PM sees Us-irAn deAl within 24 hoUrs As tehrAn Urges cAUtion
g IRAN SAYS NO PLANS TO SEND NEGOTIATORS TO ISLAMABAD OR GENEVA IN A DAY OR TWO
g TEHRAN RULES OUT SUNDAY SIGNING BUT SAYS AGREEMENT REMAINS LIKELY
g TRUMP CLAIMS ALL KEY STAKEHOLDERS HAVE APPROVED FINAL POINTS
deal gains signing momentum
g QATAR HAILS PM, FIELD MARSHAL MUNIR FOR DIPLOMATIC ROLE
deal
N T I V E S
Abbas Araghchi had made similar remarks a day earlier, describing the prospective agreement as the “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding has never been closer Araghchi wrote on X urging media outlets to refrain from speculation until the agreement was formally finalised
Government c uts c ustoms duties on 92
lines for industrial inputs
COMMENT
The growth path?
S enator Aurangzeb claims signific ant progress in the path to growth
FI N A N C E Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb claimed in his post-Budget press conference that the Budget was a significant move on setting the country on the path of economic growth It would be felt by many that he was perhaps putting too much hope in the various relief measures that have been made on the insistence of exporters and other captains of industry basically in the areas of income tax and corporate surtax, including abolition of the latter for exporters The growth question for Pakistan is not supposed to be based on exports alone and unless there is GDP growth in the six to eight percent range, with inflation contained below five percent the country cannot be said to be enjoying the sort of growth path it should be one It should not be forgotten that Pakistan has a young population which means that there is a flood of new entrants into the job market every year, and unless the economy is providing those jobs the Finance Ministers should not be satisfied with himself
It is perhaps positive that the Finance Minister realizes that the government, and the IMF, has been the subject of criticism for the anti-growth stabilization policies which have been followed for some years now, However, his assertion that there were two sets of people for reducing poverty, with the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) addressing the set that cannot become a part of the economic activity and “would be left behind in any system seems not just class-ist, but outdated economics The poor, according to this theory, are not going to help in growth which is only to be achieved through entrepreneurs This contradicts the theory that a strong export economy is only possible if the domestic economy is strong There is also the spectre raised of pump priming by the government followed by a collapse the fear of default, the hollowing-out of the economy, and yet another recourse to the IMF, with the government either engaging in populist posturing or slavish obedience The Budget Speech did not include any indication of the off-ramp for the country from the current IMF programme and nor did the post-Budget press conference There is the possibility of a soft landing’ where the IMF steps in before Pakistan actually gets in a tangle, without a particularly heavyhanded reform programme
Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
M A Niazi Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami Editor Profit
Iimpact on the
India uses
and nonmilitary tactics to create
in Pakistan
main objective is not only to target the military organizations but the goal is to weaken the interior stability of the country and create a deeper impact on human security Hybrid warfare tools weaken public confidence create chaos in the people who feel threatened and lose will power, damage economic stability, create poverty and damage people psychologically Hybrid tools shift battlefield war into internal society conflict Hybrid warfare means the use of both traditional and non-traditional tools to weaken the opponents without declaring war The use of both military and non-military tools to damage the adversary Fighting a conflict below the threshold Hybrid warfare includes disinformation, fake news, cyber-attacks, proxy wars, supporting non-state actors, creating economic instability diplomatic pressure and damaging the international reputation of the opponents The main interest of every human is survival Human security means the protection of people s survival, dignity, honour, and freedom from any kind of threat Human security is the well-being of the people On 31-May-2006, the UN Human Development report identifies seven dimensions of human security which include survival food economic well-being health environment community and political security Hybrid warfare attacks the brains of citizens before it attacks the territory Hybrid warfare spreads a lot of disinformation During military crises fake news increases the chances of escalation In the May 2025 crises Indian news channels spread fake news about attacks on Pakistan Many people believed in fake attacks casualties and destruction such as the Indian claim they destroyed the Karachi sea port the
Gujrat airbase and so on All these types of misinformation create confusion public pressure increase and public demand for retaliation which can push the state towards escalation EU DisinfoLab (2019) report says that massive Indian disinformation targets Pakistan s international reputation and causes internal instability of Pakistan This identified a 15-year operation 750 fake media outlets in 119 countries over 550 domain names and the misuse of NGOs and identities Cyber-attacks are the most crucial part of hybrid warfare These attacks are part of the Indo-Pakistan rivalry Cyber insecurity becomes human insecurity Cyber-attacks leak the data of citizens and hack personal websites and accounts They can disturb the confidential communication of government officers For example in 2018 a major cyber-attack on the banking sector of Pakistan which hacked the banks accounts of people and sold their data on the dark web, impacting thousands of Pakistani citizens Stimson Center analysis noted that cyber-attacks were part of the May 2025 India Pakistan conflict Total documented attacks in 2025 on Pakistan are 517 h Hackers attacked both government and public sectors hacked the Whatsapp account of people and Pakistanis face internet problems In hybrid warfare proxies are used by the state to target the enemy Proxies can include non-state actors, armed groups, terrorist groups, separatist and ethnic groups etc India uses proxies to destabilize Pakistan to avoid face-to-face war In Baluchistan and KPK Indian-sponsored
