In partnership with
PM VOWS TO BUILD A ‘TECH-DRIVEN PAKISTAN’ BY EMPOWERING YOUTH
Profit
Friday, 31 October, 2025 | 8 Jamadiul Awwal, 1447
g
g
PM SHEHBAZ LAUNCHES YOUTH LAPTOP SCHEME 2025 WITH SLOGAN ‘PAKISTAN’S FUTURE BELONGS TO ITS EMPOWERED YOUTH’
g
REVEALS SAUDI ARABIA TO TRAIN PAKISTANI YOUTH IN AI, IT, AND MODERN TRADES, SAYING PAKISTAN’S YOUTH WILL BE PARTNERS IN THEIR PROGRESS
g
Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 114 | 8 Pages | Islamabad Edition
SAYS RS500B EARMARKED FOR YOUTH EDUCATION, SKILLS, AND EMPOWERMENT, TERMING 2025 A MILESTONE YEAR FOR DIGITAL LEARNING AND INNOVATION
SAYS OVER 100,000 LAPTOPS DISTRIBUTED SINCE 2011, VOWS LIFELONG SERVICE TO YOUTH AND CALLING THEM ‘NATION’S BRIGHTEST HOPE’
PM orders forensic audit of PRAL after revelation of 2018–19 tax fraud ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
P
ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
RIME Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday inaugurated the fourth phase of the Prime Minister Youth Laptop Scheme 2025, reaffirming his government’s unflinching commitment to empowering Pakistan’s youth through education, digital access, and advanced technology. The ceremony, attended by Chair-
man Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, senior officials, students, and alumni of previous schemes, marked another milestone in Pakistan’s decade-long journey of youth empowerment through merit-based educational initiatives. Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Shehbaz declared the day “a historic moment in Pakistan’s youth development narrative.” He said the programme continued his vision, first launched in 2010 as Punjab Chief Min-
Naqvi, Omani Minister discuss deeper cooperation
VISA FACILITATION FOR PAKISTANIS IN OMAN TOPS AGENDA ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi on Thursday met Oman’s Royal Minister, General Sultan bin Mohammed Al Nu’amani, in Muscat to discuss ways to further deepen bilateral cooperation and address issues faced by the Pakistani community in the Sultanate. During the meeting, the two leaders reviewed the state of Pakistan-Oman relations and held in-depth discussions on visa facilitation for Pakistani nationals living and working in Oman. They also exchanged views on the evolving regional situation and agreed on the need for enhanced engagement and collaboration across multiple sectors. Minister Naqvi underscored the deep-rooted religious, cultural, and historical bonds between the two brotherly nations, noting that millions of Pakistanis were making valuable contributions to Oman’s growth and development. He said easing visa procedures would open new avenues for skilled Pakistani professionals and strengthen people-to-people connectivity. “Pakistan is committed to expanding its partnership with Oman at all levels,” Naqvi affirmed, voicing optimism that bilateral cooperation would continue to grow in trade, security, and manpower development. General Sultan bin Mohammed Al Nu’amani reaffirmed Oman’s enduring and brotherly relationship with Pakistan, stressing the importance of continued collaboration, mutual trust, and regional stability. Meanwhile, the Interior Minister paid rich tribute to Pakistan’s security forces for their successful operations in Balochistan that resulted in the elimination of 18 Indian-sponsored terrorists. Commending the professionalism and courage of the forces, Naqvi said the timely action had foiled the nefarious designs of the Indian-backed proxy network, Khawarij. “I salute the security forces for sending 18 terrorists to hell,” the minister remarked. “We are proud of the bravery and professionalism of our officers and soldiers.” He said Pakistan’s security institutions had achieved remarkable successes in the fight against terrorism and remained unwavering in their resolve to ensure lasting peace and stability in Balochistan and across the country.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday ordered a forensic audit of the Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited (PRAL) system through an international consultancy firm after being briefed on a past sales tax fraud that occurred due to outdated digital infrastructure and weak monitoring mechanisms. Chairing a review meeting on Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) reforms, the prime minister expressed strong displeasure over the revelation of the fraud, which had begun in 2018–19, according to a statement is-
ister, to strengthen the country’s foundation through education, fine arts, culture, sports, and information technology. “Despite the toughest times—even during floods and financial crises—not
sued by the Prime Minister’s Office. The prime minister directed that all companies, institutions, and individuals involved in the incident be identified and that a comprehensive investigation report be submitted within three weeks. He further instructed strict legal action against those found guilty once the inquiry is complete. The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers Azam Nazeer Tarar, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Dr. Musadik Masood Malik, Attaullah Tarar, Ali Pervaiz Malik, Bilal Azhar Kayani, along with the FBR Chairman and senior officials from relevant departments.
a single penny was cut from the youth’s development funds because education and empowerment are our foremost priorities,” he said to applause.
