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PRESIDENT ZARDARI ARRIVES IN BAHRAIN TO STRENGTHEN TRADE, DEFENSE AND STRATEGIC TIES Wednesday, 14 January, 2026 | 24 Rajabul Murajjab, 1447

PRESIDENT WELCOMED BY BAHRAIN NATIONAL GUARD COMMANDER AND FOREIGN MINISTER UPON ARRIVAL IN MANAMA

MEETINGS SCHEDULED WITH KING HAMAD BIN ISA AL KHALIFA AND CROWN PRINCE/PM SALMAN BIN HAMAD AL KHALIFA

FIRST LADY ASEEFA BHUTTO-ZARDARI ACCOMPANIES THE PRESIDENT ON FOUR-DAY OFFICIAL VISIT

PRESIDENT TO ADDRESS BAHRAIN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BOARD ON PAKISTAN’S ECONOMIC POTENTIAL

ISLAMABAD

saleem jadoon

RESIDENT Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday arrived in Bahrain’s capital, Manama, for a four-day official visit aimed at strengthening historic ties between the two nations in trade, defense, and security, state media reported. According to a post on X, President Zardari was received at the airport by Bahrain National Guard Commander Sheikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa and Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani. Bahraini Ambassador to Pakistan Mohammed Ibrahim Abdul Qadir and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Bahrain Saqib Rauf were also present. First Lady Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari accompanied the president during the visit, videos shared by the presidency showed. State broadcaster PTV reported that during the visit, President Zardari is scheduled to meet King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, as well as Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Salman bin

Hamad Al Khalifa. The discussions are expected to focus on enhancing cooperation in political, economic, and development sectors. The president will also address a reception at the headquarters of Bahrain’s Economic Development Board, where he is expected to highlight Pakistan’s economic potential and explore avenues for increased trade and investment between the two countries.

‘Zero tolerance’ for financial fraud and crime: Talal Ch

Shortly after arriving, President Zardari also held a meeting with the commander of Bahrain’s National Guard. The Foreign Office said earlier that the visit will include high-level meetings on bilateral, regional, and international issues of mutual interest. “The visit seeks to reinforce Pakistan’s longstanding cooperation with the brotherly Gulf nation while expanding opportuni-

ties in trade, economic partnership, defense, security, and people-to-people ties,” the FO added. Last November, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during a two-day visit to Bahrain, had reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations, underlining the country’s desire to expand trade and investment. The Pakistan-GCC Free Trade Agreement is expected to boost bilateral trade further. Earlier in September, Bahrain’s interior minister visited Pakistan, where both countries agreed to enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism, anti-narcotics, and immigration. Pakistan and Bahrain enjoy cordial relations, having established diplomatic ties in October 1971 after Bahrain gained independence. Trade between the two nations in recent years has ranged from $500 million to around $1 billion. Major exports from Pakistan to Bahrain include meat, vegetables, rice, tobacco, and textiles, while imports from Bahrain primarily comprise petroleum products, ferrous waste and scrap, and aluminum.

Pakistan, Morocco decide to formalize defense ties: Kh Asif

ISLAMABAD

staff Correspondent

Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 190 | 8 Pages | Islamabad Edition

ISLAMABAD

Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry on Tuesday told the National Assembly that there was “zero tolerance” for financial fraud and criminal misconduct, assuring the House that all cases highlighted by lawmakers were being investigated and acted upon. Responding to a point of order raised by Member of the National Assembly Sher Afzal Marwat, he said the incident reported by the member in which money was allegedly taken from citizens had led to the arrest and charging of the police officials involved. He said such complaints were taken very seriously and that there was zero tolerance for this kind of behaviour within the police. Referring to another case mentioned by MNA, Rs 100 million incident, Talal Chaudhry said it had not yet been established that any police official was involved. He informed the House that a multiagency investigation was under way and assured members that, should any evidence of involvement by officials surface, strict action would be taken in line with the zero-tolerance policy. He added that lawmaker had earlier also pointed out issues related to the National Cyber Crime Investigation (NCCI) wing and that a number of complaints and reports — including a high-profile case involving a YouTuber — had led to action against senior NCCI officers.

staff report

Defense Minister Khawaja Asif on Tuesday announced that Pakistan and Morocco will establish an institutional framework to formalize permanent defense ties, paving the way for expanded cooperation in military training and related sectors. Asif is on a two-day official visit to Morocco from January 12 to 14, where he is holding meetings with Morocco’s Minister of State for National Defense Administration, Abdel Latif Loudayi. The visit comes amid growing interest from several Muslim countries in strengthening defense agreements with Pakistan, particularly following its performance in the brief conflict with India last year. According to a social media post shared by Asif, Pakistan and Morocco are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding

(MoU) during the visit to enhance defense cooperation. “Under the agreement, an institutional framework will be established for permanent defense links,” he stated. “The MoU will also open new avenues for future collaboration across various defense and security sectors, including military training, exchange of experiences, capacity building, and other joint initiatives.” The minister added that he will lead delegation-level talks aimed at boosting cooperation in

areas of mutual interest between the two countries. Pakistan and Morocco share longstanding friendly relations, with strong diplomatic, defense, and economic ties reinforced through periodic high-level visits and bilateral agreements. In April 2025, the Pakistani and Moroccan armies conducted the third edition of their joint bilateral military exercise to enhance professional skills among soldiers and further strengthen defense relations.

PM reaﬃrms govt’s support for foreign investors, strategic technology partners ISLAMABAD

staff report

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting foreign investors and strategic technology partners in Pakistan. During a meeting with a delegation from Ericsson at the PM’s House, the prime minister welcomed

the team and acknowledged Ericsson’s longstanding presence in Pakistan, spanning over six decades. He appreciated the company’s sustained investment and its significant contribution to the development of the country’s telecommunications sector. The delegation was led by Patrick Johansson, President and Head of Market Area Europe, Middle East and Africa at Ericsson. Discussions centered on the role of

next-generation digital connectivity in driving economic growth, enhancing productivity, and improving public service delivery. The prime minister emphasized Pakistan’s interest in leveraging Ericsson’s global experience in advanced network technologies, including 5G, while ensuring secure and resilient digital infrastructure tailored to national needs.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 03

Four terrorists neutralized in Kalat intelligence-based operation: ISPR RAWALPINDI

staff report

Four India proxy terrorists were killed by security forces during an intelligence-based operation in Balochistan‘s Kalat district, the military’s media affairs wing said on Tuesday. In a statement, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said, “On January 12 (Monday) security forces conducted an IBO on the reported presence of terrorists belonging to Indian proxy Fitna al-Hindustan.” “During the operation, security forces effectively engaged the terrorists’ location and four terrorists were killed after an intense fire exchange,” the statement stated. “Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the terrorists, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities in the area,” the statement added. The state has designated Balochistan-based terrorist groups as Fitna al-Hindustan to highlight India’s alleged role in terrorism and destabilisation across Pakistan. It stated that sanitisation operations were being conducted to eliminate any other Indian-sponsored terrorists found in the area. It added that the counterterrorism campaign by security forces and law enforcement agencies would continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreignsponsored and supported terrorism from the country. PM Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Zaradri praised the security forces over the successful operation. In his statement posted by state broadcaster PTV on X, PM Shehbaz said security forces were achieving notable successes in their fight against terrorism under Azm-eIstehkam. “The whole nation stands with Pakistan’s armed forces in the fight against terrorism,“ he said, reaffirming Pakistan’s resolve to eliminate terrorism from the country. Despite record militant deaths, Pakistan saw a sharp escalation in militant violence in 2025, with terrorist attacks rising by 34 percent and terrorism-related fatalities increasing by 21 percent year on year, according to a report released by the Islamabad-based Pak Institute for Peace Studies. In a press conference last week, the Director General (DG) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry shared that law enforcement agencies of Pakistan—including the army, police, Federal Constabulary, and intelligence agencies—conducted a total of 75,175 IBOs in 2025.

Fifth polio case in North Waziristan pushes 2025 tally to 31 ISLAMABAD/PESHAWAR staff report

The Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health (NIH) has confirmed a case of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s North Waziristan District, the fifth case from the area in 2025, bringing the total number of polio cases reported in the outgoing year to 31. According to a press release of Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa issued here on Tuesday, the child, a four-month-old girl, had an onset of symptoms in December, and subsequent samples that were collected from her were confirmed positive for WPV1 by the lab this week. Therefore, this is the 31st case of 2025. Last year, Pakistan reported 20 cases from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, nine from Sindh, and one each from Punjab and Gilgit-Baltistan. Southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa accounted for more than half of Pakistan’s WPV1 cases in 2025, with 17 of the country’s 31 cases reported from the region. Ongoing security challenges have limited consistent access for polio teams in parts of southern KP, including North Waziristan, resulting in persistent immunity gaps and leaving children vulnerable to this paralytic disease. It is critical to ensure that every child is reached with the polio vaccine in every house-to-house campaign and have received their full doses of routine immunization.

Tree-cutting row splits ruling coalition as govt defends Islamabad drive ISLAMABAD

staff Correspondent

The ongoing tree-cutting drive in the federal capital sparked sharp criticism in the National Assembly on Tuesday, exposing differences within the ruling coalition as key allies questioned the government’s environmental policy. Raising the issue during the session, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) lawmaker Shazia Marri termed the matter “very serious,” citing reports that thousands of trees had been cut across Islamabad, including in Shakarparian. She urged the House to take notice of the scale of the operation. Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) leader Dr Farooq Sattar also questioned the move, expressing concern that decades-old trees had reportedly been removed due to construction activities, which he said should not have happened. Last week, the Islamabad district administration maintained that the campaign specifically targeted paper mulberry trees, which it said were responsible for wide-

spread pollen allergies in the capital. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Ali Mohammad Khan acknowledged that removing wild mulberry trees during pollination season was understandable but questioned why trees aged 40 to 50 years had allegedly been cut down. The opposition members and government allies called for the matter to be referred to the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Environment. Responding to the criticism, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry told the House that only allergy-causing paper mulberry trees had been removed. He claimed Islamabad was now “greener than before” and announced that 60,000 additional trees would be planted by the end of March. While responding to a calling attention notice moved by MNA Muhammad Riaz Fatyana, Chaudhry said the issue had been widely debated on social and electronic media but stressed that facts showed only specific categories of trees were removed. He explained that tree removal in Islamabad generally occurred under three circum-

stances: development in brown-area sectors under the city’s original master plan, infrastructure needs such as roads and underpasses, and the elimination of hazardous species, particularly paper mulberry. He added that several areas perceived as green belts were, in fact, designated as brown areas in the master plan. The minister said no infrastructure project over the past 18 months had removed trees without due process, which included public hearings, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) review and certification, and verification through SPARCO imagery and NDVI analysis. “Over 40,000 mature trees, measuring eight to 10 feet, have already been planted, and 60,000 more will be planted by March,” he said, adding that satellite data and NDVI assessments showed an increase in Islamabad’s green cover between 2023 and 2025. He invited parliamentarians and journalists to attend an on-ground technical briefing to verify the data and emphasised that uprooting paper mulberry generated no revenue but instead required government expenditure to prevent regrowth.

WWF disputes CDA claim on tree removal, links logging to infrastructure development ISLAMABAD

staff report

WWF-Pakistan on Tuesday challenged the Islamabad authorities’ assertion that recent tree removal in the capital was carried out solely to address pollen allergies caused by paper mulberry, stating that the activity was also linked to infrastructure development across multiple locations. In recent weeks, largescale tree cutting has been reported at at least three sites in the federal capital, including acres of tree cover around Shakarparian. Islamabad’s Capital Development Authority (CDA) has maintained that only paper mulberry trees were removed, citing their role in triggering seasonal pollen allergies. Earlier on Tuesday, Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry assured law-

makers that more trees would be planted in the coming months. However, in a statement shared on social media, WWF-Pakistan said its field assessments indicated that vegetation loss in Islamabad was not limited to paper mulberry management alone. “WWF-Pakistan’s field assessments indicate that vegetation loss in the capital is not limited to Paper Mulberry management alone but is also linked to infrastructure development in multiple locations,” the environmental organisation stated. “Beyond pollen and allergies, Islamabad’s recent tree removal reflects broader challenges in urban planning,” it added. Social media users and several lawmakers have alleged that, in addition to paper mulberry, old indigenous trees were also felled during the recent clearing operations.

02 NEWS

Wednesday, 14 January, 2026 | ISLAMABAD

PAKISTAN TOUTS MINERAL SECTOR REFORMS AHEAD OF PMIF26 TO ATTRACT GLOBAL INVESTMENT

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ISLAMABAD FORUM TO SHOWCASE INVESTMENT-READY PROJECTS, POLICY CHANGES AND CRITICAL MINERAL POTENTIAL AS EXPORTS REMAIN LIMITED PROFIT

Monitoring Desk

AKISTAN will host the Second Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum (PMIF26) on April 8–9 in Islamabad as the government pushes policy reforms to unlock investment in its largely underdeveloped mineral and gemstone sector. According to a report by the Express Tribune. Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik said PMIF26 would serve as a platform to promote mining awareness, stimulate economic activity and attract sustainable investment into the sector.

Pak-Qatar Takaful to raise Rs420 million through IPO, set to debut on PSX PROFIT

Monitoring Desk

Pak-Qatar General Takaful Limited (PQGTL), a subsidiary of the Pak-Qatar Group, is preparing to launch its Initial Public Offering (IPO) next week, aiming to raise up to Rs420 million. The book-building process is set for January 21-22, with investor registration opening on January 16, the company said in a statement. Pak-Qatar General Takaful has appointed Arif Habib Limited as its consultant and book runner for the IPO. The company plans to issue 30 million shares, with prices ranging from Rs10 to Rs14 per share. Of these, 22.5 million shares (75%) will be allocated to institutional investors, and 7.5 million shares (25%) will be available to the general public, with subscription dates set for January 2829. The IPO will mark PQGTL as the first dedicated general (non-life) takaful operator to be listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), as the KSE-100 Index continues to reach historic highs. The offering follows the successful IPO of Pak-Qatar Family Takaful Limited (PQFTL) in December, which raised Rs901 million at a strike price of Rs18.02 per share. PQFTL’s IPO was oversubscribed by 3.5 times, signaling strong demand for Shariah-compliant financial products in the market. The funds raised through the IPO will be directed towards strategic initiatives, including investments in software, infrastructure, marketing, human resources, and the expansion of branches to enhance operational efficiency and improve customer experience.

