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PM ORDERS REKO DIQ-RAIL LINK BY 2028 TO SUPPORT MINING OPERATIONS
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SHEHBAZ DIRECTS INTER-MINISTERIAL BODY TO PROPOSE FINANCING PLAN FOR PAKISTAN RAILWAYS UPGRADE PROFIT
staff report
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to ensure that the Reko Diq copper-gold mining site in Balochistan is connected to Pakistan’s railway network by 2028, aligning with the expected start of commercial production at the project. The directive was issued during a high-level meeting in Islamabad on Tuesday focused on the development and upgradation of Pakistan Railways, particularly the integration of Reko Diq with the national rail system, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). Reko Diq, one of the world’s largest undeveloped copper and gold deposits, is being developed by Barrick Gold Corporation, which owns a 50% stake. The remaining ownership is held jointly by
the federal and Balochistan governments. The project is scheduled to commence production in 2028 and is expected to generate up to $74 billion in free cash flow over its estimated 37-year operational life. As part of the project’s financing, the
International Finance Corporation (IFC) is expected to provide a $400 million loan to support development costs. During the meeting, the prime minister was briefed on ongoing efforts to modernise Pakistan Railways, including plans to upgrade key corridors ML-1
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and ML-3 to accommodate future transport and cargo demands. Shehbaz instructed the formation of an inter-ministerial committee to develop a detailed financing strategy for railway development and its extension to the Reko Diq site. “Pakistan Railways is the backbone of the national economy and communication infrastructure,” he said, stressing the importance of improved connectivity for long-term growth. The prime minister noted that the rail link to Reko Diq would not only facilitate mineral transport but also accelerate economic development in Balochistan and generate employment opportunities in the region. The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi, Minister of State for Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani, Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi, and senior government officials.
Field Marshal lauds expats’ significant role as Pakistan’s Ambassadors Terrorists of Fitna al-Hindustan can’t dent Pakistan, Balochistan bond: ISPR DG RAWALPINDI
staff report
WASHINGTON
staff report
Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Tuesday expressed his deep appreciation for the vital and most significant role being played by overseas Pakistanis for being ambassadors of Pakistan. The COAS expressed these views in his interaction with the overseas Pakistani community in Washington during his of-
ficial visit to the United States. The Chief of Army Staff received a warm reception and welcome from the overseas Pakistanis, who gathered in large numbers to meet with the Chief of Army Staff. The diaspora warmly appreciated the outstanding performance of the Armed Forces during “Operation Bunyanum Marsoos in the Marka-e-Haq,” showcasing their bravery and professionalism. The overseas Pakistanis shared their experi-
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has said that the people of Pakistan, especially students, played a key role and destroyed the Indian strategic assumptions forever during “Operation Bunyanum Marsoos.”
ences and suggestions with the Army Chief. The Field Marshal acknowledged their contributions to the national economy and global reputation by contributing actively through remittances, investments, and higher achievements in
He expressed these views while briefing the students during his visit to Jinnah University for Women, Karachi. Upon arrival at the university, the DG was warmly welcomed by the administration and the students. The DG ISPR briefed the students about the strategy and sacrifices of the Pakistan Army for crushing the evil designs of the enemy during “Operation Bunyanum Marsoos.”
other domains. He emphasized the importance of engagement with the overseas Pakistanis, highlighting the need for continued collaboration and cooperation to address common challenges and promote cooperation.
20 Muslim nations condemn Israel’s aggression against Iran, call for immediate ceasefire ISLAMABAD
Pakistan, along with 19 other Muslim-majority nations, has condemned Israel’s escalating military actions against Iran, calling for an immediate ceasefire and a return to diplomatic dialogue. In a joint statement issued on June 13, 2025, the Foreign Ministers of Algeria, Bahrain, Brunei, Chad, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Mauritania, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Türkiye, Oman, and the UAE expressed strong disapproval of Israel’s actions, stating that these attacks violate international law and undermine the principles of the United Nations Charter. The ministers highlighted that the ongoing Israeli aggression poses a significant threat to regional and global peace, emphasizing the need for urgent action to halt the violence and prevent further escalation. They called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a focus on diplomatic negotiations to resolve the conflict. A key component of the joint statement was a call for the creation of a Middle East free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction. The ministers urged all regional countries to join the Treaty on the NonProliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), reinforcing the importance of regional stability and security. They also emphasized the need for protecting nuclear facilities under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), warning against any attacks on such facilities, which would not only violate international law but also breach humanitarian principles outlined in the Geneva Conventions. The ministers further urged for a renewed commitment to negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program, underscoring that diplomacy remains the only viable path toward a peaceful and sustainable solution. They concluded by asserting that military actions are not a lasting solution and reiterated the necessity of upholding international law through dialogue.
Charred bodies, shattered lives after gunmen kill 100 in Nigeria ISLAMABAD agencies
The gunmen attacked after dark and chased farmer Fidelis Adidi away from the central Nigerian village of Yelwata. The next morning he returned to find the charred remains of one of his two wives and four of his children. They had been living in a room he had rented in the market, in an attempt to keep them safe from a wave of clashes between cattle herders and farmers in the country’s Middle Belt region. His second wife and another child were badly wounded in the assault that began on Friday night and, according to Amnesty In-
ternational, killed around 100 people in the town in Benue region. “My body is weak and my heart keeps racing,” the 37-year-old told Reuters as he stood outside the room, surveying the damage. “I lost five of my family members.” In another room in the market, bodies lay burned beyond recognition next to blackened piles of food and farm equipment. Authorities have struggled to contain the violence that has simmered for years, fuelled by competition over land as well as ethnic and religious divisions. President Bola Tinubu — who called the recent upsurge in attacks “depressing” on Monday —is due to visit Benue on Wednesday, his first visit there since coming to of-
fice two years ago. Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency said it was working with aid agencies to help at least 3,000 people displaced by the violence in a territory where the majority Muslim north meets the predominantly Christian south. Market trader Talatu Agauta, who is pregnant with her second child, fled when the attackers came on Friday night and took refuge in the state capital Markudi. She came back over the weekend to find 40 bags of her rice had been burned. A devastating blow, but not enough to drive her from her home. “I came back and even if I die here, I don’t mind,” she said.
staff report