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Sunday, 19 October, 2025 | 25 Rabius Sani, 1447
Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 102 | 8 Pages | Islamabad Edition
PAKISTAN TO KABUL: DISMANTLE TERROR SANCTUARIES AS ‘SINGLE-POINT’ DOMINATES DOHA TALKS
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PAKISTAN RAISES CROSS-BORDER TERROR ATTACKS WITH AFGHAN TALIBAN IN FIRST ROUND OF KEY DIALOGUE
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ISLAMABAD DEMANDS ACTION AGAINST TTP, GUL BAHADUR NETWORK OPERATING FROM AFGHAN SOIL
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DEFENCE MINISTER ASIF LEADS PAKISTAN’S SIDE WHILE MULLAH YAQOOB HEADS AFGHAN SIDE PAKISTAN LAUNCHES PRECISION STRIKES ON VERIFIED MILITANT CAMPS AFTER FRESH BORDER ATTACKS
BANNU POLICE FOILS RICKSHAW BOMBING; THREE ATTACKERS KILLED IN LATE-NIGHT RAID
trade, travel suffer Resolution of Pak, as torkham border Afghan tensions lies in remains closed compliance with Doha PESHAWAR: The Torkham border Agreement: Talal crossing between Pakistan and
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DOHA/ISLAMABAD staff report
AKISTAN has urged the Afghan interim government to dismantle terrorist sanctuaries operating from its soil, as the first round of crucial security talks between the two sides concluded in Doha on Saturday, amid heightened border tensions and escalating militant attacks. The second round of discussions is scheduled for Sunday (tomorrow). The Pakistani delegation — led by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and including National Security Adviser Lt Gen Asim Malik and other senior offi-
cials — raised strong concerns over cross-border terrorist attacks emanating from Afghanistan. The Afghan side was headed by Acting Defence Minister Mullah Yaqoob, accompanied by Taliban Intelligence Chief Mawlawi Abdul Haq and senior representatives. According to officials familiar with the talks, Islamabad presented a “singlepoint agenda” focused squarely on the dismantling of terrorist networks, particularly those affiliated with the Gul Bahadur faction and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which Pakistan blames for recent deadly attacks inside its territory. “Pakistan has made it clear that the Afghan government must eliminate terrorist
Pakistan aims to extend debt maturity to reduce refinancing and interest rate risks PROFIT
staff report
Pakistan is working to extend the maturity of its domestic and external debt portfolios to reduce refinancing pressures and exposure to interest rate risks, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said. Speaking during a meeting with a delegation from The Currency Exchange Fund (TCX), led by Deputy CEO and Chief Investment Officer Othman Boukrami, the minister said the move reflects a shift toward longer-term borrowing to ensure predictable debt servicing and greater financial stability. Discussions focused on debt management and local currency lending strategies. TCX provides long-term currency and interest rate hedging solutions to help developing economies access finance while minimizing exchange rate exposure. Aurangzeb welcomed TCX’s support for local currency hedging mechanisms and outlined Pakistan’s plans to re-enter international capital markets through Panda Bonds, Eurobonds, and International Sukuk. In a separate meeting with U.S. Congressman French Hill, Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, Aurangzeb emphasized strengthening Pakistan–U.S. economic relations. Both sides discussed expanding cooperation in digital financial services, investment in emerging economic sectors, opportunities in Pakistan’s mineral resources, and collaboration in the information technology sector.
Afghanistan remained closed for the seventh consecutive day on Saturday, suspending all trade and pedestrian movement and deepening economic losses on both sides. The closure, triggered by heightened border tensions, has caused severe disruption to the flow of goods and travellers between the two countries. Long queues of vehicles have stretched for kilometres along the Torkham Highway, with many trucks carrying perishable goods now facing spoilage in the heat. Traders warned that continued delays could result in substantial financial losses. News Desk
ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry on Saturday said that the only viable path to resolving tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan lies in Kabul’s full compliance with the Doha Agreement, which explicitly bars the use of Afghan territory for terrorist activities against any country. “For the first time, a third country is involved in facilitating communication to ensure Afghanistan abides by the Doha accord and prevents the use of its soil for acts of terrorism by any group,” the minister said in a televised interview. staff report
organisations and their hideouts,” a senior official said, describing the discussions as “direct, firm, and security-centric.” The Doha dialogue marks one of the most significant diplomatic engagements between Islamabad and Kabul in recent months, following weeks of border clashes that
have left dozens dead on both sides. Sources said the next round of talks will continue tomorrow, with deliberations expected on mechanisms for cross-border coordination and intelligence-sharing.
