PM unveils livestock ‘reforM agenda’ to unlock exPort, econoMic
g SAYS GOVT TO SEND ANOTHER 1,000 AGRICULTURE GRADUATES TO CHINA FOR ADVANCED TRAINING
g ANNOUNCES FULL FEDERAL FUNDING FOR INDIGENOUS FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEA SE VACCINE PROJECT
g MODERN LIVESTOCK PRACTICES, VALUE ADDITION AND DISEA SE CONTROL KEY TO BOOSTING DAIRY AND MEAT EXPORTS
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday stressed that the increasing frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters demanded stronger preparedness, greater resilience and closer coordination among national, regional and international stakeholders to effectively respond to emergencies, while directing the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to further strengthen coordination with provincial governments during the ongoing monsoon season The prime minister expressed these views during separate meetings with United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher and NDMA Chairman Lieutenant-General Inam Haider Malik at the Prime Minister House, said separate statements issued from the Prime Minister ’s Office (PMO)
During his meeting with Tom Fletcher Prime Minister Shehbaz appreciated the invaluable humanitarian work being carried out by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in responding to complex emergencies across the globe
Recalling Pakistan s experience during the catastrophic floods of 2022 the prime minister acknowledged OCHA s continued support and thanked the organisation for its assistance in strengthening the country s disaster response capabilities
dar
2026 chairmanship
ISLAMABAD S ta f
o r t Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Wednesday reaffirmed Pakistan s commitment to advancing the objectives of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), expressing readiness to work closely with all member states ahead of Pakistan assuming the Chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of State (CHS) in September 2026, according the Foreign Office (FO) Separately, DPM/FM Dar also pledged continued support for global humanitarian efforts led by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and is set to visit China this week to participate in the establishment of a new global artificial intelligence organization as a founding member During a meeting with SecretaryGeneral of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Nurlan Yermekbayev in Islamabad, the deputy prime minister expressed Pakistan s readiness to work closely with all SCO Member States
He observed that although Pakistan is the world's fourth-largest milk producer, the country continues to underperform in dairy and meat exports due to weak disease control mechanisms, inadequate traceability and limited processing infrastructure WASHINGTON/TEHRAN
United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday issued a fresh warning to Iran, saying Tehran understood Washington's position and "better behave," as the United States intensified military operations against Iranian targets and the growing confrontation pushed the region closer to a broader conflict Speaking after arriving in Pennsylvania, where he was scheduled to address the Defence and Innovation Summit, Trump declined to set a specific deadline for Iran but reiterated his administration's hardline stance "I don't like giving deadlines, but they pretty much know they know the story They better behave," he said His remarks came as Iran s Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf declared that while Tehran remained committed to diplomacy, it must always be prepared for war "We have never sought war and do not seek it now, but we must always be prepared for battle and
He observed that Pakistan s national and provincial disaster management institutions had significantly enhanced their capacity over the years to respond to climate-induced disasters, but emphasised that the growing scale and frequency of such events required sustained international cooperation and collective preparedness
ISLAMABAD
Govt rules out airpor t privatisation, plans outsourcing of Islamabad operations
UK RAISES POSSIBILIT Y OF VISA SANCTIONS IN PAKISTAN DEPORTATION DISPUTE
AS ISL AMABAD REVISES ENTRY RULES FOR BRITISH PASSPORT HOLDERS
TH E United Kingdom has indicated it is prepared to consider visa sanctions against Pakistan if Islamabad continues to refuse the return of certain convicted foreign offenders while Pakistan has separately announced new entry requirements for British passport holders of Pakistani origin that will take effect later this week UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the Labour government was prepared to consider "all possible levers" to ensure that immigration rules are enforced when asked whether Britain could impose visa restrictions on Pakistan over its refusal to accept the deportation of Shabir Ahmed the convicted ringleader of the Rochdale child grooming gang Appearing before the UK Parliament s
Foreign Affairs Committee, Cooper pointed to previous instances where Britain had used visa-related measures in negotiations with countries including the Democratic Republic of Congo Namibia and Angola to secure the return of foreign criminals and failed asylum seekers "We believe that all possible levers should be looked at in order to ensure that the immigration system has credibility and that the rules can be enforced Cooper said Referring to Ahmed she added: This individual should not be in the United Kingdom He should be deported He has no right to be in the United Kingdom " Her remarks came a day after UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced plans to amend the Immigration Act 1971 by removing protections that currently prevent the deportation of certain Commonwealth citizens who arrived in Britain before 1973 Under the proposed
changes, individuals convicted of serious offences including child sexual exploitation human trafficking war crimes or offences linked to national security could become eligible for deportation Ahmed, 73, was released from prison earlier this month after serving 14 years of a 22-year sentence for 30 child rape offences Although his British citizenship has been revoked UK authorities have been unable to deport him because Pakistan maintains that he is no longer a Pakistani national, arguing that he renounced his citizenship decades ago British authorities dispute that claim, saying there is evidence he did not complete the formal renunciation process According to British media reports Pakistan has also declined to accept two other former Rochdale grooming gang members whose British citizenship was revoked after their convictions, maintaining that they are no longer Pakistani
PM unveils livestock ‘reform agenda’ to unlock expor t, economic potential
and enhancing value addition were essential to expanding exports creating employment opportunities and strengthening the national economy
