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Rs 20.00 | Vol XVII No 143 | 8 Pages | Islamabad Edition
PAKISTAN, SEVEN MUSLIM NATIONS CONDEMN ISRAEL’S REJECTION OF GAZA PEACE ROADMAP g
FOREIGN MINISTERS SAY ISRAEL NOW BEARS RESPONSIBILITY FOR OBSTRUCTING EFFORTS TO END WAR IN GAZA
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ISLAMABAD
MINISTERS URGE SUSTAINED US ENGAGEMENT TO ENSURE ISRAEL COMPLIES WITH ROADMAP, WARN REJECTION COULD DERAIL PEACE EFFORTS
SALEEM JADOON
AKISTAN and seven other Muslim-majority countries on Sunday strongly condemned Israel’s rejection of a roadmap for completing implementation of US President Donald Trump’s plan to end the Gaza conflict, warning that the move threatens to derail efforts for lasting peace in the besieged Palestinian territory. In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Türkiye, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates condemned Israel’s declared rejection of the roadmap as well as its rejection of Palestinian statehood. The ministers said the positions amounted to “a direct repudiation” of Trump’s Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, which was endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 2803. They warned that Israel’s rejection jeopardized implementation of the plan
and “fundamentally undermines the collective efforts undertaken to achieve a just and lasting peace.” “Such rejection confirms that Israel now bears responsibility for obstructing the efforts to bring peace in Gaza and the
rest of the Occupied Palestinian Territory,” they said. The ministers said the roadmap, which has been accepted by Palestinian factions, was the outcome of extensive mediation efforts by Egypt, Qatar,
Türkiye and the United States, alongside the High Representative of Gaza and the Board of Peace. They described the roadmap as a critical step towards decommissioning weapons, withdrawal of Israeli forces, deployment of the International Stabilization Force, transfer of administrative authority to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, and reconstruction of the enclave. Call for sustained US engagement The eight countries warned that rejection of the roadmap constituted an explicit refusal to proceed with implementation of Trump’s plan and threatened to undermine US efforts to end the war and establish conditions for lasting peace. They stressed the need for “sustained and active US engagement” to ensure Israel’s full compliance with the commitments and arrangements set out under the plan and roadmap and to prevent further obstruction.
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MQM-P launches push for new provinces, vows national dialogue KARACHI
STAFF REPORT
The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) on Sunday announced plans to launch a grand national dialogue with all political parties on the creation of new provinces and administrative units, arguing that Pakistan’s rapidly growing population, weak governance and concentration of political and administrative powers had made further devolution imperative. MQM-P Chairman Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, ad-
dressing a press conference in Karachi, said the party would approach all political forces to build consensus on the creation of provinces on the basis of population and would make the issue of new administrative units and implementation of Article 140-A of the Constitution the centrepiece of its future political demands, movement and struggle. “There is a need for a major national dialogue, and we are going to initiate it,” he said. Siddiqui said Pakistan had a population of around 25-30 million at the time of its creation in 1947, com-
Pakistan-UN envoy warns Taliban support for militants destabilising region NEW YORK CITY
MONITORING REPORT
Five years after the Taliban seized power in Kabul, Pakistan’s ambassador to the United Nations, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, has stood by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif’s February declaration that Pakistan and Afghanistan are in “open war”, warning that the security situation has continued to deteriorate and that Afghan soil is again serving as a safe haven for terrorist groups. “The trends are posing grave concern,” Ahmad told Arab News in an interview marking the fifth anniversary of the Taliban takeover, citing reports by the UN sanctions monitoring team and the UN secretary-general on Afghanistan’s renewed role as a “safe haven for a number of terrorist groups.” Ahmad said Pakistan’s assessment of the Taliban government had steadily worsened since its return to power on August 15, 2021, while stressing that Islamabad’s dispute was not with the Afghan people. “Pakistan’s basic position and
basic approach towards Afghanistan and the people of Afghanistan remains the same,” he said, describing the two countries as “next door neighbors” bound by “deep rooted and longstanding” ties. He said ordinary Afghans had borne the brunt of “decades of instability and conflict”, while Pakistan had “felt and has been impacted directly by the consequences of that period of instability” more than any other country. The ambassador said the international community’s
growing frustration stemmed from expectations established during the 2020 Doha talks between the United States and the Taliban and reaffirmed when the group returned to power the following year. Those expectations centred on three core benchmarks: formation of an inclusive government, respect for human rights, particularly the rights of women and girls, and a guarantee that Afghan territory would not be used to stage terrorism against any other country.
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Saudi king praises strong ties with Pakistan, highlights shared commitment to increase cooperation ISLAMABAD/RIYDH
MONITORING REPORT
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud this week praised the Kingdom’s strong ties with Pakistan’s government and people, the Saudi foreign ministry said, highlighting the shared commitment of the two nations to enhance cooperation in all fields. The Saudi king’s message came on Aug. 15, a day after Pakistan celebrated its 80th Independence Day. King Salman sent a cable of congratulations to President Asif Ali Zardari on the occasion, the Saudi foreign ministry said on Saturday night, wishing him health and happiness. “The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques also praised the strong relations binding the two countries and peoples, highlighting the shared commitment to advancing cooperation across all fields,” the Saudi foreign ministry’s statement said. Separately, Crown Prince Mo-
hammed bin Salman also sent a cable of congratulations to Zardari for Pakistan’s Independence Day. “HRH the Crown Prince wished the president continued good health and happiness, and the government and people of Pakistan steady progress and prosperity,” the statement added. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy brotherly ties rooted in shared faith, culture and cooperation across several domains. The two signed a
landmark defense pact in September 2025, which stipulates that an attack on any one country will be considered an attack against both. Earlier this month, the two nations and Türkiye signed the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement which stipulates that an attack against any of the three countries will be considered an attack against all. Saudi Arabia has been a critical regional ally of Pakistan for decades. Over the years, it has helped Islamabad weather periods of severe macroeconomic stress by providing financial assistance, oil on deferred payment terms and rolling over loans to the country. In 2024, the two nations bolstered their economic cooperation by signing 34 memoranda of understanding worth $2.8 billion across multiple sectors, aiming to strengthen trade and business relations. The Kingdom also serves as an important source of foreign remittances for Pakistan, with over 2.5 million Pakistani nationals living in Saudi Arabia.
pared with roughly 250 million today, yet the country still had only four provinces. “More divisions have been created across the country than the rate of population growth, but provinces have not been created,” he said. He said the MQM had consistently proposed measures to address Pakistan’s problems, recalling that the movement had originated from a student organisation before entering electoral politics.
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Seven terrorists killed in Kharan IBO as Raddul Fitna-3 operations intensify QUETTA/ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
Security forces killed seven terrorists and wounded several others during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Balochistan’s Kharan district, state media reported on Sunday, citing security sources, as intensified operations under Operation Radd-ul-Fitna3 continued across the province. According to security sources, the operation was conducted in the Lajay area of Kharan on intelligence about the presence of terrorists affiliated with Fitna al-Khawarij. “Security forces have killed seven terrorists belonging to Fitna-al-Khawarij in an intelligence-based operation in Kharan district of Balochistan,” Radio Pakistan quoted the security sources as saying. The operation was carried out as part of the ongoing high-tempo, intelligence-driven Radd-ul-Fitna-3 campaign, which the military’s media wing has described as a counterterrorism operation aimed at eliminating Indian proxies. Security sources said modern weapons, a large quantity of ammunition, other military equipment, two vehicles and a motorcycle were recovered from the terrorists’ hideouts, which were also destroyed during the operation. The terrorists had allegedly been involved in planning looting, extortion, kidnapping for ransom, targeted killings and suicide attacks in Kharan and Lajay, the sources said. The federal government last year officially designated terrorist groups operating in Balochistan as ‘Fitna alHindustan’, accusing India of sponsoring a proxy war through such outfits. Fitna al-Khawarij is the statedesignated term for the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). “Security forces continued operations in Balochistan under Operation Radd-ul-Fitna-3 as part of efforts to eliminate terrorism,” the sources said. President, Interior Minister laud security forces President Asif Ali Zardari lauded the security forces for the successful intelligence-based operation, describing the dismantling of terrorist hideouts and recovery of a large quantity of arms and ammunition as a significant achievement. He said operations against terrorist elements operating under external patronage were indispensable for protecting national security.
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02 NEWS
Monday, 17 August, 2026 | ISLAMABAD
CDA ORDERS PROBE INTO RS5B PLOT ALLOTMENTS, FREEZES FURTHER TRANSFERS
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RE SCRUTINY ORDERED INTO LAND-SHARING PLOTS IN D-13, E-13 AND F-13; INITIAL INQUIRY CONFIRMS IRREGULARITIES IN OVER 10 ALLOTMENTS ISLAMABAD
RAJA KASHIF ASHFAQ
MID allegations of irregularities in the allotment of plots, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has ordered an inquiry into plots worth around Rs5 billion allotted over the past year and imposed a ban on their further transfer. According to sources, on the directions of the CDA Chairman, a fresh scrutiny of allotments made in land sharing sectors has been ordered. A committee headed by the Member Estate has been tasked with investigating alternative plots allotted in sectors D-13, E-13 and F-13.
The development comes after more than 360 plots in the said sectors were recently allotted through balloting during the tenure of former Director Land and Deputy Director Land & Rehabilitation Chaudhry Nazir. Sources said the allotment process allegedly included cases where plots were processed for settlement of land claims before the claimants had completed the required documentation. An initial inquiry has reportedly confirmed such irregularities in more than 10 plots. Following the findings, the CDA has informally stopped further transfers of the plots in question and conveyed the decision to the relevant departments. Last month, former Deputy Direc-
tor Land & Rehabilitation Chaudhry Nazir Ahmed was removed from his position following multiple complaints. Separately, the CDA Deputy Commissioner was repatriated to his parent department after completion of his deputation period. Following these changes, a wideranging investigation was launched on the instructions of CDA Chairman Lieutenant (Retd.) Sohail Ashraf under the supervision of the Member Estate. The inquiry covers alleged allotments made despite incomplete documentation, as well as cases involving the allotment of plots on the basis of court decrees. Responsible sources further claimed that the names of four CDA officers had
been placed on a stop list to prevent them from leaving the country until the investigation is completed. However, questions have been raised over the fact that officers and employees allegedly involved as facilitators have not been removed from their positions during the inquiry. They continue to hold key positions in the Land & Rehabilitation, Estate, Law and HRD departments and, according to sources, could potentially influence the ongoing investigation. The CDA administration maintains that disciplinary action will be taken against officers and employees found responsible after a transparent inquiry, stressing that no one would be allowed to cause any loss to the national exchequer.
LCCI vows support for youth, stronger industry-academia links PROFIT
WEB DESK
JI Karachi to stage governor house sit-in over petroleum levy PROFIT
WEB DESK
Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Karachi will stage a sit-in outside the Governor House on Sunday to protest the petroleum levy, with city chief Monem Zafar Khan accusing the federal government of placing an excessive burden on consumers. The protest follows an appeal by JI leader Hafiz Naeemur Rehman. Monem Zafar said the government had collected around Rs100 billion more than its petroleum levy target, despite falling short of its overall tax collection targets. He said the government collected more than Rs1,560 billion through the petroleum levy during the last fiscal year, describing the charge as a “bhatta tax” imposed on citizens. Monem Zafar accused the government of going “two steps ahead of the IMF” in imposing additional burdens on the public and called for the levy to be reduced. He urged citizens to participate in the sit-in and demand relief. Speaking at separate Independence Day events, including the inauguration of Chandni Park in UC7, Bahadurabad, and a family festival organised by JI UC-12 and New Karachi Town, the JI Karachi chief also criticised what he described as continued dominance of feudal and elite groups over the country’s resources. He said that 79 years after independence, ordinary citizens continued to face shortages of basic services, particularly in Karachi. “People in Karachi do not have adequate electricity and water, but electricity bills, taxes and various fines are collected regularly,” he said. Monem Zafar said JI had continued to raise issues concerning petrol prices, taxes on petroleum products, water and electricity, and would maintain its campaign on matters affecting citizens. He also called for collective efforts to establish what he described as a system based on justice and fairness. On local development, he welcomed the completion of Chandni Park in Bahadurabad by Town Municipal Corporation Jinnah and UC-7, appreciating officials involved in the project. He said JI would continue using its available resources and powers to improve cleanliness, development and public services in Karachi. “People have placed their trust in Jamaat-i-Islami. We will further strengthen that trust through development works and public service,” he said. TMC Jinnah Chairman Rizwan Abdul Sami, TMC New Karachi Chairman Mohammad Yousuf, North District Secretary Shakeel Ahmed, UC-12 Chairman Azim Anwar, UC-7 Chairman Saleem Umar Kapadia, Vice Chairman Hassan Raza and a large number of residents attended the events. Participants at the Independence Day family festival also expressed prayers for Pakistan’s security, prosperity and development.
Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI) President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol has pledged greater support for initiatives aimed at strengthening youth participation in Pakistan’s economy and improving links between educational institutions and the business community. He made the remarks during a meeting with a 30-member delegation of the Young Business Association Pakistan, led by its Chairman Altaf Hussain Randhawa, during a visit to the LCCI. Saigol said closer cooperation between industry and academia was needed to address the gap between academic education and the practical skills demanded by the job market. He described the country’s youth as its most valuable asset and said their active involvement was essential for achieving sustainable economic growth. The LCCI president said the chamber supported efforts to con-
LAHORE Punjab witnessed a staggering 1,417 road traffic crashes (RTCs) across all 38 districts during the last 24 hours, leaving 17 people dead and 1,660 others injured, highlighting the growing road safety challenge in the province, particularly involving motorcyclists. According to the Emergency Services Department (ESD), 765 seriously injured victims were shifted to different hospitals, while 895 people with minor injuries were treated at the scene by Rescue Medical Teams, helping reduce the burden on hospitals. The data showed that motorbikes were involved in the overwhelming majority of the crashes, accounting for 79 percent of all RTCs, underscoring the urgent need for effective en-
PROFIT
WEB DESK
Three suspects were arrested after the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Excise and Narcotics Control Department seized 36kg of hashish and 1.5kg of methamphetamine (ice) in two separate operations in Peshawar and Charsadda on Saturday. In the Peshawar operation, officials from the Bureau of Intelligence and Investigation Squad B-1 intercepted a vehicle near Gol Chowk and conducted a search. The vehicle, bearing registration number 2731, was found carrying 18kg of hashish and 1.5kg of ice, which officials said had been concealed inside. The driver, identified as Zubair, a resident of Palosai, Peshawar, was taken into custody at the scene. A separate operation in Charsadda resulted in the recovery of another 18kg of hashish and the arrest of two more suspects. The department said the operations were conducted against attempts to smuggle narcotics into or through the province.