Vehicle sales surge across key segments in July–December FY2026 PAMA data shows sharp growth in motorcycles, commercial vehicles and passenger cars, while tractor sales decline PROFIT

Pakistan holds deposits of copper, gold, lithium, cobalt, rare earths and gemstones, but exports remain minimal and benefits to local communities limited. Mineral-rich regions including Balochistan, KhyberPakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan remain underexplored, despite major assets such as the Reko Diq site, which contains more than 5.9 billion tonnes of ore. Officials say effective utilisation could generate billions of dollars in revenue and create thousands of jobs. PMIF26 builds on the first forum, which attracted 5,000 delegates from more than 50 countries and resulted in 14 memoranda of understanding. The upcoming event will feature a Strategic Conference, Technical

Sessions, an International Gemstone Exhibition and a resource library for investors. The government has recently introduced a national policy framework for gemstones, targeting $1 billion in exports over five years. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved the establishment of international-standard laboratories, certification systems and centres of excellence to improve credibility, boost value addition and attract private investment. Reform measures also focus on empowering local miners and entrepreneurs through skills development, adoption of modern technology, improved market access, fair pricing and collaboration with global industry players to enhance product

Bulls make strong comeback at PSX as KSE-100 closes near 184,000 mark g

BENCHMARK INDEX RECOVERS BY OVER 1500 POINTS AT TIME OF CLOSING AFTER DAYS OF BAD RUNS PROFIT

news Desk

Bulls made a strong comeback to the trading floor at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Tuesday, as the benchmark KSE-100 closed near 184,000 points. As per the PSX website, the market opened on a positive note, but the momentum quickly reversed as bears took control of the trading floor. The KSE-100 Index plunged by 1,794 points, reaching a low of 180,589.95, driven by widespread selling and profit-taking across key sectors.

Major sectors such as automobile assemblers, commercial banks, fertiliser companies, oil and gas exploration firms, OMCs, power generation, and refineries experienced significant declines. This sharp decline followed a day of aggressive profit-taking on Monday, as investors cashed in after last week’s robust gains. The KSE-100 Index closed at 182,384.15 points, down by 2,025.52 points or 1.1%. The market closed at 183,951.50 points, an increase of 1567.36 points, or 0.86%, from the previous close of 182,384.14 points.

Meanwhile, global markets saw a boost, with Japanese shares surging due to optimism surrounding AI stocks, while a cloud of uncertainty over the U.S. Federal Reserve’s independence kept gold prices rising. Oil prices also climbed as tensions in Iran raised concerns about supply disruptions, and U.S. President Donald Trump warned of a 25% tariff on trade with countries doing business with Iran. In the Asian markets, Japan’s Nikkei bounced back from a holiday break, jumping 3.4% to record highs, supported by a weak yen and speculation about fiscal

Finance ministry invites business community to submit budget proposals for 2026-27 g

PROPOSALS SOUGHT ON INDUSTRIAL GROWTH, EXPORT EXPANSION, DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION, ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND SOCIAL EQUITY TO SHAPE NEXT FISCAL YEAR’S TAX STRATEGY PROFIT

Monitoring Desk

The Tax Policy Office under the Ministry of Finance has called on the business community to submit their budget proposals for the fiscal year 2026-27. These proposals should focus on industrial growth, export expansion, digital transformation, energy efficiency, and social equity, with a deadline set for January 30, 2026. As per media reports, Dr. Najeeb A Memon, Director General of the Tax Policy Office, made the request on Monday during an address to the chambers of commerce and industry, as well as various trade bodies. The office is in the process of preparing a strategy paper on taxation for the upcoming fiscal year. Dr. Memon noted that this year marks a significant change in the tax policy formulation process, as it has been transferred from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to the Tax Policy Office within the Ministry of Finance. The Tax Policy Office emphasised

that the tax strategy for the 2026-27 budget will be guided by long-term economic value considerations and policy consistency, rather than short-term revenue needs. The office also highlighted the importance of close consultation with all stakeholders to ensure that the tax regime is fair and does not place an undue burden on taxpayers. Given the current economic challenges, including rising energy tariffs and financing costs, the Tax Policy Office stressed the need for proposals that support economic growth and align with broader national goals. These goals, outlined in the “Uraan Pakistan” and other government policy frameworks, focus on export-led growth, industrial expansion, digital transformation, energy efficiency, and social equity. The government aims to boost competitiveness, attract foreign direct investment, and streamline trade in order to expand exports. Furthermore, industrialization is a key priority, with a particular focus on promoting the use of local inputs, adopting new technolo-

gies, and adding value to products, including in the mining sector. The transformation of the economy through ICT, cashless transactions, and the expansion of IT exports is another area of focus. Additionally, the government seeks to ensure resource security, promote green energy solutions, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Social equity initiatives aim to increase women’s workforce participation and reduce youth unemployment. The Tax Policy Office has invited the business community to submit proposals that not only ease the burden on productive sectors but also align with these national priorities. Proposals should also address any complexities, inequities, or inefficiencies in current tax laws, particularly those impacting specific industries. Submissions will be reviewed and, where appropriate, integrated into the 2026-27 financial plan. Dr. Memon reiterated the importance of the business community’s input in shaping the upcoming budget and ensuring it meets the needs of the economy and society.

news Desk

Pakistan’s automotive sector saw a broadbased rise in vehicle sales during the first half of the current fiscal year, with strong gains recorded across commercial vehicles and twoand three-wheelers between July and December FY2026. Figures released by the Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA) show that sales of motorcycles and rickshaws climbed 32% year-on-year to 921,566 units, making the segment the largest contributor to overall industry volumes during the six-month period. The commercial vehicle segment posted the sharpest growth rates. Truck sales more than doubled, rising 106% to 3,071 units, while bus sales increased 52% to 461 units, compared with the same period last year. Sales of jeeps and pickups also remained strong, increasing by 58% to 22,412 units during July–December FY2026, reflecting continued demand in the light commercial and utility vehicle category. Meanwhile, passenger car sales rose by 42% to 65,910 units in the first half of the fiscal year, compared with sales of 46,502 units in the corresponding period of FY2025. In contrast to the broader upward trend, the farm tractor segment recorded a decline. Tractor sales fell 26% year-on-year to 12,929 units during the sixmonth period, according to PAMA data.

of understanding between US-based Strategic Metals (USSM) and Pakistan’s Frontier Works Organisation, highlighting prospects for technology transfer, mineral production and integration into global supply chains. Experts estimate that developing Pakistan’s mineral and gemstone sector could add $5–7 billion annually to GDP over the next decade and create tens of thousands of jobs. Environmental protection, worker safety and ESG compliance will be part of PMIF26 discussions. With global demand for critical minerals rising, officials say the forum marks a step towards turning Pakistan’s untapped resources into measurable economic and social gains.

quality and export potential. Officials cite examples such as Chile, Australia and Canada, where structured policies, transparency and international collaboration have supported mining-led growth. Chile accounts for nearly one-third of global copper production, while Australia has developed large-scale exports of lithium, cobalt and rare earths. PMIF26 is expected to showcase projects aligned with global standards for extraction, environmental management and transparency, positioning Pakistan as a potential regional hub for critical minerals needed for energy transition, high-tech manufacturing and industrial development. Recent interest includes a memorandum

Customs sets new values for spark plug imports from China, Japan, Europe g

DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF CUSTOMS VALUATION KARACHI ISSUES REVISED RULING AFTER CONSULTATIONS WITH STAKEHOLDERS PROFIT

news Desk

The Directorate General of Customs Valuation Karachi has updated customs values on the import of spark plugs from China, Japan, Europe, and other regions. The revised customs values were formalised through Valuation Ruling No. 2032 of 2026, issued on Monday. The updated values follow the challenge of previous Valuation Ruling No. 1957 of 2025, which was contested before the Director General of Customs Valuation under Section 25D of the Customs Act, 1969. The Director General remanded the matter for fresh determination in March 2025, with a

specific directive to apply Section 25A of the Customs Act for recalculating the customs values. In response, the Directorate initiated a reassessment process, involving meetings and consultations with relevant stakeholders. The Pakistan Automobile Spare Parts Importers & Dealers Association (PASPIDA) raised concerns that the previous valuation did not align with international prices, citing its impact on competitiveness and its potential to encourage smuggling. They also argued that the OEM values were set too low. Representatives from Indus Motor Company (IMC) suggested that customs values should be based on the constituent material, given that the pro-

duction processes for OEM and nonOEM spark plugs are similar. The determination of the new customs values took into account the variation in spark plug prices based on brand, origin, type (iridium or non-iridium), and application. A detailed analysis of import data and a market survey of local wholesale and retail prices were also conducted to ensure accuracy and fairness in setting the new values. The ruling concluded that customs values for auto replacement spark plugs will now be determined based on comparable import data, supported by the market survey, and applied origin-wise to maintain transparency and consistency. The values were finalized under Section 25A of the Customs Act, 1969.

stimulus. South Korea and Taiwan also reached all-time highs, while Chinese blue-chip stocks hit a four-year peak. MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 0.8%, setting a new record. European markets showed slight gains, with EUROSTOXX 50 futures adding 0.2%, DAX futures up 0.1%, and FTSE futures flat. In the U.S., S&P 500 futures dipped 0.2%, and Nasdaq futures eased 0.3% ahead of a crucial U.S. consumer price index report for December. Analysts forecast core inflation to rise to 2.7%, with Goldman Sachs predicting it could reach 2.8%.

FTO prioritises complaints from overseas Pakistanis, appoints Registrar to oversee process PROFIT

news Desk

The Federal Tax Ombudsman has directed the FTO Secretariat to prioritise the complaints of overseas Pakistanis to ensure they face no unnecessary delays or difficulties. As part of this initiative, the Ombudsman has appointed the Registrar as the in-charge of the Complaints Cell to handle such issues effectively. The Federal Tax Ombudsman emphasized that overseas Pakistanis are vital to the national economy, describing them as the “backbone” of Pakistan’s financial stability. He acknowledged their crucial role in stabilising the economy through remittances and enhancing Pakistan’s image globally. In recognition of their contributions, clear instructions have been issued to resolve complaints from overseas Pakistanis quickly and transparently. The Ombudsman reiterated that these steps are aimed at providing timely and practical solutions to the challenges faced by Pakistanis living abroad.

Pakistan’s oil production rises 1.1%, gas output hits 3,012 mmcfd in weekly surge PROFIT

news Desk

Pakistan’s oil and gas production showed positive growth in the first week of January 2026, with oil production rising by 1.1% week-on-week (WoW) to 65,444 barrels per day (bopd), driven by increased output from northern fields and reduced curtailment, according to data compiled by Arif Habib Limited. Gas production also reached 3,012 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd), marking its highest level since mid-March 2025. This surge was fueled by increased gas supply to the fertiliser and power sectors, coupled with reduced curtailment in the northern region. Among the major fields, Mari, Uch, Qadirpur, and Sui saw their highest production levels in months. Mari’s output reached its peak since October 2025, Uch hit its highest since April 2025, Qadirpur saw a significant jump since January 2025, and Sui reached its best performance since March 2025. Oil production for the week showed varied results across major fields. Mari produced 4,291 barrels per day (bopd), reflecting a 1.4% increase. PPL’s output decreased by 1.3%, reaching 10,423 bopd.

Sindh’s cotton arrivals outpace Punjab, reaching 2.893 million bales g

SINDH’S GINNING FACTORIES RISE BY 51% TO 82, WHILE PUNJAB SEES A 34% DROP TO 140; COTTON PRICES SURGE AMID HIGH DEMAND FOR QUALITY COTTON PROFIT

Monitoring Desk

Sindh’s cotton arrivals have surpassed Punjab’s, with the region recording 2.893 million bales, including 179,000 bales purchased from Balochistan, by December 31, 2025, compared to Punjab’s 2.541 million bales. Sindh’s cotton ginning industry has experienced a remarkable growth during the 2025-26 season, due to record cotton purchases from Punjab and Balochistan. The

expansion is the highest in Pakistan’s history, as reflected in the rapid increase in the number of operational ginning factories. Data from the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA) reveals that the number of active ginning factories in Sindh rose sharply from 31 on Dec 31, 2023, to 67 by Dec 31, 2024, and reached a record high of 82 by Dec 31, 2025. Traditionally, Sindh’s cotton zones, such as Badin, Thatta, and Mirpurkhas, would begin sowing cotton in February-March, with ginning typically

starting in June and ending in October-November. During this period, several ginners from Punjab would purchase cotton from Sindh to keep their factories running. However, over the past few years, Sindhbased ginners have increasingly sourced high-quality cotton from Punjab, particularly from areas like Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalpur, and Dera Ghazi Khan, as well as from Balochistan. This shift has not only contributed to the rise in ginning factories in Sindh but has also led to a decline in the

number of active ginning factories in Punjab. According to PCGA data, the number of active ginning factories in Punjab fell from 210 in December 2023 to 155 by December 2024, and further declined to 140 by December 2025, with further reductions expected in the coming years. Ihsanul Haq, Chairman of the Cotton Ginners Forum, noted that many of Sindh’s active ginning factories are currently mixing high- and medium-quality cotton, which allows textile mills to source lint at relatively

lower prices. This practice has contributed to sustained demand and a rise in prices, with cotton prices increasing by Rs200 to Rs300 over the past week, reaching Rs15,300 per maund, while premium-quality cotton prices remain capped at Rs16,000 per maund. However, unverified reports have surfaced suggesting that some ginners in Sindh may be mixing high-quality cotton with waste cotton to produce lint, raising concerns among industry stakeholders and triggering complaints.

