In partnership with Friday, 5 December, 2025 | 13 Jamadiul Sani, 1447
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 150 | 8 Pages | Lahore Edition
PAKISTAN OFFERS PATHWAYS FOR KYRGYZ TRADE, REAFFIRMS SHARED COMMITMENT TO ELEVATE STRATEGIC TIES
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PREMIER SHEHBAZ PLEDGES ACCESS TO KARACHI, GWADAR, AND BIN QASIM PORTS FOR LANDLOCKED KYRGYZSTAN
PM, KYRGYZ PRESIDENT REVIEW BILATERAL TIES ACROSS POLITICAL, TRADE, CONNECTIVITY, ENERGY, AGRICULTURE, EDUCATION, DEFENCE, AND CULTURAL SECTORS
LEADERS REAFFIRM SHARED COMMITMENT g PRESIDENT ZHAPAROV HAILS PAKISTAN AS TO REGIONAL PEACE, STABILITY, AND A RELIABLE PARTNER IN SOUTH ASIA, VOWS PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE EXCHANGES TO STRENGTHEN BROTHERLY BONDS
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15 MOUS SIGNED ACROSS TRADE, ENERGY, EDUCATION, CULTURE, AND TOURISM SECTORS ISLAMABAD
president Zardari, Zhaparov agree to inject new momentum in pakistan-Kyrgyz ties
saleem jadoon
RIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday emphasized Pakistan’s readiness to provide landlocked Kyrgyzstan with access to regional and global markets through its ports, reiterating the two nations’ shared commitment to elevate bilateral relations to unprecedented levels. Addressing the media alongside Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov after highlevel discussions in Islamabad, the premier described the visit as a historic milestone, noting that it was the first by a Kyrgyz head of state in two decades. “The visit of President Zhaparov after 20 years is a testament to our enduring bonds,” PM Shehbaz said. “Pakistan stands ready to facilitate Kyrgyzstan’s access to Karachi, Bin Qasim, and Gwadar ports, opening pathways for trade, commerce, and economic integration in the region.” The two-day maiden visit of President Zhaparov, which began Wednesday, included one-on-one and delegation-level meetings at the Prime Minister’s House. During discussions, the leaders reviewed bilateral relations across political, trade, connectivity, energy, agriculture, education, defence, and cultural sectors, while also exchanging views on critical
ISLAMABAD
staff report
regional and global developments. Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, Intelligence Chief and National Security Adviser Lt Gen Muhammad Asim Malik, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, and other senior officials attended the meetings. Strengthening Trade and Economic Ties PM Shehbaz announced that a Pakistan-Kyrgyzstan business forum would follow the leaders’ discussions to chart new pathways for economic collaboration. The forum, comprising business delegations from both coun-
Pakistan denies Amnesty’s spyware claims, calls report ‘baseless’ ISLAMABAD
staff report
Pakistan on Thursday firmly rejected claims made in a report by Amnesty International, alleging the use of Israeli-manufactured spyware in the country, calling the report an “attempt to malign Pakistan.” According to security sources, “There is not an iota of truth in it, and all such reports are as baseless and misleading.” The Amnesty International investigation, titled “Intellexa Leaks,” focused on the case of a human rights lawyer in Pakistan who reportedly received a suspicious link on WhatsApp from an unknown source during the summer of 2025. Amnesty’s Security Lab analyzed the link and identified it as a potential Predator spyware attack attempt. Predator is an advanced surveillance software developed by the Israeli company Intellexa. The investigation was conducted over several months and relied on a combination of leaked internal company documents, sales and marketing materials, and training videos. It was published in collaboration with Inside Story (Greece), Haaretz (Israel), and WAV Research Collective (Switzerland). In 2023, Intellexa was fined by the Greek Data Protection Authority for failing to cooperate with regulatory investigations. Google also reportedly issued spyware threat alerts to hundreds of users worldwide, including in Pakistan, identifying potential Predator targets. According to Amnesty International, Predator uses “1-click” attacks, which require a malicious link to be opened on a target device. Once activated, the spyware exploits browser vulnerabilities in Chrome or Safari, installs the payload, and gains access to encrypted messaging apps like Signal and WhatsApp, emails, device locations, call logs, contacts, screenshots, and the camera and microphone. Data collected is uploaded to a Predator backend server, first routed through the company’s CNC Anonymization Network to protect operators.
