Profit 15 COPS AMONG 21 MARTYRED IN KOHAT POLICE LINES BLAST; OVER 100 INJURED In partnership with
Saturday, 19 September, 2026 | 6 Rabius Sani, 1448
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VBIED BLAST DURING FRIDAY PRAYERS FOLLOWED BY TERRORIST ASSAULT ON POLICE COMPOUND
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KOHAT/PESHAWAR
SALEEM JADOON
T least 21 people, including 15 police officials, were martyred on Friday when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) detonated near a mosque inside Kohat Police Lines, followed by a militant assault on the compound, senior police and district health officials said. District Health Officer Dr Nasir Hassan Afridi confirmed the death toll and said more than 80 people were injured, including three in critical condition. According to a police statement, the blast occurred at around 1:20pm during Friday prayers at a mosque in the Police Lines on Hangu Road. The explosion was followed
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XVII No 175 | 8 Pages | Islamabad Edition
SIX ATTACKERS, INCLUDING SUICIDE BOMBER, KILLED; CLEARANCE OPERATION REACHES FINAL STAGES: POLICE
by an attack involving around five to seven terrorists who stormed the compound and targeted police facilities. SP Traffic Akbar Shinwari and Dr Israel Orakzai, head of the children’s department at DHQ KDA Kohat, were among those martyred, officials said. The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) said its Additional Inspector General reached the site as an exchange of fire between security personnel and the attackers continued. The AIG himself entered the compound to participate in and lead the operation, it added. According to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police (IGP) Zulfiqar Hameed and police statements, the attack began when a VBIED detonated at the boundary wall near the mosque.
At least seven attackers then breached the compound and moved towards the CTD and Special Branch buildings. Six attackers, including a suicide bomber, were killed by law-enforcement personnel, according to police. At least one attacker was subsequently cornered, prompting police to launch a clearance operation. At around 3:30pm, police said the operation was “in its final stages”. “The operation will continue until the complete elimination of Fitna-ul-Khawarij,” the IG was quoted as saying, adding that the police’s morale remained high. Fitna al-Khawarij is a term used by the state for terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
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MORE THAN 100 INJURED REPORTED AT TWO KOHAT HOSPITALS, INCLUDING 73 POLICE PERSONNEL
CONTINUED ON PAGE 03
Naqvi warns PTI march organisers over ‘possible loss of life’ IHC rules against blocking roads ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has warned that organisers of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s planned Islamabad march would be held responsible for any loss of life if protesters attempt to enter the federal capital on September 27. His remarks came shortly after the Islamabad High Court ruled that no political party has a lawful right to occupy public roads, highways or buildings during protests. Naqvi said the court’s detailed verdict left no room for an attempt to force entry into Islamabad and warned that anyone violating the ruling could
face contempt proceedings. He said provincial governments had also been informed of the decision and directed to prevent protesters from entering the capital. The interior minister drew a distinction between peaceful political activity and groups entering Islamabad in an armed or confrontational manner. He said political parties were free to stage peaceful protests in their respective cities and provinces, but the government would not allow Islamabad to be shut down or attacked in the name of protest. Naqvi added that the federal government had completed preparations, in coordination with provincial authorities, to prevent groups from entering the capital.
He urged senior opposition leaders to reconsider the decision to proceed with the march and said PTI should reassess the purpose and possible consequences of the planned protest. His comments came as PTI continued preparations for its September 27 long march, which party leaders have linked to demands concerning former prime minister Imran Khan. Naqvi also referred to the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and argued that greater attention should be given to counterterrorism efforts rather than political mobilisation. The warning followed a deadly attack at Kohat Police Lines, where at least 16 people, including five police officials, were killed and more than 50 others injured.
during PTI’s planned Islamabad march
ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court has ruled that no political party, leader, provincial government or public office holder has the legal right to occupy public roads, highways, interchanges, toll plazas or buildings during protests. The ruling came in a detailed verdict on a petition challenging Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s planned long march to Islamabad on September 27. A three-member larger bench headed by Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar issued the 37-page judgment. The court said any activity that obstructs citizens’ movement, access to hospitals and educational institutions, or their ability to conduct business or pursue a profession would amount to a violation of fundamental rights. STAFF REPORT
CONTINUED ON PAGE 03
02 NEWS
Saturday, 19 September, 2026 | ISLAMABAD
PAKISTAN DEVELOPING NATIONAL PRIVATE EQUITY FRAMEWORK AS ECONOMY SHIFTS TOWARDS INVESTMENT: AURANGZEB
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PROFIT
news Desk
AKISTAN is developing a National Private Equity Framework to mobilise institutional capital into businesses and projects as the government seeks to move the economy from stabilisation towards investment, broader capital formation, exports and private sector-led growth, Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb said at a J.P. Morgan conference in London. Addressing the “Fireside Chat: Pakistan: External Shocks Remain Manageable” at the J.P. Morgan Emerging and Frontier Markets Opportunities Conference, the finance minister outlined Pakistan’s progress in restoring macroeconomic stability and the government’s priorities for moving towards investment, capital formation, exports and private sector-led growth. The conference saw strong interest in Pakistan from leading global institutional investors and top money managers, with 55 global investment funds engaging with the Pakistani delegation through a number of one-on-one meetings and a full investor session. The strong investor interest was accommodated within a day, with discussions focused on Pakistan’s future economic direction, investment opportunities and the sustainability of its ongoing economic transformation. Amin Khowaja, Chief Executive Officer and Country Head of J.P. Morgan Pakistan, was also present during the meetings. Setting out the government’s economic direction, the finance minister outlined six key priorities: bringing permanence to
Ningbo Green Light Energy set for Pakistan’s first listing through blank-check vehicle: report PROFIT
Monitoring report
Renewable energy company Ningbo Green Light Energy is set to become the first company in Pakistan to go public through a blank-check vehicle, with its backdoor listing expected to be completed within weeks, according to Bloomberg. The company, which imports solar equipment for renewable energy projects, is awaiting court approval for a reverse takeover of LSE SPAC-I Ltd., Chief Executive Officer Qasim Ningbo said. LSE SPAC-I, a subsidiary of LSE Capital Ltd., raised Rs250 million through an initial public offering (IPO) in May and used the proceeds to acquire a 19.04% stake in Ningbo Green Light Energy. The renewable energy company is partly owned by Ningbo Green Light Energy Group Company Limited. The transaction comes as Pakistan’s IPO market has experienced a revival in recent years, with momentum continuing into 2026 and new listings generally showing strong post-listing performance. The resurgence has been attributed to improved macroeconomic stability under the International Monetary Fund programme, positive market sentiment, high liquidity, falling interest rates and political stability, encouraging greater equity investment. “The conventional IPOs in Pakistan have been happening for mature and long-established companies,” LSE Chief Executive Officer Aftab Ahmad Chaudhry told Bloomberg. “Now even growth-stage and non-IPO-sized companies can get capital market funding. This has diversified the financing choices.” The planned listing also comes amid a growing shift towards alternative energy in Pakistan, particularly solar power, which has gained popularity across residential and commercial sectors. Pakistan, with a population of around 224 million, remains heavily dependent on imported oil and liquefied natural gas, leaving it exposed to fluctuations in global energy prices. Fuel shortages stemming from
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macroeconomic stability and strengthening fiscal and external shock-absorbing capacity; moving from stabilisation to sustainable and responsible growth driven by productivity, investment and exports; staying the course on structural reforms; moving from aid to trade and investment; expanding access to finance to enable people and communities; and positioning Pakistan for the new economy, including digitalisation, blockchain and Web 3.0. Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb said that over the last three years, Pakistan’s overriding task had been to restore macroeconomic stability and rebuild credibility. He noted that significant progress had been made in fiscal consolidation, external sector stability, inflation, debt management and international market access. GDP growth had recovered to 3.7% in FY26, while the fiscal deficit had declined to 2.6% of GDP, a multi-year low, with the country recording a primary surplus for the third consecutive year. On the occasion, State Bank of Pakistan Governor Jameel Ahmad highlighted the strengthening of Pakistan’s external position, noting the improvement in foreign exchange reserves, the quality of reserve accumulation, rising remittance flows and strengthening external-sector fundamentals. He also highlighted the growing contribution of Roshan Digital Account flows, external sector reforms and the strengthening of financial sector fundamentals.
ISLAMABAD
Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC) has sought urgent government intervention over mounting liquidity pressures on oil marketing companies (OMCs), citing Rs66.7 billion in outstanding Price Differential Claims (PDCs) and a pending increase in regulated margins. In a letter dated August 18, 2026, addressed to Minister for Energy (Petroleum Division) Ali Pervaiz Malik, the OCAC said the financial position of OMCs had reached a “critical juncture”, with the sector facing an “increasingly unsustainable financial position”. The council said the regulated OMC margin was last revised in September 2023. Three complete financial years — FY202324, FY2024-25 and FY2025-26 — had since passed without a corresponding revision, while FY2026-27 had already commenced. The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) had approved an increase of Rs1.22 per litre in the OMC margin based on annual national CPI for FY2023-24 and FY202425, but the adjustment remained pending,
He noted the progress made in containing inflation over the years, adding that these developments had contributed to greater macroeconomic stability and strengthened the foundations for sustainable growth and investment. The finance minister said the objective was now to ensure that stability became durable and provided the foundation for a different growth model, one increasingly driven by investment, productivity, exports and private sector activity rather than shortterm, consumption-led expansion. Highlighting improvements in Pakistan’s sovereign debt position, the finance minister said the government had pursued active liability management, extended domestic debt maturities and reduced refinancing risks. He said these measures, together with fiscal consolidation, were strengthening the overall sovereign balance sheet and supporting greater confidence in Pakistan’s economic outlook. Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb said Pakistan had also re-established access to international capital markets through diversified instruments and investor pools. He referred to the inaugural award-winning Panda Bond issuance and Pakistan’s subsequent record $3 billion dual-tranche Eurobond transaction, noting strong investor demand for both. He emphasised that the objective was not simply to raise financing, but to maintain regular market access, diversify the investor base, extend maturities and
progressively improve financing terms. The finance minister highlighted the significant potential for deeper capital formation in Pakistan, saying the government was working to strengthen equity and corporate debt markets, broaden investor participation, increase IPO activity and improve market infrastructure. He said greater foreign capital participation, along with the development of Islamic finance and Sukuk markets, could further expand the channels available for long-term investment. He also outlined reforms aimed at creating greater space for private capital and reducing the state’s role in commercial activity. Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb said privatisation was being pursued as part of a broader restructuring of the role of the state, with progress across PIA, DISCOs, financial institutions, other SOEs and airport operations. He said the government was also developing a National Private Equity Framework to mobilise institutional capital into businesses and projects and strengthen the ecosystem for private equity and venture capital. The finance minister said access to finance was also being expanded across SMEs, agriculture and housing so that macroeconomic stability could translate into greater credit, investment and productive activity. He stressed that public balance sheets alone could not finance Pakistan’s next phase of growth and that private capital would increasingly have to play a larger role. Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb high-
NAB KP develops digital system to track state land, flags record gaps g
state land management system to consolidate provincial records into a searchable database as nab Flags discrepancies between district and departmental data, unauthorised leases, mortgages and occupations PESHAWAR
Aziz Buneri
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has developed a digital system to consolidate provincial state land records after identifying gaps between district and departmental data, as well as issues involving unauthorised leases, mortgages and occupation of government land. The State Land Management System (SLMS) will compile provincial state land records into a searchable database, providing a central repository for information on government land. The initiative was discussed during a comprehensive briefing session organised by NAB KP on land revenue matters, the responsibilities of revenue authorities, and the legal and administrative framework governing the leasing of state land in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. NAB Chairman Lt Gen (retd) Nazir Ahmed attended the session virtually, while Prosecutor General Accountability Syed Ihtesham Qadir Shah and KP Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah were among those attending in person. Advisers to the NAB chairman, NAB directors general, provincial secretaries, heads of departments, and officers representing NAB and the provincial administration also attended. NAB KP Director General Naveed Haider Zahid said the bureau operates on a three-pronged strategy of awareness, prevention and enforcement. In line with this approach, the NAB chairman established the Land Directorate in 2025 to address the usurpation, illegal allotment and fraudulent transfer of state assets. According to NAB, the initiative resulted in the retrieval of 2.98 million acres of state land nationwide, valued
OCAC seeks govt intervention as Rs66.7b PDCs strain OMC liquidity AhMAD AhMADAni
lighted Pakistan’s large domestic market, young workforce and strategic geographic location, while stressing that the country’s investment proposition was based on the combination of reform and scale. He said reforms in tax administration, tariff rationalisation, energy, SOEs and the financial sector were aimed at improving productivity and shifting the economy towards exports, technology, manufacturing, minerals, agriculture and value-added services. On external economic engagement, the finance minister said Pakistan was moving decisively from traditional dependence on aid towards stronger trade and investment flows. While acknowledging the importance of bilateral partnerships, he emphasised the need to deepen both goods and services trade and attract greater long-term investment through mutually beneficial economic relationships. Highlighting the opportunities offered by the New Economy, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb said Pakistan needed to position itself to benefit from emerging technologies, particularly blockchain and Web 3.0. He said the country’s young workforce and expanding digital ecosystem provided an opportunity to participate more effectively in new areas of the global economy and create new avenues for investment and growth. The finance minister said Pakistan’s investment case was no longer simply about overcoming immediate economic pressures, but about the reform and re-rating potential that remained ahead. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fiscal discipline, external sustainability and reform momentum, while creating greater space for domestic and international private capital.
