.1kbpd of
Pakistan OMCs see 6% YoY sales rise to 1.4m tons in December 2025, MS sales up 11%
ms sales hit 628,000 tons, hsd declines 4% yoy to 573,000 tons; pso’s market share drops 5ppt, go petroleum gains 3ppt PROFIT
staff report
Pakistan’s oil marketing companies (OMCs) saw a 6% year-on-year (YoY) increase in total sales in December 2025, reaching approximately 1.4 million tons, despite a 5% month-on-month (MoM) decline, according to data compiled by IMS Research. The growth was largely driven by a strong 11% YoY increase in Motor Spirit (MS) sales, which totaled about 628,000 tons. However, High-Speed Diesel (HSD) sales fell by 4% YoY, amounting to 573,000 tons, offsetting some of the gains. On a MoM basis, OMC volumes saw a 5% decline, primarily due to a sharp 19% drop in HSD sales, attributed to a transport sector strike and disruptions in cross-border trade. The overall industry volume for the first half of FY26 reached 8.2 million tons, up 2% from the previous year. MS sales continued their upward trend, rising 11% YoY and 3% MoM, indicating strong demand despite a 5% YoY increase in retail prices. The growth was supported by improving economic activity and better control over illegal product inflows. Meanwhile, PSO’s MS market share decreased by 2 percentage points (ppt) MoM to 37%, while GO Petroleum’s share increased by 2 ppt to 14%. HSD sales, on the other hand, experienced a notable drop of 4% YoY and 19% MoM to 553,000 tons, despite the ongoing agricultural season. This decline is mainly attributed to the transport strike and lower Afghan transit flows. PSO’s HSD market share also saw a decline, dropping 8 ppt MoM to 40%, with GO Petroleum gaining a 5 ppt increase to 16%. Furnace Oil sales saw a significant rise, up 40% YoY and 2.3 times MoM to 58,000 tons, driven by seasonal power generation demand. However, volumes are expected to normalise as hydropower flows improve. Competition within the OMC sector remains intense, with PSO’s overall market share falling by 5 ppt MoM and APL’s share dropping by 1 ppt to around 8%. GO Petroleum and WAFI Petroleum were the main beneficiaries, with their market shares rising to 14% and 8%, respectively. OMC volumes were under pressure in December due to the suspension of transit trade with Afghanistan and disruptions caused by the transport sector strike. Looking forward, industry sales are expected to soften as the seasonal boost from the Rabi crop fades, and trade flows with Afghanistan remain limited. However, government measures to curb petroleum smuggling from Iran are expected to support formal-sector volumes. PSO remains the sector’s top pick, with an improving cash-flow profile and a June 2026 target price of PKR570 per share.
oil and 10.5mmcfd of gas to its reserves. Additionally, Oil Marketing Company (OMC) volumes rose by 6% YoY in December 2025, and market participation improved by 9.7% week-on-week, with the average daily trading volume (ADTV) increasing to 1.3 billion shares, compared to 1.1 billion shares the prior week. From a macroeconomic perspective, Pakistan’s trade deficit widened by 24% YoY to $3.7 billion in December 2025, while GDP grew by 3.7% YoY during
1QFY26. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reported a $13 million increase in foreign exchange reserves, which reached $15.9 billion as of December 26, 2025. Additionally, the Pakistani rupee appreciated by 0.02% against the U.S. dollar, closing the week at 280.11 PKR/USD. AKD Research forecasts that the positive momentum in the KSE-100 Index will continue throughout 2026, underpinned by further monetary easing and improvements in the external account.
Govt extends levy rate to third-party gas suppliers for captive power plants g
Federal cabinet approves extension oF monthly levy to third-party gas suppliers, with amendments to the oFF the grid levy act PROFIT
staff report
The federal government has approved the extension of the monthly levy rate, previously applied to captive power consumers of Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL) and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), to consumers of third-party companies that supply gas to captive power plants, Business Recorder reported. This decision follows a recommendation from the Petroleum Division and aims to ensure consistent regulation across all suppliers. The move comes under the framework of the Off the Grid (Captive Power Plants) Levy Act, 2025, which was enacted and notified on June 10, 2025. The Act allows for the validation, imposition, and collection of an off-thegrid levy on natural gas consumption by captive power
plants. The levy rate is determined based on the difference between industrial B3 power tariffs and the self-generation cost of captive power plants at OGRA-notified gas tariffs. The federal government had previously notified the levy for SSGCL and SNGPL, with rates set to increase progressively over the next year, reaching 20% by August 2026. The extension of this levy to third-party suppliers aims to streamline the levy collection process and maintain consistency in the energy sector. While gas purchase and sale prices are not currently regulated for third-party suppliers to captive power plants, the Petroleum Division’s proposal to extend the levy was approved after consultations with the Ministry of Law and Justice. The amendment will allow the Petroleum Division to adjust the schedule of the relevant Act, ensuring that third-party gas suppliers are subject to the same levy regulations as SSGCL and SNGPL.
NA panel grills PTV management over failure to present business plan and alternative revenue streams g
Four-member sub-committee appointed to devise ptv business plan, address salary issues, and identiFy Factors behind Financial troubles PROFIT
staff report
The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting expressed strong concern over PTV management’s failure to present a viable business plan or explore alternative revenue streams following the discontinuation of the license fee collection through electricity bills. The committee, chaired by MNA Pullain Baloch, met at PTV Headquarters in Islamabad on Friday. It noted that the state broadcaster cannot sustain its operations or cover staff expenses solely through government grants. In response, the committee appointed a four-member sub-committee, headed by MNA Nadeem Abbas, to devise a comprehensive business plan for PTV, address salary payment issues, and identify the factors contributing to its current financial troubles. Additionally, the committee was tasked with assessing the performance of PTV Sports, evaluating its revenue portfolio, and reviewing the
performance of the PTV Sports head, who has been hired on a high salary package. The committee also raised concerns about the current status of Shalimar Recording and Broadcasting Company (SRBC), which is under liquidation following orders from the Islamabad High Court. The court-appointed liquidator informed the committee that if the government failed to present a revival plan within two months, as promised by the Minister for Information, the company would be forced to shut down. Only 50 employees remain, with the rest laid off due to the company’s financial situation. The Ministry of Information’s Director General informed the committee that a proposal regarding the company’s pending liabilities and revival plan had been submitted, but it was still awaiting discussion and approval. The committee emphasised the need for the Ministry to follow up on the issue to ensure no employee is left jobless. The committee also expressed
satisfaction with the progress report submitted by the Director General of PBC concerning a halted PSDP project in Karachi. The committee directed that bimonthly updates on the project’s progress be provided. The Director General of PBC reported that, based on the committee’s recommendation, a technical team of PBC engineers and Ministry officials had assessed the condition of equipment stored in containers for over a decade. The team confirmed that the equipment was still functional and could be installed. Periodic progress on this will be shared with the committee. The meeting was attended by MNAs Nadeem Abbas, Ms. Kiran Imran Dar, Ms. Asia Naz Tanoli, Ms. Romina Khurshid Alam, Ms. Kiran Haider, Ms. Shaheen, Ms. Sehar Kamran, Syed Amin Ul Haque, Ms. Rana Ansar, Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, the Director General of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and other officials.
Pakistan to auction 600 MHz spectrum in coming weeks, 5G services to launch within six months, says minister PROFIT
staff report
Pakistan is all set to auction approximately 600 megahertz (MHz) of additional spectrum in the coming weeks, aiming to enhance internet speeds and roll out 5G services across Pakistan, Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, announced on Friday.
Speaking at a press conference, Khawaja explained that the federal cabinet had approved the framework for a spectrum auction involving seven bands, five of which will be auctioned for the first time in Pakistan. The auction is expected to improve 3G and 4G services within three to four months, with 5G services set to be launched in provincial capitals, including Islamabad, within six months.
The minister acknowledged the country’s ongoing internet speed challenges, attributing them to a shortage of available spectrum. Pakistan’s entire mobile internet network currently operates on just 274 MHz, serving nearly 240 million people. She compared this to “trying to run fourlane traffic on a two-lane road,” noting that Pakistan’s spectrum availability is among the lowest in the region. Additionally, Khawaja emphasised
guarantees, such as letters of credit or payment guarantees, be reported at their maximum nominal value. As of December 2025, these guarantees amount to Rs104 billion, a figure that will now be regularly included in national fiscal reports. The new system aims to improve fiscal planning and reduce the risk of unexpected financial shocks due to PPP-related liabilities. The Federal Risk Management Unit (RMU) will maintain a National PPP Liabilities Tool and Dashboard, offering detailed data on project-wise, provincial, and sectoral fiscal exposure. The framework is expected to provide a clearer picture of the financial risks posed by PPP projects, enhancing the government’s ability to manage long-term fiscal stability.
Pakistan’s urea sales reach record 1.36m tons in December 2025, DAP sales drop urea sales up 65% mom, 37% yoy; engro leads with highest sales and inventory; dap sales down 67% mom; urea sales drop 4% in first 11 months of 2025 PROFIT
staff report
This growth was driven by push sales from dealers, with 2025 urea offtakes totalling 6.73 million tons, reflecting a 2% YoY increase compared to 6.57 million tons in 2024. Notably, urea sales were down 4% in the first 11 months of 2025. In December, Engro Fertilizers maintained a discount of Rs400 per bag, which was later reduced to Rs150 per bag at the start of 2026. Similarly, FFC offered discounts of Rs150–200 per bag during the same period. The total urea inventory at the end of December is expected to be around 0.315 million tons, a significant drop from 1.13 million tons in November 2025. This decline in inventory levels will reduce the cost of maintaining stock and lead to a rollback of discounts. Company-wise, Engro Fertilizers is expected to record an all-time high of 644,000 tons in urea sales for December, reflecting a massive 140% MoM increase and a 56% YoY rise. FFC’s urea sales are anticipated to be 377,000 tons, a 3% MoM decline, while FATIMA is expected to report 259,000 tons, a 107% MoM increase. In December, DAP sales are forecasted to fall by 67% MoM and 42% YoY to approximately 80,000 tons. For the full year, DAP sales are expected to reach 1.3 million tons, marking an 18% YoY decline. Company-specific estimates suggest that FFC and EFERT will report DAP sales of 54,000 tons and 12,000 tons, respectively. DAP’s closing inventory is expected to be around 219,000 tons. Looking ahead, industry experts anticipate that urea sales will normalize in 2026 as push sales subside. With low inventory levels, the possibility of exports remains limited for the time being.
Short-term inflation drops 0.67%, annual inflation rises 2.41% in December 2025 PROFIT
staff report
Price fluctuations include declines in onions, potatoes, eggs, and fuel, while chicken, wheat flour, and tomatoes saw price increases. Weekly inflation, as measured by the Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI), decreased by 0.67% for the combined consumption group during the week ending January 1, 2026, the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) reported. The SPI for the week was recorded at 333.96 points, down from 336.22 points the previous week. On a year-on-year (YoY) basis, the SPI rose by 2.41%. The SPI, covering 17 urban centers and 51 essential items across all expenditure groups, also recorded a decrease in the lowest consumption group (up to Rs17,732), which fell by 0.62% to 323.98 points. Other consumption groups also saw declines, with decreases ranging from 0.57% to 0.73%. Out of 51 items, prices for 12 items (23.53%) increased, 13 items (25.49%) decreased, and 26 items (50.98%) remained unchanged. Major weekly price drops were recorded for onions (11.84%), potatoes (10.21%), eggs (6.25%), and fuel, including petrol (3.89%) and diesel (3.20%). Price increases were seen in chicken (2.37%), wheat flour (1.88%), tomatoes (1.72%), and bananas (1.13%), among others. On a YoY basis, significant price increases were noted for gas charges (29.85%), wheat flour (24.98%), and beef (12.95%), while major price drops were observed in tomatoes (70.52%), potatoes (52.25%), and onions (40.54%).
that the government is working with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and international consultants to implement global best practices for connectivity. The aim is not just to improve internet speed, but to ensure future-ready, sustainable connectivity that supports sectors like education, healthcare, agriculture, and exports. Pakistan is currently the world’s fourthlargest freelancing economy, with the IT
sector growing at an annual rate of 20-21%, according to the minister. In a related development, Khawaja also announced the approval of the Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) policy, which will allow new mobile brands to enter the market without building their own infrastructure. MVNOs will purchase network capacity in bulk from existing operators, increasing competition, affordability, and attracting foreign investment. Furthermore, the PTA has approved district-level ISP licenses, enabling local operators to provide internet services in rural and underserved areas, promoting fiber expansion and addressing long-standing connectivity issues.