To accelerate agricultural modernisation, Prime Minister Shehbaz announced that the government would send another 1 000 agriculture graduates from all four provinces Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir to China for advanced agricultural training
He said the initiative follows the successful completion of an earlier programme under which 1 000 graduates received specialised training in modern agricultural techniques and international best practices
The prime minister directed the relevant authorities to fully incorporate the lessons learned from the first batch into the next phase of the programme and underscored the importance of close collaboration between the federation and provinces despite agriculture being a devolved subject under the 18th Constitutional Amendment In another major announcement Prime Minister Shehbaz approved full federal funding for the indigenous development of a Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccine, saying the project would be managed professionally through outsourcing to ensure compliance with international standards
Congratulating the organisers of the national seminar, the prime minister described
livestock sector reforms as a long-term national undertaking requiring consensus continuity and effective coordination between the federal and provincial governments Welcoming representatives from across the country, he said Pakistan must now move beyond rhetoric and focus on practical implementation to unlock the enormous economic potential of the livestock sector
Strong Commitment To Making Livestock Development A National Priority Earlier, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain welcomed the prime minister and said his participation reflected the government s strong commitment to making livestock development a national priority
He said the government's sustained focus on agriculture over the past two years had resulted in significant reforms aimed at ensuring food security for Pakistan's growing population while simultaneously increasing agricultural exports
Rana Tanveer Hussain noted that 1,000 agriculture graduates had already completed specialised training in China and announced that another batch would soon be dispatched under the government's capacity-building initiative
He further said the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) was being transformed with the support of advanced Chinese agricultural research institutions to strengthen scientific research and innovation Highlighting the sector's export potential the minister said Pakistan s dairy
Pakistan tells UN India’s IWT suspension threatens water securit y of 240m People
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
Islamabad has rejected the allegation denied any involvement in the attack and maintained that the treaty cannot be suspended unilaterally under international law Pakistan has also stated that any attempt to block its share of river waters would be regarded as an "act of war " Highlighting Pakistan's broader development priorities Ahsan Iqbal reaffirmed the country's commitment to achieving the United Nations' 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) despite facing severe economic and climate-related challenges He said successive climate-induced disasters, including the devastating floods of 2022 and 2025, had wiped out years of development gains and placed enormous pressure on the country s economy and infrastructure "Few countries have experienced the devastating impact of climate change as acutely as Pakistan he said The minister noted that Pakistan was actively restoring ecosystems strengthening water security and integrating climate resilience into its national development planning to better prepare for future environmental challenges Calling for greater global solidarity, Iqbal urged comprehensive reforms to the international financial system arguing that countries on the frontline of climate change should not be forced to shoulder the financial burden of disasters they had done little to create The international financial architecture built after World War II must evolve to meet the new realities of the 21st century," he said He stressed that climate-vulnerable developing countries required greater financial support concessional financing and equitable access to climate resources to build resilience and pursue sustainable development Pakistan is among the countries considered most vulnerable to climate change despite contributing less than one percent of global greenhouse gas emissions
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
exports could generate approximately US$14 5 billion while meat exports have the potential to earn nearly US$5 billion annually if the livestock sector is comprehensively modernised
He said the government's reform agenda would focus on herd improvement disease control technology adoption and nationwide livestock traceability to enhance productivity and competitiveness
The minister also highlighted the operationalisation of the National Seed Development Authority and government initiatives providing collateral support to farmers to improve agricultural productivity Chief Operating Officer of the Green Corporate Livestock Initiative (GCLI) Brigadier Ehtesham, said livestock remained an integral part of nearly every household in Pakistan and contributed approximately 14 percent to the national GDP
He noted that Pakistan is home to around 110 million cattle and buffaloes making it the world s fourth-largest milk producer, yet the country continues to face significant animal health challenges that limit access to premium international export markets
Brigadier Ehtesham said the Green Corporate Livestock Initiative envisions transforming Pakistan s livestock sector through modern management practices improved animal health services and greater participation by the private sector
He stressed that Pakistan required a comprehensive policy reset that encourages private investment modernises production
The minister said he had personally participated in numerous high-level interactions between the two countries and witnessed first-hand the expanding strategic partnership, while also highlighting the remarkable growth in people-to-people contacts
Referring to the line from Pakistan s national anthem Parcham-eSitara-o-Hilal, Rahbari Tarraqi-o-Kamal," which signifies that the flag bearing the star and crescent symbolizes progress and glory Tarar said both countries shared the same star and crescent as enduring symbols of prosperity progress and friendship
Paying tribute to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the minister praised his leadership in steering Türkiye towards prosperity, economic transformation and enhanced military strength He said the confidence of the Turkish people in their leadership enabled them to stand firmly with their government during one of the country's most challenging moments