Finance minister says Framework will mobilise institutional capital as government seeks greater private investment, capital Formation and export-led growth
according to the letter. The current OMC margin stands at Rs7.87 per litre. OCAC said OMCs had faced higher stock-cover requirements, expanding regulatory compliance obligations and rising operating pressures without a corresponding increase in regulated compensation. It said the industry had continued maintaining petroleum supplies despite these pressures, including during geopolitical turmoil since March 2026, when OMCs committed substantial financial resources and assumed commercial risks. “These commitments have been borne by the OMCs while operating on a regulated gross margin of only 2%,” the letter stated. OCAC also opposed making completion of the government’s digitisation programme a precondition for implementing the already approved margin increase. It said OMCs were committed to the digitisation programme and had submitted a three-year implementation plan, but required a margin framework capable of supporting the necessary investment. The council identified outstanding PDCs as another major source of liquidity pressure, saying around Rs66.7 bil-
at Rs5.976 trillion, in 2025, while the recovery of millions of acres of additional state land is underway in 2026. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, NAB identified major discrepancies between records maintained by deputy commissioners and government departments, which it attributed to the absence of a central repository for state land records. The bureau also identified uncertainty over departmental utilisation rights, along with unauthorised leases, mortgages and occupations undertaken without the approval of the Board of Revenue. To address these gaps, NAB KP developed the SLMS to bring provincial state land records onto a single searchable platform. During the session, Adviser to the NAB Chairman on Land Matters Ahmed Ali Zafar delivered a presentation on the legal framework governing land revenue matters in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The presentation covered the historical background and prevailing legal framework, including the appointment and functions of revenue officers, the jurisdiction of civil courts in revenue matters, and ambiguities concerning the exercise of discretion by provincial and local governments in matters relating to state land. NAB Director General Operations Amjad Majeed Aulakh presented the findings of the bureau’s study on land leasing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, highlighting issues identified in the existing system and recommendations aimed at improving transparency, institutional oversight and the effective management of state land leases. Prosecutor General NAB Syed Ihtesham Qadir Shah also presented an overview of superior court judgments concerning the responsibilities of land
lion remained unpaid, while GST and inputtax reimbursements were also unresolved. “The resulting liquidity crunch is placing severe pressure on the commercial viability of OMCs, with substantial funds locked up in receivables,” OCAC said. The council argued that these outstanding receivables were increasing financial strain at a time when companies were required to maintain petroleum supplies and strategic inventories. It also warned that continued policy uncertainty and regulatory interventions could affect investor confidence and discourage long-term investment in the petroleum sector. OCAC requested immediate notification and implementation of the Rs1.22-per-litre margin increase and determination of overdue margins for FY2025-26 and FY202627. It also called for a mechanism to ensure timely annual margin revisions and a “commercially sustainable, fair and equitable regulatory framework” for the downstream petroleum sector. The council sought an urgent meeting between the Petroleum Division and senior industry representatives to discuss the financial pressures, saying “immediate Government intervention is imperative” to protect the financial sustainability of OMCs. The letter was copied to the Federal Secretary of the Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division), the chairman of the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) and the Director General Oil, Petroleum Division.
revenue authorities in managing state land. He said state land constituted a public trust and stressed the importance of safeguarding it through compliance with legal and judicial requirements. He also discussed judgments of the Supreme Court and Sindh High Court concerning the lawful management and disposal of public land through transparent and fair-market mechanisms. The presentations were followed by a question-and-answer session covering legal, administrative and operational aspects of land revenue administration, state land management and leasing. KP Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah said collaboration between NAB and the provincial administration could help improve mechanisms for retrieving and protecting state land. He said recommendations emerging from the workshop could also assist in formulating and vetting legislation to address existing legal and administrative gaps. In his concluding remarks, the NAB chairman called for coordinated institutional efforts to identify, protect and recover state land in the province and strengthen systems governing public resources. He stressed that government functionaries must exercise their authority within the framework of the law and comply with relevant statutory and legal provisions. The chairman also called for the development of a comprehensive roadmap and mechanism to address issues identified during the workshop and translate its recommendations into practical measures. The workshop concluded with an emphasis on stronger collaboration between NAB and the provincial administration to improve governance, protect state resources and strengthen the management of state land.
Pakistan freelancers’ export earnings jump 44% to $352 million in July-August it-related freelance services generate $212 million, while non-it services contribute $139 million during first two months of Fy27 PROFIT
Monitoring report
A Pakistan’s freelancers earned $352 million in export receipts during the first two months of FY27, up 44% from $244 million in July-August 2025, as their contribution to the country’s services exports continued to expand, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). IT-related freelance services accounted for the largest share, generating $212 million during the twomonth period, while freelancers providing non-IT services earned $139 million. Pakistan’s IT exports rose 17% YoY to $394 million in August, but fell 6% MoM due to fewer working days, taking JulyAugust FY27 exports to $811 million. Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA) Chairperson Ibrahim Amin said Pakistani freelancers were strengthening their presence on international freelancing platforms, which was reflected in higher export receipts flowing into the country. “Our freelancers are fast learners and quick to acquire in-demand skills, particularly in AI tools and applications,” Amin said. He added that a growing number of freelancers were working in teams and offering multiple services through agencies registered on international platforms. Amin also highlighted IT and skillsdevelopment courses being conducted by the government, private sector and nongovernmental organisations across different cities, saying such programmes were helping young people acquire market-oriented skills alongside their academic qualifications.
Senate panel questions gas priority for private LPG producer JJVL over public power plant amid shortages PROFIT
Monitoring report
The Senate Standing Committee on Petroleum, chaired by Senator Umar Farooq, on Thursday questioned the continued supply of domestic gas to private LPG producer Jamshoro Joint Venture Limited (JJVL) while a public-sector power plant faced shortages, seeking details of the company’s gas allocation, agreement, dues and production. According to a news report, the committee directed Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) to provide details of JJVL’s gas supply arrangement, its renewal and operational status, outstanding and recovered dues, quantities supplied and produced, and measures against unauthorised gas use. The committee also sought justification for prioritising JJVL over Jamshoro Power Plant. Senator Saifullah Abro alleged that JJVL continued to receive government support despite gas shortages elsewhere and claimed power plants had been shut down to facilitate its revival. “JJVL is so powerful
that a minister was removed,” he said. The panel separately took up allegations that oil marketing companies (OMCs) had received customs-related concessions while allegedly evading around Rs23 billion in taxes. It also sought the pending FIA inquiry into allegations that OMCs earned excessive profits on existing stocks following the sudden increase in petroleum prices in March. Lawmakers also questioned officials over 22 months of unpaid salaries of ENAR Petrotec employees and delays in implementing the Cabinet’s decision to merge the company with OGDC. Officials acknowledged that some employees had not been paid, while workers said salaries had remained outstanding for 22 months. The committee called for the dues to be cleared and warned that it would approach the relevant authorities if employees remained unpaid. The committee also questioned the petroleum pricing mechanism, with Abro arguing that domestic oil and gas production was not adequately reflected in the formula.
NEWS 03
Fuel DeAleRS enD DeADlOCk AS GOveRnmenT ASSuReS 48-HOuR ReImbuRSemenT
Saturday, 19 September, 2026 | ISLAMABAD
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PROFIT
STAFF REPRT
HE deadlock between the government and petroleum dealers over the implementation of the Prime Minister’s Fuel Relief Scheme has ended, with dealers agreeing to support the package after receiving assurances about a 48-hour reimbursement mechanism. As per reports, the development came during a meeting between Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik and representatives of petroleum pump dealers’ asso-
ciations on Thursday, during which the government briefed the dealers on the scheme’s implementation mechanism. The meeting was informed that funds for three months had been earmarked for the Fuel Relief Scheme. Of this amount, Rs25 billion for the first month had already been transferred to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to ensure timely reimbursement to participating petroleum dealers. The SBP briefed the participants on the reimbursement process and assured them that claims submitted under the scheme would be processed within 48 hours.
Representatives of petroleum pump and dealers’ associations were also given details of the operational mechanism, including the process through which eligible consumers would receive relief. Their queries and concerns were addressed during the meeting. The Ministry of IT and Telecommunications briefed the participants on the digital system developed to implement the scheme. A dedicated control room has also been established to assist petrol pumps and resolve their queries and complaints. Petrol pumps can contact the control room at 9772 for assistance.
Office-bearers of the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) said successful negotiations with the government had resolved the deadlock over the Fuel Relief Package and that dealers had started implementing the scheme. The PPDA expressed hope that the timely implementation of the agreed payment mechanism would address the concerns of petroleum dealers. The representatives welcomed the Prime Minister’s Fuel Relief Scheme and assured the government of their cooperation in its implementation and efforts to provide relief to the public.
Pakistan completes fifth EU GSP+ review ahead of 2028 reapplication Alex Berg von Linde said updating the bilateral investment treaty (BIT) and securing greater benefits from the EU’s GSP Plus scheme would remain important to Sweden’s economic engagement with Pakistan. She said discussions were underway to renegotiate and modernise the existing BIT between Pakistan and Sweden, while describing GSP Plus as an important mechanism for trade, market access and economic growth between the two countries and the wider European Union. The ambassador said Pakistan had significant scope to expand trade and economic ties with Sweden, but making full use of these opportunities, particularly ahead of the next GSP Plus reapplication, would require sustained efforts to advance the country’s international commitments. The remarks came at the launch of
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STAFF REPORT
Pakistan has successfully completed its fifth review under the European Union’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) Plus, Federal Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul said on Thursday. Speaking as chief guest at the launch of the Sweden–Pakistan Business Guide 2026–2028, Jawad Paul said preparations had already begun for Pakistan’s formal reapplication for GSP Plus, which is due by December 31, 2028. He described GSP Plus as a key pillar of Pakistan-EU bilateral relations and expressed confidence that continued compliance with international obligations would help Pakistan transition smoothly to the EU’s new regulatory framework. Earlier, Ambassador of Sweden H.E.
the Sweden–Pakistan Business Guide 2026–2028 at the Swedish Residence in Islamabad. The event was attended by representatives of the Government of Pakistan, diplomatic missions, the Swedish Business Council in Pakistan, Swedish companies, business and industry stakeholders, and journalists and media representatives. The ambassador highlighted the existing commercial ties between the two countries, noting that more than 40 Swedish companies are currently operating in Pakistan, with several having maintained a presence in the country for decades. The Sweden–Pakistan Business Guide 2026–2028 provides information for companies, investors, government institutions and other stakeholders seeking to develop business ties between the two countries. It covers the two markets, the
Team Sweden network, Sweden’s strengths as a business and investment partner, and Swedish companies operating in Pakistan. The guide also identifies areas where bilateral cooperation is expanding, including sustainable textiles, ICT and digitalisation, and responsible mining. The publication promotes the concept of “Made with Sweden in Pakistan”, highlighting collaboration between Swedish technology, expertise and ideas and Pakistani talent, businesses and local knowledge. The Embassy of Sweden, Business Sweden and the Swedish Business Council in Pakistan will continue working with stakeholders in both countries to identify business opportunities, facilitate connections and promote cooperation between Swedish and Pakistani companies.
15 cops among 21 martyred in Kohat Police Lines blast; over 100 injured CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
Ittihadul Mujahideen Pakistan (IMP), led by Afghanistan-based Hafiz Gul Bahadur, claimed responsibility for the bombing and subsequent attack. MORE THAN 100 INJURED REPORTED Rescuers and health officials said around 103 injured people were received at two hospitals — 13 at Liaqat Memorial Hospital and 90 at DHQ Hospital Kohat. The injured included 73 police personnel and 30 civilians, according to the report. Of the total injured, 34 were admitted for treatment, while five patients underwent laparotomy, a surgical procedure involving an incision into the abdomen. Four of the patients who underwent laparotomy
were referred to tertiary-care facilities in Peshawar for further treatment. The situation was being closely monitored, with all possible medical assistance being provided to the injured at the relevant health facilities, officials said. CM SEEKS DETAILED REPORT KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi condemned the attack and sought a detailed report on the incident, describing the targeting of innocent citizens as “deeply regrettable and unacceptable”, according to a statement issued by his office. He directed the authorities to ensure immediate treatment for the injured. “The nation’s morale cannot be dampened by cowardly acts of terrorism,” he was quoted as saying Kohat has previously witnessed deadly attacks on police facilities. In
IHC rules against blocking roads during PTI’s planned Islamabad march CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
It added that those responsible for such violations could face consequences under the Constitution and relevant laws. The petition had been filed by citizen Waqas Ahmed against PTI’s proposed march. The court also ruled that aggression by one federating unit against another, or against the federation, through a march or procession would be unconstitutional and unlawful. It said any person, authority or government organising, participating in or promoting such activity could be held legally accountable. The judgment referred to PTI protests in May 2022 and November 2024, saying they had created serious security and law and order challenges in Islamabad. The court directed provincial governments and chief ministers to ensure that official vehicles, machinery or other state resources are not used to facilitate participants travelling towards the federal capital. It also ordered that no public servant should be compelled to participate in any march towards Islamabad.
2010, 20 people, mostly relatives of policemen, were killed and more than 90 injured in a remote-controlled bomb blast inside a police colony located just behind the Kohat Police Lines. FUNERAL PRAYERS OFFERED FOR MARTYRS Later in the evening, funeral prayers were offered for the martyrs of the attack on the Old Police Lines Mosque in Kohat. The funeral was attended by KP Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed, Information Minister Shafiullah Jan, Law Minister Aftab Alam, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), Kohat Commissioner, other political and social figures, the martyrs’ families and a large number of citizens. A smart contingent of the Kohat Police presented a salute to the
martyrs, while senior officials laid floral wreaths. Police, Pakistan Army and civil officials paid tribute to those who lost their lives. Speaking on the occasion, the KP IGP said the mortal remains of the martyrs had been dispatched to their native areas. “Every drop of the martyrs’ blood will be accounted for,” the IGP vowed, reaffirming the commitment to purge Khyber Pakhtunkhwa of terrorists. “Cowardly terrorists targeted worshippers offering Friday prayers and this cowardly act demonstrates that terrorists have no connection to the religion of Islam,” he said. “We are tracking down the terrorist network and will soon bring their facilitators to justice,” he added.
