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DAR, WANG YI HAIL PAKISTAN-CHINA FRIENDSHIP AS ‘VITAL’ FOR REGIONAL PEACE AMID 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF DIPLOMATIC TIES Monday, 5 January, 2026 | 15 Rjabul Murajjab, 1447
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BOTH LEADERS CO-CHAIR 7TH ROUND OF PAKISTAN–CHINA FOREIGN MINISTERS’ STRATEGIC DIALOGUE HELD IN BEIJING HOLD IN-DEPTH DISCUSSIONS ON CPEC, TRADE, PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE EXCHANGES, AND MULTILATERAL COOPERATION
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LEADERS REAFFIRM ALL-WEATHER STRATEGIC COOPERATIVE PARTNERSHIP FOR PEACE, STABILITY, PROSPERITY
LOGO UNVEILED FOR 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF PAKISTAN-CHINA DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS, YEAR-LONG CELEBRATIONS PLANNED
saleem Jadoon
OREIGN Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Sunday described PakistanChina “Iron-clad” friendship as “vital” for regional peace, stability, and prosperity, as both leaders co-chaired the 7th round of the Pakistan–China Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue in Beijing. Dar arrived in Beijing on Saturday at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart to co-chair the high-level strategic dialogue, a premier consultative platform designed to review the entire spectrum of bilateral relations as well as regional and international developments of mutual interest. Following the dialogue, the Foreign Office (FO) said in a statement on social media platform X that the two leaders reaffirmed the significance of the AllWeather Strategic Cooperative Partnership and agreed to enhance coordination at bilateral and multilateral fora to ensure closer collaboration on shared goals. During their discussions, Dar and Wang conducted an in-depth review of Pakistan-China relations and exchanged views on key issues at both regional and global levels. The two sides emphasized the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), trade, multilateral cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges as pillars of sustained partnership. They also
agreed to jointly celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations, unveiling the official logo for the milestone to mark the beginning of year-long commemorations, the statement added. The FO noted that the dialogue serves as the highest consultative mechanism between the two countries, providing a structured platform to discuss both bilateral cooperation and regional and international developments of mu-
tual concern. This year’s dialogue also included plans for a series of initiatives and commemorative activities to honor the 75th anniversary in a meaningful and befitting manner. The 6th round of the strategic dialogue had been held in Islamabad in August, with Wang meeting Dar, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and President Asif Ali Zardari. At that time, China reaffirmed its commitment to working with Pakistan to promote regional peace, de-
PCIW rejects India’s ‘abeyance’ claim on IWT g
COMMISSIONER SYED MEHAR ALI SHAH SAYS IWT REMAINS FULLY IN FORCE UNDER INTERNATIONAL LAW, WARNING INDIA OF LEGAL AND DIPLOMATIC RESPONSE ISLAMABAD
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Pakistan Commissioner for Indus Waters (PCIW) Syed Muhammad Mehar Ali Shah on Sunday firmly rejected India’s claim of placing the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in “abeyance,” stating that the treaty remains fully binding under international law. He cautioned that New Delhi’s repeated non-cooperation and sidestepping of its obligations on self-created grounds is “alarming,” prompting Pakistan to pursue formal legal and diplomatic measures. Speaking on a television channel, Shah said the word “abeyance” is not recognized under international treaty law and is essentially a coined term, adding that India cannot suspend, breach, or terminate the treaty. He recalled that in April 2025, India attempted to hold the IWT in abeyance following the Pahalgam incident, which killed 26 tourists and for which New Delhi blamed Islamabad without evidence. Pakistan had called any attempt to suspend its water share an “act of war.” In June, the Permanent Court of Arbitration clarified that India cannot unilaterally suspend the treaty. Shah stressed that the IWT was carefully negotiated to withstand political tensions, and its dispute-resolution mechanism is designed to prevent unilateral actions. He added that any attempt by India to reduce water flows
to Pakistan would also be considered an “act of war.” “There is no fixed amount of water allocated to Pakistan; the waters should follow the natural pattern of the western rivers,” he said. He noted that Chenab, Jhelum, and Indus have been flowing normally, though India created three episodes since April 24, 2025, altering flows for a few days. Shah explained that the treaty requires both parties to peacefully resolve disputes or refer them to a neutral forum or the Court of Arbitration. He cited the Baglihar Dam as an example, where Pakistan’s objections were binding but limited to that project, prompting Pakistan to seek general interpretation to prevent India from using the ruling for future projects. The commissioner also highlighted other Indian projects on the western rivers, including the Ratle Hydroelectric Plant (850 MW), and the Kiru and Kwar hydroelectric projects, noting that Pakistan raised objections bilaterally and through third-party forums. Regarding Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s threats to stop Pakistan’s water share, Shah emphasized: “There is no room for stopping or partially stopping Pakistan’s water. Such action also violates moral standards.” He recalled that the three eastern rivers — Beas, Ravi, and Sutlej — were always geographically advantageous to India, while the western rivers’ natural flows to Pakistan must not be altered.
Three on-duty traffic policemen martyred in Lakki Marwat attack g
GUNMEN ON MOTORCYCLE TARGET POLICEMEN ON DUTY IN SERAI NAURANG, ANOTHER SLAIN IN BANNU LAKKI MARWAT/BANNU staff report
In a fresh spate of militant violence targeting law enforcement in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, three traffic police personnel were martyred on Sunday after suspected terrorists opened fire on them in the Serai Naurang area of Lakki Marwat district. “Unidentified terrorists, riding a motorcycle, attacked three traffic policemen who were on duty near
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Dil Begu Khel area. As a result, they died on the spot,” confirmed Qudratullah, spokesperson for the district police officer (DPO). Ticketing officer in-charge Jalal Khan was among the martyred, he said, adding that two other personnel were identified as Azizullah and Abdullah. The bodies were moved to Naurang Hospital, and police have launched a search operation at the site of the incident, Qudratullah said. Later in the day, the funeral prayers of the martyred traffic cops were offered at the Lakki Marwat Police Lines with official honours. Police and district administration officers, the bereaved family members and other residents attended the prayers. A statement issued by KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi’s office said he condemned the attack and termed the incident “unfortunate”. “Sacrifices of the martyred policemen will not go in vain. Enemies of the countries cannot succeed in their nefarious designs by such cowardly acts,” the statement quoted him as saying.
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velopment, and stability, a stance that was reiterated in Sunday’s discussions. Apart from the dialogue, Dar also held high-level meetings with Chinese dignitaries, including Executive Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang. Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to further deepen the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership. Ding expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s consistent support on China’s core interests, highlighting the close alignment of both countries on regional and international matters. Dar also met Liu Haixing, Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC), congratulating him on the successful convening of the 4th Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the steady and forward-looking trajectory of bilateral relations, reviewing party-to-party exchanges, regional developments, and ongoing projects under the CPEC framework. They agreed to commemorate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in a “befitting and meaningful manner.” In addition to official meetings, Dar was received at Beijing airport by China’s Special Representative on Afghanistan Ambassador Yue Xiaoyong, Pakistan’s ambassador to China, and senior officials from the Pakistani Embassy, underlining the high-level significance of the visit.
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CM Afridi vows to follow Imran Khan’s directives on street movement in ‘letter and spirit’ PESHAWAR
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Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Sunday reiterated that his sole focus remains implementing PTI founder Imran Khan’s directives—running the province and preparing for the party’s street movement—saying he will follow these instructions “in letter and spirit” and dismissing any other reports as “someone’s personal assumption.” Afridi had earlier announced Karachi as his next destination to galvanize party supporters, after concluding a three-day visit to Lahore, where he also met the families of jailed senior PTI leaders. In a post on social media platform X on Sunday, the KP chief minister said, “I have only one stance. My leader (Imran) has directed me to prepare for a street movement, along with running the administrative affairs of my province. Godwilling, I will implement them in letter and spirit.” About his upcoming visit to Karachi, Afridi said Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, “respecting democratic values and his office’s dignity,” has invited him for a meeting. Afridi said he had thanked Murad for the invitation and told him that he would meet “the people of my province, and if they had any sort of concerns or issues,” he would definitely meet the Sindh chief minister to resolve them. While Afridi had earlier stated January 9 as the date for his Karachi trip, in his statement on Sunday he confirmed he would visit Mazar-i-Quaid around 4pm on January 11. Afridi’s latest statement highlighting his focus on the street movement comes after reports that he had expressed readiness to hold talks with the establishment on provincial matters. However, he clarified that Imran Khan had not instructed him on any dialogue with the establishment, assigning that responsibility instead to Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Senator Allama Raja Nasir.
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02 NEWS
AHSAN IQBAL PUSHES FOR BLUE ECONOMY AS ENGINE FOR EXPORTS AND JOBS
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ministeR calls foR integRated stRategy to tap fisheRies, shipbuilding and maRitime touRism foR sustainable gRowth PROFIT
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EDERAL Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, on Friday highlighted Pakistan’s blue economy as a strategic avenue for boosting exports, creating employment, and supporting sustainable economic growth. Speaking at a forum titled ‘Strengthening Pakistan’s Blue Economy: HighLevel Roundtable on Maritime Growth’, the minister said Pakistan could significantly enhance foreign exchange earnings by fully leveraging its maritime resources. Representatives from the Gwadar Port Authority, Ministry of Maritime Affairs, and other stakeholders attended the session. The roundtable featured a briefing by
APHC-AJK delegation invites AJK minister to Right to Self Determination rally
Member Infrastructure Dr Waqas Anwar on the ministry’s ongoing work and proposed roadmap for maritime and blue economy development. The briefing out-
MUZAFFARABAD
PBF flags cotton rebound as arrivals jump 18pc but supply gap persists g
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A high-level delegation of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference-Azad Jammu and Kashmir (APHC-AJK) chapter, led by Secretary Information Mushtaq Ahmed Butt, held a key meeting at the residence of AJK Minister Sardar Javed Ayub in Muzaffarabad. The meeting was convened in connection with the formal invitation to the APHC-organized Right to Self-Determination rally on January 5 at Shaheed Afzal Guru Chowk, Domail. During the meeting, the Hurriyat delegation briefed the minister on the objectives of the rally, emphasizing that January 5 marks the historic day when the United Nations recognized the Kashmiri people’s right to selfdetermination. Minister Sardar Javed Ayub warmly accepted the invitation, assuring that he would personally attend the rally and direct all members of his party to participate fully. At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides affirmed their resolve to ensure that the January 5 Right to Self-Determination rally is conducted in a robust, effective, and organized manner, sending a clear message to the world that the Kashmiri people will never relinquish their legitimate and inalienable rights.
KP Govt expands Fuel Card System to all departments to curb corruption PESHAWAR
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The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has announced the expansion of its fuel card system to all provincial departments, following its initial implementation at the Civil Secretariat. According to official sources, the step was a strategic move designed to curb alleged financial corruption regarding fuel consumption. An official letter has already been dispatched to all provincial departments to ensure compliance across the board. Under the new regulations, fuel cards will be governed by specific limits to prevent unauthorized private use of government vehicles. These cards will facilitate the supply of petrol or diesel only through designated companies. Once the assigned limit on a card is exhausted, no officer will be permitted to increase fuel allotment for their vehicle without explicit government orders, ensuring a more transparent and controlled distribution of resources. A formal policy has already been finalized for highranking officials, including Secretaries, Deputy Secretaries, and Additional Secretaries, while a similar framework is currently being prepared for officers in other departments.
lined that achieving Pakistan’s $1 trillion economy target by 2035 will require accelerated export growth and effective utilisation of underdeveloped sectors, including
fisheries, aquaculture, ports, shipbuilding, and maritime tourism. Prof Iqbal emphasised that gaps in value addition, cold chain infrastructure, processing, branding, and marketing currently limit sector returns, underscoring the need for integrated, coordinated action across stakeholders. The planning minister also noted that foundational work has been completed on port development in Karachi, Port Qasim, and Gwadar, as well as shipbuilding initiatives and the revitalisation of Gadani Shipyard, marking early steps to unlock the maritime sector’s full potential. He concluded that with a holistic approach and stakeholder coordination, Pakistan can transform its blue economy from potential to performance, making it a key driver of export-led growth and sustainable development.
impRoved punjab inflows lift pRessing activity, impoRts Remain unavoidable foR textile sectoR PROFIT
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Pakistan’s cotton sector recorded a moderate recovery during the 2025 season, with crop arrivals rising sharply and domestic absorption improving, though output remains far below the textile industry’s annual requirement, the Pakistan Business Forum said. Consolidated national figures up to December 31, 2025 show cotton arrivals reached about 5.43 million bales, compared with approximately 4.55 million bales in the same period last year, reflecting a year on year increase of around 18 percent. PBF South Punjab Chairman Malik Talat Suhail said the recovery was primarily supported by stronger inflows from Punjab’s major cotton producing regions, while arrivals from Sindh remained broadly stable. He said the higher arrivals translated into increased pressing volumes, with factory held stocks staying below 0.5 million bales, indicating that supplies are being absorbed by the domestic market without significant accumulation. Export activity during the season remained limited, reflecting a cautious strategy aimed at safeguard-
ing local availability. Despite the improvement, the Forum said domestic production remains insufficient to meet industry needs. Pakistan’s textile and spinning sector requires an estimated 14 to 15 million bales of cotton annually to operate efficiently, leaving a substantial structural shortfall. Suhail said imports therefore remain an unavoidable part of the supply mix, adding that the gap continues to put pressure on production costs and foreign exchange reserves. He stressed that addressing the imbalance requires sustained, long term policy consistency rather than short term interventions. The PBF identified low yield per acre as a key constraint, noting that productivity remains well below potential. It called for improved access to quality seed, stronger pest management, and better water efficiency to raise output without expanding cultivated area. The Forum also urged a review of the cost structure faced by cotton growers, particularly the existing 18 percent sales tax on cottonseed and oil cake, which are important contributors to farm income. While not a standalone solution, such fiscal adjustments, combined with agronomic improvements,
could encourage greater cultivation and support a gradual rise in output during the 2026 season. Looking ahead, PBF said that if the current recovery trend, marked by an 18 percent increase in arrivals, is reinforced through stable pricing signals, productivity gains, and supportive policies, Pakistan can gradually reduce its reliance on imported cotton. Although full self sufficiency may not be immediately achievable, narrowing the demand supply gap would strengthen the textile value chain, stabilise raw material availability, and improve export competitiveness. “The 2025 season has shown that recovery is possible,” Suhail said, adding that sustaining momentum through realistic policy support and productivity led growth will be critical for further improvement in 2026.
