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HARD WORK, UNITY AND NOT WITCHCRAFT KEY TO TACKLE PAKISTAN’S CHALLENGES: PM Thursday, 11 December, 2025 | 19 Jamadiul Sani, 1447
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PREMIER SHEHBAZ STRESSES PROGRESS DEPENDS ON ELIMINATING TERRORISM, EXTREMISM, AND SECTARIANISM g
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LAUDS PAKISTAN’S VICTORY IN MAARKA-E-HAQ AS RESULT OF ARMED FORCES’ PROFESSIONALISM AND PUBLIC PRAYERS
CDF FIELD MARSHAL ASIM MUNIR: TERRORISM IS INDIA’S PRACTICE; ONLY THE STATE CAN DECLARE JIHAD
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ISLAMABAD
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday said Pakistan is observing International Mountain Day in solidarity with the global community, highlighting the vital role of mountains in sustaining a balanced natural environment and ensuring water, food, and livelihoods for millions. In a message issued on the occasion of International Mountain Day, observed annually on December 11, the prime minister noted that this
RAWALPINDI
Staff CorreSpondent
Police used water cannons early Wednesday to break up a sit-in led by Aleema Khan outside Adiala Jail after authorities refused her request to meet imprisoned former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan. Aleema, joined by her sisters Noreen Khan and Dr Uzma Khan, began the protest at around 2pm on Tuesday, supported by party workers and former senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan. The sit-in continued for nearly 12 hours before police moved in at about 2:10am, deploying high-pressure cold-water jets to clear the road. Police said several PTI workers were detained during the operation. The water cannons pushed protesters from the main road into a nearby vacant plot, allowing traffic routes around the jail to reopen. PTI MNA Shahid Khattak fractured his leg after slipping into a drain amid the chaos. He was taken to hospital, where doctors placed his leg in a cast and advised a month of bed rest. Aleema Khan announced that the group would return next Tuesday to resume their protest. Senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan condemned the use of force, saying the deployment of freezing water at pre-dawn hours endangered participants, particularly women and the elderly. Throughout the operation, protesters continued chanting demands for access to Imran Khan. Jail authorities have yet to comment on whether visitation will be allowed. Gohar warns of uncontrollable fallout PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali, speaking outside Parliament House on Wednesday, warned that “if one step is taken against us, the consequences may spiral beyond anyone’s control”. “This is not a business where one is removed and another remains. If one goes down, none will be left,” he said, criticising the use of water cannons even against Imran Khan’s sisters. “Enough is enough.” Gohar denounced the repeated denial of meetings with the former prime minister, questioning what harm a two-hour visit could have caused.
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EMPHASIZES UNITY, KNOWLEDGE, AND HARD WORK ARE KEY TO NATIONAL STRENGTH, STABILITY, AND PROSPERITY
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year’s theme, “The Critical Role of Mountain Glaciers in Water, Food and Livelihoods,” holds special significance for Pakistan, underscoring the immense opportunities and responsibilities linked to the country’s rich natural resources. Highlighting Pakistan’s unique geographical importance, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the country is blessed with the confluence of some of the world’s highest mountain ranges—the Karakoram, Himalayas, and Hindu Kush.
Water Cannon crackdown at Adiala Jail protest sparks fresh PTI outrage
PM VOWS ECONOMIC GROWTH THROUGH AUSTERITY, COLLECTIVE HARD WORK, AND TIMELY POLICY IMPLEMENTATION
ISLAMABAD
Staff report
RIME MINISTER Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday emphasized that Pakistan’s progress depends on hard work, national unity, and the elimination of extremism, sectarianism, and terrorism, dismissing claims that witchcraft has ever influenced governance. Addressing the National Ulema Convention, the prime minister underscored the pivotal role of religious scholars in promoting harmony and cohesion among all schools of thought to ensure the country’s stability and prosperity. The PML-N-led government has repeatedly alleged that during the tenure of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), key decisions at the highest level were influenced by witchcraft. Speaking at the convention, PM Shehbaz said the nation could only achieve sustainable economic development once extremism, terrorism, and sectarianism are eradicated. He called on religious scholars to play a proactive role in discouraging sectarian divides and fostering brotherhood across all communities. The convention was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign
PM HIGHLIGHTS PAKISTAN’S GLACIERS, CALLS FOR JOINT EFFORTS TO PROTECT MOUNTAINS Staff report
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 156 | 8 Pages | Karachi Edition
ISLAMABAD
US Export-Import (Exim) Bank financing will bring up to $2 billion in high-quality US mining equipment and services to support the development and operation of Pakistan’s Reko Diq mine, US Charge d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker said on Monday, highlighting the project’s potential to create thousands of jobs in both countries. “I’m pleased to highlight that the US Export-Import Bank recently approved financing of $1.25 billion to support the mining of critical minerals at Reko Diq in Pakistan,” Baker said in a video statement on X. She added that the approved financing will facilitate equipment and services for the project in the coming years, generating an estimated 6,000 jobs in the United States and 7,500 jobs in Balochistan. Baker described the Reko Diq mine as a model project benefiting both US exporters and local Pakistani communities and partners. She noted that the initiative aligns with the Trump administration’s emphasis on commercial partnerships, stating, “The