tries, is expected to catalyze trade agreements potentially worth $200 million. Currently, bilateral trade between Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan stands at $1516 million, a significant drop from $11.2 million in 2022-23 to $5.18 million in 2024-25. “Our aim is to boost trade volume to $200 million over the next two years,” PM Shehbaz said, underscoring Pakistan’s commitment to leveraging its ports and infrastructure for regional connectivity.
In a landmark visit marking the first Kyrgyz presidential trip to Pakistan in 20 years, President Asif Ali Zardari and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov on Thursday reaffirmed the commitment of both nations to deepen cooperation across trade, energy, connectivity, education, banking, and people-to-people exchanges. The high-level discussions aim to unlock the full potential of bilateral relations between the two brotherly nations. Before delegation-level talks, the leaders held a brief tête-à-tête at the President House to review the state of bilateral ties.
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pti decries as govt bans meetings for uzma Khanum, others over violating prison code ISLAMABAD
staff report
The federal government on Thursday categorically ruled out any further meetings for Uzma Khanum and others who violated prison regulations during a visit to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, reiterating that political discussions are strictly prohibited within incarceration facilities. This decision comes amid rising political tensions and speculation surrounding the health and wellbeing of former prime minister Imran Khan. Uzma Khanum had managed to meet Imran Khan in prison on Tuesday after weeks of effort, amid circulating rumors—both domestic and international—about the former prime minister’s condition. These speculations were fueled by the government’s reluctance to permit visits by key family members, legal counsel, and other close associates over recent weeks. According to reports, Uzma Khanum relayed instructions from Imran Khan regarding party strategies and other political matters, prompting a swift government response. At a press briefing, Federal Information Minister Attaullah, accompanied by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, emphasized that prison rules are clear: no inmate is authorized to conduct political discussions during visits. “There is no room in the prison rules for political discussions, and it was reported that
political discussions occurred. Therefore, meetings are now banned for Uzma Khanum. This will not happen again,” Attaullah asserted. He added that reports of incitement against the state and its officials had surfaced and warned that violators of the rules would face strict consequences. “There is zero room for a circus,” the minister stressed, underlining the government’s commitment to maintaining discipline and order in detention facilities. Criticising the self-promotion of the PTI founder, he said the “mein, mein, mein” narrative reflects a prioritization of personal interests over national interests. According to him, such surrender of country’s priorities to personal gains will never be allowed, stressing the principle of “First Pakistan.” Tarar said the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister’s participation in the National Finance Commission (NFC) meeting was
welcomed, with calls for him to play his role. Responding to a question, he said that half of the social media X accounts linked to PTI leadership are operated from India and the other half from Afghanistan, citing X’s ability to specify their origin. Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar further detailed the prison rules governing visitor access, noting that all meetings are conducted under the supervision of the Superintendent of Prisons. He asserted that Imran Khan enjoys privileges unprecedented in Pakistan’s history, and that the government has provided him facilities far superior to those extended to other prisoners. “No prisoner in Pakistan’s history has enjoyed the level of facilities granted to the PTI founder,” Tarar said. He emphasized that access to legal counsel, family members, and essential amenities is fully ensured in accordance with regulations.
