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PM VOWS ECONOMIC UPLIFT OF MERGED DISTRICTS, RESTORES QUOTA IN MEDICAL, ENGINEERING VARSITIES Friday, 25 July, 2025 | 29 Muharram, 1447
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PROVISION OF EQUAL AND BEST EDUCATION, SKILLS AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES TO YOUTH OF MERGED DISTRICTS IS A PRIORITY OF GOVT: PREMIER SHEHBAZ
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SAYS SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT ALLOCATED IN BUDGET FOR UPGRADATION OF FATA UNIVERSITY AND POLICE INFRASTRUCTURE
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DIRECTS EXPANSION IN SCOPE OF THE COMMITTEE ESTABLISHED TO DEAL WITH THE ISSUES OF MERGED DISTRICTS
PM Shehbaz lauds WB support for Pakistan’s position on IWT
ISLAMABAD
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RIME MINISTER Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the economic development and prosperity of the people of the merged districts of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, announcing the restoration of quotas in medical colleges and engineering universities for the students of the merged districts. “The government has been taking every possible step for the economic development and wellbeing of the people of merged districts.” Premier Shehbaz Sharif was talking to the Jirga of tribal elders led by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman in Islamabad on Thursday. The prime minister termed the provision of equal and the best education, health, skills, and employment opportunities to the people, especially the youth of the merged tribal districts, as a priority of the government. He said the federal government has allocated a substantial amount of development budget during the current year for the upgradation of FATA University and police infrastructure in the merged districts. He said establishment of law and order in the merged districts is the top priority of the government. He said security forces of Pakistan, police, and other law enforcement
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ISLAMABAD
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agencies are embracing martyrdom while fighting bravely against terrorists. The Prime Minister said that tribes always made immense sacrifices for the peace and security of Pakistan, and elders of all schools of thought will have to play their role together to make Pakistan a cradle of peace. He directed to expand the scope of the committee established to deal with the issues of merged districts with Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam in the chair. He further said that tribal elders of the merged districts are also being given representation in this committee. On their part, the delegation of tribal
TTAP convenes APC to chart path out of Pakistan’s political, constitutional crisis ISLAMABAD
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Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) has announced that a two-day All Parties Conference (APC) will be held in Islamabad on July 31 and August 1, 2025, to openly discuss Pakistan’s deepening constitutional and political crises, emphasizing, “It is time for a serious national dialogue to steer the country out of troubled waters.” The announcement was made by TTAP chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai during a press conference along with the senior leadership of the opposition alliance here on Thursday. Achakzai emphasised that this conference would not be symbolic, as it would bring together political parties, civil society and even representatives from institutions to find lasting and durable solution to the problems facing the country presently. “From Gilgit-Baltistan to Gwadar, we will mobilize, street by street, door to door—but without violence and abuse because this struggle is principled and constitutional,” Achakzai added. He declared that the opposition alliance was not formed for political theatrics but to restore true democratic representation through a neutral election commission because it was the first alliance not manufactured by intelligence agencies. He criticized the ruling coalition for using brute force to suppress political opponents. “Even victorious parties are denied access to their imprisoned leaders. This is coercion, not democracy,” the TTAP chief added. Achakzai called for an independent election commission to ensure fair representation, adding that Pakistan must be governed by the ballot, not by force. He said that the way Shehbaz and company have imposed control through force is undemocratic and unacceptable. Speaking on the occasion, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja said that as per PTI Patron-in-Chief Imran Khan’s instructions, this was not just PTI’s movement, but it was the movement for every oppressed voice in Pakistan. “Today, we speak for all those denied justice and silenced by fear,” he said, adding that TTAP was a peaceful, constitutional, and ideological movement, as they stood for the rule of law— not for destruction, not for confrontation. He made it clear that Pakistan cannot be run by force, as the way forward was constitutionalism, democracy, and justice. “
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elders expressed gratitude for the expansion of the scope of the committee, representation of tribal elders, and restoration of the quota of merged districts in medical colleges and engineering universities. The delegation paid tribute to the Pakistan Army for its courageous strategy and strong response to Indian aggression during the recent Pakistan-India conflict. They also thanked the prime minister for arranging consultative meetings regarding law and order, development, and prosperity of the merged districts. The Prime Minister said that more consultative meetings will be held with tribal elders regarding the progress of the merged tribal districts.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday praised the World Bank for its support of Pakistan’s position on the Indus Waters Treaty, blasting India’s “unilateral and illegal” actions that undermined the landmark agreement. In a meeting with Ousmane Dione, World Bank Regional Vice President for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to upholding international law, pursuing peaceful dialogue, and promoting regional prosperity. The prime minister expressed appreciation for the World Bank’s longstanding partnership and described its backing as aligned with Pakistan’s lawful stance on water rights under the treaty. The prime minister also acknowledged the strategic role of the Country Partnership Framework in supporting Pakistan’s national priorities, particularly in the areas of energy, climate change, human development, and governance reform. He thanked the Bank for its timely assistance during the 2022 floods, which enabled Pakistan to launch emergency relief and rehabilitation efforts for affected communities.