Sunday, 4 January, 2026 | LAHORE
GOVT PLANS TO BORROW RS4.9 TRILLION THROUGH T-BILLS, PIBS IN Q1 2026
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auction targets include rs3.25 trillion From short-term t-bills and rs1.65 trillion From long-term pibs, signaling a cautious borrowing strategy PROFIT
staff report
HE federal government plans to borrow Rs4.9 trillion from commercial banks in the first quarter of 2026, according to the auction calendar released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). This borrowing will be carried out through treasury bills (T-bills) and Pakistan Investment Bonds (PIBs). The government intends to raise Rs3.25 trillion from short-term T-bills, which have maturities of one, three, six, and twelve months. In addition, it aims to borrow Rs1.65 trillion by issuing PIBs with maturities ranging from two to fifteen years.
The auction calendar reflects a cautious borrowing approach, with T-bill targets kept below maturities to help reduce short-
term liquidity pressures. The preference for six- and twelve-month T-bills is intended to offer flexibility in funding, especially in
light of expected monetary easing. The PIB issuance will focus on medium-term maturities, with minimal long-term bonds and selective use of floating-rate instruments. This strategy aims to manage duration risk without affecting the yield curve. The borrowing mix indicates prudent debt management and a steady outlook for money-market conditions, with a gradual easing bias rather than an aggressive shift in interest rates. The SBP recently reduced its benchmark interest rate by 50 basis points to 10.5%. This marks a total decrease of 1,150 basis points since the rate peaked at 22% in June 2024. Pakistan recorded a fiscal surplus of 1.6% of GDP, or Rs2.1 trillion, for the JulySeptember FY26 period, slightly down from 1.7% during the same period last year. The surplus was primarily driven by substantial profits of Rs2.42 trillion from the central bank, which benefited from recordhigh positions in open market operations.
Over 90% of gold trading in Pakistan outside formal channels, weakens economy, says PBF
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pakistan consumes 60-90 tonnes oF gold annually; most transactions undocumented, leading to price distortions, smuggling, and revenue losses, according to pakistan business Forum PROFIT
staff report
Pakistan’s largely informal gold market is undermining the country’s economic value, according to the Pakistan Business Forum (PBF), which warned that over 90% of gold trading occurs outside formal channels. This informality is eroding consumer confidence, discouraging investment, and distorting the market. The PBF estimates that Pakistan consumes between 60 to 90 tonnes of gold annually, yet most transactions are undocumented, leading to price distortions,
smuggling, and under-invoicing. This unregulated trading also results in significant revenue losses, while the country remains heavily reliant on imports, with gold imports valued at approximately $17 million in FY2023-24. The Forum pointed to a sharp increase in domestic gold prices in 2025 as further evidence of weak market governance. Data shows the price of 24-karat gold per tola surged from Rs272,600 at the end of 2024 to Rs456,962 by December 2025, a rise of nearly Rs184,362 in just one year. The statement also highlighted several challenges hindering market formalisation,
Pakistan allows Norse Atlantic to operate flights to Islamabad PROFIT
staff report
Pakistan has granted approval to Britain’s Norse Atlantic Airways to operate direct flights to Islamabad from major UK cities, including London, Manchester, and Birmingham, marking a significant move in enhancing air travel options for passengers. Minister of Defence and Aviation Khawaja Asif confirmed the decision on X, stating that Norse Atlantic will now offer flights from London, Manchester, and Birmingham to Islamabad. He emphasised that the entry of international airlines into Pakistan’s airspace promotes a competitive environment, which will lead to improved services and balanced fares for consumers. This development comes just days after Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) announced it would resume flights between Islamabad and London starting March 29, 2026, after a sixyear break. PIA will operate these flights from Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 4, offering more options for travelers between Pakistan and the UK.
including fragmented policy oversight, high and inconsistent taxation, and a lack of refining, assaying, and hallmarking capacity. These issues have led to limited consumer protection and discouraged traders from entering formal markets. Looking ahead, the PBF identified the Reko Diq copper-gold project as a major opportunity to reshape Pakistan’s gold ecosystem. With an estimated economic potential of up to $74 billion, the project could bolster domestic supply chains and add value, provided it is supported by a transparent and competitive downstream market.
VEON Group plans $20m investment in Mobilink Bank to expand digital Islamic banking g
investment to scale msme Financing, boost islamic banking oFFerings, and enhance Financial inclusion For underserved communities
nesses and women. Aamir Ibrahim, VEON Group Executive Committee Member and Chairman of Mobilink Bank, emphasised the company’s long-term commitment to Pakistan and its confidence in the country’s growing digital financial ecosystem.
PROFIT
staff report
VEON Group, the global digital operator and parent company of Jazz and Mobilink Bank, has announced plans for a $20 million investment in Mobilink Bank. The investment aims to support the bank’s growth and expansion of its digital Islamic banking services in Pakistan, building on a previous $15 million capital injection in January 2025. As per reports, the capital will focus on scaling Mobilink Bank’s MSME financing portfolio, enhancing Islamic banking offerings, and accelerating its transition into a technology-
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driven, digitally native bank. A key priority is expanding access to regulated financial services for underserved communities, particularly small busi-
Mobilink Bank, along with JazzCash, serves over 57 million customers and is supported by a nationwide network of more than one million merchants and agents, positioning it as a major player in Pakistan’s digital financial services sector.
Dar in Beijing to Co-Chair 7th Pakistan, China Strategic Dialogue being held today CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
The dialogue will review the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation, identify new areas of partnership, and further advance the allweather strategic cooperative partnership, the FO said. It described the forum as the “highest consultative mechanism” between the two countries, providing a structured platform to review bilateral, regional, and international developments of mutual interest. During the dialogue, the two foreign ministers are also expected to announce a series of initiatives to commemorate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, which were established on May 21, 1951. The visit forms part of regular high-level exchanges, reflecting both countries’ shared commitment to broaden and deepen their
partnership while reaffirming dedication to regional peace, stability, and sustainable development. The sixth round of the dialogue, held in Islamabad in August, saw Wang Yi meet Dar, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and President Zardari. At the time, China reaffirmed its commitment to working with Pakistan to promote regional peace, development, and stability. ECONOMIC AND STRATEGIC COOPERATION ANCHORS TIES Economic and trade cooperation remains a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship. The China–Pakistan Free Trade Agreement, signed in 2006 and effective from July 2007, has paved the way for China to become Pakistan’s largest trading partner since 2014. According to China’s General Administration of Customs, bilat-
eral trade reached $23.06 billion in 2024, up 11.1% year-on-year. At the core of economic cooperation is the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship bilateral project under the Belt and Road Initiative launched in 2013. Focused on Gwadar Port, transport infrastructure, energy development, and industrial cooperation, CPEC has significantly bolstered Pakistan’s long-term economic framework. Energy cooperation under CPEC has addressed chronic electricity shortages, with major projects such as the Sahiwal, Port Qasim, and Hub coal-fired power plants, the Karot Hydropower Project, Hualong One nuclear units at Karachi, and the Sachal Wind Power Project now operational. According to China Three Gorges Corporation, the Karot Hydropower Project generated 3.64 billion
kWh in its first full year, powering over 5 million people. Chinese enterprises have also provided technology, training, and management expertise to support Pakistan’s energy self-sufficiency. By the end of 2022, CPEC had created 236,000 jobs, added 510 km of highways, installed 8,000 MW of electricity capacity, and built 886 km of core national transmission lines, according to the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan. STRATEGIC COORDINATION AND REGIONAL STABILITY Beyond economics, China–Pakistan strategic coordination plays a key role in regional stability. In 2024, terrorist attacks in Pakistan resulted in the deaths of seven Chinese nationals, prompting strong condemnation from Beijing and reinforcing counter-terrorism collaboration.
NEWS 03
Pakistan’s exports decline 20.41% in December, marking fifth consecutive month of negative growth
december exports at $2.317 billion; first-half export earnings drop 8.7% to $15.184b PROFIT
staff report
Pakistan’s merchandise exports fell by 20.41%, reaching $2.317 billion in December 2025, compared to $2.911 billion in the same month last year, according to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). This marks the fifth consecutive month of decline in exports for the current fiscal year. On a month-on-month basis, export proceeds showed a decline of 4.26% in December. The persistent downward trend in exports has yet to raise concern among policymakers, with no meetings held to assess the reasons behind the slump. Exports have been on a downward trajectory since August 2025, with the exception of July, which saw a 16.43% growth compared to the previous year. November recorded a 14.54% drop, following declines of 4.46% in October, 3.88% in September, and 12.49% in August. This reflects ongoing challenges in Pakistan’s external trade performance. In the first half of the fiscal year (July-December), export earnings dropped by 8.70%, totaling $15.184 billion, compared to $16.631 billion during the same period last year. This continuing decline highlights the strain on Pakistan’s trade performance, with exporters, particularly in the textile sector, facing high business costs and subdued global market demand. Despite the overall negative growth, Pakistan’s export proceeds for FY25 rose by 4.67%, reaching $32.106 billion, up from $30.675 billion in the previous year. However, the ongoing decline remains a major concern for exporters.
Govt proposes up to 5% levy on mobile imports to fund local manufacturing drive
new policy aims to collect $368 million for mobile phone manufacturing localisation, with a target of 50% localisation by 2033 PROFIT
staff report
The government is considering a 5% levy on the import of mobile phones and electronic devices as part of a new policy for the period 2026-33, to generate $368 million in revenue. This levy is expected to support the localization of mobile phone manufacturing in Pakistan, according to a news report. The new policy, which is in its final stages and awaiting approval by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, builds on already high tax rates applied to mobile phone imports. The Mobile and Electronic Device Manufacturing Policy aims to transition the industry from simple assembly to full-scale manufacturing, fostering local production and increasing exports. Under the new policy, international brands will be encouraged to set up manufacturing facilities in Pakistan, while local brands will receive support to expand their production. The EDB’s goal is to achieve 50% localisation in mobile phone manufacturing by 2033, with a focus on e-waste recovery, targeting 70% by the same year. Additionally, the policy plans to train 50,000 skilled workers, including 15,000 specialized professionals. In previous years, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) issued 37 licenses for local assembly, which led to a significant increase in production from just 0.1 million units in 2019 to 30.1 million units. By 2025, 93% of market demand is expected to be met domestically, with mobile imports dropping from 16 million units in 2019 to 2.04 million in 2025. Pakistan has also begun exporting mobile phones to the UAE and GCC countries, with investments of $250-300 million, creating 50,000 to 60,000 direct and indirect jobs in the process.
