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Monday, 28 September, 2026 | 15 Rabius Sani, 1448
Rs 20.00 | Vol XVII No 184 | 8 Pages | Lahore Edition
PAKISTAN REJECTS TALIBAN CLAIMS OF INVOLVEMENT IN NURISTAN CLASHES AS 'FRIVOLOUS AND BASELESS' g
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INFORMATION MINISTRY CALLS ALLEGATIONS OF PAKISTANI FORCES AIDING INFILTRATORS ‘FRIVOLOUS, BASELESS AND DEVOID OF ANY TRUTH’
CALLS ACCUSATIONS IRONIC, SAYS PRESENCE OF TERRORIST GROUPS INSIDE AFGHANISTAN 'WELL DOCUMENTED'
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SAYS NO IDENTITIES, DOCUMENTS, COMMUNICATIONS, FORENSIC EVIDENCE OR INDEPENDENT VERIFICATION SUPPORT KABUL’S CLAIMS DISMISSES CIRCULATED VIDEO AS SHOWING UNARMED, UNEQUIPPED INDIVIDUALS AND REJECTS IT AS EVIDENCE OF INFILTRATION
Experts reject Pakistan link to Kunar, Nuristan clashes, question Taliban claims ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
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ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
HE Ministry of Information on Sunday rejected allegations by the Afghan Taliban regime linking Pakistan’s security forces and intelligence agencies to violence in Afghanistan’s Nuristan province, calling the claims “frivolous, baseless and devoid of any truth”. “Pakistan categorically rejects the fabricated claims of involvement by its security forces or intelligence agencies in any internal clashes in Nuristan or elsewhere in Afghanistan, including al-
legations of recruiting or training former Afghan security personnel or facilitating Daesh or any other terrorist group operating in Afghanistan,” the ministry said in a statement. The statement came in response to allegations levelled by the Afghan Taliban’s Ministry of Defence, which claimed that groups affiliated with Daesh, along with what it described as “elements of subversion”, had crossed the Durand Line into Nuristan’s Kamdesh district with the support of Pakistan. The ministry claimed that its security forces had killed 28 of the alleged infiltrators and captured 32 others,
Defense analysts and regional security experts have rebutted recent reports published by international news outlets, dismissing their reliance on unverified allegations by the Afghan Taliban regime regarding recent fighting in Kunar and Nuristan provinces. The experts termed attempts by Reuters and other international media outlets to link Pakistan to the internal clashes as completely baseless, saying such reporting glaringly ignores verifiable ground realities and the continuing domestic turmoil in Afghanistan. They pointed to serious discrepancies in the narrative promoted by the Taliban Ministry of Defense, stressing that visual evidence circulated on social media by the Afghan while the remaining fighters fled back across the Durand Line. The Ministry of Information rejected the allegations, saying not a shred of evidence had been produced to substantiate Pakistan’s involvement.
Over 71 terrorists killed in Balochistan operations in 96 hours: ISPR RAWALPINDI
STAFF REPORT
Security forces eliminated more than 71 India-sponsored terrorists in Shaban and other areas of Balochistan during the past 96 hours, the military’s media affairs wing said on Sunday. In a statement, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) recalled that, based on credible intelligence, security forces had launched a “swift operation against the terrorists in Ziarat and surrounding areas” on Sept 21. “As the security forces operation progresses, more than 71 terrorists have been killed so far in Operation Shaban and other areas of Balochistan in [the] last 96 hours, delivering a serious blow to Indian-backed Afghan proxies,” the statement said. ISPR noted that Pakistan’s intelligence agencies had identified “multiple hideouts of Indian-sponsored Fitna al Khawarij and Fitna al Hindustan in the general area of Shaban, District Quetta, posing a threat to the local population”. The state uses the term Fitna al Khawarij for the banned Tehreek-iTaliban Pakistan (TTP) and refers to designated Balochistan-based groups as Fitna al Hindustan to
highlight India’s role in terrorism and destabilisation across Pakistan. During the operation in Shaban, security forces engaged the terrorists and cleared multiple hideouts, ISPR said. Following intense exchanges of fire, 33 “Indian-sponsored terrorists” were killed, while weapons, ammunition and explosives were also recovered. Over the last 72 hours, the operation was intensified, resulting in the killing of 23 terrorists, the statement added. “Security forces have cleared a vast area and relieved local communities of the threat posed by Fitna al Khawarij and Fitna al Hindustan. The clearance operation is continuing until complete neutralisation of the threat,” ISPR stated. The number of terrorists killed in the Shaban operation had reached 13 on Sept 23 and then increased to 22 the following day. ISPR then recalled that 11 “Indian-sponsored terrorists” were killed in a separate intelligencebased operation (IBO) in Noshki on Sept 25 (Friday). Another six “Fitna al Hindustan terrorists” were neutralised in Mand, with a large quantity of weapons and ammunition recovered, accord-
ing to ISPR. The statement highlighted that the “Afghan Taliban regime’s involvement in terrorism activities in Pakistan, backed and sponsored by India, continues to cause loss of precious lives and threaten peace and stability”. The counter-terrorism campaign under the vision of “Azm-i-Istehkam”, approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan, will continue with full resolve, ISPR declared. “Security forces and law enforcement agencies remain committed to eliminating foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country,” it reaffirmed. According to earlier ISPR statements, six terrorists had been killed during “pre-emptive” IBOs in Kech and Quetta West on Sept 22 and 23. Balochistan has witnessed an increase in terrorist attacks in recent weeks, prompting security forces to intensify counter-terrorism operations. The number of terrorist attacks in the province increased by seven per cent from 83 in July to 89 in August, according to a monthly assessment by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies.
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PNS/M Hangor fires anti-ship missile in maiden live weapon test: ISPR KARACHI:
STAFF REPORT
The Pakistan Navy’s first Hangor-class submarine successfully conducted its maiden live weapon firing in the Arabian Sea, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Sunday. The Hangor-class submarine arrived at Karachi Port in June, marking a further step in the deepening strategic defence cooperation between Pakistan and China. The Pakistan Navy is set to induct a total of eight Hangor-class submarines. Terming the exercise a “major demonstration of operational readiness”, ISPR said the newly inducted PNS/M HANGOR accurately engaged a “designated long-range target with an anti-ship cruise missile” during the live weapon firing. Equipped with advanced combat systems, modern sensors, Air Independent Propulsion (AIP)
technology and enhanced stealth features, the Hangor-class submarine would significantly enhance the Pakistan Navy’s combat capability. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf witnessed the firing, lauding the submarine’s combat power and underscoring the “strategic importance of enhancing subsurface capabilities for credible maritime deterrence”. “The milestone underscores the Pakistan Navy’s commitment to maintaining a modern, combatready force to safeguard national maritime frontiers and regional peace,” ISPR highlighted. PRESIDENT AND PM CONGRATULATE PAKISTAN NAVY LEADERSHIP ON FIRST LIVE WEAPON FIRING Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the Pakistan Navy and its leadership on the successful first live weapon firing by the newly in-
ducted submarine, according to a statement issued by his office. “The submarine successfully struck a long-range target with an anti-ship cruise missile, demonstrating the operational readiness, professional expertise and combat capability of Pakistan Navy’s submarine force,” the premier was quoted as saying. PM Shehbaz reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the armed forces’ readiness to tackle national security challenges, the statement added. He also commended the Naval chief and personnel associated with the induction and operationalisation of the submarine. President Asif Ali Zardari also paid tribute to the Pakistan Navy on the successful firing, lauding the “operational readiness and enhancement” of naval defence capabilities, his office said in a post on X.
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Taliban themselves clearly indicates that individuals apprehended or killed in the rugged mountainous regions were local Afghan nationals. “The physical appearance, neat and clean attire, and diverse traditional clothing of these individuals starkly contradict the profile of active combatants operating in harsh, remote terrains, especially during the cold weather when heavy warm gear is essential,” an expert noted. The analysts suggested that the individuals could have been prisoners executed in detention or local civilians caught up in internal violence, stressing that the Taliban regime had failed to provide credible evidence establishing either their Pakistani nationality or combatant status.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 03 “There were no identities, documents, communications, forensic evidence or independent verification to support the allegations,” it said.
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SCO national coordinators meet in Islamabad from today under Pakistan chairmanship ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The first meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s (SCO) Council of National Coordinators (CNC) will be held in Islamabad from Sept 28 to 30 to discuss the programme of activities under Pakistan’s chairmanship and other matters, according to the Foreign Office (FO). In a statement on Sunday, the FO said the meeting would be convened under Pakistan’s chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of State (CHS) for 2026-27. The meeting would be chaired by Pakistan’s national coordinator for the SCO and attended by counterparts from SCO member states, along with representatives of the SCO Secretariat. “The national coordinators would discuss a wide range of issues relating to SCO cooperation and coordination, including the programme of activities under Pakistan’s chairmanship, preparations for upcoming SCO meetings and events, and other matters on the agenda of the organisation,” the FO said. As chair of the SCO CHS for 2026-27, Pakistan would seek to advance the group’s objectives under the theme, “Turning Vision into Action: Connectivity, Innovation and Shared Prosperity”. “Pakistan’s chairmanship would focus on promoting greater connectivity, fostering innovation, enhancing economic cooperation, and strengthening people-to-people contacts, with a view to translating the shared vision of member states into practical and mutually beneficial initiatives,” the FO noted. It added that Pakistan would work closely with all member states and the SCO Secretariat to “advance these priorities and further strengthen cooperation within the SCO”. “The meeting marks an important initial engagement under Pakistan’s chairmanship and would contribute to preparations for various high-level engagements and activities to be undertaken during the chairmanship, including the meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State to be hosted by Pakistan in August 2027.” Pakistan assumed the chairmanship of the SCO CHS for 2027 during an annual summit held in Kyrgyzstan in September. Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had proposed an “excellent plan that will prioritise key sectors, including IT and AI, energy development, poverty reduction, disaster management, health, culture and sports”. He called for turning the SCO vision into action and its promises into progress, while advocating greater regional connectivity. The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has invited bids for the upgradation of Jinnah Convention Centre, besides construction of a new block for the SCO summit next year.
02 NEWS
SBP LAUNCHES PASBAN REMITTANCE SCHEME WITH RS16B ANNUAL PRIZES
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PROFIT
NEWS DESK
HE State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has launched the Pasban Remittance Reward Scheme, a market-based initiative offering Rs16 billion in annual cash prizes to recognise and reward customers receiving home remittances through formal banking channels. Governor SBP Jameel Ahmad inaugurated the scheme on Friday, which has been launched under the auspices of the Pakistan Banks Association (PBA) by the banking industry. The scheme is funded entirely by the banking industry and does not entail any burden on the national exchequer. Developed under the patronage of the SBP, it aims to further encourage overseas Pakistanis to use formal banking channels for sending remittances to their families and loved ones in Pakistan. Under the scheme, a remittance beneficiary receiving a home remittance transaction equivalent to $100 or more each month for three consecutive months within a quarter into a bank account will be eligible to participate. A remittance transaction equivalent to $100 will receive one digital, nontransferable entry number, or ticket, subject to the beneficiary receiving eligible remittances in three consecutive months.
For example, if a beneficiary receives remittances equivalent to $100 each month for three consecutive months, they will receive three entry numbers for the quarter. Beneficiaries receiving higher-value remittances will receive additional entry numbers in proportion to the amount received. A beneficiary receiving $100 in October, $200 in November and $300 in December, for instance, will receive one, two and three entry numbers, respectively, giving them a total of six entries for the quarter. A total of 2,521 cash prizes amounting to Rs4 billion will be awarded each quarter. The quarterly prize pool will com-
Macter International launches Hepanox pre-filled syringe PROFIT
Macter International Limited has launched Hepanox, an Enoxaparin Sodium pre-filled syringe (PFS), expanding its biopharmaceutical portfolio and presence in the anticoagulant therapeutic segment. The pharmaceutical company disclosed the product launch to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Friday. According to Macter, Hepanox PFS is a low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) anticoagulant. The company said introducing Hepanox in a pre-filled syringe represented an expansion of its biopharmaceutical portfolio and strengthened its presence in the anticoagulant therapeutic segment. Macter said the launch was part of its efforts to expand its biopharmaceutical product portfolio and support its long-term growth. The disclosure did not provide details regarding the product's price, expected sales or its anticipated financial impact on the company. Macter International was incorporated in Pakistan in 1992 as a private limited company and was converted into a public limited company in 2011. The principal activity of the company is to manufacture and market pharmaceutical products.
Stakeholders challenge dollar based returns for $432m Faisalabad, Peshawar oil pipeline PROFIT
Stakeholders have challenged the proposed dollarbased returns and minimum throughput guarantees for a $432 million oil pipeline from Faisalabad to Peshawar, calling for the incentives to be rationalised as the project seeks to recover its investment within four years. According to a report by Dawn, the objections were raised during an Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) public hearing on Frontier Works Organisation's (FWO) petition for a transportation tariff for the proposed 437-kilometre pipeline. Ogra Vice Chairman Shahzad Iqbal presided over the hearing. The proposed structure envisages recovering the project's investment in four years to facilitate the participation of Azerbaijan's State Oil Company (Socar).