10 killed, over 1,100 injured in 1,039 road crashes across Punjab g
Rescue 1122 Responds to accidents in all 37 distRicts in 24 houRs, with motoRbikes involved in 71pc of RepoRted Road tRaffic cRashes LAHORE
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Road traffic accidents across Punjab claimed 10 lives and left 1,169 people injured over the past 24 hours, as the Emergency Services Department (ESD) responded to 1,039 road traffic crashes reported in all 37 districts of the province. The Emergency Services Department (ESD) statement said Rescue 1122 responded to 1039 Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) in all 37 districts of Punjab during the last 24 hours. In these RTCs, 10 people died, while 1169 were injured. Out of these, 489 people with serious injuries were shifted to different
hospitals, while 680 victims with minor injuries were treated at the incident site by Rescue Medical Teams thus reducing the burden of hospitals. The majority (71%) involved motorbikes; therefore, effective enforcement of traffic laws and lane discipline are essential to reduce the increasing number of road traffic crashes. Furthermore, the analysis showed that 654 drivers, 36 underage drivers, 126 pedestrians, and 399 passengers were among the victims of road traffic crashes. The statistics show that 184 RTCs were reported in Lahore which affected 204 persons, placing the Provincial Capital at the top of the list followed by
Gujranwala with 63 RTCs and 67 victims and at third Faisalabad with 61 RTCs and 76 victims. The details further reveal that 1179 victims were affected by road traffic crashes including 936 males & 243 females, while the age group of the victims shows that 224 were under 18 years of age, 614 were between 18 and 40 years and the rest of the 341 victims were reported above 40 years of age. According to the data 1044 motorbikes, 91 auto-rickshaws, 170 motorcars, 22 vans, 08 passenger buses, 24 trucks and 115 other types of auto vehicles and slow-moving carts were involved in the aforementioned road traffic accidents.
Monday, 5 January, 2026 | ISLAMABAD
Punjab sugar season off to strong start: output, recovery rates and farmer payments improve 1.36 million tons of sugar produced in first 45 days; ex-mill prices stabilize as crushing pace accelerates PROFIT
news desk
Punjab’s sugar crushing season for 2025-26 is off to a strong start, with 41 operational mills processing 15.06 million metric tons of sugarcane by December 31 and producing 1.36 million tons of sugar in the first 45 days, according to the office of the Punjab Cane Commissioner. The average sugar recovery rate rose to 9.43%, up from 9.01% last year, reflecting better-quality cane and improved mill efficiency. Total sugar availability, including carryover stocks, now stands at 1.47 million tons, of which 625,341 tons (42.41%) have already been sold, a 3.84 percentage point improvement over the corresponding period in 2024-25. Year-onyear data shows mills processed 1.14 million tons more sugarcane and produced 156,590 tons additional sugar compared to the previous season. Punjab Cane Commissioner Amjad Hafeez said the performance is supported by strict law enforcement and effective monitoring, noting that farmers have supplied sugarcane worth Rs98.8 billion, with Rs87 billion paid, achieving an 88% payment compliance rate. The average price paid to farmers rose to Rs401 per 40 kg, compared with Rs387 last year. Sugar millers said the season is progressing smoothly, ensuring sufficient sugar availability at stable prices. Former Pakistan Sugar Mills Association chairman Javed Kiyani highlighted that the current phase marks the peak selling season for mills and expected benefits for both growers and millers. Current ex-mill sugar prices in Punjab have been reported at Rs139 per kg, compared with Rs134 per kg in Sindh, and could fall further if crushing continues at the current pace, according to dealers. Lahore Sugar Dealers Association President Muhammad Amjad said retail prices may drop below Rs150 per kg if market conditions remain steady. This start-ofseason performance, with improved recovery rates, higher output, and strong payment compliance, signals a more stable sugar market in Punjab compared with the same period last year.
NADRA extends facility for UC registration through Pak ID app to more cities in Sindh KARACHI
staff report
The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has extended the facility for Union Council registration through Pak ID app to more cities in Sindh. According to NADRA, the service already available in several selected cities of Sindh, has now been extended to Tando Allahyar and Jamshoro as well. Under this initiative, citizens no longer need to visit Union Council offices to register births, deaths, marriages or divorces using Pak ID app. Applicants can complete the required documentation, submit their application through the Pak-Identity Mobile App, and receive the relevant certificate from the comfort of their homes. Work is currently under way to roll out this facility to other areas, and it is expected that the service will soon be available across the entire province of Sindh. In a major move towards digital governance and citizen facilitation, the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) introduced a new automated system that makes the process of birth and death registration faster, more efficient, and transparent. The system was developed in collaboration with provincial governments. According to an official statement, the initiative follows the directives of the Federal Minister for Interior and is part of the government’s broader efforts to improve registration services and eliminate inefficiencies in the system.
Aerial firing and animal rights City notes M.a. niazi T seems that in Karachi a new trend has developed, which might change the direction of how The New Year is to be welcomed, with 28 people injured by aerial celebratory firing. The police had earlier warned against onewheeling, but no injuries were reported because of that. I suspect an error in the release, because everyone knows that onwheeling is practiced on Independence Day, still well over seven months away, as intrepid young men celebrate their independence not only from the British but also from traffic laws, good sense and even life itself. Anyway, aerial firing for New Year’s in Karachi brought perhaps more victims from stray bullets than one has at weddings. It does make some sense to mark the New Year with firing, because one can then use up the ammo left over from aerial firing during the wedding season. No one died this year, but considering the record of aerial firing at weddings, there are hopes of some fatalities. It certainly
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beats the firecracker method, which seemed to have potential but did not produce any results. I am referring, of course, to the time-honored tradition of the young men of the city going out on New Year’s Eve on motorcycles, with a pillion rider, armed with firecrackers. They would then go into the traffic, which would be congested because of all the gawkers in cars who wanted to celebrate too. These motorcyclists would weave in and out of the traffic, and the pillion rider would throw a firecracker though whatever open window they could find. Now if the car was being driven at normal speed, the blast of the firecracker should have made at least some drivers lose control of their vehicle and crash it, causing casualties. But cars in new Year’s night would crawl along at best, and would probably be at a standstill. As a result, when the firecracker went off, apart from some intemperate language, Someone who has passed away, but neither because of firecrackers or aerial firing was Brigitte Bardot, who has gone to meet Hewr Maker at the age of 91. She was one of those European actresses who dominated Western cinema about 60 years ago, of whom only Sophia Loren and Catherine
Deneuve are still around, aged 90 and 81 respectively. I suppose the takeaway is not just the fleetingness of human beauty. These women became famous because they were good looking. As old women, they were not so good looking. They were not so famous. But Brigitte Bardot found a role after retirement from films back in 1973. Animal rights. Seal.. dolphins, bears and what was anathema in France, horses. It’s anathema because the French love their horsemeat as much as the Chinese or Koreans love their dogs, Another lady who passed away was Begum Khaleda Zia, widow of late Bangladeshi President Ziaur Rehman, and herself thrice PM. She was 81, and illustrated another kind of lesson, the evanescence of office. Bangladesh is an afflicted country. One PM, Begum Zia, no more, another, Hasina Wajid, under sentence of death. Usman Hadi, who had been one of the leaders of the movement that arrested her, was assassinated. Bangladesh might be in trouble, but there might be good news for Pakistan, as its Under-19s beat India by 191 runs in the Under-19 Asia Cup. Pakistan made 357-8 in its 50 overs, on the back of Sameer Minhas’
172. No one knows Narendra Modi’s feelings, but the entire under-19 team was hosted by the COAS on return. Is Minhas going to be on the same page? Let’s see if he opens a dispensary in his home town of Multan. Peaking of new methods, I see separatists have found a way of getting international recognition. The Republic of Somaliland has been fighting for separation from Somalia for sometimes, but now they’ve got Israel to recognize them. How? Simple. They just acceded to the Abraham Accords and recognized Israel. Are we seeing that in Yemen? They trying to separate, returning Yemen to the con-
stituent countries of North and South Yemen, with one getting Israel’s recognition by acceding the Abraham Accords. That might lead to an unseemly struggle as to which joins the Accords first. Imagine if our separatists tried that tactic. The BLA might try for Israeli recognition using that route. Maybe the Taliban might try. The best thing last week, though, was the Chinese revelation that it had mediated between India and Pakistan last summer. It seems that somebody in Beijing got tired of Trump saying forever that he had brokered the peace. That means other countries are free to make the claim. Like Djibouti. Or Tuvalu.
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EPBD flags Q1 fY26 growth as imPort- anD suBsiDY-DrivEn, QuEstions sustainaBilitY
Monday, 5 January, 2026 | ISLAMABAD
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AKISTAN’S first-quarter GDP growth for FY26 has come under scrutiny from the Economic Policy and Business Development (EPBD) think tank, which says the reported expansion is largely import- and subsidy-driven, rather than reflecting genuine business activity. The National Accounts Committee approved a 3.71 percent GVA growth for Q1FY26, with agriculture up 2.89 percent, industry 9.38 percent, and services 2.35 percent. EPBD, however, said the numbers are
“difficult to reconcile with ground realities” and warned that growth without real output remains largely on paper. Trade data, the think tank noted, tells a different story. Despite reported growth in agriculture and foodrelated manufacturing, food exports fell 25.8 percent, while food imports rose 18.8 percent, signaling that rising imports are being used to artificially inflate growth measures. Agriculture’s reported 2.89 percent expansion is also at odds with reality. EPBD highlighted that flooding had raised expectations of stagnant or negative growth, and
Dar, wang Yi hail Pakistan-China friendship as ‘vital’ for regional peace amid 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties
key crops fell by 0.75 percent, including a 1.2 percent drop in cotton production and no wheat crop during the quarter, pointing to possible overestimation in some sub-sectors. The industrial sector’s 9.38 percent growth raised additional concerns. EPBD said the increase was largely due to a 25 percent-plus jump in electricity, gas, and water supply, driven by subsidies rising from Rs20 billion to Rs118 billion, rather than higher physical output. Construction growth of 21 percent similarly did not match underlying indicators: cement production rose 15.32
percent, while imports of transport equipment more than doubled, showing dependence on imported inputs rather than domestic supply chains. Manufacturing also showed structural weaknesses. Cotton ginning fell 12 percent and cotton exports dropped around 10 percent, yet textile production and exports grew, reflecting assembly-led growth fueled by imported cotton and synthetic fibres. The sugar sector also shifted from exports toward imports, EPBD noted. Services growth of 2.35 percent re-
Pakistani public goodwill toward China strengthens: IIRMR ISLAMABAD
staff report
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The Foreign Office emphasized that the strategic dialogue and related events reflect the shared determination of Pakistan and China to broaden and deepen their cooperative partnership, reaffirming mutual commitment to regional peace, stability, and sustainable development. Through continued coordination, both countries aim to leverage their historic diplomatic ties to promote prosperity in the region and advance forward-looking initiatives in trade, infrastructure, and cultural exchange. The 75th anniversary of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations in 2026 will be marked by a wide range of initiatives, events, and commemorative activities designed to honor the enduring partnership between the two countries and reinforce their commitment to strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the years ahead. Meanwhile, DPM Dar, together with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, jointly unveiled the logo for the 75th anniversary of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations. The unveiling of the logo marks the start of year-long celebrations to commemorate this historic milestone in a befitting and memorable manner.
Cm afridi vows to follow imran Khan’s directives on street movement in ‘letter and spirit’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
During his Lahore visit, Afridi had questioned the government’s sincerity in holding talks with PTI and confirmed he was actively working to launch the party’s street movement by engaging multiple stakeholders. He also stated that any formal meetings with the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) or Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir would take place if required. KP CM ORDERS INQUIRY AND REFORMS AT ZAMUNG KOR: Meanwhile, Afridi has ordered an immediate inquiry into the removal of 11 children from Zamung Kor, a welfare institution for orphaned and underprivileged children. He also directed investigations into hygiene kit distribution, installation of surveillance cameras in classrooms, and immediate provision of teaching staff. The chief minister announced the establishment of a complaint cell for children and confirmed that the provincial government would cover education fees for Zamung Kor students studying in private colleges. He instructed officials to allocate a special quota for Zamung Kor students under the ETEA merit scholarship programme. Afridi also approved digitalisation of Zamung Kor’s accounts and stipend disbursement system to ensure transparency and ordered provision of transport for children travelling to colleges and sports academies. During his visit, Afridi inspected various sections of the Zamung Kor Model Institute, reviewed food quality, and visited the girls’ campus to ensure compliance with previous instructions. Emphasising the government’s responsibility, he said caring for orphaned and vulnerable children is a constitutional, moral, and humanitarian duty. He added that Zamung Kor institutions were established under Imran Khan’s Ehsaas vision and must be run in their true spirit, stating he would personally monitor all related matters.
