g TEHRAN PRAISES PAKISTAN’S DIPLOMACY AND ROLE IN BROKERING THE ISLAMABAD MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
g FIELD MARSHAL A SIM MUNIR, IRANIAN INTERIOR MINISTER DISCUSS BORDER SECURITY, REGIONAL STABILITY AND BILATERAL COOPERATION
g MOMENI SAYS EXPANDING CROSS BORDER TRANSPORT KEY TO ACHIEVING $10B BILATERAL TRADE TARGET
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
PREMIER EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER ESCALATING MIDDLE EAST SITUATION
Earlier, Momeni called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister s House where the premier expressed concern over the escalating situation in the Middle East and reiterated Pakistan s willingness to sincerely mediate in the conflict between the United States and Iran According to an official press release issued by the Prime Minister s Office The Prime Minister shared his deep concern over the recent escalation in the Gulf region and urged all sides to exercise restraint and refrain from actions that could further destabilise the region While emphasising that Pakistan would continue to play its role as an honest and sincere mediator and facilitator the prime minister reiterated Pakistan s strong commitment to regional peace and stability ” Deputy Prime Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar Interior and Narcotics Control Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Adviser to the Prime Minister Dr Syed Tauqir Shah, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry and other senior government officials also attended the meeting The prime minister welcomed the Iranian interior minister and his delegation to Pakistan and, recalling his visit to Tehran earlier this month to attend the funeral ceremony of late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei conveyed his respect-
ful regards and best wishes to Supreme Leader Sayyid Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei and President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian
Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni thanked the prime minister for the warm welcome extended to him and his delegation and conveyed the greetings and best wishes of the Iranian leadership
He said he was leading a highlevel delegation to further strengthen bilateral ties between the two neighbouring countries
The Iranian minister also expressed deep appreciation for the prime minister, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for their untiring mediation efforts that led to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) He also thanked the prime minister for attending the funeral ceremony of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei in Tehran Momeni arrived in Pakistan on an official visit on Monday night and was received by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in Islamabad He is accompanied by a high-level delegation Earlier reports had suggested that the Iranian minister was likely to engage Pakistani officials who previously mediated the now-collapsed interim ceasefire between the United States and Iran
Prior to his meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif a police parade was held in honour of the visiting Iranian interior minister in Islamabad, according to a post shared by the Interior Ministry on X
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry accompanied Momeni during the ceremony and later visited the Pakistan Monument with him where a contingent of the Federal Constabulary presented a guard of honour to the visiting dignitary EFFORTS TO REVIVE ISLAMABAD MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
Momeni’s visit comes as Pakistan continues its diplomatic efforts to revive the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed last month between the United States and Iran with the aim of ending the conflict that erupted after US-Israeli attacks on Iran in late February However hostilities soon resumed with the United States carrying out strikes in Iran for the 10th consecutive day late on Monday, prompting Iran to target US radar and air defence installations in the Gulf on Tuesday Following US President Donald Trump s remarks earlier this month that the ceasefire between Washington and Tehran was over , Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Monday that his country was fighting a “full-scale war”, while Tehran blamed Washington for violating the MoU
The Bab el- Mandeb blockade might be as bad as the Hormuz one
Tthe ocean but after the US-Israeli attack on Iran led to the blocking of the Hormuz Strait it used the Bab el-Mandeb for its eastern province’s output One of the countries which has received Saudi oil through this route has been Pakistan, which is otherwise virtually completely dependent on the Hormuz Strait for its oil
The Houthis have used their ability to operate freely in Yemen before, when they imposed a blockade on all shipping from the Bab al-Mandeb, and thus effectively blockaded the Suez Canal Saudi can continue exporting to Europe for its western coast output can remain in the Red Sea and transit the Suez Canal into the Mediterranean so as to supply Europe However there is still the possibility of a blockade of Suez Canal traffic through the Bab el-Mandeb As last year ’s experience taught the blockade need only mean a couple of missiles shot at ships not necessarily striking them Insurance and shipping rates will climb high enough to make it more feasible to take the route around the Cape of Good Hope Pakistan needs to work carefully to keep its oil flowing The effect on oil prices is likely to take a little time to take effect, and the markets have not reacted with panic After the shock of the Hormuz Strait, the Bab elMandeb may seem minor, even though it could prove to be the last straw which broke the camel s back It should not be forgotten that the camel s back is already broken
Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
M A Niazi Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami Editor Profit
EVIDENCE keeps piling up that the longclaimed bipartisan consensus on US support for Israel is dead Almost daily there are signs that Israeli behaviour and the heavyhanded tactics used by the pro-Israel lobby to browbeat elected officials into unquestioning support for Israel are being rejected not only by Democratic voters but increasingly by elected Democrats as well Events this past week make this clear When the Democratic nominee for Senate in Maine was forced to withdraw because of allegations of sexual assault, pro-Israel groups were initially relieved because he had been a harsh critic of Israeli policies and had called for eliminating their military aid The relief was short-lived however since all of the leading candidates vying to assume the Democratic slot on the ballot have now adopted the same views charging Israel with genocide calling for an end to military aid to Israel, and rejecting support from the pro-Israel lobby These aren t positions most of these candidates had taken before, but they know that if they want to win the Democratic nomination and the November election these are positions they must now embrace Even Democrats vying for the presidency are demonstrating their willingness to establish independence from what had been the pro-Israel consensus Gone are the days when a candidate
of Israeli policy His speech was overshadowed by Congressman Ro Khanna who visited the West Bank, where he was detained and harassed by menacing armed Israeli settlers Khanna received more press coverage than Emanuel s speech This will no doubt continue as Khanna makes the media circuit relating his eyewitness account of the repressive circumstances that define Palestinian daily life under occupation Because Emanuel and Khanna are potential presidential contenders the fact that they chose to make these visits and criticism of Israeli policies a key part of their opening volleys spoke volumes about where Democrats are on this issue Just a few days later, back in Washington, two votes in Congress added further weight to the case that there is change In the Senate Democrats presented a united front to block a Republican effort supported by Israel that would have merged US and Israeli military and intelligence cooperation It would have replaced aid to Israel with guaranteed cooperation and co-production of military equipment, thereby eliminating the ability of future US administrations to limit unacceptable use of US military supplies At the same time the House of Representatives voted on an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that would have cut the annual $3 3 billion US aid package to Israel This measure was supported by
T h e c o s t o f s t r a t e g i c a r r o g a n c e
Iran needs to rethink
Tis equally measured by economic strength, technological innovation, diplomatic credibility, institutional stability and the welfare of its people A state that neglects these foundations eventually weakens itself regardless of its military posture The conflict has demonstrated that modern warfare is no longer fought primarily through large armies clashing across conventional battlefields Precision intelligence, satellite surveillance, cyber capabilities, artificial intelligence, and long-range strike systems now enable militaries
bridges railways communication systems and supply routes These are not simply civilian assets They are the arteries that sustain a nation s ability to fight Once logistics are disrupted and command systems fractured, even a wellequipped military struggles to operate effectively Equally significant has been the vulnerability of senior leadership Modern intelligencedriven warfare increasingly focuses on disrupting command and decision-making at the highest levels Eliminating experienced commanders creates confusion that no amount of political rhetoric can easily overcome Yet the military dimension tells only part of the story Perhaps Iran s greatest strategic miscalculation was believing that geopolitical leverage could compensate for widening economic and technological gaps For decades, Tehran viewed the Strait of Hormuz as its ultimate strategic asset, assuming its ability to threaten one of the world’s most vital energy corridors Yet geography alone cannot guarantee strategic advantage It must be supported by resilient infrastructure secure logistics effective communications, and economic endurance Once ports are isolated, transport networks disrupted, and supply lines severed, even the most critical chokepoints lose much of their strategic value History repeatedly shows that states pursue interests not emotions Countries often expect strategic partners to intervene decisively during moments of crisis In reality major powers carefully calculate costs and benefits before taking military risks Diplomatic statements, economic cooperation, and political sympathy do not necessarily translate into battlefield support Every nation ultimately discovers that its own preparedness remains its strongest guarantee of security Beyond the battlefield the conflict raises a more fundamental question about political priorities What is the ultimate purpose of state power? Is it to preserve ideological narratives regardless of economic hardship? Or is it to create prosperity, security dignity and opportunity for citizens?
