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DG ISPR DISMISSES AFGHAN ALLEGATIONS, WARNS OF ANOTHER INDIAN FALSE FLAG OPERATION Tuesday, 4 November, 2025 | 12 Jamadiul Awwal, 1447
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BRUSHES ASIDE AFGHAN ALLEGATIONS ABOUT USE OF PAKISTANI SOIL FOR US ATTACK ON AFGHANISTAN
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ISLAMABAD
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EXPOSES LINKS BETWEEN TERRORISM AND DRUG MONEY, WARNS OF NEW REGIONAL FAULT LINES
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SAYS 206 AFGHAN ARMY SOLDIERS WERE ALSO REPORTED KILLED DURING VARIOUS ENGAGEMENTS
Mian abrar
N a comprehensive security briefing to senior journalists on MonDirector-General day, Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry categorically denied allegations by the Afghan Taliban regime that Pakistan had permitted the United States to conduct drone strikes in Afghanistan from Pakistani territory. “The allegation is entirely baseless,” the DG ISPR asserted during the closeddoor session. “Pakistan has neither allowed nor facilitated any external power, including the United States, to launch attacks on Afghanistan from its soil,” he told journalists during an informal session. Lt Gen Chaudhry stressed that there exists no operational or intelligencesharing agreement between Islamabad and Washington that could enable such actions. His remarks came amid rising tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban-led Afghan government, which have exchanged accusations over crossborder terrorism and security breaches. The military spokesperson also briefed journalists on Pakistan’s ongoing counterterrorism efforts, the dynamics of cross-border militancy, and the intricate financial and narcotic networks sustaining regional terrorist groups. According to Lt Gen Chaudhry, Pakistan has conducted a series of robust military operations over the past several months aimed at neutralizing militants operating along the Pak-Afghan border. “In the past three to four months, our forces have killed 112 foreign fighters,
around 60 percent of whom were Afghan nationals,” he revealed. The DG ISPR added that approximately 206 Afghan army soldiers were also reported killed during various engagements, indicating an alarming rise in crossborder involvement of Afghan combatants in militant activities against Pakistan. He emphasized that many of these militants are being funded through the illicit narcotics trade, which continues to serve as a major source of revenue for extremist groups. “Terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is deeply intertwined with a narco-economy,” he said, explaining that Pakistan’s Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF), Frontier Corps, and other agencies have jointly intensified operations targeting drug cultivation and trafficking networks. Lt Gen Chaudhry disclosed that around 12,000 acres of land in Khyber
Muslim nations condemn Israeli ceasefire violations, urge immediate withdrawal from Gaza ISLAMABAD
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Pakhtunkhwa remain under poppy cultivation, generating enormous profits — ranging from Rs1.8 million to Rs3.2 million per acre. “These funds are channeled into sustaining militant networks,” he warned, adding that some local political figures are complicit in this illicit enterprise. He pointed to recent operations in the Tirah Valley, where drones and ground units of the ANF and Frontier Corps destroyed large poppy fields and dismantled processing facilities linked to terror financing. Addressing the political dimension of the Afghan conflict, Lt Gen Chaudhry criticized the Taliban regime for failing to adhere to its commitments under the 2020 Doha Agreement. “The Taliban leadership promised a Loya Jirga and the formation of a representative government. Those promises
remain unfulfilled,” he noted. He underscored that Pakistan continues to advocate a peaceful, inclusive political settlement in Afghanistan as the only viable path to regional stability. “We prefer dialogue and peaceful coexistence,” he said, “but if negotiations fail, we will consider other options to protect Pakistan’s sovereignty and national interests.” The DG ISPR also accused elements within Afghanistan of providing sanctuary to militants involved in violent activities in Pakistan’s Balochistan province. He alleged that Afghan-based groups have relocated fighters into densely populated areas, effectively using civilians as human shields — a tactic that complicates counterterrorism operations. Turning to the eastern front, Lt Gen Chaudhry warned that Pakistan’s intelligence agencies had detected potential signs of Indian intentions to stage a “false-flag” operation — particularly in the maritime domain — as part of a broader disinformation campaign against Pakistan. “We suspect that India may attempt a false-flag maritime operation to fabricate a pretext for aggression and malign Pakistan internationally,” he cautioned. He stated that such tactics are consistent with India’s history of using disinformation to discredit Pakistan in the global arena. The DG ISPR affirmed that Pakistan’s armed forces remain on high alert to respond to any provocation or fabricated incident. “We are fully aware of India’s designs and will take every necessary measure to safeguard our territorial integrity,” he declared.
