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PM SAYS PML-N TO ACHIEVE ‘HISTORIC RESULTS’ IN NEXT POLLS Sunday, 7 December, 2025 | 15 Jamadiul Sani, 1447
Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 152 | 8 Pages | Karachi Edition
‘BY-POLLS ENDORSED PARTY’S PERFORMANCE’
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PREMIER SHEHBAZ SAYS PERFORMANCE-BASED POLITICS AND DEVELOPMENT-DRIVEN GOVERNANCE WOULD SHAPE PARTY’S FUTURE ELECTORAL SUCCESS
CREDITS NAWAZ SHARIF FOR LAUNCHING PROGRESS JOURNEY SINCE 1985 AND NUCLEAR ACHIEVEMENT OF 1998
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GUJRANWALA
to serve the people and stressed that this period must be used with diligence and unity under the guidance of PML-N President Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. In remarks broadcast live on national television channels, the prime minister said that performance-based politics and development-driven governance would
Pakistan, US mull joint efforts to curb illegal immigration, drug smuggling ISLAMABAD
Staff CoRReSpondent
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held a meeting with acting US envoy Natalie Baker in Islamabad on Saturday to discuss ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in counter-narcotics, intelligence-sharing, and security measures. During the meeting, both dignitaries emphasized joint efforts to curb illegal immigration and drug trafficking. Interior Minister Naqvi highlighted Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to combat drug smuggling, saying that drugs from Afghanistan continue to affect the youth globally. He lauded the United States’ offer of technical assistance to strengthen Pakistan’s counter-narcotics initiatives. The Interior Ministry officials also briefed the US envoy on the performance of the AntiNarcotics Force (ANF), reporting that 134 tons of drugs were seized this year and 2,001 suspects, including 75 foreigners, were arrested. Operations covered multiple provinces, with 110 Afghan nationals apprehended in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh, and 40,659 acres of land cleared of drug cultivation. The total estimated value of seized drugs reached $12.797 billion. The meeting also focused on preventing illegal immigration. Naqvi emphasized Pakistan’s clear policy on the matter and noted that the latest scanning machines are being installed at all airports to strengthen border security. Both officials agreed to strengthen joint measures and intelligence-sharing to prevent unauthorized movement and illegal entry into Pakistan and beyond. Ambassador Baker praised the ANF’s performance and reaffirmed the US commitment to provide all possible technical assistance in counternarcotics and illegal immigration. Minister Naqvi underscored that Pakistan-US relations are crucial for regional peace and stability, expressing determination to further strengthen long-standing bilateral ties.
ISLAMABAD
EMPHASIZES EX-PM SHIFTED NATIONAL POLITICS TOWARDS SERVICE DELIVERY BY PRIORITISING INFRASTRUCTURE, ROAD NETWORKS, HEALTH FACILITIES AND ECONOMIC INITIATIVES
Saleem jadoon
RIME Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday expressed strong confidence that the Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz (PML-N), under the leadership of Nawaz Sharif, would achieve “historic results” in the next general elections, citing sustained public trust, visible development work and the successful rollout of large-scale public welfare projects, particularly in Punjab. Praising Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for initiating diverse, citizen-focused mega projects across the province, the prime minister said the current mandate provided the government with a clear opportunity to deliver tangible relief and long-term progress. Addressing a groundbreaking ceremony of the Gujranwala Mass Transit System, Premier Shehbaz said the recent by-election results in Punjab were a clear endorsement of the PML-N’s performance and leadership. He noted that the party had secured a three-year mandate
No talks with PTI, says Tarar as government hardens line
HAILS PUNJAB CHIEF MINISTER FOR INITIATING DIVERSE, CITIZEN-FOCUSED MEGA PROJECTS ACROSS PROVINCE, TERMS GUJRANWALA MASS TRANSIT SYSTEM MAJOR RELIEF FOR CITY
shape the party’s future electoral success. “The journey of progress and prosperity has just commenced, and we will move on the path of development rapidly,” he said, expressing optimism that the PMLN’s hard work would yield positive and “pleasant” election results across the country in the future.
