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Sunday, 5 October, 2025 | 11 Rabius Sani, 1447
Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 88 | 8 Pages | Islamabad Edition
MILITARY WARNS ANY FUTURE PAK-INDIA HOSTILITIES MIGHT LEAD TO ‘CATACLYSMIC DEVASTATION’ ‘NEW NORMAL OF RESPONSE’
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THIS TIME, WE SHALL SHATTER GEOGRAPHIC IMMUNITY MYTH, HITTING FARTHEST REACHES OF INDIAN TERRITORY: ISPR
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CAUTIONS THOSE TALK OF ERASING PAKISTAN FROM THE MAP, MUST KNOW THE ERASURE WILL BE MUTUAL
SAYS THOSE SEEKING TO ESTABLISH A NEW NORMAL MUST KNOW THAT PAKISTAN HAS ESTABLISHED A ‘NEW NORMAL OF RESPONSE, WHICH WILL BE SWIFT, DECISIVE AND DESTRUCTIVE’
14 Indian proxy terrorists neutralized in Khuzdar operation RAWALPINDI
staff report
Pakistan has ‘capability and resolve’ to take imposed fight to every nook, corner of Indian Territory RAWALPINDI mian abrar
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RAWALPINDI
staff report
AKISTAN’s military warned on Saturday that any future conflict with India could lead to “cataclysmic devastation” and the country will “resolutely respond, without any qualms or restraint”. The statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) comes in the wake of provocative remarks by top Indian civil-military leadership and
stressed that Pakistan would “not hold back” in such a case. “In the face of highly provocative statements of the Indian defence minister and its army and air chiefs, we caution that a future conflict might lead to cataclysmic devastation. In case a fresh round of hostilities is triggered, Pakistan shall not hold back. We shall resolutely respond, without any qualms or restraint.” In its statement issued on Saturday, the ISPR said that this time, “we shall shatter the myth of geographic immu-
PM undertakes visit to Malaysia to ‘deepen strategic, economic ties’ today ISLAMABAD
staff report
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will embark on a threeday official visit to Malaysia at the invitation of his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim from Sunday (today). “During the visit, Premier Shehbaz is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with his Malaysian counterpart and will discuss key regional and global developments,” said a statement issued by the Foreign Office on Saturday. “A high-level delegation comprising Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, federal ministers and senior government officials is also accompanying the prime minister,” read the statement. FO Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said that both the leaders are expected to witness the signing of agreements and MoUs for cooperation in several existing and new sectors, adding that the visit underscores Pakistan’s continued commitment to strengthen ties with Malaysia. The FO statement said that the two leaders will also deliberate on enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade to explore opportunities for further cooperation in trade, IT, telecom, Halal industry, investment, education, energy, infrastructure, digital economy, and people-to-people ties. It also reaffirms the importance both countries place on working together to promote peace, stability, trade and investment and sustainable development. The Pakistani leadership looks forward to mutually beneficial engagements in Malaysia, building on the solid foundations of friendship and cooperation that exist between our two nations.
Pakistan on Saturday expressed grave concern over “delusional, provocative and jingoistic statements” coming from the highest levels of the Indian security establishment, saying that Pakistan has “capability and resolve” to take the fight to every nook and corner of the enemy’s territory. A security official told Pakistan Today that these irresponsible statements indicate a renewed attempt at fabricating arbitrary pretexts for aggression – a prospect which might lead to serious consequences for peace and stability in South Asia. “Indian regime has ‘strategic arrogance and irrationality’. The official
nity, hitting the farthest reaches of the Indian territory. “As for the talk of erasing Pakistan from the map, India must know that if the situation comes, the erasure will be mutual.”
said that India has started Hindutvisation of Indian armed forces and the Indian officials’ jingoistic and irresponsible statements reflect the same,” the official said. The official added that the Indian regime is a victim of ‘collective amnesia’ and earlier this year, the Indian aggression against Pakistan brought two nuclear powers to the brink of a major war. “India seems to have forgotten the wreckage of its fighter jets and the wrath of Pakistan’s long range vectors. Suffering from collective amnesia, India now seems to be aching for the next round of confrontation but will find Pakistan ready for thwarting any aggression,” the official said.
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It added that “those seeking to establish a new normal must know that Pakistan has established a new normal of response, which will be swift, decisive and destructive”.