NEWS 03

Wednesday, 14 January, 2026 | ISLAMABAD

PETROLEUM PRICES LIKELY TO FALL BY UP TO RS4.59 PER LITRE FROM JANUARY 16

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PETROL PRICE IS EXPECTED TO DECLINE BY RS4.59, DIESEL BY RS2.70, KEROSENE OIL BY RS1.82 AND LIGHT DIESEL OIL BY RS2.08 PER LITRE ISLAMABAD

ahmad ahmadani

ONSUMERS may see some relief from midJanuary as prices of key petroleum products are projected to decline from January 16, 2026, easing pressure on transport costs, household fuel expenses and industrial operations amid persistently high inflation. According to price projec-

tions, petrol, primarily used in motorcycles, cars and other small vehicles, is expected to decline by Rs4.59 per litre, from Rs253.17 to Rs248.58 per litre. High-speed diesel (HSD), which is extensively used in public transport, freight movement, agriculture machinery, tube wells and power generation, is projected to drop by Rs2.70 per litre, from Rs257.08 to Rs254.38. Similarly, kerosene oil, mainly consumed by low-income

households for cooking and lighting in off-grid and remote areas, is projected to see a reduction of Rs1.82 per litre, bringing its price down from Rs170.88 to Rs169.06. Light diesel oil (LDO), used in small industries, boilers and backup generators, is expected to become cheaper by Rs2.08 per litre, with the price likely to fall from Rs146.18 to Rs144.10. At the ex-refinery level, petrol price is projected to drop

by Rs4.59 per litre, from Rs145.57 to Rs140.98. Highspeed diesel is expected to decline by Rs2.70 per litre, from Rs155.33 to Rs152.63, while kerosene oil may fall by Rs1.82 per litre to Rs141.11. Light diesel oil is projected to decrease by Rs2.08 per litre, settling at Rs123.00. The projections are based on prevailing local price assumptions, with Premium Motor Gasoline (PL+CL) at Rs82.12

and HSD (PL+CL) at Rs77.91. The current Inland Freight Equalization Margin (IFEM) mechanism is assumed to be Rs 8.97 per litre for petrol and Rs 7.25 per litre for diesel, while premiums stand at $5.03 per barrel for PMG and $3.20 per barrel for HSD. Platts pricing has three days remaining, indicating the final prices may still undergo minor adjustments. If approved, the anticipated reduction would provide partial relief to consumers, lower transportation costs and help ease cost pressures on agriculture and small-scale industrial activity.

Consumers hit by hours-long loadshedding as electricity shortfall surges to 4,000 MW g

LESCO FACES 1,100 MW SHORTFALL AS MATIARI-LAHORE HVDC LINE IS AFFECTED; LAHORE RESIDENTS ENDURE UP TO EIGHT HOURS OF POWER CUTS; MANY URBAN CENTERS EXPERIENCE 3-6 HOURS OF LOADSHEDDING, WHILE RURAL AREAS FACE UP TO 12 HOURS PROFIT

staff report

Power distribution companies (Discos) across Pakistan have implemented forced loadshedding after the electricity shortfall surged to nearly 4,000 MW, including a 1,100 MW shortfall in the Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco) alone, impacting five districts. The situation has persisted for several days, primarily due to dense fog in the southern region, which has caused repeated tripping of power plants. Consumers have been experiencing long hours of forced loadshedding, with urban areas facing three to six hours and rural areas enduring six to 10 hours daily. Lahore residents are facing 8-10 hours of loadshedding, disrupting business operations and daily activities.

Chinese electric motorcycle firm explores investment opportunities in Pakistan’s EV sector PROFIT

staff report

A three-member delegation from the Chinese electric motorcycle company Chaoniu (EV) visited Pakistan’s Board of Investment (BOI) to explore investment and localisation prospects in Pakistan’s emerging electric vehicle (EV) sector. The meeting, chaired by Dr Erfa Iqbal, Additional Secretary (EDG-II), included senior BOI officials. The Chinese delegation was led by Lu Zhong. Dr. Iqbal highlighted the government’s recent reforms to ease doing business in Pakistan, with specific incentives for foreign investments, especially in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Special Technology Zones. She assured full facilitation for EV and high-tech projects under these zones. During the meeting, Lu Zhong provided insights into Shenzhen City Worldwide New Energy Technology Company Limited, noting its expertise in electric motor systems and the conversion of conventional motorcycles into electric vehicles. The delegation discussed localising EV technologies in Pakistan, focusing on electric motorcycles, motor systems, battery technology, and electronic control units (ECUs). The delegation also explored the establishment of Research and Development (R&D) facilities, phased manufacturing, and partnerships with Pakistani companies for joint ventures.

The power cuts have also caused water shortages in several areas, as tube-wells cannot function during outages, leaving residents without access to warm water during the cold weather. As per reports, Lesco has been facing a shortfall of over 1,100 MW during peak hours. CEO Ramzan Butt said that the company had no option but to resort to loadshedding due to reduced supply from the national grid. The company is also struggling with a lack of solar power generation, as fog has impacted the performance of solar systems, which many consumers had been relying on. On Monday evening, Lesco’s total demand for electricity was 3,241 MW, but the supply from the national grid was only 2,160 MW, resulting in a significant shortfall of almost 1,100 MW. Additionally, hydel power generation remains min-

imal this winter. The electricity demand has increased by approximately 2,000 MW compared to last year, driven by extensive use of heating appliances, according to an anonymous official. The reduction in gas supply to Lahore-based power plants and the shutdown of a unit at the Sahiwal Coal Power Plant have further strained generation capacity. As a result, Discos have been forced to implement loadshedding in Punjab, Sindh, and other provinces. The situation has worsened in the past few days as several southern power plants went off-grid due to foginduced tripping. The Matiari-Lahore High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission line, which supplies power to Punjab, especially Lahore, has been affected. However, officials expect improvements soon, as work is underway to restore these plants.

PM forms committee to boost exports to $60b, addressing key bottlenecks g

COMMITTEE, LED BY ISHAQ DAR, TO PROPOSE STRATEGIES FOR OVERCOMING EXPORT CHALLENGES, INCLUDING A FOCUS ON TIMELY TAX REFUND PAYMENTS AND DIPLOMATIC EFFORTS PROFIT

staff report

Planning ministry’s recommendations include national holidays for export industry, removing bottlenecks in the export cycle, and supporting top 200 export firms in the country Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has established a high-level committee to review a proposal aimed at declaring an export emergency in Pakistan, with the goal of doubling exports to $60 billion within four years. The committee, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, is tasked with addressing key issues, including delays in tax refunds, which have been a major hurdle for the industrial and export sectors. As per media reports, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal announced the formation of the committee on Monday, stating that Pakistan must act swiftly to raise export earnings to $60 billion to avoid relying on foreign bailouts from friendly countries or the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He emphasised that without increasing exports, Pakistan would continue facing fiscal challenges and possibly need to approach the IMF again for assistance. The proposal, which was discussed in a briefing to the prime minister, includes a range of recommenda-

tions such as declaring national holidays for the export industry as optional in consultation with laborers, removing bottlenecks in the export cycle, and supporting the top 200 export firms in the country. The Planning Ministry has also suggested that PM Sharif personally visit leading exporters and stand behind them, ensuring their concerns are addressed. The committee will also focus on streamlining the processes for faster activation of special economic zones and promoting economic diplomacy by transforming diplomatic missions into trade missions. Additionally, the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis has been tasked with creating a plan to engage the diaspora for investment and export development. Iqbal noted that Pakistan’s economy had stabilized with a 3.7% growth in the first quarter of the fiscal year, but stressed that the country must avoid an import- and consumption-led growth model that could trigger another balance-of-payments crisis. He added that while inflation had stabilized and large-scale manufacturing grew by 5% in the first four months of the year, further efforts were needed to boost exports. The committee’s final recommendations will be submitted to the prime minister next week, with a clear focus on long-term strategies for export growth.

Pakistan considers shelving gas pipeline project with Iran, but oﬀers revival if US sanctions waiver is secured: report PROFIT

staff report

Pakistan has informed Iran of its decision to shelve the Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline project under an out-of-court settlement framework, but has also expressed its willingness to revive the project if a waiver from US sanctions on Iran can be secured, The Express Tribune re-

ported, citing sources. The gas pipeline project has remained stalled since 2014 due to US sanctions on Iran, despite Tehran’s repeated extensions. Iran has also initiated legal proceedings against Pakistan for failing to meet the agreed timeline for the project. In a bid to restart the project, Iran has extended the gas sale agreement for another 10 years.

Iran claims to have completed its portion of the pipeline, while Pakistan has yet to begin construction on its side. Despite this, Iran is still willing to extend the gas sale agreement, although Pakistan is seeking to shelve the project because of the ongoing US sanctions and domestic supply issues. However, Pakistan has proposed an alternative plan, emphasising that the

project can only move forward if the US sanctions are lifted, along with reduced gas volumes and lower prices from Iran. “Pakistan wants the agreement extended if the U.S. grants a sanctions waiver, along with reduced gas volumes and lower prices from Iran,” Tribune cited a source close to the negotiations as saying. Backdoor diplomacy between the two countries has also been ongoing.

Senate panel concerned over hefty fee paid to bureaucrats on PTCL board in US dollars PROFIT

staff report

A report submitted to the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology revealed that Federal Minister for Establishment Division Ahad Cheema, along with the IT secretary and other senior bureaucrats, while serving as members of the board of Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL), earned substantial fees in US dollars. As per media reports, the report disclosed that Zarar Hashim Khan, PTCL Chairman and Secretary for IT&T, received $8,000 per board meeting, in addition to a monthly honorarium of Rs25,000, a 1,300cc car, and a driver provided by PTCL. PTCL’s Company Secretary, Zahida Awan, confirmed in a written response that directors of the PTCL board are paid $5,000 per meeting attended, with an additional $1,000 for each member serving on a board committee. The committee expressed concern over the high remuneration received by government employees serving on the boards of state-owned enterprises. The committee also requested details of the perks and privileges offered to PTCL board members. Committee Chairperson Senator Palwasha Khan instructed the Law Division to brief the committee on the official policies governing such payments, particularly for government employees and dignitaries. Members also asked for details on board members serving at Ufone, a PTCL subsidiary. The committee also discussed data security concerns raised by NADRA. The chairperson expressed dissatisfaction over NADRA’s handling of data breaches involving dignitaries. The Interior Ministry’s additional secretary informed the committee that over 80% of NADRA’s data had been secured through modern protocols and that aliens had been removed from the database. Senator Afnanullah Khan recommended a third-party forensic audit of NADRA, and the committee decided to summon the NADRA chairman in the next session. Additionally, the committee heard complaints from (retd) Brig Zulfiqar Ali, CEO of Pak-Datacom, a subsidiary of the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT).

PM reaffirms govt’s support for foreign investors, strategic technology partners CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

The meeting also explored collaboration on digital skills development, financial inclusion, and the expansion of cashless payment systems. Both sides discussed the use of technology to strengthen disaster preparedness, institutional resilience, and overall governance efficiency. The Ericsson delegation lauded the Government of Pakistan’s initiatives to modernize and upgrade IT infrastructure, including the recently concluded 5G spectrum auction, describing them as steps that bolster the country’s digital competitiveness. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Minister for IT Shaza Fatma Khawaja, Special Assistant to the PM Syed Tariq Fatemi, and senior officials were also present at the meeting. The engagement underscores Pakistan’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for strategic technology partnerships and reflects the government’s focus on advancing digital connectivity as a driver of sustainable economic growth and innovation.

Pakistan and Indonesia closing in on jets and drones defence deal, sources say g

TALKS IN ADVANCED STAGES INVOLVE OVER 40 JF-17 JETS, WITH INDONESIA ALSO SHOWING INTEREST IN PAKISTAN'S SHAHPAR DRONES PROFIT

staff report

Indonesia’s defence minister met Pakistan’s air force chief in Islamabad to discuss a potential deal that includes the sale of combat jets and killer drones to Jakarta, three security officials with knowledge of the meeting on Monday said. The talks come as Pakistan’s defence industry moves forward with a series of defence procurement negotiations, including deals with Libya’s National Army and Sudan’s army, and looks to establish itself as a sizable regional player. One source said the talks revolved around the sale of JF-17 jets, a multi-role

combat aircraft jointly developed by Pakistan and China, and drones designed for surveillance and striking targets. The other two sources said the talks were in an advanced stage and involved more than 40 JF17 jets. One of them said Indonesia was also interested in Pakistan’s Shahpar drones. The sources did not share any discussions about delivery timelines and the number of years a proposed deal would span. Both Indonesia’s Defence Ministry and Pakistan’s military confirmed the meeting between Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and Pakistan’s Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu. “The meeting focused on discussing general defence cooperation relations, in-

cluding strategic dialogue, strengthening communication between defence institutions, and opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields in the long term,” defence ministry spokesperson Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait told Reuters, adding the talks had not yet led to concrete decisions. The Pakistani military confirmed the meeting in a statement and also said the defence minister met army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir for talks that “focused on matters of mutual interest, evolving regional and global security dynamics, and exploration of avenues for enhancing bilateral defence cooperation”. Indonesia Replacing Ageing Air Force

Fleet One additional security source with knowledge of military procurement talks said Pakistan was discussing the sale of JF17 Thunder jets, air defence systems, training for junior, mid-level, and senior Indonesian air force officials, and engineering staff. “The Indonesia deal is in the pipeline,” retired Air Marshal Asim Suleiman, who remains briefed on air force deals, told Reuters, adding that the number of JF-17 jets involved was close to 40. Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto was in Pakistan last month for a two-day visit for talks on improving bilateral ties, including defence. Indonesia has put in a slew of orders for jets in the past few years, including 42 French Rafale jets worth $8.1 billion in 2022 and 48 KAAN fighter jets from Turkey last year to strengthen its air force and replace its ageing air force fleet.

Jakarta has also considered buying China’s J-10 fighter jets and is in talks to purchase U.S.-made F-15EX jets. PAKISTAN’S RISING DEFENCE INDUSTRY Interest in the Pakistani military’s weapons development programme has surged since its jets were deployed in a short conflict with India last year. The JF-17s have been at the centre of that growing attention, figuring in a deal with Azerbaijan and the $4 billion weapons pact with the Libyan National Army. Pakistan is also eyeing a defence pact with Bangladesh that could include the Super Mushshak training jets and JF-17s, as ties improve with Dhaka. Reuters has also reported that Islamabad was in talks with Riyadh for a defence deal that could be worth between $2 billion and $4 billion and involves the conversion of Saudi loans into military supplies.