Speaking about Democracy and National Solidarity Day Tarar lauded President Erdoğan s resolve during the failed coup attempt recalling his televised message to the nation in which he declared: I am coming to Istanbul and we will fight together to save our nation and to stand united " The minister said the address
proved to be a defining moment, inspiring thousands of Turkish citizens to take to the streets in defence of democracy and constitutional order
He also paid rich tribute to the 250 martyrs who laid down their lives with courage and bravery while defending the Turkish Republic, saying their sacrifices had become an enduring symbol of national resilience and democratic resolve Tarar said those sacrifices had not gone in vain as capitals across the world including Islamabad continued to express solidarity with the families of the martyrs and the people of Türkiye
Highlighting the close diplomatic understanding between the two countries the minister reiterated that Pakistan had consistently supported Türkiye s position on Northern Cyprus while Türkiye had steadfastly backed Pakistan s principled stance on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute
Recalling the events of July 15, 2016, Tarar said he vividly remembered seeing a young Dr Irfan Neziroğlu standing courageously inside the Turkish Parliament while the building came under attack and praised the services rendered by the current Ambassador of Türkiye to Pakistan during that critical period
"On this day when the Turkish nation not only achieved one of its greatest moments of courage and sacrifice they also left a timeless message for future generations that when the going
systems and strengthens disease control mechanisms to unlock the sector s full economic potential Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Agriculture and Food Security Ahmad Umair said livestock contributes nearly 60 percent of Pakistan's agricultural GDP making it the backbone of the country s agriculture sector
He said future reforms would focus on increasing the productivity of each animal through better genetics, disease control, scientific breeding and improved nutrition rather than merely expanding livestock numbers
Ahmad Umair identified genetics disease management nationwide traceability improved access to finance and stronger coordination between the federal and provincial governments as the key pillars of the government's livestock transformation strategy
He said the newly launched Pakistan Animal Identification and Traceability System (PAITS), developed jointly by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB), would significantly improve livestock documentation and traceability enabling producers to access premium international markets
The system he added would also facilitate livestock insurance and improve access to financing by transforming animals into bankable assets, thereby supporting sustainable growth and greater investment in Pakistan s livestock sector
Dar reaffirms commitment to advancing SCO’s objectives ahead of Pakistan's 2026 Chairmanship
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
And reaffirmed the country s strong commitment to advancing the organization s objectives,
gets tough, the tough gets going," he remarked Expressing hope that the sacrifices of the martyrs would continue to inspire the Turkish nation he said they had strengthened Türkiye s resolve and paved the way for greater unity resilience and progress
The minister also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Turkish leadership for its consistent expressions of solidarity and affection towards the people of Pakistan
He thanked the people of Türkiye for the warmth and hospitality they always extended to Pakistanis visiting their country
"Pakistan has and Pakistan will always stand by its Turkish brothers and sisters as we have demonstrated on every occasion he stressed
Concluding his address on a personal note, Tarar recalled his grandfather's visit to Türkiye as President of Pakistan in 1998, saying the visit remained one of his family's cherished memories He said he still possessed memorable photographs from that visit during which his grandfather was received by the then Turkish President Süleyman Demirel
"So, when I say that these memories and these stories have been passed on to us through the generations we have actually kept them very dear to our heart just as one treasures a precious legacy, he added
COMMENT
Hormuz
not opened
Trump withdraws his demand
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday withdrew his proposal that the USA charge a fee from all ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, instead of Iran charging a fee The withdrawal came after the intensification of the war between Iran and the USA,, with a further exchange of missiles and bombardment with the USA continuing to target Iranian cities and Iran to target US bases all over the Gulf Mr Trump s proposal ran into trouble because it could not be enforced: the USA simply did not have the physical control over the Strait the fee implied Whether the USA was justified in charging such a fee or had any right to do aso was a later issue First came the physical ability which it did not have Subsequent questions thus became moot/
The closing of the Hormuz Strait has assumed a lurid on-again off-again quality, and has led the government to contemplate daily oil price changes rather than the present weekly ones in itself a response to the March closing of the Strait a transition from a fortnightly or monthly fix previously Originally, a very lon time ago, oil prices had been fixed annually, a kind of stability long abandoned, almost mythical Then there is the decision that the Platts prices on which the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority bases its pricing recommendations, be posted on its website Platts used to be arcane information only available to industry insiders Now S&P Global Energy, it remains subscription-based, and OGRA might find implementing this decision miring it in copyright issues it might not want on its plate Oil markets have never recovered global stability from the time of the 1973 OPEC oil embargo, but the kind of volatility seen now is unprecedented
The government is finding its economic policy’s biggest weakness exposed: an oil price shock However its resilience will be seen by how long it takes for it to pick itself up dust itself off and get on with it The kind of conflict now being imposed makes it likely that oil prices will go back to their peaks, for there to be a ceasefire when there is too much pain in the USA, and for the USA to lose even thast lever when the November elections are over After that constraint goes after Mr Trump knows the worst, there is no tellin what he might do
Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
M A Niazi Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami Editor Profit
Pakistan’s $55 billion addiction
The ballooning impor t bill
