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PM CALLS FOR UNITY, BROTHERHOOD, AND SHARED SACRIFICE TO DRIVE NATIONAL PROGRESS Sunday, 26 October, 2025 | 3 Jamadiul Awwal, 1447
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PREMIER SHEHBAZ SAYS IT’S COLLECTIVE DUTY TO MOVE TOGETHER ON PATH OF PEACE, PROSPERITY, AND HARMONY WARNS RESURGENCE OF TERRORISM NEEDS ANSWERS; VOWS TO STRENGTHEN NATIONAL COHESION
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 109 | 8 Pages | Karachi Edition
HIGHLIGHTS BALOCHISTAN’S UNTAPPED NATURAL WEALTH WORTH TRILLIONS OF DOLLARS, ANNOUNCING RS180B ANNUAL ALLOCATION TO REBUILD KARACHI–CHAMAN ‘BLOODY ROAD’
RECALLS 2010 NFC AWARD SPIRIT, WHEN PROVINCES STOOD TOGETHER ‘LIKE BROTHERS,’ URGES BALOCHISTAN’S ACTIVE ROLE IN PAKISTAN’S DEVELOPMENT
PM hosts dinner for Pakistan, South Africa teams; hails cricket as bridge of friendship ISLAMABAD
Staff report
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ISLAMABAD
Staff report
RIME Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday called for fostering unity, affection, and brotherhood among all segments of society, emphasizing that collective sacrifice, hard work, and solidarity were vital to steer the country out of challenges and put it firmly on the path of progress and peace, state media reported. Addressing participants of the ‘Balochistan Workshop,’ the prime minister said that while Pakistan faced multiple difficulties, it remained “a shared
home for all,” where people from every province must move forward together with mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation. “It is our collective onus to bridge differences, heal distances, and march together with affection, unity, and sacrifice,” the premier said, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). PM Shehbaz lauded the rich culture, history, and vast natural resources of Balochistan, saying the province was blessed with “immense wealth worth trillions of dollars,” still lying untapped beneath its rugged mountains. “What happened in the past few years calls for deep introspection,” he added.
PPP sets sight on AJK rule as Zardari okays no-trust motion against PM Haq ISLAMABAD
Staff report
The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has formally decided to form its own government in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) after President Asif Ali Zardari reportedly gave the go-ahead to unseat incumbent Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq through a noconfidence motion. The decision came after a series of high-level consultations held in Islamabad on Saturday, including separate meetings chaired by President Zardari and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. Senior party leaders Faryal Talpur, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, and Qamar Zaman Kaira were also in attendance. According to party sources, President Zardari, during the meeting at the Presidency, approved the plan to move a no-confidence motion against the AJK premier. The president will also finalise the party’s nominee for the top slot after consultations with the PPP leadership, the sources added. Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, who earlier served as the country’s foreign minister, is expected to formally announce the government formation on Monday. Party insiders said that Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin and Chaudhry Latif Akbar are under consideration for the position of AJK prime minister. PPP leaders claimed that the party has secured the required numbers to ensure the success of the noconfidence motion if the incumbent premier refuses to resign voluntarily. Confirming the development, PPP AJK leader Chaudhry Yasin said that all parliamentary members had endorsed the move to form a new government. “All parliamentary party members attended detailed meetings and unanimously supported the inhouse change,” he told reporters, adding that the final decision on the new prime minister would rest with the party leadership.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday described the ongoing Pakistan–South Africa cricket series as a symbol of enduring friendship and mutual respect between the two nations, saying the game continues to strengthen peopleto-people ties and project Pakistan’s soft image globally. Addressing a dinner he hosted in honour of the cricket teams of Pakistan and South Africa at the Prime Minister’s House, the premier lauded the national side for earning international recognition through their outstanding performances. “Pakistan’s cricketers have made the country proud on the world stage with their talent, sportsmanship and discipline,” he said, extending a warm welcome to the visiting South
The prime minister recalled that during the creation of Pakistan, leaders and sardars of Balochistan had gathered in Quetta and decided to join Pakistan—a
African team. “We have excellent relations with South Africa at multiple levels — and cricket remains a vital link in that relationship.” The prime minister said he hoped the Pakistani team would continue to play with the same passion and brilliance that had brought them success in the past. “Cricket is not just a sport — it unites nations, fosters brotherhood, and promotes peace,” he remarked. “The true spirit of the game must always be preserved.” PM Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to promoting international sports and ensuring a safe and vibrant environment for hosting major sporting events. He expressed full confidence in Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and the board’s management for their efforts to strengthen the sport at both domestic and international levels.