A research report published by Institute of International Relations and Media Research (IIRMR) has found that Pakistani public goodwill toward China has strengthened markedly between 2015 and 2025, with respondents crediting CPEC-linked development, improved security, and increased social interaction for the shift. Authored by Dr Hassan Siddique, a communications specialist at the World Bank’s Punjab Green Development Programme and a senior executive official of the Institute of International Relations and Media Research, the study examined how public perceptions evolved before and after CPEC’s implementation till 2025, Gwadar Pro reported. The report investigated two core questions: how Pakistanis viewed China prior 2015 and how those views changed after a decade of corridor
projects till 2025. Using a quantitative approach, the researchers surveyed respondents from government, the establishment, business, academia, media, cultural circles, think tanks, religious groups, civil society, and the general public. Closed-ended items measured attitudes across economic, social, and strategic dimensions, while statistical comparisons and visualisations tracked shifts in sentiment. The research findings showed that Pakistanis entered the CPEC era with already favourable views, shaped by longstanding diplomatic cooperation and defence ties. Before 2015, China was largely seen as a steadfast political and strategic ally, though with limited presence in day-to-day economic life. Expectations at the time centred on China eventually assuming a more active developmental role. The study reported that perceptions
improved further after visible CPEC outcomes, particularly in infrastructure, transport links, and connectivity. Respondents highlighted ease of doing business, enhanced security, and increased social interaction between Chinese and Pakistani workers as key contributors. Cultural exchange and routine workplace cooperation were cited as elements that elevated trust and made the corridor a people-centred undertaking. According to the authors, performance and delivery were the most decisive opinion drivers, while media exposure and people-to-people contact served as secondary reinforcements. The report concluded that Pakistani goodwill toward China is closely tied to tangible outcomes, transparency, and clear communication of shared goals. The authors noted that CPEC’s ongoing expansion and its social spillovers are likely to continue shaping public attitudes,
UN urged to implement resolutions on Kashmir, address IIOJK people’s plight ISLAMABAD
staff report
The Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party (JKDFP) has submitted an urgent appeal to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, urging the world body to implement its resolutions recognizing Kashmiris’ inalienable right to self-determination. In a detailed letter, JKDFP Acting President Mehmood Ahmed Saghar highlighted the annual observance of January 5 as the Right to Self-Determination Day and drew attention to the “continuing deterioration of the political and human rights situation in Jammu and Kashmir, a UN-recognized disputed territory under India’s illegal occupation.” Referring to the United Nations
Commission for India and Pakistan (UNCIP) Resolution of January 5, 1949, Saghar stressed that “the final disposition of the State of Jammu and Kashmir shall be determined in accordance with the will of the people, expressed through a free and impartial plebiscite conducted under the auspices of the United Nations.” He added that “77 years later, the unresolved dispute continues to pose a serious threat to the Kashmiri people, in addition to undermining peace and stability in South Asia.” The letter describes the conditions in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir as a “living hell,” with civilians living under “the constant shadow of gun-wielding troops,” and accused Indian forces of conducting “fake and stage-managed encounters, cordons, and search operations” targeting unarmed
civilians, particularly educated youth. Saghar also condemned the intensification of operations following the Pahalgam attack, stating that “cordon and search operations are being used as pretexts to intimidate and harass the Muslim population across the Kashmir Valley.” The JKDFP pointed out the targeting of social and political activists, journalists, and human rights defenders, noting that draconian laws such as the Public Safety Act (PSA) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) are being used to silence legitimate political voices. “Thousands of Kashmiris—including pro-freedom leaders, social activists, lawyers, and businessmen—arrested before and after August 5, 2019, continue to languish in Indian jails,” the letter noted.
GPA ensures uninterrupted operations of MGD desalination plant
GWADAR
staff report
The Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) has issued a public tender for the procurement of critical chemicals for its 1.2million-gallon-per-day (MGD) desalination plant as part of efforts to ensure uninterrupted operations of the facility, a cornerstone of the city’s drinking water system. Bids for the chemicals will be accepted through 11 a.m. on Jan. 5, with submissions scheduled to be opened at 11:30 a.m. the same day, as per the notice, Gwadar Pro reported.
Developed under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the desalination plant has emerged as a backbone of Gwadar’s water supply, particularly after its restoration to full operation in 2025 helped stabilize supplies during last year’s prolonged dry spell. The Gwadar Development Authority (GDA) has designated the facility as a permanent component of the city’s daily water-supply network and a key safeguard against shortages during periods of low rainfall. The plant has maintained steady production since it was fully operationalised last year, as reflected in recent
output figures, including 915,000 gallons on Jan. 1; 535,000 gallons on Jan. 2; and 1.069 million gallons on Dec. 31. The plant was completed and inaugurated on December 4, 2023, following a project implementation agreement signed on July 5, 2021, according to the official CPEC website. The site says the project, built with Chinese support, cost $12.7 million to deliver up to 1.2 million gallons of potable water daily to Gwadar city and port, easing pressure on dam storage and tanker-supplied sources. A recent GDA report on water management noted that the reverse-osmosis facility has played a “backbone-like role” in providing drinking water to old Gwadar town and boosting the city’s resilience against recurring shortages linked to climate-driven dry spells. In a parallel government push to secure reliable power for the facility and other critical infrastructure, Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Prof. Ahsan Iqbal on December 4 ordered the fast-track implementation of solarisation for Gwadar’s desalination plant and pumping stations, along with 132 kV grid-stability upgrades, to tackle the port city’s longstanding electricity and water shortages.
Three on-duty traffic policemen martyred in Lakki Marwat attack CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
He added that policemen were on the front line in the fight against terrorism and had been rendering sacrifices. The CM said that attackers would be brought to justice and the provincial government was standing with the police. He extended condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the departed souls. Separately, a police constable was martyred in firing by unidentified attackers in the Kashfi Khel area of KP’s Bannu district, spokesperson for the Bannu DPO Asif Hasan told Dawn. He said that martyred
mained modest and slowed on a quarter-onquarter basis, mirroring weak demand and limited economic momentum. The think tank said the overall picture highlights a widening gap between domestic production and trade performance, raising questions about the quality and sustainability of the reported recovery. EPBD urged the government to implement market-oriented reforms, empower the private sector to lead investment, and create a stable environment for independent business activity, warning that only genuine, private-sector-driven expansion can deliver durable growth, rather than headline gains inflated by imports, subsidies, and statistical adjustments.
THINK TANK WARNS GDP GAINS MASK WEAK DOMESTIC PRODUCTION AND ASSEMBLY-LED GROWTH
constable, Rashid Khan, was leaving his home for work on Sunday morning when armed assailants, who were on a motorcycle, shot him. Following the incident, a large contingent of police reached the scene, cordoned off the area, and collected evidence, the spokesperson said. A search operation was also launched to arrest the attackers, he added. President Asif Ali Zardari expressed his deep grief over the martyrdom of policemen in the firing incidents in Lakki Marwat and Bannu, a statement issued by the PPP said. The president paid tribute to the cops’ sacrifices and prayed for their
high ranks. “The services and sacrifices of policemen and security forces to establish law and order are worthy of pride,” he was quoted as saying. The law enforcement personnel have increasingly come under attack in KP in recent days. Last month, five policemen were martyred when a police vehicle was ambushed in KP’s Karak. In response to the attack, a large police contingent, including the Counter-Terrorism Department’s commandoes, had launched an operation to hunt down the attackers. Eight terrorists were killed in that operation. On December 1, two policemen em-
braced martyrdom and five others were injured in a suicide bombing and a gun attack in Lakki Marwat and Bannu districts. In late November, three police personnel were martyred as law enforcers responded to a terrorist attack on a checkpost in KP’s Hangu. Similarly, a police head constable was martyred when unidentified assailants had opened fire at him in Mohammad Akbar village in the jurisdiction of Gul Imam police station of Tank district on November 9. Earlier on October 24, three cops, including a superintendent of police, were martyred when back-to-back blasts had rocked Hangu.
with future perception trends depending on project continuity and economic impact. Beyond geopolitics, enhanced exchange among religious groups, think tanks, and the bureaucracy (civil, military, and judicial), besides cultural and educational exchanges, has also played a critical role in shaping these perceptions. The trend of learning the Chinese language has evolved from a cultural curiosity into a strategic economic and educational necessity within the context of CPEC. The findings showed that Pakistani students and professionals increasingly view Chinese language proficiency as a tool for career advancement, academic mobility, and cross-border collaboration. It was also highlighted that Englishlanguage media in Pakistan has adopted a pro-CPEC stance, reinforcing government narratives and minimising critical perspectives, while social media has amplified both enthusiasm and scepticism.
300 goats killed, five people injured after livestock-laden trailer overturned in nawabshah NAWABSHAH
staff report
At least 300 goats were killed and five people injured after a livestock-laden trailer overturned near the Qazi Ahmed toll plaza in Nawabshah district. According to initial reports, the tragic incident occurred at the Qazi Ahmed toll plaza when the trailer, travelling from Hyderabad to Punjab, met with an accident on the National Highway. Motorway Police and rescue teams rushed to the scene and are engaged in relief operations. The accident also partially disrupted traffic flow on the highway. Motorway Police officials said the injured were shifted to the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital in Qazi Ahmed for medical treatment. Last year, atruck loaded with sacrificial goats for Eidul Adha was snatched by armed robbers near Karachi‘s Kamran Chowrangi. According to a merchant named Rehan, four armed robbers, riding two motorcycles, took the truck driver, who was coming from Hyderabad with sacrificial goats to Karachi for Eidul Adha, hostage, and looted. The snatched sacrificial goats are said to be worth Rs1.5mln.
flights delayed and cancelled due to poor visibility
KARACHI
staff report
Karachi’s flight operations faced major disruptions on Sunday due to poor weather and low visibility, with ten flights from Jinnah International Airport (JIAP) cancelled. A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight, PK-302, originally scheduled to depart for Lahore at 8 am, has been delayed by five hours and is now expected to take off at 1 pm. Flights operated by Emirates Airlines, Air Sial, Airblue also included. In Lahore, three flights departing from Allama Iqbal International Airport (AIIA) were cancelled. PIA flight PK302, bound for Karachi, is now scheduled for 4 p.m. An Air Sial flight, PF-786, originally due to land in Dubai, was delayed by three hours and is expected to depart at 2 p.m. Meanwhile, PIA flight PK-306 from Lahore to Karachi will now depart at 10 p.m., after a five-hour delay. Other affected flights included Saudi Arabian Airlines flight SV-729, originally departing for Jeddah from Islamabad, and Air Sial flight OF723 from Multan, which was delayed by four hours. PIA flight PK-257, scheduled to land in Sharjah from Peshawar, will now depart from Peshawar at 10 pm. Authorities advised passengers to check with airlines for updated schedules and to allow extra time for airport procedures as conditions continue to affect air travel across the region.
04 COMMENT
Beyond pipe dreams
Monday, 5 January, 2026
USA’s Venezuelan adventure
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This time the PPP seems ahead
Removal of Maduro revives Monroe Doctrine
HE US kidnapping of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and removal to the USA for trial on drug-related offences can only be described as bizarre. It might be compared with the US invasion of Panama in 1989 and the removal of Army Chief Gen Manuel Noriega, also on drug charges, to the USA, also on drug charges, to the USA, but then, General Noriega was merely de facto ruler, not the actual sitting President, as Maduro is. Another big difference is that even though it invaded Panama, it did not take over the country, as it claims to have done now. It provides an object lesson in how far the USA can go, but is the lesson worldwide, or limited to the Americas, in an extension of the Monroe Doctrine, according to which US President James Munroe asserted that no European power could interfere in the Americas, but which now seems to have been extended by President Trump to include the USA’s right to pick and choose other countries’ leaders. Earlier than Noriega was the Bay of Pigs invasion, when the USA tried to reverse the Cuban Revolution, but failed abysmally. Also earlier was the invasion of Grenada in 1983, which was veering towards the USSR just as the Cold War was winding down. The problem with what may be called the Trump Doctrine is that it seems to cancel the concept of sovereignty that is the bedrock of Western international relations: that there shall be no interference by one state in another’s internal affairs. That is a very old principle, and goes back to the 1648 Treaty of Westphalia. What seems to be more relevant is the extent of Venezuela’s oil preserves, which are the largest in the world. Mr Trump was amazingly frank when he said that oil companies would “go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure,... and start making money for the country.” That sounds like a straightforward takeover for the oil interests. There has been some hype of how Mr Maduro’s involvement in the drug trade was responsible, and Mr Trump has been at odds wuth South American states, picking off their vessels for smuggling drugs into the USA, but his failure to do anything about US demand shows that he uses drugs as a stick to beat other countries over the head with. The idea of occupying another country is highly problematic, as the USA found in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
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sajjad Hussain
HE elections in Gilgit-Baltistan are scheduled to be held in the upcoming months of 2026. This will be the fourth election since Gilgit-Baltistan got quasi-provincial status. All three major parties of Pakistan have so far ruled the region, although the last ruling party, the PTI, fell short of completing its tenure. The successive parties waged the election war with manifestos hardly achievable. The much-celebrated one was making GB the fifth province of Pakistan. This election seems no different, as it too will likely be contested under the same banal manifesto. The gullible populace, every time, succumb to the temptation of this mantra. The complex deep inside their hearts always pushes the greed to be a formal part of Pakistan. The idea to link their fate to that of Kashmir was rejected long ago by the people of GB. This will be duality if one says that the people of Kashmir must have the right to self-recognition and opts for silence when it comes to the people of GB. This right must be ensconced in the will of the people of the region. Another dark reality is the formation of the government by the federal ruling party in GB every time. One may say it is a coincidence, but in fact, it is anything but a coincidence. Coincidences don’t occur thrice in a row. This may be for manifold reasons. On the part of the federal ruling party, it may be the idea to have many provinces under its control so that the business of the government runs smoothly without hindrance from any part of the country. But on the side of the GB, it is purely for material reasons. The GB government is run with the help of the federal government. Its budget is approved by the federal government. Its health, education, and other public sectors are also driven by the federal government. Therefore, any misunderstanding between the federal and GB governments may lead the working of these sectors to a standstill. This is the sole reason why the people of GB can’t afford to have an adversary in the federal government. As customary, the politics in Gilgit-Baltistan is, too, not devoid of the ubiquitous establishment’s involvement. Its indirect involvement was seen when the PTI lost its control of the federal government in 2022. With this, the PTI government in GB also had to leave its hold over the sway of the province, despite having a two-thirds majority in the legislature. Its direct involvement in 2022 was disclosed recently by the PPP GB president, Amjad Hussain Advocate, in a podcast. He claimed, unabashedly, to have gotten help from the establishment to derail Khalid Khorsheed’s government. The fake degree
Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami
Arif Nizami (Late)
A shiny nuclear mirage Founding Editor
M. A. Niazi
Babar Nizami
Editor Pakistan Today
Editor Profit
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Safety will be sacrificed for profit Mustafaa safdar Baig
HE dream of reason produces monsters,” wrote Francisco de Goya, warning future generations about ambition unrestrained by wisdom. Hannah Arendt later observed that political power often compensates for inner weakness through spectacle rather than substance. These two ideas illuminate India’s latest legislative move in the energy sector, a move that is being sold as progress but risks becoming a symbol of institutional overreach. This move also reminds us that grand state projects often reveal more about ambition than about public good. That warning resonates today. India’s parliament has approved a controversial nuclear energy bill. This is not a routine legal act. It is a political declaration. It reflects a state of mind. It displays a dream detached from material limits. The target of producing 100 GW of nuclear power by 2047 sounds majestic. It sounds historic. Yet large targets do not always prove large capacity. Often, they soothe ego. Often, they serve spectacle. The Shanti Bill 2025 is being sold as a guarantee of progress. The ruling party frames it as a ladder toward energy self-reliance. The opposition calls it a reckless gamble. Parliament witnessed a walkout. Demands to send the bill to a standing committee were ignored. Speed replaced scrutiny. This haste raises doubts about intent. If the law is truly safe, debate should not threaten it. Fear of discussion is revealing. For the first time, India openly allows private sector investment in nuclear energy. Here the real problem begins. Nuclear energy is not
just another power plant. It is a sensitive system. It demands civilizational discipline. Profit pressure matters. Cost cutting instincts matter. Corporate shortcuts matter. In this domain, they become existential risks. Markets reward speed. Nuclear systems punish haste. Chernobyl and Fukushima are not dusty textbook cases. They are living memories. They occurred in advanced states. Strong institutions existed. Regulations were present. Even there, a moment of failure poisoned generations. India already struggles with infrastructure gaps and regulatory fragility. Transparency is contested. Allowing private players into this sphere is a warning bell. It should not be ignored. Energy expert Narendra Taneja defends nuclear power with logic. He compares nuclear systems to aircraft maintenance. No compromise is possible. That is correct. Zero tolerance is essential. But another question remains. Will India’s private sector act with that ethic? Or will it repeat patterns seen in bridges and dams? Highways and factories tell stories. Not reassuring ones. Many Indian nuclear plants are aging. The absence of a major accident so far is fortunate. It is not a guarantee. Especially when private capital enters. Profit becomes primary. Shareholders demand returns. Safety then faces pressure. It always does. History confirms this pattern. Radioactive waste is another silent threat. It cannot be seen. It lasts for centuries. It contaminates land and water. Opposition voices raised this issue. The government cited IAEA oversight. On paper, the argument looks solid. In practice, IAEA supervision is limited. It depends on state cooperation. Internal corporate decisions remain outside its reach. Paper assurances do not neutralize physical risk. Global data shows nuclear power is dominated by a few states. The USA. France. China. Russia. South Korea. They possess decades of experience. They have deep research capacity. They have trained human capital. India desires entry into this club. Desire alone is insufficient. Capability matters. The gap is real.