Karachi police seize 19.56kg meth, arrest two in alleged cross-border drug network PROFIT STAFF REPORT
Police have arrested two suspects and seized 19.56 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine in an operation targeting an alleged cross-border drug network supplying narcotics across Pakistan. The suspects, including a woman, were arrested by Landhi police following a tip-off, East DIG Dr Farrukh Ali said on Friday. Police claim the network brought methamphetamine, commonly known as ice, from Afghanistan before moving it through Lahore and other parts of Punjab for onward distribution to Karachi and elsewhere in the country. The two suspects were allegedly in contact with an Afghan
drug dealer identified by police as Sabir Afghan. Investigators believe the operation was run largely through members of the same family, with a Lahore-based woman identified as Mehwish allegedly at the centre of the network. According to police, Mehwish arranged supplies of methamphetamine from Afghanistan for distribution across the country. The woman arrested in Karachi was identified as Mehwish’s sisterin-law. Police alleged that her husband handled the supply of the drugs while she distributed them to customers. Another member of the alleged network was recently arrested by the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF),
the DIG said. Police said further investigation was under way to trace other suspects and establish the wider network behind the supply operation. The arrests come after police earlier this month claimed to have seized a large quantity of methamphetamine and arrested eight suspects during an intelligence-based raid on a warehouse in Mehran Town, Korangi. The DIG also drew a comparison between the secrecy surrounding the alleged network and Anmol, alias Pinky, referring to the latest group as “Pinky Two”. Anmol was arrested in May in cases involving alleged drug possession and possession of an unlicensed weapon and is currently facing trial in Karachi.
Ali Pervaiz Malik appreciated the dealers’ cooperation and stressed the need for close coordination among all stakeholders to ensure the effective, transparent and timely implementation of the initiative. The Secretary of the Petroleum Division, the Additional Secretary of the Petroleum Division, the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of IT and Telecommunications, the Director General of Oil, the SBP executive director, representatives of OGRA and OCAC, and representatives of petroleum dealers’ and pump associations attended the meeting.
Ghandhara Automobiles plans Rs2.3b expansion of paint shop facilities PROFIT
STAFF REPORT
Ghandhara Automobiles Limited plans to invest an estimated Rs2.3 billion to expand its existing paint shop facilities as part of efforts to improve productivity and operational efficiency. The company disclosed the expansion plan to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on September 17, 2026. Under the plan, Ghandhara Automobiles will upgrade its existing paint shop and install a Robotics Top Coat Line. The company said the new line is intended to improve paint quality, enhance productivity and achieve greater cost efficiency in its operations. The entire expansion plan is estimated to cost Rs2.3 billion and is scheduled for completion by the third quarter of financial year 202627. Ghandhara Automobiles said it remains committed to the timely execution of the expansion and will keep the PSX and its shareholders informed of any further material developments. The disclosure does not provide details regarding the source of financing for the Rs2.3 billion investment, additional production capacity resulting from the upgrade, or the expected financial savings from the new facilities.
Turkish companies eye Pakistan’s DISCO privatisation drive PROFIT
STAFF REPORT
Turkish companies are considering participation in Pakistan’s power distribution company privatisation programme as Islamabad moves ahead with plans to bring private investors into stateowned DISCOs. The investment interest was discussed on Friday during a meeting between Power Minister Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari and Turkish Ambassador Dr Irfan Neziroglu. Pakistan is currently advancing the privatisation of its electricity distribution companies as part of wider power-sector reforms aimed at improving financial performance, governance and service delivery. Leghari told the Turkish envoy that the Power Division had completed the policy, institutional and reform work required for DISCO privatisation. The transaction process is now being taken forward through the Privatisation Commission and other relevant forums. The minister encouraged Turkish companies to participate, citing their experience in the energy sector, and invited investors to examine other opportunities in Pakistan’s power market. Neziroglu said Turkish companies were keen to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan’s energy sector, including the DISCO privatisation programme. The discussions also covered cooperation in electricity markets, transmission and distribution. Pakistan and Türkiye have already signed three memorandums of understanding between energy-sector institutions covering these areas, following Leghari’s visit to Türkiye. Both sides agreed to expand engagement on investment, technical cooperation and institutional links in the energy sector.
Govt cybersecurity body warns officials against personal email, public AI tools PROFIT GHULAM ABBAS
The National Cyber Emergency Response Team (PKCERT) has issued a cybersecurity handbook for government employees and public-sector organisations, warning officials against using personal email accounts, unapproved devices, commercial cloud services and public artificial-intelligence tools for official or sensitive government information. The handbook also stresses prompt reporting of cybersecurity incidents and says organisations are required under the CERT Rules 2023 to report such incidents to PKCERT through approved channels, either directly or via relevant organisational, provincial or sectoral CERTs. Titled the “National Cybersecurity Handbook”, the document has been issued by PKCERT, Government of Pakistan, for 2026-27 and is described as a baseline operational standard for digital security across
public-sector entities. It translates requirements under the Pakistan Information Security Framework (PISF) 2026, National Cyber Security Policy 2021, CERT Rules 2023 and other relevant laws and directives into practical guidance for employees, officers, technical personnel and other users of government systems. According to the handbook, cybersecurity is not solely a technical responsibility but a shared responsibility because every user can affect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of government information assets. One of the key instructions is that official email accounts must be used for government correspondence and departmental work. Personal accounts such as Gmail and Yahoo should not be used except where exceptionally authorised by the department, while official emails must not be forwarded to personal inboxes. The handbook further says official email addresses should not be used to reg-
ister on shopping, gaming or social-media websites, while mailing lists and directories should not be shared with unauthorised entities. Officials are also advised to verify suspicious emails, links, attachments and requests for credentials or financial information, particularly where messages create a sense of urgency. Suspicious requests should be verified through an alternative communication channel and reported to the relevant security team. The handbook specifically cautions against “shadow IT” — hardware, software or digital tools used for official work without prior approval. It says such practices create security blind spots that can be exploited by attackers. Only authorised government devices are to be used for official work. Where a personal device is operationally necessary, prior departmental authorisation is required and the device must meet prescribed security standards. Officials have also been told not to ac-
cess sensitive applications, including e-Office and classified government portals, from personal devices, or allow family members and friends to use official devices. The handbook’s guidance on artificial intelligence highlights a growing area of cybersecurity risk. It says officials should not enter classified government documents, official emails, source code or citizens’ personally identifiable information into public AI platforms. Government employees are advised to use only AI tools authorised by their departments and to remove names and sensitive information from prompts or uploaded files. AI-generated outputs should also be reviewed by humans for accuracy and security implications. The document also warns against installing unapproved AI extensions or plugins and sharing administrative credentials, API keys or passwords with AI tools. CLOUD SERVICES AND SOCIAL MEDIA Officials have similarly been instructed
to use only sanctioned cloud services and approved applications. The handbook warns that uploading sensitive government information to personal cloud accounts or unvetted AI tools can lead to data leakage and unauthorised retention. It also cautions government employees against publicly sharing official documents, security badges, images of restricted premises, classified project details, internal policies or official travel schedules on social media. The handbook advises employees to keep personal and official social-media accounts separate and warns that information publicly available online can be combined by attackers to build detailed profiles of potential targets. The guidance also requires government users to follow the three-two-one backup principle for critical data — maintaining three copies of data, on two types of storage, with one copy kept at a separate location. Critical backups should be maintained on secure government infrastructure and restoration should be tested regularly.
04 COMMENT
Iran’s enduring resilience and external aggressions
Return of austerity measures
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The government is worried about shortages
HE introduction of austerity measures by the federal government shows that the government was beyond the stage of merely worrying about oil supplies, and had reached the stage where it felt it had to intervene. Though called ‘austerity measures’, the restriction placed on the timings of a large swathe of shops and functions is clearly intended to restrict fuel consumption rather than anything else. In any case, Pakistan is hardly enough of a consumer of petrol or diesel that a reduction in its consumption will have an effect on the global oil price, which continues to move upwards. The daily pricing mechanism on Friday saw another slight movement upwards, with the petrol price now Rs 391 per litre, up Rs 0.50 over the previous day. However, there may be actual shortages looming which the government would wish to avoid. The global oil price has dipped, even though the Saudi-Houthi conflict continues to make it difficult for Saudi Arabia to continue supplies through the Bab el-Mandeb, though it hopes to repair damage to the East-West pipeline, and it is managing some shipments by ship-to-ship transfers off the Oman coast. This does mean that the government may have jumped the gun, because it does not seem that the country is heading towards a shortage. However, another factor which has brought these measures has been the subsidy which the government has started for two-wheelers and small cars. Even the limited relief offered will be expensive, and the government has to fund it by using the savings it will achieve by the austerity measures. Those measures are meant to make sure that the IMF can be kept happy by its being shown that the government is sticking to its revenue targets. That is the spirit in which the government has talked to the Jamaat Islami, which has been leading a protest against the petroleum levy. The levy has turned out to be a major source of revenue for the government, and what’s more, it isn’t in the divisible pool, so none goes to provinces. The price of reducing the levy would be imposing about Rs 1 trillion in new taxes. The federal government has held back on the major conservation measures, like work-from-home and online learning. Ultimately, though, it will find that these measures are essentially palliative, and themselves cause a lot of disaffection. It will have to concrete harder on its diplomatic efforts, because only a settlement of the issue will restore things to normal.
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Tooba Mansoor
RAN; since its origin as ancient Persia, has endured conquests by numerous empires and foreign dominations– from Alexander the Great and the Mongols to Muslims and the Ottoman empire– to undermine its sovereignty, yet it has consistently demonstrated remarkable unity and resistance in the face of these dominations and reemerged stronger with each phase of conquest. Therefore; Iranian sustained resilience against external aggressions is a tapestry deeply embedded in its millennia-old cultural identity and political determination that has evolved over centuries yet preserved the core Iranian elements. In the 20th century, the 1953 CIA- and MI6-backed coup was a seminal moment in Iran’s contemporary history. The orchestrated overthrow of Prime Minister Mosaddegh, driven by British and American intelligence agencies aiming to regain control over Iran’s oil resources, marked a brutal interference in Iran’s sovereignty. The event therefore deepened nationalist and anti-imperialist sentiments thus culminating in the 1979 Islamic Revolution that overthrew the monarchy and led to the re-establishment of the Iranian regime under the leadership of Ayatollah Khomeini. The Islamic Revolution was a watershed event that radically transformed Iranian society and politics under the Islamic ideological banner emphasizing Velâyat-e Faqih, anti-imperialist sentiment, rejecting the foreign domination and fueling the national will of resilience to reclaim Iranian sovereignty and cultural identity. The revolution’s success was largely propelled by broader popular engagement, strategic nonviolence, religious symbolism, political unity, and leveraging the deeply embedded Iranian cultural and religious identity which not only redefined Iran’s internal governance but also fundamentally altered its trajectory on the global stage, allowing Iran to weather immense storms and persist as a significant regional power. The challenges to Iranian resilience did not end with the revolution. The ensuing Iran-Iraq War (1980–1988) presented one of the longest conventional conflicts of the late 20th century. Saddam Hussein’s invasion sought to capitalize on the Islamic Republic’s internal instability, unleashing a brutal campaign of warfare and destruction. Despite staggering casualties and economic devastation, Iran’s population exhibited exceptional resilience. Deeprooted patriotism and social cohesion became the backbone of Iran’s prolonged defense during the war. The war entrenched a powerful national narrative of resistance, valor, and sacrifice that continues to shape Iranian identity and its strategic outlook even today. Likewise, the 12-day war triggered by Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear and military facilities, killing its nuclear scientists and military officials alongside US support operations was a brutal test which provided a striking contemporary example of the Iran’s enduring resilience and strategic adaptabil-
Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami
Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
ity in the face of intense external aggression, echoing the old historical patterns of resilience and determination. The conflict aimed at crippling the Iranian strategic capabilities was defended by a rapid and coordinated response demonstrating a national unity, cohesion and determination that have become hallmarks of the Iranian defence posture. Iran’s defence against Israel’s military operation not only involved conventional missiles and drone strikes but also featured strategic resilience on multiple levels. One of Iran’s most significant achievements has been the survival of its regime, including its theocratic political system and decentralized command structure. Despite Israel’s targeted elimination of military commanders and nuclear scientists, Tehran remained steadfast, enabling Iranians to preserve the regime and national sovereignty. Triggered by joint US–Israeli strikes on Iranian strategic infrastructure, the conflict rapidly evolved from targeted military operations into a broader regional war. While the scale of destruction and human loss has been significant, the most defining feature of the war has been Iran’s capacity to absorb shocks, reorganize under pressure, and sustain strategic continuity. The ongoing war between Iran, the USA, and Israel marks another episode of the most consequential confrontations in the Middle East in decades. Despite significant battlefield losses, infrastructure damage, decapitation of its Supreme Leader, senior military and scientific personnel, Iran has demonstrated a high degree of systemic resilience. Iranian internal cohesion is equally important. Historically, Iran maintained a complex ideological and securitized system, with a religious head, beneath whom there is a network of solid institutions— constitutional, security-related, bureaucratic and economic— all working to preserve the entity itself, not merely to serve the individual while allowing continuity even under extreme disruption. During crises, command structures adapted rapidly through redundancy in military and political institutions, preventing a collapse of operational control. Iran’s ability to sustain a robust and multifaceted defence through all the crises demonstrated that its resilience and perceived invincibility is not a new phenomenon, rather stemmed from its deeprooted civilizational heritage. Iranian Nationalism, another factor if left un-
Babar Nizami Editor Profit
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saqlain abid
ISTORY offers more than memories of past wars; it provides a reference for understanding how conflicts evolve and, more importantly, how they eventually end. Modern warfare is no longer determined solely by conventional military strength. Intelligence, political legitimacy, public confidence and the ability to separate militants from the wider population have become equally important. Pakistan’s growing defence relationship with Turkey should therefore be viewed beyond military equipment, joint exercises and conventional defence cooperation. Islamabad may also benefit from studying Ankara’s decades-long experience in dealing with one of the most complicated insurgencies in the region. The most important question is: can military power alone permanently defeat an insurgency when the political environment that sustains it remains unresolved? Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province, covering approximately 43 percent of the country’s landmass, remains at the centre of serious security and political challenges. The province faces violence from Baloch nationalist militant organisations as well as religiously motivated armed groups, including the Tehrik Taliban Pakistan. Security operations have disrupted militant networks, but repeated attacks raise a more difficult policy question. If decades of military operations have not completely eliminated the insurgency, should Pakistan continue relying primarily on a reactive security strategy? The Kurdish insurgency in Turkey provides an important, though not identical, case study. The conflict between the Turkish state and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) began in 1984 and continued for more than four decades, costing tens of thousands of lives. The PKK was founded by Abdullah Öcalan in 1978 as a Marxist-Leninist organisation and initially demanded an independent Kurdish state. Over time, however, the political objectives surrounding the Kurdish question evolved toward autonomy, political representation and cultural rights. Balochistan is fundamentally different from Turkey’s Kurdish regions. The history, geography and political structures are not the same. Yet there are parallels that Pakistan cannot afford to ignore. Baloch political activists and civil society voices have repeatedly raised concerns regarding political representation, economic development, missing persons and the distribution of natural resources. Figures such as Dr. Mahrang Baloch and Sammi Baloch have become prominent voices in campaigns focused particularly on the issue of enforced disappearances and the grievances of affected families. Their activism should not
automatically be confused with armed militancy. A mature state must be capable of distinguishing between peaceful political activism, civil-society dissent and those who directly engage in or advocate armed violence. Can a state successfully defeat an insurgency while ignoring the grievances— real or perceived— that allow militant narratives to find an audience? The argument frequently raised by Baloch political activists is that the province’s vast mineral and natural resources should generate greater economic benefits for the people living there. Violence against civilians and state institutions cannot be justified. However, dismissing every political grievance because militant groups exploit those grievances can also prove strategically dangerous. A successful counter-insurgency strategy must distinguish between armed militancy and the wider political population. Can Pakistan isolate militants without simultaneously making ordinary citizens feel politically isolated? Turkey itself learned this lesson through decades of conflict. The collapse of the peace process in 2015 resulted in some of the bloodiest phases of the Kurdish conflict. Urban warfare intensified, followed by extensive Turkish military operations against PKK positions in northern Iraq and Syria. Military pressure weakened militant capabilities, but the conflict did not simply disappear. Pakistan faces a similar strategic dilemma in Balochistan. Security operations can protect infrastructure, eliminate militant commanders and disrupt supply networks. But military success is not always the same as political success. If insurgents are pushed from one area to another but continue recruiting and finding sympathy among sections of the population, has the conflict actually been resolved— or merely relocated? Turkey’s more recent political process provides perhaps the most important lesson. The Kurdish question demonstrated that even a state with significant military capacity eventually needs political mechanisms to create an exit from prolonged conflict. The lesson for Pakistan is not that Balochistan should copy Turkey. Pakistan must develop its own political model, based on its own constitutional structure, geography and national realities.