Sindh plans PPP model for Keti Bandar maritime, economic hub PROFIT
WEB DESK
nect young people with businesses, entrepreneurs and industry, adding that it would provide cooperation and facilitate youth-focused activities wherever possible. He also urged the young business representatives to make greater use of the chamber’s platform by participating in its semi-
nars, workshops, exhibitions, networking sessions and other business-related activities. Saigol said greater exposure to the business community could help equip young people with practical skills while expanding their employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.
17 killed as 1,417 road crashes rock Punjab in 24 hours
STAFF REPORT
KP officials arrest three, seize 36kg hashish and 1.5kg ice
forcement of traffic laws, strict lane discipline and greater compliance with road safety rules to contain the rising number of accidents. The ESD analysis showed that the victims included 929 drivers, 75 underage drivers, 170 pedestrians and 578 passengers, reflecting the broad impact of road traffic crashes on motorists and other road users. Lahore recorded the highest number of crashes, with 256 RTCs affecting 310 people, placing the provincial capital at the top of the list. It was followed by Multan, where 110 RTCs affected 131 people, while Faisalabad ranked third with 86 crashes involving 105 victims. The overall data showed that 1,677 victims were affected by the reported road traffic crashes, including 1,318 males and 359 females. Age-wise, the statistics revealed
that 406 victims were under 18 years of age, while 829 were between 18 and 40 years and another 442 victims were above 40 years of age. The vehicle-wise breakdown further underlined the dominance of motorcycles in road traffic crashes. A total of 1,521 motorcycles were involved in the reported accidents, followed by 95 auto-rickshaws, 157 motorcars, 34 vans, 12 passenger buses, 43 trucks and 66 other types of automobiles and slow-moving carts. The high proportion of motorcycle-related crashes remains a major concern for road safety authorities, as motorcyclists are more exposed to severe injuries in collisions. The ESD data also indicates that the vulnerability extends to pedestrians, passengers and underage drivers. With more than 1,400 crashes reported in just 24 hours across Punjab, the figures underscore the need for stronger implementation of traffic regulations, responsible driving, lane discipline and greater awareness among all categories of road users. The ESD's response also highlights the critical role of emergency medical teams in managing the consequences of road crashes. By treating 895 victims at the incident sites, Rescue Medical Teams not only provided immediate medical assistance but also helped reduce unnecessary pressure on hospitals, while seriously injured victims were promptly transported for further treatment.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has directed the provincial Investment Department to prepare a comprehensive and bankable publicprivate partnership (PPP) model for the development of Keti Bandar as a major maritime and economic hub. Presiding over a meeting at the CM House, Murad Shah said the project should be developed around a modern deep-sea port and an integrated economic corridor, in line with the vision of former prime minister Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. He directed the relevant departments to prepare a phased development plan covering port infrastructure, industrial zones, logistics, fisheries, energy facilities and tourism. The chief minister said the proposed Keti Bandar Integrated Corridor could help generate employment, attract foreign investment and unlock the economic potential of Sindh’s coastal belt and the Indus Delta. The development plan envisages Keti Bandar as a regional hub for maritime activity, logistics, industry and energy under a PPP framework. Proposed components include a deep-sea port, warehousing and logistics facilities, industrial zones, energy infrastructure, fisheries and seafoodprocessing facilities, tourism projects and export-oriented activities. Murad Shah said the Keti Bandar Maritime, Fisheries and Petroleum Economic Corridor, announced in the Sindh Budget 2026-27, could attract between $1 billion and $2.5 billion in investment. The proposed corridor would include a modern fishing harbour, seafood export-processing facilities, petroleum-handling terminals, logistics infrastructure and industrial support zones. The chief minister also called for Keti Bandar to be developed as a future energy gateway, with plans for LNG/RLNG and LPG import facilities and other strategic energy infrastructure. A feasibility study has identified approximately 4,000 acres for the proposed development, while Murad Shah directed officials to plan road, rail and maritime links connecting Keti Bandar with industrial and energy projects across the province. The project will be implemented in phases. The first phase will focus on mini fish harbours at Keti Bandar and Shah Bandar, equipped with modern auction halls, cold-storage facilities, docking infrastructure and related fisheries services. The second phase will involve the development of a full-fledged commercial deep-sea port. The meeting was attended by Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Qasim Naveed, Principal Secretary Agha Wasif, Planning and Development Board Chairman Najam Shah, Investment Secretary Raja Khurram, Transport Secretary Asad Zamin, Finance Secretary Asghar Memon and other senior officials.
‘Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned’ CITY NOTES M.A. NIAZI
T seems that cops still look after their own. However, it seems they no longer necessarily follow old rules, and now they take direct action. The police must have been shocked by the killing of an ASI in Lahore, and then a constable, both of whom had been part of the Counter-Terrorism Department team that had killed. These killings had been family vengeance. Faizan Butt had been killed by the CTD back in 2924, and his father Fayyaz and brother Rehan had taken revenge. However, the cops chased them down, all the way to Muridke, where the pursued took refuge in a house, taking a child and a mother hostage. They police then charged the house, killing the two suspects and saving the hostages. Whether there was some stag-
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ing or not is irrelevant. The message that emerges for any prospective revenge takers is that anyone killing a cop will not go to trial. He will end up dead. Cops don’t believe in trials. Not just our cops, but around the world. They believe that crooks hire clever mouthpieces and other shyster lawyers, who get them off. I have been told that when a cop killing occurred under the British, every SHO in the province summoned every Basta Alif and Basta Bay Badmash in his jurisdiction, and proceed to thrash him, or have him thrashed, to within an inch of his life. The culprit would be arrested and tried, but the message was not sent to potential cop-killers, of which there were few. The message was given painfully to every habitual criminal in the province that just because a cop had been killed, he shouldn’t think for a single instant that the police’s grip on law and order had declined. Of course, the idea of beating a fine upstanding citizen who had paid his debt to so-
ciety is a direct contradiction of the very concept of human rights. It seems that SHOs all over the country agreed, for SHOs no
longer maintain the Basta Alif or Basta Bay. One Basta was composed of a list of those ex-convicts who were required to report to the police station at fixed intervals. The other Basta consisted of those ex-convicts who had to report to the police station whenever they spent a night or more outside the limits of the police station. Badmashes in either register were obliged to appear at the police station whenever they were summoned. However, maintaining these Bastas requires effort and an intimate knowledge of the personalities of the area. SHOs selected because of someone’s recommendation do not have the energy to maintain this Basta. Of course, if the recommender is either in a Basta or should be, the SHO has further reason not to maintain them. The incident should be taken as a warning by the police. The fact that someone tried to take revenge from the police is very dangerous. The police must take the attitude of the Godfather: “Nothing personal. Strictly business.” So far, it seems, the criminals’ families
accepted that. However, if now that does not hold, the day is not far off when the present enthusiasm for encounters might be tempered. It happened in Equatorial Guinea in 1979 that a firing squad could not be formed for a former dictator because he threatened to come back and haunt anyone who took part in killing him. They brought in Moroccan soldiers to do the deed, which they did. Overall, it has not been a very good week for the Butt community. While Fayyaz and his two sons were being killed, the influencer Rajab Butt has been in yet more legal trouble. He was convicted of having a lion cub illegally, and sentenced to community service in January last year. The cub had been a wedding present. It seems that a social media influencer claims he and some accomplices assaulted her in 2025, and blackmailed afterwards. I don't know what punishment the court can give, but I don’t think it is as painful as the one Rajab Butt is getting from his wife. The other Butts’ wives’ reaction is not known.
NEWS 03
PAKISTAN’S TELECOM SECTOR FACES PRESSURE TO REBALANCE DATA PRICING
Monday, 17 August, 2026 | ISLAMABAD
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mercial flexibility in Pakistan would not necessarily mean removing regulatory safeguards. Requirements covering consumer notification, pricing transparency, misleading offers, discriminatory pricing, predatory conduct and abuse of market power could remain in place. The policy challenge is therefore shifting from simply making mobile data affordable to ensuring that affordability can be maintained without undermining investment in the networks that deliver the service. This has increased attention on the concept of “sustainable affordability” — maintaining accessible connectivity while allowing telecom revenues to grow sufficiently to finance network expansion, improve service quality and support 5G deployment. Gradual tariff rationalisation could become part of that process as spectrum payments and infrastructure requirements increase, although any adjustment would need to account for household affordability, competition and consumer protection. Pakistan’s telecom market has succeeded in bringing mobile data within reach of a large share of the population. The next challenge is ensuring that the economics of the sector allow operators to continue investing at the pace required by that growing demand.
PAKISTAN’S TELECOM SECTOR FACES AN INVESTMENT SQUEEZE AS DATA CONSUMPTION RISES FASTER THAN REVENUES. SPECTRUM PAYMENTS, 5G UPGRADES AND COST INFLATION PUSH CALLS FOR TARIFF REBALANCE WHILE PROTECTING CONSUMER AFFORDABILITY around Rs29 per GB, while operators’ average revenue per user (ARPU) remains close to $1 a month, making Pakistan one of the world’s lowest-revenue telecom markets. The disparity is becoming more difficult to sustain as operators prepare for another round of major investment. Companies are collectively expected to pay at least $510 million for spectrum acquired in the recent auction, with 50% due next year. Industry estimates indicate that each operator could also need to upgrade more than 1,000 mobile sites a year to accommodate growing traffic and prepare networks for 5G. Operators are already spending an estimated 15-20% of annual revenue on network expansion and modernisation, but
PROFIT
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AKISTAN’S telecom industry is approaching a critical investment phase as rapidly rising mobile data consumption collides with low revenues, higher network costs and new spectrum obligations, industry stakeholders and experts said. The sector now has more than 208 million cellular subscribers and around 160 million mobile broadband users, with mobile connectivity increasingly supporting digital payments, e-commerce, education, entertainment and public services. Yet the average customer pays only
Seven terrorists killed in Kharan IBO as Raddul Fitna-3 operations intensify
industry participants say data traffic and capacity requirements are growing faster than subscriber revenues. Cost pressures have simultaneously intensified. Energy, imported equipment, freight and insurance costs have risen amid inflation, currency volatility and geopolitical tensions. Brent crude has increased from about $60 a barrel in December to nearly $84, adding to operating pressures. The widening gap between the cost of providing connectivity and revenue generated from it is bringing Pakistan’s retail tariff framework into sharper focus. Under the existing regime, telecom operators classified as having Significant Market Power must obtain prior approval from
the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) for increases in retail tariffs. The framework was intended to protect consumers and competition where operators have substantial market influence. However, industry dynamics have changed with consolidation, additional spectrum allocations, higher data usage and the transition to 5G. Several international markets operate with greater commercial flexibility. In the UK, US, Canada and Australia, mobile operators generally determine routine tariffs commercially, while regulators focus on competition, transparency, consumer protection and market-power concerns. India and Malaysia also largely follow market-based approaches. A move towards greater com-
KPITB wins global ASOCIO Award for digital governance, innovation PESHAWAR
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Staff RepoRt
President Zardari reiterated that the entire nation stood shoulder to shoulder with Pakistan’s security forces in the war against terrorism. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also praised the security forces for their professionalism and said personnel fighting terrorism were a source of pride for the nation. “Security forces have achieved notable successes in maintaining peace in Balochistan, which are commendable,” he said. Naqvi said the nation remained united in the fight against terrorism, adding: “Intelligence-based operations will continue until the last terrorist is eliminated.”
RECENT OPERATIONS IN BALOCHISTAN: The latest operation came amid a series of intelligence-based operations across Balochistan under Operation Radd-ulFitna-3. In an operation on Monday, security forces killed five terrorists, including a key commander identified as Wazir, son of Jamal, in Balochistan’s Panjgur district. The operation was conducted in the Sarkeni and Chidgi areas under the same operation, according to security sources. On August 9, security forces killed 15 terrorists in intelligence-based operations across Mastung, Bolan, Washuk, Awaran, Sibi, Khuzdar, Harnai and Noshki. A large quantity of weapons and ammunition was recovered, while the operations significantly disrupted the terrorists’ network and restricted their movement across Balochistan, the sources said. Earlier, on August 6, security forces killed 12 terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Hindustan during IBOs in Washuk and Mastung, according to the military’s media wing.