case was nothing more than a legal drama. Khalid Khorsheed was disqualified for not being Sadiq and Ameen, the same grounds on which the PML(N) supremo was disqualified in 2018. For this time around, the PPP seems to be the cynosure of Big Brother’s eyes. If it succeeds in sweeping this election, then it will be its second tenure. The PTI’s status as a party in GB is in limbo. It’s up to the Election Commission to determine on what ground or justification it will push the party to the wall. The number of independent candidates in this election appears to be more than in the previous ones. This will help, in one way, the undemocratic forces to play the game of divide and rule. The more candidates contest the election, the more chances there are for the major parties to win the elections with a lower number of votes. The good thing is that a large number of young people are joining the arena this time. Whether they accept the lucrative deals near the elections to be in support of the big brothers’ protégés remains to be seen. As far as the naïve masses of GB are concerned, they must not yield to the claptrap of making the region the fifth province of Pakistan. This mantra has
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The writer is a freelance columnist
In short, coming to the cusp, the elections must not always be an occasion to give a handful of legislators the stateÊs perks and privileges for no services. This precedent should be broken, and they should be made accountable at every step without waiting for their terms to end. And the reins of government should be handled by the people, per se, not the undemocratic powers that be.
Editor’s mail
China is often cited. China expanded nuclear energy rapidly. But China operates under strict state control. Private capital does not dictate policy. Decisions follow central command. India differs. Here, politics, capital, and media intersect. Safety norms often retreat under that pressure. This is structural. Not hypothetical. This bill is less about energy. It is about image building. A new edition of the Shining India narrative. Global power rhetoric continues. G20 glamour persists. Space missions are marketed. Everything aligns. Yet the ground reality remains stark. India still relies heavily on coal. Millions lack clean electricity today. Present deprivation is real. Energy self-reliance demands balance. Solar power matters. Wind matters. Water matters. Grid upgrades matter. Line loss reduction matters. India has not pursued serious reform here. Instead, it has chosen a risky and expensive path. Because it looks grand. Because it photographs well. Regional implications are serious. South Asia is already fragile. Nuclear weapons exist. Border disputes persist. Political instability endures. Nuclear energy expansion raises accident risk beyond borders. Air ignores boundaries. Water ignores maps. One incident can affect an entire region. Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka should be concerned. They lack access to information. They lack oversight mechanisms. Distrust will deepen. A new arms style competition may emerge under an energy label. This bill is not a symbol of progress. It is a narrative. A story told to the world. Hollow inside. It soothes a false national ego. Energy security does not emerge by ignoring risk. It emerges by accepting reality. India today lacks the capacity to safely advance nuclear energy with private partners. This decision may trigger political, environmental, and regional crises. Passed in the name of Shanti, the bill brings unease. That may be its deepest truth. The writer is a freelance columnist
This bill is not a symbol of progress. It is a narrative. A story told to the world. Hollow inside. It soothes a false national ego. Energy security does not emerge by ignoring risk. It emerges by accepting reality. India today lacks the capacity to safely advance nuclear energy with private partners. Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965
become banal after being chanted in the previous elections. This time around, they must ask the political candidates to go beyond rhetoric. The people must realize that something is better than nothing. Therefore, they should demand very fundamental basic rights this time, instead of chasing pipedreams. Like the electricity availability in the region, which is in a poor condition; advancement in the education and health sectors; much-needed mending of the road infrastructure; actions to boost the tourism sector, on which the future of the region relies; and the erection of local-level governance to provide grassroots-level services to the people. Last but not least, to have its part in the NFC. The federal government should formulate a mechanism to include the non-provincial regions— like GB and AJK— in the NFC so that these regions can cope with financial constraints without federal assistance every time. In short, coming to the cusp, the elections must not always be an occasion to give a handful of legislators the state’s perks and privileges for no services. This precedent should be broken, and they should be made accountable at every step without waiting for their terms to end. And the reins of government should be handled by the people, per se, not the undemocratic powers that be.
Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545
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Lost youth
ACCORDING to a recent study published in the Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences, there have been 289 suicide cases among teenagers in Pakistan within the last two years alone. This data, based on published newspaper accounts, is enough to shake our collective conscience as it underlines the fact that many of our youth are dying in silence — and dying because of society’s silence. If you add to it the numbers that are not publicly reported, the actual scale of the problem becomes that much more critical. Most alarming, though, is the fact that these suicides are caused by family struggles, parental issues and relationship crises. In far too many households, a child’s agony is written off as ‘drama’ or ‘immaturity’. Cultural norms, like expecting children to silently accept all manners of emotional anguish, only serve to worsen the issue. Teachers and parents should realise that depression, suicidal tendencies and stress are issues that afflict the life of teenagers as much as they affect adults. Adolescents are under a great deal of academic pressure, ill at ease in social situations, and are suffering from identity crisis. Dismissing the telltale signs, or labelling them as personality weaknesses is hurtful and dangerous. Mental health education should start from homes, schools and communities. Children must have room to talk, be heard, and feel safe — regardless of how well or how poorly they are doing in their academics, or life at large. We must establish trusted relationships and not merely focus on disciplining the young. It is not enough to lament these tragedies once they have been committed. We need to act now — through compassion, teaching and dialogue — before we exchange more of our future for silence. MUHAMMAD NABEEL ABID BHATTI LAHORE
Unpaid doctors
I had a shocking encounter recently at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad, which shed light on a deeply troubling practice within the healthcare system. Following a medical check-up at PIMS, I visited the cafeteria for a cup of tea. A gentleman at my table introduced himself as a doctor. Upon further inquiry, I learned he was a medical graduate from Kyrgyzstan, currently serving as an honorary house officer at PIMS to gain recognition for his degree. What truly appalled me was the revelation that he had been working there without any salary or stipend at all. To compound this grave injustice, his duties frequently involved 24-hour shifts. The doctor, aged 31, was married and had two young children. The entire narrative left me numb and in a state of shock. How can we expect a doctor, whose heart is heavy and broken by financial hardship, to provide optimal care to his patients? When I asked him about his monthly expenses in Islamabad, and how he was managing his affairs, he said he was spending more or less Rs50,000 per month, relying on a joint family system for support. I find it utterly inhuman, immoral and illegal to engage medical professionals, especially in a critical specialty like medicine, on an honorary basis without any remuneration. This practice not only exploits dedicated individuals, it also compromises the quality of healthcare. The relevant authorities must intervene immediately and formulate stringent rules to prohibit all hospital administrations from hiring doctors without remuneration. Payment should be mandatory for medical practitioners without any exception. If there is a surplus of doctors in the country, the focus should shift to accommodating existing professionals adequately even if it necessitates a temporary halt in the establishment of new medical colleges. The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, the judiciary, and human rights organisations should take immediate and concrete action against this unethical and exploitative practice that is afflicting medical professionals. It is high time we ensured dignity and fair compensation for all those medical practitioners who continue to dedicate their lives to saving the life of others. DR AHMED BAKHSH RAWALPINDI
Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk
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COMMENT 05
Protecting Gaza, not policing it
Monday, 5 January, 2026
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A principled peacekeeping role
Majid nabi burfat
AZA has endured relentless destruction and profound human suffering, with civilians bearing the overwhelming toll of a war that has exacted unimaginable loss. As the world grapples with stabilising the enclave and moving beyond open conflict, attention has turned to the proposed International Stabilisation Force— a multinational force meant to safeguard a fragile ceasefire, protect civilians, enable humanitarian access, and support reconstruction. Yet the contours of this mission remain deeply contested. The fundamental question for Muslim nations and for Pakistan in particular is not just whether to participate, but how— and under what mandate. For Islamabad and like minded capitals, the answer must be clear: participation should be strictly in a peacekeeping capacity, not as a mechanism of peace enforcement. The difference is foundational— shaping legitimacy, trust, and the possibility of sustainable peace in Gaza. (Pakistan Today) The ISF is a centerpiece of the peace framework agreed upon in a U.S. brokered plan designed to end hostilities and chart a path forward in Gaza. In November 2025, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution that authorises the ISF under a transitional Board of Peace tasked with supporting governance and security in the enclave. The resolution received broad support from Arab and Muslim states, although it also includes language on demilitarisation and the creation of a Palestinian technocratic team to oversee daily affairs. (The United Nations in Palestine) However, ambiguities persist about who will command the force, how rules of engagement will be defined, and most critically, whether the mission will be empowered to enforce disarmament or otherwise impose security outcomes beyond civilian protection. These questions echo across capitals from Jakarta to Islamabad, with many governments expressing willingness to contribute troops— but only under a clear peacekeeping mandate that shields their forces from involvement in combat operations or external coercion. (The Times of Israel) For Muslim nations, these distinctions are not merely technical. Peacekeeping— rooted in impartial protection, consent, and non coercion— aligns with longstanding in-
ternational norms and the ethical imperative to safeguard civilians in conflict zones. Peace enforcement— which implies using force to compel compliance or disarm local actors— risks alienating the very communities the ISF seeks to protect and undermines the legitimacy of the mission. Such distinctions are central to how people in Gaza, the wider Arab world, and Muslim populations globally perceive international intervention. Pakistan’s stance on this question illustrates the careful calibration required. Islamabad has signalled its openness to participating in the ISF— a position welcomed by US officials, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating that Washington is “very grateful” for Pakistan’s willingness to at least consider contributing to the stabilisation force. He also emphasised that more clarity is needed on the force’s mandate, rules of engagement, and operational structure before any formal troop commitments are made. (Geo News) Yet Pakistani officials have been unequivocal on one key point: they are not ready to disarm Hamas or play a peace enforcement role. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar has repeatedly stressed that disarmament of Palestinian factions is not the role of foreign troops, but should be left to Palestinian law enforcement under an internationally recognized framework. Pakistan’s interest is in peacekeeping, not peace enforcement. (Middle East Monitor) This distinction reflects both ethical concerns and realpolitik. Pakistan’s populace overwhelmingly identifies with the Palestinian cause, and any involvement that could be construed as coercive or siding with one party against another— especially in a conflict as politically charged as Gaza— would spark domestic criticism and possibly political backlash. At the same time, Islamabad carries a deep historical legacy of participating successfully in UN peacekeeping missions around the world. Its forces have been deployed in volatile areas precisely because
of their reputation for restraint, civilian protection, and commitment to humanitarian principles. (Al Jazeera) Beyond Pakistan, other Muslim-majority countries considering involvement in the ISF are wrestling with similar questions. Indonesia, for example, has announced plans to train peacekeeping troops for Gaza but faces internal debate about the risks of being seen as aligning with enforcement tasks, especially regarding disarmament. (South China Morning Post) Egypt, Qatar, and others have pressed for a political roadmap that prioritises Palestinian agency and local ownership of security arrangements, highlighting the need for the mission’s legitimacy to be anchored in consent and neutrality. (The National) The Palestinian perspective also underscores this tension. Resistance factions and political groups in Gaza have expressed strong opposition to any proposal that appears to cede control over internal security to an international force, arguing that it un-
dermines self determination and externalises governance. They insist that humanitarian efforts and security must be coordinated through competent Palestinian institutions under UN oversight, free from mechanisms that could be perceived as imposing foreign authority. (Anadolu Ajansı) “Muslim nations must engage in Gaza as peacekeepers, not enforcers, ensuring civilian protection, legitimacy, and respect for Palestinian agency — the ISF’s mandate must reflect this distinction.” This is not a minor semantic point— it is the ethical anchor of any credible stabilisation mission. Peacekeeping, properly mandated, focuses on protecting civilians, monitoring ceasefires, facilitating humanitarian relief, and supporting local capacity building. Peace enforcement— characterised by coercive authority or involvement in local political disputes— risks transforming neutral peacekeepers into combatants or de facto occupiers in the eyes of the local population. The resulting loss of
If the ISF is to be more than a foreign presence with a flag and rifles, it must embody the values it claims to uphold: legitimacy, neutrality, and a steadfast commitment to civilian safety. For Muslim nations and for Pakistan, insisting that the ISF be configured as a peacekeeping force, not a peace enforcement apparatus, is not just strategic· it is a moral imperative aligned with the aspirations of the people of Gaza and the broader principle of justice in international engagement.