CM Afridi blocked from meeting Imran Khan for ninth time RAWALPINDI
staff Correspondent
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi was once again barred from meeting PTI founder Imran Khan at Adiala Jail on Thursday — the ninth such attempt denied by prison authorities. Imran’s sister, Uzma Khan, was finally able to see him on Tuesday after weeks of effort, while Afridi and other party leaders had been scheduled to meet him today. Her visit came amid renewed speculation in local and foreign media about Imran’s health, despite assurances from both the government and PTI that the former prime minister remains in good physical condition. These rumours have persisted largely due to the government’s refusal in recent weeks to allow family members, party officials, and his legal team to see him. According to a statement on X, the PTI said CM Afridi arrived at Adiala Jail to meet Imran but was again denied access. Speaking to reporters outside the prison, Afridi said he would soon announce his next steps — including whether he planned to stage a sit-in. PTI also released a video showing Afridi and his delegation waiting inside a jail reception room, noting that it marked the ninth time the chief minister had been blocked. “I think the meeting is simply not being allowed,” Afridi told the media after exiting the facility. “A chief minister has come here repeatedly, yet even a fiveminute meeting is not granted. The whole world is witnessing this discriminatory treatment. This government will not last forever, and their actions will be remembered.” Asked whether he intended to spend another night outside Adiala in protest, Afridi said Uzma’s meeting had confirmed Imran’s physical wellbeing, and the party would now finalise a strategy regarding concerns about his mental stress. “I have been told to play on the front foot — but also warned that the umpires are colluding,” he said. “So we will play on the front foot and keep an eye on the umpires.” Afridi added that the repeated refusal for a meeting showed that “our presence bothers them, so we will continue to return and cause that discomfort”. Street protests, he said, remained a constitutional option for the PTI. Responding to a question about the possible imposition of governor’s rule in KP, Afridi said: “What are they waiting for? Impose it today. We are not afraid. They won’t be able to manage the situation I foresee.”
UK universities shut out recruitment of Pakistani, Bangladeshi students amid visa crackdown LONDON/ISLAMABAD staff report
UK universities are increasingly shutting their doors to applicants from Pakistan and Bangladesh amid concerns over visa abuses and tighter Home Office rules, leaving thousands of prospective students in uncertainty. Reports indicate that at least nine higher education institutions have temporarily restricted recruitment from these “high-risk” countries as universities face mounting pressure to ensure they are enrolling genuine students, not those exploiting the system to settle in Britain. The clampdown follows a surge in asylum claims from international students, prompting Border Security Minister Dame Angela Eagle to stress that the student visa route “must not be used as a backdoor” to settling in the UK. Pakistan, in particular, topped the list of asylum-seeking countries last year. Universities that have taken restrictive measures include the University of Chester, which has suspended recruitment from Pakistan until autumn 2026, citing a “recent and unexpected rise in visa refusals.” Similarly, the University of Wolverhampton is not accepting undergraduate applicants from Pakistan and Bangladesh, while the University of East London has paused recruitment from Pakistan.
CoaS asim Munir says pakistan ‘will soar to greater heights’ as govt finalises CdF appointment ISLAMABAD
staff report
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir on Thursday expressed confidence in Pakistan’s future, saying the country was moving decisively towards stability and progress. “Everything is fine; it’s all in front of you. Things are improving, and from here onwards, Pakistan will soar to greater heights,” he told journalists during an informal interaction at Aiwan-e-Sadr. His comments came shortly after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif forwarded a summary to President Asif Ali Zardari recommending Munir’s appointment as Pakistan’s first Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). According to a statement issued
by the Prime Minister’s Office, the premier approved Field Marshal Munir’s appointment as both COAS and CDF for a five-year term before
sending the summary to the Presidency. President Zardari later approved the appointment. The PM also sanctioned a two-
year extension for Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, effective after the completion of his current term in March 2026, the PMO added. Earlier on Thursday, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said the notification for the CDF appointment could be issued “at any moment”, stressing that the process was already underway and cautioning against unnecessary speculation. Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah also reiterated that the CDF would emerge as a crucial national security institution. He noted that while the law creating the position had been enacted, its rules and procedures were still being framed and required careful deliberation. He dismissed talk of delays as unfounded.
pM clears appointment of Field Marshal asim Munir as first CdF ISLAMABAD
staff report
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday authorised the appointment of Field Marshal Asim Munir to a newly constituted post, Chief of Defence Forces, while also confirming his continuation as Chief of Army Staff. Officials said the summary has been sent to the Presidency for final approval. The move establishes a dual command structure in which Field
Marshal Munir will oversee both the army and broader defence coordination. His five-year term makes him the first officer to hold the newly created Chief of Defence Forces position. Separately, the prime minister approved a two-year extension in service for Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu. The extension will apply after the completion of his current five-year tenure ending March 2026.