Staff RepoRt
The ceremony was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, federal and provincial ministers, parliamentarians, members of the National and Provincial Assemblies, senior officials of relevant departments, and a large gathering of citizens. Terming the mass transport system a major public relief initiative, the prime minister said the project would not only facilitate Gujranwala’s residents but also improve connectivity for surrounding areas. He described it as a “gift” from the Punjab chief minister that would transform the entire district and provide affordable, reliable transport to commuters from all walks of life, including students, patients, labourers, lawyers and daily wage earners. Recalling the political and development journey of the PML-N, Shehbaz Sharif said the foundation of progress had been laid in 1985 during Nawaz Sharif’s tenure, when development projects were launched at a time the country was otherwise mired in slogans and political confrontation.
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PTI rejects ‘security threat label, allegations’ against Imran Khan, demands respect for democracy ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Saturday strongly rejected what it termed “ridiculous” and “deeply unfortunate” remarks by the military’s spokesperson against party founder and former prime minister Imran Khan, asserting that he was not a “national security threat” and warning that such narratives risk further weakening democracy at a time of intense political strain. In a measured yet firm response to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) press conference a day earlier, senior PTI leaders called for restraint, easing of tone and a grand national dialogue, while lamenting what they described as “growing censorship, erosion of democratic norms and politicisation of state institutions following recent constitutional amendments.” On Friday, ISPR Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, in a strongly worded press conference, accused Imran Khan of creating and spreading an “anti-army” narrative, stating that such rhetoric had gone beyond politics and assumed the character of a “national security threat.” The remarks triggered an immediate backlash from the PTI leadership, which convened an
Asif criticises PTI over response to DG ISPR’s remarks on Imran Khan ISLAMABAD
Staff CoRReSpondent
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Saturday lashed out at the PTI for its reaction to a hard-hitting press conference by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry a day earlier, in which he sharply criticised party founder Imran Khan. On Friday, Lt Gen Chaudhry — without naming Imran — referred to the former prime minister as “a mentally ill person”, “a narcissist” and “a security risk”, noting that it was up to the government to decide how to deal with him. He accused Imran and the PTI of promoting a narrative
“unusual” press conference at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) House in Islamabad to respond without escalating tensions. PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, addressing the media, said the accusations against Imran Khan were baseless and dangerous. “Do not drive away the people of Pakistan; they stand with Imran Khan and the
aimed at undermining the military and destabilising the state. Responding to the remarks, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali had expressed “disappointment”, saying the party had never adopted, and would never adopt, an anti-state stance. Speaking to reporters in Sialkot, Asif said the PTI had no grounds to protest the DG ISPR’s comments, recalling what he described as Imran’s “derogatory and theatrical behaviour” towards political rivals while in power. He cited past incidents in which Imran mocked opposition leaders, including Mehmood Khan Achakzai, and used offensive language for women.
PTI,” he said. “Imran Khan is not a national security threat. He has kept the people united.” Raja argued that while the country was home to many divisive narratives—ethnic, sectarian and otherwise — Imran Khan had consistently rejected them in favour of what he called a unifying national narrative of Pakistan.
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Information Minister Atta Tarar on Saturday categorically ruled out any possibility of negotiations with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), declaring that there was “no scope for engagement in talks” with forces that, in his words, sought to weaken the armed forces, undermine state institutions, and push the country towards chaos. Speaking during an interview with a private television channel, Tarar said dialogue was impossible with groups or individuals who promoted what he described as “divisive, violent and extremist views.” He asserted that the government’s stance was clear and unambiguous and left no room for compromise on matters involving national security and the integrity of state institutions. Endorsing the recent press conference by the Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR), the information minister alleged that PTI founder Imran Khan posed a serious threat to Pakistan. “We believe Imran Khan is a threat to this country and wants to harm it,” Tarar said, while strongly criticising PTI leaders for what he termed actions hostile to the national interest, including calls urging the international community to deny Pakistan financial assistance. Tarar maintained that parliamentary engagement was possible only under strict conditions and without the involvement of Imran Khan. “Without Imran Khan, if they wish to talk in parliament, we can certainly hold discussions—but only after they apologise for their conduct and acknowledge the embarrassment caused by a leader who makes such irresponsible statements and harms the country,” he said, adding that in the absence of such an apology, the opportunity for dialogue had already been lost. Referring to the events of May 9, the minister said those responsible had crossed all limits by attacking military installations, setting fire to the aircraft named after MM Alam, torching Jinnah House and desecrating the statue of Captain Colonel Sher Khan. “Even enemies do not do what they did,” he remarked, terming the acts unprecedented and unacceptable. Accusing the PTI leadership of persisting with what he described as a fabricated narrative, Tarar said the party’s politics stemmed from frustration. “Imran Khan is a threat to national security, to Pakistan, to the integrity of the state,” he said, alleging that the narrative being promoted was “false and born out of frustration.” He further claimed that Imran Khan and his party were deeply frustrated and repeated the assertion that the former premier was “a mentally sick man.”