04 COMMENT

Trump’s Venezuela Gambit

Wednesday, 14 January, 2026

Escaping the IMF

Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal puts figures on avoiding a new IMF package

Israel will be encouraged

LAnning Minister Ahsan iqbal’s bald statement that Pakistan had two choices; export more or resort to the iMF, shows that the present government realizes that the only way out of the debt trap is to export more. this was also an indirect admission that the present iMF extended Fund Facility would probably need to be succeeded by another, or else Pakistan would once again have to run the risk of default and consequent exclusion from global money markets. it should be remembered that the iMF lends a country foreign exchange when it needs some, not just to pay for imports, but to service its foreign debt too. Pakistan not only has to pay for importing essentials like fuel, edible oil and pharmaceuticals, but it has a large foreign debt to service, including iMF loans. in return for those loans, the iMF demands, and has got from Pakistan, virtually total control over economic policy. Pakistan has to go regularly cap-in-hand to the iMF because otherwise it would face grave difficulties surviving its debt. the only alternative is to earn enough foreign exchange to pay for imports and still service the debt. Mr iqbal put some figures on the table, which showed how much Pakistan needed to make sure that it continued to service its debt, which is a whopping $ 134.9 billion. exports must reach $60 billion in the next four years, and cross $100 billion by 2035, while gdP must reach $1 trillion from its present $600 billion by that time. it might also be noted that the country’s debt could not be managed by obtaining further loans from the iMF, or deposits from friendly countries, which has been the usual method so far. However, now that Pakistan has been reduced to borrow to pay for debt servicing, it is well and truly in a debt trap, with the only possible exit being by exporting its way out. the government cannot do much to increase demand abroad for its products, and it cannot do all that much about global commodity prices, particularly that of oil, which could derail all calculations. the figures Mr iqbal shared could also go askew, because they do not include the potential effects of global warming. global warming is the single biggest threat to the country’s being able to feed itself. the need to import foodgrains will determine Pakistan’s forex needs in the medium term.

WaShinGTOn WaTCh Dr JameS J ZOGby

resident trump might be popping corks to toast what he called “one of the most stunning, effective, and powerful displays of American military might and competence in American history.” Celebrations, however, are premature. in reality, the assault on Venezuela and the kidnapping and transfer of President Maduro to new York to stand trial in A Us court are by no means a done deal. On closer scrutiny, more questions than answers are apparent. several issues must be considered. the deadly Us military attack and kidnapping is not just a violation of international law. it is more precise to say that it rings the death knell for the structures of international law and diplomacy that were created in the aftermath of the two world wars. the disturbing lesson emerging from all of this is that if a nation is powerful enough, it can impose its will and get away with it. this has been understood by israel which, with Us blessing, has, for years, been committing murder and mayhem and imposing its will on its neighbors with impunity. Other nations, if they find conditions to be favorable, may now decide to follow suit, thus rendering obsolete the entire enterprises of the United nations, international courts and international law. there is also the domestic political concern that the president has unilaterally committed the Us military to attack another country without congressional authorization, as is required by the Us Constitution. this is not to say that such approval would have made the actions in Venezuela legitimate, but doing so without even notifying Congress makes trump’s actions doubly egregious. And the administration’s argument that this was not a war, but the enforcement of a criminal indictment, is rendered bogus by the fact that for weeks we have been bombing Venezuelan ships and have positioned a naval armada to enforce a blockade of the country. President trump isn’t the first Us leader to act in contravention of international law. But previous presidents have couched their actions with high-minded rhetoric to mask their aggressive intent. What makes trump’s actions so outrageous is the fact that he has straightforwardly stated his imperialist goals, and he

Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami

Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor

and members of his cabinet have used threatening language more suited to gangland bosses than leaders of a democratic nation. there has been no pretense of restoring democracy to the country. instead, the president made clear that the UsA has acted to “take back” Venezuelan oil facilities that were nationalized a decade and a half ago and recently seized oil tankers with claims they will be used to repay the UsA for lost oil revenues. the president declared that “we will run the country” and that the newly installed interim president “will do what we want” or she will face a fate worse than Maduro. President trump’s conclusion: “she really doesn’t have a choice.” then there is the murkiness that clouds the entire undertaking. What is the end game and how do we seek to accomplish whatever that is? the president says that the UsA will run the country and will only turn it over when it’s fixed— presumably meaning after Us oil companies are back in control of the country’s vast oil resources with the Venezuelan government acting like a client state. While thus far things appear to have gone smoothly, this may not last. Venezuela has governing institutions and Maduro’s party has control over the military and a sizable militant armed support base. the question that must be answered is how does the Us seek to impose its will on these structures that are ideologically opposed to Us domination? the only way proposed thus far is by threats of more Us military strikes against the country and/or threats of violence against government figures to force compliance. it is unlikely that this can be accomplished without committing Us troops over an extended period of

Babar Nizami Editor Profit

Afghanistan oﬀers a conducive environment Tariq Khan Tareen

FgHAnistAn has re-emerged as one of the most consequential nodes in the global jihadist ecosystem, serving simultaneously as a sanctuary, operational hub, and leadership repository for multiple terrorist organizations. Among these, the islamic state Khorasan Province (isKP) occupies a central position, both as a regional executor of islamic state strategy and as a conduit linking south Asia to broader jihadist theatres, particularly syria and Africa. the continued presence of isKP’s senior leadership in Afghanistan underscores a strategic recalibration by the islamic state, reflecting the shifting geography of global militancy. At the apex of isKP’s command structure is its current emir, sanaullah ghafari, also known as shahab al-Muhajir, who continues to lead the organization from Afghan territory. His leadership exemplifies the enduring institutional link between the islamic state’s core and its Afghan affiliate. Contrary to narratives portraying isKP as a purely localized insurgent entity, evidence consistently indicates that the group remains deeply embedded within islamic state’s transnational command architecture. Operational guidance, financial facilitation, and the movement of personnel continue to flow from syrian jihadist networks toward Afghanistan, reinforcing isKP’s role as a recipient and executor of external strategic direction. the movement of senior islamic state operatives between conflict theatres has long been a hallmark of the group’s global survival strategy. As pressure intensifies in one arena, leadership and experienced cadres relocate to more permissive environments. in this regard, Afghanistan has increasingly supplanted syria as a viable leadership sanctuary. the circulation of jihadist commanders between Afghanistan, syria, and Africa reflects a deliberate strategy of redundancy, ensuring continuity of command regardless of battlefield losses elsewhere. this pattern predates isKP’s formal establishment, with Afghan jihadist commanders having been deployed to syria during the early years of the islamic state’s expansion. these historical linkages illuminate a broader structural reality: jihadist leadership is inherently transnational. Afghanistan and syria are not isolated theatres but interconnected components of a global militant network. the logistical and transit routes facilitating movement between these regions are neither spontaneous nor informal. they are sanctioned by senior leadership, demonstrating that isKP’s operational reach extends beyond ideological alignment into tangible, ground-level coordination. such networks enable the exchange of expertise, training methodologies, and combat experience,

enhancing isKP’s operational sophistication. United nations Analytical support and sanctions Monitoring team reports have repeatedly assessed that isKP functions primarily as a recipient of external islamic state facilitation, rather than an autonomous actor. this assessment is critical to understanding why senior isKP figures remain embedded in Afghanistan. While syria remains fragmented, heavily surveilled, and hostile to sustained leadership survival, Afghanistan offers relative sanctuary, permissive terrain, and freedom of movement. From a leadership survival perspective, Afghanistan presents advantages that syria no longer does, reinforcing the islamic state’s broader strategic shift toward regional autonomy under centralized ideological guidance. Beyond isKP, Afghanistan has consolidated its role as a repository and proliferator of terrorist threats targeting the wider region, particularly Pakistan. According to Un Monitoring reports released in February and July 2025, more than a dozen militant organizations operate freely across eastern and southern Afghan provinces under taliban oversight. groups such as tehrik-e-taliban Pakistan (ttP), Fitna-al-Khawarij (FAK), and Hizb-e-gul Bahadur (HgB) maintain safe havens, recruitment pipelines, and training infrastructures, enabling sustained cross-border militancy. Pakistani security forces have conducted extensive counter-terrorism operations in north Waziristan, Malakand, Bajaur, Zhob, Bannu, and datta Khel, targeting militants operating from Afghan soil. these operations have resulted in arrests of foreign operatives, seizures of arms and explosives, and the dismantling of operational cells. recovered materiel— including improvised explosive devices (ieds), automatic weapons, and encrypted communication tools— underscores the preparedness and external facilitation of these networks. targeted Pakistani airstrikes in Kabul, Khost, Jalalabad, and Paktika have eliminated

high-value ttP leadership, temporarily disrupting cross-border command structures. intelligence assessments reveal that former tehrik-e-taliban Afghanistan fighters of Pakistani origin in Kabul were redirected into FAK networks with facilitation from elements linked to the Haqqani network, highlighting persistent inter-group cooperation and taliban complicity. these linkages demonstrate that Afghanistan is not merely hosting isolated groups but functioning as an integrated operational ecosystem. the taliban’s provision of safe havens, freedom of movement, and access to advanced military equipment remains a defining factor. Weapons abandoned after the 2021 U.s. withdrawal— including M16 rifles, night-vision devices, and modern communications gear— have been incorporated into militant arsenals. intelligence reports further indicate the presence of foreign operatives, including Bangladeshi members of Jama’atul Ansar Fil Hindal sharqiya, operating alongside ttP networks from Afghan territory. Crucially, Afghanistan serves not only as a training ground but also as a staging area for complex, large-scale attacks against Pakistani security forces, law enforcement installations, and civilian infrastructure. Logistical corridors, explosives storage facilities, and infiltration routes enable sustained operational tempo. despite frequent Pakistani counter-terrorism actions, taliban oversight ensures minimal long-term disruption, allowing militant groups to regroup, recruit, and rearm. Afghanistan has become a central pillar of contemporary jihadist strategy. its role as a leadership sanctuary for isKP and an operational hub for multiple anti-Pakistan militant groups poses an enduring threat to regional and international security. the persistence of these networks highlights the failure of deterrence mechanisms and underscores the urgent need for coordinated international pressure to address Afghanistan’s transformation into a hub of transnational terrorism. The writer is a freelance columnist

Afghanistan has become a central pillar of contemporary jihadist strategy. Its role as a leadership sanctuary for ISKP and an operational hub for multiple anti-Pakistan militant groups poses an enduring threat to regional and international security. The persistence of these networks highlights the failure of deterrence mechanisms and underscores the urgent need for coordinated international pressure to address AfghanistanÊs transformation into a hub of transnational terrorism.

Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965

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The writer is President, Arab American Institute

In the case of Venezuela, polls show that US public opinion is, at the outset, already divided on the administrationÊs actions, with only 40 percent in support and 42 percent opposed. While there is a deep partisan split, independents are two to one opposed.

ISKP leadership based in Afghanistan with operational links to Syria M. A. Niazi

Editor Pakistan Today

time. this raises the final question: Will the President be able to sustain Us public support for this entire affair? if there is Venezuelan resistance, the answer is most likely “no.” some analysts have compared the Venezuelan affair to iraq. Comparisons can be made, but only to a point. For example, when the UsA first invaded iraq, President Bush had support from both democrats and republicans. the Bush Administration had been making the case for a connection between iraq and Al Qaeda’s 9/11 terrorist attacks. And they further argued that deposing saddam and establishing a friendly government could be done in a matter of a few months, requiring only a limited deployment of Us troops, and little cost as iraqi oil would cover the costs of the war. that, of course, was not to be the case. As the war dragged on with rising casualties and costs, public support eroded. in the case of Venezuela, polls show that Us public opinion is, at the outset, already divided on the administration’s actions, with only 40 percent in support and 42 percent opposed. While there is a deep partisan split, independents are two to one opposed. should it become necessary to station Us troops in the country, or should there be casualties— American and Venezuelan— opposition will no doubt grow. At that point, the President will need to confront nervous republicans in Congress who will see disaster in the polls. He will need to either dig in deeper, putting his leadership at risk, or do what he has done before— announce victory, change course, and/or create a new crisis to distract attention from yet another failed policy gambit.

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Send your letters to: Letters to Editor, Pakistan today, 4-Shaarey Fatima Jinnah, Lahore, Pakistan. E-mail: letters@pakistantoday.com.pk Letters should be addressed to Pakistan today exclusively

Honouring or politicising?

tHe practice of naming underpasses, flyovers and other minor infrastructure after prime ministers, presidents or even leaders of friendly countries has become a common phenomenon. the recent naming of an underpass in islamabad after the turkish president, rather than a more significant or symbolic tribute, can be seen as diminishing the stature and legacy of the leader. such a modest gesture may fail to reflect the depth of respect and admiration deserved, reducing a figure of great influence and historical importance to a mere infrastructure label. this trend often appears to serve more as a tool for political showmanship and score-settling rather than honouring genuine contributions. it can dilute the significance of such naming by choosing relatively low-value projects, and turning important public assets into symbols of political rivalry or fleeting popularity. Limiting the naming rights to major, impactful projects, such as universities, airports or large cultural institutions, ensures that the honour is reserved for truly prominent and well-achieved personalities. these landmarks have lasting importance and visibility, making them more appropriate for commemorating individuals who have either sacrificed their lives, or have made significant contributions to society, nationbuilding or international relations. this would encourage a more thoughtful and merit-based approach to recognising public figures with dignity and honour. restricting naming to major projects aligns better with the intent of honouring notable achievements with genuine legacies, and avoids the pitfalls of politicisation and superficial recognition. AIR CDRE (RETD) M. KHALID KAMAL ISLAMABAD

Pitch politics

tHe recent threats from india to block Bangladeshi players from participating in the indian Premier League (iPL) exemplifies how merit and inclusivity are being challenged by misplaced nationalism, undermining the principles of neutrality and hospitality that underpin the world of international sports. the close intertwining of political power and cricket administration has fuelled perceptions that governance decisions are driven by political calculations instead of transparency and sporting ethics. these dynamics have produced tangible consequences, particularly for the iPL, which is facing a serious decline in brand value and investor confidence. As perceptions of instability, political interference, and reputational risk grow, sponsors, investors and international players are being increasingly cautious, threatening the league’s long-term credibility and commercial sustainability. the targeting of Bangladeshi athletes, following a protracted pattern of hostility and exclusion towards Pakistani players, further solidifies the damaging perception in global sporting circles that india is gradually forfeiting its hard-earned status as a neutral, secure and professional venue for hosting international sports. When specific nationalities are singled out and publicly framed as unwelcome, or as political symbols, it subverts the very principle of fair and open competition. the campaign to block Bangladeshi players directly reinforces the existing political rhetoric from certain quarters that often targets Bangladeshi immigrants and Muslim minorities. Cricket grounds and stadiums now risk becoming mere extensions of the ideological conflict playing out in the political sphere, marked by hatred and division. if a decisive, institutional separation is not urgently effected between the autonomous sphere of sports and the advancing political-ideological agenda of Hindutva nationalism, the long-term consequences for indian sports promise to be culturally and economically devas- tating. World-class athletes, premier international sporting leagues, and global governing bodies, like the international Cricket Council (iCC), may progressively distance themselves from india, unwilling to expose their players as well as their commercial interests to an environment increasingly perceived to be shaped by political hostility and unpredictability. ABDUL BASIT ALVI MUZAFFARABAD