National greatness cannot be measured solely by regional influence or military symbolism It must also be measured by the quality of education, healthcare, employment, infrastructure, scientific progress, and the confidence people have
in their future A nation whose citizens face decades of sanctions shrinking opportunities and economic uncertainty inevitably pays a price that cannot be hidden behind patriotic slogans Many governments confuse strategic ambition with strategic capability believing political resolve can overcome economic weakness and technological gaps History proves otherwise Enduring power rests on strong institutions a resilient economy, innovation, diplomacy, and investment in people Military strength reinforces these foundations It cannot substitute for them The greatest price of strategic miscalculation is paid by ordinary citizens Governments may survive but families lose homes and livelihoods infrastructure is destroyed investment disappears and generations inherit insecurity instead of opportunity
Strength is not measured by refusing compromise or prolonging confrontation It lies in recognizing when diplomacy better serves the national interest than conflict Pragmatism is not surrender It is sound statesmanship Iran has every advantage a nation could wish for: a strategic location, vast natural resources, an educated population, and one of the world s oldest civilizations These assets could make it one of the Middle East’s most prosperous and influential countries But lasting power is built by investing in people strengthening the economy and expanding opportunity not by pursuing ideological ambitions at the expense of national welfare
The defining lesson of this conflict is neither military nor ideological It is political Nations do not become great because they aspire to regional dominance They become great because they build strong economies resilient institutions constructive diplomacy and societies where citizens have reason to hope When governments place ideology above people and ambition above realism, they eventually discover that strategic arrogance carries a price no nation can afford
The writer has a PhD in Political Science and is a visiting faculty member at QAU Islamabad He can be reached at zafarkhansafdar@yahoo com and tweets @zafarkhansafdar
Marriage as crime
SHAITAL and Zrak had married for love about a year-and-a-half ago, fleeing the chains of tribal customs On Eidul Azha this year, their families called, pretending forgiveness, but it was a trap In Mastung’s Dagari area near Quetta Shaital’s own brother with over 15 men brutally murdered the couple in the name of honour In the video of the cold-blooded killing that went viral on social media recently, Shaital’s last words to her brother can be heard clearly; “Just shoot me do not do anything else” Tears roll down one’s eyes hearing these words of a brave girl who knew her fate in a tribal society One of the main reasons why women’s marriage by choice is seen as a threat in such a culture is the fear of losing out on inheritance While male ego and tribal pride are generally condemned for such heinous acts, like killing, the element of property often gets ignored It is critical to acknowledge the significance of the main element behind the so-called honour killings Daughters and sisters also have a legal and rightful share in the family s property, but men in most tribal families fear having to share the inheritance, and as such do not allow women to marry of their own choice
This is not culture, this is plain cruelty There was a time girls were buried alive Now they are shot for marrying by choice We share messages We post hashtags But where is justice? Why are these killers never hanged in public? Until action replaces silence women will continue to die
Securit y unraveling fast
THE Lakki Marwat district in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) is facing a grave security crisis The unrest stems from a combination of deeply rooted structural issues and the intensifying threat of terrorism, with both feeding each other in a destructive loop
Since the return of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, Pakistan has witnessed a steep rise in militant violence Lakki Marwat and neighbouring districts of Dera Ismail Khan, Tank
Dr ZAfAr KHAN SAfDAr
Remarks about Army Mar t yrs draw strong reactions
JUI(F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman sparked widespread controversy after remarks made during a political gathering were widely interpreted as equating the sacrifices of Pakistan's martyrs with the concept of a monthly salary The comments triggered strong public backlash across the country with many viewing the comparison as disrespectful to those who gave their lives for the nation's sovereignty and security The controversy has grown beyond a political dispute into a broader debate about patriotism sacrifice honour and the nation s obligation to remember its fallen soldiers Many Pakistanis regard the perceived comparison as morally unacceptable and believe it undermines the values associated with the country's history of conflict and counterterrorism efforts
Political leaders from rival parties including the PML(N) and the PPP jointly condemned the remarks emphasizing that a soldier s sacrifice cannot be measured in financial terms and that martyrdom reflects devotion, duty, and an enduring bond between the armed forces and the nation They argued that the families of martyrs mourn the loss of loved ones rather than lost income and rejected the idea that patriotism can be reduced to material compensation
