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Saturday, 29 November, 2025 | 7 Jamadiul Sani, 1447
Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 143 | 8 Pages | Lahore Edition
PAKISTAN WARNS CEASEFIRE WITH AFGHANISTAN HINGES ON HALTING CROSS-BORDER TERRORIST ATTACKS
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g FO SPOKESPERSON CLARIFIES PAK-AFGHAN CONDEMNS AFGHAN TALIBAN CEASEFIRE IS CONDITIONAL, NOT A TRADITIONAL CLAIMS OF ISIS PRESENCE IN PAKISTAN AGREEMENT BETWEEN TWO BELLIGERENT STATES AS ‘OUTRAGEOUS’ AND BASELESS
PAKISTAN-AFGHANISTAN BORDER REMAINS TENSE AS ALL CROSSINGS CLOSED, TRADE STALLED SINCE OCTOBER 11
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ISLAMABAD
STRONGLY CONDEMNS WASHINGTON DC NATIONAL GUARD ATTACK, EMPHASIZES GLOBAL COUNTER-TERRORISM COOPERATION
staff report
AKISTAN’s Foreign Ministry on Friday clarified that the current ceasefire with Afghanistan is not a “traditional” agreement between two states at war but is contingent on the cessation of terrorist attacks emanating from Afghan soil. The statement from the Foreign Office comes amid renewed tensions along the 2,600-kilometre PakistanAfghanistan border, following recent militant attacks inside Pakistan and accusations of cross-border hostilities. “The ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan does not imply a conventional ceasefire implemented after a war or conflict between two belligerent states,” FO Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said during his weekly press briefing. “The Pakistan-Afghanistan ceasefire implies that there would be no terrorist attack by Afghan-sponsored terrorist proxies into Pakistan. There have been major terrorist attacks after this ceasefire.” Andrabi stressed that the agreement should be understood in the context of preventing attacks by groups such as the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Faisalabad Akhtar Group (FAK), and other Afghan nationals operating from Afghan soil. “So, interpreting in that sense, the ceasefire is not holding because the ceasefire was about ceasing terrorist attacks inside Pakistan,” he added. Relations between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban are at their lowest point since the group came to power in 2021.
Border crossings have remained closed since October 11, with trade stalled following ground fighting and Pakistani airstrikes that killed dozens on both sides—the worst fighting along the frontier since the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul. In an effort to mediate, Turkiye and Qatar hosted multiple rounds of talks in Doha. The first round produced a fragile ceasefire, the second concluded with a general agreement to develop a verification mechanism, and the third ended without concrete results. However, allegations of recent Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan, which Islamabad has denied, have again heightened tensions, prompting threats of retaliation from Kabul. “If Afghan nationals are attacking, as they did in Islamabad and elsewhere, we cannot be very optimistic about the ceasefire,” Andrabi noted. “It is not a traditional ceasefire but must be understood
in the context of terrorist attacks from Afghanistan.” He reassured that Pakistan’s security forces remain fully alert, with military preparedness robust against any potential threats. “The security challenges we face will be addressed with the seriousness that they merit,” he said. Responding to Afghan Taliban claims that Pakistan harbours ISIS militants, Andrabi called the allegations “outrageous” and baseless. “It is a figment of the imagination of the Afghan Taliban regime. Any extremist element in Pakistan is treated as per our laws. This statement of ISIS presence in Pakistan is totally unfounded,” he said. Earlier this month, the Information Ministry confirmed that all attackers involved in the Cadet College Wana assault in South Waziristan were Afghan citizens. The assailants breached the main gate of the college, but a swift response by secu-
rity forces averted a major tragedy. Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry also noted that a suicide bomber outside the Islamabad district and sessions court building was not a Pakistani national. That blast killed 12 and injured 36 people. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif accused Afghanistan and India of involvement in terrorism, promising a “befitting response,” while Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said attacks on terrorist sanctuaries in Afghanistan could not be ruled out. In a separate statement on Friday, the Foreign Office strongly condemned the shooting of two United States National Guard soldiers in Washington, DC, reportedly by an Afghan national. One soldier succumbed to injuries, while the other remains critically wounded. President Donald Trump described the incident as an “act of terror.” “Pakistan strongly condemns this shooting incident,” the FO said, extending sympathies to the families affected and the US government. “For the past two decades, Pakistan has endured countless similar terrorist incidents, often linked to Afghanistan. This attack underscores the challenges of transnational terrorism and the urgent need for enhanced global cooperation.” The FO added that Pakistan remains committed to working with the US and the international community to confront terrorism collectively. “This incident heralds a troubling resurgence of terrorism on a global scale. The international community must take note and reinvigorate collective counterterrorism efforts,” the statement said.