CCP imposes Rs150 million fine on Mezan Beverages for deceptive marketing g
commission says mezan’s “storm” drink imitated pepsico’s sting brand, leading to consumer conFusion; imposes penalty aFter prolonged litigation and legal challenges PROFIT
staff report
The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has imposed a penalty of Rs150 million on Mezan Beverages (Private) Limited for deceptive marketing practices. The company was found to have imitated the packaging and trade dress of PepsiCo’s Sting energy drink, in violation of Section 10 of the Competition Act, 2010. The Commission concluded that Mezan’s “Storm” energy drink fraudulently
copied the overall look, feel, color scheme, bottle design, and branding elements of Sting, creating a likelihood of consumer confusion at the point of sale. Such conduct was deemed parasitic copying and was classified as deceptive marketing under Pakistan’s competition law. The case dates back to 2018 when PepsiCo Inc. filed a complaint alleging that Mezan’s Storm energy drink was designed to imitate Sting and capitalize on PepsiCo’s goodwill. Read This: How to get away with defy-
ing the Competition Commission Instead of responding on the merits of the case, Mezan repeatedly challenged the CCP’s jurisdiction and engaged in prolonged litigation. The company obtained stay orders from the Lahore High Court in 2018 and 2021, delaying the inquiry for several years. In June 2024, the Lahore High Court dismissed Mezan’s petition, upheld the CCP’s authority, and ruled that early challenges to show-cause notices were not maintainable. The Court clarified that proceedings under the Competition Act are sep-
arate from trademark cases. It also noted that Mezan had used litigation to delay regulatory proceedings. Read This: Deceptive Marketing’: CCP’s battle with Mezan Beverages’ Stinglookalike Storm continues In its detailed order, the CCP found that Mezan’s Storm energy drink adopted: A reddominant color scheme identical to Sting’s • Bold, slanted white lettering with aggressive visual motifs • A near-identical bottle shape and presentation
• Branding elements likely to mislead an ordinary consumer with imperfect recollection The Commission emphasized that deception is assessed based on the overall commercial impression, not by comparing minute differences side by side. Although Mezan held a registered trademark for “Storm,” the CCP ruled that trademark registration does not provide immunity from competition law when consumer deception and passing-off are established. While imposing the Rs150 million penalty, the Commission stated that copycat branding and misleading packaging would not be tolerated, regardless of the size or local status of the company.
04 COMMENT
Sunday, 4 January, 2026
Beyond Silence
Winter in Gaza
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Eight Muslim countries are worried about the failure to let aid get through to Gaza
He Israel-Hamas ceasefire is supposed to go to the netstage, but at the moment, Gaza’s inhabitants are faced with a problem, that of Israel continuing to prevent any aid from betting through. With the Strip being beaten by the usual torrential winter rains, Gazans are faced with the problem of being exposed to the elements, Their housing has been reduced to rubble by Israeli shelling and bombing, and there are not enough tents getting through. Then there are no food supplies, and no medicines. not only do people exposed to the wrath of nature find poor diet makes them more susceptible to disease, but there is nothing to treat them once they fall ill. And all this is happening in the midst of Israel bombing and shelling indiscriminately, despite the ceasefire. The world was told that the ceasefire would stop the killing, and allow the Gazans a path of return to normal life. In this way, Western countries were able to satisfy their publics that the slaughter would stop, and their pro- Palestine protests sould stop. Supporters of Israel have claimed that Hamas refusal to disarm was causing the violations, but it has become increasingly apparent that the ceasefire is not going to be allowed to come in the way of Israeli purposes, which seem to include the depopulation of the Gaza Strip and forcing Gazans to leave their land forever. It should cause concern to the USA that this has provoked a formal protest by eight Muslim-majority countries, five of them Arab, and including Pakistan. These are the countries which had met US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the Un General Assembly, and which include such countries as Turkiye, Indonesia and Pakistan, which are expected to provide the bulk of the peacekeeping forces. Also worrying for Israel would be the fact that the ministers signing the statement include all Arab countries recognizing Israel۔ Both the USA and Israel must realize the support for the ceasefire among Muslim counties, which brought Hamas to the table, is collapsing. A joint statement from the eight foreign ministers is not just unusual, but also highly significant. It is not as if thestatement ignites a new controversy, it merely explains the signatories’ position on Israeli depredations which have been going on for a long time, and which have raised temperatures within the publics of the countries concerned.
How Rape Jurisprudence Fails Women in Pakistan
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n 2015, when I chose the topic of rape jurisprudence in Pakistan for my senior year project at LUMS, there was no chatGPT, no AI research tools, and no readily accessible databases synthesising feminist legal theory for South Asia. There was also little encouragement. Senior year projects were typically done in groups of three or four students; I chose to work alone. Many told me it was unnecessary, impractical, and ultimately useless. I spent my winter vacations on campus, reading more than ten books on rape law, criminology, sociology, and feminist legal theory. I designed and conducted a survey that gathered over 200 responses from students and members of the general public in Multan. I conducted interviews on a subject that made rooms fall silent and conversations deeply uncomfortable. Throughout this process, I was repeatedly reminded that many students were submitting forged surveys and fabricated interviews and still receiving top grades with minimal effort. For me, this was never just a degree requirement. I was trying to understand why Pakistan reports such a high incidence of rape, why conviction rates remain abysmally low, and how a culture of impunity is sustained by law itself. I did not plan to publish the research; it happened almost accidentally. Yet it became the foundation of my academic work. Most of my publications since then have focused on sexual violence, consent, and the systemic failures that surround them. Years later, when Justice Ayesha A. Malik cited my paper in her dissent in Muhammad Imran v State, I felt something rare in legal scholarship: vindication. not merely professional recognition, but moral clarity. In a judicial landscape that routinely doubts women, pathologises survivors, and demands impossible standards of resistance, it felt as if my work was standing with a judge who insisted that the law could and should do better.
Pakistan’s rape jurisprudence is not moving forward because it refuses to confront its own biases. Until courts stop equating uncertainty with consent and morality with legality, justice will remain elusive. And still, we write. We research. We dissent. Because silence has never protected anyone
Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami
Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
M. A. Niazi
Babar Nizami
Editor Pakistan Today
Editor Profit
noor zAfAr
That is why the majority opinions in Muhammad Imran v State and, more recently, Hassan v State are not only legally troubling; they are personally devastating. “IMRAN V STATE”: WHEN ABSENCE OF RESISTANCE BECOMES PROOF OF CONSENT In Imran v State, the Supreme court overturned concurrent convictions for rape and converted the offence into fornication under Section 496-B of the Pakistan Penal code. The majority relied on familiar and deeply problematic assumptions, including delay in lodging the FIR, the absence of physical injuries, perceived familiarity between the parties, and stereotypical expectations of how a genuine rape victim should behave. This reasoning reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of how sexual violence occurs. Modern rape jurisprudence recognises that victims may freeze, comply to survive, or be unable to resist due to fear, coercion, or power imbalance. Justice Malik’s dissent correctly emphasised that reading consent into such circumstances collapses the legal distinction between submission and consent. equally troubling was the doctrinal incoherence of converting a rape charge into fornication. Fornication requires affirmative proof of mutual consent, not merely the prosecution’s failure to prove rape beyond reasonable doubt. Where rape is not proven, the legally sound outcome is acquittal, not the creation of a new offence that was never alleged, charged, or defended. This approach quietly revives the logic of the Zina regime by reintroducing moral judgment into what should be a strictly legal inquiry. “Hassan v State”: Rewriting consent Once Again In Hassan v State, the pattern repeated itself. Once again, the Supreme court converted a rape conviction into fornication, citing delay in lodging the FIR and absence of physical injuries. Once again, a dissenting judge cautioned that neither delay nor lack of injuries establishes consent. And once again, the majority treated ambiguity as proof against the survivor. Delay in reporting rape is not an anomaly in Pakistan; it is the norm, produced by fear of stigma, retaliation, familial pressure, and institutional hostility. To treat delay as evidence of consent is to punish survivors for navigating a society that already refuses to protect them. Taken together, these judgments reveal a disturbing judicial tendency. When confronted with the dis-
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Report or reminder?
Bangladesh in political turmoil
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AmnA nAz
nce again, Bangladesh has witnessed the eruption of violent protests, reflecting the country’s continuing political instability. Last year, large-scale demonstrations were led by student groups opposing the administration of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajed. In the current phase of unrest, attention has centred on Osman Hadi, a prominent leader of the earlier student movement that mobilized widespread opposition to Hasina’s government in August 2024. Following those events, an interim administration headed by nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus announced that the next general elections would be held on February 12. Osman Hadi, a young leader of the political platform Inqilab Manche, was shot and later died from his injuries, an event that triggered nationwide unrest. Thousands of protesters took to the streets in Dhaka and other major cities across Bangladesh. This development has raised several critical questions: Who was Osman Hadi? Who may have been responsible for his assassination? And why were the operations of the Indian High commission subsequently suspended? Osman Hadi emerged as a key leader of the student movement that played a significant role in the political uprising against Sheikh Hasina’s administration. Following the success of that movement, student-led political groups gained considerable popularity. After the announcement of the general election date, Hadi declared his intention to contest the elections and formally launched his campaign in Bijoynagar, located in central Dhaka. On December 12, while
While there is no definitive confirmation regarding those responsible for Osman Hadi’s assassination, public opinion within Bangladesh has increasingly directed blame toward India. This perception is deeply rooted in the nature of India-Bangladesh relations during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure, which were characterized by close cooperation in areas such as security, connectivity, and economic integration. Key milestones, including the 2015 Land Boundary Agreement that resolved longstanding border disputes, further strengthened bilateral ties. For many Bangladeshi citizens, India’s close association with the Hasina government has contributed to the belief that New Delhi bears indirect responsibility for the political repression and instability that followed, thereby fueling the current wave of anti-Indian sentiment
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The writer is a lawyer (L.L.B LUMS, L.L.M. Notre Dame Law School) practising in Multan
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The Osman Hadi murder mystery returning from a mosque, Hadi was shot by two motorcycle-riding assailants in central Dhaka. After the attack, Hadi was initially transported abroad to Singapore for advanced medical treatment. Despite medical intervention, he succumbed to his injuries after six days. news of his death sparked massive protests across the country. The national citizen Party led demonstrations, alleging that the attackers along with some accomplices had fled to India. Protesters demanded the suspension of the Indian High commission, claiming that those responsible for the assassination had escaped across the border. As unrest escalated, violent demonstrations erupted in multiple locations. Mobs chanting anti-Indian slogans marched toward the Indian High commission, calling for its closure. Indian visa application centres in Dhaka, Rajshahi, and chittagong were attacked with stones, while the Indira Gandhi cultural centre was vandalized. The violence was not limited to Indian establishments. Bangladesh’s leading newspaper, Prothom Alo, was forced to suspend both its print and online operations after its office in Dhaka’s Karwan Bazar area was set on fire on the night of December 18. Similarly, the office of The Daily Star in the Farmgate area of Dhaka was ransacked by protesters. These events raise a critical analytical question: who stands to benefit from Osman Hadi’s murder? As a leading figure in the uprising against Sheikh Hasina and her party, Hadi had clear political adversaries. One interpretation suggests that supporters of Sheikh Hasina or elements linked to her former ruling party may have been involved. Another perspective implicates India, given Hadi’s strong anti-Indian rhetoric and the historically close relationship between Sheikh Hasina and the Indian government. These factors have contributed to public suspicion that India may have played a role, particularly since Sheikh Hasina fled to India following her resignation after the August 2024 uprising. Preliminary investigations by Bangladeshi authorities have alleged that the suspects, including individuals reportedly connected to the ousted and banned Awami League, crossed into India immediately after the attack. However, it is important to note that these claims remain speculative and are based on circumstantial ev-
comfort of rape convictions, courts retreat into the language of consensual sex, even where no such case exists on record. This does not protect due process. It destabilises criminal law by allowing courts to invent offences based on conjecture rather than evidence. At the heart of both judgments lies a profound misunderstanding of consent. consent is situational, specific, and revocable at any moment. The mere fact that a man and a woman are in the same place at the same time, or share familiarity, history, or even prior intimacy, does not give a man the right to sexual access. Presence is not permission. Silence is not consent. consent must exist at the moment of the act, not presumed beforehand and not reconstructed afterwards. When courts treat proximity or familiarity as implied consent, they legitimise entitlement and erode women’s bodily autonomy. THE COST OF STANDING STILL When I began my research nearly a decade ago, there was very little Pakistani legal literature on rape from a feminist or empirical perspective. Today, more law students are engaging with these questions. And yet, the jurisprudence at the highest level remains stagnant. What breaks my heart is not only the outcomes of these cases, but what they signal: that despite better laws, greater awareness, and richer scholarship, rape survivors still stand alone. They face a system that demands bruises, immediate reporting, and perfect behaviour, and when those impossible standards are not met, the law quietly shifts the burden onto them. Patriarchy in jurisprudence is not always loud. Sometimes it speaks in neutral language, evidentiary thresholds, and the rhetoric of benefit of doubt. But its effect is the same: women are disbelieved, and violence is normalised. When Justice Malik cited my work, it reminded me why scholarship matters, not because it guarantees victory, but because it records resistance. It shows that the law could have chosen differently. Pakistan’s rape jurisprudence is not moving forward because it refuses to confront its own biases. Until courts stop equating uncertainty with consent and morality with legality, justice will remain elusive. And still, we write. We research. We dissent. Because silence has never protected anyone.
