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Thursday, 4 December, 2025 | 12 Jamadiul Sani, 1447
Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 149 | 8 Pages | Lahore Edition
KYRGYZ PRESIDENT ARRIVES ON HISTORIC VISIT WITH TRADE BOOST, CASA-1000 AND CONNECTIVITY ON AGENDA
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SADYR ZHAPAROV FIRST KYRGYZ HEAD OF STATE IN 20 YEARS TO VISIT ISLAMABAD, SIGNALLING RENEWED MOMENTUM IN BILATERAL TIES LEADERS TO FOCUS ON BOOSTING TRADE TO $100M THROUGH EARLY FINALISATION OF FTTA, CASA-1000 PROJECT AND KEY REGIONAL ENERGY COOPERATION
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PM SHEHBAZ SHARIF CALLS VISIT A ‘LONG-AWAITED MOMENT IN ENDURING BROTHERHOOD’
PAKISTAN AND KYRGYZSTAN AIM TO DEEPEN PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE TIES, BLOCKCHAIN AND DIGITAL FINANCE COOPERATION
LEADERS WILL REVIEW FULL SPECTRUM OF BILATERAL COOPERATION, INCLUDING TRADE, ENERGY, AND EDUCATION
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ISLAMABAD
saleem jadoon
YRGYZSTAN President Sadyr Zhaparov arrived in Islamabad on Wednesday for a historic two-day state visit, marking the first visit by any Kyrgyz head of state in 20 years, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation in trade, energy, connectivity, education, and people-to-people relations, according to state media. The visit underscores the enduring bond between Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan, rooted in deep cultural, historical, and spiritual affinities, as well as their shared commitment to regional cooperation through multilateral forums such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. President Zhaparov, accompanied by a high-level delegation of senior cabinet ministers, officials, and prominent business leaders, landed at Nur Khan Airbase, where Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
and President Asif Ali Zardari accorded him a warm welcome, state-run Associated Press of Pakistan reported. A 21-gun salute was fired in his hon-
Three policemen martyred in IED attack on patrol vehicle in DI Khan DERA ISMAIL KHAN
staff Correspondent
Three police personnel, including an assistant subinspector, were martyred on Wednesday when an improvised explosive device (IED) struck their vehicle in Dera Ismail Khan’s Paniyala area, according to local police. District police spokesperson Yaqoob Zulqarnain told media that the blast occurred within the jurisdiction of the Shaheed Nawab Khan police station. ASI Gul Alam, Constable Rafiq and driver Sakhi Jan were killed on the spot, while another constable, Azad Shah, survived unhurt. Police cordoned off the area soon after the explosion and launched a search-and-strike operation, the spokesperson said. “The attackers are being hunted, and the incident is being investigated from all angles,” he added. Senior officials, including the Paniyala DSP, the station house officer and District Police Officer (DPO) Sajjad Ahmad Sahibzada, reached the blast site. A statement from the DPO’s office said the attack was carried out by “unidentified terrorists”. The DPO condemned the incident as a “cowardly act” and said such assaults would not dent police morale. Later, DI Khan Police said the DPO reviewed evidence collected from the site and received a briefing from Saddar SP Muhammad Nawab Khan, Paharpur SP Syed Asad Ali Shah and the district bomb disposal unit about the nature of the attack and initial findings. The ongoing search operation involved police, the Al-Burq and Elite forces, and bomb disposal teams. Security was heightened in sensitive areas following the blast. By late afternoon, police confirmed two militants had been killed during an exchange of fire with security personnel. According to the police statement, the shootout lasted “for long” and resulted in the killing of two terrorists associated with “Fitnaal-Khawarij”, with reports suggesting two others were injured.
our, and children in traditional attire presented him with a bouquet, reflecting Pakistan’s ceremonial hospitality. The Prime Minister’s Office noted
that the invitation for the visit had been extended by PM Shehbaz Sharif himself. Speaking on X, the premier described the visit as a “long-awaited moment in our enduring brotherhood” and expressed optimism about a “meaningful and forward-looking engagement,” emphasising that Pakistan and the Kyrgyz Republic are “poised for a bright future together.” Separately, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar welcomed his Kyrgyz counterpart at the Foreign Office, where the two leaders reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations, focusing on trade, energy, education, connectivity, and people-topeople ties. They also discussed regional and international developments of mutual interest and reiterated their commitment to strengthen and diversify cooperation in all areas of shared interest.