As many as 14 terrorists linked to “Indian-proxy Fitna al-Hindustan” were killed in fire exchange with the security forces during an operation in Zehri area of Balochistan’s Khuzdar, security sources informed on Saturday. According to the security sources, “The operation was carried out on the reported presence of terrorists belonging to the Indian proxy, Fitna alHindustan, resulting in the killing of at least 14 terrorists, while 20 militants were also injured.” Residents of Khuzdar’s Zehri area praised the operation, acknowledging the efforts of the security forces in restoring peace and stability to the region, they said. Sources added that the security forces remain fully committed to eliminating the remaining militants of the Fitna al-Hindustan. The Zehri operation comes days after security forces killed seven India-sponsored terrorists in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) conducted in the Sherani district of Balochistan. According to the ISPR, the security forces conducted an IBO on the reported presence of terrorists belonging to the Indian proxy, Fitna al-Khwarij or the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). “During the operation, own troops effectively engaged the terrorists’ location, and after an intense fire exchange, seven Indian-sponsored terrorists were sent to hell,” the ISPR added. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday lauded the security forces for eliminating more than 14 terrorists in Khuzdar district. Earlier, a statement issued on X by state broadcaster PTV News said security forces “foiled an attempt to harass peaceful people in the Zehri area” of the district and destroyed multiple terrorist hideouts during an operation while killing over 14 Fitna al-Hindustan members and injuring over 20.
Khuhro slams Maryam’s PM lauds amicable end as govt, JAAC ink agreement to restore peace, tranquility in AJK remarks as violation of CONTINUED ON PAGE 03
CCI decision on canal project
ISLAMABAD
staff report
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday welcomed the signing of an agreement between the federal government’s negotiation committee and the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), describing it as a “victory for peace, dialogue, and the people of both Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Pakistan.” The prime minister appreciated the efforts of Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry and members of the high-level committee for concluding a peaceful settlement, saying “all conspiracies and rumours now stand buried and issues have been resolved amicably.” He termed the accord a positive step for Pakistan and AJK, adding that the “restoration of peace and normalcy is a good gesture.” The premier reaffirmed that the government was “ever ready to resolve the issues of our Kashmiri brethren” and assured that their rights “had always been protected and would continue to be safeguarded.” PM Shehbaz Sharif, who had earlier directed the committee to immediately travel to Muzaffarabad, said the government
KARACHI
staff report
would always stand by the people of Kashmir. He urged citizens not to pay heed to rumours, emphasizing that “public service and welfare are among the top priorities of this government.” ‘Victory for peace, for Kashmir, and for Pakistan’ Speaking to the media after returning from Muzaffarabad, Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry termed the signing of the pact a “victory for peace, for Kashmir, and for Pakistan.” He said the JAAC had launched protests over public-interest and governance issues in AJK, which unfortunately led to clashes and the tragic loss of three lives, including both police personnel and protesters. “We extend
our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased,” he said, adding that the federal government intervened promptly to prevent further violence. Dr Fazal said that a high-level delegation—comprising Minister for Kashmir Affairs Amir Muqam, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Interprovincial Coordination Senator Rana Sanaullah, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Religious Affairs Minister Sardar Yousaf, former Adviser on Kashmir Affairs Qamar Zaman Kaira, former AJK President Masood Ahmed Khan, and former Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf— was constituted to hold negotiations with the JAAC.
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Sindh President Nisar Khuhro on Saturday lambasted Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz over her remarks on the contentious canal issue, terming them a “violation of the Council of Common Interests (CCI) decision and an insult to the constitutional forum.” The clash between Sindh and Punjab — initially sparked by flood compensation — has now widened into a fierce dispute over Indus River water rights, after CM Maryam told the PPP leadership to “keep its advice to itself.” The rift prompted PPP lawmakers to boycott parliamentary proceedings in protest, while senior leaders from both sides met in Islamabad this week to defuse tensions. The PPP delegation urged Maryam to “rethink her tone” when discussing inter-provincial water rights. However, the Punjab CM stood firm, declaring she would “never apologise,” while the PPP retorted that her government “does not represent the people of Punjab,” alleging it was a “product of Form 47.” In a strongly worded statement, Khuhro said CM Maryam’s comments on the now-shelved six-canals project — earlier denied approval by the CCI — amounted to “disregard for a collective constitutional decision.” He said, “The CCI has already buried this controversial project. Maryam Nawaz is not above the constitutional forum and cannot overrule its decisions singlehandedly.” Khuhro reminded that the CCI had unanimously resolved that no new canal project could be undertaken without consent from all provinces.
