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Friday, 21 November, 2025 | 29 Jamadiul Awwal, 1447
Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 135 | 8 Pages | Lahore Edition
REPORT TO US CONGRESS STAMPS PAKISTAN’S BATTLEFIELD SUCCESS IN MAY CONFLICT WITH INDIA: PM
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PREMIER SHEHBAZ CITES TRUMP’S REPEATED MENTION OF ‘DOWNING OF SEVEN INDIAN AIRCRAFT’ AS PROOF OF ISLAMABAD’S BATTLEFIELD SUCCESS AND STRATEGIC STRENGTH
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EMPHASIZES PAKISTAN AIR FORCE AND ARMY FORCED INDIA ‘TO ITS KNEES’ IN JUST FOUR DAYS
LAYS FOUNDATION OF DANISH SCHOOLS IN AJK TO PROVIDE FREE EDUCATION, ACCOMMODATION, UNIFORMS AND MERIT-BASED SUPPORT
PM orders swift, transparent fast-tracking of PIA privatization ISLAMABAD
staff report
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ISLAMABAD
staff report
RIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday hailed Pakistan’s military prowess and global recognition, citing repeated mentions by US President Donald Trump of “the downing of seven brand-new Indian aircraft by Pakistan” as proof of Islamabad’s battlefield success and strategic strength. Addressing a foundation-laying ceremony for a Danish School in Bagh, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), PM Shehbaz said the latest report submitted to the US Congress “stamped Pakistan’s
stance” on the May conflict with India, asserting that the Pakistan Armed Forces had delivered a “stinging slap” to Indian aggression. “Allah Almighty has honoured Pakistan through the bravery of our soldiers,” he added. The report presented to the US Congress acknowledged Pakistan’s military success over India during the four-day war in May 2025, noting that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and the army had employed Chinese-made weapons and successfully downed Indian fighter jets, including French-made Rafales. PM Shehbaz emphasized that within four days, Pakistan had forced India “to its knees,” and Trump’s repeated praise in public speeches further val-
UN Panel raises alarm about ‘serious Afghan-backed TTP threat’ to Pakistan UNITED NATIONS staff report
The head of the UN Security Council’s 1267 al-Qaeda sanctions committee has sounded a sharp alarm over the “serious threat” posed by the Afghan Taliban-backed Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), warning that the group has mounted multiple high-profile attacks in Pakistan from Afghan territory, “some of which incurred mass casualties.” Ambassador Sandra Jensen Landi, Denmark’s deputy permanent representative to the UN, noted in her briefing to the Security Council that the TTP—with an estimated 6,000 fighters—continues to receive “both logistical and substantial support” from the de facto Taliban authorities. She delivered the assessment as the 15-member Council heard updates from the heads of three subsidiary bodies dealing with Da’esh/al-Qaeda sanctions, UN counter-terrorism efforts and measures to prevent weapons of mass destruction from reaching non-state actors—a session that underscored how terrorism is evolving globally, particularly in Africa, where malign actors are exploiting new technologies. Responding to the report, Pakistan’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Usman Jadoon, reaffirmed Pakistan’s role as a frontline state against terrorism, recalling the country’s “invaluable sacrifices”—more than 80,000 casualties and billions of dollars in economic losses—and stressing that al-Qaeda was “decimated largely due to Pakistan’s efforts.” “Our valiant security forces and law enforcement agencies continue to counter the terrorism threat emanating from Afghanistan where entities like ISIL-K, TTP and its affiliates, BLA and its Majeed Brigade are thriving under the patronage of their hosts and backed by our principal adversary and net destabilizer in the region,” he said, pointedly without naming India.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday directed the authorities to fast-track all phases of the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) privatisation process, ensure full transparency, and implement a clear strategy to expand the number of airworthy aircraft and guarantee timely flight departures. Chairing a high-level meeting, the prime minister underscored that restoring efficiency, reliability and service quality of the national flag carrier must remain a top government priority, according to a statement issued from the Prime Minister’s Office on Thursday. The meeting, held at the PM House, reviewed critical matters related to PIA, including the overall progress of the privatisation process and the airline’s proposed business plan. Officials briefed the prime minister that four parties have been prequalified for participation in the
idated Islamabad’s battlefield performance. Turning to education, PM Shehbaz highlighted the role of Danish Schools in transforming opportunities for children
bidding stage of PIA’s privatisation, which will begin shortly. The government intends to privatise 75% of PIA’s shares, with non-negotiable conditions that the airline’s name, identity and branding will remain unchanged after the transaction. The prime minister was informed that, under the new business plan, the number of airworthy aircraft in PIA’s fleet will be increased from the current 18 to 38 by 2029, enabling the revival of grounded operations and significant expansion of both domestic and international services. PIA currently operates flights to over 30 cities, with projections to expand the network to more than 40 destinations by 2029. PM Shehbaz stressed that the restructuring effort must focus on operational discipline, fleet enhancement and customer confidence. He reiterated that timely departures and improved service standards were essential for stabilising the national airline during the transition to private ownership.
nationwide. He said students at these institutions receive free education, accommodation, uniforms, and merit-based support.
