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NDC leaDers Call for release of politiCal prisoNers as CBMs for govt-oppostioN talks Thursday, 8 January, 2026 | 18 Rajabul Murajjab, 1447

MEETING AGREES TO INITIATE FRUITFUL TALKS, ASKING GOVT AND OPPOSITION TO FORM COMMITTEES

ISLAMABAD

NDC EXTENDS SPECIAL INVITATION TO OPPOSITION ALLIANCE TTAP WHICH HAD REPORTEDLY REFUSED TO ATTEND THE MEETING

Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 184 | 8 Pages | Islamabad Edition

LEADERS SUGGEST CONCRETE AND PRACTICAL STEPS BE TAKEN FOR DIALOGUE, INCLUDING IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF ‘POLITICAL WORKERS,’ AND QUASHING OF CASES

CONTINUED ON PAGE 03

ISLAMABAD

Staff report

group of former PTI leaders and others on Wednesday proposed that the government and the opposition hold talks to reduce tensions and suggested that political prisoners be released as part of “confidence-building measures.” They made proposals in a formal statement issued at the conclusion of Wednesday’s conference in Islamabad, organised under the banner of the recently formed National Dialogue Committee (NDC). Ex-PTI leaders—including Fawad Chaudhry, former Sindh governor Imran Ismail, Dr Shahzad Waseem, and Mahmood Moulvi—are leading the initiative. “The meeting agreed to the proposal to initiate a fruitful negotiation process and declared that, in this regard, the government and the opposition should form separate committees comprising their respective representatives, between which the dialogue process should be initiated,” the statement read. The NDC proposed that President Asif Ali Zardari, PML-N President Nawaz Sharif, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif represent the ruling coalition in the talks. On the PTI side, it said: “After the announcement of the government’s committee, the National Dialogue Committee, in consultation with the opposition’s senior leadership in jail, will announce the names for the opposition committee.”

pM shehbaz gives his approval for govt-pti negotiations

pti protest BouND to fail; CeNtre CaN iMpose goverNor’s rule iN kp, warNs raNa saNaullah ISLAMABAD

Staff CorreSpondent

Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah on Wednesday warned that the federal government has the constitutional authority to impose governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while dismissing the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) planned protest as “doomed to fail”. Speaking to a local news channel, Sanaullah expressed concern over the PTI’s confrontational approach, cautioning that continued defiance by the party’s founder could lead to serious consequences. He welcomed the recent press conference by Director General

Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR), terming his remarks clear, timely and significant. Sanaullah said the government had acted responsibly by offering dialogue to the PTI on three occasions on the floor of the National Assembly through the prime minister, but the party failed to respond. Despite this, he added, the PTI has once again announced a protest, which he said was unlikely to succeed. Criticising the PTI leadership, he said the party continues to pursue politics through street agitation and unrest and strongly condemned the May 9 incidents, describing them as acts of violence and anarchy that would not be tolerated. Commenting on the situation

in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sanaullah accused the PTI-led provincial government of obstructing counter-terrorism efforts, alleging that its actions reflected alignment with hostile narratives rather than cooperation with the state. He said the federal government was fully cognisant of the situation and had constitutional options available, including the imposition of governor’s rule in the province. When asked specifically about the possibility of governor’s rule in KP, Sanaullah said the option remained on the table and would be exercised if the PTI continued to challenge the authority of the state.

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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has given his approval for negotiations between the government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). According to sources, the prime minister has authorized Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq to lead the talks, and the government delegation is ready to participate at the Speaker’s request. Government sources emphasized that negotiations will only involve elected representatives of PTI, and discussions with non-elected members will not take place. Meanwhile, sources from the Speaker’s office stated that no PTI leader has formally contacted them for talks yet. Speaker Ayaz Sadiq has maintained the parliamentary committee, and if the opposition shows willingness, he will convene its meeting immediately. Parliamentary sources noted that despite the Speaker’s offer, the opposition has not reached out so far. The Speaker has invited PTI leaders to visit his chamber for discussions. It is worth noting that PTI’s last meeting with the Speaker was held to appoint Mahmood Achakzai as the opposition leader. In related development, former Senate chairman Raza Rabbani urged the Senate chairman and National Assembly speaker to move ahead with appointing leaders of the opposition in both houses of Parliament, warning that keeping these positions vacant marginalises dissenting voices. The offices have remained unfilled since August last year, when then opposition leaders in the National Assembly and Senate — PTI’s Omar Ayub and Shibli Faraz — were disqualified by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) after their convictions in cases linked to the May 9, 2023 riots. Although the PTI has nominated Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai as opposition leader in the National Assembly and Majlis Wahdat-iMuslimeen’s Allama Raja Nasir Abbas for the Senate, their appointments have yet to be officially notified.

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Thursday, 8 January, 2026 | islamabad

PAKISTAN EXPLORES COLLABORATION WITH SAJWANI DELEGATION ON DIGITAL FINANCE AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES

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finance minister discusses Potential PartnershiPs in ai, Blockchain, and tokenisation to suPPort financial reforms PROFIT

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EDERAL Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, met with a high-level business delegation from the Sajwani Group, led by Syed Zeeshan Shah, Chairman of One Group, to explore poten-

tial collaboration on emerging technologies in digital finance, according to press release form the Finance Division. The delegation also included Mr. Amira Hussain Sajwani, Co-Managing Director of DAMAC Group and Co-Founder & CEO of Prypco; Mr. Aqib Hassan, Chief Commercial Officer of One Homes; Mr. Alp Ozenalp, Chief of Staff; and Mr. Joseph El

Am, General Manager of Tokenisation at Prypco. The meeting focused on global advancements in tokenisation, artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and digital infrastructure, aligning with Pakistan’s ongoing financial sector reforms and its digital transformation agenda. The Sajwani delegation expressed keen interest in partnering with the Government of Pakistan, offering

technical expertise and advisory support in areas such as tokenisation of real-world assets, AI-driven solutions, blockchain-based platforms, and modern digital infrastructure. The delegation highlighted the value of global best practices and private-sector innovations that could aid Pakistan in improving transparency, efficiency, investor access, and financial inclusion, while ensuring alignment with Pakistan’s legal and regulatory framework. Discussions took place in the context of Pakistan’s recent efforts to responsibly adopt emerging financial technologies, including

Turkish firms eye investment opportunities in Pakistan as bilateral ties strengthen g

Pakistan's amBassador to turkiye highlights Potential for growth in liVestock, dairy, renewaBle energy, and housing sectors PROFIT

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Pakistan is increasingly attracting Turkish firms for foreign investments, according to international advisory firm PwC Turkiye which reports a rise in interest towards investment in Pakistan from Turkish firms. This comes at a time of political and economic stability and a rising potential

for growth in Pakistan’s economy. A jointly organized event by PwC Turkiye and DEIK, which was attended by the Ambassador of Pakistan to Turkiye, H.E. Dr. Yousaf Junaid, Chairperson DEİK Turkiye–Pakistan Business Council, Mr. Atilla D. Yerlikaya, PwC Türkiye Regional Senior Partner, Mr. Cenk Ulu, senior officials of Turkish multinational companies, and members of the DEİK Turkiye–

Pakistan and Bangladesh to resume direct flights on January 29 Biman Bangladesh airlines to operate twice-weekly dhaka-karachi service after 14-year hiatus PROFIT

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Direct flights between Dhaka and Karachi will resume from January 29, 2026, after a 14-year break, as Biman Bangladesh Airlines announces the relaunch of the route. The airline will operate flights twice a week, aiming to strengthen ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh. The service will depart from Dhaka at 8:00 PM on Thursdays and Saturdays, arriving in Karachi at 11:00 PM. Return flights from Karachi will be scheduled at 12:00 AM and reach Dhaka at 4:20 AM on Fridays and Sundays. This marks the revival of the Dhaka-Karachi link, which was suspended in 2012. The decision follows improved relations between the two countries following the political changes in Bangladesh back in 2024. The restoration of the flight service is seen as a significant step to improve mobility for business, tourism, and families, further promoting people-to-people interactions between the two countries. The move was initially announced during a visit by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister to Bangladesh in 2025, marking a new chapter in bilateral relations.

SECP clears Pak-Qatar general takaful IPO, first non-Life takaful firm to list on PSX 30m shares to be oﬀered; 75% for institutions, 25% for retail investors PROFIT

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The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan has approved the Initial Public Offering of Pak-Qatar General Takaful Limited, making it the first dedicated non-life Takaful company to list on the Pakistan Stock Exchange. The IPO will issue 30 million ordinary shares, representing 29.67 percent of the company’s post-IPO paid-up capital. Seventy-five percent of the shares will be offered to institutional and high-net-worth investors under the book-building method, while the remaining 25 percent will be available to retail investors, the SECP said. PQGTL, a Shariah-compliant insurer providing general Takaful products, will use the IPO to access long-term capital while offering investors stronger disclosures and transparency. The SECP noted that the offering is the sixth IPO on the PSX Main Board in FY2025-26 and the second prospectus approved in the first week of 2026.

Pakistan Business Council, launched the report titled ‘Turkiye-Pakistan Vision to Enhance Bilateral Economic Cooperation.’ According to a statement by the Pakistan Embassy to Turkiye, Dr Yousaf Junaid highlighted Pakistan’s current economic stability, its current incentives to investors, and “investment opportunities in livestock, dairy, renewable energy, and the housing sec-

tor.” On the Turkish side, Mr. Atilla Demir Yerlikaya talked about “the strong historical, fraternal ties between Pakistan and Turkiye and underscored Pakistan’s friendly environment for Turkish investors.” Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation through business delegation exchanges and joint ventures, particularly in areas where mutual benefits can be realised, the statement said. The visit reflects ongoing efforts to boost bilateral economic ties between Pakistan and Türkiye, the statement noted.

PM orders export roadmap, flags rice as priority to narrow trade deficit g

authorities told to sPeed uP exPorter reforms, ensure timely tax refunds PROFIT

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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday directed authorities to draw up a comprehensive roadmap to boost exports, particularly agricultural shipments, as part of the government’s push for export-led growth and a reduced trade deficit. Chairing a review meeting on national export promotion, the prime minister said increasing rice exports should be treated as a priority and instructed officials to formulate a coordinated strategy in consultation with the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office. The prime minister also called for accelerating institutional reforms aimed at facilitating exporters, and made it clear that no negligence would be tolerated in the timely payment of tax refunds, which he said was essential for maintaining export growth. During the meeting, officials briefed the prime min-

ister on the government’s export promotion strategy and shared trade performance data for the July–December 2025 period. The briefing highlighted measures to expand exports in higher value-added sectors, including engineering goods, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and processed food. Officials also said work was underway to integrate Pakistan’s exports into global value chains, while improvements in ports and logistics systems were being pursued to support exporters. The meeting was further informed that negotiations were ongoing with several countries on government-togovernment agreements related to rice exports. Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani, State Bank Governor Jameel Ahmad, and senior government officials attended the meeting.

Sindh CM clears Rs84.8b Karachi development plan, FWO to execute key projects g

six Priority schemes worth rs10.72Bn aPProVed as work set to Begin from march PROFIT

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Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has approved a comprehensive Karachi Transformation Plan, bringing the Frontier Works Organisation on board to execute major infrastructure and connectivity projects aimed at upgrading the city to international standards. The approval was granted during a joint meeting of the FWO, the local government department, and the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation held at the CM House. The meeting was attended by Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah, Sindh Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab, Principal Secretary to the CM Agha Wasif, Karachi Commissioner Hassan Naqvi, Finance Secretary Fayaz Jatoi, and an FWO delegation led by Director General Major-General Abdul Sami. According to an official statement, the chief minister announced a one-time grant-in-aid of Rs84.796 billion for 523 development schemes across Karachi. He further

disclosed that Rs26.282 billion has been approved under the Federal Public Sector Development Programme for Karachi-related projects. The chief minister said the Sindh government intends to implement a city-wide development roadmap and emphasised that all major schemes must be executed with quality, speed, and transparency. He stressed that planning and design standards for Karachi’s development projects should match those of leading global cities. As part of the first phase, six priority infrastructure projects worth Rs10.72 billion have been approved for immediate execution in the Karachi division to ease traffic congestion, improve connectivity, and strengthen urban mobility. These include rehabilitation of the M-9 to Malir-15 road via Jinnah Avenue and Shahrah-e-Faisal at a cost of Rs1.025 billion, construction of a right-turn underpass at Malir Halt from Printing Press to Shahrah-eFaisal costing Rs1.5 billion, and a flyover from Airport Road to Star Gate on Shahrah-e-Faisal for Rs1.2 billion to improve access to the airport.