idence rather than confirmed findings. The intensity of anti-Indian sentiment among Bangladeshi protesters warrants further examination. Hadi was a vocal critic of what he described as Indian hegemony in Bangladesh’s political affairs. Only hours before the attack, he posted a controversial and distorted map of India on social media. In this post, Punjab, Ladakh, and Jammu and Kashmir were depicted as separate from India and shown as part of Pakistan, while large portions of eastern and northern India, along with Myanmar’s Rakhine State, were portrayed as part of a proposed “Greater Bangladesh.” The timing of this post, in close proximity to the attack, has been widely discussed and interpreted as politically significant. The crisis has since escalated to the diplomatic level. Bangladeshi authorities summoned representatives of the Indian High commission to seek cooperation in addressing the situation. In response, new Delhi summoned Bangladesh’s High commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, and issued a strongly worded diplomatic démarche expressing concern over the deteriorating security environment in Bangladesh. citing safety concerns, India temporarily suspended operations at several visa application centres, a decision that significantly affected Bangladeshi citizens who travel to India for medical treatment, education, and trade. notably, this marks the second instance in 2025 in which India curtailed the activities of its diplomatic mission in Bangladesh. A similar decision was taken on February 6 last year following a series of protests and security incidents. While there is no definitive confirmation regarding those responsible for Osman Hadi’s assassination, public opinion within Bangladesh has increasingly directed blame toward India. This perception is deeply rooted in the nature of India-Bangladesh relations during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure, which were characterized by close cooperation in areas such as security, connectivity, and economic integration. Key milestones, including the 2015 Land Boundary Agreement that resolved longstanding border disputes, further strengthened bilateral ties. For many Bangladeshi citizens, India’s close association with the Hasina government has contributed to the belief that new Delhi bears indirect responsibility for the political repression and instability that followed, thereby fueling the current wave of anti-Indian sentiment.
Amna Naz is a research intern at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad, She can be reached at amnanaz03846@gmail.com Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545
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WHAT new truths has the IMF’s 2025 Governance and corruption Diagnostic Assessment Report revealed that most Pakistanis had not always known, talked about or painfully endured. Were we truly unaware of the astronomical salaries, perks and pensions granted to judges and parliamentarians? Did we not notice thousands of luxury vehicles purchased with taxpayer money to comfort the bureaucratic bottoms? Were we oblivious to our leaders’ endless foreign junkets, essentially holidaying with family and friends at public expense? Were we blind to the non-stop barrage of shameless self-promotional ads on TV and in newspapers – proudly showcasing leaders who never contributed a single rupee of their own to the projects they claim credit for? Were we fast asleep when the Ministry of Information Technology billed Rs703 million for a two-day ‘Digital Foreign Direct Investment’ conference held on 29– 30 April 2025? Were we collectively in a state of paralysis when we found out that SSWMB was siphoning off Rs3.2 billion every year from a single sanitation contract by stealing Rs22,000 from each worker’s monthly salary? Let us not fool ourselves. We have always known exactly how our greedy insatiable elites, in a million shameless ways, have been syphoning every single drop of resource for their own benefits. NAEEM SADIQ KARACHI
Childhood on the streets
eVeRY city has them — children running errands, begging for coins or sleeping on sidewalks. Street children are among the most vulnerable members of our society, yet they often go unnoticed. These children, forced into survival at a tender age, face physical danger, malnutrition, lack of education and psychological trauma. Poverty, broken families, domestic violence and natural disasters are among the main causes pushing children to live on the streets. In Pakistan, thousands of children live without access to schools, proper healthcare or protection. Many fall prey to exploitation, child labour and crime, perpetuating a vicious cycle of poverty and vulnerability. Addressing this issue requires urgent collective action. Governments must strengthen social safety nets, implement child protection laws and ensure access to education. civil society organisations and communities can provide shelters, vocational training, and counselling to help these children reintegrate into society. Awareness campaigns can also mobilise society to act responsibly toward these young citizens. Street children are not merely statistics — they are human beings with dreams, potential and the right to a safe childhood. every effort to protect and empower them is a step toward a more compassionate and just society. IMRAN SHOUKAT TOBA TEK SINGH
Offline in Balochistan
DeSPITe being the largest province of Pakistan, Balochistan is devoid of a reliable internet service. It goes without saying that a large number of people rely on the internet for online business, education and entertainment. However, the poor internet speed makes it very difficult for them to perform their tasks properly. Students cannot access educational resources available on the web, and businesses struggle to operate online. In today’s world, internet access is essential for growth, learning and business. Without it, people are unable to develop their skills or access important information through platforms like Google, YouTube or AI tools. While other parts of the country enjoy fast internet, our province continues to struggle for want of an uninterrupted cyber access. The government must take immediate steps for improvement of internet services in Balochistan. DURJAN HAKEEM KOLOWAH
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COMMENT 05
Sunday, 4 January, 2026
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naqi akbaR
NE of the fallouts of the Gaza campaign undertaken by the Israeli Defense Forces and 5he Pentagon combined has been the much-awaited fall of the Baathist Syrian faction government in Damascus. The Baath has been in power in Syria since 1963 in one form or another, with Hafez Al Assad in complete control since 1971 onwards; has been left wing in nature; obviously looking for the then Soviet military hardware. One of the combat pilots with the Syrian Air force prior to the Baathist coup in 1963; Hafez al Assad’s stint as an underground sympathizer with the party and later his stint in combat training onboard Soviet-made MiG 17 jets very much prepared him for the future role in the Syrian society and polity. Consequently, he ruled the country as all-encompassing dictator from 1971 to 2000, and until then he always won the presidential elections in Syria by the huge margin of 99.97 percent every seven years. The purpose of providing the background to the society and polity rests in the fact that the nature of the nation state in a way guided and influenced the political movements in that society, its foreign relations as well as its role in the emerging geopolitical realities of the Middle East. The formation of Israel in the heart of the Arab world has been the source of a clear divide between the traditional sheikhdoms and the so-called militant leftist governments; mostly the outcome of the ‘free officers’ with the rallying cry of fighting the ‘Zionist entity’. The Syrian government
The Syrian File
Undoing of the anti-IDF front, step by step
being under the influence of the Baathist ideology was one such government, content with the rhetoric if not any clear result-oriented action. The first test was the Black September civil war between the PLO and the Hashemite monarchy over the control of the country, which has a built-in ethnic bonding between the Palestinians and the Jordanians. Even though the Syrian and Iraqi governments were left wing in nature, they contented themselves with lip service and their units never entered the Jordanian territory to help the besieged PLO fighters. With the 1967 military debacle in the past, the 1973 campaign by the Syrian Baath along with the fast changing Egyptian regime against the Zionist entity was designed to wash what these states felt was the ‘wounded Arab pride’. The consequent events in 1977 and onwards culminating in the 1978 camp David accord between Egypt and Israel; as a matter of fact, the fore runner of the Current ‘Abraham Accords’, effectively divided the Arab world into the compliant conservative right led by Saudi Arabia and followed by sheikhdoms, while the left wing bloc was made up of Libya, Syria, Iraq, Algeria and Tunisia, with Morocco siding with monarchies. The left-wing Syria was not positioning itself to fight Israel in any sense, but just to maintain a deterrence. However, that was precisely the time when the turn of events put the Syrian nation state in a position, where its preferences then guided
That trouble can be in the form of the same role played by the Jordanian Air Force in neutralizing the Iranian warheads in support of Israel or it can be an odd scenario for a simpleton Muslim, a Jihadi outfit, the foot soldiers of Jolani, acting hand in glove with the IDF. Going forward, the Syrian file has closed on the note that the global powers have been able to fully exploit the divisions to its advantage. It would not be a strange scenario that the impending conflict between Iran and the IDF might see Syria as an active war theatre; with enough chances for either side to carry the day eventually
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THE PROGRESSIVE Glenn DaiGon
OR more than half a century, Seymour “Sy” Hersh has maintained his reputation as one of the nation’s top investigative reporters through his landmark investigations of scandals such as the U.S. government’s 1968 My Lai massacre, the Nixon Administration’s yearlong secret bombing of Cambodia, and the U.S. military’s torture of Iraqis at Abu Ghraib in 2004. His 1973 Watergate exposé drew the ire of then President Richard Nixon, who was recorded saying, “I mean, the son-of-a-bitch is a son-of-a-bitch, but he’s usually right, isn’t he?” More than fifty years later, Laura Poitras’s new film Cover-Up documents the legendary journalist’s career highlights, which also include uncovering Nixon’s facilitation of the 1973 Chilean coup d’etat and, in 1974, revealing the CIA’s domestic spy operations against the anti-war movement. The documentary highlights Hersh’s tenacious approach to investigations, following through on all leads and cultivating sources inside the government, along with his sometimes-prickly personality. But it also highlights the national dynamics that limited the impact of Hersh’s work, and that still persist to this day: a general lack of accountability for government wrongdoing, the mainstream media’s reluctance to publish stories critical of the government, and a public that responds to bombshell reports with general apathy. The first of Hersh’s major breakthrough investigations came in 1969, when he uncovered evidence that U.S. Army soldiers had murdered hundreds of Vietnamese civilians in a village called My Lai the year prior, then
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BLOOMBERG Shuli Ren
ROM U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade war to AI developments, 2025 has been full of dramatic twists and turns. One of the most consequential takeaways is to never, ever underestimate China. At the onset of last year, the world’s secondlargest economy was left for dead. Economists were predicting lost decades akin to what Japan experienced in the 1990s, and its dominance of manufacturing was being challenged by Trump’s second term and the drive by exporters to diversify their supply chains and move operations abroad. Global investors had largely fled, seeing that the country’s 3D problems — deflation, debt and demographics — were structural and insurmountable. By the year's end, the perception couldn’t be any more different. Chinese President Xi Jinping was the only foreign leader that stood up to Trump’s bullying tactics on trade and forced him to back down by weaponizing Beijing’s control of rare earth materials. It has kept its status as the world’s most vibrant factory, so much so that some are lamenting that Europe, for one, has nothing to sell to China. As for global money flows, foreigners are returning as an AI boom has lifted the Hong Kong bourse to a four-year high. How did China manage to shake off its malaise and