ISLAMABAD
Monitoring report
Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, ministers, parliamentarians, and a large number of religious scholars from various schools of thought. Highlighting Pakistan’s achievements in defense, PM Shehbaz said that Allah had blessed the country with a great victory in the Maarka-e-Haq against India, attributing the success to the professionalism, bravery, and sacrifices of the armed forces and the prayers of the nation. He praised Field Marshal Munir for his leadership, while acknowledging the contributions of the Pakistan Army, Air Force, and Navy in the historic victory. “The world is recognizing Pakistan’s performance, and Muslim countries are expressing pride in our achievements,” he said, while lamenting that some elements continue to spread propaganda against the armed forces. The prime minister also addressed the ongoing threat of terrorism, stating that khawarij groups continue to target innocent citizens and security personnel. He shared that he often meets families of martyred soldiers, who take pride in the sacrifices of their sons for the nation.
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US Exim-Bank okays $1.25b for Reko Diq uplift, operation: Baker Staff report
ECP rejects CM Bugti’s plea to delay Quetta local polls
Trump administration has made the forging of deals exactly like this one central to American diplomacy.” The US diplomat said Washington looks forward to further agreements between American and Pakistani companies in the critical minerals and mining sector, aiming to bring employment and prosperity to both nations. Her remarks follow weeks after the US Exim announced plans to invest in Pakistan’s critical mineral projects as part of a broader strategy to increase energy output. On November 23, Exim Chair John Jovanovic told the Financial Times that the organisation’s deals included the $1.25 billion loan for the Reko Diq mine. The announcement is part of a $100 billion US plan to secure supply chains for critical minerals, nuclear energy, and liquefied natural gas for the US and allied countries. US CHARGE D’AFFAIRES CALLS ON DPM/FM DAR: In a related development, US Charge d’Affaires Natalie Baker Wednesday called on Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar. During the meeting, the DPM/FM highlighted the importance of close Pak-US relations and discussed bilateral matters of mutual interest, the Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a press release.
The Election Commission of Pakistan on Wednesday rejected a petition filed by Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti seeking the postponement of local government elections in Quetta, confirming that polling will be held on December 28 as scheduled. The chief minister had approached the commission earlier this week, citing the fragile law and order situation in the provincial capital and the suspension of internet services as grounds for delaying elections for the Quetta Metropolitan Corporation. In its written verdict, the election commission ruled that the application lacked sufficient legal merit. By a majority decision, the sixmember commission decided that the polling process in District Quetta would proceed on the announced date. One member of the commission dissented and supported the request for postponement. The order directed the Balochistan government to extend full administrative and logistical support to all election officials involved in the conduct of the polls. The provincial authorities were also instructed to ensure foolproof security arrangements for voters, candidates, polling staff and the general public to guarantee the smooth conduct of the election process. The commission noted that the appeal was formally submitted by the chief minister on December 8, requesting rescheduling of the elections until security conditions, weather, administrative preparedness, constituency demarcation and voter list accuracy were fully ensured. The matter was taken up for review the following day. Addressing objections related to constituency delimitation, the commission stated that the process had been completed in accordance with legal requirements, including the publication of preliminary lists, receipt of objections, and disposal of representations through hearings before finalisation. The order also referred to an earlier ruling of the Balochistan High Court issued on October 10, which dismissed similar petitions and directed the election authorities to hold local government elections in Quetta at the earliest possible date. On the issue of the local government term, the commission clarified that the chief minister had incorrectly calculated the expiry period. It stated that under the Balochistan Local Government Act 2010, the term of local governments is four years. Union council members and municipal bodies had taken oath on February 9, 2023, which places the expiry of their term in February 2027. District council officials, who took oath on July 6, 2023, will complete their term in July 2027. The commission further stated that reconciliation of electoral rolls had already been carried out where required, including door-to-door verification to align voters with updated census blocks, wards and constituency boundaries. Public notices were also issued to facilitate registration and transfer of votes before the election schedule was finalised. The order revealed that the delimitation process had been completed twice and election programmes were issued on two occasions after consultations with the Balochistan government. However, the elections could not be held earlier despite repeated efforts by the commission. Regarding the concerns over security and weather conditions, the ECP cited a precedent from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in October 2021, when similar objections were raised. In that case, the Supreme Court had upheld the commission’s decision to proceed with local government elections and directed the provincial administration to ensure their conduct.