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Punjab extends Section 144 amid ‘security threats, TLP tensions’ LAHORE
staff report
The Punjab Home Department on Saturday extended the enforcement of Section 144 across the province for another week, citing persistent security threats and the risk of violence amid continuing tensions with the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP). The legal provision, which empowers district administrations to prohibit gatherings of four or more people for a specified period, was first imposed on Thursday and is due to expire today. Officials said the extension was necessary as intelligence reports indicated that the threat to public peace and law and order “had not abated.” The provincial order maintained a complete ban on the display of weapons, use of loudspeakers, and publication or distribution of inflammatory or sectarian material. Exemptions will continue for wedding ceremonies, funerals, and burials, while loudspeakers may only be used for sermons and calls to prayer in mosques. According to the Home Department’s latest directive, the decision followed fresh threat assessments and interagency consultations, which concluded that large public gatherings could become soft targets for terrorists or be exploited by miscreants for anti-state activities. “The continuance of restrictions is deemed essential to prevent any potential disturbance to public order, sectarian strife, or commission of any offence, and to ensure the safety and security of the lives and property of the general public,” the order stated. Punjab remained largely peaceful on Friday, with no reports of violence or unrest following TLP’s call for protests against the police action in Muridke earlier this week. Authorities said law enforcement successfully maintained order, with traffic, businesses, and educational institutions operating normally.
economy stabilised, country now moving forward to achieve sustained economic growth: pM JAHANIAN
staff report
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday said Pakistan’s economy had achieved stability, key financial indicators were showing positive trends, and the country was now moving towards sustained growth, remarking that “We are serving Pakistan day and night with hard work, honesty and sincerity.” Speaking to ministers and lawmakers at the residence of MNA Chaudhry Iftikhar Nazirduirng his visit to Khanewal on Saturday, the prime minister said his government had inherited a difficult economic situation and had to approach the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to avert default.
He said that over the past one and a half years, both the federal and Punjab governments had served the people effectively, particularly in the wake of floods, and praised Chief Minister Punjab and her team for their performance in health, education, transport and infrastructure development. The prime minister also paid tribute to the armed forces, saying Pakistan had “defeated India in a four-day war” through the bravery of its soldiers and the prayers of its people. He said the country’s armed forces, led by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber, had written “a new chapter” with their victory, while the government also achieved diplomatic success by signing a defence pact with Saudi Arabia.
He said the Saudi leadership had reaffirmed its strong ties with Pakistan, and during his recent visit to New York and Washington, he met then US President Donald Trump and, along with leaders of Islamic countries, played a role in ending the violence in Gaza. “The situation in Gaza was tragic, with women, children and the elderly being martyred as schools and hospitals were destroyed,” he said, adding that the ceasefire was the result of efforts by Islamic countries and President Trump. Urging political parties to work together for Pakistan’s progress, the prime minister said national unity was essential to achieve the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Iqbal.
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Malaysia offers to mediate as pM Shehbaz, anwar discuss pakistan afghanistan tensions ISLAMABAD
staff report
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Saturday spoke by phone with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, offering Malaysia’s “constructive role” in helping defuse the situation and restore regional stability, according to state media.
