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AFTER ISTANBUL TALKS, KABUL OBLIGED TO ACT AGAINST TERROR FROM ITS SOIL: TARAR
Profit
Monday, 3 November, 2025 | 11 Jamadiul Awwal, 1447
g
Rs 50.00 | Vol XVI No 117 | 48 Pages | Karachi Edition
g g SAYS NOW AFGHAN JOINT MONITORING AND INFORMATION MINISTER TALIBAN WILL HAVE TO ACT, VERIFICATION MECHANISM TO SAYS TALKS IN ISTANBUL IF THEY DO NOT, THEY WILL REVIEW EVIDENCE, PENALIZE YIELD CEASEFIRE, JOINT CEASEFIRE VIOLATORS VERIFICATION FRAMEWORK FACE CONSEQUENCES
Defense czar reaffirms decisive measures against cross-border terror ISLAMABAD
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ISLAMABAD
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NFORMATION Minister Attaullah Tarar on Sunday said that with the establishment of a joint monitoring and verification mechanism, the onus now lies on Kabul to take decisive action against terrorists operating from Afghan soil. “The onus is on the Afghan regime because their soil is being used for terrorism in Pakistan by Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan,” Tarar said. “For Pakistan, this will be an additional forum to provide evidence—and the Afghan Taliban regime will have to act. If they do not, they will face consequences.”
Speaking on a private TV channel, Tarar said the mechanism—discussed during the recent Istanbul talks—would allow both sides to review recent security developments and frame modalities for joint verification of terror incidents. The second round of discussions between Pakistani and Afghan Taliban delegations began in Istanbul on October 25, following days of border hostilities. Islamabad’s longstanding concerns over cross-border terrorism remained the key sticking point, causing a temporary stalemate until Türkiye and Qatar intervened to revive the dialogue. A breakthrough came after Pakistan’s announcement on October 29 that the talks had “failed” and that its team
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Sunday reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to take decisive action against crossborder terrorism to safeguard its citizens, asserting that the “unrepresentative Afghan Taliban regime” is deeply fractured and increasingly reliant on external elements. In a statement posted on X, the defense minister strongly reacted to what he termed a “misleading and malicious” statement by the Afghan Taliban spokesperson, stressing that the Pakistani nation—along with its political and military leadership—stands united on matters of national security
was preparing to return home. The discussions ultimately yielded a three-point understanding — continuation of the ceasefire, creation of a monitoring and verification mechanism, and penalties for violations. Operational details will be finalised when senior representatives, or “principals,” from both sides meet again in Istanbul on November 6. Tarar reiterated that Fitna al-
and policy toward Afghanistan. He said the people of Pakistan, particularly those in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, are well aware of the terrorism carried out by Indian-backed proxies operating under the patronage of the Afghan Taliban. “There is no ambiguity,” Asif said, adding that the Taliban regime continues to oppress women, children, and minorities while depriving the Afghan public of fundamental rights such as freedom of expression, education, and representation. “Despite the passage of four years, the Afghan Taliban have failed to fulfill the promises made to the international community,” he continued.
Khawarij refers to terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), while Fitna al-Hindustan denotes Balochistan-based groups allegedly supported by India. When asked whether Pakistan would respond militarily to future attacks once the mechanism is in place, Tarar said:
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Dar heads to Istanbul as Arab-Islamic bloc meets on Gaza peace deal today: FO
irfan.farooq@pakistantoday.com.pk
ISLAMABAD
staff report
Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar will leave for Istanbul on Monday (today) to attend the Coordination Meeting of Arab-Islamic Foreign Ministers, where discussions will focus on ensuring the full implementation of the Gaza ceasefire deal, the Foreign Office (FO) said on Sunday. “At the invitation of the Turkish foreign minister, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar will undertake a one-day visit to Istanbul on November 3, 2025, to attend the Coordination Meeting of Arab-Islamic Foreign Ministers,” the FO statement said. It recalled that Pakistan, along with seven other Arab and Islamic countries, had been actively engaged with the peace initiative that culminated in the signing of the Gaza Peace Agreement in Sharm El-Sheikh.