Pakistan courts US with pitch for new Arabian Sea port, Financial Times reports PROFIT
monitoring report
Advisers to Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, have approached U.S. officials with a proposal to develop and operate a port at Pasni on the Arabian Sea, potentially giving Washington strategic access to one of South Asia’s most sensitive regions, the Financial Times reported. The plan, reviewed by the Financial Times, envisions U.S. investors transforming Pasni, a seaside fishing town, into a terminal for transporting critical minerals from Pakistan’s interior, including copper and antimony. Pasni is located approximately 100 miles from Iran and 70 miles from Gwadar, a port backed by China. The move comes after Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir held a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House in September. In that meeting, PM Sharif sought investment from U.S. companies in the agriculture, technology, mining, and energy sectors for investment. According to the FT, though not official government policy, the proposal was shared with General Munir ahead of his meeting
with former U.S. President Donald Trump last month. U.S. officials, however, have said the topic was not discussed during the White House meeting. The blueprint outlines a $1.2 billion project financed through a combination of Pakistani federal resources and U.S.-backed development funds. The port would be linked by a new railway transporting minerals from mines, including the Reko Diq copper and gold project developed by Canada’s Barrick Mining. Advisers emphasised the port would exclude “direct basing,” meaning it would not function as a U.S. military installation. The proposal is part of a broader strategy by Pakistan to leverage geopolitical shifts in South Asia, diversify from China, and expand economic and strategic partnerships with the U.S., Iran, and Saudi Arabia. “Pasni’s proximity to Iran and Central Asia enhances U.S. options for trade and security and would counterbalance Gwadar while expanding influence in the Arabian Sea,” according to the blueprint. The plan also aligns with early U.S. interest in Pakistan’s minerals sector. In September, Missouri-based U.S. Strategic Metals (USSM) signed a memorandum of understanding with Pakistan’s military engineering
arm to explore collaboration, including refining facilities near Karachi and Gwadar. According to FT, Pakistan shipped a first consignment of critical minerals, including copper, antimony, and neodymium, to the U.S. last month. Mike Hollomon, USSM commercial director, said the company aspired to set up a refinery and last month met directors of Pakistan’s two major ports at and near Karachi, as well as a representative from Gwadar during a visit to the South Asian country. Hollomon added that USSM had heard talk of a possible port project near Pasni. The town had a natural deep-water port and could be linked by rail to Reko Diq, a copper and gold mine being developed by Canada’s Barrick Mining, so it made “a lot of sense” to set up a facility in the area, he said. Pakistan’s mineral sector currently contributes about 3% of GDP, but experts say the country has vast untapped resources, particularly in western provinces affected by insurgencies. Hussain Abidi, chair of the Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, described the initiative as “a reset with America through economic ties rather than just traditional security ties.” The Pasni port proposal is seen as a
strategic hedge, allowing Pakistan to balance relations with China while attracting
investment and bolstering its position in the global mineral and maritime landscape.
Pakistan ships first batch of rare earth elements to US in $500m deal PROFIT
monitoring report
Pakistan has officially begun its $500 million partnership with the United States, shipping its first batch of enriched rare earth elements and critical minerals to US Strategic Metals (USSM), a Missouribased company, according to a news report. This delivery marks a significant step in the growing economic collaboration between the two nations, with the shipment arriving on Thursday. In September 2025, Pakistan’s Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) and USSM signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a poly-metallic refinery in Pakistan, aimed at bolstering the supply of critical minerals to the United States.
The partnership is seen as an opportunity to enhance bilateral relations, with both parties committed to fostering economic ties and mutual cooperation. Stacy W. Hastie, CEO of USSM, highlighted the shipment as the first of many in efforts to supply critical minerals to the U.S. and support national interests. The initial shipment included antimony, copper concentrate, and rare earth elements such as neodymium and praseodymium. This deal comes amid a broader push by the US to strengthen its domestic critical minerals supply chain, reducing reliance on China. In August 2025, the US Department of the Interior added new commodities, including copper and silver, to its critical minerals list, emphasizing their importance for national security and economic stability.