CITY NOTES M.A. NIAZI
HE secretary general for France’s General Secretariat for Defence and National Security, Nicolas Roche, met CDF Field Marshal Asim Munir last week, but I’m not sure the meeting went all that well. France and Pakistan do have a long history of military cooperation, and while the Navy long had Daphne submarines at the heart of its undersea fleet, the Air Force has long had the Mirage as its main workhorse. However, there has been a tapering off, with the Navy and Air Force both turning to China, not just because French equipment was expensive, but because France was making a diplomatic pivot towards India. The Field Marshal’s own service, the Army, never really got anything from France, except some 88mm and 120 mm mortars, and those two were jointly produced with Spain. I have it from highly unreliable sources that M. Roche wanted Pakistan to buy some Rafale jets, perhaps to substitute for those that the Indonesian Air Force is cancelling (to avoid its officer corps mutinying). I hope
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Vision Alliance sweeps Associate Class in LCCI 2026 elections PROFIT
WEB DESK
WEB DESK
MONITORING REPORT
prise one first prize of Rs100 million, 20 second prizes of Rs25 million each, 100 third prizes of Rs10 million each and 2,400 fourth prizes of Rs1 million each. Overall, Rs16 billion will be awarded annually to more than 10,000 winners under the scheme. To ensure broad distribution, prizes will be allocated across major remittance regions, with 50% for the GCC, 15% for the UK, 15% for Europe, 10% for North America and 10% for other countries. The first prize will be open to beneficiaries receiving remittances from all regions. Draws will be conducted quarterly, with the first draw scheduled for January 15, 2027, covering eligible remittances
received from October 1 to December 31, 2026. The draw will be conducted through a secure, fully digital and auditable process. Participation in the scheme is completely free. No bank will charge eligible remittance beneficiaries any fee or require any payment, ticket purchase, minimum balance or other consideration to participate. The scheme forms part of a broader transition in Pakistan's approach towards incentivising remittances through formal channels. The government has introduced Home Remittance Incentive Schemes over the years to encourage the use of formal channels. These schemes helped develop the market, brought more financial institutions into the ecosystem, expanded Pakistan's domestic and global reach and strengthened the infrastructure needed to process growing volumes of remittances. As the market developed and the cost of these schemes increased, the government and SBP undertook a planned and gradual transition towards a more sustainable, market-oriented model in close coordination with the banking industry. The SBP said the launch of Pasban represents a further step in this transition and would help maintain the attractiveness of formal channels while recognising the contribution of overseas Pakistanis to Pakistan's economy.
The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has concluded its 2026 elections, with 30 members elected to its Executive Committee from the Corporate and Associate Classes and two women securing reserved seats. The Vision Alliance swept all 15 Associate Class seats in polling held on Saturday, after securing 13 of the 15 Corporate Class seats a day earlier. Syed Azmat Ali led the Associate Class results with 5,428 votes, followed by Zaman Naseeb with 5,421 votes and Shahab Basharat with 5,416. Other Vision Alliance candidates elected from the Associate Class were Maqbool Siddique with
5,390 votes, Adil Babar Khan 5,385, Khadim Hussain 5,382, Shehzad Mahmood 5,370, Naveed Ayub 5,355, Sahir Mushtaq 5,351, Sardar Usman Ghani 5,344, Muhammad Ijaz Ghori 5,306, Muhammad Yasin and Ali Raza with 5,305 each, Shah Bahram 5,166 and Shehzad Ali Shah 4,990. The Associate Class vote marked the second phase of the election process following Corporate Class polling. In the Corporate Class, Ali Hassam Asghar received the highest number of votes at 1,700, followed by Sheikh Muhammad Ibrahim with 1,638 and Hamid Raza with 1,605. Syed Yousaf Jameel Hussain Rizvi secured 1,588 votes, Azim Iftikhar 1,585, Mardan Ali Zaidi 1,570, Tariq Mahmood 1,562, Zulfiqar Ali Chaudhry 1,549, Hamad
Mahmood 1,544, Chaudhry Muhammad Fargham 1,541, Muhammad Ali 1,535, Muhammad Umar Abdullah Chaudhry 1,512, Chaudhry Tahir Manzoor 1,478, Amir Ata Bari 1,460 and Hamza Majeed 1,455. Of the Corporate Class winners, 13 contested on the Vision Alliance platform, while Chaudhry Tahir Manzoor and Amir Ata Bari represented the PPBA platform. Separately, Huma Junaid was elected to the women's reserved seat from the Corporate Class, while Naila Nadeem secured the Associate Class reserved seat. The completion of Associate Class polling brought the twophase election process to a close, with 32 members elected to the Executive Committee, including the two reserved-seat members.
Malaysia to import additional 70,000 tonnes of Pakistani rice, sources say PROFIT
SHAHZAD PARACHA
Pakistan’s efforts to expand agricultural exports to Malaysia have gained momentum, with Malaysia importing an additional 70,000 tonnes of rice ahead of the arrival of Pakistan’s new crop, according to sources familiar with the latest trade developments. The development comes as a high-level Pakistani delegation of senior officials from the Ministries of National Food Security and Research and Commerce held talks with Malaysia’s key agriculture, rice and halal authorities, including BERNAS and JAKIM, along with representatives of the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) during visit to Kuala Lumpur. Sources told that the discussions focused on increasing Pakistani rice exports and expanding market access for halal meat and other agricultural products. The latest engagement follows
an understanding reached at the leadership level between Pakistan and Malaysia, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif repeatedly emphasizing the need to increase bilateral trade and expand Pakistan’s agricultural exports. Malaysia’s renewed demand for Pakistani rice Rice has emerged as the most immediate opportunity in Pakistan’s agricultural trade with Malaysia. According to sources, Malaysia’s additional purchase of 70,000 tonnes ahead of Pakistan’s new harvest reflects renewed demand for Pakistani rice and could help exporters recover some of the market share lost during the previous year. Pakistan’s rice exports to Malaysia had declined over the past year, prompting the government and exporters to step up engagement with Malaysian authorities and importers to restore and expand market access. International trade data also highlight the importance of Malaysia as a destination for
Pakistani rice. According to World Bank and UN Comtrade data, Malaysia imported around 1.695 million tonnes of rice worth $1.098 billion in 2024. Pakistan supplied 382,051 tonnes valued at $235.4 million, making it one of Malaysia’s major rice suppliers. Pakistan exported a total of 6.56 million tonnes of rice worth $4.19 billion to international markets in 2024, with Malaysia among its leading destinations. The additional 70,000-tonne purchase could therefore provide a boost to Pakistani rice exporters as the new crop enters the market. BERNAS talks focus on stable supplies The talks with BERNAS were particularly important because of the agency’s central role in Malaysia’s rice supply chain. Pakistani officials and exporters are seeking to build more predictable and long-term supply arrangements with Malaysian buyers rather than relying solely on individual transactions.
Monday, 28 September, 2026 | LAHORE
Azerbaijan signs over $10b investment deals, advances major energy projects PROFIT
WEB DESK
Azerbaijan signed agreements representing more than $10 billion in potential investment at an international forum in Baku, alongside deals to expand gas production and explore new hydrocarbon resources, a presidential aide said on Saturday. Among the agreements, state energy company SOCAR, France’s TotalEnergies and Abu Dhabi-based XRG reached a final investment decision on the full-field development of the Absheron gas and condensate field. The project’s second phase is expected to add around 5 billion cubic metres to Azerbaijan’s annual gas production within three to four years, President Ilham Aliyev told the Azerbaijan International Investment Forum. Absheron is among the largest offshore fields in the Caspian Sea. Azerbaijan exported about 25 billion cubic metres of gas last year, mainly to Europe and Turkey, with roughly half going to European Union countries. Further expansion of exports to Europe would require additional pipeline capacity. Separately, SOCAR and US energy major ExxonMobil signed a production-sharing agreement covering exploration, development and production of unconventional hydrocarbon resources in Azerbaijan’s Middle Kura basin. SOCAR and ExxonMobil will each hold a 50% interest in the project, with the US company serving as operator. Aliyev said oil and gas would continue to play a major role in Azerbaijan’s economy and generate revenues for reinvestment. The non-oil sector now accounts for more than 70% of GDP, while hydrocarbons continue to make up over 90% of exports, he said. The government is also seeking to expand Azerbaijan’s role as a regional transit hub. Aliyev said transit cargo volumes were expected to reach 16 million metric tons this year and could rise to at least 25 million tons by 2030. Azerbaijan is also in negotiations with international companies over investments in data centres and artificial intelligence infrastructure, although Aliyev did not identify the companies involved.
Sugar mills seek complete deregulation, permission to export 800,000 tonnes PROFIT
MONITORING REPORT
The Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA) has called for complete deregulation of the sugar sector and immediate permission to export another 800,000 tonnes of sugar, warning that mounting surplus stocks could create storage and working-capital constraints ahead of the new crushing season. The association’s general body reiterated its longstanding demand for complete deregulation of the sector, arguing that the sugar industry should be allowed to operate according to free-market principles. The PSMA maintained that farmers would be the primary beneficiaries of deregulation as they would have greater access to international market-linked prices for their produce. It warned that if the sector remained subject to the existing regulatory framework, growers could gradually shift away from sugarcane cultivation, potentially forcing Pakistan to spend substantial foreign exchange on sugar imports to meet domestic requirements. The association also claimed that several sugar mills were currently closed. It argued that deregulation would allow mills to freely import raw sugar when required and process locally produced sugarcane according to market conditions. The PSMA urged the government to move towards complete deregulation to ensure market-based operations, facilitate farmers and maintain the viability of the sugar industry. The association also welcomed the government’s decision to allow the export of 200,000 tonnes of surplus sugar but said this should be followed by immediate permission to export the remaining stocks of 800,000 tonnes. According to a PSMA spokesman, the sugar industry has been consistently requesting the government since February 2026 to allow the immediate export of surplus sugar produced at the end of the 2025-26 crushing season. Through official meetings, letters and press releases, the industry had repeatedly informed the government that the country was holding a surplus of around 1.25 million tonnes of sugar.
AI murder plotting
this is refused. I also assume the Field Marshal did not give any commitment not to shoot down any Rafales in any future conflict if India used them again. However, I am told that he did promise to use his good offices with President Trump to get him not to claim that Pakistan had shot down more Indian Rafales than it had bought. Meanwhile, a father in Bahawalpur was totally confused by AI, because his son had put it to a use that I’m not sure it was meant for, but which was probably inevitable. The kid had been detected by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency, obtaining the means of poisoning his father. It seems the youngster had a lab of his own, and was using AI to create a poison which would not be detected. It seems that AI had not just recommended a poison, but had also disclosed where he could bet the chemicals from, some place in Australia. The father has a hard time deciding whether he’s grateful for having his life saved, or whether he’s frantic by how his son’s life has been ruined. Of course, if the murder plot had gone
ahead, he would have been poisoned, and his son still detected. Then not only would his son still have his life ruined, but he would also have been dead. With this AI age, it seems, crime has changed. No longer will it be enough to be able to beat a suspect within an inch of his life until he talked. How does an SHO of the old school proceed? Does he beat up the computer or switch it on? How does he empty the pockets of the in-charge of the local ISP? Threaten to involve him or to smash his equipment while carrying out a search? I get the impression that the NCCIA investigates differently from tradition. There was no effort to make the kid pay for silence. I wonder how the local police viewed it. For them, cybercrime is about fraud, by Nigerian princes. I haven’t had a mail from a Nigerian prince for a while, which makes me think my email has probably been dropped from some list. I mean, let’s face it, despite all the keyboard warriors, Imran Khan is still behind bars. The PTI has put off its scheduled march to next week, when hopefully the
stuff Sohail Afridi is waiting for, will have arrived. That is the stuff which will allow him to storm Adiala Jail and release Imran. What it is, I don’t know, and nor does Sohail Afridi, but he’s alerted all those keyboard warriors to be ready to come to the gate of Adiala Jail. Not to fight, but to take selfies showing him standing, AK-47 in hand, one foot on something (presumably the neck of the prone jail superintendent).
Note: the march has not been cancelled. It has been postponed. I really wonder what that’s supposed to mean. I notice that there’s not that much enthusiasm for the PTI rally. Presumably because, unlike Sohail Afridi, they realize that that’s not how the world works. True, Imran can be sprung within minutes, but only if there’s a deal, without a deal, the PTI can keep whistling in the wind.
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ASAN TAX SCHEME BRINGS 1,929 SHOPKEEPERS INTO TAX NET, COLLECTS JUST RS32.5M
Monday, 28 September, 2026 | lahoRE
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STAFF REPORT
EARLY 2,000 shopkeepers have entered Pakistan’s tax system for the first time under the Asan Tax Scheme, while registrations have climbed to 9,806 within a month of its launch, the government said on Friday. Data presented to the government showed that 1,929 of those registered were previously outside the tax net, while 428 shopkeepers have so far filed their returns. The remaining registered traders are at different stages of the filing process, with participation recorded across both major and smaller cities. Against the annual tax collection target of Rs50 billion under the new scheme, the government received Rs32.5 million by Friday. The figures come as the government seeks to use the simplified scheme to widen
tax compliance among shopkeepers, a segment that has historically remained difficult to bring fully into the documented economy. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has now been directed to address technical problems flagged by traders and tax lawyers as implementation of the scheme gathers pace. Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani also directed the tax authority to expedite the issuance of FBR plates to shopkeepers who have filed their returns. The government has introduced a graduated penalty structure for shopkeepers who fail to pay tax after the deadline. The penalty will start at Rs10,000 during the first month after the deadline before increasing to Rs25,000 in the second month and Rs50,000 in the third. An Urdu-language information booklet has also been issued detailing the new scheme, the previous return-filing procedure and penalties for non-compliance.
Officials and trader representatives agreed to maintain daily coordination over implementation issues, while the FBR will step up engagement with tax bars and lawyers. Trader representatives supported the scheme but told officials that expanding awareness among shopkeepers would take time. Kayani said the scheme had been designed specifically for shopkeepers and urged traders who remain outside the tax system to use the facility. The figures were presented at a review meeting chaired by Kayani and attended by trader leaders Ajmal Baloch and Kashif Chaudhry, FBR Member Strategic Transformation Dr Hamid Atiq, Member Inland Revenue Operations Zubair Bilal and other senior officials. Chief commissioners and commissioners from across the country joined the meeting through video link and briefed participants on engagement with tax bars in their respective jurisdictions.