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COMMENT 05

India’s longing for a limited war with Pakistan Wednesday, 14 January, 2026

Its impact on strategic stability

samra KhaKsar

he security environment in South Asia is stratified, strained and tense historically. It is in this delicate framework that the emerging military thinking in India demonstrates an increasing propensity to warfare operationalization of the concept of limited war against Pakistan. This means a war that has a limited set of goals and the amount of force used is adjusted so that nuclear warfare is avoided. On paper, it seems like a tidy strategic remedy, which would let India rebuke Pakistan, indicate firmness, but avoid a comprehensive war. This reasoning is, in practice, very problematic. Limited-war thinking upsets the deterrence, puts confusion into crisis behaviour and it is more likely that both of these nuclear-armed nations will end up accidentally escalating into a situation they did not want. Nuclear weapons are the shroud of doom that would generally demand a high level of precaution. After the Kargil crisis of 1999, the Indian strategic planners realized the rude awakening that conventional military superiority would not necessarily translate into practical military options. There was always the threat of a loss of control over escalation. New Delhi, in turn, tried to develop doctrines, which would show some sternness without stepping beyond the nuclear boundaries. Meanwhile, political ambition, quicker reactions, higher influence in regions, and conspicuous military might stimulated the politics of compressing time and space in decision-making. These aspirations are based on a very weak premise, namely, that the political tempers, nuclear signalling and popular affections will be dependable during the midst of a crisis. Out of this reasoning came the Cold Start doctrine. It stressed high levels of mobilization, short run attacks on Pakistani soil and vindictive attacks carefully maintained below putative nuclear red lines. Haste was supposed to eliminate diplomatic intervention and rob Pakistan of the time to respond. Pakistan however perceived Cold Start in a very different

manner. For Islamabad, it was not a military technicality but a threat to national security. Pakistan, in its turn, went to Full Spectrum Deterrence, which included the creation of the short-range nuclear weapon like the Nasr missile, specifically designed to indicate that even small attacks would attract the nuclear response. Therefore, a doctrine that was to prevent nuclear war rather escalated nuclear weapons to the next step up the conflict ladder, making them more dangerously accessible. The actual flaw of the limited-war thinking of the Indian side is that it presupposes the possibility to predict and contain the escalation. The South East Asian strategic environment is not a sterile laboratory. It is characterized by high levels of mistrust, prevalent violence, unresolved boundaries, as well as extreme forms of nationalism. During crises, there is domestic political pressure, which requires strong responses. Sensationalism turns threats into a spectacle and adds to the emotional stories in the media. Leaders are catapulted into action sooner than good sense can permit them to act. The Pulwama-Balakot incident of 2019 showed how fast events can run, faster than intentions: what started as a response action soon turned into aerial combat, mobilization of the crisis, and nuclear signaling. Recent tensions in the vicinity of Pahalgam demonstrated once again how the local incidents would can gain the strategic ground within a few nights. Within these circumstances, the concept of a well-packaged conflict fails miserably when the element of miscalculation is introduced. The Indian interest in limited war is also dependent on domestic politics as well as regional ambition. The rhetoric of military independence and superpower ambition is supported by anticipations of dominant leadership. The muscular rhetoric of targeting Pakistan is politically beneficial to the actors of the electoral process. This gives a strategic culture in which coercion is natural and diplomacy tends to be less important.

With time, however, militarized reactions weaken the stability of the region. These overshadow discussion, delay confidence enhancing actions, and create an arms race that drains the important resources of developing the society and governance. The final result is that the public sphere is becoming more influenced by security discourses at the expense of human well-being. Deterrence theory also reveals the weakness of the assumptions of limited war. The classical deterrence assumes rationality in decision making, effective communication and shared perceptions of red lines. South Asia flouts all these conditions. The political systems are varied, the capacity of crisis-management institutions is imbalanced and historical grievances are bitter. The premise by India that Pakistan would silently take minimal action on any limited strike ignores the fact that the nuclear doctrine of Pakistan is actually formulated to curb any such undertakings. The best way to have credible deterrence in the region is not by relying on the weapons that the respective states possess, but by each state being aware of the threshold of the other. When either party explores the boundaries to attempt to prove something

about space to engage in controlled conflict, chances of accidental escalation increase exponentially. The use of tactical nuclear weapons adds more issues of command and control, fog of war, and split-second pressures of making decisions, and a misjudgement is much more probable. There is the instability of external influences. The USA, China, and Russia are drawn into the Indian-Pakistan crisis over and over again, not as bystanders but as participants whose agendas have a strategic purpose. In some Western interpretations, the limited-war ambition of India is seen as a subset of the counter-terrorism policy, whereas some argue that it is encouraging dangerous behaviour in a nuclear district. In the meantime, the strengthening of the China-Pakistan alliance, particularly the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, increases the strategic interests of any conflict. Even a local conflict might quickly invite external mediation, and turn a presumably localized crisis into a multi-actor regional struggle. It is against this backdrop that regional thinking needs a severe re-calibration. Coercive faiths cannot resolve the fundamental causes of animosity, which are disputed

Speed, surprise, and carefully measured force doctrines are apparently decisive but very unstable. South Asia will not be spared crises whereby incidents like Pulwama, Balakot or Pahalgam will prove to be way past the motives of the decision-makers. In a region where perception often moves faster than policy, one must ask whether any war can truly remain „limited,‰ or is the idea itself a risky fiction?

A US strike would prop the Iranian regime up

THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Jamsheed K. ChoKsy and Carol e. B. ChoKsy

ANY thousands of Iranians are again risking their lives to protest their authoritarian, theocratic regime. And as it has done during previous protests, the regime is responding by cutting off the country’s Internet access, unleashing violence on its citizens, and blaming foreign scapegoats. The protests’ death toll is rising: Iran Human Rights, a Norway-based nongovernmental organization, estimates that over 600 demonstrators have been killed nationwide since late December. Perhaps emboldened by his recent ouster of Nicolás Maduro, the Venezuelan leader, U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly vowed to launch military strikes if Tehran continues to repress protest. The United States “will start shooting too,” he warned on January 6, if Iranian protesters keep getting killed. Tehran’s heavily armed troops and militias have brutally suppressed previous demonstrations, and there is a genuine need to prevent a larger massacre. Moreover, the Islamic Republic appears more fragile than ever after last June’s 12-day war. The regime seems incapable of addressing the root causes of the economic crisis that has driven its people to the streets; protests have spread from Tehran to every corner of the country, revealing Iranians’ widespread lack of faith that their current leaders can set the country on a better course. All these factors surely increase the Trump administration’s temptation to deal Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s regime a deathblow—or even a warning shot to try to convince it to negotiate a change in governance. But an attack by Trump would damage the protest movement far more than the regime and could undermine an effort that has plenty of momentum for change on its own.

THE LAST STRAWS: These protests represent broader concerns than did Iran’s other, recent popular uprisings. After Iran’s 2009 presidential election, widespread demonstrations broke out over vote rigging; in 2019, an overnight spike in gas prices prompted large protests; and 2022’s “Women, Life, Freedom” protests focused on the theocratic regime’s draconian punishment for behavior and dress-code violations. But although the crash of the Iranian rial—which, in late December, declined in value by 50 percent—was the immediate trigger for the ongoing protests that began on December 28, that devaluation merely represents the broader economy’s catastrophic condition: for most Iranians, the country has become unlivable. According to the UN Food and Agricultural Organization, food prices overall have jumped by 72 percent since January 2025. An Iranian government spokesman warned that they could rise by another 20 to 30 percent in the coming weeks. For many years, Tehran regulated and subsidized the prices of essential commodities such as rice and cooking oil, but after the currency devaluation cut into the regime’s economic reserves it has instructed that free-

market prices should prevail. But few Iranians can afford to pay these prices, thanks to longer-term disastrous shifts in the Iranian economy. Between January and December of 2025, inflation soared by over 48 percent and housing costs climbed by almost 37 percent. According to the government-run Statistical Center of Iran, the average Iranian would now have to save for 100 years to be able to purchase a modest apartment in a major city. Meanwhile, crumbling infrastructure and outdated equipment have stalled Iran’s industrial expansion. The country’s economy relies on oil and gas for 80 percent of its exports and 30 percent of national revenue, a dependence that will not go away even if U.S. sanctions are lifted. Domestic manufacturing has largely ground to a standstill as customers are unable to pay for orders. Work stoppages and strikes are increasingly frequent. Together, these factors drove GDP growth down from 5.3 percent in 2023 to 0.6 percent in 2025. A shadow economy has flourished as the formal economy has stalled, but the benefits of commodity smuggling and human trafficking disproportionately flow to elites because of judicial corruption. Educated youth and professionals have been hit especially hard. The country’s overall unemployment is officially 9.2 percent, with youth unemployment around 23 percent. But these numbers likely underestimate the scale of the problem. Iran’s population is well educated—over 61 percent of both men and women have completed a university degree, according to the World Bank—but few can gain any economic rewards or professional stability from their knowledge. Citizens are also frustrated by the theocratic regime’s reckless exploitation of Iran’s natural resources, which has accelerated environmental degradation. Major rivers supplying Isfahan and Shiraz with water now routinely run dry, and Tehran is running out of water. In November 2025, the government proposed a likely unworkable plan to relocate the nation’s capital to the southeastern coast of the Persian Gulf. Pollution, meanwhile, is turning the urban air toxic and extreme heat is rendering parts of the country uninhabitable, especially around the southern and southwestern oil and gas fields. Population migration northward is depleting the oil industry’s workforce, and rising temperatures are limiting farmers’ ability to raise livestock and harvest. The Iranian government has been incapable of managing climate change, in part because of corruption among officials tasked with implementing remediation projects. One factor not actively influencing the protests is the collapse of Iran’s so-called axis of resistance and the country’s various military humiliations by Israel and the United States since October 7. Although citizens are, by and large, relieved that the regime is incurring less expense supporting foreign proxies in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, ordinary people have yet to see any real benefits.

A REGIME ON THE ROCKS: Like other successful domestic revolts in Iran—the 1905–6 constitutional revolution and the 1978–79 Islamic Revolution—the recent demonstrations unite men and women from a range of socioeconomic classes and professions: merchants, public and private employees, students, seminarians, public intellectuals, and moderate Shiite clerics. Although merchants facing business collapse initially organized the demonstrations, university students and unemployed young adults picked up on this momentum in cities across the country. The government inadvertently helped spread the protests to smaller villages by criticizing protesters in state media; the reporting prompted otherwise isolated citizens to express their discontent. Now the uprising has become self-sustaining. Iran’s government has sought to placate the public by

announcing an increase of more than 300 percent to the monthly credit subsidy that much of the population receives. But the truth is that Iran’s central bank does not have the money to deliver this promise. If it tries to pay off citizens, it is likely to trigger a further depreciation of the rial. Iran’s domestic problems simply cannot be solved without integrating Iran’s economy into the region and the world. This is why Tehran has made some rapprochements with Riyadh and suggested a willingness to negotiate with Washington and European governments. But Khamenei is now in a Catch-22: he understands that opening Iran’s markets and society enough to fix its economic problems will also speed the end of his rule. So he and some other hard-line leaders have resorted to blaming alleged external instigators. State-controlled media outlets claim that the protests are “manufactured chaos” originating from spy agencies in Israel, Washington, and even the United Kingdom. Iranian leaders are more split on how to respond than they have been in the past. Iranians know that Khamenei cannot halt, let alone reverse, these rapidly mounting national crises. In December, Iran’s parliament rejected the executive branch’s proposed 2026 budget, declaring to President Masoud Pezeshkian that it was inadequate to address the country’s problems. The regime has raced to appoint a new central bank governor, hopelessly tasked with lowering the inflation rate, stabilizing the currency, and curtailing the shadow economy all at once. Pezeshkian and other senior officials have thrown up their hands and instructed regional authorities to solve crises locally. Pezeshkian himself has made a series of extraordinary admissions of failure, acknowledging to government officials in December that “the government is stuck, really badly stuck. … Catastrophes are raining down. … The problem is us.” He told a group of university students, “If someone can do something, by all means go for it. I can’t do anything; don’t curse me.” The antigovernment demonstrations have forced Tehran to ask opposition leaders for dialogue. On December 30, in another unprecedented move, an official administration spokesperson acknowledged that “we see, hear, and recognize the reasons for protests.” These are signs that the regime knows it is on the ropes.

BOOMERANG EFFECT: The success of the protests in generating real change is not guaranteed. One major problem handicapping the demonstrations is that the protesters also have not rallied behind a single public face. During the Islamic Revolution, by contrast, the charismatic Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini led the uprising against Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, creating a unifying national figure for the cause. The various Iranian dissident groups supporting the protests—and which could lead a post-Khamenei regime—also lack a shared ideology and method. Former Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, the son of the deposed Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, retains symbolic support in a country with a long imperial history. The United States and Israel could turn to him to try to stabilize a post-theocratic Iran; Pahlavi even has an administrative plan sketched out to restore the monarchy. But having spent almost 50 years in exile, Pahlavi and his advisers have very limited organizational capacity within Iran. And Iranians may not want to risk a return to an older form of absolutist rule—especially not a monarchy beholden to the United States, which supported the shah. The National Council of Resistance of Iran, meanwhile—an opposition coalition periodically favored in Washington—is linked to the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran, or MEK. The MEK has some organizational capacity within Iran, but it is widely disliked by many Iranians for its support of Iraq during the Iran-Iraq

landmass, political resentments, transnational militancy, and deep rooted suspicion. Faster military plans will not help South Asia but enhance political imagination. Trustworthy communication pathways, ongoing diplomatic interaction and institutionalised confidence-building tactics are required. Track-II diplomacy by academics, retired officials, youth groups and civil society can maintain a conversation even when standard politics are at a dead end. Economic interdependences, cultural exchange programmes, and collaboration in common issues like climatic disasters and humanitarian disasters can slowly turn the relationship to be based on interest rather than rivalry. The concept of limited war in nuclearised South Asia is eventually a seductive mirage. Contemporary war is rarely fought one-dimensionally, and crises are rarely followed through to initial intentions. The assumption that India made on the micromanagement of conflict in the shadow of the nuclear weapon is incorrect, not only in its effect in underestimating the unpredictability of the politics of the region, but also the emotion of the masses on each side. Speed, surprise, and carefully measured force doctrines are apparently decisive but very unstable. South Asia will not be spared crises whereby incidents like Pulwama, Balakot or Pahalgam will prove to be way past the motives of the decision-makers. In a region where perception often moves faster than policy, one must ask whether any war can truly remain “limited,” or is the idea itself a risky fiction?

