PEZESHKIAN
ENDS VISIT WITH ‘HAND OF FRIENDSHIP’ FOR NEW REGIONAL SECURIT Y ARCHITECTURE
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g LAUDS PAKISTAN ’S HONEST MEDIATION AND STEADFA ST SUPPORT DURING RECENT CRISIS, CONFIRMING MISSILE PROGRAMME EXCLUDED FROM MOU
PISLAMABAD S A L E E M J A D O O N
RESIDENT of the Islamic Republic of Iran Dr Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday called for a “united front” among Muslim nations and extended hands of friendship for the creation of a new regional security architecture, while lauding Pakistan s role in promoting peace and stability and thanking Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for Islamabad’s mediation efforts during the recent crisis Praising Pakistan s support during difficult times, the Iranian president said the Pakistani nation had demonstrated “strength and support” for Iran and had
B R A R The National Assembly on Tuesday approved the federal budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 after a charged session marked by sharp exchanges between the treasury and opposition benches, culminating in a walkout by opposition members Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb moved the budget bill for final approval after opposition lawmakers staged a protest and exited the House The walkout followed a strongly worded speech by Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai, who criticised the government on a range of political constitutional and governance issues Achakzai assails government policies
Addressing the House Achakzai launched a broad attack on the government, questioning its handling of constitutional matters, parliamentary affairs and regional issues
remained honest and adamant in its efforts to advance peace and dialogue President Pezeshkian made the remarks during a one-day official visit to Pakistan at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif The two leaders held a one-on-one meeting at the Prime Minister House followed by delegation-level talks Addressing a joint press conference alongside the prime minister, President Pezeshkian said he had held “constructive meetings and discussions” with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif President Asif Ali Zardari and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir
In these discussions, we had many good points talks and discussed regarding the latest developments in the region
g PM SHEHBAZ SAYS ISLAMABAD AND TEHRAN SHARE EACH OTHER ’S JOYS AND SORROWS, ANNOUNCES TEHRAN VISIT TO REITERATE SOLIDARITY WITH IRANIAN PEOPLE AND LEADERSHIP
g WARNS OF ‘SPOILERS’ ATTEMPTING TO DERAIL EMERGING PEACE FRAMEWORK AS BOTH SIDES PLEDGE TO OPEN A NEW CHAPTER IN BILATERAL TIES
iranian president ’s visit highlights pakistan’s diplomatic role, regional peace efforts
RAWALPINDI/ISLAMABAD
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Tuesday called on the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Dr Masoud Pezeshkian during which both sides exchanged views on regional developments and initiatives aimed at promoting peace, stability and dialogue
According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) President Pezeshkian appreciated Pakistan s constructive and responsible role in promoting dialogue de-escalation and regional stability
He also acknowledged Islamabad’s consistent efforts to encourage peaceful resolution of disputes and foster understanding among regional stakeholders amid heightened geopolitical challenges Field Marshal Munir reaffirmed Pakistan s unwavering commitment to regional peace and stability, the ISPR statement said The two sides reaffirmed their re-
and in the world and also regarding bilateral relations, he said The Iranian president noted that the two neighbouring countries were deter-
He criticised National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq over the disqualification of opposition lawmakers and accused the government of undermining democratic institutions and weakening judicial independence
The opposition leader also raised concerns regarding the treatment of political activists and the government's handling of unrest in Azad Jammu and Kashmir
Referring to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Achakzai argued that all provinces deserved equal attention and development, stressing that national progress could only be achieved through inclusive governance and equitable distribution of resources
He urged the government to strengthen Parliament and engage constructively with all political stakeholders to address national challenges
The opposition leader s remarks prompted a strong response from Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, who rejected the allegations and defended Parliament's role and authority
solve to further strengthen PakistanIran relations and maintain close consultations on matters of mutual interest, with the shared objective of advancing peace, prosperity and stabil-
Pakistan kept peace process alive despite ‘spoilers’ attempts to sabotage peace deal, says Dar
mined to utilize the positive atmosphere to usher in a new era of bilateral cooperation
The speaker maintained that the House would not permit speeches that in his view undermined Pakistan's institutions including Parliament the judiciary and the armed forces
He also accused sections of the opposition of refusing to actively participate in parliamentary committees and legislative processes despite repeated invitations
Later in an official statement Sadiq emphasised that freedom of expression must operate within constitutional and parliamentary boundaries adding that preserving the dignity and sanctity of Parliament remained his foremost responsibility
He stressed that democratic institutions could only be strengthened through constructive political engagement and mutual respect Opposition walkout during proceedings
As tensions escalated opposition members, including Achakzai, walked out of the House in protest
However, lawmakers belonging to Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) remained
present during the proceedings The budget was subsequently passed by the House enabling the government to proceed with its fiscal agenda for the upcoming financial year
Following the opposition s departure, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed the Assembly and focused largely on Pakistan's recent diplomatic efforts that facilitated dialogue between the United States and Iran
The premier expressed optimism that the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Washington and Tehran would evolve into a comprehensive and lasting peace agreement within the next 60 days
Recalling the recent negotiations held in Bürgenstock Switzerland he said Pakistan had played a sincere and constructive role in bringing the two sides together Pakistan made every possible effort to bridge differences between the parties and promote dialogue,” he told lawmakers