historic moment that, he said, symbolized the province’s enduring commitment to the federation.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 03
Pakistan eyes counterterror mechanism as 2nd round of talks with Afghanistan begins ISLAMABAD/ISTANBUL Staff report
A crucial second round of Pakistan–Afghanistan talks opened in Istanbul on Saturday, with Islamabad pushing for the establishment of a “concrete and verifiable” monitoring mechanism to ensure the Afghan Taliban’s compliance in curbing cross-border terrorist attacks originating from Afghan soil. The discussions, co-facilitated by Turkiye and Qatar, build on the political breakthrough achieved in Doha earlier this month (Oct 18–
19), when both sides agreed to a permanent ceasefire, following days of border skirmishes, Pakistani airstrikes on Hafiz Gul Bahar group hideouts in Afghanistan, and the temporary closure of bilateral trade routes. Pakistan’s Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi, in his maiden media briefing on Friday, said Islamabad was entering the Istanbul round with “the same sincerity of intent” shown in Doha, but now sought a verifiable framework to prevent further violence.
“Pakistan looks forward to the establishment of a concrete and verifiable monitoring mechanism … to address the menace of terrorism emanating from Afghan soil and prevent any further loss of life of Pakistanis,” Andrabi said. According to Afghan interim government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, the Afghan delegation is led by Mullah ahmatullah Najeeb, deputy minister of interior. He confirmed the delegation departed Kabul for Istanbul on Friday night, saying the “remaining issues with Pakistan will be discussed” in this round.
CM Afridi demands Rs550b share from Centre, rejects ‘closed-door’ decisions PESHAWAR
Staff report
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Saturday demanded that the federal government immediately convene a meeting of the National Finance Commission (NFC), claiming that the Centre owed the province Rs550 billion in overdue funds. Addressing a large jirga in the province’s Khyber district, the chief minister said the province
had borne the brunt of Pakistan’s prolonged battle against terrorism and would no longer accept decisions taken “behind closed doors” without provincial consultation. “After 9/11, Pakistan entered a foreign war without our consent. Our homes, markets and mosques were destroyed—yet we gave sacrifices for Pakistan,” Afridi told participants. “We were made scapegoats then, and we will not allow that to happen again.” Afridi warned that any new
military operation in the province’s tribal districts would face strong resistance from local communities. He said the people of KP stood with the state in maintaining peace but would “never support collateral damage.” “If any innocent life is lost this time, there will be accountability,” he said, urging that all future security and development decisions regarding the tribal belt must involve the provincial government and elected parliamentarians.
Lahore chokes under toxic haze, declared world’s most polluted city LAHORE
Saleem Jadoon
Punjab’s capital Lahore once again topped the list of the world’s most polluted cities on Saturday morning, as a thick, toxic smog continued to engulf the metropolis and its adjoining areas—plunging air quality to hazardous levels and sparking growing public health concerns. According to air quality monitoring platform IQAir, Lahore recorded a US AQI of 412 at 8:30 a.m., placing it in the “hazardous” category, with PM2.5 concentrations reaching 281 µg/m³—a staggering 56.2 times higher than the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) annual guideline value. The dense haze has kept the city shrouded for days, severely reducing visibility and prompting widespread complaints of throat irritation, breathing difficulties, and eye inflammation. Health authorities have urged citizens to limit outdoor activities, wear protective masks, and keep children and the elderly indoors where possible. The sharp deterioration in air quality coincides with the seasonal onset of winter, when cooler temperatures, stagnant winds, and trapped emissions from vehicles, factories, and post-harvest crop burning exacerbate pollution across Punjab. Across the border, New Delhi also struggled with toxic air on Saturday, ranking among the world’s top polluted cities with an AQI of 275, categorised as “very unhealthy.” The Indian capital’s PM2.5 concentration stood at 200 µg/m³, largely attributed to vehicular emissions, industrial output, and stubble burning in neighbouring states. Meanwhile, Karachi recorded a US AQI of 141, considered “unhealthy for sensitive groups.” The coastal city’s PM2.5 concentration measured 51.7 µg/m³—about 10.3 times higher than the WHO’s guideline value. Every winter, much of South Asia is enveloped in dense smog as cold air traps fine particulate matter near the surface. Experts link the crisis to transport emissions, industrial smoke, construction dust, and the seasonal burning of crop residue, factors that combine to produce a prolonged blanket of haze across the region. Despite efforts by local authorities in Lahore—including water sprinkling operations, partial industrial shutdowns, and roadside monitoring—experts warn that these measures remain short-term and insufficient. Without consistent enforcement, regional coordination, and long-term urban planning, they caution that the air quality crisis will likely deepen as temperatures continue to drop.