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KP CM says his remarks ‘taken out of context’ as ECP seeks Army deployment for NA-18 by-polls ISLAMABAD
staff report
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Thursday clarified his remarks regarding the NA-18 by-election, after the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) sought deployment of the army and civil armed forces over concerns that his statements had threatened election officials and could disrupt the polls scheduled for November 23. Speaking to journalists outside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, CM Afridi said his statement during a political gathering at Chamba on Wednesday had been “taken out of context,” insisting he was not campaigning for any candidate and only urged that “there should be no rigging” in the by-election.
The ECP had flagged CM Afridi’s speech as “provocative language” against district administration, police officers, and ECP officials. In separate letters to the Ministries of Defence and Interior, the electoral body noted that his statements could “unduly influence officials” and “hinder their effective performance.” “Regrettably, he used offensive language which amounts to harassing and unduly influencing them,” the letter read, while also highlighting that a fugitive was accompanying him during the speech with no action taken by authorities. CM Afridi also criticized authorities for repeatedly denying him access to PTI founder Imran Khan, saying he had been refused a meeting seven times since assuming office. “Not only are we denied access to Imran Khan, but his sis-
ters were also manhandled and injured by the authorities,” he added. The ECP’s concerns stem from Afridi’s warnings during the Chamba rally, where he cautioned local actors in Haripur that any attempt to manipulate voters’ mandate would have serious consequences. “If the people’s mandate is tampered with, the consequences will not be good. Any attempt at rigging will create a serious situation,” he stated, urging voters to support PTI candidate Shehrnaz Khan, wife of former National Assembly opposition leader Omar Ayub. He also warned that justice was being denied and democratic norms undermined, saying, “The situation now leaves only one option—and we will definitely adopt it,” without specifying what the option might be.
30 Indian proxy Fitna al-Khawarij terrorists killed in multiple IBOs across KP: ISPR RAWALPINDI
staff report
At least 30 Indian proxy Fitna al-Khawarij terrorists were killed during multiple operations conducted by security forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), the military’s media wing said on Thursday. In a statement the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said, “An intelligence-based operation (IBO), conducted in Mohmand district on November 18-19, resulted in the killing of four terrorists. "Another intelligence-based operation was conducted in Lakki Marwat district. In ensuing fire exchange, two khawarij were effectively neutralised by the security forces," it added. Security forces killed another Fitna al-Khawarij terrorist during the third encounter that took place in the Tank district. In the Kurram district, as many as 12 terrorists were neutralised after an intense exchange of fire during an intelligence-based operation conducted on the reported presence of militants on November 19. "Capitalising on intelligence with respect to presence of another group of khawarij, in same general area, in another intelligence-based operation, own troops successfully neutralised 11 more," the ISPR's statement added. Sanitisation operations were underway to eliminate any other India-backed terrorists found in the areas. The successful IBOs come as armed forces have intensified efforts to eradicate terrorism under the Azm-e-Istehkam operation. Terrorist attacks have seen a sharp increase in Pakistan, particularly in the bordering provinces of KP and Balochistan, since 2021, when the Afghan Taliban regime came into power. A police report noted that KP alone recorded over 600 terror incidents, in which at least 79 police personnel were martyred alongside 138 civilians, during the first eight months of 2025. The violence spread to other regions of the country, including Islamabad, where a suicide bombing on November 11 resulted in the martyrdom of 12 and 36 others were injured, among them lawyers and petitioners. Islamabad has repeatedly urged Kabul and the international community to address the presence of terrorist safe havens in Afghanistan, including those of the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Despite Pakistan’s efforts to engage the Taliban regime on the issue of cross-border terrorism, Kabul has remained largely unresponsive to its concerns. The recent talks, mediated by Qatar and Turkiye, about regional peace ended without a result due to what Islamabad said were the Taliban's "illogical arguments" and their views far from reality. Pakistan's position on terrorism emanating from Afghanistan also received support from the head of the UN Security Council's Daesh and Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee. Denmark's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Sandra Jensen Landi — who also serves as the committee's chair — presented a report to the UNSC, stating that the TTP carried out multiple high-profile attacks in Pakistan from Afghan soil.