Wide-ranging reforms in tax, energy, and pension sectors have provided macroeconomic stability: Aurangzeb PROFIT
Monitoring Desk
Pakistan and several other Muslim countries on Monday strongly condemned Israel’s violations of the fragile Gaza ceasefire and called for the immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces from the occupied Palestinian territory, according to the Foreign Office (FO). The ceasefire, signed on October 9 between Hamas and Israel, was part of a United States initiative led by President Donald Trump aimed at halting the Israeli onslaught in Gaza. The agreement included the release of Israeli captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Pakistan was among eight Arab and Muslim countries that collaborated with Washington on the peace framework. Although the truce has largely held despite occasional flare-ups, Israeli airstrikes have repeatedly tested its durability. Key issues, such as Hamas’s disarmament and a timeline for Israel’s full withdrawal, remain unresolved. On Monday, the foreign ministers of Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Qatar, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan — who had earlier met with President Trump in New York on September 23 during the UN General Assembly — convened again in Istanbul for the Coordination Meeting of Arab-Islamic Foreign Ministers to review the situation. In a statement, the FO said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar joined his counterparts in discussing steps toward a lasting ceasefire and sustainable peace in Gaza. The participating countries agreed that Gaza’s future must be “Palestinian-led,” rejecting any form of foreign tutelage or control.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Monday unveiled the progress of major reforms in Pakistan’s tax, energy, and pension systems, designed to ensure long-term economic stability. Speaking alongside FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial, Energy Minister Awais Leghari, and IT Minister Shaza Fatima, Aurangzeb emphasized that the reforms reflect a shift from shortterm measures to sustainable structural changes. The government’s reform agenda aims to consolidate recent economic gains and enhance macroeconomic stability. Aurangzeb noted that international credit rating agencies have recognised Pakistan’s improving economic outlook, and the recent staff-level agreement with the IMF further confirmed progress. FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial announced that tax collection and compliance have improved significantly, with income tax returns increasing by 18%, bringing the total number of taxpayers to 5.9 million. The FBR
also increased the tax-to-GDP ratio by 1.5% for the first time, aiming to raise it to 18% within the next three to four years. Langrial stressed that no additional taxes are needed, as the FBR focuses on better compliance and institutional coordination. Energy Minister Awais Leghari outlined reforms in the energy sector, including the government’s decision to stop directly purchasing electricity, calling it the “biggest energy reform in 20 years.” He reported that electricity prices have been reduced by Rs10.5 per unit over the past 18 months, with further relief measures such as a three-month package offering power at Rs26 per
unit for industries. Leghari also noted the auction of 17 loss-making plants, raising Rs48 billion for the government and Rs9 billion for the private sector. The government aims to eliminate circular debt in the long term. The government is also focusing on pension system reforms and other institutional changes to improve the efficiency of staterun entities. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to stabilize the economy and ensure sustainable growth. The reforms are designed to address long-standing inefficiencies and ensure that Pakistan’s economy remains on a stable growth trajectory.
Pakistan winning battle of narrative with truth, facts: Tarar ISLAMABAD
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Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar said on Monday that Pakistan was winning the battle of narratives by portraying accurate and undeniable facts to the world, in the face of Indian propaganda and falsehood. Speaking at a seminar titled Pakistan’s Diplomatic Achievements: Reinvigorating Foreign Relations Through Renewed Global Engagement, organized by the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS), the minister described the launch of the Economic Strategic Framework during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to Saudi Arabia as a landmark step toward enhanced bilateral cooperation. Tarar reaffirmed the government’s commitment to engaging the global community to attract foreign investment and boost regional trade, highlighting Pakistan’s strategic position as a gateway to Central Asian markets. Tarar emphasized the government’s proactive diplomatic outreach. He credited Pakistan’s extensive efforts for the international support received during the recent standoff with India, underscoring the nation’s growing global goodwill. With renewed diplomatic vigor and strategic economic initiatives, Pakistan aims to solidify its role as a regional trade hub and a reliable partner in global investment, he added. Tarar highlighted the strategic importance of Pakistan’s ports in facilitating trade with Central Asian nations and stressed the need to deepen economic ties with friendly countries. “Pakistan is focused on unlocking new milestones in economic development,” he said, adding that fostering a more investor-friendly climate remained a top priority. The minister also lauded the dedication of Pakistan’s diplomatic corps, both past and present, for their role in advancing the country’s foreign policy objectives despite limited resources. “Diplomacy is an art, honed through experience and perseverance,” he noted, calling the Foreign Service a source of national pride. Addressing regional tensions, Tarar condemned the baseless allegations against Pakistan following the Pahalgam incident in Indian-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. He reiterated Pakistan’s stance as a victim, not a perpetrator of terrorism and revealed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had offered India an independent investigation to ensure transparency. Tarar further blamed India for ongoing conspiracies, citing the recent arrest of a fisherman allegedly exploited by Indian intelligence.