Mosharraf Zaidi named spokesperson to PM for foreign media ISLAMABAD
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Govt to protect journalists as free press vital for democracy: PM Shehbaz ISLAMABAD
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Zardari to attend Doha summit on social development from Nov 4 ISLAMABAD
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President Asif Ali Zardari will undertake a visit to Qatar on November 4 to attend the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha, being held under the auspices of the United Nations General Assembly from November 4 to 6, 2025. According to a statement issued by the President’s Secretariat on Sunday, the President will hold important meetings on the sidelines of the summit with global and regional leaders, including the leadership of Qatar, as well as heads of major multilateral forums such as the United Nations and other international organisations. The summit will bring together world leaders and policymakers to discuss advancing social development, promoting decent work and employment opportunities, and strengthening inclusive safety nets. President Zardari will highlight Pakistan’s commitment to inclusive growth and social protection, with the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) at the core of national efforts to reduce poverty and build resilience among vulnerable groups. The statement said Pakistan would also present its readiness to pilot a Doha-aligned Social Protection and Jobs Compact (2026–28), aimed at expanding coverage to informal workers, persons with disabilities, and children, while promoting decent work and green employment. The initiative aligns with the Doha Political Declaration and global commitments on social protection and financing for development.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding press freedom and ensuring that crimes against journalists are investigated and prosecuted effectively. In a statement issued on the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, the prime minister said his government would take concrete measures to strengthen justice mechanisms and protect media professionals from threats, violence, and reprisals. “Today reminds us that a free, informed, and responsible press is the foundation of any democratic society,” the prime minister said. “Journalists enable public access to facts and are torchbearers of truth. Violence,
threats, or reprisals against them while performing their duties are attacks on freedom of expression.” He paid tribute to journalists who have faced hardships in the line of duty and expressed solidarity with families of media workers who lost their lives while pursuing truth. “The Government of Pakistan is committed to protecting press freedom and providing a safe environment for journalists,” he said. “We will take measures to ensure effective investigation, justice, and prosecution of crimes against journalists.” The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, observed annually on November 2, underscores the global demand for justice in cases where journalists are attacked or killed. This year’s theme draws attention to the growing online threats faced by women journalists
and their chilling impact on freedom of expression. Calling for global cooperation, Prime Minister Shehbaz urged the international community, media organisations, and civil society to play their role in ensuring the safety and independence of journalists. “A free press guarantees a strong, transparent, and democratic Pakistan,” he added. Pakistan remains one of the world’s most dangerous countries for journalists, facing frequent threats, physical attacks, and a pervasive culture of impunity. In the 2025 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Pakistan ranked 158th out of 180 countries. A day earlier, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) voiced alarm over the worsening situation for media professionals in Pakistan.
The federal government on Sunday notified Journalist and policy expert Mosharraf Zaidi as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s spokesperson for foreign media, according to a notification on Sunday. Sharing the notification, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar wrote on his X account, “The appointment was made in “supersession of his (PM’s) earlier orders of even number dated [June 4] and Cabinet Division’s Circular No. 3-2/2024-Min-I, dated [June 10].” “The prime minister is pleased to appoint Mr Mosharraf Ali Zaidi as the prime minister’s spokesperson for foreign media, with immediate effect and until further orders,” the notification read. “The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Cabinet Division are requested to take further action accordingly.” In his post, Tarar wrote, “Welcome on board, brother. A great addition to our team. It’s been great working with you these past few months; looking forward to continuing this teamwork.” Zaidi, who has been serving as the PM’s coordinator on government performance and innovation, graduated from Lahore University of Management Sciences with a BSc (Honours) in Economics and earned a Master of Public Administration in Policy Analysis and Non-Profit Management from Baruch College in New York, according to his LinkedIn profile. He has also worked as a policy adviser at the foreign ministry from 2011 to 2013 before serving as the campaign director and CEO at Alif Ailaan from 2013 to 2018.