Intellectuals, retired bureaucrats, academics, and artists also criticized the comments, describing them as offensive to the nation's collective memory and particularly painful for the families of martyrs from the wars of 1948 1965 1971 and the fight against terrorism They maintained that the sacrifices of martyrs symbolize selflessness, inspire future generations, and form an important part of Pakistan's moral and national identity, making any perceived attempt to diminish them deeply hurtful and widely condemned
The nationwide condemnation has been extraordinary with critics from every walk of life arguing that the amount to a blatant and calculated insult to the sacrifices of Pakistan's martyrs The critics have meticu-
lously dissected the statement pointing out that a soldier s decision to embrace martyrdom is driven by a complex interplay of duty honour faith and an unshakable love for the motherland, none of which can be quantified in terms of currency They have drawn attention to the fact that Pakistan has lost thousands in the line of duty and each one of these martyrs made a conscious choice to prioritize the nation s survival over their own personal safety and well-being
To suggest that they were merely doing a job for a salary is to grossly misrepresent their commitment and to show a complete disregard for the cultural and religious significance of martyrdom In Islam the status of a shaheed is considered to be among the highest in the afterlife and the families of martyrs are held in great esteem for their sacrifice By making his controversial remarks, the critics argued, the Maulana has not only offended the sensibilities of the nation but has also transgressed the boundaries of religious respect a particularly ironic offence for a cleric
People have described the statement as unacceptable, as it deeply hurt the emotions of millions of Pakistanis who view the martyrs as personal heroes and protectors of their way of life The Pakistani identity is inextricably linked to the concept of sacrifice a concept repeatedly tested and proven throughout the country s history
The families of those who sacrificed their lives in service of the country are regarded as the living symbols of this national virtue, and entitled to the utmost respect from every citizen and every public figure
The JUI(F) chief ’s statement has therefore been perceived as a violation of this a breach of the implicit trust that the people place in their leaders to uphold the dignity of the nation s heroes
The widespread condemnation is thus not merely a reaction to a single political gaffe; but a collective defence mechanism of a society determined to protect the sanctity of its most cherished symbols The peo-
ple are sending an unambiguous message that the martyrs are beyond reproach and beyond political point-scoring and any attempt to use them as a tool for political rhetoric will be met with fierce resistance
This is a matter of national pride and collective self-respect, and the public has made it abundantly clear it will not allow anyone regardless of political stature to tarnish the legacy of the fallen
Such remarks are not acceptable to people, and the public has demonstrated this through its condemnation The common citizen, who may not be deeply involved in the intricacies of political manoeuvring understands intuitively that the peace and security of today are the direct results of the blood shed by the soldiers of the Pakistan Army
The people acknowledge the remarkable services of the Pakistan Army with profound gratitude, recognizing that without the Army's dedication the nation would have long succumbed to the forces of chaos extremism and external aggression The army has not only defended the country from foreign threats but has also played a pivotal role in disaster relief, thereby earning the enduring affection and trust of the populace
This deep-seated respect is not cultivated through propaganda but earned through consistent sacrifice and service and it is this genuine appreciation that has been affronted by the Maulana s thoughtless words The people's love for the Pakistan Army is a testament to their understanding that it is the ultimate guarantor of their freedom
The nation is acutely aware that the Pakistan Army has ensured our peace by giving its very blood and this fundamental truth has been the bedrock of the civil-military relationship Every inch of Pakistani soil is soaked with the sweat and blood of its soldiers, who have fought valiantly to repel invaders, crush insurgencies, and maintain law and order in the face of overwhelming odds
The war against terrorism which has now lasted two decades was a particularly
brutal chapter in this history,
Ultimately, the entire episode has reaffirmed the unshakeable and durable bond between the people of Pakistan and their armed forces, a bond that is built on a foundation of mutual sacrifice, unwavering respect, and a shared vision for a secure and sovereign Pakistan. The collective voice of the nation, speaking in a thunderous chorus of unity, has defended the honour of its martyrs and has sent a powerful and enduring message that their sacrifices will never be forgotten, nor will they ever be trivialized by any political expediency or rhetorical misstep
Chinese AI company’s success rattles OpenAI executive
Bab el-Mandeb and the coming age of chokepoint warfare