IFC targets up to $2b annual mobilisation in Pakistan under World Bank framework PROFIT STAFF REPORT
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) plans to mobilise up to $2 billion annually in Pakistan over the next decade, with small businesses, publicprivate partnerships (PPPs) and housing finance emerging as key areas for expanded engagement. The planned mobilisation forms part of the World Bank Group’s Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for Pakistan covering 2026-35, according to a government statement issued on Friday. Pakistan is seeking greater IFC in-
volvement in financing and technical support as the government moves to develop its PPP pipeline and widen access to housing finance. Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Senator Ahad Cheema said the government was preparing new legislation to expand the mandate of the Public-Private Partnership Authority (P3A), which has been placed under the Privatisation Division. The proposed framework would give P3A a wider role in helping federal ministries develop and market projects, mobilise financing and regulate projects implemented through the authority. The government is also looking to in-
ternational development partners to support PPP projects, with IFC and World Bank representatives welcoming steps to strengthen the institutional framework. Housing finance was identified as another potential area for cooperation. Cheema said work was underway to examine ways of strengthening the institutional framework for housing finance, with the government seeking to improve access to financing for people looking to build homes. He invited IFC to support the expansion of housing finance in Pakistan. SMEs also featured in the discussions, with IFC Regional Director Simon
Andrews expressing interest in greater engagement with the sector. Cheema said expanding financing and support for SMEs could contribute to economic growth and employment generation. The discussions were held during a meeting between Cheema and Andrews, who was accompanied by World Bank Country Director for Pakistan Bolormaa Amgaabazar. Cheema welcomed IFC’s increased engagement in Pakistan over the past four years and acknowledged its technical assistance and financing, as well as the World Bank Group’s broader development support.
Insurance claims reach Rs548bn as SECP publishes claim counts for first time ISLAMABAD GHULAM ABBAS
Pakistan’s insurers settled more than one million motor, accident and health, and fire and property claims in 2025, according to claim-count data published for the first time by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). The SECP’s Insurance Industry Statistics Report 2025 shows continued expansion of the insurance sector, with total industry assets rising by more than 9 per cent to Rs4.1 trillion and gross written premium increasing by 15pc to Rs778 billion. Life insurance premiums grew by
14pc, while non-life premiums increased by 16pc during the year. The report shows that life insurers paid around Rs410 billion in claims in 2025, up from Rs380 billion a year earlier, while non-life insurers paid approximately Rs138 billion, compared with Rs92 billion in 2024. Death claims alone amounted to around Rs37 billion, compared with Rs33 billion in 2024. The newly published claim counts show that life insurers settled more than 33,000 death claims during the year, while non-life insurers paid more than 720,000 accident and health claims. Non-life insurers also settled over 282,000 motor claims and around 11,000
Over 71 terrorists killed in Balochistan operations in 96 hours: ISPR CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
‘TERRORISM UNDER FOREIGN PATRONAGE’ President Asif Ali Zardari commended the security forces for their successful operations against terrorists of Fitna al Khawarij and Fitna al Hindustan in Balochistan. In a statement issued by the Presidency, he termed the clearance of numerous terrorist hideouts in the province a major success for the security forces. President Zardari emphasised that operations would continue until the complete eradication of terrorism “fueled by foreign patronage and assistance”. “The sacrifices and services of our security forces in the fight against terrorism are a source of pride for the entire nation,” the president added. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also paid tribute to the security forces and said Pakistan was determined to completely eliminate terrorism being carried out on its soil with foreign support, according to state-owned Radio Pakistan. Lauding the security forces’ professional skills, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi noted that “nefarious designs” of terrorists had been thwarted.“The brave soldiers of the security forces are a proud asset of the nation,” he said in a statement, adding that operations would continue till the eradication of Fitna al Khawarij and Fitna al Hindustan terrorists.
fire and property claims in 2025, taking the total number of claims reported across these major non-life categories to more than one million. SECP Chairman Dr Kabir Sidhu said claims settlement was a key measure of insurers’ performance. “Publishing claim amounts and counts will strengthen accountability, build policyholders’ trust and support sustainable growth,” he said. The SECP is also undertaking a comprehensive review of insurers’ claims-handling processes, including analysis of claims data, according to the report. The regulator has separately placed the draft Market Conduct Rules for Insurers, 2026, before stakeholders for
public consultation. The report also highlights strong growth in several insurance segments. Among private life insurers, health insurance premiums increased by 49pc to Rs30.4 billion, while term-life premiums rose by around 37pc to more than Rs19.7 billion. In the non-life sector, motor premiums grew by around 35pc to more than Rs78.5 billion, while accident and health premiums increased by approximately 42pc to more than Rs35.7 billion. Premiums generated through digital distribution channels rose by 71pc to around Rs6.8 billion, indicating a growing role for digital channels in insurance distribution.
PNS/M Hangor fires anti-ship missile in maiden live weapon test: ISPR CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
“Equipped with modern combat capabilities, the Pakistan Navy is playing a vital role in safeguarding national maritime boundaries and ensuring regional peace and security,” President Zardari was quoted as saying. The statement added that President Zardari had been the chief guest at the handover ceremony of the Hangor-class submarine on April 30. HANGOR’S SIGNIFICANCE IN PAKISTAN’S NAVAL HISTORY The name Hangor holds a significant place in Pakistan’s naval history. During the 1971 Pakistan-India war, then-PNS Hangor became the first submarine since World War II to sink a warship when it sank the Indian frigate INS Khukri. The first of the new submarines was
launched in China in April 2024, while the second, third and fourth were launched on March 15, Aug 15 and Dec 17 in 2025, respectively. On April 21, the Pakistan Navy conducted a successful test of an indigenously developed Anti-Ship Weapon System — Taimoor, the military’s media wing said. In the same month, the Pakistan Navy fired a locally developed anti-ship ballistic missile to engage targets at an extended range. “In a resolute display of preparedness and precision-strike capability, Pakistan Navy successfully conducted a live weapon firing of an indigenously developed ship-launched anti-ship missile, accurately engaging its target with high speed at extended range,” the ISPR had said at the time.
LSE SPAC-II acquires 269,000 shares in MP Industries for Rs180m PROFIT
STAFF REPORT
LSE SPAC-II Limited has acquired 269,000 ordinary shares in M.P. Industries Limited (MPIL) for Rs180 million, completing an investment approved by shareholders that gives the company a 15% stake in MPIL's post-issuance paid-up share capital. The investment was originally approved through a special resolution at LSE SPAC-II's Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on September 19, 2026. Under the approved arrangement, LSE SPAC-II was authorised to subscribe to enough ordinary shares in M.P. Industries to hold 15% of the company's paidup share capital following the issuance, on terms and conditions approved by its Board of Directors. In its latest disclosure to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), LSE SPAC-II said it had acquired 269,000 ordinary shares in M.P. Industries for a total consideration of Rs180 million. Payment for the shares was made on September 24, a day before the latest disclosure. LSE SPAC-II said the investment was undertaken in accordance with shareholder approval and applicable laws, rules, regulations and regulatory requirements.
Pakistan rejects Taliban claims of involvement in Nuristan clashes as 'frivolous and baseless' CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
The statement also rejected a video being circulated on social media to support the claim, saying it “only shows a few unarmed individuals who are not even properly dressed or equipped”. The ministry described the footage as appearing to be “a pre-planned video shoot by the Afghan Taliban regime well known for lies and fabricated claims”. The fact-check graphic attached to the post carried the text, “Afghan Defence Ministry claims arrest of Pakistani military personnel and fighters in Nuristan.” It marked the claim as “false and fabricated” and displayed a document by the Afghan Ministry of Defence dated September 27. The ministry said the presence and activities of terrorist groups inside Afghanistan were “well documented”, including in successive reports by the United Nations and other international organisations. “Attempts to manufacture a Pakistani connection cannot obscure the reality that these terrorist groups continue to find sanctuary and a permissive environment for growth in Afghan territory,” it said. “It is particularly ironic for the Afghan Taliban regime to accuse Pakistan of supporting terrorism while terrorist organisations operating from Afghanistan continue to pose a direct threat to Pakistan and regional security,” the ministry added. “Instead of externalising responsibility for its internal security challenges through fanciful allegations, the Afghan Taliban regime should take credible and verifiable action against terrorist organisations operating from its territory,” the ministry said. It also called on the Afghan authorities to fulfil their commitments that Afghan soil would not be used for terrorism against Pakistan or any other country, “rather than attempting to deflect responsibility through fabricated accusations”. The statement further said the allegations were “reflective of lies to externalise internal dissent and oppression of women, children and minorities”.
What Chashma-1’s 427-day run says about Pakistan’s energy future PROFIT
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan’s power sector is usually discussed through the pain it creates for consumers: higher tariffs, circular debt, imported fuel costs and the constant feeling that the system is both expensive and unreliable. Against that backdrop, the news that Chashma Nuclear Power Plant Unit-1 has run safely and without interruption for 427 days may seem like a narrow technical achievement, but it is more than that. For a country that has struggled to build an electricity system that is stable, affordable and less exposed to imported fuels, the performance of one reactor near Mianwali offers a useful window into the role nuclear power is beginning to play. Chashma Unit-1, known as C-1, completed the 427-day run during its 18th operating cycle, according to the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission. The unit also scored 100 on the World Association of Nu-
clear Operators Performance Indicator Index in each of the first two quarters of 2026. In simple terms, this means the plant was not only producing electricity continuously, but doing so at a level that met a high international benchmark for operational performance, reliability and safety. Planning for the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant took place in collaboration with France in 1973 but the site was completed with China joining the project, and later providing the reactor in 1993. It houses four of Pakistan’s six active nuclear reactors. That matters because nuclear power depends heavily on operating discipline. A nuclear reactor is a complex machine, but it is also part of an even more complex institutional system of engineers, safety protocols, maintenance schedules, fuel cycles, emergency planning and regulatory oversight. When a reactor runs continuously for more than a year, the achievement reflects the ability of the organisation around it to keep the plant stable, prevent unplanned outages and manage risks in a sec-
tor where mistakes carry unusually high consequences. Pakistan currently has two nuclear power plant sites: Chashma, near Mianwali, and Karachi, on the coast near Paradise Point. Chashma houses four operating reactors, known as C-1, C-2, C-3 and C-4. Karachi has two operating reactors, K-2 and K-3. Together, these six units provide around 3,530MW of nuclear generation capacity to the national grid. The old Karachi Nuclear Power Plant, K-1, is an important part of this history too. Commissioned in the early 1970s with Canadian assistance, K-1 was Pakistan’s first commercial nuclear power reactor and was permanently shut down in 2021 after roughly five decades of service. Its retirement marked the end of Pakistan’s first nuclear power era, while the newer Chashma and Karachi units represent the sector’s current phase. The Chashma complex is especially important because it is the centre of Pakistan’s smaller nuclear fleet. C-1, the unit that has now set the national continuous operation
record, is a 325MW reactor. It is not the largest reactor in Pakistan. The Karachi units, K-2 and K-3, are much bigger, with capacities of around 1,100MW each. Yet C1’s record is significant precisely because it shows that nuclear performance is not only about adding newer and larger plants, but about getting strong output from existing assets through maintenance, technical skill and disciplined operation. Pakistan’s first Nuclear Power Plant, KANUPP Unit 1 of 137 MWe, was constructed in the outskirts of Karachi and achieved its first criticality on 1st August, 1971. After 50-year of successful commercial operation, KANUPP Unit 1 power station was permanently shut-down on August 1, 2021 and is being decommissioned. In Pakistan, that distinction is often lost. The country tends to celebrate energy projects when they are announced, financed or inaugurated, but the real value of a power plant is created over decades. A plant that is built but frequently unavailable is of limited use to the grid. A plant that runs reliably be-
comes much more valuable because its fixed costs are spread over more electricity units and its output can be planned with greater confidence. For the grid operator, predictability is not a luxury. It is central to balancing supply, managing demand and reducing dependence on expensive backup generation. This is where nuclear power has a specific place in Pakistan’s energy mix. Unlike solar, it does not depend on sunlight. Unlike hydropower, it is not tied to seasonal river flows. Unlike imported coal, furnace oil or LNG, its day-to-day generation cost is less exposed to global fuel price shocks and exchange rate volatility. Once a nuclear plant is built and fuelled, it can provide steady baseload electricity for long stretches. This does not make it automatically cheap, and it certainly does not remove the need to examine financing costs, safety systems and longterm waste management, but it does explain why countries with serious energy security concerns continue to keep nuclear power in their planning.
04 COMMENT
Monday, 28 September, 2026
PUNJAB'S SOLAR BOOM LOOKS LIKE PROGRESS
DI Khan outrage
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Coming just after the Kohat massacre, it shows an insurgency out of control
The numbers tell a narrower story
HE horrific attack on a police checkpost in Darazinda showed a province out of control, for after the first attack, caused by the explosion of a tractor-trolley laden with explosives being rammed into, an Emergency Services ambulance which arrived on the scene was fired upon, with two personnel being killed, bringing to 14 the total number of casualties, the 12 who were killed in the original explosion having all been civilians. As the attack took place on the Aman Mela police checkpost, the absence of casualties among the policemen must be seen as a lucky escape. This attack comes nine days after the attack on the Friday congregation at the Kohat Police Lines which left 31 dead. It should also be noted that Kohat Division includes Kurram and Orakzai districts, while Dera Ismail Khan Division includes South Waziristan district. All three of these districts border Afghanistan, and thus are virtually natural routes for the Tehrik Taliban Pakistan if its militants seek safe havens in Afghanistan after some such outrage as they have committed. It is a rather sobering thought that if the PTI had not postponed its rally in Islamabad, the massacre in Dera Ismail Khan would have left the Chief Minister, having to attend it even as his province erupted in violence. The PTI must realize that apart from agitating for the release of party founder Imran Khan from jail, it also has a province to run, and not just one that needs to keep ticking over routinely, but one which has a serious law and order problem, caused by a violent insurgency. It is also to be noted that the problem is one that has spoiled relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan. At the moment, Pakistan is conducting an air campaign, targeting the safe havens which allow TTP militants so much impunity. The militants seem to be concentrating on the police, perhaps as easier targets than the military. However, there is a limit to forbearance, and the time might come when it is felt that there is no option but to root out the safe havens by using ground forces. The KP police and concerned federal agencies must be mobilized and coordinated to elimiinating the menace of sectarian terrorism. Simply exposing their Indian connections will no longer cut it; these links will have to be snapped.