The prime minister described Pakistan's involvement in the peace process as a historic diplomatic achievement that had earned international recognition He noted that major international newspapers had prominently highlighted Pakistan s role in facilitating negotiations, helping project a positive image of the country globally
According to PM Shehbaz the goodwill generated through diplomacy and peace-building was invaluable and reflected Pakistan s growing stature on the international stage He also acknowledged the support of Qatar in the mediation process and expressed hope that ongoing technical negotiations between the US and Iran would culminate in a durable settlement
Responding to criticism from the opposition, the prime minister reiterated his longstanding position that Pakistan's progress depended on the development of all provinces equally
earlier informed the market through PSX Notice No N-483 dated April 27, 2026 that the trading terminals of B&B Securities were suspended under PSX Regulation 20 5 2(g) PSX had said at the time that the suspension followed violations of SECP and PSX Regulations detected during inspection The
90 on March 22, 2022 Trading in the company s shares has remained suspended at the PSX since that date JD Taurus (Private) Limited, registered in Karachi, was incorporated on October 28, 2025, with authorised share capital of Rs100,000 and paid-up share capital of Rs100,000 Its ultimate controlling shareholders are Mamoon Ur Rashid Qureishi, Muhammad Yaqoob and Zahid Hussain Mamoon Ur Rashid Qureishi is listed as chief executive and director of JD Taurus, while Muhammad Yaqoob and Zahid Hussain are listed as directors Mamoon Ur Rashid Qureishi and Muhammad Yaqoob each hold 40% shareholding in JD Taurus, while Zahid Hussain holds 20% Intermarket Securities Limited has been appointed as manager to the offer
The acquirer describes itself as a consultancy company engaged in management consulting, trade advisory, transaction structuring, investment banking solutions, equity and debt advisory, financial and business consultancy, and financial and in-
vestment planning services
The announcement said the management team of the acquirer has combined professional experience of more than 50 years, including experience in executing and completing multi-million-dollar transactions across different sectors
The acquirer also disclosed associated concerns operating in Australia, Dubai and the United Kingdom According to the document, the acquirer and persons acting in concert do not currently own, control or direct voting rights in Saudi Pak Consultancy Company Limited They also have no irrevocable commitments to accept the takeover offer, and no options, warrants or convertible securities linked to the target company, according to the announcement Saudi Pak Consultancy Company Limited s board includes Syed Najmul Hasnain Kazmi as chairman and independent director, Niaz Ahmed Khan as chief executive officer and executive director, Sheikh Aftab Ahmed as independent director, Parveen Akhtar Malik as independent director, Lubna Farooq as non-executive director, Muhammad Naeem Khan as independent director and Nayyar Alam Ilyas as executive director
NA panel backs excise duty on higher-value electric vehicles, luxury SUVs
Iranian President ’s visit highlights Pak istan’s diplomatic role, regional peace effor ts
areas of mutual interest
The Iranian president was accompanied by Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi Chief of the President’s Office Mohsen Haji Mirzaei Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni Saeed Abbas Mousavi Chief of Political Affairs of the President s Office, and Iran s Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghaddam From the Pakistani side, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, Chief Whip Senate Senator Saleem Mandviwala and Dr Asim Hussain attended the meeting President Zardari welcomed President Pezeshkian on his first state visit to Pakistan after the recent conflict saying the visit reflected the longstanding broth-
erly ties between the two countries and their shared resolve to remain united in times of peace and challenge He congratulated President Pezeshkian on the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding and expressed hope that ongoing technical-level negotiations would lead to lasting peace in the region President Zardari also expressed condolences over the martyrdom of Ali Hosseini Khamenei and said Pakistan would participate in his funeral President Pezeshkian thanked Pakistan for its constructive role in promoting peace and dialogue and appreciated Islamabad s support during recent challenging circumstances
He said Iran attaches great importance to its relations with Pakistan and looks forward to expanding cooperation in political economic security and regional domains
President Zardari requested President Pezeshkian to convey his warm regards to Ayatollah Seyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei the Supreme Leader of Iran
IRANIAN PRESIDENT
ARRIVES ON STATE VISIT
Earlier Iranian President Dr Masoud
Pezeshkian arrived in Pakistan on a state visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif received him at
Nur Khan Airbase where he was accorded a 21-gun salute and a fighter jet flypast in his honour Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi Information Minister Attaullah Tarar First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, and other senior officials were present on the occasion Dr Pezeshkian was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and other senior officials During the visit he is expected to meet President Zardari and hold talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif This is President Pezeshkian s second visit to Pakistan in his capacity as Iranian president IRANIAN FM ARAGHCHI
ARRIVES IN ISLAMABAD
Earlier Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad as part of the presidential delegation, according to a Foreign Office statement He was received by Deputy Prime
welcome to the visiting delegation
According to Iran’s state news agency IRNA Araghchi held meetings
remove technical obstacles and implement agreements reached during his previous visit and under various memorandums of understanding Beginning his address with verses of renowned philosopher-poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal he said the poet s message continued to inspire unity among Muslim nations