Bilawal trashes PTI ban but warns governor’s rule in KP ‘may become inevitable’ LAHORE
Staff CorreSpondent
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Wednesday distanced himself from growing calls to outlaw the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), insisting that neither he nor his party supports banning any political force. He also clarified that imposing governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) was not a PPP demand. His remarks came as several ministers in the Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz (PML-N)-led federal government
renewed calls for a ban on the PTI, accusing it of promoting an “anti-state” and “anti-army” narrative. Speaking to reporters in Lahore, Bilawal said: “I am not in favour of banning any political party, but the party in KP must improve its conduct.” He cautioned that interference in ongoing counterterrorism operations could have serious consequences, warning that if any political group acted as a “facilitator” for militants, governor’s rule in KP might become unavoidable. Debate around dismissing the KP government intensified earlier this week
after State Minister for Law Aqeel Malik said the Centre was “seriously considering” invoking governor’s rule due to the province’s security challenges and alleged governance failures. PTI-backed KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, however, dared the federal government to go ahead. Bilawal’s comments coincided with reports that the PTI plans to reach out to the PPP — a federal coalition partner of the PML-N — through the multi-party opposition platform, Tehreek Tahaffuze-Ayeen-Pakistan (TTAP). Sources said the PPP is likely to be invited to a twoday national conference aimed at explor-
ing options for political dialogue, though the ruling PML-N will not be included. According to insiders, the PTI has conditioned any future negotiations with the government on allowing TTAP leaders, including Mahmood Khan Achakzai, to meet imprisoned party founder Imran Khan.
Govt considers moving Imran Khan from Adiala amid rising political tensions ISLAMABAD
Staff report
The federal government is contemplating transferring Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan from Adiala jail, with concerns over escalating political tensions in the country. Ikhtiar Wali, Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, stated that the political confrontation had reached a critical point where “return seems impossible.” Sources informed Geo News that authorities believe PTI is pushing an agenda to destabilize the country, using protests as a means to provoke unrest. Wali emphasized that the government is seriously considering the shift of the “prisoner” from Adiala, indicating that this proposal is under active review. Wali also accused
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi of being involved with drug smugglers, claiming that Afridi’s performance was subpar and that his family members were engaged in the narcotics trade with his support. This statement comes just a day after PTI founder’s sisters—Noreen Khan, Aleema Khan, and Uzma Khan—held a sit-in near Adiala jail after being denied a meeting with their brother. Police used water cannons to disperse the protesters, some of whom resisted by throwing stones, resulting in several PTI workers being arrested. The issue of meetings with the imprisoned PTI leader has caused ongoing tensions between the government and the former ruling party. The last meeting took place just a week ago when Uzma Khan was allowed to visit Imran Khan.
The situation around Adiala jail has become increasingly volatile, with PTI protests and clashes with police and jail staff over access to the former prime minister, who has been imprisoned there for over two years. In a notable incident last month, KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi staged a 16-hour sit-in at the jail. Earlier protests by Imran Khan’s sisters had also led to their brief detention. In response, the government, through Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, imposed a blanket ban on meetings with the incarcerated politician, a move that followed comments from the ISPR Director General, who labeled Imran Khan as a “mentally ill person” and a threat to national security.
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PTI WARNS JAIL TRANSFER WON’T SILENCE IMRAN, SLAMS ‘PANICKED REGIME’ OVER ADIALA CRACKDOWN ISLAMABAD
Staff report
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Monday lashed out at reports suggesting former prime minister Imran Khan could be shifted to another jail, terming the move a “display of fear and political desperation” by what it called an imposed and panicked regime, and insisting that its founding chairman cannot be silenced or sidelined behind prison walls. In a statement, the PTI Central Media Department asserted that Imran Khan remains inseparable from the people, warning that any attempt to
move him would only expose the government’s own failure and anxiety. It said that wherever Imran Khan is transferred, his sisters, party leadership, workers and supporters will follow with the same resolve. The party also strongly condemned what it described as a “barbaric police assault” on Imran Khan’s sisters—Aleema Khan, Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi—along with party leaders and workers outside Adiala Jail, where they had gathered peacefully to exercise their courtmandated right to meet him.
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