How Israel is manufacturing civil unrest in Iran What began as a series of genuine protests, stemming from Iranian economic grievances, has now transformed into a fully fledged Israeli intelligence operation
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu managed to extract every demand with which he came to Mar-a-Lago. If true, that would indicate that Trump will attack Iran on Israel’s behalf
When hostile elements popped up inside the protests, there were filmed instances of them being kicked out by the crowds themselves and being accused of being agents
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THE PALESTINE CHRONICLE robErt inlakEsh
EGARDLESS of whether this fizzles out now or escalates and Israel begins launching assassination strikes alongside a US B-2 bombing campaign, it is clear that Tehran and Tel Aviv are on a war path as we enter the year 2026. What began as a series of genuine protests, stemming from Iranian economic grievances, has now transformed into a fully fledged Israeli intelligence operation that seeks to destabilize Iran. It is therefore no coincidence that on the day of the Israeli PM’s departure from the United States, President Trump issued a threat to intervene militarily. In order to analyze what is currently going on inside Iran, it is important not to beat around the bush; there is an ongoing regime change effort inside the country that Israel is chiefly responsible for. Demonstrating this is not difficult either. On December 28, shopkeepers came to the streets in locations across Iran to protest government mismanagement that has led to a worsening of the country’s inflation crisis, originally triggered by Western economic sanctions. During the first few days of the demonstrations, nothing out of the ordinary, beyond a few isolated instances, had occurred. In fact, when hostile elements popped up inside the protests, there were filmed instances of them being kicked out by the crowds themselves and being accused of being agents. Protests regularly occur across Iran for a range of reasons and end with no violence. For example, a protest took place in early December, where around 5,000 people allegedly marched at the South Pars oil facility, marked as the largest of its kind for the entire year. Yet, on social media, old videos from 2022 and 2019 were being circulated alongside AI-generated clips and photos, depicting a nationwide revolution. Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett then published a video message asserting his solidarity with the alleged revolution that was said to be occurring. At this point, nothing major was even happening in Iran. But the message was clear: Israel was about to turn up the heat.
Later, the offspring of Iran’s deposed Shah would get in on the action, claiming for the dozenth time this year that “the regime is falling” and that he is “returning.” Reza Pahlavi, who the Israelis have dubbed the “Crown Prince” since his visit to Tel Aviv in 2023, is an aspiring dictator seeking to reinstate a hereditary monarchy, while also advocating for the exact opposite system, a democracy. On New Year’s Day, the intelligence operatives went into overdrive, coordinating riots and armed attacks through Telegram groups, shooting at security forces, tearing down statues and posters, setting stores, cars, and even police officers on fire, all as Israel’s coordinated propaganda campaign expanded online. Israel’s Persian-language account on X (formerly Twitter) even published an AI-generated image of Iranian police using a water cannon against a protester. Iranian opposition media outlets even began declaring that cities had “fallen to the revolution,” that Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) forces were fleeing, and that Ayatollah Khamenei had fled Tehran, none of which was true, evidently. Then came along former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who commented, “Happy New Year to every Iranian in the streets. Also to every Mossad agent walking beside them…”. In other words, nobody is even bothering to hide what this is. During the 2022 protests, sparked by the death in police custody of Kurdish-Iranian Mahsa Amini, there were proven influences on this movement by foreign intelligence and media agencies seeking to achieve regime change. However, these protests enjoyed clear popular support from different elements of Iranian society, who all rallied behind the “Woman, Life, Freedom” banner. In 2022, as with past major protests when major unrest broke out, the popular element was clear; there were countless publicly issued statements and protests organized publicly at different times and locations. This time is the complete opposite. Out of nowhere, a single masked man, a small armed group carrying weapons, or a group of thugs will emerge to attack security forces, storm a police station, set a business or car on fire, etc. All of Iran’s major unions, which were originally backing the shopkeeper protests, have now also condemned the ongoing riots. There is an absence of any unifying slogans, an absence of any kind of real cause, and the economic grievances are not the driver of the violent incidents. The violence appeared to be most prevalent in western Iran and among minority groups, and then, suddenly, violent incidents occurred in isolated instances across the country. An armed militant group even attempted to breach the border of Iran’s Sistan and Baluchistan province. Within the first two days of violence during the new year, attempts were made to overrun police sta-
tions, government buildings, and armories, but all appear to have failed. Yet on January 1, two Iranian police officers were murdered, one was also left in a coma after rioters beat and stabbed him, and three rioters were shot dead. A member of Iran’s volunteer Basij paramilitary force was executed by six masked thugs while he was operating in a civilian capacity, unarmed. The family of the 22-year-old had even been forced to lie that he was a member of the Basij after threats were made to attack his funeral. In Qom, on January 2, a man carrying an improvised handheld explosive was shot dead as he attempted to hurl the device at security forces. Ambulances were even pelted with stones near the Iranian capital.
WHAT CAN WE EXPECT? There is no need to pretend otherwise; it is crystal clear that this is an attack on Iran using agents on the ground. Israel even admitted that over 100 foreign Mossad agents were used inside Iran to take down the nation’s air defenses and target missile launch sites during the opening wave of airstrikes. In fact, most of the Israeli attacks carried out during the war were not carried out from the air, but by agents on the ground. These agents used drones, guided missiles, and carried out a broad range of activities on Israel’s behalf. Thousands of them were later caught for participating in such actions. The Israelis are clearly attempting now to use their agents to inflict instability. If they see any success, they will only accelerate their plot. At their disposal are alQaeda-linked terrorist groups that act in areas like Sistan and Baluchistan; they also have Kurdish armed separatist movements that they work with and can trigger to act, in addition to various armed cells that undoubtedly still exist throughout the country. Although Iran may have managed to uncover some Mossad networks, it has to be assumed that they have not succeeded in rooting out this issue entirely. If anything, the Israelis would have surely been working to ensure that they secure as many assets there as possible. In other words, expect them to try to exhaust all possible avenues in order to succeed at destabilizing Iran. At the same time, they have failed to do that so far, not managing to seize any armories—that we know about—nor hold any positions or territory. The wild card here is really the role of the United States, which could indeed be poised to launch its own round of airstrikes across Iran. According to the Hebrew media, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu managed to extract every demand with which he came to Mara-Lago. If true, that would indicate that Trump will attack Iran on Israel’s behalf.
Robert Inlakesh is a journalist, writer, and documentary filmmaker.
trust can imperil both the mission and the very civilians it seeks to safeguard. Pakistan’s insistence on a strictly peacekeeping role underscores its commitment to these principles, aligning with international norms that govern legitimate peace operations. This stance maintains the dignity and agency of the Palestinian people while enabling external support for reconstruction and security without coercion. It also helps protect Pakistan’s domestic political cohesion, ensuring that public sentiment— strongly supportive of Palestinian rights— is not fractured by perceptions of external coercion or undue involvement in enforcement actions. As the ISF’s structure and mandate continue to be negotiated among participating states and international institutions, such principled clarity is essential. A peacekeeping mission rooted in consent, civilian protection, and respect for Palestinian autonomy offers the best prospect for genuine stabilisation— not only in halting immediate violence, but in enabling a sustainable and just transition beyond conflict. If the ISF is to be more than a foreign presence with a flag and rifles, it must embody the values it claims to uphold: legitimacy, neutrality, and a steadfast commitment to civilian safety. For Muslim nations and for Pakistan, insisting that the ISF be configured as a peacekeeping force, not a peace enforcement apparatus, is not just strategic— it is a moral imperative aligned with the aspirations of the people of Gaza and the broader principle of justice in international engagement. The writer is a freelance columnist
Venezuelan democracy cannot be defended through military intervention
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Respect for international law must never be set aside, as it opens the door to further instances of mass human rights violations BUENOS AIRES HERALD Editorial
N the early hours of Saturday, January 3, 2026, the United States once again claimed to be “defending democracy” as it captured Nicolás Maduro in a military intervention in Venezuela. Yet, this false premise is merely a way of sugarcoating the gravity of turning the armed forces into the gatekeepers of democracy in a foreign country. Not only do these actions violate Venezuelan sovereignty, they also hark back to a long history of military coups in Latin America that have resulted in serious violence and human rights violations. For at least a decade, the Maduro government itself has been committing atrocities that organizations including the United Nations have classified as crimes against humanity. However, there is little reason to believe that the U.S. sending in its military and “running the country,” as President Trump said they will do, will bring the lasting peace and restoration of rights that Venezuela needs. U.S. military intervention in Latin America has always spelled disaster. Perhaps its most egregious interference was the support it lent to a joint campaign of political repression launched in November 1975 called Operation Condor. The initial phase saw the military intelligence services of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay come together to coordinate the persecution of political activists opposed to the dictatorships of those countries regardless of borders. Brazil, Ecuador, and Peru would later join, between 1976 and 1978. The operation entailed coordinated kidnappings, disappearances, and child appropriations all across the region. Many perpetrators of these crimes have been tried and convicted in Argentine courts. Democracy can only be defended at the ballot box by guaranteeing citizens can freely decide who their leaders will be. The armed forces should never get involved. As we stated in an editorial in August 2024, Venezuela has in recent years experienced such an acute humanitarian, economic and political crisis that around a quarter of the population has left the country. The disputed election results, the persecution of political opponents, and the dire economic crisis undoubtedly required a political solution. The actions of the Maduro regime have caused a years-long humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, which has been worsened by U.S. sanctions that have hit the civilian population. International organizations and human rights activists have long denounced the government’s abuses and called for aid for the civilian population. The solution to these serious problems, however, must be institutional, never military. Respect for international law must never be set aside, as it opens the door to further instances of mass human rights violations.
06 NEWS
Monday, 5 January 2026 | ISLAMABAD
RUBIO SAYS US TO WORK WITH CURRENT VENEZUELA LEADERS IF THEY MAKE ‘RIGHT DECISION’; MADURO NOW IN NY JAIL
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NEW YORK AGENCIES
HE United States is ready to work with Venezuela’s remaining leaders if they make “the right decision”, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Sunday after an audacious US operation removed the oil-rich country’s president, Nicolas Maduro. “We‘re going to judge everything by what they do, and we‘re going to see what they do,” Rubio told CBS News’ ‘Face the Nation’. “I do know this: that if they don’t make the right decision, that the United States will retain multiple levers of leverage.” Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was in a New York detention centre on Sunday after US President Donald Trump ordered a US raid to capture the South American leader and take control of the country and its vast oil reserves. As part of the dramatic operation early on Saturday that knocked out electricity in parts of Caracas and included strikes on military installations, US Special Forces seized Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, and transported them via helicopter to a US Navy ship offshore before flying them to the US. Rubio appeared to significantly soften Trump’s extraordinary statements on Saturday that the US will “run” Venezuela and that he would not be afraid to put military “boots on the ground”. Instead, he made clear that Washington
is ready to try working with Maduro’s vice president and now acting president, Delcy Rodriguez, and the rest of the ousted leader’s cabinet. “We are going to see what happens moving forward,” he said. “We’re going to make an assessment on the basis of what they do, not what they say publicly in the interim, not what, you know, what they’ve done in the past in many cases, but what they do moving forward.” He also gave no indication that the Trump administration would support opposition figures who have previously been hailed by Washington as the country’s legitimate leaders. Asked about backing Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, last year’s Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Rubio said he had “admiration” for her, but avoided any demands that she — or her party’s candidate in the 2024 election, Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia — become interim leaders. He said the US wanted to avoid getting mired in nation-building. “The whole foreign policy apparatus thinks everything is Libya, everything is Iraq, everything is Afghanistan,” he said, referring to previous US interventions. “This is not the Middle East. And our mission here is very different.” Rubio’s remarks contrasted with Trump’s statements that “we’re going to stay until such time as the proper transition can take place” and that his own cabinet officials
Venezuela’s VP assumes power after Maduro arrest by US forces PARIS
AGENCIES
Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has assumed temporary control of the country following the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro by US forces. In a nationally televised address, Rodríguez declared that Venezuela will not become a colony of any foreign power. The move follows a late-night directive from Venezuela’s Supreme Court, which instructed Vice President Rodríguez to take over all duties and powers associated with the presidential office in a caretaker capacity. Addressing the nation, Rodríguez af-
would be in charge of the country. Rubio said US pressure would remain on Venezuela in the form of the large naval presence in the Caribbean and an oil export embargo “that allows us to exert tremendous leverage over what happens next”. MADURO IN NEW YORK A plane carrying Maduro landed near New York City on Saturday night, and he was helicoptered to the city before being taken by a large convoy to the Metropolitan
firmed that the government is prepared to defend the country and protect its natural resources. She urged citizens to maintain patience and unity in safeguarding the nation. Meanwhile, details of criminal charges against President Maduro and his wife have been released by US authorities. US Attorney General Pamela Bandy stated that Maduro faces narcotics and terrorism-related charges, alleging that weapons were intended for use against the United States. Both Maduro and his wife have now been indicted in New York and will have to face American courts. A $50 million reward had been announced for Maduro’s capture.
