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Friday, 11 April, 2025 | 12 Shawwal, 1446
Rs 20.00 | Vol XV No 274 | 8 Pages | Islamabad Edition
PM REACHES MINSK TO ADVANCE MUTUALLY Pakistan, Belarus deepen economic ties at PBBF in Minsk BENEFICIAL PAK-BELARUS COOPERATION
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BELARUS PM, OFFICIALS OF PAKISTAN EMBASSY WARMLY WELCOME PREMIER AT AIRPORT MINSK, BELARUS Staff RepoRt
RIME Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday arrived in Minsk on a twoday official visit to the Republic of Belarus at the invitation of President Aleksandr Lukashenko. Belarus Prime Minister Alexander Turchin and offi-
cials of Pakistan embassy in Belarus warmly welcomed the prime minister at the airport. PM Shehbaz Sharif was accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar and Special Assistant to PM Tariq Fatemi. During his visit, the prime
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PM SHEHBAZ LAYS FLORAL WREATH AT VICTORY MONUMENT OF MINSK TO PAY TRIBUTE TO THOSE DIED DURING WORLD WAR II
minister will hold talks with President Lukashenko to review progress in areas of mutual interest. The two sides are also expected to sign several agreements to further strengthen cooperation. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit underscores a strong and ongoing partnership between Pakistan and Belarus. The PM also wrote on his official Twitter
wall, “Arrived in Minsk to bracing winter winds against the backdrop of a very warm welcome by H.E. Alexander Turchin, Prime Minister of Belarus at the airport, where I was honored with an age old tradition and a gesture of Belarusian hospitality – the korovai, a decorated loaf accompanied by salt.”
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MINSK
Staff RepoRt
Pakistan and Belarus on Thursday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen bilateral trade and economic cooperation during the 2nd Pakistan-Belarus Business Forum (PBBF) held in Minsk. Held alongside the official visit of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, the Forum brought together assembly of government officials, business leaders, and key stakeholders from both countries, said a news release. While addressing the forum, Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan high-
Mufti Usmani condemns Muslim states’ failure to act against Israel ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
Prominent Islamic scholar and head of Wifaqul Madaris, Mufti Taqi Usmani on Thursday condemned the failure of Muslim countries to act against Israel, questioning the purpose of Muslim armies and their weapons if they are not used to defend the oppressed Palestinians in Gaza. “If Muslim countries’ armies are not engaging in jihad over Gaza, what purpose do they serve?” he stated while addressing the National Palestine Conference held in Islamabad on Thursday. He also called on the Muslim world to impose a complete boycott of Israel, condemning the global community. He stressed that protests against Israel must be peaceful, while warning that any harm to individuals or property is strictly prohibited under Sharia law. Numerous Islamic scholars from various schools of thought gathered at National Palestine Conference to address the ongoing crisis in Gaza and Palestine. Mufti Usmani said that it is essential to keep Gaza alive and to completely boycott the products of Israel and its supporters while emphasizing the need to also boycott companies that aid Israel. However, he stressed that protests against Israel should not result in harm to
anyone’s life or property, as causing harm to others through stone-throwing or violence is prohibited in Sharia and the boycott of Israel and its supporters’ products should be carried out peacefully. The call for non-violence came after a mob attacked a branch of an international fast-food chain in Mirpurkhas late Tuesday night, damaging the building and setting part of it on fire. Mufti Usmani reaffirmed Pakistan’s stance, emphasizing that the country has no relations with Israel and that it will not recognize the state of Israel. He reminded the audience that the founder of Pakistan, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, had declared Israel an illegitimate state before the creation of Pakistan, and this position remains unchanged. Mufti Usmani also criticized the United Nations for enabling Israeli violence and noted the failure of the global community to hold Israel accountable while calling for a clear and unified declaration of jihad against Israeli occupation, stressing that Muslim leaders cannot shy away from their duty. Speakers at the conference highlighted the dire situation in Gaza, with reports stating that over 60,000 Palestinians have been martyred, including women and children. The clerics blamed the US for en-