But the essential question remains: What is Pakistan’s long-term strategy for Balochistan beyond security operations? Political engagement does not mean surrendering the writ of the state. Dialogue does not mean accepting violence. On the contrary, a strong state should possess the confidence to distinguish between militants who must be confronted and citizens whose political grievances must be heard. Pakistan must strengthen civilian institutions, expand meaningful political representation, ensure transparent resource distribution and create credible channels for peaceful political engagement. The people of Balochistan must feel connected to Pakistan’s national project—not merely governed from a distance. If the objective is lasting peace, should Pakistan not ask whether winning territory is enough—or whether it must also win trust? Turkey’s strategic struggle demonstrates that even the most difficult conflicts eventually require a political mechanism. Security operations may remain necessary, but they cannot be the only pillar of a long-term strategy. Pakistan must find its own mechanism— one that protects national security while addressing the political, economic and social conditions that allow conflict to survive. The ultimate lesson from Turkey is simple but uncomfortable: a state can suppress violence through military power, but lasting peace requires political imagination. For Pakistan, the real question is no longer whether Balochistan requires security. It clearly does. The real question is whether security without a credible political strategy can ever deliver the permanent peace that Balochistan— and Pakistan— desperately needs. The writer is a freelance columnist
Turkey’s strategic struggle demonstrates that even the most difficult conflicts eventually require a political mechanism. Security operations may remain necessary, but they cannot be the only pillar of a long-term strategy.
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touched here, would be injustice to the Iranian ingrained resilience and valour. Despite prolonged economic hardship, high inflation, unemployment, international sanctions and social unrest, Iranian nationalism has remained a significant source of state resilience. Rather than eroding the state’s capacity, external pressure has often reinforced a collective national identity rooted in Iran’s long civilizational history, sovereignty, and resistance to foreign intervention. While economic grievances have fueled protests and demands for political and economic reforms, they have consistently translated into a rejection of the Iranian nation-state. The resilience shown by Iran throughout the phases of external aggressions echoes strongly in Pakistan. During May 2025 crisis, while Pakistan faced the external aggression primarily aimed at testing its sovereignty and national resolve, the country stood steadfast. The unmatchable strength of military, impactful leadership, people with unwavering support for their country, spirit of unity, patience, and pride that has carried Iran through decades of pressure was seen in Pakistan during the May crisis. This shared experience shown by Pakistan and Iran serves as an obvious example for the whole Muslim world of how Muslim nations can defend their sovereignty, preserve their independence, and re-emerge stronger in the face of adversity. Taken together, it can be concluded that in the wake of foreign invasions, Persia has always restructured, rebuilt, and reasserted itself on the world stage. For decades Iran has persistently demonstrated its sustained resilience and cultural endurance by navigating the external challenges and aggressions, economic sanctions, domestic power struggles and regional complexities. The continuity of Iran’s state institutions, supported by strong societal cohesion, has not only strengthened the country’s strategic standing but also bolstered its resilience against external aggression. The same resolve that carried Persia through centuries of conflict is now propelling Iran to weather this storm, proving once again that its resilience is deeply ingrained in its very identity. And not a contemporary phenomenon.
The writer Visiting Senior Research Officer at Centre for International Strategic Studies (CISS), Islamabad. Ahe can be reached at tooba.mansoor@yahoo.com and tweets @Tooba197
The resilience shown by Iran throughout the phases of external aggressions echoes strongly in Pakistan. During May 2025 crisis, while Pakistan faced the external aggression primarily aimed at testing its sovereignty and national resolve, the country stood steadfast.
From Kurdistan to Balochistan: A tough lesson from Turkiye’s strategic struggle M. A. Niazi
Editor Pakistan Today
Saturday, 19 September, 2026
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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
Bombs first
TULSI Gabbard, who heads the United States National Intelligence, had testified to Congress earlier this year that there was no evidence that Iran was seeking to develop a nuclear bomb. It was, indeed, a bold statement. One does wonder, then, what the US attack on Iran was all about. Understandably, Gabbard is now out of favour with President Donald Trump, who recently remarked: “I don’t care what she [Gabbard] said. I think they [Iranians] were very close to having it.” The attack on Iran, initiated by Zionist Israel, was based on a lie that has been propagated by mass murderer Benjamin Netanyahu for years. Trump, who now faces opposition on foreign policy from some of his own trusted lieutenants, should ask himself a critical question. How many American soldiers have to die for the occupation that has no right to be in Palestine? Let us just put aside the fact that without American and European backing, the genocide in Gaza would not have taken place. Let us just focus on how peace-loving Americans and Europeans are treated for simply calling for an end to the atrocities. When people who love democracy voice their opposition to war, as can be seen in the accompanying image showing a recent anti-war rally in New York, and call on their governments to immediately end their support of the apartheid regime, they are gagged and punished by their own governments. Let us focus on American soldiers who deserve more and better. They deserve to be with their families rather than be in wars around the world. The money that America continues to pump into the occupation belongs to the Americans. Let them enjoy the fruits of their hard labour. It saddens me to know that many Americans do two to three jobs just to make ends meet. This is not what the American Dream was about. Interestingly, as the occupiers launched the attack on Iran, their Western backers chanted against Iran, accusing it of developing nuclear weapons. But when Iran launched its own response causing great harm to the genocidal regime, these very nations talked of diplomacy and called for ‘restraint’ simply because the Zionist regime was in trouble and needed to be protected. Is this not appalling? Not in the modern world, it seems. The occupation, regardless of who is at the helm, has to end. Germany recently announced that it would evacuate its citizens via Jordan from occupied Palestine. This is exactly what is needed to be done by France, the United Kingdom, Poland, Ukraine, Russia, Spain and Italy. The occupation has to come to an end. Palestine is for the Palestinians. Period. It is time American people exerted pressure and told their president that wars, be they overt, covert or proxy, would harm the American people who need to see their tax money being spent on education, health and welfare; not warfare.Americans have already squandered trillions of dollars by invading Afghanistan, Iraq and attacking several other Muslim countries. They cannot afford more wars. ANGABEEN AHMAD KARACHI
Feasts and famine
DURING his recent tour to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar, United States President Donald Trump was accorded receptions and given gifts that were outlandish even by the standards of oil-rich Gulf states. Everything during the entire tour was marked by pomp and glitter. Yet, these countries, and, indeed, others in the Islamic world, have not been able to feed their brethren undergoing un-precedented sufferings in Gaza for the last more than 20 months. This is as embarrassing as it is criminal. During the trip, even Trump was quoted in international media as having noted that the people in Gaza were starving amid critically serious shortage of food and healthcare supplies. But the gracious — unnecessarily gracious — hosts could not take up the matter with their mighty guest. MANSOOR UL HAQUE SOLANGI KARACHI
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COMMENT 05
Pushing the world toward nuclear catastrophe
Saturday, 19 September, 2026
Leaders’ egoism at work
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Qamar BasHir
N a stunning reversal that has sent shockwaves through conservative circles, Tucker Carlson— the podcaster who once stood as one of Donald Trump’s most stalwart defenders— has called for the President’s immediate removal from office. But Carlson’s demand is not rooted in the partisan grievances that defined previous impeachment attempts. Rather, it stems from a far more urgent concern: the spectre of nuclear war. “The second any president actively considers the first use of nuclear weapons, that person should be removed from office immediately,” Carlson declared during a conversation with Joe Kent, the former director of the National Counterterrorism Center. “Because that’s got to be the red line— destroying all of humanity with a nuclear strike.” Carlson, who was “strongly opposed” to the two impeachment attempts against Trump during his first term, has drawn a distinction that transcends political affiliation. What was once absurd to him— removing an elected president from office— has become not just acceptable but imperative. “Anyone who would even tolerate that kind of talk from any of his subordinates or employees is by definition unfit,” Carlson argued. “That’s the total destruction of the world.” This dramatic shift in position illuminates a terrifying reality: the leaders of the world’s most powerful nations, caught in an escalation ladder of their own making, are steering humanity toward a precipice from which there may be no return. The world today finds itself trapped in two simultaneous conflicts, each carrying the potential for nuclear conflagration. In Ukraine, Russia’s frustration with a proxy war backed by NATO and the USA has led Moscow to openly reconsider its nuclear doctrine. In the Middle East, the USA and Israel, having failed to subdue Iran through conventional means, are reportedly contemplating nuclear options to bring Tehran
to its knees. The parallels are striking and deeply troubling. In both theatres, conventional military might has proven insufficient to achieve the desired outcomes. And in both cases, the leaders involved— driven by ego, historical grievance, and strategic ambition— appear unwilling to accept anything less than total victory. Carlson has highlighted the Russian dimension, interviewing Sergey Karaganov, a longtime political advisor to Vladimir Putin, who stated unequivocally that Russia is considering the use of nuclear weapons against the United Kingdom and Germany if the Ukraine war continues at its current tempo. “We will eliminate the UK and Germany with nuclear weapons,” Karaganov declared, a statement that Carlson described as “the biggest story of our lifetimes.” Yet, Carlson noted with evident frustration, this story has been largely ignored by mainstream media. “Have you read that story?” he asked his audience. “Has anyone mentioned that to you? That the most famous public intellectual in Russia, a close friend of Vladimir Putin’s, is saying in public that Russia plans to use nuclear weapons against Western Europe?” The fundamental problem, as Carlson’s commentary reveals, is not strategic necessity but the egoism of leaders who have painted themselves into corners from which they cannot retreat without perceived humiliation. President Trump, who repeatedly promised to keep the USA out of foreign military conflicts, launched a war against Iran on February 28. President Putin, who expected a quick victory in Ukraine, has seen his forces bogged down in a protracted conflict that has depleted Russia’s military and isolated it internationally. President Zelensky, banking on European and US support, has refused to compromise, even as his country is depopulated and devastated. Carlson himself has been a vocal opponent of the Iran war, and his clashes with Trump in recent months reflect a fundamental disagreement over foreign policy. Trump has lashed out at Carlson on Truth Social, calling him a “loser” for meeting with other
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Houthis have effectively consolidated control over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait EDiTorial
OUTHI forces have intensified their military campaign in Yemen, seizing territories, including strategic islands near and inside the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a crucial choke point in the Red Sea. The Houthis also launched drone and missile attacks on Saudi cities and infrastructure. In response, Saudi Arabia intensified its air strikes on Yemeni targets under the Houthis’ control. But the momentum on the ground has shifted decisively. The Houthis have effectively consolidated control over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The timing could not be worse. With the Strait of Hormuz already under severe pressure from the broader Middle East crisis, Houthi control of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait has dealt another blow to global maritime transportation and energy supply lines, leading to skyrocketing energy prices and economic instability worldwide. The “twin-chokepoint” strategy of controlling Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb has weaponized energy markets in ways that affect the world. On Tuesday, the United Nations Security Council convened an emergency meeting on Yemen and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the second within a week, which underscores the global community’s concern. During the meeting, China’s deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, Sun Lei, said that China deeply regrets the rapid and continuous escalation of the conflict, and calls for all parties involved to exercise calm and restraint. Emphasizing the importance of an immediate ceasefire, he urged all sides to avoid actions that could further escalate tensions. Sun reiterated that China firmly opposes attacks on civilian infrastructure, including energy facilities, and emphasizes that the red line of protecting civilians and civilian facilities must not be breached under any circumstances. Maintaining normal shipping order in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden is a shared responsibility for all parties. China
garian billionaire who’s got nothing to do with the country.” This revelation, Carlson argues, proves that the war was never about Ukraine’s sovereignty but about using the country as a weapon against Russia. “The purpose of a system is its outcome,” he stated. “The current state of Ukraine was clearly the point all along: destroy the country, depopulate it, change the laws that prevent foreigners from buying its natural resources.” As leaders on both sides of these conflicts pursue their ego-driven agendas, the people of the world are left to bear the consequences. The people of Ukraine have suffered hundreds of thousands of casualties. The people of Iran face the prospect of nuclear annihilation. And the people of Europe, the USA, and Russia themselves face the possibility of a war that could destroy civilization. The United Nations, the forum once envisioned as the guardian of global peace, has proven powerless. “Nobody now bothers and nobody cares about the UN resolutions,” Carlson’s commentary has effectively argued through its analysis of the situation. The only force capable of stopping
The question is not whether nuclear weapons will be used but whether we will act in time to prevent it. As Tucker Carlson’s reversal demonstrates, the lines that once seemed unthinkable are now being crossed. The only question that remains is whether the people of the world will cross their own red line and demand that their leaders stop this march toward annihilation before it is too late.