A K I S TA N S import bill has become more than just a number on the balance of payments, it is a recurring crisis that keeps the economy permanently on edge Look at the trajectory: we imported $44 6 billion worth of goods in FY2020, saw that climb to $56 38 billion in FY2021, then hit a staggering $80 14 billion in FY2022 The bill finally collapsed to $55 2 billion in FY2023, not because we fixed anything, but because the government slapped on administrative restrictions and the rupee went into freefall By FY2024, it had settled at $54 8 billion That rollercoaster; driven by global commodity prices, a volatile exchange rate and knee-jerk import bans; highlights the structural weaknesses in Pakistan’s import management The structure remains highly import-dependent and vulnerable to external shocks Cutting imports is not about more bans or austerity It requires a precise, evidence-based strategy that goes after the three pillars of our import dependency: energy, food and industrial inputs The composition of that $54 8 billion bill is where the real problem lies Petroleum products and crude oil alone swallowed over $12 billion Liquefied natural gas added another $3 9 billion Then there is palm oil at $2 8 billion, wheat at $1 billion and machinery at $6 7 billion We are importing fuel to keep the lights on, food to feed a population of roughly 240 million people and machines to keep factories running The question is not whether we need these imports; we clearly do The question is whether we can reduce them through structural reform instead
industry Project developers, environmental consultants, verification agencies, brokers, financial institutions and technology companies now participate in a market worth billions of dollars annually What was once viewed as an environmental issue has become an important component of international finance For developing countries, carbon credits present opportunities that extend beyond environmental protection They attract foreign investment, create employment, finance conservation and support sustainable infrastructure Properly managed, carbon projects can improve livelihoods while preserving forests, wetlands and biodiversity Pakistan is particularly well positioned to benefit from this transition Although it contributes less than one percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, it remains among the countries most vulnerable to climate change The devastating floods of recent years have demonstrated the enormous economic cost of environmental instability Fortunately, Pakistan has already entered the global carbon market The Delta Blue Carbon Project in the Indus Delta, one of the world’s largest mangrove restoration initiatives, has demonstrated that protecting ecosystems can generate internationally recognised carbon credits and attract significant climate finance Renewable energy projects, forestry programmes and efficient cooking technologies are further expanding the country’s participation The opportunities are far greater than those already realised Pakistan’s extensive motorway network, riverine forests, mangrove ecosystems, renewable energy resources, agricultural lands and waste management systems all possess considerable carbon credit potential Highway plantations, urban forests, landfill methane recovery and industrial energy efficiency projects could become valuable environmental assets while generating new sources of revenue However, success requires strong institutions, transparent governance and credible sci-
The IMF is right that the Stand-By Arrang ement has stabiliz ed the economy. But stabilization is not growth, and growth is not possible with an impor t bill that keeps the current account permanently vulnerable We cannot impor t our way to prosperity and we have seen repeatedly that banning impor ts does not work either
entific monitoring Carbon markets only function when every credit genuinely represents a measurable reduction or removal of greenhouse gases Weak oversight risks undermining confidence in the entire system Pakistan is now developing its domestic carbon market framework in line with international climate agreements This is an important step but much remains to be done Building technical expertise strengthening regulatory institutions and encouraging responsible private investment will determine whether the country becomes a meaningful participant in the rapidly growing global carbon economy Critics sometimes dismiss carbon credits as selling thin air Yet history suggests otherwise Society has long attached economic value to intangible assets such as patents copyrights digital currencies software and financial securities Carbon credits belong to this modern class of environmental assets Their value lies not in physical form but in the measurable climate benefit they represent The atmosphere has long been treated as a free dumping ground for greenhouse gases Carbon credits attempt to correct that
Librar y misuse rising
In an era when climate change threatens economies as much as ecosystems, perhaps the most remarkable aspect of carbon credits is not that they place a price on something invisible . It is that they seek to ensure the atmosphere, once taken for granted, is finally recognised as one of humanityÊs most valuable
Unprepared ever y year
Drowned by design
DR muhammaD anwaR FaRooq
Carbon credits in ac tion
Ramesh Raja
Nuclear weapons do not respect borders The survival of humanity depends on the responsible control of such power Mikhail Gorbachev (Former Leader of the Soviet Union)
NU C L E A R security within a state remains a sovereign national responsibility A nation s credibility in this domain is measured not by statements or assurances, but by its ability to always maintain absolute control over its most hazardous materials
By this standard, India s performance over the past several decades raises serious concern Repeated incidents involving unauthorized possession of radioactive substances, failures in material accounting, and lapses in command-and-control discipline reveal systemic vulnerabilities that challenge India s carefully cultivated image as a reliable steward of nuclear technology
This troubling pattern stands in sharp contrast to the international indulgence India continues to enjoy Despite not being a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), India was granted a special waiver by the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), allowing it access to global nuclear commerce That exemption was premised on the assumption that India possessed the institutional maturity and technical safeguards necessary to manage sensitive nuclear materials responsibly The evidence, however, increasingly suggests otherwise
These concerns are not abstract or hypothetical They are borne out by a series of documented incidents over the past decade