AKISTAN calls its shift to rooftop solar a ‘just energy transition’. Punjab is where that claim gets tested– because Punjab is not only the country's biggest user of electricity it’s also, by a wide margin, the biggest adopter of solar. The question worth asking is whether those are the same story or two different ones under the same label. THE CLAIM: PUNJAB IS LEADING THE TRANSITION 52.9 percent of Pakistan’s 241.5 million population lives in Punjab (2023 census), its five distribution companies– LESCO, FESCO, GEPCO, IESCO, MEPCO– sold 76.8 TWh of electricity in FY202425, out of 111.5 TWh sold nationally across all DISCOs and K-Electric combined. That's 68.8 percent of all electricity delivered through Pakistan's distribution system, going to just over half the country's population. Solar tells the clearer version of the same story. According to NEPRA’s state of industry report 2025, of the 350,207 consumers connected to net-metering across Pakistan's distribution companies in FY202425, 327,341– 93.5 percent– are in Punjab's five DISCOs alone. On paper, it looks like Punjab is dragging the rest of the country into the solar era. The number that undercuts it: solar follows money, not need The bigger question is: who is actually installing these systems in Punjab? At current market pricing (solar manufacturer– Luminey), a basic 5kW rooftop solar setup (on-grid, no battery)– enough for a mid-sized house, costs around Rs 650,000 – Rs 850,000 installed. When compared to the average monthly household income in Pakistan, which is Rs 82,179 (Household Integrated Economic Survey 2024-25), that system costs
The solution is not to slow down PakistanÊs solar transition but to ensure that the benefits of solar energy are not limited to those who can afford to purchase their way out of rising electricity costs. This entails making financing for rooftop solar more available while also determining how the grid's fixed costs will be recovered as electricity sales decline. Pakistan must look beyond the number of megawatts installed and ask a harder question of who benefits from them and who is left to pay for the system, if it wants to call this a just energy transition
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between 7.9 – 10.3 months of a typical household's entire income. This isn't a hypothetical inequality. It shows up in Punjab's own statistics. The province's richest fifth of households earns 46.8 percent of all household income in Punjab; the poorest fifth earns just 6.5 percent– a more than sevenfold gap (HIES 2024-25). A solar system that costs eight to ten months’ worth of the average household's income was never going to be evenly adopted across a gap that wide. This upfront cost was always going to make adoption easier for higher-income households. THE HIDDEN COST: SOMEONE MUST STILL PAY FOR THE GRID Rooftop solar doesn't remove a household from the grid– it removes the household’s financial contribution to the grid, while the household continues to benefit from a functioning transmission network and to draw backup power. The fixed costs of running that network– capacity payments and the transmission maintenance– don't decrease just because some consumers now buy less from it. That's where the second half of the story lives. Total distributed solar in Pakistan is now estimated at 38 GW, generating roughly 51 TWh a year– about 46 percent of what the entire grid supplies (Renewables First, Pakistan Electricity Review 2026). But only 6.8 GW of that is registered, tariff-adjusted net-metering capacity. The rest– around 31GW– is off-grid or behind-the-meter solar, which subtly reduces the demand that the grid was designed to meet without accompanying adjustment to who is responsible for paying its fixed costs. Those fixed costs are not shrinking in any durable way. According to NEPRA's SOI 2025, total capacity payments across the CPPA-G system were Rs. 1,807 billion in FY2024-25. This is a slight decrease from the past year, primarily due to the termination of a few contracts of IPPs that were chronically idle, but it is still around three times higher than what they were in FY2019–20 (Rs. 612 billion). Despite 5.3
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Editor’s mail
Building Pakistan’s Digital Backbone
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Sky 47 will be crucial EEman taimur
AKISTAN’S digital transformation is entering a phase where connectivity alone is no longer enough. The next frontier is the infrastructure that stores, processes and protects the enormous volumes of data generated by businesses, governments and citizens. In this context, the ground-breaking of Sky 47’s 100-Kanal Tier 3 Data Centre at Capital Smart City represents more than the construction of another technology facility. It signals the emergence of a stronger digital infrastructure ecosystem that could help Pakistan attract investment, support innovation and strengthen its position in the regional digital economy. Sky 47, a subsidiary of Mari Petroleum, is developing the facility; while Capital Smart City is providing the land and leading the civil works. If delivered to international standards, a facility of this scale could become an important piece of Pakistan’s digital backbone. More importantly, it could demonstrate to domestic and international investors that Pakistan is increasingly prepared to host sophisticated digital infrastructure. The timing is particularly significant. Pakistan’s digital economy is expanding rapidly. The Pakistan Economic Survey 2025–26 reports that IT exports reached $3.388 billion during July–March FY2026, while the IT and ITeS sector generated a trade surplus of $2.911 billion. Broadband subscribers had also reached 161 million by March 2026. These figures reflect a growing digital economy, as highlighted in Pakistan’s ICT Boom, but a growing digital economy requires equally strong physical infrastructure behind the screen. This is where data centres become strate-
gically important. Every digital service, cloud application, e-commerce transaction, financial platform, AI model and government database ultimately depends on secure computing and storage infrastructure. This need is increasingly being recognised in Punjab, where, in May 2024, the Central Business District Punjab signed an MoU with 15 IT and education companies for collaboration in the Nawaz Sharif IT City, Lahore, which also envisages data-centre infrastructure. A modern Tier 3 facility can provide businesses with greater reliability, redundancy and resilience, reducing dependence on overseas infrastructure and improving the availability of locally hosted digital services. Pakistan has already recognized the importance of this transition through government policy. The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication lists the Pakistan Cloud First Policy, the Standard Bidding Document/Procurement Framework for Cloud Services, and Accreditation Criteria for Cloud Service Providers among its policy initiatives. The government has also previously undertaken a project to establish a data centre for cloud-based services in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and GilgitBaltistan. These initiatives demonstrate that data infrastructure is increasingly being viewed as a component of national digital infrastructure rather than simply a private-sector business. The significance becomes even greater with the rise of artificial intelligence. Pakistan’s National AI Policy 2025 identifies AI infrastructure, including a national compute grid, centralized datasets, AI hubs and cloudbased resources, as a core pillar of the country’s AI ambitions. High-quality data centres can therefore provide the underlying computing environment required for AI development, enterprise cloud services, big-data analytics and emerging technologies. The potential investment impact is equally important. A major data centre can create demand for a wider ecosystem of cloud service providers, cybersecurity firms, soft-
PakistanÊs digital future will not be built only through apps and software. It will also depend on the physical infrastructure quietly powering them. If the Sky 47 data centre becomes a successful model of reliability, security and investment, it could help demonstrate that Pakistan is ready to move from being primarily a consumer of digital infrastructure to becoming a regional hub for storing, processing and powering the digital economy
Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965
percent consumer growth, national grid energy sales increased by just 1.7 percent in FY2024–2025. This is the strongest indication that a growing portion of Pakistan's actual electricity use is moving completely off the metered grid. NEPRA's own report states that falling grid demand is directly related to rising tariffs pushing consumers toward "conservation and solar alternatives.” As paying grid demand stagnates, the same fixed capacity bill gets divided among fewer consumers- a dynamic Pakistan Electricity Review by Renewables First describes as a distribution system built on "assumptions of sustained growth in volumetric sales" now being tested by a demand base that is quietly decoupling from it. The households and industries who could afford solar are shrinking their share of what they pay into the system. The costs of keeping that system operational do not disappear- they get redistributed onto whoever is left completely reliant on the grid: households that were never in a position to invest the majority of a year’s income on rooftop panels in the first place. WHAT FAIRNESS WOULD actually require A transition that only counts megawatts installed will always look like progress. A transition measured by who installed them tells a different story- one where the same income divide that already exists between Punjab's household earnings (46.8 percent at the top, 6.5 percent at the bottom) is now being reproduced in who gets to avoid rising electricity costs and who is left to bear them. The solution is not to slow down Pakistan’s solar transition but to ensure that the benefits of solar energy are not limited to those who can afford to purchase their way out of rising electricity costs. This entails making financing for rooftop solar more available while also determining how the grid's fixed costs will be recovered as electricity sales decline. Pakistan must look beyond the number of megawatts installed and ask a harder question of who benefits from them and who is left to pay for the system, if it wants to call this a just energy transition.
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ware companies, network operators, equipment suppliers, construction specialists, energy providers and technology startups. For Pakistan, this ecosystem also has strategic implications for cybersecurity, particularly as Global North–South digital policies increasingly shape issues of data sovereignty, crossborder data flows, technology standards and cyber resilience. Strengthening domestic data-centre capacity can help Pakistan reduce excessive dependence on externally controlled infrastructure, improve the protection of sensitive data and build greater resilience against cyber threats. Once such infrastructure exists, international technology companies may also find Pakistan more attractive as a location for regional cloud, disaster-recovery, business-process and digital-service operations. The IT Ministry itself has highlighted Pakistan’s potential as a location for data centres and cloud hubs, citing the country’s strategic time-zone advantage and ability to serve markets across the Middle East, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Central Asia and Africa. Meanwhile, the government’s Special Technology Zone framework offers investment incentives designed to attract technology enterprises and zone developers. Together, these developments can create the foundations for a broader digital investment ecosystem. However, one data centre cannot transform Pakistan’s digital economy on its own. The real opportunity lies in creating a datacentre ecosystem around such projects. Reliable and affordable electricity, renewable-energy integration, high-capacity fibre connectivity, cybersecurity, data protection, cloud adoption and predictable regulation will be essential. Pakistan must also ensure that new facilities meet internationally recognized standards and develop the skilled workforce required to operate advanced digital infrastructure. The Sky 47 project can therefore be viewed as a potential catalyst. Its greatest contribution may not simply be the capacity housed inside one facility, but the confidence it can generate outside it. Successful execution could encourage other domestic companies, global technology firms and institutional investors to consider Pakistan for data centres, cloud infrastructure, AI computing and other digital assets. Pakistan’s digital future will not be built only through apps and software. It will also depend on the physical infrastructure quietly powering them. If the Sky 47 data centre becomes a successful model of reliability, security and investment, it could help demonstrate that Pakistan is ready to move from being primarily a consumer of digital infrastructure to becoming a regional hub for storing, processing and powering the digital economy. The writer is a Research Associate (Science, Technology & Innovation) at Centre of Excellence for CPEC, PIDE. Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545
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Border infrastructure lacking
BORDER management in Pakistan has largely been underdeveloped and quite inefficient. Most border crossing points, particularly in Balochistan, such as BP-250, Mand, Pishin and Panjgur, lack modern and essential facilities, and, therefore, cannot be considered fully established Customs stations or terminals. Mand and Panjgur operate without terminal operators. After a prolonged delay, the National Logistics Cell (NLC) has finally estab- lished a cargo terminal with a weighbridge at BP-250. However, developing a fully equipped terminal will require time. At present, cargo arriving from Iran is cleared using primitive and conventional methods. There is no proper mechanism for inspecting LPG cargo, with rotametres being used to check goods. Consignments requiring laboratory tests face delays owing to the absence of modern labo- ratory servises, resulting in goods being referred to Karachi. Essential services, such as quarantine operations, phytosanitary controls and food safety inspections, take significantly longer time due to staff shortages and the lack of dedicated offices at border points. Banking facilities are also unavailable at most stations. Alarmingly, even a stable internet connectivity is absent, limiting traders’ ability to file goods declarations (GDs) and make online payments. This lack of modern infrastructure undermines trade competitiveness and does weaken regional connectivity. Even boarding and lodging facilities for Customs staff are poor since these land border stations are located at considerable distances from central urban areas. It is noteworthy that this region hosts one of Pakistan’s most critical trade corridors, highlighting the urgent need for robust infrastructure development to strengthen regional connectivity. Key initiatives, such as China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC), bilateral trade with Iran, and connectivity with Central Asian Republics (CARs), are heavily reliant on these routes. At present, a significant volume of LPG destined for Punjab is transported through these land corridors, while a portion of Afghan transit trade is routed through Gwadar. In the coming years, trade activity in the region is expected to expand substantially due to transit trade agreements with the CARs, increased utilisation of Gwadar port, anticipated growth in transit and trans-shipment operations, bilateral trade with Iran, and the implementation of Transports Internationaux Routiers (TIR) operations. Furthermore, the establishment of common border markets, along with the opening of new border crossing points and checkposts, is likely to further boost trade at various land stations. To address these challenges, the federal government must prioritise the develop-ment of modern infrastructure at these long-neglected land border stations. Adequate physical infrastructure, modern equipment and gadgets, trained human resources, and operational facilities are essential to meet the requirements. Equally important is the development of digital infrastructure to modernise the trade environment and enhance efficiency. SHAHID ALI ABBASI KARACHI
Turbat cash crisis
TURBAT has been facing a lack of ATM for quite some time, even though consistent complaints have been made by citizens. Despite being the second the second most populated city in Balochistan, there are still not enough ATMs. Citizens often have to wait for hours on end when they need to withdraw money. And even after hours of waiting, many people often return home empty-handed as machines either lack cash or fail to process transactions — leaving them without their funds. The government of Balochistan must pay heed to the inconvenience that our people are facing and provide more bank branches as well as ATMs in Turbat so that people do not have to go home empty-handed. MUZZAMIL KARIM TURBAT, KECH
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COMMENT 05
Monday, 28 September, 2026
US Congress Impeaches Hegseth over Illegal War with Iran Ultimately, Trump may be held accountable
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QAMAR BASHIR
he effort to impeach US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth places a fundamental question before the US Congress: will constitutional limits govern the executive’s use of military force, or will presidential command become its own justification for war? Whether this effort succeeds or fails, its significance extends beyond one official’s future. It demands accountability for initiating and continuing hostilities against Iran and challenges the displacement of congressional authority by executive decisions carrying profound human, military, and economic consequences. Representative Thomas Massie’s September 15 impeachment initiative presents a specific charge against Hegseth: that he knowingly implemented unlawful orders to wage war. The accusation concerns both the decision to introduce American forces into hostilities on February 28, and their continued employment afterward. Its central contention is that the administration acted without congressional authorization or an independent constitutional basis for immediate defensive action. This is the foundation of the impeachment effort, and it deserves to be stated fully and directly. The resolution identifies three circumstances that were absent when Hegseth directed US forces into hostilities against Iran:
Congress had not declared war against the Islamic Republic of Iran, Congress had not enacted any specific statutory authorization for introducing US armed forces into hostilities against Iran and no national emergency had been created by an Iranian attack upon the USA, its territories or possessions, or its armed forces. These points form the factual basis of the allegation that the operation did not satisfy the circumstances identified in Section 2(c) of the War Powers Resolution. The charge goes further. It states that no imminent attack upon the USA, its territories, possessions, or armed forces existed. In support, it invokes the March 17 resignation letter of Joe Kent, then director of the National Counterterrorism Center: “I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran. Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation.” Massie’s case therefore challenges both the absence of congressional authorization and the claim that immediate defensive necessity supplied an alternative basis for commencing hostilities. From those premises, the resolution draws an unequivocal legal conclusion: the introduction of US forces was unlawful from its inception, and subsequent military actions continued that unlawful undertaking. It alleges that Hegseth nevertheless knowingly employed the powers, personnel, weapons, and resources of the Department of Defense to execute the order. The accusation is therefore one of personal responsibility in implementing allegedly unlawful military action. It does not treat his subordinate position within the administration as sufficient to discharge his obligations. Two forms of alleged abuse follow. First, Hegseth executed an unlawful order to commence hostilities despite the absence of the specified authorization or emergency. Second, he continued employing departmental personnel and resources after that
Whether HegsethÊs impeachment effort succeeds or fails, it presses an essential demand upon the US government· that executive power answer to law, military decisions withstand scrutiny, and leadership remain grounded in the cherished values of human dignity, human honour, and civility
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NATIONAL INTEREST HARRISON KASS
EW fighter jet comparisons carry more real-world geopolitical relevance than the Dassault Rafale against the F-16 Fighting Falcon over the Aegean Sea. Greece and Turkey have a rivalry dating back to antiquity; although the two countries have largely been kept on-side by the United States since the end of World War II, and both are members of NATO, they maintain a series of overlapping and disputed claims involving territorial waters and maritime jurisdiction, and they have a history of military confrontation. Both the Greek and Turkish air forces have relied for decades on the US-made F16, but as that plane has grown older, both have sought to supplant it with other offerings. Greece recently changed the equation by buying 24 Dassault Rafale 4.5-generation fighters from France. Turkey, meanwhile, retains a much larger F-16 fleet, which it is modernizing—but is also quietly developing a fifth-generation successor, the TAI TF Kaan, and seeking to buy American F-35s.