Other approved schemes include rehabilitation of the Y-Junction to Machli Chowk road in Hawksbay, including damaged sections from Masroor Base to Truck Stand, costing Rs1.995 billion, and construction of a flyover at Sohrab Goth for Rs5.0 billion, a key entry point for intercity traffic into Karachi. Briefing the meeting, Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah and Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab said Karachi faces serious structural, environmental, and civic challenges due to its role as the country’s economic hub. They said 10 to 12 high-impact development schemes are being identified, with five already approved for early implementation. The meeting was informed that a total of 523 schemes costing Rs84.796 billion have been proposed for the city. These include rehabilitation of internally damaged roads, improvements to traffic management systems, upgrading of major arteries and connecting roads, construction of flyovers and parks, and beautification of seven designated roads.

NGC energizes another major power infrastructure project g

220kV Quaid-e-azam Business Park grid station commissioned to Power sheikhuPura sez industries PROFIT

AhmAd AhmAdAni

The National Grid Company of Pakistan (NGC) has successfully energized the 220kV Quaid-e-Azam Business Park Grid Station, Sheikhupura, marking another milestone in the expansion of Pakistan’s power transmission network. The strategically important project has been developed to meet the electricity requirements of large-scale industrial consumers operating within the Business Park

Sheikhupura Special Economic Zone (SEZ). Completed at a cost exceeding Rs. 4 billion and financed by the Government of Pakistan under the Cash Deposit Loan (CDL) Facility, the project aims to ensure reliable power supply for uninterrupted industrial operations, business growth and economic development. Managing Director NGC, Engr. Altaf Hussain Malik, congratulated the project team on successful energization and appreciated their professionalism and technical expertise. He stated that power infrastructure

developed for Special Economic Zones plays a vital role in attracting investment and generating employment, and that the Business Park Grid Station has been designed to support long-term industrial expansion and inclusive socio-economic growth. The newly energized grid station has a transformation capacity of 500 MVA at 220/132kV level, supported by approximately 4 kilometers of 220kV transmission lines, interconnecting with the regional grid. This configuration enhances system stability, improves voltage profiles and pro-

assessing blockchain infrastructure for sovereign and real-world assets. Both sides acknowledged that, when deployed prudently, such technologies could deepen capital markets, attract international investments, and contribute to sustainable economic growth. Minister Aurangzeb welcomed the delegation’s interest, praising their constructive engagement. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to responsible innovation, strong governance, and regulatory compliance. The Minister emphasized that any future collaboration would align with national priorities, transparency, and the legal framework.

PM directs SBP to further simplify SME, agriculture loans Private sector borrowers cross 303,000; loan volume reaches rs1.1tr by december 2025 PROFIT

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Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed the State Bank of Pakistan to further streamline loan procedures for small and medium enterprises, startups, and the agricultural sector to expand financial inclusion and support economic growth. Chairing a high-level review meeting on SME and farm financing, the prime minister said credit for SMEs, small farmers, and service providers must be ensured on a priority basis, particularly to promote the use of modern technology in agriculture, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office. The meeting was informed that private sector lending has increased significantly in recent years. By December 2025, the number of private sector borrowers had doubled compared to 2021-22, exceeding 303,000, while the total loan volume reached Rs1.1 trillion. Participants were also briefed that the number of farmers benefiting from bank credit is expected to rise to 3 million this year, up from 2.8 million last year. Commercial banks are increasingly prioritising financing for new businesses and the acquisition of modern machinery, including in the livestock and fisheries sectors, the forum was told. Emphasising the role of small businesses, the prime minister said SMEs form the backbone of economies in developed countries and are critical for industrial and economic development. He directed that youth be provided with entrepreneurship training to encourage new business creation and job generation. The prime minister said facilitating loans for the acquisition of modern technology by the private sector, especially SMEs and small farmers, remains a top government priority. He announced that he would personally monitor progress and that a sub-committee would be formed to further simplify lending procedures. The meeting decided that Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Haroon Akhtar, along with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority team, will visit all provinces, including Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, to help formulate a comprehensive SME facilitation policy. According to the PMO, the State Bank has launched a fully digital “Zarkhaiz-e-App” to facilitate agricultural financing for small farmers. A financial management and awareness training programme for SMEs is also set to be launched, while a loan scheme for service providers supplying modern agricultural machinery is already operational in Punjab. The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, State Minister Bilal Azhar Kayani, SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad, and chief secretaries from all provinces and regions.

SBP shortlists firms for first regulatory sandbox cohort

central bank selects banks and fintechs to pilot digital finance solutions under Vision 2028 PROFIT

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The State Bank of Pakistan on Tuesday announced the shortlisted applicants for the first cohort of its Regulatory Sandbox, marking a key step in its Vision 2028 plan to encourage innovation in digital financial services. The central bank said the selected participants will be allowed to test their proposed solutions in a controlled live environment for up to six months, subject to conditions specified at the time of approval. According to the SBP, the Regulatory Sandbox was launched with the issuance of guidelines in May 2025, followed by the announcement of the first cohort in August 2025.

vides the resilience required to cater to heavy industrial loads and future demand. The project is the first grid station commissioned specifically for a Special Economic Zone and will also reduce operational pressure on existing grid stations in Sheikhupura, Kala Shah Kaku, Bandala (Faisalabad) and nearby industrial zones. By improving power supply and reducing technical losses, the project is expected to enhance supply reliability for industrial consumers, resulting in reduced downtime, improved productivity and better cost efficiency. The availability of reliable power infrastructure is also expected to encourage

new investment, accelerate industrial expansion, support job creation and strengthen supply chains, contributing to broader economic and socio-economic development. The project was executed under the leadership of Engr. Rashid A. Bhutto, Deputy Managing Director (Asset Development & Management) and Engr. Muhammad Shahid Nazir, General Manager (Project Delivery) North, with the project team comprising Engr. Asghar Mujtaba Khan, Chief Engineer (Project Delivery) North; Engr. Muhammad Usman Warraich, Project Director; Engr. Ahmad Umar Dewan, Executive Engineer (Project Delivery) North; along with Sub-Divisional Engineers Mr. Rana Muhammad Zahid Hafeez and Mr. Sadaqat Ali, supported by their respective technical teams.

NEWS 03

Thursday, 8 January, 2026 | ISLAMABAD

OUTGOING SECP CHAIRMAN, TWO COMMISIONERS RECEIVE RS90M IN FINANCIAL BENEFITS DESPITE SENATE COMMITTEE’S DIRECTIVE

THREE OFFICIALS CLEAR FINAL SETTLEMENTS, INCLUDING CONTROVERSIAL SALARY INCREASE, ON THEIR LAST WORKING DAY, DEFYING SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE'S INSTRUCTIONS PROFIT

STAFF REPORT

HREE outgoing officials of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), including the chairman and two commissioners, have reportedly received financial settlements totaling Rs90 million on their last day in office, despite a directive from the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue to withhold these payments, The News reported, citing sources. On December 10, 2025, the committee, led by Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, had instructed that the financial settlements be postponed until the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) reviewed an audit objection raised in the Auditor General of Pakistan’s report for FY2024-25 related to a substantial salary increase granted to the SECP of-

ficials. The next PAC meeting was scheduled for December 2025, where the salary increase was to be discussed. However, in defiance of the Senate committee’s directive, the outgoing SECP chairman and two commissioners had their final financial benefits cleared and paid on December 12, 2025. The audit report revealed a 40% retrospective increase in the remuneration of SECP officials, including the chairman and commissioners, starting from July 2023. Despite clear instructions, the former SECP chairman and commissioners convened a meeting on their last working day and directed the management to process their final financial settlements. The audit report revealed that the SECP chairman’s total salary package for FY 2023-24 amounted to Rs41.53 million, with a monthly payout of approximately Rs3.4

million. The commissioners received a total of Rs35.8 million for the same period. The final settlements also included provident fund benefits, gratuity, and a luxury vehicle for each commissioner, valued at around Rs9 million. The total settlements for each outgoing commissioner, including the vehicle, were approximately Rs30 million. The Auditor General’s objections regarding the irregular increase in remuneration remain unresolved. In response to inquiries, an SECP spokesperson stated that the final settlements were processed according to the law and procedure, and that no restrictions were in place at the time preventing the release of these payments. The spokesperson also noted that if any payout is later deemed impermissible by a competent authority, the recipient would be required to refund the amount in accordance with the law.

Pakistan’s cotton arrivals show stability, slight decline in Punjab, growth in Sindh

NATIONAL COTTON ARRIVALS UP BY 18% YEAR-ON-YEAR TO 5.434M BALES; MARKET RECOVERY UNDERWAY, BUT DOMESTIC PRODUCTION STILL INSUFFICIENT TO MEET DEMAND PROFIT

STAFF REPORT

Cotton arrivals have shown overall stability, with minor changes compared to the same period last year. According to the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA), ginning factories received 5.434 million bales of cotton by December 31, 2025, just slightly down from 5.452 million

bales last year, reflecting a marginal decline of 0.33%. In Punjab, the arrival of 2.540 million bales marks a 4.44% decline from the previous year’s 2.658 million bales. However, Sindh has seen a positive trend, reporting 2.893 million bales, up by 3.58% from last year’s 2.793 million bales. The total national cotton production stood at 5.366 million bales as of December 31, 2025. Of this, exporters and traders pur-

chased 176,000 bales, while the textile sector bought 478,380 bales. Notably, the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) has not made any cotton purchases this season. While the figures show a mixed performance, the Pakistan Business Forum (PBF) is optimistic about the recovery, citing an 18% increase in cotton arrivals compared to the same period last year. The

recovery has been primarily driven by higher inflows from key cotton-growing areas of Punjab, complemented by stable contributions from Sindh. However, domestic cotton production remains insufficient to meet the national demand, which is estimated at 14 to 15 million bales annually. As such, imports are still necessary, adding pressure on production costs and foreign exchange reserves.

NDC leaders call for release of political prisoners as CBMs for govt-oppostion talks CONTONUD FROM PAGE 01

While the NDC also extended a special invitation to Tehreek-i-Tahafuz-i-Ayin-i-Pakistan (TTAP), the opposition alliance reportedly refused to attend. The NDC leaders also suggested that “comprehensive, concrete and practical steps be taken immediately for dialogue and confidence-building at the national level.” These included the immediate release of “political workers” who were behind bars and the quashing of cases against them. The NDC also advised that “all female workers, including” PTI founder Imran Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi and PTI leader Yasmin Rashid, be released immediately and provided medical facilities. “Restrictions on political activities should be lifted. Complete freedom of political activities should be ensured within the framework of the Constitution and law,” read another suggestion. The NDC also called for the appointment of opposition leaders in the National Assembly and Senate—posts that have been vacant since August 7.

“The government and opposition forces should not use the Pakistan armed forces for their politics and should not spread negative propaganda,” the statement added. It further said that “censorship imposed on the media should be ended and restrictions imposed on anchors should be lifted”. The moot also expressed concern over the “political unrest in the country, the economic difficulties facing the country and its people, restrictions on political activities and the media, and the challenge of terrorism.” As per the statement, the meeting appreciated the NDC’s efforts of “playing the role of a bridge between the government and the opposition,” stressing the “importance of promoting unity and solidarity in the country and reducing political tensions.” The meeting “paid tribute to the sacrifices against terrorism of all security forces, including Pakistan‘s armed forces, police and Rangers, and prayed for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks and patience for their families.” “The meeting reiterated that the entire nation is united for Pakistan’s sovereignty, defence and security, and for the

PTI protest bound to fail; centre can impose governor’s rule in KP, warns Rana Sanaullah CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

He reiterated that any further protest or street agitation by the party would be futile. The adviser criticised the KP government’s conduct as irresponsible, saying its position on key national issues remained unclear and unacceptable. He added that the PTI’s attitude was unjustifiable and that the nation expected accountability and clear answers from the party. Sanaullah also pointed out that a Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) had yet to be established in the province, terming it a failure to prioritise security and development. He said terrorist and criminal activities continued unchecked in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, accusing the provincial government of failing to take effective measures to address the situation. Warning of serious consequences, Sanaullah said if the current approach persisted, the federal government could impose governor’s rule in the province in accordance with the Constitution.

dignity and respect of Pakistan’s institutions,” the statement read. Ex-premier and Awaam Pakistan chief Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, expelled PTI leader Sher Afzal Marwat, Jamaat-i-Islami’s Liaqat Baloch, former Karachi mayor Wasim Akhtar, and journalists Mohammad Malick and Kashif Abbasi were among those who attended the conference. Speaking at the event, Shahid Khaqan said, “This is not an issue of Imran Khan‘s release, but of the country’s release. If the country is in the right condition, then Imran Khan sahib’s issue will get resolved too.” Fawad, Ismail and Moulvi’s recent activities came into the spotlight in November when they visited PTI’s Shah Mahmood Qureshi at a hospital in Lahore during his short release from jail. The trio, however, was reported to have returned empty-handed, with Qureshi’s lawyer saying that they had no political discussion with his client. In December, PM Shehbaz invited the opposition for a dialogue. While the PTI rejected the offer, the TTAP expressed its willingness to engage in such a process, albeit conditionally.

Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has said that “confidence-building measures” between five major players—including President Zardari, PM Shehbaz, Nawaz and Imran—would improve the overall political situation. Yesterday, noting Imran’s refusal to negotiate, Sanaullah said he felt compelled to advise the PTI founder to abandon his years-old entrenched confrontational approach and opt for dialogue instead. TTAP TOP LEADERSHIP TO VISIT LAHORE Separately, a TTAP delegation is set to depart for a three-day visit to Lahore as part of the opposition’s “street mobilization,” said a statement from the alliance’s spokesperson, Hussain Yousafzai. The group includes TTAP chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai, Senior Vice-Chairman Allama Raja Nasir, Vice-Chairman Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar and Secretary General Asad Qaiser. The TTAP leaders will hold “political and social meetings” in Lahore, the statement said, adding that the politicians will also hold meetings at Zaman Park, apparently referring to Imran’s residence.

Privatisation Commission to oﬀer GEPCO, FESCO to private sector in first phase PROFIT

STAFF REPORT

The Privatisation Commission has decided to privatise two power distribution companies (Discos), Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO) and Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO), as part of the first phase of its reform agenda. However, sources say there is still no clarity on the specific mode of privatisation. According to a news report, the privatisation of Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO), which had been under consideration, has been delayed for the time being. Letters of Interest (LoIs) for GEPCO and FESCO are expected to be issued by the end of

this month, with the government aiming to complete the privatisation by the end of the current fiscal year. Financial advisers Alvarez & Marsal have already submitted a report outlining the restructuring plans and various options for the transaction structure. Following consultations, the Privatisation Commission plans to seek approval from both the Privatisation Commission Board and the Cabinet Committee on Privatisation (CCoP) by the last week of January 2026. After CCoP approval, an Expression of Interest (EOI) is expected to be published by the end of the same month. A Steering Committee, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, has been formed to expedite the privatisation of the DISCOs.

Provinces to engage private companies for wheat procurement for strategic reserves g

PUNJAB, KP, AND BALOCHISTAN SET TO MANAGE WHEAT PROCUREMENT INDEPENDENTLY; SINDH TO FOLLOW SUIT WITH OWN PROCUREMENT PLAN PROFIT

STAFF REPORT

The provincial governments of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and Balochistan have decided to engage private companies for the procurement of wheat to bolster their strategic reserves. This decision was

shared with the National Wheat Oversight Committee, led by Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, during a meeting on Tuesday. As per media reports, the meeting reviewed the progress of provincial implementation units for the interim national wheat policy. While the Sindh government

has yet to disclose its wheat procurement strategy for strategic reserves, officials from the Ministry of National Food Security and Research expect that Sindh will procure wheat independently. Historically, the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (Passco) was tasked with procuring wheat for the

country’s strategic reserves. However, with the government’s decision to phase out Passco, a new wheat stock management company is expected to be established to handle its liabilities. Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain highlighted that the primary goal of the national wheat policy is to stabilize wheat

Raza Rabbani urges appointment of opposition leaders, calls vacancies blow to Parliament CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

The issue has remained stalled for months due to correspondence between the opposition and the National Assembly Secretariat over the legal status of Omar Ayub’s cases. While the opposition has maintained that the cases were no longer pending, the Secretariat had sought written confirmation to complete the formal procedure. Ayub had earlier challenged his disqualification before the Supreme Court but withdrew the petition in October last year. A by-election on the vacated seat has since been held, with a ruling PML-N candidate winning the contest. The speaker later confirmed that the required documents had now been received and said the appointment process would proceed after verification of opposition members’ signatures, paving the way for a formal decision in the upcoming session.

Pakistan, China agree to institutionalize security coordination to further deepen bilateral ties CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

The interior minister noted that China’s AI-based technology could significantly assist Pakistan in addressing terrorism and emerging security challenges. “Pakistan and China share an unbreakable bond of enduring cooperation, and no one can create a wedge between us,” he said. Naqvi also invited his Chinese counterpart to visit Pakistan and conveyed goodwill messages from President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif to the Chinese leadership. Chinese Interior Minister Wang Xiaohong invited Mohsin Naqvi to attend the Global Security Cooperation Forum scheduled to be held in China in September. He reaffirmed that China and Pakistan are strategic partners and expressed pleasure at welcoming the Pakistani minister at the start of 2026, noting China’s readiness to expand bilateral cooperation at all levels. Wang also hosted a luncheon in honour of the visiting delegation. Senior Chinese officials present included Vice Ministers Xu Datong and Yu Xiuhe, Beijing Deputy Mayor and Director General of the Beijing Public Security Bureau Cen Yuanbiao, Director General of the General Office Guo Kan, Director General of the Counterterrorism Department Gao Qiu, and Director General of International Cooperation Wang Yong. From the Pakistani side, Federal Interior Secretary Khurram Agha, Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi, DG National Police Academy Muhammad Idrees, DG National Cyber Crimes Investigation Agency Syed Khurram Ali, Islamabad Chief Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhawa, and Islamabad IGP Ali Nasir Rizvi attended the meeting. prices, safeguard farmers from market volatility, and ensure food security. He assured that once fully implemented, the policy would not place undue pressure on consumers while promoting transparency and encouraging private sector involvement. The committee was also informed that all provinces and regions have successfully set up their provincial implementation units to execute the interim national wheat policy. These units will ensure that the policy is effectively carried out across the country. In terms of wheat stock management, the provinces presented their available wheat stocks and detailed their disposal strategies. New strategic reserves will be established from the 2025-26 wheat production in the respective provinces.

04 COMMENT

Cricket in the shadow of the Indian deep state

IMF dictates

The govt begins to chafe at IMF restraints

EFENCE Minister Kh Asif’s claim that the country might not need the IMF after six months came at about the same time as the government began to contemplate pro-growth measures and to contemplate asking for the IMF to allow it relaxations of conditionalities to let it do so. The sort of arms sales that Kh Asif was hinting at were the subject of discussion at the meeting between the Chiefs of Air Staff of Pakistan and Bangladesh when the Bangladeshi purchase of JF-17 aircraft was discussed. Nothing absolute was discussed about that, but expedited delivery of Mashshak trainers showed that this was an area where Pakistan these could expect to generate revenue. Though getting onto an IMF programme has been touted as an agreement by the present government, it has also chafed at the restraints it has put on the economy, most notably its restraints in the matter of government deficits. This has prevented the government from indulging in pump-priming, which it considers essential to stimulating growth. Not only does growth put more money in pockets to spend, but it also means that more jobs are created. Increased investment might even mean higher exports, though that depends on foreign demand. It can be seen that the government would like higher growth. Apart from the direct effect of a higher deficit, the government also seeks to create the fiscal space which would allow it to take measures that would enhance growth. These would include cutting the supertax rate for manufacturing, reducing the interest rate and lowering gas and electricity tariffs, all of which are key demands of industry. It seems the nub of the dispute remains the growth rate, which the government would lie to see over five percent, certainly markedly higher than the roughly three percent that has been registered for some years. The government and the IMF must both realize that conditionalities set at the beginning of an EFF like the present one, spread over three years, may not reflect constantly changing economic reality. Also, it should be remembered that while the IMF wants to secure its loan, the government wants to win the next election. If the IMF does not care about growth, the government cannot do without it. The government may want the IMF Seal of Good Housekeeping, but it does not want to lose the next election either. The access to global money markets is not needed by countries that are prudent enough.

Is Bangladesh to be limited, like Pakistan, only to neutral venues? shAhidul AlAM swApAn

UST when it seemed that after a year and a half of strain, the grey skies of IndiaBangladesh bilateral relations were finally beginning to brighten, the BCCI’s surprising decision on Mustafizur Rahman threw everything into disarray. The initiative to improve relations was pushed back a hundred paces in an instant. An angry Bangladesh has decided not to play in the T20 World Cup held in India. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to move their matches to Sri Lanka. Cricket in South Asia has never lived in splendid isolation from politics. Yet every time the sport is dragged into the trenches of regional hostility, it loses a little more of its soul. The latest chill in IndiaBangladesh cricketing ties suggests that New Delhi may be sleepwalking towards repeating with Dhaka what it has long practised with Islamabad: the transformation of cricket from a bridge between peoples into a hostage of politics. The recent decision attributed to the Board of Control for Cricket in India to sideline Bangladesh’s Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders’ plans has rung alarm bells across the region. Official explanations are murky, and no transparent cricketing rationale has been publicly offered. In the charged political climate of today’s India, where Hindutva activism exert visible pressure on institutions, such developments are inevitably read as political signals rather than sporting choices. This is why many analysts now fear that India’s policy towards Bangladesh could gradually mirror its posture towards Pakistan. India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral cricket series for over a decade. Cricketing contact survives only in the tightly controlled settings of ICC or Asian Cricket Council tournaments staged at neutral venues. The bitterness of politics has ensured that the people of the two countries no longer meet each other on the field except under the watchful eye of multilateral organisers. Bangladesh, until recently, stood outside this grim template. Despite periodic diplomatic irritants, cricketing ties with India remained robust. Tours were scheduled, players moved freely between leagues, and contests though fiercely competitive were widely celebrated. The postponement of India’s upcoming tour of Bangladesh has therefore come as a jolt, suggesting that cricket is now being made to pay the price for worsening political relations. What makes the current situation especially troubling is the creeping normalisation of political interference in domestic leagues. The Indian Premier League (IPL) has long projected itself as a global tournament driven by talent and commerce, not ide-

Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami

Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor

ology. Players from around the world, including Pakistan’s neighbours, have contributed to its financial and sporting success. If political litmus tests now determine who is welcome, the IPL risks forfeiting its credibility as a professional league. Mustafizur Rahman’s case illustrates this danger. Signed for a substantial sum at auction, he represents precisely what the IPL claims to value: skill, experience and market appeal. If a player of his stature can be edged out amid rising political rhetoric, it sends an unmistakable message to others from the region that nationality, not performance, may ultimately decide their fate. Supporters of such moves often argue that sports cannot be divorced from national interest. But this argument collapses under scrutiny. Cricketing isolation did not moderate Pakistan’s politics, nor did it reduce tensions in the subcontinent. Instead, it deepened mistrust and robbed ordinary fans of rare moments of shared joy. Extending this model to Bangladesh would not serve India’s long-term interests either. Dhaka is not Islamabad, and treating it as such risks pushing a traditionally friendly neighbour into an unnecessarily adversarial corner. There is also the question of institutional autonomy. The BCCI insists it is independent of govern-

Babar Nizami Editor Profit

The UN must act

AyeshA MirzA

HE sounds of history resonate through the streets of Venezuela, a nation struggling with a crisis that feels eerily familiar, with foreign intervention looms large casting a shadow over the country’s sovereignty. The question on everyone’s mind is why Venezuela? Are we gonna see the second version of what happened to Saddam and his country? The answer, as it often does, lies in resources. Venezuela sits atop the world’s largest proven oil reserves, a fact that has transformed the nation into a geopolitical chessboard. The USA, with its history of intervention in Latin America, casts a long shadow, The spectre of a repeat of history hangs heavy in the air with whispers of invasion. Current Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro faces a complex web of challenges, whether economic mismanagement snd political polarization, while allegations of human rights abuses have fuelled discontent. Yet the world watches with a sense of unease. Why are we not doing anything? Why is the international community so quick to condemn Venezuela while other nations with their own complex histories are given a pass? the hypocrisy is so obvious that even the world’s silence in the face of alleged injustices in other regions, especially when powerful nations are involved, undermines the very principles of international law, Even the United Nations, the supposed guardian of global order,

seems paralyzed by the influence of superpowers just because they got more funding from the USA. Is that fair? Where is the sovereignty of nations when faced with the whims of those with might? The words of US President Donald Trump, who has hinted at his desire to “run” Venezuela is the reminder of the stakes: the world must not stand idly by. So the United Nations must take decisive action upholding the principles of international law and protecting the sovereignty of Venezuela. The people of Venezuela deserve a future free from foreign interference, a future where their voices are heard and their rights are respected. Even every country in the world deserves the same. The USA has no right to intervene but still it did what it wanted and the whole world watched in disbelief as news broke of the abduction of President Maduro in a shameless act of defiance of international law. US military forces stormed the presidential palace in Caracas, and took Maduro away to an undisclosed location in the USA. This act sent shockwaves across the globe, sparking a firestorm of condemnation and raising fundamental questions about the future of sovereignty: if today Venezuela, next will be us. How could a sitting president be kidnapped? the answer, as it often does, lies in the complex interplay of power resources and a disregard for international norms by the USA with its long history of intervention in Latin America.