KP announces commission to ‘expose vandals’ behind May 9 Peshawar attack PESHAWAR
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The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government will constitute an inquiry commission to investigate the vandalism of the Radio Pakistan building in Peshawar during the May 9, 2023 riots, provincial Minister for Local Government, Elections and Rural Development Meena Khan Afridi announced on Sunday. Speaking at a press conference alongside Adviser to the Chief Minister Shafiullah Jan, the minister said the commission would determine who was responsible for the attack, review CCTV
footage, and examine why the video evidence had not yet surfaced. “Since the incident occurred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and falls within our jurisdiction, our first cabinet meeting will approve the formation of an inquiry commission to probe what happened at the Radio Pakistan building in Peshawar,” Meena Khan said. He added that the panel would investigate who opened the gates of the building, analyse available surveillance footage, and identify those involved in the vandalism. The May 9 riots erupted after the arrest of former prime minister and PTI
founder Imran Khan from the Islamabad High Court’s premises, resulting in widespread violence and damage to public and military properties, including the historic Radio Pakistan building in the provincial capital. The provincial minister also addressed the controversy surrounding a video purportedly showing Chief Minister Sohail Afridi outside the Corps Commander House in Lahore during the riots, clarifying that the chief minister was in Peshawar at the time. He said Ikhtiar Wali Khan, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Information for KP Affairs, had raised the issue
during a press conference on Saturday, but “they must understand that Sohail Afridi sahib was in Peshawar at the time. They have no evidence, so they are resorting to lies.” Calling the May 9 episode a “trap” aimed at pressuring PTI and Imran Khan, Meena Khan said the allegations against the KP chief minister were politically motivated. Adviser Shafiullah Jan also criticised Wali for presenting the “edited” video during a presser in Nowshera, saying the footage was recorded two months earlier during the Zaman Park standoff in March 2023, when police attempted to arrest Imran Khan from his Lahore residence.
Iran vows to rebuild nuclear sites ‘stronger than before’ TEHRAN
agencies
Iran said on Sunday that it would rebuild nuclear sites damaged by Israeli and US strikes “stronger than before,” as mediator Oman urged Tehran and Washington to revive stalled diplomacy. US President Donald Trump has said the strikes obliterated Iran’s nuclear programme, but the full extent of the actual damage remains unknown. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, in a visit to the country’s nuclear organization, said Tehran “will build (the destroyed sites) stronger than before.” “By destroying buildings… we will not be set back,” he said in a video posted to his official website, adding that Iranian scientists still had the necessary nuclear know-how. China, Russia back Iran as Trump presses Tehran for nuclear talks Pezeshkian did not elaborate. In similar
remarks in February before the strikes, he said Tehran would rebuild its sites if they came under attack. Israel launched an unprecedented bombing campaign against Iran in June, kicking off a 12-day war that saw it target nuclear and military facilities—as well as residential areas—and kill many top scientists. Iran retaliated with ballistic missile barrages aimed at Israeli cities. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in July, after the United States announced a halt in fighting, that the damage in Iran was “serious and severe.” Pezeshkian’s comments came as Oman, Iran’s traditional intermediary, urged the two countries on Saturday to resume talks. “We want to return to the negotiations between Iran (and) the United States,” Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi said at the IISS Manama Dialogue conference in Bahrain. Iranian government spokeswoman Fate-
meh Mohajerani said Sunday that Tehran “has received messages” on resuming diplomacy, without providing further details. Oman hosted five rounds of US-Iran talks this year. Just three days before the sixth round, Israel launched its strikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities. Iran has since faced the return of UN sanctions after Britain, Germany, and France triggered the “snapback” mechanism over Tehran’s alleged non-compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal. Some religious groups pressed Trump for the re-designation in a letter last month, according to a copy on the Hudson Institute think tank’s website. “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical religious extremists are responsible for this mass slaughter,” Trump wrote without offering any specifics. He also called on the US House of Representatives Appropriations Committee to investigate.