build a new security structure for the countries in the region he said Referring to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif s acknowledgement of the roles played by Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Egypt in recent diplomatic efforts President Pezeshkian described it as a timely recognition of the contributions made by regional leaders toward achieving peace I believe Muslims shall form a united front against their enemies, he remarked The Iranian president said the immense potential of Pakistan and Iran, coupled with the political will of their leadership and support of their peoples could elevate bilateral relations to a level befitting the stature of the two countries in the Muslim world and serve as a model of cooperation, solidarity and brotherhood He emphasized that both countries shared a strong determination to expand cooperation particularly in the fields of economy and trade
President Pezeshkian said ministers and officials on both sides had been working to
He observed that Pakistan and Iran shared not only a border but also a common destiny shaped by similar aspirations, concerns and hopes Pakistan for us is not merely a neighbouring country; it is a brotherly and friendly country he said adding that deep historical cultural, religious and people-to-people ties had brought the two nations closer together President Pezeshkian said bilateral relations had always been built on mutual respect goodwill and historical trust and recent developments had further strengthened those bonds He described Pakistan s role in facilitating dialogue and reducing tensions as a manifestation of a responsible, brotherly and forward-looking approach toward regional affairs
“At a critical historical juncture when the region is facing multiple challenges the responsible and visionary role played by Pakistan in supporting discussions and negotiations aimed at de-escalation and strengthening regional stability reflects a brotherly and futuristic outlook,” he said The Iranian president noted that Tehran’s acceptance of Pakistan s mediation initiative reflected the deep trust that the Iranian nation government and leadership had long placed in Pakistan
Concluding his remarks, he thanked the Pakistani leadership and people for their warm hospitality and for accepting the invi-
with President Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif shortly before President Pezeshkian s arrival PROGRAMME AND ITINERARY OF OFFICIAL VISIT
The visit comes days after Iran and the United States signed the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding a framework agreement aimed at ending months of conflict and paving the way for a comprehensive settlement, with Pakistan playing a key mediating role
During the visit President Pezeshkian is expected to hold detailed talks with President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif who had earlier chaired the quadrilateral Iran-USPakistan-Qatar talks in Bürgenstock, Switzerland
According to the Foreign Office the two sides will review the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and explore avenues to enhance cooperation in trade energy border security, people-to-people exchanges and regional connectivity
The FO said the visit reflects the shared commitment of Pakistan and Iran to deepen historic ties and advance peace stability and sustainable development in the region
Officials said the visit will also provide an opportunity to review implementation of understandings under the Islamabad MoU and discuss broader regional and global developments
tation to participate in the commemoration of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Later, President Pezeshkian departed Pakistan after concluding his one-day visit CDF and COAS Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and other senior officials were present to bid farewell to the visiting dignitary According to PTV News, President Pezeshkian was also presented with a photo album highlighting moments from his visit
PAKISTAN AND IRAN SHARE EACH
OTHER’S JOYS AND SORROWS’
Speaking at the joint press conference, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he and President Pezeshkian had held highly productive discussions in a cordial and brotherly atmosphere describing the meeting as a family reunion We will do everything to strengthen our brotherly relations like never before, the prime minister said He observed that Pakistan and Iran had consistently stood by one another during difficult times and that recent developments had once again demonstrated the enduring strength of their friendship brotherhood and partnership The prime minister began his remarks by reciting a Persian couplet reflecting themes of friendship and solidarity in times of adversity
Describing President Pezeshkian as a visionary and sagacious leader PM Shehbaz praised his calm temperament wisdom and patience
Recalling the Iranian president s earlier service to humanity through the medical profession, the prime minister congratulated him on what he termed a well-deserved elevation to national leadership Calling the occasion a “historic moment” in Pakistan-Iran
relations, PM Shehbaz referred to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed last week between Iran and the United States and welcomed the end of a conflict that, he said could have engulfed the entire region and beyond He commended President Pezeshkian and the Iranian leadership for their wisdom and statesmanship and highlighted Pakistan s role as an honest and sincere mediator in the peace process
Referring to the ongoing technical-level talks between Iran and the United States in Switzerland the prime minister expressed hope that the process would usher in a new era of peace stability and prosperity for the entire region
PM Shehbaz also praised the wisdom and leadership of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei in guiding the Iranian nation through challenging circumstances He paid tribute to the unity courage and resilience demonstrated by the Iranian people throughout the crisis, describing their steadfastness as inspiring
The prime minister extended Pakistan’s deepest condolences over the loss of thousands of lives including that of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei whom he described as a visionary and widely respected leader across the Muslim world He reaffirmed Pakistan s complete solidarity with the people of Iran
Demography and global warming
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Ldeal attempting to end his ill-considered costly war with Iran Netanyahu has been quiet He has left criticism to ministers in his cabinet and opposition party leaders Vice-President JD Vance s rebuke of Israeli critics was noteworthy but absent threats of serious changes in policy Vance s words will be dismissed as nothing more than words At this point it must be noted that Israel s dangerous impunity and expansive sense of mission is not just a Netanyahu problem It is a deeper Israeli problem that historically has manifested itself in two ways During the Clinton and Obama years when the USA wanted the Israelis to stop settlement expansion or honour terms of agreements that were being broken their Administrations hesitated to take tough measures against Israel or even use tougher language for fear that it would embolden Israel s hardline right and end up being counterproductive As a result there were no crackdowns on Israeli governments led by Yitzak Rabin Shimon Peres Ehud Barak Ehud Olmert and Naftali Bennet This deference toward Israeli leaders out of