TERRORISM THREAT CONTINUES: Terrorism remains a growing security challenge for Pakistan, with the number of attacks rising every year since 2022, according to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED), a global monitoring organisation. ACLED data showed that attacks in Pakistan rose nearly fourfold to 2,425 in 2025 from 658 in 2022, while TTP attacks increased more than sevenfold during the same period, from 118 to 838. Although Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has borne the brunt of terrorism, Balochistan has also remained a major target of what the state describes as Indian proxies, which frequently target civilians and military installations. On the last day of 2025, terrorists targeted civilians in Balochistan’s Gwadar and Kharan districts, where 18 people, including women, children, elderly people and labourers, were martyred. Security forces have continued operations across the provinces against what the state describes as Indian-sponsored terrorists and their proxies. Despite these efforts, militant groups have continued to target civilian and defence installations. Earlier this month, at least 30 people, including 27 police personnel, were martyred when terrorists identified by the state as the Indian proxy Fitna al-Hindustan ambushed police personnel deployed in Kach Mangi Phase III area of Ziarat, triggering hours-long gun battles. The attackers also abducted several civilians and police personnel following the assault. In its aftermath, the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps and Balochistan Police launched a joint operation, which remains
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s digital transformation has earned international recognition as the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Technology Board (KPITB) won the ASOCIO Government Award 2026 for its outstanding performance in digital development, innovation and promotion of digital governance, provincial Minister for Information and Public Relations Shafi Jan said on Sunday. The minister termed the international recognition a proud moment for both Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Pakistan, saying the award acknowledged the provincial government’s initiatives for digital governance, digitization of public services and provision of modern facilities to citizens. He said recognition of KPITB’s performance by the ASOCIO, a leading technology organization in the Asia-Oceania region, was a matter of pride for the government and people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. ASOCIO’s federation comprises 24 member countries, including Australia, Japan, South Korea, India, Thailand and New Zealand, he added. Shafi Jan said the provincial government was making extensive use of modern technology to improve public services, simplify access to government facilities and make the overall gover-
nance system more effective, transparent and efficient. He said that, in line with the vision of Founding Chairman Imran Khan, Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sohail Afridi had placed special focus on Digital Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, under which citizens were being provided modern, fast and convenient digital services. The minister said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, transforming Khyber Pakhtunkhwa into a hub of modern technology was among the top priorities of the provincial government. Through digital governance and the promotion of technology, he said, the delivery of public services was being made easier, more transparent and more efficient, while the government’s digital reform agenda was helping strengthen the province’s technological capabilities. Shafi Jan said the KP government
remained fully committed to advancing its digital reform agenda and would continue taking steps to further strengthen the province’s position in digital development and enhance its global recognition. The ASOCIO Government Award 2026 will be formally presented to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Technology Board during the ASOCIO Summit in Indonesia, scheduled to be held from October 5 to 7, 2026, in Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia. The minister said the international award was clear evidence of the KP government’s success in implementing its digital policy and effectively utilizing technology to improve public services. He said the recognition also reflected the province’s growing contribution to the rapidly evolving digital and technology landscape and demonstrated that its initiatives were gaining visibility beyond the country. It is worth noting that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has received numerous national and international awards and widespread recognition in the IT sector over the past few years, including the PASHA ICT Awards, WSIS Awards and APTICA Award. The latest ASOCIO recognition, Shafi Jan said, further reinforced Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s emerging position in digital governance, innovation and technology-driven public service delivery.
Pakistan, seven Muslim nations condemn Israel’s rejection of Gaza Peace Roadmap pave the way for reconstruction and recovery. Reaffirming their support for Palestinian self-determination and statehood, they categorically rejected any attempt to deny or prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state, including through unilateral actions. “A just, lasting and comprehensive peace only will be achieved by the implementation of [the] two-State solution, by the realization of an independent and sovereign Palestinian State based on the 1967 lines, with East
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
The statement said Israel would bear “direct and full responsibility” for consequences arising from continued rejection, obstruction, delay or non-compliance, including any deterioration on the ground or disruption of efforts to end the war in Gaza. The ministers also called for the full and immediate implementation of the plan to address Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, ensure security and stability, and
Jerusalem as its capital,” the statement said. The foreign ministers further underscored the continued role of the Board of Peace and called on all parties to support its efforts to implement the roadmap and advance the second phase of Trump’s plan. They urged the board, with active US support and engagement, to take “immediate and concrete measures” within its mandate to preserve the integrity of the plan and prevent any party from obstructing its implementation.
Siddiqui said assemblies were established for legislation, but the MQM’s decision to send middle-class young people into parliament had been treated as a “crime”. He said the party had for decades argued that Pakistan’s four provinces were largely created on linguistic lines and that the country now needed an administrative structure reflecting its population and governance requirements. Siddiqui said political parties were increasingly agreeing with proposals previously advanced by the MQM-P and that the party would engage them to build consensus on the issue.
MQM-P TO SEEK SC INTERVENTION ON ARTICLE 140-A: A major component of the party’s campaign would focus on Article 140-A, which requires provinces to establish local governments and devolve political, administrative and financial re-
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
Pakistan, Ahmad said, did not simply wait for Kabul to demonstrate its commitment to those benchmarks. Within four months of the Taliban takeover, Islamabad convened an extraordinary session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) foreign ministers in December 2021 to mobilise international support for Afghanistan’s recovery. Five years on, however, Ahmad said the record showed regression rather than progress on all three fronts. He cited continuing restrictions on girls’ education and women’s employment as evidence of deteriorating human rights, while describing Afghanistan’s governing structure as exclusionary and failing to broaden. It is on the counterterrorism front, he said, that Pakistan has paid the heaviest price. Ahmad said the frequency and intensity of attacks linked by Pakistan to militant groups operating from Afghanistan had surged. He cited more than 5,200 terrorism-related incidents in Pakistan in 2025 and more than 1,300 deaths, while acknowledging that the figures encompass categories broader than independently verified attacks traced specifically to Afghan soil. The Global Terrorism Index, meanwhile, recorded 1,045 incidents and 1,139 terrorism-related deaths in Pakistan in 2025. During the first six months of 2026, Ahmad said, the trend “has not subsided” but intensified, with more than 3,000 attacks and upward of 830 Pakistani deaths during the period. He identified Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Majeed Brigade, alongside Daesh’s regional affiliate, as the principal groups responsible. He described the first three as increasingly operating “as proxies to our adversaries in the region.” Asked whether the Taliban were deliberately sheltering the TTP or were simply incapable of controlling it, Ahmad said evidence from UN monitoring reports and Pakistan’s intelligence pointed to the more serious explanation. “It’s not just lack of capability or absence of political will,” he said. “The Taliban regime is actually actively providing support” in the form of safe havens, arms and ammunition, including some advanced weaponry left behind by international forces, as well as financing, planning assistance and facilitation of cross-border infiltration. “In fact, the way the whole thing is operating now, it’s basically the Taliban regime itself is a proxy, trying to destabilize the entire region,” Ahmad said, arguing that such a situation served neither Pakistan nor ordinary Afghans.
Pakistan installs 286 early warning systems across 24 valleys in KP, GB ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
Pakistan is installing 286 early warning systems across 24 vulnerable valleys in Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under the $37 million GLOF-II project, as the government moves to strengthen preparedness against glacial lake outburst floods and other climate-related hazards. According to a document available with Wealth Pakistan, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC) has undertaken a series of initiatives focused on early warn-
ing systems, GLOF risk reduction and glacier preservation. Of the 24 valleys covered under GLOF-II, 18 are in Gilgit-Baltistan and six in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The document puts the total cost of the project at $37 million. The operationalisation and handing over of early warning systems installed under GLOF-II to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) is also among the initiatives listed by the ministry. To strengthen the institutional mechanism for addressing GLOF risks, a Technical Committee on GLOF Risk Reduction was established in May 2026.
The ministry also submitted a Regional Glaciers Preservation Initiative to the PMO in August 2025. According to the document, the initiative proposes scaling up adaptation finance, strengthening regional cooperation and data sharing, deploying satellite monitoring and advanced sensors, expanding multi-hazard early warning systems, and promoting naturebased and climate-resilient infrastructure. Apart from GLOF-II, five early warning systems are covered under the Sustainable Action for Ecosystem Restoration in Pakistan (SAFER) project — four in Gilgit-Baltistan and one in Khyber
MQM-P launches push for new provinces, vows national dialogue CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
Pakistan-UN envoy warns Taliban support for militants destabilising region
sponsibility and authority to elected local representatives. “We became part of the 18th Amendment so that the benefits of Article 140-A could reach the people's doorsteps,” Siddiqui said. He said the MQM-P had sought implementation of Article 140-A in accordance with public aspirations and that the constitutional provision was now being debated across the country. “We will approach the Supreme Court (SC) again and ask it to take notice of the way its decision has been disregarded,” he said. Siddiqui said provinces were bound to implement the court’s decision and that the party had already discussed the matter with lawyers and would consult senior legal counsel before approaching the SC again. He said the MQM-P had also introduced a constitutional amendment bill on the creation of provinces in the National Assembly. The bill, he said, had not been rejected but was referred to a standing committee, which
had yet to take action. “Pakistan has had dozens of constitutional amendments. There would be nothing wrong with making one amendment in favour of Pakistan and the Pakistani people,” he said. Siddiqui said the Constitution already contained a mechanism for creating provinces, noting that elected leadership had itself incorporated the provision. “If this demand is such a big danger, then remove it from the Constitution. Why is this demand in the Constitution?” he asked. Rejecting the argument that MQM-P’s demand for administrative units was aimed at dividing Sindh along ethnic lines, he said the party recognised the contribution and welcome extended by Sindhis to migrants who arrived in the province after Partition. He said, however, that the historical record concerning migration and property ownership also needed to be acknowledged. Siddiqui claimed that much of the land in Sindh had belonged to Hindus who migrated
after Partition and that 21 of the province’s 26 cities had Hindu majorities at the time. “We did not simply come and occupy someone else's house. Those who left our homes, we came into their homes,” he said. He said the MQM-P respected the affection shown by Sindhis towards migrants and suggested that a “Thanksgiving Day” could eventually be observed to acknowledge that history.
MUSTAFA KAMAL CALLS FOR GREATER CONTROL OVER RESOURCES: Federal Health Minister and MQM-P central leader Mustafa Kamal said the proposal for administrative units in Sindh was not directed against Sindhis but was intended to give residents greater political control over their own affairs. “Creating administrative units is not against Sindhis; it is for Sindhis,” he said. Kamal recalled that Karachi had remained Pakistan’s federal capital until 1966 and said the city now accounted for 38 per cent of
Pakhtunkhwa. The document puts their cost at $1.86 million out of the project’s total $10 million cost. Another two early warning systems are covered under the Buner and Shangla project in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with one system each for Buner and Shangla districts. Their cost is listed at $0.45 million out of the project’s total cost of $9 million. The National Adaptation Plan (NAP) project, meanwhile, includes an assessment of all early warning systems installed across the country. The document puts the cost of this component at $1.4 million out of the project’s $2.9 million cost.
Sindh’s population according to official census figures, which the MQM-P disputed. Hyderabad accounted for another 5 per cent, he said, meaning the two cities together represented about 43 per cent of the provincial population. “Even if a single vote from Karachi and Hyderabad did not go to the existing provincial government, we could not change our chief minister,” he said. He argued that a new administrative arrangement would enable cities such as Karachi and Hyderabad to elect governments capable of directly addressing failures in water supply, sewage and waste management. “If I want to change this through my vote, I should have that power in a city like Karachi or Hyderabad,” Kamal said. He criticised the state of public services in Karachi, citing water shortages, children falling into open drains, deaths caused by road accidents and dog bites, and the spread of HIV.
04 COMMENT
Command the air, risk nothing
Playing with food staples
A
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The federal and provincial governments are squabbling over wheat imports
The Loyal Wingman Era
S flour prices rise, having gone up to 132.50 per kg, a 77.5 percent increase year-on-year, the federal government’s plan to import a million tons of wheat is foundering on provincial reluctance to take up that wheat. Punjab and Sindh have both intimated that they are perfectly happy with the wheat that will be released from the federal government from its existing stock, and are not willing to buy the imported wheat. The federal government finds that it will have to bear the entire cost of importing, which it will have to do if it is to maintain a strategic reserve. The process of importing the wheat was supposed to have been financed by the provincial governments paying for imported wheat that they took up. The provincial governments were supposed to recover that money from the mills, but apparently, by refusing to take the imported wheat directly, they seem to want the federal government to do the importation, and to purchase that wheat from it later. This shows a bureaucratic playing of ducks and drakes with a food staple. The steep rise in the price of flour is of great concern to the government, and the earlier decision to import a million tonnes was supposed to reverse, or at least halt, this rise. The recent decision of the federal government to follow the IMF’s condition about the support price has played a role in preventing the provincial governments from taking the necessary steps to prevent the price rise. The governments, both federal and provincial, must realize that the food staple is too important to play with. The previous government’s experiments with wheat export and autonomy are still a fresh wound which neither housewives nor farmers have forgotten, and the present government’s export of sugar, permitted last year, is still having reverberations. The Commerce Ministry has told the National Assembly Standing Committee on Commerce that there is no plan to export sugar. That is another staple which the government is busily deregulating on IMF dictation. Instead of creating stability in the markets and working to encourage growers. The government has been following policies which erode national staples autarky. That is a dangerous position to be in. It should not be dismissed as an impossibility, because autarky was only achieved around 1980m and has barely kept pace with population growth since then. It is not to be sacrificed lightly.