Radioactive substances have repeatedly surfaced in public spaces, transit hubs, and illicit markets, locations where such materials should never appear The detection of radioactive material at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow in August 2024 was emblematic of this broader trend Rather than an isolated lapse, it reflected persistent failures in detection, inventory control, and regulatory enforcement, the very foundations of any credible
nuclear security regime The Lucknow episode was not an outlier Around the same period authorities intercepted an attempt to traffic californium in Bihar s Gopalganj district where three individuals were found in possession of approximately 50 grams of the highly radioactive substance valued on the black market at nearly Rs 8 5 billion More troubling than the arrest itself was the opacity surrounding the material s origin and composition as forensic verification of the specific isotopes proceeded slowly and without public clarity Whether Cf-249 Cf-251 or the far more dangerous Cf-252 the very presence of californium outside regulatory control points to profound failures in material accounting and custodial oversight Given Cf252 s exceptionally high rate of spontaneous fission and its potential misuse in radiological weapons such incidents cannot be dismissed as routine law-enforcement successes but are warning signs of deeper systemic breakdowns Taken together these incidents form part of a much larger and deeply troubling pattern Available records indicate that more than 153 cases involving the theft loss or illicit handling of nuclear and radioactive materials have been reported in India since the 1980s This long-running trend cuts across decades governments and regulatory reforms underscoring that the problem is neither episodic nor accidental Instead it reflects entrenched weaknesses in material protection accounting systems and enforcement mechanisms The sheer volume and persistence of these cases point to a chronic failure of nuclear governance one that cannot be explained away by isolated negligence or criminal opportunism and one that continues to place both regional and global security at risk Independent evaluations have further reinforced these concerns Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) a leading US-based non-proliferation organization has consis-
tently ranked India near the bottom of its Nuclear Security Index particularly in categories related to material protection insider threat mitigation and regulatory effectiveness Such assessments are significant not because they reflect adversarial criticism but because they are based on standardized globally applied benchmarks India s poor performance under these metrics highlights a persistent gap between its stated commitments and its actual capacity to secure nuclear and radiological materials especially as its nuclear programme continues to expand in scale and complexity Rather than consolidating control and addressing these vulnerabilities India is now expanding access to nuclear materials while simultaneously diluting oversight A striking example is the near $2 8 billion uranium supply deal between India and Canada under which Cameco one of the world s largest uranium producers is set to supply nuclear fuel to India While framed as a purely commercial energy arrangement the deal significantly expands India s access to imported nuclear material at a time when its nuclear security record remains deeply compromised This expansion coincides with a major domestic policy shift In late December 2025 India s parliament passed the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill fundamentally altering the country s civil nuclear framework Passed by voice vote amid an opposition walkout the legislation opens segments of India s nuclear energy sector to private participation for the first time effectively ending exclusive state control over key components of the nuclear ecosystem
Privatization of the nuclear sector in a country already struggling to secure radioactive materials is not reform it is recklessness India has repeatedly failed to prevent theft and illicit trafficking even under a centralized, state-controlled system Introducing private actors, driven by profit motives and operating within a weak regulatory environment, risks fragmenting accountability, increasing insider threats, and further eroding
control over sensitive nuclear and radiological materials The convergence of expanded uranium access through international supply agreements and reduced state oversight under the SHANTI framework marks a dangerous trajectory It raises serious concerns regarding inventory management, regulatory enforcement, and institutional capture In an environment where radioactive substances have repeatedly appeared on the black market, privatization is far more likely to exacerbate vulnerabilities than to address them If these trends persist, the consequences could be catastrophic Continued leakage of radioactive materials creates conditions ripe for radiological terrorism, including the construction of so-called dirty bombs Given India’s history of externalizing blame, particularly toward Pakistan, the possibility of a false-flag narrative or manufactured attribution cannot be dismissed Past experience suggests that such claims would find receptive audiences in Western capitals, where strategic and economic considerations have often overridden objective assessment Nuclear theft incidents reveal more than episodic failures; they expose deep structural flaws
s
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rs i g h t , t r a n s p a r e n c y, a n d a c c o u n t a b i l i t y b e fo r e ex p a n d i n g a c c e s s o r p r i va t i z i n g c o n t ro l T h e i n t e r n a t i o n a l c o m mu n i t y, e s p e c i a l ly m a j o r p ow e rs , mu s t m ov e b eyo n d p o l i t i c a l c o nv e n i e n c e a n d c o n f ro n t t h e r e a l i t y o f I n d i a Ês n u cl e a r s e c u r i t y f a i l u r e s . T h e t i m e t o a c t i s n ow. A n o t h e r b r e a c h m ay n o t m e r e ly ex p o s e n e g l i g e n c e –i t c o u l d t r i g g e r a n i r r ev e rs i b l e d i s a s t e r w i t h c o n s e q u e n c e s f a r b eyo n d S o u t h A s i a
How the Iran war could change global trade
Across 10 major global chokepoints, including Hormuz, Gibraltar, Taiwan, D over and Malacca, potential annual passage revenues would be wor th more than $136 billion a year
WH AT started as a campaign to diminish Iran’s nuclear capabilities and weaken its global terror networks has morphed into a dispute over control of one of the world’s most important trade routes The Iran war has become a battle for the Strait of Hormuz, a global chokepoint for oil, natural gas, fertilizer and other commodities If the conflict leaves Hormuz under the permanent control of Iran – or the United States – it could spell the beginning of the end of free passage on the open seas, a concept that has underpinned global trade for centuries