Escalation of conflict must be prevented CHINA DAILY
Republican figures. But Carlson’s response has been to escalate his criticism, arguing that the president’s ego has blinded him to the catastrophic consequences of his actions. “Any leader of any country who suggests first use of nuclear weapons has forfeited his right to lead,” Carlson said. “He has to be removed immediately. I think that’s just a fair standard.” The situation facing the world today is what strategists call an “escalation trap.” Each side, fearing that backing down will be perceived as weakness, escalates in the hope of forcing the other to blink first. But in a nuclear context, there is no victory— only varying degrees of annihilation. This is precisely the dynamic that Carlson has identified. The administration, desperate for a “way out” of the Iran quagmire, has reportedly turned to nuclear planning. Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby has publicly stated that officials are working to give the president and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth “credible, rational nuclear options.” The very phrase “rational nuclear options” is an oxymoron that reflects the dangerous thinking that has taken hold in Washington. Similarly, Russia has publicly rewritten its nuclear strategy to include the use of nuclear weapons against countries acting as proxies for nuclear-armed powers. Under Russian law, this means that Germany— which does not possess nuclear weapons— is now considered a legitimate target. The Russians have sent hypersonic missiles into Kiev not to destroy infrastructure but to send a message: if you push us further, the next missile will carry a nuclear warhead. Carlson’s commentary has also drawn attention to the uncomfortable reality that Ukraine has been a proxy battleground from the beginning. In a revealing clip from a decade ago, Chrystia Freeland, now an economic adviser to Ukraine’s leadership, is shown acknowledging that everyone in Ukrainian leadership has been touched by George Soros’s Open Society. “Everyone she knows in Ukrainian leadership has taken money from George Soros,” Carlson observed. “Everyone running the country is actually employed by this Hun-
firmly opposes any attacks on civilian vessels, and the navigation rights of commercial ships in the Red Sea should be respected by all parties in accordance with international law. The fundamental solution to the navigation safety risks in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait lies in eliminating armed conflicts on land and achieving lasting peace. Regardless of the differences, the way forward should be sought at the negotiating table, not through gunfire. Gulf countries have unique advantages and successful practices in mediating the Yemen issue, and China supports them in playing a greater role in facilitating peace talks for the current conflict. Underscoring China’s role as a mediator and advocating for a peaceful resolution of the conflict in the region, Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with his Iranian counterpart Seyyed Abbas Araghchi in Beijing on Wednesday. Wang urged all parties to take effective measures to reopen the Strait of Hormuz at an early date, keep international waterways open and secure, and safeguard the stability of international energy transportation as well as production and supply chains. Saying that China does not wish to see regional tensions further spill over into Yemen and the Red Sea, Wang called on all parties to refrain from actions that further complicate the situation and to resolve issues through dialogue and negotiation. The current situation has once again exposed flaws in the Middle East’s existing security architecture, highlighting the need for reform and improvement. The cycle of tit-for-tat retaliation and the use of major international waterways as leverage have been in full effect since the outbreak of the Iran conflict in late February. Now, with the crisis continuing to expand, drawing in more countries and players, it could lead to a wider war with devastating consequences for the region and beyond. Too much is at stake for all involved, and it is crucial for key players to recognize the importance of a ceasefire and to heed the calls from the international community for a return to negotiations and dialogue.
this madness, the argument goes, is the people themselves. As Tucker Carlson has demonstrated with his dramatic reversal on impeachment, even the most committed partisans can recognize when the stakes transcend politics. The question now is whether the citizens of the warring nations— Americans, Russians, Ukrainians, Iranians, and Europeans— will similarly wake up to the danger and demand that their leaders step back from the brink. Carlson’s demand that President Trump be removed “immediately” if he is considering nuclear first use is not a partisan attack but a moral imperative. It reflects the recognition that the egoism of leaders, when combined with nuclear weapons, represents an existential threat to humanity. The escalation ladder that has trapped the USA, Russia, Iran, Ukraine, and Europe is not an inevitable product of geopolitical forces. It is the result of choices made by leaders who have prioritized their own ambitions and perceived interests over the survival of their people and the world. The question is not whether nuclear weapons will be used but whether we will act in time to prevent it. As Tucker Carlson’s reversal demonstrates, the lines that once seemed unthinkable are now being crossed. The only question that remains is whether the people of the world will cross their own red line and demand that their leaders stop this march toward annihilation before it is too late.
The writer retired as Press Secretary the President, and is former Press Minister at Embassy of Pakistan to France and former MD, Shalimar Recording & Broadcasting Company Limited
How the Houthis outmaneuvered Washington and Riyadh
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MIDDLE EAST MONITOR Dr Jannus TH siaHaan
HEN international headlines report on the crisis in the Southern Red Sea, the commentary almost reflexively defaults to a comforting, familiar trope that Iran has once again pulled the strings of its regional proxies. This simplistic script casts the Houthis as mere instruments of Tehran’s geopolitical ambition. Yet the military realignments near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, coupled with quiet diplomatic exchanges in Muscat, expose the profound flaw in this conventional view. Far from acting as a passive extension of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the Houthis operate as an autonomous, self-directed political and military force with their own distinct regional agenda. Recent satellite imagery reveals the Houthis constructing miles of defensive earthen berms along the Lahij Governorate in southern Yemen, entrenching their control over the Red Sea coastal plain. Concurrently, Houthi negotiators met informally with U.S. representatives in Oman to establish a striking diplomatic arrangement. The terms were straightforward, so long as Washington refrains from offering direct military assistance to Saudi Arabia and maintains its ceasefire, non-Saudi commercial traffic will enjoy unhindered transit through the Bab alMandeb Strait. By securing this tacit understanding, the group has successfully decoupled American security guarantees from Saudi Arabia’s territorial defense. This diplomatic maneuver has isolated Riyadh in a protracted war of attrition. Despite pouring hundreds of billions of dollars into stateof-the-art Western air defense systems and maintaining one of the world’s largest military budgets, Saudi Arabia finds itself unable to convert material superiority into credible strategic deterrence against an agile, non-state insurgent group. The Houthis have turned the economic geography of the Arabian Peninsula into a formidable coercive lever. By targeting vital Saudi oil refineries and coastal infrastructure, they have placed a direct tax on the global energy supply while exposing the structural vulnerabilities of the Saudi state. The failure of recent Chinese diplomatic overtures further underscores the reality of Houthi independence. When Beijing, acting at Riyadh’s urging, privately requested that Tehran “rein in” the group following its coastal offensives, the effort yielded little result. Tehran can provide advanced drone components and ballistic missile technology, but it does not exercise operational veto over Houthi decision-making. The group’s refusal to align its actions with Iranian preferences early in the current regional escalation demonstrates that when local survival and domestic hegemony are at stake, Houthi strategic calculations override Tehran’s broader geopolitical playbook.
THE ILLUSION OF GULF COLLECTIVE SECURITY: To understand why Saudi Arabia remains so exceptionally vulnerable to Houthi pressure, one must look through the lens of asymmetric interdependence and coercive bargaining. In international political economy, power does not derive solely from the aggregate size of a nation’s military or its gross domestic product. Rather, it hinges on relative vulnerability, specifically, which actor stands to lose more when a strategic partnership or shared supply chain breaks down. Saudi Arabia is engaged in a sweeping economic transformation under its ambitious Vision 2030 initiative. The kingdom’s economic future depends heavily on attracting hundreds of billions of dollars in foreign direct investment, expanding nonoil revenues, and constructing giga-projects along its Western coastline. These high-value, fixed assets require an environment of absolute physical security and geopolitical predictability. Investors do not deploy long-term capital into regions subject to periodic missile strikes or maritime blockades. The Houthis, by contrast, possess almost no high-value infrastructure that Saudi Arabia can credibly hold at risk. Their assets are dispersed, mobile, and deeply embedded within local populations. This stark asymmetry gives the Houthis immense leverage in coercive bargaining. They can inflict severe damage on Saudi Arabia’s economic reputation with a single low-cost drone strike or the threat of maritime interception, while Saudi retaliatory strikes achieve diminishing strategic returns. The group’s demands, which include Saudi funding for public-sector salaries in Houthi-controlled territory, massive war reparations, and the complete lifting of air and maritime blockades, are designed to transform Saudi financial wealth into a permanent subsidy for Houthi governance in northern Yemen. This dynamic has laid bare the fragile state of collective security within the Gulf Cooperation Council. Rather than presenting a unified defense posture, individual Gulf states have increasingly pursued divergent security strategies. As the United States demonstrates a clear reluctance to enter another prolonged conflict in the Middle East, the assumption that a Western security umbrella will indefinitely guarantee Gulf stability has fractured. Smaller Gulf neighbors have quietly pursued diplomatic hedging and deescalation with regional rivals, leaving Riyadh isolated in its direct confrontation with the Houthi movement. THE RISE OF NON-STATE MARITIME HEGEMONY IN THE BAB AL-MANDEB: The implications of this shift extend well beyond the immediate theater of the Yemeni civil war. By asserting the power to determine which nations’ vessels may pass through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, the Houthi movement is establishing an unprecedented model of non-state maritime hegemony over a vital international chokepoint. Under traditional international law, freedom
of navigation in strategic straits is protected against unilateral interference by coastal states. The Houthis, however, are converting their physical control over Yemen’s coastal plain into a de facto maritime tollgate. By offering “safe passage” exclusively to vessels that do not belong to Saudi Arabia or its immediate allies, the group is replacing established international maritime norms with a transactional security regime. This development poses a complex dilemma for global commerce. Because petroleum remains a foundational input for combustible fuels, manufacturing, and global logistics, the threat of localized disruption near the Arabian Peninsula generates immediate risk premiums across global energy markets. The resulting volatility ripples through supply chains, driving up shipping insurance rates and consumer costs far beyond the Middle East. What makes this transformation particularly potent is how it advances Houthi and Iranian interests simultaneously, even without central command from Tehran. For Iran, the Houthi campaign imposes significant economic costs on Western economies and regional adversaries, furthering Tehran’s overarching objective of raising the price of Western military involvement in the region. For the Houthis, maintaining this pressure enforces their domestic legitimacy as an uncompromising anti-imperialist force while compelling Riyadh toward economic capitulation. The unfolding crisis in the Red Sea marks a watershed moment in the evolution of modern conflict. It demonstrates that the era in which state actors held a monopoly over strategic chokepoints and regional security arrangements has come to an end. A well-entrenched nonstate actor, equipped with asymmetric technologies and an acute understanding of global economic vulnerabilities, can effectively neutralize the material advantages of heavily armed sovereign states. For Saudi Arabia, the path forward presents no easy choices. Doubling down on military containment without direct American support risks further exposing the kingdom’s vital infrastructure to costly disruption, directly threatening its economic modernization plans. Conversely, acceding to Houthi demands for fiscal subsidies and political recognition risks permanently institutionalizing a hostile, heavily armed statewithin-a-state on its southern border. As Washington recalibrates its regional posture and Beijing discovers the limits of its diplomatic leverage over decentralized militant networks, the regional order is being redrawn from below. The ultimate irony of the conflict is that in attempting to neutralize a border threat, Riyadh and its international partners have accelerated the emergence of a resilient, self-sustaining power center at the crossroads of global trade. Recognizing the Houthis not as passive proxies, but as autonomous strategic actors, is no longer just an academic exercise, it is the essential prerequisite for understanding the new geopolitical realities of the Middle East.