Continued on PAge 03
Kh Asif sees ‘ray of light’ in Pak-Afghan talks, urges cautious optimism ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Thursday said that a “ray of light” had emerged from the Istanbul negotiations between Pakistan and Afghanistan amid weeks of escalating border tensions, urging “guarded optimism” for a breakthrough—even as he cautioned that nothing conclusive could yet be stated. The minister’s remarks came during an interview on a private TV channel, hours after the second round of Pakistan-Afghanistan talks—mediated by Turkiye and Qatar—concluded in Istanbul. The discussions, which began on Saturday, revolved around Pakistan’s long-standing demand for decisive
action against terror groups launching attacks from Afghan soil, an issue that has kept the process deadlocked. “As of now, there are some faint signs of progress,” Asif said, noting that hope, which had “completely flatlined before,” was beginning to reappear. “Different drafts are being exchanged for an eventual agreement. You can say that some ray of light is visible; there is very guarded optimism. Let’s hope something concrete takes shape.” He explained that the negotiations followed a step-by-step process. “When one side agrees to a draft, it’s sent to the other for review and amendments, after which it comes back for further discussions,” the minister elaborated.
Acknowledging the diplomatic role of the mediators, Asif praised both Qatar and Turkiye, calling them “respected and trusted friends” of Pakistan. “Turkiye openly supported us during our conflict with India, and we value their opinion,” he said, revealing that Turkish officials had persuaded the Pakistani delegation to stay in Istanbul when talks appeared to be collapsing. “They literally brought us back from the airport, saying, ‘Let’s try this again.’ A certain kind of diplomacy is still ongoing, and various scenarios are being worked out.” When asked if the government expected a formal, written agreement to emerge, the defence minister was categorical: “We are not backing off from that.
18 indian-sponsored terrorists eliminated in two Balochistan iBos: iSPR RAWALPINDI
Staff RepoRt
As many as 18 Indian-sponsored terrorists were eliminated in a fire exchange with security forces personnel during two intelligence-based operations carried out in different areas of Balochistan, according to the military’s media wing. A statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said, “On 28 and 29 October 2025, 18 terrorists belonging to the Indian proxy, Fitna al-Hindustan, were killed in two separate operations in Balochistan.” The ISPR said that an intelligence-based operation (IBO) was conducted in the general area of the Chiltan Mountains in the Quetta District on the reported presence of terrorists. “During the conduct of the operation, our own troops effectively engaged the terrorists’ location, and after an intense fire exchange, 14 Indian-
sponsored terrorists were sent to hell.” “In another IBO was conducted in the general area of Buleda in Kech District, where a terrorist hideout was busted and four terrorists were successfully neutralized,” the statement said. It added that weapons, ammunition, and explosives were also recovered from the killed terrorists, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities. “Sanitization operations were being conducted to eliminate any other Indian-sponsored terrorists found in the area as the relentless counter-terrorism campaign under the vision ‘Azm-e-Istehkam’ (as approved by the Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan) by security forces and law enforcement agencies of Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign-sponsored and -supported terrorism from the country, the ISPR statement concluded.