Four times the USA has done so; once again it flexed its military might. The justification as always was couched in terms of democracy and human rights but the reality is far more complex. Venezuela with its vast oil reserves has long been a target of US interest and China is the buyer of that oil, so indirectly was it a threat to China? The kidnapping of Maduro, while a blatant violation of international law, is a very dangerous precedent that sends a message that no nation, no matter its sovereignty, is safe from the reach of the powerful. The international community must respond to this act of the USA. The united nations must convene an emergency session condemning the US action and demanding Maduro’s immediate release. The International Criminal Court must launch an investigation holding those responsible for this act of aggression accountable because this is not just a Venezuelan issue, but is a test of the global order. If the world allows such blatant violations of sovereignty to go unpunished it will pave the way for a future where might makes right, where the rule of law is nothing more than a suggestion. This is the time for action because the future of international law hangs in balance. The United Nations should take serious actions this time because now we are not in the early 2000s. The world has changed. The writer is a freelance columnist

The international community must respond to this act of the USA. The united nations must convene an emergency session condemning the US action and demanding MaduroÊs immediate release. The International Criminal Court must launch an investigation holding those responsible for this act of aggression accountable because this is not just a Venezuelan issue, but is a test of the global order. If the world allows such blatant violations of sovereignty to go unpunished it will pave the way for a future where might makes right, where the rule of law is nothing more than a suggestion. Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965

Karachi – Ph: 021-32640318 I

ment control, yet its actions frequently appear aligned with the political winds in New Delhi. When decisions affecting foreign players coincide neatly with nationalist campaigns at home, perceptions of a ‘deep state’ influence whether fair or not gain traction. For a body that governs the world’s richest cricket board, such perceptions are damaging. Cricket has historically functioned as a diplomatic safety valve in South Asia. Even at the height of political crises, tours and matches created spaces for dialogue and de-escalation. Abandoning that tradition narrows the already limited avenues of peopleto-people contact in the region. If India and Bangladesh are reduced to meeting only in neutral ICC events, something vital will have been lost. Ultimately, cricket administrators must decide whether they wish to be custodians of a sport or instruments of political signalling. The former demands openness, consistency and respect for merit; the latter invites suspicion, resentment and decline. South Asian cricket has already paid dearly for politics once. Repeating the experiment, with a different neighbour, would be a self-inflicted wound. For the sake of the game and the region it is time to pull cricket back from the political brink.

The writer can at shahidul.alam@bluewin.ch

reached

Ultimately, cricket administrators must decide whether they wish to be custodians of a sport or instruments of political signalling. The former demands openness, consistency and respect for merit; the latter invites suspicion, resentment and decline. South Asian cricket has already paid dearly for politics once. Repeating the experiment, with a different neighbour, would be a self-inflicted wound.

What is happening to the world? M. A. Niazi

Editor Pakistan Today

Thursday, 8 January, 2026

Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545

Editor’s mail

Send your letters to: Letters to Editor, Pakistan Today, 4-Shaarey Fatima Jinnah, Lahore, Pakistan. E-mail: letters@pakistantoday.com.pk Letters should be addressed to Pakistan Today exclusively

Massive water wastage

THE Hub Dam is a major water source for both Hub and Karachi. The water from the dam flows to Karachi through the Hub Canal. Due to heavy monsoon, the canal gets damaged, slashing 60 per cent of water to Karachi. Pipelines are damaged and under repair. Even when Hub has water, it does not reach Karachi due to poor infrastructure and management. City residents have to rely on tankers, industries suffer, and daily life becomes difficult. Overall, water is available most of times, but delivery is the problem. Proper management and repairs are needed. The government should improve its performance in this critical regard. SANA ISHAQ HUB

Nadra’s needless hurdles

VISITING the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) offices often subjects citizens to a barrage of unnecessary objections. One such requirement is asking individuals to bring their brothers and sisters — sometimes residing in other cities — for thumb verification during the CNIC renewal process. This demand is particularly distressing for the elderly. The issue is further aggravated when photographs of elderly individuals, especially women who in many cases do not have photographs on their original CNICs, are mistakenly replaced with someone else’s. It becomes a nuisance when individuals are dragged into cases involving family disputes. Nadra should resolve such issues at least for the elderly who are often unable to pay frequent visits to Nadra offices. SARAH AHSAN KARACHI

New year warnings

THE world has entered the new year with the promise of peace and dignity, but under the thunder of military drills, airstrikes and missiles. China’s massive exercises around Taiwan, following Washington’s multibillion-dollar arms deal with Taipei, reflect a dangerous global pattern: deterrence replaces dialogue, and force supplants diplomacy. This militarised mindset extends far beyond East Asia. The United States, for instance, recently launched airstrikes in north-western Nigeria, clearly following a familiar script — swift military action without exhausting diplomatic or politicial solutions. The same logic has justified repeated violations of Syrian sovereignty, reckless attacks on Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities, and now the reported US naval blockade of Venezuela, with warships positioned within striking distance. Such displays of brute power are meant to intimidate, not negotiate, while the world watches on in unsettling silence. Powerful countries attack neighbours, hijack ships, fuel wars, and profit from the global arms trade, even as millions are killed, starved or displaced. Global institutions that are supposed to restrain excesses and protect peace, instead, remain largely paralysed. Nowhere is this disorder more tragic than in the Middle East. Gaza bleeds without an end in sight. Children, women, journalists and aid workers are being slaughtered. The genocide is being live-streamed to a world numbed. Humanity remembers Auschwitz, and it should, but Gaza’s apocalypse is denied comparable moral outrage or accountability simply because power shields the perpetrators. Elsewhere, Russia’s brutal war in Ukraine grinds on, reinforcing a grim lesson: military might erases accountability, and international law bends before strategic interests. Yet, amid all this darkness, a fundamental truth endures: the world belongs not to power elites or military establishments, but to the people. Across continents, ordinary men and women demand justice, equality, dignity and peace. Wars have not solved humanity’s problems; they have multiplied them — enriching arms merchants while spreading hunger, displacement and despair. QAMER SOOMRO SHIKARPUR

Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk

Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk

COMMENT 05

How Trump normalized abducting foreign leaders Thursday, 8 January, 2026

International law protects heads of state

QamaR BashiR

HE abduction and prosecution of a sitting head of state is not merely a criminal case. It is a constitutional moment for the international system. With the dramatic seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his transfer to the Southern District of New York to face drug-trafficking and weapons conspiracy charges, the USA has crossed a threshold that international law has traditionally treated as inviolable: a sitting head of state is not subject to the criminal jurisdiction of another state’s courts. Under customary international law, confirmed most famously by the International Court of Justice in the Arrest Warrant Case (2002), a sitting head of state enjoys immunity ratione personae— absolute immunity from foreign criminal proceedings, arrest, and detention. The basis is not personal privilege, but sovereignty itself. If the head of state can be arrested like a common suspect, then the state itself is no longer sovereign. Yet the USA proceeds on a different logic. US law provides federal courts jurisdiction over any person physically before them who has been indicted under federal criminal statutes with extraterritorial reach. The key drug-trafficking laws— 21 U.S.C. §§ 959, 960, 960a, and 963— permit prosecution of foreign actors who manufacture or traffic narcotics abroad knowing they are bound for US territory. Add to that 18 U.S.C. § 924(o) concerning firearms conspiracy, and the legal structure becomes complete. Once a federal grand jury indicts, and once the accused is in custody, 18 U.S.C. § 3231 gives the district court full criminal jurisdiction. Under the Ker–Frisbie doctrine, even an unlawful abduction does not defeat prosecution. In other words: US law begins where international law says it must stop. The USA answers this contradiction in two ways. First, by asserting that head-of-state immunity depends on recognition— and Wash-

ington has repeatedly questioned the legitimacy of Maduro’s presidency. Second, by reframing drug-trafficking as criminal, private activity, not official state conduct. Courts used a similar reasoning in United States v. Noriega, where the former Panamanian leader was tried in Florida after being seized by force. Since immunity protects the office rather than the individual, the U.S. argues that an illegitimate ruler engaged in private criminality is not entitled to the cloak of sovereignty. But even if domestic US legal doctrine permits such a prosecution, international law does not. Sovereignty, equality of states, and immunity of heads of state are foundational norms. If one country may seize the president of another and try him before a domestic court, then every powerful nation acquires the same prerogative. And here lies the danger. Imagine the mirror case. Suppose Venezuela indicted a sitting US president— say Donald Trump— on charges of mass civilian casualties, illegal blockade, or extrajudicial destruction of vessels at sea. Suppose further that Venezuelan agents abducted him abroad and transported him to Caracas for trial. Under the very logic now applied to Maduro, Venezuela could insist its criminal statutes have extraterritorial reach, that Trump’s actions were criminal rather than “official,” and that its courts therefore possess jurisdiction. How would the USA respond?. Not by arguing immunity in court, but by invoking force. A national emergency would be declared. Military forces would mobilize. The USA would demand immediate release and— if refused— would act unilaterally, claiming self-defence under the UN Charter. Washington would not accept the idea that a foreign domestic judge could lawfully sit in judgment over a sitting US president. Nor would any American expect it to. The reality, then, is not that law permits the USA what it forbids others, but that power determines whose law prevails. When

China pursues influence, it does so primarily through economic integration and diplomatic leverage, binding states into webs of trade and dependence. The USA once did the same. But as its economic leverage erodes and its diplomatic authority is increasingly contested, military and coercive instruments have become more visible tools of statecraft. The Maduro case is not an isolated legal proceeding; it is an expression of power through law— what scholars call “lawfare.” The timing reinforces this interpretation. Senior US military officials have openly acknowledged that operational planning for the mission began many months before the final raid, using intelligence mapping, maritime blockade, tanker seizures, and legal narrative to sculpt a justification. That sequence suggests the decision to neutralize Maduro came first; the legal story followed. Declaring drugs a “weapon of mass destruction,” esca-

For the sake of order, sovereignty, and genuine international justice, this PandoraÊs box must be closed· quickly and decisively. Otherwise the rule of law will not have been advanced by the Maduro prosecution. It will have been mortally wounded.