Detention Centre in Brooklyn under a heavy police guard. Images released by US authorities showed the leader handcuffed and blindfolded during the flight, and later being led down a hallway at the offices of the US Drug Enforcement Administration, where he was heard wishing a “happy New Year”. Indicted on various federal charges, including narco-terrorism conspiracy, Maduro expected to make an initial appearance in
UNSC meets on Monday amid alarm over US action in Venezuela, concerns about risks to international system UNITED NATIONS AGENCIES
The United Nations Security Council will hold an emergency session on Monday amid mounting international alarm over the United States’ military action in Venezuela and concerns that the crisis has now moved beyond bilateral tensions. On Saturday, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres warned that the crisis in Venezuela could undermine the foundations of international law by setting a “dangerous precedent“ for similar actions in the near future. The meeting was requested by Colombia and supported by China and the Russian Federation, with Venezuela also formally appealing to the Council. According to the Council presidency, the session will be held under the agenda item “Threats to International Peace and Security,” and the secretary general is expected to brief the members. In a statement issued through his spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, Secretary General Guterres said he was “deeply alarmed by the recent escalation in Venezuela, culminating with today’s (Saturday) United States military action
in the country, which has potential worrying implications for the region.” The statement added, “Independently of the situation in Venezuela, these developments constitute a dangerous precedent.” “The secretary-general continues to emphasize the importance of full respect— by all—of international law, including the UN Charter,” Dujarric said. “He’s deeply concerned that the rules of international law have not been respected.” BEYOND BILATERAL TENSIONS The decision to convene the Council reflects a growing view among several UN members that the crisis has moved beyond bilateral tensions and now poses broader risks to regional stability and the international system itself. The US operation, carried out overnight on Saturday, marks the most direct American military intervention in Latin America in decades. Washington has framed the action as a decisive move against an authoritarian leader accused of narco-terrorism and criminal activity. US President Donald Trump publicly confirmed the operation, adding that the United States would “run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition,” signal-
ing an interim American role in Venezuela’s governance. For many governments, however, the manner of Maduro’s removal—rather than his record—lies at the heart of the controversy. The secretary-general’s office has stressed that even severe political crises do not negate the legal restraints imposed by the UN Charter. “Full respect—by all—of international law” remains essential, Dujarric said, warning that departures from those principles weaken the rules-based international order. Venezuela has sharply condemned the US action, describing it as a violation of sovereignty and an act of aggression. In a letter to the Security Council, Venezuela’s UN ambassador Samuel Moncada wrote that the operation amounted to “a colonial war aimed at destroying our republican form of government, freely chosen by our people,” and at imposing “a puppet government that allows the plundering of our natural resources, including the world’s largest oil reserves.” Moncada cited the UN Charter directly, recalling that it states, “All members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force
against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.” China and Russia have echoed those concerns in unusually blunt language. China’s foreign ministry said it was “deeply shocked and strongly condemns the use of force by the US against a sovereign country and the use of force against the president of a country.” It added that China “firmly opposes such hegemonic behaviour by the US, which seriously violates international law, violates Venezuela’s sovereignty, and threatens peace and security in Latin America and the Caribbean,” and called on Washington to “abide by international law and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.” Russia’s foreign ministry described the operation as an act of aggression. “This morning, the United States committed an act of armed aggression against Venezuela,” it said, adding that “the pretexts used to justify such actions are unfounded.” Moscow warned that Latin America must remain “a zone of peace” and insisted that Venezuela be allowed “to determine its own destiny without any destructive, let alone military, interference from outside.”
114 killed in week of attacks in Sudan’s Darfur: medical sources DARFUR, SUDAN AGENCIES
Attacks by Sudan’s army and its paramilitary foes on two towns in the western Darfur region over the past week have killed 114 people, medical sources told AFP on Sunday. Since April 2023, Sudan has been gripped by a war between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which in October seized the army’s last holdout position in Darfur. The RSF has since pushed west to the Chadian border and east through the vast Kordofan region, where a drone strike on the North Kordofan capital of El-Obeid on Sunday caused a blackout in the key army-controlled city. A medical source reported Sunday that 51 people were killed the day before in drone strikes attributed to the army on the North Darfur town of Al-Zuruq, 180 kilometres (112 miles) north of the RSFoverrun state capital El-Fashir. The strike hit a market and civilian areas, the source said.
Al-Zuruq, under RSF control, is home to family members of RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, the former deputy of his now rival, army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. “Two of the Daglo family were killed, Moussa Saleh Daglo and Awad Moussa Saleh Daglo,” an eyewitness to the burial told AFP.
Both the RSF and the army are accused of targeting civilian areas, in what the UN has called a “war of atrocities”. RSF fighters advancing westward towards the border with Chad last week killed another 63 people in and around the town of Kernoi, a medical source in the local hospital told AFP on Sunday.
“Until Friday, 63 were killed and 57 injured… in attacks launched by the RSF around Kernoi,” they said, speaking on condition of anonymity for their safety. Local sources told AFP that 17 people were still missing. The entire Darfur region is largely inaccessible to reporters and is under yearslong communications blackout, forcing local volunteers and medics to use satellite internet to get news to the world. According to the United Nations, over 7,000 people were displaced in just two days last month from Kernoi and the nearby village of Um Baru. Many are from the Zaghawa group, which has been targeted by the RSF. Members of the group have fought in the current war alongside the army in a coalition known as the Joint Forces. ‘ATTACKED BY DRONES’ Since the war began, tens of thousands have been killed and millions displaced. Much of the worst fighting has been in Darfur, reviving memories of mass ethnic atrocities committed in the 2000s by the Janjaweed, the RSF’s predecessor.
Manhattan federal court on Monday, according to a Justice Department official. It is unclear how Trump plans to oversee Venezuela. US forces have no control over the country, and Maduro’s government appears not only to still be in charge but to have no appetite for cooperating with Washington. Maduro’s vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, appeared on Venezuelan television on Saturday afternoon with other top officials to decry what she called a kidnapping. “We demand the immediate release of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores,” Rodriguez said, calling Maduro “the only president of Venezuela”. A Venezuelan court ordered Rodriguez to assume the position of interim president. One aspect that became clearer was Trump’s interest in Venezuela’s vast oil reserves. “We’re going to have our very large United States oil companies … go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure,” he said. “We’ll be selling large amounts of oil.” “We will run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition,” Trump told a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. For months, his administration criticised Maduro, 63, alleging his involvement in shipping drugs to the US. It ramped up pressure with a massive military build-up in the Caribbean and a series of deadly missile attacks on alleged drug-running boats.
UP Police officer caught using phone to brand Muslim man ‘Bangladeshi’ NEW DELHI AGENCIES
In a chilling display of communal bias, a police officer in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh was caught using a smartphone to falsely label a Muslim man as a ‘Bangladeshi,’ sparking widespread outrage. The incident that took place in Ghaziabad, UP, is just the latest example of how India’s institutions have been poisoned by Hindutva ideology. The video, which has gone viral, shows the officer using the phone to ‘identify’ the man, Muhammad Sadiq, as an ‘illegal immigrant.’ Sadiq, a resident of Araria, Bihar, was left shaken by the experience. All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi slammed the incident, saying it’s a clear case of communal bias and hatred. ‘The same device should be put on the cop’s head to see if his first floor has a cerebrum,’ he tweeted. Opposition parties are demanding judicial intervention, linking the incident to a broader pattern of harassment of Bengali-speaking Muslims in BJP-ruled states. This is not an isolated incident, but a symptom of a larger disease that has infected India’s institutions. The police, meant to protect citizens, are now being used to target minorities. The Congress has demanded judicial intervention, saying such incidents have become a daily occurrence in Uttar Pradesh. Trinamool Congress MP Saket Gokhale called it a ‘cutting-edge innovation’ and demanded action against the officers involved.
Indian Catholics demand action as attacks on Christians surge across country NEW DELHI AGENCIES
The All India Catholic Union (AICU) has urged the Indian government to take firm and credible measures to halt rising violence and intimidation against Christians across India, warning that the attacks reflect a deepening climate of hate targeting religious minorities. In a statement, AICU National President Er Elias Vaz said, “Through unity, education and principled advocacy, we must work towards an India where diversity is respected and every citizen’s rights are protected from hate and discrimination.” The 106-year-old organisation highlighted that Christians faced heightened threats in BJP-ruled states, including Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha. According to monitoring groups, 706 incidents of harassment and violence were reported between January and November 2025. Uttar Pradesh accounted for 183 cases, followed by Chhattisgarh with around 156. Incidents ranged from physical assaults and attacks on churches to intimidation of worshippers and disruptions of prayer meetings. Violence spiked during the Christmas season, with more than 20 incidents reported in north India. Media accounts cited attacks on carol singers in Kerala, vandalism of Christmas decorations in Chhattisgarh, and harassment of worshippers in Madhya Pradesh, including the alleged confrontation of a visually impaired woman by a local political leader. Posters calling for boycotts of Christmas and threats to vendors selling festive items were also reported.
New clashes in Iran as protests sparked by rising cost of living enter 2nd week: rights groups MAZANDARAN AGENCIES
New deadly clashes between protesters and security forces erupted in Iran over the weekend, rights groups and local media said on Sunday, as demonstrations first sparked by anger over the rising cost of living entered a second week. At least 12 people, including members of the security forces, have been killed since the protests kicked off with a shopkeeper’s strike in Tehran on December 28, according to a toll based on official reports. Overnight, protests featuring slogans criticising the Islamic republic’s clerical authorities were reported in Tehran, Shiraz in the south, and in areas of western Iran where the movement has been concentrated, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) monitor. The demonstrations are the most significant in Iran since a 2022-2023 movement
sparked by the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, who had been arrested for allegedly violating Iran’s strict dress code for women. The latest protests have been concentrated in parts of the west with large populations of the Kurdish and Lor minorities, and have yet to reach the scale of the 2022-2023 movement, let alone the mass street demonstrations that followed the disputed 2009 presidential elections. But they do present a new challenge for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei — 86, and in power since 1989 — coming on the heels of a 12-day war with Israel in June that saw nuclear infrastructure damaged and key members of the security elite killed. The protests have taken place in 23 out of 31 provinces and affected, to varying degrees, at least 40 different cities, most of them small and medium-sized, according to an AFP tally based on official announcements and media reports. DEADLY CLASHES
The Norway-based Hengaw rights group said that Revolutionary Guards opened fire on protesters in the Malekshahi county of the western Ilam province on Saturday, killing four members of Iran’s Kurdish minority. The group said it was checking reports that two other people had been killed, adding that dozens more were wounded. It also accused the authorities of raiding the main hospital in the city of Ilam to seize the bodies of the protesters. The Iran Human Rights NGO, also based in Norway, gave an identical toll of four dead, as well as 30 wounded, after “security forces attacked the protests” in Malekshahi. Both organisations posted footage of what appeared to be bloodied corpses on the ground, in videos verified by AFP. Iran’s Mehr news agency alluded to the clashes, saying a Revolutionary Guard was killed in a confrontation with “rioters” at a police office. “Rioters attempted to storm a police sta-
tion,” the Fars news agency reported, saying “two assailants were killed”. In Tehran, sporadic demonstrations on Saturday night were reported in districts in the east, west and south, the Fars news agency said. Videos verified by AFP showed security forces dispersing protesters who had gathered overnight and blocked a road by overturning garbage cans. On Sunday, the vast majority of shops were open in the capital, although the streets appeared less crowded than usual, with riot police and security forces deployed at major intersections, AFP observed. ‘GROWING CONFRONTATION’ The protests began last week with a shutdown by merchants in the Tehran bazaar, an influential economic hub, and spread to other regions as well as universities. UN special rapporteur on human rights in Iran Mai Sato said on Friday that “reports indicate growing confrontation between pro-
testers and security forces”, and warned the violent response witnessed during the 20222023 movement “must not be repeated”. HRNA said that over the last week, at least 582 people have been arrested. Hengaw said almost all of those killed were from ethnic minorities, chiefly Kurds and Lors. United States President Donald Trump said on Friday that the US was “locked and loaded” to respond if Iran killed protesters — a day before the American operation to capture Iran’s ally Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called the remarks “reckless” and warned that the armed forces were “on standby” in the event of any intervention. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, meanwhile, said on Sunday that his country stood in “solidarity with the struggle of the Iranian people”, adding it was possible they were “taking their destiny into their own hands”.
NEWS 07 CM MARYAM LAUNCHES PROVINCE-WIDE INSPECTIONS TO STRENGTHEN GOVERNANCE, SERVICE DELIVERY
Monday, 5 January 2026 | ISLAMABAD
CORPORATE CORNER
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KARACHI: Former Sindh caretaker chief minister Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqar’s fundraiser held at a hotel for University Medical Complex, which after its completion off University Road in Karachi will treat 200,000 needy patients annually free of cost.