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GLOBAL TRADE FACES WORST DISRUPTION IN 80 YEARS AS HORMUZ CRISIS RATTLES MARKETS
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WITZERLAND: Global trade is facing its worst disruption in 80 years as supply-chain bottlenecks in the Strait of Hormuz threaten global food and fertiliser prices, World Trade Organisation (WTO) DirectorGeneral Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has warned. Speaking to Anadolu on the sidelines of the WTO’s Public Forum in Geneva, Okonjo-Iweala said the global trading system remained resilient, but the ongoing Middle East conflict posed a major test for the organisation’s 166 member countries. She noted that global trade in goods had grown by an unexpectedly strong 4.6 per cent this year despite mounting geopolitical pressures, while 72 per cent of global commerce continued to operate under WTO rules. The WTO’s initial projection for overall goods trade growth for the year stands at 1.9 per cent, but first-quarter growth of 3.2 per cent outpaced expectations, she said. The disruption to maritime routes in and
Saturday, 19 September 2026 | ISLAMABAD
around the Middle East, meanwhile, is increasingly affecting shipping, energy supplies and regional trade flows, with the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab also facing heightened security risks. EU RED SEA NAVAL MISSION RAISES ALERT LEVEL OVER HOUTHI THREAT The European Union said its naval mission escorting ships through the Red Sea had raised its alert level as Yemen’s Houthis continued to threaten the key maritime waterway. “Europe is helping protect shipping in the Red Sea from Houthi attacks,” EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas wrote online after speaking with her Saudi counterpart. “Given the worsening security situation, EU Operation Aspides has raised the alert level of its vessels as it continues its escort duties,” she said. HORMUZ MUST NOT BECOME ‘BARGAINING CHIP’: GCC CHIEF Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jassim Mohamed al-Budaiwi said the Strait of Hormuz must not be turned into “a bargaining chip”.
Speaking at the University of Utah, he called on the international community to “assume its responsibilities to restore stability and ensure that the strait remains open to international navigation, in accordance with international law”. He condemned Iranian attacks on neighbouring countries and recent regional escalations, while noting that Qatar and Oman continued to keep “communication channels open during the confrontation between Iran and the United States of America”. The two countries, he added, were seeking “just solutions that take into account legitimate security concerns and spare the peoples of the region further suffering”. US DIESEL PRICES HIT RECORD $6.44 A GALLON The pressure on energy markets has also been reflected in the United States, where diesel prices reached a new record high of $6.44 a gallon, according to the American Automobile Association, as reported by Al Jazeera. US diesel prices are about 70 per cent higher than a year ago, according to data from the Energy Information Administration.
BAB AL-MANDAB TRAFFIC DISRUPTED, SAUDI SHIPMENTS HIT Saudi exports through the Bab alMandab Strait are continuing to suffer, with weekly traffic since the start of August running at less than a third of this year’s sevenday average, according to data cited by AFP. Maritime tracking firm Kpler said that only five laden vessels carrying Saudi products had left the Red Sea through the vital route in the past seven days. The figure has not been higher since the week of July 24, when 11 vessels carrying Saudi products exited the Red Sea through the strait. Crude exports leaving the Red Sea through the Bab al-Mandab have also fallen below usual levels, highlighting the widening impact of maritime insecurity on regional energy flows. IRAN WARNS OF FORCEFUL RESPONSE TO ‘ENEMY MISCALCULATION’ Against the backdrop of mounting regional tensions, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps ground forces commander Mohammad Karami said Tehran was fully prepared to respond to any “enemy
Iranian leaders’ UNGA visit set to draw global focus amid US-Iran war UNITED NATIONS AGENCES
The expected arrival of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in New York is set to be among the most closely watched developments of next week’s United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), with the Iranian delegation attending at a time when the United States and Iran remain at war. The Trump administration has agreed to allow Iran’s leaders to attend the highlevel UN meetings despite the ongoing conflict. The State Department said the “core delegation from the Iranian regime” would be allowed to attend UN General Assembly High Level Week in line with US host-country obligations. Pezeshkian is scheduled to address the UNGA on Wednesday, while US President Donald Trump is scheduled to speak on Tuesday. The Washington Post highlighted the
significance of the Iranian delegation’s presence, noting that the Trump administration had agreed to let Iran’s leaders attend the high-level UN meetings even as the two countries remain at war. The BBC likewise reported that the war was entering its seventh month and said the core Iranian delegation permitted to attend included Pezeshkian and Araghchi. Al Jazeera noted that the General Assembly would also take place amid “deepening economic disturbances” that have triggered widespread inflation and affordability crises around the world. The State Department itself did not name the Iranian president or foreign minister when announcing the decision. Instead, it said: “Consistent with our host country obligations, the core delegation from the Iranian regime will be able to attend UN General Assembly High Level week.” It added that the delegation would be subject to travel restrictions and prohibitions on the purchase of luxury and
other goods and would be smaller than last year’s delegation. The decision to allow the Iranian delegation into the United States comes as Washington has again barred Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and other Palestinian Authority and Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) officials from attending the General Assembly in person. The United States has denied Abbas a visa for the second consecutive year. Last year, the restriction meant that the Palestinian president addressed the UNGA by video rather than appearing in New York. The UNGA voted on Thursday to allow him to address this year’s gathering remotely as well. The State Department did not name Abbas in its announcement extending the visa sanctions. It said the restrictions were being continued because of the Palestinian Authority and PLO’s “failure to reform, contrary to their commitments to the United States, and their ongoing ac-
tivities that undermine the prospects for peace.” Washington has also cited Palestinian efforts to pursue cases against Israel in international courts as part of its justification for the restrictions. Palestinian officials have rejected the decision, calling it unjustified and saying it undermines efforts to rebuild Palestinian-US relations and advance peace. The Palestinians will nevertheless retain representation at the United Nations through diplomats already accredited to the organisation, while the UNGA has authorised Abbas to participate by video. The UN General Assembly voted 152-3, with four abstentions, to allow Abbas to address the gathering remotely. The contrasting visa decisions are adding another diplomatic dimension to an already tense General Assembly. Pezeshkian is expected to appear at the same gathering as US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with the war and its consequences for regional security,
Erdogan expected to South Korea rules out Iran war seek another term in role, urges Trump-Kim dialogue early 2028 election SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA TURKIYE
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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is expected to run for another term if the country holds an early presidential election in 2028, according to one of his senior advisers. Mehmet Ucum, a top adviser to Erdogan, said an early vote could provide the constitutional basis for the president to seek re-election despite existing term limits. Under Turkiye’s current constitution, a president may serve two terms. However, parliament can call an early election during a president’s second term, allowing the incumbent to stand again. Erdogan was elected under the current presidential system in 2018 and secured another term in 2023. His present mandate is due to expire in 2028. Ucum said an election held several months before the scheduled date could allow Erdogan to become a candidate again. The issue has been widely debated in Turkiye as Erdogan’s ruling Justice and Development Party considers its political strategy ahead of the next national vote. The AK Party and its allies do not currently have enough seats in parliament to unilaterally call an early election. An early vote would therefore require support from opposition lawmakers unless broader constitutional changes are approved beforehand. Erdogan has dominated Turkish politics for more than two decades, first serving as prime minister before becoming president. The government has also been discussing possible constitutional reforms, although no final proposal has yet been adopted that would formally alter presidential term limits. Opposition parties have repeatedly criticised efforts that could enable Erdogan to extend his time in office, while his allies maintain that any further candidacy would have to take place within the constitutional framework.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said on Friday that US President Donald Trump clearly wanted dialogue with Pyongyang and confirmed that Seoul would not deploy troops to intervene militarily in the US-Israeli war on Iran. Trump, seeking to revive the bond he says he forged with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during his first term, said last month that he planned to meet Kim later this year. The US president also said it was important to “get along” with Kim, adding that Pyongyang now had 57 “very powerful” nuclear weapons. Seoul estimates North Korea possesses around 80 to 120. North Korea, which has secured critical backing from Russia in recent years, has not clearly responded to Trump’s overtures. Lee said on Friday it was “clear” that “Trump wants dialogue, and I am also urging President Trump to engage in dialogue.” South Korea — which Pyongyang has repeatedly labelled as its adversary — was continuing “preliminary coordination efforts” to facilitate dialogue between North Korea and the United States, Lee told reporters at the presidential Blue House. He added that such a meeting “remains difficult … but is not im-
possible”. “I cannot say for certain how likely it is, but it is also clear that we must make every possible effort to turn that possibility into reality,” he said. South Korea and the United States held a shorter version of their annual Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercises last month, following an order from Trump to scale them back. The truncated drills and Trump’s overtures to Pyongyang have raised concerns that Seoul could be sidelined in potential nuclear talks involving North Korea. Seoul has also committed to $350 billion in US investments under a deal struck last year to avoid the worst of Trump’s tariffs, but specific projects and final terms are still being negotiated. Lee said on Friday that the negotiations had been “very complex and difficult”, adding that while the two sides were said to be close to an agreement, he had found some terms “difficult to accept” and talks were continuing. The South Korean president also said Seoul would not deploy troops to intervene militarily in the war on Iran. “There will be no involvement or intervention in the war. We will not deploy troops or military assets in that manner,” Lee said. Lee’s remarks followed reports that Seoul was weighing a possible
deployment to the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a key flashpoint in the war. He added that South Korea would “carry out the minimum necessary activities” to protect its own merchant ships and oil shipping routes. Lee reiterated three times that South Korea would not deploy troops in a manner that could lead to military intervention. “We have upheld the principle of non-involvement and non-intervention in the war until now,” he said. “And we will continue to uphold it going forward.” The distinction between military intervention and measures to protect South Korean commercial vessels, crude oil routes and citizens is also reflected in Lee’s latest comments on the Strait of Hormuz. Seoul is considering ways to strengthen related activities by its Cheonghae military unit while maintaining its non-involvement policy. Trump complained in an interview late last month that Washington had received “very little help” from other countries, singling out South Korea — its key security ally in Asia — as an example. “We help them, but when it came to helping us, I didn’t put on a heavy sell, but I just said, ‘Would you like to participate?’” Trump said in an interview with Fox News.
miscalculation”. In an interview with state television, Karami said Iran was “100 per cent ready” to respond with force to any such move. OIL PRICES VOLATILE AMID SAUDI SUPPLY CONCERNS Oil prices pared earlier losses as markets assessed Saudi supply prospects alongside concerns over a widening Middle East conflict. Brent crude futures fell 33 cents, or 0.31 per cent, to $104.49 a barrel as of 1411 GMT (7:11pm PKT), while US West Texas Intermediate futures gained 88 cents, or 0.86 per cent, to $102.79. The mixed movement reflected continued uncertainty over supply disruptions and the potential impact of regional tensions on global oil markets. SAUDI ARAMCO CUTS CRUDE SUPPLIES TO EUROPEAN REFINERS Saudi Aramco has told at least two European refining customers that they will receive no crude oil next month, following an attack on the Kingdom’s key pipeline to the Red Sea, Reuters reported, citing Bloomberg News and people familiar with the matter.
Three students dead, eight injured in Philippines school shooting IRAQ
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Three students were killed and eight others injured in a shooting at a school in the southern Philippines on Friday, with authorities identifying a 16-year-old student as the suspected gunman. Officials said the shooting took place in Banga town in South Cotabato. The suspected attacker was among those killed after allegedly turning the weapon on himself following the shooting. Banga Mayor Albert Palencia said all those affected were students between the ages of 14 and 17. Four of the injured students were reported to be in critical condition According to the mayor, the suspect had earlier told friends to go home because he planned to do something after lunch, but his remarks were not taken seriously Authorities said the teenager began shooting after lunch and struck 10 students before killing himself. The incident comes amid growing concern over gun violence in Philippine schools, which had previously been considered relatively rare. Last month, a student in Zamboanga livestreamed himself shooting and killing another student in a classroom before taking his own life. In June, at least three students were killed and around 20 others injured when two classmates opened fire at a public high school in Tacloban. The Philippines has relatively strict rules governing legal gun ownership, including background checks and psychological evaluations, although illegal firearms remain in circulation. South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo urged gun owners to ensure firearms are securely stored and kept out of the reach of minors. He also called for greater cooperation between parents, schools and authorities to prevent similar incidents.
AI-powered hack breaches OpenAI forum, exposing speed of next-gen cyberattacks SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA AGENCIES
A security research company said Friday it managed to break into OpenAI’s internal systems using the latest software from Anthropic, exposing how quickly the technology can carry out sophisticated cyberattacks. The researchers from security firm Hacktron said they found a security flaw in OpenAI’s public help forum, run by the Discourse platform, that allowed them to take control of the site. “We immediately reported the initial vulnerability to OpenAI and Discourse and worked with them to coordinate the patch,” Hacktron said in a blog post. “We appreciate their attention to detail and fast resolution of this issue,” the post added. OpenAI confirmed the flaw was fixed within about 14 hours of being notified and paid the researchers a $6,500 reward. “We thank the researchers for contacting us and sharing their findings. We narrowed the permissions on Community sign-in tokens and revoked affected tokens and sessions,” said Drew Pusateri, an OpenAI spokesperson. The Hacktron researchers said they initially used Anthropic’s Claude Opus 4.8 to identify and exploit the software flaw, but struggled to make it work consistently. After Anthropic released Claude Opus 5, the researchers said the newer model produced a working hack within about three hours.