events to the point when the current Gaza campaign started. To explain; the left-wing front was not in a mood to help the PLO, and the 1979 events in Iran rudely disturbed the balance of politics and power in the Middle East. Syria might have felt at peace with Israel next door, concentrating more on the Lebanese file; helping favorites one after another but never doing much to help the Palestinian cause, however its association with the future who is who of the new post1979 Tehran radically helped it reposition itself. To quote the now expired widow of Islamic Ideologue Ali Shariati talking about the intellectual’s death under mysterious circumstances in United Kingdom in June 1977; mentions the Shah government’s intent to give the opposition ideologue a protocol, was torpedoed by no one else then the late Hafez Al Assad; who lined up the logistics to ensure that the Iranian ideologue was buried alongside the shrine of Imam Husain’s sister Syeda Zainab in the outskirts of Damascus. During the eight-year Iran-Iraq war, in April 1981, the Syrian decision to allow the Iranian Air force to use its Palmyra AFB for strikes at the famous Iraqi Air Force H 3 air base deep inside Al- Anbar province sealed the friendship between Iran and Syria, which brought the country back to the resistance, which it thought might be still managed at length. The Iranian cold shoulder to an Islamist insurgency on Homs and Hama by the Syrian faction of Ikhwan ul Muslimeen despite Tehran’s declared support for anything Islamic was guided by its geopolitical expediency just like its participation in arms sale from various sources, courtesy the Iran-Contra affair. Into the era of ‘Arab Spring’, the Syrian file blew up in the face of the leadership in Tehran in a manner in 2012 that it had to orchestrate actions which not only drained its resources but also drained its credibility. The deployment of the militant Shia outfits from Pakistan to Lebanon, specifically the Hezbollah to prop up what the Iranians called; an important pillar of ‘moqawamat’ or ‘resistance’ caused even the Hamas to have second thoughts about its sincerity to the Palestinian cause. The Assad regime, now led by Hafez’s son Bashaar, was nominally saved in 2018
Telling Sy Hersh’s story A new documentary casts harsh light on government secrecy, failed media oversight, and public backlash
covered up the massacre. In the 1970s, Hersh revealed the CIA’s efforts to assassinate foreign leaders and its covert operations to overthrow leftist governments in Central and South America—revelations that prompted Congressional hearings in 1975 to investigate abuses by the U.S. intelligence community. The documentary also highlights the reluctance of many of Hersh’s media employers to publish his investigations for fear of upsetting powerful government interests—most notably Donald Rumsfeld and the Department of Defense after Hersh broke the story about torture at the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq. Many outlets were initially hesitant to
run Hersh’s My Lai investigation: As the film recounts, many in the mainstream press were often hobnobbing with Pentagon officials and acting as stenographers for Henry Kissinger rather than reporting directly from the field about what was actually happening on the ground in Vietnam. When, in 1974, The New York Times published Hersh’s investigation documenting the CIA’s massive and illegal domestic spying operations, Times columnist Anthony Lewis noted in Hersh’s defense, some members of the Washington press corps had a built-in bias in favor of the CIA: “There is a reluctance to attack those with whom one dines.” Hersh’s investigations also often drew
with active participation of the IRGC and Russian intervention, though it came out rather a weak dispensation out of the civil war. With so much of the Iranian resources and blood of its allies, it was all natural that the regime was on the radar of the supporters of the Abraham Accords. To decapitate the Iranian role in Lebanon, especially the South of Lebanon, it was necessary that the government in Damascus was cajoled though cash handout promises, IDF air strikes and resurgent militants to either capitulate or be ready for regime change. The turn of events included both cash promises as well as capitulation. The Baathist set up melted away in days, making way for Syrian variants of Zelensky, the Ukrainian frontman for the NATO campaign in East Europe; to capture Damascus. The most ominous development after the fall of Damascus was the complete destruction of military assets; of navy and air force by the IDF to ensure that there was no botheration for the IDF from the Syrian borders. Given the geopolitical stances of Jolani, any student of geopolitics can conclude that Israel bor-
scrutiny from the public, which often reacted with backlash or indifference. After Calley was convicted in 1971 of murdering twenty-two Vietnamese civilians, a Gallup poll showed that some 79 percent of Americans disapproved of the guilty verdict against him. Cover-Up features the song “Battle Hymn of Lt. Calley,’’ which was recorded that year by a little-known musician named Terry Nelson selling more than 200,000 copies in 1971. Its lyrics portray Calley not as a killer, but as a brave soldier who had been falsely vilified and forgotten. Similarly, despite Hersh’s revelations and the subsequent Congressional hearings, the CIA’s transgressions were not a major issue in the 1976 Presidential election. Foreign affairs were viewed as the country’s most important problem by only 7 percent of all voters, according to a Gallup poll from the time. In one clip of archival footage presented in the film, Hersh receives call-ins during a radio program guest appearance. The callers express harsh criticism of his work, claiming his investigations jeopardized national security and put U.S. troops at risk. Indeed, many of Hersh’s revelations, extraordinary as they often were, failed to inspire any major concessions toward government accountability and transparency. Calley’s sentence was commuted after he had served only three-and-a-half years of his lifetime prison sentence, while the House of Representatives rejected a proposal to impeach Nixon for illegally bombing Cambodia, though they did successfully impeach him for his role in the Watergate scandal. And Congress’s efforts to rein in the CIA’s covert operations in 1975 didn’t result in any effective legislation—indeed, the CIA continues these operations to this day, most recently in Venezuela. Other recent CIA operations
In 2022, 47% of the world’s top 20th percentile AI researchers finished their undergraduate studies in China, well above the 18% share from the US
Second, China is pragmatic and the AI arms race offers a good illustration. Whereas the U.S. is seeking the holy grail — or artificial general intelligence, in this case — Xi is pushing the industry to be "strongly oriented toward applications,” locking in any advantages that AI might bring to sharpen the nation’s edge in manufacturing. Across the country, industrial robots operate in so-called dark factories,” where automation is so efficient that work happens with the lights dimmed.
The writer is a freelance columnist
The purpose of providing the background to the society and polity rests in the fact that the nature of the nation state in a way guided and influenced the political movements in that society, its foreign relations as well as its role in the emerging geopolitical realities of the Middle East
Never, ever underestimate China dazzle the world with DeepSeek moments in tech, biotech and even defense? Were the seeds of success always there and elites in the West simply chose not to see them? It’s a bit of both. First, Xi’s focus on higher education is finally paying off. These days, roughly 40% of high-school graduates go to university, versus 10% in 2000. Engineering is by far the most popular major for post-graduate studies. As a result, the nation’s talent pool has greatly expanded: Between 2000 and 2020, the number of engineers ballooned from 5.2 million to 17.7 million; in 2022, 47% of the world’s top 20th percentile AI researchers finished their undergraduate studies in China, well above the 18% share from the U.S. What this means is that by the law of large numbers, innovative breakthroughs are bound to happen and that China still has the cost advantage in advanced manufacturing. Those under the age of 30 account for 44% of the total engineering pool, versus 20% in the U.S.; compensation for researchers is only about oneeighth that of their American counterparts. Therefore, even if the likes of Apple want to quit China, they can’t.
ders now effectively touch the Iraqi and Jordanian territory, not to ignore the threat to the Turkish mainland. One year after the fall of Damascus; with any military opposition to IDF in shambles, any military hostilities between Hezbollah, IDF and possibly the military participation from Iran, will possibly allow IDF to use the now neutral Syria as a pressure valve to put the resistance in trouble. That trouble can be in the form of the same role played by the Jordanian Air Force in neutralizing the Iranian warheads in support of Israel or it can be an odd scenario for a simpleton Muslim, a Jihadi outfit the foot soldiers of Jolani acting hand in glove with the IDF. Going forward, the Syrian file has closed on the note that the global powers have been able to fully exploit the divisions to its advantage. It would not be a strange scenario that the impending conflict between Iran and the IDF might see Syria as an active war theatre; with enough chances for either side to carry the day eventually.
By now, productivity gains from AI and automation are for all to see: The trade surplus hit a record $1 trillion last year, beating out rival exporting powerhouses like Germany and Japan, with the fastest growth coming from advanced manufacturing, such as cars, integrated circuits and ships. Third, deflation cuts both ways. Investors dislike it because companies have no pricing power. On the flip side, it’s pretty much guaranteed that local brands capable of charging premium prices at
that operated with little oversight have included efforts in 2011 to destabilize the regime of Muammar el- Qaddafi in Libya and activities in Afghanistan during the twenty-year-long U.S. military presence in that country. The realities of confronting government abuses within a mainstream press that is often deferential to those in power have followed Hersh into the twenty-first century, as well. Cover-Up asserts that in 2004, CBS delayed running the Abu Ghraib story for two weeks in response to pressure from the U.S. Department of Defense. After his election in 2008, President Barack Obama decided not to prosecute any members of the Bush Administration for war crimes during the Iraq War, pledging to “look forward, not backward,” and in so doing, effectively blocked any means of accountability for the illegal torture of Iraqis. While dramatizations of investigative journalists’ work in films such as All the President’s Men and Spotlight tend to maintain an optimistic vision of holding the powerful accountable, Cover-Up is more of a wash. It highlights both the great public service of this sort of investigative reporting as well as the limits of its impact. And in the age of President Donald Trump—who is serving his second term despite being found guilty of business fraud and thirty-four criminal counts of falsifying business records, as well as being indicted for mishandling classified information, election interference related to the January 6 riots, and the Georgia election interference case—accountability for wrongdoing by those in power is as sorely needed as ever. Glenn Daigon is D.C.-based reporter.
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Washington,
home have hit consumers’ soft spot, giving them a fighting chance in global trade as well. The prime example is Guangzhoubased Pop Mart International Group The company’s gross profit margin of 70% is more than twice what a generic toymaker can make, thanks to the wickedly cute and viral Labubu. Going forward, Chinese brands will be increasingly known globally for their design and aesthetic flair. Shoppers will get to appreciate the most silent air conditioners, quiet luxury designer bags, fragrances that rival Le Labo and even gelatos that taste as good as those in Italy, as my Sicilian calisthenics trainer proclaimed. The so-called China chic is coming to wow the world — OK, perhaps anywhere but in the U.S., where Chinese exports tumbled 19% last year. The nagging question is how thought leaders in the West got the world’s second-largest economy so wrong. Of course, Beijing doesn’t make it easy — the country didn’t open up from pandemic-related lockdowns until the end of 2022. But some of it, I suspect, is elites’ aversion to visiting an autocracy whose political values are different from their core beliefs. Making money off China isn’t as easy as a decade ago and some worry that, once there, they might get an exit ban. But one thing is for sure: It would be a huge mistake writing off China, the only other economic superpower that matters. Shuli Ren is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering Asian markets.