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CoaS hails pak-KSa ‘robust defence collaboration;’ vows deeper cooperation g
COAS ALSO HOSTS BAHRAIN NATIONAL GUARD COMMANDER TO STRENGTHEN MILITARY-TO-MILITARY TIES ISLAMABAD
staff report
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir on Wednesday expressed satisfaction over the “robust defence collaboration” between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, underlining the shared commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations and regional security, according to the military’s media wing. The remarks came during a meeting with Royal Saudi Land Forces (RSLF) Commander Lieutenant General Fahad Bin Saud AlJohani, who called on him at the General Headquarters, the InterServices Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement posted on X by state broadcaster PTV News. The ISPR said, “COAS Munir emphasized the importance of continued cooperation in training, capacity building, and intelligence sharing. The visiting commander acknowledged the professionalism of the Pakistan Army and appreciated the country’s positive role in regional peace and stability.” Both sides discussed matters of mutual interest, regional security, and avenues for enhanced defence cooperation, reiterating their resolve to further deepen military-tomilitary ties, the statement said. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia
share a long-standing multifaceted relationship rooted in strategic military cooperation, mutual economic interests, and shared Islamic heritage. Riyadh has historically provided economic assistance and energy support to Islamabad, including financial aid and oil supplies. In September, the two nations signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, under which any attack on either country would be treated as an act of aggression against both. Separately, COAS Munir also met Bahrain National Guard Commander General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa, where discussions covered bilateral defence cooperation, regional security, and matters of mu-
tual interest. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen existing military-to-military relations. The visiting Bahraini commander acknowledged the professionalism of the Pakistan Army and its contribution to regional stability, while COAS Munir highlighted the long-standing brotherly relations between Pakistan and Bahrain, expressing Pakistan’s continued support for Bahrain in all domains. These engagements underscore Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to maintain strong defence and strategic partnerships in the Gulf region, enhancing regional stability while fostering professional military cooperation with allied countries.
Pakistan urges immediate Israeli withdrawal from Gaza ISLAMABAD
staff report
Pakistan on Wednesday called for the immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and an end to the occupation of Palestinian territories, stressing the need for a fully implemented ceasefire without unilateral military action. Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly Debate on the Question of Palestine, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative Asim Iftikhar Ahmad reaffirmed the country’s firm stance on the conflict. The ambassador underscored Pakistan’s demand that the Palestinian people be allowed to exercise their inalienable right to self-determination, culminating in the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. Ahmad also said Pakistan supports all genuine efforts to halt the ongoing violence, protect civilians, and prevent further displacement. He emphasized that reconstruction work in Gaza should begin immediately and called for a comprehensive peace process grounded in international law.
Imran Khan dissolves PTI political committee as party blasts govt’s reluctance to engage with Afghanistan ISLAMABAD
staff report
Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan on Wednesday dissolved the party’s political committee, signaling a major internal restructuring aimed at creating a smaller, more focused decision-making body. The move comes as PTI leaders simultaneously criticised the federal government for its reluctance to engage with Afghanistan and called for institutional balance to address pressing national issues. PTI Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram confirmed to the development, elaborating on that the existing political committee, which had around 40 members, has been dissolved and will be replaced by a new committee comprising provincial heads, opposition leaders, and select senior members. The party founder also directed the appointment of Shahid Khattak as the parliamentary leader in the National Assembly, though insiders suggest the directive may not be implemented due to procedural constraints regarding independent legislators. Additionally, Imran Khan authorised KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi to reorganise the Insaf Lawyers Forum (ILF). On the same day, PTI leaders, including former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser, Taimur Khan Jhagra, Haleem Adil Sheikh, and former Sindh governor Muhammad Zubair, held a press conference in Islamabad to criticise the government’s stance on Afghanistan. They highlighted the economic impact of the border closure, stating that trade disruptions were halting jobs and commercial activities, while questioning why Pakistan could negotiate a ceasefire with India but not with Afghanistan. “We are not against any institution. Pakistan Army is our army, and our children serve in it, but we want it to remain within its constitutional domain,” Qaiser said, emphasising the need for rule of law and constitutional governance. He also pointed to allegations of smuggling in KP and the resultant blockade of business opportunities, which, he said, contributed to unemployment and industrial closures.