‘Pahlavi power’ is the future of post-Islamic Republic Iran In an interview with the Wall Street Journal this week, he said, ‘I’ve stepped in to lead this transition.... It’s about selfdetermination... freedom... rebuilding our country’ At a press conference in Paris in June, Pahlavi openly called for regime change and laid out principles for a post-Islamic Republic Iran

Pahlavi outlined a five-pillar strategy: maximum international pressure on the regime, maximum support for the Iranian people, encouragement of defections from within the system, mass mobilization and organization

JERUSALEM POST EDiTORial

MID the confusion pouring out of Iran – how many protesters have been killed, how many protesters are truly on the streets, who is a “Mossad agent” and who works for the regime – one thing has remained constant since the first day of unrest. The support of Reza Pahlavi, Iran’s exiled crown prince. As of Tuesday, at least 29 protesters have been officially reported killed, according to activist groups, though the true number is widely believed to be far higher. More than a thousand people have been arrested by regime security forces in sweeping crackdowns across multiple cities, with many detentions never acknowledged publicly. While the Islamic Republic has sought to drown the country in disinformation and repression, Pahlavi has emerged as the most visible and coherent external voice backing the protesters. From his statements of solidarity with victims of regime violence to his increasingly detailed vision for a post-Islamic Republic Iran, he has filled a vacuum that has long plagued Iran’s fragmented opposition. This week, after reports of shootings in the western city of Malekshahi and an attack on a hospital in Ilam, Pahlavi issued a blunt message. The killing of unarmed youth and the raiding of medical centers, he said, was “an unmistakable crime,” recalling the 2022 Zahedan massacre, in which almost 100 protesters were killed and over 300 wounded by security forces. A regime that murders young people and attacks hospitals, he added, “clearly has no legitimacy, and is nearing its end.” Such language resonates inside Iran because it mirrors what protesters themselves are saying. Across multiple cities, chants once considered politically unutterable have returned: “Javid shah” – long live the shah. Others go further: “This is the final battle! Pahlavi will return,” and “The shah will return to the homeland, and Zahhak will be overthrown,” invoking the mythic Persian despot. As The Jerusalem Post’s Alex Winston wrote in a recent analysis, these chants are existentially threatening for a regime built on the overthrow of the monarchy and the erasure of the Pahlavi legacy. They signal that the people’s anger has moved beyond economic grievances and toward outright re-

jection of the Islamic Republic itself. The Islamic Republic represents only a fleeting moment in Iran’s long history. For most of that history, Iran was ruled by kings rather than clerics obsessed with exporting Islamic revolution and funneling billions of dollars to proxy wars in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen. It is against this backdrop that Pahlavi has stepped forward, far from a distant symbol thousands of miles away, but now as a political actor influencing events on the ground. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal this week, he said, “I’ve stepped in to lead this transition.... It’s about self-determination... freedom... rebuilding our country.” He also stressed that US military intervention is not necessary, insisting that regime change needs to come from within Iran rather than without. This posture has been months in the making. At a press conference in Paris in June, Pahlavi openly called for regime change and laid out principles for a post-Islamic Republic Iran: territorial integrity, equality of all citizens, individual liberties, and the separation of religion and state. He addressed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei directly, urging him to step down and promising due process. That message was reinforced in Munich in July, where Pahlavi convened more than 500 Iranian dissidents from across the ideological spectrum. Monarchists and republicans, secular activists, ethnic leaders, artists, athletes, and former political prisoners gathered in what was arguably the broadest opposition coalition in decades. There, Pahlavi outlined a five-pillar strategy: maximum international pressure on the regime, maximum support for the Iranian people, encouragement of defections from within the system, mass mobilization and organization, and detailed planning for economic and political recovery. Crucially, he emphasized that Iran’s future system, including the question of monarchy, must be decided by a national referendum. As Winston wrote, “It is important to remember that. Pahlavi is not waiting to swoop in and sweep Iranians off their feet – he is willing to let them choose their own future. But the voices emanating from the streets suggest he has a large amount of popular support among the protesters.” This is the core of “Pahlavi power.” The people of Iran are no longer whispering the name Pahlavi. They are shouting it.

lating maritime enforcement, and ultimately seizing a sitting president were phases of a single strategy— not spontaneous responses. It is no coincidence that Venezuela controls the world’s largest proven oil reserves. Yet the legal stakes stretch far beyond Venezuela. If abducting a sitting president becomes normalized practice, the Pandora’s box is open. Russia could seize the Ukrainian president. Ukraine could attempt to capture the Russian leader. India and Pakistan could abduct each other’s heads of government under rival criminal indictments. Every major power could claim universal criminal jurisdiction over its geopolitical adversaries. The international system would slide from law-based coexistence into unrestrained strategic kidnapping. This is why head-of-state immunity exists in the first place. Not because leaders should be above the law— but because there must be a lawful, international forum for accountability, not unilateral justice imposed by strength. International tribunals, or trials after a leader leaves office, are the established routes. Anything else destabilizes the sovereign equality that prevents chaos. It is also essential to note that the same immunity doctrine protects US presidents, including Donald Trump. Under international law, he cannot be arrested or tried abroad while in office, nor prosecuted for official acts thereafter. If the USA disregards these principles when dealing with weaker

states, it cannot coherently object when others attempt the same logic against it. The charges against Maduro in New York— drug trafficking and weapons conspiracy— were shaped precisely because those are the statutes that grant US courts extraterritorial jurisdiction. They were not chosen for factual accuracy alone but to manufacture legal standing. If conviction follows, it will rest on a foundation that may be domestically valid yet internationally corrosive. The world should be under no illusion: this is not only a criminal case. It is a test of whether law restrains power, or power bends law to its will. If the precedent stands unchecked, the guardrails that have prevented interstate retribution through legalized kidnapping will weaken. The result will not be justice— but a colder, more dangerous world where states resolve grievances by force wrapped in court filings. For the sake of order, sovereignty, and genuine international justice, this Pandora’s box must be closed— quickly and decisively. Otherwise the rule of law will not have been advanced by the Maduro prosecution. It will have been mortally wounded.

The writer retired as Press Secretary the President, and is former Press Minister at Embassy of Pakistan to France and former MD, Shalimar Recording & Broadcasting Company Limited

Why Trump’s regime-change playbook won’t work in Iran Tehran is no Caracas. The Islamic Republic stands on solid ground even if it faces multiple crises

AL JAZEERA

Jasim al-azzawi

RESIDENT Donald Trump’s declaration that the United States was “locked and loaded” if Iran’s security forces killed peaceful protesters carried a special sting. Less than 24 hours later, US special forces attacked Caracas, abducted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from his home and took him to New York to face trial on “narcoterrorism” charges. In showing that his administration can follow through on threats in Venezuela, Trump has escalated the psychological pressure on the Islamic Republic. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called his statement “reckless and dangerous”. Clearly, the Iranian government got the warning. However, Iran is no Venezuela. What happened in Caracas on Saturday cannot really take place in Tehran.

A SOLID MILITARY INFRASTRUCTURE: The realities of operability, which allowed an invasion to occur in Venezuela, highlight why a similar intervention in Iran is simply out of the question for the US. The CIA had operated in Caracas for half a year, preparing for the operation. The intelligence agency had an asset close to Maduro who helped track him down. In the early hours of Saturday, US fighter jets launched air strikes on military targets in and around Caracas. A US special forces team was dispatched afterwards to abduct Maduro from his residence. What helped secure the success of the operation was that the Venezuelan military was in disarray and Maduro had been largely abandoned by his allies Russia and China. Six months earlier, Iran made clear that it is not an easy regime change target. During the 12-day conflict with Israel in June, Tehran’s weaknesses were revealed but so was its resilience. Despite Israel’s surprise attacks that eliminated some of the most important leaders of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Iranian nuclear scientists as well as the Israeli psyop efforts threatening various officials and high-ranking military officers with death unless they defected, the Islamic Republic did not budge. The US strikes on Iran’s underground nuclear sites using bunker buster bombs did not shake the regime either. In response, the Iranian military was able to fire hundreds of missiles in retaliation, piercing Israel’s Iron Dome and striking military targets. This resilience stems from the regime’s self-imposed

Iran has the largest military in the region with one million active and reserve soldiers

isolation from external shocks. The vast business empire of the IRGC in construction, telecommunications and exports, valued in the billions of dollars, provides its top commanders with a tangible personal interest in regime survival, irrespective of its ideological underpinnings. Iran has the largest military in the region with one million active and reserve soldiers. The IRGC alone commands at least 150,000 soldiers, many of whom have been battle-hardened in the Middle East already. Then there is the Basij militia, which itself has hundreds of thousands of regular and reserve members. An invasion of Iran would not be as easy as Venezuela; it would not even be comparable to Iraq, given the mountainous Iranian landscape and vast urban areas. Furthermore, the Chinese and Russians are unlikely to abandon Iran, a much more important partner than Venezuela. They are likely to provide it with highly advanced intelligence and weaponry as well as political support and cover.

SOCIAL UPHEAVAL: In recent days, Iran has been experiencing mass protests fuelled by economic woes. But this may not turn out to be the opportunity that the US and Israel may think it is. The upheaval is yet to come near the level of the rallies in 2022. Killings have been excessive – 20 protesters have been killed in the past few days – but we are yet to see any visible cracks in the regime. The IRGC, for example, has not had defections that could destabilise the corps and eventually lead to the fall of the regime. Furthermore, history shows that external aggression tends to unite rather than fragment societies. This was made clear in the summer when Iranians did not fall for Israeli incitement against their government. Despite their repressive tactics, the authorities in Tehran have also acknowledged protesters’ concerns. On Saturday, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, said that the “bazaaris’ protest…is a valid one” and that the government is “seeking to remedy the problem”. Undoubtedly Iran’s crises are real: The severe economic downturn and inflation, the disputes over Iran’s nuclear plans, and the supreme leader’s poor health and the question of succession could create fissures in the regime. But these are slow-burning crises and not the kind of vulnerabilities on which the Venezuela operation was based. The Iranian government has managed to endure four decades of sanctions, conflicts and internal upheavals because of its solid institutional frameworks, which can weather painful moments. The Venezuela intervention, then, is more illustrative of the limit of US power rather than a model for what can be done in another country, such as Iran. Trump can isolate and remove individual leaders whose states are already empty shells, as in Venezuela. He and his generals cannot, however, control and transform a complex country like Iran. Any such project would undoubtedly lead to chaos and bloodshed in the region far more intense and lasting than in Iraq. Jasim Al-Azzawi is a news anchor, programme presenter, and media instructor. He presented a weekly show called Inside Iraq.

06 NEWS

US SECURES $2B VENEZUELA OIL DEAL AFTER MADURO CAPTURE

WASHINGTON agencies

ARACAS and Washington have reached a deal to export up to $2 billion worth of Venezuelan crude to the United States, US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday, a flagship negotiation that would divert supplies from China while helping Venezuela avoid deeper oil production cuts. The agreement is a strong sign that the Venezuelan government is responding to Trump’s demand that they open up to US oil companies or risk more military intervention. Trump has said he wants interim President Delcy Rodriguez to give the US and private companies “total access” to Venezuela’s oil industry. Venezuela has millions of barrels of oil loaded on tankers and in storage tanks that it has been unable to ship due to a blockade on exports imposed by Trump since mid-December. The blockade was part of rising US pressure on the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro that culminated in US forces capturing him this weekend. Top Venezuelan officials have called Maduro’s capture a kidnapping and accused the US of trying to steal the country’s vast

oil reserves. Venezuela will be “turning over” between 30 and 50 million barrels of “sanctioned oil” to the US, Trump said in a post on Truth Social. “This oil will be sold at its market price, and that money will be controlled by me, as President of the United States of America, to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States!,” he added. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright is in charge of executing the deal, Trump said, adding that the oil will be taken from ships and sent directly to US ports. Supplying the trapped crude to the US could initially require reallocating cargoes originally bound for China, two sources had told Reuters earlier on Tuesday. The Asian country has been Venezuela’s top buyer in the last decade and especially since the US imposed sanctions on companies involved in oil trade with Venezuela in 2020. “Trump wants this to happen early so he can say it is a big win,” an oil industry source said. CHEVRON IN CONTROL OF VENEZUELAN OIL FLOWS TO US US crude prices fell more than 1.5% after Trump’s announcement, with the agreement expected to increase the volume of Venezuelan oil exported to the US. That flow of oil is currently controlled entirely by Chevron, PDVSA’s main joint

US seizes Russia-flagged oil tanker chased to North Atlantic WASHINGTON agencies

The United States on Wednesday seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic after pursuing it from off the coast of Venezuela, in an operation condemned by Moscow. Washington says the tanker is part of a so-called shadow fleet that carries oil for countries such as Venezuela, Russia and Iran in violation of US sanctions, and seized it despite the ship being escorted by the Russian navy. The vessel had thwarted an earlier attempt to board it last month near Venezuela, where a US raid on Saturday

venture partner, under a US authorisation. Chevron, which has been exporting between 100,000 and 150,000 barrels per day (bpd) of Venezuelan oil to the US, is the only company that has been loading and shipping crude without interruption from the South American country in recent weeks under the blockade. It was not immediately clear if

toppled the country's authoritarian president, Nicolas Maduro. "The vessel was seized in the North Atlantic pursuant to a warrant issued by a US federal court," US European Command, which oversees American forces in the region, said in a statement on X. After the operation, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth posted that the US blockade on Venezuelan oil was in full effect "anywhere in the world." Russia's Transport Ministry slammed the seizure, saying "freedom of navigation applies in waters on the high seas, and no state has the right to use force against vessels duly registered under the jurisdiction of other states."