suppress China s technological development are, at their root driven by exactly this mentality What they fear is that developers around the world will rely on Chinese opensource models to innovate and forge a new path different from the American model In their logic, only their own expensive subscription services represent “progress,” while making advanced models freely available to the world somehow becomes shortsightedness Behind such rhetoric
lies the arrogance of hegemony: Only we are entitled to stand at the top of the pyramid, while everyone else should simply keep paying rent As open-source sharing begins to shake the foundations of their competitive moat their instinct is to weld the gate shut Even more disgraceful is Ball s explicit call for the US government s intervention Is there any professional integrity expected of a technology leader? Rather than competing through better code and algorithms he appears to be inviting McCarthyism back into the technology sector and replacing innovation with the stick of hegemonic power That will do nothing to advance US technological leadership Instead, it reveals what truly worries them What they fear is not a “China threat ” but the collapse of their own narrative as the attention and creativity of capital and developers are steadily shifting toward the open-source community Far from restoring OpenAI s reputation, Ball’s remarks have drawn widespread criticism on overseas social media platforms Some analysts have argued that Kimi K3 could represent a major turning point for the AI industry which is potentially negative for Anthropic and OpenAI while being net positive for essentially every other company in the world ” Open source is not only a scientific ethos for the digital age but also an inevitable trend for the sustainable development of the global AI industry The more anxious people like Ball become the more they prove exactly that
failure stretched across a kingdom The pipeline snakes through territory vulnerable to Iranian missile strikes, Houthi drone attacks and internal sabotage Its pumping stations are exposed; its terminal at Yanbu is a sitting duck The kingdom has been diverting more than 70 per cent of its crude exports to Yanbu since Hormuz was effectively shut Yet even this desperate gambit now hangs by a thread Weekly crude loadings from Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea terminals have already plunged 36 per cent from 9 5 million barrels per day to 6 1 million in just two weeks as the Houthi threat materialised The Houthis have signalled they are prepared to expand the confrontation from Yemen s territory into the Red Sea maritime domain,” in the words of Chatham House’s Neil Quilliam This is not a blockade; this is an execution The doctrinal paradox at the heart of this crisis is devastatingly simple: modern mili-
GLOBAL TIMES
Abdul bAsit Alvi
Empowering Pakistan Through FinTech and E-Commerce
AAs AI continues to evolve, businesses that fail to adopt these technologies risk falling behind their competitors
Another key driver of economic growth is e-commerce Online marketplaces have removed geographical barriers, allowing businesses to sell products and services across the globe Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) which often struggle to reach international customers through traditional channels can now access global markets with relatively low investment Entrepreneurs can establish online stores, promote products through digital marketing, and receive payments electronically This creates employment opportunities and encourages innovation among young people FinTech or Financial Technology is equally important in supporting digital business FinTech combines finance and technology to provide faster, safer, and more convenient financial services Digital payment systems mobile banking online wallets blockchain technology and digital lending platforms make financial transactions easier for businesses and consumers alike Secure digital pay-
ment systems are essential for successful e-commerce because they build trust between buyers and sellers FinTech also promotes financial inclusion by providing access to financial services for individuals and businesses that may not have access to traditional banking Recognizing these global trends the National Skills University (NSU) has taken a significant step by introducing Bachelor of Science (BS) programs in FinTech and E-Commerce These programs are designed to equip students with the knowledge and practical skills required in the rapidly evolving digital economy Students learn about Artificial Intelligence financial technologies digital payment systems, blockchain, cybersecurity, online marketing, business analytics, entrepreneurship, and e-commerce management The curriculum emphasizes practical learning innovation and industry collaboration to ensure graduates are prepared for real-world challenges The BS FinTech and BS E-Commerce programs at NSU aim to produce graduates who are not only job seekers but also job creators Students are encouraged to establish online businesses develop digital solutions launch technology startups and participate in the global freelance economy With appropriate skills and entrepreneurial thinking, they can earn income in US dollars by providing software development AI solutions digital marketing financial consulting web development and online retail services to international clients This contributes not only to their personal financial success but also to Pakistan's
economic development