PTI-backed Khurram Zeeshan wins KP Senate seat, vows to uphold ‘true freedom’ vision PESHAWAR
Staff RepoRt
PTI-backed independent candidate Khurram Zeeshan on Thursday clinched victory in the Senate by-election from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, securing 91 out of 137 votes cast, defeating opposition-backed Taj Mohammad Afridi, who received 45 votes. The seat had fallen vacant following the disqualification of PTI leader Shibli Faraz, the former opposition leader in the Senate, after his conviction in cases related to the May 9, 2023 riots. According to the provincial election commissioner Saeed Gul, who served as the returning officer, polling began at 9:30am and concluded at 4:00pm. A total of 145 KP Assembly members were eligible to vote; however, eight lawmakers, including four from the Awami National Party (ANP), abstained, while one vote was rejected. A minimum of 75 votes was required to secure the seat. After the official results were announced, Zeeshan posted a brief message on Facebook, saying, “Thank God.” Speaking to reporters outside the KP Assembly, the newly elected senator declared, “Our priority is Pakistan’s haqeeqi azadi (true freedom),” echoing PTI founder Imran Khan’s long-standing slogan. Though three candidates were initially in the running, the main contest centered on Zeeshan and Afridi. PTI’s Irfan Saleem, who was also on the ballot, served as Zeeshan’s covering candidate. Two other hopefuls— independent Abid Khan Yousafzai and PPP’s Nisar Khan—withdrew their nominations ahead of the polls. Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, a PTI lawmaker, also cast his vote and publicly voiced support for Zeeshan on X, calling his victory “a testament to the party’s unity and democratic strength.” Zeeshan and Saleem had previously been nominated by PTI for the 2024 Senate elections, which were postponed and later conducted in July this year. The disqualified senator Taj Mohammad Afridi, who hails from the Khyber tribal district, was earlier reported as one of the wealthiest senators in 2020, with declared assets exceeding Rs1.22 billion. A day before the polling, a constitutional bench of the Supreme Court dismissed a plea by Shibli Faraz’s counsel seeking a stay on the Senate by-election. Faraz had challenged his disqualification and denotification before the Peshawar High Court (PHC), which earlier this month rejected his request for interim relief and directed him to surrender before the relevant court before pursuing any further legal remedy. CM Afridi to announce ‘brief’ KP cabinet after Senate polls Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi announced that he would unveil a “brief” provincial cabinet following the conclusion of the Senate by-election. The statement comes two days after PTI founder Imran Khan’s sister assured the newly appointed CM that he had “complete authority” to form his government’s cabinet—after the chief minister was once again denied a meeting with the incarcerated PTI founder. Opposition lawmakers in the KP Assembly have sharply criticized the PTI-led government for delays in cabinet formation, arguing that it has paralyzed provincial affairs and could lead to administrative stagnation. Some even warned that the prolonged impasse risked “creating conditions for the imposition of emergency” in the province. Speaking to reporters in Peshawar, CM Afridi defended his government’s performance, saying PTI had secured power in KP for a third consecutive term due to its record of good governance. He said he was among those permitted to meet Imran Khan today, adding that if authorities again barred the meeting, he would file a contempt petition against the Adiala jail administration for ignoring Islamabad High Court directives.
Commander among 4 khawarij killed as infiltration attempt thwarted at Pak-Afghan border RAWALPINDI
Staff RepoRt
A “high-value target” identified as a commander of the Fitna al-Khawarij was among four terrorists killed after security forces thwarted an attempt to infiltrate the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bajaur district, according to the military’s media wing on Thursday. In a statement the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said, “Last night the movement of a group of khawarij attempting to infiltrate through the Pakistan-Afghanistan border was picked up by security forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bajaur district.” “Own troops effectively engaged and thwarted Khawarij’s attempt to infiltrate.
Pakistan desires peace but won’t tolerate cross-border terror: Field Marshal Munir PESHAWAR
Staff RepoRt
Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Thursday reaffirmed that Pakistan desires peaceful relations with all neighbouring countries, including Afghanistan, but made it clear that Islamabad will not allow its soil to be targeted or cross-border terrorism to be perpetrated from Afghan territory, according to the military’s media wing. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the army chief made these remarks during his visit to Peshawar, where he held an extensive interactive session with a Jirga of tribal elders and received a detailed briefing at Headquarters 11 Corps. The briefing focused on the prevailing security environment, operational preparedness, and the
ongoing counterterrorism operations aimed at ensuring peace and stability along the PakAfghan border. Field Marshal Munir emphasized that while Pakistan has extended diplomatic and economic overtures to the Afghan Taliban regime in the spirit of regional cooperation, cross-border attacks from Afghan soil have persisted—a situation Pakistan can no longer tolerate. He cautioned that the country’s patience should not be mistaken for weakness. “Pakistan continues to advocate peace, but it will never allow its sovereignty to be compromised,” he said, underscoring that national security remains non-negotiable. The Army chief commended the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, especially the tribal communities, for their unwavering and unconditional support of the armed forces throughout Pakistan’s decades-long struggle against
terrorism. He lauded their resilience and sacrifices, particularly during the recent standoff between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban. Addressing the tribal elders, Field Marshal Munir highlighted that Pakistan seeks harmony and stability in the region but has been compelled to act firmly against terror outfits being harboured across the border. He noted that instead of curbing the activities of militant proxies—including what he described as “Indian-sponsored elements such as the Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan”—the Afghan Taliban regime has been providing them support. “Pakistan will defend its territorial integrity at all costs and will not allow any external threat to destabilize our peace efforts,” he warned. The tribal elders, in response, expressed complete solidarity with the armed
forces and reaffirmed their resolve to stand united against terrorism and extremist ideologies. They assured that the deviant
mindset of the Khawarij—a reference to militant extremism—held no acceptance among the tribal population.