Venezuela would have any access to proceeds from the supply. Sanctions mean PDVSA is excluded from the global financial system, its bank accounts are frozen and it is blocked from executing transactions in US dollars. Venezuela has been selling its flagship crude grade, Merey, at around $22 per barrel below Brent for delivery at Venezuelan

Curfew imposed in Nepal’s Birgunj after mosque vandalism sparks Hindu-Muslim protests KATHMANDU agencies

Authorities have imposed a curfew in Birgunj, a city in southern Nepal bordering India, after tensions flared between Hindu and Muslim groups following the vandalism of a mosque over the weekend. Curfew orders issued by the Parsa District Administration ban all movement, gatherings and demonstrations, warning that violators could face lethal force. Armed soldiers and police have been deployed across Birgunj, which lies about 130 kilometres south of Kathmandu and serves as a critical entry point for oil, goods and supplies from India. Initially, the curfew was enforced in the evening. While no major clashes or serious injuries have been reported so far, tensions have remained high, prompting authorities to extend the curfew with only limited hours of relaxation. Police have also held meetings with Muslim and Hindu leaders and have appealed to the public to exercise restraint. According to an international news agency, the unrest was triggered by a Tik-

Tok video that went viral, containing religious remarks that were deemed offensive by respective communities. Police, with the help of local residents, detained two youths accused of making the video and attempted to defuse the situation. Despite these efforts, a mosque was van-

dalised and religious books were desecrated, intensifying anger within the local Muslim community. Muslim groups began protesting on Sunday, blocking roads, burning tyres and chanting slogans. Hindu groups later staged separate demonstrations on

the same day. As protests continued, police used tear gas, detained several demonstrators and reported injuries to some officers. Clashes between Hindus and Muslims are rare in predominantly Hindu Nepal, where most of the Muslim population resides in southern border regions. Previously, the youth-led demonstrations, initially triggered by anger over a brief government ban on social media, were fuelled by deeper frustration over economic hardship and corruption. After a police crackdown killed young protestors, the riots spread, and on the second day, more than 2,500 structures were torched, looted or damaged. The committee formed to assess the damage caused during the protest submitted its report to Prime Minister Sushila Karki. The report said that a total of 77 people died during the movement, 20 people on 8 September, 37 on the following day and another 20 later. “In terms of total physical damage, the committee estimates the loss to be equivalent to 84 arab 45 crore 77 lakh rupees ($586 million),” the statement said.

Trump says military force ‘always an option’ to secure Greenland WASHINGTON agencies

President Donald Trump is exploring how to take control of Greenland, and using the US military is “always an option”, the White House said Tuesday, further upping tensions with NATO ally Denmark. Washington’s stark warning came despite Greenland and Denmark both calling for a speedy meeting with the United States to clear up “misunderstandings”. The US military intervention in Venezuela has reignited Trump’s designs on the autonomous Danish territory in the Arctic, which has untapped rare earth deposits and could be a vital player as melting polar ice opens up new shipping routes. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that “acquiring Greenland is a national security priority of the United States”, to deter adversaries like Russia and China. “The president and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilising the US military is always an option at the commander in chief’s disposal,” she said in a statement

to AFP. Trump’s renewed claims over self-governing Greenland have stoked concerns in Europe that the transatlantic alliance with the United States could be about to fracture. Earlier, Greenland and Denmark said they had asked to meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio quickly to discuss the issue. “It has so far not been possible,” Greenland’s Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt wrote on social media, “despite the fact that the Greenlandic and

Danish governments have requested a meeting at the ministerial level throughout 2025”. Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said meeting Rubio should resolve “certain misunderstandings”. Greenland Prime Minister JensFrederik Nielsen again insisted that the island was not for sale and only Greenlanders should decide its future. His comments came after Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Spain

joined Denmark in saying that they would defend the “universal principles” of “sovereignty, territorial integrity and the inviolability of borders”. “For this support, I wish to express my deepest gratitude,” Nielsen wrote on social media. Washington already has a military base in Greenland, which is home to some 57,000 people. Trump hinted on Sunday that a decision on Greenland may come “in about two months”, once the situation in Venezuela, where US forces seized President Nicolas Maduro on Saturday, has stabilised. The European leaders’ joint statement called Arctic security “critical” for international and transatlantic security. Denmark, including Greenland, was part of NATO, it added, urging a collective approach to security in the polar region. The statement was signed by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.

Iranian president orders security forces not to crack down on protesters, distinguish them from rioters TEHRAN

agencies

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday ordered security forces not to crack down on economic protests, drawing a distinction between peaceful demonstrators and armed “rioters”. Pezeshkian’s statement comes as Iranian cities continue to see a wave of protests against economic hardship triggered by price rises and currency collapse. Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights (IHR) claimed on Tuesday at least 27 protesters have been killed during the demonstrations that kicked off with a shopkeeper’s strike in Tehran on December 28.

Iranian media outlets, relaying official announcements, have reported 13 deaths, including members of the security forces and a policeman who was shot dead on Tuesday. In a video released by the news agency Mehr after a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Iran Vice President Mohammad Jafar Ghaempanah said Pezeshkian had “ordered that no security measures be taken against the demonstrators”. “Those who carry firearms, knives and machetes and who attack police stations and military sites are rioters, and we must distinguish protesters from rioters,” Ghaempanah added. ARMY CHIEF WARNS IRAN’S FOES General Amir Hatami, commander of the

Thursday, 8 January 2026 | ISLAMABAD

Iranian army and one of its most senior military officers, warned Tehran will not tolerate outside threats “without responding”. According to the Fars news agency, Hatami said “if the enemy makes a mistake,” Iran’s response would be more robust than during last June’s 12-day war with Israel. In recent days, US President Donald Trump has threatened to intervene in Iran if demonstrators were killed, while Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed support for the protests. The demonstrations have yet to reach the scale of a 2022 to 2023 movement, let alone that of the mass 2009 street protests that followed disputed elections.

ports, giving a value for the deal at up to $1.9 billion. Rodriguez, sworn in as interim president on Monday, is herself under US sanctions imposed in 2018 for undermining democracy. TALKS INVOLVE POSSIBLE AUCTIONS WITH US BUYERS Venezuelan and US officials this week discussed possible sales mechanisms, including auctions to allow interested US buyers to bid for cargoes, and issuing US licenses to PDVSA’s business partners that could lead to supply contracts, two sources told Reuters. Those licenses have in the past allowed PDVSA’s joint venture partners and customers, including Chevron, India’s Reliance, China National Petroleum Corporation and European Eni, and Repsol, to have access to Venezuelan oil to refine or to resell to third parties. This week, some of those companies have begun making preparations for receiving Venezuelan cargoes again, two separate sources said. The US and Venezuela have also discussed if Venezuelan oil can be used in the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve in the future, one of the sources said. Trump did not refer to this possibility. INCREASED OIL FLOWS WOULD BE ‘GREAT NEWS’ US Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said on Tuesday that an increased flow of Venezuelan heavy oil to the US Gulf would be “great news” for job security, future gasoline prices in the US and for Venezuela. “Venezuela has an opportunity now to actually have capital come in and rebuild their economy and take advantage,” he told Fox News, when asked about talks between the governments on oil exports. “With American technology, American partnership, Venezuela can be transformed.”

Askari Bank accelerates transition to Shariah-Compliant Banking Nationwide ISLAMABAD

staff report

Askari Bank Limited reaffirms its steadfast commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s economy through a stable, ethical, and inclusive financial system by accelerating its transition to Shariah-compliant banking. Islamic Banking is now available at all branches of Askari Bank. This strategic initiative is in alignment with the State Bank of Pakistan’s Vision 2028 and the Federal Shariah Court’s directives, supporting the national agenda for an expanded Islamic financial system. Mr Zia Ijaz, President & CEO of Askari Bank, highlighted the significance of this milestone: "We are pleased to share that half of our nationwide branch network is fully Islamic, while the remaining branches have dedicated Islamic Banking Windows offering Shariah-based deposit products. This achievement reflects the dedication, and agility of our team, and reinforces our commitment to delivering ethical, inclusive, and customer-centric financial solutions across Pakistan. By embracing Islamic Banking, Askari Bank continues to expand financial inclusion, drive sustainable growth, and support Pakistan’s evolving economic landscape.

66 Lahore Police constables promoted to head constable rank LAHORE

staff report

As many as 66 constables of the Lahore police have been promoted to the rank of head constable following the approval of the Departmental Promotion Board. The promotions were approved at a meeting of the Departmental Promotion Board, chaired by DIG (Administration) Imran Kishore. SSP (Discipline) Atif Nazir and SP (Headquarters) Munazza Karamat were among the members of the board. Among the promotes, 61 belonged to Category C-I and five to Category C-II. They are serving in operations, investigation, the security division and other units. In Category C-I, Dil Nawaz Amin, Shehzad Ali, Asghar Ali, Hassan Atta, Muhammad Khawar, Khalid Parvez, Muhammad Mubashir and Khalid Mohsin were promoted, while Ahmed Khan, Muhammad Ilyas, Liaquat and Ahmed Hassan were among those promoted in Category C-II. Capital City Police Officer Lahore Bilal Siddique Kamyana congratulated the promoted officials and extended his best wishes. He urged them to perform their duties with renewed zeal, commitment and professionalism and to meet the challenges of their new ranks with a strong sense of responsibility. The CCPO said the promoted personnel would play an effective role in ensuring the timely provision of justice to the citizens. He added that measures to encourage officers and personnel demonstrating outstanding performance would continue at all levels. The promoted officials expressed their gratitude and pledged to further improve their professional performance.

But the economic protests have attracted international attention, including from the leaders of the Iran’s international foes. “We’re watching it very closely. If they start killing people like they have in the past, I think they’re going to get hit very hard by the United States,” Trump told reporters on Sunday. Netanyahu, meanwhile, told Israel’s cabinet: “We stand in solidarity with the struggle of the Iranian people and with their aspirations for freedom, liberty and justice.” The war in June began with an unprecedented Israeli attack on Iranian military and nuclear facilities. The United States briefly took part in the strikes, hitting three major Iranian nuclear sites.

TEAR GAS IN GRAND BAZAAR The latest demonstrations have spread to the heart of the economy in Iran, the capital’s Grand Bazaar, and several more towns and cities, especially in the west of the country. On Tuesday, clashes erupted in the Grand Bazaar for the first time since the protests began, with police using tear gas to disperse crowds. In one case, gas drifted into a hospital. To disperse a crowd, “tear gas was used in the alley adjacent to the Sina Hospital”, the ISNA news agency reported, citing a statement from the Tehran University of Medical Sciences. The Sina Hospital is affiliated with the university and is about two kilometres from the Grand Bazaar. The university denied claims that tear gas had been deliberately fired at the hospital. Elsewhere in the Iranian capital, calm appeared to have returned on Wednesday. AFP reporters saw residents conducting business as normal in the shops of Vali Asr, the grand thoroughfare that crosses the city from north to south.

Thursday, 8 January 2026 | IsLAMABAD

CORPORATE CORNER

Govt steers comprehensive campaign for Pollen Mitigation, Ecological Restoration ISLAMABAD

staff report

Govt of Pakistan initiated a comprehensive campaign in last quarter of 2024 to address the longstanding issue of seasonal pollen allergies within the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT). This effort, focusing on the systematic management of allergenic trees, was launched in response to a high-level directive from the Honourable Prime Minister of Pakistan, who designated the pollen issue a priority agenda. A clear roadmap for action was established following a high-level meeting on November 27, 2024, chaired by Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad Malik, Minister of State for National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination. Under this directive, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) was tasked with executing a detailed plan for the removal of allergenic species, specifically the paper mulberry tree, and providing regular progress reports to ensure the mitigation of this severe health challenge.

Pakistan, UAE pledge to enhance cooperation in education and technical training

PUNJAB CM SAYS SHE BELIEVES IN PROACTIVE, NOT REACTIVE GOVERNANCE

LAHORE

staff report

UNJAB Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Tuesday said the Punjab government believes in proactive governance rather than reacting after problems emerge, emphasising that preventive healthcare remains central to her administration’s vision. Addressing the launching ceremony of the Community Health Inspectors programme, the Punjab chief minister said that once 55,000 community health inspectors step into the field, diseases will be driven out of the province. “The government no longer waits for people to come to it; instead, it goes door to door,” she said, adding that prevention is far less painful than treatment after illness has already taken hold. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said

that when mothers, sisters and daughters come forward to serve in the field, no one can defeat Punjab. She described the Community Health Inspectors initiative as a transformative step, stating that Punjab’s women have the strength and determination to change the province’s destiny.