Govt moves to place PTI founder among senior leaders on ECL
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ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
The federal government has moved to place several senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, including former prime minister Imran Khan, on the Exit Control List (ECL) in connection with investigations into the violent May 9, 2023, incident. The decision comes amid ongoing probes into widespread unrest and attacks on public and military property that erupted following Khan’s arrest from the Islamabad High Court premises. According to officials familiar with the development, the government approved the inclusion of multiple PTI figures on the travel ban list after reviewing recommendations from the Punjab Home Department. The proposed list reportedly includes: Imran Khan, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Omar Ayub, Fawad Chaudhry, Shibli Faraz, Ali Amin Gandapur, Shehryar Afridi, Usman Dar, Shireen Mazari, Zartaj Gul, Musarrat Cheema, Kanwal Shauzab, Sheikh Rashid, and Major (retd) Tahir Sadiq. Additional names, such as Raja Basharat and Wasiq Qayyum Abbasi, are also under consideration.
Normalcy returns to Chaman border after overnight Pak-Afghan skirmishes CHAMAN/ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt
Tensions along the PakistanAfghanistan border at Chaman subsided on Saturday after a fresh exchange of fire the previous night left several civilians injured on both sides, underscoring the fragility of bilateral relations amid stalled peace talks. According to officials, at least three Pakistani civilians were wounded and shifted to Chaman District Hospital, while Afghan authorities reported five injuries on their side. Officials said Afghan forces fired mortar shells on the Badani area, prompting Pakistani security forces to respond. However, Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid claimed Pakistan had initiated an at-
tack on Spin Boldak, alleging that their forces were responding. Confirming the incident, Prime Minister’s spokesperson for foreign media, Mosharraf Zaidi, posted on X early Saturday morning: “A short while ago, the Afghan Taliban regime resorted to unprovoked firing along the Chaman border. An immediate, befitting & intense response has been given by our armed forces. Pakistan remains fully alert & committed to ensuring its territorial integrity & the safety of our citizens.” A senior official in Quetta, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the clashes started around 10pm and continued late into the night. The recent flare-up comes amid stalled Pakistan-Afghanistan negotiations, following three rounds of
Border Tensions Erupt: Emergency declared in Chaman hospitals CHAMAN
Staff CoRReSpondent
talks in Istanbul that failed to resolve longstanding differences over border security and cross-border militancy. Border clashes first erupted on October 11, marking the start of heightened tensions. Pakistan has
repeatedly urged the Afghan authorities to take action against the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), citing cross-border terrorism as the main point of contention.
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Deputy Commissioner Chaman, Habib Ahmed Bangulzai, has declared an emergency in the district’s healthcare facilities following an escalation of hostilities at the Pakistan-Afghan border. The emergency status was declared after the Afghan Taliban initiated conflict and launched assaults on Pakistani soil, causing immediate concerns for civilian
safety and healthcare readiness. In response to the crisis, medical personnel, including doctors and essential staff, along with emergency medical supplies, were rapidly deployed from Quetta to support Chaman’s hospitals. The Deputy Commissioner, along with the Medical Superintendent of the District Headquarters Hospital and other district authorities, collaborated with police and security agencies to implement comprehensive measures to address the unfolding situation.