Dione reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment to expanding collaboration with Pakistan and lauded the government’s reform agenda aimed at ensuring macroeconomic stability and long-term sustainability. Both sides expressed a shared resolve to deepen cooperation in the coming years to accelerate development and improve livelihoods. Earlier, the World Bank reaffirmed its support for Pakistan’s economic stability during a separate meeting held on Wednesday between Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema and Ousmane Dione at the Ministry of Economic Affairs in Islamabad. According to an official statement from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Bank appreciated Pakistan’s reform efforts and progress under the Country Partnership Framework. Both sides discussed avenues for deepening cooperation in critical sectors, with an emphasis on ensuring sustained recovery and long-term financial resilience. Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which killed 26 people. India blamed Pakistan for the attack but provided no evidence. Islamabad strongly denied the allegations.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia affirm mutual resolve to strengthen defence cooperation RAWALPINDI
Staff RepoRt
Royal Saudi Naval Forces’ (RSNF) chief of staff, Vice Admiral Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Ghuraybi and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza on Thursday affirmed mutual resolve to enhance bilateral defence cooperation, the military’s media wing reported. In a statement the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), RSNF chief of staff, Vice Admiral Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Ghuraybi, called on Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza at Joint Staff Headquarters in Rawalpindi on Thursday. “The CJCSC highlighted the historical brotherly relations between [the] Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and [the] Is-
lamic Republic of Pakistan and emphasized mutual resolve for enhancing existing bilateral defense cooperation,” the ISPR said. The dignitaries discussed the evolving regional security dynamics within the Middle East and South Asia, particularly focusing on maritime secu-
rity, it added. A “smartly turned-out tri-services contingent” presented a guard of honour to the Saudi naval chief as he arrived at the headquarters earlier today, the ISPR stated. Earlier this week, Al Ghuraybi also
Army major, soldier martyred, three terrorists killed in Mastung IBO: ISPR RAWALPINDI
Staff RepoRt
A Pakistan Army major and a sepoy embraced martyrdom, while three terrorists belonging to the Indianproxy “Fitna al Hindustan” were killed during an intelligence-based operation in Balochistan’s Mastung district, the military said on Thursday. According to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operation was launched on July 23 following reports of terrorist presence in the area. “During the conduct of the operation, own troops effectively engaged the terrorists’ location, and resultantly, three terrorists were sent to hell,” the statement said. However, during the intense exchange of fire, Major Zeeyyad Salim Awal, 31, a resident of Khushab district, was martyred while leading his troops from the front. He was accompanied in martyrdom by
Sepoy Nazam Hussain, 22, from Jhelum district. The military said a sanitisation operation was ongoing to ensure the elimination of any other Indiansponsored terrorists in the vicinity. “The security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of Indian-sponsored terrorism from the country, and such sacrifices of our brave men further strengthen our resolve,” the ISPR said.
FC CONSTABLE MARTYRED, 2 INJURED IN BANNU TERRORIST ATTACK: In related development, a Federal Corps (FC) constable was martyred and two others were injured when terrorists attacked their vehicle on Thursday in the Daryoba area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu district, according to the police. A statement from Bannu Police Spokesperson Aamir Khan said “two terrorists” riding motorcycles attacked the FC vehicle. As a result, one FC constable
met with his Pakistani counterpart Admiral Naveed Ashraf at the Naval Headquarters in Islamabad. During the meeting, both leaders discussed enhancing defence cooperation and the regional maritime security situation, along with other matters of mutual interest. The two naval chiefs pledged to further strengthen and diversify the scope of the existing bilateral defence relationship between the countries. A day ago, CJCSC Mirza attended the 17th International Defence Industry Fair in Istanbul. On the sidelines of the event, he held meetings with Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler, Chief of Turkish General Staff Metin Gurak, Azerbaijan’s Defence Minister Hasanov Zakir Asgar Oglu and his deputy Gurbanov Agil Salim Oglu.
was martyred while two others were injured. He added that a terrorist was injured in retaliatory firing and the assailants fled soon after. The spokesperson said a pistol and a magazine belonging to the injured terrorist were recovered from the scene. He said the injured personnel were taken to the hospital for treatment. “Law enforcement agencies have mobilised a heavy police presence in the area, initiating a thorough search operation and cordoning off the vicinity to gather evidence. Ongoing efforts aim to apprehend the individuals responsible for this attack,” the statement said. It added that officials reaffirmed their commitment to taking action against those seeking to disrupt the nation’s peace and security.
US remains top export destination for Pakistani products in FY2024-25, with exports exceeding $6 billion g
CHINA RANKS AS THE SECOND-LARGEST EXPORT DESTINATION WITH $2.47 BILLION IN EXPORTS, FOLLOWED BY THE UK IN THIRD WITH $2.16 BILLION PROFIT
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The United States remained the top export destination of Pakistani products during the fiscal year 2024-25, followed by China and the United Kingdom, according to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). Total exports to the US during July-June 2024-25 were recorded at $6028.193 million
against the exports of $5444.197 million during July-June 2023-24, showing an increase of 10.72 percent. This was followed by China, wherein Pakistan exported goods worth $2476.790 million against the exports of $2709.901 million last year, showing a decrease of 8.60 percent. UK was the third top export destination, where Pakistan exported products worth $2160.262 million during the year under re-
view against the exports of $2015.120 million, SBP data revealed. Among other countries, Pakistani exports to UAE stood at $2121.961 million against $2082.009 million last year while the exports to Germany were recorded at $1987.554 million against $1515.555 million last year, data said. During July-June 2024-25, the exports to Holland were recorded at $1492.284 mil-
lion against $1385.348 million whereas the exports to Italy stood at $1132.231 million against $1122.001 million. Pakistan’s exports to Spain were recorded at $1482.822 million against the exports of $1449.857 million while the exports to Afghanistan were recorded at $773.892 million against $558.032 million last year. Exports to Bangladesh stood at $787.348 million against $661.192 million.
Similarly, the exports to France during the year under review were recorded at $563.763 million against $508.690 million while the exports to Belgium stood at $543.426 million against $556.950 million. Pakistan’s exports to Saudi Arabia were recorded at $704.317 million compared to $710.293 million last year whereas the exports to Turkiye stood at $264.742 million against $336.878 million.