initiation, without any subsequent declaration of war or specific statutory authorization. The resolution characterizes this conduct as substituting unlawful executive action for Congress’s constitutional and statutory judgment. It seeks impeachment, Senate trial, removal, and disqualification from federal office on the grounds that his conduct was incompatible with his duties and the rule of law. The charges against Hegseth are clear and understandable. The absence of an existential threat to the USA from Iran has been discussed repeatedly in my own articles and by journalists, analysts, Democrats, and other public representatives. Iran’s strategic calculations did not suggest a willingness to invite overwhelming destruction by launching an attack on US soil. The justification for initiating this war therefore demands the closest scrutiny. The narrative recalls the manufactured justifications advanced for earlier interventions in Iraq, Libya, Syria, and Afghanistan. In Iran’s case, the grounds offered for war appear especially flimsy. Repetition does not make an allegation convincing, and the assertion of danger cannot substitute for a credible explanation of why war was necessary. Hegseth is not the final decision-making authority. He acts under the direction and command of President Trump, the commander in chief. The accusations against the Secretary therefore also raise questions about the President who authorized the policy. This effort may be a preview of a larger confrontation. If it succeeds, the President’s own vulnerability will become more apparent. The war has also been brutal in its language. Hegseth’s derogatory remarks about Iran and its leadership fall below the dignity expected of his office. Similar language from the President compounds that failure. The USA has long associated its standing with human rights, civility, and respect for human dignity and honour. Those ideals are undermined when its leaders speak contemptuously of another country and its people. Iran has now become central to the impeachment effort against Hegseth. Whether he survives politically or is removed, the charges threaten his standing. An official subjected to such scrutiny can suffer lasting damage among the public, international counterparts, colleagues, subordinates, and supporters. The same exposure may ultimately confront the President. Here lies an essential strength of the American constitutional system: the executive can be called to account when it exceeds its lawful authority. Congress’s role in decisions concerning war cannot be displaced simply because the president commands the armed forces. Constitutional
F-16 vs Rafale Here’s what a Greece-Turkey air war would look like
While these efforts are ongoing, the comparison between the Rafale and the F-16 has direct ramifications for one of the most important rivalries in the world. The Hellenic Air Force operates 24 Rafale F3R fighters—a mix of 18 single-seat Rafale EG and six two-seat DG aircraft, some new and some secondhand from the French Air Force. The Rafale is a capable fourth-generation-plus aircraft with twin engines, a canard-delta configuration, and a respectable Mach 1.8 top speed. With 14 external hardpoints, the jet is capable of conducting multirole air-to-air, air-to-ground, or maritime missions, and the two turbofans offer redundancy for long overwater operations. The Rafale’s real advantage, however, is with respect to sensors, EW, and weapons. The F3Rs carry the RBE2 AESA radar and the SPECTRA integrated electronic-warfare suite, which improves situational awareness and sur-
vivability in a contested electromagnetic environment. Greece also operates the MBDA Meteor beyond-visual-range airto-air missile, which uses ramjet propulsion to retain energy deeper into the engagement—ultimately preserving a much larger no-escape zone than the AIM-120 AMRAAM. Turkey has a far greater combat mass, operating roughly 230-plus F-16C/Ds—that is, of course, vastly more aircraft than Greece’s Rafale fleet. While older, the F-16 remains highly maneuverable, combatproven, and mature. Turkey also has extensive F-16 operating experience and supporting infrastructure; after it was removed from the F-35 program over the purchase of Russian S-400 SAMs, it sought to reduce dependence on foreign avionics, and therefore began upgrading its F-16 fleet with domestic mission computers, avionics, cockpit systems, and electronic warfare through a program known as OZGUR.
Stop mad Donald’s Iran war Open letter to the US Congress
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COMMON DREAMS JEFFREY D. SACHS
Dear Members of Congress, N truly deranged remarks to world leaders at the UN, Donald Trump declared that “I have a big decision to make,” whether to negotiate a deal with Iran or instead to “annihilate the Islamic Republic” and drive Iran “into hell with no chance of survival.” He posed it as his personal choice. The fact that the American people are dead set against Trump’s war means nothing. And as for the voters, he added that he gives “absolutely no credence” to the coming midterm elections in deciding on his actions and on Iran’s fate. Nothing binds this President. He is not
bound by law, the Constitution, the UN Charter, or public opinion at home and abroad. When asked at the start of the year whether he has any limits on his power, he said “Yeah, there is one thing. My own morality. My own mind. It’s the only thing that can stop me.” Trump opened his speech with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, hailing America’s freedom. The fact is that Trump’s authoritarianism far outdoes that of King George III, against whom the colonies rebelled. Among the founders’ indictments of Mad King George was that “He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.” Yet our own mad king has decided that the survival of a whole civilization is in his hands alone. Trump is emboldened in his contempt for Congress because the Republican members of Congress have abdicated their constitutional responsibilities, terrified of their own president, and forsaking their constituents for campaign lucre from AIPAC and the military-industrial complex. The Constitution is unambiguous regarding Congress’s responsibility. Article I, Section 8 assigns Congress, not the President, the sole power to declare war. That is not a choice or an option. The Constitution doesn’t say that Congress can play dead and let the President declare war. The Framers
made this choice deliberately, because they were explicitly rejecting the power of a king to take the nation to war. In Federalist 69, Hamilton assured the public that the President’s war powers would be far less than the British monarch’s. Madison stated the principle plainly in a letter to Jefferson in 1798: “The constitution supposes, what the History of all Govts demonstrates, that the Ex. is the branch of power most interested in war, & most prone to it. It has accordingly with studied care vested the question of war in the Legislature.” The founders’ careful design has been overturned because of the unconstitutional subservience of the Republican members of Congress to Trump and to the military-industrial-digital complex. And yes, under Democratic presidents, most Democratic members of Congress also looked the other way when those presidents chose to go to war. The war with Iran is Trump’s folly but Congress’s disgrace for not stopping it. It is a war without a purpose that has created mass suffering in Iran, tens of billions of dollars of direct outlays, and staggering damage to American military bases in eight countries of the Middle East. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has sent world and American prices soaring for oil, gas, fertilizers, and more. And the world has duly noted that Iran can hold its own against US aggression, albeit at great sacrifice to the people of Iran and the region. America’s much vaunted AI battlefield has been exposed in the most horrifying way. On the first day of the war, an American mis-
responsibility must remain meaningful when its exercise becomes politically difficult. The administration’s declaration that the war had ended makes its subsequent conduct particularly troubling. The President and Hegseth communicated that position to Congress, yet military operations continued. Their own description of the situation did not bring the fighting to an end. More lives were lost, while expensive ammunition, missiles, and military systems continued to be consumed or destroyed without delivering the promised objectives. The impeachment effort therefore comes at an important moment. It may provide the jolt necessary to confront the Administration with the consequences of its decisions. Leaders who have become absorbed in their own assertions of power must recognize the reality on the ground. Iran cannot simply be defeated according to Washington’s preferred timetable or compelled to accept whatever outcome the Administration demands. The responsible course is to return to the pre-war position and address the destruction caused by the USA and Israel, including compensation for Iran. Continuing a destructive policy to avoid acknowledging failure only deepens the damage. Such a change would not diminish the USA or erase its standing as a superpower. It would reaffirm the capacity to recognize mistakes, correct policy, and restore constitutional discipline. National strength includes the ability to reconsider a course that has failed and to measure conduct against
SO WHICH PLANE WOULD WIN IN A FIGHT? In a head-to-head engagement, the Rafale provides Greece with some particularly strong advantages over the F-16, like the Meteor missile, SPECTRA, and AESA radar. Turkey counters with a much larger F16 inventory and some indigenous modernization. Combat itself would depend on pilot training, ground radar, EW, tanker support, missile inventories—a whole host of variables that would determine actual outcomes. The two jets do not operate in a vacuum; they are parts of a broader ecosystem, making the contest more about system vs. system than aircraft vs. aircraft. On paper, Greece’s 24 Rafales cannot erase Turkey’s enormous numerical advantage. At the same time, Turkey cannot overlook the Rafale’s technological advantage. But the contemporary status quo is in flux, and each air force is working to augment their fleets and capabilities. Greece is adding the F-16V and eventually the F-35; Turkey has added Block 70 F-16s, and is working to develop the fifth-generation KAAN fighter. Ultimately, the question of which air force is stronger will probably never be truly settled. sile struck the girls’ elementary school there, killing more than 150 people, most of them girls aged seven to 12, and the military’s own inquiry reportedly found that overreliance on artificial intelligence contributed to the targeting. Trump blamed “Iran or somebody else,” and seven months later the administration has offered no findings, no apology and no compensation to the families. The President’s threat to annihilate a member state of the United Nations, delivered from the General Assembly podium, disgraced Trump in front of the world. It also violated Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, which prohibits even the threat of force against another state. Nearly all the world stands aghast. I write to you because you cannot simply walk away from Trump’s recklessness, shaking your heads silently. You have a job to do, so do it. The craven Republican Party has to find even a minimal level of guts to tell Trump, “No, you do not have the power to destroy Iran. Any war with Iran depends on us, and we don’t support you and our constituents want this war to stop.” A clear majority of Americans oppose this war, and poll after poll shows that the opposition to the war is growing. A few Republicans have found that courage. Last week three more Republicans broke ranks to support ending the war. Their colleagues should follow. Many of you receive campaign contributions from military contractors and technology companies deeply involved in the war. Many of you take money from AIPAC, which champions the war that Netanyahu did so much to help launch. This has to stop, as it is a dereliction of your constitutional
principles more enduring than any administration. Whether the impeachment effort succeeds or fails, its central challenge remains: American power must answer to the Constitution. The country’s credibility ultimately depends on its willingness to correct its course and uphold the cherished values of human dignity, human honour, and civility. Any honest assessment must also preserve historical sequence and equal standards. Retaliation cannot be understood fully when the preceding action is omitted. US and Israeli operations require scrutiny alongside Iranian responses, including their purposes, scale, and consequences. Proportionality demands attention to specific conduct and civilian harm. Iranian lives possess the same human worth as American lives. Military superiority cannot confer an unrestricted entitlement to inflict destruction, and national allegiance should not determine whose suffering deserves recognition or whose actions require justification. Human dignity, human honour, and civility belong within this debate. Officials can oppose a government without humiliating its population or speaking casually about suffering. The credibility of the United States depends partly on whether its leaders uphold the values they invoke. Whether Hegseth’s impeachment effort succeeds or fails, it presses an essential demand upon the US government— that executive power answer to law, military decisions withstand scrutiny, and leadership remain grounded in the cherished values of human dignity, human honour, and civility.
In a head-to-head engagement, the Rafale provides Greece with some particularly strong advantages over the F16, like the Meteor missile, SPECTRA, and AESA radar Harrison Kass is a writer and attorney focused on national security, technology, and political culture. His work has appeared in Tablet, City Journal, The Hill, The Spectator, and The Cipher Brief. He holds a JD from the University of Oregon and a master’s in Global & Joint Program Studies from NYU. duty and a violation of your oath. Congress holds the power of the purse. The fiscal year ends on September 30, and every bill that funds the Pentagon is your opportunity to prohibit funds for unauthorized offensive operations against Iran. The right course for the US is simple. Congress should cut off funding, and the US should stop further attacks and go home. We need no agreement with Iran or anyone else to stop the war that we started. By ending the war you will immediately restore some sanity and safety to the world energy markets, food supplies, and prices faced by Americans and others around the world. How America has declined from the glorious moment when John F. Kennedy stood at the same podium at the UN on September 20, 1963, after having negotiated the Partial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty with the Soviet Union. He told the assembled leaders that the treaty can be a lever, and Archimedes, in explaining the principles of the lever, was said to have declared to his friends: “Give me a place where I can stand—and I shall move the world.” My fellow inhabitants of this planet: Let us take our stand here in this Assembly of nations. And let us see if we, in our own time, can move the world to a just and lasting peace. Members of Congress, to save our nation’s honor and our Constitution, you must do your duty to stop this war, and stop Trump’s brazen, destructive, and unconstitutional grab for power.
