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Tuesday, 21 October, 2025 | 27 Rabius Sani, 1447
Rs 50.00 | Vol XVI No 104 | 48 Pages | Lahore Edition
CHINA, SAUDIA WELCOME TRUCE AS ISLAMABAD, KABUL REAFFIRM JOINT EFFORTS TO TACKLE BORDER TERRORISM
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DEFENCE MINISTER KHAWAJA ASIF SAYS BOTH NATIONS RECOGNIZED TERRORISM AS MAJOR BARRIER TO REGIONAL PEACE AND PROGRESS
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ASIF STRESSES REGIONAL PEACE CAN ONLY BE ACHIEVED THROUGH COORDINATED EFFORTS TO COUNTER EXTREMISM
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PAKISTAN-AFGHANISTAN BORDER IS LIKELY TO REOPEN WITHIN 24 TO 48 HOURS
AFGHAN DEFENCE MINISTER ALSO ACKNOWLEDGES TERRORISM AS PRIMARY SOURCE OF TENSIONS BETWEEN TWO NEIGHBOURS
Pakistan warns Afghanistan against cross-border terrorism: Sanaullah FAISALABAD
staff report
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ISLAMABAD Mian abrar
HINA and Saudi Arabia on Monday welcomed ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and Afghanistan as both countries reiterated their commitment to jointly combat terrorism along their shared border, signaling a renewed push to stabilize a region long affected by militancy. Informed sources say that the Pakistan-Afghanistan border is likely to reopen within next 24 to 48 hours. In an interview with Al-Jazeera Arabic, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated that both nations recognized ter-
rorism as the major barrier to regional peace and progress. He highlighted that recent talks have focused on establishing a lasting framework for security cooperation aimed at eliminating groups responsible for cross-border violence. The Afghan Defence Minister also acknowledged that terrorism is the primary source of tension between Islamabad and Kabul, emphasizing the need for both governments to take decisive action against this threat. Asif stressed that regional peace can only be achieved through coordinated efforts to counter extremism. Preparations are underway for an important meeting in Istanbul next week, where officials are expected to finalize details of the new agreement.
Crackdown on illegal Afghan migrants launched in Punjab and Islamabad ISLAMABAD
staff report
Authorities have launched a large-scale crackdown against undocumented Afghan nationals across Punjab, including Islamabad and Lahore, as part of the government’s drive to repatriate illegal migrants. During a late-night operation in Islamabad’s Bari Imam area, police arrested 17 Afghan nationals residing in the country without legal documentation. The operation, led by SP City at the Secretariat Police Station, faced resistance from the migrants but ended with all suspects taken into custody. Officials said the detainees would be deported to Afghanistan via the Torkham border. Similar operations have begun across Punjab, where police are identifying undocumented Afghan residents. Authorities are geo-tagging nomadic Afghan families and verifying the identity cards of individuals suspected of registering as Pakistani citizens. Lahore officials have pledged strict action against those found using fraudulent documents. According to police sources, the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) is assisting in crosschecking family records, as many Afghan families have lived in Pakistan for decades using Pakistani identity cards. Officials confirmed that even those holding Afghan citizen cards or temporary residence permits are being sent back. In Faisalabad, police said the evacuation of Afghan migrants has been completed. The Foreigners Cell of Faisalabad Police reported that 448 Afghan nationals, including an additional 35 discovered during searches, have voluntarily relocated to Peshawar to avoid arrest. Officials said the city has now been declared free of Afghan residents.
Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs, Senator Rana Sanaullah, said on Sunday that Afghanistan has been clearly informed that Pakistan will not tolerate any terrorism originating from its soil. Addressing Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) workers in Faisalabad, Sanaullah said that those responsible for spreading unrest in Pakistan over the past four decades had now been taught a lesson. He asserted that terrorism would now be eliminated and that Pakistan was set to progress rapidly, adding that no one would be allowed to create instability in the country. Criticising the previous Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government, Sanaullah claimed that no develop-
The agenda will cover intelligence sharing, joint border surveillance, and a framework for ensuring adherence to ceasefire agreements. Asif expressed hope that resolving the terrorism issue would pave the way for further cooperation in trade, transit,
ment work was carried out in Faisalabad during its tenure. He said that the PML-N government had restored stability and steered the country back toward becoming an economic power. Sanaullah alleged that during the PTI era, opposition members were jailed and political division deepened. He emphasised that national unity, not conflict, was essential for progress, recalling that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had invited all parties to join a “Charter of Pakistan” for collective stability. Drawing a comparison with conflict-ridden states, Sanaullah warned that nations that descend into chaos end up in ruin, citing Syria as an example. He said Pakistan had twice earned pride in the Muslim world, first by becoming a nuclear power and later by defeating India in what he termed the Marka-e-Haq (Battle of Truth) under the command of the field marshal.
and infrastructure development, benefiting both economies. He noted that stabilizing the border could allow Afghanistan to resume commercial activities through Pakistani ports.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 03
Talal Chaudhry slams KP govt over return of bullet-proof vehicles
IN TODAY’S ISSUE
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Minister Naqvi meets Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, calls for national unity
irfan.farooq@pakistantoday.com.pk
ISLAMABAD
staff Correspondent
Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi called on Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari at Bilawal House in Karachi on Sunday. The meeting was marked by discussions on matters of mutual interest, the prevailing political situation, and issues concerning national stability and security. During the meeting, Interior Minister Naqvi briefed Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on the government’s ongoing efforts and initiatives aimed at maintaining law and order and ensuring internal security across the country. He highlighted the recent measures undertaken by the Interior Ministry to strengthen peace and stability. Expressing his views, Bilawal emphasized that Pakistan’s current challenges can only be overcome through unity and collective effort. “National unity and consensus are essential to navigate the challenges facing the country,” he remarked. Interior Minister Naqvi echoed the sentiment, stating that all stakeholders must work together for Pakistan’s internal stability and progress. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed satisfaction over the steps taken by the Interior Ministry to enhance internal security and appreciated the government’s focus on peace and stability. The meeting underscored a shared commitment between the federal government and the PPP leadership to strengthen cooperation in addressing internal security challenges and promoting national cohesion.
ATC issues non-bailable arrest warrant for Aleema Khan in November 26 protest case
ISLAMABAD
staff report
Federal Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry on Monday sharply criticised the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government’s decision to return bullet-proof vehicles supplied by the federal government, describing it as an “immature” act that undermines the fight against terrorism. to reporters, Speaking Chaudhry said the decision reflected poor judgment by the provincial leadership and put police personnel at greater risk while counter-terrorism operations were ongoing in the province. “The federal government has so far provided Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with Rs600 billion for the war against terrorism,” Chaudhry said. “That money was meant to strengthen the Civil Armed Forces, the Counter Terrorism Department, and forensic laboratories, yet no clear account has been given of how it was spent.” He said the vehicles supplied by the federal government met international security standards and were designed to protect law enforcement officers operating in high-risk zones. “These are bulletproof vehicles built to global standards,” he said. “Wherever these vehicles have been deployed, loss of life has been negligible.”
ISLAMABAD
staff report
Rejecting the KP government’s claim that the vehicles were substandard, Chaudhry said the excuse was “childish and immature.” He added that the same model of vehicles was being used by federal ministers and senior officials in terrorism-affected areas without any complaints. Chaudhry said the federal government had also provided the province with bullet-proof jackets, binoculars and weapons to improve the protection and capability of its security personnel. “These vehicles and equipment were provided to secure our troops and accelerate the war against terrorism,” he said. The minister accused the KP government of lacking seriousness in its approach to counter-terrorism and of politicising security cooperation. “This immature and underdeveloped mindset is an in-
justice to the public,” he said. “Such people should not be the province’s chief minister. This kind of thinking is increasing risks for police personnel.” He further claimed that the provincial authorities were not fully committed to eliminating terrorist networks. “It appears the provincial government is not interested in the total neutralisation of terrorists,” he said, alleging that police were being sent “before armed terrorists without proper support.” Chaudhry reiterated that despite the provincial government’s stance, the federal government remained committed to supporting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in its counter-terrorism campaign. “The federation is, in good faith, providing cooperation to the KP government in the war against terrorism,” he said.