“This could set a dangerous precedent and make international seaborne trade much more expensive, a cost that would ultimately be passed on to end-consumers,” Erik Grundt, a senior analyst at consultancy Rystad Energy, told CNN
IRAN’S NEW ENERGY WEAPON: Following the start of US- and Israeli-led attacks on February 28, Iran almost immediately declared the Strait of Hormuz closed, creating the largest oil supply shock in history Having gained a new source of leverage over the global economy, Tehran is fighting hard to keep it Vessels that wish to transit the strait must either coordinate with Iran’s newly established Persian Gulf Strait Authority, which can entail hefty payments, or risk being fired on by Iran’s armed forces, the Revolutionary Guard Corps
While the fees were temporarily paused when Iran signed a 60-day Memorandum of Understanding with the United States on June 18, Iran’s control of transits via the PGSA hasn’t stopped Quite the opposite Iran has seized on one particular clause in the MOU, calling on Tehran to “make arrangements for the safe passage of commercial vessels,” to legitimize and cement its control of the strait Iran on Tuesday claimed that more than 200 non-Iranian vessels coordinated with its Persian Gulf Strait Authority in the three weeks after the MOU was signed, but CNN could not independently verify that claim T
lieved the clause meant that ships would be free to transit the strait without restriction through the 60-day period Transits
the Balearics are pressing Madrid to join More than 20 countries in, and half a continent applauds itself I will say something that irritates almost everyone: A society that bans the hijab, the burqa, or the kippah is not defending liberal ideology or Western civilization It is signing a confession that it can no longer defend it And the kippah is not a rhetorical flourish In a French public school, a Jewish boy may not cover his head any more than a Muslim girl may cover hers The law that was sold as a shield against Islam turned out, as such laws always do, to be a blade that cuts everyone within reach Say the next part precisely, because this is where readers reach for the wrong shelf I am not asking Europe to tolerate the values sewn into the burqa Free people are supposed to drag those values into the light, examine them, and decide out
A societ y that bans the hijab, the burqa, or the kippah is not defending liberal ideology or Western civilization. It is signing a confession that it can no longer defend it
Sharjeel afzal
arrangements in the Strait of Hormuz by force, but we must stand firm so that the rights of the nation are realised,” he is quoted as saying by the Tasnim news agency ‘T
Iran s top negotiator Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf says that if his country does not benefit from its memorandum of understanding with the US, “we have no reason to adhere to such an understanding” Iran’s national security depends on
Ghalibaf adds “Our position of strength in the Strait of Hormuz is the result of the same field strength that the people have created for us In his statement, Iran s top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stresses that the country’s national security lies in “preserving the ‘Iranian arrangements’ over the Strait of Hormuz and ensuring the maximum safe and harmless passage of commercial ships through this waterway America which is legally emptyhanded wants to diminish the
China-Russia Cooperation a vital constant amid centur y- defining changes sweeping across the world
ther strengthening comprehensive strategic coordination and deepening good neighborliness and friendly cooperation
Last year commemorative activities in Beijing and Moscow marking the 80th anniversary of victory in World War II once again demonstrated our shared commitment to preserving historical truth and memory and reminded the community of nations of the immense value of peace and sovereignty
Iran says over 30 civilians were killed in recent attacks in the south
is
in
This
also
of the
“relations of
and
ing
in
21st
” These foundational documents reflected our peoples conscious choice and continue to define the trajectory of bilateral relations Political mutual trust remains the hallmark of China-Russia relations It is enshrined as the fundamental principle of the 2001 Treaty and continues to guide our cooperation across all domains Head-of-state guidance is the greatest advantage of and fundamental guarantee for the high-level development of China-Russia relations Regular reciprocal visits by the heads of state are complemented by frequent meetings between the two governments close coordination between foreign ministries and a broad variety of specialised mechanisms
On May 19-20 this year during President Vladimir Putin s state visit to China, he and President Xi Jinping held substantive talks covering the full spectrum of cooperation and addressing major global issues International security and economic ties were in the spotlight of the discussions that culminated in signing a substantial package of 40 agreements – from transport trade customs and industry to nuclear energy, innovation, culture, sport, youth policy and education The two countries expressed their intention to align national development goals even more closely A particularly important milestone was the adoption of the joint statement on fur-
Building on this common historical legacy our strategic partnership plays an important stabilising role on the global stage It is based on shared interests and similar approaches to key international and regional issues rather than on bloc confrontation Synchronized Chinese and Russian approaches are especially relevant at a time when the global system is undergoing a profound transformation China and Russia consistently advocate for a harmonious process of shaping an equal and orderly multipolar world and international relations of a new type, including a more just and rational system of global governance It is heartening to note that Pakistan ascribes to a similar view At the UN China Russia and Pakistan can often be seen jointly upholding the principles of international law, fairness and sovereign equality of states As members of the United Nations Security Council, our three countries share principled approaches to the most pressing issues on its agenda China and Russia often work in tandem at other multilateral fora including the BRICS the Shanghai Cooperation Organization G20 and APEC Established on the foundation of the spirit of trust and good-neighbourliness embodied in the 2001 Treaty, the SCO has evolved into one of the most influential multilateral organisations across Eurasia China and Russia consistently work together within the SCO to bolster regional security, combat terrorism, separatism and extremism, deepen economic and humanitarian cooperation, and promote dialogue among diverse civilisations and political systems In an era of growing geopolitical fragmentation the SCO represents a model of equal partnership free from bloc mentality China and Russia act in concert to uphold solidarity and equal cooperation across our shared Eurasian continent, promote peaceful conflict resolution, and strengthen mechanisms of regional stability The two countries will step up coordination on Afghan affairs at both the bilateral level and under multilateral frameworks and support Afghanistan in achieving long-term stability and security at an early date The two sides attach great importance to and endorse the positive and constructive role played by regional platforms in advancing a political settlement of the Afghan issue including the Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan the Foreign Ministers Meeting of Afghanistan s Neighbouring Countries, the China-Russia-Pakistan-Iran Quadrilateral Mechanism, and the SCO, and stand ready to assist Pakistan and Afghanistan to resolve their current differences as soon as possible through political and diplomatic means China and Russia are actively advancing the alignment of the Belt and Road Initiative