Modi caught between Russian oil purchases and threat of 100pc US tariffs SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA AGENCIES
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said on Friday that US President Donald Trump clearly wanted dialogue with Pyongyang and confirmed that Seoul would not deploy troops to intervene militarily in the US-Israeli war on Iran. Trump, seeking to revive the bond he says he forged with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during his first term, said last month that he planned to meet Kim later this year. The US president also said it was important to “get along” with Kim, adding that Pyongyang now had 57 “very powerful” nuclear weapons. Seoul estimates North Korea possesses around 80 to 120. North Korea, which has secured critical backing from Russia in recent years, has not clearly responded to Trump’s overtures. Lee said on Friday it was “clear” that
“Trump wants dialogue, and I am also urging President Trump to engage in dialogue.” South Korea — which Pyongyang has repeatedly labelled as its adversary — was continuing “preliminary coordination efforts” to facilitate dialogue between North Korea and the United States, Lee told reporters at the presidential Blue House. He added that such a meeting “remains difficult … but is not impossible”. “I cannot say for certain how likely it is, but it is also clear that we must make every possible effort to turn that possibility into reality,” he said. South Korea and the United States held a shorter version of their annual Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercises last month, following an order from Trump to scale them back. The truncated drills and Trump’s overtures to Pyongyang have raised concerns that Seoul could be sidelined in potential nuclear talks involving North Korea. Seoul has also committed to $350 billion in
US investments under a deal struck last year to avoid the worst of Trump’s tariffs, but specific projects and final terms are still being negotiated. Lee said on Friday that the negotiations had been “very complex and difficult”, adding that while the two sides were said to be close to an agreement, he had found some terms “difficult to accept” and talks were continuing. ‘NO, THANK YOU’ The South Korean president also said Seoul would not deploy troops to intervene militarily in the war on Iran. “There will be no involvement or intervention in the war. We will not deploy troops or military assets in that manner,” Lee said. Lee’s remarks followed reports that Seoul was weighing a possible deployment to the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a key flashpoint in the war. He added that South Korea would “carry out the minimum necessary activities” to protect its own merchant ships and oil shipping routes.
Saturday, 19 September 2026 | ISLAMABAD
CORPORATE CORNER
CCPO reviews performance of Iqbal Town and Saddar divisions LAHORE
STAFF REPORT
Capital City Police Officer Lahore Bilal Siddique Kamyana on Thursday chaired a performance review meeting of Iqbal Town and Saddar divisions, during which the overall law and order situation, crime control measures and public service delivery were reviewed in detail.The CCPO expressed satisfaction over the overall crime control situation in the city, particularly the significant decline in incidents of robbery and dacoity, attributing the improvement to effective policing and timely preventive measures.Addressing the meeting, Bilal Siddique Kamyana said effective policing and timely action by Lahore Police had led to a marked reduction in robbery and dacoity incidents. He directed officers to further accelerate operations against theft and burglary and ensure effective preventive measures.He ordered a comprehensive analysis of theft hotspots and the methods used by the criminals, directing officers to ensure the immediate arrest of those involved in theft cases as well as the recovery of stolen property.The CCPO also ordered an indiscriminate crackdown on organized gangs involved in motorcycle theft and pickpocketing. Protection of the lives and property of citizens is the foremost priority of Lahore Police, he said.Bilal Siddique Kamyana directed police officers to continue uninterrupted action against usury and personally contact victims and complainants to ensure timely redressal of their grievances.He also stressed the need for special attention to preventing crimes against women and children and safeguarding their rights.DIG Administration Imran Kishwar, DIG Investigation Zeeshan Raza, SSP Investigation Muhammad Naveed, SSP Operations Abdullah Ahmed, SPs and ASPs of Iqbal Town and Saddar divisions, circle officers, SHOs and investigation in-charges attended the meeting.
BU Welcomes Türkiye Higher Education Leadership To Strengthen Academic Cooperation
ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
A high-level delegation comprising officials from 10 leading Turkish universities visited Bahria University, Islamabad on 15th September 2026. The delegation brought together nearly 17 representatives from the Turkish higher education sector to explore avenues for strengthening academic and research collaboration between Türkiye and Pakistan. The delegation included representatives from Boğaziçi University, Dokuz Eylül University, Gazi University, Gebze Technical University, Hacettepe University, İstanbul Technical University, İzmir Institute of Technology, Middle East Technical University, Sabancı University, and Yıldız Technical University. The engagement focused on expanding cooperation in areas including student and faculty exchange programmes, joint academic and research initiatives, internships, summer programmes, joint publications, workshops and conferences, double/dual degree opportunities, and postgraduate scholarships. Discussions also covered the proposed Türkiye– Pakistan (Saudi Arabia) University of Technology, including its potential academic scope and institutional framework.
High-level German delegation calls on Dr Sham Sunder Advani
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CM MARYAM VOWS TO DRIVE AUTO INDUSTRY, INVESTMENT AND INNOVATION
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PUNJAB CM INAUGURATES PAKISTAN AUTO SHOW 2026, SAYS PMAS 2026 TO PROMOTE BUSINESS LINKAGES, INVESTMENT AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER LAHORE
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UNjAB Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Friday reaffirmed the Punjab government’s commitment to promoting local production, investment, technology and innovation, describing Pakistan’s automotive industry as an important driver of industrial development, investment and employment. Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the Pakistan International Auto Show 2026 at Expo Centre Lahore, she said the three-day event would help promote business linkages, investment and technology transfer. The chief minister formally inaugurated the event, according to a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO). The chief minister also held an informal meeting with industrialists associated with the automobile industry and appreciated their contributions to national economic development. Experts associated with the automobile industry termed Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision worthy of emulation, while representatives of the electric vehicle industry and administra-
tive officers paid tribute to the Green Taxi and CM Bike Schemes. Representatives of the EV industry described the Green Taxi and Bike Schemes as excellent initiatives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. Representatives and owners of tractor manufacturing companies also appreciated the launch of the Green Tractor Scheme, saying it had enabled the tractor manufacturing industry to stand on its own feet and provided a significant boost to local tractor manufacturing. After inaugurating the Pakistan Interna-
tional Auto Show, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif visited various stalls, inspected electric vehicles and showed keen interest in an electric ambulance. She examined the latest vehicles, bikes and generators and also inspected Suzuki’s biogas model. She interacted with foreign experts at the Honda, Suzuki and other stalls and obtained information about the products displayed there. The Punjab chief minister appreciated the quality of “Made in Pakistan” products. PAAPAM Chairman Usman Aslam Malik, Chief Organizer Syed Nabeel
PM&DC finalises MDCAT arrangements as 138,158 candidates set for Sept 20 test ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
President Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PM&DC) Prof. Dr. Rizwan Taj on Friday chaired a high-level meeting with vice chancellors of universities conducting the Medical and Dental Colleges Admission Test (MDCAT) 2026 and relevant provincial health authorities to review final arrangements for the examination scheduled for September 20. The meeting comprehensively reviewed examination security, centre preparedness, administrative arrangements, emergency response, candidate facilitation and measures to ensure the smooth, transparent and orderly conduct of MDCAT 2026. It was reiterated that the Coun-
cil had established the regulatory framework, examination standards and procedures for MDCAT, while the respective provincial authorities and designated universities were responsible for the on-ground conduct and administrative arrangements of the examination. The meeting also reviewed arrangements for the handling and collection of question papers after completion of the examination. It was mutually decided that the question papers may be retained by the respective universities after the examination to ensure the sanctity and transparency of the examination process. The Council further clarified that the measure did not constitute any unilateral intervention by PM&DC in the operational conduct of MDCAT by the provinces.
Under the Pakistan Medical & Dental Council Act, 2022, the respective provinces, GilgitBaltistan and Islamabad Capital Territory conduct MDCAT, while PM&DC has a defined statutory role in prescribing and approving the examination framework, procedure and standards. The Council also clarified that Section 9(2)(f) of the Act empowers it to make rules and regulations for the conduct of admissions and examinations to be conducted by each province, Islamabad Capital Territory and Gilgit-Baltistan. Furthermore, Section 13(c) provides for the formulation of the examination procedure and structure for MDCAT by the National Medical and Dental Academic Board for approval by the Council.
Siemens Healthineers Brings Healthcare Leaders Together to Advance Diagnostic Imaging in Pakistan
LAHORE STAFF REPORT
Pakistan, September 18,2026: Siemens Healthineers brought together leading healthcare professionals, radiologists, clinicians, Key Opinion Leaders and healthcare executives through its Innovations Evening series in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad.The events focused on the latest advances in MRI, CT and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and their role in supporting earlier, faster and more precise diagnosis
and treatment. Participants also highlighted the importance of continuous medical education, scientific collaboration and knowledge-sharing in improving patient care.Evelyn Gunnewig, CEO Siemens Healthineers Pakistan, said, “The future of healthcare will not be shaped by technology alone. This requires close partnerships with healthcare providers, an understanding of local needs and a shared commitment to advancing access to high-quality care. At Siemens
Healthineers Pakistan, we look forward to strengthening these partnerships and contributing to the evolving healthcare landscape.”The Innovations Evening series reflects Siemens Healthineers’ long-standing commitment to Pakistan’s healthcare sector through technology, education and clinical collaboration. With a legacy in Pakistan dating back to 1922, the company continues to work with healthcare institutions to advance diagnostic capabilities and patient-centered care.
Malaysian HC, Serena Hotels Celebrate Malaysia’s 69th National Day KARACHI STAFF REPORT
A high-level German delegation called on Dr. Sham Sunder Advani, MPA, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Sindh for Minorities Affairs and Chairman, Sindh Evacuee Trust Property Board, at his office.Delegation comprised Mr. Rachel (Federal Commissioner for Religion and Beliefs, Federal Office, Berlin), Mr. Dirksen (Assistant to Mr. Rachel, Federal Office, Berlin), Ms. Violetta Anand (Consul, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Islamabad), Mr. Markus Forster (Consul and Deputy Head of Mission, Consulate of the Federal Republic of Germany, Karachi), and Ms. Dagmar Traub-Evans (Consul for Culture, Consulate of the Federal Republic of Germany, Karachi).Dr. Sham Sunder Advani warmly welcomed the delegation with the traditional Sindhi greeting “”ايآ يرڪ يلڀ.During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on minority affairs.
ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
The High Commission of Malaysia, in collaboration with Serena Hotels, is celebrating Malaysia’s 69th National Day with the “Visit Malaysia 2026: Tourism and Gastronomy Festival”, a week-long celebration of Malaysian cuisine and culture at Zamana Restaurant, Islamabad Serena Hotel, from 17 to 23 September 2026. Apart from promoting Malaysia as a tourist destination, the festival brings the distinctive flavors and culinary traditions of Malaysia to Islamabad, offering guests an opportunity to experience a selection of authentic Malaysian dishes prepared by specialty chefs from Serena Hotels and the Malaysian High Commission. Addressing the media at the opening of the festival, H.E. Ambassador Dato’ Mohammad Azhar Mazlan, High Commissioner of
Malaysia, highlighted the importance of cultural exchange in strengthening the longstanding relationship between Malaysia and Pakistan. He noted that cuisine serves as one of the most meaningful ways to introduce people to a country’s unique heritage and traditions. Christoph Hoeflich, General Manager of Islamabad Serena
Hotel, welcomed the collaboration and reaffirmed Serena Hotels’ commitment to promoting cultural engagement through hospitality, cuisine and shared experiences. The culinary programme is being led by Chef Pathman, a Malaysian specialty chef representing Serena Hotels, together with the Chef from the High Commission of Malaysia.
Hashmi and others gave the chief minister a detailed briefing about the auto show. Local and international companies participated actively in the Pakistan International Auto Show 2026, being held in four halls of the Expo Centre. A total of 150 exhibitors, including 44 international and 43 local exhibitors, participated in the event. Prominent auto brands, including Suzuki, Kia, GAC, Chery, Sazgar, BYD, G-Tour, Hyundai and Honda, set up stalls at the show. Cars, motorcycles, electric and semi-electric vehicles and locally manufactured auto parts were displayed. CM inaugurates cancer treatment facilities at Nishtar Hospital In a related development, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Friday inaugurated a PET-CT cyclotron facility and a cryoablation centre for cancer treatment at Nishtar Hospital, where she also inspected various departments and treatment facilities. The chief minister visited the cryoablation centre and examined the newly installed machine. Officials briefed her that the Chinese cryoablation technology could destroy cancerous tumours using needles, offering a minimally invasive treatment option.
Federal Education Minister Appreciates PEIRA’s Digital Transformation
ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
The Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority (ICT-PEIRA) has launched its “PEIRA Digital Services” initiative, marking a major step towards paperless regulation, greater transparency, institutional efficiency and improved public facilitation in Islamabad’s private education sector.The launching ceremony was held at the Auditorium of the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE), Islamabad. Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui graced the occasion as Chief Guest. The event was attended by senior government officers, educationists, representatives of private educational institutions and other distinguished guests from across Islamabad.Addressing the ceremony, the Federal Minister appreciated ICT-PEIRA for introducing comprehensive digital services and commended the Authority for using technology to make regulatory processes more transparent, accessible and citizenfriendly.The Minister emphasized that transparency is a fundamental pillar of good governance and democracy, adding that technology provides an effective means to promote transparency,
Byco Delivers PM's Fuel Relief at Speed
KARACHI STAFF REPORT
Byco, the retail fuel brand of Cnergyico Pk Limited, has swiftly implemented the Prime Minister's Fuel Relief Scheme on a vast majority of its nationwide retail network — within a day of the programme's launch, with additional outlets going live daily.The Government-funded scheme provides eligible owners of motorcycles, three-wheelers and cars of up to 800cc engine capacity with a relief of Rs100 per litre of petrol, subject to the scheme's terms and conditions. Commuters in cities, towns and highways across Pakistan are already availing the subsidy at participating Byco stations.Commenting on Byco’s swift implementation of the scheme, Cnergyico’s Vice Chairman, Mr. Usama Qureshi, said, "the speed of this rollout reflects Byco's operational strength and its commitment to supporting the Government of Pakistan in delivering relief to its intended beneficiaries without delay. Byco is helping make the scheme accessible to commuters across the country."To benefit from the scheme, eligible motorists can register by SMS to 9771 and obtain a fuel relief token before visiting a participating Byco fuel station. Registration and eligibility details are available at pmfuelrelief.pk Byco's retail team mobilised within hours of the scheme's announcement, working round the clock to assist customers, resolve queries and ensure the smooth redemption of fuel relief tokens. The Company has also launched an awareness campaign across social media, digital platforms and outdoor advertising, including hoardings, to explain the registration process and encourage eligible motorists to claim the relief.