India uses both the conventional and non-conventional strategies to targ et the Pakistani organizations and also the people of Pakistan India uses disinformation, fake news, deception, Cyberattacks, proxies, non-state actors, and also uses limited militar y strikes to hit Pakistan The main objective of India is to create internal conflict in Pakistan Its aim is to break the bond between people , government and armed forces and harm Pakistan and its citiz ens physically or psychologically
with survival to make themselves visible Their lives revolve around stretching limited incomes across food rent healthcare transport and education Every purchase is carefully calculated and every unexpected expense becomes a source of anxiety Poverty is usually quiet It does not advertise itself, does not occupy prime commercial space, and does not generate glamorous content or public attention Wants on the other hand are highly visible Consumption announces itself Luxury vehicles move through public roads Branded shopping bags signal purchasing power Expensive clothing appears at social gatherings Social media amplifies the display of lifestyle choices As a result a relatively small segment of society acquires a presence that far exceeds its actual numbers The consequences extend beyond perception Visibility influences priorities Rising retail sales often receive more attention than declining nutritional standards Commercial projects generate headlines while overcrowded public hospitals struggle in silence Luxury
A perilous presidency
Until Pakistan begins measuring success by how many people escape need rather than by how many can afford wants, the bright lights of prosperity will continue to conceal a much darker reality The republic of wants may dominate what we see, but the
Lessons in smoke
DR ZAFAR KHAN SAFDAR
The Budget ritual and compromised growth strategy
Twas the outcome of what path the nation state took and how it transformed from a promising nation state to one preoccupied with its national security state character That last mentioned character automatically made it eligible for another role; that of a client state; a relationship which can be a part and parcel with an emerging power like China, or with an already dominant power like the USA
The task of the political leaderships and the economic managers in service in such a national security state is not to induce growth in the economy rather it is more about managing the resources, whether they are foreign exchange reserves, foreign debt, or enough resource mobilization which helps to run the domestic show; of an inefficient state machinery law enforcement administration and strategic deterrence Experience shows that these imbalances are not just an
With the inkling of becoming a client state again; an obser vation during the on and off negotiations between Iran and the USA, Pakistani academia and intellig entsia might find themselves in the conceptual dire straits or more directly in the deser t with no shade or human being to g et their narrative noticed The inefficient state is here to stay at the cost of alienating the ideals it held over seven decades ago
military spendings arguing that national security was above the need of social security, when quizzed by press if too much spending on the Iran war was worth it Pakistan has in fact lived through that narrative for seven decades True the baggage of 1947 was not one to be ignored; to justify an India-centric
For Netanyahu, co -signing a deal to end the war without achieving his stated objec tives would be a major strategic and political blow
himself largely out of the loop, calling allies in Washington for intel about Trump's negotiations a U S source with direct knowledge said Trump s post on Thursday claiming a deal had been reached caught Netanyahu by surprise, according to a source with knowledge When Trump called an hour later Netanyahu didn t push back hard or argue much according to the U S official
The Israeli leader told Trump he trusts him to make sure the final
agreement addresses their shared concerns around Iran s nuclear program Bibi probably understood that a deal was about to happen and that he could not to stop it," the U S official said Behind the scenes: Netanyahu and other Israeli officials are careful not to criticize Trump publicly but in private they re highly skeptical about the pending deal
One concern is that after the deal is signed and the war ends, Iran could just drag on the negotiations without making real nuclear concessions
In the meantime the theory goes the Iranian government would be able to stabilize itself by selling oil, without the risk of war
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said that Trump was pursuing a deal "based on his assessment of American interests " but Israel expected him to uphold shared principles around Iran s nuclear program missiles and terrorist proxies
Friction point: Katz also claimed Israel retained "the ability to act independently to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon" and would prepare accordingly
Israeli officials are also concerned that because the ceasefire in the deal applies to Lebanon, the