Furthermore AI FinTech and ecommerce promote innovation and sustainable growth Businesses can reduce operational costs, improve productivity, enhance customer satisfaction and make data-driven decisions Governments also benefit through greater financial transparency improved tax collection and increased formalization of the digital economy Educational institutions such as NSU play a crucial role by preparing a skilled workforce capable of competing in the global digital marketplace Artificial Intelligence has become the driving force behind modern business success Combined with FinTech and e-commerce, it provides unprecedented opportunities for economic growth, entrepreneurship, and international trade Pakistan has tremendous potential to earn valuable foreign exchange through digital exports and online businesses To achieve this goal universities must equip students with future-ready skills that align with global technological developments The National Skills University's BS programs in FinTech and E-Commerce represent an important investment in Pakistan s digital future By embracing AI promoting innovation and encouraging online entrepreneurship, we can empower our youth, earn more dollars through global digital markets, and build a stronger more resilient economy for generations to come National skills University Islamabad (nadeem iqbal@nsu edu pk) Drnadeemiqbal1@gmail com
Lebanese army begins takeover of ‘pilot zones’
WASHINGTON A G E N C I E S
The Lebanese army began taking charge of security in three southern villages on Monday, the United States said, as a deal to secure an Israeli withdrawal from south Lebanon and the disarmament of Hezbollah faced its first test on the ground
The US State Department said operations had started in pilot zones in Froun, Srifa and Zawtar al-Gharbiya in accordance with the Trilateral Framework and under the auspices of the Military Coordination Group for Lebanon ” State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott described the step as a direct outcome of talks held between Israeli and Lebanese delegations in Rome last week, adding that Washington would keep working with both sides “to implement the framework to a successful conclusion ” The framework signed by Lebanon Israel and the United States on June 26 after several rounds of direct negotiations, envisions a phased Israeli pullback from positions in south Lebanon In exchange, the Lebanese Armed
Forces are to assume sole security control of vacated areas and certify that they have been cleared of Hezbollah weapons and infrastructure
The pilot zones are intended to trial the approach in a handful of villages straddling the Litani River before it is extended to other areas Hezbollah has rejected the framework with the Iranbacked group insisting any arrangement in Lebanon be linked to wider negotiations between Washington and Tehran It has not said whether it will resist implementation in the designated areas
The agreement does not set a timetable for Israel’s withdrawal Israeli officials have also vowed that their forces will remain in a security zone 10 kilometres (six miles) deep along the frontier for as long as Hezbollah remains armed Lebanon and Israel, which have no formal relations, started negotiations after Iran-backed Hezbollah drew Lebanon into the broader Middle East war by attacking Israel in March
Lebanon s military said last week that troops had begun intensifying patrols in several villages adjacent to areas occupied by Israeli forces in southern Lebanon, including Froun Is-
raeli forces are however present on the outskirts of Zawtar al-Gharbiya
In a statement shared following the state department s announcement the Lebanese military said troops continue to carry out their missions in the southern regions, including the towns of Froun and Srifa ” “In parallel coordination is underway with the Military Coordination Group for Lebanon (MCG4L) to begin deployment in the town of Zawtar alGharbiya, awaiting Israel s withdrawal from there, the army added, warning citizens against heading to the town The framework agreement was reached following a fragile ceasefire in the Israel-Hezbollah
of State
met with Lebanese
to assess progress across ASEAN’s political-security, economic and socio-cultural pillars before submitting recommendations to leaders for the ASEAN Summit scheduled for November The meetings are also expected to examine ways to reinforce ASEAN centrality push forward regional integration under the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, and deepen cooperation with outside partners
Lahore Police arrests 4,032 in crackdown on drug dealers
LAHORE STAFF REPORT
The Capital City Police have arrested 4 032 suspects and registered cases against them during an extensive crackdown against drug peddlers across the provincial capital during the ongoing year
This was stated by the Lahore Police spokesperson in a statement issued here on Tuesday During intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling drug supply networks, police teams recovered large quantities of narcotics from the possession of the arrested suspects The seized contraband includes 1 426 kilograms of hashish 412 kilograms of Ice (crystal meth) 90 kilograms of heroin 333 kilograms of cannabis (bhang) and 39 kilograms of opium Furthermore, police confiscated and disposed of more than 18,000 litres of liquor seized during raids in various parts of the city In a statement Capital City Police Officer Bilal Siddique Kamyana affirmed that indiscriminate operations against those involved in the narcotics trade would
Punjab fully prepared for monsoon as govt completes comprehensive neasures: Azma