Dar calls for united front against terrorism to safeguard ECO economic goals ISLAMABAD
Sindh Police detain PTI workers amid protest outside Karachi Press Club KARACHI
staff CorrespoNDeNt
Police detained several leaders and workers of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) on Friday after the party staged a protest outside the Karachi Press Club (KPC) against the continued suspension of meetings with party founder Imran Khan. The demonstration, called by the PTI Karachi Division, drew participation from senior leaders of the Sindh chapter, including PTI Sindh president Haleem Adil Sheikh, Karachi chapter president Raja Azhar, and representatives of the women’s, youth, labour, minority and lawyers’ wings. A large number of workers also gathered demanding immediate resumption of access to the incarcerated former prime minister. Heavy police deployment had been made around the press club ahead of the demonstration. Witnesses and party representatives claimed that police personnel attempted to block incoming workers, leading to scuffles, manhandling and incidents of alleged misconduct towards women participants. As the protest intensified, police launched a crackdown and rounded up more than 20 workers and leaders. Those detained included PTI Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh, Dawa Khan Sabir, Yasir Baloch, Awar Mehdi, Moazzam Khan and other, who were shifted to the Preedy police station.
staff CorrespoNDeNt
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, issued a stark warning on Friday, urging member states of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) to form a collective front against terrorism, which he identified as a critical threat undermining the region’s economic advancement. Addressing the 29th Meeting of the ECO Council of Ministers (COM) via video link, Senator Dar underlined Pakistan’s steadfast dedication to fostering regional integration and sustainable development, outlining a forward-looking agenda as the nation prepares to assume the chairmanship of the council. He reiterated that Islamabad
would work diligently with fellow members to finalize the ECO Vision 2026–2035, a new framework intended to deepen regional cooperation. He also congratulated Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister, Yermek Kosherbayev, on hosting the meeting and commended the contributions of Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi and ECO Secretary General Ambassador Dr. Asad Majeed Khan. A key priority for Pakistan, the Deputy Prime Minister highlighted, is the enhancement of multimodal transport corridors. He reaffirmed the country’s resolve to fully operationalize significant linkage initiatives, including the Islamabad–Tehran–Istanbul Rail Corridor, the Eurasian Multimodal Corridor, and emerging railway projects connecting Central Asia
with Pakistan through Afghanistan. Pointing to concrete actions, Senator Dar referenced the successful Regional Transport Ministers’ Conference held in Islamabad in October 2025 and noted Pakistan’s liberalized visa policy, which now facilitates business and tourist travel from 126 countries. The call for deeper collaboration extended to creating sustainable transport systems, improving transit trade, harmonizing customs regimes, and building climate-resilient infrastructure throughout the economic bloc. In a development boosting cultural ties, Senator Dar expressed gratitude for the designation of Lahore as the ECO Tourism Capital for 2027 and extended an invitation to all member nations for the 30th ECO-COM Meeting, which Pakistan is scheduled to host next year.
FCC fixes Arshad Sharif murder case hearing for December 3 ISLAMABAD
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The Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) on Friday scheduled a hearing in the Arshad Sharif murder case, where a request for an independent investigation into the journalist’s killing will be taken up. Arshad Sharif, a prominent Pakistani journalist, was shot dead in
October 2022 when Kenyan police opened fire on his vehicle. He had left Pakistan two months earlier after multiple sedition cases were registered against him across the country. The case was initially taken up suo motu by a six-member Supreme Court bench led by Justice Aminuddin Khan. However, following the passage of the 27th Constitutional Amendment and the establishment
of the FCC — which now holds jurisdiction over constitutional and suo motu matters — the case was transferred to the new court. According to Friday’s cause list, the FCC will hear the matter on December 3. Respondents summoned include the attorney general, the Islamabad inspector general of police, and the foreign secretary, among others.