ZeeShan ali
N December 2025, Australia announced around $930 million to move its MQ-28 Ghost Bat from prototype to operational fleet, also ordering six more Block 2 aircraft and greenlighting a stealthier Block 3 variant. A few weeks later, the United States Air Force moved closer to starting production of its Collaborative Combat Aircraft programme, preparing a production decision on the YFQ-42 and YFQ-48 following their first successful flights. China has already flown loyal wingman designs at a September 2025 military parade, alongside separate “unmanned air dominance fighter” concepts. On the other side, Germany and Sweden are jointly developing a drone to fly alongside their Eurofighter and Gripen. Meanwhile, Airbus has unveiled its own Ravenstorm demonstrator; Canada, India, Turkey, and the United Kingdom all have programnes in some stage of development. So this is not a niche procurement trend; rather, it is the most consequential shift in air combat since the fourth-generation fighter jet, and most air forces outside the great powers, Pakistan included, have not yet reckoned with what it means. A loyal wingman is an uncrewed aircraft that is designed to fly alongside a manned fighter jet. It is designed to take direction from the pilot rather than a ground operator. It can carry sensors, jam enemy radars, absorb missile shots, or strike targets while the human pilot stays out of the most lethal part of the engagement. Unlike a traditional drone, a loyal wingman is not remotely controlled every second because it is semi-autonomous and is designed to execute missionlevel commands from a “quarterback” in the cockpit or command aircraft. Here, the main advantage is cost. These unmanned aircraft are much cheaper than manned stealth fighters, so air forces can use large numbers of them without needing more pilots. They can also be sent into dangerous territories where losing an aircraft would not mean losing a human life. Its tactical logic is straightforward, but its strategic implications run deeper. First, loyal wingmen solve the oldest problem in aerial combat, and that is the trade-off between mass and survivability. A single F-35 or J-35 can only be operational in one place at a time, and building more of these advanced fighter jets is a slow and expensive process. Attritable drones allow an air force to use multiple cheaper unmanned aircraft with sensors and shooters alongside a small number of advanced and expensive platforms, which spreads risk across cheaper airframes that commanders can afford to lose. Second, they compress the “kill chain,” which is the process of finding, tracking, and attacking the target. A wingman drone flies ahead of the manned aircraft, which is able to find and paint a target before the expensive crewed fighter jet is ever detected. It allows the pilot to attack from a safer distance or avoid entering the enemy’s weapons range. This
Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami
Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
changes a decades-old assumption that the survivability of a fighter jet comes from the pilot’s skill and the aircraft’s own stealth. In the future, the safety of the pilot may depend more on the drones flying ahead of the fighter, which can detect threats and targets before the manned aircraft is exposed. Third, and most importantly, loyal wingmen change how we think about aerial combat, because the focus is shifting from one aircraft fighting alone to a network of connected aircraft working together. Victory will depend less on any single advanced platform’s raw performance and more on data links, autonomous software, and how quickly a formation can share targeting information under jamming. This is not just a technological change but a doctrinal one as well. Air forces that are mainly built around solo fighter performance will need to rebuild training, command systems, and career structures. In the future, humans and machines will have to work together as one connected team, share information, and target enemies. Loyal wingmen do not just change how wars are fought— they also change how easily wars start. Think about why states usually hesitate to escalate at the edge of a crisis. Losing a pilot is costly, whether politically, emotionally, or publicly. That cost has always forced restraint because governments face public pressure when a pilot is lost or captured. A loyal wingman removes this risk. No pilot means no funeral, no capture, no headline. A state can now push
The wingman without a pilot is no longer just an experiment. It is being funded, flown, and integrated by air forces around the world.
The sandwich class
M. A. Niazi
Babar Nizami
Editor Pakistan Today
Editor Profit
How much can the middle class be squeezed?
P
Dr Zafar Khan SafDar
AKISTAN has two groups who, for very different reasons, are spared the daily arithmetic of survival. The wealthy do not check the electricity meter before switching on another air conditioner or wonder whether this month’s school fee will leave enough for groceries. The very poor, meanwhile, are often excluded from the formal economy altogether. They cook on wood fires, fetch water from communal taps, and are spared many utility bills only because the utilities themselves rarely reach them. It is the people in between who lie awake calculating. They live in rented houses that appear respectable from the street, drive ageing cars that survive on hope and careful maintenance, and own a UPS whose battery lasts just long enough to remind them that even backup power has become a luxury. Every month is an exercise in subtraction. Every unexpected expense threatens the entire household budget. This is Pakistan’s sandwich middle class, squeezed relentlessly from above and below, and it is disappearing. In 1990, Pakistan had the largest middle class as a proportion of its population among Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh. Three and a half decades later, it has the smallest. Such a reversal is not an accident of history. It is the predictable outcome of policies that have steadily extracted more from the documented, the salaried, and the formally employed while leaving the undocumented economy, the landed elite, and the politically connected comparatively insulated. Gross salaries rose by 56 per cent between 2022 and 2025, yet income tax collected from salaried workers increased by 165 per cent over the same period. Electricity tariffs more than doubled compared with 2021. The middle-class Pakistani did not become richer while merely feeling poorer. He became demonstrably poorer while carrying the social expectation of looking as though nothing had changed. The statistics are reflected in ordinary lives. The middle-class Pakistani is the father whose family of six shares two burgers after eating a full meal at home. He gives missed calls because a small mobile recharge must last the week. He irons one set of clothes to stretch over two working days and checks the electricity meter repeatedly because every unit consumed has consequences. He cannot pay all the utility bills together, so he pays electricity this month, postpones gas until the next, and hopes the water bill can wait a little longer. He joins rotating savings committees not as an investment
strategy but because conventional savings have become impossible. His life remains outwardly respectable, yet behind the closed front door every decision has become an exercise in arithmetic, sacrifice, and quiet anxiety. The data from 2026 confirms what every middle-class Pakistani household already knows experientially. Pakistan’s national poverty has climbed back to 28.9 percent after having fallen to 21.9 percent in 2018-19, rural poverty now stands at 36.2 percent, and the Gini coefficient has widened from 28.4 to 32.7. Total public debt reached Rs 83.285 trillion by March 2026, with interest expenditure alone consuming Rs 4.947 trillion during the first nine months of the fiscal year. Every rupee spent servicing that debt is a rupee unavailable for the subsidies, services, and social protection that might have cushioned the middle class against the compounding pressures of the past four years. The state is not indifferent to the middle class. It is structurally dependent on extracting from it, because the wealthy have the political connections to negotiate exemptions and the poor have nothing left to take. What makes the middle class’s position uniquely cruel is that it sits outside every safety net simultaneously. It earns too much to qualify for BISP transfers. It earns too little to absorb inflation without sacrifice. It is educated enough to refuse begging and proud enough to refuse visible struggle. The domestic worker who cleans the middle-class home collects fifty kg of flour and four months of rations from five different employers during Ramadan. The middle-class family that employs her worries quietly about whether the rations it bought two weeks ago will last until salary day, which is still a long way away. The moral dimension of this class’s experience is the least acknowledged and the most significant. Pakistan’s middle class is its most charitable segment relative to income. It participates in religious giving, in neighbourhood support, in the informal welfare networks that
substitute for the state’s absence at every level. It does this while its own finances deteriorate, driven by a combination of genuine generosity and the profound Pakistani middle-class terror of being seen to struggle. It neither begs nor broadcasts its difficulty. It simply absorbs, and absorbs, and absorbs, until there is nothing left to absorb, at which point it quietly joins the poverty statistics that officials cite at press conferences without apparently understanding who is inside them. Pakistan’s budget increasingly appears to recognise only two classes. The wealthy, whose influence shapes policy, and the poor, whose hardship attracts political attention. The middle class exists merely to pay the difference. It finances the state, buys privately the services the government fails to provide, and absorbs every new tax, tariff, and price increase with little expectation of relief. Yet no country has ever prospered by impoverishing the people who create its skills, productivity, and stability. When the middle class stops believing that honest work can secure a better future, a nation loses more than taxpayers. It loses hope, confidence, and eventually its future. 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
Pakistan’s budget increasingly appears to recognise only two classes. The wealthy, whose influence shapes policy, and the poor, whose hardship attracts political attention. The middle class exists merely to pay the difference. It finances the state, buys privately the services the government fails to provide, and absorbs every new tax, tariff, and price increase with little expectation of relief. Yet no country has ever prospered by impoverishing the people who create its skills, productivity, and stability.
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a drone into contested airspace to test an enemy’s defenses at no political cost. When the cost of a provocative move becomes lower, states are more likely to take that action. That is the whole problem in one line. It also creates confusion during crises. If an adversary shoots down a state’s loyal wingman, it will be unclear whether it is an act of war or just a lost machine. One country may see it as a minor loss, and the other may see it as a serious attack that requires a response. In a region like South Asia, where trust is already thin, that kind of confusion is exactly what turns a small incident into a bigger one. The takeaway is simple: cheaper, low-risk drones make it easier to take the risk because no pilot’s life is at stake; at the same time, it also becomes harder to read what a loss of a drone actually means. This can make crises escalate faster, which is a major concern for strategic stability. The real danger is not the drone itself, but the shorter decision-making time countries have to make decisions during a crisis. For air forces like Pakistan’s, the lesson is not that a loyal wingman fleet must be bought immediately, but that the doctrinal groundwork cannot wait for the hardware. Investing early in secure data-links, autonomy testing, and joint manned-unmanned training is much cheaper and more urgent than the aircraft themselves. However, these areas are often ignored because they are less visible and do not produce impressive displays like fighter jet flypasts. Militaries that treat loyal wingman programmes as a future addon to existing fighter fleets, rather than a rebuild of how air power is organized and commanded, will find themselves flying yesterday’s doctrine against tomorrow’s formations. The wingman without a pilot is no longer just an experiment. It is being funded, flown, and integrated by air forces around the world. The real question for the rest is not whether this changes air warfare, because it already has. The real question is how quickly military doctrine, training, and thinking about escalation can adapt to these new technologies. The writer is a freelance columnist
Editor’s mail
Send your letters to: Letters to Editor, Pakistan Today, 4-Shaarey Fatima Jinnah, Lahore, Pakistan. E-mail: letters@pakistantoday.com.pk Letters should be addressed to Pakistan Today exclusively
Neglecting our pride
HOCKEY, once the pride of Pakistan, is now facing serious challenges. If we look at the records, the downfall of Pakistan’s hockey team began after 1994. Since then, the team has failed to reach the final stages of major tournaments like the World Cup. Most of the time, our team does not even qualify for the finals. This decline is largely due to a lack of proper support, funding and facilities. There are not enough hockey grounds, especially in cities like Chaman. In addition, public interest has shifted towards cricket, and unfortunately, so has government focus and investment. Our hockey players are not being provided with adequate salaries or quality equipment which affects their performance and morale. It is the government’s responsibility to revive this sport by addressing these issues and investing in its development. The national game of any country deserves respect and attention. Pakistan must take immediate steps to bring back the glory of hockey by motivating players and providing the necessary resources. SHAHID ISMAIL HOPELA
Digital dining crisis
IT is unfortunate that in today’s homes, the dining table has been replaced by a play station, and spoons work only if a mobile screen is playing cartoons. Children no longer eat food but rather consume Wi-Fi signals. Parents hand over phones not as a treat but as a feeding spoon, and this has quietly become the new parenting style. The results are plain to see; children are growing more irritable, stubborn and detached from reality. Their social lives are vanishing, replaced by a lonely digital bubble. Worse still, their mental and physical health is being sacrificed at the altar of convenience. The solution requires more than complaints. Parents must set boundaries and model discipline by keeping their own phones aside during meals. Schools should launch awareness campaigns, encouraging physical play and face-to-face interaction. And above all, we must collectively reject the dangerous idea that gadgets are babysitters. If we continue to feed children with screens instead of values, we will raise a generation that is full but never nourished. True nourishment does not come from faces on a screen but rather through presence, connection and shared human experiences. AHSAN UL HAQUE KARACHI
Real estate ruined
THE housing sector plays a central role in shaping cities, improving quality of life and driving economic growth. Around the world, successful real estate developments are led by professionals with proven experience, technical expertise and a vision for sustainable urban planning. Such leadership ensures projects are not only profitable but also resilient, environmentally responsible and free of the mismanagement that erodes public trust. In Pakistan, however, the reality is often the opposite. Multi-billionrupee housing projects are frequently spearheaded by individuals with no relevant qualifications or experience — sometimes even those with questionable or criminal backgrounds. This results in projects plagued by poor planning, lack of climate-resilient infrastructure, insufficient green spaces and recurring legal complications. The absence of professional standards in leadership is one of the key reasons our housing sector struggles to meet international benchmarks. To uplift the sector, the government and regulators must establish clear standards for the qualifications and credentials of those who lead housing societies. By doing so, Pakistan can build more resilient, sustainable, and exemplary projects that reflect global best practices and restore public confidence in real estate development. AHSEN KALEEM ISLAMABAD
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Makkah joint defence agreement
Monday, 17 August, 2026
A memorable event
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MuhaMMaD ZahiD rifat
August 2026 will go down in the annals of history as a memorable, historical, eventful and productive day. It was on this day that top leadership of Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan were gathered in the former. All these countries are important , active and trustworthy members of the Islamic Ummah and have the deepest, warmest and most brotherly mutual relations with each other. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif had paid yet another two days’ official visit to Saudi Arabia at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman to deepen strategic ties amid ongoing regional tensions resulting from the USA-Israel coalition’s uncalled for, unwarranted and unprovoked attack on Iran since February 2026. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had also reached the Saudi capital at the invitation of MBS. All three of them had bilateral and collective deliberations in a quite free, frank and useful manner in Makkah which mainly focused on the prevailing regional tensions and persisting threats to regional peace and stability. The most positive and welcome outcome of their bilateral and collective deliberations was the signing of what has come to be known as the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement. It is a trilateral mutual defence pact which categorically states that an armed attack against any one of the three nations would be considered as an attack against all of them. The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement was a first major step forward following the bilateral strategic mutual defence agreement between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan which was signed in September 2025 . Core goals of the historical joint defence agreement are collective security and military cooperation.Collective security pertains to establishing a mutual defence framework wherein a strike on one country will trigger
a collective response and military cooperation consists of three goals: to deepen intelligence sharing, joint military , and defence-industrial collaboration. By signing the landmark Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, Pakistan, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia have deepened their trilateral strategic ties as the top leadership of the three countries have quite categorically and emphatically vowed that attack on one will be attack of all, and reaffirmed commitment to regional peace and stability. The trilateral agreement has strengthened collective deterrence, defence cooperation and security amid escalating US-Iran tensions and has also deepened long standing military ties among three key brotherly countries. The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement signed by Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan has duly reflected the depth of the brotherly relations between the top leadership and peoples of the three countries It was the culmination of prolonged discussions and coordination spreading over many years with a common desire for strengthening the strategic cooperation while addressing multifaceted peace and security challenges and advancing regional peace, stability and prosperity. According to the information gathered from official sources concerned with regard to implications and complications which may be arising and troubling some minds around the globe, the Makkah Accord has not abrogated or replaced any existing bilateral or multilateral agreements between these three countries, or with other countries or organizations. Any external armed attack on one of the three signatory countries will be considered and treated as an attack on all, consistent with the inherent right of individual and collective self-defence under Article 51 of the world body United Nations (UN) Charter.