pakistan offers humanitarian assistance, disaster-management expertise to indonesia ISLAMABAD
staff report
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for Indonesia in the wake of devastating floods and landslides that claimed hundreds of lives and caused widespread destruction, particularly in Sumatra. In a telephonic conversation with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, the prime minister conveyed deep condolences and solidarity on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan, describing the disaster as a tragic human loss that Pakistan deeply mourns. Premier Shehbaz assured President Prabowo that Pakistan is ready to provide all possible relief and humanitarian assistance, including sharing its extensive expertise in managing large-scale natural disasters, encompassing emergency response, rehabilitation, and reconstruction. Highlighting the shared vulnerability of both nations to climate-in-
duced calamities, the prime minister stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation in disaster preparedness, crisis management, and climate resilience. President Prabowo expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s message of solidarity and informed the prime minister that Indonesian authorities had acted swiftly and effectively to manage the unfolding crisis. Prime Minister Shehbaz also looked forward to welcoming President Prabowo to Pakistan during his official visit next week, noting that the visit would present an important opportunity to further strengthen diplomatic ties and expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Pakistan Sends Rescue Team to Sri Lanka In a related development, Pakistan on Wednesday dispatched an urban search and rescue team to Sri Lanka to assist in relief operations following Cyclone Ditwah, which has triggered catastrophic flooding and landslides, claiming over 400 lives and displacing thousands. A Pakistan
pakistan dispatches aid and rescue team to assist Sri Lanka after Cyclone ditwah ISLAMABAD
staff report
Air Force C-130 aircraft carrying 47 personnel and 6.5 tons of critical equipment departed for Sri Lanka, according to Radio Pakistan. The team will provide search and rescue support, medical assistance, and logistical aid to affected communities. Speaking at the farewell ceremony in Islamabad, NDMA Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik said Pakistan stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka. He added that
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir had ordered “full-out support” for the mission. Malik described Cyclone Ditwah as “unfortunate and unprecedented,” noting a recent increase in cyclone activity in the southern Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea. In addition to the personnel and equipment flown out, the NDMA dispatched 200 tons of emergency supplies via a commercial container
Pakistan on Wednesday dispatched an urban search and rescue team to Sri Lanka to assist in relief operations following Cyclone Ditwah, which has triggered catastrophic flooding and landslides, claiming over 400 lives and displacing thousands. A Pakistan Air Force C-130 aircraft carrying 47 personnel and 6.5 tons of critical equipment departed for Sri Lanka, according to Radio Pakistan. The team will participate in search and rescue operations, medical support, and logistical assistance to help affected communities
ship from Karachi, with another consignment being prepared in Lahore. Malik emphasized that Pakistan’s re-
recover from the cyclone’s impact. Speaking at the farewell ceremony in Islamabad, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Chairman Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik said Pakistan stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka during this crisis. He noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir had ordered “full-out support” for the humanitarian mission. Malik described Cyclone Ditwah as “unfortunate and unprecedented,” pointing to a recent increase in cyclone activity in the southern Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea, despite earlier trends showing a decline in regional hurricanes.
lief efforts would continue as long as required, and additional support would be provided if necessary.