06 News
sunday, 4 January 2026 | Lahore
TRUMP SAYS MADURO CAPTURED AFTER ‘LARGE-SCALE’ STRIKES; US COURT INDICTS VENEZUELAN PRESIDENT ON DRUG, WEAPON CHARGES
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WASHINGTON AGENCIES
S President Donald Trump said on Saturday that US forces had captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro after launching a “largescale strike” on the South American country. “The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the country,“ Trump said in a Truth Social post. “This operation was done in conjunction with US law enforcement,” Trump added, saying he would give a news conference at 11:00am (1600 GMT; 9pm PKT) at his Mara-Lago residence in Florida. In a brief phone interview with The New York Times, Trump hailed the “brilliant” operation. “A lot of good planning and a lot of great, great troops and great people,” the paper quoted Trump as saying. Later, in an interview with Fox News, Trump said Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were taken to a ship after their capture by US forces and will be transported to New York. Venezuela has since demanded an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council to discuss the US attacks. “Faced with the criminal aggression
committed by the US government against our homeland, we have requested an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council, which is responsible for upholding international law,” Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil wrote on the Telegram messaging platform. It was unclear if the US would now stand back while other senior figures in Venezuela’s ruling party — like Vice President Delcy Rodriguez — fill the void or if there would be pressure for their ouster as well. ‘It was an amazing thing’: Trump
Mamdani’s letter to jailed student leader Umar Khalid riles BJP NEW DELHI AGENCIES
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has said that New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is “interfering” in India’s internal affairs by writing a note to jailed student leader Umar Khalid. The BJP remained mum on a “The Hindu” report, which stated that eight US lawmakers have written to Indian Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra, urging India to grant bail and a free and fair trial to Khalid “in accordance with international law.” Questioning Mamdani’s locus standi to comment on India’s internal matters, BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia cautioned the New York City mayor against such efforts. The reaction came after Mamdani wrote a note to Umar Khalid, recalling his words on “bitterness” and the importance of not letting it consume oneself. The note was posted on X by Mr Khalid’s partner, Banojyotsna Lahiri. “When prisons try to isolate, words travel. Zohran Mamdani writes to Umar Khalid,” the caption accompanying the note stated. “Dear Umar, I think of your words on bitterness often, and the importance of not letting it consume oneself. It was a pleasure to meet your parents. We are all thinking of you,” the handwritten note, signed by Mamdani, read. Mr Khalid and a few others have been booked under the draconian anti-terror law, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, and provisions of the Indian Penal Code, for allegedly. In their letter dated Dec 30, according to The Hindu, the US lawmakers pledged support to the jailed student activist and asked the Indian government to “share the steps being taken to ensure that the judicial proceedings against Umar Khalid and those of his co-accused who remain in detention comport with international standards”. The letter by the US lawmakers was shared by Democratic Congressman Jim McGovern, who is also the co-chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission. The others who had signed on it include Democrat Jamie Raskin, Indian-origin Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, US Representatives Jan Schakowsky, Lloyd Dogget, Rashida Talib, and Senators Chris Van Hollen, and Peter Welch. As per the letter, McGovern and others had met Umar Khalid’s parents earlier in December. “Representative Raskin and I are leading our colleagues to urge that he be granted bail and a fair, timely trial in accordance with international law,” he said, sharing the signed letter in a post on X. The lawmakers claimed that human rights organisations, legal experts and global media have raised questions about the fairness of the investigation and legal process related to Khalid’s detention.
Venezuela minister vows to ‘overcome’ US attacks as world reacts to strikes VENEZUELA REUTERS
Venezuela's Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said on Saturday his country "will overcome" a wave US military strikes which Washington said also included the capture of President Nicolas Maduro. Cabello, considered one of the most powerful men in Caracas, told a local television broadcast that "at the end of these attacks, we will overcome," adding that "this is not our first battle against our people... we have managed to survive under all circumstances." World reacts to US strikes on Venezuela World leaders also react on Venezuela attacks as the world is waiting for US Donald Trump press conference. "This morning, the United States committed an act of armed aggression against Venezuela. This is deeply concerning and condemnable." "The pretexts used to justify such actions are unfounded. Ideological animosity has prevailed over business pragmatism and the willingness to build relationships based on trust and predictability." "In the current situation, it is important, first and foremost, to prevent further escalation and to focus on finding a way out of the situation through dialogue." "Latin America must remain a zone of peace, as it declared itself to be in 2014. And Venezuela must be guaranteed the right to determine its own destiny without any destructive, let alone military, interference from outside." "We support the statement by the Venezuelan authorities and the leaders of Latin American countries calling for an immediate meeting of the UN Security Council."
Speaking on Fox News, Trump praised his team for the operation and described watching the operation as it took place. “I watched it like I was watching a television show,” he said. “If you would have seen the speed and the violence … it was an amazing thing and an amazing job these people did.” Elaborating on watching the operation unfold, he said that it was an “extremely complex manoeuvre” and that multiple helicopters were employed. “We watched it and we watched every
aspect of it,” Trump said. “I’ve never seen anything like this. It was amazing to see the professionalism, the quality of leadership.“ The US president did mention that there were “a few injuries on our side”, but noted that no American personnel were killed. Trump further said that Washington will be “very strongly involved” in Venezuela’s oil industry. “We have the greatest oil companies in the world, the biggest, the greatest, and we’re going to be very much involved in it,” he said. Maduro indicted on drug, weapon charges In a post on X, US Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, had been charged in the Southern District of New York. The charges include narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices against the United States. “They (Maduro and Flores) will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts,” she wrote. “On behalf of the entire US DOJ (Department of Justice), I would like to thank President Trump for having the courage to demand accountability on behalf of the American people, and a huge thank you to our brave military who conducted the incredible and highly successful mission to capture these two al-
leged international narco traffickers.” ‘New dawn, the tyrant is gone’ “A new dawn for Venezuela! The tyrant is gone. He will now — finally — face justice for his crimes,” US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said on X. US Senator Mike Lee said the country had completed its military action, quoting Secretary of State Marco Rubio. “He anticipates no further action in Venezuela now that Maduro is in US custody,” Lee, a Republican initially critical of the operation, wrote on X after what he said was a telephone call with Rubio. Rubio, meanwhile, uploaded a screenshot of one of his old posts on X today, which claimed Maduro was not the president of Venezuela. The old post, dated July 27, 2025, reads: “Maduro is NOT the President of Venezuela and his regime is NOT the legitimate government. “Maduro is the head of the Cartel de Los Soles, a narco-terror organization which has taken possession of a country. And he is under indictment for pushing drugs into the United States,” Rubio added. Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela’s largest military complex, situated in the south of Caracas, and Carlota airbase in the north, were among the targets of the strikes. Blasts were also heard in La Guaira, north of the capital, where Caracas’s airport and port are located. A US official said Maduro was captured by elite US special forces troops.
Israeli army fires shots near UN troops in Lebanon BEIRUT
AGENCIES
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon said gunfire from an Israeli position hit close to its peacekeepers twice on Friday, reporting no casualties but decrying a “concerning trend”. The Unifil has repeatedly reported Israeli fire near or towards its personnel in recent months, and last week said an Israeli attack near one of its positions lightly wounded a peacekeeper. Personnel patrolling in south Lebanon on Friday “reported 15 rounds of small arms fire that struck no more than 50 metres away from them”, a Unifil statement said. Shortly afterwards, “peacekeepers in a second patrol in the same area reported approximately 100 rounds of machine-gun fire struck approximately 50 metres from them”, it added, reporting no damage or injuries. “Peacekeepers assessed that the fire came from an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) position south of the Blue Line in both cases,” the statement said, referring to the de facto border, and “sent a ‘stop fire’ re-
Iranian FM vows to ‘forcefully reject’ quest through its liaison channels”. are serious violations” of a 2006 It said Unifil had informed the UN Security Council resolution interference after Israeli army about the peacekeep- that formed the basis of the current ers’ activities in advance.“Incidents ceasefire. Under the November Trump’s threat to like these are happening on a too- 2024 truce, Israel was to withdraw regular basis, and becoming a con- its forces from south Lebanon, but cerning trend,” the statement said. it has kept them at five areas it ‘rescue’ protesters “We reiterate our call to the deems strategic and carries out reg-
IDF to cease aggressive behaviour and attacks on or near peacekeepers working for peace and stability along the Blue Line.” Unifil has acted as a buffer between Israel and Lebanon for decades and recently has been working with Lebanon’s army to support a year-old ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. The force on Friday noted that “attacks on or near peacekeepers
ular strikes on Lebanon, usually saying it is targeting Hezbollah sites and operatives. Under heavy US pressure and fears of expanded Israeli strikes, Lebanon has committed to disarming Hezbollah, starting in the south near the frontier. Last August, the UN Security Council voted for the peacekeepers to leave Lebanon in 2027.
Khamenei backs economic demands as Iran protests kill at least eight IRAN AFP
Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday acknowledged the economic demands of protesters in Iran, where demonstrations have spread to more than two dozen cities, even as he warned there would be no quarter for “rioters”. The protests began on Sunday as an expression of discontent over high prices and economic stagnation, but have since expanded to in-
clude political demands. “The president and high-ranking officials are working to resolve” the economic difficulties in the sanctions-battered country, Khamenei said in a speech marking a Shiite holiday. “The shopkeepers have protested against this situation and that is completely fair,” he added. But Khamenei nonetheless warned that while “authorities must have dialogue with protesters, it is useless to have dialogue with rioters. Those must be put in their place.”
At least eight people have been killed in the protests so far, including members of the security services, according to official figures. The first deaths were reported on Thursday as demonstrators clashed with authorities. On Saturday, the Mehr news agency reported that a member of an Iranian paramilitary force was killed during a demonstration in the country’s west. Read more: Several reported killed in Iran protests over economic woes
TAHRAN
AGENCIES
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Friday vowed to “forcefully reject” any interference in the country’s internal affairs, after U.S. President Donald Trump earlier warned that the United States would act if Iran “kills peaceful protesters.” In a post on social media platform X, Araghchi said Iran’s armed forces “are on standby and know exactly where to aim” if its sovereignty is violated, responding to Trump’s earlier comments on Truth Social, in which he claimed the United States would “come to their rescue” if Iran shot peaceful protesters. Since Sunday, protests have erupted in a number of Iranian cities over the sharp depreciation of the national currency, the rial. Araghchi said that peaceful protest is the right of Iranians affected by exchange rate volatility but noted isolated incidents of violence, including attacks on a police station and Molotov cocktails thrown at officers. He added that criminal attacks on public property cannot be tolerated. At least three people were killed and 13 security personnel were wounded in clashes during protests in two Iranian provinces over the past 24 hours, Iranian media reported Thursday. Saeid Pourali, deputy governor of Iran’s western Lorestan province for political, security and social affairs, attributed the recent protests to economic grievances. He stressed that economic pressures, including currency volatility and livelihood concerns, have come from “cruel” Western sanctions. The Iranian rial has weakened sharply since the United States withdrew from Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal in 2018 and reimposed sanctions. The U.S. dollar currently trades at a rate of over 1.35 million rials on the open market.