dar urges eu firms to exploit pakistan’s investment potential BRUSSELS
staff report
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar on Thursday highlighting Pakistan’s attractive investment prospects across key sectors like agriculture, textiles, housing, and information technology, urged leading European com-
panies to seize these opportunities by making investments in the country. The deputy prime minister, addressing a dinner reception he hosted in honor of Members of the European Parliament at Pakistan House during his visit here, said that Pakistan attached special importance to its multilateral and bilateral relations with the EU and considered it a vital
pillar for peace, stability, reconstruction, and development. DPM Dar is visiting Brussels to participate in the Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum and co-chair the seventh Pakistan-EU Strategic Dialogue with his counterpart Kaja Kallas. The dinner was attended by key MEPs, including the Chair of the South Asia Relations Committee, Vice-Chair of the Foreign
Affairs Committee, coordinators of the International Trade Committee, Security and Defense Committee, and Foreign Affairs Committee, as well as key EU parliamentarians. Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch, EU Ambassador to Pakistan Raimundas Karoblis, and Pakistan’s Ambassador to the EU, Belgium, and Luxembourg Rahim Hayat Qureshi were also present.
iMF flags persistent corruption in key sectors, warns elite capture undermines reforms in pakistan PROFIT REPORT
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released a damning report on Pakistan’s governance and corruption issues, detailing the significant challenges the country faces in tackling elite capture and systemic corruption across key sectors. According to the IMF report, Pakistan’s corruption recovery efforts have yielded Rs5.31 trillion between January 2023 and December 2024, but this figure represents only a fraction of the total cost of corruption. The IMF notes that such recoveries are just one way to measure the economic toll of corruption, as there is no reliable method to quantify the full scale of the issue. According to the IMF’s Pakistan Governance and Corruption Diagnostic Assessment, if governance reforms are successfully implemented, Pakistan could see a 5% to 6.5% increase in GDP over the next five years. The IMF report, published on the Finance Division website, outlines how entrenched interests in sectors like sugar, real
estate, agriculture, and energy have perpetuated corruption, undermining Pakistan’s reform efforts. One of the most striking findings of the report is the staggering figure of Rs5.31 trillion recovered from corruption-related assets over two years (January 2023 to December 2024). However, the IMF cautions that these recoveries represent just a fraction of the broader economic impact of corruption, which remains pervasive and largely unchecked. Elite Capture in Key Sectors The IMF identifies elite capture as a central issue, where powerful, wealthy, or politically connected groups manipulate public policies and resources for their own gain. The report provides the sugar sector as a textbook example of this phenomenon. It explains how sugar mill owners, many of whom hold influential political positions, have long influenced government policies in their favor. These firms have benefited from favorable pricing, protective tariffs, subsidies, and export incentives at the expense of consumers and market competition. In particular, the 2018-19 decision to
allow significant sugar exports, even subsidizing them, led to domestic shortages and soaring prices. Beyond the sugar industry, the IMF highlights how favorable tax exemptions for sectors like real estate, manufacturing, and energy have eroded government revenues. Agricultural income, until recently, was not taxed, and industries such as real estate continue to benefit from preferential tax arrangements. The IMF estimates that tax expenditures in these sectors amounted to 4.61% of GDP in FY 2023, contributing significantly to Pakistan’s fiscal deficit and undermining the country’s tax-to-GDP ratio. The IMF further notes that Pakistan’s economic elite has consolidated power through land ownership, a legacy of colonial policies. Following independence, landowners continued to dominate the political economy, entrenching their influence over time. The IMF cites a 2020 UNDP report which estimated that elite privileges, including subsidies and tax reliefs, amounted to $4.7 billion for the corporate sector alone.
iMF urges to publish SiFC’s annual report with full details of facilitated investments PROFIT
Monitoring Desk
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged Pakistan to immediately publish the first annual report of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), detailing all facilitated investments, related tax, policy, regulatory and legislative concessions, and their justifications and outcomes. The Fund also warned of persistent governance and corruption vulnerabilities rooted in structural institutional weaknesses that require urgent action on a 15-point reform agenda to strengthen transparency, accountability and fiscal discipline. The findings appear in the IMF’s long-delayed Governance and Corruption Diagnostic Assessment (GCDA), whose
publication is a prerequisite for the Fund’s executive board to approve a $1.2 billion disbursement next month. The report estimates that Pakistan could generate a 5% to 6.5% increase in GDP over five years if a package of governance reforms begins within the next three to six months. The diagnostic calls for ending preferential treatment for powerful public-sector entities in state procurements, instituting greater parliamentary oversight over government financial powers, and ensuring full transparency in the workings of the SIFC. The government had delayed releasing the report since August. The IMF emphasised that Pakistan must strengthen rule-based governance by improving access to information and enabling both state and non-state actors to participate meaningfully in policy processes.