The historical joint defence agreement is purely defensive in nature, not targeted against any country and its sole purpose was to further strengthen ongoing efforts for ensuring and promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the Middle East region and even beyond. The Makkah Accord as such was also open to the regional countries who are willing to uphold its fundamental principles and resolve differences through mutual respect, cooperation and peaceful means. Within a couple of days of signing the historical Makkah Accord, some reports have already surfaced that Egypt may become the fourth country to join the already signatory countries of Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan. Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan, to say the least, are three brotherly nations with one collective shield; they are united by faith, bound by friendship which is committed to peace; they are committed to peace,security and stability in an unwavering manner,and they are together for their people,their region and their future. The historical Makkah Accord, signed at Al-Safa Palace in Makkah where the Makkah Al-mukarramah Summit for Joint Defence was held during which warm, brotherly and trust-worthy relations between the three countries were reviewed along with a number of issues of mutual interest, is consistent with the fundamental pillars of Pakistan’s foreign policy and its civil and military leadership sincerely, committedly and determinedly continues to looking forward to for working closely with all brotherly countries in the region towards lasting peace and stability. Pakistan as such remains committed to advancing the cause of peaceful solution of all conflicts, including the long unresolved Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine disputes and thereby building a more secure, stable and prosperous future
for its people and also of all the peace loving countries around the globe topped by the Islamic regional and beyond countries. It was also quite good and appreciable that Pakistan has not delayed the matter, nut taken the Iranian leadership into confidence and apprised it about the objectives and main points of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who had signed the purposeful agreement, quite emphatically stated that Makkah Joint Defence Pact heralds regional peace and Muslim unity, and that the Accord was purely defensive, not aimed or against any country while addressing the Federal Cabinet meeting in
The Makkah Joint Defence Accord continues to be discussed and hailed by the people at large, and political party leaderships, as it augurs well for peace , security and stability of the region in general and signatory countries Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan in particular. People of Pakistan have very special religious and emotional attachment and affiliation with Saudi Arabia where the two holiest places of the Islamic world, Makkah and Medina are located. The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement’s different aspects continue to be discussed, debated, and opined not only in Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye but also the world over as this was going to forge greater unity among the Muslim countries much sooner than anyone would imagine.
‘France should not waste its citizens’ tax money on illegal interference in Iran’s affairs’
T
COMMENT 05
TEHRAN TIMES
MahMouD M. raVi-nejaD
HE Islamic Republic on Saturday reacted strongly to Paris as two French diplomats are involved in a foreign infiltration project in Iran. Iran’s Intelligence Ministry warned France that Tehran will take “appropriate action” if similar activities are repeated. The warning goes beyond the conduct of the two diplomats to encompass foreign interference, human rights double standards, sanctions and growing European alignment with Washington. “France should not waste its citizens’ tax money on illegal interference in Iran’s affairs,” the Public Relation Office of the ministry said in a statement. According to the ministry, the two French diplomats were discovered at the site of a secret meeting while Iranian security forces were executing a judicial order to arrest two suspects in a major case involving foreign infiltration and interference. The ministry said the diplomats had a record of conduct it considered inconsistent with Iranian law and their diplomatic obligations. Iranian authorities verified their identities and informed the Foreign Ministry. Tehran said it initially withheld details of the incident while investigators examined documents and evidence recovered from the site.
A WIDER FOREIGN INFILTRATION OPERATION: The Intelligence Ministry said its preliminary examination of the seized material had uncovered a “sinister project” involving the identification of targeted individuals, the establishment of covert contacts and the construction of networks inside and outside Iran. The ministry further stated that contracts found during the investigation bore the signature of France’s former ambassador to Iran. It said it exemplifies France’s violation of Iranian law and diplomatic norms and demanded an explanation from the Paris government. Tehran has placed particular emphasis on the timing of the activities, saying they took place during wartime, an open reference to the United States’ war on Iran. The ministry portrayed the diplomats’ activities as extending beyond conventional diplomatic engagement and into organized interference in Iran’s internal affairs. It warned that foreign diplomats would not be permitted to use their diplomatic status for “illegal or interventionist activities” and said those responsible would face appropriate action if such conduct were repeated. The investigation remains open, with the ministry indicating that further details may be released. Paris has characterized the treatment of its diplomats as a serious diplomatic matter. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot previously alleged that the two diplomats had been detained for several hours, interrogated, and that one had been physically abused. Tehran has categorically rejected that account, with Foreign
Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei accusing the diplomats of interfering in Iran’s internal affairs under the guise of contacts with civil society.
ARAGHCHI ACCUSES EUROPE OF DOUBLE STANDARDS: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has also accused the European Union and some of its member states of applying “double standards.” In separate telephone conversations with his Greek and Austrian counterparts, Araghchi accused Paris of hypocrisy for presenting itself as a defender of human rights and international law while supporting Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and military action against Iran. The exchange illustrates how the dispute over the French diplomats has become intertwined with a much broader confrontation. For Tehran, European criticism of Iran’s domestic policies cannot be separated from European support for Israel and Washington in regional conflicts. These developments remain contested and should be treated as challenges rather than a crisis. But their emergence reflects the depth of mistrust surrounding the European diplomatic presence in Tehran. Sanam Vakil of Chatham House has warned that Europe can no longer remain on the margins of diplomacy with Iran or simply act as Washington’s junior partner, stressing that Tehran’s position on the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions, nuclear issues and regional security directly affects European interests. Iran’s strategic importance has become even more pronounced because of the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts at Brookings have assessed that Iran emerged from the war in a stronger position and has exercised control over the strategic waterway, giving Tehran additional bargaining leverage. The consequences are not confined to the Middle East: European governments remain exposed to higher energy prices, shipping disruptions and broader economic instability resulting from prolonged uncertainty around the strait. This gives Tehran an important advantage in dealing with European capitals. Iran can influence issues that matter directly to Europe — maritime security, energy flows, regional stability and the prospects for de-escalation — while Europe has yet to develop an independent strategy without substantial reliance on Washington. Iran’s strongest position is not necessarily in confrontation with Europe, but in demonstrating that meaningful progress on energy security, maritime stability and regional de-escalation cannot be achieved without Iranian participation. In that sense, the current dispute may ultimately expose a paradox at the heart of Europe’s Iran policy: the more Europe seeks to pressure Tehran without addressing Iran’s strategic weight, the more it risks reducing its own diplomatic leverage. Iran, meanwhile, enters the next phase of engagement with Europe from a position in which geography, energy security and regional power give it considerably more bargaining weight than conventional economic pressure alone might suggest.
Islamabad the other day. Chief of Defence Forces and Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, who had accompanied the PM in his historical visit to Saudi Arabia along with others, deserves to be given the due credit for playing a very important pivotal role in the finalization and signing of the Tri-Nation Joint Defence Accord He was also very actively involved in the formulation and signing of the Saudi Arabia-Pakistan bilateral collective defence agreement, the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement. in September 2025. , The Makkah Joint Defence Accord continues to be discussed and hailed by the people at large, and political party leaderships, as it augurs well for peace , security and stability of the region in general and signatory countries Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan in particular. People of Pakistan have very special religious and emotional attachment and affiliation with Saudi Arabia where the two holiest places of the Islamic world, Makkah and Medina are located. The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement’s different aspects continue to be discussed, debated, and opined not only in Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye but also the world over as this was going to forge greater unity among the Muslim countries much sooner than anyone would imagine.
The writer is Lahore-based Freelance Journalist, Columnist and retired Deputy Controller (News) , Radio Pakistan, Islamabad and can be reached at zahidriffat@gmail.com
Why the richest man on Earth wants you to think money won’t matter People were pretty quick to wonder why Musk is holding on to a personal fortune that’s greater than some countries’ entire GDP if money is really on the way out
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THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD Victoria DeVine
CCORDING to the richest person on Earth, pretty soon money will be a thing of the past. He’s not just talking about physical cash, either, although our rates of using coins and notes have been on a downward trajectory for quite some time now. No, according to Elon Musk, within just 10 years’ time, artificial intelligence and an army of robots will essentially negate our need for money, to the point where it “won’t matter” any more. Speaking to The Economist recently, Musk said, “You want money for goods and services, right? You want money for obviously food, housing, transport, entertainment. Well, if that is so abundant that the robots and AI are providing more goods and services than any human could possibly consume, what do you need money for?” As tempting as it might be to roll our eyes and write Elon Musk and his many predictions for the future off, what he says still holds an incredible amount of sway. The incredible financial success of his companies Tesla, Starlink and SpaceX, which is the basis for his exorbitant wealth, means that when he speaks many people listen (not least because he makes users of his social media platform, X, listen). And this is what, I think, is one of the biggest problems with him, and his willingness to offer up opinions on any number of topics so freely. But to use an old saying that feels especially fitting when applied to Musk, talk is cheap. Back in 2011, he said that within a decade his company SpaceX would have put a person on Mars. By 2016, he revised this prediction, saying that by 2018 they would be sending rockets to Mars, which would then be followed by biennial missions, and then people being sent would come after that. Musk’s promised fully autonomous car is still nowhere to be seen. “If things go according to plan, we should be able to launch people probably in 2024, with arrival in 2025,” he said at the time. But 15 years on from
the initial promise, we’re still no closer to seeing human life on Mars. During the same period as his space predictions, he said his electric vehicle company, Tesla, would have a fully autonomous driving car on the market by 2018, meaning people could essentially have their own private taxi service. So much so, that he said owning a traditional car where a human is required to operate the vehicle would be the social equivalent of still having to ride a horse into town. Eleven years later, Tesla has models that have some semi-autonomous technology, but the promised fully autonomous car is still nowhere to be seen. The following year, in 2016, he launched Neuralink, which aims to combine AI technology with human intelligence by implanting a microchip into a human’s brain. At the time, he predicted the first chips would hit the market by 2021. Much like the self-driving cars, we are still waiting to see how that pans out. Then in 2019, Musk confidently told the world that there would be a million self-driving autonomous robot taxis on the road by 2020 for those who don’t need to own a vehicle permanently, but who also don’t want to use Ubers or public transport. Seven years on, that prediction is nowhere near close to being a reality, with CNBC estimating fewer than 50 robotaxis are on the roads in the United States. In the leadup to the 2024 US presidential election, Musk announced that under Donald Trump he would create the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE – named after a cryptocurrency “meme coin” he’s invested in) and cut $US2 trillion in what he said was federal government misspending. Now we know that DOGE not only failed to uncover the “waste, fraud and abuse” Musk said was there, but that his employees wreaked havoc, with potentially long-lasting impacts to government-funded programs, and that government spending actually increased on his watch. Speaking of Dogecoin, Musk has long been a fan and public champion of the highly volatile “meme coin”. Currently, it’s trading at about $US0.073 – a drop of around 90 per cent from its alltime high of $US0.74 in 2021. When he was working at the White House, the coin pushed up to $US0.48
before dropping again, which is now very much the pattern. But Musk’s disciples are hopeful that a new all-time high is just around the corner, with SpaceX set to launch its DOGE-1 satellite in September, which was fully paid for by Dogecoin. This pattern of saying one thing and the reality being entirely different is important because it shows that just because Musk says something doesn’t mean there’s any weight to it. So often, his words do not match up to the eventual outcome – or lack of an outcome. But this pattern also suggests that he is extremely comfortable with volatility, and isn’t spending much time thinking about the power of his influence and how much money the people hanging onto his every word could lose. And this brings me back to his prediction that money will be a thing of the past that no one will need or even really care about within just 10 years’ time. Unsurprisingly, people were pretty quick to wonder why Musk is holding on to a personal fortune that’s greater than some countries’ entire GDP if money is really on the way out. On social media, the Nobel Prizewinning economist Daron Acemoglu asked, “If money won’t matter in 2036, why don’t you pledge to donate your current wealth of approximately $1 trillion to charity no later than 2036. “This would establish with great credibility your belief in the powers of AI and technology. It would also assuage many people around the world who are worried about the political and social influence of billionaires and trillionaires.” Surprisingly, Musk actually responded to Acemoglu and claimed he is “going to do something along those lines”. Once again, unsurprisingly though, details beyond these few words that would provide a clear road map as to how Musk would get there by this deadline were nowhere to be seen. Until that crucial detail arrives, it’s probably best for everyone to keep calm, carry on, and take what the man who promised us self-driving cars and a space colony says with a giant grain of salt.
Victoria Devine is an award-winning retired financial adviser, a bestselling author and host of Australia’s No.1 finance podcast, She’s on the Money. She is also founder and director of Zella Money.
06 NEWS
GULF ALLIES GROWING FRUSTRATED WITH US OVER PROLONGED IRAN WAR: REPORT
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DUBAI/WASHINGTON AGENCIES
ISCONTENT with the US is growing among its Gulf allies amid concerns that President Donald Trump has been unable to secure a diplomatic end to the prolonged war with Iran, according to US media. "Trump started this war, and we are paying the price," a Gulf official told The Washington Post on condition of anonymity, saying anger toward the US was at its highest point since the US and Israel attacked Iran in February. After months of conflict and continuing missile and drone strikes by Iran and its proxies, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain have grown increasingly critical of the Trump administration, the newspaper reported, citing Arab and Western officials. Some Gulf states have begun question-
Pope renews call to end violence against Palestinians in occupied West Bank
ing the benefits of continuing to host large US military installations on their territory, according to the report. A Western diplomat in the region cautioned, however, that the developments did not amount to a significant shift in sentiment toward the US, saying American forces were not "enthusiastically" wel-
VATICAN CITY AGENCIES
Pope Leo XIV on Sunday renewed his call for an end to violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and urged the international community to advance efforts toward a two-state solution. Speaking after the weekly Angelus prayer, Leo called for an end “to the repeated acts of violence against the Palestinian population of the West Bank,” according to Vatican News. He also issued an urgent appeal to the international community “to ensure that progress is made toward a two-state solution, for a just and lasting peace.” The Vatican has consistently maintained that a two-state solution based on secure and internationally recognized borders is the only viable and equitable path toward lasting peace between Palestine and Israel. The pope also marked the start of the Mediterranean Games in the southern Italian city of Taranto, expressing hope that the sporting event would serve as “a prophetic sign of peace and fraternity among the peoples of this region and of the whole world.” Athletes from countries in Africa, Asia and Europe bordering the Mediterranean are taking part in the event.