Yemen’s southern separatists call for path to independence amid fighting over key region YEMEN
AGENCIES
Yemen’s southern separatist movement said on Friday it aimed to hold a referendum on independence from the north in two years, as Saudi-backed forces fought to recapture areas the separatists seized last month in a move that triggered a major feud between Gulf powers. The statement by the Southern Transitional Council was the clearest indication yet of its intention to secede, but may be seen by Yemen’s internationally recognised government as an escalation of the crisis. It came hours after the government said it had launched an operation to recapture the crucial Hadramout province, one of the main areas seized by the STC last month, with Saudi military support. Major power shift The surprise advance by the separatists in early December shifted power in Yemen, which has been at war for more than a decade. Yemen has been split for years between the northern highlands, held by the Iran-backed Houthi group, and forces in-
cluding the southern separatists that are supported by Gulf states under the internationally recognised government. Saba news agency reported early on Saturday that Rashad al-Alimi, head of Yemen’s Saudi-backed presidential council, has submitted a request to Saudi Arabia to host a forum aimed at resolving the southern issue. Al-Alimi said he hopes the forum would bring together all southern fac-
tions “without distinction,” including the southern separatist movement. The request comes after a number of southern political factions and figures urged Al-Alimi to submit a request to Riyadh to host a forum after they condemned what they described as “unilateral measures” on the southern issue by STC leader Aidarous Al-Zubaidi. Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry welcomed the request, calling on southern fac-
tions to participate in the planned forum. On Friday, the Hadramout governor under the internationally recognised government said he had launched an operation to restore control over the area, later saying his forces had taken control of a key military base. A local tribal group and the STC both said the operation had been backed by airstrikes. A spokesperson for the STC, Mohammed al-Naqeeb, said its forces were on full alert across the region and warned that it was ready to respond forcefully. Oil-producing Hadramout borders Saudi Arabia and many prominent Saudis trace their origins to the province, lending it cultural and historical significance for the kingdom. Its capture by the STC last month was regarded by the Saudis as a threat. Saudi Arabia did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the airstrikes and it was unclear if there were any casualties. The UAE, without directly addressing Friday’s developments, said the country had approached the recent escalation with restraint, coordination and a deliberate commitment to de-escalation.
NEWS 07
Sunday, 4 January 2026 | LAHORE
PUNJAB TO FAST-TRACK INTRODUCTION OF ADVANCED CBD Punjab resolves four INTRAVASCULAR CARDIAC SURGERY: CM MARYAM
CORPORATE CORNER
decades-old issue, hands over state-of-art Walton Road project to WCB
LAHORE
staff report
The Punjab Central Business District Development Authourity (PCBDDA), also known as Central Business District Punjab (CBD Punjab), has officially handed over the completed Remodeling & Upgradation of Ada Nullah and Walton Road project, including the strategically important Major Ishaq Shaheed Flyover, to the Walton Cantonment Board (WCB).The formal handover took place following a joint inspection and site visit conducted by officials of CBD Punjab and the Walton Cantonment Board. Upon completion of all procedural requirements, the project was formally transferred, with WCB assuming full responsibility for the operation, maintenance and future management of the upgraded infrastructure.Implemented by CBD Punjab at a total project cost of PKR 10.2 billion, the initiative stands as a major milestone in Lahore’s urban infrastructure development. Designed to resolve decades-old drainage challenges and chronic traffic congestion along Walton Road and its adjoining areas, the project has significantly enhanced road capacity, improved storm-water management, and strengthened the overall resilience of the urban corridor. The upgraded Walton Road and Major Ishaq Shaheed Flyover now capable of accommodating an estimated 700,000 to 800,000 vehicles per day, ensuring smoother traffic flow and reduced travel time for daily commuters. In addition to improving mobility, the project has played a vital role in uplifting the quality of life for more than one million residents of Walton by providing safer roads, improved accessibility, and effective mitigation of urban flooding risks.
Mobilink Bank Powers Girls’ Digital Education by Solarizing Zindagi Trust’s Digital Arts Lab in Karachi ISLAMABAD
staff report
Pakistan’s leading digital microfinance bank, Mobilink Bank, through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative has strengthened access to uninterrupted digital education by solarizing the Digital Arts Lab operated by Zindagi Trust at Khatoon-e-Pakistan Government Girls Secondary School, Karachi. The initiative reflects Mobilink Bank’s proactive commitment to enabling girls’ access to uninterrupted digital and creative education through sustainable energy solutions, advancing the Bank’s broader vision of becoming a leading bank for small businesses that deepens financial inclusion for women, while simultaneously contributing to long-term environmental sustainability. This project ensures reliable access to digital and creative learning for approximately 320 students from grades 6 to 8, while being designed to benefit all future cohorts enrolled in the Digital Arts Lab. The intervention aligns with Mobilink Bank’s commitment to advancing women’s inclusion through sustainable solutions, while directly supporting Zindagi Trust’s broader vision of transforming public education by building future-ready learning environments that enable girls to access high-quality digital, creative, and critical thinking skills, regardless of infrastructure limitations. Commenting on the initiative, Haaris Mahmood Chaudhary, President and CEO of Mobilink Bank, said: “Access to uninterrupted, sustainable energy is critical for meaningful digital learning. Through this collaboration with Zindagi Trust, Mobilink Bank is addressing a pressing national challenge while enabling young girls to learn, create, and thrive in a technology-driven world.” Zindagi Trust emphasized that the project reflects its belief that meaningful education reform requires both pedagogical innovation and enabling infrastructure. By integrating renewable energy into technologydriven learning spaces, the Trust continues its work of ensuring that public school students are not left behind in a rapidly evolving digital world.
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PUNJAB CM MEETS OKLAHOMA HEART HOSPITAL DELEGATION, DISCUSSES LATEST TECHNIQUES LAHORE
staff report
HE Punjab government has decided to introduce state-of-theart intravascular surgery techniques for the treatment of heart diseases as part of its broader effort to modernise cardiac care and enhance public health services across the province. The decision was taken during a meeting between Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and a delegation led by Dr Naeem Tahir Khaili, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Oklahoma Heart Hospital. The delegation briefed the chief minister on the latest developments in intravascular cardiac surgery and training programmes for medical professionals. During the briefing, it was stated that intravascular surgery is a safe and advanced alternative to conventional open-
heart surgery. The procedure involves minimally invasive techniques, including angioplasty, stent placement, and ablation, performed through a small incision in a blood vessel.
The meeting agreed in principle to provide specialised training to doctors from Children’s Hospital, Nishtar Hospital, and Jinnah Hospital. American specialists will conduct the training sessions
to build local capacity in advanced intravascular techniques. The Punjab chief minister directed health authorities to take immediate steps to introduce modern cardiac treatment methods at the Jinnah Institute of Cardiology and Nawaz Sharif Medical City. She also ordered the procurement of modern medical equipment required for intravascular surgery. The delegation also briefed the chief minister on the health and educational services being provided by the Rukhsana Foundation. CM Maryam Nawaz appreciated the foundation’s contributions, particularly in the fields of healthcare and education. Emphasising her government’s commitment to improving public health services, the chief minister said the introduction of advanced cardiac procedures and international-standard training for doctors would significantly enhance the quality of treatment available to heart patients in Punjab.
Police Journalists’ welfare top priority of Islamabad committed to citizen Punjab govt: Secretary Information safety and justice, says SSP Investigation
LAHORE
staff report
Punjab Secretary for Information and Culture, Syed Tahir Raza Hamdani, paid an official visit to the Lahore Press Club, where he met President Lahore Press Club Arshad Ansari along with other senior office-bearers.During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on professional journalism matters, challenges faced by the media, and issues of mutual interest. Special focus was placed on the problems being faced by the journalist community, particularly the construction and development work of Journalists Colony Phase II and the need for its early completion.The journalist representatives apprised the Secretary of the difficulties faced by the community and emphasized the importance of timely completion of Phase II. It was also decided during the meeting that journalists would be facilitated with an early visit to Journalists Colony Phase II
ISLAMABAD
staff report
to practically review the ongoing development work.On the occasion, Secretary Information and Culture Punjab Syed Tahir Raza Hamdani stated that the Punjab Government is taking the welfare of the journalist community very seriously. He informed that Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari is personally taking a keen interest in
Islamabad MCI organizes first Organic Market in F-7 Park ISLAMABADS
staff report
Taking a significant step towards promoting a healthy lifestyle among citizens in the Federal Capital, Islamabad Metropolitan Corporation (MCI) successfully organized the first Organic Market in F-7 Park on Saturday. It is important to note that this market was not just a shopping center but also proved to be a platform for healthy living and community bonding.Set against the backdrop of pleasant winter sunshine, the market enhanced the park's natural beauty. Stalls offering natural, chemicalfree, fresh and healthy food items and products attracted citizens. Special activities for children and families were also arranged at the market, making it a beautiful blend of recreation and health.A total of 20 selected vendors set up their stalls at the market, which included fresh fruits and vegetables, homemade bakery items, delicacies prepared by artisans and high-quality cheese. Citizens greatly appreciated these natural products and enjoyed shopping, preferring them as a healthy alternative.On this occasion, citizens also praised the initiative, saying that such health-conscious efforts and fresh products doubled the enjoyment of shopping. Consumers said that the availability of such healthy and quality products is an excellent initiative.The arrangement of the first organic market emphasized a healthy environment, well organized layout, soft music and strict implementation of a 'Zero Littering Policy.' Citizens were urged to pay special attention to keeping the park clean.Chief Officer of the Islamabad Metropolitan Corporation (MCI), Dr. Anam Fatima, said that this initiative is part of our effort to promote parks as shared community spaces. She added that this first organic market has proven to be a successful experience.
the early completion of Journalists Colony Phase II and is herself supervising the progress of the project.He further clarified that the timely completion of Journalists Colony Phase II is among the top priorities of the Punjab Government, and all available resources are being utilized to ensure the provision of improved residential facilities to journalists.
Teknofest: Experts urge youth to acquire tech, entrepreneurial skills KARACHI
staff report
Renowned experts from the technology and business sectors on Saturday urged students and young professionals to equip themselves with skills in emerging technologies, entrepreneurship, and business communication, while upholding strong ethical and religious values to build sustainable and successful careers both locally and internationally.The experts were addressing a large gathering at the Teknofest Conference held at Expo Centre, Karachi, as part of the Mera Brand Pakistan exhibition, which attracted thousands of students, freelancers, startups, and young professionals from across the city.Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Noman Said, IT expert and CEO of SI Global Solutions, highlighted that Pakistan’s IT industry is gradually gaining global recognition; however, he stressed that companies and professionals must focus on innovation, quality delivery, and brand building to compete in high-end international markets.He emphasized that technology careers are no longer limited to programming alone but now span areas such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and enterprise solutions. He advised students to adopt a long-term learning mindset, stating that continuous skill upgrading is essential in a rapidly evolving digital world. “Adaptability, lifelong learning, and ethical professionalism are the core pillars of a successful technology career,” he said, adding that Pakistani professionals must project a positive image of the country by maintaining integrity, transparency, and reliability in their work.Saad Shah, IT expert and CEO of Hexalyze, said that while universities are producing a large number of graduates each year, there remains a gap between academic knowledge and industry requirements.
According to the details, SSP Investigation Islamabad Muhammad Usman Tariq Butt, met with the complainants of murder cases under the opendoor policy.During the meeting, SSP Investigations emphasized that the protection of affected citizens, providing all possible relief, and ensuring justice are their foremost priorities. He directed all officers to ensure the arrest of those involved in murders and to provide assistance to the complainants. The safety of citizens' lives and property is the highest priority.He further added that if you feel that your FIR has been filed but you are not receiving justice or are being harassed, citizens are urged to immediately contact Islamabad Police’s emergency helpline “Pucar-15” or visit his office directly.
VEON Group invests $20m in Mobilink Bank to accelerate digital Islamic banking expansion ISLAMABAD
staff report
Global digital operator VEON Group has announced an investment of USD 20 million in Mobilink Bank to support its growth and digital Islamic banking expansion in Pakistan. The investment builds on USD 15 million capital deployed by VEON in January 2025 and underscores its confidence in Mobilink Bank’s growth momentum and its integrated digital financial ecosystem with JazzCash, amid the rapid expansion of Pakistan’s digital banking and microfinance sector.Mobilink Bank is a part of VEON Group, a global digital operator that provides services to over 150 million connectivity customers and over 140 million monthly active digital users. VEON Group (Nasdaq: VEON) is a Nasdaq-listed company that operates across five countries that are home to more than 6% of the world’s population.The capital will be used to scale Mobilink Bank’s MSME financing portfolio, advance its Islamic banking offerings, and strengthen its evolution into a technology-driven, digitally native bank, with a continued focus on expanding regulated financial access for underserved communities, particularly small businesses and women.The investment reflects VEON Group’s broader digital strategy of strengthening high-impact financial ecosystems through technology-led solutions and disciplined capital deployment, positioning Mobilink Bank as a key contributor to Pakistan’s evolving financial sector.
