g TEHRAN RULES OUT SUNDAY SIGNING BUT SAYS AGREEMENT REMAINS LIKELY
g IRAN SAYS NO PLANS TO SEND NEGOTIATORS
g TRUMP CLAIMS ALL KEY STAKEHOLDERS HAVE APPROVED FINAL POINTS
g QATAR HAILS PM, FIELD MARSHAL MUNIR FOR DIPLOMATIC ROLE
Qatar, saudi arabia laud pakistan’s role as us-iran deal gains signing momentum
s ec urity forces neutralise 48 terrorists in nor th Waziristan over past 72 hours: ispr
RAWALPINDI
S TA F F R E P O R T
Security forces on Saturday said they had neutralised 48 terrorists in a series of intelligence-based operations in North Waziristan over the past 72 hours according to the military s media wing In a related development, the Sindh Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) arrested a suspected supplier of drones and electronic components allegedly linked to the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (Fitna al-Khwarij)
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), “following fierce fire exchanges during the last 72 hours twenty-one more khwarij belonging to Indian-sponsored Fitna al-Khwarij including four kharji ring leaders, have been sent to hell
The statement added that the killed ringleaders were highly wanted for their involvement in multiple terrorist activities including the killing of security forces personnel and innocent civilians
So far, in total, 48 khwarij have been killed in these highly skillful and precise operations ” it said
The ISPR said multiple terrorists hideouts were targeted in the Miran Shah area and surrounding regions as part of continuing operations in the district It identified the slain commanders as Kharji Khalid Raza alias Salar Kharji Muftoon Kharji Musa and Kharji
Imran alias Ayan
The military s media wing said the elimination of the four commanders had dealt a significant blow to the TTP network operating in the area It added that weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the slain militants who were involved in numerous violent activities and attacks on civilians
The state uses the term khwarij for the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and affiliated groups
The development comes amid a surge in terror-related incidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa where terrorists have increasingly used sophisticated weapons and tactics, including quadcopter-based attacks targeting police, security forces, and civilians Pakistan maintains that militant groups operate from sanctuaries in Afghanistan a claim denied by Kabul, as the two countries con-
tinue to face cross-border tensions border clashes and mutual allegations over militancy Islamabad has intensified targeted counterterrorism operations in its western regions in response to the worsening security situation and has repeatedly accused India of backing Fitna al-Khwarij a charge New Delhi denies DRONE SUPPLY NETWORK
In a related development, the Sindh Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) said it had arrested a key militant operative allegedly involved in procuring advanced drones electronic components and explosivemaking materials for the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)
In a statement, the CTD said the suspect identified as Tahir was linked to his brother Talal alias Zaid Baloch described as an active TTP member based in Afghanistan and wanted by authorities
“Zarkhez”
T I V E S
Pakistan budget raises defence spending, squeezes development to meet IMF goals
abad 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 In line with our responsible and transparent approach, all details will be shared with the public
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
adding
Indian regulator alleges Tata iPhone par ts plant polluted farmland water
ter The pollution control board asked Tata to explain why electricity to the unit should not be disconnected and why the plant should not be closed over the alleged violations Tata Electronics told Reuters it had arranged an independent assessment through an accredited laboratory and that the study found the company was in full compliance with all regulatory norms The company also said it was committed to responsible business practices and protection of the environment and local communities, adding that it had replied to the pollution authorities without giving further details Tata Electronics plays a key role in Apple’s effort to expand iPhone manufacturing outside China and is Apple s second-largest supplier in South Asia after Taiwan s Foxconn Apple has strict rules for how suppliers manage wastewater, but neither Apple nor the Tamil Nadu government responded to Reuters requests for comment
several Chinese companies to its so-called Chinese Military Companies” list, warning that Beijing would take resolute countermeasures to protect the legitimate rights and interests of its enterprises Responding to media queries regarding the US Department of Defense s announcement on June 8, a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Commerce said the move contradicted the consensus reached by the Chinese and US leaders during recent high-level engagements and undermined the broader interests of bilateral economic and trade relations We have taken note of the situation China is strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposed to the US action ” the spokesperson said The ministry accused Washington of continuously expanding the concept of national security, abusing state power and using discriminatory measures to
suppress Chinese companies
According to the spokesperson the US action seriously disrupts the international economic and trade order threatens the stability of global industrial and supply chains, and infringes upon the lawful rights and interests of Chinese enterprises China urged the United States to immediately reverse what it described as unjustified and discriminatory measures stop politicising economic and trade issues and return to the path of constructive and stable bilateral relations The US should provide Chinese enterprises with a fair, just and non-discriminatory business environment ” the spokesperson said The ministry warned that if Washington failed to correct its actions China would take resolute and forceful countermeasures, adding that the responsibility for any resulting consequences would rest entirely with the United States The latest dispute highlights continuing tensions between the world s two largest economies over trade technology and national security issues despite ongoing efforts by both sides to stabilise bilateral relations through dialogue and engagement
Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh on Saturday reaffirmed his country s commitment to the One-China principle and pledged to further strengthen bilateral cooperation with China during a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Ulan Bator According to Chinese official sources President Khurelsukh described Mongolia-China relations as a model of interstate cooperation in the region, highlighting the mutual respect both countries have maintained for each other s independence sovereignty and territorial integrity He noted that bilat-
eral ties had continued to expand across multiple sectors and expressed confidence that trade between the two neighboring countries would reach $20 billion this year The Mongolian president described China as a trusted neighbor and strategic partner, emphasizing that the development of friendly relations with Beijing remains a top priority of Mongolia s foreign policy
Reaffirming Mongolia’s support for the OneChina policy Khurelsukh said Taiwan was an inalienable part of China s territory and stressed that Mongolia opposed all forms of Taiwan independence” activities He also reiterated that issues related to Hong Kong Xinjiang and Xizang
(Tibet) were China s internal affairs
“Mongolia will not do anything that harms China’s interests regardless of its relations with other countries he said adding that his country was willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with China on regional and international affairs During the meeting Wang Yi said China attaches great importance to its relations with Mongolia and remains committed to being a reliable neighbor trustworthy friend and development partner He reaffirmed China s respect for Mongolia s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as its chosen development path
CORPORATE CORNER
CM MARYAM SAYS ALBINISM REFLECTS NATURAL DIVERSIT Y, VOWS INCLUSIVE PUNJAB
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Saturday said that albinism is not a weakness but a natural expression of human diversity adding that persons with albinism represent an important facet of human beauty and that
Hamdard Foundation Pakistan Organizes Free Medical Camp
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 initiatives should
to provide timely medical assistance essential medicines and health-related awareness to citizens He further added that Hamdard Foundation Pakistan is continuously taking measures to make the management and organization of its medical camps more effective and efficient in order to ensure the best possible services for the public foodpanda launches campaign for Football World
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
Sanaullah alleges foreign funding
of JAAC, says multiple solutions offered to resolve A JK dispute
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