Bangladesh says PM will not visit India until Hasina extradited DHAKA
AGENCIES
Bangladesh said on Sunday that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman would not visit India until New Delhi extradited Sheikh Hasina, the Bangladeshi former premier who fled during a 2024 uprising. The countries have had a strained relationship since deadly anti-government protests brought down Hasina’s government and prompted her to escape to neighbouring India, where she remains. She faces the death penalty in Bangladesh after being convicted of crimes against humanity, and Dhaka has repeatedly requested her extradition. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, foreign ministry official A.K.M. Shahidul Karim played down media speculation about a possible trip by Rahman to India next week. “We are of the view that a propitious environment needs to be created for the visit,” Karim told reporters. “To this end, we have urged the Indian authorities to expedite their efforts to extradite Sheikh Hasina and other fugitives.” India has said Bangladesh’s extradition request is “under examination”. Rahman took office in February and has since visited Malaysia and China, departing from the tradition of Bangladeshi leaders heading to India for their first overseas trip. India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, met Rahman last week, fuelling speculation over a possible breakthrough. Officials from Bangladesh and India have been in contact in recent weeks about the possibility of a visit by Rahman, Karim said. “But the process has been vitiated by Sheikh Hasina’s open media interactions, despite her being a convict in crimes against humanity.”
comed even before the war with Iran. "It was more something that was a necessary evil," the diplomat said. "Now, the necessity of it is being put in question." The unease comes as Trump has repeatedly threatened further action against Iran before pulling back from those threats, citing progress in diplomatic talks, while
Washington and Tehran have yet to reach a final agreement to end the conflict. A White House official rejected the assessment, saying Trump "has extraordinary relationships with all of our Gulf partners" and that Washington has remained in regular contact with its regional allies since the conflict began. The Gulf states have taken differing positions on the conflict, with some initially viewing the prospect of a quick US victory over Iran as potentially beneficial. Concerns grew, however, as the war continued without a clear resolution, according to the officials. Despite growing strains, Gulf states remain dependent on Washington for security support, including military equipment, ammunition and intelligence. Iran and Oman have also been negotiating safe shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz for the past three months, with Tehran saying the full restoration of security and normal commercial shipping depends on an end to US military actions.
Thousands await aid after deadly Indonesian quake kills 53 FLORES ISLAND, INDONESIA AGENCIES
Help started arriving on Sunday for thousands of evacuees on Indonesia’s Flores island after a powerful earthquake killed 53 people, injured dozens and damaged hundreds of houses and buildings. Some 5,000 people fled their homes as the 7.7-magnitude quake hit the island early Saturday, followed by at least 341 aftershocks in the hours that followed, a spokesman for the BNPB national disaster agency, Berton Suar Pelita Panjaitan, said. People in some areas were left without electricity and telecommunications and at least one emergency access road remained inaccessible. “We need food, drink, medicines, and diapers for the children,” Umri, a resident of Nangahale village on the north coast of Flores, told AFP on Sunday morning. The 55-year-old, who like many Indonesians uses one name, has been hiding out on a hilltop for 24 hours with others afraid to return home. Nurhidayati, also 55, spent the night on a mat on the same hill. “I’m still terrified; my heart is pounding remembering yesterday’s hard tremor… We just ran up here yesterday. I’m very scared now, still traumatised by the quake in 1992. I don’t dare to go home,” she said. Flores was struck by a 7.7-magnitude earthquake in 1992 that triggered a tsunami and killed about 2,500 people. “I hope the government will soon distribute logistics to help us,” said Nurhidayati. BNPB head Suharyanto
said on Sunday at least five helicopters, several planes, a naval vessel and search and rescue ships were were on their way to help. Berton said at least 101 Flores residents were reported injured in the quake. Survivors were in urgent need of assistance in the form of emergency tents, food, medicines, blankets, camp beds, mats, clean water and electricity generators, he added. The death toll rose by one from Saturday night to Sunday morning. Local search and rescue official Fathur Rahman told AFP on Sunday there were no reports of people buried or missing. The epicentre of the shallow quake was located just off the north coast of the island, geological authorities said. The affected areas have few, if any, high-rise buildings. Berton said at least 914 houses were severely damaged and hundreds of others to a lesser degree. Dozens of public facilities were also stricken, including 93 educational and 36 health facilities, and 38 government offices. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said Saturday preparations were under way to bring aid to thousands in temporary shelters. The government sent 50,000 aid packages weighing a total of 275 tonnes to the area and European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen offered help from the bloc’s Copernicus Earth observation satellites. “Europe stands ready to deploy Copernicus, our eyes in the sky, to support search and rescue efforts. Indonesia, we stand with you,” she wrote on X.
‘80pc of Muslims are terrorists’, says Hindutva group leader NEW DELHI AGENCIES
A video, circulating on social media, has triggered widespread outrage after a Hindutva Hindu man after threatening and communal remarks, targeting Muslims in BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh state. The video has triggered outrage after a Hindutva man, identified as Deepak Das, described in the post as the national treasurer of the Hindu Security Service Association, made threatening and communal remarks targeting Muslims at Hanumangarhi in Ayodhya. In the video, Das is heard saying: “I don’t want to even see Muslims, and I will bury them”. His slur earned him a round of applause and cheers from all those present. He further said, “80pc” of Muslims in the country are terrorists and added that Muslims, who do not chant “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” or “Vande Mataram” would be “buried 80 feet underground.” One user on X wrote, “Such communal and threatening rhetoric targeting an
entire religious community is deeply disturbing and must be condemned. Patriotism cannot be imposed through threats, and citizens should not be threatened with violence for their religious identity or beliefs.” Another user called for action against Das. “Calling the entire community terrorist and threatening to bury them alive is nothing but hatred and intimidation. In India, every citizen has the right to live with dignity while maintaining their identity and practising their faith. Those who incite hatred should face legal action.” The remarks and threat against those who refuse to chant particular slogans have raised concerns about intimidation and the targeting of Muslims based on their religious identity. The incident has raised concerns about the serious and adverse consequences of such hateful communal rhetoric in public spaces, particularly when political or religious disagreement is framed in terms of threats against an entire community.
‘RING OF FIRE’: In Ruteng, a town about 200 kilometres from the worst-hit part of the island, AFP saw heavy machinery clearing rubble from the street Sunday. Yohana Raisita Damalia Mari, a spokeswoman for the local hospital, said the building had been badly damaged, and patients were evacuated to tents erected outside. A woman underwent an emergency C-section in an intact storage room converted into a temporary operating theatre. “Thank God, the surgery went smoothly and both the patient and her baby are safe,” said Yohana. Herybertus Geradus Laju Nabit, mayor of the Manggarai regency, told AFP it was impossible to predict when the aftershocks would end. “Therefore, our first appeal is: be vigilant. Stay alert,” he said. After Saturday’s quake, Flores residents ran for the hills as the sea retreated, a possible sign of an approaching tsunami. A tsunami warning was later lifted, but authorities urged people not to return to damaged buildings for fear that aftershocks may bring them down. Waves of up to 1.6 metres were reported in some coastal regions, according to Indonesia’s BMKG geological agency. Indonesia experiences frequent earthquakes due to its location in the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, an arc of intense seismic activity stretching from Japan through Southeast Asia and across the Pacific basin. A devastating 9.1-magnitude tremor in 2004 struck off the coast of Sumatra and triggered a tsunami that killed 220,000 throughout the region, about 170,000 of them in Indonesia. It was one of the deadliest natural disasters in recorded history.
Monday, 17 August, 2026 | ISLAMABAD
US would 'regret' any attempt to annex Strait of Hormuz: Iran's army chief
TEHRAN
AGENCIES
Iran’s Army Chief Major General Amir Hatami has warned the United States that it would regret any attempt to annex the Strait of Hormuz, reports IRNA. Hatami vowed that Iran’s forces remained ready to counter any hostile plot and defend the country’s interests. IRAN OFFERS $30,000 BOUNTY FOR KILLING, CAPTURING US SOLDIERS: Iran’s military announced othat it was offering a bounty equivalent to $30,000 for killing or capturing US soldiers, with the reward doubled if carried out by a woman, reports AFP. Army Chief Amir Hatami said the plan had been drawn up following “the large number of requests” to participate in the financial support, according to the IRNA state news agency. “Anyone who kills or captures and hands over an invading American military personnel will receive a reward equivalent to $30,000 or 5 billion tomans from the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Army,” Hatami said, using an informal unit equivalent to 10,000 Iranian rials. “Courageous Iranian women who carry out such an action will receive double the reward,” he added.
SAUDI AUTHORITIES ISSUE WARNING FOR JAZAN PROVINCE ALONG YEMEN BORDER: On the other hand, the Saudi civil defence agency issued an alert warning of “potential danger” in southern Jazan province along the border with Yemen that has been targeted by Houthi rebels recently, reports AFP. “A warning has been issued by the National Early Warning Platform in the Jazan Province to alert of a potential danger,” read the statement by the agency, with similar alerts usually issued ahead of potential strikes targeting an area.
GHALIBAF SAYS IRAN ACHIEVED 'TRUE VICTORY' IN WAR WITH UNITED STATES: Iranian parliament speaker and top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf says that Iran achieved “true victory” in the war with the United States, Iran’s ISNA news agency reports. He added that the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was a document of victory in the field of diplomacy. ISLAMABAD MOU WITH US REACHED WITH ‘DIGNITY, STRENGTH’: PEZESHKIAN: Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the recent agreement with the US — the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) — was reached with “dignity” and “strength” and in accordance with the principles held by the martyred leader Ali Khamenei, Iran’s ISNA news agency reported.
Most US voters say they are worse off under Trump: poll WASHINGTON AGENCIES
Most United States voters say their finances have worsened since President Donald Trump returned to the White House, with less than three months to go before the November midterm elections, according to a Financial Times poll. The Focaldata poll found that 53% of registered voters felt worse off under Trump, including nearly 57% of independents and almost one-quarter of Republicans. Nearly two-thirds said the US economy was moving in the wrong direction, while just 25% said it was heading in the right direction. Voters also gave Democrats an advantage over Republicans on inflation and the cost of living, as well as jobs and the economy. Trump’s approval rating on inflation and living costs was particularly weak, with 64% disapproving, including nearly seven in 10 independents and about onethird of Republicans. Overall, 55% disapproved of Trump’s performance, while his net approval among
Republicans fell eight percentage points from the previous month. Democrats led Republicans 44% to 39% when voters were asked which party they were likely to support in November. Polls have indicated that Democrats are positioned to regain control of the House, while taking the Senate remains more difficult. The findings come as inflation, high prices and declining consumer sentiment weigh on Americans. Inflation stood at 3.4% in July, while government data showed real wages declined last month. White House spokesperson Kush Desai defended Trump’s record, saying, “The Trump administration continues to deliver on the President’s affordability agenda by lowering drug prices, reshoring American jobs, and cutting taxes while simultaneously touting a historic drop in violent crime nationwide and the most secure border in history.” The online poll was conducted by London-based, nonpartisan Focaldata from August 7 to 10 among 1,913 registered voters, with a margin of error of plus or minus 2.9 percentage points.
Taliban court US, seek embassy reopening, investment to break Afghan isolation NEW YORK AGENCIES
Five years after the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Taliban government has launched its most high-profile overture in years to Washington, calling for the reopening of the US embassy, a renewed diplomatic presence and American investment in the country’s vast mineral wealth and infrastructure, as Kabul seeks to break its prolonged international isolation. “We consider the chapter of war to have come to an end, and from now on, we want relations based on mutual respect and a new chapter of positive engagement,” Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi said in an interview with The New York Times in Kabul. Muttaqi said the United States could “reopen its embassy, maintain a diplomatic
presence and invest” in Afghanistan’s vast mineral wealth, dams and roads. The public overture by one of the Taliban’s most senior officials represents the latest and most direct effort by the Afghan government to pull itself out of diplomatic isolation, despite limited progress in securing formal international recognition. Over the past year, the Taliban administration has signed a defense partnership with Russia and concluded dozens of trade agreements with Central Asian neighbours, including Uzbekistan, according to the Times dispatch. Taliban officials have also travelled regularly to Gulf countries and held meetings with Syria’s President Ahmed alSharaa, while the administration has been cooperating with European countries seeking to deport Afghan migrants. “The government would see renewed en-
gagement with the Trump administration, with its appetite for commercial diplomacy and little consideration for human rights, as the crowning achievement of its diplomatic efforts,” the Times said, citing five former U.S. and Afghan officials familiar with Kabul’s approach. The Taliban administration claims to have restored order and security across Afghanistan, curbed corruption within the government and created favourable conditions for foreign investment. However, its efforts to establish meaningful engagement with Washington have so far remained stalled. “There is no appetite in D.C.,” said Hassan Abbas, a U.S.-based scholar of Pakistani origin and author of a recent book on the Taliban in power. “No one wants to touch this topic. Everyone wants to forget about Afghanistan.” The United States has moved closer to Pakistan and is embroiled in a con-
flict with Iran, one of the Taliban’s few longstanding partners, the dispatch pointed out. Washington has also designated the Taliban as a state sponsor of wrongful detention, paused visa issuance for Afghans and barred them from travelling to the United States. At the same time, the Taliban have re-
jected several demands publicly raised by President Donald Trump, including restoring U.S. control of Bagram Air Base, which American forces occupied for two decades, returning U.S. weapons left behind in Afghanistan and releasing a U.S. prisoner whom the Taliban deny holding, according to the Times. “No Afghan wants or can tolerate the military presence of another country on Afghan soil, as history has demonstrated,” Muttaqi told the Times at the Foreign Ministry this week, sitting in a plush armchair with the white Taliban flag behind him.In a written response to questions, the U.S. State Department rejected the prospect of normalization, saying the Taliban had failed to make Afghanistan more stable or uphold its counterterrorism commitments and had instead allowed terrorist groups to use Afghan territory as a launchpad for attacks.