this pattern of behaviour whether outright support for Israeli crimes or silence and timidity in their face that has fostered Israel s impunity coupled with a megalomaniacal sense of mission President Clinton termed Netanyahu impossible or ridiculous; Obama considered him incorrigible ; and even Trump has described his frustration with the Israeli leader in harsh obscene language But none have taken firm steps to rein him in In the wake of President Trump s half-baked
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AI classrooms
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WE have entered an era that can rightly be described as the fastest moving and most transformative period in human history the age of the digital revolution it is a time in which nearly every aspect of human life including information communication education trade politics governance health systems and social interaction increasingly revolves around technology the rise of the internet smartphones social media platforms cloud computing and artificial intelligence has brought unprecedented convenience speed and connectivity to human existence today an ordinary individual can access information from any corner of the world within seconds communicate instantly across continents and project his voice to a global audience without any traditional barrier Entire industries have been reshaped economies have been digitized and even cultural identities are now influenced by online ecosystems Yet alongside these extraordinary advantages a complex and increasingly seri-
However a critical question arises do all these users truly understand the technology they are using its risks its responsibilities and its long term implications? Unfortunately the answer is largely negative in developed countries where structured digital education data protection laws and public awareness campaigns are well established users are comparatively more informed and secure Schools integrate digital literacy from early stages and institutions continuously educate citizens about cybersecurity misinformation and ethical online behavior in contrast developing nations face a different reality Millions of individuals are entering the digital world without adequate training or awareness making them vulnerable to cyber threats misinformation campaigns
falsehood verified data and manipulated narratives as a result misinformation rumors conspiracy theories and fake news spread rapidly often creating confusion anxiety polarization and social unrest Psy-
chological studies also suggest that excessive exposure to unfiltered digital content reduces attention span and weakens critical thinking abilities, particularly among younger users at the global level, international organizations, including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and other digital governance bodies, emphasize that combating cybercrime requires not only strong legal frameworks but also widespread public awareness and education according to the United Nations, digital security and cybersecurity are not the sole responsibility of governments; rather, they represent a shared societal responsibility in which every citizen, institution, and organization must play an active role Without collective awareness, even the strongest laws remain ineffective against rapidly evolving cyber threats
a deeper examination of the digital landscape reveals several key threats that define the modern technological era the rapid spread of fake news through social media platforms has become one of the most dangerous phenomena, capable of influencing public opinion, political stability, and social harmony within minutes increasing incidents of cybercrime, including online fraud, hacking, identity theft, and financial scams, are affecting individuals across all socioeconomic levels Violations of privacy and unauthorized use of personal data have become routine concerns in an era where digital footprints are constantly collected and analyzed
Moreover, negative impacts on mental health, including anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and attention deficits, are increasingly linked to excessive screen time and social media dependency in addition, a significant portion of users waste valuable time on non-productive digital activities, leading to reduced academic performance, lower workplace productivity, and weakened social interaction skills these challenges clearly demonstrate that digital awareness is no longer optional; it is a fundamental necessity for survival in the modern world
Digital awareness is not merely about access to information, it is about building a conscious, responsible, and informed society capable of evaluating, verifying, and responsibly sharing information a digitally aware individual not only protects themselves from cyber threats but also contributes to the safety and awareness of others within their social network in the absence of such awareness, societies become highly vulnerable to misinformation ecosystems where falsehood spreads faster than truth, and perception becomes more powerful than reality to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly, several fundamental principles must be adopted at both individual and collective levels individuals must avoid sharing unverified information as misinformation can cause widespread social and psychological harm Personal data such as identity numbers bank details passwords and biometric information must be protected at all costs as cybercriminals increasingly target such sensitive data Ethical behavior online and respect for
differing opinions must be maintained, as digital spaces require the same moral standards as real life societies Strong passwords, secure websites, two-factor authentication, and avoidance of suspicious links are essential tools for cybersecurity Social media platforms should be used primarily for education, research, skill development, and constructive engagement rather than mere entertainment or passive consumption Social media has become one of the most powerful tools of the modern age On one side, it facilitates education, employment, entrepreneurship, and global communication; on the other, it contributes to misinformation, hate speech, polarization, and time wastage Globally, an average user spends three to four hours daily on social media, much of which is unproductive and algorithm driven Young people are particularly affected, as their perceptions, ambitions, and even identities are increasingly shaped by the virtual world rather than real life experiences in Pakistan, the same pattern is visible While opportunities in freelancing and digital