Three ‘Indian-sponsored’ terrorists killed, ‘potential catastrophic attack’ foiled in North Waziristsan: ISPR RAWALPINDI
Staff report
Security forces killed three terrorists while foiling an attempted suicide attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s North Waziristan district, the military’s media wing said on Saturday. In a statement the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that security forces foiled a “major terrorist incident and averted a potential catastrophic attack” a day ago after conducting an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the district’s general area of Jhallar following reported presence of terrorists belonging to “Indian proxy Fitna al-Khawarij preparing a vehicle-borne suicide bomber for a major terrorist activity.” Fitna al-Khawarij is a term designated for terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). It added that troops effectively engaged them at their location and destroyed the vehicle being prepared for the suicide attack while eliminating three “Indian-sponsored” terrorists through “precise and skillful engagement.” The ISPR said that a sanitisation operation was being conducted to eliminate any other terrorists found in the area. “Relentless counterterrorism campaign under vision ‘Azm-i-Istehkam’ (as approved by Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan) by security forces and law enforcement agencies of Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out menace of foreignsponsored and supported terrorism from the country, and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve,” the ISPR concluded. Pakistan has witnessed a surge in terrorist attacks, especially in KP and Balochistan, predominantly targeting the police, law enforcement agencies’ personnel, and security forces.
COAS, Egyptian president vow to deepen strategic coordination, boost bilateral ties RAWALPINDI
Staff report
Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on Saturday reaffirmed the resolve to further strengthen strategic coordination between Pakistan and Egypt, underscoring the need for deeper cooperation on regional security, economic engagement, and matters of mutual interest, according to the military’s media wing. In a statement the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said, “The army chief called on President el-Sisi at the Itihadia Presidential Palace in Cairo, where both leaders reviewed the existing framework of bilateral relations and discussed ways to expand collaboration in defence, technology, and socio-economic domains.” During the meeting, Field Marshal Munir lauded Egypt’s pivotal role in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East and
North Africa. President el-Sisi, in turn, appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role and “positive, proactive contributions” to global peace and issues concerning the Muslim ummah. “Both leaders underlined the importance of coordination on matters of mutual strategic interests and strengthening people-topeople contacts,” the ISPR said, adding that the interaction reaffirmed the countries’ commitment to a shared vision of regional peace and prosperity. The meeting also acknowledged the “shared history of friendship and mutual desire” to further broaden bilateral cooperation in all fields—particularly trade, industry, maritime development, and emerging technologies. The session concluded on a warm note, with both sides expressing confidence that enhanced dialogue and joint initiatives would contribute to greater peace, stability, and security in Pakistan, Egypt, and the wider region. Pakistan and Egypt share a long-stand-
ing relationship rooted in historical, cultural, and religious ties. In May this year, President el-Sisi had reiterated Egypt’s desire for stronger relations with Pakistan during a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Last week, the two countries agreed to enhance cooperation in the maritime and industrial sectors, focusing on joint ventures and the promotion of their blue economies— a move viewed as a key step toward deepening economic integration. During his ongoing visit, Field Marshal Munir also met Egypt’s defence leadership, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to further improve defence and military cooperation, including training exchanges and joint capacity-building programs. The COAS paid homage at the Memorial of the Unknown Soldier and laid a floral wreath at the grave of former Egyptian president Anwar Sadat — a gesture symbolizing Pakistan’s respect for Egypt’s enduring sac-
rifices for regional peace and stability. The army chief also called on Sheikh Ahmed El-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of AlAzhar, one of the most prestigious seats of Islamic learning in the world. The meeting
reflected Pakistan’s continued engagement with the Muslim world’s leading institutions to strengthen inter-faith harmony, educational collaboration, and the promotion of shared Islamic values.