BYD-MMC backs Karachi Marathon Winners to represent Pakistan internationally KARACHI
staff report
Mega Motor Company (MMC), the official partner of BYD in Pakistan, announced the sponsorship of Pakistan’s top running talent to represent the country at the London Marathon 2026. This announcement was made at the closing ceremony of the BYD Karachi Marathon, which brought together over 7000 athletes from across Pakistan, alongside more than 120 international participants representing over 25 countries. The top male finisher, Mr. Israr Khattak, completed the race in 2 hours 39 minutes, while the top female finisher, Ms. Sara Lodhi, finished in 3 hours 33 minutes, emerging as champions of Pakistan’s first World Athletics–certified long-distance running event. Cash prizes were also awarded to leading performers across both men’s and women’s categories, with PKR 500,000 for first place, PKR 250,000 for second place, and PKR 125,000 for third place finishers. “This is a proud moment for Pakistan, as Karachi takes its place alongside the global community of world-class running events,” said Danish Khaliq, Vice President Sales & Strategy at BYD Pakistan – MMC, while addressing the award ceremony. “We are equally proud of the athletes who participated and demonstrated excellence in this sport. As the World’s No. 1 New Energy Vehicles (NEV) brand, BYD’s vision for a sustainable, forward-moving Pakistan aligns closely with the spirit of marathon running. Through this shared vision, MMC is proud to support athletes and enthusiasts to showcase Pakistan’s ambition and resilience to the world.”
FBR seals non-compliant Chutes at Safina Sugar Mills ISLAMABAD
staff report
On directives of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, following the start of the sugarcane crushing season for the year 2025-26, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has launched an improved production monitoring system for sugar. Currently, there are five oversight systems in place, which are the Track and Trace Stamps, Automated Counters at the Hoppers for counting of the produced bags, video recording, digital eye counting, S-Track invoicing system for all the dispatches of sugar at the out gate of the sugar mills and posting of staff for overseeing the manufacturing and supervise sale of the sugar. The efficacy of the new system is ensured by the posting of FBR personnel at each mill and monitoring of the system and personnel through integrated CCTV cameras and frequent visits by senior officers of FBR, as well as random checks by the Inland Revenue Enforcement Network (IREN) in the field. The enforcement network is working in the complete depth of the supply line and also verifying if the sugar is being sold to genuine distributors in the supply chain or is being sold to the hoarders. In continuation of the abovementioned actions and ongoing monitoring of sugar mills, on 04 January 2026, FBR staff posted at Safina Sugar Mills, Laliyan, District Chiniot, sealed two chutes of the mill.
PUNJAB CM ACTIVATES INSPECTION TEAMS TO MONITOR HOSPITALS, SCHOOLS, AND PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS LAHORE
staff report
UNJAB Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has launched a province-wide drive to enhance service delivery and strengthen good governance by activating the Chief Minister’s Inspection Teams, which will closely monitor public sector institutions and ensure accountability across health, education, and other government departments. According to officials, the Chief Minister has introduced a new governance model under which inspection teams are actively operating in the field. The teams submit regular reports to the Chief Minister, while a dedicated digital dashboard has been made functional to enable realtime monitoring. On the directives of the Chief Minis-
ter, inspection teams are conducting hospital inspections to ensure the provision of free medicines and healthcare facilities to patients. Any negligence or shortcomings in service delivery are promptly identified for corrective action. The inspection teams, acting on CM Maryam Nawaz’s instructions, will also monitor education departments and other government institutions beyond the health sector. Additionally, the teams, along with Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Shoaib Mirza, have carried out surprise visits to hospitals. Following public complaints and inspection findings, several medical superintendents and principals have been replaced for failing to meet performance standards. The Punjab Chief Minister emphasized that public welfare, transparency, and accountability remain the government’s top priorities, and strict action will continue against of-
ficials found negligent in their duties. CM PAYS TRIBUTE TO LOUIS BRAILLE Meanwhile, CM Maryam Nawaz on Sunday paid tribute to Louis Braille, the inventor of the Braille script, describing it as a powerful source of knowledge and
CDA emergency service responded to 16,000 calls in 2025 ISLAMABAD
staff report
The Islamabad Capital Emergency Service, working under the directives of CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa, responded to 16,190 emergency calls in 2025, ensuring the protection of citizens’ lives and property throughout the year. According to the annual performance data released by Dr. Abdur Rahman, Director General of Capital Emergency Service, the department maintained a high level of operational readiness to provide timely intervention across various emergency categories throughout the federal capital. The annual report reveals that medical emergency services faced the highest volume of calls, accounting for 11,081 of the total incidents. This significant workload included responding to 5,511 road traffic accidents (RTC), providing general medical assistance in 5,181 cases, and attending to 300 incidents related to falls and slips. These figures underscore the critical role the service plays in the city’s daily healthcare and
safety infrastructure. In the field of fire safety and rescue, the department managed 3,914 fire-related calls and numerous specialized rescue operations. Firefighters successfully controlled 634 forest and green area fires, 396 building fires, 180 incidents caused by short circuits, 93 vehicle fires, and 278 garbage fires. Furthermore, the service deployed fire tenders for VVIP movements on 2,333 occasions and conducted diverse rescue operations, including 350 animal rescues, 147 dewatering tasks during flooding, and 42 water rescue missions. Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa commended the institution’s performance, reaffirming that making Islamabad a safe city remains a top priority through the continuous modernization of emergency services. DG Dr. Abdur Rahman further pledged that in the coming year, the department would focus on further reducing response times and equipping the emergency personnel with state-of-the-art technology and equipment to enhance their life-saving capabilities.
No place for politics of abuse, incivility, says Abdul Aleem Khan ISLAMABAD
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Federal Minister for Communications and President of the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) Abdul Aleem Khan on Sunday said that politics based on abuse, intolerance and bad manners should have no place in society, stressing that mutual respect and dignity were a collective responsibility. Addressing the inauguration ceremony of the IPP Central Secretariat in his constituency NA-117, Shahdara, Abdul Aleem Khan said that this is not the time for politics; rather, it is the time to serve the people and resolve their problems, said a press release. On the occasion, Jawad Khalid Gujjar, son of senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and two-time Member of the Punjab Assembly Khalid Mahmood Gujjar, and a prominent political figure of PP-145 called on Abdul Aleem Khan and along with his associates an-
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Private schools across the country are set to be included in the National Achievement Test (NAT) for the first time in 2026, following a decision by the Federal Ministry of Education and Professional Training. The move broadens the scope of the NAT, which has traditionally covered public sector institutions, and aims to provide a more comprehensive picture of student performance nationwide. In addition to the expanded NAT, the Ministry will launch Pakistan’s first-ever National Foundational Learning Assessment to gauge early learning outcomes at the national level. Briefing the media, Federal Secretary for Education Nadeem Mahbub stated that the Ministry has aligned the national assessment framework with Sustainable Devel-
Crackdown on pilferers, defaulter to be intensified further: IESCO CE ISLAMABAD
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It has been decided to further tighten the noose around power thieves and defaulters. Chief Executive Officer IESCO, Engineer Ch. Khalid Mahmood, stated that IESCO is ensuring 100 percent implementation of the Federal Government and Ministry of Energys zero-tolerance policy against electricity theft and defaulters. During the ongoing crackdown against electricity theft, fines exceeding Rs. 554.1 million were imposed on consumers involved in power theft across IESCOs six operation circles, while 3,185 power thieves were arrested by the police. During the recovery campaign, recovery of more than Rs. 7000 million was ensured from over 230,000 running and dead defaulters. He appealed to consumers to pay their electricity bills on time and to report any instance of electricity theft to the concerned SDO offices or the 118 helpline, so that a transparent and sustainable system can be ensured.
PayFast marks 8-year of success with launch of doorstep QR Payment solution Rah-e-Raast KARACHI
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nounced joining the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party. In his address, Abdul Aleem Khan stated that during the past one year, 4 girls’ schools have been established in NA-117 while in the next year more 10 schools will be built. He added that the expansion of Begum Kot Chowk, the dual-carriageway road from Shahdara Mor to Haji Kot and several long-pending development projects have been completed.
Education Ministry expands NAT to private sector staff report
hope for persons with visual impairment. In her message on World Braille Day, she said the Braille system had illuminated the lives of millions by enabling access to education and learning. She lauded those working tirelessly to empower visually impaired individuals through education, calling their efforts commendable. The CM said the Punjab government is establishing Centres of Excellence for persons with special needs across the province. Braille reading systems have been provided at these centres to facilitate learning for visually impaired students. CM Maryam Nawaz expressed joy upon seeing visually impaired students reading through Braille at the Centres of Excellence. She added that a complete teaching and learning system based on the Braille script is fully operational at special education centres.
opment Goal 4 (SDG-4) indicators. This alignment aims to generate credible and comparable evidence on learning quality to fulfill international reporting commitments. Mahbub said the National Achievement Test will be administered at Grades 5 and 8, covering schools across all provinces and regions. He noted that the inclusion of private institutions will ensure a more comprehensive and representative picture of student learning outcomes nationwide. Over 20,000 students will be assessed under the NAT 2026 and the National Foundational Learning Study through a scientific sampling process to ensure validity. Highlighting the context, the Secretary noted that the NAT 2023 results had revealed a “serious learning crisis,” prompting the Prime Minister to declare an Education Emergency. “It is the shared responsibility of federal and provincial governments to bring out-of-school children back and address their learning needs,” he added.
PayFast marked its eight-year milestone at NASTP in Karachi with the launch of Rah-eRaast, a new initiative designed to enable QRbased payments at the point of delivery—helping businesses reduce reliance on cash and strengthen Pakistan’s shift toward digital payments. PayFast has completed eight years of enabling secure, reliable, and scalable digital transactions, supporting thousands of merchants across e-commerce, retail, and services while contributing to the country’s transition toward a cashless economy. The Rah-e-Raast launch was carried out in collaboration with Unity Retail and SLG Trax, underscoring an ecosystem-led approach to digitising last-mile commerce. Aligned with the Prime Minister of Pakistan’s vision and the Government of Pakistan’s push toward a cashless economy, the initiative aims to accelerate real-world adoption of digital payments where cash has traditionally dominated. The programme also highlighted PayFast’s collaboration with Karandaaz Pakistan to support broader QR deployment and digital acceptance across the country. “Eight years ago, PayFast set out to simplify how businesses accept and manage payments in Pakistan,” said Adnan Ali, CEO, PayFast. “Today, with Rah-e-Raast and our expanding suite of digital acceptance tools, we’re focused on helping merchants digitise everyday transactions—especially at the last mile where cash has traditionally dominated.”
Dignified ceremony at Iranian Consulate in Karachi marks World Resistance Day KARACHI
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A dignified ceremony was held at the Consulate of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Karachi to pay tribute to the Martyrs of Quds on the occasion of World Resistance Day. The event was attended by prominent personalities from various walks of life in Karachi, scholars from different Islamic schools of thought, university professors, and members of the media. Welcoming the guests, Iran’s Consul General in Karachi, Mr. Akbar Eisa Zadeh, stated that the Resistance Front has not weakened; rather, it has entered a new phase that will yield significant and valuable results. He said that today the Muslim Ummah has no option other than resistance to achieve progress and higher objectives. Mr. Eisa Zadeh emphasized that the Islamic Republic of Iran will continue its political, legal, and moral support for the Resistance Front. He expressed Iran’s firm belief that the future of the Middle East lies not in the hands of external powers but with
the Resistance Front. He further said that resistance is not limited to military struggle alone; economic, cultural, artistic, media, and diplomatic resistance are also important forms. Today, resistance is not merely a defensive strategy but has become a means of development and influence at regional and international levels. Chairman of the Pakistan Council for Foreign Relations and senior former Pakistani diplomat Hassan Habib, in his brief address, highlighted the growing importance of maintaining unity among Muslims in the struggle against global arrogance. He urged Muslims not to allow their enemies to create divisions among them, adding that if Muslims across the world become united, no power can defeat them. Director General at Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Irfan Soomro, also addressed the gathering and said that Iran is a very important neighbor of Pakistan and strongly supported Pakistan’s stance during the recent Pakistan–India conflict. Former Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Sindh, Maulana Muhammad Hussain Mehnati, said
that Imam Khomeini (RA) gave special importance to the Palestinian issue and integrated it into Iranian culture. He remarked, “Since October 7, we have witnessed a global transformation with our own eyes. The world, which once supported Israel, has
now become supportive of and sympathetic to the Resistance Front and the Palestinian cause. Secretary General of the Shia Ulema Council Pakistan, Allama Ghulam Shabbir Meesami, paid tribute to the martyrs of the
Resistance Front and said that Imam Khomeini (RA) transformed the global political landscape by introducing resistance as the only path to freedom. Head of the Milli Yakjehti Council of Pakistan, Abul Khair Zubair, criticized the participation of some Islamic countries in the Abraham Accords, calling it a form of support for Israel. He said that Iran is the only country in the Islamic world that genuinely supports Palestine, and other Muslim countries should follow Iran’s example. Deputy Chairman of Majlis Wahdat-eMuslimeen Pakistan, Maulana Syed Ahmed Iqbal Zaidi, pointed out that ISIS was created by the United States and Israel to dismantle the Resistance Front. He said ISIS had planned to occupy all Muslim countries, but it was Qassem Soleimani who thwarted this grand satanic plan. Prominent Sunni scholar from Karachi, Maulana Azad Jameel, praised the Iranian Representative Office in Karachi for organizing the ceremony in memory of the Martyrs of Quds and described the martyrs as a source of unity among Muslims.