The writer is a student of Strategic Studies at National Defence University. She is also a researcher at the Kashmir Institute of International relations. She has also served as a research associate at the Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad.

War and for its Marxist orientation. The leaders of the so-called Green Movement, which came close to overthrowing Khamenei’s government during a wave of 2009–10 protests, are now elderly and remain in government detention. If they were freed, they could play a role in transitioning Iran to more secular and representative government. So could former Iranian presidents Mohammad Khatami and Hassan Rouhani, who both attempted reforms during their terms in 1997 to 2005 and 2013 to 2021, respectively. There is one thing, however, that might unify the country temporarily, but in the wrong way: a foreign attack. Iran’s leaders know that U.S. or Israeli strikes would shift ordinary citizens’ focus away from protesting. Antigovernment protests were gaining momentum last June, when the 12-day war broke out. But as Israeli and U.S. bombs fell, ordinary citizens had to go into hiding, giving Tehran a six-month reprieve from popular discontent. Trump’s threats do not seem to be making the regime more reluctant to brutalize protesters, and in recent days, commanders of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have spoken about launching preemptive strikes to tempt the United States and Israel into retaliating. In a Sunday interview on state television, even the usually relatively temperate Pezeshkian’s rhetoric became more hard-line: he blasted the protesters as “rioters” and “terrorist elements,” echoing Khamenei.

HOMEMADE LEVERAGE: Exactly when and how Iran’s current regime will fall is unclear. Khamenei, who is 86, could cling to power until he is incapacitated or dies. Midlevel Revolutionary Guards leaders, seeking to preserve their organization’s economic clout, may step in and impose military rule. Protesters could overwhelm local and national security forces, forcing pro-regime religious leaders and politicians to flee. But irrespective of their feelings about their regime, Iranians in the country have no desire for U.S.-led regime change. They have seen it fail along their own borders in Iraq and Afghanistan. And in the first few days of 2026, they have witnessed the United States’ incursion into Venezuela with no plan for political succession or stabilization. They do not want the Trump administration to plunder their oil industry, either. Iran does not need a government built from scratch. It already has executive and legislative branches of government, a popularly elected president, and representatives who appoint justices to the judicial branch—even if the independence of those three branches of state is undermined by their subordination to Iran’s theocratic wing. Most important, Iran has previous experience with citizen-driven political change, during the constitutional revolution of 1905–6. That democratic breakthrough resulted in political reforms including a popularly elected parliament, multiple political parties, a free press, and civic involvement from all societal groups. Iranians can replicate those events in the twenty-first century. The plain fact is that the Khamenei regime’s days are numbered, at least in its present form. Even with brutality, the ayatollah and his cohort are struggling to drive protesters off the streets. Missiles are not needed. Iran’s citizens can topple the theocrats on their own.

JAMSHEED K. CHOKSY is Distinguished Professor of Iranian and Central Eurasian Studies in the Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies and Director of the Inner Asian and Uralic National Resource Center at Indiana University. CAROL E. B. CHOKSY is Senior Lecturer of Strategic Intelligence in the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering at Indiana University.

06 newS

TRUMP TELLS IRANIANS TO KEEP PROTESTING, SAYS ‘HELP IS ON ITS WAY’

wednesday, 14 January 2026 | ISLAMABAD

WASHINGTON Agencies

S President Donald Trump urged Iranians on Tuesday to keep protesting and said help was on the way, without giving details, as Iran’s clerical establishment pressed its crackdown against the biggest demonstrations in years. “Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING – TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!!… HELP IS ON ITS WAY,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social, adding he had canceled all meetings with Iranian officials until the “senseless killing” of protesters stopped. The unrest, sparked by dire economic conditions, has posed the biggest internal challenge to Iran’s clerical rulers for at least three years and has come at a time of intensifying international pressure after Israeli and US strikes last year. An Iranian official said earlier on Tuesday that about 2,000 people had been killed in the protests, the first time authorities have

acknowledged the high death toll from an intense crackdown on two weeks of nationwide unrest. The Iranian official, speaking to Reuters, said that people he called terrorists were behind the deaths of both protesters and security personnel. The official, who declined to be named, did not give a breakdown of who had been killed. On Monday evening, Trump announced 25% import tariffs on products from any country doing business with Iran, a major oil exporter. Trump has also said more military action is among options he is weighing to punish Iran over the crackdown, saying earlier this month, “we are locked and loaded.” Tehran has not yet responded publicly to Trump’s announcement of the tariffs, but it was swiftly criticized by China. Iran, already under heavy US sanctions, exports much of its oil to China, with Turkey, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, and India among its other top trading partners. RUSSIA CONDEMNS ‘SUBVERSIVE EXTERNAL INTERFERENCE’ Russia condemned what it described as

“subversive external interference” in Iran’s internal politics, saying on Tuesday that US threats of new military strikes against the country were “categorically unacceptable.” “Those who plan to use externally inspired unrest as a pretext for repeating the aggression against Iran committed in June 2025 must be aware of the disastrous consequences of such actions for the situation in the Middle East and global international security,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Despite the protests, which come at a particularly vulnerable moment for authorities given the scale of economic problems and years of external pressure, there are as yet no signs of fracture in the security elite that could bring an end to the clerical system in power since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. However, underscoring the international uncertainty over what comes next in Iran, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he believed the government would fall. “I assume that we are now witnessing

the final days and weeks of this regime,” he said, adding that if it had to maintain power through violence, “it is effectively at its

US Tariﬀs: China vows to take necessary measures to protect its rights, interests BEIJING

stAff corresponDent

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday that tariff wars benefit no one and vowed to safeguard its legitimate interests after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened sweeping duties on countries that do business with Iran. Responding to a question at a press conference, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said China’s position on tariffs has been very clear, stressing that there are no winners in tariff wars. China will firmly defend its legitimate and lawful interests, she added. Mao’s remarks came after Trump said in a social media post on Monday that any country conducting commercial exchanges with Iran would face a 25percent tariff on all trade with the United States. Liu Pengyu, the spokesperson of Chinese Embassy in the US said on Tuesday that China firmly opposes any illicit unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction, and will take all

necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests. Taking to social media site X following the US president announced to slap a 25 percent tariff on Iran’s business partners, Liu said, “China’s position against the indiscriminate imposition of tariffs is consistent and clear. Tariff wars and trade wars have no winners, and coercion and

Indian rocket loses control after liftoff in setback for ISRO AGENCIES

pressure cannot solve problems. Protectionism harms the interests of all parties.” US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that countries that do business with Iran will face a 25 percent tariff when doing business with the US, after claiming last night that he is looking at a number of “very strong” options to hit Iran for its handling of the

protests. It is not clear which countries might be affected, but major economies such as Russia, China, Brazil and Turkey all trade with Iran. Iraq and the United Arab Emirates are also important trading partners, according to the database Trading Economics, Al Jazeera reported. According to media reports on Tuesday, the US Embassy in Iran has issued an urgent directive for all American citizens to evacuate the country immediately, citing escalating protests that could potentially turn violent, leading to arrests and injuries. In recent weeks, the Trump administration has ratcheted up pressure on Tehran and threatened further military strikes on the country should it fail to abide by US demands to wind down its nuclear and military programs. Iranians from all walks of life are taking part in nationwide rallies to denounce what they call recent foreignbacked riots, demonstrating their unwavering support for the Islamic Republic, PressTV reported.

Iran stages mass rallies in response to protests

An Indian rocket carrying 16 payloads, including an Earth surveillance satellite, veered off course shortly after liftoff on January 12, 2026, marking a fresh setback for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). This incident represents the second disappointment for the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) in about eight months, damaging its previously strong reputation for reliability. The PSLV-C62 launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre on the island of Sriharikota at 10:18 a.m. (0448 GMT), carrying the EOS-N1 observation satellite along with 15 additional payloads from both Indian and international startups and academic institutions. Initially, the rocket performed as expected, but an anomaly occurred towards the end of the PS3 stage, causing an unexpected deviation in its flight path. ISRO’s mission control confirmed the issue, stating, “The PSLV-C62 mission encountered an anomaly during the end of the PS3 stage. A detailed analysis has been initiated,” though no further details on the cause or the rocket’s final position were provided. The PSLV, which has a success rate of over 90% across approximately 60 past missions, has been integral to India’s space program, launching high-profile missions like Chandrayaan-1 and the Aditya-L1 solar observatory. The rocket also plays a key role in ISRO’s strategy to expand space manufacturing through private industry.

AGENCIES

In the aftermath of unprecedented protests, the Iranian government has staged mass rallies across the country to regain control of the streets. Thousands gathered in Tehran’s Enghelab Square on January 12, 2026, waving the national flag and participating in prayers for the victims of what the government has referred to as “riots.” This rally marks a significant effort by

the authorities to reassert their authority following protests that have become one of the most significant challenges to the theocratic regime since the 1979 Islamic revolution. The protests, initially sparked by economic grievances, have escalated into widespread demonstrations against the government, with activists fearing that at least hundreds of people have died in the crackdown. The authorities have imposed an internet

blackout that has lasted more than three days, which activists believe is intended to conceal the full extent of the suppression. Addressing the rally, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that Iran is fighting a “fourfront war,” which includes economic, psychological, and military confrontations with the United States and Israel, as well as a war against what he described as terrorists, referring to the protests. He warned that any attack on Iran would result in the Iranian military teaching US President Donald Trump “an unforgettable lesson.” Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, speaking at a conference of foreign ambassadors, declared that Iran is prepared for war but is also open to negotiations. However, he emphasized that these talks should be fair, based on mutual respect, and conducted with equal rights. Despite the lack of formal diplomatic relations, a communication channel remains open between Araghchi and Trump’s special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff. The situation remains tense, as the Iranian government seeks to address both the internal unrest and external pressures, including threats from the United States regarding military intervention.

end.” He did not expand on whether this forecast was based on intelligence or other assessments.

Afghan Taliban appoint first envoy to India since return to power KABUL

Agencies

Afghanistan’s Taliban government has appointed their first senior official in India since the group returned to power in 2021, charged with leading its embassy in Delhi. India has not officially recognised the Taliban government, but the move signals a deepening engagement, with New Delhi seeking to exploit divisions between Islamabad and Kabul. Noor Ahmad Noor, a Taliban foreign ministry official, assumed responsibility as charge d’affaires and has already held meetings with Indian officials, the embassy said in a statement. “Both sides emphasised the importance of strengthening Afghanistan–India relations,” the Afghan Embassy said, in a post on X late Monday. India has not commented, but the Afghan embassy posted a photograph of Noor with senior Indian foreign ministry official Anand Prakash. The Taliban’s strict interpretation of Islamic law may appear an unlikely match for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist government, but India has sought to seize the opening. Nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan fought a brief but deadly clash in May 2025, their worst confrontation in decades. The appointment is significant for the Taliban, which has sought to reclaim control over Afghanistan’s overseas diplomatic missions as part of a broader push for international legitimacy. In October, India said it would upgrade its technical mission in Afghanistan to a full embassy. Russia is the only country to officially recognise the Afghan Taliban government.

Poor weather grounds flights, forces diversions at major airports LAHORE

news Desk

Flight operations across Pakistan were disrupted on Tuesday due to adverse weather conditions, resulting in multiple cancellations, delays and diversions on domestic and international routes, aviation officials said. According to the latest flight schedule, eight flights were cancelled while at least 53 arrivals and departures were delayed at airports across the country due to low visibility and unfavourable weather. Lahore Airport was among the worst affected, where deteriorating conditions forced four incoming flights to divert to Islamabad. Several international flights, including services from Jeddah, Abu Dhabi and Najaf bound for Lahore, were also redirected to the federal capital. National airline flights operating between Islamabad and Gilgit were cancelled, while two international flights from Abu Dhabi to Lahore and two domestic flights from Islamabad to Sukkur were also called off due to weather-related constraints. Islamabad and Karachi airports each reported delays to around 14 arrivals and departures, while Lahore recorded 12 delayed flights. Peshawar Airport faced delays to eight flights, whereas Sialkot, Multan and Faisalabad airports reported disruptions to two flights each. Airport authorities said safety protocols were strictly followed, adding that flight schedules may continue to be affected if weather conditions do not improve. Airlines have advised passengers to check flight status before heading to airports and remain in contact with airline helplines for updates.

Canada PM heads to China after eight-year hiatus as ties show signs of thaw BEIJING

MiAn AbrAr

At the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will pay an official visit to China from January 14 to 17, marking the first trip by a Canadian premier in eight years and underscoring the recent warming of bilateral relations. China attaches high importance to the visit, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Monday, adding that the sound and steady development of China-Canada relations serves the common interests of both countries and their peoples. She noted that China-Canada ties have shown positive momentum toward recovery

and improvement since last year through joint efforts by both sides. In October 2025, the leaders of China and Canada met on the sidelines of the 32nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting in South Korea, where they agreed to resume exchanges and cooperation across various fields, address specific economic and trade concerns, and jointly advance the China-Canada strategic partnership. That engagement followed a meeting between Premier Li and Carney on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly a month earlier, which was followed by visits to China by senior Canadian officials, including the foreign minister. Premier Li has expressed China’s readi-

ness to work with Canada to maintain and build on the positive momentum, address economic and trade concerns through dialogue, and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in areas such as energy, green development and tourism. As a goodwill gesture, China resumed group tour services for Chinese travelers to Canada through travel agencies in November, aiming to boost people-to-people exchanges and strengthen mutual understanding. Mao said China hopes Prime Minister Carney’s visit will help enhance dialogue and communication, deepen political trust, expand practical cooperation, properly manage differences, and consolidate the improving trajectory of bilateral ties.