The Need for Evidence-Based, Climate-Resilient Soil Policy in Pakistan SALEEM SHAIKH
Soil rarely commands headlines in Pakistan, yet it underpins food security, climate resilience and even urban liveability. Beneath farms, forests and cities, this living system, which is rich in organic matter, microbes and nutrients, is steadily degrading. The adverse fallouts are already visible in falling crop yields, worsening floods and heatwaves, polluted water bodies and growing rural poverty. Unless Pakistan urgently adopts a sustainable, climate-resilient and evidence-based national soil management policy, the economic, social and environmental costs will be far higher than the country can afford. The warning signs are now more evident. At a recent seminar at Sindh Agriculture University (SAU), Tandojam, soil scientists and policymakers sounded the alarm that climate change is accelerating soil degradation across the country. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, prolonged flooding, salinity, plastic pollution and untamed
urbanization, billed as major drivers of soil degradation in the country, are eroding soil health at an unprecedented pace. The rapid loss of soil-friendly microorganisms, the invisible workforce responsible for nutrient cycling, carbon storage and water regulation, is particularly worrying. Without them, soil will be just little more than inert dust. Pakistan’s vulnerability is well documented. For instance, assessments of UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) point out that over 60 per cent of Pakistan’s land is affected by some form of degradation, including erosion, salinity and nutrient depletion. Nearly one-third of country’s irrigated land suffers from salinity and waterlogging, especially in Sindh and southern Punjab. Each year, millions of tonnes of fertile topsoil are lost to wind and water erosion, reducing productivity and increasing sediment loads in rivers and reservoirs. We must understand that these are not just abstract environmental challenges; they directly affect wheat, rice, cotton and sugarcane yields, farmer incomes and food prices.
Climate change is intensifying these stresses. According to UN climate assessments, Pakistan has experienced a significant rise in average temperatures and more frequent extreme rainfall events. Severe heat accelerates organic matter breakdown, while unpredictable rains and prolonged floodwater stagnation, as witnessed during recent floods in 2022, 2023 and 2025, adversely damage soil structure and suffocate crops. The research findings published in leading journals such as Nature Climate Change have concluded that degraded soils retain less water and carbon, making them more vulnerable to droughts and floods alike. In Pakistan’s case, this creates a vicious cycle: poor soils aggravates fallouts of climate crisis, which in turn further degrade soils. Urbanisation is compounding the crisis. As SAU Vice Chancellor and well-acclaimed water and soil scientist Prof Dr Altaf Ali Siyal rightly noted, fertile land around cities is rapidly being converted into concrete. FAO urban studies indicate that Pakistan is among the
fastest urbanising countries in South Asia, with cities expanding largely without land-use planning. The sealing of soil under roads and buildings only disrupts natural drainage, increases flood risk and creates urban heat islands, where temperatures are three to four degrees higher than surrounding areas. Plastic waste, construction debris and untreated wastewater further contaminate urban soils, undermining both public health and ecosystem services. Despite these realities, Pakistan lacks a comprehensive national sustainable soil management policy. Existing agricultural and environmental policies mention soil in passing but fail to treat it as a strategic national asset. This longstanding policy vacuum results in fragmented interventions, weak regulation of land conversion, excessive reliance on chemical fertilisers, inefficient irrigation and little investment in soil monitoring or restoration. By contrast, many countries now integrate soil health into climate adaptation, biodiversity and food security strategies, guided by science and long-term data.
Let’s discuss here as to how should a credible national soil policy look like? First, it must be evidence-based, data-informed, sustainable and climate-smart. Pakistan is already rich in data from provincial agriculture departments, FAO-supported surveys and universities. This needs to be consolidated into a national soil information system that regularly monitors organic carbon, salinity, nutrient status and biological health. Without measurement, policy remains only a guesswork. Second, restoring soil organic matter must be an overarching goal. FAO estimates suggest that increasing soil organic carbon by even a small percentage can significantly improve water retention, cut down on fertiliser needs and boost yields. The writer is a climate policy analyst, research scholar and former UNFCCC media fellow. He is a recipient of the World Changers Glasgow Scholarship in recognition of his academic excellence and professional contributions. He can be reached at saleemzeal@gmail.com.
Sunday, 4 January, 2026
PM REAFFIRMS GOVT’S COMMITMENT TO RIGHTS, OPPORTUNITIES FOR VISUALLY-IMPAIRED NEWS
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ISLAMABAD
staff report
RIME Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the rights of all special persons, including the visually impaired, ensuring equal opportunities, and building an inclusive society where every individual can contribute meaningfully. In a message on World Braille Day, observed annually on January 4, 2026, the prime minister extended his heartfelt goodwill to visually impaired citizens in Pakistan and across the globe. “Today, on the occasion of World Braille Day, I express my feelings of goodwill to the visually impaired in Pakistan and around the world,” he said. He highlighted that Louis Braille’s revolutionary tactile writing system has opened doors to education, access to information, and a dignified life for millions of visually impaired people worldwide. Rightly acknowledging its significance, the United Nations General As-
sembly declared January 4 as World Braille Day in 2018, he added. The prime minister also lauded the outstanding achievements of visually impaired individuals in Pakistan, noting that their accomplishments in various fields, aided by Braille, demonstrate that ability and determination can overcome any challenge. He said visually impaired Pakistanis
Sherry Rehman condemns Modi’s silence over violence against minorities, calls for accountability ISLAMABAD
staff report
PPP Parliamentary Leader in the Senate Sherry Rehman on Saturday voiced deep concern over the continued silence of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on escalating violence by Hindu radical groups against religious minorities, particularly Christians and Muslims. In a X post on Saturday, she warned that such silence risks normalising hate-driven violence and undermining the very principles of democratic governance. “What stops Prime Minister Modi from condemning the actions of Hindu radicals who attack Christians— as we all do in Pakistan—from clearly stating that such violence is unacceptable in a civilised country?” Senator Rehman asked. “I think we know the answer, he is okay with impunity.” Rehman stressed that true leadership is measured by a willingness to confront extremism within one’s own support base.
are excelling with dedication in education, professional life, and even competitive examinations. Highlighting an example, he pointed to Ms. Saima Saleem, who serves in Pakistan’s United Nations Mission as an officer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “Such achievements are shining examples of perseverance, competence, and national
dignity,” he remarked, adding that they reflect the strength of accessible education and social cooperation. The prime minister emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to international frameworks for disability rights, noting that the country is a member of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). Pakistan also ratified the Marrakesh Treaty in 2023, which ensures access to published materials in accessible formats for people with visual impairments or other disabilities. “To protect the rights of the visually impaired, I appeal to educational institutions, civil society, the private sector, and the media to further strengthen joint efforts and promote Braille literacy and accessible facilities,” he said. He concluded by urging the nation to renew its collective resolve: “Let us ensure that no citizen is left behind and that everyone is provided opportunities to realize their potential, so that every individual, regardless of visual ability, can play a valuable and meaningful role in the development of Pakistan.”
Iranian envoy hails ‘martyrs of ummah’ as heroes, friends of oppressed ISLAMABAD
staff report
Iranian Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghaddam paid glowing tribute to Martyr Qasem Soleimani, the legendary commander of the Quds Force, and other “martyrs of the Islamic Ummah,” hailing them as symbols of resistance and unwavering defenders of the oppressed. Speaking at a solemn ceremony organised by the Iranian Embassy here on Saturday, the envoy described them as “friends of the oppressed” and “Muslim heroes on the path of God,” underscored their sacrifices in defending Palestinians, Syrians and Lebanese against what he termed Israel’s expansionist ambitions. The event, titled “The Martyr of the Islamic Ummah,” drew a diverse gathering of religious schol-
ars, intellectuals, journalists and citizens from various walks of life. It served as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles across the Muslim world, blending commemoration with calls for resistance against perceived oppression. Iranian ambassador hails ‘Martyrs of the Islamic Ummah’ as heroes, friends of oppressed Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Moghaddam portrayed the martyrs not as fallen soldiers but as eternal figures sustained by divine providence. “The status of the martyrs is very high; they are alive and receiving sustenance from God Almighty,” he declared. “They remained on the path of God and were martyred on the righteous path.” Drawing from personal experience, the ambassador revealed his close association with some of these figures. “I have personally
worked with some of these martyrs. They were Muslim heroes on the great path, the pinnacle of intelligence—wherever they went, they rose to the top,” he said. Rejecting conventional paths to political power through ministries or parliaments, they chose “the path of struggle and challenge, the difficult path,” confronting what he described as “the enemies of God and humanity.” Linking their sacrifices to broader regional conflicts, the envoy accused the “Zionist government” of oppressing Palestinians and attempting to crush Hamas over the past two years. “Israel is an evil government, backed by the Western bloc,” he charged. He also praised Iran’s pre-revolutionary leadership for supporting the Palestinian cause even while imprisoned, crediting them with resisting Israeli expansionism.
prayer timings
KP CM Afridi to visit Karachi from Jan 9, meet Sindh CM FAJR SUNRISE
ZUHR
ASR MAGHRIB ISHA
7:00
1:30
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PESHAWAR
staff report
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi will visit Karachi from January 9 to 11, where he is scheduled to meet Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah to discuss issues faced by the Pakhtun community, particularly problems related to Health Card treatment in the port city. Speaking to senior journalists in Peshawar on Saturday, CM Afridi said the Sindh chief minister had formally invited him for the meeting. He said discussions would focus on difficulties encountered by residents of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa while seeking treatment under the Health Card programme at some hospitals in Karachi. “I will request the Sindh chief minister to help resolve the issues being faced by KP residents in availing treatment on health cards,” CM Afridi said. During his three-day visit, the chief minister said he would also hold meetings with leaders and workers of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), as well as members of Insaf Students Federation (ISF) and Insaf Lawyer Forum (ILF). He added that he would meet PTI members of the National Assembly and provincial assemblies based in Karachi. CM Afridi said the visit aimed to strengthen coordination, address public welfare concerns, and engage with party leadership and workers in the country’s largest city.
JCP to meet on Jan 15 to discuss LHC judges issue ISLAMABAD
staff Correspondent
An important meeting of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) will be held on January 15 to discuss making permanent 13 additional judges of the Lahore High Court (LHC). Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Yahya Afridi will preside over the meeting. LHC Chief Justice (CJ) Justice Aalia Neelum, federal law minister and the attorney general of Pakistan will attend the meeting. Nine additional judges were appointed on February 10, 2025, while four were appointed on March 4, 2025. The judges are Justice Hassan Nawaz Makhdoom, Justice Waqar Haider Awan, Justice Sardar Akbar Ali Dogar, Justice Syed Ahsan Raza, Justice Javed Iqbal, Justice Jawad Zafar, Justice Khalid Ishaq, Justice Awais Khalid, Justice Sultan Mehmood, Justice Raja Ghazanfar Ali, Justice Tanvir Ahmad Sheikh, Justice Tariq Mehmood Bajwa and Justice Abhar Gul Khan.
Published by Asad Nizami at Qandeel Printing Press, 4 Queens Road, Lahore, for PT Print (Pvt) Limited. Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965. Email: newsroom@pakistantoday.com.pk