Monday, 5 January, 2026
PAKISTAN REAFFIRMS UNWAVERING SUPPORT FOR KASHMIRIS ON RIGHT TO SELF-DETERMINATION DAY NewS
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PM SHEHBAZ, PRESIDENT ZARDARI, AND NATIONAL LEADERS PLEDGE CONTINUED MORAL, POLITICAL, AND DIPLOMATIC SUPPORT AT ALL INTERNATIONAL FORUMS FOR PEOPLE OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
RIME Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, and other national leaders on Sunday reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast moral, political, and diplomatic support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir in their struggle for liberation. The leaders also urged the international community to play an effective role in ensuring the implementation of United Nations resolutions on the long-standing dispute. In his message on Right to Self-Determination Day, observed annually on January 5, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan calls upon the international community
to demand that India halt widespread human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), reverse its unilateral and illegal measures of 5 August 2019, repeal draconian laws, and grant the Kashmiri people their right to self-determination as enshrined in UN Security Council resolutions. “Pakistan will continue to extend unwavering moral, political, and diplomatic support to your cause and serve as your voice at every available platform,” the prime minister added. He underscored that January 5 serves as a powerful reminder of the international community’s historic commitment, codified in the 1949 UN Security Council resolutions, to uphold the right to self-determination for the people
of Jammu and Kashmir. The prime minister recalled that the UN Commission for India and Pakistan (UNCIP) resolution of January 5, 1949, had stipulated
that the final disposition of Jammu and Kashmir would be decided through a free and impartial plebiscite under UN auspices. “Sadly, this commitment remains unfulfilled
Sanaullah stresses dialogue, warns street protests could block talks FAISALABAD
STAFF REPORT
Advisor to the Prime Minister on Political & Public Affairs Senator Rana Sanaullah Khan on Sunday underscored the PML-N’s commitment to dialogue and public service, asserting that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had invited PTI for talks, but warning that a street movement would fail and could jeopardize future negotiations. “The PML-N believes in dialogue and constitutional methods, with a standard of service so high that people would themselves judge performance at the ballot box,” the PM’s aide declared while inaugurating gas supply and multiple development projects in Chak No.30-JB. He reaffirmed the ruling party’s commitment to public welfare and development initiatives, emphasizing that they would continue without discrimination or political victimization. Sanaullah dismissed claims of business and textile sector shutdowns as propaganda, noting that businesses were operating and textile mills performing better than before. He said the party’s core manifesto is service-based politics laid down by Nawaz Sharif four decades ago, with projects such as children’s hospitals, universities, and other initiatives in Faisalabad standing as practical proof. He reiterated that public service would continue regardless of electoral outcomes.
Input prices cool, labour costs rise as construction activity shows mixed signals
Naqvi orders full-scale crackdown on money laundering mafia KARACHI
STAFF REPORT
SPI data highlights cheaper fertiliser and steel, flat cement prices and steady rise in urban labour rates over past year PROFIT
STAFF REPORT
Addressing a public gathering, he said gas connections would be provided to all residents without linking the facility to voting preferences. Every citizen could submit an application, as public service is never conditional on political affiliation. No locality or village would be left without gas supply, he added. Highlighting infrastructure development, he said approval had been granted for a 29-kilometer-long road with an estimated cost of Rs.1 billion, stressing no compromise would be made on construction standards. He directed authorities and contractors to ensure all works
meet high-quality benchmarks. Contracts for Basic Health Units (BHUs) and Rural Health Centers (RHCs) have been finalized, and these facilities along with road projects would be inaugurated within the next six months. The constituency currently has only one major hospital, whose upgradation is in progress. An additional 10 acres near Sadhar Bypass has been allotted for a Tehsil Headquarters (THQ) Hospital, which would significantly improve healthcare services. Commenting on the political situation, Sanaullah said that although he could not reach the National Assembly, Allah Almighty entrusted him an even greater responsibility in the Senate. He said Mian Nawaz Sharif introduced service-oriented politics, while CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz’s development initiatives have improved law and order across the province. He emphasized the state must show zero tolerance toward criminals and dacoits, adding that the government has made no compromise on the supremacy of law. On social challenges, he described ice drug addiction as extremely dangerous, stripping individuals of their senses and pushing them toward crime, which requires strict state action. He said cleanliness systems, once absent in rural areas, are now being extended to villages following urban patterns. Numerous scholarships and easy loan schemes are available for youth, with online applications accepted.
Prices of several key construction and agricultural inputs have eased over the past year, led by a notable decline in fertiliser and steel bar rates, while cement prices remained largely stable. At the same time, labour charges across most categories recorded an upward trend, particularly in urban areas, according to official data. According to a report by Dawn News. Sensitive Price Index figures comparing the week ending January 1, 2026, with the corresponding period last year show that Sona urea prices fell to Rs4,323 per bag from Rs4,540. Other urea brands also registered a decline, dropping to Rs4,212 from Rs4,391 per bag. Despite lower prices, fertiliser sales strengthened sharply. Urea offtake surged to a record 1.356 million tonnes in December 2025, up 65 per cent month on month and 37 per cent year on year. Total urea sales for calendar year 2025 reached 6.73 million tonnes, reflecting a 2 per cent increase, supported by higher discounts offered by manufacturers and dealers. Cement prices showed little movement during the period. SPI data places the national average price of a 50kg cement bag at Rs1,407, almost unchanged from a year earlier, even as construction activity improved modestly. Domestic cement sales rose by 13.11 per cent during July to December FY26 to 21.152 million tonnes, compared with 18.7 million tonnes in the same period of the previous fiscal year. Steel bar prices declined more visibly.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi ordered a full-scale crackdown against mafia involved in money laundering. During his visit of Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Karachi Zone, Mohsin Naqvi chaired a special meeting and reviewed the performance of FIA Karachi Zone and South Zone. Mohsin Naqvi said a strong hand should be laid on big money launderers and the entire money trail of elements involved in money laundering should be exposed. He said the business of hawala hundi will not be tolerated under any circumstances and indiscriminate action should be seen. He ordered effective action against the agents involved in human trafficking mafia. Elements who send innocent people abroad by promising them jobs do not deserve any concession, Mohsin Naqvi said. He said those involved in the business of fake medicines are playing with human lives and the elements involved in the heinous business should be brought to justice. He further said the shortage of human resources in FIA Karachi Zone will be met on priority basis. In meeting, Mohsin Naqvi was briefed that 20 agents involved in human trafficking have been arrested in 4 months. Non-customs products and drugs worth Rs140 million
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Six people, including a woman and her three daughters, were killed and five others injured early Sunday when the dilapidated roof of a house collapsed in Shabqadar tehsil of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Charsadda district, police said. According to police, most of the victims were guests who had arrived to attend a wedding ceremony scheduled for Sunday evening at the ill-fated house. “The incident occurred at around 4am
to this day, due to India’s illegal occupation of the territory,” he said. Highlighting the ongoing human suffering, he noted that the people of IIOJK have endured nearly eight decades of oppression, which has intensified since August 2019 through systematic attempts to alter the demographic and political landscape. He pointed to the imprisonment of thousands of political activists, the banning of sixteen political organizations, restrictions on media, arbitrary detentions, and routine cordon-andsearch operations. In his separate message, President Asif Ali Zardari said Pakistan stood in solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, commemorating the adoption of the 1949 UN resolution that affirmed their right to self-determination. He stressed that the passage of more than seven decades had neither weakened the validity of UN resolutions nor diminished the legitimacy of the Kashmiri people’s demands. President Zardari also expressed concern over India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, warning that such moves could threaten livelihoods, food security, and regional stability, effectively weaponizing water against millions dependent on shared resources.
KARACHI
STAFF REPORT
Chairman of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has paid a glowing tribute to Quaid-eAwam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Pakistan’s first elected Prime Minister, on eve of his birth anniversary, saying that Bhutto Shaheed remains the enduring voice of Pakistan’s dispossessed, oppressed and marginalized masses. He said that Quaid-e-Awam bestowed dignity, identity and hope upon the people of Pakistan by introducing the revolutionary belief that power truly belongs to the people. “From the philosophy of Roti, Kapra aur Makaan to the unanimous Constitution of 1973, Shaheed Bhutto transformed the aspirations of the poor into the agenda of the state,” he said, adding that the foundations of Pakistan’s invincible defence were also laid by Shaheed Bhutto through the initiation of the country’s atomic programme. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that Shaheed Bhutto’s martyrdom failed to silence his ideas, which continue to inspire generations to stand firm against tyranny and injustice. “From the gallows, he gifted Pakistan an eternal legacy of courage, sovereignty and hope,” he added. Reaffirming the PPP’s unwavering resolve, the PPP Chairman said the party will continue its democratic struggle in accordance with the vision of Quaide-Awam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto for a just, inclusive and people-centric Pakistan. “Shaheed Bhutto lives on in every struggle for rights, every demand for equality, and every dream of a compassionate and democratic Pakistan,” he concluded.
Three dacoits killed in police encounter in Karachi KARACHI
STAFF REPORT
have been seized in 4 months. A facilitation center has been set up at Karachi Airport for the convenience of passengers. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi sought a performance report from the officers in charge of their respective circles and directed them to work harder. Director FIA Karachi Zone briefed Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. Additional Director General FIA South Mujahid Akbar Khan, Deputy Director Anti-Money Laundering, Deputy Director Anti-Corruption, Deputy Director Anti-Smuggling, Deputy Director Immigration, Deputy Director Crimes, Deputy Director Commercial Banking and all Deputy Directors and concerned officials attended the meeting.
Three dacoits were gunned down, and one was arrested in critical condition during a police encounter inside a house in Karachi. The incident took place in Buffer Zone Sector A-1 near the PSO Petrol Pump located in Karachi. Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) of police, West Irfan Baloch, said that these dacoits entered a house to commit robbery. The DIG further revealed that the neighbours of the victims informed the police team. Due to the timely response of the police, all the dacoits escaped amid aerial firing. The DIG further said that the dacoits had died during an exchange of fire, while police also seized weapons and snatching goods from their custody. Dacoits snatch motorcycle goods from cops in Sehwan Some robbers held policemen hostage and snatched a motorcycle and other valuables from them.The incident took place in the jurisdiction of Khanot Police Station in Sehwan. A man who was sitting in a car made a video of the incident.
when the dilapidated roof collapsed on the family and guests, prompting neighbours to rush to the site and pull out the bodies and the injured from the debris,” a police statement said. Rescue 1122 teams later reached the scene, launched relief operations and shifted the injured and deceased to the hospital. The bodies and injured were taken to the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital in Shabqadar, the statement added. Roof collapses are largely attributed to substandard construction, use of poorquality materials and lack of enforcement
of building codes. Ageing structures, illegal extensions and heavy rains further weaken roofs, increasing the risk of such incidents. In November last year, a similar roof collapse killed five members of a family, including four children, in the Pabbi area of Nowshera district. FIVE FAMILY MEMBERS RESCUED FROM DRAIN In a separate incident, five members of a family, including two children, were rescued on Sunday after falling into an open drain in Korangi’s Mehran Town
area, according to Rescue 1122 officials. A Rescue 1122 spokesperson said the Central Command and Control received the alert and immediately dispatched a water rescue team along with trained divers to the site. “The rescue team carried out a rapid operation and rescued all five affected individuals, who were on their way to attend a wedding ceremony,” he said. All rescued persons were shifted to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre by ambulance for medical treatment, the spokesperson said, adding that one of the women was reported to be in critical condition. He explained that four people — two women and two children — were heading to board a bus when they crossed a rain drain near a mosque that was covered with slabs.
Exports slide, trade deficit deepens as LCCI presses for immediate policy reset g
CHAMBER FLAGS AGRI EXPORT COLLAPSE, URGES PRIVATE SECTOR LED GROWTH AND MARKET DIVERSIFICATION PROFIT
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan’s export performance weakened sharply in the first half of the current fiscal year, widening the trade deficit and exposing structural weaknesses in agriculture and food exports, business leaders said on Saturday as the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry presented reform proposals to federal officials. LCCI President Faheem ur Rehman Saigol said the trade deficit exceeded 19 billion dollars during the first six months of the
fiscal year and could reach 38 billion dollars by year end if corrective measures are not taken. He warned that remittances, even if they touch 42 billion dollars, cannot substitute for sustained export growth. Official data presented at the meeting showed a steep fall in food exports. According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, food exports during July to November dropped to 1.95 billion dollars from 3.15 billion dollars a year earlier, marking a decline of about 38 percent. Rice exports fell to 769 million dollars from 1.5 billion dollars, vegetables declined to 66 million dollars from 110 million
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Six family members, including woman and three daughters killed in Charsadda roof collapse STAFF REPORT
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dollars, while oilseeds and nuts dropped to 92 million dollars from 262 million dollars. Saigol attributed the downturn to policy neglect, conversion of agricultural land into housing schemes, low per acre productivity, recurring floods, and weak water management. He called for the creation of a Water Management Authority, wider use of hybrid seeds, promotion of mechanised and corporate farming, and protection of farmland. He said the livestock sector contributes around 15 percent to GDP, yet meat exports stood at only 215 million dollars during July to November. With the global halal food
market valued at nearly 3 trillion dollars, he said Pakistan could significantly raise exports through better breeding, removal of sales tax on milk and meat, and greater value addition. Addressing trade policy, Saigol urged a review of free trade and preferential trade agreements, elimination of non tariff barriers, stronger commercial diplomacy through embassies, and diversification of export markets and products. He noted that over 60 percent of exports are concentrated in a few sectors, while 36 percent go to just four countries, despite strong potential in Africa, ASEAN, and Central Asia. Federal Secretary Commerce Jawad Paul said exporters would be actively involved in policymaking, in line with the
Published by Asad Nizami at Plot # 7, Al-Baber Centre, F/8 Markaz, Islamabad, for PT Print (Pvt) Limited. Ph: 051-2204545. Email: newsroom@pakistantoday.com.pk
Prime Minister’s instructions. He stressed that export growth must be driven by the private sector, with the government providing facilitation and policy support. He acknowledged that exports declined in the first half of the fiscal year, contributing to a higher trade deficit, particularly due to weakness in food and agriculture, though rice still has scope for recovery. Saigol also raised concerns over rising business costs, high policy rates, taxes, and energy prices, saying these pressures are forcing local and multinational companies to shift operations abroad, leading to capital flight. He criticised the Sindh Infrastructure Development Cess, noting that more than 9 billion dollars has been collected since 1994 without visible results.