S TA F F R E P O R T Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari has said that, under the directions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif the Punjab Government completed all necessary arrangements well before the onset of the monsoon season to ensure that citizens face no inconvenience during heavy rains She said the government has undertaken historic measures across the province to modernize the urban drainage system and enhance its capacity Azma Bokhari stated that WASA has now been established in all dis-
tricts of Punjab In the first phase 272 pieces of modern machinery across 12 different categories have been provided to WASA operations in 15 districts She added that, in the next phase 694 additional machines will be supplied across the province significantly strengthening the drainage infrastructure According to her this is the largest WASA development programme in Punjab s history, aimed at ensuring efficient and timely municipal services for the public The provincial minister further said that construction work on 105 underground water storage tanks is progressing rapidly across Punjab Of these, 82 tanks have already been com-
SSGC senior GM assures MNA Syed Waseem Hussain of resolving gas supply issues
KARACHI STAFF REPORT
to conduct a fresh technical and financial assessment The study will evaluate the project s revised implementation cost return on investment (ROI) operational benefits and long-term economic viability under the new net billing regime The updated feasibility will also examine alternative implementation strategies to ensure the project continues to deliver maximum value while supporting CBD Punjab s vision of sustainable and climate-resilient urban development Upon completion of the study the Authority will proceed with the project in accordance with the consultant s recommendations and initiate a fresh procurement process under the revised project parameters
Madni Siddiqui Senior General Manager (SGM) for Strategic Business Unit Upper Sindh and Balochistan (SBU – US&B), SSGC, recently held a meeting with MNA –Syed Waseem Hussain at regional office –Hyderabad to discuss the gas supply related concerns SSGC delegation led by Madni Siddiqui and regional head – Hyderabad Farooq Nizamani welcomed Mr Waseem Hussain, alongside respective sectional heads The meetings focused on addressing the concerns of the residents of Hyderabad, and adjoining areas, specifically related to gas supply and the use of gas suction machines
Bokhari
pleted while work on the remaining 23 tanks is in its final stages She added that 78 percent of the overall project has been completed, and the remaining storage tanks are expected to be completed within the next 11 days Azma Bokhari said the underground water storage project will not only improve rainwater management but will also play a significant role in enhancing groundwater recharge and strengthening long-term water conservation She emphasized that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif is not merely addressing present-day challenges but is laying the foundation for Punjab s water storage system for the next 50 years
IMC sponsors leadership camp for 50 girls thru Toyota Maimaar 2026
IncIdents AmId Fl Ash Flood hAvoc
AISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Tuesday issued a nationwide alert warning of flash floods urban flooding landslides and rising river flows across several parts of Pakistan from July 21 to 24 directing provincial and district administrations to remain on high alert, deploy emergency response teams and implement precautionary measures in vulnerable areas as heavy monsoon rains are forecast to affect large parts of the country In its latest advisory the NDMA warned that heavy rainfall could trigger flash floods in rivers local streams and mountain waterways across GilgitBaltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Punjab and northeastern Balochistan while urging authorities to closely monitor the evolving weather situation and ensure emergency preparedness According to the authority, Hunza,
Shigar and Ghanche districts in GilgitBaltistan face the risk of flash floods in the Shimshal, Hunza, Chapursan, Kilik, Shigar, Shyok and Hushe rivers In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, water levels are expected to rise dangerously in the Jhelum Neelum Poonch and Mahl rivers as well as in Betar and Bhimber nullahs Kanshi River and tributaries of the Jhelum and Poonch rivers The NDMA said flash floods may also occur in the Chitral, Kabul, Swat and Panjkora rivers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa It added that local streams in Khyber Kurram Orakzai Kohat Bannu Karak Hangu Lakki Marwat North and South Waziristan Bajaur, Mohmand, Mansehra, Buner and Swabi districts are also vulnerable to flooding In Punjab hill torrents in Dera Ghazi Khan the Soan River and the Potohar region may experience high water flows while flooding is also expected in rivers and seasonal streams across northeastern Balochistan
for monitoring, intelligence sharing, inter-agency coordination and nationwide operational support Its Immigration Monitoring Unit and Integrated Border Management System provide real-time oversight of passenger movements biometric verification and screening at all entry and exit points The Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Desk coordinates intelligence-led action against organised smuggling networks, while the Risk Analysis Unit identifies suspicious travel patterns high-risk individuals and emerging threats The centre also houses dedicated anti-money laundering and virtual currency investigation units while its Interpol Desk serves as Pakistan s national coordination point for international law enforcement cooperation
PM reaffirms support for newly-elected GB government, unveils development roadmap