Trump administration will limit their freedom of operation against Hezbollah and demand to be consulted on every strike "I understand the Israeli skepticism Hezbollah killed a lot of innocent Israelis, especially Israeli civilians So we don't expect any country to give up their right of self-defense What we do expect is that if we re able to have everyone participate in the peace process, that everyone else will do the same," a senior U S official said in a briefing with reporters
The official said the White House "feels confident" that ultimately the Israelis will get on board On Friday morning when Iranian state media claimed the deal would give Iran billions of dollars immediately, worried Israeli officials asked the White House for clarifications a U S official said U S officials reassured the Israelis that the Iranian reports mischaracterized the agreement "We feel like when they see the full terms of the deal, and
The future of A sian finance may be built in loc al c urrencies
TThis is not an effort to diminish the role of global reserve currencies Rather it is a pragmatic step toward providing businesses with greater flexibility and efficiency in conducting cross-border trade and investment
The agreement signed in Shanghai also expanded the LCT framework to include Hong Kong one of Asia s most important international financial centers The trilateral memorandum signed by Warjiyo Pan and Yue has the potential to deepen regional financial integration while supporting more efficient settlement mechanisms for businesses
IRAN SAYS SIGNING OF ISL AMABAD MEMORANDUM WILL NOT TAKE PL ACE ON SUNDAY
A G E N C I E S
TH E exact timing of the signing of the Islamabad memorandum will not be on Sunday Iran s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said, according to state media on Saturday
Baghaei said the possibility of signing the Islamabad memorandum in the coming days could not be ruled out but added that caution was needed regarding any comment on the signing date due to the hesitation of the other side
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the United States and Iran have agreed on a framework for a peace deal after more than three months of war and are expected to sign the initial deal in the next 24 hours
"With finalisation likely expected in the next 24 hours Pakistan is preparing for the electronic signing of the peace deal immediately after followed by technicallevel talks next week
Shehbaz further stated that he thanks the US and Iran for their "ongoing commitment during the negotiations" and extends his "sincere appreciation to our brothers in the region for their support We are confident that this historic peace deal will form a strong foundation for lasting peace Iran, US close to finalising Pakistan-brokered MoU: Araghchi
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said during an interview with Iran s State TV Tehran and Washington are on the verge of finalising a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at formalising the ceasefire that ended the recent conflict between Iran, the United States and Israel
According to IRNA Araghchi described the proposed agreement as the outcome of two months of negotiations facilitated by Pakistan, which brokered the April 8 ceasefire and has continued to mediate efforts to secure a lasting settlement
Both Iran and the United States have indicated in recent weeks that discussions are nearing completion
The proposed framework follows the conflict that erupted in late February and was halted after Islamabad helped secure a ceasefire between the parties Araghchi said the Iranian Foreign Ministry had pursued the negotiations to consolidate what he described as the Iranian people s victory during the war
One of the missions entrusted to the Foreign Ministry was to follow a negotiating track that would preserve
CORPORATE
CM MARYAM SAYS ALBINISM REFLECTS NATURAL DIVERSIT Y, VOWS INCLUSIVE PUNJAB
Hamdard Foundation
Pakistan Organizes Free Medical Camp
Muzaffar Talpur At the commencement of the event, Mr Talpur led a prayer for the eternal peace of the founder of Hamdard, Hakim Mohammed Said, and offered special prayers for the health, well-being, and long life of Mrs Sadia Rashid President of Hamdard Foundation Pakistan Appreciating the welfare and healthcare services of Hamdard Foundation Pakistan Mr Talpur stated that in the current circumstances, such free medical camps are a great blessing for the public He remarked that the dedication with which Hamdard Foundation Pakistan is serving the community is exemplary and that the scope of such healthcare
service alongside their professional responsibilities
The Governor Sindh said that the Prime Minister's Youth Programme is not limited to slogans but is providing practical guidance opportunities and pathways for the advancement of young people He
noted that the global demand for skilled and trained professionals continues to grow and that Pakistani youth have the potential to achieve distinction at the international level through their talent and abilities He said that the present era is defined by technology with modern machinery and digital systems rapidly transforming various sectors, including healthcare He stressed that quality healthcare and professional growth cannot be achieved without adapting to modern technology Governor Sindh urged students to continue pursuing higher education, embrace research and innovation, and maintain a lifelong connection with their alma mater He said that becoming a doctor should not merely be a means of finan-
CM-led complaints cell holds Khuli Katcheri in Multan, resolves citizens’ grievances on spot
LAHORE STAFF REPORT
Acting on the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz the Chief Minister s Complaints Cell organised an open public hearing (Khuli Katcheri) in Multan district to address citizens grievances and ensure swift resolution of public issues
Chairperson of the Chief Minister ’s Complaints