Tarar alleges PTI used foreign accounts for global smear effort ISLAMABAD News Desk
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Friday accused a female PTI politician of using foreign based social media accounts to run an alleged smear campaign against Pakistan. In a statement on X, he said anti Pakistan accounts operating from Afghanistan and reports carried by Indian media were being used in connection with the PTI founder. Tarar urged the party to abandon what he described as an anti Pakistan narrative and focus instead on the interests of the state and its citizens. He said the activity amounted to open hostility and was intended to damage the country’s reputation internationally. The minister also criticised Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, saying the party’s political approach had sidelined responsibilities owed to the province. Tarar said the PTI’s main focus remained a single demand tied to its founder, who is currently in Adiala Jail on a corruption conviction, adding that this ran contrary to jail rules.
Dar elected Chairman of ECO Council of Ministers, reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to regional connectivity ISLAMABAD
staff CorrespoNDeNt
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar was on Friday elected chairman of the Economic Cooperation Organisation’s Council of Ministers (ECO-COM), the Foreign Office (FO) has announced. The ECO — originally formed in 1964 as the Regional Cooperation for Development (RCD) by Pakistan, Iran and Turkiye — adopted its current name in 1985. The organisation aims to promote sustainable economic development and deepen regional cooperation. Its 10 members include Pakistan, Iran, Turkiye, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. According to the FO, the COM meeting was held virtually, where Dar underscored the organisation’s role in advancing prosperity, economic integration and regional connectivity. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to ECO Vision 2025 and expressed readiness, as the incoming chair, to collaborate with member states on finalising ECO Vision 2026–2035. The statement noted that Dar emphasised Pakistan’s priority to strengthen multimodal transport corridors, harmonise customs systems, and align transport frameworks for seamless regional integration. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to major connectivity initiatives, including the Islamabad– Tehran–Istanbul Rail Corridor, the Eurasian Multimodal Corridor, and the Uzbekistan– Afghanistan–Pakistan Railway. Referring to last month’s Regional Transport Ministers’ Conference in Islamabad, he said Pakistan was playing an active role in shaping cooperation in road, rail, maritime, and digital connectivity. Dar also highlighted Pakistan’s liberalised visa regime, which facilitates easier travel for businesspersons and tourists from 126 countries. He called on ECO members to deepen collaboration across various sectors, including sustainable transport, transit trade, customs harmonisation, climate-resilient infrastructure, and counter-terrorism. Addressing the meeting, Dar said Pakistan views the ECO as a vital platform for strengthening multilateral ties among member states. “Pakistan remains steadfast in its efforts to advance regional connectivity through integrated and efficient transport corridors,” he said, describing the development of transport links as a central objective of Islamabad’s regional policy.
PM Shehbaz reaffirms Pakistan’s unwavering support for Palestinian people ISLAMABAD
staff report
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people, condemning ongoing violence in Gaza and the West Bank while urging sustained international action to restore peace and justice. In a message on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People being observed on November 29, the prime minister highlighted decades of suffering endured by Palestinians and stressed the urgent need for a just and lasting resolution to their plight. “In the past decades, the Palestin-
ian people have faced one of the most devastating tragedies of our time—denied their right to self-determination, dispossessed of their land, and deprived of peace,” the Prime Minister said. “In recent years, more than 70,000 lives have been lost in Gaza, including children, women, and men caught in relentless violence.” He described the scale of destruction, noting that entire neighborhoods and families have been wiped out, while homes, hospitals, schools, and essential civic infrastructure have been reduced to rubble. “Yet, despite this unimaginable suffering, the Palestinian people have shown extraordinary resilience, holding fast to hope, identity, and justice. Their courage is
a testament to the indomitable human spirit,” PM Shehbaz said.
Highlighting accountability, he called for full and credible investiga-
tions into war crimes and genocidal acts committed against Palestinians in accordance with international law. The Prime Minister also stressed that the recent High-Level Conference on the Two-State Solution and the Gaza Peace Plan provide a meaningful opportunity to advance peace. He emphasized that the ceasefire must be sustained, Israel must halt violations, and humanitarian access must be ensured, with UNRWA fully enabled to continue its operations without interference or politicization. Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s demand for the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied Palestinian lands, including Gaza, to allow the Palestinian people to
achieve lasting peace and prosperity. He warned that while international attention focuses on Gaza, the situation in the West Bank must not be ignored, citing the expansion of illegal settlements as a major violation of international law and a barrier to peace. “Pakistan remains firmly committed to a just, lasting, and comprehensive resolution to the Palestinian question, grounded in relevant UN Security Council and General Assembly resolutions,” the Prime Minister said. He reiterated full support for Palestinian rights, including self-determination and the establishment of an independent, viable, and contiguous State of Palestine based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.