Congratulating Provincial Minister for Health and Population Welfare Khawaja Imran Nazir, the health secretary and their entire team, the Chief Minister Punjab praised their tireless efforts in making the programme a reality. She said the inspectors undergo months of training and are

KARACHI

staff report

Lucky Investments Limited has crossed PKR 130 billion in Assets Under Management (AUM) within its first year of operations, marking a major milestone and positioning the Company as Pakistan’s fastest-growing Islamic Asset Management Company (AMC). Launched with a focused mandate to promote Shariah-compliant, ethical, and disciplined investing, Lucky Investments introduced its first Islamic fund in April 2025. In less than nine months, the Company expanded its platform to seven Islamic funds and multiple investment plans, catering to a rapidly growing base of individual and institutional investors. The strong growth reflects rising investor confidence in Islamic finance and a robust product strategy backed by governance, transparency, and professional

fund management. Commenting on the achievement, Mohammad Shoaib, CFA, Chief Executive Officer of Lucky Investments, said “Crossing PKR 130 billion in AUM within our first year is a clear endorsement of our values-driven investment philosophy. Our objective is to enable long-term wealth creation through Shariahcompliant solutions while supporting financial inclusion and sustainable economic growth in Pakistan.” Lucky Investments operates under the guidance of an experienced Board of Directors and respected Shariah scholars, ensuring the highest standards of compliance, governance, and risk management. Further strengthening its credentials in Islamic finance, the Company was recently recognized as ‘Emerging Islamic Finance Entity of the Year 2025 – South Asia’ at the 10th Islamic Finance Forum of South Asia (IFFSA).

ISLAMABAD

Pakistan attracts fortune 500 investor as Xiamen C&D explores auto, steel sector ISLAMABAD

staff report

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, Mr. Haroon Akhtar Khan, held an important meeting with representatives of Fortune 500 Chinese company Xiamen C&D, during which the company expressed strong interest in making large-scale investments in Pakistan. The meeting was attended by Chairman Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA), Mr. Freedoon Akram Sheikh, along with EPZA Board Members. During the discussion, Xiamen C&D conveyed its keen interest in investing in Pakistan’s automobile, steel, and iron sectors. Mr. Haroon Akhtar Khan stated that Xiamen C&D is a globally renowned company with a strong presence in global supply chains, steel, minerals, automotive, real estate, international trade, and logistics.

Kaukab strongly condemns alarming increase in medicine prices, demands immediate intervention by PM KARACHI

staff report

Chairman of the Consumers Association of Pakistan (CAP), Kaukab Iqbal, has strongly condemned the continuous and excessive increase in the prices of medicines, stating that the situation has pushed ordinary consumers into severe hardship. He revealed that the Consumers Association of Pakistan possesses solid evidence showing that prices of certain medicines have been increased by up to 300 percent, placing an unbearable burden on consumers. “This is not merely an additional financial strain; it has become completely intolerable for the common man. The poor and middle classes are increasingly being deprived of medical treatment,” he said.

now ready to serve humanity by delivering healthcare at the grassroots level. Calling the community health inspectors her “eyes, ears and pride,” the Punjab Chief Minister said, Punjab, by the grace of Allah, is becoming self-reliant across sectors. She noted that women play a defining role in Punjab’s development and contribute effectively to improving public health outcomes. She said that through clinics-onwheels and field hospitals, medical treatment has already been provided to nearly 30 million people across the province. Under the new programme, community health inspectors will be able to conduct basic diagnostic tests, including blood sugar checks, and administer injections. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said she personally took interest in designing the inspectors’ uniforms and approving their toolkits. She added that 25,000 individuals have already been provided employment under the programme, with a monthly salary of Rs50,000. “Those who prove themselves through performance will see further increases in their salaries,” she said, acknowledging the demanding nature of door-to-door service.

Lucky investments surpasses PKR130b AUM within first year

staff report

Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training, Wajiha Qamar, on Monday met with the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Pakistan, Salem Al Zaabi, at the UAE Embassy in Islamabad. During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on further strengthening bilateral cooperation in the fields of education, technical and vocational training, skills development, and human resource exchange. Minister of State Wajiha Qamar stated on the occasion that Pakistan is placing special emphasis on aligning youth employment-related skills with international standards so that they can meet the requirements of the global labor market. She stressed the importance of cooperation in joint certification programs, teacher and student exchange initiatives, and capacity-building projects.

news 07

136 probationary officers from 53rd common training programme visit BISP headquarters KARACHI

staff report

A delegation of 136 Probationary Officers from the 53rd Common Training Programme (CTP) of the Civil Services Academy, Lahore, visited the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Headquarters to gain an in-depth understanding of BISP’s vision, mandate, and flagship social protection initiatives. Secretary BISP, Amer Ali Ahmad, briefed the delegation on the Government of Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen social protection systems and informed them that, for the first time in the country’s history, Social Protection Wallets are being activated for over 10 million women beneficiaries under the Prime Minister’s vision of a cashless economy. He stated that 5.67 million free SIMs have been distributed so far, marking the largest such initiative nationwide, aimed at ensuring transparency, security, and convenience in benefit disbursement. The Secretary provided a comprehensive overview of BISP’s core programmes, including Benazir Kafaalat, Benazir Taleemi Wazaif, Benazir Nashonuma, and the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER), which he described as the backbone and pride of BISP.

Chinese Hoymiles partners with Harisun Energy and Superstar to launch high-tech storage solutions LAHORE

staff report

Renowned Chinese inverter manufacturer Hoymiles has fostered partnership with Harisun Energy and Superstar to provide high-tech, longduration energy storage solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial buildings utilizing solar systems for electricity consumption in Pakistan. In this regard, the launching event was held in Lahore, unveiling multiple storage solutions produced by Hoymiles under the brands of Harisun Energy and Superstar. Over the past few years, a large number of industrial, commercial, and residential electricity consumers have shifted to solar power systems to address frequent power outages and the rising cost of electricity. Reports indicate that net-metering capacity currently stands at 6,000 MW, while off-grid solar capacity has increased to 12,000 MW in Pakistan by the end of 2025. “Pakistan’s growing solar sector is facing a major challenge related to longhour backup and energy storage solutions, which will soon be addressed with the entry of a global leader in energy solutions,” said Haris Jamsheed, CEO of Harisun Energy.

Emerging opportunities in maritime sector: Minister KARACHI

staff report

The Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs and Chairman KPT highlighted emerging opportunities in the maritime sector and presented potential investment avenues to the business community, particularly members of Korangi Association of Trade & Industry. The presence of a large number of distinguished business leaders and corporate representatives made the gathering a meaningful forum for networking, exchange of ideas, and strengthening institutional linkages. The event was attended by more than 150 prominent business leaders. Dr. Danish Aman, Chairman PTA SZ, along with Mr. Zahid Hameed, hosted dinner in the honour of Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, who attended the event as the Chief Guest. Rear Admiral Shahid Ahmed SI(M) S.Bt (Retd), Chairman Karachi Port Trust, also attended the occasion as the Guest of Honour. The evening underscored the strong collaboration between public institutions and the private sector, reflecting a shared commitment to national economic growth and sustainable development.

SECP approves prospectus for initial public offering of Pak-Qatar General Takaful ISLAMABAD

staff report

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has accorded approval for issuance, circulation and publication of the Prospectus for the Initial Public Offering (IPO) of 30,000,000 Ordinary Shares of Pak-Qatar General Takaful Limited (PQGTL), representing 29.67% of the total post-IPO paid up capital of PQGTL. The IPO is being made through the book building method, with seventy-five percent of the IPO shares being allocated to the book building portion and the remaining twenty-five percent offered to retail investors. PQGTL is a Shariah-compliant insurer, dedicated to providing various general (non-life) Takaful products. PQGTL will be the first dedicated General Takaful company to be listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX). The IPO segment is exhibiting phenomenal activity during FY 2025– 26, with this offering representing the sixth IPO transaction on the PSX Main Board to date. Approval of the PQGTL prospectus also marks the second prospectus to be approved by the SECP within the first week of calendar year 2026. New IPOs promote market development by enhancing transparency, corporate governance, and investment avenues. Listings provide issuers access to long-term capital and opportunities for value creation, while giving investors access to enhanced disclosures for better informed investment decisions. The SECP remains committed to fostering a facilitative regulatory environment that encourages new listings as a sustainable source of financing and investment activities.

Pakistan Tape Ball Federation President Zohaib Nasir presenting cash prize to Player of Match Taimoor Mirza after second semi-final of Pakistan Tape Ball Premier League, with former Test opener Sadiq Mohammad and others also present.

Zong advances autonomous network capabilities with pilot launch of self-intelligent RAN optimization platform ISLAMABAD

staff report

Zong, Pakistan’s leading information services and technology innovation company, has successfully completed the pilot launch of its Self-Intelligent Radio Access Network (RAN) Optimization Platform, marking a significant milestone in the evolution toward autonomous network operations. The AI-powered platform introduces intelligent, selfoptimizing capabilities that enable the network to detect, analyze, and resolve performance issues in real time. By eliminating manual intervention, the solution significantly reduces response times and enhances network efficiency, particularly during peak usage periods.

IG NHMP directs strict enforcement of law on highways and motorways ISLAMABAD

staff report

An important operational meeting of the National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP) was held under the chairmanship of Inspector General Sultan Ahmed Chaudhry, with the participation of all Additional Inspectors General and Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs). During the meeting, the overall performance of all zones and key operational matters were reviewed in detail. Addressing the meeting, the IG Motorway Police directed that strict enforcement of the law on national highways and motorways must be ensured. He emphasized the optimal use of available resources to provide timely assistance to travellers, prevent traffic accidents, and eliminate crime. While instructing that patrolling and other operational activities be made more effective, the IG highlighted that the safety of citizens’ lives and property remains the foremost priority of the National Highways and Motorway Police.

White coat ceremony held at Rehman Medical College to welcome new MBBS students PESHAWAR

staff report

Rehman Medical College (RMC), operating under Rehman Medical Institute, formally marked the beginning of the medical education journey of newly admitted MBBS students through a White Coat Ceremony. The event was attended by students, their parents, faculty members, and a large number of distinguished guests. According to the spokesperson, the chief guest of the ceremony was the Provincial Minister for Higher Education and Local Government, Mr. Meena Khan Afridi, while senior officials of the Higher Education Department were also present on the occasion. The minister appreciated the academic standards of Rehman Medical College and the performance of its faculty, and congratulated parents on their children’s success. He stated that the selected students had been chosen purely on merit from among thousands of applicants. Addressing the students, the provincial minister said that having an institution like RMC in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa—where academic facilities and training opportunities are available under one roof—was a matter of pride for them. During the ceremony, faculty members formally presented white coats and stethoscopes to the students, after which the students took an oath to serve patients with honesty, compassion, and professional responsibility. Senior officials of Rehman Medical Institute and faculty members of RMC were also present at the event.

KP CM Calls for PoliCy shift, inClusion of ProvinCial govt in Counter-terrorisM deCisions

Thursday, 8 January, 2026

prayer tiMings

NEWS

PESHAWAR

staff CorresponDent

HYBER Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Wednesday called for a “policy shift” in the country’s counter-terrorism approach and urged the federal government to include the provincial administration in policy-making. The remarks come amid criticism from federal authorities, who have blamed the PTI-led KP government for failing to maintain security in the province. KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has said the party is in disarray and unable to deliver on its policy objectives. Addressing the convocation ceremony at the University of Peshawar, CM Afridi said the people of KP had repeatedly warned about the resurgence of terrorism but were

KP govt finalises development package for merged districts

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dismissed as spreading propaganda. “We warned that terrorists were hiding in the mountains and advancing towards our markets and homes,” he said. “Instead, we were accused of spreading propaganda.” He stressed that any military operation must be carried out with the confidence and consent of the people of KP and their elected representatives. “There has to be a policy shift, but not one decided behind closed doors,” Afridi said. “Counter-terrorism policy should be formulated in consultation with the KP government, the people and all relevant stakeholders.” He warned that decisions taken without consultation would only prolong suffering. “A transparent and inclusive policy can bring lasting peace. Decisions made behind closed doors have caused our people to suffer for the past 17 years,” he added. The chief minister said the KP govern-

ment and the federal authorities appeared to have “different intentions” on the issue of terrorism. “If the aim was truly to eradicate terrorism, they would have sat with us to develop a joint policy,” he said. Referring to the impact of militancy and military operations, Afridi said residents had made enormous sacrifices. He recalled that compensation of Rs400,000 was promised to families whose homes were destroyed by terrorism, but many had yet to receive the amount. “After all the sacrifices, imagine being told this — and even then, the money has not been paid,” he said. He further noted that collateral damage from military operations and terrorist attacks often left families without breadwinners, pushing them into economic hardship. According to the Annual Security Report 2025 by the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), terrorism and counter-

terrorism-related violence escalated sharply nationwide in 2025. Fatalities rose from 2,555 in 2024 to 3,417 in 2025 — an increase of 862 deaths, or nearly 34 per cent year-on-year. The report said the sharpest rise was recorded in KP, where fatalities increased from 1,620 in 2024 to 2,331 in 2025 — an increase of 711 deaths. This accounted for over 82 per cent of the national rise, marking a nearly 44 per cent surge in violence in the province. Meanwhile, on January 2, KP Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed said police had foiled hundreds of terror-related plots, particularly in the southern and merged tribal districts, despite operating under constant threat. He said police neutralised 459 terrorists and arrested more than 1,300 militants — including 29 with head money — during 3,277 intelligence-based operations carried out