with the development of the Eurasian Economic Union, while promoting its parallel and coordinated development with the Greater Eurasian Partnership The two countries support the development of transport trade and energy corridors establishing strong linkages across the Eurasian space, including between South Asia and its neighboring sub-regions With its strategic location, Pakistan has the potential to become an essential node in the Eurasian connectivity network Hence it is natural that both China and Russia attach particular importance to this aspect of their relations with Pakistan
Bilaterally, the China-Russia partnership possesses a strong economic dimension that directly contributes to the prosperity of our peoples Mutual trade has exceeded $200 billion for three consecutive years and continues to grow steadily with settlements conducted almost entirely in Chinese yuan and Russian rubles
Energy cooperation has taken on a truly strategic character and serves as one of the key drivers of our practical ties At the same time both countries are actively developing new growth factors in innovation industry and cutting-edge technologies
The strength of China-Russia relations lies not only in interstate cooperation, but also in the strong cultural and humanitarian bonds between our peoples The successful ChinaRussia Years of Culture (2024–2025) brought our societies even closer together More than 400 events including exhibitions concerts and theatre companies tours further enhanced our nations affinity In May 2026, the 10th China-Russia Summer Youth Games were held in Kaliningrad, with over 300 athletes competing in 12 sports nurtured the already robust people-to-people contacts 2026–2027 were declared the ChinaRussia Years of Education by Presidents Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin The initiative is bound to accelerate dynamic development in this vital area Today, there are more than 72,000 Chinese students in Russia, while over 28 000 Russians are pursuing their studies in China New ambitious projects are underway including joint research platforms university campuses and innovation centres By combining scientific, technological and intellectual potential, our countries are investing in the future, as research capabilities are instrumental to long-term strategic development Over the past quarter century China and Russia have come a long way and are now looking confidently to the future Guided by the principles enshrined in the Treaty of Good-Neighbourliness and Friendly Cooperation, we stand ready to deepen political trust, expand mutually beneficial cooperation strengthen coordination on international affairs and promote common development for the benefit of our peoples and the wider international community Our two countries regional and global initiatives are intended to create shared prosperity for all, and Pakistan will undoubtedly continue to play an important role in relevant projects
The two authors are the current ambassadors of the People s Republic of China and the
Acting Japan CG attends book handover ceremony at Mehran Universit y, Jamshoro
The Consul General of Japan in Karachi, in collaboration with the Tokyo Foundation, attended a book handover ceremony at Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro on Wednesday, July 15 2026 The event marked the donation of 164 books under the READ JAPAN PROJECT a cultural initiative by the Tokyo Foundation aimed at promoting global understanding of Japan through books The books were officially presented by Acting Consul General of Japan in Karachi, TAMURA Takahiro, on behalf of the Tokyo Foundation, to Mehran University The carefully selected titles span a wide range of themes from Japan Acting Consul General TAMURA in his address underlined the importance of academic and cultural exchange in strengthening the longstanding ties between Japan and Pakistan He expressed his hope that the donated books would not only become a valuable resource for researchers and students seeking to explore an accurate picture of Japan but also for opinion leaders and intellectuals interested in Japan Prof Dr Tauha Hussain Ali highlighted that how Mehran University
Illicit Tobacco
Manufacturers Push to Roll Back Key Documentation Measure
CM MARYAM DIRECTS SWIFT RESOLUTION OF PUBLIC ISSUES IN MEETING
U N J A B Chief Minister
Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday reaffirmed that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) had consistently honoured the commitments made to the people with the blessings of Almighty Allah while directing the relevant authorities to ensure the prompt resolution of public issues highlighted by elected representatives and reiterating her government s commitment to accelerating development and youth empowerment across the province
The chief minister expressed these views during a meeting with Members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs) Khalid Mehmood Ranjha and Chaudhry Akhtar Abbas Bosal from Mandi Bahauddin
The meeting reviewed public
Chairman CCP meets
NAB chairman
institutional
y LAHORE S A L E E M J A D O O N
to strengthen
cooperation for economic
ISLAMABAD: Mr Farid
Ahmed Tarar, Chairman Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) held a meeting with Chairman National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Lt Gen (R) Nazir Ahmed at the NAB Headquarters in Islamabad today
The meeting focused on fostering synergy between the two institutions to uphold economic discipline ensure fair play in markets and safeguard the national exchequer from corrupt practices and anti-competitive behavior
During the meeting, Chairman CCP, Mr Farid Ahmed Tarar, apprised the NAB Chairman on the core mandate and ongoing efforts of the Commission
He highlighted that the CCP is dedicated to ensuring free competition in all spheres of commercial and economic activity to enhance economic efficiency and protect consumers from anti-competitive practices such as abuse of dominant position prohibited agree-