couraging Israeli aggression and criticized the inaction of international human rights organizations as they also pointed out the growing humanitarian crisis, with local populations being displaced and reports of Israeli attacks on medical professionals and journalists. “Israel is a terrorist state,” said Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman. “The leadership of the Muslim world is inactive and the silence is deafening.” He stressed that the time for mere condemnation was over and called for military intervention in Gaza. “We must send our forces, for jihad is now a religious obligation,” he said. Former senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan, spoke of the ongoing genocide of Palestinians, urging Islamic nations to stop merely condemning the actions of Israel and take action to help the people of Gaza. He praised the resistance of Hamas fighters in Gaza and called for a military response from the 57 Islamic nations, questioning their true commitment to the Palestinian cause. The conference concluded with a unanimous declaration calling for a range of actions, including the immediate cessation of diplomatic relations with countries that recognise Israel and the establishment of a no-contact policy until
an unconditional ceasefire is achieved. The clerics urged the United Nations to hold an emergency session and called on Pakistan to lead the charge in this matter. The conference also declared tomorrow the “Day of the Oppressed Palestinians,” urging Muslims worldwide to show solidarity with Palestinians, who have endured decades of occupation and violence. RESOLUTION OF THE NATIONAL PALESTINE CONFERENCE The conference released a detailed statement, describing Israel’s actions as open genocide, and accusing the UN Security Council and the International Court of Justice of inaction. The declaration called for Jihad as an obligation on all Muslims, citing the Islamic principle of “al-Aqrab fi al-Aqrab” (the nearest must be helped first) in the face of Palestine’s suffering. The statement also denounced US President Donald Trump’s remarks about relocating Palestinians, affirming that Palestine, including Jerusalem, is a legitimate and historical right of the Palestinian people. “The Muslim world must come together to support Palestine,” the declaration concluded. “Israel’s occupation is illegal, and the region, including all of Palestine, belongs to the Palestinians.”
Barrister Gohar rebuts ‘reports, claims’ on political negotiations ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan on Thursday categorically denied reports suggesting the party was engaged in political negotiations, calling all such reports and claims “false and baseless.” In an exclusive conversation with a TV channel, he dismissed the circulating stories and specifically criticised a private news channel for broadcasting what he termed as inaccurate information. “I completely reject the news regarding ne-
gotiations. A private channel aired a false report, which I categorically deny,” he stated. He added that he had contacted the channel in question, which later issued an apology for the erroneous report. “Furthermore, the party’s founding chairman has not assigned me any task related to negotiations,” Gohar clarified. Addressing the media directly, he appealed for responsible journalism: “I request that before running any news, always confirm the facts by seeking the concerned person’s version.” Echoing his statement, a spokesperson for PTI also issued a formal rebuttal. “Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf strongly denies all reports cir-
culating through so-called sources regarding any meeting between our leader Imran Khan and Chairman Barrister Gohar.” The party spokesperson further stressed that no such interactions or discussions have taken place. “If Barrister Gohar’s stance had been taken beforehand, such confusion could have been avoided. None of the aired reports have any truth to them,” the statement read. PTI also condemned the reports as part of a deliberate disinformation campaign. “These stories about negotiations are part of an organised propaganda effort against PTI,” the spokesperson concluded.
lighting the growing momentum in Pakistan-Belarus relations and expressed gratitude to the Belarusian government, especially the Minister of Energy Denis Moroz, for hosting the event and supporting the Pakistani delegation’s participation. “Our presence here is part of a broader journey that reflects the evolving and deepening partnership between our two nations,” said Jam Kamal Khan. He noted that bilateral ties had strengthened significantly following the President of Belarus’s historic visit to Pakistan in November 2024, during which key cooperation agreements were signed.