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ppp decides on giving pML-n more time to meet ‘coalition demands’ ISLAMABAD
staff report
The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) on Saturday said it was giving its coalition partner, the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), more time to meet its key demands after weeks of friction between the two allies over flood relief efforts and governance issues in Punjab. The announcement came following a meeting of the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC), held on the 18th anniversary of the 2007 Karsaz bombing that
killed more than 180 people during former prime minister Benazir Bhutto’s homecoming procession. Although both parties are partners at the federal level, the PPP does not hold any portfolios in the cabinet. Tensions first surfaced last month after devastating monsoon rains inundated several parts of Punjab and other provinces. The PPP had urged the government to use the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) to deliver emergency assistance to flood-affected families—a proposal resisted by the Punjab administration. The disagreement soon widened as PPP leaders ac-
cused the Punjab government of politicising relief work and sidelining the federal mechanism for aid distribution. Several PML-N ministers responded sharply, with Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah calling for an overhaul of BISP, saying its current structure was “outdated and unfit.” In the following weeks, the technical disagreement evolved into a political confrontation, with both sides trading accusations. Earlier in October, the PPP staged walkouts from Senate and National Assembly sessions to protest remarks from PML-N leaders over the controversial Cholistan canal project and criticism of the Sindh government.
no space for war in a nuclearised environment, Field Marshal Munir warns india KAKUL
staff report
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, on Saturday reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to defend “every inch of its territory” and cautioned India that there was no space for war in a nuclearised environment. Addressing the passing-out parade of the 152nd PMA Long Course, 26th Lady Cadet Course, and 37th Technical Graduate Course at the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) Kakul, the army chief advised India to resolve all outstanding issues in accordance with international norms and principles of equality and mutual respect. “We will never be intimidated or coerced by your rhetoric and will respond decisively to even a minor provocation without hesitation,” he asserted, warning that responsibility for any future escalation with “catastrophic regional and extra-regional consequences” would rest squarely on India. Field Marshal Munir said the recent operations—Marka-i-Haq and Operation Bun-
yanum Marsoos—had once again demonstrated the competence, professionalism, and multi-domain capabilities of Pakistan’s armed forces, which successfully neutralised all threats and reinforced the nation’s confidence in its military. He said Pakistan had displayed its operational strength by downing advanced Rafales, targeting multiple bases including S-400 systems, and exhibiting superior strategic preparedness. India’s “politicisation of terrorism” and avoidance of neutral investigations, he said, exposed the vested political interests of its ruling regime. The COAS paid tribute to the unity and resilience of the Pakistani nation, saying people of “all hues and colours, age, gender, ethnicity or creed stood like a wall of steel,” reflecting renewed national spirit and patriotism. “Since independence, the armed forces, with the full support of the nation, have defended Pakistan’s internal and external frontiers with unfailing resolve, conviction and pride,” he remarked. Field Marshal Munir said Pakistan’s recent military success had revived the spirit
of earlier victories. “Pakistan once again emerged triumphant against a treacherous enemy blinded by hubris and hegemonic ambitions,” he said, adding that the legitimacy and clarity of Pakistan’s victory had earned the admiration of both the nation and the international community. The COAS also paid homage to the martyrs and their families, urging the newly commissioned officers to honour their sacrifices through professional excellence and integrity in service. On regional and global issues, the army chief said Pakistan had emerged as a “net regional stabiliser”, strengthening ties with global powers and Muslim countries and contributing significantly to UN peacekeeping missions. He said Pakistan’s defence doctrine was built on credible deterrence and perpetual readiness, ensuring the ability to respond “far more forcefully than any aggressor expects.” Reiterating Pakistan’s principled stance on Kashmir, the COAS questioned how long the Kashmiri people would continue to face oppression and be denied their right to self-
determination. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s political, diplomatic, and moral support for the Kashmiri cause in line with UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. On Afghanistan, he urged the Taliban authorities to rein in terrorist proxies operating from Afghan soil, warning that “every proxy
war by our neighbours will be razed to dust.” Field Marshal Munir said the recent strategic mutual defence agreement with Saudi Arabia would contribute to peace and stability in the Middle East and South Asia, calling it a “unique honour for Pakistan’s people and armed forces to serve in defence of the Two Holy Mosques.”