Jeffrey D. Sachs University Professor, Columbia University
06 NEWS
CHINA, US AGREE ON STRATEGIC STABILITY, TRADE AND AI COOPERATION
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WASHINGTON AGENCIES
HINESE President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump have agreed to build a “constructive China-US relationship of strategic stability” based on respect, fairness and reciprocity, according to a statement issued by China’s Embassy in Washington, DC. The understanding was reached during Xi’s state visit to the United States from September 23 to 25, during which the two leaders held “in-depth discussions” on bilateral ties and major international and regional issues, the ministry said in a statement. The two sides reached eight “deliverables and understandings”, it added. Under the first understanding, China and the US agreed to work towards a constructive relationship of strategic stability based on “respect, fairness and reciprocity”. The two countries also agreed to support each other in hosting the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting and the G20 Summit. Xi and Trump intend to attend each other’s meetings, according to the statement.
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On Iran, the two leaders agreed that Tehran should honour its commitment not to develop nuclear weapons. They also agreed that “no country or institution can be allowed to impose tolls on international waterways”, without elaborating on the specific waterways or arrangements involved. The leaders also recalled that China and the US had been allies during World War II and fought together to defeat the Axis powers. On trade, Xi and Trump recognised the “positive role” of the China-US economic and trade consultation mechanism and endorsed the outcomes of recent talks between their economic teams. The outcomes include establishing and advancing a Board of Trade and other mechanisms, as well as an arrangement for a $30 billion reciprocal tariff reduction, the ministry said. According to the statement, the two leaders also agreed to extend the outcomes of economic and trade consultations held in Kuala Lumpur and instructed their respective teams to implement the agreements. The two sides also welcomed progress in counter-narcotics and law-enforcement cooperation. According to Beijing, Chinese
and US agencies had jointly cracked several cases involving new psychoactive substances and precursor chemicals and arrested dozens of suspects in the two countries. China and the US further agreed to establish a China-US AI Dialogue to exchange views on the risks and benefits associated with artificial intelligence. The next round of the dialogue is scheduled for November 2026, while the two countries will also establish a bilateral communication channel for AI-related incidents. The announcement comes amid growing international efforts to develop mechanisms for managing the risks associated with increasingly advanced AI systems. In a symbolic gesture, the United States also welcomed the arrival of two giant pandas leased by China to Zoo Atlanta. Meanwhile, the Chinese and US militaries agreed to conclude a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on crisis communication and prevention “as soon as possible”. The two militaries will also continue cooperation to search for the remains of US service members who went missing in China, according to the statement. The ministry said the agreements and
The Accidental Peacemake ZEHRA BATOOL
merican and Israeli strikes killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and a string of senior officials, opening a war that has since dragged in Gulf states, shut the Strait of Hormuz to most shipping, and rattled a global economy still recovering from the last set of shocks. Nobody expected Pakistan to end up brokering the peace. Islamabad's first instinct was simply to avoid picking a side, condemning the strikes on Iran and, just as pointedly, condemning Iranian retaliation against Gulf neighbors. That refusal to commit turned out to be exactly the asset nobody else in the region could offer. China, despite having brokered the Saudi Iran rapprochement back in 2023, largely sat this one out. European governments, hurting badly from the closure of Hormuz, issued statements and little else. India opted out entirely. Pakistan, tied closely to Tehran by a 900 kilometre border and just as closely to Riyadh by decades of financial and military links, was one of the only capitals both warring sides would still answer the phone for. That positioning produced results fast, if not lasting ones. Pakistan helped secure a ceasefire by April 8, then hosted 21 hours of direct talks in Islamabad between a 300 member US delegation and
a 71 member Iranian one. Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir became the process's unlikely engine. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif later told parliament that Munir had gone without sleep for stretches to keep the negotiations from collapsing, and that the deal would never have come together without him. The talks produced the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, signed on June 17 by Sharif, Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian and US President Donald Trump, which reopened Hormuz, eased a naval blockade on Iranian ports and opened a dedicated nuclear talks track. It didn't hold. Fighting resumed within weeks, the blockade was reinstated in mid July, and by early August Trump was publicly crediting Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar for mediation efforts while leaving Pakistan off the list entirely, a snub that stung in Islamabad after months of quiet legwork. Pakistan's answer wasn't to disengage but to widen its footing across the region instead. On August 7, Sharif joined Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Mecca to sign the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, folding Turkey into the bilateral defense pact Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had already signed the previous September. The new arrangement borrows its logic from NATO's Article 5,
Israeli minister calls for West Bank war, annexation of Lebanon, Gaza areas TEL AVIV
AGENCIES
Israel’s far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich called on Sunday for the annexation of parts of south Lebanon and the Gaza Strip and for Israeli forces to “go to war” against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. “I would like us to annex at least as far as the yellow line in Gaza and as far as the Litani River in Lebanon… because if a war ends along the same lines where it began, what will deter the enemy from going to war again?” Smotrich said in a podcast for Israeli news site Ynet. The “yellow line” demarcates the area of Gaza already under Israeli military control after the recent conflict triggered by Hamas’s attack on Israel on Oct 7, 2023. “I think we need to go to war in Judea and Samaria, to dismantle the Palestinian Authority that supports terror,” he added, using the biblical term for the West Bank. Smotrich is the leader of a far-right party that advocates the annexation of the entire West Bank, which has been occupied by Israel since 1967. Various Israeli political leaders, both in the ruling right-wing coalition led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and in the opposition, have come out against the establishment of a Palestinian state. The country is heading for elections on Oct 27, with Netanyahu locked in a tight contest as he seeks to stay in power. The Palestinian Authority condemned Smotrich’s call for war in the West Bank on Sunday. “His statements are an explicit call for escalation, annexation and displacement, aimed at undermining the prospects of an independent Palestinian state,” the Ramallah-based authority said in a statement. The West Bank has already seen a surge in violence since the outbreak of the conflict in the Gaza Strip.
treating an attack on any one signatory as an attack on all three, though the full text has never been made public and there is no joint command or standing force behind it. That gap is why analysts at Carnegie and the Council on Foreign Relations have called the pact more political signal than operational teeth, especially after Pakistan and Turkey stayed out when Houthi forces struck Saudi targets weeks later. Iran wasn't named in the announcement, and Tehran's reaction was mixed. Iranian officials have since floated joining the arrangement themselves, framing it less as encirclement and more as proof the region wants a security structure that doesn't run through Washington. Through the autumn, Pakistan kept working both channels rather than settling on one. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi made his sixth trip to Tehran on September 21, meeting President Pezeshkian and Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni even as Washington weighed further strikes. Iranian officials noted he wasn't carrying a specific American message this time, which says something about how routine the shuttle diplomacy has become. Days later, Naqvi held his own meeting with US Chargé d'Affaires Natalie Baker in Islamabad to discuss bilateral investment and regional security, a sign the relationship with Washington has begun moving past relayed messages toward
understandings were reached as Xi and Trump discussed the future of China-US relations as well as major international and regional issues during the Chinese president’s September 23-25 state visit. A day earlier, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that President Xi’s US state visit had led to new progress in a constructive China-US relationship of strategic stability, according to Xinhua news agency. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks while briefing reporters on Xi’s state visit to the United States from September 23 to 25. President Xi and President Trump had a candid and in-depth exchange of views in a friendly atmosphere of mutual respect on strategic and overarching issues concerning China-US relations and the broader global landscape, Wang said. Since President Trump began his second term, the two heads of state have maintained close exchanges, including three in-person meetings and five phone talks, and fostered a pattern of interaction marked by mutual respect and sincerity, said Wang, noting this has become the most valuable strategic asset
more direct engagement. The recognition, when it has come, has been real without being overstated. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres named Pakistan and Turkiye as the two central mediators in the conflict during the UN General Assembly's high level week in New York and announced plans to visit Islamabad himself in the coming weeks. His spokesperson went further, telling reporters that while several countries had played a part, Pakistan's role had been genuinely critical to keeping the diplomatic channel open. Foreign Affairs magazine ran a piece flatly titled "Pakistan Won the War in Iran," and the Council on Foreign Relations described a country long discussed mainly for what it couldn't do becoming, almost overnight, an indispensable broker between two governments that barely speak. None of that amounts to Pakistan single handedly saving the world, and nobody at the UN has claimed as much. The war is still grinding on in fits and starts, the peace deal Islamabad brokered in June fell apart once already, and Pakistan's own credibility took a real hit when Washington left it off the mediator list in August. What has genuinely changed is narrower but no less significant: a country whose foreign policy used to be discussed mostly in terms of its limitations has become one that both Washington and Tehran keep calling back, even when the calls don't always lead anywhere lasting. zehrabatool345@gmail.com
UK police arrest 5 after 'major incident' at Fairford airbase used by US air forces GLOUCESTERSHIRE AFP
Britain: British counter-terrorism police were on Sunday probing a “major” incident near a base used by the US air force after arresting five men on suspicion of “preparing a terrorist act”, police said. In March, then prime minister Keir Starmer granted permission for “defensive” US action against Iranian missile sites from two UK bases including Fairford. Armed officers detained the group in the early hours of Sunday after a call to emergency services about three “suspicious vehicles which appeared to be travelling towards the airbase”, London’s Metropolitan Police said in a statement. The suspects were initially held near the Royal Air Force (RAF) Fairford air base in Gloucestershire, southwest England, on suspicion of explosives offences. Some 85 households in the nearby village of Whelford were advised to evacuate and army bomb disposal experts were called in to examine three vans stopped on a rural road. “Counter Terrorism Policing can now confirm they are leading an investigation into an incident which took place overnight near RAF Fair-
AGENCIES
Artificial intelligence requires safeguards that go beyond self-regulation, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates said in an interview that aired on Sunday, calling for legislation to be passed in Congress. “You need law enforcement and the politicians to get into the discussion about what safeguards and monitoring look like,” Gates said in a taped interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press” programme. “And that has to be a required thing.” A sudden groundswell has risen in favour of federal intervention after OpenAI said in July that an autonomous AI agent went rogue during a security test and hacked into another company, subverting human control. Gates joined that chorus, saying that government must be involved. “No one thinks self-regulation is enough,” he said. In a rare show of unity, the CEOs of rivals Anthropic, OpenAI, Googles DeepMind, Microsoft and
in China-US relations. An important political outcome of the visit was that President Xi and President Trump further enriched the substance of the new positioning of China-US relations and have agreed to build a constructive China-US relationship of strategic stability based on respect, fairness and reciprocity, Wang said. Respect means respecting each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity, respecting each country's choice of social system and development path, and respecting the other side's core interests and major concerns, Wang said. Fairness, Wang continued, means pursuing mutually beneficial cooperation and handling differences through consultation, rejecting a zero-sum game in which one side's gain comes at the expense of the other's, and not seeking unilateral absolute advantage. Reciprocity means that the two countries are equal in sovereignty, that neither side stands above the other, that neither engages in hegemonic nor bullying behaviour, that each side's concerns are addressed on an equal basis, and that cooperation across various fields develops in a balanced manner, Wang said.
How BailSync Is Automating a $4B Industry — And Just Raised $2M to Prove It MUHAMMAD SAMEENUL HASSAN
The bail bond industry moves roughly $4 billion a year, yet much of it still runs on paper forms and manual processes. BailSync was built to change that, and a new $2 million funding round shows the market agrees. BailSync is a cloud native, multi-tenant SaaS platform purpose built for U.S. bail bond agencies and surety companies. At its core is a suite of AI powered tools: automated extraction that pulls defendant information straight from uploaded intake forms, an AI assistant that answers plain English questions about a full caseload, and on demand report generation covering everything from payment history to court appearance logs. Add in GPS check ins, integrated payments, and SMS court reminders, and BailSync becomes a true operating system for modern bail agencies. The company was founded by Muhammad Sameen ul Hassan a Pakistani-born software engineer, who used his own background in AI and software engineering to design and build the platform from scratch. That founder led, technically driven approach has shaped BailSync's product philosophy: fewer manual steps, more intelligent automation, and a single affordable price point per agency. With $2 million in fresh funding secured, BailSync is set to expand its AI feature set further and bring modern infrastructure to an industry that has waited too long for it. For an industry this size, still operating this manually, the opportunity is enormous, and BailSync intends to lead it The author is pursuing a Master in Artificial Intelligence degree at New England College.
Heavy rain, floods kill 68 across northern India, Nepal NUWAKOT DISTRICT, NEPAL AGENCIES
ford in Gloucestershire,” the Met statement added. Broadcast aerial footage showed a bomb disposal robot on a rural road moving around the vans, two of which had their rear doors open. Police believed the incident had been “contained” and a 400-metre cordon had been put in place. Armed officers could be seen guarding the entrance to the base. Prime Minister Andy Burnham was being kept updated on the incident, a government spokesperson said. “We are grateful to the emergency services, who have acted quickly to detain several suspects and put measures in place to keep the community safe,” the spokesperson said. “It would be inappropriate to comment further whilst investigations are ongoing.” Defence Minister Wes Streeting
thanked “emergency and specialist teams” deployed to the scene. “We can be reassured that this is being dealt with,” he said on X. Gloucestershire Police said earlier it had declared a “major incident” with several men arrested “on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act”. VILLAGERS EVACUATED Residents were evacuated to a nearby leisure centre, police said. Villager Julian Tudsbery said he was woken and advised to leave at about 7am (11am PKT) by police “banging on the door”. He said a fellow villager had alerted police in the middle of the night after spotting the vans. “They phoned the airbase police, who didn’t answer the phone. It just rang out so she dialled 999,” he told the BBC.