An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Rawalpindi has issued a non-bailable arrest warrant for Aleema Khan, the sister of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, in connection with the PTI’s November 26 protest last year. The court instructed police to arrest her and present her before the court on October 22. The warrant was issued by ATC Judge Amjad Ali Shah after Aleema Khan’s continued absence from court proceedings. The case stems from the protest held by PTI to demand the release of Imran Khan, who has been in jail since August 2023. In addition to Aleema Khan, 10 other accused, including Sajid Qureshi, Atif Riaz, Faheem Razaq, and others, were indicted in the Sadiqabad Police Station case related to the protest. During today’s hearing, 10 of the accused appeared before the court, and five prosecution witnesses recorded their statements. The court also issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Aleema’s guarantor, Umer Sharif, and ordered the verification of his property documents. The November 26 protest was part of a three-day campaign by PTI, which escalated into violent clashes between protesters and law enforcement, resulting in the deaths of three Rangers personnel and a police officer.
Justice Aminuddin defends 26th Amendment, dismisses claims of controversy ISLAMABAD
staff report
Head of the Supreme Court’s Constitutional Bench, Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan, on Monday voiced support for the 26th Constitutional Amendment, dismissing suggestions that it was “controversial.” “Don’t say that the 26th Amendment is controversial,” remarked Justice Amin-udDin while presiding over an eight-member bench hearing a series of petitions challenging the constitutional changes approved by parliament in October last year. The bench comprised Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Justice Ayesha A. Malik, Justice Syed Hassan Azhar Rizvi, Justice Musarrat Hilali, Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan, and Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan. Nearly three dozen petitions — including those filed by the Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI), Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), Sunni
Ittehad Council (SIC), Lahore High Court Bar Association, Lahore Bar Association, Karachi Bar Association, seven former presidents of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), and several individuals — have challenged the amendment’s legality. Appearing in person, senior lawyer Akram Sheikh urged the court to form a 24member full bench to hear the case. “The court should not be further packed by adding more judges,” he argued, adding that he would “leave the issue of conflict of interest to the judges themselves.” Sheikh maintained that the judiciary must adhere to the principle of stare decisis (precedent). Referring to the recent elections, he said that certain individuals believed the results warranted scrutiny, which, according to him, “laid the foundation for the 26th Amendment.” “The 26th Amendment has shattered the Constitution and undermined one of the state’s
key organs — the judiciary,” he contended. “I hope Allah gives the judges courage to declare this amendment null and void.”
At this point, Justice Mandokhail questioned whether Sheikh was suggesting the amendment be struck down despite being part of the Constitution. Justice Amin-udDin, meanwhile, observed that Sheikh had not raised a single constitutional or legal argument to support his stance. The lawyer, however, maintained that existing precedents disqualified the current eightmember bench from hearing the matter. When he further argued that the entire Supreme Court should decide on the validity of Article 191-A, Justice Amin-ud-Din responded: “If you think you need to go to the competent forum, then approach the chief justice.” Explaining the nature of the Constitutional Bench, Justice Mandokhail noted that judges perform two distinct roles — one as regular judges and the other as members of constitutional benches. Justice Bilal Hassan then asked, “You argue that the eight judges cannot hear
this case because they are beneficiaries. Then who, in your opinion, is not affected by the 26th Amendment and should adjudicate it?” Justice Mazhar questioned whether Sheikh was suggesting that all 24 judges of the Supreme Court should hear the case. Sheikh replied that any judge whose conscience was disturbed “should voluntarily recuse.” Later, petitioner Shabbar Raza Rizvi contended that the Supreme Court’s Practice and Procedure Committee could constitute a full court to hear the petitions. “This case should be heard by the Supreme Court as a whole, not just a bench,” he argued. When Justice Mandokhail asked whether he wanted 16 or 24 judges to take up the case, Rizvi said, “I have no objection to 24 judges hearing it.” The court subsequently adjourned the proceedings until Wednesday at 11:30 a.m.