Durrani proposes dialogue framework to end govt-PTI deadlock ISLAMABAD

staff CorresponDent

PESHAWAR

staff report

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi on Wednesday chaired a meeting to finalise a comprehensive development package for the merged districts. According to the CM House spokesperson, the Rs1 trillion package, titled “Roshan Qabail” (Bright Tribes), will focus on investment across six thematic areas aimed at ensuring sustainable economic development of the merged districts. Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister said the package prioritises infrastructure development, human resource capacity building, and employment generation. He directed that the establishment of a Tribes Medical College, an Institute of Modern Sciences, and Digital Cities be included in the package. He also ordered the establishment of District Headquarters (DHQ) and Tehsil Headquarters (THQ) hospitals in areas where such facilities are currently unavailable. The CM further directed that one sports complex be established in each merged district and a sports ground in every tehsil. He instructed that markets, as well as entry and exit points of the merged districts, be brought under the Safe City project, and that schools, health facilities, and markets be shifted to solar energy. He also directed the establishment of orphanages and shelters in every tehsil, along with the setting up of Rescue 1122 stations across all tehsils in the merged districts. The CM emphasized increasing allocations for health and education, while also enhancing the share for ST&IT, irrigation, social welfare, sports, and energy sectors. During the briefing, it was shared that the package includes investment in institutional capacity building, improved governance, and effective service delivery. Inter-sectoral reforms for inclusive development and major investments in health and education sectors are key components of the initiative. According to the briefing, the package provides for the establishment of 1,245 new Primary schools, the upgradation of 463 primary schools and 85 middle schools, and the rehabilitation of 975 primary schools, 240 middle schools, and 125 high schools in the merged districts. The plan also includes the recruitment of 11,500 teachers and the provision of various scholarships. Rehabilitation and revitalisation of health facilities, along with the establishment of telemedicine centres in District Headquarters hospitals, are also part of the package. In addition, the package covers the construction of road infrastructure, check dams, irrigation systems, provision of clean drinking water, development of industrial infrastructure, and solarisation of schools, health facilities, and markets. Initiatives in agriculture and livestock, forestry, sports, youth affairs, local government, relief, and ST&IT sectors have also been included.

Senior politician and former federal minister Muhammad Ali Durrani on Wednesday proposed dialogue framework for political reconciliation, calling for immediate, structured dialogue to help steer the country out of its political and economic crises. Speaking at the National Conference on Political Reconciliation organized by the National Dialogue Committee in Islamabad, Durrani said separate dialogue committees should be formed by the government and the opposition. Meaningful negotiations could only succeed through direct engagement with political prisoners, he said. He proposed that President Asif Ali Zardari lead the negotiation process, with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Muhammad Nawaz Sharif providing full backing to ensure broad political consensus. As a key confidence-building

measure, Durrani suggested the appointment of a Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) governor in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Durrani underlined the need for political clarity, saying the distinction between the government and the opposition must be clear. He said that the dialogue among politicians was the only viable route to resolving Pakistan’s political deadlock. He urged both sides not to use the Pakistan Armed Forces for political purposes, saying the military belongs to the entire nation and not to any single party. “Creating any other impres-

sion was against the interests of the state and patriotism,” he said. On economy, Durrani said political reconciliation was essential for economic recovery. He suggested that the opposition constitute a committee of economic experts, headed by former finance minister Miftah Ismail, to independently evaluate the government’s economic performance. He praised the National Dialogue Committee for initiating the process and stressed that political dialogue should not be portrayed as blackmail or a deal, but as a democratic exercise aimed at finding sustainable solutions and strengthening democracy. Referring to recent developments, Durrani said decisions by the Punjab and Sindh governments to allow the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to visit were positive confidence-building steps. He also called for the appointment of opposition leaders in both the National Assembly and the Senate and demanded the lifting of restrictions on political activity and the media.

Income gap widens as economic recovery favours higher earners, survey data shows The survey reveals that the poorest 20% of households experienced an income decline of nearly 12% over the period, while the second-lowest income group saw a reduction of more than 7%. In contrast, the top 20% of earners saw their incomes grow by about 7%, highlighting a recovery that disproportionately benefits wealthier segments of society. Spending patterns reflect this divide. Expenditures by higher-income households rose by around 13%, while the poorest households cut their spending by more than 10%. Middle-income groups showed only slight changes, indicating that purchasing power remains constrained for much of the population. Savings have also declined across

PROFIT

Monitoring Desk

Pakistan’s economic recovery is increasingly uneven, with wealthier households benefiting while lower-income groups continue to lose income and savings, according to a household survey cited by The Express Tribune. Maaz Aazam of Optimus Capital Management, referencing findings from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics’ Household Integrated Economic Survey, noted that average monthly household income in dollar terms declined by 3.4% between FY2019 and FY2025. However, this aggregate figure hides significant disparities across different income groups.

all income categories since FY2019, with lower-income households seeing the most significant erosion of their financial buffers, Aazam said. He added that GDP per capita, a broad measure of average income, has decreased in dollar terms since reaching its peak in FY2022, and is not expected to return to that level until around 2029. The data also shows a shift in household spending priorities, with more funds directed towards essentials. By FY2025, spending on food, housing, energy, and transport will account for about 69% of total household expenditure, up from roughly 66.6% in FY2019. Meanwhile, expenditures on health and education have dropped by 19%, and discretionary spending has also contracted.

PROFIT

Nova Minerals, a mining exploration and development company focused on gold and critical minerals, recently issued a clarification. And this clarification tells a tale. In December last year, it was reported that the NASDAQ- and ASX-listed company had entered into an agreement with Pakistan to import over 100 tonnes of antimony for around USD 2 million. This antimony would then be tested and processed in Alaska. Eventually, a downstream processing site would also be set up in Pakistan. Nova’s clarification concerned this reporting. In a press release, the company hedged itself against the reports of an agreement in the works, and stated that any discussions were in the exploratory stages, with nothing solid that had been agreed. It was premature to read anything practically significant and binding in these talks. Now Pak-

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across the province last year. The police also recovered a large cache of weapons, including hand grenades, explosives, pistols, and ammunition.

Ban on vape, e-cigarettes for under-18s being considered in new bill LAHORE

staff report

In an effort to address the growing use of vaping products among youth in Islamabad, the Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services is set to introduce the *Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (Regulation) Bill* in the House after it was approved by the committee. The proposed legislation seeks to impose strict controls on the sale, marketing, and use of vapes and ecigarettes. With a rising concern over the increased use of these products among school and college students, the bill proposes a comprehensive regulatory framework for their import, distribution, and promotion. One of the key provisions of the bill includes a ban on the sale of e-cigarettes within a 50meter radius of any educational institution, such as schools and colleges, to limit students’ access to flavored nicotine products. Additionally, the bill sets a strict age limit, making it illegal to sell vaping products to anyone under the age of 18. The proposed law would treat vaping similarly to traditional tobacco products, prohibiting the use of ecigarettes on public transport, in government offices, public parks, and other shared spaces. The bill also seeks to ban all vape advertising, especially marketing targeted at minors through television, social media, and billboards. To ensure consumer safety, the bill requires mandatory standards for vaping products, including limiting nicotine concentration to 40 milligrams per milliliter, child-resistant packaging, and health warnings on every pack. E-commerce platforms will also be required to implement age-verification systems before completing sales. Violations of the bill could result in fines of up to Rs 50,000 for first-time offenders, with higher fines and legal action for repeat violations or involvement in the smuggling of non-standardized e-liquids. The bill is currently under review by relevant ministries before being formally presented to the Senate, as lawmakers push for urgent action to protect the health of youth from the dangers of vaping.

PTA blocks nearly 100 million mobile devices in one year ISLAMABAD

staff report

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has reported that it blocked nearly 100 million mobile devices during the financial year 2024-25, according to its annual report. The blocked devices included 868,000 lost or stolen handsets, 72 million fake or replica devices, and 27 million devices with duplicated or cloned IMEIs.

The PTA highlighted its role in strengthening the Mobile Device Management (MDM) ecosystem through the Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS). This initiative has significantly reduced the influx of counterfeit and non-compliant devices, while enhancing consumer protection, formalizing the mobile device market, and contributing to government revenues. The report also noted that the MDM Regulations, 2021, which built on the

DIRBS framework, helped establish a localized mobile device assembly and manufacturing sector in Pakistan. By 2025, more than 95% of mobile devices used on Pakistani networks were locally manufactured, including 68% of smartphones. The PTA described this as a major shift towards import substitution and industrial self-reliance, with 36 manufacturing authorizations granted to local and international companies, including Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo.

Additionally, the PTA reported over Rs. 83 billion collected through individual-category mobile device registrations since 2019, further strengthening fiscal contributions. The authority emphasized that the reinforced local manufacturing base has improved economic resilience and positioned Pakistan as a potential participant in the regional mobile phone value chain, with continued enforcement through DIRBS contributing to a more secure and self-sustaining digital ecosystem.

Pakistan is in talks with American companies to supply antimony. But what is the unique chemical element with wide military uses? UsaMa Liaqat

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istan has prided itself on its mineral deposits, and there is a good reason for this. The existing copper, gold, and silver extraction projects in Balochistan, such as Reko Dik and Saindak, contain massive amounts of ores worth tens of billions, and have brought in a lot of money to the government. Antimony, however, is another thing, literally and figuratively. It was only last year that it was announced that significant deposits of this metal had been found in Pakistan. While this was immediately taken up and proclaimed as a promise of Pakistan’s great potential, there is still some hesitation around what it might actually translate into. The promises are there, but the indicators that these might sustainably bear fruit are not many. Considering the infrastructural constraints, political instability in Balochistan, and geopolitical pressures, the project’s road to reality is beset by various blocks. THE STRATEGIC SIGNIFICANCE

OF ANTIMONY: Antimony is a metallic element that exists as “lustrous silvery bluish white solid that is very brittle and has a flaky texture”. It is used by multiple sectors (electrical, battery systems, semiconductors, and energy), but perhaps the most strategically relevant use of this metal is in the military industry, where it is used in the production of night vision goggles, bullet casings, tanks, explosives, flares, nuclear weapons, and infrared sensors used in missiles. The global antimony market is dominated by China, which produces almost 50% of the world’s total antimony, controls around a third of the global antimony reserves, and possesses around 60% of the global processing capacity. The United States, on the other hand, produces almost none of antimony on its own, but relies instead on imports to supply its local industry needs. This is seen as a problem in Washington, which, especially recently, has been aiming to reduce its reliance on China for ac-

cess to critical and rare minerals and metals. In light of China’s ban on antimony exports to the US instituted in September 2024 (but suspended in November 2025), the United States designed antimony as a “critical defence material,” and started exploring other potential suppliers of the critical metalloid. In fact, in October last year, the United States Department of War deployed almost USD 1 billion to replenish domestic stockpiles of antimony to be used in defence applications. Companies like Nova Minerals, which was granted a USD 43.4 million award to source and produce military-grade antimony trisulfide, are seen as a critical part of this venture.

WHERE PAKISTAN COMES IN: In early 2025, it was announced that large quantities of antimony had been discovered in Balochistan, especially in regions of Zhob, Pishin, and Killa Abdullah. According to the US Geological Survey, however, Pakistan’s reserves account for just

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

over 1 percent of the global total, concentrated mostly along the volatile border with Afghanistan. Local production of antimony, similarly, is low. In 2024, for instance, Pakistan was estimated to have produced around only around 0.25 percent of global antimony. In any case, the Pakistan government had extolled the potential of these minerals – as well as others – to contribute to the country’s exports and reduce some pressure on the terrible trade balance. And the United States looking for non-China suppliers found in Pakistan a possible partner. This, mind you, is also the time after the clash with India mid-2025, after which Pakistan’s standing in Washington considerably increased. In early September 2025, Pakistan through Frontier Works Organization (FWO) and the United States through U.S. Strategic Metals (USSM) signed a USD 500 million agreement, whereby Pakistan would export to the United States readily available minerals including antimony, copper, gold, tungsten, and other rare earth minerals.