employment are expanding, issues such as mental stress, social isolation, comparison culture, and unrealistic expectations are also rising, creating a complex psychological environment for the youth Educational institutions therefore hold a central and irreplaceable position in shaping digital awareness they are not merely centers of academic learning but also institutions of social development, character building, and civic responsibility to meet modern challenges, they must integrate digital literacy into curricula from early education levels, encourage critical thinking and analytical reasoning, promote ethical online behavior, conduct regular seminars, workshops, and awareness campaigns, and actively engage students in community based digital learning initiatives Without such reforms, educational systems risk becoming disconnected from the realities of the digital age a significant global challenge that continues to persist is the digital divide between urban and rural areas Urban populations benefit from high speed internet, advanced technological infrastructure, and better educational resources, while rural communities often lack basic connectivity, devices, and training in Pakistan, this disparity is partic-
ularly visible, limiting equal access to education, employment, healthcare information, and digital financial services Bridging this gap is essential for inclusive development and long term economic stability
Cybercrime is increasing at an alarming rate worldwide, and its nature is becoming more sophisticated with each passing year Online fraud, hacking, identity theft, ransomware attacks, and financial scams have become widespread, affecting individuals, businesses, and even government institutions Many victims fall prey due to lack of awareness and insufficient understanding of digital safety practices this highlights the urgent need for comprehensive public education in cybersecurity
Youth represent the most valuable asset of any society, and in the digital age, their role becomes even more significant When properly guided, they can harness digital platforms for freelancing, entrepreneurship, digital marketing, software development, and global employment opportunities However, without proper guidance and awareness, they may fall into patterns of distraction, dependency, stress, and social disengagement, which ultimately affect both personal and national development Governments and policy making
eties become aware, responsible, and digitally literate Educational institutions serve as the backbone of this transformation if they effectively fulfill their role, it is possible to build a society that is not only technologically advanced but also safe, ethically strong, socially balanced, and digitally conscious
The writer is a freelance columnist
WH E N the US celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of independence next month its friends and allies will join in the festivities But behind the scenes many of the same countries are striving to increase their independence from america Washington s traditional partners have discovered that longstanding ties to the US do not buy them immunity from abuse and pressure tactics from the trump administration Giorgia Meloni italy s prime minister spoke for many when she complained that the US president often treats democratic allies worse than authoritarian rivals in this new atmosphere close ties to america that were once seen as a strength increasingly look like a potential vulnerability the loudest wake-up call came last year when Donald trump imposed swingeing tariffs on friend and foe alike His administration set off fresh alarm bells this month with its decision to restrict access for all foreign nationals to anthropic s frontier ai models Mythos 5 and fable 5 the trump administration may modify its policy But the point seems to have been made the Mythos moment seemed to back up an assertion made earlier this year by arthur Mensch, CEO of france s Mistral, Europe s most prominent ai start-up He told a panel that, with ai increasingly critical to the functioning of the world economy: the biggest risk for Europe is that our entire industry would be run on a technology that can be turned off, if the US decides to Spooked by this prospect, European governments are increasingly talking about the need for ai sovereignty reducing their reliance on US companies and models Mistral itself stands to benefit the concern about american off-switches is not confined to ai trump s threats to annex Greenland earlier this year reminded Europeans of their dependence on US weapons the big US defence companies the primes are now worried they are beginning to lose sales as a result these issues extend well beyond Europe tariffs on india
thinking recently published a paper arguing that “the trump factor” had weighed heavily in india’s decision to buy fighter planes from france the country that has thought most systematically about how to reduce dependence on both the US and China may be Canada which trump has repeatedly suggested should become america’s 51st state in private studies the Canadian government has identified nine economic areas that are critical to sovereignty these include ai semiconductors energy and payments and settlement aspiring to avoid dependence on both america and China in these areas is understandable But is it possible? Canada for example does some 70 per cent of its trade with its giant southern neighbour Mistral is tiny compared with its american ai competitors the entire western world including the US is now uncomfortably aware of its dependence on critical minerals from China these dependencies run deep they cannot be completely eliminated But they might be mitigated Some in asia hold up the Comprehensive and Progressive agreement for trans-Pacific Partnership free trade deal as a model and building block it currently spans 12 countries including Japan Canada Chile australia the UK and Singapore the EU and the CPtPP have now opened discussions on a bloc-to-bloc deal that could reduce tariffs across the board there is serious debate in Delhi about whether india should also seek to join the pact a middle-power trade deal that included the EU india Japan and the UK but excluded China and the US might have some impact Even so the idea of establishing complete economic sovereignty from China and america the world’s two largest economies and the two global leaders in ai remains far-fetched