Cell Saima Farooq personally heard complaints from members of the public Commissioner Multan Amir Karim Khan Regional Police Officer (RPO) Usman Gondal Deputy Commissioner Nauman Siddique and City Police Officer (CPO) Sadiq Dogar were also present Heads of all relevant departments participated in the hearing to facilitate immediate redressal of public grievances Accompanied by senior officials Saima Farooq listened to citizens concerns and issued on-the-spot directives for their resolution A large number of men and women attended the open hearing held at Raza Hall, where citizens raised issues related to land encroachments, law and order, and various public service sectors Speaking on the occasion Saima
Farooq said that open public hearings reflected public trust and strengthened governance She said that on the directions of the chief minister efforts were being made to further streamline and improve public service delivery She said relevant departments were assigned tasks on the spot to ensure swift disposal of public complaints adding that delays in resolving citizens issues would not be tolerated
Saima Farooq further said the series of open public hearings would continue to promote public service delivery and strengthen good governance
cial success but a commitment to serving humanity and improving society Environmental Protection is the Need of the Hour; Collective Action is Essential: Governor Sindh Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi stated that environmental protection has become one of the most pressing needs of the present time and that collective awareness, coordinated strategies, and practical measures are essential to address the growing impacts of climate change He expressed these views while addressing a ceremony held at Governor House as the Chief Guest on the eve of World Environment Day The event was attended by representatives from various sectors environmental experts social workers students and distinguished guests
The Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC), Shifa Tameer-eMillat University (STMU) in collaboration with the Multi-Stage Innovation and Commercialization Drive (MICD) and the Technology and Innovation Support Centre (TISC), successfully organized Digital Health Summit 4 0 under the theme Embracing Digital Innovation for Healthcare Future
Sanaullah alleges foreign funding of JAAC, says multiple solutions offered to resolve A JK dispute
ISLAMABAD
Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah on Saturday alleged that external elements were financing the proscribed Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), claiming the banned group had rejected multiple government offers aimed at resolving disputes through dialogue
He said the JAAC had raised its demands in October 2025 along with 38 other points and had initially agreed to the formation of a committee to address the matter
The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government on June 5 declared the JAAC a proscribed organisation under the
Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), stating that the group was involved in terrorist activities
The ban was imposed days before the outfit s planned June 9 protest which sought the abolition of 12 seats in the AJK Assembly reserved for refugees from Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) who migrated to Pakistan after 1947
Speaking during a television programme Sanaullah said the JAAC had this time raised a new demand seeking removal of the clause in the election undertaking stating that Kashmir would accede to Pakistan after independence
He claimed that following investigations it had been revealed that external actors including members of the Pakistani diaspora
in the United Kingdom, were financing the proscribed group
The PML-N leader said the federal government had offered multiple options to resolve the dispute over refugee seats including a referendum, an all-parties conference, and referring the matter to the AJK Assembly for a decision
However, he said, the JAAC rejected all proposals and insisted on proceeding with its June 9 protest
Sanaullah rejected allegations that refugee seats were used for rigging, saying they were reserved specifically for individuals who had migrated from IIOJK
“If you take out the refugees from the Jammu Valley what becomes of your movement for IIOJK s freedom? he asked
receipts are estimated at Rs27 68 billion Regulatory authorities are projected to contribute Rs4 73 billion through surpluses and penalties
The budget also includes a target of Rs100 8 billion in markup receipts from provinces and Rs170 85 billion from public sector entities and other sources Dividend income has been projected at Rs130 38 billion Receipts from civil administration and other government operations are estimated at Rs1 480 trillion, while grants from provinces are expected to amount to Rs1 035 trillion Other miscellaneous receipts including the Gas Development Surcharge (GDS) foreign grants royalties on crude oil windfall levies on crude oil and the Gas Infrastructure Development Cess (GIDC), are projected to generate Rs2 343 trillion Collectively, these sources are expected to help the government achieve its non-tax revenue target of Rs5 335 trillion during FY2025-26 Subsidies Reduced by Rs66 Billion, Allocations Set at Rs1 091 Trillion The federal government has allocated Rs1 091 trillion for subsidies in the upcoming fiscal year reflecting a reduction of Rs66 billion compared
to the current year s allocation According to budget estimates, the largest share of subsidies Rs830 billion will be directed toward the power sector, including support for WAPDA PEPCO and K-Electric This compares with Rs893 billion allocated for the sector in the outgoing fiscal year In the food sector, Rs19 billion has been earmarked for PASSCO The industry and production sector will receive Rs37 billion in subsidies including support for fertilizer production and supply initiatives The government has also allocated Rs8 billion for its electric