ISLAMABAD
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on
Tuesday reaffirmed the federal government s commitment to work closely with the newly elected Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) administration to accelerate the region’s development and improve the welfare of its people announcing plans for major initiatives in renewable energy tourism infrastructure, health and education, alongside flagship projects including Danish schools, a 100megawatt solar project and Pakistan Asaan Khidmat Centres
The prime minister made the remarks during a meeting with Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Amjad Hussain, who called on him at the Prime Minister House in Islamabad, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister ’s Office (PMO)
Congratulating the newly elected chief minister on assuming office, PM Shehbaz assured him that the federal government was fully committed to working with the new GB administration for the
welfare and well-being of the people of the region
According to the PMO statement the prime minister said the government was planning a series of key development projects across Gilgit-Baltistan, including initiatives in renewable energy, tourism, infrastructure health and education to ensure sustained progress and prosperity in the region
Highlighting the government s priorities, the prime minister said Danish schools and a 100megawatt solar energy project were among the federal government's flagship initiatives for Gilgit-Baltistan
He added that the government was also planning to establish Pakistan Asaan Khidmat Centres (PAKC) in Gilgit-Baltistan to facilitate residents and improve access to public services
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal and Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema also attended the meeting
On June 22, PPP-nominated candidate Amjad Hussain was
elected unopposed as chief minister of the region while the PML-N’s Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman was elected as the leader of the opposition
The PPP-backed chief minister secured the support of at least 28 members from the PPP, the PMLN and the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party in the 33-member house
The first session of the assembly saw 30 members take the oath followed by the election of the two key constitutional offices of speaker and deputy speaker PPP’s Imran Nadeem, a newly elected member of the GB Assembly from Shigar district was declared elected as speaker after no other candidate submitted nomination papers for the post within the stipulated time
The 33-member assembly comprises 24 general seats, six reserved seats for women and three seats for technocrats and professionals Although all nine reserved seats have been allocated the Gilgit-Baltistan Election Commission has so far issued notifications for only 21 of the 24 general seats, taking the total number of notified members to 30
Govt moves ahead with sale of 30% Pakistan National Shipping Corporation stake to NLC
The federal government has formed two sub-committees to finalise the financial, commercial and legal terms of the proposed sale of a 30% stake in Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) to the National Logistics Corporation (NLC), including the sale price, payment plan, dividend distribution, use of proceeds and mechanism for transferring management control according to a briefing by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs to the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC)
The first sub-committee headed by the Adviser to the Prime Minister on Privatisation, includes the secretaries of Finance, Law & Justice and Maritime Affairs the Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and the DG NLC It will finalise the sale price payment structure, dividend distribution and the mechanism for injecting proceeds into PNSC
The second sub-committee, chaired by the Secretary Law & Justice Division includes representatives of the Finance Maritime Affairs and Privatisation divisions, SECP and NLC
It will handle the legal side of the transaction including the Share Purchase Agreement, Shareholders’ Agreement and transfer of management control The ECC endorsed the proposal and stressed the need to involve the private sector in future initiatives to improve efficiency and maximise the maritime sector s potential The Ministry of Maritime Affairs also proposed an Implementation Committee, chaired by the Adviser to the Prime Minister on Privatisation and co-chaired by the Minister for Maritime Affairs to prepare a roadmap and oversee the transaction
declared paying tribute to the martyrs of Kashmir and reaffirming Pakistan s support for the Kashmir cause She questioned why the long-awaited Kohala-Muzaffarabad Motorway had not yet been completed and said the PML-N was committed to improving road infrastructure across
promised that similar projects would be introduced in AJK Turning her guns on the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), she questioned why the party had failed to resolve public issues despite being part of the government in AJK
“Some people have been coming here over the past few days delivering speeches airing grievances voicing complaints and levelling allegations I want to remind them
and sisters are mine she
in all sincerity who they are accusing The government here is their own, she said Without naming former prime minister Imran Khan directly, she also referred to his past remarks regarding the numerical strength of political parties in the 2021 polls, saying