However there are other ways of thinking about the problems of over-dependence on the goodwill of trump or his successors the answer to the threat of an american off-switch whether on ai or weaponry or energy is probably not to strive for complete independence from US technology or resources any such policy would be expensive inefficient and ultimately unrealistic an alternative strategy is the one already demonstrated by China find an off-switch of your own the Xi government responded to extremely high american tariffs by severely restricting the export of critical minerals it was an effective tactic that forced the US to reduce tariffs Other world powers need to find their own economic weapons just in case they ever need them for india it could be the country’s crucial role as a producer of generic pharmaceuticals for Canada it could be the potash that is a critical ingredient for the fertilisers that american farms depend on for Europe it could be the unique technologies supplied by the Dutch company aSMl or Europe’s role as an exporter of uranium and turbines it is a shame that the world’s democracies are having to prepare for potential economic warfare with each other But that is the world that trump has created
a f ta l i Bennett, the former israeli prime minister and aspirant for the top job in this year ’s election, was upset He slammed Benjamin Netanyahu after the recent announcement of a deal between tehran and Washington, arguing that the current prime minister had squandered a unique opportunity Bennett praised the “extraordinary performance” of the israeli army and security forces on the front lines during the war with iran, “and the courage of the israeli public on the home front” But in the end, Bennett said, “the government is once again incapable of turning all of that into lasting security achievements” the political era of Netanyahu has been the longest in the country’s history His vision for the occupied West Bank and Gaza has been to crush the ambitions of the Palestinian people, forcing them to accept second-class status in perpetuity He has long wanted a military campaign against iran; former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton confirmed that he had “obsessed” for decades about defanging tehran and reshaping the Middle East, with tel aviv as the most dominant state in some ways, Netanyahu has succeeded on those terms But israel’s security environment remains precarious, and support for the country has collapsed globally it’s hard to make friends, apart from fascists and the far right, when millions of people have watched a live-streamed genocide in Gaza STATUS-QUO POLITICS: Some pro-israel commentators fear that the US-iran deal will ensure years of instability for israel One, Haviv Rettig Gur, writes with feigned hubris: “Dust off the nukes Maybe test one somewhere far away from anywhere Quadruple the interceptor production lines, double the size of the Mossad and the air force and no, don’t let Hezbollah breathe, not for a second “it’s the 1960s again and israel will have to defeat a couple more enemies before it can once again eke out a few decades of peace ” a more delusional post from another user suggests: “i think israel should cut off america completely No more intelligence sharing No more technology sharing Nothing Clean break ” Based on these bare facts, you could imagine any potential successor to Netanyahu wanting to envision a different future But you’d be wrong amid all of the political hot air, it’s important to never forget the precarious situation for Palestinians in
iRfAn HARoon
Premier Li Qiang calls for accelerated development of high-end manufacturing
city as a key hub for China s shipbuilding sector and urged authorities to capitalize on its strong industrial foundation
He called for accelerated development of advanced manufacturing clusters and the establishment of a world-class shipbuilding and offshore engineering equipment base
nuclear energy technologies urging efforts to promote their safe and efficient application in support of China s green and lowcarbon development objectives
The Chinese premier also stressed the importance of integrating digital and intelligent technologies across industrial sectors He urged enterprises to accelerate the adoption of digital transformation smart manufacturing and artificial intelligencedriven solutions to improve efficiency and productivity
fresh momentum into China s high-quality economic development
During an inspection tour of Dalian in northeast China’s Liaoning Province, Li called for intensified efforts to achieve breakthroughs in critical technologies strengthen industrial innovation and enhance the competitiveness of key manufacturing sectors
Li, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee said the development of advanced manufacturing capabilities remained central to China s long-term economic transformation and modernization goals
Highlighting Dalian’s longstanding industrial heritage, the premier described the
Li emphasized the need to strengthen research and development accelerate technological breakthroughs and cultivate a new generation of highly skilled engineers, technicians and industrial workers to support the sector ’s continued growth
He noted that expanding the competitive advantages of China s shipbuilding and marine engineering industries would contribute significantly to the country s broader industrial modernization drive
The premier stressed the importance of translating scientific and technological achievements into practical industrial applications He called for stronger integration between innovation industry and market demand to ensure that new technologies contribute directly to economic development and industrial upgrading Li also highlighted the role of advanced
According to Li, building a modern industrial system requires a dual approach that simultaneously nurtures emerging industries while revitalizing traditional sectors He said China should continue fostering future-oriented industries driven by innovation, while also accelerating the transformation and upgrading of conventional manufacturing sectors to improve productivity and efficiency
This balanced strategy he noted would helpstrengthen the resilience and sustainability of the national economy Li emphasized the strategic importance of high-end petrochemical equipment manufacturing, describing it as a key factor in improving the quality and operational efficiency of related industries
He called for increased investment in research development and advanced production capabilities to support the modernization of China's petrochemical sector and enhance its international competitiveness
At the same time, Li highlighted the need to strengthen industrial and supply chain resilience to better withstand external uncertainties and evolving global economic conditions By enhancing innovation capacity improving supply chain security and advancing industrial modernization China can continue to strengthen its core competitiveness and sustain long-term high-quality growth, he said Li's visit reflects Beijing s continued focus on upgrading the manufacturing sector as a cornerstone of economic development
As China pursues its modernization agenda policymakers are placing increasing emphasis on advanced manufacturing, technological self-reliance, green development and industrial innovation as key drivers of future growth