Bill Gates joins calls for AI safeguards, including legislation WASHINGTON
Monday, 28 September 2026 | KARACHI
xAI have called for slowing the development of increasingly capable AI systems. But US President Donald Trump and other opponents of additional regulation for AI say new government restrictions would simply give China the upper hand in the AI revolution. Trump has publicly dismissed calls for new laws on AI as a “hoax”. Gates argued that safeguards would not dramatically hinder the industry, and that the risks of not implementing them are real. “It’s not a hoax at all,” he told NBC. Gates has said he wants to meet Trump to discuss AI. “I hope that, given my life’s work in the field, my saying how unique and different this is and how concerned I am will add to what he’s hearing from other people,” Gates said. Axios reported that Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei will have dinner on Sunday with Trump at the White House. Anthropic and the White House did not immedi-
ately return a request for comment on the Axios report. Warnings about AI’s risks are not new. But they took on added urgency this month after researchers in leading AI labs attached both a timeline and a probability to those concerns. Former Anthropic researcher Jacob Coxon warned that AI could kill us all by the end of the decade, prompting US lawmakers to call for new rules to govern the technology. Evan Hubinger, Anthropic’s alignment science lead, echoed Coxon’s warning, saying there was a more than 10 per cent chance of such an event within the next decade. Some policymakers have proposed mandating a “kill switch” that would allow federal authorities to halt AI models. Gates said that while he was not opposed to some sort of kill switch, it would not be enough if other safeguards were not also implemented. The US and China agreed to launch a dialogue on AI following President Xi Jinping’s recent visit to Washington.
Heavy rain triggered floods and landslides across northern India and Nepal, killing at least 68 people over the past three days, disaster authorities said on Sunday. In India’s most populous state of Uttar Pradesh, 56 people have died over the past three days, while more than 1,000 houses have been damaged, the relief commissioner’s office said in a statement. Neighbouring Nepal, already reeling from the catastrophic August 26 flood, was hit by a fresh wave of flooding and landslides that has killed 12 people since Thursday. “Since Thursday, 12 people have died in rain-related disasters like floods and landslides,” Shanti Mahat, spokesperson for Nepal’s disaster authority, told AFP, adding that seven more people were missing. Scientists have warned in recent years of an increase in extreme weather events across South Asia, linking them to rising temperatures and changing climate patterns. The flooding in Nepal last month, triggered by a glacial mountain collapse on the China-Nepal border, has killed more than 1,400 people and left thousands missing. Uttar Pradesh, home to more than 240 million people, is frequently battered by rain and thunderstorms during the annual monsoon season from June to September. The latest deaths were reported during a spell of “exceptionally heavy rain” after a “depression over the Bay of Bengal moved inland and intensified rainfall across the region”, the relief commissioner’s office said.
NEWS 07
Monday, 28 September 2026 | LAHORE
CORPORATE CORNER
Areeba Ahmer secures first position in Skating Race at 10th Students Olympic Games 2026
KARACHI STAFF REPORT
Child skating talent Areeba Ahmer has brought great pride to her family by securing first position in the skating race at the 10th Students Olympic Games 2026, held in collaboration with the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) and the Government of Sindh, Sports & Youth Affairs Department. A professionally trained and dedicated child skater, Areeba is associated with Skating Yard Complex Nazimabad, where she receives regular training and coaching. Her achievement reflects her hard work, discipline, determination, and commitment to the sport. Her success at the Students Olympic Games is an encouraging example for children and young athletes, highlighting the importance of professional training, discipline, and dedication in developing sporting talent. Areeba’s family expressed their immense happiness and pride over her achievement and extended their best wishes for her upcoming competitions. They also appreciated the efforts of her coaches for their guidance and continued support in nurturing her talent.
PM's Vision Becomes Reality: Pakistan's Youth Shine at WorldSkills Shanghai
ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
Pakistan's first-ever competitors at the WorldSkills Competition have given the country a proud start in Shanghai, advancing a vision set by the Honourable Prime Minister of Pakistan, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, to place skilled Pakistani youth on the global stage. Mudassar Hussain represented Pakistan in Electrical Installations, Mohid Mehboob in Cooking, and Nabeedul Arfeen Memon in Graphic Design Technology. Pakistani competitors along with a small team reached Shanghai after advancing through successive rounds of skills competitions organized under the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) umbrella. Engr. Qamarul Islam Raja, Chairman NAVTTC, led the delegation to Shanghai, supporting them and rooting for them through every stage of the journey, ensuring our boys never stood alone on the world stage. There, they competed against young professionals from 64 countries and regions, many of whom arrived with technical experts, support staff, doctors, and media personnel. Pakistan's competitors had only a few weeks of training and scarce resources. Yet they held their ground and performed exceptionally well, earning scores well above the competition average. Like the firefly that emerges from the humblest of beginnings yet dares to fly near the sun, they rose above their circumstances and competed among the world's best. This was not luck. It was the product of a grueling national pipeline: zonal, regional, provincial, then national. Many gave up. Pakistan's three did not. They adapted. They finished. For a country making its first appearance at the "Olympics of Skills," a strong showing across every category is not a consolation prize.
CM MARYAM VOWS FULL PUSH TO UNLOCK PUNJAB’S VAST TOURISM POTENTIAL
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PUNJAB CM SAYS ALL POSSIBLE RESOURCES WILL BE UTILISED TO PROMOTE TOURISM AND PROJECT PAKISTAN’S POSITIVE IMAGE LAHORE
SALEEM JADOON
UNJAB Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz paid tribute to all those committed to promoting tourism, saying Punjab possessed tremendous tourism potential and all possible resources would be utilised to further promote the sector. In a message on World Tourism Day, the chief minister said Allah Almighty had invited mankind to travel across the earth and reflect upon His creation. Tourism helped develop human potential and promoted thought and contemplation. Allah Almighty had blessed Pakistan with immense natural beauty and vast tourism potential. CM Maryam Nawaz said the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s recognition of Lahore as the Tourism and Cultural Capital this year was a welcome development. She said the naturally beautiful areas of Punjab were no less attractive than those in developed countries, while the province’s historical, cultural and natural
heritage remained a major source of attraction for tourists from around the world. Sustainable measures were being taken to promote religious tourism in the province, she added. The chief minister said ancient forts, religious sites and picturesque valleys offered immense opportunities for tourism.
The Murree Glass Train would add a new attraction for tourists, while roads, including Murree Mall Road, were being constructed and expanded. Kotli Sattian was also emerging as a new tourist destination, she added. CM Maryam Nawaz said the government was committed to projecting Pak-
Healthy lifestyle, strong food policies essential to prevent rising heart diseases: PANAH RAWALPINDI STAFF REPORT
The Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH) organized an awareness ceremony in connection with World Heart Day to highlight the growing burden of heart diseases and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Pakistan. Health experts, doctors, civil society representatives and other stakeholders emphasized the need for healthy lifestyles and effective public health policies to protect the people, particularly children and youth, from preventable diseases. Commandant and Executive Director AFICNIHD Maj Gen Nadir Khan Specially attendant the event and shared his concern on the alarming situation of NCDs in Pakistan. Addressing the ceremony as Chief Guest, Maj Gen (R) Prof. Muhammad Suhail Ameen, Vice Chancellor Rawalpindi Medical University, emphasized the impor-
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tance of collective efforts to prevent heart diseases and other NCDs. President PANAH, Major General (R) Masud Ur Rehman Kiani, said that heart diseases are increasing rapidly and that many of their major risk factors can be prevented through a healthy lifestyle. Health and Nutrition Expert Mr. Munawar Hussain said that Pakistan’s growing health crisis requires strong policy solutions alongside individual lifestyle changes. He high-
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On the directions of Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi, and effective supervision of Chairman CDA, CDA has decided to establish three modern Sports Arenas at D-12/1, G-11/3 Markaz and F-8 Markaz, aimed at providing citizens, families and youth with accessible, modern and year round sports and recreational facilities in Islamabad. In line with the directions of Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, the initiative to establish three Sports Arenas is part of CDA’s continued efforts to promote sports, encourage healthy and active lifestyles and provide citizens with quality recreational facilities at different locations across the capital. The Sports Arenas will provide multiple sporting and recreational facilities under one integrated setup, enabling citizens to participate in sports and physical activities throughout the year. The Sports Arena at D-12/1 will be developed over approximately 4.2 acres, while the second Sports Arena at G-11/3 Markaz will cover approximately 3.5 acres and the third facility at F-8 Markaz will be developed over approximately 3.2 acres. The Sports Arenas will feature a diverse range of modern facilities, including indoor swimming pools, branded indoor gyms, futsal courts, cricket cages, indoor and outdoor padel courts, basketball facilities, multipurpose sports halls, indoor kids’ play areas, health bars and administrative facilities.
lighted Front-of-Pack Warning Labels (FOPWL) as one of the most effective measures to help consumers identify unhealthy products quickly and make informed choices. PANAH General Secretary Mr. Sana Ullah Ghumman said that PANAH has been consistently working to promote a healthy youth and a healthy nation through awareness, advocacy and engagement with policymakers and stakeholders.
PSW hosts Khadijah Program Session at LUMS for women’s mentorship and entrepreneurial growth LAHORE
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan Single Window (PSW), in collaboration with the LUMS Centre for Entrepreneurship (LCE), an incubation centre committed to support entrepreneurship and business innovation in Pakistan, hosted a dedicated mentorship and capacity building session under its flagship Khadijah Women Entrepreneurship Program. Organized at the LCE auditorium on the LUMS campus, the event brought together aspiring women entrepreneurs, academic leaders, and industry veterans to focus on entrepreneurial growth, digital trade integration, and the role of practical mentorship in scaling female-led enterprises. Designed to connect academic ambition with real-world business execution, the session centred on actionable guidance and practical insights from prominent business leaders and experts. Ms. Aasia Saail Khan, Founder and Director of LAMA; Ms. Saulat Salahuddin, Founder of Pronto Spaces; and Ms. Shehla Javed Akram, Founder of the Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WCCI) Lahore, served as key mentors. The session also featured specialised entrepreneurial training led by Dr. Shehryar Shahid, Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at LUMS. It highlighted the role of the LUMS Centre for Entrepreneurship (LCE) in venture.
LAAM Fashion Week Lands in Karachi for its First Edition Outside Lahore KARACHI
STAFF REPORT
LAAM Fashion Week (LFW) closed the second edition of LFW Presents tonight in Karachi with Kaleidoscopic Karachi, a five-designer runway showcase staged inside the historic Nusserwanjee Building at the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture (IVS). The evening brought together Deepak Perwani, Wardha Saleem, Khaadi, The Pink Tree Company and Sana Safinaz, and opened with an archival exhibition by photographer Tapu Javeri. It was the format’s first edition outside Lahore. Kaleidoscopic Karachi was built around a simple idea: that Karachi does not read as a single image. Across the evening, the five presentations moved between the polished and the artisanal, the historic and the contemporary, the glamorous and the craft-first. Together, they read as a portrait of the city in fragments, and of a fashion industry that has
never needed to sound like one voice to speak with authority. Speaking at the event, Saad Ali, CEO & Founder of Design651 and CoFounder of LAAM Fashion Week, highlighted the importance of having an
LHC: Money Laundering cases can go ahead without waiting for tax cases to finish STAFF REPORT
CDA to establish three modern sports arenas to promote sports, healthy lifestyle STAFF REPORT
istan’s positive image at the international level through tourism. Tourism development would help create a positive perception of Pakistan globally, she said, adding that the beautiful face of Pakistan needed to be introduced to the world. She said highlighting Punjab’s historical, cultural and tourism heritage was among the government’s priorities. Promotion of tourism would create new employment opportunities and strengthen the local economy. The chief minister said tourist destinations across Punjab were being made more attractive through modern facilities, development and rehabilitation. Sustainable initiatives were also being undertaken to introduce Punjab’s tourist destinations at the international level, she added. She said the government was creating economic opportunities for young people and local communities through tourism. Tourism, she maintained, could prove to be a major milestone for the economy and culture of Punjab. CM notes significant rise in patient attendance at public hospitals In a related development, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said a significant increase in patient attendance had been witnessed at public hospitals across Punjab.
ecosystem of fashion and the decision to bring it to Karachi. “A brand-led Pakistan cannot be built inside two runway weeks a year. It needs a year-round ecosystem where designers, brands and craftspeople are given the
room, the settings and the audiences to build lasting equity,” Saad said. “That is what LFW Presents was created to do, and Kaleidoscopic Karachi is the format doing exactly that outside Lahore for the first time. When Pakistani fashion is placed inside a venue that holds the city’s own story, and given the industry weight it deserves, its impact reaches far beyond a single evening. That is the standard we intend to hold to for every edition.” The evening opened with Tapu Javeri – A Four-Decade Fashion Retrospective, an immersive exhibition drawn from the archive of one of Pakistan’s most influential fashion photographers and defining visual chroniclers of Karachi. Spanning decades of Pakistani fashion and the city around it, the exhibition set the tone for the runway that followed, tracing the visual memory of Karachi’s fashion history through Javeri’s lens. The runway then came alive with the presentations and the grand finale.
The Lahore High Court has ruled that money laundering is a separate crime in its own right. FBR does not have to wait for a person's income tax case to be fully decided before it starts a money laundering investigation. The judgment was given by a two member bench of Mr. Justice Khalid Ishaq and Mr. Justice Hassan Nawaz Makhdoom in Writ Petition No. 2928 of 2026 and related cases. The petitions had challenged the powers and actions of FBR's Directorate General of Intelligence & Investigation, Inland Revenue (I&I-IR). The Court dismissed all of them. What is money laundering? It means taking money earned through illegal means and moving it around so that it looks like clean, lawful income. In Pakistan, it is dealt with under the Anti Money Laundering Act, 2010. What did the Court say? FBR's I&I-IR wing has full legal authority to register cases (FIRs), investigate, and prosecute under this law. A money laundering case and a tax case are two different matters. One does not have to wait for the other to end. A person can be prosecuted for money laundering even if there has been no earlier conviction for the crime that produced the money. The Anti-Money Laundering Act is a special law that takes priority over general laws. Ongoing tax disputes cannot be used to stop or delay it. The Supreme Court's decision in the Taj International case was about sales tax assessment and recovery only. It cannot be used to block money laundering proceedings. When banks report suspicious transactions to the Financial Monitoring Unit (FMU), and action follows, this happens within the law and with proper safeguards. A writ petition in the High Court cannot normally be used to stop a criminal investigation in advance. Questions about where money came from and how it was moved will be decided by the relevant Special Courts. What this means for you If you declare your income and pay your taxes, this judgment changes nothing for you. It strengthens action against those who hide illegal money or try to make it look legitimate. All such action must still follow due process and the rule of law.