Saturday, 19 September, 2026
PM HAILS ECONOMIC STABILITY MILESTONE AS FOREX RESERVES HIT HISTORIC RECORD $21.4B
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RIME Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Friday expressed satisfaction over the State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) foreign exchange reserves reaching a historic high of $21.4 billion, describing the development as another significant milestone on the path towards economic stability. In a statement issued by the PM’s Office, the prime minister thanked Almighty Allah and said the record level of reserves reflected the sustained efforts of the economic team and the government’s measures being taken in the right direction. He said a significant improvement in remittances and services exports, a better current account position and fiscal discipline had played an important role in strengthening the country’s foreign exchange reserves. The prime minister said Pakistan’s successful return to international capital markets was also a manifestation of restored global confidence in the country’s economy. He said the increase in foreign exchange reserves would enhance the country’s capacity to meet its external payment obligations and strengthen its ability to withstand global economic challenges. PM Shehbaz Sharif said a stable eco-
nomic position would open new avenues for greater external confidence, investment and sustainable economic growth. He paid tribute to Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, the SBP governor, the government’s economic team and, in particular, overseas Pakistanis for their contributions to the achievement. The prime minister further noted that, unlike previous increases in foreign exchange reserves, the latest rise had not been driven by an increase in external borrowing but was primarily supported by the SBP’s purchase of foreign exchange. He also noted that the SBP had sig-
Seven Fitna al-Hindustan terrorists killed in Balochistan IBOs: state media
nificantly reduced its outstanding foreign exchange-related obligations, contributing to the improvement in the country’s reserve position. PM, President praise security forces for eliminating 10 terrorists in KP IBOs Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday paid rich tribute to the security forces for their successful operations against Indian-backed Fitna-alKhwarij in Hangu and North Waziristan districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, resulting in the elimination of 10 Khwarij. In their separately issued statements,
the president and the prime minister praised the bravery and professionalism of the security forces and paid tribute to the six security personnel who embraced martyrdom during the operations. They prayed for the elevation of the ranks of the martyred soldiers in paradise and expressed deep sympathy and condolences to the bereaved families. Commending the courage and sacrifices of the armed forces, President Zardari said, “The great sacrifices of the martyrs further strengthen the resolve and morale of the nation. The brave soldiers of Pakistan are sacrificing their lives for the defense and peace of the motherland.” He said the sacrifices of the security forces in the war against terrorism were unforgettable. Paying tribute to the martyred soldiers, Prime Minister Shehbaz said, “Our brave sons of the soil who sacrificed their lives for the defense, peace, and security of the beloved motherland are heroes of the entire nation. The great sacrifices of the martyrs are a guiding light for the nation, and their sacrifices will not go in vain.” He reiterated that under Azm-e-Istehkam, operations by the security forces and law enforcement agencies for the complete eradication of terrorism would continue with full force.
Dar reaffirms push to deepen strategic ties with Türkiye
QUETTA/ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
Security forces killed seven terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Hindustan in two separate intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Balochistan, state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported on Friday, as security operations against what the state describes as Indiansponsored terrorist proxies continued across the province. “Security forces killed five terrorists in an intelligence-based operation carried out in the Fateh Ali area of Panjgur district. A large quantity of weapons and ammunition was recovered from the terrorists killed during the operation,” Radio Pakistan quoted security sources as saying. In a separate IBO in the Dhadar area of Kachhi district, security forces killed two terrorists, while several others were also reportedly injured during the operation, it added. The federal government last year officially designated all terrorist groups operating in Balochistan as Fitna al-Hindustan, accusing India of sponsoring a proxy war through the outfits. The latest operations are part of the ongoing hightempo, intelligence-driven campaign under “Radd-ul-Fitna-3”, which the military’s media wing has described as a counterterrorism operation aimed at eliminating Indian proxies. The development came a day after security forces killed three terrorists during an IBO in the Badrang area of Awaran district, according to security sources. The operation was conducted under Operation Raddul-Fitna 3 against terrorists affiliated with Fitna al-Hindustan, with weapons and ammunition also recovered from those killed. The fresh operations come amid a sustained rise in militant violence in Pakistan, with the number of attacks increasing every year since 2022, according to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED), a global monitoring organisation. ACLED data shows that attacks in Pakistan rose nearly fourfold to 2,425 in 2025 from 658 in 2022, underscoring the growing security challenge confronting the country. Although Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has borne the brunt of terrorism, Balochistan has also remained a major target of Indian proxies, which frequently target civilians as well as military and other security installations in the province. In one such attack on the last day of 2025, terrorists targeted civilians in Balochistan’s Gwadar and Kharan districts, where 18 people, including women, children, the elderly and labourers, embraced martyrdom. Security forces have continued operations across the provinces against what the state describes as Indiansponsored terrorists and their proxies. Despite these efforts, the groups have continued to target civilian and defence installations. On August 21, security forces, in coordination with police, killed 49 terrorists in a series of IBOs across K-P and Balochistan over several days. In Balochistan, 37 terrorists affiliated with Fitna alHindustan were killed in 10 IBOs in Mastung, Mach, Khuzdar and Panjgur districts. The operations also resulted in the seizure and destruction of weapons, explosives and remotedetonation equipment, according to security sources.
ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Friday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further deepening strategic engagement with brotherly country Türkiye, particularly in key areas of mutual interest, as he held separate meetings with the Turkish and British envoys, according to the Foreign Office. DPM/FM Ishaq Dar was talking to Ambassador of Türkiye to Pakistan Irfan Neziroğlu, who
called on him and discussed bilateral relations and exchanged views on the evolving regional situation, the FO said in a statement on X. The Turkish ambassador briefed the deputy prime minister on progress under various bilateral institutional mechanisms aimed at advancing cooperation across a range of areas, following recent high-level interactions between Pakistan and Türkiye. Dar emphasised the need for relevant departments on both sides to closely coordinate preparations for the forthcoming Joint Commis-
sion and the 8th session of the HighLevel Strategic Cooperation Council, with a view to advancing the bilateral agenda. The deputy prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further deepening strategic relations with Türkiye, particularly in areas of mutual interest. Discussing the regional situation, Dar underscored that dialogue and diplomacy remained the only viable path to resolving outstanding issues and achieving lasting peace, stability and prosperity in the region. British envoy calls on DPM/FM Dar Meanwhile, British High Commissioner Jane Marriott on Friday called on Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and discussed matters of mutual interest. During the meeting, the discussions focused on Pakistan-UK relations, understandings reached during the DPM/FM’s recent visit to the UK in August, and ways to further strengthen cooperation across areas of mutual interest, according to a press statement issued
JI says Islamabad march will reach capital on September 23-24 ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Jamaat-e-Islami chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has said the party’s planned long march will reach Islamabad on September 23 and 24, while a train march will depart from Karachi on September 20. Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Hafiz Naeem said participants would begin arriving in the federal capital from different directions from September 20. He said JI had sought permission from the government for the protest and maintained that the party did not intend to block roads during the mobilisation. The JI chief said the party’s central demand remained the abolition of the petroleum levy, arguing that the issue directly affected ordinary consumers. He also accused the government of failing to implement commitments made during earlier negotiations with the party. Hafiz Naeem rejected the government’s recently announced fuel
relief package as insufficient, saying targeted discounts could not replace a reduction in the petroleum levy. Under the government’s scheme, eligible motorcyclists, rickshaw and chingchi users receive a Rs100-per-litre discount on up to 20 litres of petrol each month. Owners of vehicles with engine capacities of up to 800cc are eligible for the same discount on up to 30 litres per month. Hafiz Naeem argued that reducing the petroleum levy would pro-
vide broader relief and also criticised the absence of relief on diesel. He said JI remained in contact with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and had supported its protests, while PTI supporters had also backed JI’s planned march. The JI chief added that the party remained open to further talks if the government had another mechanism for providing relief. He also said the planned march would not obstruct candidates appearing for the MDCAT examination.
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Petrol drops to Rs389.14, diesel to Rs424.04 per litre PROFIT
WEB DESK
Petrol will cost Rs389.14 per litre and high-speed diesel (HSD) Rs424.04 from Saturday after the government announced fresh reductions in domestic fuel prices. The price of motor spirit was lowered by Rs1.65 per litre from Rs390.79, while HSD was cut by Rs0.88 from Rs424.92 per litre. The revised ex-depot prices will remain in force from September 19 through September 21, according to a Petroleum Division announcement issued on Friday. The latest revision follows a mixed adjustment a day earlier, when the government cut petrol by Rs0.43 per litre but increased HSD by Rs3.47. The Petroleum Division said the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) calculated the latest rates under the federal government’s petroleum pricing mechanism. Changes in international Platts rates, premiums and other incidentals amid global developments necessitated the revision, according to the ministry. The cuts come as crude oil prices eased in international trading on Friday amid reduced concerns over disruptions to Saudi supplies, although uncertainty surrounding the wider Middle East conflict persisted. Brent crude futures fell 88 cents, or 0.84%, to $103.94 a barrel by 1225 GMT, while US West Texas Intermediate futures were little changed at $102.15. Brent was headed for its first weekly decline in three weeks, down 0.8% over the week.
Govt plans to divest 51-100% stakes in Discos with management control, NA panel told PROFIT
MONITORING REPORT
The government plans to divest between 51% and 100% shareholding in each power distribution company (Disco), along with management control, under the approved privatisation structure, a National Assembly committee was informed on Thursday. BR reported that the National Assembly Standing Committee on Privatisation, chaired by MNA Farooq Sattar, reviewed progress on the privatisation of Discos and Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Limited (PIACL), as well as outstanding Postal Life Insurance claims. Officials told the committee that financial adviser Alvarez & Marsal had completed due diligence for Disco privatisation, following which the restructuring plan and transaction structure were approved by the Privatisation Commission Board and the Cabinet Committee on Privatisation (CCoP). Under the approved structure, between 51% and 100% shareholding in each Disco would be divested along with management control. The expression of interest process has been completed, with 10 parties pre-qualified for Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO), while 11 expressions of interest/statements of qualification for Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO) are under evaluation. The Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) process was completed on September 7, 2026. The committee called for a transparent and competitive process, appropriate valuation and reserve prices, effective post-privatisation regulation and oversight by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra), as well as periodic financial and performance audits. Separately, the committee was informed that the successful bidder for a 75% stake in PIACL intends to exercise its call option for the remaining 25%, subject to contractual requirements and second completion. The Arif Habib-led consortium had submitted the highest bid of Rs135 billion for the 75% stake against a reference price of Rs100 billion on December 23, 2025. Transaction documents were executed on January 29, 2026, while management control was transferred following first completion on June 29. The committee also reviewed outstanding claims at Postal Life Insurance Corporation Limited (PLICL). Liabilities up to June 2026 stood at Rs15.5 billion, covering around 55,450 claims. Officials said only Rs3 billion had been released against an additional funding requirement of Rs8.455 billion, leaving a substantial backlog. The committee directed authorities to consider additional funding through a supplementary grant in December 2026 to settle as many outstanding claims as possible, particularly those involving vulnerable policyholders.
Pakistan among worst hit by LNG disruptions, risks sharp rise in power costs: report PROFIT
MONITORING REPORT
Pakistan is among the countries worst affected by liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply disruptions caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, exposing the country’s heavy dependence on Gulf supplies and increasing pressure on its power and industrial sectors, according to Gastech Conferences’ report, ‘The Outlook for Gas and LNG Markets in Asia’. Qatar and the UAE account for about 99% of Pakistan’s LNG supplies, which are largely used for power generation, fertiliser production and industrial consumption. LNG accounts for around 30% of Pak-
istan’s total gas supply, leaving the country particularly exposed to disruption in shipments through the region. The report said gas supply disruptions had prompted Pakistan to turn towards coal, hydropower and nuclear power, while volatility in LNG prices and uncertainty surrounding shipping were likely to sharply increase power costs. Gastech said the conflict involving Israel, the United States and Iran, which began in February, and the resulting bottleneck in the Strait of Hormuz had redrawn global energy flows and highlighted the geopolitical vulnerability of gas and LNG markets. Beyond the immediate disruption, the re-
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port said Asian policymakers could strengthen domestic energy security by accelerating renewable energy deployment, including utility-scale solar and wind projects, commercial rooftop solar and energy storage. It also highlighted the need for investment in long-term infrastructure, including gas storage, while adjusting power generation mixes and providing greater flexibility to gas-fired power plants. Other options under consideration across the region include expanding operating reserves to improve grid flexibility during unexpected disruptions, increasing strategic fuel stockpiles for transport and power generation, and strengthening cross-border electricity trade to help manage shortages.
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