Observers view the premier ’s remarks as a reaffirmation of China s commitment to building a modern industrial economy capable of supporting sustainable development and maintaining competitiveness in an increasingly complex global landscape
Former Israeli PM says Starlink receivers were smuggled into Iran
A G E N I C E S Former Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett said on Tuesday that
CORPORATE CORNER
Tone of Pakistan s fastest-growing knowledge and creativity-based industries The joint bodies respectfully ask whether a comprehensive Economic Impact Assessment has been conducted whether industry stakeholders
LAHORE S TA F F R E P O R T
Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari during her visit to Faisalabad Division met members of the Divisional Peace Committee and held detailed consultations on maintaining peace, inter-sect harmony, and promoting brotherhood during Muharram-ul-Haram
The meeting was attended by prominent members of the Peace Committee including Sahibzada Zahid Mehmood Qasmi, Hafiz Muhammad Amjad, Allama Tahirul-Hasan, Hafiz Maqbool Ahmed, Yaseen Zafar Jafar Naqvi Muhammad Aslam Bhalli Shahid Razaq Ashiq Hussain Rizvi Muhammad Farooq Syed Muhammad Raza Shah, Ameer-ud-Din Rizvi, Mufti Abdul Mueed, Mumtaz Gondal, Mufti Nasruddin, and others
On the occasion, members of the Peace Committee appreciated the special efforts of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif for maintaining an atmosphere of peace, tolerance, and brotherhood across the province during Muhar-
ram, and expressed their gratitude Azma Bokhari said that ensuring a peaceful environment during Muharram is a collective responsibility of the government administration, religious scholars, and peace committees She added that the Faisalabad Division Peace Committee has always played a commendable role in maintaining peace and would continue to extend full cooperation to the administration this year as well She further stated that effective coordination among all relevant institutions, stakeholders, and organizers will be ensured for the
APCMA welcomes enforcement action against illegal cement unit
ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
peaceful and well-organized conduct of Ashura processions and Friday prayers so that no inconvenience or disruption occurs
The Minister noted that strong coordination and continuous communication between peace committees and organizers of religious gatherings is a positive development and plays a vital role in maintaining law and order during Muharram
She emphasized that promoting tolerance, brotherhood, and religious harmony during Muharram is a shared responsibility of scholars, religious leaders, and community elders from all schools of thought
Sabri Sisters Take Center Stage in New York’s Times Square as Spotif y’s EQUAL Pakistan Ambassadors for Q2 2026
Nestlé Pakistan, PCSIR mark World Food Safet y Day 2026 with national stakeholders LAHORE STAFF REPORT
Nestlé Pakistan, in collaboration with the Pakistan Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (PCSIR) the Pakistan Society of Food Scientists & Technologists (PSFST) the Department of Food Science University of the Punjab and NUR International University (NIU) successfully commemorated World Food Safety Day 2026 under the theme From Burden to Solutions: Safe Food Everywhere ”The event brought together key government representatives regulators academia industry leaders and students to advance dialogue on strengthening Pakistan s food safety ecosystem Distinguished participants included Dr Kiran Khurshid, Secretary, Food Safety and Consumer Protection Department (FS&CPD), Punjab; Jason Avanceña, Chief Executive Officer, Nestlé Pakistan; and leadership from provincial food authorities including the Punjab Sindh and Balochistan Food Authorities as well as the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority The discussions focused on food safety quality, traceability, nutritional labelling, and food information for consumers, with an emphasis on practical, science-based, and locally relevant approaches to strengthen consumer understanding and enable informed choices In his remarks Jason Avanceña highlighted that at Nestlé food safety is not just a priority it is our license to operate our foundation of trust, and our most important responsibility to consumers Dr Kiran Khurshid underscored the importance of collective action, emphasizing that government, regulators, academia and industry must work together in this shared responsibility to advance safer food systems and collaborative progress
All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA) has welcomed a multi-agency crackdown against an illegal cement manufacturing unit operating under the name M/s Red Bull Cement on Sargodha Faisalabad Road associated with Rohri Cement APCMA appreciated the efforts of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the District Industries Department for taking timely and decisive action against the unauthorized unit through written orders communicated to M/s Red Bull As reported, the relevant authorities on detailed inspection found the unit to be operating without mandatory approvals registrations environmental clearances and other statutory permissions required under law and accordingly sealed the premises and suspended operations The association commended the commitment shown by the concerned government departments in upholding the rule of law and protecting legitimate businesses Illegal cement manufacturing not only causes substantial losses to the national exchequer through tax evasion but also undermines fair competition by bypassing the environmental, quality, safety, and regulatory requirements that compliant manufacturers are obligated to meet
KARACHI S TA F F R E P O R T Following their announcement as Spotify EQUAL Pakistan Ambassadors for Q2 2026 earlier this quarter, the Sabri Sisters were featured on Spotify s iconic Times Square billboard in New York City on June 17, joining a growing list of Pakistani women artists showcased on a global stage through the EQUAL program Torchbearers of a legendary musical legacy and breaking stereotypes in a genre traditionally dominated by men the breakout duo of Sanam and Anamta Sabri is bridging the gap between spiritual traditions and contemporary sounds Nieces of the legendary late Amjad Sabri and direct descendants of the iconic Sabri Brothers the Sabri Sisters first made headlines in 2017 when they released a Persian-Punjabi manqabat in honor of their late uncle on the first anniversary of his passing Since then, tracks such as the hit OST Meri Zindagi Hai Tu” with Asim Azhar and the viral “Maghron La” have helped cement their reputation as artists bringing a fresh perspective to Sufi and qawwali-inspired music
IF 2018 ELECTION WAS LEGITIMATE, CURRENT GOVT MUST ALSO BE CONSIDERED LEGITIMATE: PM