Court orders arrest of Aleema Khan again over no-show ISLAMABAD
staff report
An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Rawalpindi on Monday issued arrest warrants for Aleema Khan, sister of former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan, for the seventh time in connection with the November 26 protest case. ATC Judge Amjad Ali Shah issued the orders after Aleema once again failed to appear before the court. She and ten others are accused in the case registered at Sadiqabad Police Station, Rawalpindi. The court had previously issued her arrest warrants six times. On October 29, the ATC also directed the authorities to block her passport and national identity card over repeated non-appearance, a directive later confirmed by the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra). Judge Shah reiterated that the repeated disregard of court summons could not be tolerated and ordered law enforcement agencies to ensure her presence at the next hearing.
Bilawal confirms Shehbaz-led team sought PPP nod for 27th Amendment KARACHI
staff report
The prospect of a 27th Constitutional Amendment gained momentum on Monday after Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said a delegation of the ruling Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz (PML-N) led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had sought his party’s support for the proposed changes. According to a PPP statement, the delegation met Bilawal and President Asif Ali Zardari to discuss wide-ranging reforms under consideration. The PPP chief said the proposed amendment includes the formation of constitutional courts, restoration of executive magistrates, changes in judicial transfers, and revisions to Article 243 of the Constitution concerning command of the armed forces. He added that the plan also envisages returning the subjects of education and population planning to the federation, reviewing the National Finance Commission (NFC) award protections, and ending the deadlock
over appointments to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). Bilawal said the PPP’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) would meet on November 6 at Bilawal House in Karachi following President Zardari’s return from Doha to decide the party’s stance on the issue. The committee will also deliberate on the broader political situation. Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik later confirmed that the discussions were under way but said a draft had yet to be prepared. Speaking to Geo News, he described the establishment of constitutional courts as an “unfinished agenda” and said restoring executive magistrates could ease the workload on regular courts. He said population growth required a “federal approach,” while education needed uniform oversight to ensure consistency in quality and curriculum across provinces. “Even when viewed through the lens of terrorism and radicalisation, a central role for the federation becomes essential,” he said. Malik also noted that Chief of Army
Staff Asim Munir’s elevation to Field Marshal after last May’s border escalation with India marked the first such promotion since 1973 and should be acknowledged through amendments to Article 243. On the ECP appointments, the minister said the government aimed to resolve the recurring stalemate in the selection process, particularly in situations where the position of opposition leader remains vacant. He acknowledged that any changes involving the NFC would require political consensus, adding that the government was working with its allies to build agreement. The latest proposal comes a year after the passage of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, which the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had rejected amid claims that several of its lawmakers were coerced to vote in its favour. The amendment remains under judicial review. Although Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said in August that there was “no need” for further constitutional changes, the government’s position now appears to have shifted.
No constitutional amendment without political unity: Ahsan Iqbal KARACHI
staff report
Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal said on Monday that any constitutional amendment would only be possible once political consensus is achieved, amid growing debate over proposed changes to the Constitution. Speaking to journalists in Karachi, Iqbal refrained from sharing details on the reported 27th Constitutional Amendment, saying it would be premature to comment before all parties agree on the proposed changes. His statement came after Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari confirmed that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) had
sought PPP’s support for the amendment during a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, and senior leaders. Bilawal revealed that PML-N’s proposals included the formation of a Constitutional Court, amendments to Article 243—pertaining to the president’s role as supreme commander of the armed forces—and provisions for executive magistrates, judicial transfers, and potential adjustments to the National Finance Commission Award. The discussion follows remarks by Federal Minister for Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain last month suggesting a review of the 18th Amendment to “align it with current governance needs.”