NEWS 07
Monday, 17 August 2026 | ISLAMABAD
CM MARYAM VOWS CLEAN DRINKING WATER ACROSS PUNJAB, HAILS ATTOCK EBUS SUCCESS
BMP urges NEPRA to reject Rs34b power tariff burden LAHORE
The Businessmen Panel (BMP) of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) has urged the government and the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) to reconsider the proposed recovery of around Rs34 billion from electricity consumers, warning that another increase in power tariffs would further aggravate the difficulties being faced by trade, industry and households. The demand comes amid a public hearing conducted by NEPRA on the petition submitted by the Central Power Purchasing Agency-Guarantee (CPPA-G) on behalf of electricity distribution companies (Discos) for the second quarterly tariff adjustment of calendar year 2026. The Discos have sought recovery of about Rs33.78 billion from consumers for the April-June period, mainly on account of capacity charges and other adjustments. Former FPCCI president and BMP Chairman Mian Anjum Nisar has consistently maintained that Pakistan’s businesses cannot become competitive in regional and international markets while electricity remains excessively expensive. He has repeatedly called for reducing the cost of energy, restructuring the power sector and preventing the burden of inefficiencies from being transferred to consumers. According to the latest NEPRA proceedings, the proposed adjustment could increase electricity tariffs by around Rs1.34 per unit for three months if the entire amount is approved. Industry representatives, however, have warned that the effective impact on consumers could be considerably higher when taxes and the expiry of existing relief are taken into account. The issue has become particularly concerning for industrial consumers, who are already struggling with high production costs, weak demand, expensive financing and intense competition in international markets. BMP believes that increasing electricity prices under such circumstances could discourage investment, restrict industrial expansion and undermine efforts to promote exports.
Punjab Police maintain high alert at Churches during Christian prayer services LAHORE
STAFF REPORT
Punjab Police maintained heightened security and carried out extensive security duties during Christian prayer services at churches across the province, including Lahore, as part of measures to ensure the safety of worshippers and prevent any untoward incident. Following directives issued by Inspector General of Police Punjab Abdul Kareem, Regional Police Officers (RPOs), District Police Officers (DPOs) and other senior police officials further strengthened security arrangements at churches and other important and sensitive locations across the province. The IG Punjab directed supervisory officers to personally inspect security arrangements at churches and ensure that all prescribed security measures were being implemented effectively. Additional police personnel and snipers were ordered to be deployed at sensitive churches, while teams of the Dolphin Squad, Police Response Unit (PRU) and Elite Force were tasked with maintaining effective patrolling around places of worship. Abdul Kareem directed all deployed officers and personnel to remain highly vigilant, maintain a close watch on suspected and miscreant elements and ensure the safety of members of the Christian community attending prayer services.
PUNJAB CM REVIEWS ATTOCK DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS, LAUDS FREE ELECTROBUS TRAVEL FOR WOMEN, STUDENTS, SENIORS
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STAFF REPORT
LAHORE
SALEEM JADOON
UNJAB Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Sunday reviewed the public needs and ongoing development projects in Attock district during a meeting with members of the Provincial Assembly, reaffirming her government’s focus on expanding modern transport, improving village infrastructure and providing clean drinking water across the province. Members of the Provincial Assembly from Attock called on the chief minister and held detailed discussions with her on development priorities and public welfare initiatives in the district. The MPAs congratulated Maryam Nawaz on the success in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and paid tribute to her for launching the electrobus service in Attock district. Briefing the chief minister, the lawmakers said electrobus services were operating on two routes — from POF Sanjwal to Hazro and from Government College of Technology Dhok Fateh to Attock Khurd — and had received a positive response from the public in Attock and adjoining areas. They said the provision of a world-class electrobus service, coupled with free travel for women, students and senior citizens, was a blessing for residents and had provided them with a modern and convenient means of transportation. The MPAs also appreciated the upgradation of villages under the Model Village Project, describing the initiative as revolutionary and saying Punjab’s development and landmark projects were increasingly becoming a model for other provinces. During the meeting, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz
said that providing essential public services and improving living standards remained among the key priorities of her government. She said that, on the pattern of the Suthra Punjab Programme, the Clean Drinking Water Project was also among the government’s priorities. “After cleanliness, my resolve is to provide clean drinking water in all cities across Punjab,” she said. Maryam Nawaz said the Pakistan Muslim LeagueN had played a historic role in strengthening Pakistan, including making the country a nuclear power and building motorways. “We have launched the Punjab Development Programme for every city and village, under which mega projects for drainage, sewerage systems and roads have been initiated across the province,” she added.
Punjab to become South Asia’s most advanced, AI-enabled province: Ali Dar LAHORE
STAFF REPORT
The concluding ceremony of the two day Pakistan Youth Carnival 2026 was held at the University of Management and Technology (UMT). The Pakistan Youth Carnival was organized by Volunteers Leading Governance (VLG) in collaboration with the Sitara-oHilal Foundation. Punjab Chief Minister’s Advisor for AI and Special Initiatives Ali Dar attended the ceremony as the chief guest, while former Provincial Minister and VLG Founder Ibrahim Murad also participated as a special guest. The concluding ceremony featured discussions on artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, leadership, youth engagement and future skills. The social services and volunteer activities undertaken by young people were also appreciated. A large number of VLG memfrom across Punjab bers participated in the event. On the occasion of Independence Day, VLG Founder Ibrahim Murad and Ali Dar cut a cake decorated in the colours of the national flag and offered a special prayer for the security, prosperity, development and stability of Pakistan. Addressing the ceremony,
Ibrahim Murad congratulated the entire nation on Independence Day. He said that around 16,000 young people from across Punjab have joined VLG as volunteers. He highlighted that VLG volunteers have actively participated in clean-up drives, plantation campaigns, welfare initiatives and other social activities, while also supporting Rescue 1122 and other relevant institutions during floods and relief operations. Chief guest Ali Dar extended his heartfelt congratulations to all Pakistanis on Independence Day and said Punjab possesses worldclass talent, potential and capacity
in the field of artificial intelligence. Dar said the Punjab Chief Minister’s vision is to make Punjab the most AI-enabled province in South Asia by 2029. “God willing, we will make Punjab the region’s most advanced province in the fields of artificial intelligence and modern technology,” he said. Paying tribute to VLG Founder Ibrahim Murad, Ali Dar described him as a younger-brother-like figure and praised him as a sincere, hardworking and kind-hearted person. He emphasized that equipping young people with modern technology, AI and future oriented skills is a need of the time.
Mövenpick Hotel Karachi celebrates Japanese cuisine in collaboration with Consulate General of Japan KARACHI
STAFF REPORT
Mövenpick Hotel Karachi continued its culinary journey across Asia with the second chapter of its Grand Pan-Asian Food Festival, celebrating the rich flavours and traditions of Japan in collaboration with the Consulate General of Japan. Following the successful opening weekend dedicated to Chinese cuisine, the festival moved to Japan, offering guests a specially curated selection of Japanese dishes and an opportunity to experience the country’s distinctive culinary traditions. The Japanese cuisine weekend featured the expertise of a Japanese chef, who showcased authentic flavours, techniques and dishes, giving guests an immersive taste of Japan’s celebrated culinary culture. The collaboration with the Consulate General of Japan added a
She said development initiatives were being undertaken across Punjab to address basic infrastructure needs and improve facilities for people in both urban and rural areas. CM commends successful operation against terrorists in Kharan Meanwhile, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed appreciation for the successful security operation against terrorists in Kharan, commending the security forces for their timely and effective action. She praised the forces for conducting the operation under Operation Radd-ul-Fitna 3, during which seven terrorists were killed. The chief minister lauded the security personnel for their courage and professionalism and said such timely action was vital to countering the threat posed by terrorism and ensuring the safety and security of the people.
meaningful cultural dimension to the experience. The weekend was inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by
Consul General of Japan Mr. Hattori and Deputy Consul General Mr. Tamura, alongside Mr. Muhammad Khurram Awan, General Manager, Mövenpick
Hotel Karachi, and Mr. Sikander Mehmood, CEO. The event brought together distinguished guests, food enthusiasts and members of the community for an evening that celebrated the connection between Japanese culture and cuisine. Speaking about the collaboration, Mr. Muhammad Khurram Awan, General Manager, Mövenpick Hotel Karachi, said, “This collaboration with the Consulate General of Japan allowed us to go beyond simply presenting Japanese cuisine. It gave our guests an opportunity to experience and appreciate the culture, traditions and culinary artistry behind it.” The Japanese weekend marked the second destination in the hotel’s “4 Weeks. 4 Culinary Destinations” festival. The culinary journey will continue with Indonesia and Thailand, completing a month-long celebration of Asian cuisine at Mövenpick Hotel Karachi.
Economic stability creates opportunity for sustainable growth: PIAF LAHORE
STAFF REPORT
The Pakistan Industrial and Traders Associations Front (PIAF) has welcomed the improving indicators of Pakistan’s economy, saying the transition from stabilisation towards sustainable growth is an encouraging development that should now be supported through consistent economic policies, structural reforms and greater private-sector participation. PIAF Chairman and Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President Faheemur Rehman Saigol, along with PIAF Senior Vice Chairman Nasrullah Mughal and Vice Chairman Tahir Manzoor Chaudhry, said the State Bank of Pakistan’s assessment of improving economic stability, stronger foreign exchange reserves, rising remittances and controlled inflation provided a positive foundation for accelerating economic activity. The SBP has projected GDP growth of between 3.5 and 4.5 per cent in FY27, following 3.7pc growth in FY26. Remittances exceeded $41 billion in FY26 and are expected to reach $44bn in FY27, while foreign exchange reserves stood at $18.4bn at the end of FY26. Faheemur Rehman Saigol said these encouraging indicators should now be converted into sustainable economic expansion through practical and timebound reforms. He stressed that macroeconomic stability would have lasting value only if it translated into greater industrial production, investment, exports and employment. He said exports should remain at the centre of Pakistan’s economic strategy because sustainable export growth was essential for strengthening foreign exchange reserves, improving the balance of payments and reducing dependence on external borrowing. He called for a clear, long-term export roadmap with measurable sector-wise targets and regular monitoring. The PIAF chairman stressed that high energy and production costs, expensive financing, delayed tax refunds and complicated regulatory procedures continue to affect the competitiveness of Pakistani businesses. The government should therefore prioritise measures that reduce the cost of doing business and enable industries to compete effectively in international markets.
Ahsan Iqbal urges exporters to target billion-dollar exports, shift to high-value brands ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has urged Sialkot’s exporters to set ambitious targets, embrace technology and move from lowcost manufacturing to high-value, internationally recognised brands, saying exporters earning foreign exchange should be treated as national heroes. Addressing the first-ever Business Networking Reception of the German-Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI) held in collaboration with the PRGMEA, Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan had a major opportunity to build a complementary partnership with Germany in engineering,
technology, manufacturing and technical education. He also said incentives should be offered to companies that achieve the milestone of becoming Pakistan’s first billion-dollar export company, while Germany’s vocational training model could help Pakistan develop a skilled workforce. The event brought together senior government officials, presidents and office-bearers of trade associations and members of Sialkot’s business community. In a key development, GPCCI and PRGMEA signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote and expand readymade garment trade between Pakistan and Germany. German Ambassador to Pakistan and GPCCI Patron-in-Chief Ina Lepel, in a recorded video message, stressed the contin-
uing importance of GSP+ for Pakistan-Germany economic relations and expressed hope to visit Sialkot soon. She also noted the resilience of Pakistan’s business sector and said further work remained important on GSP+ issues. Former Federal Minister for Commerce Khurram Dastgir Khan said Germany was Pakistan’s most important and largest trading partner in the European Union and recalled Pakistan’s successful efforts to secure GSP+ status in 2014. He urged trade associations to help small exporters gain greater access to European markets and congratulated Sialkot-based Forward Sports for manufacturing footballs for the FIFA World Cup 2026. PRGMEA former Chairman Ijaz A.
Khokhar, who is also Vice President of the International Apparel Federation (IAF), welcomed the GPCCI initiative, saying stronger Pakistan-Germany business engagement could help Sialkot exporters expand their presence in European markets. He was also congratulated on becoming the first Pakistani elected to the IAF vice presidency. GPCCI President Syed Nadeem Ali Kazmi said the reception represented the chamber’s deliberate move to extend its activities beyond Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad. He invited Sialkot’s industrialists and exporters with German business interests to join GPCCI and use its platform to develop trade and investment links. PRGMEA former chairman Sohail A. Sheikh, speaking on the occasion, stressed
the need for stronger institutional cooperation to expand apparel exports, improve international market access and enable Pakistani manufacturers to compete in higher-value segments. PRGMEA Chairman (North Zone) Imran Salahuddin said that the MoU provides a framework for sharing trade and investment information and supporting a favourable business environment. It was signed by Syed Nadeem Ali Kazmi and PRGMEA Chairman (North Zone) Imran Salahuddin. The reception marked GPCCI’s first business networking initiative in Sialkot, providing a new platform for closer engagement between the city’s export-oriented industries and German businesses.