earlier He said Pakistan had made sincere efforts to facilitate dialogue and reconciliation which resulted in a joint statement He said a ceasefire between Iran and the United States had come into effect and that technical-level talks would continue over the next 60 days
French woman rescued from Bara house
Pakistan, Russia voice concern over Afghanistan based terror threats at securit y talks
Pakistan and Russia on Tuesday reviewed the evolving regional security landscape and expressed shared concerns over terrorist threats emanating from Afghanistan underscoring the need for coordinated efforts to counter terrorism and safeguard regional stability The discussions took place during the 12th meeting of the Pakistan-Russia Joint Working Group (JWG) on Countering International Terrorism held in Islamabad Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Muhammad Khalid Khan Jamali and Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation Dmitry Lyubinsky led their respective delegations according to a Foreign Office spokesperson
The two sides reviewed the current state of bilateral cooperation in counterterrorism and explored avenues for further strengthening collaboration at regional and
international forums particularly the United Nations (UN) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) The discussions focused extensively on regional terrorist threats, with particular emphasis on terrorism emanating from Afghanistan and the risks it poses to neighbouring countries and wider regional security the FO said
During the dialogue, the Pakistani delegation stressed the need for immediate, sustained and verifiable action by the relevant authorities in Afghanistan against terrorist groups operating from its territory
The delegation emphasized that Afghan soil must not be allowed to be used for planning, facilitating or conducting terrorist activities against any country, the Foreign Office statement said
The two sides also exchanged views on emerging trends in terrorism including the increasing use of new technologies and innovative methods for financing, recruitment and operational coordination by terrorist organiza-
tions the statement said
Recognizing the evolving nature of terrorist threats, both countries underscored the importance of enhanced cooperation and coordinated responses to effectively address these challenges
Expressing satisfaction over the growing trajectory of bilateral counterterrorism cooperation the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding collaboration and strengthening coordination at both regional and multilateral platforms the FO said Establishment of Pak-Russia JWG
The Pakistan-Russia Joint Working Group on Combating International Terrorism and Other Challenges to Security was established in February 2003 during former president Pervez Musharraf s visit to Moscow The mechanism was created to institutionalize bilateral security cooperation, coordinate counternarcotics efforts and address issues related to regional stability, according to the Foreign Office
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz
S TA F F R E P O R T Child Protection and Welfare Bureau Punjab Chairperson and MPA Sarah Ahmad has reaffirmed Pakistan s resolve to eliminate violence against children while representing the country at the South Asia Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children in Colombo Sri Lanka According to details shared from the conference Sarah Ahmad said Pakistan was pursuing child rights and protection through stronger laws institutional reforms better child protection services and closer coordination across sectors She also outlined progress in broadening child protection mechanisms in the country, reinforcing Child Protection Units, improving reporting and referral systems encouraging positive parenting initiatives strengthening online child safety measures and preparing Pakistan s first National Strategic Action Plan on Violence Against Children
She said child protection remained a national priority, noting that nearly half of Pakistan s population consisted of children and describing their safety and well-being as an important investment in the country’s future Sarah Ahmad also restated Pakistan’s commitment to the Convention on the Rights of the Child the Sustainable Development Goals and the pledges made at the Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children
Addressing regional cooperation, she stressed the need for South Asian countries to work together and exchange knowledge in response to challenges including online exploitation child marriage abuse and neglect She also thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for nominating her to represent Pakistan at the regional forum In her remarks, Sarah Ahmad said It is an honour to represent Pakistan at this significant Ministerial Conference Pakistan remains fully committed to ensuring that every child grows up safe, protected, respected, and able to realise their full potential” The conference was jointly organised by the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation Unicef and the World Health Organisation
ISLAMABAD
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has fixed July 1 for hearings involving Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa and Islamabad authorities over delays in providing maps and other material required for local government elections
At a meeting at the ECP Secretariat chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja and attended by ECP members, the ECP secretary and senior officials, the commission reviewed arrangements for local government elections in Islamabad Punjab and KP During the meeting the com-
mission expressed concern that the KP government had not yet supplied the required maps and related data for 15 districts despite repeated requests
Citing Article 220 of the Constitution, under which executive authorities are required to assist the ECP, the commission ordered notices to be issued to the KP chief secretary and the local government secretary They were directed to submit the required maps and data before July 1, and were also asked to appear in person to explain the delay The tenure of local governments in KP ended on March 15 this year Under the Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa Local Government Act 2013 local representatives are elected for a four-year term Islamabad case also fixed for July 1 The ECP was informed that the matter relating to delimitation of town corporations and notification of the number of union councils in each town corporation in Islamabad had been sent to the federal cabinet for approval However the commission noted that it had still not received the notifications or the maps The commission then fixed Islamabad’s case for hearing on July 1 as well and ordered notices to the Islamabad chief commissioner and deputy commissioner