Industry leaders highlight AI, Workforce Readiness & Service Export Growth at 22nd P@SHA ICT Awards KARACHI
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan’s technology businesses must turn artificial intelligence adoption into measurable productivity gains and stronger export performance, this was observed by technology experts at the 22nd edition of P@SHA ICT Awards. The attendees emphasised the importance of connecting technological innovation with workforce readiness, global market access and reliable financial infrastructure to help businesses compete internationally. Centred on the theme “Recognize. Celebrate. Elevate.”, the P@SHA ICT Awards assessed more than 1,380 entries across 10 main categories and 41 subcategories, showcasing the depth of Pakistan’s capabilities in AI, fintech, cybersecurity, digital government and enterprise solutions. The awards celebrated homegrown innovation and highlighted its potential to attract international customers and investment, strengthen technology exports and support sustained business growth. Alongside this recognition, discussions explored how Pakistan can translate AI adoption into measurable impact, with a focus on workplace applications, workforce transformation and the development of the country’s AI ecosystem. Roundtable sessions examined adoption strategies, implementation barriers and return on investment, while emphasising stronger industry and academia collaboration, education and foundational AI literacy as essential to translating technological ambition into practical results.
Monday, 28 September, 2026
GOVT WON’T BUY AIRCRAFT FOR PRIVATISED PIA, OFFER SOVEREIGN GUARANTEE: ADVISER
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GOVERNMENT TO FACILITATE ACCESS TO US FINANCING WITHOUT ASSUMING PIA’S COMMERCIAL RISKS, KHURRAM SCHEHZAD SAYS KARACHI
STAFF REPORT
HE government will neither purchase aircraft for privatised Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) nor provide a sovereign guarantee or taxpayer-funded loan for their acquisition, an adviser to the finance minister said on Sunday, clarifying Islamabad’s role in facilitating potential US financing for the airline. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb met US Export-Import Bank Chair John Jovanovich in New York on Sept. 24 and sought financing support for PIA aircraft and engines. The discussions also covered potential financing for refinery upgrades and the Reko Diq copper and gold mining project in southwestern Balochistan. Adviser to the Finance Minister Khurram Schehzad said the government’s role was to help businesses access international financing and suppliers rather than assume their commercial risks. “The Government is neither buying aircraft for a privatised PIA nor has it announced any sovereign guarantee or taxpayer-funded loan for doing so,”
cussed possible financing for aircraft predelivery payments. Schehzad said US EXIM, like other export credit agencies, supports exports from its home country and can therefore provide financing support to foreign buyers of US-made Boeing aircraft. He said the agency’s framework allows for asset-backed aircraft financing, under which financing can be secured against the aircraft itself, with credit assessed on the airline or lessee and any
Schehzad said in a post on X. His clarification came amid public discussion over the government’s role in facilitating potential financing for PIA following its privatisation and whether such support could expose taxpayers to the airline’s commercial risks. PIA has expressed interest in Boeing aircraft, particularly 787 Dreamliners, while Aurangzeb sought US EXIM support for a financing package during last week’s meeting. The two sides also dis-
guarantor involved. “A sovereign guarantee is therefore not an automatic requirement,” he added. Pakistan has been pursuing a broader shift towards private-sector-led growth, including the privatisation of loss-making state-owned enterprises, as it seeks to reduce the government’s role in commercial activity and attract private investment. “Private-sector-led growth does not mean Government abandons the private sector; it means Government enables it rather than running businesses itself,” Schehzad said. He rejected suggestions that the US EXIM discussions amounted to a public loan, hidden subsidy or state backstop for PIA, saying no such arrangement had been announced. “The official statement refers to potential US EXIM financing support; it does not announce Government borrowing for PIA or a sovereign guarantee,” Schehzad said. “Privatisation transfers ownership and commercial management,” he added. “It does not require the Government of Pakistan to stop opening doors for Pakistani companies.”
KP CM demands APCs, says lasting peace impossible without taking people into confidence PESHAWAR
STAFF REPORT
Chitral mining operations set to resume as NOC, transport hurdles eased PROFIT
WEB DESK
Mining operations in Chitral are expected to resume after authorities simplified security clearance requirements for workers and removed bottlenecks affecting the transportation of minerals, according to the Chitral Mine Owners Association. Association President Ashfaq Ali Khan said the District Intelligence Coordination Committee (DICC) had resolved issues related to the issuance of no-objection certificates (NOCs) and mineral transportation. Speaking to reporters after a meeting with the Lower Chitral deputy commissioner, Khan said mine owners in settled areas would be able to restart operations after submitting the required documents to the DC office. Under the revised mechanism, applicants seeking a working NOC will be required to submit a valid prospecting licence or lease work order, an affidavit from the licence or leaseholder, and the leaseholder's family tree for labourers employed at the site. The affidavit will include an undertaking that the licence or leaseholder and workers will not be involved in antistate activities. The district administration has also directed police to streamline security verification of mining labourers. Police will collect workers' details through a specialised proforma and forward the information directly to the DC office for clearance, replacing the previous process that mine owners said caused prolonged delays. Separately, the DICC has simplified requirements for transporting minerals from Chitral. Transporters will now be required to submit one copy of the consignment proforma to the DC office and another at the Lowari Tunnel checkpoint. Khan said the measures addressed longstanding concerns of mine operators and would allow mining activity to restart. He said thousands of families directly and indirectly dependent on Chitral's mineral sector were expected to benefit from the resumption of operations.
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Sunday said the province was bearing the brunt of policies made behind closed doors and called on the federal government to provide it with armoured personnel carriers (APCs), arguing that lasting peace could not be established without taking the people of KP into confidence. “We were serious about eliminating terrorism and anyone who takes up arms against Pakistan is a terrorist,” CM Afridi declared while addressing a press conference at Al-Amin House in Dera Ismail Khan alongside former KP chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur. He condemned the recent attack in Darazinda, saying both civilians and Pakistan Army personnel were being martyred, and claimed that the security situation in KP and Balochistan had deteriorated to a point beyond the government’s control. His remarks came a day after a blast struck a joint checkpoint near Aman Mela in Dera Ismail Khan’s Darazinda area, killing at
least 12 people and injuring 35 others, according to police. The Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the attack, while a Rescue 1122 official was also killed and two others seriously injured when an ambulance carrying victims came under fire near Daraban. “We had seen it coming, which was why we were raising our voices,” he said, referring to repeated warnings about terrorism in KP. The chief minister said the provincial government had allocated Rs35 billion to the police
for maintaining peace and stressed that the people of K-P wanted peace. “We realised that our children, women and young people were being martyred,” he said. CM Afridi criticised the federal government, alleging that it was controlled by “a gang of thieves” and that KP had not been provided APCs despite having already made the required payment. “We told the federal government to give us our APCs because your APCs were being used for us,” he said.
Pakistan discusses US EXIM financing for PIA aircraft, Reko Diq, refinery upgrades PROFIT
WEB DESK
Pakistan has discussed potential financing from the US Export-Import Bank (EXIM) for Boeing aircraft for the privatised Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), as well as for the Reko Diq mining project and refinery upgrades, according to Finance Minister’s adviser Khurram Schehzad. Schehzad said in a post on X on Sunday that the discussions covered possible US EXIM-backed financing for Boeing aircraft, alongside financing opportunities for Reko Diq, a copper and gold mining project in Balochistan, and refinery upgrades. He clarified that the government was facilitating PIA’s access to financing and suppliers rather than purchasing aircraft itself. No sovereign guarantee or taxpayer-funded loan has been announced for the aircraft financing, he said.
Under the potential arrangement, US EXIM could provide or support financing secured against the aircraft and assess the creditworthiness of the airline or lessee, according to Schehzad. He added that a sovereign guarantee would therefore not automatically be required.
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Palestine highlights Shehbaz’s emotional tribute to Gaza’s children at UNGA ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The official social media account of the State of Palestine has drawn widespread attention to Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s emotional tribute to the children of Palestine during his address to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly. During his speech, the prime minister delivered powerful and moving remarks on the devastating loss of young lives in the ongoing conflict, condemned the humanitarian crisis and reiterated Pakistan’s steadfast solidarity with the Palestinian people. The prominent acknowledgment by the official Palestinian account on X underscores Pakistan’s consistent diplomatic support for, and active voice in, the cause of Palestinian rights on major international platforms. The X handle quoted a relevant excerpt from the prime minister’s speech: “For generations, Palestinians, particularly women, children, and the elderly, have been subjected to occupation, eviction, suffering, and death. Last year, Mr. President, I had shared with you the heartwrenching story of Hind Rajab, an innocent Palestinian girl who was brutally shot by Israeli soldiers. This year, another tragedy weighs heavily on our hearts, your heart, and the world’s heart. This time, it is the deafening cries of the sobbing mother of eight-year-old Wafaa Akila, who embraced martyrdom in this senseless aggression. What should have been the first day of her school, alas, became the last day of her life. Does not a child born in Gaza deserve the same life and the same future and the same dream as a child anywhere else in the world?” “The tragedies of Hind Rajab, Wafaa Akila, and countless others will echo through history as an indictment of our collective silence, failure, and inaction,” he added. The official Palestinian X account’s acknowledgment came as the prime minister highlighted the plight of Palestinian children and called attention to the continuing humanitarian suffering in Gaza before the international community.
Three local cricketers killed in firing on loader rickshaw in Lakki Marwat MIRANSHAH
STAFF REPORT
Three members of a local cricket team were killed and three others injured when unidentified armed men opened fire on a loader rickshaw near Abdul Khel after the group returned from a cricket match in Lakki Marwat's Shah Hasan Khel, Station House Officer (SHO) Aslam Khan said on Sunday. The victims were travelling back to their village of Abdul Khel after playing a cricket match in Shah Hasan Khel when armed men intercepted the loader rickshaw and opened fire, according to police. Three of the occupants, identified as Umer, Siddiq and Aliyan, were killed on the spot, while three others — Asifullah, Imdadullah and Ejaz — sustained bullet wounds in the attack. Police said most of the victims were either cricket players or members of a local peace committee. The incident caused panic in the area, while residents rushed to the scene following the firing. Police officials said that after the initial attack, some local youths present in the area returned fire at the assailants. They said there were reports that one of the attackers had been killed in the exchange of fire. However, police said the identity of the alleged attacker could not immediately be established, and the report of his death had yet to be independently confirmed. The injured were shifted to a nearby hospital for medical treatment, while the bodies of the deceased were also taken to the hospital for medico-legal formalities.
US denies Iran seized underwater drone as Trump signals more talks WASHINGTON/TEHRAN AGENCIES
The US military on Sunday denied a claim by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) that it had seized an advanced US underwater drone conducting surveillance in the Strait of Hormuz, Al Jazeera reported. US Central Command spokesperson Captain Tim Hawkins said the US maintained “positive control of all of our operational drone assets”, describing the IRGC claim as “clearly desperate”. Earlier, the IRGC Navy said it had seized an “advanced submersible”, identified as a Remus 600, and that the vessel was “now in the hands of the force’s specialists to retrieve its information”. Trump says he expects more talks with Iran this week, warns Tehran ‘overplayed’ hand US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he expected his envoys to take part in negotiations with Iran in the coming days, while saying Tehran had yet to offer acceptable terms to resolve the ongoing conflict.
“I expect more talks with Iran (this week),” Trump told US news website Axios in an interview, adding: “They want to make a deal, but it is not the deal that I want to make. It is what we would have maybe agreed to a year ago. They overplayed their hand.” Asked whether Washington was considering resuming military strikes against Iran, Trump said the option remained active. The remarks follow indirect diplomatic exchanges last week on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, where Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner through Qatari mediators. Tehran reportedly offered to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz and restart nuclear talks within a week on the condition that Washington lift its naval blockade, remove sanctions on oil sales and reinstate a regional ceasefire. Trump rejected the proposal on Saturday, as the two nations remain locked in the sevenmonth Iran war that began with large-scale strikes by the US and Israel in late February. Iran says it seized US sea drone in Strait of Hormuz
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Navy said on Sunday it had seized a United States Remus 600 autonomous underwater vehicle operating in the Strait of Hormuz, which it said was conducting espionage, according to state media. The Guards said the vehicle had been captured using intelligence and electronic warfare capabilities and was being examined by Iranian specialists to recover its data. Earlier in the day, Iran’s army spokesperson Mohammad Akraminia said Tehran’s armed forces were prepared for any renewed US attacks, according to state media. Akraminia said Iran’s armed forces were fully prepared for confrontation and warned that the US would suffer greater damage if it launched another attack on his country. War with US ‘not over’, says Iran’s army commander Separately, Iranian Army Commanderin-Chief Amir Hatami said the war with the US was at a “critical and decisive” stage, Al Jazeera reported. According to Al Jazeera, Hatami added: “The war is not over; we have won, but we
must consolidate this victory, and the aggressor enemy, which has suffered severe blows, must still be ready to receive severe blows from the dear Iranian soldiers.” “We are proud to be the soldiers of a country that today stands against the embodied evil of the United States and the Zionist regime and has humiliated them,” he stated,
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adding: “This is Iran, and it is not a place for their excesses and arrogance.” Responding to the notion that the Iranian government would fall after the series of assassinations that the US and Israel carried out at the beginning of their war, Hatami said that this was a “miscalculation by the enemy”, Al Jazeera reported.