China remains Canada’s second-largest trading partner. According to China’s General Administration of Customs, bilateral trade reached $61.74 billion from January to August 2025, marking a year-on-year increase of 7.1 per cent. In addition to meetings with Chinese leaders, Carney is expected to hold discussions with business representatives to promote cooperation in trade, energy, agriculture and international security. Several senior cabinet members are accompanying him, including the foreign minister, ministers for industry, energy and natural resources, international trade, and agriculture. The visit comes amid rising global trade uncertainty, with analysts viewing the renewed high-level engagement as a signal of

the importance of dialogue and cooperation in maintaining economic stability. Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald, who visited China last November, said the trip helped revive agricultural dialogue and offered hope to Canadian farmers and canola exporters. He described China as a long-standing and important commercial partner for Canada and reaffirmed Ottawa’s commitment to constructive dialogue on trade issues. Meanwhile, a recent Ipsos poll showed that more than half of Canadians support closer trade ties and economic agreements with China, reflecting a growing belief that Canada should diversify its trading relationships amid uncertainty in its ties with the United States.

Wednesday, 14 January 2026 | ISLAMABAD

CORPORATE CORNER

PIA launches ‘Air-to-Rail’ partnership with renowned rail services in Canada, UK KARACHI

Staff RepoRt

PIA, for the convenience of its passengers traveling to Toronto and Destinations in the United Kingdom, has made special arrangements to provide access to rail facilities. PIA Spokesman said on Tuesday.PIA has launched an "Air-to-Rail" partnership with renowned rail services in Canada and the UK, providing passengers with extensive travel facilities.Under the agreement, PIA passengers can now after their air travel reach their final destination by train on a single ticket without the hassle of booking seperately.Passengers arriving in Toronto on PIA can connect to 8 major cities in Canada through the airline's partner rail service.Similarly, passengers traveling to London and Manchester can access over 50 cities across the UK by train. The booking process has been made easy and convenient for passengers who can also book their rail tickets for their destination through PIA's booking offices, PIA registered travel agents, airline's official website, and mobile app.PIA passengers will now be able to book their rail tickets along with air tickets to reach their final destination via rail, saving time and effort in booking trains separately. PIA spokesman concluded.

NBP 50th National Snooker Championship kicks off at NBP Sports Complex in Karachi

NEWS 07

CM MARYAM SECURES EXPORT ROUTES FOR KINNOW, POTATOES

O g

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT APPROVES ALTERNATIVE EXPORT CHANNELS FOR PUNJAB’S KEY CROPS LAHORE

Staff RepoRt

WING to the special efforts of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the federal government has approved alternative export routes for kinnow and potatoes from Punjab. On the directions of the Chief Minister, the provincial government had approached federal authorities for the formation of a high-level committee to facilitate exports of these key crops. The committee, headed by the Deputy Prime Minister, includes representatives from relevant ministries and key stakeholders to address export-related issues in a coordinated manner. The Punjab government also urged the federation to explore new international markets and reduce export-related costs to ease difficulties faced by farmers and exporters. Practical measures are being implemented daily to resolve issues affecting kinnow and potato exports and to maximise foreign exchange earnings. Punjab accounts for approximately 95

per cent of Pakistan’s total kinnow and potato production. During the current year, potato output in the province is expected to reach around 12 million tonnes, while kinnow production is projected at 4 million tonnes. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said the hard work of potato and kinnow farmers would not be allowed to go to waste. She added that she remained in close con-

tact with the Prime Minister to ensure farmers’ challenges are addressed promptly. The chief minister emphasised that the provincial government is fully aware of the difficulties faced by growers and is providing resources to promote agricultural development and ensure farmers’ prosperity. Agriculture Lab on Wheels to Bring Services to Farmers’ Doorsteps

Abbasi announces July start for ML-I project from Karachi Port ISLAMABAD

In a related development, the Punjab government will launch a unique initiative, “Agriculture Lab on Wheels”, to provide agricultural services directly at farmers’ doorsteps. Under the programme, mobile agricultural laboratories will be deployed in 15 districts of Punjab. These labs will offer on-the-spot soil and water analysis, enabling accurate assessment of soil fertility and water quality for improved crop planning and higher productivity. A central control room will monitor operations to ensure efficiency and transparency. Additionally, 100 container-based farmer facilitation centres will be established across the province. These centres will be equipped with data call centres, agriculture officers, digital tools, and other essential facilities to provide timely guidance and technical support to farmers. CM Maryam Nawaz said the initiative will provide immediate and accurate agricultural information at farmers’ doorsteps, enabling them to make informed decisions. She added that such farmer-friendly measures are expected to contribute to a record wheat yield this season.

SSP Investigation and SSP Operations hold open courts to address public grievances

Staff RepoRt

KARACHI

Staff RepoRt

The NBP 50th National Snooker Championship officially began on January 13 at the NBP Sports Complex, marking a significant milestone in the history of snooker in Pakistan. The event was launched with a press conference led by Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Association (PBSA) President Mr. Abdul Qadir Memon, who expressed gratitude to National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) for its continuous support of the sport. The press briefing was held at Muslim Gymkhana Karachi. Joining the ceremony were notable figures from both the sporting and banking sectors, including Sher Muhammad, Senior Vice President and Head of NBP’s Sports Wing, Abdul Qadir Memon, President of PBSA, Muhammad Farhan, NBP Sports, Naveed Kapadia, Tournament Director & Secretary of PBSA, Hussain Haroon, chief Patron Muslim Gym Khana, Alamgir Shaikh, Past President, Mir Mubashir Ibrahim, Patron Muslim Gym Khan.In his address, Mr. Abdul Qadir Memon praised NBP for its long-standing commitment to snooker, stating, “For the past 16 years, National Bank has been the pillar of support for our National Championship. We are delighted to have them back as our sponsor once again this year.”The total prize pool for the championship has been set at Rs 1,600,000, with the winner receiving Rs 350,000, the runner-up taking home Rs 200,000, and the semi-finalists awarded Rs 150,000 each. The quarter-finalists will receive Rs 160,000.

Randhawa discusses developement projects with ADB delegation

ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, met with a delegation from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Tuesday at the CDA Headquarters regarding the Islamabad InterCity Bus Terminal project. The meeting was also attended by CDA Board Member Engineering Syed Nafasat Raza, Member Finance Tahir Naeem, DG Resource and other senior officers.The meeting discussed various projects, including the establishment of the Islamabad Inter-City Bus Terminal. Consultants from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) gave a briefing on the establishment of the Islamabad Inter-City Bus Terminal, informing that the initial feasibility report for the terminal has been completed.During the briefing, it was informed that ADB is developing the best financial model for the establishment of the Islamabad Inter-City Bus Terminal and that this project will also be interlinked with Islamabad's Metro Bus and Electric Feeder Bus service.It was further briefed that the Inter-City Bus Terminal project will also include modern electric charging stations for electric vehicles. Additionally, it was informed that ADB is providing its technical assistance for the preparation of the Islamabad Transport Master Plan.Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa said that ADB should also provide its technical support for obtaining carbon credits for environmentally friendly projects. He said that all resources are being utilized to provide the citizens of Islamabad with environmentally friendly and excellent travel facilities.

Work on the Main Line-I railway project will commence from Karachi Port in July 2026, Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi said on Tuesday, outlining plans to overhaul cargo transportation and port connectivity. The minister made the announcement during his visit to Karachi, where he held a meeting with Karachi Port Trust Chairman Rear Admiral (retd) Shahid Ahmed. According to an official press release, both sides agreed on a joint strategy to improve logistics operations and enhance cargo handling at the port through stronger rail connectivity. Abbasi said the government was pursuing major reforms in the freight transport sector, with a focus on shifting cargo movement from roads to rail to reduce costs and improve efficiency. He added that Pakistan Railways would significantly expand its freight handling capacity in the coming months. As part of the plan, railway infra-

ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

structure linked to Karachi Port will be upgraded to ensure smoother and faster cargo movement. The minister said the 54-kilometre railway section between Karachi Port Trust and Pipri would be modernised to support higher volumes of freight traffic. He further announced that Pakistan Railways aims to operate four freight trains daily within the next five months, describing the move as a key step towards strengthening rail-based cargo transportation.

Chairman KPT Rear Admiral (retd) Shahid Ahmed said bulk cargo transportation through rail would be prioritised and confirmed that the port authority would upgrade its internal railway tracks to support improved freight operations. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to jointly enhancing Karachi Port’s logistics efficiency, calling it vital for strengthening Pakistan’s trade infrastructure and national transport network.

Pakistan Embassy Beijing co-organize job fair connecting Pakistani talent with Chinese enterprises BEIJING

Staff RepoRt

The Embassy of Pakistan in Beijing, in collaboration with the China Overseas Development Association and China International Intellectech Group Co., Ltd., successfully organized on Sunday a Job Fair for Pakistani students and professionals in China. The event generated strong engagement, with nearly 2,000 participants joining on site and online. A total of 372 Pakistani candidates registered, including close to 100 who took part in the on site initial interviews conducted by representatives of leading Chinese State-Owned Enterprises. This marked the first Embassy-led initiative designed to directly link Chinese enterprises with Pakistani professionals trained in China. The participating State-Owned Enterprises, among the largest Chinese investors in Pakistan, represented sectors including energy, infrastructure, engineering, and allied industries. Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Khalil Hashmi, Pakistan’s envoy in Beijing, described the job fair as a pilot initiative aimed at identifying and facilitating employment of Pakistani professionals in Chinese overseas projects. He underscored that Pakistanis educated in China combine technical competence with Chinese

According to the details, SSP Investigations Muhammad Usman Tariq Butt and SSP Operations Islamabad Qazi Ali Raza held open courts at their offices to address citizen’s grievances and issued immediate directives for their resolution. During the open court, SSP Operations Islamabad and SSP Investigation emphasized that citizens can also register their complaints through the "IGP Complaint Cell 1715." They further said that, IGP Islamabad Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi has instructed all senior police officers to organize open courts across the district. In line with these directives all zonal SPs are conducting open courts in their respective zones to ensure citizens' concerns are heard and resolved. He added that the Islamabad Police are dedicated to reaching out to the public and resolving their issues effectively. Every citizen of Islamabad is encouraged to openly share their grievances at these forums. Resolution of public grievances are the utmost priority of Islamabad Police, they added.

PBA greets banking industry on securing positions in top 15 S&P best-performing Asia-Pacific banks KARACHI

Staff RepoRt

language proficiency and cultural fluency, positioning them strongly for supervisory and middle management roles. The Ambassador reaffirmed the Embassy’s commitment to facilitating Chinese investment while supporting enterprises in identifying and integrating qualified Pakistani professionals into their workforce. He noted that the job fair complements its broader efforts to align skills development with Chinese investment priorities, including the recently convened 2nd China– Pakistan Agriculture focused Technical and Vocational Education and Training Forum, and outlined plans to expand similar initiatives across Pakistan’s 21 priority sectors. During the event, Mr. He Zhenwei, President of the China Overseas Development Association, empha-

sized salience of the initiative and encouraged Pakistani youth to seize these opportunities to contribute to China-Pakistan cooperation. China International Intellectech Group highlighted its role as a leading human resources institution supporting cross border cooperation and overseas projects, including its ongoing vocational education initiatives in Pakistan. Participating enterprises presented their domestic and international portfolios and engaged directly with candidates during the fair. The recruitment process has now moved into its next phase, under which shortlisted candidates will be contacted individually for further interviews and final selection, based on initial assessments and CVs submitted online.

Punjab Police releases over Rs2.35m for employees’ treatment, assures full welfare support

LAHORE Punjab Inspector General of Police Dr Usman Anwar has reaffirmed the department’s commitment to the health and welfare of police personnel and their families. In continuation of this pledge, over PKR 2.35 million have been released for the medical treatment of police employees and their dependents.Punjab Police spokesperson said Constable Javed Iqbal was provided PKR 500,000 for treatment of a heart condition, while SubInspector Riyasat Ali received PKR 325,000 for surgery. Head Constable Muhammad Asif was granted PKR 250,000 for his wife’s treatment, and Constable Bilal Hassan was provided PKR 235,000 for surgery. Head Constable Imran Asghar received PKR 150,000 for treatment of a brain tumor.Similarly, ASIs Ali Hamza, Mumtaz Hussain, and Security Constable Ghulam Mustafa were given PKR 100,000 each. Head Constables Kamran Aslam, Amir Muhammad Khan, and Driver Constable Muhammad Zubair were each provided PKR 100,000. Constables Shair Bahadur and Saqib Khan received a combined total of PKR 150,000, while Head Constables Awais Ahmad, Tariq Javed, and Supervisor Rab Nawaz were provided a combined PKR 140,000 for medical treatment.The spokesperson added that the release of funds was approved by IG Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar following scrutiny by the Medical Financial Assistance Committee. Dr. Anwar highlighted that over PKR 27 million is spent daily on the welfare of the Punjab Police force and their families, with a total of PKR 7.5 billion spent last year across all districts, including the CPO. Staff RepoRt

The Pakistan Banks’ Association (PBA) extended its heartiest congratulations to the entire banking industry, and specifically to the seven Pakistani banks that have secured positions in the top 15 Asia-Pacific banks in 2025, as ranked by S&P Global Market Intelligence. This global accolade is not just an institutional victory; it is a win for the common man. With a combined total return of the seven top performing banks alone, the value creation is massive. It directly benefits the small investors holding over 1.5 billion shares at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), who are the real owners of this success story. In a statement the CEO and Secretary General of PBA, Muneer Kamal, highlighted that the sheer volume of shares rallying signifies that the benefits of this performance are reaching the grassroots level of the capital market. United Bank Limited (UBL) leading the industry with the highest market capitalization and continues to balance scale with exceptional returns proving that large-cap stability and agility can go hand in hand. Public Sector excellence & governance is very much evident in the rankings with historic performance by the public sector banks. The Bank of Punjab topping the entire Asia-Pacific ranking in terms of total percentage return, followed by the National Bank of Pakistan and The Bank of Khyber. This stellar turnout is a testament of good governance and strategic oversight on the part of the Government and the State Bank of Pakistan. The list also features the epic turn-around of Bank Makramah and emergence of Askari Bank, which have uplifted a massive shareholder base. In the Islamic banking space, Faysal Bank has set a new benchmark of returns, reinforcing the strength of the Shariah-compliant model. "It is a rarity that banks create such board-based shareholder value" Mr. Muneer Kamal noted. "Even more remarkable is the fact that this is achieved alongside creating real impact and fueling the real economy."