transparenc
ments and deceptive marketing The Chairman CCP underscored that the Commission remains committed to creating a level playing field for all market participants, which is essential for sustainable economic growth and building investor confidence Chairman NAB Lt Gen (R) Nazir Ahmed welcomed the CCP Chairman and acknowledged the critical nature of the CCP s regulatory functions and expressed the Bureau’s firm support for the Commission’s mandate The Chairman
of NAB highlighted that his organization recognizes the Competition Commission as a vital pillar in ensuring market transparency and emphasized that the Bureau is prepared to extend its support to the Commission in its mission to eliminate illicit market practices He further noted that both organizations share a common objective of safeguarding the economic interests of the state and its citizens by ensuring that public and commercial processes remain free from corruption and collusion
KARACHI
S TA F F R E P O R T
Supernet Technologies Limited
(PSX: STL) has announced that its Board of Directors has approved a rights issue of approximately Rs914 77 million to strengthen the company’s capital base support its expanding portfolio of technology projects and position it for the next phase of sustainable growth
The Board approved the issuance of 91,476,554 ordinary shares at Rs10 per share, in the proportion of approximately 85 rights shares for every 100 ordinary shares held by eligible shareholders
The issue represents around 85 percent of the company s existing paid-up capital and remains subject to completion of the applicable legal and regulatory processes
The decision follows a period of significant strategic and operational transformation for Supernet Technologies including the completion of its merger with Supernet Limited, expansion of its regional footprint through the Supernet Global platform and continued growth across digital infrastructure cybersecurity cloud connectivity managed services enterprise networking and technology integration The merger has created a larger and more diversified technology platform, bringing together complementary capabilities and enabling the company to offer integrated and secure solutions to governments enterprises and critical-infrastructure customers Supernet is also leveraging its presence in the UAE to pursue business opportunities across the
Middle East Africa and Central Asia while continuing to consolidate its position in Pakistan
The company s strategic progress is increasingly being reflected in its commercial performance Supernet has secured a series of significant projects across cybersecurity enterprise technology and communications infrastructure alongside expanding its presence in regional markets Most recently, the company announced the award of a contract valued at approximately Rs1 billion for the enhancement and modernisation of critical communications infrastructure in Pakistan The project the largest single contract secured by the company to date, is expected to contribute to revenue and profitability during FY2026-27
accordance with departmental rules
The Punjab Police said the accountability process would continue to ensure strict adherence to discipline integrity and professional standards across the force SEVEN SHEIKHUPURA OFFICERS
HONOURED FOR OUTSTANDING
PERFORMANCE
Meanwhile, at a ceremony held at the Central Police Office,
moves to tighten security around S aindak mine after route disruptions
P
RT: Separately, Saindak Metals Limited Managing Director Raziq Sanjrani disputed a report carried by the Financial Times, which said he had warned the energy ministry that worsening security conditions were affecting supply routes and could make operations unsustainable within a month The operator denied that the project was on the verge of closure
The Saindak mine is being run by the state-owned Metallurgical Corporation of China’s
Resources Development Company under a lease that was extended in 2022 China’s foreign ministry said it was not aware of the situation At the same time, Beijing would work with Pakistan, which it described as a close partner, to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens, projects and institutions in the country MRDL said in February that it had reached major milestones at the Saindak project in 2025 through scientific planning and organised execution The company said the project posted historic records in production and operations while also improving its safety systems MRDL president Tan Jin said the company’s operating results had reached new levels and that cooperation between Pakistan and China had grown stronger He also described 2026 as a year of new targets and responsibilities, saying the company would pursue further growth through innovation, higher standards and better performance, while maintaining its commitment to social responsibility
LAHORE S a l e e m J a d o o n
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday launched the Chief Minister Pink Salt Value Addition Financing Scheme, unveiling a major initiative to promote industrialisation, employment and exports by encouraging value addition to the province's vast pink salt reserves, while announcing the establishment of a 110-acre Pink Salt Mineral Processing Zone near Quaidabad The chief minister also performed the digital inauguration of the financing scheme, describing it as a significant step towards transforming Pakistan's globally renowned pink salt into a high-value export commodity through modern processing and manufacturing During a comprehensive briefing at the launch ceremony, CM Maryam Nawaz was informed that more than 200 processing units would be established in the proposed processing zone, attracting an investment of Rs150 million and creating 10,000 direct employment opportunities
Officials further briefed the chief minister that a Business Facilitation Centre and a Model Retail Outlet would also be established within the zone to provide one-window support and marketing facilities for investors Under the financing scheme, new investors will be eligible for interest-free loans of up to Rs50 million for setting up facilities for salt processing, grinding, refining, cleaning and packaging Loans ranging from Rs5 million to Rs50 million will also be available for the purchase of machinery equipment and export-standard technology The financing will be repayable in easy instalments over a period of five years making it easier for entrepreneurs to invest in value-added production
The chief minister was informed that value addition and enhanced exports of pink salt products could generate approximately $300 million in annual foreign exchange earnings significantly increasing the country s export revenues The briefing further revealed that bids worth Rs471 million had been received during the first phase of the initiative while offers amounting to Rs2 5 billion