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‘PSL Season 10’: Punjab Police finalizes foolproof security plan g
21,000 OFFICIALS, INCLUDING OFFICERS WOULD PROVIDE SECURITY DURING PSL MATCHES IN LAHORE, RAWALPINDI, AND MULTAN: SPOKESPERSON LAHORE
Saleem Jadoon
On the directives of Inspector General of Police Punjab, Dr Usman Anwar, Punjab Police has finalized comprehensive security arrangements for Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10. The IG Police said that the police force is fully committed to ensuring the safety of players, officials, and cricket enthusiasts, and that all matches will be held in a peaceful and secure environment. He emphasized that full coordination has been established with the Pakistan Cricket Board, district administrations, and all relevant security agencies. Sharing details of the security plan, a Spokesperson for Punjab Police informed that over 21,000 officials, including officers would perform provide security during PSL matches taking place in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Multan. “In Lahore alone, more than 8,000 officers and personnel will be deployed, while approximately 5,000 will be on duty in Rawalpindi, and 8,000 in Multan”, he stated, adding Lahore would host 13 matches, Rawalpindi 11, and Multan 5 of PSL Season 10. The IGP directed that search, sweep, combing, and intelligence-based operations should be carried out around players’ residences, travel routes, and stadium surroundings. Under the Punjab Police’s plan, security will remain on high alert, and uninterrupted traffic flow must be ensured during the event. Monitoring of stadiums, hotels, and team routes will be carried out through the Safe Cities Authority’s surveillance cameras. To maintain smooth traffic flow and adequate parking arrangements, additional traffic wardens will be deployed. Dolphin Squad, Police Response Unit, and Elite Force teams will ensure effective patrolling during the matches, while police snipers will be deployed on rooftops of high-rise buildings surrounding the stadiums. Personnel assigned to entry and exit points, as well as stadium gates, have been instructed to interact with the public in a polite and professional manner. Dr Usman Anwar directed officials to issue pre-match traffic advisories in the respective cities to ensure public awareness and traffic management.
PTI submits resolution to NA speaker against Indus canals project PPP seeks PTI’s support against
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PARTY URGES A MORATORIUM ON ALL NEW CANAL PROJECTS ON INDUS RIVER UNTIL WATER APPORTIONMENT ACCORD OF 1991 FULLY ENFORCED ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Thursday submitted a resolution to the National Assembly Secretariat against the construction of canals from the Indus River under the Green Pakistan Initiative (GPI). The resolution, led by Leader of the Opposition Omar Ayub Khan and signed by parliamentary leader Zartaj Gul, Ali Muhammad Khan, Mujahid Khan, and other party members, urged an immediate halt to the Cholistan canals project until
constitutional provisions were fulfilled and Sindh’s concerns are addressed. The document, titled "Resolution on Addressing Sindh's Reservations Regarding the Green Pakistan Initiative of Constructing Canals on the Indus River", calls on the federal government to convene an emergency meeting of the Council of Common Interests (CCI) within 15 days. The meeting, it says, should discuss the province of Sindh’s objections and ensure input from all stakeholders. The resolution highlights that Pun-
jab's canal projects, approved by the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) in October 2024 under the GPI, could significantly impact Sindh’s water share, agriculture, and ecological system. It demands the construction of the Cholistan canals be suspended until the CCI grants formal approval, in line with Articles 154 and 155 of the Constitution. The Imran Khan-founded party has called for a moratorium on all new canal projects on the Indus River until the Water Apportionment Accord of 1991 was fully enforced. This includes
securing Sindh’s allocated 48.76 million acre-feet (MAF) of water and maintaining an environmental flow of 10 MAF below the Kotri Barrage to preserve the Indus Delta. The resolution further urges that an independent audit of the Indus River System Authority's (Irsa) water availability certificate be conducted within 60 days by a neutral panel of hydrologists and environmental experts. The findings should be submitted before the National Assembly to assess compliance with the 1991 accord and gauge the environmental impact on Sindh.
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controversial canals project ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has sought Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s support against the controversial canals project. Shazia Marri, PPP Information Secretary and Member of the National Assembly, accused PML-N and the Speaker’s Office of bias, claiming that PPP had submitted a resolution to the Speaker on April 7, which should have been included in the agenda. However, she said, the Speaker placed a note on the resolution and returned it to the Assembly Secretary instead.
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