UNITY ON SECURITY NARRATIVE ‘NEED OF THE HOUR,’ SAYS DG ISPR NEWS

RAWALPINDI

Staff CorreSpondent

NTER-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry on Tuesday stressed that unity and consensus on matters of national security and narrative were the need of the hour. The remarks came during a meeting between the DG ISPR and a delegation of the National Paigham-i-Aman Committee (NPAC), led by its chairman Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, at the ISPR headquarters in Rawalpindi. According to a statement, the meeting featured a comprehensive discussion on internal security challenges, particularly in the context of Fitna al Khawarij, Tehreeki-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Tehreek-iTaliban Afghanistan, further reinforcing a shared stance among all stakeholders. Reiterating Pakistan’s principled position on Kashmir and Gaza, the DG ISPR said that supporting oppressed peoples was the country’s moral respon-

sibility. He also emphasised that public awareness and a truth-based narrative were critical tools in countering the enemy’s psychological warfare. Describing the interaction as highly productive, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif expressed hope that continued engagement would lead to greater trust-building and

enhanced practical cooperation in the days ahead. Meanwhile, the NPAC delegation expressed unwavering solidarity with Pakistan’s armed forces and reaffirmed its collective resolve to counter antistate narratives and hostile propaganda. The committee strongly condemned

Fitna al Khawarij and the Afghan Taliban, stressing that terrorism had no justification under any circumstances. The delegation assured full cooperation in promoting the national narrative and announced plans to spread messages of Islamic unity, social harmony and constitutional equality through mosques and other religious platforms. It was also agreed to adopt a zero-tolerance policy against hate speech and sectarianism, along with expanding awareness and guidance sessions in mosques, seminaries and universities. The meeting comes less than a week after Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir reiterated the armed forces’ zerotolerance policy towards threats to national security. Addressing officers during a visit to Lahore Garrison, he had reaffirmed the military’s commitment to safeguarding Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and internal stability while responding to evolving challenges with professionalism and determination.

Gunmen kill four Senator Durrani oﬀers to facilitate political members of local peace dialogue with Imran Khan The former minister accused the ruling coalition remains focused on ISLAMABAD committee in Bannu ruling parties of enjoying the privimaintaining power. Staff report

BANNU

Staff report

Four members of a local peace committee were killed on Tuesday when armed assailants opened fire on their vehicle in the Gulbadin Landi Dak area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu district, police said. A senior district police official said the victims were travelling together when attackers launched indiscriminate firing, killing all four on the spot. Among the dead were a father and his son, while the identities of the other two victims were being confirmed. Police said an investigation had been launched to determine the motive behind the attack, but cautioned that it was premature to label the incident an act of terrorism. Local sources said peace committees in the area have taken up arms for self-protection against militant groups, a move that has heightened tensions in parts of the district. Bannu has witnessed a series of attacks targeting peace committee members in recent months. In November last year, seven people were killed when a peace committee office came under attack in the district. A month earlier, a member of a tribal peace committee was also killed during a clash with militants in the Ahmadzai area of Bannu. Security officials said efforts were under way to trace the attackers and assess whether the incident was linked to previous assaults on community-led peace groups in the region.

Khadija Shah among four declared proclaimed offenders over May 9 Askari Tower attack case

leges of office while shifting responsibility for failures onto the establishment. He lamented the deteriorating economic situation, growing frustration within the business community, and increasing public disillusionment with both PPP and PML-N, describing their powersharing arrangement as politically expedient but nationally damaging. Commenting on the May 9 cases, Durrani alleged that the government’s handling of the situation caused harm to national institutions and the country at large, while inadvertently benefiting the accused through weakly constructed cases that struggle to withstand judicial scrutiny. Reiterating his offer, Durrani emphasized his long-standing personal and political association with Imran Khan, noting that he was among those who initially encouraged Khan’s entry into politics. He maintained that a direct meeting with the former prime minister could help move the political process forward—an effort he said is currently hindered by PTI’s leadership and the ruling parties’ reluctance to engage in meaningful dialogue.

Pakistan, UAE to introduce ‘pre-immigration clearance’ for faster travel ISLAMABAD

Staff report

ISLAMABAD

Staff report

Senior politician and former Federal Minister for Information Muhammad Ali Durrani on Tuesday offered to visit former Prime Minister Imran Khan in Adiala Jail—if granted permission—to help initiate political dialogue and contribute to national reconciliation. Recalling his earlier role in easing political tensions, Durrani noted that he had previously met Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Shehbaz Sharif during his incarceration, a move that helped reduce political polarization at that time. He expressed confidence that a similar engagement with Imran Khan could now help address unresolved political issues. In an interview, Durrani strongly criticized the current leadership of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), both inside and outside parliament, accusing it of lacking strategic direction. He said that the PTI’s political weakness has allowed the government to exploit PTI’s popular support while simultaneously running its own political narrative. He observed that while Imran Khan’s popularity continues to rise during his incarceration, the

Durrani dismissed the effectiveness of repeated, inconclusive political meetings, remarking that involving opposition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai would likely result in an endless cycle of talks without tangible outcomes. Highlighting historical precedents of the hybrid system, he recalled that former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto had engaged in dialogue with jailed leaders of the Pakistan National Alliance (PNA), who were facing serious charges, emphasizing that dialogue without concrete measures cannot deliver meaningful political progress. Addressing broader political reforms, Durrani proposed barring individuals holding foreign assets from active politics. He also warned that Pakistan’s history of hybrid political arrangements has repeatedly sidelined those who facilitated them, citing examples from the Bhutto–Yahya period, the Zia-ul-Haq–Nawaz Sharif era, and later political setups involving Benazir Bhutto and Pervez Musharraf. According to him, both PPP and PML-N fear that any reconciliation with PTI could lead to the meltdown of their rule.

An anti-terrorism court on Tuesday declared four accused, including fashion designer Khadija Shah, as proclaimed offenders in connection with the May 9 attack on Askari Tower, issuing permanent nonbailable arrest warrants for their failure to appear before the court. Administrative Judge Manzar Ali Gul passed the order after the accused repeatedly failed to attend trial proceedings despite the issuance of arrest warrants. The court declared Khadija Shah, Hamza Sohail, Usman Aslam and Ahmed Mursaleen absconders and directed law enforcement authorities to take action in accordance with the law. During the hearing, the prosecution informed the court that the accused had deliberately avoided appearing before the trial court. The public prosecutor stated that Khadija Shah had gone into hiding following her conviction in another May 9-related case, while the remaining accused were also evading arrest to avoid legal consequences. The court noted that the accused failed to join the proceedings despite repeated opportunities and concluded that they were intentionally absconding. Consequently, the court ordered that their names be placed on the list of proclaimed offenders. Khadija Shah was earlier released on bail on December 28, 2023, by a local court in Quetta. She had been arrested in multiple cases linked to the May 9 violence, including attacks on Jinnah House, Askari Tower and the torching of police vehicles. The Federal Investigation Agency had also taken her into custody in a cybercrime case for allegedly posting social media content aimed at inciting unrest against state institutions during the May 9 riots.

Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates have agreed to implement a “pre-immigration clearance” system that will allow travelers from Pakistan to complete immigration checks before departure, enabling them to bypass lengthy queues upon arrival in the UAE. The agreement was reached during a meeting between Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and a UAE delegation led by Director General of Customs and Port Security Ahmed bin Lahij Al Falasi. Discussions focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation and simplifying travel and immigration procedures between the two countries. Under the new system, Karachi will serve as the pilot location for the rollout, with checks for UAEbound passengers completed in Pakistan prior to boarding. Naqvi said the initiative would significantly reduce processing time and allow passengers to exit UAE airports as if they were domestic travelers. “This system will make travel easier, save time, and greatly improve the passenger experience,” he added. The UAE delegation welcomed the proposal, calling it mu-

tually beneficial, and pledged full cooperation in implementing the pilot. Both sides agreed to finalize the administrative and technical framework for the initial phase, with the possibility of expanding the program to other airports in Pakistan if successful. The visiting delegation included UAE Executive Director of Digital Transformation Juma Abdullah Al-Qabi, Executive Director of Airports Hammad Saif Al-Mashghouni, and other senior officials. Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry and Federal Secretary Interior Khurram Agha also attended. The development comes amid ongoing visa challenges for Pakistani citizens traveling to the UAE. In November 2025, Additional

Interior Secretary Salman Chaudhry noted that the UAE had been restricting visas for Pakistanis, though no official ban on Pakistani passports had been imposed. Similar issues had arisen in July 2025, prompting Minister Naqvi to raise the matter with UAE counterparts, who assured full support and expedited visa processing. The UAE Ambassador to Pakistan, Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi, had announced in April 2025 that visa issues were resolved, allowing Pakistanis to obtain five-year visas. The preimmigration clearance system is expected to further streamline travel and improve relations between the two countries, especially for frequent business and tourist travelers.

Wednesday, 14 January, 2026

prayer timingS

Blocked Again: Imran Khan’s sisters, PTI leaders hold sit-in near Adiala Jail FAJR SUNRISE

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RAWALPINDI

Staff CorreSpondent

Sisters of incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan, along with party workers and leaders, staged a sit-in at Rawalpindi’s Factory Naka on Tuesday after being once again prevented from meeting the former prime minister. The protest, held a short distance from Adiala Jail, is part of a recurring pattern, as PTI supporters and Imran Khan’s sisters have been staging sit-ins at Factory Naka every Tuesday and Thursday for several weeks over continued restrictions on jail meetings. An Islamabad High Court (IHC) order issued on March 24, 2025 had directed that Imran Khan be allowed to meet visitors twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays. However, despite the court’s directive, his sisters — Aleema Khan, Uzma Khan and Noreen Khan Niazi — along with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, have repeatedly failed to gain access to him. On Tuesday, authorities sealed off routes leading to Adiala Jail, including Factory Naka and Dahgal Naka, amid heavy police deployment. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan was stopped at Dahgal Naka, while several others, including Imran Khan’s sisters, were halted at Factory Naka. PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja said in a post on X around 3pm that he was stopped at a police checkpoint shortly after crossing Bahria Town. Later, in a video shared by the party around 8pm, he said he was again blocked near Chakri before eventually reaching close to Adiala Jail. Meanwhile, protesters at Factory Naka raised slogans in support of Imran Khan as access to the jail from that point remained fully blocked. Speaking to the media earlier, Aleema Khan said the family would “do whatever needs to be done” for Imran Khan’s release. She also praised KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi as “the future of Pakistan,” claiming that the country’s youth had rejected “old politics”.

Illegal gold mining puts Karak’s olive forests under threat KARAK

Staff report

Residents and elders of Karak district have expressed grave concern over the continued illegal gold mining in residential areas, warning that the unchecked activity poses a serious threat to the region’s valuable olive forests. In a press statement issued here on Tuesday, local people alleged that despite a clear ban imposed by the district administration, illegal gold mining operations were still underway in residential localities of Karak, raising alarm over the potential environmental and ecological damage. They said the persistence of mining activities had placed the olive forests in the area at significant risk. The residents expressed strong reservations over what they termed a failure to effectively enforce the ban and urged the relevant authorities to ensure the immediate prevention of illegal mining. They emphasized that the situation required urgent intervention by concerned departments to safeguard both residential areas and natural resources. It is pertinent to mention that Section 144 was imposed in the affected areas through a notification issued by Deputy Commissioner Karak on January 5, 2026. The notification stated that, despite repeated directives issued by the district administration, gold miners continued their operations within residential zones. According to the notification, in order to prevent illegal mining activities, a complete ban has been imposed for a period of 60 days on gold mining within the limits of Sabirabad police station. Local dwellers pointed out that extensive olive forests are spread across the villages of Turki Khel and Badin Khel, and warned that ongoing mining activities could cause irreversible damage to these forests. They said the olive plantations not only contribute to environmental sustainability but also support the livelihoods of local communities.

Defence seeks clarity on investigation as ATC hears Nov 26 case against Swati, PTI workers ISLAMABAD

Staff report

An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad on Tuesday heard the case linked to the November 26 protest involving senior politician Azam Swati and workers of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The hearing, conducted by ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra, focused on investigation-related issues, police records, and the status of absent accused. The court set the next hearing date for February 13. Azam Swati appeared before the court along with his counsel, Murtaza Turi. During the proceedings, the defence questioned the police deployment on the day of the protest and sought clarification regarding the ongoing investigation. Swati requested that the court direct police to submit a list of officers who were on duty during the protest. Responding, Judge Sipra stated that he was not the investigation officer and could not issue directions for further inquiry. He noted that the investigation had been completed within the legal framework and that the challan had already been submitted to the court. The judge added that the defence could formally request the police if additional investigation was required.

CDA to triple plantation for every tree removed, Climate Minister announces ISLAMABAD

Staff report

Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr Musadik Malik has announced that the Capital Development Authority (CDA) will plant three trees for every tree cut, while the Ministry of Climate Change will launch additional plantation drives across the federal capital. Speaking during a field visit to Shakarparian on Tuesday, the minister reviewed the ongoing removal of paper mul-

berry trees and the reforestation of indigenous species. He emphasized that the cutting of paper mulberry trees was undertaken only after scientific identification and assessment to ensure environmental compliance. Dr Malik warned that strict action would be taken against any negligence or violation of environmental laws during the process. He directed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to conduct a comprehensive tree count and gather detailed data, ensuring full transparency in plantation and removal activities.

The minister also called for complete records of public hearings conducted across Islamabad, citing the fundamental rights of citizens in environmental decision-making. “All construction projects failing to meet environmental requirements will face showcause notices,” he said. Clarifying the roles of relevant authorities, Dr Malik noted that tree cutting and plantation fall under CDA’s jurisdiction, while the Ministry of Climate Change provides oversight and ensures environmental protection. He added that amendments are being pro-

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posed to increase fines for environmental violations, currently capped at Rs1 million. Reiterating the government’s commitment to safeguarding Islamabad’s green cover, Dr Malik said that environmental protection remains a top priority and that all actions would be conducted transparently and in accordance with the law. The field visit also included inspections of other affected sites, with the minister vowing ongoing monitoring to ensure compliance and the successful implementation of reforestation initiatives.

Published by Asad Nizami at Plot # 7, Al-Baber Centre, F/8 Markaz, Islamabad, for PT Print (Pvt) Limited. Ph: 051-2204545. Email: newsroom@pakistantoday.com.pk