AJK ReseRved seAts pOll On Aug 24 As pMl-n eyes gOveRnMent with 25 seAts
Monday, 17 August, 2026
PRAYER TIMINGS
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STAFF REPORT
HE Azad Jammu and Kashmir Election Commission on Sunday announced August 24 as the date for polling on eight reserved seats of the AJK Legislative Assembly, setting in motion the final phase of the electoral process as the PML-N emerged as the largest party with 25 general seats secured so far. According to a notification issued by the commission, directly elected members of the AJK Legislative Assembly will elect representatives to five seats reserved for women, and one seat each reserved for Ulema-e-Deen or Mashaikh, Jammu and Kashmir State Subjects residing abroad, and technocrats and other professionals. Polling for the reserved seats will be held in the AJK Assembly on August 24 from 10am to 1pm. Under the election schedule, candidates will file their nomination papers with the returning officer (RO) on August 20 from 9am to 2pm. The RO will scrutinise the papers after the filing deadline and publish the list of validly nominated candidates. Appeals against acceptance or rejection of nomination papers may be filed with the AJK Election Commission on August 21 from 9am to 12pm. The Chief Election Commissioner will hear the appeals at his office on August 22 from 9am to 12pm, while decisions on the appeals will be announced the following day. Candidates will be allowed to withdraw their nominations before 2pm on August 23. Under Article 22(1) of the AJK Con-
stitution, the Legislative Assembly consists of 53 members, including 45 directly elected members on the basis of adult franchise and eight members elected by the directly elected members. The eight reserved seats comprise five for women and one each for Ulemae-Deen or Mashaikh well-versed in Islamic teachings, Jammu and Kashmir State Subjects residing abroad, and technocrats and other professionals. However, elections to seven of the 45 directly elected seats — five in Poonch district and two in Sudhnoti district — could not be held due to the law and order situation. Consequently, the reserved-seat elections will be contested by the 38 directly elected members elected so far, representing 84.4 per cent of the total directly elected membership. The general elections are being conducted in three phases amid unrest in the
region. The third phase, held last week, was originally scheduled to cover the entire Poonch Division, comprising 11 constituencies — three in Bagh, one in Haveli, five in Poonch district and two in Sudhnoti district. However, owing to law and order concerns, the AJK Election Commission allowed polling to proceed only in Bagh and Haveli as scheduled. The commission has yet to announce dates for polling on the remaining seats. PML-N leads AJK election with 25 seats, needs two more Re-polling at 23 polling stations across two constituencies of Azad Kashmir has been completed, with Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) candidates winning the two seats, according to unofficial and unverified results. In LA-15 Central Bagh, PPP candidate Sardar Zia Qamar secured 17,121
votes and was declared successful according to unofficial results. In LA-16 Eastern Bagh, PML-N candidate Sardar Mir Akbar Khan won with 20,793 votes, according to complete unofficial and unverified results. The PPP won only 10 constituencies during the three phases. Meanwhile, victory notifications have been issued for two successful candidates from the third phase, Faisal Mumtaz Rathore and Sajid Iqbal. With completion of the three phases of the AJK Legislative Assembly elections, the PML-N has emerged as the largest party with 25 seats, according to the results available so far. The PML-N is now positioned to form the government. With 25 general seats, the party is expected to receive six reserved seats, taking its total strength to 31. A simple majority in the AJK Assembly requires 27 members. The PPP stands second with 12 seats, while the Awami Dast-o-Bazu Party has one seat, according to the results available so far. Nawaz chairs meeting on women’s reserved seats Meanwhile, PML-N supremo and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif chaired a party meeting to discuss the allocation of reserved seats for women in the AJK Assembly. According to the party, the meeting discussed in detail the issue of women’s reserved seats. The participants appreciated the active and significant participation of women in the AJK elections, describing it as a welcome development for strengthening the democratic process.
KP decries ‘unfair’ resource distribution, demands Rs106b NHP gap reversal PESHAWAR
AZIZ BUNERI
Kp CM, Asad Qaiser discuss strategy for imran Khan's release ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi held a meeting with former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser, during which they discussed the release of PTI founder Imran Khan and supremacy of the Constitution. The meeting also focused on convening a meeting of the Tehreek Tahafuz Aain-e-Pakistan in Islamabad, where consultations on the opposition’s future political strategy will be held. The two leaders agreed on the need to unite opposition parties on a common platform to strengthen democracy, uphold the Constitution and reinforce the parliamentary system. Chief Minister Sohail Afridi also decided to visit Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. During the visits, he will meet political leaders and participate in a public outreach campaign. The schedule for meetings and consultations will be finalised after discussions with party organisations in the respective regions, with all opposition parties to be taken into confidence. The meeting also decided to formulate a joint strategy to further organise and strengthen the movement and expand its public outreach campaign. The participants agreed to continue their joint struggle for the release of Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi and all political prisoners, as well as for justice and the protection of democratic rights. It was further decided that jirgas and consultative meetings would be held with lawyers, students, farmers, workers and representatives of other sections of society as part of the broader outreach effort.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister’s Adviser on Finance Muzzammil Aslam on Sunday accused the federal government of adopting an unequal approach to resource distribution among provinces, questioning why Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was being denied its due financial entitlements while Punjab received significantly higher payments under the Net Hydel Profit (NHP) head. Expressing serious concern over what he termed an “unbalanced” federal resource distribution system, the Finance Adviser asked why the system was “collapsing” and whether smaller provinces were deliberately being kept behind Punjab. He said the federal government’s decisions had created a clear disparity in the distribution of resources among the provinces, particularly in payments under the NHP despite Khyber Pakhtunkhwa possessing greater hydropower resources than Punjab. Muzzammil Aslam said the federal government paid Rs96.8 billion to Punjab under the NHP
last year, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa received only Rs30 billion, leaving a difference of Rs66.8 billion in Punjab’s favour in a single year. He said the figures for the past three years painted a similar picture, with Punjab receiving Rs106.2 billion more than Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the period. “The question is, what kind of justice is this?” he asked. The Finance Adviser said if the federal government was continuously providing additional resources to support the Maryam Nawaz-led Punjab government, such assistance should not come at
the expense of the constitutional rights and financial resources of other provinces. “The rights and resources of other provinces cannot be sacrificed to keep the Punjab government on a ventilator,” he said. He further pointed out that Punjab’s share in the divisible pool under the National Finance Commission (NFC) stood at 51.5 percent, questioning why legitimate dues and entitlements of other provinces were still being delayed. Muzzammil Aslam also raised questions over the distribution of federal development projects, saying that out of 786 federal development projects, only seven had been included for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He said that after excluding funds for the merged districts from the federal development budget of around Rs1,000 billion for the current year, only Rs2.2 billion had been allocated for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Describing the allocation as a serious injustice to the province, he questioned whether the Prime Minister’s association with Lahore meant that the resources of the rest of Pakistan should be distributed in an unbalanced manner.
FAJR SUNRISE
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The traditional homes of rural South Punjab, designed for generations to withstand the region’s punishing summers through high ceilings, open courtyards, shaded verandahs and surrounding trees, are rapidly giving way to enclosed concrete structures, leaving families increasingly exposed to intense heat and humidity. For generations, rural architecture in the region was shaped as much by climate as by necessity. High ceilings allowed hot air to rise, ventilators helped it escape, open courtyards drew in evening breezes, while shaded verandahs and trees provided a natural buffer against the scorching sun. But that climate-responsive design is steadily disappearing. Across villages in districts including Multan, Vehari, Muzaffargarh and Khanewal, courtyards are shrinking, verandahs are vanishing and greenery is being cleared as modern houses
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Rain, thundershowers to lash upper, central parts of country from Aug 17 to 21: Met Office ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Sunday forecast more rain and thundershowers, accompanied by gusty winds and occasional breaks, across the upper and central parts of the country from August 17 to 21, prompting authorities to step up preparedness against possible urban flooding and landslides. According to the Met Office, monsoon currents were continuing to penetrate the upper parts of the country and were expected to persist over the coming days, while a westerly wave was likely to enter the upper parts on August 17. In a related advisory, the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) forecast rain and thundershowers, accompanied by gusty winds and isolated heavy falls, in several parts of the province from August 16 to 21, with occasional breaks. The affected areas include Rawalpindi, Murree, Galyat, Jhelum, Chakwal, Talagang, Attock, Sialkot, Narowal, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Lahore, Kasur, Okara, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Sargodha, Khushab, Mianwali and Noorpur Thal. Meanwhile, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Layyah, Bhakkar, Sahiwal, Pakpattan, Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur and DG Khan are also expected to receive rain and thundershowers on August 20 and 21. The PDMA warned that heavy rainfall could trigger urban flooding in low-lying areas of Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot and Lahore from August 17 to 20. It also cautioned that landslides could occur in vulnerable areas of Murree and Galyat during the forecast period. “Tourists and travellers are advised to remain cautious during the forecast period,” the PDMA said, urging farmers to plan crop-related activities in view of the expected weather conditions and take necessary care of their livestock. The authority also issued detailed preparedness guidelines to district administrations, directing them to formulate effective risk-mitigation plans and ensure round-the-clock staffing for timely coordination and response. District administrations were instructed to maintain close coordination with the PDMA and all relevant departments to ensure a unified and prompt response in case of any emergency. They were also directed to ensure the accurate and timely dissemination of information regarding safety measures and evacuation plans through electronic and social media platforms. The PDMA further asked authorities to ensure the timely desilting and clearance of drains and preposition heavy earth-moving machinery at vulnerable choke points to facilitate a rapid response during heavy rainfall and possible flooding. The Motorway Police were directed to issue regular traffic advisories, provide timely updates on road conditions and guide travellers for safe journeys. The PDMA also advised the deployment of additional staff and resources in high-risk areas to ensure an effective emergency response. Meanwhile, Rescue 1122 was directed to remain on high alert and ensure the pre-positioning of search-and-rescue teams and necessary equipment at strategic locations. The latest weather advisory comes as monsoon currents remain active over the country, with authorities being urged to maintain preparedness and ensure timely coordination among all relevant departments to minimize risks to lives and property during the forecast period.
Two killed as IED blast targets labourers’ vehicle in Wali Tangi QUETTA STAFF REPORT
Two labourers were killed and three others injured when an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by the roadside was remotely detonated against a vehicle carrying a contractor and four labourers in Wali Tangi area, about 30 kilometres from Quetta, on Sunday, police said. The blast occurred as the pickup was travelling towards the suburban area, with police officials saying unidentified attackers had targeted the vehicle carry-
ing the contractor and labourers who were being taken to the area for construction work on tube wells. Senior Superintendent of Police Asif Ghafoor said the IED had been planted along the roadside and detonated remotely as the vehicle passed through the area. “Five people, including the contractor, were injured in the blast and shifted to Civil Hospital Quetta,” he said, adding that two of the injured later succumbed to their wounds. Police officials said the powerful explosion badly damaged the vehicle. Po-
lice and Frontier Corps personnel reached the site soon after the blast, cordoned off the area and shifted the injured to the hospital. Security forces subsequently launched a search operation in the area to trace those involved in the attack. The incident came amid a deteriorating security situation in Balochistan, where violence recorded a sharp increase last month, according to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS). Meanwhile, unidentified armed men shot dead a former Afghan army com-
mander in Killi Raisani, a locality on the outskirts of Quetta, police said. The incident occurred when armed men riding a motorcycle targeted the former commander while he was passing through the area. “Armed men riding a motorcycle targeted the former Afghan commander while he was passing through the area,” Adil Shah, a senior police officer at Shalkot police station, told Dawn. He identified the victim as Haji Hazrat Ullah alias Rorad Achakzai, a former commander of Afghanistan’s Kandahar province.
South Punjab’s climate-smart homes vanish as concrete tightens grip MULTAN
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become smaller, more enclosed and dominated by concrete. The transformation has become particularly visible during the current spell of intense heat and humidity, with residents describing conditions as increasingly unbearable and offering little relief even after sunset. Older residents, including former UC Councilor Abdul Kareem and Vehari resident Zafar Iqbal, said the difference between today’s homes and those in which they grew up was stark. Families once gathered in courtyards and verandahs in the evening, waiting for the heat absorbed by the walls during the day to subside. Today, many of those open spaces have disappeared. Concrete absorbs heat throughout the day and continues radiating it after sunset, depriving residents of the natural cooling that traditional houses once provided. Civil Engineer Malik Zia Rauf told APP that traditional architecture was closely adapted to the local climate.
“Verandahs added a shaded buffer between the outdoors and living spaces,” he said, explaining that they allowed families to sit outside during the day and even sleep there on hot nights without direct exposure to the sun. High ceilings and ventilators helped hot air rise and escape, while courtyards brought light and air into homes and provided families with an open space to breathe. According to Rauf, these features are disappearing partly because ancestral land is increasingly divided among children as families grow. With plots becoming smaller, every available inch is being used for construction, leaving little space for courtyards, gardens or trees. Construction company owner Malik Muhammad Ramzan said changing preferences were also contributing to the trend, with many families opting for newer building styles despite older houses generally being more airy and better lit. The change is not merely architectural
but environmental. A house surrounded by trees and open space responds differently to extreme heat than one enclosed by concrete. A shaded verandah protects against direct sunlight, while a sealed, low-ceilinged room can trap heat. The difference is becoming more significant as climate change intensifies. South Punjab is among Pakistan’s hottest regions, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 45 degrees Celsius. As extreme heat and humid conditions become more frequent, the loss of climate-responsive architecture is removing a layer of natural protection, Rauf said. Dr Waqas Arqam, a medical specialist, said the consequences extended beyond discomfort. Homes that retain heat overnight provide children and older people little opportunity to recover from daytime heat stress, while poor ventilation can allow humidity to accumulate indoors, worsening conditions for people suffering from respiratory or heart ailments.
Published by Asad Nizami at Plot # 7, Al-Baber Centre, F/8 Markaz, Islamabad, for PT Print (Pvt) Limited. Ph: 051-2204545. Email: newsroom@pakistantoday.com.pk
In a region where many households cannot afford air conditioning or face frequent power outages, the design of a home can increasingly determine how safely a family endures the summer. Trees are disappearing from village home landscapes as well. Where trees once commonly surrounded courtyards, greenery is increasingly associated with farmland rather than residences as plots shrink and construction expands. Laique Sheikhana, a resident of Nawabpur village who has maintained a garden around his home, said trees provided both fruit and shade and helped keep homes surrounded by greenery noticeably cooler than those dominated by concrete. The transformation, however, does not mean modern housing must completely abandon traditional climate wisdom. Rauf said even smaller homes could incorporate cross-ventilation, ventilators, shaded windows, rooftop greenery and strategically planted trees.